“Whether it’s forged or not, the court can determine that,” Chen Min said calmly. “We have already submitted this document to the Forensic Evidence Center, and the results will be available soon. But in any case, Mr. Gu Yanting, your long-term commercial criminal activities have been proven beyond doubt.”
III. Clash of Evidence: The Ultimate Showdown Between Law and Humanity
The subsequent presentation of evidence devolved into a fierce battle between the prosecution and the defense over the evidence. The prosecution presented, in turn, trading records showing Gu Yanting's manipulation of the securities market, contracts indicating commercial fraud, original documents of false evidence used to frame Ah Yu, and screenshots of chat logs showing him instructing his subordinates to engage in cyberbullying. Each piece of evidence was like a heavy hammer, slamming down on the wall of lies that Gu Yanting had built.
Zhang Heng attempted to refute each point, questioning the authenticity of the transaction records, claiming the contract was signed voluntarily by the other party, and that the chat logs were taken out of context. However, faced with irrefutable forensic examination and witness testimonies, his defenses became increasingly weak and unconvincing. When the prosecution presented the final piece of evidence—records of huge unexplained fund flows in Gu Yanting's overseas accounts—Zhang Heng finally fell silent.
“Your Honor,” Chen Min concluded, “all the evidence forms a complete chain of evidence, sufficient to prove that the defendant Gu Yanting has committed multiple crimes, including commercial fraud, stock market manipulation, false accusation, illegal detention, and kidnapping for extortion. His actions not only violate the criminal law but also seriously disrupt the market economic order and infringe upon citizens’ personal rights and right to reputation. We request the court to severely punish him according to the law, to uphold the majesty of the law, and to give justice to the victims.”
Zhang Heng stood up and made his final defense: "Your Honor, jurors, although the prosecution has presented a large amount of evidence, much of it is flawed and cannot completely eliminate reasonable doubt. My client, Mr. Gu Yanting, merely employed some 'flexible' methods in a complex business environment and did not intend to commit a crime. As for the kidnapping charge, there are many doubts surrounding it. I request the court to consider Mr. Gu Yanting's previous contributions to society and the possibility that he is a first-time offender, and to grant him leniency in sentencing."
Before he could finish speaking, Gu Yanting interrupted him with an angry growl: "What nonsense are you talking about! I haven't committed any crime! They framed me!"
"Defendant, remain silent!" Judge Li Jianguo slammed his gavel. "Otherwise, I will charge you with contempt of court!"
Gu Yanting abruptly shut his mouth, his chest heaving violently, his eyes filled with resentment and venom. He looked at Ah Yu, Zhong Hua, and Lin Wanqing, his gaze like a poisoned knife, as if he wanted to tear them to pieces.
Ah Yu grasped Zhong Hua's hand, feeling the cold sweat on her palm. He knew that Gu Yanting's collapse meant the scales of justice had completely tipped. Lin Wanqing sat in the witness stand, tears silently streaming down her face—tears of relief, and tears of regret for her past foolishness and blindness.
"Now, the defendant will make his final statement," Judge Li Jianguo said.
Gu Yanting stood up, straightened his suit, and tried to regain his composure, but his trembling voice betrayed him: "Your Honor, jurors, I admit that I may have used some less-than-honorable methods in business competition, and that was wrong of me. However, I absolutely did not commit the serious crimes they are accusing me of! This is all a conspiracy; it is Ah Yu and Zhong Hua who have joined forces to retaliate against me! It has not been easy for me, Gu Yanting, to get to where I am today. I have created so much wealth for society, and I cannot let them destroy it all! I beg the court to investigate thoroughly and restore my innocence!"
After he finished speaking, the courtroom fell silent. No one believed his explanation; even he himself felt his words were weak and unconvincing.
IV. Final Judgment: The Lingering Echoes After the Dust Settles
Judge Li Jianguo adjourned the court for deliberation. Ah Yu, Zhong Hua, and Lin Wanqing walked out of the courtroom and stood in the corridor. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor. None of the three spoke; a sense of relieved exhaustion filled the air.
"I'm sorry," Lin Wanqing suddenly spoke, her voice hoarse, "If it weren't for me..."
"Stop talking," Zhong Hua interrupted her, gently patting her shoulder. "It's all in the past."
Ah Yu looked at them, his heart filled with mixed emotions. This long war was finally coming to an end. But he knew that the end was also a new beginning. They had lost a lot, but they had also grown a lot.
An hour later, the court reconvened. Everyone held their breath, awaiting the final verdict.
Judge Li Jianguo stood up, picked up the judgment, and spoke in a solemn and clear voice:
"After deliberation by the collegial panel, this court finds that the prosecution's charges against the defendant Gu Yanting for commercial fraud, manipulation of the securities market, false accusation, illegal detention, and kidnapping for extortion are clear, the evidence is conclusive and sufficient, and the charges are established."
As the person in charge of the enterprise, the defendant Gu Yanting should have abided by laws and regulations and operated with integrity. However, in pursuit of personal interests, he disregarded the dignity of the law and committed a number of illegal and criminal acts over a long period of time. His behavior was heinous and had a great harm to society. Moreover, he showed no remorse after committing the crimes. Instead, he tried to cover up his crimes and threaten witnesses, which made the circumstances particularly serious.
Based on the relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, the judgment is as follows:
I. Defendant Gu Yanting is guilty of commercial fraud and is sentenced to ten years imprisonment and fined RMB 50 million.
Second, he was convicted of manipulating the securities market and sentenced to eight years in prison and fined RMB 100 million.
Third, for the crime of false accusation and framing, he shall be sentenced to three years of imprisonment;
Fourth, for the crime of illegal detention, he is sentenced to five years' imprisonment;
Fifth, he was convicted of kidnapping and extortion and sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined RMB 30 million.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
