Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 569 - 562: Found the Evidence? Zhang Wei Calls for Help!

Chapter 569: Chapter 562: Found the Evidence? Zhang Wei Calls for Help!

Wednesday, 5 AM.

Ding-a-ling!

Zhang Wei was woken up by a burst of ringing from the telephone.

"Who is it? Don’t people have any public decency?"

Zhang Wei grumbled as he hurriedly answered the phone.

"Lawyer Zhang, it’s terrible, I’ve been taken away by the Investigation Department again!"

"Nani?!!!"

Zhang Wei certainly hadn’t expected that Guan Ping had been "snared" once more.

Listening to Guan Ping’s anxious voice on the other end, Zhang Wei could only whisper words of reassurance.

"You wait, I’ll be right there. As for what you should do before I arrive, you’ve got experience with that, don’t you?"

After giving those instructions, Zhang Wei immediately hung up the phone and got dressed, washed up, and headed straight for the Investigation Department.

By 5:20 AM, he arrived at the Longdu Investigation Department.

But this time, he felt that something about the atmosphere was off.

First of all, there were obviously a lot of people in the Investigation Department.

Damn, do these people not need to rest, or has the Longdu Investigation Department become so diligent as to start working this early?

Another thing was the way these people looked at him.

Because previously, the people from the Longdu Investigation Department would look at him with disgust and contempt.

It was the kind of look that said they wanted to take you down but had no way of doing so.

This time, however, the same people were looking at him differently, with disdain and mockery.

From the change in their expressions, it was obvious that they had something to rely on!

"Have they found evidence against my client?"

With such a question in mind, Zhang Wei walked into the interrogation room.

However, this time, the people facing him for the interrogation were a man and a woman.

"Prosecutor Zhu, I didn’t expect that it would be you in charge of the investigation this time!"

Zhang Wei had also not expected that the person interrogating Guan Ping would be Zhu Yuansi.

By her side was an officer from the Longdu Investigation Department, but that clearly wasn’t important now.

"Lawyer Zhang has arrived, so please take a seat. With that, our interrogation can officially begin!"

"It’s not even 5:30 AM on a Wednesday, I’m also somewhat puzzled. Do you folks in Longdu always revel in starting early and staying late?"

Zhang Wei pointed towards the Investigation Department office outside, which was way too crowded for the time.

"They are all investigators on this case. Perhaps compared to Dongfang Capital, Longdu has such good public order that a murder case is a rarity, so everyone wants to keep up with the progress."

Well played!

Zhang Wei internally praised, noting the backhanded compliment from Zhu Yuansi, who had just compared the public order of Longdu with Dongfang Capital.

"Is that so? I actually think the public order in Dongfang Capital is better. At least their Investigation Department starts working at 7 AM. This situation where so many people show up at 5 AM, hasn’t happened even once!"

If Longdu’s public order is good, then why does your Investigation Department have to arrive so early?

If the public order is so good, then shouldn’t the Investigation Department have a relaxed workload and be able to start late and leave early?

Zhu Yuansi also picked up on the undertone in Zhang Wei’s words and her brows knit slightly.

Clearly, Zhang Wei was also a master of giving veiled compliments and criticism.

"Lawyer Zhang, I don’t plan on wasting words with you here. Let’s get right to the point!"

As she spoke, Zhu Yuansi took a photograph out of her pocket and slapped it down on the table.

Bang!

The photograph made intimate contact with the table, and Zhang Wei also saw what was on it.

His pupils contracted slightly, and then he reached out, patted Guan Ping on the shoulder, and said with a look of surprise, "Oh my, people still use such an old-fashioned umbrella these days?"

Guan Ping also saw the photo, or rather, the umbrella in the photo.

Wasn’t that the umbrella he had made, imitating the technique of Victim Lin Berte?

But how did that umbrella end up in the hands of the Investigation Department?

Fortunately, thanks to Zhang Wei’s exaggerated gesture, the brief doubt in Guan Ping’s eyes went unnoticed by Zhu Yuansi and her colleague.

"Indeed, we also find it strange. Such a style of umbrella is inconvenient to carry, generally disliked by the younger crowd, and would usually be used by someone older, right?"

Zhu Yuansi said this but then pointed at the tip of the umbrella in the photo.

