Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 462 - 458: An Apparent Defeat? Sacrificing Yuan Dong and Zheng Qian

Chapter 462: Chapter 458: An Apparent Defeat? Sacrificing Yuan Dong and Zheng Qian

(Updating early means I’m going to be busy today... I still have to go to the People’s Hospital for a follow-up this afternoon, sigh... Don’t worry, dear readers, Author Germ is just seeing the dentist, it’s not a serious illness, no leave will be taken!)

...

Zhang Wei gave up?

If this had been in the past, that would have been absolutely impossible.

After all, this kid is notorious for being tough!

But today, Zhao Chunming felt like there might be something wrong with his ears.

Zhang Wei actually reached out and engaged with the client’s employment contract, giving up his role as the defendant’s defense attorney.

He confirmed it over and over again just to make sure he hadn’t heard it wrong.

"He’s giving up just like that?"

Zhao Chunming muttered to himself again, then left Judge Chen’s office looking utterly perplexed.

Over in the criminal court, the clerk would notify them, so today’s case could not continue with a public trial.

After all, the defendant was lying in the hospital bed, and getting him to court would be genuinely difficult.

Zhao Chunming looked back at Zhang Wei, who had just walked out of the judge’s office, then said nothing and went straight back to Procuratorate Headquarters with his tool (assistant) Tan Yingying.

hour later.

Procuratorate Headquarters office.

"We won?"

"We won!"

"Really won?"

"It seems so..."

"That kid actually gave up voluntarily?"

"I didn’t see that coming either, but Xiao Tan was there on the scene. She heard it herself; it can’t be fake."

Guo Wufeng, Lan Zhengye, Lu Wenwen, and others all turned their gaze to Tan Yingying.

The latter immediately nodded like a pecking chicken, and while nodding, she echoed, "Director Zhao is right, that’s exactly what Zhang Wei said, he’s no longer going to be the defendant’s defense attorney."

Hiss—

Lan Zhengye, Lu Wenwen, Guo Wufeng, and the rest all took a sharp intake of breath.

Is this a victory?

Even though the defense attorney voluntarily gave up, doesn’t it imply that the opponent was scared?

Although this reason seems a bit far-fetched.

But being able to make an opponent give up is obviously a skill itself.

"Old Zhao, you’re really something, you made him give it up voluntarily."

"Director Zhao, you rock!"

"Yeah, Director Zhao, you’re awesome!"

The three, Guo Wufeng, kept praising Zhao Chunming one after another.

Zhao Chunming’s heart was filled with mixed feelings.

They won!

But it didn’t feel like a victory!

He made the opponent give up.

But he didn’t truly defeat the opponent in court.

There was an empty feeling in his heart, with not a whiff of the joy of conquering the adversary.

"That guy has released a news announcement!"

Just then, Xiao Baihe stood up and shouted to everyone inside.

"What announcement?"

"It’s one published by Zhang Wei, just open up Dongfang Capital’s biggest city live broadcast room to see it."

Zhao Chunming and the others quickly pulled out their phones and logged into Dongfang Capital’s city live broadcast room.

Indeed, there was a video of Zhang Wei appearing in the live broadcast room.

"I know many here may not recognize me, so let me introduce myself. I am Zhang Wei, a criminal defense lawyer from Dongfang Capital Law Firm..."

Hearing this introduction, Zhao Chunming and the others made strange faces.

"Old Zhao, look at you go. The kid doesn’t dare call himself an ace lawyer anymore. Clearly, he knows he just lost and doesn’t want to slip up by talking too much."

Hearing Guo Wufeng’s sardonic remark, Zhao Chunming’s mouth twitched slightly, somewhat speechless.

Just a standard self-introduction, and you overinterpret it too, old man?

"Keep watching, let’s see what this kid is up to?"

Zhao Chunming just waved his hand, not caring about the details.

They turned their attention back to the live broadcast on their phones.

"I hereby solemnly announce that I will terminate my attorney-client employment contract with Zhan Qingze. I have also reached an agreement with the client, Zhan Qingze, on the termination of the contract... Lastly, I wish Mr. Zhan a speedy recovery..."

What followed was a host of polite words, and it must be said Zhang Wei’s statement was very formal.

Now the whole of Dongfang Capital knew that he had terminated his employment contract with Zhan Qingze, no longer being the latter’s defense lawyer.

The entire legal community in Dongfang Capital was also discussing this matter.

Does this mean that Zhang Wei admits he can’t win the lawsuit, so he chose to cut his losses early?

Or is he scared?

