Uncle turned his head, “Xiaole, what do you think? If you want more practical experience, come to the Public Prosecution.” Since when did the decision rest with her? From the moment she stepped into this department, she had decided not to pursue public prosecution, but now, things were going against her wishes. “Uncle, I have to prepare for the civil service exam during the summer vacation, I’m afraid I won’t have time to study.” She wasn’t lying; it was just the only excuse she could think of. “That is indeed a problem, the exam is important… Alright, then go to the Petition and Complaint Division; it’s quieter there, and you can also study.” Uncle was still reasonable, and Tao Le was thrilled inside, nodding in agreement. “By the way, Xiaole, when does school start?” Uncle asked. “Mid-September, still a while away.” She said this, but inside, Tao Le was full of resentment; she should be enjoying her vacation at home, why was she here suffering? The older sister then approached, “Inspector Xu, where does your niece study?” In this office, they loved to compare these things—who’s son went to which prestigious university, whose daughter married a rich man, it was all life-or-death stuff. Uncle cleared his throat, trying to appear composed, “She just graduated from her undergraduate studies, but she got into the graduate program at B University, still in Criminal Law.” Oh no, now she couldn’t stay low-profile even if she wanted to. Uncle had just revealed all her details; who would believe he wasn’t showing off! “Oh, you wouldn’t know it by looking at her!” The older sister sized Tao Le up and down again, “I was wondering why this girl looked so sharp; she’s really got potential.” Listen to this, what kind of talk is that? Did she look like a block of wood before? “Hey, you said B University, isn’t someone there as well?” The older sister suddenly spoke, but what she meant, Tao Le didn’t understand. Uncle smiled, “Indeed, I’ll ask him later.” “No need to ask later, he’s here.” The older sister looked at the door, “Xiao Su, we were just talking about you.” The man named Xiao Su approached them, “What were you saying about me?” Wow, that voice sounded familiar; Tao Le wondered if she was hallucinating. She turned her head, and oh no, it was him! Tao Le blinked hard; it wasn’t an illusion, it was really him! “Xiao Su, this is Inspector Xu’s niece; she just got into your B University’s graduate program, also in Criminal Law!” The older sister, please, stop talking, I’m afraid I’ll do something irreversible to you, Tao Le thought, clenching her fists, barely containing her anger. “Oh, is that so?” The man smiled, deliberately drawing out his words. Uncle patted Tao Le’s shoulder, “Xiaole, let me introduce you, this is Prosecutor Su Yiweng, he’s also a professor at your B University.” Su Yiweng, how did she not know about this man? The second semester of her senior year was a nightmare for Tao Le; this hypocrite, she wished she could skin him alive. “No need for introductions, Inspector Xu, we know each other.” Su Yiweng leaned towards her, as if whispering sweet nothings, “Isn’t that right, Tao Le?” Her clenched fist finally relaxed, she looked up, her eyes curving into a smile, “Professor Su, long time no see!”
Chapter 2