Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 528 - 523: Both Sides Prepare, Laura Takes Action Personally!

Chapter 528: Chapter 523: Both Sides Prepare, Laura Takes Action Personally!

Divorce cases, naturally, require the participation of both husband and wife.

As the husband, Gao Tianri is on Zhang Wei’s side.

And as the wife, Gu Shimang originally intended to seek out the very same Zhang Wei.

It must be said, this is a coincidence.

But now, since Gu Shimang has been rejected by Zhang Wei, she naturally needs to find a new prospect.

Initially, following Gu Shimang’s plan, she should have continued to look for other lawyers in Jincheng, perhaps the litigation department’s ace Lawyer Bai.

But unfortunately, Lawyer Bai declined her on the pretext of having a case.

After being rejected time and again, Gu Shimang became annoyed.

She swore she would no longer choose lawyers from Jincheng.

Since there was no choice left at Jincheng, the top of the Top Ten Firms, she naturally went for the second best.

William International Law Office.

Inside Laura Campbell’s office.

"Miss, the client has arrived,"

Following the secretary’s report, two black-clad bodyguards escorted Gu Shimang into the office.

"Ms. Gu Shimang, please have a seat!"

Laura was engrossed in writing documents, without even lifting her head.

Seeing this, Gu Shimang’s gaze turned slightly cold, and some irritation arose in her heart, but she still held back.

Had this been a regular day, she might have lashed out on the spot.

But she had just spoken on the phone with "that person," who warned her to behave and not cause any more trouble.

So even though the person in front of her might be her future lawyer, Gu Shimang restrained herself.

Five minutes passed.

Finally, Laura finished reading the document and signed it.

The secretary immediately stepped forward, took the document, and quickly exited the office, closing the door behind her for the people inside.

"Ms. Gu Shimang, I have long admired your renowned name!"

Laura finally looked at the person in front of her with proper attention.

"Your starring roles in idol dramas, workplace dramas, romance dramas, and period dramas, as well as those top-listed movies, I’ve seen them all."

"Humph..."

When Laura "complimented" her thus, Gu Shimang instantly held her head high and humphed twice.

However, this time it was not a cold snort of dissatisfaction, but one of arrogant pride.

Gu Shimang seemed to say to Laura, with a look, you foreigner also have quite a good taste.

"Miss Gu, the movies you’ve starred in and the variety shows you’ve participated in have always been the top-discussed entertainment programs."

Although Laura was paying compliments, her words carried a subtle message.

Gu Shimang’s popularity in the entertainment industry was indeed high, but there were plenty of voices online criticizing her.

If they weren’t accusing her of lacking acting skills, relying entirely on editing for her performances, they were criticizing her for snagging a top director as a husband to take shortcuts, with her professionalism receiving the harshest backlash.

It was said that Gu Shimang never memorized her lines during filming, counting numbers "one, two, three, four, finito" on set, solely relying on post-production dubbing, hence there were many critical voices online as well.

But in reality, Gu Shimang’s acting was not poor at all; she was once a beloved leading actress who rose to fame through her acting skills and merit.

As for the current on-screen floundering, it was merely due to her changing as a person.

Moreover, having high topical discussion is exactly what the entertainment industry loves to see. As long as there is criticism, there will be debates, and isn’t that how you get the discussion going?

As long as there is discussion, there is traffic, and with traffic comes the audience.

The harsher you criticize, the more you unknowingly contribute to Gu Shimang’s popularity.

After all, even haters are fans, right?

"Indeed, who can deny my high profile!"

There she went, Gu Shimang, not picking up on the double meaning in Laura’s flattery, basking in self-satisfaction.

This foreign woman did have a good eye.

In Gu Shimang’s mind, her regard for Laura increased a bit.

"Foolish woman!"

But Laura, she sneered in her heart, clearly having gauged Gu Shimang’s level.

"Miss Gu Shimang, coming to William International and specifically seeking me out, could it be that you have a thorny case?"

Seeing that they were about to get down to business, Gu Shimang gestured with a look to the two bodyguards at her side.

The two respectfully left, exiting the office.

Now only the two of them remained in the office.

"Actually, I want to divorce that old thing at home!"

Gu Shimang snorted coldly, her face filled with distaste, "I was blind to have taken a liking to that old thing, now I feel disgusted seeing him every day!"

"Divorce litigation?"

