Are You Crazy? He's only an Intern Lawyer?-Chapter 30 - A Challenge at the Procuratorate Headquarters

“Junior brother, are you sure you want to go to the Procuratorate Headquarters?

That’s the Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters…” Zhang Hui hesitated.

“Are you scared?” Looking at the anxious Zhang Hui, Zhang Wei was speechless.

Showing fear before battle was a major taboo in the military.

Zhang Wei noticed a slight tremor in Zhang Hui’s legs.

If you face the prosecutors of the Procuratorate Headquarters with this attitude, cringing without even fighting, there’s no way you could win!

Seeing his teammate so apprehensive, Zhang Wei felt it was necessary to motivate her in advance; otherwise, if his companion performed poorly, his own display of strength would be in vain.

“Senior sister, tell me, how many years did you study?” he asked.

“Huh?”

Zhang Hui was baffled by the question and was momentarily at a loss.

“Senior sister, how many years did you study?

Answer me!” Zhang Wei asked again with a stern face.

“Six years in primary school, three in middle school, three in high school, and four in university.

Not counting kindergarten, that’s a total of 16 years…” she counted.

“Right, now tell me, how many years did those prosecutors study?”

“Probably also 16 years?”

“What are the requirements to become a prosecutor?”

“Passing the judicial exam, having the relevant professional background, and that’s about it…”

“Do you find these requirements challenging?”

“They shouldn’t be…

difficult.

I passed the judicial exam as well.”

“So there you go, they passed the bar exam, and you passed the bar exam.

Aren’t you all the same?

Everyone has studied for 16 years, all are Dragon Country citizens, all grew up eating rice.

What difference do you have with them?”

“Well…

now that you put it that way, junior brother, it seems like there isn’t much difference between me and those prosecutors…” Zhang Hui realized.

Seeing that Zhang Hui’s legs had finally stopped shaking, Zhang Wei gave her a pat on the shoulder and then led the way into the Procuratorate Headquarters.

Inside the Procuratorate Headquarters, it was a hive of activity with people bustling about.

Zhang Wei saw various prosecutors in suits, some young with an air of arrogance, and others middle-aged with premature gray at the temples, their faces marked by experience.

Apart from prosecutors, numerous agents from the Martial Association also entered the Procuratorate Headquarters to communicate case details with the prosecutors.

“Hello, we are looking for the Minor Crimes Department.”

“The Minor Crimes Department is on the second floor, at the office farthest to the west.”

“Thank you.”

Soon, Zhang Wei found their destination.

Reaching the second floor, they arrived at the western office area.

On the door, a sign read “Minor Crimes Department.”

Upon entering, Zhang Wei immediately sensed an oppressive atmosphere.

In the small office area, a dozen desks were haphazardly arranged, separated by screens, leaving very little space between each.

Sometimes, to stretch your arms, you had to stand up and move to the central aisle.

Such cramped working conditions gave the whole Minor Crimes Department a heavy and stifling air.

Zhang Wei’s gaze swept across the office area, quickly noticing some charts hanging on the wall with names and what seemed like a ranking system.

His eyes narrowed as he mentally noted this detail.

“Excuse me, which one of you is Prosecutor Tan Yingying?”

Instantly, a dozen heads lifted from their desks and turned towards the doorway.

“I am!” A girl with an apple haircut stood up.

“Well, isn’t this also a rookie!”

Looking at the little girl in front of him with freckles on her face and black-framed glasses, Zhang Wei immediately made a judgment in his mind.

This prosecutor named Tan Yingying gave off a timid vibe.

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She walked up to Zhang Wei and looked at the two people in front of her: “Who are you?”

Zhang Wei smiled slightly, “How about we find a place to talk?”

Tan Yingying glanced back and whispered, “Let’s, let’s just stay here, we have office hours, and unless there’s a special circumstance, it’s not good to leave.”

“That works too!” Zhang Wei didn’t mind and, having found the person he was looking for, got straight to the point:

“Prosecutor Tan Yingying, I know you’re handling a negligent homicide case, and I want to apply to dismiss the lawsuit; I hope you can consider it.”

“What, what!” Hearing Zhang Wei’s request, Tan Yingying’s eyes widened in astonishment.

Zhang Wei sighed and intensified his tone: “I’m saying, I want to ask you to drop the charges, I wonder if that’s possible?”

