Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 118 - 117 Innocent Girl? Defense Strategy for the Family

Chapter 118: Chapter 117 Innocent Girl? Defense Strategy for the Family

Jincheng Group.

On the 25th floor, by the window seat.

Zhang Wei sat near the window, while Bai Ruoyun sat alone to his left, with Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng sitting opposite her.

"Sitting here is quite comfortable, getting to bask in the sun occasionally, and the view from the window is also nice,"

Zhang Wei felt the warmth of the sunlight and turned to look at the scenery behind him, his face showing enjoyment.

Although the 25th floor wasn’t very high in the Jincheng Building, the view from the window was still nice, and the open design of the visitor’s room did not make people feel oppressed.

The layout of the office area at Jincheng Law Firm was very reasonably designed, clearly the work of a master.

However, compared to his casual manner, Li Yueqin on the opposite side seemed much more constrained, and she was somewhat uneasy about Zhang Wei’s attitude.

Don’t you see the head of the Family Department sitting in front of us, who is also a junior partner of the firm?

You should behave yourself.

But Zhang Wei had no intention of behaving. He felt no awe toward Bai Ruoyun and naturally would not maintain a restrained posture in front of her.

After all, Bai Ruoyun hadn’t said anything.

Zhang Wei was relaxed, and wasn’t relaxation also a sign of confidence?

"The client is here!"

Lin Yumeng’s gaze was always watching the entrance of the law firm, and when she saw an elderly woman with a girl appear, she knew these were the people they were waiting for.

The elderly lady was advanced in years but had an aura of authority. However, the constant running around in recent days had left her looking rather haggard.

The girl looked even more so. At what should be the vibrant age of 18, her complexion was pale and wan, showing an air of fatigue.

"Grandma Wang, over here!"

Bai Ruoyun seemed very familiar with the old woman, greeting her warmly.

"It’s Ruoyun, I’m here!"

Grandma Wang led the girl and sat beside Bai Ruoyun.

"Hello, Auntie Bai," the girl also bowed her head and greeted Bai Ruoyun.

Zhang Wei saw this scene and knew that Bai Ruoyun must be the type of family lawyer who gets close to each of her clients, becoming friends with all of them.

The advantage of this is being close to the clients, and they absolutely trust you.

But there are disadvantages, such as the firm deciding to drop a client, which would also bring a certain amount of emotional stress on oneself.

Zhang Wei didn’t appreciate this approach because getting too close to clients could be very stressful and could add difficulty to the future working relationship.

"Let me introduce you all, this is Xiaoting, the person involved in the case, Zhuo Xiaoting, and this is her grandmother, you can just call her Grandma Wang,"

"As for them, they are the defense attorneys of Jin Cheng Law Firm’s Criminal Division, this is Zhang Wei, the lead attorney for this case, and the other two sisters are assistant attorneys for this case, they will be in charge of your matter."

Bai Ruoyun acted as a bridge, introducing Zhuo Xiaoting to Zhang Wei and the other two.

"Hello, Xiaoting, from now on I’ll be your defense attorney!"

Zhang Wei extended his hand, but the young girl was somewhat afraid.

This feeling was like when Zhang Wei was dealing with Tan Yingying, who was also scared to death.

However, Tan Yingying’s fear was due to the psychological pressure caused by Zhang Wei, while Zhuo Xiaoting was simply shy around strangers.

Zhuo Xiaoting must have been afraid of strangers, including Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng, so naturally, she was even more wary of Zhang Wei.

"Xiaoting, don’t be afraid, they are all here to help you!"

Bai Ruoyun quickly reassured her, then pointed at Zhang Wei, "From now on, he will be the one speaking for you in court, remember his face, okay?"

Only then did Zhuo Xiaoting look up and glance at Zhang Wei.

"Hello, Xiaoting, I have a few questions to ask you."

Zhang Wei saw that the time was right and began the routine questioning.

"First, regarding this case, I’ve also made it clear that the original suspect was your brother, Zhuo Dawu. Do you have any news of him?"

"Humph, why bring him up!"

Upon hearing that name, Grandma Wang couldn’t help but snort through her nose, clearly angered by the man’s actions.

"My brother, he left; we don’t know where he is..."

Zhuo Xiaoting shook her head, without any intention to answer further.

