Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 413 - 409: Turning the Tables, Who’s the Clown?

Chapter 413: Chapter 409: Turning the Tables, Who’s the Clown?

Is Zhao Xiaoxiao someone else’s stand-in?

If it were before, many people would have thought this was just an excuse from the defense.

But the words came from Zhang Wei, and the clever part was that he first provided a vivid example to illustrate this point.

Now that the example had been given, most people in the courtroom were able to accept it.

Yes, indeed!

Just like they saw.

Although the hacking program was created by Zhao Xiaoxiao, it was actually Tan Yingying who operated it.

Even though she just pressed a button and happened to connect to a wifi, she didn’t do anything else.

But who can confirm that the Zhao Xiaoxiao now is not the Tan Yingying from before?

Her becoming someone else’s stand-in wasn’t an impossible event.

The jury, previously influenced by Zhang Lang’s statements and hostile towards Zhao Xiaoxiao and the other defendants, also saw much of that hostility dissipate at this moment.

The malice in their eyes faded as they fell back into contemplation.

Was the defendant guilty?

Previously, they were contemplating how many years would be appropriate for the defendant, who was accused of espionage.

This could be said to be a significant advancement.

Of course, this was good news for the defense, but not so for the prosecution.

"What you’re saying, it doesn’t prove anything!"

Zhang Lang’s tone intensified as he interrogated Zhang Wei, "You say she’s a stand-in, so she is just because you say so? Where’s the evidence; show us the evidence!"

"Mr. Zhang, it seems you haven’t participated in many trials!"

Seeing Mr. Zhang’s disgruntled face, Zhang Wei was quite happy.

"What I just said was merely to raise a reasonable doubt..."

"Impossible!"

Zhang Wei hadn’t finished speaking when Mr. Zhang interrupted him.

He had to interrupt; he couldn’t let Zhang Wei continue, otherwise the hard-earned advantage might be completely lost.

"Mr. Zhang, you say it’s impossible, but why?"

Zhang Wei asked with a cold smile, "smiling Yingying," "As the head of the CSB Department, you should also be aware that hackers have the technology to change IP addresses, right?"

"Maybe the real Ghost is at the other end of Blue Star, while you’ve arrested my client instead, and the actual Ghost is still watching the live text broadcast of the trial or munching on popcorn and sipping on soda, all while laughing at you!"

Zhang Wei’s words also made many people have their doubts.

Could such a thing really happen?

If true, wouldn’t the CSB Department become a joke?

Didn’t catch the real criminal but arrested an innocent person?

"Impossible, our witness Liu Xiaotao has already proven that the defendant Zhao Xiaoxiao is the Ghost. She admitted her identity after they met that night, and the chat room records support it!"

"However, the character of your tainted witness is in question, with even a history of falsification. How can we trust him?"

Seeing Mr. Zhang cite Liu Xiaotao, Zhang Wei countered with the opposing witness’s past misconduct.

Mr. Zhang was left speechless by this response and found himself at a loss for words.

He could only look towards Qin Yang.

Would you please say something already? Can’t you see I’ve been rendered speechless by the defense attorney? Are you not the prosecutor for this case, not on our side?

But Qin Yang remained composed and unmoved.

Even with Mr. Zhang’s frantic silent pleas, he showed no intention of getting up.

"Damn... an outsider from the Longdu Qin Family, totally unreliable!"

Mr. Zhang cursed inwardly, utterly contemptuous of Qin Yang.

His eyes swiveled as his brain rapidly processed.

Suddenly, a strategy flashed through his mind.

The kid in front of him had been overstepping, and it was time to turn the tables.

"Actually, it’s quite simple to prove whether your client is the Ghost or not. Even your claim that her computer was used as a stepping stone by someone else can be verified."

"Oh, how do you prove that?"

"Just conduct a digital forensics investigation on all of your client’s electronic devices—her computers at home, her mobile phone, her laptop, and even her household appliances."

Mr. Zhang looked at Zhang Wei and then turned towards Zhao Xiaoxiao, "If she is not the hacker known as Ghost, then there will certainly be evidence within her computer devices that she was infiltrated by the real Ghost—our tech team just needs to search through it to find out."

"Conversely, if there is no trace of an intrusion on your client’s computer, and instead we find any hacker-related documents or the Ghost’s digital signature in her computer, wouldn’t that prove she is the Ghost?"

