Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 145 - 144: Son and Daughter-in-law Join Forces, Zhang Wei’s Tactics

Chapter 145: Chapter 144: Son and Daughter-in-law Join Forces, Zhang Wei’s Tactics

Mid-March.

Monday had come around again, the start of the work week.

Zhang Wei got up early, full of vim and vigor.

He put down the stack of documents he was holding and pressed his thumb against his temple.

"I had no idea there were so many intricacies in this case!"

"If my prediction is correct, Elder He Qingnian shouldn’t come alone today, after all, he has two sons..."

With these thoughts in mind, Zhang Wei was already on his commute to the law firm.

Jincheng Law Firm, Criminal Division office.

When Zhang Wei arrived, he found to his surprise that he wasn’t the first one there.

"Little apprentice, how come you’re here so early!"

Lin Yumeng had already arrived; it was not even 7 in the morning yet—it was hard to imagine the girl getting up so early.

"Elder He said he would come this morning. I didn’t know exactly when, so I just..."

Indeed, clients are always the driving force for lawyers!

Watching Lin Yumeng, who was trying hard to keep herself alert, Zhang Wei patted her small shoulder.

At this moment, Lin Yumeng demonstrated the qualities of an excellent lawyer.

She was willing to sacrifice and force herself to change for her clients—that is progress!

"Xiao Meng, your dedication is commendable, but I reckon that when the client arrives, it will still have to be me who receives them..."

"Why, Master? Didn’t we agree that I would be the lead attorney?"

Upon hearing what Zhang Wei said, Lin Yumeng immediately became unhappy, her lips pouting, her face almost bearing the words "incomprehension" and "about to cry."

"Well now, do I have another daughter on my hands?"

Zhang Wei muttered to himself, but still made a reluctant concession, "Alright, if the client comes alone, you can receive them. But if not..."

"Yo ho, you two are here so early?"

Zhang Wei was cut off before he could finish his reminder by Tie Ruyun.

His arrival was not late either, a bit earlier than his usual time.

After a while, Li Yueqin also showed up.

However, she hadn’t been in the office the previous day and wasn’t up to date on the client and the case.

Upon seeing Lin Yumeng had arrived so early, she too showed a look of astonishment.

"Did the client say they were coming today? Around what time?"

Tie Ruyun, as the team leader, quickly asked.

"Elder He said this morning; Master said I should receive him. I’m so nervous~"

"What’s there to be afraid of? Receiving a client is simple. You just need to keep smiling, be sincere to the other party, and not think about deceiving the client. You know, the first time I received a client..."

"I’m so envious of you, Xiao Meng, getting to receive clients for civil litigation all by yourself..."

Due to her nervousness, Lin Yumeng started chatting with Tie Ruyun and Li Yueqin to alleviate her stress.

This caused Zhang Wei to hold back the words that were on the brink of escaping his lips.

After all, he had no opportunity to interject.

8:50 AM, the Criminal Division office.

"Oh, the client has arrived? In Reception Room 4 downstairs, we got it!"

Upon receiving the call from the reception desk, Tie Cuilan didn’t even have to remind Lin Yumeng, who rushed down in a hurry.

Zhang Wei and Tie Ruyun quickly followed suit, while Li Yueqin "held the fort" in the Criminal Division office.

On the 25th floor, inside a small reception room.

He Qingnian was seated, but he had not come alone; three people sat beside him.

In fact, He Qingnian had arrived at the law firm around 8:30, but Jincheng’s reception had not yet started their shift, so they couldn’t notify the Criminal Division.

He Qingnian didn’t say much, but the three people beside him couldn’t hold back.

"Old man, what’s up with these people? Making us sit here and wait; it’s been almost 20 minutes—how come they haven’t come down yet?"

A bald man grumbled with a displeased face, almost literally writing "I’m very unsatisfied" on his visage.

Next to him sat a man and a woman; the man wore glasses and had a slim build, just like He Qingnian, appearing quite scholarly in contrast.

However, the woman sitting next to him had a frosty expression, a face of harshness, and looked down upon everyone.

Though the woman sat beside the bespectacled man, in the glances she threw at the bald man and He Qingnian, one could detect a trace of disdain.

Having waited for nearly 20 minutes, both the cultured-looking bespectacled man and the woman’s faces began to show a hint of displeasure.

