Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 127 - 126: March’s Goal, To Take Down 2 Groups?

Chapter 127: Chapter 126: March’s Goal, To Take Down 2 Groups?

Dongjiang Bank, Jincheng Restaurant.

On the second floor of the riverside building, at a table for six by the window.

Zhang Wei and his friends from the Criminal Division were eating and drinking away.

Just a few tables away, Group 2 from the Business Division also started getting lively.

However, what Zhang Wei could overhear was mostly the sound of bootlicking Chief Tian.

"Chief Tian is valorous and brilliant, our Group 2 will surely soar to new heights next month!"

"Chief Tian’s looks rival those of Pan An. I’ve heard many of the logistical staff are interested in you. Could you introduce a few to me?"

"Chief Tian, under your leadership this month, our Group 2 has taken on many cases. Our performance is sure to climb the rankings in February!"

The bootlicking stance of Group 2 had made a deep impression on the Criminal Division folks.

Old Tie and Tie Cuilan were veterans in the firm and were used to such behaviors.

Zhang Wei had seen all kinds of big scenes. A group of bootlickers brownnosing their leader was nothing new or surprising to him.

But Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng were fresh graduates from the university and had never witnessed such scenes.

The two young ladies were instantly shocked by Group 2’s "internal culture."

They were staring for a long time, their expressions continually changing.

From initial shock, to embarrassment, to disgust, and finally to life-questioning disbelief...

They pondered why this group was so adept at sucking up?

"Alright, alright, that’s their internal culture. Let’s not bother with it~"

Zhang Wei laughed heartily, signaling to Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng to stop looking at the next table.

If they like to suck up, let them be.

Let’s just focus on our meal.

But even as he said this, Zhang Wei did not forget the provocation that had come from Group 2 earlier.

Firstly, he was amazed that this bunch kept on praising Chief Tian to the skies—the whole of Group 2 seemed just like the Star Sect from some heavenly tales!

Seeing them circle Chief Tian in adoration brought to Zhang Wei’s mind the image of Star Sect’s followers revolving around their immortal master.

Just like bootlicking, as soon as they left the house, they would be shouting slogans, which was almost the same in Group 2.

If there had been more customers on this floor, they probably would have complained about their appetite being affected.

Secondly, Chief Tian’s disdainful attitude during his earlier provocation left a bad taste in Zhang Wei’s mouth.

He began to think about how to firmly put Chief Tian in his place.

In the firm, especially within the Litigation department, there were many ways to slap Group 2’s face, one of which was...

"Zhang Wei, stop paying attention to them and enjoy your meal. The chefs at Jincheng Restaurant are quite skilled. You better eat something; otherwise, I’d feel bad!"

Seeing Zhang Wei not moving his chopsticks for a long time and looking serious, Old Tie thought the food might not be to Zhang Wei’s taste.

He knew Zhang Wei was a good cook, but occasionally eating something prepared by others shouldn’t be a problem, right?

Zhang Wei finally snapped out of it, hurriedly picked up a slice of fish, and popped it into his mouth.

The taste of the fish was indeed good; the flesh was smooth, fresh and tender, with a moderate salinity. Each piece was translucent, evenly thin, and carried a faint hint of lemony sweetness. The chef’s skill was indeed commendable.

However, Zhang Wei’s attention was no longer on the dining table but on the table nearby.

"Old Tie, I want to ask, this Group 2..."

"Group 2 is just like that. Tian Bin likes to rely on subordinates close to him. There were newcomers who were too proud to suck up to him, and so they were eventually edged out of the department."

Upon Zhang Wei’s query about Group 2, Old Tie promptly replied.

He didn’t like the atmosphere in Group 2 either, but Tian Bin was that sort of person. He liked to hear sweet nothings and practiced nepotism, resulting in Group 2’s perennially low ranking performance in the Litigation department.

"No, Old Tie, you’ve got it wrong. I’m not concerned about Group 2. I want to know how to give Group 2 a severe slap in the face?"

"Hmm?"

Old Tie set down his chopsticks and looked at Zhang Wei with a bewildered expression.

"I’m speaking Dragon Country’ language, aren’t I? Didn’t you understand?"

"No, I heard you, but I didn’t get your point."

"Old Tie, really? As a leader, you can’t even understand this?"

