©FreeWebNovel
Are You Crazy? He's only an Intern Lawyer?-Chapter 60 - 59 Procuratorate Headquarters Makes a Move, A Case that Captures the City’s Attention
60: Chapter 59: Procuratorate Headquarters Makes a Move, A Case that Captures the City’s Attention
60 -59: Procuratorate Headquarters Makes a Move, A Case that Captures the City’s Attention
The next day, Friday.
The day of the pretrial.
Zhang Wei got up early, delivered breakfast to Zhao Xiaoxiao as usual, and then hurried to the city courthouse early.
However, when he arrived at the courthouse, he saw that the entire entrance was already besieged by media from all directions.
Even the Martial Association had specifically arranged for a number of field staff to maintain order at the scene to prevent congestion and stampedes.
“Ladies and gentlemen, good day, we are now at the entrance of the city courthouse!”
“Our station has received news that the highly watched case of the councilor poisoning is undergoing its pretrial soon!”
“The murder suspect, Wang Yuqing, will be brought from Iron Island Prison for the hearing, and she is currently on her way under escort, but the details of the suspect’s transfer are confidential, and our reporters cannot ascertain the specifics!”
“Ladies and gentlemen, rest assured, our reporters have already arrived on-site, waiting for the arrival of Wang Yuqing.”
…
Looking at the chaotic scene and the crowded, impenetrable entrance to the city courthouse, Zhang Wei relied on his unremarkable appearance to quietly squeeze into the crowd and sneak into the courthouse.
“Fortunately, this inconspicuous face is the only thing my parents left me.
If I were a handsome guy, I might have been blocked outside!”
He laughed at himself sarcastically and began to wait.
Due to the importance of this case, the city courthouse had specially opened up the large courtroom.
But Zhang Wei felt that even the large courtroom would not accommodate all the media outside if they were let in.
Outside, the crowd continued to grow, not just media but also many onlookers.
A few minutes later, Zhang Wei saw Professor Luo arrive.
His arrival caught the media’s attention, and as soon as he got out of the car, a portion of the press surrounded him.
“Professor Luo, do you know the suspect Wang Yuqing?”
“Professor Luo, it’s said that you are the lover of the suspect Wang Yuqing.
Did you know that she was premeditated in poisoning the councilor?”
“With today’s trial starting, as a law school professor, could you give us your analysis?”
“Professor Luo, don’t go, we’re all waiting for your answers!”
Confronted with the media’s questioning, Luo Feixiang relied on his own strength to persevere for a few minutes before he finally managed to fight his way into the courthouse.
When Luo Feixiang rushed into the courthouse, he looked frightened and was sweating profusely on his back.
“Professor Luo, you’ve suffered!” Zhang Wei spoke softly from the side, startling the other man.
When Luo Feixiang saw that it was Zhang Wei speaking, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Ah, don’t mention it.
The entrance to my apartment is swarming with reporters; I had to sneak out the back door.
This situation has been going on for days now, ever since my relationship with Yuqing was exposed, I don’t know how many media are watching me!”
Luo Feixiang felt indescribable bitterness; these damned unscrupulous media seemed to have concluded that Wang Yuqing was the murderer.
“Take it easy.
The media needs their sensationalism, using words like ‘true culprit’ and ‘murderer’ to attract viewers, getting them the attention they relish.
And then they add at the end of the article, ‘The information above is for speculation only; the actual situation shall be based on the facts,’ just to dissociate themselves.”
Zhang Wei said this, then sneered darkly, “Professor Luo, you can keep all these headlines, and when I get my license, I can help you sue them.
You might even get a hefty settlement fee out of it.”
“You really think ahead, already considering the future!” Luo Feixiang laughed and silently praised Zhang Wei’s thinking
“Of course, as long as we win this time, I can help you sue each and every one of these media outlets for defaming you and Dr.
Wang with false reports.”
Zhang Wei chuckled, as if he has already started contemplating the future.
“Oh, stop it, let’s first deal with the current difficulties!”
Luo Feixiang said, gesturing for Zhang Wei to look outside.
The media crowd outside was once again agitated, and this time, even more heavyweight figures arrived.
“Well, the opposition has arrived!” Zhang Wei also looked towards the entrance of the city courthouse and saw people from the Procuratorate Headquarters arriving.
With the director of the Serious Crimes Division, Zhao Chunming, at the forefront, the Procuratorate Headquarters could be said to have sent their best – a whole group of prosecutors marched in formation, full of confidence.
