Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 332 - 330: Old Chen is Annoyed, Really Going to Tear Down the Courtroom?

Chapter 332: Chapter 330: Old Chen is Annoyed, Really Going to Tear Down the Courtroom?

Municipal Court, Judge’s Office.

Old Chen, a veteran judge, has been quite troubled these past few days.

The reason being, he had received a tricky case.

"Qing Hua, why do you think the boss assigned this case to me instead of Old Wang?"

Sitting in his office, Old Chen rubbed his nose bridge with two fingers, the very image of someone with a headache.

"You want me to guess the thoughts of the chief judge?"

Although Li Qinghua wasn’t as brash towards Xia Donghai as before, after serving as Old Chen’s clerk for over a decade, she had no sense of awe for this senior judge from the municipal court.

The two of them were more like old friends, speaking their minds freely once they got onto a topic.

"In any case, Old Li is definitely not up to it, especially since his daughter and that youngster Zhang Wei are in the same office!"

"Isn’t that strange, though? Your daughter is that kid’s girlfriend. How come it becomes an issue when it’s transferred to me?"

"That’s my daughter, not yours. The need for recusal isn’t so strict, is it?"

Seeing Old Chen speak like this, Li Qinghua laughed.

If Old Li were to be the presiding judge of this case, the boss might be concerned that Zhang Wei really could get his daughter to do Old Li’s bidding, which would be a serious interference with judicial impartiality.

But it’s different for you, Old Chen. Even if Zhang Wei gets Xia Qianyue to pull some strings, at most she could influence my work. But could a clerk really influence a judge?

There might be a slight influence, but isn’t that a sign of the boss’s trust in you? Old Chen, we believe you can be fair and impartial. Even if that kid Zhang Wei tries to work you through your clerk’s daughter, I trust you won’t be swayed.

That’s what Li Qinghua believes, anyway.

But Old Chen doesn’t see it that way.

Maybe it was intentional after all.

Upon hearing that Old Chen would be the judge, the prosecution might privately rejoice.

Because this time they had dispatched four prosecutors, and there were quite a few eyes on him.

If Zhang Wei really did plan to rely on certain connections to do his bidding, the prosecution might anticipate this, ready to seize the opportunity.

Then, if it happened, they’d slap the charge of obstructing judicial fairness on the kid’s head. Wouldn’t that mean game over for him?

So you see, Old Chen has a broader and further-reaching view.

Perhaps unwittingly, he might have become the prosecution’s tool for trapping Zhang Wei, just waiting for the kid to take the bait.

"Ah, such a headache..."

Old Chen muttered again.

"Old Chen, it’s almost time. You should prepare to go to court!"

Li Qinghua glanced at the time and handed him the freshly pressed robe.

"If only I hadn’t passed the judicial exam or signed up to work at the court. I should have majored in archaeology. I might be comfortably retired in some museum right now, how nice that would be~"

After his routine complaints and self-deprecating remarks, Old Chen sighed and took the robe Li Qinghua was offering.

"Let’s go and meet those guys!"

"I refuse to believe that they can tear down the courtroom in today’s pre-trial!"

Judge Chen left the office with Li Qinghua in tow.

"Hey, Old Chen!"

"Heading to court?"

"Congratulations on landing such a big case. If you handle it well, it’ll really bolster the prestige of our municipal court!"

"By the way, this time the prosecution has sent four people over, and the defense is quite something, too. The famous Zhang Wei, you’ve got to keep it together!"

Along the way, many colleagues greeted him, but it was all schadenfreude in their eyes.

Some peers from his own cohort were even laughing and making clearly teasing comments.

"A bunch of people who don’t feel pain when they’re standing and talking!"

Old Chen grumbled internally, keeping his face stern to preserve the dignity of a presiding judge as he approached the courtroom.

...

District Court, first-floor main courtroom.

"All rise for the honorable Judge Chen..."

At the court guard’s announcement, everyone stood up.

Old Chen entered the courtroom and took his seat at the bench straight away.

He glanced at Li Qinghua, who had also taken her seat at the court clerk’s position.

Old Chen nodded in satisfaction and then looked around the room.

