Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 645 - 637: Arrogant Old Xiao, The Conspiracy Begins to Emerge

Chapter 645: Chapter 637: Arrogant Old Xiao, The Conspiracy Begins to Emerge

(The previous Chapter was finally released, so the second Chapter is updated too!)

...

The next day, Zhang Wei and his companions ended their joyful cruise.

Of course, for Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying, the journey was not so pleasant.

They realized that instead of getting off the ship and being fleeced by local vendors, it was better to stay on board.

Evening.

After a tiring day, Master Xiao and Master Tan, exhausted, were taking hot showers.

After a whole day’s fatigue, they found that the happiest times were still on the ship.

"It’s a pity, if we could soak in a bath, we would feel much more relaxed."

Although the supply of hot water on the ship was adequate, and there was even seawater purification equipment, a bath was far more soothing than a shower for tired people.

Exhausted in body and mind, Master Xiao and Master Tan could only go back to their rooms and lie down after their showers.

Because of the day’s fatigue, both were quite worn out, and even too lazy to talk.

After all, as soon as they opened their mouths, it would just be complaints about today’s itinerary, which would only make them feel more frustrated if spoken out loud.

"Sister Baihe, we..."

"Ying Ying, stop, I don’t want to recall the psychological harm that today’s city has brought me."

"Okay, alright..."

They covered themselves with blankets, ready to rest.

This second day didn’t bring them any memorable moments, only a bunch of gripes.

But just then, their room door was opened.

"Finally it’s over, remember to edit the video, okay?"

"Sister Xia, can I edit it tomorrow? I’m really too tired today. Look at the time now, if I start editing the video, I’ll be busy until 3 or 4 in the morning. Am I still supposed to sleep?"

"Quit it, every time you say you’ll edit tomorrow, have you ever actually finished on time? Don’t you always end up pulling an all-nighter at the last minute before the video is due? Don’t I know you by now?"

"Uhh..."

"Anyway, I want today’s video edited today, got it!"

"emmm..."

The editing assistant had no choice but to open her laptop and get busy as soon as she returned to the dormitory.

After taking turns washing up, each got into bed and made their preparations.

"Speaking of which, I really envy those with VIP service. They have private car transfers for their trips, and the places they visit are all pre-scouted by the cruise company; they’re not the kind of places that rip you off. The food and drink they get are top-notch, and even the service is the best. Of course, what I envy most is their ability to take a milk bath..."

Xiao Xie had just lain down when she started grumbling, her tone laced with unmistakable envy.

The editor, busy with the video, muttered in response, "But our TV station only provided us with standard cabin tickets, and there’s a limited amount we can claim for daily expenses. Forget VIP, we can’t even afford a superior cabin."

"I really envy Lawyer Zhang. Although he resigned from Jincheng, he’s already made enough money. He’s not only a VIP on the ship, but he can also casually win a small fortune at the casino... "

"Wait, you said that Zhang Wei is a VIP?"

Xiao Baihe’s interest was piqued by Xiao Xie’s remark.

It was mainly the name "Zhang Wei" that really tested her nerves.

"Yeah, oh and by the way, Prosecutor Xiao, I heard you were involved with Zhang Wei. It seems that’s not true, huh?"

At this moment, Xiao Xie’s reporter instinct kicked in, looking at Xiao Baihe with curiosity.

A vein throbbed on Xiao Baihe’s forehead, but she held back.

"Rumors, all rumors!"

"I can tell because Lawyer Zhang is traveling with four beauties, riding in luxury cars, staying in VIP rooms. But you’re staying in the standard cabin with us. If you really had that kind of relationship with him, you definitely could be living in a VIP room."

"Heh..."

Xiao Baihe was too lazy to retort, but to be honest, she was curious to see what was so special about the VIP rooms.

She thought that the standard cabin was actually quite good; it had some space and as long as there was a bed, she was satisfied.

Really, she didn’t envy those VIP room amenities at all!

"By the way, there will be a charity gala on the evening of the sixth day. It’s a gala organized in the name of Chairman Zhang Tianlong, but many people on the ship are saying it’s really a charity gamble-off. Lawyer Zhang will probably participate, right?"

"Definitely, Lawyer Zhang has even dealt with Lin Yufeng. He was also invited by Jincheng Law Firm’s big boss President Lin, and he even accepted the invitation. How could he not participate?"

Xiao Xie’s words were promptly affirmed by the editor.

