Chapter 13: The Softening of the Chief Justice
The military-grade lie detector was ivory white, its sensor connected to the main display screen. Perhaps because it was a military model, the wristband resembled a handcuff.
Ming Fei’s heart pounded like a drum, and she clenched her hands under the table.
This moment felt incredibly wrong. She couldn’t understand why Zhu Yiqiao repeatedly addressed her with the commanding tone of someone interrogating a criminal.
What had she done wrong?
From the moment the Court officials arrived at her door to the interrogation and the sudden request to move in after her release, she had cooperated fully, without resistance or concealment, except for the truth about her transmigration.
She had indeed unknowingly used Zhu Yiqiao’s genetic sample. At the time, she hadn’t known it was misplaced.
In this matter, Zhu Yiqiao was undoubtedly the victim. Ming Fei felt guilty, ashamed, and remorseful, readily complying with all of Zhu Yiqiao’s requests. But she… was not a deliberate perpetrator. Why did Zhu Yiqiao insist on judging her so harshly and unyieldingly?
Feeling like she was standing on a burning pyre, Ming Fei suddenly stood up, took a deep breath, and met the gaze of the woman seated at the head of the table.
“…Chief Justice Zhu.”
“Please allow me to respectfully refuse your request.”
Ming Fei’s words tumbled out quickly. “You must know that every citizen of the Yi Meng Independent State deeply admires and appreciates your contributions. I am no exception. But I don’t understand your intentions, and I refuse to be interrogated like a criminal. Therefore, I refuse to wear that lie detector… or rather, that handcuff.”
Outside the large window, the wind and rain raged, dark clouds pressing down on the towering buildings, painting the world in shades of grey.
Zhu Yiqiao, always in command, didn’t seem surprised by this answer. She leaned back, an air of nonchalance about her that was different from her usual demeanor. The top button of her white shirt was undone, revealing a hint of her collarbone, and her pale wrist bore only a simple red string.
“And?” she asked.
Ming Fei was caught off guard. “…And what?”
“Your reasoning.”
Ming Fei quickly recovered. “I cooperated with your investigation before because I did have contact with Jing’an Gold Shop. As a citizen of the Yi Meng Independent State, it’s my duty to cooperate with the Court. But I’ve been released. If you have no evidence against me, I have the right to refuse.”
As she spoke, her usual gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a sharp edge.
Zhu Yiqiao observed Ming Fei’s sudden shift in demeanor, her thoughts drifting to the cabinet filled with handicrafts in the playroom at Huifu Gardens and Ming Zaozao’s sweet smile when she spoke of her mother.
“Baby loves Mama the most, loves Mama best!”
“Mama is the best to Baby, Baby is Mama’s treasure!”
“Precious? Mama is Baby’s most precious~”
That sense of happiness and confidence, born from being loved, couldn’t be faked. Moreover, this morning, before coming to Déjàdé, Lan Lubai and Min Man had relayed the private investigator’s findings in detail.
“Su Li confirmed that there is indeed a small village called Taoqiu Village.”
Lan Lubai’s tone had been laced with sympathy. “That village barely had any residents before, very remote and rundown. Now it’s practically deserted.”
“Su Li spoke with some of the villagers nearby. Several confirmed that there was indeed an orphan who lived there once, but they didn’t know much else. In short, Su Li’s findings align with Ming Fei’s statement. There are no discrepancies.”
“Yiqiao, I think this is most likely just a coincidence. So far, Ming Fei’s record is clean.” Lan Lubai had even patted her shoulder. “She’s been through a lot, raising a child on her own all these years. Don’t be too hard on her.”
Min Man had added, “Yes, and you two share a child now.”
Because of this, Zhu Yiqiao had dismissed many of her suspicions, although she knew Ming Fei was still hiding something. But everyone had their secrets, and as long as they didn’t threaten the safety of the Independent State’s citizens, there was no need to pry.
As for the lie detector… it was just a final test.
If Ming Fei had agreed to wear it, Zhu Yiqiao would have only asked one question, a question about Ming Yi, the answer to which was obvious.
However, Ming Fei’s reaction had been unexpected. She hadn’t anticipated that the usually gentle and compliant rabbit, when pushed, would actually bare its teeth.
A faint smile flickered across Zhu Yiqiao’s eyes, so fleeting that Ming Fei, still thinking of how to counter her arguments, missed it entirely.
“…Chief Justice Zhu.”
Ming Fei even added, “If you can’t provide a valid reason, may I leave now?”
The weather forecast wasn’t entirely accurate. At least, this downpour was far heavier than a moderate rain. The rain washed the windows clean, and Ming Fei, facing the large window, suddenly felt a familiar sensation in her gland.
The same stinging pain as before.
She pressed her lips together, her fingernails digging into her palms, her vision blurring slightly.
“—Ming Fei.”
Zhu Yiqiao’s voice brought Ming Fei back to the present. She blinked, realizing the stinging was subsiding, the tension in her chest easing slightly.
“Chief Justice Zhu,” she asked, feigning composure, “Is there something else?”
“You were wrong.”
Ming Fei was confused. “About what?”
