Resumen, trama, sinopsis de Lady of Law

Sinopsis de Lady of Law

Xu Jie, a female lawyer, is invited by Li Gongming, a partner of Ming Tang Law Firm as a trainee lawyer because of her emotional and career setbacks in her original city.

Xu Jie’s main task is to investigate the bribery case of another partner of the firm, Chen Wenguang and to make a fresh start in a new environment.

Xu Jie is assigned to the legal aid department and becomes a colleague of Chen Ran, who is the daughter of Chen Manguang.

Chen Ran has been secretly investigating since her father was imprisoned, and after Xu Jie comes to the firm, the two lawyers with different philosophies gradually get to know each other, and with the successful resolution of one entrusted case, they trust each other as confidants.

As the investigation continues, Chen Ran discovers the real reason why Xu Jie come to the firm, and this workplace friendship seems to have turned into a conspiracy.

As the law firm continues to experience accidents, they are bound together by fate.

After redeeming each other, they join forces to find out the truth and finally learn the truth about the bribery case.

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Police arrived at Mingtang Law Firm, causing a stir among the staff. Chen Wenguang, a partner and father to Chen Ran, was taken into custody, suspected of illegal business operations. As he was led away, a distressed Chen Ran grasped his hand. Chen Wenguang urged her to take care of herself and the family and not to worry about him, entrusting the firm's affairs to his long-time friend and partner, Li Gongming, who promised to investigate the truth.

Meanwhile, Xu Jie was drinking alone at a bar when she witnessed a man harassing a woman. The woman’s boyfriend, Zhao Sen, intervened and started fighting with the harassers. Xu Jie stepped in, confirming to the police that the other men, whom she called "thugs," had started the trouble. Before leaving for the Zhoujiakou Police Station, she cleverly questioned the bar manager about compensation and surveillance footage.

She pointed out that if the men were intentionally hurting Zhao Sen, it would be "provocation and disturbance," but if Zhao Sen was protecting his girlfriend from harassment, it would be "righteous action." She also challenged the men's accusation of a "honey trap," contrasting it with "sexual harassment," and declared she would hire a lawyer and "see this through to the end."

Later that night, Li Gongming sent his assistant and apprentice, Song Xiu, to pick up Xu Jie from the police station. Xu Jie, pretending to be drunk, let Song Xiu drive her. In the car, Song Xiu tried to lecture her about potential perjury. Xu Jie then questioned him about Director Li, and Song Xiu boasted about being his mentor’s most valued protege at Mingtang.

Xu Jie revealed she was an intern lawyer, which surprised Song Xiu, who had expected someone more important. Taking on the role of a senior, Song Xiu offered her advice on cases and workplace dynamics. Xu Jie skillfully prodded him for information, learning that Mingtang was co-founded by Chen Wenguang and Li Gongming, with Director Tang joining later. She then revealed her name, Xu Jie. The next day, Xu Jie arrived at Mingtang Law Firm.

Chen Ran, who was on the phone trying to secure clients, mistook Xu Jie for a potential client. Chen Ran introduced herself as a lawyer specializing in civil and litigation cases from Group Two and offered her business card, mentioning that she was now actively seeking cases herself. Xu Jie did not clarify the misunderstanding immediately. Li Gongming, having brought Xu Jie in to investigate Chen Wenguang’s case due to her expertise in economic law, introduced her to Chen Ran.

He instructed Xu Jie to help Chen Ran, acknowledging that Chen Wenguang’s incident had significantly impacted Chen Ran’s client base and the firm’s reputation. Song Xiu, who had previously considered himself Xu Jie’s senior, was now assigned to bring her coffee and case files, which Xu Jie found amusing. Chen Ran’s assistant, Liu Fang, expressed frustration about Group Two’s loss of clients and the difficulty of their remaining cases.

In the pantry, Xu Jie found Song Xiu struggling with financial reports. She gave him insights into complex financial metrics, explaining how clues for "capital flight" could be hidden in consistent withdrawals by a single shareholder. Impressed by her knowledge, Song Xiu presented her with an "onboarding gift" of a mug, welcoming her to Mingtang. Chen Ran faced further challenges at the firm; a clerk requested her senior partner car keys, citing firm regulations.

White Lawyer, observing Chen Ran's discomfort, approached Xu Jie and advised her against getting involved in Chen Ran's affairs, suggesting there was "no benefit" and offering Xu Jie a place in her own team. Xu Jie remained noncommittal, her eyes only softening when she saw a thank-you message from Song Xiu on her phone regarding the coffee she had brought.

Seeking support, Chen Ran visited her senior, Tian Mao, a public interest lawyer who was creating legal education videos for the deaf. She expressed her distress that her father still refused to let her be his defense lawyer. Tian Mao explained that Chen Wenguang believed Chen Ran, as part of Mingtang, needed to avoid any appearance of impropriety, and that he didn't want her to see him in such a "wretched state."

Chen Wenguang, who maintained his innocence, claiming he was merely fulfilling his contractual duties as Lianchuang Group's legal consultant, thought Tian Mao was the most suitable candidate due to his experience with economic cases. Tian Mao also conveyed Chen Wenguang's acknowledgment of Chen Ran's immense pressure and that she would now have to rely on herself. Chen Ran pleaded with Tian Mao to tell her father that she would continue to investigate and clear his name.

Chen Ran also tried to contact Mrs. Luo, the wife of Lianchuang Group’s President Luo Runnian, to understand the company’s situation, but Mrs. Luo refused to provide any information, stating that everyone was avoiding them since her husband was detained and the company sealed. At home, Chen Ran’s mother and husband, Jian Peiran, discussed her father’s situation, with her mother concerned that Chen Ran might be held responsible for repaying any embezzled funds.

Her daughter mentioned seeing the news about her grandfather online, adding to Chen Ran’s stress. Chen Ran then asked her mother to withdraw some of her investment money to alleviate financial strain, but her mother explained that the funds were tied up in financial projects and couldn’t be accessed immediately. Her mother suggested they rent out their large house and move to a smaller one to reduce expenses, a plan Chen Ran and Jian Peiran were already considering.

When Chen Ran asked her mother to authorize her as her father's defense lawyer, her mother refused, stating Chen Wenguang had his own arrangements. That evening, Xu Jie reviewed Chen Wenguang's financial records and expense reports from his three years at the firm. She noted a news report indicating Chen Wenguang’s alleged embezzlement as Lianchuang Group’s legal consultant and President Luo Runnian’s suspected illegal fundraising.

This immediately triggered a memory: a past case where she pursued Luo Runnian for a deposit for three days, culminating in her witnessing Sun Jian’s fatal fall from a building on that very day. The connection between both cases and Lianchuang Group fueled her suspicion. Song Xiu, also working late, offered Xu Jie a ride home. He observed her "unhappy aura," describing her as appearing "lonely and arrogant" but suggesting she was "quite sad inside."

Xu Jie smiled, finding his candidness amusing, and accepted his offer. Chen Ran and Xu Jie then collaborated on Zheng Yan’s labor dispute case against Haohuodao. Zheng Yan had been dismissed after becoming pregnant and insisted on returning to her original position, not merely accepting severance, to avoid admitting fault. The opposing lawyer, Fang Pu from Chengtai Law Firm, offered Zheng Yan 300,000 yuan, a recommendation letter, and a confidentiality agreement for her resignation.

If she refused, a demotion to "field promotion" was suggested. Xu Jie interjected, calling it "illogical" to assign "field promotion" to a pregnant woman and warned of potential sanctions from the human resources bureau. Fang Pu quickly countered by proposing a less demanding "administrative planning position" for pregnant women.

Chen Ran then pressed for Zheng Yan’s return to her original role after her breastfeeding period, to which Fang Pu retorted that jobs don't wait for pregnancies, just as judges wouldn't postpone trials for pregnant lawyers.

Chen Ran and Xu Jie expressed their outrage at Haohuodao's morally questionable practices, particularly regarding pregnant employees. Chen Ran highlighted that forcing Zheng Yan, her client, into roles like field promotion or administrative planning would invalidate years of her hard work, and she doubted Zheng Yan would accept such a demotion. Xu Jie stated unequivocally that Zheng Yan's pregnancy was the real reason Haohuodao wanted her gone, dismissing claims of misconduct.

She explained that the settlement offered was only slightly more than standard severance for a pregnant employee, indicating a systematic strategy to remove pregnant women from key positions by fabricating charges, knowing they would lack the time and energy for legal battles. Xu Jie elaborated that Haohuodao, a company that prides itself on a "wolf-culture" and expects a "996" work schedule, viewed pregnant employees as a financial burden due to reduced hours and continued benefits.

Offering settlements was a cost-effective way to maintain productivity, which Xu Jie likened to "killing the donkey after it's done its work." She stressed that Zheng Yan was not the first pregnant woman dismissed by the company, but she was the only one courageous enough to fight back. Song Xiu aspired to be a capable lawyer, but Li Gongming felt he wasn't ready for court, assigning him instead to community legal awareness events.

Song Xiu voiced his frustration, mentioning he had been gaining out-of-court settlement experience for a year and hinting that economic cases weren't Li Gongming's forte. Li Gongming brushed him off, insisting on the legal awareness task, which Song Xiu grudgingly described as unpaid "charity work" primarily for maintaining potential client relationships, and thus more suited for him than for a "big-shot" lawyer. Later, Xu Jie found Song Xiu working overtime on a minor "dining and dashing" case.

She playfully suggested Li Gongming was dissatisfied with his work, which Song Xiu denied, asserting his mentor's high regard for his abilities. He tried to explain the strategic value of settling cases out of court, quoting the principle of "subduing the enemy without fighting," but Xu Jie countered, "If no one wants to take it to court, then what's the point of having litigation lawyers?" She then sarcastically told him to "eat more free meals."

Chen Ran discussed with Jian Peiran their decision to move to a smaller apartment. She revealed that her mother's funds were tied up in investments and couldn't be lent to them. Jian Peiran was agreeable to downsizing, as long as the new home was close to their daughter Yangyang's school. Chen Ran also shared that her mother refused to let her represent Chen Wenguang, her father, in his case.

Jian Peiran commented on the long-standing separation and stubborn personalities of Chen Ran's parents, implying their refusal to yield to each other, and advised Chen Ran not to dwell on it, assuring her that things would eventually improve. Having moved into her new home, Xu Jie received a phone call from her mother, who announced her remarriage and invited Xu Jie to the ceremony. Xu Jie abruptly refused to attend and hung up.

Recalling Song Xiu's earlier insightful observation about her inherent loneliness and underlying sadness despite her sharp exterior, Xu Jie called him. She confided in him that she wanted to feel happy but couldn't. Song Xiu suggested they play tennis. Despite Song Xiu's playful boast about being a former middle school tennis champion, Xu Jie immediately struck him on the head with a ball, leaving a red mark.

Song Xiu, though startled, retaliated, hitting Xu Jie on the forehead with a ball. As he applied a cold boiled egg to her injury, Song Xiu, overcome by her beauty, spontaneously kissed her. He became flustered, but Xu Jie, feigning annoyance, returned his kiss, and they ended up spending the night together.

Afterward, Song Xiu sat stunned on the bed, unsure what to do, while Xu Jie calmly picked up her phone to call him a taxi, maintaining an air of nonchalance. The next morning at work, Song Xiu tried to greet Xu Jie, but she avoided his gaze and ignored his messages, leaving him disappointed. Chen Ran, meanwhile, received the necessary documents for Zheng Yan's court case.

During the trial, Chen Ran presented evidence, including WeChat conversations, showing Zheng Yan frequently worked until the early hours and had repeatedly cautioned her superiors about the challenges in transitioning Xueji Soy Sauce to handmade production. Chen Ran argued that Haohuodao's management had failed to provide clear directives or solutions, therefore absolving Zheng Yan of negligence.

The opposing counsel, Fang Pu, challenged whether working late automatically constituted diligence and then unexpectedly introduced a new witness on the spot to testify about Zheng Yan's actual work performance. Zheng Yan showed a subtle reaction upon seeing the male witness. Chen Ran requested an adjournment due to this surprise evidence, which Fang Pu agreed to, reiterating an offer for an out-of-court settlement. Back at the firm, Song Xiu tried to discuss their relationship with Xu Jie.

She firmly told him they were merely colleagues and that she preferred to keep her private life out of office gossip, which deeply disappointed him. Concurrently, Chen Ran and Xu Jie discovered that the new witness, Tang Rui, was Zheng Yan's subordinate and the father of her unborn child. Zheng Yan confessed that they had been together for over a year, but after she became pregnant, Tang Rui demanded she have an abortion.

She refused, choosing to raise the child alone, which led to their separation. She expressed her capability, both financially and professionally, to raise the child independently, but emphasized her need for her job. She also stated that she didn't want the child to be associated with Tang Rui and hadn't anticipated him testifying against her. Outraged by Tang Rui's behavior, Xu Jie drove Chen Ran to Haohuodao's office building to confront him directly.

Upon spotting him, Xu Jie aggressively attacked him. Tang Rui admitted that company management had promised him a promotion and salary increase if he testified, arguing that Zheng Yan's pregnancy rendered her unsuitable for her position. Xu Jie was further infuriated by this blatant injustice. Chen Ran intervened to calm the situation, and together, they pressed Tang Rui.

They informed him that Xue Ji's decision to delist was voluntary and unrelated to Zheng Yan's performance, warning him of the legal repercussions for perjury. Chen Ran also reminded him of his legal obligation to financially support his child, regardless of Zheng Yan's personal wishes. Under pressure, Tang Rui divulged the full details of his agreement with the company. Xu Jie declared that regardless of Haohuodao's plans, she would ensure Tang Rui lost his job.

Later, while Xu Jie was dining with a friend at a hotel restaurant, she noticed Song Xiu entering with a young woman, their arms linked, heading towards the upper floors. Xu Jie followed them into the elevator, causing Song Xiu to awkwardly release the woman's arm.

Xu Jie, assuming the woman was Song Xiu's new romantic partner, made a sarcastic remark about his "colorful" private life, to which Song Xiu retorted, echoing her earlier words about personal freedom and not interfering with others' lives. However, the young woman then referred to Song Xiu as "Second Uncle," clarifying that she was his niece who had come for an art exam and he was merely looking after her. Xu Jie realized her misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, a young man visited Tian Mao's law firm, inquiring about his expertise in economic cases and his previous work at Mingtang, but did not disclose the purpose of his visit. Tian Mao offered him his business card. Upon leaving, the man helped Chen Ran pick up some dropped apples and seemed to observe her thoughtfully. In her ongoing investigation into Chen Wenguang's case, Xu Jie presented her findings to Li Gongming.

She revealed that despite Lianchuang Group having paid all its legal fees, Chen Wenguang had been receiving separate, staggered payments amounting to 20 million yuan into an overseas account over three years, starting shortly after Lianchuang Group's cooperation agreement with Mingtang. Xu Jie also highlighted that Chen Wenguang consistently used Lucerne in Switzerland as a transit point on his return flights, even though Mingtang had no business operations there.

She suggested these anomalies were highly suspicious, prompting Li Gongming, who initially defended Chen Wenguang, to consider the implications. Xu Jie brought Chen Ran to a charity auction gala exclusively sponsored by Haohuodao. She explained that Haohuodao's decision to terminate a pregnant employee had negatively impacted the image of their brand ambassador, Amy, a prominent live-streaming host. Given that Haohuodao's CEO had recently invested in a listed company, Amy's public perception directly influenced the company's stock performance.

Xu Jie's initial attempt to confront Amy in the restroom, by bluntly asking how her fans would react to Haohuodao's discriminatory practices, backfired, causing Amy to walk away. Chen Ran then approached Amy, apologized for Xu Jie's directness, and with genuine empathy, requested three minutes to share Zheng Yan's story.

Chen Ran detailed Zheng Yan's dedication to Haohuodao, her courage as a single mother, and her fight for her job and career future, emphasizing that Zheng Yan sought no compensation, only the return of her work and independence. Chen Ran concluded by stating that Amy was the only person who could help Zheng Yan now. Xu Jie believed this heartfelt appeal would resonate with Amy's persona as an independent woman.

Song Xiu received a consultation from a young woman who had been physically abused by her boyfriend. He was initially reluctant to get involved because she neither wanted to report the abuse nor break up with him. However, seeing Xu Jie observe the woman flirting with him, Song Xiu agreed to accompany her to confront her boyfriend. The confrontation quickly turned violent, with Song Xiu getting beaten up and ending up at the police station.

Xu Jie arrived to pick him up, jokingly remarking on his "new business" of providing "door-to-door beating" services. Despite her playful teasing, she gently touched his injured face, reassuring him that he still looked handsome. Song Xiu, in turn, joked about their frequent encounters at the police station being "fate."

Xu Jie admonished him for resorting to physical violence instead of using legal channels, to which Song Xiu explained he was acting in self-defense and that the boyfriend had accused him of "cuckolding" him.

After picking Song Xiu up from the police station, Xu Jie teased him, claiming she only complimented his "cool actions." She then offered to treat him to a meal, which she playfully framed as her "good deed for the day" and a way to "care for the disadvantaged." Over drinks, Song Xiu confided in Xu Jie about his frustrations at Mingtang.

He explained that he gave up a high salary to join the firm, specifically for Li Gongming, yet he felt stuck handling mediations and miscellaneous tasks while his peers were already appearing in court. He felt like an errand boy. Despite this, he stubbornly stated his determination to succeed at Mingtang, viewing himself as someone who faces challenges head-on. The next morning, Song Xiu woke up at Xu Jie's home, feeling positive about the new development in their relationship.

The public outcry, fueled by influencer Amy's vocal support for women's reproductive rights, successfully pressured Haohuodao. During a meeting, Xu Jie confronted Haohuodao's lawyer, Fang Pu, asserting that while public opinion might be fleeting, the "discriminating against pregnant female employees" label, once attached, would leave lasting damage on Haohuodao’s brand, a company that profits from women. She demanded Zheng Yan's reinstatement and a guarantee against future discrimination.

Chen Ran later confirmed that Haohuodao agreed to consider Zheng Yan's return to work and that Tang Rui, Zheng Yan's ex-boyfriend, had been fired due to his poor performance and involvement in the incident. Recognizing Xu Jie's critical role in finding the breakthrough for Zheng Yan's case, Chen Ran proposed they become partners.

Xu Jie, in turn, expressed a desire to understand Chen Ran better, particularly regarding the fragments she had heard about her father's involvement in the Lianchuang Group case. Chen Ran admitted she knew little, only that her father, Chen Wenguang, was detained over a month ago for alleged illegal business operations connected to his three-year tenure as Lianchuang Group's legal consultant.

Despite the lack of information, Chen Ran firmly believed her father was innocent, both as a subordinate and a daughter. Xu Jie stressed that Chen Ran needed to confront this issue, as it was already impacting her and those around her. They then agreed to cooperate. As Chen Ran's income significantly decreased due to her father’s legal issues at Mingtang, she and Jian Peiran decided to move to a smaller house to manage their mortgage.

Jian Peiran informed Chen Ran that his company offered him a director position at their Northeast branch, which came with a substantial salary increase and the promise of a promotion upon his return. He saw this as a rare career opportunity at his age, but Chen Ran was strongly against him moving away, emphasizing her need for him and their family's need for stability. She believed their financial situation would improve once her cases picked up.

Jian Peiran, however, felt a growing obligation to contribute more financially, especially considering Yangyang's tuition. Despite Chen Ran’s firm opposition, Jian Peiran clung to the opportunity. Later, after work, Jian Peiran met up with colleagues and his junior classmate, Cao Hui. Over drinks, a visibly drunk Jian Peiran returned home and vented his frustrations to Chen Ran.

He complained that colleagues perceived him as solely relying on his wealthy father-in-law, Chen Wenguang, and that any promotion in Jinghai would be dismissed as nepotism. He recounted numerous instances where he had sacrificed his career ambitions for their family, including a promotion opportunity when Yangyang was born, and felt that Chen Ran was now asking him to sacrifice again for her father's troubles.

He declared that this transfer was his "last chance" to achieve professional recognition independently, asserting that he couldn't wait any longer as he wasn't getting any younger. Yangyang overheard their heated argument. Xu Jie received a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend, Sun Zhewei, who was quickly engaged to Yuanzhou Group's heiress after their breakup. This triggered painful memories of her past.

She recalled being made a scapegoat and fired from her previous company, Qing'an, due to issues with the Lianchuang Group. Sun Zhewei, who was then the company's legal director and her boyfriend, had delivered her termination notice, despite her staunch opposition to the Lianchuang cooperation, which was documented in meeting minutes. He coldly informed her that her "personal actions" had led to client investment failures and damaged the company’s reputation.

When she confronted him about his dual role as her boyfriend and legal director, he argued that "one of them had to take the fall" and that it was "best for everyone" if she took responsibility, as she could easily find another job. Xu Jie, however, saw through his self-serving logic, accusing him of using her as a scapegoat to protect his own position and reputation.

The betrayal, especially given his claims of wanting to help her, left a deep, unhealed wound. Chen Ran and Xu Jie took on a new divorce case involving a former internet celebrity, Zhang Fei. Eight years prior, Chen Wenguang had handled Zhang Fei's prenuptial agreement when she married Wang Chengyuan, the CEO of Haobo Hotel. Now, Chen Ran was tasked with her divorce.

Zhang Fei, known for her sweet looks and painting skills, married Wang Chengyuan after he pursued her for three years, and they had a seven-year-old daughter named Doudou. A year ago, Zhang Fei was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive and debilitating disease. Consequently, Wang Chengyuan's lawyer, Yang Dikai, argued that the child should reside with the father, with Zhang Fei having visitation rights, citing her inability to care for the child due to her illness.

Chen Ran, however, countered that the child should be with the mother. After some negotiation, Yang Dikai proposed a split custody arrangement where Doudou would live with her father during the week and with her mother on weekends. Zhang Fei's primary concern was to spend as much time as possible with Doudou and provide her with motherly love, rather than financial gain.

She explicitly refused Xu Jie's suggestion to leverage public sympathy, stating she didn't want her private family matters exposed. Xu Jie saw this complex case, which most lawyers avoided due to potential conflicts with a major corporation like Haobo Group, as a significant opportunity for their firm. During negotiations, Wang Chengyuan's lawyer, Yang Dikai, stated that the asset division would adhere to the prenuptial agreement.

When Xu Jie requested Wang Chengyuan's financial reports, they revealed that he held no personal assets, having transferred them all before his marriage to Zhang Fei. This meant Zhang Fei would receive nothing from the divorce. Xu Jie pointed out Wang Chengyuan's blatant pre-meditation and the flawless legal procedures.

She questioned Chen Wenguang’s role, wondering why he, as an expert in financial cases, allowed Zhang Fei to sign such a disadvantageous agreement, or whether Zhang Fei was fully aware and willing at the time. Xu Jie suggested they must find a loophole in the agreement. Chen Ran, upon checking her phone, suddenly realized it was her daughter Yangyang's birthday.

Unable to leave the ongoing critical case, she hastily asked her assistant, Liu Fang, to go to the mall and buy a suitable gift for a girl. Xu Jie, however, advised her to pick the gift herself, emphasizing that children are perceptive and can tell if a gift is chosen without care. Chen Ran, prioritizing the burgeoning case, felt she couldn't afford to take time away.

While celebrating her birthday with classmates, Yangyang unexpectedly spotted her father, Jian Peiran, having dinner with a woman. Jian Peiran introduced the woman as Cao Hui, a junior classmate he had recently reconnected with. Yangyang asked about her birthday present, to which Jian Peiran vaguely promised to make it up to her at home, prompting a resigned "Making it up again?" from his daughter. Cao Hui wished Yangyang a happy birthday.

Jian Peiran and Cao Hui then discussed his potential transfer to the Northeast. Cao Hui acknowledged it as a good career opportunity, but also understood his reluctance to leave his comfort zone and family in Jinghai. Jian Peiran confessed his envy for her unattached, carefree life, though Cao Hui countered that everyone has their own hidden struggles. Yangyang urged her father to join her and her friends to blow out the birthday candles before they melted.

Chen Ran had Tian Mao consult her father, Chen Wenguang, about the highly unfavorable prenuptial agreement Zhang Fei had signed years ago. Chen Wenguang claimed he had fulfilled his duty of disclosure, stating that Zhang Fei was fully aware of the terms but was so "blinded by love" that she was eager to marry regardless of financial details. He advised Chen Ran to check old files on a hard drive for more information.

Meanwhile, Xu Jie uncovered that Zhang Fei's company, Feiyi Culture, an interior design and leasing service for hotels established a year before her marriage, had accumulated a debt of five million yuan. Chen Ran expressed disbelief that Zhang Fei would be aware of such a significant debt, given her lack of business acumen. However, the company's accountant confirmed that monthly financial reports were consistently sent to Zhang Fei's email, all found in an unread state.

Xu Jie deduced that Wang Chengyuan likely orchestrated this debt, betting on Zhang Fei's naivety and her disinterest in practical business matters. She predicted that Wang Chengyuan's lawyers would use this debt against Zhang Fei. Chen Ran later returned home with the gift, a Zodiac music box, which Yangyang immediately recognized as having been bought by someone else.

Yangyang gently scolded her mother for not making time, reminding her to also care for her father and suggesting Chen Ran cultivate a more "feminine" image. Given Zhang Fei's terminal illness and the challenging financial situation, Xu Jie proposed a pragmatic solution: advise Zhang Fei to relinquish her fight for Doudou's custody in exchange for a larger compensation package. Chen Ran, a mother herself, strongly opposed this, explaining that for a mother, a child's significance transcends everything else. Xu Jie, however, sharply retorted, questioning Chen Ran's maternal empathy by pointing out that she had forgotten her own daughter Yangyang's birthday.

Chen Ran, still processing Xu Jie's words, contacted a friend named Xiao He to investigate Wang Moyu, the daughter of Wang Chengyuan. Meanwhile, Xu Jie, diligently pursuing leads in Chen Wenguang's case, discovered that he had no reimbursement records for his trip to Lucerne. Suspecting he might have rented a car for the short distance, she contacted a rental company but was informed they had no record of the vehicle being returned.

Later that evening, Song Xiu urgently summoned Xu Jie, claiming an emergency and insisting she meet him immediately. At a restaurant, he presented her with his bank card, containing 120,000 in savings, and his car keys, declaring these as his "dowry." He expressed his desire to take responsibility for her and formalize their relationship.

Xu Jie, however, rejected his proposal, stating she didn't need his responsibility and felt secure on her own, adding she had no interest in his financial status. Song Xiu, undeterred, twisted her words, suggesting her disinterest in his money meant she was interested in him personally and that he could pursue her. Xu Jie dismissed him as a "little brother" and advised him not to be so serious.

To prove his commitment, Song Xiu highlighted his upcoming promotion to a regular employee, which would allow them to "keep pace professionally" and build a "brighter future." To settle the matter, Xu Jie proposed a coin toss. Song Xiu chose "characters." When the coin landed on "flowers," Xu Jie, concealing the result, declared he was "lucky" and granted him permission to pursue her, secretly harboring a growing fondness for him.

The next day, Chen Ran and Xu Jie met with Wang Chengyuan to discuss his divorce from Zhang Fei. Wang Chengyuan explained that sending their daughter, Doudou, abroad was for her future, with plans for her to attend Oxford and for his parents to join her there. Xu Jie countered, revealing that Zhang Fei's company, Feiyi Culture, owed five million in rent for paintings from Blackwater Gallery, whose owner was a friend of Wang Chengyuan's.

Xu Jie accused him of deliberately entrapping Zhang Fei financially. She argued he set up the company for Zhang Fei's artistic interests but intentionally denied her management skills, thus fostering her dependence—a slow, calculated manipulation. Zhang Fei, also present, confirmed her husband had given her the company but admitted she never managed its operations. Xu Jie pointed out this manipulation had left Zhang Fei with the mentality of a 22-year-old. Wang Chengyuan insisted his actions were "for her own good."

Xu Jie further accused him of making Zhang Fei materially dependent and pre-planning a trap regarding Doudou's custody, effectively treating their marriage as a business deal. She then revealed that Doudou was already enrolled in a school abroad, a move made knowing Zhang Fei, who suffered from ALS, would be unable to travel. Wang Chengyuan admitted his mother had advised some pre-marital arrangements, citing corporate responsibilities and Doudou's education.