"Charity Gamble-off?"

"Yeah, Prosecutor Xiao, this is the big news I’ve been anticipating. Our ’Live Strike’ show came to the cruise ship just for this kind of big news. That night, there will definitely be a major showdown!"

Excitement began to glimmer in Xiao Xie’s eyes.

Her reporter’s instinct was telling her that something huge would break that evening!

"The Gambler King battle royal on the sixth day?"

Xiao Baihe curled her lips, jotting down the event; she planned to check out this so-called charity gala on the sixth day and see what kind of spectacle would unfold.

Afterward, she ignored Xiao Xie’s gossip and the sound of the Keyboard editor at work, her exhausted body gradually succumbing to sleep.

...

The third day, morning.

Zhang Wei sat on the sofa he’d made do with for the night, holding a magazine and flipping through it.

However, his mind was occupied with something else, the travel plans.

"According to the cruise company’s announcement, on the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, and 14th days of the itinerary, we will pass by a seaside city respectively. And according to the introduction, the seaside city on the 8th day is known as a romantic coastal paradise, so in that case, on the 8th day I’ll take Silly..."

As he spoke, Zhang Wei looked up with a smile at the floor above, where Xia Qianyue’s room was.

"Wait until the 8th day? It’s only the 3rd day today."

Even though there were still five days to go, Zhang Wei wasn’t just idly waiting.

On the sixth day of the itinerary, the day after the second opportunity to disembark and explore, there would be a charity gala onboard initiated in the name of Zhang Tianlong.

It was funny to say, but Zhang Wei had also joked that something always went wrong at the charity galas held by Zhang Tianlong.

One couldn’t help but wonder if he had learned from past experiences and prepared to handle any emergencies this time.

But thanks to Zhang Tianlong initiating this event, at least Zhang Wei wouldn’t be too bored.

As for whether the so-called gala truly had charity as its purpose, he didn’t care.

Knock, knock, knock!

Just then, someone knocked on the suite door.

"It’s not a waiter, because waiters know that this suite has a doorbell!"

Zhang Wei mumbled to himself but, considering he was aboard the Dongfang Star and there couldn’t possibly be any bad people, he decided to answer the door.

As soon as he opened it, he saw familiar faces.

"Well, well, Old Xiao, Xiao Tan, what brings you two here?"

Standing outside was none other than Xiao Baihe and her sidekick Tan Yingying.

The two looked like they had just woken up, with Xiao Baihe’s eye corners still bearing the marks of a recent sleep (eye boogers not quite cleaned), and Tan Yingying yawning continuously.

"What’s up with you two, come in, we were just about to have breakfast. Why don’t you join us?"

"Yeah, sure!"

Hearing that there was a free breakfast to mooch, Tan Yingying’s spirits immediately lifted.

But Xiao Baihe glanced back and glared fiercely at her, forcing her to keep silent.

"We just came to see you and find out what kind of VIP room Lawyer Zhang Wei is able to afford!"

Xiao Baihe said, crossing her arms in the manner of a leader conducting an inspection, as she walked into the VIP suite.

"Sister Baihe, this place is so big, and it’s a duplex too, with such a huge living room. The rooms upstairs and downstairs are each bigger than the dorm we four squeeze into!"

After a quick look around, Tan Yingying felt jealous, a tear of frustration welling up in her eyes.

It’s just infuriating, how people can make one feel so inadequate.

Why is it that Zhang Wei gets such a nice room, and Xiao Baihe and I have to squeeze into a tiny cabin dorm?

It’s so annoying, so sad, sob sob sob...

"Xiao Tan, why are you about to cry?"

Zhang Wei noticed Tan Yingying’s deep sadness and couldn’t help but be moved.

Isn’t going on a trip supposed to be a happy thing? So why do you two look as if you’ve suffered a grave injustice?

"Wuwuwu, I..." Tan Yingying started to speak, then faltered.

"Hello, guest, your breakfast cart has arrived."

But just then, a waiter arrived with the cart.

"Uh, please prepare breakfast for two more people, we have guests."

"Right away, I’ll go prepare it!"

After leaving the cart behind, the waiter quickly left to prepare two additional breakfasts.

Meanwhile, Zhang Wei took a deep breath and then shouted toward the four rooms, "Girls, Silly, Jessica, Classmate Mo, breakfast time!"

Soon, there was movement in all four rooms, and dressed in casual wear, the four women from Xia Qianyue’s group came out one after another.

