Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 176 - 174: Reaching a Settlement, Tonghu Town Case Concludes

Chapter 176: Chapter 174: Reaching a Settlement, Tonghu Town Case Concludes

Taoyuan District Court, negotiation room.

"We accept the price of 5 million per household!"

President Wu of Haofangzi Group had finally compromised.

Perhaps persuaded by Zhang Wei’s strategy, or perhaps he did not want to continue haggling with Zhang Wei’s side.

In any case, he had compromised and agreed to the settlement terms.

"5 million per household, and President Wu must ensure that the factories under Haofangzi Group will not encounter any pollution problems in the future!"

Zhang Wei then made an additional demand, "Furthermore, you need to offer a public apology to the citizens of Jinying City, or to the residents of Tonghu Town!"

"Although I know that even if I don’t mention it, your PR department would suggest the same. After all, with such a serious issue, claiming complete unawareness would only be adding fuel to the flame, wouldn’t it?"

President Wu did not say anything, as he was also contemplating Zhang Wei’s suggestion.

Indeed, Haofangzi Group was also a victim; he too had been deceived by the company’s safety supervisor in collusion with the workshop manager and his wife, all without his knowledge.

Oh, right!

There was also the person in charge of the laboratory cooperating with the environmental protection department; he was involved too!

Unfortunately, once President Wu claimed ignorance, the public would hardly be convinced, and online trolls would not be satisfied.

They would take any chance to attack, berating him for being unaware as the company president.

The internet and public opinion would surely overwhelm Haofangzi Group.

At that point, with a population of over 10 million in Jinying City, if public opinion fermented among the people, the reputation of Haofangzi Group would plummet.

"5 million in compensation, a promise of no pollution issues, and a public apology to the residents of Tonghu Town..."

President Wu looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought.

As the CEO of a company, having to bow down in front of countless media outlets.

For his pride, it was a hit.

However...

"Fine, it’s settled then. Lawyer Su will finalize the contract with you!"

President Wu left the room quickly after dropping that line, his movements swift and decisive.

His subordinates, seeing the boss leave, quickly followed him out of the negotiation room.

Thus, the pollution case of Tonghu Town was concluded.

Now, only Su Bancheng and the people from his law firm remained on Haofangzi Group’s side.

He wanted to leave, but due to the client’s commission, he could not.

"Lawyer Su, it was a pleasure working with you," Zhang Wei said with a slight smile, extending his hand.

Truth be told, Su Bancheng would have liked to grab a cane and hit this kid in the face.

Unfortunately, the cane had been broken by Zhang Wei beforehand, leaving him no means to hit back.

It must be said that Zhang Wei’s "emergency preemptive action" was well-executed.

"Pleasure... working... with... you..."

God knows how Su Bancheng managed to squeeze those four words through his gritted teeth.

God knows what kind of mental self-persuasion he had to undergo to shake hands with Zhang Wei.

God knows how much anger he had to suppress to sit down and discuss contract details with Zhang Wei.

In short, the following hours were nothing short of torture for Su Bancheng.

Not until the moment of agreement was reached did he feel as if drained, his entire spirit nearly depleted.

After Zhang Wei and his two companions had left, Su Bancheng swore to himself, a bitter oath.

"When I get back, I’m buying a new cane!"

Su Bancheng also prepared to leave, but before he did, he gave his subordinates an order.

"That’s right, made of carbon steel, indestructible by anyone!"

Lastly, he added one more thing.

With a carbon steel cane, there would be no fear of some kid snatching and breaking it.

...

Taoyuan District, public hospital.

Inside the care ward, Zhang Wei and his companions returned to visit Su Mei.

"Aunt Mei, we won, a settlement fee of 5 million, available to every household!"

Jessica held Su Mei’s hands with a face full of joy, sharing the success with her.

"Thank you, Zhang Wei, and thank you, Jessica. Without your help, I believe none of the families in Tonghu Town could have received such compensation!"

Su Mei was naturally full of thanks.

The outcome was indeed beyond her expectations.

Haofangzi Group had actually agreed to a settlement, and moreover, with a settlement fee of 5 million, and were going to publicly apologize.

Moreover, the initiators of the pollution, Factory Manager Li and his wife Miao Zhenzhen, as well as Director Miao, who covered up the crimes at headquarters, will all be punished by the law!

For Su Mei, today is undoubtedly the most celebratory day; she was too excited.