Scared that his undefeated record would be broken and so he chose to give up?

Anyway, I didn’t lose to the Procuratorate Headquarters in court, so if I surrender early, it doesn’t count as a loss?

Many people began to speculate about what Zhang Wei really meant.

Just when the case reached a critical moment, when the party concerned was injured and hospitalized, he actually gave up?

Is that somewhat unethical?

Although it’s normal operation for a lawyer and a client to reach an agreement and terminate the employment contract,

But you give up on your client when he’s seriously injured and hospitalized, doesn’t that inevitably provoke criticism?

At least in the short time after Zhang Wei made the announcement, many media outlets in Dongfang Capital were like they had taken blue pills, all excited.

"The Undefeated Legend Falls, the Homicide Lawyer Turns Out to Be All Talk!"

"Vindicating the Procuratorate Headquarters, Is Undefeated Lawyer Zhang Finished Today?"

"Knowingly guilty, yet still wanting to snatch a victory, why bother when it’s impossible?"

"Kicking a Man When He’s Down, Zhan Qingze Indeed Deserves His Fate!"

"Now, the truth of the Dongxing Securities case is clear, even the lawyer has given up!"

Articles from the media sprouted like bamboo shoots after rain.

Some trampled on Zhang Wei while others were eager to guide the direction of Dongxing Securities’ case, pushing all the guilt onto the patient, Zhan Qingze.

But some smart people could see that behind the media, someone was clearly manipulating everything.

Dongxing Securities.

President’s office.

Qian Moli stood alone by the window, admiring the unbeatable view before her, feeling exceptionally pleased.

Dinglingling!

The special landline rang, and she excitedly ran back to her desk to answer the phone.

"Lord Tiger, the matter is taken care of, have you seen the news? It’s all orchestrated by me."

"Yes, yes, I didn’t expect it either, that kid actually gave up just like that, now there’ll be nothing to stop us from shifting the blame onto Zhan Qingze."

"Hmm, I’ve asked the hospital already, the kid’s injuries are real; muscle and bone injuries that will take at least half a month to recover basic mobility."

"But don’t worry, I’ve already contacted Leader Chen from the Financial Bureau, Dongxing Securities will actively cooperate with their investigation, and once Zhan Qingze is discharged half a month later, we’ll catch him and continue the trial."

"This time, we’re definitely going to pin all the responsibility on him, letting him carry the can for us—you just wait and see."

"Hmm hmm, okay, I’ll wait for you at the villa this weekend."

"Okay, okay, and let me tell you, I’ve just bought a new sexy swimsuit~"

Qian Moli hadn’t finished speaking when the call was hung up.

But she was used to it, the sudden interest from the person on the other end of the phone was already great news for her.

"Weekend, weekend..."

Qian Moli’s lips repeated these words, her face filled with excitement.

...

Elsewhere.

As the man who had just released a statement, Zhang Wei returned to Jincheng Law Firm.

After all, he still had to work, being a wage earner after all.

"Zhang Wei, President Lin is looking for you!"

As soon as he came back to the Criminal Department, Tie Cuilan was actually waiting at his office door, holding a phone in her hand.

"Fatty Lin?"

Zhang Wei muttered and took the phone.

"You’re something else, kid; you really know what’s going on!"

From the other end of the phone came the voice of Lin Xiangtian.

Whoosh—

Then there was a whizzing sound as if something had been flung through the air.

"President Lin is awesome; that shot must have decades of skill behind it at least!"

"What nonsense, that shot of President Lin’s is hundreds of years of skill!"

"Nonsense, President Lin’s shot must at least be..."

Hearing this familiar obsequious voice, Zhang Wei knew that Lin Xiangtian was playing golf again.

"You can’t even flatter properly. Praising your shot for its power, did your ball fall into the river again?"

"What do you mean by that, kid?"

The irritated voice of Lin Xiangtian came through the phone, as if someone had pointed out something embarrassing.

"Big boss, the case isn’t really over yet!"

"Ha, what do you mean not over? You’ve already terminated the contract with Zhan Qingze; what more do you want to do?"

"Then just wait and see!"

Zhang Wei said, and hung up the phone.

This left Lin Xiangtian on the other end of the line, looking completely astonished.

As the big boss of Jincheng Law Firm, he had just been hung up on by one of his own lawyers.

It was simply outrageous!

"Fuck this, I’m not playing golf anymore, it’s pointless!"

He threw the golf club in his hand away and stopped playing golf.

Criminal Department, office.

"Sister Cuilan, take the phone back, I’ve finished talking with the boss!"

