Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 149 - 148: The Law Firm Doesn’t Support It, The Little Apprentice Is Very Angry

Chapter 149: Chapter 148: The Law Firm Doesn’t Support It, The Little Apprentice Is Very Angry

Wednesday, pretrial day.

Dongfang Capital, city court.

Zhang Wei’s party arrived at the courtroom very early, even foregoing the preparation room.

The pretrial was scheduled for 8:30 a.m.

By 8 o’clock, Zhang Wei, Lin Yumeng, and Plaintiff He Qingnian were all seated at the plaintiff’s table.

They were quietly discussing and exchanging views on the scenarios they might face next.

Soon after, the defense side also arrived.

Headed by Professor Mo Mingchuan, representatives from Harper Cigar Company, including the company’s president and legal representative, along with several lawyers from Mingchuan Law Firm, appeared.

"Now that’s what looks like someone ready for battle!"

Look at us here, on the hearing bench there’s only Tie Ruyun and Li Yueqin to make up the numbers.

The row of seats for the defense team was filled with over a dozen lawyers and employees from Harper Cigar, the sheer number difference already exerting pressure on Zhang Wei’s side.

Professor Mo in particular was staring at Zhang Wei’s side, continuing to build the pressure.

As the time for the pretrial approached, the courtroom was filled with people, many from the media who had come to observe the proceedings.

The reason they were attracted was naturally the fame of both the plaintiff and the defense.

One side was the well-known Jincheng Law Firm, and on the other was Jinnan University’s famous Professor Mo Mingchuan; both had considerable reputations within the judiciary circles of Dongfang Capital.

The only issue might have been the plaintiff’s lawyer.

Lin Yumeng was a name at this stage unheard of by the media.

But they had also caught onto another name... Zhang Wei!

If Lin Yumeng was an entirely unknown newcomer and Professor Mo was a rather famous academic, then Zhang Wei was someone the media viewed with resentment.

Because on more than one occasion, he had made a fool of them, even loudly denouncing the media at the closing testimony of Wang Yuqing’s case.

In short, the media had been humiliated by Zhang Wei.

This was also why the media did their utmost to reduce the search engine ranking of the Wang Yuqing case.

After all, no one wanted to broadcast their embarrassing defeat.

Now the media waited as observers, anticipating the opening of the pretrial. They were all looking forward to seeing Zhang Wei defeated.

This time, Zhang Wei’s adversary was Professor Mo Mingchuan, a well-known lawyer with rich theoretical and practical experience, backed by a large company—the advantages seemed to be on his side no matter how one looked at it!

If Zhang Wei lost, the media could have their revenge!

Everyone was waiting with bated breath...

Soon, it was time for the hearing to begin.

"All rise, please welcome the honorable Judge Ruan to the bench!"

The judge, donned in a black robe, quickly took her seat at the bench.

Since this was a civil lawsuit, and the judge was someone Zhang Wei didn’t know who seemed to be in her forties with no distinctive features.

"Everyone, please be seated. This case is brought by plaintiff He Qingnian against the defendant Harper Cigar..."

After the judge had explained the case information, she nodded toward the defense.

"Professor Mo, as a senior member of the judiciary, please begin!"

"Thank you, Judge!"

Professor Mo nodded in gratitude to the judge, then approached the jury box to start questioning.

Zhang Wei remained seated, observing every change in the courtroom.

"Not bad, no unforeseen contingencies so far, everything is within the controllable range."

But soon, he noticed something off with the person beside him.

Lin Yumeng was somewhat nervous, her small hands beginning to shake uncontrollably.

"Master, I’m feeling a bit scared..."

His apprentice said in a weak voice.

"There’s nothing we can do about it, Old Tie isn’t pulling his weight. The request for an investigator has been rejected again. His actions have put us in a passive position!"

Zhang Wei was also helpless.

After returning to the law firm yesterday, Tie Ruyun had once again made a resource request to the department, but it was rejected again.

Therefore, for this litigation, aside from the court fees, Jincheng Law Firm will not provide any support whatsoever to Zhang Wei’s side.

It’s exactly as Professor Mo Mingchuan said, Lin Xiangtian is a businessman. For a case he knows is doomed to fail, he wouldn’t waste a single penny.

