Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 283 - 281 Xiao Baihe’s Struggle, The Outcome Is Decided

Chapter 283: Chapter 281 Xiao Baihe’s Struggle, The Outcome Is Decided

Lisa Cheng was eventually "asked" to leave, and her departure was far from quiet.

However, with her departure, along with Hu Yaode, the atmosphere in the courtroom once again became tense.

This tension was not due to the oppressive nature of the courtroom, but rather the impact of the truth.

Now the entire courtroom knew the truth, knew what had happened to Wen Xiaoyun ten years ago.

No one present could have imagined that such a melodramatic play had unfolded ten years earlier.

On the surface, Wen Xiaoyun and Yang Chuanfang were dating, boyfriend and girlfriend.

But in secret, Wen Xiaoyun was involved with Yang Chuanfang’s father, Yang Changqing, and she had even become pregnant.

In the end, on her birthday party day, Wen Xiaoyun had the Yang Family’s second young master, Yang Chuannan, drive her away from the hotel to the Yang family mansion.

Wen Xiaoyun went to the Yang family to confront Yang Changqing. She wanted to end their absurd relationship.

Unfortunately, when she finally revealed her pregnancy, Yang Changqing did not want the child to be born and did not even want Wen Xiaoyun to be with his eldest son.

In the end, the enraged master of the Yang family, in a fit of irrationality, imprisoned Wen Xiaoyun in the basement.

As for the final outcome, Wen Xiaoyun died, perishing in the basement, her body never seeing the light of day.

To outsiders, this girl simply disappeared without a trace for ten whole years.

Today, after ten years, her story came to light once again.

This was the tragedy that befell Wen Xiaoyun.

Naturally, Yang Changqing was the main culprit behind it all.

The second young master, Yang Chuannan, was indirectly responsible for Wen Xiaoyun’s death, but unfortunately, he was unaware of the actions his father would take.

As for the first young master, Yang Chuanfang, his experience is worthy of sympathy.

Because from his currently bewildered demeanor, it is clear he had no inkling of his girlfriend’s death, let alone the relationship between her and his own father.

In the eyes of the jury, a faint green light seemed to hover above the head of this second-generation rich kid.

Green!

So very green!

Being cuckolded by one’s own father, that is truly...a pitiable situation...

Be strong!

You must be strong!

At this moment, more than half of the 12 jurors looked at the defense with sympathetic eyes.

Both the prosecution and defense noted this scene.

"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9..." Zhang Wei murmured to himself, counting.

"With my sharp eye, if the verdict were to be decided right now, my client would surely be acquitted!"

It was not until this moment that the gloom in Zhang Wei’s heart cleared.

The sky became clear again, the sea was calm, and the scenery was unique and beautiful...

"Your Honor, members of the jury, and everyone in the gallery, the above is the truth from ten years ago, a truth that has been sealed for a whole decade!"

Having concluded, Zhang Wei then turned to Yang Chuannan, "Regarding the witness, we have no further questions!"

The truth had been thoroughly revealed, and Zhang Wei naturally did not need to question Yang Chuannan any longer, as the latter had limited knowledge.

Zhang Wei walked back to the defense, where he was met with Yang Chuanfang’s expectant gaze.

Zhang Wei sat down calmly and even patted Young Master Yang’s shoulder.

"Young Master Yang, as per your request, I complied with everything. Since you did not want to testify and did not want to point out your deceased father’s misdeeds, I did not ask you to speak!"

"But you let my brother..."

"Young Master Yang, take another look at your brother. Doesn’t he seem much more spirited than when you, I, and he first met?"

Yang Chuanfang was taken aback, then looked toward the witness stand.

He saw his brother Yang Chuannan’s expression pain-filled, but indeed, his spirit seemed to have changed, appearing much more vibrant than before.

The previously somewhat distressed face seemed to have relaxed a great deal, and was no longer as gloomy as before.

"Jessica, come and talk some sense into him," Zhang Wei turned back, smiling at the psychological advisor behind him.

The latter, just by seeing Zhang Wei’s glance, understood his intent and came up behind the two, "Young Master Yang, your brother has always been troubled by a heavy burden on his heart, like a heavy stone pressing down on him, making it almost unbearable to breathe."

"And now, as this matter has been unveiled, that stone has finally disappeared. There’s no longer anything pressing on his heart, and your brother has found psychological relief from this incident!"

