Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 416 - 412: The Third Hearing, New Tainted Witness?

Chapter 416: Chapter 412: The Third Hearing, New Tainted Witness?

Monday, the day of the hearing.

Another weekend had passed.

But early in the morning, Liu Dashun and Zhu Erdan unexpectedly returned.

The two of them came back so cautiously that even Zhang Xinwu, who was holding down the fort at Zhang’s Martial Arts School, almost didn’t notice.

However, Zhang Wei remained calm because he had anticipated their return.

After all, the only ones who could and had the means to kidnap them were from the CSB Department, and they were counting on convicting them.

So on the day of the hearing, they would naturally "deliver" them back safely.

After they returned, the two did not utter a word and went straight to their dormitory at Zhang’s Martial Arts School.

Today’s hearing was scheduled for the afternoon, so there was time in the morning to rest and prepare.

Zhang Wei took advantage of the preparation time to step out and see them.

But they remained silent throughout, and their eyes flickered whenever Zhang Wei inquired about their weekend.

Clearly, they had encountered something.

But they dared not speak, most likely because they had been threatened.

Zhang Wei did not press further as he had already guessed as much.

He just comforted them, told them not to overthink, and then left amicably.

After Zhang Wei left, Liu Dashun and Zhu Erdan glanced at each other.

Now they both knew that the other had suffered.

If they guessed correctly, the other must have endured the same kind of ordeal.

"Keyboard, I know you’ve been threatened just like I have, but I hope you can think it over. Lawyer Zhang is on our side, but what about those people!"

Zhu Erdan spoke earnestly and decided to lie down after saying that.

This weekend had been too exhausting for him, constantly scared and barely getting any sleep.

But back in this dormitory, he felt an inexplicable sense of security.

The trial was in the afternoon anyway, so he decided to catch up on sleep in the morning.

Zhu Erdan soon fell asleep, and the sound of his snoring reached Liu Dashun in the next room.

Compared to his companion’s composure, Liu Dashun’s expression was a bit troubled.

His heart seemed to be wrestling, struggling.

The extent of Liu Dashun’s agony was naturally unknown to others.

Next to Zhang’s Martial Arts School.

After leaving the martial arts school, Zhang Wei went to the entrance of Zhao Mansion.

He raised his hand and knocked gently on the door, but sadly there was no response for a long while.

"It looks like Uncle Zhao is still at the company."

Knowing that Zhao Qingyan was not at home meant that the only answer was that he was busy at Blacksmith Technology.

And Zhang Wei was aware of what he was busy with.

"Forget it, I’ll go back and prepare for this afternoon’s trial."

After checking the time, Zhang Wei headed back to Lin Mansion.

...

In the afternoon.

The court, the grand chamber.

The third hearing had finally arrived.

With the experience of the previous two, many people arrived right after lunch to snatch seats.

So, in the vast grand chamber, almost no seats could be found in the hearing gallery.

Especially in the front row, a line of people from the Procuratorate Headquarters had already snagged the seats with the best view.

Zhao Chunming, Guo Wufeng, Xiao Baihe; they all sat with arms crossed, ready for action.

Because they knew that today might be the day when the winner is decided.

The contest between Dongfang Capital and Dragon Capital, and whether the Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters were as incompetent as Qin Yang had said, would be determined today.

"I’m really envious of Tan Yingying for getting the closest seat."

"If you’re envious, why don’t you go and swap with her?"

"Don’t even think about it. Assisting that high-ranking prosecutor from Dragon Capital is the last thing I want to do."

"There you have it."

A few corner-seated prosecutors started whispering among themselves.

Because the best view in the courtroom is actually from the seats of the prosecution and defense, someone had already taken a spot there.

That person was Tan Yingying, looking utterly despondent!

Tan Yingying was holding a laptop, sitting next to her was Qin Yang, who was looking smug, and next to Qin Yang sat Zhang Lang, with a smile playing on his lips.

It was clear that aside from Tan Yingying, the other two on the prosecution’s bench were in a good mood.

Zhang Lang was indeed in high spirits, which could be seen from his sly, confident grin.

Over the weekend, he had set up a double insurance, eliminating two difficult jurors and also giving a powerful scare to one of the defendants!

