Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 179 - 177: A Chance Encounter with My Father-in-law, The Mother-in-law Comes Too?

Chapter 179: Chapter 177: A Chance Encounter with My Father-in-law, The Mother-in-law Comes Too?

Dongfang Capital.

Procuratorate Headquarters.

Serious Crime Division Office.

The atmosphere in the office was grave, with a hint of silence because a new case had arrived, and everyone was eager to get involved.

Zhao Chunming held the materials in his hand and wrote the names of Zeng Xiang and Fang Yunshu on the whiteboard behind him.

"This case is the first murder case we at the Procuratorate Headquarters are responsible for investigating this year. The nature of the case is not complicated, but the suspect’s methods are vicious, and the social impact is extremely detrimental. You all understand the seriousness of this case, right!"

As Zhao Chunming said this, all the prosecutors in the room felt the pressure.

But with pressure comes motivation!

Those who joined the Procuratorate Headquarters were essentially the elite from law schools, and they certainly wouldn’t be defeated by such a little pressure.

After all, they had heard more or less about the details of the case.

This case was not one they could afford to lose; the testimony of the eyewitness was nearly impeccable.

"Now, I’m going to choose the prosecutor who will be responsible for investigating this case!"

As Zhao Chunming said this, everyone looked forward with anticipation.

As the first major criminal case of the year, with a complete chain of evidence, everyone wanted to fight for this case.

"Director, let me do it!"

"Director, I want to volunteer!"

"Director Zhao, I also request to go into battle!"

Zhao Chunming was just about to select someone when people couldn’t hold back anymore and expressed their willingness.

Obviously, they all wanted to fight for this case.

A big case meant high visibility.

High visibility meant that if they won the case, their fame would increase.

Although they were prosecutors at the Procuratorate Headquarters, having a loud name could lead to better opportunities in the future.

"Not good, Director! The Serious Crime Division has brought over the confessions!"

Just then, a flustered figure rushed into the doorway.

"Tan Yingying, what’s the panic about? If you have the confession, just give it to me. What’s the problem?" Zhao Chunming’s face turned cold when he saw this blundering newcomer.

But Tan Yingying was in no mood to care about that right now, and after handing over the confession to Zhao Chunming, she hurriedly leaned in to whisper.

"Director, there’s trouble! It’s just that Lin Ruonan, the team leader, told me that the lawyer defending the suspect Fang Yunshu is Zhang Wei!"

"What, that kid again!"

Zhao Chunming was initially unconcerned, but his face suddenly turned to one of utter surprise upon hearing Tan Yingying’s relayed message.

"This kid, hasn’t he been busy in civil court recently? How come he’s..."

Inside the office, the subordinates all exchanged glances, puzzled about what news Zhao Chunming had received to make such a face.

"Ahem..."

Zhao Chunming cleared his throat to draw everyone’s attention to himself.

"The Serious Crime Division has finished recording the confession, but during the recording, the defense lawyer was also present, and this person is someone you all know!"

"Director, who is that person?" someone asked straightforwardly.

What they cared about was the identity of their opponent, but they were not afraid, even if the opponent was formidable.

After all, this case had ironclad evidence; how could they possibly lose?

"The person responsible for defending the defendant Fang Yunshu is Zhang Wei. Let me clarify beforehand, not someone who shares his name, but the Zhang Wei from Jincheng Law Firm’s Criminal Division, that same Zhang Wei who has repeatedly embarrassed our Procuratorate Headquarters time and again!"

As Zhao Chunming mentioned this name, he gritted his teeth and even emphasized the person’s identity several times.

"Zhang Wei!"

"Him again!"

"Why is this guy showing up once more!"

At the mention of Zhang Wei, everyone in the Serious Crime Division Office visibly shuddered.

No reason other than that this opponent’s track record against the Procuratorate Headquarters had always been victorious.

Especially in previous cases, which also had ironclad evidence and were to their advantage.

But what about the outcomes...

"What, no one’s making a sound now?"

Zhao Chunming, to be honest, was disappointed with the reaction of his subordinates.

Just because of a Zhang Wei, you all got scared like this?

"Director, well, I’ve had three or four cases that need investigation lately; I might not have time to get involved with this one!"

"Director, I’ve thought it over carefully, and I’m not in great shape these days. Let’s hold off on volunteering for battle this time and give the opportunity to other colleagues!"

"Director, since the beginning of the year, I’ve hardly had any rest. My cousin’s getting married in a few days, and I’d like to take a few days off..."

"Your cousin’s getting married, and I had no idea?"

