Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 258 - 256: Shen Zhengyi Looking for Trouble? Joining the Criminal Department! (5500 monthly votes plus update)

Chapter 258: Chapter 256: Shen Zhengyi Looking for Trouble? Joining the Criminal Department! (5500 monthly votes plus update)

Jincheng Law Firm.

Criminal Division Office.

"Old Tie, I’m back~"

With Zhang Wei’s shout, he reappeared at the entrance to the Criminal Division.

Of course, from today on, there would no longer be a Criminal Group within the Litigation Department at Jincheng Law Firm, replaced instead by the Criminal Department.

Jincheng Law Firm had five major departments: Project, Real Estate, Finance, Overseas, and Litigation.

And after today, a sixth major department would emerge.

Unfortunately, the fledgling Criminal Department hadn’t been established yet, and the atmosphere within the original Criminal Group was gloomy.

"What’s the matter, why is everyone so down?"

Zhang Wei walked into the office, feeling quite curious.

"Old Tie, put your work aside, it’s none of your business anymore. You don’t have to do any of these tasks at hand!"

"Xiao Li, you should also put this work aside. Why are you still taking it so seriously?"

"Xiao Meng, no need to hide, I know you’re sneakily watching a show. Stop pretending. Look at you, still pretending to be serious. Do you really think I didn’t see the webpage you just x-ed out?"

Seeing his buddies still "seriously" at work, Zhang Wei quickly shook his head.

Tie Ruyun and Li Yueqin, by the looks of it, were honest kids. No sooner had he left than they started working hard again.

It was probably only Lin Yumeng who had opened a webpage to watch videos while working, a way to sneak some leisure time amidst the busyness.

"Hmph, Zhang Wei, it’s you, as expected!"

"Never thought that you, the scab of the Litigation Department, would be this guy!"

Just as Zhang Wei returned to the office, two sudden, cynical chuckles came from behind him.

The voice was full of deceit, and he knew immediately who it was.

The vile and base duo!

Zhang Wei narrowed his eyes; these two were the source of his friends’ unhappiness.

"Boss Shen, you’re here too?"

But this time, the vile and base duo didn’t come alone; they arrived at the Criminal Division Office alongside Shen Zhengyi.

Although they sneered a few queer remarks, they positioned themselves behind Shen Zhengyi, clearly indicating he was the main player.

"Zhang Wei, while your performance is outstanding, blindly advocating slacking off within the firm is hardly something to be promoted!"

Shen Zhengyi looked at Zhang Wei with a particularly cold gaze.

Of course, he was also aware of Zhang Wei’s exceptional abilities, sharp tactics, and top-tier performance level in the firm, so he still left Zhang some face while speaking.

Had it been a newcomer with little achievement and strength, he wouldn’t have been so polite. He would’ve directly unleashed a Lion’s Roar at the person’s face.

"Boss Shen, you’re here because...?"

Zhang Wei didn’t cater to him and immediately retorted, showing no attitude of facing a leader.

"What are you implying, kid?"

"Is that how you speak to a leader?"

The vile and base duo couldn’t hold back any longer. Standing on either side of Shen Zhengyi, they immediately escorted their master!

"I’ve always spoken to leaders with this attitude!"

Zhang Wei scoffed, pointing at Tie Ruyun beside him.

Leader?

What’s a leader good for!

You ask Old Tie, since I joined the Criminal Group, how have I ever spoken to a leader?

A trace of dissatisfaction flickered in Shen Zhengyi’s eyes.

Although Zhang Wei, as a lawyer, was very capable, openly defying a leader was unacceptable in any law firm.

Put plainly, in the legal profession, it’s all about seniority, hierarchy, and respect.

Shen Zhengyi had made it to the rank of senior partner at a Top Ten Firm, holding a top position in the legal world, yet today, he was faced with open defiance from a young upstart, which was truly...

Intolerable!

"Zhang Wei, my patience has its limits. You’ve provoked me over and over again, not giving me face. Do you realize what you’re doing?"

"I remember you’re still an intern lawyer, right? You joined the firm in February, and you haven’t even completed your six-month internship, have you? Believe it or not, I can end your internship early with just one word!"

Threats!

The words Shen Zhengyi was now saying were full of threatening intent.

So you think you’re tough, kid?

Then I’ll just have to ask you to get lost!

You’d better think this through, kid. You joined Jincheng Law Firm in February, and now it’s only May, just one quarter has passed.

