Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 140 - 139: The Excuse is Lame, Time for a Sob Story

Chapter 140: Chapter 139: The Excuse is Lame, Time for a Sob Story

minutes passed.

The trial continued.

"Defense, do you wish to cross-examine the witness?"

Judge Ni Qiuping sat on the bench, looking at Zhang Wei with a cold voice.

"Your Honor, I..."

Zhang Wei stood up and glanced at the plaintiff’s bench.

He saw Wang Meiyan revealing a viper-like smile, as if a single wrong word from Zhang Wei could invite danger.

In the jury box, countless eyes were also cast upon him.

On the witness stand, Ding Chuntian, the husband, was also holding his child, displaying a tense expression.

"...My client chooses not to cross-examine the witness!"

In the end, Zhang Wei chose not to ask any questions.

"Very well, that is your choice!"

Judge Ni responded expressionlessly and then turned to the plaintiff’s bench, "Lawyer Wang, does the prosecution have any more witnesses to call?"

"Your Honor, we have no more witnesses to summon!"

Judge Ni Qiuping nodded and announced, "Since the defense will not cross-examine and the prosecution has no witnesses to summon, this court will adjourn for today. The next session is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 1 PM!"

Under the judge’s declaration, the court was dismissed.

People began to leave one after another.

"Lawyer Zhang, Representative Cheng, wait a moment!"

Wang Meiyan suddenly called out to Zhang Wei and his group, then handed them a piece of paper.

"Consider it!"

As she spoke, she revealed a cold smile and strode out of the courtroom with a chilling look in her eyes.

"This is..."

"Obviously, it’s the settlement terms, but I am curious, wasn’t Heizu’s goal a class action lawsuit? This is the first case; they shouldn’t be willing to settle, should they?"

Zhang Wei said while passing the note with the terms to Cheng Liang.

Cheng Liang unfolded it and his face immediately changed.

"These Heizu bastards are going too far!"

He yelled in anger, crushing the note into a ball and hurling it away vehemently.

"What are you doing? This is a court of law, littering is forbidden!"

Zhang Wei quickly said something and picked up the note.

He unfolded it and inwardly exclaimed in shock.

The terms Heizu proposed were not monetary compensation for a settlement; they demanded that Chengyi Insurance publicly apologize!

For a company’s reputation, that was indeed a real blow.

"Heizu is intent on aiming for the heart, even if you agree to a settlement and the plaintiffs agree to drop the case. However, once the CEO openly apologizes, it will no doubt be a tremendous loss for the company’s image, potentially triggering a series of worst-case scenarios like a stock price halt and bankruptcy of the company..."

Zhang Wei thought carefully, could it be that Heizu’s goal was a clandestine acquisition of Chengyi Insurance?

They intended to apply pressure through a lawsuit, and then use the class action as a threat to force Chengyi Insurance to issue a public apology.

If Chengyi Insurance took such a step, Heizu could then covertly buy up company shares through commercial maneuvers, eventually swallowing up Chengyi Insurance.

After all, it is difficult to buy a company worth tens of billions, but it’s much easier to acquire a company that has suffered a huge blow to its image and is on the brink of bankruptcy.

However, all this was unrelated to him; his goal was to win this lawsuit.

As long as they stopped the first case, the subsequent class action lawsuits wouldn’t be a problem either.

"Representative Cheng, although you represent Chengyi Insurance, you’re not the CEO. As a condition for a backroom deal, you still need to take this information to the real decision-makers."

Zhang Wei handed the note to Cheng Liang and leaned in to ask, "By the way, can the documents I asked you to prepare be delivered by tomorrow?"

"Lawyer Zhang, don’t worry. I’ve instructed the department to collect them with utmost priority. The cases we have gathered so far are sufficient for your needs tomorrow."

"That’s good to hear. I’m relieved. But prepare to take the stand tomorrow; I will summon you to testify!"

"I understand. For the survival of the company, I will do my utmost!"

Cheng Liang nodded solemnly and added to himself internally.

After returning, I will hint at a salary increase for the leadership. If we get through this ordeal, my retirement fund and year-end bonus must go up!

Zhang Wei and his group said their goodbyes.

He and Yang Fawu returned to the company and informed the CEO of Heizu’s conditions.

As expected, the CEO tore up the note on the spot.

