If this is not love

Chapter 9 The fish longing for breath (3)
Ruxu can't be said to be attracted to Han Chen, but as her mother said, she can't live without marrying.Since there is no hope with Yichen, he must succumb to reality and give himself a new chance.She smiled in the mirror, put on a simple but delicate makeup, put on a new winter dress, and went out elegantly with a belted windbreaker.

Han Chen is an outstanding man, young and promising enough to describe him.However, his growth experience is actually very similar to Ruxu's. He was born in an ordinary family, without a rich or noble background, and has no relatives and friends to rely on. Since childhood, every achievement has been earned by his own hard work.Ruxu had only met him two or three times before, but the impression was still deep.He is humble, well-behaved, he speaks and does things properly, and when he sees Ruxu, he behaves like a gentleman, which makes Ruxu give him a little extra.

After careful observation this time, Ruxu discovered that the two have a lot of common hobbies. They both like to eat slightly spicy food, like Chinese stir-fry, and like suspenseful reasoning movies.After a meal, they chatted happily, and unconsciously talked about Qiao Weiwei's case, and she asked Han Chen's opinion sincerely.

"The current situation is that Zhou Wei'an, at the insistence of his wife, sued Qiao Weiwei as the plaintiff. They have the recording of Qiao Weiwei's own confession to ask for the diamond ring. Alas! It's a pity that we haven't contacted the hotel waiter, and if we can It would be better to prove that Qiao Weiwei was deliberately provoked by the other party, so she said what did not conform to the facts. I believe Qiao Weiwei is the victim of the incident, Han Chen, what do you think?"

Han Chen smiled and said, "Didn't you say that there is already sufficient circumstantial evidence? Even if no direct evidence can be found, lawyer Wang's talent will definitely win the final victory."

Ruxu raised her glass gratefully: "Thank you. I will do my best, but the court has already been scheduled and will start next week."

Han Chen appreciated her work attitude very much: "I believe in you. You are very dedicated and outstanding."

"Oh, where is it! It's all something that should be done well within the duty." Being praised was unavoidably happy, showing a rare smile vividly, and couldn't help but look at Han Chen.He may not be handsome and unrestrained, but he is sincere and stable at first glance, completely different from Tan Shaojie's natural villainous appearance. If her mother sees it, she will definitely say that she can only rest assured after marrying such an even-looking man.

"Miss Wang is so humble. I bought two movie tickets. It's a new blockbuster suspense movie released in the United States. Let's go see it together!"

Ruxu hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.To be honest, getting along with Han Chen doesn't feel bad.

Upstairs to the restaurant is the studio, and they took the escalator up slowly.The two talked side by side from time to time, with a smile on their faces, suddenly felt two sharp rays of light coming from the side, looked up, and froze for a moment.It makes sense that Yuanjia Road is narrow, and Tan Shaojie is standing on the elevator facing down.There was no trace of joy on his face, it was icy cold.There was a fashionable girl on her arm. She had a pretty face and a perfect figure. Her slender legs were covered in tight leather pants, which was very eye-catching. Even Han Chen couldn't help but glance over there.

"Do you know him?" Han Chen noticed Tan Shaojie's strange gaze.

Ruxu only felt her scalp tingle slightly from being stared at, her smile was stiff, and she replied vaguely: "En."

Han Chen met Tan Shaojie's eyes, vaguely felt the other party's unkindness, and guessed: "He can't be Zhou Wei'an, can he?"

Somehow, upon hearing this question, Ruxu burst out laughing suddenly: "No."

"He sees something wrong with your eyes." A man has a man's unique intuition.

"En." After laughing, Ruxu regained her composure, "He is my immediate boss, a well-known idler in the office, who spends his days away from work and has low professionalism. Because I don't know how to brag and flatter, and I don't know how to show off. He throws himself into his arms and hugs me, so every time he sees me, he looks unwilling."

"Hehe. I see, it turns out that he is Tan Shaojie."

"Some men are too self-righteous, thinking that all women in the world are subject to his charm. But in fact, apart from being born superior to ordinary people, that kind of man has no merit at all, and will only be despised."

"Hehe." Han Chen laughed again, looking at her thoughtfully, "You don't seem like a woman who judges others so harshly."

Ruxu was startled by a slip of the tongue, and if Tan Shaojie knew that he was talking about him behind his back, it would be strange if he didn't get dizzy.But is she right?He was absent from work for a few days, and the office couldn't find him if he had something to do. It turned out that he was busy flirting with women. Do you still want to praise him?Facing Han Chen's curious exploration, she lowered her head to cover it up: "I'm sorry, I've been oppressed for a long time, and I made you laugh when I felt it."

The elevator went up to the end, Ruxu didn't pay attention to her feet, and almost fell down. Fortunately, Han Chen reached out to support her in time: "Be careful."

