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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 180: No Mistakes (Part 2)
In fact, although Davis is of mixed Chinese and Russian descent, he has only been learning Chinese and living in China for just five years.
In any developed country, lawyers and doctors are considered high-income professions, but the prerequisite is that you must have real ability in this field.
Otherwise, you can only scrape by, just like lawyers who specialize in economic disputes or criminal cases, earning a fortune as top attorneys, while there are also those who handle less desirable cases like domestic violence or divorce that no one wants to take on.
Davis belongs to the latter category; whether he has the ability is subjective. The key point is that the legal profession is akin to ancient brothels—without qualifications or experience, one can only watch others rake in money while feeling envious.
So, at his mother's suggestion, Davis began learning Chinese and came to this magical country. Unexpectedly, relying on his silver tongue, he managed to make a name for himself.
Having spent a considerable amount of time learning Chinese, Davis found two phrases particularly amusing: "Good people are bullied" and "Reason travels everywhere."
These are his observations from five years in China. He is well aware that he is being paid to help a con artist and scum deceive a group of victims.
However, after living in China for so long, he has started to adopt this mindset. He realizes that being honest and wanting to uphold justice will not lead to making big money because in this country, if one wants to get rich, they must learn to bury their conscience.
Thus, Davis accepted Xu Feng's invitation because the price offered was very tempting. He planned to use his dual identity as a "lawyer" and "foreigner," combined with his persuasive skills, purely to deceive them.
As long as he successfully tricks these people away, the problematic items in the factory's warehouse—those drugs laced with Poppy Powder—can be easily transferred or destroyed. Turning against Wei Yuan or absconding with the money would not be an issue.
Now that Wei Yuan has mobilized so many traditional media outlets and emerging online platforms to amplify this matter, continuously broadcasting Xu Feng's name, even if he wanted to escape, he wouldn't know where to go.
Moreover, there is now something called "human flesh search," which means that as soon as Wei Yuan releases his photo or any information about him, it is highly likely that he could be found by countless internet users anywhere in the country.
For Xu Feng, the top priority is to quickly resolve the issues with the problematic medications in the factory's warehouse. As long as there is no evidence, and no one to testify against them, they can escape this crisis.
Even if he ends up fleeing, it won't be a big deal. After all, it's quite common for people to run away due to unpaid debts in every corner of Huaxia Nation; it would just be considered a minor incident and wouldn't make the front page news. The fuss would die down after a while.
However, if it becomes known that Poppy Powder has been added to the medications, one can only imagine the magnitude of the fallout.
The public has just gone through a food safety crisis and is still worried about the quality of various imported goods. If another safety issue arises concerning medications, it’s clear that the government will take drastic measures, targeting those responsible and sacrificing their own heads as a warning.
Xu Feng knows this is his only chance, and Davis is well aware of it too. Wei Yuan understands it even better.
Therefore, he must continue to oppose this Foreign Lawyer, and the more commotion he can create, the better.
Seeing Wei Yuan rallying the crowd, Davis knows that resolving this matter won't be easy. But there’s an old saying in Huaxia: "Accepting money means taking on responsibility."
He understands what this means; since he has accepted payment, he must face the situation head-on regardless of how difficult it may be.
Thus, in response to Wei Yuan's accusations, Davis can only maintain his politeness towards all the aggrieved parties and say: "Gentlemen, I understand your feelings very well. However, the factory has provided a clear response and hopes to find an opportunity within three days to sit down together and discuss resolving your payment issues. It was merely a cash flow problem and certainly not an intentional delay."
Upon hearing this, the manufacturers present showed signs of relief. Although they have been in business for quite some time, they rarely interact with such Foreign Lawyers and believed that these individuals were somewhat trustworthy.
Moreover, seeing that today's situation had escalated significantly, they thought that the other party was perhaps intimidated and thus willing to soften their stance. After all, without credibility, how could one establish themselves in any place?
However, they did not consider that Xu Feng had long been prepared to flee. When the time comes for him to leave, everything will be abandoned; credibility will mean nothing when he carries millions in cash. He could go anywhere in the world without a care.
And what about lawyers? It doesn’t matter; they are often just as corrupt as anyone else. Those who make a living with their sharp tongues can sometimes deceive people without remorse.
Among those present, some larger manufacturers still maintained a degree of rationality. After all, in their view, Xu Feng's unpaid debts were significant but not enough to cause them severe harm.
However, if the information incited by Wei Yuan is true, as speculated in the news from Jinghai Television Station, and if Xu Feng's products really have issues, then as the primary supplier, their company's reputation would be severely damaged, possibly irreparably. This is the real serious problem.
Therefore, even if they hear that the other party is willing to sit down and discuss the overdue payments, they still feel uneasy. After all, in their view, the severity of the issue is not solely about the payments.
