Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 135 - 134: Is Zhang Wei Awesome? Wang Meiyan’s Provocation

Chapter 135: Chapter 134: Is Zhang Wei Awesome? Wang Meiyan’s Provocation

(Yesterday’s update was too fierce, so today will slow down; probably... maybe... perhaps... there will only be one Chapter updated...)

PS: Happy New Year to my dear readers. Since it’s the New Year, everyone should go out and have more fun~

...

Dongjiang Business District.

Chengyi Insurance, reception meeting room.

As Zhang Wei began to speak, the originally tense atmosphere here changed.

At least for Cheng Liang, he could breathe a sigh of relief for the moment.

The suppression from Blackfoot had someone to block it for him.

Although Cheng Liang wasn’t confident in Zhang Wei, the latter was, after all, a help to him.

"This... Lawyer, may I ask who you are...?"

Cheng Liang took a careful look at Zhang Wei and realized that the other party was too young, probably not someone from a big law firm.

Wang Meiyan felt the same way, judging that this youngster was simply full of youthful vigor, trying to act the hero, right?

Her face showed a sneer, her gaze that of a serpent, filled with sarcasm and contempt.

A newbie, wanting to make a name for himself, but ends up provoking Blackfoot.

Simply seeking death!

"My name is Zhang Wei, from Jincheng Law Firm. Here’s my business card!"

As he spoke, Zhang Wei stood up and handed his business card to Cheng Liang.

"Jincheng Law Firm!"

Hearing that Zhang Wei was from Jincheng, Cheng Liang became solemnly respectful.

"People from Jincheng!"

Wang Meiyan also put away her sarcastic expression, her eyes flashing with strong wariness.

Although Blackfoot was one of the Top Ten Firms, this time they were facing Jincheng Law Firm, the leader of the Top Ten Firms.

"So you are the lawyers from Jincheng Law Firm, I’ve heard much about you... uh, Criminal Division?"

As Cheng Liang took the business card, he immediately noticed something was amiss.

Why did it say "Criminal Division" on the business card, and why were the words "Tie Ruyun" written on it?

You said you were Zhang Wei, but the names can change too?

"Oh, that’s our division head; we are under him. He got stuck in traffic, so he couldn’t make it to the meeting. But Representative Cheng can rest assured, I will be in charge of this case. My leader’s presence would just be a formality!"

Putting the issue of the business card aside for now, could Cheng Liang feel at ease about Zhang Wei?

The answer was obviously no!

"But, you are a criminal defense lawyer, and my company’s case is a civil lawsuit, isn’t it?"

"Representative Cheng, rest assured, we are all from the litigation department. Besides, I also have experience dealing with medical disputes and insurance disputes. Please be assured, I am a professional!"

Although Zhang Wei said so, Cheng Liang didn’t see it the same way.

"Hahaha, I thought it would be Jincheng Law Firm’s Commercial or Civil Division who came, turns out it’s the people from the Criminal Division!"

All of a sudden, Wang Meiyan burst into laughter.

"In the Dongfang Capital Lawyer Circle, who doesn’t know one thing: the criminal divisions of law firms are not really up to par, so the big law firms don’t set up specialized criminal divisions—that would be a waste of resources."

"It’s only Jincheng Law Firm, your big boss Lin Xiangtian who is competing for the Chairman of the Lawyer’s Association, who specially established a criminal division for taking on pro bono cases, but isn’t your Criminal Division always at the bottom of the firm?"

What Wang Meiyan said was common gossip among the elite law firms, and although not necessarily true to the letter, she believed that it was mostly accurate.

Their Blackfoot firm didn’t have a Criminal Division, at most they let a few "All-Purpose Oil" lawyers occasionally take on some cases.

What level of competence could Jincheng Law Firm’s Criminal Division possibly have, probably just a ragtag bunch?

"Lawyer Zhang, your Criminal Division..."

Cheng Liang, although he did not wish to offend Jincheng, knew that this case was tricky.

If Jincheng had sent someone from the Civil Division, he could have immediately decided to sign the contract. But because it was the Criminal Division, the expertise didn’t match.

"Representative Cheng, it seems that you don’t quite trust me, do you?"

Zhang Wei said, motioning towards Lin Yumeng, who promptly ran forward and handed over the folder she was holding.

"This is a litigation plan I’ve prepared for your company’s case. You can let someone with the authority to decide take a look. I believe that after they review it, they’ll know what to do!"

"This..."

Cheng Liang looked at the folder which Zhang Wei handed over, hesitating.

