Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 566 - 559: Is Huang Yunhe Anxious? Excuses from Both Sides

Chapter 566: Chapter 559: Is Huang Yunhe Anxious? Excuses from Both Sides

The internal hearing continued.

After Lawyer Chen Xiao’s performance and accusations, it was Zhang Wei’s turn to question.

"Lawyer Chen, in these photographs from 12 years ago, I see you and not just one client from your law firm displaying intimate behavior?"

As Zhang Wei spoke, he picked out one photograph after another of Chen Xiao, arm in arm and smiling with men, showing them in front of everyone.

These were the photographs that Tie Ruyun had taken when he "followed and trailed" Chen Xiao.

Although the photography equipment from 12 years ago was naturally incomparable to the present day, these photographs were quite telling.

"Please look at this one!"

Zhang Wei took out one of the photos, where Chen Xiao was walking towards a luxury imported car, arm in arm with a man.

"The man in the photo is the general manager of a well-known international foreign trade company in Longdu. He has always been a client of Longteng International. However, 12 years ago, the lawyer in your firm responsible for his company’s business was another lawyer from your project department. Strangely enough, after a while, this client switched his representing lawyer to Ms. Chen Xiao," he said.

"And this one, the man in the photo is named You Dalei, the Boss of Longxiang Construction Group, also a star entrepreneur of Longdu. Although Longxiang Construction was just a medium-sized company with assets of only one hundred million 12 years ago, in these short 12 years, it has developed into a real estate giant valued at over 50 billion, with its market value increasing by 500 times. I believe Ms. Chen Xiao must have contributed a lot to Boss You’s rise to wealth."

"And this one, the man in the photo is also from your same Chen family; this Mr. Chen is something, being the CEO of a listed company worth over 60 billion. Likewise, his company has also been a long-term client of Long Teng. Not surprisingly, shortly after getting to know you, he too soon changed the lawyer responsible for his company’s affairs to you, Lawyer Chen Xiao."

"And this one, the man in the photo is...."

After displaying several photographs, Zhang Wei’s curiosity intensified.

Meanwhile, the lawyers sitting in the observation seats all started to speculate, with a few even whispering to each other, pointing at Chen Xiao and murmuring.

"Ms. Chen Xiao, would you mind explaining why you’re entangled with so many men?"

"Cough cough, Lawyer Zhang, what are you doing!"

Right after Zhang Wei’s question, Huang Yunhe, who was the representative, couldn’t sit still.

He righteously reminded, "This internal hearing is focused on Tie Ruyun’s tailing and tracking of Lawyer Chen Xiao, not on whether Lawyer Chen has any intimate behaviour with certain men. Lawyer Zhang, what are you doing, trying to divert our attention?"

His words caused many of the pointing and whispering people to restrain themselves.

Clearly, Huang Yunhe’s authority was still present, and his words stopped many from speculating further.

"Old Huang, really, just as I start making my move, you jump out, making it seem as if you and Lawyer Chen have something going on too!"

Seeing Huang Yunhe trying to interrupt his plan, Zhang Wei immediately approached him, his face full of teasing.

"You are really outrageous...."

"Not at all, I just feel like I struck a nerve, otherwise why would you be so anxious?"

It seemed Huang Yunhe was indeed anxious.

Regardless of whether he was anxious or not, Zhang Wei was determined to suggest that he was.

"Did I look anxious?"

The anger on Huang Yunhe’s face suddenly dissipated, replaced by a look of disbelief.

He turned to look at the four other representatives on either side of him.

All four subconsciously nodded their heads, indicating that Lawyer Huang did seem a bit anxious just now.

"Old Huang, the eyes of the people are sharp!"

Zhang Wei added in due course, "Look, I am talking about Lawyer Chen Xiao’s issue, yet you interrupt, which really makes me wonder."

"Even though this is an internal review hearing for my client Old Tie, this isn’t a courtroom. I believe that we also have the right to state our views. However, as soon as I make a statement that is unfavorable to Lawyer Chen Xiao, you stand up even faster than her. Isn’t that somewhat inappropriate?"

"How is it inappropriate?" Huang Yunhe snorted coldly, "As I said, this hearing is about Tie Ruyun, not about Lawyer Chen!"

"But it’s precisely because of Lawyer Chen’s actions back then that led to the necessary oversight by Old Tie!"

