Lu Mingjun was startled by the sudden voice and quickly turned around to see Jiang Xinxin standing behind her, smiling.
She immediately stood up and said, "Director Jiang, you're here."
Jiang Xinxin nodded, walked over to Lu Mingjun's desk, glanced at the content on her computer screen, and asked, "How is your research on this equity transfer case going?"
Lu Mingjun replied respectfully, "Director Jiang, I'm reviewing the relevant regulations on equity transfers issued by the J Province Taxation Bureau. I've also just analyzed the financial statements of Changhong Group from the past five years."
"Next, I'll need to study the appraisal companies commonly used by the Industrial Park Taxation Bureau and their approach to such cases, as well as how the bureau has handled similar cases in the past."
A glimmer of appreciation appeared in Jiang Xinxin's eyes. "Very good. Your thinking is thorough. But I'm curious—how would you address the risks behind this equity transfer?"
Lu Mingjun smiled confidently. "From the materials Assistant Wang sent me, I noticed signs of prior due diligence. It's clear you've already conducted a background check on the equity."
She looked directly at Jiang Xinxin and continued, "Combined with your earlier advice for me to pursue tax law, I concluded that the key issue in this case is tax-related."
Jiang Xinxin's smile deepened. She nodded repeatedly. "You're excellent. I believe you'll become a truly outstanding lawyer. The core of this case is indeed tax handling—and with you here, I'm confident we'll get it done well."
Lu Mingjun smiled gratefully. "You flatter me, Director. But I'll do my best not to let you down."
Jiang Xinxin waved her hand and said, "Make sure to also wrap up the other lawsuits soon. They're all for our consulting clients—don't damage our reputation."
Hearing this, Lu Mingjun quickly replied, "Director Jiang, I'm still an intern. According to regulations, I might not be allowed to appear in court alone."
Jiang Xinxin smiled and reassured her. "Don't worry. I'll arrange for a practicing lawyer to go with you, but the case will remain your responsibility."
Lu Mingjun immediately understood what she meant. Opportunities like this were rare.
She looked at Jiang Xinxin with genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Director Jiang. I'll prepare carefully and live up to your expectations."
Jiang Xinxin nodded with satisfaction and turned to leave. At the door, she paused and asked, "Are you free tomorrow night?"
Lu Mingjun blinked, momentarily confused. Is this how law firms arrange overtime—so politely?
But Jiang Xinxin explained, "There's an industry gathering tomorrow night. You should come. It'll be a great opportunity to meet other professionals and grow your network—it'll help your career."
Lu Mingjun was pleasantly surprised. For lawyers, working behind closed doors is a big taboo. Clearly, Director Jiang wanted to give her exposure.
She quickly responded, "Of course, Director Jiang."
Jiang Xinxin smiled and nodded, then left the office.
Not long after, Lu Mingjun received a message from her about the event.
She looked at the WeChat message and felt a wave of gratitude.
She glanced at her computer and thought, Since I've lost my rhythm, I might as well eat something before continuing.
The entire office was quiet—everyone had gone out for lunch.
Alone, Lu Mingjun walked to the tea room, poured herself a cup of coffee, then returned to her desk and pulled out a piece of bread from her canvas bag.
The aroma of coffee and the sweetness of bread mingled, calming her nerves.
In that quiet, sunlit room, it felt like it was just her and her work—peaceful and purposeful.
After finishing her bread, she took another sip of coffee and reopened her laptop, carefully reviewing the equity transfer regulations from the J Province Taxation Bureau. She read each document thoroughly, making sure not to miss anything important.
Time flew by. Before she knew it, it was already afternoon.
She had gone through a large volume of material and had developed a deeper understanding of the local tax bureau's stance.
Just then, her phone vibrated. It was on silent, as always during work hours.
She took a deep breath and picked it up—her good mood instantly vanished.
Another call from her mother.
Lu Mingjun hesitated but eventually walked to the tea room to answer.
It wasn't the right time to cut ties completely.
"Mingjun, your sister's summer vacation is starting, and she wants to travel to Xinjiang," her mother began, with no regard for how Lu Mingjun was doing.
Then, Mother Lu sighed. "You know your uncle and I don't earn much. We really can't afford it."
Lu Mingjun's blood began to boil. She wanted to ask—Do you even care about your own daughter?
Then she laughed bitterly. What am I asking for? Isn't the answer obvious? How desperate for affection am I, really?
Her mother continued, "Mingjun, what should we do about this?"
After all that had been said, did she even need to ask?
Looking back, it was around this time in her past life that her mother had begun shifting all of the Zhu family's high expenses onto her.
The Zhu father and daughter had always dressed in expensive clothes.
And her? She wore cheap knock-offs.
Just thinking about it made her want to go back in time and slap her past self.
As her silence dragged on, Mother Lu grew anxious.
"Mingjun, you're so well-educated—can't you help us figure something out? People say being a stepmother is hard…"
Lu Mingjun cut her off before she could finish. "Then don't worry about it. Let Uncle Zhu tell her there's no point traveling if there's no money."
"What are you saying, child? We may not have money—but we have you!" Mother Lu began her familiar moral blackmail. "You know how the Zhu family resents me for bringing you into their home. I just thought… now that you're working, maybe you could be generous—send your sister some money for her trip. It would shut them up."
She made it sound like she was doing Lu Mingjun a favor.
Lu Mingjun sneered inwardly. Nice try.
But she was no longer the naive girl from her past life.
"Mingjun, are you listening? What do you think?" her mother pressed.
Lu Mingjun switched to a pitiful tone.
"Mom, you're always so kind to me. The Zhu family is spending the rent from Dad's house, and they still look down on me?"
Mother Lu: …
"And besides," Lu Mingjun continued, "I'm still an intern. I only make 2,000 yuan a month. I have to cover rent, food, everything."
Then, as if drawing from past experience, her voice cracked slightly.
"If you hadn't called, I would've called you! I'm almost out of money for food. Mom, you're my real mom—could you give me a little money to eat?"
"I don't have money!" Mother Lu shrieked, then quickly lowered her voice. "You brat, if you don't want to give money, just say so. Why act like you're broke? You've really become something lately, haven't you?"
Lu Mingjun pouted. "How can you say that? And what about the rent from Dad's house—"
"Rent, rent, rent! That's all you talk about! The rent from your dad's house is being used by me—his widow!" Mother Lu snapped.
"Mom, that's really not fair," Lu Mingjun replied calmly. "I'm short on money too. You love me, right? How about giving me half the rent next month?"
"I don't have a job. I need the rent to live!" Mother Lu fired back. "If your salary's not enough, figure it out yourself. Don't expect me to use Mr. Zhu's money to support you!"
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