Chapter 16: Is the moon punishing you?

Cheng Yao knew that many divorce cases that escalated to hiring lawyers often had unpleasant underlying truths. Stripping away the layers of complexity, what was exposed was often the rawest form of malice and selfishness in human nature. Marriage might have traces of love at its inception, but in reality, many factors influencing the decision to marry were far from pure.

If this person had nothing, would you still love them? Would you still choose them?

In moments of deep affection, no one wanted to ask themselves this question, nor did they want to consider it. However, when love completely shattered, and there was no longer any emotional connection, people would tear off their masks in the face of personal interests—maligning each other, slandering, and turning divorce into a battlefield where the hatred ran even deeper than that between strangers.

The truth about marriage could be cruel.

Cheng Yao had always understood this, yet after hearing Bai Xingmeng’s account, she was still deeply shaken. She hadn’t expected that a man could be so calculating—to plan everything meticulously, maintaining an almost terrifying level of rationality from the beginning of the relationship to the eventual marriage. He was so composed that he could use his own emotions as a bargaining chip, and even in the final stage of divorce and asset division, he remained utterly ruthless.

So, was this the real reason Bai Xingmeng insisted on filing the lawsuit now?

Because of hatred, because of revenge, because of her unwillingness to accept it—she wasn’t after money. That was why she had no intention of waiting for Xu Jun’s company to successfully go public. What she might have wanted was to freeze his equity through the asset division, preventing his company from going public at all.

Seeing the look on Cheng Yao’s face, Bai Xingmeng let out a long sigh. “Back then, I liked Xu Jun purely because I admired his strength. I thought being loved by such a talented man was an accomplishment in itself. But later, I realized that successful and capable men always love themselves the most. The smarter they are, the more selfish and cold-hearted they become.”

She paused for a moment, thought about it, and then added, “Just like your boss, Qian Heng.”

Huh? How did this suddenly involve Qian Heng?

“I’ve worked with many lawyers, and he’s the most competent and professional one I’ve ever met, but also the most devoid of human warmth,” Bai Xingmeng shrugged. “He never cares about what his clients are feeling or what’s going on in their minds. He only cares about closing the case—like a machine, meticulous and flawless. In his eyes, the only thing that matters is completing the task and receiving the payment.”

Because of Bai Xingmeng’s words, an image of Qian Heng’s cold, expressionless face surfaced in Cheng Yao’s mind. Was he really that kind of person? Completely devoid of warmth?

Having finally vented her frustrations, Bai Xingmeng’s mood had visibly improved. She quickly regained the perfect confidence she always displayed in front of the camera. After confirming the list of evidence with Cheng Yao, she casually flicked her hair and bid her farewell.

….

Cheng Yao carried a large stack of case files and materials home today. After Bai Xingmeng’s heartfelt confession, she felt deep sympathy for her and wanted to do everything she could to fight for her client’s rights.

What she didn’t expect was that Qian Heng had also come home early today. As a result, the two of them once again found themselves sharing the same space after work.

Just as Cheng Yao was hesitating over whether she should greet her boss or say something, Qian Heng spoke first.

“Have you thought it through?”

Cheng Yao was momentarily stunned before quickly reporting, “I’ve already communicated with Bai Xingmeng. I’m drafting the complaint, and she wants to file the lawsuit immediately. I’ll have the first draft of all the materials ready for your review by tomorrow, and I’ll aim to submit them to the court by next Tuesday—”

Qian Heng pressed his lips together. “I was asking about when you’re going to pay me back for the damages listed in my loss report. Have you thought about that?”

“…”

Bai Xingmeng was right—Qian Heng truly was a man without a shred of human warmth.

But unfortunately, under someone else’s roof, she had no choice but to lower her head. Cheng Yao immediately put on a pitiful expression and decided to play the sympathy card. “Boss, you know how much I earn. If you’re willing to write off this debt, I promise I’ll work like a horse for you—”

“No need for that,” Qian Heng seemed to have been waiting for this moment. He narrowed his eyes and glanced at Cheng Yao. “Just cook for me instead.”

“Huh?”

Qian Heng spoke as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “I haven’t eaten yet. Your cooking is passable, and since you owe me so much money, plus we’re living together now, you can pay me back with meals.”

