194: The final touches.

After receiving the hospital address sent by Wei Ziqing, Shen Mingyuan quickly washed up and changed into a well-pressed dark suit. The lawyer's image in the mirror was steady and capable, enough to cover all the fatigue and dust left from the previous night.

He carefully checked his briefcase: inside were not only his lawyer's credentials and blank power of attorney forms, but more importantly, several key Materials he had compiled overnight based on Wei Ziqing's description—

A logically clear draft of the case statement, and a preliminary compensation calculation list detailing medical expenses, nursing fees, lost wages, disability compensation (to be determined after assessment), and mental distress consolation payments.

Without any delay, he drove straight to the hospital.

When he met Wei Ziqing at the hospital entrance, the unease on the young man's face visibly dissipated a lot upon seeing him.

"Lawyer Shen, sorry for the trouble." Wei Ziqing tightly clutched a document folder containing his Master's identification and preliminary medical expense receipts.

"Just standard procedure. Just tell what you know, the truth of what happened."

Shen Mingyuan motioned for him to get in the car, his tone calm. "Remember, today we're going to file a report and assert civil rights. The focus is describing how you and your Master suffered violent assault and the serious consequences.

As for other things, like the possible complex background of the other party, unless the police bring it up and confirm it, we won't speculate or state too much. Understand?"

Wei Ziqing nodded vigorously: "I understand, just say they came to our place and beat my Master, injuring him."

"Exactly." Shen Mingyuan started the car and drove toward the police sub-bureau with jurisdiction over the incident area.

On the way, he briefly explained the basic procedures to Wei Ziqing: filing a report, case registration, injury assessment, mediation or litigation, emphasizing the importance of evidence.

"Regarding compensation, those who actually did the beating might not have much money themselves, but legally, we can list them and anyone who might have instigated them as joint defendants.

More importantly, once legal proceedings begin, we can apply to the court to investigate their financial status, and if necessary, seize, freeze, or auction assets.

Moreover, for cases of intentional assault causing serious injury, enforcement of civil compensation tends to be stronger.

Of course, the ideal scenario is reaching a mediation agreement under the police's supervision, even if the other party pays in installments, to quickly cover some medical expenses."

At the sub-bureau, Shen Mingyuan went directly to the officer at the reception desk, showed his lawyer credentials, and stated his purpose—representing a client to report a serious intentional assault case and submit relevant evidence Materials.

Perhaps due to Shen Mingyuan's professional and steady demeanor, or perhaps because the written Materials he submitted were too detailed and organized, the reception officer, after a preliminary understanding of the situation, quickly led them to a mediation room and called in a senior detective responsible for such cases.

The process went slightly smoother than expected.

Shen Mingyuan led the statement, framing the incident within the scope of "idle social elements resorting to violent retaliation over a trivial dispute, causing serious injury to an elderly person." The medical records and expense list he presented were shocking.

Wei Ziqing's testimony, though emotional, was clear in detail.

The detective in charge took notes carefully, occasionally asking questions focused on the violent acts and injury consequences, not delving into Sun Qian or more complex backgrounds—

This attitude itself made Shen Mingyuan's heart stir slightly, guessing that GUPA might have already "paved the way" in some manner.

After the statement was recorded and fingerprints taken, the case was formally accepted. Next was the injury assessment referral procedure.

As for compensation mediation, the detective frankly stated that the main suspects were already detained, but their specific financial situations needed further verification, making it unlikely to reach a full compensation agreement directly.

"Police mediation is a preliminary procedure, but in cases like this, the key to successful mediation lies in whether the other party has the ability and willingness to compensate. Currently, that seems difficult."

The detective said to Shen Mingyuan, "Lawyer Shen, you might need to prepare to resolve this through litigation. The court's judgment and enforcement measures will be more comprehensive then."

"Understood, thank you." Shen Mingyuan nodded, putting away the receipt. "We'll supplement the injury assessment report as soon as possible.

As for tracing compensation liability, whether it's those who did the beating or whoever instigated them, legally, there's always a subject who needs to bear responsibility. We'll follow up."

Leaving the police station, Wei Ziqing seemed tired but also relieved.

"Lawyer Shen, even if we win the case... might we still not get much money?"

"The significance of legal procedures is first to establish facts and hold people accountable. The money issue,"

Shen Mingyuan got into the driver's seat, looking ahead, "is just a technical matter that requires patience and strategy to resolve. At least for now, both force and reason are temporarily on our side. First, go back and take care of your Master; the money will come soon."

