Chapter 38: After Court
“.”
“The trial is over. This case will be sentenced tomorrow afternoon. Court adjourned.”
Smack, the small hammer fell, the serious atmosphere vanished instantly, voices grew louder, and people started moving.
Wolf had nothing much to say, two words: thrilled. He patted Gu Yansheng’s shoulder: “Gu, the trial is the moment that truly tests a man’s charm. Your verbal charm crushed everyone, especially that old bastard Smith.”
“Hahahaha, your performance taught me a lot too.” Gu Yansheng engaged in some business mutual praise.
Because the Japan endorsed by Wolf was inherently peripheral, his explanations of the alley arrests and Police Station interrogations were solid—as long as Smith didn’t catch any loopholes, the defense was successful.
Those released suspects were indeed tracked down by Smith’s people, and two turncoats did emerge, but this was all part of Gu Yansheng’s design. The traps were dug for people to fall into, and Wolf defended with ease.
As for the offense, that was Gu Yansheng’s job from the start.
Wolf defended the home, Gu Yansheng pushed the tower.
Lu Bowen and He Yun earned at least 500 silver dollars to spend.
“Mr. Gu, brilliant performance.”
Client Mr. Richard extended his hand from afar, his face full of conquered admiration, those touched little eyes—if there weren’t so many people around and etiquette to consider, Gu Yansheng felt he might even kowtow to him.
Having that black history dragged out in court, one wrong step and it would’ve been total defeat.
“Mr. Richard, I think we undercharged on this order, since we knocked out two problems for you at once.” Wolf made a little joke, also signaling the hard work he and Gu Yansheng put in.
Of course, mainly to make the client feel the money was well spent.
Richard pursed his lips and nodded—very well spent!
Not even mentioning that black history bit, just Gu Yansheng’s courtroom speech about diligence hit right to his heart. Even he had a moment thinking things really unfolded that way, except he couldn’t recall who that Japanese noble was.
“Don’t worry, gentlemen, I’ll thank you properly again later.” Richard stated solemnly.
“Just kidding with you.” Wolf smiled and patted Richard’s back: “Alright, alert’s over now. Can people relax? Though the result isn’t out yet, I don’t think there’ll be any surprises.”
With such a brilliant performance, if they still lost, Wolf figured the Concession Court could be the defendant.
In theory, the High Court was in Hong Kong, so appeal was possible.
“Though the trial hasn’t reached its final verdict, I believe victory will stand with justice.” Richard said gravely with a straight face.
Then he extended his hand to Gu Yansheng with a smile: “Thanks again for Mr. Gu’s help.”
Gu Yansheng smiled, “That’s all I can do. Afterwards…” Gu Yansheng nodded toward the judge’s room: “Mr. Richard, you still need to keep a close eye where needed. After all, that newspaper company involves quite a few people. Don’t let my efforts go to waste.”
Richard of course understood, “Rest assured, I’ll definitely handle what I need to. Then I’ll go keep watch first, waiting for tomorrow’s sentencing to end. Mr. Gu, I will definitely host a banquet to thank you. Please do me the honor.”
“Alright.” Gu Yansheng smiled and nodded.
“No share for me?” Wolf pretended to be displeased.
“Hahaha, of course you come too.”
As they spoke, Japanese Consul Mr. Hase Jinagawa walked over and raised his hand to shake.
“Mr. Gu’s performance was truly astonishing. Consul Richard, congrats on finding such a lawyer.”
“That still thanks Mr. Hase’s cooperation.” In a good mood now, Richard gave Hase some face.
He knew what Hase’s goal was—just wanting to gain his friendship to facilitate Japanese activities in the French Concession going forward?
But after nearly capsizing in the gutter over the Japanese matter in court earlier, maintaining a smile was already good. Don’t expect him to be too happy.
“Then I’ll go ask the judge first.”
“Alright, go ahead.”
Hase could only sigh inwardly. Goal achieved, but half ruined by the British lawyer—not quite satisfying.
Still, it was a start, and he could take it slow.
Verbally, he still thanked Gu Yansheng—performance was indeed brilliant, real talent.
Chatting as they exited, they found Smith surprisingly still there, seemingly waiting for them.
Seeing this, Hase Jinagawa left first, “Mr. Gu, see you tomorrow then.”
“See you.”
Once he left, Wolf went up to tease, “Smith, still here? Did today’s trial meet your expectations?”
“What’s it got to do with you?” Smith gave a disdainful look, then turned to Gu Yansheng, extending his hand: “Congrats, young lawyer. I’m Smith, founding partner of Smithfield Law Firm.
Your courtroom performance was brilliant, especially your control over rhythm interruptions—hitting right at the points where I was about to push.
And your closing statement pulled in all the Concession forces, forcing them to choose. The newspaper company background that could’ve been resistance now has to consider the consequences of Shanghai’s situation changing.
I think tomorrow’s sentencing is a sure thing.
Very brilliant!
You’re very wise. Care to switch law firms? I’ll offer a better position, like a high-commission partner contract, not an ordinary lawyer contract.”
“Heh, poaching my man right in front of me?” Wolf couldn’t tolerate that. He lit a cigar and smiled while scolding: “Smith, at your age, lost your shame?”
