Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 423 - 419: The charge is not established, go to work to atone for sins!

Chapter 423: Chapter 419: The charge is not established, go to work to atone for sins!

Zhang Lang collapsed!

Just like that, knocked down by a simple punch, he flew out and heavily crashed to the ground.

The jurors, the audience, the judges, everyone was staring, mouths agape in surprise.

Zhang Lang, such a big guy, was just about to erupt in violence, and then he was gone?

And the instigator, still maintaining the punching pose in the center, was equally stunned.

"How could he... be so weak..."

Xia Qianyue felt everyone’s gaze, carefully withdrew her fist, and bowed her head with an embarrassed look.

Although Xia Qianyue was embarrassed, Zhang Wei was very moved.

The Simple-minded person truly lived up to the name. The moment he was in danger, she threw caution to the wind.

With that in mind, Zhang Wei definitely wouldn’t let Xia Qianyue face criticism.

Thinking this, he quickly recalled some sad movie scenes, managed to squeeze out a few tears, and then rushed towards her.

"Officer Xia, I’m so grateful to you!"

"Just now I thought I was about to die, thank you for stepping in to save my life!"

Zhang Wei grabbed Xia Qianyue’s hands tightly and started crying with tears in his eyes.

At this moment, he was the victim, and Zhang Lang, who was knocked down with a punch, was the attacker.

Zhang Wei’s crying voice spread throughout the room.

On the prosecution’s side, Qin Yang’s eyes twitched.

He was obviously speechless about Zhang Wei’s performance.

Do you really need to go to such lengths? The man has already passed out, and you still need to act like this?

Crying so pitifully in court, looking like you’ve narrowly escaped death, anyone who didn’t know better would think you really were on the brink of losing your life.

However, Qin Yang did feel some emotion regarding Zhang Wei’s immediate performance in tears.

By crying like that, Zhang Wei essentially framed Zhang Lang’s actions.

Zhang Lang was trying to kill Zhang Wei, and so Zhang Wei almost died, while Xia Qianyue intervened to save someone, attacking Zhang Lang to save Zhang Wei’s life.

Legitimate self-defense!

In just a few words, Zhang Wei had defined the whole incident.

Qin Yang couldn’t help but marvel that even in such a moment, Zhang Wei, even while crying, was thinking first and foremost about absolving himself of responsibility. He truly was a dedicated defense attorney.

Clever boy, so professional!

Qin Yang remained seated, and regarding Zhang Wei’s performance, he couldn’t bother to watch anymore.

As for this case, he had already given up hope.

Let it be whatever it will be...

In the courtroom.

Zhang Wei was still going at it.

"This Zhang surname is really inhuman, flipping the table as soon as his scheme was exposed, simply a beast!"

"Spit, worse than a beast, just disgusting, disgusting, uh, disgusting..."

Zhang Wei was showering the unconscious Zhang Lang with scorn and curses, almost going as far as giving him the middle finger.

"Enough, enough, stop cursing, Lawyer Zhang!"

In the end, it was Old Li from the judges’ bench who couldn’t stand it anymore and interrupted Zhang Wei’s tirade.

"Court Guard, quickly check how he’s doing," Old Li said, pointing to the fallen Zhang Lang.

Immediately, two Court Guards approached to check on him.

"He’s not dead, but it looks close enough..."

"Then send him for emergency treatment quickly!"

"Right away!"

The two Court Guards, after calling the emergency center, quickly brought a stretcher and carried Zhang Lang to the courthouse door.

Soon after, the ambulance arrived, and he was finally taken away.

But even though he was gone, his sins wouldn’t shake off that easily.

Zhang Wei watched as Zhang Lang was taken away, then turned to look at the courtroom.

The farce had ended, and now it was time to get back to business.

"Since the witness has already exposed themselves, I need to ask the defense one more question, do you still need to continue presenting evidence?"

"Judge Li, the defense rests their case, and we will not submit any further evidence to the court!"

Zhang Wei’s response was naturally this.

"What about the prosecution, do you need to continue with the cross-examination of the witness?"

"Judge Li, what do you think?" Qin Yang, sitting in his place, retorted with a question.

That’s an unnecessary question, isn’t it? The person has already exposed themselves, what more is there for me to ask?

