Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 325 - 323: Conclusion, Matchmaking, Zhao Qingyan’s Reminder

Chapter 325: Chapter 323: Conclusion, Matchmaking, Zhao Qingyan’s Reminder

On Friday evening, outside the courthouse.

"Go back, everyone, head on home, have a great weekend!"

Zhang Wei and Tie Ruyun waved goodbye, parting ways with the newcomers.

At this moment, their mood naturally was good.

Because they had won the case and cleared their names.

For a defense lawyer, the happiest time is, of course, when they win a case.

"See you on Monday, boss, see you on Monday, Lawyer Zhang!"

"Goodbye, Lawyer Zhang!"

"Old Tie, I knew you were innocent, so see you on Monday!"

The newcomers waved goodbye to both of them, ready to enjoy their weekend.

"Old Tie, let’s go!"

Zhang Wei also, with Tie Ruyun, made their way to the courthouse parking lot.

Zhang Xinyan had been waiting there already.

"Let’s go, to the Old Street Bar!"

Zhang Wei mentioned a place, and Zhang Xinyan immediately started driving.

"Old Street Bar?"

Tie Ruyun hesitated for a moment, but seeing Zhang Wei’s high spirits, he did not stop him.

In the car.

Zhang Wei picked up his phone, ready to dial a number.

Dinglingling!

But someone seemed to have guessed his intention and called directly.

The number displayed as unknown.

"Hello, Elder Old Lin, right?"

"You’re very clever!"

On the other end of the line, Lin Jincheng’s cold voice came through.

"Elder Old Lin, I was planning to report to you, but from your tone, I assume you already know the outcome?"

"The moment you summoned Wang Jianren to court, I knew the answer!"

Zhang Wei thought to himself, good fellow, worthy of being Lin Jincheng, truly impressive.

This web of information and the almost divine intuition, one can’t help but marvel at it.

As expected of someone who has lived for so long, an old fox indeed.

"So, about certain individuals involved in the case, they..."

"I know what you want to say, I will definitely not forgive Wang Jianren, as for Shen Zhengyi and Li Qingshou, I won’t touch them for the time being. After all, they are my son’s subordinates, and I can’t overstep the mark in dealing with them!"

Zhang Wei chuckled, but inwardly he had his complaints.

You indeed practice double standards; aren’t we also your son’s subordinates?

If we had lost the case, would you consider sparing a thought for your son’s reputation?

Talking about not overstepping the mark, using your son as a shield, it’s all just an excuse.

In essence, you don’t wish to deal with Shen Zhengyi.

Truly, the people of Lin Family are all typical double standard practitioners.

Oh, except for his own little apprentice.

She is genuinely simple-minded, nothing like her grandfather or father...

"Well then, Elder Old Lin, my mission is completed, right?"

"Hmm, your performance, was passable... *click*..."

On the phone, Lin Jincheng snorted and then hung up.

Hearing the dial tone, Zhang Wei was speechless again.

Passable?

After winning such a splendid victory, all he gets is "passable"?

Lin Jincheng, I, Zhang Wei, will remember this!

Zhang Wei muttered to himself, as car horns blared around him.

He glanced out the car window; they had arrived in the city center, where the traffic light was causing a jam...

It was Friday, near the evening rush hour, traffic in Dongfang Capital at this time, not being congested would be the real surprise.

By the time they arrived at the Old Street Bar, it was around 7 p.m.

"Hey, hey, Zhang Wei, can I go in for a drink?"

"Bratty little brother, you still have to drive me back home, you’re either looking to get a ticket or ending up in jail, let me make it clear I won’t be defending you for drunk driving!"

"I was just saying..."

Zhang Xinyan looked helpless but had no choice but to let go of the thought.

Don’t drink and drive, don’t drive and drink, he understood that reason well.

Zhang Wei led Tie Ruyun straight into the Old Street Bar.

Though located in the city center, the interior of Old Street Bar was a lot quieter.

Many people sat in their seats without talking, some hardly glancing around or speaking, all were drinking with their heads down.

"Zhang Wei, this old street bar mostly caters to the Martial Association Investigation Department, look around, many are from the criminal division!"

Tie Ruyun said, leaning in close to Zhang Wei’s ear and whispering.

The old street bar had been something he’d heard of, also known as "the bar for Martial Association staff."

By the name, one could tell who typically frequented the place for drinks.

It was located between the Martial Association Headquarters and the residential building for staff, not too far from either side, so even if someone got drunk, it was just a short walk to their accommodation, which is why many officers frequented it.

Besides, the officers were under no small amount of work pressure, and if they encountered a tricky case, the pressure would only mount, which led them to this place to relieve their stress.

