My landlady apparently has doubts regarding my sudden appearance in this town and has filed for a tenant verification. Coincidentally enough, the same file ends up in my hands. It doesn't put me in a good mood, but I wonder if it is actually my job, verifying my own documents and identity to my landlady.
"Anyways," I sigh.
As this job surpasses the level of authority I'm given, I decide to explain the situation to Mrs. Laura. But when I try to find her in her cabin, it turns out that she has already left for home. I stand at the main entrance of the building, lost in a dilemma about whether I should head home or not. Technically, I couldn't because there is still a file to be signed, but how can I possibly sign my own verification? It's almost like marking one's own answer sheets—it's called cheating.
"Why did the old lady have to file for a verification here? Couldn't she find another real-estate advisor or firm," I mutter to myself.
After a long session of contemplation, I head out towards my home with the file in my hands. It is only when I reach my neighborhood that I find it to be emptier than it was yesterday at seven. Something is definitely weird about this town. While the area around my office stays active and cheerful throughout the day, this block is as quiet as a library.
I place my eyes on the forbidden doors of my landlady, that I can't knock. A sudden yawn crawls out of me as I feel the laziness of this town inside me. It is far from the hour that I usually sleep in, but still, I feel lethargic after a day at the office. "I wish it doesn't happen to me every day."
I come inside my home and throw myself on the bed, placing the file on my nightstand, where I see the photo of my dearest, my son. I can't help but stare at it for a long time, and don't even know when I fell into a deep sleep.
The next day, at the office, I make sure to be the earliest. I arrange my desk, turn on my computer, and start work immediately, going through the details of all the cases and clients that consult us, also exploring the bug-ridden website of the firm. I wonder how they have been surviving with such quality of work.
An interesting pattern I observed while going through all that data was that there have been absolutely no consultations for divorce-related cases, which is totally opposite of what I, as a family lawyer, had seen in Shanghai.
I give legal advice to my clients regarding divorce, alimony, adoption, etc. But what I had heard from my colleagues is that more people seek out legal advice for divorce, making it the most provided service according to many firms out there.
However, the scenario in this town is almost depressing, or I should say more happening, as these people value family that much or maybe divorce is such a taboo that the divorce cases in this town are almost negligible.
Mrs. Laura arrives right when the clock strikes 8. I wonder how a person can be so punctual to come to the office, only to hand over their own work to their juniors. The working patterns of the people in this firm seem highly unprofessional to me.
"Good morning, ma'am," I wish.
Just as I had expected, I receive a cold nod from her side. I notice that she is wearing a red dress, with her hair tied up in a tight bun, tighter as if a thousand elastic bands are pulled together and tied up. And her giant mole on the right cheek scares the hell out of me.
"Ma'am, I had something to discuss," I ask, holding the file in my hands.
She doesn't even bother to say 'you may ask' and just nods with her sharp chin.
"I don't think I can take up this tenant verification case."
"And why is that, Mr. Alex?" she speaks, plating her bomb-like gaze on my face.
"That's because it's my landlord seeking validation on my documents and past records."
"I see," she breathes, before saying, "Alright, I will see to it. You can go and do on-ground research for me regarding a property dispute case of the Xin brothers over a building in Huinam. You need to find out about the details of this..."
"But, ma'am," I interrupt her. "I am a certified family lawyer; real estate isn't my field."
Mrs. Laura develops a slight frown on her face and gently scratches her mole, making it hard for me to take my eyes off her dark and ugly mole. "You are new to this firm, as well as this town, Mr. Alex. So let me tell you, people here would rarely come up to us for divorce, marriage, or adoption. The town is still very traditional and such matters are not to be brought up to the public's eyes, as they all believe. And I don't want you to stand idle because we don't get clients suitable to your 'field'. I hope that you try to be a help to all of us."
I just nod in agreement and come out of her cabin. I almost feel inferior to them in this case, regretting taking up family law as a specialization. I could have done better if I were a criminal or business advocate.