Are You Crazy? He's only an Intern Lawyer?-Chapter 48 - Serious Case Squad 7 Group Building, on the way back…

“It’s just one wrong arrest.

Who hasn’t made this kind of mistake?

You, Old Liu, have also misjudged some cases!”

“Yes, but back in my day, there wasn’t this thing called social media.

Even if I made a fool of myself, the whole city wouldn’t know about it!”

Captain Liu chuckled, patting He Zong on the shoulder.

“This time, you should go to Jingui City for some grass-roots training.

At least you still retain your rank, and you’re still in our prosperous Southern region, unlike some people who might get sent to the frontier…”

“If I were you, I wouldn’t make any objections, just accept it quietly.”

“How does that saying go?

‘You must own your mistakes, and if you get hit, you have to stand tall.

That’s the right attitude for acknowledging your errors!'”

As he spoke, his gaze turned towards the direction of the Procuratorate Headquarters.

At the same time.

Procuratorate Headquarters, Serious Crime Division Office.

Zhao Chunming tossed the personnel notice in front of Wang Can.

“This case has brought shame upon our Procuratorate Headquarters, tarnishing not just our reputation, but also our credibility, to the extent that even the higher-ups have started to inquire.

Do you realize how big of a mess you’ve made?”

“Director Zhao, didn’t I just… lose one lawsuit?”

Wang Can raised his head to look at Zhao Chunming, feigning nonchalance as he defended himself.

“Hmph, lost a lawsuit!”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chunming couldn’t help but frown.

“If it were just a lost lawsuit, there wouldn’t be so much trouble.

But what you’ve lost is the face of our Procuratorate Headquarters!”

He stood up abruptly; his not-so-tall stature seemed to transform into a towering mountain, pressing down on the frail Wang Can.

Intimidated by Zhao Chunming’s aura, Wang Can’s legs weakened, almost collapsing, as he found himself half a head shorter than the other man.

“Xiao Wang, once you’re out west, just do a good job as a grassroots clerk.

Maybe you’ll find a simple-minded girl there and live out the rest of your life in peace…”

Zhao Chunming patted his shoulder, looking down at him: “The higher-ups’ intention is very clear, you can forget about ever coming back.

You’ll be taking the fall for the Procuratorate Headquarters this time!”

His words were effectively a death sentence for Wang Can’s career.

At least He Zong stayed in the Southern Region, while Wang Can was sent directly west, destined to spend his life as a district clerk in some small town.

From living in a bustling metropolis, he was now being exiled to the frontier.

Wang Can knew he was completely finished.

But what could he do?

The Procuratorate Headquarters needed a scapegoat, and Wang Can’s reputation was doomed to rot.

Even if he wanted to resign and extricate himself from the Procuratorate Headquarters, within Dongfang Capital including the entire Southern Region, who would want someone with such a bad reputation?

Wang Can slumped into his chair, his eyes seemingly losing their luster.

After a while, he slowly recovered, his eyes flashing with a vengeful glow.

“Zhang Wei… why did I lose to you… I don’t accept this, I just don’t, it’s all because of you…”

Some people are destined to never recognize their mistakes, instead blaming others.

…

After notifying Wang Can, Zhao Chunming returned to his private office and took out a notebook from a drawer.

He opened it to a page and wrote down a name.

Zhang Wei!

“This kid is still a newcomer, but he’s won against our Procuratorate Headquarters twice.

We need to keep an eye on him…”

Looking at the name that had been added to the notebook, a sharp gleam flashed through Zhao Chunming’s eyes.

He flipped through several pages, each page bearing a name, and underneath each were many case records.

After reviewing the handwriting, Zhao Chunming finally closed the notebook slowly.

He let out a long sigh, his tone melancholic: “For our Procuratorate Headquarters, an enemy who doesn’t understand the law isn’t frightening, but an enemy who knows the law, that is who we must vigilant against!”

“We must defend the law, uphold justice, and these people are our biggest adversaries!”

…

That evening.

Dongfang Capital, Inner Ring Wumiao Street.

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As one of the old alleyways of Dongfang Capital, Wumiao Street was also quite a famous internet celebrity spot.

Here, not only were there a dazzling array of small commodity shops, but also various street food stalls.

Wumiao Street retained the sense of the era characteristic of Dongfang Capital, and being there felt like returning to the times before the advent of technology, seeing the struggles of the predecessors.

Zhang Wei watched the hustle and bustle of Wumiao Street, the endless stream of people and vehicles, and his mind began to wander.

