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I Became the Most Hated Mistress
墨書 Inktalez
Xu Yan walked home in her high heels, the sound of her steps echoing softly. Her hand gently caressed the newly purchased Hydrangea Seedling in her bag, and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips. This was her little ritual every Friday; even though the flower market owner often teased her, saying, "What does a young person need with hydrangeas? They’re so hard to care for!" she enjoyed the process. Watching the wilted seedling slowly regain its vitality in her hands felt like shaping the mundane days of her life into something meaningful.
The setting sun bathed the city in a warm glow, as if whispering about the small joys hidden within ordinary life. Just as she was lost in anticipation of a beautiful evening, an unexpected interruption caught her eye. A disheveled woman suddenly burst from the shadows, blocking Xu Yan's path. The woman’s eyes were filled with an incomprehensible rage and hatred.
Xu Yan froze, confusion and fear flooding her mind. Instinctively, she clutched her bag tightly against her chest, as if it contained not just a fragile plant but the entirety of her peaceful life. Why had this seemingly ordinary evening turned so extraordinary?
Before she could react, a sharp slap struck her face with a resounding "smack." The blow left her seeing stars as she stumbled backward uncontrollably, a buzzing ringing in her ears. Before she could gather herself, a crowd had already gathered around them.
"You shameless mistress! Seducing my husband and destroying my family!" The woman's voice was piercing and frantic, cutting through the crowd like a knife.
Xu Yan's eyes widened in terror as she covered her stinging face, her mind blank. She didn’t even know this woman, let alone who the "husband" was that she mentioned. She wanted to explain, but it felt as if her throat had closed up; no words would come out.
At that moment, people began to point and whisper, their gazes sharp and accusatory. Some pulled out their phones to take pictures and videos, the flashes making Xu Yan feel like she was trapped in an absurd farce.
"Look at these women today; they seem so respectable but are utterly immoral!" a Middle-Aged Woman scoffed disdainfully.
"Exactly! Dressed so decently; who knows what they’re doing behind closed doors!" A Young Man chimed in while recording, not missing the chance to share his "insight."
"People like this deserve to be punished; ruining other people's families is just despicable!" an older man agreed from the sidelines.
Listening to their words, Xu Yan felt a mix of indignation and anger swell within her; tears brimmed in her eyes as she clutched her bag tightly against her chest, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to push through the crowd and escape, but the woman clung to her arm like a wild beast, nails digging into her flesh as she continued to curse without giving Xu Yan any chance to flee.
Xu Yan felt her heart racing, almost bursting from her chest, and her legs weakened. Just as she was on the verge of collapsing, two security guards rushed over.
"Stop! Immediately!" the older guard shouted sternly, as they pulled the frenzied woman apart. The woman continued to struggle, leaving red scratches on the guards' arms with her nails.
"Ma'am, please calm down," the younger guard said while trying to soothe her, casting a questioning glance at Xu Yan. "Are you okay? Do you want us to call the police?"
The woman suddenly ceased her struggle. Though her body no longer resisted, her eyes, filled with hatred, remained fixed on Xu Yan.
Xu Yan instinctively took a step back and noticed that the woman's gaze had shifted past her to the entrance door behind. A strange smile flickered at the corners of her mouth.
"Take me away; I’ll take responsibility for today’s incident," the woman said unexpectedly calmly to the guards.
As they dragged her away, she glanced back, and her cold stare sent chills down Xu Yan's spine.
When Xu Yan saw the woman being taken away, her disheveled bag fell to the ground, revealing a small corner of a notebook.
Sitting awkwardly in a chair, Xu Yan's flushed face mixed with tears, smearing it all over. She felt an unprecedented sense of humiliation and helplessness.
The police arrived shortly at the community entrance. After briefly understanding the situation, they took notes.
At that moment, someone nearby whispered, "That woman seems to be Wang Min. Her husband has been causing quite a stir lately over an affair, looking for his mistress everywhere." It was then that Xu Yan realized that the madwoman's name was Wang Min.
A wave of fear washed over her; if it hadn't been for the timely arrival of the security guards, she shuddered to think about what could have happened to her.
Sitting in the security room, Xu Yan was filled with confusion. Who was this woman? Who was her husband? How had she targeted Xu Yan?
She had never imagined that one day she would become a victim of online violence.
