I Play Dungeons in the Police Station

Chapter 479 - 284: The Source of Inner Demons

"Researchers have found that examples of this syndrome appear in various experiences, such as prisoners in concentration camps, prisoners of war, abused women, and victims of incest, all of whom may experience Stockholm syndrome."

"This requires a theory proposed by the psychoanalytic school: the theory of psychological defense mechanisms. When people face intense pressure and stimuli, they try to prevent their minds from collapsing by cognitively attempting to identify with and ’rationalize’ such pressures and stimuli. Ye Dan seems to be in a similar situation."

Listening to Lan Huina’s professional analysis, everyone nodded. They had heard of psychological defense mechanisms before, but no one had ever explained them so thoroughly. At that moment, everyone had an epiphany. Perhaps Ye Dan was Ma Chengjun’s last victim, and for some reason, Ye Dan chose to join forces with Ma Chengjun to protect herself. Now, to protect him, she is choosing to oppose the police and refusing to confess to the crime.

"Is there a way to break through such psychological defense mechanisms?"

"Yes, the first step is to correct her cognition, to change her cognitive level, and establish a reliable, effective communication channel. I suggest intervention through Ye Dan’s family; through kinship, we can awaken her recognition."

"I basically agree with this plan. Does anyone else have any opinions?"

Seeing that Li Xiang agreed, no one had objections; they all echoed and expressed agreement.

Generally, in such criminal cases, family members cannot meet with the suspect during the investigation period, but this case is quite special, so exceptions must be made.

When Ye Dan’s parents learned their daughter had been arrested, they rushed to the Fuhui City detention center anxiously.

"Hello, we are here to see Captain Li."

"That’s me, please register and come in."

Li Xiang knew they would come, so he waited at the door to receive them in advance.

Whether Ye Dan speaks up or not, the cooperation of her parents is crucial.

Ye Dan’s parents appeared to be ordinary, honest folks, with time leaving its marks on their faces, full of anxiety, eager to know what crime their daughter had committed.

"Captain Li, what has happened to our Dandan? Why is she being detained here?"

The detention center was heavily guarded, surrounded by prison officers.

Having lived for more than half their lives, never having entered a place like this, the environment exerted significant psychological pressure on them.

"Your daughter may be involved in a criminal case, and the situation is quite serious."

"How serious?"

Their hearts sank. Even though they had mentally prepared for this, Li Xiang’s words still made them grow apprehensive.

"The maximum penalty is death."

"What? How could it be this serious? There must be a mistake. Our Dandan is the most obedient, never doing anything wrong. How could she commit a crime?"

Hearing the mention of the death penalty, the elderly couple panicked instantly.

She was their only daughter; losing her at such an age was like a bolt from the blue.

"But there is still hope. If she confesses and admits to her crimes, striving for leniency in the legal process, she might avoid the death penalty. If she stubbornly resists, no one can save her."

"She must confess everything. What crime did she commit?"

"It involves a homicide. Let me briefly introduce the situation. Do you know Ma Chengjun?"

"No, we don’t."

"Oh, I forgot. He’s not using that name now. Do you remember Xu Zesheng?"

"He’s my daughter’s boyfriend."

Upon hearing this name, the elderly couple was instantly agitated, especially the father, who said bitterly, "I told you this Xu Zesheng had an unsavory look, he’s no good, but you wouldn’t listen. Now look, our daughter is involved!"

"What’s the use of complaining now? Why didn’t you break them up when you had the chance?"

"Alright, alright, this is not the time to argue. Let me continue."

Seeing the argument intensifying, Li Xiang quickly intervened, continuing, "Based on our investigation, Xu Zesheng may be linked to two homicides, and your daughter is an accomplice. Only by persuading her to cooperate with the police and locating the bodies can she redeem herself through meritorious deeds."

After explaining the stakes to them, reduced sentencing depends on redeeming herself through cooperation with the police and finding the victims’ bodies.

"We understand. We will surely persuade her."

After convincing them, Li Xiang took the elderly couple to the meeting room, then went to the interrogation room where Ye Dan was held and said, "Ye Dan, your parents are here to see you."

At the mention of "parents," a glimmer of light suddenly appeared in Ye Dan’s otherwise dull eyes.

But then, the glimmer vanished in an instant. She looked down and said, "Send them back. I don’t want to see them. For them, I might as well be dead. They have no daughter like me."

"You should say these words to them yourself. Only if you can bring yourself to do it. You are their only daughter; how can you bear to let them bury their own child?"

After saying this, Li Xiang unlocked her handcuffs.

Out of humane consideration, Li Xiang did not want Ye Dan to meet her parents in handcuffs. Unlocking them also removed the last barrier between her and her parents.

This is why he arranged for the meeting to take place in the meeting room rather than directly in the interrogation room; the reasoning is the same.

Of course, these were small details taught by Lan Huina.