Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 677 - 668: Ace Law Firm Grand Opening, Tan Yingying’s Assignment

Chapter 677: Chapter 668: Ace Law Firm Grand Opening, Tan Yingying’s Assignment

Monday, 4 AM.

The shrill ringing of the phone woke up a soundly sleeping Zhang Tianlong.

Seeing the caller ID, his annoyance and anger from being disturbed instantly dissipated, replaced by a slight upturn of his lips.

"So, it’s taken care of?"

"Taken care of your big head ghost!"

The voice that came through the phone stunned Zhang Tianlong.

The grogginess from being woken up was shattered by the harsh shout.

"You... you’re Zhang Wei!"

He recognized it, the voice was Zhang Wei’s.

"That’s right, it’s me!"

On the other end of the line, Zhang Wei’s mouth also curled up slightly, "Councilor Head Zhang, I’m sorry to tell you that your plan failed, and I certainly didn’t die!"

"I don’t understand what you’re talking about..."

Zhang Tianlong’s eyes flickered, but then he quickly denied it.

He knew that the kid loved to record phone calls, so he absolutely couldn’t reveal any slip-up.

"Well then, since you’re cautious of me, I won’t beat around the bush with you. Let’s keep it simple."

"Ahem, for mobilizing so many against me and for the assassination attempt, I’m very angry, but at the same time, I now understand that’s the extent of what Zhang Tianlong amounts to."

"Now, I demand the following: First, all the people you sent are with me, and you’ll have to pay if you want to buy them back. Second, you need to come over and offer an apology. Finally, you have to promise there won’t be a repeat, or don’t blame me for not being nice!"

"So, goodbye!"

In the end, the call was abruptly ended, leaving Zhang Tianlong with no chance to say "no."

"How is it possible, with so many people mobilized, we still couldn’t take him down all by ourselves!"

Zhang Tianlong stared at the phone for a long time before he finally accepted the news.

The Lin Family’s butler Uncle Fu, the father and son from the Wu Family, along with the human weapon from the Hua Family, they all couldn’t deal with Zhang Wei?

How... how could that be?

But the call just now had said it all.

Zhang Wei wasn’t only still alive, but he had also called to mock him, meaning the people mentioned above had all been defeated.

Zhang Tianlong heaved a deep sigh, then had no choice but to call Hua Chaofan and Lin Xiangtian and, amidst their confusion and puzzlement, retold what had infuriated him earlier.

"In short, after dawn, think about how you’re going to redeem your people."

"As for my side, you don’t have to worry, those I sent out were all disposable pawns; it’d be a waste of money to redeem them!"

After finishing, Zhang Tianlong callously hung up the phone.

After all, the people he had sent out were not key figures in the family; they were all expendable warriors, willing to sacrifice themselves for the Zhang Family, so it wasn’t worth the cost to save them.

If Zhang Tianlong’s subordinates knew this, they’d probably be rendered speechless.

We may be expendable warriors, but we still want to cling to life!

Thus...

Early the next morning.

Hua Chaofan arrived at Jincheng Group bright and early.

And Lin Xiangtian, who typically enjoyed sleeping in, also arrived early today, looking as though he’d had a rough night.

After all, with such a big incident in the morning, it was strange that they could sleep well.

Now, Hua Chaofan and Lin Xiangtian were meeting at the top floor of Jincheng Building.

"Zhang Tianlong isn’t here?" Hua Chaofan glanced at the office, then at the time.

In the office, it was just him and Fatty Lin; Zhang Tianlong clearly had no plans to come.

"Nonsense, those he sent were the Zhang Family’s expendable warriors."

Fatty Lin spoke with a sneer, "You know what expendable warriors are, right? They’re meant to be sacrificed; it’d be odd if Zhang Tianlong showed up!"

"But my younger brother is still in Zhang Wei’s hands!" Hua Chaofan was now not so content.

You, Zhang Tianlong, sent out just some ordinary servants, so you wash your hands of it.

But it’s different for me. I only have this one brother; I can’t afford to abandon him.

"Zhang Tianlong just wants to be an absentee landlord, but I can’t do that. Uncle Fu has been with my family’s old man for almost a lifetime; our Lin Family’s attitude toward him is ’never abandon, never give up’!"

Lin Xiangtian stated, looking at Hua Chaofan, "You must feel the same way about your brother, right?"