The main reason was Zhang Wei’s identity with the Criminal Division, and also, since things hadn’t been firmly decided, he didn’t dare to alarm the board of directors above him.

Although he was the representative, he was really just a high-level employee. If the plan he took was not satisfactory to the leadership, he could also be directly held accountable by them.

If he ended up losing a job with an annual salary of millions, wouldn’t that be a huge loss?

"Another plan, very thorough preparation, huh?" Wang Meiyan said with a sneer, looking at Zhang Wei with disdain.

"Yes, at least better than someone who just cares about applying nail polish after entering the office, right?"

Since the other party dared to provoke him, Zhang Wei naturally retorted.

"You..."

Wang Meiyan had never expected that a newcomer without even a business card would dare to challenge her.

So what if you are from Jincheng? Are we at Blackfoot supposed to be afraid of you?

If Lin Xiangtian were here, she, Wang Meiyan, would naturally admit defeat, she could even kneel and apologize.

But now, a nobody dares to mock me?

"You..."

"Lawyer Wang, I should remind you, before you lose your temper, inquire about who I, Zhang Wei, am?"

Just as Wang Meiyan was about to explode, Zhang Wei directly interrupted her.

"Really, you’re making granny laugh, a nobody like you dares to..."

"Go ask your Hu Yaode at your law firm, he knows who I am!"

"You know Lawyer Hu from our firm?"

"I’ve had the good fortune to talk to him briefly, but unfortunately never had the chance to go against him. Speaking of which, Hu Yaode even invited me to join Blackfoot, but alas, I refused!"

Zhang Wei’s claim was somewhat inscrutable, leaving even Wang Meiyan unsure of his identity.

This kid, does he actually have a connection with Lawyer Hu? Otherwise, why would he invite him to join the firm?

Hu Yaode is a junior partner at Blackfoot and recently, there were rumors within the firm that the boss was planning to promote Hu Yaode to a senior partner.

Wang Meiyan, merely a five-year lawyer and not even a partner herself, could not afford to offend Hu Yaode.

"Fine, you’ve got guts!"

Wary of Zhang Wei’s identity, Wang Meiyan huffed and left the meeting room with her assistant.

She decided to give Hu Yaode a call to confirm Zhang Wei’s identity.

Wang Meiyan did not go far but stood near the public corridor and took out her phone to dial Hu Yaode.

"Hello, is this Lawyer Hu? I am the five-year lawyer Wang Meiyan!"

"I know you, you went to Chengyi Insurance for a case, how did it go?"

Although Hu Yaode found it odd that Wang Meiyan was calling him, since he was about to be promoted to senior partner, occasionally caring about his subordinates was appropriate.

"Lawyer Hu, the thing is, I almost had this case in the bag, but then someone came along and messed it all up."

"Oh, someone causing trouble? Who dares to steal Blackfoot’s case? Do they have a death wish?"

Hearing Wang Meiyan’s statement, Hu Yaode was surprised.

Those who would steal a case from an insurance company shouldn’t be from one of the Top Ten Firms; after all, they were not Blackfoot and had reputations to consider.

"Lawyer Hu, this is the tricky part, they are from Jincheng, and he said you know him?"

"Someone from Jincheng, who is it?"

Hu Yaode was even more astonished. Jincheng’s big boss, Lin Xiangtian, always cared about his reputation, didn’t he?

Taking a case from an insurance company, that didn’t make sense.

Moreover, although he knew many people from Jincheng, there weren’t many he was truly close to.

For this case, mentioning a connection with himself, who could it be?

"He said his name is Zhang Wei, and that you even invited him to join our Blackfoot."

"Zhang Wei, it’s that little bastard!"

Well, the previously calm Hu Yaode changed his tone upon hearing that name.

Wang Meiyan was also surprised.

Who was this Zhang Wei, to get Lawyer Hu so agitated?

"Wang Meiyan, are you sure it was Zhang Wei who took this case?"

"Yes, he looks quite young. He just mocked me face to face and even said bad things about you, Lawyer Hu!"

"Then there’s no mistake, it’s that kid!"

Hu Yaode could confirm one hundred percent that it was indeed that Zhang Wei!

"Wang Meiyan, now I’m giving you a task. Go and get rid of the plaintiff’s attorney and take over the case. Crush Zhang Wei’s arrogance for me!"

Hu Yaode had originally wanted to take action himself, but since he was about to become a senior partner, it wouldn’t do to lower his status over a minor lawyer.

