Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 359 - 357: Three Demands, Aspiring to Soar to the Skies?

Chapter 359: Chapter 357: Three Demands, Aspiring to Soar to the Skies?

Jincheng Law Firm.

Criminal Division, Private Office.

Zhang Wei looked at the subpoena in front of him, his brows tightly locked.

"Xu Zhifeng, and that Mr. Fang, why do they want to mess with me?"

"And, who gave them the guts to mess with me?"

"If they didn’t have someone backing them, I wouldn’t believe it if they said so!"

Zhang Wei recalled his conflict with Xu Zhifeng, which seemed to stem from the time he exposed Xu’s true intention behind inviting him to dinner at a restaurant.

So, they held a grudge against him for that, and planned to hit him hard directly?

Zhang Wei thought it was indeed possible...

But was Xu Zhifeng really planning to take him on all by himself?

Ding-a-ling!

The telephone rang, calling from a landline.

"Hello, what’s the situation?"

"Lawyer Zhang, the city court called and wants you to come over, saying there’s a pre-trial motion they want you to attend!"

Hearing this, Zhang Wei understood.

The legal efficiency is quite fast, getting the case at noon and the judge had already arranged it by the afternoon, going straight into the motion.

"Which judge?"

"It’s Judge Ni Qiuping!"

"Understood!"

Zhang Wei hung up the phone, while inwardly he was speechless.

Out of all people, it had to be Depressed Sister?

But then again, there are only a few experienced judges at the city court’s civil litigation tribunal.

Judge Ni Qiuping is also a judge who often deals with him, so it’s clear the court had its considerations in choosing her.

With that thought, Zhang Wei immediately set off.

When he reached the main entrance of Jincheng Law Firm, he was about to hail a cab when he remembered that he was currently without a driver.

"Great, I have to take the subway again!"

Fortunately, the subway system in Dongfang Capital is well-developed, with a direct line to the city court.

minutes later.

City Court.

Civil Division, Judge’s Office.

Judge Ni Qiuping was feeling down again lately.

Really, she felt like she was extremely busy these past few days, dealing with nothing but brawling cases.

Every single one of them didn’t want to go through criminal court but instead sought compensation through civil court, enough to make her sick.

Just when she thought she could relax a little as the caseload eased, leadership suddenly dumped an urgent case on her.

She wouldn’t have been bothered if she hadn’t looked at it, but once she did, she was totally baffled.

Plaintiff: Fang Mingming, Plaintiff’s legal representative: Xu Zhifeng of Longteng International Law Firm.

Mr. Fang’s identity isn’t important, neither is who Xu Zhifeng is, because those aren’t the main points.

Defendant: Zhang Wei of Jincheng Law Firm.

That’s the real point, a very, very important point that needs to be underscored in red!

Someone in Dongfang Capital was suing Zhang Wei, and through civil court at that.

Judge Ni was immediately shocked; Xu Zhifeng, an unknown figure, had he been kicked in the head by a mule to court death like this?

And was Zhang Wei someone you could afford to offend?

The key point is, go ahead and court death if you must, but don’t drag me into it!

However, Judge Ni’s feelings aside, the motion still had to proceed.

A civil court motion, simply put, is to have the plaintiff and defendant sit down and have a good talk.

How much money the plaintiffs are demanding, how much the defendants are willing to pay, and if the case can be settled.

So, on behalf of the court, Judge Ni convened the motion, hoping that both parties could sit down and talk about a resolution.

Not long after, both parties arrived.

It was still in Judge Ni’s office.

Mr. Fang, the plaintiff’s representative and previously the man with glasses in the Su Xiaoqian case, and his legal representative Xu Zhifeng sat on one side.

Zhang Wei, the defendant, sat on the other.

Judge Ni was seated at her desk, looking at both sides.

She gestured and said, "Now that you are all here, we can talk. Say whatever you have to say!"

"Well, I..."

Fang Mingming was about to say something, but Xu Zhifeng interrupted directly, "I am here solely to represent my client Mr. Fang and present the following demands to Lawyer Zhang!"

"In the case a week ago, I demand an apology for the interference, intimidation, and extortionate threats against my client!"

"Furthermore, a written apology of no less than 800 words must be published in the news media, magazines, and journals. The written apology must mention that during the investigation of that case, it was admitted that actions were taken that hindered judicial fairness!"

"After the apology is made, regarding the mental distress suffered by my client, our demand for compensation is no less than 200,000 yuan!"

