Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 205 - 204: Lisa’s Talk, The Essence of Humanity

Chapter 205: Chapter 204: Lisa’s Talk, The Essence of Humanity

That evening, Lin Mansion.

Zhang Wei and Zhao Xiaoxiao were having dinner while talking to each other.

"These are the basic facts, and I don’t see any problem..."

"There indeed isn’t any problem. Before Ren Xinwei took notice of her, Zhu Tianying was just an ordinary girl. The main issue lies within these five years. This woman has grown accustomed to the lavish lifestyle of a princess and wouldn’t willingly return to a mundane life."

Zhang Wei had commissioned Zhao Xiaoxiao to investigate Zhu Tianying’s past from five years ago, but unfortunately, they found nothing.

This was not because the other party had hidden something, but because there genuinely wasn’t anything suspicious.

The crux of the matter still lay within these five years.

Currently, all Zhang Wei knew was that Zhu Tianying had an affair with the senior brother of Yangxin Hall, Liang Canguang, during her marriage, but this was not evidence of murder.

To put it plainly, even if this woman was unchaste, that was a moral issue.

But murder was a criminal offense.

No matter how corrupt a person’s morals or how low their character, it doesn’t necessarily relate to whether they would commit murder or not.

Even if it could be proven that the woman was shameless, without evidence linking her to Ren Xinwei’s death, she would still be released without charges.

"Beep beep beep..."

At that moment, Zhang Wei’s phone rang.

Upon checking, there were several messages on WeChat all at once.

The messages were from a temporary discussion group.

Zhu Tianying & Ren Xinwei Case Discussion Group.

[Xiao Baihe: @everyone, turn on the TV and watch Dongfang Capital TV Station’s evening channel!]

[Xia Qianyue: (OK.jpg)]

[Tan Yingying: 1]

[Li Yueqin: 1]

[Xiao Baihe: @Zhang Wei, hurry up and turn on the TV, you’re the only one who hasn’t responded!]

[Zhang Wei: Oh!]

With no choice, Zhang Wei returned to his room, took out his laptop, started logging onto the internet, and searched for Dongfang Capital’s evening channel.

Inside the evening channel.

The program currently being broadcasted was Dongfang Capital’s evening show with the highest viewership - Lisa’s Talk.

The host of this program was none other than Cheng Lisha, who had publicly supported Zhu Tianying in front of the city courthouse that day.

This half-blooded host, wearing a vibrant red dress and speaking with elegance, held an extraordinary presence and poise.

According to what Zhang Wei understood, Cheng Lisha seemed to be Dongfang Capital’s number one TV host. Her interviews were a perennial top three in the ratings for evening slots.

"Dear viewers, on today’s Lisa’s Talk, we have invited Miss Zhu Tianying, who has recently been at the center of much discussion in Dongfang Capital, as well as her representing attorney, Ms. Jiang Fengzhen!"

With Cheng Lisha’s introduction, two women in business attire stepped onto the screen.

It was Zhu Tianying and Jiang Fengzhen, with the latter assisting the former to sit down.

Zhu Tianying looked much better than at the pre-trial, probably thanks to the pure oxygen chamber at the recovery center quickening her recovery.

"Miss Zhu, Sister Jiang, welcome!"

Cheng Lisha apparently knew Jiang Fengzhen and smiled warmly, including a hint of familiarity when she addressed the latter.

"Hello host!"

Since the guest had arrived, the interview officially started.

"Miss Zhu, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be on our show. As I understand, you’re currently involved in legal proceedings?"

"Yes, but I feel so wronged because I am the victim here. The one who should be facing threats and intimidation is me, so why do I have to be the one undergoing a criminal lawsuit, explaining why I accidentally killed my abuser in a moment of danger, making it seem like I am the abuser, when I am clearly not..."

Zhu Tianying’s acting wasn’t too impressive, but having prepared her emotions beforehand, she still managed to shed tears on the show.

"Miss Zhu, please don’t be upset. I believe Prosecutor Tan Yingying from the Procuratorate Headquarters also decided to prosecute you after careful consideration!"

Cheng Lisha promptly attempted to soothe her while also adding a word in defense of the Procuratorate Headquarters.

"Host, this is where you are mistaken. According to our law firm’s investigation, Prosecutor Tan Yingying from the Procuratorate Headquarters actually did not discuss this case with her superiors. The reason she decided to prosecute my client is due to some ’personal reasons’..."

