Chapter 80: My boyfriend is so cute, I want to tease him.

Ever since meeting Deng Ming and returning to Junheng, Cheng Yao had been full of worry. According to her understanding of Deng Ming, even after forging evidence he would still make other small moves. Because he lacked real talent and learning yet possessed a bit of cleverness, he was extremely skilled at using underhanded methods to take shortcuts. In order to maintain his so-called undefeated myth and thereby maintain his high-standard lawyer fees, Deng Ming would absolutely still do some small tricks to ensure Lu Jian’s case was foolproof.

Only Cheng Yao hadn’t expected Deng Ming could be this despicable.

Not long after the pre-trial exchange of evidence ended, a local marketing influencer in City A exploded a so-called anonymous mass contribution—

“Melon-eating: Modern-day Pan Jinlian puts a green hat on her husband, gives birth to an illegitimate child during marriage yet because of chaotic private life doesn’t know who the biological father is.”

Under this exposé were unpixelated photos of Lin Fengjuan, and at the same time it was accompanied by many candid shots of Lin Fengjuan behaving intimately with different men.

Very quickly there were “enthusiastic” members of the public who, without any integrity, exposed Lin Fengjuan’s address, contact phone number, and photos of Hanhan in the gossip comments, and viciously commented on which man in the photos the child Hanhan resembled more.

And compared to these replies that still used relatively civilized words, some replies could be described as unbearable to look at.

“Wow, this woman is so slutty. How about letting me play with her too—this big brother guarantees she’ll feel good.”

“A slut who’s been the pillow of a thousand and ridden by ten thousand!”

“This little sister looks okay. With such strong desire and needing so many men, why not just go out and sell herself? It both satisfies herself and can earn her son’s medical fees.”

…

The marketing influencer’s post was written very provocatively, in the tone of a friend of Lin Fengjuan’s ex-husband. Between the lines it was full of indignation and written with great sense of immersion. For a time it inflamed public sentiment, and both the reading volume and forward volume surged dramatically.

Cheng Yao knew Deng Ming most liked using public opinion to set the rhythm, attempting to pressure the party and apply public-opinion pressure on the presiding judge. Only she hadn’t expected that after so many years he still had not improved.

After the Bai Xingmeng matter, when Cheng Yao encountered this kind of public-opinion fermentation event she was already no longer panicked. She calmly took screenshots and collected evidence in order to pursue a reputation infringement lawsuit.

Only she hadn’t expected that Lin Fengjuan, who not long ago had still been holding her hand demanding she seek justice for her and give the child a status, would change her mind two hours later.

When she received Lin Fengjuan’s call, Cheng Yao’s first reaction was to comfort her. “You don’t need to worry. I’ll help you send a lawyer’s letter…”

“Lawyer Cheng, I don’t want to fight this lawsuit anymore. Please help me withdraw the suit!”

Cheng Yao was very surprised. “What’s wrong?”

“We can’t win.” Lin Fengjuan’s voice choked. “I’m just an ordinary commoner. I can’t compete with someone with power and influence like Lu Jian. Those online exposés—you saw them too, right? Ever since those exposés, people have run to my door. Some painted with paint, some sent wreaths and elegiac couplets, and some even threw feces…”

Lin Fengjuan said painfully, “I did wrong things, but the only person I wronged is A-Min alone. I didn’t wrong those netizens. Why do they treat me like this? Those photos of me with different men online are also fundamentally not real—they’re all Photoshopped fakes. The men in my whole life, besides A-Min, only include Lu Jian. If I were really like what those exposés say, then today I, Lin Fengjuan, will go out and get hit and killed by a car!”

Anyone encountering online abuse like that for the first time would probably, like Lin Fengjuan, be angry and afraid and want to explain their innocence to the whole world.

Cheng Yao recalled her identical helplessness during the Bai Xingmeng case. Her tone unconsciously softened. “Don’t be afraid. I believe you. These things online are probably also the work of Lu Jian’s lawyer.”

Just this simple sentence made Lin Fengjuan on the other end of the phone finally unable to hold back and cry out. “Lawyer Cheng, thank you for being able to say this sentence for me. Then for this case even more I can’t implicate and drag you down. Let’s withdraw the suit. We can’t compete with the forces of Lu Jian and them.”