"That makes things difficult, because the current internet climate is cracking down on obscene materials, particularly the Education Department planning to hold several cyber safety lectures for the youth at the beginning of the year; these trends are not in your favor,"

"If I’m not mistaken, Procuratorate Headquarters actually intends to prosecute your brother, but since he is on the run from the crime, and cross-district arrests take time and effort, and aren’t guaranteed to catch him immediately, if they want to make an example out of this case, they can only take you, the ’accomplice,’ as a precedent for sentencing!"

Zhang Wei looked at Zhuo Xiaoting, "The key point of this case is that your brother hid some obscene materials at home and even stashed some of the illegal proceeds in your room. Most importantly, you knew the origin of this money but did not report your brother. Am I right?"

"Xiaoting hasn’t done anything wrong; she was just scared!"

Zhuo Xiaoting did not speak, but Grandma Wang could not hold back.

She disliked Zhang Wei’s pressing questions and pulled Zhuo Xiaoting over to comfort her quickly.

"Okay then..."

Zhang Wei nodded helplessly and then noted the situation in his notebook.

"So, about your brother’s ’work’, to what extent are you aware?"

After he raised the question, he stared intently at Zhuo Xiaoting, as it was critical to the case.

"Grandma?" The latter looked up at Grandma Wang.

Seeing this, Bai Ruoyun quickly intervened, "Xiaoting, tell Zhang Wei everything you know. These are key details of the case, and you must not conceal anything."

She said this and nodded to Grandma Wang as a cue.

Grandma Wang could only nod in agreement, "Xiaoting, go ahead."

"I actually don’t know about my brother’s work, but I know he often hangs out with some bad people. Sometimes they would appear together downstairs from my house, and my brother would get money from them, then hide it in a metal box, and stash the box in my room..."

Zhuo Xiaoting shared quite a bit, and ironically, she mentioned not so much her brother Zhuo Dawu but the people seen with him.

Zhang Wei took notes while nodding.

"Hmm, I understand. Now, let’s return to the evidence presented publicly; based on the Investigative Division’s testimony, when their officers came to search your home, you did indeed attempt to hide the illicit money and goods, right?"

"I..." Zhuo Xiaoting hesitated.

"For this question, please answer me according to what actually happened. What were you thinking at that time? Were you afraid of getting caught, or were you afraid of something else? Do not withhold this information. Let me tell you something, the officer who apprehended you will also testify in court. I need to know if there are any discrepancies in his testimony, but I can’t question him, and he won’t confide in me, a defense attorney, so I can only ask you!"

"At that time, I just instinctively wanted to hide these things, really..."

"So you actually didn’t realize that with the Investigative Division’s search intensity, no matter how you, a young girl, tried to hide the items, it would have been futile, right?"

"I didn’t know..."

Watching Zhuo Xiaoting shake her head, Zhang Wei understood.

It was the young girl’s subconscious reaction, to hide something dangerous, one could say an instinctive action born from her nature.

"Got it!"

Zhang Wei nodded and jotted down some more information.

"Last question, why didn’t you report your brother?"

As soon as he said this, Bai Ruoyun glanced at Zhang Wei.

Zhuo Xiaoting and Grandma Wang were stunned for a moment.

"Sorry, I was too direct. What I want to know is, what made you decide not to report your brother despite knowing he might be up to no good?"

"Lawyer Zhang, don’t you have a family?" Grandma Wang couldn’t hold back and blurted out.

But Zhang Wei just smiled faintly, his expression unchanged, "Yes, I’m an orphan. My parents died when I was young, and I grew up alone, so I don’t have a concept of relatives."

"No wonder you asked such a question."

Grandma Wang looked at Zhang Wei, now understanding his perspective.

"I’ve also asked Xiaoting this question. She told me that although that guy is disappointing, he is still my grandson, and her brother!"

"So that’s it, the bonds of family!"

Zhang Wei nodded, resumed writing.

"Now I understand, and my defense strategy is also confirmed—it’s based on the word ’family’!"

"Family?"

"Exactly, everything Zhuo Xiaoting did was for her family!"

Zhuo Xiaoting and Grandma Wang exchanged glances.

Lin Yumeng and Li Yueqin also looked at each other.

"Family?"

Bai Ruoyun murmured somewhat perplexedly.

What kind of defense strategy was this?

"It’s simple, everything Zhuo Xiaoting did was to protect her family’s safety. As long as we can convince the jury of this, that’s all that matters."

