Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 220 - 219: Don’t Think You’ve Won, I’ll Counter-Sue for Slander!

Chapter 220: Chapter 219: Don’t Think You’ve Won, I’ll Counter-Sue for Slander!

(Author Germ’s neighborhood has found a close contact; work is going to be busy again. Plus, with the fierce outbreak of the epidemic across the country, dear readers, you also need to prepare for the epidemic. Wear masks more often, wash your hands frequently, best not to go out too much, and try not to travel outside of your area!)

...

Inside the civil court.

"Jury, have you reached a verdict?"

"Your Honor, our jury has reached a verdict!"

"Very well, please have the foreman announce it."

The foreman stood up, and under the watchful gaze of both the plaintiff and defendant, took out the verdict and declared:

"After consultation with the jury and confirmation with the judge, this court finds the defendant Luo Xiaobu has indeed infringed upon the law, violating the lawful rights of the plaintiff, Good Cleaning Sanitary Ware Company. Therefore, after deliberation, the jury determines that the defendant Luo Xiaobu is obligated to compensate Good Cleaning Company, including for exhibition hall rental fees, ceramic sanitary ware cleaning compensation, the wages of the employees on the day, the appearance fees of the guests, as well as the online public opinion triggered by this incident and the subsequent public relations expenses the plaintiff side will incur... amounting to a total of 500,000 yuan."

"This court announces the decision is final; the plaintiff has won, and the defendant Luo Xiaobu is required to pay 500,000 yuan in compensation!"

As the judge banged the gavel to declare, Lawyer Tian on the plaintiff’s side smiled, and the representative of Good Cleaning Sanitary Ware Company smiled as well.

On the defendant’s side, however, Luo Xiaobu’s face was ashen, turning extremely ugly.

In the gallery, many cheered and jumped for joy; these were employees of Good Cleaning Company who had come to support.

They naturally rejoiced in their company’s victory.

Meanwhile, Zhang Wei, sitting in the front row, had a calm expression on his face.

He wasn’t the least bit surprised by Luo Xiaobu’s loss.

"Sure enough, for Radish to face off against a veteran lawyer from the Top Ten Firms on his first court appearance was too much of a stretch!"

Zhang Wei felt that it would be a miracle if Luo Xiaobu had won.

After all, Lawyer Tian was an attorney from the Forever Outstanding Top Ten Firms, and he was also an experienced lawyer.

Even if one was highly skilled themselves, it was impossible to be perfect in every way, coupled with the opponent’s ability to adapt on the spot.

Luo Xiaobu lost, and it wasn’t unjust!

Since the decision had been announced, it was natural for the court to adjourn.

Luo Xiaobu, with a bitter face, approached the gallery.

"Zhang Wei, what do I do... I have to pay them 500,000. If I tell my family, they are going to kill me!"

"Don’t panic, I saw this coming a long time ago!"

Seeing Luo Xiaobu about to pour out his grievances, Zhang Wei quickly shook his hand to interrupt.

The truth was, although he held a sliver of hope for Luo Xiaobu, he had never really expected him to win.

Placing one’s hopes on something almost impossible is no different from gambling, and Zhang Wei didn’t need to gamble to win!

"You saw it coming?"

Luo Xiaobu was stunned for a moment. What are you talking about? The case is already lost, so what can you possibly do about it.

"You’re not planning to appeal, are you?"

"No need, I have a better solution!"

Zhang Wei gave Luo Xiaobu an inscrutable smile, then walked calmly towards Good Cleaning Company and Lawyer Tian’s side.

At this moment, the folks from Good Cleaning Company were still basking in the joy of their victory.

They had won the lawsuit and could finally hold their heads high, making that fat man who messed up their promotion plan pay the price.

A glint of triumph flashed through the eyes of the president of Good Cleaning Company.

Actually, the events of the past weekend had not been entirely negative for Good Cleaning Sanitary Ware Company.

In fact, the online public opinion had to some extent played a part in promoting their company.

After all, their company’s products deal with "that stuff."

While their company’s name would bring "that stuff" to mind,

Similarly, wouldn’t people instantly think of Good Cleaning Sanitary Ware Company whenever they see a toilet clogged by "that stuff"?

Every coin has two sides, and although the weekend exhibition was a flop, the influence of online opinions was equally unpredictable.