As soon as these words came out, the entire office heard them.

For a moment, the other prosecutors in the Minor Crimes Department all looked up.

“Kid, watch your language!” A man with thinning hair immediately stood up.

“Who comes to our Procuratorate Headquarters and issues us a direct challenge like this!” The man’s voice was somewhat heated, and his gaze at Zhang Wei was full of indignation.

“Who are you?” Zhang Wei glanced at the man, then looked at the chart on the wall, focusing on the name at the very top.

Minor Crimes Department Director Guo Wufeng.

As the man approached, his name tag read “Guo Wufeng.”

“So you’re Director Guo, may I know what rules I may have violated by doing this?” Zhang Wei ignored the man’s look and spoke again.

“Hmph, while the rules may not specify that you can’t file for dismissal, our Procuratorate Headquarters has its own rules.

Those we seek to prosecute, no one can simply use a few words to make us withdraw the lawsuit!”

“Even if that person is innocent?”

“Innocent or not, it’s not for you and me to decide, that’s for the Martial Association’s investigation report to determine, it has to be based on evidence!”

“What a way to rely on evidence, what if the evidence can prove that person is innocent?”

“Then you must bring forth the evidence in court, challenge us fair and square, otherwise, if you think we’ll withdraw the case, you’re daydreaming!”

Guo Wufeng didn’t give Zhang Wei any face and blocked off his next words with a single sentence.

It seemed that the Minor Crimes Department was determined to handle this case.

“Fine, this is the path you’ve chosen!” Zhang Wei stood up, pointing a finger toward Tan Yingying behind Guo Wufeng:

“Prosecutor Tan Yingying, I’m looking forward to battling it out with you in court.

However, just to be clear, I’m not like other lawyers, so whatever happens, you can’t say I didn’t warn you.

And if you end up humiliated, remember I gave you a chance today!”

“Brave words, kid, so you’ve got the heart of a bear and the guts of a leopard!” Upon hearing these words, Guo Wufeng couldn’t hold back any longer: “Bold talk for someone from a law firm.

Do you dare to leave a name?”

“I’ve just passed the judicial examination and haven’t joined a law firm yet, but since you’ve asked, I’ll tell you.

My surname is Zhang and my name is Wei, from East University Law School!”

Zhang Wei dropped the mic and walked away.

Zhang Hui stood at the door with his mouth wide open, completely not expecting that his junior wasn’t actually there to apply for case dismissal but to issue a challenge at the Procuratorate Headquarters.

“What the hell, a rookie fresh out of the judicial exam, not even part of a law firm, dares to come here and provoke us!”

Hearing Zhang Wei’s words and watching him leave as if he had won a victory, Guo Wufeng never imagined that the kid was just showing off.

Your qualification certificate hasn’t even hit your face yet, truly a case of ‘a calf flying on a plane – sky-high arrogance’!

“Tan Yingying, handle that case well, we have to show this kid the strength of the General Procuratorate!”

“Oh, yes, Director!”

…

“Junior brother, was it really appropriate for you to do that just now?”

“If not, they clearly have no intention of withdrawing the case, why should I humble myself and debase myself by begging them?”

“But…”

“Senior sister, there’s no buts about it.

I, Zhang Wei, have a bad habit; my legs don’t bend that way, I don’t kneel and plead with others!”

Zhang Wei spoke, but his peripheral vision caught sight of the entrance to the headquarters.

At the doorway, stood a slender figure, and wasn’t it just that Simple-minded person?

“Zhang Wei!” Xia Qianyue also just saw Zhang Wei and waved her hand in greeting.

“Silly, what are you doing here?”

“Hehe, I’m with the Martial Association, why can’t I come to the Procuratorate Headquarters?

But what are you guys doing here, you’re with Senior Sister Zhang Hui, too?”

“We’re here to apply for case withdrawal, but unfortunately the prosecutor doesn’t want to withdraw the case.” Zhang Wei spread his hands, a look of helplessness on his face.

“I see…” Xia Qianyue nodded, indicating she understood.

“So, what are you going to do next?”

“Of course, I’m going to see the client.

I’ve made some big claims, and if I can’t become his defense attorney, I’ll lose a lot of face.”

As he spoke, Zhang Wei gave Zhang Hui a look, signaling her to go out and wait for him.

