Chapter 16 - 12: He Can’t Just Break the Law

"The information we have right now is very unfavorable for the defendant."

"The human trafficking and murder aspects of the case are being tried separately. Looking only at the murder, Wang Qiang was the one who struck first, which makes the defense extremely tricky."

"If the trial judge is biased against the defendant, then..."

Sitting next to each other, Lin Yue voiced her greatest worry.

"The verdict... could be very unfavorable for the defendant."

Silence fell once she finished speaking.

To be honest, Lin Yue had initially wanted to take this case, but she decisively gave up after hearing the details...

She knew she didn’t have the ability to sway the outcome of a case like this. Taking it on rashly would only make things worse for her client!

There was nothing she could do.

The case was a complete toss-up. The difference between the best and worst possible sentences was night and day!

First, based on Wang Qiang’s actions, the court could legally find him guilty of excessive self-defense or intentional injury leading to death. A suspended death sentence was even on the table.

But if the judge ruled based on extenuating circumstances...

The judge could also acquit him on the grounds of "legitimate self-defense."

A death sentence on one hand, an acquittal on the other. It was a fine line, and everything depended on the lawyer’s performance. One slip-up...

"Wang Qiang is looking at a probable suspended death sentence... With an outstanding performance... maybe the sentence could be reduced to ten years."

Lin Yue took a deep breath. She looked at Xu De and asked:

"So... what’s your plan?"

Xu De, however, crossed his legs with an amused look and asked her in return:

"If it were you, Lawyer Lin, what would you do?"

Hearing this, Lin Yue hesitated. After a moment of silence, she sighed and shook her head, her tone full of resignation.

"I’d sacrifice custody of the child in exchange for the other party signing a plea for leniency in Wang Qiang’s case."

"At the same time, I’d have the other party change their testimony, allowing the court to easily rule it as legitimate self-defense."

As things stood, it was a choice between two outcomes.

Either trade custody for a retraction of their testimony and a plea for leniency.

Or win custody, leaving Wang Qiang’s fate hanging in the balance.

"Though the child wouldn’t be with Wang Mei, at least they wouldn’t be in mortal danger. We could always fight for custody again later."

"But if Wang Qiang... if he dies, he’s gone for good."

Xu De mused thoughtfully, then smiled and nodded.

"That’s a common approach. But compared to that way of winning, I much prefer..."

"I want it all!"

After those three words, Lin Yue froze, as if she hadn’t heard him correctly.

"What did you say?" she asked hesitantly.

Xu De’s expression turned serious as he replied flatly, "Custody and winning the criminal case... I want it all!"

’He hadn’t forgotten that his case reward was based on client satisfaction.’

’Would Wang Mei be satisfied with an either-or outcome? It was obviously just a last resort!’

’Unless... I could get her everything!’

But... Lin Yue paused for a moment, then shook her head. "That’s impossible."

"Nothing’s impossible."

Xu De smiled.

Just as he was about to explain further...

Suddenly, a loud voice rang out from behind them, echoing through the police station lobby.

"Excuse me, is Lawyer Xu De here?"

Hearing the voice, Xu De paused, and he and Lin Yue instinctively turned to look.

A man in a sharp suit, holding a briefcase and wearing glasses, stood at the main entrance to the lobby.

After the man spoke with an officer, the officer pointed toward Xu De. The man followed the gesture, and his eyes met Xu De’s.

’This guy means trouble,’ Xu De thought to himself.

Meanwhile, the man walked over to Xu De with a smile, extended his hand, and said:

"I’m Chen Wei, a lawyer with Yangteng Law Firm."

"My firm has entered into an agreement with Li Youcai and Liu Cui. I’m here to serve as the legal representative for the victims’ party in the Wang Qiang case."

"You must be the defense attorney, Lawyer Xu De, correct?"

As he spoke, a smile spread across Chen Wei’s face, but his eyes held a clear, contemptuous look, as if he’d already won.

Without giving Xu De a chance to speak, he continued,

"I’ve come to see you today..."

"...primarily to ascertain your position on the case."

’Li Youcai’s lawyer?’

’They tortured Wang Mei for ten years, and they still have the audacity to hire a lawyer to fight for their own gain!?’

Lin Yue’s eyes widened, and she pursed her lips. She was furious, but she held her tongue.

Xu De didn’t speak, nor did he shake the offered hand.

He sized the man up for a moment before suddenly breaking into a smile. "My position? Elaborate."

Chen Wei’s smile froze. He quickly composed himself, discreetly pulling back his outstretched hand. He forced another smile and said,

"My clients are willing to give your party an opportunity to offer compensation. If we are satisfied with the amount, perhaps Mr. Wang’s criminal liability can be reduced. What do you say, Lawyer Xu...?"

’An opportunity?’

’Would Li Youcai and Liu Cui really be that generous?’

"And the price?" Xu De retorted.

Chen Wei continued to smile. "Naturally, it concerns the custody of their grandchild."

’Just as I thought. Li Youcai and Liu Cui are also after the child. Things are playing out exactly as Lin Yue predicted.’

’However...’

"The court has already ruled on the custody matter. Surely you’re aware of that, Lawyer Chen?"

Xu De suddenly stood up, his eyes locked on Chen Wei. His tone was mild, but it carried the uncomfortable prickle of a porcupine’s quills.

Chen Wei sensed his stance but pressed on anyway:

"That was only the first hearing. If, during the appeal... this beautiful Lawyer Lin beside you were to persuade Wang Mei to voluntarily relinquish her custody rights..."

Chen Wei let his words hang in the air, saying no more.

But Lin Yue immediately shot to her feet. Her eyes darkened as she stared at him and enunciated each word, "This is blackmail!"