This is exactly what puzzled Tie Ruyun, why would Zhang Wei choose this place to treat if he wanted to buy drinks?

"Come on, Old Tie, have a seat!"

Zhang Wei said, pointing to a spot at the bar and then sat down with Tie Ruyun.

"You two aren’t from the criminal or even the Investigation Department, are you?" The bartender couldn’t help but laugh upon seeing them.

"What, we don’t look like we’re from the criminal division, yet we deal with criminals every day?"

Zhang Wei laughed too, this bartender certainly had a keen eye.

"You must be lawyers!"

Little did they know, the bartender had pegged their backgrounds in one glance.

"Oh, I’d love to hear more about that..."

As he spoke, Zhang Wei took out 100 yuan from his pocket and pressed it on the table with two fingers.

He hadn’t ordered yet, so it was clear that this wasn’t for the drinks; it was a tip.

Seeing this, the bartender was delighted.

He loved patrons like this, generous with their money.

"It’s simple, the folks from the criminal division always have this air of grievance about them, especially when they’re working big cases, they look as grim as a rainy day!"

The bartender said, gesturing toward two men in a corner.

Those two were unmistakably from the criminal division, hunched over, discussing something, their gazes darting around suspiciously, seeing potential murderers in anyone.

Understanding this, Zhang Wei nodded in realization.

It was obvious that these two were grappling with a case involving a fatality and were under pressure from their superiors, hence their sullen drinking here.

"But you two, you don’t give off that vibe, especially you, with such a confident stride. That’s not something you’d see in the Investigation Department!"

The bartender said, pointing at Zhang Wei’s clothes.

"Moreover, even though the Investigation Department’s benefits are not bad, everyone is on assignments, and even if they are dressed in suits, they’re worth at most a thousand or so yuan. Wearing something too expensive isn’t practical; if it gets torn or stained in an incident, it’s just wasteful."

"But your suit, judging by the fabric and the tailoring, it must be worth tens of thousands at least, enough for half a year’s salary for me!"

The bartender leaned in closer to Zhang Wei and whispered, "The Investigation Department is a bunch of poor sods, nothing like you, so generous with your tips!"

"Well said."

Zhang Wei lifted his fingers from the money, and the bartender once again thanked him with a smile, deftly pocketing the cash.

"So, what can I get for the two great lawyers?"

"Great lawyer is a bit much, as for the drinks, our party isn’t all here yet!"

"Not here yet?"

This time, not only the bartender but even Tie Ruyun was taken aback.

So, you’re not just treating me to a drink, you’ve invited others too?

"Oho, speak of the devil, and the devil appears!"

Just then, Zhang Wei saw someone enter through the door, and it happened to be the person he was expecting.

The bartender and Tie Ruyun followed his gaze, only to see a tall woman with an icy expression walking in.

"Captain Lin!"

"Lin Ruonan?"

The bartender and Tie Ruyun, of course, recognized the newcomer and immediately expressed their surprise.

Well, I’ll be, Zhang Wei was waiting for Lin Ruonan.

Lin Ruonan seemed not to notice Zhang Wei and the other, heading straight for the bar.

"The usual, a beer on ice, no ice, please!"

"Captain Lin, drinking alone today?"

Only then did Lin Ruonan realize the two familiar figures beside her.

"Zhang Wei, Tie Ruyun, is it you guys?"

Lin Ruonan was surprised to run into Zhang Wei in the old street bar.

"Why are you here of all places?"

"Why wouldn’t we come when the bar is open for business?" Zhang Wei chuckled and quickly offered up his seat.

"And today, it’s not me who’s looking for you but our Old Tie here!"

Pushing Old Tie forward, he moved him in front of Lin Ruonan.

"Captain Lin, you wronged our Old Tie before, so an apology from you isn’t too much to ask, is it?"

"Zhang Wei, I couldn’t possibly..."

Tie Ruyun immediately waved him off, indicating that there was no need for that.

"You... you were waiting for me on purpose?"

Lin Ruonan furrowed her brow but thought back and felt that perhaps she indeed had been a bit too harsh.

Under the surprised gaze of Tie Ruyun, she sincerely apologized, "I’m sorry, Lawyer Tie, I misunderstood you. I heard about your case and wish to congratulate you on clearing your name!"

"Captain Lin, how could I accept this, I’m actually not bothered at all..."

Tie Ruyun quickly waved his hand, and his face turned even redder when facing Lin Ruonan.

This was because he was embarrassed.

Zhang Wei noticed immediately, Old Tie was blushing.

As the head of the criminal division, he could face some criminal offenders without changing his expression, but when facing Lin Ruonan, he actually got embarrassed.

