Chapter 202: Court Case Resumes (4)
Mr. Shi, realizing the importance of discrediting Tang Junjie’s testimony, shifted his focus to the witness’s background. "Mr. Tang Junjie, considering your background and financial struggles, one might argue that your motives in this case could be influenced by personal gain. Is it not true that you would benefit significantly if the Gu family were found guilty and held responsible for the incident?"
Tang Junjie, undeterred by the personal attack, responded calmly, "While my family has faced financial hardships, my primary concern is seeking justice for the victims of the construction site incident. My motivations lie in ensuring accountability and preventing such tragedies in the future."
Mr. Shi continued, "However, one could argue that your circumstances might lead you to exaggerate or manipulate facts to secure financial compensation. Can the court truly rely on the testimony of someone with such pressing financial burdens?"
Tang Junjie maintained his poise, "My financial struggles do not diminish the truth of what happened at the construction site. I am here to provide an honest account of the events I witnessed, irrespective of my personal circumstances. Seeking justice is my priority."
As Mr. Shi persisted in his attempts to challenge Tang Junjie’s reliability, the witness remained steadfast. Tang Junjie’s calm and composed demeanor, coupled with his unwavering commitment to seeking justice, made it difficult for Mr. Shi to shake his credibility.
The courtroom observed the intense exchange, and the tension lingered as Mr. Shi continued his line of questioning. Tang Junjie’s testimony held the potential to shape the course of the trial, and his resilience under scrutiny became a pivotal factor in determining the credibility of the allegations against the Gu family.
Mr. Shi says, "Mr. Tang, you don’t even have evidence that Mr. Song informed Manager Pang about his suspicions." Tang Junjie, sitting confidently on the witness stand, calmly responds, "Actually, I do have evidence."
The courtroom falls silent, and all eyes turn to Tang Junjie. Mr. Shi, now on the defensive, is unsure how to proceed. Tang Junjie continues, "It’s with our lawyer," pointing to Ao Junfeng.
The judge, intrigued by this unexpected development, allows Ao Junfeng to present the evidence. Ao Junfeng stands and says, "Permission to show the whole court the evidence, Your Honor?"
The judge grants permission, and Ao Junfeng begins to reveal a series of documents, messages, and recorded conversations. The evidence meticulously details the interactions between Brother Song and Manager Pang, confirming the suspicions raised by Tang Junjie.
As the evidence unfolds on the screen, it becomes increasingly clear that the Gu family’s attempts to discredit Tang Junjie have backfired. Mr. Shi struggles to find a counterargument, realizing that Tang Junjie’s case has gained substantial strength.
In the midst of the presentation, the judge turns to Mr. Shi and says, "Do you have any further questions, Mr. Shi?" Mr. Shi, feeling the weight of the situation, stammers, "Your Honor, I have no further questions."
Tang Junjie returns to his seat beside Brother Song, who quietly expresses his gratitude. Tang Junjie reassures him, "Stay strong. We’ll get through this together." The courtroom now buzzes with anticipation as the Gu family faces the consequences of their actions, and the truth unfolds in the legal battle.
Ao junfeng says, "Ladies and gentlemen, the evidence shows reports written by Mr. Song with the help of Mr. Tang about their findings on the cement issue. This is the report that should have been submitted to Manager Pang. However, because he had dismissed Mr. Song, he gave this report to Mr. Tang for safekeeping. Mr. Song had already lost trust in Manager Pang and the entire leadership of Dreamscape Estates."
Ao Junfeng continues, "Now I have this USB that I would like to play for the court, so all can see how wicked Manager Pang was to his employees alongside Dreamscape Estates." He plugs in the USB, and soon the sound of voices fills the courtroom.
The recorded conversation reveals Manager Pang saying, "Listen, Song, I like you, I really do, and I don’t want you to lose this job. I have informed the superiors, and they brushed it off. So, I would suggest you stay out of this. No one will know anyway. The building will be completed, and you will be getting paid your due salary every month. You don’t want to ruin that now, do you?"
