Jiang Luchuan returned home close to midnight. Jian Ming was still sitting on the living room couch, watching the late-night rerun of Today’s Law. Just like six years ago, the volume was turned down low.

Hearing the door, Jian Ming stood up and walked to the dining table, habitually pouring a glass of water and handing it over.

“Thanks. You still remember?” Jiang Luchuan smiled. He never drank much water when he was out, but the moment he stepped into the office or home, his first instinct was always to down a full glass. A habit unchanged for over ten years.

Jian Ming simply smiled without saying a word.

“Dad, was there something urgent that made you call me back early?” Jian Ming had originally planned to return to China after the clinical seminar at Yale, but a single phone call from Jiang Luchuan had brought him back ahead of schedule.

“Yes, there’s quite a bit waiting for you. You’ve been studying for ten years, haven’t you? It’s time to see the results.” He patted Jian Ming on the shoulder and walked over to the sofa. “Come, sit with me.”

“Jian Ming, you finished your PhD last year. Why did you decide to stay another year?” Jiang Luchuan looked at his son—now half a head taller than himself—but his mind was still filled with the image of a helpless thirteen-year-old boy standing at the research institute’s gates.

Jian Ming hesitated, adjusting his glasses. “My advisor started a research project on PTSD-induced autism, and I applied to join it without consulting you… I’m sorry for not telling you earlier.”

Of course Jiang Luchuan understood his son’s obsession with his sister. He didn’t press the matter and changed the topic. “When did you start wearing glasses? I thought you had perfect vision.”

“They’re non-prescription.” Jian Ming smiled and lowered his head, absentmindedly adjusting the frames.

“Did you visit Jian Qi?”

“Mm. I was late today, planning to go again tomorrow.”

Though Jiang Luchuan was his adoptive father, he had also been Jian Ming’s most respected academic mentor during his undergrad years. To be able to study under a world-renowned psychologist from such a young age—Jian Ming knew he was lucky.

Jiang Luchuan, too, understood his place in Jian Ming’s heart. He had always been more “mentor” than “father.” There was too much formality between them, too little intimacy. With no children of his own, he had no template to follow—only students.

“When I saw Jian Qi last time, she was doing alright. Let’s go see her together this Friday. I’m free that day. I’ll also check with Director He about getting you involved in her treatment.”

“Dad…” Jian Ming’s voice trembled slightly. He had waited ten years for this moment. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked gratefully at Jiang Luchuan.

“Silly boy. You think I spent all this time training you for nothing?” Jiang Luchuan chuckled knowingly and pulled out two thick folders from his briefcase, placing them on the coffee table in front of Jian Ming.

“I expect a return on my investment. Take these SWAT team case files and start reviewing them. PTSD is your specialty—these are yours now. I’m heading to the UK next Monday for an important academic exchange and may be gone for about a month. I called you back early just for this.”

Jian Ming picked up a folder and flipped it open casually. A goofy, wide-mouthed grin greeted him from the first photo. The expression was so infectious it made his own lips curl upward.

“Not now—it’s too late. You’ve been on a plane for hours. Get some rest first. We’ll talk more tomorrow.” Jiang Luchuan stopped him from flipping further and stood up to head toward the bedroom.

As he passed Jian Ming’s side, he heard a quiet, firm voice.

“I won’t let you down.”