Chapter Ten: Regrouping and Rising Anew

Yin Nian had not gone to work for two consecutive days.

The rumors about her at the company were multiplying, swirling louder and louder.

Although she stayed away from the office, every noon, Yang Yongfang and Yang Yonggui knelt in the plaza diagonally across from the company, telling everyone how Yin Nian had hit their mother and fled the scene.

Online reports grew in number, with public opinion becoming increasingly one-sided, wholly siding with Yang Yongfang and Yang Yonggui. They were cast as the vulnerable, while Yin Nian was painted as a high-ranking executive of a listed company attempting to escape responsibility.

Over these two days, Yin Nian received several calls from colleagues of her rank, asking if she needed money, and offering help if she did. Yin Nian thanked them on the phone, but after hanging up, she felt deeply saddened. She did not need money, and they knew it as well. Their calls were nothing more than veiled mockery and ridicule, a way to indirectly declare that they believed she had hit someone but simply didn't want to admit it outright.

Yin Nian no longer wished to explain herself to anyone. Explanations were futile, especially when she was already in a disadvantaged position. To explain would seem like making excuses.

That afternoon, Yin Nian met the new lawyer recommended by Brother Li at a tea restaurant.

The new lawyer was a man in his forties, somewhat greasy in appearance, always smiling. After listening to Yin Nian's account, he offered no insightful advice, only saying to take things slowly, not to rush, and that litigation was a process of mutual contest, requiring patience and adaptability.

Yin Nian sensed a trace of perfunctory indifference on his face. She could tell he didn't really believe her; after hearing her story, he didn't even show the basic skepticism required, making him appear insincere. For Yin Nian, character mattered more than expertise.

She felt no affinity for this lawyer and, before the explanation was even finished, directly told him they were not a good match and asked him to leave.

The lawyer didn't say much, only remarking that if she ever needed cooperation, she could always come to him—he was willing to take any job.

After meeting the lawyer, Yin Nian returned home. As soon as she entered her residential complex, several elderly women stared at her, whispering and pointing. She hadn't minded before, but now she felt as if needles were pricking her back. Faced with these strange looks, she began to resist, to feel disgust.

Yin Nian hurried home. Liang Zhicheng was cooking, and Yangyang was building blocks in the living room. When Yangyang saw his mother return, he quietly slipped into the bedroom and closed the door.

“How did it go? Was it smooth?” Liang Zhicheng came out carrying dishes.

“That lawyer isn’t reliable. I’ll find another.” Yin Nian sighed deeply and sat on the sofa. The current situation left her without a breakthrough, forced only to wait passively.

“Don’t rush. Take it slow. Let’s eat first,” Liang Zhicheng said.

During dinner, Yin Nian’s father arrived, asking about the progress. Yin Nian told him the truth. Her father said several elderly people from the complex had come by; her mother was chatting with them. Yin Nian knew they must be there to dig into her affairs.

Her father told her, “Your mother keeps telling everyone you didn’t hit anyone, that you’re being falsely accused. No matter how others ask, she says the same, very firmly.”

Yin Nian smiled bitterly. She knew her mother pressured her to confess but still believed in her when dealing with outsiders. After all, they were family, standing on the same side.

When her father left, he held Yin Nian’s hand at the door. “Nian Nian, don’t take this too heavily. The more you care, the more it will wear you out. Relax, we’ll face this together. Things will get better.”

He paused and added, “I have always believed in you. No matter what happens, I believe you. Your mother’s just too anxious—not that she doubts you, but she just wants to solve things quickly. Truthfully, she’s afraid you’ll go to prison. But don’t worry, we won’t let that happen. I’ve spoken with your mother; if it comes to it, we’ll sell the house in the southern district to cover the money directly.”

Yin Nian looked at the silver at her father's temples and his weathered face. She wanted to explain, but said nothing, only nodding, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen. I’ll handle it. No need to sell the house—I have money. If it comes to that, I’ll pay.”

Her father patted her shoulder and left.

What she said about paying compensation was only to comfort her father. In truth, she never intended to pay. This was a matter of dignity, the breath she lived by. Without it, life would lose its soul. No matter what happened, she would not pay.

Yet her father’s words moved her deeply. She knew that no matter what, her parents would always stand behind her, her strongest support.

After a weary day, Yin Nian lay on the sofa after dinner, drifting into sleep. In her dream, she heard a soft, ethereal voice whispering, “Admit it… admit it… admit it…” repeatedly, as if chanting, more than a dozen times, until she woke with a start and the voice faded. She looked around and found night had fallen. The living room was dark and quiet.

“What’s wrong?” Liang Zhicheng came out of the study, concerned.

“It’s nothing…” Yin Nian swallowed, feeling parched.

“Did you have another nightmare?” Liang Zhicheng poured a glass of water and handed it to her.

“No nightmare, but I heard a strange voice…” Yin Nian drank deeply.

“What kind of voice?” Liang Zhicheng asked.

Yin Nian glanced at him and shook her head, “Nothing…”

Over the next two days, Yin Nian found three more lawyers online, meeting each in turn, but none seemed right. Either their skills were lacking, their attitude was off, or they professed belief while their eyes betrayed doubt.

Now, whenever Yin Nian went out, she wore sunglasses and a baseball cap. If someone entered the elevator with her, she instinctively lowered her cap brim—not out of fear, but to avoid unnecessary explanations and ease her burden.

