Chapter 36: Chapter 34 This is What You Call Professional

The law firm slowly regained its calm, but it was evident that everyone's minds were not on the work in their hands.

In fact, regarding Tang Fangjing's various notions, nobody had held a favorable view. Criminal private prosecution is never so easy, and often it's simply not worth the trouble.

But the other party still went ahead with it, even though it came at such a great cost.

Moreover, to this day, his aim is still to set up the homeowners' association. All that he has done was for this goal.

But why does it always seem like he's especially keen on criminal law, and not on exonerating suspects, but on getting people imprisoned...

The spread of the news was faster than Old Tang himself had imagined.

Zhao Ruixia was busy working when her neighborhood chat group kept buzzing with new messages. She clicked in and was stunned.

"Neighbors, did you know that Lawyer Tang was falsely accused? You know, the one from before?"

"It was the property management's doing!"

"How did I find out? The police came today and arrested three people, saying they committed online slander. He has filed a criminal private prosecution!"

The neighbor spoke with authority, and the photos backed it up. It was clear from the images that Mr. Hou of the property company was being taken away.

Zhao Ruixia was shocked. So much time had passed, she had already come to an agreement with the property management, and the homeowners' association was no longer her concern.

To think that Lawyer Tang, who had been cursed by other owners and even reported—had turned the tables with such tactics!

Not just her, but Uncle Qian, Mr. Wang from the building next door, and others saw it. The old men and women were incessantly discussing the matter.

This had been Old Tang's initial objective, as people only believe what they see. Hence, even if he could win a civil lawsuit and get an apology, it wouldn't help his reputation much.

But criminal cases are different. People pay far more attention to criminal matters than to civil ones. Thus, the owners who reported him to the authorities became the talk of the town.

Only now, instead of praise, they were being called fools.

"I don't know what they were in such a rush for when they ran off to report."

"Right, they believe anything they see on the internet..."

Lv Xueli's fists were clenched. He was the young man who had confronted Tang Fangjing in the property management meeting room and left. He was also one of those who had reported the incident.

He reported it partly because he felt that the other party must be gaining some advantage, and partly out of envy for a fellow young person managing to achieve things. Simply put, he couldn't stand it.

So when that WeChat article went viral, he was the first to jump out and suggest reporting it together, convinced that the local authorities wouldn't let Tang continue.

Ten minutes later, President Hou looked at Zhang Wei in front of him and said, "You are Lawyer Zhang, right? I'm Hou Xiangyuan..."

Zhang Wei quickly nodded, "President Hou, hello. Please sit here. Miss Xiao Yan, go pour some water."

Miss Xiao Yan nodded and quickly went to pour the water. All for the sake of making a living, no shame in that.

Once the water was served, President Hou took a sip and then said, "Lawyer Zhang, I'm in a bit of a hurry here. Let me explain the situation to you now. It's like this..."

President Hou started to lay out the general situation, presenting it in great detail.

"Look Lawyer Zhang, the other side has a private prosecution, and apparently, there are no loopholes. If we don't agree to a settlement, we are definitely facing jail time. Ah, this is such a mess..."

President Hou's feelings were complicated. On the one hand, he truly didn't want to go to jail – he was very afraid. However, on the other hand, he did not want the homeowner's committee to be established because if it was, there was a high likelihood that his property management company would be dismissed.

Only people inside would understand the wide gap between their service level and the fees they charged for property management.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of a well-known real estate company in Jingzhou City, President Hou also owned shares. If he were to be dismissed, his good days would be over.

That's why he came to seek a lawyer, even though he himself didn't know if there could be any solution.

After hesitating for a bit, Miss Xiao Yan spoke up, "Zhang Wei, wouldn't it be best to negotiate this case? If we adopt a favorable attitude and offer more money, the other side might not..."

However, before Miss Xiao Yan could finish, Zhang Wei interrupted her.

"Miss Xiao Yan, as lawyers, we must consider everything from the client's perspective. If we go for a settlement, President Hou can't agree to many of the demands of the other side, right?"

"You need to pay attention to the details. President Hou, I have two questions for you. First, have you ever mentioned this matter on your cell phone? And secondly, have you ever transferred money regarding this matter?"

After careful consideration, President Hou suddenly said excitedly, "Lawyer Zhang, no, I always called Old Bai to the office to talk, and I always gave him cash!"

This wasn't due to high legal awareness but purely a habit of an old fox.

"Then there's no problem, President Hou. We can go for a settlement, and if they demand too much, let it be. You won't face any problems with this case, as their current evidence is just one witness."

"Our country now puts less emphasis on confessions. The evidential power of a single witness is definitely insufficient. President Hou, rest assured with me on your side!"

President Hou nodded. He felt his objectives were clearer again. It seems finding a professional is necessary. Look at Lawyer Zhang; this is what you call professionalism.

...

In Yuefu Residential Complex, Tang Fangjing put down the phone and looked at the money in front of Master Qian, "Just advertising in the elevator alone brings such high income. How much more would other income sources bring? But now, the property management claims to be unable to hire people due to lack of funds."

"Money just doesn't vanish into thin air. If it's gone, someone must definitely have taken it. I'm really curious to find out who."

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