Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 175 - 173: If You Don’t Fall, I Will! Quoting Higher Than the Actual Price

Chapter 175: Chapter 173: If You Don’t Fall, I Will! Quoting Higher Than the Actual Price

The data from our own laboratory could be problematic.

After all, as Zhao Qingyan said, machines may be precise, but what if they are operated by humans?

Machines lack feelings, but people have them.

Machines don’t falsify results, but people do.

That’s why Su Bancheng didn’t dwell on the Haofangzi Group’s test report, since he himself also believed there might be issues within it.

Miao Zhenzhen was responsible for procurement, Factory Manager Li arranged for the use of flame retardants, and Director Miao was in charge of altering the test reports; he believed Susan’s claims were likely true.

But even if their own test data was forged, what about the environmental protection agency’s data? That couldn’t possibly be problematic, could it?

Yet, Susan denied even this point.

And from what she implied, could there even be issues with the environmental protection agency’s data?

At this moment, the direction of the trial shifted.

Everyone in the courtroom became spectators.

The jury, the hearing attendees, the scene in the courtroom...

Everyone stopped paying attention to the witness testimony, to the questions of the cross-examination, and instead focused on Susan’s explanation.

"The environmental agency’s test data can’t be wrong!"

"How can it not be wrong? Although the data is produced by machines, humans are the ones controlling them!"

Facing Su Bancheng, a veteran with the highest seniority in Jinying City, Susan stood her ground once more.

She walked back to the prosecutor’s bench, took a stack of documents from Zhang Wei, and returned to the stand.

"According to our prosecution’s investigation, the environmental protection agency’s tests were not conducted independently in-house, but in collaboration with a partner laboratory. The environmental protection agency oversaw the testing process, while the laboratory provided the equipment and experts for collaboration, and the test reports as well."

"The investigation revealed that the laboratory responsible for testing the water pollution near the factories in Tonghu Town is an independent environmental testing organization in Jinying City. One of the experts in this organization has a very close relationship with Director Miao. They often interact, being alumni, and last year they attended private gatherings together multiple times!"

Having said this, Susan also handed copies of the files she held to the judge and Su Bancheng.

"The document in my hands is the environmental protection agency’s investigative report on the pollution in Tonghu Town. The testing organization listed is always the same, and the person in charge of the testing projects is also the same one!"

"Director Miao, I would like to ask if this person is closely related to you and if there is anything incorrect in what I’ve just said?"

Upon Susan’s question, all eyes in the courtroom once again focused on the witness stand.

However this time, Director Miao was not confused but stuck in a difficult position, his expression filled with terror.

He thought he had covered his tracks flawlessly...

But unexpectedly, Susan still managed to expose it on the spot.

Now, everyone knew!

"Oh, and Director Miao, I forgot to tell you. We submitted the whistleblowing materials to the Taoyuan District Procuratorate Office and the environmental protection agency yesterday. Your old classmate must be in a tight spot now!"

This statement poured fuel on the fire, causing Director Miao’s face to collapse on the spot, utterly defeated.

The entire courtroom gasped in shock.

Well, gosh, based on what you said, it really seems like something is going on!

On the other side, Su Bancheng’s face also fell, though his composure remained. His contorted face twitched a few times before returning to normal.

Then, he saw Zhang Wei smiling at him.

But in his eyes, that smile was filled with disdain and sarcasm.

Damn it!

Today, Su Bancheng was about to crash and burn right here!

"Order!"

"I want silence!"

Seeing the courtroom becoming increasingly rowdy, the judge finally lost his patience.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

With consecutive strikes of the gavel, the courtroom finally quieted down.

However, there were still whispers among those in the hearing seats.

The jurors were whispering to each other, exchanging glances incessantly.

Lady No. 1 looked at the witness stand and the defendant’s bench with disdain, revulsion, and profound disgust.

By this time, the outcome was virtually decided.

The judge looked toward Susan, who immediately understood.

"Your Honor, we no longer have questions for Director Miao, but I’d advise him not to leave too quickly. Members of the investigative division and Procuratorate’s Office might come to gather him for investigation shortly!"

"You..."

Director Miao trembled with rage. Although it wasn’t particularly hot, he was drenched in cold sweat and his limbs were icy.

