Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 408 - 404: Qin Yang’s Concession, But I Refuse!

Chapter 408: Chapter 404: Qin Yang’s Concession, But I Refuse!

"Witness, did you forge the evidence!"

"Did you use your hacking skills to forge the online signature of my client Zhu Erdan, and even forge this photo, do you understand this is the key piece of evidence in this case?"

Facing Zhang Wei’s aggressive question, Liu Xiaotao now had no idea how to respond.

Although he had gone through many simulations, none were as nerve-wracking as this.

The eyes of the lawyer in front of him seemed murderous!

Moreover, from the prosecutor’s bench, Zhang Lang’s gaze also seemed to kill.

If he didn’t answer well, he was in for it!

He might even end up dead!

In such a situation, Liu Xiaotao was internally panicking.

"I... I..."

His body trembling, his mouth quivering, he couldn’t utter a complete sentence.

"What’s the matter, can’t speak, feeling guilty?"

Seeing the reaction of the other party, Zhang Wei naturally seized the opportunity to press further.

"If you haven’t done it, simply deny it. Why hesitate like this?"

"Is it because you’re afraid that telling the truth will cause the prosecution to lose its advantage, thereby jeopardizing your status as a tainted witness, or is it simply that you’re scared to reveal the actual truth?"

Zhang Wei’s words pierced Liu Xiaotao’s heart like a sword.

"Witness, please answer the question!"

From the bench, Judge Li also started to apply pressure.

It was a joke to think this question could possibly go unanswered.

Not only did he need to answer, but he must also give a genuine and clear response based on the actual situation.

The consequences of not doing so would be very serious!

Under the dual pressure of the defense and the judge, the weight bore heavily on Liu Xiaotao.

He was almost in tears, gasping for air.

"Witness, please answer the question, and fulfill your duty as a witness!"

Zhang Wei continued to press without pausing for a moment.

Liu Xiaotao kept his head down, afraid to look up, his eyes darting around.

On the prosecutor’s bench, Zhang Lang also showed a dramatic change in expression.

Qin Yang, sitting next to him, also revealed a trace of gravity on his face. He glanced at Zhang Lang with curiosity, his eyebrows tightly furrowed.

Could it be that there’s something in this case he didn’t know about?

Everyone knew that Zhang Lang was in cahoots with him.

But they only saw one side of things.

Qin Yang was from the Longdu High Prosecution, representing the prosecution in this case.

And who Zhang Lang represented, on which side he stood, only he knew for sure.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Finally, seeing Liu Xiaotao was about to cave under the pressure, Zhang Lang suddenly "loudly" coughed.

The sound naturally drew the attention of many.

"Mr. Zhang, are you having a sore throat?" Lawyer Zhang sneered, feigning ignorance.

"Yeah, I’ve been too tired lately, my throat feels a little uncomfortable..."

Zhang Lang casually brushed it off, certainly not revealing his real purpose.

His cough also caught the attention of Liu Xiaotao.

Their eyes met, and Zhang Lang’s showed a naked threat.

The next second, their gazes quickly parted as if they had never crossed paths.

"Thanks for your concern, Lawyer Zhang, I’m fine now!"

He waved his hand, as if his throat was already better.

And in the courtroom, Liu Xiaotao finally made a choice.

Compared to the threats of Zhang Wei, Zhang Lang’s presence was obviously more terrifying!

"I haven’t done it!"

He no longer feared Zhang Wei internally, or perhaps he had a trump card in mind as he replied crisply and directly.

"Haven’t done it, you haven’t done what?"

"I haven’t done anything!"

"You mean to say you didn’t hack that cosmetics company, didn’t forge the husband’s number to send a text message to his wife, didn’t forge..."

"No, no, no, I indeed did all those things!"

Seeing Zhang Wei mention those things, Liu Xiaotao had not concealed anything and directly admitted to them.

"What I said I didn’t do was fabricate the web signature and forge that picture!"

He said, looking at Zhu Erdan, "That picture was obviously the handiwork of Zhu Erdan, and the web signature is the evidence!"

"What he’s best at is using images attached to webpages or links to lure unsuspecting people into clicking and then planting a computer virus to steal information in the background!"