Cheng Yao paused and grew alert. “Implicate?”

Lin Fengjuan didn’t answer. She somewhat flusteredly changed the topic. “In short, even if Lu Jian forged the medical certificates and physical examination records, as long as he has connections that let the hospital people help him arrange these forged things, then even if we go investigate these bills, on the surface they will still be real. Although I know Lu Jian is definitely fine, we also can’t force him to take off his pants in front of the judge. We can’t win, Lawyer Cheng. Neither I nor you have the background, means, and connections of Lu Jian and his lawyer…”

Cheng Yao tried to persuade Lin Fengjuan, yet although she clearly held something back on the phone, her attitude was very firm—she wanted to withdraw the suit, wanted to abandon the lawsuit, and claimed this was not only based on realistic considerations for her own good, but also for Cheng Yao’s good.

“Lawyer Cheng, you can’t get any money from my case anyway. Really, don’t take it. Use this time to take other more important and more profitable cases. I won’t resent you. I’m already very grateful to you.”

…

When a case develops to this point, the wisest method is naturally to go with the flow and withdraw the suit. After all, first this is only a legal aid case; second this case ran into Deng Ming, and with the current evidence all leaning toward the opposing party, any clear-eyed person can see this is a case that is 99% going to be lost. Taking it not only has no sense of achievement—it will probably be very frustrating.

Only Cheng Yao was unwilling.

Unable to talk it through on the phone, Cheng Yao prepared to go see Lin Fengjuan once directly.

Lin Fengjuan’s home was in a chaotic urban village with mixed pedestrian flow. Those cramped shanties stood one against another, squeezing the middle passageway into a very narrow strip, while the road became damp and filthy because of the sewage randomly dumped by residents on both sides.

Cheng Yao had originally thought Lin Fengjuan’s home would be hard to find, yet after walking along this road for ten minutes she recognized it at a glance.

In a row of small shanties, only one household’s doorway was still splashed with bright red paint.

“Slut,” “whore,” “cheap person”… insults of this kind covered the outside of Lin Fengjuan’s house. Naturally there were onlooking neighbors pointing and commenting nearby, while Lin Fengjuan silently cleaned the filth amid these comments.

Her hair was not tied up and hung lifelessly on both sides of her cheeks. When Cheng Yao approached she discovered the injuries hidden under her hair.

Her face was covered in red swelling. One eye was completely beaten so that it couldn’t even open. Her nose still had undried bloodstains, and her cheekbones were highly swollen. Seeing Cheng Yao she was a bit surprised. “Lawyer Cheng…” As a result the moment she opened her mouth Lin Fengjuan seemed to pull at some wound and drew in a sharp breath from the pain.

Cheng Yao tightly pressed her lips. “Who did this? Did A-Min find people to beat you?”

Lin Fengjuan endured her tears and shook her head. “No. A-Min has always been very good. From beginning to end he was very good. Even after knowing I did this kind of thing, he only didn’t say a single heavy word. He just treated me like a stranger and then calmly proposed divorce.”

Lin Fengjuan recalled the happiness that had once been within easy reach yet that she had personally destroyed, and finally couldn’t help crying. “The people who beat me all said they were friends or netizens who couldn’t stand it and were venting anger for A-Min. But I know this definitely wasn’t instructed by A-Min. That exposé post also couldn’t have been posted by A-Min’s friends. He’s not that kind of person, and neither are his friends. Even though I did this kind of thing, he only severed all ties with me and wouldn’t kick someone when they’re down.”

“These people not only beat me—when my parents came out wanting to help me, they didn’t even spare my sixty-something-year-old parents. My mom fainted from anger, and my dad just went with the 120 ambulance to take her to the hospital.”

