Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 147 - 146: The Apprentice Performs Well? Out of Control Again

Chapter 147: Chapter 146: The Apprentice Performs Well? Out of Control Again

Harper Cigar Company.

In a corner of the reception area.

Lin Yumeng and Mo Mingchuan began a brief exchange about the lawsuit.

"I’m sorry, Professor, that our first negotiation ended in such a way."

"Xiao Lin, you don’t need to apologize. You’re just acting as a lawyer representing a case, you’re just trying to do your job conscientiously, you’re just helping your clients through legal procedures that are completely unfamiliar to them,"

Mo Mingchuan smiled slightly, showing the grace of an elder.

But then, he changed his tune, "But to be honest, you can’t possibly win this case!"

"Xiao Lin, I can assure you that both you and your client will return in disappointment!"

Faced with Mo Mingchuan’s provocation, Lin Yumeng was actually at a loss for words for a moment.

"Um, Professor, I don’t think we’re bound to lose. I have the support of my master behind me!"

"Your master, is he some well-known lawyer?"

"My master is Zhang Wei, although he joined the firm on the same day as me, although he is also a fresh graduate, he is really amazing!"

"Joined the firm on the same day as you, also a fresh graduate, from which college?"

"He’s from East University Law School!"

"Hmm, East University, to my eyes, is nothing but second-rate!"

Hearing about the background of Lin Yumeng’s mentor within the firm, Mo Mingchuan laughed.

"Xiao Lin, do you know that your opponent is not some small company, but a multinational corporation with assets exceeding a hundred billion? Do you think you and your master have the power to shake such a behemoth?"

"This..."

Lin Yumeng’s expression said it all.

Mo Mingchuan continued, beckoning Lin Yumeng with a finger to come a little closer.

"Xiao Lin, as your professor, I can share some information with you in private, of course, this is all due to the past student-teacher relationship between us, you understand?"

"Professor, what are you going to say?"

"Harper Cigar Company’s litigation strategy is not to win against individual lawsuits like yours but to establish precedents through every lawsuit, every litigation. Your individual case might seem ordinary to you, but to us, it’s an opponent that needs to be crushed with all our might. Can you imagine what kind of opposition you will face then?"

As Mo Mingchuan spoke, he stood up unconsciously, his tall stature exerting considerable pressure on Lin Yumeng.

"This individual case, we will use all our resources, and your crushing defeat will also deter any potential lawsuits of this kind!"

Seeing that his words had the desired effect, Mo Mingchuan then sat down, "Xiao Lin, you understand what I’m saying, right?"

"Uh, Professor, I don’t quite get it..."

"Xiao Lin, you are my student. I believe you’re not really so clueless, otherwise, I wouldn’t have let you graduate!"

Mo Mingchuan looked at his student and smiled, "Do you still remember what the second lesson I taught you during the business law class was?"

Lin Yumeng tilted her head, looking innocent, "Hmm, let me think, what was it about..."

"Let me tell you then. When big corporations face such lawsuits, their principle is to refuse any form of compensation because any individual case is dangerous for them!"

"Professor, then it seems we don’t need to discuss this any further, do we?"

Since Mo Mingchuan had put it that way, Lin Yumeng planned to get up and leave.

"Xiao Lin, how are you at financial law?" Mo Mingchuan spoke again, stopping her in her tracks.

Lin Yumeng could only sit down again, replying awkwardly, "Uh, I barely passed, I’m not too good with money..."

"I understand one thing; sometimes, spending ten or more dollars to avoid a loss of one or two doesn’t make sense in simple financial terms. Since you’re my student, let’s just settle this matter privately, shall we?"

Seeing Lin Yumeng about to speak, Mo Mingchuan quickly added, "Remember, I’m giving you this break because you are my student. If it were someone else, I wouldn’t talk so much!"

"Professor, I still don’t get what you mean?"

Since Lin Yumeng had asked, Mo Mingchuan naturally provided an explanation.

"It’s simple, the essence of a civil lawsuit is nothing but money, but Harper Cigar’s bottom line for payment is zero, they won’t pay you a cent."

