Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 297 - 295: Coming to watch the play? Can’t play cards and have to prove yourself?

Chapter 297: Chapter 295: Coming to watch the play? Can’t play cards and have to prove yourself?

Wednesday, the day of the trial.

Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters, High Prosecutor’s Office.

Lan Zhengye had just picked up his coffee when he was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come in!"

The office door opened, and a woman walked in.

"Senior Brother!"

"Hmm, Lu Shimei?"

Lan Zhengye quickly put down his coffee and then looked at the newcomer with surprise.

This person was none other than Lu Wenwen, a senior prosecutor from Nandao District Procuratorate.

She also had another identity, the daughter of Judge Lu Zhengting from the Nandao Court, and also... defeated by Zhang Wei.

This last identity was something Lan Zhengye also shared; both had been defeated by Zhang Wei.

"Shimei, what brings you here?"

"Senior Brother, I applied for a transfer at the end of last month, and it’s been approved. I’ll officially join Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters in the middle of the month!"

Lu Wenwen said, a hint of smugness flashing across her face.

Although transferring from the Nandao District Procuratorate to Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters was a lateral move in terms of position, remaining a senior prosecutor,

everyone knew that moving from the regional office in Nandao to Dongfang Capital or, to put it another way, the number one Procuratorate Headquarters in the Southern Region was actually a "promotion."

Moreover, for Lu Wenwen, joining the Procuratorate Headquarters had another significance—it meant she could work with her senior brother as colleagues.

"Then congratulations, Shimei, we’ll be colleagues from now on!"

Lan Zhengye smiled slightly, offering his congratulations.

"Oh, Senior Brother, I did some homework before coming here and found out that you guys have a case where the opponent is that Zhang Wei!"

At the mention of Zhang Wei, both Lan Zhengye and Lu Wenwen’s faces showed a touch of embarrassment.

There was no helping it, they had both lost to this man, both defeated by him.

This record, unmentioned though it may be, wasn’t exactly glorious.

"Shimei has heard about it too?"

Mentioning Zhang Wei, Lan Zhengye immediately perked up.

"Yes, you heard right, currently our headquarters indeed has a case, and the opponent is precisely Zhang Wei!"

"Moreover, the prosecutor for this case is Old Guo, the office director. Looking at the current situation, the defense probably doesn’t stand a chance!"

Although Lan Zhengye didn’t dare to be too certain, the curve of his lips betrayed him.

With his years of trial experience, he thought that this case was not actually contestable.

Even if Zhang Wei managed to defend his client with a guilty plea, the concessions he could fight for were limited.

And at Monday’s trial, the advantage could almost be said to be on the prosecution’s side.

"By the way, Senior Brother, today is the second trial session, right? Shall we go watch as well?"

Lu Wenwen suddenly became eager, pulling Lan Zhengye towards the door.

"This is a hard-fought battle for our Procuratorate Headquarters, and the opponent is that Zhang Wei. I definitely won’t miss it. If we can win today, our Procuratorate Headquarters will have truly raised our heads high!"

"Shimei, stop pulling. Of course, I’m going to watch. Why are you still dragging me?"

Lu Wenwen pulled Lan Zhengye out of the High Prosecutor’s Office.

Meanwhile, in the office of the director of the Serious Crimes Department on the second floor, Zhao Chunming was also speaking with Guo Wufeng.

"Old Guo, it’s all up to you this time!"

"Rest assured, Old Zhao, this time I am determined to crush that young man’s spirit and let him know that not just anyone can provoke our Procuratorate Headquarters!"

Guo Wufeng spoke with a gravity, his expression extremely serious.

Today’s trial was against Zhang Wei, and their Procuratorate Headquarters was about to win this tough battle.

It was all worth it because the person they were about to defeat was the one who had brought them countless cold stares.

"Well then, I won’t say much more. I’ll have the whole office go to support you!"

Zhao Chunming and Guo Wufeng nodded solemnly and then walked outside.

"Listen up everyone, today’s trial is our headquarters’ most important battle. Those without cases do not have permission to be absent. Even if you have to just sit in the gallery, you must witness the final moment!"

"Understood, Director!"

"Louder, didn’t you have breakfast?"

"Understood, Director!!!"

Hearing a loud response from everyone in the office, Zhao Chunming finally nodded in satisfaction. "That’s more like it!"

