Chapter 62: Tears

Chu Ran had arranged to meet Lawyer Qian in his law office.

He explained the progress of the case and the potential unexpected developments that might arise next.

“Our evidence is solid at this point. No matter what happens, Liu Li and Huang Shicai won’t escape punishment. On the witness front, Guo Haiyang has already confessed. As for physical evidence, we’ve extracted and preserved the transfer records showing that Liu Li and Huang Shicai hired killers through Guo Haiyang. Then there’s the proof of them sending Li Liang to silence you—it’s ironclad. I’d say the outcome of this case is pretty much set in stone.”

He paused there, his gaze complicated as he looked at Chu Ran. With a sigh, he said, “Chu Ran, it’s rare for someone your age to stay so calm. You used a self-sacrificial ploy to draw the snakes out of their hole, then publicly cried injustice during the Top Scorer Parade Ceremony, making it known across the nation. Now I’m relentlessly pursuing them on the attempted silencing charge and leveraging public opinion to pressure the prosecutors. The media frenzy is still building, so we have to seize this moment to ensure they face the harshest penalties possible!”

“During this, Liu Li tried to use a fake pregnancy to get medical parole outside prison. Once we exposed it as her own staged farce, I immediately pointed out that the suspect showed no remorse and was scheming every way possible to evade justice. She’s ruthless, resorting to murder and silencing witnesses—her crimes are heinous, and she deserves the maximum sentence!”

Chu Ran’s eyes sharpened. She said at once, “Huang Shicai is even more cunning than Liu Li. You need to keep a close eye on him.”

She had used Qian Feng to cripple Huang Shicai’s manhood precisely to guard against a situation like this—and it had actually come in handy.

Lawyer Qian raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry. I’ve already thought of that. These two are like grasshoppers after autumn right now—mere twitches before the end. I don’t even need to lift a finger; the interrogating officers will exploit the rift between husband and wife, breaking them down one by one. They both want to pin the mastermind role on the other, but such petty tricks are child’s play to seasoned detectives. Their mutual accusations will only fill their confessions with enough crimes to guarantee longer sentences!”

“The prosecutors have already softened their stance: they’re leaning toward the death penalty for Liu Li, a suspended death sentence for Huang Shicai, and twenty-five years for Guo Haiyang.”

Chu Ran’s expression turned exceptionally cold. This verdict wasn’t to her liking, but it was the best she could wring out after exhausting every effort. She had mobilized all her connections, staked her entire future, and stirred up a national uproar—just to secure a death sentence for one of them.

At that thought, a heavy glint of malice flashed in her eyes. Once the verdict was official… she would find another way.

They might escape the death penalty, but not a living hell.

She wanted them to suffer worse than death!

In a low voice, she asked, “What about Liu Junjie?”

Lawyer Qian replied, “He was detained immediately, relieved of his duties, and is now under investigation. He’s locked up pending trial, so he’ll definitely be doing some prison time, at least.”

Chu Ran said, “Liu Junjie rose high, and his whole family rode his coattails. They can’t all be clean. Can we drag more of the Liu Family down?”

Lawyer Qian looked at her with a mix of helplessness and admiration. “Are you trying to bring down the entire Liu Family?”

Chu Ran arched a brow, her tone nonchalant. “Once Liu Junjie falls, they’re done for anyway. I’m just returning the favor.”

Lawyer Qian didn’t find her ruthless at all. He simply said, “Fine, I’ll handle it. But I won’t get directly involved—just a little nudge, and all the enemies the Liu Family has made over the years will come crawling out to kick them while they’re down.”

With that, the discussion wrapped up. Chu Ran composed herself and looked at Lawyer Qian seriously. “Uncle Qian, about that IOU I wrote before—how do you think I should go about getting it back appropriately?”

Lawyer Qian stared at her in surprise. Just a second ago, she had been cool-headed and shrewd almost to a demonic degree while discussing the case; now, seeking his advice, she looked earnest, like a student.

He felt a deep admiration in his heart. This girl was no ordinary talent—she was destined for great things!

With a chuckle, he said, “That’s easy. You’re the junior here, so you don’t need to overthink it. Just handle it the way a young person would. Even if it’s a bit rude, no elder would hold it against you.”

