Young people must seize every opportunity.

This was the belief Mond lived by and one that most people in the world subscribe to.

Lisa had seized her opportunity, and since she’d come this far, the theater renovation design could only be hers!

If Xia Xiaolan won the lawsuit, Lisa would be disgraced.

Mond’s studio wouldn’t keep a “thief,” and no other firm would hire her, effectively ending her career.

Moreover, she would face Xia Xiaolan’s compensation claims – her years of savings might not even cover the damages. So Lisa absolutely couldn’t lose.

Lisa lowered her head, “Besides Matthew Carlton, there’s another crucial figure, Mrs. Wilson.”

Mond thought about the contact information Mrs. Wilson had slipped him:

“I believe this lady is definitely on your side. Your task is to make Matthew Carlton understand what he should say.”

Young people become too arrogant with little talent, making enemies everywhere.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Mond couldn’t directly approach Matthew; he was the behind-the-scenes player.

Lisa immediately drove to Ithaca. She needed to find Matthew Carlton – this was about timing. After more delay, as the defendant with Matthew as a witness, she wouldn’t be allowed to contact him.

Lisa went to Ithaca with a lawyer, naturally recommended by Mond.

Knowing their opponent was Eric, Mond hadn’t underestimated the situation. The two lawyers Mrs. Dawson had previously brought to Cornell University had already been fired – they were useless. In the shortest time possible, he introduced Lisa to a copyright specialist who regularly worked with record companies.

This lawyer’s first words to Lisa were:

“There’s nothing the law can’t solve. As long as you can pay the legal fees, justice belongs to you.”

Copyright ownership cases were simple.

“Trust me, nobody wants to be caught in litigation, but you have an advantage – you’re in New York, while she’s in backward China. She’ll have to appear in court repeatedly; this will wear her down.”

A lawyer?

More like a legal shark.

Record company artists were sued for infringement every year – there weren’t that many original works; some had hidden agendas. Whenever disputes arose, lawyers became useful. Settlement money and confidentiality agreements were the best solution. If a private settlement failed and it went to court, the strategy was delayed… A simple case could be deliberately dragged out for two or three years – whose life wouldn’t be affected?

The wealthy could wear down the poor.

Though Lisa wasn’t exactly rich, she was at least wealthier than a Chinese student, right?

Mond’s recommended lawyer thought confidently.

He knew Eric had taken the plaintiff’s case, but that meant nothing – Eric often represented poor clients.

Influenced by the lawyer, Lisa grew calmer:

“Multiple court appearances are perfect. Let her travel back and forth between America and China. These young people’s time isn’t worth much anyway!”

Her time was more valuable.

Lisa didn’t want to go to court at all; an out-of-court settlement was ideal, but Xia Xiaolan wouldn’t agree.

Settlements happened when both parties agreed on terms. Unlike the lawyer’s judgment, Lisa knew Xia Xiaolan wasn’t short on money. Although Mrs. Wilson eventually fell out with Xia Xiaolan, initially, she had enthusiastically commissioned her, and there was also a client from HK wanting Xia Xiaolan to design a resort – all this indicated Xia Xiaolan’s connections. Poor people’s friends were usually poor; those who knew wealthy people weren’t usually poor themselves!

Xia Xiaolan had the money for the lawsuit.

Lisa’s advantage was geographical.

The case was in America.

Plus Mond Dawson’s support.

And AIA’s backing.

Lisa gradually cleared her thoughts, knowing exactly what to say to Matthew.

…

“Shit!”

“That’s how things happened.”

Eric shrugged, “You might think it’s absurd, but you’re now a key witness. I’ve handled many cases; I know what happens next. Before you testify in court, Lisa’s side will try to contact you, promising various benefits. You know, whatever you want, they’ll give it. I understand that feeling… it’s too hard to refuse!”

What?!

Matthew wore a horrified expression.

Was this lawyer hired by Xia Xiaolan?

He seemed more like Lisa’s side, trying to persuade him to give false testimony.

But would they give whatever he wanted?

Matthew was skeptical.

“You’re lying to me, right?”

Eric shook his head, “I’m not lying. On the surface, Xia is just suing Lisa, but behind Lisa stands Mond Dawson, and Mond’s interests align with AIA’s. I’m not saying Mond controls the entire AIA, but in this case, even if AIA discovered their mistake, admitting it would be too embarrassing… Bloated institutions, hypocritical bureaucracy – if you’re smart enough, they’ll give you something. What drips from AIA would be precious for an architecture student like you who hasn’t even graduated. You could save 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years of struggle. Can you refuse such temptation?”

Matthew clutched his head, looking tormented:

“God, you’re a devil. Shut up, stop talking.”

The calculating boy was agitated:

“You’re the devil’s messenger, you’ve been bought by Lisa’s side, deliberately trying to tempt me into making mistakes, right?”

Not even saving 20 years of struggle.

Even saving 5 years would put him far ahead of his peers!

So why make him face such temptation?

Matthew shook his head, swaying like a drunk: “She must change lawyers, must change lawyers, you terrible devil!”

Eric suddenly dropped his smile:

“If you find this scary already? No, when they come, you’ll find their offers more tempting than what I’ve described. Matthew Carlton, if you’re wavering now, you’d better tell me honestly. Do you know what kind of people are most despised in this world? Not the thoroughly bad ones, but those who start good and turn bad. People don’t trust bad people, but they trust good people – those who seem quite decent. When such good people turn bad midway, that’s what delivers a fatal blow to my client. If you’re unwilling to testify for her, or can’t handle the temptation, tell me now!”

Eric wasn’t pleading.

His expression was serious as he advanced step by step, forcing Matthew to retreat until he was backed against the wall.

“Matthew Carlton, are you worthy of our trust?”

“Will you testify in court?”

“Are you afraid of the joint pressure from Mond Dawson and AIA?”

“Are you a-“

With nowhere to retreat, this devil was pushing him to the edge. Matthew forcefully pushed Eric away:

“Damn it, the scenario you’ve painted would tempt anyone! I’m just an ordinary person who yearns for success…”