Letting Wang Meiyan do the job, he could sit back and strategize, which was a leader’s duty.

"Lawyer Hu, do you mean, let me confront that Zhang Wei?"

"Exactly, and not only that. I will also lend you a hand. The claim amount for this case is not small, and once we win, it will be a big opportunity for Blackfoot. I will have other departments support you with all their might!"

"Thank you, Lawyer Hu, I know what to do now!"

"Wait, since you’ve met with Zhang Wei, can you relay a message to him for me... "

Hu Yaode instructed a few words over the phone, and Wang Meiyan nodded in understanding.

...

Meanwhile, inside the conference room.

"Representative Cheng, now that I’m the only one left here, why don’t you take this proposal to someone who can decide on it? After all, you can’t come all the way here and leave empty-handed, right? With this proposal, you can also explain things to your leadership, can’t you?"

Zhang Wei smiled and gestured for Cheng Liang to take the proposal.

"Alright then..."

The latter, having no choice, followed Zhang Wei’s advice and took the proposal into the company’s inner workings.

Cheng Liang found the person truly in charge at Chengyi Insurance and presented them with Zhang Wei’s proposal.

The person was actually the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Cheng Liang’s immediate superior.

At first, the superior was surprised that Cheng Liang had brought back a document, but after hearing the reason, he took the proposal.

After a cursory glance, his brows furrowed.

This development made Cheng Liang’s heart sink.

Was his superior unsatisfied, putting his job at risk?

Now that he was middle-aged, he was well past the golden age for switching jobs. He still had an unpaid mortgage and car loan. If he lost his job, wouldn’t that mean he’d have to jump off a building?

Cheng Liang was internally anxious, but his superior merely tossed the proposal aside.

"Who made this proposal, have you looked at it?"

"No, I haven’t..."

"Then take a look!"

Since the CEO had said so, Cheng Liang could only pick up the document and flip it open.

The document contained just one sentence, no images, and no tables or data—just a simple sentence.

[If the defendant is in a pitiful situation, then we have to appear even more pitiful. Who can’t play the victim?]

"This..."

Cheng Liang couldn’t believe his eyes; this was the plan given to him by the person from Jincheng Law Firm.

He regretted it, why hadn’t he looked at it first?

Just like that, he had handed over a "proposal," or rather, a sheet of paper with a single sentence, to his boss.

"Boss, I... I’ll go out now and send them away!"

"They are making fun of our company, these Jincheng lawyers, it’s simply outrageous!"

Cheng Liang finally lost his patience and started cursing. If he didn’t make a stand now, he could really lose his job!

"Stop!"

However, his action was halted by his superior.

"Even though this sentence doesn’t seem useful, it makes me feel like this lawyer is hiding something. Did he tell you his name?"

"He said his name is Zhang Wei."

"Zhang Wei?"

The superior booted up the computer on his desk and typed the name into Baidu, and soon, a list of information popped up.

He browsed for a bit until the content of one webpage caught his eye.

"Zhang Wei, is it that Zhang Wei?"

"Boss, what do you mean?"

Cheng Liang didn’t understand. Zhang Wei was such a common name; could there be some story behind it?

"Cheng Liang, you will take full charge of this case. As for the requests from Lawyer Zhang, try to accommodate them as much as possible. If there are any issues, report directly to me!"

His superior issued the order without considering what his subordinate was thinking.

"Go ahead now. If Lawyer Zhang is willing to help us, there could be a turning point in this case!"

With a wave of his hand, he dismissed a baffled Cheng Liang.

Once Cheng Liang had left, the superior turned his attention back to the computer screen.

"Lawyer Zhang Wei, who won the Wang Yuqing case, has actually taken a case for our insurance company. This is something big."

"But then again, the lawyer who won that case without gaining any fame would be none other than Lawyer Zhang, who had cursed out the media, leading to them blocking news about him!"

"In Dongfang Capital, you can offend anyone but the media, or you’ll end up an obscure lawyer like Zhang."

He lamented for a while, but his mood seemed to have improved significantly.

...

Inside the meeting room.

Zhang Wei didn’t have to wait long; Cheng Liang soon returned.

Although he was utterly confused, since the company’s boss had said so, there was nothing he could do about it.

"Lawyer Zhang, our company’s CEO has looked at the proposal, and he thinks highly of your literary grace and fluid writing style. He finds the proposal to be thoughtfully and elegantly written. He’s very pleased and has decided to entrust this case to you!"

