Chapter 382: 382 My lady, apart from Song Zhizhi, it could be no one else!

Chapter 382: 382 My lady, apart from Song Zhizhi, it could be no one else!

Translator: 549690339

“I will not mince words.” Ji Yunlei spoke slowly and deliberately, “Your marriage with Song Zhizhi, ends here.”

Ji Baijian looked at Ji Yunlei, unmoving.

Ji Yunlei knew he couldn’t force his son, but at that moment, he still expressed his stance clearly, “The Ji Family may not be descendants of a prominent lineage and may not hold high-ranking positions, but we are influential tycoons in Jin City. Lately, there’s been one scandal after another in our family. The earliest one being about your sister Ji Baixin, who created quite a stir with Li Wenjun, causing our family to lose face in high society. Now, Li Wenjun has made a name for himself. Of course, it’s insignificant compared to our family, but at least he has his own business now, which is acceptable. They are living quietly now, and I can turn a blind eye to it. After all, I never expected Ji Baixin to bring any honor to our family.”

Ji Baijian remained silent.

Ji Yunlei spoke seriously, “Then, there’s your younger brother, Ji Baili. I initially thought his match with Xin Zaozao was a good union, but Xin Zaozao created such a scene, turning our engagement banquet into a public spectacle. I, Ji Yunlei, have been in the business world for years and have never been so humiliated. Even thinking about it now still irritates me! If it wasn’t for Xin Zaozao being sensible and offering 5% of her company shares, I don’t know how I could have overcome this hurdle.”

“Now it’s you. I thought you’d be the least troubling and worrisome, but then this incident with Song Zhizhi! Do you know how bad her reputation is right now? Anything concerning the interests of Yanshang Country turns her into a target for public criticism. Even if Ye Wenhan hadn’t reminded me, I had already planned to end your relationship with Song Zhizhi. To top it off, Song Shan, for his own power, distanced himself from Song Zhizhi as soon as possible.” Ji Yunlei’s tone was very strict.

“Please stay out of my matters with Song Zhizhi.” Ji Baijian’s tone was respectful but not open to refutation.

Ji Yunlei’s expression changed dramatically, “Ji Baijian, I am not negotiating with you.”

“Neither am I.” Ji Baijian contradicted.

Ji Yunlei continued, “Do you know how much influence a figure like Song Zhizhi can have on our family? She’s accused of injuring the nation’s interests, and she’s been condemned incessantly by everyone. More importantly, under our Jihong Group’s consumer goods including hotel restaurants and international online shopping platforms, people have already begun initiating boycotts. Now, I am busy controlling public opinion to minimize the impact. If the situation continues to worsen, do you think we can hold on for long?!”

“I will handle it.”

“Ji Baijian.” Ji Yunlei’s face darkened, “I’ve always left your affairs untouched. From your childhood till now, I rarely interfered with any of your decisions. But on this matter, there is no room for negotiation! You must divorce Song Zhizhi!”

“Dad.” Ji Baijian spoke with a grim expression, his seriousness making Ji Yunlei tense. He said, “Marriage is not a child’s play, nor is it based on interests. I chose to marry Song Zhizhi, thus, I’ve decided to spend my life with her. In this world, aside from Song Zhizhi, there is no other woman who can become my wife.”

Ji Yunlei wanted to speak again.

Ji Baijian interrupted directly, “This is my bottom line.”

Bottom line.

Untouchable.

Ji Yunlei’s face darkened immensely.

Ji Baijian respectfully bowed and walked out.

By this time, Ji Baili had already returned to the banquet hall.

He cautiously stood a little distance away from them, fearful of being implicated.

But his older brother was really amazing!

With just a few words, he managed to anger their father to the point of near-collapse. His presence was so intense that their father couldn’t even rebut it and just took it.

Ji Baili thought about where he got the guts to challenge his older brother before.

Thankfully, he has returned to his senses now.

His eyes followed his older brother’s retreating figure.

He just felt that whenever his brother was serious, the air within a ten-meter radius always seemed to thin out.

Ji Baijian left the banquet hall.

He knew that there were many eyes around him.

He walked into the backyard and smoked a cigarette.

Someone suddenly appeared beside him.

Ji Baijian glanced at the person.

