Chapter 513: The Wine Is Still Warm!

On November 4th, Zhou Yi got up and checked the exclusive calendar compiled by Lawyer Fang: avoid Lawsuit, **, suitable for Detention, Arrest, and sentencing.

At a glance, he knew this was a good day, because those guys who engage in "porcelain-touching" (extortion/frivolous litigation) happened to have their court hearing today.

He figured it was probably because they were investigating; there hadn't been any summons or arrests in the previous two days, so Zhou Yi mused that they would likely make arrests today.

It was just that there was no way to be certain.

But he still decided to go to the Court to hang around and observe; if they happened to make arrests today, he really wanted to see the expressions on those people's faces when they were caught.

That kind of expression—he could never see enough of it in this lifetime.

One or two of them always thought that what they were doing was nothing at all, or even if it was something, no one would bother with them; well, then just wait and see.

After getting up and getting ready, Zhou Yi went out with Huo Pengfei to the Court; as for those Employees from Tengda Company who came along, those who wanted to go could go, and those who didn't could do as they pleased.

At the entrance of the Dongpu District Court, Chen Ming and Wang Yi had already arrived; although Wang Yi was the legal representative, the Company itself was a "porcelain-touching" company, so he definitely had to come.

"Hey, Lawyer Chen, the reaction of those people this time is a bit strange; they aren't anxious at all, and they even said they would definitely come!" Wang Li thought for a moment and said.

Chen Ming nodded as well; he was similarly curious about this point.

According to past experience, if the opposing party were sued, they would absolutely not be as calm as they were now, looking as if coming to a court hearing was like coming to play a game.

"But don't worry, President Wang; we are fighting a lawsuit, and we have to rely on the law and evidence to speak. Now that they haven't even submitted evidence, we are definitely going to win!"

This was the point that made Chen Ming feel more at ease; normally, there is a time limit for both parties to submit evidence.

You must submit evidence before the stipulated time; even someone like Lawyer Fang, when playing little tricks, would only submit key evidence when the deadline for evidence submission was approaching.

Generally speaking, if you haven't submitted it after the evidence submission period, it is considered a waiver of the right to provide evidence, but as for the law, there are definitely special provisions outside of the general ones.

And Chen Ming did not believe the other party could pull off any special circumstances; fighting a lawsuit without evidence is almost like courting death.

Even if the other party wanted to prove that they were engaged in Malicious Trademark Registration, they would at least have to submit evidence.

The Court opened, and the two entered the Court; meanwhile, behind them, Yang Qing and the others walked over, holding selfie sticks in their hands.

"Brothers, I have already arrived at the entrance of the Court. It's a pity that live streaming isn't allowed inside, and this case hasn't been scheduled for a live-streamed trial either, but please rest assured, things definitely won't end so easily!"

Yang Qing was talking here while taking the opportunity to show the gate of the Court.

At this moment, however, the barrage in the live stream was chaotic.

Some people thought that the other party's behavior was illegal and that the relevant departments should come out to manage it; they shouldn't be allowed to just engage in "porcelain-touching" with people so casually.

But at the same time, there was a "legal know-it-all," someone named "Butterfly Flying," who spoke up.

"I'm being serious here; I don't think there's anything wrong with their behavior. Registering a trademark is permitted by law, and suing for Tort is also permitted by law. It's a legal act, so why are you all cursing people like this?"

"Him, Son of Death, and those other Up Masters—who told them not to register themselves? Isn't this just a lack of legal awareness? In my opinion, they deserve it!"

The know-it-all's words unsurprisingly provoked a whole bunch of rebuttals.

But he happened to have strong combat power, and he rebutted those who refuted him one by one.

"Saying anything is useless; they were the ones who registered first. If you have the ability, go report them; go make them go to jail. If you don't have that ability, stop farting here!"

"Their behavior is legal; no matter how you look at it, it's legal. I'll put my words here: look, even that so-called A Yi hasn't come out to say anything. Doesn't this prove something?"

After all, there are few professionals among the masses on the internet, and truthfully speaking, not many people would specifically collect evidence to report someone just because of a single sentence.

It was estimated that only a certain handsome guy could do such a thing.

So, having been retorted, they didn't know how to reply at this moment.

Inside Tengda Company, Pusa Xiong was already so angry that his liver hurt.

He didn't know what President Zhou was doing now; sigh, he really wished someone could stand up and properly retort this guy.