"That’s not it, Ah Li is the best research material in my lab; I’ve invested several hundreds of millions in him, and if he’s gone, what I’ll really miss is the money!"

"Alright, then..."

Lin Xiangtian didn’t know what to say anymore, and could only mentally exclaim in admiration.

I thought you two brothers had a deep bond! Turns out you’re just upset about the investment you made in your brother.

What kind of brother are you, damn it!

Swoosh—Bang!

Just then, the sound of fireworks and firecrackers broke Lin Xiangtian’s train of thought.

"It’s starting!"

Lin Xiangtian waddled over to the window, his corpulent body twisting as he pointed downwards.

"Look, that kid’s law firm is right opposite us, about 600 meters away!"

Hua Chaofan also walked to the window and, following the direction Lin Xiangtian pointed, he indeed saw a luxury office building adorned with big red lanterns at its entrance.

"Is this their opening ceremony?"

"Yes, they’re setting off firecrackers and fireworks. There’ll also be dragon and lion dance performances. It’s definitely an opening ceremony!"

Lin Xiangtian said with a malevolent expression.

The opening of a new law firm was never good news for the competition.

Because this meant that from now on, clients that might have come to them could be scooped up by the competition.

This could indirectly affect Jincheng’s interests.

Furthermore, the head of the rival law firm was none other than Zhang Wei, whose capabilities were extremely troublesome.

Even Lin Xiangtian had to admit that the kid was strong and very capable.

Some of Jincheng’s clients might defect to the law firm across the street—Ace Law Firm.

Moreover, the name "Ace Law Firm" was clearly a challenge directed at them, Jincheng.

In the midst of Lin Xiangtian’s ill look, the Ace Law Firm, located in the building across, officially opened.

After the dragon dance team and lion dance performance, the signboard symbolizing Ace Law Firm was hung at the entrance of the office building.

This entire office building belonged to Ace Law Firm’s domain.

Of course, there were only so many departments in a law firm; the building was too big, so the remaining floors were registered in the name of the law firm but operated as company departments like the Investment, Operations, and Other Business Departments.

This kind of operation model was similar to the relationship between Jincheng Law Firm and Jincheng Group.

A large law firm, besides lawyers, naturally needed many logistics support staff, as well as business and operations personnel to take charge.

It was because Jincheng Law Firm could rely on Jincheng Group that it was able to expand to its current size, and Jincheng Group, in turn, could grow its business even more through the excellent lawyers at Jincheng Law Firm.

Zhang Wei planned to replicate this model, but first, he needed to solve the issue of staffing the firm.

After a fortunate opening, Zhang Wei now sat atop the office tower of Ace Law Firm, in a luxurious office that overlooked the entire Dongfang Capital City Center.

He stood by the window with his hands behind his back, waiting for the arrival of guests.

"I’ve notified everyone that should be notified, and now all that’s left is..."

His words were still hanging in the air when the security guard at the door knocked.

"Your Majesty the King, the guests have arrived!"

"Hmm, I’ve scheduled everything properly; this batch of guests should be my uncle and the others!"

As per Zhang Wei’s arrangements, led by Li Qingmu, the Qingmu Law Firm group finally exited the elevator and arrived at Ace Law Firm’s top floor.

"Wow, these city center office buildings, whether from the outside or inside, look so impressive!"

"Yes, Zhang Wei, that kid, is really willing to spend money. I heard he invested in the whole building, that’s got to be tens of billions, right?"

"Definitely, such a large office building. Just the pine trees in the flower beds by the entrance are worth that much!"

"This building is so grand; it’s even bigger than Jincheng Law Firm. Working in a place like this would be so prestigious!"

Li Qingmu brought his law firm colleagues here, and just seeing the facilities inside the office building was enough to make their eyes wide.

Li Qinghe felt like Granny Liu visiting the Grand View Garden, dazzled by everything around her.

As she walked, she had to admit that compared to this place, the two floors leased by Qingmu Law Firm were as pitiful as pouring vinegar into snow in the middle of winter—utterly depressing.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. King has been waiting for you in the office for a long time!"

The considerate security guard at the door opened it for Li Qingmu and the others.

They then remembered that Zhang Wei had another title; he was recognized as the King of an island nation within the Blue Star Alliance with recognized national stature.

"This kid is actually a king!"

He couldn’t help expressing his feelings before leading the Qingmu Law Firm’s team into the office.