Cheng Yao hadn’t expected that the attacks against Lin Fengjuan had actually extended from the internet to reality. Her tone was serious. “Is there surveillance here? I’ll go retrieve…”

Lin Fengjuan smiled bitterly and shook her head. “There isn’t. Look at this environment of ours—there’s fundamentally no surveillance. And even if there was surveillance it would be useless. We can’t win the lawsuit, Lawyer Cheng. I know they weren’t found by A-Min.” Lin Fengjuan glanced at the door covered in insulting words. “The online posts, and these—I actually know clearly that they were people found by Lu Jian. Because after they finished beating and smashing, they all said one sentence: ‘Being cheap yourself yet still thinking of blackmailing money.’ If only one wave of people said this it wouldn’t explain anything, but every wave finally said this—it’s not a coincidence…”

Although Lin Fengjuan was indeed at fault for having an affair during marriage, a male third party like Lu Jian who clearly knew the other party was married yet still had relations with her was also not without guilt. Now, in order to shake off Lin Fengjuan, under Deng Ming’s “guidance” he came up with such a despicable strategy of forging evidence plus doxxing, intimidation, and beating—this was truly shameless.

“Miss Lin, rest assured. For your case I will definitely seek justice for you and do everything in my power.”

Facing Cheng Yao’s firmness, Lin Fengjuan nevertheless shook her head. “It’s useless, Lawyer Cheng. Lu Jian’s family has very hard connections. This time he will refuse to acknowledge Hanhan no matter what.” Lin Fengjuan pressed her lips together. “I heard from other classmates that because he and his fiancée are about to get married, the two families are a commercial alliance marriage involving very large interests. Neither of their families will allow this kind of matter to have any mishap.”

“That Lawyer Deng—I also checked online. He’s a very impressive lawyer.” Lin Fengjuan was silent for a moment before saying with a pale face and resignation, “I saw that he is very powerful in lawsuits and almost never loses. Moreover he graduated from a famous school and has a lot of experience. Besides, he’s also an old acquaintance of the judge…”

When Lin Fengjuan said these words she herself didn’t realize it, but upon careful thought it was a kind of offense to Cheng Yao. Although she didn’t say it explicitly, deep down she probably did not recognize Cheng Yao’s qualifications.

Yet Cheng Yao did not get angry. She only looked at Lin Fengjuan. “So you’re just going to give up directly? The people you wronged are A-Min and their family. You didn’t wrong Lu Jian, and you didn’t wrong any other bystanders. Why should you receive this kind of treatment?”

“Miss Lin, earlier on the phone you advised me to go take other money-making cases. But for me, whether it’s a public-welfare legal aid case or a case with a subject amount of tens of millions or even hundreds of millions, as long as I take it, then these cases are equally important to me. Your interests, to me, are the highest interests.” Cheng Yao’s gaze was calm. “If you give up now, you feel you’re giving up your own rights. Have you thought about Hanhan? Hanhan is entitled to receive child support from his biological father, and is also entitled to know his own background.”

“I know I’m even younger than you and my experience is indeed inferior to Deng Ming’s. I’m also not familiar with Judge Meng, and I will absolutely not use underhanded methods like Deng Ming’s to achieve the goal.” Cheng Yao straightened her back and raised her head. “But I believe in the law. I believe the law will ultimately not stand on the side of those who forge evidence, intimidate, and threaten.”

Lin Fengjuan was a bit hesitant. “Lawyer Cheng, I also don’t want to withdraw the suit directly. I also want to try. But if we continue, not only me—even you may suffer this kind of so-called ‘righteous people’s’ retaliatory attacks…”

“I’ll arrange for you and your parents to temporarily stay in a hotel with sufficiently good security conditions. As for myself, I have a sense of propriety and will protect myself well.”

“But…”

“I’ll pay the hotel fees. You don’t need to worry.” Cheng Yao smiled, thinking of Qian Heng. “Our Junheng has internal firm subsidies for legal aid cases.”

Lin Fengjuan’s eyes almost filled with hot tears. “Too… too thank you! I really don’t know how to be grateful to you!”

“Don’t thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank Lawyer Qian Heng of Junheng. This internal firm subsidy was all proposed by him.”

“Lawyer Qian Heng?” Lin Fengjuan hesitated. “When I was checking Lawyer Deng Ming I also saw his information. Isn’t he known for…” Lin Fengjuan realized she had misspoken and immediately corrected herself. “Doesn’t he only handle super large cases—would he also support legal aid cases?”

