Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 402 - 398: Sense of Security, Compassionate Heart, Watching a Movie?

Chapter 402: Chapter 398: Sense of Security, Compassionate Heart, Watching a Movie?

"Court Guard, let’s bring in the jury candidates!"

From the judge’s bench, Old Li gestured to the Court Guard.

Twenty jury candidates entered the jury box to await further instructions, while in the candidate seating area, many others were still waiting.

As seasoned judges presided, the jury, in terms of both numbers and quality, was beyond reproach.

Zhang Wei and Qin Yang each glanced over the candidates; they didn’t spot any jurors who were dressed or behaved extravagantly.

Very well, they all seemed like normal individuals.

At that moment, both the prosecution and defense were busily organising their notes at their respective benches.

"Which side wants to go first?" Old Li asked.

"I’ll go first!"

Qin Yang immediately stood up, sorted through his materials, and approached the jurors.

"May I ask the jurors, does anyone here have a stockpile of canned food at home?"

On hearing this, the jury exchanged bewildered looks.

The puzzlement wasn’t limited to the jurors; the spectators too were confounded.

"Huh?"

"Canned food?"

"What kind of question is that?"

The Procuratorate Headquarters delegation was somewhat speechless.

What kind of roundabout questioning was this?

The case was about espionage—you’re asking about canned food?

We had always assumed this style of questioning was something only a certain Lawyer Zhang could concoct.

How come you prosecutors from Longdu enjoy this approach too?

Even Old Li on the judge’s bench couldn’t help but crack a smile.

He glanced over at Zhang Wei, who was also looking back at him at the same time.

Their eyes met.

Everything was said in a silent "heh."

"Learning from others, eh!"

Zhang Wei realized what Qin Yang was doing and suddenly understood.

This old fellow and Qin Shaocong were probably cut from the same cloth, having reviewed his own court trial transcripts and stolen a few of his tricks.

And one had to admit, Qin Yang, the experienced prosecutor, had demonstrated his unique approach right from the start, unlike Qin Shaocong.

Qin Shaocong’s attempts were imitative, lacking in spontaneity.

Qin Yang’s move, however, was a strikingly faithful mimicry.

"What’s the point of this question, huh?"

The young lady beside him knew the special nature of this line of questioning and immediately sought out the originator.

"Doesn’t it seem at first that this question has nothing to do with the case?"

"Yes, that’s right~"

Upon hearing the young lady’s comment, Zhang Wei smiled slightly, "This case involves espionage, which ultimately revolved around national security, and issues such as citizen information leakage."

"What Qin Yang’s question may seem like a tangent, but canned food can be crucial at certain moments."

With that, he raised an eyebrow, "Young lady, do you know the characteristics of canned food?"

"Characteristics?"

Zhao Xiaoxiao thought for a moment; she also used to buy a lot of canned snacks before, and how were they marketed at that time?

Canned foods, easy to package and store, can preserve ingredients for a long time without spoiling, and they are convenient to carry, transport, and store.

Unfortunately, the canned foods she bought were consumed mostly on the day they arrived.

What was left would be polished off within a few days, and she never had any cans left over for more than a week.

"I still can’t see what this has to do with canned foods?"

"It’s simple—canned foods are emergency supplies. In the event of man-made disasters, natural disasters, wars, or even an alien invasion of Blue Star, those cans could be life-saving!"

Zhang Wei explained while also observing the jury.

People who like to stock up on cans have a strong sense of crisis awareness. Such individuals care more about a sense of security!

So the reason Qin Yang asked this was to emphasize the importance of security while screening out those who care less about it!

"Ma’am, did you nod?"

"Yes, I do have some canned food at home."

"How much is ’some’?"

"Around five cans or so, mainly for convenience."

Qin Yang observed the woman in front of him and calmly asked, "Ma’am, are you aware that some cans could swell up or even explode due to gas buildup if not stored properly?"

"This..." The woman was at a loss for how to reply.

But Qin Yang had already grasped her line of thought.

"Judge Li, the prosecution wishes to thank this juror for her response and also request her dismissal from the bench!"

Judge Li naturally nodded to the woman, who then had no choice but to stand up and leave.

