Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 454 - 450: The Case is Too Complicated, You Can’t Hold Onto It

Chapter 454: Chapter 450: The Case is Too Complicated, You Can’t Hold Onto It

Dongfang Capital, a residential area in Central Ring.

Here lies the house Zhan Qingze bought by emptying his family savings; the location wasn’t bad, being just a ten-plus-minute walk away from the nearby rail transit and subway station.

Because of this, a three-bedroom flat with slightly over a hundred square meters called for a price tag of over ten million, and such a property was considered an essential demand in Dongfang Capital.

This apartment was originally intended as a marital home for cohabitation after his engagement with Li Feifei, but now...

After inviting Zhang Wei to his home, Zhan Qingze hurriedly served him tea and poured water in the living room, his face the picture of courtesy.

"Hmm, nice house, residential-style decoration..."

Zhang Wei looked around carefully and nodded.

"Lawyer Zhang, you jest. This is just a standard furnished apartment, it can’t compare at all with Dongjiang Yipin where you housed your in-laws!"

Zhan Qingze showed a hint of embarrassment, thinking that Zhang Wei was just trying to save his face with comforting words.

But Zhang Wei genuinely thought the house was nice, at least among the essential demand properties, it counted as one of the good ones.

"I’ve seen your house now, and we can drink tea later. Let’s talk about the case first."

As soon as the case was mentioned, Zhan Qingze’s expression became solemn.

After all, his future was now entirely in the hands of the person in front of him.

"Actually, about this case..."

"Ding-a-ling!"

Zhan Qingze was just about to articulate his thoughts when Zhang Wei’s phone rang.

"Who is it? I’m still busy with a case here."

He took out his phone and saw that the caller was none other than Tie Ruyun.

"Old Tie, what’s up?"

"Zhang Wei, this is bad; the big boss is going to inquire about your case!"

"The big boss?"

Zhang Wei shot Zhan Qingze a look, and the latter immediately held his silence.

"How exactly does the big boss want to inquire?"

"He’s going to ask over the phone, of course!"

On the other end of the line, Tie Ruyun’s voice disappeared and was replaced by the voice of Lin Xiangtian.

Clearly, Lin Xiangtian was right beside Tie Ruyun.

"Zhang Wei, did you take the Dongxing Securities case?"

"Fatty Lin, you guessed right!"

Hisss—

On the other end of the phone, someone’s breathing hitched, and others gasped in surprise.

"What did you call me?"

"Fatty Lin, isn’t that what everyone calls you?"

Lin Xiangtian had an internal outcry.

Although everyone calls me that, it’s by my peers, who do you think you are, Zhang Wei?

But he suppressed the rage in his heart and still adopted a mindfully reasonable tone, "Zhang Wei, let’s put aside the issue of how we address each other for a moment. I’m calling to tell you that you shouldn’t take the Dongxing Securities case!"

"Oh dear, that’s unfortunate because I’ve already taken the case, and I’ve reached an agreement with the client. Even if I wanted to back out, I can’t!"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I’ve already taken the case, and even if you, Lin Xiangtian, ask, it’s no use!"

Zhang Wei stood his ground against the big boss.

"According to the Lawyer’s Association regulations, as well as the professional ethical standards of lawyers, I can’t unilaterally end the contract unless the client explicitly requests to terminate it, or both parties have reached a consensus in advance. As the attorney serving my client, it is my duty and responsibility to provide them with the best legal advice."

"So, Fatty Lin, I’m afraid I have to regretfully tell you that I can’t give up on this case—it’s not possible!"

Zhang Wei said and moved to hang up the phone.

"Hold on, you little rascal!"

On the other end of the line, Lin Xiangtian was on the verge of seeing red.

"Hiss—huff—"

He took a deep breath and then spoke with a voice full of earnest gravity, "Zhang Wei, take my advice, this case is too complex; you won’t be able to handle it!"

"I figured as much!"

Zhang Wei sounded like he had anticipated this, "If the big boss himself is calling me about this case, it surely can’t be simple."

"Then why would you still..."

"Whether the waters are deep or shallow, what does it have to do with me? I’m just doing my fundamental duty as a defense attorney."

Zhang Wei chuckled disdainfully, "Fatty Lin, if I were you, I’d talk less. Aren’t you the big boss of Jincheng Law Firm? Since when have you become someone’s errand boy?"

"You little prick, believe it or not, I’ll get you fired..."

"Then after I finish this case, I’ll file for labor arbitration and report you to the Lawyer’s Association. If I’m going down, I’ll take you with me."