The public relations department of Good Cleaning Sanitary Ware Company had calculated that despite the losses of several hundred thousand over the weekend,

It was precisely because of this incident that their company’s online discussion heat continued to rise, and the income from online promotion had reached several hundred thousand or even a million.

One could say that Good Cleaning Sanitary Ware also, as a result of this case, inadvertently received a strong online promotion.

The key was that this wave of promotion cost nothing—it was free.

"It’s decided, we’ve won this case. We’ll spend a little money, get a few media outlets from Dongfang Capital to cover this matter, and who knows, maybe our company’s popularity will continue for a few more weeks!"

Just thinking of the boost in online popularity was enough to make the president smile.

Getting the media to cover it wouldn’t cost much, and it would add to the buzz of winning the case.

This time, they could save millions in promotional expenses and gain tens of millions in profit.

No matter how you calculate it, this deal couldn’t possibly result in a loss!

To be honest, he should thank that fat guy.

Without him, the Good Cleaning Sanitary Ware Company wouldn’t have gained so much popularity online.

"Lawyer Tian, I really owe you my thanks this time. We’ll transfer the attorney fees to your firm’s account later!"

Then, the president started to thank Lawyer Tian again.

The adversary was truly worthy of being a lawyer from the Top Ten Firms; once he took on the case, victory seemed to easily follow.

"Oh, it was nothing..." Lawyer Tian naturally responded with a few modest declinations.

Winning against a weak opponent wasn’t anything to be proud of.

To be honest, the person Lawyer Tian actually wanted to beat was the one sitting in the hearing seat.

But he knew that if it were the other party, it wouldn’t have been as easy to win.

Oh, right.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear; Zhang Wei just happened to come over.

"Lawyer Zhang, what brings you here...?"

The case had already ended, and Zhang Wei wasn’t related to the case, so Lawyer Tian was curious about why Zhang Wei was there.

The Good Cleaning Company staff were also looking towards Zhang Wei curiously.

They remembered that this guy seemed to have some connection with the defendant, having exchanged some words with him just before.

"Lawyer Tian, and everyone from the plaintiff’s side, hello. My name is Zhang Wei, I’m Luo Xiaobu’s representative lawyer. This is the letter of attorney I wrote early this morning, please accept it!"

As he spoke, Zhang Wei handed a letter of attorney to Lawyer Tian.

Lawyer Tian took the letter, ready to open it, when the Good Cleaning Company employees couldn’t contain themselves any longer.

"What’s this, a letter of attorney?"

"You’re going to sue us? Hasn’t the case already ended?"

"Wow, so that fat guy is actually going to appeal, huh?"

Zhang Wei ignored them, simply giving Lawyer Tian a slight smile.

The latter opened the letter, skimmed through its content, and then his pupils shrank dramatically.

"What, you’re counter-suing us for defamation!"

At this, even the president of Good Cleaning was taken aback.

Lawyer Tian handed the letter to the president, and both men read it through.

"Lawyer Zhang, what do you mean by this?"

"Come on, Lawyer Tian, don’t play dumb with me."

Zhang Wei winked at Lawyer Tian and then scoffed:

"The videos posted by employees inside your client’s company have been edited, and the text that accompanied them has damaged my client’s image, misleading public opinion about Dongfang Capital Central City District Notary Office as well; therefore, I am solely representing my client to sue you for defamation. Naturally, I might also contact Dongfang Capital Central City District Notary Office later to discuss a joint compensation claim against your client’s company..."

A naked threat!

Zhang Wei might as well have had "I’m here to threaten you" written all over his face.

"You claim our company is defamatory, what evidence do you have? I can’t control what kind of videos our employees post!"

"Who said that? If it was just a video posted by an employee, it definitely wouldn’t have your company’s logo on it. Besides, I’ve checked that video account, and it’s clearly your company’s promotional account; all videos in there relate to your company’s products!"

Zhang Wei scoffed as he looked at the president of Good Cleaning, "Mr. President, surely you’re not planning to blatantly lie with your eyes wide open?"

"You..." The latter was at a loss for words because the other party had indeed hit the nail on the head.

That video account was indeed managed by their company’s PR department, and it was even created under his direct orders.

After all, it is now the internet era, with considerable traffic on various live streaming platforms and short video platforms; naturally, their company had to create one too.

Internet traffic is also a method to boost brand recognition, which many companies place great importance on.