"What’s wrong with sitting and waiting? We’ve walked so much this morning, can’t we sit down and rest?"

He Qingnian looked at his two incompetent sons with dissatisfaction and muttered.

Besides, he hadn’t called for the two of them; it was they who insisted on coming along.

He Qingnian felt vexed too. By all accounts, both his sons had stopped associating with him, so why did they show up right after he had swept his wife’s grave yesterday?

And, hearing that he was to visit the law firm today, the two sons insisted on accompanying him, which puzzled He Qingnian even more.

"Sorry, Grandpa He, I’m here~"

At the reception room’s entrance, Lin Yumeng’s voice rang out.

"Fuck, making us wait like this, what is your law firm even doing, you guys..."

The bald man, upon hearing someone arriving, couldn’t hold back and was about to explode with a roar of dissatisfaction.

But when he saw that the newcomer was a cute girl, he forcefully choked back his words.

Whistling~,

He gave a wolf whistle and then smiled, "Yo, it’s actually a young girl!"

"You little brat, behave yourself. You’re already so grown up and still don’t have a wife. Flirting with a young lady in someone else’s law firm, have you no shame?"

Seeing his younger son speak without any seriousness, He Qingnian immediately couldn’t help it and scolded.

"You old thing, you..."

After hearing this, the bald man clenched his fists, ready to erupt, but after a glare from the bespectacled man and the woman next to him, he had to restrain himself.

However, the look he gave He Qingnian was filled with impatience.

This scene was also captured by Zhang Wei, who had come in with Lin Yumeng.

"According to the information provided by the second daughter, Grandpa He Qingnian and his wife Fan Xueqin have two sons, the older He Wen and the younger He Wu. The eldest has a wife, He Zhen, while the younger is yet to be married, which means these are probably the three individuals," said Zhang Wei.

With just a glance, Zhang Wei had figured out the origins of the three people with He Qingnian.

However, neither Lin Yumeng nor Tie Ruyun knew this.

"Grandpa He, they are...?"

"Oh, let me introduce them. This is my eldest son, He Wen, this is my daughter-in-law He Zhen, and this young man here is my younger son, He Wu. This is Lawyer Lin, who has been in contact with me all along!"

He Qingnian introduced each side to the other.

However, upon hearing Lin Yumeng’s identity, both the expressions of He Wen and He Wu flickered with undisguised loathing, and He Zhen’s eyes were even more filled with annoyance.

"What do you mean by that, calling my dad ’Grandpa’? We’re not related to you, so don’t just throw that term around!"

He Wu, who already had a fierce appearance, pointed at Lin Yumeng and berated her.

"What my brother said is right. Unrelated, yet trying to forge a connection with our family, clearly harbors ulterior motives!" He Zhen chimed in from the side, her words pointed and her tone razor-sharp.

On the other hand, He Wen, being the older brother and husband, didn’t speak, maintaining a rather cool demeanor.

"I was just showing respect to an elder, how can you speak of me like this..." Lin Yumeng, reproached by two people in succession, was somewhat displeased.

"This is our attitude, what about it, got a problem with that?"

He Zhen, also a woman, looking at Lin Yumeng, younger and prettier than herself, her eyes held both jealousy and annoyance, and she retaliated.

"You woman..."

"Xiao Meng, stay calm!"

Lin Yumeng was about to argue back when Zhang Wei pulled her back.

"I told you that you wouldn’t be able to handle it today, you wouldn’t listen. Let me deal with this!"

Zhang Wei placed Lin Yumeng behind him and faced the three directly.

"Grandpa He, our team’s Xiao Meng calls you that out of respect for an elder. But I truly didn’t expect that such polite words could be so misunderstood by coarse people; it seems some people never learned manners from a young age?"

"What do you mean, calling us coarse people?"

"Whether I’ve learned manners or not, what the hell does it have to do with you?"

Zhang Wei’s words instantly caused both He Wu and He Zhen to react, prompting them to respond directly.

"Oh dear, I didn’t mention names, yet someone’s taking it personally, how very conscientious~"

"You..."

"Enough, little brother, A’Zhen!"

He Wen, who had been silent until now, interrupted his younger brother and sister-in-law as they tried to argue back.

He judged that Zhang Wei, despite looking young, was quite articulate and definitely not a pushover.