Zhang Wei smirked, and seeing his junior apprentice and Li Yueqin looking over, he quickly explained, "What I mean is, is there a way to make Tian Bin bow his head to you next time he sees you, instead of provoking us arrogantly like earlier, leaving you too intimidated to retort?"

"I mean, come on, Old Tie, you’re a leader after all. You should have some authority!"

"You, calling me Old Tie again and again, how am I supposed to maintain any authority?"

Tie Ruyun was utterly speechless.

"How is it that my leadership comes with so little authority? Don’t you have any clue why that might be?"

Zhang Wei, of course, had no clue; right now, he was even pondering a matter—taking down Team 2.

"Old Tie, I remember you said that the litigation department operates based on performance and rankings. Could our criminal division surpass Team 2 in performance and rankings this February?"

"That’s..."

This question sent Tie Ruyun into deep thought.

If it were only about the win rate, naturally, it was possible. But when considering the other two indicators, legal fees and client satisfaction, then it wouldn’t work out.

It’s well-known that the criminal division doesn’t make money, with the litigation fee alone being a major hurdle.

Seeing Tie Ruyun’s dispirited expression, Zhang Wei knew it was time for him to step up.

"Decided. Our goal for next month is to take down Team 2!"

"No, that’s not right. Our goal every month should be to rank number one in performance within the litigation department. A mere weak Team 2, what kind of goal is that?"

"We, the criminal division, aim to bravely fight for number one in the litigation department!"

At that moment, Zhang Wei radiated an "overwhelming aura," and even chanted the slogan out loud.

"Yes, Master is right. We must bravely fight for number one!"

As Zhang Wei’s apprentice, Lin Yumeng naturally supported her Master and echoed the sentiment.

"Bravely fight for number one!" Li Yueqin certainly didn’t fall behind, as this goal also aligned with her own standards.

What about dreams? What if they actually came true?

"That’s..."

Once again, Tie Ruyun fell silent; he hadn’t expected Zhang Wei to dare to dream so big.

"Old Tie, you’re the leader, can’t you at least play along?"

"That’s..."

Seeing Zhang Wei looking at him, and with Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng also glancing his way, Tie Ruyun had no choice but to reluctantly raise his drink.

"All right, then. Let’s aim to bravely fight for number one..."

Although his words sounded lackluster, Old Tie’s stance was still clear.

"Okay, I’ll think about how to improve performance when I come to work tomorrow!"

Zhang Wei said before sitting back down to eat.

Because of this little episode, this small goal, the atmosphere in the criminal division had become much livelier.

Even though Tie Ruyun had some doubts in his eyes, seeing the mood of the criminal division made him unconsciously smile.

Young people need to have vigor and ambition!

...

The next day.

The pleasant month of February had ended, and it was now March 1st.

Although yesterday felt relaxed, like a Friday, it was actually only Monday.

Today is Tuesday, and it’s still a workday.

Early in the morning, Zhang Wei arrived at the office.

By the time for clocking in, his apprentice, Li Yueqin, and Tie Cuilan had already arrived, but Tie Ruyun wasn’t there yet.

"Where’s Old Tie?"

"He’s at a meeting. On the first day of each month, there’s a department meeting, and today the performance results from last month will be announced. Afterwards, finance will also calculate your internship salary for February!"

"Getting paid on the first of the month; isn’t that great?"

Zhang Wei was somewhat surprised to hear this news.

It’s not the 15th or the 20th for paying salaries, not freeloading half a month from you, Jincheng really is generous!

Finally going to get the salary?

Previously, when he was a public defender, he could only receive a subsidy, earning just a few hundred yuan per case—practically making no money at all.

Luckily, he didn’t have many expenses and could barely manage to feed himself in Dongfang Capital.

Now that he’s entered a law firm, he was finally going to receive a salary.

"Yay, yay, I can finally get paid. I have to tell my mom that I can live independently now~" Lin Yumeng was just as excited, her big eyes nearly turning into crescents upon hearing about getting a salary.

Zhang Wei didn’t bother to comment on his apprentice’s thoughts.

Sometimes, Lin Yumeng was just like a girl who hadn’t grown up yet.

"Forget it, salary is but an external possession, I need to check today’s plan. I’ve promised to strive for the top spot, so I must finalize my first small goal!"

Zhang Wei began to flip through the law firm’s handbook while inquiring with Tie Cuilan about some unwritten "unspoken rules" of the firm.

Meanwhile.

In the litigation department, inside a meeting room.