Xu Zhifeng held up three fingers, stating all the demands.

"Well, really quite something, aren’t you?"

Hearing the other side’s demands, Zhang Wei couldn’t help but clap his hands.

These demands were practically driving him into a corner!

Although this was a civil lawsuit, and, frankly, a matter of compensation.

But you’re not only demanding money from me, but also an apology, and within that apology, I still have to admit that I obstructed judicial fairness.

The moment I make such a statement, the Procuratorate Headquarters would use it as evidence to reopen their investigation against me the next day.

Even the Lawyer’s Association, if displeased, could simply kick me out.

If the Procuratorate Headquarters took a tougher stance and Fang Mingming changed her testimony, then Zhang Wei would definitely be going to jail.

Once he was released from jail, he wouldn’t be able to be a lawyer anymore, his license would be revoked, and he would be unable to litigate for the rest of his life.

Therefore, Xu Zhifeng’s tactic, though overtly about a civil court’s compensation, was secretly intended to deliver a killer blow to Zhang Wei.

"Mr. Fang, is this what you mean?"

Zhang Wei looked at Fang Mingming, the bespectacled man from before.

At the end of the day, Xu Zhifeng was just a representative; the real plaintiff was this man.

"I feel... that Lawyer Zhang surely owes me an apology..."

Fang Mingming’s voice was low, but he answered the question.

"Mr. Fang, don’t be afraid, I will take care of your business!"

Xu Zhifeng hurriedly interjected, and glared fiercely at Zhang Wei as a warning: "Lawyer Zhang, don’t even think about threatening my client this time. If he suffers even the slightest disturbance or threat during this case, your reputation will be utterly ruined!"

"Well, well, you’re threatening me now?"

Watching Xu Zhifeng take over his client’s speaking, Zhang Wei chuckled with irony, "What if you hire someone to threaten your own client and then pin the blame on me, how does that count?"

"Do you think I’m you, Lawyer Zhang? I would never do something like that!"

Xu Zhifeng hurriedly denied it, but his eyes flashed with a trace of panic.

Honestly, he had indeed entertained such a plan, but Zhang Wei bringing it up caught him off guard; now he had to think more carefully.

If he actually hired someone to do it, he would need to be very cautious, ensuring not to leave any trace, and especially not letting Zhang Wei find out.

Seeing the look in Xu Zhifeng’s eyes, Zhang Wei knew this guy was up to no good.

He glanced next door.

"Old Ni, it seems that the other side doesn’t plan on settling with me!"

"This old boy clearly wants me dead; I think there’s no need for reconciliation!"

Zhang Wei pointed at Xu Zhifeng, his purpose now clear.

"What did you call me?" Judge Ni Qiuping didn’t dwell on the issue of reconciliation, but rather what Zhang Wei had called her.

"Old Ni?"

Judge Ni Qiuping’s temples bulged, and a vein throbbed on her forehead.

"You kid, don’t you know I’m a judge?"

"What’s wrong? This isn’t the courtroom, calling you Old Ni is a bit more intimate, right?"

"You..."

Judge Ni was speechless, but seeing Zhang Wei’s unbothered demeanor, she didn’t have a comeback.

She could only change the subject and look towards Fang Mingming: "Plaintiff Fang, do you still insist on those demands?"

"I..."

Fang Mingming was about to speak, but Xu Zhifeng next to him immediately interjected: "Yes, we stand firm on the three demands, not giving in an inch!"

Judge Ni gave Xu Zhifeng a look, also knowing the score.

She then turned to Zhang Wei, "And what about you, young man?"

"Ahem, although I know that their two demands are hardly possible, I can offer them this condition!"

Zhang Wei held up a palm, all five fingers extended, "As long as you withdraw the accusations, I can compensate Mr. Fang 500,000 yuan for his emotional distress!"

"By the way, Mr. Fang, do you still run a toy store in the mall?"

"No, since that day, I’ve terminated the lease..."

Fang Mingming spoke, his face showing a trace of regret.

Zhang Wei certainly noticed something, and nodded: "Well then, how about this—I will additionally provide 500,000 yuan as an interest-free loan to help you keep running your toy store in Dongfang Capital. Consider this a business investment, with a five-year term and zero interest, how does that sound?"

Judge Ni’s mouth fell open in surprise, internally exclaiming at his audacity.

She knew Zhang Wei was capable, had many clients, and made good money after becoming the ace at Jincheng.

