Chapter 382: Chapter 382 My lady, apart from Song Zhizhi, it could be no one else!

Translator: 549690339

“I will not mince words.” Ji Yunlei spoke slowly and deliberately, “Your marriage with Song Zhizhi, ends here.”

Ji Baijian looked at Ji Yunlei, unmoving.

Ji Yunlei knew he couldn’t force his son, but at that moment, he still expressed his stance clearly, “The Ji Family may not be descendants of a prominent lineage and may not hold high-ranking positions, but we are influential tycoons in Jin City. Lately, there’s been one scandal after another in our family. The earliest one being about your sister Ji Baixin, who created quite a stir with Li Wenjun, causing our family to lose face in high society. Now, Li Wenjun has made a name for himself. Of course, it’s insignificant compared to our family, but at least he has his own business now, which is acceptable. They are living quietly now, and I can turn a blind eye to it. After all, I never expected Ji Baixin to bring any honor to our family.”

Ji Baijian remained silent.

Ji Yunlei spoke seriously, “Then, there’s your younger brother, Ji Baili. I initially thought his match with Xin Zaozao was a good union, but Xin Zaozao created such a scene, turning our engagement banquet into a public spectacle. I, Ji Yunlei, have been in the business world for years and have never been so humiliated. Even thinking about it now still irritates me! If it wasn’t for Xin Zaozao being sensible and offering 5% of her company shares, I don’t know how I could have overcome this hurdle.”

“Now it’s you. I thought you’d be the least troubling and worrisome, but then this incident with Song Zhizhi! Do you know how bad her reputation is right now? Anything concerning the interests of Yanshang Country turns her into a target for public criticism. Even if Ye Wenhan hadn’t reminded me, I had already planned to end your relationship with Song Zhizhi. To top it off, Song Shan, for his own power, distanced himself from Song Zhizhi as soon as possible.” Ji Yunlei’s tone was very strict.

“Please stay out of my matters with Song Zhizhi.” Ji Baijian’s tone was respectful but not open to refutation.

Ji Yunlei’s expression changed dramatically, “Ji Baijian, I am not negotiating with you.”

“Neither am I.” Ji Baijian contradicted.

Ji Yunlei continued, “Do you know how much influence a figure like Song Zhizhi can have on our family? She’s accused of injuring the nation’s interests, and she’s been condemned incessantly by everyone. More importantly, under our Jihong Group’s consumer goods including hotel restaurants and international online shopping platforms, people have already begun initiating boycotts. Now, I am busy controlling public opinion to minimize the impact. If the situation continues to worsen, do you think we can hold on for long?!”

“I will handle it.”

“Ji Baijian.” Ji Yunlei’s face darkened, “I’ve always left your affairs untouched. From your childhood till now, I rarely interfered with any of your decisions. But on this matter, there is no room for negotiation! You must divorce Song Zhizhi!”

“Dad.” Ji Baijian spoke with a grim expression, his seriousness making Ji Yunlei tense. He said, “Marriage is not a child’s play, nor is it based on interests. I chose to marry Song Zhizhi, thus, I’ve decided to spend my life with her. In this world, aside from Song Zhizhi, there is no other woman who can become my wife.”

Ji Yunlei wanted to speak again.

Ji Baijian interrupted directly, “This is my bottom line.”

Bottom line.

Untouchable.

Ji Yunlei’s face darkened immensely.

Ji Baijian respectfully bowed and walked out.

By this time, Ji Baili had already returned to the banquet hall.

He cautiously stood a little distance away from them, fearful of being implicated.

But his older brother was really amazing!

With just a few words, he managed to anger their father to the point of near-collapse. His presence was so intense that their father couldn’t even rebut it and just took it.

Ji Baili thought about where he got the guts to challenge his older brother before.

Thankfully, he has returned to his senses now.

His eyes followed his older brother’s retreating figure.

He just felt that whenever his brother was serious, the air within a ten-meter radius always seemed to thin out.

