All Rise Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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All Rise Synopsis

The top law firm has launched the "Talent Discovery Program" for the first time to select outstanding interns for employment.

After rigorous selection, seven outstanding candidates stood out and arrived at the Beijing headquarters to begin a three-month workplace competition challenge.

The competition among the seven interns started with being caught in a rental agency scandal, with constantly updated scores and rankings causing them anxiety and panic.

As time passed and different types of cases unfolded, they gradually began to face the real world and their own life dilemmas with the professional identity and perspective of a legal practitioner.

In the end, the interns also realized that neither elimination nor victory is the ultimate destination. No matter how their life paths unfold, what remains unchanged is their passion for the legal profession and their unwavering original aspiration for the ideals of law.

All Rise Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Jun An Law Firm, one of China's premier Red Circle Firms, launched its inaugural "Talent Hunt Program" to select outstanding interns. Seven top students from prestigious law schools, including Jiang Chen from Haryald, Ren Jiatong from Jingbei, Huang Yue from Arenburg, Li Ke from Jingmin, Yan Fei from the London School of Economics, Guo Xiaoyu from Zhehang, and Wang Lu, were chosen to embark on a three-month professional competition.

Just before her internship began, Guo Xiaoyu found herself entangled in a Warm Nest apartment scandal. A large number of tenants had gathered in the Warm Nest property management lobby, demanding their rights. Liu Ping, Warm Nest's legal representative, emerged to address the crowd, claiming the company was taking legal measures and displaying a lawyer's statement to deter the tenants. The statement warned against impulsive actions, implying severe legal consequences like fines, detention, or even imprisonment.

This tactic was effective, leaving many tenants, including Guo Xiaoyu, feeling intimidated and unsure how to proceed. At this critical moment, Ren Jiatong, as a lessee of the apartment, presented a handwritten letter. She asserted that Warm Nest had committed a fundamental breach of contract and demanded immediate rectification, threatening to pursue full legal liability otherwise.

She also pointed out to Liu Ping that handwritten letters possess the same legal validity as printed ones, especially if the legal principles behind them are sound. Her professional and confident intervention helped the tenants regain their voice, earning Guo Xiaoyu's profound admiration and drawing Jiang Chen's attention. Later, Jiang Chen’s aunt, the owner of Ren Jiatong's apartment, had a locksmith change the locks without notice.

Ren Jiatong called the landlord, informing her that forcibly entering the premises without the actual occupant's permission, even as the owner, could constitute illegal intrusion and a violation of the Law on Security Administration Punishments or even Criminal Law, potentially leading to fines, detention, or imprisonment. She demanded the key, insisting on her right to continue occupying the apartment under her existing contract.

Jiang Chen then appeared, representing his aunt, and explained that their contract with Warm Nest was a sublease, meaning Ren Jiatong had no direct contractual relationship with his aunt and therefore no right to demand continued tenancy from her.

Ren Jiatong countered that based on the principle of contractual relativity, his aunt, as the landlord, also lacked the right to evict her simply because Warm Nest failed to pay rent, especially since his aunt had not yet terminated her lease with Warm Nest. Jiang Chen clarified that his aunt was asserting her absolute property ownership rights to demand she vacate.

Jiang Chen's aunt, frustrated, suggested taking the matter to court and mentioned that Jiang Chen's father’s firm, Ruocheng Law Firm, was equally capable as Jun An. Jiang Chen advised against litigation due to the significant time and financial costs involved. He proposed a compromise: Ren Jiatong would pay one month's rent directly to his aunt, and in return, his aunt would allow her to stay for an additional month, giving both parties time to monitor the situation.

Both Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen's aunt agreed to this arrangement. That evening, Ren Jiatong faced urgent debt collection messages from her mother and, with only 3,000 yuan left, briefly considered a loan application but ultimately closed the page. On their first day at Jun An, Ren Jiatong was the first to arrive, observing the already bustling work environment.

Yan Fei, whose brother Yan Da, the scion of Xingke Group, had arranged for lawyers and receptionists to assist her, rejected any special treatment. On her way to the firm, Yan Fei's car got stuck in traffic, where she encountered a pregnant woman in labor.

She wanted to help, but Wang Lu, who was carpooling with her, refused to get involved, citing the potential legal risks of assisting a stranger and the difficulty of explaining any unforeseen complications to the woman's family. Yan Fei was appalled by his cold demeanor and proceeded to drive the pregnant woman to the hospital herself.

The remaining six interns gathered in the firm's internal office, where Zhou Nian, a fourth-year lawyer, introduced himself as their mentor and outlined the rules of the Talent Hunt Program. He explained that the three-month internship would involve seven rounds of tasks, with points accumulated based on performance. The lowest-performing interns would be eliminated in each round.

The final ranking, based on total scores, would determine the one or two successful candidates who would receive full-time internship offers, generous bonuses, top-tier salaries, and mentorship from senior partners. To intensify the competition, Jun An introduced a "team system + lawyer pool" dual-track model. After the initial group rounds, successful interns would be selected by lawyers to join their teams for specific cases.

Those not chosen would enter a "lawyer pool," becoming a general resource from which any lawyer could assign work, meaning interns had to proactively seek opportunities to earn points beyond scheduled tasks. When Zhuang Xin, the founder and director of Jun An Law Firm, arrived, Zhou Nian arranged for the interns to introduce themselves. Guo Xiaoyu was the first to speak.

She cheerfully introduced herself as a "weeb" with hobbies like photography and Hanfu, and a self-proclaimed "total milk tea addict," offering to place group orders. She highlighted her "thick-skinned yet resilient" nature, saying that she can overcome most troubles with a good cry and remain happy every day. Wang Lu followed, mentioning his prior internship at Jun An, which he believed gave him an advantage, and offered to assist his peers.

Li Ke emphasized his practical experience and academic achievements, including an internship at a Provincial High People's Court and participation in university research projects, also mentioning he was Zhou Nian's junior from undergraduate. Zhuang Xin then remarked that one candidate had interned at the Supreme Court as an undergraduate and published solo-authored papers in core journals during graduate school, revealing this impressive record belonged to Ren Jiatong, much to the surprise of others.

An assistant discreetly informed Zhuang Xin that Ren Jiatong had previously impersonated a Jun An lawyer, causing distress to a real estate developer who had lodged a complaint, which Zhuang Xin had managed to quell. Jiang Chen then introduced himself, stating he was an LLM student from Haryald Law School and had interned at Latham Simpson Law Firm, known for accepting only T6 law grads. He expressed his hope to find worthy rivals and true friends during the program.

Yan Fei arrived late, and Zhuang Xin mentioned that her brother, Yan Da, had called earlier to praise her for a good deed on her way to work. After the introductions, a disheartened Guo Xiaoyu approached Zhou Nian to ask about her interview ranking, learning she was in last place. Meanwhile, Jiang Chen boldly invited Zhuang Xin to lunch.

Zhuang Xin politely declined, citing a prior client lunch, but suggested Jiang Chen call him to schedule something for the next day. Ren Jiatong, recalling Jiang Chen's aunt mentioning "Ruocheng Law Firm" and quickly researching it, discovered that Jiang Ruocheng, the firm's founder, was Jiang Chen's father. She pulled Jiang Chen aside and privately requested that he keep the previous day's apartment incident confidential.

Jiang Chen initially hesitated, but Ren Jiatong countered that she would, in turn, keep his father's identity a secret if he agreed. Jiang Chen conceded, agreeing to her request on the condition that the matter would end there. Ren Jiatong then reminded him that even oral agreements held legal weight, to which Jiang Chen responded that it was a gentleman's pact. The interns then moved to find their assigned workstations. Yan Fei distributed small welcome gifts to everyone.

Seeing her desk decorations, Guo Xiaoyu expressed her worry to Ren Jiatong that she, along with her decorations, might not "survive this week" given her last-place ranking, to which Ren Jiatong offered a simple "Go for it!" Wang Lu approached Yan Fei to explain his behavior from earlier that morning.

He defended his decision not to physically intervene, stating that as a single male, he would have faced significant legal risks and difficulty explaining matters to the pregnant woman's family if complications arose. He emphasized that the morning was crucial for his career. He then presented her with a note containing the pregnant woman's car license plate and phone number, which he had recorded.

He explained that he intended to follow up with the hospital and the family after his workday, asserting that beyond risk mitigation, a good lawyer must prioritize tasks and effectively gather critical information. Yan Fei's impression of him improved slightly. As most interns left for lunch, Ren Jiatong remained at her workstation, sending self-introduction emails to every lawyer in the firm, particularly hoping to gain the attention of partner Bai Xiao.

Jiang Chen, eager to make an impression, approached lawyer Song Yifan and expressed his strong desire to work with him, admiring his case-handling style. However, Song Yifan merely assigned him the task of printing ten copies of a document for an afternoon meeting. Jiang Chen struggled with the printer, unfamiliar with its operation, searching for solutions online without success.

Ren Jiatong, passing by, quickly diagnosed the problem, pointing out that the printer was simply out of paper and remarking sarcastically about whether foreign printers run on willpower instead of paper. Shortly after lunch, Zhou Nian announced the first assessment task, as Song Yifan had an unexpected client visit. The case involved Li, a delivery driver for Skyline Logistics Company, who, after completing his deliveries, was involved in a collision with Wang's vehicle at an intersection.

Li sustained a severe head injury and a fractured left leg. The traffic police determined Wang was primarily responsible, while Li bore secondary responsibility. Consequently, Li's insurance company refused his claim, citing his partial fault. The interns were instructed to choose either Li or the insurance company as their client and, from that perspective, draft a legal response.

Zhou Nian explained that this was an individual task, and only the top three submissions would receive points: 30 for first place, 20 for second, and 10 for third, with all others receiving no points. He promised to email the firm's template and formatting requirements. The deadline was 6:00 PM, leaving them less than four hours. Jiang Chen and Ren Jiatong immediately began drafting their legal responses, while others started researching and organizing their notes. Guo Xiaoyu, however, sat with a blank document, still overwhelmed by the task.

Episode 2 Recap

Before the main events of the current internship, Ren Jiatong, a law student from Jingbei University interning at Jun An Law Firm, had a forceful confrontation with the legal team of Warm Nest. She was filmed advocating for tenants caught in a housing agency crisis, challenging the legal representative and confidently invoking her firm's name. This assertive display earned her both admiration and a degree of notoriety.

Later, as the interns were diligently drafting legal documents for their first assessment, Zhou An reflected on his own demanding early days in the profession, remembering the chaotic scenes that still appear in his nightmares. Song Yifan noticed Ren Jiatong, commenting to Zhou An that despite her quiet demeanor, she was a decisive and formidable individual, referencing her earlier encounter with Warm Nest's legal team, a company that Jun An was vying to represent.

Guo Xiaoyu, despite her late start in conceptualizing her legal response, was the first to submit her work. Li Ke followed, quickly resending his submission after realizing he had mistakenly sent it to the wrong lawyer. Huang Yue was frequently distracted by calls and messages from an older guy, which led to errors in her final draft. She frantically made corrections and submitted just before the deadline. The other interns completed their tasks on time.

Everyone waited at their workstations late into the night, only to be told that the results would be announced the following day, leaving them restless and unable to sleep. The next morning, the assessment results arrived via email. Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen both scored thirty points, tying for first place. Guo Xiaoyu unexpectedly secured twenty points, while Wang Lu earned a respectable ten. Li Ke, Huang Yue, and Yan Fei all received zero points.

Despite their identical top scores, Song Yifan and Bai Xiao, the partners reviewing the submissions, disagreed on who deserved the top ranking. Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen also voiced their differing opinions, each defending their chosen client's position and citing relevant laws and judicial precedents to argue for the superior rigor of their own legal response.

Song Yifan acknowledged the impressive performance of both top interns, noting that the others were still stuck in basic legal analysis, typical of a student's approach. Ren Jiatong felt a surge of quiet satisfaction hearing Bai Xiao's high praise for her. Song Yifan then suggested that if Ren Jiatong had integrated her supplementary arguments into the main body of her legal response, her first-place position would have been undisputed.

At that moment, Wang Lu questioned why Guo Xiaoyu's score was higher than his. Song Yifan didn't directly respond but instead asked Yan Fei for her perspective. Yan Fei felt that Guo Xiaoyu's legal response prioritized client experience, using clear and understandable language that non-professionals could easily grasp. Guo Xiaoyu added that her client, Mr. Li, lacked a legal background and required straightforward legal explanations.

Song Yifan revealed he had seen Guo Xiaoyu's online legal education videos but pointed out an error in her explanation of a legal relationship, which made Guo Xiaoyu realize the importance of professional accuracy. Before the end of the day, Song Yifan sent a group email with feedback for each intern. He praised Ren Jiatong for her nascent problem-solving lawyer's mindset, calling her legal response a model. Jiang Chen was commended for his solid case research, demonstrating strong legal foundations.

Guo Xiaoyu was acknowledged for prioritizing content over form but advised to deepen her professional expertise. Wang Lu's detailed work was noted, but he was told that details still needed refinement. Li Ke had numerous typos, Yan Fei's arguments lacked depth, and Huang Yue's issues were even more pronounced.

While the interns processed this feedback, a lawyer named "Sherry" (later revealed to be Bai Xiao) posted a new task in the group chat: assistance with research on legal provisions and similar cases for a medical dispute, representing the defendant hospital. Ren Jiatong was the first to respond and quickly completed the task efficiently, earning praise from Bai Xiao. This made the other interns realize that "Sherry" was indeed Bai Xiao.

Jiang Chen thanked Ren Jiatong, noting that her timely response was a reminder for him to adjust his jogging schedule to ensure he didn't miss important group messages. Meanwhile, Huang Yue's older guy, acting to eliminate her competition, obtained the video of Ren Jiatong's confrontation with Warm Nest from Guo Xiaoyu's online account. He maliciously edited it and posted it on Weibo.

The video quickly went viral, plunging Ren Jiatong into a public opinion storm as friends and family contacted her with numerous calls and messages. Guo Xiaoyu felt deep regret and apologized, explaining that she only posted random videos for fun and never expected it to gain such traction or harm Ren Jiatong, who accepted her apology, noting that Guo Xiaoyu had merely been a "faithful recorder."

Huang Yue, seeing the escalating situation, wanted to clear Ren Jiatong's name, but her older guy messaged her on WeChat, warning her to be pragmatic and not to let sentimentality compromise her position. Ren Jiatong approached Zhou An, asking if the incident would lead to her dismissal. Zhou An admitted that the matter had a significant impact, especially since Warm Nest was likely to become a major client for Jun An.

He stated that the final decision would be made after discussions involving Zhuang Xin and the other partners, advising Ren Jiatong to focus on her current work and actively demonstrate her abilities in the meantime. She also recalled Song Yifan's earlier comment about her potentially being first and a text message from her family reminding her about finances, briefly considering online lending.

Soon, Zhou An announced the second assessment: a collaborative translation of legal documents for a cross-border investment and acquisition case. Song Yifan explained that the client was a Chinese company planning to acquire Kern Company, a unicorn in semiconductor design that held numerous patents. The two companies aimed to integrate their semiconductor R&D efforts. The renowned James Law Firm, representing Kern Company, was also involved. The translation was due in just one day, making it a demanding task.

Zhou An assigned the first part to Jiang Chen and Li Ke, the second part to Wang Lu and Yan Fei, and the longest third part to Ren Jiatong, Guo Xiaoyu, and Huang Yue. Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen were designated to jointly review and finalize the entire translation.

Li Ke, anxious about the scoring, asked Zhou An about it and learned that each group would have a high and a low score, which worried him about competing with Jiang Chen. Guo Xiaoyu, noticing Huang Yue's anxiety about her low score and the clash between her external work and the translation task, offered to help her with some pages, but Yan Fei reminded them that translation speed was also a scoring criterion.

While reviewing the documents, Ren Jiatong discovered a critical issue in the supplementary agreement. The client's primary objective in acquiring Kern was to gain access to a specific semiconductor chip invention patent. However, an appendix to the agreement clearly stated that Kern had already granted an "exclusive license" for this patent to a third party, Kensit Company.

Ren Jiatong explained that an "exclusive license" meant that even Kern itself would no longer have the right to use the patent, rendering the client's acquisition goal null. Both Huang Yue and Guo Xiaoyu recognized the severity of the problem but argued for prioritizing the completion of the translation, mindful of the tight deadline and Ren Jiatong's current predicament. Jiang Chen independently identified the same patent licensing loophole.

He and Ren Jiatong suspected that James Law Firm might have intentionally set a trap with the clause. They believed that a lawyer's foremost duty was to their client's interests, not merely submitting assignments. They convened the team to explain the situation, clarifying the difference between an "exclusive license" (where the original owner loses usage rights) and a "sole license" (where the owner retains usage rights alongside the licensee), arguing that the latter would align with the client's expectations.

Despite resistance from most of the team, who feared delays and missing the deadline, Ren Jiatong insisted on highlighting the problem and re-dividing the workload. She pledged to take sole responsibility for any score deductions if their plan failed, and Jiang Chen promptly offered to share that responsibility. The team ultimately accepted their proposal. They worked late into the night to complete the revised tasks. As others gradually left the law firm, Ren Jiatong, Jiang Chen, and Guo Xiaoyu remained, continuing to scrutinize the translated documents.

Episode 3 Recap

Guo Xiaoyu, feeling remorseful about filming the video, decided to stay late at the office to help with work. Ren Jiatong, understanding Guo Xiaoyu's guilt, reassured her that she never blamed her for the video and that her presence wouldn't solve anything now that the translation had been submitted.

After leaving briefly, Guo Xiaoyu returned with snacks and hot coffee for Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen, urging them to get some rest and promising to cover for them the next morning. Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen pushed through the night, meticulously reviewing the documents.

Jiang Chen asked if Ren Jiatong was still managing, to which she confidently replied she wouldn't collapse even if he did, emphasizing that her dedication stemmed from professional judgment rather than any personal risk taken with him. They finally pinpointed the critical error in the agreement concerning the "exclusive authorization" and Ren Jiatong immediately emailed Song Yifan with their findings. During a brief break, they discussed the incident and the nuances of the legal profession.

Jiang Chen noticed Ren Jiatong's low spirits and correctly guessed she was still anxious about the firm's decision regarding the Warm Nest video. Ren Jiatong confirmed her apprehension about the announcement expected that morning. Jiang Chen insisted she had done nothing wrong, pointing out that she only mentioned being "from Jun An" and never claimed to be a lawyer. He advised her to actively appeal her case.

Playfully, Ren Jiatong called his advice "friendly advice from a rival," to which Jiang Chen responded that it was "a defense opinion from the great lawyer from the future." He then urged her to advocate for her own rights, reminding her that her world should not solely revolve around law and clients, but also include her own well-being. He also noted he had never seen her smile so genuinely before.

Inspired by Jiang Chen's words, Ren Jiatong used the opportunity of organizing medical dispute case files to proactively present her capabilities to Bai Xiao. However, Bai Xiao quickly saw through her intentions. Recognizing her from the Warm Nest video, Bai Xiao asked if Ren Jiatong was attempting to use connections. After examining the materials, Bai Xiao critically pointed out several unclear statements and glaring errors, leaving Ren Jiatong disheartened.

Bai Xiao then challenged her to provide a compelling reason why she should be retained. Meanwhile, the Warm Nest company, a crucial client for Jun An Law Firm, demanded Ren Jiatong's dismissal as a condition for continued cooperation. This sparked a heated debate among the partners during an internal meeting. Despite Ren Jiatong's excellent assessment scores and evident potential, opinions were divided.

However, Bai Xiao ultimately overruled the dissenting voices, affirming that Ren Jiatong had only stated she was "from Jun An" and not a lawyer, thus not violating any rules. Guo Xiaoyu, feeling responsible, burst into the meeting and took full blame for filming and uploading the video, arguing that eliminating Ren Jiatong for it would be unfair. The firm decided to keep Ren Jiatong's internship provisional, with her final retention to be determined after the next assessment.

Guo Xiaoyu excitedly hugged Ren Jiatong, reminding her that she was also still "on probation" and they should both continue to work hard. To express her gratitude, Ren Jiatong meticulously researched Bai Xiao's coffee preferences. She then prepared a precisely made latte for Bai Xiao, citing notes left by a previous assistant. She explained that "observation and gathering information" are essential for lawyers. She also presented a revised legal plan incorporating Bai Xiao's feedback.

Bai Xiao, though initially dismissive of such gestures, was impressed by Ren Jiatong's respectful yet confident demeanor. Bai Xiao acknowledged Ren Jiatong had more practical experience than other candidates, but challenged her to prove she could maintain her performance. Later, Song Yifan paid a visit to Bai Xiao's office, teasing her for "talking tough but acting soft" regarding Ren Jiatong's situation. He repeatedly invited her to dinner, but Bai Xiao declined, stating she had plans with her daughter Niuniu.

Among the other interns, reactions to Ren Jiatong's continued presence varied. While some were pleased, others grew resentful due to increased competition. Wang Lu and Li Ke murmured about Ren Jiatong having "connections," particularly noting her previous failure at Yingtai Law Firm. Guo Xiaoyu tried to defend Ren Jiatong, highlighting her evident competence, but Wang Lu retorted by bringing up Guo Xiaoyu's role in filming the controversial video.

Seeing Guo Xiaoyu speechless, Yan Fei interceded, telling Wang Lu to rely on his own abilities to win. Afterward, Guo Xiaoyu and Yan Fei chatted in the breakroom. Guo Xiaoyu expressed her anxieties about pursuing her lawyer dream in Beijing, detailing her financial struggles with hotel stays and unrefunded deposits, and her parents' disapproval. Yan Fei, referring to her own family as "just regular business people," offered a contrasting perspective, encouraging Guo Xiaoyu to focus on earning her own money.

Yan Fei also playfully critiqued Guo Xiaoyu's inability to articulate herself in arguments and correctly deduced she had helped Huang Yue with the translation. She challenged Guo Xiaoyu's self-perception, pointing out that despite her average background, she had outranked top-tier students. Guo Xiaoyu, amused, praised Yan Fei's perceptiveness, jokingly suggesting she could be a "Master Yan" for curing workplace anxiety.

When Guo Xiaoyu asked about her relationship status, Yan Fei revealed she was single and that her only relationship criterion was "no male lawyers" because they are "too calculating." Just as Yan Fei left, Li Ke approached Guo Xiaoyu, speculating that she was befriending Yan Fei, the heiress of Xingke Group, to secure her position. He provided details about Yan Fei's family and the value of her designer bag, implying Guo Xiaoyu was strategically "climbing the ladder."

Guo Xiaoyu quickly denied knowing Yan Fei's family background. The assessment results for the translation task were announced. Song Yifan explained that the task, based on his own past case, was designed to test the interns' professional legal thinking, not merely their translation skills.

He recounted how he had discovered the original document's flaw and communicated with the client and opposing counsel to verify it, which not only led to the client renewing their contract with Jun An but also brought in new legal work for Kern Company's projects in mainland China. He then revealed that despite some interns (like Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen) detecting the issue, no one had contacted him or Zhou Nian, their supervising lawyers, to report it.

He emphasized that for new lawyers, feedback and communication with seniors are paramount, as senior lawyers are responsible for case decisions. He concluded that due to this critical lapse in communication, the entire group would receive zero points for the round, leaving their overall scores unchanged.

After the announcement, Song Yifan advised the interns to prioritize their well-being, go home, and enjoy their weekends, stressing that "life isn't all about work" and Jun An is a law firm, not a "sweatshop." He encouraged them to learn cooperation, rather than just competition, highlighting that the work is endless and should not be shouldered by one person alone.

Later, Jiang Chen privately met with Song Yifan, expressing his ambition to become an excellent lawyer and his desire to work in Song Yifan's team. He praised Jun An's development and Song Yifan's success, viewing it as proof of China's legal progress. Song Yifan, admiring Jiang Chen's confidence, noted that Ren Jiatong had negotiated for her challenging work and suggested Jiang Chen could do the same.

Recognizing Ren Jiatong was currently overloaded, Song Yifan subtly proposed that Jiang Chen consider teaming up with her. As the workday drew to a close, Song Yifan found Bai Xiao still working late. He playfully chided her for not leading by example, especially after encouraging the interns to go home.

He insisted on driving her home so she could spend time with her daughter Niuniu, playfully deflecting her sarcastic remark about him needing to take female clients to dinner by reaffirming his status as "decent and principled." Ren Jiatong proactively signed up for the firm's community legal consulting activity, hoping to work alongside Bai Xiao. To her surprise, she discovered Jiang Chen had also registered.

At the community consulting event, an elderly gentleman mistook Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen for screenwriters. Upon learning they were lawyers, he initially wanted to leave. Jiang Chen quickly stepped in, offering his contact information and assuring him of available legal assistance. Later, as Jiang Chen walked away to take a phone call, Ren Jiatong continued her conversation with the old man, who mentioned he had written a novel and adapted it into a screenplay.

As she was walking him home, she learned that his plot bore a striking resemblance to a recently released movie. With her professional intuition, Ren Jiatong suspected potential copyright infringement and immediately offered to provide him with legal assistance, giving him her contact details. Meanwhile, Yan Fei, at her brother Yan Da's insistence, reluctantly agreed to a blind date. Yan Da introduced her to Eddie, the son of a business associate, claiming they were childhood friends.

Yan Da suggested that Eddie's company needed lawyers, hinting at potential collaboration. Yan Fei, however, was unimpressed with Eddie and sarcastically inquired if he was facing legal troubles, debt, or contemplating divorce, elaborating on the complexities of such cases. Her brother grew frustrated, but Yan Fei reiterated her disinterest in arranged marriages and insisted on finding her own partner. She also expressed her growing enjoyment of the competition at the internship. Annoyed, she abruptly left the meeting.

Concurrently, Jiang Chen received a phone call from his mother, who demanded he return to Chongqing to take over their family's law firm, arguing that it was established during her marriage to his father and she had a stake in it.

Jiang Chen expressed his reluctance to demand money from his father and reminded his mother that he had intended to repay her for his education abroad by working at an American law firm for two years, but she had insisted on his return. He pleaded for three more months to prove himself by winning the Talent Hunt Program, emphasizing that he didn't wish to inherit anything. His mother, however, questioned what would happen if he failed to achieve his goal.

Episode 4 Recap

After a disheartening phone call from his mother, Jiang Chen found Ren Jiatong engaging in a lively conversation with an elderly man. Ren Jiatong personally escorted the man home, where she learned that a recently released film bore a striking resemblance to a story he had written years ago. Suspecting a copyright infringement, Ren Jiatong offered her contact information, promising to connect him with lawyers from Jun An should he decide to pursue legal action.

