Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 197 - 196: A mere 300 million settlement? Maximum 300 million in legal fees!

Chapter 197: Chapter 196: A mere 300 million settlement? Maximum 300 million in legal fees!

Ren’s Film Industry, conference room.

Ren’s Film Industry’s acting CEO, President Ding, with the company’s senior executives, met here with Lawyer Zhang Wei and other legal representatives.

However, upon learning that their opponent was Hu Yaode from Blackfoot Law Firm, some faint-hearted lawyers had already taken off earlier.

As for their so-called excuses, everyone present was no fool, and could naturally hear the perfunctory nature of these excuses.

President Ding didn’t mind, since the lawyer Ren’s Film Industry was looking for was not these faint-hearted individuals.

They had indeed released information seeking legal assistance, but did not specify the requirements, which led to many a muddler coming forward.

Fortunately enough, the assets of Ren’s Film Industry were still attractive to quite a few capable lawyers.

Now, those who could remain here were basically those who did not fear Blackfoot and were comparatively competent lawyers.

The meeting had now moved to the second phase.

"President Ding, let me sort this out!"

As one of the most influential figures there, Qin Shaocong of Longteng International temporarily spoke on behalf of the lawyers.

"First," said Qin Shaocong, "Blackfoot represents Ms. Zhu Tianying, and has sent a lawyer’s letter to Ren’s Film Industry. Ms. Zhu plans to legally inherit over 60 billion in assets as the deceased Chairman Ren’s wife. Once the inheritance agreement is approved, she will possess the deceased Ren Xinwei’s board decision-making power, the power to veto at the shareholders’ meeting, and the right to dispose of the company’s assets among others."

"Indeed, just so!" President Ding replied, his face looking unpleasant, yet he nodded in agreement.

Qin Shaocong continued, "Second, and the most important point, Ren’s Film Industry released news seeking lawyers, but it’s actually not to resolve the internal inheritance distribution issue, nor other legal litigations, but rather concerning how to deal with Blackfoot and Zhu Tianying. This implies you want us to help you confront Blackfoot Law Firm!"

"Correct!" President Ding nodded again.

"Third!" Qin Shaocong raised a third finger.

"I’d like to know if Ms. Zhu Tianying’s inheritance of Ren’s Film Industry is reliable. Did Chairman Ren not leave any will before he passed away?"

At this question, President Ding sighed, "I believe you all know, Chairman Ren was only 61 and always took great care of himself, so no one thought this would happen, and hence, nobody felt a will was necessary."

"Also, Chairman Ren always enjoyed hands-on leadership. The whole board of directors felt that Chairman Ren could continue serving the company for several more years, so no one reminded him of making a will."

"Moreover, Chairman Ren has his own former wives, though he divorced these women, but as a father, he still managed to secure a self-sustaining job within Ren’s Film Industry for his children."

President Ding said this and waved towards his secretary.

Understanding the gesture, the secretary distributed several documents to Qin Shaocong, Lawyer Zhang Wei, and others.

"This is Chairman Ren’s family tree. Leaving aside his ancestors, just speaking of his registered children, there are as many as six. Their mothers were once Chairman Ren’s wives, of course, he also legally divorced these women. Logically speaking, these people should have no part in the inheritance."

"But, there’s a saying: money talks. I’m certain they also covet Chairman Ren’s billions and wouldn’t give up the so-called inheritance rights. They surely want a share!"

Having said this, President Ding looked at everyone, "Once that time comes, Ren’s Film Industry will crumble during this so-called inheritance dispute!"

Just then, Lawyer Zhang Wei spoke up, "But currently the biggest problem seems to be Zhu Tianying, as she is Mr. Ren Xinwei’s current wife and has the legitimate spousal right to inherit the entirety of Ren’s Film Industry from her deceased husband!"

All eyes in the room concentrated on Lawyer Zhang Wei.

Confronting these gazes, he was quite composed.

"Furthermore, even though Zhu Tianying killed Ren Xinwei, according to the statement of the party involved, it seems that the late Chairman Ren attempted to assault Ms. Zhu, hence she retaliated with lethal force. Based on my understanding of the Procuratorate Headquarters, if Ms. Zhu intended to commit murder, they would have already prepared to prosecute her."

"Yet so much time has passed and the usually efficient Procuratorate Headquarters has been silent, this suggests they’ve determined Zhu Tianying acted in self-defense and might be acquitted of the charges!"

