Not being on a leash could lead to potential danger. This danger was an inherent risk, triggered by Cheng Chuxiao, and it was beyond human control to change. Ultimately, they were legally in an absolutely advantageous position. He really couldn’t think of a way for the other side to win.

「That evening.」

Qin Mu returned home to the Mountain and Water Garden District as usual after work. After dinner, he planned to go online to see if any new "dark horses" had emerged in the recent internet lynching incident. Although he had submitted 13,000 defendants, it didn’t prevent new ones from appearing. Thanks to Cheng Chuxiao and others, the incident had caused a huge stir online, known to countless people, and naturally attracted a large number of trolls. Even after brewing for several days, new "justice warriors" were still joining in.

"As expected, another batch has been added," Qin Mu thought after a brief search, sighing softly. This meant his workload was going to increase again. With each new batch of netizens, he had to register them, prepare a full set of documents, and file lawsuits. It was a painful yet joyous process.

Just as he walked into the study to gather evidence, a colleague from the nursing home suddenly sent him a WeChat message: "Qin Mu, are you there? I have something I’d like to ask your advice on."

The sender was Lin Gang from the nursing home’s business department, a recent graduate. His work attitude at the nursing home was quite positive, and he was always eager to take on any task. If Qin Mu remembered correctly, Cheng Chuxiao had been Lin Gang’s client on the day of Old Zhang’s incident. Their discussion had been going well. Cheng Chuxiao was generally satisfied, and they were about to enter the final stage of contract negotiations when this unfortunate incident occurred.

"What is it?" Qin Mu replied succinctly.

A few seconds later, Lin Gang sent another message, sounding somewhat conflicted: "Um... if it’s convenient, Qin Mu, maybe we should talk over a voice call?"

Qin Mu thought for a moment and then directly initiated a voice call to Lin Gang.

As soon as the call connected, Lin Gang said with a wry smile, "Qin Mu, sorry to disturb you this late. I’ve run into some trouble and really don’t know what to do."

Qin Mu frowned slightly and comforted him, "Don’t panic. Take your time and tell me."

Lin Gang sighed and then began to speak slowly, "After work today, someone added me as a friend. I initially thought it was a family member looking to admit an elderly person to our nursing home. But after I accepted the request, they offered me 50,000 yuan..." His voice was tinged with conflict.

"The person claimed to be a lawyer," Lin Gang continued, "and mentioned there was a court hearing tomorrow where they would request my testimony. I was asked to describe in detail the situation that day, specifically about the dog not being on a leash. Of course, the content of the description... was naturally to be exactly what they instructed."

"They want me to testify in court that Old Zhang provoked the dog first. As long as I stick firmly to that story, 50,000 yuan is mine." As he spoke, Lin Gang sighed again, his expression complicated.

That 50,000 yuan... for him, it was undoubtedly a huge sum. Working at the nursing home, his monthly base salary was just over 1,000 yuan. Even with commission, it only amounted to 4,000 or 5,000 yuan. Fifty thousand yuan was equivalent to an entire year’s income.

Lin Gang continued, "The person even considered the consequences for me, saying they could recommend me to another nursing home. Even if I were fired from my current job out of retaliation, they said I could find a new one in minutes and start the very next day. They even hinted they could add more money if the 50,000 yuan wasn’t enough. The offer was very tempting."

But... having interacted with Qin Mu for so long, he had seen too many cautionary tales. Those who sought petty advantages rarely ended well. Although he really wanted the money, he was terrified of being sent to prison by Qin Mu. Everyone at the nursing home knew that Qin Mu didn’t pull any punches when he took action. He might appear amiable normally, but when it came to dealing with people, he was absolutely resolute.

"Qin... Qin Mu," Lin Gang stammered, "I mainly wanted to ask, this money... if I take it, what impact will it have on the case?" He swallowed, then pressed on, "And, of course, what impact will it have on me?"

「Meanwhile, in the study.」

As Qin Mu listened to Lin Gang’s story, an expression of realization gradually dawned on his face. So that was it. He finally understood the other side’s strategy to win. If they could convince the few "eyewitnesses" from that day, they could shift some of the responsibility onto Old Zhang. If Old Zhang’s teasing had led to the dog chasing him, he would no longer be blameless. In this incident, he would be considered at fault and unable to claim compensation from Cheng Chuxiao on this basis. Moreover, he would also have to compensate for the dog’s death to some extent! If the other side’s maneuver succeeded, the situation would be reversed in an instant! This was an underhanded, out-of-court tactic. That’s why he had never considered it! 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Qin... Qin Mu?" Lin Gang’s voice came hesitantly over the phone when Qin Mu didn’t immediately respond.

Qin Mu finally replied, "There will definitely be an impact. With this tactic, the other side could completely turn the tables and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat..."

He then explained the opponent’s objective in detail, adding, "As for the impact on you... if you’re found out, you could be charged with obstructing justice and perjury. Any illegal gains would be confiscated, and you would also be fined."

This move by the other side... to be honest, it had taken him completely by surprise. If Lin Gang hadn’t come forward to confess, he very well might have capsized in court tomorrow.