Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 568 - 561: Capturing a City First? Who Brought the Umbrella?

Chapter 568: Chapter 561: Capturing a City First? Who Brought the Umbrella?

Zhu Yuansi had not anticipated that Zhang Wei would be able to refute her accusations in such a manner.

Guan Ping, out of fear, ran away without clearly hearing the investigator announce their identity.

And in the end, it turned out to be a misunderstanding that made him a suspect?

Is this even a valid reason?

Who would run upon seeing the investigation team?

Hey, Zhang Wei told you, there really are people who would run.

Moreover!

When Guan Ping was running, he didn’t know that the person behind him was from the investigation team.

In fact, the actual situation was that the person behind him identified themselves while he was running.

So at that time, whether Guan Ping knew the identity of the person behind him is also questionable.

Did he hear it or not?

No one can be sure, at least there is no evidence to prove that Guan Ping heard the person behind him identify themself.

Since it’s possible he didn’t hear, his subsequent escape can be seen as understandable as well.

Being pursued by two menacing brutes, it might seem like the only option to run, especially if you’re unsure whether they’re armed or might harm you.

Looking at it this way, Guan Ping’s escape at the time seems quite justified!

Not just in Zhu Yuansi’s mind, but even Judge Bao, sitting on the bench, subconsciously nodded his head.

Yes, it does seem like there might indeed be such a possibility, doesn’t it?

Judge Bao nodded toward Zhu Yuansi but then quickly shook his head.

That meant, I acknowledge the evidence you’ve provided, but the defense has also presented a refutation, and I think they make some sense.

After thinking it over, Judge Bao then asked, "Prosecutor Zhu, has the autopsy report for the victim, Lin Berte, come out yet?"

"The report is out, and in fact, we were just about to submit the autopsy report to the court!"

Zhu Yuansi said and, with that, the male assistant behind her stood up and quickly produced the autopsy report.

The report was soon handed to Judge Bao, and Zhang Wei also received a copy.

"It was cyanide poisoning!"

Upon seeing the cause of death clearly listed in the autopsy report, Zhang Wei furrowed his brows.

In industry, cyanide is widely used, such as by those who work in electroplating, refining, painting, dyes, rubber, and other industries where exposure is more common.

In everyday life, fruits like peaches, plums, apricots, and loquats contain hydrogen cyanide, with bitter almonds having the highest content. This is why, in many films and TV shows, after victims die from cyanide poisoning, people often detect the so-called scent of bitter almonds.

However, what’s interesting is that 40% of people can’t even smell the scent of bitter almonds, simply because they lack the specific gene.

Cyanide, although a toxic substance, is accessible through many methods both industrially and in everyday life.

"Judge Bao, the victim Lin Berte was unemployed and occasionally worked part-time in bars; it’s unlikely he would have ever come into contact with cyanide."

At this moment, Zhu Yuansi spoke up.

After she did, she immediately looked toward Guan Ping: "However, the suspect Guan is different—his maintenance department has a factory, and with electroplating equipment on the premises, there naturally exists the possibility of contact with cyanide."

"Objection!"

Seeing the prosecution attempting to make a move against his client, Zhang Wei couldn’t allow them to have their way.

"Judge Bao, as I’m sure you’re aware, many industries have access to cyanide. Even if you go to a restaurant and order a plate of sautéed shrimp, the chef might add a few ginkgo nuts, which contain a trace amount of cyanide."

"Thus, there are numerous people who could have access to cyanide. However, the prosecution is unreasonably making my client a suspect based on previous coincidences, which is highly unfair."

As Zhang Wei spoke, he turned to look at Zhu Yuansi: "Prosecutor Zhu, may I ask if you are aware of which industries have access to cyanide?"

"This..."

Zhu Yuansi didn’t know how to respond.

It’s not that she didn’t know, but because she did, it was difficult to reply.

Because the list of such industries is too long.

"In fact, electroplating workshops in manufacturing, dye and paint factories, and even the rubber industry—many workers have access to cyanide in their daily work."

"Someone with a grudge against the victim Lin Berte getting their hands on cyanide and then carrying out the act of murder is the most reasonable explanation!"