As Lin Xiangtian continued to make threats, Zhang Wei immediately retorted with a threat of his own.

"If I leave Jincheng, I’m taking all the clients I’ve signed contracts with me!"

"Screw you, playing both sides!"

"Isn’t this all because you forced me, Boss?"

On the other end of the phone, Lin Xiangtian took another deep breath.

No lawyer had ever dared to talk back to him to his face.

But now, not only did Zhang Wei dare to talk back, but he also managed to threaten him in return.

This was utterly outrageous!

"By the way, Boss, why don’t you just spill it, who is involved in this case that made you come to warn me yourself, telling me not to meddle in it?"

"Hmph, you think I’d remind you, as if I, Lin Xiangtian, am that kind-hearted?"

Lin Xiangtian snorted coldly, but still muttered, "All I need to do is sit back quietly at the law firm and watch how you get eaten by that tiger!"

Having said that, he hung up the phone.

"Tie Ruyun, you really did bring up a good lawyer!"

After returning the phone to Tie Ruyun, Lin Xiangtian snorted coldly and turned to leave.

Tie Ruyun couldn’t help but shout out his innocence.

From the first day Zhang Wei joined the firm, he never listened to my orders, and I didn’t even know he was this capable.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Zhang Wei also put down the phone.

"That tiger?"

Although Lin Xiangtian didn’t give Zhang Wei any information, he still let something slip.

That tiger?

Who is it?

At Dongfang Capital, the only person Zhang Wei had heard of related to the word "tiger" was Lord Tiger.

But who exactly is Lord Tiger? It is said that even the serious crime team doesn’t know.

This person is regarded as the ceiling among the gang members of Dongfang Capital, but it seems that no one has ever seen his true face.

"Lord Tiger, what’s the connection with this case?"

"Also, Lin Xiangtian knows Lord Tiger, which suggests that Lord Tiger might have ties with the Five Great Families. Anyway, the Lin Family doesn’t have a person like Lord Tiger, so the only ones who could get Lin Xiangtian to take action are the other four families among the Five Great Families."

"It can’t be the Zhao Family because they only have two members now, and it can’t be the Hua Family because Hua Chaofan has only just returned to Dongfang Capital and couldn’t possibly have stirred up this trouble."

"Is it the Wu Family or the Zhang Family?"

Zhang Wei’s mind was already racing.

"Right, can’t I just ask Uncle Zhao and clear this up?"

Zhang Wei hurriedly took out his phone again and dialed a number.

"Hello, Xiao Xiao, are you busy?"

"Just spit it out if you’ve got something to say!"

On the other end of the phone, Zhao Xiaoxiao sounded impatient.

You call me Xiao Xiao the moment you speak, I know you’ve got something to ask of me.

"Xiao Xiao, is Uncle Zhao by your side?"

"Yeah, he is!"

"Great, can you help me ask Uncle Zhao who this Lord Tiger is?"

"Oh, I know that, Zhang Dihu, right? Zhang Tianlong’s brother~"

"Zhang Dihu?"

"Yeah, he’s sort of my uncle, but I don’t like the people from the Zhang Family, they’re all so hypocritical."

"Are you sure Lord Tiger is Zhang Dihu?"

"Positive, absolutely definite!"

"Got it, thanks a lot, Xiao Xiao."

"Heh heh!"

Hearing his second daughter’s signature sarcastic laugh, Zhang Wei chuckled and hung up the phone.

The identity of the enemy’s leader had been confirmed—it was Zhang Dihu, also known as Lord Tiger.

Now that the enemy’s identity was known, things would be much easier.

"Lawyer Zhang, your phone call just now..."

Zhan Qingze held a cup of tea, his hands trembling slightly, but he couldn’t help but ask.

"Little Zhan, although I really didn’t want to tell you this, the waters of this case are indeed deep and even involve some tricky characters," Zhang Wei said, looking at Zhan Qingze. "But what I find odd is, how could your case involve these people?"

"I don’t know, I had just taken over that project, I’ve hardly even met the project team a few times, and now it’s wrapped up in this mess."

"Really? So, you’re saying you’ve clearly been set up to take the fall?"

"Impossible, I thought the leaders had entrusted me with the project because they saw my potential."

"You still think that way even now?"

Zhang Wei spread his hands, as if to say, "Aren’t you a bit too oblivious?"

"This..."

Zhan Qingze found it difficult to respond.

Or rather, up to this point, he was still somewhat unwilling to accept reality, but reality was starkly informing him that he had become a discarded pawn of the company.