Jun Mingyu said, “I thought you would be too busy dealing with Song Zhizhi’s issues and wouldn’t have the time to come.”

“I’m surrounded by spies.” Meaning: he really couldn’t personally handle many things.

“Me too,” Jun Mingyu chimed in with the same underlying meaning—he also couldn’t help him.

The two people stood there in silence.

The tense atmosphere.

Jun Mingyu stated, “My father finally remembered to arrange for my marriage today. I was sent here to host tonight’s charity banquet, but the real reason is to have me settled down.”

Ji Baijian turned to look at him.

“A blind date,” Jun Mingyu said, “A lady of a respectable family.”

Ji Baijian was always indifferent to other people’s affairs.

Jun Mingyu also felt that it would be no different from talking to himself if he was to share his troubles with Ji Baijian. So, he decided not to linger there any longer, “I’m going in the hall now.”

Ji Baijian nodded.

Jun Mingyu returned to the banquet hall.

Ji Baijian finished smoking and also left.

He did not go to the banquet hall but directly left the charity banquet.

After all, his father represents the Jihong Group, and it is enough for him to be there.

He is not in the mood to deal with those business intrigues and superficial courtesies now.

He drove around the streets.

He was constantly thinking about the case of Song Zhizhi in his mind.

First, how to break the witness’s testimony.

Second, how to find the real destination of that 500,000!

And he only had one week’s time.

He believed that with the methods of Ye Wenhan and Jun Minghan, there would definitely not be a second chance for appeal. Once the first trial verdict was established, there would be no second chance.

He parked his car in the Airport District.

He sat in the car, did not get out, opened the window, and smoked a cigarette.

He was trying to calm himself down and think about some things. Bit by bit, he felt that anything that wasn’t a fact would have flaws.

First of all.

Song Zhizhi was in charge of the demolition, and all the residents involved in the demolition case had already signed their agreements. Sudden violence was very strange. Qian Guanshu and Ye Wenhan insisted on exposing the news only when they talked about their entry on that day to make the incident the biggest. This way, Song Zhizhi would become an object despised by everyone. However, once examined carefully, the incident was somewhat too coincidental.

The logic can be justified, but how to get tangible evidence? The court would not look at how reasonable your talk is. Without evidence, it is all fabrication!

Ji Baijian smoked a bunch of cigarettes.

The witnesses were controlled by Ye Wenhan, and their testimonies had been planned by them in advance. Without any third-party involvement, there was no evidence to prove that the witnesses were deliberately framed!

Ji Baijian extinguished the last cigarette butt!

The only way is to find evidence from the witness.

He did not stay and drove away.

The person watching him saw him leave, picked up the phone and dialed, “He just sat in the car for a while, smoked a cigarette, didn’t get out of the car, and nobody approached.”

“Okay, I got it. Keep watching.”

“Yes.”

While driving, Ji Baijian called the lawyer for Song Zhizhi, who was Wen Tian, who had previously represented Song Zhizhi in her lawsuit.

Because of Song Zhizhi’s previous case, Wen Tian made quite a name for himself. Yet, as a newcomer who had offended his seniors, he wasn’t developing smoothly due to the deliberate suppression by his seniors. However, such an experience forced him to improve his capabilities. His knowledge of law and defense ability has greatly improved now.

At least the first time Song Zhizhi asked him to be her defense lawyer, he was so timid that he didn’t dare to accept it. This time, he agreed readily. Yet, he knew that this case is more complex than the last one and involves the reputation of the whole Yanshang Country.

Wen Tian had received calls from Ji Baijian more than once.

They were all asking about the current situation of the case.

This time was no exception.

This time Ji Baijian was very direct, “Lawyer Wen, let’s meet.”

“Okay, should I come to you?”

“No need, just tell me your address.”

“Okay.”

Ji Baijian hung up the phone and looked at the location on his phone.

He arrived as quickly as possible.

Wen Tian was waiting for him at home.

A rather ordinary bachelor apartment.

“Mr. Ji.” Wen Tian brought a cup of tea to Ji Baijian.

Ji Baijian nodded slightly, saying thank you.

The two sat on the sofa in the living room.

Ji Baijian got straight to the point, “Give me the prosecution content and the facts of the case you got from the authorities.”

“Here.” Wen Tian handed him a file.

