The final day of trial brought character witnesses.
For Shen Jingwei: business partners who praised his integrity. Employees who talked about his generosity. His mother who tearfully described her son as loving and kind.
For Wanyin: Dr. Wang who explained the psychology of abuse. Other women from the shelter who'd experienced similar patterns. And surprisingly, three other women who'd dated Shen Jingwei before Wanyin.
"He did the same things to me," one testified. "Isolated me from friends. Controlled my money. Made me feel like I was nothing without him."
"I had to get a restraining order too," another said. "He violated it seventeen times before he finally gave up and moved on to someone else."
The third woman was shaking so badly she could barely speak. "I thought he'd kill me. The way he looked at me when I said I was leaving... I ran and never looked back."
Shen Jingwei's lawyers objected. "These allegations are irrelevant to the current case."
But the judge allowed it. "Pattern of behavior is relevant in determining credibility."
The women's testimony changed something in the courtroom. You could feel it. The shift from skepticism to belief.
This wasn't about one unstable ex-girlfriend. This was about a pattern.
Closing arguments were straightforward.
Wanyin's lawyer: "The evidence is clear. Mr. Shen is dangerous. He's shown a pattern of harassment, control, and stalking across multiple women. Miss Xu deserves protection under the law."
Shen Jingwei's lawyer: "You've heard emotional testimony but emotion isn't evidence. The fact is, Miss Xu and my client had a complicated relationship that ended badly. That doesn't justify a permanent restraining order that will damage his reputation and business indefinitely."
The judge took a recess to deliberate.
Thirty minutes felt like thirty hours.
When they returned, the judge's expression was unreadable.
"I've reviewed all evidence and testimony carefully. This is a difficult case with strong arguments on both sides."
Wanyin held her breath.
"However, the pattern of behavior across multiple relationships, combined with the documented violations of the temporary restraining order, convinces me that Miss Xu faces a credible threat. Therefore, I'm granting the permanent restraining order. Mr. Shen is to maintain a distance of at least 200 meters from Miss Xu at all times. No contact via phone, email, social media, or third parties. Violation will result in immediate arrest."
Relief flooded through Wanyin so powerfully she thought she might faint.
She'd won.
Shen Jingwei's face went dark. He started to stand but his lawyers pulled him back down.
Outside the courthouse, journalists swarmed.
"Miss Xu! How do you feel?"
"What message do you have for other abuse victims?"
"Do you think Mr. Shen will appeal?"
Sister Mei shielded her, helped her to a waiting car.
But Wanyin paused long enough to say one thing.
"I want other women to know that you can escape. It's hard. It's terrifying. But you can do it. And there are people who will help you."
Then they were in the car, driving away from the courthouse and the cameras and Shen Jingwei's furious expression.
"You did it," Sister Mei said.
"We did it."
That night, Wanyin slept for twelve hours straight. The first real, dreamless sleep she'd had in months.