Chapter 544 Saved
During the trial, Zhang San methodically presented these so-called "new evidence" one by one. He first asked Xiao Li to testify in court. Xiao Li, following Zhang San's instructions, overturned his previous testimony in court, claiming that he was misled and threatened by others to make statements unfavorable to Qi Tongwei. This move caused an uproar in the court.
Then, Zhang San presented the report on document identification and the records of the on-site investigation, as well as the results of the analysis of the surveillance video. He used highly inflammatory language to describe to the judge and the jury a story about Qi Tongwei being framed: "Your Honor, Mr. Qi Tongwei has been working diligently for the development of Handong, but he was targeted by some people with ulterior motives. They used forged documents, false witness testimonies, and tampered surveillance videos to try to put Mr. Qi Tongwei to death. This is a malicious persecution of an innocent person and a serious violation of legal justice."
Hou Liangping was shocked and angry at the "new evidence" suddenly thrown out by Zhang San. He knew that there were many doubts about the evidence, but it was difficult to refute it completely at the moment. He asked the court to give him time to re-investigate and verify the evidence, but Zhang San objected for various reasons, claiming that Hou Liangping was just stalling for time and trying to evade the fact that his evidence had been overturned.
After weighing the evidence and statements of both parties, although the judge had doubts about some of Zhang San's evidence, because these evidences formed a seemingly complete chain of evidence on the surface and Hou Liangping was temporarily unable to provide strong counter-evidence, he finally made a difficult decision: to acquit Qi Tongwei.
When the judge announced the result, the courtroom was noisy. Qi Tongwei had a complex expression on his face, with both relief after being relieved and confusion about the future. Zhang San looked proud, as he successfully used his own means and strategies to rescue a person who was considered to be extremely evil from the punishment of the law. Hou Liangping stood there, feeling unwilling and angry. He knew that there must be a huge conspiracy and dark forces behind this, but he was powerless at the moment.
After Qi Tongwei walked out of the court, he knew that although he had temporarily escaped the punishment of the law, his life had changed dramatically. He became the focus of everyone's attention and the center of controversy. Zhang San's "feat" also caused widespread discussion in the legal community and society. Some people admired his methods and believed that he was an excellent lawyer who could find a way out for his clients in seemingly desperate situations; while others condemned his behavior and believed that he was undermining the justice of the law and protecting corruption and evil.
After Qi Tongwei was acquitted, the Zhao family father and son happily prepared a grand banquet, as if celebrating a great victory. The banquet hall was brightly lit, and tables were filled with delicious food. Expensive wines were rippling in crystal glasses with an alluring luster.
Zhao Lichun greeted Qi Tongwei with a big smile on his face. "Brother Qi, I've finally got you here! It's been a difficult journey, but fortunately, everything is clear now."
Qi Tongwei nodded slightly, forcing a forced smile on his face, "Secretary Zhao, thank you for your concern. This time, it was thanks to your and Ruilong's help. I, Qi Tongwei, will always remember it."
Zhao Ruilong said excitedly, "Brother Qi, this is as it should be. We will be a family from now on. With our Zhao family here, there will be no obstacles in Handong that we cannot overcome."
Everyone took their seats and the banquet began. But Qi Tongwei seemed a little absent-minded. He looked at the luxurious dishes on the table with mixed feelings. He knew that although he seemed to have regained his freedom, he was actually trapped in another complex and dangerous vortex.
Zhao Lichun raised his glass and said, "Come on, Brother Qi, let's have a drink first to celebrate your new life. I also wish us a happy cooperation in the future and to create great achievements together!"
Qi Tongwei mechanically picked up the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp. The wine did not bring him any pleasure when it went down his throat. Instead, it was like a fire burning in his stomach, making him feel even more uncomfortable.
At the dinner table, Zhao Ruilong talked endlessly about the Zhao family's grand plan and powerful political resources, trying to convince Qi Tongwei and make him devote himself to the cause. "Brother Qi, you see, our Zhao family has deep roots in Handong, and we have connections in all fields. As long as you follow us, we will have one-third of the world in Handong in the future."
Qi Tongwei only occasionally responded, but his thoughts drifted back to his former ideals and ambitions. He once wanted to do something practical for the people and bring justice to society through his own efforts. But now, he has become involved with these greedy and corrupt forces. Even though he has a thousand objections in his heart, he seems to have no other choice.
"Brother Qi, what are you thinking about? Have you suffered in there and haven't recovered yet?" Zhao Ruilong noticed Qi Tongwei's absent-mindedness and asked with concern.
Qi Tongwei came back to his senses. "Oh, nothing. I just stayed in there for too long, and when I came out and suddenly saw this scene, I was a little uncomfortable."
Zhao Lichun smiled and said, "Brother Qi, you will get used to it slowly. There will be many more good days like this in the future. We plan to let you transition to a key position first, and when the time is right, let you enter the core decision-making level. Your experience and prestige in the public security system are invaluable assets to us."
Qi Tongwei was startled. He knew that this so-called key position was just a pawn of the Zhao family to manipulate power. But he still pretended to be calm and said, "Secretary Zhao, you can arrange it. I will do my best."
As the banquet progressed, Qi Tongwei felt more and more depressed. The laughter and joy around him seemed like a kind of irony to him. He looked at the complacent look of the Zhao family father and son, as if he saw his own future degeneration and sinking. He tried to convince himself to accept the reality, after all, there was no turning back now. However, the conscience deep in his heart was constantly struggling, like a sharp sword, piercing his soul.
After dinner, the Zhao family father and son took Qi Tongwei to visit some of their industries and secret bases, showing him their strong strength and omnipotent means. Qi Tongwei followed silently, watching all this with empty eyes. He knew that once he got involved, he would get deeper and deeper and it would be difficult to extricate himself.
After returning to his residence, Qi Tongwei sat alone in the dark room, thinking about many things. He recalled his youthful years on campus, when he was full of vigor and ideals, and had a beautiful vision for the future.