Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 362 - 360: Zhang Wei Gave Up? The Avengers!

Chapter 362: Chapter 360: Zhang Wei Gave Up? The Avengers!

Thursday, the day of the hearing.

Early in the morning, Zhang Wei left Lin Mansion in a low-key manner.

He entered the law firm discreetly, carefully preparing documents and straightening his attire for the court.

When it was about time, he took the subway incognito and entered through the back door of the courthouse.

In the preparation room, he quietly flipped through the files, drank tea, and waited for the time to come.

The entire preparation room was his alone, serene and silent.

Suddenly, from the direction of the courthouse’s main entrance, a buzz of noise erupted.

"Ah, it’s Lawyer Xu!"

"Lawyer Xu is so handsome!"

"Lawyer Xu looks full of confidence. He’s obviously well-prepared!"

"So impressive, to stay so calm even when facing that homicide lawyer. Lawyer Xu is my idol!"

"What idol? Lawyer Xu is my dream man. I want to bear his children, I want to bear his children!"

A crowd gathered at the courthouse door, and when Xu Zhifeng drove up with Fang Mingming, they immediately swarmed around him and began to spout their fervent ravings.

While pushing through the crowd, Xu Zhifeng humbly said, "Please make way, I have to seek justice for my client. I’ve got a case to fight!"

"Ah, Lawyer Xu spoke to me. I’m dying!"

A female fan screamed and "fainted" on the spot.

The surrounding media reporters, witnessing this scene, naturally went into a photo-snapping frenzy, and in their minds, they were already drafting their narratives.

After they returned, the internet media would surely refresh with dozens or even hundreds of laudatory articles about Xu Zhifeng’s character and professional ethics.

Amidst the throng of media and overzealous fans, Xu Zhifeng and Fang Mingming made their way into the courtroom and into the rest area prepared for them.

The crowd dispersed, some staying and some leaving, and the entrance of the courthouse returned to its usual quiet.

"Quite noisy, aren’t they?"

Sitting in the prep room, Zhang Wei didn’t even need to look out the window to know that these people were almost certainly actors.

There might be a small number of genuine media, but those fans were just too fake; it seemed like they were telling everyone that they had been paid.

All for the purpose of drumming up support for Xu Zhifeng.

He probably thought he had already won, so he hired people before the hearing to create an image of popularity and fame.

If he won against Zhang Wei in today’s trial, then these pre-heated supporters could be put to use once more.

As for the chance of his losing, that was almost nonexistent.

That was Xu Zhifeng’s thinking, and also his plan for how he was going to shape his public persona in the future.

After today, there would be no more Zhang Wei in Dongfang Capital, only Xu Zhifeng!

Xu Zhifeng was the face of Longteng International!

Gotta say, his plans were ambitious!

At least Zhang Wei thought Xu Zhifeng’s ambition was quite impressive.

But wasn’t popping the champagne at halftime a bit too premature?

"People should not get too carried away, otherwise they might trip up."

Looking over at the adjacent preparation room, Zhang Wei chuckled to himself.

He left the room discreetly and headed towards the courtroom.

However, the reporters stationed at the entrance of the courtroom recognized him immediately.

"Look, it’s Zhang Wei!"

"The homicide lawyer Zhang Wei is here!"

"Quick, quick, don’t let him in!"

A swarm of reporters surrounded him, thrusting numerous microphones in front of him.

"Lawyer Zhang Wei, do you have any defense for the accusations of threatening and intimidating witnesses?"

"Here’s your chance to apologize to the witnesses you’ve threatened, what would you like to say?"

"Lawyer Zhang, if you were to lose today, would you have your license revoked? I’ve heard that the Procuratorate Headquarters is poised to take you on, is there any truth to that?"

The reporters bombarded him with questions.

"Yeah, sure~"

Unexpectedly, Zhang Wei actually answered the first question.

"Alright then, please go ahead!"

The reporters at the front extended their microphones once again, using their bodies to block their colleagues behind them, hoping to get the exclusive interview.

"Say what? It’s no use talking to you. I’ll have to repeat it in court anyway."

Zhang Wei chuckled and waved his hands, blocking the reporters’ microphones.

"You..." The reporter in the front was left speechless, momentarily forgetting his job.

Reporters crowded in, eager to surround Zhang Wei.

But he was quicker, with keen eyesight and agile feet.

Incredibly, even amidst a cordon of reporters, he found an escape route.

