Within the courtroom, Zhezhi makes her closing statements
Zhezhi: “When I learned the truth, I was heartbroken… I believed that by sealing my Forte, no one would get hurt because of my paintings. I never expected them to continue causing harm after all these years.”
Zhezhi glances over to Rover, which they return with a nod of affirmation
Zhezhi: “But Rover's words made me realize something. It was never about the paintings themselves, but rather those who sought to use them to hurt others.”
Baici retreats in silence, furious in realizing that he has lost the battle
Zhezhi: “Mr. Baici, you run a highly esteemed calligraphy and painting institution, yet you've suppressed the creative spirit and violated these artists' dignity, all for the sake of wealth. Everything they cherished has now become a tool for profit... The works they held dear are just tools for your gain, insulting to both the original artists and their imitators.”
With the audience entirely on the side of Zhezhi, Baici starts to lose his composure in anger
Zhezhi: “Set before you is the original painting from many years ago and the one I've just completed. Now, everything has been brought to light.”
Lashing out, Baici attempts to make a rebuttal, only to be interrupted by Juyao
Juyao: “We received word from the Public Security Bureau ten minutes ago that they have taken the Exiles into custody and found the location where the paintings were hidden. Mr. Baici, do you have anything else to add to your defense?”
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Baici crumbles in defeat
Rover walks over to Zhezhi to congratulate her on winning the case
Juyao: “Very well. We will re-evaluate Mingyan's charges, determine the Shanyun Art Exchange's involvement in the incident, and conduct a comprehensive investigation as soon as possible. This hearing is adjourned.”
—-
Leaving the Courtroom, Rover regroups with Zhezhi outside
Zhezhi: “It's finally over... I didn't miss anything important, did I?”
Rover: “You did great.” / “You hid your nerves well.”
Zhezhi: “Huh? No, not at all... I was just coming up with things to say as I went. My palms were sweating the whole time… I definitely couldn't have done it if you weren't there with me... Thinking about the feeling when we were investigating the case together is what kept me calm during the trial. Wh-what I meant to say is, back then, everything I said felt right, like I could just be myself around you. It felt so good to be that relaxed… Thank you for helping me through this. You... you helped me find the courage to believe in myself. Thanks to you, look at everything we accomplished. The Shanyun Art Exchange is undergoing investigation. It'll be the end of their businesses... And the painters they coerced are finally set free. Thank you, Rover. I haven't felt this happy in a long time!”
Rover: “Don't mention it.”
Zhezhi: “I want to pay Mingyan a visit. After all, she was involved in all of this, and I want to tell her everything. What do you think?”
Rover: “Can I come with you? My commission started with her, plus you and I solved the case together. Why don't you come with me?”
Zhezhi: “Is the commission over?”
Rover: “Yes, I already had it taken care of the day we found out the truth.”
Zhezhi: “All right, let's go.”
Rover and Zhezhi make their way over to visit Mingyan at the local clinic
Right outside the clinic, Mingyan can be seen standing there together with a Researcher
Mingyan: “Zhezhi... It's been a while.”
Zhezhi: “Your injuries…”
Mingyan: “The researchers have taken good care of me. A chat won't hurt. And you must be... the Rover?”
Rover: “You know me?”
Mingyan: “I heard about everything you did. Thank you for freeing me from those nightmares. You know what, Zhezhi? You may seem soft and gentle on the outside, but if your boundaries are crossed, I think you can be tougher than anyone else. And... I still owe you an apology. Forgive me. Because I was so obsessed with wanting to be you... to be better than you, I've caused you so much trouble… The pain of these injuries managed to put a stop to my obsession with imitating your paintings. Heh. Maybe... I was never meant to be a painter to begin with…”
Zhezhi: “I brought you a gift…”
Mingyan accepts a scroll of painting from Zhezhi, staring at it for a long time after opening it
Mingyan: “Hehe, see...? Only you can create a painting with such life. I still have a long way to go.”
Zhezhi: “This is your painting. It's the one you gave me when we first met.”
Mingyan begins to break down, realizing how far gone she was
Mingyan: “I... Hehe... How ironic. I've been trying to imitate you for so many years that now I can't even tell my own paintings apart anymore.”
Zhezhi: “Your paintings were never inferior to mine. Just look at this piece, even you approve of its value. It doesn't matter who painted it. Mingyan, I hope you can find your true self, whoever she is. I know you can do it.”
Mingyan: “...Thank you for bringing me this painting... Really.”
Mingyan opens the scroll painting once again and stares at every detail for a long time. She appears lost in thought. Zhezhi and you leave quietly after seeing this