Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 262 - 260: No Need to Be Depressed! It’s Not My Turn This Time (Extra for 7500 Monthly Votes)

Chapter 262: Chapter 260: No Need to Be Depressed! It’s Not My Turn This Time (Extra for 7500 Monthly Votes)

(I’ve reached 7500 today, prop me up, I can still code... cough cough, I can’t code anymore... spitting blood...)

...

June 2nd, morning.

"Sister Cheng, Sister Cheng, something terrible has happened!"

Early in the morning, Cheng Lisha was awakened by her female assistant’s voice.

She frowned and thought to herself that she had been too lenient, that this assistant really couldn’t stay and that she needed to find a reason to dismiss her as soon as possible.

"What is it that has you making such a racket at my apartment early in the morning?"

She called out impatiently, only to hastily get out of bed and prepare to apply a facial mask.

"Sister Cheng, it’s bad news, the court has sent a notice, they want you to attend a pre-trial conference!"

"What, they sent a lawyer’s letter yesterday, and they’ve already applied to the court today!"

Hearing this news, Cheng Lisha was also startled.

She couldn’t help but think Zhang Wei’s efficiency was truly absurd.

She had only received the opposing lawyer’s letter last night, and now she had to head to court for a meeting first thing in the morning.

Do you never sleep, damn it?

"This Zhang Wei..."

Whenever she thought of Yang Chuanfang’s leading defense lawyer, that Zhang Wei, Cheng Lisha felt her teeth itch with hatred.

After quickly finishing her facial mask, Cheng Lisha went to the municipal courthouse accompanied by her assistant.

At the same time, she had her assistant contact her defense lawyer, who also agreed to attend the meeting.

...

AM, at the entrance of the municipal courthouse.

"Yo-ho, Lawyer Hu and Lawyer Jiang, you’re here so early. Haven’t your clients arrived yet?"

"Oh, right, here’s my new business card. Although we’re at odds, if there’s any case on your side that you can’t handle, remember to tell me, yeah? As Jincheng’s ace lawyer, I welcome all comers; there’s no case I won’t take!"

"Lawyer Jiang, don’t stand there stunned. Please keep my business card and remember, if there’s any case you can’t handle, make sure to contact me, huh?"

"And you two, don’t sulk. Isn’t it just that both of you joined forces and I still beat you once? What’s there to fuss about? Win some, lose some in court, but we can still be friends outside of it, right?"

As he spoke, Zhang Wei handed out a business card to each person in Blackfoot’s group.

Hu Yaode, Jiang Fengzhen, and their associate lawyers all got one.

"You little..." Hu Yaode felt that Zhang Wei had a tongue coated with poison; he opened his mouth only to draw blood.

It’s said you shouldn’t curse someone for their flaws, or hit them in the face, but damn it, you just have to rub salt in our wounds the moment you speak.

"You’ve become the ace lawyer!?"

Still, Hu Yaode caught an essential point.

Zhang Wei’s business card clearly bore the words "Ace."

Zhang Wei had not left Jincheng, and in Jincheng, each department only has one ace, which is an incredibly valuable position, the face of Jincheng.

Jincheng would not allow a junior lawyer to pose as the ace, so Zhang Wei’s ace status was definitely genuine.

In Hu Yaode’s mind, information about Zhang Wei flashed through.

Speaking of coincidences, he and Zhang Wei were actually schoolmates from East University.

Because of this, he knew that Zhang Wei had only left East University last year, and he hadn’t even completed a full year of his internship.

An intern lawyer, yet also the firm’s ace lawyer.

This was almost impossible in the history of Jincheng, even in the entire lawyer community of Dongfang Capital.

Yet all these had actually happened to Zhang Wei.

One could only say... it was defying the heavens!

If they were not opponents, Hu Yaode might even sigh in admiration when mentioning the other party.

But now they were opponents, and Hu Yaode could only feel troubled.

Especially since the other party had just mentioned that Lawyer Jiang and he had joined forces, yet they were defeated by him.

"Yo-ho, your client is here!"

Suddenly, Zhang Wei pointed in a direction not far away, and both Hu Yaode and Jiang Fengzhen also looked in that direction at the same time.

Cheng Lisha had arrived, walking in high heels, with a cold and aloof face, exuding an aura of ’keep away from me’.

But upon closer inspection, one could see her complexion wasn’t good, her brows were tightly furrowed, and there was a fierce look hidden deep in her eyes.