Laura wasn’t surprised at all.

Couples like Gu Shimang, who swear eternal love before marriage but can’t stand each other afterward, are a dime a dozen.

"That’s right, I want to divorce him, and I also want to take all his money, which is compensation for the youth I’ve lost, and I deserve it!"

As Gu Shimang spoke, her eyes flashed with hatred and venom, as if marrying Gao Tianri had been the biggest mistake of her life.

"The famous director Gao Tianri, huh? His net worth isn’t low, you know?"

Laura said, with a hint of implication in her eyes.

"Hmph, what does it matter if his net worth is high? He’s old and could die at any moment!"

Gu Shimang said viciously, "But before he dies, I hope he does something good, like leaving all his money to me."

"Lawyer Laura, I hope you can help me get all his money. I don’t want to have to fight over the inheritance with his ex-wives after the old man kicks the bucket!"

Laura looked slightly annoyed because it seemed Gu Shimang hadn’t grasped her hint.

Do you understand my hint that if you’re fighting over billions in assets, you’ll have to pay me a hefty lawyer’s fee?

"Of course, Lawyer Laura, I know you’re capable. In fact, I admire you, because I see a reflection of myself in you."

Laura internally rolled her eyes, You’ve got to be kidding me.

Your reflection? If I had your brains, if I had your arrogant personality, I probably wouldn’t have been sent out by my family to stand on my own.

If I were like you, this foolish woman, maybe I would have been sent out for an arranged marriage by my family when I was 18.

Laura thought for a moment, then decided it was best to be upfront with the person in front of her, to avoid any entanglement over money issues later on. It’s better to be clear about money matters.

"Miss Gu Shimang, I’m actually a bit interested in your case, but let me tell you, my fees are very expensive!"

"I know, and with high prices come high-quality services, but the only disadvantage is that they’re expensive!"

Gu Shimang laughed again: "At first, many people doubted my acting skills, but I can tell them my acting is worth 50 million, even worth 100 million!"

"And as for that old man’s net worth, it’s around 10 billion; I’m guaranteed to walk away with at least half. I asked about the attorney fees, and they usually go for 10%... 50 million to win me the case, you can do that, right, Lawyer Laura?"

million for 5 billion, you have to say, Gu Shimang really knows how to do business.

"Of course, when I get involved, there’s only one outcome, and that’s victory!"

Laura nodded, 50 million in attorney fees was definitely worth her involvement.

"By the way, who is the opposing lawyer?"

"Who knows? The old guy seemed to have run off to the Martial Association early in the morning. How would I know who he went to see?"

Laura sighed with relief, fortunately, she had connections on her side.

She immediately picked up the desk phone and dialed an internal number.

The call was quickly connected.

"Check who Gao Tianri met today, what law firms he visited, and whether he has met with lawyers specializing in divorce matters."

The phone was briskly hung up, clearly, her subordinates were already on the task.

Laura and Gu Shimang discussed the details of the divorce lawsuit a bit more.

Soon, the phone rang again.

"Mhm, go ahead..."

Laura listened to the report from her subordinates over the phone, her brows gradually furrowing.

After 5 minutes, the report was complete.

Laura hung up the phone and looked at Gu Shimang in front of her.

"I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?"

"The good news!"

"The good news is that your husband hasn’t had any contact with divorce lawyers today or recently. The only person he’s been in touch with is a criminal lawyer."

"A criminal lawyer?"

Gu Shimang looked puzzled. A criminal lawyer? What does that have to do with their marital issues?

"And the bad news?"

Laura took a deep breath and said with furrowed brows, "This criminal lawyer is named Zhang Wei!"

"Zhang Wei, that bastard!"

Upon hearing the name, Gu Shimang’s eyes blazed with anger.

She remembered when she sought out Zhang Wei only to be outright rejected by him.

Talk about a slap in the face!

It was a blatant slap to her, Gu Shimang’s, face! No one ever gets to reject me like this!

Especially that Zhang Wei, who rejected me without even meeting face to face, which is outrageous!

"Lawyer Laura, you shouldn’t have any problems dealing with a criminal lawyer, right?"

"If it were anybody else, I wouldn’t care, but I have to admit that Zhang Wei does have some skills."

Laura’s eyes flickered with apprehension, but it disappeared quickly, "However, Miss Gu, rest assured. This time it’s a high-profile divorce case, and Zhang Wei specializes in criminal cases, I’m confident in winning!"