Ji Baijian left the banquet hall.

He knew that there were many eyes around him.

He walked into the backyard and smoked a cigarette.

Someone suddenly appeared beside him.

Ji Baijian glanced at the person.

Jun Mingyu said, “I thought you would be too busy dealing with Song Zhizhi’s issues and wouldn’t have the time to come.”

“I’m surrounded by spies.” Meaning: he really couldn’t personally handle many things.

“Me too,” Jun Mingyu chimed in with the same underlying meaning—he also couldn’t help him.

The two people stood there in silence.

The tense atmosphere.

Jun Mingyu stated, “My father finally remembered to arrange for my marriage today. I was sent here to host tonight’s charity banquet, but the real reason is to have me settled down.”

Ji Baijian turned to look at him.

“A blind date,” Jun Mingyu said, “A lady of a respectable family.”

Ji Baijian was always indifferent to other people’s affairs.

Jun Mingyu also felt that it would be no different from talking to himself if he was to share his troubles with Ji Baijian. So, he decided not to linger there any longer, “I’m going in the hall now.”

Ji Baijian nodded.

Jun Mingyu returned to the banquet hall.

Ji Baijian finished smoking and also left.

He did not go to the banquet hall but directly left the charity banquet.

After all, his father represents the Jihong Group, and it is enough for him to be there.

He is not in the mood to deal with those business intrigues and superficial courtesies now.

He drove around the streets.

He was constantly thinking about the case of Song Zhizhi in his mind.

First, how to break the witness’s testimony.

Second, how to find the real destination of that 500,000!

And he only had one week’s time.

He believed that with the methods of Ye Wenhan and Jun Minghan, there would definitely not be a second chance for appeal. Once the first trial verdict was established, there would be no second chance.

He parked his car in the Airport District.

He sat in the car, did not get out, opened the window, and smoked a cigarette.

He was trying to calm himself down and think about some things. Bit by bit, he felt that anything that wasn’t a fact would have flaws.

First of all.

Song Zhizhi was in charge of the demolition, and all the residents involved in the demolition case had already signed their agreements. Sudden violence was very strange. Qian Guanshu and Ye Wenhan insisted on exposing the news only when they talked about their entry on that day to make the incident the biggest. This way, Song Zhizhi would become an object despised by everyone. However, once examined carefully, the incident was somewhat too coincidental.

The logic can be justified, but how to get tangible evidence? The court would not look at how reasonable your talk is. Without evidence, it is all fabrication!

Ji Baijian smoked a bunch of cigarettes.

The witnesses were controlled by Ye Wenhan, and their testimonies had been planned by them in advance. Without any third-party involvement, there was no evidence to prove that the witnesses were deliberately framed!

Ji Baijian extinguished the last cigarette butt!

The only way is to find evidence from the witness.

He did not stay and drove away.

The person watching him saw him leave, picked up the phone and dialed, “He just sat in the car for a while, smoked a cigarette, didn’t get out of the car, and nobody approached.”

“Okay, I got it. Keep watching.”

“Yes.”

While driving, Ji Baijian called the lawyer for Song Zhizhi, who was Wen Tian, who had previously represented Song Zhizhi in her lawsuit.

Because of Song Zhizhi’s previous case, Wen Tian made quite a name for himself. Yet, as a newcomer who had offended his seniors, he wasn’t developing smoothly due to the deliberate suppression by his seniors. However, such an experience forced him to improve his capabilities. His knowledge of law and defense ability has greatly improved now.

At least the first time Song Zhizhi asked him to be her defense lawyer, he was so timid that he didn’t dare to accept it. This time, he agreed readily. Yet, he knew that this case is more complex than the last one and involves the reputation of the whole Yanshang Country.

Wen Tian had received calls from Ji Baijian more than once.

They were all asking about the current situation of the case.

This time was no exception.

This time Ji Baijian was very direct, “Lawyer Wen, let’s meet.”

