Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 210 - 209: Great Public Pressure, Zhu Tianying Tells a Story (Added 1 - More)

Chapter 210: Chapter 209: Great Public Pressure, Zhu Tianying Tells a Story (Added 1 Chapter More)

(The book friends are fierce, sending razor blades and unfurling banners with threats. Author Germ is under so much pressure that I can only desperately type away, adding one more Chapter...)

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...

Thursday, the day of the trial.

At 1:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the court session was to begin.

President Ding from Ren’s Film Industry, along with his company’s staff, made their way through the noisy crowd at the court’s entrance and finally squeezed through the courthouse doors.

Heading straight for the preparation room, he pushed the door open to find Zhang Wei and others seated inside, discussing something.

"President Ding, you’re here."

"Lawyer Zhang, the situation outside is just too..."

President Ding gestured towards the courthouse entrance, his face a picture of distress.

He was there to observe the trial on behalf of Ren’s Film Industry, but outside, Zhu Tianying’s supporters were cursing at him as if he were their sworn enemy.

It felt as if he was the defendant in the case.

Not only that, but the online and media reputation of Ren’s Film Industry had also taken a hit.

Searching for Ren’s Film Industry’s works online at night, the comments below were uniformly negative.

These public opinions on the internet caused the stocks of Ren’s Film Industry to plummet significantly.

The market value of Ren’s Film Industry was previously 61.3 billion, so now it might not even be worth 60 billion.

"Don’t worry, President Ding, those people outside the door are just like paid internet trolls, you don’t need to pay them any mind!"

Zhang Wei dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand, signaling President Ding not to worry.

You’re not a public figure; you don’t need to bother with those online rumors.

Are you going to try reasoning with internet trolls?

Come on, if internet trolls could be reasoned with, would they still be trolls?

After today, everyone in Dongfang will know exactly who Zhu Tianying is.

By then, those paid trolls and internet bullies will all disappear, and even those comments might be deleted as if they had never appeared.

When it comes to the ragtag army on the internet, they may be good for nothing else, but they excel at changing sides with the wind.

"After today, Zhu Tianying will be convicted. I assure you, she will get what she deserves!"

"I hope so!"

Seeing Zhang Wei so confident, President Ding could only nod in agreement.

With Zhang Wei so sure of himself, his heart settled a bit.

After all, the outcome of the case would be decided today.

"Xiao Tan, get ready, we’re about to go into court!"

Zhang Wei called out to Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying; the court session was about to start.

"Oh, okay!"

Tan Yingying immediately stood up, straightened her clothes, and patted her cheeks lightly with her hands to pep herself up.

She grabbed several folders nearby and followed Zhang Wei toward the courtroom.

The courtroom.

Inside the court, the seats for observers were almost full.

The lawyers and media reporters who were present at the last hearing were there again today, their numbers even larger than before.

This resulted in a full house at the observer’s seating, with many people even standing at the back.

"Master, do your best!"

"Zhang Wei, perform well!"

In the front row of the observer’s seating, Tie Ruyun and Lin Yumeng managed to grab good spots and were cheering for Zhang Wei.

"What’s the use of cheering? It’s Xiao Tan who’s going to be in court today; as the plaintiff, I can’t say a word!"

Zhang Wei shook his head and nodded to his friends as a greeting.

Following behind, Li Yueqin and Xiao Baihe also returned to their seats in the spectator area, sitting together with President Ding and his group.

Only Zhang Wei and Tan Yingying took their places in the seat reserved for them at the prosecution’s bench.

The prosecution was in place.

The courtroom doors swung open.

Soon after, the defense team arrived amidst a swarm of media reporters.

However, unlike the prosecution, the defense was much more high-profile.

Zhu Tianying was surrounded by a throng of media in the center, flanked by Hu Yaode and Jiang Fengzhen who were protecting her on either side, while Wang Meiyan followed behind like a little secretary, carrying bags.

Among those accompanying Zhu Tianying was another heavyweight, Cheng Lisha.

She whispered a few words to Zhu Tianying as she entered the courtroom, then took a seat in the front row of the spectator bench.

