Xunyi had passed her law pre-examination with flying colors. She'd thought she failed, but it was a miracle instead. She will be able to apply for law school once the third year starts tomorrow. Since she is eligible for early acceptance, Xunyi will not wait until the last minute. Same with her friend, Gabriela also passed, but she will apply for a different law school. Xunyi was proud of her friend and wishing her the best of luck.
After a full day of rest, Xunyi gathered all of the necessary materials when applying for law school. Since they needed documents and ID, she made sure everything is up-to-date. Otherwise, it will be a pain for her to renew all of the stuff. Before the third year started, she also had some time to get her driver's license, so she would have an extra ID. She also had some time to look up information about J&J Law Groups London branch, and as she read the information, she had to take some notes because this law firm was one of the hardest ones to get in or even to intern. She had to do some preparations beforehand, so in the end, she had to ask Deming for advice since he is basically the main CEO in Shanghai.. at least for now.
Even though she was looking forward to this, Deming didn't really help her too much since he was not allowed to tell her what exactly would be on the interview questions. The one thing he did mention was to think why you chose this road instead of other roads? Xunyi thought about this question for the last few days. Why did she choose this road? Was it for a guy? or was it for herself? Her head was about to explode from thinking. She had to take a break and went out for a short jog.
She kept on repeating this question, but every single time, she just went blank. She rested on the bench after doing some post-exercise stretches and leaned her head backward while staring into the evening sky. After a while, there was a news update on her ex-boyfriend, Zhang Bolin.
"Zhang Bolin, previously accused of sexual assault and harassment, to be released from prison today because of good behavior."
Xunyi gripped her phone tightly and muttered, "Good behavior? Good behavior, my ass. If I see you in front of me, it will be your last day." She made an angry fist and nearly slammed her phone onto the ground. Even though she thought she was over it, but inside of her, she still fears. Bolin embedded her with fear that even today, it still affected her. She shook her head and focused on what was important. That is her preparation for the law school application and interning interview applications. Xunyi gave herself a small talk and constantly repeated to herself, "You are different, Xunyi. You are going to law school. You can not make any troubles. Otherwise, it will hinder Deming and myself."
The third year started with a bang, there were so much stuff to know about than the second year. The busyness of school kept her mind away from thinking about Bolin. She hated whenever he popped out of her mind. Whenever she thought about Bolin, she would force herself to think about what it would be like to work with a great lawyer who saved her life?
Even though it was difficult, she had to do this. She had to fight her fears, in this case, alone. Even though Gabriela can help her in a way, she can not always depend on her. Deming might also be quite busy with his work as well, so Xunyi thought about not disturbing him too much. Eventually, Xunyi will have to face Bolin alone.
After a few weeks, Xunyi got used to the rhythm of tests and mock trials one after another, just like when she was in second year. She was also taught how to apply to law school, and the professor explained each step that was easy to understand. After applying for law school, she had to wait for a few weeks to a few months before she could even get a reply. Even being eligible for early acceptance, she still had to wait for a reply, and if she gets in within a month, she will cry of happiness because it won't only be her applying to Oxford Law School as there will be many others who will be applying there and they will be much smarter than she is.
All she can do is wait.
-----
Deming went back to Shanghai after traveling to New York, but he hasn't rested yet he directly went to his office. Li Xun, who was with him, showed him the news article about Zhang Bolin.
Deming's expression went from not impressing internal anger.
"How's Xunyi? Did you get into contact with Susie?"
"Lawyer Jiang, you can call Miss Xunyi by yourself. You have her number. Just call her and say I miss you." Li Xun teased him, and Deming looked at him with a death stare.
"Alright, I'm backing off. Have a great talk with her!" Li Xun slowly backed away while eavesdropping on their conversation behind a closed door.
Deming dialed Xunyi's number, and she picked up the phone call.
"Deming? What is it?" She asked.
"Xunyi, I would like to know if you are doing alright. I believe you heard the news about your ex, right?"
"Yes, I heard. I'm okay." She replied.
"Are you sure? It's okay if you're not okay." He replied and comforted her through the phone.
"Deming, thank you for all you do. I am glad you called, but this time, I want to face it alone. You've helped me a lot, and I don't even know if I can repay all of these. " Xunyi didn't want to burden him anymore, but he replied again, "Xunyi, this is not your fight. Since he is still in Shanghai, I can make sure he never gets out of here. Xunyi, please let me help you. You need to focus on your school and applications. Let me help you by handling Bolin, alright?" Deming was very patient with her, and he is willing to help her no matter what happens to him... even at the cost of his own life.
"Deming, don't be stupid. He's not someone who you can fight with! You're going to get hurt! Don't go near him by yourself! If you are, take someone with you! I don't want you to get hurt." She begged him not to meet up with her ex because she knew that the gangs would be back if they knew he was released.
Deming answered in a deep and soft voice, "Xunyi, ever since three years ago, I fell in love with you at the bookstore. You didn't know me back then, but I knew you. I want to do something for you and protect you whenever it's necessary. I will wait for your reply. There's no need to rush. Xunyi, please focus on your studies and your goal. If I don't answer back, please contact Li Xun or Susie."
"Why Susie?" She asked with a bit of confusion.
"Xunyi, it was me who placed Susie with you. She's a police officer disguising as a student. She's always the one who's been updating me about your school life and keeping you safe. But I failed you last time because of that video, so right now, I want to protect you. Even if I die, I will not regret it."
Xunyi didn't know what to say, "I... so you guys have been hiding it from me... since when? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Xunyi, I couldn't tell you because I didn't want you to be scared. If I told you you were being tracked three years ago, you would've freaked out more. Susie wasn't able to tell you because she signed a contract with me. It's not her fault. Everything started with me. I planned your life because I like you."
Xunyi was disappointed at the fact they hid this important information from her. But Xunyi understood from his point of view and replied, "Lawyer Jiang, thank you for planning my life. I didn't know that being a lawyer would be my goal now... I really thank you for supporting me, but I trusted you. Thank you for liking me, but please, take care of yourself. " She hung up without saying anything else. She was disappointed, but she refocused her mind on the stuff that's important to her. To be honest, she liked him, too. She is grateful for him, and all he does was for her benefit. She's mad at herself for not discovering it earlier.
"I'm sorry, Lawyer Jiang. Please forgive me."