Now, the jury could be said to be on their side, and one of the defendants was ready to turn coat as well.

It could be said that Zhang Wei’s side had no chance of winning.

Zhang Lang looked over at the neighboring defense’s bench, which was still empty, his smile nearly reaching his ears.

Heh heh heh... Advantage is mine!

At the prosecution’s bench, both Zhang Lang and Qin Yang were filled with confidence.

Although Qin Yang appeared calm, he was equally happy inside, a fact that could be inferred from his occasional finger twirling.

The frequent fidgeting with his hands also indicated that his heart was not at peace, and he was just as excited.

During the weekend, Zhang Lang had taken care of the jury.

And he knew Zhang Lang must have also given the necessary "threats and intimidation" to the defendants.

Of course, he was not privy to the details, and what he didn’t know, he could turn a blind eye to.

Theoretically, the situation was overwhelmingly against the defense.

Not only that, he had an ace up his sleeve, which he could use to deliver a thunderous blow to the defense when necessary!

Thinking of the trump card in his hand, Qin Yang smiled.

It looks like... this is in the bag!

The two on the prosecutor’s bench were brimming with confidence, unsure how they could possibly lose this round.

Just then, the courtroom doors opened, and Zhang Wei’s group finally arrived.

All eyes turned to the defense.

"This time, it looks doubtful!"

"Rarely does such a formidable figure come from Dragon Capital. I wonder if Lawyer Zhang will face defeat."

"It’s a pity, those defendants are just young people, yet they’ve done such a thing!"

The gallery was abuzz with conversation.

However, many were pessimistic about Zhang Wei’s chances, given that the charge this time was espionage, and many chose to believe the special departments.

Even though Zhang Wei had put up a strong fight in the last two days of the previous week, to the onlookers, it felt as if Zhao Xiaoxiao and the other two were guilty.

Zhang Wei also sensed this sentiment.

"Prejudice has set in, huh?"

He muttered to himself and, after "greeting" Xiao Baihe and others, led Zhao Xiaoxiao and the other two to their seats at the defense bench.

The doors of the courtroom opened once more, but this time it wasn’t Old Li who entered, but members of the major crime unit.

Wu Yong, leading Xia Qianyue and seven other team members, also arrived at the scene.

But Captain Wu had already finished testifying; they were not witnesses but observers and took seats in the crowded gallery.

Xia Qianyue took a seat next to Xiao Baihe, where Tan Yingying had previously been sitting.

Zhang Wei waved at Xia Qianyue as a greeting, and Xia Qianyue responded with an encouraging glance.

Zhang Wei was touched, his spirits lifted by Xia Hanhan’s support.

He then scanned the back rows of the gallery, but unfortunately, he didn’t see Zhao Qingyan’s seat.

"Uncle Zhao, please hurry up. I really don’t want to be anxious waiting..."

He mumbled inwardly and took his seat as well.

With that, both the prosecution and the defense were in place.

"All rise!"

The Court Guard shouted, and the courtroom became silent.

Old Li, clad in his black robe and with his hair meticulously combed, walked into the courtroom looking refreshed and energetic.

It seems that this weekend, he rested well at home.

"Ahem, has everyone arrived?"

Old Li scanned the room and found that no one from either the prosecution or defense was absent.

"Here, the court would like to clarify that within the 12-person jury of this case, two jurors flagrantly violated the jury agreement. Therefore, after discussions between the prosecution and defense during the weekend, it was decided to remove these two jurors. Their positions will be replaced by the first and second alternate jurors, and this is hereby announced to everyone present!"

Upon Old Li’s announcement, everyone turned to look at the jury box and indeed found two new faces.

"Well then, with the pre-trial matters now announced, this court hereby declares the third formal hearing of the espionage criminal case regarding Zhao Xiaoxiao, Liu Dashun, and Defendant Zhu Erdan now open!"

After speaking, Old Li flipped through his notes, "Last Friday’s witness was Mr. Zhang from the CSB Department, please continue to take the stand!"

Zhang Lang stood up and took his place at the witness stand.