Nevertheless, Zhang Wei remained calm, even without the firm’s support, he had his ways.

In the courtroom, Professor Mo had already asked several questions and screened two or three jurors.

"This old guy’s questions are all biased towards conservatism, and the jurors he selects are all harmless!"

This is the shortcoming of academic or theoretical lawyers. They choose conservative, error-free methods to gain as much advantage as possible.

Whereas fighters like Zhang Wei often ask piercing questions, even though they may bring negative effects, the gains are equally substantial.

Conservatism and aggressive tactics, that’s the difference between the two.

"Professor Mo?"

Seeing the courtroom go a bit cold, Judge Ruan quickly inquired.

It was clear that the judge held some respect for Professor Mo Mingchuan from a prestigious university.

"Sorry, Your Honor, let me ask a few more questions here!"

Professor Mo walked up to the jury box again, looking at everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, does anyone in your family smoke tobacco or cigars?"

Many in the jury nodded their heads.

Even though cigars are a luxury, many people can still afford tobacco.

Professor Mo looked at one of the ladies and asked, "Madam, does anyone in your family smoke?"

"Many elders in my family smoke, and some have also smoked cigars," the woman nodded.

"Does anyone suffer from diseases related to smoking or secondhand smoke?"

"Um, let me think... My father has emphysema, my sister’s child has a congenital deformity because my brother-in-law smokes all year round... both my uncles are heavy smokers and they have heart disease, and one of my aunts had an amputation due to varicose veins, the doctor said these seem to be caused by smoking..."

"This..."

This time, Professor Mo was at a loss for words.

Could he swear?

Could time be reversed?

He felt he had questioned the wrong person.

Unfortunately, time could not be reversed.

"Madam, given your family’s situation, do you think you can remain impartial? Because although this case is not about smoking, one of the parties involved is a trading company that manufactures products similar to tobacco."

"Yes, I think I have no problem, I believe I can!"

Professor Mo was quite impressed by the woman’s honesty.

With almost tears in his eyes, he made the request for her to step down from the jury.

"Very well, now we have a jury. We will begin promptly at 1:30 PM on Friday. The court is now adjourned!"

Following Judge Ruan’s announcement, everyone rose and left.

As everyone was exiting the courtroom, Professor Mo came over to Zhang Wei and his group.

"Xiao Lin, I look forward to your performance on Friday!"

"Professor Mo, we also look forward to your performance on Friday. I hope you, as our senior, can give us a good lesson!"

Zhang Wei stepped in between the two, unafraid of Professor Mo’s presence, and responded with a smile.

Seeing Zhang Wei and remembering his unrestrained manner, Professor Mo’s eyes turned cold.

He didn’t say much more but returned to his own team and quickly left.

"Let’s go back too!"

Zhang Wei led his group back to the firm, beginning to think about the next steps in their strategy.

Criminal Division office.

"Lawyer Zhang, it’s only Wednesday today. Do I need to testify in court on Friday?"

"Grandfather He, since we are the ones presenting evidence, of course we need witness testimony. You’re the husband of the victim; no one else is more suitable for this matter than you!"

"Oh, I understand. I’ll do my best. Well, tomorrow..."

"You lot in the Criminal Division sure have guts!"

He Qingnian nodded and was about to speak again, but a loud shout from outside interrupted him.

Director Wang Jianren from the civil law group stormed into the criminal law group’s office, fuming with anger.

"Director Wang!" Tie Ruyun, seeing the visitor, quickly greeted him.

Li Qingshou, Wang Jianren, under Boss Shen Zhengyi of the litigation department, the two directors in charge, the former responsible for the commercial group and the latter for the civil law group.

The case Zhang Wei and the others were now working on was precisely one that had been previously rejected by the civil law group.

Director Wang’s furious arrival clearly wasn’t for a cordial visit to the criminal law group.

"Grandpa He, you should go back first. If we need to do a mock trial, we’ll contact you tomorrow!"

Seeing Director Wang’s expression, Zhang Wei asked Plaintiff He Qingnian to go home first.

The latter nodded, then, after giving Zhang Wei and Lin Yumeng a look, left the office.

Once the client had left, Director Wang could no longer hold back.

"Tie Ruyun, and all of you, you’ve got some nerve to take on a case that we’ve rejected!"

"Do you know why we rejected these cases? Because they’re meaningless, doomed to fail!"

"Yet, you had the audacity not only to accept the case but also to start pre-trial proceedings. I learned about the whole thing through media reports today. You in the criminal law group really know how to stir up trouble!"

After venting, Director Wang pointed at Tie Ruyun and said, "Tie Ruyun, you’re a lawyer of five years, for heaven’s sake. Don’t even understand the basic rules? Think of the time wasted, the effort spent, and the negative publicity for Jincheng after losing the case. Don’t you have a brain when you work?"

"Ahem, Director Wang, I think you’re overreacting!"

Zhang Wei couldn’t hold back when he saw Director Wang scolding his superior.

"You’re a newcomer, what are you butting in for? I’m a managing lawyer, and you..."

"Director Wang, you and I are both human; there’s no concept of superior or inferior here. If you can speak, why can’t I? Do you think, in your eyes, people are to be ranked and ordered, and we should all bow to you?"

Zhang Wei would not give face to a leader, especially an unreasonable one.

"Besides, Director Wang, since we have already taken the case under Jincheng Law Firm’s rules, it has been entered into the firm’s system. What we need to focus on now is to devote ourselves to this case. You suddenly running into our criminal section’s office and yelling, what does that mean? Are you trying to purposely make us lose the case?"

These words silenced Director Wang, who had been ready to retort.

Goodness, this youngster actually dared to throw accusations at him.

Deliberately obstructing case progress was workplace sabotage, strictly forbidden within Jincheng Law Firm.

"Director Wang, your behavior just now seems to fit the category of workplace sabotage that our firm explicitly forbids. I would advise you to choose your words carefully to avoid us lodging a complaint with Boss Shen!"

As Zhang Wei spoke, he even walked over and patted Director Wang on the shoulder, "Now, our criminal law group needs to prepare for this case. Since you’re neither involved in this case nor part of our criminal law group, you have no right to stay here. I ask that you please leave. That’s not unreasonable, is it?"

"You..."

"What ’you’? Perhaps Director Wang wants to shout some more? In that case, I wouldn’t mind going up to the 30th floor to honestly report this matter to Boss Shen. I believe that even if Director Wang Jianren doesn’t get fired, there will still be a price to be paid, right?"

"You’re ruthless, kid!"

Director Wang’s eyes glinted with ferocity, but time and again, when he wanted to erupt, he ultimately held back.

As Zhang Wei had pointed out, once he overstepped the line and this issue reached the 30th floor, there would no escaping the consequences.

Director Wang left with his face full of indignation, but that was all he could do.

"Zhang Wei, you’ve really offended our leader now..."

Only after Director Wang had left did Tie Ruyun dare to make a peep.

"If I’ve offended, then so be it. Anyway, I’ve observed them, that pair of scum—basically not good birds," said Zhang Wei, who did not care in the slightest, even cracking a smile, "We’ve already gone against Li Qingshou by winning against Chengyi Insurance. If we win the Harper Cigar case as well, Director Wang is going to be just as offended."

"Basically, their rejecting the case and us picking it up, and then winning no less, would be a definite slap in their faces. With how narrow-minded Li and Wang are, how could they swallow their pride?"

The reasoning was simple: why did the civil law group reject the case? Because they believed the case couldn’t be won.

If the criminal law group took the case and then won, how would the rest of the firm’s groups and departments view it?

The civil law group, on a civil case, outshone by the criminal law group? Wouldn’t that be a huge joke?

"This is too bullying!" Lin Yumeng couldn’t sit still any longer, her little fists clenched tight, her cheeks puffed in anger, like a little pufferfish.

"The civil law group is really over the top. They must be jealous of us, that’s why they sent the leader to put pressure on us!" Li Yueqin was also a bit indignant.

She had joined the firm to litigate and accumulate trial experience, but to face such treatment from a leader within the firm itself irritated her the more she thought about it.

"Stay calm, it’s just a bit of workplace discipline. We don’t need to accommodate others!"

Zhang Wei was nonchalant, having already confronted Director Wang anyway.

And truth be told, it felt pretty good to rebuff him!

"Alright, now that the harsh words have been said, it’s time for me to assign tasks!"

Zhang Wei saw his friends were a bit downcast and immediately began to issue commands.

