Chapter 251 Because You Were Dishonest
Although Wang Wei has found a new witness, Han Xi needs to understand the situation to avoid Wang Zhong being unable to answer tricky questions from the opposing lawyer.
This case was already controversial, and with the sudden appearance of a witness, Han Xi had to be fully prepared before going to court.
Wang Zhong replied, "Wang Bing is known for his volatile temper in town. Few people dare to mess with him. I was afraid of getting into trouble, and since Awei didn't come to me, I didn't say anything."
"Aren't you afraid of his retaliation? And since you agreed to appear in court, did Mr. Wang promise you any compensation?"
Han Xi's tone was already very polite. If it were the opposing lawyer, they would definitely nitpick. She needed to communicate with the witness beforehand about all the possible conversations.
Seeing that he was nervous, Wang Wei quickly helped him explain.
“Attorney Han, after I went back yesterday, I knocked on doors to ask about the situation. Only Wang Zhong admitted to hearing it. After learning about my brother’s actions, he agreed to represent me in court.”
Han Xi waved her hand to interrupt him, reminding him, "Mr. Wang, you can't speak for him in court. This is a conversation between him and me, and it's something the defendant's lawyer will definitely ask. He needs to answer it himself."
Wang Zhong seemed somewhat at a loss upon hearing this, and kept rubbing his hands together.
Han Xi then said, "Mr. Wang Zhong, since you really heard their conversation, you just need to tell the truth in court. Now you need to answer these questions for me."
His current reaction clearly shows that he is speaking nervously. If he can't even get past Han Xi, let alone face not only the judge but also the judges and court clerks in court.
Wang Zhong twitched the corner of his mouth and said, "Of course I'm scared too, but Awei said that as long as I help him testify, once we get the money, he'll help us make a down payment on a new house in town for my son's wedding."
Han Xi had anticipated this situation; these people would only stand up for themselves, not out of a sense of justice.
Seeing her serious expression, Wang Zhong said solemnly, "But I can guarantee that I really heard such a thing."
Han Xi was still a little confused, so she thought for a moment and asked, "Then tell me what you heard."
Wang Zhong glanced at Wang Wei and replied seriously, "I heard it very clearly at the time. Wang Bing said that they bought the lottery together this time, and after paying the tax, they would split the remaining money equally. He also mentioned that they wanted to rebuild their ancestral graves, saying that it was the ancestors' blessing that allowed the brothers to win the lottery."
It was indeed a very clear testimony, but it gave Han Xi some trouble.
Wang Wei noticed her anxious expression and wondered what the problem was.
“Attorney Han, these are exactly what you said.”
Han Xi nodded and said, "As your agent, of course I believe what you say, but I know about your living situation. It's an ordinary four-unit residential building on one floor. How did he hear what you were saying behind closed doors?"
These words made Wang Zhong's expression change; he never expected Han Xi to even think of such a question.
Not only did he look unwell, but Wang Wei also seemed somewhat embarrassed.
He forced a smile and asked, "Attorney Han, that's a strange question. He just happened to be passing by and overheard it."
Han Xi sensed something was amiss and placed his hands on the table, looking at the two of them seriously.
“Mr. Wang, I hope you can face my question squarely. If I can think of it, then the opposing lawyer will definitely think of it too, and will ask even more tricky questions. How can you answer in order to make the judge believe you?”
Wang Wei scratched his head, unsure how to answer.
Wang Zhong blurted out, "I heard it by lying at their door. Although eavesdropping is rude, that's how I heard it."
Han Xi shook his head, not believing the explanation. Although it was an old town, the soundproofing was still good enough that people outside could hear the conversation inside.
"Even someone with super hearing might not be able to hear clearly, yet you can remember the entire conversation. That's really strange."
Wang Wei was displeased and said angrily, "You're the lawyer we hired. You should be thinking about how to help me win the case. Why are you interrogating me like a criminal?"
"Because you are not honest, and the witnesses' words are not convincing, there are many flaws in your statements. The judge and the jurors will not believe you, and you will definitely lose the case."
Han Xi believed that Wang Zhongzhen had indeed heard it, but the key question was how he had heard it. This required a reasonable explanation to be effective.
Wang Wei turned his head away, unsure of what to do about the question.
Wang Zhong looked troubled and continued rubbing the back of his hands.
There must be a special reason why he can't speak up at such a critical moment.
Han Xi said, "Now that we have a witness, we have a 50% chance of winning this case. Now I need to understand the situation before I can come up with a strategy."
Wang Wei had no choice but to say, "Attorney Han, actually, it's like this: Wang Zhong is notorious in town for being dishonest. He happened to be stealing from my house that day."
This was the truth that Han Xi wanted to hear. If they weren't inside the house, how could he have heard the two brothers' conversation so clearly?
Wang Zhong lowered his head in shame and said awkwardly, "I heard everyone say that the brothers had won the lottery, and I thought they had already claimed the prize money, so I secretly went into their house and overheard their conversation."
After saying that, Wang Zhong asked nervously, "Attorney Han, will I go to jail for saying this? What if they find out about this?"
Han Xi waved his hand to calm him down and said calmly, "Now that I know the situation, I will definitely find a way to solve it, but you absolutely cannot answer like that in court."
Wang Zhong finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had been afraid of being arrested and imprisoned, which was why he hadn't dared to tell the truth.
Since Wang Wei's family suffered no losses, they naturally won't pursue his responsibility. They can persuade him to appear in court and even help him buy a house, so why not?
"Attorney Han, I'm entrusting this matter to you. We'll follow your instructions when it comes to what we say."
"Okay, go back and wait for news. I will notify you in advance once the court date is confirmed."
Han Xi still needs to come up with a suitable reason to prevent Wang Zhong's affair from being exposed while also convincing the judge.
After seeing the two off, Han Xi focused on reviewing criminal law materials. A short while later, he heard teasing voices coming from the doorway.
"Attorney Han, you've been scammed!"
Han Xi looked up and Shen Jiheng waved to her with a contented smile.
Shen Jiheng swaggered in with his arms crossed, sat on the sofa, and looked her up and down.
Han Xi asked, puzzled, "What do you mean by that? Who has deceived me?"
“Your witness Wang Zhong is lying; he was not at Wang Wei’s house that day at all.”
Han Xi's expression changed upon hearing this. Compared to the two of them, she now believed Shen Jiheng more.
"I don't understand, what did he lie to me about?"
Shen Jiheng showed her a hotel registration book, pointing to the date and time mentioned by the witness. His name was on the registration book, which stunned Han Xi.
Han Xi asked with a puzzled look, "What's going on? Why is he on this register?"
Shen Jiheng then took out a somewhat blurry photo and handed it over, believing that Han Xi would know the answer after seeing it.
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