Zhang Wei had lunch outside and then returned to Jincheng Law Firm.

As soon as he entered the office, he noticed that the atmosphere was somewhat gloomy.

"What’s wrong, you didn’t come to see my trial, have you contacted the client?"

Li Yueqin sighed, "We did contact them, but the client seemed unenthusiastic and indifferent towards us."

"Isn’t that obvious? The civil department lost the case before, and we were lucky to pick it up!"

While saying this, Zhang Wei looked at his junior, "Xiao Meng, from now on call the client once each in the morning, afternoon, and evening to show how seriously we are taking the case. Remember to appeal to their emotions and make rational explanations, got it?"

"Uh, I don’t understand..."

Lin Yumeng shook her head; of course, she couldn’t grasp what Zhang Wei meant.

"No worries, just call them once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening. As soon as you get through, show warmth in your inquiries about their well-being and health, that would be enough to show how seriously we take them!"

Zhang Wei comforted her and then sat down to wait.

More than an hour later, an email arrived.

It was sent by Cheng Liang, containing all the information that Zhang Wei needed.

"Alright, tomorrow will be my time to strike back!"

Zhang Wei began to sort through the information, excitement uncontrollably rising on his face.

However, compared to his excitement, the entire criminal department seemed somewhat dead and listless.

Tie Ruyun, Lin Yumeng, and Li Yueqin, seemed to have no positive reaction to Zhang Wei’s case.

Zhang Wei guessed that they were probably affected by media reports.

To be influenced by the media indicated that the three still needed mental fortitude!

A lawyer who can’t stay calm in the face of any situation is not a good lawyer!

...

Thursday afternoon.

"Are you sure you don’t want to come and watch my trial?"

When Zhang Wei had lunch and was ready to go to court, the members of the criminal department showed no interest in coming along.

"I’m not going to watch that trial; the plaintiff is too pitiful, I’m afraid I can’t hold back if I go."

Tie Ruyun shook his head, indicating his reluctance to attend.

"Dear apprentice?"

"Master, I really want to go, but didn’t you ask me to contact the client..."

"Xiao Li?"

"Well, I have to write a report in the afternoon..."

"But isn’t writing reports Old Tie’s job?"

"The team leader asked me to do it. I just love writing reports, so I’m busy this afternoon and can’t go watch your trial either."

"Okay, then!"

Since the three buddies didn’t want to go, Zhang Wei didn’t insist.

Although he knew their excuses were poor, he couldn’t bear to call them out on it.

Taking the subway alone to the city court, Zhang Wei soon met with Cheng Liang.

"After seeing the settlement conditions yesterday, the CEO was very angry and told me to pass a message to Lawyer Zhang, asking you to please prevail in this lawsuit and dampen Heizu’s arrogance!"

"Okay, I got it. Get ready, you’re about to go to court!"

Zhang Wei and Cheng Liang entered the preparation room to get ready for the upcoming trial.

People gradually filled the courtroom.

On the witness stand, Bai Meiqi was present, and surprisingly, sitting next to her was Zhao Qingyan.

"I didn’t expect Mr. Zhao to attend a commercial lawsuit. Are you and Zhang Wei... close?"

"Oh, Xiao Zhang is a junior I think highly of, and my company isn’t too busy right now, so I came to support him."

The company isn’t busy?

Bai Meiqi thought she had heard wrong. Was Zhao Qingyan actually saying he wasn’t busy?

How could the R&D department of a big company not be busy, especially when you’re the Chief R&D Officer and the technical leader? How can you use such a poor excuse, don’t you have any self-awareness?

However, since Blacksmith Technology, Zhao Qingyan’s company, was Jincheng’s biggest client,

They also needed to save face, and she certainly couldn’t expose such a thing.

"Mr. Zhao, they’re here."

Bai Meiqi seemed to sense something and looked towards the entrance of the courtroom.

Zhang Wei entered the courtroom with Cheng Liang and Yang Fawu.

Zhang Wei nodded to Zhao Qingyan, who was sitting in the witness stand, then took a seat in the defendant’s bench.

On the other side, Wang Meiyan also came with the plaintiff Yao Liting, whose husband, Ding Chuntian, and their two children were all present.

After a brief moment of family warmth, they each took their respective seats.

Zhang Wei noticed that every move made by the plaintiff Yao Liting drew the attention of those in the witness stand.