Jiang Fengzhen suddenly interjected, and her tone heavily emphasized the last word—death.

"Oh, what kind of personal reasons might those be?"

"This, I’m not really at liberty to explain, and since we’re on the program, it’s not convenient for me to say too much..."

"Jiang sister, don’t keep us hanging. My ’Lisa’s Talk’ show prides itself on daring to speak the truth. If you don’t spill the beans, not only will you leave me itching with curiosity, but also make the audience feel uncomfortable, won’t you?"

Cheng Lisha said this with a slightly reproachful look directed at Jiang Fengzhen.

"Okay, fine, but I must clarify beforehand that the following remarks are purely my personal speculation and do not represent the views of myself or my law firm. If anyone tries to exploit my statements on the show, I reserve the right to sue them and even pursue their criminal responsibility. My firm, Blackfoot Law Firm, will support my actions. I hope everyone understands!"

After issuing this disclaimer or threat, Jiang Fengzhen finally began to speak leisurely, "According to the information I’ve heard, Prosecutor Tan Yingying is just a newcomer at the Procuratorate Headquarters, who doesn’t even have experience in handling major criminal cases. How could they possibly let a newcomer take charge of my client’s case?"

"That is strange indeed—a newcomer taking on such a major case out of the ordinary. I’m really curious too!"

Cheng Lisha hastily chimed in, maximizing the audience’s curiosity.

"Actually, as far as I know, Prosecutor Tan Yingying seems to be a follower of Xiao Baihe, the ace prosecutor of the serious crime division... and Prosecutor Xiao Baihe..."

Jiang Fengzhen paused here, her words hanging.

"Jiang sister, don’t hold back now. Hurry up and finish your thought, or you’ll leave me dying of suspense!"

Cheng Lisha immediately urged her on, her expression quite anxious.

"Alright then, I’ll just say it. I’ve heard that Prosecutor Xiao Baihe and the current representative lawyer of Ren’s Film Industry, Zhang Wei, are very close. Even rumors suggest that between them... seems like..."

Jiang Fengzhen didn’t finish her sentence. She was well aware that gossip was one thing, but those final insinuations couldn’t be fully uttered.

Otherwise, she could accuse others of infringement and defamation, and likewise, Zhang Wei and Xiao Baihe could sue her for defamation.

Especially on a talk show facing the audience, everything had to be measured, and Jiang Fengzhen evidently grasped this measure well.

Even if Zhang Wei wanted to pursue the matter, nothing she said contained any defamation against him.

Even if Zhang Wei confronted her, she could instantly deny it: "What relationship do you have with each other? I didn’t say anything at all. Even if you recorded yesterday’s interview, show me, where did I slander you?"

It was just like that...

"You’ve got to be kidding me!"

Zhang Wei couldn’t hold back anymore upon seeing this.

Even though you said nothing, it felt like you said everything.

Moreover, he could feel that his phone notifications hadn’t stopped for a moment after Jiang Fengzhen’s remarks.

Zhang Wei opened the discussion group.

[Xiao Baihe: This Cheng Lisha, I’ll make her pay!]

[Tan Yingying: Xiao Baihe sister, what’s your relationship with Zhang Wei? It feels like you’re a bit annoyed and embarrassed (confused.jpg)]

[Xia Qianyue: (curious.jpg)]

[Li Yueqin: +1]

[Xiao Baihe: Roll away, I have nothing to do with Zhang Wei, they’re just smearing me, I’m so furious!!! (angry.jpg)]

[Zhang Wei: Xiao Baihe and I are clear and innocent, at most we’ve had meals together and cracked cases together, we are just good teammates~]

[Xiao Baihe: Roll away, this has nothing to do with you, drop dead!]

[Tan Yingying: Oh, is that so? Understood!]

[Xia Qianyue: +1]

[Li Yueqin: +1]

Seeing Xiao Baihe’s response, Zhang Wei was at a loss for words.

You’re letting this get to you, when nobody said anything concrete!

Speaking of which, Zhang Wei turned his attention back to the program.

"Jiang sister, are you suggesting that this case is actually being driven by Zhang Wei, that he’s secretly directing Prosecutor Xiao Baihe to pressure Prosecutor Tan Yingying, and that’s how the lawsuit against your client was initiated?"

