Chapter 28

Once a person has a direction and is willing to work towards it, everything will gradually get back on track.

After Lin Shu and Liu Xuhui had an open and honest discussion, Liu Xuhui no longer hesitated. Ignoring the gazes of others, he insisted on accepting Bai Feng’s commission and officially began to handle Bai Fan’s case. He didn’t waste any time, quickly visiting several schools for the deaf and mute in Rong City and, after lengthy discussions with the administrators, he tentatively established partnerships with a few of them.

Two days later, he reported his work progress to Lin Shu:

“In the past two days, I visited several schools for the deaf and mute. The schools have many third-party outsourcing service projects, and the contracts are not formal, leaving significant loopholes that are detrimental to the schools. Additionally, the labor contracts for employees are also informal, which can easily lead to disputes. I’ve compiled a simple overview of these issues, but there’s still a lot of work to do.”

“Currently, three consulting agreements have been finalized, and two others have been tentatively established for cooperation, but the process is slow, so we’ll have to wait a bit longer to sign the written contracts.”

As Liu Xuhui spoke, he handed Lin Shu the three finalized consulting agreements. Lin Shu glanced through them and smiled, “Very efficient! Great job!”

Receiving such praise, Liu Xuhui felt a bit shy. “I know these three contracts are cheaper than what we usually charge commercial clients. First, it’s their first time working with us, so they are understandably more cautious; second, most of these schools for the deaf and mute are non-profit and have limited funding.”

After years of reestablishing client relationships, it was clear that Liu Xuhui was still a bit nervous. “I might not be able to generate a lot of revenue for our team in a short period…”

But that didn’t matter; Lin Shu was never impatient.

She gently said, “The first step is always the hardest. Client development is just the beginning, and providing good service will retain clients. Besides, when we provide legal services to the deaf and mute, we’re not aiming for higher prices but focusing on a ‘thin profit and quick sales’ approach, which balances professional income with social responsibility.”

Liu Xuhui looked at Lin Shu gratefully. “I think the same way. Once I finish visiting all the schools and non-profit organizations for the deaf and mute in Rong City, I plan to take my daughter with me to visit the schools in Lin City.”

“After I explained my plan to my child, I was surprised to find her very interested. After we visited one of the schools, she eagerly expressed a desire to help me communicate with children like her.”

At this point, Liu Xuhui felt very emotional. “We originally had conflicts over her education, and she had recently been unwilling to talk to me. I didn’t expect that through this opportunity, she would share so many of her thoughts with me.”

“She didn’t want to study acupuncture, not just because she was afraid of interacting with the outside world, but because she felt that learning acupuncture wouldn’t protect her. She believes that as a deaf person in society, she will always feel inferior, and there will always be people who discriminate against and bully them. She wants to pursue a career that will empower her and allow her to fight for a place for deaf people like herself.”

“Acupuncture for the deaf and massage for the blind—these jobs society sets for disabled individuals may seem like acceptance at first glance, but upon further thought, they reveal society’s stereotypes about disabilities. Why aren’t there sign language interpreters? Why aren’t there deaf entrepreneurs? Why aren’t there deaf lawyers?”

“Lawyer Lin, you’re absolutely right. My child is more mature, thoughtful, and understanding than I imagined. I, like many others, stereotypically thought that disabled individuals are a vulnerable group that needs protection. But the reality is that disabled people are no different from ordinary people; she no longer needs my overprotection.”

“My child had been troubled about how to achieve her goals, but now, what I’m doing has finally given her a way forward. She is very excited!”

Liu Xuhui’s eyes sparkled with determination, filled with a sense of “let’s do this.” He said spiritedly, “I’m also very excited!”

Not only Liu Xuhui and his daughter but Lin Shu was also very hopeful about their future.

Especially after Lin Shu’s guidance, Liu Xuhui had new ideas of his own. “I’m planning to start a public account to provide legal education for the deaf and mute using sign language for free. My daughter will be responsible for editing and uploading content for the public account, and she’ll also share videos in sign language that teach deaf girls about makeup, fashion, and more.”