“Xiao Zhang, stop daydreaming and hurry up and order some food!”

Suddenly, a noisy voice interrupted his reverie.

“Oh, Captain Wu, coming, coming!”

Zhang Wei quickly responded and walked to the barbecue stall next door, shouting, “Boss, give us 10 squid skewers, 10 chicken wings, 10 grilled sausages, and 50 lamb skewers…”

After ordering, he finally sat down at the roadside seats, along with Xia Qianyue and all the members of Serious Crime Team 7.

Serious Crime Team 7 didn’t have many people: Team Captain Wu Yong, Deputy Captain Old Xing, and officers Ah Ni and Tamu.

A total of 4 people.

Together with Zhang Wei and Xia Qianyue, that made just 6 people.

“Captain, we’re here!”

Then from the convenience store next door, the dark-skinned girl Ah Ni and fierce-looking Tamu came over, carrying two cases of beer.

“Good lord, you’re planning to knock us out with drink!”

Zhang Wei’s lips twitched slightly at the sight of the beer in Ah Ni’s hands.

“How could that be?

You guys are young, just take it easy later!” Wu Yong quickly shook his head to deny it.

But the so-called “I’ll drink up, you follow your comfort” kind of words at the drinks table were definitely not to be trusted.

Who knows how this bunch will pressure others to drink once they get started.

Zhang Wei touched his stomach.

If it were his previous life, he could have coped, but in this life, his stomach hadn’t yet been trained with alcohol.

If he had known, he wouldn’t have come out to join the Serious Crime Team 7’s celebratory banquet.

Recently, Serious Crime Team 7 had cracked several murder cases, especially the case of Tang Chunfeng, and even took the credit from Team 3, apprehending the murderer Hou Zhi and earning praise from their superiors.

Of course, the Martial Association caused Deputy Team He Zong from Team 3 to take the blame, and now he has been transferred to the Jingui City branch office to start over.

In short, because of their performance during this period, Serious Crime Team 7 finally had a chance to hold their heads high and dispel the gloom.

Hence to celebrate, Wu Yong decided to relax the team on the approaching weekend with a team-building outing.

But Serious Crime Team 7 had always been strapped for cash, and their superiors had not provided any reimbursement, so Wu Yong had to pay out of his own pocket to treat the team to barbecue on Wumiao Street.

Though not high-end, it was warmly welcomed by the team members because eating street barbecue was really the right atmosphere.

As team member Ah Ni put it, “We aren’t high-class people; going to fancy places makes us uncomfortable.

It’s in the simple places that we can really eat our fill.”

As for Zhang Wei and Xia Qianyue, they had been invited by Wu Yong as well.

Zhang Wei was a key figure in several recent cases, and it could be said that without his help, Serious Crime Team 7 would not have been successful.

His contribution was indispensable.

As for Xia Qianyue, Wu Yong had agreed to let this girl intern with Serious Crime Team 7.

Generally speaking, the serious crime squad does not recruit newcomers, and even if they do, a strict set of standards is required.

But due to the recent good performance of Serious Crime Team 7, the higher-ups decided to let them recruit two new members for training.

Xia Qianyue had also been active in these cases, and as the team captain, Wu Yong was impressed, and they saw eye to eye.

One dreamed of joining the serious crime squad, the other saw potential in the other, and they hit it off immediately.

However, when Xia Qianyue shared the good news with Zhang Wei, he secretly worried about her future in-laws.

After all, parents hope their children can lead a safe and stable life.

No one wants their child to join the serious crime squad and live a life filled with fighting and killing.

“Guests, your food is ready!”

Soon, the barbecue stall owner brought up the grilled food.

The craftsmanship of Wumiao Street’s masters was naturally beyond doubt.

The ingredients were fresh, the color, aroma, and taste were all appealing, the sizzling meat was dripping with oil, inciting one’s appetite, and the fragrance could be smelled streets away.

“Come on, let’s eat!” With a grand gesture from Wu Yong, the six began to devour their meal.

“Here, Xiao Zhang, this one’s for you.

Today, this first drink, I offer to you.

We owe you a lot for these past few cases.

It’s thanks to you that Team 7 could celebrate!”

“I’ll drink up, you do as you like!”

Wu Yong indeed started with the most commonly used line in a drinking session.

He downed an entire can of beer in one gulp.

Zhang Wei, out of politeness, naturally took a big gulp with a “glug glug,” enough to show his appreciation.

Wu Yong nodded at Zhang Wei with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

“Come on, Xiao Zhang, join me for one too!” Old Xing, seeing this, hurriedly took over.

