Chapter 63

On Wednesday morning, Fatty Boss Joni was wheeled into Jincheng City Court by his daughter, as his case was to be heard today.

Jincheng City is prosperous, so many cases require court sessions daily; minor cases go through fast-track courts, but criminal offenses like assault must undergo formal trials.

You must grant both defendant and plaintiff the right to defend themselves and assert their legal rights—that’s written in the Charter.

“I’m a little worried, Dad,” said his fat daughter, sitting beside him; her odor was strong, even Joni could barely endure it.

He wondered whether her boyfriend had rhinitis, or whether his daughter possessed some special talent that kept a man from leaving her.

Of course, these thoughts flashed through his mind briefly; he maintained a confident expression. “I consulted a lawyer—this is just a minor case, nothing unexpected.”

The two had already discussed this twice, but his daughter still felt uneasy. “But they hired a lawyer.”

Mentioning this annoyed Joni, and his voice rose involuntarily—a common trait among the lower class.

When questioned, they try to prove their point by raising their voices!

“I told you, I consulted a lawyer—I’m the undeniable victim. They can’t make the judge ignore my current suffering just because they hired a lawyer and claim I attacked them alone!”

“The outcome of this case is simply how much they’ll pay me, and whether I forgive them—that’s all!”

As he spoke, a man in formal attire approached. Honestly, it was late September, the hottest time of year—wearing a full suit was a feat.

If nothing unusual happened, this man was a lawyer, for only lawyers dressed so meticulously.

“Mr. Joni?” The lawyer stood arrogantly before him, casually raising his hand, waiting for Joni to shake it.

That condescending gaze made Joni feel humiliated, though the man had done nothing but speak one sentence.

After three seconds, he nodded slightly, then indicated he couldn’t shake hands. “It’s me, so…”

The lawyer retracted his hand, glancing back; only then did Joni, tilting his head, see several young men sitting across the corridor, laughing and joking.

He still remembered how cruelly they had attacked him; those painful memories resurfaced, and his blood pressure began to rise. “You want me to forgive them?”

The lawyer shook his head. “I mean you could settle out of court. I know it sounds outrageous now, but…”

Before he finished, Joni roared, “I’m the victim—I’m the one who decides the outcome of this trial, not you!”

“Now get the hell away from us with your damn arrogance!”

Joni turned to look at his daughter. “Push me somewhere else. I feel sick seeing people who’ll do anything for money.”

His daughter awkwardly faced the lawyer. “I’m sorry, I…”

The lawyer shrugged indifferently. “It’s your choice,” he said, then shook his head and walked toward the young men.

His daughter wheeled Joni aside. “You shouldn’t have said that—he’s a lawyer. Lawyers can make trouble for us easily.”

Joni didn’t care at all. “Let him come if he wants. These vampires wouldn’t lift a finger unless there’s profit. They want us to settle out of court?”

“I’m telling you—don’t even think about it!”

Thinking of that night—his pitiful pleas ignored, their brutal acts—he no longer cared about money. He wanted to vent his rage, his foul anger!

His daughter’s unease grew stronger. “You should at least hear him out. Maybe…”

“Don’t even dream it. Even if I die and fall from here, I won’t listen to another word from him!”

Joni’s temper was uncontrollable. Perhaps the woman who left him could have stopped him—but she was gone.

His daughter sighed. “I think we’re going to mess this up.”

Joni snorted, saying nothing. He was already planning to tell the judge in court how vile those lawyers and brats were—just like in the movies, righteous and stern.

The lawyer returned to the young men, wearing an expression of regret. “The plaintiff refused out-of-court settlement. My only task now is to minimize your compensation and your jail time.”

The young men’s parents wanted to speak with Joni again, but the lawyer deemed it futile—though he wouldn’t stop them.

Indeed, when they explained their intent, Joni told them to get far away, which angered the parents.

Though their children were wrong, it had nothing to do with the adults, and they came with good intentions.

Over twenty minutes later, the formal trial began. Joni was wheeled to the plaintiff’s bench, then the judge hurried in, looking exhausted.

After a series of courtroom formalities, the judge glanced at Joni. “Did your lawyer arrive late, or didn’t you hire one at all?”

Joni shook his head. “Respected Judge, I consulted a lawyer. He said this case is so obvious it doesn’t require legal representation.”

The judge almost smiled but held back. “I’ll note that.” He turned to the defendants and their lawyer. “Since the plaintiff has no lawyer, you begin.”

The lawyer stood, bowed. “Thank you for taking time to hear this case. I am Anthony of Gold Diamond Law Firm, currently handling this matter.”

“Your Honor, first, I must introduce my clients…”

The lawyer presented documents, informing the judge that at least four of his clients had been diagnosed with conduct disorder exhibiting violent tendencies.

He emphasized this was neither a crime of passion nor random violence—they were merely young men blinded by friendship, who lost their reason.

At their friend’s request, they sought revenge against a master who oppressed and exploited apprentices. But due to their youth, emotional immaturity, and violent tendencies, the situation escalated severely—though not irreversibly.

He produced multiple documents: proof of their active participation in community volunteer work, and transcripts showing they had at least achieved C+ grades in high school.

Neighbors testified that these youths were usually well-behaved, obedient, and willing to help others in the neighborhood.

In short, he presented ample evidence proving this was an accident, with no subjective criminal intent.

Naturally, the primary party responsible for these consequences became the apprentice.

The apprentice’s mother had pleaded with the lawyer several times—this was the last thing she could do for her son before leaving.

Seeing how the attractive woman allowed him to manipulate her, the lawyer eventually agreed to defend the apprentice.

But he warned her: the apprentice would almost certainly serve jail time. The best possible outcome was three to five years, likely around five—his absolute limit.

If she could raise at least fifty thousand, he might attempt an acquittal and reduce the sentence to one and a half to two years, then use other means to get him released immediately.

Unfortunately, the apprentice’s mother had no such money—even if she started earning with her skills now, it would be too late.

This was the advantage of hiring a lawyer—but Joni didn’t know.

After reviewing all documents, the judge confirmed: these youths weren’t outstanding, but at least qualified as federal adolescents.

He glanced again at the clueless Joni, then asked the lawyer, “I noticed your documents mention this young man being oppressed and humiliated.”

The lawyer turned to look at the apprentice, who stood. “Indeed, Your Honor.”

The judge pursed his lips. “Could you tell me how he humiliated you?”

He glanced down again. “Your documents also mention your mother?”