After less than 30 minutes of detailed discussion, Li Qingmu came out again with a trace of excitement on his face.

"From now on, we are the backbone of Ace Law Firm. Everyone should work hard, following Zhang Wei, we definitely won’t suffer a loss!"

"We understand!"

Li Qingmu couldn’t help feeling sentimental again. He had worked hard for most of his life and finally made it to a mid-level law firm in Chengbei District.

Thanks to Zhang Wei, he had now finally set foot into the most bustling central area of Dongfang Capital.

"Right, from now on, you should address me as a partner. I’m no longer your boss at the firm, got it?"

"Got it!"

"Well then, let’s go downstairs and pick out our office spots. We are the first batch, so we’ve got to grab a location with good feng shui!"

"Hehe, let’s go, let’s go!"

The crowd was extremely excited—they could finally choose their spots.

Ding!

Right after Li Qingmu and the others left, the elevator on that floor opened again.

"Wow, this is Zhang Wei’s new office, huh? It’s bigger than your company’s office!"

The first one to walk out of the elevator was none other than Zhao Xiaoxiao.

Looking at the luxurious office, she couldn’t help smacking her lips to the person next to her.

"We’re software developers, they’re lawyers; it’s not something we can compare!"

Zhao Qingyan couldn’t help joking next to her—their jobs were different.

They just needed to keep their heads down and develop in the lab, while Zhang Wei had to entertain clients, so appearances must be kept up.

That’s why most lawyers wear suits and ties because that’s what the clients go for.

As for developers, they mostly wear plaid shirts and jeans, comfortable and straightforward, since their work requires facing code, not people.

"Mr. Zhao, Miss Zhao, Mr. King has been waiting for you for quite some time."

"This kid, he’s become a king now, huh!"

As Zhao Xiaoxiao pursed her lips and Zhao Qingyan was reflecting, the two entered the office.

Inside the office.

"Uncle Zhao, Xiao Xiao, you’ve finally arrived!"

"You kid, you have really changed this time!"

Zhao Qingyan looked at Zhang Wei before him—the young man was still the same, but the secrets under Zhang Wei’s facade seemed to have grown more numerous.

"Not much has changed in Dongfang Capital during these two years, but I’ve changed a lot."

Zhang Wei laughed.

"By the way, Uncle Zhao, about that partnership proposal I mentioned, how are you considering it?"

Hearing what Zhang Wei said, Zhao Qingyan’s expression turned serious.

"You kid, when did you figure it out?"

"Two years ago I didn’t actually see through it, I was just curious why a software developer like you had so much power within Blacksmith Technology. Then I began to have a vague suspicion."

"But I am the Chief Research Officer."

"That’s why I was only suspicious at first, but as soon as I learned about what your ancestors did, Uncle Zhao, I understood!"

Zhang Wei smiled slightly, "Uncle Zhao, your Zhao family has been into technology for generations. Your ancestors were blacksmiths in Dongfang Capital, and doesn’t Blacksmith represent the Zhao family?"

As Zhang Wei spoke, he revealed Zhao Qingyan’s true identity: "You have been moving through the business world of Dongfang Capital City under the guise of the Chief Technology Officer of Blacksmith Technology, but who would have thought that you were the boss behind Blacksmith Technology!"

With these words, neither Zhao Qingyan nor Zhao Xiaoxiao showed much surprise.

Obviously, the other daughter was already aware of this.

"Oh, right, Uncle Zhao, you’ve kept a pretty deep cover. Not only Blacksmith Technology but also the second-ranked Astro Tech’s boss is you, as well as the third and fourth-ranked..."

Zhang Wei casually listed the names of more than a dozen companies, all leading tech companies in the fields of scientific research, production, and development.

All these companies’ boss was Zhao Qingyan!

Therefore, the real wealthiest man in Dongfang Capital wasn’t the Lin family of Jincheng, but Zhao Qingyan.

Although the Jincheng Group was wealthy, the scale of just one Blacksmith Group was nearly comparable to them, and with Astro Tech ranked second, it was almost surpassing Jincheng’s financial power.

The number of tech companies secretly controlled by Zhao Qingyan far exceeded the imagination of ordinary people.

However, aside from himself, only Zhang Wei, with his unique intelligence capabilities, knew this.

Who could have imagined that Blue Star and even the most famous tech giants in the entire Southern region, with several companies ranked at the top, all have the same boss?

