Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 312 - 310: A Pair of Mandarin Ducks? Master against Master?

Chapter 312: Chapter 310: A Pair of Mandarin Ducks? Master against Master?

The next day, Wednesday.

Jincheng Law Firm, Criminal Department office.

The last three days of June, Dongfang Capital was about to step into the summer vacation of July.

But for the Jincheng Criminal Department, these last three days were particularly agonizing.

The reason was simple, the boss of the Criminal Department, Tie Ruyun, got himself into a lawsuit.

Although the lawsuit might not be considered a big deal, its impact was extremely negative.

Because he was caught soliciting prostitution!

If it were any ordinary man caught in this situation, people would have laughed it off and moved on.

But this time it involved Tie Ruyun, and that changed everything.

The big boss of the Criminal Department actually soliciting prostitutes, and getting caught at that?

Caught red-handed!

Now the Procuratorate’s Office is prosecuting you, how embarrassing is that for you?

Luckily, you aren’t married and don’t have a girlfriend. Being single for nearly 40 years, that’s not so embarrassing.

Plus, your family is in the North, and in Dongfang Capital you’re on your own, so you avoid the embarrassment of social death among friends and relatives.

However, if you dare to come to the law firm, then it’s...

Ding-dong!

The elevator doors opened, and Zhang Wei entered the office with a gloomy face.

Following behind him was the person involved in the case... Tie Ruyun.

"Old Tie, you go into the conference room first!"

Zhang Wei waved his hand, and Tie Ruyun had no choice but to bite the bullet and walk into the Criminal Department, under the gaze of the newcomers, and into the large conference room.

"Cough cough, you all go back to what you were doing. I’ll handle Old Tie’s case."

Among the new recruits, someone opened their mouth as if wanting to say something.

"I know what you want to ask. The cases I’ve promised you might be postponed a little because neither Old Tie nor I have time to follow up on your cases right now."

"But don’t worry, I’ll make sure this case is closed before the end of the month. Starting from July, I will assign new cases to you all. So everyone just relax and go about your business."

Having said this, Zhang Wei waved to the newcomers, threw a "don’t worry, I’ve got this" look to his two apprentices and Xiao Li, and then entered the large conference room.

Inside the conference room.

It was only Zhang Wei and Tie Ruyun.

The others were busy, or at least they were pretending to be busy.

Zhang Wei sat down directly, then spoke with righteous indignation, and a serious face, "Old Tie, there’s no one else here. Just tell me the truth, did you or did you not solicit a prostitute?"

"What, you don’t believe me either?" Tie Ruyun’s eyes widened in disappointment.

Lucky you, Zhang Wei. I’ve been completely open with you, and this is how you question me?

You’re nothing but... an ingrate!

"Old Tie, what are you thinking about? I need to know how you would respond when the prosecution asks you the same question in court!"

Zhang Wei hurriedly explained, then asked, "Let me tell you, it’s headed for court this time. If you’re going to testify, the prosecution is definitely going to grill you!"

"I definitely didn’t solicit any prostitutes!"

Tie Ruyun immediately denied, scratching his head and speaking with an awkward expression, "I won’t hide it from you, I’ve been single for nearly 40 years, and never even thought about soliciting. With my family pushing me to find a woman and get married, how do I have time for that when I’m dealing with these things every day?"

"Old Tie, hold on!"

Zhang Wei quickly raised his hand to interrupt, "Your 40 years of being single aren’t causally related to soliciting prostitutes. And actually, your single status could potentially cause issues, given that there’s always been a lack of women in your life."

Hearing this, Tie Ruyun sighed, "What’s wrong with being single? Is it wrong to be looked down upon and to be slandered?"

"Generally speaking, there’s nothing wrong with being single, but for someone who’s been single for 40 years like you, I really think there might be a problem!"

Zhang Wei said, patting Tie Ruyun on the shoulder and advising him in the tone of someone who’s been there, "Listen to me, find yourself a decent woman and settle down!"

"I would if I could meet one!"

"How come you can’t meet anyone?"

Zhang Wei spread his hands, then pointed to himself, "Take me for example, look at my Simple-minded kiddo, such an honest child..."

"Stop right there, let’s not talk about your stuff. I can’t learn from that!"

Tie Ruyun quickly raised his hand to interrupt, picking up a trick from Zhang Wei.

If he let this guy continue, not only the so-called Simple-minded person but also that blonde would probably be dragged into the conversation.