“I’ll finish mine, you do as you please!”

Zhang Wei thought to himself without a word, you all planned this, didn’t you?

After gulping down a can of beer, Old Xing, fueled by the alcohol, grew sentimental:

“Honestly, I, Old Xing, consider myself a veteran, but I’ve never seen a lawyer as impressive as you.

Why not give up lawyering and join our Serious Crime Unit 7?

With your abilities, Xiao Zhang, climbing to a senior rank wouldn’t be a problem at all…”

As soon as he opened his mouth, he started recruiting.

Wu Yong didn’t stop him, and even cast a glance at Zhang Wei, indicating that this was his intention too.

“I’m just a lawyer, and my dream is to be an ordinary office worker.

The serious crime unit’s violent work isn’t for me.”

Zhang Wei quickly declined, but still clinked his glass with Old Xing and finished the half can of beer left in his hand.

This kid doesn’t seem to be tempted by persuasion!

Although they had anticipated this, they were still somewhat disappointed.

Fortunately, they were recruiting Xia Qianyue, and anyone with a discerning eye could see what sort of relationship she had with Zhang Wei.

If Zhang Wei doesn’t join the serious crime unit, but we tie down his girlfriend, isn’t it just as good as having him roped into our Unit 7!

Wu Yong and Old Xing exchanged glances and mentally patted themselves on the back for their “far-sightedness.”

“Zhang Wei, don’t just focus on drinking.

This grilled squid tastes really good.

Eat more of it!”

Xia Qianyue also joined in the fun, handing Zhang Wei a stick of deliciously fragrant grilled squid.

“Mmm, thanks, Silly!” Zhang Wei hurriedly took it and bit into it, the flavor indeed amazing.

Time passed in the joyful atmosphere of eating, drinking, and having fun, lasting for an hour.

Zhang Wei and the others, including Wu Yong, shared drinks and exchanged cups, and all of them were slightly tipsy.

“Xiao Zhang, we really need to thank you for this time.

If it weren’t for you identifying the real culprit, if we had wrongly convicted someone, the Martial Association’s reputation would have been completely ruined!”

Wu Yong brought up the recent case again.

Although he wasn’t in the courtroom due to his duties, he could still feel the pressure that Zhang Wei was under.

After all, on one side was the Procuratorate Headquarters, supported by the Martial Association’s vast investigative resources, and on the other was Zhang Wei alone, a mere public defender lawyer.

Yet still, Zhang Wei managed to defeat the combined forces of the Procuratorate Headquarters and Martial Association, which truly made Wu Yong admire him to the point of prostration.

“Exactly, Xiao Zhang is truly cut out for a great lawyer, your tactics are remarkable!

If I ever get into trouble, I’ll definitely hire you as my lawyer!” Old Xing, his face flushed, couldn’t help but interject.

“Please, no!” Zhang Wei quickly shook his head: “I’m a criminal defense lawyer.

If you guys come to me, that means it’s no small case.

I’d rather you never have to come to me because of a case in your lives.”

“That’s true indeed…”

Both Wu Yong and Old Xing nodded subconsciously.

Zhang Wei smiled and then looked over at Xia Qianyue, who had been restrained, busy eating and not drinking much beer.

When he noticed Ah Ni and Tamu, Zhang Wei was even more surprised.

The two of them had not only accumulated the most skewers in front of them but also had the highest stacks of beer cans.

The pair were still competing in a drinking bout.

“Xiao Zhang, don’t mind them, these two are real booze hounds.

Every time we take them out, we are the ones who end up collapsing!”

Wu Yong chuckled, though his eyes betrayed a hint of exasperation.

He, Wu Yong, considered himself a good drinker, yet even he couldn’t match his two subordinates in drinking capacity.

Old Xing pulled Zhang Wei aside to quickly explain.

Ah Ni and Tamu weren’t locals from Dongfang Capital.

Tamu came from the grasslands where the people are known for their drinking – it’s in their blood and bones.

As for Ah Ni, she came from the ‘Southern Continent’ overseas.

Apparently, her family owned a plantation and distillery nearby, and from a young age, she and a bunch of kids drank the distillery’s fruit wine like water.

When it comes to holding liquor, the dark-skinned girl Ah Ni even outdid the grassland man Tamu.

Zhang Wei looked at the dark-skinned girl who was a size smaller than Tamu but seemingly had the upper hand in drinking capacity, and marveled internally.

Appearances can be deceiving!

This team-building event continued until midnight.

