Flight Traces

Chapter 26: Will Have Many, Many Candies

"Just bought it." Yan Ankuo held out his right hand, palm up, fingers spread, revealing a small metal box with a brand logo, "Lozenges."

Bian Ji laughed helplessly, "Are you a magic pocket like Doraemon?"

Yan Ankuo humbly replied, "Just happen to like buying daily necessities."

"Thank you." Bian Ji didn't refuse, but after taking the lozenges, decided to explain, "However, Attorney Yan."

The two walked side by side, Yan Ankuo holding the door open for Bian Ji as they left the convenience store, watching him intently.

Bian Ji descended the stairs, pointing to the fifth floor to determine the shortest route for both of them, then continued, "Actually, you don't need to worry too much about my throat. Laryngitis isn't a big deal, I often caught colds and fevers as a child, they'd just go away without any medication."

As Yan Ankuo listened, his brows furrowed deeper, Bian Ji still smiling, casually saying, "And I don't eat much sugar, so you don't need to buy these for me anymore."

The lawyer's expression suddenly became very serious, a hint of the ferocity he had admitted to, causing Bian Ji to fall silent.

Yan Ankuo pressed the elevator button without a word. Due to the crowded space, Bian Ji didn't dare to ask what was wrong until they reached the third floor.

"Edge."

"Hmm?"

Yan Ankuo, like someone comforting a crying child for the first time, patience tinged with a bit of awkwardness, leaned down to whisper in Bian Ji's ear, audible only to them, "You'll have many, many candies in the future."

Bian Ji was taken aback, then bit into the lozenge in his mouth, savoring the sweetness on his tongue before smiling, "Is Attorney Yan treating me like a kid?"

Yan Ankuo looked at him seriously, ignoring Bian Ji's attempt to divert the conversation with nonsense, instead solemnly continuing from where he left off, "And a lot, a lot of love."

Perhaps the elevator was too crowded and intimate, Bian Ji felt that if he were bolder, he should kiss him.

However, the corners of his mouth might still carry the minty flavor of the hard candy, there were many strangers around, and the damn elevator would reach the floor in three seconds, so Bian Ji ultimately did nothing, staring blankly at him and saying simply, "Thank you."

The cinema was on the top floor of the mall. Bian Ji carefully selected a star-studded drama film, anchored by a top Hong Kong actor, believing Yan Ankuo would enjoy it.

He had already met with Yan Ankuo enough times; life was vast, and no one wanted to waste time on meaningless social interactions. That an ordinary contact could frequently arrange meetings with this lawyer within a few months could only mean one thing: the other party didn't consider it pointless.

The movie was over two hours long. Approaching the Lunar New Year, the attendance rate was decent, mostly people bringing their elders and children. Unfortunately, the ending wasn't a family-friendly one. Justice came ten years late, most of the victims died or suffered, and the main couple didn't find happiness together, so many audience members complained upon exiting. They said it was too gloomy, unsuitable for the festive atmosphere of the holiday season, and predicted it wouldn't score highly.

Bian Ji actually liked the film's bittersweet ending, but worried that Yan Ankuo might not share his view. After all, it was his choice, and it was their first time watching a movie alone together, so Bian Ji asked, "What did you think of the ending?"

"Very realistic." Yan Ankuo commented, "But still a bit idealistic."

Bian Ji pursued, "How so?"

"There are plenty of people who never see justice, even if it's delayed." Yan Ankuo spoke brutally, which Bian Ji believed was due to his profession.

Being a lawyer meant seeing countless cases of betrayal and human cruelty. Even the process of representation involved constant negotiation between law and emotion, making it difficult to maintain a romantic hope for the world.

Bian Ji had to admit that on this point, he and Yan Ankuo were diametrically opposed.

"On the contrary, I think it was too cruel." Bian Ji said, "Many people didn't need to die, and the protagonists didn't have to part ways. At certain decision points, they could have just veered slightly, and everything would have been fine."

Yan Ankuo smiled then, "But the scriptwriter didn't allow it."

Bian Ji laughed along, "That's also the charm of creation."

"Exactly, different people write different stories, and different audiences provide different feedback."

"Do you guys argue like that in court? Because you assume opposing positions, your conclusions are completely different?"

"It definitely happens." Yan Ankuo said, "We always serve the standpoint we represent."

Bian Ji asked, "Shouldn't it be justice we serve?"

"That's not incorrect," Yan Ankuo had faced this question before, answering without hesitation, "But things aren't black and white. Even those seen as at fault by society may have a chance to overturn their case."

Bian Ji thought for a moment, asking, "But... if you don't agree with the client's actions, would you still defend them?"

"Even the most heinous suspect has the right, as a human being, to appeal, argue, and receive a fair judgment. Regulating the trial process and ensuring fairness for the majority is the job of the law." Yan Ankuo patiently explained, "Presenting facts and fighting for the rights of the party I represent within the bounds of the law, that's my job."

Bian Ji had done well in his logic class and wasn't swayed by Yan Ankuo, "These are grand principles, but you haven't directly answered my question."

Yan Ankuo was surprised. Few people remained so clear-headed and persistent in casual conversation, and he indeed avoided the question.

They got so engrossed in their discussion that they didn't notice the cleaner entering to clear the area, forcing them to grab their coats and leave. Bian Ji naturally handed Yan Ankuo his coat, asking what he wanted to eat. They chose a local cuisine restaurant at random. Since they had work the next day, they didn't indulge too much, finishing their meal in under an hour and returning home.

As usual, Bian Ji drove, but the second-time passenger was significantly more adept, instinctively reporting his home address to the smart navigation system. Upon arrival, he adjusted his seat, unfastened his seat belt, and said "thank you" and "good night" to Bian Ji.

Bian Ji, however, made no move, calling him back.

"Yan Ankuo." Bian Ji looked at him, blinking, "Come to think of it, I still have two chances unused, right?"

The lighting in the parking lot near the riverfront was bright, allowing Bian Ji to clearly see Yan Ankuo's expression - first surprise, then a faint smile, "Yes, want to use them now?"

"Want to." Bian Ji tightened his grip on the steering wheel slightly.

Standing outside the car, Yan Ankuo held onto the door, casually shifting his stance, "Then make your request."

Bian Ji gripped the steering wheel again, "Hope to see you again next year."

With only a few days left before the Lunar New Year, Yan Ankuo pulled out his phone, confirming his schedule for the following week. Nodding, he said, "That's easy."

Relieved, Bian Ji waved, "Then it's settled? See you after the new year!"

"Farewell." Yan Ankuo nodded, adding "good night" and "happy Lunar New Year" before closing the car door.