After handing the phone back to Tie Cuilan, Zhang Wei’s gaze turned back to his colleagues in the Criminal Department.

They all looked back at him.

"Lawyer Zhang, although you lost this time, you’re still the unbeatable ace lawyer in our hearts!"

Among his colleagues, Su Xiaoqian was the first to stand up and cheer Zhang Wei on.

"Yeah, master, I’ve always been your disciple, but I know you haven’t lost, surrender doesn’t count as a loss~"

The little apprentice also chimed in at the right moment.

However, Zhang Wei muttered to himself that this little apprentice seemed to lack discipline; he wondered how long she’d "wail" if he punched her?

"Come over here, everyone, I have something to tell you all!"

Zhang Wei beckoned his colleagues with a hooked finger, signaling them to gather around.

"Listen, I’m going to make two moves next. The first is to ask you to do something."

"What is it?"

His colleagues exchanged glances.

"That is... like this, like this..."

Hearing Zhang Wei’s instructions, the colleagues looked at each other.

"But, hasn’t that case ended already...?"

"Yes, Zhan Qingze’s case has ended, but this case isn’t over."

Zhang Wei said, holding up two fingers and sneering, "Zhan Qingze’s case was a criminal prosecution, but what I’m going to initiate is a civil litigation, two completely different cases, you know!"

The colleagues glanced at each other and then realized that Zhang Wei had a point.

In fact, to avoid any conflict of interest, Zhang Wei had already terminated his employment relationship with Zhan Qingze in advance.

Everyone thought Zhang Wei was scared, but in reality, he was just preparing for his next move.

"But, Lawyer Zhang, this isn’t something that can be done overnight. If we really start working on it, wouldn’t it be..."

"No matter, there’s no rush for this. You can start getting busy now, and by next week, just find me a few plaintiffs, and don’t worry about the rest."

"Well, we do have ample time then; we can try to help you..."

"That’s all I need!"

Zhang Wei nodded, indicating that everything was fine.

"But, Lawyer Zhang, what about the second matter?"

Reminded by his colleague, Zhang Wei showed a hint of a cold smile.

"The second matter is naturally to give some confidence to the forthcoming clients. I need to find a sacrificial target."

"But I had already chosen the target a while back!"

Saying so, Zhang Wei walked back into his office with a smile, then quickly came out again.

"Go and deliver this lawyer’s letter, have the postman take it to the target!"

"And call the TV station for me; I want to tell everyone that I am about to make a move on them!"

Orders were issued, and the colleagues promptly got busy.

...

hour later.

Yongjie Law Firm.

Intern’s office.

"Yuan Dong, there’s a phone call for you!"

An assistant at the law firm called out from the doorway, and a young man quickly stood up from his desk to answer the phone at a station outside.

"Hello, Dad, I’m interning at the law firm, why are you calling me? Can’t you send a WeChat message?"

"What’s that, someone wants to sue our family, and it’s a collective litigation for damages, who could it be?"

"Zhang Wei, how could it be him!"

Hearing those two words leap out of his own father’s mouth on the other end of the line, Yuan Dong’s pupils contracted violently for a moment.

"That guy just admitted defeat, how dare he..."

"Yes, yes, I understand, the lawyer’s letter has already been sent, and he’s definitely going to sue our family, this..."

"I’m going to contact my master immediately, I’ll get ahold of him for you right away, I’ll definitely solve this issue."

Yuan Dong hung up the phone in a hurry, but his expression became extremely grave.

Because he simply couldn’t believe that, at such a pivotal moment, Zhang Wei dared initiate a lawsuit against his family.

In Yuan Dong’s family, they ran an antique and collectibles business, and though he knew very well how many of those items were genuine and how many were fakes,

didn’t Zhang Wei just finish dealing with the Dongxing Securities case, and even gave up voluntarily?

How could he suddenly...?

To be honest, Yuan Dong really couldn’t understand why Zhang Wei would target his family.

Still, he hurriedly approached his mentor, a senior lawyer at Yongjie Law Firm, who had taken him on as an intern.

"What, Zhang Wei!"

His mentor was surprised to hear that Yuan Dong’s family was embroiled in a lawsuit.

But when he learned that the opponent was none other than the infamous Zhang Wei from the Criminal Department of Jincheng Law Firm, his surprise turned into shock.

"Master, Zhang Wei has already lost once. If you take action, and hand him his second defeat..."

"Give it up. Do you really think Zhang Wei is an easy target? His strategic withdrawal was to cut losses, which shows that he’s a person who knows when to advance or retreat. You want me to clash with such a high-level adversary? Are you trying to make me lose face?"

