Chapter 022: Dr. Li Cha, Master of Miracles, Conqueror of Married Women

As it turns out, even without a system, getting a free ride is quite easy.

Li Cha had moved into his new home two days ago and was fretting over housework when Wendy, who had plenty of experience in such matters, practically delivered herself to his doorstep. The young girl, enduring the stinging pain in her backside, began scurrying up and down the stairs. Dr. Li Cha, meanwhile, sipped tea and read the newspaper, stepping in to correct her whenever he found something not done to his satisfaction.

Once Wendy had finished all the domestic chores, Li Cha stationed her at the door as a greeter. If Wendy dared to run away, not only would her previous efforts be in vain, but Li Cha would also pay a visit to the tavern to see her foster mother. In other words, if Wendy made him angry, Li Cha would vent his frustration on her foster mother.

"You—you are despicable!"

The girl’s social circle was so small; what kind of life experience could she possibly have? With a few casual words of deception from Li Cha, what else could she do but obey? Indeed, keeping up with national affairs and listening to melodious music were the only things a noble psychiatrist should be doing.

...

Until a little after ten in the morning, a voice suddenly rang out from the doorway: "Welcome."

Thinking it was just another acquaintance, Li Cha didn't look up, but to his surprise, this time it was an actual client in need of consultation.

"Dr. Li Cha, good morning."

Li Cha: "???"

He sized the man up and recalled, after a moment: "Are you Randolph?"

The man opposite him, sporting a bulbous, red nose, chuckled, "That’s right, it’s me."

Wendy, outside the door, was watching as well. Clearly, she knew Randolph too.

Psychological counseling demands privacy. Furthermore, this was the first piece of business since Charlie Clinic opened. Li Cha immediately invited Randolph into the adjacent consultation room and personally brewed a cup of soothing herbal tea.

"Mr. Randolph, welcome to Charlie Psychological Counseling. You can tell me directly whatever is troubling you. Here is our non-disclosure agreement."

Li Cha produced a stamped document stating that if Charlie Clinic were to reveal a client's private information without consent, the treatment fee would be refunded tenfold. Trust is crucial in counseling; if a client didn't trust Li Cha, how could he—ahem—well, lack of trust would severely affect the treatment outcomes.

After reading the agreement, Randolph’s trust in Li Cha indeed improved. Without needing to be asked, he began to tell his story.

"I am a craftsman. I make a living by doing odd jobs..."

Skilled laborers were well-regarded in Saint Anne City; at the very least, supporting a family was not a problem. Randolph had two children, himself, and his wife. The family had been happy and harmonious. However, in the last year or two, Randolph had noticed his wife’s attitude toward him growing increasingly cold. Randolph often went out for work, sometimes staying away from home for three to five days at a time.

"I suspect she has found another man."

Li Cha: "..."

"I want to know if that is true, and how I can make her have a change of heart."

"..." What a load of nonsense!

"Ahem." Li Cha cleared his throat. "Investigating family matters is the specialty of a detective."

Randolph: "No, you don't have to pretend, Dr. Li Cha. Old Shock already told me. You are actually a wizard, and it was your help that mended the relationship between Old Shock and Mary."

Yesterday, before leaving, Old Shock had promised to promote Charlie Clinic.

Li Cha looked perplexed: "What did he say about me?"

Randolph: "That you are omnipotent, and that you specialize in 'taming wives.' Any problem related to a couple, you can help solve. Even if she was originally a 'mother-tyrannosaurus,' after your treatment, she could become a docile little kitten."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Treating a 'mother-tyrannosaurus' into a kitten—that is a homewrecker!

...

Last night, Old Shock had returned from a business trip, and after a few drinks, he had switched into "bragging mode." He claimed that Li Cha was a wizard he had hired specifically to treat Mary. Mary was a good woman, but she had a bad temper and looked down on dwarves. Because of this, Old Shock often felt emasculated in their relationship. Now, everything had changed; Mary was incredibly kind to him. When others were around, Mary maintained the dignified demeanor of a landlady, but when they were alone, she was completely submissive to Old Shock.

Coincidentally, Mary had been exceptionally gentle that day.

Someone asked: "Shock, are you sure that was treatment?"

Old Shock: "Of course. Have you ever heard strange noises coming from Li Cha’s room?"

This question hit the nail on the head. If Li Cha was really having an affair with Landlady Mary, why had no one ever heard even a whisper of it? Yet, during the days Old Shock was away, Li Cha and Mary were getting along famously. Neither side made sense. Consequently, most people remained skeptical, while others simply didn't believe that the pretty-boy-looking Li Cha could be any kind of wizard.

However, after finishing his drinks, Old Shock was about to leave when Randolph stopped him for further questioning.

Old Shock said tipsily: "Why would I lie to you? If you don't believe me, go ask him yourself. If it’s a lie, you can just smash his clinic."

...

Back at Charlie Clinic, Li Cha mused: "Old Shock’s marketing strategy is truly unique."

Randolph rubbed his bulbous nose: "So, Dr. Li Cha, stop pretending. Please use your wizardry and tell me if there is really another man."

Li Cha said: "There is not."

"???"

"I have just performed a divination. Your wife is a faithful woman."

"Really?"

Randolph started to feel a bit doubtful. It was the same principle as never having eaten pork but having seen pigs run; what kind of wizard could cast a spell just by moving his lips?

Li Cha saw his hesitation, but in the trading system, the intelligence for "Wife's Betrayal" and "Wife's Fidelity" were available; the former was worth 0 copper coins, while the latter was worth 2. Though the difference was small, it was clear which one was the truth.

"Mr. Randolph, besides her attitude toward you, why else do you feel she has betrayed you?"

Randolph said: "She smiles at other men more often than she does at me."

"..."

This guy’s possessiveness was quite strong.

Li Cha stroked his chin and said: "I am certain of your wife’s fidelity to you, but that does not mean other men don't have designs on her or are harassing her. How about this: write down the names of the people you suspect, and I will take a look."

Randolph: "Just the names?"

Li Cha replied confidently: "Yes."

Soon, Li Cha had a list of over twenty names. As he read through them one by one—

*Ding-dong!*

Notification: The trade list has been updated. Please check it promptly.

...

Li Cha silently opened the trading panel. The front page had suddenly gained over fifty new entries.

[The Raccoon's Affection]: The neighbor’s raccoon is infatuated with Randolph’s wife. Value: 0 copper coins.

[Merlin's Affection]: Randolph’s coworker Merlin is infatuated with Randolph’s wife. Value: 0 copper coins.

...

[Hado's Harassment]: The lazy Hado has repeatedly harassed Randolph’s wife while Randolph was away from home. Value: 5 copper coins.

...

Over fifty pieces of information, line after line of small text, made Li Cha’s eyes ache.

Finally, he said: "Mr. Randolph, these names aren't all your neighbors; they include women and children as well. However, I must admire your intuition. There is a man named Hado who has been frequently harassing your wife while you were away."