Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 173 - 171 Zhao Qingyan’s Investigation, The Root of the Pollution Problem

Chapter 173: Chapter 171 Zhao Qingyan’s Investigation, The Root of the Pollution Problem

A silent night passed.

The next day, morning came.

As the first light of day began to emerge, Zhang Wei had already gently awakened.

After getting dressed, he prepared to go downstairs to make breakfast.

However, looking at the beauty who had been sharing his bed for three nights and was still sound asleep, he suddenly felt playful.

Gently brushing Jessica’s hair from her forehead, he carefully kissed her glowing, plump forehead.

Pop!

Like a dragonfly skimming the water, leaving no trace.

Mmm~

Jessica seemed to sense something, making a sound of affection, her eyelids fluttering as if she was about to wake up.

Seeing this, Zhang Wei controlled his footsteps and quickly walked downstairs.

Unbeknownst to him, his belief that he hadn’t left a trace was mistaken; the person sharing his bed also wasn’t used to sleeping late.

Jessica had also woken up early and even noticed the unusual touch on her forehead.

But to avoid embarrassment for both of them, she pretended to sleep.

"Zhang..."

After gently rubbing her forehead, Jessica’s lips curled into a beautiful arc as if she didn’t reject Zhang Wei’s action.

A few minutes later, Jessica came downstairs, yawning languidly.

"Good morning, I’m making breakfast right now. Go freshen up in the backyard, it will be ready to eat in no time~"

Zhang Wei happened to be busy in the kitchen, and when he saw her come down, he greeted her warmly, of course.

"Mm~"

Jessica softly agreed and headed to the backyard.

A short while later, the two enjoyed breakfast together.

Ding!

Right at breakfast, a text message arrived.

"Uncle Zhao is already at the hospital in Taoyuan District. He’s really early!"

Seeing the content of the text, Zhang Wei was taken aback.

Zhao Qingyan truly lived up to his reputation as a coding guru, waking up even earlier than the chickens. It was not yet seven in the morning, and he had already arrived at the hospital.

Zhang Wei and Jessica had no choice but to drive immediately to the Taoyuan District hospital to meet with him.

...

Taoyuan District.

Public hospital.

In the ward where Su Mei was staying.

When Zhang Wei and Jessica arrived, they saw that another person had joined the room.

"Miss Su, this is the customized contract our company is providing for you. We can arrange for a doctor and researchers for you soon, including artificial organs available for replacement and comprehensive rehabilitation treatment..."

Though Zhao Qingyan was a coder, his business-pitching skills were not weak either. In just a short while, he had already explained the contract details to Su Mei.

"Jessica, Zhang Wei, you’re here!"

Su Mei, seeing the two at the door, quickly called out to them.

Zhao Qingyan naturally stopped his explanation and also nodded slightly towards the two.

"Uncle Zhao!"

"Zhang!"

The gathering was a polite affair, as one would expect.

After some pleasant exchanges, Jessica and Zhang Wei naturally introduced Zhao Qingyan to Su Mei.

"Can this artificial organ technology really save my mother’s life?"

Susan had been silent up until then, and her main concern, of course, was Su Mei’s illness.

"Susan, Mr. Zhao’s company is on the cutting edge of the industry. If he can’t help Aunt Mei, then there’s no one else in the world who could!"

"Yeah, Uncle Zhao is very reliable. Although your mom is taking targeted medication, the symptoms are not eradicated. It’s better to trust Uncle Zhao this time!"

Seeing her best friend and Zhang Wei both say this, Susan was naturally persuaded.

"Then... thank you, Mr. Zhao, for helping our family. I don’t know how to repay you!" Su Mei also nodded, agreeing.

Although she didn’t know Zhao Qingyan, she trusted Jessica and Zhang Wei.

"Miss Su, it should be Blacksmith Technology thanking you. It’s very difficult to find someone willing to cooperate with testing our new technology. Most people wouldn’t trust their bodies to our experiments!"

"But rest assured, our artificial organ clinical trials have already had successful cases, and the medical bureau has also passed our document review. Our experiments are safe and secured," he said.

Zhao Qingyan, after finalizing a contract, was also in high spirits.

Now that the first matter was settled, it was time to address the second one.

He gave Zhang Wei a look, and the two of them left the patient’s room together.

