Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 626 - 619: For Truth and Zheng Yi, or For Money?

Chapter 626: Chapter 619: For Truth and Zheng Yi, or For Money?

"Have you two slept together?"

In front of the entire courtroom, Ren Xingzhou asked Zhang Xinwu such a question.

This question was quite—quite—quite provocative.

Like dropping a bomb on the tranquil surface of a lake, not only did it cause a splash, but there might also be an explosion later, creating huge waves.

The whole room was shocked; everyone looked towards the witness stand.

The question had been asked, so now...

What about the answer?

Had they slept together or not?

Everyone was concerned about this question, whether Zhang Xinwu and Zhang Wei had indeed slept together.

Facing the gaze of the entire court, Zhang Xinwu’s complexion turned somewhat ugly.

On the contrary, Zhang Wei, sitting in the plaintiff’s seat, was the picture of calm and composure.

"Objection, harassment of the witness!"

Zhang Wei immediately stood up to intercede on behalf of Zhang Xinwu.

"Lawyer Ren, even though I know you’re a lawyer with very low moral standards, I didn’t expect you to stoop even lower than I had anticipated."

"What did you say, you little punk dare to insult me?"

Ren Xingzhou pointed at himself, then glared at Zhang Wei with displeasure.

What the hell do you mean by that, you little punk? Insulting me for having low morals? I don’t think you’re any higher!

"Yes, I am insulting you!" Zhang Wei admitted directly and looked at Ren Xingzhou, "To me, you’re just disgusting, disgusting, so disgusting!"

After cursing, he looked towards the judges’ bench.

Ren Xingzhou also looked at Ni Qiuping and explained, "Judge Ni, I asked this question just to clarify whether Lawyer Zhang has made any kind of physical transaction with the client, whether there are any ambiguous relationships between them!"

"This is related to the witness’s character, so we must clear this up!"

This time, Ren Xingzhou used Zhang Wei’s excuse, planning to turn the tables and gain the chance to continue his questioning.

But would Zhang Wei let him have his way?

Of course not!

"Lawyer Ren is really good at calculating, using my tactics, even making use of the entire court to pressure me. Now I’d like to ask you a question in return."

"What question?"

Ren Xingzhou was frustrated. What the hell are you trying to argue about now?

Zhang Wei then raised a finger, pointing towards the judges’ bench.

"Following your logic, Lawyer Ren, if Judge Ni favors me later, are you going to ask Judge Ni if she has slept with me?"

"Ah, this..."

Upon hearing Zhang Wei’s question, Ren Xingzhou was instantly flustered.

"Damn, sleeping with me!"

Judge Ni also widened her eyes in an instant.

She never imagined that Zhang Wei, this little bastard, would dare to ask such a question.

Boy, your guts are really big.

No, more like recklessly audacious!

"Judge Ni, I didn’t mean to use you as an example on purpose. I’m just curious if, following Lawyer Ren’s logic, whenever he suspects a lady has a good relationship with me, he would throw out such a question, asking if I’m involved with that lady?"

"If that’s the case, wouldn’t I have already had inappropriate relationships with several women in Dongfang Capital? Judge Ni, when you agreed to accept my lawsuit, doesn’t that fall right within the scope of Lawyer Ren’s attacks?"

"Later if I help a lady with her lawsuit pro bono, does that mean I’ve had an affair with her, or if I take on a public welfare lawsuit for a young woman, does that mean there’s sexual bribery between us?"

Zhang Wei said this, his face an image of innocence, as if he had been greatly wronged.

"Ah, this..." Ren Xingzhou was once again at a loss.

I didn’t mean that at all; I was just asking if you and the witness were involved!

But at that moment, Judge Ni fell into silence.

After a while, she finally spoke to announce the result: "Objection overruled!"

"Lawyer Ren, if I hear you ask such embarrassing questions to a lady again, I’ll charge you with harassment, understand?"

When Judge Ni spoke, her eyes were icy cold, with an obscure hint of murderous intent.

Ren Xingzhou felt this dangerous aura; he knew that if he answered no, he might suffer today.

"I understand, Judge Ni. I assure you I will not continue with such questions."

Ren Xingzhou raised his hand as if swearing an oath, but his face looked very unhappy, as he had been threatened today.

