Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 89 - 88 Qingmu’s Threat, Mustn’t Go Too Far? (Thanks to Alliance Hierarch for the 2nd - )

Chapter 89: Chapter 88 Qingmu’s Threat, Mustn’t Go Too Far? (Thanks to Alliance Hierarch for the 2nd Chapter)

Monday came again.

Today was also the court hearing for the Fugui Jewelry Store robbery case.

Looking at the big red lanterns hanging high on the street, Zhang Wei was filled with overwhelming emotions.

The New Year was coming.

"It’s a pity, I’ve spent it alone every year, how many years has it been?"

Watching people on the street still rushing to work for the year-end sprint, a hint of vicissitudes that far exceeded his actual age flashed in Zhang Wei’s eyes.

No matter in his past life or now, no matter if he was Zhang Qiansheng or Zhang Wei, he had always led a very solitary life.

Especially during the New Year season, a time that should be filled with family reunions, the loneliness felt even more intense.

Zhang Wei left Lin Mansion and just happened to encounter Zhao Qingyan, who had also gotten up early.

"Xiao Zhang, where are you off to so early?"

"Off to work, and you, Uncle Zhao, are you also heading to work?"

"That’s right, it’s almost the end of the year, there’s a lot to deal with at the company. There are also quite a few people from my development department who went home early for the New Year, and I have to handle their tasks. All in all, I have to be busy for a while before the New Year."

"I’m heading to a court session, but it’s at the Chengbei District Court, so I can’t catch a ride with you today, Uncle Zhao."

Zhao Qingyan showed a look of surprise when he heard Zhang Wei’s words.

The New Year is almost here, and this kid is still taking on cases.

Could he be any more dedicated?

"Is it the jewelry store on Fuyu Road in Chengbei District?"

"Uncle Zhao, how did you know?"

"Isn’t it obvious? The cases you take on are never ordinary, are they? In recent times, the bigger cases in Dongfang Capital have been the one in Chengbei District, right? By the way, are you representing that couple who are the defendants?"

"Yes, but I’m only representing one of them, and they were framed, they didn’t commit any crime themselves."

"So you’re saying, you’re going to fight for justice for them again?"

Zhao Qingyan laughed heartily and came over to pat Zhang Wei on the shoulder.

"Alright, do your best, lad. As long as you’re doing the right thing, Uncle Zhao supports you unconditionally."

"Thanks, Uncle Zhao, I’d better get going now."

"Off you go!"

Zhao Qingyan and Zhang Wei went their separate ways.

One went to work at the company, the other to court in Chengbei District.

Monday, another busy day.

...

Chengbei District Court.

When Zhang Wei arrived early in the morning, there were already quite a few media personnel at the entrance.

It seems not just he and Zhao Qingyan needed a year-end sprint for their achievements.

Although the New Year was nearing and many migrant workers had returned to their hometowns to reunite with their families, there were still many people who persisted on the front lines, struggling for their own performance or year-end bonuses.

Zhang Wei was filled with respect for these people who remained on the front lines.

"That’s the defense lawyer, the defendant’s attorney!"

"Quick, get the camera ready, start the interview!"

"Defense lawyer, what do you think about your client committing robbery?"

"It is said that there was an argument in court between the two defense lawyers. Is it because you both think the other is lying, or are you discontented with Qingmu Law Firm?"

"Lawyer Zhang, the evidence submitted by the prosecution and the cross-examination by Lawyer Li all prove that your client, Kong Hang, is the perpetrator of the jewelry store robbery. Why do you want to defend a criminal and not let them stand trial directly?"

"Defense lawyer, it is said that you are a rookie lawyer. Are you so eager to boost your own fame that you no longer care whether your client is a criminal? What is your strategy for today’s hearing? Are you planning to blame the other defendant, Wang Xi, and let your own client get off scot-free?"

"Lawyer Zhang..."

Well, Zhang Wei had to admit that his respect lasted for less than 10 seconds.

"No comment on these questions!"

Zhang Wei dealt with them briefly but didn’t expect the media personnel to let him go.

Isn’t it obvious? They had been blocking the courthouse entrance since early morning precisely to find a party or representative lawyer to interview.

Otherwise, why would they bother to get up so early, if not to get their hands on exclusive material that no one else had?

