America: From a Fallen Child Star to the Head of the University of the West

Chapter 78 The True Lie

At this moment, the expressions of several jurors on the jury bench visibly changed. Especially juror number 4, whose gaze towards Morey held a clear hint of disappointment.

The trial resumed after the lunch break.

This time, the defense began calling its own witnesses.

"The defense has subpoenaed Dr. William Harrison, a psychology expert."

A middle-aged man with a goatee stepped onto the witness stand. He was a psychology professor at Columbia University, specializing in the impact of racial discrimination on the mental health of minorities.

"Dr. Harrison," Vincent began questioning the expert witness, "please explain to the jury the psychological impact of long-term racial discrimination on a person."

"Ahem, racial discrimination is a chronic stressor," Dr. Harrison said in a very professional tone. "Prolonged exposure to discriminatory words and actions can lead to a state of heightened vigilance, repressed anger, and confusion about one's self-identity."

"When this pressure accumulates to a certain level, and an individual encounters a direct and intense discriminatory stimulus, they may develop what is known as a stress overreaction. This is an almost instinctive defense mechanism in which an individual reacts beyond the normal range in a very short period of time."

Judge Herris squinted, clearly unable to understand what he was babbling about.

"Based on your assessment of the defendant, Kevin Chen, does he fit this pattern?" Vincent continued. "Yes," Dr. Harrison nodded. "I conducted three lengthy interviews with Mr. Chen. I discovered that he had frequently suffered racially discriminatory verbal attacks since childhood, which left him with considerable psychological trauma. At the moment of the incident, when he heard Mr. Morey's discriminatory remarks, his psychological defenses completely collapsed."

"From a psychological perspective, his behavior is a typical post-traumatic stress response, rather than a premeditated violent attack."

Vincent nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you, Dr. Harrison."

Subsequently, during cross-examination, the prosecution's McCarthy attempted to question Dr. Harrison's professionalism and objectivity, but the results were not ideal.

"Dr. Harrison, you've been hired by the defense, haven't you? How much are they paying you?"

"My professional service fees are calculated by the hour and are unrelated to my conclusions," Dr. Harrison calmly replied. "If you have any questions about my assessment, you can have another psychologist conduct an independent evaluation."

McCarthy was thus rebuffed and had no choice but to give up on pressing the matter.

Next, the defense called Chen Kaiwen to appear in court to testify.

This was a risky decision.

Having the defendant testify in person means he will face cross-examination by the prosecution, and any mistake could leave the jury with a negative impression of him.

But after discussing it, David Lin and Vincent decided that the risk was worth taking.

Chen Kaiwen's personal experiences and sincere attitude may be the final card to move the jury.

"Mr. Chen," David Lin asked gently, "please tell the jury why you participated in that day's protest?"

Chen Kaiwen took a deep breath and then began his story.

"I grew up in Philadelphia. My grandparents immigrated here in the last century and supported their family by running a laundromat. When I was a child, I often helped out in Philadelphia's Chinatown; that was my home."

"I was angry when I heard that the 76ers were going to build an arena near Chinatown, which might affect the residents there. But I never thought of using violence to solve the problem. I went to protest that day just to make my voice heard."

"Then why did you bring a gun?"

Kevin Chen lowered his head. "Because I was scared. In recent years, there have been more and more hate crimes against Asians in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I got a gun license to protect myself. I carried the gun with me that day just in case; I really didn't intend to use it."

"What made you finally pull the trigger?"

This time, Chen Kaiwen remained silent for a long time.

"When I squeezed to the side of the car window," his voice began to tremble, "I saw Morey's face. He looked very impatient and disgusted. Then he said that."

He called me — Yellow Monkey.

"At that moment, my mind went blank. I remembered how those kids used to insult me ​​when I was a child, how those white students shoved me in high school, and the humiliation I felt every time I was called a Chinaman —"

"I don't know how I pulled out the gun. By the time I realized what was happening, I had already fired."

He looked up, his eyes slightly red. "I know I made a mistake. No matter what Morey said, I shouldn't have fired. But—but at that moment, I really couldn't control myself."

The courtroom was silent.

Several jurors also had red eyes.

The court hearing ended at 4 p.m.

Judge Herris adjourned the court, and closing arguments from both sides will be presented tomorrow, followed by deliberations by the jury.

As they walked out of the courthouse, Vincent and David Lin walked side by side.

"Today's progress is good," David Lin said in a low voice. "Kevin Chen's testimony is very sincere, and I saw several jurors were moved."

Vincent sighed. "Lin, you taught Chen Kaiwen to say those things, didn't you—"

"What did you say?" David Lin asked somewhat guiltily, then said softly, "Mr. Carter, there are reporters all around!"

"So, was Kevin really discriminated against when he was a child?" Vincent's gaze turned indifferent.

This time, it was David Lin who remained silent.

"Sir, does it really matter? We are facing systemic discrimination, and this environment still exists regardless of whether hurtful words are spoken or not."

-

After speaking, Vincent also shut his mouth, which he was about to open.

Let's pretend nothing happened, and let's pretend he never asked such a stupid question.

"—" Vincent shook his head. "The prosecution's closing statement tomorrow will definitely emphasize the fact that Kevin Chen was carrying a full magazine of ammunition. This makes it very difficult to support the claim that he acted impulsively."

"We can only do our best," David Lin sighed.

Just as the two were walking toward the parking lot, a group of reporters suddenly rushed out from a corner nearby.

"Mr. Carter, why hasn't Sean Penn shown up today?"

"Mr. Carter, is Sean Penn avoiding the media?"

"Mr. Carter, what is Sean Penn's stance on gun rights? Does he support or oppose them?"

Vincent stopped in his tracks.

The last question gave him a headache.

These reporters were asking the very questions Sean had been avoiding.

As an independent candidate, Sean has consistently emphasized "unity" and "transpartisanship." However, in the American political context, gun rights are a sensitive issue tied to ideology.

Moreover, this case itself is related to shootings. No matter what Sean says, it will be interpreted as either approval or disapproval of Kevin Chen's actions.

"Mr. Pan reserves his views on any specific policy issue," Vincent replied curtly. "He will express his position through appropriate channels at the appropriate time. Now, please step aside."

He quickened his pace, almost jogging, towards the car parked on the side of the road.

The reporters were still chasing after him with questions, but Vincent had already gotten into the car and slammed the door shut.

"Drive, please hurry," he said to the driver.

And so, the car started, and they drove away from the chaos outside the courthouse.

Vincent leaned back in his chair, took out his phone, and sent Sean a message: "Today went fairly well. But the reporters are starting to press you about your political stance and gun rights. You need to figure out how to respond as soon as possible."

A few seconds later, Sean replied: "I know, let me think about it."

Vincent frowned as he read the brief reply.

He knew that both he and Sean would have to face this problem sooner or later.

Sean's answer could determine the course of his entire campaign. He had heard Matthew relay the words of the new old man, George Kelly.

Yes, ideology is indeed very important.

A soft approach allowed Sean to officially begin competing with other candidates and successfully step into the general election, but it couldn't take him any further.