Lawyer Zhang Wei looked towards President Ding, the rest of his words unsaid but understood.

If this woman’s act of killing was deemed self-defense, she wouldn’t have to bear any responsibility and would retain the sole spousal right of inheritance.

"Indeed, Lawyer Zhang has a point. However, all evidence currently points towards Ms. Zhu’s self-defense. Even though we are a film industry giant with some say in the entertainment circle, we cannot intervene in the judiciary judgments of the Procuratorate Headquarters," explained President Ding.

"Therefore, I’m hoping you all could help us think of a way to prevent Chairman Ren’s hard-earned achievements from being dominated by a woman under 30 who understands nothing about running such a business!"

President Ding was worried now.

The entire board of directors naturally held Ren Xinwei in high regard.

He started from scratch and took forty years to develop Ren’s Film Industry to its current scale.

But suddenly letting a woman not yet thirty take charge, possessing absolute decision-making power, which member of the board would accept that?

Come that time, there was no certainty to what extent Ren’s Film Industry, with assets worth 60 billion, would shrink in value.

President Ding and the others also held a small portion of the company’s shares. If the company’s assets decreased, it threatened their interests too.

This was something they absolutely could not allow.

"Not yet thirty, a trophy wife!" Lawyer Zhang Wei was muttering to himself.Such a woman, not yet 30, was about to own an entertainment industry giant worth 60 billion in assets. Now, what they needed to think of was how to stop this woman from acquiring the legally permitted inheritance.

For a time, the atmosphere in the meeting room became oppressive, with everyone frowning deeply.

"President Ding, what does the investigation department say?" someone spoke up.

This person was Baisheng’s Lawyer Zhao, sitting at the lower seat next to Qin Shaocong.

"I asked some friends with connections, and for now, there’s no evidence to prove that Chairman Ren’s death was premeditated by Miss Zhu Tianying. The investigation department also tends to recognize it as legitimate self-defense!"

President Ding said, adding, "And on the weapon that injured Miss Zhu and caused Chairman Ren’s death, they only found Chairman Ren’s own fingerprints. Miss Zhu suffered several stab wounds, almost life-threatening. Although I don’t want to admit it, I have to say, she was indeed very pitiful!"

Zhu Tianying being in such a pitiful state proved that Ren Xinwei intended to assault her, and the former had no choice but to kill the assaulter Ren Xinwei in self-defense.

"President Ding, no offense, but if that’s the case, it’s indeed quite troublesome!" another person spoke.

This time, it was Lawyer Qi from Xicheng, who was seated beside Zhang Wei.

Yongjie’s Lawyer Tian also nodded, then turned to look at President Ding.

"President Ding, let me ask one more thing. By releasing the news to the public and inviting us to Ren’s Film Industry, do you really just want to deal with the current problem?"

President Ding knew what he was asking.

But the current biggest problem facing Ren’s Film Industry was Zhu Tianying’s case.

As for everything else, none of it was bone-deep and could be ignored for the time being.

"Correct, only this matter!" President Ding nodded, acknowledging it.

"If that’s the case, then please forgive our inability to assist!"

Lawyer Zhao, Lawyer Tian, and Lawyer Qi, the three of them stood up together, their assistants and others following them as they left without looking back.

They had hoped for a partnership with Ren’s Film Industry, but instead, these people had thrown a task at them.

Such a difficult task was beyond their ability to handle, so naturally, there could be no cooperation.

As they left, only Qin Shaocong and Zhang Wei’s parties remained in the meeting room.

"Qin Shao, as the representative of Longteng, what do you have to say?"

Although President Ding wanted to hear Zhang Wei’s opinion, with Qin Shaocong’s seniority and status on the line, there had to be a proper order.

"Can we settle with Zhu Tianying? For example, offer her a sum of money to give up the inheritance?"

"We’ve thought of that too, so we’ve already made an offer!"

President Ding said, raising three fingers.

"300 million?" Qin Shaocong raised his eyebrows.

"Yes, 300 million!" President Ding nodded.

"President Ding, you really know how to pose a tough one. Even I wouldn’t be satisfied with just 300 million for that woman, hahaha..."

Qin Shaocong laughed, and his subordinates laughed along with him.

"300 million, these capitalists really have some nerve..."

Not only that, but even Zhang Wei, sitting in the corner of the conference table, couldn’t help but laugh.

