The "Voice of the Mist" podcast, originally intended for a serene weekly update on Thursdays, unexpectedly unveiled its mysterious veil of live broadcasting at 3:37 AM. Host Zhuang Moshi, with his signature husky yet captivating voice, gracefully kicked off this impromptu 112th episode:
"Dear fellow travelers of the night, welcome to the extraordinary live broadcast of 'Voice of the Mist'—the Dream Explorer's Chamber of Zhuang Moshi. Here, in this corner where countless psychic realms converge, every hypnotic tale is tenderly woven after obtaining the consent of its protagonist. To safeguard that unique intimacy, we shall embark on our narrative journey under pseudonyms, guarding the identity of each story's owner. Remember, all shared here are cases intimately experienced by Zhuang Moshi himself; any semblance to other works in our field is but a serendipitous encounter amidst the vastness of creation."
At this moment, the number of listeners on the other side of the screen silently settled at 32.
"Friends, though the night is deep, our gathering imbues this silence with an uncommon warmth. Allow me to use this humble studio as a vessel, navigating you towards the moonlit shores of dreams. The journey ahead may be a profound dialogue with the heart, or a self-discovery of the soul. Prepare yourselves, as we jointly uncover the hidden chapters beneath the veil of mist, unknown to many."
"The live broadcast countdown commences, dear listeners. Please remain patient. If you need to gather your thoughts or indulge in a cup of coffee, now is the perfect time." In the corner of the screen, the viewer count trickled upwards, steadily growing.
Suddenly, a distant, melodious sound of coffee beans being ground drifted in, akin to the first ray of sunlight piercing through dawn, heralding a fresh start. As the machine's components gently clicked into place, its muted roar coincided with the viewer count soaring past the century mark on the screen.
The nylon chair seat emitted a faint squeak as Zhuang Moshi resumed his seat, smiling apologetically. "I understand that this sudden broadcast might be somewhat untimely. In the past 111 episodes, I've grown accustomed to bidding farewell with gentle hypnotic melodies to accompany insomniacs, yet tonight, I inadvertently intrude upon your dreams. For this, Zhuang Moshi extends his sincerest apologies to every listener."
Taking a sip of his freshly brewed coffee, its rich aroma seemed to warm the impending conversation. "Yet, since we've gathered here, let's officially embark on this special evening."
"Dear listeners, welcome to 'Voice of the Mist': Zhuang Moshi's Mind Clinic. This is a secret garden of hypnosis and psychic exploration where every shared story, presented under pseudonyms with the protagonists' consent, safeguards their privacy. Remember, these are personal case records handled by Zhuang Moshi himself. Any coincidental similarities are purely fortuitous."
Zhuang Moshi took another sip, his eyes glinting with an unusual light. "But tonight, we'll break tradition. Instead of direct case sharing, my opening words served to confirm you're in the right place, as I have a special arrangement..."
Gently setting down his coffee cup, he continued, "Indeed, we won't delve into cases tonight. Rather, we aim to dispel some misconceptions surrounding hypnosis and myself. Firstly, hypnosis is a rigorous science, not a magic trick to manipulate minds. Regarding my recent involvement in the development of a new micro-hypnosis technique, though confidentiality agreements limit my disclosure, I assure you its purpose solely promotes positive mental health and wellbeing."
His tone grew solemn, "Next, I'd like to address recent societal misconceptions, particularly linking hypnosis to nightclub sexual assault cases. Those brave women who spoke out in the wee hours, their ordeals are heartbreaking and have sparked profound concern for safety. The atrocities committed by Li Haoyu are deplorable. Yet, simplifying their experiences as a result of hypnosis is an irresponsible misinterpretation."
Zhuang Moshi smiled, a mix of frustration and determination in his expression. "While cinematic plots may captivate, reality is far more complex and harsh. Guided correctly, hypnosis can be an effective tool to confront psychological distress and enhance life quality. It is not an excuse or accomplice for evil deeds. In sexual assault cases, the true culprits are those who harbor malice and disregard law and morality."
Taking a deep breath, he continued, "I hope tonight's conversation fosters a more comprehensive and objective understanding of hypnosis. And I remind everyone to stay vigilant, safeguarding your safety wherever you go. To those courageous victims who've spoken out, we must offer profound sympathy and support, working together to create a safer, more just society."
"Amid the interplay of screen images, digital hypnosis is often cloaked in mystery. But as a seasoned hypnotherapist with seventeen years of experience, I can honestly say, from my early days as a student, through the rigors of medical training, to now helming my own mental healing space, I've never relied on simplistic numerical incantations. Whether during my academic pursuits, discussions with mentors and peers, or extensive interactions within and beyond the industry, we all know that true hypnotic art lies in nuanced tonal shifts and meticulously crafted audio tracks. Hence, many tell me my voice possesses a magic that inadvertently leads them into profound relaxation—a testament to the seamless integration of hypnosis into my audio creations."
Since the inception of my practice, I have remained steadfast in my original aspiration, pouring my life's learning and practical experience into alleviating the mental burdens of my patients. In the journey of hypnosis, I do not play the role of a manipulator but act as a patient guide, leading visitors to surrender their inner stage to the subconscious, allowing the hidden wisdom within to illuminate the darkest corners of the mind. Hypnosis is a delicate and profound process of psychological healing, designed to foster self-discovery and growth, never to be misused as a tool for any illegal or unethical acts.