Yang Qing and the others naturally saw this news, but they didn't know what to say either.

Because matters involving a certain handsome guy usually had to be kept confidential.

But just at this moment, Yang Qing's phone rang.

"Everyone, don't speak for a moment; it's a call from A Yi. There should be a result for this matter!" Yang Qing said to the live stream camera with an excited face.

What the hell? In the live stream, a bunch of onlookers were stunned. How did this matter get involved with that handsome guy again?

In other words, how was he everywhere!

Suddenly, the live stream boiled over; many people who were unwilling to speak because of "Butterfly Flying" now came out one after another to start talking.

@Butterfly Flying: "Don't go yet; you said A Yi didn't intervene, but he has already intervened in this matter, so you must not go. If it really comes to it, let's make a bet."

@Butterfly Flying: "Exactly, let's make a bet. I bet the other party will have problems. I bet one thousand yuan; do you dare?"

Inside a certain low-tier university, Xiang Fangdie looked at the mentions on the internet and felt a bit hesitant.

She was a law student at this university, which focused mainly on mechanical and other science and engineering subjects.

There was no help for it; when the university expanded enrollment back then, every school started law programs, and after finishing, many people found they had been scammed...

After all, law at this kind of university simply couldn't compare to professional political science and law universities; the faculty, the various practical internship opportunities, etc., were truly a world of difference.

But she was still very "knowledgeable" on the internet, so seeing such words, she replied: "Let's bet. What can A Yi do? At most, the other party engaged in Malicious Trademark Registration and will return the trademark rights; what else can happen? Even he, A Yi, has to abide by the law!"

"If you want to bet, bet big; let's bet ten thousand yuan. What's one thousand?"

She was just trying to scare people; even if there was something, there wouldn't be any trouble.

As it turned out, just at this moment, Xiang Fangdie discovered that an account that had been constantly arguing with her had replied.

"Ten thousand yuan, right? It's a bet. I just believe the other party definitely has problems, and it will absolutely not be limited to just returning the trademark. If it really is just that, then I'll give you ten thousand yuan. Conversely, if there are other problems, such as being fined or going to jail or something, you give me ten thousand. Let's set the time for ten days; how about it?"

What the hell, this is the kind of internet everyone likes! The onlookers in the live stream were happy; this was the effect they wanted, wasn't it?

No one likes those arrogant people; what are you Pretending to be Cool for? In the end, what people want to see is those guys who are Pretending to be Cool getting slapped in the face.

Suddenly, everyone started leaving messages: "Good, good, good, just like that. Hey you, if you have the ability, accept it! You said it yourself, one thousand is too little; look, everyone is here to be a witness!"

Since the atmosphere had reached this point, Xiang Fangdie naturally couldn't refuse; anyway, it didn't matter to her, the other party definitely wouldn't have any problems.

Even if she took a step back ten thousand times and there really was some problem, at worst she would just stop appearing in this live stream, or delete her account.

Anyway, everyone is on the internet; who knows who in reality!

"Fine, I accept. It's truly laughable; there are really so many Legal Blinds nowadays!"

Yang Qing and the others also gave a bitter smile as they watched the conflict in the livestream, but they hadn't seen any movement yet and couldn't wait any longer; it was almost time for the court session.

"Alright then, everyone in the livestream, we're going in first. It might be delayed, who knows, anyway we'll go finish the court session first. I reckon it might take a while, but the livestream won't be turned off; the assistants will be watching over here."

After saying this, the few of them hurried into the Court.

Leaving only a bunch of onlookers in the livestream staring at each other. This... wasn't it promised that A Yi had a big move?

"Butterfly Flying": Oh my, look for yourselves, a big move indeed. Didn't you say you were going to do something? Where is A Yi? When does this big move you mentioned start? I'm very curious.

Tengda, Pusa Xiong started muttering there, "General Zhou, you have to be reliable! I've already put up so much money to bet!"

The assistant took out milk tea and waited while drinking it; this milk tea had just been bought not long ago and was still hot.

The judge of the Third Civil Division of the Dongpu Court had already entered. It was a middle-aged woman, and her expression toward the few people from the "Son of Death" group was a bit helpless.

Because they were the same type of cases, they were all being heard together.

"You are the Defendant, right? You haven't submitted evidence? And no legal representative?" Before the session began, the judge looked at the few of them and asked.