That afternoon, the handling of this incident progressed faster than Wei Ziqing had imagined.

As he wiped the face of his still-unconscious Master with a damp towel, he mentally calculated the long road of rights protection ahead and the astronomical medical expenses.

Just then, his phone on the bedside table vibrated several times in a row.

It was a bank deposit notification.

At first, he thought it was a scam or he misread it, but the number of digits and the clear "personal injury compensation" note in the remarks made him hold his breath instantly.

He repeatedly checked the account balance, the remitter's name, and even called the bank's official customer service to confirm.

It wasn't a scam. A sum sufficient to cover current expenses and leave considerable room for future treatment and rehabilitation had genuinely been deposited into his account.

Shock, confusion, then immense, relieved joy. The first person he thought of was Shen Mingyuan.

The call connected almost instantly.

"L-Lawyer Shen!" Wei Ziqing's voice was altered with excitement. "The money! The compensation money arrived! Just now! So much... more than what we calculated... What... how did this happen?"

Shen Mingyuan on the other end seemed to pause briefly; background noise of steady traffic suggested he was driving. Then, his calm, almost knowing voice came through: "Oh? That fast."

"Too fast! I never expected, just this morning... and now this afternoon..." Wei Ziqing was incoherent.

"Hmm, sometimes it's fast." Shen Mingyuan's tone didn't sound too surprised, more like confirmation. "Since it's this fast, this money likely didn't come from the pockets of those who did the beating. They probably don't have the ability, nor this 'efficiency.'"

Wei Ziqing was stunned: "Huh? Then who..."

"Given by the authorities. Or rather, certain 'relevant departments' proactively paid compensation to settle the matter." Shen Mingyuan's voice was very calm, carrying the analytical tone characteristic of a lawyer,

"This means the price those thugs pay might not just be monetary.

Their personal freedom will likely be 'arranged' to a place requiring long-term compulsory labor due to involvement in more serious issues, 'making up for' the losses in another way. Heh, Also calculated... a kind of fairness."

Wei Ziqing digested the implications behind these words; though not fully understanding, the heavy sense of relief was real. "Lawyer Shen, then... what do we need to do next? The case..."

"Since the most important compensation issue is resolved this way, I'll follow up on the remaining legal procedures to bring it to a lawful conclusion. Your task now is to use this money with peace of mind, find the best doctors and rehabilitation plans, and take care of your Master."

Shen Mingyuan interrupted him, his words taking on a farewell tone. "As for me, my work here is done."

"You're leaving?" Wei Ziqing finally realized.

"Not immediately." Shen Mingyuan's voice carried reassuring steadiness. "Compensation being secured is just the first step, and the hardest. But legal procedures need closure. Here's what to do: send me a screenshot of the bank deposit confirmation and the remarks details via wechat.

Also, if anyone claiming to be from the court, judicial bureau, or 'relevant departments' contacts you later, or if you receive any written mediation agreements or case closure notices, forward them to me immediately for confirmation."

He paused, his tone purely lawyerly: "Before my representation officially ends, I need to ensure this 'compensation' is legally clean, complete, and free of future complications. You and your Master must let me review any documents before signing. That's procedure."

"I understand! Thank you, Lawyer Shen, I'll send it right away!" Wei Ziqing's heart finally settled completely.

Over the next two days, Shen Mingyuan stayed at the hotel, remotely handling some daily law firm matters while closely monitoring any developments on Wei Ziqing's side.

As he expected, the next day, Wei Ziqing received a rigorously worded "Situation Explanation and Compensation Confirmation" document stamped by the "City Special Incident Aftermath Office."

The document clearly stated that the payment was a "one-time comprehensive compensation" for losses suffered by Wei Ziqing's Master due to "assault by unidentified individuals," and that upon acceptance, the matter was concluded with no further liability pursued.

Shen Mingyuan carefully reviewed every line, confirming there were no trap clauses, that it fully absolved Wei Ziqing's side of all responsibility, and even subtly guaranteed "no further disturbances from any direction."

He replied to Wei Ziqing: "Document is fine, you can sign. This matter is legally concluded."

Shen Mingyuan checked out at the hotel front desk, returning the room key. All necessary confirmations had been received, documents reviewed, and matters explained. As an outsider, his pending "business" in this city was cleared.

He got into the driver's seat, placed his phone on the passenger seat, and finally drove toward the highway entrance.

Having helped classmate Xu Lang overcome fear, and secured and confirmed substantial compensation for Wei Ziqing and his Master, it was time to return.