"No, no, no, I didn’t say anything. It’s all speculation, all speculation..."

Jiang Fengzhen quickly waved her hand in denial, but her attitude was one thing while the audience’s speculation was another.

"Right, right, right, as Jiang sister said, this is all personal speculation and is not meant to target the Procuratorate Headquarters at all!"

Cheng Lisha also explained, then swiftly changed the subject: "Since that’s the case, let’s continue discussing the case!"

"Miss Zhu, you feel wronged, so what do you have to say to the viewers watching my show and those who support you?"

With her head lowered, Zhu Tianying took a long time to compose herself before finally raising her head and saying, "Without a doubt, I am the real victim, but in the eyes of Ren’s Film Industry’s board of directors, I’m just a greedily insatiable woman. The one who did wrong is Ren Xinwei, my deceased husband; he should be the one to pay the price, but why has it turned out to be me?"

"Furthermore, when I wanted to obtain my lawful rights, I encountered all sorts of obstacles. Do the capitalists behind Ren’s Film Industry have no conscience at all? Can none of them see justice? Do they only care about money in their eyes?"

"During the time I was hospitalized, do you know that not even a single employee from Ren’s Film Industry showed up? They didn’t even offer a word of apology, didn’t send even a single message of concern."

"While I was hospitalized, aside from Sister Jiang accompanying me, the president and directors of Ren’s Film Industry might have only been considering how to seize my late husband’s property and the fruits of his creation after his death, completely ignoring that I am the only legal heir."

As Zhu Tianying spoke, she was in tears, more wronged than Dou E, more miserable than Lady Meng Jiang.

"I’m not afraid to tell you that during my hospital stay, Ren’s Film Industry only sent a lawyer to threaten me. They threatened me to give up my inheritance rights and then offered me a so-called considerable amount of compensation. And the lawyer who informed me of the terms even threatened me in person, saying if I didn’t agree, I’d be sorry. His last threatening words are still imprinted in my mind..."

"But I can tell everyone that I’m not afraid of threats, and I won’t bow down to the board of directors or the capitalists behind Ren’s Film Industry. I will fight them to the very end for my lawful rights. I, Zhu Tianying, am invincible!"

"I want to tell everyone, I am invincible!"

As Zhu Tianying declared her final words, she almost raised her arms and shouted, her tone exceedingly agitated.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

After speaking, as if her injuries were aggravated, she couldn’t help but cough violently.

"Cough, cough, cough... Excuse me, my wounds haven’t yet healed, and my body can’t yet support such excitement..."

"Sister Jiang, please help Miss Zhu to rest quickly. I am here!"

Cheng Lisha hurriedly instructed Jiang Fengzhen and the staff to help Zhu Tianying away.

"What a passionate speech we just heard. I believe we’ve also witnessed Miss Zhu’s courage and fearlessness in the face of power. Such a strong woman is now facing an extraordinarily controversial lawsuit!"

"Here, I want to ask the executives of Ren’s Film Industry, my friend Miss Zhu Tianying is clearly the victim, but why do you insist on blaming her? Is it because she resisted when she was threatened?"

"I would also like to ask our Procuratorate Headquarters in Dongfang Capital, is it justice to pursue a woman of frail stature who has just undergone such a grave ordeal and is still recovering from serious injuries?"

"Lastly, I would like to question the prosecutor in charge of the case, Prosecutor Tan Yingying. Why must women make it so hard for other women?"

Watching Cheng Lisha bombard with questions on the show...

Zhang Wei actually laughed.

"My, my, using public opinion to launch an offensive, this is putting pressure on the Procuratorate Headquarters to withdraw the case!"

Sure enough, the discussion group became lively once again.

[Tan Yingying: Ahhh, Director Zhao called me, what should I do, Sister Baihe (scared.jpg)]

[Xiao Baihe: Just pick up and say it’s all Zhang Wei’s fault, just throw the blame on him and you’ll be fine!]

[Xia Qianyue: Support (evil smile.jpg)]

[Li Yueqin: +1]

[Zhang Wei: ???]

Zhang Wei stared blankly at the WeChat discussion group, how did he become the scapegoat?

[Zhang Wei: Is there something wrong with me, or is there something wrong with you?]

[Xiao Baihe: You should be thinking about what to do tomorrow. I bet if you go out now, people on the street will want to hit you!]