"This method has a very high degree of recognizability. Aside from him, nobody would do it this way!"

As Liu Xiaotao spoke, he glanced at Liu Dashun and Zhao Xiaoxiao, seeming as if he wanted to say more but stopping himself.

"Do you explicitly deny it, witness?"

"I just didn’t do it!"

Seeing Liu Xiaotao’s crisp response, Zhang Wei had nothing more to say.

Just like Zhao Xiaoxiao had said, she left no traces, and likewise, Zhu Erdan had also deleted all the original traces.

With no traces, how could they compare?

Surely they couldn’t make them hack into someone’s server right there in court and then steal data, could they?

"Hiss—huff—"

Zhang Wei took a deep breath and did not continue to question further.

"Alright then, since you’re so adamant, I won’t insist."

He just waved his hand, showing a hint of disdain, and then looked toward the bench beside the judge, "However, I would like the clerk to note that the witness Liu Xiaotao denies having forged the key image evidence and fabricating the equally important web signature evidence in this case!"

The clerk meticulously recorded everything.

"Judge Li, the defense has finished questioning the witness."

Zhang Wei and Old Li nodded at each other, and he returned to the defense’s seats.

No sooner had he sat down than Zhao Xiaoxiao pulled him aside.

"Hey, what’s the matter with you? That’s it? You’re done?"

"Weren’t you the one who used to break the opponent’s defenses with just a few questions before? Why didn’t you go breach that traitor’s defense?"

Zhao Xiaoxiao was somewhat annoyed at Zhang Wei’s performance.

"Little sister, they fear me because I have key evidence," Zhang Wei spread his hands. "I don’t have any leverage over that traitor, on the contrary, his life is in someone else’s hands, so how could I possibly manipulate a person whose fate of life and death rests with another?"

Zhang Wei cast a meaningful glance at Zhang Lang.

A sore throat at the crucial moment?

Go fool a ghost!

It was obviously you threatening the witness, causing him to consider some terrifying consequences, to the point that he’s no longer afraid even of my questions.

Isn’t there a saying?

The best way to overcome fear is to confront it!

After having seen the greater terror, when faced with the lesser one, you can smile at it.

"Since the defense has finished their questioning, then..."

"Judge Li, the prosecution requests to add questions!"

Just as Old Li was about to dismiss Liu Xiaotao, Qin Yang stood up.

"Senior Procuratorate Qin, what do you mean? The witness has finished being questioned; wouldn’t it be better to let him step down?"

Zhang Lang grabbed Qin Yang, looking puzzled.

Liu Xiaotao was about to leave, and now you’re creating complications? What are you doing?

Didn’t you notice how he almost lost his composure just now?

If you add questions and the defense does the same, won’t that increase the risk?

"I’m just doing what a prosecutor should do!"

Qin Yang shook off Zhang Lang’s hand and walked up to the front of the courtroom.

"Witness, you just said you didn’t forge the picture—is that true?"

"Yeah, it’s true. I didn’t!"

Liu Xiaotao was taken aback.

Why is "one of us" asking this question? Shouldn’t it be the other side questioning?

You’re the prosecution, and I’m your compromised witness, why aren’t you on my side?

"Are you sure?"

"Sure!"

Qin Yang narrowed his eyes, seeming to understand.

He sighed inwardly but still changed the subject.

"Witness, you just mentioned that Defendant Zhu Erdan’s actions are highly recognizable. He likes to tamper with images on web pages or in messages, is that correct?"

"Yes, that’s his idea, and only he would use that trick."

"Are you certain no one else would use it?"

"Yes, who else would click on pictures from such trashy links?"

As Liu Xiaotao spoke, he couldn’t help but laugh right then and there.

However, his remark caused some of the older members of the jury and those in the audience to show a hint of embarrassment.

In fact, they had indeed clicked on such links before.

Especially those not-so-decent images, they wanted to click and take a closer look, to examine the details...

"Ahem, let’s get back to the main topic!"

Qin Yang, noticing that some people were feeling embarrassed, quickly redirected their attention, "Since Defendant Zhu Erdan’s hacking actions are recognizable, what about the other two defendants?"