As they were from the Procuratorate Headquarters, the press was intimidated by their presence and didn’t dare to get too close.
Zhao Chunming, with his entourage, made his way toward the courthouse.
The nearby crowd automatically parted, giving them clear passage.
Seeing the media and onlookers being so cooperative, Zhao Chunming, upon reaching the entrance, didn’t immediately enter the courthouse but instead found a spot on the steps, waved his hand towards the surroundings.
Upon observing this gesture, all the media immediately sprang into action, as this indicated that the opposition wanted to make some kind of statement.
“I am Zhao Chunming from the Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters.
Thank you to all members of the media for your support of our work…”
Zhao Chunming uttered these formalities, giving due face to the media.
“Director Zhao, could you please tell us which prosecutor will represent the prosecution this time?”
“Is it the ace prosecutor Xiao Baihe from the Serious Crime Division?
I see her behind you too.”
“Or perhaps, Director Zhao, you will personally take the lead to seek justice for the late Councilor Yang?”
The question of utmost concern to the media was naturally the identity of today’s prosecution representative.
“Since you’re all asking, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer.
Representing the Procuratorate Headquarters today is Prosecutor Huang Fang, who is behind me!”
Zhao Chunming stepped aside to let the person behind him stand before the media.
“Huang Fang!”
Upon hearing this name, the members of the press looked at each other in disbelief.
Huang Fang immediately stepped forward and began to speak: “First, I would like to thank Director Zhao for his introduction.
I, Huang Fang, will serve as the chief prosecutor in this case.
Alongside my colleague Zhao Jing here, I will seek justice for the deceased Councilor Yang and spouse and for the other four individuals who have been threatened with death…”
Huang Fang spoke while drawing Zhao Jing, the secondary prosecutor and her assistant, into view, and the two of them made a significant appearance in front of the entire Dongfang Capital media.
Their statements were also broadcast live through television stations and spread across the entire internet in an instant.
Countless people turned on the live broadcast and saw this scene.
…
East University Law School.
Yang Qingquan sat in his office, opening up the computer in front of him which was live-streaming this event.
“Xiao Luo told me that Zhang Wei took on this case.
His opponent is Huang Fang; that’s going to be tough!”
“But this case is inherently complex and tricky.
There’s no way that kid can win…
right?”
The ending “right?” revealed a hint of spirit.
Despite feeling that the outcome was already decided, thinking about Zhang Wei’s past courtroom tactics, he couldn’t shake the feeling that somewhere in the dark, there might be a sliver of a chance for reversal.
Likewise, in various offices across the East University Law School, as long as they were faculty members focusing on the law, nearly all were paying attention to this trial.
Even some sophomores and freshmen were doing the same.
They were all up early, not even sleeping in, just to watch this broadcast.
Professor Zheng Qian’s office.
“Have you heard?
Luo Feixiang found the defense lawyer Wang Yuqing for Zhang Wei.
That guy really doesn’t know fear as a greenhorn, even taking on this case!”
Professor Zheng Qian turned to Yuan Dong, smiling, “Cases from the Procuratorate are always tough.
Does this junior really think he can beat them time and again?
It’s a joke!”
“You’re absolutely right, Professor Zheng!” Yuan Dong quickly echoed with a laugh, while passing a gift box across.
“Professor Zheng, this is a small token from my father.
Regarding the law firm for this internship, I’m hoping you can put in some work for me…”
“Of course, of course…” Zheng Qian laughed heartily as he took the gift box from Yuan Dong.
“Last year, I recommended Zhang Hui to Yongjie Law Firm.
This year they have a spot open, and I see a lot of potential in you.
Who else would I give it to, if not you?”
“Thank you so much, Professor Zheng!” Yuan Dong, overjoyed, repeated his thanks.
“You’re welcome; it’s what you deserve for your bright future…”
Professor Zheng, in high spirits, then teased: “You’re not like Zhang Wei.
He just won’t learn.
Last time he even dared to anger me, so I’ll make sure he spends his life stuck in a legal clinic, being a no-name lawyer forever, defending criminals pro bono, hmph hmph hmph…”
Blacksmith Technology, R&D Department.
Zhao Qingyan sat at his workstation, beside him a nearly transparent projection screen displaying the live scene in front of the city courthouse.
He brewed himself a cup of coffee and sat leisurely in his chair, quietly watching the broadcast.
“Old Zhao, what are you watching?
Is the project you’re responsible for not busy?”
A colleague passing by joked with a smile.