After Zhang Hui left, Zhang Wei then said, “Speaking of which, you didn’t come here just to familiarize your face with the General Procuratorate, did you?

This is a place where seniority matters, and you’re just an intern; they probably won’t bother with you.”

“That’s right, but it’s different if you know someone inside.

I just happen to know a prosecutor, and I heard she’s the ace here!”

“Ace prosecutor!” At these words, Zhang Wei immediately became interested.

“Mm-hmm, her name is Xiao Baihe, and she was roommates with me and Yuzhu.

But she is a genius.

Back in East University, she graduated early in her third year and has been a prosecutor for over a year now.”

“Xiao Baihe, I’ll remember that.

I really look forward to facing off against her.”

Zhang Wei said, checking the time, and had to take his leave, “No more chatting, I still have to meet with the client…”

“Zhang Wei, remember what you promised me.

You said you’d accompany me after the graduation party.”

“To meet the in-laws, I certainly won’t forget!”

“Zhang Wei, what nonsense are you talking, go to hell!”

Seeing Silly about to explode, Zhang Wei hurriedly ran off.

“Damn it, how did he become so slick!” Xia Qianyue watched the front gate, her face blushing.

Fortunately, there were no acquaintances nearby, otherwise she would have been utterly embarrassed today.

After Zhang Wei left the Procuratorate Headquarters, Xia Qianyue also headed up to the second floor.

In the break room along the corridor on the second floor, there was a faint murmur of conversation.

“Sister Baihe, I got scolded by the supervisor today, he said I wasn’t tough enough.

He mentioned that I was challenged by a lawyer without a license and didn’t dare to talk back, but I really didn’t know how to respond.”

“Ying Ying, stop crying, you’re just too easy-going, and that does need to change.

As prosecutors, we need to be assertive; otherwise, how can we intimidate suspects, scare away those foolish lawyers, and get the people from the Martial Association to respect you?”

“But…”

Hearing the voices in the break room, Xia Qianyue knew she had found the right person.

“Xiao Baihe, I’ve come to find you!” Xia Qianyue barged in through the door, and then she saw the two girls seated inside.

One of them, with red-rimmed eyes and a sorrowful face, was none other than Tan Yingying, the prosecutor who Zhang Wei had challenged earlier.

The other was Xia Qianyue’s target, Xiao Baihe, who was consoling the former.

Xiao Baihe, a rookie prosecutor at Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters Criminal Department but also an ace prosecutor.

In less than a year, she had handled more than a dozen criminal cases, and those that went to court had a 100% conviction rate.

She had almost left the defense attorneys in shambles, also ranking first in the department, and consequently became the department’s star.

Xia Qianyue looked at the woman in front of her, whose appearance was elegant and ethereal, like a water lily, with long black hair and could not help but smile.

Unfortunately, while she smiled, the person opposite did not.

Xiao Baihe’s eyes were like ice-blue mirrors, piercing yet containing an air of aloof superiority.

After comforting Tan Yingying briefly, she stood up gracefully, revealing her curvaceous and attractive figure.

Most crucially, Xiao Baihe possessed something Xia Qianyue did not have, even though it was quite prominent.

“Xia Hanhan, what are you doing at my Procuratorate Headquarters?

I remember that we haven’t been in contact since I graduated, right?”

Xiao Baihe’s attitude towards Xia Qianyue wasn’t good, but it wasn’t hostile either; it was tepid.

“Don’t say that, Xiao Baihe, we were roommates for three years after all.

Yuzhu and I had even talked about you before.”

Xia Qianyue ignored Xiao Baihe’s coolness and approached her with a smile.

“Hmph, I have nothing to talk about with a simpleton like you or that pretentious girl!” Xiao Baihe snorted coldly, taking a half step back, avoiding Xia Qianyue.

“Say it, why are you looking for me?

If you have no business, I can ask you to leave!”

“Xiao Baihe, do you have to be like this?

We were after all…”

“I only deal with intelligent people and clearly, you are not one of them!”

Xia Qianyue wanted to say more, but Xiao Baihe rebuffed her with a single sentence.

“Fine, fine, fine, since we’re about to graduate, how about we have one last get-together in our dorm?

Just you, me, and Yuzhu, the three of us?”

“To gather with you and that despondent girl?”