"The court would like to explain that last Friday, Mr. Zhang proposed digital forensics on the electronic devices of the defendant Zhao Xiaoxiao. After deliberation, the court agreed and decided to suspend the session and then, along with the technicians, went to the residence of defendant Zhao Xiaoxiao to perform a complete electronic forensics investigation."

"The court now informs everyone present that, after steadfast efforts by the professional technicians of the CSB Department, a hacker’s digital signature known as ’Ghost’ was found on Zhao Xiaoxiao’s computer. However, traces of external intrusion were also discovered on the computer."

"Therefore, the court can inform all that the defense attorney’s concept that defendant Zhao Xiaoxiao’s computer could have been used as a scapegoat by Ghost constitutes a reasonable doubt that has been confirmed during this case!"

Old Li banged the gavel and looked towards the jury: "Please remember jurors, if later on deliberations are made, this point must be taken into consideration!"

All 12 jurors nodded, indicating they heard.

"Well then, I’ve said what needs to be said... Defense, do you wish to continue cross-examining the witness?"

"We do indeed have a few brief questions for Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Wei quickly approached the witness stand, then asked: "Mr. Zhang, I’d like to know if your CSB Department has been conducting 24-hour non-stop surveillance of me and my client?"

"We do so to prevent the defendant from fleeing due to fear of punishment!"

"But isn’t 24-hour tight surveillance a bit excessive? My client has human rights too, doesn’t she?"

"Our CSB Department has independent authority from field agents and investigative science, to monitor and inspect the residential area of the suspected individual, which is a right granted to us by higher authorities."

In response to Zhang Wei’s question, Zhang Lang explained calmly: "Additionally, cyber hackers are different from ordinary criminals; to monitor the network information in the residential area and its vicinity where the suspect lives requires significant manpower and resources, so it’s normal to arrange for a bit more personnel."

"If Lawyer Zhang finds our surveillance excessive, then all I can say is that 24-hour tight surveillance is to prevent the defendant from causing greater damage to network information. All these are necessary measures in line with the internal behavioral standards of my CSB Department!"

Hearing this explanation, Zhang Wei smiled.

"Necessary measures, is it? Alright, I won’t dwell on these anymore."

"Judge Li, my side has no further questions for witness Mr. Zhang at this time!"

Seeing Zhang Wei conclude his cross-examination, Old Li gave Zhang Lang a look, and the latter naturally stood up.

"Oh, now that Lawyer Zhang has finished asking questions, it’s a good time for me to say something I need to on the court."

Zhang Lang stood up but did not leave immediately; instead, he glanced toward the defense’s witness stand.

"Lawyer Zhang, you may not know yet, but one of your clients, Liu Dashun, approached our CSB Department yesterday and agreed to serve as our new tainted witness, using this to denounce the crimes of the other two defendants you represent!"

As Zhang Lang spoke, Zhang Wei turned to look at Liu Dashun.

I didn’t see that coming. Despite your robust appearance, you turned out to be a traitor.

However, his expression didn’t show much surprise, for he knew that Zhang Lang was bound to pull some stunt, even if it meant turning both Liu Dashun and Zhu Erdan against him.

"Damn you, Keyboard, you actually betrayed us!"

Zhu Erdan couldn’t help but burst out in anger in court.

"Humph, trash!"

Zhao Xiaoxiao also stood with her hands on her hips, her cute face full of indignation.

Even the jurors looked surprised, and some people in the audience began whispering to each other.

"Judge Li, the prosecution calls the new tainted witness Liu Dashun to testify!"

Seeing the mood shift, Qin Yang immediately spoke up to interrupt everyone’s thoughts.

Liu Dashun walked slowly to the stand from the witness seat, his head down, as if he dared not look at Zhang Wei.

"Since Liu Dashun is a new witness you’ve brought in, may I ask, what about your previous witness Liu Xiaotao? He..."

"The agreement he signed with our department is null and void. He’s admitted his guilt, and he’s been taken to detention!"

Hearing Zhang Lang’s typical burn the bridge statement, Zhang Wei wasn’t surprised at all.

Liu Xiaotao thought that by testifying against Zhao Xiaoxiao and the others, he would gain his freedom.

But he thought too much.

To cooperate with someone like Zhang Lang is like scheming with a tiger for its skin. As soon as the testimony proves ineffective, the latter would certainly tear up the agreement.