After a chaotic chase, Zhang Wei managed to enter the courtroom in less than 30 seconds.

The courtroom had a court guard on duty, and as the trial was about to start, reporters couldn’t overstep, naturally realizing they wouldn’t be able to corner Lawyer Zhang Wei.

"Lawyer Xu is here!"

However, soon an eagle-eyed reporter spotted another lawyer involved in the case.

Plaintiff’s attorney Xu Zhifeng made his appearance.

The group of reporters, like sharks sensing blood, rushed straight toward him.

"Lawyer Xu, do you have confidence today?"

"Lawyer Xu, you’re about to face off against Zhang Wei, how do you feel about that?"

"Lawyer Xu..."

Compared to the interview with Zhang Wei, the media’s attitude toward Xu Zhifeng was much more favorable.

The questions they asked were also harmonious and free of any bias or preconceptions.

"Today, I’ve made thorough preparations. Of course, no lawyer can guarantee a win one hundred percent, but I can say that I have prepared to the best of my ability for my client!"

Speaking thus, Xu Zhifeng revealed a confident smile.

"Lawyer Xu, after watching Lisa’s Talk last night, I found your remarks to be very righteous. You must be someone who cannot tolerate even the slightest injustice. Could this be the reason why you have not been promoted to head the department all these years?"

"Regarding that, I can only say that my firm is actually very good. However, I also believe that the current promotion system within the firm could use some progress, lest we continue to see some lawyers who would stop at nothing to achieve their goals. For the sake of performance or money, they’d do just about anything, and that is truly irresponsible to society. It is also an insult to us who work diligently and abide by the law!"

This time, Xu Zhifeng spoke with an air of integrity, as if the light of justice was shining on his face.

"Lawyer Xu, what you said is so true!"

The reporters were almost moved to tears.

In contrast, Zhang Wei’s attitude toward the reporters was detestable.

And look at Xu Zhifeng, answering questions methodically and even providing lengthy details, as if afraid they wouldn’t have enough material to write about.

When compared, Xu Zhifeng was practically their savior.

As for Zhang Wei, heh.

Of course, they thought this way without considering their own double standards toward the two.

After all, for journalists, what’s the bottom line compared to newsworthy material? They don’t care if they are being hypocritical.

If you don’t answer my question, you have a bad attitude, and we will hold a grudge against you!

On the other hand, if you do answer, you are our hero, and we will be grateful!

"Excuse me, the session is about to start, and I don’t want to keep the judge waiting. Please make way."

The media journalists voluntarily cleared a path for Xu Zhifeng to pass through.

This scene was clearly not something any "unscrupulous lawyer" could match.

...

In the courtroom.

Originally, it was meant to be a small courtroom for civil cases, but considering the influence of the case, the court specially switched to an intermediate courtroom.

However, when Ni Qiuping arrived on the scene, she found that even the intermediate courtroom was conservative; they should have started with a larger courtroom.

Just look at the audience—so many people from the Procuratorate Headquarters and Zhang’s criminal department were in attendance.

Then there were media journalists, onlookers, a bunch of possible die-hard fans of Xu Zhifeng, and even representatives from Longteng International and other major law firms.

For example, Qin Shaocong, the young master of Longteng, was surrounded by a group of lawyers at the center of the audience.

Longteng had brought quite a number of people today, occupying the third largest contingent in the audience, only behind the representatives from the Procuratorate Headquarters and the novices from the Jincheng Criminal Department.

As for the media journalists, they were all fighting lone battles, representing different media outlets and not forming one team.

"Cough cough, before we begin the trial, this court must issue a warning. Please strictly observe the order in the audience and the courtroom!"

"The courtroom is a solemn place. No shouting or making any noise is allowed, and everyone must set their phones to airplane mode. If I hear even the slightest sound, I will have that person expelled from the courtroom immediately!"

Ni Qiuping, with a stern face, issued a serious warning.

Many in the audience hastily took out their phones and switched them to airplane mode.

Of course, there were also those who sneakily fiddled with their phones.

Ni Qiuping gave a glance that signalled the intention, and the court guards on both sides stepped over to monitor the audience’s every move.

"All right, it’s about time. Let’s begin the trial!"

As the entire courtroom focused their attention, Ni Qiuping declared the hearing open.

"Plaintiff!"

"Yes, Your Honor!"

Xu Zhifeng stood up, proclaiming, "The plaintiff calls the party concerned, Fang Mingming, to the stand to testify!"