There were two female assistants who had already reserved a seat for her; Cheng Lisha sat down calmly, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on the prosecution’s bench.

She was curious to see if the prosecution had any tricks up their sleeve today.

"As long as today’s trial concludes, I can again use the power of public opinion to pressure Ren’s Film Industry, ensuring Zhu Tianying makes a second appearance on my show!"

"Although her acting skills are indeed poor, every woman knows how to cry. On my show, I’ll control the stage, and you just use a few tears to win sympathy!"

Even though Zhu Tianying’s acting skills were not up to par, as she said, she could still cry, couldn’t she?

If today’s trial doesn’t yield a result, then with Zhu Tianying’s second appearance, Cheng Lisha was confident that, relying on her own influence, she could once again sway public opinion and put pressure on Ren’s Film Industry.

Moreover, even the judges would consider the impact of public opinion to speed up the case conclusion.

And if there was no decisive evidence and the prosecution couldn’t prove that Zhu Tianying committed the murder with intent, then she would have to be acquitted.

And when that time comes...

Cheng Lisha smiled.

Because not only had Zhu Tianying paid her a large sum of money, but she also promised to transfer a portion of Ren’s Film Industry shares to her after the fact.

With Ren’s Film Industry’s total value at 60 billion, even a small portion of the shares would be worth tens or even hundreds of millions.

Both Cheng Lisha and Heizu (Blackfoot) were helping Zhu Tianying for this very reason.

After all, wealth does entice people’s hearts...

Defense bench.

Zhu Tianying and her "two guardians" took their seats, all exhibiting supreme confidence.

"Lawyer Hu, Lawyer Jiang, can it all be over today?"

"Of course, Miss Zhu, the prosecution has run out of witnesses. Next, it’s our turn to make a move. Once the right to speak falls into our hands, the case is essentially closed!"

Seeing Zhu Tianying still somewhat apprehensive, Hu Yaode naturally voiced words of comfort.

As long as the prosecution kept quiet, the defense could play their hand freely.

If the prosecution truly had decisive evidence, they would have used it during Tuesday’s trial.

Now that no new evidence has surfaced, it only indicates one thing: the prosecution can’t find any conclusive evidence to prove Zhu Tianying’s intent to murder Ren Xinwei.

And so, Hu Yaode was unsure how he could possibly lose...

He exchanged a glance with Jiang Fengzhen, and both of them smiled.

If they won this case, they would both have the achievement of overcoming the Procuratorate Headquarters’ prosecutors.

Although their opponent was a rookie prosecutor, it still represented the Procuratorate Headquarters.

Heizu’s reputation would elevate another notch, and they would also gain shares in Ren’s Film Industry, which would be a sizeable fortune.

The thought of what they stood to gain after today made the corners of Hu Yaode’s mouth involuntarily curl upwards.

"Zhang Wei, I’m eager to see what tricks you can pull off today!"

After all, the advantage was now with their side, Heizu.

This was a murder case; without decisive evidence, the judge, morally and legally, personally and publicly, would tend to lean toward the presumption of innocence.

Just as long as there was no decisive evidence...

As long as...

...

At 2 o’clock, the time for the trial arrived.

The 12 jurors filed into the courtroom one by one.

Their expressions were far from pleasant.

On one hand, they had to endure the "baptism" from the onlookers at the entrance before entering the courtroom, an unavoidable ordeal.

On the other hand, it had been several days since they had been home. Although their accommodation and meals were provided by a hotel, being cut off from the world for so many days and only being able to speak with their families for a few minutes a day would affect anyone’s state of mind.

"All rise, please welcome the honorable Judge Ni to the court!"

After the jury took their seats, the judge arrived.

"Both sides of the prosecution and defense..."

Judge Ni arrived at the scene, and without even taking a seat, she directly waved to the prosecution and defense benches.

Jiang Fengzhen and Tan Yingying immediately stood up, but Judge Ni gave them a fierce glare and then gestured with her eyes towards Zhang Wei and Hu Yaode.

Her intention was clear, she didn’t need the underlings, she wanted to speak with the decision-makers.

Zhang Wei and Hu Yaode understood at once, and after standing up, they walked over to the bench where Judge Ni had just taken a seat.

