Chapter 1938

"Yes."

"Then that's correct. He killed Li Chun and stole Li Chun's money. Now both witness testimony and physical evidence are present; even if you want to save him, I'm afraid there's no way." Yang Guoqiang said, patted Zhang Zhiqiang's shoulder, and turned to leave.

Zhang Zhiqiang stood in place, stunned. He could not believe his brother would kill anyone, let alone steal money. He recalled his brother's previous strange behavior, and his confusion grew deeper.

He remembered the words his brother had mysteriously told him that night: "Zhiqiang, from now on, you'll have to take care of our father and mother." At the time, Zhang Zhiqiang had paid it no mind; now, looking back, he felt there must have been something suspicious about it.

Over the next few days, Zhang Zhiqiang was kept in the police station under investigation. Since there was no evidence proving he participated in the murder, he was released quickly. But his work and life were greatly affected. Everyone at the company knew his brother was a murderer and began to distance themselves from him. His colleagues and friends also left him, unwilling to associate with him.

Zhang Zhiqiang felt extremely lonely and helpless. He recalled the words his brother had told him earlier and burst into tears. He felt all of this was caused by his brother's situation, and his heart was filled with resentment toward his brother.

However, Zhang Zhiqiang did not give up hope. He thought of a way to save his life: find a lawyer to defend his brother. He believed his brother was wrongly accused and that his innocence could surely be proven. So he began searching everywhere for a lawyer, hoping to find a good one to save his brother's fate. Zhang Zhiqiang sat in the lawyer's office, head bowed in deep thought. He remembered the days of his childhood when he played with his brother, and his brother's meticulous care and attention toward him. He also remembered how his brother worked day and night to pay for his tuition and the family's living expenses, yet never complained once. Those warm days left a deep imprint in his heart, yet now, because of his brother's situation, they had become so painful.

The lawyer broke the silence: "Mr. Zhang, what you need to understand is that our current task is to defend your brother. We need to find evidence proving his innocence."

Zhang Zhiqiang raised his head, his eyes flashing with determined light: "I understand, lawyer. I must save my brother; he is innocent."

The lawyer nodded: "Very well. Then where should we begin?"

Zhang Zhiqiang pondered for a moment: "I'd like to understand the situation at that time first. I want to know how that man surnamed Li died, and why my brother became a suspect."

The lawyer nodded: "Very well. Then let us investigate the case files and evidence from that time."

They arrived at the local police station and obtained the case files and evidence from that time. The lawyer began studying them carefully, while Zhang Zhiqiang silently observed from the side. He saw his brother's photo, saw the gloom and helplessness on his brother's face. He also saw the photo of the deceased man surnamed Li, saw the terror and pain on his face. His heart began to ache violently, and he felt his tears welling up in his eyes.

The lawyer put down the documents in his hands, looked up at Zhang Zhiqiang: "Mr. Zhang, do you need to testify?"

Zhang Zhiqiang paused for a moment, then shook his head: "I don't know... I don't know if I can help my brother..."

The lawyer smiled and patted his shoulder: "You need not worry; simply state the facts you know. We believe your brother is innocent."

Zhang Zhiqiang took a deep breath: "Very well, I will state the facts I know."

They presented the facts in court, and Zhang Zhiqiang also provided his own testimony. Finally, the court declared Zhang Zhiqiang innocent and released him. This result made Zhang Zhiqiang feel greatly relieved; he felt his efforts had not been in vain. He also understood a truth: no matter what difficulties and challenges one encounters, as long as one persists, the light of hope will be seen.