This was the effect of "telling the story" from yesterday; Yao Liting’s tragic experiences captivated everyone’s focus.

"I’m surprised you don’t have any response!"

On the other side, Wang Meiyan walked over to the defendant’s bench and greeted Zhang Wei.

Of course, this greeting could be interpreted as a provocation.

"Your demands were ridiculous. Only a fool would agree to them, right?"

"But you have no chance of winning, and even if you don’t agree, you will still lose the case. Moreover, this is just the first lawsuit, what will you do with the subsequent class actions? Heizu guarantees that Chengyi Insurance will go bankrupt in these cases!"

"Well then, Lawyer Wang, you just try it."

"You..."

Seeing Zhang Wei’s unflappable demeanor, Wang Meiyan was at a loss for words.

She had thought her words would frustrate Zhang Wei to no end, but he seemed full of confidence. Could it be that he had some trump card up his sleeve?

"Impossible, in this trial, my client is ’invincible’. No one could be more miserable than her!" Wang Meiyan quickly shook her head, dismissing this unreliable thought.

Since Zhang Wei wasn’t giving her face, she didn’t want to waste her breath here anymore.

After all, if Chengyi Insurance didn’t know better and ended up bankrupt, they couldn’t blame Heizu for being ruthless!

The advantage is mine in this case, there’s no way I can lose!

PM sharp.

With the arrival of Judge Ni Qiuping, the jurors took their seats, and both the prosecution and defense were in position, ready for the trial to begin.

Gavel strikes!

After Judge Ni struck the gavel, she scanned both sides.

"Now that everyone is here, let’s continue the trial. The prosecution has finished presenting their case yesterday. Today it’s the defense’s turn to speak!"

Zhang Wei rose and nodded to the judge, "The defense calls Chengyi Insurance Company’s representative Cheng Liang to testify!"

"Hmph, finally!"

Wang Meiyan watched as Cheng Liang took the witness stand, barely able to hide the viciousness in her eyes.

She had been waiting for this moment.

If Yao Liting’s testimony yesterday was a killing blow capable of influencing the jury, then when she cross-examined Cheng Liang today, it would be the final nail in the coffin.

She had gathered countless pieces of evidence of calls between Chengyi Insurance and Yao Liting and had even secretly bought off several employees of Chengyi Insurance.

As soon as Cheng Liang spoke up in court, saying what she wanted, she could call these employees as rebuttal witnesses to accuse Cheng Liang of lying.

Then, Chengyi Insurance would be undoubtedly defeated!

"Your Honor, before our representative answers any questions, we would like to request a moment to set up some slides for presentation," said Zhang Wei.

"Slides?" Judge Ni Qiuping appeared puzzled but nodded in agreement nonetheless.

Zhang Wei began setting up in the courtroom.

After a moment, the slide setup was complete.

Zhang Wei started the questioning.

He displayed the first slide and then pointed to a man lying in a hospital bed within the photo, asking,

"Mr. Cheng Liang, please tell us, who is the person in this slide?"

"His last name is Song, and he is one of Chengyi Insurance’s clients!"

"What is the current situation of Mr. Song?"

"Mr. Song, due to the lack of suitable liver donor, unfortunately passed away last year. Incidentally, he had been waiting for a compatible liver donor for two years and never received one."

"Did Mr. Song have any children?"

"He has a son who is currently attending high school. Tragically, his son took the college entrance exam last year and did well, but Mr. Song is no longer able to learn of his son’s results."

"Thank you for your answer, let’s proceed to the next one," said Zhang Wei.

As he spoke, he clicked to reveal the second slide.

This time, a young man appeared, playing basketball.

"Representative Cheng, what about this young man?"

"This young man’s last name is Yang, a college student who should be at the prime of his life. Regrettably, he was diagnosed with liver cancer in his sophomore year. After 14 months of waiting, he finally received a compatible liver donor. Unfortunately..."

Seeing Cheng Liang hesitate, Zhang Wei immediately continued, "Unfortunately, this young man passed away during the preparation for the surgery. And his family has elderly parents; he was their only child!"

"Objection!"

Unable to sit still any longer as Zhang Wei told the story, Wang Meiyan finally spoke up.

"Your Honor, what relevance does the defense attorney’s story have to do with the case at hand?"