Tie Ruyun had to admit, although this guy seemed quite down-to-earth, he had a lot of tricks up his sleeve, charming several girls.

It was rumored that he even had an affair with a female prosecutor from the Procuratorate Headquarters. Whether that was true or not, he wasn’t sure.

If it was true, then it’s really outrageous.

"Alright, Old Tie, but honestly, I think Lawyer Bai might be a good choice for you, want to give it a try?"

"No, Lawyer Bai is not my type. I can’t handle her personality, and she’s so much younger than me. This would be like an old bull munching on tender grass, not happening, not happening!"

Seeing Tie Ruyun shake his head, Zhang Wei began to consider in his mind, women who were not too young and also single.

"Well, what about Team Leader Lin from the Major Crime Unit One? Didn’t she come to visit you when you were detained?"

"Lin Ruonan?"

Tie Ruyun was stunned, and couldn’t help thinking this youngster seemed a bit too interested in matchmaking.

However, after giving it some thought, he found that Vice Captain Lin Ruonan from Major Crime Unit One seemed quite nice indeed...

"That’s not right, shouldn’t we be discussing the case? Why are you bringing up all these unrelated things?"

"It’s just seeing you come in looking so tense, I thought I’d start a chat to lighten up the atmosphere!"

Zhang Wei quickly explained before leaning in toward Tie Ruyun and teasing, "Speaking of which, didn’t your face turn red when I mentioned Team Leader Lin just now?"

"Nonsense, I didn’t blush at all. Team Leader Lin is such a nice woman, you’d better not... "

"Hey, you’re defending her—does that mean you have feelings for her?"

Zhang Wei seemed to have caught onto something, his eyes brimming with mirth.

"You, kid, just drop it..."

"Alright, let’s talk business!" Zhang Wei’s smile suddenly faded.

The speed of his changing expressions was so fast that Tie Ruyun was left with his words stuck in his throat.

Inwardly, he marveled at how quickly the youngster could change his demeanor, faster than any woman could!

"Ahem, let’s get back to the matter at hand, shall we!"

Zhang Wei looked at Tie Ruyun and said earnestly, "First of all, about the case. I’ve received news that the prosecutor from the Central District Procuratorate’s Office who is pressing charges against you, her name is Xu Suyun!"

"Nun Xu!"

At the mention of this name, Tie Ruyun also exclaimed.

The name Nun Xu was well-known, her fame resonating throughout the entirety of Dongfang Capital.

"Yes, I was also surprised. A trivial case like this managed to pique the interest of such a renowned figure. Later I found out that Chai Ping, from the same Central District Procuratorate’s Office, is her apprentice, so I guess I must apologize to you, Old Tie. It might be my fault that you’re in this predicament!"

Zhang Wei revealed an awkward smile, somewhat helpless.

How could he have known that after defeating Chai Ping twice, the master would come to reclaim lost face?

Who would have thought that by beating the small fry, the big shots would show up?

This wasn’t a fantasy novel, yet they had run into such a cliché scenario.

"Zhang Wei, I know you’re confident, right?" Tie Ruyun looked at Zhang Wei expectantly.

"Of course, I’m confident, that’s the second thing I wanted to say!"

Zhang Wei nodded and then went on to say, "According to my undercover informant in the Major Crime Unit, it seems Gan Xiaowei was coerced into making allegations against you that are unfavorable."

Tie Ruyun opened his mouth in astonishment, silently remarking on how amazing that was.

You’ve got undercover informants in the Major Crime Unit? None of the lawyers in the whole of Dongfang Capital are as badass as you are!

What’s this? Infiltrating enemy ranks?

"Cough cough, wait, you said Xiao Wei was threatened? By whom?"

"That’s exactly the problem, I still don’t know who this person is!"

Zhang Wei spread his hands, indicating that he hadn’t figured it out yet.

There wasn’t much he could do since he had only been handed the case yesterday. What could he possibly discover in one night?

"Old Tie, tell me, do you know who is responsible for managing Gan Xiaowei and the other Liuyings?"

"I know him, he’s one of the pimps in that area, and I even know their higher-up."

"Oh, who is it?" Zhang Wei perked up, secretly praising Old Tie for having a lead.

"They’re under Ah Biao!"

"Ah Biao?"

"Yes, Sang Biao. I’ve heard he works for Lord Leopard Three, but I haven’t had much contact with Lord Leopard Three."

Tie Ruyun said, a hint of unease on his face: "I’ve heard the person above Lord Leopard Three is a big deal, with vast connections. I haven’t dealt with that level. The highest person I’ve met on that chain is Sang Biao; I’ve only heard of Lord Leopard Three!"