In the front row of the spectator’s gallery, the Procuratorate Headquarters had deployed a large squad this time, with Zhao Chunming and Guo Wufeng bringing a whole group of newcomers.

Was such an exaggeration really necessary? This was just a pretrial hearing, not even at the trial stage yet. Did they need to bring such a large crowd to every session just to show their strength?

What are they trying to do, stage a fight?

Look at the defense, just bringing a few newcomers along with the lawyer to show support—that’s more reasonable.

You guys from the Procuratorate Headquarters show up in large numbers every time, which puts a lot of pressure on us judges, okay?

Not to mention the spectators’ gallery, both sides of the prosecution and defense had already taken their places.

There were four individuals seated at the prosecution’s bench: the chief public prosecutor, Lan Zhengye and Lu Wenwen, plus two assistants, Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying.

All the elite are here!

Looking over at the defense, Zhang Wei was seated next to Doctor Qian, the defendant in this case, and that was all.

However, behind him in the witness bench for the defense, there sat three women, one of whom Old Chen recognized—Qing Hua’s daughter Xia Qianyue.

"Sure enough, with her around, this guy has become much more normal!"

Old Chen commented, and after confirming both sides were seated, he pounded the gavel and declared, "Since everyone has arrived, let’s start!"

"Ahem, the court announces that today’s session is a pretrial hearing for the public prosecution of the defendant Qian Zhisui on charges of treason. The prosecution is invited to present their argument first!"

At Old Chen’s signal, Lan Zhengye stood up from the prosecution’s side.

"After a month-long investigation carried out by the prosecution and the investigative division, it was discovered that the defendant, Qian Zhisui, took advantage of his position as the project leader in the biogenetic laboratory under Pioneer Medical Technology, to facilitate the theft of biological materials and research data for himself!"

"In early June this year, he committed the act of theft in the genetic research lab he led, using his identity to steal confidential research data and highly valuable genetic experiment materials from the Pioneer Medical Technology lab!"

"On the night the crime took place, he was intercepted by members of the investigative division and the War Department Special Combat Team while attempting to flee to the airport to catch a flight. Subsequently, the stolen genetic materials, as well as the missing data from the laboratory, were found in his luggage!"

"After in-depth investigation by colleagues in the investigative division, it was uncovered that Doctor Qian Zhisui intended to sell the stolen research data and experimental materials to a certain laboratory in the north of our country. One of the investors in this laboratory has connections with foreign powers across the border!"

"Therefore, the prosecution concludes that Doctor Qian Zhisui demonstrated intent subjectively, knowing full well that he was colluding with foreigners and overseas organizations, committing acts that endangered the security of Dragon Country, and was hopeful or willing to allow such dangerous consequences to occur. Objectively, his acts were also in collusion with foreign countries or organizations, endangering national security!"

At this point, Lan Zhengye paused for a moment before raising his hand and pointing to the defense side, "Based on the unity of subjectivity and objectivity, the prosecution believes that the defendant Qian Zhisui has committed serious acts of treason!"

"Well, the court understands!"

Old Chen nodded, but internally he couldn’t help thinking, good gracious.

This charge was a serious one!

And it was even an attempt at that, since they managed to recover the stolen goods.

If the prosecution could prove the defendant’s subjective intent and that the objective actions match the subjective behavior, then the defendant would be facing at least 10 years to start with.

However, considering Qian Zhisui’s age, the probability of him getting out of prison didn’t look good.

"Defense, what about you?" said Old Chen, turning his gaze to Zhang Wei.

"Ahem, thank you for the prosecution’s eloquent presentation..."

After rising to his feet, Zhang Wei complimented the prosecution, but then he immediately turned hostile: "...but I believe that to be all nonsense!"

As soon as these words were out, there was a commotion in the courtroom.

Goodness gracious!

Really, goodness gracious!

This was just a pretrial hearing, and you were supposed to put forward a defense argument, but you decided to open fire just like that?

Old Chen’s head started to ache; he had just said that during the pretrial stage, they couldn’t possibly tear his courtroom apart.

Yet here you were, smacking him in the face, starting an attack with just one sentence?

Your girlfriend and future mother-in-law are both present in the courtroom, can’t you keep it low-key and just state your defense argument straightforwardly?