Zhang Wei stated and looked again at Zhuo Xiaoting.

"One last question, regarding your brother’s associates, I believe they also fled, but that’s not the point. What I want to know is, how did these people make you feel when you saw them?"

"They are all bad people, the ones my grandma told me not to go near," Zhuo Xiaoting thought for a moment before answering.

"A very good answer, which shows you have a wonderful grandma!"

Zhang Wei thanked her, nodding at Grandma Wang.

"My questions are over, and now we come to the matter of the trial. If you were asked to testify in court, would you go?"

"Testify in court?"

Zhuo Xiaoting was slightly taken aback; she didn’t quite understand the term.

Bai Ruoyun quickly explained, "Xiaoting, testifying in court means explaining to the jury and others present that you are innocent. It’s a good opportunity to tell your side of the story."

"So many people. I’m a bit scared..." Zhuo Xiaoting said, holding onto Grandma Wang’s hand, her voice filled with unease.

"Xiaoting, this is also your chance. If you don’t tell others you’re innocent, how can you expect them to believe you?" Grandma Wang quickly reassured her.

Zhang Wei squinted his eyes and gave Zhuo Xiaoting a look, shaking his head silently to himself.

"Your current state isn’t suitable for testifying in court. Once the prosecutor launches an attack, it could easily shatter your psychological defenses. You need a trial simulation first before deciding whether to testify!"

As he said this, Zhang Wei patted Lin Yumeng on the shoulder.

"Apprentice, later take our client to the small conference room next door for a mock cross-examination!"

"Okay, Master!"

Lin Yumeng responded with an enthusiastic "OK" gesture.

"Well then, I have no further questions. I’ll head to the Procuratorate Headquarters to feel out the situation. If I can meet with Xiao Baihe and persuade her to drop the case, that would be best!"

"To the Procuratorate Headquarters?"

Hearing that Zhang Wei was going to the Procuratorate Headquarters, Bai Ruoyun was taken aback once again.

Very few rookies dared to say they were going to the Procuratorate Headquarters, especially since Zhang Wei had only joined Jin Cheng Law Firm’s Criminal Division just a few days ago.

How could going to the Procuratorate Headquarters seem as casual as visiting another law firm?

"Apprentice, you and Li Yueqin conduct a mock cross-examination with the client; I’ll go scope out the Procuratorate Headquarters!"

After giving his instructions, Zhang Wei bid farewell to Bai Ruoyun, Zhuo Xiaoting, and the third person.

"Go ahead, Master, we’ve got this covered here!"

"I’ll also help out; it’s a good chance to see how things stand!"

Bai Ruoyun nodded and followed Zhuo Xiaoting into the small conference room.

...

Dongfang Capital, Procuratorate Headquarters.

Zhang Wei came to the Procuratorate Headquarters once again and headed straight for the Serious Crime Division Office.

Of course, on the way, he sent a message to Xiao Baihe.

So, by the time he arrived on the second floor, he saw Xiao Baihe already standing at the top of the stairs with Tan Yingying, hands on her hips.

"It’s really you. Is Jin Cheng out of other criminal defense lawyers?"

Xiao Baihe wasn’t surprised to see Zhang Wei.

But she also felt somewhat helpless because her first confrontation with Zhang Wei was over this case.

"I had no choice. Jincheng Law Firm implements a high-pressure policy, especially the Criminal Division, constantly litigating against your Procuratorate Headquarters with a very low win rate. People are either re-assigned or resign; it’s really tough for an average person to keep going."

"So you’re saying you’re not an average person, huh?"

"Of course not; I just got here early and haven’t felt the pressure yet."

Hearing Zhang Wei’s jovial joke, Xiao Baihe couldn’t help but feel strangely irritated.

"By the way, Xiao Baihe, we’re friends after all. Aren’t you going to invite me in for a cup of tea?"

Zhang Wei didn’t wait for Xiao Baihe’s response and headed straight for the familiar break room.

He took a paper cup from there, poured himself a cup of water, and nonchalantly took a seat at an empty spot, lounging around as if he belonged at the Procuratorate Headquarters.

"Hmph, Ying Ying, let’s go in!"

Xiao Baihe naturally led her junior colleague into the break room for a face-to-face confrontation with Zhang Wei.

She did this deliberately, bringing Tan Yingying along to help her overcome her psychological barriers.

The two sides faced off again.