Ji Baijian took it and reviewed it seriously.

He took out the information of the key witness and scrutinized it over and over again.

Wen Tian was sitting next to him, quietly waiting.

Ji Baijian spoke softly, “Liang Ping, an unmarried local from Gudao Village, Yancheng County. He came to Jin City to work when he was 16, and has been doing unofficial jobs, mainly collecting protection money, chasing high-interest loans, and getting revenge for others. His income ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 a month. He had been jailed twice, both for fights and brawls. The first sentence was 2 years, the second was 3 years. He’s a habitual offender.”

Wen Tian looked at Ji Baijian, “Mr. Ji, do you have any doubts?”

Ji Baijian didn’t respond.

He was just deep in thought.

Liang Ping obviously was a local thug and wouldn’t be working originally for Ye Wenhan or Qian Guanshu. Thus, it’s quite certain that he was bought off. Considering his current job nature, it was typical that he was taking the money to take the disaster for others, and then enjoys the rich and glorious life after serving for several years in prison. It would be no more than normal for him.

He asked Wen Tian, “Do you have Liang Ping’s residential address and his usual activity trajectory?”

“We do have his residential address. As for his usual activity trajectory...” Wen Tian thought for a moment, “I’ll go to the judiciary tomorrow to see if I can get one.”

“You give me the address first.” Ji Baijian said, “Don’t do anything else rashly for now, listen to my plan.”

“Okay.” Wen Tian nodded.

He found Liang Ping’s address from the file bag, “This is his usual address in Jin City, and this is his hometown address.”

Ji Baijian took a photo as a record.

He stood up, “Sorry for the interruption.”

“Mr. Ji.” Wen Tian addressed him, “Ms. Song’s case is different from the last one, it involves a lot. I checked it, if she really is convicted for damage to the national interests, according to the laws of Yanshang Country, she will be sentenced to at least fifteen years. Considering the high direct economic loss caused by Ms. Song, she might be sentenced to life imprisonment. Even if the state’s economic losses can be compensated, it would also be at least 25 years.”

“I know.”

“Ms. Song has done good things for me, Mr. Ji, if you have any orders just instruct, I will do my best for Ms. Song’s case.”

Ji Baijian spoke frankly, “Just don’t be bought off by anyone.”

Wen Tian was taken aback.

Ji Baijian left directly.

He drove and didn’t go anywhere else, and he went straight back to his apartment.

A person who had been tailing Ji Baijian saw him go back home, and then he picked up the phone to make a call, “He went to Wen Tian’s place, stayed for about half an hour, and then left straight home.”

“Continue to keep an eye on him.”

“Yes.”

Ji Baijian opened the door to the house.

Tank was lying in the hall, and when he saw someone coming, he got up and ran over.

Ji Baijian gave Tank a glance but didn’t approach him.

Tank felt somewhat wronged and lay down on the side.

Song Lifei kept reporting on work.

Xin Zaozao was a bit distracted.

“Chairman,” Song Lifei called her.

Xin Zaozao came back to her senses, apologizing, “Sorry.”

“It seems like you didn’t get enough rest last night. You have dark circles under your eyes.”

“That’s right. A little,” Xin Zaozao nodded.

Indeed, she was having trouble focusing.

It was not just because of insomnia the previous night. More importantly, she kept thinking about the things Ji Baili had told her yesterday that needed her attention as soon as possible.

She said, “As for the rational allocation of personnel, I’ll hand it over to you. You can directly report to me your final plan. By the way, you can consult Secretary Wu on issues related to personnel. She has been with Mu Cidian for many years and has experience in HR matters.”

“Yes,” Song Lifei responded respectfully, “Then I’ll take my leave now.”

Xin Zaozao nodded.

Song Lifei got up, prepared to leave Xin Zaozao’s office.

As he was leaving, he seemed to remember something.

His movements brought to a halt.

“Is there anything else?” Xin Zaozao asked.

“Secretary Wu is Mu Cidian’s person, why would Chairman suddenly value her?”

“As long as one has talent, there’s no reason not to employ them. Now that Mu Cidian is imprisoned, a smart person should know what to do.”

“Indeed,” Song Lifei nodded.

The Chairman really didn’t mince words; she was indeed cold.

