Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 180 - 178: Lan Gaojian? Preliminary Hearing Begins

Chapter 180: Chapter 178: Lan Gaojian? Preliminary Hearing Begins

That evening, at Lin Mansion.

Zhang Wei and Zhao Xiaoxiao were having dinner.

Zhao Xiaoxiao’s appetite was hearty, and in no time she had finished a chicken leg, her eyes fixed on the one in Zhang Wei’s bowl.

"Take it, take it, I have no appetite today!"

Zhang Wei pushed his bowl towards her, and Zhao Xiaoxiao did not stand on ceremony, immediately grabbing the other chicken leg and began gnawing on it.

"What’s the matter, something on your mind?"

They say you’re short-mouthed when you eat someone else’s food, and Zhao Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but ask.

"Isn’t it that case your dad gave me, asking me to defend a murderer? And the thing is, she was seen by eyewitnesses when she killed him!"

"Oh, Auntie Fang’s case?"

Zhao Xiaoxiao seemed to have heard of the case, or perhaps she knew Fang Yunshu.

"You know my client?"

"I saw her a few times when I was a child, but I’m not close with her!"

Zhao Xiaoxiao shook her head coldly and then bit off a large chunk of the chicken leg.

"The tricky part about this case is how to prove that Zeng Xiang was stalking and surveilling Fang Yunshu, to the point where she felt threatened. It was only for her own safety that she lashed out in anger and killed the source of the threat, the victim of this case, Zeng Xiang!"

Zhang Wei said, recalling the investigative report among the public evidence.

"According to feedback from the Martial Association Investigation Department, their technicians found no intrusion records in Fang Yunshu’s home security system, but according to Fang Yunshu’s statement, she had discovered problems with the security system on multiple occasions!"

"Moreover, that night when Fang Yunshu returned home, Zeng Xiang was in her house, and Zeng Xiang shouldn’t have had a key to the house. So, he must have used some method to hack into the security system of Fang Yunshu’s home, otherwise how could he have entered the house?"

Combining the previous reports from the investigation department, it’s likely that Zeng Xiang hacked into the system and then erased the records.

As for the proficiency of the investigation department, Zhang Wei had some understanding.

At the very least, they were no match for Zhao Qingyan and his daughter Zhao Xiaoxiao.

But Zeng Xiang was different. He and Zhao Qingyan were good partners in the early days of their business and both were veteran programmers.

If Zhao Qingyan could become the Chief Research Officer at Blacksmith Technology, Zeng Xiang’s proficiency certainly wasn’t lacking.

Zhang Wei’s gaze shifted to Zhao Xiaoxiao. Her hacking skills were naturally unquestionable, and if she took on the task, perhaps some traces could be found.

"Don’t look at me. Why not ask that guy next door for help? Although he’s not a great person, his skills are impressive!"

Zhao Xiaoxiao pointed next door, her meaning quite clear.

Why ask me when the person begging for help is next door? And besides, he’s rich and skilled, wouldn’t he be faster?

"That’s true, Uncle Zhao invited me here, so he should lend a hand, too. I just happen to have something to discuss with him, does Uncle Zhao know if he has woken up?"

Thinking this, Zhang Wei didn’t bother to finish his dinner; instead, he headed straight to the Zhao Mansion next door.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Uncle Zhao, it’s me, are you awake?"

After knocking on the door, it slowly opened a few seconds later.

"Ah, it’s Xiao Zhang, come in!"

Zhao Qingyan’s voice sounded better than before, clearly having rested a moment and regained some energy.

In the courtyard of Zhao Mansion, Zhao Qingyan lay in a rocking chair, his eyes intently watching the courtyard.

Zhang Wei made himself at home, picked up a bamboo chair, and sat down directly.

"Xiao Zhang, did you see Xiao Fang?"

"I did!"

"Can this case be won?"

"Uncle Zhao, I won’t lie to you, mounting a defense of innocence for this case is quite difficult, but if we go for a guilty defense or a direct confession, considering the extremely adverse impact of the crime, I reckon the Procuratorate won’t let the defendant off easily. The minimum sentence would be 30-40 years, or more likely life. In any case, even if we plead guilty, the defendant won’t ever leave Iron Island Prison in their lifetime!"

"So, that means we can only go for a defense of innocence?"

"Yes, I plan to use self-defense as the grounds for an innocence defense, but I need your help!"

Seeing Zhang Wei put it that way, Zhao Qingyan turned his head to look over.

