Chapter 407: Chapter 294: The Reeking "Luggage Bag"! Heading to the Upper City!

"Zhengyang City is not like other areas..."

"You can’t file the case."

...

"You can’t file the case."

Zhengyang City, in the filing court office of the Intermediate People’s Court.

Looking at the staff who had just returned after taking a phone call, Xu Liang and Yang Ruoxi frowned.

"Can’t file?"

"Why can’t the case be filed!?"

"This case obviously has issues. The filing court doesn’t want to be responsible!?"

This is the Intermediate Court of Zhengyang City, and the two had arrived here not long ago.

At first, the communication between both parties was still good.

The court even hinted that a criminal case could be filed!

At that time, Xu Liang was even a bit delighted. After all, unless absolutely necessary, he didn’t want to go to Upper City.

Why?

Because it’s too far away!

The crime took place in Zhengyang City; even if he files the case, what happens after it’s filed?

After filing comes the trial, and the trial requires evidence. Evidence only exists where the case is filed, which means if he wants to win, he must investigate in Zhengyang City!

Constantly taking trains and planes, even the world’s top criminal investigator couldn’t handle such a drain on energy...

Not to mention that Upper City would conduct a detailed investigation, verify clues, and its procedures are more cumbersome!

So, if the court is trustworthy... then Xu Liang would rather sit at the poker table in Zhengyang City.

Unfortunately...

"Did the police send over a notice to file the case?"

In the filing court office, a staff member looked at Xu Liang and asked.

"No, but it’s under reconsideration." Xu Liang said in a deep voice.

"Sorry, perhaps you could try applying at the prosecutor’s office?" the staff suggested.

If it were ordinary people, they might have gone.

But Xu Liang and Yang Ruoxi... they knew that the person in front of them was simply passing the buck.

The prosecutor’s office filing is more cumbersome!

Why?

Because most of the evidence at the prosecutor’s office relies on the initial investigation of the case by the police.

But the problem is, the police in Zhengyang City refused to file the case, ruling it as a suicide case!

"Are you sure?"

Xu Liang squinted his eyes and asked again.

The staff nodded expressionlessly.

"Yes, I’m sure."

Then suddenly paused and added:

"However, if you’re willing to file a civil lawsuit... I can help you process it."

Civil lawsuit!?

Xu Liang frowned slightly, and Yang Ruoxi’s face darkened.

Who are they insulting!?

A proper criminal case turned into a civil lawsuit!?

A murder case turned into an economic dispute? Zhu Haoyi disappeared, and the person responsible becomes Zhang Shan’s wife, who seemingly was silenced and vanished!?

"No, we only want to file a criminal lawsuit!"

Xu Liang said in a deep voice.

"Then there’s no way. The existing evidence cannot support filing a criminal case; the Zhengyang Mining Company you’re trying to sue has no doubts associated with the case."

The staff shook his head and said.

The only doubt lies in the free trade between the parties.

If Zhu Haoyi bought the weaving plant for a dollar, it would still be reasonable.

However... the price given by the counterpart was slightly higher than the market price!

And all legally compliant procedures are in place, seemingly honest with no signs of forcing Zhang Shan to sell.

Even the transfer records exist!

The biggest suspicion lies in the missing wife and money, where the counterpart took the money and left, causing Zhang Shan’s suicide.

"Perhaps I can help you file a civil lawsuit first."

The staff suddenly tried to persuade again:

"If there’s evidence later, you can change it to a criminal case then?"

Changing from civil to criminal and then going to the criminal trial for a hearing?

Just hearing it makes Xu Liang feel a headache.

The "Tianshan Hospital Case" in Qingshi City, the reason he was willing to change from civil to criminal was mainly because the case was already set from the beginning.

Secondly, the case was fully within his control and rhythm, knowing it could definitely be turned into a criminal case!

But for this case...

If it really becomes a civil lawsuit, it’s unlikely to turn back; it can only be dealt with as a civil case in the future.

"No need." Xu Liang took a deep breath.

"Wouldn’t you consider it?" the staff asked again.

"No need!"

Xu Liang said again, then paused and added:

"Give me a receipt."

Upon hearing this, the staff’s face turned a bit unpleasant, but reluctantly handed over a receipt.

Seeing this, Xu Liang and Yang Ruoxi didn’t hesitate and immediately left the Zhengyang City Intermediate Court.

At this time, it was three in the afternoon.

The sun was gradually setting, though it wasn’t yet dusk, the sky was starting to darken.

Xu Liang stood at the court’s entrance, looking down at the receipt in his hand.

"Tsk, didn’t expect... Still got the information of non-acceptance."

Xu Liang clicked his tongue and shook his head as he spoke.

He came to the court to test their attitude.

But the attitude was quite unfriendly!

So... the court’s ’Notice of Non-acceptance’ receipt copies were already in hand.

"Adding the two together, it’s likely that it cannot be tried in Zhengyang City but in Upper City."

Yang Ruoxi, who was standing beside him, spoke.

However...

Xu Liang suddenly thought of something, looking puzzled at Yang Ruoxi.

"Where’s your dad now?"

Yang Ruoxi replied, "He’s a judge in Upper City."

"Then we..."

Xu Liang hesitated.

If he wants to have the trial in Upper City, he must gather all possible factors, besides the receipt and police notice, he must expand the case’s public opinion to the maximum.

But if he does this...

"What about your dad?"

Xu Liang said suspiciously, beginning to contemplate Wang Yao’s situation.

Yang Ruoxi directly replied:

"Don’t worry, why worry about this."