He expressed a desire for joint custody and promised unlimited visitation for Zhang Fei, offering to formalize it in writing, before asking them to "name their price." Xu Jie then boldly wrote 40 million as the proposed settlement, stating it was the best outcome they could achieve for Zhang Fei. She criticized Zhang Fei's choice to prioritize custody over financial compensation, calling her a "selfish mother" for making a decision detrimental to Doudou out of "self-satisfying maternal love."

Xu Jie argued that a patient with ALS, unable to work and burdened by debt, could not provide a stable life for a child, contrasting it with the secure future Doudou would have with the wealthy Wang family. Chen Ran, speaking as a mother, believed she understood Zhang Fei's emotional stance, but Xu Jie dismissed this, stating that using family bonds to manipulate others was the "most selfish choice."

Later, during a meeting to sign the divorce agreement, Zhang Fei tearfully stated she had found a job and could repay her debts, reiterating her desire for no money but only to be with Doudou. She expressed her fear that Doudou would grow up thinking her mother abandoned her for money. Wang Chengyuan assured her to focus on recovery and that he would arrange visits.

Chen Ran interjected, arguing that with Doudou sent abroad, Zhang Fei, in her condition, would likely never see her again, and that a mother's love was irreplaceable. Xu Jie urged Chen Ran to guide her client towards rational judgment, but Chen Ran insisted she was merely fulfilling her client's wishes. After the meeting, Xu Jie confronted Chen Ran, questioning if she was a "lawyer or a philanthropist."

Xu Jie firmly argued that for Zhang Fei, "being alive" and having financial security were paramount, asking how she could possibly survive with ALS and mounting debt. Chen Ran retorted that forcing Zhang Fei to give up Doudou would be tantamount to "killing her." To persuade Wang Chengyuan, Chen Ran arranged for him to witness Zhang Fei struggling through a photo shoot for a job.

Chen Ran shared her personal journey, explaining how her father's accident had shattered her "comfort zone" and forced her to confront a new reality, making her realize the importance of independence. She passionately appealed to Wang Chengyuan, emphasizing that their family existed because of all three of them—him, Zhang Fei, and Doudou—and that none could be missing. This heartfelt plea prompted Wang Chengyuan to agree to consult with his mother.

Later, he informed Zhang Fei that he would bring Doudou back from his mother's house and that Zhang Fei could see her every Friday evening until Sunday or Monday morning. Zhang Fei expressed profound gratitude. However, Xu Jie remained unconvinced, asserting that this was not the best outcome, as Zhang Fei's "happiness was temporary" without fundamental financial security. Continuing her investigation into Chen Wenguang, Xu Jie called the car rental company again.

This time, she falsely claimed Chen Wenguang had a traffic violation on November 26, 2019, and provided his passport number. The company confirmed the rental and revealed that the car was returned by a woman named Zhang Ruiqiu, a name that surprised Xu Jie. Later, Li Gongming revealed to Chen Ran that he had specifically brought Xu Jie from Qing'an City to investigate her father's case.

He explained that while their personalities and approaches differed—Xu Jie's rationality complementing Chen Ran's empathy—he believed they could effectively work together. He then shared Xu Jie's new lead, but Chen Ran stated she did not know Zhang Ruiqiu and had never heard her father mention the name. Li Gongming then assigned Xu Jie the Victory Group bond dispute case, stating she was the most suitable lawyer for such economic matters.

This greatly upset Song Xiu, who had diligently followed the case and hoped it would earn him recognition. He confronted Xu Jie, expressing his frustration that she had taken "his" case. Later, Xu Jie found him letting off steam on the tennis court. She advised him to view such situations rationally, as it was a reality of their profession where colleagues compete for cases.

Song Xiu confessed that he wasn't angry about losing the case to just anyone, but specifically to her, as his ambition was to "stand by her side" and "keep pace professionally," not to be her rival.

In a subsequent firm meeting, Director Li detailed the Victory Group case: Li Weiying, the group's controlling shareholder, had used personal equity as collateral to borrow 800 million from over thirty entrepreneurs, defaulted on repayments, and was now a discredited person who had fled abroad. Lin Guangshu, the largest creditor and a friend of Li Weiying's, had approached their firm to evaluate a bankruptcy plan.

While he had considered using personal funds to cover some worker wages, he was advised against it due to the high risk of bad debt, leaving bankruptcy liquidation as the most likely path. The case was a "hot potato," attracting significant public and governmental attention due to widespread worker protests over unpaid wages.

Chen Ran volunteered Team Two to handle it, and Xu Jie presented her strategy: locate Li Weiying in Switzerland and compel him to propose a feasible repayment plan, convinced that he was not the type of person to simply flee. Director Li approved their plan. Afterwards, another lawyer, Attorney Bai, approached Song Xiu, acknowledging his magnanimity and offering him an auto repair shop case from Director Tang as a good opportunity for "refinement."

After a successful mediation of a dispute between a livestreamer and a merchant over a small fine, Song Xiu was commended by Lawyer Bai, who then offered him an opportunity to join Director Tang's team and assist with the intricate evidence collection for an auto repair shop case. Song Xiu readily accepted the new task. Meanwhile, Xu Jie’s investigations revealed that Li Weiying, also known as Winston Lee, was in Geneva, Switzerland, actively developing new pharmaceuticals.

She promptly informed Chen Ran that they needed to prepare for a trip to Geneva. Before their departure, Chen Ran visited her mother's beauty salon. She mentioned that Jian Peiran would be working in Northeast China for at least a year, prompting her mother to express concerns about the long-term separation and its potential impact on their marriage, drawing from her own experiences. Chen Ran, however, dismissed her mother’s worries.

Later, Jian Peiran informed their daughter, Yangyang, about both parents' impending absences, telling her she would stay with her grandma. Yangyang reacted emotionally, expressing a feeling of being a "single-parent left-behind child," which caused distress for both Chen Ran and Jian Peiran. Upon arriving in Geneva, Chen Ran and Xu Jie met with Li Weiying. Chen Ran explained they represented Shengli Group’s creditors and urged him to return to China, noting that the court was aware of the situation.

Li Weiying, surprisingly cordial, wanted them to see his new company, Beta, thriving to reassure the creditors. He asserted that all his efforts were focused on Beta, believing only its successful drug development could salvage Shengli Group, as its current state was beyond immediate revival. Xu Jie questioned the ambitious drug development, given the complexity of statins and Li Weiying's status as a discredited debtor.

Li Weiying confidently stated his Swiss investors were well-informed and backed his promising project, and he was prepared for any actions the creditors might take, as commercial investments inherently carry risks. When asked about Lin Guangshu, Li Weiying claimed his long-time friend understood and supported his endeavors, implying Lin Guangshu also accepted the risks. Checking into their hotel, Chen Ran discovered only one room had been booked due to budget constraints.

Later, while Chen Ran was in the restroom, Xu Jie received a video call from Song Xiu. He confessed he missed her, playfully comparing her moods to a "broken thermometer." Xu Jie, maintaining her composed demeanor, told him she'd "consider" missing him and then quickly ended the call.

Chen Ran then called Li Gongming to update him on their unsuccessful meeting with Li Weiying, reiterating Li Weiying's uncooperative stance and his belief that Beta's potential new drug could eventually resolve Shengli Group's debts. Taking the phone, Xu Jie expressed skepticism about the drug's success and proposed a more direct approach: bypassing Li Weiying and seeking authorization from Lin Guangshu to auction Shengli Group's assets.

She believed she could secure a buyer offering a better price than a judicial auction. Li Gongming found this to be a win-win solution and agreed to proceed once a buyer was found. After the call, Chen Ran confronted Xu Jie for making such a significant decision without consulting her. Xu Jie simply responded that she was "just thinking of solutions." Xu Jie met with President Wang, a potential buyer, to propose he purchase Shengli Group's building.

While Wang expressed concerns about the property's unclear rights due to outstanding debts, Xu Jie assured him their law firm would guarantee a clear title. Chen Ran then intervened, presenting breaking news that Beta's new drug had gained FDA approval and was entering its final clinical trial phase, significantly increasing the potential value of Li Weiying's stock options. President Wang was intrigued, indicating he would purchase the building if the drug was listed, or acquire Li Weiying's equity directly.

He urged Xu Jie to proceed with caution. Xu Jie was visibly displeased with Chen Ran's unexpected intervention, especially since President Wang was a significant client. Chen Ran, however, believed that offering to sell Li Weiying's Beta stock options was the most beneficial solution for both Li Weiying and Shengli Group, even if Li Weiying himself couldn't see it due to his self-centered focus.

Despite her annoyance, Xu Jie ultimately agreed to pursue this new approach, not wanting to damage her professional standing. Xu Jie and Chen Ran revisited Li Weiying, proposing he sell his Beta stock options to a buyer offering a 10% premium. This, Xu Jie explained, would allow him to repay Shengli Group's debts and still retain a substantial amount. Li Weiying vehemently rejected the offer, accusing them of "robbery" and refusing to "cash out."

He remained unwavering in his conviction that his new drug would ultimately save Shengli Group and that Lin Guangshu would continue to support him through the difficult times. Xu Jie countered that Shengli Group lacked the luxury of time for such risky ventures, highlighting Lin Guangshu's strenuous efforts to cover the company's debts back home. Li Weiying, convinced of Lin Guangshu's unwavering loyalty and understanding, abruptly ended the meeting and left.

The trip to Switzerland also had another purpose: to locate Rachel Zhang in Lucerne. Upon arriving at a villa where a woman was gardening, Chen Ran, sensing she might be Rachel Zhang, hesitated to approach, worried Rachel might recognize her as Chen Wenguang's daughter. Xu Jie agreed to investigate, jokingly demanding "interest" on the favor. Posing as a prospective homebuyer whose agent was late, Xu Jie engaged Rachel Zhang, who introduced herself as Rachel.

Rachel, a former journalist and now a housewife, mentioned that her husband frequently traveled to China for a significant project, keeping him away for extended periods. She also revealed they had a 22-year-old son named Chen Ke, who was studying law. Xu Jie relayed this information back to Chen Ran, confirming Chen Ran's earlier premonition. Chen Ran struggled to process the revelation, staring at a complex family tree.

She expressed her confusion about how to approach Rachel Zhang, questioning whether she should do so as Chen Wenguang's daughter or as a lawyer from Mingtang. Xu Jie, offering a sugar-free drink, reminded Chen Ran that her true identity was simply "Chen Ran," and her personal worth was not defined by these external roles or relationships.

As Chen Ran continued to feel the emotional weight of the discovery, her left eyelid began to twitch, which Xu Jie lightheartedly interpreted as a sign of good fortune. Meanwhile, back home, Chen Ke, a law student, received a call from Chengtai's HR department, inviting him for a job interview the following Tuesday, an offer he readily accepted.

Overwhelmed, Chen Ran received the final, confirming detail from Xu Jie: a family photo in Rachel's living room clearly showed Chen Wenguang as the male lead. The revelation that she had a half-brother named Chen Ke left Chen Ran deeply shaken. Unable to sleep, she secretly arranged for someone to investigate Rachel Zhang and Chen Ke further, keeping her mother in the dark.

In her distress, she almost called her mother, but hung up after one ring, later feigning an accidental pocket dial when her mother called back. She also contacted Xiao He, asking him to look into two individuals, likely Rachel and Chen Ke. Early the next morning, as Chen Ran sat alone on a park bench trying to process her emotions, her mother-in-law called with alarming news: Yangyang had fallen and was hospitalized, urging Chen Ran to return home at once.

Simultaneously, a freshly woken Xu Jie received a call from Li Gongming, who informed her that Judge Zhou Bin had announced Shengli Group's intention to change debtors and file for bankruptcy liquidation, signaling the company's last resort. Li Gongming urged her to return to China immediately, but Xu Jie requested him to stall for one more day, stating she needed time to handle things on her end. Panicked by the news, Chen Ran quickly booked a flight back home.

Xu Jie instructed her to secure Lin Guangshu's cooperation as an "inside man" once she returned to buy them one more day. Chen Ran, preoccupied with her daughter, initially said she would "try," but Xu Jie insisted it was a "must." Upon arriving at the hospital, Chen Ran found Jian Peiran already there. He reassured her that Yangyang's injury was not serious, just a sprain, and she would recover with rest. Seeing Yangyang's good spirits, Chen Ran's worries finally eased.

Back in Geneva, Xu Jie returned to Li Weiying's office, showing him a draft agreement and emphasizing the urgency of Shengli Group's impending bankruptcy liquidation. She explained their optimized plan, for which Chen Ran was already in China securing Lin Guangshu’s signature. The plan involved selling Shengli Tower to President Wang for a better price than a judicial auction and leveraging Li Weiying's Beta shares to repay debts.

The arrangement would allow Shengli Group to retain usage rights to the tower, and upon the drug's success, he could use his new technology to revitalize the company. Li Weiying was torn between his new venture and his lifelong commitment to Shengli. Xu Jie then used harsh words, reminding him of Lin Guangshu's immense sacrifices, including offering personal funds for workers' wages, while Li Weiying remained in hiding.

She bluntly questioned if their decades-long brotherhood was worth less than mere stock options, asserting that Lin Guangshu's loyalty to him far surpassed his in return. Li Weiying, though hurt by her words, admitted they were not as harsh as the words Lin Guangshu had faced from angry workers. He finally conceded that if he continued to delay, he would be dragging his friend down, jeopardizing their chance to "fight side by side" again.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Li Weiying finally yielded. Xu Jie immediately called Chen Ran, asking her to put Lin Guangshu on the phone. After a brief conversation with Li Weiying, Lin Guangshu, with newfound resolve, willingly signed the agreement, effectively bringing a crucial step in the Shengli Group case to a close.

Xu Jie returned to Jinghai after successfully completing her work in Switzerland. Song Xiu was waiting at the airport to welcome her, playfully remarking that she'd been gone only a few days but he barely recognized her. He invited her to chat. Exhausted from her flight, Xu Jie went to shower, asking Song Xiu to hand her things and later to check her eye. Song Xiu, ever thoughtful, started cooking after she went to freshen up.

Chen Ran diligently cared for Yangyang in the hospital. Yangyang expressed her happiness at her mother's return, acknowledging how busy Chen Ran had been. Yangyang then declared she wouldn't become a lawyer because it seemed filled with "awful cases" and "negativity," preferring to be a gaming streamer instead. Chen Ran advised her that any ambition requires hard work. When Yangyang asked why Chen Ran became a lawyer, she explained it was because of her grandfather and her belief in justice.

Yangyang then challenged her, asking if life had been fair to Chen Ran. Chen Ran brushed off the question, telling Yangyang to go to sleep. Chen Ran was called to Yangyang's school by Teacher Ma, who noted Yangyang's recent distraction and declining grades. Teacher Ma suggested Yangyang, being mature for her age, was worried about her parents' relationship and advised Chen Ran to talk to her daughter.

At the hospital, Chen Ran reassured Yangyang that her father would visit after work and that disagreements between adults, especially concerning work, didn't signify marital problems. She insisted that her and Jian Peiran's relationship was strong and they loved Yangyang and their home. Yangyang remained anxious, however, citing a classmate whose father went away for work and started a new family.

Chen Ran tried to alleviate her fears, promising to take Yangyang to visit Jian Peiran in the Northeast, though Yangyang preferred her mother go alone to "monitor" him. Back at Mingtang, Xu Jie reported to Li Gongming that Chen Wenguang had a lover in Lucerne, Zhang Ruiqiu, whose name was on his itinerary. She had seen their family photo and confirmed Chen Ran knew nothing about it.

Chen Ran, separately, received information from a junior colleague that Zhang Ruiqiu's Chinese name was Zhang Qinglan, a former well-known beauty reporter in Jinghai who had interviewed Chen Wenguang twenty years prior before moving abroad. The junior also found that Zhang Qinglan's son, Chen Ke, born abroad but a Chinese national, was a senior at Jiangzhou University of Political Science and Law.

Unbeknownst to them, Chen Ke was already working as an intern at Chengtai Law Firm and secretly investigating Chen Wenguang's case. At Chengtai, founder and senior partner Director Huang met with Mrs. Luo, a client seeking advice on her husband's involvement with Lianchuang Group, which was facing illegal fundraising allegations.

Director Huang explained that in China, the charge would likely be illegal absorption of public deposits, not fraud, as the funds were invested and creditors knew the projects, even if returns weren't met. He aimed for leniency and was working to get creditors to sign settlement agreements. He also requested more financial documents and communication evidence from Mrs. Luo, asking her to contact Mingtang personnel for these.

Chen Ran, looking haggard, met with her mother, intending to reveal her discoveries about Zhang Qinglan. To Chen Ran's shock, her mother already knew everything, stating that she was the first to know if something was wrong in her own relationship. Her mother clarified that it was a private matter between her and Chen Wenguang, and she had kept it from Chen Ran at Chen Wenguang's desperate pleading, not wanting to affect her daughter.

She added that the affair was nothing new to her and she didn't care about it. Chen Ran felt betrayed, asking if this was fair to her, to which her mother retorted if it was fair to her. Her mother coldly stated that Chen Wenguang was "paying for his wrongdoing" and she didn't care about his affairs, advising Chen Ran to prioritize taking care of herself.

Exhausted, Chen Ran sat with Jian Peiran in the hospital corridor, where he had fallen asleep on a bench. He suggested she go home and rest, offering to stay with Yangyang. Chen Ran, instead of voicing her deep troubles, asked him if he would ever betray her. Unaware of her underlying anxieties, Jian Peiran attributed her question to fatigue, assured her he would never betray her, and urged her to rest, promising to continue watching over Yangyang.

Song Xiu had prepared a candlelight dinner for Xu Jie and was playfully setting a selfie as her phone background, reminding her that someone loved her. A knock at the door interrupted them, and Xu Jie, anticipating a visitor, quickly ushered a surprised Song Xiu into a room, telling him to grab his shoes. It was Chen Ran, seeking solace and a drink.

She was overwhelmed by a "double betrayal" – not only her father's affair but also her mother's long-held secret about Zhang Qinglan. Chen Ran shared that she felt absurd for being kept in the dark, believing her parents' separation was merely due to needing space. Xu Jie offered comfort, suggesting her parents might have found new compatible partners and were simply trying to maintain the family.

Chen Ran further confided that her respected father's scandal and Jian Peiran's impending trip to Northeast China, which she suspected was partly an escape from their family's troubles, made her feel that everything was spiraling out of her control. She admitted she couldn't confide in anyone else and felt anxious about not being able to ask Jian Peiran for further compromise, given his past sacrifices. Xu Jie affirmed their friendship, agreeing to lend a sympathetic ear without judgment.

Li Gongming faced mounting pressure. At a lunch with Chairman Wan of Feilaiyin, Chairman Wan openly questioned the status of Chen Wenguang's case, hinting at a potential change in law firms. Li Gongming reassured him about Mingtang's capabilities and their strong history with Feilaiyin, asserting that Chen Wenguang was merely implicated and Mingtang had other excellent lawyers. However, Chairman Wan emphasized that businesses prioritize reputation and explore options, confirming that his Director Jiang was already looking into alternatives.

Back at Mingtang, Attorney Bai discussed the situation with Director Tang, noting that Feilaiyin would likely switch firms, a significant blow for Mingtang. Attorney Bai urged Director Tang to leverage her good relationship with Chairman Wan's wife to retain the client, suggesting Director Tang had been too low-key. Director Tang, recognizing the urgency, immediately called Chairman Wan to arrange a meeting that afternoon.

Meanwhile, at Chengtai Law Firm, Chen Ke subtly introduced himself to Director Huang in the restroom, suggesting his move to Chengtai was part of a larger plan, as he had overheard Director Huang's conversation. Tian Mao visited Chen Wenguang, informing him that he had gathered testimony from over twenty Lianchuang Group clients, all victims who described the company as a "bloodsucker" for exploiting loopholes to illegally extract their assets.

Tian Mao also found evidence of the group's fraudulent daily interest rate adjustments, and these clients were willing to testify. Chen Wenguang, however, seemed more concerned about his daughter, Chen Ran. He asked about her, specifically whether she had visited him since returning from her trip to Switzerland. Tian Mao admitted she hadn't. Despite Chen Wenguang's apparent doubts about her, he pleaded with Tian Mao to offer Chen Ran any assistance she might need.

Xu Jie welcomed a new client, Zhao Sen, the man she had met at the police station. He was seeking legal help because he had bought a counterfeit Fendini bag for his girlfriend, Qi Qi, for 28,000 yuan from an online vendor named Inoue Kumagao on the ZhengpinGO platform. They discovered it was fake when compared to a genuine bag owned by Qi Qi's friend, purchased at a Milan boutique.

Zhao Sen's attempts to get a refund or return through the platform had failed. Xu Jie informed him that while his case didn't qualify for emotional distress compensation, the online store's "10x compensation for fakes" policy meant they could pursue 280,000 yuan. She explained that while difficult, it wasn't impossible, but the firm would require a 30% contingency fee, higher than their usual rate for such a small claim. Zhao Sen readily agreed. Yangyang was finally discharged from the hospital. Chen Ran and her mother carefully helped Yangyang into the car, with her mother commenting on the car's spaciousness and Chen Ran's principled refusal to borrow it.

Jian Peiran received a call from his junior sister, Cao Hui, who had accidentally hit a flower bed with her car on Zhangyu Street and was at the repair shop. He immediately rushed over, first checking if she was hurt. To express her gratitude, Cao Hui invited him to dinner. They went to an old restaurant they used to frequent during their college days, where Jian Peiran mentioned that his company organizes exhibition events, including for real estate openings.

While they were eating, Chen Ran called to share the happy news that their daughter, Yangyang, had her first period, officially becoming a young woman, and she wanted to celebrate together. However, Jian Peiran made an excuse about being at a gathering and said he would be home late. Meanwhile, Xu Jie was handling a seemingly "trivial" fake bag case assigned by Director Tang. Liu Fang expressed her frustration, explaining the difficulty in proving a bag is counterfeit.

She highlighted that appraisal certificates from domestic third-party authenticators were not legally recognized, and brands' domestic agents refused to authenticate high-quality replicas to avoid acknowledging their existence. Liu Fang then ingeniously suggested a solution: just like a broken watch, the bag could be sent to an authorized store for repair. Xu Jie found the idea brilliant and enlisted Song Xiu to help.

Song Xiu, known for his mediation skills, clarified that while consumer rights law typically provided triple compensation, a merchant's "pay ten for one fake" promise was a legally binding unilateral commitment. However, he cautioned that an individual purchasing agent's ability to pay might be limited. At Chengtai law firm, Director Huang, unable to find his usual assistant, asked Chen Ke to scan some documents for archiving.

As Chen Ke worked, he noticed that the materials were related to the Lianchuang Group. Following Liu Fang's plan, Xu Jie and Song Xiu visited a luxury store with the disputed bag. After a thorough inspection, the sales associate stated the bag was "not authentic" and therefore could not be repaired, a statement that Song Xiu secretly recorded on his phone.

Back at home, Yangyang celebrated her coming of age with a feast of fries and fried chicken and asked why her father wasn't there. She then bluntly told her mother that she lacked a "sense of crisis" regarding her appearance, noting that women "age more noticeably," especially at Chen Ran's age.

Yangyang suggested her mother take better care of herself, even mentioning cosmetic procedures, and warned that if Chen Ran didn't, Jian Peiran might prioritize his career move to the Northeast, potentially "falling for the landscape" instead of "loving his beauty." Taking her daughter's words to heart, Chen Ran later sprayed on perfume and attempted to be intimate with Jian Peiran, who was engrossed in his work.

He failed to notice her overtures, only the strong scent, advising her to use less perfume as it might keep her awake. Feeling disheartened, Chen Ran quietly left the room after he had fallen asleep. Liu Fang's investigation into the seller "Inoue Kumagao" revealed his real name was Lu Jingran, an Australian university student who had recently returned to China.

However, he had no assets registered under his name, leading Song Xiu to remark that unless he was a "super well-hidden rich second generation," their efforts for high compensation would be for nothing. During their meeting, Lu Jingran admitted to being a student and having created a rich persona to boost sales. He claimed all his earnings were held by his mother.

Xu Jie and Song Xiu presented the recorded evidence and warned him that a lawsuit could lead to travel restrictions, demanding the tenfold compensation he had promised. Lu Jingran requested time to discuss the matter with his parents. After the meeting, Xu Jie deduced that Lu Jingran was not wealthy but merely maintaining an illusion, and Song Xiu praised her sharp insight.

The next morning, Song Xiu arrived to pick up Xu Jie for work, playfully exchanging titles of "Butler Song" and "Lawyer Xu." He presented her with "daily nuts" he had prepared, expressing his happiness working alongside someone he admired. He shared his ambition to "catch up to you bit by bit, then slowly surpass you, and elevate my status at home," to which Xu Jie wished him success.

Xu Jie and Song Xiu went to Lu Jingran's address, which turned out to be a modest home where he lived with his elderly grandparents, who relied on collecting plastic bottles to make ends meet. It became evident that Lu Jingran could not afford the demanded 280,000 RMB. Xu Jie decided they needed to propose an alternative settlement to their client, Zhao Sen.

During a subsequent meeting, Xu Jie explained that their investigation indicated Lu Jingran genuinely lacked the ability to pay. They offered a revised proposal: a refund of the original 28,000 RMB, plus an additional 10,000 RMB, paid in installments. Zhao Sen was furious, feeling deceived by his lawyers for not advocating for him effectively, and stormed out. After work, Zhao Sen's girlfriend approached Xu Jie and Song Xiu to apologize for his outburst.

She clarified that Zhao Sen had misunderstood her desires, believing she envied her friends' branded items, which led him to spend a large sum on the fake bag. She stated that she never cared for luxury goods; her real point was for him to pay more attention to her actual preferences. Song Xiu interjected that direct requests would be simpler for men, but she countered that a gift given upon request lacks the thoughtfulness of one freely given.

Observing that Song Xiu understood Zhao Sen's mindset, Xu Jie suggested he be the one to talk to him. Later, a deeply troubled Chen Ran met Xu Jie at a bar. Chen Ran confessed that her daughter’s recent comments had made her acutely self-conscious about her age. She expressed her fear that Jian Peiran's impending transfer to the Northeast was because he was tired of the "troubles at home."

While she worried about the impact on their marriage, she also recognized the career opportunity for him and didn't want to be an obstacle. She asked Xu Jie for advice on whether to face a cruel truth or escape it. Xu Jie, using a coin toss as a prop, remarked that Chen Ran likely already knew the answer in her heart.

She advised Chen Ran to "go with the flow," suggesting that perhaps after Jian Peiran leaves, he would realize how much he couldn't bear to be without her. A tipsy Chen Ran returned home to find Jian Peiran waiting. He helped her take off her shoes and presented her with an exquisite brooch he had bought, believing she would like it. Chen Ran loved the gift, noting it had been a long time since he last gave her one.

Jian Peiran told her he understood she was under immense stress and had intentionally avoided discussing her father's situation to spare her further pain. Emboldened by alcohol, Chen Ran confided her deep fear that his move was because he was tired of the "troubles at home" or that he "disliked her" for having "gotten old." Jian Peiran pulled her into a hug, reassuring her that his transfer was solely for work. He playfully pointed out his own gray hairs, reminding her that everyone ages, and affectionately declared that in his heart, she would always be his "little princess."

Zhao Sen confronted Lu Jingran over the fake bag, and a physical altercation ensued. Song Xiu, who had been unable to reach Lu Jingran, rushed to the scene with Xu Jie. Song Xiu quickly intervened, urging them to talk things over to avoid administrative detention. He offered to waive the firm's legal fees and presented photos of Lu Jingran's struggling family, emphasizing that Lu Jingran had no assets, making legal enforcement impossible.

Song Xiu proposed a resolution: Lu Jingran would apologize to Zhao Sen and purchase a genuine bag for Zhao Sen's girlfriend from an official store upon returning to Australia. Lu Jingran tearfully apologized, and Zhao Sen, stating his pride was more important than the money, accepted the offer. Xu Jie was impressed by Song Xiu's exceptional mediation skills, despite the firm not earning any fees.