Nobody in the audience was surprised by Xu Zhifeng’s calling of his own client to testify.

Because in this case, there was only one witness—if he didn’t testify, who would?

Fang Mingming took his place, and the hearing began.

"Mr. Fang, as the sole witness in this case and a victim of Lawyer Zhang’s intimidation, could you please tell the court what exactly happened that day?"

"Actually, that day wasn’t too bad. The problem was the day before. I thought I had encountered the best thing in my life, but then..."

Fang Mingming sighed and began recounting the events of those two days.

Many in the audience listened to Fang Mingming’s testimony with peculiar looks in their eyes.

Five minutes of testimony elapsed...

"So, you’re saying Zhang Wei summoned you to the office of Jincheng Law Firm Criminal Department, and then you saw that lady, but it turns out she was actually from Jincheng Law Firm?"

"Yes."

"So, that girl is a subordinate of Lawyer Zhang Wei, and her getting close to you had an ulterior motive?"

"Yes."

"You were threatened in his office, in public, and he even claimed that once you take the stand, he would reveal your browser search history?"

"Yes... yes..."

At this last question, Fang Mingming’s expression became slightly displeased.

Revealing the browser search history was indeed a serious threat.

However, the audience in the hearing seats and the six-member jury all seemed speechless.

It’s just a browser search history, for goodness’ sake, reveal it if you must, what’s there to fear?

Was that considered a threat?

I shop online every day; there are hundreds of items in my search history, does he plan to reveal each one?

Come on, what impact would such a revelation have?

They couldn’t understand what could be so frightening about one’s browser search history.

But though they didn’t understand, they still felt a measure of sympathy for Fang Mingming.

"Your Honor, I have no more questions for my client!"

After saying this, Xu Zhifeng nodded to Fang Mingming and then returned to the plaintiff’s seat.

The next step was the cross-examination period.

Xu Zhifeng had prepared Fang Mingming for all kinds of cross-examination, even teaching him several tricks to evade questioning.

For instance, feign illness, act like you’re overwhelmed physically, or pretend to feel threatened, showing reactions like surprise or panic.

After all, many intermittent mental disorders lack methods of verification unless a professional psychologist is found for a long-term evaluation, making it impossible to identify any issues.

This was Fang Mingming’s last resort if he couldn’t hold up, and if he could, that would be even better.

After all, he had also arranged for team leaders and supervisors to conduct mock trial interrogations with Fang Mingming.

Under normal circumstances, Xu Zhifeng wouldn’t be able to order team leaders and supervisors around.

But who made him the first lawyer from Longteng Law Firm to appear on Lisa’s Talk, and moreover, he was going up against the famous Lawyer Zhang Wei.

Qin Shaocong had made it clear that before the outcome with Lawyer Zhang Wei was decided, the entire team and even the whole department had to cooperate with Xu Zhifeng’s actions.

So for those few days, Xu Zhifeng strutted around Longteng Law Firm, even directing supervisors directly.

After all, if he won today, he would become the ace lawyer and wouldn’t have to give face to the supervisors either.

I’ll strut my stuff with all I’ve got!

"Zhang Wei, I will climb to the pinnacle of Dongfang Capital’s legal circle by stepping on you!"

Xu Zhifeng looked at Zhang Wei, his eyes flashing with malice and excitement.

Malice was naturally towards Zhang Wei’s envy, envious that this junior, who was his own school junior, had such a great reputation.

Excitement was because, from now on, I will step on you to gain your fame, and even replace you, and perhaps even surpass you in the future.

"Zhang Wei, just rot away slowly in the sewer, for it’s going to be my era, Xu Zhifeng, from now on!"

And for all this to happen, the client needed to survive today’s questioning.

Thinking about all the tactics he had prepared, Xu Zhifeng’s mouth curved into a confident smile.

He was quite at ease; he knew Lawyer Zhang Wei was skilled, but he was well-prepared too.

He was sure to win today’s case!

The entire courtroom’s gaze focused on Lawyer Zhang Wei.

He straightened his suit collar, slowly stood up, and then slowly sat back down.

"Judge Ni, regarding the party in this case, our side has no more questions!"

"What?"

"What?"

"What?"

"What?"

On the judge’s bench, Ni Qiuping’s mouth hung open in surprise.

In the jury box, six people’s eyes were wide open.

In the plaintiff’s seat, Xu Zhifeng’s jaw dropped in shock.