"Oh, thanks."

"Hehe. The movie is still ten minutes away. I'll go get some food first." Han Chen asked her to wait at the gate of the movie theater, queuing up to buy drinks and popcorn.

Ruzheng looked at the movie posters around him.A tall shadow approached silently, standing beside her, she was reading the content introduction on a poster with her head sideways, and when she moved, she bumped her head into the other's chest. "Ah, I'm sorry...you? Tan Shaojie!" She opened her eyes wide, not understanding how he suddenly appeared.

Tan Shaojie provoked a smile, implying coldness: "Miss Wang, as soon as you see me, you will throw yourself into your arms and hug me. It's flattering! It's really rare, rare!"

Ruxu quickly stood up straight and took two steps back to keep a safe distance.He obviously went downstairs just now, where is the model girl?Why did he come to spoil her interest by appearing like a ghost again?Tan Shaojie saw her thoughts, and stood lazily with arms folded: "You guys are only allowed to watch movies? I heard that a new American movie will be released today, so I'll go and see it too."

"Oh." Ruxu responded lightly, seeing Han Chen appearing with two cups of Coke and popcorn, she ran over to take them and inadvertently raised her voice, "Thank you! The movie is about to start, let's go in right away. "

Han Chen glanced at Tan Shaojie, "What a coincidence, I met your boss again."

"En." Reluctant to mention Tan Shaojie's matter, Ruxu took the popcorn with complicated emotions.Growing up so big, the number of blind dates is limited, and the number of formal dates with people is even more limited. I often see couples together at the entrance of TV dramas and theaters. The woman will always hold a Coke in one hand and snacks in the other, just like her at the moment .In the past, she would secretly sigh and secretly envy, but she never thought that she would become a heroine today, but the person who brought her this experience was Han Chen, and most importantly, they were not a couple.

Han Chen didn't miss her subtle reaction, and said with a smile, "Let's go!"

The light in the theater was dim, and the intense sound of the movie echoed in the claustrophobic space. Ruxu stared at the screen with wide-open eyes.Watching movies is one of her favorite hobbies, especially when encountering exciting scenes, she can't help but devote herself wholeheartedly, her whole mind is immersed in the plot, and she often forgets everything around her.So, she doesn't know who is sitting behind her?

Tan Shaojie leaned on the seat with his arms folded, and the female companion next to him leaned on his shoulders. He had no expression, his eyes only focused on the screen, and he did not respond to her.Finally, the female partner seemed to be tired, closed her eyes and slowly fell asleep...

"Do you want to eat it?" Ruxu hugged the big bucket of popcorn, and only thought of handing it to Han Chen when he was halfway through eating it.

Han Chen smiled gently: "I bought it for you."

"Oh, thank you." She involuntarily lingered on his face for a second longer, and sat upright embarrassedly.

"I just saw your boss enter the venue."

"Really? Things outside of work have nothing to do with me. But it's a waste. People like them may not be able to understand the excitement of today's movies." Ruxu didn't look around for Tan Shaojie's position, and his affairs really had nothing to do with her.

Tan Shaojie's dark eyes were unusually dark. I don't know if it was because of the plot, his thick eyebrows were slightly clustered, his jaw was tense, and he was in a state of forbearance.Until the end of the movie, his expression never eased. He pushed away his female companion and reminded him in a cold voice, "Get up! It's time to wake up from this dream!"

Hearing this familiar voice, Ruxu turned around abruptly, and an inexplicable shudder ran down her spine.So, Tan Shaojie has been sitting behind him all the time, so maybe he heard everything she said to Han Chen?Hear it and hear it, what does it matter!She raised her chin, greeted Tan Shaojie formally, then turned to ask Han Chen, "I'm really happy today, do you have any other arrangements?"

"Yes! As long as you are willing to show your face, we can go to the riverside for supper."

Tan Shaojie suddenly intervened in their conversation, "I'm afraid she can't have supper with you. Xiaoxu, you seem to have forgotten that we made an appointment to discuss Qiao Weiwei's case tonight."

Ruxu frowned: "When will I..."

Tan Shaojie quickly interrupted her: "You can make another appointment with the prosecutor at any time, but it's not good to forget your private affairs because of business, right? I met Zhou Wei'an and his wife during the day, don't you want to know any new news?"

Not knowing whether what he said was true or not, Ruxu hesitated, Han Chen patted her shoulder from behind: "That case will be in court next week, you should go with Master Tan first! We'll go for supper next time. "

Tan Shaojiesen glanced at the hand coldly, and slowly pursed his thin lips.The beauty who was ignored from the beginning to the end was not satisfied, she hugged his arm coquettishly: "Jie, you clearly agreed to accompany me tonight." He instantly raised a wicked smile, and slapped her cheek like no one else: "Hey, I'll be with you another day."