Zhu Yiqiao activated the main display screen, projecting its contents onto the large screen behind her. Ming Fei’s eyes widened, color returning to her pale cheeks. She couldn’t even look at Zhu Yiqiao, averting her gaze as she asked, “Chief Justice Zhu, what is the meaning of this?”
The device connected to the display wasn’t a lie detector at all, but the holographic gaming console Ming Zaozao had mentioned this morning. This console, the latest model developed by the research institute, offered a fully immersive holographic experience and included all the latest children’s and adult games. It was currently unavailable to the public, despite high demand.
“Zaozao heard 008 mention this console this morning,” Zhu Yiqiao explained slowly. “She didn’t say she wanted it, but when she was talking to you, her eyes never left 008’s screen.”
Ming Fei’s ears turned red.
…Alright.
She admitted she’d overreacted a few minutes ago.
She also admitted she’d judged Zhu Yiqiao unfairly.
But… Zhu Yiqiao had started it with her lie detector trick.
Thinking this, she still apologized. “I was impulsive earlier, I’m sorry—”
Zhu Yiqiao interrupted her. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have interrupted you. And I was wrong to tell you it was a lie detector. I should be the one apologizing.”
“—I’m sorry, Ming Fei.”
Perhaps because of this apology, Ming Fei felt the weather outside didn’t seem so gloomy anymore.
She was easily appeased and rarely held grudges. Hearing Zhu Yiqiao’s apology, Ming Fei readily forgave her, even mentally awarding her a couple of extra points.
“It’s alright,” she said. “Thank you for the gift for Zaozao.”
Zhu Yiqiao didn’t correct her formal address; it wasn’t the right time.
As silence settled between them again, the doorbell chimed. Ming Fei instinctively wanted to excuse herself, but Zhu Yiqiao told her to stay.
Soon, a woman in a navy blue suit entered, carrying two files. She approached Zhu Yiqiao respectfully, placed the files on the table, and then left the room.
Throughout this, Ming Fei kept her gaze averted, respecting Zhu Yiqiao’s privacy.
By the time Zhu Yiqiao finished reviewing the files, Ming Fei was engrossed in her e-reader. Her digital bookshelf contained a wide variety of books and materials, mostly professional parenting books, followed by technical manuals on robotic component development, and various guides on handicrafts.
A subtle scent of cedarwood filled the room, reminiscent of a spring thaw. Immersed in her reading, Ming Fei had completely forgotten her initial anxiety, fear, and worry.
She looked serene while reading, like a winter plum blossom blooming alone on a branch. Zhu Yiqiao watched her silently for a few seconds, only interrupting her when she received a message from a subordinate.
“—Ming Fei.”
Startled, Ming Fei looked up, still slightly dazed. “Huh?”
Meeting Zhu Yiqiao’s gaze, she quickly collected herself. “Yes, Chief Justice Zhu, what is it?”
“I’ll be away for a while.”
Hearing this, Ming Fei, her suspicions confirmed, almost couldn’t contain her smile. She tried to maintain her composure, replying calmly, “Alright.”
“I’ve arranged for some people to stay at Huifu Gardens. They’ll ensure your and Zaozao’s safety and won’t disturb you.”
Zhu Yiqiao’s tone was measured. “There will be some developments during this time. By the time I return, the Court should be ready to release the list of those involved in the gene theft to the public.”
This aligned with what Li Xing had said. Ming Fei was secretly pleased about Zhu Yiqiao’s upcoming absence from Huifu Gardens, but the mention of security detail made her slightly uneasy.
The gene theft case was complex, involving multiple factions. If her guess was correct, Zhu Yiqiao was likely going to the Taiya Kingdom. Being in a foreign country, dealing with various powerful entities, Ming Fei, as a citizen of the Yi Meng Independent State, couldn’t help but worry about Zhu Yiqiao’s safety.
But then she realized her concern was probably unnecessary.
Even disregarding the Court’s domestic and international influence, Zhu Yiqiao’s military record and combat skills alone were enough to ensure her safe passage through any foreign nation.
Ming Fei offered a sincere, “I wish you all the best.”
“Thank you.”
Perhaps because this was the first time their interaction hadn’t been charged with tension, Ming Fei sensed a subtle softening in Zhu Yiqiao’s demeanor, although barely perceptible.
She asked, “Chief Justice, are you leaving tomorrow?”
A storm was brewing, but Zhu Yiqiao seemed unaffected. She closed the file, her blue eyes as deep and calm as the ocean.
“In twenty minutes.”
Ming Fei was surprised.
Such a rush?
Then why had she bothered summoning her here? Just to give Ming Zaozao a holographic gaming console?
With their impending separation, Ming Fei’s voice and expression softened, returning to her usual gentle demeanor.
“Thank you for the gift. Please rest assured, I’ll take good care of Zaozao while you’re away.”
“Mm.”
“If you’d like, I can update you on Zaozao’s situation every day.”
“Mm.”
Just as Ming Fei was about to say something else about Ming Zaozao, Zhu Yiqiao’s cool, clear voice cut through the air, catching her completely off guard.
“—Ming Fei.”
“—Are you seeing anyone at the moment?”
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