Regarding individuals like Li Haoyu, their deeds stand in stark contrast to the essence of hypnosis. They might count numbers before committing crimes, attempting to create a sense of ritual or psychological suggestion, but to me, it appears more as a twisted expression of their own psyche, presenting their atrocities in a predictable, controlled manner. The phenomena described by victims, such as paralysis, loss of movement, and memory while conscious, far exceed the scope of scientific explanation in hypnosis and are impossible to achieve by any legitimate hypnotherapist. Thus, I firmly believe that Li Haoyu is not a hypnotherapist but a criminal who exploits others' fear and helplessness to satisfy his twisted desires.
Therefore,
To Question One: Do I know Li Haoyu personally? The answer is a clear no.
To Question Two: Were there any acquaintances of Li Haoyu among my peers? The exact answer is that none of us have any intersection with him.
As for Question Three: Whether his actions were self-taught or learned from others? My response is that I am unaware of the specifics, and even consulting colleagues in the industry would likely yield the same uncertainty, for Li Haoyu's behavior has strayed far from the professional path of hypnotherapists, leaving our world untainted by his existence.
Lastly, to Question Four: What are your thoughts on the growing calls for a ban on hypnosis online? My response is that Li Haoyu's crimes are blatant sexual assault and taking advantage of incapacitated individuals. His wrongdoings should be met with severe legal punishment, not unjustly tarnishing the reputation of innocent professionals like us—licensed physicians dedicated to mental health—and subjecting us to public criticism and industry-wide backlash. This is a misunderstanding of our profession and a misdirected assault on justice.
"Question Five: Am I guilty of harboring sinister intentions towards patients under hypnosis? My answer is: No! No!! Absolutely not!!!"
Zhuang Moshi's tone was imbued with an unwavering firmness and anger, his gaze piercing through misunderstandings and prejudices, reaching the purest corners of the human heart. He knew that as a hypnotherapist with high ethical standards and moral boundaries, he always prioritized his patients' well-being. Any violation of ethics or morality would be a stain on his profession and a trampling of his personal dignity.
He added, "Comparing me to individuals like Li Haoyu is a profound insult to our entire profession. Our work is based on trust and respect, aimed at freeing people from mental shackles and restoring inner peace and freedom. Li Haoyu's actions represent nothing but moral decay and the trampling of the law, having no connection to the noble cause we pursue. Hence, I strongly oppose any attempts to equate us with him and will not tolerate unwarranted accusations or slander."
With that, he let out a heavy sigh, his voice tinged with confusion and helplessness. "This is truly an absurd question."
"As for Question Six: Do I wish to vindicate hypnosis? My answer stems from a pure and benevolent intention. I hold every patient in the utmost respect and reverence. They entrust me with their trust at a time of immense physical and emotional distress; how could I possibly become a perpetrator in their suffering? This would not only betray the oath of a compassionate healer but also violate my personal moral compass."
"I am acutely aware that responding to these queries through a podcast, amidst this storm of controversy, may seem untimely, even absurd. Yet, in the face of the spurious equivalence drawn between hypnotherapists and sexual predators, I cannot remain silent, nor can I sleep with such misunderstandings and insults weighing on my conscience. Throughout my career, I have helped countless patients emerge from darkness, their gratitude manifested in warm greeting cards arriving in my hands year after year. They have become like family, granting me strength and solace. Now, to see my years of dedicated effort and relentless strive dismissed by a biased inquiry is nothing short of heartbreaking."
"As for Li Haoyu's actions, I find his motives and intentions utterly beyond comprehension. Perhaps he sought to cloak his heinous crimes under the mystique of hypnosis, aiming to mislead the public and sow confusion. For once his true colors are exposed, there will be no hiding place. This, perhaps, is his elaborate conspiracy, a despicable ruse carried out under the guise of hypnosis."
Inside the "Talk About Anything Podcast" studio, host Pipi excitedly relayed Zhuang Moshi's message before activating his microphone amidst thunderous applause. "Did you hear that, Li Haoyu? You're truly 'remarkable'! Your 'masterpiece' has shattered hearts, baffled police, kept journalists on the run, and ignited heated debates on TV. Now, even innocent hypnotherapists are dragged into the fray, becoming targets of public scrutiny. You're truly the 'rat crossing the street', hunted by all. Can you hear that, Li Haoyu?"
As a simulated celebration cracker popped, Pipi clapped vigorously, his face beaming with righteous triumph. "I love seeing villains reap what they sow; it's pure catharsis! But let's turn back to Zhuang Moshi, you carry no guilt. Look around, how many are still asleep? Everyone's frantically refreshing news about Li Haoyu, switching channels from one to nine hundred and ninety-nine, all digging into his scandals. And speaking of which, we now have an astonishing 1011 listeners tuning in to 'Talk About Anything'. And you're in for a treat, because next up, we have a heavyweight, mysterious guest—a live encounter not to be missed!"
Pipi leaned into the microphone, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he teased, "Guess who our mysterious guest will be tonight?"
"I pride myself on tackling topical issues and satisfying your curiosity, right? Remember when we talked about diverse families, I brought in A-Ben and Aaron Yan? When exposing the underbelly of the entertainment industry, I invited gossip queens. And for quality Western music, SOWHAT Lee graciously joined us for a musical feast. I deliver on my promises, never leaving you disappointed."
"So, do you have any guesses about tonight's guest? Given our discussion on Li Haoyu, this guest might be intricately connected to him."
"Or perhaps..." Pipi deliberately dragged out his words, creating a tense atmosphere, "you've already figured it out?"
Amidst a sea of anticipation and speculation, Pipi fell silent for a few seconds before bursting into applause, his laughter echoing through the studio.
"Haha, teasing you guys is just too much fun! But seriously, to our 1224 listeners online, I apologize. This guest is no ordinary one. Normally, I'd easily surpass 1,500 listeners, but tonight, we're aiming for the 2,000 mark before unveiling them. So, please bear with us, and let's witness this thrilling moment together!"