"Yes, yes..."

The ones who were brimming with fighting spirit and had volunteered for battle just moments ago were now cowering.

Many even lowered their heads, perhaps muttering to themselves, "He can’t see me, he can’t see me, the director can’t see me..."

Zhao Chunming was very disappointed, extremely disappointed.

Just the mere mention of Zhang Wei, and you all wimp out like this!

Ring-a-ding-ding!

Just as he was about to scold them, the office phone rang.

"Humph, I’ll deal with you later!"

He snorted and walked back into his office, immediately answering the phone.

"Prosecutor General, why are you calling?"

"Yes, yes, yes, the confession has just been obtained. Our office will handle this case beautifully for you!"

"What, you want to personally assign someone to take charge? But..."

"I know, I know it’s Zhang Wei, that guy, but we..."

"Yes, yes, yes, I will definitely cooperate!"

"Your orders, please, your orders!"

"It’s actually Lan Gaojian! You’re really sending him this time, yes, yes, I understand, I understand..."

Zhao Chunming hung up the phone with a smile, but then his expression turned incredibly solemn.

The Prosecutor General had just called to appoint a senior prosecutor to take charge of this case.

That meant that they, the Serious Crime Division Office, were no longer responsible for assigning someone to the case.

The case was no longer their concern, and they wouldn’t have to face off against Zhang Wei; at most, they’d dispatch someone to assist and help out the senior prosecutor.

This indicated that the Prosecutor General no longer trusted their Serious Crime Division Office to handle the case, believing they were not capable of investigating it.

Or perhaps the Prosecutor General also feared Zhang Wei’s reputation and felt the need to send a senior prosecutor to take over the case and dampen the opponent’s edge.

With mixed emotions, Zhao Chunming went back to the office.

"The Prosecutor General just called. We don’t need to investigate this case, he will send Lan Gaojian himself to handle it!"

Upon hearing that they wouldn’t be responsible for the case, some couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

But it quickly dawned on them.

The one handling the case would be the senior prosecutor, Lan Gaojian.

"Zhao Jing, you’re meticulous and thorough in your work. If Lan Gaojian needs an assistant, you’ll help him with whatever he needs to process this case!"

In the end, Zhao Chunming called on a female prosecutor from the office to assist the senior prosecutor who would arrive later.

"Understood, Director!"

Zhao Jing nodded and accepted the order.

However, she was actually a bit resistant because every time she acted as an assistant, she felt like a tool, responsible for delivering documents, operating projectors, and playing slideshows.

Especially during the lawsuit against Zhang Wei, where she even had to manage the slides for the opposition, which frustrated her to no end.

Hopefully, it wouldn’t be like that this time...

...

Meanwhile.

At the crime scene, Fang Yunshu’s home.

After Fang Yunshu and Zeng Xiang divorced, the court awarded the Central Ring apartment they purchased during their marriage to Fang Yunshu.

Fang Yunshu’s residence was in a decent location, inside Central Ring.

Looking at the brownstone house along the street, Zhang Wei mused for a moment before heading to the entrance.

"I wonder if I could use facial recognition to get in. Who’s the field agent stationed here?"

Zhang Wei noticed movement inside the house from the field personnel, with one of the rooms even sealed and isolated.

"Xiao Zhang!"

Just as Zhang Wei was about to speak up, he heard an unexpected voice.

"Father-in-law!"

Zhang Wei looked puzzledly at the calling field agent, utterly baffled.

Well, well, the field agent stationed here turned out to be Xia Donghai!

Xia Qianyue’s father, his future father-in-law!

The two stood on opposite sides of the barricade tape, staring blankly at one another.

Probably in their minds, they were both exclaiming, "Well, I’ll be damned".

But the case still had to be worked on, and the scene still needed to be examined.

Zhang Wei quickly put on a smile and stepped forward, "Father-in-law, I didn’t know you were in charge of guarding the murder scene. You must be tired. Have you eaten yet? How about I treat you to a meal?"

"Don’t even try!"

Xia Donghai saw right through Zhang Wei’s intentions and quickly waved his hand, "Talk business, don’t try to cozy up to me!"

"Alright then!"

Since his future father-in-law had spoken, Zhang Wei skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point, "Father-in-law, as the defense attorney, I’d like to take a look at the crime scene!"

"Damn, you take on any case, don’t you? You have the guts to take this one?"

Xia Donghai was stunned for a moment – you dare to take on a case you’re bound to lose, you’ve got some nerve!