"Bartender, prepare some drinks for them. The first three rounds are on me!"

As Zhang Wei spoke, he directly threw a wad of money on the bar.

"Alright!"

Seeing this, the bartender immediately smiled.

With so much money, not to mention the first three rounds, even the first ten rounds would be covered.

Indeed, lawyers earn quite a bit, at least they are more willing to spend money than those in the investigation department.

"Zhang Wei, what do you mean by treating me to a drink?" Meanwhile, Lin Ruonan sensed something was amiss.

If you’re offering kindness for no reason, it must be either out of malice or theft.

"Captain Lin, what are you thinking? Why must it be out of malice or theft? Old Tie and I just have something to discuss with you!"

As Zhang Wei spoke, he pulled out a document bag from inside his suit and handed it over to her.

"This is..."

Lin Ruonan was also straightforward, directly opening the document bag, which contained several documents.

"I heard that your team is currently investigating a prostitution ring. Here is a statement from a tainted witness!"

Zhang Wei pointed to one of the pages in the document, explaining, "Wang Jianbiao is in charge of managing the gang members in this area; he took the pimps’ monthly protection fees and provided them with locations for prostitution as well as the necessary protection. Now he has ratted out all those people, and it’s signed testimony, legally binding. You can use this statement to apply for a search warrant and arrest warrants with a judge, hoping it can aid your case!"

"You this is..."

Lin Ruonan looked at the document in her hands, appearing astonished.

The case her first group was currently investigating was precisely this prostitution ring.

But how did Zhang Wei find out about it?

Moreover, how was Zhang Wei able to convince Wang Jianbiao to disclose information? He was a gang member, and without significant pressure, he wouldn’t open up, right?

She had also heard that in today’s court session, Wang Jianbiao had even served as Zhang Wei’s temporary rebuttal witness.

Zhang Wei not only got Wang Jianbiao to cooperate but also had him expose his "business partners." This was simply unbelievable.

But Zhang Wei stated that it wasn’t his own accomplishment but rather due to the imposing force of a silly person.

Without Silly, he wouldn’t have been able to settle these matters so quickly.

"Captain Lin, consider these documents a gift to you. After all, assisting the Investigation Department in solving cases is also what we law-abiding citizens should do!"

"Law-abiding citizens?" Upon hearing Zhang Wei’s remark, Lin Ruonan laughed.

You criminal defense lawyers have always been hopping back and forth on the edge of the law, haven’t you? How come suddenly you’re so kind-hearted, helping our investigation department solve a case?

"Oh, by the way, Captain Lin, now that I’ve been so cooperative, could I perhaps make another request?"

Upon hearing this, Tie Ruyun suddenly became tense.

This Zhang Wei, he couldn’t possibly be asking Lin Ruonan to date him, could he?

That would be too embarrassing; everyone here is from the investigation department, he...

He swore that if Zhang Wei made any excessive requests, he would immediately deny them and firmly reject them!

"What’s the request?" Lin Ruonan also became interested and quickly inquired.

"It’s very simple. In this case, there is a Liuying named Gan Xiaowei, and I would like to ask you to give her a hand. She was coerced into giving false testimony and had no choice but to comply. Could you please let her also serve as a tainted witness?"

"Oh, this Liuying, isn’t she the prosecution’s witness in your case?"

"Yes, it’s her!"

"But hasn’t she already..."

Lin Ruonan pointed toward Tie Ruyun, her face filled with a strange expression.

She betrayed you guys, and yet you’re repaying evil with good?

Since when did you have such high ideological consciousness and moral integrity?

Tie Ruyun also breathed a sigh of relief; luckily Zhang Wei didn’t make any outrageous requests.

Moreover, he had thought of Gan Xiaowei, which was something Tie Ruyun had not expected.

"Zhang Wei, let me thank you on behalf of Xiaowei!"

"Don’t mention it, it’s all part of my duty!"

As Zhang Wei spoke, he patted Tie Ruyun on the shoulder and leaned closer to whisper, "Old Tie, I’ve helped as much as I can now. You know why I asked you to get styled today, right? First impressions count, so make sure to impress!"

"Well then, Captain Lin, Old Tie, I have a little girl back home who needs looking after. You two enjoy your drinks and your chat, huh."

With that, Zhang Wei waved goodbye and left.

He left the stage to Tie Ruyun and Lin Ruonan.

"Lawyer Tie, you have a very impressive subordinate!"

Watching Zhang Wei leave, Lin Ruonan couldn’t help feeling quite touched.

Not only did he win the case for his boss, but he also took care of Gan Xiaowei’s problem. This subordinate indeed considered everything thoroughly.