"Good, then I leave everything in the capable hands of Lawyer Laura!"

Gu Shimang muttered a word of thanks, yet the gloom in her eyes did not dissipate.

She harbored intense resentment in her heart towards Gao Tianri and Zhang Wei.

...

Elsewhere.

Inside the dormitory of Zhang’s Martial Arts School.

Zhang Wei was advising Gao Tianri.

"These next few days, Director Gao, you can stay here, at least it’s safe!"

"Thanks to Lawyer Zhang, I’m really moved. Not only are you going to help me with the lawsuit, but you’ve also agreed to ensure my complete safety."

Gao Tianri was very touched. He looked around the dormitory at the martial arts school; although the conditions were simple, they gave him a sense of security.

In fact, he had been living in fear outside, even feeling unsafe in his own villa.

But somehow, within the confines of this martial arts school, he found rare peace of mind.

"Alright, we’ll leave it at that for today. We should be meeting with your wife tomorrow to discuss the divorce. Of course, our side believes that insisting on a settlement is the right path. If it is necessary to go to court, it probably wouldn’t be appropriate for you, her, or anyone else involved."

As Zhang Wei spoke, he exchanged a look with Xia Qianyue, and the two of them left the dormitory.

Outside the dormitory, Zhang Xinwu and Zhang Xinyan were already waiting.

"How’s it going? Is the esteemed director getting used to the dormitory?"

"Of course, he even said this place is safe!"

Zhang Wei said this and then directly threw a bundle of money to Zhang Xinwu.

"This is the residence and travel expenses the director gave us. He also said he had to leave home in a hurry and didn’t bring much money. It seems that this director is quite accustomed to spending money freely."

Zhang Xinwu quickly looked at the money in her hand, figuring it must be tens of thousands at the least.

And this is him not having brought much money?

"Based on my calculations, Director Gao Tianri’s assets must be at least 1 billion, and that’s not even counting the future returns on his investments. If you include all his properties, such as the ranch in the northwest, his net worth could be even more after a full asset appraisal!"

"1 billion!"

Zhang Xinwu and Xia Qianyue looked at each other in astonishment, and Zhang Xinyan’s eyes nearly popped out.

That truly was a staggering sum of money.

"Alright, alright, don’t look so amazed like you’ve never seen the world. Is 1 billion really that much?"

Zhang Wei simply spread his hands as if 1 billion was just a number.

The boss!

You really are the boss!

Zhang Xinwu and the others were at a loss for words.

"The current issue is how much that woman is planning to take, and just how greedy she is!"

Zhang Wei said this, picturing Gu Shimang, with her sharp and snide demeanor, who looked down on everyone. She’d likely make a grab for as much as she could.

Zhang Wei glanced back at Gao Tianri.

To push a renowned director to such measures, Gu Shimang and the man behind her must have considerable influence.

Otherwise, with the director’s status in the entertainment industry, where he was a major player, ordinary troublemakers probably couldn’t touch him.

But that man, who could not only sleep with his wife but also scheme for his assets and even possibly take his life at will.

The person behind the scenes could have even greater power.

"Who exactly is behind Gu Shimang?"

This was a problem Zhang Wei was currently facing: to uncover the person standing behind Gu Shimang.

Only by recognizing the real opponent could he devise a targeted strategy and take precautions.

"Everything should become clear tomorrow. Let’s see who that woman has hired as her lawyer, and if the person behind her makes any slip-ups!"

Saying this, everyone dispersed.

Zhang Xinwu and Zhang Xinyan naturally stayed at the martial arts school, in charge of ensuring Gao Tianri’s safety.

Xia Qianyue went home, but she mentioned that her task was to protect Gao Tianri, and she might make arrangements to temporarily move into the martial arts school.

Zhang Wei thought for a moment and almost couldn’t restrain himself from suggesting Xia Qianyue to temporarily stay at Lin Mansion.

However, he knew better; Xia Qianyue had always been a naive girl, and Zhang Wei couldn’t bear to take advantage.

Everything should be left to unfold naturally.

...

The next day, weekend.

Zhang Wei got up early and prepared breakfast for the two girls upstairs.

"I heard you’re helping a famous director with a lawsuit?"

"Yeah, are you interested?"

"Hehe, can I join in? I want to see the big director and the superstar battle it out!"