"President Ding, no disrespect, but Ren’s Film Industry’s total assets exceed 60 billion, and it’s the leading figure in Dongfang Capital’s entertainment circle. Chairman Ren was previously ranked the 7th richest person in Dongfang Capital, also known as the Godfather of the entertainment industry."

"Now, you plan to dismiss that woman with 300 million, making her give up an inheritance over a hundred times that amount. Do you think she would agree?"

Qin Shaocong also realized that these people at Ren’s Film Industry were incredibly greedy, trying to fob off a beggar with 300 million.

"President Ding, please excuse me!"

Qin Shaocong slammed the table, showing his dissatisfaction, and then prepared to leave with his people.

But his leaving footsteps suddenly paused, as he realized someone hadn’t moved.

"Lawyer Zhang, what, do you still plan to take on this case? They plan to fob off a beggar with 300 million, do you still want to help them save this money?"

"Lawyer Qin, I believe that everything can be resolved through negotiation. If we sit down with Miss Zhu to explore, perhaps there will be a breakthrough!"

"Hmph, a breakthrough, I don’t have the leisure to be an intermediary for people with no sincerity!"

Qin Shaocong sneered, then glanced back at President Ding and the others before walking out.

Clearly, he didn’t believe the plan could be negotiated and simply left.

Now, only Zhang Wei and Li Yueqin’s Jincheng party remained in the room.

"Lawyer Zhang, you all..."

"President Ding, don’t rush. I’m just asking, is your bottom line really only 300 million?"

Seeing that Zhang Wei not only hadn’t left but continued to ask questions, President Ding nodded gravely.

"300 million, not a penny more. If it were any more, the board of directors and the shareholders would have objections!"

"So you’re saying, if I take your company’s case, I have to convince Zhu Tianying to give up her legal right to the 60 billion and settle for 300 million?"

In the end, Zhang Wei’s tone even carried a hint of mockery when he said "300 million."

For some reason, facing Zhang Wei, who was a generation younger than himself, President Ding inexplicably began to sweat on his forehead.

Perhaps he himself found the matter somewhat unreliable.

But he still nodded in acknowledgment, "That’s right, Lawyer Zhang, you’re not wrong!"

"What about my fee?"

"If Lawyer Zhang can convince Zhu Tianying to give up her inheritance rights, we will provide you with a substantial reward!"

"Oh, a substantial reward, huh!"

Zhang Wei and Li Yueqin exchanged glances. The latter looked perplexed, while Zhang Wei’s face was smiling.

"Then let me ask one more question, just hypothetically, I mean only if..."

After emphasizing several times, he asked, "If I managed to ensure that Zhu Tianying doesn’t get a single penny, how much would I get then?"

President Ding also decided to lay all his cards on the table, "If Lawyer Zhang can accomplish that, we can give you the entire 300 million in compensation we planned for Miss Zhu Tianying!"

"300 million in legal fees?"

"Correct, 300 million in remuneration!"

Good gracious!

Zhang Wei felt a surge of motivation.

"President Ding, I feel that we can actually collaborate. Of course, it’s not about the money; I mainly think you’re quite sincere, so we’ll take the case!"

Zhang Wei himself felt his words lacked conviction.

If Ren’s Film Industry were sincere, they should recognize Zhu Tianying’s legal right to the inheritance instead of trying to brush her off with 300 million like tossing coins to a beggar.

"Xiao Li, get ready to sign the contract!"

Work had to continue, and since Ren’s Film Industry was willing to offer an "up to" 300 million lawyer fee, Zhang Wei was certainly going to give it his all.

"Quick, prepare the contract for Lawyer Zhang, and add that last clause I mentioned into the terms!"

President Ding hurriedly instructed his secretary before he couldn’t help but get up and approach Zhang Wei.

"Lawyer Zhang, I wonder what your plan now is..."

"Very simple, we’re going to ask at the Procuratorate Headquarters if they’re planning to prosecute a murderer!"

"A murderer?"

"Correct, a murderer!"

As he said this, Zhang Wei revealed a slightly sinister smile, "As long as we can prove Zhu Tianying had the intent to murder Ren Xinwei, a criminal convicted of homicide will lose their right to inheritance. Moreover, if she truly did kill Chairman Ren, she herself will no longer have any right to the inheritance."

"But the evidence from the investigation department and the news from the Procuratorate Headquarters, they..."

"No worries, this is just one of my approaches. Whether or not to take this step, I need to visit the investigation department and the Procuratorate Headquarters myself. By the way, I also need to meet Zhu Tianying face to face. Whether she did those things or not, I need to talk to her in person before I can know!"