"Young man, do you like canned goods?"

"Canned goods? My apartment doesn’t even have a fridge, how could I store canned goods?"

"I see."

Qin Yang once again turned around, "Judge Li, the prosecution thanks him for his answer and also requests that he be dismissed from his seat!"

After screening out two jurors in succession, Qin Yang glanced around the jury box and approached a man with a crew cut.

"Sir, your posture is very upright. Could it be you have a background in the War Department?"

The man shook his head, "I don’t, but my brother does."

"Has he retired?"

"Yes, he retired two years ago. Now he’s running a gear shop with me. We sell security equipment!"

"Then, does your brother’s habits affect your own daily schedule?"

"Yes, ever since he retired, we’ve been doing everything together including eating and sleeping, so my schedule is completely in line with his!"

Qin Yang looked at the man’s slightly muscular build and nodded immediately.

"Judge Li, the defense accepts this juror!"

Old Li glanced at Zhang Wei and, seeing no movement from the defense, nodded his head.

At the defense’s table.

"Why didn’t you object?"

"The defense only has six chances to challenge, and I have to use them sparingly. Plus, this juror, although influenced by his brother, might hold a strong sense of national honor, but I don’t see it as a big problem!"

Hearing Zhang Wei’s explanation, Zhao Xiaoxiao put on a knowing look, and nodded subconsciously.

In front of the jury box, Qin Yang’s questioning continued.

"Ma’am, do you have canned goods at home?"

"Of course, I have a lot of canned goods at home!"

The woman being questioned this time answered crisply.

"Oh, really? So what made you consider storing canned goods?"

"Because of my husband, he joined a survivalist group and is always studying about bunkers and natural disasters. They’ve even planned to pool money together to buy some land for constructing an underground shelter."

"Oh, is that so? Quite the advocate for precaution."

Qin Yang couldn’t help but nod, then asked, "Let’s get back to the canned goods, ma’am. How many cans have you bought?"

"The number of canned goods I keep in the basement is enough to last a family of five for more than half a year of regular food consumption. And I strictly adhere to the shelf life of the food, prioritizing canned goods that are nearing expiration to ensure there are no expired or spoiled cans."

"So, you’re doing all this because of your husband?"

"No, I’ve also been influenced by him. I think it’s good to stock up on some emergency food at home."

The woman’s answer was confident, unperturbed by the gaze of others.

But around her, people murmured, first off, your house must have adequate storage space, preferably with a yard and a basement—that would mean you have a nice little villa.

Then you’d need the money to buy so many canned goods, and the energy to organize them, rather than focusing on the routine stuff like cooking condiments and tea.

"Judge Li, we accept this juror!"

Qin Yang was naturally very optimistic about this juror.

"Judge Li, we reject this juror!"

But at that moment, Zhang Wei unexpectedly interjected.

Old Li glanced at the two of them and nodded to the woman.

She left the jury box, being rejected by the defense.

Qin Yang looked at Zhang Wei, then at the jury, expressionless.

"We finish our questioning and hand over the right to select the jury to the defense!"

He knew that whenever he chose a juror he liked, Zhang Wei would surely object.

So he simply chose not to pick, leaving the difficult task of selection to his opponent.

Since Qin Yang had finished questioning, it was now Zhang Wei’s turn.

At that moment, Zhao Xiaoxiao tugged at his sleeve.

"How are you going to question them?"

"I’m going to pick people who are more lenient, or say, older, those who tend to be friendly towards the younger generation."

"Huh?" Zhao Xiaoxiao blinked, looking puzzled.

What did that mean? She didn’t understand.

"It’s simple, in the eyes of many juries, you guys are just kids, and what kid doesn’t make mistakes?"

"I need those who can be forgiving and understanding when kids make mistakes, and who would treat you with kindness, just like dealing with their own children."

As Zhang Wei explained, Zhao Xiaoxiao seemed to catch on.

Just like Zhang Wei said, he doted on his second daughter, treating her as a little girl.

Therefore, in the courtroom, there were surely others who shared his sentiment.

All he needed to find were those who could empathize with the second daughter or see her as a little girl who erred.

As for Liu Dashun and Zhu Erdan, they could just hang around to the side.