Clearly, his mentor refused, and no matter how Yuan Dong pleaded, he was unmoved.

Out of options, Yuan Dong then sought the advice of several expert civil litigation lawyers from the same firm, his senior colleagues.

They initially showed some interest in the case.

But as soon as they heard that the opponent was Zhang Wei, the ace lawyer of Jincheng Law Firm, their interest instantly evaporated.

"We can’t take this case!"

"Take my advice, settle this case!"

"That’s the Homicide Lawyer Zhang Wei. Didn’t you see how he clashed with the Procuratorate Headquarters before? Do you know how ruthless that young guy can be?"

"Yuan Dong, no offense, but this case is too complicated. You and your dad won’t be able to handle it. Better to accept it..."

Yuan Dong approached many people, but the response was all the same: the case was unwinnable.

It simply came down to the mismatch in power.

Who was the opponent? Zhang Wei!

Despite the reluctance to admit it, this young man had only fought tough battles before.

And who could go head-to-head with him? High-level officials from the Procuratorate Headquarters and from Longdu...

Now look at us?

We’re just ordinary lawyers from an ordinary law firm, no match for that guy.

Plus, the opponent had just "lost" a case. Maybe he was looking for someone to vent his frustrations on.

If we step up now and provoke him, aren’t we pushing ourselves into a fire pit?

So, refusal it is!

No matter who Yuan Dong turned to, upon hearing that Zhang Wei was the opponent, they all shook their heads in refusal.

"Damn it, if none of you will help, then I’ll just... wait a minute..."

After pounding his chest in frustration at his own desk, Yuan Dong suddenly remembered that he too had graduated from law school and was a licensed attorney.

"I’m a lawyer too, I can defend myself!"

And hadn’t Zhang Wei just lost a case?

If there’s a first, there can be a second!

If he, Yuan Dong, defeated Zhang Wei, wouldn’t he instantly become a celebrity in the Dongfang Capital legal community?

In a flash, Yuan Dong felt that Zhang Wei suing his family wasn’t such a big deal after all.

Today, he, Yuan Dong, wanted to experience what it was like to defeat an ace attorney!

If Zhang Wei knew that Yuan Dong was going to personally defend his family, his expression would probably be priceless.

But at the moment, he had returned to his alma mater, the law school of East University University.

And he had arrived at the office of his old nemesis, Professor Zheng.

"Professor Zheng, long time no see, eh?"

Zheng Qian, upon seeing Zhang Wei, wanted to lash out but dared not. He could only grind his back teeth, his face filled with repressed anger.

"By the way, Professor Zheng, this time I’ve decided to sue Yuan Dong’s family for selling fake collectibles, counterfeit antiques. It’s a class-action suit with quite a few victims, so the amount of damages sought is substantial."

"What’s that got to do with me?"

Zheng Qian looked at Zhang Wei, his face darkening.

"Professor Zheng, don’t play dumb. A good number of the antiques in your office were gifts from his family, right?"

Zhang Wei said, sweeping his gaze around the office before a smile spread across his face.

He took out a subpoena from his pocket, waving it in hand.

"Subpoenas for the other witnesses are being sent by court-appointed postal workers, but for you, Professor Zheng, I decided to deliver it personally!"

Zhang Wei said, with a mocking tone, as he placed the subpoena in front of Zheng Qian.

"Oh, and don’t think about running, Professor. I still have some connections with the serious crime squad. You wouldn’t want to be accused of fleeing from justice, would you?"

"What crime have I committed? You’re suing Yuan Dong, what does that have to do with me?"

Upon hearing this, there was a cold glint in Zhang Wei’s eyes, and his voice was chilling, "Bribery, abuse of power, using authority for personal gain, dealing in counterfeit antiques. Do I need to spell it out further?"

Zheng Qian’s complexion turned exceedingly ugly as Zhang Wei spoke.

"Oh, and Professor Zheng, I’ve also found a few service industry workers, whom I like to call ’nice girls.’ They told me there was a time when you frequently patronized their business. Doesn’t that mean you should also be charged with another count of... Oh, I’m sorry, it seems there wasn’t a single instance when you paid, so it must be trading power for sex, huh?"

"You little..."

"Professor Zheng, you have no choice. Since that one time, your fate was already sealed!"

Zhang Wei ignored Zheng Qian’s gritted teeth and spoke with a chilling voice.

That incident was what led to the downfall of Zhang Wei’s original self.

I, Zhang Wei, really should take revenge, shouldn’t I?