Chapter 28: I Have Evidence

As the presentation of evidence concluded, Elder Qiu spoke in a measured tone, "All evidence for the accusations has now been presented. Lin Zhiwei, do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Lin Zhiwei shook her head, her face blank with confusion. "None of this was done by me," she replied, then quietly took her seat as if the evidence just displayed had nothing to do with her.

A low murmur began to ripple through the hall. Zhao Qianlu frowned, unable to fathom what Lin Zhiwei was planning, or why she hadn't produced her own evidence yet. If this continued, it would only benefit Xue Yuanyuan. Even a fool could see that the so-called chief witness was actually Xue Yuanyuan.

Bucket after bucket of filth was being poured over Lin Zhiwei, while the real culprit washed her hands clean of every misdeed, still having the audacity to play the victim. Shameless.

Elder Qiu nodded and continued, "In that case, the committee will now call forth the chief witness. After deliberation, the chief witness has agreed to testify in court." He signaled for the bailiff to escort the witness.

When Xue Yuanyuan was brought forth from her seat, she looked as fragile as a flower in the rain, delicate enough to be toppled by the slightest breeze, sobbing softly—a perfect picture of a wounded, helpless beauty. Zhou Yiran, beside her, squeezed her hand, his face full of tenderness and concern.

Lin Zhiwei rolled her eyes. She had anticipated such a scene, but witnessing it in person made her feel sick all over again.

Ling Ziheng glanced her way with a faint smile and murmured, "What, can't stand to watch?"

Lin Zhiwei flicked her hair nonchalantly. "I'm just trying to keep my breakfast down," she replied, pulling a face as if she were about to retch.

As Xue Yuanyuan made her slow, frail way to the witness stand, the crowd whispered among themselves:

"Isn't that the Lin family's adopted daughter, Xue Yuanyuan?"

"That's right... Look at how pitiful she looks. She must have suffered a lot in the Lin family."

"Exactly. Otherwise, why would she be the first to testify?"

"And look at Lin Zhiwei, with that seductive face... Hardly a decent person. Why would she change her appearance unless she had something to hide?"

...

Impatient, Lin Zhiwei had already begun picking at her nails in boredom. It was just a few steps, but Xue Yuanyuan was walking as if it were a slow, torturous execution...

"Please state your identity," the judge asked once Xue Yuanyuan was seated.

"Xue... Xue Yuanyuan," she replied with a tearful, choked voice.

"Compose yourself, madam," the judge said sternly.

The proceedings hadn't even begun, and already she was crying...

"Yes," Xue Yuanyuan immediately steadied herself.

Elder Qiu cleared his throat and addressed her, "Miss Xue, as the initiator of these charges, you may now present your evidence. We expect what you provide to be truthful and valid. Please proceed."

Xue Yuanyuan nodded pitifully, then turned her gaze toward Lin Zhiwei, her eyes filled with apology and helplessness. She spoke gently, "I am Xue Yuanyuan, the adopted daughter of the Lin family. The Lins have treated me well... but I can no longer endure the crimes Lin Zhiwei has committed over the years. I cannot stay silent. Today, I must reveal everything." Her fists clenched, her eyes growing determined.

Mimicking her, Lin Zhiwei whispered in a pitiful tone, "Lin Zhiwei is just awful, I won't talk to her anymore."

Ling Ziheng stifled a laugh, quickly coughing to regain his composure. This girl... Could she pick a worse time?

"It was Lin Zhiwei," Xue Yuanyuan cried, leaping to her feet and pointing at Lin Zhiwei. "She seduced Qi Heng, trying to sabotage the engagement between the Zhao and Qi families. She forced me to register WeChat accounts for her, and she made me open bank accounts in my name. All that money she scammed over the years—it's all her doing. And it wasn't enough for her to deceive people herself; she used my name to lure men for her own purposes!"

An uproar broke out in the hall...

Could Lin Zhiwei truly be such a person?!

"Present your evidence," Elder Qiu demanded, his brow furrowed.

"Yes, I have evidence. Here is a video from the rooftop terrace of the Floating World Tower," Xue Yuanyuan said, handing a hard drive to the judge. As all eyes followed the device, she shot Lin Zhiwei a shadowy, triumphant smile.

Lin Zhiwei, your time is up. I don't know why you've changed your face now, but it will only make things worse for you.

The video began to play.

On the rooftop terrace of the Floating World Tower, eighteenth floor, Lin Zhiwei was seen standing over Xue Yuanyuan, who had collapsed to the ground. Shen Qian was nearby, while Zhao Qianlu and Qi Heng stood a short distance away.

But the conversation in the video had been altered; it was utterly different from what had actually happened that day on the terrace.

"Xue Yuanyuan, I've recorded everything! Hahaha, now you're in my hands," Lin Zhiwei's voice was sharp and venomous, her back to the camera.

"Xue Yuanyuan, I told you to seduce Shen Qian, and you actually developed real feelings for him. Not only did you fail to get me any money, but you left me with nothing. Why don't you just die..."

Xue Yuanyuan covered her face, apparently sobbing.

"Qian, let me explain. It's not true, it's someone else's account, it's not mine, I didn't..." Xue Yuanyuan turned to Shen Qian, clutching his hand, her voice pitiful as she pleaded.

Qi Heng then stormed forward and struck Xue Yuanyuan across the face, then turned on his heel and left in a huff.

Shen Qian followed, his voice cold. "Ha, I never realized I was just one of your many backups, Xue Yuanyuan. You're ruthless." He threw his phone at her in disgust and stormed away.