"Lawyer Zhang, Lawyer Hu, do you know why I called you two here?"

Zhang Wei and Hu Yaode said nothing.

"It’s because I know that Jiang Fengzhen and Tan Yingying are not the real decision-makers. Of course, I want to skip over them and talk about important matters with you!"

With this, Judge Ni looked at them both, dispensing with pleasantries, "Listen, this case has nearly driven me to depression, do you know how terrifying it is for a 40-year-old woman to suffer from depression during menopause?"

"Furthermore, this morning I had a civil court session. I originally despised civil court sessions, because I had to listen to two groups of people bickering senselessly in the courtroom, cursing over trifles, which I find a waste of time. But honestly, ever since I was assigned this case by my superiors, I suddenly found civil court rather enjoyable. I began to find the plaintiffs and defendants who cursed people charming in some inexplicable way..."

"I can tell you both now that after this case ends, I want to return to civil court and swear never to take another one of these depressing criminal cases in my life."

Judge Ni rubbed her forehead, "Now all of you go back down; I’m tired, hurry up!"

Zhang Wei and Hu Yaode did not utter a sound, but returned to their places.

They knew that Judge Ni was merely venting, and as a judge, she still had to abide by professional ethics.

However, she had also revealed a message—that the pressure in this case was immense, not only from public opinion but also from the high ranks of the city’s court.

And this pressure was exactly what Hu Yaode hoped to see.

In fact, a lot of the pressure was self-created by him and his colleagues, aimed at crafting an advantage for their side in the case.

"The court now announces, the prosecution against Zhu Tianying for the murder of Ren Xinwei is officially in session!"

After declaring with the gavel, Judge Ni looked towards the prosecution, "Prosecution, do you have any witnesses you need to summon?"

"Your Honor, the prosecution has no witnesses to summon. We now conclude the opening statement and let the defense present its case!"

"Understood!"

Judge Ni, having anticipated this, impatiently waved at the defense.

The stage is yours now, make it quick!

Jiang Fengzhen immediately stood up and announced, "Your Honor, the defense calls the defendant Zhu Tianying to the stand for self-testimony!"

At these words, the whole court was agitated.

That was a big move right from the start!

But this was not beyond anyone’s expectation.

For the defense, as long as they could prove that Zhu Tianying had not intended to kill Ren Xinwei but acted in self-defense, the trial would be decidedly in favor of the defense.

Therefore, the defense did not need to summon any other unnecessary witnesses, having the defendant testify would suffice.

After all, the less said, the fewer mistakes made, and the less likely for the prosecution to find fault.

As long as the defense did not make any fatal mistakes, it would be nearly impossible for the prosecution to convince all 12 jurors.

In a criminal court, to determine a defendant guilty, all 12 jurors must reach a unanimous decision!

Without decisive evidence, this is almost an impossibility.

So the defense didn’t need any fancy tactics, just having Zhu Tianying on the witness stand, and telling a story as a victim, would suffice.

She didn’t even need to sway all 12 jurors, convincing just one or two would put her in an impregnable position.

With all eyes on her, Zhu Tianying slowly took the stand.

It was obvious that she was still weak; even with the most advanced treatment facilities and the best doctors, she wasn’t fully recovered.

Even just sitting there, Zhu Tianying’s current state was enough to elicit sympathy from many.

Jiang Fengzhen clearly saw this and did not question her right away.

Instead, she waited until Zhu Tianying adjusted her sitting posture before speaking at the right moment.

"Miss Zhu, thank you very much for appearing in court to testify. We all know you haven’t fully recovered from your injuries, so I hope my questions won’t be too difficult for you."

"Don’t worry, I’ve grown strong enough inside to not be knocked down by minor difficulties!"

As Zhu Tianying spoke, she even cast a glance towards the prosecution bench.

"Wow, this woman has really improved her acting skills!"

Seeing this, Zhang Wei laughed inwardly.

Could it be that these last few days, Zhu Tianying has been staying at the rehab center with nothing to do, and has actually improved her acting skills?

