The second trial opened. Lawyers presented new evidence, arguing their cases with unwavering determination.
Finally, the court delivered the verdict:
Liang Feng: death sentence commuted to life imprisonment.
Lei Dian: death sentence reduced to seven years.
Bai Xue: life sentence reduced to seven years.
Yang Xiaowan: life sentence reduced to seven years.
Lei Yu: seven years reduced to two years, to be served under house arrest.
Others received varying reductions in their sentences.
One year later, Liang Feng successfully escaped from prison, but that was a story for another time.
…
Cao Yang sat in silence after receiving the verdict.
He hadn't wanted them to spend even a day in prison, but he had already done everything he could.
He worried for Bai Xue—spoiled and pampered, she had never faced real hardship. Could she handle prison?
He also worried for Lei Yu. Her brother in jail, her father heartbroken, her man missing, and she was carrying a child while serving a sentence.
Sigh…
"Not satisfied with the results?" Cang Jing Ichiro appeared behind him, smiling.
Cao Yang forced a wry smile. What had to happen, happened. Cang Jing Ichiro had helped him so much, and now it was time to repay the favor.
"Mr. Cang, if there's anything you need me to do, just say it."
"After repaying your help, I'll leave Japan."
"Haha…" Cang Jing Ichiro smiled, sitting cross-legged.
"Next, you're heading to the United States, right?"
"Yes."
"Nanako will also go to the U.S. for university. You'll go with her. I want you to protect her while she's there."
"Just that?" Cao Yang didn't believe it; it sounded too simple.
"Do you think it's that hard?" Cang Jing Ichiro smiled back.
Cao Yang shook his head. "Mr. Cang, I don't like to overthink. But I can't believe you risked halting thousands of factory operations just to find a bodyguard for Nanako."
Cang Jing Ichiro's smile faded. He poured a cup of tea and spoke slowly:
"I have a younger brother—head of the Yamaguchi-gumi. We were close once. I worked in the light, he in the dark. He helped me handle many matters, and I gave him money to stabilize his position."
"But his greed grew. I could no longer satisfy him. To force me to give him more money, he even tried to kidnap Nanako."
"The people you defeated in Guangnan last time were his subordinates!"
"I don't know how to face him anymore. I fear he will again recklessly use Nanako as leverage."
Cao Yang interjected, "You want me to kill him? That I can do."
"No. He is my brother. How could I kill him? Our parents… it would break their hearts."
"He kidnapped your daughter, and you still care about that?"
"I know it was him, but the family doesn't. I have no evidence to pin it on him."
"Then I won't leave evidence. No one can trace it back to you."
Cang Jing Ichiro shook his head. "You underestimate the power of the Cang family in Japan. If someone investigates seriously, they will find traces. I cannot explain that to my family."
"So you…"
"I just want you to go to the U.S. to protect Nanako. If she faces danger in the future, I hope you help her."
"Mr. Cang, I don't understand what I can do for Nanako. Besides my skills, I have no other advantages. For a tycoon like you, hiring capable people isn't hard—you could hire a professional team. Why insist on me?"
"I have my reasons."
"First, you are skilled and trustworthy.""Second, I saw what you did for your friend. That is rare.""Third, most importantly—Nanako likes you. That's why I chose you."
Cao Yang was embarrassed. He didn't realize he was so impressive.
"You think Nanako is enthusiastic?"
"Actually, she's very reserved—only with you is she open."
"She studied Chinese just to text you, to communicate properly, but you barely responded."
"That's one thing I've wondered. According to records, you're greedy and lustful. Why treat Nanako so coldly?"
"Was she not pretty? Not rich? Or some other reason?"
Cao Yang admitted frankly, "I don't like Japanese. If I knew they were all Japanese, I wouldn't have interfered."
Cang Jing Ichiro didn't get angry. He patted Cao Yang's shoulder. "Now you shouldn't have prejudice against her, right?"
"No." Cao Yang shook his head. He felt Nanako's sincerity.
"Then don't refuse the task. Protect her for four years. Consider it repaying me."
Cao Yang hesitated. "Mr. Cang, I have other business in the U.S. I can't always be with Nanako."
"Besides, those people probably won't leave me alone. If Nanako is with me, she could be dragged into trouble."
Cang Jing Ichiro nodded. "I won't force it then. But you must promise me—once Nanako completes her studies and returns to inherit the company, you'll be by her side."
"I'll handle other arrangements. Her safety is your responsibility."
"Why rush her to take over the company? She's still a child."
Cang Jing Ichiro smiled bitterly. "I don't want that either. I want her carefree life. But I have a terminal illness. I don't know if I'll last four years."
"You…?" Cao Yang was shocked. He looked healthy.
"Shh…" Cang Jing Ichiro gestured for silence. "Nanako is outside. I don't want her to know."
"Mr. Cang, I will always be there for Nanako if she needs me—while I live!" Cao Yang promised.
Cang Jing Ichiro nodded with a smile. "That's enough."
He stood to leave.
"Mr. Cang." Cao Yang called out.
"I don't understand. You know how dependent Nanako is on me. Why let me get close? Aren't you worried we'll… cross the line?"
"Hahaha…" Cang Jing Ichiro laughed heartily."So what if you do? She's an adult. Love between a man and woman is natural. As long as Nanako agrees and you don't force her, why should I care?"
Cao Yang was surprised. His perspective was much broader than Xia Zhengming's.
"You investigated me—you know my past. I have children and more than one woman around me."
"That's complicated. Let Nanako choose. I won't bother with such matters."
He left. Nanako, seeing him go, wanted to talk to Cao Yang, but he pulled her away.
"He will go with you to America. Plenty of time to be together later."
Hearing this, Nanako jumped with joy.
Cang Jing Ichiro looked at her puzzled. "Why do you like him so much?"
Nanako shook her head. "I don't know. Seeing him feels comforting. I just want to be close."
"But he's a flirt, and already has children."
Nanako's gaze dimmed, and she nodded silently.