Are You Crazy? He's only an Intern Lawyer?-Chapter 45 - Zhang Wei discovers a blind spot, nuclear weapons make an appearance

And the prosecution would certainly not miss this opportunity, which would be the finishing blow against Tang Chunfeng.

Even if the prosecution has yet to prove Tang Chunfeng had a motive for murder, as soon as that child stands in front of everyone and points out Tang Chunfeng as the murderer, everything would be over.

Although Zhang Wei harbored a sliver of hope that the little boy had mistaken someone else for the perpetrator, someone who merely resembled Tang Chunfeng.

But he would definitely not place his hopes on such a minuscule possibility.

Lawyer Zhang, in his decades as a criminal defense attorney, had never, not even once, relied on so-called luck for the outcome of a trial.

Once you start depending on luck for victory, there will come a day when your luck runs out.

He didn’t want to lose, nor did he want to rely on uncontrollable luck!

“Trials are about demonstrating strength.

Who wins and who loses depends on both sides’ preparation beforehand and their control over the details during the trial, as well as their ability to persuade the jury.

I absolutely cannot lose to a weak prosecutor on these fronts!”

“If that’s the case, there must be some detail I’ve overlooked in this case.

If Tang Chunfeng isn’t the murderer, then who is?”

“How did this person cause the eyewitnesses to make a mistake, and why would someone mistake him for Tang Chunfeng?”

With this thought, Zhang Wei started rifling through the case files again.

He reviewed the Martial Association’s investigation report back and forth, combining it with his own investigation, and made a list of potential suspects.

“Regrettably, among these people some have a criminal record.

If they were the culprits, the public would find it more acceptable!”

Looking at this list, Zhang Wei felt somewhat helpless.

Because the people on this list were more likely to have killed the victim Chen Mou, they had direct conflicts of interest.

Like a colleague jealous of Chen Mou, thugs eyeing Chen Mou’s wealth, and thieves who had previously divided spoils unevenly with Chen Mou, etc.

If these people had killed Chen Mou, the public would definitely understand.

But unfortunately, it wasn’t these people who were prosecuted, but Tang Chunfeng.

He was simply a dentist who had lived with his mother since childhood, never having done anything bad.

“It’s a pity that his mother has always been in poor health and goes to bed too early to confirm that Tang Chunfeng returned home at 11 PM.”

“Moreover, even if she could testify, it would be useless.

The prosecution would certainly counter it on the grounds that she is a relative, unless this mother isn’t his real mother.

It’s strange, the two sons of the Tang family, they don’t look like blood brothers at all…

Wait a minute!”

Zhang Wei, who had been dejectedly staring at the ceiling, suddenly had a glint of realization in his eyes.

The spark of inspiration was just captured by him.

“For the bail, Tang’s mother gave me a medical record!”

Zhang Wei found that medical record in the files and began looking through it from the beginning.

Soon, he saw a piece of medical history information.

“After giving birth to Tang Chunde, Tang’s mother had uterine fibroid cancer and eventually had her entire uterus removed.

What’s going on here?”

“Tang’s mother had her uterus removed 37 years ago, while Tang Chunfeng was born 35 years ago.

Back then, there was no such thing as in vitro fertilization or fertility clinics to help with freezing egg cells.

Is Tang Chunfeng not Tang’s mother’s biological son?”

“I’m quite familiar with Tang’s mother and Tang Chunfeng and others.

Tang’s mother might have hidden this fact, and Tang Chunfeng has always regarded her as his real mother, so he would have no idea about all this.”

“Could it be that Tang Chunfeng has a twin brother?”

Once he found the information he was looking for, thoughts in Zhang Wei’s mind started to flow seamlessly.

He immediately picked up the phone and called Xia Qianyue.

“Silly, I’m sorry to disturb you so late, but I have a question.

Can you access the Martial Association’s database?”

“What, you’re just an intern and can’t access the database?

Oh, that’s too bad…

Wait a second, you say your dad can?