Liu Xiaotao can only be said to have gotten his just desserts. His life from now on would surely be spent in prison.

Serves him right!

After finding out the results that he wanted to know, Zhang Wei naturally returned to the defense bench.

"Hello, witness."

"Hello..."

Facing Qin Yang’s greeting, Liu Dashun cautiously responded.

"Witness, we are very grateful that you’ve found your way back to the right path, seeking light from darkness. Thank you for standing with us, on the side of justice."

Qin Yang said, offering praise to Liu Dashun for his actions before he began his questioning, "So, witness, please tell us what we are most concerned about right now, who are you?"

"I am Liu Dashun, also known as the hacker, Keyboard."

"From March last year to the beginning of this year, did you attack the databases of Yuanfeng Series companies and steal their core data and customer information?"

"Yes."

"It is said you are adept at using mini surveillance devices, even installing equipment on small animals to let them enter areas unreachable by humans, thus achieving the purpose of monitoring?"

"Yes, in this line of work, many people know that I am the only one who does this."

"In the information theft case involving Yuanfeng Series, we found these small animals with surveillance devices installed on them at the scene, including rats and Zhang Lang. Is this your handiwork?"

"Yes."

As Liu Dashun spoke, the projection screen once again displayed many photos of animals.

Many people showed a look of disgust after seeing them.

They had not imagined that rats and cockroaches could carry surveillance devices.

Disgusting, repulsive!

Seeing this, Qin Yang knew he had achieved the effect he wanted.

He immediately pressed on, "So you admit that you’ve committed the crime of espionage?"

"I..." Liu Dashun, hearing this question, didn’t know how to answer.

He looked around and, seeing Zhang Lang nod at him with a hint of threat in his eyes, continued,

"I admit, I stole some of the server data and some customer information from those companies, but I was unaware of their special backgrounds. And all this data, I eventually handed it over to the person who initiated the task,"

"Are you saying that you didn’t know the person who initiated the task had an overseas connection, and you just handed over the secret data of Dragon Country to them?"

"I... I really didn’t know..." Liu Dashun was almost in tears.

But Qin Yang sneered inside, whether you knew or not, the act of espionage is proven.

As for whether there was intent, that’s up to the jury to believe your defense or not.

But from your current performance, it’s doubtful that your defense will be strong enough to be convincing.

Moreover, proving the fault in the act obliges the defense to spend time and effort proving intent, which is their burden to bear.

"One last question, Liu Dashun, please tell us, as one of the executors of those hacking incidents, do you recognize the other two sitting at the defense bench?"

"I do, he’s PigMan, she’s TheGhost!"

Under Qin Yang’s questioning, Liu Dashun directly pointed out Zhu Erdan and Zhao Xiaoxiao in court.

"Are you sure? I’m afraid the defense lawyers might later deny it again, confusing everyone with some so-called online pseudonyms."

"I..."

Liu Dashun looked at Zhang Lang again, and the latter’s eyes were full of threats.

"I’m certain, absolutely certain and positive!"

He quickly nodded, speaking rapidly, "During those weekends, we were almost always together, I personally heard defendant Zhao Xiaoxiao admit she was Ghost, and I also heard defendant Zhu Erdan clarify his identity several times!"

"And there was that gathering where we all disclosed our code names. In that meeting, Zhao Xiaoxiao clearly stated her identity as TheGhost, which you refer to as Ghost. I can swear to heaven that everything I’m saying is true!"

As these words were spoken, many people in the room exchanged glances.

Well, isn’t this conclusive proof?

Just now the judge said that Zhao Xiaoxiao might have been falsely accused and that there were reasonable doubts in the case.

But now, you, a witness, come to the stand and dispel all these reasonable doubts?

The prosecutor’s witness has indeed provided a strong and swift case!

"Thank you, witness, for your testimony. We have no further questions!"

Hearing what Liu Dashun had to say, Qin Yang nodded in satisfaction.

This was a powerful blow for the prosecution, and he considered his task accomplished.

Next was to see if this tainted witness could withstand the attack of the defense lawyers.

But Qin Yang was not worried at all, even very composed.