"Uncle Zhao, I need to prove that Zeng Xiang once threatened Fang Yunshu, or that Zeng Xiang’s actions could have posed a threat to Fang Yunshu’s life. Only with evidence of these can I support my defense argument. So I need evidence that Zeng Xiang hacked into the house’s security system and witnesses for Zeng Xiang’s past temperament and character..."

Zhao Qingyan’s eyes moved, he nodded, "Understood, I can handle all of that. I will personally visit and look into little Fang’s home security system tomorrow morning. As for testifying in court, I have no problem with it!"

"Well then, thank you, Uncle Zhao, for your cooperation. I need to go back and prepare. The pre-trial starts on Thursday, and I have to think about how to select the jury!"

Zhang Wei said as he got up and took his leave.

Watching Zhang Wei leave, a hint of confusion and incomprehension flashed in Zhao Qingyan’s eyes.

"Ah Xiang, you wouldn’t really do such a thing, would you?"

...

Thursday, the day of the pre-trial.

The courthouse, at the front gates.

Early in the morning, countless media reporters swarmed to the scene.

As the first major murder case of the year in Dongfang Capital, the media naturally rose early and raced against each other to get the first report.

And now, as they had hoped, the day of the pre-trial arrived.

Although it was not the opening of the trial, it was even more necessary for them to arrive early because today was the day the opposing parties in the trial would first meet.

Who knows, if the parties encountered each other at the courthouse door, there might even be a "fierce" confrontation or verbal showdown.

Even if the prosecution and defense only exchanged a single sentence, through their embellishments and editing, it could become an act of declaration of war, representing surefire hot material.

"Hello, viewers, I am a reporter from Dongfang Capital TV Station, and we are now at the front gates of the city courthouse!"

"Today is Thursday, the day of the pre-trial for the murder case where Fang Yunshu is accused of killing Zeng Xiang. According to our reporters, the prosecutor representing the prosecution in this case happens to be the senior prosecutor Lan Zhengye!"

"A senior prosecutor signifies a wealth of experience in courtroom trials and case investigations, and that’s exactly what Prosecutor Lan Zhengye is. He was previously the ace of the Central District Procuratorate’s Office, known for his tough approach. He was promoted to senior prosecutor at the Procuratorate Headquarters due to his outstanding achievements!"

"According to the latest news from our station, Prosecutor Lan Zhengye has arrived on the scene. Let’s follow the camera to hear what this Lan Gaojian has to say..."

Outside the courtroom, a throng of reporters had surrounded a mid-range car parked in the parking lot, as the car door opened.

A man in his thirties emerged, dressed in a suit.

He had an athletic build, good bearing, and with a confident smile on his face, he gave off an air of having everything under control.

Lan Zhengye, who had just stepped out of the car, waved to everyone around him.

This gesture also elicited screams from several female reporters nearby.

"Prosecutor Lan is so handsome!"

"I don’t care; Prosecutor Lan must win this time. I advise the opposition to know its place and not to be ignorant!"

"From now on, I’m a fan of Prosecutor Lan’s looks. I’m going to do a personal interview with Prosecutor Lan!"

"You wish. After Prosecutor Lan wins this case, there will be plenty of people lining up to interview him. You won’t stand a chance!"

Lan Zhengye had not expected this case to attract so many reporters.

However, he did not dismiss the media because, as a prosecutor for many years, he knew that if the power of the media could be harnessed, it would be a powerful weapon.

"Prosecutor Lan, do you have anything to say about this case?"

Facing a question from a reporter, Lan Zhengye smiled and spoke into the offered microphone, "Hello, friends from the press. I am Lan Zhengye, the prosecutor representing the prosecution in this case. Regarding the details of the case, I cannot reveal any information, but what I can tell you is that the Procuratorate Headquarters will not let any criminal slip through the cracks; the guilty will surely be brought to justice!"

"Prosecutor Lan, it’s said that your opponent this time is the Procuratorate Headquarters’ old rival, known as the ’nemesis of the Procuratorate Headquarters,’ Zhang Wei. What do you think of your opponent in this trial?"

"Zhang Wei?"

Lan Zhengye pondered for a moment, then said with a smile, "Regarding Lawyer Zhang, I prefer not to comment, but I can clearly tell everyone that a junior lawyer who has just started his career should not think he is invincible just because he has won a few cases. As I like to say, ’There are always people beyond you; there are heavens beyond the heavens!’"

The attitude was full of gunpowder!

"Prosecutor Lan, what is your opinion on the suspect in this case?"

"Prosecutor Lan, according to rumors, the victim Zeng Xiang seemed to have harassed the suspect. What’s your take on this view?"

"Prosecutor Lan..."