At that moment, he couldn’t help but ask, “Chairman, have you and Mr. Ji Baili made up?”

Xin Zaozao frowned.

“Today’s news, although most of the coverage was on Jihong Group, there was a minor news report that you and Ji Baili have made up. It included intimate photos of you and Mr. Ji Baili. I know that as a subordinate, I should not inquire about my superior’s private romantic affairs, but I feel somewhat aggrieved for Mu Cidian. I believe his sacrifices for you were significant...”

“Many have told me about his kindness towards me, so there’s no need for you to remind me again. I don’t owe you an explanation either. But I can tell you that what happened between me and Mu Cidian was mutual. I won’t soften my stand or resume a relationship with him due to his sudden change. Therefore, my future romantic affairs will not be burdened by Mu Cidian. Whoever I choose to be with or not to be with is my decision, and it has nothing to do with Mu Cidian,” Xin Zaozao retorted coldly, “Executive Assistant Song, you are correct on one matter; as a subordinate, you should not inquire about your superior’s private romantic affairs.”

Song Lifei bowed, “It was my fault.”

“It’s okay...”

“Chairman,” Song Lifei suddenly interrupted her.

Xin Zaozao’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“If it’s really impossible with Mu Cidian, if you could possibly be with anyone else but not Mu Cidian, please give me a chance,” Song Lifei suddenly spoke up.

Xin Zaozao’s eyes flickered.

“When I asked about your feelings, it wasn’t just to stand up for Mu Cidian. I admit that there is some connection with him, because I don’t want to seize you from his grasp, but since the Chairman’s feelings for Mu Cidian have become so indifferent, I hope that when the Chairman thinks about others, he could also spare a thought for me.”

Xin Zaozao looked at him squarely.

“I won’t disturb the Chairman any longer.” Song Lifei turned and left.

Caught by chance, he met Yan Zihuan at the doorway, who was carrying a cup of coffee brewed for Xin Zaozao.

She watched, stunned, as Song Lifei departed and then turned her gaze to Zaozao.

What did she just hear?

She heard that Song Lifei was implying he wanted to pursue Xin Zaozao.

But ... she was in love with Song Lifei!

She bit her lip, staring at Song Lifei’s receding figure.

Song Lifei walked straight back to his office.

His heart was actually racing.

Yes.

He wasn’t sure when it began. Perhaps it was from the times when he accompanied Xin Zaozao during overtime, witnessing her handle everything on her own, or perhaps it was because of Xin Zaozao’s exceptional appearance and her pursuit of beautiful things. But over time and through constant interaction, his admiration had unknowingly turned into ... attraction.

This morning, when he saw piece of gossip about Xin Zaozao that went unnoticed due to news about the Jihong Group, he felt strangely unsettled.

All along, he had been restraining himself. He had always felt that Mu Cidian and Xin Zaozao might reconnect, and he didn’t want to snatch her away while Mu Cidian was in prison. However, now that Xin Zaozao could date someone else and had no relation to Mu Cidian, why wasn’t he allowed to actively pursue her?

Was he too impulsive just now?

So impulsive that perhaps Xin Zaozao might fire him the next day?

He took a deep breath. He didn’t feel like working at the moment.

He suddenly got up and left the office.

Mu Cidian was in prison.

He didn’t have time to attend his trial at the time, as he had been assigned to a business trip. Now, he wanted to visit him.

There were some things he wanted to make clear to Mu Cidian.

Like the fact that he intended to pursue Xin Zaozao.

He parked his car at the West Suburb Prison.

As he entered for the visit, he was immediately turned away, “Mr. Mu Cidian has run out of visitation privileges for this month. Please come back next month.”

“I only want to see him for a few minutes, just a quick chat. Could you please make an exception?” Song Lifei pleaded.

“No, it can’t be done! These are the rules, and they apply to everyone!” the staffer said firmly.

Song Lifei was left helpless.

He turned to leave.

As he was leaving, the prison staff called after him, “By the way, it would be best if you didn’t come next month either.”

“Why?” Song Lifei’s agitation was clear.

“The prisoner asked not to see anyone unless it’s by official mandate. We respect the prisoner’s choice,” the staff responded.

“Why doesn’t he want to see anyone?” Song Lifei was surprised.

