Chapter 18 – Remember to Answer Your Phone

Due to the owner not using the vehicle locator function subjectively or objectively, coupled with the guide’s questionable sense of direction, the two spent an unusually long time in the parking lot today.

When Bian Ji hit the elevated road, the two captains who were farther away had already posted in the group chat that they had arrived home. Twenty minutes later, he finally chimed in, “I’ve arrived too.”

Yan Ankuo, however, wasn’t as fortunate. Just as he was about to leave the parking lot, he was called back to the office to work overtime by a phone call, so he sent a picture of his computer to the group.

Bian Ji wondered, “[You haven’t left yet?]” Yan Ankuo replied, “[Got a last-minute call; there are some case materials that need revision.]” Qiao Yuan commented, “[Attorney Yan works too hard.]” Nie Hang echoed, “[True, if we had known, we wouldn’t have dragged you out to dinner today. You could have gone home earlier.]” Yan Ankuo responded, “[It has nothing to do with you guys. I just got the call, and since I’m near the law firm, I figured I might as well come back.]” Bian Ji said, “[Then you should get to work. Rest early.]” After responding, Yan Ankuo focused on the case files at hand.

The call was from Wu Hongying. After the first trial, her husband was dissatisfied with the judgment and quickly appealed to a higher court. Rumor had it that the opposing side hired a lawyer with an aggressive courtroom style, one who didn’t shy away from underhanded tactics.

Whether incited by someone or not, the other party started spreading rumors about Wu Hongying among friends and family, claiming she had cheated on her husband and was using his money to support a kept man, even suggesting that she had secured her lawyer through sexual favors.

In Wu Hongying’s hometown, relationships were tightly knit, and her elderly parents couldn’t bear the burden of the rumors, falling ill as a result. Her emotions were more stable this time, but she still couldn’t hide her simmering anger, repeating over and over, “I’m going to kill him.”

Yan Ankuo knew these were words spoken in anger, but he kindly warned her nonetheless: not to do it.

“I want him to leave with nothing!” Wu Hongying gritted her teeth, “How dare he… Do you know what he said? He accused me of having an affair! How can someone be so shameless?!”

Yan Ankuo wasn’t as upset about being smeared with such filth, merely scoffing at the opponent’s tactics: “Regarding leaving with nothing, I suggest against it. In the second trial, you can’t change your demands unless you file a new lawsuit.”

“Then let’s file a new lawsuit!” Wu Hongying declared resolutely, “He dares to treat me like this… I won’t let that scum have it easy!”

Yan Ankuo asked her to calm down before continuing, “Firstly, the term ‘leaving with nothing’ is typically viewed as violating marital equality rights, and the courts usually don’t support it. And think about it, given his current mental state, if he’s really backed into a corner, could it become detrimental to your safety, or even your child’s?”

Wu Hongying laughed coldly, “Are you scared? Afraid losing will affect your reputation?”

“I’m not afraid. Honestly, this case doesn’t impact me much.” Yan Ankuo had handled various divorce cases, witnessing once-passionate lovers turn into bitter enemies, sometimes even threatening each other with knives, so he didn’t hesitate to approach each case with the utmost caution, “But we can’t reason with a madman. He spread rumors and appealed even after being left with 50% of the assets. If next time he’s left with only 10%, it’s hard to imagine what he might do.”

Yan Ankuo was accustomed to presenting the worst-case scenarios, such as the opposing party refusing to comply, forcibly taking the child, or even threatening lives and health, but Wu Hongying remained insistent on filing a new appeal, wanting to inflict maximum loss on the other party, or else she would switch lawyers.

A lawyer’s advice to their client was based on professionalism and experience, but ultimately, they were service providers. Seeing Wu Hongying’s persistence, Yan Ankuo said, “I’ve explained the risks. If you still wish to change your demands, I can help you rewrite the complaint. But before that, I hope you take a night to cool off, and we’ll talk tomorrow.”

The next morning, Yan Ankuo received word. Wu Hongying said she had thought it through, wanted to change her demands, and aimed to bankrupt her ex-husband.

Yan Ankuo pinched the bridge of his nose and rushed back to the law firm, meticulously reviewing past evidence lists and forming a new appeal strategy alone.

Generally, after the conclusion of court arguments, demands couldn’t be changed. However, if new facts arose causing new damages, another lawsuit could indeed be filed.

Given the amount Wu Hongying was now requesting, the opposing party’s fault might not warrant such a high judgment. But if they could prove that her ex-husband spread rumors in their hometown after the initial judgment and deliberately hid the child’s whereabouts, they could sue him for defamation and violation of custody rights, which would greatly benefit their case.

Suddenly faced with a new case, Yan Ankuo’s workload doubled. He didn’t return home until past eleven the previous night and was back at his desk by half past eight the next morning.

Even Huang Xiaoxiao noticed, “Mr. Yan, why have you been staying so late lately?”

Without looking up, Yan Ankuo replied, “The Kunming case; the client wants to re-appeal.”

Xiao Huang asked, “Why?”

In a few sentences, he summarized what the man had done, infuriating Huang Xiaoxiao, “Damn! Is this guy even human?”

“Fear is that he isn’t,” Yan Ankuo sighed, “He has no moral bottom line; we can’t push him too hard.”

Huang Xiaoxiao sighed in agreement, consoling him, “Take care of yourself, boss.”

Yan Ankuo gave a brief acknowledgment and continued with his work.

This day was no different from any other busy workday, except for one difference: Bian Ji suddenly became overly enthusiastic towards him.

Just after noon, Yan Ankuo received three messages from him.

Bian Ji: “[Just landed.]” Bian Ji: “[Picture (Crew Meal)]” Bian Ji: “[Have you eaten on time?]” Yan Ankuo honestly answered, “[Not yet.]” Bian Ji checked the Beijing time and reprimanded, “[It’s half past twelve!]” Yan Ankuo replied, “[Forgot due to busyness. Later.]”

Bian Ji was used to having three regular but unappetizing crew meals a day, worried that Yan Ankuo might suffer stomachaches in such cold weather without dinner. Now, he didn’t have to worry about the other party’s domestic issues. Since he was single, he could freely express concern: “[When is ‘later’?]” Yan Ankuo glanced at the documents at hand and intentionally estimated late, “[Probably an hour from now.]” Bian Ji thought that wouldn’t be lunch anymore, but rather afternoon tea.

Yan Ankuo told the truth, but Bian Ji sensed a hint of intentionality: “[It’s fine. I’m actually used to it and don’t feel hungry.]” Bian Ji’s frown deepened as he read, opening the domestic food delivery app. Following the preferences he remembered from their previous meals together, he ordered a balanced light meal for Yan Ankuo, sending it to the law firm’s front desk. Then, he took a screenshot and sent it to Yan Ankuo.

Bian Ji: “[I’ve ordered you some takeout, remember to answer your phone (Winking Face Gif)]” Bian Ji: “[Picture]” Yan Ankuo looked at the screenshot, secretly curving his lips upwards, “[Thanks.]”