"Lawyer Zhang?" Judge Ni Qiuping raised an eyebrow.

"Your Honor, the defense aims to demonstrate through these examples that compatible liver donors are incredibly scarce and many patients have even endured wait times longer than the plaintiff. Additionally, I want to tell everyone in the courtroom that these patients, once cured, would achieve a lifespan longer than the plaintiff!"

"That’s nonsensical, that’s a distraction!"

Confronted with Zhang Wei’s argument, Wang Meiyan could not hold back her frustration, "These are mere excuses from the defense. This case has nothing to do with jumping the queue!"

"My client, if unable to receive a liver donor soon, will miss the best treatment window, and what awaits her then is death. Once my client dies, these insurance company executives will save a great deal of money. I believe everyone present here knows exactly what these people are thinking in their minds!"

"Lawyer Wang, quiet down!"

Seeing Wang Meiyan raise her voice in court, Judge Ni Qiuping could not remain silent.

"And you, Lawyer Zhang, both of you, come here!"

When the judge spoke, both Zhang Wei and Wang Meiyan naturally stepped forward.

Judge Ni Qiuping took a deep breath before looking at the two lawyers.

"Do you know? Because of this case, I’ve been feeling somewhat depressed lately!"

Zhang Wei and Wang Meiyan blinked, not understanding the judge’s meaning.

"On one hand, I have great sympathy for the plaintiff, but as a judge, my duty and integrity force me to make decisions against my conscience. That is exactly why I am so depressed. Have you two understood that!"

Zhang Wei and Wang Meiyan both nodded, indicating they had understood.

However, Judge Ni Qiuping raised a finger pointing to her seat.

"One more thing, this is my workplace, but every day I have to witness the filth in this courtroom and listen to those called ’lawyers’—these venomous, harmful, festering tumors—spew their pointless drivel on my turf. I’m damn depressed. Do you two understand me?!!"

Judge Ni Qiuping finally lost her composure, delivering astonishing remarks heard only by the three of them.

"Lawyer Wang, don’t push me to change my opinion of you. You know very well what kind of people you Blackfoot ones are!"

"And you, Lawyer Zhang, I have heard of your reputation, but I hope you won’t lower yourself to your opponent’s level. Have you got that?"

Both Zhang Wei and Wang Meiyan nodded, but their reactions to the judge’s words were contrasting.

Zhang Wei was somewhat bewildered, totally not expecting the judge to suddenly have a "menopausal" outburst in court.

Wang Meiyan, on the other hand, was slightly annoyed. Why did the judge suggest that her abilities were inferior to Zhang Wei’s?

"Now, let’s continue with the trial. The defense may proceed!"

As Judge Ni Qiuping announced, Wang Meiyan could only sit down sulkily.

"Thank you, Your Honor, for the reminder. Now, I have one last question for Representative Cheng."

Zhang Wei turned to Cheng Liang, "Representative Cheng, yesterday I saw a few numbers. Could you please inform everyone what those numbers represent?"

"Certainly!"

Cheng Liang nodded, "The data Lawyer Zhang saw yesterday is actually quite simple. One of the numbers is 24,700, which represents the number of patients currently waiting for a liver transplant in the medical system. The second number is 421, which is the specific waiting time for each patient."

"In other words, there are about twenty-five thousand people nationwide waiting for a liver transplant, and on average, each person’s wait time exceeds one year, correct?"

"Yes!"

"Although I sympathize with the plaintiff, I must raise a question. Why does the plaintiff believe she can surpass thousands, even ten thousand people, and receive a suitable liver donor earlier than they do?"

Upon saying this, the courtroom stirred once again.

Zhang Wei’s statement had also caused the six jurors to share this doubt.

They had only seen the plaintiff’s tragic story, yet they hadn’t considered that there are many others in the world with even more dire circumstances.

If they ruled in favor of the plaintiff, wouldn’t that be unfair to those who were ahead in line?

This question led the jurors into a state of indecision.

Similarly, in the spectator’s area, many had altered their views.

"So that’s how it is!"

Bai Meiqi almost couldn’t restrain herself from standing up, for Zhang Wei had used this reasoning to refute the plaintiff.

So you think you’re unfortunate? Then I’ll find someone even more unfortunate than you!

You’re still alive, while others can no longer ever receive a liver donor!

Indeed, only something more tragic can defeat tragedy!