“Okay, should I come to you?”

“No need, just tell me your address.”

“Okay.”

Ji Baijian hung up the phone and looked at the location on his phone.

He arrived as quickly as possible.

Wen Tian was waiting for him at home.

A rather ordinary bachelor apartment.

“Mr. Ji.” Wen Tian brought a cup of tea to Ji Baijian.

Ji Baijian nodded slightly, saying thank you.

The two sat on the sofa in the living room.

Ji Baijian got straight to the point, “Give me the prosecution content and the facts of the case you got from the authorities.”

“Here.” Wen Tian handed him a file.

Ji Baijian took it and reviewed it seriously.

He took out the information of the key witness and scrutinized it over and over again.

Wen Tian was sitting next to him, quietly waiting.

Ji Baijian spoke softly, “Liang Ping, an unmarried local from Gudao Village, Yancheng County. He came to Jin City to work when he was 16, and has been doing unofficial jobs, mainly collecting protection money, chasing high-interest loans, and getting revenge for others. His income ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 a month. He had been jailed twice, both for fights and brawls. The first sentence was 2 years, the second was 3 years. He’s a habitual offender.”

Wen Tian looked at Ji Baijian, “Mr. Ji, do you have any doubts?”

Ji Baijian didn’t respond.

He was just deep in thought.

Liang Ping obviously was a local thug and wouldn’t be working originally for Ye Wenhan or Qian Guanshu. Thus, it’s quite certain that he was bought off. Considering his current job nature, it was typical that he was taking the money to take the disaster for others, and then enjoys the rich and glorious life after serving for several years in prison. It would be no more than normal for him.

He asked Wen Tian, “Do you have Liang Ping’s residential address and his usual activity trajectory?”

“We do have his residential address. As for his usual activity trajectory…” Wen Tian thought for a moment, “I’ll go to the judiciary tomorrow to see if I can get one.”

“You give me the address first.” Ji Baijian said, “Don’t do anything else rashly for now, listen to my plan.”

“Okay.” Wen Tian nodded.

He found Liang Ping’s address from the file bag, “This is his usual address in Jin City, and this is his hometown address.”

Ji Baijian took a photo as a record.

He stood up, “Sorry for the interruption.”

“Mr. Ji.” Wen Tian addressed him, “Ms. Song’s case is different from the last one, it involves a lot. I checked it, if she really is convicted for damage to the national interests, according to the laws of Yanshang Country, she will be sentenced to at least fifteen years. Considering the high direct economic loss caused by Ms. Song, she might be sentenced to life imprisonment. Even if the state’s economic losses can be compensated, it would also be at least 25 years.”

“I know.”

“Ms. Song has done good things for me, Mr. Ji, if you have any orders just instruct, I will do my best for Ms. Song’s case.”

Ji Baijian spoke frankly, “Just don’t be bought off by anyone.”

Wen Tian was taken aback.

Ji Baijian left directly.

He drove and didn’t go anywhere else, and he went straight back to his apartment.

A person who had been tailing Ji Baijian saw him go back home, and then he picked up the phone to make a call, “He went to Wen Tian’s place, stayed for about half an hour, and then left straight home.”

“Continue to keep an eye on him.”

“Yes.”

Ji Baijian opened the door to the house.

Tank was lying in the hall, and when he saw someone coming, he got up and ran over.

Ji Baijian gave Tank a glance but didn’t approach him.

Tank felt somewhat wronged and lay down on the side.

Ji Baijian just sat on his couch.

He looked somewhat worn out.

He had barely slept since Song Zhizhi’s incident up until now.

The time he was away from Jin City, he knew their opponents were deliberately luring the tiger away from the mountain. He fell into their trap simply because he took this time to tend to other matters, and upon his return, and the start of his investigation of Song Zhizhi’s case, he realized he was being observed.

He leaned on the couch, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought.

He needed to do something secretly to divert people’s attention.