This wasn't to say the judge was being meddlesome, but rather to ensure the fairness of the Litigation system.

Because some people really don't know these things; never mind that it's written on materials like the Summons, what if the other party didn't read it?

So these matters must be clarified in advance. If the other party didn't know about these things because they didn't see them, they could apply for a postponement of the trial to submit evidence.

Don't find it strange; such things are really not rare in reality...

Especially since the judge had been in Modu for so many years, they had seen many internet celebrities who were sued and knew that some of these internet celebrities didn't have a very high level of education, so they often did some outrageous things.

The most classic case was during the livestreaming platform wars back then; those big Anchors would take turns appearing, jumping around from one to another.

One day they were on this platform, the next day they were on that platform, as if they didn't take the contract seriously at all.

Then the judgment results would be exposed, and they would have to pay astronomical compensation to the platforms...

Hearing this, Yang Qing hurriedly said, "No, no, we don't have any evidence here, you can just proceed with the trial."

If they lost, there was still the Second Instance; he unconditionally believed in A Yi!

He believed that A Yi would definitely not坑 him.

And even if he did坑 him... that would be even better for him, because he could use this as a hot topic!

This was a hot topic that would directly shatter A Yi's persona!

Perhaps he would even be blessed by misfortune and his popularity would reach a new level.

It's just that... after Yang Qing and the others finished speaking, they looked at each other, and one of them said, "Brother Yang, why do you think Big Brother A Yi still hasn't made a move? The court session is about to start!"

Yang Qing didn't know what to say either; belief is belief, but this situation was a bit too... that.

As the few were talking, they saw someone shout outside the courtroom, and immediately the judge walked out, then brought a few police officers in.

"You are Wang Li, the legal representative of Liwei Company, right? Don't move!"

What was going on? Chen Ming and Wang Li were both stunned. Weren't they here at the Court to fight a Lawsuit today? Why were there police officers now, and why were the police saying that there?

The police officer had already walked up and said, "Wang Li, you are suspected of the crime of Extortion. The Dongpu Branch has already initiated a Case Filing, and we are now legally serving you with a Criminal Summons."

"This is my police badge, let's go."

The charge had changed. Zhou Yi had been curious before why the arrests here were so slow; it was because after that, the branch had launched an investigation on one side, and on the other, personnel from the relevant legal affairs department had held discussions.

There is a very important principle in Criminal Law called the Principle of Legality, but this kind of trademark squatting behavior, if the scale is large, even if experts in theory have said it can be considered the crime of sabotaging production and business operations, but... the law has no clear provisions for this aspect.

So after comprehensive consideration, it was decided to revoke the case.

But before the case was revoked, the investigators on the other side had made a breakthrough.

They didn't just call people to ask them to cancel their accounts; for some people, they directly demanded money.

"If you don't give us money, we'll sue you." If it was a trademark that had already been registered, it would be one thing, but once they started making money, sometimes the trademark hadn't even been approved yet, and they would find people to "negotiate" for money.

Of course, this group of people was not large, but they did exist, and it was very easy to investigate.

Then the facts of the case changed, from the crime of sabotaging production and business operations to the crime of Extortion.

What the hell? Wang Li was instantly dumbfounded. What was this? Everything was fine, how did he suddenly become suspected of a crime? This couldn't be said recklessly!

But he was just a scapegoat pushed out, so he subconsciously looked at Chen Ming beside him. This was a Lawyer; he definitely had to speak up for him.

"Lawyer Chen, say something! Hurry up and say a few words, tell them I didn't commit a crime, I don't know anything!"

However, the thing that made him stunned happened: Chen Ming, who always boasted that he had no problems in terms of law and had many connections, actually took two steps back!

He... he actually took two steps back?

"Lawyer Chen, what do you mean by this? Isn't this all done by you?"

Holy crap, Chen Ming had wanted to dodge the moment he saw the police coming to arrest Wang Li. This wasn't a joke; the police didn't care if you were a Lawyer or not when they arrested people!

We don't say "I'm not talking now, I must wait for my Lawyer to arrive before I answer" here.

As a result, he didn't expect this guy to just blurt it out like that!

"What 'done by us'? I just accepted the commission to handle a Lawsuit, what are you talking about? I don't know anything!"

This scene left Yang Qing and the others on the opposite side looking foolish.

What the hell is this? The big move A Yi mentioned, it wouldn't really be letting them go in, would it?

