Chapter 179: Court Case (2)
As the defence lawyer began presenting his case, he confidently addressed the allegations against Dreamscape Estates. His argument unfolded with a narrative that cast doubt on the credibility of the workers, asserting that they had never reported the alleged low-quality cement. The lawyer went on to claim that, upon thorough investigation, the company discovered that some employees had stolen and sold the cement, substituting it with an inferior quality.
He painted a picture of the company’s superiors as empathetic individuals who, despite the workers’ transgressions, chose not to involve law enforcement. According to the lawyer, this leniency was an act of mercy due to the workers’ unfortunate injuries. Brother Song, among others, was taken aback by the audacity of the lawyer’s blatant falsehoods. Even those workers who were not present in the courtroom were astonished at the lawyer’s adeptness in weaving a deceptive narrative. The courtroom atmosphere grew tenser as the defence lawyer skillfully manipulated the facts to suit his argument.
As the defence lawyer concluded his presentation, he confidently took his seat, shooting a smug glance at Ao Junfeng. The time had come to call in witnesses, and the defence began by summoning their first witness, Manager Ping, who was in charge of the ill-fated project.
Mr. Shi, the defence lawyer, stood up and announced, "I would like to call Manager Ping to the stand." Manager Ping approached the stand, swore an oath, and Mr. Shi began his examination.
"Manager Ping, take us back to the weeks before the incident occurred," Mr. Shi requested. Manager Ping cleared his throat and began his testimony, recalling the period leading up to the tragic event.
"We noticed that some of the workers were acting jumpy whenever we came to check the progress of the work," Manager Ping recounted. Mr. Shi seized the opportunity to explore Manager Ping’s initial thoughts upon noticing the workers’ nervous behavior.
"At first, we dismissed it," Manager Ping explained. "We thought the workers were jittery due to the increased workload as we approached the project deadline." Mr. Shi encouraged Manager Ping to provide a detailed account of the events, seeking to establish an alternative narrative that contradicted the claims made by the plaintiffs.
Manager Ping continued his testimony, "A few days later, we noticed that some materials and work tools went missing." Mr. Shi delved into Manager Ping’s initial response to the missing materials, asking, "What was your first response when materials went missing?"
Manager Ping explained, "The thing is, I trusted these men, all of them. It didn’t occur to me that they would do something so despicable. So, a day later, I went to check again. As I counted the cements, everything was in order. I just thought we had miscalculated the previous day."
Mr. Shi probed further, "Did you inform your superiors of this?" Manager Ping responded, "No, I didn’t. Since everything seemed in order, I thought it was no longer necessary to inform them. Of course, I didn’t want them to find out that I had made a mistake counting things."
Mr. Shi turned to the judge and asserted, "Your Honor, as you can hear, along with everyone in this courtroom, Dreamscape Estates always thought and trusted its workers." He then turned to Manager Ping and said, "Now, narrate what happened after the incident."
Manager Ping continued, "The incident really devastated all of us. Even most of our workers who were not injured were too scared to continue working. After the incident, it hit me that something had happened. That was when I informed my superiors, and that was when they started investigating the cause of the incident. It was revealed that the cement had been changed to low-quality cement, which was the cause of the building collapsing."
Mr. Shi, satisfied with Manager Ping’s testimony, announced to the judge, "Your Honor, I have no further questions," and sat down with confidence still written on his face.
Ao Junfeng, standing as the prosecutor, took the opportunity to cross-examine the witness. Walking closer to Manager Ping, he looked into his eyes and asked, "Manager Ping, tell the judge, everyone in court, and those watching, do you agree that not even once has Mr. Song here come to your office to report his complaints about the low-quality cement that was being delivered?"
Manager Ping hesitated and gulped before responding, "I don’t recall that."
Ao Junfeng chuckled with a sly smile, saying, "Are you sure, Manager Ping? You know that lying under oath is a criminal offense."
Manager Ping replied, "Yes, I am."
Ao Junfeng pressed on, "So, you’re telling the court that Mr. Song never raised any concerns about the cement, even when you claim to trust your workers?"
Manager Ping stammered, "Well, I..."
Ao Junfeng interrupted, "Yes or no, Manager Ping."
Manager Ping reluctantly answered, "No."
Ao Junfeng leaned back with a satisfied expression, as if he had just uncovered a crucial inconsistency in the defence’s narrative. The courtroom, along with those watching, waited in anticipation for the next turn of events in this legal battle.
Ao Junfeng said, "Manager Ping, I hear that your family has been going through some financial troubles lately." Manager Ping, now sweating, replied, "What does that have to do with all this? Everyone encounters financial troubles here and there." Ao Junfeng continued, "You recently got divorced, reason being infidelity, am I right, Manager Ping?"
The judge intervened, "Lawyer Junfeng, get to the point."
Ao Junfeng responded, "I am getting there, Your Honor, just a few more questions." He then turned to Manager Ping and requested, "Please answer my question." Manager Ping hesitated but admitted, "That’s correct."
Ao Junfeng gave a small chuckle and continued, "Your mistress has a little child, a few months old, am I right?" Mr. Shi, the defence lawyer, stood up and protested, "Your Honor, his questions have nothing to do with why we are here today." Ao Junfeng dismissed the objection, saying, "Calm down, Lawyer Shi; you had your chance."
The courtroom, now tense with anticipation, awaited the connection between these personal questions and the ongoing legal battle. The unfolding drama in court had captured the attention of the entire city, making it the center of discussion among its residents.
Ao Junfeng continued, "A few days before today, your... what should I call her... girlfriend, was spotted shopping for a new Chanel bag that costs roughly 70,000 yuan. Now tell me, Manager Ping, where did your child’s mother get the money all of a sudden? You just told this court that you have financial troubles, or are you saying your girlfriend has a rich boyfriend on the side?"
Manager Ping, now visibly irritated, bellowed, "Don’t you dare say that about her!" Ao Junfeng calmly replied, "So she doesn’t have a boyfriend. Also, Manager Ping, you paid all your casino debts three days ago, and according to my knowledge, you owe them 150,000 yuan. Tell the court and everyone else how the Gu family paid you off to lie so bluntly on the stand. Tell them how you quickly took the money, ready to throw the worker you claimed you cared for the most under the bus to save your own skin and clear all your financial problems."
As soon as Ao Junfeng finished speaking, there was a loud uproar in the courtroom. The revelation of the alleged bribery and the exposed personal life of Manager Ping added an unexpected twist to the legal proceedings, leaving everyone in shock. The city, now fully engrossed in the unfolding drama, eagerly awaited the court’s response to these startling revelations.
Manager Ping wiped the sweat from his forehead and said weakly, "That is not true." Ao Junfeng responded, "I see... you can’t explain where and how you got the money either." He turned to the judge and said, "No more questions, Your Honor." Ao Junfeng then sat down, casting a glance at Master Gu and Madame Gu, both of whom looked like they had been hit by a bus.
The atmosphere in the courtroom remained tense as the shocking revelations unfolded. The Gu family, once confident in their defense, now faced the harsh reality of their secrets being exposed. The city continued to follow the trial closely, eager to witness the final verdict that would determine the fate of Dreamscape Estates and its powerful owners.
The judge declared, "Let us take a short 15-minute break before we call the next witness. Court adjourned." As soon as the judge walked out, everyone else left the courtroom. The Gu family, still reeling from the shocking revelations, huddled together outside the courtroom, surrounded by the whispers and stares of curious onlookers. The fate of Dreamscape Estates hung in the balance, and the upcoming witnesses promised more twists in the legal battle that had captivated the entire city.