Mo Yuzhu and Zhao Xiaoxiao were still yawning, suggesting they had likely stayed up late the night before.

Xia Qianyue and Jessica, however, appeared bright and energetic, obviously having had a good night’s rest.

"Xiao Baihe, what brings you here?"

Xia Qianyue quickly noticed Xiao Baihe inside the suite and immediately became curious.

"I came to see how you guys are..."

Xiao Baihe hurriedly explained with a sentence.

"Alright, Old Xiao, let’s have breakfast first. The waiter should be here soon,"

Zhang Wei said, enthusiastically extending the invitation.

"Just to set things straight, I’m not looking to freeload your breakfast. It’s because you, Zhang Wei, invited me that I’m staying to join you!"

Xiao Baihe had a helpless look on her face, even uttering words with a tsundere tone.

"Alright, alright, whatever you say. Let’s have breakfast first!"

The waiter arrived promptly and prepared breakfast for two for Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying.

As the plated meals were unveiled, the following breakfast items surprised both Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying.

"Sausages sizzling with grease, smoked bacon, baked beans in tomato sauce steaming with aroma, jam-slathered bread and pancakes topped with rich sauce, and of course, Zhang Wei’s favorite, black truffle scrambled eggs; not to mention assorted milk and freshly squeezed juices, as well as the brightly decorated fruit platter!"

"Wow, aren’t you guys a little too extravagant?"

Witnessing this incredibly lavish breakfast, Tan Yingying’s lips quivered, unable to hold back tears of frustration.

"This..."

Even Xiao Baihe, upon seeing such an abundant breakfast, couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy.

"What are you talking about? This is just an ordinary breakfast,"

Zhang Wei spread his hands, uttering words that made both women quite irritated.

Comparison really is the thief of joy.

Is this the gap between the standard cabin and VIP?

"Anyway, let’s eat!"

With a wave from Zhang Wei, the six of them took their seats and began to enjoy the wonderful breakfast.

Zhang Wei noticed that Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying were particularly enthusiastic about their breakfast, as if they were wolves that hadn’t eaten for days.

"By the way, Old Xiao, do you guys have any activities planned for the next few days?"

"Baihe sister and I plan to stay on the ship until the holiday ends."

"How can that be?"

Zhang Wei became visibly unsettled by Tan Yingying’s answer.

This was a 15-day vacation. Although the Dongfang Star had many entertainment facilities, didn’t they plan to disembark at all?

To this question, Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying could give an affirmative answer.

Yes, we don’t want to disembark; we just want to stay onboard.

"Xiao Baihe, why don’t you join us?"

Xia Qianyue suddenly interjected, looking expectantly at Xiao Baihe.

"We’re definitely getting off the ship on the fifth day, so why not come with us?"

"Join you?" Xiao Baihe hesitated.

"Yeah, yeah, come with us. We’ve got enough space in the car, fitting 7 people is no issue,"

Xia Qianyue continued, recalling yesterday’s experiences: "You don’t know, we visited so many places yesterday, had tons of delicious food. Yesterday, we..."

Listening to Xia Qianyue’s narration, Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying felt a deep longing stirred within them.

Listen to that; this is how others spent their day yesterday.

Now compare it with the two of us, that’s what you call a gap, that’s what you call life.

It seems others came to enjoy themselves, while we just came to suffer.

I can’t take it anymore, I feel like crying.

"Xiao Tan, why do you look like you’re about to cry?"

"Me, really?"

Tan Yingying looked shocked, but her smile was bitter, "You must be mistaken, I’m not crying. I didn’t cry, I just... wuwuwu..."

I won’t mention Tan Yingying’s teary face, but Xiao Baihe was also tempted.

However, her pride was reminding her inside—she must not agree too easily, she must not agree too easily, or it would seem beneath her dignity to Zhang Wei and the others!

So even though Xiao Baihe was willing in her heart, her expression remained relatively aloof!

However, the glances she cast toward Xia Qianyue and Zhang Wei betrayed her inner desires.

Go on, keep persuading me; if you continue, I might just say yes!

These small signals naturally didn’t escape from Zhang Wei’s notice.

"How tsundere can Old Xiao be?"

He mumbled to himself, but his face broke into a friendly smile:

"Xiao Baihe, come on, come on. It’s not often that Simple-minded person invites you. Let’s all go out together; we’re all familiar friends here."

"Let me make it clear, I’m not saying I want to go out; it’s because you invited me that I’m agreeing!"

