Attention Sir, I Have Your Heart Handcuffed!-Chapter 504 - 364. Just to Say "I Love You Again" ()_3
Shi Nian nodded seriously, "Therefore, my creed as a journalist is not just to report on the crimes themselves. I want to pursue the truth behind the events: what exactly led to the crime, and why the perpetrator committed such a grave mistake. I believe these are perhaps more important than the trial and sentencing, and are things more worthy of people’s understanding."
An Cheng smiled and reached out to give Shi Nian a high-five.
Although they held different professions, their hearts were aligned on this matter.
The courtroom strategies they discussed today with An Cheng reminded Shi Nian of Huangfu Huazhang.
Perhaps one day they will face each other in court, and she’d hope Huangfu Huazhang could confess his heart and gain the sympathy of the court and jury.
.
Because of the election campaign, Old Wallace was inconveniently unable to appear in court himself. However, he watched the trial live from the lounge.
His son’s terrible performance left him furious, but he understood that his son was ultimately just a teenager, how could he hold his ground in court against experienced prosecutors.
At the same time, Old Wallace saw clearly from the seating the brothers Tang Yanxi and Tang Yanqing and also thought of An Cheng, who was also the daughter of a Tang Family family friend... Naturally, his anger at the situation was all directed at Tang Mingyi.
"It’s his doing. Isn’t the Tang Family a law family? Even the judge and jury must have been bought by them!"
As the defense lawyer, Xiang Yuan just quietly watched him, "You’d better watch your words. If this gets out, even if it doesn’t affect your son much, it will certainly influence the voters’ perception of you."
"Your son has already behaved so arrogantly and irascibly in court, and people will think you have the same temperament. So you must be especially cautious in your words and deeds."
Old Wallace rushed over to grab Xiang Yuan’s hand, "Lawyer Xiang, you are my son’s defense attorney, and you were recommended by Mr. Huangfu. You must have a way to turn the situation around, don’t you?"
Xiang Yuan lowered his head to look at his fingers, "There are of course ways, but I need to make a phone call first."
.
Xiang Yuan walked out of the lounge, avoiding the media’s pursuit, and went to an empty rooftop.
He dialed Xia Zuo’s number.
The tactics were ready-made; Xiang Yuan had also used them in Mark’s case before. Since both "criminal behavior" and "criminal motive" were undeniable, the only option was to come up with something based on the "criminal conditions." Just like in Mark’s case where they proved Mark had a mental disorder, the same could be mirrored in Little Wallace’s case.
As long as they can prove that Little Wallace was drugged when he harmed those girls, the nature of his actions would change.
However, before the trial, Xia Zuo inexplicably sent him a message, instructing him to call before using any extraordinary measures.
Xiang Yuan understood that this was just Huangfu Huazhang’s way of conveying information.
When the call connected, Xia Zuo inquired about the trial’s situation. When Xiang Yuan mentioned that they would use extraordinary measures in the afternoon retrial, Xia Zuo suddenly said, "No need."
Xiang Yuan was also startled, "No need?"
If not, this case is bound to be lost.
Xiang Yuan couldn’t help but ask, "Is this really the sir’s intention? After all, this case isn’t a standalone one and could even affect the current election scenario. Moreover, sir has invested heavily in Wallace, if Wallace loses, the funds will be in vain."
Xia Zuo chuckled lightly, "Lawyer Xiang, from your words I can tell you are still far from understanding the sir. Do you think sir invested in Wallace for Wallace’s sake?"
Xiang Yuan froze, "Then what for?"
Xia Zuo smiled, "Never mind, it’s not my place to say. I’ll just convey sir’s words: Sir says that if Little Wallace committed a crime against young girls, then he deserves to die."
Xiang Yuan was startled and wanted to ask more, but Xia Zuo had already hung up.
Xiang Yuan stared at the phone emitting a hollow sound, dumbfounded.
.
The afternoon’s trial held almost no suspense.
Xiang Yuan seemingly exhausted every tactic, but ultimately the situation was beyond salvation. The jury collectively ruled that Little Wallace was guilty.
An Cheng came over to shake Xiang Yuan’s hand.
Another case battled but ending with Xiang Yuan’s defeat. Some of the media caught onto this point.
An Cheng was a bit curious, and softly said, "Lawyer Xiang, you didn’t give it your all, did you? What’s going on?"
Xiang Yuan smiled wistfully, thinking to himself he’d like to know as well. But he simply replied with a casual tone, "It’s not rare for a lawyer to win a case; being able to admit defeat gracefully is true courage, isn’t it?"
An Cheng couldn’t help but laugh softly, nudging towards the seats where Shi Nian was: "But are you sure you’re willing to lose in front of her again?"
For any man, wouldn’t they want to avoid defeat in front of the woman they like?
Xiang Yuan felt a wave of awkwardness.
But Little Niu took the opportunity to rush over and ask, "Lawyer Xiang, was it because your ex-wife was present that you were distracted and lost the case?"
Xiang Yuan raised an eyebrow with a cold smile, "Miss Reporter, are you trying to completely sever any future cooperation possibilities between us? I’ll remember you; in the future, I’ll refuse any interviews from you and your media company."
Little Niu blushed and quickly corrected herself, "I’m sorry, Lawyer Xiang, I meant no ill will, just speaking on the topic. It just seems coincidental that the last time you handled Mark’s case, your ex-wife was present, and you lost; and now this time, too."
Xiang Yuan couldn’t help but turn to glance at Shi Nian, his heart faintly skipping.
Last time, it was like Huangfu Huazhang all but using that trial to court Shi Nian, so this time... It felt like another confession of sorts, didn’t it?
Because Shi Nian despised crimes against young girls, so even without the competition from the Tang Family, Shi Nian would hope for Little Wallace’s conviction.
Moreover, everyone had assumed that Huangfu Huazhang intended to secretly trip up the Tang Family in this matter, but in reality, quite the opposite...
With this outcome, wouldn’t he, ironically, leave a better impression in Shi Nian’s heart?
Xiang Yuan could only sigh at the thought: No matter what Huangfu Huazhang’s true motive was, at least he was bending over backward to please Shi Nian, pouring his heart out.
Regarding this, both he and Tang Yanqing might have to feel ashamed.
But in this way, his position in Shi Nian’s heart would suffer another hit. It seemed that Huangfu Huazhang’s grudge against him remained unresolved, and Huangfu Huazhang still wanted him to lose face before Shi Nian again and again.
Finally, Shi Nian approached him, smiling radiantly: "A Yuan, thank you. I thank you on behalf of those girls. I was initially very worried you’d let Little Wallace get off, but..." She tiptoed and whispered, "I could tell you didn’t give it your all. I’m very happy."
Whether it was letting Mark face judgment last time or this time, they both only brought her solace.