“Well, the few projects I’ve been working on are all completed and system-embedded.
I’m just waiting for the tests to run through once, so here I am on standby.”
“Must be nice not having any pressing projects on your hands.”
“Yeah right, as soon as testing reports a BUG, I’ll be busy again.”
“You’re the one to talk, everyone knows Zhao Qingyan’s programs have the fewest bugs.
Others are fixing bugs endlessly, clearing old ones only to encounter new ones.
After lots of tinkering and toiling, testing says the original one wasn’t even a bug and they nearly burst a blood vessel in frustration.
But you’re different.
During testing phases, aren’t you always the most relaxed?”
The person spoke and then looked towards the live broadcast on the projection screen.
“Eh, Old Zhao, why are you paying attention to this case?
You don’t seem like the type to follow current events.”
“It’s nothing, I just happen to know a young fellow who’s involved in this case, so I’m keeping an eye on it…”
“Oh, is your guy from the Martial Association or the Procuratorate?
With such high attention on this case, if he does well, it could be a shining moment in his resume!”
“He should…
try his best…”
Zhao Qingyan smiled but didn’t reveal that the young fellow was the defense attorney representing the suspect Wang Yuqing in court.
Martial Association.
Serious Crime Team 7 Office.
“Xia Xia, seriously, that kid has become the defense attorney for this case?”
Captain Wu Yong was astonished upon hearing Xia Qianyue’s report.
Not only him, even Old Xing beside him was stunned.
In their hearts, they both thought: Zhang Wei, this kid, is really not afraid of death!
“Captain Wu, the trial is about to begin.
Today’s preliminary hearing and Monday’s court session will be broadcast live.
If there’s nothing urgent for the team, can I watch the live broadcast?” Xia Qianyue raised her head and asked somewhat embarrassedly.
Although she shouldn’t watch live broadcasts during work hours, she really wanted to watch Zhang Wei’s trial.
“What are you saying, how can you watch live broadcasts during work hours!” Wu Yong’s face immediately tightened.
But then he changed his tune, “However, as a newcomer, it’s essential to learn the prosecution’s tactics.
You’re not watching a live broadcast, you’re studying, understand?”
“Huh?” Xia Qianyue was confused by Wu Yong’s attitude.
On the other hand, Old Xing got the point and immediately said with a chuckle, “Captain Wu is right.
As a junior, you need to learn, and as seniors, we naturally have to guide you.
So, we will watch the live broadcast with you later.
If there are no tasks next Monday, we must continue to study diligently, no slacking!”
“Old Xing makes a good point.
What are we waiting for?
Oh yeah, call Ah Ni and Tamu over.
They’ve probably been looking to slack off a bit.
Get them here.
Xia Xia, don’t just sit there, hurry up and start taking notes.
This is all going to be on the test—I’ll be quizzing you next time!”
As he spoke, Wu Yong jokingly took out a notebook, leaned over the computer, and deliberately turned up the volume of the live broadcast.
At the same time.
Lin Mansion, in a room on the second floor.
Zhao Xiaoxiao’s hands flew over the keyboard like a pianist’s, with nine projection screens in front of her, all displaying different scenes.
“So annoying, so annoying, this live broadcast noise is killing me, off with it…”
“And that old man’s system, it’s actually quite tough to crack.
The firewall is so strict, it looks like there’s no way to hack in from the outside!”
“No, that guy entrusted me, and as Miss Zhao Xiaoxiao, I pledged to him, I can’t lose face.
Otherwise, how can I go on being me?
I must go to the scene and hack into their network on-site; I’m certain I can break through the firewall!”
Zhao Xiaoxiao turned off the live broadcast, then picked up a laptop, slung a backpack over her shoulder, and stealthily left the Lin Mansion, heading straight for the Medical University Laboratory.
…
The city courthouse.
“It’s Huang Fang, and the co-prosecutor is Zhao Jing; both of them are troublesome!”
Luo Feixiang frowned deeply upon seeing the female prosecutor next to Zhao Chunming starting to speak.
“Zhang Wei, be careful.
Huang Fang is not to be underestimated; she was once the ace of the serious crime division and later promoted to assistant prosecutor, quite skilled.
The source of this c𝓸ntent is freewebnøvel.coɱ.
And Zhao Jing beside her, even though she looks young, is also an excellent prosecutor.
You are up against formidable opponents!”
“Is that so?
Well, that’s great, at least the trial won’t be as boring as last time!”
Zhang Wei smiled and didn’t seem concerned at all.