Zhang Wei spread his hands and said, "I really can’t understand why my client would be labeled as the prime suspect in a murder case simply because he happens to live nearby Victim Lin Berte, with whom he had no social relations whatsoever. This is utterly unreasonable!"

"I believe that the investigative department should carefully investigate the social relations of Victim Lin Berte, starting with those who bore grudges against him, and logically deduce by whether they had access to cyanide to screen for the real murderer!"

This time, Zhang Wei fired directly, showing no mercy to Zhu Yuansi.

His words were clearly pointed.

You investigators and prosecutors are just twiddling your thumbs, aren’t you, making a suspect’s life hell once you’ve decided he’s suspicious, without investigating more people?

This is a murder case; could you please handle it with some care?

"Prosecutor Zhu, and Judge Bao, my client is just an electrician and plumber; there was no interaction between him and Lin Berte, let alone any enmity. My client has absolutely no motive for murder!"

"Lawyer Zhang is right. Based on the information I have at present, suspect Guan indeed seems to have no motive for the crime."

Judge Bao also expressed agreement with Zhang Wei’s speech and turned to look at Zhu Yuansi.

"Prosecutor Zhu, do you have any other evidence to present?"

"Judge Bao, we don’t have further evidence at the moment, but if the court can grant us more time, we will surely gather sufficient evidence!"

Hearing Zhu Yuansi say this, Judge Bao understood; Zhu was asking him to buy some time for the prosecution, to prevent the suspect from escaping.

"Ahem, Judge Bao, Prosecutor Zhu, I would like to clarify one point!"

Just then, Zhang Wei stood out again, interrupting them.

"No one can be certain about the future, and I’m not familiar with the case handling in Longdu, but I know that in Dongfang Capital, if a hearing concludes that the prosecution cannot prove a direct connection between the suspect and the victim’s death, all charges against the suspect will be dropped. As for the so-called request for the judge to give a bit more time, that is purely creating trouble out of nothing."

"My client may be an electrician and plumber, but his time is equally valuable. We have no reason to waste it on the prosecutor’s unreasonable demands and help the prosecution search for so-called new evidence."

"Judge Bao, my client has cooperated with the investigation of the Procuratorate and appeared at the hearing. Going forward, I explicitly inform the court and the prosecution that my client will not continue to sacrifice his time for this so-called investigation. Since the prosecution cannot present any strong evidence to prove a direct connection between my client and the death of Victim Lin Berte, we will reject all future summons to appear in court until the prosecution comes up with strong evidence. Please be advised!"

This time, Zhang Wei made his stance very clear.

If you don’t have strong, indisputable evidence, then I’m sorry, your next summons would be nothing but harassment.

While citizens have an obligation to appear in court, they do not have an obligation to comply with a wholly ineffective investigation.

"Judge Bao, since the evidence presented by the prosecution in this hearing has not been of any substantial help to the case, may I ask you to announce the result now?"

This time, it was Zhang Wei’s turn to push for a decision.

"This..." Judge Bao was still somewhat hesitant.

After all, compared to Zhang Wei from Dongfang Capital, he was more inclined towards his "own people."

But this time, Zhu Yuansi was simply unprepared.

If it were the old rhythm and the defense lawyer was not strong, maybe this case might have been accepted.

But Zhu Yuansi trying to take advantage of Zhang Wei? That was naturally impossible.

"Judge Bao, what are you hesitating about?"

Zhang Wei noticed the judge’s hesitation and immediately scoffed with ridicule, "You wouldn’t be thinking that such a case would actually find some fool to take it on, right? Surely not, surely not?"

There was a trace of embarrassment on Judge Bao’s face.

Can’t you say something nice for once? I was just about to be the fool you’re talking about.

"It’s clear this case can’t go on. Even if it really went to trial, with the evidence you presented just now, I could refute it all. As long as there are reasonable doubts, the jury would absolutely not find my client guilty. Then the ones losing face would be you!"

Zhang Wei taunted again, bringing up the "reasonable doubt" argument.

The problem now is exactly this: without strong evidence from the prosecution, it’s all just talk.

