Who Made Him a Lawyer?

Chapter 436: Chapter 323: Aggressive! Testing the Limits!

The current situation... has ultimately led to this...

The crowd furrowed their brows, instinctively feeling something was amiss.

The gallery began to whisper amongst themselves.

"Why does it feel like... they are shifting responsibility? Are they looking for a scapegoat?"

"Kind of... I can’t believe the mining company has no responsibility at all. Considering the police and court’s attitude... I can’t believe a minor project manager would have control over it; Zhu Haoyi must be involved!"

"Exactly, if that project manager really had the capability, owing two million wouldn’t matter, how could they possibly swallow Zhang Shan’s money!?"

"But I think it’s not unreasonable either. After all, when people are cornered, they can do anything, especially Zhang Shan being disabled, having a large sum of money controlled by a disabled person, it’s hard not to arouse others’ greed and malice."

"Let’s see the judge, see how the judge rules..."

"..."

The spectators frowned tightly but did not disrupt the courtroom order.

Chief Judge Liu furrowed his eyebrows and, after a moment of thought, spoke:

"Does the defendant have evidence to support your claims?"

Li Yang immediately nodded, "Yes."

Upon finishing his words, he handed over a photograph and some documents.

The photograph was simple, showing the site where a woman’s body was dumped.

"This is Zhang Shan’s wife. She did not escape with the funds but was silenced by the project manager, who then framed and blamed her for it." Li Yang explained.

Chief Judge Liu and Zhao Yi, among others, examined the evidence closely.

Moreover, there were statements made by the project manager, even evidence of embezzlement by him.

There was absolutely no flaw to pick at!

Yet it was too suspicious, as these pieces of evidence seemingly absolved Zhu Haoyi and Li Yang of any responsibility.

"Plaintiff, regarding the above points made by the defendant, do you have anything to say!?"

Chief Judge Liu turned and looked at Xu Liang.

The judge needs to remain impartial; if the evidence is faulty, he can call it into question. But if the evidence isn’t faulty, merely asking on subjective suspicion... that would not make a good judge!

Only the opposing counsel can take such actions!

Especially Xu Liang.

Their mind was sharp, not inferior to criminal investigators. If he perceived any problem, perhaps it’s worth listening to him.

Except...

"Your Honor, we have nothing to say." Xu Liang showed a faint smile, stood up and addressed gently.

The moment these words dropped... everyone was stunned.

Nothing... nothing to say?

Does it mean the defendant is correct!?

Could it possibly be that the project manager isn’t the scapegoat, but the crime indeed lies with him!?

Everyone was baffled, instinctively sensing something was off.

But the reputation and shadow of Xu Liang, his record had already deeply etched into everyone’s mind, leaving no desire for rebuttal.

After all, they all felt there was an issue; how could it be that Xu Liang couldn’t see it?

Unless... there’s no issue?

"Plaintiff, do you wish to make a rebuttal?" Chief Judge Liu furrowed his brows and gently asked once more.

"We will not rebut."

Xu Liang shook his head.

Now, it wasn’t just those in the gallery or at the judging seat.

Even Zhu Haoyi and Li Yang were dumbfounded.

The two instinctively exchanged glances, seeing deep confusion in each other’s eyes.

Before the trial, they had imagined that when Xu Liang heard about their scapegoat plan, he’d be furious, chastise them, and they’d feel extremely pressured.

But they never imagined that the other party would align with them!

Did Xu Liang get bribe? Hence pushing towards the target?

No way, Zhu Haoyi hated him so much he’d eat him alive, how could he possibly be bribed!?

"We agree with the argument proposed by the defendant’s lawyer!"

Xu Liang spoke again, leaving everyone more and more confused.

But the next sentence sent everyone back to reality, as he said again:

"Then!"

"Shall we discuss compensation next?"

Compensation...

Indeed, this case was not solely about criminal liability.

Routine criminal liabilities, even if there are settlements, are for the compensation of the act of murder.

But this matter...

"Your Honor, based on our information, the Run Dong Weaving Plant has been forcibly demolished by the so-called project manager."

"Dozens of employees from the weaving plant are now living on the streets, unable to feed themselves adequately."

"Zhengyang Mining Company evidently infringed upon the personal property of Run Dong Weaving Plant! Compensation is a must!"

Xu Liang spoke, stating something everyone knew well.

This case intermixes criminal and civil matters, along with traces of administrative issues; now the administrative aspect is removed, leaving the former two.

But criminal... if it’s confirmed that the project manager is responsible, the case needs to be reopened under the manager.

So at present...

Civil case!?

Chief Judge Liu’s eyes twitched, feeling that the world is too unpredictable.

One moment he anxiously wondered what stunning remarks Xu Liang might make, and the next moment, the case seemed to turn into civil compensation...

If not for sensing Zhu Haoyi’s emotions, he would really suspect they had conspired!

Xu Liang wasted no time explaining and straightforwardly said:

"We demand Zhengyang Mining Company to pay a minimum of one-point-three million in cash to each victim from the Run Dong Weaving Plant!"

"Additionally, to the original shareholders of the weaving plant, like our client Liu Jinshui, a minimum compensation of three million!"