Even if asked to act younger, they probably wouldn’t be able to.

It was at this time that Qin Yang stepped down from the platform, and Zhang Wei slowly rose to his feet, brushing past him to approach the jury.

"Ahem, dear members of the jury, you all have children or younger siblings at home, right?"

Many people raised their hands.

"Sir, who in your family is a child?"

"She’s my daughter."

"How old is she?"

"Three and a half."

"Oh, that’s a nice age."

Zhang Wei smiled and turned directly to the bench, "Judge Li, the defense accepts this jury member."

Old Li was stunned for a moment, wasn’t that question a bit too simple?

Having a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter is enough to pass jury selection?

Then, could I, too? My daughter isn’t that old, she’s just over twenty.

"And you, madam?"

"I have a daughter, 12 years old!"

"Does she ever do anything to upset you?"

"Plenty..." the woman rolled her eyes, her face full of anguish.

"What’s the most outrageous thing she has done?"

The woman’s face showed a painful expression, as if she didn’t want to remember.

"Can I not say it? I really don’t want to recall?"

"You can!"

Zhang Wei nodded, then looked towards the bench.

"Judge Li, the defense requests this lady to step down."

Old Li certainly had no objection, so the woman stepped down.

"How about you, young man? You probably don’t have children, but you do have brothers or sisters at home, don’t you?"

"Hm, I have a brother."

"Do you like playing with him?"

"Playing together, don’t joke, that kid begs me to take him out every day. I wouldn’t dare; every time I take him out, I get scolded by my parents. It’s not like I want to take him out. He just causes me trouble. I’ve had it with him; how can a child be so infuriating... He’s just..."

"Stop!"

Seeing the young man about to burst, Zhang Wei quickly interrupted.

"Judge Li, the defense requests this juror to step down."

The young man got up and left.

"How about you, miss? Do you have a brother or sister at home?"

"I have a sister..."

Zhang Wei asked several people in succession, receiving different answers; he also eliminated some jurors who did not like, or rather were troubled by, children.

These people who can’t even tolerate the minor nuisances of children they know well, how could they possibly forgive Zhao Xiaoxiao and her companions?

Afterward, Zhang Wei looked towards the prosecution’s side, meeting Qin Yang’s gaze.

His eyes seemed to ask, "I’ve asked a few questions on my side, do you have anything to add?"

Qin Yang, however, shook his head and gestured for Zhang Wei to continue.

The prosecution clearly didn’t plan to ask any questions.

Zhang Wei thought for a while, then glanced at Zhang Lang who was sitting next to Qin Yang.

He had an idea!

He thought of a way to question.

"May I ask, does anyone here like action movies?"

Zhang Wei walked in front of the jury once more, smiling as he asked.

The prospective jurors looked at each other, many of them wondering.

The action movies you’re talking about, are they serious?

Are they the kind where the male and female leads grapple with each other, on the bed or carpet, on the sofa, or even in the pool, in the room?

Seeing the expressions of the jurors, especially some men showing lewd smiles, Zhang Wei immediately guessed what they were thinking.

"Ahem, folks, I’m talking about action films, or perhaps crime movies, like ’True Lies,’ ’Die Hard,’ ’The Spy Next Door,’ ’Catch Me If You Can’ - do you like those kinds of movies?"

Upon hearing this, the jurors understood.

"Oh, of course, I like them!"

"Yes!"

"I just love watching those!"

Many people looked each other in the eye, even murmuring among themselves.

"Since everyone likes them, let me ask you this, have you seen any spy series, and if you have, please raise your hand?"

Among the jurors, many raised their hands.

"So, who do you prefer, Ethan Henter or Jason Bourne?"

As soon as these words were out, the jurors who had raised their hands looked around at each other.

"Madam, which one do you like?" Zhang Wei approached a woman and added, "Please state your reasons."

"I like Ethan Henter; he’s really handsome, and he has a charming smile."

"Oh, a charming smile, huh? I can understand that; after all, it’s Tom Cruise we’re talking about."

Zhang Wei chuckled and then turned to a man in the adjacent seat who had raised his hand, "How about you, sir?"

"I prefer Jason Bourne. Although he’s not as handsome as Ethan, I just like his style."