Passable?! Her cooking was obviously amazing! Practically chef-level!

“One month. Cook for me for a month, and we’ll call it even.”

At this, Cheng Yao didn’t dare hesitate or complain anymore. Afraid that Qian Heng might change his mind, she quickly agreed.

“Steamed bass, braised beef with potatoes, vinegar-sautéed cabbage, and stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork,” Qian Heng glanced at her. “That’s what I want to eat tonight.”

“But I didn’t buy bass, beef, or bamboo shoots.”

“Then why are you still standing there? Go buy them.”

“…”

Five minutes later, Cheng Yao was at the supermarket, picking out the freshest bass while grinding her teeth in frustration.

See? This is my boss—truly, utterly heartless!

…..

Fortunately, Qian Heng hadn’t ordered something extravagant like Australian lobster. The ingredients he requested were all common, so Cheng Yao quickly gathered everything she needed. She moved swiftly, and before long, a table full of fragrant, flavorful dishes was ready.

Qian Heng ate with his usual restraint, yet in the end, he still had two bowls of rice.

Compared to his slow and deliberate manner, Cheng Yao ate much more absentmindedly. She shoveled food into her mouth while her mind wandered back to Bai Xingmeng’s case…

She soon finished her meal in a hurry and was about to head back to her room.

“Done eating?”

“I want to go over the materials for Bai Xingmeng’s case again. The lawsuit is coming up in a few days, and I need to make sure I haven’t missed any details.” Cheng Yao turned back and gave him a grateful smile. “So, Boss, I won’t eat any more. You take your time.”

“I wasn’t asking you to stay and eat more. I don’t care how much you eat.” Qian Heng’s words were concise. “I was telling you that even if you’re done eating, don’t go back to your room yet. Stay and wash the dishes.”

“…”

Cheng Yao swallowed the scream rising in her throat and tried to keep her voice calm. “I’ll check the case files first. Just call me when you’re done eating, and I’ll come wash them.”

Qian Heng frowned slightly. “Why are you so invested in this case?”

“This is the first case I’m handling at Junheng. I want to make a strong start.” Cheng Yao, full of enthusiasm, thought about Xu Jun and felt indignant again. “Besides, on a personal level, I want to help Bai Xingmeng fight for what she rightfully deserves and make that scumbag Xu Jun pay.” As she spoke, she couldn’t help but grumble, “Bai Xingmeng is such a great person—down-to-earth, no diva attitude at all. She’s beautiful, talented, has a great figure, and she was so devoted to Xu Jun. I don’t know if he’s blind or just brain-damaged—why would he hurt and use her like that?”

She had thought her passionate dedication would earn her some recognition from Qian Heng. But instead, after hearing her words, his expression darkened.

“Cheng Yao, keep your distance from the client.”

“What?”

Qian Heng’s tone was serious. “If you want to be a good lawyer, remember this: when you’re working, you don’t have emotions—only a stance. Your job is to stand in your client’s position and fight for her maximum benefit within the boundaries of the law. But that’s because you’re her legal representative, not because of your personal feelings. Right now, with your talk about punishing the scumbag, you’re being extremely unprofessional.”

Cheng Yao was suddenly reminded of Bai Xingmeng’s words—”Qian Heng has no human warmth.”

But she refused to accept his criticism. “I won’t let personal feelings cloud my judgment. In fact, I think this kind of motivation is a good thing—it pushes me to fight harder for my client’s rights. Besides, in this property dispute, we’re clearly on the side of justice—”

Before she could even finish her sentence, Qian Heng cut her off with a sneer. “Who do you think you are? Sailor Moon? Are you going to punish him in the name of the moon?”

See? This is why it’s impossible to have a proper conversation with Qian Heng. Their views were completely different.

Sure, his legal skills were top-notch, but as a person, Qian Heng truly had no warmth at all.

“I’ve always believed that being a lawyer is not just a profession—we should have some ideals too. Even though gender equality has been promoted in our country for years, in marriage, women are often the weaker party. Domestic violence, infidelity, marriage scams… Even someone like Bai Xingmeng, who has status and wealth, still ended up as the victim in her marriage.