He got off the witness stand in a daze, not knowing how to step down.

He knew that today he had completely fallen.

He and his sister and brother-in-law were doomed to serve a long prison sentence once their actions were exposed.

In the courtroom.

"Defense, do you have any witnesses left to call?"

The judge, still bound to maintain courtroom order, inquired further, although it was clear that such a question under current circumstances was probably redundant

"We, our side..."

Su Bancheng opened his mouth but couldn’t utter a word for a while.

"Your Honor, I think the defense should call Factory Manager Li to testify and let him prove his and his wife Miao Zhenzhen’s innocence concerning those actions!"

Zhang Wei, from the prosecution’s side, suddenly chimed in, a smile on his face as he pointed towards the back where the audience sat.

That day, Factory Manager Li was also present in the courtroom.

Seeing everyone’s gaze focused on him, Factory Manager Li was already dripping with cold sweat.

Had this not been a courtroom, the countless media personnel surrounding him would have completely engulfed him.

However, seeing the restless demeanor of the crowd, it seemed likely that someone might disregard courtroom order entirely.

"Lawyer Su, why aren’t you speaking? Are you planning to subpoena another witness or not?"

"What’s the matter, Lawyer Su? Why is your face all red? Is it because the courtroom air conditioning is set too high? You look overheated!"

"President Wu, where are your company’s witnesses? Bring them up here, as many as you want. What about your team of experts? Call them up too!"

"If you don’t call them, I’m going to! After all, I have a list of your witnesses. How about I take roll call?"

Zhang Wei fanned the flames once more, starting to mock and sneer at Su Bancheng and the defense bench.

Fuck!

Even the judge couldn’t help but curse silently in frustration.

This kid really knows no limits, taking advantage of his upper hand to bite people, huh!

"Ahem, Assistant Attorney for the prosecution, you..."

The judge intended to issue a warning, but before he could speak, Su Bancheng finally exploded.

"You little brat, dare to mock me, Su Bancheng?!"

Accompanied by a thunderous shout, Su Bancheng raised his silver cane high, poised to strike.

But the next moment, his expression changed as he remembered where he was.

Zhang Wei’s mockery had gotten under his skin, causing him to lose reason!

All eyes in the courtroom were on him, and the court guards were getting restless.

It was their duty to maintain order in the courtroom; they weren’t concerned with verbal exchanges or outbursts.

But should anyone attempt to use a weapon or start a fight, they would have to intervene.

And Su Bancheng’s recent gesture clearly indicated his intent to become physical.

"Lawyer Su?!" the judge warned, signaling him with his eyes not to be rash.

While the Assistant Attorney for the prosecution’s words were indeed hurtful, the defense hadn’t uttered a word for a long time.

If you resorted to violence, that would create a serious problem.

With so many reporters present, invited by you no less, I can’t look the other way and pretend I saw nothing.

Su Bancheng stood there with his cane held aloft, unsure whether to strike or not, rooted to the spot.

Several seconds later, Zhang Wei walked over.

"Lawyer Su, I know you’re furious, but you can’t bring yourself to do it, so let me help you!"

He seized the silver cane from Su Bancheng’s hand without waiting for a response and smashed it forcefully against the floor.

Crack!

The silver cane made intimate contact with the floor, the handle shattering instantly.

"You..."

"Lawyer Su, you were wielding an offensive weapon, I merely removed a threat," Zhang Wei said coldly, justifying his action with a mocking smile, "The cane is made of silver, right? That’s a metal weapon. You were giving me a nasty look, and I feared you might hit me with it, so my actions were in self-defense."

"Lawyer Su, my actions were actually for self-preservation. You could consider it necessity to avert imminent harm, given that you had such a fierce look and raised your cane at me. I was so scared, I had no choice but to do what I did!"

Zhang Wei explained, though the smile on his face grew more pronounced.

There was no help for it; the advantage was not in their hands, and he had the right to be smug.

And his reasoning was sound. The courtroom is a place where weapons are forbidden. Bringing one was clearly inappropriate.

Your actions just then clearly crossed the line, and my response was only out of self-defense. Even if you tried suing me, you wouldn’t win.

Besides, I am a criminal defense attorney!

I’m not afraid to take you to court; in fact, I dare you to do so!