Meanwhile, Yan Fei spotted Zhou An rushing to a blind date arranged by his family. Experiencing similar pressures to marry, she offered him a ride. In the car, Zhou An explained that to afford a down payment on a larger home for his marriage, his parents had sold their house. However, his prospective partner now wanted a separate house, placing an even greater financial burden on him. Yan Fei, realizing the depth of his struggles, decided not to pry further.

Zhou An then headed back to the law firm to work overtime, driven by his responsibilities. At the community service center, Jiang Chen's legal consultation duties devolved into mundane tasks like finding a lost cat and walking a dog, much to Ren Jiatong's amusement when she arrived. Her laughter was short-lived, however, as she received an urgent email from Bai Xiao demanding a complete revision of a report, prompting her to rush back to the law firm.

That evening, Jiang Chen called Ren Jiatong, informing her that the elderly man intended to sue. Jiang Chen expressed doubts about winning, citing a lack of "access requirements" since the man's script was unpublished—a stance that had already greatly agitated the elder. Ren Jiatong criticized Jiang Chen's handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for emotional understanding before offering legal solutions, especially to elderly clients.

She also clarified that in Chinese judicial practice, proving "access requirements" only necessitates demonstrating a possibility of access, not absolute proof. Jiang Chen, however, remained rigid, asserting that he would speak factually to anyone. Frustrated, Ren Jiatong abruptly ended the call. Later that night, Bai Xiao returned from her business trip to find Ren Jiatong still working on the revised report.

Bai Xiao acknowledged Ren Jiatong's thorough legal research but pointed out the absence of a definitive conclusion, which was her primary expectation. She also highlighted formatting issues and several typos, warning that such simple mistakes could erode client trust and negate all of Ren Jiatong's hard work. Bai Xiao advised Ren Jiatong that the legal profession needs leaders who can efficiently solve problems and manage teams, not just solitary hard workers.

She urged Ren Jiatong to learn to seek help and collaborate, emphasizing that professional expertise and team management skills are vital for a future partner. Inspired, Ren Jiatong reached out to Jiang Chen, inviting him to collaborate on the medical dispute case. The following day, Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen worked seamlessly together. During their collaboration, Jiang Chen shared an update on the copyright case.

He revealed that while most film companies had ignored the man's submissions, the studio behind the allegedly infringing movie had replied to one email, and the sender's signature was a personal name. Jiang Chen speculated that finding this name in the movie credits could establish proof of prior access.

Ren Jiatong apologized for her harsh words during their earlier call, but Jiang Chen dismissed it, adding that he was also motivated to work on Bai Xiao's case for his own growth. Meanwhile, Guo Xiaoyu extended her rental agreement for another month, officially becoming Ren Jiatong's roommate. Ren Jiatong immediately laid out three rules for their shared living space.

Guo Xiaoyu confided in Ren Jiatong about her struggles at Jun An, but Ren Jiatong bluntly challenged her to either commit to staying and stop complaining or leave and save the rent money. Later, when Guo Xiaoyu mentioned her long-distance boyfriend missed her cooking, Ren Jiatong provocatively suggested he should be the one to move to Beijing. Ren Jiatong's mood brightened after receiving a "GOOD" reply from Bai Xiao.

Concurrently, Jiang Chen confirmed the email signatory was the film's script supervisor. Ren Jiatong then rewatched the movie and discovered a dialect phrase from the man's script had been used incorrectly in the film, believing this could be crucial evidence. She proposed leveraging online platforms to amplify the case, but Jiang Chen expressed reservations, fearing it would unduly influence judicial proceedings with public opinion. Their argument was interrupted by Guo Xiaoyu.

Zhou An announced a new assessment: a portrait rights infringement case involving celebrity Ms. Xiao. A plastic surgery hospital allegedly used a cartoon resembling Ms. Xiao in an advertisement without her permission. Jun An was representing Ms. Xiao, and partner Zhuang Xin granted the interns special permission to participate, with a three-day deadline. Huang Yue approached Zhou An, expressing anxiety that the final retention spots would go to Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen.

Zhou An reassured her, sharing his own journey and emphasizing that the legal profession is a marathon where persistence is key. Huang Yue regained her confidence. Around the same time, lawyer Tian Min, another "workaholic," returned from maternity leave, confiding that the chaos at home made the office a peaceful escape. During the initial case briefing, Ren Jiatong advocated for immediate legal action, while Jiang Chen urged for cautious evidence gathering.

Given the divergence, Zhuang Xin divided them into two teams: Ren Jiatong with Huang Yue and Wang Lu; Jiang Chen with Guo Xiaoyu, Yan Fei, and Li Ke. That evening, after a video call with her boyfriend, Zhu Zhisheng, Guo Xiaoyu inadvertently left her laptop, containing their team's discussion notes, in the living room. She noticed Ren Jiatong in the living room afterward but didn't suspect anything. The next day, Ren Jiatong's team presented first due to Guo Xiaoyu's tardiness.

Their proposed solution was strikingly similar to Jiang Chen's team's. Suspecting plagiarism, a devastated Guo Xiaoyu called Zhu Zhisheng, expressing her desire to leave Beijing. He promised to come get her. Li Ke was frustrated that Guo Xiaoyu didn't confront Ren Jiatong, but Jiang Chen cautioned against hasty conclusions without proof, asserting his belief in Ren Jiatong's professional integrity.

Episode 5 Recap

Guo Xiaoyu, feeling overwhelmed, announced her intention to leave Beijing the following week and return to Hangzhou, stating that she was exhausted and unable to keep up. Yan Fei suggested that since Guo Xiaoyu was leaving anyway, she should confront Ren Jiatong to clarify the misunderstanding surrounding the plagiarism accusation. Jiang Chen quickly arranged for them to meet at a noodle shop.

During their conversation, Ren Jiatong firmly denied copying Guo Xiaoyu's proposal, stating that she had no need to explain something she hadn't done but was speaking to her because Jiang Chen mentioned Guo Xiaoyu’s distress. Ren Jiatong then challenged Guo Xiaoyu, advising her to stay and gather evidence if she truly believed she was plagiarized, just as a lawyer should fight for their rights.

After trying some of the noodles, Guo Xiaoyu admitted that they were delicious and she had wrongly accused Ren Jiatong. She then shared her suspicion that Huang Yue had accessed her computer the previous night and could have memorized the relevant URL with her tech skills. However, Guo Xiaoyu also questioned herself, wondering if the idea was simply common and if she was being conceited.

Ren Jiatong, unusually talkative after having a drink, refuted this, insisting that the idea was unique to Guo Xiaoyu and she should not lack confidence. Encouraged, Guo Xiaoyu had too much to drink and got completely drunk. The next morning, Ren Jiatong checked on her, recounting her drunken ramblings about her boyfriend Zhu Zhisheng, her picky roommate, and seeing "double vision." This last phrase sparked an idea in Guo Xiaoyu.

Later at the law firm, Guo Xiaoyu, though late, presented her new findings. She explained that while the manga character was called "Xiaoxiao," there was no official public statement linking it to Ms. Xiao, and public assumption was not enough. To provide stronger evidence, Guo Xiaoyu presented a contour line drawing she made by stripping away decorations from Ms. Xiao's photo shoot image.

She demonstrated that the manga character's pose and angle were identical to the original photo, proving the "double vision" concept and building a strong case of portrait rights infringement. Zhuang Xin praised Guo Xiaoyu for her ingenuity and encouraged all interns to cultivate diverse interests beyond legal studies, emphasizing that the legal profession needs young talents who can adapt to new challenges. Zhou An announced that Guo Xiaoyu's team members would each receive 20 bonus points for their successful presentation.

Wang Lu, concerned about his low ranking, asked if he would be eliminated. Zhou An clarified that the first round was merely adaptive training, and no one would be eliminated. However, to acknowledge performance, the next round's starting scores would be adjusted: Wang Lu would begin with minus ten points, and Huang Yue with minus five.

Conversely, Jiang Chen, as the top performer, received immunity from one elimination, while Ren Jiatong and Guo Xiaoyu, tied for second, would get five bonus points added to their next task score. Yan Fei and Li Ke would start the next task with zero points. Zhou An concluded by wishing everyone good rest, stating that the real competition was about to begin. Li Ke proposed a team dinner to celebrate everyone making it through the first round.

When Wang Lu jokingly suggested Guo Xiaoyu pay, she demurred, having just paid her rent. Jiang Chen stepped in to ease her discomfort. As the group prepared to leave for a hot pot restaurant, Guo Xiaoyu received a call from her boyfriend, Zhu Zhisheng. He enthusiastically announced his approved leave and plans to come to Beijing to pick her up.

However, upon hearing Guo Xiaoyu's hesitation about returning to Hangzhou, he became angry and hung up, leaving her no chance to explain. Seeing Guo Xiaoyu distraught, Yan Fei offered her a tissue. Guo Xiaoyu broke down crying, but with Yan Fei’s comforting words that she should follow her heart and stop worrying about what others think, she gradually calmed down. They reconciled, agreeing to attend the dinner as colleagues.

At the hot pot dinner, the interns gossiped about Bai Xiao and Song Yifan’s past relationship. It was revealed they had dated, but after their breakup, Bai Xiao married, had a child, and then divorced, while Song Yifan remained single. Wang Lu explained that Jun An discouraged internal relationships, and if two people in the same group dated, one would eventually have to leave the firm. Meanwhile, Jiang Chen noticed Ren Jiatong seemed unwell.

He later found her outside the restroom and, after repeated inquiries, she explained in medical terms that she was menstruating, which left Jiang Chen feeling awkward. A small boy accidentally bumped Ren Jiatong into Jiang Chen, creating a moment of subtle tension that was broken by Guo Xiaoyu's arrival. The conversation then shifted to Wang Lu's decision to join the Talent Hunt Program.

He candidly admitted he sought a faster path to prove himself and work on cases with senior lawyers, explaining that regular internships often offered limited exposure. Huang Yue, feeling vulnerable after everyone shared their thoughts, confessed to Ren Jiatong that she both envied and admired her professional capabilities. As she raised her glass to drink with Huang Yue, Ren Jiatong realized her alcoholic beverage had been secretly swapped with iced tea.

She then discreetly sent a text message to Jiang Chen, thanking him. As the evening progressed, fueled by drinks, the interns shed their guard, openly discussing their career aspirations and anxieties. The earlier competitive barriers began to dissolve, replaced by mutual encouragement, significantly strengthening their team cohesion. The next morning, the interns arrived at the law firm looking weary. Zhou An announced the second round of assessments: an individual task.

Their client, Ms. Tan and her agency, had received an endorsement offer from Ha'erjian Foods for their candies. Each intern was required to prepare a legal memorandum for Ms. Tan, analyzing the feasibility and risks of the endorsement. Zhou An emphasized that this was an individual competition, with points awarded in three tiers for the top three, and the lowest overall scorer would be eliminated. The deadline was midnight that same day.

Later that afternoon, an elderly man visited the law firm to personally thank Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen for their pro bono legal assistance. He praised Ren Jiatong’s meticulousness and Jiang Chen’s dedication, confirming that he had retained Jun An for his case. As a result, Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen were each awarded ten bonus points. Shortly after, Ren Jiatong received an urgent phone call from a man who insisted on meeting her downstairs.

She requested a half-hour leave from Zhou An, who granted it but reminded her of the elimination round's importance. When Bai Xiao returned to the office, she saw Ren Jiatong speaking with the man in the lobby and mistakenly assumed she was prioritizing personal matters over work. Throughout the afternoon, Ren Jiatong appeared distracted, causing her work progress to lag. Jiang Chen subtly placed a cup of milk on her desk as a gesture of concern.

Despite her efforts, Ren Jiatong submitted her legal memorandum one minute past the midnight deadline. Realizing the gravity of her error, she was filled with regret. Bai Xiao sternly criticized Ren Jiatong, stating that punctuality is a fundamental professional ethic for lawyers, crucial for client trust, and that even Song Yifan could not make an exception for her.

Ren Jiatong later approached Song Yifan, who acknowledged the quality of her report but stressed the importance of adhering to rules and commitments, asking, "We mentors can stay up waiting for your report. And clients?" Ren Jiatong replied that she understood.

Episode 6 Recap

Jiang Chen visited Song Yifan, appealing on behalf of Ren Jiatong, who had submitted her report past the deadline. Jiang Chen acknowledged her error but highlighted Ren Jiatong’s dedication, stating he had witnessed her relentless work ethic. He believed there might be an unforeseen circumstance that led to the late submission and urged Song Yifan to consider retaining such a talented individual.

Jiang Chen even offered to use his "extra life" earned from the previous round for Ren Jiatong, hoping that both Song Yifan and Ms. Bai would review her report. Song Yifan questioned Jiang Chen’s motives, pointing out that Ren Jiatong was his main competitor, and her elimination would lessen his rivalry. He asked if the program’s offer wasn't appealing to Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen affirmed his strong desire to win, confident that he would eventually defeat Ren Jiatong fairly in the coming rounds. He clarified that his request stemmed from a belief in fair competition and Jun An’s principle of nurturing young talent rather than dismissing someone over a single mistake. Song Yifan acknowledged Jiang Chen’s persuasive argument and promised to consider it.

Later, in the breakroom, Li Ke confronted Jiang Chen, speculating about his interest in Ren Jiatong and teasing him about potentially emulating the rumored office romance between Song Yifan and Ms. Bai. Jiang Chen immediately denied it, joking that no one in the law firm, except for Guo Xiaoyu, was his type, and even she had a boyfriend. Ren Jiatong and Guo Xiaoyu entered the breakroom and overheard the tail end of this conversation.

Ren Jiatong feigned indifference, but the comment clearly unsettled her. Soon after, the assessment results were emailed to everyone. Jiang Chen, Huang Yue, Li Ke, and Yan Fei each received twenty points, while Wang Lu's exceptional performance earned him thirty. Ren Jiatong, however, received zero points for her late submission. With the current cumulative scores, Ren Jiatong, Guo Xiaoyu, and Huang Yue found themselves in the bottom three, facing elimination.

Due to differing opinions among the mentor lawyers, a meeting was held, and it was decided that the three of them would be given an oral examination the following morning as a final opportunity. That night, Guo Xiaoyu attempted to comfort Ren Jiatong at their residence, but Ren Jiatong went straight to her room. Her mother called, pretending to be concerned about her work.

Ren Jiatong confronted her about unilaterally withholding fifteen thousand yuan from an online loan meant for her father’s surgery. Her mother defensively claimed financial difficulties, then grew agitated, accusing the lawyers from years ago of "pressing her dad to death." She passionately declared her lifelong hatred for lawyers and insisted she would never have allowed Ren Jiatong to pursue the profession, before abruptly hanging up. The call left Ren Jiatong deeply disturbed.

The next day, during the oral exam, Ren Jiatong eloquently presented a legal analysis concerning an endorsement offer for Ms. Tan. She identified two significant legal risks related to the Q Candy series. First, she explained that under advertising law, endorsers must have personally experienced the product. Since Ms. Tan was single and childless, she couldn't genuinely assess a product claiming to boost children’s memory, which could lead to regulatory violations.

Second, Ren Jiatong pointed out that while the Q Candy series was not a health food, its advertising claimed functions typically associated with health supplements, such as improving memory. This deceptive marketing could be deemed false advertising, exposing Ms. Tan to severe administrative penalties as an endorser. As Ren Jiatong articulated her points with clarity, Ms. Bai discreetly showed a document to Zhuang Xin and the other mentors, causing their expressions to turn serious.

This made Ren Jiatong nervous, fearing she might have said something wrong, but she was then dismissed to await results. Outside the room, Guo Xiaoyu asked Ren Jiatong how it went. Ren Jiatong felt Ms. Bai seemed displeased with her performance. Before Huang Yue and Guo Xiaoyu could take their oral exams, Wang Lu was called into the evaluation room.

Song Yifan directly challenged Wang Lu’s report, noting that a key website cited for his research on the Q Candy series was defunct. Wang Lu admitted he had heard about the case during an internal training session when he first joined Jun An. He had simply copied the research findings of the original lead lawyer without verifying the source or properly attributing it.

Song Yifan criticized this severe breach of professional conduct, stating that while ambition was good, upholding justice and respecting rules were paramount for lawyers. Consequently, Wang Lu’s assessment score was invalidated. Wang Lu, who had previously been an intern at Jun An, inquired if he could return to his former team as a regular intern if he was eliminated from the program.

Zhuang Xin then shared a message from Wang Lu’s mentor lawyer, who praised Wang Lu’s past performance and argued that his actions, though improper, were not outright cheating. The mentor pleaded for another chance for Wang Lu, reiterating Jun An’s commitment to nurturing young talent. However, Wang Lu, listening to his mentor’s plea, expressed deep remorse. He acknowledged his past focus on individual achievement over teamwork and rules.

Taking full responsibility for his actions, he decided to resign from Jun An. Following this, Zhou An announced the final decision: Ren Jiatong, Huang Yue, and Guo Xiaoyu would all be retained, and Wang Lu was the sole intern eliminated from the program. The other interns were visibly saddened by Wang Lu’s unexpected departure, especially when he chose to leave the office silently, without a farewell. In the days that followed, the interns began selecting their mentor lawyers.

While most were cautious or undecided, Jiang Chen expressed his intent to choose Ms. Bai's team, stating he wanted to try dispute resolution, a different path from his previous non-litigation experience. This decision surprised everyone. Ren Jiatong initially told Guo Xiaoyu she admired Ms. Bai, but felt Ms. Bai disliked her due to her late submission and perceived lack of recognition for her previous work.

At this time, Ren Jiatong's mother called again, claiming that Ms. Bai was the lawyer involved in her father’s case, after seeing Ms. Bai's photo that Guo Xiaoyu had shared. Disturbed, Ren Jiatong immediately sought out Zhou An to ask about lawyer attribution in case documents, hoping to disprove her mother’s claim. Zhou An provided a standard explanation, making Ren Jiatong believe her mother was mistaken.

However, shortly after, Xiaojie, the man Ren Jiatong had helped, called again, asking about the remaining surgery funds. During their conversation, Xiaojie explicitly identified Ms. Bai as one of the lawyers who had visited him during the original case. Unable to dismiss it further, Ren Jiatong searched judicial documents online and found Ms. Bai’s name listed.

Zhou An, seeing Ren Jiatong's distress, coincidentally offered another possibility—that lawyers changing firms might lead to altered names on later documents, unintentionally cementing Ren Jiatong's belief that Ms. Bai was indeed connected to her father’s case. Deeply conflicted, Ren Jiatong sought advice from Jiang Chen, presenting a hypothetical scenario about an admired person causing great harm. Jiang Chen advised her to seek answers and, if necessary, to become powerful enough to compel that person to acknowledge her.

Inspired by his words, Ren Jiatong went directly to Ms. Bai, expressing her desire to join her team and confessing her past mistakes and her feeling that Ms. Bai disliked her. Ms. Bai dismissed Ren Jiatong’s "feelings," emphasizing that as a law student, logic and results, not emotions, should guide her. Ms. Bai acknowledged Jiang Chen had already expressed interest in her team, and challenged Ren Jiatong to compete fairly with him for the single available spot. Both Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen received a case study from Ms. Bai, each resolute in their determination to win.

Episode 7 Recap

Guo Xiaoyu, known for meticulously tracking everyone's birthdays and zodiac signs, eagerly planned a celebratory birthday party for Ren Jiatong. However, Ren Jiatong, who had not marked the occasion since her father's death, politely declined the gesture, expressing her long-standing aversion to birthday celebrations. Early one morning, a palpable tension filled the office as Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen sat at their respective workstations, engaged in a silent rivalry. Both were vying for a spot on Bai Xiao's team.

Colleagues observed the standoff, with one speculating if Jiang Chen had again faced Ms. Bai's criticism. Others likened their unspoken contest to masters playing blind chess, having fought "hundreds of rounds" without visible movement. Zhou An then summoned both Jiang Chen and Ren Jiatong to Bai Xiao's office. In their initial presentations, Jiang Chen proposed suing the friends of the deceased for encouraging drinking and the insurance company/employer for humanitarian reasons.

Ren Jiatong added the road authority as a potential defendant, citing damaged streetlights at the crash site as a contributing factor. Dissatisfied with both submissions, Bai Xiao instructed them to revise their reports for a more accurate analysis, setting a Sunday noon deadline. Later, at a quiet bar, Jiang Chen, engrossed in his report, encountered Zhou An. Zhou An confided his frustration with Yan Fei, explaining that her father, Yan Da, had privately asked him to lighten her workload.

This intervention, however, provoked Yan Fei, who demanded equal treatment and complained about not being given assignments. Zhou An found it baffling that Yan Fei, from a privileged background, chose to "suffer" at Jun An, much like he questioned Jiang Chen's decision to leave a lucrative U. S. law firm for the competitive environment in China. Jiang Chen mused that they might both be seeking "a life they choose themselves."

He confessed a desire to prove his capabilities since returning to China but admitted the journey at Jun An was proving "so hard," feeling that his prestigious "Harvard and Yale" degree seemed "superficial" in the face of practical challenges. Despite his momentary despair, Jiang Chen reaffirmed his resolve, declaring, "In my life, I only win." Song Yifan later approached Ren Jiatong, who was working late, encouraging her to prioritize work-life balance.

He then revealed that her retention in the previous round was not solely due to Bai Xiao's approval; Jiang Chen had personally pleaded her case to the review committee, even utilizing his own bonus to ensure her re-evaluation. Touched by this, Ren Jiatong sought out Jiang Chen. He admitted his actions, explaining that he viewed her as his worthy competitor and wished for a fair contest.

He then proposed they "work together" to secure spots on Bai Xiao's team, reminding her of their successful collaboration on the medical dispute case. Jiang Chen also debunked the rumor that Bai Xiao only accepts one intern annually, citing Jun An's "inclusive" philosophy and Bai Xiao's own unconventional career path as proof that "rules are meant to be broken." Ren Jiatong readily agreed to the partnership.

In their joint video presentation to Bai Xiao, a moment of distraction occurred when Bai Xiao was seen gently feeding her daughter cake. Jiang Chen subtly prompted Ren Jiatong to continue. They unveiled a new line of reasoning, identifying a demolition company as an additional defendant. Their investigation revealed that an empty lot behind a wall at the accident site should have been cleared two years prior, as per government contracts.

Had the wall been removed, the employee's fatal fall might have been prevented, thus making the demolition company liable. Both interns affirmed it was a collaborative idea, with Jiang Chen emphasizing that "cooperation" aligned better with the program's goals. He explicitly requested that Bai Xiao make an "exception" to take both of them. Bai Xiao, however, clarified that she had no rigid "one person per year" policy and would select based on "whoever performs best."

After the meeting, Jiang Chen confidently told Ren Jiatong they were "unbeatable together" and would become "Jun An's next legendary duo." Soon after, the team assignments were emailed out: Jiang Chen and Ren Jiatong were assigned to Bai Xiao's team, Guo Xiaoyu to Song Yifan's, and Yan Fei, Huang Yue, and Li Ke to Zhuang Xin's.

Upon receiving her assignment, Yan Fei immediately contacted Zhou An, expressing her anger at being placed in Zhuang Xin's team despite her preference for Song Yifan's. After Zhou An clarified that Song Yifan wasn't responsible for the change, Yan Fei confronted Yan Da via phone, accusing him of constant interference in her career and personal life. She angrily questioned if he viewed her as "a person" or "just some pet."

Yan Da defended his actions as being in her best interest, particularly regarding a past relationship, and questioned her desire to pursue a legal career. Yan Fei countered that he considered her "useless" and never truly understood her aspirations. That evening, Ren Jiatong returned home to a heartwarming sight: Guo Xiaoyu had arranged simple decorations and received a cake, but after sampling some, she had fallen asleep on the sofa.

Later, Ren Jiatong learned the cake was from Jiang Chen, who explained he sent it in celebration of their successful entry into Bai Xiao's team, recalling her earlier appreciation for Bai Xiao's daughter's cake. Ren Jiatong confirmed she loved it. On their first day with Bai Xiao, Jiang Chen, expecting to tackle significant cases, was dismayed to find himself assigned the mundane task of case file review.

He voiced his frustration to Ren Jiatong, remarking that the work was so unchallenging that "AI could do this job" and lamenting his decision to join Bai Xiao's team over Song Yifan's, as he sought to "learn how to handle cases" not simply "typing text like a clerk." Bai Xiao, having overheard his complaints, directly informed him that if he was dissatisfied or preferred Song Yifan's team, he was "free to leave anytime."

Earlier, Jiang Chen had prematurely presented a draft of a second-instance defense statement based on his "new perspectives" from the case files. However, Bai Xiao sternly redirected him, emphasizing the importance of first completing the assigned task of organizing original trial evidence. She stressed that uncompleted basic assignments, regardless of additional efforts, would not earn points, and reminded him to shred all physical client information to maintain confidentiality.

Meanwhile, Zhou An officially launched the third assessment round, a two-week, point-based elimination. He then announced the first task for Zhuang Xin's team (Huang Yue, Yan Fei, and Li Ke), as Zhuang Xin was attending a bar association meeting. The team was to research an unfair-competition case concerning trade secrets, specifically whether the plaintiff's client list constituted a trade secret. Huang Yue volunteered to lead, citing her lower ranking and desire for a leadership opportunity.

Li Ke suggested a comprehensive approach of reviewing regulations, case law, and academic theories. However, Huang Yue advocated for prioritizing "case research" to find a unique "breakthrough." While Li Ke expressed reservations about potentially overlooking "important statutes," Yan Fei agreed with Huang Yue, stating that a traditional approach "lacks highlights" and that as "Mr. Zhuang's group," they needed to "stand out." They ultimately deferred to Huang Yue's decision.

Simultaneously, Guo Xiaoyu was thrilled about her first business trip with Song Yifan to Hangzhou for due diligence, which offered a chance for bonus points. Her colleagues expressed envy. She was particularly excited to reunite with her boyfriend, Zhu Zhisheng, and planned a romantic Mid-Autumn Festival getaway to a "trending vacation rental" at Fuchun River. However, Zhu Zhisheng seemed preoccupied and slightly annoyed by her unilateral planning. Later, Zhuang Xin reviewed Huang Yue's team's research report, deeming it "not great."

