Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 187 - 186 Zhao Qingyan Has a Nightmare, Another System?

Chapter 187: Chapter 186 Zhao Qingyan Has a Nightmare, Another System?

After the adjournment.

In the courtroom.

"Lan Gaojian is truly remarkable!"

"Highly, it’s just too brilliant!"

"Lan Gaojian, you are my idol!"

"Lan Gaojian, I’ve decided that as soon as I get back, I’ll incorporate every single word you said during today’s trial into my study notes and recite them every day!"

"Once is not enough, I think we should recite it five times a day to really reflect our gains today!"

As the saying goes, celebrate at halftime with champagne.

The group of newcomers was showering Lan Zhengye with praise, as if he had already secured the victory.

"Lan Gaojian, your tactics have really opened my eyes!"

Zhao Chunming also gave a thumbs up, his face full of smiles.

Lan Zhengye, a senior prosecutor, and Zhao Chunming, the leader of the Serious Crime Division Office, were actually about the same rank.

However, the former only took orders from the Chief Prosecutor, and Zhao Chunming was implicitly considered half a rank lower, which was also why he had to be just as courteous.

"Director Zhao, you flatter me!" Lan Gaojian waved his hand and responded with a polite remark.

As for these praises, he didn’t really care for them.

Anyway, once he won the case, such adulation from colleagues and the media would surely not be in short supply.

He had grown accustomed to it.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Zhang Wei and his party preparing to leave.

"Director Zhao, I’m going to put some pressure on the defense. Please excuse me for a moment!"

With that, Lan Zhengye walked straight toward Zhang Wei and his group.

Over there.

At the end of the trial, Zhang Wei was getting ready to leave the courtroom with the defendant Fang Yunshu.

"Master, that guy is coming over!"

Lin Yumeng suddenly pointed, her little face all puffed up with anger.

"Lan Gaojian?"

Zhang Wei also saw the approaching man and squinted his eyes, keeping his gaze fixed on him.

"Lawyer Zhang, Miss Fang, hello!"

Lan Zhengye greeted them with a smile, then ignored the somewhat hostile glances from Lin Yumeng and the others, turning instead to the only person who could make decisions.

Zhang Wei!

"Lan Gaojian, I wonder why you are looking for us..."

"Oh, I just mean to convey the prosecutor’s next intentions and to discuss court-negotiated plea deals with you!"

Lan Gaojian didn’t beat around the bush, stating his intentions directly, "On behalf of the prosecution, I formally inform Miss Fang that before the trial on Monday, our side may submit a motion to the judge to change our plea!"

Zhang Wei narrowed his eyes, "Oh, and what would that change be?"

Lan Zhengye smiled slightly, then his expression turned cold, "Originally, the motive behind Miss Fang’s murder was unclear, but thanks to my questioning just now, I have come to understand her motive, which is actually..."

At this point, his gaze shifted to Zhao Qingyan.

Though he didn’t articulate it now, everything that needed to be said had been stated in court.

"Next Monday, we don’t rule out the possibility of upgrading the charge from life imprisonment to the death penalty, for Miss Fang’s criminal motive is extremely despicable, causing severe social repercussions. The Procuratorate Headquarters is considering taking strict measures to set an example!"

Upon hearing the words "death penalty," Fang Yunshu’s body trembled, while Lin Yumeng and Tie Ruyun were stunned.

Even Zhao Qingyan showed surprise in her gaze.

"Are you threatening us?" In the midst of this, Zhang Wei remained calm and composed, his voice cool as he responded to his opponent.

Of course, he could tell that Lan Gaojian intended to use the death penalty to force their compliance. Though this tactic might be old-fashioned, the weight of the words "death penalty" was heavier than any other bargaining chip.

After all, no one isn’t afraid of death!

"Lan Gaojian, state your terms. Don’t just toss out the words ’death penalty’; that’s not negotiating, that’s threatening!"

Zhang Wei faced his opponent squarely, his eyes not retreating in the slightest.

"You’re not intimidated by me, this kid has solid composure!"

Lan Gaojian observed the young man before him, inwardly slightly startled, but nonetheless unconcerned.

"My condition is that if your side admits guilt before the trial on Monday, then it’s either life imprisonment or imprisonment for a fixed term of 30 years!"

"Merely on the basis of speculation, you want to sentence someone to death, and then use the death penalty to threaten us. Lan Gaojian, you’re indeed playing quite the game!"