Chen Ming's words made Wang Li even more dissatisfied. Damn it, I treated you to a massage yesterday, and today you're selling me out like this!

"Comrade, I really don't know anything, it was all done by them. And he even went for a massage yesterday, at that massage parlor on ** Road, really, I'm not lying, if you don't believe me, go check!"

Police: "..."

To be honest, we've been police for so many years and have received professional training, but seriously, this is the first time we've seen a situation like yours...

Everyone really wanted to laugh; it had nothing to do with whether they had received professional training, they just wanted to laugh, and they couldn't help it.

"Ahem, that... this aspect is not under our jurisdiction for the time being, there will be relevant comrades to investigate. By the way, that Lawyer, right? You come back with us too."

Chen Ming was helpless; he knew that the moment Wang Li said that, he would definitely have to go back to accept an investigation.

But he didn't care; he definitely wouldn't have any issues.

The people were taken away, and the judge notified Yang Qing and the others that the trial would have to be postponed.

And so, Yang Qing and the others arrived outside the Court in a daze.

"Look, look, they're coming out!"

Because the livestream camera was pointed at the entrance of the Court, people saw Yang Qing and the others the moment they stepped out.

"They're out?" The assistant hurried forward and asked: "Brother Yang, why so fast? Didn't you just go in? Is the Lawsuit already over?"

Yang Qing looked at the assistant, then at the livestream camera, and said with an extremely complicated expression: "There was no Lawsuit."

"No Lawsuit? Then did you reach a Mediation? Or what happened?" The assistant said, shaking the milk tea in their hand, half-jokingly: "My milk tea hasn't even cooled down yet, and you're already out."

"It's the Plaintiff, and the Plaintiff's Lawyer, they were both taken away by the police..."

Ah, this... The assistant was suddenly left speechless there.

The Plaintiff and the Plaintiff's Lawyer were taken away, so the court hearing naturally couldn't proceed; that was indeed correct.

But it just felt like wanting to complain but being unable to spit it out.

This god-like dialogue was naturally heard by the onlookers in the livestream room, and now, everyone was similarly at a loss for words.

"Holy crap, you guys just went in, I was planning to play a round first, damn it, I haven't even started my game and you're already done?"

"+1, I just got to the 'enemy will reach the battlefield in thirty seconds' part..."

However, after the daze, everyone's emotions suddenly boiled over.

Is this the big move from A Yi? As expected, he doesn't mess around; he directly got them arrested!

This behavior is truly 'criminal'—just thinking about it feels 'criminal'.

After the shock, everyone immediately started tagging Xiang Fangdie, especially Pusa Xiong, who was speaking very loudly right now.

"Hurry up, hurry up, the other party has already been arrested now, so tell us, what about that bet?"

"Exactly, exactly, it's ten thousand yuan; I believe that for someone of your ability, it's just a small number, hurry up!"

At school, Xiang Fangdie hadn't had time to close the livestream room yet; she was arguing with a few people, and then this happened so unexpectedly.

They were really arrested? No, why? Although their behavior was indeed wrong, she never thought it would involve a crime.

And the key is, this is too coincidental!

The bet was just made, and then the other party got arrested.

But it's fine; she never intended to pay anyway. It was just a bet online; who takes that seriously?

Thinking this to herself, Xiang Fangdie said in the livestream room: "It was just a joke, you actually took it seriously? How short of money are you!"

After saying this, she exited the livestream room at light speed and immediately started changing her name.

She had originally wanted to cancel her account, but later thought it wasn't necessary; once she changed her name, no one would recognize her.

And so, the big guys in the livestream room were stunned again. That's it?

When bragging, she could talk more than anyone, but when something actually happened, she ran faster than a rabbit.

It's just that the guy called Pusa is a bit miserable.

Inside Tengda Company, Pusa Xiong was also a bit dazed. He did feel that the other party didn't intend to pay, but he didn't expect her to specifically mock him, saying he was short of money!

This is also a common phenomenon nowadays.

Before you get serious, they say, "If you have the ability, then do this or that." Once you get serious, they say, "You're actually getting serious? How petty are you..."

Either way, you're the bad guy no matter what.

He wanted to endure it, but the more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Most importantly, he now had the capital to get serious with the other party through legal channels!

Tengda Legal Department provided them with such resources and a platform.

In the past, it would have been absolutely impossible for Pusa Xiong to think about filing a Lawsuit over a bet like this.

