Chapter 71

After the New Year, everything returned to normal.

In this new year, Wen Xin picked up the habit of keeping a diary. She had always struggled with her memory, and in the past, any sad or painful events she forgot were simply gone. But now her life was stable and joyful, filled with bits of happiness and pleasure woven into her everyday routine. She didn’t want to forget those moments. She wanted to hold onto them forever.

And so the diary entries piled up, page after page, chronicling many people and many events—

【2.20 Sunny. Today I secretly filmed a video of Xixi talking in its sleep. So adorable! Our Xixi is the cutest little cat in the world.】

【3.1 Rainy. It poured outside, making it such a hassle to go anywhere. Luckily, it was the weekend, so no work. A-Yu and I hunkered down at home and binged movies all day. We even lucked out and ordered from an amazing takeout place. So happy~】

【3.4 Sunny. A Qiu’s wedding date is set—a lucky day. I’m thrilled for her. I hope she and her love stay happy and blissful forever.】

【3.19 Sunny. The trial is coming up soon. With A-Yu by my side, I went to visit Mom and Dad. I miss you both so much. Uncle and Auntie will get the punishment they deserve, right? Please watch over me, Mom and Dad.】

Like most people’s diaries, Wen Xin’s wasn’t fancy. There was no art to her writing or any particular style—she just jotted down whatever came to mind. Simple, straightforward entries, mostly mundane day-to-day accounts.

But Shi Qianyu had told her there was nothing wrong with that. “Plain and simple is just fine,” she’d said. “Many people spend their whole lives chasing even a moment of peace. Compared to a tumultuous, rollercoaster existence, this kind of ordinary life is a blessing in itself.”

“Yeah,” Wen Xin agreed with a nod, deeply resonating with the sentiment.

Truth be told, she was pretty content with her life as it was.

With Shi Qianyu and Xixi by her side, every day felt like a happy one.

Half a month later, the trial began. Lawyer Xiao argued her case with eloquence and unyielding logic in the courtroom, laying bare how the defendants had usurped the plaintiff’s rightful inheritance, subjected her to abuse, intimidation, and extortion. Their true colors were as ugly as could be.

One charge after another, backed by irrefutable evidence, left the other side speechless. The verdict came down swiftly: Uncle and Auntie had to repay the plaintiff one million five hundred thousand yuan and serve five years in prison.

Dissatisfied, Uncle and Auntie appealed. The case dragged from spring into early summer, and three months later, the second trial commenced.

Forewarned by the first loss, they came armed with more prepared arguments this time, claiming that even if they’d done wrong, they’d raised Wen Xin for years. That couldn’t be overlooked.

Needless to say, the court dismissed it on the spot.

Panic set in, and they began to slip up. When excuses failed, they quickly turned on each other, each accusing the other of instigating all their misdeeds over the years.

It was like watching rabid dogs turn on one another—a spectacle too crass to witness.

The second trial upheld the original ruling. Uncle and Auntie’s house, car, savings, and all their assets were seized by force. They were hauled off to prison to atone for their crimes.

On the day they walked out of the courthouse, the sky was an impossibly brilliant blue, and the world felt breathtakingly beautiful.

Wen Xin had never felt such unbridled relief. All the resentment and hatred that had festered in her heart for years evaporated in an instant. From now on, Uncle and Auntie would be gone from her life—no more endless accusations or extortion.

Most importantly, she was about to reclaim everything that belonged to her. She had finally recovered what her parents had left behind.

Tears spilled down her cheeks. Seeing this, Shi Qianyu lowered her gaze, pulled out a tissue, and gently wiped them away.

People passed by around them, and Lawyer Xiao stood faithfully at her side. Even with curious glances coming their way, Wen Xin could hold back no longer.

She stepped forward and buried her face in Shi Qianyu’s chest. In a soft voice, she said, “A-Yu, can you hold me?”

“Of course.” Shi Qianyu wrapped her arms around Wen Xin, pulling her close.

But Wen Xin whispered, “Can you hold me even tighter?”

Her voice brimmed with grievance. The emotions she’d bottled up for so long finally burst forth, leaving her trembling. Onlookers couldn’t help but stare.

Shi Qianyu paid it no mind. She simply did as Wen Xin asked, tightening her embrace further and enveloping her in comfort and security.

“You’re amazing,” she said solemnly.

“It’s been such a hard road.”

Wen Xin finally calmed down in the car. She turned to Xiao Xiao with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. “The case is finally resolved. Thank you, Lawyer Xiao. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

“No problem.” Xiao Xiao shook her head. “Seeing those two scumbags get what they deserved feels pretty satisfying for me too.”

