217 - I Don’t Want to Be Turned Into the Female Protagonist by the System

# Chapter 217: United in the Family The lawyer with the gold-framed glasses feigned calmness as he adjusted his spectacles, but internally, he was in turmoil. Events like these were typically cases where he'd go for a not-guilty defense, usually resulting in some financial damages for the defendant. But now, the defendant had been sentenced to six years. Six years implied serious misconduct, captured and compounded by aggravating circumstances. If word got out, he'd be finished in the legal world, forced to give it all up and perhaps go home to raise pigs. Fortunately, it wasn't too late — Yang Ming might be out of reach, but Yang Da Ming was still on the table. If he handled Yang Da Ming's case well, his reputation wouldn't be completely tarnished. Thinking this, he offered Yang Da Ming a smile he thought to be warm, nodding lightly to signal him to relax. However, to Yang Da Ming, this smile appeared devilish — surely this lawyer was an undercover agent sent by the prosecution. Yang Da Ming felt on the verge of tears; his son's attempt failed, resulting in a six-year sentence thanks to this lawyer's work. If his own case involving bribery, which was quite serious, was mishandled by this lawyer, would he not be facing a death sentence? Watching his lawyer brim with confidence, Yang Da Ming recalled seeing this same demeanor during his son's trial. Now his son was being sent to the hospital because of this — was it now his turn? Yang Da Ming glared at the lawyer, who mistook this for comfort. Little did he know, Yang Da Ming had fallen into despair. And so, before the second round of debates could begin, an unexpected turn occurred. Yang Da Ming abruptly admitted, "I confess — everything the prosecution said is true." This move left everyone in the courtroom stunned. Especially their own lawyer, who almost crushed his glasses in shock, exclaiming, "Are you insane?" Yang Da Ming looked at him, thinking only someone insane would trust this lawyer. Ignoring the lawyer, Yang Da Ming glanced at his wife, unable to comprehend from which remote village she had found such a supposed genius. At that moment, Wang Da Zhen was still in shock over her husband's sudden confession. Once she regained her senses, she heard her husband's familiar and affectionate curses aimed at her and the lawyer. The severity dripped from his words made her feel as if Yang Da Ming were watching a soccer match. "Order!" With the gavel's strike, the courtroom fell silent once again. Lin Zi, finding the situation amusing, observed the scene. As an experienced lawyer, she had witnessed countless courtroom quarrels but had never seen a defendant voluntarily confess before proceedings even began. It seemed Yang Da Hua had truly lost faith in his lawyer. Ironically, Yang Da Hua was mistaken about this lawyer. His name was Zhang Wei, renowned in Suzhou for his not-guilty defenses. His knack for finding loopholes had saved numerous wealthy clients from prison, and his fees were even higher than Lin Zi's. Yet, targeting the young Su Qi twice, failing both times, compounded with the donation issue, the judges subtly favored her, leading to the six-year sentence. Watching Zhang Wei's face turn grave, Lin Zi chalked it up as poetic justice given how many had escaped punishment due to him. Estimating this incident's impact on the legal community, perhaps Zhang Wei would be done, at least in Suzhou. As she mused, the judge spoke, "Prosecution, the defendant has confessed — do you have anything to add?" Su Qi paused, puzzled. Was six years not sufficient? She noticed Lawyer Lin Zi slowly pass over a prepared document. Zhang Wei, gripping his spectacles until they creaked, saw the absurd demand of nearly 300,000 yuan in damages. Signing it would be akin to nailing his professional reputation to the wall of disgrace. "This can't be signed!" Zhang Wei told Wang Da Zhen. Yang Da Ming, incensed by Zhang Wei's words, rebuked him internally. Where was your outrage when Yang Ming was given six years? Besides, if we're talking about ninety years of jail time, how unbearable is 300,000 we can't afford? "I agree!" he declared before Zhang Wei could protest further. Soon after, Lin Zi received the signed compensation document with a handprint on it, feeling a sudden disinterest. Having poured many nights of effort into this case, even losing some hair over it, she had yet to deliver her arguments before it concluded. Looking at Su Qi's wide, curious eyes beside her, she handed her the document, saying, "Take a look, once it’s over, you can collect the money!" Su Qi's eyes widened at the eleven compensation items detailed on the document, learning these were related to her injuries when pursued by Yang Ming. She was particularly astonished by the 230,000 yuan mental distress fee. At that moment, she understood why street fights were becoming rare — it's simply unaffordable! Holding the slip of paper, Su Qi was a bit excited, understanding from Lin Zi's words that she'd be receiving money. Though, she vaguely wondered about the deduction for legal fees. Lin Zi, if privy to Su Qi's thoughts, would find them amusing, given her own fees didn't come cheap. Yet, Lin Zi also pondered curiously about how this little girl, so thrilled about money, could have donated so much. As Lin Zi sized up Su Qi with this curiosity, the judges had arrived at a verdict for Yang Da Ming. Yang Da Ming was sentenced to nine years for bribery, commended for his cooperation and willingness to compensate the prosecution. After confirming neither side had objections. Bang— With the gavel's strike, Su Qi watched as the once-proud lawyer with gold-rimmed glasses collapsed as if he were the one about to be sentenced. With that symbolic strike, the entire episode concluded satisfactorily. Wang Da Zhen, disregarding Zhang Wei, hastily approached her husband as he prepared to be escorted away. Facing his approaching wife, Yang Da Ming felt a headache pulsating at his temples. At that moment, Yang Da Ming wished only for the officer to promptly escort him away. Wang Da Zhen followed Yang Da Ming, ultimately boarding the vehicle that would take him "home." Unexpectedly, an officer emerged from the vehicle, holding a paper bearing a notice. Yang Da Ming recognized this document, having been served it during the summons two days prior. Was it for him again? But the officer bypassed him, addressing his wife, "Are you Wang Da Zhen?" Instinctively, she nodded. "Ah, how fortuitous, I was looking for you." With that, he handed over the subpoena. Though short in words, its substance was rich. The more Wang Da Zhen read, the more her heart raced. Laid out in detail were her failures to provide social insurance to factory workers, the miner injuries without due compensation, and most critically, her threats to injured workers' families, all unveiled. Reported by multiple whistleblowers, it detailed collective, notarized accusations. Factoring in all offenses, her trial would commence in three days, and barring surprises, Wang Da Zhen would also serve time for intimidation. Thus, she earned matching handcuffs like her husband's. With the vehicle setting off, a familiar prison officer, who previously escorted Yang Da Hua, commented during a stop at a traffic light: "Just dropped off your son, didn't expect to be picking you up so soon." Seeing no response from the pair, he added, "Your family truly is complete in every sense!"