Chapter 2, Breaking the Cocoon and Becoming a Butterfly

The air from the air conditioner brushed against her cheek, slightly cool, and a radiant smile, the brightest in many days, appeared on her porcelain-like fair face. Her clear eyes sparkled with brilliance, and her soft yet gentle voice conveyed determination: "Mr. Shan, rest assured, I will do my utmost."

"What happened?" Luo Yiheng supported her arm with his right hand and leaned down to examine it, saying, "Don't rub it with your hand, let me take a look."

Seemingly lost in thought, Jian Nuo suddenly interrupted him with a curious question: "Senior Brother, if it were you, would you suddenly change your mind and modify your will as Shan Shu Rou mentioned?"

Opening the documents in hand, Jian Nuo's expression was exceptionally calm: "This is the will established by Mr. Shan last October, in which he clearly stated that the Shan family estate is to be inherited by his son, Shan Shu Xi, who will serve as the president. A brief passage contains six characters in Traditional Chinese, such as this character '為'. Most of us are accustomed to writing '為' in this way, but Mr. Shan wrote it as '為'." Turning around, she took another document handed over by Lin Shan, "This is another will provided by the defendant, Miss Shan Shu Rou. Coincidentally, this character also appears in it, but all instances of '為' in the entire text are not in Traditional form. May I ask, why would a habit formed over many years suddenly change?"

Jian Nuo was amused by his suddenly serious expression and teased, "I am just curious about what method Shan Shu Rou used to force Mr. Shan to modify the will. Why are you being so serious about it?"

For the sake of convenience in writing, the vast majority of people are accustomed to wearing their watches on the left hand, yet the defendant's lawyer wears his watch on the right hand. Even when an accidental collision caused the watch face to break and injure him, he did not change this habit. I ask, how could someone who has been accustomed to writing certain characters in traditional form for over thirty years suddenly change overnight?" After a pause, seemingly giving the defendant's lawyer a chance to respond, and seeing him remain silent, he calmly took the materials handed to him by Lin Shan: "Here are various documents and contracts signed by Mr. Dan over the past ten years. Each one conforms to his traditional writing style, and in all the documents, any handwritten character for 'to be' is in traditional form. This means that in a conscious state, it is absolutely impossible for him to inexplicably simplify the traditional characters he commonly uses. Therefore, I have definitive reasons to believe that he was forced to sign the will provided by Miss Dan against his will. Otherwise, it is simply inexplicable why he would simplify the character 'to be.' To speculate further, he may have even copied this will under Miss Dan's coercion." The sharpness in his eyes was evident, and his suddenly fixed gaze intimidated everyone present, causing an uproar in the courtroom.

Jian Nuo stood up, lightly holding a document in his hand, and stepped in front of the defendant, Shan Shurou. When he spoke, his voice was surprisingly cold: "Miss Shan, according to this will you provided, your father has left over 90% of his assets to you. I would like to ask how you feel about this"

Jian Nuo closed her eyes for a moment, coughed twice with effort, and when she opened them again, she felt much better. She smiled at him and said, "It's nothing, I'm fine." The way she blinked had a hint of mischief. Luo Yi Heng smiled at her, took the tissue that Lin Shan handed over for her to wipe her eyes, and only felt relieved after confirming that she was truly fine. The three figures then stepped up the stairs and entered the courthouse

Unexpectedly, Jian Nuo would have such a question, and the defendant's lawyer was momentarily taken aback. Suddenly, he thought of something and turned his head to look at Luo Yiheng, only to see him casually raising an eyebrow. He immediately understood that this peculiar habit was instilled in the seemingly gentle and refined plaintiff's lawyer by the man beside him. Thus, he helplessly replied, "Yes"

Compensation? Jian Nuo felt an inexplicable sadness for Shan Shu Rou in her heart. When she uttered the words "compensation," did she not hate her father even more for giving her life but not raising her? So much so that when the old man was critically ill, she disregarded others' objections and rushed to the hospital to demand her inheritance, even resorting to improper means to obtain that will.

The case has reached this point, and a conclusion will not be reached immediately. New evidence must undergo rigorous authentication and verification to ensure its authenticity and validity; therefore, this court session will come to a temporary close. As for the method by which Shan Shurou coerced her father to change his will, it is believed that there will be an investigation into the matter.