"Yeah, I get you!"

Zhang Wei gave a thumbs up to the man.

"And what about you, sir?"

"And you, ma’am, who do you favor?"

Zhang Wei continued to question the people who were raising their hands, causing a wave of confusion in the jury box and the public gallery.

Why has this place turned into a movie enthusiast club?

Isn’t this a sacred courtroom? Why are you all discussing movies and male leads?

Even Qin Yang from the prosecution bench showed a puzzled expression.

Because he had hardly watched any of the movies Zhang Wei mentioned.

As for these questions, he was completely baffled.

After asking all the people who had raised their hands, Zhang Wei discovered that there were more who favored Ethan Henter than those who preferred Jason Bourne.

"Judge Li, the defense requests the dismissal of jurors number 2, 4... and accepts jurors number 1, 3, 7, 9, and 16!"

Zhang Wei directly used his remaining challenges to dismiss all the jurors who chose Ethan and accepted those who chose Jason.

Qin Yang didn’t quite understand the question about movies, so he didn’t object.

With that, his questioning had finally ended.

"Well, since that’s the case, we now have a jury!"

After announcing this, Judge Li immediately checked his schedule.

"Both sides, the court is available Thursday and Friday. Which day would you prefer for the trial? Pick a date."

As soon as Old Li asked, Zhang Wei was about to answer, but Qin Yang was quicker.

"Judge Li, our side chooses to hold hearings on both Thursday and Friday. This case is of great significance, and colleagues from the CSB Department, the Major Case Squad, and the Investigative Division have collected evidence for far too long. They are all looking forward to this trial!"

Qin Yang said, gesturing towards Xia Qianyue and others in the public gallery and Wu Yong and his group in the witness stand.

Wu Yong was confused. Had their Major Case Squad really collected evidence for a long time?

They were simply brought in by the CSB Department to assist in one operation and hadn’t even known who the target was from the beginning to the end.

Zhang Lang was the one in charge of the case. They just showed up, arrested a few people, and that was that.

There was no question of hard work or not.

Unfortunately, as witnesses, they had no right to speak, or else Wu Yong would have wanted to interrupt Qin Yang.

"Judge Li, our CSB Department is responsible for maintaining the network security of the Southern Region. Our tasks are very urgent. Could you also consider the difficulties our department faces?"

Zhang Lang also spoke up. Although he was asking for a favor, his tone carried a veiled threat.

Old Li thought for a moment and tentatively asked, "Then... what about starting the trial tomorrow and seeing if we can hold the second public hearing on Friday?"

"The prosecution has no objection!" Naturally, Qin Yang wouldn’t object.

"The defense reserves the right to raise objections!"

Zhang Wei didn’t object either, but he didn’t close the door on it.

If he wanted to object later, he could still bring it up.

"Fine, then it’s settled. The trial will start tomorrow afternoon, and I will also make time on Friday. At that time, both sides can decide."

Although Old Li wasn’t too willing, as it was a tight schedule and somewhat disadvantageous to the defense, he had his reasons for wanting the case over soon.

He was also hoping to go home for the weekend.

The court adjourned, and everyone began to leave.

Zhang Wei naturally took Zhao Xiao Xiao and the other two to quickly leave the courtroom.

But while passing through a corridor, he happened to run into Zhou Xiaoli and her three entourage, including her brother-in-law.

"How was it, Lawyer Zhang? Was the pre-trial smooth today?"

Hearing the question, Zhang Wei felt as if they had been waiting here for him.

"Not bad."

"Are these your clients?"

Zhou Xiaoli asked, looking over Zhang Wei’s shoulder.

"They are the defendants in this case. Guider Zhou, let me introduce you — this is Xiao Xiao, my..."

"No need. I’m as familiar with them as you are."

As Zhou Xiaoli spoke, she couldn’t help but shake her head, "With such skills, why didn’t they think of serving the country?"

"What a waste, such a waste..."

She shook her head and signaled Xia Qianjun and the three others with a glance, and the four of them left directly.

"Serving the country?"

Zhang Wei muttered to himself about the last thing Zhou Xiaoli said.

Why exactly did Zhou Xiaoli wait here for him?