"Oh, so that’s how it is!"

Hearing Tie Ruyun mention two all too familiar names, Zhang Wei secretly thought to himself, what luck!

The proverbial search for a hard-to-find item proving to be effortlessly easy, it turned out to be an acquaintance.

Well then, that makes things easy!

Didn’t Xia Qianyue say if there was anything she could help with, she would join in?

Looks like he could work on a case with Silly again.

Zhang Wei couldn’t help but feel excited.

"Hey, hey, hey, why are you laughing? I’m talking about some serious stuff here!"

"No, did I laugh?"

Zhang Wei quickly denied it.

After all, Old Tie was about to face a lawsuit, and laughing was a bit inappropriate.

"Well, Old Tie, I have a clear idea now, leave the next steps to me, let’s head to the court. There’s a pre-trial motion process coming up!"

"To the court, to see Nun Xu?"

"Yes, to see Nun Xu, I don’t know if we can convince her to drop the case..."

Zhang Wei muttered, but quickly shook his head.

He knew that if Chai Ping was also there, it wouldn’t be so easy.

...

The city court, the judge’s office.

Judge Liu was now very frustrated, extremely frustrated.

He had never imagined that in such a short time, he would encounter another thorny case.

It had only been a few days since the last case, Gao Xiaoping’s case, and here they were again.

No wonder many seniors at the same court said being a judge was a high-pressure job—it was true.

When he saw Zhang Wei and his opponent appear, he felt a headache coming on, and his mood became irritable, almost to the point of depression.

"Senior Ni Qiuping once said that being a judge is a high-risk profession, and she always talked about being on the verge of depression. I feel like I’m going to follow in her footsteps!"

Every time Xiao Liu thought about that woman who frequently spoke of her own imminent depression, he felt he was close to it too.

"Ahem, Nun Xu, you..."

"Hmm, what are you calling me?"

Xiao Liu was about to speak when he blurted out someone’s nickname and immediately received a cold glare.

"Xu... Prosecutor Xu Suyun, I’m sorry, very sorry..."

Xiao Liu hastily apologized, his demeanor humble.

He had no choice; he was facing the ace prosecutor of the Central District, a figure that he, a rookie judge, couldn’t confront alone.

He couldn’t understand why an ordinary solicitation case had alarmed Nun Xu.

And this time, the formidable character wasn’t just Nun Xu, but another person as well...

"Homicide Lawyer" Zhang Wei!

The reputation of this individual was even more terrifying than that of Nun Xu.

After all, at most, Nun Xu could drive you to depression, but this one could drive a person to death!

Xiao Liu inwardly groaned. Before, he had heard it was a clash between apprentices, and now it was master against master?

Judge Liu didn’t know how to start the conversation.

Fortunately, the person in charge in his office didn’t care about his thoughts.

"Lawyer Zhang, are you planning to persuade your client to plead guilty in this motion process? To me, we might as well not go to trial. After all, your client is a big man, admitting a mistake should be enough. Let him make a voluntary confession!"

Xu Suyun was the first to speak, though her words were laced with a sharp edge.

"Confess to what?" Zhang Wei let out a soft chuckle, also looking toward Nun Xu opposite him.

"Nun Xu, do you think you’ve already won?"

"What did you call me?"

"Nun Xu, when I came in, quite a few court guards were calling you that. I was just picking up from where they left off," Zhang Wei spread out his hands, feigning innocence.

A vein throbbed on Xu Suyun’s forehead, a sign of anger.

She was seething with rage.

However, she couldn’t hold Zhang Wei accountable for this title because he had heard it from others.

The court guards outside, if I find out who is calling me that behind my back, you’ll pay!

The court guards outside had no idea Zhang Wei had thrown them under the bus.

"Nun Xu, there’s no need to dwell on a title. People call me ’Homicide Lawyer’ every day. Have you seen me taking issue with it?"

"Humph, you think by bringing up this nickname, you can scare me off?"

Xu Suyun let out a disdainful chuckle, her icy visage now with a hint of mockery.

To scare ordinary people, "Homicide Lawyer" might work, but who is she, Xu Suyun? She’s the ace prosecutor of the Procuratorate Headquarters.

She has dealt with plenty of murderers; would she be afraid of a lawyer?

"Lawyer Zhang, I won’t waste words with you, because that would be wasting time. Have your client plead guilty. After all, it’s just a minor case—a month’s detention!"