After Zhang Wei had smashed Su Bancheng’s cane in the courtroom, he slowly returned to his seat with a smug smile, looking towards the judge’s bench.

His eyes seemed to question the judge, as if to say, "The courtroom is in chaos; as a judge, aren’t you supposed to step in and take control of the situation?"

"Cough, cough, everyone quiet down, and all journalists in the gallery, sit back down!"

Left with no choice, the judge had to continue presiding over the courtroom and issued a warning to the journalists in the gallery who had already started to stir discreetly.

"Lawyer Su, please take your seat as well. Your recent behavior was quite unbecoming!"

Although Zhang Wei broke your cane, he provided ample reason, and I can’t punish him for that. On the other hand, your actions were rather inappropriate, and I must warn you.

Su Bancheng resignedly sat down, letting out a long sigh.

"Defense, do you have any more witnesses to call?"

"Your Honor, we would like to request a recess so that we might conduct some friendly legal negotiations with the prosecution..."

Su Bancheng felt helpless as the tide had completely turned; Juror No.1 looked at them the same way one might look at an ex-husband.

That look was terrifying, and Su Bancheng felt panic rising within.

If they proceeded with the closing arguments now, he was certain they would undoubtedly lose.

But calling more witnesses seemed equally futile at this point.

Despite his intense hatred for Zhang Wei, which made his teeth itch with frustration, he knew that their only option now was to settle.

"In light of the recent events in the courtroom, the court will adjourn for today. As for the next session..."

The judge paused, glancing at Su Bancheng and Zhang Wei, "The date for the next session will be notified later!"

He was also aware that the likelihood of reconvening was slim.

Thus, the dramatic trial finally came to an end.

The opposing parties started to leave the courtroom, but their expressions had completely reversed compared to when they arrived.

Su Bancheng’s face was somber as he stared at the broken cane, split in two on the floor, his face filled with distress.

This cane had been with him for several years, and now a young whippersnapper had snapped it in two.

The worst part was that he had no choice but to swallow his anger!

Anger!

So much anger!

With a dark expression, Su Bancheng walked into the conference room next to the courtroom.

Along with him were President Wu from Haofangzi Group today and some other executives.

As for Factory Manager Li and Director Miao, they were taken into custody by the court guards after the court recessed.

Clearly, even the judge believed these two were problematic.

Inside the conference room.

The atmosphere was heavy.

People from Haofangzi Group waited anxiously.

Soon, the door to the room opened, and Zhang Wei, along with two others, entered.

"Just the three of you?" Su Bancheng looked at Zhang Wei, a flash of murderous intent crossing his face.

"We signed a power of attorney contract, three people are enough for the discussion!"

Zhang Wei sat down calmly, with Jessica and Susan accompanying him on either side.

For a moment, the two sides faced off.

After a while, Su Bancheng nodded to President Wu and began to speak leisurely, "Name your price."

Susan opened her mouth, but then looked at Zhang Wei.

Although she was ostensibly the decision-maker on this case, the real power to speak lay with Zhang Wei.

Susan also remembered something about the compensation amount.

Their contract clearly specified:

If the compensation was less than 1 million, Zhang Wei would not take any fee. If it exceeded 1 million, he would take a 15% lawyer’s fee. If the amount exceeded 3 million, the fee would be 30%, and if it was above 5 million, a 50% lawyer’s fee!

Now that they had the upper hand, Susan believed that Zhang Wei would certainly suggest the highest amount, which was 5 million...

But she clearly underestimated Zhang Wei, who smiled faintly and declared:

"10 million!"

"10 million?"

Susan gaped again, this time genuinely shocked, her eyes widening.

A double or nothing move once he spoke!

Did he think this was a game of bidding?

Susan stayed silent, not intending to express an opinion, and kept her head down, too disinterested even to speak.

The representatives from Haofangzi Group, too, were stunned.

"10 million?" They looked at each other, bewildered.

"Yes, 10 million per household, and that’s the amount for each!"

"6 households, that would be 60 million?" bellowed a female secretary from behind President Wu.

"We don’t need that much. There are only 5 households on our side now; Wang Qiang and his crew were ousted for faking things, so you only need to compensate 5 households!"

"Only... 5 households..." The female secretary’s mouth fell open, but she dared not speak.

