Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 361 - 359 - - The Mere Xu Zhifeng, Pressure from Multiple Sides? (Added with Guide)

Chapter 361: 359 Chapter - The Mere Xu Zhifeng, Pressure from Multiple Sides? (Added with Guide)

Longteng International Law Firm.

Qin Shaocong put down the document in hand, and looked at Xu Zhifeng in front of him.

"You’ve done something stupid!"

Although these were just a few simple words, they made Xu Zhifeng feel a chilling coldness.

"Qin Shao, I..."

"There’s no need to explain, I know this is the best you can do!"

Qin Shaocong snorted coldly, losing interest.

He was clear about the capabilities of the person before him; becoming a top lawyer was nearly impossible.

The promises made before were merely based on the potential reputation boost Longteng International would get if he could defeat Zhang Wei.

Xu Zhifeng did have some intelligence; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to join the Top Ten Firms.

But this intelligence was minor and not something to show off.

Take, for example, this time: guiding public opinion, spending money to trend on social media to pressure Zhang Wei, and trying to influence the jury—all these were standard tricks.

But they backfired, being used by Zhang Wei instead, and even affected the judge’s perception of you, resulting in a loss greater than the gain.

"Did it never occur to you that Zhang Wei could turn around and use the trending topics you bought, and think of a countermeasure in such a short time?"

"Qin Shao, I admit this Zhang Wei has some skills, but I..."

"That’s ’having some skills?’ Do you think there’s nothing impressive about him?"

Qin Shaocong laughed coldly again, "There’s a saying that goes, ’underestimate your enemy strategically, but take them seriously tactically.’ Yet, you only show disdain without any sense of taking them seriously!"

Underestimating Zhang Wei is not necessarily a bad thing.

At least you won’t be afraid of him, and you can fully engage in battle.

But at the very least, you should recognize that this guy could become the ace lawyer of Jincheng, the leading firm among the Top Ten Firms, which definitely means he’s competent.

You can’t treat everyone like they’re simple-minded, right?

Look at what happened with your tactic involving public opinion— it got turned against you. If you still undervalue your opponent now, you’re going to lose miserably.

Xu Zhifeng’s eyes shifted, and he quickly admitted his mistake, "Qin Shao, I understand now. I know what to do!"

"Alright then, off you go!" Qin Shaocong waved his hand, dismissing the other man.

As he watched Xu Zhifeng leave, his own expression didn’t improve much.

"The first engagement, and Zhang Wei showed confidence. It seems like he must have been prepared," he reflected.

"Speaking of which, who gave Xu Zhifeng the courage to challenge Zhang Wei in the first place? Was it himself?"

Qin Shaocong also noticed something amiss; why would Xu Zhifeng suddenly provoke Zhang Wei? It was completely unreasonable.

Although Longteng wasn’t afraid of Jincheng, and he, Qin Shaocong, believed he was no weaker than Zhang Wei.

But that was himself.

Could it be that any random Tom, Dick, or Harry now has the right to challenge an ace lawyer?

"Forget it, it doesn’t matter. If Xu Zhifeng wins, it will be good advertising for us Longteng International!"

Even though Qin Shaocong thought it was unlikely to happen,

What if?

What if Xu Zhifeng got incredibly lucky and actually won against Zhang Wei?

One should always expect the best, right?

So, Qin Shaocong didn’t dwell on it too much, letting Xu Zhifeng do as he pleased.

As for the court session, he would definitely be there to see for himself.

He wanted to see just how much Xu Zhifeng could push Zhang Wei.

After all, the case couldn’t possibly end on the first day of the trial, could it?

...

On the other side, at Jincheng Law Firm.

It was nearly time to clock out, and one by one, the newcomers began to leave.

However, as they passed by Zhang Wei’s office, they would take a quick glance and then hurry into the elevator.

Inside Zhang Wei’s office, he was reviewing the gains of the day.

"Overall, Xu Zhifeng isn’t much of a threat. If I’m lucky, I could wrap up the case on the same day!"

Zhang Wei uttered a statement that seemed incredibly arrogant.

To finish a trial on the day it started is generally impossible.

But if the opponent’s skills are too mediocre, it might just be feasible.

And Xu Zhifeng belonged to the category with very mediocre skills. Thus, there was room for Zhang Wei to play.

After organizing the necessary documents, Zhang Wei began to wait.

Soon after, a call came through.