But she had not expected Zhang Wei to be this wealthy.

To casually offer 500,000 yuan in compensation and another 500,000 yuan as an interest-free loan, he was prepared to spend 1,000,000 yuan to settle the lawsuit.

That was 1,000,000 yuan, not a mere 100.

You just threw it out without even blinking an eye?

"Mr. Fang, I believe the conditions I’ve offered should be very sincere, right?"

Zhang Wei asked again, looking towards Fang Mingming across from him.

The latter opened his mouth—truthfully, it was impossible for him not to be tempted by the offer.

All I wanted was 200,000, and even that might have slipped through my fingers.

But you counter with a plain offer of 500,000, plus another 500,000 as a loan to start a business, all interest-free.

The only condition is the withdrawal of charges, something I could manage in minutes.

"I feel that this condition..."

"This condition, we will never accept!"

Xu Zhifeng saw that Fang Mingming was somewhat moved and hurriedly interrupted.

What a joke.

So Fang Mingming, not under threat, could agree if he wished, right?

But Xu Zhifeng couldn’t do that!

If I accepted a settlement, I might very well be kidnapped by those elder brothers by nightfall, and whether I would still be around was another matter.

That’s why!

This case must go to court, it must be fought in front of a judge, and we must win!

This case, we must conclude with a battle against Zhang Wei.

Between you and me, only one can survive!

It’s either your Zhang Wei’s complete ruin or my Xu Zhifeng’s utter destruction!

"You really won’t accept it?"

Zhang Wei watched the duo with keen interest.

"We do not accept!" Xu Zhifeng emphasized again and sent a warning glance at Fang Mingming.

The latter, feeling helpless, wanted to say something but couldn’t bring himself to speak.

"Judge Ni, let’s end today’s negotiation here. My client is a bit tired and needs to go back and rest!"

Xu Zhifeng, not giving Zhang Wei a chance to continue speaking, straight away took Fang Mingming with him and left.

Before leaving, Fang Mingming looked back at Zhang Wei but didn’t say anything more.

In the office, only Ni Qiuping and Zhang Wei were left.

"This case is quite strange, huh? Since when does the plaintiff not dare speak?"

"What’s so strange about that? Old Ni, rest assured, I won’t lose this case!"

"Don’t call me Old Ni, you’re making me sound old!"

"Oh, understood, Old Ni, got it, Old Ni!"

You little..."

"Judge Ni, I’m taking my leave!"

Zhang Wei saluted with a clasped fist and took his leave, standing up to go.

He feared if he lingered too long, Ni Qiuping might not resist throwing something at his face.

...

At the same time, at the courthouse entrance.

Fang Mingming and Xu Zhifeng walked together.

The two had come together in Xu Zhifeng’s car, and now they returned to the vehicle, ready to depart.

"That, Lawyer Xu, I think the conditions offered by Lawyer Zhang are quite good..."

Hearing Fang Mingming’s implied meaning, Xu Zhifeng hurriedly explained, "Mr. Fang, you’re mistaken to think that way!

"Who do you think Zhang Wei is? He’s a top lawyer at Jincheng Law Firm. To him, a million is no different from a mere hundred on the roadside."

"Only by revoking such a person’s lawyer’s license, making him truly pay a price, can the other party realize that some people can’t be easily threatened!"

"If you endure this time, or say you take his money and withdraw the charges, then just think about it. Isn’t the humiliation you suffered then suffered for nothing?"

Fang Mingming opened his mouth, intending to say, "Actually, I wasn’t that humiliated at the time, just threatened verbally by someone."

Now he felt that they showed sincerity, otherwise why offer him so much money?

"Actually, enduring it a bit to get a million doesn’t sound so bad..."

"Mr. Fang, I won’t allow you to think that way!"

Xu Zhifeng interrupted Fang Mingming once more, his tone growing firmer, "This time, you must go to court no matter what, we will surely win, and perhaps we’ll get even more money then!"

Though Xu Zhifeng couldn’t toughen up against Zhang Wei,

And he was like a grandson when threatened by those masked men,

He still managed to take a tough stance against someone like Fang Mingming, a person without much decisiveness.

Fang Mingming seemed to notice that Xu Zhifeng was bent on taking down Zhang Wei, and it seemed like whatever he said wouldn’t be heard.

"Then... alright..."

Fang Mingming could only helplessly nod, signaling his compromise.

Xu Zhifeng breathed a sigh of relief, just worried that you, kid, might drop the ball at the crucial moment, so I had to be a little cautious.