He acknowledged their extensive case review but highlighted a critical oversight in their legal framework: their failure to consult "The Trial Guidelines for Civil Trade Secret Disputes," a key document for cases in Nanjing. When asked to explain their research approach, Huang Yue hesitated, fearing the impact on her low ranking. Yan Fei interjected, claiming the research framework was a collective decision.

Li Ke was visibly frustrated by Huang Yue's reluctance to take responsibility and by Yan Fei's attempt to play the "nice guy," arguing that as team leader, Huang Yue should bear the consequences as she would have received extra points for success.

Episode 8 Recap

Frustrated by the perceived disparities in their lives, Li Ke lashed out at Yan Fei, accusing the privileged "missy" of being unable to comprehend the desperate struggles of ordinary people who fought through fierce competition for opportunities. He highlighted how she effortlessly joined their director's team due to her family connections and ability to bring clients, unlike him who had to diligently earn his spot. Li Ke found her constant nonchalant attitude irritating.

Yan Fei, hurt and speechless, quietly left the office. Later, Zhou Nian diffused the tension, advising everyone to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival and defer any work discussions until after the holiday. Yan Da, Yan Fei's brother, returned home for the Mid-Autumn Festival, having canceled a date with his influencer girlfriend, though he insisted it was solely to spend time with his parents. His parents, however, subtly noted that the dishes served were all Yan Fei’s favorites.

Yan Da then sought out Yan Fei, who was still upset. When she nonchalantly mentioned her past suicide attempt, Yan Da reacted with profound distress. He gently reminded her that he was the first person to hold her after their parents and passionately vowed that as her brother, he would never allow anyone, including herself, to cause her harm.

Yan Fei, feeling overwhelmed by his overprotective sentiments, retorted that he was the only one who ever truly bullied her and quickly left, claiming she needed to retrieve something from the law firm. Meanwhile, Guo Xiaoyu was on a date with her boyfriend, Zhu Zhisheng, at a hotel. She noticed his phone was connected to the hotel’s Wi-Fi and questioned how, as it required a password. Zhu Zhisheng vaguely claimed he had seen the password in the restroom.

Shortly after, Guo Xiaoyu received an urgent work call from Song Yifan and immediately began working on her laptop. Zhu Zhisheng grew increasingly irritated by her attention to work. After she completed her task, she discovered him packing his bags, claiming an urgent work emergency required him to return to Hangzhou. Guo Xiaoyu accused him of merely being angry and using work as an excuse, reminding him of her own urgent work obligations during the holiday.

He countered that she didn't understand his job, as some international clients didn't observe the Mid-Autumn Festival, and questioned if she had anyone other than work in her heart. He left her alone in the hotel, informing her that he had already paid for three nights and she should enjoy her stay. Ren Jiatong traveled home to visit her mother.

She arrived carrying a popular cake she brought from Beijing, but her mother refused it, stating she was dieting because Mr. Lin, Ren Jiatong's stepfather, had commented on her weight. Ren Jiatong then revealed she had just seen Mr. Lin downstairs in his car with another woman. Her mother tried to dismiss it, claiming it was his sister, but Ren Jiatong insisted Mr. Lin was cheating.

She urged her mother to confront reality and divorce him, reminding her of how quickly she had remarried after Ren Jiatong's father’s death. Ren Jiatong promised to support her mother financially, but her mother remained in denial. Disappointed, Ren Jiatong returned to her shared apartment, where she found Guo Xiaoyu already drinking and lamenting her failed relationship. Guo Xiaoyu vented about Zhu Zhisheng abandoning her at the hotel, declaring that men couldn’t be relied upon.

Ren Jiatong commiserated, agreeing that one must ultimately rely only on oneself. As Guo Xiaoyu drifted to sleep, she mumbled about wanting to sue Zhu Zhisheng for bullying her, and Ren Jiatong jokingly offered to be her lawyer and ensure he received "reform through labor." Later that night, a distraught Yan Fei drank herself into unconsciousness. Jiang Chen, unable to manage her alone, called Ren Jiatong for help, as he didn’t know Yan Fei’s address.

While intoxicated, Yan Fei expressed her frustration about her life being controlled by her family, feeling like a "spoiled rich girl" whose personal choices were disregarded. She recalled Li Ke’s harsh words from earlier, admitting he was right and that she felt useless. Jiang Chen empathized, sharing a personal experience about his parents’ custody battle where his own feelings were ignored. When Ren Jiatong arrived to assist, she noticed Jiang Chen’s attentive care for Yan Fei.

Misinterpreting their relationship as intimate, Ren Jiatong cautioned Jiang Chen that if he truly cared for Yan Fei, he shouldn't allow her to drink to such excess. Jiang Chen, caught off guard, was momentarily confused by her unexpected advice. Bai Xiao had dinner with Song Yifan, who relayed that Tian Min had praised Bai Xiao's strictness with the interns.

Tian Min had also implied that Bai Xiao secretly favored them and had taken on the Warm Nest case specifically for Ren Jiatong. After dinner, Bai Xiao bid Song Yifan farewell, playfully suggesting he find another date, as her designated driver had arrived and she needed to get back to her daughter. Song Yifan, despite being accustomed to her quick departures, couldn't help but feel a touch of disappointment. The next morning, Yan Fei woke up in Ren Jiatong's apartment.

She commented on the coziness of the small space but critiqued the mismatched decor. She also complained about her brother, Yan Da, who had interrogated Ren Jiatong over the phone the previous night without a word of thanks. Ren Jiatong then informed Yan Fei that Jiang Chen had thoughtfully purchased hangover medicine for her. Yan Fei found this "quite thoughtful," remarking that people need time to understand each other.

Ren Jiatong, still under the impression that Yan Fei and Jiang Chen were romantically involved, asked if Yan Fei liked him. Yan Fei, thinking of her brother Yan Da, replied, "I love him more than anyone." This response inadvertently solidified Ren Jiatong’s misunderstanding about Yan Fei’s feelings for Jiang Chen. At the law firm, Ren Jiatong began to intentionally distance herself from Jiang Chen, maintaining a reserved demeanor in both their work collaborations and casual interactions.

Jiang Chen, oblivious to the reason for her sudden change, repeatedly inquired about her well-being. When he attempted to discuss a new case idea with her, she curtly dismissed him, stating she was busy, despite their previous close partnership. Huang Yue jokingly suggested that Ren Jiatong might be "jealous," a comment Jiang Chen didn't fully grasp. Ren Jiatong offered no direct explanation for her changed attitude, simply responding calmly.

Zhou Nian announced the second task of the third evaluation round: Jun An Law Firm would represent Warm Nest Company in a class-action lawsuit filed by its tenants, and the interns were required to draft a litigation assessment plan. Guo Xiaoyu, who had been directly affected by the Warm Nest incident and lost six months' rent, strongly resisted representing the company, branding them "bad guys." She declared she would rather quit than act against her conscience.

Jiang Chen attempted to remind her of the necessity of professional neutrality, but Guo Xiaoyu, driven by her personal experience, found it impossible to empathize with the corporation. Ren Jiatong, while acknowledging her aunt was also a victim, argued that Warm Nest's issues stemmed from flawed "capital operations" rather than intentional malice, suggesting a legal perspective was needed.

Guo Xiaoyu fiercely disagreed, detailing the severe hardships faced by other tenants—some forced to return home, others entangled in legal disputes—and insisted she could only empathize with the vulnerable, not wealthy corporations. Ren Jiatong, however, approached the task by leveraging her understanding as a former tenant. She confidently presented a preliminary plan to Bai Xiao and Tian Min, arguing that prolonged litigation would harm both parties and that a mediated settlement was the optimal solution.

Initially, Bai Xiao criticized the plan for its lack of detailed investigation and practical negotiation points, calling it "hollow legal jargon" and a waste of Ren Jiatong's unique advantage as an aggrieved tenant. However, Tian Min later praised Ren Jiatong's talent to Bai Xiao, noting how her strategic thinking perfectly aligned with Bai Xiao’s own approach. Zhou Nian subsequently lauded this proactive intern during a general meeting, indirectly referring to Ren Jiatong's early submission of a settlement plan.

Despite Ren Jiatong's modest acknowledgment of Bai Xiao’s earlier criticism, Guo Xiaoyu felt alienated by Ren Jiatong's stance and dramatically declared her intention to withdraw from the task. Zhou Nian attempted to persuade Guo Xiaoyu to reconsider, warning her that withdrawal would lead to elimination from the program. He advised her to calm down and continue working on the report until Song Yifan returned from his business trip, urging her to personally explain her decision to her mentor.

He stressed the importance of professional ethics, stating that all assigned tasks must be completed with professionalism while at Jun An. Later that night, Guo Xiaoyu confronted Ren Jiatong, questioning her decision to defend Warm Nest. Ren Jiatong acknowledged Guo Xiaoyu's anger and admitted that securing a permanent position at Jun An was a motivation, but she firmly stated that a lawyer's primary duty is to solve clients' problems.

Guo Xiaoyu vehemently disagreed, asserting that if the legal profession merely served to empower the wealthy to oppress the vulnerable, she would rather abandon her legal career. The next day, Guo Xiaoyu, still struggling with her emotions, took a leave of absence from the law firm. Yan Fei commented that Guo Xiaoyu was being "too reckless."

Li Ke, however, passionately defended Guo Xiaoyu, elaborating on the immense challenges ordinary people face when trying to rent and make a living in Beijing. He contrasted this with Yan Fei's privileged background as a "native Beijinger" with extensive family properties, urging her not to casually judge others as reckless. Huang Yue intervened, telling Li Ke to stop escalating the conflict, but Li Ke continued, lamenting the vast disparities between people.

He then shared his personal story, revealing his older sister was a "brother-supporter" who had sacrificed to fund his education, and his ambition was to secure a job offer and repay her. He apologized for his outburst towards Yan Fei, attributing it to the immense pressure they were all under.

Huang Yue then gently reminded Li Ke that despite her background, Yan Fei had worked through the holiday, staying up late to revise their joint research report, and, importantly, had listed both Li Ke and Huang Yue's names before hers on the final submission. Seeing the revised report, Li Ke felt a wave of remorse. Concurrently, Jiang Chen received an email from Bai Xiao instructing him to continue organizing his case notes for a third revision.

Feeling targeted, especially after Ren Jiatong confirmed she hadn't received a similar instruction, Jiang Chen confronted Bai Xiao. He expressed his confusion over the repeated revisions and how it impacted his efficiency and time for other tasks. Bai Xiao sharply questioned how he expected to handle the Warm Nest case if he couldn't even manage case notes, and then bluntly suggested he consider switching teams if he felt he gained nothing from the week-long review.

Later, Tian Min privately reprimanded Jiang Chen for his outburst and explained Bai Xiao's tough methodology. She clarified that the intensive case review was designed to familiarize interns with case structures and evidence materials, emphasizing that a meticulous, word-by-word reading was essential for developing the intuitive understanding needed to be an effective trial lawyer, encompassing the "five fundamental skills" of litigation. Jiang Chen, despite the explanation, still expressed frustration, having revised the notes twice already without clear direction.

Episode 9 Recap

Jiang Chen struggled with his case file review, having revised it multiple times over a week without satisfaction. Tian Min, observing his frustration, explained that Ren Jiatong had efficiently organized her case facts into chronological tables and visualized them with software, even attaching a draft legal opinion. Tian Min then challenged Jiang Chen, reminding him that artificial intelligence was increasingly prevalent in law, with some Red Circle Firms even laying off translation teams.

She questioned what competitive advantage he and other new recruits, lacking case experience and client communication skills, would have over AI if they could only perform basic tasks. Jiang Chen understood her point, realizing he needed to make AI serve him, not replace him. He thanked her for clarifying his path. Later, Tian Min and Zhou Nian discussed the interns' potential.

Tian Min, jokingly calling herself a "senior colleague who's beautiful, kind-hearted, and caring" compared to Zhou Nian's "expert diplomat," expressed her anxieties about the future of the legal profession due to AI, mentioning a classmate who had been laid off. Zhou Nian, a fifth-year associate, reassured her that they were safe for now. Ren Jiatong approached Zhou Nian and Tian Min to request a field visit that afternoon.

She was working on negotiation points for the tenant group and needed to gather more information by speaking directly with the protesting tenants at the Warm Nest headquarters. Zhou Nian approved her request, stating that the task encouraged creative methods. Privately, Zhou Nian and Tian Min placed friendly bets on who would excel in the Talent Hunt Program, with Tian Min backing Ren Jiatong and Zhou Nian supporting Jiang Chen.

Tian Min humorously noted a trend of women winning such competitions at their firm. Jiang Chen returned to Bai Xiao with his re-done case file review. He articulated his new understanding, stating that the true growth from case review came from actively analyzing and identifying the core issues and defense strategies, just as senior lawyers would.

He credited Tian Min for enlightening him about the challenge posed by AI and his need to enhance his unique value by using AI as a tool rather than being replaced by it. Bai Xiao acknowledged his improvement and instructed him to conclude the case review task, shifting his full attention to the Warm Nest project.

Meanwhile, Jiang Chen received a phone call from his aunt, who informed him that the tenant rights group was organizing a large demonstration at the Warm Nest headquarters, believing a massive protest would force the company to pay compensation. His aunt planned to join, but Jiang Chen urged her not to get involved in such extreme actions, sensing the situation was escalating rapidly.

Shortly after, Li Ke informed Jiang Chen that Ren Jiatong had gone to the Warm Nest office for her investigation, speculating she might have obtained leads from the tenant group chat. Jiang Chen grew concerned for Ren Jiatong's safety, knowing that news of Jun An representing Warm Nest had infuriated the tenants, and Ren Jiatong's earlier viral video made her highly recognizable, making her vulnerable to conflict. Li Ke decided to accompany Jiang Chen to ensure their safety.

At the Warm Nest apartment lobby, Ren Jiatong tried to assist an elderly woman when she was recognized by protesting tenants. They immediately surrounded her, accusing her of being a lawyer sent by Warm Nest to counter them, despite the elderly woman's attempt to defend Ren Jiatong by stating Ren Jiatong had helped her earlier. Overwhelmed by the crowd's anger and insults, Ren Jiatong was momentarily stunned, recalling a painful memory of debt collectors at her own home.

Just then, Jiang Chen rushed in. A man named Liang Xiaosong threw an object that struck Ren Jiatong's forehead, leaving a visible red mark. Jiang Chen immediately pushed Liang Xiaosong away to protect Ren Jiatong. Liang Xiaosong, however, feigned serious injury and called the police, accusing Jiang Chen of assault. At the police station, Liang Xiaosong's sister arrived and, upon learning the interns were from Jun An, contacted her boyfriend, Zhou Nian. Yan Fei drove Zhou Nian to the station.

After reviewing the surveillance footage, Zhou Nian tried to persuade Liang Xiaosong's sister that her brother was primarily at fault, having pushed Ren Jiatong and thrown an object at her. He explained that a settlement would be more beneficial for Liang Xiaosong than pursuing charges that could lead to detention. However, Liang Xiaosong's sister was enraged, accusing Zhou Nian of siding with "outsiders" and prioritizing his work over his family.

She criticized his inability to afford a house or prioritize their seven-year relationship. When Yan Fei arrived to return Zhou Nian's phone, the sister’s anger escalated, leading her to return Zhou Nian’s engagement ring and break off their relationship. Zhou Nian, feeling both heartbroken and liberated, reflected on his long-standing commitment and how the breakup, though painful, freed him from its pressures.

As Jiang Chen walked Ren Jiatong home, he explained that he had to protect his colleague, saying that as a member of Jun An, he couldn't let "outsiders" bully her. He playfully exaggerated his speed, claiming to have saved her in a flash, but Ren Jiatong pointed out the legal risks of his actions. She confessed that being a lawyer felt challenging, especially after seeing Zhou Nian's relationship end due to the profession's demands.

Jiang Chen acknowledged the difficulty of balancing work and personal life as a lawyer. Ren Jiatong then shared her childhood experience of always having to be strong and protective of her mother after her father’s death. She told Jiang Chen that his act of shielding her was the first time she had felt truly protected since her father passed away. Jiang Chen expressed his happiness in being able to stand up for her.

Ren Jiatong jokingly called his words a "confession," but Jiang Chen clarified that he considered her a friend. As they parted ways, Ren Jiatong lightheartedly challenged Jiang Chen to improve his case analysis so that beating him wouldn't be "unexciting," and advised him to communicate with Guo Xiaoyu, emphasizing the importance of not losing friends to their careers.

Upon returning to their shared apartment, Ren Jiatong found Guo Xiaoyu, who, despite still being angry, noticed Ren Jiatong's forehead injury and expressed concern. Ren Jiatong explained her motivation for handling the Warm Nest case: it wasn't just about winning, but about problem-solving and finding a "win-win or even triple-win scenario" for all parties.

She reiterated that for the tenants to recover their money, reconciliation was the most viable option, quoting Mr. Song’s belief that negotiations aim for mutual benefit rather than absolute victory. Guo Xiaoyu understood, accepting Ren Jiatong's explanation and deciding to continue working on the task. The two friends reconciled with a hug. However, the situation escalated when Liang Xiaosong posted on Weibo, sharing photos and accusing Jun An lawyers of assaulting him, instigating cyberbullying against the firm.

The post, which included Jiang Chen's picture and profile, quickly gained traction. Li Ke and Guo Xiaoyu urged Jiang Chen to apologize to de-escalate the situation and potentially salvage Zhou Nian's relationship. Jiang Chen, however, steadfastly refused. He acknowledged the personal cost to Zhou Nian and expressed willingness to pay any compensation Liang Xiaosong demanded.

However, he maintained that he would not apologize for an action he believed was just, emphasizing that doing so would compromise his fundamental principles as someone studying law. He also informed them that he had preserved the Weibo post as evidence for future legal action.

At a meeting of partners, Zhuang Xin and Zhang Kai advocated for severe disciplinary action against Jiang Chen, citing the negative public relations and direct complaints from Warm Nest's legal director, who threatened to report Jun An to the bar association. Bai Xiao countered, arguing that as interns, the individuals were still in a developmental phase and not subject to the bar association's direct oversight.

The discussion was abruptly cut short when Warm Nest's senior management arrived unexpectedly at the firm. Shortly after, the interns received an email announcing that the deadline for their case reports was moved up to 10 PM that night, with no extensions. Zhou Nian explained that Bai Xiao's meeting with Warm Nest had been rescheduled, necessitating the change.

He added that for this round, interns could form teams, but the scoring criteria now required both the team to achieve the top ranking and the individual to demonstrate outstanding performance within their group to earn high marks. Jiang Chen, learning he might be penalized for the Warm Nest incident, confronted Bai Xiao. He argued that the police had found him not legally liable and demanded a rational explanation for any score deductions.

Bai Xiao calmly laid out his violations: leaving work without informing his mentors, instigating a conflict at a client's headquarters that led to police involvement and negative online publicity for both Warm Nest and Jun An, and causing the Warm Nest meeting to be brought forward, which increased the workload for all lawyers and impacted his fellow interns by advancing their deadline. She concluded that merely deducting points was already a lenient response.

She then reinforced that the legal profession is a service industry, aiming to maximize client interests within legal boundaries. She stated that Warm Nest wanted his apology and a swift resolution, emphasizing that finding a solution was his responsibility, and the firm would not tolerate excuses or complaints if he wished to avoid elimination. Later, Ren Jiatong approached a visibly distressed Jiang Chen, realizing he was deeply troubled and perhaps facing financial difficulties.

She also tried to persuade him to apologize, stressing that the situation had moved beyond right and wrong; it was about problem-solving and protecting the firm's interests. She cautioned him that if the issue escalated, Jun An would prioritize its major client, Warm Nest, over an intern.

Jiang Chen, while agreeing to financially compensate Liang Xiaosong to mitigate the impact on Zhou Nian's situation, refused to apologize, stating he couldn't betray his core principles as a law student—that right is right and wrong is wrong. Ren Jiatong smiled, acknowledging his idealism as "precious" and essential, adding that a world without such idealists would lose its meaning.

Episode 10 Recap

Jiang Chen concluded that Warm Nest's central issue was a shortage of cash flow and proposed a financing solution to settle debts with both landlords and tenants. He submitted his plan, but Bai Xiao informed him that Ren Jiatong had already submitted a similar financing-focused proposal, which included a more detailed analysis of the affected tenants and was thus more concrete than Jiang Chen's. Jiang Chen privately confronted Ren Jiatong, accusing her of appropriating his financing idea.

Ren Jiatong countered that her success stemmed from extensive data collection and comprehensive analysis, not just an idea, emphasizing that clients seek concrete solutions, not theoretical concepts. She thanked him for shielding her earlier and respected his idealism, noting that her father was similar. However, she deemed such idealism a luxury she could not afford, having experienced situations where she was wronged without a chance to defend herself, and advised him against taking such risks.

To address the escalating public sentiment fueled by Liang Xiaosong's Weibo post, Ren Jiatong revealed she had arranged to meet Liang Xiaosong after work. Jiang Chen, feeling she was overstepping, defiantly asked if she intended to apologize on his behalf, asserting his principled stance and demanding respect for it. Ren Jiatong explained her involvement, highlighting the Weibo post's rapid virality, which quickly reached over ten thousand reposts and exposed her photos.

She recounted a similar past experience at Jun An, asserting that online, people often prioritize drama over truth. The deadline for submitting the final written proposals was announced to be in one hour, with a strict warning that late submissions would be invalidated. Zhou Nian had earlier explained the new assessment rules, stating that participants could form teams, and high scores would depend on both the group achieving the top rank and the individual performing best within their team.

Feeling anxious after ranking last in the previous round, Guo Xiaoyu texted Zhu Zhisheng about her stress, expressing concern about the current assessment. She then approached Ren Jiatong, aligning with Ren Jiatong's earlier points about the importance of settlement. Guo Xiaoyu offered the detailed victim profiles she had compiled and proposed they team up, aiming for a "win-win" situation to outperform Jiang Chen and avoid ranking last again.

Ren Jiatong, acknowledging their shared ambition, agreed, affirming their goal to achieve first place. Guo Xiaoyu later expressed her joy that Ren Jiatong found her collected data useful. She then confided in Zhu Zhisheng about their junior mentor, Zhou Nian, breaking up with his seven-year girlfriend due to a work-related issue at Jun An. Inspired by Zhu Zhisheng's past efforts to cheer her up, Guo Xiaoyu planned to help Zhou Nian reconcile.

Zhu Zhisheng, however, shifted the conversation to their own relationship, asking Guo Xiaoyu to choose between her work and him. He expressed concern that their demanding work schedules had severely impacted their communication and could jeopardize their relationship. Despite Guo Xiaoyu's attempts to differentiate the situations, Zhu Zhisheng, believing their prolonged separation and lack of communication would lead to a breakup, hung up the phone, leaving Guo Xiaoyu feeling unloved.

Huang Yue approached Guo Xiaoyu, presenting detailed victim information survey forms and offering to use her programming skills to create a database for efficient data processing. She apologized for her past actions and expressed a genuine desire to contribute to the team and to her own success. However, Guo Xiaoyu, without consulting Ren Jiatong, revealed their team's strategic ideas to Huang Yue. Ren Jiatong was displeased, reminding Guo Xiaoyu of confidentiality protocols.

Huang Yue intervened, admitting she had no better plan and wished to join to avoid losing, offering to let Ren Jiatong and Guo Xiaoyu discuss it privately. Ren Jiatong, recalling a critical lesson from her previous firm about maintaining boundaries even with close comrades and never fully exposing one's back, expressed reservations about adding another person, viewing it as an increased risk that could lead to their elimination.

Guo Xiaoyu countered, questioning if such guardedness applied to friends, asserting that while the competition was important, she valued the genuine friendships she had formed at Jun An and believed competitors didn't necessarily have to be enemies. After careful consideration, Ren Jiatong eventually agreed to let Huang Yue join their team. After the team successfully presented their proposal, Guo Xiaoyu was thrilled by the positive reception.

Later, Ren Jiatong sent Guo Xiaoyu two messages, clarifying that she allowed Huang Yue to join the team because her skills offered tangible benefits, and reiterating the importance of maintaining a cautious distance in the workplace, as competitors remain competitors. Li Ke also faced challenges in forming a team, with others advising him to find a partner due to his low ranking.

He overheard Zhou Nian and Lü Min discussing how Bai Xiao actively championed Jiang Chen, preventing him from facing consequences more severe than mere point deductions. Zhou Nian, however, revealed that the incident caused by his girlfriend's brother, Liang Xiaosong, had created a major setback in the cooperation between Warm Nest and Jun An.

He mentioned that Warm Nest's legal director was attempting to persuade their CEO to switch law firms, and he felt personally responsible for failing to manage his family affairs. He expressed frustration that both Liang Xiaosong and his sister had blocked his attempts to reach them, and he was considering apologizing in person after the test. Li Ke reinforced the severity of the situation, explaining that the entire firm was now affected.

He urged Jiang Chen to issue an apology, even if it was a private post on Weibo or WeChat visible only to Liang Xiaosong, as it would be a symbolic gesture to resolve the conflict. However, Jiang Chen firmly refused, asserting that principles should not be casually abandoned. After the group report, Li Ke approached Jiang Chen to propose teaming up, suggesting that with their combined ideas, they could achieve first place.

Jiang Chen, however, declined, stating that this was not just a legal case but also a personal matter that he needed to resolve independently. Later, Li Ke received an encouraging message from his niece, calling him "Uncle" and telling him he's "the best," which brought him some comfort amidst his mixed emotions. As the final deadline approached, Song Yifan and Bai Xiao reported to Zhuang Xin about internal disagreements within Warm Nest regarding the selection of a partner law firm.

They assured him that the firm had managed to keep Warm Nest's business for now, as Warm Nest's CEO, Mr. Liu, was highly receptive to Song Yifan's financing proposal, and they had already secured preliminary letters of intent from several investors. However, Song Yifan expressed suspicion about Warm Nest's legal director.

Separately, Bai Xiao summoned Ren Jiatong to her office, noting that Ren Jiatong's report estimates were heavily based on tenant needs, likely due to her own status as a tenant. Bai Xiao instructed Ren Jiatong to further optimize her report by also considering the landlords' demands, reminding her that the previous conflict at Warm Nest's headquarters involved many protesting landlords whose legitimate concerns cannot be ignored.