In the hearing seats, numerous people felt as if their minds had been blown.

They couldn’t believe what they had heard.

The defense, which is the defendant himself, who is also a renowned lawyer defending himself, chose not to cross-examine the key witness of the case.

Why was that?

Had he given up?

No one could believe it, including the people from the Procuratorate Headquarters in the hearing seats.

"What’s with this guy?"

"Is he playing some sort of trick again?"

Zhao Chunming and Guo Wufeng looked at each other, both unable to comprehend Lawyer Zhang Wei’s purpose.

In fact, their minds couldn’t even fathom any benefit from Zhang Wei’s actions.

Clearly, there was none!

"This is the key witness," you said you wouldn’t ask a single question. That’s just... giving up without a fight?

Both of them had been waiting for the other to fail, to be defeated, ever since Zhang Wei started his career.

And now you’re telling us, ’I don’t plan on winning today, you’ve got your wish,’ how about that?

Obviously, this is unacceptable, right?

No one would accept this.

The thing we longed for but never expected, and today, you just easily let us have it. How can anyone cope with that?

It’s just too perfunctory!

Even though we got what we hoped for, it doesn’t feel good.

Not just Old Guo and Old Zhao, but Zhang Wei’s strategy of not cross-examining also shocked Ni Qiuping on the judges’ bench.

"Lawyer Zhang, let me confirm one more time, you have decided not to conduct a cross-examination?"

"Of course, I’ve made myself very clear!"

Zhang Wei smiled faintly, but then he stood up again, "However, I would like to say a few words to Mr. Fang, the client in this case, is that alright?"

"What is it?"

Lawyer Xu Zhifeng stood up, looking defensive.

"I just wanted to say to Mr. Fang, you’ve been rushing around and working hard these past few days!"

After Zhang Wei spoke, he even stood up to nod at Fang Mingming, his eyes full of sincerity.

With that, Zhang Wei concluded his statement and sat back down.

"Huh?"

"That’s it?"

Xu Zhifeng couldn’t believe it. Was this the "Homicide Lawyer" Zhang Wei?

He just exchanged a piece of mindless small talk with his client in court?

That’s the end?

My god, what does this mean? It means Zhang Wei is throwing in the towel!

In an instant, Xu Zhifeng felt he had reached the pinnacle of his life.

Because if Zhang Wei chose not to cross-examine my client, doesn’t that mean I’ve won?

Wealth, fame, status, everything seemed to be within reach.

Things that ordinary people struggle their entire lives for—I can grasp them effortlessly!

Xu Zhifeng felt his heart nearly floating with elation.

Meanwhile, Ni Qiuping on the judges’ bench was puzzled.

"Lawyer Zhang, are you sure?"

"Judge Ni, I’ve already stated my position very clearly, I do not intend to question Mr. Fang!"

"Well... okay then."

Since it was confirmed for the third time, Ni Qiuping understood.

Zhang Wei was really giving up, so she immediately struck the gavel.

"Since the only witness has finished testifying, this court announces that both parties may start preparing their closing statements..."

"Hold on!"

Just as Ni Qiuping was about to make her announcement, Zhang Wei suddenly interrupted her.

"Judge Ni, how can we move to closing statements? I still have a witness who hasn’t taken the stand!"

This statement sent shockwaves through the courtroom.

You have another witness?

"Objection, the defense did not submit a witness list!"

Xu Zhifeng sensed something was wrong and immediately interjected.

"This witness is a bit special. I only found and persuaded them to testify this morning, so I haven’t had the chance to submit a witness list yet!"

"Your explanation..." Ni Qiuping held back the urge to retort, but thinking of Zhang Wei’s tricky tactics, she nodded.

"The court allows it!"

"Your Honor, you can’t..."

"I said, the court allows it!"

Xu Zhifeng wanted to speak further, but Judge Ni gave him a stern look that silenced him, and he sat down, disgruntled.

Right then, the courtroom doors swung open.

Four women entered from the doors, with the three in the lead each uniquely striking, all undeniably beautiful.

However, oddly enough, they were escorting—or more like supporting—the woman in the middle, into the courtroom.

Zhang Wei looked at the four women who had appeared, then glanced at Xu Zhifeng, smirking internally.

You didn’t think you were the only one with an avenger’s league, did you?

I have one too!

And they are the three women you offended on the show yesterday.

Right now, they’re furious with you!