Despite his efforts to control himself, Zhang Wei still ended up tipsy due to Wu Yong and Old Xing’s continuous toasting.

Elated, Wu Yong and Old Xing had drunk quite a bit, and fearlessly went to urge Ah Ni and Tamu to drink more, only to be left floored by the counter-drinking.

In contrast, Ah Ni and Tamu were still engaged in their drinking competition, having gone through seven or eight cases of beer.

Some guys really drink like it’s water!

Zhang Wei checked the time, ready to leave.

“Silly, can you make it home?”

“Of course, my home is in the Martial Association’s family compound, not far from Wumiao Street.”

Xia Qianyue replied without thinking, but as soon as she finished, she regretted it.

Zhang Wei quickly detected the regret in Xia Qianyue’s eyes and chuckled, “How about I walk you home?”

“Who, who asked you to escort me…”

“Then I’ll just head back on my own.”

“Wait, if you insist on walking me home, I suppose it’s not out of the question…

Let me make it clear, it’s you who insists on doing this, not me asking you to…”

Zhang Wei hadn’t expected Silly to have a tsundere side.

Since she had agreed, he quickly said his goodbyes to everyone else, not caring whether they could hear him or not.

The Martial Association family compound was indeed quite close to Wumiao Street, just a 20-minute walk away.

This stretch of road could only be taken as a post-meal walk to aid digestion.

The two of them chatted for a while on the road, and soon they arrived at the family compound.

“Zhang Wei, don’t forget what you promised me!” Xia Qianyue suddenly said as they were parting ways.”

“Of course not.

But don’t forget about the graduation party either.”

“Don’t worry; I’m looking forward to it!”

The two waved goodbye to each other, and Zhang Wei watched Xia Qianyue enter the family compound before leaving.

The evening breeze was gentle, and the night was dark and windy.

Zhang Wei walked alone on the road.

In December, Dongfang Capital was at the end of autumn and approaching winter.

The cold air from the north had arrived, and the chilly wind was still somewhat piercing.

Zhang Wei arrived at a narrow alley, a shortcut to Sifang Gate Street.

It was deserted, and the streets were exceptionally quiet.

Just as he reached the midpoint of the alley, someone turned the corner ahead of him.

Their face was covered with a mask, and they staggered as they walked, looking as if they were drunk.

“Another drunkard?” Seeing the other person’s appearance, Zhang Wei muttered to himself and continued as if nothing had happened.

But as he brushed past the person, he felt a gust of wind on his side.

“Zhang Wei, it’s all your fault!”

The moment he heard these words, a multitude of information flashed through Zhang Wei’s mind.

It was an enemy seeking revenge!

But then he remembered he was no longer a high-profile lawyer from his previous life; he was just a struggling law student, unlikely to have offended anyone.

“Zhang Wei, it’s all your fault I lost the lawsuit, and now I have to be banished to the West!”

From beneath the mask, a hoarse voice emerged, tinged with suppressed rage.

“This voice, it sounds so familiar, he is…”

Recognizing the familiar figure and hearing the inexplicably angry voice, Zhang Wei was rapidly zeroing in on the suspect.

He sidestepped the person’s attack and positioned himself to counter, shouting, “Wang Can, I can’t believe it’s you, you’ve got some nerve, losing the case and daring to take revenge on me!”

The other person trembled at the sound of his voice and almost collapsed.

In the next moment, his face was hit by Zhang Wei’s fist.

With a “bang”, the world spun around, and the assailant slowly fell.

Zhang Wei walked over, peeled off the mask, and sure enough, it was Wang Can.

“I can’t believe losing to me drove you to take such an irrational action!”

Gazing down at the unconscious person at his feet, Zhang Wei took out his phone and pressed the play button.

“Zhang Wei, it’s all your fault!”

“It’s all your fault I lost the lawsuit, and now I have to be banished to the West…”

The phone had recorded the entire conversation Wang Can had before making his move.

“That was close, this time I was lucky to encounter a rookie, and he was impulsive, too, thinking of using his fists on me after getting drunk?”

Zhang Wei mumbled to himself, looking up at the sky, knowing he had to prepare some means of self-defense.

Wang Can’s threat was minimal, negligible even, as he had no weapon and was basically harmless.

But it was a wake-up call for Zhang Wei; he had to be cautious from now on.

In his former life, lacking the ability to protect himself had led to his downfall; this time, he had to be proactive in preparing for his safety.

“And since you dared to seek revenge on me, you’ll have to pay the price!”

Then, Zhang Wei took another look at the person on the ground and casually dialed the Martial Association’s emergency number.