Xiao Baihe finally found a way out in Zhang Wei and Xia Qianyue’s "insistent invitation," agreeing to it as she "couldn’t well refuse."

"Exactly, exactly, yes, it’s us inviting you because you, Old Xiao, didn’t want to go out. You agreed because you couldn’t turn down our warm invitation!"

Zhang Wei inwardly chuckled, Old Xiao, do you really think I can’t see through your little ruse?

In any case, Xiao Baihe agreed to Xia Qianyue’s invitation, and everyone was very happy, enjoying a joyful breakfast.

Over the next two days, Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying acted as if they had found their backbone, eating with Zhang Wei for two consecutive days and feeling quite good about it.

Zhang Wei didn’t mind; after all, even if these two came to freeload, they wouldn’t eat much. The appetites of young girls were just so-so.

After two pleasant days on the ship, naturally it was day five.

Early in the morning, Zhang Wei brought the six girls to the deck and, with the usual ease, was led by the waiter to the VIP waiting area.

Soon, the extended luxury transfer vehicle arrived.

At the sight of the luxury car, Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying were moved to tears once again.

"Old Xiao, Xiao Tan, what’s wrong with you two? Why are you crying every day these past few days? It makes no sense!"

"You don’t understand, Zhang Wei. The life we lived before... it was barely human, wuu wuu wuu..."

Tan Yingying said, sobbing as she spoke, her heart already in despair.

Xiao Baihe had a somewhat stronger psychological quality, but the occasional twitch of her lips still betrayed her inner thoughts.

This scene left Zhang Wei, Xia Qianyue, and the others exchanging glances, and they could only spread their hands and indicate their lack of understanding.

"Let’s go, we have a full schedule today. This city is a multi-national junction; there’s no shortage of fun places to visit."

Zhang Wei spoke and led the way into the luxury car.

"But I’ve heard that the security in this city isn’t very good, and as a port city, there are apparently pirates. I wonder if all pirates are one-eyed?"

Zhao Xiaoxiao played the role of an informant, checking her phone and sharing information with Zhang Wei.

"Pirates?"

Zhang Wei glanced at the tropical seaside port city in front of him, feeling nothing in particular.

"Even if there are pirates, so what? Our ship is so huge; it’s not likely that any pirates would dare to hijack it, right?"

Zhang Wei said, signaling the driver to start, and the group naturally began to enjoy the city’s ambiance on the fifth day.

...

Meanwhile.

On the Dongfang Star, in a staff hall.

"Guys, I have some good news. The captain told us today that he’s giving us a day off in the lower areas, and he’s covering all our expenses at the bar!"

"Really?"

"My God, that’s great news!"

"Brothers, what are we waiting for? Today I’m going to drink ten!"

"Then I’m going to find a girl; we’ve been on the ship for five days, and I haven’t touched a woman yet!"

Upon hearing these words, the crew in the hall erupted into a frenzy, excited and nearly turning into beasts, rushing out of their cabins.

"The captain also said he’s got the first three rounds of drinks at the bar in town all set up for you!"

More good news came, and the crew were all desperate with thirst, their eyes red with craving.

Following the announcer’s lead, these lower-deck crew members rushed out en masse, heading straight for the designated bar.

Though the time was still early for drinking, for these crew members who always worked in the lower areas, having drinks and possibly finding a girl meant living a heavenly life.

What they did not know was that luring them out was actually part of a plan.

...

On the Dongfang Star, at the top observation deck.

Zhang Tianlong stood at the edge of the railing of the observation deck, taking in the full view of the port’s beauty.

But for him, such scenery no longer held any appeal.

"Mr. Zhang, all the crew members have gone out!"

"Are you certain? Make sure there are no stragglers."

"Certain. They didn’t leave anyone behind. Knowing they could go out to drink and find girls, how could they not act?"

"Hmph, they truly are bottom dwellers. Just a small temptation is enough to make them lose their sense of direction. They’re really easy to deal with!"

Zhang Tianlong sneered with scorn and disdain.

"If that’s the case, everything is in order. Now we just wait for the preparations on that end to be completed. Tomorrow’s charity gala will be the final step in my, Zhang Tianlong’s, complete control over Dongfang Capital!"

"Hehehe, hehehehe..."

Zhang Tianlong laughed, his laughter filled with eeriness and terror, and a trace of the arrogance that comes with a plot about to succeed.