Later, Song Xiu joked that he'd been swept away by "momentary heroism," and Xu Jie praised him as both a "Legal Prince" and a "mediation expert." They debated whether people value "materialism" or "spirituality," with Xu Jie preferring the "lasting security" of material things, leading Song Xiu to humorously offer her gifts of various steamed buns. Xu Jie recommended Song Xiu to Director Li Gongming for a full-time position, highlighting his strong mediation abilities.

Director Li acknowledged Song Xiu's good character but felt he still needed more experience, noting that not everyone possesses Xu Jie's innate talent and drive. Xu Jie humbly clarified that her motivation stemmed from not wanting to lose, which Director Li considered a talent in itself. Feeling pressured by a new batch of lawyers and interns at Mingtang Law Firm, Song Xiu asked Xu Jie to help him find suitable cases to advance.

Later, Song Xiu met with a friend, a lawyer from Chengtai Law Firm, who remarked that Song Xiu would have been a full-fledged lawyer by now had he not pursued a master's degree. His friend complained about his ambitious new assistant, Chen Ke, who was overly eager to impress their boss, Director Huang. Song Xiu remained loyal to Director Li, declining his friend's offer to join Chengtai.

Regarding Chen Wenguang's case, Xu Jie informed Li Gongming that investigations were challenging due to numerous overseas accounts. She speculated that if Zhang Qinglan was not involved, Chen Wenguang’s estranged wife, Qian Qiuqing, might be the beneficiary, possibly driven by emotional revenge or property division, especially since Chen Wenguang had another family. Li Gongming instructed Xu Jie to keep him informed of any progress so he could decide his strategy.

Meanwhile, Qian Qiuqing met with Tian Mao, apologizing for the delayed payment of legal fees due to investment losses. She then asked him to convey a message to Chen Wenguang: their daughter, Chen Ran, now knew about Zhang Qinglan. Separately, Chen Ran received an anonymous package containing documents on Lianchuang Group, including creditor transaction contracts that bore her mother's signature.

Concerned by Xu Jie’s sudden departure, Song Xiu called her, only to be told she was attending a "joyful event" and didn't need to report her whereabouts. She had flown to another city for her mother's wedding. Despite her complicated feelings, Xu Jie wished her mother genuine happiness before leaving, declining her mother’s gesture of giving her the wedding bouquet.

Back in Jinghai, police arrested Wu Enping, a quality inspector at Four Seasons Pharmaceutical, at his home for alleged trade secret infringement. At the legal aid center, Zhou You, the legal director for Four Seasons, encountered Xiao He, who was covering Chen Ran's shift. Zhou You immediately called Director Tang, requesting that a lawyer from a different firm represent Wu Enping and that they quickly ascertain who Wu Enping leaked the company's secrets to by 7 AM the next morning.

This was crucial to minimize losses and ensure the Monday launch of a new drug was not affected. Director Tang called Chen Ran, who was at a family dinner seeing her husband, Jian Peiran, off before his trip to the Northeast. Expressing displeasure at Chen Ran asking Xiao He to cover her shift, Director Tang stressed that although assisting the complainant in a legal aid case was irregular, Four Seasons was a major client and they couldn't afford any mistakes.

Chen Ran reluctantly agreed to handle the case. As she hurried out, she asked Jian Peiran to take home the folder with the Lianchuang Group documents; he accidentally dropped it, revealing its contents to him. At the police station, Wu Enping refused to apply for legal aid, hire a lawyer, or disclose any information.

Chen Ran advised Xiao He that since he was not a Mingtang lawyer, there was no conflict of interest, and he should strive to secure Wu Enping's power of attorney. Shortly after, Xu Jie received a call from Director Li and headed to the legal aid center to assist Chen Ran.

Xiao He told Chen Ran and Xu Jie that he suspected Wu Enping was not a commercial spy, as a real spy would have been better prepared and wouldn't have been caught on surveillance, also noting Wu Enping's refusal to trust anyone. Xiao He hypothesized that Wu Enping was deliberately stalling until money from a potential transaction could be transferred on Monday. Their investigation revealed that on Friday night, Wu Enping arrived home two hours later than usual.

They pinpointed a large shopping mall between his workplace and home as a likely meeting point. Reviewing its surveillance footage, they noticed that Wu Enping's blue thermos was missing when he left the mall's south exit. Chen Ran and Xu Jie then visited Wu Enping's wife, Xu Chunyue, who initially insisted on her husband's innocence. They explained that his silence was detrimental and that an out-of-court settlement was possible if the leaked materials were recovered, potentially avoiding criminal charges.

Xu Chunyue eventually signed the power of attorney. While Chen Ran spoke with her, Xu Jie observed Wu Enping's study and found a photo of him with his university classmate and good friend, Zhao Chenfeng, a medical university teacher who frequently visited their home. However, Xu Chunyue did not know his address. Chen Ran theorized that Wu Enping was not a commercial spy, as Four Seasons Pharmaceutical primarily produced generic drugs whose formulas lacked significant commercial value.

Given Wu Enping's background as a French-educated PhD, stealing such formulas seemed illogical. She suggested the problem might lie within the company itself. Xu Jie reminded her to focus on their assigned task: finding the whereabouts of the stolen materials. Chen Ran then disclosed that she had anonymously received the documents on Lianchuang Group. Later, Jian Peiran called Chen Ran, expressing concern for her long work hours and assuring her that his phone would be on if she needed anything.

Xu Jie surmised that Chengtai Law Firm, currently handling the Lianchuang case, likely housed the anonymous informant they sought, though Chen Ran denied having any contacts there. Chen Ran also revealed that her mother, a professional investor, had invested in Lianchuang Group's financial products. The two lawyers located Zhao Chenfeng's address, and upon their arrival, he was already waiting for them, confirming he was the insider.

To prevent any recording, Zhao Chenfeng had them place their phones inside a rice cooker. He challenged their claim of representing Wu Enping, stating that Wu Enping was still in custody and not yet in a position to hire a lawyer, and correctly suspected they were from Four Seasons Pharmaceutical. Xu Jie pressed him, explaining that the pharmaceutical company urgently needed to know the whereabouts and purpose of the stolen items.

Zhao Chenfeng feigned ignorance, claiming that even if Wu Enping had given him something, it would no longer be with him after two days. Xu Jie warned him that if they could find him, so could the police, and he shouldn't bear the consequences alone. Chen Ran, piecing together the information, deduced that Zhao Chenfeng and Wu Enping were working together.

She inferred that Wu Enping, a quality inspector, had discovered issues with Four Seasons Pharmaceutical's drugs, stolen a sample, and entrusted it to Zhao Chenfeng, a pharmaceutical preparations expert at a medical school, for testing. Their deliberate stalling was intended to gather evidence and prevent the faulty drugs from being released to the market on Monday. This revelation led to a disagreement between Xu Jie and Chen Ran.

Xu Jie insisted their duty as lawyers was to find and intercept the stolen medication for their client. Chen Ran countered that if the drugs were indeed problematic, it was their obligation as law-abiding citizens to help Wu Enping expose the truth, viewing his actions as righteous, not criminal. Xu Jie dismissed this as emotional, arguing that violating confidentiality agreements was a breach of company regulations.

She reiterated that their role was to serve their client, and any alleged illegal activities by the pharmaceutical company were a matter for the police, not them. Director Li Gongming, while not explicitly taking a side, expressed his concerns to Xu Jie. He noted that if Four Seasons Pharmaceutical was indeed problematic, it would be the second major client from their firm, following Lianchuang, to face issues, which would severely damage Mingtang's reputation.

Xu Jie understood that the pharmaceutical company's reluctance to involve the police directly implied that the drugs were flawed. After this conversation, Xu Jie and Chen Ran returned to Zhao Chenfeng's house, deciding to obtain the test results and report Four Seasons Pharmaceutical to the regulatory authorities. During their second visit, they informed Zhao Chenfeng that they knew the drugs were problematic and that Wu Enping's intention was to expose the factory.

Xu Jie gave her personal assurance that they would submit the test results to the authorities. Convinced, Zhao Chenfeng handed over the inspection report and video documentation. Shortly after, Lin Weiping from the Market Supervision Administration arrived at Four Seasons Pharmaceutical to conduct a spot check on the batch of substandard medicines. Meanwhile, Chen Ran was too preoccupied with the case to see her husband, Jian Peiran, off as he departed for the Northeast.

His mother came to the airport, bringing him pickled vegetables and asking if Chen Ran was upset about his departure. Jian Peiran reassured her and asked her not to say such things in front of Chen Ran. Upon his arrival in Yanji, Jian Peiran's colleagues warmly welcomed him, showed him his dormitory, and treated him to a dinner of local Yanbian cuisine.

Jian Peiran sent a long message to Chen Ran, informing her of his safe arrival and hoping for a new beginning for them. He acknowledged her anxieties over her father's case and her parents' marital issues, urging her not to doubt her family and to confide in him. At the welcome dinner, the site's only female employee, Damao, heartily toasted Jian Peiran. Embracing the local custom, he clinked glasses with everyone.

When a colleague asked if his wife could handle his absence, he simply replied that they were an "old married couple." Later, at the construction site, he took a call from Chen Ran, who had read his message. She expressed concern about his drinking, and he promised to take care of himself. At Mingtang Law Firm, Li Gongming assigned Song Xiu a shop dispute case, instructing him to pursue an out-of-court settlement.

Song Xiu expressed his desire to handle "core cases" to secure an early promotion, but Li Gongming advised him to continue building experience. Later, Attorney Bai approached Song Xiu, suggesting they collaborate to reclaim the Feilaiyin project from Group Two, framing it as a standard workplace move. Song Xiu felt conflicted about such internal competition. Chen Ran met with Li Gongming to explain her actions in the Four Seasons case.

She asserted that providing evidence to the authorities was her personal decision and didn't believe it tarnished Mingtang's reputation, as the client had violated professional ethics. Li Gongming acknowledged her reasoning but stated she should have consulted him first. Chen Ran admitted she had been impulsive and took responsibility. She also revealed that her junior colleague, Xiao He, had covered her duty lawyer shift.

Tang Jing later interviewed Xiao He, who defended his actions, stating that as a duty lawyer, he believed he acted correctly. When Chen Ran recommended Xiao He for a position at the firm, Li Gongming assured her he would not hold the case against Xiao He but would not lower recruitment standards for him either. Separately, Xu Jie adopted the alias "Jenny" and posed as an investor to meet Qian Qiuqing at a wine tasting event.

Xu Jie subtly probed Qian Qiuqing by mentioning her own mother's investment in Lianchuang Group, a veiled reference to Chen Wenguang. Qian Qiuqing's demeanor visibly shifted, and she politely excused herself. Meanwhile, an online news article appeared, criticizing lawyers who prioritize principles over client interests, a clear reference to Chen Ran. Tang Jing voiced her dissatisfaction to Li Gongming that two major clients, Lianchuang and Four Seasons, had run into trouble within three months, damaging Mingtang's reputation.

She proposed taking over the Feilaiyin contract renewal herself, excluding Chen Ran and Xu Jie. Li Gongming agreed on the importance of retaining Feilaiyin but stressed the priority was to learn why their contract, which had expired two months prior due to Chen Wenguang's situation, had not been renewed. Liu Fang then reported to Chen Ran that the Feilaiyin representative had failed to appear for their scheduled pickup, despite their plane having landed.

Chen Ran went to Li Gongming and Tang Jing, confirming Feilaiyin was a no-show. She argued that since Feilaiyin had paid its quarterly fees, the business relationship was still active, and insisted that as it was Group Two's client, she should resolve the issue.

Director Tang was furious at Chen Ran’s stubborn refusal to give up the Feilaiyin shoe factory client, and Li Gongming had to step in, gently suggesting Chen Ran return to her office. Meanwhile, Attorney Bai Ning was busy with new recruits, assigning a position to one young woman. However, Xiao He, who recently graduated from Jinghai University of Political Science and Law and joined Mingtang as an intern, was left without a clear assignment.

Chen Ran anxiously observed Li Gongming's office, while Xu Jie, with her sharp intuition, remarked that given the complications of Chen Ran's father’s case, it was unlikely their team would retain the Feilaiyin client. She speculated that Chairman Wan might already be celebrating with a senior partner from a rival firm. Moments later, Attorney Zhang Chuang from Chengtai Law Firm arrived, introducing himself and stating he was authorized by Mrs. Luo to collect all documents pertaining to Lianchuang Group.

When Chen Ran tried to defer, Xu Jie interjected, firmly asserting that the documents were confidential firm property, not Mrs. Luo's personal items. She deemed Attorney Zhang’s request unprofessional and had him escorted out. Shortly thereafter, Attorney Bai Ning summoned Song Xiu, informing him that Director Tang had personally assigned him to the Feilaiyin case.

Song Xiu was surprised, and later, in a meeting with Li Gongming, he commented on Bai Ning's extensive preparations, noting that the case was usually handled by Chen Ran's group, creating a tense, competitive atmosphere. Song Xiu, exuberant, visited Xu Jie, proudly sharing that he had secured the Feilaiyin case. He saw this as a significant career milestone, believing it brought him closer to his goal of being able to support her.

Xu Jie playfully teased him about being high-maintenance, then sobered, reminding him that every lawyer at Mingtang, including herself, was a potential competitor. She cautioned him against revealing sensitive case information, calling it a major professional taboo. Song Xiu, undeterred, insisted he was only sharing with his girlfriend. Xu Jie pointed out he had already disclosed two key pieces of information, and warned him that the case’s complexity, now involving other senior partners, made the ultimate outcome uncertain.

Playfully, she then told him to analyze the case at home, hinting that he wouldn't be staying over that night. Separately, as Chen Ran picked up her daughter, Yangyang, she received a call from her mother, Qian Qiuqing. Qian Qiuqing mentioned meeting a "Jenny," who turned out to be Xu Jie, at a social club. She shared that Xu Jie seemed overly interested in her financial transactions and accounts, a concern echoed by some of her investment friends.

Chen Ran promised to address it. Later, Li Gongming called Chen Ran and Xu Jie to his office, informing them that Chengtai was aggressively pursuing Feilaiyin. He announced that he, Director Tang, Bai Ning, and Song Xiu would personally visit Fumen to persuade Chairman Wan. Chen Ran attempted to argue that as Feilaiyin was her client, she should handle it, but Director Tang firmly rejected her, citing the negative impact of her father’s case and the Four Seasons Pharmaceutical incident.

Li Gongming underscored that stabilizing Chairman Wan was the immediate priority. Chen Ran confronted Xu Jie about investigating her mother without informing her first. Xu Jie defended her actions, clarifying that her role was to investigate Chen Wenguang’s case, and she wasn't obligated to report every step to Chen Ran. Reluctantly, Chen Ran handed over all the Lianchuang Group documents she had, including an anonymously sent file, telling Xu Jie to proceed.

Xu Jie then met Qian Qiuqing directly at a club. Qian Qiuqing stated that she had no emotional attachment or animosity towards Chen Wenguang, and thus no motive to harm him. She recounted investing in Lianchuang around 2010, after two years of due diligence based on a friend’s recommendation, noting that Chen Wenguang was not Lianchuang’s legal counsel at that time.

She lamented that her funds were now unrecoverable and offered to send all relevant documents to Xu Jie, who accepted. Qian Qiuqing also expressed a longing for Chen Ran to speak with her as calmly as Xu Jie did. Continuing her investigation, Xu Jie met with another investor, who revealed that they knew from the beginning that Lianchuang's project was not entirely legal.

Chen Wenguang had been brought in specifically to help navigate legal loopholes and legitimize the venture to attract more investors. The investment was initially profitable but collapsed after a subsequent bad investment in a tech project, leading to massive losses and even causing one investor to commit suicide. Xu Jie was dismayed, realizing Chen Wenguang had abetted a Ponzi scheme out of a misplaced sense of obligation. On the flight to Fumen, Song Xiu meticulously reviewed information about Feilaiyin.

Bai Ning believed pricing would be the main battleground with Chengtai. Song Xiu, however, proposed a different strategy, emphasizing client needs over just price. He suggested focusing on Feilaiyin’s outdated operational model, arguing that Mingtang should offer an innovative plan to help Feilaiyin transform its marketing approach. Li Gongming endorsed Song Xiu’s proactive thinking, asserting that unlike traditional firms that only help avoid losses, Mingtang needed to take the initiative to help its client succeed.

During a meeting with Feilaiyin’s Director Jiang, as Chairman Wan was unavailable, the Mingtang team learned that a rival law firm—which Li Gongming suspected was Chengtai—was representing a new e-commerce platform that wanted to partner with Feilaiyin. Bai Ning voiced concerns about the risks of shifting to e-commerce too quickly, but Director Jiang countered that embracing market trends was vital for survival. He promised to relay a message to Chairman Wan to contact Li Gongming.

Concurrently, at Chengtai Law Firm, Director Huang met with Manager Zhao of Junda Network, with Chen Ke also present. Junda, a new e-commerce platform, was eager to collaborate with Feilaiyin but sought to negotiate a better revenue-sharing ratio. Later, the Mingtang team presented their proposal to Chairman Wan. An associate, Xiao Wang, demonstrated a custom-developed app for Feilaiyin. Song Xiu explained that owning their e-commerce platform would give Feilaiyin complete autonomy.

When Chairman Wan raised concerns about the cost and loss of offline distributors, Song Xiu clarified their strategy: a gradual, one-year reduction of 70% of physical stores while retaining key flagship stores for brand experience. He advocated for Feilaiyin to embrace a "premium route," relaunching popular retro styles and using the app for engaging events. Song Xiu added a personal anecdote about Feilaiyin sneakers being a cherished part of his youth.

Li Gongming concluded by expressing Mingtang’s commitment to Feilaiyin’s future. Chairman Wan was impressed but departed without making a decision. In a lighter moment, Chen Ran enlisted Xu Jie’s help for Yangyang’s school sports day three-legged race. The trio triumphed, securing first place. Yangyang excitedly video-called her father, Jian Peiran, to share the news. Jian Peiran thanked Xu Jie, but was interrupted by work, disappointing Yangyang, who saw his female colleague, Damao, diligently making tea in his office.

She complained about her father being "boring" and called both her parents workaholics. Later, Xu Jie returned to an empty home, feeling lonely without Song Xiu. Realizing he hadn't called, she tried to reach him, but he was asleep and didn't answer. As she was about to try again, she received a call from Dr. Ye.

Xu Jie assists Dr. Ye in reviewing a medical cooperation agreement. She confirms there are no issues but suggests a supplementary agreement for post-operative disputes if he remains concerned. Dr. Ye expresses his gratitude, noting these contracts often trouble him, and hints he may need her help again, to which Xu Jie readily agrees. He then invites her to dinner at a friend’s restaurant, which prompts her to remark on his wide circle of friends.

The next morning, after her run, Xu Jie receives a call from Song Xiu. He playfully teases her for being upset that he missed her call last night, interpreting her frustration as a sign that she needs him. Xu Jie dismisses his teasing, urging him to focus on his case, but Song Xiu insists she should care more about him.

Meanwhile, Chen Ran arrives at the office with a new look—a bun hairstyle and a light-colored suit—drawing compliments from colleagues like Liu Fang. New hire Xiao He also greets Chen Ran, expressing his enthusiasm for joining Mingtang and offering his assistance. Chen Ran thanks Xu Jie for her help, acknowledging that while she can offer clear advice to others, she struggles to apply it to her own life.

She reveals she recently had a breakthrough and no longer wants past issues to hold her back. Xu Jie tells her that she should thank herself, as only one's own brave heart can resolve internal conflicts and empower them to move forward. Later, Chen Ran is shown actively managing her team, inquiring about maternity leave and work schedules, and helping a colleague secure a doctor’s appointment for their child.

She notes that Du Qian, due to his inexperience, was easily misled during the L-Station streaming platform's liquidation, and asks Xu Jie to help review the numbers. Chen Ran then receives a call from Attorney He, who asks her and Xu Jie to discuss a new case.

They learn that L Station, a female-oriented game streaming platform founded in 2010 by CEO Zhang Ying, is being sued for copyright infringement by Douma Games over elements from their game, "I Love Xiao Dao." Xu Jie explains that L Station, with its 90% female user base and high daily active users, is highly attractive to venture capitalists. However, she predicts that L Station would suffer a complete loss in court, facing 70 to 100 million in damages.

Attorney He clarifies that Douma’s true intention is to acquire L Station, using the lawsuit as a common "fatten then slaughter" tactic. He asks Xu Jie to help with L Station's financial reports, copyright liabilities, and future valuation, offering to split the profits. Chen Ran describes Attorney He as a quiet but exceptionally skilled lawyer in internet cases, capable of identifying critical issues within complex situations.

She sees potential for their team to expand into internet law, but Xu Jie reminds her of their role as assistants. Concurrently, Damao brings Jian Peiran homemade pickled cabbage dumplings and Northeastern-style cold jelly noodles. She tidies his office, confidently calling herself an "organization expert." Jian Peiran notices Damao has a cold and gives her medicine, urging her to take care of herself.

During this, Jian Peiran's mother calls, complaining that Chen Ran is too focused on work and neglects their family. Jian Peiran tries to defend Chen Ran, suggesting she is busy, but is clearly troubled by the call. Damao discreetly overhears and empathizes with him, remarking on his thoughtfulness compared to other male colleagues. She offers to be his confidante, calling herself the company's "relationship expert." Jian Peiran, not wanting to burden her, dismisses his troubles as minor family matters.

To cheer him up, Damao suggests they attend a ball game that evening. Jian Peiran, realizing he hasn't been to a game in a long time, agrees. Zhang Ying expresses her frustration to Attorney He and Xu Jie, recounting Douma’s past delaying tactics on copyright negotiations, which have now escalated to a lawsuit aimed at forcing an acquisition. She vows not to relinquish company shares.

Xu Jie advises that without a settlement, no reputable venture capitalists will invest, and that this is not the time to insist on absolute control. Both Xu Jie and Attorney He propose that instead of focusing on litigation, they should quickly find a venture capital firm to use as leverage for a settlement with Douma. Xu Jie provides Zhang Ying with a list of potential investors and urges her to negotiate sincerely. Impressed, Zhang Ying offers 0.

25% of company shares as a bonus if the matter is resolved successfully. Xu Jie believes their public pursuit of VCs creates a strong stance, signaling their readiness for court, a strategy Attorney He agrees with. He also notes Zhang Ying’s increasing shrewdness in critical situations. Later, it is reported that 198 out of 207 L Station streamers broadcasting "I Love Xiao Dao" have had their accounts suspended by Douma, citing a terms-of-service violation.

Xu Jie suggests creating a public outcry and encouraging the streamers to file collective lawsuits, but Attorney He objects. He argues that such actions would only give Douma a moral high ground while leaving L Station without streaming authorization and vulnerable to a backlash. He warns that if L Station cannot stream Douma’s popular games, both streamers and fans will leave, severely damaging the platform.

Attorney He concludes that Douma wants L Station to escalate the issue publicly so Douma can then "prove their innocence." Zhang Ying agrees, instructing her team to avoid media responses, comfort the affected streamers, and reschedule investor meetings. Meanwhile, Douma’s legal team, including Su Kejun and Kuang Yu, waits impatiently for a meeting with Mingtang. At Mingtang, Attorney He and Xu Jie present the "Matrix Alliance" proposal to representatives from other gaming companies.

The proposal outlines L Station’s commitment to matching new games with suitable promoters, ensuring streamers test games and create content, with L Station providing resources and preferential pricing. Several representatives, including one from Cool Fox, express strong interest, seeing it as a win-win scenario, and consider signing. Attorney He expresses his hope that this alliance will establish industry-standard rules. The Mingtang lawyers then meet with Douma’s legal team.

Su Kejun dismisses the immediate impact of the alliance, but Xu Jie counters that its success could trouble Douma within a month. Xu Jie then highlights L Station's strong potential, having received favorable investment offers from Huangshan, Pumi, and Sairui Capital. Su Kejun condescendingly questions Xu Jie's experience, arguing that investment terms are often non-binding and VCs are unreliable. He asserts that L Station's valuation is too high and that Douma still holds leverage.

Attorney He concludes the unproductive meeting, refusing to compromise and telling Douma's lawyers to re-evaluate their position. Amidst these negotiations, negative news articles about L Station circulate, appearing to be deliberate releases from VCs and Douma to drive down the platform's valuation. Xu Jie wants to contact the VCs to clarify, but Attorney He stops her. He believes this negative attention is advantageous and instead mobilizes Editor-in-Chief Yang and other internet journalists to launch a counter-attack.

Despite admitting only "50% confidence," Attorney He advises preparing for the worst. His unconventional strategy proves successful: international media pick up the story, exposing Douma's "manipulative tactics," which threaten the industry and prompt potential regulatory intervention. Douma's A-share stock plummets at opening. Faced with this sharp decline, Douma's lawyers call again. Attorney He agrees to a mutual shareholding arrangement. Soon after, Yangyang joyfully announces that the game livestream has been restored.

Separately, Qian Qiuqing introduces Chen Ran to Li Yueru, the chairwoman of Kuntai Life Insurance. Li Yueru offers Chen Ran a position as Legal Manager with a path to Legal Director. The offer includes an annual salary of "no less than seven figures," plus bonuses and the opportunity to purchase shares at the IPO price, as Kuntai plans to list in Hong Kong.

Li Yueru emphasizes Kuntai's focus on work-life balance with standard 9-to-5 hours, inviting Chen Ran to experience the company culture firsthand. That evening, Yangyang video calls Jian Peiran, playfully scolding him for eating out with colleagues again. Chen Ran tells Jian Peiran about the job offer from Kuntai. He acknowledges the new job might be "easier" but advises her to make her own decision, as he doesn't fully understand her legal career. He quickly ends the call to continue dinner.

Shortly after, Damao arrives, apologizing for her delay. Jian Peiran's colleagues playfully comment on his affectionate relationship with Chen Ran. Damao then steps in to help Jian Peiran fend off drinks from his enthusiastic colleagues, declaring them "comrades in the same trench" and matching them drink for drink. At a celebratory event, Attorney Kuang remarks on the successful win-win outcome, noting that Douma expands its user base and L Station secures streaming rights through cross-shareholding.

His superior, the senior opposing counsel, also praises Attorney He's team, singling out Xu Jie's talent. This prompts Attorney He to interject that Xu Jie is "already taken" and is now a good partner with Chen Ran. In a separate conversation, Yangyang expresses her anxieties about her parents being apart, citing a lawyer couple who divorced due to long-distance, and declares she will never be a lawyer.

Alone, Chen Ran looks at a fountain pen her father gave her for her 40th birthday, recalling his words that elegant handwriting earns a client's trust, as she contemplates the significant career decision before her.

Attorney He, impressed by Xu Jie's capabilities, invited her to join his team. He planned to transition to a less active role and wanted her to gradually take over his cases and clients. He offered a favorable commission split, allowing her to keep 90% of the profits from his existing cases and all profits from new ones she brought in. Xu Jie requested some time to consider the offer.

Back at the office, Chen Ran told Xu Jie that she would organize and transfer her cases to her, revealing her intention to leave Mingtang. Xu Jie was taken aback and angrily told Chen Ran not to involve her if she planned to "retreat" from the firm. With tears in her eyes, Liu Fang pleaded with Chen Ran to reconsider, revealing that Xu Jie had already turned down Attorney He's offer, implying Xu Jie's desire to continue working with her.

Chen Ran, however, stated that Team Two was constraining Xu Jie's potential. She later explained to Xu Jie that recent overwhelming family matters had led her to follow her mother's advice: to focus her limited energy on things she could control. Xu Jie responded with a hint of sarcasm, acknowledging Chen Ran's roles as a mother and wife. Meanwhile, Xiao He was visibly frustrated after the finance department rejected his expense report due to incorrectly pasted receipts.

Liu Fang patiently stepped in to teach him the correct method, advising him to "go with the flow" and noting that even Song Xiu, who was about to become a full attorney, still handled such mundane tasks. In a meeting, Director Li praised Song Xiu for successfully renegotiating a client contract to an annual renewal and for also handling an app contract on the same trip.