Unsatisfied, he was very unsatisfied!

After being reassured, Zhang Wei felt relieved.

He smiled at Zhang Xinwu, thinking to himself, "OK, that problem’s solved."

Zhang Xinwu, clutching her chest, also breathed a sigh of relief.

However, after Zhang Wei sat down, he found his second, intelligent daughter looking at him with a very strange expression.

"Xiao Xiao, what’s wrong?"

As Zhang Wei spoke, he picked up the glass of water in front of him and took a sip.

"Nothing much, I just feel like you guys aren’t really having an affair, are you?"

Pfft—

Zhang Wei, unsurprised, sprayed out the water from his mouth.

The prosecutor’s side suddenly became chaotic.

On the other side, the defense was equally unsettled.

Ren Xingzhou frowned, advanced to the defense’s table, and took several documents from the trio.

"Miss Zhang, I’d like to ask you, the conflict between you and our client, Master Wu, didn’t just start yesterday, did it?"

"From the records I have, it’s clear that you have harbored many grievances against Master Wu Renjie since the martial arts tournament, especially in recent days when you’ve been sneaking around near the Wu Mansion!"

The documents in Ren Xingzhou’s hands were photos from surveillance cameras.

He showed the photos to Zhang Xinwu before projecting them on the screen.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please look. These are recent images captured by surveillance cameras of the witness appearing near the Wu Mansion."

"We have reason to suspect that, after misidentifying our client, the witness intended ill will towards him!"

The jury and those in the audience, looking at the photos on the projection screen, fell into contemplation.

"I didn’t, I just wanted Wu Renjie to apologize," Zhang Xinwu defended.

"Witness, your testimony is not credible. You know very well that if Mr. Xiao Mo Moji were the offender, you wouldn’t get a dime, and that’s why you are fixated on accusing Master Wu Renjie!"

Seeing Zhang Xinwu state her reasons, Ren Xingzhou immediately countered with his prepared argument.

Is Zhang Xinwu’s insistence that the culprit is Wu Renjie really about justice?

Wrong!

Hugely wrong!

The reason Zhang Xinwu is adamant that Wu Renjie is the culprit comes down to money!

If Mr. Momoji hadn’t caved to pressure and made his son apologize, if Mr. Xiao Mo Moji had steadfastly refused to pay compensation, then according to the laws of Dragon Country, it would be impossible to punish them.

Therefore, if the offender were Mr. Xiao Mo Moji, and under the worst-case scenario, Zhang Xinwu as a family member and Ms. Lu as the victim might not get a penny and would have to bear the exorbitant medical expenses.

So, Zhang Xinwu’s certainty that Wu Renjie is the offender also has reason behind it, and a very significant chance of being true.

For money, Zhang Xinwu has the potential to lie!

Ren Xingzhou looked at the jury and emphasized again, "Why is Miss Zhang so adamant that Master Wu Renjie is the offender? The answer is money!"

"Because once Master Wu is determined to be the offender, they could get a substantial settlement from the Wu Family, a hefty payout. Not only would Ms. Lu’s medical bills be covered, but they could also secure a huge sum through the settlement!"

As Ren Xingzhou spoke, he himself thought the argument was impeccably sound.

What do people value the most nowadays? Naturally, it’s money!

So, bringing up this line of reasoning in court undoubtedly hit home for everyone there.

If some jurors harbored a strong sense of resentment towards the wealthy, wouldn’t that mean... wait, resentment towards the wealthy?

At that moment, images from the pre-trial flashed through Ren Xingzhou’s mind.

The image of Zhang Wei removing potential jurors with wealth resentment from the selection process.

"This guy, could it be that he had anticipated this step since the pre-trial?"

A bead of sweat suddenly formed on Ren Xingzhou’s forehead at the thought of Zhang Wei’s maneuver during the pre-trial.

This guy, did he leave nothing to chance?

Or is it, this guy truly lives up to being the ace lawyer of our Jincheng Law Firm?

Terrifying indeed—

But so what?

Ren Xingzhou knew his move was indisputable.

Because when everything is tied to money, the nature of the matter changes!

Even if Zhang Xinwu denies it now, it’s no use.

Because you say you’re after the truth, and I say you’re after money. Who do you think the public will believe?