---
Stumbling back home, Xu Yan's trembling hands fumbled several times before she could insert the key into the lock.
Finally managing to open the door, she quickly locked it again and frantically propped a solid wooden chair against it.
Once inside, she collapsed onto the sofa like a marionette with its strings cut.
Fear and exhaustion surged over her like a tidal wave, draining all her strength.
Every corner of what should have been a familiar home now felt unsettling; even the air seemed thick with an oppressive atmosphere.
What had just happened felt like a nightmare, yet scattered belongings and disordered drawers served as reminders that this nightmare was real.
What chilled her even more was that the door was intact and there were no signs of forced entry at the windows—how had that person gotten in?
Forcing herself to take deep breaths, she trembled as she tried to dial emergency services but found that her phone had fallen during the chaos. Its screen was covered in spiderweb-like cracks and wouldn’t turn on at all.
Curled up in a corner of the sofa, she gazed out at the darkening sky and couldn't help but recall Wang Min's last chilling gaze.
With a deep sigh, she decided to check around the house to see if anything important was missing.
She moved cautiously through her home and found that compared to other rooms, the living room was relatively tidy; some coffee stains remained on the floor. As she entered the bedroom, she gasped sharply.
Her wardrobe was in disarray, clothes, bags, and shoes thrown everywhere. The drawers had been pulled open, and their contents lay scattered on the floor. Xu Yan's heart began to race as a sense of foreboding washed over her.
Remembering something, she hurried to the study, only to find her laptop missing. She then rushed to the bedroom and opened the nightstand, discovering that her bank card, ID, and other important documents were also gone.
Xu Yan collapsed onto the floor, overwhelmed by despair. Struggling to her feet, she ran to her neighbor's house to borrow a phone and report the burglary. The police arrived quickly, conducting an investigation and gathering evidence.
"Miss Xu, based on the scene, this appears to be a case of burglary," one officer said as he carefully examined the doors and windows before turning to Xu Yan.
"Officer, I suspect this isn't just theft; it might be related to what happened at the entrance of my community," Xu Yan hesitated for a moment before recounting the incident with Wang Min earlier that day.
The officer's expression grew serious after hearing her story. "We will look into it. However, Miss Xu, please be cautious when going out lately and pay attention to your safety."
Xu Yan felt as if her heart had sunk to the bottom. After the police left, she was engulfed by an unprecedented fear and helplessness. After placing a bouquet in a vase, she curled up on the sofa, trembling.
That night, Xu Yan barely slept; she was terrified that someone would break into her home again.
The next morning, she woke up with dark circles under her eyes and exhaustion weighing her down. After a quick wash-up, she went out to buy a new phone nearby.
Back home, as Xu Yan's trembling fingers unlocked the phone screen, blinding light flooded in along with a torrent of messages that pierced her heart like daggers.
"Career woman intervenes in someone else's marriage; wife violently confronts mistress in public"—her name glaringly topped the trending searches, with comments gnawing at her last shred of dignity. Xu Yan bit her lip tightly as tears streamed down uncontrollably.
Her name had unexpectedly surged into trending topics with the headline "Career woman intervenes in someone else's marriage; wife violently confronts mistress in public." As she read through the malicious comments and shares, Xu Yan could no longer hold back her tears.
Her phone buzzed incessantly with missed calls and messages pouring in like snowflakes. Looking at the countless notifications from colleagues and friends asking about what had happened yesterday, Xu Yan replied one by one, trying to explain that she was misunderstood, even though she knew these explanations might not help.
At that moment, her phone rang; it was her best friend Tata calling. This friend who had walked through school years with her was Xu Yan's last refuge.
"Yan Yan! I finally got through! How are you? Are you okay? I saw your video online; what happened?" Tata's voice was filled with evident concern.
Hearing Tata's voice made Xu Yan's tightly wound nerves finally snap. She curled up in a corner of the sofa; this usually decisive investment director felt like a helpless child at that moment. Taking a deep breath, she began to recount how this absurd misunderstanding had occurred, bitterness creeping into her voice without her realizing it.
Xu Yan had spent ten years climbing to the top of her company only to be thrust into the spotlight overnight. Fate was particularly ironic; what she once took pride in—the achievements of her career—had now become evidence for others labeling her as a "mistress."
After listening to her story, Tata exclaimed angrily, "This is outrageous! That woman is insane! Just wait for me; I'll be there soon!"
