Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 246 - 244: Chatting in Court, and Stealing Wallets?

Chapter 246: Chapter 244: Chatting in Court, and Stealing Wallets?

(Busy Monday, up early typing...)

...

The courtroom scene.

Before the jury box, Lu Wenwen is speaking eloquently.

"Murder is always unforgivable, especially between husband and wife, most of which are crimes of passion..."

The prospective jurors, listening to the person in front of them, all subconsciously nodded their heads.

"Lawyer Zhang, what is the prosecution doing?"

"She is using the opportunity to question to instill her argument into all potential jurors, which is an old trick of the prosecution."

"During the jury selection phase, I cannot object, so she can use every opportunity to speak, even if it’s slightly misleading testimony, they will still say it."

After hearing this, Lin Xiangwan furrowed her brow, "So we just let her speak like this?"

"Of course not, I’ll find the right opportunity to interrupt!"

Seeing Zhang Wei say this, Lin Xiangwan felt somewhat reassured.

But looking at the judge, Lu Zhengting, and then glancing at the impassioned Lu Wenwen speaking, she still felt very uneasy.

After all, this time the opposition was a real father-daughter team!

"...As everyone knows, the defendant in this case, Ms. Lin Xiangwan, is a well-known businesswoman in Nandao City, a successful entrepreneur, and a famous investor, but she is also a murder suspect."

"If there is any difference between her and other murder suspects, it is probably that she is very wealthy; backed by the large corporation Dongfang Capital’s Jincheng Group, she has plenty of money to hire capable lawyers to defend her, just like..."

Lu Wenwen continued to speak and cast her eyes towards the defense’s bench.

"Ahem, Your Honor, I think Prosecutor Lu Gao should be asking questions by now; this is still the pretrial stage. Can we save these opening statements for the formal trial?"

Just as Lu Wenwen was about to target someone, that person made a preemptive move.

"Indeed!"

Lu Zhengting also subconsciously nodded.

Daughter, you’re going too far. It’s fine to use these little tricks normally.

In your father’s courtroom, you should at least show some restraint. Otherwise, the media might interpret it in any number of ways.

Favoritism, shielding?

Either way, Lu Zhengting did not want the media saying such things about him, even without these issues, he had to prevent them in advance.

"Prosecution, we are now proceeding with jury selection. Please ask questions as a public prosecutor, thank you!"

"Yes, Your Honor, I’m going to ask right away!"

Lu Wenwen quickly assumed a humble attitude, then turned to face the jury box.

"Jurors, if you think you cannot be fair and impartial in this case, you may request to leave!"

The jurors looked at each other, some glanced around, but none left their seats.

"Alright then, I’ll assume everyone can be fair and impartial."

After organizing her words, Lu Wenwen began to question, "Now, I ask you all to imagine this scenario: If you came home after a day’s work and found your house in chaos, garbage all over the floor, the bedroom in disarray, and the kitchenware scattered around, and your husband or wife has passed out on the sofa, what would you think?"

"Ma’am, if your husband was drunk at home during the day and messed up the house, what would you do when you see this scene?"

"Me?"

The woman selected by Lu Wenwen pointed at herself, surprised.

"Yes!"

"I might go up to him and slap him!"

"What if he does this every day?"

"Then I’ll slap him every day!"

"Have you never thought of doing something more drastic, like divorce, or..."

Lu Wenwen twirled her hands, her expression turning mischievous.

She believed that the other party knew what she was implying.

"Divorce, I might consider it..."

The woman pondered briefly, then shook her head, "But I definitely wouldn’t do anything more drastic!"

Lu Wenwen was satisfied with the woman’s answer and couldn’t help nodding, "Your Honor, we accept this juror!"

"Sir, now I would like to ask you, if your wife behaved as described, what would you do?"

"Ahem, me?"

This time the question was posed to a man, who looked to be in his thirties.

"I might lecture her once, for example, punish her to do the housework properly!"

"Really? What if she doesn’t change despite the lecture?"

"I might spend a bit more time to continue educating her?"

"And if she still doesn’t change and even curses you for meddling?"

"Then I couldn’t stand it, and I would furiously..."