Later, Song Xiu attempted to sneak snacks to Xu Jie but was caught by Liu Fang. He lied about needing printer paper and gave the snacks to a passing Xiao He. Seeing Xiao He struggling with his expense report, Song Xiu offered his expertise, and the two left together, with Xiao He also seeking advice on some mediation cases. Chen Wenguang suffered a sudden illness and collapsed in the detention center.

When Chen Ran rushed to the hospital, her senior, Tian Mao, was already there and assured her that her father was out of danger. Tian Mao relayed Chen Wenguang's message: he regretted imposing his choices on Chen Ran, expressed his deep love for her, and asked for her forgiveness. Through a window, Chen Ran saw her weakened father on a respirator.

She later confided in Tian Mao that she was considering leaving Mingtang for a less demanding job to dedicate more time to her family, as she felt lost without her father's guidance. Chen Ran then met with Director Li and formally announced her decision to resign, explaining her need to prioritize her family after numerous unexpected events.

Though surprised, Director Li was understanding, especially given Chen Wenguang's situation, and Chen Ran assured him she would ensure a smooth handover of her work. At Chengtian Law Firm, Chen Ke was shocked to learn of Chen Wenguang's sudden illness and medical parole, leaving him stunned. Director Li assigned Chen Ran and Xu Jie a new case involving an environmental performance artist, Singh, who had disrupted an exhibition at the Yu Art Museum.

He noted that such cases, while not always highly profitable, boosted the firm's reputation. Chen Ran initially tried to pass the case to Xu Jie, but Director Li insisted they collaborate, advising her to delegate smaller tasks to manage her workload. Remembering her father's principle of always finishing what she started, Chen Ran agreed to take the case. They met with the museum director, who explained that Singh's actions had caused artists to withdraw and shortened the exhibition's run.

Xu Jie noted that if Singh's only goal was to gain attention, he could have chosen a more famous museum, suggesting a more specific motive. During a meeting, they discovered Singh's lawyer was Tian Mao. Xu Jie demanded Singh issue a public apology and pay 500,000 yuan in damages. Tian Mao countered by revealing that a museum sponsor, Yinyan Chemical Plant, was polluting the river in Wuli Village.

He accused the museum of "artwashing" by accepting sponsorship for an environmental exhibition, allowing the company to appear eco-conscious while continuing to pollute. Xu Jie argued that Singh's disruption and the factory's pollution were separate legal issues. Tian Mao refused to negotiate, stating he had left Mingtang to escape such "utilitarian" thinking.

Liu Fang later discovered that Tian Mao was representing Wuli Village in a pollution lawsuit against Yinyan Chemical Plant and was using the Singh case to generate public pressure for the second trial. Chen Ran decided they needed to make concessions to resolve the situation, offering to negotiate with the museum director if Singh would apologize. Xu Jie, meanwhile, committed to further investigating Singh.

Later, Song Xiu brought pizza to share with Xu Jie, but Bai Ning interrupted, asking for financial reports. To have a moment alone with Xu Jie, Song Xiu told Bai Ning he would complete the reports himself and urged her to leave first. After she left, Song Xiu asked if he had gained weight, and Xu Jie playfully confirmed he had. Xu Jie said she would be working until 10 PM, and Song Xiu offered to wait and drive her home.

Bai Ning continued working late, intently focused on her computer. Song Xiu offered to send her home, but she insisted on finishing her tasks and asked him for a ride afterward. In the car, when Bai Ning probed about his relationship status, Song Xiu mentioned that he had a girlfriend waiting for him.

When she invited him up to her apartment, he politely declined, and when she asked if his girlfriend was also a lawyer from Mingtang, he evaded the question. Meanwhile, Chen Ke lingered outside the hospital. His mother called, her voice trembling with concern, asking about Chen Wenguang. Chen Ke explained that only Chen Wenguang's lawyer could visit him at the detention center and reassured her before ending the call, citing work.

Chen Ran and Xu Jie visited Tian Mao's law firm. Xu Jie, noting Singh's social media following had surged by two million after the incident, suspected it was a publicity stunt. Tian Mao, however, focused on the fact that the Yu Art Museum was sponsored by the Yinyan Chemical Plant. Chen Ran proposed a settlement if Singh publicly apologized, but Tian Mao adamantly refused unless the museum publicly pledged to stop accepting the chemical plant's sponsorship.

Xu Jie accused Tian Mao of using Singh's case to generate publicity for the chemical plant's pollution lawsuit, warning he was sacrificing his client's interests. Tian Mao retorted, questioning whether she was speaking for herself or Chen Ran. Chen Ran clarified that while Singh's past illness was caused by the chemical plant's pollution, it didn't justify his actions against the museum, reiterating that the two cases were distinct.

Tian Mao held firm, stating he would respect his client's wishes and reject any settlement. Later, Song Xiu attempted to invite Xu Jie to dinner, but she was preoccupied and still somewhat displeased about the previous night. Office assistant Liu Fang quickly spread the rumor that Song Xiu was romantically interested in Bai Ning and had been rejected when he tried to go up to her apartment. Xu Jie dismissed the gossip as baseless.

Tian Mao then took Chen Ran to Wuli Village, where residents were suffering from diseases caused by long-term consumption of polluted water from the Yinyan Chemical Plant. The villagers pleaded for help, explaining that their long-term health issues and loss of livelihood were beyond mere compensation. This gave context to Singh's actions as a victim himself. Chen Ran, though sympathetic, maintained her professional obligation to the Yu Art Museum and reiterated that a settlement was the most advantageous solution.

She confided in Tian Mao that this case would likely be her last at Mingtang, as she intended to leave, but she wanted to see it through, honoring her father's teaching of finishing what one starts. Bai Ning assigned Song Xiu a new case involving an internet celebrity named Charles. Charles had secretly spent a night in the Yuanben Furniture showroom and posted a viral video.

Yuanben Furniture had sued him, but Charles, whose client Mingtang was representing, refused to apologize, claiming the company was exploiting his popularity. To Song Xiu's dismay, he would be working with another female colleague, Monica. He later apologized sincerely to Xu Jie for the earlier misunderstanding involving Bai Ning, successfully winning her forgiveness. In court, Chen Ran detailed the Yu Art Museum's financial losses and demanded 1.

5 million for reputational damage, 500,000 for property damage, and 100,000 for lost ticket revenue. Tian Mao countered by calling Abigail, the Executive Secretary of the Chilean Chamber of Commerce in China, as a witness. Abigail testified that she and other businesspeople initially perceived Singh's performance as a "cool," planned part of the exhibition and that it had no negative impact on the museum's reputation.

When Xu Jie questioned why Matteo Dairy's promotional materials weren't displayed as planned, Abigail explained that due to the unexpected media attention, the Chilean chambers were now reassessing and expanding their collaboration with the museum, seeing it as a new opportunity. After the court session, Chen Ran expressed frustration, admitting she had underestimated Tian Mao's strategy. Liu Fang then revealed office gossip: Mingtang was holding an open election to fill Chen Wenguang's vacant position, giving Chen Ran an opportunity.

However, she was uninterested. Li Gongming later met with Chen Ran, urging her to reconsider her resignation and offering her another month to think it over. Chen Ran confirmed her intent to leave after the current case. Meanwhile, Zhang Qinglan sought help from Chen Wenguang's ex-wife, Qian Qiuqing, hoping to see Chen Wenguang. Qian Qiuqing flatly refused and warned her to stay away from Chen Ran, revealing that her daughter was now aware of Zhang Qinglan's existence.

Later, Chen Ran and Xu Jie went out for drinks. Chen Ran voiced her suspicion that her father's secret marriage to Zhang Qinglan coming to light was a setup timed with his arrest. Xu Jie disagreed, arguing it would harm Zhang Qinglan financially. Troubled, Chen Ran suspected either a rival firm like Chengtai or even her own father might be involved. When Chen Ran asked for advice on her resignation, Xu Jie urged her not to quit, valuing their partnership.

Chen Ran and Xu Jie then met with the Director of the Yu Art Museum. He explained that the incident had unexpectedly boosted the museum's brand image and fostered new collaborations. Concluding that continuing the lawsuit was not in their best interest, they agreed to withdraw it. The parties signed a settlement agreement, and outside the court, Singh told reporters his actions were justified to raise environmental awareness.

Later, Xu Jie received a call from Dr. Ye, who had a new client for her—a private hospital seeking legal consultation. Xu Jie met with Ye Teng, a representative from the hospital chain, and proposed applying for "well-known trademark" status and developing a brand protection strategy. Ye Teng was highly impressed. After the meeting, Dr. Ye drove Xu Jie home and revealed that Ye Teng was his older sister. Xu Jie remarked on his family's extensive business interests but politely declined his invitation to come inside for a drink.

Chen Ran poured milk for her daughter, Yangyang, and discussed her intention to switch to a more relaxed job to spend more time with her. Yangyang, however, encouraged her mother to choose a job she truly enjoyed, assuring her that she would support her decision and pursue her own passions when she grew up. Shortly after, Chen Ran's senior brother, Tian Mao, arrived, visibly intoxicated.

He shared that while the chemical plant pollution case had resulted in compensation for the villagers, one child couldn't be saved, leaving him deeply saddened. He also expressed concern about the bribery case involving Chen Wenguang, their mentor, as proof of the bribe account remained elusive, creating a deadlock. Chen Ran offered words of comfort, urging him to be patient as a breakthrough would eventually come. Yangyang overheard parts of this conversation.

Meanwhile, a popular idol named Wei Xing found his flight to a commercial event mysteriously canceled, leading to public accusations of him being a "diva." Yangyang, a fan of Wei Xing, dismissed the online rumors as sensationalized. Wei Xing's team decided to sue Jinghai Airlines, demanding not only an explanation for the cancellation but also a modification to their ticketing rules to prevent unauthorized changes or refunds.

The airline, however, considered flexible ticket changes a core marketing strategy they were unwilling to abandon. Later, Chen Ran received a call from her mother, informing her that Zhang Qinglan was in Jinghai and might seek her help to visit Chen Wenguang, and warning her not to engage. At Mingtang Law Firm, Director Tang assembled Chen Ran, Xu Jie, and Attorney He to strategize the Wei Xing case.

Attorney He proposed a settlement where Jinghai Airlines would apologize and conduct a joint public relations campaign. However, Xu Jie suggested arguing for "apparent authority," asserting that since the ticket canceller possessed Wei Xing's identity and flight details, Jinghai Airlines had reason to believe they were authorized, thus protecting the airline as a good-faith third party.

Director Tang ultimately favored Xu Jie and Chen Ran's approach, believing it would be a winnable case in court and incur less financial loss than modifying the entire ticketing system. Although it carried reputational risks, it was deemed preferable to conceding on their core business model. Director Tang then assigned Chen Ran to assist on the case, a decision that surprised Bai Ning.

Bai Ning privately questioned Director Tang's decision, especially since Chen Ran had recently considered resigning but hadn't followed through. Bai Ning suspected Chen Ran was positioning herself for the upcoming senior partner election. Director Tang, however, advised Bai Ning to focus on her own cases and learn from Chen Ran's experience, particularly in e-commerce cases like the "Good Goods Arrive" matter, which Bai Ning had initially dismissed but Chen Ran handled successfully.

Director Tang emphasized that she brought Chen Ran onto the team precisely so Bai Ning could observe and learn from her up close, urging her to look at the bigger picture beyond office politics. Concurrently, Song Xiu was representing Charles, an influencer facing a civil lawsuit from Yuanben Home Furnishings. Charles had caused disruption and property damage by sneaking into their showroom to film a video overnight.

Song Xiu met with Yuanben's legal team from Chengtai Law Firm, which included his friend Wang Tao and his assistant Chen Ke. They were seeking civil compensation for the negative impact. During the meeting, Wang Tao abruptly left and delegated the discussion to his junior assistant, Chen Ke, whose dismissive attitude towards Song Xiu bruised his ego.

Xiao He complained to Song Xiu about Bai Ning's nitpicking, even over a single comma in a report, which he felt was deliberate harassment. Song Xiu, despite calling Bai Ning "not particularly pleasant," defended her as being meticulous and fundamentally of good character, attributing it to her rigorous training under Director Tang. He also revealed that Director Li Gongming had submitted his application for regularization, much to Xiao He's envy and joy.

Xu Jie, observing Attorney Jiang, a successful divorce lawyer with a happy family, wondered why Mingtang had so many talented lawyers but only three senior partners. Liu Fang gossiped that Attorney He, one of the most senior lawyers, hadn't been promoted because Chen Wenguang disapproved of internet law cases, which Attorney He specialized in, creating a rift between them. With Chen Wenguang gone, Liu Fang speculated it might be Attorney He's chance, but cautioned against speaking carelessly.

Chen Ran and Xu Jie found Liu Na, the person who canceled Wei Xing's flight. Liu Na was a café server and a former devoted fan of Wei Xing who had a falling out with his management over his participation in the commercial event. Wei Xing's fan club leader, Shouke Zhai Xingchen, confirmed Liu Na's past actions and provided chat records proving Wei Xing was unaware of the cancellation.

Chen Ran confronted Liu Na with the evidence, explaining that her actions had led to Wei Xing facing a 1. 2 million penalty. Initially defiant, Liu Na conceded after Chen Ran informed her that Jinghai Airlines would sue her if she refused to testify. Liu Na agreed to cooperate on the condition that Jinghai Airlines would not pursue charges against her, establishing her liability for the unauthorized action.

Chen Ran reported her findings to Director Tang, who agreed to convey Liu Na's condition to Jinghai Airlines' Attorney Yang. Later, Dr. Ye invited Xu Jie to what she thought was a dinner meeting to discuss legal consultation for a private hospital. However, Dr. Ye's parents were also present, turning it into an unexpected family introduction. They mentioned giving Xu Jie the hospital's legal work and inquired about her family.

Xu Jie, feeling manipulated and furious at Dr. Ye's presumptuousness, clarified that she and Dr. Ye were merely friends. After dinner, she firmly rejected Dr. Ye's apologies and attempts to justify his actions, emphasizing her discomfort and stating that she wished such misunderstandings wouldn't happen again. She then promptly asked him to settle her legal fees.

Song Xiu called Xu Jie, who was still agitated from her encounter with Dr. Ye, to ask if she would join him and Bai Ning for dinner, as Bai Ning had asked to meet his "mystery girlfriend." Xu Jie tersely replied, "We'll see."

The court convened for the case between Wei Xing and Jinghai Airlines. Chen Ran, representing Jinghai, reassured Liu Na that testifying did not mean she had broken the law and promised Jinghai Airlines would not sue her. The plaintiff's lawyer demanded 1. 6 million RMB from Jinghai Airlines for Wei Xing's missed commercial event and personal damages, also requesting a fix for system vulnerabilities.

Chen Ran argued that Wei Xing's ticket was canceled through proper procedures on Jinghai's official website, and users were responsible for protecting their information. She contended that the losses were caused by a malicious third party, not by Jinghai's breach, and thus they should not be liable or forced to modify their functioning booking system.

Liu Na, identified as "Rocket Nabi" in the fan group chat, admitted to canceling Wei Xing's ticket without his knowledge, using personal information she had obtained during his commercial events. She stated her actions were intended to help him, as she felt his agency's career planning was unreasonable. However, the plaintiff's lawyer then called Wang Sen, Jinghai Airlines' itinerary manager, who explained that users could check past and current flights using just an ID number.

The lawyer highlighted that since Wei Xing had never registered on the app, Liu Na exploited this "loophole" to register with his ID, access his flight information, and cancel his ticket. Wang Sen defended the system as designed for efficiency, not a loophole, despite acknowledging that first-time registration with an ID allowed access. The court, after deliberation, ruled that both Wei Xing and Jinghai Airlines shared responsibility.

Jinghai Airlines was ordered to compensate Wei Xing 240,000 RMB, with court fees split between the parties. Following the verdict, Zhang Qinglan approached Chen Ran, expressing her concern for Chen Wenguang and her inability to see him since his arrest. She revealed that Chen Ran's mother had refused to help her. Chen Ran, empathetic but unable to intervene legally, explained that her father's case was still under investigation and that she too was kept out of the loop.

Later, Chen Ran called Jian Peiran, who was playing cards with colleagues, to inform him that Chen Wenguang had another family in Switzerland, including a son in his twenties, a fact she discovered during her recent trip there. Overwhelmed by the news, Jian Peiran said he needed time to process everything and would discuss it further the next day, leaving Chen Ran feeling perplexed and helpless.

Meanwhile, a video of Charles and his parents arguing at the police station went viral, boosting Charles's own content. Song Xiu and Chen Ke met to discuss the civil compensation case against Charles by Ruan Benju. Chen Ke noted that Ruan Benju's newly registered short video account had gained significant traffic after reposting Charles's video, and Song Xiu pointed out they were leveraging the situation for mutual benefit in this "traffic era," hoping to reach a settlement.

After agreeing, Chen Ke asked about his sister, Chen Ran, whose firm had been besieged by Wei Xing's fans. Song Xiu confirmed she was unharmed, and Chen Ke said he would send over the settlement and letter of understanding. At a construction site, Jian Peiran seemed preoccupied. His colleague, Damao, noticed his distress and offered comfort, even applying sunscreen to his sunburned neck.

Damao wondered why Jian Peiran, with a successful career and a good life in Jinghai, chose to work there. Jian Peiran explained that at his age, he felt a need to push himself further by seeking a new environment and way of life. Damao, reflecting on her own aspirations for a "big house" in Jinghai, agreed, summarizing his feelings with the saying, "familiar places have no scenery."

Suddenly, a wooden beam fell, and Damao quickly pushed Jian Peiran to safety, injuring herself in the process. Tian Mao informed Chen Ran that the prosecution had found decisive evidence in Chen Wenguang's case and that he was scheduled to review the case files. Chen Ran inquired if Zhang Qinglan had provided the evidence, but Tian Mao didn't know who she was.

Chen Ran then revealed that Zhang Qinglan was her father's "wife" in Switzerland, suggesting this might be why her father had kept her out of the case. Tian Mao apologized for his drunken visit to Chen Ran the other day, and she reassured him, acknowledging the immense pressure they were all under. Chen Ran asked him to keep her informed about any developments from the file review, as she could not participate as a relative.

As Xu Jie walked past, Tian Mao paused, stopping himself from speaking, and sighed. Outside the law firm, Wei Xing's fans intercepted Chen Ran, shouting insults. Xu Jie and Song Xiu rushed to intervene, with Xu Jie sternly reminding the fan leader, Zhai Wenxin, that fan clubs were private organizations with no right to cause disturbances. She threatened legal action against them if they continued.

Later, Chen Ran expressed her frustration at the fans' misplaced "justice," and her guilt over Liu Na's predicament. Xu Jie cautioned Chen Ran against getting emotionally involved, reminding her that she was a lawyer and that this was a corporate dispute. She pointed out Liu Na's mistake and emphasized that Wei Xing's "proposed leniency" was not a legally binding agreement. Separately, Liu Na was being cyberbullied and faced a 290,000 RMB compensation order from Jinghai Airlines.

Xu Jie found Liu Na at a coffee shop, where a fan publicly harassed her by spilling coffee on her. Xu Jie provided a tissue and introduced herself as a lawyer from Mingtang. Liu Na, feeling betrayed, accused Chen Ran of making false promises not to sue her. Xu Jie acknowledged Liu Na's suffering but asserted that she, Liu Na, was responsible for her actions in altering Wei Xing's itinerary.

However, Xu Jie also noted that the case wasn't truly over because the company with the system vulnerability hadn't been adequately punished. Concerned that Jinghai's loophole could lead to more fan-related incidents, Xu Jie encouraged Liu Na to come to the law firm with her. At the law firm, Tang Ying reprimanded Chen Ran for her empathy towards Liu Na, reiterating that Jinghai was a crucial client whose interests were paramount. She warned Chen Ran against emotional involvement.

Chen Ran argued that a "hot-headed" Liu Na, even if she apologized and took responsibility now, might still make public statements that could damage all parties. Tang Ying then asked Xu Jie for her opinion. Xu Jie supported Chen Ran's stance, emphasizing that if Liu Na were to become more extreme and make inappropriate remarks online, Jinghai Airlines could face accusations of "bullying a young girl," deeming it an unnecessary and unprofitable risk.

Convinced, Tang Ying asked them to present a concrete plan, and Liu Na was escorted into the meeting room. Earlier, Bai Ning had discreetly asked someone to investigate why Xu Jie left her previous firm in Qing'an for Jinghai. Later, during dinner with Song Xiu, Xu Jie arrived and kissed him, surprising Bai Ning, who realized Xu Jie was Song Xiu's mysterious girlfriend.

Bai Ning probed Xu Jie about her past at Qing'an and her "charm" with men, subtly questioning her career ambitions and relationship with Song Xiu. Xu Jie deftly deflected the questions, implying that Bai Ning was gossiping and lacking independent judgment. Song Xiu, caught in the middle, tried to defuse the tension by changing the subject to the menu.

With Liu Na's financial situation making it difficult to cover Jinghai Airlines' compensation, Attorney Chen (Chen Ran) sought a compromise, arranging a meeting with all parties involved. Jinghai's lawyer expressed a desire for a happy outcome, but Wei Xing's lawyer insisted that Jinghai must compensate Wei Xing for his losses, emphasizing these were separate issues. Liu Na, apologizing for her impulsiveness, admitted she'd been punished and recognized her mistake, stating she no longer wished to bear such heavy pressure.

Xu Jie then proposed a resolution: Wei Xing, his fan club, and Liu Na would co-host an event titled "Convention Against Extreme Fandom," promoting respect for artists' privacy. Mingtang Law Firm could serve as legal witnesses. On this basis, Wei Xing would drop all claims against Jinghai Airlines, and Jinghai Airlines would drop its claims against Liu Na. Wei Xing's lawyer initially questioned who would cover the commercial event organizer's losses, refusing the proposal.

However, Xu Jie argued that the event would highlight Wei Xing's influence and fan support, curbing extreme fan behavior and rumor-mongering, thereby generating positive buzz and boosting his popularity in the long run. Liu Na added her promise to never repeat her mistakes. Wei Xing's lawyer agreed to consult with Wei Xing, leaving the final decision to him, though he still questioned if Jinghai Airlines would bear no responsibility.

The event, initiated by Wei Xing, was later held at Jinghai Sky Hotel, promoting healthy fan interactions, with artists, fan clubs, and Mingtang lawyers in attendance. Wei Xing thanked his fans, encouraging them to love their own lives and work. Back at the office, colleagues praised their "master" (referring to Xu Jie) for her brilliance. Yangyang excitedly watched videos of the event, telling her mother to share them and proudly declared that even Wei Xing listened to her mom.

Chen Ran reflected on how Yangyang, who once seemed dissatisfied with her career due to the complaints it brought, now looked at her with pride. Recalling her husband's constant requests for her to make sacrifices for her career, her child, and family issues, she had once doubted her path. But Yangyang's smile, and her mother's simple agreement to watch Yangyang when she had to travel, resolved her doubts.

She felt she had regained her confidence at the crossroads of her legal career. In court, the prosecutor detailed how Wang Landao, head of Lan Dao Trading Co., Ltd., used falsified European manufacturer receivables as collateral to secure a billion yuan in loans from various funds, including Yuankun Fund, before disappearing.

Defendant Liu Jianming, a university classmate of Wang Landao and Yuankun Fund's project manager, was accused of complicity for failing to rigorously review the borrower's materials, leading to unrecoverable overdue loans. Liu Jianming vehemently protested his innocence. Bai Ning, representing Liu Jianming, argued that despite their past connection, Liu and Wang had not been in contact for over a decade.

She stated that Wang Landao had exploited Liu's trust to recommend the project to other funds, but Liu was unaware of Wang's fraudulent intentions. Bai Ning also highlighted that Liu had followed due diligence, contacting the European manufacturer's domestic agent to verify the contract's existence, but was not informed if it remained active. She contended that Wang Landao had used the agent's indifference to ensnare Liu, concluding there was insufficient evidence for criminal conduct and requesting a not guilty verdict.

Later, Bai Ning informed Liu Jianming that Yuankun had agreed to settle for 100,000 yuan in emotional damages. She cautioned him that pursuing litigation carried a high risk of losing, which would result in far greater financial consequences. Liu Jianming, however, felt he shouldn't be responsible for others' mistakes. Xiao He pointed out Liu's own negligence, reminding him of the significant commissions and performance bonuses he received for securing such a major contract.

Liu Jianming retorted with an analogy, asking if he shouldn't blame a thief for stealing his belongings because he was "careless." Bai Ning calmly advised him not to be angry, reiterating that this was the best possible resolution. She suggested he consult other lawyers for a second opinion if he remained unconvinced and assured him she would await his decision. Liu Jianming eventually agreed.

Later, in a taxi, Bai Ning received a call from an insurance company wishing her a happy birthday and attempting to sell her a product, which she politely declined. She then wryly commented that major corporations seemed to remember her birthday better than she did, having forgotten it herself due to her relentless work schedule. Hearing this, Xiao He, surprised, instructed the driver to pull over. He tried to get her a cake, but the cake shop was already closed.

Bai Ning dismissed it, saying she hadn't celebrated her birthday in years. Undeterred, Xiao He led her to the shop window, lit a lighter in front of a cake display, and encouraged her to make a wish and blow out the "candle." Bai Ning wished for the Lan Dao case to conclude smoothly and perfectly, deeming it her greatest wish for herself at that moment. They blew out the "candle" together.

Afterward, they enjoyed ramen burgers and "tipsy" drinks from a late-night promotion, celebrating as "hardworking laborers." Xiao He asked Bai Ning if she always held herself to such high standards. Bai Ning defended her approach, explaining that her mentor taught her how critical it was for lawyers to avoid mistakes, especially given their limited caseloads, and she strived for near-perfect outcomes.

Xiao He, however, suggested that sometimes luck played a role in lawsuits and that not all clients were as demanding as Liu Jianming. He believed she shouldn't be too extreme.

Bai Ning then confessed her desire to live more easily and admitted she envied Chen Ran, who had the support of Director Chen and later Director Li, as well as He Gang and Jiang Qiong for their unique approaches, and even Song Xiu, who seemed to live effortlessly under Director Li's care. Xiao He then remarked that she must also envy him. Bai Ning clarified that she admired his free-spirited and unrestrained nature.

Xiao He playfully remarked that it didn't sound like praise, to which Bai Ning replied it was her first and possibly last time praising him. Xiao He then wished her "boundless freedom" and sang "Happy Birthday." During a game of basketball, Song Xiu decided it was time for "deeper communication" with Xu Jie. He offered for her to visit his home and then confessed his romantic history.

Xu Jie was amused by his "three relationships": a kindergarten classmate who gave him snow peas, an elementary school crush he threw stones at until she transferred, and a university "ambiguity" where his confession was preempted by her entire family moving abroad. Xu Jie was incredulous, playfully accusing him of lying, but Song Xiu insisted she was indeed his first serious girlfriend.

He then led a blindfolded Xu Jie to his small but tidy apartment, welcoming her as "my lady" and maintaining a playful mystery. Xu Jie noticed his collection of Shiba Inu figurines and asked why he didn't get a real pet. Song Xiu explained he had one as a child, and its death made him cry for a week. He then asked if Xu Jie would stay with him forever, to which she cryptically replied, "That's hard to say."

Song Xiu expressed his concern about her habit of leaving her suitcase in the living room, as if always ready to depart, hoping he could be the one to make her put it away. Xu Jie teased him for taking small matters so seriously but then asked "Butler Song" to help her put away her suitcase.

Song Xiu enthusiastically agreed, expressing his desire to look forward to the future with her, prompting Xu Jie to chuckle at his "top-notch nonsense skills." The next morning, Song Xiu's parents unexpectedly arrived at his apartment, much to his dismay, as they immediately began bickering about travel arrangements and who loved Song Xiu more. Song Xiu reluctantly introduced Xu Jie to his parents.

His parents' argument quickly shifted to the surprise of meeting Xu Jie and who would treat her to dinner. Song Xiu's mother, calling his father rude, insisted she was his mother and his affairs were important, unlike his "hands-off" father. Song Xiu's father countered by calling his mother "used to being rude," and the argument escalated over whose turn it was to treat Xu Jie to a luxurious meal. Later, Xu Jie offered Song Xiu a sympathetic ear.