At this very moment, there’s only one thing on the minds of the jury and the audience.

Zhang Xinwu’s insistence that Wu Renjie is the offender is all about the money!

"You’re wrong, it’s not about the money!"

"Of course, you would say that, but in fact, I guessed you would deny it!"

Faced with Zhang Xinwu’s denial, Ren Xingzhou just chuckled.

Give it up, girl. No more explanations will help because the jury won’t believe you.

Zhang Xinwu felt wronged.

She really wasn’t doing this for money, she truly sought justice, but why did it seem like no one trusted her?

She looked towards the jury, many of whom wore faces of skepticism, some even whispering to each other, as if they had already decided she was just after the money.

She looked towards the spectators who were murmuring among themselves, even pointing and gesturing towards her.

In the end, all she could do was look towards the prosecutor’s bench, towards Zhang Wei.

Zhang Wei nodded but then shook his head.

Zhang Xinwu understood, he was signaling his support for her, yet also advising her not to try to argue anymore.

Indeed, once everyone decides you’re at fault, anything you say can be interpreted as making excuses!

Therefore, Zhang Xinwu stopped explaining and sat calmly.

When Ren Xingzhou saw this, he scoffed.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t explain; the jury has made up their minds you’re in it for the money, and you’ve no chance left.

"Judge Ni, our side has no more questions for this witness!"

Having achieved his goal, Ren Xingzhou naturally concluded the questioning.

"In response to the defense’s statement, we would like to ask additional questions!"

But at that moment, Zhang Wei suddenly stood up to speak.

"Hmm, go ahead, Lawyer Zhang!" Judge Ni didn’t say much else, gesturing for Zhang Wei to come forward.

Zhang Wei approached Zhang Xinwu, smiling as he asked, "Sister Xiao Wu, it seems you’re greatly misunderstood, aren’t you?"

Zhang Xinwu gave a bitter smile: "Yes, I feel like no matter how much I explain, no one will believe me."

"That’s right, everyone has convinced themselves that you framed Wu Renjie for money."

Zhang Wei spoke, then suggested, "Let’s do this—to clear your name, I’ll ask you a question, and I hope you can answer me honestly!"

"Go ahead, please."

"Do you believe Wu Renjie is the culprit, because of the truth and justice?"

"Yes."

"Then, if you were asked to give up the compensation, even the medical expenses you’ve possibly received, would you still insist?"

"Yes, I insist, because I know Wu Renjie is the murderer!"

Upon hearing Zhang Xinwu’s answer, the entire courtroom fell silent.

"You’ve all heard it: my client is willing to forgo a substantial compensation and even medical expenses to fight for justice and the truth. She’s doing this simply to seek fairness!"

"My client filed this lawsuit not for the money; she did it for justice, to demand fairness from the responsible party, Wu Renjie, to get an explanation!"

The courtroom fell silent again, with many people looking incredulously at Zhang Xinwu.

Declaring such a thing in court, in front of so many people, are you truly not in it for the money?

"Haha, Lawyer Zhang sure knows how to persuade others. But acting, well, isn’t that something anyone can do? I could also say that I’m not fighting this lawsuit for Wu Renjie just for my lawyer’s fee, but so that he doesn’t get wronged!"

Just then, a sarcastic voice came from the defense bench.

Ren Xingzhou showed an ugly grin, looking gleefully at Zhang Wei and Zhang Xinwu.

The two of you have had enough, haven’t you? Isn’t it just acting? I’m fucking good at that too.

The disruption threw off the emotions that Zhang Wei and Zhang Xinwu had taken a moment to gather, seeming to break their train of thought.

The jury and the spectators fell back into skepticism, wondering if Zhang Xinwu and Zhang Wei were really just putting on an act.

A slight twitch appeared at the corner of Zhang Wei’s mouth, but he controlled the urge to strike out.

"Judge Ni, we’ve finished our questions."

With no choice left, Zhang Wei returned to his seat, concluding the additional questioning.

Zhang Xinwu also returned to the prosecutor’s bench, but her eyes blazed with indignation, her gaze sharp, clearly frustrated with Wu Renjie’s side.

"Lawyer Zhang, do you have any more witnesses to call?"