Even 5 households would still require 50 million!

She had never seen that much money in her life.

The female secretary, like Susan, became self-absorbed, hanging her head, not daring to speak.

Compared with the female secretary and Susan, Su Bancheng was much calmer, watching Zhang Wei with a cold gaze, "Kid, you really do have a lion’s appetite!"

"I just think that for an enterprise with assets over ten billion, spending 50 million to settle is better than losing a lawsuit in court, isn’t it?"

Zhang Wei ignored Su Bancheng, his piercing eyes fixed on President Wu, "Especially this enterprise, which mainly does local business—if the details of this case were to get out, it would be a huge blow to your reputation. If your public relations department doesn’t handle it well, your reputation could plummet!"

This was precisely where the Haofangzi Group’s senior executives felt the pinch.

Factory Manager Li, Director Miao, and that woman named Miao Zhenzhen, all three of them were destined to be taken away for investigation and were likely to face criminal charges.

The illegal things they had done—the group was certainly going to sue them.

And once these matters were prosecuted by the Procuratorate’s Office, they could no longer be concealed.

If at this time, they chose not to settle with the families of Tonghu Town, then losing this lawsuit would be a heavy blow, and the subsequent public prosecution by the Procuratorate’s Office would be adding insult to injury.

Once it reached that point, Haofangzi Group’s reputation would probably be completely ruined.

So, for reasons both public and private, emotional and rational, they needed to reach a settlement with Zhang Wei’s party.

But the amount for this settlement... it was just...

"Kid, your price, it’s outrageous, is this the way you negotiate?" boomed an infuriated executive who couldn’t hold back any longer, directly berating Zhang Wei.

"10 million per household, not a penny less; either we continue in court, or you pay up!"

Zhang Wei remained impervious, turning his head away.

Jessica, who was by his side, covered her mouth and giggled softly upon seeing this.

She was a clever woman, and she was also aware of the contract Zhang Wei had signed.

The two had shared a bed for days, and a single glance or slight movement was all it took for the other to understand the intent.

It was clear Zhang Wei intended to play the bad cop, so there needed to be someone to play the good cop.

"Zhang Wei, although I know you are doing this for Aunt Mei, I think 10 million is just too much, and Aunt Mei wouldn’t want things to get irreparable!"

Jessica shook her head, soothingly advising, "President Wu and the others have sat down to negotiate with us, which is already giving us face. Don’t make it difficult for both sides, okay?"

"President Wu, I know you want to resolve this matter as soon as possible, and you are well aware of Aunt Mei’s situation. She really doesn’t have much time left. You wouldn’t want to continue dragging this out, causing Aunt Mei and the others to picket outside your company doors, right? So for the sake of both of us, for the good of both sides, we should bring some sincerity to the table, don’t you think?"

Jessica ostensibly urged both sides, but also issued a veiled threat.

An incapacitated woman picketing at your company’s doorstep every day is a massive blow for any large corporation.

"Hmph, Jessica, don’t try to persuade me. I have nothing to discuss with these people..." said Zhang Wei as he was about to dismiss Jessica with a wave of his hand, but her "pitiful" look stopped him mid-sentence.

Zhang Wei took a deep breath, seemingly making a concession, "Then make it 5 million. I’m cutting it in half directly, that’s my sincerity. If they still don’t agree, then there’s nothing more to discuss!"

Su Bancheng’s eyes narrowed, fixating on Zhang Wei.

How could he not see that these two appeared to be playing good cop, bad cop?

But he didn’t dare gamble, uncertain whether Zhang Wei was serious or whether President Wu would compromise.

"Hmph, look at these people. I’ve made concessions, and they’re not showing any signs of cooperation, just wasting my time!"

Zhang Wei slammed the table, signaling the negotiation could not continue.

"Let’s go!"

He said, pulling Jessica and Susan up, ready to leave in indignation.

However, as he turned his head, preparing to exit the conference room, inside he began to count down.

5;

4;

3;

2...

"Wait!"

Suddenly, President Wu, who had been silent, waved his hand to stop Zhang Wei.

"5 million per household, right? We agree to this condition!"

At that moment, with his back to President Wu and the others, the corners of Zhang Wei’s mouth involuntarily lifted.

Success!