"Lawyer Zhang, you should have seen it, aren’t there some red spots at the tip of this umbrella?"

"Yes, I see them. What’s that, is it paint?"

"It’s not, if it had been paint, I wouldn’t have asked you to come over."

Zhu Yuansi gave a slight smile, then his expression turned serious, "Those red spots are actually bloodstains, and moreover, they are the bloodstains of the victim, Lin Berte!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of Zhang Wei and Guan Ping showed varying degrees of surprise.

Because they both remembered there had been no bloodstains on Guan Ping’s black umbrella.

After the death of Lin Berte, Guan Ping was taken away by the investigation department because he was suspected of murder.

Afterward, Zhang Wei pulled some strings to get him out, and the two returned to Guan Ping’s rental home, where Zhang Wei saw Guan Ping’s black umbrella for the first time.

The black umbrella had been stored inside a toolbox, and there were no bloodstains on the tip.

After getting Guan Ping out, the next day Zhang Wei accompanied Tie Ruyun to attend an internal hearing at the Lawyer’s Association, and then the court hearing for Guan Ping.

If Guan Ping’s black umbrella had been stolen without his knowledge, then it could only have been taken after he left the rental house.

But who could it be?

It definitely wasn’t anyone from the investigation department, because they would have certainly searched his rental house after taking away Guan Ping.

Discovering a black umbrella inside a toolbox is actually quite normal.

Since Guan Ping was an electrical maintenance worker, he might have needed to work outdoors, and there was no issue with him keeping a black sunshade given how intense the sunlight was outside.

Therefore, the investigation department didn’t notice anything unusual about the umbrella; there were no bloodstains on it at that time.

"Prosecutor Zhu, are you implying that this umbrella is the murder weapon?"

Zhang Wei pointed at the umbrella in the photo, looking puzzled.

"Correct, this umbrella is indeed the murder weapon!"

Zhu Yuansi affirmed confidently, and then he took out a stack of reports from his briefcase.

"These are reports that the colleagues from the forensic department stayed up last night to complete, and since both of you are here now, I shall let you have a look at them!"

The forensic report on the umbrella quickly became visible to Zhang Wei and Guan Ping.

The report stated that the bloodstains of the victim Lin Berte and traces of chlorides on the tip of the umbrella had been discovered.

Of course, the most critical point was the presence of Guan Ping’s fingerprints on the mechanical parts inside the handle of the umbrella.

"Lawyer Zhang, can you see it, your client’s fingerprints are on the weapon used to murder the victim. I believe this is incriminating evidence that can lead to the conviction of your client!"

Zhu Yuansi said, with a hint of pride on his face, because this time she had finally caught Guan Ping and Zhang Wei red-handed.

"Impressive, Prosecutor Zhu. But I’m curious, how did this umbrella end up in your hands?"

"Uh..."

This was the question that left Zhu Yuansi unsure of how to respond.

To say that the umbrella was simply found on his desk – wasn’t that an answer a bit too dismissive?

"This umbrella was discovered by colleagues from the investigation department!" That was all Zhu Yuansi could reply.

"Really? Where was it found?"

Zhang Wei, of course, was not willing to easily believe Zhu Yuansi’s answer and continued to press on.

Because this question was crucial!

"This..." Zhu Yuansi stumbled again.

"It was our investigators who found it near the crime scene!"

In the end, it was one of Zhu Yuansi’s accompanying investigators who spoke the "truth".

"After the investigator found it, he immediately reported the evidence to Prosecutor Zhu, who then submitted it to the forensic department!"

The officer said, looking towards Zhang Wei and the other, "Now, the question that needs answering is from you, why would the suspect, Guan Ping’s fingerprints, be on the murder weapon!"

"If I say that the umbrella might have been lost by my client, would you believe it?"

"Of course we believe it, nobody keeps the murder weapon, and disposing of it is the expected thing to do!"

Zhang Wei’s explanation just made the officer laugh with disdain.

Pretending!

Keep pretending!

I still remember the way you threatened us that day!

So what is it now, why are you talking with such a lack of confidence?

Zhu Yuansi also spoke, "Lawyer Zhang, we now suspect that your client harbors significant suspicion of committing the crime, and based on the intelligence we have, it’s highly likely that your client is the murderer who killed Victim Lin Berte."