While others were busy celebrating the new year, they were still hard at work, racing to finish the last reports before the holiday, battling on the front line of journalism. This is the dedication of media professionals.

One word: Grind!

Having to grind even during the new year, and everyone else is grinding too, wouldn’t you fall behind if you didn’t?

Zhang Wei was besieged by the media, and this bunch, all in their zeal for an interview, didn’t even show signs of fatigue.

Reporters with microphones and photographers with cameras in tow, all following Zhang Wei so closely he couldn’t shake them off.

Seeing no alternative, Zhang Wei suddenly stopped and shouted to the media surrounding him, "Fine, then I’ll give you all a piece of news."

All the media people crowded in closer.

"I want to say, my client is innocent!"

"Please!"

Upon hearing Zhang Wei’s words, almost all the media people showed a sneer.

Isn’t that stating the obvious?

Which defense lawyer doesn’t constantly have this phrase on their lips? They’ve interviewed dozens, even hundreds of defense lawyers, whose first statements are always along the lines of "My client is wronged," "My client hasn’t committed a crime," "The accusations against my client are fabricated," and so on.

Can’t you come up with something fresh?

Zhang Wei must have sensed the thoughts of the media, because he quickly followed up with a second statement.

"So, if I find any reports in your company’s media outlets suggesting my client is a robber before the jury announces their verdict, don’t blame me for suing you for slander, defamation, and infringing upon the reputation rights of my client!"

Boy, he’s here to warn us, isn’t he?

If they don’t write exaggerated article titles, where will the heat come from?

If you don’t use a shocking title, someone else will.

You’re getting only a few hundred, maybe a few thousand views and clicks, while others get several tens of thousands or even millions. What do you do then?

It only goes to show that the grind is mutual; if you don’t use it, others will, and there are plenty of people waiting to do so. That’s the reality of internal competition.

"As for other matters, I have nothing more to say. I hope you take care of yourselves!"

After finishing, Zhang Wei stepped quickly into the district court without regard to the expressions of the media people.

Because he saw the field team bringing Kong Hang over.

With Zhang Wei drawing the fire, Kong Hang didn’t face too much of a media scrum and quickly entered the district court.

In the preparation room.

"Lawyer Zhang, Lawyer Zhuo from Qingmu came to see me last night. He wanted me to reconsider my choice of defense attorney; they want me to replace you."

The moment they met, Kong Hang dropped a bombshell.

Zhang Wei was slightly surprised to hear this, but he quickly guessed the reason.

"Oh, have you considered it?"

"Of course not!"

Kong Hang immediately shook his head. "I don’t trust the lawyers from Qingmu very much, and Xiao Xi’s great-aunt works there. Her questioning of my ex-girlfriend last Friday made me realize that their goal is to pin everything on me. How could I trust them?"

"That makes sense. If I’m not mistaken, they want you to change your lawyer so you’ll quickly plead guilty!"

"That can’t be possible, right? If I insist on a not guilty defense, wouldn’t the lawyers from Qingmu still have to represent me in court?"

"Sure, but what if, after the trial begins, he asks some foolish questions or doesn’t perform well, causing the jury to convict you?"

Zhang Wei let out a cold laugh, not at all surprised by Qingmu’s reaction.

"But that’s not right, isn’t it? Aren’t lawyers supposed to consider their clients’ interests?"

"You’re right, but the evidence is strongly against you now. If you insist on fighting the case, there’s a high chance you’ll be convicted. And you also got one thing wrong; a lawyer is supposed to help their client achieve the best interest. For you, the best interest is actually to plead guilty, as it could halve your sentence. That’s much better than insisting on going to trial and potentially spending 20 years in prison!"

After thinking a moment, Zhang Wei patted Kong Hang on the shoulder with a grave tone, "Also, while a lawyer should respect their client’s wishes and provide the best service they can, there’s no set standard for what the ’best service’ is. Maybe he gets a stomach ache that day causing him to perform poorly in court, or maybe a relative of his dies suddenly, affecting his focus. These things are possible, you understand what I’m saying?"

"There are such things!" Kong Hang felt like he had narrowly escaped disaster after hearing the inside information from Zhang Wei.

If he had agreed to Qingmu’s request to change his attorney, wouldn’t he be 100% forced to plead guilty?

"So, Lawyer Zhang, do you think I’ll be convicted today?" This was now Kong Hang’s most pressing concern.