Otherwise, once his movements are exposed, the others will certainly eliminate the evidence.

After thinking for a while, he picked up the phone and dialed.

“Elder Brother,” Ji Baili answered, “where did you go? The banquet just ended, and Dad is furious.”

“Don’t go home tonight. It’s too late. Just go straight to the address I’ll tell you about later. Call me when you get there and do as I say.”

“Huh?” Ji Baili looked confused.

“Don’t ask too much about the rest. If Dad asks, just tell him you have something to deal with and don’t let him know what you’re doing.”

“Oh.”

Ji Baijian hung up the phone.

Truly, there are no fish that Red Eye can’t catch. He didn’t believe he couldn’t find the evidence to exonerate Song Zhizhi.

He got up and went upstairs.

Upstairs in the bedroom, on the big bed, the sheets were wrinkled, clearly showing that Song Zhizhi had slept there and left in a hurry without making the bed.

He was holding back his emotions.

He knew that Song Zhizhi was strong, but thinking about the injustice that Song Zhizhi had endured, thinking about what Ye Wenhan had done… the bloodthirsty look in his eyes was self-evident!

The next day.

The news of the official family charity dinner was broadcast nationwide.

The Jihong Group, with the highest donation amount, became the headline news, with many people reporting it.

What looked like positive publicity, some people intentionally distorted the facts.

In the comment section, someone wrote, “Jihong Group only donated for show, to buy news hotspots.”

Some comments read, “The Jihong Group is the typical capitalist, claiming to be a major charity organization, which is all a deceit! Song Zhizhi did such a heinous thing, yet Jihong Group hasn’t taken any stand, I even heard that Ji Baijian was trying to lighten Song Zhizhi’s sentence. This act is shielding Song Zhizhi, blatantly disregarding our country’s reputation! As Yanshang Country’s largest Consortium, Jihong’s behavior really disappoints me, I propose to boycott all consumption of Jihong Group!”

This comment received a lot of support.

Ji Baijian laid on the bed reading them.

The phone rang at this moment.

It was his father’s call.

Obviously, he was also furious about the news commentary.

Ji Baijian directly hung up, not answering.

No explanation was useful right now.

He put the phone aside, got up, looking quite indifferent.

The news kept fermenting.

It started with the charity dinner, but by mid-morning, it had turned into a public condemnation of the Jihong Group!

Ye Wenhan sat in his office at the Commercial Management institution, enjoying the direction of the news.

He wanted to see whether Ji Baijian, who loved Song Zhizhi so much, would choose love or benefits when push comes to shove!

He didn’t believe that Ji Baijian would remain indifferent when the Ji Family’s stock market was plummeting.

He turned off the news, picked up the phone and dialed Weng Cheng “The news effect is good, keep it up.”

Weng Cheng was praised and he was very sycophantic, “Mr. Ye, you are my benefactor, my second parents. I will do my best for everything you ask. You can rest assured!”

“It’s worth risking everything to keep you,” Ye Wenhan looked very gratified, “But this is just a little bit of the benefits you will taste, there will be even more benefits for you in the future.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ye.” Weng Cheng was very excited.

Ye Wenhan was too fond of being adored and flattered by people.

He hung up the call, the smile on his face was hard to hide.

At the same time.

The office door was suddenly pushed open.

Ye Wenhan’s smile vanished abruptly, looking very serious.

Qian Guanshu closed his office door and cut to the chase, “The current situation looks good. What is Ji Baijian up to?”

“He seems to be trying to find evidence to absolve Song Zhizhi, but he can’t get started.” Ye Wenhan said, “Dad has considered this matter very thoughtfully, there is no way Ji Baijian will be able to find any evidence in such a short time. Moreover, I have confirmed with Jun Minghan that once the sentence is passed, there will be no chance for a second hearing.”

Qian Guanshu nodded.

He seemed satisfied with the progress of the case.

