Chapter 2: Good News

As the police continued their relentless pursuit, the hit-and-run suspect was finally spotted at the airport and successfully apprehended. The moment the assistant heard the news, she rushed straight to Shen Zhaoyan's office, forgetting even to knock, startling Shen Zhaoyan in the process. She had run so fast that she had to take several deep breaths before she could speak after being asked what had happened.

Upon hearing the news, Shen Zhaoyan couldn't wait any longer—she hurried downstairs, got into her car, and drove off. Even her assistant was astonished, having never seen the ever-composed Attorney Shen in such a rush before.

Not long after getting into the car, Shen Zhaoyan called Yang Xiaoning, her voice carrying an unusual excitement. Curious, Yang Xiaoning asked what had happened to make her so eager to share the news. However, Shen Zhaoyan only replied mysteriously, "You'll know when we meet." Yang Xiaoning didn't press further; instead, she chuckled, amused by how this usually cold and serious person was acting so different from her usual self.

The law firm wasn't far from the basketball court, so within a few minutes, Shen Zhaoyan arrived. But just as she stepped out of the car, she suddenly felt a bit nervous—was she being too impulsive? This was something that could have easily been communicated over the phone, so why did she feel the need to rush all the way here? This was so unlike her. Yet, for some reason, even the smallest things made her want to share them with Yang Xiaoning. This feeling was entirely new to her.

She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and walked toward the entrance. As she stepped inside, the first thing she saw was the group of athletes taking a break—including Yang Xiaoning. Her damp hair clung slightly to her skin, beads of sweat rolling down her face as she drank water and wiped herself with a towel. There was something so effortlessly radiant about her in that moment that Shen Zhaoyan found herself momentarily dazed.

Noticing her standing there without moving, Yang Xiaoning walked over and asked, "Why are you just standing here?"

Snapping out of her trance, Shen Zhaoyan quickly averted her gaze, trying to hide her moment of distraction. Seeing her acting a bit strangely, Yang Xiaoning assumed something was wrong and instinctively reached out to touch Shen Zhaoyan's forehead. "Your face is so red—are you running a fever?"

The sudden touch made Shen Zhaoyan even more flustered. She quickly grabbed Yang Xiaoning's hand and said, "I'm not sick! It's just… the court is a little hot." Only then did Yang Xiaoning slowly lower her hand.

After taking a moment to collect herself, Shen Zhaoyan finally remembered why she had come. She shared the news about the suspect's arrest with Yang Xiaoning. Upon hearing it, Yang Xiaoning was overwhelmed with emotion. "Is this real? I'm not dreaming, am I?"

Receiving confirmation again and again, Yang Xiaoning could no longer contain her joy—she immediately pulled Shen Zhaoyan into a hug. Finally, justice had been served, and her deceased father could rest in peace.

At first, Shen Zhaoyan was a little taken aback by the hug. But feeling the immense relief and gratitude in Yang Xiaoning's embrace, she couldn't help but return the hug, secretly wishing this moment would last just a little longer.

They didn't know how long they had been standing like that before finally remembering that this news needed to be shared—not just with Yang Qingyue but with everyone.

Yang Xiaoning took Shen Zhaoyan with her as she announced the news to the rest of the team. As expected, Yang Qingyue, who had always been prone to tears, couldn't hold back and started crying again. But this time, everyone knew it was tears of joy.

Their coach, always the tough and no-nonsense type, clapped his hands and declared, "We're celebrating tonight! After practice, let's go have a feast—it's on me!"

The team immediately erupted in cheers. Their notoriously stingy coach was finally treating them—there was no way they weren't going to take full advantage of this rare occasion.

Amidst the excitement, Yang Xiaoning turned to Shen Zhaoyan and asked, "Do you have time tonight? Come celebrate with us—it's thanks to you that we got this news."

Although Shen Zhaoyan felt a little embarrassed, faced with everyone's sincere invitation, she finally nodded and agreed.