[Zhang Wei: Well, you can rest assured. I don’t have many neighbors where I live, and the locals around are all familiar with me.]

[Xia Qianyue: Zhang Wei, don’t be scared, I will protect you. Whoever dares to touch you, I’ll beat them to death!]

[Xiao Baihe: Don’t think that with a Simple-minded person protecting you, you can rest easy. She can’t protect you 24/7!]

[Zhang Wei: Who said she can’t? (evil smile.jpg)]

[Xia Qianyue: ???]

[Xiao Baihe: ???]

[Li Yueqin: ???]

After a brief moment of silence due to Zhang Wei’s message, it was Tan Yingying who broke the stalemate.

[Tan Yingying: Wuu wuu wuu, I got scolded by my supervisor; he told me to handle this case carefully...]

[Tan Yingying: He also said if the investigative department doesn’t have substantial evidence against the defendant, to look for an opportunity to withdraw the case, what should I do, Sister Baihe QAQ]

[Xiao Baihe: Don’t ask me, ask Zhang Wei @Zhang Wei]

[Xiao Baihe: I’m off, going to sleep!]

[Xia Qianyue: I’m off, going to sleep!]

[Li Yueqin: I’m off, going to sleep!]

[Zhang Wei: Why have you all become parrots?]

[Tan Yingying: Zhang Wei, please save me QAQ]

[System Prompt]: Zhang Wei has retracted a message.

[Zhang Wei: I’m off, going to sleep!]

[Tan Yingying: ...]

Alright, being a parrot is truly blissful.

The true nature of humans is to be parrots!

After finishing his "joyful" chat with his buddies, Zhang Wei closed his notebook, but he was full of worries.

"Zhang Wei, you should actually be happy. I saw the pre-trial records, and it looks like your opponent wants to seclude the jury, so they won’t be able to watch the program. That interview just now, they certainly won’t see it!"

Sitting opposite him, Zhao Xiaoxiao suddenly burst into laughter.

"Little sister, you don’t understand. What can influence the jury isn’t necessarily the evening news or the content on media. In fact, right in the courtroom, it’s possible to affect the jurors!"

"What do you mean?"

"Get up early tomorrow and come with me to the courthouse entrance, and you’ll see why!"

As he spoke, Zhang Wei’s frown deepened.

Because he had guessed what was likely to happen tomorrow morning.

Thinking of this, his head throbbed with pain, but he decided to rest and recuperate.

Because tomorrow was the real battle.

...

Tuesday, the day of the trial.

Zhang Wei got up early and went to knock on the door upstairs.

At breakfast, the little sister suddenly decided to bail on Zhang Wei.

"You go if you want, after I finish breakfast, I need to catch up on sleep!"

"But I’ll tell you what. Last night, I found recruiting posts on several forums. It seems someone is paying temporary actors to go to the city courthouse to show support for Zhu Tianying!"

"I think I know what you mean, and I’ve also guessed what’s going to happen at the city courthouse entrance. This kind of attention-seeking act, you can go alone!"

With that, Zhao Xiaoxiao put down her empty bowl and dashed back upstairs, not giving Zhang Wei a chance to speak.

"Ah, this little girl..."

Zhang Wei lamented before heading out to the courthouse.

At the same time.

City courthouse entrance.

There was still over an hour before the start of the trial, but already countless people had gathered, and the nearby streets were nearly blocked.

So many people clearly weren’t all rubberneckers.

Even a large number of people were holding banners with messages like "Support Zhu Tianying," "Release Without Guilt," "Sanction the Greedy Board of Directors," and others.

When Zhang Wei arrived at the city courthouse, these people were all sitting on the ground, which was fairly quiet.

But he knew that once an important person appeared later, this crowd would cheer and shout, putting pressure on the former.

The battle of public opinion is all about following such a pattern.

You need to make key individuals see the key messages, so they will feel the pressure.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, using such a tactic, this is somewhat underhanded. And this tactic, I stopped using it over a decade ago!"

Zhang Wei chuckled, because as useful as this tactic might be, it also depends on whom you use it on.

If it’s used against someone with a fiery temper, public pressure could instead ignite their fighting spirit.

The more you push, the more likely you are to encounter a strong backlash!

And Zhang Wei knew that there was a person in the courtroom with such a volatile temper!