While he would pay close attention to enemies, in strategy, he would disdain all opponents.
Luo Feixiang’s current state of mind betrayed a sense of defeat before the battle had even started, which was not an advisable attitude for a trial.
However, Luo Feixiang had not been to court for nearly ten years, mainly lecturing at the university and lacking practical experience, so it was normal for him to fear strong prosecutors.
Zhang Wei watched quietly as the Procuratorate Headquarters people made bold statements in front of the media and said all sorts of pretty words, feeling completely unmoved.
But just then, there arose a commotion at the main gate, and this time, the disturbance began to expand.
“They’re here!” Luo Feixiang and Zhang Wei exchanged glances, both understanding what was happening.
Wang Yuqing had arrived; the Martial Association’s vehicle escorting Wang Yuqing had reached.
As the most closely watched individual in Dongfang Capital, Wang Yuqing’s arrival naturally drew the majority of the media, and countless onlookers swarmed forward.
At that moment, the streets were surrounded by gawkers three deep inside and outside, and even vehicles were nearly unable to come through.
Fortunately, the Martial Association’s preparations were thorough.
Under the direction of the field operatives, it took nearly 20 minutes to dock the transport vehicle properly.
Wang Yuqing then broke through the crowded throng, escorted by the Martial Association personnel, and was able to enter the courthouse.
Because the escort was so grand, the media didn’t dare to get close, so there was no way to interview Wang Yuqing.
In this respect, the Martial Association acted quite honorably, at least recognizing that Wang Yuqing was just a suspect, not yet sentenced by the court, and could not be treated as a criminal.
“Let’s go, my client has arrived!”
Zhang Wei had been waiting here, and when he saw Wang Yuqing arrive at the courthouse, he naturally began to take action along with Luo Feixiang.
In the preparation room.
Wang Yuqing began to change into formal wear, while Zhang Wei held a document, examining it carefully.
“Zhang Wei, what is this list?”
“It’s the list of jurors.”
“Do you think this is useful?
You can’t guess what the jurors are thinking.”
“Who says I can’t guess?”
Zhang Wei smiled, though he didn’t quite agree with Luo Feixiang’s words.
“You can guess what the jurors are thinking?”
“Of course, I’m going to ask them questions later!”
Zhang Wei said, chuckling with a smirk.
In the prosecutor’s preparation room.
Zhao Chunming sat at the main seat, flanked by three others.
To the left sat the prosecuting team of Huang Fang and Zhao Jing, and to the right sat the capable assistant, Xiao Baihe.
As for the other prosecutors, they had already taken their places in the hearing stand.
Zhao Chunming thought for a moment and looked to the right: “Xiao Baihe, you’ve seen several of Zhang Wei’s court sessions; you should have an idea of what he’s going to do next, right?”
“He will ask some strange questions, but I feel that his questions always have a certain purpose!”
“Oh, purposeful, what kind of purpose?” Huang Fang was intrigued.
“I don’t know, but I feel his questions always have a special intent, and that they sound very odd.”
Seeing that Xiao Baihe could not provide a clear explanation, Zhao Chunming could only speak for himself:
“Huang Fang, you understand the importance of this case; don’t bring more embarrassment to our Procuratorate Headquarters!”
“Director, rest assured, I am not Wang Can, that guy.
His stupidity doesn’t mean I’m stupid!” Huang Fang was very confident, even taking a jab at a former colleague.
“The court session is about to begin!”
Just then, the voice of the Court Guard came from outside the preparation room.
“Let’s go!”
Huang Fang and Zhao Jing nodded in acknowledgment.
Zhao Chunming and Xiao Baihe naturally followed suit.
At the entrance to the grand courtroom, the prosecutors encountered Zhang Wei’s party.
Huang Fang merely glanced coldly at Zhang Wei before entering the courtroom first.
Zhao Chunming, on the other hand, smiled at Zhang Wei, though his smile carried some unclear implications.
Only Xiao Baihe stared coldly at Zhang Wei, her eyes almost murderous.
But Zhang Wei just smiled back at Xiao Baihe and even made a squeezing hand gesture.
Xiao Baihe immediately understood Zhang Wei’s implication, and a tinge of anger appeared on her pretty face.
She still remembered that during the last court session, Zhang Wei took the chance to take a liberty with her!
“Zhang Wei, you’re going to lose this time.
I want to see how you’ll still act so high and mighty!”
Xiao Baihe couldn’t hold back, muttering under her breath as she too entered the courtroom.
The preliminary hearing was about to begin!