Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 575 - 568: Internal Hearing Resumes, Shameless Old Huang

Chapter 575: Chapter 568: Internal Hearing Resumes, Shameless Old Huang

Friday morning.

"Old Tie, how did you sleep last night?"

"Not bad... Of course, if you guys had gone to bed earlier last night, maybe I would feel even better..."

Tie Ruyun yawned, looking somewhat less than refreshed.

"Old Tie, look at the way you’re talking. We were working overtime last night."

Your words could be taken out of context.

Those who didn’t know any better might think Silly and I were doing something unspeakable.

"If you were working overtime, that’s no reason to blast music, especially death metal..."

Zhang Wei, Xia Qianyue, and the others all instinctively turned their gaze towards Zhao Xiaoxiao.

"What are you looking at me for? It was you guys who agreed to play the music," the young lady retorted, clearly unhappy with all the eyes on her. "Besides, I work more efficiently with music on. Otherwise, how could I have got so much done last night!"

"But I also heard someone singing foreign songs?"

Tie Ruyun voiced his grievances yet again.

At this, everyone’s gaze drifted to Jessica.

The latter hurriedly blushed and bowed her head, saying, "Well, when the music was on, it just happened to be a tune I like, and I unconsciously started humming along..."

Tie Ruyun was speechless—was that what you call humming?

That last high note must have been over 100 decibels!

"And who put on ’Tom and Jerry’ in the end? That BGM was so noisy it woke me up!"

All eyes once again turned towards Mo Yuzhu.

"Uh, it’s just that everyone looked so tired from working, so I thought I’d put on the cartoon to relax us all... I..."

Mo Yuzhu also lowered her head, looking embarrassed.

"Old Tie, everyone is trying to help you, why are you being so picky?"

Zhang Wei couldn’t hold back any longer.

Everyone came all the way from Dongfang Capital for whom?

Isn’t it all for you, Tie Ruyun? Yet here you are, nagging and complaining—how does that sound?

"Today we have to go to the second internal hearing. Can’t you just overlook these trifles?"

Zhang Wei quickly reminded him.

The Lawyers Association has already sent out the notice, this morning is the second internal hearing.

If it doesn’t go well, you, Old Tie, might have to say goodbye to your career as a lawyer.

"Are those considered trifles? Alright... emmm..."

Old Tie indicated that, with the crowd on your side, you’re the boss, your word is law!

Tie Ruyun decided not to dwell on these matters anymore, just as Zhang Wei had said—today’s hearing was the most important.

The group had breakfast and then set off.

Tie Ruyun drove Zhang Wei and Xia Qianyue, while Jessica took Zhao Xiaoxiao and Mo Yuzhu. They were fortunate that the landlord had thoughtfully provided them with two vehicles.

However, this morning also gave them a taste of Longdu’s traffic situation.

It’s fair to say that in terms of traffic congestion, Longdu is more intense than Dongfang Capital.

What was supposed to be a 30-minute route according to the map turned out to take them over an hour to drive.

...

At the entrance of Longdu Lawyers Association, Tie Ruyun stood still, his figure unmoved for a long time.

"Old Tie, what’s wrong? Aren’t you going in?"

"Zhang Wei, tell me, if after today I can never enter a courtroom again, would that be a blessing or a curse?"

"It’s your choice to make."

Regarding this matter, Zhang Wei really had no good advice.

But curiously, he poked Tie Ruyun with his elbow and asked, "If you weren’t a lawyer anymore, what would you plan to do?"

"This..."

The question left Tie Ruyun bewildered.

Seeing Tie Ruyun’s reaction, Zhang Wei instantly understood.

"Then it seems that for you right now, this wouldn’t be a good thing!"

Because if you don’t even know what else you could do, apart from being a lawyer, you probably don’t have any better options.

Zhang Wei once asked himself what he would do if he were no longer a lawyer.

His answer was to take early retirement, trade stocks for fun, tend to his flowers, and travel abroad with Xia Qianyue, among other things. After all, he had made enough money.

If he hadn’t made enough money, he could still rely on his own abilities to become a detective or a teacher, or even take on special assignments through certain channels.

Even if he wasn’t a lawyer, he could do many things; he certainly wouldn’t starve to death.

So, for Zhang Wei, the impact of whether to continue being a lawyer wasn’t great.

But it was different for Tie Ruyun; if he couldn’t be a lawyer, he couldn’t think of anything else he could do.