The head of the litigation department, Shen Zhengyi, finally made his appearance within his own division.

Because on the first working day of every month, he always came down to preside over the department’s routine meeting, and today was no exception.

Shen Zhengyi was a middle-aged man with a quite authoritative appearance, sporting a few strands of white hair at his forehead, dressed in a sharp suit, and looking very hale.

His expression hadn’t changed from the moment he entered the meeting room, maintaining a poker face, without a trace of a smile, and looking as if he was glaring at everyone.

To his left and right were two managers of the litigation department, Li Qingshou and Wang Jianren.

Beneath them sat the seven group leaders of the department, with Tie Ruyun seated at the farthest outer position.

However, across from Tie Ruyun sat a woman in a white suit—none other than Bai Meiqi.

Even though she wasn’t a group leader, as the ace of the litigation department, she was also allowed to attend the department meetings.

And while Shen Zhengyi kept a stern face toward everyone, he would nod in acknowledgment toward Bai Meiqi, clearly treating her differently than others.

That’s the privilege of an ace, to receive exceptional courtesy even from senior partners.

"The performance report for February is right in my hands. Logistics has already compiled all the data, and I can only say that the overall performance for February, compared to before the year, is not very ideal!"

"Leader, February only had a bit more than half a month, plus it’s the first month after the New Year, inevitably..." Li Qingshou murmured while rubbing his hands.

"Hmph, that’s no excuse!"

Before the explanation could be finished, it was promptly cut off by Shen Zhengyi’s cold snort.

"Look at the performance figures. Lawyer Bai is still number one individually, and no one in the entire department has even reached a third of her tally. Should I praise her, or should I scold the rest of you for being useless!"

"Furthermore, it’s not just about the litigation fees, the client satisfaction area is also lacking. You all understand the big boss’s attitude—he is the President of the Dongfang Capital Lawyers Association, and our firm has always valued its reputation. The litigation department is the face of the company; we can’t relax when it comes to client satisfaction!"

"Yes, yes, the leader is right!"

Li Qingshou and Wang Jianren quickly echoed in agreement.

As for the group leaders, they all sat upright without daring to breathe too loudly.

"The performance ranking of our litigation department hasn’t changed much since last month, but I need to highlight Group 7!"

At these words, everyone in the meeting room turned to look at Tie Ruyun.

There were a few group leaders who cast glances that held a touch of schadenfreude.

The criminal section’s results being the last again was nothing new, and Shen Zhengyi was one to take things seriously, so it was expected he’d erupt into anger.

After all, at every routine meeting, Shen Zhengyi always picked on someone, and that person was inevitably the one whose results were at the bottom.

Last year, Tie Ruyun had to endure a maelstrom nearly every month.

This was an open secret to everyone.

But others were quite pleased; as long as they weren’t the target, there was nothing to worry about.

"Tie Ruyun, your Group 7..." Shen Zhengyi began.

Here it comes, here it comes!

Shen Zhengyi’s storm of fury was about to unleash!

"...recently has performed quite well. The case win rate and approval rating are higher than any month last year, and if not for the limitation on the types of cases, which prevents you from increasing the litigation fees, you would have surpassed Chief Tian’s group!"

What the hell, Boss Shen didn’t chew anyone out?

All the group leaders, along with the two managers, were completely dumbfounded.

This wasn’t following the expected script at all. Wasn’t he supposed to berate Tie Ruyun?

Why isn’t he doing so today?

"Li Qingshou, you mentioned before that February only had a bit more than half a month and that it was the first month, right?"

"Yes, leader..."

"Then what’s with Group 7’s performance? Their results for the entire month of February are higher than any month last year, and their whole group consists of newcomers. How come they have improved? Don’t tell me you’re all regressing while only Group 7 can advance?"

"This..."

Li Qingshou hadn’t expected Group 7’s performance to improve and was momentarily at a loss for words as the leader’s remarks caught him off guard.

Shen Zhengyi, however, was indifferent to his subordinates’ expressions and continued, "Also, there’s another matter. In March, there’s a Public Welfare Association event, and the big boss along with the other few leaders of the Top Ten Firms have agreed that we should all contribute some personnel to go to the worker’s union."

"This task falls on our litigation department’s shoulders. Later you’ll count how many people in the department don’t have cases on their hands, select a few, and make a list for me!"

Hearing it was for the Public Welfare Association, both Li Qingshou and Wang Jianren frowned.