It was from the city court’s courtroom, informing him of the trial date for the case.

The pre-trial would be on Wednesday, tomorrow morning; the trial was set for Thursday morning, with Judge Ni Qiuping presiding.

Overall, it didn’t affect Zhang Wei.

Having learned this information, Zhang Wei naturally went home to sleep, preparing for the next day’s court session.

The night passed without incident.

The following day.

Wednesday, the day of the pre-trial.

City Court, Civil Chamber.

"Doesn’t the jury seem a little too... sparse?"

Looking at the jury box, where only enough candidates for two tables of mahjong were gathered, Zhang Wei fell into deep thought.

Judge Ni Qiuping tapped the gavel and explained, "Defense, according to your request, this court included the factor of online trending topics when filtering the jury panel. Therefore, we only have this many jury candidates present today!"

The implication of her words: It was your request; I have complied, but please consider the prevalence of the internet—nowadays, it’s tough to find someone who doesn’t follow trending searches.

So, since you made such a request, and we have complied, having only this few potential jurors show up is an unavoidable circumstance.

"That will do!"

Zhang Wei looked at the prospective jury and could only nod in resignation.

After all, a civil chamber jury required only six members, and with eight people present, two more could still be screened out.

Considering the trickiest problem, online public opinion, was already tackled, he didn’t resort to using bizarre questions during screening.

After casually asking a couple of questions and dismissing two of the older jurors, the jury was settled.

Overall, there were no issues with the pre-trial; everything proceeded as per the usual process.

Hence, the pre-trial concluded swiftly.

With Judge Ni Qiuping’s final gavel strike, announcing tomorrow morning’s trial hearing, the courtroom began to adjourn.

Xu Zhifeng approached Zhang Wei with a look of triumph, beaming as he approached.

"Lawyer Zhang, I’m looking forward to sparring with you!"

"Heh, heh!"

Zhang Wei’s response was brief, accompanied by a scoff.

"Hmph, Lawyer Zhang, junior brother Zhang, you’re just all talk now!"

Xu Zhifeng said, stepping in closer to Zhang Wei; "Why not reconsider that settlement offer? I know you’re not short on money, so 200,000 Yuan shouldn’t be an issue, right?"

"Heh, heh!"

Zhang Wei responded again with just two words.

He couldn’t be bothered to waste his breath on this guy.

Because both knew it had nothing to do with money—if it could have been settled with money, Fang Mingming would have agreed to Zhang Wei’s "50+50" settlement terms long ago.

Xu Zhifeng frowned upon hearing Zhang Wei’s response.

Dismissive!

Too damn dismissive!

Not even interested in exchanging words with me, as if I’m not even a person.

And those eyes, as if saying: Do you even count as a person?

"Very well, senior brother, I shall see how my little junior plans to counter my tactics!"

Xu Zhifeng decided not to waste any more words with Zhang Wei; he had other matters to attend to.

Turning his head with an air of disdain for conversing with Zhang Wei, he left the courtroom with Fang Mingming.

Watching Xu Zhifeng leave, Zhang Wei’s lips curled into a cold smile: "Heh, heh!"

That afternoon, at Jincheng Law Firm.

When Zhang Wei returned to his office, his phone started ringing again.

But this time, it was a WeChat discussion group notification.

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: Extra, extra, Zhang Wei’s in for it this time ヾ(@^▽^@)ノ]

Seeing the second girl stirring things up, Zhang Wei was on the verge of losing his patience.

[Zhang Wei: What’s the matter, want to cook your own dinner tonight? /sneaky]

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: /contempt /contempt /contempt]

[Xiao Baihe: The boss told us that this time they’re going to give you a hard time @Zhang Wei]

[Zhang Wei: I bet Old Guo and Old Zhao say that every day, but aren’t I still doing just fine?]

Seeing Xiao Baihe join in, Zhang Wei smiled slightly.

Old Guo and Old Zhao, huh? They probably can’t wait to write my name on a paper doll and stick needles in it every day.

But no worries, no big deal, I can handle it!

Zhang Wei didn’t take any of this to heart.

[Jessica: ???]

[Jessica: I’ve been busy with the clinic and the medical mutual aid society recently, has Zhang Wei gotten into trouble again?]

