Lawyer Bai was thoroughly defeated by Xiao Ni and Zheng Zhihe’s relentless tactics, making the case impossible to fight, and the trial ended hastily.
Others spend money on lawsuits; Han Qin seemed to exhaust lawyers, single-handedly taking down three so far.
Bai felt toyed with, as Zheng Zhihe held back evidence, and Han Qin couldn’t fathom why Liang He turned against her in court. Amid her guilt and self-reproach, Liang He had a moment of clarity, understanding Zheng’s intent.
This was Xiao Ni giving her a chance to come clean!
When Xiao Ni was sacked for “bribery,” Liang He, out of cowardice, didn’t speak up for her, a mistake that weighed heavily on her. Though she’d just told the truth in court, Liang He still felt she owed Xiao Ni an apology. After leaving the courtroom, she mustered the courage to approach her.
“I’m sorry, I—”
“It’s alright,” Xiao Ni said. “I know you were under Han Qin’s pressure. I’ve left the magazine, but you still need to contribute to it. Now that Han Qin will lose this case, she can’t threaten you anymore. Though, submitting to Aige might be awkward now. You still have my contact, right? If you want to switch platforms, reach out.”
Xiao Ni was referring to a new magazine about to launch.
Her generosity brought Liang He to tears again.
Zheng Zhihe watched quietly as Xiao Ni and Liang He spoke. After Liang He apologised profusely and left, leaving just the two of them, he asked, “Do you really want Liang He to write for the new magazine?”
Xiao Ni nodded, “Of course. Her writing fundamentals are solid. She’s not as good as Xiao Yu, but the new magazine can’t rely on Xiao Yu alone.”
They had a top author, but still needed mid-tier ones!
Xiao Ni was speaking purely as an editor, inviting Liang He.
Liang He made one mistake and didn’t continue down that path, which Xiao Ni found forgivable. People stray under temptation or pressure; it’s normal.
Zheng Zhihe didn’t think Xiao Ni’s kindness was wrong, but some, like Han Qin, might take advantage of it, bullying her in the workplace.
Wondering how to subtly advise her, he saw Xiao Ni flash a sly smile. “Good thing Liang He turned back in time. I gave her one chance to correct herself, not a second. If she hadn’t told the truth today, once the postal receipt was submitted, Han Qin would lose, and Liang He’s reputation in this industry would be ruined. No need for me to retaliate; her pen name, built over years, would be done. And by inviting her to the new magazine, other Aige authors will see I can even accept Liang He, making some consider jumping ship.”
Zheng Zhihe was stunned.
“Sorry for assuming—you’re that kind of Xiao Ni!”
He cupped his hands in admiration.
Xiao Ni wasn’t naive; she had her principles and her cleverness.
Some, like Han Qin, wore their cunning openly.
Others, like Xiao Ni, hid theirs, appearing honest but fully aware.
Thinking of Wen Ying’s conduct in her lawsuit, Zheng Zhihe couldn’t help but sigh: birds of a feather flock together!
…
“Han Qin’s done for.”
Wen Ying wasn’t surprised hearing the trial’s outcome.
She knew Han Qin would lose before it even started.
The verdict would take time, but the magazine reacted faster than the Shandong court. Before the ruling, Han Qin was sacked, not even keeping her proofreading job.
Not just Han Qin—her superior was also disciplined for negligence.
Han Qin and her boss bore all the blame. With the October issue still unpublished, the magazine issued a forum statement explaining the matter.
Zheng Zhihe messaged Wen Ying to check the magazine’s statement.
It centred on one point: the magazine was misled by Han Qin, who falsely accused an editor, letting personal emotions affect work, causing a misunderstanding with “Against the Current,” leading to the two lawsuits.
“The damage is done, and we’re willing to make amends.”
“We’ll comply with the court’s ruling.”
“The penalty on editor Ni Sisi is revoked.”
“We’ll compensate Ni Sisi and ‘Against the Current’ per the verdict.”
“Our doors are always open to Ni Sisi and ‘Against the Current.’”
Wen Ying read the post, unimpressed.
This wasn’t genuine remorse but damage control, blaming Han Qin to save the magazine’s image.
Had they investigated earlier, it wouldn’t have come to this.
Han Qin was arrogant, but someone gave her too much power, making her think she could control editors and authors’ fates.
Whether the magazine’s leaders knew of Han Qin’s actions or not, their oversight was lacking.
Wen Ying understood: back then, she was a rookie author, Teen Idol wasn’t yet a hit, and Xiao Ni was just a new editor, not vital to the magazine.
Understanding didn’t mean agreement.
Compensation per the verdict sounded sincere—court-ordered, dare they defy it?
As for welcoming Wen Ying and Xiao Ni back, it wasn’t all empty talk.
If Wen Ying returned, the magazine would be thrilled; a bestselling author is a cash cow.
But for Wen Ying, even if she didn’t renew with Rongcheng Literature Press, with so many publishers in China, she wouldn’t go back.
Xiao Ni felt the same. Capable people don’t worry about jobs; for pride, she wouldn’t return.
The statement drew many comments: Wen Ying’s readers, onlookers, pushing the post’s popularity high. Most mocked the content, showing netizens weren’t as gullible as some thought.
Many repeated a comment: “Has Han Qin apologised today?”
Wen Ying logged into the forum and her blog.
She was stunned by her blog’s traffic.
A simple announcement post had massive views and comments.
Some readers expressed shock.
Some supported her.
Others asked for spoilers on The Princess’s New Clothes.
The blog had no trending list, but a popularity ranking.
Wen Ying found herself at 12th.
Li Mengjiao was 7th, Yun Chen 10th.
Ahead of Wen Ying, besides them, were all well-known figures!
