Lixi, having just taken a painkiller and intending to read, looked up as Gu Bin entered.
Lixi put down her book and looked at him. "Is there news from Shen Mo's side?"
Gu Bin gave a polite smile. "No. Because the timing of your divorce filing was somewhat rushed, if you wish to sue for divorce, you can only proceed by gathering evidence of Shen Mo's infidelity."
"Unless you can provide other evidence that your relationship with Shen Mo has broken down, such as domestic violence or separation..."
Lixi asked, puzzled, "Then why did Lawyer Gu come to see me so suddenly?"
Gu Bin said solemnly, "I am already aware that you were assaulted by Ms. Lu Meng. I came specifically to ask Miss Li if you would like me to handle this matter entirely on your behalf."
"I can ensure Ms. Lu spends the rest of her life behind bars."
Watching Gu Bin say this with such calm nonchalance, Lixi felt genuine admiration. He truly lived up to his reputation as a top-tier lawyer, showing no fear even when facing the powerful.
However, Lu Meng’s words had served as a reminder: she could no longer rely on Chi Mu's kindness and keep seeking his help.
After all, Chi Mu was already married.
Even submitting a formal request felt like it would be a burden to him.
So, Lixi politely declined Gu Bin's offer.
Gu Bin seemed to see through her thoughts. "Miss Li, please don't overthink it. This matter has nothing to do with the Marshal; I volunteered to help you myself."
Lixi looked at Gu Bin, confused.
"Because your mother, Dr. Zhou, saved my family on the front lines. I had always hoped to find an opportunity to thank her in person, but unfortunately..."
Gu Bin did not continue, fearing he might touch upon a painful subject for Lixi, and shifted the topic. "When the Marshal first approached me, I reviewed your file. You look very much like your mother, and I recognized you at once, which is why I took this case."
Thinking of her mother, Zhou Yue, Lixi felt a warmth in her heart.
However, she still spoke with hesitation: "And the fees... I know you are doing this because of my mother, but I also know that you are going up against the Shen family, and there is the Lu Family, another wealthy dynasty, to follow. It won't be easy."
"Although I have no money right now, I will owe it to you, and I will pay you back in the future."
Gu Bin had intended to refuse, but seeing Lixi’s persistence, he finally nodded.
After Lixi signed the authorization agreement and Gu Bin left with it in hand, she picked up her book again with her uninjured left hand.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the hospital room door. Lixi looked up.
It was an elderly man she had never seen before. He looked amiable, but his eyes were sharp.
Lixi felt a chill under his gaze, but she still spoke politely, "Hello, may I ask who you are?"
The old man walked over and stopped not far from Lixi's bed. Seeing the marks on her face and her bandaged right hand, his expression grew complex, though his words were rather unpleasant.
"Miss Li, I hope you will settle this privately with Chi Mu’s wife, Ms. Lu."
Lixi’s expression shifted slightly. "Are you related to Lu Meng?"
The old man explained, "I have no relation to Lu Meng, but because we still have a use for her, she cannot go to prison."
Lixi’s heart sank.
...
Gu Bin was in the process of contacting the hospital to retrieve the surveillance footage from that day when he received a call from Lixi. Though he was surprised by her new requirements, he respected her wishes.
He instructed his assistant to continue gathering evidence and then went to see Lu Meng.
Lu Meng was not in a good state. She had never stayed in such a squalid place; the bed was hard, and the food was garbage.
Once she got out, she would make Lixi pay.
Just as Lu Meng was contemplating how to find people to deal with Lixi, an officer came to inform her that someone was there to see her.
Thinking that her parents had found someone to bail her out, Lu Meng squinted at the officer. "You better wait and see. Once I’m out, I’ll make you regret this."
A flicker of mockery crossed the officer's eyes, but he didn't respond, simply leading her to the meeting room.
When Lu Meng arrived, she saw a man she didn't recognize, who looked like a lawyer.
Assuming he had been hired by her parents, she immediately asked impatiently, "When can I leave?"
Gu Bin ignored her attitude and spoke slowly, "As soon as Ms. Lu signs this compensation agreement, you can leave."
Lu Meng had signed such agreements many times before, so she didn't even look at it, intending to sign immediately.
The meeting room was under surveillance, in case Lu Meng tried to turn the tables later.
Gu Bin reminded her, "Ms. Lu, please review the contents of the agreement and confirm there are no issues before signing."
Lu Meng hated anyone interfering with her decisions. She subconsciously raised her hand to slap the person opposite her, only to realize she was wearing handcuffs.
She had to let it go and looked at Gu Bin with a sneer. "Do you take me for that stupid woman with only a high school diploma?"
"Can't even read a contract? Isn't it just a compensation agreement?"
"At most, it’s 200,000. Even without Chi Mu stepping in, the Lu Family can afford that much!"
With that, Lu Meng signed her name with a flourish.
Gu Bin offered a meaningful compliment, "Truly worthy of being the Marshal's wife; you are certainly one of a kind."
Once Lu Meng had signed both copies of the agreement and Gu Bin confirmed everything was in order, he stood up, ready to leave.
Lu Meng grew anxious. "When can I leave?"
Gu Bin smiled politely. "Very soon. Once Ms. Lu settles the compensation, you may leave."
"Don't be anxious. I know there is an agreement between the Chi Family and the Lu Family. I will send this compensation agreement to the Lu Family, and as soon as Miss Lixi receives the money, you will be released immediately."
Only then did Lu Meng relax, snorting coldly, "An orphan is just an orphan. Even if she reported it to the police, so what? With no one to back her, it still ends in a private settlement."
"You tell my father and the others that the woman Chi Mu is cheating with is this spineless, uncouth wretch. Tell them to talk to Chi Mu and have this slut kicked out."
Though Gu Bin was smiling, his eyes were freezing cold. He said nothing and turned to leave.
If there was a next time, if he didn't make this woman rot in jail, he’d change his own surname!
...
At the Lu residence.
Lu Meng’s father, Lu Yuan, was playing chess with Old Master Lu, Lu Wen, when the butler rushed over with a contract, whispering a few words into Lu Yuan’s ear.
Lu Yuan gasped, "How much did you say?"
The butler stammered, "O... one hundred million."
Lu Wen frowned. "What one hundred million?"
Lu Yuan didn't bother answering; he snatched the contract from the butler’s hand and scrutinized it.
The contract clearly stated that Party A voluntarily agreed to pay 100 million to Party B, and in return, Party B would no longer pursue criminal charges against Party A.
Below that was Lu Meng’s sweeping, elaborate signature.
Lu Yuan’s vision went black, and he collapsed, unconscious.
The Lu household fell into total chaos.
Soon, the news that Lu Meng had assaulted someone and was willing to pay 100 million spread throughout Kyoto.
All the elite families were shocked. They had caused trouble themselves before, but this was the first time anyone had ever paid 100 million in one go.
Still, thinking that Lu Meng was married to Chi Mu, everyone assumed the Chi Family would help, so they didn't take it too seriously.
But Chi Mu soon made his stance clear: he would not intervene in Lu Meng’s affairs, implying he had no intention of helping.
Now, everyone was truly intrigued.
The Lu Family were scholars with a legacy, but after paying such a massive sum, they would likely have to move out of the West District.