“It’s the prisoner’s request. So long as it’s reasonable, we don’t question their motives.”

Song Lifei had no choice but to leave.

He thought about it.

Perhaps Mu Cidian, being the proud person that he is, didn’t want anyone to see him in such a pitiful state.

He even wondered if Mu Cidian would ever interact with his old friends once he was released from prison.

Meanwhile.

Inside West Suburb Prison.

About ten inmates occupied a cell.

They were sprawled on the ground, sleeping together. The blankets were hard and damp.

Someone was secretly smoking a cigarette, taking slow drags. Cigarettes were a scarce commodity in prison, and not officially permitted. They could be used as currency, so they were valued highly.

Mu Cidian smelt the tobacco and coughed twice.

“What are you coughing for? Are you trying to bring the cops here!” The man who was smoking barked furiously at Mu Cidian.

Mu Cidian struggled to control himself.

Due to health reasons, he had successfully quit smoking.

Now, when he smelled smoke, it made him terribly uncomfortable.

He got up from his bed and moved to one side.

He had been working hard labor since dawn, just returned to the prison, and now rested half an hour before going to the prison cafeteria for lunch.

This time was typically designated for their break, so the prison guards turned a blind eye to much of their behavior.

Mu Cidian moved away.

Another prisoner was also dwelling there, with his head down reading a newspaper.

In prison, opportunities to read the newspaper were sparse. A single copy might circulate among hundreds of inmates, and by the time he got it, the paper would be about a month old.

Yet, today he got a hold of it immediately.

The man read every word with careful attention, as if this was his only means to gain information about the outside world.

He noticed Mu Cidian approach, looked up to see his pale face, and asked, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay,” Mu Cidian replied.

In prison, it was inevitable for the newcomers to get beaten up.

His condition wasn’t the worst.

Even so, it was far from light.

“By the way, I think you might be interested in this piece of news.” The man handed the paper to him.

Mu Cidian glanced at it.

It read, “Xin Zaozao and Mr. Ji Baili spotted in a secret meeting at the garden, suspected affair rekindles.”

Mu Cidian just stared at it.

Staring at the photograph of them kissing intimately.

“I’m also here for a business crime, a ten year stint. I’ve been in here half a year longer than you, so I know a bit about your story.” The man said, “I used to respect you quite a bit. In fact, our company once lost a project to you. But don’t worry, I don’t harbor any resentment towards you. After all, I wasn’t in charge of that project. I just never thought we would meet under these circumstances. I’m honored.”

With that, he chuckled.

Mu Cidian gave a slight nod.

“I heard you’re in here for excessive self-defense? The guards were chatting the other day, saying that you killed someone for Xin Zaozao. Do you still have feelings for her?” The man asked.

Mu Cidian seemed unwilling to reply.

“I’m just advising you not to take it too seriously. Women are the most practical creatures in the world. They will not be devoted to you just because of what you have done for them! It’s said that men are heartless, but women are the ones who are truly ruthless. When they realize you have no use, they won’t stick around. I ended up in prison because of a woman too. If she hadn’t pressured me, I wouldn’t have committed a crime. But a few days ago, a buddy visited and told me that she’s already with someone else.” The man spoke with some noticeable fluctuations in his voice.

Mu Cidian remained silent.

Ever since he got into prison, he hadn’t been much of a talker.

He bore the beatings silently, too.

The man composed himself a bit, pointing at the content in the newspaper, he said, “You’re in prison now, you’ve got nothing left. Once you get out, you’ll always have a criminal record. Xin Zaozao is now the chairman of the Xin Family Group, she won’t look at you twice. Look, you’ve only just gotten in here, and she’s already with another man. She definitely doesn’t have feelings for you. It’s best that you give up on her!”

“Mm, I know.” Mu Cidian responded in a bland tone.

He never had any illusions that he had a chance to be with Xin Zaozao.

Neither in the past nor the future.

In fact, he felt okay with whatever Xin Zaozao chose to do now.

And whoever she chose to be with.

As long as...she didn’t appear in front of him again.

He needed to learn to forget.

He stood up and moved away from the man.

The space here was very restricted.

Despite ten occupants, the space was minuscule.

He returned to his own bed spot.

He would rather suffer physical discomfort than encounter any information about Xin Zaozao.