"Right, let me show you the video so you can realize the seriousness of the issue!"

Zhang Wei said this, took out his phone, and began playing the video.

In the video, Luo Xiaobu appeared, surrounded by Good Cleaning Company’s employees.

"What are you doing? I’m a notary from the Central District, I’m a judicial officer!"

He looked panicked and incredibly distressed.

"Hahaha, this little fatty says he’s a judicial officer, so funny~"

"Like this, he counts as a notary?"

"Publicly shaming himself and still tm’d dodging responsibility, I think he’s better off going to eat sh*t!"

"Damn fatso still wants to run? Block him for me, let everyone see the disgusting things this brat has done!"

"Wqnmlgb, you ruined our exhibition and still want to leave?"

"..."

The video was filled with foul language; many people were spewing profanities.

And the title of the video was also enlarged by Zhang Wei.

"Is this the quality of a public notary, pulling * in public and insulting others?"

The video was only a few minutes long and ended quickly.

At this moment, Lawyer Tian too realized the gravity of the situation.

If the video only showed Luo Xiaobu alone, it would be an easier fix.

But the problem lay in the beginning, where Luo Xiaobu had identified himself as an employee of the notary office, something the employees of Good Cleaning Sanitary Ware Company clearly did not take seriously.

The derogatory talk and insulting attacks had not stopped throughout the video.

Even among the words were derogatory remarks about Luo Xiaobu’s workplace.

"So, everyone’s seen it now, haven’t they?"

Zhang Wei let out a he-he and walked up to Lawyer Tian, face to face.

"Old Tian, I’m not normally someone who goes overboard, so I’m only suing you for defamation, representing him personally, and the claim amount is not high, exactly 500,000."

"But if you don’t cooperate, then I might have to get in touch with my client Luo Xiaobu’s workplace, and by that time..."

As Zhang Wei said this, he paused, then spoke with a foreboding tone, "Lawyer Tian, by that time, it will definitely not be something that can be settled with 500,000!"

His gaze met with that of Lawyer Tian, who even saw determination and a full-blown threat in Zhang Wei’s eyes...

Lawyer Tian believed that if he were 20 years younger, a young man full of vigor, he probably wouldn’t submit to Zhang Wei.

But now, thinking of Zhang Wei’s fierce record of winning against Heizu Hu Yaode and against the Procuratorate Headquarters’ Lan Gaojian, his heart trembled!

As for what he had just said about wanting to take on Zhang Wei, it was just the rush of winning a case and feeling carried away.

He really couldn’t fight, he really couldn’t!

This young man didn’t play by the rules; he might use any underhanded or damaging tactic.

He really couldn’t fight this one!

Especially since this case also involved the judicial system...

The other party had a reasonable argument and, more importantly, the crucial video evidence—he had a 99% chance of not winning!

If he lost, not only would he likely face Zhang Wei’s artillery fire in court, enduring the assault of the opponent’s verbal volleys...

After weighing the pros and cons, Lawyer Tian felt that he truly needed to compromise.

He took a step back, pulling the CEO of Good Cleaning Company aside, and whispered insistently, "I think we should settle with them!"

"Lawyer Tian, you..."

"Listen to me, we can’t fight this case. If we really take it further, that kid could do anything. If he drags the Central City District Notary Office into the mess, it won’t just be defamation anymore—it might involve insults and threats, and the case could escalate to a criminal level!"

Lawyer Tian said earnestly, "This was originally just a civil lawsuit; you don’t actually want to end up in jail, do you?"

"This..."

The CEO was also stunned; you’re giving up before we even fought, and how did this case escalate to a criminal matter?

But Lawyer Tian didn’t see it that way.

You haven’t seen Zhang Wei’s moves; the case with Zhu Tianying was just like this.

Initially, Ren’s Film Industry hired Zhang Wei to negotiate compensation with Zhu Tianying, even planning to offer 300 million as settlement.

But instead, Zhang Wei got Zhu Tianying locked up for first-degree murder, never to be released in this lifetime.

So don’t ever cross Zhang Wei.

If he’s not pleased, does your company want to be jeopardized?

Do you want to spend years behind bars?

Lawyer Tian implied, I’ve given you the most sensible advice—don’t make an unwise decision.

"Buddy, take a word of advice from me; you can’t afford to offend this Zhang Wei!"