Unfortunately, Zhang Wei wouldn’t care about Old Chen’s inner sarcasm.

He pointed at the prosecution’s bench, enunciating each word, "The facts are not as the prosecution claims, my client never once thought of betraying Dragon Country. His actions were purely for self-preservation!"

Having said this, he turned his head to look at the first row of the gallery, at a bespectacled man in his thirties.

"As the CEO of Pioneer Medical Technology is present, I might as well make myself clear!"

Zhang Wei raised a finger emphatically, "It was the senior management of Pioneer Medical Technology who, for commercial interests, interfered with and impeded the progress of the laboratory’s research my client was responsible for, forcing my client to remove experimental materials and data from the laboratory under Pioneer Medical Technology’s control, and deliver them to the only other laboratory in the country that supported her continued research, namely, the Northern Laboratory mentioned just now by the prosecution!"

"We have reasons to believe that the senior management of Pioneer Medical Technology deliberately obstructed the success of the experiment, deliberately hindered its completion, thus making my client commit an impulsive criminal act in desperation for her life, for her noble ideals!"

"We believe that Dr. Qian Zhisui’s theft at the Pioneer Medical Technology controlled laboratory was a self-help act in response to threats to her own life!"

"She did not subjectively intend to betray the country, and objectively, her only mistake was theft of property, done under coercion by the senior management of Pioneer Medical Technology, and nothing more!"

After Zhang Wei finished speaking, he slowly sat down.

Upon hearing this, the face of the bespectacled middle-aged man in the gallery changed immediately.

He leaned over and whispered to a man in a suit next to him, and the two conferred for a long while.

"The man is Xia Donghai’s son-in-law, and the one beside him is the legal director of Pioneer Medical Technology; neither handles the main affairs!"

Zhang Wei had done his homework beforehand and naturally knew the identities of these two individuals.

Leaving aside Zhang Wei’s observation of the two in the gallery.

The rest of the courtroom was reflecting on Zhang Wei’s recent speech.

The prosecution asserts that the defendant committed treason, while you, the defense, nonchalantly claim he only stole something because he was coerced?

Isn’t the contrast between the two sides a bit too stark?

On the bench, Old Chen was also surprised for a moment.

He thought to himself that Zhang Wei was indeed Zhang Wei; he truly dared to speak boldly.

One side was capital treason, even if only attempted, that could start with at least ten years in prison.

How could it become a commercial theft case in your words, where normally it would be less than three years, and only in cases of particularly serious consequences would it be from three to seven years?

Take note, it was about causing particularly serious consequences, with the key word being "causing".

In a case like the present one with no serious consequences, at most it would be three years.

One side was ten years plus the charge of treason.

The other side capped at three years with a charge of commercial theft.

Old Chen had grasped the aims of both sides.

"Ahem, well, since both the prosecution and the defense have already..."

"Wait a moment, Judge Chen!"

Just as Old Chen was about to continue, Zhang Wei raised his hand to interrupt him.

"Lawyer Zhang, what is it?"

"Your Honor, this court believes that there is a second defendant in this case!"

Upon this statement, many in the courtroom were taken aback.

"What do you mean?"

Old Chen could not help but ask, "Who is this second defendant?"

"It’s simple, the second defendant is Pioneer Medical Technology. They, for profit, deliberately obstructed the progress of research, squandering the nation’s investments in funds and resources. Their behavior amounts to the real betrayal of Dragon Country, the true commission of treason!"

"Objection!" Lan Zhengye stood up from the prosecution’s bench, expressing dissatisfaction.

"Objection!" Someone from the gallery also spoke up to interrupt.

"Prosecution, you may sit down!" Judge Chen gestured toward Lan Zhengye and then looked toward the first row of the gallery.

"And who are you?"

"I am the legal director of Pioneer Medical Technology," the man introduced himself.

"Oh, Legal Director, why do you object?"

"We believe that the defendant’s accusations are completely slanderous. Pioneer Medical Technology has always been committed to providing the most comprehensive and effective medical services to our customers. The laboratories under our company’s command have been devoted to helping humanity combat numerous terminal illnesses and diseases. The groundbreaking medicines they research and develop have saved tens of thousands of lives."