Jiang Chen initially wavered on whether to apologize, confessing to Ren Jiatong his discomfort over Jun An's Business Development Director, Kai, having to apologize on his behalf to Warm Nest, which led him to question the cost of maintaining his personal principles for the firm. He reflected on a past lesson from a great lawyer about the necessity of compromise in their profession, a notion he previously resisted but now found himself doubting.

Ren Jiatong deduced that the "great lawyer" was his father. Jiang Chen admitted he understood his father but didn't want to become him, feeling he might not be cut out to be a lawyer, and stated he would be deeply disappointed in himself if he compromised his ideals. He also shared that Song Yifan advised seeking a "win-win solution" instead of self-compromise.

Ren Jiatong, having just been admonished by Bai Xiao for not considering the landlords' perspective, revealed her difficulty in engaging with landlords, having only interacted with them during the Warm Nest incident and an earlier argument with Jiang Chen's aunt. The two then realized that Jiang Chen's aunt was, in fact, Ren Jiatong's landlord. This realization sparked a solution for Jiang Chen, who decided to discuss the matter with his aunt.

He complimented Ren Jiatong, calling her the most suitable person he's met for being a lawyer. Assuming leadership, Ren Jiatong assigned Guo Xiaoyu the task of proofreading the report and directed Huang Yue to assist Jiang Chen in developing a strategy to analyze the landlords' needs. Ren Jiatong declared her intention to confront Liang Xiaosong directly.

Jiang Chen, feeling personally responsible for the Warm Nest crisis, volunteered to go himself, asserting that he would make Liang Xiaosong apologize, not apologize to him. However, Ren Jiatong firmly reminded him of her role as team leader and insisted he remain to collaborate with his aunt to ensure the landlord-focused strategy was perfectly executed. Li Ke then offered to accompany Ren Jiatong, expressing his wish to contribute to the firm and support Zhou Nian. Ren Jiatong accepted his offer.

To clear Jiang Chen's name, Li Ke meticulously reviewed the video of Jiang Chen's confrontation with Liang Xiaosong, noticing a suspicious man with a buzz cut next to Liang Xiaosong. He recalled seeing this same individual at the Warm Nest branch during a previous incident involving handwritten replies. Guo Xiaoyu confirmed the man's presence in her own livestream video.

Ren Jiatong and Li Ke then confronted Liang Xiaosong, revealing that the man who incited him, Wang Yu, was actually a lawyer from a rival firm, not a tenant, landlord, or Warm Nest staff member.

Liang Xiaosong, realizing he was manipulated by Wang Yu, who had falsely claimed to be Warm Nest's legal representative and accused Jiang Chen of being a Jun An spy and a tenant (implying Jun An wouldn't support him), and even provided him with the water bottle used in the incident, was stunned. Ren Jiatong urged Liang Xiaosong not to act foolishly, reminding him of his sister's long-term relationship with Zhou Nian and highlighting that he was being used.

Convinced by their evidence and persuasion, Liang Xiaosong wrote an apology statement. The collaborative report by Ren Jiatong, Jiang Chen, Guo Xiaoyu, Huang Yue, and Li Ke was successfully submitted to Zhou Nian's email, alongside an independently submitted report from Yan Fei. Zhou Nian confirmed receiving both reports on time. Later, feeling responsible for Zhou Nian's breakup, the group apologized to him and orchestrated a plan to help him reconcile with his girlfriend.

They presented him with a surprise kit, which included a box contributed by Yan Fei, his retrieved engagement ring, his girlfriend's live location at a nearby bar from RedNote, pre-written confession poems for him to memorize, roses, and her favorite teddy bear. They enthusiastically encouraged him to hurry to the bar to win her back, assuring him of success.

Ren Jiatong received a call from her mother, who informed her that her stepfather Lin's business was experiencing difficulties and asked Ren Jiatong to transfer some of her salary. Ren Jiatong agreed to do so later and then left the celebratory gathering early. Seeing this, Jiang Chen also opted not to join the others for dinner. Guo Xiaoyu, Li Ke, and Huang Yue went out for hotpot and discussed their career paths and the costs of living in Beijing.

Guo Xiaoyu mentioned seeing Wang Lu on RedNote, where he shares lawyer fashion tips and seems to be thriving at a boutique firm, making them ponder if elimination from the program wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Later that night, Jiang Chen texted Ren Jiatong asking if she was okay. Ren Jiatong sent a red envelope as a thank you, stating she was fine.

Jiang Chen's aunt, seeing him text, advised him to be more proactive and asked him to video call his mother, who missed him. Jiang Chen, still holding onto past grievances, expressed his lingering doubt about his parents' care for him, recalling their constant arguments when he was young.

Episode 11 Recap

Zhou Nian returned to the law firm feeling dejected after his relationship with his girlfriend ended. As he entered, he heard a suspicious noise in the hallway. He initially called security, identifying himself as being from Jun An Law Firm and asking them to investigate, but they claimed to be off duty. When he went to check himself, mop in hand, he found Yan Fei sitting on the stairs, drinking.

Yan Fei, looking disheveled, was questioned by Zhou Nian about her frequent drinking and why she was still at the firm late at night. She candidly admitted that her current low ranking in the intern assessment had pushed her to ask her brother and his friends for outside help with the Warm Nest proposal, something she had vowed not to do.

Her goal was not just to secure her position at Jun An but also to prevent Warm Nest from holding the firm, Jiang Chen, or Zhou Nian accountable, and to help him reconcile with his girlfriend. She praised Zhou Nian as a rare "devoted and principled male lawyer," an "endangered species" she wished to protect. Zhou Nian, in turn, thanked her, admitting he had initially been biased against her because her family often contacted the firm.

He apologized, acknowledging that no one chooses their family and that her family's actions stemmed from love. Yan Fei shared her worry that others wanted her to simply "go through the motions and leave." Zhou Nian dismissed her confession, saying she was drunk and her words weren't legally binding. He then revealed that his girlfriend had broken up with him during their "final dinner," stating that the past was past.

Despite the sad news, he felt a strange sense of relief after their encounter, and they bid each other farewell for the weekend. Meanwhile, Yan Da, Yan Fei's brother, witnessed Zhou Nian helping a visibly intoxicated Yan Fei into her car. His assistant informed him of Zhou Nian's identity as a fourth-year lawyer and a mentor at Jun An, noting that Zhou Nian had been "clever" and respectful when Yan Da previously called him regarding Yan Fei.

Concerned, Yan Da instructed his assistant to "talk with" Zhou Nian and investigate his background, emphasizing that even if Yan Fei were to leave Jun An soon, she shouldn't associate with questionable people. In another part of the city, Jiang Chen found his aunt in tears after a video call with her daughter, his cousin, who had been living abroad for years and showed no signs of returning. His aunt expressed her frustration, lamenting that her daughter had forgotten her.

She then turned her emotional outpouring toward Jiang Chen, questioning if he understood his own mother's difficulties when she asked him to live with his father, defensively adding that his mother wasn't "after some money" and that "mothers are often blamed." Jiang Chen consoled her, acknowledging the hardships both his mother and aunt faced, and promised to talk to his cousin. The next morning, Zhou Nian sent a group message announcing that the assessment scores and rankings would be revealed.

The news left the interns anxious overnight. The following afternoon, in the multi-function hall, Bai Xiao announced the results: Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei each scored 30 points, Guo Xiaoyu and Huang Yue 20 points, Li Ke 10 points, and Jiang Chen, to his dismay, received zero points. Li Ke, concerned, asked if he and Jiang Chen were eliminated.

Bai Xiao, however, surprisingly declared that, after collective discussion among the mentors, there would be no eliminations in this round, and all interns would proceed to the next stage. A wave of relief washed over the group, and a more relaxed atmosphere settled. The group decided to celebrate their reprieve by going to a horror-themed escape room that evening.

Huang Yue initially expressed hesitation about joining the escape room, mentioning that her "older guy" had asked her to return home early. However, she quickly decided against it, wanting to celebrate and "have real fun" with the group on such a "big day." Zhou Nian declined the invitation, humorously citing the stress of mentoring them and his need for "health and wellness." Yan Fei also declined, looking visibly downcast.

Zhou Nian found her later and offered congratulations, which Yan Fei met with sarcasm, lamenting her second-place finish, achieved only through "resources of my family and professional investors." She expressed frustration at never ranking first at Jun An and having an overall score lower than Ren Jiatong's. Zhou Nian tried to comfort her by calling her a "pretty girl" who shouldn't obsess over rankings, but Yan Fei sharply corrected him, stating she was "not some little girl."

She then revealed she had thought her family background was why people ignored her abilities, but now realized she simply wasn't achieving first place. Zhou Nian advised her not to let minor setbacks discourage her if she was serious about being a lawyer, as the profession "shatters the fragile ones."

When Yan Fei asked if he also looked down on her, Zhou Nian reassured her, praising her as "outstanding" and recognizing her "genuine hard work" after hours, despite her claims of never working overtime. He reframed her family background and access to investors as valuable "resource integration skills," essential for top lawyers, even joking that he'd constantly use such advantages if he had them. Yan Fei teased him about his "carrot and stick approach" to management.

Zhou Nian then posed a crucial question: her true motivation for joining Jun An. Was it for rankings, to defy her brother, or a genuine desire to be a lawyer? He warned that without a clear answer, she might struggle to continue in the profession. Later that evening, at the horror-themed escape room, the game master detailed the rules, including random NPC appearances and solo missions.

Jiang Chen, clearly apprehensive, expressed his desire to check fire safety equipment and emergency exits, and even suggested revisions to the liability waiver to clarify responsibilities in case of an accident. Guo Xiaoyu jokingly observed that she understood why service industries often disliked lawyers. Despite claiming to be a "staunch materialist," Jiang Chen refused to lead the way.

Inside, Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen quickly identified a combination lock, a Durer painting, and the concept of a "magic square" to deduce some of the numbers. Li Ke made a wild guess of "42," linking it to "The Deer and the Cauldron", which Ren Jiatong dismissed as a stretch. However, Jiang Chen enthusiastically affirmed "42," citing "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"'s "ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything." They successfully input the code and escaped the room.

Jiang Chen, still reeling, warned an NPC about safety obligations and potential liability. During another segment, Jiang Chen and Ren Jiatong found themselves handcuffed together. As they struggled to free themselves, Ren Jiatong patiently guided Jiang Chen, who was visibly flustered, on how to maneuver his hand. Their close, cooperative efforts prompted a nearby Guo Xiaoyu to jokingly remark about them "showing PDA" and "eating dog food" while in a stressful situation.

After the intense escape room experience, the interns went their separate ways. Huang Yue invited Guo Xiaoyu to dinner, telling her she "didn't want to go home anyway." They went to a pet cafe, which Huang Yue affectionately described as an "expensive" place where she spoiled a "soft, cuddly, and well-behaved little puppy." Huang Yue then revealed her "good news": her "older guy" had proposed.

However, she was troubled by his constant belittling of her legal career, claiming her future earnings wouldn't match his "small project's earnings." He insisted she focus her energy on him, be more attentive, and eventually quit her job after marriage to dedicate herself to family and children. Guo Xiaoyu empathized, criticizing how men always expect women to "return to the family," highlighting the insecurity this creates for women.

Despite her reservations, Huang Yue admitted she had agreed to his terms because his proposal was a "long-held dream" and her "first mention of marriage" from him after being together for so long. She confessed to a touch of vanity but asserted she worked hard and was marrying the man she loved "with a clear conscience." Guo Xiaoyu, seeing Huang Yue's conviction, offered her sincere blessings and wished her happiness.

The next day, the team joined Zhou Nian for a community legal aid event. Yan Fei arrived late and was furious, realizing she hadn't been informed about it. She confronted her brother, Yan Da, who was dressed in traditional Hanfu, demanding to know why she wasn't included. Yan Da, unfazed, dismissed her career choice, stating that as a "child of the Yan family," she didn't need to "work that hard" to prove herself.

He revealed he had already "spoken to your leader," implying he had once again intervened on her behalf. Yan Fei challenged him, asking if he had approached the managing partner or a senior partner. Yan Da went on to disparage the legal profession, calling it a "tough path" where lawyers "work like a dog every day" and "force smiles in front of difficult clients."

He asserted that even top "Red Circle Firms" were essentially the "service industry" and questioned why she chose to be a "service provider" when she could be a "client." Yan Fei retorted that his experience as a client had made him feel "entitled to parent me." Yan Da then brought up her past request for him to secure "Eddie's funding for Warm Nest," stating he would not tolerate anyone "exploiting my sister's kindness and our family's resources."

He concluded by telling her to "leave Jun An gracefully" after this round. Angered, Yan Fei defiantly declared that she "loved defying" him. She admitted she had "never planned to stay long at Jun An," but now, she was "staying for sure" to prove herself. Upon arriving at the community event, Yan Fei saw Guo Xiaoyu also in Hanfu, participating in a legal play, and Jiang Chen and Ren Jiatong helping an elderly woman.

She immediately confronted Zhou Nian, demanding to know why she hadn't been informed. Zhou Nian vaguely attributed it to "work oversight," claiming he had emailed her but then they created a group chat she wasn't added to. Yan Fei, feeling betrayed, accused him of being "one-sided" and prioritizing his career over their friendship by not offending her brother. She declared he could "just watch carefully how well I handle this consultation."

After the community event, Jiang Chen went to a small noodle shop and found Ren Jiatong already there. He joined her at her table, and the owner greeted them warmly, mentioning the shop's cat had gotten "chubby." Jiang Chen, knowing Ren Jiatong's preferences, asked how she knew his: his love for spicy food and Americanos. Ren Jiatong teased him, saying she'd observed him often and if she didn't know him, she'd think he had a crush on her.

Jiang Chen blushed but denied it, and Ren Jiatong joked that "bashful boys are not popular now." She then cryptically warned him, referencing skilled hunters who "disguise themselves as prey." Jiang Chen then asked about a non-Jun An file he had seen on her computer, and Ren Jiatong explained it was for an old friend of her father's.

Jiang Chen advised her to focus entirely on the competition, warning her that even with her full effort, she might not win against him, let alone if she was distracted. Ren Jiatong, her competitive spirit piqued, declared she would "take him seriously" from that day forward. Jiang Chen then offered a more personal piece of advice, telling her to "learn to take care of yourself" and "shut down your computer when leaving your desk." Finally, he picked a braised egg from his bowl and placed it in hers, stating, "I hate braised eggs."

Episode 12 Recap

Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen were seeking shelter from the rain when Ren Jiatong spotted a little yellow puppy. She immediately scooped it up, admiring it. The owner mentioned the dog hadn't been named yet, prompting Ren Jiatong to suggest naming it after Jiang Chen, who visibly recoiled, admitting his aversion to dogs. Ren Jiatong then proposed "Sweetie" for the calm puppy, a name Jiang Chen reluctantly accepted. As they walked back, Jiang Chen opened up about his past.

He once had a dog, also named Sweetie, which his father gave away after his parents' divorce, leaving him heartbroken. He recalled his father's words that one shouldn't selfishly keep others if they couldn't care for them properly, and that one must become strong first. Jiang Chen felt his father's disdain and was determined to become an excellent lawyer to prove his capability and surpass him.

To lighten his mood, Ren Jiatong playfully led him to stomp in puddles, a simple act that eventually brought a smile to Jiang Chen's face. Meanwhile, Yan Fei offered Zhou Nian a ride home, but he declined, explaining it was inconvenient. She probed, asking if he feared her or her brother, Yan Da. Zhou Nian dismissed her concerns, stating he feared neither.

He clarified that Yan Da's actions stemmed from a protective instinct, much like his ex-girlfriend's fierce loyalty to her younger brother, Liang Xiaosong. Zhou Nian expressed admiration for Yan Da, who, despite his young age, had single-handedly managed Xingke Group for years, thus allowing Yan Fei the freedom to pursue her dreams at Jun An, a privilege he himself never had. Zhou Nian's words resonated with Yan Fei. Back home, she found her brother, Yan Da, suffering from a cold.

She approached him with uncharacteristic concern and learned that he had aspired to pursue a sociology PhD in the UK but had to abandon his dream and take over the family business when their father fell ill. Yan Da was both surprised and touched by his sister's calm and caring demeanor. Later, in her room, a smiling Yan Fei sent Zhou Nian a message thanking him for his insights.

At home, Ren Jiatong found Guo Xiaoyu distraught over an ongoing cold war with her boyfriend, Zhu Zhisheng, refusing to be the first to reach out. Guo Xiaoyu, noticing Ren Jiatong's quietness, playfully asked if she had a crush on anyone. Ren Jiatong instantly thought of Jiang Chen but vehemently denied it, though Guo Xiaoyu was quick to point out her obvious fondness.

The next morning, Jiang Chen arrived at the law firm early, eager to take on a new case from the lawyer pool. Li Ke and Huang Yue also showed up, having messaged Tian Min to express their interest. Tian Min briefed them on the case: their client, the plaintiff, had sued a defendant company in Beijing based on its registered address.

The defendant filed a jurisdiction objection, arguing their Beijing address was merely a rented office without active staff, leading the case to be transferred to Shenzhen. Although initial checks confirmed the Beijing address was indeed just an office, the Shenzhen address also seemed suspicious, raising doubts about the defendant's true operating location. Tian Min tasked them with further investigation. Guo Xiaoyu's attempts to contact Zhu Zhisheng proved fruitless. Browsing social media, she noticed he had followed a new woman.

A recent photo posted by this woman featured pants and shoes that Guo Xiaoyu recognized as Zhu Zhisheng's, though he himself was absent. Convinced by his sudden coldness and the suggestive photo, Guo Xiaoyu suspected infidelity and confided in Ren Jiatong, who urged her not to jump to conclusions and to keep personal issues separate from work. That night, Jiang Chen called Ren Jiatong, expressing concern after seeing Guo Xiaoyu's recent social media post.

He advised Ren Jiatong to be more open and trusting, suggesting she "stop building walls around herself." Ren Jiatong retorted that she found it difficult to trust, having witnessed too many betrayals. Jiang Chen countered that he was merely looking out for her only friend at Jun An, leading Ren Jiatong to declare they were rivals, not friends, adding that he was drawn to those who could challenge him.

Despite her earlier resolution, Guo Xiaoyu took sick leave the next day and secretly flew to Hangzhou. She called Ren Jiatong from the airport, explaining she had spent a sleepless night tormented by thoughts of Zhu Zhisheng and felt an overwhelming sense of dread. Tearfully, she questioned whether her decision to move to Beijing and join Jun An had been a mistake.

Ren Jiatong tried to calm her, reiterating her strong belief in prioritizing career over love, a path she vowed would not lead to regret. During a subsequent meeting, Ren Jiatong covered for Guo Xiaoyu, informing Mr. Zhuang and Zhou Nian that she was ill. Zhou Nian then introduced a new case from Yiaiwan Tech, a major client in Hangzhou. An employee had collapsed in the company parking lot after work.

Instead of filing a work injury claim, the family demanded the company cover all medical expenses, wages during recovery, and additional compensation. While Jiang Chen and Yan Fei both expressed interest, Mr. Zhuang ultimately assigned Ren Jiatong to assist Zhou Nian with the case, much to Yan Fei's visible frustration. Later, unwilling to give up, Yan Fei made a determined pitch to Mr. Zhuang, presenting detailed research on labor disputes and highlighting her connections at Yiaiwan.

She emphasized her achievements were her own and that she wanted to earn a spot on Mr. Song's team. Zhou Nian, who overheard her, was impressed by her renewed determination, jokingly praising her shift from doubt to passion. Yan Fei, realizing Ren Jiatong was covering for her, discovered Guo Xiaoyu's trip to Hangzhou via her IP address and confronted her. Ren Jiatong confessed the full truth: the unconscious Yiaiwan Tech employee was Zhu Zhisheng.

In a call with Guo Xiaoyu, they learned she was overwhelmed with guilt and no longer cared about the suspected infidelity. Concerned for her friend and motivated to seize the opportunity, Yan Fei decided to join Ren Jiatong in Hangzhou to bring Guo Xiaoyu back and investigate the case. On their flight, Yan Fei declared that she had "earned this opportunity fair and square" and was "tired of losing at Jun An, especially to you."

Meanwhile, Jiang Chen invited Li Ke and Huang Yue to collaborate on their jurisdiction case. He had found a critical clue on a delivery receipt showing a courier station in Beijing, which he suspected was near the defendant's actual operating address. Together, they began working to identify the company's true operational base. On their way from the Hangzhou airport, Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei discussed the Yiaiwan case, as Zhou Nian had to take a later flight.

Yan Fei revealed that her contacts at Yiaiwan had informed her that Zhu Zhisheng's mother had repeatedly pressured management, insisting his coma was due to chronic work exhaustion and citing his overtime records as proof. She questioned why the mother bypassed the formal work injury claim process in favor of direct compensation, especially as Yiaiwan was at a critical pre-IPO stage and keen to avoid negative publicity. This explained the company's urgent need for legal counsel. When Ren Jiatong pressed her on whether she believed Yiaiwan was exploiting its employees or if Zhu Zhisheng's mother was seeking excessive compensation, Yan Fei artfully dodged the question.

Episode 13 Recap

Upon her arrival in Hangzhou, Ren Jiatong met with Guo Xiaoyu, who informed her that Zhu Zhisheng’s mother, Ms. Wang, intended to hire a lawyer to initiate a lawsuit. Guo Xiaoyu revealed that Ms. Wang had not yet secured legal representation and was personally negotiating with Yiaiwan Tech, leveraging the company’s impending IPO for compensation, a tactic Guo Xiaoyu found impressive.

Before she learned that Jun An Law Firm would represent Yiaiwan, Guo Xiaoyu had already explained the process for applying for work-related injury status and provided advice on negotiating with companies in labor disputes to Ms. Wang. Feeling distressed about potentially causing trouble, Guo Xiaoyu expressed her chaotic state of mind since hearing of Zhu Zhisheng’s coma.

Ren Jiatong reassured her that her advice was merely standard legal guidance and that since she had not participated in any of Jun An’s internal discussions, she was not at fault. She then urged Guo Xiaoyu to keep their conversation confidential and promised to keep her secret as well. That night, Ren Jiatong noted Guo Xiaoyu’s visible stress and encouraged her to rest. Guo Xiaoyu, however, could not sleep and asked Ren Jiatong to stay and talk.

She then revealed that Zhu Zhisheng was not the first Yiaiwan employee to collapse under similar circumstances; another case had occurred more than a year prior, a fact uncovered when former employees' families contacted Ms. Wang. Guo Xiaoyu questioned if Ren Jiatong still believed these were mere coincidences, and expressed her personal struggle as a law student torn between upholding social justice and advocating for client interests, wondering if she should abandon her initial ideals.

She challenged Ren Jiatong to consider how she would react if she were in the family’s situation. Ren Jiatong remained silent, her thoughts drifting to her father’s resuscitation and the Estazolam Tablets she found near him during that time. The following morning, Ren Jiatong received a call from Jiang Chen, who playfully teased her about her dedication to feeding his pet daily and about missing him.

Later, Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei visited Yiaiwan Tech, where they met Xiaojing, an intern from Zhu Zhisheng’s R&D department. Xiaojing provided Zhu Zhisheng’s clock-in records but claimed she was not well-acquainted with him and had no knowledge of any difficulties Ms. Wang faced in obtaining these records.

Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei discovered that on the day of his collapse, Zhu Zhisheng had left the office for three hours but his car remained in the parking lot, suggesting he had stayed within the complex. They noted a recent change in his work pattern: instead of staying late, he would leave around 8 PM and return around 10 PM. This contradicted Ms. Wang’s earlier statements to Guo Xiaoyu, leading them to suspect Ms. Wang was hiding information.

Further investigation led them to Zhu Zhisheng’s social media, where they found he followed Xiaojing. They also found shared coffee shop expenses between them, which Xiaojing denied when questioned by Ren Jiatong. Later, Guo Xiaoyu called Ren Jiatong in a panic, informing her that Zhu Zhisheng’s condition had worsened, and he had been rushed to emergency care. Ren Jiatong immediately went to the hospital and noticed a bottle of Estazolam Tablets on Zhu Zhisheng’s bedside table.

Ms. Wang then confronted Guo Xiaoyu, pressuring her to convince Jun An to cease representing Yiaiwan. She accused the firm of being unethical for delaying compensation and reminded Guo Xiaoyu of her long relationship with Zhu Zhisheng, urging her not to abandon him. Guo Xiaoyu, caught in a difficult position, tried to explain her inability to offer legal advice due to her status as a law student.

Ren Jiatong intervened by feigning a stomachache, creating an excuse for them to leave. Afterwards, Ren Jiatong thanked Guo Xiaoyu for her help and, though still concerned, Guo Xiaoyu expressed her unwavering trust in Ms. Wang, her former Chinese teacher, believing she was acting out of anxiety. Ren Jiatong explained Yiaiwan’s reluctance to classify the incident as a work-related injury, citing concerns about corporate reputation and the impending IPO, and highlighted Ms. Wang’s suspicious insistence on a private settlement.

Guo Xiaoyu, however, defended Ms. Wang, attributing her actions to panic over mounting medical costs and the complexity of work-related injury procedures. During their conversation, Ren Jiatong noticed an ambulance chaser loitering in the hospital lobby. Exhausted, Guo Xiaoyu asked to stay with Ren Jiatong again, expressing gratitude to Ren Jiatong, Yan Fei, and Huang Yue for their sisterly support, calling them her greatest gain from joining Jun An.

Yan Fei called Ren Jiatong, confirming that Zhu Zhisheng had been with Xiaojing at the cafe, based on staff descriptions and their consistently matching work schedules. Yan Fei expressed strong disgust at Zhu Zhisheng's infidelity. Later, while speaking with Zhou Nian, Yan Fei learned that Ms. Wang's compensation demands were only slightly above the amount expected for a work-related injury claim, which seemed inconsistent with her public theatrics.

Yan Fei speculated that Ms. Wang might be aware that Zhu Zhisheng's coma was not directly work-related and was exploiting Yiaiwan's IPO plans for increased compensation. As she smelled osmanthus, Yan Fei suddenly realized that the cafe they investigated also operated as a bar at night, suggesting Zhu Zhisheng might have been drinking. She immediately rushed off to gather evidence.

Ren Jiatong called Jiang Chen, seeking advice on a dilemma: whether to reveal information that could hurt a close friend but potentially prevent future trouble. Jiang Chen noted her unusual hesitation, describing her typical decisive nature, and offered comfort without probing for details, expressing how happy he was that she confided in him. He also gently reminded her to take care of her own well-being.