"You’re still the Zhang Wei I know, and your willingness to help others hasn’t changed!"

"Uncle Zhao, you flatter me too much..."

"Hahaha, let’s not beat around the bush, my purpose for coming today is actually the same as yours. I’m planning to inspect Haofangzi Group later, and you’ll accompany me there!"

"Inspect?"

Zhang Wei was momentarily startled; Zhao Qingyan actually used the word "inspect."

"Yes, you’ll see what I mean later!"

As he spoke, Zhao Qingyan also took out his phone and made a call.

"How’s the investigation into the environmental pollution issue going?"

"We’ve already sent out sampling and testing personnel to the site. They are in the process of tracing and expect to have preliminary data by noon!"

"And the background check? Found anything yet?"

"So far, at the factory side, we’ve uncovered issues with the factory manager and a few deputy managers. As for the head office, we’re gradually filtering relevant personnel, and we should have results in about an hour!"

"Good, I’ll wait for your news!"

Zhao Qingyan ended the call and looked at Zhang Wei with a smile.

"What, surprised?"

"Uncle Zhao, you have the authority to investigate Haofangzi Group freely—doesn’t that seem a tad too much?"

"Indeed, we do have the authority!"

Zhao Qingyan openly admitted, "Because in the initial cooperation contract there’s a clause that once the partner faces any litigation issues, Blacksmith Technology has the right to conduct a moderate background investigation!"

"Moderate?" Zhang Wei blinked.

"Of course, moderate. We wouldn’t dig out eighteen generations of their ancestors. And don’t worry, this clause is only for long-term cooperation companies."

Zhao Qingyan smiled, reminiscing, "This is because, at the start of our business, we suffered a lot. So we had to take precautions."

"Some, after receiving large or long-term orders, stop striving for improvement and even use shoddy materials. The supply they deliver to us is all defective products. That’s why we added this clause in the contract. Anyway, when they sign the contract, they guarantee they will deliver the most qualified products, and of course, we have to make sure the supplier is able to fulfill this commitment!"

Well, there were indeed such matters.

But that’s to be expected, after all, the client is king!

With the huge orders from Blacksmith Technology, they, as the client, certainly have to be cautious with every upstream supplier.

"By the way, Zhang, why have you been handling civil lawsuits lately?"

"Uncle Zhao, I won’t hide it from you. It’s mainly because of performance pressure. Our Group 7 is the criminal group, and the performance pressure is immense!"

"The criminal group has performance pressure?"

Zhao Qingyan was taken aback and somewhat puzzled.

Does your criminal group care about lawyers’ fees that much?

"Alright, but if you really are under performance pressure, I can mention it to my company’s boss. You could become the consultant lawyer for our cooperation with Jincheng. Knowing you as I do, you’re definitely suited for the job. Oh, and the annual consultancy fee we have agreed with Jincheng is 1 billion yuan!"

"This..."

Faced with Zhao Qingyan’s invitation, Zhang Wei hesitated.

Although he coveted the 1 billion yuan consultancy contract, he also knew that once he agreed, he would have to move to the project department.

After all, with such a large contract, Jincheng would surely not allow the responsible lawyer to stay in a criminal group.

"Let’s talk about this some other time..."

Zhang Wei didn’t immediately consent, but he didn’t refuse either.

Are you kidding? Which lawyer could refuse a major client? Certainly not Zhang Wei!

"OK, I’ll just mention it. If you’re interested, I can set up a dinner with Lin Xiangtian to discuss this matter."

Zhao Qingyan didn’t dwell on it but changed the subject, "Now, of course, the matter with Haofangzi Group is more pressing. Once the investigation results come out, we’ll go find President Wu!"

...

That day, at 1 p.m.

Haofangzi Group, headquarters building.

Even though it was the weekend, the large conference room outside the CEO’s office was filled with people.

The executives of Haofangzi Group were all gathered here for a meeting.

President Wu sat at the head of the table, with his deputies and Su Bancheng on either side of him.

"Lawyer Su, please explain the situation with the case in Tonghu Town," said President Wu.

The case has become the top concern for the group, especially after yesterday’s court hearing, which was very unfavorable for them.

"In this case, although it seems that the opposition has the upper hand, that’s just based on the witness’s performance in court, and it’s only a temporary advantage. When it’s our turn to present our evidence, I am confident that I can turn the tables entirely!"

