Chapter 625: 558 King Qing Lin visits
"The court recesses for twenty minutes, after which the judgment will be announced."
The short recess swiftly passed by.
The judge and the jury took their seats again, summarized the trial, and then issued their verdict,
"The court believes that the defendant, Song Jing, attempted to have relations with the victim without their consent. Although the defendant did not achieve his goal, he nonetheless caused significant emotional harm to the victim. His actions constitute attempted rape. The court charges the defendant, Song Jing, with attempted rape. The evidence is sufficient, and the defense’s claim that Song Jing and the victim, Lu Xiaoer, were in a ’normal relationship’ is not accepted. According to G country’s criminal law, Song Jing is sentenced to fifteen years of imprisonment. A fine of one hundred thousand is imposed for mental damages to the victim..."
With the gavel’s final bang, the judge declared the court adjourned.
Only then was the case fully resolved.
As Song Jing was led out of the courtroom, he continually looked back, his eyes still filled with resentment and unwillingness.
But by then, no one cared about his feelings anymore.
Such a verdict was met with widespread approval, at least it was a relief for Lu Xiaoer.
As for Song Jing’s parents and relatives, after hearing the judge’s decision, they all cried their eyes out.
Crying, they suddenly remembered the presence of the President and his wife in the courtroom, which seemed like a golden opportunity to appeal if there were any injustices!
However, as they turned to look for the President and his wife, they saw that the last row of the hearing section was already empty.
Song Lili and Wen Nian had already left the courtroom during the short recess.
They sat in the car heading back to the President Mansion.
Song Lili couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional,
"To be honest, this tragic connection was really made by Zhongli Wuzhi. If he hadn’t been blinded by jealousy and sought to teach Song Jing a lesson... Song Jing might not have gone to such extremes."
"Like you said in court, if Zhongli Wuzhi hurt him, he could have sued Zhongli Wuzhi, but he chose not to. He didn’t want to resolve the matter legally, so this outcome is his own making."
Wen Nian looked at Song Lili and held her hand, "Well, this case is over, and you can rest easy now."
"Yes,"
With Song Jing convicted, the frustration she felt was also gone.
---
The trial ended, and Lu Xiaoer also walked out of the courtroom, completed some formal documentation, and then went to the restroom. On her way out, she encountered Zhongli Wuzhi.
She gave him a glance, said nothing, and walked past him with indifference.
"I’m sorry."
Zhongli Wuzhi uttered an apology and grabbed Lu Xiaoer’s arm.
"Let go."
Lu Xiaoer spoke indifferently.
Zhongli Wuzhi took a deep breath, "What I said in court was heartfelt. I’m genuinely sorry..."
"It doesn’t matter anymore. Zhongli Wuzhi, let me go."
Lu Xiaoer’s tone was still one of rejection.
Despite Zhongli Wuzhi’s earnest words in court, which moved many attendees, they didn’t touch Lu Xiaoer at all.
"What can I do... for you to forgive me? Xiaoer..."
"Do you need my forgiveness?"
Lu Xiaoer looked at Zhongli Wuzhi, her mouth twitching slightly,
"If I hadn’t seen you and Princess Chinian selecting wedding rings in the jewelry store with my own eyes, I might have been moved by your court testimony, thinking it was genuine..."
"It’s not what you think, Chinian and I..."
"I’m moving to the United States."
Lu Xiaoer stated bluntly.
Zhongli Wuzhi stiffened slightly, "You’re going to... the United States? Is it... for a trip? "
"To pursue further studies."
"For how long?"
"At least five years, up to ten or twenty years. If I get used to it, I might not come back at all."
Lu Xiaoer’s gaze was fixed on Zhongli Wuzhi, her statement almost a death blow to him.
His eyes opened wide, his pupils dimmed, almost losing their luster.
He paused briefly, then quickly said,
"Xiaoer, are you going abroad because of me? I can leave Anlin, you don’t need to go far away!"
Lu Xiaoer was startled for a moment, but then she laughed, released Zhongli Wuzhi’s hand,
"Mr. Zhongli, you’re thinking too much. Where I go is my freedom, and it has nothing to do with anyone."
"..."
"I’m informing you because you testified in court today. Consider it an acknowledgment of our acquaintance, good times and bad."
"Xiaoer, do you really hate me that much?"
"Hate."
"..."
"But I’ll only hate you for a while. Once some time has passed, I’ll forget about you, and then there’ll be no hate to speak of. Oh, regardless, I must congratulate you."
Lu Xiaoer smiled beautifully,
"To marry such a beautiful Princess, you’re truly fortunate."
"..."
"Goodbye."
Lu Xiaoer politely finished speaking, turned decisively, and strode forward without looking back.
Some things, once they happen, cannot be undone.
For Lu Xiaoer, that night erased all the good that existed between her and Zhongli Wuzhi.
Both were at fault; despite not being right for each other, they still fancied staying together.
Zhongli Wuzhi desired a forest, while she, Lu Xiaoer, was just a deer...
His tall figure just stood there at the bathroom entrance, surrounded by the coming and going of people. He stood there, not knowing how long, until his phone vibrated, pulling him back to reality.
Checking the text notification, it was from Chinian,
—Father will arrive in Anlin by three this afternoon, where are you now?
Chinian’s father, the King of Qing Lin.
—I’m coming right now.
Zhongli Wuzhi briefly replied before he headed to the hotel where Chinian was staying.
During this time, Chinian had moved out from the President Mansion. Zhongli Wuzhi had arranged bodyguards, and Prince Chiluo also had attendants following Chinian.
Arriving at the hotel, Chinian was ready and checked the time,
—Shall we head to the airport? Let’s go a bit early.
Zhongli Wuzhi nodded.
King Qing Lin’s arrival in Anlin was certainly known to Song Lili and Wen Nian.
Both officially and personally, they felt it was essential to personally receive him.
Thus, they and Chinian, along with Zhongli Wuzhi, met at the airport.
"Princess Chinian, the President Mansion has prepared a dinner. Let’s all go to the President Mansion for dinner tonight."
Song Lili told Chinian.
Chinian nodded and then hurriedly pulled Zhongli Wuzhi to her side,
—Sister Lili, Zhongli can come too, right?
Chinian seemed to remember her previous angry statement, never to allow Zhongli Wuzhi to step into the President Mansion again.
Song Lili glanced at Zhongli Wuzhi,
"Since Princess Chinian has spoken, of course he can come, especially since... this visit by King Qing Lin is specifically for both of you."
—Thank you, Sister Lili!