Firing a new intern is nothing out of the ordinary at a large law firm!

"Who would have thought, Boss Shen only has this much skill? I’m so scared~"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Wei immediately put on a "frightened" expression.

However, everyone present knew that this posture wasn’t truly one of fear; instead, it was full of mocking undertones.

"Zhang Wei, stop talking, Boss Shen he..."

Tie Ruyun saw this and hurriedly tried to speak.

"Tie Ruyun, shut your mouth. Is it your place to speak?"

But before he could finish, Shen Zhengyi cut him off with a direct scolding.

"Ultimately, the attitude of your team members all comes down to your failings as a team leader!"

After scolding him, Shen Zhengyi looked at Zhang Wei: "You can pack up your things and prepare to get lost!"

"Boss Shen, are you saying you’re going to fire me?"

"I believe as long as you’re not deaf, you can understand what I’m saying!"

"Haven’t you considered, what if someone at the firm still needs me?"

"Today, you’re definitely out, I, Shen Zhengyi, am laying down the law, pleading on your behalf will be useless, no matter who it is!"

After finishing, Shen Zhengyi glanced around.

Zhang Wei might have some ability, but I, Shen Zhengyi, also carry weight in Jincheng. Who would dare not give me face?

Don’t assume just because you have clients, you can act recklessly.

If I, Shen Zhengyi, want you out, even the Emperor’s decree won’t stop me!

"Tsk tsk tsk, Boss Shen, do you know? I’ve never considered you a leader, not before, and even less so in the future..."

Zhang Wei stepped up in front of Shen Zhengyi, a look of disappointment on his face.

This Shen Zhengyi acts all high and mighty as a senior partner, concerned only with saving face, he acts without principle, lacking the qualities a leader should have.

There’s a saying, ’when the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked’, and it’s precisely because of such people in the litigation department that there’s a bunch of sycophantic underlings below.

"Actually, leaving the litigation department might not be such a bad thing after all!"

Zhang Wei sighed, as if he had indeed come to terms with it.

"Zhang Wei, don’t be rash!"

But upon hearing this, Tie Ruyun and the others’ faces changed drastically.

The kid’s really planning on leaving Jincheng!

"Boss Shen, it’s just that Zhang Wei is young and impetuous, please don’t take it to heart..."

At this moment, Tie Ruyun ignored Shen Zhengyi’s previous warning and immediately spoke up to plead on behalf of Zhang Wei.

But in Shen Zhengyi’s eyes, Tie Ruyun’s pleas held no weight.

As for his so-called intercessions, they were unlikely to have any effect.

"Zhang Wei, you too, can’t you have a proper conversation with a leader? I think you should quickly apologize, Boss Shen he..."

"Old Tie, don’t bother persuading me anymore, I can’t stand to stay in this litigation department for another moment!"

Zhang Wei cut off Tie Ruyun’s plea directly.

Then he looked warningly at Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng who wanted to speak up, causing the two women to retract their words before even speaking them.

Zhang Wei’s influence in the criminal law section was obviously still significant.

"Alright then, since you are so determined, I will grant your wish. Remember to write your resignation letter well; I’ll sign it later!"

All personnel changes in the litigation department had to go through Shen Zhengyi. Naturally, he had to sign to agree to Zhang Wei’s resignation.

After speaking, Shen Zhengyi turned to leave.

"Boss Shen seems to have misunderstood something?"

But before he could take a step, Zhang Wei stopped him with a sentence.

"What do you mean?"

"I said I’m leaving the litigation department, not that I’m leaving Jincheng."

"What, another department wants you?"

"Of course, there’s another department in Jincheng that wants me!"

"Impossible, you’ve offended Young Master Lin. The project department won’t take you. The heads of both the real estate and finance departments are close with Young Master Lin, the overseas department has nothing to do with you. Who else would want you?"

"Boss Shen hasn’t received the news?"

"What news?"

Zhang Wei said this with a slight smile and walked over to Tie Ruyun’s side.

"This time, the person who wants me... is Old Tie!"

He said, patting Tie Ruyun on the shoulder.

"Tie Ruyun?"

"That’s right, Old Tie will take me in!"

Zhang Wei laughed heartily and reminded Shen Zhengyi, "By the way, Boss Shen, I forgot to tell you that from now on there will no longer be a criminal group in the litigation department. Instead, Jincheng will have a sixth major department, the Criminal Department, and Old Tie will be the head of the Criminal Department. Within our law firm, his rank is equal to yours, oh!"