Their purpose for coming was not to quarrel with a young lawyer, so He Wen had no choice but to stop the two; continuing the argument was just a waste of breath.

"The eldest son, however, seems quite calm, but the calmer such a person is, the more threatening they can be!"

Zhang Wei, observing He Wen and the flash of displeasure under his glasses, made his judgment.

To settle this case today, he would have to deal with this man.

As for He Wu and He Zhen, they posed no threat to Zhang Wei!

Seeing that the atmosphere had calmed down, Zhang Wei hurriedly sat down.

"Grandpa He, we have met your family now. Did your two sons come with you today because of the contract issue, or something else?"

"Actually, I..."

"What we mean is, this case doesn’t need your help. This is our family matter, and we are not prepared to sue!"

He Qingnian had just about to speak, but he was directly interrupted by He Wen.

Adjusting his glasses, He Wen slowly said, "Ultimately, there’s no conclusive cause of my mother’s death. Even the doctors can’t be absolutely certain she died because of smoking cigars regularly, so we are not prepared to sue the company, because it’s completely unnecessary."

"Furthermore, my father is already old and can’t endure running around with you lawyers every day. So, we came here today to tell you that we no longer wish to pursue this case!"

After saying this, He Wen looked at He Qingnian with a warning in his eyes.

"This..." His words made Lin Yumeng and Tie Ruyun’s faces change.

The case is dropped again?

"Old gentleman, is this your wish too? If so, then we won’t sign the contract today?" Zhang Wei simply smiled faintly, ignoring He Wen’s statement and instead looked toward He Qingnian.

Seeing Zhang Wei uncooperative and questioning the old man, He Zhen couldn’t hold back, her tone sharp, "What do you mean, haven’t you heard what my husband said? We’re not pursuing this case any longer; are you deaf?"

Zhang Wei ignored the woman and asked again, "Old gentleman?"

"Old man, we can’t go through with this case. Just drop it already!" He Wu suddenly spoke up, warning in his tone.

"Dad, we can’t fight this case. What kind of company are they? You can’t fight them alone," He Wen also chimed in with his advice.

"Huh, how odd. As the old man’s own sons, don’t you plan to support him?"

Just then, Zhang Wei interjected.

"This..." At this remark, He Wen’s voice faltered.

"Moreover, wasn’t it your mother who died? Don’t you even care about the debt of birth and upbringing from your own mother?"

Zhang Wei’s follow-up left He Wen at a loss for words.

Seeing this, he immediately looked toward his younger brother.

Discussing the rules, the logic, the greater good—he was no match for Zhang Wei, but some people don’t play by the rules.

"What are you blabbering about, you little weasel? Whether our own mother is dead or alive is none of your damn business!" He Wu snapped, slamming his hand on the table and standing up abruptly.

"Xiao Meng, call security over. It seems Mr. Wu here looks like he wants to start something. Maybe we should ask him to leave?"

Zhang Wei simply sneered, ignoring He Wu’s aggressive demeanor and said coldly.

This is Jincheng Law Firm in the Jincheng Building, part of the Jincheng Group. Did you really think you can come in here and talk tough?

"Lawyer Lin, hold on!"

Seeing Lin Yumeng was about to call the security, He Qingnian quickly interjected to stop her.

If his own son was thrown out by security, it would be truly humiliating, and He Qingnian didn’t want his son to suffer such an embarrassment.

"Actually, about this case, I..."

"Grandpa He, I understand what you’re saying, but there are a few words I must say!"

Seeing He Qingnian hesitate again, Zhang Wei quickly interrupted.

He knew that his two sons must have done their homework on the way here, almost convincing the old gentleman.

But could Zhang Wei let them have their way?

Of course not!

"Actually, you’re right; the right to sue is in your hands. We are merely providing legal advice, and we can’t influence your judgment."

"However, just as we can’t influence you, neither can your two sons, because you initiated the lawsuit in your own name, not on behalf of your entire family. So even your own sons can’t sway you. You need to ask your own heart whether or not to pursue this case."

Hearing Zhang Wei say this, He Wen and He Wu couldn’t help themselves and both wanted to speak up.

"What’s the matter, you two have objections, or shall we communicate with the security department of Jincheng Building?" But Zhang Wei’s words instantly silenced them both.

If you dare to continue, I dare to call security. When they throw you out, let’s see who will be more embarrassed.

The threat was effective, and both sons fell silent.