He walked back to his office while loudly saying, "We are prosecutors from the Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters, representing the side of justice. If we can’t show some spirit, how can we explain ourselves to all the citizens of Dongfang Capital, and how can we live up to the sacred mission you all carry on your shoulders!"

"Director Guo is giving another one of his grand speeches!"

In the corner, Tan Yingying leaned over to Xiao Baihe and whispered.

"Sister Baihe, do you have any cases to handle, are you going to attend the hearing?"

"Of course, this is Zhang Wei’s case, and he is very likely to endure his first painful defeat. How could I miss it?"

Xiao Baihe said, with a mocking smile on her lips.

I really want to see what Zhang Wei looks like when he loses a trial for the first time.

It’s bound to be fascinating...

...

City Court, a certain preparation room.

Zhang Wei was having a final talk with his client Gao Xiaoping.

Naturally, the topic of conversation was more about warnings.

"Madam Gao, although I know it’s not appropriate to say this, but I must remind you, as your defense attorney, if you lose control in court, I won’t rule out having you step out of the courtroom to cool off in the next room!"

"What if I end up being sentenced to jail after today’s court session?"

The thought of possibly going to jail after the trial made Gao Xiaoping’s mood plummet, as her complexion changed.

"What if I assure you that today’s court session will definitely turn the tide in your favor?"

"Turn the tide?"

Gao Xiaoping actually wanted to hear an assurance that she wouldn’t go to jail.

But lawyers are absolutely forbidden to make such guarantees, so they can only use phrases like "turn the tide" as a substitute, playing a sort of word game.

"Lawyer Zhang, let me tell you then, as long as I don’t go to jail, everything else is negotiable!"

"Understood, I assure you that you will receive the fair treatment you deserve!"

Seeing Zhang Wei’s assurance, Gao Xiaoping finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Although this promise seemed to mean nothing, it at least gave her some peace of mind.

"Alright, it’s about time. Let’s get ready to go to the courtroom!"

Zhang Wei checked the time and led Gao Xiaoping out of the preparation room and into the courtroom.

No sooner had he entered than he felt a surge of pressure.

He saw countless sharp gazes sweeping over from the spectators’ bench, as if they were knives wanting to pierce through his entire body.

Most of these gazes were hostile.

"Good lord, so many people have come!"

Zhang Wei looked up and saw many familiar faces seated on the spectators’ bench.

There was Zhao Chunming from the Procuratorate Headquarters, needless to say, and even more newcomers were present than on a typical Monday.

And in front of the group of newcomers was Zhang Wei’s old acquaintance, Xiao Baihe, let alone Tan Yingying.

Unexpectedly, Lan Zhengye from the High Prosecutor’s Office was also there, and seated next to Lan Zhengye was none other than Lu Wenwen.

Since when did cases from Dongfang Capital draw observers from the High Prosecutor’s Office of Nandao?

On the spectators’ bench sat a grand array of prosecutors.

Their gazes toward Zhang Wei were surprisingly uniform.

Contemptuous, mocking, and even a bit of pity.

Clearly, they all believed that Zhang Wei was destined to lose today.

Apart from the prosecution’s cheerleading squad, there were also plenty of fellow attorneys in attendance.

Some were recognizable by name, others not, and there were even faces from the Top Ten Firms present.

It seemed that they were equally interested in witnessing Zhang Wei’s potential "first defeat."

One could say that, although today’s case wasn’t a major criminal one, it had nonetheless captured the attention of the entire legal community in Dongfang Capital.

Those were just the ones present at the scene; there were certainly many more who either held their status too high to attend or who had sent their subordinates to listen in.

Such was the case for individuals like Hu Yaode, Heizu (Blackfoot), who had crossed paths and even suffered bitter defeats at Zhang Wei’s hands.

Zhang Wei was certain that that old rascal had arranged for subordinates to attend, and there were undoubtedly others of the same mind present.

Zhang Wei took a seat at the defense bench with Gao Xiaoping.

Guo Wufeng approached with a sneer.

"Lawyer Zhang, how about you thought over yesterday’s discussion? If your client wants to plead guilty, this is the last chance!"

Zhang Wei stood up and turned to look at the spectators’ bench.

Apart from the first row where his buddies had come early to take the seats, all other spots were taken by "people with ill-intentions."

"Old Guo, why be so adamant? Haven’t you ever heard the saying, ’Always leave room for maneuver, so that you may get along in the future’?"

"Hahaha, leave room for maneuver?"