When the defendant's lawyer finished questioning, the female presiding judge turned her gaze slightly towards Jian Nuo and said softly, "Please allow the plaintiff's lawyer to proceed with the questioning"

The man who took his seat in the public gallery at the last minute before the hearing gazed at the adjacent backs of the two individuals, a sense of inexplicable melancholy surging deep within his eyes. The moment was fleeting, quickly vanishing, and soon those eyes returned to their cold demeanor, concealing any inner turmoil. Only the sharp lines of his profile remained strikingly severe, taut to the point of losing some softness.

Unsurprisingly, at the same moment, all the attendees' gazes turned towards the right wrist of the defendant's lawyer, where indeed a valuable watch was worn.

Jian Nuo did not rush to speak; she took a moment to calm her emotions, slightly lowered her gaze, and then a faint smile appeared at the corners of her lips. "Everyone present knows that both wills have been verified and confirmed to be genuine. But just imagine, how could a clear-minded person inexplicably create two wills with entirely different contents? Therefore, one of them must have been made under duress. Upon careful comparison, I found that Miss Shan Shuro's will is indeed quite different." After a pause, her gaze lightly swept over Miss Shan Shuro's face, which showed surprise and panic, and she continued, "The handwriting style of the small amount of content that needs to be filled in by Mr. Shan is clearly different from his long-standing habits."

"The questions raised by the defendant's lawyer are precisely what I will address next," Jian Nuo said with a faint smile, responding calmly: "Everyone has challenges they cannot overcome, and Mr. Shan is no exception. Although he has a passion for calligraphy, he has not grasped its essence. Aside from his beautifully written characters with a fine art pen, his mastery of traditional Chinese writing techniques is not proficient. However, Mr. Shan is very skilled at leveraging his strengths and avoiding his weaknesses; for characters he is not confident in, he always writes in simplified form, concealing his shortcomings from view"

With a sigh, Jian Nuo spoke again, her tone unexpectedly revealing a hint of aggressiveness: "So, Miss Dan still insists that the will was made by your father voluntarily and while he was in a clear state of mind?"

Twenty minutes later, Luo Yiheng's car stopped in the underground parking lot, one hundred meters away from the courthouse, and then he walked with Jian Nuo and Lin Shan. As they reached the square in front of the courthouse, a gust of wind blew, and a tiny grain of sand was swept into Jian Nuo's eye. She instinctively turned around, and her eyes suddenly hurt so much that she could not open them.

However, the crux of this case does not lie in whether the distribution of assets is equitable, but rather in the fact that the will held by Shan Shurou is completely different from that of Shan Shuxi. The will in her possession states: "The heir to the Shan family estate is my beloved daughter Shan Shurou, and the two properties under my name, the villa located in the northern district belongs to Shan Shurou, while the apartment located in the southern district belongs to Shan Shuxi." The will was established a few days before the elder's passing.

In just a few minutes, the white clouds in the sky quickly gathered, and soon the sky was overcast with dark clouds, making it impossible to see a single ray of sunlight, which created a sense of oppression. The wind blowing in carried fine dust and gravel mixed with heavy moisture, which was blocked outside the glass window. Suddenly, the outside world became even gloomier, evoking a feeling of an impending mountain rain.

In the lounge, Jian Nuo met with the client, Mr. Dan Shuxi. He focused intently on the materials brought by Mr. Dan, and only after finishing them did he ask: "Since when has Mr. Dan developed such a writing habit?"

Am I being unreasonable to say that as long as we wait for the judge to complete the authentication of the materials signed by Mr. Dan in seal script over the past ten years, we can reach a conclusion? If necessary, my client can also provide all the documents and materials related to Dan's real estate since its establishment for verification. " Suddenly, her voice turned cold, and Jian Nuo presented all the materials in her hand, "In this set of materials, there is a detailed list of more than sixty-six traditional Chinese characters that Mr. Dan is accustomed to writing.

As the crowd dispersed, Jian Nuo rose with Luo Yi Heng. Qing Tong inadvertently glanced at the slowly closing door when a tall and slender figure suddenly entered her line of sight. She was momentarily stunned, her entire being frozen in place as if turned to stone. At that moment, she seemed to realize that the unusual change in weather today was a harbinger of the rapid turning of the wheel of fate, about to shatter everything that seemed already predetermined.