If it actually went to trial, Zhang Wei would unquestionably find a multitude of reasons to counter, and once reasonable doubts were introduced, the jury would not convict Guan Ping.

If a verdict of innocence was reached, it would be the Longdu District Procuratorate Office and Zhu Yuansi himself who would be disgraced.

Zhu Yuansi was of course aware of all this, and Judge Bao could tell that Zhang Wei was indicating it would be better not to accept the case.

"Ahem, this court also finds some merit in what Lawyer Zhang said. Although Lawyer Zhang’s words are a bit too sharp, I believe the prosecution must also be thinking this way. Therefore, this court approves. The case is dismissed temporarily until the prosecution finds more compelling evidence!"

As Judge Bao made his announcement, a smile appeared on Zhang Wei’s lips.

And Guan Ping also breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as the case was dismissed, he would no longer be a suspect and would not be restricted.

The investigative department could not monitor him, and if they found such surveillance, they could even sue the department for overstepping.

"Prosecutor Zhu, we will take our leave then!"

Having achieved his goal, Zhang Wei naturally left with Guan Ping. However, before he did, he gave Zhu Yuansi a parting greeting.

Zhu Yuansi’s mood seemed a bit down, and as for Zhang Wei’s greeting, she acted as if she hadn’t seen it, letting him leave with his companion.

"Xiao Zhu, this time you’ve met your match!"

Judge Bao also stepped down from the bench, came to Zhu Yuansi, his expression slightly complicated.

This was the first time he had seen someone suppress Zhu Yuansi on her own turf.

The Prosecutor Zhu before him was no ordinary person; it was rare for anyone in Longdu to suppress her like this.

But Zhang Wei had done it.

This young man from Dongfang Capital had not only suppressed Zhu Yuansi but had also forced himself to take a stand at one point.

"Judge Bao, we won’t admit defeat this time!"

Zhu Yuansi responded, bid farewell to Judge Bao, and then, with her entourage, hurriedly left the courthouse.

She naturally returned to the Procuratorate Headquarters, back to her office.

Today’s hearing had shown her how difficult Zhang Wei was to deal with.

However, falling behind this time did not mean that the prosecution would always be at a disadvantage.

As long as they found strong evidence, then they could...

Zhu Yuansi was planning to think of a strategy when she discovered a black umbrella on her desk.

"What’s going on, whose umbrella is on my desk?"

Zhu Yuansi went to the window and looked at the weather outside; the sun was shining, and there wasn’t a cloud in sight.

"The weather forecast didn’t mention rain today either. Whose umbrella is this? It seems to be an old model..."

The black long-handled umbrella wasn’t a folding one; its style was indeed too archaic, giving off a sense of age.

What was strangest were the red spots on the silver handle’s tip; it was...

"Wait a second..."

Suddenly, Zhu Yuansi remembered, wasn’t the tip of this umbrella handle unusually long and sharp? And those red spots, they didn’t look like paint.

In just an instant, she thought of many things.

"I remember the wounds on Victim Lin Berte’s body; they were only about 3 millimeters wide, but the depth exceeded 15 centimeters. Does this tip of the umbrella handle match the description of the murder weapon?"

In just a moment, Zhu Yuansi had realized and immediately took out her phone to call the investigation and forensics departments.

minutes later.

Her office was cordoned off by the investigation and forensics personnel, with forensic officers surrounding the desk inside and out.

Even Zhu Yuansi herself, the owner of the office, could only stand on the sidelines, occasionally peering inside.

"Prosecutor Zhu, we reviewed the surveillance, but there was an interruption for a period of time; it must have been then that someone placed the umbrella in your office."

"What, the surveillance was interfered with manually?"

"It doesn’t seem so. The network investigation department also examined the surveillance records, and it appears to be a contact issue with the wiring, with no signs of manual interference. The interruption was brief and quickly resolved; there’s no sign of any problem in the log files either."

"Are you saying that it was purely a line contact issue, and by coincidence, it happened at the moment someone broke into my office, causing the surveillance to malfunction?"

"According to the current situation, it appears to be so!"

Hearing the report from her subordinate, Zhu Yuansi’s expression became grave.

