Chapter 27

Liu Xuhui was not foolish; with just a little prompting from Lin Shu, he immediately understood—

“I can take this opportunity to explore the legal market for the deaf and mute!”

Lin Shu nodded: “Exactly.”

“You said before that because I don’t have children, I can never truly empathize with the identity of a parent. That’s true, but at least I can empathize with someone who has been forced to give up their dreams and career aspirations.”

“You are an honor graduate of Rongda Law School. You were once young, with ambitions and ideals to make a significant impact. I don’t believe you’ve never felt regret or pain over settling for mediocrity.”

“The fact that Bai Feng’s case came to you with the intention of deliberately humiliating you, unabashedly showcasing his superiority and disdain for you, stems from his belief that you, having suffered humiliation and resentment, would never take on Bai Fan’s case. He assumed you would only sever ties with me in extreme shame, so he didn’t fear that Bai Fan would have the chance to communicate with you and tell the truth. But you took the case. You gave Bai Fan an opportunity and also gave yourself a chance—to ensure your career no longer consists solely of missed opportunities.”

Lin Shu looked into Liu Xuhui’s eyes: “Xuhui, you have the ability, ambition, kindness, and a sense of responsibility. You can certainly do more. Do you really want to spend your life just getting by like this?”

Lin Shu’s words struck a nerve with Liu Xuhui, and Xu Shijia was desperately trying to catch her attention, fearing she wouldn’t notice, even discreetly kicking her under the table.

Everyone can talk about inspirational things and shout slogans, but once the beautiful bubble is burst and reality is faced, all that’s left is the harsh truth.

Lin Shu’s speech indeed caused Liu Xuhui, who had been filled with ambition just moments ago, to sink back into despondency.

Dreams are always grand, but reality has various constraints that force people to lower their heads.

“Of course, everyone wants to realize their own value, but… you all know about my daughter’s situation.”

Liu Xuhui’s voice was low and muffled; he chuckled at himself, saying, “Thinking about it, my ambition to explore the legal market for the deaf and mute seems like nothing more than a pipe dream. I genuinely want to help as many deaf and mute individuals as possible, but compared to being a lawyer, I am first and foremost a selfish father. My daughter is my priority. Apart from the time I spend with her, I have little time left to take on a large number of cases…”

This seemed to be exactly what Lin Shu shouldn’t have mentioned.

Xu Shijia clearly thought so too.

But Lin Shu was being intentional—

“I don’t think expanding the legal market for the deaf and mute and accompanying your daughter are mutually exclusive.”

“You told me your child is very resistant to socializing and unwilling to go to school because of the harm caused by an unscrupulous nanny, right?”

Lin Shu smiled: “But your child wouldn’t resist peers who are also deaf or mute. Everyone needs social interaction, especially friends who can understand them and are in the same circle.”

“If you’re worried about leaving your child alone at home, then why not bring her along when you visit your future deaf and mute clients?”

Lin Shu was well aware of Liu Xuhui’s predicament; she had already thought out a complete plan—

“Your child is one of the few deaf and mute kids with a high level of education. She can empathize more with those in the same situation and would likely be more skilled at communicating with her peers. Letting her interact with deaf children in need of legal assistance might inspire her to return to her studies.”

“Meeting more deaf peers who need her help might actually motivate her to learn. If she’s unwilling to attend acupuncture courses, it might not just be a refusal to engage with the outside world; it’s likely simply a lack of interest. But what if she inherited her father’s legacy and studied law? Shouldn’t she give it a try? Perhaps it will yield unexpected surprises.”

“If she has relevant legal knowledge and is fluent in sign language, she could help you in the future. Wouldn’t that allow you to help more deaf individuals?”

“You absolutely don’t need to think that accompanying your child and expanding the legal market for the deaf and mute are two conflicting things.”

Lin Shu’s words clearly offered Liu Xuhui new ideas; his previously dim eyes sparkled again, yet he still hesitated—

“But the people lawyers interact with are very diverse. You know this; no matter the group, there are good people and bad people. The deaf and mute are no exception. I will encounter kind deaf clients in need of help, but I will also meet those with ulterior motives. If my daughter comes into contact with them…”

“Your daughter will grow up and become independent. People will age and pass away; no one can protect their child for a lifetime. If, before the parents grow old, the child hasn’t developed the ability to survive independently, what kind of life will they have once the parents are gone?”

