Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 256 - 254: Lin Xiangwan Innocent, Zhang Wei Returns

Chapter 256: Chapter 254: Lin Xiangwan Innocent, Zhang Wei Returns

In court.

Lu Zhengting shook his head slightly while frantically signaling Lu Wenwen with his eyes.

This case is lost for you, no use in spouting nonsense, continuing will only bring you shame.

You’re still young, barely in your thirties, there will be plenty of losses ahead, you must learn to let go.

So don’t even try to resist, there’s no chance, just give up.

I’ve been a judge for many years and presided over countless cases, I can tell you this much.

You just need to lie down and let the other side make their move...

Lu Wenwen indeed saw the covert signals from her own father, but she still wanted to put up a fight in her heart.

Otherwise, without any resistance at all, wouldn’t it diminish her reputation at the High Prosecutor’s Office?

So I couldn’t help it, I was about to...

Lu Wenwen lifted her hand slightly, her fingers clenched tightly and then relaxed, followed by a deep sigh.

"Your Honor, the prosecution has no further questions for this witness!"

Lu Zhengting, too, breathed a sigh of relief, but still nodded.

His daughter had finally made the right choice, and that put his mind at ease.

"Very well, the witness may step down!"

The man with glasses nodded in salute to Lu Zhengting, then nodded to Zhang Wei and left the scene gracefully.

"Prosecution, do you wish to call any more witnesses?"

"Your Honor, the prosecution concludes its presentation and will not call any further witnesses!"

Although the outcome was expected, Lu Zhengting still had to ask.

"What about the defense, do you have any evidence to present?"

"Your Honor, do you think my client is in any physical condition to take the stand?"

Zhang Wei gestured to Lin Xiangwan, who was sitting in a wheelchair beside him, and spread his hands, showing a hint of helplessness.

"It seems I spoke out of turn. In that case, both parties prepare for the final closing arguments!"

Lu Zhengting also glanced at Lin Xiangwan and shook his head to himself.

A woman in a wheelchair being asked to take the stand? Out of the question.

Alas—

Ultimately, Lu Zhengting too let out a long sigh, signaling his sentiments.

This so-called final closing argument was nothing more than a formality, because everyone had a pretty good idea of what the outcome of this trial would be.

Five minutes later.

In court.

Zhang Wei gathered his thoughts and finally began the closing argument.

"Ahem, I shall dispense with formalities here and get straight to the point..."

"In this case, I can summarize that, in essence, everyone involved has made mistakes!"

"Firstly, my client, Ms. Lin Xiangwan, made the biggest mistake of her life, which is poor judgment of character!"

Zhang Wei pointed towards the woman in the wheelchair on the defense bench: "As a successful businesswoman with unique and long-term investment vision, she managed to make money for her clients and partners, but she made two fatal mistakes before and after coming to Nandao City, Jia Shiqing and Wang Li!"

"What kind of man her husband was, I don’t even care to comment. He’s dead after all, and I don’t want to speak ill of the deceased. But his actions, I’m sure, are well known to everyone here."

"And now to the crux of it, Secretary Wang, what exactly this woman has done—I’ll lay it out for everyone."

Zhang Wei said this, looking towards the prosecution witness, Wang Li, whose complexion had already turned to one of panic, unease, resentment, and distortion.

Because at this moment, she too knew what was coming for her.

She hated everyone in front of her.

Hated that Lu Wenwen wouldn’t take her side, hated that Zhang Wei was against her, hated that everyone in the courtroom was targeting her.

Wasn’t Lin Xiangwan the one on trial today?

But she didn’t realize that all of this was the result of her own doing...

"Wang Li, a little over a year ago, was a fresh-faced newcomer to the job market, it was my client who gave her the opportunity to have a broader stage."

"Yet she committed the sin of greed, conspiring with her lover Jia Shiqing, not only using my client’s identity and reputation to take bribes from contractors, seriously damaging my client’s reputation, but also attempting to murder my client multiple times. Her deeds include, but are not limited to, the long-term administration of a neurotoxic agent, secretly conspiring with Jia Shiqing to plan the assassination of my client, and even after Jia Shiqing’s death, attempting to frame my client by bearing false witness!"

"Secretary Wang, this is the last time I will call her that because from here on out, she is not Secretary Wang any longer, but the true criminal that needs to be punished in this case, Wang ...!"

"Premeditated murder, poisoning, bribery, false testimony—just these alone are already extremely terrifying. What else she has done in the shadows, I fear, she alone knows."

