Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Inside a black Ford Explorer.

Shakru Khan sat in the back, appearing a bit uneasy, "Thank you for taking me to the psychological hospital."

"You're welcome." Luke scrutinized him, "Have you been busy with studies lately?"

"Yes, I'm currently taking 5 AP courses."

"You're still young, there's no need to put so much pressure on yourself."

"I previously took 11 AP courses and even self-studied Chinese. I've already reduced my workload based on the psychologist's suggestion."

While Luke was surprised, he also sensed a problem. According to Shakru Khan's current account, he should have relieved himself of pressure.

But previously, he said he was busy with studies and hasn't been around much lately, which is contradictory.

"Do you have any conflict with Amir Modi?"

"No."

"Then why have you distanced yourself from him recently?"

Shakru Khan answered evasively, "Do you know how many AP courses he is taking?"

"It can't be more than yours, can it?"

"He's taking 20 AP courses."

"Definitely a future Ivy Leaguer."

"Exactly, he's always the kid that other parents talk about. We are neighbors and classmates and are often compared. Being around him creates immense pressure for me.

I study every day, work really hard, and have almost no time for anything else.

Yet, I can never catch up with him, so I push myself even harder.

Since spring this year, I've been ill constantly, and doctors advised me to rest more, maintain sufficient sleep, and keep a good mood.

But I can't; I still have to study...

Later, I experienced mental issues. Doctors diagnosed it as depression and told me to drastically reduce my study time, or else the depression would worsen, possibly leading to a mental breakdown." Shakru Khan sighed helplessly,

"At the time, I was very unwilling. I studied very hard, but Amir Modi worked harder and did better academically. Why didn't his body break down? Why didn't he become depressed?

According to my psychologist, everyone has different talents. Just like O'Neal playing basketball, his height and physicality are obvious. No matter how hard you work, you can't match that level.

The same goes for studying; everyone's talent, physique, endurance, and self-control are different. These intrinsic qualities, although less obvious than physical attributes, are still a form of talent.

Moreover, the psychologist warned me that if I continue overloading myself with studies and aggravating my depression, it could ultimately lead to a mental breakdown, at which point getting into a top university or any university might become impossible.

So, I chose to make peace with myself and reduce my burden."

Shakru Khan's face showed some helplessness but also a sense of relief, "This is also why I distanced myself from Amir Modi; being with him... is too hurtful."

Luke asked, "Why do you think Amir Modi was murdered?"

"I don't know. I've never heard of him having conflicts with anyone else. Could it have been an accident?"

"What's the name of your psychologist?"

"Vasek Vieri."

"Did you tell him about Amir Modi?"

"Yes."

"Has he ever met Amir Modi?"

"No."

"Has he ever instructed you to do anything?"

"Quite the opposite.

He said that if wasting time makes you happy, then waste time.

Life itself is meaningless; people just artificially assign it some meaning."

Through previous investigations, it was found that the first victim's assistant, Melanie Hickman, also had mental issues and had seen a psychologist.

Both Melanie Hickman and Shakru Khan are involved in the case and have close connections to it. It's likely not a coincidence that both of them saw a psychologist.

Furthermore, Luke boldly guessed that the psychologist they saw might be the same person.

If Luke's guess is correct, then this psychologist has a big suspicion.

Luke cautioned, "Shakru, because this case is still under investigation, I hope you can keep our conversation confidential and not tell your psychologist."

"I understand."

Afterward, the car drove to Markon Hospital, Shakru Khan bid Luke goodbye, got out of the car, and entered the hospital.

Luke instructed, "Port, follow him and check out the psychologist."

"Yes, sir."

...

Port followed up and quickly understood the details about the psychologist. However, Luke did not go to find the psychologist immediately but wanted to hear Marcus's findings first to confirm if the psychologists for the two involved individuals were the same person.

Back at the Robbery and Murder Department, Luke recounted his investigation and then asked, "Marcus, does your side have any progress?"

Marcus replied, "We went to Markon Hospital to investigate Melanie Hickman's consultations.

Recently, Melanie Hickman had consultations 4 times, and each time she saw the same psychologist, Missu David."

Luke frowned slightly, this was different from his investigation results. The hospitals were different, and so were the psychologists.

Could it be that his previous assumption was wrong?

Was it just a coincidence that Shakru Khan and Melanie Hickman saw a psychologist?

Luke carefully pondered the three cases and the related involved individuals. The deceased in the three cases may have had conflicts with others, but these weren't strong enough motives for murder.

Unless, the killer had psychological issues.