After sending Fang Mingming back to her place, Xu Zhifeng watched her walk back to the apartment before he felt at ease.

He hurriedly drove back to the law firm at Longteng International.

But as soon as he got back, he saw the team leader with a cold expression on his face.

"We agreed you’d only take a half-day off, so why didn’t I see you all afternoon?"

"Just look at the time; it’s almost off work, and you’ve just arrived?"

"Also, Director Zhang asked me again just a moment ago. You promised 30 cases a month, so how many have you completed now? Why don’t you give us a report?"

After a tirade of reprimands, Xu Zhifeng hung his head, enduring the team leader’s barrage.

His fists clenched, teeth biting down hard, he was even more determined in his heart.

Wait until I defeat Zhang Wei and become the most famous lawyer in Dongfang Capital, will I still need to see the face of you, a worthless team leader?

Not to mention a small team leader like you, Director Zhang, or even the department head, I won’t give a damn!

When the time comes, I will be the one giving you a piece of my mind, the same way you’re treating me today; I’ll return the favor!

Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west, do not bully the young... oh, wait, I’m not so young anymore.

Thinking this in his heart, Xu Zhifeng felt much of the pressure dissipate.

"Is Xu Zhifeng here?"

As the team leader continued his barrage, a voice came from outside the office. It belonged to a female assistant from the administrative department.

"I am Xu Zhifeng!" Xu Zhifeng quickly extricated himself from the team leader’s barrage, raising his hand to answer.

"Qin Shao is looking for you. Hurry up and go see him!"

The female assistant gave notice and turned to leave.

"Qin Shao!"

At the mention of this name, everyone including Xu Zhifeng, the team leader, and the surrounding colleagues was stunned.

Xu Zhifeng was just an ordinary five-year lawyer who hadn’t even become a team leader yet, and suddenly he was summoned by Qin Shao.

What was this about?

"Hey, I’ll be right there!"

Upon hearing that Qin Shao had summoned him, Xu Zhifeng immediately ran out without looking back, not even bidding the team leader farewell.

But at this moment, the team leader didn’t dare to fuss over this; after all, Qin Shao was the big young master of Longteng International. He couldn’t afford to offend him.

With excitement, Xu Zhifeng headed to the most luxurious office at Longteng International.

The beautiful female assistant opened the door and stepped aside to let him inside.

A gaze filled with authority swept over him; it was Qin Shao.

Although Xu Zhifeng had seen Qin Shao once before, it was at a department meeting, and from a distance.

This time, however, they were face to face, with just two or three meters between them.

"Xu Zhifeng, I presume? Sit down!"

"Yes, yes, Qin Shao, you wanted to see me?"

Qin Shaocong didn’t immediately clarify the reason for calling him, but instead picked up the teacup in front of him and took a small sip.

After setting down the teacup, he spoke casually, as if chatting, "I hear you’ve taken on a case recently that seems to involve Zhang Wei?"

"Yes, yes, this case has great potential. If handled well, it could cause Zhang Wei to be completely discredited, even..."

Qin Shaocong interrupted Xu Zhifeng and spoke leisurely again, "Are you sure you can handle it?"

"Rest assured, Qin Shao, I am one hundred percent confident that I can win!"

"It’s good to have confidence, but if it’s blind arrogance, then that’s merely foolishness!"

Qin Shaocong sneered, his words laced with implications.

Xu Zhifeng didn’t know how to respond.

"Xu Zhifeng, I’m giving you an opportunity to prove yourself. If you can beat Zhang Wei, then you can become our law firm’s ace lawyer!"

"Really, Qin Shao?!!!"

When he heard this benefit he had longed for, Xu Zhifeng could hardly believe it.

That was the position of ace lawyer, right there within his reach.

He wasn’t dreaming, was he?

If he really became the ace lawyer, then who cares about any team leader or Director Zhang.

He, Xu Zhifeng, was going to soar to great heights!

"I, Qin Shaocong, always mean what I say, but remember, the ace lawyer is for those who are capable. If you can beat Zhang Wei, that will prove your ability. However, if you lose, our Longteng doesn’t need someone foolish!"

Qin Shaocong was setting clear conditions.

If you win, all is well; you’ll have it all.

If you lose, well then, sorry, but you’ll have to pack up and leave.

Xu Zhifeng felt the pressure, but he also saw this as his sole opportunity to turn things around!

He must beat Zhang Wei!