"Why do you assume it’s just speculation? Maybe it’s the truth after all. I believe the investigation department will surely find evidence to prove the prosecution’s reasonable suspicion!"

Lan Gaojian emphasized the word "reasonable."

"In a nutshell, the terms have been laid out for you. I hope you can consider them carefully over the weekend. I really don’t want this trial to waste too much time!"

After he finished speaking, he turned to Zhao Qingyan, "Mr. Zhao, the questions I asked just now were all for the case. I hope you don’t take it personally; I’m just doing my job!"

"Of course, Lan Gaojian, you’re doing this for the case, too. I believe Xiao Fang has heard your terms!"

The implication of Zhao Qingyan’s words was apparent—he intended to see the visitor out.

Lan Gaojian wasn’t annoyed; now that he had presented the terms, he had achieved his goal.

And he was confident that as long as the defense couldn’t find any evidence proving Zeng Xiang guilty, the advantage would definitely be on his side.

If the investigation team couldn’t find any evidence, how could these few non-professionals possibly find any!

On Zhang Wei’s side.

"In a nutshell, let’s head back!"

Seeing the atmosphere so oppressive and gloomy, the only one unaffected had to speak up.

The group left the courtroom and headed back separately.

However, because of Lan Gaojian’s proposition, nobody was in a good mood.

Although Zhang Wei knew that Lan Gaojian was shooting in the dark, he was also painfully aware of the threat of the death penalty.

There was no telling if Fang Yunshu would get ideas.

If the accused couldn’t withstand the pressure of the death sentence, they might choose to confess and accept the deal for 30 years.

"Am I being manipulated here?"

Leaving the city court, Zhang Wei touched his chin, disliking this feeling intensely.

...

That night.

In the wee hours.

In the master bedroom of Zhao Mansion.

Zhao Qingyan lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

Every time he closed his eyes, what appeared in his mind was the grisly sight of Zeng Xiang’s death and the pained yet helpless expression of Fang Yunshu.

"Ah Xiang, Xiao Fang..."

He murmured, groggy and heavy, until he finally fell asleep near dawn.

In the darkness, void of anything, void of anyone.

Zhao Qingyan staggered a few steps in this darkness.

"Brother Zhao, why do you help that bitch!"

Suddenly, a voice rang out.

This voice, he knew it all too well, yet it felt so eerily foreign!

"Ah Xiang, you’ve changed, you’ve become a stranger to me!"

Zhao Qingyan faced a certain direction, his tone filled with helplessness and confusion.

From the darkness, a figure stepped forward, with arrows lodged in the knee and temple. It was none other than the dead Zeng Xiang.

"A stranger, huh? Maybe this is who I really was!"

Zeng Xiang’s mouth twisted into a sinister smile, his whole figure looking morbid and ghostly.

"Ah Xiang, the person I knew was full of passion for life, the most determined among our team. But you’re not that person!" Zhao Qingyan looked at Zeng Xiang and sighed once more.

"What’s the point of saying all this, I’m already dead, I’m already dead..."

"Brother Zhao, why do you help that bitch, why don’t you avenge me, why won’t you avenge me..."

Zeng Xiang suddenly erupted in anger, shrieking at Zhao Qingyan. The sharp, piercing scream resonated in the darkness for a long time.

Ring ring ring!

The urgent sound of an alarm clock woke Zhao Qingyan up.

The darkness dispersed, replaced by the faint sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains into his room.

"6:30 am, how many hours did I sleep?"

Looking at the time on the alarm clock, Zhao Qingyan sighed and decided not to sleep anymore.

He took an early morning hot shower to wash off the sweat from his body, and then he went downstairs.

"Zhang Wei, are you joining me for a run today?"

"Sure, Sister Xiao Wu, I also have to train in boxing this morning!"

"Alright, then let’s go!"

"Okay, let’s go!"

Outside the gate of Zhao Mansion, voices could be heard as Zhang Wei greeted Zhang Xinwu.

Zhang Wei seemed to be in a pretty good mood.

"This young Zhang, even under such great pressure, can maintain an optimistic attitude, which is something I can’t match!"

Glancing outside, Zhao Qingyan sighed once more.

Both faced with failure, yet his performance couldn’t even compare to that of a junior.

He had to admit that, sometimes, getting old made one more prone to sentimentality.