“Firstly, it’s genuinely contributing something to help the deaf and mute. Secondly, it’s also a way to promote us across multiple platforms. After all, the power of online dissemination is enormous. Once we build a good reputation online and gain widespread trust from the deaf and mute community, the influx of case sources will greatly increase.”

Liu Xuhui had considerable abilities. If it weren’t for caring for his daughter, he wouldn’t have willingly settled for mediocrity and given up on his dreams. Now that his daughter was no longer a limitation but a support, the father-daughter duo had unlimited potential.

Lin Shu eagerly anticipated their future.

**

Naturally, the first to notice the significant change in Liu Xuhui’s work state was his teammates.

After being idle for more than ten years, Liu Xuhui’s sudden change obviously surprised Wang Tie Niu. After sending Liu Xuhui off, Lin Shu passed by the tea room and heard Wang Tie Niu’s puzzled voice coming from inside.

“Xu Shijia, what’s up with Brother Hui? This is definitely not normal!”

“Today is Wednesday! Why is Brother Hui at work? He usually takes Wednesdays and Fridays off to spend time with his daughter! Did he borrow money from someone outside?”

“No, that shouldn’t be it. He seems to be in a really good mood. Normally, he walks slowly, but today he’s rushing around, and he even has a smile on his face. Before, I felt like he was already in a senior’s state of mind, but today he looks not only like he’s come to work but is also full of energy!”

“Could it be that Brother Hui has met some incredible woman who not only doesn’t mind him but also gives him strength and passion for life, making him feel young again?”

Compared to Tie Niu’s astonishment, Xu Shijia, as another informed person, was much calmer.

“Brother Hui has indeed met a remarkable woman who has given him strength and passion for life.”

Before Tie Niu could continue his gossip, Lin Shu heard Xu Shijia let out a sympathetic sigh: “But he’s not using this passion for a second spring; instead, he’s investing that limited passion into an endless amount of work.”

Lin Shu commented lightly, “Although Brother Hui is older than me and has more experience, he, like me, doesn’t understand the harsh realities of society. He has chosen the old path of willingly working hard for others. In the end, it’s all about working hard. Tie Niu, what’s the point of living? Working your whole life just to die?”

“…”

It’s a good thing he borrowed more money from Xu Shijia; it seems this man isn’t poor enough yet.

But she wouldn’t hold it against him today.

Lin Shu was in a good mood; she had made plans to have dinner with her cousin Tang Xiao tonight, so she had the rare opportunity to leave work early.

As a partner, Lin Shu had more flexible hours compared to Tang Xiao, who worked a typical 9-to-5 job. Therefore, she arranged to meet her cousin at a seafood restaurant near the Xin Hui Group.

Fortunately, Tang Xiao finished work on time tonight, but before heading to the restaurant, she pulled Lin Shu into an imported supermarket next to the restaurant.

“I need to buy some discounted fresh seafood first!” Tang Xiao was in a hurry, dragging Lin Shu along. “Once our group’s other departments finish work, the supermarket will be crowded, and the discounted fresh seafood will be snatched up quickly!”

The imported supermarket Tang Xiao mentioned was set up by Xin Hui for the convenience of its employees, offering discount prices for staff who used their employee cards, but it was also open to the public, just without the discounts for non-employees.

The seafood restaurant Lin Shu reserved allowed customers to order directly, and since it partnered with the supermarket, it provided processing services for seafood purchased from there, only charging a processing fee. Therefore, if Tang Xiao managed to buy discounted seafood, bringing it to the restaurant for processing would be incredibly cost-effective.

As soon as Tang Xiao entered the supermarket, she dashed toward the fresh seafood section while Lin Shu headed to the daily necessities section, intending to buy some tissues. Usually, Tang Xiao would take some time to pick out her seafood before meeting up with Lin Shu. However, today, she returned very quickly.

