If itâs a public venue, banning someone from entry would violate administrative security regulations and could be subject to a complaint. Relevant administrative departments would criticize such behavior, order corrections, and might even impose fines. But the actions of these pharmacy owners all took place inside their own pharmacies. They were not public venues. Nor did they violate security regulations. Prohibiting a certain person from entering does not affect the normal order of society. Therefore, their actions, from a legal standpoint, were completely reasonable and lawful.
ăThree days later.ă
Outside the nursing home, early in the morning, Zhang Qingyuan, Li Weiguo, Song Tiancheng, and others were eagerly organizing people, preparing to head to the Intermediate Court. This was Liu Qiaoâs third court hearing. They were all deeply concerned and hadnât slept well all night.
"After waiting for so long, we can finally find out Liu Qiaoâs fate. Who knows how much dirt theyâve uncovered on him."
"In my opinion, he might have made hundreds of millions from his dirty money."
"HISS! Just by running a pharmacy, he made hundreds of millions? How much would that be per month?"
"Calculated over five years, twelve months a year, he would have to make at least 1.6 million in profit per month. How many people would he have cheated?"
As they gathered at the entrance, the more they thought about it, the angrier they became.
Unlike Meng Lei, Meng Lei at most had poor character, conning money from friends.
But Liu Qiao... he was meddling in the business of healing and saving lives, scamming money from patients.
Not a shred of medical ethics.
"Xiao Qin, hurry up! The hearing is about to start soon. It wouldnât look good to be late." Zhang Qingyuan turned around, glimpsing the still unprepared Qin Mu, and was somewhat displeased.
Although one could still enter if late for observing a court session, it wasnât ideal. Plus, you were likely to miss some exciting parts.
Looking at the group of enthusiastic old men before him, Qin Mu could only shake his head helplessly. He had no choice but to follow them, preparing to head toward the Intermediate Court.
Actually, he had been looking to take a break and slack off for the day; he hadnât really wanted to attend the trial.
As the case had progressed to this point, Liu Qiao and his lawyer were destined for conviction. This trial would mainly serve to determine their sentences based on their crimes. He could simply review the courtâs written judgment online afterwards.
But Old Zhang and the others had pestered him relentlessly, insisting he come along, saying that he should witness firsthand the fate of Liu Qiao and his lawyer.
"Letâs go."
Once they were ready, Qin Mu led Zhang Qingyuan and the others, a large and eager group, towards the Intermediate Court.
At 9:20 a.m., after rushing, Qin Mu managed to get Old Zhang and the others to the court in time.
As they entered the courthouse, due to their large number, the courthouse staff became wary again, and more than ten bailiffs came out, watching them with scrutinizing eyes.
Qin Muâs mouth twitched. "We are here to observe the trial," he explained to the bailiffs once again.
Anyone who didnât know better might think he was leading a group of old men to try and extort the court.
"Liu Qiaoâs case is in the First Criminal Trial Court." One of the grim-faced bailiffs pointed them in the right direction.
After the last trial, the bailiffs of the Intermediate Court had, to some extent, grown accustomed to the appearance of this formidable troop of elderly observers. Although still somewhat shocked, they were much more composed than the last time. These old men had indeed come to attend the trial.
"Letâs move."
Qin Mu nodded and led Zhang Qingyuan and the others into the First Criminal Trial Court.
"Itâs empty." Zhang Qingyuan took the lead and sat down in one of the observer seats. Looking around, he realized they were the first to enter the criminal courtroom. The prosecutor, the defendants, the lawyers, and others had yet to arrive.
"The hearing is at ten. Of course, no oneâs here yet." Qin Mu yawned and couldnât help rolling his eyes.
The energy of these old men... was truly astonishing.
They had dragged him here so early in the morning. At this hour, forget the prosecutors and defendants; even few of the courtroom staff had arrived yet.
Of course, those bailiffs were watching them the whole time, afraid they might cause some disturbance. After all, these old men were all in their seventies or eighties, tottering, each of them using a walking stick. Their bodies were still relatively robust, but any stumble or fall could lead to complications. Based on the no-fault principle, if any elderly person were injured inside the courthouse, the court would have to assume a certain level of responsibility.
ăTime slowly passed.ă
At 9:40 a.m., the doors to the courtroom burst open, and from the direction of the detention area, two familiar figures appeared. Liu Qiao and Zhang Kuang were each escorted by a group of bailiffs into the courtroom.
"Here they come! Letâs see how Liu Qiao tries to talk his way out of this one."
"I wonder who their defense lawyer is. Why havenât they shown up yet?"
"This lawyer is the first Iâve seen who managed to get himself incarcerated while defending someone else. Quite something, really."
"Xiao Qin, how long a sentence will this lawyer get?"
In the observer seats, Zhang Qingyuan and the others eagerly began to converse. Since the trial hadnât started yet, their voices were quite loud. This caused a commotion in the courtroom, immediately drawing the attention of Liu Qiao and Zhang Kuang.
Their expressions differed.
Liu Qiaoâs brow was furrowed, his face a mask of utter confusion. He hadnât expected to see this familiar group of cane-wielding elderly men again at this trial.
It turned out... these old men were the ones most concerned about him after all.