"So how about we do it this way, you get your client to sign a declaration to waive the claim, I will place the document in the office safe to ensure no one can access it. I will not submit this document actively, and then Mingchuan Law Firm will pay the claim. Given our relationship, I can offer your client a settlement of 100,000, this money will not go through public accounts, and aside from you, me, and the concerned party, no one will know of this transaction. In the end, the money will be transferred from Harper Cigar’s company account as attorney fees. This is my special treatment for you. With this, the matter will be settled, how does that sound?"

Mo Mingchuan laid out the conditions, now it was time for Lin Yumeng’s opinion.

"Is this legal to do?"

"Of course, what’s the problem with that? Your litigation for compensation is withdrawn, there are no financial transactions on the books, your client gets a fairly decent sum of settlement money, and my client can quickly put a trivial matter to rest. It’s a win-win situation for both of us!"

"But I feel like 100,000 is a little low..."

"Xiao Lin, don’t you understand? If this lawsuit goes on, your client may not get a single penny. For such an elderly person, 100,000 could let him live out his last years in peace!"

"I, I need to think it over..."

"That’s fine!"

Mo Mingchuan looked at Lin Yumeng, and just as the latter was about to rise, he reminded her again, "However, I want to make one thing clear, your case is bound to lose, and once you make the wrong choice, you might regret not immediately accepting my terms today!"

"Professor, I need to go back, I shall consult with the client tomorrow and then give you a reply."

"That’s fine, I’ll be here tomorrow waiting for you!"

Mo Mingchuan and Lin Yumeng waved goodbye.

"Right, Xiao Lin, which law firm did you join? I almost forgot to ask."

"Oh, I joined Jincheng, in the criminal division of the Jincheng Litigation Department!"

"Jincheng?!"

Watching Lin Yumeng disappear at the end of the corridor, Mo Mingchuan was somewhat unexpectedly surprised.

Why could Lin Yumeng join Jincheng Law Firm, ranked first among the Top Ten Firms, and yet why was it the criminal division? He remembered that this young lady did not major in criminal law.

"Never mind, no matter who the opponent is, I, Mo Mingchuan, am not afraid, even if Lin Xiangtian himself came, I would still outmatch him!"

As for Lin Yumeng, Mo Mingchuan couldn’t care less.

As for her so-called master, even less so!

...

Jincheng Law Firm.

The criminal division office.

Lin Yumeng returned and reported the day’s events to Zhang Wei one by one.

"Master, your apprentice knows she’s made mistakes. During the first negotiation, I prepared nothing and even drove the client away. I will write a self-criticism immediately, I will..."

"No, you did very well!"

Just as Lin Yumeng was about to admit her faults, Zhang Wei interjected with words that surprised her.

"Huh?"

Lin Yumeng was stunned, completely stunned.

I did well like this?

I even thought of many sad things from my childhood, ready to squeeze out a few tears to sell a sad story, but you don’t plan to scold me at all and even praise me for doing well?

What a waste of my emotions~

Lin Yumeng truly wanted to cry, she swore she was about to cry for real.

"You did very well indeed. This time, attending the negotiation not only showed our client’s stance in front of the opponent but also let the other side know that our chief attorney is a dummy. That’s already very good!"

"Leader, master is bullying me~"

Upon hearing Zhang Wei’s praise, Lin Yumeng finally burst into tears and cried as she ran to find Tie Ruyun.

"Xiao Meng, don’t cry just yet, you still need to contact the client. That’s right, keep your crying voice when you call him. If he asks why you’re crying, just say I reprimanded you. That way, he’ll sympathize with you. When you make your requests, he won’t object!"

Good grief, Zhang Wei even calculated that step.

Lin Yumeng even suspected that Zhang Wei wanted her to cry in the first place and that’s why he had said that on purpose.

Although reluctantly, Lin Yumeng still made the call to He Qingnian with a sobbing voice, and as Zhang Wei predicted, the latter asked why Lin Yumeng was crying.

"It’s all because of master, she called me a dummy, wuh wuh wuh..."

"Xiao Lin, don’t cry, I won’t do that tomorrow, I’ll cooperate with your work. Let’s just leave it at that, don’t cry anymore, okay? Young people should smile more!"