“Mm. He’s a very, very good person.” Cheng Yao’s eyes were bright, her tone certain. “As a lawyer one should never promise a client that one will definitely win. But please believe me—I will do everything in my power and strive to win this case for you.”

Living in this world, no one is perfect. Everyone may make mistakes. Lin Fengjuan had an affair during marriage and gave birth to an illegitimate child. She did indeed do something wrong. From the perspective of her ex-husband and the ex-husband’s family she is an unforgivable villain. But no one else has the qualification to morally judge her, and even less can they take private punishment into their own hands.

Although Lin Fengjuan is not a good wife, Cheng Yao had seen the way she looked at Hanhan’s photos. Her face still carried bitterness and helplessness, but the love and determination in those eyes made Cheng Yao believe that if Hanhan could have enough money to successfully complete the heart surgery, Lin Fengjuan would absolutely exhaust everything she had. No matter how bitter or tired, she would fight with her life to protect the child as he grew up.

Compared to the powerful and influential Lu Jian with Deng Ming aiding the wicked, Lin Fengjuan who needed to raise Hanhan alone was the vulnerable group that needed legal aid and protection.

Cheng Yao’s heart was firm and decisive. When the law is formulated it can only balance various legal interests to the greatest degree and strive to achieve the greatest degree of fairness. Yet in reality, the differences in each person’s level of education and income situation directly lead to the imbalance of legal resources.

People like Lu Jian can engage the best lawyers, while Lin Fengjuan only has the legal aid she herself provides.

Qian Heng recognizes the greatest-degree fairness of the law. He is sufficiently mature and therefore knows that any system has its deficiencies. The law that can protect the greatest-degree fairness naturally cannot achieve absolute fairness in practice. He recognizes this and has not thought of changing this point.

Cheng Yao had originally been a bit dazed about this point. After experiencing case after case with Qian Heng she subconsciously felt that Qian Heng’s views were all correct, only she always felt there were still some doubts lingering in her heart.

And it was only at this moment that Cheng Yao suddenly figured it out.

She wanted to be that little boy who, after the tide recedes, picks up the small fish one by one on the beach and throws them back into the sea.

Naive, foolish, with such thin strength that she completely cannot contend with the large environment, yet every small fish matters.

She may be young, may be impulsive, may be excessively hot-blooded, may still be emotional. She understands the unfairness of legal resources and is powerless to change it. Yet she does not prepare to simply accept this set of rules. She wants to do everything in her power, within the scope of her own ability, to make changes and give more legal relief to people like Lin Fengjuan.

For herself this may only be an insignificant case in her future practicing life, but for Lin Fengjuan it may change the trajectory of her life.

This case—she must do it to the best of her ability.

Only although Cheng Yao had made up her mind in her heart, this kind of matter was not something that could succeed with attitude alone. After settling Lin Fengjuan’s family, Cheng Yao still had no breakthrough leads for this case.

Instead Tan Ying called her. “Cheng Yao, how’s the case going? Did the pre-trial exchange of evidence go smoothly?”

Cheng Yao simply said a few sentences to Tan Ying. As a result just after hanging up her call, Bao Rui’s call came again.

“Cheng Yao, I heard your case ran into Deng Ming. That guy’s reputation is very bad. Looking online he’s indeed started setting the rhythm to pressure the party, attempting to crush your party with public opinion and also influence the trial. Do you have any difficulties handling this case?”

If it had only been Tan Ying’s call, Cheng Yao wouldn’t have felt much. But after Bao Rui’s this call, Cheng Yao figured it out.

After hanging up Bao Rui’s call, Cheng Yao directly dialed Qian Heng.

“Didn’t we agree that this case would be completely independently handled by me?”

Although Qian Heng’s voice was unnatural, he still forcefully denied. “Didn’t I let you be independent? Look—have I asked about your case up to now?”

“Right, you haven’t inquired, because you had Tan Ying and Bao Rui come ask.”

“…”

After a pause, Qian Heng let out a somewhat headache-like light laugh. “These two useless guys sold me out so quickly.”

“No, no, they kept their mouths shut. No one reported you.” Cheng Yao was afraid Qian Heng would take overtime revenge on Tan Ying and Bao Rui and immediately explained. “I discovered it myself.”