"This includes lost labor costs, equipment damage fees, land occupation charges, repair costs, nutritional fees..."

Pausing, Xu Liang uttered the last term.

"And emotional distress compensation!"

The moment the words were spoken.

Everyone at the scene instinctively widened their eyes, looking at Xu Liang in disbelief.

Wow, this is purely outrageous!

Liu Jinshui asking for this money is understandable, since he has a stake in the factory. Being forcibly demolished, it’s reasonable to ask for money.

But how come those employees also demand another 1.3 million!?

Moreover... there should be a basis for asking for money!

At the very least, you need to explain exactly which law Zhu Haoyi violated, then cite the law and demand compensation based on the amount stipulated by the law.

But how does it start with millions!?

"Honorable Chief Judge, we do not agree with the plaintiff’s compensation agreement!!!"

Li Yang and Zhu Haoyi suddenly became furious and quickly spoke up:

"This is typical extortion!!!"

Indeed, the two of them had expected a significant financial blow.

But the money can’t be taken out like this!!!

Thirty people, one million per person, maybe a maximum of 40 million. It’s likely that the weaving plant doesn’t even have thirty employees, purely exaggerated by Xu Liang and the media.

Then maybe the compensation will be just 20 to 30 million.

But... this is 20 to 30 million in cash!

A company valued at 100 million being drained of 20 to 30 million cash could immediately declare bankruptcy!

Zhengyang Mining Company indeed has money, and is indeed cash-rich, but even it can’t withstand such demands. Moreover, Zhengyang Mining Company is also backup funding for Zhu Haoyi and Li Yang.

The two of them had already planned to transfer the mining company’s money overseas, and then indulge in a life of luxury upon returning home.

Therefore, paying out this money... is akin to cutting flesh from their hearts!

"Ha."

Before the trial seat could speak, there was a cold laugh from the plaintiff’s side.

"Honorable Chief Judge, our stance is very firm."

"If the defendant disagrees with the compensation amount, we propose adjourning this trial and subsequently discussing the specific compensation amount!"

Adjourn... adjourn the trial!?

Chief Judge Liu felt a bit nervous.

Who knows if things will flow as smoothly as this trial after the adjournment, what if Xu Liang brings up something else...

It might even be impossible to close the case all year!

But one cannot force the compensation issue...

Chief Judge Liu looked at the plaintiff’s side.

Yet, despite Zhu Haoyi and Li Yang’s extremely ugly expressions, they showed no intention of adjourning.

"Plaintiff, the compensation range should be confined to a reasonable area."

Li Yang took a deep breath and spoke in a deep voice:

"The danger caused by the project manager did not affect the weaving plant employees, and the street life of the other party is not the fault of the mining company... "

The mining company only demolished the weaving plant’s dormitory.

Theoretically, the dormitory is the factory’s property, and the workers being homeless due to no dormitory or money is the workers’ own reason.

Morally speaking, perhaps some humanitarian compensation should be considered.

But 1.3 million... that’s insane!!!

"Chief Judge, we propose to adjourn the trial!"

Xu Liang did not hesitate, immediately speaking up.

Zhu Haoyi’s face instantly turned livid, clenching his teeth.

Adjourn?

Adjourn for at least half a month, and then reopen the hearing?

This is insane!

A month and a half ago, he should have been negotiating at Dongyang Vegetable Market, but now with another adjournment, Xu Liang sends people to keep an eye on him... Who knows when this technology will be acquired!

If the case drags on for three or four years, five or six years, by the time the technology is acquired, finding it’s already outdated would be laughable...

"Tsk."

Chief Judge Liu glanced at both sides and sighed.

At present, it’s evident that the compensation point is impossible to solve for both sides.

According to his experience...

"Pay!"

In a haze, a voice suddenly sounded from the defendant’s side.

Chief Judge Liu was stunned, subconsciously turning to look towards Zhu Haoyi.

"Chief Judge, we accept the compensation agreement proposed by the plaintiff."

Just then, Zhu Haoyi took a deep breath, gritted his teeth hard, and forced himself to speak:

"We are willing to compensate each person at Run Dong Weaving Plant 1.3 million for lost work and other expenses!"

Agreed...

Did they agree to this!?

This, this is agreed!?

At this point, not only the reporters on the hearing seat but even those in the trial seat were stunned, everyone looking at Zhu Haoyi in disbelief.

They could pay this!?

"Defendant, have you thought this through? If you agree, any breach will be subject to legal penalties!" Chief Judge Liu said dumbfoundedly.

"We confirm!"

"The mining company will take responsibility for the management oversight."

Zhu Haoyi suppressed his anger and spoke up.

"In that case, then...."

Chief Judge Liu nodded and prepared to speak, but in a haze, the plaintiff’s side spoke again.

Only to hear a voice from the plaintiff’s side.

"Chief Judge, we have not finished speaking!"

Everyone turned to look at Xu Liang, and saw Xu Liang continue:

"In addition to the above fees, you must also compensate our side’s Liu Jinshui 1 million for damages."

"Additionally, considering the impact on life from missing a hand, you should be responsible for this and make a cash compensation of no less than 500,000!"