As several jurors and the female presiding judge took their places, the court session officially commenced

As a practicing lawyer, Luo Yiheng has encountered such matters more than once, which is not surprising. After all, the traditional mindset of valuing sons over daughters has deeply rooted itself in the hearts of the older generation since ancient times. Moreover, according to Shan Shuxi, his father has always felt guilty towards his wife for the mistakes he made in his youth, having once promised never to allow his illegitimate daughter to step into the Shan family, and has explicitly stated that he would not allow Shan Shuru to inherit even a fraction of his wealth

As soon as these words were spoken, the solemn courtroom was immediately stirred. The serious-looking female judge also turned her head in surprise to look over, while the defendant's lawyer seemed to have the intention to rise and refute, but was interrupted by Jian Nuo, who said: "Miss Sang, do you know that your father has a great passion for calligraphy, and over many years of practice, he has developed some unique habits?"

This does not rule out the possibility that Mr. Dan corrected his writing habits when he revised his will. After all, strictly speaking, the characters we commonly use in writing are not traditional Chinese characters. The defendant's lawyer quickly retorted, attempting to regain the sudden disadvantage, "Moreover, since he is accustomed to writing in traditional characters, why are only certain characters traditional? Why not the entire text in traditional characters?"

The briefcase in his hand was cleverly taken by Lin Shan, and Luo Yiheng pressed down on her hand, tilting his head to look at her already reddened eyes. He leaned in and blew gently, speaking in a soft voice: "Is it feeling any better?" His right hand rested on her shoulder, while his left hand supported her wrist, and the posture of leaning in and tilting his head appeared to others as if he were about to kiss her

Jian Nuo turned sideways and glanced back, meeting the gaze of Luo Yi Heng, and a confident smile appeared on her face. The smile at the corners of Luo Yi Heng's lips deepened, his gaze lingering on her face, which radiated an aura of innocence. A strange feeling surged within him, and he could only perceive the girl before him as exquisite and enchanting.

The sudden gust of wind lifted Luo Yiheng's hair slightly, her tall figure shielding her from the gaze cast by the approaching business car. Her eyes, flickering and changing, quietly observed everything happening not far away, slowly, cold as a blade.

Jian Nuolian, seated at the plaintiff's counsel table, lowered her eyes and listened attentively to the questions posed by the defendant's lawyer, her expression focused and serious. Luo Yiheng sat beside her, the smile at the corners of his lips gradually fading, his demeanor calm and unperturbed

Opposed. Jian Nuo only asked a question, and the defendant's lawyer quickly stood up, his gaze sweeping over her before settling on the direction of the female presiding judge: "Your Honor, I object to the plaintiff's lawyer asking questions that are irrelevant to this case"

Shan Shuxi, who wore gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, was unaware of why Jian Nuo had suddenly asked him to prepare these materials last night. After reflecting carefully upon her question, he replied: "Since I can remember, he has always written materials this way. My mother told me that my father has been interested in calligraphy since his student days, but unfortunately, his talent and comprehension are not very high. Although he has developed a habit, it is limited to the writing of individual characters and books that differ from others." Seeing the corners of Jian Nuo's lips slightly rise, he asked in confusion: "Is this helpful for the case?"

You are talking nonsense. Shan Shuru felt a great turmoil within her, her wandering gaze turned towards her lawyer in an attempt to seek help, "It is not like that, I did not."

With a slight tug at the corners of his lips, Luo Yiheng smiled without speaking. Looking at her clear black eyes sparkling with unusual brilliance, he recalled the excited phone call she made late last night, saying she had discovered an important clue, and a sense of indescribable admiration lingered in his heart. Even he, a seasoned lawyer who had been through countless battles, had overlooked the subtle details that she had managed to uncover. Coupled with the materials brought by Shan Shuxi, winning this lawsuit would be a challenge he could hardly avoid.

Upon discovering subtle differences between the two wills, Jian Nuo immediately called Luo Yi Heng. After discussing with him, she contacted Shan Shu Xi. Understanding Mr. Shan's unique writing habits, she instructed him to prepare these contracts and documents before today's court appearance.

Leaving the lounge, Jian Nuo walked side by side with Luo Yi Heng along the corridor. He tilted his head and whispered something to her, then pointed to his right hand as if to remind her when she inquired. Jian Nuo first frowned, then understood, and a pleasing smile curved at the corners of her lips

Shu Rou's expression revealed a hint of disgust. After a moment of thought, she said: "I was quite shocked at the time. After all, such a distribution of assets would surely provoke my brother's dissatisfaction, so I advised him to reconsider. However, he was very insistent, saying that everything he was giving me was a form of compensation for his twenty years of neglect towards us mother and daughter. As for my brother, he is a man, and his career should be built by himself"

Is it irrelevant? Jian Nuo smiled gently and stated calmly: "Your Honor, why has everything originally intended for the biological son suddenly been transferred to the daughter who has been studying abroad and has little contact? I believe this is a question many people have. My inquiry into Miss Shan's thoughts is to have her tell us what considerations led her father to make such a decision. I believe that when Mr. Shan 'revised' the will, he must have said something to Miss Shan." My inquiry into Miss Shan's thoughts is to have her tell us what considerations led her father to make such a decision. I believe that when Mr. Shan 'revised' the will, he must have said something to Miss Shan.