Smith smiled: “I’m just giving capable people a better choice, and the decision is of course his. What’s wrong with that?”
Wolf snorted a laugh—idiot.
“Could you lose? Your intel work is really lacking. Know what spotting talent means?
I gave him a partner contract right after the interview, so your offer is really average.
If you’re willing to give him your founding partner contract, I think he’d consider it.”
“Gu Bai that generous?” Smith was visibly surprised, caught off guard.
He really didn’t know—before today, who would care about a newbie, especially a Chinese one.
And there were too many Chinese lawyers in Shanghai. Top law firms always offered ordinary lawyer contracts; giving a job was already good, with so many lawyers unemployed.
Plus, from what he knew of Gu Bai, that American was actually very cautious—shouldn’t offer so much right at the start?
Smith frowned slightly—now it was hard to come up with something decent.
“I’ll pass your words to Gu Bai. With Gu Yansheng as precedent, he’ll only be more generous to Chinese lawyers next time.”
Wolf kept teasing—consecutive wins, twice: once in court, once outside. Total domination.
“Hahahaha.”
Gu Yansheng said nothing, just gave a look and a smile for him to figure out.
“Alright then.”
Smith shrugged, looked at Gu Yansheng, “Then it’s up to Lawyer Gu’s own will. Our Smithfield Law Firm is much stronger than Danwen Law Firm—our doors are always open to you.”
Gu Yansheng politely shook hands, “Actually, your courtroom performance gave me a lot of pressure too—very brilliant. Thanks for the invitation.”
“Good, see you then.”
“See you.”
“Let’s go, back to the law firm.”
Back at the law firm, Wolf boasted to the other partners about Gu Yansheng’s courtroom flair that day, mainly to brag about his own sharp vision.
Whether the vision was sharp depended on comparison. When Wolf said Smith directly offered a partner contract off-court but got slapped down, yeah, the partners thought Wolf’s vision was pretty good.
Wolf was very satisfied, waved his big hand.
“Everyone, today’s afternoon tea is on me, paid by big lawyer Gu.”
Gu Yansheng smiled helplessly, could only pull out money amid everyone’s anticipation.
This generous move naturally won the adoration of the junior lawyers and assistants.
At that moment, Gu Bai walked in, face stern: “Noisy during work hours? Doesn’t look like a proper law firm.”
Boss laid down the law, and the office instantly went silent.
“So, is there a share for afternoon tea for me?”
Sudden turn, caught off guard, the office erupted in joy again.
“Gu Bai, you really should’ve seen Gu’s trial today—too brilliant.” Wolf started bragging again.
Gu Bai ignored him, leaned on his cane gazing at Gu Yansheng: “Gu, congrats. With Smithfield as your stepping stone, your first shot in the Concession rang out loud. You’re famous now.”
“Thanks.” Gu Yansheng smiled humbly.
Gu Bai turned to the wall—that was a wall hung with several photographs. He said to his assistant: “Maria, move the wall photos. We have a new member.”
“Oh!” Cheers rose in the office.
That was all the glory of Danwen Law Firm since its founding—not every case made it onto that honor wall, and only Gu Bai could decide which cases went up. Other partners had no say.
This was the window showing the law firm’s strength to the entire Concession, and the goal for all junior lawyers to worship and strive for!
Gu Yansheng didn’t fully get it, but even Wolf patted his shoulder with emotion: “Gu, this is the law firm’s recognition of you. Some people gain glory from the law firm; some make the law firm glorious because of them. You’re the first Chinese face on that wall.”
“Really?” Gu Yansheng looked seriously at the wall—had to show at least some respect; respecting others is respecting oneself.
“You earned it.” Gu Bai turned and said: “Remember to look handsome in the photo—it’ll hang for a long time. Wolf, it’s on you.”
“No problem.”
Wolf immediately took Gu Yansheng to the photo studio for a big portrait, shooting dozens at once. Gu Yansheng wasn’t satisfied? All developed and taken back for everyone to decide which had the most charisma.
“Actually, I look charismatic in all of them.”
“No, Gu, you’re tired of looking at yourself. The you in your eyes all look the same. We need the best, so you have no say.”
“.”
Watching them fuss over his photo in a fancy frame going up the wall, chattering nonstop, Gu Yansheng simply stopped looking and went straight back to his office.
No American time to waste anyway.
Gu Yansheng brewed a cup of coffee for a short rest, sat in his chair zoning out, pondering the next pressing problem.
Namely, how to reasonably enter a government department.
What should’ve been simplest for a commoner had become tricky because of this case.
Applying for a minor clerk position in government now, everyone would think he had a screw loose.
Of course, mainly the Japanese would think his motives impure.
But aiming for a bigger position was theoretically feasible.
He had money now, so a rich man wanting into government—the only reason would be wanting power.
For a man, having money and then wanting power wasn’t strange; the Japanese could surely understand.
But powerful positions weren’t easy to get. Why would the Japanese give him one?
The only bridge he could use now was the Japanese consul.
And the trouble was, broaching the topic with Hase Jinagawa so far was pretty hard to open.