Ren Jiatong, emotional, reflected on seeing Zhu Zhisheng in the ICU, recognizing him as a peer who, like them, worked long hours, and admitted to losing control of her emotions. Jiang Chen reassured her that showing emotion made her "flesh and blood" and encouraged her to pay close attention to her uncharacteristic hesitation. They met briefly in the hotel garden. In Beijing, Li Ke reported to Huang Yue on his progress in Jiang Chen's team’s case.

Following Jiang Chen's strategy, he had identified the defendant company's actual operating location in an office building, although cross-referencing all the chat logs was time-consuming. Huang Yue suggested checking the building directory and front desk while she visited property management. She soon confirmed the defendant's company name on the directory, and Li Ke obtained a parking permit registration, verifying the company's presence on the 23rd floor.

Meanwhile, Zhou Nian expressed concern to Yan Fei that her close friendship with Guo Xiaoyu might compromise her objectivity in their case. Yan Fei playfully teased him, implying his concern stemmed from caring for her. Ren Jiatong then reported to Zhou Nian about seeing Ms. Wang with an ambulance chaser at the hospital, suggesting this individual was influencing Ms. Wang's demands, especially with Yiaiwan's IPO on the horizon.

Ren Jiatong further disclosed finding sedative sleeping pills by Zhu Zhisheng’s bedside, implying a connection to his coma. She tentatively suggested that Yiaiwan consider compensating Zhu Zhisheng, citing his diligent work and the likelihood that his medication use was stress-related, but quickly retracted her statement, realizing it was unprofessional. Zhou Nian, while understanding her empathy, reminded her of the importance of professional conduct.

Yan Fei openly challenged Ren Jiatong’s suggestion of compensation, arguing that Zhu Zhisheng deserved nothing given his infidelity. She declared her intention to expose the truth to Guo Xiaoyu, believing that a painful truth now was better than prolonged deception. Guo Xiaoyu, having overheard their heated discussion, confronted them, accusing them of making Ms. Wang’s situation worse and questioning if Ren Jiatong’s hospital visit was to see her or to gather evidence.

Yan Fei, frustrated by Guo Xiaoyu’s continued defense of Zhu Zhisheng, reiterated that he had cheated first and that their relationship was meaningless after such a betrayal. Guo Xiaoyu, distraught, acknowledged their efforts in cooking for her and expressed both gratitude and deep guilt, particularly towards Ren Jiatong, for having involved her in this difficult situation. Just then, Ms. Wang sent photos of Guo Xiaoyu and others, along with dashcam footage, to Yiaiwan’s legal department.

The accompanying message accused Guo Xiaoyu of leaking IPO information and Jun An of using her to cover up Yiaiwan’s negligence regarding overtime. Zhou Nian, after consulting with senior lawyers, reassured Guo Xiaoyu that the firm was defending her, clarifying that her initial legal advice was generic and given before Jun An became involved, and that she had reported her conflict of interest. Despite this, Zhou Nian warned them that the photo could be widely misinterpreted, causing potential trouble.

Guo Xiaoyu, still believing Ms. Wang was not a malicious person but merely desperate, insisted on going to talk to her. Yan Fei, however, cautioned against it, fearing Ms. Wang might record her again. Yan Fei then volunteered herself and Zhou Nian to speak with Ms. Wang. During their confrontation at the hospital, Ms. Wang remained unyielding, presenting a diagnosis of cerebral hemorrhage caused by impact and adamantly demanding compensation, fully blaming Yiaiwan.

Later, learning from Huang Yue about the firm's trouble and Ms. Wang's accusations, Guo Xiaoyu sincerely apologized to Ren Jiatong for involving her. Ren Jiatong, in turn, reassured her that she wasn't angry and revealed that Zhu Zhisheng's mother had also withheld certain information. Ren Jiatong then lightened the mood by asking if they were hungry.

Episode 14 Recap

Ren Jiatong, Guo Xiaoyu, and Yan Fei delved into the specifics of the case, realizing that Ms. Wang, Zhu Zhisheng's mother, sought more than mere financial compensation. Yan Fei recounted that Ms. Wang, initially reluctant to speak, eventually opened up, demanding both monetary restitution and a formal explanation from Yiaiwan Tech, firmly stating she would not back down. The requested compensation, surprisingly, was not exorbitant.

Guo Xiaoyu added that Ms. Wang attributed Zhu Zhisheng's coma to his prolonged, high-pressure work conditions, mentioning a similar incident at Yiaiwan Tech over a year prior. They concluded that Ms. Wang's primary goal was a sincere apology from the company regarding its management failings and the extreme pressure that led to Zhu Zhisheng's critical state. The team agreed that meeting Xiaojing, who was with Zhu Zhisheng on the night he collapsed, was crucial for clarity.

Guo Xiaoyu volunteered, but Yan Fei and Ren Jiatong insisted on accompanying her, emphasizing, "You can't meet your love rival alone." As they observed from a distance, Ren Jiatong confided in Yan Fei, drawing parallels to her own painful past experience of confronting a rival. She sensed that Guo Xiaoyu, despite her composure, would be deeply hurt. When Guo Xiaoyu began to cry, Yan Fei rushed to her, demanding to know if Xiaojing had upset her.

Xiaojing, however, revealed she had resigned from Yiaiwan Tech and wished to avoid all legal entanglements, attempting to leave. Guo Xiaoyu stopped her, apologizing and blaming herself for Zhu Zhisheng’s situation, and expressing gratitude for Xiaojing's honesty. Xiaojing then clarified that Zhu Zhisheng frequently spoke of Guo Xiaoyu with such admiration that Xiaojing felt envious, insisting her relationship with Zhu Zhisheng was not what people might assume.

After Xiaojing departed, Ren Jiatong offered Guo Xiaoyu a chance to vent her emotions. Guo Xiaoyu explained that their shared experiences of difficult choices and life's unpredictability had led to a surprising mutual understanding between her and Xiaojing. Meanwhile, Jiang Chen reported his progress to Li Ke, having thoroughly organized photos and timestamps into evidence documents and an index, all sent to Bai Xiao.

He explained that demonstrating Yiaiwan Tech's active operations in Chaoyang District, Beijing, was essential to dismiss their jurisdictional objection. Li Ke lauded Jiang Chen's efficiency and proposed they collaborate on future tasks. Noticing Jiang Chen repeatedly checking his phone, Li Ke playfully accused him of being in love. Jiang Chen offered to reveal details if Li Ke helped him move next week, but Li Ke quickly lost interest.

He advised Jiang Chen against dating anyone from their firm, citing the unresolved history between Bai Xiao and Song Yifan as a cautionary tale. Li Ke asserted his understanding of women, implying he was trying to protect Jiang Chen. During a case review meeting, Song Yifan, observing Bai Xiao's discomfort, subtly suggested a lunch break for everyone, indicating he had a crucial matter to discuss with her.

He later expressed concern over her recurring neck pain, which she dismissed as an occupational hazard. Song Yifan insisted it was a significant issue and proposed they have lunch alone. Their conversation was interrupted by Huang Yue, Li Ke, and Jiang Chen, who had an urgent report. Bai Xiao agreed to lunch after their presentation.

As the report began, Song Yifan thoughtfully instructed Jiang Chen to switch seats with Bai Xiao, moving her away from the air conditioning, and gently handed her a scarf for warmth—a gesture that did not go unnoticed by their colleagues. The Beijing team then presented their proactive research on the legal consequences of workers' compensation fraud, explaining their initiative to support their Hangzhou colleagues, which Bai Xiao acknowledged positively.

Later, Huang Yue pointed out Bai Xiao's new exquisite pen, recognizing it as a couple-themed item honoring Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Bai Xiao was genuinely surprised by this detail. This observation prompted a private discussion between Li Ke and Huang Yue, where Li Ke confirmed that Song Yifan used the matching male version of the pen, and Huang Yue recalled that the scarf Song Yifan had given Bai Xiao previously carried Bai Xiao's signature perfume.

They mused about the pair's past relationship, wondering if a lack of trust or career prioritization had kept them apart. Back at the hotel, a visibly distraught Guo Xiaoyu confided in Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei. Xiaojing had revealed that Zhu Zhisheng, under immense pressure from consistently ranking last in company evaluations, had resorted to medication and heavy drinking to battle insomnia.

Guo Xiaoyu felt profound guilt for not having noticed his suffering earlier, and she empathized deeply with his fear of elimination as a young professional. She affirmed her trust in him, explaining it stemmed not from blind love, but from a shared understanding of workplace anxieties.

She declared her determination to advocate for him, acknowledging that despite representing Yiaiwan Tech, they could not ignore the human cost, especially given Ms. Wang's belief that the company's pervasive overtime culture was responsible for Zhu Zhisheng's coma. Later, Guo Xiaoyu received a call informing her of Zhu Zhisheng's awakening. Xiaojing was on the line, explaining that Zhu Zhisheng had actually woken up two days prior, but Ms. Wang had prevented any contact.

Xiaojing further revealed that her father, Zhu Zhisheng’s department head, had secretly paid 500,000 yuan to Ms. Wang as compensation, fearing that the exposure of his role in pressuring Zhu Zhisheng would jeopardize Yiaiwan Tech's impending IPO. Xiaojing clarified that her interactions with Zhu Zhisheng were mainly for graduation project tutoring at her father's behest, and while nothing intimate had occurred, she apologized for the distress it caused Guo Xiaoyu.

She also disclosed that her father had made her promise never to see Zhu Zhisheng again. Xiaojing urged Guo Xiaoyu to go to Zhu Zhisheng. At Zhu Zhisheng’s hospital bedside, Guo Xiaoyu expressed her willingness to stay in Hangzhou and restart their life together. However, Zhu Zhisheng confessed to having developed feelings for Xiaojing, admitting he had been drinking that fateful night because he intended to confess those feelings to her.

He explained that spending time with Xiaojing had reminded him of a younger Guo Xiaoyu. Despite his apology, Guo Xiaoyu asked if he regretted his actions, to which he responded that he did not. She then removed the earrings he had given her for her eighteenth birthday, acknowledging the genuine love and friendship they had shared over four years, but firmly declared their relationship over.

She asserted her renewed focus on her legal career in Beijing, wishing him a full recovery. As she left, she called Ren Jiatong from the car, confirming that Zhu Zhisheng had broken up with her. She then stated that with no other choice, she was now fully committed to her career in Beijing. Concerned for Guo Xiaoyu upon her return to Beijing, Ren Jiatong found her feeling despondent.

Guo Xiaoyu contemplated whether they, too, might one day "Blend in with the light and be with the dust." To cheer her up, Ren Jiatong sent her a livestream link. The video, featuring Ren Jiatong, Yan Fei, Li Ke, Huang Yue, and Jiang Chen, comically advertised a "deep cleaning card" for Guo Xiaoyu's apartment, promising personal service and group activities, reassuring her, "We've always been here."

Watching it, Guo Xiaoyu was deeply moved, explaining that she became emotional when those closest to her showed care. Later, the entire team arrived at her apartment to help with a deep clean. Guo Xiaoyu was surprised by their coordinated effort, and Ren Jiatong credited Jiang Chen for persistently organizing everyone. They then celebrated with a warm and lively hotpot dinner, officially welcoming her back to the team.

The next day, Song Yifan and Bai Xiao announced the current assessment scores. Guo Xiaoyu, having been unable to participate due to her conflict of interest, found herself at the bottom of the rankings along with Huang Yue. Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei were awarded 30 points each for their strong performance in Hangzhou.

Bai Xiao particularly commended Ren Jiatong for her exceptional insight in discerning Yiaiwan Tech's underlying motives for seeking their firm's assistance and proposing a well-rounded solution so early in her career. Jiang Chen received 25 points, while Li Ke and Huang Yue each got 15 points for their work in verifying the business address in Beijing. Additionally, the three of them received another 10 points each for proactively assisting Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei with their research. It was then revealed that Huang Yue had already submitted her formal application to withdraw from the Talent Hunt Program and resign from the firm.

Episode 15 Recap

Guo Xiaoyu approached Huang Yue to discuss her situation, learning that Huang Yue had chosen to prioritize her relationship over her career, as her boyfriend was assigned overseas and she wished to accompany him. Huang Yue expressed that she didn't want to take any risks with the relationship, fearing its loss. She confessed her embarrassment about leaving her job after so much education.

The experiences of Guo Xiaoyu's past relationship with Zhu Zhisheng, and Ms. Bai and Mr. Song, also influenced her decision, making her afraid of losing someone important. Guo Xiaoyu affirmed that Huang Yue was brave for making a choice that truly mattered to her.

As others helped Huang Yue pack her belongings, Huang Yue revealed she intended to return at the end of the year to marry her boyfriend and invited Ren Jiatong, Guo Xiaoyu, and Yan Fei to be her bridesmaids. She also shared that while Jun An was her favorite place in Beijing, the noodle shop where they often met was her second favorite. She preferred not to have a farewell party, as their gathering the night before had been enough.

Li Ke then walked Huang Yue downstairs. Huang Yue confessed that she often looked at the city lights from her office window, wondering if she could find a share of that happiness. She admitted she wasn't entirely sure if her decision was the "right" one, but it was certainly the "more important" one for her. Li Ke, who also had deep family ties, understood Huang Yue's feelings and wished her happiness.

Huang Yue, noticing Li Ke's motivations, pointed out that he desired to stay in Jun An largely because of his sister and niece, who were his spiritual pillars and had unwavering faith in him. She then advised Li Ke to consider his own feelings more, beyond his sister's expectations, noting that sometimes excessive expectations could create immense pressure.

Later that evening, Ren Jiatong, in a rare display of affection, gave Guo Xiaoyu puppy eyes and asked her to make some noodles, despite having just eaten. Guo Xiaoyu teasingly called her an "ice queen" and joked about posting it on her Moments. Yan Fei, calling at that moment, overheard the playful exchange and commented that Ren Jiatong no longer needed her comfort, suggesting that Ren Jiatong merely wanted Guo Xiaoyu to feel needed.

While Ren Jiatong was enjoying her noodles, Guo Xiaoyu received a message from Li Ke, who proposed they collaborate on a confidential case from Zhou Nian. Li Ke stressed the importance of keeping their collaboration secret, even from Ren Jiatong, to demonstrate their capabilities, especially after Huang Yue's departure. Guo Xiaoyu then probed Ren Jiatong about her relationship with Jiang Chen, noticing something amiss before their trip to Hangzhou.

She mentioned Jiang Chen's "weirdly specific questions" about a streetlight in their alley. Ren Jiatong brushed off the suggestion, promising they were merely colleagues and that nothing was going on. Guo Xiaoyu then confided in Ren Jiatong about Ms. Bai and Mr. Song's past, calling their story "devastating." She explained that they had been romantically involved, but internal firm rules prevented them from working together.

Mr. Song's hesitation led Ms. Bai to quietly leave Jun An for another firm, a decision he later deeply regretted. Even after Ms. Bai returned years later, their relationship could not be rekindled. Ren Jiatong declared that she would never leave her law firm for love, and Guo Xiaoyu, in turn, vowed to renounce romance and focus solely on her career.

The next day at the office, Guo Xiaoyu’s newfound intense work ethic surprised Yan Fei, who noted she was no longer the "Little Raindrop" she knew but a "storm" ready to "outwork everyone." Ren Jiatong attempted to invite Yan Fei to lunch, but Yan Fei declined, stating that since Guo Xiaoyu wasn't going, she would simply "have some snacks" later. The visit of Wang Yinggao, a game producer from Tian Kai Xin Gaming Company, garnered significant attention.

Ren Jiatong quickly researched the company, identifying Wang Yinggao as a talented game producer whose games were "legendary." She also contacted a former colleague to inquire about Tian Kai Xin's IPO. Guo Xiaoyu was frustrated when she saw Li Ke submitting their collaboratively written report to Zhou Nian, taking sole credit and receiving praise. She began to approach him, but Ren Jiatong intervened, reminding her to stay calm. Later, at their apartment, Guo Xiaoyu reflected on the situation.

She acknowledged that confronting Li Ke publicly in front of clients would damage Jun An's image. She decided to document all their work-related chat history and gather evidence, planning to ask for justice when the timing was right, as leaders prioritize results over mediating juniors' disputes, and she didn't want Zhou Nian to think she was stealing credit from his junior. Ren Jiatong was impressed by Guo Xiaoyu's quick and rational thinking, noting how much she had matured.

Just then, Li Ke arrived at their door to apologize to Guo Xiaoyu in person, admitting he had gotten carried away by Zhou Nian’s praise and failed to mention her contributions. At the same time, Jiang Chen was moving into the apartment next door, which belonged to his aunt, as his cousin had returned from overseas. Li Ke revealed he had used helping Jiang Chen move as an excuse to apologize to Guo Xiaoyu.

Ren Jiatong stepped in to help Jiang Chen unpack, jokingly teasing him about "a single guy's room always hides something they can't show," which Jiang Chen denied. Ren Jiatong subtly created space for Li Ke and Guo Xiaoyu to resolve their "personal issue." Li Ke reiterated his apology, swearing he had no intention of stealing her work, and promised to clarify the matter with Zhou Nian the next day. The four then gathered for drinks to celebrate Jiang Chen's move.

Li Ke, becoming vulnerable, shared his struggles, feeling like an "invisible person" at Jun An despite being a former Student Union President and a diligent problem solver. He also spoke of his desire not to disappoint his sister, his emotional anchor, who had unwavering faith in him. Guo Xiaoyu, understanding his plight, forgave him. They all toasted to their determination to stay and succeed in Beijing, no matter the obstacles.

After the gathering, Ren Jiatong suggested going to Jiang Chen’s place, initially causing him to misunderstand her intentions. She quickly clarified that she wanted to play the games he had mentioned earlier. She emphasized that she had only drunk water, so any "mischief" would have legal consequences, humorously adding that as the "best lawyer," she knew "108 legal provisions to hold him accountable." While playing, they discussed Tian Kai Xin Gaming Company.

Jiang Chen recounted its history: founded by three college roommates, it was forced to sign an adhesion contract with a larger company due to funding issues. After their first game became successful, the major shareholders ousted them and banned them from using their original game universe. Undeterred, the founders made a comeback, creating an even more popular game, which Ren Jiatong was now playing, and their CEO was the one who visited Jun An.

Ren Jiatong admired how the founders, like characters in their games, pursued their dreams and "saved the world" both in virtual and real life. Jiang Chen then shared his love for "souls-like games"—RPGs known for deep storytelling and extremely difficult combat, where winning once after a hundred tries offers immense satisfaction.

He noted Ren Jiatong's meticulous, logical, diligent, and self-challenging nature made her well-suited to be a lawyer, and jokingly offered to show her his "six-pack" (instead of an eight-pack) "next time." They shared drinks and intimate conversation, with Ren Jiatong sharing how her college boyfriend broke up with her because "she kept winning, and he couldn't take it," and she felt it was his loss.

Just as they were about to kiss, a movie suddenly blared on the TV, interrupting the moment. Ren Jiatong then abruptly left for her apartment. The next morning, Guo Xiaoyu questioned Ren Jiatong about her late return and suspected snoring, which Ren Jiatong denied, admitting she "didn't sleep well."

In a subsequent meeting, Zhou Nian announced the scores for the previous round's cross-examination opinion, crediting both Li Ke and Guo Xiaoyu, with Guo Xiaoyu earning 20 points and Li Ke 10. He then revealed the first task for the fifth round of the Talent Hunt Program: Jun An Law Firm would provide legal support for Tian Kai Xin's upcoming Series C financing.

Jiang Chen highlighted that Tian Kai Xin had previously operated on a smaller scale, and while now seeking a larger law firm for its Series C funding round, the primary reason for switching to Jun An was their high-risk assessment due to the core team's lack of non-compete agreements.

Ren Jiatong, who had already prepared an analysis based on her "veteran player" insights into the company's games, remarked on the high risk, questioning why the Creative Director, one of the original founders, had left after the company achieved success, wondering if there was mutual betrayal. Zhou Nian emphasized the need for internal due diligence and self-rectification and announced that Song Yifan would select one intern to assist him on this particularly rare and challenging assignment, giving everyone an opportunity.

Jiang Chen later approached Ren Jiatong, telling her he admired her discreet and surprising traits, and considered her a formidable competitor. He then presented his findings to Song Yifan, revealing a game he found on an online forum with an identical game universe, settings, and gameplay to Tian Kai Xin's key project for the new funding round. He suspected the game's creative ideas had been leaked, likely by a competitor, possibly "RE Games" based on the poster's online activity.

Jiang Chen warned that if this competing game launched earlier, it would inflict a "heavy blow" and "huge damage" on Tian Kai Xin. He also noted that the Series C funding agreement included "earn-out clauses," meaning Tian Kai Xin would face massive compensation if their new game failed. He stressed the urgency of resolving the issue before it escalated, clarifying that while non-compete agreements might not have been signed, leaking trade secrets was illegal.

Song Yifan adopted Jiang Chen's strategy, immediately instructing Zhou Nian to arrange a meeting with Tian Kai Xin and to investigate whether their former Creative Director had joined another gaming company. Song Yifan commended Jiang Chen's "excellent" performance.

Episode 16 Recap

Jiang Chen noticed Ren Jiatong was unwell and offered to accompany her to the hospital. She was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis and needed an IV drip and hospital observation. Ren Jiatong initially wanted to just take medicine, but Jiang Chen insisted, feeling responsible since she had consumed cold beer at his housewarming party. He gently persuaded her, reminding her she was human, not a machine, and her health was important.

As they sat, Jiang Chen realized Ren Jiatong feared needles, not work. To ease her anxiety, he shared a childhood story about a high fever and IVs in his foot when his parents were away, and his grandparents' amusing advice to cry to get them to return. He never cried, partly to avoid potential disappointment if they didn't return, and also to save face in front of a pretty nurse.

Ren Jiatong then confessed her own fears, including a deep aversion to caterpillars, which once made her cry all day. Jiang Chen playfully warned her that if he lost to her in their current competition, he would use caterpillars to haunt her, then promised to stay by her side until her IV was finished. The next morning, Guo Xiaoyu left for work, promising Ren Jiatong she would ask for more leave for her and bring back tasty food.

However, she soon returned to retrieve her forgotten charger cable, inadvertently witnessing Jiang Chen speaking to Ren Jiatong. Jiang Chen, having seen that Ren Jiatong didn't reply to his WeChat message, directly confessed his feelings for her, sensing she felt the same way. He acknowledged Jun An's strict policy against office relationships and their complicated family backgrounds, which might make them both wary of romance.

He admitted his own inexperience with relationships and couldn't promise a perfect future, but he hoped she wouldn't reject his affection or avoid him. He assured her he understood boundaries and would, at the very least, be an extraordinary friend. Guo Xiaoyu, after hearing this, was visibly distracted. Later at the office, Guo Xiaoyu sat at her desk, visibly distracted.

She confided in Yan Fei, asking if it was true that if colleagues dated at Jun An, one of them had to leave. Yan Fei, initially assuming Guo Xiaoyu had a crush on a male lawyer, warned her to keep it secret due to potential "ulterior motives" and quipped that only someone "stupid" would date a male lawyer, quickly amending her statement to exclude certain individuals like Zhou Nian.

Guo Xiaoyu then expressed feeling hurt that someone she deeply trusted didn't seem to trust her back. Yan Fei empathized, suggesting the person might have learned from past betrayals that those closest to them know best how to "strike a nerve," likening it to non-compete agreements. This conversation sparked an idea for Guo Xiaoyu regarding their current case.

Meanwhile, the interns discovered through the Creative Director's social media that he regularly attended anime conventions and was obsessed with a particular anime figure. Coincidentally, Jiang Chen owned a rare piece of this merchandise. Ren Jiatong, despite being on sick leave, came up with a plan. She, dressed as the anime character, along with Jiang Chen and Li Ke, staged a "chance encounter" to sell the collectible to the Creative Director.

Jiang Chen, parting with his cherished item reluctantly, learned the director's delivery address was indeed RE Company. Li Ke confirmed this by showing surveillance footage of the Creative Director receiving a flash delivery and entering the RE building, as well as his car's entry and exit from the company's parking garage.

Ren Jiatong’s research further revealed that Tian Kai Xin’s founding team split not just over profit, but also due to philosophical differences; the Creative Director held onto their original vision, while others wanted to pursue an IPO, ultimately leading him to join RE, a "deep-pocketed" top gaming company where he could fulfill his creative dreams. Song Yifan praised their investigative work and announced a team dinner, stating he would initiate contact with RE Company's legal department.

Guo Xiaoyu remained unhappy that Ren Jiatong hadn't informed her about Jiang Chen. Ren Jiatong, finding Guo Xiaoyu, apologized for leaving earlier and tried to appease her with "mini pastries," a treat Guo Xiaoyu loved. Guo Xiaoyu confronted Ren Jiatong, asking if she and Jiang Chen were together. Ren Jiatong explained they weren't officially a couple and she hadn't fully figured out their situation, which was why she hadn't shared anything.

Guo Xiaoyu, relating it to the past complex relationship between Ms. Bai and Mr. Song, advised Ren Jiatong against bottling up her feelings, emphasizing that friends are there to share worries. Just then, an email from Zhou Nian arrived, announcing Song Yifan had selected Jiang Chen to assist on the Tian Kai Xin project, adding to Guo Xiaoyu's sense of "dilemma" regarding Ren Jiatong. Jiang Chen presented his compiled research and insights on the two games to Song Yifan.

Song Yifan challenged him, asking if he, as Tian Kai Xin's founder, would sue a giant like RE. He explained that a lawyer's job is to understand the client's true, often unspoken, intentions. He concluded that Tian Kai Xin's founder, personally, didn't want to "burn bridges" with his former creative partner, and professionally, a mid-sized company in Series C funding couldn't afford to "go head-to-head" with a "market behemoth" like RE.

Song Yifan emphasized that non-litigation lawyers seek "win-win" outcomes, where "harmony is precious" and "harmony fosters prosperity," unlike litigation which is purely about winning or losing. He then instructed Jiang Chen to prepare for a "dawn raid," explaining it as an unannounced, early arrival to catch the opposition off guard, quickly secure crucial evidence, "demoralize" them, and gain a strategic advantage in negotiations. Song Yifan and Jiang Chen then carried out the "dawn raid" at RE Company.

They arrived before the scheduled meeting, catching RE's game development lead off guard, who claimed no knowledge of any infringement. Unexpectedly, Jiang Ruocheng, Jiang Chen’s father, arrived with his own legal team, representing RE Company. He immediately chastised Song Yifan for the "interrogation" before formal negotiations. During the talks, Jiang Ruocheng maintained a firm stance, arguing that any similarities between the games were purely coincidental and denied any infringement by RE.