"So, Old Tie, pull yourself together, you have to show everyone at the hearing how spirited you are!"

Zhang Wei patted Tie Ruyun on the shoulder, then teased with a smile, "Just think, Team Leader Lin is waiting in Dongfang Capital to go back and confess to you!"

"Damn it, Zhang Wei, don’t talk nonsense, I am innocent with Team Leader Lin!"

"Yeah, innocent... if you really mess up this time, then you’ll be innocent with Team Leader Lin for the rest of your life!"

Zhang Wei chuckled smartly, his face full of teasing.

Hearing this, Tie Ruyun finally snapped back to reality.

If he really screwed up today, wouldn’t he be unworthy of Lin Ruonan for the rest of his life?

No way!

I have to show some fighting spirit!

Tie Ruyun’s expression became serious, and his face was indescribably stern.

"That’s the spirit, Old Tie is getting fired up!"

Zhang Wei was very satisfied with this scene.

He exchanged glances with Xia Qianyue at his side, then waved over to Jessica, Mo Yuzhu, and Zhao Xiaoxiao behind him.

Then the group quickly entered the Lawyer’s Association.

Inside the hearing room.

Huang Yunhe and five other representatives had already taken their seats.

The observers’ gallery was also quite full, because today was the second hearing, which could lead to a decision, so everyone wanted to see if Tie Ruyun would lose his license to practice.

Chen Xiao had also arrived, and several obviously newbie lawyers, who looked like her lackeys, followed her.

However, compared to Chen Xiao, Zhang Wei had a larger number of people with him, and they were more eye-catching.

"Smarty-pants, bringing four gals to the hearing, do you think you can disrespect our Lawyer’s Association?"

When Huang Yunhe saw this, he was instantly irritated.

These four gals clearly weren’t lawyers, yet you brought them here, it’s ridiculous.

"Lawyer Zhang, these ladies with you aren’t members of our association, are they?"

Zhang Wei had anticipated Huang Yunhe would make a fuss, and replied with a cold laugh, "They are witnesses for this hearing!"

"Witnesses!" Huang Yunhe clearly didn’t expect Zhang Wei to use such an excuse.

Yes, it sounded like an excuse.

You’re obviously making it up as you go along!

"They are all witnesses, they..."

"Lawyer Huang, aren’t you overstepping a bit? If I say they are witnesses, then they are. If there’s no need later on, I generally won’t call them to testify, so what can you do about it?"

"You..."

Huang Yunhe was furious.

But just as Zhang Wei said, witnesses are witnesses.

And he really had no way to do anything about it.

After all, many witnesses come to court, and neither side may call on them, but the court still has to provide seating for the witnesses.

And Huang Yunhe couldn’t prove these women weren’t Zhang Wei’s witnesses.

"Damn it, I’ve been pushed around by this kid again!"

Naturally, Huang Yunhe was extremely annoyed because his authority had been challenged again.

But he quickly suppressed his anger and the corners of his mouth twisted into a cold smirk.

Go on, be smug, kid!

In the end, Tie Ruyun’s going to lose his license today. If I don’t vote against, then I, Huang Yunhe, will take your surname!

If you can get through this today, then I will concede defeat!

Huang Yunhe knew that he had struck Zhang Wei’s weak spot; now he’d let the other side be smug for a while because their time to cry was coming soon.

As Zhang Wei and his group arrived at the hearing bench, everyone took their seats.

Seeing that the time was about right, Huang Yunhe immediately declared, "Then, the timing is just right. As one of the representatives, I announce the start of today’s hearing!"

"This hearing is to discuss and critically examine whether Tie Ruyun, who was then a practicing lawyer at Longteng International Law Firm 12 years ago, abused his authority over the rookie lawyer Chen Xiao and engaged in stalking and indecent behavior. Let’s all stay focused on the topic!"

While saying this, Huang Yunhe also gave Zhang Wei a meaningful glance.

His emphasis, while conforming to the norm, also carried a hint of favoritism.

Because at the last hearing, Zhang Wei had already proven some things, he had demonstrated that Cheng Xiao, who could be considered from the plaintiff’s side, might have engaged in some overstepping behavior.

And when Huang Yunhe re-emphasized, this hearing was targeted at Tie Ruyun and had nothing to do with what Chen Xiao had done in the past, it was obviously favoring Chen Xiao.