Tata and Xu Yan brought home surveillance footage to the police station. After reviewing it, the officers stated they would open an investigation. However, things were not so straightforward.
"Miss Xu," one officer said sympathetically, "we understand your feelings, but this footage is insufficient to prove that these individuals were hired by Wang Min or have any connection with her." He continued helplessly, "Moreover, since they accuse you of interfering in her marriage, if you cannot prove your innocence, it will be difficult for us to take further action."
Xu Yan was taken aback.
"What nonsense! That crazy woman doesn't even know my friend! She doesn't even know who her husband is; how can she accuse anyone of interfering in her so-called marriage? What evidence does she have against my friend?" Tata fumed indignantly.
She had never imagined that she would become a victim of such an absurd accusation as being a "mistress."
"Could you please provide me with her contact information?"
She attempted to reach out to the woman, but the latter refused to answer her calls and even posted online accusing her of "seducing a married man." Overnight, Xu Yan's life was completely turned upside down. Various social media platforms acted like a massive meat grinder, crushing her personal information and displaying it without reservation for everyone to see. Insults, slurs, and curses surged in like a tidal wave, nearly drowning her.
What was even more terrifying was that some malicious individuals began to conduct a "doxxing" campaign against her, trying to uncover more information about her, including details about her family. Xu Yan felt an unprecedented fear; she was terrified that her family would also be implicated and harmed.
She tried to shut down all her social media accounts, but it was too late. Her photos, name, workplace, and even pictures from her elementary school days were dug up and spread wildly online.
The phone lines at her company were overwhelmed with calls from countless strangers complaining and demanding her dismissal. Some radical netizens even gathered outside the company building, holding banners and shouting slogans, protesting against the employment of a "mistress."
Under immense public pressure, the company's leadership had no choice but to speak with Xu Yan. The HR representative subtly suggested that for the sake of the company's reputation, it would be best for her to resign voluntarily.
"Xu Yan, I know you feel wronged too, but you can see the situation we are in. The company simply cannot bear this level of pressure," the HR sighed heavily and said earnestly. "If you resign now, the company can offer you some compensation; it would be our way of helping you."
Xu Yan's heart sank to the bottom. She knew she had no options left. If she didn’t resign, the company would fire her outright, which would likely be even more humiliating.
Holding back tears, she nodded and agreed to resign.
As she packed up her belongings and left the company for the last time, Xu Yan felt as if all her efforts over the past years had been completely wasted. What should she do next? She began to doubt her very existence.
When she returned home, Tata was already waiting for her. Seeing Xu Yan's despondent state, Tata rushed over and embraced her tightly.
"Yan Yan, it's going to be okay; everything will get better," Tata comforted softly. "I've already contacted several lawyers who specialize in cases like yours; I believe they can help clear your name."
Xu Yan leaned weakly against Tata's shoulder, letting tears flow freely. She wanted to grasp this lifeline but found herself unable to lift a finger. Now, Tata was the only one standing by her side.
A few days later, a video went viral online. In it, Xu Yan was publicly assaulted by that woman while bystanders hurled accusations at her. The video was titled "The Wife Beats Up the Mistress; Netizens Cheer in Satisfaction."
Xu Yan felt a chill run down her spine as she read through the comments below the video.
"This kind of mistress deserves to be beaten!"
"She ruined someone else's family; she got what she deserved!"
"Look at that pitiful expression; who is she trying to fool?"
Xu Yan tried to explain herself, but her voice was quickly drowned out by an avalanche of insults. As a result of this incident, she had lost her job entirely; even her family hinted that she should "mind her image," as they couldn't afford such disgrace.
Fortunately, Tata's connections soon came into play. Leading Xu Yan into Lawyer Lin Hua's office, they found him poring over a thick case file.
Lin Hua looked up briefly and calmly pushed a cup of coffee toward her. "Have something warm; we’ll take our time."
As Xu Yan recounted the entire situation in detail, Lin Hua quickly took notes while occasionally nodding. His gaze was sharp as an eagle's but would furrow his brow at certain details as if dissecting every key point of the case.
"Miss Xu," Lin Hua gently placed his pen on the table and interlaced his fingers. "What you've experienced reflects society's bias against working women." He stood up and walked over to the office’s filing cabinet, skillfully pulling out several case files. "But this could actually be our breakthrough."