I almost forgot your old man is the Martial Association Old Field Worker.”

“Alright, then I’ll need to trouble you to investigate this, and do you have time tomorrow?

I need you to run an errand for me, if it’s convenient for you…”

“Mm-hmm, sure, thank my father-in-law for me, and thank you too, Silly.”

After thanking her, Zhang Wei hurriedly hung up the phone.

Because he knew that Xia Qianyue on the other end of the phone was about to explode.

Then, his gaze fell back onto the documents in front of him, focusing particularly on the list of suspects.

“If I am not mistaken, one of you must be the murderer.

Tomorrow’s trial might just be quite a spectacle!”

Zhang Wei began to look forward to tomorrow’s trial.

…

The next day, at 7 a.m.

As Zhang Wei left the Lin Mansion, he happened to see Zhao Qingyan.

“Little Zhang, are you heading to the trial?

I’m also on my way there; let’s go together!”

Zhao Qingyan seemed as though she had been waiting on purpose, keen to share the route with Zhang Wei.

Since he could hitch a ride in a luxury van, Zhang Wei naturally wouldn’t refuse.

Taking public transport was truly a torment, especially during Dongfang Capital’s morning rush hour, which was even more unbearable.

“Little Zhang, do you feel confident about today’s trial?”

“Theoretically, I am bound to lose since so much evidence points towards my client.

But amid these overwhelming difficulties, I’ve found a glimmer of possibility.

Today, if my companions are supportive enough, this glimmer could turn into a winning chance.”

“Oh, a winning chance, do you think you have a chance to win?”

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“Of course!”

In the face of Zhao Qingyan’s skepticism, Zhang Wei was very confident, “Besides, I do not want to lose to a weak prosecutor.

That Wang Can is a petty person unfit for public office.

I will either not win at all, or win in such a way that it shatters their hearts!”

Zhao Qingyan, seeing Zhang Wei’s confidence, couldn’t help but exclaim, “You’re quite ruthless, ‘shattering hearts’…”

The two took the luxury van and soon arrived at the city court.

As soon as they got out of the car, they were swarmed by media reporters.

Zhang Wei couldn’t help but admire their persistence; they were really relentless.

Every one of them had gotten up so early, crowding at the court’s entrance.

“Are you Lawyer Zhang?

What are your thoughts on defending a murderer?”

“Your client is a murderer, have you considered asking him to plead guilty?”

“Lawyer Zhang, I heard you’re a rookie lawyer, just graduated from law school and now you’re facing off against the Procuratorate Headquarters.

What are your feelings about this?”

“Lawyer Zhang, your client Tang Chunfeng, is he going to be convicted today?

Do you have anything you want to say to the public?”

The media was like a pack of wolves, looking to tear Zhang Wei apart and completely block him at the entrance of the court.

Countless microphones were thrust in Zhang Wei’s face, without even considering whether he wanted to say anything or not.

Although Zhang Wei had ample experience dealing with the media, the only thing he could talk about at the moment was one thing.

“Sorry, I am just a public defender, I have nothing to tell the public, I…”

Mid-sentence, Zhang Wei’s eyes suddenly caught sight of two girls who had just gotten off a bus tens of meters away.

He had an idea, and his expression shifted from serious to a smile.

“Hi, Prosecutor Xiao Baihe!” Zhang Wei waved to the two girls.

Instantly, all the media turned their cameras towards Xiao Baihe and rushed over to her.

It was no joke; on one hand was a lawyer without any particular features, and on the other, a beautiful female prosecutor from the Procuratorate Headquarters.

Even a fool knew who would draw more viewers.

Xiao Baihe was bewildered on the other side.

She had heard someone calling her name, and the voice annoyed her because it belonged to Zhang Wei.

The next moment, she saw countless members of the media charge over, surrounding her and Tan Yingying completely.

“Zhang Wei!”

Seeing this, she knew she had become a shield for Zhang Wei.

Xiao Baihe’s gaze pierced through the crowd, locking onto Zhang Wei.