"Right, can you still get in touch with the company’s people?"

"Since yesterday, not only can I not contact my fiancée, but I also can’t reach anyone from my company..."

Zhan Qingze’s expression darkened as he let out a sigh.

Li Feifei’s family had abandoned him, and the company had blacklisted him; he hadn’t expected that the only one responding to him now would be Zhang Wei, whom he had always disliked.

"Then I understand. Since you’ve lost contact with the company and don’t know about the business affairs, I’ll have to investigate it myself."

As Zhang Wei spoke, his mind began to consider his next move.

He walked over to the window, pretending to appreciate the urban scenery of Central Ring, then closed the window.

"Little Zhan, although I hate to say this, you can’t stay at home for the coming period."

"Where can I go?"

"I’ll find you a safe place!"

Zhang Wei said, pulling out his mobile phone.

"Silly brother, I’m at work. Come to this address to pick me up!"

On the other end of the phone, Zhang Xinyan started to complain about not being able to rest on the weekend, but Zhang Wei had already hung up.

"Listen up, the court will give me a response by Monday, whether it’s a preliminary hearing or a pre-trial motion, but today I need to arrange a safe place for you. Then, until the case is over, don’t go out alone."

"Uh-huh, I’ll listen to you!"

Zhan Qingze indicated he understood.

The two waited in the house, and soon Zhang Xinyan arrived by car.

"Holy shit, why are there so many people downstairs? There’s even someone holding up banners!"

After Zhang Xinyan came upstairs and saw Zhang Wei, he immediately started complaining.

"There are a lot of people downstairs?"

"Yeah, it’s almost packed. The property management can’t stop them!"

"It looks like they are victims of financial investment scams!"

Zhang Wei instantly understood, then escorted Zhan Qingze downstairs, heading straight for the underground parking lot.

As soon as they began descending the stairs, there were already people waiting nearby.

"It’s that Zhan Qingze, the person in charge of the investment project!"

"That bastard, he swindled our hard-earned money!"

"Give me back my money, return my sweat and labor!"

"You scammer, pay us back!"

A group of people, holding banners and gritting their teeth, rushed towards them menacingly.

"Quick, retreat!"

Zhang Wei knew from the crowd that there were definitely instigators among them.

He hurriedly instructed Zhang Xinyan to cover Zhan Qingze as they got into the car and quickly drove off before the crowd could reach them.

On the road.

Zhan Qingze, looking back at the chasing crowd, was still frightened.

"These people, how did they..."

"It looks like your address has been exposed!"

Zhang Wei, as if he had foreseen this, said calmly, "Wait a few days, and if you go back home, you’ll find that the door has been splashed with red paint. Don’t be surprised."

"This..."

"Although among these people, some are provocateurs, many more are ordinary people who have lost money. You need to understand that."

"But I really had nothing to do with that project."

"I know, you’re just a scapegoat. The people behind this, they are the ones who need to pay the price!"

Zhang Wei comforted Zhan Qingze, then focused on planning the next course of action for the rest of the drive.

Soon, they finally reached Sifang Gate Street.

Here, it was much quieter, at least there were no people blocking or chasing with banners.

"Little Zhan, you will stay in the dormitory at Zhang’s Martial Arts School from now on. It’s safe here. I’ll handle the rest of the matters, and you better stay out of sight. Otherwise, I’m afraid wherever I go, there will be people bursting out from somewhere to attack," Zhang Wei said.

"I... I understand!"

Zhan Qingze hesitated slightly, then nodded seriously.

"Silly brother, make sure he’s settled in well. I’m heading out first!"

After instructing Zhang Xinyan to take good care of Zhan Qingze, Zhang Wei left immediately.

His first stop was the Serious Crime Team. He wanted to gather information about Lord Tiger.

Moreover, within the crime team, was a strong bodyguard.

If he was going to confront Lord Tiger next, he would need someone who could protect his safety, and the most powerful fighter in all of Dongfang Capital was right there.

...

Investigation Division, Serious Crime Team.

Inside the Serious Crime Team’s office, it was still bustling, even though it was the weekend.

"Team Leader Lin, the recent series of gang-related cases all point to the syndicate Fierce Tiger Hall. Do you have any plans for action?"

"Fierce Tiger Hall is a complex issue, and we don’t have decisive evidence; we can’t move against them just yet!"

"So we let them roam free above the law?"

"We are the Serious Crime Team, responsible for the investigation of cases; everything hinges on evidence. On the other hand, your Anti-Gang Unit could arrange for undercover work. If your undercover agents could provide decisive evidence, we wouldn’t be so constrained in our actions!"