Seeing that Prosecutor Lan had answered two questions, the reporters naturally would not let him go and planned to continue their inquiry.

But Lan Zhengye glanced at the time and quickly gestured to the reporters to make way.

He then squeezed through the crowd and headed towards the courthouse entrance.

Clearly, he had no intention of engaging with the reporters at the door any longer.

After getting through the reporters’ blockade and entering the courthouse, he met with his already waiting assistant prosecutor Zhao Jing, and the two entered the preparation room to discuss their strategy.

"The prosecution is in place; I wonder where the defense is?"

At that moment, the reporters noticed a problem: the prosecution had arrived, but why was there still no sign of the defense?

Actually, the defense had also arrived early but had taken a secure passage through the back door of the courtroom.

Inside the courthouse.

Some people are proud, rather than ashamed, of sneaking in through the back door.

"Hey, this case is the first murder trial of the year, and there are definitely loads of reporters at the door. Why should I go through the front entrance? Those reporters are probably all preparing to target me!"

Zhang Wei glanced at the time and headed straight for the defense preparation room.

After a short while, he heard a commotion outside the courthouse main door; he knew the client had arrived.

More than ten minutes later, Fang Yunshu, escorted by two field agents, entered the preparation room.

"Where is Big Brother Zhao? Where is he?"

"Today is the day of the pre-trial, not the court session. His presence doesn’t affect the pre-trial. Moreover, I had him help me yesterday; he went to your house to collect clues. Didn’t you say that your ex-husband hacked your home security system? The Investigation Department found no traces; I thought maybe Uncle Zhao could find some clues!"

"So that’s what happened!" Fang Yunshu nodded understandingly, realizing Zhao Qingyan indeed had a task.

"Thanks to Big Brother Zhao for the help. But that guy’s technical skills are excellent. Although I am not a technician, I know that even Big Brother Zhao might not be able to find any traces!"

"Your ex-husband is that tough?"

"Yes, everyone has their specialty. His studio specializes in security systems. Although Uncle Zhao’s skills are also not bad, and he’s talented in all areas, understanding all and being top-notch in them, compared to that guy who specializes in one thing..."

Fang Yunshu didn’t finish her sentence, but Zhang Wei already understood.

Zhao Qingyan has developed in all areas; one could say he’s a hexagonal warrior, with top standards in all aspects.

But Zeng Xiang might be a super specialized warrior. His level in other areas is just average, but in security systems, he might far surpass the normal limits, belonging to an exceptional category.

"Hopefully..." Zhang Wei pursed his lips, discussed with Fang Yunshu for a while, and then prepared to enter the courtroom scene.

Inside the courtroom.

There’s still some time before the pre-trial begins.

As Zhang Wei and Fang Yunshu entered, the courtroom quieted down instantly.

"That’s the lawyer Zhang. I haven’t seen him in criminal court for a long time, have I?"

"Yeah, he seemed to have been mingling in civil courts before. I heard he even won a case against an insurance company and managed a settlement between a beverage company and the victim’s family. They say his methods weren’t all honorable!"

"Hmph, a lawyer who only sees money. Now he’s back in criminal court; I bet his client must have paid him a hefty lawyer fee!"

"Such a scumbag lawyer, fighting lawsuits for money; I suggest we all boycott him!"

"I’ve been boycotting him for a long time. Ever since he provoked our media, our boss has already ordered a ban on him!"

"This time his opponent is Lan Gaojian. I guess this guy is going to face a big defeat!"

"Nonsense, how else could this case be fought? That woman is the murderer. I guess Zhang Wei is going to ask for a mitigated punishment under discretionary sentencing, advocating a guilty defense!"

"Hmph, Lan Gaojian is an experienced prosecutor. I believe his actions will definitely not allow that woman to get a lighter sentence!"

Zhang Wei, already accustomed to the media’s finger-pointing around him, remained calm and unaffected.

However, Fang Yunshu beside him couldn’t handle it; being called a murderer, she looked visibly upset.

Escorted by hired protectors, the two entered the courtroom and took their places at the defense bench.

"Lawyer Zhang, hello!"

Just as Zhang Wei sat down, Lan Zhengye, accompanied by his assistant Zhao Jing, came forward and extended his hand with a smile.

"Prosecutor Lan, greetings to you, and to Prosecutor Zhao as well. You look in good spirits today!"

Zhang Wei also stood up and shook hands with the opposite party, and greeted Zhao Jing beside him.

"Lawyer Zhang, I’ve looked over your previous cases. The means by which you defended the innocents were impressive, but this time you will defend a murderer, for the first time, isn’t it?"

