Chapter 9 — Old Love Turns to Ashes

The most asked every day is just how many dimes the price of vegetables has gone up, how many pills are left on your stomach medicine, and whether you ate on time today. Those infuriatingly trivial things made him gradually develop a dislike for her. In comparison, he used to think that he and Van Van were true love. But now, curled up on the empty sofa, he suddenly wasn't so sure anymore. * Chapter 8 The next morning, I was woken up by a series of continuously vibrating notifications from my phone. A notification appears on the screen. Jiang Si Nien's university has issued a final resolution document: Cancellation of Jiang Si Nien's teaching status at the school, notice of criticism throughout the school's network, and temporary suspension of the granting of doctoral degrees. Van Van's eligibility to participate in the national project was also officially canceled. Due to academic fraud in project registration documents, registration for any research projects is not allowed for 3 years. A few minutes later, Van Van opened the livestream. On the screen, her eyes were swollen and her voice trembled:

“Those projects were all achieved by me relying on my own bravery, I don't rely on anyone... The words on the internet are all slandering me..."

Saying that, she burst into tears. The comments below are half consoling, half cursing.

“Tu Nien, please help me explain.”

She turned to look out the lens, her voice filled with sobs:

“Tell them clearly, are those projects all done by yourself?”

The lens shook slightly, Giang Tu Nien appeared in the frame. Under his eye bags was a dark blue patch, it looked like he had been up all night. He bowed his head, his lips trembling. After a long silence, he suddenly said:

“Sorry everyone, I actually had an affair.”

Van Van's fingers stiffened on his arm.

“And the projects that Van Van completed over the years were partly written by me.”

“Her thesis, her topic, her scholarship, from the moment she enrolled until now, at every important moment, I had her back through the back door.”

The livestream channel immediately fell silent. Van Van was stunned for two seconds, then pushed him away:

"Jiang Si Nian, what nonsense are you talking about! Are you crazy!"

She didn't turn off the livestream, even forgetting the camera was still on. Raise your hand and slap him straight in the face. Bang a crisp sound. The comment box froze for a split second, then immediately boiled over. I turned off the livestream. The fight between me and him is not over yet. Two days later, the economic dispute between him and I officially opened trial. Giang Tu Nien did not invite a lawyer and sat alone in the defendant's chair, looking a bit lonely. The lawyer presented each piece of evidence. All transfer records and bank statements over the years are clearly listed item by item. Each amount of money clearly states the date and purpose of use, from living expenses during his master's degree, to hospital bills for his father, and even the deposit for that house. 11 years of time were compressed into a few sheets of paper, exposed before the judge. My lawyer stood up, his voice clear and calm:

“My client and the defendant have been in love for 11 years, living together for a long time with the goal of getting married. Plaintiff based on trust in the defendant and expectation of a future marriage, shouldered most of the defendant's study, living and family expenses. Now, the defendant unilaterally ended the relationship, and during the relationship, he maintained an illicit relationship with another person for up to 8 years. The plaintiff has the right to reclaim the entire above amount."

The lawyer finished speaking and brought the thick file of evidence right in front of Giang Tu Nien. The judge looked towards the row of defendants: