Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 166 - 164: Negotiation Fails, Adjusting Strategy

Chapter 166: Chapter 164: Negotiation Fails, Adjusting Strategy

(Today is the 18th, and starting this morning, mass nucleic acid testing is to be carried out in several neighborhoods of Xishan District. Anzhen Subdistrict, where Author Germ resides, is also commencing. Another busy day ahead.

Also, I haven’t been in the right state of mind for writing recently. After being busy until very late every day, I still need to rush home to write, and not only is my writing efficiency low, the quality has decreased too. I feel some content is a bit like filler, and so Author Germ would like to apologize to the readers first—I really have no other choice these days, and it’s beyond my control...)

...

Zhang Wei’s threat was intended to make this matter known throughout the city.

This is also a common tactic against large companies, which fear the most the escalation of an issue that affects their reputation.

But clearly, neither Lawyer Su Bancheng nor Haofangzi Group would be intimidated by such threats.

"Hahaha, I, Wu Mo, have been in business for decades. If I were scared off by a little greenhorn like you today, where would I put my face?"

"You three will definitely regret it today, trying to threaten me, Wu Mo. Although we rely on our own abilities in court, I can assure you that our Haofangzi Group will completely crush you!"

President Wu chuckled at himself and looked at Zhang Wei and his two companions with a hint of pity.

On their side, they not only had vast resources but also Lawyer Su Bancheng, who was nominally "the strongest lawyer in the city." How could they lose?

And the opposition? Apart from a few old, weak, and sick, there were only three young people.

If it wasn’t for the CEO’s pride and self-restraint, he would have stood up and questioned them.

What do you have to fight with me?

Don’t you think that just by having a few family members and several critically ill patients cry in court, we would be willing to pay up from our own pockets?

Ridiculous!

"Indeed, Lawyer Zhang, your accusations against my client are entirely unfounded, and my client will definitely not entertain your unreasonable demands!"

Lawyer Su’s words had already made his stance clear. If it indeed went to court, it would be just the three of you against a company with assets over ten billion.

"So, it looks like there’s nothing to talk about?"

"There was never anything to discuss in the first place!"

Seeing Zhang Wei’s attitude, Lawyer Su immediately stood up to see the three visitors out.

But he paused in his actions, then leaned in to whisper a few words in President Wu’s ear.

President Wu also pondered for a moment, his gaze lingering on Jessica and Susan for a while with slight hesitation.

Perhaps what surprised him was why there would be two foreigners involved in a civil lawsuit.

Generally speaking, the court might dismiss some unfounded claims.

Even so, Lawyer Su had some connections in the court, and he could talk to several judges.

However, if a case involved "foreign friends," the nature of the case itself would change, and judges would take it more seriously.

This was related to Jinying City’s investment policies over recent years—any case touching on international affairs would carry extra weight.

This was the reason for Lawyer Su’s momentary hesitation.

He had to tell President Wu that if Susan and Jessica were involved, the court would likely accept the case.

After a brief discussion, Lawyer Su nodded his head, indicating they had reached a decision.

"Lawyer Zhang, President Wu has some company matters to deal with. Why don’t you come to my office to chat!"

Lawyer Su knew that among the three people present, Zhang Wei was the one calling the shots, so he did not mind addressing a young upstart as Lawyer Zhang.

President Wu left with the staff of Haofangzi Group without looking back, still carrying an air of arrogance.

But Zhang Wei didn’t care and followed Lawyer Su to an office on the same floor.

The latter took a piece of paper, wrote down a number on it, and handed it to Zhang Wei.

"Lawyer Zhang, President Wu and I have just discussed it. Of course, we sympathize with the plight of folks in Tonghu Town. Unfortunately, your unreasonable nuisance must also have limits!"

While speaking, he sat down.

Zhang Wei looked at the number in his hand and said sarcastically, "So, this is your offer, 60,000 compensation per family?"

"60,000 is not a small figure. It’s the average annual income of a normal family in Jinying City. I even considered that since Tonghu Town is in a remote area, the income might be even lower. The number I’ve offered is quite generous!"

"Then am I to understand that you agree to compensation because you feel guilty deep down?"