"Heartless" as Zhang Wei was, on the contrary, he seemed carefree.

At noon, after having lunch at home, Zhao Qingyan stepped out of Zhao Mansion.

He hesitated for a moment in front of the gate to Lin Mansion next door before finally gathering his courage to knock.

"Who is it?"

"Little Zhang, it’s me!"

"Oh, Uncle Zhao!"

Zhang Wei opened the door, only to see Zhao Qingyan with a pale face.

"Uncle Zhao, do you want to come in?"

A flicker of guilt crossed Zhang Wei’s eyes, but he quickly covered it up.

He subconsciously glanced back at the second floor of Lin Mansion’s house.

"No need, the sun is out, I just wanted to stand here and soak up some sun!"

As he spoke, Zhao Qingyan turned to Zhang Wei, "Little Zhang, I didn’t interrupt your lunch, did I?"

"No, I’ve already finished eating!"

After Zhang Wei cheerfully said this, he asked, "Uncle Zhao, are you worried about the case?"

"Yes, this case is related to Xiao Fang’s future, how could I not be worried?"

Mention of the case made Zhao Qingyan sigh again.

He was closely monitoring the situation of the case, obviously understanding it well.

Because he understood it so well, he hadn’t been sleeping well these past few days, even having nightmares at night.

"Actually, it’s good that you came, Uncle Zhao, I have a few questions I want to ask you!"

"Oh, ask away!"

Zhang Wei looked around; of course, there was certainly no one nearby.

"Uncle Zhao, I want to ask you, do you really think Fang Yunshu hasn’t lied?"

"Little Zhang, why do you ask that?"

"It’s simple. If Zeng Xiang really followed her, then why is there no trace of it at all?"

"Ah Xiang was the best network security expert on our team. If he didn’t want to leave any traces online, even I wouldn’t be able to catch him slip up!"

"Is there a possibility, then, that Fang Yunshu lied, that Zeng Xiang really didn’t do anything, that he was truly fooled into going to her house, and everything the prosecution said is true?"

"This..."

Zhao Qingyan also hesitated, as what Zhang Wei said made sense.

But when he thought about Fang Yunshu’s plea for help, he shook his head again, "Xiao Fang isn’t a murderer. Several months ago, she was aware that Ah Xiang was following her, and she told me about it at that time!"

"If she really had been planning for a long time, she wouldn’t have sought help from me at the beginning. And her tone on the phone, and such a performance, definitely weren’t an act. You can see that too, right?"

After thinking carefully, Zhang Wei also nodded.

Unless Fang Yunshu was an Oscar-winning actress, she couldn’t have deceived his eyes.

Clearly, Fang Yunshu wasn’t, and her innocence likely wasn’t feigned.

"But Uncle Zhao, you’ve investigated too, haven’t you? Zeng Xiang didn’t do these things, did he?"

"Yes, I’ve searched through all the devices found in Ah Xiang’s house by the investigation division – cell phones, computers, even electronic watches. I didn’t overlook his car’s on-board system either; I checked it all thoroughly, but alas, all for naught."

Hearing this, Zhao Qingyan sighed again, "His computer is spotless, not a single trace to be found. It’s so clean that I don’t even know where to start!"

"Not a single trace?"

Hearing this description, Zhang Wei suddenly asked.

"Yes, not a single trace. He didn’t even have Baidu search history, nor had he browsed any web pages..."

Before Zhao Qingyan could finish, Zhang Wei immediately cut in, "Uncle Zhao, did you find ’study materials’ on the computer?"

"Study materials?" Zhao Qingyan was startled, somewhat confused by what ’study materials’ meant.

"Uncle Zhao, there are no outsiders here, no need to pretend!"

Zhang Wei leaned in close to Zhao Qingyan, whispering mysteriously, "Study materials, you know. Didn’t your roommates pass you a few when you were in college, and those teachers didn’t accompany you through those difficult days and nights?"

"This..."

Zhao Qingyan inwardly cursed, good lad, you actually bring this up with me, how do you expect me to answer you?

Am I really going to beg someone for help without any dignity?

"Uncle Zhao, think about it!"

However, Zhang Wei posed with an attitude suggesting you can’t even see what’s obvious, and asked helplessly, "Is Zeng Xiang not a man?"

"Yes?"

"After his divorce, Zeng Xiang didn’t touch any other woman, right? He never even considered that good-looking female neighbor, and his acquaintance with her was nothing more than perfunctory, right?"