Zhang Wei also nodded, adding, "Your brother has been under tremendous pressure all along, from your father’s reputation to the guilt he felt towards you and Wen Xiaoyun!"

"He suffered alone for ten years, so he is also a victim, and now that I’ve brought this matter to light, it’s like I’ve untied the knot in his heart, and he has gained his freedom!"

"You mean..."

Looking at Zhang Wei, Yang Chuanfang asked subconsciously, "Not only do I need to thank you for uncovering the truth, but I should also thank you on behalf of my brother?"

"Young Master Yang, listen to you," Zhang Wei said. "Isn’t this all within my duties?"

Zhang Wei chuckled, then his gaze shifted towards the courtroom.

"What’s left is just the wrapping up. The prosecution might want to struggle a bit, but it would be better for them to accept the outcome; otherwise..."

Just as Zhang Wei’s voice trailed off, Xiao Baihe stood up from the prosecution bench.

At this moment, her heart was complicated.

On one hand was the impact of the truth.

On the other hand, the truth brought more than impact; it also had significant effects on the current case.

As an ace prosecutor, Xiao Baihe naturally had the ability to read the room.

After observing the jury, she knew the situation was very bad.

"Witness..."

"Cough cough, allow me to interrupt!"

Just as Xiao Baihe was about to speak, Zhang Wei stood up and interrupted.

"Although I know it’s somewhat inappropriate to say this, the truth of this case is already clear. I kindly ask the prosecution to honestly accept the fact, avoid futile struggles, and refrain from falsely accusing our witness of perjury and the like. Tactics like these will make someone seem quite cheap~"

"You..."

Upon hearing Zhang Wei’s sarcastic remarks, Xiao Baihe couldn’t hold back anymore.

"Defense attorney, it’s not your turn to speak!"

Old Wang also lashed out sternly, his warning clear.

But Zhang Wei had achieved his goal; his kicking someone when they were down served to remind everyone in the courtroom that Xiao Baihe might make a move against Yang Chuannan.

It was an old tactic of the prosecution: when a witness gave testimony favorable to the defendant, the prosecution’s method was nothing more than to find weaknesses and attack the witness’s credibility.

Zhang Wei’s move of anticipation and warning was simply meant to create pressure for the prosecution.

"Well done, Zhang Wei, trying to block my countermove!"

A hint of dissatisfaction flickered in Xiao Baihe’s eyes.

Clearly, Zhang Wei had hit the nail on the head; she did indeed plan to do just that.

So now, the pressure to choose was on her.

To continue and face Zhang Wei’s sarcasm, or to end the cross-examination abruptly.

But if she chose to end it, more than half of the twelve jurors sympathized with the defendant.

Ending the trial in such a state would be extremely disadvantageous for the prosecution.

Even if they were to lose, they couldn’t afford to lose so miserably.

Moreover, seeing Zhang Wei sitting at the defense table, all smiles, Xiao Baihe felt provoked.

"Damn it!"

She clenched her fists subconsciously, suppressing the urge to punch him, as she approached the witness stand.

"Witness, you are speaking of events from ten years ago. Why did you keep this knowledge to yourself for so many years without reporting it?"

"Because of my father, I always thought what he said was true. He might have sent Wen Xiaoyun abroad or given her money to live somewhere else. I..."

"You mean to say, you thought Wen Xiaoyun was still alive, unaware that she had died, and her body was in your house, right under your nose?"

"Objection, the prosecution is speculating!"

Xiao Baihe’s questioning was met not with an answer, but with Zhang Wei’s objection.

"Your Honor, the prosecution believes that the witness is informed about the death of Wen Xiaoyun. Please allow me to interrupt and ask the witness about this matter. May I?"

"You’re going to ask?"

Old Wang looked at Xiao Baihe, then at Zhang Wei, and finally, he waved his hand.

Forget it, let me do it; I want to know if that’s true as well.

"Witness, since Lawyer Zhang has brought it up, please answer the court. Were you aware of Wen Xiaoyun’s death?"

"Initially, I had no idea. Later, I vaguely felt something was wrong but didn’t dare to ask until today when Lawyer Zhang revealed the truth and mentioned the body. That’s when I understood she was dead..."

"The court understands!"