"This..."

Upon hearing Mr. Zhang finish, Zhang Wei inwardly exclaimed at the cunning move.

This reversal of roles was indeed clever!

It must be said that Mr. Zhang, as the second in command of the CSB Department, certainly had some tricks up his sleeve.

In just a brief moment, he thought of a strategy to turn the situation around.

"How’s that, defense attorney? Hesitating, are you? Do you have something to hide?"

Zhang Lang mimicked Zhang Wei’s tone, hurling back a sarcastic retort.

"I believe you wouldn’t refuse this opportunity to prove your client’s innocence, would you?"

"If you refuse, doesn’t that mean you’re hiding something?"

It must be said that at this moment, Zhang Lang had Zhang Wei cornered.

What will it be, accept or refuse?

If you accept but fail to find traces of cyber intrusion on Zhao Xiaoxiao’s computer, then the body double theory falls apart.

And if you refuse, your reluctance will only fuel the jury’s suspicion.

With that, Zhang Wei was truly caught in a dilemma.

Because he knew that he had merely raised a plausible doubt in theory.

The fact remained that Zhao Xiaoxiao was Ghost, that was simply the truth.

He could raise reasonable doubts, but he also knew there were no records on Zhao Xiaoxiao’s computer of it being hacked by someone else.

Possibly there were traces yesterday, but the events of yesterday were too technically demanding for an outsider like him to comprehend.

This kid is doomed for sure~

Zhang Wei turned to glance at Zhao Xiaoxiao.

Zhao Xiaoxiao subtly shook her head.

He looked at Liu Dashun and Zhu Erdan, and both of them shook their heads as well.

Stop dreaming, it’s impossible!

They clearly told you, we’ve got no solution!

This was probably the consensus in all three of their minds.

Zhang Wei could only sigh in resignation.

Looks like I’m going to have to be the clown myself!

"Actually, I think that doing this might be a bit..."

"Ahem!"

Zhang Wei hadn’t finished his words of concession when he heard a cough from the corner of the spectators’ area.

There was only one person sitting in the corner of the hearing room capable of "intentionally" coughing so loudly.

Zhao Qingyan!

Following the sound, Zhang Wei saw Zhao Qingyan looking serious, yet she nodded subtly.

Does this mean... there’s a chance?

Upon seeing this, Zhang Wei was informed.

He quickly feigned a cough and rapidly changed his statement, "Ahem, actually, I think this might be a bit too wonderful!"

Zhang Lang was stunned, what’s going on? This kid’s reaction is off.

Could it be a trick?

"Mr. Zhang, thank you for giving my client an opportunity to prove his innocence. We are immensely grateful!"

But Zhang Wei didn’t give his opponent a chance to return the play, as he said this, he walked toward the bench: "Judge Li..."

"Hmm?!!!" Old Li’s expression changed, and his gaze grew sharp.

There was a hint of murderous intent!

Zhang Wei quickly corrected himself: "Judge Li, the defense agrees to the prosecution’s request and consents to the CSB Department digitally examining all my client’s devices!"

"Are you sure?" Judge Li lowered his head, unable to resist asking one more question.

"Absolutely, sure as sure can be!"

"All right then!"

Without hesitation, Judge Li hammered the verdict: "Since the prosecution proposed it and the defense has agreed, this court declares a recess in the hearing. The CSB Department may conduct the necessary digital forensics on the devices of Lawyer Zhang and the defendant Zhao Xiaoxiao!"

"And as the judicial supervisor of this case, this court will also personally go to the scene to oversee the forensics process. We’ll adjourn for now!"

Judge Li stood up, stretched his arms and neck, and yawned a long yawn.

He had been sleeping in the office all these days, not stepping out of the city courthouse. Finally, he could go out for a breather, what a relief~

"Mr. Zhang, Senior Procuratorate Qin, what are you waiting for? Let’s get going!"

Elsewhere, Zhang Wei approached Zhang Lang and Qin Yang, urging them on with a smile.

Qin Yang was indifferent; after all, it was Zhang Lang who proposed this. It wouldn’t hurt for him to just go along and watch.

As for Zhang Lang, his expression was quite entertaining.

He had thought he could make Zhang Wei play the fool, but against all odds, his opponent was unfazed.

He couldn’t understand why the other side wasn’t afraid, why they would dare allow them to conduct the digital forensics.