"Me?"

Zhang Wei smiled and gave Kong Hang’s shoulder another pat, "You just sit there and enjoy the show today; the one responsible for ’fighting it out’ in court is me!"

That response didn’t exactly answer the question, and Kong Hang didn’t immediately grasp its meaning.

However, seeing Zhang Wei’s confident smile, his own anxiety and unease were somewhat alleviated.

After chatting for a while, the other party also arrived.

The door to the preparation room was pushed open, and Li Qinghe, leading the Qingmu delegation, had all arrived.

Representative attorney Li Qinghe, the client Wang Xi, Wang Xi’s father Wang Dahai, Li Qinghe’s husband Wang Dayang, and the driver Li Feifei.

"Lawyer Zhuo, you come in too!"

As they entered the preparation room, Li Qinghe called out to someone outside the door, and Lawyer Zhuo from Qingmu also came into the preparation room.

"Auntie, what is this about?" Zhang Wei asked knowingly upon seeing Lawyer Zhuo.

But Li Qinghe acted as if she didn’t hear Zhang Wei’s question and gave Lawyer Zhuo a meaningful glance.

The latter also directly ignored Zhang Wei, walking up to Kong Hang.

"Mr. Kong, I wonder what you think of my proposal from yesterday. If you need to make a decision, please hurry up. We need to go submit the written application to change the defense attorney soon!"

"Auntie, what are you..."

Zhang Wei continued to pretend, looking at Li Qinghe and Lawyer Zhuo with an expression of "utter astonishment."

"I, I choose..."

Kong Hang looked at Lawyer Zhuo, and recalling Zhang Wei’s "reminder" just now, he immediately shook his head.

"I choose to trust Lawyer Zhang and not change the defense attorney before the trial!"

When Lawyer Zhuo heard this response, his expression darkened slightly, but he was powerless to change it.

Since Kong Hang had made his decision, they had no right to intervene in someone’s freedom to choose their attorney.

"Hmph, since you, kid, have chosen him, there won’t be anything to say later!"

Li Qinghe snorted coldly, looking at Kong Hang and then glancing at Zhang Wei with a chilling face.

"Later, I will have Lawyer Zhuo serve as my co-counsel. He will conduct all subsequent cross-examinations during the trial. You better brace yourselves; he is the best we have at Qingmu when it comes to courtroom cross-examination."

After warning them, her gaze swept over Kong Hang, and she spoke in a condescending tone, "If you kid want to prove your innocence in court later, you’ll not only have to face Fang Wenbin but also our Lawyer Zhuo’s cross-examination. Are you sure you can handle it?"

Upon hearing this, Kong Hang looked shocked, at a loss for words for a moment.

Aren’t we all defendants here, on the same side?

Why make it difficult for one of our own?

Fortunately, Zhang Wei put his hand on his shoulder as a gesture of comfort.

"Auntie, you’re playing a fine game, but aren’t you afraid that I might produce evidence proving Kong Hang’s innocence?"

"Humph, what a joke!"

Li Qinghe was completely unconcerned with Zhang Wei’s "posturing," even finding it almost laughable.

"Who do you think you are? You’re just a greenhorn attorney, fresh out of law school, and you dare to rebel? What can you do in a weekend? Probably just drafting your closing argument at home, I bet?"

With that, Li Qinghe finally laughed, her laughter somewhat unrestrained.

She had no regard whatsoever for Zhang Wei.

A rookie lawyer, thinking he could catch the real perpetrator just over a weekend? Ridiculous!

"After all, you’re Xiao Yue Yue’s aunt. Can’t you leave me some dignity?" Zhang Wei looked at the smug Li Qinghe, somewhat at a loss for words.

"Dignity should be mutual, but since you, kid, are being so uncooperative, why should I offer you any?"

Li Qinghe said, as if suddenly remembering something, "Oh right, I was considering bringing you into Qingmu, but according to Lawyer Zhuo, you haven’t even signed the employment agreement yet. So, that’s off the table. We at Qingmu don’t welcome people like you!"

"Auntie, why must you do this? Can’t we give each other a little face?"

"As I said, dignity is mutual, but you, kid, don’t qualify!"

Hearing this from Li Qinghe, Zhang Wei could only shake his head internally.

"Fine, since it’s like this, then auntie, don’t blame me later!"