The legal director almost pointed at Zhang Wei’s nose, outright accusing him in court, "The defendant’s words are a slander against our company’s image; their accusations are pure defamation!"

"Oh, Mr. Legal Director, you do realize this is a courtroom, right? Even the words you speak will be recorded verbatim by the court reporter?"

Zhang Wei pointed toward the stenographer, Li Qinghua, and teased with a chuckle.

Li Qinghua rolled her eyes while seated.

"My job is to record everything; do I really need you to tell me that, kid?"

"Shut your trap, will you? I get annoyed just hearing you speak!"

The internal rants of Li Qinghua, including those of the legal director and the others, were unheard by anyone else.

"Since you are the legal director of Pioneer Medical Technology, I now ask you, has Pioneer Medical Technology not intentionally obstructed my client’s laboratory research progress by any means and methods; have the senior executives of the group not deliberately hindered the development of the Parkinson’s disease experimental antidote for profit; and have you not deliberately fired my client and their research team for the fear of exposing this issue?"

Upon being questioned, the legal director dared not answer.

He quickly looked towards the CEO beside him, whose forehead was also slightly sweaty, and his complexion turned ugly.

Indeed, this guy was only able to become CEO by relying on his father-in-law’s status.

Seeing the man’s reaction, Zhang Wei understood clearly in his heart.

He straightened his face, interrogated in a cold voice, "What, can’t either of you answer this question? Your hesitation—could it be that you have a guilty conscience?"

Their responses, along with Zhang Wei’s words, had everyone on the hearing bench buzzing and whispering to each other.

On the prosecutor’s bench, Lan Zhengye and Lu Wenwen whispered a few words to each other.

"Objection!"

Lu Wenwen immediately stood up to protest, "Your Honor, what is the defense attorney doing? This case is a public prosecution against the defendant, not against Pioneer Medical Technology!"

"Furthermore, the defense’s request to list Pioneer Medical Technology as a co-defendant in the case is far too unreasonable, so we respectfully request it be denied!"

The prosecution disagreed!

Old Chen knew what to do.

"Cough cough, Lawyer Zhang, the court does indeed find your request somewhat inappropriate, so it is rejected," Old Chen declared, putting an end to the debate with a strike of his gavel.

But Zhang Wei wouldn’t let it go at that. He deliberately looked back at the duo from Pioneer Medical Technology with a glance that made the two of them feel a tremor of anxiety.

They felt as if they were being watched by someone of great significance.

On the judges’ bench, Old Chen was also very irritated.

Previously in the office, it was said that today was just a preliminary hearing, and that it was impossible to tear down the courtroom.

But looking at the current situation, even during the pretrial process where merely stating a court contention could cause such a stir was nearly tearing apart the courtroom.

Who knows what kind of trouble these two groups will cause during the actual hearing.

"Cough cough, we have been delayed a bit, so now please have the jury candidates enter!"

Old Chen hurriedly continued to maintain court order, instructing the court guard to invite the jury candidates into the room.

As each juror took their seat, the courtroom quietened down once again.

This time, there were a lot of jurors and they seemed to be from all walks of life, necessitating careful selection.

On the prosecutor’s bench.

Lan Zhengye and Lu Wenwen were discussing.

"We need to find someone with a patriotic heart!"

With a serious look on his face, Lan Zhengye said, then analyzed, "Treason is a relatively serious charge, and those who hold reverence for national honor will stand with us on this charge!"

"Finding such a person to join the jury would be most favorable to us!"

At the same time, on the neighboring defense bench.

"I need to find someone with a patriotic heart!"

"Treason is a relatively serious charge, and those who hold reverence for national honor will choose to stand on the side that represents justice!"

"Although the side representing justice is currently the prosecution and my client faces charges of treason, is the truth really as it seems?"

"If I can find evidence that Pioneer Medical Technology deliberately wasted national resources and obstructed research progress, and that the group’s senior management sacrificed the possibility of curing customers and patients for profit, then these people will definitely stand by me!"

Thinking this, Zhang Wei looked toward the prosecutor’s bench.

"I’m guessing that’s what this crowd is thinking too, so might as well grant your desires!"

At this moment, the prosecution and defense actually reached a consensus on jury selection?