"Aunt Mei, you should thank Uncle Zhao; he’s the one who put in the most effort!" Zhang Wei also made sure to mention.

Although if he were to investigate, he might have tracked down the clues and possibly found issues related to Factory Manager Li.

But Zhao Qingyan was more efficient and faster, and if he had to rely on himself, there might not have been enough time.

Moreover, Zhao Qingyan had also provided Su Mei with a lifesaving artificial organ. Once Su Mei’s treatment was successful, combined with the compensation from the Haofangzi Group, she could definitely live a few more good years.

"And thank you too, Lawyer Zhang. You put in the most effort; without you, this case definitely would not have been won!"

Susan also graciously thanked Zhang Wei.

Without Zhang Wei, she definitely could not have won against Su Bancheng, and this she was very clear about.

She was just a neighborhood lawyer; how could she possibly be an opponent for someone like Su Bancheng? Without Zhang Wei’s help, she predicted she wouldn’t have lasted through the first round of the court proceedings.

Zhang Wei and Jessica exchanged a smile; everything was understood without words...

...

That afternoon.

On the highway from Jinying City to Dongfang Capital.

"Based on the latest news from our station, the prominent business Haofangzi Group in our city has announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with 5 households in Tonghu Town and has made a public apology for the pollution incident at the Tonghu Town processing factory!"

"President Wu of the Haofangzi Group has announced that he will actively cooperate with the environmental investigations of the Taoyuan District Environmental Protection Agency and the Procuratorate’s Office, expressing his deep remorse over the internal corruption, bribery, and falsification of test reports within the group!"

"The person in charge of the processing factory, Mr. Li and his wife, Ms. Miao, repeatedly took advantage of their positions to receive huge kickbacks during their tenure, using flame retardants containing toxic substances to cut corners, causing pollution to Tonghu Town and nearby water sources..."

"According to our station, the Haofangzi Group has released a public statement, committing to using all the group’s resources to make the maximum compensation to the families and victims in Tonghu Town..."

Listening to the radio broadcast in the car, Zhang Wei, sitting in the passenger seat and wearing a content smile, rarely showed his happiness.

Winning the case, catching the mastermind behind it, and securing satisfactory compensation for his client, these were all the most satisfying things for a lawyer.

The case was finally over.

Although Su Mei and Susan tried hard to retain them, Zhang Wei and Jessica had no intention of staying in Jinying City any longer.

Both of them had work to attend to.

Jessica’s clinic still needed to continue, and Zhang Wei, having been "absent from work" for so many days, also had to report back.

So that afternoon, amid the thanks from several families in Tonghu Town, they set off on their return journey to Dongfang Capital.

Watching the skyline of Dongfang Capital become clearer, Zhang Wei and Jessica, who was driving, exchanged a smile.

The Tonghu Town case was finally concluded.

...

Dongfang Capital, Central Ring.

Sifang Gate Street, at the crossroads.

A silver sedan pulled up to the side of the road, and Zhang Wei and Jessica got out of the car one after the other.

"We’re finally back!"

After getting out of the car, Zhang Wei took a deep breath.

His nostrils filled with the bustling scent that was unique to Dongfang Capital!

"Jessica, are you heading back to your clinic?"

"Of course; on the way here, Cui Xi called me several times and even sent messages!"

"Well, then, we’ll have to make plans on another day..."

Although the days spent with Jessica were wonderful, especially in Tonghu Town, where they even shared a bed for several days,

all good things must come to an end.

"Thank you, Zhang Wei!"

Jessica thanked him again; although she had expressed her gratitude many times en route and after the case had ended, upon returning to Dongfang Capital, she reiterated her thanks.

She needed a lot of thanks for this incident; Zhang Wei really helped her a lot.

"Don’t mention it, Jessica, I helped you because... "

Zhang Wei intended to offer a courteous response, but before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the bold action of the person in front of him.

A gentle peck landed on Zhang Wei’s lips, light as a dragonfly skimming the water, yet leaving a lingering taste.

"Zhang Wei, this is my thanks to you, but please don’t get the wrong idea, this is just to thank you for helping Aunt Mei, for helping Susan..."

Jessica said this, her fair cheeks blushing slightly.

This golden-haired lady, at that moment, appeared just like a young girl experiencing her first love, utterly tempting.

Zhang Wei was still stunned on the spot, forgetting to respond.