"No, no, no, Lawyer Zhang, you’ve clearly misunderstood!"

Lawyer Su smiled slightly with an air of grace, "This money, you may regard as a charitable act by President Wu, a donation to the six families of Tonghu Town, a gesture of goodwill, nothing more."

"I see!"

Zhang Wei nodded, but inwardly he sneered; this was just tossing a bone to a beggar.

"By the way, Lawyer Zhang, if you accept this money, I also hope you can assure us that you won’t start a lawsuit against my client’s company with some unreasonable nuisance demands. I believe you understand this, right?"

"Of course, but unfortunately, I reject your terms!"

Zhang Wei immediately tore up the paper, crumpled it into a ball, and threw it into the trash can at his feet.

"Oh, so you signed a full agency contract, you can handle it completely!"

It was just a small action, but Lawyer Su Bancheng noticed something revealing.

If Zhang Wei and Susan weren’t entrusted with full authority, they would have had an obligation to inform their client of the offer, so that the client could make the final decision on the terms.

But Zhang Wei ripped up the conditions offered by their side, which meant he and Susan could make decisions on their own.

Although it was a minor matter, Lawyer Su Bancheng used it as a test and got the answer he wanted.

It must be said that his experience was vast; even trivial matters contained tactics.

"So, Lawyer Zhang, could you please inform us of your terms so I can communicate them with my client?"

"Of course, our condition is this amount for each household!"

Zhang Wei held up a single finger.

After seeing this, Lawyer Su Bancheng showed a hint of mockery, "One million, Lawyer Zhang, you really have quite the lion’s mouth!"

"Old Su, are you getting senile, thinking I would come all the way from Dongfang Capital to Jinying City to fight a lawsuit for one million? Our demand is ten million per household!"

This time, it was Lawyer Su Bancheng’s turn to be taken aback.

Good grief, you young upstart, so audacious!

Asking for ten million just like that, and not just ten million but ten million per household—that would be sixty million for six households!

Even with his composure, Lawyer Su Bancheng couldn’t help but shout towards the door, "Someone, show these guests out!"

In less than two seconds, two men in suits opened the door and walked in.

"The three of you, please, Lawyer Su wants you to leave!"

The two men didn’t lay a hand on them but advanced step by step, almost driving Zhang Wei out.

"Old Su, see you in court then!"

At the door, Zhang Wei left a parting shot, taking Susan and Jessica with him as they walked away.

"You brat, trying to act tough in front of me. Back when I was fighting in court, your parents were probably still in diapers drinking milk!"

After Zhang Wei left, Lawyer Su Bancheng couldn’t hold back and sneered.

He was furious, a junior had the nerve to step on his toes today.

To face him and demand sixty million just like that.

Lawyer Su Bancheng had never endured such an insult.

As for the price, he couldn’t be bothered to inform President Wu because he knew the other party would definitely not agree.

Moreover, Zhang Wei didn’t even make a real offer, what did holding up a single finger even mean?

...

Outside the headquarters of Haofangzi Group.

Zhang Wei, Jessica, and Susan paused here for a moment.

"If possible, I hope not to have the trial in Taoyuan District and to have the hearing as soon as possible. I don’t want to waste too much time..."

Zhang Wei was talking with the lead attorney of the case, but it was him speaking while Susan took notes on Zhang Wei’s instructions.

"I understand about having the hearing as soon as possible; my mother might not last much longer, and litigation is very time-consuming and draining, but why can’t we have it in Taoyuan District?"

"Susan, have you ever been to ’Xindu’?"

Susan searched her mind and recalled that Xindu was a city in the southern parts of Dragon Country, known for its high-tech industry, said to be catching up with Dongfang Capital in terms of GDP and housing prices.

She shook her head and looked at Zhang Wei.

"There’s a company there called Xunteng Technology, nicknamed the ’Southern District’s Pizza Hut’. Do you know why?"

"I don’t know," Susan shook her head again.

"You don’t need to understand the intricacies, and it’s not convenient for me to explain in detail, but you just need to know a term called ’home turf advantage’. Facing off with Haofangzi Group in Taoyuan District would be extremely unfavorable for us!"

