Under the Cheongsam Skirt - Chapter 11

Sicheng Law Firm.

This law firm, established with funding allocated by the Ministry of Justice, consists of only three lawyers. The eldest among them is Chai Yi, who had worked as a litigation agent for seven or eight years even before the Republic of China was founded, specializing in drafting legal complaints for clients. It was only after the preliminary completion of the Republic’s legal system and industry standards that he obtained his lawyer’s license.

Chai Yi, dressed in traditional long robes, was a serious and unsmiling man, yet highly diligent in his work. When he knocked and entered, Xu Xing had just returned from a dinner gathering and was hunched over his desk reviewing documents. The glass window opposite faintly reflected his narrow, indifferent eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses.

“Lawyer Xu.”

Xu Xing put down his fountain pen and looked up. “What is it?”

Chai Yi said, “There’s a case from the Ministry of Justice that I need you to take over. It was originally my case, but my wife has been ill recently, and I don’t have the energy to handle too many cases.”

Normally, the law firm provided snacks and advertised in newspapers to boost its reputation. At the same time, the lawyers had to hand over 20% of their private earnings from cases. Additionally, when parties involved in a case couldn’t afford a lawyer, they were required to provide free legal assistance.

Chai Yi had taken on too many such cases, which was why he had never gained much fame. After all, those who went to trial without hiring a lawyer were often involved in crimes as severe as a raging flood. For instance, in the case of Ying Shixin, who assassinated the Democratic Party leader Lou Tianyi, Chai Yi defended Ying Shixin and became the target of widespread criticism from intellectuals.

Over the past six months, his wife’s health had been fluctuating, and despite visiting major hospitals in Shanghai, there had been little improvement. As a result, Chai Yi had even reduced his time at the law firm.

“Understood,” Xu Xing replied.

Chai Yi breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

He placed all the case materials on Xu Xing’s desk and then remembered something. “Oh, by the way, when I came in earlier, I saw the client who previously consulted you about a divorce case outside. She was talking to Hang Zhihui and seemed to be looking for you.”

Even in the new era of the Republic, divorce cases were still rare, especially when one of the parties involved was a famous young marshal. Chai Yi remembered this case particularly well.

Qin Qin?

Xu Xing couldn’t sit still any longer. When he went out, however, only Hang Zhihui was at the front desk.

Xu Xing stared blankly into the void, a strange thought suddenly crossing his mind.

It was Hang Zhihui who noticed him first. “Lawyer Xu, is something the matter?”

Xu Xing asked, “Was Miss Zhao here earlier?”

“She was, but she’s already left.”

“Did she say anything?”
Hang Zhihui shook his head. “No, she just sat here for a while. When I came back after pouring tea, Miss Zhao had already left.”

Xu Xing frowned slightly.

At the same time.

On the bustling street, a military off-road vehicle passed under the signboard of “Sicheng Law Firm,” following at a leisurely pace behind a rickshaw. Soon, they arrived at Zhenlou Apartments, where he abruptly hit the brakes.

Mu Changfeng sat in the car, watching as Zhao Ciqin entered the apartment building. The security guard at the entrance greeted her with a smile, likely asking why she was back so early today.

Zhao Ciqin forced a smile and didn’t say much. Then, she pressed the elevator button in the hallway and waited.

She seemed a little cold, rubbing her arms more than once while waiting. Her profile, however, looked delicate and gentle. The cheongsam she wore accentuated her figure, highlighting her slender waist and full bust, like a still portrait of a beauty.

Soon, the elevator indicator lit up, and the beauty stepped out of the painting, disappearing from his sight.

It was only at this moment that Mu Changfeng had the mental space to clear his chaotic thoughts, slowly recalling what Zhao Ciqin had said.

She said she no longer had feelings for him. She mentioned the “beautiful lady” waiting at home.

Mu Changfeng narrowed his eyes, his thoughts suddenly becoming clear. In an instant, countless ideas flashed through his mind, and he felt he had grasped something.

But…

He lowered his gaze, his thumb pressing tightly against the palm of his hand.

He wondered, why did she stop by the law firm on her way?