Over the phone, even He Qingnian sounded somewhat distressed, quickly comforting her with a mix of cajoling and persuading before hanging up.

"Hehe, it worked brilliantly!"

No sooner had Lin Yumeng hung up than Zhang Wei was overjoyed with the outcome.

"Xiao Meng, not only did you set up the meeting time, but Old Master He also softened his stance. You did exceptionally well today; thumbs up for you~"

"I don’t want your thumbs up..."

Lin Yumeng shook her head, clearly unhappy.

The pleasant Monday ended in what could be called "cheers and laughter."

...

In the evening, Lin Mansion.

Zhang Wei sat in his room, analyzing every word of the account Lin Yumeng relayed today.

"Mo Mingchuan, Professor Mo, to come forward as the opponent, though Xiao Meng is very talented, she still seems to lack experience to contest someone of this caliber," he mused.

"It seems that when the crucial moment arrives, I will have to step in!"

With that thought, Zhang quickly scrolled through the webpage he had opened.

The webpage was full of information about Mo Mingchuan, including his Mingchuan Law Firm.

The firm boasted 350 practicing attorneys and a staff size also exceeding 500, a testament to its size.

Moreover, as the firm’s lead, Mo Mingchuan’s influence touched every corner, with everyone there being his people.

As Zhang Wei browsed Mingchuan Law Firm’s official website, he noted that many of the staff were outstanding law graduates from Jinnan University and disciples of Mo Mingchuan.

Mingchuan Law Firm could be said to represent the Jinnan University School of Law faction!

Zhang Wei’s current opponent was a representative figure of Jinnan University School of Law!

Competing against this Professor Mo was definitely not going to be easy.

...

The next day, morning.

Zhang Wei was giving instructions to Lin Yumeng.

"Xiao Meng, the case has already been submitted to the court. Your task for today is to take the client to complete the ’witness statement,’ presided over by Professor Mo. But don’t be afraid; I’ll be supporting you at the entrance of Harper Cigar Company!"

"Master, why don’t you come in with me?" she asked.

"I am in charge of the surprise attack. If I show up right at the beginning, my tactic won’t have any effect, will it?" Zhang explained.

He patted his apprentice’s shoulder, giving her a boost, "I’ll only step in to support you when you can’t handle it anymore, so you have to give it your all today. I have faith in you~"

"Uh, okay..."

Lin Yumeng pouted but agreed nonetheless.

It wasn’t long before He Qingnian arrived, and together with Lin Yumeng, they set off once again, while Zhang Wei deliberately staggered his departure time from theirs.

The two parties took turns riding the subway, arriving in the Dongjiang Business District in separate batches.

Lin Yumeng and He Qingnian headed upstairs first, and almost 10 minutes later, Zhang Wei just barely exited the subway station.

Harper Cigar Company, reception hall.

"Old Master He, we’re here today to complete the witness statement. You don’t need to worry, I’ll be right beside you to assist," she reassured.

"What is a witness statement?"

"It’s basically some questions related to the case. Whatever they ask you, just answer truthfully. But if they ask anything inappropriate, I’ll interject!"

"Oh, I understand. I’ll try to restrain myself today!"

He Qingnian nodded, and then they began to wait.

However, the assistant from the day before came out quickly, not making them wait long.

"Are you Lawyer Lin and Mr. He? Professor Mo is already waiting for you in the conference room. Please follow me," she said.

Lin Yumeng and He Qingnian exchanged a look, both seeing astonishment in each other’s eyes.

Yesterday they had waited for an hour, and yet today, in less than two minutes, they were invited in.

It seemed the other party was specifically waiting for them!

Just after the two entered the building, the elevator doors opened again and Zhang Wei appeared.

"Hello, please make me a cup of coffee, thank you!"

Zhang Wei made himself at home, sitting casually on the lobby sofa and even asking the receptionist to prepare coffee for him with a carefree attitude.

The receptionist felt perplexed, wondering why another coffee moocher had appeared.

Since she couldn’t gauge Zhang Wei’s background, they simply began to make the coffee.

In the conference room.

Lin Yumeng and He Qingnian took their seats, while opposite them, beside Mo Mingchuan, two additional individuals were seated.