"Him? Oh, he’s not my subordinate; I can’t manage that young fellow!"

Tie Ruyun scratched his head awkwardly.

From the first day this kid joined the law firm, he never treated the other as a subordinate.

Or rather, this kid was no ordinary person.

How could someone on their first day at a law firm get on the leader’s nerves? Probably only this kid could manage that, right?

The key is, his abilities were ridiculously strong; any case that landed in his hands, he could sort it out.

How could such a person always remain someone else’s subordinate?

"Right, Captain Lin, that kid paid quite a bit for drinks, we should really milk him for a meal!"

"Sure!"

Lin Ruonan was indeed a woman who could hold her own, showing off a hearty demeanor.

The two of them then started drinking and chatting away in the old street bar.

...

Evening, Sifang Gate Street.

When Zhang Wei returned to the entrance of Lin Mansion, he saw that the gate of Zhao Mansion next door was astonishingly open.

Zhao Qingyan was lying in the courtyard, seemingly stargazing.

"Zhang Wei, you’re back?"

Possibly sensing Zhang Wei, Zhao Qingyan smiled as he stood up to greet him.

"Uncle Zhao, it’s almost July, are you out here in the yard to escape the heat?"

"Yeah, although this is an old house passed down from my ancestors, it’s warm in winter and cool in summer, a lot more comfortable than using air conditioning at the company."

Zhao Qingyan chuckled as he spoke, then suddenly changed the subject, saying, "By the way, you did a great job in court today. I heard about your trial, you really taught Nun Xu a lesson!"

Old Zhao had heard about it?

Zhang Wei was taken aback for a moment but then he came to terms with it, considering the man’s status.

"Oh, right, Zhang Wei, there’s something I need to tell you!"

Zhao Qingyan suddenly became serious, his expression carrying a hint of solemnity.

"Lately, Dongfang Capital has been quite unsettled!"

"Uncle Zhao, what do you mean by unsettled?"

"In Dongfang Capital, something big is about to happen soon, and you might get involved."

"Involved with me?"

Hearing what Zhao Qingyan said, Zhang Wei became serious as well.

"You must have met Hua Chaofan recently, right?"

"I have, he even thought about taking Sister Xiao Wu’s house, didn’t he?"

"That’s right. He’s been rebellious since he was little, and after Old Master Hua died, he’s become even more unpredictable. Just be careful!"

As Zhao Qingyan spoke, he sighed before heading back into the house.

Bound by certain rules, he couldn’t reveal too much, but reminding Zhang Wei was enough.

"Uncle Zhao, you don’t know anything, do you?"

"Not at all, I don’t know anything. I’m just a guy who codes and develops. Anyway, be careful. If you really encounter any dangerous situation, think thrice before acting!"

Zhao Qingyan waved his hand, giving Zhang Wei another word of caution.

Zhang Wei took note of this reminder before heading back to Lin Mansion.

As soon as he returned, he saw Zhao Xiaoxiao’s resentful gaze.

The girl must have caught up on sleep in the morning and at noon; her complexion was actually not bad, at least there were no dark circles under her eyes.

"I’m hungry!"

"Got it, got it, the second young lady is hungry, time to cook for you!"

Zhang Wei laughed and headed straight for the kitchen.

Soon, pots and pans were bustling.

After a while, a table full of meals was finally ready.

In the kitchen, Zhang Wei and Zhao Xiaoxiao sat facing each other, eating their meal.

"Second young lady, do you know who Hua Chaofan is?" Zhang Wei suddenly asked while picking up his chopsticks.

"The unpleasant uncle from the Hua Family?"

"You know him?"

Zhang Wei didn’t expect Zhao Xiaoxiao to actually know him.

However, thinking that their families were probably long acquainted, he felt relieved.

After Zhao Xiaoxiao took a spoonful of rice, she tried hard to recall her childhood, "I just remember, this uncle wasn’t very talkative. At the annual gathering of the five families, he barely spoke..."

"Five families?"

Zhang Wei quickly caught on to something.

With Hua Chaofan’s family, Zhao Qingyan’s family, and including his own Lin Mansion, that made three families—is that right? Then who were the other two families, and did their ancestors all come from Sifang Gate Street?

"Oh, there’s also the Wu Family and the Zhang Family, but one is a martial artist, and the other I don’t like much!"

Zhao Xiaoxiao commented, waving her hand dismissively.

"Wu Family, Zhang Family..."

Zhang Wei frowned, sorting through the information in his mind.

Could it be that these five families, like the Lin and Hua families, were all significant clans?

Was Zhao Xiaoxiao’s Zhao Family also originally a major clan?