"Such a person with a heart of a serpent, ungrateful, has also made a mistake, which is not knowing when to quit."

"After Jia Shiqing died and the financier named Ye fled, she could have escaped too, and while this would have left the impression that she was guilty, she could still live a comfortable life abroad with the money obtained from corruption and bribery if she fled to an unmarked country on a world map, but she chose to stay and tried to pin the real cause of Jia Shiqing’s death on my client."

"My client, her benefactor—if not for my client, she would still be a newbie in the workplace, possibly working for small businesses all her life, but she committed these vile and dirty deeds."

"Why can a person not be grateful and instead perpetrate so many acts of betrayal against their benefactor?"

Zhang Wei said this and let out a long sigh.

"Next, I need to speak about the prosecution and the investigative department, they have made mistakes as well!"

"Based on the existing evidence, they found my client, but they did not really trust my client. Instead, they treated her as a murderess."

"I could say that all their subsequent investigations were predicated on the assumption that my client was the true perpetrator. They found a fire extinguisher with blood and fingerprints on the yacht, okay, the murder weapon was found. On the beach, they discovered the body of the victim, Jia Shiqing, okay, the victim was found. Then what? My client told them that she didn’t remember anything, but what did she get in return? A pair of cold handcuffs!"

"If, and I mean if they had properly checked the doubts and examined the wounds on my client’s hands and face while also waiting half a day at the scene where Jia Shiqing’s body was found, waiting for the real ’murder weapon’, a plastic bag, to drift ashore, then perhaps everything might have turned out differently, right?"

With a sneer, Zhang Wei then turned his gaze toward the judges’ bench.

This look made Lu Zhengting’s heart tighten.

Don’t tell me, this kid dares to fire at me too?

"Haha, alright, I won’t say any more, saying too much is likely to offend people!"

In the end, Zhang Wei did not take aim at Lu Zhengting.

This also allowed him to heave a sigh of relief while feeling a chill running down his spine.

"Finally, all I want to say is that my client is innocent. Fortunately, because of the nerve toxin, she doesn’t remember what she did, nor does she remember that her own husband actually tried to kill her; this memory would obviously be too painful for her!"

"I only hope that the members of the jury can make a truly fair and just verdict, vindicating my client!"

Zhang Wei’s final words were clearly directed at the 12 jurors.

With that, the closing argument concluded.

When Zhang Wei returned to the defense counsel’s table, Lin Xiangwan struggled to lean in.

"Lawyer Zhang, thank you. I feel happier today than I ever have in my year in Nandao City!"

"Being absolved of an injustice is indeed joyful, but you should think about whether this trouble would have occurred if you hadn’t made a poor judgment in the first place?"

"Now that you mention it, it seems that’s really the case..."

Lin Xiangwan couldn’t help but nod in agreement, then turned her gaze toward the prosecutor’s witness stand.

At this moment, Wang Li had completely slumped in her seat, flanked by two court guards.

Clearly, at Lu Zhengting’s signal, these two guards wouldn’t let Wang Li make any rash moves, especially since his daughter would soon take her in for interrogation.

"Bitch!" A flicker of anger passed through Lin Xiangwan’s eyes.

To think that she had trusted this secretary so much, only to be nearly framed by her and ruined forever.

If it weren’t for Zhang Wei’s help, she, Lin Xiangwan, might have been saddled with a baffling murder charge.

"Lawyer Zhang, does this mean I’m in the clear now?"

"Generally speaking, yes, but the process still needs to be followed!"

Zhang Wei glanced at the judge’s bench and the jury box.

At Lu Zhengting’s signal, the jurors all stood up and entered the deliberation room to discuss the verdict.

However, everyone present knew that this discussion wouldn’t last long because the outcome was already determined!

"Don’t worry, Madam Lin, I’ve given the prosecution, as well as the court, enough reasonable doubt. In theory, even the slightest doubt can influence the jury, let alone the fact that I’ve pointed out the real culprit to everyone. With the benefit of the doubt favoring the accused, which in this case is you, there’s no way you can lose this case!"

Zhang Wei smiled slightly, reassuring Lin Xiangwan.

She couldn’t help but nod and began to look forward with anticipation.

Five minutes later, the jury came out.

"Cough, has the jury reached a verdict?"

"Your Honor, we have!"

"Very well, please announce it."

The head juror stood up and then proclaimed loudly, "After unanimous decision by the jury, we find that the defendant Lin Xiangwan is not guilty of the murder charges against her husband Jia Shiqing. The attack made by the defendant on the victim Jia Shiqing was an act of self-defense in response to a threat to her life, meeting the criteria for justifiable self-defense. Therefore, her actions are deemed innocent!"