Old Wang nodded towards Zhang Wei, "Defense attorney, are you satisfied now?"

"Thank you, Your Honor. Our side has no objections," Zhang Wei said contentedly as he sat down.

On the other side, Xiao Baihe was displeased, seeing that the judge was also playing along with her act, and she could not hold back any longer.

"Witness, you say you don’t know, but how could you possibly not know? At the time, your father said he had taken care of it, obviously meaning he had killed Wen Xiaoyun. You must know about this, you must have had your suspicions, right..."

"Objection!"

Just as Xiao Baihe was firing at Yang Chuannan, Zhang Wei had anticipated this and stood up once more.

"Your Honor, is the prosecution suggesting that our witness is withholding information?"

"Is it not the case?" Xiao Baihe replied with cold sarcasm.

"It seems like the prosecution is in a tight spot and lashing out, huh?" Zhang Wei retorted with equal cold sarcasm.

"What did you say!" Xiao Baihe’s eyebrows knitted together, her tone growing harsher.

"It’s quite simple, if the prosecution wishes to prove that our witness withheld information, then they must present evidence, not fabricate stories in the courtroom with their words alone!"

"Are you saying I’m fabricating stories?"

Hearing Zhang Wei’s taunting, Xiao Baihe’s voice rose a few more decibels.

"Why, you do the deed but don’t allow others to speak of it?"

Zhang Wei didn’t cater to Xiao Baihe; this was a courtroom, not a private matter, where he needed to argue his client’s case vigorously.

"Your Honor, the prosecution requests the defense to be silenced, it’s the prosecution’s time to question!"

"Judge Wang, the defense requests the prosecution to be silenced, since she has been slandering our witness without evidence. What do you call this behavior, throwing unwarranted accusations, acting recklessly because of desperation, making things up out of thin air? Anyway, I can think of too many pejorative terms..."

Zhang Wei and Xiao Baihe both opened fire on each other.

"You two, this..."

On the bench, Old Wang couldn’t sit still any longer.

What he feared, had ultimately happened.

However, when comparing the two, he still sided with Zhang Wei.

Because the truth of the case had come out, and what Xiao Baihe was doing was somewhat unreasonable.

And now that you’re at a disadvantage, you target the witness, is that it?

Back when you had the upper hand, Zhang Wei also targeted the witness, but he didn’t exhibit the excessive behavior of the prosecution.

Comparing the two, Zhang Wei’s restraint and tolerance were not something Xiao Baihe could match.

So, after careful consideration, Old Wang finally made his decision.

"Prosecution, you should be aware of the principle of ’benefit of the doubt,’ correct?"

"I do, Your Honor!"

"Then you should know, when you wish to charge someone with a certain crime, you need to present concrete evidence. Otherwise, when you cannot prove their guilt, the court shall proceed under the presumption of innocence!"

"But, the witness clearly knows about it, he..."

"Your Honor, I believe you’ve made a great point, only some people aren’t listening, right?"

While Xiao Baihe was still thinking of "arguing with reason," Zhang Wei interrupted with a sarcastic tone.

"Is she really not hearing, or did she hear it but chooses to act as if she hasn’t?"

"Prosecutor Xiao, as a public prosecutor, can you not let your emotions influence your judgment?"

Old Wang didn’t get involved with Zhang Wei’s sarcasm; instead, he looked at Xiao Baihe with unprecedented seriousness.

"But..."

"Hmm!!!"

Xiao Baihe was just about to speak, but Old Wang immediately stiffened his face, his gaze a warning!

"Understood, Your Honor, I retract my previous statement!"

Ultimately, Xiao Baihe had no choice but to submit to the "dominance" of Zhang Wei and the judge and make a humiliating compromise.

Xiao Baihe vowed that she had never felt such indignity in her life.

"Not bad, let’s applaud the prosecution for having the courage to own up to their actions, well done!"

At the defense bench, Zhang Wei still didn’t let up, even starting to applaud mockingly.

This scene caused a vein to pop on Xiao Baihe’s forehead; not just her silver teeth, but her molars were nearly crushed.

"Your Honor... concerning this witness... the prosecution has no further questions!"

She spoke almost suppressing her rage, articulating each word.

"Alright, you’ve worked hard!"

In the end, Old Wang still offered Xiao Baihe a word of encouragement.