Su Bancheng naturally gave his assurance, as after all, the Haofangzi Group boasts the best expert team—how could they possibly lose to a few villagers from a small town?

President Wu finally breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Su Bancheng’s assurance.

Still, his worries had not entirely disappeared.

"Factory Manager Li, I specifically called you here today to ask if there really is a pollution problem at the factory."

After asking, everyone in the conference room turned their gaze to the man sitting at the corner of the conference table, who looked honest and simple.

This was the person in charge of the factory in Tonghu Town, Factory Manager Li.

"President Wu, it’s a misunderstanding. Our factory complies with the strictest testing standards. We submit test reports every quarter. If there’s a pollution problem, we would definitely find out and deal with it immediately. How could we possibly pollute the water source of Tonghu Town!"

"In my view, it’s just that those people in the town don’t know what’s good for them. Given that our factory provides them with hundreds of jobs every year, they still want to extort us; it’s truly disgraceful!"

Factory Manager Li vehemently denied the accusations, shouting about being wronged and even cursing.

But as he spoke, he glanced towards another person at the conference table, who involuntarily shrank down, trying not to let others notice the eye contact with Factory Manager Li.

"That’s good, but just to be safe, have the people from the Environmental Protection Department do another test. I want to see the complete report first thing next Monday morning!"

President Wu instructed, thinking it was necessary to perform another test.

Only seeing a report that confirmed there was no pollution would allow him to put his mind entirely at ease.

"Alright, President Wu, we’ll get to it right after this meeting!"

The head of the Environmental Protection Department immediately agreed upon hearing the instructions.

"So..."

"President, you have a visitor!"

Just as President Wu was about to continue, the president’s assistant suddenly entered the conference room.

"Can’t you see I’m in a meeting? Nobody can—"

"It’s Mr. Zhao from Blacksmith Technology; he’s already waiting for you in the company’s reception room!"

President Wu was just about to scold the assistant, but the assistant reported the visitor’s identity immediately.

"Mr. Zhao, it’s actually him!"

Hearing the identity of the visitor, President Wu immediately stood up.

"Let’s adjourn the meeting for now. If there are any problems, I’ll notify you by email!"

After giving his instructions, he left immediately for the reception room downstairs.

All the staff in the meeting watched the president hurry off, wondering who this Mr. Zhao could be.

"Blacksmith Technology, Zhao Qingyan!"

In the conference room, only a few people were aware of Zhao Qingyan’s identity, Su Bancheng among them.

Su Bancheng was somewhat surprised. Why would an important client of Haofangzi Group in Dongfang Capital send someone at this time?

But with President Wu going to meet him, it didn’t matter to him.

His task was to handle the lawsuit they were currently facing.

He needed to prepare the expert witness team so that when the court reconvened on Monday, these witnesses could appear, and Haofangzi Group would be in an invincible position!

...

Haofangzi Group.

Luxury reception room.

"Mr. Zhao, I didn’t expect you to come. I apologize for not welcoming you properly!"

"President Wu, you are too kind. I didn’t inform you of my visit; it should be me who’s sorry for the disturbance!"

"Mr. Zhao, you’re too modest; it should be me apologizing for any oversight!"

"It’s my fault, President Wu, for dropping in unannounced; I apologize."

"Not at all..."

"Please, it’s nothing..."

After exchanging pleasantries, the two took their seats.

Then they engaged in a round of business banter, exchanging courtesies.

After chatting for more than an hour, Zhao Qingyan suddenly changed the subject.

Their conversation shifted from potential future collaboration projects to his main purpose—the case involving Zhang Wei.

"President Wu, I’ve recently heard that there has been some trouble with your furniture processing plant?"

President Wu inwardly exclaimed that it was as expected. Zhao Qingyan had not come earlier or later but just when Wu’s side was at a disadvantage in the lawsuit.

If you said he had no ulterior motive, how could that be possible?

"These are just some minor issues; Lawyer Su has already stepped in on our behalf. They will be resolved very soon!"

President Wu was an old hand in the business world; naturally, he wouldn’t disclose the real situation to Zhao Qingyan, and he smoothly brushed it off with a simple response.

"Is that so? But I’ve heard that it seems to be related to environmental pollution issues, and as you know, the big picture lately is the crackdown on such matters. After all, we’ve moved past the stage of striving for development at all costs. Now the slogan is ’protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility’."