Lin Shu spoke seriously: “Society can be very cruel even to able-bodied individuals. Deaf children will face greater storms and competition when integrating into society, but this is a necessary path.”

“Many times, the so-called protection from society for some vulnerable groups is actually a form of rejection. Because communication is difficult for you, I kindly do it for you; because your legs are weak, I kindly do it for you; because you cannot do many things as well as able-bodied people, I kindly do it for you…”

“On the surface, this appears to be a kind act, but if you think deeply, doesn’t it make it even harder for people with disabilities to participate in social life? Their disabilities are an objective reality. Instead of excessive protection, we should confront their shortcomings and imperfections, genuinely believe that even if they are imperfect, they can still live normally like us.”

Lin Shu looked into Liu Xuhui’s eyes, her voice calm but firm: “You can absolutely realize your own value, and your daughter should also realize hers. Even if the process involves injury and setbacks, she has her own life and her own growth journey. Parents and children shouldn’t sacrifice for each other; they should support each other.”

As Lin Shu spoke, Liu Xuhui did not interrupt. He remained silent, but Lin Shu knew he was listening intently, slowly digesting each of her words, as his eyes began to redden.

“Lawyer Lin, I never expected you to be willing to speak so candidly with me, nor did I expect you to consider things to this extent for me.”

Liu Xuhui’s words were sincere: “To be honest, as a middle-aged lawyer just drifting through life, no one really cares about me.”

“How could that be?” Lin Shu replied gently. “Actually, when you didn’t know, many people were concerned about you. For example, regarding your situation with Bai Feng, it was Xu Shijia who informed me of the backstory when I was unaware and trying to bring Bai Feng on as a client.”

Lin Shu glanced at Xu Shijia as she continued, “Although he didn’t have much prior interaction with you, he is a person with a strong sense of justice. He was indignant about your experience and did his best to ensure you weren’t humiliated by Bai Feng. Even before you came out of the police station, he mistakenly thought I was an accomplice to Bai Feng, which made him very angry and he questioned me fiercely.”

Mentioning this made Xu Shijia slightly uncomfortable, but Lin Shu’s praise also made him unable to suppress a smile. He cleared his throat and tried to appear calm: “Oh, it’s nothing. Brother Hui and I are colleagues, and we graduated from the same school, so he’s practically a genuine senior to me. Rounded off, he’s family; how could I let outsiders bully my own people? I just can’t stand those who use their power to bully others.”

Liu Xuhui clearly didn’t realize this, and now, looking at Xu Shijia, his eyes were filled with gratitude and emotion. “Thank you, Shijia! If you ever have any questions at work, don’t hesitate to ask me! I can’t let you call me ‘senior’ for nothing!”

Liu Xuhui’s voice trembled a bit; as a middle-aged man, tears welled up in his eyes. He turned back to Lin Shu, saying, “Lawyer Lin, I truly don’t know how to thank you.”

“Just do a good job,” Lin Shu smiled. “I’m counting on you to generate revenue for me.”

Lin Shu had always been decisive and efficient—

“While I was waiting for you earlier, I compiled a list of several deaf schools and deaf charity organizations in Rong City. I’ll send the electronic document to your email. You can start reaching out to these contacts for legal consulting services, taking it step by step.”

Liu Xuhui didn’t hesitate; for the first time, he was filled with determination. “Alright! I’ll update you on my progress in a few days!”

Liu Xuhui had an appointment with one of his long-term clients, so after expressing his gratitude to Lin Shu and Xu Shijia once more, he left for his next meeting.

**

Only Lin Shu and Xu Shijia remained in the café.

It was time to settle accounts.

Lin Shu glanced at Xu Shijia. “Weren’t you just saying that differing opinions make for bad partnerships and that you wanted to go your own way? You were pretty bold in questioning me earlier, so how about you repay the money you owe me first?”

“…” Xu Shijia bit his lip, not saying a word.

After a moment, he began to change the subject. “You saw it; I’m a person with a strong sense of justice. Once I consider someone one of my own, I’ll defend them at the first opportunity.” Xu Shijia looked up. “Didn’t you just praise me in front of Brother Hui? That shows you don’t actually mind and even appreciate me.”

Lin Shu looked at him expressionlessly. “Have you considered that it’s not appreciation but rather an alternative team-building method that doesn’t cost anything?”