His face suddenly darkened, “Speaking of Jun Minghan, he called me yesterday and said you went to see Song Zhizhi.”

Ye Wenhan hurriedly explained, “I just received a message that Ji Baijian had gone, so I wanted to ask what Ji Baijian and Song Zhizhi had talked about.”

“He said you were trying to do something to Song Zhizhi.”

“It wasn’t me, it was Song Zhizhi who was deliberately tempting me…”

“Anyway, just remember clearly for now, do not cause any problems before everything is settled. You just need to do as I have arranged, don’t try to be smart and unnecessarily complicate things.”

“Okay.” Ye Wenhan nodded.

But he was still a little upset.

All this time, his father had never trusted him.

Qian Guanshu didn’t care about Ye Wenhan’s mood, he suddenly changed the subject, “After this matter, we have a big job to do.”

“I know, bringing down Song Shan.”

“Hmm.” Qian Guanshu nodded slightly, “With Song Zhizhi in prison, Song Shan’s reputation will undoubtedly be tarnished. However, his public severance of ties with Song Zhizhi under the guise of righteousness prevents us from easily slandering him. Our only choice is to gradually weaken his power.”

“Without Song Zhizhi, what can he do?” Ye Wenhan scoffed.

“Even without Song Zhizhi, there’s Song Zhidao. I’ve heard that he’s quite taken with the Jun Family’s Fifth Miss, Jun Mingxi. If she wholeheartedly helps the Song Family, we’ll be hard-pressed to cope!”

Ye Wenhan’s face darkened.

He thought about how Jun Mingxi was meant to be with him, yet she had been taken away by that young upstart Song Zhidao.

The more he thought about it, the more aggrieved he felt.

“If the official family doesn’t want to betroth Jun Mingxi to you, then we will have to seize her,” his father suggested.

“So, you’re suggesting that I should actively pursue Jun Mingxi.” Ye Wenhan smirked sinisterly, “Don’t worry, Dad. In dealing with women, I may lack your overall capabilities, but I have absolute confidence!”

He pursued Song Zhizhi easily in the past, although he didn’t understand why she so abruptly changed. Initially, it had gone smoothly, and then there was Chu Qin afterwards.

Chu Qin, despite knowing that they could never be together, still faithfully followed his directives.

And now there is Jun Mingxi…

If that simpleton Song Zhidao could make her heart bloom, once he makes his move, she’ll fall head over heels for him!

The thought of potentially marrying into the official family filled him with elation.

“What are you thinking about!” Qian Guanshu’s cold voice poured cold water on Ye Wenhan’s excitement.

Ye Wenhan looked at his father in embarrassment.

“If you actively pursue Jun Mingxi while she’s dating Song Zhidao, what will people say about you! I’ve always told you to think before you act!” Qian Guanshu’s face darkened.

He looked at his son as if he could not bear his stubbornness.

Ye Wenhan retorted quietly, somewhat annoyed, “So how do I take her back? If I don’t actively pursue Jun Mingxi, how could she possibly take a liking to me!”

“First decapitate then present your achievement. Cook the raw rice until it’s done,” Qian Guanshu pinpointed the solution.

Ye Wenhan was taken aback.

“In some situations, you need to be impulsive and act decisively. Set a trap, let Jun Mingxi spend a night with you. In the meantime, have Weng Cheng prepare to leak this news while we have the Yin He system under our control. When that happens, the Jun Family will have no choice but to marry Jun Mingxi to you. As for the currently triumphant Song Zhidao, he will be completely sidelined,” Qian Guanshu said ruthlessly.

Ye Wenhan did not respond immediately.

He knew this method was effective. In terms of reputation, the Jun Family would undoubtedly opt for the solution that was most beneficial to them! In this way, Song Shan would lose the backing of the Jun Family, and it would be an easy task to oust him from the commercial management organization.

Yet Ye Wenhan’s sudden hesitation caused a change in Qian Guanshu’s expression.

