HLM – Chapter 72 Victory! Victory!

The judge entered the courtroom, and everyone stood. Wang Bo curiously studied the judge and was surprised to see how young he looked—probably just in his thirties—far from the seasoned, composed figure he had imagined.

This was normal. Cases at the district court were frequent, and the job demanded sharp judgment and abundant energy. Judges had to be lawyers with at least seven years of practice and a reputation for integrity. So, it wasn’t unusual to see judges in their thirties.

The judge motioned for everyone to sit. Then, a juror read out the details of the case for everyone present, ensuring all were clear on the context. Next came the formal complaint.

Attorney Mueller began the plaintiff’s argument. He focused on a key point: when government urban planning officials negotiated with Wang Bo, they never informed him that there would be a land use fee for constructing the highway. He then cited the ongoing construction of the Penlink highway as an example to support his argument.

The Penlink highway was located in the Rodney district north of Auckland. Originally, the region had only one main road running east to west across the peninsula. To get to Auckland, residents had to endure terrible traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, where even a minor accident could paralyze the entire peninsula.

Since the 1980s, the Auckland City Council had planned to build the Penlink highway. It would pass through the Redvale region and connect with State Highway 1. Once completed, it would greatly improve local transportation.

However, the project didn’t begin until recent years due to a stretch of private land on the planned route. The city and the landowner had never agreed on the land use fees for the 7-kilometer section.

Eventually, the city council had to designate Penlink as one of New Zealand’s rare toll roads and agreed to share annual revenue with the landowner as per his demands. Only then was construction able to start.

Then it was the defendant’s turn to present their case. Wang Bo perked up, expecting a heated courtroom battle like those on TV.

To his disappointment, there were no verbal duels or shouting matches. Both Mueller and the defense attorney stuck to legal clauses and facts, calmly explaining the truth of the matter.

As things progressed, Wang Bo realized why Mueller had told him before the trial that they might “gain some advantage” rather than outright win the case.

The defense attorney opened by retreating slightly. They didn’t deny responsibility but argued that Wang Bo had set up a trap—signing a contract and waiting for highway construction to begin just so he could sue. By that point, investments had already been made, and they had no choice but to proceed with construction.

And indeed, by now, the Sunset Town section of Highway 8 had been under construction for over half a month, with most of it already opened up. Over NZ$20 million had been invested. There was no way the New Zealand government would halt the project.

Wang Bo felt wronged and was about to speak, but Mueller shot him a look, warning him to stay silent. Mueller stuck firmly to the original argument—that the Land Transport Authority, in building Highway 8, had exploited an information gap to bully a new immigrant.

Wang Bo was confused. It wouldn’t have been hard to refute the defense—why would he set a trap with a fake contract when this road was a win-win for both sides? Without the Sunset Town section of Highway 8, his town would never develop.

After 45 minutes of statements and hearings, the judge announced a recess. The twelve jurors left the courtroom for deliberation, and a verdict would be announced in half an hour.

During this break, Wang Bo shared his thoughts with Mueller. The lawyer replied, “I knew you’d say that. But you mustn’t say that in court—otherwise the judge might start favoring the other side.”

He paused, then explained, “Because if this road brings you profit, then the Land Transport Authority isn’t infringing on your rights—it’s a partnership. And once you admit you benefit, the relationship becomes cooperative, not adversarial.”

Wang Bo suddenly understood. He was grateful he hadn’t spoken out earlier. Just before the trial, the defense had tried to argue that the contract was one of cooperation rather than usage. He had nearly fallen into the trap.

Twenty minutes later, the judge and jurors returned. The verdict was announced: “Under the eyes of God, this court has heard the arguments of both parties, reviewed the evidence, and considered the jury’s opinion. The ruling is as follows—”

“The plaintiff, Sunset Town landowner Wang Bo, wins the case. The New Zealand Land Transport Authority is ruled at fault. The original contract signed is hereby deemed illegal.”

“Amen!”

The gavel struck. Case closed.

Wang Bo hugged Mueller excitedly and shouted, “You’re amazing, buddy! We finally won! Thank God! Thank the just courts of New Zealand!”

Mueller smiled and was about to speak, but Wang Bo stopped him: “Don’t say a word yet, my dear lawyer. Let me enjoy this moment first. I know once you open your mouth, it’ll be about the legal fees. Don’t worry, not a single cent will be missing!”

To his surprise, Mueller slowly said, “You guessed wrong. Actually, I’m waiving the legal fees this time.”

Wang Bo’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. Was this guy crazy?

Mueller continued, “I hope we can work together long-term. I’d like to become the official legal counsel for the town.”

Suddenly, Wang Bo understood everything. No wonder Mueller had helped him so many times. Wang Bo had thought it was because he was kind-hearted and charming. But no, Mueller had been planning this all along.

As the town’s official lawyer, Mueller would handle all legal affairs. In New Zealand, lawsuits were common, and that meant ongoing opportunities and profits. It was better than cashing in on one case—it was a long-term investment. In Chinese terms, rather than giving someone a fish, it was better to teach them how to fish.

Wang Bo agreed. Mueller’s skills were unquestionable—he had handled every case with sharp precision, and now had even won against a national agency. The man was clearly top-tier.

Charlie had once told him that Mueller was one of the most renowned lawyers in the South Island and a top attorney at the prestigious global law firm Skadden Arps (Sida) in New Zealand. With his help, the town’s affairs would be much easier—though admittedly more expensive.

Moreover, the last time Wang Bo had been sued by some thugs, Mueller had showcased his impressive network. Just a few words, and the opposing lawyer had backed down and switched sides.

After the ruling was announced, Wang Bo had expected the Land Transport Authority to appeal. After all, they were a government agency and surely had more influence in the country.

But that didn’t happen.

The very next day, a man claiming to be a Land Transport Authority official called him and invited him back to Auckland to renegotiate the contract.