Chu Ran immediately grasped his meaning and smiled faintly.

She had asked obliquely, but Lawyer Qian had answered directly.

She stood up at once and extended her hand to him, her expression more sincere. “Uncle Qian, thank you. I’ll keep in touch once I get to the Capital City. Take care of yourself.”

Lawyer Qian shook her hand solemnly and personally escorted her to the elevator. As the doors closed, his assistant couldn’t help saying, “Boss, she’s still just a student. Why do you think so highly of her?”

Lawyer Qian shot his assistant a glare. “So what if she’s a student? You all could learn a thing or two. Watch how she speaks and acts—every word hits the perfect note. The same words from her carry more weight.”

Chu Ran hailed a taxi to drop her off at the Liu Family’s main gate.

The grand doors were shut tight. Sitting in front of them was a fat man with a crooked eye and a lopsided mouth, filthy from head to toe. Drool hung from his chin as he sat barefoot on the ground, playing in the dirt.

A group of children surrounded him, pelting him with stones. He just giggled foolishly, shielding his face with his hands and letting out “Owww!” cries.

The driver said, “That’s a retard. Word is, he’s the son of a murderer. Karma’s a bitch—he killed someone’s parents, and now his own son’s an idiot. Serves him right!”

The driver spat out the window.

Chu Ran withdrew her gaze and rolled up the window. “Let’s go.”

She went straight to Qian Zai’an’s company building. The receptionist recognized her and treated her decently, asking her to wait.

Qian Zai’an didn’t keep her waiting long.

Half an hour later, the receptionist ushered her into the spacious Chairman’s Office.

Qian Zai’an was reviewing documents at his desk. He glanced up briefly. “Chu Ran, you’re here. Have a seat.”

Chu Ran gently placed the envelope containing the bank check for two million on his desk, then sat on the nearby sofa.

About ten minutes later, Qian Zai’an set down his pen, removed his gold-rimmed glasses, and looked at her—then at the envelope on his desk.

“What brings you here today?”

Chu Ran walked right up to his desk and said steadily, without a trace of deference or arrogance, “Uncle Qian, I’m here specifically to thank you. My parents’ names have been cleared thanks to your help. I can’t thank you enough.”

She bowed deeply and respectfully.

Qian Zai’an accepted it calmly, gesturing for her to rise. “No need to stand on ceremony. Sit.”

There was a real leather armchair in front of his desk, likely for subordinates reporting work.

Chu Ran pulled it out and sat properly, continuing, “There’s one more thing I’d like to consult you on, Uncle Qian. Qian Hao told me about an internal Financial Project and hopes I’ll join. My experience is limited, and I’m afraid I might not measure up. I’d like your opinion.”

But Qian Zai’an didn’t take the bait. He picked up the envelope, opened it for a look, and said casually, “Did you sell the Old House to get the money to pay me back?”

Chu Ran jolted in shock. How did Qian Zai’an know about her selling the house?

Before she could ask, he saw her surprise and tossed the envelope back in front of her.

“Chu Ran, since you agreed to partner with Qian Hao, I can’t let you fall into dire straits. That Old House your parents left you—you’re really willing to sell it?”

“Consider the five hundred thousand a loan from me.”

He said it offhandedly, as if he were buying a head of cabbage from a street vendor.

But Chu Ran tensed up despite herself, feeling a chill of being under someone else’s control.

She had suspected Qian Hao might have pulled strings with the house, but it turned out Qian Zai’an had orchestrated it from behind the scenes!

She had planned to use the proceeds from selling the house to clear her previous debt, but now Qian Zai’an had intervened—not only blocking that but saddling her with an even bigger one.

Qian Zai’an seemed to read her thoughts and smiled at her. “What, you think two million clears the debt of all those favors?”

Chu Ran’s heart skipped. Qian Zai’an had sensed her desire to distance herself from the Qian Family.

But she couldn’t admit that. She shook her head firmly. “You’ve got it wrong, Uncle Qian. Of course not. I’m just afraid my abilities fall short and I’m taking advantage of your misplaced faith in me.”