Zhao Xiaoxiao showed an interested expression, her eyes starting to twinkle with excitement.

She had anticipated that this matter would likely become the top gossip headline in Dongfang Capital’s entertainment circles soon, so how could she not be involved?

"Not bad, if our second daughter is interested, that’s naturally the best!"

Zhang Wei agreed without much thought.

With the second daughter’s help, he could save himself a lot of trouble.

After Zhang Wei and Zhao Xiaoxiao finished breakfast, they headed to the neighboring Zhang’s Martial Arts School.

In the courtyard of the martial arts school, Zhang Xinwu and Xia Qianyue were practicing their morning exercises, whereas the stinky little brother Zhang Xinyan and the person concerned, Gao Tianri, were probably still sleeping in.

"Zhang Wei, you’ve arrived!"

Xia Qianyue greeted Zhang Wei effusively upon seeing him.

"Xiao Xiao is here too?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, this case must be interesting, I want to be one of the onlookers!"

Zhao Xiaoxiao: Wow cool wow cool! (☆_☆)

Ignoring his second daughter’s excitement, Zhang Wei glanced at Zhang Xinwu, asking with his eyes.

Zhang Xinwu approached Zhang Wei, whispering a few words to him.

"Fine, let him sleep a bit more, he probably didn’t get much solid sleep these past few days."

It wasn’t until 10 o’clock in the morning that the door to the dormitory opened.

Gao Tianri came out looking refreshed and unusually smiling.

This sleep was sound, the best he had had in recent months.

Although the dormitory’s bed was very hard and no match for the Simmons bed at his home, the room just felt secure and gave him a sense of safety.

"Lawyer Zhang, you’re here."

"Director Gao, you should call your wife right now and arrange a meeting with her!"

Zhang Wei said as he tossed his cell phone over.

"This..."

"What, are you scared?"

Gao Tianri shook his head, scratching it awkwardly, "It’s not that I’m scared, it’s just too early. Shi Man sleeps in for beauty rest every day, she wakes up once around 6 in the morning, then she puts on cucumber slices and a face mask, she won’t get up before 11 o’clock noon."

Zhang Wei: "emmm..."

An hour later.

Gao Tianri still made a call, dialing Gu Shimang’s private number.

"Hello, this is Gu Shimang’s workshop, who’s this?"

The one who answered the call wasn’t Gu Shimang, but a young female.

"Xiao Xue, it’s Director Gao, is Shi Man up?"

"Director Gao, why are you using this unfamiliar number?"

"This is Lawyer Zhang’s number, I’m over at Lawyer Zhang’s place. Is Shi Man awake? I need to discuss the divorce with her!"

"Sister Shi Man is awake, but she instructed me to tell you, if you call, to arrange a meeting this afternoon at William International Law Office, the time and location are..."

Listening to the young assistant on the phone, Gao Tianri nodded and took note.

The call ended quickly.

Gao Tianri, on the other hand, let out a sigh of relief.

"Lawyer Zhang, we have to go to William International Law Office this afternoon, Shi Man has already appointed Lawyer Laura as her legal representative."

"Oh, Lawyer Laura, huh? She’s personally stepping into this!"

Zhang Wei was surprised that William International was his opponent, but as for Lawyer Laura being his adversary, he wasn’t overly concerned.

After all, what really needed to be figured out in this case was the person behind Gu Shimang, and clearly, it wasn’t Laura.

Zhang Wei thought about this and went over to Zhao Xiaoxiao, whispering a few words in her ear.

She nodded, made an "OK" gesture with her hand, then started working on her laptop.

Finally, Zhang Wei looked towards Zhang Xinwu, Zhang Xinyan, and Xia Qianyue.

"Our opponent this time is William International, we can’t lose our nerve, it seems that everyone has to go!"

"Oh, right, this is a divorce lawsuit, we definitely can’t be timid, it looks like we need to prepare our acclaimed director, we have to show them our mettle!"

Zhang Wei said, then turned towards Gao Tianri.

"Director Gao, how are your acting skills?"

"My acting skills?"

Gao Tianri was stunned for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face.

What a joke, I am a renowned director, having been in the film industry for many years, nurturing countless stars through my projects.

If you were to ask who knows how to perform the best, who understands acting the most in the entire crew.

It definitely wouldn’t be the lead actor or actress, but the director himself!

Nobody understands acting better than I do!