Her female assistant followed along, her head bowed carefully, not daring to speak another word for fear of angering the formidable "ancestor" by her side.

"Ms. Cheng!"

Jiang Fengzhen, standing beside Hu Yaode, hurriedly squeezed out a smile and went to greet Cheng Lisha as she arrived.

However, as Cheng Lisha ascended the courthouse stairs, she seemed not to see Jiang at all, walking past without acknowledging her.

Jiang Fengzhen froze in place, her smile solidifying on her face as well.

"Lawyer Hu!" Cheng Lisha greeted Hu Yaode with an icy voice.

In contrast, she didn’t even spare a glance for Zhang Wei standing nearby.

Hu Yaode looked at his colleague Jiang Fengzhen for a moment before promptly sidling up to Cheng Lisha.

"Miss Cheng, today is just a pre-trial motion, there won’t be any problems!"

"I don’t want your guesses, I want results!"

"Don’t worry, I’ve got everything under control!"

Seeing that Hu Yaode had given his assurance, Cheng Lisha snorted coldly and turned to enter the municipal courthouse, clearly not intending to greet anyone else present.

"Such an attitude, really acting like a total boss!"

Zhang Wei quipped from the side, even feeling a bit of sympathy for Jiang Fengzhen.

It looked like this woman had been discarded by Cheng Lisha after approaching her with warmth only to be met with a cold shoulder.

Now, Cheng Lisha’s lawyer was Hu Yaode.

"Lawyer Zhang, where’s your client?"

"Lawyer Hu, my client didn’t plan to come today!"

Upon Hu Yaode’s inquiry, Zhang Wei laughed and teased, "But hey, it’s all because of your client. My client has been harmed by her to the point that they’re scared to even leave their home, so for this case, I have full authority to handle it."

"Then let’s not waste any more time!"

Hu Yaode snorted coldly and also walked into the municipal courthouse.

Zhang Wei smiled faintly and naturally followed suit.

...

In the municipal courthouse, the judge’s office.

Ni Qiuping had never expected that after just a few days of rest,

Without even catching her breath, she would encounter another headache.

And this time, it was even more serious than the previous Zhu Tianying case.

Looking at the two tense groups in her office made her feel as uncomfortable as if she had eaten at Old Eight Burgers.

One side was led by the Blackfoot force of Hu Yaode, with Cheng Lisha as the client, accompanied by Jiang Fengzhen and over four assistant lawyers.

Together with Cheng Lisha and a female assistant, that side numbered eight people, a formidable group indeed.

On the other side, there was only Zhang Wei alone, clearly outnumbered.

But in the eyes of Ni Qiuping, Zhang Wei’s capability alone was more frightening than the opposition’s eight people!

That’s it!

I’m going to be depressed again, and it’s the incurable kind!

Ni Qiuping lamented inwardly as she considered retiring early, looking at her judge’s office.

Otherwise, if she had to deal with cases like this every month, she would definitely become truly depressed!

For instance, right now, although Zhang Wei faced eight people alone, his gaze didn’t show the slightest hint of fear.

In fact, his expression was telling everyone that Zhang Someone was determined to cause trouble today!

What kind of trouble?

Only heaven knows that.

The oppressive atmosphere didn’t last long before Ni Qiuping finally spoke up.

"Both parties, don’t just stand there. If you have something to say, say it quickly!"

She knew if she didn’t take the lead, these two groups might just stand off in her office the whole day.

Zhang Wei concealed the sharpness on his face and promptly said, "Look at what you’re saying, Old Ni..."

"Hmm?!!!" Ni Qiuping glared at Zhang Wei fiercely.

You little rascal, don’t you dare take liberties with me. We may know each other, but it’s just through a few cases, so don’t try to cozy up.

"Ahem, Judge Ni, actually, our demands are very simple, they’re all clearly written in the complaint, and I believe both you and the defendant have read it, right?"

"Nonsense, of course, I’ve read it. And I read it after it was approved by the night court. Although I don’t know how you managed to convince the night court judge to agree to your lawsuit, I’ve followed those instructions and called for this pre-trial motion to hear both parties’ opinions," Ni Qiuping retorted, and then turned to Cheng Lisha’s side, "Miss Cheng, what do you say? Speak up!"

Cheng Lisha remained silent, but as her legal representative, Hu Yaode couldn’t keep quiet,

He immediately rebuked Zhang Wei: "Your Honor, our side believes all the accusations Lawyer Zhang has put forth are slanderous towards my client!"