The man almost blurted out his response but, after glancing at Lu Wenwen, he pressed the brakes hard and held back.

However, his reaction did not escape her notice.

"Your Honor, we reject this juror!"

The judge waved the man away, and he left his seat reluctantly.

At the prosecutor’s table, Wei Min was diligently taking notes.

She recorded every word Lu Wenwen uttered without missing a single one, her expression contemplative.

At the defense’s table, Lin Xiangwan was also deep in thought.

However, she felt that instead of figuring things out on her own, it would be quicker to ask the professional beside her.

"Lawyer Zhang, what is the purpose of the other side’s questioning?"

"It’s quite simple. The prosecution intends to weed out those who are easily swayed by emotions," Lawyer Zhang explained, looking at Lu Wenwen and smiling slightly. "The prosecution’s questions are actually very targeted, since in this case it’s assumed that you killed your husband, which is an undeniable fact."

"Thus, by asking such questions, they aim to eliminate jurors who could be emotionally provoked to act rashly, who might empathize and sympathize with you. They want to exclude this possibility."

"The questions she asked are quite understandable. If one partner’s messy habits are unbearable, could you, after a prolonged accumulation of conflicts, end up doing something irrational? To sum it up, it’s very similar to your behavior in this case."

Lin Xiangwan nodded, finally understanding the prosecution’s purpose.

"Then, Lawyer Zhang, will you question them?"

"Of course, I will. I only let the prosecution go first out of courtesy. After all, we’re playing an away game here, so we need to give the home team some respect."

As he spoke, Zhang Wei’s eyes fixed on Lu Zhengting on the bench.

The key to this case lay with the judge. Surely, he wouldn’t act in favor of his own daughter, would he?

"Your Honor, we reject this juror!"

After rejecting another juror for being comparatively impulsive, Lu Wenwen finally ceased her questioning.

"Defense attorney, it’s your turn!"

With a nod from Lu Zhengting, Zhang Wei slowly rose and approached the jury box.

"Hello everyone, I’m the defense attorney, Zhang Wei. It’s a pleasure to meet you all!"

"By the way, did anyone catch the news last night? There was this hilarious story that nearly killed me with laughter!"

As he spoke, Zhang Wei suddenly leaned in towards a woman and asked with a smile, "Sister, did you watch last night’s evening news? It was funny, wasn’t it?"

"Yes, it was hilarious. My family and I all laughed!"

"And you, sir, did you see the news last night? The evening edition—I’m telling you, it was classic!"

"It was okay, I guess. But maybe because you’re young, you’re easily amused—I didn’t find it very funny."

"Sir, did you watch the news yesterday?"

"I..."

Zhang Wei started out chatting with the prospective jurors about the evening news, as if he were simply shooting the breeze.

This scene took everyone by surprise.

It just seemed so... unprofessional!

"Your Honor, what is the defense attorney doing? This isn’t a place for chat! The courtroom isn’t the place for this," Lu Wenwen protested, jumping up.

Lu Zhengting glanced at her, then at the reporters in the spectator’s section.

"Prosecution, the defense is entitled to ask any questions during jury selection. His questions might seem like casual conversation, but there’s nothing inappropriate about them. Please be patient," the judge responded.

Seeing her own father disregard her objection, Lu Wenwen sat down, frustrated.

Zhang Wei chuckled internally, having seen Lu Zhengting’s concerns.

Indeed, Lu Zhengting, mindful of his relationship with the prosecutor, not only strived to be impartial but also avoided giving others a reason to criticize; he showed quite a bit of tolerance towards minor issues.

"Sir, did you watch the evening news last night? Wasn’t it funny?"

"There wasn’t anything funny about last night’s news; instead, there was plenty about your client!"

"Oh no, you got me!"

When his joke was called out, Zhang Wei laughed it off and admitted to it.

Upon his admission, several jurors were taken aback.

So you didn’t actually watch the evening edition either, yet you dare to trick us?

"Your Honor, we request this juror be dismissed because he has read a lot about my client, and we believe he cannot be fair and impartial. Also, the defense accepts jurors number 7, 9, and 15; I’m convinced they don’t have any issues," Zhang Wei stated.