"We hereby formally inform you that we will hold the second official hearing tomorrow, and this time, there will be 10 ’Hearing Officers’ present at the scene!"

"Oh, Hearing Officers?"

Hearing these three words, Zhang Wei’s expression grew solemn.

This meant that if the second hearing were to go through, the prosecution would certainly initiate a public indictment against Guan Ping, and might even pin the murder of Lin Berte on him.

However, this wasn’t entirely without benefit for Zhang Wei, if he could defeat Zhu Yuansi at the hearing, then his client Guan Ping wouldn’t have to face the murder charges.

In the prosecutor’s office’s case review and hearing process, the role of the Hearing Officers is similar to that of jurors; they make a judgment by listening to the arguments from both the prosecution and the defense.

Therefore, Hearing Officers must maintain objectivity and fairness, assuming a neutral stance without favoring either side. This means that as long as the arguments present a strong enough chain of evidence, the Hearing Officers will lean towards the more favorable side.

"Well, I’m quite looking forward to tomorrow’s hearing!"

Zhang Wei said with a slight smile, indicating that he understood.

"Lawyer Zhang, I must also inform you that because your client has no fixed job, no fixed residence, and hasn’t paid into social security or medical insurance, we’ve decided to detain your client for 24 hours under surveillance to prevent him from fleeing out of fear of punishment. If you have any objections, you can raise them now, we..."

"No, I have no objections. It’s actually good that you can help keep an eye on him for me!"

Just when Zhu Yuansi was about to let the officers take Guan Ping away, Zhang Wei agreed unexpectedly.

"Huh?"

Not only Zhu Yuansi, but even Guan Ping was stunned.

What’s going on?

You, Zhang Wei, actually agreed?

Do you want them to take me away?

"Before you take my client away, may I have a moment to speak with him alone? I need to explain some information to him, is that alright?"

"Oh, that’s fine!"

As long as Zhang Wei doesn’t leave with Guan Ping, everything is negotiable.

Zhu Yuansi gestured towards the interrogation room’s glass panel and then led the officers out.

"Lawyer Zhang, I’ve had the people next door leave. Do you need to come over and inspect?"

"I still trust Prosecutor Zhu’s character, but if someone from the Investigation Department doesn’t trust Prosecutor Zhu, then there’s nothing I can do, is there?"

Zhang Wei spread his hands, once again mixing praise with veiled criticism.

"Hmph!" Zhu Yuansi’s expression darkened momentarily, he moved toward the door of the next room and looked inside several times.

There was no one inside!

Zhang Wei took the opportunity to close the door of the interrogation room and then approached Guan Ping, starting a conversation in a voice that only the two could hear.

"You must be wondering why I let them detain you, right?"

"Yes."

"It’s simple, it’s not safe outside anymore."

Zhang Wei said, his eyes growing intense, "Look, the room you rented was so easily rummaged through. They found your umbrella and then framed you, so if they wanted to take your life, wouldn’t that also be easy as pie?"

"Compared to that, the Investigation Department is the safest place. This is Longdu’s most secure location, with countless investigators guarding it. I really can’t imagine anywhere in Longdu safer than here."

Guan Ping, hearing what Zhang Wei said, couldn’t help but nod his head.

Indeed, this was the safest place.

"But if I don’t go out, wouldn’t that mean..."

"Don’t worry, I’m about to call in powerful reinforcements from Dongfang Capital. They will help me handle this case!"

Zhang Wei knew that outside, people were always watching both him and Guan Ping, and they might even be monitoring Tie Ruyun.

Although Zhang Wei wasn’t afraid, he also knew that their side’s combat strength was limited.

So, if human strength had a limit, he had to seek out power beyond that of humans.

Thinking this, Zhang Wei gave Guan Ping some further instructions.

"Rest assured, at tomorrow’s hearing, I’ll do my utmost to help you shake off the accusations, and then we’ll deal with your father’s case together!"

After patting Guan Ping’s shoulder and offering some encouragement, Zhang Wei immediately left the interrogation room.

"Prosecutor Zhu, I’ll leave my client in your care!"

Zhang Wei told Zhu Yuansi at the door before walking away from the Investigation Department without looking back.

Watching Zhang Wei leave, Zhu Yuansi, who had prepared a number of remarks for a long time, found himself unable to utter them.

"I wanted to dent his spirits, but I didn’t expect him to leave so decisively!"