Just now, that one glance contained three parts defiance, three parts strength, three parts provocation, and a trace of innocence, vividly portraying a woman who has suffered injustice, yet refuses to resign herself to her fate, determined to resist until the end.

If you had such acting skills before, why would you need to follow Ren Xinwei? You could have made a fortune on your own.

"Such a pity..."

Zhang Wei sneered inwardly, deciding to thoroughly observe just how much Zhu Tianying’s "performance" had improved.

"Miss Zhu, could you please tell us what exactly happened that night?"

"Of course!"

Zhu Tianying nodded, then recalled, "My late husband, Ren Xinwei, he was someone who worked very hard but was also extremely obstinate..."

"On one hand, he was the boss, the major shareholder, and the chairman of the board of Ren’s Film Industry, but on the other hand, he was also a man—and a very domineering one at that."

"I remember clearly that day; he was on the phone in his office, seemingly negotiating the acquisition of a media company. The other party was asking for 1.5 billion, yet he was only willing to offer 1 billion. Their conversation was very unpleasant."

"Right after he hung up, I happened to walk into the office. He seemed infuriated that day, ordering me around in a very aggressive tone, commanding me to have sex with him right there in the office."

At this point, Zhu Tianying had a tear fall from the corner of her eye.

Her words made some of the jurors shake their heads involuntarily.

This deceased, Ren Xinwei, after being upset at work, actually took it out on his wife. He was simply not a man.

"Unfortunately, that day, I refused. In fact, I didn’t expect that my refusal would lead to this incident. If I had known, I definitely would not have refused him."

Zhu Tianying’s sobs became more pronounced, her speech imbued with a crying tone.

After speaking for a while, she had to take out a tissue to wipe away her tears.

She regretted it, why didn’t she agree to Ren Xinwei at the time?

"Brilliant, truly brilliant!"

Watching this scene at the witness stand, Zhang Wei didn’t know what to say anymore.

Although it was I who killed him, I also deeply regret it and show a posture of self-reproach, along with so many tears.

Seeing this scene, anyone who didn’t know the full story would inevitably be moved.

Zhang Wei didn’t even need to look to know that the jury must have been influenced.

"Sure enough, only when it concerns their own vital interests do their acting skills surge so much. Women are born actresses indeed!"

Watching Zhu Tianying leading the direction of the court at the witness stand, Zhang Wei did not stop Tan Yingying from speaking out.

Although the court was leaning toward the defense for now...

Once the people see through Zhu Tianying’s true colors, the strong impact would instead have an even better effect.

Therefore, the prosecution needed to let the defense finish, ideally stirring up the emotions of the entire jury.

Only then, when the jurors realize that they have been completely deceived, might they be all the more outraged.

When that time comes, it will be a solid 12 votes for guilty!

In court, Zhu Tianying continued her "storytelling."

"Unfortunately, that day I refused him and told him that I didn’t want to become some kind of tool. I hoped for mutual understanding, to feel each other’s warmth, and then to have sex. I preferred not just physical, but also our souls to rely on each other."

"But unexpectedly, he refused, and his attitude was rude!"

Zhu Tianying paused to sob, then cried out, "He even called me a slut, accused me of keeping a younger lover on the side, and picked up a weapon to abuse me, to kill me!"

"I still remember his words to me, saying he wanted to kill me, kill this slut, and then he just..."

At this moment, on the witness stand, all that could be seen was a woman crying her heart out, a victim choked up because of her story.

"As expected of an actress, the jury has completely leaned towards our side!"

On the defense’s bench, Hu Yaode’s lips curled upwards even more.

His gaze swept the jury and saw that more than half of the people were moved by Zhu Tianying’s story, and even a few female jurors had moist eyes.

Hu Yaode’s attention was fixed on juror number one.

This female actor, who also worked as a livestreamer, seemed to be moved as well, lifting her right hand unconsciously to cover her mouth.

"Very good, very good, we’ve got this win in the bag!"

Seeing this, Hu Yaode knew that the direction of the court had completely swung in his favor.

If the prosecution presses Zhu Tianying hard later on, it would instead provoke the jury’s sympathy.

As long as you’re not afraid of your own demise, bring it on!

This time, we at Blackfoot will triumph!