Chapter 418: The Verdict

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The cell was in chaos, with Lin Miao’s hysterical outbursts echoing off the walls. Despite her dramatic display, the only response she received was a visit from a psychiatrist, who attempted to provide professional mental counseling. The police, in an effort to pacify her, agreed to contact her biological parents, allowing them a visit before the formal sentencing.

In the aftermath, Lin Miao found herself alone, staring through the iron bars of her cell. Her expression gradually grew vacant. Why had she been abandoned? She couldn’t understand. She had prepared her defense, planned her excuses for her theft, all in anticipation of her release.

She had expected forgiveness from the Gu family, driven by guilt, and from the Gong family, who would surely wish to save face. But why had things not gone as she had envisioned? After all, she was the one who had been reborn!

It was all because of Gu Zi. Her arrival had stolen everything that was rightfully Lin Miao’s. She despised Gu Zi, for without her, she would not be imprisoned.

Perhaps Lin Miao would never understand a simple truth: one’s abilities cannot control people and circumstances. Even if she had obtained some unknown luck or golden opportunities, it didn’t mean stability was guaranteed. When one’s abilities do not match what they possess, obstacles are inevitable…

News of Lin Miao’s breakdown reached Gu Shan and Zhang Mei a day later. Learning that Lin Miao had caused a ruckus in the detention center, cursing both the Gong and Gu families, Gu Shan felt a deep sense of shame. How could Lin Miao have become like this?

For a moment, Gu Shan felt a profound discomfort. He vented to Zhang Mei, “Not only has she lied, but it seems even her obedient and sensible demeanor was all an act. It’s disgraceful. Our old faces aren’t enough for her to lose!”

At this point, Zhang Mei also felt disheartened. They had only temporarily neglected Lin Miao, not abandoned her. How could she be so unreasonable, going mad in the detention center, cursing her parents and in-laws? It was outrageous. If word got out, they would surely be the subject of much ridicule.

It was only then that Zhang Mei realized, ever since Lin Miao had returned to the Gu family, people had been saying that Lin Miao’s appearance and abilities were far inferior to Gu Zi’s. She deeply regretted letting Gu Zi leave to marry in the countryside.

Wouldn’t it have been a better choice to have Gu Zi stay at home? Unfortunately, it was too late for such thoughts now.

Zhang Mei shook her head, “Let it be. Let her curse. We’ve done more than enough. If she still thinks we’re heartless, I have nothing more to say.”

Lin Miao sat in the detention center, awaiting the arrival of her biological parents. She was determined to confront them face-to-face, to question whether something Gu Zi had said had led them to abandon her.

Yet, as she waited, there was no sign of Gu Shan and Zhang Mei. All they did was send a message through the police, urging her to mend her ways and take care of herself.

Then came the verdict of her case. Lin Miao was ordered to repay three thousand yuan for the theft and an additional thousand for emotional damages, along with a year’s sentence in prison.

Furthermore, having served time in jail, Lin Miao would be unable to attend a regular university as per the norms of the era. The repercussions of her actions were indeed severe.

Not to mention, upon her release, she might have to face the issue of Gong Zhan divorcing her…

On a bright sunny day, a police car pulled up at the Su family’s doorstep. The tall and handsome Captain He stepped out, handing over the repayment and compensation that the Gu and Gong families had paid on Lin Miao’s behalf to Gu Zi. He said to Gu Zi, “The total is four thousand yuan, please confirm!”

Gu Zi accepted the money, signed the confirmation, and expressed his gratitude, “Thank you for making the trip, Captain He. Would you like to come in for some tea?”

Captain He shook his head, smiling, “No, thank you. I still have duties to attend to. I’ll visit another time.” With that, he turned and got back into his car, driving away.

Gu Zi saw the information about Lin Miao’s sentence on the receipt, but felt no emotional upheaval. It was, after all, the expected outcome. A year was, in fact, a lenient sentence.

The Gong family was not to be underestimated. Some of their power plays were not openly discussed, but those in the know understood the situation.

Regardless, the money had been recovered. Gu Zi planned to have Su Shen take the thousand yuan compensation to the Lin family. It was, after all, a debt owed by Lin Miao.

Gu Zi was in high spirits. She picked some rosemary from the garden and brought it into the house. She planned to invite her parents over for lunch and have Su Shen prepare a mutton soup. Today was shaping up to be a good day..

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