Lawyer Tian patted the shoulder of the CEO of Good Cleaning, having said everything he should.

If you really want to continue with the lawsuit, I won’t take on your case.

After all, I’ve already won the claim suit earlier. Knowing that I’ll surely lose the following case, you should find someone else to handle it.

"This..."

The CEO hesitated, he looked at Lawyer Tian with a hint of retreat, then at Zhang Wei.

Finally, clenching his teeth, he suppressed the rage in his heart and decided to compromise at last.

"Fine, you’re ruthless!"

minutes later, outside the civil court.

"Zhang Wei, I can’t thank you enough, they actually gave up the 500,000 claim and even apologized to me, how did you manage that!"

"It’s nothing, I just gave them an offer they couldn’t refuse!"

Facing Luo Xiaobu’s gratitude, Zhang Wei just waved his hand dismissively.

But the former was so excited, he clenched his fist and couldn’t help wanting to shout towards the sky.

Originally, Luo Xiaobu was almost in despair, after all, having diarrhea on the weekend was costing him 500,000 to pay out.

And he had lost the case too; the judge ruled that he must pay the 500,000, there was no way he could shirk it, his heart was in such distress.

But Zhang Wei comforted him with a few words, then talked with Good Cleaning Company for a while, and incredibly, the situation turned around.

After 30 minutes of "friendly negotiation", Good Cleaning Company actually gave up the 500,000 claim against Luo Xiaobu and even drafted a written agreement.

What does this mean?

Did his life just go from heaven to hell and now back to heaven again?

Regardless, Luo Xiaobu was truly grateful to Zhang Wei; had it not been for him, he might have been ruined.

"Zhang Wei, I don’t even know what to say..."

"Then don’t say anything, just remember, next time you get into something like this, find a lawyer, don’t try to handle it yourself!"

"Yeah, if I run into this kind of trouble again, I will definitely come to you!"

Luo Xiaobu promised and patted his chest to assure him.

Zhang Wei, however, shook his head privately, hoping that there wouldn’t be a next time.

You just stay out of trouble, and don’t get involved in any lawsuits, because I am a criminal defense lawyer.

The two chatted for a while, then returned to their respective workplaces.

Since the case was over, Luo Xiaobu went back to report to his company that he was cleared and could return to work.

And Zhang Wei, after dealing with Luo Xiaobu’s matter, also returned to report back to his firm.

The only pity might be that this case didn’t count towards Zhang Wei’s performance.

He simply stepped in to negotiate, making the other party withdraw the lawsuit.

...

The next few days passed uneventfully.

In the last week of April, the criminal division wasn’t too busy, but Zhang Wei and the others had no intention of slacking off.

He took on several pro bono cases, and won them all in court.

After all, he had won a case involving 300 million; a few smaller cases were a piece of cake for Zhang Wei.

His performance was outstanding, and so were his protégé and Xiao Li’s.

In the last week, everyone worked hard, boosting the win rate considerably.

Although the criminal division had only worked on one major case this month, they were after all in charge of criminal cases and couldn’t forget their roots.

Tie Ruyun was also very happy when looking at the monthly case summary.

Thanks to the outstanding performance of the team members, the criminal division’s achievements and win rate for the month might even crush the litigation department.

Sometimes Tie Ruyun couldn’t help but feel that bringing Zhang Wei into the criminal division was one of the best decisions of his life.

"Old Tie, it’s Friday today, I’m leaving work early, okay?"

But as it neared four o’clock in the afternoon, Zhang Wei suddenly called out.

Well, it would be better if this kid were more respectful to his superiors!

Tie Ruyun rubbed his forehead and sighed.

"You’re the boss now, kid; your word is law!"

"Let’s not go there, I’m not even married yet, suddenly having a grown-up son like you wouldn’t sit well with me. But I don’t mind bossing a ’son’ around in the firm, what do you think, Old Tie?"

"Scram!"

After the tease, Zhang Wei laughed and left work.

He left work early not for any particular reason, but to visit his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

After buying some fruits and gifts on the way, Zhang Wei arrived at his property in Dongjiang Yipin.

Unfortunately, his father-in-law and mother-in-law were not at home.

Zhang Wei waited until eight o’clock in the evening, and they both hadn’t showed up.

Now, Zhang Wei was confused.

Were his father-in-law and mother-in-law so busy recently?