"After all, my dad has been quite busy this year, adding one more case doesn’t matter..."

Goodness, the ultimate filial daughter!

Xu Liang silently gave a thumbs-up to his subordinate, then took him to a taxi waiting by the roadside.

The taxi sped swiftly down the highway.

Soon, they stopped near the Run Dong Weaving Plant.

Xu Liang paid the fare and pushed the door open to enter.

Inside the weaving plant hall, nearly everyone was there, silently crafting things in their hands.

These were brooms made from sorghum stalks, large brushes crafted from slender bamboo, and even some baskets. Though the craftsmanship wasn’t top-notch, the products were inexpensive and good quality.

However...

"Even if we weave, we can’t sell them. But if we don’t weave, we don’t know how to survive..."

Liu Jinshui looked at Xu Liang watching them work. His face showed a hint of wistfulness as he spoke bitterly.

People like them, who had nothing, were theoretically what Zhu Haoyi feared the most.

Because they had nothing to lose, they didn’t fear killing people.

But then again...

Even ants steal life.

Liu Jinshui and the others also wanted to survive....

Even if it’s just barely clinging on, they want to live.

"Hmm."

Xu Liang squatted down and began mimicking the weaving.

After a long time, he suddenly spoke to Su Yu, who was silently beside him:

"How is it going with the police?"

Upon hearing this, Su Yu paused his actions and said:

"It’s still the same director from yesterday. He said he would personally supervise the review."

"No clear answer means the review won’t pass."

Xu Liang spoke.

He had thought about this result, but it’s fine. The more the other side does, the more cards he will have, and the greater the chance the case will be accepted in Upper City!

"What about you, Senior Brother?" Su Yu asked again.

Xu Liang replied, "The court wants to switch to civil litigation."

Switch to civil litigation...

Su Yu paused, not asking if Xu Liang agreed.

With his personality, he would never agree to such a thing!

Liu Jinshui silently listened, not speaking, until Xu Liang shifted his gaze to him. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Mr. Liu... Strictly speaking, you are not my client right now, as we haven’t signed a contract."

"So, if you follow my method... even if something goes wrong, I can wash my hands of it completely."

Saying this.

Xu Liang paused again and said:

"In front of you is a path, but this path carries a lot of risk."

"Which is to... go to Upper City!"

"If you think it’s inappropriate, I can switch to a civil case to help you seek compensation."

The way the case is fought...

Ultimately depends on Liu Jinshui’s own will.

Liu Jinshui said nothing, just numbly weaving the things in his hands.

Xu Liang wasn’t in a hurry.

If they lose the case, Zhu Haoyi might retaliate against Liu Jinshui and the others, which carries great risk, essentially gambling with their lives.

Either they win and Zhu Haoyi is captured, or Liu Jinshui and the others face reckoning.

And their reason for gambling their lives... yet it was just for Zhang Shan, to be honest.

The two aren’t even related by blood, self-preservation is not a bad solution.

"Mr. Liu, please think carefully," Xu Liang said.

After speaking, he got up and left.

Su Yu, Yang Ruoxi, and Sun Zhongmin also left, leaving only Liu Jinshui and the other workers in the weaving plant.

Liu Jinshui remained silent, using labor to numb his thoughts.

To be honest, he had long seen through it.

His life was just barely getting by, moving from one kennel to another.

Others hit his left cheek, he’d offer the right cheek.

You know, the average lifespan of a homeless beggar picking up scraps is ’five years’!

In just five years, they would often die, but Liu Jinshui...

He gave up so-called human rights and dignity, yet managed to survive until now.

If he was to give up Zhang Shan’s death, the factory being seized...

Then he could continue to live barely, moving from this kennel to another, eventually dying of old age by the roadside...

Just by a simple act of selling out Zhang Shan’s absurd friendship and switching to civil litigation, he not only gets money but also lives without threat...

Liu Jinshui’s breathing gradually became harsh, his hands moved more forcefully, but his face turned extremely pale.

Until...

"Crack!"

The bamboo snapped, piercing his palm, and a drop of red blood streamed down.

Liu Jinshui came to his senses, silently staring at his palm, then took a deep breath and said:

"Bring back Brother Zhang’s body!"

...

...

The next day.

June 16th.

"Mr. Liu, have you thought it through?"

Inside the weaving plant, Xu Liang re-entered, looking at Liu Jinshui and the others, asking.

Should they continue to report it or switch to civil litigation?

In the weaving plant.

None of the workers, including Liu Jinshui, spoke.

Liu Jinshui’s eyes were bloodshot, full of veins. He simply raised the luggage bag in his hand as a gesture.

From the briefcase, a faint stench wafted out.

The corpse couldn’t be completely taken to Upper City, but... parts of the corpse could be.

Xu Liang’s eye twitched, and his mouth twisted.

What’s in this bag... a head?

With this state, didn’t he spend the entire night cutting it!?

Liu Jinshui gripped the luggage bag tightly as if possessed, his eyes bloodshot, a hoarse voice emanating from his throat.

"Upper City... when are we going!?"

Xu Liang regained his composure, took a deep breath, and silently handed the already prepared train ticket to him.

Zhengyang City couldn’t get the case filed.

Zhu Haoyi’s infiltration was too deep, crime was almost commonplace here, and Xu Liang couldn’t even get to the table to play cards.

But...

He could change the table!

As for when to change...

Xu Liang focused, looking at the luggage bag filled with a stench in his hand, and said in a low voice:

"Now!"

"Let’s go!!!"