"It’s quite funny, isn’t it? I accuse your client of slandering and defaming mine, and yet you turn it around and blame me instead. Indeed, the type of clients one has reflects the type of lawyer they are,"

Zhang Wei responded with a cold laugh as well.

"You little brat, you dare to mock me like this?"

"Lawyer Hu, I am now a top lawyer at Jincheng as well. I believe I have earned the right to speak in front of you, so please watch your tone!"

"You..."

Ni Qiuping muttered to herself that it was just as she had expected.

They had barely exchanged a few words, and already these two groups were about to start a quarrel.

She couldn’t take it anymore; she was truly about to get depressed!

"Enough!"

In the end, it was up to her, the judge, to mediate.

"Can you both keep quiet for a moment? If not, I might have to invite the court guard in to let both sides cool down,"

"Your Honor, I am very calm!" Zhang Wei immediately stated, with a look of composure and self-assurance.

"Your Honor, both my client, Ms. Cheng, and I are very calm as well!" Hu Yaode hurriedly spoke up, indicating his stance.

"That’s good to hear!"

Ni Qiuping narrowed her eyes and then nodded at Zhang Wei.

You are the plaintiff, go on!

"Ahem, Judge Ni, we believe it is of utmost importance to pursue this matter. Ms. Cheng has not only long used an unsolved criminal case as hot material but even filmed a series of TV dramas and documentaries to heavily promote her fame, earning considerable compensation through these hot topics and viewership, all at the expense of tarnishing my client’s reputation. We insist that Ms. Cheng’s actions require her to compensate my client!"

"Alright, I understand!"

Ni Qiuping nodded, then sighed, "But Zhang Wei, you are aware of your client’s current situation, right?"

"Of course, I understand. In fact, before we even filed the lawsuit against Ms. Cheng, I had already been entrusted by the client to act as the lead defense attorney for the criminal case he is involved in."

"Then you must also know that the outcome of this trial will directly affect this lawsuit you’ve initiated?"

"Of course, I understand that if my client is convicted in the criminal case, then this lawsuit will likewise fail!"

"Then why would you still..."

"But what if my client wins the case and proves his innocence in court?"

Judge Ni intended to say something, but Zhang Wei counter-asked.

If his client, Yang Chuanfang, were to be judged innocent in the criminal court, wouldn’t that mean he wasn’t the culprit behind Wen Xiaoyun’s disappearance?

The series of films and programs that Cheng Lisha shot based on Yang Chuanfang’s alleged murder of Wen Xiaoyun would then become outright slander and defamation.

Even the wealth she had gained through these videos and series would be illicit gains!

If Yang Chuanfang were found innocent, then all of Cheng Lisha’s current fame, status, and wealth would go up in flames—destroyed in an instant.

A chain reaction!

Zhang Wei was determined to use this case to drive Cheng Lisha into a corner!

"How ruthless!"

Ni Qiuping, Hu Yaode.

Whether as a judge or as a defense attorney, both understood Zhang Wei’s resolve.

Unfortunately, achieving this would require Yang Chuanfang’s acquittal.

In other words, you need to snatch victory from the elite hands of the prosecutors and investigators from the Procuratorate Headquarters.

For any defense attorney at Dongfang Capital, this mission was nearly impossible.

But it was Zhang Wei... and he was particularly experienced with such cases.

In fact, several of his most famous victories had been won against these people.

So, everyone present didn’t doubt Zhang Wei’s capability.

"It seems that any further words from me would be pointless. Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t stop you," said Ni Qiuping as she nodded, turning to Hu Yaode, "This case, regardless of whether I agree or not, isn’t the most important thing. You should be clear about the criminal charges Yang Chuanfang is facing, right?"

Hu Yaode nodded; they were all too clear about this point.

"According to the principle that criminal cases take precedence over civil ones, we will postpone the opening of this case until after the official verdict of the criminal court. I believe neither of you has the energy to prepare for my case right now. You can go back to your busy schedules; I know you both have plenty to do!"

As Ni Qiuping spoke, she opened the notebook beside her and flipped to the latest page.

"Oh, and a reminder for you both, the criminal case’s pre-trial is on Wednesday, and I estimate court proceedings could start by Friday. What you need is to race against time, so stop wasting it here!"

With a wave of her hand, Judge Ni dismissed both parties.

"Judge Ni, may I ask, who will be presiding over the trial this time?"

