Section 1

She listened, only to feel a buzzing chaos in her ears

On the bustling streets of spring, she wore a sharp and composed professional outfit, with a wide, flowing pure white silk scarf swaying in front of her, concealing her eight-month pregnant belly. Her steps were steady, and her expression was calm, revealing nothing of her current thoughts.

You are currently in a state of separation; are you considering divorce? Will you fight for custody of the child? There are widespread rumors about Tong Shao and Jiang Zhaoyuan; what is your stance on this? The entertainment gossip reporter approached.

Being able to join Zhengqing Law Firm immediately upon graduation has already proven your exceptional talent, and you are the apprentice I selected from twenty newcomers, so you must have confidence. Today's case is extremely important, and it is also our first collaboration as master and apprentice, so you need to remain calm; our opponent is formidable. Go ahead and eat; being well-fed will boost your confidence. Her kind smile made He Xijia unable to associate this version of Ruan Manjun with the reputedly stern and impartial lawyer described in external rumors. Go ahead and eat; being well-fed will boost your confidence. Her kind smile made He Xijia unable to associate this version of Ruan Manjun with the reputedly stern and impartial lawyer described in external rumors.

He Xijia paradoxically said: "I both want us to win and want us to lose. If we win against Lawyer Jiang, we will have fought for our client's legitimate rights and interests, and we can also hold our heads high. Lawyer Jiang's attitude towards Master is truly arrogant; she is the only one in the Zhengqing Law Firm who does not regard Master highly. However, if we win, it will mean that we have completely offended Young Master Tong, and in the future..."

A black RV was parked not far away, with the driver's side window rolled down halfway, revealing his profile. He sat in the car, quietly observing Manjun through the rearview mirror, then turned back to say to Jiang Zhaoyuan behind him, "Lawyer Jiang, you go in first, I will be there shortly."

At a distance of more than ten meters from the courthouse building, sharp-eyed reporters spotted her. In an instant, various groups surrounded her, blocking the road completely. She used one hand to protect her abdomen and tightly held onto He Xijia's hand with the other.

Manjun, may this life be spent with you in gentle companionship, as the white clouds do not envy the land of immortals

Law and emotion, she chose the law, and thus prepared herself mentally to face the ensuing criticism

"I am sorry, Master. I am unable to do anything well and require your assistance in every aspect. It is already very difficult for you to be pregnant, yet I cannot even manage the simplest tasks." He Xijia said carefully as she put on her shoes

The Bible says: Love is like capturing the wind, hatred is like morning dew

In the distance, a voice sneered: "What is there to be proud of? Do you still think of yourself as the once-glorious Mrs. Tong? After the lawsuit, you have become the abandoned wife of the Tong family. Without Tong Zhuoyao, you, Ruan Manjun, are nothing! We journalists look down on women like you, who are so heartless and ungrateful."

"Lawyer Ruan, you are about to give birth, why are you still taking on this case, especially when the defendant is the Tong Group? We all know that the president of the Tong Group, Tong Zhuoyao, is your husband. Please explain, is this a publicity stunt, or are you colluding with each other, or does it mean that your marriage has reached its end?" The reporter spoke at a rapid pace, finishing the statement in just a few seconds, almost thrusting the microphone into her face.

"Alright, I will stand here, and no one will obstruct your path, Lawyer Ruan." As soon as he finished speaking, reporters from all directions automatically stepped back, clearing a path.

"The master is right, I will remember it carefully," He Xijia said obediently, nodding her head.

People have no set time, yet the flowers come as scheduled. The one who sends the flowers will no longer trouble himself to win her favor. To this, she believes it is his decision; their differing positions have shattered the pre-established balance and intimacy. She will not give up; no matter what, she must win this lawsuit.

She no longer wishes to chase after shadows, in the morning dew and evening glow. Under the pouring spring light, her hair glimmers with a captivating sheen. It is time to cease feeling disheartened and faded; winter must bid farewell

He Xijia stepped forward and shouted, "All of you, step aside! Can't you see that my master is pregnant? If something happens, which one of you can take responsibility!"

Perhaps it is because her own emotions are in disarray that she has directed some criticism towards He Xijia

She met his gaze and said, "Mr. Tong, thank you for your kindness. Please take good care of these reporters; I do not wish to be entangled by them because of you"

She did not look back and walked straight ahead, saying: "Your mother threatened me, and I have endured it time and again. Once the lawsuit is over, I will find a way to protect my visitation rights, so you need not worry about that. You should focus on discussing this morning's hearing with your lawyer, Jiang."