Lin Shu glanced at her shopping cart, which was completely empty.

Had all the discounted seafood already been snatched up?

Tang Xiao quickly confirmed Lin Shu’s guess: “All the discounted items in the fresh seafood section are gone! I just asked a staff member, and they said a guy came in and bought all the discounted seafood!”

Despite this, Tang Xiao wasn’t her usual self with complaints and frustration. Instead, she seemed to be in a cheerful mood, her smile bright: “Sister, but you know, life is like this—energy conservation. Even though I didn’t get the discounted seafood, the universe gave me other opportunities as compensation.”

Tang Xiao beamed, “Guess who I ran into?”

“Who?”

“The guy! The handsome one who drives the Porsche 918 Spyder!” As soon as she mentioned him, Tang Xiao’s face flushed with a shy smile. “He’s the super handsome guy who was photographed in front of your law firm and posted on Xiaohongshu!”

Mentioning him made Tang Xiao’s eyes sparkle: “He’s so handsome! He’s like a living mannequin; he’s even more charming in person than in photos! Seriously, a guy like that is a rare find—he’s like the ultimate fashion item that any girl would want to have!”

Lin Shu was taken aback.

Xu Shijia?

Why is he here?

“And guess what?!” Tang Xiao’s voice was filled with excitement. “He approached me first!”

If Tang Xiao had a tail, it would probably be wagging in the air right now.

Tang Xiao held her slightly flushed, warm face, her eyes filled with pink bubbles: “I thought a guy like him would be really aloof and wouldn’t even bother to look at anyone else, but he just made eye contact with me, smiled, and initiated a conversation. The way he approached me was a bit naive; he didn’t even try to be subtle—he just asked if I was an employee and wanted my contact information. You could tell he doesn’t have much experience with flirting; isn’t the usual way to chat a bit before exchanging WeChat?”

The more she talked, the more bashful she became: “But he just came straight to the point, so I feel like he probably hasn’t flirted with many people before.”

As she said this, she looked up at Lin Shu, a bit proudly: “Sister, see? Fate is predetermined. What’s yours will always be yours; it will eventually come back around. At first, you wouldn’t help me get his contact information, but who would have thought that in this vast sea of people, I would still meet him, and he would fall for me at first sight…”

“…” Lin Shu rubbed her forehead. “Where did you see him?”

“Over by the king crabs. He was just staring at the king crabs, looking so deep in thought with a philosophical gaze, you know?” Tang Xiao was still immersed in her admiration. “Not only is he handsome, but he’s also different from other men. While other men only think about catching seafood to eat, which is so shallow, he just quietly watches the king crabs swimming, looking so deep in thought, as if he’s contemplating something.”

“The most charming part is, he was just watching the king crab and then smiled gently.” Tang Xiao seemed completely enchanted and lost all sense of principles. “When he smiled, I realized what a breathtaking smile truly feels like; he’s really handsome and has such charisma.”

To be fair, Xu Shijia did have a striking appearance, but Tang Xiao’s infatuation with his face seemed to create an exaggerated filter.

Unknowingly, Lin Shu followed Tang Xiao to the king crab counter.

Tang Xiao was right; standing by the king crab tank was indeed Xu Shijia, who had only recently been seen in the office. With his hands in his pockets, he exuded both a tall and relaxed aura, blending the two different vibes effortlessly. As Tang Xiao mentioned, he was intently focused on the king crabs in the tank.

As soon as Tang Xiao spotted him, she couldn’t help but praise: “Some men possess this magical power that can turn the most ordinary moments into something special. You don’t need to be in an aquarium in Atlantis; even at a supermarket’s king crab counter, he can experience the calmness and peace of the ocean…”

Before she could finish her compliment, Xu Shijia, who had been quietly observing the king crab, suddenly moved.

“It’s dead!”

“Finally, it’s dead!”