He said coldly, “What are you hesitating for?”

“I…” Ye Wenhan didn’t know how to put it into words.

“Speak up!”

Ye Wenhan gritted his teeth, “I can’t do it.”

“What?”

With a stiff face, Ye Wenhan told Qian Guanshu about his past hardships.

Qian Guanshu’s face transformed!

He glared at Ye Wenhan.

Ye Wenhan kept his head down, not saying a word.

“How long has this been going on?”

“About a year,” Ye Wenhan replied.

“Why didn’t you say this earlier! Do you understand the consequences of concealing this? You may never be able to…” Qian Guanshu roared angrily.

Ye Wenhan did not dare to speak.

“Every time there’s a critical moment, you come up with a myriad of issues.” Qian Guanshu’s face was red with anger.

Ye Wenhan was also feeling uncomfortable.

However, he was just incapable.

Although he was very anxious and worried, his pride hindered him from revealing his secret!

After venting his anger, Qian Guanshu calmed down.

He looked at his son.

“You must get treated. Your condition is not congenital, but caused externally. You can definitely recover,” he said.

Ye Wenhan nodded.

“I will arrange for it; don’t stress yourself out. Dealing with Song Shan doesn’t necessitate urgency. Right now, the most important task is to deal with Song Zhizhi and recover your health.”

“Thank you, Dad.”

Qian Guanshu gave a slight nod.

He turned and left.

Ye Wenhan stared at the door.

He lowered his head to look at his body.

All this time, he didn’t seek treatment because he didn’t want anyone to know about his condition, afraid it would dent his masculinity.

But now, he was determined to restore his body to its previous state!

When the time came, it wouldn’t be just for Jun Mingxi, but also for Song Zhizhi!

In this lifetime, his regret was to make Song Zhizhi wish she was dead!

Xin Group.

Xin Zaozao was sitting in her office.

Song Lifei kept reporting on work.

Xin Zaozao was a bit distracted.

“Chairman,” Song Lifei called her.

Xin Zaozao came back to her senses, apologizing, “Sorry.”

“It seems like you didn’t get enough rest last night. You have dark circles under your eyes.”

“That’s right. A little,” Xin Zaozao nodded.

Indeed, she was having trouble focusing.

It was not just because of insomnia the previous night. More importantly, she kept thinking about the things Ji Baili had told her yesterday that needed her attention as soon as possible.

She said, “As for the rational allocation of personnel, I’ll hand it over to you. You can directly report to me your final plan. By the way, you can consult Secretary Wu on issues related to personnel. She has been with Mu Cidian for many years and has experience in HR matters.”

“Yes,” Song Lifei responded respectfully, “Then I’ll take my leave now.”

Xin Zaozao nodded.

Song Lifei got up, prepared to leave Xin Zaozao’s office.

As he was leaving, he seemed to remember something.

His movements brought to a halt.

“Is there anything else?” Xin Zaozao asked.

“Secretary Wu is Mu Cidian’s person, why would Chairman suddenly value her?”

“As long as one has talent, there’s no reason not to employ them. Now that Mu Cidian is imprisoned, a smart person should know what to do.”

“Indeed,” Song Lifei nodded.

The Chairman really didn’t mince words; she was indeed cold.

At that moment, he couldn’t help but ask, “Chairman, have you and Mr. Ji Baili made up?”

Xin Zaozao frowned.

“Today’s news, although most of the coverage was on Jihong Group, there was a minor news report that you and Ji Baili have made up. It included intimate photos of you and Mr. Ji Baili. I know that as a subordinate, I should not inquire about my superior’s private romantic affairs, but I feel somewhat aggrieved for Mu Cidian. I believe his sacrifices for you were significant…”

“Many have told me about his kindness towards me, so there’s no need for you to remind me again. I don’t owe you an explanation either. But I can tell you that what happened between me and Mu Cidian was mutual. I won’t soften my stand or resume a relationship with him due to his sudden change. Therefore, my future romantic affairs will not be burdened by Mu Cidian. Whoever I choose to be with or not to be with is my decision, and it has nothing to do with Mu Cidian,” Xin Zaozao retorted coldly, “Executive Assistant Song, you are correct on one matter; as a subordinate, you should not inquire about your superior’s private romantic affairs.”