“In our team, Tie Niu and Xuhui are quite familiar with each other and often collaborate on cases, so their relationship is good. The only one who’s an outsider is you. Although you can seem to get along with Tie Niu and Xuhui on the surface, based on how you used to work, they are only treating you respectfully out of concern for your identity, but they don’t genuinely acknowledge you.”

Xu Shijia clearly didn’t see that coming; his eyes widened in disbelief. “So when you praised me just now, it was actually a form of disguised team-building?”

“For a team to succeed, the most important thing is cohesion. Mutual recognition and support among members is crucial. I hope Xuhui knows he can trust you and consider you one of his own. From his perspective, you really are a just person.”

Lin Shu shifted her tone. “But from my perspective as your boss, you didn’t handle things well.”

“Xu Shijia, the most important qualities for a lawyer are calmness and rationality. You often need to hold back and control your emotions. Before questioning others, you should at least ensure that you have thoroughly researched the facts.”

“In the past, you might have been impulsive because of your background, as there would naturally be someone to resolve issues for you. But now, you’re different.”

Xu Shijia still wouldn’t concede: “How am I different now?”

Lin Shu didn’t hold back, as Xu Shijia didn’t need her to.

She hit the nail on the head: “You’re poor now. Very poor. Not just poor, but in debt.”

“What’s wrong with being in debt?!”

Lin Shu smiled slightly. “Do I need to remind you? Weren’t you just questioning me about not having enough money? How much do you owe me?”

“I believe a person in debt shouldn’t act so high and mighty. Xu Shijia, how will you repay me the money you owe? Don’t you think you should apologize for questioning me so boldly? You said you wanted to part ways, right? Then go ahead.”

Lin Shu thought Xu Shijia would be left speechless, but instead, he confidently responded—

“Do you think I can’t pay you back? I can pay you the money!”

Lin Shu looked at Xu Shijia suspiciously. “How will you give it to me?”

Could it be that his family didn’t want him to suffer and had been supporting him?

Lin Shu prepared herself, her mind racing with ideas on how to manage him in case Xu Shijia had money again in the future.

But before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, Xu Shijia spoke again—

“I can work for you, and that way I can pay you back!”

He continued earnestly, “I was indeed impulsive earlier, and I apologize, but I didn’t genuinely want to part ways with you. It’s like some women don’t really want to break up; they just throw a tantrum to get the other person’s attention. As an employee, I hope my boss will pay more attention to me. Doesn’t that show how much I value this job?”

“I treated this place like my own home, which is why I was afraid you would damage our reputation by taking on Bai Feng’s case. I was wrong; I confused the law firm with home, and I confused the boss with family!”

“…” Poverty really is the biggest motivator for someone to grow a thick skin.

Lin Shu looked at Xu Shijia, finding it hard to believe that just a few days ago he had been aloof and dignified. Now, in the face of poverty, he was saying all sorts of ridiculous things without a shred of psychological burden, and the occasional awkwardness on his face had completely vanished.

“Besides, there’s a saying: questioning the boss, understanding the boss, becoming the boss. My questioning of you is the necessary step toward understanding you, learning from you, and ultimately becoming like you. It’s the first step, like the origin of all things! If I don’t question you, how can I better understand you? How can I grasp your genuine concerns for Hui and our team?”

People who view money as worthless usually aren’t short on it.

Now that he was short on cash, even Xu Shijia had learned to flatter and bend over backward for it.

He remained calm and composed, passionately arguing: “Moreover, what I said is just another way of showing loyalty! I will work to pay back the money I owe you, and even after I repay my debt, I’m willing to work for you for several more years!”

“……” Lin Shu really couldn’t listen anymore. She rubbed her forehead and said, “Just get to the point about what you want to say.”

“Lin Shu, you’re truly an understanding and intelligent person; no wonder you became my boss at such a young age.” Xu Shijia flashed a shy smile. “So, could you lend me a little more money?”

Once someone has borrowed money once, it becomes easier to ask again.

This time, when Xu Shijia asked for money, he did so with a steady expression and a firm tone. “Last time I borrowed money from you, I used part of it for living expenses and paid the utility bills with the rest. Now it’s time to pay the property fee, and I have no choice… The more money you lend me, the longer I can work for you, which is a unique kind of mutual commitment. I’m such a good employee, and you’d be securing my position. It’s a win-win for you! If I were to jump ship to another company, people would be scrambling to get me. Don’t you think?”

“……”

Is that what you call securing a good employee?

This is like holding a hot potato that’s been dropped in your lap!

Who besides me would even want you?