A twitch formed at the corner of Old Li’s mouth, but he said nothing.

Anyway, it will be as it will be.

"I understand, let’s take a 5-minute break, and then we’ll start with the closing arguments!"

Five minutes later.

Both parties began to speak in turn.

Qin Yang likely knew he had lost and seemed at peace with the outcome; his closing argument was just a formality.

After he finished, Zhang Wei stepped up to the podium.

"Ahem, ladies and gentlemen, I know that you all have a verdict in mind."

"The charge being decided in this case is espionage! Espionage is a subjective crime, meaning the suspect must be aware their actions pose a threat to the national security of Dragon Country."

"For this crime, if the intent is shown on a subjective level, such intent is defined by the actor – the suspect – being fully aware of participating in or accepting tasks from foreign organizations or spy organizations and their agents, and then committing illegal criminal acts such as betraying national interests or endangering national security. That is espionage."

"But let’s review, what exactly are my clients guilty of? Are they guilty of stealing state materials or core confidential data?"

"No, that is just the surface, not the real reason!"

"The real reason is because of Zhang Lang, the deputy head of the CSB Department, because of his ambition, his instigation, and his instructions to his subordinates to induce my clients to commit crimes, which led to today’s trial."

"You must be wondering, from the start of the case until now, not until the prosecution told them in court did my clients know that the Yuanfeng Series had the backing of the War Department. They never imagined that their actions would lead to such serious consequences."

"Did they intend to engage in espionage?"

"No, they never considered it!"

"Did they steal confidential data?"

"No, they had no clue what that data was!"

"Did they deliver the materials to foreign powers?"

"No, the materials were under Zhang Lang’s surveillance from beginning to end!"

"So what exactly did my clients do wrong?"

"I can tell you, they have compromised network security, violated information management regulations, and infringed on citizen privacy, even taking part in aiding cyberbullying – these are all extreme actions. But I can assure you, they never subjectively intended to engage in espionage."

"And objectively, they haven’t done so, have they?"

"Consider this, have my clients had any contact with foreign powers?"

"Not at all, right?"

"The mission’s publisher was a subordinate of Zhang Lang, in effect a subordinate of the CSB Department, and there was only one person who benefitted from the mission, and that is Zhang Lang himself. His ambition was satisfied, he captured the people and retrieved the data – what a great achievement."

"But this play was self-written, directed, and acted by him. My clients have always been kept in the dark, completely unaware that they were tools for others to fulfill their ambitions, just stepping stones for someone else to climb up."

"Imagine what would happen if Zhang Lang ascended to an even higher position. With his track record, would he continue to sacrifice more of Dragon Country’s interests just to climb faster?"

"Today he can betray the Yuanfeng Series, but could he betray more core secrets tomorrow? The day after tomorrow, could he continue his self-directed plays and collude with foreign powers for an even more ruthless move?"

"I believe the greatest responsibility in this case does not lie with my clients, but with the person who was carried away on a stretcher. It’s all because of him, his ambition, that led to today’s trial, that led to all of us sitting here."

"I can tell you, my clients are also victims, they are sacrificial pawns, mere tools exploited by someone to achieve their own ambitions, nothing more."

Having said this, Zhang Wei took a deep breath and then calmly stated, "Ladies and gentlemen, I only know one thing: although tools can harm people, no one blames the tool, they blame the person who used it."

"In this case, my clients are all tools, tools for Zhang Lang to satisfy his ambition, and he is the one who used these tools."

With that, Zhang Wei’s closing argument concluded.

The courtroom fell into silence, with no response for a long time.

"Ahem, now that both parties have finished their closing arguments, jury, please join me in deliberation!"

In fact, this step could have been skipped.

Because, after Judge Li and the jury stepped into the deliberation room, they emerged in just 5 minutes.

"Jury, have you reached a verdict?"

"Yes, Your Honor!"

"Very well, Foreman, please make the announcement!"

From the jury, a man slowly stood up.

"After the jury’s deliberation, we find the defendant Zhao Xiaoxiao, Zhu Erdan, and others not guilty of the espionage charges... not established!"

At the prosecutor’s bench, Zhao Xiaoxiao had risen to her feet along with Zhang Wei, waiting for the outcome.