Not just them, the faces of the group leaders from the litigation department also turned bitter, as it meant taking on pro bono cases.

Bai Meiqi wasn’t the least bit surprised; she knew the big boss valued reputation and had never been short on public welfare and charity work, leading the charge every spring to rally people for charitable activities.

However, Bai Meiqi herself had never participated even once, because she was simply too busy. With a constant stream of cases on her hands, the law firm wouldn’t allow their ace lawyer like her to attend public welfare events.

"Alright, let’s have everyone update on the progress of your cases. Lawyer Bai, why don’t you start?"

Shen Zhengyi finished instructing on the big boss’s business matters, and then started to get updates on the group’s situation.

"Certainly, Chief, I’ve recently taken on four commercial litigation cases, and the one that’s furthest along will be going to trial this week. At the moment, feedback from the client is..."

Department meetings naturally required updates on project and case progress, and such reports were quite tedious.

However, you couldn’t just skip reporting because Shen Zhengyi would also critique, offer opinions, and even issue directives, which you needed to record meticulously.

After a round of reports finished, nearly an entire morning had passed.

"The criminal department currently has no cases; we closed all of last month’s cases!"

When it came to Tie Ruyun’s turn, his report was succinctly summed up in one sentence.

"Good job, I hope you keep up the momentum from February. The big boss actually places great importance on the criminal department!"

"That’s all, you may dismiss..."

Shen Zhengyi rarely nodded at Tie Ruyun and then dismissed everyone.

"Tian Bin, stay behind!"

Seeing everyone was about to leave, Shen Zhengyi suddenly added a remark.

At that moment, everyone else in the conference room breathed a sigh of relief, but only Tian Bin’s expression was quite colorful.

Because Shen Zhengyi called Tian Bin’s name, it meant that he replaced Tie Ruyun as the target for today’s scolding.

As Tie Ruyun stepped out of the conference room, he let out a breath of relief, grateful that this month it wasn’t him being scolded.

He felt a sense of relief in his heart~

He didn’t dare linger outside the conference room, since roars would soon be coming from inside.

"Congratulations, Group Leader Tie!"

But before he got far, Bai Meiqi called out to him.

"Lawyer Bai, there’s nothing to congratulate about; our group is still at the bottom."

"No, I’ve looked at your group’s cases, especially my cousin’s case, which I’ve been following closely. I must say, that final statement in the case was superb!"

Bai Meiqi approached Tie Ruyun, "Was that closing argument something you helped your team member come up with?"

"This, well, it was actually Zhang Wei’s own spur-of-the-moment inspiration..."

"Zhang Wei, that name is quite special; it’s almost identical to a ’Mysterious Lawyer,’ interesting!"

Bai Meiqi muttered to herself and nodded at Tie Ruyun before leaving on her own.

"Mysterious Lawyer, which mysterious lawyer?"

Tie Ruyun also muttered to himself, his mind not quite catching up.

"Tian Bin, what are you even good for!"

"Coming in second to last again, your commercial group brings in the highest litigation fees in the department, yet you nearly got surpassed by Group 7. Aren’t you embarrassed?"

"You damn..."

But his thoughts were quickly interrupted by the roaring coming from the conference room behind him.

Listening to that deafening, high-decibel voice, Tie Ruyun chuckled.

After all, he had been the one to endure the manager’s firepower for most of the previous year, and today, it was Tian Bin’s turn; he couldn’t help but feel a touch of schadenfreude.

Because he hadn’t been scolded, Tie Ruyun was in a good mood as he returned to the criminal group’s office, a hint of a smile on his face.

"Old Tie, you’re finally here. I’ve discovered we can take down Group 2 this month!"

But no sooner had he stepped into the office did the smile on his face suddenly freeze.

"Kid, what are you talking about? Taking down Group 2? We’re the criminal group, we don’t really have a way to..."

"Old Tie, for a lawyer with five years at the firm, it’s surprising you haven’t spotted these treasures!"

Zhang Wei didn’t care about what Tie Ruyun thought and pointed to the two cardboard boxes on the floor.

"These are..."

"These are lawsuits rejected by the commercial and civil groups, mostly public welfare litigation. They’ve turned them all down, but in my eyes, they’re all treasures!"

"Treasures?"

Tie Ruyun looked at Zhang Wei, then down at the two boxes on the floor.

Were these not just the cases that couldn’t be worked on, how did they become treasures to you?