On the other hand, those businesses with smaller scales, including some Family Workshops and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, do not have such a long-term perspective. They are not concerned about so-called reputation or branding; they are just trying to make a living. If this line of work doesn't pan out, they can always switch industries. After all, it is merely the manufacturing stage with minimal profit margins—what difference does it make what they produce?
However, the overdue payments become particularly significant. Although some amounts may only be tens of thousands or perhaps just a batch worth a few thousand dollars, it still represents a month's pure profit and could affect whether they can pay their workers' wages. For them, recovering the overdue payments is paramount.
Upon hearing Davis's proposed conditions, there were already more than two differing opinions among the hundred-strong group, each leaning in different directions, which made Wei Yuan feel somewhat strained.
Because when part of the group hesitates, this plan is likely to fall through. All his preparations may not only fail to yield results but could also alert Xu Feng. If he cannot deal with Xu Feng this time, it will probably be hard to find another opportunity in the future.
After all, this time Xu Feng has at least pocketed tens of millions in pure profit; with that money in hand, where would he not feel secure?
The original accumulation of capital often comes with bloodshed. If Xu Feng escapes this time, and if he truly begins to develop legitimate businesses or leaves China in the future, Wei Yuan would only be able to resort to assassination to deal with him.
Although with his current skills, he could easily rival a professional assassin; as long as he finds out Xu Feng's location, he could eliminate him silently at any moment.
However, even if he could do it, he is still unwilling. He wants to bring Xu Feng down through legitimate means and hopes to clear his father's unjust case as a way to comfort his soul in the afterlife.
Thus, this opportunity is unique; finding such a chance again would be even more difficult.
So Wei Yuan can only continue to persist. The first target he must deal with is the red-haired blue-eyed Foreign Lawyer Davis standing before him.
Wei Yuan stepped forward and touched his nose, saying: "Mr. Davis, your words are so persuasive that even we at Phoenix Pharmaceuticals are somewhat tempted. However, if your company genuinely intends to repay the overdue payments, why has there been continuous delay?"
Taking a breath, Wei Yuan continued: "Moreover, after careful investigation, I found that your company has cleverly arranged the overdue amounts at a threshold that all manufacturers can bear. Isn't this premeditated?"
Wei Yuan's every word strikes directly at the opponent's weaknesses, and the so-called company is merely an unregistered shell corporation; this is Xu Feng's specialty.
Hearing Wei Yuan's words, those representatives from larger businesses or companies nodded in agreement. Perhaps they had already sent someone to investigate the matter after the incident occurred.
Thus, their understanding of the situation was naturally not comparable to that of those manufacturers, and their perspective on the issue was also different.
This made Wei Yuan feel somewhat gratified because these individuals clearly possessed considerable skills and abilities. If they were willing to support him, it could lead to significant developments. Moreover, reporters arranged by Wei Yuan and Zhang Sheng were gradually arriving outside, making it evident that it wouldn't be easy for Xu Feng to get through this unscathed.
Davis felt pressured by Wei Yuan's questioning but still managed to respond calmly: "As you said, due to temporary cash flow issues, many coincidences arose. However, we have resolved this problem and guarantee that we can pay all of your goods. Please rest assured and return."
Wei Yuan persisted: "You resolved it in such a short time? Mr. Xu from your company is truly remarkable. I wonder if you found a Cuckold investor or suddenly received a large shipment to obtain circulating cash?"
Wei Yuan's question was astute, causing those around him to ponder. After all, how could one suddenly have enough money to settle all debts in just a few days?
The people present were not fools; they had spent considerable time in the business world and had high comprehension skills. Their silence was merely waiting for Wei Yuan to fire the first shot.
After a round of verbal sparring between the two, they analyzed the current situation before taking action.
These individuals were indeed sharp; although they might not understand the law, it didn't mean they wouldn't take measures to protect themselves.
"Only sweep the snow in front of your own door; do not worry about the frost on others' tiles." This philosophy of self-preservation is what people in China adhere to.
In China's judicial circles, there is a saying that summarizes the three major difficulties in all legal disputes: difficulty in filing administrative lawsuits, difficulty in defending criminal lawsuits, and difficulty in enforcing civil litigation.
Administrative lawsuits are not worth mentioning; they pertain to citizens suing officials, and courts often dare not intervene. Throughout five thousand years of history, successful outcomes for citizens suing officials only exist in films and television works, such as Stephen Chow's "Judge of Death."
The difficulty in defending criminal lawsuits refers to legal issues related to crimes, which involve officials prosecuting citizens. As long as there is relevant evidence, even if obtained through torture, it can be considered valid. In short, once convicted, it is difficult to turn things around.