"Mr. Zhao is right, protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility, and Haofangzi Group does just that, which is why we’ve established a strict set of testing standards. I can assure you, our pollution testing equipment is in no way inferior to those found in laboratories!"

Seeing that Zhao Qingyan was still bringing up the issue of pollution, President Wu quickly responded,

"No matter how good and advanced the equipment in the laboratories is, it is ultimately operated by people..."

"Mr. Zhao, what do you mean by that..."

Seeing that Zhao Qingyan’s words seemed to have an implied meaning, President Wu was puzzled.

Honestly, if you weren’t the client, I would have shown my displeasure long ago.

Behind Zhao Qingyan was Blacksmith Technology, whose assets were dozens of times that of Haofangzi Group, and with a large order in hand, he really couldn’t afford to offend the other party.

"It’s nothing, just small talk, just small talk..."

Zhao Qingyan brushed it off with a perfunctory remark, smiling as he coped with the situation.

However, he already had his speculations.

For the rest of the time, Zhao Qingyan didn’t bring up the pollution issue of Tonghu Town again but switched to other topics.

The meeting ended quickly, and after some polite small talk, President Wu escorted Zhao Qingyan out of the group’s building.

"President Wu, no need to see me out, I have my car."

"Then take care, Mr. Zhao!"

President Wu saw him to the door, and only then did Zhao Qingyan get into his limousine and leave Haofangzi Group.

In the business vehicle.

The smile that Zhao Qingyan had maintained throughout his meeting with President Wu vanished, replaced by a look of depth.

Clearly, he had noticed something.

Zhang Wei was sitting opposite him; in fact, Zhang Wei and the driver had been waiting in the car for a whole two hours.

"President Wu probably isn’t aware. It looks like it’s his subordinates who are insatiable and deceiving both superiors and subordinates. It seems that no matter the enterprise, there will always be such parasites!"

From the recent meeting, Zhao Qingyan discerned one thing: President Wu seemed to be in the clear.

"Uncle Zhao, you didn’t disclose our investigation results to them?" Zhang Wei immediately asked.

The evidence they had in hand should be enough for President Wu to notice the problem.

But Zhao Qingyan did not hand it over, obviously having other plans.

"Of course not!"

Zhao Qingyan shook his head and then looked at Zhang Wei sitting across from him. "I’ve decided to let you expose all this in court. It will serve as a lesson for President Wu, teach him a lesson!"

"Here, then take all this material!"

He took a stack of documents from a briefcase beside him and handed them to Zhang Wei.

"Zhang, this is as much as I can help you. Once you’re in court, you’ll be facing Lawyer Su. Are you confident?"

"Uncle Zhao, look who you’re talking to. With so many trump cards in my hand, even if the Heavenly King himself were to appear, he’d still lose the case!"

"Hahaha, that’s good to hear. It’s just a pity I’m swamped with things on my end, and I have several meetings to attend next Monday. I won’t be able to see your performance in court."

Zhao Qingyan laughed a bit, then instructed the driver, "After the hospital, head straight back to Dongfang Capital!"

The driver nodded in acknowledgment.

Soon, they arrived at the hospital.

"Zhang, after you win the case, come back early!"

"Of course, Uncle Zhao!"

After giving Zhang Wei a helping hand, Zhao Qingyan immediately returned.

Zhang Wei was extremely grateful for Zhao Qingyan’s assistance; he knew the man was incredibly busy. Yet for his sake, Zhao Qingyan was willing to sacrifice his weekend time and make a trip to Tonghu Town personally.

Looking at the thick stack of documents in his hands, the corners of his mouth inevitably curled upwards.

"Su Bancheng, Haofangzi Group, wait until the hearing on Monday, and we’ll see what you can do!"

At this moment, Zhang Wei, with the ace up his sleeve, was naturally full of confidence.

He returned to Su Mei’s hospital room with the documents and shared the good news with her.

Afterwards, Su Mei had Susan accompany Zhang Wei back home.

After all, the person who would ultimately stand trial on Monday was Susan.

Throughout the weekend, Zhang Wei, Jessica, and Susan prepared for the trial at home, sorting through the materials and practicing for the hearing, making sure everything was ready.

They began looking forward to the day of the hearing on Monday.