"Let’s go!"

But he wasn’t one to back down.

He had already planned to search Lin Mansion, and now that the opportunity was right in front of him, he couldn’t afford to miss it.

The court adjourned, and the team involved in the digital investigation and evidence collection marched out of the city courthouse with great resolve.

It didn’t take them long to arrive at Lin Mansion.

After Zhang Wei opened the door, the personnel from the CSB Department streamed into Lin Mansion one by one.

"You two, keep an eye out, ah, the digital evidence team is dealing with electronic devices, don’t let them sneak any surveillance devices or listening equipment in!"

Zhang Wei also entered Lin Mansion and took a moment to instruct Liu Dashun and Zhu Erdan.

"Lawyer Zhang, rest assured, if they dare to place such gadgets, I’ll be the first to detect them!"

Liu Dashun made an "all is under control" hand gesture to reassure Zhang Wei.

When it came to surveillance devices and listening equipment, he was a professional.

"Mr. Zhang, we’ve found computers with very high specs!"

Just then, a voice came from a room on the second floor, belonging to a technical staffer from the CSB Department.

"Hmph, let’s go up and see!"

Zhang Lang snorted coldly and led his team upstairs.

Before long, everyone gathered in the upstairs room, where Zhao Xiaoxiao’s computer was already booted up and several technicians were busy searching it for evidence.

Among the onlookers were Judge Old Li and the accompanying Court Guard from the supervisory side; representing the defense were Zhang Wei, Zhao Xiaoxiao, Liu Dashun, and Zhu Erdan; Qin Yang and Zhang Lang represented the prosecution, along with the rest of the CSB Department personnel.

The digital evidence gathering wasn’t particularly fast, it took over thirty minutes before the technicians made a discovery.

"Found it, it’s an online signature!" one of the technicians suddenly shouted excitedly.

"Quick, whose signature suffix is it!" Zhang Lang asked excitedly and urgently.

"It’s TheGhost!"

The technician, having captured the suffix, shouted even more excitedly.

"Oye, it’s Ghost!"

"We’ve caught the Ghost!"

"It wasn’t easy at all, we’ve been on this case for so long, finally we can rest!"

Many people from the CSB Department even cried tears of joy after the online signature of Ghost was revealed.

How much pressure had they been under during this time?

"Hahaha!"

Zhang Lang laughed uproariously, all that could be seen were his nostrils.

The Ghost, finally caught by me!

This kid, the promotion is in sight!

"Lawyer Zhang, and the defendant Zhao Xiaoxiao, I can tell you, now you are both done for!"

"Hold on!"

But just as Zhang Lang was about to gloat, Zhang Wei directly interrupted him.

"We found the online signature, but you haven’t proved that my client’s computer hasn’t been tampered with or intruded upon!"

Zhang Wei said this and then gestured to the technicians to snap out of it and continue.

"This..."

The technician looked at Zhang Lang, who was the boss, whose word was final.

"Hmph, since Lawyer Zhang requests it, let’s satisfy him!"

Zhang Lang didn’t mind at all and with a grand wave of his hand decided to indulge the defense’s small request.

After all, they were clear that it was impossible.

The Ghost’s computer, how could it possibly have been breached...

"Eh, there’s a trace of a forceful intrusion here!"

"Huh?"

Zhang Lang was still not done gloating when a subordinate’s report suddenly interrupted his train of thought.

"What did you say, there really is a trace of an intrusion?"

Zhang Lang walked over behind the subordinate, staring intently at the screen: "How is that possible, are you seeing things?"

"Mr. Zhang, why so agitated? Aren’t all your subordinates professional technicians from the CSB? You should trust their professional level!" Zhang Wei said with a sinister tone.

He walked over to the technician, "Brother, don’t be afraid, speak your mind. Old Li and I will back you up!"

Seeing this, Old Li didn’t make a sound, which was tantamount to agreeing with Zhang Wei’s assertion.

Now was the time for evidence collection in the case, naturally, they had to follow the actual situation.

"Well... It looks like this computer has been hacked into..."

The subordinate spoke with a low head, his voice faltering.

"Well well, now I’m curious, could this online signature possibly be left on this computer by that Ghost?"

"This... it’s hard to say..."

"Hard to say means there’s a possibility, right~"

Not completely denying it was astronomically good news for Zhang Wei.