Luke felt that investigating the psychologist's direction was not wrong.

...

Markon Hospital.

Second floor, the second psychological consultation room.

The office room is not large, with two desks placed side by side, a file cabinet, water dispenser, a simple bed, and several pots of green plants.

A white female doctor in her thirties sat at the desk, operating the computer, and studying documents.

"Knock, knock."

The sound of knocking came from outside.

"Come in."

The door opened, and in walked a black man in his twenties, with slumped shoulders and a hunched back, looking utterly exhausted.

"Hello, are you Dr. Missu David?"

The white female doctor glanced at the black man, "Yes, that's me.

Are you Marcus Burnett?"

"That's me."

"Please take a seat." Missu David surveyed Marcus, "Can you tell me about your situation?"

Marcus sighed, "I... I've been suffering from insomnia recently, always feeling a sense of unease, like I've lost interest in many things...

I can't remember the last time I laughed heartily."

"How long have you been feeling this way?"

"Almost a year now, though it wasn't serious before, so I didn't pay much attention.

Now I can only sleep three to four hours a day on average, do you know what that feels like?

It's really painful."

"I understand, I have many patients with similar conditions.

Have you encountered any difficulties in the past year?"

"I've started working at a new company... and indeed encountered some situations that made me feel overwhelmed."

"What kind of work do you do?"

"I'm a programmer, staring at a computer every day."

"Is your job very demanding?"

"Yes, I work at least 12 hours a day, sometimes even 14 hours, and I even worry about work on weekends... working overtime is the norm.

I haven't completely relaxed in a long time."

Missu David asked, "Why pressure yourself so much? Is it the company's requirement?"

"Our company has strict requirements and often lays off staff. If you're not diligent or outstanding enough, you could be cut at any time."

"Is this causing you a lot of stress?"

"Yes, a colleague who joined the same time as I did is more diligent than I am. Just last month, he got promoted. I want to be like him and have been striving in his direction.

He even sleeps at the company on weekends, rarely taking a break."

Missu David said, "Why do you have to be like him? The world is diverse, and so are people, there's no need to push yourself like that."

Marcus shook his head and sighed, "Everyone in the company works hard. If I don't work hard, I'll be laid off.

I need this job."

Missu David said, "Working hard is right, but it should be in moderation based on your situation.

If you excessively deplete your energy, it may lead to mental stress or depression, affecting your mental health."

Marcus asked, "So what should I do?"

"First, don't put too much pressure on yourself, learn to please yourself, make sure to balance your work. Work hard when it's time to work, and forget about work when it's time to rest."

"I also want to give myself some relaxation, but if I don't work hard, I might get laid off by the company."

Missu David said, "Then let's imagine the worst-case scenario, what if you get laid off?"

"I would be very disappointed, very sad, and my financial situation would be affected."

"Would you starve to death?"

"No, I have some savings, enough to live on for a while."

"Is the disappointment and sadness of losing a job more important than your health?"

"Of course not, my health is more important."

Missu David advised, "Since that's the case, what else do you have to worry about?

Work is just a part of life, it's for a better life, not all of life.

If a person's life is only about work, then it's a sad life.

When you're tired, take a break, don't put too much pressure on yourself.

Work no more than eight hours a day, spend weekends unwinding with your family.

I think your insomnia will improve."

Marcus asked, "Do I need to take medication?"

"Not for now, do what I said, meditate once a day, and lie in bed around ten o'clock at night, don't play with your phone.

If nothing changes after half a month, come back for a check-up."

Marcus stood up, took a few steps, then turned back to his chair, "Doctor, I'm still worried...

I don't want to lose this job.

If others can complete the work, I can too, so why am I having mental issues?

Isn't there another solution?

I'm extremely troubled, my brain is about to explode."

Missu David comforted, "I understand how you feel."

Marcus shook his head, "No, you're a doctor, not a patient, you don't understand.

You can't feel my helplessness and despair."

Missu David opened a drawer and took out a business card, "Maybe, this will help you."

Marcus took the card and muttered, "Support group?"

"That's right, there are people there with similar situations as yours, you can communicate and express your inner stress, which can also relieve mental depression."

Marcus asked, "I know support groups for quitting alcohol and drugs, what kind of support group is this?"

Missu David explained, "This support group's purpose is mainly to help those facing employment difficulties, dissatisfaction at work, and those encountering troubles in their job.

You can confide in each other, promoting and progressing together.

You might want to try it, the atmosphere is pretty good.

I occasionally drop by myself, maybe we'll see each other there."