Though she knew they had a significant advantage, the young girl was still somewhat nervous, her hands involuntarily clasped together tightly.

But as the chief juror announced the verdict, she finally let out a sigh of relief, her young face at last revealing a long-missed smile.

Zhao Xiaoxiao patted the shoulder of the person next to her, excitedly saying, "Thanks, Zhang Wei!"

"What’s there to thank me for, young lady?" Zhang Wei’s eyes were full of affection.

Helping my own girl, what’s there to be thankful for, when I’m the one who loves you?

"So, am I free now?"

"Of course not!"

Zhang Wei said, the smile on his face disappearing in an instant, and he seriously added, "The crimes you committed are a fact, although the espionage charge has been dropped, what about the other charges?"

Zhang Wei continued, gesturing towards Liu Dashun in the prosecutor’s witness seat and beckoning Zhu Erdan from the defense’s witness seat.

Both were somewhat confused, but still they came together.

"Do you two have anything to say?"

Zhu Erdan started first, "Lawyer Zhang, I can’t thank you enough, if it weren’t for you, I..."

"Stop right there!" Seeing Zhu Erdan about to burst into tears, Zhang Wei immediately interrupted, then turned to the other person, "And you?"

"Lawyer Zhang, I was wrong, I shouldn’t have believed the prosecutor’s words, and I definitely shouldn’t have betrayed you all!"

Liu Dashun earnestly apologized, his demeanor humble, he was almost ready to kneel on the spot.

"Are you done?"

"Yes, we’re done..."

Zhu Erdan and Liu Dashun looked at each other, indicating they had finished speaking.

"Done, huh? Well, that’s good, because now it’s time for you to make amends!"

A sly smile appeared on Zhang Wei’s face.

This scene made Zhu Erdan and Liu Dashun feel inexplicably panicked.

"Let’s go, let’s get out of here, and meet your new leader!"

As the court session adjourned, Zhang Wei led Zhao Xiaoxiao and the others out of the courtroom.

Around the corner from the courtroom door, they met Zhou Xiaoli’s four-person team, who had been waiting there.

"Guider Zhou, I’ve brought you the people."

"Mm, thank you, Lawyer Zhang."

"Actually, I should be thanking you for giving them a chance to atone for their crimes through service!"

Zhang Wei introduced the three, saying, "This is Guider Zhou from the War Department Special Combat Team, she’ll be your boss. Before you’ve fully atoned for your wrongs, you are going to work for her!"

"Ah?"

Zhu Erdan and Liu Dashun were both somewhat bewildered.

But Zhang Wei slapped their shoulders, laughing and saying, "Did you two ever stop to think about the crimes you’ve committed?"

"Let me put it this way for you, with today’s trial, think about how many people outside now know your true identities. Imagine the families you’ve wronged, the people you’ve offended; once they learn your identities, do you really think they’ll forgive you generously?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Erdan and Liu Dashun simultaneously swallowed hard.

Yes, our identities have been exposed.

We’re doomed, after so many years of hurting so many people, they’ll want revenge, won’t they?

"That’s why I found a place for you to stay. You’ll work as external staff for the Special Combat Team, helping them with cybersecurity supervision."

"Oh, and by the way, Guider Zhou and the team members are very welcoming of your arrival. Now they can start working on some of the cybersecurity and technical support tasks that were previously unachievable."

"Do you understand now?"

Zhu Erdan and Liu Dashun looked at each other and then nodded their heads woodenly.

"Good, off you go then!"

Following Zhang Wei’s lead, they positioned themselves behind Zhou Xiaoli.

"Hehe, good luck!" the young girl meanwhile relished in their misfortune, taunting them.

"Young lady, don’t think you can walk away scot-free either!"

But Zhang Wei’s face remained stern as he also turned to Zhao Xiaoxiao.

"Hah, me too?" she finally realized.

"Of course, I’m afraid you’ll get bored, so I arranged some work for you!"

Zhang Wei tightened his face and said, "Xiao Xiao, you’ll also be working for the Special Combat Team, but I’ve arranged everything for you. You won’t need to live elsewhere, you can work from home every day, you just have to clock in daily and report your status."

"You should be grateful, your work can be done online, it doesn’t matter where you are offline, so you’re essentially free."

"Ah, this..."

The second girl had never imagined that Zhang Wei had even calculated her own situation.