Of course, he had no idea that Zhang Wei took the case not because he felt sorry for Fang Yunshu, but at the request of Zhao Qingyan.

"Father-in-law, about this scene..."

"Enough, you people from the defense already have access to the evidence publicized by the investigation department. Isn’t that enough to build your defense? Do you really need to see the scene? Besides, the scene is sealed off, and not just anyone can waltz in for an investigation!"Facing Zhang Wei, Xia Donghai kept a stern face, not giving any opportunities, "And besides, you’re not a criminal investigation expert, nor a professional investigative officer, so what’s the use of seeing the scene?"

"Father-in-law, truly not going to let me in?"

"Hmph, it wouldn’t help even if you called me ’Dad’!"

Xia Donghai was impenetrable, even blocking the doorway with his body.

"Fine..."

Zhang Wei, having no choice, began to retreat, but then suddenly, he pulled out his phone and pretended to dial a number.

"Since father-in-law isn’t giving me an opportunity, I guess I have no choice but to call your darling Xiao Yue Yue then. She’s an investigative officer from the serious crime division and also your daughter; if she wants to see the scene, she should be able to come in, right?"

"After she’s done looking at the scene, maybe I’ll take Xiao Yue Yue shopping. If we get tired, we could have a candle-lit dinner and then get a hotel room to spend the night together. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it..."

As Xia Donghai watched Zhang Wei muttering and preparing to make a call, he couldn’t maintain his composure.

Good heavens, you’re actually planning on making a move on my daughter right in front of me, her father.

That is outrageous!

"Fine, I’ll let you see it so you stop calling my daughter. She’s busy with the serious crime division!"

Faced with Zhang Wei’s verbal "threat," particularly using his daughter as leverage, Xia Donghai gave in, albeit reluctantly.

However, it was clear he wasn’t going to let Zhang Wei go in alone; he would accompany him the entire way.

Zhang Wei successfully entered the crime scene, Fang Yunshu’s home.

The house wasn’t small, well over a hundred square meters, with three bedrooms, two living rooms, and two bathrooms. The downside was it was on the ground floor, with a lot of foot traffic at the front.

Zhang Wei headed straight to the kitchen, where he noticed some bloodstains on the ground.

According to Fang Yunshu’s testimony, after she returned home, she encountered her ex-husband Zeng Xiang in the kitchen, and that’s where they first came into contact.

"Fang Yunshu was attacked by her ex-husband in the kitchen, they had a physical altercation, and then Fang Yunshu pushed her husband down and ran to the living room for a weapon, while her husband chased after her..."

Zhang Wei walked into the living room, where he saw a shelf on the wall that had held a crossbow.

"After arming herself, Fang Yunshu attacked the pursuing Zeng Xiang, shooting the first arrow into his knee. Zeng Xiang, hit by the arrow, retreated back to the kitchen, but Fang Yunshu followed and fired the second and third arrows!"

As he gazed at the bloodstains that remained on the kitchen floor, Zhang Wei’s expression grew serious.

"But it didn’t end there. Zeng Xiang, realizing that Fang Yunshu was serious, finally became afraid and tried to flee. However, his leg was injured, so he couldn’t run and had to drag himself towards the outside. As he was crawling away, Fang Yunshu came to her senses and continued to pursue, shooting a fourth and fifth arrow on the corridor..."

Looking at the bloodstains from the doorway to the hallway, Zhang Wei’s brows were deeply furrowed.

"Finally, outside the house on the pedestrian path, Zeng Xiang pleaded for his life, shaking his head and promising repeatedly, but Fang Yunshu gave him no chance, taking his life with the final arrow!"

Zhang Wei pointed his finger at a pool of blood on the floor.

This was where Zeng Xiang had lost his life; there was no mistake that the murder had occurred here.

"Hey, kid, what are you reconstructing here for? As a participant in the case, the investigation department will inform you of all this!"

Xia Donghai followed him out, muttering towards Zhang Wei.

"Father-in-law, don’t you find something off about this house?"

"What’s the issue?"

"The security system. Don’t you think this house is a little too tightly sealed?"

Zhang Wei spoke, returning back into the house and beginning to examine the doors, windows, and security system.

Although not very large, the house had tight security. Doors and windows were equipped with home control systems, all fitted with automated technology locks.

With such a system, merely a remote was needed to operate the household doors and windows.

Zhang Wei even noticed special positioning pins resting against the windows in two seldom-used rooms.

"Leaving aside the tech locks, these positioning pins are bracing against the windows. Does it need to be this secure?"

