Chapter 27: Is Disguise Truly a Crime?

“But everyone knows what Lin Zhiwei looks like. How could you possibly look like this? It makes no sense at all,” someone shouted loudly from the floor below.

Ling Ziheng frowned, arms crossed, his expression cold.

Elder Qiu glanced at Lin Zhiwei and reminded her, “Regarding this question, Lin Zhiwei, you may choose to respond or proceed according to the rules.”

Lin Zhiwei nodded graciously and turned around, her smile composed and elegant. The crowd was stunned, their doubts silenced by the breathtaking smile that accompanied her turn. Though they questioned her, they were rendered speechless by the brilliance of her demeanor.

The girl stood tall and graceful, neither arrogant nor timid, completely unfazed by the voices of suspicion. Instead, she smiled gently, her eyes calm and noble, untouchable.

Xue Yuanyuan was growing restless, disbelief etched across her face as she glared at Lin Zhiwei, gritting her teeth. This couldn’t possibly be Lin Zhiwei… They had known each other for years, eaten and slept together as children. No one understood Lin Zhiwei better than her. This was impossible—how could she now possess such ethereal beauty?

Her eyes reddened with fury, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. Zhou Yiran, noticing her distress, comforted her, “Yuanyuan, don’t worry. Whoever she is, once the evidence is presented, she won’t have a way out.”

Xue Yuanyuan realized her lapse after Zhou Yiran spoke, and regained her fragile composure, whispering, “Yiran, I’m fine. It’s just… just that Weiwei feels like a stranger. I’m a bit scared.”

“No need to worry. Whoever she is, if she bullies you, I won’t show mercy,” the man replied, his gaze intense and resolute. Xue Yuanyuan nodded, moved, and held his hand tightly.

“It’s only natural for everyone to have doubts. I always believed that, if not for today’s incident, one’s choice of lifestyle should be beyond interference. But since I’m standing here now, I’d like to ask: Is disguising oneself a crime?” Lin Zhiwei raised her eyebrows, speaking slowly and deliberately, utterly unperturbed by the pressure of suspicion.

Uh…

Everyone exchanged glances. What she said was true—within the Nameless Domain, not only was disguise not forbidden, it was even encouraged. The Lady of the Lord herself was skilled in the art of disguise.

The Nameless Domain had always been open and respectful toward all talents; choosing a life of disguise was perfectly acceptable. Yet, no one expected that a beauty would choose to make herself plain—such a thing was truly unfathomable.

“Well said! I support you!” Liang Qisheng stood up, waving his fist.

“Silence!” Elder Qiu barked, his brows furrowed.

Liang Qisheng pursed his lips in annoyance and sat down. Damn it, why did Ling Ziheng get to sit beside the little fairy as her guardian, while he could only watch from below?

Besides, he wasn’t even fulfilling his duty as her guardian—everyone was questioning her, and he didn’t react at all.

Scumbag, Liang Qisheng cursed inwardly.

“Chairman and judges, please proceed. I have nothing further to explain,” Lin Zhiwei turned and took her seat, nodding respectfully to Elder Qiu and the judges.

Elder Qiu nodded approvingly, clearly admiring Lin Zhiwei’s unwavering composure. She was indeed remarkable.

Lin Qiongjiu sat with eyes closed at the main table, as if resting, showing no intention of participating.

“Very well, let us continue with the arbitration proceedings. First, this case was initiated by a formal accusation accompanied by material evidence. Present the materials,” Elder Qiu instructed the judges on either side.

The large screen behind them immediately displayed the various pieces of evidence provided by the witness.

Among the slowly revealed materials were instances of Lin Zhiwei flirting with various men, and her WeChat ID was unmistakably shown as Lin Zhiwei’s personal account.

There were also records of transfers and remittances to accounts under Lin Zhiwei’s name, with the names of proxy account holders concealed to protect the witnesses.

Then, an audio recording played:

“Weiwei, I’m sorry. I can’t marry you right now. My marriage with Zhao Qianlu was arranged by our parents long ago. But please wait for me. I’ll do my best to persuade them.”

Everyone’s gaze shifted to Qi Heng. It was obvious—only the Qi family was connected to the Zhao family through marriage.

Qi Heng knew he was beyond defense; even though he now realized it was Xue Yuanyuan, at the time he truly believed the person with him was Lin Zhiwei. These words were indeed his own.

Next came a girl’s sobs: “Ah Heng, I’m not forcing you, but… but you and I… It was my first time. You must take responsibility. I don’t want to feud with Miss Zhao, but I really love you…”

…

The hall erupted in curses. Wasn’t that Lin Zhiwei’s voice? She was nothing but a manipulative vixen—knowing he had a fiancée, yet still seducing him.

That they had even been intimate, and she used it to threaten Qi Heng, was utterly vile and shameless.

Lin Zhiwei smiled and shook her head. Xue Yuanyuan—was this all she had? Such pitifully low tricks, switching her own voice for hers.

Xue Yuanyuan stared at the figure she had longed to trample underfoot day and night. Lin Zhiwei, no matter how you’ve changed, once more evidence appears, let’s see how you prove yourself. You’re finished…

Ling Ziheng glanced at Lin Zhiwei with curiosity. This girl was looking up, utterly absorbed, even smiling softly. In this situation, she was the only one who could still smile.

Lin Zhiwei noticed Ling Ziheng watching her and leaned in slightly, whispering, “Don’t you find it amusing? At least she could have imitated my tone properly… Tsk tsk, so unprofessional.”

Ling Ziheng: …

He’d actually felt a bit sorry seeing her slandered, but he hadn’t expected her to be busy poking holes in the evidence even now…