Chapter 178: Court Case
The Gu family began their day with a sense of calm, an unexpected tranquility prevailing in Master Gu’s mind. The family gathered in the dining room, swiftly partaking in their morning meal. Amidst bites of breakfast, Master Gu provided an update, saying, "Our lawyer assured us that everything is in order."
Madam Gu, displaying a determined demeanor, responded, "Good. Let’s go and get this over and done with. We have a banquet to prepare for." Gu Hua, showing confidence, chimed in, "We will obviously win the case, Dad." Gu Liang, with a touch of impatience, added, "I still need to go to the mall for jewelry, so I hope it ends quickly."
Madam Gu, always pragmatic, inquired, "Have you contacted the men?" Master Gu assured her, "Yes, everything is still going according to plan." With that, the family rose from the table, finding two cars already waiting to transport them to court, setting the stage for a crucial day ahead.
At the court, a horde of reporters had gathered, anticipating the arrival of Master Gu’s family. The moment their car pulled up, reporters swarmed forward, eager to extract a story from the unfolding drama. Guards quickly cleared a path for Master Gu and Madam Gu to exit their car, subjecting them to a barrage of questions.
One reporter, trying to dig deeper, inquired, "Master Gu, are the claims made by the workers true?" Master Gu, exuding confidence, stood at the center of attention, and with an air of self-assurance, declared, "At Dreamscape Estates, we ensure that all our employees work in safe environments. Today, it will be proven that when you climb the ladder, some people will try to break you to pieces." Another reporter pressed, "Does this mean Master Gu is certain they will win the case today?" Master Gu, maintaining his composure, responded, "I won’t say much since you will all witness the proceedings."
Efforts to extract more information were futile as Master Gu and Madam Gu proceeded to walk into the court, leaving the reporters outside clamoring for details.
As they entered the courtroom, Ao Junfeng, accompanied by Brother Song, found themselves face to face with Master Gu. Master Gu, exuding confidence, approached them and casually suggested, "If I were you, I would just drop this case. You don’t have to ruin your winning streak for a bunch of nobodies." Ao Junfeng, undeterred, replied, "What makes you think I will lose the case?" Gu Hua, entering with Gu Liang, chimed in, "Of course, you won’t win. You’ll go back to Beijing with your tail between your legs." Ao Junfeng, seemingly unfazed, retorted, "I’ll believe it when I see it," and then turned to Brother Song, signaling to proceed inside.
Madame Gu, sensing the gravity of the situation, warned Ao Junfeng, "Are you sure you want to continue? This is your last chance to change your mind." Ao Junfeng, without directly answering, urged them to discuss it inside. Master Gu took a moment to lean in closer to Brother Song and issued a veiled threat, "If you want your family back alive, I suggest you drop this." Brother Song, clenching his fists, defiantly responded, "If anything happens to them, I will do everything in my power to make you rot in jail." Master Gu laughed dismissively, claiming, "Rich people never go to jail," as the Gu family walked away, leaving Brother Song with a deep sense of determination.
Inside the courtroom, Ao Junfeng and Brother Song prepared for the impending legal battle, both sides ready for what could be the trial of the year.
As the proceedings commenced, Ao Junfeng adeptly presented his case, articulating to the judge how Dreamscape Estates’ superiors had disregarded employee warnings about the low-quality cement. This negligence, as he argued, resulted in the collapse of the building, causing severe injuries to many employees. He meticulously outlined how, following the incident, Dreamscape Estates shifted blame to evade compensating the injured workers.
Ao Junfeng painted a vivid picture of the aftermath, describing how the incident had a profound impact on the workers, with some losing the ability to engage in strenuous jobs for the remainder of their lives. The courtroom listened intently as he built a compelling narrative, underscoring the magnitude of the injustice and negligence committed by Dreamscape Estates. As he presented his evidence, the weight of the allegations hung heavily in the air, setting the stage for a legal battle that would determine the fate of those affected by the tragic event.
In a strategic move, Ao Junfeng proceeded to outline the compensation demands for the affected employees. He emphasized that those unable to continue working should be compensated with 5 million yuan each, while those with minor injuries deserved 2 million yuan each. The employee confined to a wheelchair for an entire year due to severe injuries was singled out for special consideration, with a proposed compensation of 10 million yuan.
The calculated breakdown meant that four employees were eligible for 5 million each, one for 10 million, and the remainder for 2 million each, resulting in a total of 70 million yuan. Ao Junfeng justified this allocation as a fair and just reparation for the physical and emotional toll suffered by the victims. Additionally, he proposed that the remaining 30 million yuan be distributed equally among the workers to cover medical expenses and address the emotional distress caused by the traumatic incident.
The reporters, sensing the significance of these revelations, diligently captured every detail, broadcasting the live proceedings on various news television stations for the public to witness the unfolding legal drama.
As Ao Junfeng confidently presented his case and outlined the substantial compensation demands, the Gu family seethed with anger. The proposed amount of 100 million yuan was nothing short of staggering, and it fueled their frustration and resentment toward the accusers. The tension in the courtroom was palpable, and the guileful smirk on Ao Junfeng’s face only intensified the animosity between the two parties.
The eyes of the entire city were fixated on their screens, as almost every household tuned in to witness the legal showdown. Former workers of Dreamscape Estates, those who couldn’t attend the court proceedings, followed the developments from the comfort of their homes. Gratitude filled their hearts, as they felt a sense of vindication and relief that someone was finally standing up for their rights. With bated breath, they waited to see if justice would prevail in their favor. The outcome of this case carried significant implications for all involved, and the spectators were on the edge of their seats, hoping for a fair resolution.
The judge diligently transcribed the details as Ao Junfeng eloquently presented his case. On the other side, Master Gu’s lawyer anxiously awaited his turn, confidence radiating from him. He believed that this case was an opportunity to showcase his legal prowess and secure a victory against Ao Junfeng. With meticulous preparation, he was determined to counter the accusations and turn the tide in favor of the Gu family.
As the courtroom drama unfolded, both legal teams were poised for a battle of wits and arguments, each confident in their ability to sway the judge’s decision. The outcome of this legal clash would not only affect the financial standing of Dreamscape Estates but also determine the fate of the injured workers who had suffered due to the building collapse. The stakes were high, and the courtroom atmosphere remained charged with anticipation. The judge, with a sense of responsibility, continued to record every detail, fully aware of the weight this case carried.
