Too Bad I Take Things Seriously-Chapter 525 - 214: Second Trial Begins, Additional Punishment Added!_2

Chapter 525: Chapter 214: Second Trial Begins, Additional Punishment Added!_2

It was Qin Mu who had helped call the police and had the disruptive young man taken away. At the time, the speaker had even wanted to hire Qin Mu as a legal advisor for their hospital.

Is it really him? he thought, swallowing hard, somewhat in disbelief.

In his memory, Qin Mu often wore a gentle smile and spoke unhurriedly, calm and methodical.

That day at Sanhe Hospital... I assumed Qin Mu was just there for a consultation, but now it seems that wasn’t entirely the case. Qin Mu... seemed to be there specifically to send Han Dongting away. How on earth did Han Dongting offend him?

He furrowed his brows, racking his brains but still couldn’t figure it out.

Unless... Han Dongting deliberately prescribed expensive medicine, targeting Qin Mu or someone close to him, and that’s what drew Qin Mu in. Considering what others in Jin City said about Qin Mu...

He felt a sudden, inexplicable chill.

He muttered to himself, "This Qin Mu... he’s truly a plague god."

The news article listed, in great detail, the outrageous things Qin Mu had done in the past. For example, when Qin Mu encountered a fraudulent intermediary, he turned the tables by signing a contract with them, then sent them to prison based on a liability clause for their wrongdoing. When dealing with extortionists demanding Ancient Wood, he retaliated by suing them for robbery, sending all six to jail. When confronting a lottery store owner embezzling ticket winnings, he again turned the tables...

In short, Qin Mu’s shadow loomed over many industries in Jin City.

The automotive sales industry "affectionately" called Qin Mu the "Plague God."

The banking industry "affectionately" called him the "Jinx."

The lottery industry "affectionately" called him the "Disaster Star."

Every industry had a unique, fearful nickname for Qin Mu. People in these sectors seemed to hold him in awe, terrified he might drift into their line of work.

...

「Three days later.」

Jin City, at the nursing home.

In front of Zhang Qingyuan and the other seniors, Qin Mu announced some news. "I have good news for everyone. We’ve found the court’s hearing schedule. Liu Qiao’s appeal trial... is set for three days from now." He himself was surprised, adding, "The Jin City Intermediate Court... they actually accepted Liu Qiao’s appeal."

"Is it really going to trial, Xiao Qin? Didn’t you say that if the original verdict was sound, the appeal would be rejected?"

"He’s not trying to overturn the verdict, is he?"

"Three days from now, right? I’d better rest up so I can properly enjoy his performance in court!"

"Does this new trial mean there was an error in the district court’s ruling?"

The other seniors murmured amongst themselves.

Zhang Qingyuan and the others were extremely excited, yet also somewhat concerned.

An appeal trial... is usually initiated only if there were issues with the first trial’s verdict, they thought. Their immediate assumption was that Liu Qiao wanted to overturn the verdict, or at least reduce his sentence of fourteen years and six months.

"He won’t be able to overturn it." Qin Mu smiled reassuringly. "The evidence for his crimes of bribery and money laundering is conclusive. There’s no chance of acquittal."

"The only thing he can hope for is a reduced sentence, but..." He paused.

From the trial records on the judgment documents website, I can clearly see Liu Qiao is attempting to prove his innocence. He shows no remorse, no willingness to plead guilty. He’s adamant about not serving time. I don’t know where he gets this confidence, but escaping punishment is nearly impossible for him. The Jin City Intermediate Court does have the power to amend the first trial’s verdict, but that depends on the actual circumstances. His criminal actions are unforgivable; there’s no possibility of an innocent defense.

"That’s good to hear! We’ll be waiting for the show in three days. Old Su, I’ll take you to see it live then!" one senior said.

"Hopefully, the appeal trial verdict will increase Liu Qiao’s sentence. It’s pharmacy owners like him who profane the sanctity of the pharmaceutical industry," another added.

"I think that’s unlikely," a third mused. "Liu Qiao must have prepared for this appeal. While he might not get a reduced sentence, it’s hardly possible it’ll be increased, right?"

"Three more days to wait. Are there any other cases to keep us entertained in the meantime?"

The others chimed in with similar comments.

Their worries allayed, everyone continued to chatter excitedly, discussing the upcoming trial.

Zhang Qingyuan, Li Weiguo, and other long-time residents of the nursing home took the opportunity to explain to newcomers like Su Yongnian what to expect when attending a trial in person.

Su Yongnian and the others were quite excited about the upcoming trial; it would be their first time witnessing a court session live since joining the nursing home, and everyone was full of anticipation.

...

「Three days later.」

Jin City Intermediate Court, First Criminal Trial Court. At precisely 9:10 in the morning, the court had just opened its doors when Zhang Qingyuan, Li Weiguo, and the others eagerly surged inside.

This veritable throng, dozens strong, startled the Jin City Intermediate Court staff, who almost thought someone was trying to storm the courthouse.

They only relaxed slightly upon realizing it was a group of gray-haired old men. However, they had never witnessed such a large contingent—dozens of people—arriving to observe a trial simultaneously. The incident was inevitably reported to higher-ups, and additional bailiffs were dispatched to maintain order.

Qin Mu, mingling with Zhang Qingyuan and the others, felt the corner of his mouth twitch as he observed the Jin City Intermediate Court’s formidable security stance.

This didn’t happen at the district court recently, he mused. The staff there, from the Judgment Chief down to the bailiffs, have all grown accustomed to such scenes. But for the Intermediate Court... this is their first time seeing Zhang Qingyuan and his group.

"Why are these bailiffs staring at us?" one of the seniors whispered. "We’re just here to observe, not to cause trouble."

"Exactly! Why are they watching us as if we were thieves?" another grumbled.