Xiang Yuan’s law office.
Xiang Yuan sat in the executive chair, staring at the letters on the glass door, somewhat lost in thought.
He remembered the time right after they got married, when he first brought Shi Nian to the office. She looked around timidly, feeling uneasy among the furnishings and decor, each with elegantly crafted lines. Although the firm belonged to her husband, she was clearly ill-at-ease, hesitant to sit or touch anything.
——Even though they were already legally married, the sense of unfamiliarity between them hadn’t dissipated. On the surface, it seemed she was uncomfortable with the office style, but it was truly indicative of the distance she felt from him.
He tried to help her feel at ease, walking with her through each office, introducing everyone in the company.
Later, she became particularly interested in the letters on the glass door—perhaps because they were in Chinese.
She asked him why he chose this name, whether it meant the office was elegantly decorated, likened to the "Huatai Hall"?
He laughed at the time and said, "Of course not. A good law firm is not about decor but about the ability to win cases. It’s called Huatai because most of our clients are Chinese, and we Chinese value honesty and integrity, so we combined these meanings to form Huatai."
It was then Shi Nian first showed a sincere smile in the office, gazing into his eyes, her look filled with admiration and pride: "A Yuan, I really name."
Thinking of this, Xiang Yuan couldn’t help but sigh deeply.
He truly missed those times between them, truly regretted how things had come to this point step by step.
The secretary called in over the intercom, and Xiang Yuan was momentarily stunned: "Who did you say has arrived?"
Xiang Yuan quickly pulled himself together and went out to greet them. Mark’s father, Mr. Lin Qi, stood up from the sofa and smiled at Xiang Yuan.
"Sincerely apologize, Lawyer Xiang, I came suddenly, didn’t have time to make an appointment, and likely caused you trouble."
Xiang Yuan hurriedly bent to shake hands: "Mr. Lin Qi, you’re too kind. Please come in so we can talk."
The two entered the office, but Lin Qi didn’t sit down, instead solemnly bowed to Xiang Yuan: "I just found out that the person my son nearly harmed was actually Lawyer Xiang’s wife, which made me understand why Lawyer Xiang resigned from the Lynch family. I came today specifically to sincerely apologize on behalf of my son to Lawyer Xiang and his wife."
Xiang Yuan was completely surprised by this unexpected turn of events, and awkwardly bowed in response: "Mr. Lin Qi, you overstate. In fact, I deeply regret hitting Mark that day, and was planning to wait for both parties to calm down before visiting to apologize."
"Regardless, as a law practitioner, I shouldn’t have resorted to violence."
Lin Qi quickly said: "How can you say that? What Lawyer Xiang did was a husband’s natural instinct. To be frank, my son isn’t with me today because I personally taught him a lesson and confined him to his room, forbidding him from going out."
Xiang Yuan was greatly surprised: "Mr. Lin Qi, that’s too much..." Updates are released by n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
The secretary brought in coffee, and only then did they both sit down.
Lin Qi sincerely said: "I came today really hoping to remedy the situation, hoping Lawyer Xiang could continue to help Mark with this case."
Losing such an important client as the Lynch family was quite painful for Xiang Yuan, and he hadn’t expected Mr. Lin Qi to personally come to extend an invitation again. Xiang Yuan wanted to agree, but hesitated and shook his head.
In his mind appeared Shi Nian again: the Shi Nian who four years ago needed to hold his hand to step out of her home; the Shi Nian who now four years later had grown strong and independent enough to often gaze at him with eyes of disappointment and doubt... He gently closed his eyes.
No, he can’t do anything to disappoint her again.
One more mistake, and it might mean missing out for a lifetime.
He then suppressed his reluctance and resolutely refused: "I’m sorry, Mr. Lin Qi. Thank you for your kindness. Because my wife is the victim, I must recuse myself and cannot serve as the defense attorney."
Xiang Yuan wasn’t unaware of Lin Qi’s purpose for visiting. If Xiang Yuan wanted to continue being Mark’s defense attorney, it would mean he had to somehow convince Shi Nian not to testify in court... Now, not only had he lost that influence over Shi Nian, but also his stance on this matter could very well determine the future of his precarious marriage with her. He dared not act recklessly again.
Lin Qi was slightly disappointed, but not surprised. The thin man with graying hair tapped his fingers lightly on his knee, saying: "It’s understandable why Lawyer Xiang would do this, we completely understand, and sincerely apologize."