"Xiao Baihe, you must be clear about this case, right?"

"I have no idea. Maybe Lawyer Zhang would care to enlighten me?"

"How can you feign ignorance when you know so well?"

"What do you mean by that? Aren’t you, Lawyer Zhang, here to talk terms with me? So state your terms!"

"Alright then."

Zhang Wei looked at Xiao Baihe’s attitude and thought for a moment, "How about you all do the same as last time and drop the charges..."

"Drop the charges? You really have the gall to suggest that!"

Hearing Zhang Wei’s terms, Xiao Baihe couldn’t help but burst out.

"What do you think this place is, Procuratorate Headquarters, to withdraw a case just like that!"

"One year, no parole for the first six months!"

"One year, but she’s still just a young girl!"

"She’s already 18 years old, a legal adult, and must be held responsible for her actions!"

"What actions, my client clearly did nothing, resting in her room when the investigators from the task force barged into her home to search..."

"That’s a legal search, because they had a search warrant officially signed by the court!"

"So you are set on this, huh?"

"I’d like to see what you, Lawyer Zhang, can do about it."

Faced with Zhang Wei, Xiao Baihe stood her ground with no inch given, as the two again locked horns.

"This case naturally involves a huge amount of money and extremely serious circumstances. If Zhuo Dawu were caught, he’d be looking at more than ten years in prison. Your client is an accomplice; even with a lenient sentence, she’d face two to three years. I’m now directly cutting her sentence in half for you, what more could you possibly want?"

"No, my client insists she is innocent, it’s not acceptable for her to spend even a year in prison!"

Zhang Wei would absolutely not accept this condition, knowing well that Zhuo Xiaoting and Grandma Wang would not agree either.

"Well then, for the sake of Lawyer Zhang’s face, I’ll cut another two months. Ten months, it’s less than a year now, are you satisfied?"

"Sister Baihe, the supervisor said..."

Seeing Xiao Baihe once again reduce the sentence, Tan Yingying hastily spoke up,

"Ying Ying, shut it, I’m the public prosecutor in this case!"

But her words were immediately interrupted by Xiao Baihe.

After speaking, Xiao Baihe looked at Zhang Wei again.

She had already given Zhang Wei plenty of face, and this ten-month decision was her own, to help Zhuo Xiaoting as well.

"Ten months, huh? Can’t you reduce it any further?"

"Zhang Wei, what do you take me, Xiao Baihe, for? Do you think I’m some easy woman?"

"That you aren’t, but what’s our relationship, huh? Why don’t you make an exception and go easy on me just this once?"

"Get lost!"

Realizing the conversation was veering towards the inappropriate, Xiao Baihe immediately cut it off.

"If you keep rambling, I’ll forward the text messages you sent me to that Silly person, and by tomorrow, I could be seeing you at the mourning daughter’s desk!"

This guy, pulling out the Mo Yuzhu desk threat again!

"Ten months, really can’t cut it down any further?" Zhang Wei squinted his eyes.

"You should have heard about the recent trends; ten months is already the limit I can offer!"

Xiao Baihe’s tone softened, no longer aggressive, and her words carried a hint of humanity.

It appeared she had indeed considered Zhuo Xiaoting’s situation.

"Alright then, I understand. I’ll convey this to my client."

Zhang Wei took his leave, returning to Jincheng Law Firm with Xiao Baihe’s compromised offer in hand.

As for Xiao Baihe, she watched Zhang Wei depart without saying anything more.

After Zhang Wei left, Tan Yingying finally relaxed but still expressed her concern, "Sister Baihe, if they agree to the ten months, how will we explain it to the supervisor?"

"Ying Ying, we are public prosecutors; we are here to punish the bad guys, do you understand?"

"I do, of course."

"No, you don’t!"

Xiao Baihe got up, ready to leave the pantry.

"By the way, Sister Baihe, what kind of messages did Zhang Wei send that you’d threaten him with?"

Just then, Tan Yingying suddenly brought it up.

"What messages? I was just blabbing. Zhang Wei did send me some for case discussion before, nothing more."

"But those messages are all work-related, what’s there to threaten him with?"

"That’s none of your business, don’t pry!"

Xiao Baihe quickly gave a warning, then turned and walked back to her office without looking back.

Leaving Tan Yingying alone in the pantry, somewhat puzzled.

She always felt that there was some secret between Xiao Baihe and Zhang Wei.