At his words, my tears flowed freely, like a dam had burst.

Clutching his sleeve as if it were a lifeline, I poured out my heart.

"Mr. Gong, do you believe in justice? Why can the guilty wander free while the wronged bear the stain of infamy even in death?"

The memory of my sister's tragic end, the neighbors' whispered accusations, filled me with grief.

I recalled her screams in the video, her struggle fading to stillness. How intense her pain and despair must have been to choose death over returning home.

"I can find you the best lawyer," Gong Li'an said, his voice firm, but he did not withdraw his hand.

The warmth from his touch was a small comfort, yet it couldn't warm my aching heart.

"I don't need a lawyer. I want to deliver justice myself. If I ever need your help, will you stand by me?"

My gaze locked with Gong Li'an's, pleading.

"If the person in question were your wife, would you still aid me?"

"I'll do what I can," Gong Li'an's response was measured, the careful words of a businessman.

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I let go of his sleeve and began to clear the table, avoiding further eye contact.

He seemed to want to hold me back but hesitated and withdrew his hand.

After tidying up, with Gong Jue asleep from exhaustion, Gong Li'an sat in thought, his large frame cramped on the small sofa.

I moved Gong Jue to the bedroom, steering clear of Gong Li'an's searching gaze.

Upon returning, my demeanor remained cool. Rather than asking Gong Li'an to leave, I contemplated ways to have him stay overnight.

Sitting on the edge of the sofa, I kept my distance from Gong Li'an. However, the sofa's limited space meant we were still uncomfortably close.

"Gong Jue has a school project requiring a family outing this weekend. Parents need to check in on social media. Tomorrow's Saturday, do you have time?" I asked, maintaining a professional tone.

"Sure, I'll make time," Gong Li'an acknowledged.

"Since I've been dismissed, I can no longer teach Gong Jue. But I'd like to accompany him on this final outing. Can we go together tomorrow?"

Gong Li'an nodded, and I rose to fetch a blanket.

"Why don't you stay here tonight? We can leave early tomorrow, check in, and get back before your wife gets worried."

After a moment's hesitation, Gong Li'an agreed. My mood lifted slightly, and I offered him a smile.

"You and Gong Jue can sleep in the bedroom. The sofa is too small for you," I suggested, gesturing for him to get up.

"I'll take the sofa," Gong Li'an insisted, his grip firm on my wrist, his gaze steady, "I apologize."

"Sorry for what?" I was taken aback by his sudden apology.

"You've done a great job with Gong Jue; he's become much livelier. I don't understand her reason for firing you, but I'm sorry. I'll discuss it with her; you're employed by me."

Gong Li'an's tone was authoritative, leaving me momentarily lost for words, his hand still holding mine.