"Well, they also have their own methods. Keyboard and Ghost, let me think..."

Liu Xiaotao’s eyes moved as he recalled, "Keyboard installs surveillance devices on animals and in mundane objects you might consider insignificant, or home furnishings, concealing electronic equipment, monitors, and listening devices, even inside lighter caps, clothing buttons, and pins, or small cosmetic boxes..."

Hearing this, many people in the courtroom showed a puzzled expression, with some even checking their own makeup cases, clothing, and pockets.

"As for Ghost, it’s harder to pinpoint her modus operandi, but her strongest point is leaving no trace. It’s very difficult to find her online!"

"I understand, an enemy who can hide like that is truly dangerous!"

Qin Yang nodded, giving Liu Xiaotao a meaningful look.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please look at the projection screen!"

As he spoke, Tan Yingying started clicking the mouse furiously.

The projection screen began to show numerous small animals and objects.

The objects included buttons, lipsticks, lighter caps, and so forth, whereas the animals were mice and various arthropods.

And on these small animals, there were all sorts of electronic components tied to them.

"This is evidence found by the Investigation Department and CSB Department in the basement of Defendant Liu Dashun’s residence. Among them are small animals used as surveillance tools and some illegally modified household objects that are disguised as listening and monitoring devices."

"Additionally..."

Qin Yang gestured for the next page.

The projection screen flipped, and more evidence appeared, this time with tags from the Investigation Department.

"These are the animals caught in the ventilation ducts of Yuanfeng Chemical during last year’s hacking incident. They were also fitted with miniature cameras and listening devices of the exact same model used in Liu Dashun’s basement."

Seeing this, everyone in the courthouse got the picture.

The one behind the attack on the Yuanfeng Series definitely included Liu Dashun.

"Moreover, the chat records provided by witness Liu Xiaotao contain discussions between individuals identified as Keyboard, Ghost, and Zhuzhu Xia, planning a joint hacking attack on the databases of companies like Yuanfeng Chemical and Yuanfeng Shipyard!"

"Therefore, we can affirm that this was a premeditated and planned joint hacking operation, where the hackers in the chat room, participants in this case, stole internal documents from multiple enterprises of the Yuanfeng Series, all of which are classified as national secrets of Dragon Country, related to absolute confidential information of the War Department!"

"Based on this, we have listed the accused as suspects of treason, since they stole national secrets and may very well have secretly sold this information to foreign powers."

Qin Yang’s words sounded like a summarization and indeed resonated with many in the jury box and the audience.

"Objection, hearsay evidence, the prosecution is speculating!"

"Whether I am speculating, everyone has the answer in their hearts, but I can tell the defense attorney that the witness has already cooperated with the CSB Department, acting as their informant!"

Qin Yang said this and commanded Tan Yingying to pull up a new set of chat room records.

"Before that night’s operation, Venom, identified as Liu Xiaotao, specifically sent messages to your three clients, and each of them responded in turn. Eventually, they agreed to meet at the target location, which is the private room in the KTV on Old Street!"

"If the codenames are not mistaken, Zhu Erdan is Zhuzhu Xia, Liu Dashun is Keyboard, and your companion Zhao Xiaoxiao is the mysterious Ghost!"

The chat records were laid out for everyone in the courtroom to see.

All topics discussed by Venom, including offline meet-ups, were thoroughly displayed without omission.

"Ah, it looks like Ghost mentioned the ’dog couples downstairs.’ What does that mean?"

Someone with sharp eyes noticed a line in the chat records.

Dog couples, and the ones downstairs no less, who could that refer to?

Zhang Wei indicated that he had no clue!

"Ahem, thank you for the support, Xiao Tan. We have all seen the chat record!"

He hurriedly interjected to draw everyone’s attention back to him.

"I stand by my statement, chat records don’t prove anything. The prosecution is biased in presenting these records as evidence!"

"Defense attorney, it’s my time to follow up with questions, why are you interrupting me?"

Qin Yang, not indulging Zhang Wei, immediately questioned with a cold voice.

"I thought you had finished your summarization just now?" Zhang Wei quickly replied.