Seeing that Zhang Wei had a plan in mind, President Ding couldn’t help but nod his head.

He liked this kind of approach.

The contract hadn’t been signed, the money hadn’t been collected, and yet the work was already being started on your behalf.

Although Lawyer Zhang looked young, he was practical indeed.

Reliable!

In the end, the contract was naturally agreed upon, and both Li Yueqin and Zhang Wei signed their names on it.

However, what surprised President Ding was that he had thought Li Yueqin was Zhang Wei’s assistant, yet the contract unexpectedly bore two names.

That meant, if this case really went through, 300 million in legal fees would be split between the two.

President Ding was surprised because that was 300 million! Did Zhang Wei really plan on sharing it with a woman who had been quiet from beginning to end, who clearly looked like an assistant?

In fact, Zhang Wei had originally intended to write only Li Yueqin’s name in the contract, but she refused.

Because Zhang Wei had been negotiating the case from start to finish, if she took the case slot as well, she would feel somewhat embarrassed herself.

Li Yueqin didn’t want to sign at first, but she couldn’t outstubborn Zhang Wei and had no other choice.

Eventually, the contract was finally signed.

"So, Lawyer Zhang, we await your news!"

President Ding and the senior executives from Ren’s Film Industry politely saw Zhang Wei off.

However, their smiles disappeared as soon as Zhang Wei was out of sight.

"President, are you really going to trust this overly young man? There’s a saying that goes, ’A smooth-tongued person is not a firm doer!’"

"I know, so we won’t place our hopes on just one person, but what if he really does it? Although this kid is excessively young, judging from the attitude of Longteng International’s Qin Shao, Lawyer Zhang seems to be quite capable!"

As he spoke, President Ding looked to his female secretary, "How’s the investigation on Lawyer Zhang coming along?"

"President, this is the current information we have on Lawyer Zhang, I’ve printed it out for you."

The secretary immediately handed a stack of documents to President Ding.

Although he was polite to Zhang Wei, it was only because he wanted to give it a try, and besides, Zhang Wei was the only option left. If he wasn’t a bit courteous, maybe the last man would run too.

But even though it was a collaboration, as the president of a 60 billion asset group, President Ding would definitely be very cautious to understand every aspect.

So he ordered his subordinates to investigate Zhang Wei.

"Come on, let’s see what’s so extraordinary about this Lawyer Zhang!"

With that, President Ding began to go through the documents.

After a few pages, his expression became more serious.

"Well, this Lawyer Zhang has fought so many not-guilty defense cases, and all were victorious!"

"The opponent was actually the Procuratorate Headquarters. How could this man be so capable, and I’ve never heard of him before?"

"No wonder, in his previous cases, he publicly berated the media in court; he must have been blacklisted, so all these search records are recent, with no public records or reports from before!"

"It seems that Lawyer Zhang is more skilled than I expected. We might as well try to trust him a bit!"

President Ding decided to trust Zhang Wei a little more.

Although Ren’s Film Industry would still not rely completely on Zhang Wei, having some hope is a good thing after all.

Meanwhile, outside the gate of Ren’s Film Industry.

"Zhang Wei, do you really plan on helping them against that victim? I feel like this is somewhat immoral. Zhu Tianying was nearly killed, and now you want to strip her of her inheritance rights?"

"Xiao Li, as a lawyer, you have to look further ahead. What have you seen in this case? You’ve only seen a victim. Do you know what I’ve seen?"

"What?"

"I’ve seen the potential to earn 300 million in legal fees!"

Hearing Zhang Wei say that, Li Yueqin was speechless.

Who exactly is the one with the problem in their perspective?

Is money all you see?

You have the nerve to say me, when you’re the one who’s truly blinded by money!

...

Author Germ here recommends a great sprout read "Cyber Whispers".

It’s a future sci-fi, cyberpunk style with Mewtwo, strangeness, and mystery. The protagonist’s profession is a lawyer!

I chatted with a co-author, and the book is really good. It’s not because the other person is a girl—really, it’s because the book is good, for real...

PS: The author is a female programmer!

(Although my book doesn’t treat programmers very nicely, it’s all in jest. Surely the readers wouldn’t take it seriously, right~)

Another PS: The girl’s other book "The Great Lawyer in the Japanese Variety Shows" is one of my inspirations for creating this book. Although short, Author Germ has fully subscribed to it. Fans of "Li Dog Wow" should definitely check it out...