486 A Battle Outside the Court Part Two (2/2)

Gardner's words resonated with many members of the live audience. Most people were ordinary; they didn't fantasize about being the best, what they wanted was simply to live an abundant and stable life. However, even with that pure desire, many people were unable to realize it no matter how hard they worked.

Gardner then continued, ”Although 200,000 won't let me have everything at once, it could significantly reduce my economic pressures. I have settled all my debts, and I still have a significant amount left. I can get in my car and go to a ball game during the weekends, I can go have a good meal in a better restaurant. And all of this is thanks to the guy who shot me. Thanks to him, I can once again see hope! I feel that he didn't actually hurt me. On the contrary, he helped me. If it were to happen again, I would still be willing to take that shot.”

Members of the talk show's live audience began applauding. These people were, of course, planted by the lawyer Wilfrid beforehand. Led by the planted audience, the other audience also started clapping their hands.

After the applause, the camera returned to focus on the host. The host then said, ”Getting shot by a gun. Not only does he not hate the person who fired on him, he is, instead, expressing his gratitude! This is the first time I've seen such a situation. Although this sounds extremely absurd, after we've seen Mr. Gardner's current living condition, I can actually understand this behavior of his. Although Mr. Gardner was shot in the leg, he received 200,000 dollars as compensation. He is one step closer to his dream of leading a comfortable and stable life.”

...

Under Wilfrid's authorization, many media sources had already interviewed Gardner and reported about him. And in all those reports, Gardner created the image of a lucky person for himself. Gardner also spoke of the 200,000 dollars compensation provided by Dai Li as aid from Dai Li, aid that helped him escape poverty.

The reporters found Gardner and recorded videos and took photographs of his newly rented apartment and newly bought car. Although the apartment wasn't big, the surrounding environment was excellent. The car was an ordinary passenger car, but it was the kind that was practical and popular amongst consumers.

Those were all things that were obtainable for the average person. If what was shown were swimming pools, mansions, or sports cars instead, the general population would feel nothing. That was because they couldn't afford a mansion that had a swimming pool, or a luxurious sports car. For an ordinary person, talking about the luxurious mansion and sports cars were fantasies, and naturally, it would not be able to resonate with them.

However, these seemingly normal things were different; they could reach into the hearts of ordinary people, especially the general population. An apartment located in a livable environment, an average but practical car, those were exactly the things they needed. They were also the things they could aspire to obtain through hard work.

Like the movie ”The Pursuit of Happiness,” stories where a poor person became a millionaire were indeed touching and inspirational, but for an ordinary citizen, the stories were usually far away. The goal of becoming a millionaire was unattainable for most people. However, Gardner's story made them feel very close. It was very close to their lives, and it even made every normal person feel that they could do it too.

Within a short amount of time, another discussion appeared in public opinion forums. Getting shot in the leg for 200,000 dollars compensation, would you do it?

When talking about money, the previous question that asked, ”Would you hurt an innocent person to protect yourself?” The question seemed incredibly empty. An actual 200,000 dollars was being discussed, and someone had actually received that 200,000 dollars in real life.

Under Wilfrid's push, all sorts of survey questionnaires appeared online, and reporters once again went onto the streets to interview passersby.

When faced with money, Americans displayed their honesty decisively.

”Of course I would! It's 200,000 dollars! Look at that Sam Gardner guy, he was only a poor failure, but now he has a car and a house. His life has completely changed!” Passerby A said.

”Of course, I'd be willing! I know that guy called Gardner. He received 200,000 dollars in compensation for damages, and he called the cops to help the hostage who was kidnapped. Not only could you help someone, but you could also get out of poverty. Why not?” Passerby B stated.

”If getting shot once could be exchanged for 200,000 dollars, then please shoot me more! If it were me, if you gave me 200,000 dollars, I would also thank the person who shot me. He's really generous!” Passerby C declared.

In a matter of days, the direction of the news media made a 180-degree turn. Previous public opinion made Dai Li a villain who hurt others to protect his life, asserting that Dai Li lacked morality. Now, public opinion made Dai Li out to be a generous philanthropist who helped Gardner escape poverty, and live an abundant and plentiful life. Dai Li was just doing a good deed.

...

Prosecutor Nick Reese held his tablet and stared at Gardner's photograph the media put out with an ashen expression. He knew that his public opinion offensive had completely failed. Gardner, the man who got shot, actually came out to thank the guy who shot him. From that point alone, Reese had lost this battle outside the court.

The photograph posted by the media is too enchanting for the common people. An apartment in a decent area, an economical and practical car as a substitute for walking, it is the standard package for a normal person. And most members of the jury will be exactly this type of people. If they see these pictures, they will most certainly resonate with them. They will naturally think of the problem from Gardner's perspective. They will also feel that they should thank the accused! Looks like the jury will not be on my side in court.

Reese took a deep breath. However, his eyes were filled with a desire to battle.

That's Wilfrid all right, he really deserves to be called the best criminal lawyer in the US. I must also give it my all! I guess I'll have to go to Plan B…