Qian Zai’an said indifferently, “Chu Ran, to me, investing in a genius is just business. History is full of them. In the face of enough money, there are always more lining up. It doesn’t matter who I back.”

“Since you know Qian Hao, I don’t mind giving you this shot.”

“Business has wins and losses—no need to feel burdened.”

“Take the two million back. Consider it seed money for this Financial Project.”

Chu Ran’s heart chilled!

Qian Zai’an was warning her.

A stick, then a carrot.

She exhaled slowly. “Since Uncle Qian is so generous, I won’t stand on ceremony.”

Qian Zai’an glanced at her coolly and said casually, “You’re smart and know your place—better than most young people.”

“If you hadn’t come to pay this back, I’d have considered it money well spent to teach Qian Hao a lesson. Since you did come… it’s money well spent to teach you one.”

Chu Ran caught the double meaning in his words.

Qian Zai’an was testing her with two million. If she didn’t pay it back, he’d chalk it up to his daughter getting the short end of the stick. But if she did repay it, he’d use that money as her startup capital.

He wanted to turn the money she’d paid him back into a personal favor?!

What a sly old fox!

But you can scheme, can’t I?

She immediately schooled her features, brimming with gratitude as she said, “Thank you, Uncle Qian. You’re so generous—not only wiping out my old debt but also giving me seed money to dip my toes into the financial markets.”

Qian Zai’an blinked in surprise before bursting into hearty laughter.

“Not bad, not bad!”

He repeated it twice, his gaze on Chu Ran laden with meaning. “Very good. That was your first lesson from me.”

“You passed. Off you go.”

Chu Ran snatched up the envelope and hurried out of the Chairman’s Office. Only when the door clicked shut behind her did she let out a long, slow breath.

Qian Zai’an had been knocking her back into line, trying to keep her in debt.

He’d even flipped the two million she’d just repaid him into a favor, piling debt on debt until she owed more and more!

Wasn’t that just loan-shark compound interest in disguise?

Good thing she’d gone all-in and turned the tables on Qian Zai’an.

She had paid back that two million, fair and square—and he’d pushed it right back as startup funds.

Now, she’d nailed down the fact that her “two-million debt was cleared”!

The previous two million? Already repaid. This new two million? Startup funds from him.

She clutched the envelope, her eyes gradually icing over.

Her exchange with Qian Zai’an had given her a raw glimpse into the adult world: ruthless, exploitative, big fish devouring little fish, little fish gobbling shrimp. It was a jungle of constant struggle.

Before long, she tracked down Qian Feng and handed him Qian Hao’s Black Bank Card.

In the end, she hadn’t passed it through Lawyer Qian—too risky that Qian Zai’an would find out.

When young people handled things among themselves, it stayed clean. Drag in the elders, and it could turn messy.

Qian Feng shot her a mocking look. “Why not give it to Qian Hao yourself?”

“You didn’t blow too much of her cash and get cold feet about facing her, did you?”

Chu Ran narrowed her eyes. She couldn’t be bothered to reply. Qian Feng’s brainpower wasn’t worth the argument.

It didn’t take Qian Feng long to realize just how idiotic he’d sounded.

With a cold snort, he yanked the card from her hand.

Chu Ran had seen it coming.

Qian Feng had always resented her, hating the idea of her touching Qian Hao’s money. Even if his loathing ran bone-deep, he’d safeguard that card.

And knowing his type, he’d march it straight to Qian Hao like a trophy, badmouthing Chu Ran the whole way.

With that in mind, she said deliberately, “I’ve returned the card. If someone tries to frame me for pocketing it, then flips the script and slanders me in front of everyone else, I won’t own up to it.”

Qian Feng nearly leaped to his feet. “You think I’m like you, full of dirty tricks?”

Chu Ran replied coolly, “I was talking about other people. Did I mention you? Why so quick to jump in—got a guilty conscience?”

Qian Feng’s face turned beet red. He balled his fists, looking like he was dying to fire back but had nothing.

Chu Ran felt a rush of glee inside, then added offhandedly, “Some folks think they’re hot stuff, crowning themselves King of Kung Fu. Me? I say, big whoop.”

Qian Feng blew up instantly. “You wanna test that?”