Because not denying it meant there was a possibility.

And if there was a possibility, that was a reasonable doubt!

"Hehe, Mr. Zhang, sorry about this, but your subordinates have already said it: there are traces on my client Zhao Xiaoxiao’s computer that suggest it has been hacked."

"That also means you can’t determine whether the network signature on her computer comes from her herself, or from the person who hacked her. Maybe the one who altered my client’s network signature is the real Ghost!"

Zhang Lang naturally could not accept this outcome.

He rushed over to his subordinates and demanded, "Where do the traces of the invasion originate? Can you trace back the perpetrator’s IP?"

"Judging from the traces of the invasion, the data entry point used by the attacker could be from over 20 different countries, with each country’s IP being a possibility, I..."

The technician didn’t have to finish his sentence.

Tracking IPs from over 20 countries would take a significant amount of time.

Furthermore, as the head of the CSB Department, Zhang Lang was well aware that it was nearly impossible to track down someone who used international IPs to mask their invasion traces.

The intense psychological turmoil was directly reflected on Zhang Lang’s face.

He had never imagined being so helpless with the target right before his eyes.

"You..."

"What about me?"

Zhang Wei stood directly in front of Zhang Lang, looking him in the eye.

"Mr. Zhang, Old Li and Senior Procuratorate Qin are both watching. Are you thinking of resorting to violence?"

Getting physical was absolutely not an option. If he became violent, Zhang Wei could counter with an assault charge.

Then the case could be delayed indefinitely.

"Hmph, consider yourselves lucky today!"

Zhang Lang snorted coldly and stormed off in a huff.

He had anticipated seeing Zhang Wei and Zhao Xiaoxiao make fools of themselves, but he didn’t expect to become the fool himself!

He didn’t want to stay in this place a moment longer.

Once Zhang Lang left, his subordinates naturally followed suit.

"Keep an eye on everything, don’t let them hide anything in the house!"

Zhang Wei shouted this warning before they left.

This extreme distrust also left the personnel from the CSB Department feeling exceptionally uncomfortable.

Do you really think we are hackers? We’re from the special operations division, and we have integrity, you know?

But Zhang Wei didn’t care.

I’m not sure about your integrity, but I know your leader lacks it.

It wasn’t until Zhang Lang, along with Qin Yang and others, had left that Zhang Wei finally felt at ease.

"Well then, Zhang Wei, I will be taking my leave too. The digital forensic records that our technicians conducted at your house today will be duly included in the public evidence. The court session ends today, and unless there are other arrangements, the next session should be on Monday, I suppose!"

Old Li also prepared to leave with the Court Guard.

"Old Li, thank you for your hard work these days. But actually, you could go home now. I’ve been avoiding the law office to prevent any conflict of interest, much less would I communicate with your daughter!"

"Your daughter and I haven’t exchanged any details about the case; she hasn’t been involved in it from the start, not even as a spectator. What else are you worried about?"

Old Li seemed tempted, as by Zhang Wei’s rationale, there seemed nothing wrong with going home to see his daughter.

"You’re not pulling one over on me, are you? You want to lure me back home, have my daughter trick me, and then you’ll submit recordings of our conversation to the city court to delay and retry the case?"

"Old Li, do you really see me as such an unscrupulous person?"

Zhang Wei never expected his candid approach with Old Li would be met with such caution.

Is trust so hard to come by in this world?

Do you really think I, Zhang Wei, am a person who would stoop to any level to achieve his goals, even to the extent of scheming against you, Old Li?

In all honesty, I, Zhang Wei, have always been a good person!

"Alright, I’ll trust you this one time. But just to be safe, I won’t speak a word to my daughter until this case is over!"

Old Li said, and departed with the Court Guard.

He was eager to spend the weekend at home; at least he wouldn’t have to sleep in his office anymore, and that was a good thing.

"Phew—"

After Old Li left with his people, Zhang Wei finally allowed himself to relax.

"Xiao Xiao, we were really lucky this time."

"Hmph, I didn’t ask for that guy’s help!"

But Zhao Xiaoxiao just snorted coldly, looking unhappy as she ran back to her second-floor room.

"Ah, this girl..."

Seeing Zhao Xiaoxiao’s reaction, Zhang Wei was dumbfounded.

The relationship between Uncle Zhao and Xiao Xiao was indeed a difficult one...