His words were filled with impatient excitement as he called over a supermarket staff member: “Can you help me take this king crab out?”

Xu Shijia’s eyes, which Tang Xiao had just praised as charming, appeared even more captivating, almost glowing, and his voice was bursting with relief: “I’ve waited so long for this! It died just in time for half price! I finally got to see this king crab die!”

At supermarkets, seafood that has just died may not be as fresh as alive seafood, but because it has just died, bacteria won’t multiply immediately. If someone buys it right away, it can still be cooked and eaten, so supermarkets often sell it at half price.

Lin Shu looked at Tang Xiao expressionlessly. “Experience the calmness and peace of the ocean? With a philosophical gaze?”

“Well, he is indeed unique. Other men think about immediately catching the king crab to eat, but he is different; he patiently waits for it to die so he can get it at half price.”

Lin Shu wanted to correct Tang Xiao’s misguided perspective on choosing a partner: “When looking at men, you shouldn’t just focus on looks. Don’t overly romanticize someone just because of their appearance, creating unrealistic filters and elevating them.”

Unfortunately, in response to Lin Shu’s teasing, Tang Xiao remained stubborn, clearly losing her principles in front of Xu Shijia’s face: “So what? He knows how to live! What’s wrong with being frugal? Anyway, his taste is quite good; he was so eager to ask for my number after falling for me at first sight…”

From Lin Shu’s understanding of Xu Shijia, this clearly wasn’t a story of love at first sight leading to an exchange of numbers.

Rather, it was…

“He called me!”

Before Lin Shu could continue her thoughts, she heard Tang Xiao’s excited gasp. At the same time, she looked up to see Xu Shijia holding the packed king crab, casually talking on the phone.

He really was calling Tang Xiao.

Though they weren’t far apart, Tang Xiao was still nervously staring at the number on her phone. Taking a few deep breaths to calm her nerves, she finally pressed the answer button. Just as she was about to showcase her practiced tone, Xu Shijia’s calm voice came through the phone and the supermarket’s atmosphere.

“Hello, I’m at the checkout. Could you please help me use your employee discount?”

Tang Xiao: “……”

At that moment, Lin Shu noticed that Xu Shijia had two fully packed shopping bags next to him, filled with the discounted fresh seafood that Tang Xiao hadn’t been able to buy earlier.

So he had bought it all.

Tang Xiao seemed to realize this too.

Xu Shijia continued, “It’s a pity I didn’t meet you earlier; otherwise, I could have used your employee discount for my previous purchases.”

“……”

Lin Shu looked at Tang Xiao: “Looks like what he’s really interested in is your employee discount. You see, there’s no such thing as a love at first sight without a reason; it’s all just a premeditated scam.”

Unfortunately, having said this, Tang Xiao, after a brief moment of disappointment, remained stubborn: “Sister, don’t think so badly of him! Look, he saw me! He hung up and walked straight towards me. He’s smiling! He’s looking at us with a smile! Look how charming and sincere his smile is! I refuse to believe he only cares about my employee discount; he’s using that as an excuse to get close to me without being too obvious…”

Before Tang Xiao could finish, Xu Shijia gracefully approached the two of them.

He indeed had a very charming and sincere smile, his eyes warm, and then he walked toward… Lin Shu.

“What a coincidence, you came at the right time.”

Xu Shijia smiled slightly: “After using the employee discount, I still need fifty more to pay for this king crab.”

Lin Shu was puzzled and was about to ask how this was related to her. Everyone had their own lives after work, and there was no need to report everything to her when Xu Shijia said confidently—

“This supermarket happens to have a group coupon for fifty, which only costs thirty.”

“But the group coupon is limited to one per person. I already used the one I bought when I checked out for the other discounted seafood.”

“So you help me buy one, and I’ll transfer you thirty. That way, I can save twenty.”

“……”

Lin Shu was speechless. Who was this brazenly entitled poor guy in front of her?