"It won’t be me. Whoever wants to wade into these murky waters is welcome to it!"

Ni Qiuping chuckled. This tricky case was finally not her cross to bear.

"Why don’t you go ask your mother-in-law? She’s a clerk in the criminal court. She’s even more familiar with things there than I am!"

"Oh, thanks for the reminder, Judge Ni, I had almost forgotten about Silly’s family situation!"

Zhang Wei scratched his head with an awkward smile.

When it came to the fact that Li Qinghua was a clerk in the criminal court, he had nearly forgotten.

Who would remember a court clerk who barely makes an impression in the courtroom?

Ni Qiuping finally managed to send both parties away and caught her breath.

"That’s a cold case from over 10 years ago, there’s no way that kid can turn it around now, can he?"

Ni Qiuping shook her head, dismissing the unrealistic thought.

After all, it wasn’t her problem anymore, and her case wasn’t going to court immediately, so she could finally relax.

As for who would suffer, as long as it wasn’t her, she was fine.

With this thought, Ni Qiuping felt even happier.

Depression? Nothing like that existed!

...

Blackfoot Law Firm.

After returning from the court, Hu Yaode accompanied Cheng Lisha to his office at Blackfoot Law Firm.

Jiang Fengzhen did not follow because her temper wasn’t great either.

If Cheng Lisha wouldn’t be pleasant to her, Jiang saw no point in putting up with her.

If a client was lost, so be it.

As a lawyer from one of the Top Ten Firms, and a partner at that, she certainly wasn’t short of clients.

Besides, with such a difficult client, it was better to let Hu Yaode deal with it and save herself the hassle.

"Lawyer Hu, should we just ignore the lawsuit they filed against me, as you said?"

"Of course, because the plaintiff is Yang Chuanfang, who currently needs to stand trial for a criminal case. Criminal cases take precedence over civil ones, and only after this case concludes will he be able to continue suing you!"

Seeing Cheng Lisha inquisitive, Hu Yaode immediately provided an explanation.

"Moreover, once the prosecution proves Yang Chuanfang guilty of murdering Wen Xiaoyun, the lawsuit against you will cease to exist!"

"I understand that!"

Cheng Lisha snorted coldly to herself, thinking, "Once Yang Chuanfang is convicted, I’ll be able to ride on the coattails of this case’s notoriety and stir up more publicity!"

"However..."

But Hu Yaode’s brow furrowed as he sensed something troublesome.

"Firstly, the prosecution hasn’t found Wen Xiaoyun’s body, so even after so many years, the case can’t be classified as murder. Wen can only be declared missing and then legally presumed dead."

"Secondly, our opponent is Zhang Wei. Although he’s not likeable, his capabilities are undeniable, and he’s notoriously sharp-witted and cunning with his methods. We need to prepare early!"

"Finally, I’ve heard some rumors that the Procuratorate Headquarters is sending their ace, Xiao Baihe, as the prosecution representative, but I heard that there’s a prosecutor at the headquarters who’s got a thing with that kid!"

Cheng Lisha paused for a moment when she heard the last bit.

"Who’s got a thing with whom? Since when do prosecutors and lawyers get involved together?"

"Officially, it’s not allowed, so it’s just a rumor. But, the two main characters of this rumor are Zhang Wei and Xiao Baihe!"

"Are you saying we also have to be wary of the prosecutor and Yang Chuanfang’s defense attorney colluding and being in cahoots?"

"Yes, that’s something we really have to be careful about!"

Hu Yaode expressed his concerns.

With young people, who knows what could happen.

If there was actually a fearless prosecutor and lawyer getting together, then it would be a major issue.

"I see!"

Cheng Lisha’s eyes narrowed, a plan already forming in her head.

"Someone come in!" she called out to her office.

"Sister Cheng, I’m here!" The female assistant scurried in and quickly bowed her head in anticipation of her orders.

"Go, spread the word, I want to take down that Zhang Wei, expose all his scandals!"

"Also, pressurize the Procuratorate Headquarters, saying the prosecutor might have ties with Zhang Wei, and they better handle it!"

"And about Yang Chuanfang, dig up everything from his past few years away from home, don’t hesitate, uncover everything you can find for me!"

"Furthermore, hire some online commenters for me. I want the whole of Dongfang Capital to know that Yang Chuanfang is a murderer. I will show them the power of public opinion!"

The assistant promptly took the orders, and swiftly ran out again.