Lu Zhengting nodded at the man, who then had to leave the seat.

The judge then made a note, adding the three jurors to the list.

After speaking, Zhang Wei returned to the defense’s table, yielding the floor once more.

"Lawyer Zhang, your questioning?"

"I know what you want to ask, and I can tell you the reason," Zhang Wei whispered, preempting Lin Xiangwan’s question. "Actually, the purpose of my questions just now was to identify individuals who can be influenced. Like the jurors I selected—they hadn’t watched the evening news but still pretended as if they had under my influence, which shows they’re prone to change their stance."

"Now, your case seems almost ironclad, if the jury is as unshakable as the last one was, then this trial could be in jeopardy. Do you understand?"

"So that’s how it is!"

Lin Xiangwan immediately got the hint, thinking to herself that although Zhang Wei’s questions appeared foolish, the intention behind them was unexpectedly profound.

She had thought Zhang Wei was just putting on a show to liven up the atmosphere.

Who knew that while he was playing the fool on the surface, he had an ulterior motive!

In front of the jury bench, Lu Wenwen asked a few more questions and screened a few jurors.

Soon, she yielded the stage again.

"Defense, any more questions?" Lu Zhengting reminded Zhang Wei again.

"Lawyer Zhang?" Lin Xiangwan, sitting next to Zhang Wei, also leaned in and whispered.

"Don’t worry, I still have one more trick that can help me select the jurors I need!"

Zhang Wei slightly smiled and walked up to the jury bench with a smile again.

"Hahaha, sorry about that, folks. I was just kidding with you. I need to apologize to everyone here!"

In the jury bench, many were slightly surprised.

That joke just now, though embarrassing, didn’t seem to warrant an apology, did it?

Wasn’t it just a normal joke?

"I’m really, really sorry!"

Zhang Wei sincerely apologized.

Many jurors waved their hands dismissively.

No big deal, no need...

"Really, I think this apology is very necessary because after I came to the courthouse, I bumped into the jury lineup, and during that time, I stole a juror’s wallet..."

When Zhang Wei said this, many people on the jury bench were astounded.

They instinctively reached for their pockets, the inside of their clothes, and all other places where wallets might be hidden.

Only a few remained unmoved, looking completely calm as if certain that Zhang Wei couldn’t have stolen their wallets.

"This... "

"My wallet is still here?"

"Damn it, fooled us again!"

The next moment, the jury bench finally realized that the kid was lying again!

Crap, they had been duped by a lawyer twice today!

Zhang Wei observed the varied reactions of the jury, then walked over to a man.

"Sir, you don’t seem to have reacted to my joke, huh?"

"Of course, do you think I’m as foolish as the people next to me?"

This remark immediately annoyed the neighboring jurors.

"Ahem, Your Honor, the defense feels this juror’s remark is too extreme and requests that he be dismissed from the panel!"

"The court grants the request!"

The man immediately left the jury bench.

"And you, madam, why are you so composed?"

"What era are we living in? Who still uses a wallet? I make all my payments with my phone."

"Ah, I see..."

Zhang Wei’s eyes darted about, giving the woman another glance.

"Your Honor, the defense also requests that this lady be dismissed because she doesn’t like my joke."

Lu Zhengting’s mouth twitched, he wanted to scold Zhang Wei, reminding him that this was not a place for child’s play.

But in the end, he held back, and with a shake of his head to the woman, he signaled her to leave.

Thus, the 12-member jury was finally settled.

"Good, now we have our jury. Let me check the time!"

Lu Zhengting opened his notebook, then glanced at Zhang Wei, and Lu Wenwen.

"Defense attorney, I happen to be available tomorrow. Would you be able to accept starting the trial then? If you don’t want to rush into it, I can reschedule for next week, let me see..."

"No need, Your Honor, the defense doesn’t want to delay the progress of the trial. Starting tomorrow is fine, we have no objections!"

"Are you sure, isn’t tomorrow a bit too soon?"

"If Your Honor thinks there’s no issue, then I certainly don’t have any either!"

"I’m not pressuring you, you know."