He confessed his frustration, despite considering himself a "mediation master," at his inability to resolve his parents' incessant conflicts. He lamented that they had never had a peaceful meal together since his childhood. Xu Jie gently pointed out that at least their arguments still centered around him, suggesting it was preferable to indifference. Song Xiu was surprised by her understanding and confessed he had imagined a hundred ways for her to meet his parents, but never this chaotic one.

Xu Jie reassured him, stating that this impromptu meeting was fine and that she wasn't easily intimidated. She emphasized that diverse family backgrounds create the "vibrant foundations to our lives," and promised him more love and security. Song Xiu, finding her words a bit sentimental, stated he wouldn't let his parents' issues diminish his own life's vibrancy.

Noting that Song Xiu hadn't eaten much amidst the chaos, Xu Jie, to his surprise, offered to cook him instant noodles, promising to load them with sausages and crab sticks to ensure his satisfaction. Meanwhile, Zhang Qinglan was found by Chen Ke, heavily drinking and distraught. She cried, believing "they" (implying Chen Wenguang's ex-wife and her family) were preventing her from seeing Chen Wenguang and feared he had been framed or that something dire had happened to him.

Chen Ke tried to calm her, explaining that his father was under investigation and visits were restricted. Zhang Qinglan insisted Chen Wenguang was innocent and that "that woman" (Qian Qiuqing, Chen Wenguang's ex-wife) was trying to control him and cause him harm.

Chen Ke, however, confronted her with the reality that his father and Qian Qiuqing were still together, questioning why his father had kept him at a distance during his university years and never allowed him to work at Mingtang Law Firm. He sadly concluded that his father never truly loved them. Zhang Qinglan vehemently denied this, clinging to the belief that Chen Wenguang loved only them and that Qian Qiuqing was to blame.

Chen Ke gently told her they couldn't be so naive and that deceiving themselves was pointless. Worried about her worsening condition, he urged her to return to Switzerland and leave the complex matter to him. Zhang Qinglan then asked if Chen Wenguang had truly accepted bribes. Chen Ke admitted the case was complicated and still under investigation, and that they were trying to help his father secure a reduced sentence.

She then questioned why Chen Wenguang's daughter (Chen Ran) wasn't helping, seemingly indifferent to his plight. Chen Ke clarified that Chen Ran was not his father's defense lawyer and that Tian Mao was. He characterized Tian Mao's abilities as "mediocre" but noted his primary role was to relay messages to Chen Wenguang, offering to facilitate a message from Zhang Qinglan. Later, Tian Mao visited Chen Wenguang and inquired about his well-being.

He informed Chen Wenguang that the Bar Association had received a self-confession video and asked if he recognized the person in it. Chen Wenguang denied any knowledge. Tian Mao reminded him of his role as legal counsel and urged him to be truthful. Chen Wenguang, in turn, asked if Tian Mao believed he had accepted a bribe of twenty million yuan. Tian Mao responded that he needed more information, echoing Chen Wenguang's own teaching that "sometimes clients lie."

Chen Wenguang then challenged the notion of burden of proof reversal in criminal defense, firmly stating he did not know the individual in the video and had no financial dealings with him. He instructed Tian Mao to expedite the investigation into overseas accounts. Finally, Tian Mao handed Chen Wenguang a handwritten letter from Zhang Qinglan. After reading it, Chen Wenguang's only directive to Tian Mao was to tell Zhang Qinglan to "go back to Switzerland."

At an anti-fraud awareness event organized by the Lawyer Association, attended by representatives from Mingtang and Chengtai law firms, Chen Ran and Xu Jie spotted Chen Ke. Xu Jie encouraged Chen Ran to speak with him, betting she would regret it for a week if she didn't. Later, Chen Ran confronted Chen Ke, asking if they had met before and if he had sent her something.

Chen Ke admitted to sending her the Lianchuang documents, stating it was "to help my dad and also to help myself." Chen Ran warned him that "things aren't as simple as you think" and advised him "not to get too involved," adding that "Chengtai is far more complicated than you imagine." Chen Ke, however, dismissed her concerns, stating his need to "go out and learn" and that Chengtai was a "pretty good choice" for his career.

His boss, Director Huang of Chengtai, then called him and another lawyer away. Separately, Damao was hospitalized after being injured while protecting Jian Peiran at a construction site. The doctor informed Jian Peiran that Damao needed to stay overnight for observation and required a caregiver. Jian Peiran clarified he was Damao's colleague, not her partner. He brought Damao various snacks.

Damao playfully teased him, saying he owed her a huge debt if anything had happened to her and that she could repay him gradually. Jian Peiran asked if her concern was personal or professional. Damao replied, "Both." She then challenged him to "taste this orange" to determine if it was sour, and he comically exaggerated its sweetness.

Jian Peiran then reminded her to call her family for overnight care, but Damao responded that her elderly grandmother would only worry and that she had told her she was working overtime. This implied Damao hoped Jian Peiran would stay. Jian Peiran acknowledged the need to avoid worrying the elderly, then left to sign documents with the doctor.

Wang Tao and Song Xiu shared drinks, both burdened by recent events. Wang Tao felt awkward with his girlfriend after his parents made a surprise visit, causing chaos. Song Xiu, on the other hand, was frustrated by his assistant Chen Ke's high-profile behavior in front of Director Huang, which put undue pressure on him. As Song Xiu had not yet been officially promoted, he couldn't even participate in Bar Association activities.

Wang Tao, taking advantage of this, invited Song Xiu to join him at Chengtai, but Song Xiu declined while assuring him their friendship would remain unchanged. At the hospital, Jian Peiran diligently cared for Damao, who was recovering from an injury. Damao, touched by his attentiveness, offered him half her bed when she saw him dozing in a chair. They chatted comfortably, growing closer as they discussed their difficult career paths and Damao’s wish to visit Jinghai.

Jian Peiran readily promised to cover all her travel expenses, sealing the deal with a pinky promise. Just then, Chen Ran called, and Jian Peiran stepped out to answer, deceptively telling her he was still at the office and hadn't returned to his dorm, implying he was busy with work. Chen Ran, who had wanted to discuss her father's situation, hung up after hearing he was occupied. The competition for senior partner at Mingtang Law Firm officially began.

Lawyers like Attorney He boasted annual revenues exceeding fifteen million, making it a daunting challenge for Chen Ran’s second group, which currently had less than four million. Despite the pressure, Chen Ran decided to remain at Mingtang, a decision that delighted Xu Jie and Liu Fang.

Chen Ran then took on a new pro bono case involving Zhuang Wenhua, a student from the closed-campus Yixue Education institution, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the death of his classmate, Xu Qingwen. The court had sentenced Zhuang Wenhua to five years in prison and ordered him to pay 200,000 yuan in compensation. Xu Qingwen’s parents, heartbroken by their daughter's death, were suing Yixue, unwilling to accept the institution’s mere apology.

They had sent their daughter to Yixue, a highly-rated IELTS training program, hoping she could study abroad for a better future, as her domestic academic prospects were limited. Chen Ran and Xu Jie investigated Yixue Education, discovering significant management flaws. During the investigation, they revisited the scene where Zhuang Wenhua had brought Xu Qingwen to a classroom late at night under the pretense of studying, only for an accident to occur.

The IELTS crash course classroom remained unlocked until midnight, but there was only one dormitory supervisor, who was often absent from her post. This allowed male students, like Zhuang Wenhua, to easily enter the girls' dormitory. Furthermore, Xu Qingwen’s homeroom teacher failed to promptly follow up or report her absence, causing Xu Qingwen to miss crucial time for medical aid.

In court, Chen Ran and Xu Jie presented evidence of Yixue's negligence, highlighting surveillance screenshots showing Zhuang Wenhua entering the girls' dorm unhindered, and the dormitory supervisor’s frequent absence. They also demonstrated how the homeroom teacher’s inadequate response violated school policy and led to the delay in rescue. Chen Ran presented Xu Qingwen's attendance records, which showed her marked present on days she was known to be on leave, exposing the school's lax roll call enforcement. The lawyers demanded 1.

37 million yuan in compensation for the family, emphasizing that Yixue's regulations existed to evade responsibility rather than protect students. The court adjourned after their powerful arguments. Meanwhile, Tian Mao shared a new development in Chen Wenguang’s case with Chen Ran: a self-incriminating video from Li Yi, Lianchuang’s General Manager of Business Development, also known as Jason Li.

In the video, Li Yi confessed to privately bribing Chen Wenguang with 20 million yuan for personal dealings, claiming the company was not involved. However, the confession lacked any supporting account transaction details, making the evidence chain weak. Xu Jie suspected Li Yi was merely a scapegoat.

She informed Li Gongming that the 20 million transferred to Chen Wenguang’s account originated from YAF, a shell company in the Cayman Islands that had since been dissolved with its bank accounts closed, rendering the transaction records untraceable. Chen Ran felt the immense pressure of the situation.

Tian Mao also shared that her brother, Chen Ke, was now at Chengtai investigating the case, but noted that their mother, Zhang Qinglan, was unaware of these new developments and urged Chen Ran to comfort her on their father's behalf. Unexpectedly, Xu Qingwen’s parents decided to withdraw their lawsuit.

Chen Ran and Xu Jie were perplexed, knowing the family wasn't motivated by money, especially after observing the meticulously arranged collection of figurines in their home, indicating their deep love and understanding of their daughter's hobbies. Xu Jie theorized that the withdrawal must be related to Xu Qingwen. Later, in the office, Song Xiu expressed jealousy when a "handsome client" had left expensive full-body checkup cards for Xu Jie and the team. Xu Jie reassured him, downplaying the client's intentions.

Song Xiu, still feigning a "hurt heart," tried to get a kiss from Xu Jie, but Chen Ran's arrival interrupted the moment, and he quickly made an excuse to leave. Determined to understand the Xu family's decision, Chen Ran and Xu Jie went to a figurine shop, where they correctly anticipated finding Xu Qingwen's father, Xu Kailong, buying new items for his late daughter's collection.

He explained that Yixue Education had contacted them, offering a financial settlement to drop the lawsuit. While they initially refused, the relentless online rumors slandering Xu Qingwen—claiming she was a "bad girl" for being out late—forced their hand. Yixue proposed a joint statement fabricating a story that Xu Qingwen suffered from depression and was out to get medication when the accident occurred.

Xu Jie vehemently rejected this, stating that conceding to such slander would only pave the way for more "Xu Qingwens" in the future. She asserted that the decision ultimately belonged to Xu Qingwen's memory, and that if Xu Qingwen were alive, she would not want other girls to suffer similar fates. Xu Jie powerfully concluded that fairy tales offer fantastical protection, but in reality, only the law can truly safeguard one's rights.

Xu Qingwen’s parents ultimately agreed to proceed with their lawsuit against Yixue Education. Xu Jie convinced Xu Qingwen’s father not to withdraw the case, arguing that if Qingwen were still alive, she would not want other girls to endure similar experiences. Xu Qingwen’s father expressed remorse, regretting that he had shielded his daughter too much, rather than preparing her for the dangers of the outside world. He questioned why some parents failed to teach their sons to be good men.

Xu Jie emphasized that memories fade, and Yixue Education would continue to attract new students, making it crucial not to let justice be absent. The court subsequently ruled that Yixue Education had failed to implement safety regulations and neglected its duty to protect students. The institution was found at fault for Xu Qingwen’s death and ordered to compensate Bai Huilan and Xu Kailong, Xu Qingwen's parents, 770,000 yuan for death compensation and emotional damages, along with court fees.

After their victory, Xu Qingwen’s parents thanked Chen Ran and Xu Jie and expressed their wish to donate the compensation money to charity. Although Chen Ran suggested they keep the money for their retirement, the parents insisted that donating it would accumulate blessings for Xu Qingwen and encourage Yixue Education to rectify its issues to protect more children's futures. Xu Jie inquired about Chen Ran’s reunion with her younger brother, Chen Ke.

Chen Ran confirmed that she had arranged a meeting with him through Tian Mao. Xu Jie playfully remarked on Tian Mao’s skill as a "message expert," but Chen Ran defended him as her father’s most trusted apprentice who had contributed greatly to their family. Chen Ran and Chen Ke met for dinner, where they discovered a shared allergy to carrots, which sparked a slightly awkward but quick discussion about their father’s case.

Chen Ke provided Chen Ran with audit materials and financial reports from Lianchuang Group’s initial public offering. He mentioned that Lianchuang’s Business Development General Manager, Li Yi, had confessed to personally bribing their father, Chen Wenguang, claiming it was a personal matter unrelated to the company. Chen Ke also shared that he overheard Mrs. Luo telling Director Huang that she could provide evidence to disprove Chen Wenguang's claim of ignorance.

Chen Ran deduced that Mrs. Luo might have promised Li Yi something, leading him to become a scapegoat. She also noted that Tian Mao had submitted new evidence indicating Chen Wenguang’s bank account was opened in 1995 by a proxy, not by Chen Wenguang himself. Chen Ran believed that if the prosecution accepted this, the case would look more optimistic.

Chen Ke wondered who could have opened the account and why Lianchuang was aware of its existence, suggesting it might have been someone from Mingtang or someone close to them. Chen Ran clarified that their mother had no knowledge of banking until around 1999, and their father managed all family finances before that. Chen Ke apologized for implying their mother might be involved.

Meanwhile, Chen Ran noticed her mother-in-law had purchased a membership card at the Renren Ai Coffee shop, across the street from their home, because her granddaughter Yangyang enjoyed their snacks. Upon learning that the card cost 50,000 yuan, Chen Ran suspected an issue. She made an excuse, claiming a colleague had encountered a problem with a similar card, and persuaded her mother-in-law to visit the law firm to recount the purchase and usage details.

Chen Ran’s mother-in-law revealed that many women in her neighborhood had bought these cards, which offered a free daily coffee and equivalent shares in Congai Auto, promising stocks and dividends. However, the free coffee promotion had ceased the previous week, and she was told the auto company was facing problems, making her realize she might have been scammed. She explained that staff videos had convinced her that Congai Auto, a company specializing in autonomous vehicles, would be highly profitable.

Song Xiu, having just been promoted to a lawyer, took on this coffee shop membership case with Xu Jie as his assistant. Chen Ran’s mother-in-law specifically asked Song Xiu not to tell Chen Ran, as her son Peiran had warned her against getting such cards, and she did not want Chen Ran to know she had been deceived. Song Xiu assured her of lawyer-client confidentiality.

Later, Chen Ran expressed to Xu Jie that her mother-in-law had been reluctant to seek legal help, preferring to confide in an outsider rather than lose face with her daughter-in-law. In preparation for the trial, Song Xiu explained the concept of "adhesion clauses" and how the law protects consumers to the group of affected aunties.

Amused by Song Xiu's kindness and Xu Jie's charm, the aunties jokingly attempted to play matchmaker, suggesting potential partners for both lawyers, despite Song Xiu’s mention of having a girlfriend. Xu Jie offered to help Song Xiu with the case, suggesting a 50-50 split of the fees. Song Xiu, though skilled in mediation, was nervous about his first independent court appearance and proposed an 80-20 split in Xu Jie’s favor.

She agreed, and when he also asked for help with witness preparation, she jokingly demanded his remaining 20% as well. The case proceeded to trial. Song Xiu argued that the "Zhong'ai Consulting Company," listed as the contractual party, did not exist, and that Renren Ai Coffee shop staff had misled customers during card sales, requesting a refund of the card balances.

Under Xu Jie’s precise guidance, the testifying aunties, including Zheng Wenjuan (Chen Ran’s mother-in-law), provided coherent responses, making it difficult for the opposing counsel to counter. Zheng Wenjuan explained she had bought the card for the free daily coffee and because her granddaughter loved the shop's sweet milk. The defense lawyer argued that the contract clearly stated no refunds and that the agreement was with Zhong'ai Consulting, not Renren Ai Coffee.

He claimed Renren Ai was also a victim, unaware of Zhong'ai’s non-existence, and suggested Congai Auto should be responsible for any compensation. Song Xiu countered that the non-existence of Zhong'ai Consulting Company suggested an attempt to evade responsibility.

He presented evidence of a de facto contract between the consumers and Renren Ai, arguing that confusing company names (Renren Ai, Cong Ai, Zhong Ai) and ambiguous contract terms should be interpreted in the consumers’ favor, making the primary purpose of the card coffee consumption, with shares merely a gift. Since Renren Ai had ceased services, they should refund the card balances. The judge noted the confusing company names but deferred the final verdict.

The following day, the court announced its judgment: Renren Ai Coffee had drafted an unfair contract, evaded responsibility, and deceived consumers. The court ordered Renren Ai Coffee to refund Zheng Wenjuan 47,825 yuan and pay court fees. The victorious aunties were overjoyed. However, outside the courthouse, the opposing lawyer, still bitter about the loss, taunted the aunties, calling them greedy and boasting about the 8,000 yuan in fees he earned from the case.

When an agitated auntie attempted to confront him, Song Xiu intervened to protect her and accidentally pushed the opposing lawyer to the ground. The incident was captured by a car's dashcam, leading to negative media coverage accusing the "victorious lawyer from a large firm" of aggression. Xu Jie explained the situation to Li Gongming, confirming that the opposing lawyer had provoked the aunties and Song Xiu had intervened to protect them.

Li Gongming informed Song Xiu that the opposing lawyer might pursue legal action and that the Bar Association would be investigating. Despite Song Xiu accepting responsibility, Li Gongming expressed his disappointment, reminding Song Xiu that his strength lay in his composed nature, and that impulsiveness was a grave error for a lawyer, especially having just become a full-fledged attorney. To prevent further escalation of public opinion and to allow Song Xiu time to reflect, Li Gongming temporarily suspended him.

Later, Chen Ran received a thank-you call from her mother-in-law, who invited her for dinner. This small gesture indicated a newfound understanding and improvement in their relationship, bringing Chen Ran a sense of comfort. However, Chen Ran expressed concern to Xu Jie about Song Xiu's suspension. Xu Jie, while concealing her own worry, simply stated that the opposing lawyer was also at fault and hoped that Song Xiu would only face a minor reprimand.

Xu Jie gazed at Song Xiu’s neatly arranged stack of documents and client thank-you letters on his desk, feeling a pang of longing for him. At the office, Chen Ran thanked Xu Jie for helping with her mother-in-law's case; the successful retrieval of money from a problematic café membership had greatly improved their relationship. Chen Ran also expressed concern about Song Xiu's recent suspension, hoping it would be a minor disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, Song Xiu met with Wang Tao, who relayed that his attempts to persuade Zhang Chuang, the lawyer Song Xiu accidentally pushed, to drop the lawsuit had failed. Feeling distressed, Song Xiu drank heavily and headed towards Xu Jie’s apartment. He arrived to find Dr. Ye, who had moved into an adjacent apartment specifically to pursue Xu Jie. Song Xiu, in a fit of jealousy, smashed a bottle of wine Dr. Ye intended to give Xu Jie.

Xu Jie, angered by the scene, told Dr. Ye to leave. Song Xiu then confronted Xu Jie, arguing that while he respected her wish to keep their relationship private, it shouldn't be an invitation for others to intrude. Xu Jie retorted that she had done nothing wrong and found Song Xiu unreasonable. Song Xiu then voiced his frustrations, lamenting how he had worked so hard to get promoted, only to face suspension.

He questioned if he was still worthy of being her boyfriend. Xu Jie responded by kissing him, calming his anxieties. The following morning, a sobered Song Xiu came to apologize, presenting her with a "personalized legal code"—a blank law book where she could write her own rules for him. Xu Jie offered to intercede with Director Li regarding his suspension, but Song Xiu, prioritizing his pride, politely declined.

Later, Wang Tao suggested Song Xiu join Chengtai Law Firm, implying Director Huang could then arrange for Zhang Chuang to withdraw his complaint. Song Xiu firmly rejected the idea, considering it a betrayal of his mentors. Xiao He started his day by finding Bai Ning already at work. When Miao Miao reminded Xiao He about invoices, Bai Ning interrupted, reassigning the task to Miao Miao and stating that Xiao He would be working with her on a new case.

The case involved Huilai Renewable Resources Co., Ltd., a major waste plastic recycling company, whose owner, Zhou Guxi, needed their help. Zhou Guxi met them on the company's top floor, collecting their phones to prevent leaks. He revealed that Hels, Yikou, and Huilai were the three giants in plastic recycling, and the other two companies were proposing to lower recycling prices to control costs. Concerned this constituted a horizontal monopoly, a legal gray area, he sought Mingtang’s solution.

After reporting to Director Tang, Bai Ning suggested that Zhou Guxi feign agreement and then report their actions to the authorities once concrete steps were taken. Director Tang approved this strategy. Later, Miao Miao and Liu Fang gossiped about Bai Ning taking an assistant on a client visit, something she rarely did.

Bai Ning and Xiao He visited Huilai's factory, where Director Cao revealed that the company's primary profits came not from recycling but from stockpiling low-cost recyclables and reselling them when market prices increased, similar to futures trading. As they left, Bai Ning’s high heel got stuck, and Xiao He pulled her shoe free, accidentally breaking the heel.

Taking a break, Xiao He encouraged Bai Ning to not be so anxious, reminding her that she already had a direction for a solution. Noticing an old piano, Xiao He played a cheerful tune, prompting a rare smile from Bai Ning. That evening, Xiao He brought dinner and a pair of slippers for Bai Ning, who was working late. Despite initially calling them ugly, Bai Ning put them on.

She proposed a share swap as a solution to persuade the other two companies and revealed her ambition to become a senior partner. Xiao He wholeheartedly supported her and pledged his full assistance. Meanwhile, Xu Jie continued investigating Li Yi’s connection to Chen Wenguang’s case.

She discovered that Li Yi, the true controller, used Maker Law Firm to operate three shell companies in the Cayman Islands—Hao Men Holdings Limited, Top Timber Holdings, and YAF Trading Company—which had transferred 20 million RMB. However, the associated bank accounts were untraceable. Chen Ran recounted how Chen Ke had mentioned Mrs. Luo’s conversation with Director Huang, where Mrs. Luo claimed to have new evidence proving Chen Wenguang's bribery.

Following Xu Jie's advice to leverage her family connection, Chen Ke met with Tian Mao. He suggested Li Yi was likely Mrs. Luo’s scapegoat and that they should consider a plea bargain for his father to reduce the sentence if necessary. Chen Ran and Xu Jie then met with Tian Mao, who shared that he had spoken with Chen Ke. They all agreed to collaborate, with Xu Jie investigating the companies and Tian Mao engaging with local banks.

At Chengtai Law Firm, Director Huang met with Attorney Sun Zhewei, whom he invited to help with the acquisition of Mingtang Law Firm using a "scorched-earth strategy." Confident in his ability to poach Mingtang’s high-value clients, Sun Zhewei demanded a 10% equity stake in Chengtai in addition to becoming a partner. While Director Huang was impressed, Chen Ke, who was introduced to Sun Zhewei, sensed an ominous presence.

Xu Jie updated Li Gongming on the investigation into Li Yi, explaining that while they had found an overseas shell company named YAF in the Cayman Islands, the untraceable 20 million RMB could not definitively prove Chen Wenguang's innocence. Xu Jie then informed Li Gongming that Chen Ke, Chen Wenguang's son from Switzerland and an intern at Cheng Tai, had been providing crucial leads, a fact Chen Ran had been aware of for some time.

Chen Ran brought Chen Ke to Xu Jie's home to examine overseas receipts Chen Ke had discovered at Cheng Tai. Their analysis revealed a complex money trail: Li Yi transferred $3. 15 million, equivalent to 20 million RMB, in five transactions from Haomen Holdings to Top Timber Holdings, then in three more transactions to YAF Trading Company, before finally distributing it in thirteen installments to Chen Wenguang's bank account opened in 1995.

Since Top Timber and YAF were now defunct, Chen Ran theorized that Li Yi might merely be a front and suggested a personal overseas investigation was necessary to find a connection between Lianchuang and these shell companies. Xu Jie argued against this, stating that even if Li Yi was a front, the 20 million in Chen Wenguang's account remained a fact.

She cautioned Chen Ran against letting hope cloud her judgment, leading Chen Ran to accuse Xu Jie of believing their father was guilty. Xu Jie responded that, as lawyers, their commitment was solely to truth and justice. Chen Ke later encouraged them both to calm down.

He confided in Xu Jie that family involvement can hinder objective judgment and admitted that while he hoped for his father’s innocence, Chen Ran was already mentally preparing for a plea bargain to reduce the sentence. Meanwhile, Song Xiu visited Xu Jie at work, bringing handmade rice balls for lunch and expressing how much he missed her during her suspension.

Their affectionate moment in the stairwell was interrupted by curious colleagues, prompting Xu Jie to take her food and return to her office. They made plans for dinner and a movie later that evening. Bai Ning informed Tang Ying that she had assigned the Ling Longfei case to Chen Ran and Xu Jie, citing their presumed familiarity due to Chen Wenguang's prior involvement.

Tang Ying, however, saw through Bai Ning's ulterior motive, reminding her that Ling Longfei had previously suffered significant losses at the hands of Chen Wenguang and would likely be uncooperative. She warned that such a move would put Chen Ran in a no-win situation. Bai Ning then voiced her ambition to become a senior partner, but Tang Ying dismissed the idea, stating that Bai Ning's current mindset of constantly competing with Chen Ran made her unsuitable for the position.

Chen Ran and Xu Jie delved into the Ling Longfei case. They discovered that Ling Longfei, the owner of Longfei Motors, had previously run Qilin Energy, which Chen Wenguang had sued eight years prior for defrauding government subsidies, leading to the company's bankruptcy. Afterward, Ling Longfei founded Longfei Motors, producing electric vehicles using acquired patents and pirated software. Xu Jie denounced Longfei Motors as a complete scam.

The current case involved a car owner who had died while using Longfei’s autonomous driving feature, and they decided to start by investigating the victim's family. Sun Zhewei met with Wu You, expressing profound regret for his past actions and revealing he had broken off his engagement to return to Jinghai and win Xu Jie back.

He earnestly declared his desire to provide Xu Jie with a stable life and showed Wu You an engagement ring he had bought for her. Swayed by his sincerity, Wu You agreed to help, though she cautioned him about Xu Jie's stubbornness. Wu You then confronted Xu Jie, urging her to at least grant Sun Zhewei a chance to apologize and reconcile with her past.

Xu Jie reacted angrily, refusing to discuss Sun Zhewei and prohibiting any comparison between him and her current boyfriend. Later, Wu You introduced Sun Zhewei to Ye Fei. It's revealed that Ye Fei and Wu You are now a couple. Sun Zhewei offered to use his connections in Qing'an to help Ye Fei expand his family's chain hospital business, leading a grateful Ye Fei to jokingly call him "brother-in-law."

Based on the receipts, Chen Ran visited Li Gongming and requested to pursue the overseas investigation alone, without Xu Jie's direct involvement. Li Gongming agreed. Chen Ran traveled to Switzerland, but a local court's temporary injunction prevented her from accessing Li Yi's full bank records. However, she managed to obtain some company documents related to Li Yi's management role. Upon her return, Chen Ran met Tian Mao, admitting her failure to secure bank records.

She presented her new findings, arguing that since Li Yi's money transfers did not go directly to her father's account as stated in his confession, they could use this discrepancy as a point of false testimony. Tian Mao, having recently discussed the case with Chen Wenguang, felt that their "presumption of innocence" mindset might be hindering progress and suggested pivoting to a strategy focused on sentence reduction. Chen Ran, however, was resolute in her determination to prove her father’s innocence.

Chen Ran then met with Chen Ke. She maintained that the flaws in Li Yi's testimony meant the situation might not be as dire as it seemed. Chen Ke, however, asked her to consider the possibility of their father's guilt. He confessed his own complicated relationship with Chen Wenguang, feeling like an "illegitimate child" despite their legal ties, and stated that he would accept a guilty verdict more readily than Chen Ran.