He Zhen opened her mouth, but was silenced by a glare from Zhang Wei; still glaring, she could only sit down begrudgingly.

In a matter of moments, Zhang Wei had intimidated all three of them, which somewhat impressed He Qingnian.

Yet that was not Zhang Wei’s main objective; his true target was still He Qingnian.

"Elder, let me tell you, actually, if you want to drop the case, that’s also fine. We have no objections, really!"

Zhang Wei’s words made He Wen and He Wu pause for a moment, while Tie Ruyun and Lin Yumeng behind them became unsettled.

But Zhang Wei turned and glared at them, and they, too, held their tongues, not daring to speak any further.

"Dad, since the lawyer himself has said so, let’s just decide on that. We will withdraw the lawsuit and not sue!"

He Wen immediately responded, making the decision for He Qingnian.

"Yes, Father-in-law is so sensible, how can we sue in this case? It’s impossible!" He Zhen also spoke up in support.

He Wu didn’t say anything, but a hint of schadenfreude flashed in his eyes, something that could not be hidden.

Zhang Wei closely observed the changing expressions of the three, then said with a smile, "But!"

As soon as the word "but" was uttered, He Wen and the others’ hearts sank with a "thud."

"But what?" He Qingnian looked over.

Zhang Wei sighed and said, "But, well, it might not be so easy to explain to your wife, would it? If she knew that you gave up so easily, wouldn’t she blame you down there?"

"What are you talking about? How could my mother possibly blame me, she’s already passed away!" He Wen, upon hearing Zhang Wei mention his mother, quickly interjected.

But what kind of person was Zhang Wei? Could he really be thrown off by a few words?

"If Ms. Fan Xueqin knew from beyond the grave that Grandpa He didn’t even show the intention to fight back, wouldn’t she be disappointed?"

"Grandpa He, you shouldn’t feel any mental burden. At worst, wait for ten or twenty years, and you can go explain to your wife yourself. I believe she would understand."

"And if she doesn’t understand, it’s okay. You can simply bring up your two sons’ opinion. After all, you wanted to sue, but your two sons wouldn’t allow it."

"As a father, you can’t just not listen to your two sons, right?"

Zhang Wei might have been sighing, muttering these words, but they caused He Qingnian’s hands to shake uncontrollably.

Indeed, ever since yesterday, he had been constantly nagged by his two sons, and he found himself once again in a state of uncertainty.

But had he thought about his late spouse?

And as Zhang Wei said, he was the father; why should he listen to his sons?

He was the elder, shouldn’t the younger generation listen to the elder?

With a clench of his teeth, He Qingnian finally solidified his thoughts under Zhang Wei’s "encouragement."

"Lawyer Zhang, you’re right. I haven’t considered enough. I should consider my own feelings, not others’. If I withdraw the case, I would not be able to live with my conscience, nor face the spirit of my departed spouse in heaven!"

As he spoke, he grabbed Zhang Wei’s hand, "Lawyer Zhang, bring the contract over. I want to sue the cigar company, I want justice for my wife!"

Upon this declaration, the faces of He Wen, He Wu, and He Zhen all went through several changes.

"This contract can’t be signed, Dad, if you recognize me as your son, then quickly cancel the contract, or else..."

"Or else what? You are born of me and Xueqin, now that she is gone, are you going to deprive me of my right to seek justice? Lawyer Zhang also said it, the one suing is me, what does it have to do with you!"

He Qingnian scolded his eldest son, then turned his head away, refusing to look at him anymore.

"You, you old fool, and you all..."

He Wen saw that Tie Cuilan had arrived with the contract, pointing at He Qingnian and Zhang Wei, but he was unable to burst out in anger.

Becuase Tie Cuilan was not alone; beside her, there were two tall and burly security guards.

Their eyes were fixed on He Wen and He Wu, ready to "escort" them out at the slightest sign of trouble.

In the end, despite fierce opposition from He Wen, He Wu, and He Zhen, the contract was still signed.

As He Qingnian signed his name in the signature column, he let out a sigh of relief, his expression indescribably light.

Meanwhile, He Wen, He Wu, and He Zhen’s complexions completely collapsed the moment the contract was signed.

Zhang Wei watched this scene unfold, as if he had anticipated it all, without any surprise.

All in all, the matter of the contract was settled.

Next, the case must be dealt with!