Xiao Baihe gave Xia Qianyue a meaningful glance.

She initially wanted to refuse right away, but after some thought, she responded perfunctorily, “We’ll see, I’ll let you know when I have time.”

“Great, then it’s settled!”

Although it was an extremely perfunctory comment, Xia Qianyue, being a simple-minded person, failed to detect the underlying meaning and actually thought Xiao Baihe had agreed, feeling somewhat secretly delighted.

“By the way, I just saw Zhang Wei coming down.

He said he came to ask you guys to withdraw the case.

You didn’t have any misunderstandings, right?”

As she spoke, she cast a glance at Tan Yingying, her expression somewhat peculiar.

“Zhang Wei?” Xiao Baihe naturally didn’t recognize Zhang Wei, but Tan Yingying did.

The name “Zhang Wei” was something Tan Yingying declared she wouldn’t forget in these past few days.

“Sister Baihe, Zhang Wei is that lawyer who threw down the gauntlet at our Minor Crimes Department!”

“Oh, is that him?”

Xiao Baihe hadn’t seen Zhang Wei, but this did not prevent her from remembering him.

“Threw down the gauntlet?

I thought Zhang Wei came to withdraw the case?” Xia Qianyue was confused upon hearing Tan Yingying’s words.

She had encountered Zhang Wei before and assumed they were going to discuss case withdrawal.

Why did it feel like there was something off?

“Xia Qianyue, getting confident, eh?

You’re clearly planning to join the Martial Association, yet you conspire in secret with a lawyer.

What are you thinking?

And about withdrawing the case, Yingying said that guy was all but wearing ‘I’m here to cause trouble’ written on his face, and you still speak up for him.

It seems I have to reconsider the motive behind your joining the Martial Association,” Xiao Baihe said, pausing for a moment before emphasizing in a heavier tone, “Lastly, I want to stress that once the Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters decides to prosecute a case, there’s no such thing as withdrawing it!”

Her tone was as firm as her stance in court, and even Xia Qianyue could feel the pressure.

“I’ll leave you to it then, I should get going.” Xia Qianyue felt helpless since she couldn’t communicate her point and therefore hurried to leave.

“Xiao Baihe, don’t forget our next gathering.

I’ve already spoken with Yuzhu, remember to contact us!”

As a last reminder before she left, Xia Qianyue did not forget to mention.

However, it was clear that Xiao Baihe had no intention of responding.

“Yingying, fill me in on the details of that case.

This time I’ll help you vet it; I want to see what kind of guts this fellow named Zhang Wei has to dare provoke our General Procuratorate!”

“Yes, yes, thank you, Sister Baihe!”

Tan Yingying nodded gravely, her expression intensely excited after hearing that Xiao Baihe planned to help her.

With an ace prosecutor on her side, even if it was her first time handling a major crime case, she felt assured!

…

Dongfang Capital, within the Martial Association’s detention facility.

While Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying were busy preparing for battle, Zhang Wei and Zhang Hui were on their way to the Martial Association Headquarters.

Since their client was suspected of criminal activity but the court had not yet rendered a judicial verdict, the suspect needed to be temporarily detained in the facility.

Zhang Wei and Zhang Hui managed to pass through the heavy security of the Martial Association and finally reached the visiting room.

Soon after, the opposite door swung wide open, and a young man with a dispirited face and a scraggly beard was escorted in by an officer of the Martial Association.

“It’s you!”

“Had I not trusted you, I wouldn’t have fallen to this state!”

“I’m not guilty, I didn’t kill anyone, it’s all because of you, I’m innocent!”

Seeing Zhang Hui, the young man became very agitated, even to the point of seeming deranged.

The Martial Association officers promptly subdued him, but the young man struggled, his eyes bloodshot and bulging with rage.

“Senior Sister, it seems he really hates you!” Zhang Wei could understand the young man’s emotions just by looking at him.

“Junior Brother, I admit I made a mistake, and that’s why I want to try my best to make amends.”

“It’s a pity he’s been tricked by you once, I doubt he will trust you a second time!”

Zhang Wei shook his head because he knew that the young man had developed an intense hatred for Zhang Hui.

But that didn’t matter; the important part was that Zhang Wei was now to take over.

The first hurdle was to persuade the young man to choose him as his representative lawyer.