Lin Ruonan looked at the man and woman in front of him with displeasure.

It’s easy for you to talk when you’re not in my shoes. Fighting crime isn’t done with just words. You think bringing a high-ranking prosecutor will put pressure on me?

"Oh look, Team Leader Lin, Prosecutor Lu Gao, and this must be the head of the Anti-Gang Unit, right? What are you all chatting about?"

Suddenly, a teasing voice rang out.

With the sound of this banter, Lin Ruonan felt an enormous pressure bearing down.

Alright, Lin Ruonan retracted his previous thought.

Sometimes, words indeed could apply pressure to someone, like this person, whose mere words could make her feel uneasy.

"Lawyer Zhang, is it another case involving your client?"

"You’re joking, Team Leader Lin. This time, I’m here for my Simple-minded person!"

Zhang Wei waved his hand, signaling Lin Ruonan not to worry, I’m not here for you guys this time.

Having said that, he glanced at Lin Ruonan and Lu Wenwen, then headed straight past the Serious Crime Team 1 Office to the adjacent Team 7’s office.

"What case has Zhang Wei gotten himself into recently?"

Lin Ruonan watched as Zhang Wei left, and exhaled in relief, "But it doesn’t matter, as long as it doesn’t involve the cases of our Team 1."

Lu Wenwen and the head of the Anti-Gang Unit fell silent too.

Team 7’s office.

When Zhang Wei arrived, he noticed that the atmosphere in Team 7 was much more relaxed than next door in Team 1.

Wu Yong sat at his desk sorting through files; Old Xing was showing Xia Qianyue something on the computer, probably training the newbie, while Tamu and Ah Ni sat idly on their own.

"Captain Wu, is Team 7 not busy lately?"

"Oh, what brings you here, kid."

Seeing that it was Zhang Wei, Wu Yong laughed and said, "We’re not busy because the higher-ups asked us to assist the Anti-Gang Unit’s operation. But their undercover hasn’t provided any valuable intelligence; our work can’t get underway, so we are just idly biding our time."

"Is that so?"

Zhang Wei muttered to himself, then gave Xia Qianyue a knowing look.

"So, Captain Wu, I have a case and I need Simple-minded person to help me out, is that okay?"

"What kind of case is it?"

"Financial crime, but it involves someone I wasn’t expecting. I need Simple-minded person to ensure my safety."

At this, Old Xing and the others instinctively looked up.

What kind of case needs Xia Simple-minded person? Is the opposition some foreign armed force?

"By the way, Captain Wu, have you heard of someone called Lord Tiger?"

As soon as the name "Lord Tiger" was mentioned, the atmosphere in Team 7’s office changed.

"Zhang Wei, does your case have something to do with Lord Tiger?"

"I heard some news, but I don’t know if it’s true."

"If your case really involves Lord Tiger, then I’d advise you to be careful."

For the first time, Wu Yong’s expression became serious, showing a look of warning.

"Captain Wu, can you tell me about this Lord Tiger?"

Zhang Wei quickly sat down in front of him, full of curiosity.

"Rumor has it that Lord Tiger is the leader of all gangs in Dongfang Capital, feared by both the underworld and legitimate circles. Of course, this description might be an exaggeration. What I can tell you is that he has tremendous clout and connections everywhere."

"Furthermore, it’s said that his gang, Fierce Tiger Hall, is the biggest in Dongfang Capital. Its Four Heavenly Kings are all formidable fighters who can take on a hundred men each. The elite members of Fierce Tiger Hall are also battle-hardened and fearless warriors. A gang and people like that..."

"No problem, I have Simple-minded person!"

Zhang Wei waved his hand, indicating that none of this was an issue.

As long as I don’t go to dangerous places, Xia Qianyue can easily take care of any common thug.

Besides, this is Dongfang Capital, a place that abides by law.

I’m working on a case, after all; surely no one would dare to flout the rules.

"Captain Wu, do you know where I can find this Lord Tiger?"

"Difficult!"

Wu Yong shook his head, "This Lord Tiger shows his head without revealing his tail. It’s said no one has ever seen his true face, let alone find him."

"Zhang Wei, I’ll give you some advice. If your case is related to Lord Tiger, then the waters are too deep, and you might be out of your depth."

Zhang Wei hadn’t expected that he would hear this phrase for the second time in the same day.

But Zhang Wei declared, even if he were to venture into the dragon’s lair or the tiger’s den, he had to stir things up and take his chances!