Civil Litigation is difficult to enforce, which refers to the issue of civil disputes, or simply put, it's a case of "dog bites dog." Especially when both parties are in similar positions, even if a judgment is made, executing it according to the ruling is very challenging. Therefore, most civil compensation issues can be negotiated.
For example, if I can't pay the full amount of one hundred thousand, I can only pay eighty thousand. It's up to you whether you want it or not; after all, there’s nothing to mortgage or auction off, or it might just be a case of installment execution, which is quite common.
This is the calculation that Davis and Xu Feng are making. If Wei Yuan's people rush in and it turns out that there are issues with the pharmaceuticals stored in the warehouse during an inspection, it would directly become a criminal case.
The result of government intervention usually leads to no good outcomes. Moreover, once issues regarding drug safety are exposed, it can definitely trigger a public uproar. At that point, even if there are hidden agendas for covert execution, it would be very difficult.
As we know from the case of Li Gang's son and the "Eight Knives" incident, even under immense public scrutiny, the outcome of criminal proceedings still upheld the original judgment. Achieving peace in such circumstances is impossible.
However, if they verbally appease or even offer additional compensation for goods delivered, it doesn't matter how things go; the issue of unpaid debts can be significant.
If that person runs away and gets caught, it becomes a fraud case. If it's merely a verbal promise to repay without meeting that standard in actual execution, it can also lead to deferred execution, falling under Civil Litigation, which is essentially a "dog bites dog" situation that the court may choose to ignore.
In fact, while preparing to deal with Xu Feng, Wei Yuan had already subconsciously analyzed all potential problems. If there were aspects he didn't understand, he would consult with more knowledgeable individuals.
Alternatively, he would search various search engines and analyze the information to mentally simulate all possible scenarios as if conducting a criminal investigation.
Although he didn't approach it from Xu Feng's perspective like Blue Old Man, he was mentally rehearsing countless times like Sandbox Drill, aiming to know both himself and his opponent to achieve victory in every battle.
Thus, in response to this situation, Wei Yuan developed corresponding strategies. This time he did not waste words with Davis, but instead turned his attention to those suppliers he had mobilized.
Then Wei Yuan cleared his throat to draw everyone's attention and said, "I believe you all have been in business long enough. What this mixed-race lawyer has said is contradictory and merely an attempt to buy time. Even as a novice myself, I can tell this; I trust you all see through it as clearly as I do."
Next, Wei Yuan continued: "Now we at Phoenix Pharmaceuticals no longer believe their nonsense. Many reporters from television stations have arrived outside; I believe you have seen them. If we rush in together and find those pharmaceuticals with quality issues, we can certainly make these fraudsters taste their own bitter fruit. Just as everyone has been saying earlier, if they won't let us have peace, can we let them have peace?"
Typically rather taciturn, Wei Yuan was suddenly eloquent at this urgent moment; every word he spoke was directly aimed at their vulnerabilities.
It is evident that Wei Yuan's words have resonated with those present, as many are already feeling a stir of emotions. After all, these individuals are not fools; some still cling to the hope that things can be resolved favorably, even if it means recovering just a portion of the money owed.
Most of these people are from Family Workshop pharmaceutical factories, typically with no more than ten employees. As the saying goes, their voices carry little weight, and they naturally do not wish to cause trouble; they only want to recover the payments owed to them, whether in full or in part.
They do not want to offend anyone lightly, fearing that if things escalate, they too will be dragged into the mess. Moreover, the outstanding payments have not yet put them in a dire situation. As for the reputation concerns that larger manufacturers worry about, those are hardly worth mentioning for them.
In any case, some small workshops do not even operate under a factory name and may not have their own products. Therefore, there is little reputation to worry about; even if exposed by a television station, they could simply relocate.
Everyone has their own mindset, which is the most important issue at hand. Thus, Wei Yuan could not help but appeal emotionally. After stirring up the atmosphere, he said, "Everyone has worked hard to get to where we are today. Some may have invested five years or even ten years—how many ten-year spans does one have in life?"
This classic line from a television drama immediately struck a chord when spoken by Wei Yuan. Those around him began to tremble slightly. Wei Yuan continued, "Today, there are those who intend to use dirty means in a short time. This underhanded approach harms not only consumers but also us suppliers."
Wei Yuan's emotions were palpable as he expressed passionately, "Are we fools? Should we let our hard-earned money be taken so cheaply by others? Should we allow them to tarnish the reputation of the entire pharmaceutical industry? If we do not act today, tomorrow these people will come and disrespect you as if you were nothing."
Seeing Wei Yuan's inciting tone, Davis understood that Chinese men traditionally value face. If someone loses money quietly without anyone knowing, they might endure it. However, if someone like Wei Yuan brings it to light publicly, it will ignite their anger.
It makes them feel foolish and incompetent, as if after all these years they have lived like dogs. Such scars exposed in front of everyone—how could that not make them uncomfortable?
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