"Xiao Meng, you’re preparing for the opening statement. If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me!"

"Xiao Li, you shouldn’t have any cases on your hands right now. I need you to contact the doctor of Fan Xueqin before she passed away, and get a hold of the doctor’s diagnosis and testimonies!"

"Old Tie, go upstairs and ask Boss Shen if we can apply for some financial support. If the firm can offer some backing, we’ll be able to hire expert witnesses to collect and provide scientific evidence of the cigars causing Fan Xueqin’s addiction!"

As Zhang Wei issued one command after another, everyone got busy.

"Master, how come you don’t have anything to do?" But suddenly, Lin Yumeng realized Zhang Wei himself had no tasks.

"Who says I don’t have tasks? My next task is to study your former teacher. I’ll review every single trial he’s ever appeared in, analyze every word he’s spoken, look through every piece of evidence, and I won’t even overlook the punctuation!"

"But that’s a lot of documents. You have to look through so much on your own; you won’t have enough time?"

"Xiao Meng, did you know that the potential of the human body is limitless?"

Zhang Wei explained with a smile, and urged his apprentice to begin drafting her opening statement.

Meanwhile, on the 30th floor.

In the office of Shen Zhengyi.

When Tie Ruyun knocked at the door and was given permission to enter, he opened the door to the office.

The moment he stepped in, he was greeted by the cold sneer of Li Qingshou, the furious Wang Jianren, and the somewhat grim-faced Shen Zhengyi sitting in his own seat.

"Director Li, Director Wang, I didn’t expect to see you here too!"

"Boss Shen, hello!" Tie Ruyun greeted the two men, then said hello to Shen Zhengyi.

"Tie Ruyun, they were just talking about you. The cases your criminal division has taken on recently are quite colorful, aren’t they?" Shen Zhengyi began the moment he spoke, Tie Ruyun’s heart sank.

Those who knew this leader were aware that he rarely showed his anger openly, but a quip like that often meant he was on the verge of fury.

A jest was a signal that you’d better provide an explanation fast, or he would really get angry.

Sweat appeared on Tie Ruyun’s forehead, yet he still mustered the strength to make his request, "Leader, I came to ask if our firm can provide some support for the recent case we’ve taken on..."

"What you’re saying is, you want to continue leading the new members of your team astray?"

Seeing that Tie Ruyun showed no signs of remorse and instead made an "unreasonable" request for firm support, Shen Zhengyi’s gaze turned increasingly unfriendly.

Li Qingshou and Wang Jianren exchanged a look, a hint of schadenfreude evident in their eyes.

Thank goodness we came here first and had a word in the leader’s ear.

And now you still want to ask for support? Dream on!

In the end, Tie Ruyun didn’t even know how he made it back to his office.

All he knew was that Shen Zhengyi’s roar still echoed in his ears.

When Old Tie brought back the bad news, Zhang Wei, although anticipating this result, was still annoyed.

"Damn, this is outright bullying!"

"Others are afraid to take on this case, but we take it on, and the firm won’t even provide a bit of support. I’m so angry!"

But before he could speak out, Lin Yumeng was the first to stand up and curse.

Hands on her hips, her cheeks puffing with each breath, her little face flushed red like a small apple.

"No way, I must teach them a lesson. That despicable, beastly pairing, I have to show them life’s hardships!"

Hearing his apprentice’s fiery speech, Zhang Wei looked satisfied.

Anger is motivation!

"Xiao Meng, are you very angry now?"

"Of course, Master. We’re in such a passive situation now. The only witness we have is Grandpa He. Without a single expert witness, how could the jury possibly believe us!"

"Well, that’s not entirely true. Actually, I have a secret strategy, though it requires you to perform above and beyond. I wasn’t planning on using it, but seeing how angry you are, I feel this plan is quite feasible!"

"What’s the strategy?"

Not only Lin Yumeng, but Tie Ruyun and Li Yueqin were also drawn in by Zhang Wei’s words.

Zhang Wei smiled slightly and held up a finger.

"You know, the first item in court is case presentation, right?"

"But did you know? An excellent case presentation can completely change the jury’s opinion and create an advantageous position for us!"

"For this, we have a lot of preparation to do, and we’ll also need to simulate it many times. Come on, let me help you polish the draft..."