Gu Xingdong’s gaze fell on the single pigeon kept in its own cage. He smiled and said, “I think it’s mainly because you want too much. You want to protect the eggs and also ensure their training isn’t affected. Anyway, one egg has already broken, so what if they all break? The worst that can happen is just that. Why not let them resolve their own matters? What do you think?”
Elder He was stunned for a moment, then slowly began to ponder Gu Xingdong’s words.
Was it really that he wanted too much?
Since ancient times, the word “willing” has been used. Doesn’t willing imply that to gain something, you must give something up, and to give something up, you might gain something? Dwelling on too much only brings self-inflicted trouble.
“Haha, you’re right. Let them resolve their own matters.”
…
He Ziyu took some time to visit the judicial department.
“Uncle Yan.”
Upon seeing him enter, the other party greeted him with a warm smile, “Ziyu, come in and sit.”
He Ziyu sat in the chair opposite him as requested.
“This is the defense statement I drafted based on the information you provided. Once the court accepts it and the verdict is finalized, it will be at least twenty years,” the man said, handing over a stack of documents.
He Ziyu took it and glanced at it briefly, then handed it back. “I have great confidence in Uncle Yan’s abilities.”
Dealing with Zhu Shasha would inevitably dirty his hands, and the death penalty would be too lenient for her.
This was good.
After the verdict, he would arrange for her to go to the hardest and most arduous place. She would spend the rest of her life atoning for everything she had done in this manner.
“Oh, right, there’s one more thing. Early this morning, a man suddenly came, claiming to be Zhu Shasha’s lawyer. He wanted to understand the situation. You know, having gone through that period of history, there are hardly any lawyers in China. There are only a few hundred nationwide currently. With their involvement, the matter might become a bit tricky.”
“Lawyer?” He Ziyu’s brows furrowed slightly. As far as he knew, Zhu Shasha’s family background was very poor, and ever since Zhu Shasha returned to the mainland with his second brother, she had almost lost contact with her hometown. At this moment, who would specifically hire a lawyer to help her?
“Did the other party leave any contact information, or any other characteristics?”
The man thought carefully and shook his head. “He was a very ordinary person and didn’t leave a phone number. However, he should be present at the trial.”
“Thank you, Uncle Yan. I’ll be going now.” After He Ziyu left, he made a turn and headed towards the hospital.
Qingqing was still in the hospital. After the incident, he could only find a caregiver to look after the child.
After all, they had raised the child for six or seven years. However, they were not saints, nor were they obligated to raise someone else’s child. Once the child’s head injury improved, he would arrange for someone to send him to Zhu Shasha’s hometown.
However, when he arrived at the ward, he did not see Qingqing. Instead, the caregiver was packing her things.
“Comrade He, why are you here?” The caregiver looked up, surprised to see him.
He Ziyu frowned. “Where is the child?”
“He was taken away. Wasn’t it you?” Realizing something was wrong, the caregiver’s face turned pale, and she quickly explained, “About, about half an hour ago, a man came. He said the child’s mother sent him to pick up the child. Then he also mentioned the child’s name and gave me an extra ten yuan. I, I didn’t think much of it…”
He Ziyu’s gaze deepened. “What did that person look like? Did he have any accent?”
First a lawyer, and now someone sent to pick up the child. This matter seemed not so simple.
The caregiver said, “He looked very ordinary, and he spoke Mandarin. He didn’t say much, so I, I couldn’t discern any accent.”
He Ziyu said nothing more and turned to leave the ward…
Zhu Shasha stared at the walls, her gaze gradually becoming vacant.
Having done so much, she had thought she was bound to die this time. After all, with the He family’s influence, they had a hundred ways to kill her without anyone knowing. But they had done nothing; instead, they had sent her directly here.
This made her very uneasy. She had a feeling that what awaited her would not be so simple.
However, she no longer cared.
With so many siblings in her family, she had understood a truth from a young age: without contention, there was no way to get ahead.
Why did other girls have new hair ties, or even new clothes, while she could only wear her mother’s worn-out, mended clothes, enduring mockery and endless chores, with clothes that never stopped piling up to be washed?
Even the only opportunity to attend school was obtained by her threatening to die.
But…
That only lasted until junior high graduation.
Despite being so poor, her family still desperately had more children in pursuit of a son.
Finally, there was a younger brother, but her parents were eager to marry her off, solely to collect more betrothal gifts to improve the family’s living conditions.
To improve their lives, why should her happiness be sacrificed?
Finally, she escaped from that place that devoured people without spitting out bones.
In that place, which countless people longed for but was also unfamiliar, she met the benefactor of her life…
A bitter smile suddenly appeared on Zhu Shasha’s lips.
Perhaps he was also the most heartless person.
Without him, she might not have met He Zinian.
And Qingqing, she wondered how he was doing now. That person wouldn’t just watch him die, would he?
“Zhu Shasha, someone is here to see you.” Suddenly, a guard walked over, interrupting Zhu Shasha’s thoughts.
Who would visit her at this time? Thinking of this, Zhu Shasha’s eyes suddenly lit up, then dimmed again. The distance was too great; it was likely impossible.
He Ziyu looked at the woman walking in. Without makeup, she looked completely devoid of her usual refinement, clearly showing more signs of exhaustion.
“He Zinian didn’t come?”
He Ziyu replied, “He said seeing you makes him sick.”
A flash of anger in Zhu Shasha’s eyes quickly subsided. “Then why did you come?”
“I have a few questions for you.”
Zhu Shasha pulled over a stool and sat down, not replying.
“Qingqing was taken away,” He Ziyu said, his eyes fixed on Zhu Shasha. He saw a fleeting look of worry on her face, but she quickly seemed to understand something, and her expression relaxed.
“You know who that person is,” he stated.
Zhu Shasha replied, “I don’t.”
He Ziyu said, “It’s quite rare for someone to still be able to vouch for you at this time.”
Zhu Shasha lowered her gaze and remained silent.
“But don’t worry, he won’t be able to interfere in this territory of Kyoto. And you, you will naturally have your place to go.”
Zhu Shasha, who had been calm, finally showed a hint of panic. “He Ziyu, what are you going to do? I’m telling you, if you dare to touch me, that person won’t let your He family off!”
He Ziyu stood up. “Then let’s wait and see.”
…
“We, your husband and I, have discussed it and would like to recognize you, Lishu, as our goddaughter. Are you willing?”
Mother He looked at Chen Lishu, her gaze gentle as she asked.
“Actually, ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted a close daughter. Unfortunately, I gave birth to three sons. Because of Ruirui, I met you two. Looking at you, child, you are good in every way. I feel this is destiny given by heaven. It’s okay if you are not willing…”