The beauty stomped her feet: "It's been a long time since I waited until today, how can you let me down!"

"Women who don't know how to advance and retreat will also disappoint me!" Tan Shaojie stroked her beautiful long hair, no smile in his eyes, "Go back by yourself, don't delay my business." The beauty immediately turned into a docile The kitten hugged him for a few moments, pressed a kiss on his cheek reluctantly, and then walked away on a charming catwalk.

Ruxu doesn't understand, what is the mentality of those women?Exchange youth and beauty for the momentary favor of this young master?They are like pets in front of him, they come when they are called, and go away when they are waved. Where is their self-esteem?Tan Shaojie suddenly wrapped his arms around her shoulders and waved to Han Chen: "Comrade prosecutor, see you next time!"

Looking at his possessive posture, Han Chen couldn't help being stunned, full of doubts.

Ruxu was taken all the way to the car by him.Seeing that Han Chen was still standing there in a daze, she pushed him away vigorously: "Tan Shaojie, I had a grudge against you in the previous life! Do you know what respect is? Do you have to go so far to misunderstand others? "

Tan Shaojie sneered nonchalantly: "What's the matter? He also hugged you just now, why aren't you afraid of being misunderstood?"

Ruxu blushed: "Nonsense, how could he ever hug me? You talk nonsense and ruin my reputation!" She racked her brains and couldn't figure out that Han Chen had physical contact with him, and he had never touched him, but he was a thief Shout out to catch the thief, every time she meets this Young Master Tan, he is surrounded by different women, and just now he openly made out in public...

Tan Shaojie showed a habitual evil smile: "It's too serious! Holding your shoulders is to ruin your reputation, so what about me?" He suddenly turned sideways and bowed his head, his thin lips with a slight coolness firmly caught her of.

"Hmm..." Ruxu patted him.He pinched her chin, forced her to open her mouth, and kissed her deeper.When she was about to suffocate due to lack of oxygen, he let her go, and there was a dark storm in his deep eyes.Panting for breath, Ruxu took a few breaths of fresh air, raised her hand angrily, and slapped her across the face.

The voice was extremely loud in the small space of the car. Tan Shaojie touched his sore cheek and smiled instead: "One slap for one kiss, we're even."

Ruxu wiped off the breath on her lips, raised her eyes, and found that Han Chen was still looking at her from the original position, she really wanted to find a hole in the ground to get in.He must have seen it all, what would he think?
"Don't be angry, I'm helping you test him. If he really likes you, he won't just watch you being taken away by other men, and will try his best to get you."

Unreasonable!fallacy!She wants to get off!

"Let's make a bet, if he gives up because of this, you are not allowed to see him again from now on."

"You're not qualified to make this bet with me, scumbag!" She accentuated.

"Anyway, if anyone dares to touch the woman I like, I will make him pay a considerable price." The calm and breezy tone revealed determination and sternness. Tan Shaojie curled his lips and started the engine. An imperceptible smile emerged.

The car stopped in front of the mansion, where Tan Shaojie lived.

Ruxu sat still, "If you have anything to say, just say it in the car. Is there any news from Zhou Wei'an and his wife?"

Tan Shaojie jumped out of the car, went around and offered to open the door for her: "Go up and sit down, drink a cup of hot tea to warm up, relax first, and then we will talk slowly."

"I won't go up, don't waste your time!"

"Hey, miss, I just invite you to have a cup of hot tea, not spirits and ecstasy, why are you so nervous?" Tan Shaojie unlocked the safety buckle for her and held her arm, "here, don't Said that I cheated and threatened you, the air conditioner in the car is not good, the air is not good, so my young master is naturally in a bad mood. If you are in a bad mood, you will forget many things, such as some important clues that happen to be helpful to you, I may... "

"Shut up!" Ruxu couldn't stand his high-sounding false reasons, and got out of the car angrily.

His house—she had only been here once, the only time, nearly two months ago.That night, the damn Tan Shaojie used work as an excuse to cause her to work overtime day and night in the cold winter months, without even giving him a drink, while he slept soundly in the comfortable bed.

The two got out of the elevator, and she stood at the door, staring at the door.

Tan Shaojie put the key back in his pocket, and looked at her suspiciously: "Did my gate offend you? Look at your gaze, it's about to burst into two big holes."

Ruxu frowned: "When I left that morning, I swore to myself that I would never step here again! I will not be oppressed and tortured by you."

He grinned, "Isn't it easy to solve this problem?" After speaking, he picked her up neatly by the waist, kicked the door open, and strode into the room.Ruxu stared at him blankly, isn't that a breach of the oath?Throwed on the sofa by him, it took a while to regain his composure.