Chu Ran eyed him leisurely. “No need. I’ve seen enough already. Today, passing the Liu Family gates, I spotted Huang Biao. He’s doing pretty well for himself.”

Qian Feng’s face drained of color. He shook his head violently. “No way!”

Chu Ran turned away with deliberate slowness. “Believe me or don’t—I saw what I saw.”

Qian Feng gripped his fists, glaring at her retreating back, his expression flickering between rage and doubt.

Chu Ran headed to the bank and deposited the check’s funds back into her card.

She opened a new account, splitting the money two ways: 2.4 million in one, 650,000 in the other. Back home, she showed Gu An’an the card with 650,000.

Gu An’an held the card in one hand and her phone in the other, staring at the balance notification. A smile quickly lit her face.

“Little Ran, you’re incredible! A 500,000 bonus—gotta be the highest in the country, right?”

Chu Ran nodded. Gu An’an beamed. “With this, we’ll live comfortably even in the Capital City.”

Chu Ran said at once, “Sister An’an, you’re a whiz at running a household. You keep the money. I’ve set up Intimate Pay on your phone. Everything for our home is yours to handle from here on.”

The card suddenly felt heavy in Gu An’an’s hand. She gazed up at Chu Ran’s clear, lovely face—still touched with a hint of youth—and her chest tightened with bittersweet ache.

“Little Ran, like this… I can’t even step outside. I can’t buy groceries. How could I run the house? I’m… useless. You keep the money.”

Chu Ran studied her—downcast, forlorn, tinged with self-pity. Her own heart twisted. She slipped the card into Gu An’an’s palm and folded her fingers over it.

“No. You have to manage it. I’m no good at that stuff.”

“Done deal.”

Gu An’an couldn’t pull her hand free with Chu Ran holding it, so she kept her grip on the card.

Satisfaction and shame warred inside her, but Chu Ran trusting her with the house? It thrilled her. Could she really keep their home shipshape in her condition?

Chu Ran went on, “I’ve packed most of the luggage. I’ll box up the rest. We’re leaving the other stuff.”

“But so much of it’s still good. Waste to toss it,” Gu An’an put in.

Chu Ran replied, “I’ll grab as much as I can, then.”

Gu An’an hated leaving their old things behind. “Little Ran, let me pack. You go handle whatever.”

Chu Ran hesitated.

“You packing for me before? Already hated to see you work. Can’t let you do the last bit too—what if you wear yourself out?”

Gu An’an smiled and shook her head. “I’m fine, really. Not tired. I’ll do it.”

Chu Ran fretted she’d exhaust herself—or pack every old knickknack, turning shipping into a nightmare. They could replace anything missing later.

“Forget it,” she said. “Sister An’an, don’t fuss. I’ll handle it. You just relax till we leave.”

She gave Gu An’an’s hand a squeeze and turned back to packing.

Gu An’an sat motionless, silent for ages.

After a bit, Chu Ran stepped out to pour her some water and saw her with head bowed. Rushing over, she realized Gu An’an’s pant legs were soaked through.

She’d been crying quietly, head down!

“Sister An’an, what’s wrong?”

Terrified, Chu Ran grabbed her arm, asking over and over.

Gu An’an kept her head low, tears streaming down. She swiped at her eyes, but they kept falling.

Chu Ran’s heart felt shredded. She drew Gu An’an into her arms. “Sister An’an, please talk. What’s happened? You’re scaring me.”

Gu An’an let out a sob, her lips trembling.

Her voice was a whisper. Chu Ran pressed close to her tear-dampened cheek and caught the hoarse words: “Little Ran… all I can manage now are these little chores.”

It hit Chu Ran like a thunderbolt!!!

Words failed her. Self-reproach flooded in. She could only hold Gu An’an tighter.

Her tears burned like hot oil searing Chu Ran’s heart.

Finally, Gu An’an quieted. Chu Ran eyed her reddened eyes and murmured softly, “Let’s pack together, then. I’ll be your helper, okay?”

“I love everything you do, Sister An’an. Truly.”

Fresh tears spilled from Gu An’an’s eyes, shimmering in the light, but she smiled right away. “Mm!”

That smile cut Chu Ran deep.