The result surprised no one in the courtroom.

On the contrary, it would have been surprising if it had been any other outcome.

"Congratulations, Madam Lin, you are free!"

Zhang Wei couldn’t help but clap his hands, showing a smiling face.

The feeling of winning a case was indeed wonderful.

Especially after winning this case, he could finally become Jincheng’s ace attorney.

Elsewhere.

Hearing this outcome, Lu Wenwen in the prosecution’s seat sat down in dejection, letting out a long sigh.

"Alas, I couldn’t win after all!"

She glanced at the defense counsel’s bench, then turned to Wei Min sitting beside her.

At this moment, the latter was a mix of helplessness, dejection, and utter despondency.

She couldn’t believe that she had joined Prosecutor Lu Gao on this case, only to lose.

Not only did she lose, but her most memorable takeaway from this trial turned out to be her role as a tool for the defense attorney.

But the case was not quite over yet.

Lu Wenwen’s look of dejection lasted only a moment before she quickly pulled herself together.

Her expression hardened, and she turned to head towards the position of the prosecution’s witnesses behind her.

"Miss Wang, I’ve already contacted the Investigative Department’s Major Case Unit in advance. Please come with me!"

Although Lu Wenwen had lost to Zhang Wei,

she thought to herself, as for Wang Li, do I still not have a hold over you?

You’ve deceived me so miserably, today I’m going to show you what cruelty is!

Wait until you get to the interrogation room, and I’ll see if I won’t make you cry with my questions!

In the end, Wang Li was taken away, awaiting the sanctions of the law.

The courtroom also began to clear at the moment the verdict was announced.

Everyone in the courtroom breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have witnessed the final moment and the shocking turnaround.

As for Zhang Wei, the mastermind of this turnaround, he had already left the court with Lin Xiangwan.

...

That same evening.

Nandao City Airport.

In front of a private jet, Lin Xiangwan and Zhang Wei were saying their goodbyes.

"Lawyer Zhang, are you sure you don’t want to stay a bit longer? I remember you’ve been busy with my case since you arrived in Nandao and haven’t had the chance to experience our beaches, sunshine, and beautiful women."

"Sorry, President Lin, I came here for a mission, and now that the mission is completed, I naturally have to go back. Besides, if I really wanted to experience the beaches, sunshine, and beautiful women, I would bring them along with me."

"Them?"

Lin Xiangwan seemed to catch the important point in his words.

"In any case, President Lin, I must take my leave. Please take good care of yourself. There’s still much to busy yourself with in Nandao after you’ve recovered!"

"Well then, if Lawyer Zhang doesn’t plan on staying, I won’t insist!"

After exchanging polite goodbyes with Zhang Wei, Lin Xiangwan waved at the bodyguard behind her, who then wheeled her away.

Zhang Wei didn’t linger either, boarding the private jet posthaste to return to Dongfang Capital.

...

Dongfang Capital.

Procuratorate Headquarters, High Prosecutor’s Office.

"Is that so, my dear junior sister has worked hard, and congratulations on catching the real murderer!"

"I know, the feeling is indeed very subtle. You can’t really say you’ve lost, but you can’t say you’ve won either, I understand..."

Eventually, Lan Zhengye put down the phone, shaking his head at Zhao Chunming and Guo Wufeng standing before him.

This gesture said it all.

"Damn, that kid won again?" Guo Wufeng was the first to lose patience, letting out a curse.

"Calm down, Old Guo. We should be thankful that it’s not us who failed this time, but the Procuratorate’s Office in Nandao!"

Zhao Chunming was considerably calmer, although his face also showed a shade of gloom.

"This Zhang Wei, a tough nut to crack!"

Lan Zhengye also shook his head, expressing his sentiment.

All three, at that moment, saw in each other’s eyes a hint of helplessness, or perhaps powerlessness.

...

Jincheng Group, the top-floor office.

"What, we won the case!"

"Really? Just like that, we won?"

"Xiao Wan is innocent, the real murderer was her secretary?"

"I got it, that’s all for now!"

Lin Xiangtian hung up the phone he was holding and then turned to face Lin Xiangrong sitting across from him.

The two brothers had varying expressions, but both soon smiled.

"It’s a cause for universal celebration. The old man will probably be happy, and naturally, we should join in the cheer!"