Even if I only take on this one case, if I can use my abilities to fight for the rights of women in vulnerable marriages, then that’s the value of being a lawyer.”

Cheng Yao stared at Qian Heng, her tone firm and determined. “Of course, I alone can’t change the entire system, but if every lawyer thought like me—if everyone worked to protect women’s rights in marriage, then wouldn’t—”

“Yes, yes. If everyone just contributed a little love, the world would be a better place.”

Cheng Yao’s eyes brightened. She thought her passionate speech had finally awakened Qian Heng’s buried sense of justice and social responsibility.

However—

“Are you some relic from the past?” Qian Heng frowned. “That line is from Dedication of Love , a song from 1989. It’s 2018 now, and you still believe in last-century lyrics? Is your brain working properly?”

“…”

“I’m truly speechless. I thought only idiots believed in that kind of old-fashioned, brainwashing song. But now I see that our country’s overall education level still needs improvement. Clearly, the legal profession has a long way to go in terms of intellectual progress.”

Cheng Yao was stunned. “Do you not have even a shred of social responsibility? Have you never thought of using your legal expertise to advocate for the disadvantaged?”

Qian Heng clapped his hands—without a trace of sincerity. “So moving, truly moving. But, oh, righteous Cheng Lawyer, if you’re so passionate about justice, why don’t you just become a pro bono human rights lawyer? That’s a very environmentally friendly, low-carbon career. You could just live off the northwest wind under a bridge when you’re out of work. In the summer, you’d even get a nice cross breeze for variety.”

“I…”

“What, I ?” Qian Heng rolled his eyes elegantly. “And who told you that women are always the weaker party in marriage? Bai Xingmeng must be the victim? Are you one of the parties in their marriage? Were you hiding under their bed every night, witnessing every tiny detail of their relationship, down to their—let’s say—marital disharmony?”

“…”

Cheng Yao lifted her chin stubbornly. “I’m a woman, and I trust my instincts. Bai Xingmeng truly loved Xu Jun, but he didn’t love her back. Bai Xingmeng is the biggest victim in this marriage! I have to represent women and teach Xu Jun a lesson! Show him what it means to respect marriage!”

Qian Heng didn’t even bother to hide his disapproval. “Look at you. And you have the nerve to say women are always the weaker ones in marriage? Speaking as a man, not as your boss, I can tell you—you’re so fierce, you’re going to have trouble finding someone willing to marry you.”

He gave her a once-over. “Seriously, who would dare? Any guy who marries you is just asking to be thrown out with nothing. Who can possibly win against a wife who’s a fully armed lawyer?”

Cheng Yao fumed. “If ordinary men can’t handle me, I’ll just marry a male lawyer!”

“Cheng Yao, let me tell you something—be realistic. Having ideals is fine, but don’t indulge in daydreams.”

How was marrying a male lawyer a daydream ? In the legal world, plenty of people married their colleagues. Male lawyers with two legs weren’t exactly an endangered species.

Faced with Cheng Yao’s utterly baffled expression, Qian Heng adjusted his collar with self-satisfaction. “I know I’m excellent and dazzling, but Cheng Yao, you can forget about pursuing me. Give up on that thought.”

Cheng Yao was stunned. She felt suffocated. She needed heart medication immediately. “WHEN did I ever say I wanted you ???”

“Go ahead and find a male lawyer, then. Did I stop you?” Qian Heng raised an eyebrow, his tone insufferable. “But you were staring straight at me when you said it. That wasn’t a hint? You weren’t implying you wanted someone like me?”

That was a glare! That was a death glare! Since when did that mean I was into you?! Do I look blind?!

Qian Heng stood up and patted Cheng Yao on the shoulder. “Life is full of disappointments. Try not to take it too hard.”

Inside, Cheng Yao was screaming.

QIAN HENG!!! Do you have any idea?!

Falling for you would be the real nightmare!!!

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Host Afei: How did the two of you end up together?

Qian Heng: I was blind.

Cheng Yao: I was emotionally impaired.

Qian Heng: Mm, ours is a relationship between two disabled individuals.

Cheng Yao: Right, we should probably be allowed to park in disabled parking spots.

Host Afei: …You two are perfect for each other!

[Qian’s POV: Please show more love and throw more flowers for disabled people, thank you.]