The female presiding judge pondered for a moment and then looked at the defendant's lawyer: "Please have the defendant answer the plaintiff's lawyer's question"

The plaintiff's lawyer's argument seems rather forced. The phrase "to highlight strengths while avoiding weaknesses" appears to sidestep a crucial point of contention.

The natural product revealed the sarcasm in the defendant's lawyer's words. Jian Nuo suppressed a smile and, when she spoke, her presence was imposing: "Then let me illustrate once again the saying that while the mountains and rivers may change, one's nature is hard to alter." After a slight pause, her gaze swept over his wrist, and she asked: "May I inquire, defendant's lawyer, do you have a habit of wearing a watch on your right wrist?"

Jin Nuo raised her gaze to look at her, her black eyes sharp as they uttered four astonishing words: "You are lying"

Perhaps no one could have anticipated such a dramatic turn of events in the case, as the faces of everyone in the courtroom, as well as those in the *illustration* book, displayed astonishment. This has led to a newfound respect for the young lawyer with a doll-like face.

In the will held by Shan Shuxi, Mr. Shan bequeathed the Shan family business to him, while also allocating two properties under his name to his two children respectively. In other words, Mr. Shan effectively bequeathed ninety percent of his assets to his son, with the remaining ten percent going to his illegitimate daughter

Luo Yiheng, dressed in a dark formal suit, exchanged a glance with Jian Nuo, who was momentarily taken aback, and smiled faintly: "This is a great help"

Shu Rou's expression clearly showed impatience as she said softly, "Yes"

The complexity does not lie in why there are two vastly different wills, but rather in the perplexing fact that, after handwriting verification, the signatures on the wills are all indeed in the handwriting of the late Mr. Shan. This eliminates the suspicion that the wills were forged. So, why did Mr. Shan suddenly change his mind and bequeath everything originally intended for his son to his illegitimate daughter just before his death? Shan Shuxi does not believe that his father would go back on the promise made to his mother by leaving the majority of his estate to Shan Shurou. Therefore, he took her to court.

"What habit?" Shan Shu Rou had not yet realized the sudden turn of events, and her tone was quite provocative

This time, Jian Nuo is handling a case of inheritance dispute. Her client, Shan Shuxi, is the daughter of a well-known entrepreneur in Yicheng. Mr. Shan passed away due to illness, leaving behind a substantial estate. As the legal heir, Shan Shuxi was preparing to officially take over the company according to her father's will when her half-sister, Shan Shurou, unexpectedly presented another shocking will to prevent her from assuming the position of president.

Dan Shuxi took off his glasses and rubbed his brow, his expression slightly weary: "Lawyer Jian, will we win?" After the previous two court hearings, the situation was quite unfavorable for him, and Dan Shuxi couldn't help but feel a bit worried

Luo Yiheng did not expect her to ask such a question, and with his thick brows slightly furrowed, he replied: "Your assumption is unfounded. I am not him, and I will not reach that point."

Luo Yiheng skillfully maneuvered the vehicle, turning the steering wheel as the car smoothly glided onto the street. His gaze inadvertently glanced at the rearview mirror, faintly sensing something, his thick brows slightly furrowing. Turning to Jian Nuo, who was fastening her seatbelt while on the phone with the client, quickly jotting down notes, he hesitated to speak.

The case is extremely unfavorable for Shan Shuxi after two rounds of hearings. Although Jian Nuo called Mr. Shan's special caretaker to testify, pointing out that Shan Shuro had a fierce argument with her father when he was gravely ill, even causing the elderly man to go two days without food, this is not sufficient to prove that he would not leave his property to her. Furthermore, the will in Shan Shuro's possession was established after her brother's will. If the plaintiff, Shan Shuxi, cannot provide favorable evidence to prove that Shan Shuro's will was established when their father was not in a clear state of mind or was unwilling, according to inheritance law, Shan Shuro will become the primary beneficiary of the estate.