In the recording, Brother Song expresses concern, stating, "But Manager Pang, this is risky for the workers. The cement needs to be changed." Manager Pang responds dismissively, "Are you telling me how to do my job?"
The courtroom listens intently to the incriminating conversation, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense. The Gu family, particularly Manager Pang, looks visibly uncomfortable as the evidence implicates him in unethical practices.
In the recording, Manager Pang’s tone grows increasingly hostile as he retorts, "Song, you are just a worker here. I call the shots. If you keep pushing this matter, you might find yourself without a job. Do you really want to risk that?"
Brother Song, maintaining a calm but assertive demeanor, responds, "Manager Pang, I am reporting this for the second time now. The safety of the workers is at stake. We need to change the cement; it’s a serious issue."
Manager Pang, unfazed by Brother Song’s plea, scoffs and says, "You think reporting it to the superiors will change anything? They won’t listen to the likes of you. You are replaceable, Song, don’t forget that."
Brother Song, undeterred, insists, "This is about the safety and integrity of the construction. I won’t compromise on that. If you won’t take action, I’ll escalate this matter to higher authorities. I won’t let the workers suffer due to your negligence."
Manager Pang, growing increasingly agitated, raises his voice, "You are treading on thin ice, Song. Don’t think you can challenge me and get away with it. I have the power here."
As the recording unfolds, the courtroom witnesses the hostile dynamics between Manager Pang and Brother Song. Manager Pang’s threats and dismissive attitude are laid bare, revealing the toxic work environment within Dreamscape Estates. The evidence becomes a powerful tool in exposing the corruption and mistreatment of workers by the management.
Apologies for the confusion. Let me pick up from there:
As the recording finished playing, Ao Junfeng immediately requested Manager Pang to return to the witness stand. The judge, with a stern expression, signaled for Manager Pang to retake his oath.
Manager Pang, now visibly anxious, walked back to the stand and swore to tell the truth once again. Ao Junfeng wasted no time and began his questioning.
"Manager Pang, the court has just heard a recording of your conversation with Mr. Song regarding the concerns he raised about the cement quality. In that recording, you clearly threatened Mr. Song’s job if he continued to pursue the matter. Can you explain this blatant contradiction with your earlier testimony?"
Manager Pang, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, stammered, "Your Honor, it’s a misunderstanding. I never meant to threaten Mr. Song. It was just a figure of speech."
Ao Junfeng, unyielding, pressed on, "A figure of speech that conveniently aligns with your previous denial of being aware of Mr. Song’s report. Do you maintain that you were unaware of the issues raised by Mr. Song regarding the cement quality?"
Manager Pang hesitated, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Well, Your Honor, I might have been aware, but I didn’t think it was a significant concern."
Ao Junfeng, seizing the opportunity, continued to expose the inconsistencies in Manager Pang’s testimony. "So, you were aware. This court takes seriously any attempts to mislead or deceive. Manager Pang, you have sworn to tell the truth, yet your statements are riddled with contradictions. I urge the court to consider the implications of perjury."
The judge, growing increasingly skeptical of Manager Pang’s credibility, said, "Manager Pang, these contradictions are troubling. The court will investigate this matter further. You are advised to be honest and transparent in your responses."
As the proceedings unfolded, it became evident that Manager Pang was now entangled in a web of his own making, with the weight of perjury hanging over his testimony. The court awaited further evidence and revelations that would ultimately determine the course of justice in the Dreamscape Estates case.
Ao Junfeng addressed the court, "Your Honor, this evidence clearly demonstrates the intimidation faced by Mr. Song when he tried to address the safety concerns. Dreamscape Estates, under Manager Pang’s management, prioritized profits over the safety and livelihood of its employees."
Mr. Shi, now facing a weakened defense, attempted to salvage the situation. "Your Honor, I must object to the relevance of this recording. It does not prove any criminal wrongdoing; it’s merely a workplace disagreement."
The judge, however, was not swayed. "Mr. Shi, the court finds the recording highly relevant in establishing the hostile work environment and the pressure Mr. Song faced when attempting to report safety concerns. This goes beyond a simple disagreement."