He vowed that if their father were found guilty, he would use all his legal expertise to secure a reduced sentence. In a more amicable exchange, Xu Jie brought Chen Ran a coffee, acknowledging that the documents Chen Ran obtained were useful in linking Li Yi and Lianchuang to illicit activities. Chen Ran apologized for her earlier emotional outbursts. They acknowledged their differing perspectives but agreed to move forward as a united and rational team on their cases.

Finally, Chen Ran and Xu Jie met with Mrs. Liu, the widow in the Longfei Motors case. They learned that the accident report attributed her husband's death to mobile phone use, even though he was relying on the advertised autonomous driving feature. Longfei Motors had denied any system malfunction and had not contacted Mrs. Liu. She explained that she had rejected numerous offers of monetary compensation and formal apologies. Her sole demand was for Ling Longfei, the CEO of Longfei Motors, to personally kneel and offer incense before her late husband's memorial tablet.

Chen Ran hesitated regarding Ms. Liu Li's request, but Xu Jie, usually rational, believed it was an achievable demand. Xu Jie reasoned that Longfei Motors likely sought to settle the matter with compensation and a confidentiality agreement, so suggesting a closed-door incense offering might be more advantageous for their client. She pointed out that Liu Li had already approached many law firms, making her well-informed about the standard legal avenues.

Xu Jie urged Chen Ran to see the potential for their firm to make a name for itself in Jinghai by successfully resolving this complex case. Chen Ran agreed to draft a power of attorney for civil litigation, stipulating that if they couldn't meet Liu Li's core demand, no legal fees would be charged.

Later, Chen Ran expressed concern that Xu Jie had been too quick to agree to Liu Li's emotional request, fearing it would put them at a disadvantage in negotiations. Xu Jie clarified that their initial plan was indeed to propose a closed-door offering, but by demanding a public apology first, they left room for negotiation without immediately revealing their bottom line. She stressed the importance of a firm stance when dealing with the opposing counsel.

At the law firm, Chen Ran and Xu Jie met with Longfei Motors' legal representatives, including their old adversary Fang Pu and Chengtai's newly recruited lawyer, Sun Zhewei, who was introduced as being from Qing'an, like Xu Jie. Xu Jie immediately presented their primary demand: Ling Longfei, the owner of Longfei Motors, must personally kowtow and offer incense at Liu Li's home, with other compensation terms to be discussed later.

Sun Zhewei countered with an offer of one million in compensation and a confidentiality agreement, stating that Ling Longfei had already refused the kowtowing and incense offering in previous discussions with other lawyers. Xu Jie insisted, and when Sun Zhewei pushed back, she abruptly ended the meeting and left, much to Chen Ran's surprise. Xu Jie later explained to Chen Ran that her abrupt departure was a calculated negotiation strategy.

She admitted her familiarity with Sun Zhewei necessitated a strong approach to gain an advantage. After work, Sun Zhewei confronted Xu Jie, revealing that his engagement had been called off and expressing his intention to pursue her again, claiming he had moved to Jinghai for her.

Xu Jie, visibly annoyed, rejected his personal advances and reiterated her settlement terms for the Longfei case: five million in compensation and a private incense offering by Ling Longfei, with her personal guarantee of no media presence. She emphasized that his personal life was irrelevant to her. Feeling exhausted, Xu Jie fell asleep on the sofa, still looking beautiful to her boyfriend, Song Xiu. Waking up, she asked him to "recharge" her with a hug.

To lift her spirits, Song Xiu took her to the outdoor exercise equipment, encouraging her to walk while gazing at the sky. He playfully made light of his own unemployment, making her laugh and feel lighter. Xu Jie saw through his humor, realizing he was doing all this to care for her during her stressful time. Xu Jie and Chen Ran subsequently met with Ling Longfei directly, presenting him with a letter from Liu Li.

They strategically questioned the alignment of his lawyers' interests with his own, prompting him to dismiss Sun Zhewei and Fang Pu from the room. The two lawyers then pressured Ling Longfei by citing China's Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations and intelligent connected vehicle road test management regulations.

They highlighted Longfei Motors' misleading promotional materials, which advertised their Level 3 autonomous driving system as "Auto Running autonomous driving," capable of "completely freeing hands and feet," despite Level 3 systems still requiring constant driver attention. They warned that these misleading claims could lead to widespread public and legal backlash, including car recalls and numerous other lawsuits. Faced with mounting pressure, Ling Longfei agreed to personally offer incense at Liu Li's home.

However, Xu Jie unexpectedly postponed further settlement discussions until the following week, a move Chen Ran found puzzlingly irrational. Meanwhile, Bai Ning called Song Xiu, ostensibly about medical insurance reimbursement, but subtly hinted that Xu Jie and Sun Zhewei had an "unusual relationship." Song Xiu, however, did not seem concerned. Sun Zhewei later presented the finalized settlement terms to Ling Longfei.

The agreement stipulated that Liu Li would sign a confidentiality agreement, prohibiting her from disclosing any details of the case. In return, Longfei Motors would establish a ten-million-yuan trust fund with a bank, generating five percent annual interest. Half of this interest, 250,000 yuan, would be paid to Liu Li and her son, Du Xiao, annually until Du Xiao's death. The remaining profits would be reinvested into the principal. Mingtang's designated accounting firm would audit the fund yearly.

Crucially, if Liu Li or Du Xiao violated the confidentiality agreement, the trust payments would immediately cease, and the principal would revert to Longfei Motors or Ling Longfei's designated successor. Sun Zhewei presented this as a win-win, ensuring Liu Li and Du Xiao's financial security while effectively buying their "eternal silence," with the principal ultimately returning to Ling Longfei. After the case concluded, Sun Zhewei attempted to contact Xu Jie again.

Xu Jie, however, impersonated him at his hotel to mail Longfei Motors' internal inspection report to Jinghai Daily, implicating him in the leak. The news report exposed Longfei's misleading advertising of its "autonomous driving" features, sparking public debate. Chen Ran, angered by Xu Jie's secretive and seemingly irrational actions, confronted her, fearing it would jeopardize their client's settlement.

Xu Jie defended her actions, explaining that the report did not directly relate to Liu Li's specific case, making it difficult for Longfei to prove a breach of the confidentiality agreement. She asserted that Sun Zhewei would ensure the settlement remained intact. Finally, Xu Jie confessed that Sun Zhewei was her ex-boyfriend, clarifying her personal motivation. She further revealed her belief that Chengtai hired Sun Zhewei not to target her, but to undermine Mingtang.

She also emphasized that she acted out of concern for public safety, believing that not exposing the flaws in Longfei's vehicles would lead to more deaths. Elsewhere, Fang Pu visited Attorney He Gang at Mingtang. To the surprise of their colleagues, who were speculating about a major legal collaboration, Fang Pu distributed wedding invitations. The two lawyers had been meticulously negotiating their marriage agreement, including supplementary clauses about not interfering with each other's clients.

Liu Fang, a "gossip princess," and other assistants were astonished by the revelation. Song Xiu also expressed his amazement at Attorney He Gang's ability to keep his "underground romance" a secret and playfully debated with Xu Jie about what attire to wear to the wedding. At the wedding, Song Xiu intended to speak with his mentor, Li Gongming, about his suspension. However, he overheard Li Gongming discussing his case with another lawyer.

Li Gongming firmly rejected the suggestion to withdraw the disciplinary action against Song Xiu, stating that young lawyers needed to endure hardship and gain experience. Song Xiu was disheartened by his mentor's unwavering stance. The other lawyer then proposed to Li Gongming that since lawyers from their respective firms were marrying, perhaps their law firms could also consider merging for a "powerhouse alliance."

Song Xiu was having a drink at the wedding when Xu Jie joined him. Soon after, Sun Zhewei approached them to say hello, introducing himself to Song Xiu. Xu Jie, however, pulled Song Xiu away, telling him that Sun Zhewei was her ex-boyfriend and not to ask too many questions. Although Song Xiu claimed he wasn't upset since she told him so frankly, he was clearly affected by the revelation.

The wedding ceremony began, and the host welcomed He Gang and Fang Pu. He Gang delivered a heartfelt speech, confessing his past fear of marriage and his skepticism about love, which he attributed to his profession. However, meeting Fang Pu changed his perspective, teaching him that love means sharing both joy and sorrow. The couple exchanged rings amidst cheers.

Later, when Fang Pu tossed her bouquet, it unexpectedly landed near Sun Zhewei, causing a brief moment of awkwardness among the guests. Seizing the moment, Sun Zhewei introduced himself as a new member of Chengtai Law Firm. He then announced that he had come to Jinghai to win back a cherished girl he once failed to appreciate, looking directly at Xu Jie as he spoke.

He claimed the bouquet was a sign from fate and asked for everyone's blessings, much to Xu Jie's disdain. Song Xiu, feeling despondent, drank heavily. His friend, Wang Tao, remarked on his gloomy mood at the wedding. Song Xiu expressed his frustration, noting that Sun Zhewei, an outsider, had joined Chengtai as a partner, intensifying the pressure on him. Wang Tao then steered Song Xiu away, leading him to meet Director Huang of Chengtai Law Firm.

Director Huang, who was aware of Song Xiu's prior conflict with Zhang Chuang, assured him that Zhang Chuang had been ordered to withdraw the complaint from the Bar Association. He praised Song Xiu as a promising young lawyer and extended an invitation for him to consider joining Chengtai. Later, as Xu Jie chatted with Chen Ran, Sun Zhewei interrupted, demanding to speak with Xu Jie privately.

He insisted that his earlier public declaration was genuinely for her, even showing his phone to prove her number was his only contact in Jinghai. Xu Jie, however, demanded he stop and let go as he clung to her arm. When he refused and accused her of leaving him for another lawyer, even disparaging her by linking her to Li Gongming for personal gain, Xu Jie, calling him "shameless," defiantly threw a drink in his face before walking away.

She sarcastically told the onlookers she was just helping him sober up. Humiliated by Xu Jie's public rejection, Sun Zhewei approached Bai Ning after the wedding, asking for her contact information for future potential collaborations. Although Bai Ning was initially hesitant, he cleverly sidestepped her comment about Xu Jie being his only contact by saying he had "dual SIM, dual standby."

The next morning, Xu Jie arrived at Mingtang Law Firm to discover her private photos, taken years ago with a former boyfriend, had been widely distributed via the firm's email system, becoming the subject of widespread gossip. During a firm meeting, Administrative Director Bai Ning raised concerns that the leaked photos would damage Mingtang's image. However, Chen Ran promptly interjected, defending Xu Jie by emphasizing that the photos were illegally obtained and should not be spread.

Xu Jie then spoke for herself, clarifying that the pictures were old, taken with a former boyfriend years ago, and while not explicit, they were now being used against her. She apologized if her past actions caused reputational harm to the firm but asserted she had committed no wrongdoing. Chen Ran further passionately defended Xu Jie, arguing that the photos simply depicted a couple in love and that Xu Jie was the victim, not someone to be bullied.

Li Gongming, the senior partner, disclosed that he was aware of the photos before inviting Xu Jie to Mingtang. He stressed the importance of unity within the firm, especially given Chengtai's aggressive tactics, and urged everyone to handle the situation maturely. Xu Jie concluded by saying she would not let the incident affect her. Later, Chen Ran brought Xu Jie a sweet drink, trying to cheer her up.

Xu Jie admitted that she came to Jinghai to escape trouble but seemed to attract it, feeling fated to encounter troublemakers. Chen Ran praised Xu Jie's composure and impassioned speech during the meeting, recalling the strong woman she first met. Xu Jie expressed that she found direct conversations more comforting than pity and even joked about her good figure in the leaked photos. Chen Ran reassured her, promising to always be there for her.

Despite his hesitation, Song Xiu went for an interview at Chengtai Law Firm, where he impressed the recruiters. Afterwards, his friend Wang Tao, excited about Song Xiu potentially joining Chengtai, took him to meet a group of lawyer friends. The conversation quickly turned sour when one of the friends brought up the leaked photos of Xu Jie, showing them around and making vulgar comments about her and Mingtang's female lawyers.

Enraged by the disrespect, Song Xiu immediately demanded they delete the photos. When they refused, his anger boiled over, and he started a fight with the group. Back home, Xu Jie tended to Song Xiu's bruised face, asking him why he fought. He argued that lawyers, like anyone, have emotions, and it was mutual combat. She reminded him that fighting was forbidden for lawyers and asked if he wanted another Bar Association investigation.

Song Xiu confessed he was heartbroken to see her stigmatized by crude comments about her photos. Xu Jie was touched but asked him to promise not to act so impulsively in the future, despite his good intentions. That night, Chen Ran received a phone call from Jian Peiran, who asked about her father's ongoing case.

Chen Ran confessed that the investigation wasn't progressing well and she felt uneasy, even questioning if she was wrong to think her father was innocent, fearing the accusations against him might actually be true. Jian Peiran comforted her, acknowledging her heavy burden and reminding her that even if her father had made mistakes, it wouldn't change the fact that he was her father.

Chen Ran admitted she was mentally preparing for the worst but struggled with the idea of facing a "father who committed crimes." Jian Peiran reassured her, promising to face it with her and to return home in a couple of days to support her. Li Gongming summoned Chen Ran and Xu Jie to his office, first checking on the progress of Chen Ran's father's accounts.

He then revealed confidential information: the overseas sports brand Yadian, successful in the international market, intended to expand into China next year and sought Mingtang as its legal counsel. However, Yadian suspected that Feilaiyin, one of Mingtang's existing partner companies, was manufacturing counterfeit versions of their shoes. Although Chen Ran and Xu Jie expressed skepticism, citing Feilaiyin's strong OEM business, Li Gongming confirmed Yadian had evidence.

He explained that a preliminary investigation by Bai Ning, involving a local materials lab, could not definitively confirm the counterfeit materials were 100% from Feilaiyin. Therefore, Li Gongming assigned Chen Ran and Xu Jie to thoroughly investigate the matter, authorizing all their expenses using his personal reimbursement code. Chen Ran expressed strong reservations about the case, viewing it as unethical to actively prove an existing client guilty just to attract a larger potential new client.

She worried they might alienate Feilaiyin without securing Yadian. Xu Jie, however, emphasized the significant financial gain Yadian could bring—50 million annually compared to Feilaiyin's 10 million—and suggested this would boost their chances of becoming senior partners. She argued that Feilaiyin was no longer Chen Ran's personal client, and they should consider the firm's broader interests without violating professional ethics.

While acknowledging the risk of losing both clients, Xu Jie insisted their immediate goal was to uncover who was producing the counterfeit Yadian shoes, pressing Chen Ran for a definitive answer on whether she would join the investigation. Chen Ran and Xu Jie prepared for their business trip to Fumen to investigate the counterfeit shoes. As Xu Jie was leaving, Song Xiu saw her off.

They briefly encountered Sun Zhewei, who was being praised for having secured an investment for a hospital. Song Xiu then praised Xu Jie's composure in the face of Sun Zhewei. On the plane, Xu Jie explained to Chen Ran that they wouldn't operate as lawyers in Fumen; instead, she had used her connections to find a local "power broker" to facilitate their discreet investigation into the illicit shoe factories, a task that required specific techniques and local introductions.

Chen Ran recalled her childhood experiences in Fumen where outsiders were often exploited. Upon arrival at their destination, they met Mr. Yin, who had been informed of their visit by "Boss Zheng" and agreed to guide them. Xu Jie assured Chen Ran that the expenses for their contact would be covered.

Posing as potential bulk buyers, Xu Jie and Chen Ran followed Mr. Yin, a local contact, to a discreet sample shoe workshop. Xu Jie, feigning poor Chinese, had Chen Ran convey their desire to visit the actual production factory to ensure quality. After Chen Ran offered Mr. Yin an intermediary fee, he agreed to take them. They soon arrived at the factory and met President Cai, where they finally saw counterfeit Yadian shoes being produced.

To bait the real mastermind, Xu Jie placed a massive order for 100,000 pairs of sports shoes for overseas sales, giving President Cai just one day to confirm. Later, they successfully photographed President Cai meeting his superior. Back at their hotel, which was fully booked with only a standard room available, Xu Jie initially expressed her discomfort with sharing, even offering to pay for a separate single room, but eventually conceded.

Chen Ran then messaged Jian Peiran, who was packing, promising to return home as soon as her work was done. Meanwhile, Damao brought Jian Peiran a variety of local gifts, including Changbai Mountain ginseng and homemade beef tendon jerky, as well as a toy for his daughter, Yangyang. Sensing Damao's feelings for him, Jian Peiran tried to decline the gifts and offered to reimburse her, but she insisted.

Before he left, Damao hugged him goodbye and wished him a safe trip, which took Jian Peiran by surprise. Bai Ning, growing increasingly concerned, had a laboratory report confirming that materials for both genuine and counterfeit Yadian shoes originated from Fumen and were supplied by Feilaiyin's vendors. She worried that Chen Ran and Xu Jie's trip to Fumen would lead them to "snatch" the Feilaiyin case, which she and Song Xiu had secured.

Though her mentor, Tang Ying, advised her to think with a broader perspective suitable for a senior partner, Bai Ning remained anxious. She called Chairman Wan of Feilaiyin, subtly asking if Chen Ran had approached him for OEM work. His denial did little to ease her mind, and her unease persisted, prompting her to meet Song Xiu, hoping to learn the true reason for Xu Jie's trip.

She accused Xu Jie of trying to steal their case, but Song Xiu reassured her that Xu Jie would not do such a thing and suggested that Li Gongming might have assigned the case to her. Bai Ning then urged Song Xiu to mend his relationship with Li Gongming, believing a master-apprentice bond shouldn't be strained over a misunderstanding.

Song Xiu, reflecting on his professional struggles, recalled a past conversation where he sought Li Gongming's help to advance, but Li Gongming emphasized the need for designated lawyers in core cases, telling him "when the time comes, I'll help you." He also remembered Li Gongming's firm stance on accountability for mistakes, citing a temporary suspension as a necessary lesson. Furthermore, he recalled Director Huang from Chengtai offering to clear his disciplinary record and inviting him to join their firm.

Later, Song Xiu invited Li Gongming to dinner, where he again tried to apologize for his impulsiveness and asked him to intervene with the bar association to revoke his punishment. Li Gongming refused, stressing that lawyers must take responsibility for their errors, as small mistakes can accumulate into bigger ones. He saw the punishment as a valuable life lesson and a constant reminder. Song Xiu then confided that he had received an offer from Chengtai.

Li Gongming, understanding the aspirations of young lawyers, acknowledged the increasing competition in their profession. He ultimately told Song Xiu that it was his choice and he would not hinder his career development, as long as he was prepared. Xu Jie and Chen Ran continued their investigation. While Chen Ran attended a dinner with Chairman Wan, who claimed ignorance of any counterfeiting activities by Feilaiyin, Xu Jie searched the parking lot for the car they had previously photographed.

She identified the license plate "Fu C24116" and, by fabricating a story about scratching the vehicle, learned it belonged to Chen Shuo, Feilaiyin’s workshop manager. Xu Jie shared this information with Chen Ran, who corroborated that Chairman Wan seemed genuinely unaware of the counterfeiting. Xu Jie then returned to the factory to negotiate directly with President Cai, her "interpreter" (Chen Ran) conveniently absent.

President Cai, confident in his local dominance, agreed to the 100,000-pair order but demanded a 70% share of the profits. Xu Jie initially balked, citing the risk. President Cai, boasting of his long experience in Fumen and his extensive knowledge of the local shoe market, asserted that he was likely the only one capable of fulfilling such a large order.

He revealed his connections at Feilaiyin, the sole factory in Fumen that produces OEM shoes of that type, and confidently stated they used genuine imported raw materials, making their counterfeits difficult to distinguish. After some negotiation, Xu Jie secured a 65% profit split for President Cai, recording his revealing statements. Meanwhile, Song Xiu met with his friend Wang Tao, who advised him to prioritize practical benefits and career advancement.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Sun Zhewei and Zhang Chuang. Sun Zhewei, seemingly to provoke Song Xiu, recounted the wedding incident, implying Xu Jie’s reaction was merely "playing hard to get," and expressed his intent to win her back. He even referenced a circulated photo of Xu Jie, further agitating Song Xiu, who was barely restrained by Wang Tao. Later, Xu Jie showed Chen Ran the recording of President Cai's confession.

She explained that Li Gongming's strategy was to have them secure the Yadian client without directly involving Mingtang in a conflict with Feilaiyin, which was also a significant client. Xu Jie passionately argued that successfully acquiring Yadian would significantly elevate Mingtang's standing in Jinghai's legal community and improve Chen Ran's family's living situation. As Xu Jie prepared for a run, Song Xiu unexpectedly called and appeared, rushing to embrace her. He reaffirmed his deep love for her.

However, while Xu Jie was showering, Song Xiu saw a message on her phone from Sun Zhewei that read, "I miss you. This is Sun Zhewei." Visibly disturbed, Song Xiu tried to hide his feelings when Xu Jie emerged. He then asked her, his voice tinged with worry, what he should do if Li Gongming refused to allow him back into Mingtang, still not mentioning the offer from Chengtai. Xu Jie reassured him, believing that Li Gongming was merely teaching him a lesson, not truly letting him go.

Song Xiu asked Xu Jie if he should seize a better opportunity, and Xu Jie assured him that no matter what he chose to do, she would always support him. Later, back in their hotel room, Chen Ran confided in Xu Jie about her increasingly formal relationship with Jian Peiran. She lamented that since he went to the northeast, their interactions had become "increasingly polite," giving the superficial impression of understanding each other's choices, but actually signifying a growing distance.

She even expressed a preference for arguments over such politeness. Xu Jie, while affirming she was not single, received an unexpected call from Sun Zhewei, to which she responded with an exasperated "Are you crazy?" before hanging up. That night, Xu Jie messaged Song Xiu, asking if he was asleep, and he simply replied, "Mhm, good night." The next morning, Song Xiu had already checked out, messaging Xu Jie that he left early so as not to disturb her work.

When Chen Ran noticed Xu Jie's dark circles, Xu Jie attributed it to not being used to sharing a room, a comment Chen Ran lightly challenged as it wasn't her first time. Xu Jie and Chen Ran then met with Chairman Wan of Feilaiyin, presenting a video as evidence. Xu Jie explained that a renowned Chinese company like Feilaiyin being involved in counterfeit shoe production was unacceptable in contemporary society.

Chairman Wan, skeptical and questioning why they, instead of Attorney Tang or Attorney Bai, were sent, was informed by Chen Ran that Director Li had specifically assigned them due to intelligence suggesting Feilaiyin was producing counterfeit Yadian shoes, and that Yadian was already preparing legal action. Chairman Wan vehemently denied any knowledge of counterfeiting by Feilaiyin's management, stating he would question the person in the video, Chen Shuo, and "sue him if necessary."

Chen Ran strategically advised him to "consult Lawyer Bai" if he decided to sue. Furious, Chairman Wan immediately called Bai Ning, demanding an explanation. Bai Ning, promising to rush to Fumen, privately felt that Chen Ran and Xu Jie's actions were a deliberate attempt to undermine her and gain an advantage in the senior partner competition. She confided in Tang Ying, who advised her to "appease Chairman Wan's feelings" while she would "handle Director Li."

Meanwhile, Xu Jie explained to Chen Ran that their strategy was to lead Bai Ning into advising a private settlement, thereby forcing her to get Chen Shuo to confess. Chen Ran, in turn, instructed Liu Fang to discreetly monitor when Director Tang met with Director Li. Song Xiu later presented his resignation to Li Gongming, stating he had "made up his mind."

Li Gongming expressed concern, calling it "not a wise decision" and noting that Song Xiu's "previous efforts might go to waste." He assured Song Xiu that his removal from the Feilaiyin case was due to "other considerations," not poor performance, and that there was "hardly anyone who can replace" him in his team. Song Xiu thanked Li Gongming for his "kindness" and "guidance" but insisted he needed "more opportunities to improve," mentioning Chengtai as a potential next step.

As he packed his belongings, a colleague expressed sadness, but Song Xiu explained that while Mingtang was his "starting point," he felt he might "not be suited for this elite firm," and that continuous unrecognized effort could erode one's confidence. He reflected on his journey at Mingtang, from an empty-handed new graduate to leaving with "heavy boxes and so-called pursuits."

Later, Song Xiu met Director Huang, who praised his excellent work on the Feilaiyin case, acknowledging that such cases are often reassigned to senior partners, and encouraged him not to be discouraged. Director Huang also informed Song Xiu that he had ensured Zhang Chuang's complaint against him with the bar association was withdrawn.

Recognizing Song Xiu as a "promising young and exceptionally talented lawyer," Director Huang offered him a position at Chengtai, inviting him to start the following day, promising abundant case sources and opportunities for trial work beyond just out-of-court settlements. Meanwhile, Bai Ning fiercely confronted Xu Jie and Chen Ran in Fumen, accusing them of trying to "embarrass Mingtang" or "humiliate" her by investigating their client.

She implied they were using Feilaiyin as a "trophy case" to gain an advantage in the senior partner competition. Chen Ran denied any connection to that competition. Bai Ning then turned on Xu Jie, accusing her of being "shameless" in pursuing cases, especially after Bai Ning had kept Xu Jie's relationship with Song Xiu a secret.

Xu Jie retorted that she had never tried to steal cases and that Bai Ning's secrecy was "your own wishful thinking," before walking away angrily. Chen Ran reiterated to Bai Ning that she had "no interest in competing for senior partnership" and proposed they discuss and resolve any work issues. Back in their room, Chen Ran, now aware of Xu Jie and Song Xiu's relationship, inquired about Song Xiu's resignation.

Xu Jie admitted she was "not quite used to" the change, feeling that "a relationship that was under control suddenly started spiraling out of control." Chen Ran mused that relationships involve "love and conflict," with each person trying to "take the initiative" to find "a comfortable balance," and she sensed her relationship with Jian Peiran might be "reaching the point of confrontation." Xu Jie then inquired why Bai Ning was so confrontational.

Chen Ran explained that Bai Ning felt Xu Jie's arrival was "unexpected," as Bai Ning, once Tang Ying's sole female disciple, had seen the "spotlight at the firm shift" to Xu Jie, leading to Bai Ning's "pride at work" perceiving Xu Jie as an "imagined rival."

After learning from Liu Fang that Director Tang had met with Director Li, Chen Ran received a message from Li Gongming instructing her and Xu Jie to "meet Wu Hong immediately" as "Chairman Wan has already made a move" and "push for a settlement."

Meeting with Wu Hong, the Asia CEO of Yadian, they learned that Yadian valued Feilaiyin's stable quality and did not wish to replace them, but if counterfeiting was proven, Yadian's brand reputation and stock price would be severely impacted, leaving them no choice but to "sue." Meanwhile, Chairman Wan directly confronted Chen Shuo about his involvement in producing counterfeit shoes. Chen Shuo, an old employee, adamantly denied the accusations, even suggesting they "see you in court."

Bai Ning, in an attempt to handle the situation privately, had also confronted Chen Shuo, threatening him with severe legal penalties for trademark counterfeiting and embezzlement, but offering to waive civil litigation if he signed a confession. Chen Shuo refused to sign, maintaining his innocence and reiterating his willingness to go to court. Later, Chen Ran conceded to Xu Jie that their plan to get Chen Shuo to sign a confession through Bai Ning had failed, saying, "We lost."

Xu Jie disagreed, asserting, "We didn't lose," explaining that the core issue of counterfeit shoe production remained unresolved, and the true key was understanding Chen Shuo's relationship with Chairman Wan. She proposed that she would speak with Chen Shuo, while Chen Ran would contact Chairman Wan, ensuring they stayed in touch. Chen Ran approached Chairman Wan, suggesting that merely resolving the case in court wouldn't address Feilaiyin's deeper internal issues.

She reminded him that Chen Shuo was an old employee who had helped him "build the company from the ground up" and must have "deep feelings for Feilaiyin," prompting Chairman Wan to consider "why he did this." Meanwhile, Xu Jie found Chen Shuo drinking alone at a barbecue stall. She challenged his actions, asking how his family and coworkers would view him if his counterfeiting activities were exposed, calling such behavior "profit-driven" and "untrustworthy."