Zhang Wei also spread his hands and turned to ask Huang Yunhe, "Old Huang, you were Old Tie’s superior back then, and you’re also a senior partner at Longteng. You should be aware of Longteng’s rules, right?"

"What rules?"

"That is, the code of conduct for lawyers at our law firm!"

Zhang Wei said, and then he took out a sheet of paper and began to read in front of Huang Yunhe, "Longteng Law Firm’s code of conduct for lawyers: Our lawyers must provide clients with the best legal advice and maintain a good service cooperative relationship with clients (limited to work)."

"Why is there a parenthesis here, noting ’limited to work?’ Old Huang, since you’re from Longteng, why don’t you explain it to everyone?"

"I am a representative for this hearing. Why should I listen to you?"

"Oh, when it’s Lawyer Chen’s issue, you actively step forward to help, but when it comes to a small favor I ask of you, you just refuse, right?"

Zhang Wei’s words were laden with hidden meanings, hinting at something more.

This caused the other four representatives, as well as many lawyers in the audience, to regard Huang Yunhe with a certain disdain.

"You..." Huang Yunhe was instantly annoyed.

Yet Zhang Wei quickly moved to Old Tie’s side, not giving the former any chance to lose his temper.

"Luckily, my client Old Tie was once a lawyer at Longteng as well, and he should be well aware of these rules."

Zhang Wei, holding the code of conduct, asked, "Old Tie, why does this code of conduct have parentheses, and why is it limited to work?"

"This is to prevent lawyers from becoming overly intimate with clients, which could affect the accuracy of the legal services provided to the client. Once a lawyer becomes too intimate with a client, it will inevitably affect the lawyer’s judgment on matters!"

"Oh, so that’s it~"

Zhang Wei feigned a look of surprise, and then walked over to Chen Xiao.

"Old Tie, then would you say that Lawyer Chen Xiao’s relationship with her client has exceeded the behavioral guidelines of Longteng Law Firm?"

"I believe it has. Their behavior is far too intimate; they’ve crossed the line long ago!"

Upon hearing this answer, Zhang Wei smirked slightly, then asked another question, "In that case, your so-called tracking of Lawyer Chen Xiao, is it because as the team leader, you need to be concerned if your subordinates are crossing the line with clients?"

Tie Ruyun hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "Yes..."

"I object, leading question!"

At that moment, Chen Xiao could no longer sit still and abruptly stood up to intervene.

"Lawyer Chen, let me remind you once again, this is an internal investigation hearing of the Lawyer’s Association, not a trial in court!"

Zhang Wei smirked slightly, adding a taunt.

Chen Xiao seemed to be in a hurry, otherwise, she would not have forgotten that the procedures of an internal hearing are different from those of a court, with fundamental distinctions between them.

First and foremost, Zhang Wei is the defendant, while Huang Yunhe and the other five representatives are the plaintiffs, and Chen Xiao is merely a witness.

How could a witness possibly object?

Another point is that this isn’t a court of law, where objections would be moot.

In an internal hearing, almost never would the plaintiff interrupt the defendant’s speech, but rather would consider whether the defendant’s statement is valid for their subsequent consideration.

After his sarcasm, Zhang Wei looked at Huang Yunhe with a shrug, signaling the latter to proceed.

"A-hem, Lawyer Chen, as a eyewitness, please refrain from making objections."

Huang Yunhe spoke to Chen Xiao in a much softer tone, but still reminded her to be aware of her status.

Chen Xiao’s face showed a tinge of embarrassment and apology, but from the corner of her eye, a subtle shadow of gloom flashed by.

Zhang Wei’s statement was clearly designed to thrust her into a pit of fire.

She was powerless to stop it, which was truly exasperating.

Meanwhile, Zhang Wei was completely unfazed by Chen Xiao’s interruption, and carried on with his agenda.

"His own female subordinate was excessively intimate with a client, a matter that deeply bothered him as a leader."

"What bothered him?"

"He was concerned about two things!"

Zhang Wei said, raising two fingers, "First, whether Chen Xiao intentionally sought close contacts with the client to shorten the distance between them, and even indirectly influence the client’s attitude towards the law firm and its representing lawyers. Whether Chen Xiao had any improper conduct with the client."

"For example, providing the client with services that the law firm couldn’t offer, in exchange for a position as a dedicated lawyer; offering services beyond a professional work relationship to gain the client’s trust?"