Zhang Wei offered an explanation, whispered something into Susan’s ear, and then sent her off to submit the documents and application to the court.

Watching Susan leave, Jessica appeared to be worried.

"Zhang Wei, is it a good idea to let her go to the court alone? Could that be a bit..."

"Don’t worry, Susan is a local attorney, and she probably visits the Taoyuan District Court quite often. She definitely won’t have any issues. The main problem is on our side—it’s much bigger."

"What problem? Is there something else we need to investigate?"

"Of course, we need to get going as well!"

Zhang Wei nodded, "Before the case begins, we have to thoroughly understand our opponents, whether it’s Haofangzi Group or Lawyer Su Bancheng himself, we need to suss out their background."

Having said that, he asked Jessica to drive them around the area, then selected a place to have a meal.

In the afternoon, Zhang Wei and Jessica went to pick up Susan and then returned to the vicinity of Tonghu Town.

They had intended to investigate a nearby factory, but Susan told Zhang Wei that the factory would not allow them entry, so they abandoned the idea.

Eventually, the trio naturally ended up back at Su Mei’s Home.

Inside the living room, Zhang Wei sorted out some documents, while Jessica and Susan helped on the side.

Su Mei was busy in the kitchen, preparing snacks for the three of them.

"How are things at the court?"

"The case has been accepted, but we need to wait in line."

"Hmm, that’s inevitable, but since you’re the petitioner and considering your ’international friend’ status with Aunt Mei, the court might possibly make an exception and ’queue jump’ for us!"

Zhang Wei nodded, understanding the situation.

"Next is the intelligence we’ve just gathered. I hate to say it, but Lawyer Su Bancheng is indeed a tough opponent, especially when you’re up against him!"

Zhang Wei looked at Susan, his face expressing something odd.

"Lawyer Su Bancheng, Lawyer Su?" Su Mei also heard the name and immediately poked her head out from the kitchen.

"Yes, he’s our opponent this time!"

Zhang Wei didn’t hide anything and shared the trio’s encounter at the Haofangzi Group.

"What should we do? Our opponent is the Lawyer Su Bancheng, the most senior lawyer in Jinying City!"

Even living in Tonghu Town, Su Mei had heard of Su Bancheng.

Upon learning that they were facing such a person in court, she panicked and didn’t even continue making snacks.

"Aunt Mei, stay calm, Zhang Wei hasn’t said anything yet!"

Jessica quickly comforted her, now was the time to rely on Zhang Wei.

"Actually, I’m also not sure what to do..."

His words left Jessica speechless.

I just praised you for your fearlessness in the face of danger, and now you throw me a curveball?

"But you know, there are tactics for dealing with such veterans!"

The next sentence from Zhang Wei made Jessica and Susan’s eyes light up a bit.

Seeing Jessica, Susan, and Su Mei all looking at him, Zhang Wei pondered for a moment and then slowly said:

"To deal with a master with 40 years of experience, what we need to do is not follow the routine but to catch them off guard!"

"Catch them off guard?" Jessica and Susan looked at each other, not understanding at all.

"It’s simple!"

Zhang Wei gestured for Susan to come closer with a beckon of his finger.

"Once the trial date is set, you ask the court for a list of prospective jurors, and then we... do this and that..."

"Can this really work?"

"Otherwise, do you have a better plan to deal with Su Bancheng?"

"I don’t..."

"That settles it then. My way at least might cause him a little trouble, and give us a bit of a chance!"

Susan finally nodded, at this point, they had to follow Zhang Wei’s lead.

In the evening, Zhang Wei and Susan moved all the case files to Su Mei’s Home.

Zhang Wei preferred working at Su Mei’s Home to Susan’s office.

Looking at the pile of files scattered on the floor gave Zhang Wei an inexplicable sense of familiarity—it was the kind of place where he could feel at ease.

After dinner, Zhang Wei and Susan got busy; Jessica also helped, while Su Mei, being rather frail, went to rest early.

At the moment, Zhang Wei was conducting a mock trial with Susan.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, hello, I... I... my name is Susan... representing... Tonghu Town..."

Facing Zhang Wei’s piercing gaze, Susan stumbled over her words.

"Stop!"