He sat down across from Xu Yan, neatly spreading out a stack of documents. "Do you see these? The surveillance footage is just the beginning; what we need is a complete chain of evidence." Lin Hua's fingers traced the documents. "From your social circle to work records, from daily interactions to communication logs, every detail is essential."
Tata chimed in from the side, "I've already contacted several eyewitnesses who were present that day, and they are willing to testify."
Lin Hua nodded slightly and pulled out a fresh legal document from his drawer. As he filled it out, he pondered, "If we can prove that the burglary was committed by Wang Min, then Wang Min's actions have violated multiple legal statutes." He paused, looking intently at Xu Yan. "The balance of public opinion is shifting; what we need to do is ensure that the weight of the truth outweighs the clamor of rumors."
Xu Yan looked at Lin Hua, feeling as if a wilting flower was slowly regaining vitality in her hands. Meanwhile, Lin Hua began typing rapidly on his computer, transforming legal clauses into shields.
Sunlight streamed through the window at an angle, casting a golden hue over this room filled with hopes for justice.
As Xu Yan felt overwhelmed by her family's accusations, a self-media outlet reached out to her, expressing their willingness to give her a voice. It felt like she had grasped a lifeline, and she readily agreed to the interview.
However, after the interview concluded, she discovered that her words had been maliciously edited. In the video, her statements were taken out of context, making it seem as though she was admitting to being the "other woman." Public opinion erupted once more; some even began doxxing her information and threatening her with consequences.
Days later, Lin Hua's office was piled high with case-related documents. He stood in front of a whiteboard, outlining the case's framework with a marker while analyzing the developments with Xu Yan and Tata.
"Here and here," he pointed at several key nodes on the whiteboard. "The surveillance footage has been fully preserved and reconstructs the entire sequence of events. Combined with these witness testimonies, we have formed a complete chain of evidence."
Tata pulled a USB drive from her bag. "Lawyer Lin, this contains screenshots we've collected showing Wang Min spreading false statements across various platforms."
Lin Hua took the USB drive and plugged it into his computer, quickly scanning the screen. He clicked on important content while jotting down notes in his notepad. "Excellent; all of this is valuable evidence." He turned to Xu Yan. "Now that our chain of evidence is complete and we are well-prepared, we can officially file a lawsuit."
As soon as news of the lawsuit broke, it caused an uproar.
"The other woman suing the legitimate wife? Times have really changed!"
"This other woman is so arrogant; how dare she sue the legitimate wife? Truly shameless!"
"Waiting for a twist; let's see what the truth really is!"
Public opinion online surged once again, with most netizens expressing distrust towards Xu Yan, believing she was deliberately seeking publicity and sympathy.
Several self-media accounts joined in on this frenzy, quoting Xu Yan's statements out of context and maliciously editing surveillance footage to portray her as an arrogant and unrepentant mistress.
Xu Yan once again became the target of online violence—abuse, insults, and threats rained down on her like a storm.
She felt immense anger and injustice; she couldn't understand why she was being treated this way when she was clearly the victim.
"Yan Yan, don't lose heart! Don't let them bring you down!" Tata held Xu Yan's hand tightly, encouraging her. "The truth will eventually come out; we must persevere!"
Xu Yan took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She knew she could not be defeated now; she had to fight bravely for herself, for her family, and for those who believed in her!
She decided to no longer remain silent; she would take the initiative to expose the truth to everyone and fight back against online violence!
Xu Yan was completely broken. She hid at home, afraid to go out, afraid to answer calls, and even afraid to open the windows. Her best friend, Tata, came to see her and was heartbroken to see her in such a state, tears streaming down her face.
"Yan Yan, you can't go on like this," Tata said, holding her hand. "You have to fight back; otherwise, your life will be ruined."
Xu Yan looked up, her eyes filled with tears. "How can I fight back? They won't even listen to my explanation."
"Use the law; it can protect us," Tata said firmly. "You have surveillance footage and police reports—these are all evidence. Moreover, Lin Hua has already filed a lawsuit against Wang Min and can continue to sue those malicious media outlets that edited the videos."
Xu Yan remained silent for a long time.
Eventually, she followed Tata to Lawyer Lin Hua's office. Just as they sat down, an unexpected phone call broke the tranquility of the office.
Xu Yan answered the call; it was Officer Liu, who was in charge of her case.
