Juyao: “With both parties present, this hearing is now in session. Let us begin.”
Zhezhi looks to Rover for affirmation, which Rover responds with a nod and smile in kind
Juyao: ”First, a brief overview of the case before us. Ms. Zhezhi alleges that the guilty party, Mingyan, implicated in the Tacet Discord Assault, was coerced into committing art fraud under duress. Therefore, her mental state was adversely affected, which led to her committing actions contrary to her will. Today, based on new evidence provided by Ms. Zhezhi and the result of this hearing, we will determine whether to revisit Mingyan's charges and consider if the Shanyun Art Exchange is indeed guilty of selling illegal art forgeries.”
Baici: “What?! With all due respect, this doesn't match what we discussed before!”
Juyao: “Mr. Baici, I remind you that any evidence or arguments presented before and during the hearing are valid. If you would like to add further information, you are welcome to do so at any point. Now, without further ado, either party may begin their opening statement.”
Zhezhi: “Madam Juyao, th-the situation is…”
Baici overpowers Zhezhi and interrupts her before she can continue.
Baici: “Madam Juyao, as the head of the Shanyun Art Exchange, I, Baici, must clear our name and seek justice here today. There are two points I'd like to address. Firstly, the authenticity of our artworks remains unimpeachable. Secondly, Mingyan's provocative creations stem solely from her own greed and vanity. She alone should bear responsibility for the assault.”
Baici looks towards the audience members while speaking to gain their compassion
Baici: ”Throughout my tenure at the Art Exchange, our foremost principle has been that of integrity, a well known fact. And yet… Integrity in business is not enough to stave off discord.”
Staring down Zhezhi, Baici begins to speak in a condemnatory tone in his following statements
Baici: ”We are aware of certain painters, rejected by the Art Exchange, nursing grudges, and resorting to threats… They bombarded us with spite and slander, causing a public uproar simply because they didn't get what they wanted. Should the public be swayed by these slanderous insinuations, that paint us as wicked fraudsters, then I'm afraid justice will never be served!”
Juyao: “Please control yourself, Mr. Baici.”
Baici: “Forgive me, Madam, but if this injustice persists, I will have no choice but to sue them for harming the Shanyun Art Exchange's reputation. They have damaged the trust we built with our clients!”
Baici points an accusatory finger at Zhezhi
Baici: “I demand they compensate us for our losses and issue a public apology! Such disgraceful behavior will not diminish us! Our principles will not waver, and we will protect the Shanyun Art Exchange from any ill intent!”
Rover: “He's actually blaming the victim now… / He's trying to change the topic…”
Rover looks towards Zhezhi, who is now too stunned to speak
Zhezhi: “…”
The crowd begins to speak out against Zhezhi, wavering towards the side of Baici
Yan: “I've bought paintings from Shanyun Art Exchange before. They were good quality, and their service was decent. Hard to believe they'd be involved in something like this…”
Woyun: “The honest always get the short end of the stick... But who's Mingyan? A painter? Never heard of them…”
Qianzhang: “Tsk, must be some nobody trying to get attention using the Shanyun's name.”
Fuqing: “Why is the Art Exchange always in the middle of some controversy?”
Juyao: “Order! Order! You may continue your statement.”
Overwhelmed by the situation, Zhezhi could not bring herself to speak
Zhezhi: “I…”
Rover stands up and speaks out for Zhezhi, stabilizing the one-sided debate
Rover: “Madam, allow us to present our account of the events. This all really began three days ago. I was entrusted to investigate a certain Arcane Artist in the Tiger's Maw.”
Zhezhi picks up her paintbrush as they recall the events of the last 3 days