"Judge Ni, do you see any key witnesses left on my side?"

Zhang Wei gestured towards his witness bench, which was now empty as Zhao Xiaoxiao and others were sitting in the front row.

"So, you’re prepared to conclude the presentation of evidence?"

"Yes, we’ve concluded the presentation of evidence."

Judge Ni took note and turned towards the defense bench.

"Defense, do you wish to call any witnesses to the stand?"

Upon hearing this, Ren Xingzhou quickly gestured to the trio beside him, and the four began to discuss.

"At present, our advantage is significant; there’s no need to waste time presenting evidence."

"Now the entire courtroom, due to Lawyer Ren’s earlier speech, is doubting that Zhang Xinwu did it for the money. Although Zhang Wei tried to remedy it, it was merely a drop in the bucket."

"Indeed, it looks like the jury and the audience are more willing to believe Lawyer Ren’s suggestion, so there’s no need for us to take any risks."

After the trio finished speaking, they looked at Ren Xingzhou.

Now our advantage is substantial; there’s no need to speak further. Simply maintaining this advantage until the end of the trial and letting public opinion ferment over the weekend should suffice!

Ren Xingzhou shared this thought.

Because their only witness at the moment was Wu Renjie; putting Wu Renjie on the stand could easily expose him to attacks from Zhang Wei.

In that case, there’s no need to take the risk.

For the next two days, which would be the weekend, it would be to their advantage to let the jury go home with the thought that "Zhang Xinwu did it for money."

Thus, Ren Xingzhou stood up and looked toward the judge’s bench.

"Judge Ni, my team requests a temporary recess. Today we will not present evidence. At the next hearing, we will provide sufficient proof to refute the prosecution’s charges!"

The implication was clear: let’s end today’s session, and we’ll definitely come prepared next time.

After glancing at the time, Ni Qiuping realized that even though there was still some time left, she wasn’t sure how long these groups intended to drag things out. Since the session could end earlier, that was preferable.

"Very well, this court is now in recess. We shall reconvene next Monday. The court is dismissed!"

Thud!

The gavel fell, concluding the second hearing with a temporary recess.

In the audience, Wu Yuanzong rose calmly and, after whispering something to Mr. Momoji beside him, quickly made his way to the vicinity of the jury and coughed audibly.

Ahem!

This cough seemed like an inconsequential gesture.

The twelve members of the jury then used the special jury corridor to leave the courtroom.

Inside the jury corridor.

"I think that girl really did it for the money!"

Suddenly, one of them spoke out.

"I think so too. Who nowadays doesn’t act for money? As for fairness and justice? That’s a joke, right?"

Another person chimed in with agreement.

"But in the end didn’t that girl also claim she wasn’t motivated by money?"

A member of the jury promptly rebutted.

"What a joke. That was just an act for our sake; who would really show their true face? They have to maintain some semblance of face, don’t they?"

As these two jury members talked, they walked through the corridor.

The other ten jurors listened to the conversation throughout.

One of the foreign women among them watched the two’s performance, but internally she was speechless.

Yet she didn’t speak out to stop them or show any intention of supporting the other side, merely watching them in silence.

These two vocal jurors were also expatriates.

The ones influenced by their conversation were the other nine members, both local and foreign jurors, who were also contemplating the issue.

Was Zhang Xinwu adamant about Wu Renjie being the perpetrator out of a sense of justice, or for money?

And the final self-defense of Zhang Xinwu and Zhang Wei, was it all an act?

Back in the courtroom.

"The situation looks a bit grim. It seems like that gang’s plan might just work!"

When Zhang Wei, Zhang Xinwu, Zhao Xiaoxiao, and their group left the courtroom, their expressions were less optimistic.

He felt the pressure, the difficulty.

"They’re just slandering us!" Zhao Xiaoxiao was the first to react, vehemently protesting.

"Yeah, it’s a shame that slander is believed by so many!"

Zhang Wei spread his hands helplessly; when the majority believes something, that slander becomes the truth.

"Zhang Wei, what do we do now?"

"It’s simple; we need to find the real truth!"

As Zhang Wei spoke, his gaze followed the direction where Wu Renjie and others had departed.

To find the truth, a thorough investigation was necessary!

Looks like this weekend will be busy!