Confidence

Several weeks passed after the trial was finished, and Deming was able to win the trial, and the criminal was imprisoned for life with no chance of parole. He breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, he was able to sleep and rest a bit more.

Xunyi heard about it on the news, and she was relieved that Deming was safe and sound. She was able to study better knowing that he was doing well. As months went by, Xunyi and her friends continued their weekly gym activities since the self-defense class ended for them. Xunyi would get up early in the morning and go jogging on her own. She was surprised to be able to do that since she had never had the motivation to do it ever since high school. It must be because of Deming that I'm doing this, she thought as she jogged through the park.

As she jogged, there was no one in sight except for a few birds and some squirrels. She walked for a bit, then jogged a bit. When she finished jogging, she prepared to go back to campus for mock trials, which was quite interesting for her. Since the second year was almost over, Xunyi was a lot more knowledgeable than the first year. She's looking forward to the third year because she will be graduating at that time.

Xunyi stretched out her arms as she settled down in the classroom. Lately, she had a habit of doing that just to get her body ready for another three hours, being stuck in the classroom.

During these few weeks, Xunyi barely looked at her phone because she would get distracted by messaging people, especially Deming. She can not slack off anymore because she will be preparing for her law exam (usually before the bar exam) soon. Every day, she would stay at the library until late at night. She gathered resources that would be helpful for her exam. Deming sent her documents of previous examination questions, and he also made some important notes for her to remember. She told herself to give it all she got because she didn't want to spend her last year in university preparing for the exam. If she did it now and passed... she wouldn't get too worried. If she fails, it will just be another challenging year for her. Xunyi was thankful for her friends because they encouraged her to start studying as early as possible.

Another month passed, and Xunyi plus the other students finished writing their last final examination. They were relieved that the second year was finished. In the process of preparing for her law exam (before the bar exam), she also joined a group of students who were preparing to write theirs during the summer months. Even though she won't know how well she will do, it wouldn't hurt her if she tried.

Studying is a grueling process, Xunyi tries to keep herself awake by drinking coffee almost every day. After practicing some previous exam questions, her brain felt like it's been hit by a train. She sighed as she climbed into bed and immediately fell asleep. She was too tired to do anything. Did Deming feel like this, too? She wondered.

On the other side of the world, Deming was preparing another case that another lawyer had given up. He was also working hard on his job, given that he is the temporary CEO of his father's company. Since his parents stayed at home looking after his sister, Ruxue, they left most of the work to their son. Several months ago, Deming's sister was grounded for dropping out of school without telling them. Then, Yuhan was forced to homeschool Ruxue. Yuyue had to take care of housework and cooking. They could find a tutor, but judging from Ruxue's personality, she won't get along with other people. Even if other people have good intentions.

Ruxue once spat on a stranger who criticized her personality and compared her to a five-year-old child. She was easily upset and could not accept criticism. Everything had to go her way.

Deming was struggling not only on the outside but internally as well. Even as a high-profile lawyer, stress and fatigue always come one after another. He is a seasoned lawyer, but sometimes, it takes a toll on him.

A few days later, Xunyi went out to get some groceries when she encountered... Alan... while shopping in the produce aisle.

"Mia, you're alone, huh?"

"What do you want from me?" She replied in a firm tone.

"What I want... is you." He slowly formed a creepy grin on his face, "I love that look on your face."

"...."

"Mia, other people are watching... you better behave and listen to me." Alan stroked her long brown hair and caressed her chin. He went close to her red and lustrous lips when she used one of her sneakers to step on one of his feet.

"YOU---!! OWHH!"

Xunyi did not take any chances. She used her beautiful, thin legs to kick him. He cried out in pain, and other people started to video-record everything.

"Touch me one more time. You are not going to see the sun in the morning!" Xunyi yelled before leaving the store.

There was a child behind her, and she pulled Xunyi's red and blue plaid jacket, "Big sister, you were awesome! You kicked the bad guy!" The child was at least five or six, and Xunyi smiled at him. She kneeled to his level and asked, "Little kid, what is your name?"

"Sammy."

"Sammy... Thank you for your kind words." Xunyi replied.

"Big sister, I want to become like you someday!"

"One day, you'll be stronger than me!" Xunyi smiled as she waved goodbye to him.

After the police arrived, they took Alan into a holding cell until they found enough evidence. Xunyi had to follow the police and she had to give a report to them.

"Thanks for the information, Miss Ling. I'm sorry this happened to you."

Xunyi was able to leave without a scratch on her. She video-called Gabriela, Hailey, and Susie and told them the whole situation.

"Mia, were you okay? I saw what happened!" Hailey exclaimed in shock.

"Mia, this is the first time you actually hit someone." Gabriela applauded.

"Mia, I'm glad you are safe." Susie gave her a thumbs up, but if Deming knew about this whole situation...he will go insane. In the end, Susie had to report this to him, but she is worried that he will know it before she even tells him.