Lin Yumeng even recognized them—former seniors from her school, who had already graduated and evidently joined Mingchuan Law Firm.

"Witness statement, Xiao Lin, you’re familiar with it, aren’t you?"

"Yes, Professor!"

"Alright, then, let’s begin!"

Mo Mingchuan motioned to the student beside him to turn on the video camera. As they recorded, he began to ask questions.

"Mr. He, even though I asked you yesterday, I still have to ask you once more, when did your wife stop using the products from my company?"

"My answer is the same as yesterday. Until she died, she never quit!"

"You claim your wife smoked for 30 years. Were you with her before she started?"

"Yes, when I met her, she had already started smoking those damn cigars. Originally, her family had quite a lot of money, and she had a considerable dowry. My family also owned several properties in Dongfang Capital, but because of these damn things, my wife’s dowry and our family’s money are all gone. Also, because my wife smoked these damned things, my relationship with my father got very bad, and his attitude toward my wife also made me very angry. You could say that these damn things ruined my home!"

"Mr. He, I understand how you feel, but our company’s products are only meant for high-end clients, and customers as ’enthusiastic’ as your wife are rare to us."

"You..."

He Qingnian was just about to speak when Lin Yumeng grabbed him.

"Grandpa He, stay calm!"

Seeing Lin Yumeng, He Qingnian finally remembered his mission for today.

He restrained himself and temporarily returned to normal.

"Mr. He, I apologize for my previous questions, but I asked them only to understand the details of your wife’s death."

"The detail is that she’s already dead!"

"Birth, aging, sickness, and death are all inevitable. Maybe in another ten or twenty years, both you and I will come to the end of our lives."

Seeing Mo Mingchuan’s attitude, He Qingnian struggled to hold back again.

"That’s right, you’re just deliberately stalling for time. My wife died because you intentionally delayed, and you achieved your objective, didn’t you?"

"Do you really expect that once a person dies, the case will be closed?"

"Based on what you said just now, do you also wish for me to die soon so that you..."

"Excuse me, if I may interrupt..."

Seeing He Qingnian like this, Lin Yumeng quickly spoke up.

"Xiao Lin, you don’t need to speak!" Unfortunately, her words did not interrupt He Qingnian.

While Mo Mingchuan watched this scene unfold, the smile on his face did not fade in the slightest.

After venting for a minute, He Qingnian slightly calmed down and spoke slowly, "I’m telling you, I won’t die. At least not until this matter is concluded. I will stay alive to resolve this case and make you pay!"

He looked at Mo Mingchuan, word by word, and said, "Your client’s cigars killed my wife. Even if I have to exhaust everything I have, I won’t give up. I will keep living on!"

Mo Mingchuan let out a cold laugh and instructed the student beside him, "Record that, the witness refuses to die!"

A few minutes later, He Qingnian erupted again, then stormed out of the conference room with a flick of his sleeve.

Lin Yumeng could only follow after him with a look of helplessness.

"I’m very sorry, Xiao Lin, but with that attitude of theirs, how do you expect me to speak to them properly!"

"Grandpa He, but from my perspective, it’s your attitude that’s been violent. They’re just asking you about the details of the case, and all you need to do is answer calmly."

"Looking at them, I just can’t keep my cool. Now I’m going out for a walk. If you need anything, just call me!"

He Qingnian got on the elevator again and left the office building alone.

Lin Yumeng stood at the elevator door, her face etched with frustration.

"Another setback, my young apprentice?"

Zhang Wei rose from the couch and approached quietly.

"Master, why is it so difficult to conduct a deposition?"

"No, it’s that you have the illusion that you didn’t complete your task. But in my opinion, you did very well. You’ve once again made our opponents see how tough our clients are. You’ve scared them, haha~"

"Master, why don’t I believe what you’re saying?"

"Don’t worry, I’ll accompany you to meet Professor Mo later on. He and I will have quite the conversation."

"Really?"

Lin Yumeng’s face lit up with joy as Zhang Wei finally decided to step in.

"No no no, I just want to have a teacher-to-teacher talk, that’s all!"

Zhang Wei’s enigmatic smile left Lin Yumeng somewhat uncertain.