God knows how awkward Cheng Liang felt saying these insincere words.

He had to flatter against his will in just a short sentence, which he could hardly stand.

"Well, that’s great. We can sign the contract next Monday. Then, we’ll be on the same team."

Zhang Wei smirked and raised his eyebrows at Lin Yumeng and Li Yueqin.

The outcome left both of them speechless.

They had seen the proposal too. In fact, Zhang Wei had whipped up that statement on a whim before leaving, feeling that he needed to present something to live up to the reputation of Jincheng Law Firm, so he’d casually penned a few words.

At the time, Lin Yumeng and Li Yueqin thought if such a proposal got approved, only if the person in charge had been kicked in the head by a donkey.

Now, it seemed the opposing party had not only been kicked in the head, but their thinking was even abnormal, wasn’t it?

"Alright, Lawyer Zhang, what you say goes, what you say goes!"

As the case’s follow-up person, Cheng Liang remembered the CEO’s words clearly and did not dare to argue with Zhang Wei.

"Let’s go then, back to the firm to work on the contract content..."

As Zhang Wei was speaking, he pushed the door of the meeting room, ready to leave.

But suddenly, Wang Meiyan blocked his way, looking provocative.

"Wow, Lawyer Wang, haven’t left yet?"

Zhang Wei looked at her and smiled slightly, "But sorry, Chengyi Insurance has decided to sign with us, and your Blackfoot has no chance now."

"Hmph, what does it matter if you sign? Blackfoot has no interest in a case that’s sure to lose!"

Wang Meiyan scoffed, then shouted toward Cheng Liang, "Representative Cheng, since you’ve hired Lawyer Zhang Wei to help, then we’ll see you in court!"

"Lawyer Wang, what do you mean? We Chengyi Insurance have hired Jincheng, what does that have to do with you at Blackfoot?"

"Hahaha, looks like you’re not aware, we at Blackfoot plan to represent the plaintiff. When the time comes, we’ll be your opponents in court!"

After explaining, Wang Meiyan looked at Zhang Wei again, her gaze growing colder.

"Lawyer Zhang, Lawyer Hu asked me to pass on a message to you."

"Oh, go ahead."

"He said, ’You little rascal can only be smug for a few more days. Now that you represent Chengyi Insurance, we’ll sue them into bankruptcy. Once your client goes bankrupt, and you as their lawyer, will be nailed to the pillar of shame in the Dongfang Capital legal circle for life, carrying this stain forever!’"

"Sure, but please relay a message to Hu Yaode for me. I’ve slapped his face before, I don’t mind doing it again."

"Don’t overestimate yourself. How dare you provoke Lawyer Hu!"

"Lawyer Wang, just be the messenger; there’s no need for all the bluster."

Zhang Wei ignored Wang Meiyan’s challenging gaze and instead waved his hand, "Alright, you’ve delivered the message. We’ll see who’s right in court. But let me advise you, don’t be too confident. Who said you’re guaranteed to win?"

"You must be joking. We have the case in the bag. If I, Wang Meiyan, lose, I’ll call you daddy right there!"

"No, thanks. I don’t need another daughter. But you can call me Grandpa Zhang; I don’t mind another granddaughter!"

"You’re asking for it!"

Wang Meiyan had never been so challenged before, and since Zhang Wei was asking for it, she was willing to oblige.

"If I win, I’ll have you call me great-grandma three times!"

"No problem, a bet’s a bet, Lawyer Wang!"

Wang Meiyan glared fiercely at Zhang Wei and left with her assistant.

"Master, do we really need to bet so heavily, with all this talk of grandpas and great-grandmas?"

"Xiao Meng, it’s just calling someone an ancestor, didn’t bet much. If you like it, shall I call you ’little ancestor’ a few times?"

"No thanks, Master, it’s too cringeworthy!"

"Then let’s drop it and head back. We’ll talk about signing the contract and the representation agreement next Monday."

With that, Zhang Wei waved goodbye to Cheng Liang inside the meeting room, "So, Representative Cheng, see you next Monday!"

"Take care, Lawyer Zhang..."

Cheng Liang escorted Zhang Wei out of the company, his demeanor very polite.

However, once he had seen Zhang Wei off, his face fell again.

Because he had heard everything Wang Meiyan had said at the end.

The thought of the plaintiff changing lawyers, and even more so to one from Blackfoot Law Firm, gave him a huge headache.

"Is Lawyer Zhang really capable?"

"If we lose this case, it’s not just my job on the line, the company could go under too!"