In her memory, Han Tianming was a very caring person. He shared pet care tips online every day, teaching everyone to be kind to animals. She also followed Han Tianming’s account. After they became friends, they both felt as if they had known each other for ages. She had always thought Han Tianming was just like her: very kind-hearted and loving.

But now... Han Tianming had actually said such things. He even said that pets didn’t deserve to be compared to humans and that she shouldn’t seek justice for her Binbin.

"I must have been blind to consider you a confidant! To think you’re this kind of person!" She clenched her teeth tightly, her expression one of deep pain and frustration.

Accused like this, Han Tianming could no longer contain his emotions and angrily retorted, "What’s wrong with someone like me? Don’t you forget who caused this mess?! If it weren’t for trying to get justice for your dog, how would I, and they, have ended up like this? I just don’t want to go to jail! What’s wrong with that? Compassion? How much is compassion worth? Kindness? If you showed half the kindness to your father that you show your pets, he wouldn’t be in a nursing home because of you!"

In his rage and embarrassment, he dropped all pretense with Cheng Chuxiao, exposing everything about her.

"You! You!" Hearing this, Cheng Chuxiao trembled with anger, unable to utter a word for a long moment.

"Silence!" In the courtroom, Zhou Quanmin saw the scene and scolded, "No disturbances are allowed in the courtroom!"

Cheng Chuxiao and Han Tianming glared at each other hatefully, then chose to fall silent.

"Next." Zhou Quanmin frowned and looked towards the next defendant.

Meanwhile, at the plaintiff’s table, Zhang Qingyuan watched the scene, his eyes lighting up. His previous listlessness vanished, replaced by sudden energy as he watched the defendants’ dock intently.

"Who would have thought the real drama would be here," he smacked his lips, muttering to himself.

Previously, Qin Mu had been the one taking center stage, leaving Zhang Qingyuan with little to do. Bored and tired from the night before, he had dozed off. But now, the spectacle of Cheng Chuxiao and Han Tianming cursing each other in court had instantly revitalized him. A trial like this... was what he wanted to see.

Especially Cheng Chuxiao, who actually dared to claim in court that she wasn’t wrong. This completely upended his worldview. Clearly, Cheng Chuxiao genuinely believed she was innocent and that her dog’s death was entirely Zhang Qingyuan’s fault. Her values were twisted to an extreme degree. Han Tianming, on the other hand, still seemed redeemable.

Nearby, Qin Mu watched Cheng Chuxiao at the defendants’ dock and couldn’t help but offer an evaluation: "Indeed, a true warrior..."

Cheng Chuxiao’s words... had completely taken everyone by surprise. Her utter lack of remorse in court infuriated Zhang Wei, causing her to withdraw completely. Perhaps Cheng Chuxiao felt that since her sentence was already eight years and couldn’t be reduced further, she could afford to be so brazen.

But in reality... when courts handle cases, it’s never a given that the sentence handed down will match the recommended sentence. Generally, court verdicts follow the prosecution’s sentencing recommendation, combined with the defense lawyer’s arguments, resulting in a reduced sentence within a certain range. It’s usually less than, or equal to, the recommended sentence. However, courts sometimes make comprehensive judgments based on actual circumstances, unresolved issues in the case, the defendant’s attitude, and other factors. There’s no shortage of judicial cases where the sentence imposed exceeds the recommendation.

And Cheng Chuxiao’s actions... were very likely to earn her a sentence longer than eight years! Because... the court has the authority to impose harsher penalties on defiant defendants who cause serious consequences and refuse to repent! The sentencing recommendation Qin Mu had given was merely a baseline, not yet accounting for specific aggravating or mitigating factors. But Cheng Chuxiao’s behavior during her final statement, her refusal to repent, constituted grounds for a harsher punishment!