"Criminal Department!" Shen Zhengyi’s pupils contracted slightly.

"Criminal Department?" The sleazy gang looked at each other in confusion.

"Criminal Department..." Tie Ruyun murmured, his face a picture of astonishment.

Behind them, Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng were equally dumbfounded.

They didn’t understand, how had Zhang Wei suddenly lost his mind?

Jincheng was turning the criminal group into a criminal department, how did they not know this?

"Oh, I know you’re all confused, but this was decided after consultation with the big boss, and I believe the personnel department should be issuing a notice immediately!"

Zhang Wei chuckled, looking toward the criminal group’s office.

Clomp, clomp, clomp!

Just as Zhang Wei’s voice trailed off, sure enough, there were footsteps outside the office, and someone was coming.

This time, it was staff from Jincheng’s personnel department, with quite a few people appearing, led by Lin Xiangtian’s secretary.

The female secretary looked to be in her thirties, wearing glasses, exuding an air of arrogance, after all, she was the big boss’s secretary.

As the saying goes, ’the prime minister’s gateway is the seventh rank official,’ this was the principle.

"I’m now announcing the personnel appointment notice!"

She came in and, paying no attention to Shen Zhengyi and his group, went straight to Tie Ruyun.

"Tie Ruyun, in recognition of your many years of meritorious service to Jincheng, Director Lin has decided to promote you exceptionally to junior partner of the firm and also to appoint you as the head of the newly established Criminal Department. We hope you can lead the Criminal Department to further development and strive for breakthroughs!"

After finishing, the female secretary handed the appointment document directly to Tie Ruyun.

"Zhang Wei, next is yours!"

She took the second appointment document from someone nearby and read aloud, "Zhang Wei, although you have only been with Jincheng for a quarter, your performance has been outstanding, and your abilities are undeniable. After much deliberation, Director Lin has decided to appoint you as the ace attorney of the Criminal Department. We hope you can continue to produce even more outstanding results for the firm in the future!"

"That’s all for the appointments signed by Director Lin!"

When the female secretary was done, she congratulated Tie Ruyun and Zhang Wei, "Tie Ruyun, Zhang Wei, I am here on behalf of Director Lin and Jincheng Law Firm to congratulate you both!"

"This..."

Tie Ruyun took the appointment, still in a daze.

How had he suddenly become a junior partner?

"Thank you, Director Lin. I will not let down his trust in me!"

On the other hand, Zhang Wei, with a smile on his face, took the appointment and exchanged polite words with the female secretary.

"Well then, the firm will issue a notice about the personnel appointments later. The criminal group will be moved out of the litigation department to become the sixth major department responsible exclusively for criminal cases. As for the office location, half of the 25th floor will be designated for the Criminal Department. I believe by this afternoon or tomorrow, the Criminal Department can take office. Goodbye!"

The female secretary was brisk and efficient, and after her words, she quickly left with her team.

And in the office of the criminal group, everyone still had a bewildered look on their faces.

What was happening?

How had a criminal department been suddenly established, and moreover, half of the 25th floor set aside for it as an office area?

That was an entire floor, a privilege only real major departments enjoyed.

It seemed that Lin Xiangtian was not joking or acting impulsively, but was seriously planning to make the Criminal Department the sixth major department.

"Cough cough, Boss Shen, now that Old Tie and I will be going to the Criminal Department, this office will probably be vacated. Could you help us pack up?"

At that moment, Zhang Wei came up to Shen Zhengyi and asked with a sneer.

"You..."

"What’s the matter, Boss Shen? Do you still plan to fire me? The big boss has just appointed me as the ace attorney of the Criminal Department. As far as I remember, the appointment and dismissal of an ace attorney can only be decided by the big boss alone; even a senior partner has no right to point fingers at me, right?"

"You..."

"Boss Shen, if it’s convenient for you, why not arrange for a few people to help us move the files? Although this office isn’t large, we in the Criminal Department still need to take some files with us. But as you can see, there are only a few of us in the Criminal Department; we’re short on manpower. Or perhaps, as our former leader, you could offer some support?"

"Hmph, since the Criminal Department has been established, you’re no longer related to my Litigation Department!"

Shen Zhengyi snorted coldly, turning to leave.

As he turned, he gritted his teeth with flames of anger seemingly rising in his eyes.

It’s a pity, but he couldn’t vent his anger on Tie Ruyun and Zhang Wei because as soon as they took their letters of appointment, they were no longer his subordinates.