But after staying at the Company for a long time, he wanted to get serious with the other party. Even if he couldn't win, seeing the other party's true colors was worth it.

This is probably the so-called "when one possesses a sharp weapon, the desire to kill arises on its own"...

Pusa Xiong turned around and went to the Legal Department. He also knew that if he wanted to get serious about this kind of thing, the earlier and faster he secured the evidence, the better.

On the Court side, Zhou Yi and Huo Pengfei followed them out. They walked very discreetly and did not appear in the livestream room.

Just a moment ago, Zhou Yi was in the public gallery. That scene left him completely numb; really, with this kind of thing, even you would be numb!

Just this scene alone was worth the price of admission.

The heat online had already boiled over. Those who had previously mocked A Yi for not saying a word were dragged out again and given a beating.

Everyone had originally thought that this matter would be very difficult to resolve, but they didn't expect it to be so fast!

And on the other side, Wang Li sat in the interrogation room, looking at the police in front of him; he was now scared out of his wits.

"How is the situation?" someone next to him asked.

The interrogating police officer turned his head and said: "He was just pushed out. Actually, he didn't lead the whole thing; the person behind it is named Fang Chuanwen!"

After being brought back, Wang Li didn't hesitate at all and spilled everything like beans from a bamboo tube.

Just like that legal representative from the gym before, "I took money to take the fall for you, that doesn't mean I want to go to jail!"

Of course, these people are still not sophisticated. Those sophisticated people wouldn't spill it so directly; they would only say, "If you want me to help you go to jail, you have to pay more!"

A case must be handled while the iron is hot, and this case is worth publicizing.

In the current situation where the field of Intellectual Property Rights is slightly chaotic, this case can deter many people. In this regard, whether one commits a crime or not really depends on a single thought.

At home in Modu, Fang Chengwen's phone rang. He picked it up and saw it was Wang Li.

"Hey, why are you calling me? Where am I? I'm obviously at home, where else would I be? Alright, stop talking nonsense, did your Lawsuit go smoothly today?"

"I'm asking you a question, smooth means smooth... wait, someone is knocking on my door, I'll go check."

"Oh, someone coming to check the gas meter at my place, wait a second, I'll give it to you."

Fang Chengwen hung up the phone and opened the door, without any mental preparation.

Caught off guard, he was cuffed with a pair of Handcuffs.

"Fang Chengwen, right? You're coming with us!"

Isn't this checking the gas meter?

He did not know that he was receiving this treatment because Wang Li, in order to receive lenient treatment for himself, had specifically said that Fang Chengwen was very dangerous...

With the arrest in the case having made substantial progress, Zhou Yi, who was preparing to buy a plane ticket back to Jingzhou, received a phone call.

"What? Suspected of Extortion? Oh, I understand."

Hanging up the phone, Zhou Yi looked at Huo Pengfei beside him and said, "Old Huo, what's the situation? Just now the police officer said they have already made an arrest, but the reason is Extortion."

Huo Pengfei was equally bewildered; how had the charge even changed?

Zhou Yi thought for a moment and still dialed Fang Dazhuang's number.

"Hello, yes, Fang Dazhuang, why has even the charge changed? Did you make a mistake?"

On the other end of the line, Fang Dazhuang laughed while watering the flowerpots in his office: "Let me ask you, after you reported the crime, did they investigate? They did. Were the people arrested? They were. So what is the problem with that?"

"I didn't say anything; I only said there was such a charge. As for whether it specifically is that, I am not a god."

"It's just that, Zhou Yi, after such a long time, you should also understand that how to report a case is also a science."

As he spoke, Fang Dazhuang looked at the notebook spread out on his desk and sighed. Alas, he still couldn't get support; it was still necessary to promote legislation and carry out Criminal Case crackdowns in this area.

A long chapter of nearly seven thousand words, I fell asleep yesterday... emmm, I kept many people waiting for a long time. I will make up for these two owed chapters as soon as possible. Thanks to Book Friend 2021, Another Newbie, Wenchidage, Guoguo, Yu Wuya, Feimaowuyu, Mengxinzai. Why change the charge? Because I discussed it with my Criminal Law teacher today. He said that while this viewpoint does exist in legal theory, there is no specific legislation or Judicial Interpretation in Criminal Law yet, so in reality, it won't be supported. Therefore... I won't let my imagination run wild; let's be more pragmatic.

(End of this chapter)