White mist came out of the two cups of hot tea. Tan Shaojie showed little seriousness when talking about Zhou Wei'an and his wife: "Qiao Weiwei said that there is a hotel attendant who can testify? Why didn't you tell such an important clue earlier?"

"She didn't think of it before. Why, is Zhou Wei'an scared?"

"It seems that we all underestimated that woman a little bit, and there is such a trick."

"There is something in your words, don't you even believe the witnesses? You are also a person with a legal professional qualification certificate, why can't you think about it calmly and rationally, you are too paranoid in this case!"

"It's okay if I'm paranoid. You're the one in charge of the lawsuit. You'll be fine if you're not paranoid." Tan Shaojie tasted the tea on the tip of his tongue, and his black eyes became more thoughtful.

Ruxu took a big sip of tea, "The court will be held next week, I just want to ask you, is Zhou Wei'an planning to withdraw the lawsuit?"

Tan Shaojie calmly took her glass away, "You'd better have a glass of red wine, so you can sleep peacefully at night."

"I'm asking you! Zhou Wei'an's chances of winning the lawsuit are getting smaller and smaller. What is he thinking? Does he have to fight the lawsuit to the end? It won't do him any good."

"You don't need to worry, Wei'an has his own ideas, and it's not good to be bitten back. But you, why not find an opportunity to persuade Qiao Weiwei tomorrow, if you insist on making things big, the result will only hurt herself. I think ..." He paused, "This is Wei An's last chance for her."

Ruxu couldn't help laughing mockingly, she stood up: "I see, what Zhou Wei'an said is really nice! Even though she was afraid of losing the lawsuit and her personality and reputation would be ruined, she still pretended to be righteous and kind to persuade Qiao Weiwei to let go. Hehe, never From now on, I will not discuss this matter with you until after the lawsuit is won."

A week later, half an hour before court.Carrying a black briefcase, Ruxu walked into the court with her assistant, everything was ready, she was confident.

Last night, Qiao Weiwei specially brought a lot of presents to visit her at the apartment, with a sad face--
"Lawyer Wang, can you help me win the case? Zhou Wei'an has been looking for me in the past few days, and even your lawyer Tan has asked me out twice to persuade me to give up and hope for an out-of-court settlement."

"The lawsuit was filed by Zhou Wei'an, and it is his business to withdraw the lawsuit. He took the initiative to seek you out because he was afraid. What is the role of lawyer Tan to persuade you? Ms. Qiao, you don't need to bother, as long as you have firm confidence."

After receiving the guarantee, Qiao Weiwei left with a smile on his face, and felt heavy instead when facing the expensive gift.Tan Shaojie has repeatedly intervened in this matter. Does he have a moral yardstick in his heart?Qiao Weiwei is the obvious victim. He loses his body and mind, but also loses his dignity and reputation. Does he have to be like this?She obviously hated him to the extreme, and she was still inexpressibly disappointed when she heard this.

During the court session, Zhou Wei'an's face was extremely heavy, especially when Mrs. Zhou saw Qiao Weiwei, her eyes were about to pop out, with both hatred and contempt.Tan Shaojie sat in the auditorium, as if wearing a serious and indifferent mask, his sharp gaze fell directly on Ruxu.

During the debate, lawyers from both sides were full of confidence and sharp words, rejecting each other's evidence one by one.

The hotel attendant testified in court-"On Ms. Qiao's birthday, when I was bringing red wine into the room, I happened to see Mr. Zhou Wei'an presenting a ring. The atmosphere at that time was warm and sweet. Mr. Zhou was smiling and looked very affectionate...I still secretly felt in my heart A few words of blessing."

Appraisal results on the recording - there is no trace of editing in the recording, but Qiao Weiwei's voice appears emotional, and it is suspected that he was deliberately provoked.

Qiao Weiwei also stated the whole process of meeting Mrs. Zhou that day on the dock.

Ruxu got up, and summed up the statement calmly and clearly: "As the defendant's representative, I would like to express two arguments here: one is about the telephone recording. After cross-examination in the court just now, the facts are very obvious. The content of the recording is that the defendant induced the other party to On that day, the plaintiff's wife found the defendant and made extremely bad personal attacks on the defendant, and the two also had some physical collisions. The defendant was angry and taunted the plaintiff in order to refute the other party. The fact that the wife has strict control and gave the diamond ring due to threats. Therefore, the authenticity of this evidence cannot be recognized and should be excluded.”

"In addition, the whereabouts of the diamond ring is not the focus of disputes in this case. Because the defendant has sufficient evidence to prove that the plaintiff voluntarily donated the ring and the defendant has accepted the gift, then the gift relationship has been legally established. Whether the defendant returns the ring or not This case has no impact. Therefore, this agent will not repeat it!"

(End of this chapter)