Then she saw that Zhang Wei had already reached the entrance of the city court and even blew a kiss in her direction.

“Damn it!” As Xia Qianyue watched Zhang Wei enter the courthouse with that contemptible smirk on his lips, she clenched her teeth in anger, her pretty face ablaze with fury.

Xia Qianyue dragged Tan Yingying through a path carved by the media, and by the time they made it into the courtroom, Zhang Wei had already reunited with his client’s family.

“Damn it!”

Seeing Zhang Wei, Xia Qianyue was seething inside but couldn’t make a scene, because this was the courtroom.

Finally, she could only sit down resentfully, cursing Zhang Wei in her heart.

“Wait and see how you lose!”

On the other side, Zhang Wei had already started to comfort the Tang Chunfeng family.

Even though the trial went well for Zhang Wei yesterday, and the courtroom began to lean towards Tang Chunfeng, today was different from yesterday.

Today, the prosecution had another witness to present, and the course of the trial could change.

However, Zhang Wei wouldn’t go into detail about this with Tang Chunfeng.

His primary concern was to soothe the client’s nerves.

After calming down Tang Chunde and Tang’s mother and sending them back to the witness stand, Zhang Wei asked Tang Chunfeng to sit and began to prepare.

Soon, the courtroom buzzed to life again with the arrival of media personnel, onlookers, lawyers, and curious onlookers, which naturally included Guo Wufeng and Zhao Chunming, leaders from the Procuratorate Headquarters.

Prosecutor Wang arrived as well, and he handed an updated list of witnesses to Zhang Wei.

Unsurprisingly, the son of the victim, Chen Mou, was on the list.

Seeing the cold smile on Wang’s lips, Zhang Wei took the list.

After all, what was meant to happen would happen!

Time passed unknowingly while they waited.

“All rise, please welcome the honorable judge!”

The trial resumed.

On the bench, Judge Calm Bro maintained his usual serene demeanor as he pushed his glasses up and looked towards the prosecution’s side.

“Prosecutor Wang, your performance yesterday was not good.

Does the prosecution have any more witnesses?

If not, I’ll let the defense speak.”

“Your Honor, the prosecution has one key witness!”

Wang Can naturally stood up, then pointed towards the entrance of the courtroom.

As the doors opened, a young boy appeared, escorted by two officials from the Martial Association.

The entire room focused their attention on the boy.

There was no need for the prosecution to remind anyone who the boy was.

He was the son of the victim, Chen Mou, the only eyewitness at the scene.

The boy walked into the witness stand under the gaze of the entire court.

Although he seemed a bit scared, just being able to testify was already commendable.

Even Zhang Wei had to admire him; after experiencing such a trauma, the boy was still able to pull himself together.

Wang Can followed to the front of the witness stand, his eyes unable to hide the glee, revealing a triumphant smile.

“Young man, what’s your name?”

The boy looked up at Wang Can and replied, “My name is Chen Xiaoyu, I’m eight years old.”

“Young man, can you tell Uncle why you’re here today?”

“My dad died, and the uncles at the Martial Association told me that the person who killed my dad has to pay, so I came.”

The boy’s response continued to hold everyone’s attention, including Guo Wufeng and Zhao Chunming in the witness stand, who glanced over subtly.

“Are you scared?”

“I’m a little bit scared, but just a little,” he hesitated briefly.

“Although I’m very scared inside, the uncles at the Martial Association told me they would protect me from now on, so I’m not afraid anymore.”

“Then please tell Uncle, whom did you see kill your dad that night?

Is he here in court?”

“Yes, he’s here!”

The boy turned his gaze toward the defense’s side and pointed his finger at Tang Chunfeng.

“It’s him, he killed my dad.

I saw them arguing, and I secretly watched everything!”

As soon as these words were spoken, all eyes in the room converged again on Tang Chunfeng.

The gallery was abuzz with loud discussions, and all jurors on the bench looked at each other, some even beginning to whisper secretly and exchange glances.

