MWC – Chapter 203 Pretty Boy?

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

In the dormitory building for instructors at the Internal Guard Military Academy, although Lu Ming had only been here once during the opening ceremony, he still retained his quarters. As the educational commissioner and the head among all instructors, his dorm was of the same standard as the senior officers like Wenge—twice the size of a regular instructor’s room. A typical instructor’s dorm was a small suite with an inner and outer room, while a general’s dorm included a spacious suite with a guest room, effectively a two-bedroom apartment.

On the desk in the outer room, Lu Ming was flipping through documents sent by the police department.

The delinquent killed by Cynthia was named Kusi, with a long record of misconduct—multiple instances of harassing women, violent assaults, and he was currently out on parole.

He also reviewed the statements from Cynthia and the third group of trainees, along with testimonies from neutral witnesses. The accounts were consistent: the deceased had tried to hit on the trainees and got handsy with one of them, then Cynthia lost it.

Just as he was contemplating, there was a soft knock at the door. Lu Ming responded, and the door was gently pushed open.

When Lu Ming looked over, his eyes immediately lit up.

Walking in gracefully was Han Annie, wearing a red officer’s uniform with snowy-white ankle boots. It resembled the female militia parade uniforms from a certain year, but more stylish. She wore a beret, and with her heroic air, the ensemble was a perfect match.

Lu Ming smiled and said, “Long time no see. Missing me already? I hadn’t even abused my power to summon you yet—was going to wait until business was done.”

Han Annie bit her lip. “I’m here on behalf of Class Leader Isabelle. She’s feeling unwell and took a leave of absence. If you want to ask about Cynthia’s usual behavior, I can tell you.”

Lu Ming smiled again. Mary had mentioned that Han Annie and Isabelle had quickly become close friends—besties even—and had arranged to share a double dorm.

“Alright, have a seat,” Lu Ming motioned to the chair across from him. “Help yourself if you want anything to drink—tea, coffee, whatever. Make yourself at home.” He paused. “Oh, I’ll give you the key later. If I’m not around, you can stay here. The environment’s better.”

Han Annie’s delicate face flashed a hint of helplessness, but she acted as though she hadn’t heard and said, “Cynthia is a bit neurotic by nature, so I believe a psychological evaluation is necessary…”

Lu Ming waved her off. “No need to be nervous. Principal Wenge has asked me to assess the situation and give a professional opinion on whether to report the case for military tribunal review. So it’s not necessary to use a mental diagnosis to lessen her responsibility.”

There are three types of military courts:

1. Summary Military Tribunal: A superior officer is appointed as judge, usually for non-criminal violations.
2. Special Military Tribunal: Three officers serve as judges, typically including the suspect’s commanding officer, a military attorney, and an officer from another unit. It handles minor crimes, though some serious crimes can also be judged here.
3. General Military Tribunal: Includes a jury composed of officers and soldiers.

The Internal Guard Military Academy, being an independent military entity in Donghai, could handle its own legal matters, including forming a Special Military Tribunal.

Han Annie clearly understood this and looked slightly relieved. She then asked, “Will you defend her?”

Lu Ming smiled. “I’m the one assessing the case. If I recommend prosecution, I could become the prosecutor—or possibly be appointed by Wenge as one of the three tribunal judges…” He chuckled self-deprecatingly, “Kind of a conflict, right? Evaluating the case and serving as a judge? But that’s just how our military courts operate. In any case, I won’t be Cynthia’s defense attorney.” He added, “In training, did she ever show violent tendencies?”

Han Annie hesitated, then nodded.

Lu Ming thought for a moment. “Then I lean toward giving her a psychological evaluation and handling the case in a Special Military Tribunal.”

Han Annie looked stunned, eyes showing a trace of pity, but in the end she said nothing and shook her head.

Lu Ming smiled. “Actually, here’s the thing—I want to convince Wenge to appoint me as one of the judges. This case sparked some thoughts about the principle of self-defense. I want to argue them in court. I’ll probably never get to be a judge in a civilian court, so a military court is the next best thing.”

He paused. “But Cynthia won’t be able to stay in the military after this. I’ll examine the full case later—still waiting on the forensics report. Can’t say anything for sure until then.”

Han Annie blinked, then scoffed, “Some say you treat the law like a toy. Guess it’s true.” But she couldn’t help asking curiously, “Which principle do you think needs improvement?”

In Donghai’s legal system, self-defense was governed by two main principles:

1. Duty to Retreat – One must prioritize retreat, and only if retreat is impossible can they retaliate.
2. Castle Doctrine – In one’s own home, there is no duty to retreat and one has unlimited rights to counterattack.

The Castle Doctrine extended to one’s personal vehicle as well—no duty to retreat, unlimited rights of defense.

Lu Ming pondered aloud, “I think we should add a third principle: the Stand Your Ground Doctrine. Bringing this up in military court seems fitting.”

“I believe a person in a location where they are legally allowed to be should not have to retreat. If they reasonably believe they are under threat of serious harm or death, they should be allowed to defend themselves by any necessary means.”

“Actually, the Castle Doctrine’s extension to vehicles already hints at the Stand Your Ground idea—but it’s not enough. The area in which a victim can lawfully defend themselves should be expanded.”

“The Duty to Retreat was originally called the ‘Wall’s Edge Principle’—only when backed into a wall, with nowhere else to go, could one defend themselves. This is completely against human nature. When faced with a raised knife, it’s unreasonable to expect someone to calmly consider their options.”

Han Annie listened quietly, then suddenly asked, “Does Isabelle’s judge-mother hear you talk like this all the time?”

Lu Ming froze. “What?”

Han Annie shook her head and stood up. “If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving!”

Lu Ming suddenly understood. “Your class leader isn’t unwell, right? She just doesn’t want to see me—thinks the rumors are true? Thinks I’m her mother’s kept boy?” He was half amused, half exasperated. Did she really believe he was some gigolo raised by her mom?

Han Annie’s big eyes sparkled. She suddenly smiled with lips pressed together and turned to leave.

Lu Ming was flustered. He called after her, “Then tell her, next time she sees me, to call me ‘Father Dearest.’ Since you’re her bestie, you should call me Uncle…”

Then he realized he’d gone too far and quickly shut up. If Christine ever heard that, he was dead. Would probably get skinned alive.

Luckily, mother and daughter didn’t seem close—there was a huge rift. They probably didn’t share heart-to-heart talks. Hopefully, his nonsense wouldn’t make it to a third party’s ears.