"I had indeed finished."

"All right, then I’ll just add a statement, I think the chat logs presented by the prosecution just now have some suggestive elements!"

Zhang Wei raised his hand, drawing everyone’s attention, "This behavior is known as ’induced evidence gathering,’ which is also commonly referred to as ’fishing for evidence,’ and the evidence provided by such acts cannot be considered admissible in court!"

"So Xiao Tan, you can cross out those chat logs, because they don’t qualify as evidence!"

Under Zhang Wei’s "warm and friendly" gaze, Tan Yingying could only quickly close the chat logs.

However, she was curious, what was the problem with this record, and why was Zhang Wei so insistent that she had to close the window?

"Correct, the defense attorney is right, evidence obtained through inducement needs to be scrutinized by the court before it can be determined whether it can be admitted as evidence, and this court decides that this last chat log shall not serve as evidence in this case!"

Judge Li also nodded in agreement with Zhang Wei’s statement.

"Thank you for your support, Judge Li!"

Zhang Wei nodded in appreciation.

Old Li paid him no mind, though, and instead lowered his head to glance at his watch.

"Ahem, this court announces, it’s getting late, let’s call it a day for today’s trial!"

Old Li was somewhat tired, and it wasn’t early anymore; it was time to end for today.

"Both parties, remember, the next hearing date will be notified to you by my clerk!"

Old Li said, then banged the gavel to declare the court adjourned.

Court is adjourned!

Watching Old Li leave hastily, Zhang Wei didn’t show much of a reaction.

He nodded at those in the witness stand and even Zhao Qingyan, who was in full gear, signaling that they needn’t worry about him.

"Lawyer Zhang, you seemed a little flustered today!"

Just then, Qin Yang approached Zhang Wei.

"Senior Procuratorate Qin, are you here to threaten me?"

"It’s not exactly a threat!"

Qin Yang turned to check and, seeing that Zhang Lang hadn’t approached, handed over a piece of paper.

"This is the latest offer I have for you!"

"Oh, a new offer?"

Zhang Wei was surprised but still took the paper and read it.

"Five years?"

Zhang Wei was surprised.

This Senior Procuratorate Qin previously had a stance of not making concessions; how could he suddenly cut the time in half?

"Yes, five years!"

Qin Yang nodded earnestly and leaned in close to Zhang Wei, whispering, "I’ve found there’s an issue with the witness, but neither of us has the evidence to prove this."

"And the subsequent testimony he provided is correct; your three clients indeed made mistakes, and for their mistakes, they must be punished. The only concession I can make is to halve the prison term, that’s all."

It must be said that making concessions from Senior Procuratorate Qin was no easy feat.

But he had spotted the issue with Liu Xiaotao and had, therefore, made a concession to Zhang Wei.

"Senior Procuratorate Qin, I’m truly surprised you would make a concession!"

"In fact, if my three clients really have to face charges of espionage, your five-year deal is indeed very appealing!"

Qin Yang was slightly taken aback, "Then your response is...?"

Zhang Wei smiled slightly, and then his face darkened, "But I refuse!"

You’ve got to be kidding me!

What kind of person do you think I, Zhang Wei, am? If I just casually agreed to your terms, wouldn’t my efforts be in vain?

"Lawyer Zhang, do you understand what you’re doing? You’re not fighting for yourself, you represent the interests of your clients!"

"I know, but I have full authorization, and I believe five years is not the best condition for my clients, so I cannot comply!"

Qin Yang never imagined that Zhang Wei could be so willful, even sacrificing the interests of the clients.

"Fine, since you’re so confident, Lawyer Zhang, let’s settle the score at the next trial! But let me tell you, by refusing this time, there will be no next time!"

"Senior Procuratorate Qin, take care!"

Qin Yang snorted coldly, turned, and walked away, not looking back.

Since Zhang Wei wouldn’t give face, he didn’t need to concern himself with this young man anymore.

As for Zhang Wei, he watched the official leave and then looked in another direction.

Zhang Lang!

This man was his real opponent, while Senior Procuratorate Qin was at most a strong backup and helper.

Only with a clear target could he proceed with the next steps.