A sneer played on Guo Wufeng’s lips, "For others, I might give them another chance, but as for you, Zhang Wei, there’s nothing to discuss!"

"Really?"

"Really!"

"No room for negotiation?"

"No room for negotiation!"

"You won’t give me a chance?"

"Why do you talk so much nonsense!"

Guo Wufeng let out a cold laugh, glanced at Gao Xiaoping beside him, "Be straightforward. Either let your client plead guilty and sign our plea agreement, or wait for the verdict. Either way, she’ll serve at least five years, and with bad luck, even seven to ten years!"

Gao Xiaoping’s face fell at this.

On the other hand, Zhang Wei remained relatively composed.

"Actually, what my client can accept is a guilty plea with a minimum of three years plus two years of probation, and the possibility of parole in the last year."

"Hmph, you’re dreaming!"

Hearing Zhang Wei’s demand, Guo Wufeng scoffed.

Three years in prison on a plea, two years probation, and parole in the last year – wasn’t that practically the same as no prison time at all?

If Guo Wufeng agreed to such terms, how could he face his colleagues in the future?

"Is that how you treat your client?"

Guo Wufeng looked at Gao Xiaoping, who said nothing.

What did that signify? It signified her tacit approval of Zhang Wei speaking.

In that moment, Guo Wufeng understood and grasped the conditions Zhang Wei and Gao Xiaoping set forth.

He sneered, saying with mockery, "Didn’t we make a bet before? I, Guo Wufeng, am laying it out here today – if I agree to your terms, I’ll call you ’daddy’ right on the spot!"

After saying that, he waved his hand grandly and walked back to the prosecutor’s bench.

"Calling someone daddy, how did you know that someone would be calling out ’daddy’ today?"

Zhang Wei touched his nose, a strange expression appearing on his face.

He had a feeling that today’s trial was going to be very peculiar.

Five minutes later, the time to start the trial finally arrived.

"All rise!"

Duty-bound, the Court Guard announced the judge’s entrance.

Judge Liu took small steps, walking to the bench.

As soon as he sat down, he sensed something unusual about the courtroom today.

Glancing around, he silently exclaimed in surprise and felt a chill down his spine.

He saw the witness seats were full of people, each with a grave expression as if ready to commit murder.

The pressure was immense!

No, it was greater than a mountain, as if the sky was collapsing.

And this time, there was no tall person to support the falling sky; he had to do it himself.

"I’m just a little judge who’s just been transferred from the countryside, a newcomer to the criminal court – do you have to be like this?"

Xiao Liu felt he should learn from Judge Ni Qiuping, as he was also on the verge of depression – the incurable kind.

This was merely a case of illegal medical practice, not some heinous crime like murder, robbery, rape or arson. Was such a massive turnout necessary?

In front of the witness seats, the grandes from the Procuratorate Headquarters had arrived.

Lawyers from the Top Ten Firms were present, and he could even name a few of them.

Not to mention Zhao Chunming, who constantly stared at him, adding too much pressure.

But work still had to be done, and he had to announce.

"So, um... Let’s continue with today’s session!"

After striking the gavel, Judge Liu suppressed the fear in his heart, forced a smile around his mouth, and looked towards the defense bench.

"However, this court had received a notification earlier that Mr. He’s wife is unwell and unable to come to the court, and he is needed at home to take care of his wife, thus he cannot be present today. The court regrets to inform you that you will temporarily be unable to cross-examine the witness."

"Your Honor, we naturally understand Mr. He’s absence and also support him taking care of his wife at home!"

Zhang Wei conveyed his stance, which made Judge Liu nod in admiration.

They say Zhang Wei is ruthless in his dealings, but clearly, they were wrong. Lawyer Zhang is obviously a "good guy"!

Even towards a witness adverse to his client, he could be so magnanimously understanding – if that’s not being a good person, what is?

"Then, does the prosecution need to call any new witnesses?"

Judge Liu looked toward Guo Wufeng again.

"Your Honor, our side has nothing more to demonstrate and will conclude the presentation of evidence!"

Guo Wufeng had already achieved his goal and naturally did not need to give the defense an opportunity to present more evidence.

What he needed to do next was to counteract Zhang Wei’s moves as they came—not aggressively, but securely and with confidence.

Therefore, temporarily leaving the stage to Zhang Wei was part of his plan.