“Hm?”

“Because on ordinary days when we handle cases we are always each independent and don’t inquire about each other’s cases.”

“Fine, then let them work overtime tonight.”

Cheng Yao: ???

Qian Heng said calmly and composedly, “As the seniors in the team, they have too little team love toward the newcomers. They don’t even know to ask about the cold and warmth.”

“…”

Truly when one wants to add a crime there is no lack of words. Bao Rui, Tan Ying—I have already been benevolent to the extreme and can only help you this far!

“In short, this case—I can handle it myself.”

Qian Heng somewhat unnaturally “mm”ed. After explaining a few other work matters, as a result he went around and around and the topic returned to Cheng Yao’s legal aid case.

“This case—I heard the opposing lawyer is Deng Ming. He doesn’t rely on professionalism in handling cases but on underhanded methods. You should know this. If you…” Qian Heng clearly realized he was paying attention to this case again and abruptly hit the brakes. His voice was somewhat helpless, the trailing sound carrying a bit of shyness he worked hard to conceal. “Sorry. On ordinary days I’m not like this. According to my fee rate I wouldn’t speak so many words.” Qian Heng paused. “Only I can’t quite hold back.”

Although the person wasn’t before her eyes, Cheng Yao seemed able to imagine the appearance of Qian Heng holding the phone, speaking completely seriously yet with slightly red ears.

Just thinking about it felt quite cute. Wanted to tease.

“I know. I’m not afraid of him. I will definitely defeat him.”

Qian Heng returned to his consistent cold, noble state, as if that fleeting shyness just now was only Cheng Yao’s illusion. He admonished, “Don’t try to fathom Deng Ming from the perspective of a normal lawyer. Dealing with him isn’t something you can win just with a confident attitude. Don’t go randomly drinking that kind of chicken soup of ‘I’m a conscientious and just little lawyer, so as long as I fight with all my might I can topple the industry big shot.’”

Cheng Yao laughed. “I don’t drink that formula of chicken soup. The one I drink is ‘I’m Qian Par’s girlfriend, so I will definitely win’ this version of chicken soup.” Cheng Yao covered her somewhat burning face. “How does it sound a bit like the feeling of ‘I’m the big brother’s woman’?”

“…”

Qian Heng’s voice was somewhat headache-like and also somewhat helpless. “Cheng Yao, what is your brain thinking about all day long?”

Cheng Yao was used to joking around on ordinary days and almost without thinking replied smoothly, “Thinking of you.”

Qian Heng originally still wanted to say something, yet from the other end of the phone there vaguely came the sound of someone calling him. He covered the receiver and said something, then turned back and lowly said sorry to Cheng Yao.

“There’s a bit of a work matter. Talk later.”

Only Cheng Yao hadn’t expected that that same evening she would see Qian Heng.

When she got off work, just as she walked downstairs of the office building, the familiar black Bentley slowly drove toward Cheng Yao. The car window slowly lowered.

“Get in.”

“Didn’t Bao Rui say it would take two or three days to return? How did you come back today?”

Qian Heng pressed his lips together and said lightly, “With my efficiency, one day was enough to finish.” He lightly swept a glance at Cheng Yao. “And didn’t you say you missed me.” Qian Heng turned his face. “Since you already miss me this much, if I don’t return I’m afraid you’ll miss yourself into illness. Isn’t there lovesickness.”

Cheng Yao choked a bit. She thought that next time she still shouldn’t casually tease Qian Heng, because this effect would ultimately rebound onto herself.

And just as Cheng Yao was preparing to open the car door and sit into the car, she was interrupted by Bao Rui’s voice.

“Eh? Cheng Yao? I was just looking for you. Where did you put the evidence list for the Chen Jun case that you organized for me last time? Is there an electronic file? Send me a copy.”

Cheng Yao nodded. “Okay, I’ll send it to you later.”

Bao Rui nodded, then realized this was Qian Heng’s car. He curiously looked at Cheng Yao. “You and Qian Par…”

Cheng Yao hurriedly interrupted to explain. “I’m going home and it’s on the way, so I’m hitching a ride!”

