Chapter 33: All His Claims Dismissed (Please Continue Reading)
“Jiao Jiao, don’t worry!” Outside the courthouse, Zhang Jiao’s female friend comforted her softly.
“We’ve already arranged everything in advance. All the judges handling this case are on our side. We will definitely win this lawsuit. This time, Cheng Cheng will be utterly disgraced! He’ll be banned from the entertainment industry for good!”
Repeated so many times, even Zhang Jiao began to believe the lie herself.
She withdrew her gaze from Cheng Cheng and said bitterly, “Yes! I believe it will happen! The law will give me a fair result, and he will pay back tenfold, a hundredfold for all the pain he caused me!”
Exposing Cheng Cheng’s actions did not come without cost; on the contrary, the price was excruciatingly high.
After Cheng Cheng leaked her personal information, she could no longer hide safely behind the veil of the internet. Her classmates, teachers, friends, and admirers all knew about the incident.
Especially those male friends and admirers—once they found out, they quietly distanced themselves from her, drawing clear boundaries.
Even some female friends looked down on her, pointing out her faults condescendingly.
What did they know?
They didn’t side with her at all; instead, they spoke up for a man!
Even those closest to Zhang Jiao—her parents and relatives—tried to persuade her. Her father even called, urging her to apologize to Cheng Cheng and warning her not to stir up trouble anymore.
That damned old man!
Your role was only to provide your genes and money. Who gave you the right to boss me around?
As for the relatives, it was even worse. She had likely become a disgrace within the family circle.
This wasn’t the past anymore. The internet was widespread; everyone was online. No one took what relatives said as gospel unless they were truly close.
Besides, Zhang Jiao received even stranger looks at school. Often, people recognized her on the street and gossiped behind her back. In class, she felt like a thorn in her own side.
She could easily guess what they said about her.
And online, it was even worse.
Her photos were everywhere, accompanied by memes like “Block ≠ Breakup” and “Zhang Jiao Inequality,” endless negative comments she couldn’t delete, and countless abusive private messages flooding her inbox every time she logged on.
Her haggard appearance wasn’t just due to deliberate makeup—it was partly real exhaustion.
She felt like she was living in hell these days, but thankfully, she still had sisters on Weibo supporting her.
Every day, they encouraged her to keep living well, praising her for being brave and doing the right thing.
Without those sisters on Weibo, without that last bit of warmth, she didn’t know if she could have held on.
---
But she never realized that all this was the bitter fruit of her own making. If she hadn’t exposed Cheng Cheng, he wouldn’t have retaliated. She started the public opinion war, so she had no right to complain.
Yet in her heart, she believed that all the cyberbullying, rumors, ruined reputation, and betrayal she endured were forcefully inflicted by Cheng Cheng!
In her mind, she thought she could do it, but Cheng Cheng couldn’t.
How dare you expose my personal information?
You claimed to love me, but now you just watch millions of people insult me?!
I will win today! You will pay the price!
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Inside the courthouse, in an office.
A judge hurried in, closing the door behind her and hanging her coat on the rack.
She was Li Mei, the judge responsible for Cheng Cheng’s case.
“Sorry I’m late,” Li Mei apologized.
“Xiao Li, you’re just in time. We’re discussing your case now,” said the court president.
After exchanging greetings, Li Mei sat down, took a sip of water, and asked, “President, how’s the discussion going?”
One person replied, “Of course, we unanimously reject all his claims.”
Li Mei was a bit surprised, “Not a single claim accepted? Isn’t that a little harsh? Usually, a few claims that don’t matter much get through, at least to make it look reasonable.”
A judge explained, “The legal basis for this case is shaky. The plaintiff’s evidence lacks solid legal grounds. Besides, it’s a civil lawsuit. Whatever verdict we deliver, it’s justifiable. If he’s unhappy, he can appeal.”
Li Mei said, “I’m worried about the negative impact.”
At that moment, the president said, “Xiao Li, this case has already become a hot topic. Both sides have supporters. No matter how we rule, there will be consequences. Don’t put pressure on yourself—just follow the discussion’s conclusion.”
“All right, President.”
Li Mei nodded.
Naturally, she leaned towards Zhang Jiao’s side but wanted the verdict to appear more balanced. Since the president had spoken, she had no objection.
Cheng Cheng, oh Cheng Cheng, you made too many enemies. The circumstances, environment, and people are all against you. How could you possibly win?
“Well, time’s almost up. Get ready,” the president waved his hand.
---
Including Li Mei, the other judges gradually left the office.
At that moment, the president’s private phone rang from an unknown number.
He quickly stood, walked to the window, answered, and asked, “Hello, may I ask who’s calling...?”
A male voice came through: “This is the office of XXX. I’m Liu Qi, secretary to XXX. I’m calling to ask President Zhao how you intend to rule on Cheng Cheng’s case...”
---
Ten minutes later, half an hour before the trial, the president hurriedly called Li Mei’s phone:
“Xiao Liu, come over quickly!”
---
In the underground parking lot.
Secretary Liu opened the car door and walked inside.
The stern-faced leader looked up and asked, “Finished calling?”
“Yes,” Liu nodded, then smiled, “That old guy was really going to rule against Cheng Cheng.”
The leader’s expression darkened. “Such an obvious case, and he dares go against public morals? Too bold!”
Liu said, “That old man was trying to cover himself, saying he ruled against Cheng Cheng because of public opinion. I shut him down with one sentence.”
The leader asked, “What did you say?”
Liu replied, “I said you should rule strictly by law and not worry about public opinion. Following the law ensures legal fairness. If you consider public opinion, you lose both law and public trust.”
The leader nodded approvingly.
“Well said. A court president who doesn’t understand this as well as you do. Looks like it’s time for a cleanup—starting with them.”
“...”