“Wen Xin, I’m happy for you,” she added sincerely.

The three of them had been meeting frequently lately. The more time Wen Xin spent with Xiao Xiao, the more she appreciated her qualities. From their first encounter, Xiao Xiao had struck her as poised, decisive, confident—a woman worthy of admiration.

At first, Wen Xin had been too shy to talk much with her. But Shi Qianyu had encouraged her, urging her to speak up, to share her thoughts boldly no matter what. Wen Xin took it to heart and tried her best, even if her words stumbled or didn’t flow smoothly.

Xiao Xiao never mocked her. Instead, she listened with patience and kindness. Her temperament was as gentle as Shi Qianyu’s, her words witty and engaging.

She was a good person—Wen Xin knew that. Still, they weren’t exactly friends. With the case over, they might part ways for good.

Wen Xin hated the thought. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke up. “You’ve worked so hard, Lawyer Xiao. Do you have any plans next?”

“I need to head back to the firm. Some urgent matters are waiting.” Xiao Xiao seemed not to catch her drift. “Why?”

“Oh, nothing.” Wen Xin shook her head, realizing Xiao Xiao was swamped today. Dinner was probably off the table.

But she wasn’t ready to give up. “What about this weekend, then? Do you have time? I’d love to treat you to a meal. Would that be okay?”

“Sure.” Xiao Xiao agreed readily. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

“The case wrapped up perfectly—we have to celebrate properly. Even if you hadn’t asked, I would’ve suggested it.” She grinned and took the initiative. “There’s an incredible restaurant near our firm. You two should come try it. My treat.”

“No, no, no.” Wen Xin shook her head emphatically. “I’ll treat you. I’ll treat you.”

Xiao Xiao was already scrolling through the menu on her phone. Hearing Wen Xin, she shot back naturally, “Nope, that’s not happening. I’m paying. Consider it a celebration for a friend.”

Wen Xin latched onto that word: friend.

It was a beautiful word. She echoed it unconsciously. “Friend…”

Xiao Xiao set down her phone and teased her with a smile. “What, we’re not friends?”

“Of course we are!” Wen Xin’s eyes lit up. She didn’t argue further, instead saying, “Next time, it’s on me. I know some great spots—the food’s fantastic.”

Xiao Xiao hooked her pinky with Wen Xin’s. “Deal.”

Just then, the car pulled up in front of the law firm.

Wen Xin and Shi Qianyu said their goodbyes. As they drove home, Shi Qianyu, sounding a touch jealous, piped up in a pouty voice. “You two were chatting so happily back there.”

“Did Sister forget all about me?” Her tone was soft and coquettish.

“Of course not.” Wen Xin shook her head quickly.

“Will you bring me to that weekend dinner?” Shi Qianyu pressed on. “What about next time? And the time after?”

“How could I ever leave out A-Yu?” Wen Xin felt like Shi Qianyu was asking even though she knew the answer. Her response came out a bit rushed.

And just like that, Shi Qianyu had her. “Sister’s being mean to me.”

She was adept at teasing like this. Realizing it, Wen Xin softened her tone and cooed placatingly, “I wasn’t.”

“A-Yu is the most important.” After spending so much time together, Wen Xin had picked up a few of her lover’s tricks. Sweet talk came more easily now. “How could I ever be mean to you?”

“How about I treat A-Yu to dinner in a bit?” The car stopped at a light. Before it turned green, Wen Xin leaned over and planted a sneaky kiss on Shi Qianyu’s cheek. “A-Yu can have whatever she wants. Then we can go shopping after. I’ll buy you anything you like, okay?”

It was a bold offer. Normally, Wen Xin might have felt too insecure to say it.

But things were different now. Her parents’ inheritance was substantial—enough that she no longer had to pinch pennies or live in fear. Enough to let her indulge a little, buy what she wanted without hesitation.

She hadn’t figured out what she wanted for herself yet. But she knew exactly what to do for Shi Qianyu: a handbag, jewelry, beautiful clothes. Dinners out, shopping sprees, movies—whatever her heart desired.

She no longer wants to take; she wants to give.

Shi Qianyu listened to her words and finally seemed satisfied: “Alright then~”

Wen Xin tentatively asked: “Is A-Yu feeling a bit happier now?”

Shi Qianyu didn’t answer. Lowering her eyes, she quickly kissed her lips, her gaze shimmering with delight and affection.

Only then did she say, “Now we’ve got it.”