"Miss Xu, we have important progress," Officer Liu's voice carried a hint of excitement. "After investigation, we confirmed that the burglary at your home was indeed instigated by Wang Min."
Xu Yan looked at Lin Hua in surprise, who immediately signaled her to put the call on speaker.
Officer Liu continued, "While interrogating a habitual offender, he confessed to this case. He said a woman named Wang paid him to do it. We followed the leads and found more evidence, including call records and transfer receipts between Wang Min and this habitual offender."
Lin Hua quickly interjected, "Officer Liu, this information is crucial for our lawsuit. Can you provide us with written materials related to this?"
"Of course," Officer Liu replied. "We will organize the evidence as soon as possible; you can come to the police station to collect it. This will serve as strong evidence against Wang Min."
After hanging up the phone, Xu Yan and Lin Hua exchanged glances and saw joy in each other's eyes. This breakthrough not only confirmed Wang Min's malice but also added significant leverage for the upcoming lawsuit.
Lin Hua swiftly added new information on the whiteboard, linking this crucial lead with other evidence. "Xu Yan," he turned and said, "the situation has changed completely. Wang Min will not only be held accountable for defamation and infringement of your reputation but will now also face criminal charges."
The overcast sky finally welcomed a ray of hope. Tata hugged Xu Yan tightly, crying and laughing as she said, "Yan Yan, heaven has opened its eyes."
While the police made significant progress, Xu Yan made a difficult decision—to accept an exclusive interview. This was both her hope of reaching the truth and a potential exposure to more malicious attacks.
Regardless, it was time to take a gamble.
The night before the recording, Xu Yan tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Tata stayed by her side, gently holding her trembling hand. "Yan Yan, I'm here," Tata comforted softly; her voice was light yet felt like a warm ray of sunshine dispelling the shadows in Xu Yan's heart. "We just need to stand tall." Xu Yan looked at Tata gratefully, tears shimmering in her eyes.
The next day, facing the cold camera lens, Xu Yan took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She knew that from this moment on, every word she spoke and every expression she made would be magnified infinitely and could even be maliciously distorted. But at this moment, it didn't matter; she would not shy away from any sharp questions.
"I admit I'm not a perfect person," Xu Yan began with a slightly trembling voice but quickly grew firm. "I have flaws and have made mistakes. But I can face the camera and everyone else and say: I have never been anyone's mistress or interfered in anyone's marriage."
She recounted the events leading up to this moment with both anger over her unjust treatment and fear of online violence in her tone. Xu Yan's gaze was sincere; her emotions were real, moving many who watched.
"I don't understand why Wang Min would do this to me," Xu Yan's voice carried confusion and pain. "Maybe she was misled; maybe she just needed someone to vent her frustrations on. But I sincerely hope she can calm down and see the truth." At this point, tears glistened in Xu Yan's eyes again, but her tone grew even more resolute.
After the interview aired, reactions online fluctuated like a roller coaster.
Initial insults and doubts still existed, but Xu Yan's calm and sincere narration began to touch more hearts. Some started questioning their previous biases; others felt guilty for their hasty judgments; many were moved by Xu Yan's courage.
As time passed, public opinion slowly but noticeably began to tilt in favor of Xu Yan. Her honesty, bravery, and insistence on truth led more people to stand by her side. This interview became a crucial turning point for Xu Yan in countering rumors and reshaping her image.
"I used to criticize her too, but after watching the interview, I really feel sorry for her."
"The online violence is terrifying. Shouldn't we give the person involved a chance to explain?"
"Support the truth! Support rationality!"
Public opinion began to shift subtly. Some rational voices emerged, and even some media outlets started calling for an end to online violence and respect for legal judgments.
More importantly, some independent media began investigating Wang Min's husband and discovered that he indeed had an extramarital affair, and the other party was not Xu Yan. Anonymous insiders revealed that Wang Min had long suspected her husband of cheating, which led to her heightened mental stress and mistakenly identifying Xu Yan as the target, partly because Xu Yan's attire resembled her imagined image of a "mistress."
This information sparked hope for a reversal in public opinion like a small flame gradually igniting.
As the case progressed, public sentiment began to change. Some rational netizens started questioning the initial accusations, believing that Xu Yan might have been wronged. Independent media also began to report on the matter again, with headlines like "Innocent Woman Mistaken for Mistress: When Will Online Violence End?"