At this moment, everyone was convinced that Tang Chunfeng was the killer!

Wang Can’s excitement was impossible to hide; he glanced at Zhang Wei, his eyes full of mockery and ridicule.

However, he still maintained his composure and said to the court stenographer,

“Please record that the prosecution’s witness, Chen Xiaoyu, has identified the defendant, Tang Chunfeng, as the murderer in court!”

After speaking, he looked at the little boy again and asked, with as much restraint as he could muster, “Little friend, are you still scared?

The uncle from the defense will come and ask you many questions later, will you be afraid?”

“No, I won’t be scared!”

The little boy glanced at the defense’s table and said in a strong tone, “Although I was very scared at the time, I believe the uncles from the Martial Association will protect me, so I can tell everyone that Xiaoyu is not afraid at all, I am not afraid at all…”

Hearing the little boy’s response, Wang Can finally nodded in satisfaction.

This was the effect he wanted; if Zhang Wei proceeded with cross-examination next, then the situation would be overwhelmingly in his favor.

“Alright, thank you, little friend.

Uncle has no more questions, but if that uncle asks you any difficult questions later, remember you must tell uncle, okay?”

Wang Can returned to the prosecutor’s table and looked at Zhang Wei with a cold smirk.

“Little friend, did you clearly see my client, Mr.

Tang Chunfeng, murder your father?”

Zhang Wei’s first question was to clarify the details of the incident.

“Yes, I saw it with my own eyes.

He’s the one who killed my father!”

The little boy once again pointed at Tang Chunfeng, his tone certain.

“Alright, understood.

I have no further questions!”

Zhang Wei nodded, then encouraged the little boy, “You did really well today; it seems you’re very brave; I am impressed!”

With that, he walked back to the defense’s table, showing no intention of continuing his questions.

This left Wang Can from the prosecution’s table feeling frustrated—why didn’t Zhang Wei ask more questions, why didn’t he fall into the trap he had set?

Naturally, Zhang Wei had no intention of falling into the trap.

More so, he knew that grilling a little boy would only paint him as a bully, taking advantage of the weak.

Creating such an illusion among the jurors would complicate the trial.

Therefore, pressuring the vulnerable during a trial is a major taboo; seasoned trial lawyers would never commit such irrational acts.

Zhang Wei quickly concluded his questioning also to allow the little boy to leave sooner.

As long as the little fella stood at the witness stand, the court’s sympathy would remain on the prosecution’s side—or rather, on the little boy’s side.

“Prosecution’s witness has completed speaking; it is now your turn, defense!” Even the judge on the bench couldn’t stay composed, and his voice wavered slightly.

Zhang Wei picked up on this and also realized the boy’s astounding impact.

He immediately made a request, “Your Honor, considering the direct impact of the prosecution’s witness, the defense requests a 20-minute recess.

Otherwise, the following proceedings will be extremely disadvantageous to our side!”

“Isn’t this against protocol?

Now that it’s your turn for cross-examination, you’re asking for a pause?” Wang Can immediately objected.

But the judge also sensed the atmosphere in the courtroom and after a moment’s thought, agreed, “Alright, let’s have a 20-minute recess.”

Inside the conference room.

“Lawyer Zhang, what should we do?

The way those people are looking at my son isn’t right,” said Tang’s Mother as soon as they entered the conference room, her face full of worry.

“No worries, next, I will have a character witness take the stand.

However, her purpose is not to prove your son’s innocence but to help me buy some time!”

“Buy some time?” Tang’s Mother and the others looked at each other, puzzled.

Tang Chunfeng found this odd and asked, “Who is this character witness, by the way?”

“It is Huang Xiali, the nurse from your clinic.”

“Ah, her?”

Tang Chunfeng was startled, but Zhang Wei patted his shoulder and asked, “What do you think of Huang Xiali?”

“I…” Tang Chunfeng hesitated before saying, “I’ve always treated her like a sister…”

“Hmm, make sure you don’t say that during the trial, I thank your entire family in advance!”