"Yes, didn’t you prove it in court?"

"So, he’s been single for so long and there’s not a single video on his hard drive. How do you think he managed that?"

Zhao Qingyan looked at himself, then at Zhang Wei.

He always felt that the young man in front of him seemed to be hinting at something.

What does it mean for someone to be single for so long without a single video on their hard drive, how do they endure it?

Are you sure you’re talking about Ah Xiang and not hinting at something else?

"Uncle Zhao, if you can’t find any evidence, it might prove that Zeng Xiang really didn’t do anything. But the cleanliness of his computer is abnormal, that’s a point of suspicion. He might have another system hidden somewhere out of reach for the investigation team, and all the evidence is in that system!"

"I understand, you make sense. It’s indeed abnormal that his computer is so clean!"

Zhao Qingyan got it, or rather he had suspected it before, but Zhang Wei reminded him that this suspicion could very well be true.

There must be somewhere, Zeng Xiang was hiding a second system.

Whether it was to monitor Fang Yunshu or to take revenge on the initial six companies, he had used that system, and the investigation team could never find its whereabouts.

After conversing for a while longer, Zhang Wei and Zhao Qingyan parted ways.

One needed to review the case again, while the other began to search for information on the second system.

Saturday was spent in busyness.

In the middle of the night.

Zhao Qingyan fell asleep again, and in his dreams, he saw that familiar person.

"Brother Zhao, why, why would you help that bitch!"

"Do you want me to die with hatred, do you want me to haunt you for the rest of your life!"

"I won’t let that bitch off the hook, and I won’t let you go either, you deserve to die, you actually won’t help me, you deserve to die!"

Once again faced with the roaring "Zeng Xiang", Zhao Qingyan was much calmer this time.

"Ah Xiang, you know, I’ve always been helping you. When Xiang Yun was just starting, you had no business, and it was me who persuaded several companies to give their orders to you!"

"And that time when your loan was due and the bank wanted their money back, while other banks and even finance companies didn’t plan to lend you money, an investor took an interest in your studio and was ready to invest to help you out of an urgent situation. That investor was actually arranged by me."

"Also, during that tech summit, your studio wanted a booth, and the organizers didn’t even look at you. Why did they end up giving you a central area booth in the end? Because I suggested it..."

As Zhao Qingyan spoke of every incident, the Zeng Xiang in front of him no longer looked ferocious, and the darkness around him began to dissipate bit by bit.

The darkness disappeared, replaced by a dilapidated house.

Inside the house, there were just five young people, each working at a computer, spread around the four corners of the house, typing on keyboards, their screens displaying lines of code.

"Brother Zhao, how’s this system? I can run it a hundred thousand times without a single bug!"

"Not bad, you rascal are truly skilled. But I suggest you go get some sleep. How many nights have you stayed up for this system?"

"Hahaha, it’s just three or four days’ worth of work. I can handle it!"

A young man with short hair said, laughing as he reported to another young man wearing glasses.

"Ah Xiang, you should sleep a bit. I’ll handle the rest," said the young man with glasses, patting the shoulder of the person next to him.

"Brother Zhao, if you handle it, of course I’m at ease, but you also know this system was built one code at a time by me. I have to watch over it the whole time; otherwise, I won’t feel at ease!"

As the young man spoke, he pulled a blanket out from a pile of clutter to cover himself with.

"Well, Brother Zhao, I’m going to take a nap right here. The rented house is all empty anyway, and I’d rather have the system I’m working on right by my side, so if anything goes wrong, I can know immediately!"

"You and your suspicious nature, when will you ever change? Be careful or you won’t be able to find a girlfriend in the future!"

"What’s so great about a girlfriend? Can a girlfriend be more delightful than a computer?"

The young man laughed again, then took one last look at his computer before lying down in his chair to catch up on sleep.

The young man with glasses began to work, presumably to wrap up for the young man.

A simple room, a few old computers, and several young people, this was the taste of striving.

Zhao Qingyan looked at the scene before him, his emotions unsettled for a long time.

Because this place was where they had once struggled together.

He walked over to the young man who had just fallen asleep and watched him for a long time.

"Ah Xiang, have your habits never changed, wanting absolute control over your own things?"

A glimmer seemed to burst forth in Zhao Qingyan’s eyes.

He had an idea, a clue!