Song Lifei bowed, “It was my fault.”

“It’s okay…”

“Chairman,” Song Lifei suddenly interrupted her.

Xin Zaozao’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“If it’s really impossible with Mu Cidian, if you could possibly be with anyone else but not Mu Cidian, please give me a chance,” Song Lifei suddenly spoke up.

Xin Zaozao’s eyes flickered.

“When I asked about your feelings, it wasn’t just to stand up for Mu Cidian. I admit that there is some connection with him, because I don’t want to seize you from his grasp, but since the Chairman’s feelings for Mu Cidian have become so indifferent, I hope that when the Chairman thinks about others, he could also spare a thought for me.”

Xin Zaozao looked at him squarely.

“I won’t disturb the Chairman any longer.” Song Lifei turned and left.

Caught by chance, he met Yan Zihuan at the doorway, who was carrying a cup of coffee brewed for Xin Zaozao.

She watched, stunned, as Song Lifei departed and then turned her gaze to Zaozao.

What did she just hear?

She heard that Song Lifei was implying he wanted to pursue Xin Zaozao.

But … she was in love with Song Lifei!

She bit her lip, staring at Song Lifei’s receding figure.

Song Lifei walked straight back to his office.

His heart was actually racing.

Yes.

He wasn’t sure when it began. Perhaps it was from the times when he accompanied Xin Zaozao during overtime, witnessing her handle everything on her own, or perhaps it was because of Xin Zaozao’s exceptional appearance and her pursuit of beautiful things. But over time and through constant interaction, his admiration had unknowingly turned into … attraction.

This morning, when he saw piece of gossip about Xin Zaozao that went unnoticed due to news about the Jihong Group, he felt strangely unsettled.

All along, he had been restraining himself. He had always felt that Mu Cidian and Xin Zaozao might reconnect, and he didn’t want to snatch her away while Mu Cidian was in prison. However, now that Xin Zaozao could date someone else and had no relation to Mu Cidian, why wasn’t he allowed to actively pursue her?

Was he too impulsive just now?

So impulsive that perhaps Xin Zaozao might fire him the next day?

He took a deep breath. He didn’t feel like working at the moment.

He suddenly got up and left the office.

Mu Cidian was in prison.

He didn’t have time to attend his trial at the time, as he had been assigned to a business trip. Now, he wanted to visit him.

There were some things he wanted to make clear to Mu Cidian.

Like the fact that he intended to pursue Xin Zaozao.

He parked his car at the West Suburb Prison.

As he entered for the visit, he was immediately turned away, “Mr. Mu Cidian has run out of visitation privileges for this month. Please come back next month.”

“I only want to see him for a few minutes, just a quick chat. Could you please make an exception?” Song Lifei pleaded.

“No, it can’t be done! These are the rules, and they apply to everyone!” the staffer said firmly.

Song Lifei was left helpless.

He turned to leave.

As he was leaving, the prison staff called after him, “By the way, it would be best if you didn’t come next month either.”

“Why?” Song Lifei’s agitation was clear.

“The prisoner asked not to see anyone unless it’s by official mandate. We respect the prisoner’s choice,” the staff responded.

“Why doesn’t he want to see anyone?” Song Lifei was surprised.

“It’s the prisoner’s request. So long as it’s reasonable, we don’t question their motives.”

Song Lifei had no choice but to leave.

He thought about it.

Perhaps Mu Cidian, being the proud person that he is, didn’t want anyone to see him in such a pitiful state.

He even wondered if Mu Cidian would ever interact with his old friends once he was released from prison.

Meanwhile.