"Nun Xu, that’s exactly what I wanted to talk about. My client, Tie Ruyun, hasn’t committed any crime at all. What guilt should he admit to? Since it’s just a minor case, you might as well withdraw the charge. It would save some judicial resources for the serious cases that truly require a trial."

"It seems we have nothing to discuss then?" Xu Suyun’s eyebrows knitted once more, her glare fiercer.

"I assert that my client is innocent, and unless you drop the charges, we will not accept any form of settlement!"

Zhang Wei looked directly at Xu Suyun, standing his ground without yielding an inch.

"Do you think your client hasn’t committed a crime?"

"Has he?"

"Well, I will prove it in tomorrow’s hearing!"

Having said that, Xu Suyun turned on her heel and left, showing no regard for either Zhang Wei or Judge Liu.

"I hope so, but I’d prefer it if you used judicial resources where they should be used, instead of trying to avenge your disciple!"

Zhang Wei chuckled and tossed a taunt at Xu Suyun’s retreating figure.

"Hmph, it’s not my fault that simpleton is incompetent, but I’m not him!"

Without any regard for her disciple Chai Ping who was still there, Xu Suyun mocked him with a cold scoff.

Chai Ping’s face instantly changed, filled with confusion and a sense of injustice.

What does your argument have to do with me?

I was just tagging along with my master today for some extra support, so why have I become the target of your joint attacks?

"Oh, right, since you brought up my disciple, I remember your first encounter with us."

Xu Suyun said this while looking toward Tie Ruyun, who was standing beside Zhang Wei.

"I guess you won’t be using that same trick again, convincing the jury that your client fell in love with a prostitute, right?"

Upon hearing this, Tie Ruyun’s lips twitched, and he glanced at Zhang Wei.

No way, no way, right?

This guy isn’t going to use that move, is he?

If you dare to use it, I’ll kill myself on the spot to prove my innocence. I swear I’ll do it!

"Of course, if you want to use it, I won’t stop you. But I am very curious how a Jincheng Criminal Department lawyer, no less, could fall in love with a prostitute. Once this comes out, it’s sure to blow up the Dongfang Capital Lawyer Circle, won’t it?"

"Nun Xu, I suggest you accumulate some karma with your words."

"I also suggest that when your client went after the prostitute, he should have thought about his own status as a lawyer and kept some virtue!"

"Then I’ll see you tomorrow morning in the pretrial, Lawyer Zhang!"

Nun Xu said, laughing, and then strode away.

After Xu Suyun left, taking Chai Ping with her, they departed the courthouse.

"Judge Liu, she just left like that, showing no respect for you, right?"

Watching his opponent leave, Zhang Wei immediately turned his head to look at the judge.

"I think it’s fine..."

Xiao Liu hastened to add a warning: "Lawyer Zhang, don’t stir up trouble here. I am the presiding judge of this case and need to maintain fairness and integrity,"

"Fine then, Judge Liu. It’s going to be a tough trial tomorrow. I believe the pretrial is in the morning and then the trial starts in the afternoon, correct?"

"Yes."

Judge Liu nodded, "This case is just a prostitution case after all, not that influential; we don’t have so many judicial resources to waste. If possible, I’d like to conclude it by the end of the month."

"I hope it can be concluded by the end of the month too!"

Zhang Wei naturally agreed with this point.

He gave Tie Ruyun a meaningful look, and the two of them also bid farewell to Judge Liu.

...

After leaving the city courthouse, Zhang Wei appeared calm, but Tie Ruyun felt the pressure.

"Zhang Wei, it seems like everyone is pointing fingers at me?"

He looked around and found many lawyers passing by were looking at him with strange expressions.

"There’s nothing we can do; a traitor has appeared among our lawyers, and your being caught for soliciting a prostitute is practically common knowledge now, thanks to this traitor fanning the flames!"

Zhang Wei patted Tie Ruyun on the shoulder and consoled him: "But don’t worry, I will clear your name."

"That’s a relief!"

Heartened by Zhang Wei’s promise, Tie Ruyun breathed a sigh of relief.

"By the way, where are you headed next?"

"I’m off to find the key witness in this case. You mentioned Ah Biao, right? Then I’ll go find him."

"But he’s a gang member; won’t you be in danger if you go?"

"It’s fine, I can bring a bodyguard. This time, I’m planning to bring three bodyguards for assistance, definitely foolproof!"

Confidence shimmered in Zhang Wei’s eyes.

He had already prepared his next move.