He presented documentation, including a declaration signed by the Creative Director upon his hire, confirming he had not brought any trade secrets from his previous employer. He also provided RE's strict training materials, which prohibited the transfer of commercial secrets. Jiang Ruocheng asserted that any alleged infringement was the Creative Director's personal action, and RE was "unaware." He announced that RE would dismiss the employee and cease further cooperation with him, and also stop developing the implicated game.

However, he stressed that RE would "not accept any claims of infringement" and would "not offer any form of apology." After the negotiation, Song Yifan introduced Jiang Chen to Jiang Ruocheng as an "outstanding candidate" from Jun An's "Talent Hunt Program." Jiang Ruocheng appeared thoughtful, expressed interest in the program, and indicated a desire to visit Jun An. Soon after, Jiang Ruocheng visited Jun An.

Li Ke, upon seeing him, learned from a colleague that Jiang Ruocheng was a university classmate of Zhuang Xin, the firm's director, and, more significantly, Jiang Chen's father. This news disheartened Li Ke, who felt his tireless efforts to secure a permanent position paled in comparison to Jiang Chen's apparent advantage of "having a good father."

Ren Jiatong, overhearing this, quickly stepped in to defend Jiang Chen, emphasizing that his standing at Jun An was earned purely through his own merit, as he had outperformed both her and Li Ke in past projects. Later, Jiang Chen met Ren Jiatong on the rooftop. He recounted a heated argument with his father in the parking lot, where Jiang Ruocheng had claimed he was not "good enough" to be a lawyer, lacked resilience, and wasn't aggressive enough.

Jiang Chen was deeply hurt, recalling how his father used to praise his childhood play-acting as a lawyer alongside his mother (the judge) and father (the prosecutor). He lamented that his father had forgotten those memories, especially after starting a new family and having another son. He felt his father now saw him as "not good enough" and claimed he no longer cared for his opinion.

Ren Jiatong sympathized, noting the "wall" that often exists between fathers and sons, similar to her own family dynamics. She suggested his father might be upset because Jiang Chen didn't consult him about his career path, which might have made him "lose face." However, she assured Jiang Chen that his excellent performance at Jun An would surely change his father's perception.

Jiang Chen clarified that his passion for law came from his own deep understanding and love for the profession, not just his father's early influence. Ren Jiatong concluded that if they could align on their professional ideals, their other differences "might not necessarily be opposite." Inspired by Ren Jiatong's words, Jiang Chen immediately found Song Yifan and, after sending him an email at 3 AM, proposed a new solution for the Tian Kai Xin case.

Acknowledging a conflict of interest because his father was representing RE, Jiang Chen requested to withdraw from the case. However, he then presented his idea: RE Company should invest in Tian Kai Xin. He explained that this solution was inspired by Song Yifan's "win-win" philosophy and his "friend's" insight that "fathers and sons aren't necessarily opposites."

He argued that this strategy would enhance game quality, eliminate market competition between them, resolve Tian Kai Xin's Series C funding issues by securing a powerful partner in RE, and grant RE exclusive distribution rights. Song Yifan was greatly impressed by Jiang Chen's "truly impressive" performance and even joked about wanting to poach him from Ms. Bai's team, thanking Jiang Chen's "friend" for the inspiration. After work, Jiang Chen accompanied Ren Jiatong to the supermarket.

She playfully teased him about showing his "wisdom teeth" when happy about his conflict of interest, hinting at his focus on her. She also gently pointed out a large pimple on his chin, attributing it to work-related stress, and joked about her "heavy hand" when she couldn't resist trying to pop it. He offered to buy her two packs of spicy food as "labor reward" for discussing RE's games.

She then suggested he cook her noodles, initially refusing to do dishes but ultimately agreeing. During their conversation, Ren Jiatong asked why Jiang Chen had blocked his father's contact information after their parking lot argument. He casually explained how quickly he had blocked his father's phone and WeChat. Ren Jiatong gently chided him, reminding him that his father was not "elderly" and his "looks are the upgraded version of yours."

She suggested that despite his father's tough exterior, he was likely frantic inside, wanting to reconnect with his son and not lose such a "talent." She even fantasized about proudly rejecting Jiang Ruocheng's attempts to poach Jiang Chen with a high salary, stating that Jun An's lawyers wouldn't be impressed. Upon returning to their apartment building, they were surprised to find Jiang Ruocheng waiting in Jiang Chen’s living room, having entered using Jiang Chen’s birthday as the password.

Ren Jiatong quickly excused herself, citing another female colleague's imminent return and needing to retrieve something from her own apartment, leaving the father and son to talk. Jiang Ruocheng maintained his stern yet concerned demeanor, criticizing Jiang Chen for living alone and attempting to monitor his interactions, to which Jiang Chen urged "boundaries" between fatherhood and detective work. Jiang Ruocheng mentioned his calls to Jiang Chen earlier, which hadn't gone through.

Jiang Chen explained he had installed an anti-harassment app that blocked his father, a habit Jiang Ruocheng immediately criticized as unprofessional for a lawyer. Jiang Ruocheng then disparaged Jiang Chen's "coarse" and "cheap" suits, questioning why he didn't wear the tailored suits he had gifted him. Jiang Chen retorted that he kept those suits as motivation.

Jiang Ruocheng challenged him, saying true "promise" meant wearing his gifted suits while still holding his objections, then winning cases for Jun An against him. He finally revealed his purpose: to see how "my son pursues the girl he likes in off-the-rack clothes, eating instant noodles." Jiang Chen immediately denied his father's assumption, clarifying that his relationship with Ren Jiatong was "not what you think." Moments later, Guo Xiaoyu, exhausted from work, returned home.

She excitedly described to Ren Jiatong the impressive lawyer RE had hired for the negotiation. Ren Jiatong then dropped the bombshell, revealing to a stunned Guo Xiaoyu that this "super skilled lawyer" was none other than Jiang Chen's father.

Episode 17 Recap

Guo Xiaoyu was overcome with excitement as she met her idol, Jiang Ruocheng, eagerly requesting his autograph. She introduced him as "Lawyer Jiang" and mentioned that she had featured him on her video channel before, where everyone affectionately called him "God Jiang." Jiang Ruocheng confirmed he was Jiang Chen's father, much to Guo Xiaoyu's surprise, who commented on Jiang Chen being tight-lipped about it.

To ease the awkwardness between Jiang Chen and his father, Ren Jiatong suggested they all have dinner together. Jiang Ruocheng offered to treat them to a place of their choice, but Guo Xiaoyu and Ren Jiatong led him to their favorite small noodle shop downstairs. As they were dining, the noodle shop was forcefully reclaimed by property management. Jiang Chen and Guo Xiaoyu immediately stepped in to mediate.

During the meal, Ren Jiatong subtly displayed a notebook detailing Jiang Chen's work since he joined Jun An. She told Jiang Ruocheng that the notebook recorded all of Jiang Chen's professional actions, explaining that he was one of the few peers who could outperform her. This was why she diligently recorded competitive points related to him during her review sessions. She wanted Jiang Ruocheng to know that Jiang Chen was exceptionally talented and would become an outstanding lawyer.

Jiang Ruocheng revealed his pride in his son, stating he planned to bring Jiang Chen back to Chongqing. He added that if Jiang Chen couldn't see his father's pride, he was unfit to be a lawyer. He also extended an offer to Ren Jiatong to join his firm when he opened a branch in Beijing, promising an exciting offer and freedom in office relationships.

Jiang Chen soon returned from mediating, explaining that the entire row of shops belonged to the property management of the residential complex behind them. Although the lease hadn't expired, the property management wanted to terminate it but refused to pay renovation fees or damages because the original contract was unclear. Jiang Ruocheng professionally analyzed the situation, suggesting the property management was eyeing the noodle shop's booming business and was likely in breach of contract.

He advised the owner to preserve evidence to minimize losses. Ren Jiatong then found an excuse to leave, giving father and son space to talk privately. Jiang Ruocheng finally opened up, explaining his initial opposition to Jiang Chen becoming a lawyer. He described the immense pressure, endless late nights, frequent travel, and irregular meals that took a toll on one's body.

He had endured these hardships himself and didn't want Jiang Chen to suffer the same fate or pursue law out of spite. Jiang Chen clarified that he genuinely loved the legal profession and found immense satisfaction in solving legal problems, like with the noodle shop owner. He understood his father's past decisions but also felt for his mother, who had supported him through law school.

Jiang Chen firmly told his father that he couldn't return to Chongqing and wished to stay at Jun An, asking for his respect. Jiang Ruocheng eventually honored his son's decision, telling him he had grown up and could choose his own path, but reminded him not to lose. Jiang Chen watched his father leave, his eyes visibly moist.

Later, the rankings for the current round were announced: Jiang Chen and Ren Jiatong were tied for first, Yan Fei second, Guo Xiaoyu third, and Li Ke last. Feeling the pressure, Li Ke anxiously sought advice from Zhou Nian, spending a sleepless night. Zhou Nian announced the round would end in a week, and no final eliminations were decided yet, urging everyone to seize the opportunity.

Due to personal reasons, Jiang Chen could not continue with the Ruie Company follow-up; Guo Xiaoyu would take over his work. Zhou Nian also announced an urgent task from Bai Xiao for Ren Jiatong, Yan Fei, and Li Ke, with the best performer earning points and a business trip with Bai Xiao. Jiang Chen, recognized for his excellent performance, was specifically requested by Song Yifan to be his assistant for the Tian Kai Xin project.

Li Ke, seeing Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei's determination, buried himself in case files, struggling to stay awake. Ren Jiatong was the first to submit her case strategy for property preservation, which included a unique idea of targeting trademarks. Her efficient work, completed in under three days, earned Bai Xiao's initial approval.

However, Yan Fei, leveraging her extensive network, provided more comprehensive background information and a strategy to preserve Hong Da's matured creditor rights against another company that owed it a significant sum. Ren Jiatong felt their combined approach would be ideal but believed Yan Fei's success was due to her family's resources. Bai Xiao noticed Ren Jiatong's slight dissatisfaction and pointed out that Yan Fei's performance wasn't just about resources.

She demonstrated mature communication and execution: she first submitted a property preservation outline, scheduled a meeting, and when she didn't receive an immediate reply, she further developed her materials and rescheduled. By the time Bai Xiao met with Ren Jiatong, Yan Fei had already presented her work content, progress, and conclusions clearly and completely. Bai Xiao emphasized that proactive follow-up and structured reporting went beyond family background and resources.

She highlighted that Ren Jiatong had not communicated with her once in three days, which could lead to major deviations and issues with clients, calling her approach overly confident. Bai Xiao then instructed Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei to integrate their ideas and prepare the property preservation application. Ren Jiatong was unsettled by Bai Xiao's evaluation.

Yan Fei approached her, explaining that growing up in her father's and brother's work environment had taught her the intricacies of subordinate reporting, a unique advantage. Yan Fei then challenged Ren Jiatong, asking if her failure to report to Bai Xiao was due to overconfidence or insecurity.

Ren Jiatong retorted that such words wouldn't deter her, and she would fight for the opportunity, also pointing out that Bai Xiao had asked them to consolidate their ideas, meaning Yan Fei wasn't entirely perfect either. She then questioned Yan Fei's sudden interest in Bai Xiao's team, given her previous desire to join Song Yifan's. Yan Fei responded that choosing a worthy rival was more important than a friend, suggesting she found Ren Jiatong impressive but was determined to win.

Song Yifan introduced Jiang Chen and Guo Xiaoyu to Mr. Hu, the lawyer in charge of the Hehui Company acquisition. He recommended them to assist with the case, encouraging Jiang Chen to explore non-litigation work and urging Guo Xiaoyu to work harder. Later, Song Yifan walked Bai Xiao home and noticed she hadn't used the expensive pen he gifted her, feeling a pang of disappointment.

Bai Xiao deliberately kept her distance, not wanting to define their relationship, leaving both with a sense of melancholy. Guo Xiaoyu discovered contradictory clauses in two contracts during her due diligence for the Hehui acquisition, which involved acquiring Zhong Yuan from Da Yuan. She learned that Zhong Yuan had numerous subsidiaries, one of which, Tian Yu, claimed to be a shell company and refused to provide due diligence materials. Mr. Hu planned an on-site interview, hoping to uncover more.

Meanwhile, Ren Jiatong asked Jiang Chen to review her case analysis, and his approval finally put her mind at ease. In the evening, the interns gathered for dinner. Yan Fei picked up Huang Yue, who was wedding dress shopping nearby. Li Ke initially planned to return to work after dinner, but when property management representatives arrived, primarily confronting the noodle shop owner, he turned back. Guo Xiaoyu was live-streaming the confrontation.

Wang Lu, watching the live stream, called Li Ke to alert him to a crucial handwritten addendum in the noodle shop's lease contract. Li Ke, armed with this information, confidently pointed out the property management's legal errors, forcing them to retract their demands and even apologize. His clear and professional handling of the situation garnered unexpected attention from online viewers. After a few drinks, a slightly tipsy Li Ke spoke about the importance of their internship.

He asserted that among the interns, only he, Ren Jiatong, and Guo Xiaoyu truly needed this job for survival and to build their careers. In contrast, he felt Jiang Chen and Yan Fei, coming from affluent backgrounds with many choices, might simply leave if they found it uninteresting or discovered better opportunities. Huang Yue, however, countered that having a wealthy family was not an "original sin," and everyone at Jun An had earned their place.

She also confided in Yan Fei about her own anxieties, feeling a loss of self as a wealthy housewife and longing for a career and colleagues. Ren Jiatong, expressing her personal pride in her achievement and commitment, sent an emotional voice message to a group chat, stating she had no regrets about staying in Beijing. Guo Xiaoyu, however, revealed that the message was sent to the main "Talent Hunt Program" group chat, which included senior lawyers, not just a private girls' chat, prompting laughter.

Episode 18 Recap

Guo Xiaoyu intended to send a voice message to Zhu Zhisheng, expressing her unwavering commitment to her career choice. However, she accidentally sent three voice messages to the main "Shijun Project" group chat, and by the time she realized her mistake, it was too late to recall them as more than two minutes had passed. The other lawyers in the chat found it quite amusing, which lightened the mood and eased some of the previous tension.

In her messages, Guo Xiaoyu had said she was not bad at all, that she did not regret staying in Beijing, and that she was very happy. Someone pointed out that Zhu Zhisheng was not in that group, only senior lawyers, while Ms. Bai particularly disliked voice messages, deeming them inefficient and unprofessional.

The next day, during the reporting session, Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei presented their respective proposals for direct share repurchase, both of which were deemed good, but Lawyer Bai noted that the high repurchase price would likely be reduced in arbitration. Li Ke, however, introduced a more innovative approach. He pointed out the "drag-along right" clause in the contract involved in the case.

He explained that this clause allows a shareholder, under certain conditions, to compel other shareholders to sell their shares to a third party at the same price and terms. Given its mandatory nature for the dragged-along shareholders, Li Ke proposed that their client exercise this right to transfer their own shares, along with Hong Da Company's shares in the new company, to Xin Jian Ye Company, which had previously expressed interest in increasing its stake.

If Hong Da refused, arbitration could then be initiated based on this clause. Bai Xiao nodded frequently as Li Ke presented, finding his strategy more flexible and indirect compared to Ren Jiatong and Yan Fei's direct share repurchase proposals. Li Ke further explained that his method would allow the client to receive funds faster, as they wouldn't have to wait for arbitration results to complete the equity transfer.

He added that the transfer payment would also not be subject to arbitration-ordered reductions, which precisely addressed the concern raised earlier by Lawyer Zhou Nian, Ren Jiatong, and Yan Fei about the high repurchase price. He also clarified that the arbitration would then be used to seek a settlement payment from Hong Da Company, which would lose control over the critical apparel supply chain business (the new company) if the drag-along right was enforced, making them likely to settle.

Li Ke's detailed explanation and answers to questions earned unanimous praise from the mentors present. Consequently, he received bonus points for this round and an opportunity to go on a business trip with Bai Xiao. Overjoyed, Li Ke shared walnuts, freshly shelled one by one by his sister and mailed to him, with the lawyers and colleagues, and ordered bubble tea for everyone, sending a link to the group. Ren Jiatong, in contrast, was visibly disheartened by her loss.

When she found Bai Xiao's lost pen and returned it, Bai Xiao gently advised her that she was too focused on obvious competitors like Yan Fei, overlooking seemingly less formidable ones like Li Ke. Bai Xiao told Ren Jiatong that she shouldn't over or underestimate any competitor, a lesson this situation reinforced for her as well.

Ren Jiatong, who had emailed Bai Xiao a review note for feedback, affirmed she would never get used to losing and that she didn't think Bai Xiao would like an apprentice who admitted defeat. Bai Xiao clarified she was just one of her supervising lawyers, and that mentorship came down to fate.

Bai Xiao further deduced that Ren Jiatong's focus on Yan Fei stemmed from a subconscious belief that Yan Fei possessed something Ren Jiatong couldn't attain, no matter how hard she tried, leading her to fear losing to Yan Fei and consequently overlook Li Ke. Ren Jiatong acknowledged Bai Xiao's insight. Bai Xiao concluded by saying that recognizing the problem meant Ren Jiatong had taken a step forward, and reiterated not to underestimate or overestimate any opponent.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hu led Jiang Chen and Guo Xiaoyu to Zhong Yuan Company. The company representative made various confident assurances, claiming they operated legally and were an outstanding taxpaying enterprise. However, while reviewing their business contracts, Guo Xiaoyu discovered an addendum that directly contradicted the main contract, suggesting it was part of a "dual contract" (yin-yang contract) scheme.

Zhong Yuan had tried to conceal this addendum but inadvertently submitted it with other materials, and Guo Xiaoyu meticulously found it among a large stack of documents. Additionally, Jiang Chen photographed an award certificate within the company, indicating that Tian Yu Company, which Zhong Yuan claimed was a shell company with no real business, was recognized as a "municipal-level outstanding taxpaying enterprise." This directly contradicted Zhong Yuan's claims, as significant taxes would imply significant income.

Mr. Hu highly praised both Guo Xiaoyu and Jiang Chen for their sharp observations, promising to bring up their findings to Mr. Song if he didn't give them bonus points, or even appeal himself. Yan Fei, feeling upset by her loss, went to a boxing gym to train alone. Zhou Nian, noticing her distress from a video in their boxing group, offered to spar with her, even allowing her to hit him hard. During the session, they accidentally fell.

Yan Fei later realized that Zhou Nian had specifically come to the gym to comfort her because he was worried she was training too hard, which lifted her spirits. She teased him about being a "single workaholic" consumed by his job, and asked if his ex-girlfriend never tried to get back with him.

Zhou Nian responded that he only reviewed case files now and no one else found him for "review" (a wordplay on "复核" (fùhé), meaning review, and "复合" (fùhé), meaning get back together). Yan Fei thanked him for always showing up at crucial moments and not getting angry at her bluntness. He, in turn, stressed that he, as her supervising lawyer, was responsible if she was upset during work, and this applied to all his trainees.

Zhou Nian then left to return to work, declining Yan Fei's offer to drive him as it wasn't on his way. Concurrently, Ren Jiatong and Li Ke were working late, organizing documents. Li Ke noticed Ren Jiatong had a cold and proactively made her some cold medicine, offering it as a substitute for the bubble tea she hadn't ordered earlier. While working, they chatted, and Ren Jiatong learned about Li Ke's close relationship with his sister.

Li Ke shared that being a lawyer was originally his sister's dream, inspired by the impressive lawyers in Hong Kong movies. However, to support his education and raise her children, she had to work early. He added that she was the one who signed him up for the "Shijun Project" Talent Hunt Program. Ren Jiatong commented that Li Ke’s caring nature was likely influenced by his sister.

During their conversation, Ren Jiatong received a phone call from her stepfather, Mr. Lin. After the call, she became noticeably agitated, remaining at the law firm long after work concluded. Jiang Chen, noticing her disturbed state since the call, found her and offered to drink with her. Ren Jiatong confessed to Jiang Chen the deep emotional knot she carried: her father left an insurmountable debt, which was owed to Jiang Chen's father, and she felt compelled to compensate for it.

She felt everyone else was moving forward, while she was stuck in the past with her father. Jiang Chen tried to comfort her, saying she didn't need to carry such a heavy burden, as it was the previous generation's business. She expressed fear that her father, who died eight years ago, would one day disappear from memory, but Jiang Chen reassured her that as long as those who loved him remembered him, he would not vanish.

Ren Jiatong revealed her mother had remarried, and the call from her stepfather, a man she barely spoke to, asking her to call her sick mother because she kept ignoring her calls, made her feel that everyone was moving on while she and her father were stuck in the past. She feared losing her home. Jiang Chen reassured her, stating, "You have me. I'm with you." Later that night, Jiang Chen walked Ren Jiatong home.

Distracted, she nearly stepped into the path of a car, but Jiang Chen quickly pulled her back to safety. Upon arriving at her place, they wished each other good night, with Ren Jiatong affirming her desire to stay in the program until the very end. The next morning, Ren Jiatong and Li Ke were informed that the original demand letter for the Hong Da case had gone missing.

Since the document was located in a surveillance blind spot, and responsibility could not be definitively assigned, both were suspended from their current tasks pending investigation results from the Director, Mr. Song, and Bai Xiao. Li Ke claimed he returned the documents after scanning, and Ren Jiatong was the last to leave. Ren Jiatong recalled that Li Ke left the office before her, and she was indeed the last to leave.

She suspected she might have inadvertently shredded the original document while distracted by the call from Mr. Lin and subsequent distress, especially since she had been drinking, but she couldn't definitively remember touching it. She also pointed out that Li Ke was closer to the shredder. Ren Jiatong had a fever, and Guo Xiaoyu, after checking on her and talking to Bai Xiao on the phone, urged her to go home and rest, promising to keep an eye on things.

Bai Xiao emphasized to Guo Xiaoyu, over the phone, that it was foolish to not rest when needed, and that she didn't want disobedient apprentices. Yan Fei, having been asked by Guo Xiaoyu to do so, offered Ren Jiatong a ride home and comforted her, advising her not to take all the blame, as no one is perfect and she shouldn't be overly harsh on herself.

Ren Jiatong thanked Guo Xiaoyu (via Yan Fei) for her concern, noting that even though Guo Xiaoyu was younger, she always took care of her. She also thanked Yan Fei for the ride. Yan Fei told Ren Jiatong that Mr. Song would be back in two days, and the round's results, including the decision on their situation, would be announced then.

Ren Jiatong confided that she hated the feeling of powerlessness, a feeling she had sworn to avoid since her father's death, always striving to keep her life and work under control. Yan Fei reminded her that she was human, not a god, and to not put so much pressure on herself. Meanwhile, Li Ke anxiously sought out Zhou Nian, vehemently denying that he had lost the original document.

He emphasized that he couldn't bear to lose this hard-won bonus opportunity, as winning this round would put him in first place, and it would disappoint his supportive sister. Zhou Nian, however, stated that he could only rely on objective evidence and urged Li Ke to find substantial proof to defend himself if he wished to remain at the law firm, because losing original documents was a matter of principle.

Li Ke confirmed that becoming a lawyer was also his sister's dream, and thus, joining a Red Circle firm was his sole ambition, as his sister's ideas were his ideas. Zhou Nian reminded him that as lawyers, they offer assistance based on facts, not sympathy, and encouraged him to find evidence to prove his innocence, as he did not want Li Ke to leave.

Episode 19 Recap

Yan Fei, concerned about her performance in the assessment round, sought advice from Zhou Nian. She approached him while he was in a meeting room, offering him coffee and playfully accusing him of favoritism towards Li Ke. Noting that both Li Ke and Ren Jiatong were on probation, Yan Fei directly asked if she could take on Bai Xiao's workload, asserting that she was willing to be seen as opportunistic if it meant getting an opportunity.

Zhou Nian accepted her coffee but stated that he could not overtly help her due to fairness. However, he implied that he would not prevent her from directly contacting Bai Xiao to lobby for the position, which Yan Fei understood. That evening, Jiang Chen found Guo Xiaoyu, expressing concern for Ren Jiatong and Li Ke, who were under immense pressure regarding the missing original document, as their future at Jun An depended on it.

He suggested they return to the law firm to re-enact the events of the day. Guo Xiaoyu admitted her apprehension, confessing to a "wishful thinking" that if one of them left, she might have a better chance of staying, given her low ranking. Jiang Chen praised her honesty, stating that as law professionals, they should avoid ambiguity, and he didn't want anyone to be eliminated without clear justification.

He proposed they enlist his "boyfriend," Holmes, also known as Sherlock, to help them uncover the truth. Back at the firm, Li Ke joined Jiang Chen and Guo Xiaoyu. They reconstructed the scene, with Guo Xiaoyu playing Ren Jiatong and Li Ke playing himself, while Jiang Chen observed. They noted the evidence box was in a surveillance blind spot. Ren Jiatong had been binding documents, and Li Ke was shredding them. The original document was near Ren Jiatong.

When Guo Xiaoyu accidentally nudged a coffee cup, Li Ke had a strong reaction, which triggered his memory. He recalled Ren Jiatong accidentally spilling coffee, and in a rush, he instinctively swept the original document into a pile of papers meant for shredding, then mistakenly put the entire stack into the shredder. Overwhelmed, Li Ke excused himself, claiming to feel unwell, and left.

On his way home, he sent a text message to his sister, admitting he thought he had made a mistake and felt too exhausted to continue. The next day, Jiang Chen and Guo Xiaoyu, now suspecting Li Ke, demonstrated their reconstruction of the incident to Zhou Nian. Zhou Nian prepared to report their findings to Bai Xiao but was informed by her that Li Ke had already confessed.

Li Ke explained to Bai Xiao that he had always believed his sister's greatest wish was for him to secure an offer from Jun An, and he aimed to make her proud. However, his sister had recently told him her true desire was for him to live according to his own wishes. Despite genuinely liking Jun An and its people, he was uncertain if continuing as a lawyer there was truly what he wanted for his future.

He expressed deep regret for causing trouble with her case, acknowledging that her silence was an attempt to alleviate their pressure, but he could not feign ignorance. He felt compelled to take responsibility for his actions. Li Ke also highlighted the systemic challenges female lawyers face in the industry, where opportunities are scarcer and greater effort is required to achieve parity with male counterparts.