Supporters' voices under Xu Yan's social media accounts grew louder.
"Support Xu Yan! Online violence is too terrifying!"
"Where are those who criticized her now?"
"I hope the law restores her innocence!"
Months later, the court held a hearing for the case. Xu Yan presented all evidence proving she had never interfered in anyone's marriage; rather, it was that woman who had defamed and harmed her.
On the day of the trial, Xu Yan stood in the defendant's seat, feeling as if she were at the center of a vast stage under countless scrutinizing eyes. Wang Min still looked haggard, her gaze filled with hostility.
Lawyer Lin Hua methodically presented evidence. Surveillance footage from the community entrance clearly recorded Wang Min's act of violence; Xu Yan's communication records and social media information proved she had no acquaintance with Wang Min's husband; even Wang Min's lover testified in court, confirming that Xu Yan had nothing to do with this matter.
Wang Min's lawyer attempted to argue that Wang Min was mentally unstable at the time and could not control her actions.
But Lawyer Lin Hua seized upon this point and countered, "Mental instability cannot be an excuse for defamation and harm to others. Wang Min's actions caused significant harm to Xu Yan, and she must bear corresponding legal responsibility."
At that moment, the prosecutor stood up, looking serious as he said, "In addition to the aforementioned charges, we would like to add an important piece of evidence. Following police investigations, it has been found that Wang Min not only personally attacked and defamed Xu Yan but also hired others to break into Xu Yan's home and steal her belongings. We have obtained call records between Wang Min and the suspects, transfer receipts, as well as fingerprint evidence from the scene. This constitutes a criminal offense, and we will file criminal charges against her."
Upon hearing this, there was an uproar in the courtroom once again.
Wang Min's face turned pale instantly; her body trembled uncontrollably as she clutched the railing of the defendant's seat to steady herself. Her lawyer also appeared visibly flustered, nearly dropping the documents in his hands.
Lawyer Lin Hua took advantage of this moment: "Your Honor, from civil disputes to criminal offenses, Wang Min's actions have completely exceeded ordinary emotional disputes; this is a premeditated and organized serious crime. We respectfully request that the court impose severe penalties on the defendant to deter others."
Xu Yan sat quietly there, listening to both lawyers' arguments. Her heart was filled with anxiety and anticipation. She knew this lawsuit was not just about her personal reputation but also about society's attitude toward online violence.
Suddenly, during a recess, Wang Min shouted angrily: "Xu Yan, you don't even know my husband nor have you done anything wrong to me! I just wanted to frame you as revenge against my husband." Wang Min said in the interrogation room, her eyes filled with regret.
Hearing this made Xu Yan feel a surge of anger and injustice within her.
During the break, Tata walked over to Xu Yan and hugged her tightly.
In the end, the court ruled that the woman was guilty of defamation and illegal entry into another's residence, sentencing her to one year in prison and ordering her to compensate Xu Yan for emotional distress and economic losses.
Upon hearing the verdict, Xu Yan let out a long sigh of relief. She had won the case, but she did not feel much excitement. The lawsuit had cost her dearly and deepened her understanding of human nature.
As Xu Yan walked out of the courthouse, she breathed a sigh of relief. This nightmare was finally over. She had never imagined that a baseless misunderstanding could escalate into such serious consequences. Yet, the law ultimately delivered a fair judgment, restoring her innocence.
Wang Min, who had made such a fuss, ended up with nothing good. After the divorce, she lived alone in an empty house, crying day after day. She began to reflect on her actions and realized how impulsive and foolish she had been.
In truth, Wang Min had always been filled with anxiety and insecurity. She feared growing old and unattractive, worried that her husband would no longer love her. She poured all her energy into her family but neglected her own growth and value. When she discovered her husband's infidelity, the fear and jealousy erupted within her, causing her to lose her sanity.
She recalled the day she found Xu Yan's photo; the feeling of betrayal shattered her completely. Xu Yan was young and beautiful, full of vitality, which only intensified Wang Min's sense of crisis. She convinced herself that Xu Yan was the "other woman" destroying her family but never considered that perhaps the problem lay within herself.
Ultimately, Wang Min's meticulous calculations led to nothing but an empty endeavor. "I just loved him too much, which is why I lost both my husband and my dignity," she lamented.
At thirty-five, Wang Min had once been considered charming and radiant; however, years of family life and growing anxiety etched signs of age upon her face. "I lost him," she cried during therapy sessions.