When the incident first began, she could meet people's gaze head-on, responding with confidence. Now, she actively concealed her eyes, unwilling to meet anyone’s gaze, knowing that aside from her family and Han Duoduo, no one believed her.

That afternoon, Yin Nian went to the city’s largest law firm, intent on selecting a trustworthy lawyer herself. While she was choosing, Liang Zhicheng called with bad news: the court summons for the Yang grandmother’s accident had arrived at home, and the trial was set for half a month later.

Yin Nian was surprised at the speed, but realized the legal team supporting Yu Weiran must have prepared in advance and had connections, making the court filing swift.

Since the other side had made their move, she had to respond quickly.

But disappointment followed—after a whole morning, she found no suitable lawyer. Upon reflection, she realized she’d been unconsciously comparing all the lawyers to Yan Ming. From appearance, temperament, professional competence, to quick thinking, Yan Ming, though her lawyer for only two days, had become her standard.

Coincidentally, as she left the law firm, Yan Ming happened to arrive for business. Dressed in a sharp suit, his smile revealed a tiger tooth, adding a touch of charm to his solemn face. Yan Ming greeted her, “Ms. Yin, what a coincidence.”

Yin Nian smiled. Just moments before, she’d been thinking of him, and now he appeared—was this fate? Was it destiny that Yan Ming should become her lawyer again?

“Ms. Yin, contact me if you need anything. I’m heading in,” Yan Ming said, noticing she had nothing more to say, and waved before entering the firm.

By the time Yin Nian snapped out of it, Yan Ming had disappeared into the lobby.

She smiled wryly, realizing with the situation so urgent, she was still holding back. At the very least, she needed a reliable lawyer to see her through the trial. She admitted she’d been too emotional that night; Yan Ming had always trusted her, she could tell. Though he had doubts, they were normal.

Having figured this out, Yin Nian quickly entered the firm, intending to talk to Yan Ming about representing her again.

On the second-floor corridor by the window, she saw Yan Ming. She overheard him on the phone, his brows furrowed, tone tinged with frustration, seeming to argue with someone. Only when she approached did he notice her, saying to the phone, “Let’s talk later,” before hanging up.

“Is it inconvenient?” Yin Nian asked.

“It’s fine…” Yan Ming shrugged, “Just a minor issue.” Clearly referring to the phone call.

“About that night, I want to apologize. You were just expressing normal doubts. I was too agitated.”

“It’s alright, really…” Yan Ming smiled, “I understand how you feel.”

“If I ask you to continue as my lawyer, would you agree?”

“Well…” Yan Ming scratched his head, “Actually, I’ve already taken on a new case. I’m here today to hand it over to one of this firm’s lawyers.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I’ll find someone else then.” Yin Nian sounded light, but felt disappointed inside.

She said no more and turned to leave, taking only two steps before Yan Ming caught up, “Actually, the new case is a bit dull. I never wanted to take it; my boss forced me. If you think I’m up to it, I’d rather take your case.”

Yin Nian looked at him, “Are you serious?”

Yan Ming nodded firmly, “I am.”

A smile bloomed on Yin Nian’s face, as gentle and kind as the one she wore in the underground garage. “I think you’re up to it.”

Yan Ming smiled, too. “Wait for me a bit, I’ll finish up with the other case and come find you.”

Yin Nian nodded, about to sit on a nearby bench when Yan Ming returned, his expression earnest. “Ms. Yin, there’s something I need to make clear. I trust you—everything you say, I believe. Until now, I still believe you didn’t hit anyone. But I think necessary doubts are important. With doubt, we get closer to the truth. Without doubt, we’re blinded by surface truths and lose the chance to seek what lies beneath.”

Yin Nian looked into his eyes, once again sure she hadn’t misjudged him. She smiled, “I think you’re absolutely right. I understand that now.”

Yan Ming nodded quietly, and for a moment, their gazes met, as if a silent pact had been made between their souls.

When Yan Ming finished his business, he and Yin Nian went to a nearby café to discuss the case.

Yin Nian told him about the court summons and the trial scheduled for half a month later. Yan Ming said this was expected; the other side would surely use speed to exert psychological pressure, hoping to throw her off balance and cause mistakes.

Yan Ming promised to handle the necessary documents. In the coming days, he would investigate Yu Weiran’s side to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, then decide on strategy. Actually, Yu Weiran’s team had no direct evidence proving Yin Nian had hit anyone. This would be a tug-of-war, and regardless of the first trial’s outcome, the losing side would appeal. There was no need to care about immediate victory or defeat; they needed to keep a long-term perspective and a calm mindset, preparing mentally for a drawn-out battle.

Yan Ming’s thorough analysis eased Yin Nian’s anxiety. Though she’d lost the chance to seize the initiative, they still had the possibility of countering every move and winning in court. Before the outcome was known, she couldn’t lose heart—nor act rashly and fall into the opponent’s trap.

Yin Nian wanted desperately to resolve the issue quickly, but she now knew that unless she paid a large sum to settle privately and bear the false charge, there was no way to resolve things quickly.

Since the event had happened and could not be undone, she must endure, bear the outside criticism, and fight to win the lawsuit, proving her innocence.

The difficult journey after saving someone had only just begun.