Chapter Five: A New Journey

Yin Nian recounted to Yuan Yin the entire process of Yuan Yi treating her, from beginning to end.

While Yin Nian spoke, Yuan Yin listened intently without interrupting even once.

“I suspect that Yuan Yi’s death might be connected to the Yang Granny accident case. It’s very likely Yuan Yi discovered something and wanted to tell me, but before he could, he was silenced by Yang Yongli,” Yin Nian said. “Yang Yongli is capable of anything for money. I’ve kept an eye on him and know he’s not a good person, and he’s particularly desperate for money. If Yuan Yi was going to ruin his plans, he would take risks.”

“But… Yuan Yi only communicated with you. He never went to the scene, and didn’t have any contact with Yang Granny’s family. What could he possibly have found out?” Yuan Yin asked, her voice uncertain.

“Maybe he discovered some information from the hypnosis video, or perhaps he found a loophole during the panoramic therapy. He followed the clue, traced it to Yang Yongli, and when Yang Yongli realized he was exposed, he took him out.”

“That’s possible… Could you give me Yang Yongli’s information?”

“Of course. But that man is full of schemes and always ready to extort people. If you go looking for him, you must be careful.” Yin Nian sent Yang Yongli’s personal information to Yuan Yin, reminding her again, “Be very cautious.”

“I will…” Yuan Yin nodded, then instinctively turned her gaze to the window. The sun was slanting westward, red clouds painting the sky. She glanced at the time and said, “It’s getting late. I should head back…”

“Where do you live?” Yin Nian asked casually.

“My home is in Linchuan City. I bought a train ticket for seven o’clock to go back…”

“That’s pretty far. You spend several hours just going back and forth. Why not stay here tonight?”

“I can’t…” Yuan Yin quickly waved her hand. “There’s a pile of things to deal with at home, otherwise…”

“Otherwise what?” Yin Nian noticed Yuan Yin’s pupils dilate for an instant, as if she remembered something frightening.

“It’s nothing…” Yuan Yin glanced at the time again and stood up. “I really have to go.”

“All right. Let me know when you’re coming next time. We’ll discuss this together—it’s definitely not a simple matter.” Yin Nian also stood. “If you need any help, just ask.”

“You’re so kind…” Yuan Yin smiled; it was the first time her smile felt somewhat natural.

“You’re not bad yourself.” Yin Nian said sincerely. “It’s been a pleasure talking with you. Honestly, I was in a terrible mood today, but after our chat, I feel much better.”

“Is that so…” Yuan Yin seemed surprised, as if she couldn’t believe she could bring happiness to someone else.

“Of course,” Yin Nian affirmed with a nod.

The two of them walked out of the café together. Yuan Yin suddenly reached out her hand and said to Yin Nian, “Thank you…”

Yin Nian wasn’t sure what she was being thanked for, but she took Yuan Yin’s hand and smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Yuan Yin’s hand was still as cold as ever.

Yin Nian instinctively glanced down and saw a bit of Yuan Yin’s wrist exposed, marked with bruises.

Yin Nian was about to ask, but Yuan Yin hurriedly pulled her hand back, tightened her coat, and quickly walked away.

Yin Nian returned to the café, ordered another coffee, and gazed at the gradually setting sun, falling into deep thought.

At ten o’clock tomorrow morning, the trial would begin.

After more than half a month of ups and downs, and countless obstacles, Yin Nian had repeatedly approached the truth, only to have it overturned again and again. She had amended her character, recognized her own flaws, become a better person, but also lost a certain passion.

Letting out a long sigh, Yin Nian was filled with mixed feelings. She had never imagined that saving someone would bring her to this. Her work, her life—everything had changed dramatically, and just as she had finally come to terms with it and prepared to let go, Yuan Yi had died suddenly.

If she had signed the papers in the private room a little faster this morning, perhaps it would all be over.

But there are no “ifs.”

Everything was predestined, like fate itself.

What seemed like coincidence was in fact long foreshadowed, with seeds planted long ago.

Deep down, Yin Nian still didn’t believe what others said. She still believed she hadn’t hit anyone, even if Yuan Yi had convinced her to let go and start anew. That unease still lingered, merely suppressed by sheer will.

As she was nearly finished with her second cup of coffee, Yan Ming called.

“I’m in Baxian,” Yan Ming said. “Since the case is going to trial, I can’t give up easily. I need to verify a few things.”

“What things?” Yin Nian asked.

“It’s not certain yet, but I suspect Yang Granny’s injury was orchestrated by Yang Yongli and his people. There’s no evidence yet, but I’m going to look. Maybe I’ll find something.”

“Really? How did you come to that conclusion?”

“It’s a lead from that crumpled piece of paper. Yang Granny bought an insurance policy that’s about to expire,” Yan Ming explained succinctly. “On the back of the paper was an ad for an insurance company, soaked through with water stains. It can’t be a coincidence.”

“You suspect Yang Yongli and his people tried to harm his mother for the insurance money?” Yin Nian quickly grasped his meaning.

“It’s possible. In any case, it needs investigating. I’ll keep you informed if I find anything.” Yan Ming changed the subject. “What happened with Yuan Yi’s death?”

Yin Nian recounted the circumstances of Yuan Yi’s death.

After listening, Yan Ming said, “It’s obvious Yuan Yi’s death is connected to the Yang Granny accident case—whether or not it was Yang Yongli, it’s related. It also means Yuan Yi must have discovered something, otherwise there’d be no need to kill him. After all, committing murder changes everything.”

Yin Nian nodded. “Exactly, that’s what I think too.”

Yan Ming thought for a moment. “Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll investigate the scene of Yang Granny’s accident; you look into Yuan Yi, see if you can find anything. There’s still some time before the hearing. We need as much information as possible to keep the situation under control.”

Yin Nian gave a wry smile. “The trial’s at ten tomorrow morning…”

Yan Ming’s tone grew earnest. “There are still over ten hours left—plenty of time. Sometimes the most critical evidence is found just a few hours before court. As long as we don’t give up, miracles can happen.”

The gentle, warm sunlight lit up Yin Nian’s face. In that moment, she felt as if she had come alive again. She didn’t know if this was good or bad; she only knew she was about to embark on a new journey. This time, it would be far more dangerous, and there would be no one hiding in the shadows to help her—no more imagined interventions. She would be vigilant, always watching her own state of mind, alert to anything unusual around her, and would not allow herself to be deceived so easily.

“Yan Ming…” Yin Nian narrowed her eyes and softly said, “Thank you.”

“It’s nothing,” Yan Ming replied calmly. “I am your lawyer, after all.”