“Like that, huh. Your home is also on the way in my direction. Then I’ll also hitch a ride together.” After Bao Rui finished speaking happily, he pulled open the car door and grandly sat into the Bentley. Without any tact he said to Qian Heng in the driver’s seat, “Thank you, Qian Par!”

After speaking, Bao Rui glanced at Cheng Yao who was still standing outside the car in a daze and patted the seat beside himself. “What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and get in.”

“…”

After getting in the car, Bao Rui was very lively. “Ai, I have to say, a Bentley is a Bentley. Driving is steady as an old dog. Honestly, I haven’t had the chance to sit in Qian Par’s car many times. Truly an honor.” After boasting and being grateful for a while, he was a bit curious. “Qian Par, I say, ever since I got in the car your complexion doesn’t look very good. Have you encountered some troublesome matter? Is there anything we can help with?”

Bao Rui was very enthusiastic. “Although you’re the boss, we’re people of one team. Looking at it, our business trip that clearly needed two or three days—how did you come back early today? Did you encounter some trouble? So you’d rather first return to City A tonight and fly to City B again tomorrow morning?”

Cheng Yao paused. “You haven’t finished the matters yet? You still have to go to City B tomorrow morning?”

Bao Rui suspected nothing and without any desire to survive said, “Yeah.” After speaking he glanced at Qian Heng again. “Ai, Qian Par, how come your complexion looks even worse?”

“…”

Bao Rui, no matter who has their showing-off pierced on the spot, their complexion won’t look good, okay?

As a result this comrade Bao Rui fundamentally didn’t realize this awkward atmosphere. Completely without suspicion he alone emotionally and impassionedly propped up a one-man cross-talk.

“Let me tell you, this time we went to City B. That client, besides legitimate business, also has underground business—you know, those massage rooms. Then he actually hinted that he could treat us to experience a supreme massage, saying many big bosses patronize them. The little sisters look very watery and pure.”

Cheng Yao couldn’t quite hold back. “What? He actually invited you to visit prostitutes?! Bao Rui, you already have a family and a household!”

“Yeah yeah. I couldn’t wrong Sister-in-law so I refused. That client then advocated that Qian Par could go try. Hahaha. As a result Qian Par refused even more directly and coldly than me. He glanced at those little sisters’ photo albums and said they looked far inferior to his own girlfriend—faces not as good-looking as his girlfriend’s, figures not as explosive as his girlfriend’s. He said toward anyone other than his girlfriend he has no interest at all. Hahahaha.” Bao Rui laughed. “I didn’t expect Qian Par’s ability to make up stories is quite strong. He said it quite convincingly.”

Cheng Yao glanced at Qian Heng in the driver’s seat. The other party still kept a taut face, yet his ears, as expected, faintly turned slightly red in a way almost invisible.

And the party who had been sold out completely by Bao Rui finally couldn’t hold back and ground his teeth.

“Bao Rui.”

“Eh? What’s wrong, Qian Par?”

“Do you feel that tonight’s overtime work still isn’t enough?”

“…”

Unfortunately Bao Rui’s awareness of the situation didn’t last long. Very quickly he opened his mouth again.

“Qian Par, almost there. Cheng Yao’s place is almost here. Just turn at that corner and go in. Looking at this hitchhiking trip, Cheng Yao arrives first and gets off first.”

Joking—tonight Qian Heng specially flew back on a plane was not for the sake of sending her home right now! Only how to answer Bao Rui? Cheng Yao didn’t speak and subconsciously looked toward Qian Heng.

Qian Heng cleared his throat. “I suddenly remembered that Cheng Yao still has some work to report to me. We’ll go eat together later while I listen to her report. Bao Rui, I’ll first send you home. Don’t let your wife wait too long at home.”

Qian Heng was actually so actively caring about him. Bao Rui’s eyes filled with tears and he was extremely moved. Only—

“Eh? No no, Qian Par. My wife isn’t home. Tonight when I go home I was just worrying about having no food and having to order takeout. Since you and Cheng Yao are eating together, then count me in. If there’s any case I can also contribute some effort and brainstorm together. Didn’t you tip me off that as a senior I should on ordinary days care more about the newcomers in the team?”

…