Rebirth 70: I am a Koi

Coming out of the bank, night fell and the glow of street lamps spread out.

Bai Hanchuan held my hand, and the warmth of his palm was transmitted through the skin, dispelling some of the chillness in my heart.

"Don't worry, there will be a way." He comforted softly, his tone firm but with a hint of imperceptible fatigue.

When I got back to the base, I immediately got down to work.

From organizing accounts to arranging personnel, every step must be done correctly.

I forced myself not to think about the court's decision, but every phone call from the court made me nervous.

Bai Hanchuan saw my anxiety and prepared a sumptuous dinner for me in the evening.

Under the dim candlelight, he held my hand, his deep eyes full of tenderness.

"No matter what happens, we will face it together." The warmth of his palm warmed my fingertips and soothed the uneasiness in my heart.

In the next few days, we were like walking on a tightrope, cautiously and treading on thin ice.

During the day, I forced myself to stay awake and deal with the affairs of the base. At night, I worked with Bai Hanchuan to study response strategies and revise the plan.

Lawyer Liu also came over often to analyze the case with us and discuss various possibilities.

"Hongda still refuses to give in. They believe that we are maliciously competing against them." Lawyer Liu said solemnly, "But the evidence we have is enough to prove that their accusation is groundless."

I nodded, but I was still nervous. Hongda is very strong and has a deep foundation in the industry. If we go head-to-head with them, our chances of winning are slim.

Bai Hanchuan put down the documents in his hand, walked over to me, and gently put his arm around my shoulders.

"Don't think too much, just do your best." His voice was low and powerful, like a reassurance, which made me feel a little relieved.

Suddenly, the phone rang sharply, and I trembled violently, and subconsciously looked at Bai Hanchuan. He gave me an encouraging look and motioned for me to answer the phone.

"Hello, hello..." My voice trembled a little.

"Is this Comrade Mu Jinli? I am President Zhao's secretary..."

My heart suddenly shrank...

"It was President Zhao's secretary... He said that President Zhao sent an investigation team over and they will arrive tomorrow morning." My voice trembled slightly, but I tried to stay calm.

Bai Hanchuan's eyes lit up and he held my hand tighter. "It looks like there's hope."

The next day, we were greeted early at the gate of the base.

Several black cars drove up slowly, and several investigators in suits and ties got out. Each of them had a serious expression, with a look of scrutiny in their eyes.

I felt my palms getting sweaty and tried hard to maintain a calm smile.

"Ms. Mu, Mr. Bai, I've long heard of your names." The middle-aged man in the lead stretched out his hand, his tone formal, yet with a hint of barely perceptible arrogance.

I know that they definitely don’t take our “on the verge of bankruptcy” base seriously.

I took a deep breath and took them on a tour of the base with Bai Hanchuan.

From the planting area to the processing workshop and then to the laboratory, we introduced the base's operations and future plans in detail.

At first, they just listened casually, occasionally whispering to each other, with contempt in their eyes.

However, as the visit progressed, their expressions gradually changed.

They were surprised by the orderly production process, advanced equipment, and the employees' positive spirit.

"I didn't expect that your base is managed so well." The leading man's tone was a little more sincere, "Especially the research and development of this new variety, which is very promising."

I smiled slightly, but I didn't feel much relieved.

I know this is only temporary.

If the court rules against us, all these efforts may be wasted.

After seeing off the investigation team, I felt completely exhausted.

At night, I lay in bed, but couldn't fall asleep.

Various possible outcomes kept emerging in my mind. What I feared most was losing it all, losing the home we had built together.

Bai Hanchuan hugged me from behind, and his body temperature warmed my back.

"Don't be afraid, everything will be fine." His voice was low and gentle, but it couldn't dispel the fear in my heart.

Suddenly, a rapid knock on the door broke the silence of the night. I sat up suddenly, my heart beating faster. "Who?"

"It's me, Lawyer Liu."

Lawyer Liu looked a little pale under the dim light. He adjusted his glasses and said hurriedly, "I, I found something..." He paused and took out a document from his briefcase, "There is a small loophole in their legal procedures!"

I jumped out of bed with my heart pounding like a drum.

Bai Hanchuan also sat up straight, took the document, and scanned it with a sharp gaze.

The room was silent except for the rustling of papers.

After a long while, Bai Hanchuan raised his head, his eyes gleaming: "If we make good use of this loophole, even if the verdict is not in our favor, we can still gain more time and opportunities!"

Hope, like a faint flame, ignites in my heart again.

However, the good news did not last long.

The next day, an atmosphere of uneasiness permeated the base.

Several young employees came to me and hesitantly expressed their desire to leave.

"Sister Mu, we...we still want to try another place." One of the employees named Xiao Wang lowered his head and spoke in a low voice.

Lao Zhang, a veteran employee who had worked at the base for many years, immediately became anxious when he heard this: "Xiao Wang, what are you talking about? Our base is in great need of people right now, how can you..."

"Lao Zhang, I know, but..." Xiao Wang raised his head, his eyes full of helplessness, "I have elderly people and children to take care of at home, I can't just stay here forever, what if..."

I understand their concerns, and I also know that forcing them to stay at this time will only backfire.

"I understand your difficulties," I said in a calm tone, "If you really decide to leave, I won't stop you. But I hope you can reconsider it. We have worked together for so long..."

Before I could finish my words, I heard a noise coming from a distance.

My heart sank and an ominous premonition came over me.

Bai Hanchuan walked over quickly, his face solemn: "Jinli, something happened..." He held my hand and said in a low voice, "There is news from the court."

Xiao Wang's eyes were red, but he finally packed up his things silently.

Seeing this, others followed suit, and the base, which was originally quite lively, suddenly became deserted.

I stood at the door, watching their backs as they left, and my heart felt heavy as if a huge rock was pressing on it.

Bai Hanchuan put his arm around my shoulders and sighed softly: "Don't be too sad, Jinli, we have tried our best."

I forced a smile and tried to hold back the tears in my eyes: "I know, it's just..." I choked and couldn't speak.

At this moment, Lawyer Liu ran over breathlessly, his face pale: "Mr. Mu, Mr. Bai, the court... there is news from the court!"

My heart sank suddenly and a chill ran from the soles of my feet to the top of my head.

"The verdict... has been determined. It will be announced tomorrow... tomorrow." Lawyer Liu's voice was trembling, as if he had used up all his strength.

This news was like a bomb that exploded in the base. The emotions that had just stabilized were once again shrouded in fear and anxiety.

I took a deep breath and tried to keep myself calm: "I understand, Lawyer Liu, thank you."

Bai Hanchuan's expression also became extremely solemn. He held my hand tightly, his palms were cold.

As night fell, the base was silent, with only the occasional barking of dogs in the distance.

I sat by the window, looking at the dark night sky outside, my heart filled with confusion and helplessness.

Bai Hanchuan walked behind me and gently held me in his arms: "Don't worry, Jinli, no matter what the result is, we will face it together."

I leaned on his shoulder, feeling his warm embrace, and my heart felt a little more at ease.

"Knock knock knock..."

A knock on the door broke the silence.

I looked up and saw Lawyer Liu standing at the door, holding a document in his hand and with a complicated look in his eyes.

"Mr. Mu, Mr. Bai, I... I discovered something again..."