"Well, since the prosecution has concluded its presentation of evidence, it’s the defense’s turn," said Judge Liu as he made a welcoming gesture, and Zhang Wei stood up promptly.

"Your Honor, and everyone in the courtroom, the defense calls the defendant Gao Xiaoping to testify in her own defense!"

Zhang Wei’s words took no one by surprise.

Because everyone knew that the most advantageous witness for the defense was the defendant herself.

It was inevitable that Gao Xiaoping would eventually testify; the only surprise was that she was called so soon by the defense to testify in her own defense.

As Zhang Wei finished speaking, Gao Xiaoping got up and walked toward the witness stand, while he turned to glance at the spectators’ gallery.

He saw the newcomers like Su Xiaoqian sitting in the front row, all of them with their heads lowered, their faces showing shame.

Because just yesterday, they had said that Zhang Wei had two cards to play: the emotional card and the logical card.

They had planned to go to Bei Chong Island to find witnesses and let the islanders testify in court about Gao Xiaoping’s situation.

But what happened?

The whole of yesterday, they visited Bei Chong Island and failed to find a single witness willing to testify.

Some said they were busy, others said it was inconvenient, and when asked to testify in Dongfang Capital, everyone declined.

Su Xiaoqian and the other newcomers practically went door-to-door asking, but not a single person agreed.

In the end, they returned with disappointment etched on their faces. Fortunately, by the time they got back, Zhang Wei had already left the office.

Otherwise, seeing their dejected expressions would probably have made Zhang Wei laugh.

Similarly, Guo Wufeng sitting at the prosecution’s table, showed a meaningful smile when he saw Zhang Wei calling the defendant to testify.

"Good, exactly as I expected!" he said.

He glanced at Xiao Chen sitting next to him, who promptly leaned in closer, understanding the implication.

"Director Guo, when I returned on Monday, I notified the locals as you instructed. I did not go into detail; I merely mentioned that they would have to cover their travel expenses to Dongfang Capital, and if the defense lawyers promised to pay, it would constitute bribing witnesses, a crime that could land them in prison. Now they are all avoiding it like the plague; no one wants to do something so thankless!"

"Of course, defense lawyers cannot bribe witnesses, that would be a crime, a serious crime. And those islanders, after a tiresome journey, also think about whether it’s worth it or not. Clearly, they all think it’s not worth it!" replied Guo Wufeng with a sneer, certain that all this was within his expectations.

Just like Zhang Wei said, people are greedy and selfish by nature. If the residents of Bei Chong Island truly wanted to testify, they would have called his office long ago.

They are afraid and find it troublesome, of course they are not willing to go through a difficult journey to Dongfang Capital for no good reason.

So, forget about playing cards.

There are neither "logical" nor "emotional" cards to play.

Zhang Wei didn’t have any new witnesses on hand, so he could only call for the defendant to testify herself.

"Madam Gao, hello!"

"Hello!"

Gao Xiaoping adjusted herself and responded to Zhang Wei’s questions.

"I believe everyone in the courtroom actually has some misunderstandings about you, and today is your opportunity to explain those misunderstandings. So, Madam Gao, is there anything you would like to say to the jury and those in the spectators’ gallery?"

Gao Xiaoping lowered her head and was silent for a moment, surveying the jury and the spectators’ seats.

Unfortunately, the scene before her was clearly not favorable.

Because the eyes of both the 12 jurors and the limited audience in the spectators’ gallery were not friendly toward her since Monday’s hearing.

After a moment, she finally gathered herself and slowly said, "Actually, I know many people have misunderstood me."

"I admit, after Bei Chong Island and Dongfang Capital merged, I had some resistance to the notification regulations, which caused me to dislike the idea of going to Dongfang Capital to obtain a license."

"Later, because my work was too busy, I could not spare time for the systematic process required to get licensed. I had to take care of my pregnant mother and assist in basic health exams, help stabilize pregnancies, adjust sleep schedules, improve diets, and so on..."

Gao Xiaoping began to explain.

But Guo Wufeng, sitting at the prosecution’s table, suddenly chuckled coldly.

"Excuses, all excuses. Wait until I come up for the cross-examination, and I’ll show you what cruelty is," he thought to himself.

Old Guo was eagerly looking forward to tearing Gao Xiaoping’s mask off.

However, he was also surprised; Zhang Wei clearly had the ability to coach his client on how to deal with the jury, so why hadn’t he done it?

Could it be that he had run out of strategies as well?