"Your Honor, rest assured, the defense agrees to start the trial tomorrow!"

"Very well!"

After emphasizing and clarifying with Zhang Wei several times, Lu Zhengting felt he had fulfilled all his obligations.

"Since neither the prosecution nor the defense has raised any objections, I hereby announce that the trial will begin tomorrow afternoon at 1 o’clock. Both parties must ensure not to be late!"

With the gavel’s fall, the time for the hearing was officially set for tomorrow.

"Lawyer Zhang, don’t you think this is a bit too soon?"

From the defense’s side, Lin Xiangwan already felt something was amiss.

"Not at all—it’s not too soon. I’ve handled cases where we had a preliminary hearing in the morning and went to trial in the afternoon. I think the timing for this case is very reasonable!"

Zhang Wei smiled faintly, looking completely unperturbed.

"I hope so..."

Lin Xiangwan had no idea what else to say and could only sigh helplessly.

At the next table.

"Prosecutor Lu Gao, why do I get the feeling that the defense lawyer is a fool?"

Wei Min had finally found a chance to strike up a conversation with Lu Wenwen.

At her level, she obviously couldn’t discern the purpose behind Zhang Wei’s questions.

"Don’t underestimate him. This Zhang Wei is no simple character!"

Although Lu Wenwen hadn’t figured out Zhang Wei’s intentions either, she knew all too well that her senior brother had been defeated by him.

So, she had to be cautious, then cautious, and once more, cautious!

"When I get back to the office, I must call my senior brother again to touch base!"

"I wonder if senior brother got himself a girlfriend in Dongfang Du. I have to ask. It’s not for any reason, just pure curiosity."

"But we, who work in prosecution, juggle over a dozen cases each month on average. Who has the time for love? It’s way too exhausting!"

After some thought, Lu Wenwen felt it was essential to get in touch with Lan Zhengye once again.

Of course, it was all for work, with no other intentions in mind.

The court adjourned, and the parties from both sides left separately.

...

Meanwhile.

Dongfang Capital, Jincheng Group building.

Inside the top-floor office, the Lin brothers also gathered together.

"Mhm, got it. Keep an eye on the court’s developments and report back to us as soon as anything happens!"

Lin Xiangtian hung up the phone and then looked toward his older brother, Lin Xiangrong.

"Truthfully, I think even if you hired a hundred lawyers, ninety-nine of them would say there’s no case to fight."

"What about the last one?"

"He probably wouldn’t even bother to speak; he’d just pick up his bag and run!"

As Lin Xiangtian said this, a hint of mockery flashed across his mouth.

He was the President of the Dongfang Capital Lawyers Association and had massive connections throughout the entire legal community of Southern China.

It was extremely easy for him to arrange for a few people to pay attention to a case in Nandao City.

Therefore, he knew everything there was to know about his adopted sister’s case in court.

"Is it that difficult?"

Lin Xiangrong, on the side, was also taken aback. "Can that kid win?"

"He can’t win!"

Lin Xiangtian immediately shook his head, scoffing. "Not to mention that the opponent is Prosecutor Lu Gao—he has beaten Prosecutor Lu Gao before, but the bigger issue is the judge!"

"What about the judge?"

"You probably wouldn’t guess, but the judge is actually the prosecutor’s own father!"

"That... that works?"

"Of course, since the kid didn’t raise any objections. Not only that, but he also cooperated fully. He really let this father-daughter duo be in the same courtroom!"

"How can you even fight this?"

"Exactly, there’s no fight to be had, it’s unwinnable, no matter who comes!"

Lin Xiangtian waved his hand, as if the outcome was already decided.

"If Xiao Wan’s case is lost, what about our father... won’t it?"

"Don’t worry, there always has to be someone to take the fall. Since that kid has taken it upon himself to be involved, he will certainly have to carry the burden. We won’t have to face the old man’s first storm of anger!"

"Then I’m relieved!"

The Lin brothers both secretly heaved a sigh of relief at this moment.

After all, if the case was lost, they wouldn’t have to bear the brunt of it.

There was a little brat who would take the fall for them.

As for the possibility of winning the case...

Two words: Ha ha!