"Xiao Xiao, go there with peace of mind, today Guider Zhou will take you to register. If there’s a need for your services later on, remember to work hard. It’s what you’re supposed to do!"

Zhao Xiaoxiao was somewhat reluctant, but Zhang Wei wasn’t suggesting, he was directly ordering her.

After giving a few more instructions to the second girl and exchanging a few pleasantries with Guider Zhou, Zhang Wei watched as Zhou Xiaoli led the three of them away.

"Zhang Wei, thank you!"

Just then, Zhao Qingyan also arrived behind Zhang Wei.

"Uncle Zhao, what are you thanking me for? This is what I should do..."

"No, you used your connections to have Guider Zhou accept them, I absolutely have to thank you!"

Zhao Qingyan looked towards the departing figures of Zhao Xiaoxiao and others, and said with emotion, "Based on their hacking records, although the charge of espionage wasn’t established, what about the crimes you mentioned during the closing statement? If the victims’ families pursue it, they would not only face criminal litigation but also civil litigation and accompanying compensation."

"Now you’ve connected them with the Special Combat Team and even helped them apply for the chance to commit crimes and merits. It’s like changing their future place of sentence from detention to the Special Combat Team, naturally giving them a bit more freedom."

At this point, Zhao Qingyan asked, "How long will they have to serve the Special Combat Team?"

"5 years, 7 years, or even 10 years, depending on the situation. If they perform well, maybe their time will be reduced a bit!"

"That sounds about right..." Zhao Qingyan nodded in agreement.

If Zhu Erdan and others were to be prosecuted, they would likely face the number 7 as well.

Now, switching to working for the Special Combat Team, they wouldn’t have to be imprisoned, they would clock in and report daily, which is safer and more free.

"Thank you, Zhang, I really don’t know how to thank you enough this time!"

As Zhao Qingyan spoke, he patted Zhang Wei on the shoulder, "If there’s ever anything you need from your Uncle Zhao, just say the word. I’ll do my utmost to help you!"

"Thank you, Uncle Zhao."

After Zhao Qingyan left, knowing that his daughter was safe and that Zhang Wei had arranged everything for the future, he was completely relieved.

"Lawyer Zhang, impressive work!"

At that moment, someone else approached Zhang Wei.

"Senior Procuratorate Qin, you’re not bad either. I didn’t expect you to have a trick up your sleeve at the last moment!"

The person was none other than Qin Yang, who actually came to greet Zhang Wei.

When Qin Yang heard Zhang Wei’s banter, he simply shook his head, "Hiding a key witness, even providing the most critical evidence, but I didn’t expect to still lose to you."

"It’s simple, Senior Procuratorate Qin, your overall view isn’t quite there yet!"

"Oh, an overall view, huh?"

"Yes, your focus was on convicting my client. If you, like me, paid attention to the causes and consequences of the case and conducted a little investigation, maybe you could have seen the signs, maybe you would have found something wrong with Zhang Lang."

"I don’t have your methods, Lawyer Zhang, to investigate so many clues."

As Qin Yang said this, he expressed his sentiment, "It seems my title of Baisheng General is somewhat undeserved."

"Lawyer Zhang, I take my leave, I hope we have the chance to spar again next time!"

Qin Yang also left, alone and quickly.

"Senior Procuratorate Qin of Longdu, quite a capable prosecutor!"

As Zhang Wei watched Qin Yang leave, his gaze was especially clear.

He could see that if it weren’t for finding the evidence against Zhang Lang at the last moment, he would have lost the case.

He would have been defeated by Qin Yang’s last move, and by that stain witness, Cui Yibin, whom both he and Zhang Lang were unaware of.

But because Zhang Wei always believed there was something wrong with the case itself, or with Zhang Lang, and he actually found the flaw.

Depending on the flaw, he managed a miraculous comeback, defeating Senior Procuratorate Qin.

"Zhang Wei!"

Behind him, someone called out his name again.

"Silly, Old Xiao, Xiao Tan, hello there!"

This time, it was his own people, and Zhang Wei naturally put on a smile and went towards them.

Having won the case, naturally, it was time to celebrate.

And since Xia Qianyue had just saved his life, he had to properly thank her.

Then, let’s have a meal together...