"So, I’m leaving, goodbye!"

After thanking him again, Jessica hurriedly drove off, and Zhang Wei waved instinctively, watching her depart.

He stood there for a long while before he came back to his senses and raised his hand to touch the unusual sensation on his lips.

Jessica actually took the initiative to kiss him, something he hadn’t expected.

However, when he thought about their intimacy at Su Mei’s home, he felt relieved.

They had held hands, now they had kissed, and even slept in each other’s arms; it could be said that they were only one step away from doing all that needed to be done.

Zhang Wei shook his head, put the matter of Jessica aside, and turned back to the Lin Mansion.

Entering the Lin Mansion and seeing the familiar furniture, Zhang Wei sighed, then his nose twitched.

"What’s going on, why is there a strange smell?"

He quickly went to the kitchen and found in the trash bin a pile of accumulated takeout boxes.

Because they hadn’t been disposed of for several days, these takeout boxes had accumulated and were emitting all kinds of unpleasant odors.

"Ah, my second daughter..."

Seeing his kitchen turned into a mess, Zhang Wei was beyond words.

Thump thump thump!

Thud thud thud!

He hurried up the stairs and knocked heavily on the door.

"What~"

A listless voice came from inside the room.

The door opened, and Zhao Xiaoxiao stared at Zhang Wei with two dark circles under her eyes, looking stunned.

"Oh, you’re back..."

Seeing the disheveled state of his second daughter, Zhang Wei had a lot of reproaches in his heart, but he didn’t voice a single word.

"Alright, I’m back, don’t eat takeout anymore, cut down on those greasy foods, and eat something lighter!"

"Ow~"

Zhao Xiaoxiao responded in a low voice and was about to close the door and continue sleeping.

For her, not sleeping during the day would be strange.

"Also, thank you for your help this time."

"What help, I didn’t do much..."

Zhao Xiaoxiao answered and then closed the door to her room.

"This second daughter of mine, except for a bad temper and personality, really doesn’t have many flaws..."

Zhang Wei shook his head and went back to the kitchen to start cleaning up.

After cleaning the kitchen, Zhang Wei checked the fridge and found that there were no ingredients left.

He had no choice but to go to the supermarket, buy ingredients, and prepare to cook.

That evening, Zhang Wei naturally called Zhao Xiaoxiao, who was still sleeping, and the two enjoyed a nice meal together.

For Zhang Wei, it was dinner, but for Zhao Xiaoxiao, it was more like "breakfast."

"Second daughter, remember to sleep early tonight. Your daily routine is..."

"Why the fuss, none of your business, better mind your own. You and that blonde chick go off to Jinying City for a honeymoon, and be careful if Silly Sister finds out, she’ll beat you to death!"

"Look at the way you talk. I went there to work on a case, to help a friend, and we were completely innocent. Besides, if you don’t tell, who will know?"

"Then stop blabbering. If you make me unhappy, be careful or I might just spill the beans!"

"It seems I have to eliminate my own kin to prevent any leak of information, huh?"

"Hmph, you dare, be careful, or I’ll stab you to death with chopsticks!"

During dinner, Zhang Wei and his second daughter also had a "friendly and cordial" interaction, and the atmosphere at the dining table was extremely pleasant.

...

The next day, in the morning.

After a night’s rest, Zhang Wei was refreshed and ready for work.

The familiar commute, the familiar crush of the subway, the familiar arrival at the law firm.

By eight in the morning, he was already seated at his desk.

Looking at the unchanged office, he had only been away for a few days, but it felt much longer to Zhang Wei.

A moment later, Tie Ruyun and Tie Cuilan arrived.

They always came in early.

"Damn, Zhang Wei, you’re back!"

Tie Ruyun saw the lights on in the office and had already guessed, but he couldn’t help but exclaim when he saw the person sitting at the desk.

Do you have to come this early every time, are you really aiming for the employee of the year, huh?

"Zhang Wei, good thing you’re here. Finance has asked me several times. Your paycheck is so large that they need your signature to confirm before they can deposit your money!"

Tie Cuilan saw Zhang Wei, hurriedly found a form on her desk, and handed it to Zhang Wei to sign.

"I was wondering why the paycheck hadn’t come through. So that’s what it was!"

Zhang Wei quickly signed, and Tie Cuilan immediately took the form and headed to the finance department.

By around 9 o’clock, the text message alert finally came through.

