Chapter 2464: Chapter 1827: The Show Begins

Mulango City, High Court, at 8 a.m., courtroom number six was on high alert. Even those within the court only knew there was a closed-door trial taking place, but nothing more.

Bai Xiaosheng arrived at around 9 a.m. with several leaders from the Huaxia Business Group, including Hou Yuncheng.

As for the other members of the Huaxia Business Group, they did not accompany them.

This trial was held to the smallest scale possible. Besides the accused, Cilio and Fiewood, and the victim, Bai Xiaosheng, the only attendees were a few leaders from the Huaxia Business Group, representatives from the Zhenbei Group, and a key figure in the local business community, Mr. Brown, who was also Cilio’s father.

Only these few people were present.

When Bai Xiaosheng and his group arrived, the representatives from the Zhenbei Group were already there, led not by anyone else, but by Wen Yan.

In addition, Mr. Brown was present, as well as the African Regional Executive President, Mr. Tike.

Bai Xiaosheng and Hou Yuncheng acknowledged the group, approached, and greeted Wen Yan and Mr. Brown.

"Mr. Bai, glad to see you’re unharmed. Headquarters takes this matter seriously and specially assigned me to attend the trial. I will also promptly deliver the relevant decisions once the verdict is out."

Besides expressing his concern for Bai Xiaosheng, Wen Yan also clearly stated his purpose for coming.

If Mr. Brown were not present, these words would have been fine.

But with Mr. Brown there, and knowing that his son Cilio was part of the trial, Wen Yan’s words carried a deeper meaning to the discerning ear.

Tike couldn’t help but glance cautiously at Mr. Brown.

Mr. Brown showed no expression, acting as if he hadn’t heard Wen Yan’s words, with no reaction at all.

In fact, Mr. Brown really had nothing to say. Even a dead tiger remains intimidating, he was just putting on a brave face.

"I appreciate your effort, Mr. Wen Yan, for coming all this way." Bai Xiaosheng sincerely expressed gratitude for Wen Yan’s presence.

"The achievements of Mr. Bai here, I will recommend to Headquarters to be duly rewarded," Wen Yan said with a smile.

These words seemed even more inappropriate in front of Mr. Brown.

After all, this was Mr. Brown’s region under full control, and issues arising here indeed tarnished his reputation.

By complimenting Bai Xiaosheng’s investigation skills, Wen Yan was clearly ridiculing him in public.

Saying such things in public was, undeniably, a signal.

Mr. Brown’s expression remained unchanged. Tike’s face, however, showed a hint of discomfort, though he was actually quite pleased inside.

Does this mean that the Group headquarters has decided not to tolerate Mr. Brown any further, and intends to take this opportunity to remove him?

If so, Tike truly felt inwardly elated.

"Mr. Wen Yan, you flatter me, I just did what was expected of me." Bai Xiaosheng responded modestly.

Bai Xiaosheng also seemed to find talking about this in front of Mr. Brown inappropriate, so he smiled at Wen Yan and then turned to Mr. Brown to steer away from the awkward topic.

"Mr. Brown." Bai Xiaosheng greeted warmly, showing no resentment or dissatisfaction toward Cilio’s actions against him.

"Mr. Bai." Mr. Brown stared at Bai Xiaosheng, without revealing what he was thinking, simply nodding with no expression.

Mr. Brown felt neither guilt for his son’s actions towards Bai Xiaosheng nor did he harbor hostility since Bai Xiaosheng ’hurt’ his son; there was only an air of ordinary, yet distant coldness, clearly showing he didn’t want to engage in much conversation.

This attitude created an awkward atmosphere.

Wen Yan remained silent.

Tike, however, offered a brief apologetic smile to Bai Xiaosheng but didn’t say much because Mr. Brown was present.

At this moment, many people began to enter the courtroom, from judges to court clerks, it was fully staffed.

Additionally, high-level political figures appeared, immediately engaging in discussions with Hou Yuncheng and others.

"It seems about to begin." Bai Xiaosheng remarked, "Mr. Wen Yan, Mr. Brown, my seat is over there, so I shall go ahead."