"Now, let’s continue with the process from last time!"

While speaking, Huang Yunhe gave Zhang Wei a cold smile.

You can start now, kid, I want to see how much longer you can jump around!

Zhang Wei adjusted his collar and then slowly rose from his seat under everyone’s gaze.

"Ahem, at the last hearing, I presented many photos to everyone..."

"Lawyer Zhang, we have seen those photos before, and there’s no need to mention them again!"

Seeing Zhang Wei about to bring out the inappropriate photos of Chen Xiao with clients again, Huang Yunhe quickly interrupted.

We have all seen those photos, and we know what you’re going to say, so no need to repeat it today!

This was both a warning and a means to exonerate Chen Xiao.

Chen Xiao was very satisfied; with Huang Yunhe helping him like this, how could Zhang Wei possibly win?

"Oh, so everyone has seen them, huh? But if everyone would like to go over them again, I can continue to show them."

Zhang Wei said this, looking at the gallery with a face full of inquiry.

Do you want to see them or not?

"Lawyer Zhang, wasn’t I clear enough? I said we have all seen those photos, so there’s no need to keep showing them!"

"Old Huang, what are you implying?"

Seeing Huang Yunhe continue to interrupt, Zhang Wei immediately got upset and approached him with an annoyed expression.

"Old Huang, you are just one of the five representatives presiding over the hearing today. How can your words represent everyone’s opinion, or are you trying to say that you’re the boss in this hearing and everyone has to listen to you?"

"This..."

Huang Yunhe wanted to say he was the most important person here, whose words else should they heed?

But that was something he could never say out loud; otherwise, Zhang Wei would single out that remark for special interpretation, possibly even causing him to lose his qualifications as a representative.

So, Huang Yunhe’s answer was...

"I am just one of the five representatives. I am only stating my opinion. If any of the other four representatives have different views, they can also speak up..."

Although Huang Yunhe answered with a smile, his gaze involuntarily darted left and right, filled with a hint of warning.

The representatives he glared at did not dare to make a sound.

"Old Huang, since you’ve said so much, I’ll forgive you, but what’s with that look in your eyes? When did you get a squint?"

Get lost with your squint, and tm forgive me? Do I need your forgiveness?

Huang Yunhe thought that if it weren’t for the crowd, with so many eyes on him, he would have been tempted to punch someone.

This Zhang guy really tm deserves a beating.

I really don’t know how those lawyers who battled him in court before managed to put up with his vexatious behavior.

"Lawyer Zhang, please do not dwell on minor issues anymore. If you have any witnesses to call, please do so quickly!"

As he spoke, Huang Yunhe’s eyes turned to Xia Qianyue and the others; if these are your witnesses, then have them take the stand!

"Old Huang is right, we should let the witnesses testify!"

Zhang Wei couldn’t help but give Huang Yunhe a thumbs-up, then raised his hand toward the gallery, "Alright then, I’ll call the first witness for today, Lawyer Wang!"

And so from the gallery, a bespectacled woman stood up.

This woman appeared very ordinary, looking about thirty-three to thirty-four years old, almost without any distinctive features.

"Is it her?"

However, when Chen Xiao saw the woman stand up, there was a bit of strangeness on her face.

She knew this woman.

"Xiao Wang?"

Similarly, Tie Ruyun, who was sitting in the "accused seat," was also taken aback.

He recognized this woman too, as she had been a team member he had led in Longteng in the past.

"Hello, Lawyer Wang."

"Hello, Lawyer Zhang."

"Lawyer Wang, you were once a soldier under Old Tie, right?"

"Yes, I was part of Group Leader Tie’s team 12 years ago, I followed him for nearly 2 years. However, 10 years ago, after getting married to my husband, I left Longteng to join a smaller law firm."

"How is the work at this smaller law firm?"

"Although my law firm is small and we don’t handle big cases like Longteng does, the workload isn’t as heavy. I can get off work before 7 PM every day and have time in the evenings to spend with my son."

"Hmm, congratulations, Lawyer Wang."

"Thank you."

Seeing the two chatting almost as if they were catching up on family news, Huang Yunhe grew restless.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention to the content of your questions. This hearing is directed at Tie Ruyun, not a place for you to chat!"

"Oh, Old Huang is right, I should be asking the key questions."

Zhang Wei winked at Huang Yunhe, then turned to the woman, "Lawyer Wang, please tell us what kind of person Old Tie was when you worked under him."