"These assumptions lead to the second point, whether Chen Xiao is a spy from a rival law firm, and whether her close relationship with the client risks leading the client to leave Longteng, thereby indirectly causing substantial loss to Longteng’s interests?"

At this second point, many in the room exchanged puzzled looks.

It wasn’t a big deal when Zhang Wei remained silent, but once he spoke, how could the situation become so grave?

To even involve espionage?

"Ridiculous, if Lawyer Chen was a spy, how could she have served at Longteng for 12 years!"

Huang Yunhe scoffed, directly rebutting Zhang Wei’s claim.

"Lawyer Huang, I know you’re foolish, but I didn’t think you were this foolish!"

"What did you say, you little..."

Huang Yunhe was finally provoked again, as Zhang Wei dared to call him stupid in front of so many people.

"Lawyer Huang, I don’t think I said anything wrong, it’s just that you are too stupid!"

Zhang Wei, however, ignored Huang Yunhe’s raging fury and spread his hands as he retorted, "Let me ask you, when did Old Tie supposedly begin tracking Lawyer Chen Xiao?"

Huang Yunhe answered subconsciously, "12 years ago!"

"Well, there you have it—how would Old Tie from 12 years ago have known that Chen Xiao would stay at Longteng Law Firm for 12 years?"

At these words, many people subconsciously nodded their heads.

Indeed, how could Tie Ruyun from 12 years ago have known what the future Chen Xiao would do?

They were people who had experienced 12 years, only then knowing that Chen Xiao hadn’t left Long Teng.

But how could the person from 12 years ago have foreseen future events?

"This..." Upon hearing this explanation, Huang Yunhe instantly fell silent.

But Zhang Wei didn’t plan to let the matter drop so easily.

"Old Huang, no offense, but why do you get so worked up whenever it comes to issues regarding Lawyer Chen Xiao? She has the surname Chen, not Huang, she’s not your daughter, is she?"

"Did I get worked up?" Huang Yunhe looked around, his face gradually recovering some color.

But the four representatives to left and right subconsciously nodded their heads.

You did get worked up, you really did just now! We may not be in the best position to say this, but you certainly got worked up, and Lawyer Zhang didn’t say anything wrong about that.

Seeing many people in the witness seats looking at him, pointing and discussing among themselves, and that the four representatives also seemed somewhat concerned about his behavior, Huang Yunhe suddenly grew annoyed.

He slapped the table with a "bang."

"Hmph, all of what you’re saying is just your speculation!"

"Well said!"

However, Zhang Wei didn’t seem bothered in the slightest by Huang Yunhe’s reaction; he even applauded.

Then, mimicking Huang Yunhe’s vigor, he approached Chen Xiao and similarly slapped the table.

Bang!

Zhang Wei stared intensely, fixing his gaze on Chen Xiao: "Ms. Chen Xiao, your accusations against Old Tie are just your speculations as well, aren’t they?"

"Just because he tracked you, you assume he had the illicit intent + attempt to molest you, but perhaps he only wanted to ensure that a female subordinate within his team wasn’t engaging in misconduct that could harm the law firm’s interests. As a team leader, should he be criticized for actions intended to protect the firm’s interests?"

Zhang Wei’s action caused Huang Yunhe to hesitate for a moment.

What a guy!

Immediate application of a lesson learned!

And he used the same attitude against Chen Xiao.

You really are bold, Zhang Wei!

"Lawyer Chen, I don’t deny you are a competent lawyer, and in fact, Old Tie once regarded you as a promising talent. Therefore, I believe that when Old Tie discovered your crossing of the line, he acted in the law firm’s interest, fearing you might be a spy from another firm, even suspecting you could take clients and jump ship to another law firm. Consequently, he conducted necessary surveillance and tracking of your misconduct. I presume his actions weren’t inappropriate, right?"

As Zhang Wei spoke, he emphasized, "Tracking a strange woman could be deemed a perverted behavior, and that is intolerable. But investigating a familiar female subordinate who might endanger the law firm’s interests through her misconduct is, I argue, an act of responsibility towards protecting the firm!"

Having finished, Zhang Wei looked toward the five representatives, toward the spectators.

Many people subconsciously nodded their heads—if what Zhang Wei said held true, indeed there wouldn’t be much of an issue.

Tracking an unfamiliar woman obviously is problematic.

But if you’re tracking someone you know well, and especially because the person has crossed the line, the situation is different.