He refused to let his mistake burden Bai Xiao or impede Ren Jiatong, a promising female lawyer. He concluded that he must own his mistake and refuse to become someone he dislikes, even if his future path remained unclear. Bai Xiao commended him for his honesty and integrity. Later, Jiang Chen, Guo Xiaoyu, and Zhou Nian gathered to see Li Ke off as he collected his personal belongings.

Zhou Nian urged Li Ke to reconsider, suggesting he wait for the review meeting, but Li Ke stated his decision was not impulsive, but a realization of his exhaustion and a desire to leave with dignity. He thanked Zhou Nian for helping him understand if his aspirations were his own or his sister's. Ren Jiatong rushed in, pleading with him to stay until the truth was fully clarified.

She even offered to share responsibility, claiming her memory of that night was hazy due to alcohol. Li Ke firmly rejected her offer, insisting he had genuinely recalled the events and, despite his own initial selfishness, believed in upholding the truth as a legal professional.

He shared his observation that everyone at Jun An had their own unique reasons for staying, such as Yan Fei seeking family validation, Jiang Chen escaping his father's shadow, Guo Xiaoyu striving to prove herself after a past relationship, and Huang Yue searching for her own goal before marriage. He realized he was the only one unsure of his own desires, having only wanted to win for his sister.

Ren Jiatong still wished him well, noting that he was fortunate, as many things in life are dictated by family rather than personal choice. She advised him not to shoulder his family's burdens alone. As Li Ke left the firm, Ren Jiatong acknowledged his genuine passion for the profession, and they bid each other "Till we meet again."

The results of the fifth assessment round were then announced: Jiang Chen ranked first, Ren Jiatong second, Yan Fei third, and Guo Xiaoyu was last. Zhou Nian reminded them that two more interns would be eliminated in the next round. Yan Fei then approached Bai Xiao, expressing her desire to join Bai Xiao's team and asking why Ren Jiatong was chosen for the upcoming business trip over her, despite her strong performance (ranking third).

Yan Fei emphasized her unique skills and competitive drive, likening herself to a boxer who fights until the last moment. Bai Xiao acknowledged Yan Fei's boldness and affirmed her abilities, but explained that Ren Jiatong was more familiar with the team's urgent and demanding workload, making her the most efficient choice for the case. Bai Xiao still expressed confidence in Yan Fei, encouraging her to remain a "great boxer."

Sensing Yan Fei's disappointment, Zhou Nian found her sitting in her car. He offered to drive her, even joking about going to the boxing gym where she often trained. Yan Fei declined the gym but accepted a ride, on the condition that he wouldn't try to comfort her. Zhou Nian drove her outside the Fifth Ring Road to a scenic spot where they could see the stars.

He pointed out Venus, reminiscing about his childhood astronomy club and how he viewed Venus as a goddess of love and beauty, a constant source of inspiration during difficult times. Yan Fei related to the idea, describing her own life as being pre-coded and algorithmically arranged by her family, from being steered towards ballet as a child to studying finance or law abroad for prestige, and eventually marrying a suitable partner.

She felt that any praise she received was merely "adhering to conventions" due to her family background, and that Bai Xiao's politeness meant she was not truly seen as "one of her own," unlike Ren Jiatong. Zhou Nian challenged her perspective, asking if others or she herself placed too much importance on her background. He validated her ambition to be a good lawyer, citing her assertiveness as a key trait of an excellent legal professional.

He clarified that Bai Xiao's decision was a pragmatic one, based on efficiency for the case, not personal favoritism. Zhou Nian advised Yan Fei that to become a good lawyer, she needed to learn how to cope with setbacks—challenging cases, difficult clients, disproportionate effort, and family expectations—and promised to share his trial experiences with her upon his return. Yan Fei then unexpectedly asked if he liked her.

Zhou Nian, flustered, confirmed he liked her, but clarified it was the same collegial affection he held for Li Ke, Guo Xiaoyu, and Jiang Chen. He explained that his mentorship stemmed from seeing his past self in them, and his efforts were a way to "make up for that old me" who also needed encouragement. As he tried to leave, Yan Fei playfully accused him of running away.

Meanwhile, Guo Xiaoyu, determined not to be last, proactively contacted Song Yifan for work. She secured the task of drafting legal opinions for the "Yiaiwan AI model development case." Despite Song Yifan's initial doubts about her experience, Guo Xiaoyu leveraged her unique connections and background—being from Hangzhou where Yiaiwan is based, having visited their headquarters, knowing her ex-boyfriend Zhubao coded the model, and her own experience using AI software—to convince him to give her a chance.

Ren Jiatong, now excited to be working on Bai Xiao's major project, stayed late at the office. She noticed Jiang Chen, also working late, appeared despondent and suspected it was related to family matters, as he repeatedly ignored calls from his mother. Ren Jiatong subtly encouraged him to relax and smile, noting that prolonged stress caused frown lines, a habit she related from her own father. She offered to listen to his troubles.

Jiang Chen confessed that his mother had become overly insistent on him returning to Chongqing after learning he had met his father. He felt caught between not wanting to rely on his father and not wanting to upset his mother, choosing to "avoid" the situation in hopes it would resolve itself. Ren Jiatong lightheartedly chided his "avoidance" but ultimately encouraged him to focus on work. Later, Zhou Nian and Ren Jiatong joined Bai Xiao on the business trip.

Ren Jiatong, eager and excited for her first major case, had printed and organized a large volume of additional documents. Zhou Nian explained that another lawyer, Ms. Tian, had to return home due to a family emergency, leading to Ren Jiatong's reassignment to the team.

He warned Ren Jiatong that their sleep would be measured in minutes due to the immense workload of reviewing newly acquired bank records for all parties involved, preparing cross-examination opinions, and creating court presentations, all while maintaining efficiency and meticulousness. He emphasized that a perfect trial required unimaginable effort. During their intensive late-night work session, Ren Jiatong believed Zhou Nian had revised her presentation and apologized for her original being "too rough." Zhou Nian clarified that Bai Xiao herself had made the changes.

Episode 20 Recap

Ren Jiatong expressed surprise that Bai Xiao had modified the presentation, which was sent at 3 AM for a 7 AM start, wondering if Bai Xiao ever slept. She noted that despite her own shortcomings, Bai Xiao hadn't criticized her but instead thanked her for her hard work. Zhou Nian explained that Bai Xiao, though often perceived as strict, was always objective about work, never personal.

He stressed that work was paramount to Bai Xiao, who would never compromise her standards, no matter how exhausted. Ren Jiatong felt guilty, believing that if she had been more diligent, Bai Xiao might have gotten two extra hours of sleep. Zhou Nian, however, told her not to feel guilty as her inexperience was normal, adding that he should have been the one to revise the document.

He further revealed that Bai Xiao’s daughter, Niuniu, had a fever the previous night, and Bai Xiao had been worried sick, yet still stayed up late to work on the presentation. Jiang Chen, surprised to find Yan Fei still at the firm late at night, playfully suggested it wasn't for work but for someone special.

Yan Fei initially tried to deflect the conversation by mentioning her project nearing its end, her brother's unexpected support for her joining Mr. Song's team, and even pointing out a "meteor shower." Jiang Chen, however, saw through her attempts to change the subject, prompting her to open up. Yan Fei confessed that she had asked a man if he liked her, only for him to respond that his affection was merely brotherly, not romantic.

She added that he had a lovely, attractive ex-girlfriend. Yan Fei regretted asking him, claiming she would never fall for a male lawyer. Jiang Chen then took a picture of Yan Fei, instructing her to post it on social media with an "only he can see it" setting. He explained that if the man truly had feelings for her, he would undoubtedly react, likening it to a "cross-examination" of emotions. Yan Fei agreed and posted the photo.

Later, when Zhou Nian returned with takeout, Ren Jiatong inadvertently saw Yan Fei’s photo on his phone screen. Zhou Nian had been repeatedly looking at it. After Zhou Nian left, Ren Jiatong joined Bai Xiao, who reassured her that Niuniu's fever had gone down. Bai Xiao then instructed everyone, including Ren Jiatong, not to stay up late, prioritizing their rest and health.

Ren Jiatong again tried to apologize for her work, but Bai Xiao stopped her, emphasizing that health was crucial and her mother would worry if she overworked herself. Ren Jiatong offered comfort, assuring Bai Xiao that Niuniu would recover soon and they would win their current case. During their conversation, Bai Xiao discussed the unrealistic "elite professional woman" persona, admitting she occasionally indulged in high-calorie snacks to relieve stress.

She confessed that despite her pride in her career, she felt she wasn't a good mother, constantly battling guilt for not being able to dedicate enough time to Niuniu. She explained that as a single mother, she had to shoulder the responsibility of supporting her family, yet she also found immense self-worth and happiness in her work. Ren Jiatong sympathized, recognizing the challenges women face in their careers.

Bai Xiao acknowledged her fortunate situation of having an "incredible nanny," but still noted the ongoing struggle, concluding that all mothers share the same endless worries for their children. The next day, after the trial, Bai Xiao comforted the client's family in the hall. Ren Jiatong felt dismayed, questioning why, despite their utmost efforts, the outcome might still be unfavorable, though she still held out hope for the first verdict.

Zhou Nian explained that the court proceedings did not look optimistic, and Bai Xiao was preparing the family mentally for this possibility. He reiterated Bai Xiao’s view that lawyers, much like doctors, sometimes cannot guarantee a desired outcome despite their best efforts. Nevertheless, he emphasized the profound importance of supporting clients and ensuring they receive respect and companionship throughout their difficult journey. He then instructed the team to submit all necessary documents and begin preparing for the second appeal.

Guo Xiaoyu sent Song Yifan her draft legal opinion, thoroughly explaining her analytical approach. She detailed how she began by using AI's chat function to understand its underlying principles, followed by extensive research into China's regulatory framework, landmark court rulings, and international AI legislation and judicial literature. Her key recommendation was to assign the rights to AI-generated content, such as images, music, and videos, directly to users, with Yiaiwan explicitly waiving ownership.

She argued that while this might seem unfavorable to the client, it was a strategic move to gain a user acquisition advantage once the model launched, clarifying that Yiaiwan should consider it a commercial decision. Song Yifan was highly impressed, noting their shared perspective and her diligent research. He commended her rapid growth from her early days as an intern, expressing how proud he was of her maturity and strategic thinking, especially given her past relationship with an Yiaiwan employee.

Guo Xiaoyu, feeling bold, playfully compared her competitive advantage as "a trainee of Jun An" to Song Yifan, the "former heartthrob of Jun An," still leveraging his good looks to navigate the legal world, a remark Song Yifan objected to. She then asked for bonus points, which he readily promised. Zhou Nian returned to the firm and encountered Yan Fei, who invited him to join her and Guo Xiaoyu for late-night snacks.

He declined, explaining he needed to organize some documents before heading home to rest. Yan Fei, however, pressed him, asking about a WeChat message he had sent and immediately retracted, and why he chose to come to the firm to organize "unimportant files" rather than going straight home. Zhou Nian dismissed the message as a mistake and stated that as a lawyer, he must honor his commitments.

Yan Fei then pointed out that he might be a lawyer, but he wasn't "her" lawyer. Zhou Nian, after a moment of silence, stated that he was their mentor and expressed his desire to prevent their professional relationship from becoming awkward, indirectly conveying his stance. Disappointed, Yan Fei left the office.

Zhou Nian, seeing the heavy rain, instinctively grabbed an umbrella and rushed out, but by then, Yan Fei had already driven away in her car, as another colleague pointed out. Meanwhile, Yan Fei met Guo Xiaoyu for late-night snacks. Guo Xiaoyu immediately noticed Yan Fei's uncharacteristic behavior—speeding to their meeting, wanting to drink, and being unusually quiet—diagnosing it as the "3 must-have items for heartbreak," offering her full support and a shoulder to cry on.

Yan Fei confessed that she had indeed expressed her feelings, which Guo Xiaoyu criticized, suggesting she should have employed more "ambiguity" and "strategy" rather than a direct confession. Yan Fei recounted how the man had accompanied her to boxing workouts and even "watched the stars on the Fifth Ring Road at night" with her, questioning what else could signal his interest.

Guo Xiaoyu speculated about various reasons, eventually concluding that if he liked Yan Fei but still rejected her, there must be an "unbeatable reason," such as differences in family background, income, or geographical distance. Yan Fei, however, stated that it was all in the past, and they would simply remain colleagues. Misinterpreting the situation, Guo Xiaoyu jumped to the conclusion that Yan Fei was referring to Jiang Chen.

Believing Jiang Chen was a "scumbag" who was "two-timing" Ren Jiatong, Guo Xiaoyu became furious and immediately called Ren Jiatong, who, having just returned from her business trip, answered and casually mentioned her phone was about to die. As Ren Jiatong returned home, Jiang Chen was waiting downstairs. He followed her, questioning why she hadn't replied to his numerous messages or had even blocked him.

He explained that he had purposefully waited at her building instead of the airport to avoid any misunderstandings with Bai Xiao and the team, and was hurt by her dismissing their relationship as merely "colleague." Feigning a dramatic illness with symptoms like lack of appetite, poor sleep, nausea, and cramps, he dramatically claimed the only cure was for the person he missed to "come back soon and kiss him."

Ren Jiatong recognized that Yan Fei and Guo Xiaoyu had tried to call her for dinner. Jiang Chen confirmed this, explaining that he and Yan Fei were now good friends, and he had helped her with a problem out of "gentleman's instinct." Ren Jiatong quickly deduced he was referring to Yan Fei’s social media post and accused him of orchestrating the situation.

Jiang Chen admitted his mistake for allowing the photo with Yan Fei but insisted Ren Jiatong had "mistaken" him. He apologized and asked for a chance to explain over a private dinner, humorously demanding compensation for his days of distress. During their dinner, Ren Jiatong was still under the impression that Yan Fei might have simply forgotten to block senior lawyers from seeing her post, unaware it was set to "only Zhou Nian can see it."

Jiang Chen teased her about being slow when in love. He then clarified that he only saw the photo because Zhou Nian had been "staring at it for a while, repeatedly," even foregoing dinner, which confirmed to Jiang Chen that Zhou Nian "definitely likes Yan Fei." Ren Jiatong speculated that Zhou Nian might have reservations due to a perceived "huge gap" between himself and Yan Fei in terms of status or background.

Jiang Chen dismissed the idea of a gap between himself and Ren Jiatong, citing their youth, capability, and good looks. Ren Jiatong, however, highlighted a significant difference between them: "You have a father who is a lawyer. I have a father with a criminal record," adding that a lawyer friend would advise him to "stop" pursuing her. Ren Jiatong told Jiang Chen that while she couldn't be held responsible for "who our fathers are," she "can choose who I love."

She affirmed that she was serious and hoped he was too. As they arrived at her building, Jiang Chen asked her again if she was truly serious about him. When she inquired if the answer was important, he earnestly declared that it was "very important" to him. Ren Jiatong then pulled him closer, almost kissing him, but a call from Guo Xiaoyu interrupted the moment. Jiang Chen, not waiting for her to answer, embraced her and kissed her.

Ren Jiatong, flustered, quickly went upstairs, leaving Jiang Chen behind. Moments later, Guo Xiaoyu came downstairs looking for Ren Jiatong, wondering why the trash was still there. Ren Jiatong gave a clumsy excuse and promptly went to bed. Jiang Chen, meanwhile, sent her a message asking why she ran and if she was afraid of being discovered. Ren Jiatong replied simply, "Alright, see you tomorrow. Go to sleep. Good night."

Both of them spent the night restless, their hearts pounding from the unexpected kiss. The next morning, Ren Jiatong discovered heating pads and brown sugar on her desk, accompanied by a note from Jiang Chen. He reminded her of their first hotpot dinner, implying he remembered details about her cycle and prepared them for her. Later, Zhou Nian and Bai Xiao discussed a new case concerning their client, Xia Jun.

Zhou Nian presented the initial findings: evidence indicated that Xia Jun had received a large tennis bag during a meeting, which a witness later claimed, during an internal investigation, was filled with two million yuan in cash. While the evidence chain appeared complete, Bai Xiao quickly identified a crucial potential breakthrough point: the lack of direct evidence proving the tennis bag actually contained cash.

She instructed Zhou Nian to lead Ren Jiatong and other interns in thoroughly reviewing Xia Jun's company's internal investigation report and related details before they would convene to strategize. Meanwhile, Song Yifan paid a visit to Bai Xiao, seemingly to reminisce about old cases they had handled together, but also conspicuously noticing a bouquet of flowers on her desk. He commented that they "look nice yet are fragile" and "won't last a few days," revealing his subtle jealousy.

Shortly after, Guo Xiaoyu, bubbling with "hot news," eagerly shared with Jiang Chen and Ren Jiatong that the "handsome man" who brought Bai Xiao flowers was her ex-boyfriend, Gao Lang, and he was actually seeking Bai Xiao's legal assistance for his current girlfriend's case. Guo Xiaoyu was furious, condemning such men as "heartless."

Jiang Chen cautiously suggested she be more rigorous in her conclusions, but Guo Xiaoyu stood firm, declaring she would physically intervene with a broom if she heard any commotion from Bai Xiao's office. Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen, however, both felt confident that Bai Xiao, being a professional who separates emotions from work, would indeed take on the case, while Guo Xiaoyu was convinced she wouldn't.

Episode 21 Recap

The 2024 Talent Hunt Program at Jun An Law Firm began with candidates introducing themselves. Zhou Nian, a fourth-year lawyer and junior mentor for the program, explained its structure: a three-month competition over seven rounds, with points accumulating and last-place elimination in each round. He emphasized that only one or two candidates would ultimately become formal intern lawyers, securing a high starting salary and mentorship from senior partners.

He highlighted the firm's new dual-track system, combining a team structure with a lawyer pool, and reiterated that from the moment they entered Jun An, the candidates were competitors focused on survival. Guo Xiaoyu, after inquiring about the "team system and lawyer pool" and learning about the demanding work hours, introduced herself in a cheerful manner. She mentioned her love for photography, Hanfu culture, being a "weeb," and a "milk tea addict."

She proudly declared her "resilient and thick-skinned" nature, asserting that she could overcome challenges with a good cry and maintain a positive outlook. Wang Lu, a former intern at Jun An, emphasized his prior experience as an advantage. Li Ke, another candidate, detailed his practical experience, including an internship at the Provincial Higher People's Court, and noted he was Zhou Nian's junior from university, to which Zhou Nian playfully advised him not to "get cocky."

Director Zhuang Xin praised the exceptional talent, specifically highlighting Ren Jiatong for her internship at the Supreme People's Court during her undergraduate studies and publishing a solo-authored paper in a core journal in graduate school. Jiang Chen introduced himself as a Haryald Law School graduate with internship experience at Latham Simpson Law Firm in the US, known for its rigorous environment, and expressed his hope to find both worthy rivals and good friends within the program.

Meanwhile, Guo Xiaoyu faced a personal crisis as she arrived at her rented apartment only to find she couldn't get in. Her friend informed her that "Warm Nest Apartments" had collapsed. At the apartment building, a frustrated crowd of tenants demanded refunds from Warm Nest. Liu Ping, a legal representative for Warm Nest, tried to calm them, cautioning against actions that could lead to legal repercussions.

Jiang Chen's aunt, a property owner, arrived and insisted on changing the locks, claiming the apartment was hers and that the tenants' disputes were solely with Warm Nest. Ren Jiatong, who also resided in apartment 602, stepped forward. She presented a handwritten legal letter, asserting that the landlord's unauthorized lock change constituted a material breach of contract.

She argued that the landlord could not evict tenants without properly terminating her lease with Warm Nest, thus upholding her right to continued occupancy. Jiang Chen arrived with his aunt and engaged in a legal debate with Ren Jiatong. He explained that his aunt had subleased the property to Warm Nest, meaning the tenants had no direct contractual relationship with his aunt, and that as the property owner, her real rights were absolute.

Ren Jiatong countered, citing the principle of privity of contract, emphasizing that until his aunt's lease with Warm Nest was terminated, Ren Jiatong's sublease remained valid. Jiang Chen's aunt considered legal action through Jiang Chen's father's law firm, but Ren Jiatong advised against litigation due to its high time and financial costs. She proposed a temporary settlement: the tenant pays an additional month's rent, and the landlord allows another month of stay while they monitor the situation. Both parties agreed.

Before departing, Jiang Chen recognized Ren Jiatong as a Jun An candidate and suggested they would meet again professionally. Back at Jun An, Director Zhuang Xin was informed that Ren Jiatong had identified herself as a Jun An lawyer during the Warm Nest incident, despite not being on the official lawyer roster. This issue was brought up by Warm Nest's legal director, who was considering Jun An as their new legal counsel and sought an explanation.

Zhuang Xin noted the matter but allowed the candidate introductions to proceed. Ren Jiatong, facing financial pressure evident from a call with her mother about creditors, subsequently sent personalized emails to various Jun An mentors, introducing herself and offering assistance. Elsewhere, Yan Fei experienced a minor car accident while rushing to work, resulting in injury to a pregnant woman. The man carpooling with the woman refused to help, citing fears of legal liability as an unrelated single male.

Despite her own urgent schedule, Yan Fei stepped in, assisting the pregnant woman and meticulously recording all pertinent details. Later at the office, as the candidates settled in, Yan Fei confronted Wang Lu about his prior refusal to help. Wang Lu defended his decision by stating he could not objectively assist and had to avoid risks that could jeopardize his career and the Talent Hunt offer.

Yan Fei countered, asserting that while risk mitigation is important, an excellent lawyer also demonstrates the ability to record crucial information and effectively handle problems, an example she had just set. After this, the first task of the Talent Hunt Program was announced by Zhou Nian, as Song Yifan was busy with a client. The task involved a traffic accident case: Mr. Li, a delivery driver, sustained severe injuries after his vehicle collided with Mr. Wang's car.

Traffic police determined Mr. Wang was primarily responsible, and Mr. Li secondarily. However, the insurance company denied Mr. Li's claim, citing his partial responsibility. Candidates were required to select a party from the case and draft a legal opinion from that client's perspective. The submissions would be graded on completion and accuracy.

Zhou Nian clarified that this was an individual competition, with only the top three receiving points: 30 for first place, 20 for second, and 10 for third; all other participants would receive zero points. They were given less than four hours, with a deadline of 6:00 PM. Following these events, Guo Xiaoyu, who usually champions Bai Xiao, initially expressed disbelief that Bai Xiao would take on a case for Xia Jun, the current girlfriend of Bai Xiao's ex-boyfriend, Gao Lang.

However, Yan Fei and Ren Jiatong held that Bai Xiao's professionalism always superseded personal feelings. Their prediction was confirmed when Zhou Nian announced Bai Xiao had officially accepted Xia Jun's bribery case, with details soon to follow. Guo Xiaoyu was taken aback, while Yan Fei's detached departure, without comment, drew the attention of others. That evening, Zhou Nian observed Yan Fei working late and gently reminded her that her report wasn't urgent.

Watching her leave, he wrestled with his own emotions, later seeking an outlet at a boxing gym, yet he still lacked the courage to reach out to Yan Fei directly. Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen discussed leads for the bribery case over the phone. After their call, Guo Xiaoyu, concerned for Ren Jiatong, subtly hinted at a possible romantic involvement between Jiang Chen and Yan Fei.

Ren Jiatong felt a mix of awkwardness and gratitude for Guo Xiaoyu’s genuine concern, contemplating whether to reveal her true relationship with Jiang Chen. In a subsequent phone call, Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen decided to play cupid for Zhou Nian and Yan Fei. Jiang Chen arranged to meet Zhou Nian under the guise of an evidence investigation, while Ren Jiatong strategically mentioned to Jiang Chen that Zhou Nian had been repeatedly checking Yan Fei’s Moments.

Delighted by this news, Yan Fei eagerly sought out Ren Jiatong for confirmation. On his way to meet Zhou Nian, Jiang Chen encountered Song Yifan and discreetly inquired about Jun An Law Firm's policy on office relationships. Song Yifan stated that while the firm discouraged overly complex emotional ties among colleagues, he personally believed young professionals shouldn't avoid love to the point of future regret.

Later, over a meal, Jiang Chen subtly steered the conversation with Zhou Nian towards personal relationships. Zhou Nian admitted his affection for Yan Fei but highlighted their differing backgrounds and the practicalities involved. He acknowledged that while love and marriage were legally protected, a lawyer nearing thirty, like himself, had to consider social expectations, family acceptance, and potential future problems.

He concluded that love held a limited role in his life, and that if a relationship presented too many risks, it was better left unstarted. Jiang Chen, though conflicted, disagreed with Zhou Nian's pragmatic perspective, even as Zhou Nian echoed Song Yifan's sentiment of minimizing regrets, acknowledging that individual circumstances shaped one’s choices. Afterward, Jiang Chen met Ren Jiatong outside a shop.

After careful thought, he proposed withdrawing from the Talent Hunt Program to safeguard their relationship and ensure Ren Jiatong secured her desired job. Ren Jiatong, however, felt his offer was patronizing. Overwhelmed with emotion, she immediately broke up with him, asserting her ability to earn her position independently. They parted ways on unhappy terms. That evening, Yan Fei coincidentally met Yan Da's ex-girlfriend, who had returned from abroad because Yan Da had abruptly cut contact.

Yan Fei deeply empathized with the woman's pain and self-doubt resulting from such a sudden and cold ending to a relationship. Jiang Chen then received a call from Yan Fei and joined her at a bar, where they both, burdened by their own romantic woes, poured out their hearts over drinks. The following day, a palpable tension permeated the law firm as everyone focused on their work.

Guo Xiaoyu, sensing the unusual atmosphere, mistakenly concluded that Ren Jiatong, Jiang Chen, and Yan Fei were entangled in a love triangle. Too nervous to speak, she could only discreetly observe them. Meanwhile, Ren Jiatong's team presented a crucial analysis for Xia Jun's case.

They submitted surveillance screenshots from Xia Jun's meeting with the other party, arguing that the alleged two million yuan in cash, contained in a large cash-filled bag, would be physically impossible for an average adult woman to lift effortlessly with one hand. This physical contradiction exposed a significant inconsistency in the opposing party's testimony. Zhou Nian highly praised their analytical approach and confirmed that these findings would be shared with all mentors for evaluation, taking into account both individual performance and teamwork.

Episode 22 Recap

Ren Jiatong's team presented their findings on the Xia Jun case. Ren Jiatong detailed surveillance footage showing Xia Jun meeting the opposing representative, who claimed to have given her two million yuan in cash in a tennis bag.