But nothing could be undone. She had lost her family, her daughter, and herself.
After winning the case, Xu Yan had attempted to reach out to Wang Min for a proper conversation, but Wang Min refused. Having been married to Min Qiang for ten years—who was a successful executive—Wang Min appeared to others as part of an enviable couple. However, the truth of their marriage was far from it.
She felt too ashamed to face Xu Yan and lacked the courage to admit her mistakes.
Years later, at a charity event, Xu Yan unexpectedly encountered Wang Min again. Wang Min looked much older, her eyes filled with exhaustion and regret. They exchanged a few simple words; Wang Min apologized to Xu Yan—only those involved truly understood what had transpired.
As Min Qiang's position rose within his company, his social engagements increased while his trips home became less frequent. Even when he did return home, he was always too exhausted to engage in conversation with Wang Min.
Wang Min admitted that she had acted irrationally and hurt Xu Yan. Xu Yan did not blame her; instead, she gently patted Wang Min's shoulder and said, "It's all in the past now; just live well."
In that moment, Wang Min felt overwhelmed with guilt and gratitude. She knew she had once harmed an innocent person.
At that time, Wang Min felt like an expendable ornament in her own life, filled with insecurity and resentment. She suspected her husband was having an affair; countless nights were spent tossing and turning as she stared at the contacts on her phone but never dared to dial a single number.
She had also destroyed her own life with her hands. She wished for a chance to make amends for her mistakes but understood that some scars would never heal.
Xu Yan and Wang Min were two women who originally had no connection but found their fates intertwined due to a misunderstanding.
Their life trajectories were completely different—one was reborn through a process of transformation, while the other lived in regret. Their stories serve as a reminder to us all: when faced with adversity, we must remain rational, respect others, and most importantly, love ourselves. Only by doing so can we avoid tragedy and truly take control of our lives.
Xu Yan's life gradually returned to tranquility. She quit her previous job and opened a small café. In the café, she hung a painting depicting a woman standing in the sunlight, her back turned but radiating determination and confidence.
Xu Yan's café was less about business and more about healing herself. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the carefully chosen greenery and the faces of every customer. The air was filled with the aroma of coffee and a hint of sweet cake, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort.
She personally crafted each cup of coffee, skillfully drawing simple patterns in the froth—sometimes hearts, sometimes leaves. She loved watching the smiles on her customers' faces as they received their coffee; it brought her a sense of fulfillment.
Tata remained her best friend and partner, often coming to help at the café. Tata had a knack for quickly connecting with customers; her cheerful and warm personality touched everyone.
"Yan Yan, business is pretty good today!" Tata said with a smile while wiping down a table.
Xu Yan smiled back, "Yeah, it's slowly getting better."
In truth, Xu Yan knew that the café's business wasn't thriving as much as it seemed. But she didn't mind; her purpose in opening the café wasn't to make money but to find a place where she could feel at home.
She enjoyed the ambiance of the café, chatting with customers and listening to their stories. She believed that everyone had their own troubles and joys, and what she could do was offer them a warm cup of coffee to provide a bit of comfort.
The painting hanging in the café was Xu Yan's own creation. The woman in the painting stood with her back to the viewer under a golden sun; her expression was unclear, but one could feel the strength and confidence radiating from her. It was Xu Yan's self-portrait and also her hope for the future.
After closing up for the night, Xu Yan would sit alone in the café, sipping coffee and reflecting on her life. She had emerged from the shadows of her past and rediscovered herself. No longer was she the fragile woman crushed by online bullying; she had become a brave, strong woman filled with love.
She understood that the road ahead would be long and fraught with challenges and difficulties. But she no longer feared them because she knew that as long as there was light in her heart, it would illuminate her path forward.
She believed that one day she would find her own happiness. Until then, she would continue running her café, warming every person who walked through its doors with comforting coffee and genuine smiles. She hoped that everyone who had faced setbacks could stand up courageously like she did and start anew in their lives.
---
**Epilogue:**
This story is inspired by countless real-life "Xu Yans." Online bullying is like an invisible knife that can easily destroy someone's life. In today's age of information overload, the internet has become an indispensable part of our lives. However, justice will never be absent. May every innocent person find the courage to stand up like Xu Yan and wield legal protection for themselves.
**(The End)**
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