Your tracking isn’t out of lust, but out of potential threats to the law firm’s interests. If your tracking is a necessary act, then this explanation seems quite reasonable.

Seeing many people show understanding, a smile finally emerged at the corner of Zhang Wei’s mouth.

This was his goal—to dissociate Old Tie’s tracking behavior from personal feelings and instead link it to the interests of the law firm.

In this way, Tie Ruyun’s actions could be defended as maintaining the interests of the law firm.

This point in debate was evidently something neither Chen Xiao nor Huang Yunhe could rebut.

Because who knew, 12 years ago, which law firm Chen Xiao would serve in the future, or whether she would stay at Long Teng for 12 years—that’s something only a person from the future would know.

"This..."

Huang Yunhe and Chen Xiao exchanged glances, surprise evident in their eyes.

They would never have imagined that Zhang Wei would use such a perspective to "beautify" Tie Ruyun’s actions.

Tailing is tailing, yet you say, he did it all in the name of protecting the interests of the law firm.

Give me a break!

Who actually treats a law firm as their own family and protects its interests after hours?

"Lawyer Chen, I have said so much, I want to ask you again, why did you maintain intimate relationships with so many male clients initially, may I inquire about the reason?"

After stating his point of view, Zhang Wei opened fire on Chen Xiao once more!

This time, Huang Yunhe wanted to intervene, but he had already lost the grounds for rebuttal, naturally unable to stand up and interrupt.

The gallery, and even the other four representatives, including Tie Ruyun, all turned their gaze towards them.

They all wanted to know the answer.

"I..."

Chen Xiao hadn’t expected Zhang Wei to keep harping on this question.

If she answered that it was just because of business, that obviously wouldn’t hold water here.

Because the responsible attorneys for these clients at that time were not her, Chen Xiao.

The clients signing contracts and changing their commissioning attorneys happened afterwards.

She knew that if she made any excuse, she would be immediately contradicted by Zhang Wei, which would in turn solidify the possibility that she had an issue.

So, she could only stick as close to the truth as possible.

"Actually, initially, I just happened to encounter these clients by chance."

Chen Xiao recalled for a moment, then explained, "At that time, I had just settled in Longdu, still a newbie who knew nothing, and it just so happened that I met the clients on the street. I am someone who likes to make friends, and when I see people I know, I naturally go over to say hello!"

"Lawyer Chen, are you saying that these clients, worth tens of millions or even billions, greeted you with smiles after you said hello, invited you into their cars, and chatted with you about their dreams and ideals?"

Zhang Wei spread his hands, a look of incredulity on his face.

"You could say that!"

Chen Xiao simply smiled slightly, without denying it at all.

"Indeed, I hit it off with these clients, and the reason they later chose me to be the attorney in charge of their company’s affairs was also because of this. I suppose I am quite good at communicating with clients!"

"A fresh graduate starting at a law firm, Lawyer Chen, you, as such an attorney, managed to secure so many clients?"

"Lawyer Zhang, you’re the same, you’ve just finished your probation period, right? Yet you could win so many cases and even handle many things that other firms couldn’t."

Chen Xiao used Zhang Wei as an example as well, and with a smile, said, "In this world, there are always some geniuses, so why can’t you and I be among them?"

"This..."

Zhang Wei hadn’t expected that he would become the other party’s example, providing her with an excuse.

It seemed that the aggressive momentum he had built was now diffused.

This Chen Xiao, indeed had some skills.

"Cough cough, morning is almost over, let’s pause today’s hearing for now!"

Just then, Huang Yunhe glanced at the time and stood up to announce a break in the hearing.

All five representatives, as well as everyone in the gallery, stood up and left.

Zhang Wei watched everyone depart and exchanged a glance with Tie Ruyun.

The Tuesday morning hearing ended hurriedly, with the contest between the two sides still in a draw.

At a corner of the Lawyer’s Association.

After stepping out of the hearing room, Chen Xiao’s composure vanished in an instant, replaced by a face filled with shadows.

She took out her phone and immediately dialed a number.

"Today’s hearing is over, for now, rest assured, that matter hasn’t been exposed yet, it’s not time to use that measure!"

"Although the opponent is somewhat tricky, I don’t consider it a threat, the aim of this hearing was just targeting a fool, everything is within my expectations!"

At the end of her statement, Chen Xiao hung up the phone, then the corners of her mouth curled into a sneer and a touch of coldness.

She could not possibly lose this hearing, for she had an absolute reliance!