Who would study psychology unless they had some issues?!
Chapter 459 - 450: Building Trust

Chapter 459: Chapter 450: Building Trust

"Meng Ting!" Xia Tian’s voice rose, "We were earlier..."

Chief Judge Meng raised his weary hand, cutting Xia Tian off.

He then let out a long sigh: "Xiao Xia, you praised your Teacher Nan so much during the day, so why didn’t you bring him to my office for a chat?"

"...?"

Xia Tian blinked.

The crowd had already stopped in their tracks at this point.

Chief Judge Meng turned his head towards Nan Zhubin, his gaze moved from bottom to top, then top to bottom.

[Can’t we pull this guy in to do some work for the PR department? Such a waste otherwise.]

Thinking this to himself, Chief Judge Meng said aloud, "Teacher Nan really did a great job today. If we could resolve problems like this in the future, it would certainly make our work much smoother."

"But—Teacher Nan, are you really capable?"

Not waiting for Xia Tian to reply, Chief Judge Meng continued, "I’ve read your news reports, they’re everywhere, talking about Micro-expression Analysis, very eye-catching."

"If this is true, then indeed—impressive."

"But in your previous online incidents, they all involved your former teachers at school or other acquaintances you have interacted with before. You had very thorough and detailed knowledge about them even before you started working."

"Today’s case involved the family of my client. Xia Tian had also already introduced her situation in advance."

Looking into Nan Zhubin’s eyes, Chief Judge Meng said, "Compared to the so-called Micro-expression Analysis, it’s more likely that you collected information beforehand, formed a hypothesis in your mind, and made a guess. In this situation, using some psychology and expression analysis terminology could dismantle your opponent’s psychological defenses. If they really have something to hide, they will naturally mentally collapse."

"In other words, your Micro-expression Analysis is likely a ’conversation technique’ that is based on gathering a lot of information beforehand and verifying your hypothesis, rather than actually reading something from the other’s face on the spot."

"I’ve also talked with Professor Bai and have some understanding of Micro-expression Analysis. Considering you’re Professor Bai’s student, your performance is more likely to align with my hypothesis."

Implying between the lines, he didn’t believe Nan Zhubin could truly read expressions on the spot.

Combining with Xia Tian’s revelation of Chief Judge Meng’s past experiences, it was understandable why he was skeptical.

Even after witnessing Nan Zhubin’s performance live.

Logically speaking, Chief Judge Meng’s words weren’t without merit; the method he described was feasible.

"Meng Ting!" Even though Chief Judge Meng was talking about Nan Zhubin, Xia Tian felt as if she herself was being attacked and turned red, ready to argue.

Slap—

Nan Zhubin placed a hand on Xia Tian’s shoulder, signaling her to stay calm.

The young woman instantly froze as if caught off guard like a Saiyan who had been grabbed by the tail.

Then, Nan Zhubin looked into Chief Judge Meng’s eyes, with a smile on his face.

He saw no doubt or hostility there, rather something similar to what he saw in Chonghui or Weng Pinting upon first meeting them.

It was a look of inquisitive curiosity.

At this moment, there was no excitement on Nan Zhubin’s face from being doubted, rather he nodded slightly in agreement, seemingly affirming Chief Judge Meng’s words.

"So what does Meng Ting mean?" Nan Zhubin asked.

Chief Judge Meng pondered for a moment, "Long-term cooperation requires rigorous research, and my signature means I bear responsibility too. Therefore—I need to know more about you."

"At the very least, I need to understand your specific capabilities, I need to know how you accomplished today’s feat."

"Moreover, aside from talking directly to you, I also need to communicate with Professor Bai, your former colleagues, and learn about your reputation in the industry..."

This long list of tasks required a lot of work.

Although a signature indeed represents responsibility, not many people are willing to prepare so thoroughly just for their own signature nowadays.

Yet, Chonghui started smiling upon hearing this, stepping forward to perform his duties, "So Meng Ting, shall we schedule another time?"

This lengthy preparation was precisely for this purpose, to which Chief Judge Meng nodded, "Sure."

Regarding company matters, Chonghui had much more decision-making power than Nan Zhubin.

The two then began to discuss the details.

Xia Tian’s face gradually returned to normal throughout this process, realizing that today seemed like a futile effort; although she believes in Nan Zhubin, others’ evaluation of him requires a more comprehensive approach.

Especially people in positions like Chief Judge Meng.

She let her concern cloud her judgment.

The embarrassed young woman immediately began to look around, as if trying to find something to do.

"What are you doing?" Nan Zhubin looked on, amused.

"I...I’m looking for that client from earlier, the one with the hat and mask. He’s definitely looking for me about something...Hey, where did he go?"

Nan Zhubin couldn’t help but laugh. At the same time, he looked around and indeed noticed that Nan Zhihao was nowhere to be found.

However, he didn’t pay it much mind, as outside the consulting room, the consultant themselves shouldn’t have too much contact with the visitor.

"Alright, I’ll head out first, we’ll get in touch later."

Meanwhile, Chief Judge Meng and Chonghui also finished discussing the details of the matters at hand.

"Take care." Chonghui was quite courteous.

Chief Judge Meng straightened his clothes and descended the courthouse’s long steps.

Behind him came the cheerful voice of the young woman, hopefully announcing, "Well, since work’s over, let me treat you to dinner, Teacher Nan!"

Chief Judge Meng couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

As he walked, clients and litigants passed by him, some seemingly recognizing this meticulous leader, hesitated whether to strike up a conversation.

Chief Judge Meng, wholly focused, walked all the way to the entrance.

Suddenly, he was stopped.

A petite woman wearing a baseball cap, the brim pressed low, made Chief Judge Meng frown and look for a long while.

"Cousin, off work already..." The woman smiled ingratiatingly.

"Oh, it’s you, Afang." Chief Judge Meng’s eyebrows relaxed a little, but his brow still slightly furrowed, "I’ve looked at your case, and managed to arrange for as much mediation as possible to be handed over to the enforcement bureau, you know that, right?"

"Yes, yes, thank you, cousin..." The woman’s face remained smiling.

Her smile’s curvature didn’t change at all, as if it had become a habit.

Chief Judge Meng nodded, "If there’s any difficulty you’re still facing, you can let me know, I’ll personally do my best..."

...

"Teacher Nan, there’s a great beef offal stew place nearby, let’s go... Teacher Nan, Teacher Nan?"

The young woman waved her hand in front of Nan Zhubin’s eyes, releasing a pleasant fragrance of perfume.

Nan Zhubin shifted a step to the right, as if that hand and scent affected his senses.

His eyes were caught by the two people at the courthouse entrance.

"...Something’s wrong!"