[Your account has received a deposit at 8:54 AM, amounting to 2,941,005.00.]

Seeing the text message, Zhang Wei knew his salary had finally arrived.

He had sealed a major deal with Chengyi Insurance in March and negotiated a settlement with Super Energy Drink Company, earning a lawyer’s fee of 1 million from the former and a performance differential of 10 million from the latter.

A 30% commission amounted to 3.3 million.

After deducting nearly 11% in taxes and adding the base salary of the intern lawyers, the actual income was about this figure.

"Zhang Wei, you’re here?"

"Master~ Good morning!"

Before long, Lin Yumeng and Li Yueqin had also arrived.

"Master, I got paid yesterday too, a full 3.6 million!"

Lin Yumeng had a settlement fee of 27 million, with a performance of 13.5 million, her salary was even more outrageous than Zhang Wei’s.

"That’s amazing, I’m far behind you, with only 2.9 million!"

Zhang Wei sighed. He hadn’t expected that the biggest winner in the criminal division for March would be his own little apprentice.

However, his comment was already quite Versailles.

Tie Ruyun and Li Yueqin could only exchange glances, their eyes filled with envy.

Being in the same criminal division, they could only draw basic salaries. Tie Ruyun also had some leadership performance bonuses, but not much.

Looking at the other two, each pocketing almost 3 million, it was indeed a case of discontent fueled by comparison.

"Right, Old Tie, how was the department meeting yesterday?"

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Zhang Wei immediately asked.

"I knew you were going to ask, yesterday’s department meeting was really satisfying!"

Hearing Zhang Wei mention this, Tie Ruyun visibly perked up.

"Let me tell you, our criminal division’s performance outright crushed all other teams. The highest performance in the commercial team was barely below 8 million, while we had 37 million, almost five times theirs!"

"When Boss Shen saw the data, he even thought it was a mistake for a moment. Director Li and Director Wang, their faces turned as dark as if they had swallowed flies, and as for those other team leaders, their expressions were even worse!"

Hearing this outcome, Zhang Wei was unsurprised.

After all, the desired effect was to deliver a slap in the face.

"So, Old Tie, how satisfying was it to give them a slap?

"Of course it was satisfying. The moment I felt vindicated at the meeting, all the effort from March seemed worthwhile!"

"Who ended up getting scolded the most?"

"That would be Tian Bin, of course. Their team has been at the bottom in terms of performance for two months now. Tian Bin’s face was as sour as a century egg!"

"So do we continue in April, continuing to slap the faces of the commercial and civil divisions?"

"This..."

The smile suddenly froze on Tie Ruyun’s face.

You’re really gunning for it when we were just feeling good, huh?

The criminal division had already embarrassed the whole litigation department with their top performance in March. Do you really want this kind of thing to happen every month?

Moreover, although Shen Zhengyi didn’t expressly say it, at the end of the department meeting, he still gave Tie Ruyun a few pointed reminders.

Although not overt in his intentions, Boss Shen was actually warning Tie Ruyun that slapping others’ faces should be done in moderation.

After all, the criminal division is primarily responsible for criminal cases, but here they were, taking away business from the civil and commercial teams, making a big scene about it. This didn’t reflect well on the senior partners either.

Zhang Wei could guess the reaction from the higher-ups without difficulty; indeed, he knew from the start that Shen Zhengyi would not appreciate the criminal division showing off.

But Zhang Wei, in how he carried out his work, saw no need to be concerned with the higher-ups’ reactions.

For a law firm, the ability to make money and win cases is the absolute bottom line.

"No way, Old Tie, you’re not caving in, are you?"

Zhang Wei patted Tie Ruyun on the shoulder, encouraging him like a leader: "Old Tie, listen to me, let’s pull another big one in April, and rub the other groups’ faces in it hard!"

"Yes, exactly, team leader, if the civil and commercial groups bully us, we have to hit back hard!"

Lin Yumeng immediately joined the conversation, excited.

Li Yueqin, although she didn’t say it out loud, her hopeful gaze betrayed her inner thoughts.

She was, in fact, the one most eager to achieve something.

After all, she started at the same time as Zhang Wei and Lin Yumeng, but while the other two had soared, she was still marking time, which seemed inappropriate.

Tie Ruyun looked at the expressions of Zhang Wei and the others and felt a headache coming on.

On one hand was the leadership’s warning, on the other, the expectations of his team members.

How should he choose?