Chen Shuo, deeply hurt, refuted the accusation, proclaiming that he and Chairman Wan had "built Feilaiyin step by step" over "over a decade," tirelessly working for the company. He expressed his resentment that Chairman Wan now invested "tens of millions annually building that online mall" and pursuing "new technologies," while he, who oversaw the production of "over 100 million shoes annually" from his workshop, felt undervalued.

He complained that "youngsters who just type and click mice" now earned more than the long-serving factory workers, making it hard for him to accept. Xu Jie urged him to communicate his feelings directly to Chairman Wan instead of resorting to "underhanded methods." Chen Shuo, however, bitterly responded that Chairman Wan "stopped treating us as brothers long ago" and questioned where such a conversation could even take place, sarcastically mentioning Chairman Wan's luxury RV or office "surrounded by female secretaries."

Unbeknownst to Chen Shuo, Chairman Wan had been listening nearby. Stepping forward, Chairman Wan admitted, "I had no idea you had so many thoughts in your heart. It seems it's my fault. I neglected you all. I owe you an apology." He then earnestly asked Chen Shuo, "What should I do to live up to your expectations?"

After successfully addressing Chairman Wan's concerns regarding the Feilaiyin case, Xu Jie received a call from Director Li, who was pleased that the matter was largely resolved. He eagerly anticipated good news and their return. Meanwhile, Xu Jie, out for her morning run, messaged Song Xiu to check on him. He assured her he was fine and suggested they talk in person when she returned.

Upon her return, Xu Jie found Chen Ran packing, her eyes red, ready to rush back to Jinghai. Simultaneously, Qian Qiuqing received a distressing call from Tian Mao, causing her unusual alarm. Separately, Bai Ning was still working on the Feilaiyin case, noting Chairman Wan's unresponsiveness and considering leveraging their long-standing relationship. She mentioned arranging a trip to Fumen. Chen Ran hurried to the hospital where Tian Mao informed her that Chen Wenguang's condition was critical.

Chen Ke's mother, Zhang Qinglan, was already there, tearfully pleading with Chen Ran to allow them to see Chen Wenguang one last time, emphasizing Chen Ke's need to see his father, despite her own acknowledged lack of standing. Inside the ICU, Chen Ran found her father on a ventilator, barely clinging to life. She gently stroked his face, shedding tears and promising him she would be strong. She also conveyed that Chen Ke and Zhang Qinglan were waiting outside.

Chen Wenguang gave a slight nod. Chen Ran then coordinated with the police to grant them entry. Chen Ke and Zhang Qinglan entered, and Chen Ke held his father’s hand, expressing how much he missed him. Chen Wenguang looked at Chen Ran, who understood his unspoken plea to take care of her brother. She promised to do so. With a final nod and a deep breath, Chen Wenguang closed his eyes, passing away.

Qian Qiuqing arrived at the hospital too late. Sitting alone, she was overwhelmed by a profound, unexpected sadness, realizing that despite believing she had grown accustomed to being alone, her feelings were far more complex. Her past with Chen Wenguang, from their small beginnings and Chen Ran's birth to later arguments, flashed before her eyes. She lamented his sudden departure, remembering him as a proud man who never gave up.

Director Li Gongming, saddened by his old friend's death, reflected on Chen Wenguang's arrogance and the immense psychological toll of his case, which ultimately prevented him from reaching trial. Tang Ying reminisced about Mingtang's humble beginnings and Chen Wenguang's initial confidence. Director Li expressed guilt for not being able to help his friend more, feeling he hadn't met the mark as a senior partner.

Following Chen Wenguang's death, the prosecution confirmed his case as bribery, involving 20 million yuan during his tenure as legal counsel for Lianchuang Group, and participation in an illegal fundraising scheme. Chen Ke subsequently resigned from Chengtai. Chen Ran confided in a colleague, struggling to accept that everyone expected her to simply move on. She acknowledged that despite the official findings, she needed to understand what truly happened.

She admitted to lying to herself, clinging to the belief that her father was infallible and innocent, even when he was first taken into custody. However, with the accumulation of evidence, she realized that even her idolized father could make mistakes. She recalled Xu Jie telling her she was blinded by family bonds, and Chen Ran admitted it was her own cowardice that kept her from facing the truth.

She had resolved to accept the reality after her trip to the Cayman Islands, but now she would never have the chance to hear her father's side of the story. Her colleague offered unwavering support. The "Yadian matter" (related to the Feilaiyin case with Chairman Wan and Wu Hong) was successfully resolved by Chen Ran and Xu Jie, much to Director Li Gongming's satisfaction. He praised their work for achieving an outcome acceptable to both clients.

Meanwhile, Bai Ning was at home, sick and unattended. Xiao He called to check on her, then let himself in using a spare key from the fire cabinet. He brought her homemade congee, which he enhanced with probiotic nuts, and lightened the mood by telling her a joke. Song Xiu officially began his new role at Chengtai. His first assignment from Sun Zhewei was a sensitive case involving Zhen Xiaoyu, who was secretly filmed at the Shihao Hotel.

Song Xiu found the assignment frustrating, feeling it was given to him because the opposing counsel was Mingtang. He argued that having just left Mingtang, he was not the most suitable attorney, either professionally or personally. However, Sun Zhewei, citing his authority over case distribution, refused Song Xiu's objection, telling him he had no right to refuse and to "just bear with it."

At Mingtang, Liu Fang was discussing the same hotel voyeurism case, complaining that Bai Ning often assigned them thankless cases. She then discovered that Song Xiu was representing the plaintiff, Zhen Xiaoyu, for Chengtai. Liu Fang speculated that Xu Jie and Song Xiu must have a history, inadvertently sharing her gossip in the work group chat. Xu Jie and Song Xiu met for negotiations.

Song Xiu stated that Chengtai now suited him better, explaining he hadn't had the chance to share this before. Xu Jie, representing Shihao Hotel, challenged the plaintiff to prove the video was filmed at their premises and that it wasn't a consensual act by Zhen Xiaoyu. She offered a modest 20,000 yuan in "consolation payment" with a non-disclosure clause.

Song Xiu countered, demanding 5 million yuan in compensation and rejected the settlement, accusing the hotel of using such tactics to silence victims. The tense discussion ended without resolution, with both sides agreeing to take the matter to court. Later, Xu Jie visited Shihao Hotel to gather evidence. The hotel management pressured her to reach a settlement, threatening to switch law firms if she failed. Sun Zhewei then appeared, claiming the case could be a "win-win."

Xu Jie dismissed his comment, asserting that it was not his place to discuss the case with her and that her evidence gathering was standard procedure, implying he was unfamiliar with proper legal practices due to his previous, less demanding role in legal affairs.

Sun Zhewei approached Xu Jie, attempting to discuss Zhen Xiaoyu's case and suggesting a "win-win" solution. Xu Jie sharply told him he wasn't in a position to discuss the case with her and found his words offensive. Sun Zhewei then feigned sincerity, claiming he was there on behalf of Chengtai and expressing sympathy for her involvement in what he called a "thankless case." Xu Jie dismissed his comments as "nauseating."

He then directly questioned if she came to the hotel to gather evidence, which she confirmed as standard procedure, subtly criticizing his unfamiliarity with proper legal processes. While Xu Jie was momentarily distracted by a hotel administrator, Sun Zhewei took her phone and sent a message to Song Xiu, asking him to come to the hotel lobby. When Song Xiu arrived, he witnessed Sun Zhewei embracing Xu Jie from behind, claiming he was sorry and wanted another chance.

Song Xiu confronted Sun Zhewei, scoffing at his "terrible acting" and asserting his unconditional trust in Xu Jie. However, he made it clear that his belief in Xu Jie would not prevent him from punishing Sun Zhewei for his manipulative actions, leading to a physical altercation between them. Song Xiu later met with Zhen Xiaoyu, informing her that the opposing counsel offered a settlement of 20,000 yuan on the condition of confidentiality, which he immediately rejected.

Zhen Xiaoyu revealed the severe impact of the leaked private video: her internship workplace had received numerous harassing calls spreading malicious rumors, causing her supervisor to deny her a full-time position. Song Xiu reassured her that this was not her fault and promised to bring the case to a swift resolution, hoping she could start a new life. Moved by her situation, Song Xiu decided to broaden the search for victims.

He recorded a video message for social media, introducing himself as a lawyer from Chengtai Law Firm, expressing his outrage over cases that violate social ethics, and inviting anyone with similar experiences to contact him for protection. A female colleague offered to help him by promoting the video through her contacts in self-media. Noticing the bruises on Song Xiu's face, which he downplayed as a "cat scratch," she kindly applied foundation to cover them up.

This seemingly innocent act was secretly photographed by Sun Zhewei, who intended to use the image to stir up conflict between Xu Jie and Song Xiu. Initially, Xu Jie, expressing strong feelings about the case, declared her intention to go to court. Her colleague, Bai Ning, later reported this to Li Gongming, hinting at Xu Jie's impulsiveness and emphasizing Mingtang's long-standing relationship with Shihao Hotel.

Li Gongming, reviewing the case, noted that it was Chengtai that insisted on court, and advised Xu Jie to explore negotiation. During a meeting to discuss the case, Xu Jie accused Song Xiu of being impulsive and causing the situation to escalate beyond their initial plans. Song Xiu retorted that her own approach was impulsive if she truly sought a proper resolution.

He presented anonymous letters and other materials, revealing Zhen Xiaoyu was one of many victims, and argued that the hotel must be held accountable to prevent further harm. Xu Jie believed Song Xiu was unfairly prejudging Shihao Hotel. Song Xiu countered that the prevalence of similar incidents validated his assessment, asserting that public attention was crucial and victims should not hide. Xu Jie reiterated that a court battle would not benefit either Zhen Xiaoyu or the hotel.

Assuming Song Xiu was using public pressure, she asked for his demands. Song Xiu stated his primary goal was a sincere apology for his client, as the incident had severely impacted Zhen Xiaoyu's life and emotional well-being. While agreeing to convey this, Xu Jie suggested that Zhen Xiaoyu's internal "peace with oneself" was more important than an external apology. Song Xiu sharply responded that not everyone possessed Xu Jie's strength.

Later, Xu Jie confronted Song Xiu, asking if he had been avoiding her. He denied it, and she urged him to be direct. Song Xiu, frustrated, confessed that he had been struggling to control his emotions after recent incidents involving Sun Zhewei—specifically mentioning the wedding, a room key, and the photos. He admitted that as her boyfriend, he felt he couldn't openly express his grievances without appearing childish, but he desperately needed quiet time to process his negative feelings.

Xu Jie countered that his secrecy about joining Chengtai, making her the last to know, was itself childish and showed a lack of trust in her or their relationship. Song Xiu simply reiterated his need for space to digest his emotions. Song Xiu's video message garnered significant attention, leading 48 women with similar experiences at Shihao Hotel to contact him. However, none were willing to testify.

Director Huang shared his own career-defining story from 1995, where he successfully represented 104 households against a developer who cut corners. He explained that initial distrust was overcome by his persistent, unpaid, door-to-door visits and meetings, which ultimately convinced the residents of his genuine commitment, leading to their collective participation and a landmark victory. Inspired by this, Song Xiu began visiting victims individually, including Zhou Lin, who had previously contacted him.

Zhou Lin, now married, was hesitant to get involved again, fearing further damage to her privacy, but Song Xiu conveyed the urgency of holding the hotel accountable to prevent more women from being harmed, as she was the only one who left him an address. Meanwhile, Xu Jie, still feeling the emotional distance, called Song Xiu, who was busy trying to convince witnesses.

He briefly answered, stating he was "out of town" and then quickly ended the call, leaving Xu Jie feeling unresolved. Ultimately, Song Xiu's relentless efforts proved fruitful. Shihao Hotel agreed to an out-of-court settlement, offering Zhen Xiaoyu a five-million-yuan compensation. Song Xiu insisted that the hotel staff personally apologize to Zhen Xiaoyu, which they did, acknowledging their responsibility for the privacy breach and management flaws. This sincere apology finally brought a sense of relief to Zhen Xiaoyu.

She invited Song Xiu to dinner to express her gratitude, but he politely declined, explicitly mentioning that he had a girlfriend. This made Xu Jie feel a pang of guilt over her recent hot-headedness. Later that evening, Xu Jie received a video call from a heavily intoxicated Chen Ke, who was embroiled in a fight at a bar. She rushed to his location, intervened in the brawl, and subsequently bailed him out of the police station.

Officer Sun, who was familiar with Xu Jie from previous incidents, humorously questioned if she was "doing legal outreach work in bars" and advised her against further arrests, noting that Chen Ke was fortunate the other party settled for a verbal apology. He also questioned why a lawyer would resort to violence when legal channels were available. Xu Jie then contacted Chen Ran, arranging for the siblings to meet.

Over tea, Chen Ran offered comfort to her younger brother, Chen Ke, who expressed his deep regret at never getting to ask their late father, Chen Wenguang, why he had caused such chaos in their family and if he ever truly considered them family. Chen Ke reflected on his impulsive nature and how he had often defied his father, from refusing to stay in Switzerland to intentionally not attending his father's preferred university.

He admitted that his decision to join Chengtai was partly to spite his father and partly to investigate his father's case. Chen Ran empathized, sharing her own past resentments but also acknowledging her lack of "capital to be impulsive" and her subsequent return to a normal life. She pondered if they had ever truly tried to understand their father, rather than just complaining about him.

Recognizing the shared grief and unanswered questions, Chen Ran invited Chen Ke to help her organize Chen Wenguang's memorial service, which she believed would be their last opportunity to truly understand their father. Chen Ke gratefully accepted. At Chen Wenguang's memorial service, Jian Peiran and Chen Ran oversaw the final preparations.

Although Jian Peiran had initially suggested that Chen Ran consider her mother's feelings regarding Chen Ke and Zhang Qinglan's attendance, Chen Ran ultimately decided to invite Chen Ke, feeling a responsibility to care for him as she had promised her father. She expressed her grief, feeling like she only now fully comprehended her father's passing, and hoped her mother would also find a way to reconcile with past events, believing it was her father's wish.

Meanwhile, Sun Zhewei proposed that Song Xiu assist him on the Lianchuang Group case, but Song Xiu declined, citing other caseloads and his lack of expertise in finance. Director Huang, having observed the tension, later spoke with Song Xiu privately. He acknowledged the rumors of personal conflict between Song Xiu and Sun Zhewei, cautioning Song Xiu that Chengtai was in a critical phase and emotions shouldn't interfere with their work.

He also reminded Song Xiu of professional conduct, emphasizing the competitive relationship with Mingtang and the need to prevent any internal Chengtai information from reaching his former colleagues. Director Huang then confirmed his attendance at Chen Wenguang's memorial, reflecting on his deep personal memories of working with "Old Chen" during Mingtang's early days, working together from nothing. At the memorial, Chen Ke quietly arranged a wreath, standing alone amidst the somber atmosphere.

Director Huang and Song Xiu arrived, and Director Huang approached Li Gongming, offering his condolences. He nostalgically recalled their past days as co-founders of Mingtang, working together from nothing, and remarked that while death might resolve old grievances, the living must move forward. He pointed out that with Chen Wenguang's death, Mingtang had lost a crucial leader, increasing Li Gongming's burden. Li Gongming acknowledged the constant pressure of their industry.

The underlying rivalry surfaced when Li Gongming subtly inquired about Chengtai's business expansion. When Director Huang questioned his interest, Li Gongming stated his broad interest in all law firms in Jinghai.

At Chen Wenguang's funeral, Director Huang and Li Gongming from competing law firms engaged in a subtle business discussion. Qian Qiuqing, Chen Wenguang's ex-wife, stood by his portrait, expressing profound regret for not having seen him one last time. Chen Ran tried to console her mother, suggesting Chen Wenguang likely shared that regret.

Qian Qiuqing was visibly upset to see Chen Ke, Chen Wenguang's son from another relationship, assisting at the funeral, claiming she had instructed Zhang Qinglan, Chen Ke's mother, not to bring him. Chen Ran defended Chen Ke, explaining he only wished to bid his father farewell and that he too was Chen Wenguang's son. Qian Qiuqing felt her dignity was compromised, seeing herself as the outsider in their eyes and unable to achieve Chen Ran's level of magnanimity.

Meanwhile, Yangyang, Chen Ran's child, recognized Chen Ke as her uncle, openly stating that her grandmother had informed her of Chen Wenguang's other family but that she held no ill will toward him, believing her own mother had more reason for resentment. Qian Qiuqing later briefly spoke to Chen Ke, asking when he arrived in Jinghai and if his mother was coming. He confirmed Zhang Qinglan would not be there, prompting Qian Qiuqing to lament the "mess."

Outside, Song Xiu approached Xu Jie, noting Chen Ran's distressed appearance and reflecting on life's sudden turns. He mentioned having done a lot of thinking and suggested they talk. Their conversation was cut short when Xu Jie noticed Zhang Qinglan entering the venue. Despite Qian Qiuqing's prior objection, Zhang Qinglan entered, asserting it was her final opportunity to see Chen Wenguang.

As Chen Ke tried to usher her away, Zhang Qinglan bolstered him, stating they had every right to be there, as he and Chen Ran were both Chen Wenguang's children. Zhang Qinglan then publicly announced her intention to take Chen Wenguang's ashes back to Switzerland, astonishing everyone present. The dramatic events at the funeral quickly became a topic of intense gossip at Mingtang Law Firm, covering Chen Wenguang's hidden family, overseas son, and the contentious dispute over his ashes.

Xu Jie promptly silenced her assistants. While her colleague expressed concern for Chen Ran, Xu Jie affirmed Chen Ran's capability to handle the situation. Chen Ran later confronted Qian Qiuqing, who was furious, accusing Zhang Qinglan of stripping away Chen Wenguang’s last vestiges of dignity in public. Qian Qiuqing insisted Chen Wenguang's ashes must remain in Jinghai, for Chen Ran’s sake.

She shared that while she had considered letting go previously, Zhang Qinglan's public scene had hardened her resolve to fight for an outcome for Chen Ran. Chen Ran felt they had all prioritized their own feelings, neglecting to consider her father's true wishes. When Chen Ran spoke with Chen Ke, he expressed gratitude for being allowed at the funeral but firmly asserted his and his mother’s right to be there, refusing to compromise on his father's final resting place.

He declared that if no agreement was reached, he would take the matter to court. Attorney Jiang later visited Chen Ran to discuss Zhang Qinglan's case. Chen Ran admitted her emotional struggle to accept Zhang Qinglan, but acknowledged the complexity of the situation from her father’s perspective. Attorney Jiang then informed Chen Ran about Chen Wenguang’s will, drafted in Switzerland, which explicitly stated his wish to be buried with Zhang Qinglan.

This revelation led Chen Ran to agree to discuss an out-of-court settlement with her mother. However, Qian Qiuqing was enraged upon learning that Zhang Qinglan's legal counsel had approached Chen Ran about the will. She warned Chen Ran against involvement, dismissing the will as merely Chen Wenguang indulging his own desires. Qian Qiuqing reiterated her refusal to compromise, stating she would pursue legal action regardless.

Chen Ran urged her mother not to remain trapped by decades of resentment and revealed she had arranged a meeting with Zhang Qinglan. Earlier, Zhang Qinglan had sought Xu Jie's representation, clarifying she only desired the ashes for a joint burial with Chen Wenguang, not any inheritance. Xu Jie and Attorney Jiang advised her that the will required notarization to be legally recognized and suggested pursuing reconciliation with Qian Qiuqing first.

Xu Jie also met with Chen Ke, who expressed deep remorse for not having realized the severity of his father's illness and not spending enough time with him, feeling trapped by the conflict over the burial. Xu Jie spoke candidly, telling Chen Ke that while respecting the deceased, Chen Wenguang was ultimately at fault for his selfishness and the pain he caused.

She reminded Chen Ke that the will lacked legal validity without notarization and urged him, as a lawyer, to make his own choices rather than being bound by past grievances. At the arranged meeting between Qian Qiuqing and Zhang Qinglan, Zhang Qinglan reiterated her belief in her love for Chen Wenguang and her willingness to endure personal grievances, but emphasized that she didn't want her son, Chen Ke, to suffer.

During the meeting, Zhang Qinglan also presented Qian Qiuqing with a ring Chen Wenguang had always worn but forgotten in Switzerland, stating she had kept it for him and was now returning it to its rightful owner. Hearing Zhang Qinglan speak of her son, Qian Qiuqing, as a mother, acknowledged their shared shortcomings towards their children and noted that Chen Wenguang had never truly chosen between his two families, always prioritizing himself.

She then made a surprising concession, stating that she would consider compromising on the matter of his ashes. With this new development, Xu Jie presented the drafted settlement agreement, expressing hope for a fresh start for both families. However, just as the agreement was about to be signed, Xu Jie received an urgent phone call, informing her that Qian Qiuqing had taken Chen Wenguang's ashes to the seaside.

Chen Ran, Chen Ke, Xu Jie, and Zhang Qinglan rushed to the beach. Despite their desperate pleas, Qian Qiuqing declared that while she had agreed to reconcile, the "method" of reconciliation would be hers. She proclaimed that Chen Wenguang had been nothing but "empty promises" to both women and belonged to neither of them. Zhang Qinglan desperately begged for the ashes, accusing Qian Qiuqing of monopolizing him even in death.

Qian Qiuqing, however, dismissed her, stating that Zhang Qinglan was still young with an unknown future. She explained that she had brought them all there for the children to bid their father farewell respectfully. Qian Qiuqing then reflected on life, asserting that happiness is paramount for a woman, and that she had spent her life learning to make peace with her misfortunes.

With that, she addressed Chen Wenguang, saying they had all come to see him off, and then scattered his ashes into the vast ocean, symbolizing a release for everyone. She also cast her own wedding ring into the sea, completely severing her ties. Witnessing this, Chen Ran later told Chen Ke that while she didn't anticipate her mother's method, she understood that Qian Qiuqing, having endured years of suffering, was not wrong.

She shared that her mother genuinely loved their father, finding solace in old photos and videos. Chen Ran reflected on their father’s complex life, noting his eventual regrets in both love and career, and expressed her belief that he wouldn't want them to be entangled in further resentment. She reaffirmed her promise to their father to take care of Chen Ke, hoping for the opportunity to do so.

As Zhang Qinglan prepared to depart, Chen Ran presented her with a necklace pendant, explaining that Qian Qiuqing had prepared it and that it contained some of Chen Wenguang's ashes. Zhang Qinglan was grateful for this precious gift. Qian Qiuqing, present at the farewell, then asked Chen Ran to look after Chen Ke, as he intended to stay in Jinghai for a while longer and they had no other relatives there.

Zhang Qinglan affectionately advised Chen Ke to be safe and to keep his mother updated, and told Chen Ran not to grieve alone. After Zhang Qinglan left for Switzerland, Chen Ke, having decided to remain in China for the increasing opportunities, was encouraged by Chen Ran. She offered to recommend him to Mingtang Law Firm, which was currently in need of staff, and Chen Ke readily accepted this new beginning.

Following his father Chen Wenguang's death, Chen Ke had decided to stay in China for his career. Chen Ran, his half-sister, suggested he join Mingtang Law Firm, noting there were more opportunities domestically and expressing her desire for them to work together, which she believed their father would have wanted. Chen Ke, initially surprised by her offer, agreed.

Meanwhile, Song Xiu’s friend, Wang Tao, informed him about Chen Wenguang’s past, which Song Xiu had never heard of during his time at Mingtang. Wang Tao then pressed Song Xiu for information about Mingtang’s internal affairs, but Song Xiu quickly shut him down, asserting he would never be disloyal to his former firm, especially as many of his current cases at Chengtai Law Firm involved opposing Mingtang.

Wang Tao teased Song Xiu about his status at Chengtai, remarking on the unclear nature of his case analyses, even as Song Xiu was about to become a team leader. Sun Zhewei met with Bai Ning, flattering her and subtly revealing Chengtai's intention to acquire Mingtang. Bai Ning was taken aback, realizing Director Li had not informed them. Sun Zhewei then explicitly stated that he came to Chengtai to complete this acquisition and saw Bai Ning as a potential "teammate."

He suggested that if the merger went through, it would benefit her, as "the victors write the rules." He encouraged her to gather support within Mingtang, which Bai Ning understood as a request to form factions for the acquisition. Although Bai Ning found Sun Zhewei’s playboy demeanor distasteful, she still clinked glasses with him. Chen Ran, seeking a distraction, accompanied Jian Peiran to the Northeast.

Instead of a colleague named Old Li, Jian Peiran’s enthusiastic colleague, Big Cat, met them at the airport, claiming Old Li had a family emergency. Big Cat's overly familiar and intimate behavior towards Jian Peiran immediately caught Chen Ran's attention.

At dinner, Big Cat ordered their "usual set menu" and recounted an incident where Jian Peiran almost had an accident at a construction site but she saved him, adding that Jian Peiran then acted as her "free caretaker" in the hospital. Chen Ran was dismayed that Jian Peiran had not informed her of such a serious incident, to which he replied that he didn't want to distract her while she was grieving her father.

Big Cat continued to reveal more details about Jian Peiran's life, asking Chen Ran if she enjoyed the Northeastern specialties Jian Peiran had brought home previously and if their son Yangyang liked the watch Big Cat had given him, which Chen Ran perceived as an attempt to bribe her. Later, Chen Ran suggested treating Jian Peiran’s colleagues to dinner, despite his attempts to dissuade her, hoping to observe Big Cat more closely.

At a Chengtai social gathering, Director Huang, despite Song Xiu’s reluctance, called him out to perform a dance for everyone, making him feel awkward. Afterwards, Song Xiu, feeling nauseous from the alcohol, excused himself. Unbeknownst to him, his colleague Sun Zhewei had sent an intimate photo to Xu Jie's best friend, Wu You, showing another female colleague cupping Song Xiu’s face.

Concerned that Xu Jie was being cheated on but wanting to avoid direct involvement, Wu You discreetly left a printed copy of the photo at Xu Jie's doorstep. Although initially doubtful, Xu Jie, who had been hoping to reconcile with Song Xiu, decided to wait for him outside his apartment. Meanwhile, Song Xiu returned to the party to challenge Sun Zhewei to a drinking game of "depth charges" after being singled out earlier.

They drank heavily, and as Song Xiu stumbled out, his phone, displaying a call from Xu Jie, was intentionally broken by Sun Zhewei. Thinking Song Xiu had hung up on her, Xu Jie texted him, demanding he return home within half an hour. That night, Song Xiu, unaware that Xu Jie was waiting outside his door, made his way to her apartment, where he waited outside all night.

Wu You, Xu Jie's neighbor, observed Song Xiu's lovesick vigil and, with her partner, discussed their decision to inform Xu Jie, assuring each other that Song Xiu would not trace the photo back to them. The next morning, Xu Jie, unable to tolerate what she perceived as Song Xiu's deception, arrived at Chengtai. She saw a female colleague offering Song Xiu bubble tea and pretending to be weak.

Xu Jie then pulled Song Xiu aside, confronting him with the photo and pressing him against a wall. She questioned the colleague's intentions and demanded to know why Song Xiu let a female colleague apply foundation to his injury. Song Xiu frantically explained it was a misunderstanding and that someone was framing him, insisting there was nothing between them. Xu Jie retorted with the proverb, "Where there's smoke, there's fire," accusing him of becoming reckless.

Just then, Director Huang called for Song Xiu, who left, urging Xu Jie not to be angry. Director Huang then spoke to Song Xiu about the potential Mingtang acquisition, advising him on the sensitive nature of the period and reminding him to keep his work and personal life separate, despite reminiscing about his own wild youth.

Back at Mingtang, Li Gongming convened a meeting with senior partners Tang Ying, Attorney Jiang, and Attorney He to discuss Chengtai's acquisition offer and the selection of new senior partners. Li Gongming presented financial reports indicating a decline in Mingtang's case sources and revenue, acknowledging that Chengtai’s interest stemmed from their current situation. Attorney He expressed no interest in becoming a senior partner, stating he wished to focus on enjoying life rather than dedicating all his energy to work.

Attorney Jiang, however, was eager to compete for the position but argued that evaluating candidates based on less than a year’s performance, deviating from previous rules, would be unfair and might invite criticism. She stressed the importance of a selection method that would be recognized and approved by all colleagues, including younger lawyers like Bai Ning and Chen Ran, whom the new senior partners would lead.