Now that Shen Zhengyi had left, naturally, the despicable duo had to leave as well.

The two glared viciously at Zhang Wei before turning around and leaving without hesitation.

"A bunch of clowns!"

Zhang Wei watched the three leave with nothing more than mockery in his eyes.

Okay, with Shen Zhengyi’s matter resolved, it was time to focus on the Criminal Division.

Apart from Zhang Wei, who was clued in earlier, the other team members, including Lin Yumeng, had not yet recovered from the news.

"Old Tie, Xiao Li, Xiao Meng, what’s wrong, cheer up a bit, we all got promoted!"

"Zhang Wei, pinch me, I’m still not quite over it..."

"I only like pinching girls’ cheeks, soft and tender, feels good. What’s there to pinch on a big guy like you, tough and coarse, no feel to it!"

As he spoke, Zhang Wei slapped Tie Ruyun’s arm.

Feeling a sting in his arm, Tie Ruyun finally realized he wasn’t dreaming.

"I became a partner and even the head of a department?"

"Yeah, Old Tie, you’ve finally made a name for yourself. From now on, we should call you Boss Tie!"

"Well, that’s nice, try calling me that?"

"Get lost, you’ll still be Old Tie to me. I’ve gotten used to calling you that, don’t expect me to change!"

Zhang Wei joked, then turned to look at Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng.

"Xiao Li, Xiao Meng, from now on, you’ll both be the generals under Old Tie, and you’ll be group leaders in the future!"

"That’s... that wouldn’t be right..."

When Li Yueqin heard Zhang Wei’s words, she declined on the surface, but her lips couldn’t help curling into a smile.

The thought of being a group leader, with a dozen lawyers under her command and giving orders, filled her with joy.

"Eh, Master, I don’t like being a group leader!"

But Lin Yumeng expressed her dislike. "What’s so good about being a group leader? You have to do so many things every day, deal with so many documents, and check on the work of the attorneys. It’s so busy I’ll die..."

"Just leading the three of us before, we could never finish all the work. If I have to lead a dozen newcomers all at once, I’d be so annoyed every day..."

Just thinking about the tough days ahead made Lin Yumeng’s face immediately fall.

"Xiao Meng, you don’t understand, being a group leader means responsibility!"

Li Yueqin, on the other hand, was very eager. Even if it was hard and tiring, the joy of leading subordinates was beyond what she could imagine.

"I don’t want that, I still want to follow Master. When there are cases, I’ll handle them, but when there are none, I don’t want to worry about so many things. Isn’t it nicer to binge-watch shows every day..."

Lin Yumeng said this, looking at Zhang Wei with big watery eyes, a distressed expression on her face.

"Xiao Meng, ah, one has to learn to grow up!"

Zhang Wei quickly offered some consolation, but he was also considering.

Some top lawyers actually have apprentices following them around.

Although nominally master and apprentice, many of these apprentices are basically doing dirty and tiring work or running errands for the lawyers.

Being an ace lawyer myself, should I have some subordinates to order around?

"Forget it, forget it, now is not the time to think about this, and besides, if I were to have subordinates, they would have to be trustworthy ones!"

But Zhang Wei quickly shook his head, discarding these thoughts.

"Let’s go, Old Tie, we’ve got to start getting busy. How about we go check out the office area downstairs first? The 25th floor is so big, and they’ve cleared out half the space for us; we can all have private offices now!"

"Yeah, that’s great, having private offices means finally not having to worry about being caught by Master while watching shows!"

Lin Yumeng said this, skipping gleefully towards the downstairs.

Although Tie Ruyun was speechless, the idea of being in charge of a department made his face light up with excitement.

He and Li Yueqin followed Lin Yumeng out of the office.

"Sister Cuilan, come too, you’re going to be the department head assistant of the Criminal Division. Congratulations on your promotion!"

"Little Zhang, you really, I’m still with HR!"

Although Tie Cuilan answered with perfunctory words, she was secretly pleased.

Both Old Tie and she could leave the unappreciated Litigation Division and get a promotion and a pay raise and it looked like the clouds were parting – it was all good news.

And all of this was related to Zhang Wei. It had to be said that ever since Zhang Wei joined the criminal team, he had brought great benefits to Tie Ruyun.

The buddies from the criminal team were of course very happy.

However, from now on, Jincheng would no longer have a criminal team, it would be the Criminal Division.