[Zhang Wei: Minor issue, rest easy/contempt]

[Zhang Wei: You, on the other hand, are so busy every day, be careful not to wear yourself out, I’d be heartbroken/wink]

[Jessica: /shy/shy/shy]

[Mo Yuzhu: Hey, hey, hey, this is a group chat, if you want to make an appointment go private chat/contempt]

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: Remember to prepare the little balloons, oh/naughty smile]

[Xiao Baihe: ???]

[Xiao Baihe: Speaking of which, where’s Silly?]

[Xiao Baihe: @Zhang Wei@Xia Qianyue, this jerk went too far, how could you not say a word?]

[Zhang Wei: Oh, right, I almost forgot, Silly is still with Sister Xiao Wu, I’ll call and check on the situation!]

[Zhang Wei: Slipped away.gif]

After ending the pleasant chat, Zhang Wei hurriedly called Xia Qianyue to inquire.

From Silly, he learned she was practicing Qi control and Zhang Xinwu had gradually figured out the trajectory of the Yin Needle’s harmful effects.

Next, they just needed to utilize the powerful Qi within Silly to strike at Zhang Xinyan’s internal organs.

However, it was an extremely delicate process that required Silly to have a highly proficient level of micro-control.

Overall, it would still take a few more days.

Having learned of the heavy task Silly was undertaking, Zhang Wei naturally expressed his care with a few words of caution before hanging up the phone.

There was nothing he could do, after all, they were trying to save someone, and he couldn’t disturb them too much.

And the one being saved was his own driver, so he had to treat the matter with utmost seriousness.

Zhang Wei was praying in his heart that this time, Zhang Xinyan would be safe and sound.

Because where else could he find another driver who was so obedient and easy to command?

Ding-a-ling-a-ling!

Another phone call struck.

"Hello, Representative Cheng!"

"What’s going on, you’re asking about that case, rest easy, I’ve got it covered, the outcome will be decided tomorrow!"

"Yes, yes, yes, I know you’re just asking casually, no other meaning, how could I possibly mind, rest easy."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Wei’s eyes narrowed.

Ding-a-ling-a-ling!

The phone rang again.

"Oh, Director Zheng, I didn’t expect you to call me personally, what a surprise!"

"I can assure you, there will be no problem tomorrow."

"Ah, where did you hear that news, that my opponent has an interview?"

"Oh, I’ll pay attention to it at the time, rest easy, there’s no way I’ll lose!"

"Goodbye, Director Zheng!"

...

"Oh, President Ding."

"How come you film industry giants suddenly care about this little lawyer?"

"Hahaha, you’re right, we do need to socialize every now and then, that’s nice!"

"Oh, you’ve also heard the news, even saying there are people targeting me, indeed you’ve heard correctly, that seems to be the case currently."

"President Ding, you have confidence in me, that’s great, it happens that I also have confidence in myself."

"What, a bunch of new artists have arrived at your talent agency, all of them fresh and young... now, President Ding, the way you express it, I am a serious person!"

"Alright then, let’s meet another time, I could make time to take a look at those new artists at the agency, but rest assured, I’ll just get to know them, strictly just getting to know, ha..."

After the third phone call ended, Zhang Wei’s eyes were slits.

His clients had all "coincidentally" made phone calls.

The same day, nearly the same time period, right after today’s preliminary trial had ended.

This indicated that they all received some news.

This wasn’t simply unfounded rumors, clearly someone was secretly spreading information about the trouble he was facing.

So his long-term clients all felt pressured, worried that Zhang Wei might be affected.

If anything happened to Zhang Wei, then their ongoing contracts would also be affected.

Of course.

From the attitude of these clients when they made the calls, it was also clear that Zhang Wei and they were almost equals in status.

Back then, when Uncle Li Qingmu took on Xia Qianjun’s case, he faced the pressure of public opinion that very night.

Clients called one after another, demanding outright cancellation of their contracts and forcing him to make what he believed was the "right" judgment, only to end up having to issue a statement and shamelessly beg clients to sign back up.

Compared to Uncle Li Qingmu, Zhang Wei was in a much more formidable position, with at least no client initiating contract terminations.

Whether it was out of embarrassment or confidence in Zhang Wei, it was clearly the advantage of having an equal standing.

These clients knew Zhang Wei had the ability to turn dangers into safety every time.

This was also a display of trust.

"Xu Zhifeng? He shouldn’t have that much clout, right?"

Zhang Wei immediately thought of someone but quickly shook his head.