"You lad, you’ve done quite a thorough investigation!" Zhao Qingyan couldn’t help but feel astonished that his secrets had been exposed.

"Uncle Zhao, the opportunity now is truly once in a lifetime. With the Zhao Family legacy down to just you and Xiao Xiao as the only descendants, and Zhang Tianlong’s deeds also not being of your interest, you wouldn’t stoop to their level. Therefore, the chance to distance yourself from the Five Great Families comes just this once!"

Zhang Wei said with all seriousness, "You have never been involved in the things Zhang Tianlong has done. Uncle Zhao, do you think that just on the basis of those ancestral oaths, they would tolerate an ’outlier’ from the Five Great Families like you?"

Hearing this, Zhao Qingyan’s expression finally turned grave.

What Zhang Wei said was true, although on the surface the Five Great Families seemed united as one, Zhao Qingyan was aware.

The Zhao Family had always wanted to remain uninvolved, but as long as someone hindered Zhang Tianlong’s interests, even the Zhao Family, another member of the Five Great Families, would be swept away by the opposition.

Therefore, Zhao Qingyan actually knew that his best course of action for now was to cooperate with Zhang Wei.

Because this young man seemed to have displayed enough power to contend with the Five Great Families.

"Ah—"

After a long sigh, Zhao Qingyan lamented, "I really didn’t want it to come to this, but I have to consider Xiao Xiao after all. Moreover, the Five Great Families’ original intentions have long changed. They talk all about righteousness and morality, but in the end, isn’t it all for their own personal gain?"

"Zhang Wei, tell me, what do you want me to do?"

"Let’s take it step by step. First is the business sector, Blacksmith Technology and Ace Law Firm will form a partnership, and then..."

Another 30 minutes later, Zhao Qingyan, leading Zhao Xiaoxiao, finally left the office.

"Off we go, I’ll come to play next time!"

"Alright, my second girl, I’ll be waiting for you!"

After bidding farewell to Zhao Xiaoxiao, Zhang Wei watched as father and daughter Zhao stepped into the elevator and couldn’t help but smile.

Seeing the endearing second girl again made for a very good mood.

Soon after, a new wave of visitors arrived.

Zhang Wei once again personally received three girls.

This time, the visitors were Xiao Baihe, Tan Yingying, and Ye Miaomiao.

"Old Xiao, this is the contract for signing. You’ll join Ace Law Firm as a junior partner, also serving as the ace of the criminal department. You won’t need to participate in company operations; there are designated people for that. You just need to play to your strengths!"

Zhang Wei handed the contract over to Xiao Baihe.

"Wow, so much money!" Xiao Baihe couldn’t help but widen her eyes upon seeing the salary figure.

How could there be so many "zeros" in this annual salary?

"Old Xiao, you deserve it. I believe in your talent and that it matches this salary!"

Zhang Wei laughed heartily, then told Xiao Baihe to read the contract carefully, while he approached Tan Yingying.

"Xiao Tan, I’ve already taken care of Old Xiao’s affairs. Now it’s your turn!"

"What about me?"

"I’m going to fund your campaign for city council member, and you’ll be taking over Hawkins’ spot!"

Zhang Wei was full of confidence as he spoke.

He knew that Tan Yingying would certainly be elected because it was an inevitable outcome.

"But if I run for city council member so suddenly, wouldn’t that be..."

"Don’t worry, both Xiao Ye and I will help you!"

Zhang Wei waved his hand, indicating there was no need to worry.

Then he exchanged a glance with Ye Miaomiao, and the two of them nodded to each other as if confirming through the air.

All of this was within their plan.

"By the way, once you’re elected, I need you to do something for me!"

"What is it?"

Tan Yingying lowered her head, her index fingers unconsciously crossing each other because she was nervous.

If she really got elected and then had to do some "in-power trading" for Zhang Wei, that would be abusing her power for personal gain, which is something she couldn’t do!

"No worries, you don’t need to panic. This matter won’t involve any commercial interests. Here, drink some water first; I’m afraid you might be quite surprised by what comes next!"

Zhang Wei handed her a cup of water, which Tan Yingying took and started to drink.

Glug, glug...

"Once you become a city council member, I hope you’ll follow my commands and impeach Zhang Tianlong at the earliest opportunity!"

Spurt—

As expected, Tan Yingying spat out the water from her mouth!