"Yes, yes, after all, Xiao Wan is our sister. Even though we are not blood-related, she’s still somewhat family. Now that her wrongful accusation has been cleared, we should also be happy for her!"

"That’s certainly the case!"

"However, speaking of which, is this kid named Zhang Wei really that formidable?"

Lin Xiangrong said, looking at his younger brother, "You said this case was hopeless, yet this kid actually managed to turn it around?"

"Well, if he turned it around, let him turn it around. As long as the elder master is happy, let Zhang Wei have his moment."

"But what do you think, if the old man is happy but Zhang Wei takes the credit to ask him for something?"

"This..."

His elder brother’s words prevented Lin Xiangtian from feeling happy again.

"This kid, he couldn’t possibly think I’d stand him up, so he went looking for the old man, right?" His brow furrowed as if a thought had struck him.

Right, if Zhang Wei really put forward some outrageous demand, and the elder master agreed to it, what then?

On second thought, how did Zhang Wei manage to get in touch with the elder master, and why did he seek him out in the first place?

Lin Xiangtian fell into deep thought, feeling as if there was a traitor within the Lin family.

...

Tuesday, afternoon.

At Jinzi Fang in Dongfang Capital, deep within the old alley.

It was still that dessert shop with the same old man sitting inside.

Suddenly, a young man appeared at the door.

"You’ve arrived, my boy. Take a seat. I’ve ordered you a bowl of red bean sweet soup—enjoy it while it’s hot!"

Lin Jincheng beckoned, motioning for the young man to sit across from him.

"Thank you, Elder Master Lin!"

The visitor didn’t stand on ceremony, sat down directly, and started drinking from the bowl.

"I must say, this sweet soup is quite delicious!"

"You, my boy, must be in high spirits, naturally finding whatever you drink to your taste!"

"You’re right, Elder Master Lin, I am indeed very happy, and I’m also waiting for you to fulfill your promise!"

The visitor was none other than Zhang Wei.

He had returned to Dongfang Capital the previous night, and came first thing in the morning to meet Lin Jincheng.

"Rest assured, I, Lin Jincheng, am a man whose word is as good as gold. I certainly won’t forget what I promised you!"

Elder Old Lin spoke, but suddenly paused, "Now, what was your request again? I’m getting on in years and my memory isn’t always sharp. I seem to have forgotten what you asked for."

"Elder Old Lin, my request is quite simple—I want to be an ace lawyer!"

"You want to be an ace?"

"Indeed. To not obey anyone, to handle cases independently, even a partner can’t interfere—that kind of ace lawyer!"

"Hahaha, what a spirited young man!"

Lin Jincheng finally laughed, but then his laughter abruptly subsided.

"However, I remember you’re in the litigation department, and that department already has an ace. And a department can only have one ace—you are aware of that, aren’t you?"

"I’m aware, but I believe my abilities are not inferior to Lawyer Bai!"

"No, no, no, you’ve misunderstood. My point is that each department can only have one ace lawyer. That’s a rule I set myself, and as you know, I am a man whose word is his bond!"

Zhang Wei’s eyes narrowed, seemingly detecting an undercurrent in the other party’s words.

"Elder Old Lin, what do you mean by that?"

"I mean exactly what I said, simple. I can let you compete with Bai Meiqi for the title of ace lawyer, but the litigation department can only have one. Having more than one ace will dilute the value of that title."

"Elder Old Lin, if I remember correctly, you said you’d grant me a request?"

"Young man, my word is my bond, but the rule that each department can only have one ace is also my doing. I can’t go back on my own word just to satisfy your whimsical request, can I?"

Zhang Wei’s fingers suddenly clenched tight.

But in the next moment, he felt that the middle-aged couple sitting at the next table exuded two sharp intents of murder.

A threat!

Even while seated, Lin Jincheng was warning Zhang Wei.

Better behave yourself, boy, or else...

"Zhang Wei, are you inside?"

Suddenly, a crisp voice came from outside the door.

"Sorry I’m late, I got held up asking Captain Wu and the others for leave!"

"No problem, Silly, you came at just the right time!"

Zhang Wei laughed heartily, waving towards the door.

Upon hearing the newcomer’s voice, the middle-aged woman at the next table swiftly retracted her murderous aura.

No help for it, a true tough one has arrived, unbeatable, unbeatable...

If you can’t beat them, showing murderous intent is pointless because they are not intimidated by your threats.

"Clever boy, always on guard against me!"

Similarly, Lin Jincheng, still sitting in his original spot, squinted his eyes.

But even so, what he said was the rule, and rules are not easily broken.