Inside West Suburb Prison.

About ten inmates occupied a cell.

They were sprawled on the ground, sleeping together. The blankets were hard and damp.

Someone was secretly smoking a cigarette, taking slow drags. Cigarettes were a scarce commodity in prison, and not officially permitted. They could be used as currency, so they were valued highly.

Mu Cidian smelt the tobacco and coughed twice.

“What are you coughing for? Are you trying to bring the cops here!” The man who was smoking barked furiously at Mu Cidian.

Mu Cidian struggled to control himself.

Due to health reasons, he had successfully quit smoking.

Now, when he smelled smoke, it made him terribly uncomfortable.

He got up from his bed and moved to one side.

He had been working hard labor since dawn, just returned to the prison, and now rested half an hour before going to the prison cafeteria for lunch.

This time was typically designated for their break, so the prison guards turned a blind eye to much of their behavior.

Mu Cidian moved away.

Another prisoner was also dwelling there, with his head down reading a newspaper.

In prison, opportunities to read the newspaper were sparse. A single copy might circulate among hundreds of inmates, and by the time he got it, the paper would be about a month old.

Yet, today he got a hold of it immediately.

The man read every word with careful attention, as if this was his only means to gain information about the outside world.

He noticed Mu Cidian approach, looked up to see his pale face, and asked, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay,” Mu Cidian replied.

In prison, it was inevitable for the newcomers to get beaten up.

His condition wasn’t the worst.

Even so, it was far from light.

“By the way, I think you might be interested in this piece of news.” The man handed the paper to him.

Mu Cidian glanced at it.

It read, “Xin Zaozao and Mr. Ji Baili spotted in a secret meeting at the garden, suspected affair rekindles.”

Mu Cidian just stared at it.

Staring at the photograph of them kissing intimately.

“I’m also here for a business crime, a ten year stint. I’ve been in here half a year longer than you, so I know a bit about your story.” The man said, “I used to respect you quite a bit. In fact, our company once lost a project to you. But don’t worry, I don’t harbor any resentment towards you. After all, I wasn’t in charge of that project. I just never thought we would meet under these circumstances. I’m honored.”

With that, he chuckled.

Mu Cidian gave a slight nod.

“I heard you’re in here for excessive self-defense? The guards were chatting the other day, saying that you killed someone for Xin Zaozao. Do you still have feelings for her?” The man asked.

Mu Cidian seemed unwilling to reply.

“I’m just advising you not to take it too seriously. Women are the most practical creatures in the world. They will not be devoted to you just because of what you have done for them! It’s said that men are heartless, but women are the ones who are truly ruthless. When they realize you have no use, they won’t stick around. I ended up in prison because of a woman too. If she hadn’t pressured me, I wouldn’t have committed a crime. But a few days ago, a buddy visited and told me that she’s already with someone else.” The man spoke with some noticeable fluctuations in his voice.

Mu Cidian remained silent.

Ever since he got into prison, he hadn’t been much of a talker.

He bore the beatings silently, too.

The man composed himself a bit, pointing at the content in the newspaper, he said, “You’re in prison now, you’ve got nothing left. Once you get out, you’ll always have a criminal record. Xin Zaozao is now the chairman of the Xin Family Group, she won’t look at you twice. Look, you’ve only just gotten in here, and she’s already with another man. She definitely doesn’t have feelings for you. It’s best that you give up on her!”

“Mm, I know.” Mu Cidian responded in a bland tone.

He never had any illusions that he had a chance to be with Xin Zaozao.

Neither in the past nor the future.

In fact, he felt okay with whatever Xin Zaozao chose to do now.

And whoever she chose to be with.

As long as…she didn’t appear in front of him again.

He needed to learn to forget.

He stood up and moved away from the man.

The space here was very restricted.

Despite ten occupants, the space was minuscule.

He returned to his own bed spot.

He would rather suffer physical discomfort than encounter any information about Xin Zaozao.