Both Wen Yan and Mr. Brown nodded.

Bai Xiaosheng then smiled at Tike before turning to leave.

Wen Yan watched Bai Xiaosheng walk away, then smiled at Mr. Brown with a "please" gesture and returned to his seat.

"Mr. Brown, what do you think about this trial?" Wen Yan seemed bored of waiting, casually chatting with Mr. Brown.

"Law is merciless, what are facts and what will be the result, how could my opinion influence them." Mr. Brown responded, neither cold nor warm.

This old man, even to Wen Yan he refused to bow, could it be he sees no hope and has lost heart?

Tike stood silent beside, thinking darkly.

This sudden group accusation from Fiewood and several other business leaders, the old man maintained no suspicion, did he really believe his son could gather a large group of corporate executives like this? Did he never suspect that there was a problem behind this, not even... himself?

Tike was always wary of Mr. Brown.

Yet, even if Mr. Brown had suspicions, "facts" speak louder than words. Fiewood’s staunch allies wouldn’t betray him lightly, especially since he had dirt on them. So long as they accused Cilio, the court’s recognition of Cilio’s issues would make everything conclusive.

No matter how stubborn Mr. Brown was, it was useless!

Moreover, it seemed Wen Yan no longer offered him any face; does this imply the end of Mr. Brown’s era, and the rise of the great Tike era?

Tike’s excitement began to overshadow his concerns.

Mr. Brown, who had been passive, suddenly began speaking to Wen Yan, "After this trial, is Mr. Wen truly going to immediately issue a decision? No delay?"

Wen Yan nodded, "Headquarters’ decision, it’s my duty, regardless of who the issue involves this time, I have the authority to make immediate decisions."

Mr. Brown said nothing, merely nodded.

Tike glanced surreptitiously at them, then turned his gaze toward the courtroom, unable to resist a subtle smile.

Soon, the trial officially commenced.

The first to come forth was Fiewood, who firmly testified that his actions were under Cilio’s instructions, even being able to provide eyewitnesses to their meetings.

Following him, Fiewood brought in eight or nine company heads as witnesses; despite Mr. Brown’s presence causing some visible unease, they consistently accused Cilio of buying them off, and clandestinely committing acts for personal gain, corroborating Fiewood’s claims.

They could also furnish some compelling evidence.

"Nonsense, all of you are talking nonsense!" Cilio, also present, furiously roared.

The presiding judge immediately issued a stern warning, stating that further outbursts in court from Cilio would incur more severe penalties.

Ultimately, Cilio was left to seethe in silence.

All these testimonies and evidence had been meticulously arranged by Tike, with no room for error.

Judging purely by this incident, Fiewood’s actions could lead to several months in jail in Lekram; his other business misconducts would require separate investigations.

Below, Wen Yan instructed his entourage to note, "Fiewood must be suspended and thoroughly investigated, and those corporate heads who testified all have questions surrounding them and must be scrutinized."

Beside him, Tike internally scoffed.

He was fully prepared and coordinating from behind the scenes; further investigation would only incriminate Cilio further!

Shortly after, Cilio was brought to the witness stand.

He was the main focus of today’s trial; if he had impulsively attacked Bai Xiaosheng, it would result in several months of imprisonment. If he had orchestrated two assaults, it would be considered premeditated, changing the nature of the charges.

Additionally, he was also suspected of attempting to frame others.

With multiple charges, at least five years would be the minimum sentence.

When Cilio appeared, everyone turned their attention towards him, with varied expressions and myriad thoughts.

Tike’s eyes shimmered with a cold smile, "You were arrogant and humiliated me numerous times, now I’ll let you pay it all back!"

Bai Xiaosheng also looked at Cilio, his eyes briefly flickering.

Beside him, Hou Yuncheng suddenly leaned over and whispered something to Bai Xiaosheng, "I conveyed your request. They agreed."

Though Bai Xiaosheng had anticipated this, he still smiled and replied softly, "Thank you very much! As a return favor, I’ll treat you to a good show! Look, it’s already underway!"