He issued a stern warning, then exchanged a knowing look with Kong Hang, and the two left the preparation room.

There was no point in staying in that place anyway.

However, before leaving, he gave Wang Dayang, who stood by the side, a questioning look, and the latter nodded subtly.

Zhang Wei instantly understood and a slight smile curled at the corner of his mouth!

He took Kong Hang straight to the courtroom, and after they sat down in the defendant’s seats, they began to wait for the trial to start.

A few minutes later, Li Qinghe also entered with her entourage, escorting Wang Xi to the defendant’s seats next to Zhang Wei’s, one on each side.

There was no interaction between the two sides, only Kong Hang occasionally looking at Wang Xi, who kept her head down and didn’t dare respond.

Soon enough, Fang Wenbin from the Procuratorate’s Office arrived.

He looked at the two people at the defendant’s seats and scoffed.

Because over the weekend, both defense parties failed to reach a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution.

Not only did Kong Hang refuse to admit guilt, but Wang Xi also showed no intention of confessing.

Kong Hang’s offer was a half sentence reduction in exchange for a guilty plea.

Wang Xi wouldn’t even have to serve jail time—he just needed to stand up and testify against Kong Hang.

This was an offer so generous that those in the industry wouldn’t even dare to dream of it, he believed that if he were the defense, he would have agreed without a second thought.

But the reality was that no one had agreed—not a single person!

"Utterly ungrateful, since you’ve all refused my kindness, then don’t blame me!"

Looking at the defense team, Fang Wenbin’s expression darkened.

Because the advantage was still in his hands, and in today’s trial, he wouldn’t even need to speak.

Just let the two defendants turn on each other, kicking each other while down, would suffice.

Nothing pleased the prosecution more than watching the defense attorneys struggle against each other in court.

With this thought, the corners of his mouth slightly lifted, forming a sinister arc.

The advantage is still in my, Fang Wenbin’s, hands!

Another 20 minutes passed, and finally, the time for the court session arrived.

"All rise, Judge Qi is entering!"

Following the Court Guard’s announcement, Judge Qi took small steps and ascended to the bench.

He scanned the room and upon noticing that there were quite a few people in the witness seats, and confirming that there were no absences in the jury, the prosecution, or the defense seats, he knocked his gavel and declared:

"Today’s trial shall begin!"

"The prosecution has finished presenting their case, it’s time for the defense to present evidence. Who will go first?"

Li Qinghe gave a knowing look, after which Lawyer Zhuo immediately stood up.

"Your Honor, I am the co-counsel for my client Wang Xi, and today it is my responsibility to conduct the cross-examination on behalf of one of the defense parties."

After introducing himself, he then requested, "Our side would like to begin by calling a witness to testify!"

After his words, the courthouse doors swung open, and a person whose appearance slightly surprised Kong Hang and Zhang Wei emerged.

It wasn’t just anyone—it was the owner of the New Trend Bar.

"Witness, may I ask your identity?"

"I am the owner of the New Trend Bar, my surname is You!"

"Hello, Boss You, what is your relationship with the defendant Kong Hang?"

"He’s part of the band that performs at my bar, I’m his employer!"

...

At the defense table, an incredulous Kong Hang watched the bar owner take the stand.

"Lawyer Zhang, why did they bring Boss You here?"

"Hmph, this isn’t beyond my expectations."

Zhang Wei glanced at Li Qinghe who was brimming with self-satisfaction, and inquired of Kong Hang, "Tell me, where did you meet your ex-girlfriend?"

"At the bar where I work."

"And your previous meetings with your ex-girlfriend all took place at the bar too, right?"

"Yes, they did!"

"Well, there you have it—they want to have the bar owner confirm that you met your ex-girlfriend several times before the robbery, suggesting that you two might have been planning the details of the jewelry store heist."

"This..."

Hearing Zhang Wei’s explanation, Kong Hang looked dumbfounded.

So it can be done like this? Li Qinghe is actually playing this kind of game.

Isn’t she just throwing me under the bus?

"That’s why I say, some bridges you really shouldn’t burn, but my dear aunt, it seems you really do not plan on leaving me any way out!"

As Zhang Wei gazed at his table-neighbor Li Qinghe, who wore a triumphant expression, he felt a pang of sentiment.

Since you’ve started this, then don’t blame me for being ruthless.

After today, I no longer consider you my aunt!