After all, Xu Zhifeng was just a puppet in the limelight; there must be forces behind him offering support.

With that thought, Zhang Wei continued to ponder countermeasures until the end of the workday.

...

In the evening, at 7 p.m. sharp.

In Zhang Wei’s room at Lin Mansion.

Why 7 p.m.? Because this time slot was precisely when prime-time evening programs were broadcast.

Zhang Wei turned on his computer to start watching the live broadcast of a certain show.

"Hello everyone, welcome to Lisa’s Talk, I’m your host Wang Lisha!"

"Today we are honored to have with us a young lawyer from Dongfang Capital Lawyer Circle whose reputation is on the rise, Lawyer Xu Zhifeng!"

"Hello, Lawyer Xu!"

"Hello, host!"

The live show was none other than "Lisa’s Interview", only the host had changed from Cheng Lisha to the current Wang Lisha.

And the guest invited to today’s show was Xu Zhifeng, who had clashed with Zhang Wei during the preliminary hearing in the morning.

In the program, the two of them started to chat.

"Lawyer Xu, I hear you’ve been involved in a case recently, and the defendant is quite notorious, no?"

"Yes, host, this case has put a lot of pressure on me lately, but I believe in justice and that it will not be late. I will definitely win!"

"Lawyer Xu seems very confident!"

Host Wang Lisha said this and turned towards the big screen.

"Dear viewers, you might not yet know the details of this case, so let’s take a moment to educate ourselves on what it’s about."

"Please look at the text description below the screen, or log into Vibo and search keywords like ’Zhang Mou’ and ’Lawyer Zhang’, and you’ll find the top articles are all about this case."

"Of course, you can also follow our "Lisa’s Interview" show’s public account, where there are articles about both Lawyer Xu and his opponent, Lawyer Zhang."

After finishing, Wang Lisha turned her head back to Xu Zhifeng.

"I hear you and that Lawyer Zhang were actually schoolmates at the same institution?"

"The host is right, both Zhang Wei and I graduated from East University Law School, but after graduation, I relied on my own efforts to intern at Longteng International Law Firm and worked my way up to a five-year lawyer. It seems I’ve also been working in the lawyer circle for quite some time!"

"It seems that Lawyer Zhang too, right after graduation, interned at Jincheng Law Firm and has now become the ace lawyer in Jincheng Criminal Department."

Wang Lisha said with a smile, "It looks like your junior brother is even more successful in the lawyer circle than you are!"

"Being a lawyer isn’t just about professional skill. If a lawyer constantly lacks conscience in lawsuits, helping wealthy clients oppress the poor or favoring the strong over the weak, then such a person will ultimately have limited achievements!"

Holding up an example, Xu Zhifeng said, "Take for instance my junior brother; he may have earned a lot, but much of it is dirty money. He defended insurance companies in court, bullying a mother with terminal illness who also had two children in kindergarten."

"Then before this case, he helped the CEO of a big company in court, abusing my client, an honest and law-abiding ordinary citizen, and even resorted to threats and intimidation. Such people don’t deserve to be lawyers!"

"By the way, host, I have some gossip, not sure if I can share it?"

"Of course, you can tell us. Lisa’s Talk is the show where you speak your mind."

"Well then, I’ll say it. I’ve heard that this junior of mine is currently maintaining improper relationships with several women, including a prosecutor from the Procuratorate Headquarters, an investigator from the Major Crime Investigation Unit, and even the psychologist offering him counseling. It’s only because of these women that he’s been able to have such smooth sailing in the lawyer circle."

"Oh, that’s unexpected. This famous Lawyer Zhang actually has such a romantic history?"

"Yeah, and I’ve also heard that the previous host of your program might have been driven to death by him?"

"This..."

Wang Lisha’s expression became a bit unnatural.

"I’m sorry, host, I think I’ve said too much, my apologies."

Xu Zhifeng seemed to realize his own slip of the tongue and quickly apologized.

"Mm-hmm, thank you for your comments, Lawyer Xu. I believe tomorrow’s hearing will provide us with a thrilling court battle from two excellent lawyers!"

Wang Lisha quickly changed the topic, diverting the audience’s attention.

Zhang Wei also turned off the live broadcast because he didn’t need to keep watching to know what was coming next.

At the same time, his phone started to "beep" incessantly.

Zhang Wei glanced at it and knew it was messages from the discussion group.

Apparently, someone in the group was going off the rails.