On one hand, he had to endure Zhang Wei’s relentless mockery and sarcasm; on the other, he had to suppress his anger, avoiding any behavior that overstepped the boundaries.

That must have been difficult for you.

"Defense, do you have any more witnesses?"

Old Wang looked towards the defense bench once more, his gaze fixed on Yang Chuanfang.

If your side has any more witnesses, it would be the defendant himself taking the stand, right?

"Your Honor, our side has no more witnesses to call!"

But Zhang Wei stood up calmly and spoke slowly.

"Lawyer Zhang, actually I could take the stand. I even thought about speaking on my own behalf. What you’re saying..."

"No, you don’t want to!"

Yang Chuanfang wanted to show his face, but Zhang Wei firmly pressed him back into his seat at the defense bench.

The latter glanced at the prosecution bench next door and saw a face twisted with anger.

What a joke!

With Xiao Baihe still fuming, why would he take the risk of letting Young Master Yang go up and face the opposition’s fire?

Since the case was already won, why invite trouble?

"Fine then, get ready for your closing statement soon!"

Old Wang waved his hand, dismissing the two to prepare.

Zhang Wei naturally smiled slightly in agreement.

"Damn it!"

On the other hand, Prosecutor Xiao was almost pounding the table in frustration.

She had hoped that at the last minute, when the defense’s final witness, Yang Chuanfang, took the stand, she could regain some ground.

But she had never anticipated that Zhang Wei wouldn’t even intend to let Yang Chuanfang testify.

It was like Xiao Baihe had been saving a powerful move, but the game ended before she could use it.

It was infuriating, extremely infuriating; enough to drive someone mad...

...

minutes later.

In the courtroom.

Zhang Wei was the first to deliver the closing argument.

He walked to the front of the courtroom, took a deep breath, and began to summarize.

"First, I must clarify one thing, which is also the most crucial fact that needs to be ascertained when ruling on this case, and that is the truth!"

"In fact, if my client had truly murdered Wen Xiaoyun, I would have made him plead guilty, to face up to his wrongdoing, rather than try to take shortcuts, deceiving the jury, and hoping to be found innocent!"

"But what is the truth of this case? Is the murderer of Wen Xiaoyun he? Clearly not!"

"The truth of this case is that the murderer of Wen Xiaoyun is Yang Changqing, it’s my client’s father. He has been kept in the dark from start to finish, knowing nothing!"

"If there is one surviving person who knows the truth, it’s his brother, Yang Chuannan, who has hidden this for ten years, endured tremendous psychological pressure due to a burden of ten years."

Zhang Wei paused here for a moment and looked toward the prosecution bench.

"I know what the prosecution’s tactic is. She will distort the facts with the intent of using her last chance to shift the blame onto my client, and utilizing her prepared concluding remarks, she aims to convince you twelve that my client is the murderer and that Yang Changqing is just a scapegoat concocted by the Yang brothers."

As soon as he said this, Prosecutor Xiao glared at Zhang Wei furiously from the prosecution bench.

It was unclear whether she was angry because he had hit the nail on the head or because of Zhang Wei’s accusation against her.

"But please also consider what Judge Wang said about the benefit of the doubt. In court, the benefit of the doubt goes to the defendant. When the prosecution can’t find evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt, then you must treat him as innocent, not as a criminal. Please bear this in mind!"

"When the prosecution accuses my client of being guilty, that he killed someone, that he hid the body, please look at her and ask yourselves, is there evidence for this accusation?"

"If there’s no evidence to prove my client committed the crime, then the accusation is meaningless. From the perspective of the benefit of the doubt, my client is innocent!"

"When the prosecution wants to slander my witnesses, ask yourselves again, is there evidence for this accusation?"

"If not, then the accusation does not stand, and my client is again innocent!"

At the end, Zhang Wei turned his gaze once more to the prosecution bench, towards Prosecutor Xiao, with a smile on his lips.

He immediately turned his head to look at the twelve jurors, jokingly saying, "Everything must be based on evidence. If the prosecution wants to disregard evidence, then that’s hooliganism in court. Please don’t indulge her in this!"

This near-jocular remark made many in the jury laugh.

Equally, on the prosecution bench, Prosecutor Xiao’s expression became exceedingly unpleasant.

Because she knew, the outcome of the case was decided!