Zhang Wei quickly intervened and shook his head: "I alone make you this nervous; in court, facing Su Bancheng and six jurors, plus a bunch of people from the Haofangzi Group in the gallery, what will you do then?"

"But, I... I’m just a community lawyer..."

Susan was also struggling. The disputes she usually dealt with could be solved by sitting down in the mediation room for a talk, and even if she went to court, it was just a small courtroom with a few people, and there might not even be many in the gallery.

But this time, her opponent was Su Bancheng, their company was worth tens of billions, did you not hear the threats they made?

Spending all of the company’s resources to crush you in court.

These words might not have an effect on Zhang Wei, but for Susan, that was naked pressure.

"Jessica?" Zhang Wei, helpless, could only ask for help.

Jessica was a licensed psychologist, best at helping people alleviate psychological stress, and she was a professional.

"Susan, come with me, do you still remember the tree we planted together in the backyard?"

Jessica took Susan to the backyard, while Zhang Wei could only helplessly sigh.

The pressure was now on Zhang Wei’s side, not knowing if Susan would be able to testify, he had to be ready to take the stand himself if necessary.

But if he were to take the stand, then the case would have to be recorded in Jincheng.

Then, his "side jobs" might be exposed.

"Never mind, let’s first deal with the immediate problems, I need to think about how to approach this case!"

Issues had to be tackled one by one. Assuming Susan was able to take the stand with Jessica’s help, then the first round of presenting evidence would be another problem.

They only had one expert witness at hand, and even the witness’s identity was problematic.

Moreover, their side’s victims and their families were also problematic.

Take Wang Qiang, for example, whose stance was of great concern to Zhang Wei.

"At this time, I must trouble my dear second daughter!"

Zhang Wei had no choice but to send all the information that needed investigation to Zhao Xiaoxiao and ask her to help with the investigation.

The second daughter replied with a "Wait for me" message half a day later, which made Zhang Wei feel somewhat helpless.

Though she was reliable, she wasn’t by his side, and it was hard to tell if she would be available when it counted!

Just then, Jessica and Susan returned.

"Susan, you go to sleep first, Zhang Wei and I are here!"

"Oh, okay!"

Susan seemed to have adjusted her mindset, the expression on her face had changed, Zhang Wei could feel it.

Seeing her go to sleep, Zhang Wei did not object.

"Zhang Wei, how are things now?"

Jessica sat next to Zhang Wei, her big eyes looking over.

"The situation... is pretty bad!"

Zhang Wei hesitated for a moment but then honestly admitted, "Our evidence is easily attackable. Apart from Aunt Su Mei, I don’t trust the other five families, and we’re also fighting an away game here. The biggest issue is the lack of decisive evidence..."

"Can you overcome these problems?"

Jessica unconsciously came closer to Zhang Wei, looking concerned.

"I can only say I’ll do my best!"

Zhang Wei was earnest, but then he laughed, "But right now, I just want to take a hot bath..."

"That’s easy, I’ll heat up the water for the bath. Are you okay with using a wooden bathtub?"

"How could I impose like that, let me do it..."

"No need, no need. If you’re going to bathe, you have to test the water temperature. I’ll heat up the bathwater for you. You’re here to help me, how can I let you exert yourself? Your energy needs to be saved for the case!"

Since Jessica insisted, Zhang Wei couldn’t refuse and had to slowly enjoy it.

It must be said, it was his first time bathing in a wooden tub, and it was even prepared by a delicate beauty.

Indeed, there is reason why wealthy magnates always have a few beautiful maids around.

Zhang Wei experienced the treatment of a wealthy landlord for a day and could only say it felt great.

"Zhang Wei, that..."

However, just as Zhang Wei finished his bath and was ready to rest, he was called by Jessica.

He saw her with a grim face, coming from the kitchen stove area.

"That, I also want to take a bath, but Susan has gone to sleep again, and Aunt Mei is not in good health. Could you also help me heat up the bathwater?"

"This..."

Looking at the hopeful face of Jessica, Zhang Wei inwardly sighed, knowing that there’s no free lunch in the world.

"Sure, how could a grown man not manage that!"

Zhang Wei readily agreed and started heating water in the kitchen stove area.