Even if he hates her to the bone, even if their relationship has completely severed, she is a lawyer, and she cannot tolerate the person she loves deeply violating her legal principles

And she repeatedly reminded herself: Ruan Manjun, be loyal to your duties and your original intention, you must do your utmost to win this case, it is he who should have lost, you cannot let personal feelings interfere

"We are about to arrive at the courthouse, where there will be a large number of media reporters. Follow me and do not panic. This is your first court session, and you are facing a case that has captured the attention of all of Shanghai. It is normal to feel nervous. With me here, relax a bit and take a deep breath." She patted He Xijia on the shoulder.

"I am sorry, but I have no comment until the lawsuit reaches a conclusion. Please step aside." She responded indifferently

"Lawyer Ruan, do you need my assistance?" He spoke in a polite yet condescending tone

In the midst of the reporters jostling, it was unclear who had bumped into her abdomen; she held on, finding it somewhat strenuous

He said behind her: "You haven't seen Li for half a month, don't you want to see him?"

She gazed at him, this man with clean features, whose eyes were filled with strangeness. "Lawyer Ruan," such a title spoken from his mouth carried a certain irony

"You are so confident that you will win? Taking me to court, it seems you find a sense of accomplishment in that," he said, a cold smile playing on his stern face. This smile was a mockery of himself, as it was the woman he deeply loved who had pushed him towards utter defeat.

He Xijia was carrying a briefcase and holding a large piece of bread in his hand, taking big bites. Since it was his first time wearing high heels and an A-line skirt, he walked very awkwardly. Unexpectedly, while walking, one of his shoes fell off, leaving him to awkwardly stand on one foot, bowing his head, with a look of embarrassment and nervousness on his face

Passing by a flower shop, the shopkeeper was leisurely moving flowers out of the store, a large bouquet of budding lilies standing quietly in a rugged high-waisted ceramic vase

Soon, numerous voices of agreement were all condemning her for her heartlessness and lack of loyalty

Jiang Zhaoyuan, a mixed-race beauty, appeared even more stunning against the backdrop of her light purple makeup. Carrying a briefcase, she smiled gently and said, "Alright, I will wait for you in the lounge on the second floor to prepare for the hearing."

Love and hate are but a matter of an instant

She slowly crouched down to pick up the fallen high heel shoe for He Xijia, which was black leather with a short, slender heel. She gently placed it beside He Xijia's left foot and extended her hand to support He Xijia's arm

Oh, no, it is someone I once loved deeply

The financial journalist squeezed in, seizing the opportunity to speak: "The outcome of today's lawsuit will directly determine the stock market direction of the Tong Group tomorrow. If the Tong Group loses this time, the entire group will face a financial crisis and a crisis of trust, with an expected regression in group interests by two years. Lawyer Ruan should have anticipated this situation. May I ask if you are confident of victory, so that our shareholders can be prepared?"

She looked at He Xijia, so much like her younger self when she first entered the field, filled with numerous dreams and a deep respect for the legal profession, plunging headlong into the world of law, with great ambition to uphold the rule of law and maintain public order and morals. In the blink of an eye, these years have passed, and the person she once was is long gone, yet she has never forgotten her original intention

She remained silent, striving to find a way out amidst the crowded cameras and microphones

"So, do you hope for us to win, or do you hope for us to lose?" She smiled gently, revealing her clean and well-aligned teeth

She happened to turn around and saw He Xijia's embarrassment

We have not yet divorced, so how can there be visitation rights

Do not harass her any further, otherwise your general manager will receive a complaint call this afternoon. Do not test my patience, as I do not wish to deal with the press. " After delivering his warning, he finally left. He watched her silhouette; despite her good disguise, he could still see how arduous her heavy body was as she approached her due date.

He got out of the car and strode towards the excited crowd of reporters. He pushed through the crowd and walked up to her. He was wearing that blue and white striped shirt with the dark jade buttons. She remembered that she had personally washed and neatly folded this shirt and placed it in the wardrobe

The journalists are eagerly watching, treating every line of dialogue between them as a clue for digging deeper into the matter

She held He Xijia's hand and walked forward resolutely, no longer looking at him

She interrupted He Xijia and said: "Your viewpoint and stance, if not changed, will make it difficult for you to become an excellent lawyer in the future. Firstly, as a lawyer, you are still unclear about your own position on the day of the court hearing; secondly, seeking personal revenge is a major taboo for lawyers. Lawyer Jiang has her own exceptional qualities, and even the director and Lawyer Cheng Suqing respect her. You and I should understand this principle even more."

He Xijia took a deep breath, her baby face appearing youthful, giving the impression of someone who has not yet experienced much of the world

Her assistant, He Xijia, closely followed behind her

He Xijia gathered his courage and asked a question he had pondered for a long time but had been hesitant to bring up: "Master, do we really have to win this lawsuit? The outcome of this case is crucial to the entire operation of the Tong Group in the second half of the year. If we win, Tong's stock might plummet tomorrow. I have friends who are fans of Tong's stocks, and everyone is concerned about this lawsuit."

I won the lawsuit, so you will naturally divorce me