Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
An Lan looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, Mr. Nian. There really wasn’t enough evidence. Our team has been working endlessly over the past month looking for case studies and studying them, but the court has rejected all of our reasons for the appeal.”
Another lawyer, Zhao An, said, “The case was too well-known. If we don’t have enough evidence, the court will never accept our request. If they do, it would invite the attention of the public again. The judges will face enormous pressure as well, and their reputation will be on the line. It’s a huge risk for them.”
“Yeah.” An Lan nodded. “The public has always paid extra attention to acts of indecency. Xu Zhengxuan’s case was huge back in the day. It would be helpful to find the victim, Zeng Lijuan, or his own secretary.”
“Zeng Lijuan died in a car accident. The secretary changed his identity and returned to China, but he disappeared again recently,” Nian Junting said coldly. “I suspect Yi Jingxi has picked up on our moves and asked him to leave. His identity here was a fake, anyway. I have no idea where he has gone now.”
“It would be helpful to have something concrete,” An Lan said helplessly.
“Forget it.” Luosang, who had been listening quietly to the discussion, said, “There’s nothing much we can do if they won’t process our request. We have to find other ways to go about it, then. Lawyer An has done her best.”
Nian Junting looked at her. He could tell she was trying to hide her disappointment. He frowned and said, “You’re all dismissed.”
When everyone left, Nian Junting walked over to Luosang and stood behind her. He whispered softly, “I’m sorry.” He had promised her with such confidence that they would appeal the case within six months, but four months had already passed them by. It would be a miracle for Xu Zhengxuan to be released by the end of the year, given how long the trial would drag on for sure.
“It’s ok. You’ve done your best.” Luosang squeezed the hand on her shoulder. “You hired so many lawyers to handle this case for my dad, it must have cost you quite a bit.”
“It’s all worth it for you. The most important thing is to get our father out of there.” Nian Junting bent down and pressed his cheek against hers.
Our dad… Luosang smiled. He shamelessly brought her warmth and comfort. She stood up still holding onto his hand. “Let’s not talk about these unhappy things. Shall we go for dinner together? It’s rare that we’re both free. We can go catch a movie.”
“Ok.” Nian Junting nodded.
They went back to the villa after the movie, and Nian Junting carried her from the bathroom to the bed as he showered her with kisses. Afterward, they cuddled in bed together. Just as Luosang was about to fall asleep, he suddenly said, “Oh, right. Luosang, my phone application showed that you were supposed to have your period today. Why isn’t it here yet?”
Luosang buried her head in his chest and said through half-shut eyes, “Sometimes it’s not so accurate. It might come earlier or later.”
“Oh.” Nian Junting was reassured. He looked down to kiss her lips and kissed her until she fell asleep.
…
The next afternoon, on her way back to her dormitory after having lunch in her cafeteria, a black sedan pulled up beside her. The windows rolled down, and Jiang Qifei was sitting inside. She removed her sunglasses and said, “Miss Xu, would it be convenient to talk in the car.”
Luosang was stunned. She stopped and frowned. “If you’re here to talk about your daughter or ask me to leave Junting, there’s nothing much to say.”
“Let’s talk about your dad, then,” Jiang Qifei said. “I’m sure you’ll be interested to know about Zeng Lijuan.”