Was this all a coincidence, or...

Since the surveillance couldn’t provide any clues, the only thing she needed to focus on was the origin of this umbrella and whether the red spots on the handle were bloodstains.

"Forensic team, how much longer do we need to verify the blood?"

"We’re sending the material to the lab now, and if we process it urgently, we should have the comparison results in about 4 hours!"

"4 hours?"

Zhu Yuansi frowned, then turned her gaze towards the scene’s investigation officers.

"You two, keep an eye on Zhang Wei and Guan Ping, don’t let them leave Longdu!"

"Prosecutor Zhu, isn’t that a bit irregular?"

The two officers were also aware that the hearing had ended and that the judge had given feedback not to proceed with the case.

Guan Ping was no longer a suspect; they couldn’t monitor him.

If they were to surveil Guan Ping now and got discovered, their investigation department might face unfavorable consequences.

"Just be discreet, and as long as they don’t find out, that’s fine. Plus, I think the bloodstains on this umbrella might very well belong to the victim Lin Berte. If this umbrella is the murder weapon, then perhaps we can find conclusive evidence to convict the real murderer from it!"

Zhu Yuansi said this with warning in his eyes.

Seeing this, the two officers could only exchange glances and accept the assignment.

After a while, the on-site evidence collection was completed, and the umbrella was sent to the lab, while Zhu Yuansi stayed at the Procuratorate Headquarters, with no intention of going home.

Four hours passed quickly.

Ding-ling-ling!

When the cell phone rang, Zhu Yuansi was resting with eyes closed at his assistant’s desk, while the assistant had already left work to rest.

"Hurry up and tell me, what’s the situation with that umbrella!"

"According to our tests, we found the blood of the victim Lin Berte on this umbrella, and traces of cyanide at the tip of the handle. We preliminarily deduce that this umbrella is the murder weapon."

"Lin Berte’s blood and cyanide; this umbrella is definitely the murder weapon!"

Excited by the feedback from the forensic science department, Zhu Yuansi could barely contain himself.

But then, he followed up with, "Did you find anything else on this umbrella?"

"Inside this umbrella, there are some ingeniously installed spring mechanisms. Just by pressing a button slightly, a steel needle at the front end of the handle will shoot out, with kinetic energy enough to easily pierce through the human body. And on these mechanisms’ parts, we found some fingerprints!"

"Fingerprints?"

"Yes, fingerprints. Some are not complete, but with the technology of our forensic science department, they’re sufficient to piece together. Prosecutor Zhu, you’d never guess to whom these fingerprints belong..."

"You mean to say, these fingerprints couldn’t possibly belong to that Guan Ping, could they?"

Zhu Yuansi felt as though he had indeed found strong evidence.

No, it wasn’t he who had found it, but someone had given it to him.

So who could this person be?

Whoever it was, Zhu Yuansi knew he must seize the opportunity.

This time, the murder weapon had been found!

Next, it was time to bring the real culprit to justice!

...

Meanwhile.

The hotel where Zhang Wei was staying.

After reporting Tuesday’s schedule to Old Tie, Zhang Wei went to bed early. However, as he lay down, he felt restless, as if something bad was about to happen.

Ding-ling-ling!

Suddenly, the phone rang.

Zhang Wei saw the call was unexpectedly from Guan Ping.

"Lawyer Zhang, something terrible has happened, my umbrella is gone!"

"What, your umbrella?"

Zhang Wei was puzzled. Weren’t you always careful with your umbrella? How could it be lost?

"Lawyer Zhang, this is really bad. My umbrella is gone, and that umbrella was one I made imitating Lin Berte’s methods; it has a hidden mechanism!"

"I know, but wasn’t your umbrella always in the toolbox, beyond the reach of most people?"

"Yes, I always kept it in the toolbox. Unless someone stole it, it could not possibly vanish."

"Someone stole the umbrella?"

Zhang Wei’s brow furrowed slightly.

This was not a good sign because it meant that someone capable of stealing the umbrella had to be constantly watching Guan Ping!

Otherwise, how would they know the location where Guan Ping hid his umbrella?

And now, where was that umbrella?