MWC – Chapter 87 Legal Procedure

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Room 408.

Lu Ming met the legendary Wang Zili, the “flag bearer” of Forty-Nine, and the prominent figure of Wangdian.

Seeing this honest man, Lu Ming felt it was a bit rude to impose on him. So, after shaking hands and exchanging a few pleasantries with Wang Zili, he got straight to the point, “Brother Zili, at the end of the year, I might run for the councilor of District Forty-Nine. If this becomes certain, please don’t hold it against me!”

Wang Zili was accompanied by Wang Xiaohu and a few fishermen.

Hearing Lu Ming’s words, Wang Zili was slightly stunned but then gave a sincere smile, “Lawyer Lu, if you can really help us resolve the fisheries dispute, I will support you running for the councilor of District Forty-Nine. You know, my position as councilor is just to make up the numbers.”

Wang Zili looked like an extremely honest and simple fisherman, wearing cloth clothes and pants, still smelling of fish, with mud on his cloth shoes.

Hearing his words, Lu Ming smiled and invited everyone to sit down.

“Xiaohu should have told you all about the fisheries dispute around Pearl Island. So, from what you know, when did the disputes historically start, and what is the current situation? Please tell me everything.”

The fishermen representatives were very excited and immediately began to talk all at once. It was evident that those who came were somewhat knowledgeable, spoke logically and coherently, and were able to clearly explain the situation.

Lu Ming listened quietly, occasionally interjecting with a question or two.

On the other side, Tong Xiao’e was diligently taking notes, while Tie Xiaojia was also taking notes but not as fast or efficiently as Tong Xiao’e, eventually shaking her head and giving up in frustration.

…

In the lounge, there were only four people now: Lu Ming, Wang Zili, Wang Xiaohu, and one fisherman representative.

The fisherman representative had white hair and beard, with deep wrinkles on his face, a highly respected elder in Wangdian. Although Wang Zili held a high position, he called him Fifth Uncle, while Wang Xiaohu directly addressed him as Fifth Great-Uncle.

After pondering for a while, Lu Ming said, “I’ve thought about this. I can’t guarantee much, but I feel that we can enforce a fishing ban around Pearl Island this autumn. After that, we’ll see how things develop. Perhaps we can establish the autumn fishing ban as a regular rule.”

Wang Zili was stunned and looked at Wang Xiaohu in disbelief.

Xiaohu had spoken highly of Lawyer Lu, but enforcing a fishing ban in the Pearl Island waters? And starting immediately? How was that possible?

“Brother Lu, that’s great! Truly great!” Wang Xiaohu didn’t doubt Lu Ming’s words at all and was so happy he almost jumped up.

“Brother Zili, Fifth Great-Uncle! Did you hear that?! We won’t have to suffer at the hands of the East Sea devils anymore!”

If the autumn fishing ban could be enforced in the Pearl Island waters, the autumn fish yield along the northern coast would greatly increase.

However, Wang Zili and Fifth Uncle showed no excitement, instead looking at each other in confusion and suspicion.

Wang Xiaohu said loudly, “Brother Zili, Fifth Great-Uncle, Brother Lu never speaks empty words. If he says it’s possible, it definitely is! Let’s go back and tell the villagers this good news!”

Fifth Uncle immediately smiled wryly, and Wang Zili also shook his head helplessly.

Lu Ming smiled, “Xiaohu, good news is worth the wait. Let’s confirm it first. Accompany Brother Zili and Fifth Uncle back and wait for the news.”

Wang Xiaohu nodded vigorously.

…

In an elegant western restaurant, Christine looked helplessly at the new motion Lu Ming had submitted.

Dressed in a silver gown adorned with pearls and jewels, she exuded nobility and elegance. But sitting there, she remained extremely strong and stern, intimidating everyone. Her male companion spoke to her cautiously.

Across the luxurious dining table sat a suave middle-aged man with brown hair, looking very capable and astute.

“Hey, do you know that Judge Christine is on vacation? Interrupting us like this is very impolite!” the male companion said, displeased, looking at Lu Ming.

Lu Ming ignored him and sighed lightly when Christine looked at him with her green eyes. “Your Honor, I know it’s rare for you to take a vacation, but I have no choice. This matter is urgent, so I have to intrude!”

“You think I’ll sign this absurd motion?” Judge Christine’s green eyes showed faint anger, feeling that this guy was deliberately ruining her meal. Locking him up once, now he comes up with this?

Everyone in the restaurant was watching.

Lu Ming’s motion argued that since the ownership certificate of Pearl Island was listed among Kato Sanri’s estate, a temporary injunction should be issued to prohibit anyone and any boats, especially fishing boats, from approaching the Pearl Island waters until the lawsuit was resolved.

“Yes, I know it’s absurd!” Lu Ming coughed. “Pearl Island was given to no less than five people by the Duke of the East Sea centuries ago. This is a historical anecdote. After the Great Reclamation, many noble estates have practically lost their ownership. But in this case, since the ownership certificate appeared, the Pearl Island waters have also become disputed property. Legally, all disputed property should be frozen before your and the jury’s verdict to prevent anyone from encroaching on it during this period!”

Judge Christine stared at Lu Ming, almost spitting fire, and coldly said, “I know what you’re trying to do. You want to impose a fishing ban to help the northern fishermen, right?”

Lu Ming was stunned. He hadn’t expected her to understand this maritime dispute and know about the abundant autumn fish in that area and their habits, realizing what he was up to.

Logically, Westerners wouldn’t care about such unrelated matters.

“Your Honor, you are always wise and powerful, which I admire greatly. But legally, you should sign this temporary injunction!” Lu Ming argued righteously. “Otherwise, I’ll file a complaint against you with the East Sea Judicial Conduct Committee!”

Judge Christine frowned and stared at him.

Lu Ming coughed, “I… I’m just saying… I wouldn’t dare…”

Christine snorted, took out a beautiful ink pen from her delicate handbag, and swiftly signed Lu Ming’s motion, then handed it back to him.

“Thank you, Your Honor!” Lu Ming was overjoyed, carefully putting it away, inwardly praising her wisdom and power, though he didn’t say it out loud, fearing it would sound frivolous and disrespectful.

However, Judge Christine truly had great courage, from accepting to hear this case to now signing the injunction on the island, demonstrating extraordinary decisiveness and strength, likely related to her background, giving her confidence. As long as the legal procedure was correct, she would dare to do anything.

Initially, Lu Ming had hoped Judge Li Guan would take this case. That old lady was also fearless.

But now, it seemed Judge Christine handling this case might be good.

Humming a tune in his heart, Lu Ming left with the judge’s signed motion, intending to find the bailiff and seek the coast guard’s assistance to enforce the temporary injunction.

“Persistent!” Christine muttered, watching Lu Ming’s back, shaking her head.

Her handsome middle-aged companion immediately gritted his teeth, “He’s a lawyer, right? Which firm?”

“This guy is quite interesting!” Christine said, shaking the wine glass in her lace-gloved hand. Suddenly, she laughed, thinking of something. “Ah, this guy!”

The companion was stunned. Since knowing Judge Christine, he had never seen her laugh like this. Perhaps only in her teenage years did this noble, stern, and intimidating lady ever smile like this?