Hearing the purpose of these people’s visit, Fang Qing composed herself and took another glance at these unfamiliar faces.
Could these people be friends of Guan Libing?
She knew the details about Guan Libing.
A native of Zhijiang.
Has only an elderly mother in his family.
The reason was a failed investment in a store, and to prevent his wife from being affected by high-interest loans, he chose to divorce her. To evade his debts, he left his hometown and came to Yanjiao.
His tragic life did not turn for the better, it became even more brutal.
All things considered.
In terms of social attributes, Guan Libing was a complete loser.
Such a person should not have many friends, and even if he did, they would likely avoid him now.
After all, the several unfamiliar men did not look like the kind who would go through thick and thin for a friend.
"My surname is Tang."
Tang Xiaosheng, who had hurried here from Zhijiang without stopping, tried his best to make his smile appear amiable.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu says something that he couldn’t quite remember, but the gist was to adopt different strategies for different situations and take different measures against different enemies.
Standing in front of him now was a lawyer, a talented graduate of the University of Political Science and Law. Although young, she was already considered an elite in society.
And this was in Capital City.
He couldn’t be reckless.
No matter what, he had to start with courtesy before resorting to force.
"We and Guan Libing are old acquaintances. We are greatly shocked by what happened, and at the same time, we are extremely regretful."
The nearby underlings also cooperated by showing expressions of extreme distress.
This indicated that Tang Xiaosheng had carefully selected the people who came with him to Capital City, at least they all had a certain level of acting ability.
But even with preparation, these people were not formally trained in acting, of course; their superficial and deliberate attempts were plainly seen by Fang Qing.
"If you are friends of Guan Libing, you should go to see him, not me. This might be the last chance; any later, you may not be able to see him at all."
Upon hearing this, Fang Qing noticed these people didn’t seem worried, but instead showed a hint of glee.
Especially the man surnamed Tang with the scarred face, who impatiently asked, "Lawyer Fang, how confident are you in this case?"
"I can only say I’ll try my best."
Fang Qing stated calmly, already certain that these people were probably not really friends of Guan Libing.
"Lawyer Fang, you are defending Guan Libing pro bono, which is a highly respectable act. Shenzhou is in need of lawyers like you. Here is a small token of appreciation, no offense intended."
With that, Guan Libing pulled an envelope from the man bag tucked under his arm.
One could guess what was inside.
Although we are now in the era of mobile payments, some people still enjoy the satisfaction that cash brings, especially some underworld bosses.
Fang Qing, who was offered money out of the blue, would of course not accept it.
"Mr. Tang, what do you mean by this?"
"Lawyer Fang, please don’t misunderstand. This is simply the legal fee I’m personally paying for Guan Libing’s case. I cannot let a good lawyer like you work hard without compensation."
He sighed, "We all know, a life for a life; the outcome of this case is predetermined, there’s no suspense, so please take this money, Lawyer Fang."
Fang Qing’s pupils constricted slightly, clearly discerning the implied meaning behind his words.
The outcome predetermined.
Unraveling these words, she uncovered their true intention.
These people wanted Guan Libing dead.
They were paying to have her cooperate.
"Mr. Tang, do you realize that I could sue you just based on what you’re doing now?"
Fang Qing ignored the bulging envelope.
Tang Xiaosheng narrowed his eyes, his smile did not change, but the menacing nature within him couldn’t be suppressed and seeped out.
"Is Lawyer Fang joking? Sue me? I’m paying Guan Libing’s legal fee, is that even illegal?"
Lawyer Fang didn’t want to continue entangling with these people. Although she had been clear with Tong Dan, she still faced immense pressure with the trial that was about to start; she needed to prepare thoroughly and make the best use of every minute.
"Whether he deserves to die or not is a decision only the judge can make, no one else has the right to determine that. The law will naturally give Guan Libing the fairest verdict. I am busy with work and must excuse myself."
With those words, Fang Qing turned to go inside.
But two men blocked her path, one on the left and one on the right.
Fang Qing frowned and looked at them.
"Brother Scar has not finished speaking."
"Lawyer Fang, I know you’ve read a lot of books and are more educated than us. You should understand the principle that a wise man submits to circumstances. You’re different from Guan Libing and from us. You have a high education, a high-end profession in Capital City, and a promising future. Why insist on making this hard?"
Came a lukewarm voice from behind.
Fang Qing remained composed as she turned around, "I also want to know, what grudge do you have against Guan Libing that you’re so adamant about seeing him dead?"
Tang Xiaosheng chuckled.
"That’s an affair between him and me, Lawyer Fang, you don’t need to ask more."
While a lawyer’s responsibility lies with the case alone, at that moment, Fang Qing couldn’t help saying, "He has suffered enough; to err is human, to forgive divine."
"To err is human, to forgive divine."
Tang Xiaosheng pinched the envelope, repeating the phrase, and then flashed a grin.