Zhu Yuansi had no choice but to call in the Investigation Department to keep a close watch on Guan Ping.

...

Meanwhile, on the other side.

After leaving the Investigation Department, it was almost 9 a.m. for Zhang Wei.

He closed his eyes slightly and then suddenly opened them.

"Sure enough, someone nearby is watching me!"

Although he couldn’t pinpoint the exact location of the observer, a lingering sense of crisis set off alarms in his mind.

This was his intuition as a criminal defense lawyer; he felt he was being targeted.

Seeing this, Zhang Wei immediately took out his phone and opened the chat group.

[Zhang Wei: @Xia Qianyue @Zhao Xiaoxiao @all, I am currently facing the most severe threat in Dongfang Capital.]

[Zhang Wei: Let me put it straight... I need help!]

Since it was already 9 in the morning, Xia Qianyue and the others had long been awake.

[Xia Qianyue: @Zhang Wei, you’re encountering difficulties in Longdu, is it serious? I’ll report to the team leader and I can be in Longdu by evening!]

[Zhang Wei: Silly, thank you, I don’t feel safe without you by my side. /Pity]

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: @Zhang Wei @Xia Qianyue, you two are so cheesy. /Disgust]

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: By the way, if I come to Longdu, will I get travel expenses? /Sly smile]

[Zhang Wei: Of course, as much as you want. /Smile]

Zhang Wei was always very affectionate towards his second girl, so naturally, he wouldn’t be stingy with travel expenses.

[Jessica: Longdu? Can I come, @Zhang Wei? /Eager /Eager /Eager]

[Zhang Wei: Isn’t your clinic busy?]

[Jessica: Of course, I happen to have some free time lately, and I’ve never been to Longdu before. /Smile]

[Zhang Wei: OK!]

After careful consideration, Zhang Wei agreed to Jessica’s request to join as well.

[Mo Yuzhu: I want to come too! /Eager /Eager /Eager]

[Zhang Wei: Sure, come on over!]

Seeing that Classmate Mo was also eager to join, Zhang Wei was surprised for a moment but then agreed.

After all, as a forensic expert, Classmate Mo could be helpful in criminal investigations; there was no issue with her coming.

Now, he had four more people to help him out.

Xia Qianyue, Zhao Xiaoxiao, Jessica, and Mo Yuzhu.

Similarly, with Xia Qianyue coming, Zhang Wei also felt more at ease.

After sending another message telling them not to rush too much, Zhang Wei shared his location in Longdu.

"All right, with Silly here, those rogues should have no way with me now, but I’m curious about something. What kind of case is this, and why are there people with such power meddling behind the scenes!"

Zhang Wei was curious about how much trouble a 12-year-old murder case could stir up.

Furthermore, he came to Longdu because of the accusations made by Tie Ruyun, didn’t he?

But now, Old Tie’s accusations seemed trivial.

Who still cares about whether Tie Ruyun was stalking Chen Xiao? Can it even compare to a murder case?

"How did that Zhu Yuansi put it just now? The Forensic Department pulled an all-nighter to finish the report, which means this umbrella must have been delivered to Zhu Yuansi yesterday afternoon, right?"

Zhang Wei naturally didn’t believe the investigators’ story about discovering the murder weapon near the crime scene.

The black umbrella was obviously Guan Ping’s own, which had been found in his place after Victim Lin Berte’s death, while he and Zhang Wei were at the hearing.

Then, as if they knew Zhu Yuansi was lacking crucial evidence, they directly "manufactured" the key evidence for the case and delivered it to Zhu Yuansi.

This could be deduced from Zhu Yuansi’s evasiveness about the provenance of the "murder weapon" and his inability to give a clear answer.

Clearly, Prosecutor Zhu himself was also puzzled about why the murder weapon appeared in his hands.

However, to convict Guan Ping and solve a murder case, they chose to overlook the odd nature of how the murder weapon came into play.

"So you’re saying, someone went to Guan Ping’s place and took something away?"

Zhang Wei felt it necessary to pay another visit to Guan Ping’s residence.

After all, according to the "Locard’s Exchange Principle," if a person takes something from a place, they will also leave something behind.

And Zhang Wei, he needed to find those things, preferably something that could prove that the murder weapon had been fabricated after Lin Berte’s death.