Chapter 30: The Thrill of a Resounding Comeback

“Lin Zhiwei, now it’s your turn to present your own defense,” Elder Qiu nodded toward her.

He actually had a good impression of Lin Zhiwei. Though she was young, during the barrage of questions and accusations from the witnesses just now, he had observed her closely. She seemed utterly unconcerned, even yawning from boredom on several occasions.

It was as if none of this surprised her, and she faced it all with a calm that spoke of finding no challenge in the whole affair—something that astonished him.

Lin Zhiwei rose slowly, her legs stiff from sitting too long.

As she stood, the people in the hall began to whisper among themselves:

“What evidence could she possibly have?”

“The facts are right in front of us.”

“Exactly… Just look at her, she seems like the sort who would break up couples and ruin others’ happiness…”

…

“How uninspired. Xue Yuanyuan, I really gave you too much credit,” Lin Zhiwei’s cool voice floated through the hall. Her dark, clear eyes turned toward Xue Yuanyuan, who felt a chill run down her spine.

That tone, that demeanor—it was exactly the same as when they’d spoken on the terrace. But with all this evidence presented, there’s no way you can talk your way out of this… Xue Yuanyuan thought to herself.

“Firstly, I also have a recording of the actual conversation on the terrace. Would the adjudicator kindly play it again for everyone’s benefit?” Lin Zhiwei handed over the hard drive.

This time, the recording revealed everything that had happened on the terrace that night, and in an instant, Xue Yuanyuan went from victim to manipulator. Throughout, it was Lin Zhiwei exposing her words and actions.

Qi Heng and Shen Qian had both been deceived by her.

People in the audience looked at each other, unsure whom to believe. After all, videos could be edited and dubbed; when it came to the terrace recording, truth and falsehood were hard to distinguish.

“The authenticity of the video is for the committee to judge—I won’t dwell on that further. What I’m about to present next may be rather unsightly, so… are there any minors present? If not, everyone can judge for themselves,” Lin Zhiwei said, then sat back with her arms folded.

Photos flashed onto the screen, leaving everyone speechless. Faces flushed, and the hall erupted in gasps.

Each photo showed Xue Yuanyuan in various seductive outfits, posing provocatively—so revealing that everyone was left wide-eyed and blushing.

Some of the city’s young gentlemen appeared in the pictures too: Qi Heng, Zhou Yiran, and several others from prominent families.

“Such a hobby is truly disgraceful…” Lin Zhiwei murmured with a faint smile.

Ling Ziheng averted his eyes awkwardly. How could this girl calmly analyze such pictures while looking at them…

Next came an audio recording.

The first sounds were the hurried breaths of a man and a woman. Instantly, the audience understood what was happening.

“Yiran, do you think our plan will work? Will these photos fool the arbitration council?”

“Of course. I hired a professional—there’s no way the council will see through it. The Shen family is finished. Shen Qian has been riding high for years; it’s time he tasted defeat.”

“And Shen Qian…”

“You little minx—calling out another man’s name while you’re under me…”

“Oh stop… I never even held his hand.”

…

The audio cut off abruptly, but the message was clear. The materials were fake; Zhou Yiran and Xue Yuanyuan had conspired to bring down the Shen family.

The second audio clip began.

This time, Xue Yuanyuan’s voice was low and cold—a stark contrast to her previous coyness. “Is everything ready? The video from the terrace has been forged? Oh, and the photos of Zhao Qianlu and Lin Zhiwei meeting—were they taken? Good, excellent. The WeChat and bank accounts are all set, right?”

Already as the private photos were revealed, Xue Yuanyuan’s face had turned ashen. Now, her eyes widened in disbelief. Where had Lin Zhiwei gotten all this information?

Impossible. Absolutely impossible. She shook her head, nearly hysterical.

The third audio was still Xue Yuanyuan instructing someone to create another WeChat account, promising to send the remainder of the payment to a designated account, and ending with, “I want that wretch to never recover.”

By this point, Xue Yuanyuan had collapsed onto her seat, her face drained of all color. She was still desperately thinking, This doesn’t prove anything… there must still be a way…

Lin Zhiwei rose gracefully and said, “Next are some photos documenting Xue Yuanyuan’s transactions with the mysterious accomplice. I also have a confession from this individual for everyone to hear.”

The audio played: “No, no, it was all… all Xue Yuanyuan’s idea. I just did what I was paid for—faked documents, fake WeChat. I didn’t hurt anyone… I don’t even know what she wanted to achieve…”

“This person has already been handed over to the inspection office. The arbitration council can summon him for questioning at any time.” Lin Zhiwei’s voice was cold, her face now devoid of any earlier amusement, replaced by a decisive and ruthless resolve, her gaze sharp as a blade.

Xue Yuanyuan was so shaken she couldn’t utter a word, trembling silently at the side.

Elder Qiu nodded in satisfaction. He had not misjudged her; the girl was truly capable. The evidence was clear and irrefutable.

Though Lin Zhiwei’s expression remained stern, inwardly she could hardly suppress her delight. The feeling of turning the tables so thoroughly was exhilarating—especially seeing Xue Yuanyuan now, utterly hopeless and in despair.