Chapter 175: Clarity
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The public interest lawyer was on the verge of fainting. As a lawyer, he was obligated to seek leniency for his client. He had spoken with the maid before the trial.
He had explained to her that spreading rumors was not a heinous crime. If she admitted her mistake and displayed a positive attitude, there was a high likelihood of receiving a light sentence. However, he had never anticipated the maid’s statements in court.
The public interest lawyer felt powerless in this case. There was a possibility that the opposing party might press additional charges, seeking a harsher sentence for the maid.
As Song Yin sat below, she was visibly nervous. She wished to rush forward and speak in defense of the maid.
Song Fan has always been a promiscuous woman, having been involved in rumors with Gu Chen and even attempting to seduce Gu Zhuo. It appeared that all the men in the Gu Family were somehow entangled with her.
If it weren’t for the courtroom’s no-recording policy, she would have recorded everything the maid said, planning to use it for future sensationalism on the internet.
“Presiding judge, the defendant is starting to spread rumors in court. Can I prove my innocence?” Song Fan inquired, directing her gaze at the presiding judge.
While it typically wouldn’t be permitted, the presiding judge was aware of Song Fan’s identity and the throng of reporters outside. He nodded and consented, saying, “Okay.”
Song Fan then rose and handed a USB drive to Qi Shuo, who subsequently passed it to the court staff. Upon playback, a video was projected, depicting the events of that day.
The footage suggested that Song Fan and Gu Zhuo had only exchanged a few words before she handed him a key. There appeared to be no signs of intimacy, especially when compared to the misleading photos in the posts.
Now the truth is revealed, that photo must have been taken deliberately from a different angle.
“This is the surveillance footage I obtained from the school through the police. It should be sufficient to prove that she is spreading false rumors,” Song Fan stated calmly.
“That’s correct. Furthermore, Song Fan and I are not even in a teacher-student relationship,” Gu Zhuo suddenly interjected.
This unexpected statement startled Song Yin. She hadn’t anticipated Gu Zhuo’s appearance in court.
The presiding judge rapped his gavel and admonished, “Please maintain order and be seated.”
However, Gu Zhuo remained standing, insisting, “I am the other individual featured prominently in this photograph. I deserve a chance to defend myself.”
The presiding judge appeared baffled by Gu Zhuo’s identity, as many students in Eke High School came from affluent families. He instinctively looked to Qi Shuo for guidance.
Qi Shuo nodded slightly, signaling that the presiding judge could allow Gu Zhuo to speak. With renewed composure, the presiding judge said, “You may proceed.”
Gu Zhuo walked over to stand beside Song Fan and smiled as he addressed the court, “I am two years older than Song Fan and am currently pursuing my studies at an overseas university. I have returned for just a short period to experience school life. My connection with Song Fan cannot be characterized as a teacher-student relationship.”
“A teacher-student relationship typically implies an age difference and the teacher’s authority over the student, which can lead to potential deception.
However, such a situation could never exist between Song Fan and me.”
Song Yin, aware of Gu Zhuo’s situation, was alarmed by his presence in court.
The maid, though, vehemently cried out, “He’s lying! He must be lying!” However, Gu Zhuo’s identification card served as undeniable proof. The rumors were now debunked.
Only then did the maid grasp the gravity of her actions. She had failed to admit her guilt and had continued to slander Song Fan, rendering leniency impossible.
While she had agreed to shoulder the blame for money, she was unwilling to spend her youthful years behind bars. Moreover, Qi Shuo provided additional evidence of her actions, such as theft from her employer’s residence.
These additional charges carried a cumulative sentence of ten years, which would see her reach her thirties upon release.
The maid’s psychological defenses crumbled completely. She desperately called out to the gallery, “Second Miss, Second Miss, please save me!”
At this moment, everyone’s eyes were on Song Yin, and she didn’t expect the maid to shout at her.
However, she hurriedly disavowed any responsibility, stating, “I can’t save you even if you do this.”
After uttering those words, she hastily departed, fearing that the maid might shout again.
The maid gazed at Song Yin’s retreating figure, realizing that she would receive no help from her. She cried out mournfully, “Song Yin!”
Now, it was evident to anyone with a modicum of intelligence that the maid was likely not the true perpetrator behind the rumors. She had been thrust into the spotlight as a scapegoat.
Although the spectators in the gallery remained silent, they exchanged knowing glances, and a collective suspicion had formed among them.
Upon observing their expressions, Song Fan realized that she had accomplished her objective. It wouldn’t be as simple for Song Ting to continue placing such unquestioning trust in Song Yin in the future if more incidents like this occurred..
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