Looking at the few positioning pins that hadn’t been taken down, Zhang Wei was somewhat at a loss for words.

"Yeah, seeing these things, I was puzzled too!" Xia Donghai echoed from the side.

The house was equipped with a security system, fingerprint recognition, and all doors and windows had technological locks. The windows were even fixed with positioning pins; the house was like a fortress.

"Did this family ever keep a dog?"

Zhang Wei spotted a dog bowl in the place where miscellaneous items were kept.

"I’ve checked the records, Fang Yunshu seemed to have had a dog, but the pet door on the house door, it seems..."

Upon hearing Xia Donghai’s explanation, Zhang Wei hurried towards the door.

He saw that the pet door on the main door had been completely nailed shut.

Hiss!

Seeing this, Zhang Wei took a sharp intake of breath.

Just how insecure was Fang Yunshu? The pet door was only so big; unless someone knew bone-shrinking skills, there was no way they could enter through the pet door.

From the results of the crime scene investigation, some of the things Fang Yunshu had said actually added up.

Her fear and trepidation were clearly because she was afraid of Zeng Xiang; even this woman’s heavy vigilance was due to issues brought by her ex-husband.

Zhang Wei was thinking about whether or not to use a mental condition as a defense argument, pondering the feasibility of this approach.

"You’ve seen enough, haven’t you?"

Seeing that Zhang Wei was not planning to leave anytime soon, Xia Donghai finally urged him.

"Oh, father-in-law, I’m done looking; I’m getting ready to leave!"

Zhang Wei quickly responded, then prepared to leave.

After all, his father-in-law had already shown him a great deal of face, and he had done his investigation at the scene; it was naturally time for him to leave.

"Oh, right, let me remind you, the presiding judge for this case is Judge Old Chen from the municipal court!"

Just before leaving, however, Xia Donghai pulled Zhang Wei aside to remind him.

"Father-in-law, I don’t even know this Judge Old Chen, why are you mentioning this to me?"

"I know you don’t know the judge, but what I want to tell you is that Qing Hua is a clerk at the municipal court, and she’s working with Judge Old Chen!"

"Damn, mother-in-law is involved too?"

Hearing this "explosive" news, Zhang Wei couldn’t help but tense up.

Encountering his father-in-law at the crime scene was one thing, but now he might also encounter his mother-in-law in court; this was just...

One could only say this was too much of a coincidence!

Fortunately, the Serious Crime Division One was the investigating team; if it had been Division Seven, it would have been a coincidence too far.

However, having a son-in-law and his in-laws in different roles for the same case was something that simply had to be acknowledged as an extraordinary coincidence.

"Well alright, father-in-law, I shall take my leave..."

Upon hearing the news, Zhang Wei promptly bid farewell to Xia Donghai and headed back to the law firm.

Dusk.

Jincheng Law Firm’s Criminal Division office.

"Master, the court has sent over the evidence for public viewing!"

Lin Yumeng and Li Yueqin brought two large boxes over to Zhang Wei’s desk.

"Oh, thanks for your hard work, you two should leave early today!"

Zhang Wei turned away from the evidence board, glanced at the time, and told them to head off early.

Lin Yumeng, however, shook her head and quickly approached, "Master, there’s still some time, and I was wondering, how are you planning to defend that female perpetrator?"

Li Yueqin’s interest was also piqued, and she paused in her preparations to leave.

"Of course, it’s going to be a defense of innocence; I’ll use self-defense as the reason!"

"Self-defense? But that can only be used as a defense reason when one is certain of being physically harmed. However, there seemed to be no weapon on the deceased, right?"

"That’s why I will prove that even without carrying a weapon, the deceased posed a threat to the life and safety of my client!"

"How can you prove that?"

Lin Yumeng was puzzled, muttering, "I rather think it’s your client who is dangerous. She was so ruthless; it’s clear she intended to kill. You should really be arguing for a guilty verdict; maybe you can get a lighter sentence!"

Seeing his adorable apprentice feel this way, Zhang Wei felt an immense pressure.

His naive and cute apprentice sometimes acted foolishly in an endearing way, and she represented the public opinion.

If she thought Fang Yunshu was guilty, then the jury probably thought the same.

"It seems I’ll have to prove that Zeng Xiang indeed posed a threat to Fang Yunshu!"

The only breakthrough Zhang Wei had in mind still lied in proving the nature of the deceased; he wondered whether Zhao Qingyan could testify in court to shed light on the deceased’s character.

After all, besides the concerned parties, perhaps Old Zhao understood Zeng Xiang the best.