Ren Jiatong's analysis, sparked by Guo Xiaoyu's observation about the weight of cash, revealed a critical inconsistency: two million yuan in 100-yuan bills would weigh approximately 23 kilograms, far too heavy for Xia Jun to casually carry with one hand as depicted in the footage. Ren Jiatong further explained that Xia Jun claimed the bag only contained a tennis racket, a gift that would not violate company policy.

Ren Jiatong suspected that the opposing party, likely aware of an impending investigation, deliberately implicated Xia Jun to coerce both companies into a quiet settlement. Yan Fei added that her brother had encountered similar manipulative tactics in the past. Zhou Nian praised the teams' unique strengths and confirmed that he would send his notes to the supervising lawyers, who would score them based on individual performance and teamwork. He announced a follow-up presentation later that afternoon.

Privately, Guo Xiaoyu expressed concern for Ren Jiatong's emotional state, but Ren Jiatong assured her she was fine and focused on refining their report for the afternoon. Guo Xiaoyu then shared her plan to earn extra points by assisting Mr. Song with his client meeting. Soon after, Gao Lang dropped Bai Xiao off at the firm. Song Yifan observed their polite embrace.

Bai Xiao confirmed to Song Yifan that her meeting went smoothly and Gao Lang had paid the full amount upfront. Song Yifan, with a hint of sarcasm, suggested the fee should be tripled for such a "minor matter" requiring Bai Xiao's personal attention. When Bai Xiao invited him to the afternoon report, mentioning Guo Xiaoyu would be presenting, Song Yifan promptly agreed to attend.

Later, the results of the assessment were announced: Ren Jiatong's group and Jiang Chen's group members each received 20 points. Guo Xiaoyu received an additional 30 points for her outstanding performance, while Yan Fei had the lowest score among the four candidates. That evening, as the team gathered for late-night snacks, Guo Xiaoyu recounted the “battlefield” she witnessed in the parking lot, openly admitting her admiration for Gao Lang’s handsomeness and recent single status.

She interpreted Gao Lang’s actions as a bold declaration to Bai Xiao, signaling his renewed availability. Guo Xiaoyu then revealed the long-standing misunderstanding between Bai Xiao and Song Yifan: Bai Xiao had resigned, believing Song Yifan would leave the firm with her, while Song Yifan remained, mistakenly thinking Bai Xiao was resolute about staying at Jun An, causing them to miss their chance.

Song Yifan, arriving with bubble tea for the team, overheard Guo Xiaoyu's entire recounting, much to her embarrassment. Jiang Chen, however, reassured Guo Xiaoyu that Song Yifan was not upset, remarking that "girls love to gossip." Ren Jiatong later initiated a private conversation with Jiang Chen. She apologized for her harsh words, admitting she had been "a bit too much."

Jiang Chen also apologized, explaining that it was his father's birthday, and he was in a bad mood due to personal struggles, causing him to lash out. He insisted it wasn't her fault and that he would never allow a lady to apologize first. They discussed their shared commitment to becoming lawyers, emphasizing the importance of solving problems through logic and clear communication.

Ren Jiatong stated her desire to win the Talent Hunt Program but not at the expense of their relationship. Jiang Chen promised he would compete fairly and confirmed he had other career options even if he lost. Jiang Chen expressed his suspicion regarding Zhang Xiaomei's actions—her return to China, her inability to contact Yan Da, her confrontation with Yan Fei, and the circulating photo—finding the timing "too convenient."

Ren Jiatong informed him that Yan Fei had discovered Zhang Xiaomei's frequented coffee shop, and they planned to meet her. Jiang Chen playfully questioned Ren Jiatong's sudden shift in focus, teasing her about her feelings for him, but she quickly redirected him to concentrate on their professional responsibilities. Jiang Chen then received an urgent call from Ren Jiatong, who relayed grim news from Yan Fei.

Yan Fei explained that Yan Da had been secretly taken by local police abroad under suspicion of infringing upon a major competitor's corporate secrets. He was out on bail but his freedom was restricted. Concurrently, the competitor was suing Xingke Group for patent infringement in China. Yan Fei, her family, and their legal director decided to entrust Jun An with the case.

Song Yifan volunteered to handle the patent infringement aspect, with Bai Xiao taking on the litigation for Yan Da. A visibly pale Yan Fei then revealed that her father had suffered a stroke upon hearing the news and was now hospitalized with her mother. With her brother's situation uncertain, Yan Fei felt an immense pressure to remain strong and manage family affairs, leading her to formally apply to withdraw from the Talent Hunt Program.

The team members immediately expressed their profound concern for Yan Fei. Jiang Chen proposed that the most effective strategy would be to prove the competitor's patent invalid, and he had already reached out to his overseas classmates and friends in the chip industry to search for prior art. Ren Jiatong suggested that the photo of Jiang Chen and Yan Fei online might have been a "setup" orchestrated by someone connected to Yan Da.

Yan Fei confirmed that Zhang Xiaomei, a video blogger, genuinely loved Yan Da and had only sought money as a pretext to compel him to appear. Guo Xiaoyu supported this, adding that women often instinctively sense such emotional truths, and suggested investigating Zhang Xiaomei's social media for further clues. Zhou Nian approached a deeply distressed Yan Fei, advising her against drinking coffee. He empathetically acknowledged the immense pressure she was under.

Yan Fei poured out her heart, expressing profound sadness for her brother, who, at 28, had sacrificed a sociology PhD program in the UK to take over Xingke after their father's serious illness, never once complaining. She regretted her past antagonism towards him, recognizing that he had always protected her, especially after a painful previous relationship. Now, she yearned to protect him. Zhou Nian reassured her that her brother would be proud and that the entire team would help her.

He gently suggested she allow herself to cry. As Yan Fei prepared to leave, Zhou Nian swiftly followed her, informing her that he had already contacted several leading intellectual property lawyers and industry experts, and posted a request for assistance on industry forums. He advised her to prioritize stabilizing Xingke by meeting key investors and reassuring suppliers and clients. He also provided her with compiled case studies and public relations strategies for crisis management.

Deeply moved by his unwavering support, Yan Fei asked for a hug, which Zhou Nian readily offered, promising to be there for her whenever she needed him. Bai Xiao updated Ren Jiatong on the ongoing investigation, revealing that local police had discovered a notebook in Yan Da's office containing critical information about the competitor's core clients, detailed transaction records, and customized product data. These details matched the clients Yan Da had been visiting overseas.

Ren Jiatong's review of the internal surveillance footage showed that, aside from Yan Da himself, only his assistant He Fan had frequently entered his office. Zhang Xiaomei's few visits were consistent with her earlier statements about her itinerary. Ren Jiatong had also been monitoring Zhang Xiaomei's social media, noting her current low spirits while on vacation with friends.

The Yan family's attempts to contact Zhang Xiaomei had been unsuccessful, but Guo Xiaoyu's online efforts suggested Zhang Xiaomei would return to China next Monday, creating an opportunity to speak with her. Song Yifan, having consulted with Xingke's researchers, emphasized that proving the competitor's patent invalid was the most direct and effective strategy. He instructed the team to diligently search for evidence that the relevant technology had been publicly disclosed prior to Airuiqi's patent application.

The team made calls to various contacts, including Bill, Chuck, Mr. Liu, and Chris, seeking assistance in finding the necessary information. Yan Fei met with Zhang Xiaomei, who revealed that Eddie, a long-time family friend of the Yan family, was actually the Asia-Pacific head of the competitor company. Zhang Xiaomei also stated that Eddie had introduced He Fan as Yan Da's assistant and had encouraged her recent overseas trip, likely to divert their attention.

Zhang Xiaomei denied any knowledge of the photo of Jiang Chen and Yan Fei circulating online, which only deepened the team's suspicions. Ren Jiatong recalled that Eddie was the person Yan Da had previously arranged for Yan Fei to go on a blind date with. Eddie was currently unreachable, and Yan Fei was actively trying to locate him. Bai Xiao instructed Ren Jiatong to arrange a prompt meeting with He Fan.

During a subsequent case report meeting, Ren Jiatong presented her latest findings. Jiang Chen and Guo Xiaoyu advocated for the patent invalidation strategy, pointing out that the patent had already faced multiple invalidation lawsuits abroad, suggesting inherent flaws. They recommended that Xingke collaborate with a specialized technical evaluation agency to uncover further weaknesses in the patent.

Guo Xiaoyu explained how she had leveraged her experience as a video blogger to enlist tech influencers and other content creators to help with their research, in exchange for interview opportunities with Xingke, which served as a beneficial public relations event for the company. She credited Zhou Nian for his continuous guidance and for pulling "all-nighters" with them.

Bai Xiao underscored that the upcoming weeks constituted the final and most crucial assessment round for the Talent Hunt Program, urging everyone to dedicate themselves fully, both for their friend Yan Fei and for their own professional futures. Later, Ren Jiatong received an urgent message from Mr. Lin, informing her that her mother had been in a car accident.

Bai Xiao immediately instructed Ren Jiatong to take personal leave and return home, reminding her of the importance of timely communication in such critical situations, and offering unwavering support. Bai Xiao emphasized that Jun An trains "lawyers, not machines," implying the importance of personal well-being. At the hospital, Ren Jiatong’s mother, recovering from successful surgery, expressed guilt for being a burden and worried about impacting Ren Jiatong's competition.

Ren Jiatong reassured her that her condition was stable and offered to hire a caregiver, which her mother, concerned about the expense, declined. Back in Beijing, Ren Jiatong confided in Guo Xiaoyu about the challenges she faced, discussing their shared passion for the legal profession and the persistent misunderstanding from their families and relatives.

Ren Jiatong recounted her mother questioning her decision to practice law in Beijing, given the current salary and the negative stereotypes held by their relatives about lawyers. Guo Xiaoyu, identifying as a "digital native" who could discern "gentle, kind-hearted, and passionate" individuals, vehemently defended lawyers, citing their mentors like Bai Xiao, Song Yifan, Zhou Nian, and Tian as examples of good people.

She affirmed that Ren Jiatong would also embody these qualities and was destined to be a good lawyer who could advocate for the profession, educating the public about the demanding reality of their work—from working past midnight to clocking in at dawn, providing emotional support, and the constant pressure. She described Bai Xiao's motivation for being a lawyer as "liking it" and finding "a feeling of accomplishment" even from rare victories, concluding by calling Ren Jiatong "a young Bai Xiao."

Amidst their conversation, Guo Xiaoyu discovered an alarming online post by He Fan, accusing Bai Xiao of employing "coercive interrogation tactics" that caused her "excessive stress" and "unexpected collapse," leading to widespread cyberbullying against Bai Xiao. Guo Xiaoyu expressed her outrage at this development.

Episode 23 Recap

He Fan's online accusation against Bai Xiao, alleging she subjected her to improper persuasive and aggressive questioning that caused excessive mental stress and fainting, ignited a firestorm of online criticism. Ren Jiatong's mother, upon learning Bai Xiao was a mentor at Jun An, messaged her daughter to maintain distance, a warning that caused Ren Jiatong to recall past events concerning her own father.

This led Ren Jiatong to question whether Bai Xiao’s actions might genuinely have caused He Fan's condition, drawing a worrying parallel to her family's history. Meanwhile, Guo Xiaoyu vehemently defended Bai Xiao, expressing outrage at the unfair cyberbullying. Guo Xiaoyu, leveraging her extensive internet experience, observed that the online attacks against Bai Xiao were meticulously orchestrated.

She noted a precise three-step strategy: first, a late-night information leak to catch Jun An off guard; second, the strategic deployment of paid commenters to provoke conflicting opinions in the comment section, with some labeling Bai Xiao a "killer lawyer" and others dismissing the claims as rumors; and finally, a "show evidence when dissed" approach to release new information. Guo Xiaoyu concluded that someone was deliberately targeting Bai Xiao.

Jiang Chen and Guo Xiaoyu diligently worked to clear Bai Xiao's name and offer support. While touched by their efforts, Bai Xiao reminded them to prioritize their final assessment. She explained that after many years in the profession, she was accustomed to such baseless attacks and preferred to focus on her work rather than engaging with baseless accusations. Later, Song Yifan visited Bai Xiao after learning that a client had canceled a meeting due to the negative public opinion.

Bai Xiao lightheartedly recounted her extensive history with rumors, ranging from alleged affairs with corporate executives and forcing her ex-husband to leave with nothing, to insulting clients and even keeping a male colleague from the firm. She found the current allegations "boring" by comparison. Shifting to the case, Bai Xiao confirmed that Eddie, whose real name is Jiang Yutai, was indeed a childhood friend of Yan Da.

Their relationship remained good, but their respective companies were fierce rivals, and Xingke's aggressive overseas expansion made the underlying motives behind the current situation appear complex. Bai Xiao also discovered that the legal director of the opposing company was an old acquaintance, Wang Qing, with whom she had a deep connection.

Song Yifan mentioned that he had a tennis buddy who was an industry contact for both Eddie and Yan Da and arranged a dinner for the following evening, inviting Bai Xiao to join, which she readily accepted. That evening, Ren Jiatong and her teammates were still working late at the law firm. Guo Xiaoyu observed that despite Bai Xiao's seemingly cold exterior, she was similar to Ren Jiatong in needing friends and emotional support.

This reflection moved Ren Jiatong, who immediately rose and caught Bai Xiao at the elevator before she could leave. Ren Jiatong apologized for not assisting with He Fan's case due to family matters, acknowledging that her absence indirectly contributed to Bai Xiao's current predicament. Bai Xiao, unfazed, expressed concern for Ren Jiatong's mother's health and invited her for a hot drink.

During their conversation, Ren Jiatong hesitantly revealed her deep-seated "emotional knot": her father, Ren Ping, had suffered a sudden heart attack and died shortly after discussing a compensation settlement with Bai Xiao concerning a construction accident case years ago. She explained that this tragic event made it difficult for her to trust Bai Xiao fully, despite her admiration.

Bai Xiao thanked Ren Jiatong for her candor but stated that she could not definitively say whether Ren Ping's death was related to their discussion. The next morning, Jiang Chen noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere between Ren Jiatong and Bai Xiao. Elsewhere, Zhou Nian checked on Yan Fei and, finding her in better spirits, took her to their usual spot on a mountaintop to watch the stars.

Yan Fei, gazing at the night sky, shared mythological connections between stars, suggesting that loving someone sometimes necessitates setting aside rational cost-benefit analysis and the fear of getting hurt, even for lawyers for whom risk assessment is an occupational instinct. Zhou Nian listened thoughtfully. While preparing late-night snacks for Ren Jiatong, Jiang Chen sought to understand her complex emotions regarding Bai Xiao.

Ren Jiatong confessed that through their time working together, she had come to view Bai Xiao not just as a mentor, but as a friend and comrade-in-arms. She expressed her determination to not only uncover the truth behind the cyberbullying but also to find her own personal answers. Puzzled by Ren Jiatong’s words, Jiang Chen searched "Ren Ping" online and discovered an old construction accident case from many years ago, listing both Bai Xiao and Wang Qin as involved lawyers.

When Ren Jiatong visited her mother, her mother warned her against dredging up old matters with Bai Xiao, fearing repercussions. However, Ren Jiatong firmly believed Bai Xiao was not that kind of person. Shortly after, Guo Xiaoyu called with urgent news: the opposing company had leaked an audio recording of Bai Xiao's interrogation of He Fan.

The three of them immediately suspected the recording's authenticity and decided to seek a voiceprint identification expert, with Ren Jiatong noting that her Mr. Lin might be able to help. Jiang Chen later spoke to Ren Jiatong privately, revealing his suspicion that Wang Qin, Bai Xiao's former colleague on her father's case, was likely the same individual as Wang Qing, the current legal director of the rival company.

He gently advised Ren Jiatong that while her commitment to her father's memory provided strength, it could also become a mental burden, and her father, if he were still alive, would not want her to carry such a heavy load. Ren Jiatong then approached Bai Xiao with the theory about Wang Qing and Wang Qin, and apologized for her previous questions and misunderstanding.

Bai Xiao dismissed the apology, assuring Ren Jiatong that she did not hold it against her and that it wouldn't affect her evaluation of Ren Jiatong's work. With their honest conversation, Ren Jiatong's emotional knot finally unraveled, leaving her feeling a great sense of relief. Later, Bai Xiao examined a selfie posted by Zhang Xiaomei and noticed a critical detail: a loose-leaf notebook on a table had alternating pale yellow and white pages.

She inferred that someone had secretly swapped some of the notebook's original pure white inner pages, mixing in pale yellow ones, potentially to fabricate or frame the evidence held by local police, which included pale yellow contact book pages. Amidst these developments, Zhou Nian received an interview invitation from Hangzhou Lvlin Law Firm and informed Yan Fei via phone that he would be going on a business trip.

Yan Fei, sensing more to his departure, nevertheless wished him a smooth journey. Meanwhile, Wang Qing directly contacted Bai Xiao. The call was ostensibly a friendly catch-up, but Bai Xiao quickly realized Wang Qing was subtly probing for information. Bai Xiao discussed this with Song Yifan, interpreting Wang Qing's actions as an attempt to smear her reputation to protect Eddie, thereby safeguarding his own position within his company.

Song Yifan then drove Bai Xiao home, noting he was still too impaired from alcohol the previous night to drive his own car, and expressed a wish to see her daughter, affectionately calling her his god-daughter.

Episode 24 (Ending) Recap

An online exposé surfaced, accusing Bai Xiao of having driven Ren Ping to suicide years ago using similar tactics, with his widow now seeking justice. Ren Jiatong immediately called her mother, who was behind the public statements. Ren Jiatong's mother admitted to being swayed by Lawyer Wang, who promised a lucrative job offer for Ren Jiatong if she slandered Bai Xiao. Ren Jiatong rejected this, saying she only wanted what she chose for herself.

Her mother then tearfully confessed the full truth: Ren Ping's death was not caused by Bai Xiao. Instead, after Ren Ping met with Bai Xiao and decided to pay compensation for an accident involving substandard construction materials, he called his wife. Ren Jiatong's mother, fearing financial ruin, threatened divorce to protect their assets. It was during this call, not after meeting Bai Xiao, that Ren Ping suffered a fatal heart attack.

Her mother explained her actions were driven by a desire to protect Ren Jiatong and secure her future, having always relied on others for financial stability. She defended her decision to remarry Mr. Lin shortly after, emphasizing her need for a stable life. Ren Jiatong felt torn, acknowledging her mother’s misguided love and sacrifice for her. She sat alone on the rooftop, grappling with how to face Bai Xiao. Jiang Chen, finding her there, comforted her.

Ren Jiatong confided that despite knowing her mother’s actions were wrong, she couldn't bring herself to blame her, as everything her mother did, including the divorce and being manipulated by Lawyer Wang, was out of love for her daughter. She desperately wanted to approach the situation rationally, like a lawyer, but was overwhelmed by emotion. Jiang Chen empathized, noting her internal conflict and reminding her that trust could be cultivated, and she had already shown significant growth.

Inspired by their conversation, Ren Jiatong suddenly realized that the other family involved in her father’s accident could be the key to finding a solution. Ren Jiatong took action, contacting the family of the other party involved in her father’s accident. She convinced a young man, whose father was injured at Ren Ping's construction site and whose family Ren Jiatong had been secretly helping financially for years, to co-release a clarification video.

This video exposed Lawyer Wang's manipulation of accident victims, including Ren Jiatong's mother, to spread misinformation against Bai Xiao. This act significantly shifted public opinion. Ren Jiatong then met with Bai Xiao, apologizing for the delayed explanation but asserting her desire to present a solution rather than merely offer excuses. She felt a responsibility to publicly reveal the truth, proving that Bai Xiao was, and always had been, an exceptional lawyer who diligently helped people.

Bai Xiao, deeply touched, not only absolved Ren Jiatong’s mother of blame, understanding her maternal instinct to protect her child, but also told Ren Jiatong there was no need for any further apologies. Bai Xiao then shared that before Ren Ping's death, he spoke of his intelligent and kind daughter, but wished for her to live for herself and not be burdened by his past.

Bai Xiao expressed her belief that Ren Ping, though unable to witness Ren Jiatong become a lawyer, was undoubtedly watching her journey and growth from above, and encouraged Ren Jiatong to keep striving to be an excellent lawyer. Via video call, Bai Xiao, Song Yifan, and Yan Fei informed Yan Da that their "fight to settle" litigation strategy was successful. The opposing company agreed to a global patent cross-licensing agreement with Xingke and withdrew their lawsuit.

The internal investigation confirmed that assistant He Fan acted under the instruction of Eddie, Xingke’s competitor and Asia-Pacific head, who was also Yan Da's childhood friend. Yan Fei, accompanied by Song Yifan, met Eddie at a basketball court, which Eddie had revealed on social media after returning to the country.

Eddie confessed that his aggressive tactics were fueled by a deep-seated desire to win against Yan Da and gain his father’s recognition, explaining his resentment over his father’s perceived favoritism towards Yan Da and his family business. He even admitted that his past attempt to get close to Yan Fei through a blind date was a calculated move to secure a chance for recognition from his father.

Yan Fei shared her own journey of growth since joining Jun An, where she learned mutual respect even amidst competition, realizing that Eddie and Yan Da’s complex relationship likely stemmed from similar dynamics. Recognizing Eddie's remorse and Yan Da's unwavering trust in him, Yan Fei suggested Eddie face Yan Da directly upon his return to resolve their long-standing rivalry. Eddie, relieved of his emotional burden, agreed to turn himself in to take responsibility.

On the drive back, Yan Fei explained to Ren Jiatong that she had convinced He Fan to cooperate by reiterating Yan Da's commitment to his employees and company values of tolerance and support, even for new hires. Yan Fei admitted that while she once resented her family’s business, she now understood and appreciated her brother’s responsibilities, and enjoyed contributing to it. She reflected on her own personal growth, recognizing that she had matured beyond her past competitive and demanding nature.

Guo Xiaoyu’s video advocating for a Hanfu designer caught widespread attention, leading to media interviews. During one such interview, Jiang Chen expertly responded to challenging questions about cultural appropriation, clarifying that while traditional Hanfu patterns are in the public domain, the brand’s attempt to claim the cultural heritage as belonging to another dominant culture was disrespectful. Guo Xiaoyu was thrilled by the public's positive reception.

At a celebratory dinner attended by Song Yifan, who brought wine from Bai Xiao, and Zhou Nian, everyone teased Song Yifan about his relationship with Bai Xiao, which he dismissed as professional due to company policy. Zhou Nian then announced the final assessment for the Talent Hunt Program: a 15-minute self-presentation on why each candidate chose to become a lawyer. Guo Xiaoyu, however, announced her withdrawal.

She explained that her experiences, especially witnessing the cyberbullying against Bai Xiao, had shaken her initial conviction about becoming a lawyer. After helping Qi Tingting resolve her dispute by proposing a creative solution that led the opposing company to not only withdraw their lawsuit but also offer Qi Tingting a designer position, she realized her true calling was to pursue a media major and become a legal video blogger.

She aimed to educate the public about the legal profession, showcasing lawyers as principled professionals who uphold justice and help those in need, rather than being driven solely by money. The team gathered at the airport to see Guo Xiaoyu off. Zhou Nian arrived late to deliver a gift from Song Yifan, a Bao'er sister figure, which delighted Guo Xiaoyu.

She shared her excitement about signing with a video platform and pursuing her new path, confident in her ability to succeed in any endeavor. As Guo Xiaoyu boarded her flight, everyone wished her well. In the car, Yan Fei confronted Zhou Nian about his earlier decision to let Jiang Chen and Ren Jiatong leave separately, teasing him about avoiding gossip. Zhou Nian confessed his fear of compromising her reputation or capabilities.

Yan Fei challenged him, asking if he ever considered what she wanted. Zhou Nian revealed his own cautious nature, having always planned a simple, risk-free life, but admitted that Yan Fei's presence had brought him back to life, and he couldn't easily leave her. He then bravely confessed his feelings, expressing his desire to be part of her future. Zhou Nian confirmed he had declined the offer from the Hangzhou law firm, realizing at the airport what truly mattered.

Yan Fei admitted her heart skipped a beat when she heard he might leave, acknowledging her own change and willingness to let fate guide their relationship. She proposed a playful test: if all the traffic lights on their way back to the law firm were green, she would accept his confession; a single red light meant it was over. Despite Zhou Nian's protest about the unfairness, he readily agreed, determined to take any chance, believing in fate.

Yan Fei then accelerated the car, embarking on their journey towards a potentially green future. Over dinner, Song Yifan and Bai Xiao discussed Jiang Chen and Ren Jiatong with clear admiration. When asked who she hoped would stay after the final interviews, Bai Xiao stated that adults don’t choose, wishing to keep both. She commented on the new generation, Generation Z, being smarter and knowing what they want.

Song Yifan then confessed that Jiang Chen had once bravely probed him about the firm’s stance on office romance. Bai Xiao asked how he responded, and Song Yifan revealed his past regret, saying that if given another chance, he would have unhesitatingly left with her. Hearing this, Bai Xiao's eyes welled with emotion. Back at the law firm, Jiang Chen found Ren Jiatong reflecting on their journey.

She remarked on how much they had all changed, gaining something more valuable than a job offer from the Talent Hunt Program. Jiang Chen confirmed his intention to compete fiercely with her in the final round, emphasizing that it would be disrespectful to a future good lawyer to "go easy." Ren Jiatong observed his transformation, noting he was no longer solely driven by victory and now considered others.

Jiang Chen confessed his feelings for her, acknowledging her as both the person he liked and his competitor. He affirmed that regardless of the outcome, their shared goal of becoming excellent lawyers and their mutual feelings would remain unchanged. Ren Jiatong, understanding his unspoken words, thanked him for being her rival. She then softly kissed him, aware of the surveillance cameras, choosing to make it a memorable moment from their three months together.

The next morning, Zhuang Xin and the mentors gathered in the review room for the final assessment. Tian Min informed Zhuang Xin that due to the law firm's slowed revenue growth and cost-cutting measures by other firms, maintaining current salaries was challenging. She added that while both Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen were exceptional candidates, the HR department recommended retaining only one intern position.

As soon as this was said, Ren Jiatong and Jiang Chen entered the room, ready to face their final decision. One year later, Jun An Law Firm launched its next "Talent Hunt Program," and among the new batch of applicant resumes, Huang Yue's name was prominently featured.