Chapter 20: Full of Schemes

Lin Xilan did injure Song Qingli—that was an undeniable fact. After all, assaulting a mistress was not yet legalized; hitting someone meant facing consequences.

Fortunately, this could be resolved through mediation, settling matters with money.

Before Zhou Yuheng could speak, Song Qingli burst out, “If you dare take her side today, we’re done.”

The legal counsel’s eyes shifted subtly at her words. Lowering his head to organize the files, he kept his thoughts to himself.

This was like a small cut to the backside, opening his eyes wider. Nowadays, mistresses were so blatant.

In truth, Zhou Yuheng never intended to favor anyone; if anything, his loyalty was with Song Qingli.

He glanced at her and said, “This isn’t about taking sides. From a legal standpoint, she simply can’t be exonerated.”

At this, Lin Xilan looked at him once but quickly withdrew her gaze.

The legal counsel felt awkward, wiping sweat from his brow. “Let’s reconsider. After all, my client’s actions are somewhat understandable; her sister...”

“Enough. We don’t need to hear any more. Let’s just do what needs to be done.”

With that, Zhou Yuheng took Song Qingli’s hand and left, leaving Lin Xilan alone. The legal counsel cast her a sympathetic glance.

“Madam, don’t worry. I’ll think of another way.”

---

Lin Xilan said nothing, sitting there enveloped in a profound loneliness.

She had no time to worry about her own safety; all her thoughts were with Lin Xingmian.

Suddenly, she turned to the legal counsel, urgency in her voice. “Help me. I can’t stay here. My sister needs me.”

Lin Xingmian was eager to undergo the surgery, but it was impossible for now. Lin Xilan’s concern was both for her sister’s health and her own feelings.

“All right. I’ll find a way.”

It turned out the Zhou family still held some prestige in Haicheng. Lin Xilan’s release on bail was legally achieved, thanks to the efforts of Old Master Zhou.

Lin Xilan was out, and Song Qingli could not have been unaware—after all, she was involved directly.

Song Qingli felt innocent and wronged, and she vented all her resentment on Zhou Yuheng.

“You’re the one who got Lin Xilan out, aren’t you?”

Zhou Yuheng frowned. “Would I be so unnecessary? If it were me, I would have just settled it directly back then.”

But Song Qingli wouldn’t listen. “Don’t tell me this here. I just feel you’ve already taken Lin Xilan’s side. If that’s the case, then don’t come near me.”

She turned away, refusing to look at Zhou Yuheng any longer.

---

Ridiculous!

Zhou Yuheng found Song Qingli’s words utterly laughable.

“What do you mean I’m taking her side? What do these two matters have to do with each other? Lin Xilan was released by Old Master Zhou’s influence.”

Song Qingli clenched her fists tightly, and finally, that fist landed heavily on Zhou Yuheng’s chest.

“I really hate you. Why do you make me like this? Why can Lin Xilan trample on me so freely? Is it just because I love you?”

Of course, Song Qingli would never admit to deliberately framing Lin Xingmian. Even if Zhou Yuheng investigated, he wouldn’t find anything. So she twisted the origin of the incident, portraying Lin Xilan as a crazed, violent woman driven mad by love.

Zhou Yuheng wasn’t present at the time, and naturally, he believed Song Qingli.

“Xiao Li, I promise you, your grievances won’t be in vain.”

Song Qingli looked at Zhou Yuheng with tear-filled eyes and asked, “Then tell me, when will you divorce Lin Xilan?”

After a brief silence, Zhou Yuheng said, “Now.”