"Alright."

The woman glanced at Tie Ruyun and then began to recall, "Group Leader Tie was very serious about his work, meticulous, and treated us very well."

"He was especially kind to newcomers. He would almost always teach us how to handle our first case hands-on, take us to mock courts to bolster our trial experience—something that normally only school teachers would patiently do. I learned a lot under his guidance."

As she spoke, she looked at Tie Ruyun with a gaze full of gratitude.

"So, Lawyer Wang, I would like to ask, what was the reputation of Old Tie during his time as your group leader or when he was at Longteng Law Firm?"

"The group leader had a very good reputation, at least within the operations department, litigation department, and even the neighboring project department. He had a good reputation; many colleagues from various departments would greet him with a smile. He really was a good person."

Hearing the woman say this, Zhang Wei couldn’t help nodding his head.

"Well then, thank you for your answer."

Zhang Wei thanked her, then approached the five representatives.

"As everyone can see, my client, Old Tie, has always had a good reputation at Longteng. Since joining Longteng, he has never done anything against the rules and has worked conscientiously for many years before becoming a group leader. Would he really make a joke out of his own career and future over a female group member?"

As soon as he said this, many people in the hearing seats nodded their heads.

Even among the five representatives, two inadvertently showed pensive expressions.

Clearly, Zhang Wei had a point.

Tie Ruyun had good prospects—why act impulsively and joke about his future?

With such a good reputation at Longteng, if he stayed a few more years, he might even get promoted to a supervisor.

A few more years, and maybe when the department leader retires, he could take over as the head of the department, even become a partner.

But because of a moment of impulse, he was now expelled from Longteng, an impulsive move that was somewhat incomprehensible.

Seeing the reactions of many at the hearing, Huang Yunhe frowned and sensed Zhang Wei’s intentions.

"Ahem, Lawyer Zhang, have you finished your questioning?" he even used a cough as an excuse to disrupt the thoughts of many.

"Old Huang, since you’ve interrupted me, of course, I am done with my questioning."

Zhang Wei smiled subtly and sat down with composure.

Huang Yunhe glanced at Chen Xiao, whose eyes flashed with a hint of sinister intent.

Huang Yunhe knew what to do now, and he looked at the woman.

"Lawyer Wang, as I recall, you were at Longteng for more than three years, correct?"

"Yes, Lawyer Huang, at that time I worked under you, although you were the department leader and I was just a member of a small group. I seldom had the honor of seeing you."

"So, that means you spent a relatively long time with Tie Ruyun, right?"

"That’s one way to put it!"

"During your time at Longteng, you received quite a few favors from Tie Ruyun, correct?"

"I suppose so."

The woman seemed to also sense that something was off.

Huang Yunhe’s questioning had some misguiding intent?

Indeed, that was precisely Huang Yunhe’s goal.

Seeing that the groundwork was sufficiently laid, he asked with a cold face, "So, isn’t it very likely that you’re testifying today in an attempt to repay the favors you received from Tie Ruyun in the past?"

"This..." The woman never expected to be questioned like this by Huang Yunhe.

"Objection, speculation!"

Zhang Wei also could not hold back, standing up immediately to interrupt.

"Old Huang, you are one of the five representatives. You should be sitting in the representative’s seat, listening to the depositions fairly and impartially, then casting a fair and just vote. But you seem to be making things difficult for our witness, and you’re even using your subjective speculations to gauge our witness’s actions; isn’t that somewhat inappropriate?"

Faced with Zhang Wei’s accusation, Huang Yunhe was not the least bit concerned; instead, he sneered, "Hmph, if I recall correctly, someone said this is a hearing, not a court session!"

These words were previously used by Zhang Wei to counter Chen Xiao’s objection.

And now, Huang Yunhe had turned the tables on the spot!

"As one of the five representatives, I indeed have to conduct this hearing fairly. However, if I were to just sit here and listen to your witness without appropriate questioning, wouldn’t that be unfair to the victim, Lawyer Chen?"

As he spoke, Huang Yunhe even dragged Chen Xiao into the argument.

Your side claims justice, and my side does, too!

We’re all lawyers who earn our bread with our craft; nobody’s afraid of anyone!

Huang Yunhe’s shameless tactic naturally sent a deep shock through Zhang Wei.

Well played, Old Huang; truly shameless to the core!