Just after nuclear fusion was successfully achieved, my brother Qi Tongwei committed suicide?

But when his gaze fell upon the thick stack of case files laid out before him, filled with irrefutable details, and saw Gao Xiaoqin's clear and unambiguous confession and record of her remorse, the unwavering commitment of a legal professional quietly resurfaced within him.

He took a deep breath, and his eyes regained their resolve.

The gavel fell, producing a crisp and penetrating sound.

"Bring the defendant, Gao Xiaoqin, along!"

The voices echoed in the silent courtroom.

The side door opens.

Gao Xiaoqin was escorted in by two female bailiffs.

She wore a clean prison uniform, her hair neatly tied back, and looked pale and haggard, but her eyes were unusually calm, even carrying a sense of calm that had settled down.

Her gaze immediately fell upon Qi Tongwei in the audience.

Eyes facing each other.

There were no words, no tears, only a silent understanding and relief that transcended the long period of detention.

Under her calm gaze, Qi Tongwei's clenched fist slowly, little by little, loosened.

The court proceedings were conducted strictly in accordance with established procedures.

The prosecutor read out the indictment, accusing Gao Xiaoqin of misconduct during her tenure as chairman of the Shanshui Group.

Taking advantage of his position, he sought benefits for Zhao Ruilong and others, and illegally accepted huge amounts of money and property, which constitutes the crimes of bribery and accepting bribes by non-state personnel!

Under the direction of Zhao Ruilong and others, they committed multiple illegal and criminal acts that disrupted market order, such as bid rigging and illegal business operations!

The arguments are clear and the chain of evidence is complete.

"Defendant Gao Xiaoqin, do you have any objections to the criminal facts and charges alleged in the indictment?"

The judge's voice rang out.

Gao Xiaoqin raised her head and said calmly, "No objection. I plead guilty."

Those few simple words seemed to have exhausted all her strength.

After a series of standard procedures.

The presiding judge picked up the pre-written verdict, cleared his throat, and glanced at Gao Yuliang sitting below.

He said in a deep voice:

"The Criminal Division of the Jingzhou Intermediate People's Court is now delivering the verdict!"

"Defendant Gao Xiaoqin is guilty of bribery, accepting bribes as a non-state employee, bid rigging, and illegal business operations... multiple crimes to be punished concurrently!"

"However, considering his good attitude in admitting his guilt, the fact that he was coerced by Zhao Ruilong's criminal gang, and his active cooperation in recovering Zhao Ruilong's funds that he fled overseas, he has made many meritorious contributions."

"Gao Xiaoqin is now sentenced to five years in prison!"

Five years!

Although it's not the best outcome, such as a three-year suspended sentence, you could be released immediately.

But in fact.

This is already the best possible outcome!

Because this sentence was absolutely fair! The entire staff of the Jingzhou Intermediate People's Court deliberated repeatedly before deciding on this sentence!

If the sentence is three years, plus a suspended sentence of three years, that would be too low.

But if we go back another seven years...

That would be far too heavy!

Five years is already the best possible outcome after weighing all the factors!

After hearing the sentence...

Qi Tongwei breathed a sigh of relief, because the time spent in detention was counted within the sentence, Gao Xiaoqin would be released in four years.

Four years.

Not long after!

The gavel fell again, signaling the end of the trial.

Court adjourned!

The bailiffs stepped forward, preparing to take Gao Xiaoqin away.

As Gao Xiaoqin turned around, she looked in Qi Tongwei's direction again, her lips curving upwards into a tiny, forced smile.

It was a silent smile tinged with tears.

It was as if it were saying, "Don't worry, wait for me."

Qi Tongwei nodded vigorously.

Watching that thin but upright figure disappear behind the side door, Qi Tongwei remained seated, not getting up for a long time.

Only when the audience seats were almost empty did Gao Yuliang gently pat him on the shoulder.

"Tongwei, let's go."

Qi Tongwei slowly raised his head. His eyes were still bloodshot, but the long-standing struggle and resentment in his eyes seemed to have dissipated, leaving only a deep weariness and a calm after the dust had settled.

He stood up and followed Gao Yuliang, silently walking out of the courtroom.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Outside the courthouse.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows of the two of them.

Gao Yuliang stopped and turned around to look at his most proud and most worrying student.

The evening breeze ruffled his graying temples, and his eyes held the profound wisdom unique to an elder.

"Tongwei, things have finally come to an end."

Gao Yuliang's voice was deep and gentle.

Qi Tongwei nodded, his voice a little hoarse: "Thank you, teacher."

He knew that without Gao Yuliang's behind-the-scenes mediation and well-timed instructions, the trial might not have gone so smoothly.

"Thank you for what."

Gao Yuliang waved his hand, his tone suddenly becoming serious.

"Let bygones be bygones. It's time to unload the burden on your back."

"Now that Gao Xiaoqin has made her decision, you should also refocus your attention completely!"

Gao Yuliang stared sharply at Qi Tongwei.

"The sky over Handong has just cleared up, but it's far from time to rest easy."

"Although Zhao Lichun has fallen, he left behind a huge mess to sort out, and the pilot project has reached its most critical stage, allowing no room for distraction!"

"You are now a member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee! The safety and stability of the entire province rests on your shoulders! The eyes of tens of millions of people in Handong are on you!"

"Your position is something many people dream of, and it's something you've worked incredibly hard to achieve!"

"Don't forget your younger brother, Mu Chen!"

When Mu Chen was mentioned, Gao Yuliang's tone became more serious.

"At this crucial time, you absolutely cannot let your younger brother feel embarrassed!!"

"As the older brother, you should do your job even better!"

"And you're still young!"

Gao Yuliang's voice was extremely solemn: "You have a bright future! There are even heavier responsibilities waiting for you in the future!"

"Settle down! Put all your energy into your work! Put it into this land of Handong!"

"Show your best! As the Director of the Handong Public Security Bureau, achieve results that truly deserve this position, the trust of the organization, and the expectations of the people of Handong!"

"That's the only way you can be true to yourself! To everyone who cares about you! And to Gao Xiaoqin who's waiting for you inside!"

Gao Yuliang's words were like a morning bell, completely waking Qi Tongwei up.

He is Qi Tongwei!

Qi Tongwei, who rose step by step to the position of provincial department director through his indomitable spirit and ruthlessness!

Qi Tongwei took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled.

"Teacher, I understand."

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried a resolute determination.

"do not worry."

"I know what to do."

Seeing the flame rekindled in Qi Tongwei's eyes, Gao Yuliang finally showed a truly relieved smile.

He patted Qi Tongwei's strong arm forcefully.