"Is that so? But why do I feel like there’s no difference from before?"

"Oh, so what you mean is you’re not planning to apply for discretionary mitigation, but you’re going for an innocence defense?"

"Prosecutor Lan, you’ll know my courtroom arguments in a bit, why the hurry?"

Lan Zhengye narrowed his eyes slightly as he assessed the man before him.

He had finally figured out that this youngster had always been giving him nothing but lip service.

"Alright, then this time, let’s settle the score in court!" Lan Zhengye returned to his seat with Zhao Jing.

"This Prosecutor Lan, a typical case of a knife hidden behind a smile!"

Zhang Wei too watched the other party, his expression growing colder.

"Looks like Zhang Wei is really planning to go for an innocence defense. Doesn’t he know that doing so is like digging his own grave?"

After Lan Zhengye returned to his seat, he quickly consulted Zhao Jing beside him.

In his understanding, Zhang Wei’s behavior was somewhat abnormal.

"For this case, any lawyer would probably consider pleading for a lighter sentence, yet you’re thinking about acquittal? Aren’t you just making trouble for yourself?"

So many people witnessed the suspect committing murder, and you still claim that woman is innocent? Isn’t that blatantly lying?"

"Lawyer Zhang, he... he has always been an enigma..."

Zhao Jing had only clashed with Zhang Wei once, but that encounter had left a psychological shadow, making her reply somewhat unconfident.

"Hmph, no matter how a buffoon prances around, he will ultimately not be presentable. By choosing to defend a murderer, his fate is already sealed!"

Lan Zhengye was quite confident and sneered at Zhang Wei’s choice.

Next table.

"Has the mother-in-law arrived yet? I was hoping to greet her before the trial starts!"

Zhang Wei’s gaze constantly surveyed the entrance to the courtroom; he was contemplating what to say to Li Qinghua when he saw her later.

Fortunately, his wait was rewarded. Just five minutes before the trial commenced, Li Qinghua finally arrived.

Her workstation was next to the judge, in the position of court clerk, responsible for recording everything in the courtroom, which was the duty of the clerk.

As soon as Li Qinghua entered the courtroom, she could feel a sweep of gazes over her.

"Zhang Wei!"

Seeing that person in the courtroom, standing at the defense counsel’s seat, smiling warmly at her, Li Qinghua’s expression darkened.

"Xiao Li, who are you looking at?"

Right behind Li Qinghua, Judge Chen in his robe also entered the courtroom.

"Old Chen, I’m looking at that guy, he..."

Li Qinghua pointed towards the defense counsel’s seat but didn’t know how to introduce Zhang Wei.

Because the matter with her daughter and Zhang Wei hadn’t progressed that far yet.

She naturally didn’t want to call him her son-in-law.

Beyond that relationship, it seemed she didn’t have much interaction with Zhang Wei.

"Mother-in-law, hello!"

But while she didn’t call out, a certain someone didn’t mind doing so.

As soon as Li Qinghua entered the courtroom, Zhang Wei immediately approached her.

"Mother-in-law?"

Judge Chen next to her was stunned but then remembered that Li Qinghua indeed had a daughter.

It just hadn’t occurred to him that her daughter was already spoken for.

"Judge Chen, hello!"

After greeting Li Qinghua, Zhang Wei also smiled and greeted Judge Chen.

"Young man, are you the defense attorney?"

"Yes, my client is Ms. Fang Yunshu!"

"Oh, is that so? It’s a good thing Xiao Li is just a clerk, otherwise, I’d consider having her recuse herself from the case!"

Judge Chen joked and then went on his way to the bench, not concerning himself with Zhang Wei’s reaction.

"Don’t try to cosy up to me, kid. Don’t think by ingratiating yourself with me you can influence the judgment. I cannot discuss the case with Judge Chen!"

To avoid any appearance of conflict, Li Qinghua actively maintained a distance from Zhang Wei and warned him with a cold face.

"Mother-in-law, I just came to say hello!" Zhang Wei protested his innocence.

What use would it be to cozy up to a clerk like you? Aren’t you thinking too highly of yourself?

Truth be told, if it weren’t for Simple-minded person, he couldn’t be bothered with pleasantries with Li Qinghua.

After greeting Li Qinghua, Zhang Wei promptly returned to the defense counsel’s seat.

And as the judge took his place, a solemn atmosphere enveloped the courtroom.

Bang, bang, bang!

From the bench, Judge Chen took his seat and banged the gavel!

This also signified that the preliminary hearing was about to begin.