Tang Ying assured her that she and Li Gongming would devise a fair selection mechanism. Later, Bai Ning took on an emotional fraud case involving a man named Xie Jing, but found it difficult to file as there was no clear evidence of financial fraud or physical harm. Determined to expose Xie Jing, Bai Ning decided to seek Xu Jie's help, offering a 50/50 split of the legal fees.

Bai Ning praised Xu Jie's strong track record in "punishing scumbags" and her straightforward personality, also noting that with Chen Ran busy with family matters, Xu Jie should not remain idle. Xu Jie readily agreed, emphasizing the need to dismantle the emotional deception organization, as their methods were learned and numerous women could become victims. She urged them to make it clear that emotional deception is an illegal act.

Bai Ning's colleague, Xiao He, questioned Bai Ning's true motives, suggesting she was recruiting Xu Jie to gain a competitive edge for her own senior partner candidacy. Xu Jie and Bai Ning discussed their strategy for the case, agreeing to start by investigating Xie Jing's social media. Xu Jie explained that while this might only initially secure Wenya's case, the "herd mentality effect" meant that many victims were waiting for a "winner" or someone to speak up.

If Wenya could be that trailblazer, more victims would come forward. Bai Ning then revealed that Wenya was her middle school classmate and former best friend, whose mother reported she was in a very fragile state. Bai Ning worried that media attention would be too much for Wenya to handle.

To protect Wenya while still pursuing justice, Bai Ning suggested they "set a trap" for Xie Jing, using an elegant and beautiful woman through social media to lure him into striking again. Bai Ning visited Wenya at her home. Wenya's mother expressed deep concern about her daughter's condition, describing how Wenya refused to leave her room, eat, or communicate, and cried constantly. Bai Ning tried to comfort Wenya, reminiscing about their happy school days when Wenya was the "campus belle."

However, Wenya, in a distraught state, began to recount phrases seemingly uttered by Xie Jing, revealing his emotional manipulation. She tearfully repeated, "He doesn't love me anymore. Why doesn't he love me?" and questioned what she had done wrong, begging Bai Ning for answers. Bai Ning assured her that it was not her fault, but that Xie Jing was simply "not worthy." Wenya continued to struggle with these words, unable to grasp the idea that she was not to blame.

Xu Jie, posing as a potential romantic interest, met Xie Jing at a restaurant. Xie Jing, clearly pleased with Xu Jie's appearance, initially believed they were kindred spirits. Xu Jie, however, quickly revealed her identity as a lawyer, turning the conversation to Wen Ya's case. She accused Xie Jing of illegally treating Wen Ya at a hotel on March 7th and administering medication without a medical license.

Xu Jie backed her accusation with evidence, stating she had confirmed his lack of a national medical license and obtained records from his local neighborhood office. When Xie Jing threatened to call the police, Xu Jie countered by offering him a chance: provide information about the leader and structure of his emotional fraud organization, and she might consider letting him off.

Back at the office, Bai Ning expressed her sadness to Xiao He over Wen Ya's current state, remembering her as a beautiful and academically outstanding "perfect girl" who many boys pursued. Xiao He commented that these perpetrators specifically prey on pure-hearted women unaware of worldly dangers. Bai Ning then told Xiao He that to defeat the enemy, they needed to understand their crimes better. She announced she was sending him on a mission, giving him medicine for the changing weather.

Xiao He initially resisted, feeling insulted that he looked like the type for such a mission and worrying about psychological distortion. However, Bai Ning reassured him that he was the least likely person to be brainwashed and might even reform the scammers. Xu Jie met up with her friend, who had also brought along her partner.

Her friend criticized Xu Jie for being hung up on Song Xiu after letting go of her six-year relationship with Sun Zhewei, even claiming Sun Zhewei had changed. When Song Xiu called, Xu Jie's friend immediately hung up, telling Xu Jie to let him "stew in the cold palace" longer, stating such actions were unforgivable and would happen again. Xu Jie seemed unaware of what her friend was implying, asking "What kind of thing?" .

Later, Song Xiu, unable to reach Xu Jie, found his calls going to voicemail. Driving alone, he wistfully recalled happier times when Xu Jie sat in his passenger seat. He remembered their playful banter about his driving and a deep conversation about finding one's other half, highlighting their once harmonious connection. Xiao He, wearing glasses as part of his disguise, gained entry to an "emotional deception" lecture by presenting an invitation.

The instructor taught techniques like maintaining an "optimal distance" to "gain their attention" and "conquer women" by concentrating "energy and resources in a short period," emphasizing "never thinking about responsibility." When questioned about his presence, Xiao He cleverly named a fictional contact, "Mike, the star rider of Moni Club," which was recognized by the staff, allowing him to exchange WeChat details with two other students.

Later at a mall, Xiao He observed one of these students successfully approach a girl and obtain her WeChat by applying the taught techniques. When Xiao He questioned if he had ever genuinely liked a girl, the student scoffed, claiming that "genuine liking" was a myth and that all women were only interested in "mansions, luxury cars, and high-status personas" displayed on social media, concluding that both deceivers and deceived were "despicable."

Xiao He was visibly disgusted by this cynical view of relationships. Bai Ning reviewed Xiao He's undercover recordings, expressing shock at how people turned love into a "bargaining chip" with "dirty tactics." She admitted she now understood why Wen Ya fell victim, acknowledging that sophisticated, organized training makes it "hard to escape their clutches."

Xiao He, however, told Bai Ning that she was an exception, explaining that she was immune because she lacked time and her "gate to accepting love" was "closed." Liu Fang arrived to collect evidence for Xu Jie, and after a brief, playful exchange with Xiao He, asked Bai Ning for an update on Xu Jie and Song Xiu. Bai Ning confessed she couldn't tell their relationship status as Xu Jie was "strong-willed and expressionless."

Chen Ran visited Jian Peiran's dorm, initially expecting a mess but found it surprisingly tidy with clothes neatly folded, immediately suspecting "someone else did it," especially noticing "pink items." She pressed him about his return to Jinghai, clearly upset when he indicated it would be a while.

Later, Chen Ran confided in Xu Jie via phone about her discovery, to which Xu Jie advised her to directly confront Jian Peiran, stating that "some things need to be brought into the open to resolve the issues." That evening, Chen Ran and Jian Peiran hosted Damao for dinner, supposedly to thank her for saving Jian Peiran's life. Chen Ran presented Damao with an expensive gift.

During the meal, Chen Ran subtly advised Damao not to "take the wrong path" in her promising career. She then pointedly told Jian Peiran that his room had "too much pink stuff" that "looks awkward," suggesting they buy new, different-colored items, causing Damao's expression to visibly change. As Chen Ran prepared to leave, Jian Peiran asked her to stay longer, but she cited work and their child, Yangyang. Chen Ran then expressed her dislike for Damao to Jian Peiran.

He dismissed Damao as "just a young girl" and swore to Chen Ran, in a joking manner, that she could sentence him to "life imprisonment" if he ever betrayed her with Damao. Bai Ning visited Wen Ya and her mother. Wen Ya's mother expressed gratitude for Bai Ning's frequent visits, noting that Wen Ya's condition had significantly improved, and she was starting to engage with people again.

Bai Ning then informed Wen Ya that her team had decided to "file a lawsuit against Xie Jing and his organization" and presented a document for Wen Ya to sign, which she did. During a walk, Bai Ning reminisced about their school days, including a sexist dean whose remarks inspired Bai Ning to pursue law.

Wen Ya, however, confided in Bai Ning, revealing she believed Xie Jing would marry her and never hurt her, and that after their breakup, she "tried cutting her wrists, taking pills" as she didn't know "why I should keep living." Bai Ning reassured Wen Ya that it wasn't her fault, urging her to view it as a bad dream and focus on loving herself and her family.

Despite this, Wen Ya still expressed that she "really didn't want him to go to jail," to which Bai Ning firmly stated that only those who truly loved her were worth grieving for, and that Wen Ya should leave the legal matters to her and the law. Bai Ning visited Xu Jie, informing her that Wen Ya's condition had significantly improved, and although the class action lawsuit would be protracted, getting the victims to file was already a victory.

Bai Ning then apologized to Xu Jie for the previous photo incident, admitting her fault and that Xu Jie's presence had created "different pressures" that ultimately spurred her own growth. Xu Jie, however, downplayed it, saying she had "long forgotten about it." The conversation took a turn when Xu Jie praised Bai Ning, then mused that if Chen Ran had Bai Ning's drive, she would be more successful.

Bai Ning retorted by implying Chen Ran's success was due to her connections. Xu Jie strongly defended Chen Ran, stating that Bai Ning "really didn't understand Chen Ran" and wouldn't want her life. Bai Ning then shifted her tone, expressing admiration for Chen Ran having Xu Jie as a partner and hoping for more collaborations to "share client resources."

Xu Jie saw through this, directly asking if Bai Ning's intentions were "about making partner," to which Bai Ning simply asked, "Is that not allowed?" The two parted ways unhappily. Mingtang Law Firm was in a flurry preparing for its 30th-anniversary celebration, made more chaotic by a recent resignation. Chen Ran arrived with Chen Ke, who was starting his internship.

Li Gongming welcomed Chen Ke, emphasizing that Mingtang was Chen Wenguang's legacy and that Chen Ke would need to establish himself independently. He assigned Chen Ke to Chen Ran's second team, a placement Chen Ke happily accepted. Li Gongming noted that Chen Ke and Chen Ran working together symbolized a "continuation of Old Chen's legacy." Meanwhile, Huang Yaoqing, the director of Chengtai, arrived with flowers to congratulate Mingtang, but his true intention was to discuss a potential merger.

He first encountered Chen Ke, apologizing for any past "neglect" when Chen Ke worked at Chengtai, claiming ignorance of his connection to "Old Chen," and encouraging him not to disappoint his father's life's work. Huang Yaoqing then met with Li Gongming and Tang Ying, proposing that their two long-time competing firms in Jinghai should merge to achieve "better future development," "brand recognition," and "market dominance," offering to retain Li Gongming and Tang Ying as founders and senior partners.

He highlighted Mingtang's "longest history" as a valuable asset that Chengtai lacked, and stated his willingness to "spend money" to achieve the merger. Li Gongming remained noncommittal, simply advising Huang Yaoqing to "consider it." Tang Ying, observing the interaction, was visibly confused by Li Gongming's stance.

Later, Tang Ying remarked to Chen Ran that if her mother knew Chen Ke had joined Mingtang, she would be thrilled, playfully teasing Chen Ran about her principled stance despite her mother's efforts to secure family assets. Suddenly, both Xu Jie and Chen Ran received urgent phone calls, indicating separate incidents had occurred at Shihao Hotel and Victory Group, respectively.

A sudden turn of events saw Victory Group seeking to terminate their contract, while Shihao Hotel publicly accused Xiaoyu of fabricating the intimate video leak. Xu Jie and Song Xiu were tasked with handling the hotel's situation. Chen Ran, concerned that Xu Jie might be overwhelmed, smiled, acknowledging that she now had help with her younger brother, Chen Ke, having just completed his onboarding and being assigned to Group Two.

Meanwhile, Tang Ying informed Bai Ning of Chengtai's interest in acquiring Mingtang, prompting Bai Ning to inquire about the potential impact on her competition for a senior partner position. At the same time, Young Chairman Wan from Feilaiyin called to demand a renegotiation of their contract. On a critical visit to Victory Group, Chen Ran and Chen Ke discussed their relationship.

Chen Ke expressed gratitude for Chen Ran's trust and asked if she truly didn't mind him working at Mingtang and on cases with her. Chen Ran admitted to an initial period of adjustment, not out of dislike but simply to adapt to the change, but now she was genuinely happy to be working alongside her younger brother. Chen Ke, touched, addressed her as "sis."

At the meeting, Lin Guangshu of Victory Group hinted at complications, explaining that despite the successful development of Beta Group's new drug that saved Victory Group, Li Weiying still harbored resentment over Mingtang's previous approach to selling Beta's shares. Although Lin Guangshu personally found Mingtang's past actions justified given the dire circumstances, Li Weiying's strong objections led him to respect the decision to terminate their contract with Mingtang.

Chen Ran, realizing further negotiation was futile, left the meeting, suspecting Chengtai's involvement. She immediately called Xu Jie to update her, learning that Xu Jie's meeting with Shihao Hotel had also collapsed. Xu Jie confronted Manager Yu of Shihao Hotel regarding the news falsely accusing Xiaoyu of framing the hotel. Manager Yu feigned ignorance, then insisted that as Mingtang represented the hotel's interests, Xu Jie should hold Xiaoyu accountable.

Xu Jie countered that Manager Yu knew the truth about the secret filming, evident from the hotel's room-by-room inspections. She warned that if any harm came to Xiaoyu, the hotel would be held responsible, urging them to retract the false news and issue an apology. Manager Yu dismissed her, citing headquarters' displeasure over the previous 5 million compensation, and threatened to switch legal counsel if Mingtang couldn't "resolve" the Xiaoyu issue on their terms.

Xu Jie, undeterred, warned him that continued stubbornness would lead to a class-action lawsuit. Bai Ning then met with Young Chairman Wan regarding the Feilaiyin contract. He arrogantly stated his dissatisfaction with the 15% profit-sharing ratio for their e-commerce application, claiming it was too high despite it being an agreement made with his father. He asserted his intention to renegotiate and even suggested breaching the contract and paying a penalty, implying someone else would "cover the costs."

He also brought up the "Yadian incident," accusing Mingtang of playing both sides. Dismissing Bai Ning, he remarked on her "out-of-season" bag and walked away, stating their "chemistry" wasn't right and he would send his lawyers to handle the termination. Bai Ning then called Xu Jie to inform her that Feilaiyin also wanted to terminate their contract. The simultaneous threat of termination from three major clients—Victory Group, Shihao Hotel, and Feilaiyin—was clearly not a coincidence.

Back at Mingtang, a heated argument erupted. Bai Ning accused Xu Jie and Chen Ran's team of causing the Feilaiyin issue through their handling of the Yadian case. Xu Jie countered that it was just an excuse, but Bai Ning retorted with past grievances and questioned Chen Ran's privileged position. Tang Ying intervened, stopping the unproductive conflict.

With Li Gongming unexpectedly out of the office, Tang Ying swiftly delegated tasks: Attorney Jiang was assigned to follow up on other clients, while Chen Ran, Xu Jie, and Bai Ning were instructed to return to their respective clients to salvage the contracts. Tang Ying announced she would personally investigate the client list leak, emphasizing the critical juncture Mingtang faced before its 30th anniversary celebration that evening. Bai Ning questioned who leaked the client list.

Tang Ying reiterated that she would handle the investigation and told Bai Ning to deal with Young Chairman Wan. Meanwhile, Song Xiu located a distraught Xiaoyu on a rooftop, threatening to jump. Xu Jie rushed to the scene. Xiaoyu, feeling abandoned by everyone, including her boyfriend who sent Song Xiu instead of coming himself, despaired over her ruined future. Song Xiu told her she was wrong to sacrifice her life for others' mistakes.

Xiaoyu, heartbroken, recalled how Xu Jie had initially made her sign an NDA, only for her to be slandered by the hotel and company, cyberbullied, and shamed. She questioned Xu Jie's ability to understand her pain. To connect with Xiaoyu, Xu Jie courageously showed her private photos of herself that had been leaked to her law firm's work group weeks prior.

She explained her own experience of humiliation and assured Xiaoyu that she was still alive and thriving, urging her to be strong. Xiaoyu, in tears, doubted her own strength and feared the indelible memory of the internet, believing her life was over. Xu Jie firmly told her that her life was just beginning, and that the fault lay with her tormentors, not her. She promised that she and Song Xiu would help Xiaoyu get justice.

As Xiaoyu cried, she slipped, but Xu Jie and Song Xiu quickly grabbed her, pulling her to safety. Following this harrowing experience, Xu Jie and Song Xiu reconciled, holding hands and acknowledging their renewed relationship. Bai Ning and Xiao He returned to meet Young Chairman Wan, presenting him with a termination agreement detailing the compensation amount. Young Chairman Wan, surprised by the substantial sum, revealed that Chengtai's calculation had been much lower.

Bai Ning, fueled by frustration with his arrogance and incompetence, threatened to send the agreement to his father, highlighting Mingtang's extensive efforts, from developing their e-commerce application to managing the Yadian fake shoe scandal. She accused him of ingratitude now that Feilaiyin was stable. Young Chairman Wan, flustered, quickly softened and agreed to continue cooperation. Xiao He, impressed by Bai Ning's assertiveness, offered her a congratulatory gift.

Bai Ning then called Tang Ying to confirm the Feilaiyin situation was resolved and reiterated Chengtai's likely involvement in the crisis. After this success, Bai Ning confronted Sun Zhewei, accusing him of using her to maliciously acquire Mingtang and steal clients. She remarked on his calculated tactics, calling him a "time management guru." Sun Zhewei, while feigning ignorance, openly admitted his admiration for her and offered her any terms if she joined him.

Bai Ning retorted that she could accept losing but couldn't stand being made a fool. Seizing on this, Sun Zhewei deliberately taunted her about the senior partner competition, reminding her of Chen Ran's advantage as the founder's daughter and questioning Bai Ning's ability to compete. Back at Mingtang, Tang Ying discovered that Miaomiao, a former administrative staff member, had leaked client lists and contracts to Chengtai before her resignation.

When confronted with the evidence, Miaomiao showed no remorse, stating that Mingtang could sue her but warned of the public exposure and associated costs such a lawsuit would bring. She expressed her hope of never seeing Tang Ying again. Tang Ying reported her findings to Li Gongming, who, surprisingly, suggested not pursuing legal action against Miaomiao.

He reasoned that Chengtai's plan had failed, they were unlikely to cause further trouble immediately, and given Miaomiao's youth and the absence of actual financial loss, it was best to give her a chance at a future. Later that evening, Mingtang celebrated its 30th anniversary. Chen Ke presented Chen Ran with vitamins, noting her dislike for carrots.

Xiao He, still upset about Sun Zhewei's words to Bai Ning, was comforted by Bai Ning, who advised him not to dwell on such people and to enjoy the celebration. During the festivities, Li Gongming delivered a heartfelt speech, commending everyone for their "splendid" efforts in turning the tide during his brief absence. He reflected on Mingtang's growth from humble beginnings, acknowledging the loss of old friends but celebrating new faces.

He expressed his immense pride in everyone's maturity, particularly the women of Mingtang, believing they would "redefine Mingtang's principles." He raised a toast to everyone and to Mingtang's future. As the celebration continued, Song Xiu waited downstairs for Xu Jie. Li Gongming, mistaking Song Xiu's presence for a courtesy visit from an ex-employee, welcomed him back, prompting Xu Jie to emerge and publicly take Song Xiu's hand, signaling their officially reconciled relationship to everyone.

The competition for the senior partner position at Mingtang officially commenced, accelerated due to Chengtai's hostile takeover attempt. The new criteria included performance over the past year, lawyer support ratings, and recent case performance. The candidates initially included Attorney Jiang, Attorney He, Chen Ran, and Bai Ning. However, Attorney He withdrew from the race, leaving Chen Ran, Bai Ning, and Attorney Jiang as the three finalists.

Li Gongming expressed his anticipation for their "gentlemanly competition," which Tang Ying playfully corrected to a "ladies' competition." Meanwhile, Li Gongming met with two representatives from Qingmu Law Firm for a dinner, aiming to forge a strategic alliance. Qingmu Law Firm viewed Mingtang's approach as a search for a "white knight" against Chengtai's malicious takeover. Internally, Qingmu recognized Mingtang's thirty years of heritage as a significant asset for expanding their own influence in Jinghai.

They intended to leverage Mingtang's urgent need for help to negotiate favorable terms, while also being prepared to make some concessions to establish a strong foothold in Jinghai. During the dinner, Li Gongming toasted to Qingmu's prompt arrival, acknowledging their sincerity, and both parties discussed the mutual benefits of their potential "alliance" and expressed hopes for a smooth future cooperation.

Li Gongming, the founder of Mingtang, was filled with unease as he considered a merger to save the firm he had built. He reflected that while his pen had helped countless clients make decisions, making his own choices was always daunting. Meanwhile, during a meeting with Qingmu Law Firm, Li Gongming emphasized the sincerity of both parties in pursuing the partnership, highlighting the mutual benefits and expressing hope for a quick and smooth agreement.

However, Tang Ying vehemently opposed Li Gongming's decision to consider a merger with Qingmu. She challenged his confidence, pointing out that if Chengtai’s previous attempt at a hostile takeover had succeeded, Mingtang would have been sold off cheaply. Tang Ying expressed concern that Qingmu could be another Chengtai, emphasizing that no acquirer is truly an angel and would not offer unconditional support.

Li Gongming clarified that Qingmu, unlike Chengtai, prioritized strategic planning and aimed to expand its legal presence in Jinghai without hostile tactics, thus valuing Mingtang's worth. He considered them a "white knight" and assured her he would carefully review their terms. Tang Ying, however, insisted that as a senior partner, she had decision-making authority and that all partners' consensus was necessary for such a crucial matter concerning Mingtang's future, rather than his unilateral consideration.

She firmly stated her opposition to the Qingmu deal, refusing to let him undermine Mingtang again. Following this heated exchange, Tang Ying summoned Bai Ning and expressed her strong support for Bai Ning's candidacy for senior partner. She explained that Chen Wenguang's past actions had damaged the firm, turning Chen Ran's perceived advantages into a double-edged sword. Tang Ying believed Mingtang needed a younger, more dynamic leader to navigate its current difficulties and saw Bai Ning as the ideal candidate.

She assured Bai Ning that the selection process would involve anonymous voting by all lawyers and nominal partners to ensure fairness, which she hoped would alleviate Bai Ning's concerns about Chen Ran having Director Li's backing. Bai Ning, grateful for Tang Ying's steadfast support, vowed to prepare diligently for the election. The competition for senior partner became a hot topic among the staff.

Liu Fang and Monica openly speculated about the "clash of immortals" between Tang Ying backing Bai Ning and Li Gongming supporting Chen Ran, predicting that Attorney Jiang would be an underdog. When pressed by Liu Fang about his hypothetical vote, Xiao He awkwardly evaded the question, claiming he wouldn't make assumptions, which prompted Monica to tease him, suggesting he would vote for Bai Ning.

Liu Fang also light-heartedly warned Xiao He not to be ungrateful to Chen Ran for having helped him join the firm. Attorney Jiang later met with Attorney He, who had just returned from his honeymoon, to seek his support. She acknowledged that with Bai Ning backed by Tang Ying and Chen Ran by Director Li, Attorney He's support was vital to create a more balanced and fair competition, hoping the most qualified person would emerge victorious for Mingtang's future.

Attorney He, however, expressed reluctance to get involved, preferring to withdraw entirely and finding the senior partner position too demanding, especially after getting married. Despite admiring Jiang's drive, he promised to consider her request. Chen Ran hosted Chen Ke for dinner at her home, where he enjoyed the warmth of family, feeling delighted to have a cool uncle. Chen Ke asked about her bid for senior partner.

Chen Ran explained that with her husband's long-term transfer and Yangyang soon facing high school exams, her family responsibilities kept her busy. She maintained a "let nature take its course" attitude, not having full confidence given the many excellent lawyers at Mingtang. Chen Ke expressed his hope that she would become senior partner, believing their father would have wanted her to lead Mingtang, but acknowledged that other candidates were equally eager.

Chen Ran then clarified that the competition was not as simple as it seemed, with each candidate harboring their own intentions, ultimately stating that the choice was hers alone. Xu Jie visited Xiaoyu in the hospital, comforting her distress and promising to clear her name. She spoke with Doctor Tan, who revealed Xiaoyu was suffering from severe depression and emotional dependency disorder, emphasizing the need for family support and psychological counseling.

However, Xiaoyu refused contact with her family, fearing their reprimands. Unexpectedly, Xu Jie encountered Li Gongming, who was there for a check-up. Taking his report, she discovered he had a brain tumor. Xu Jie deduced that his urgent push for the merger was due to his health. Li Gongming admitted his condition had been discovered over six months ago, explaining that his goal was to secure Mingtang's future while he was still able.

He recalled first meeting Xu Jie at a debate competition, calling her a genius with limitless potential, and confirmed his promise that she would become a senior partner within three years. Now that her probation had passed, he intended to first make her a regular partner after the current senior partner selection. He also characterized Chen Ran as "Buddha-like," or laid-back. Xu Jie assured him that she understood his deep emotional connection to Mingtang.

She then reiterated that she came to Jinghai with a specific mission, implying that her aspirations extended beyond titles and that she would keep his illness a secret to maintain stability at the firm. Xu Jie's suspicions about foul play in client matters were confirmed. She directly questioned Song Xiu, asking if Chengtai was behind Shihao Hotel's sudden contract termination and Xiaoyu's recent breakdown, suggesting Huang Yaoqing might have instructed Sun Zhewei.

Song Xiu, eager to pursue a collective lawsuit for Xiaoyu due to Shihao Hotel's second breach of agreement and Xiaoyu's ongoing online abuse, presented his materials to Huang Yaoqing. However, Huang Yaoqing revealed that Chengtai was now representing Shihao Hotel, dismissing Xiaoyu's case and directing Song Xiu to hand over her materials to Sun Zhewei.

Incensed, Song Xiu confronted Sun Zhewei, accusing him of instigating Shihao Hotel's slander against Xiaoyu, and openly challenged Huang Yaoqing about a lawyer's duty and principles. Huang Yaoqing sternly reprimanded Song Xiu, emphasizing that as a Chengtai lawyer, he must obey the firm's directives, dismissing ideals of "justice and fairness" and asserting his authority as the boss.

Later, Huang Yaoqing confided in Sun Zhewei that Song Xiu reminded him of his own impetuous youth and that, with proper guidance, he could become a formidable talent. He acknowledged that their efforts to intercept Mingtang's client cases had been only partially successful and that Li Gongming was now in talks with Qingmu.

He then instructed Sun Zhewei to recruit the unsuccessful candidates from Mingtang's senior partner election to internally destabilize the firm, believing that attracting key talent was as effective and less costly than a full acquisition. Xiaoyu, in a message to Song Xiu, expressed gratitude for making her feel that kindness and justice still existed in the world. Huang Yaoqing then assigned Song Xiu to represent Hunter Restaurant in a new case.

This case involved a well-known blogger, Shen Mingyue, who, while dining at Hunter Restaurant with her boyfriend, was given a "courtesy menu" without prices, a practice the restaurant defended as a cultural gesture to allow women to enjoy their meal without concern for cost, with the expectation that the man would pay. Shen Mingyue, however, viewed this as blatant gender discrimination and was suing the restaurant to stop the practice, not for compensation.

During mediation, Song Xiu, representing Hunter Restaurant, argued that the menu was merely a polite gesture, akin to removing price tags from gifts, and that women could always request a priced menu. Chen Ran, representing Shen Mingyue, countered that such practices reinforced gender disparity and must be stopped. Shen Mingyue remained unyielding, refusing to negotiate unless the restaurant agreed to change its policy, leading to the failure of the mediation.

Seeing an opportunity, Xu Jie brought healthy sushi for Li Gongming, teasing him as a "priority protection object." She then inquired how Chen Ran could improve her chances in the senior partner election, noting the close performance of all three candidates. Li Gongming suggested that a significant increase in Chen Ran's performance in a short period would greatly boost her chances, once again reminding Xu Jie to keep his health condition confidential.

With Xu Jie's probation officially passed and Chen Ke's support, Chen Ran felt confident enough to commit to preparing for the senior partner role. She imagined working with Xu Jie and Chen Ke to make their Team Two flourish. Song Xiu, after his argument with Huang Yaoqing, confirmed to Xu Jie that Chengtai was indeed representing Shihao Hotel, making it impossible for him to continue representing Xiaoyu.

Xu Jie acknowledged this was expected, speculating that Shihao Hotel's brazen violation of their agreement indicated a well-orchestrated plan, likely executed by Sun Zhewei, who had probably coerced many victims. She noted that while a collective lawsuit for Xiaoyu offered good prospects, it would be a lengthy battle. Song Xiu offered all his collected case materials and his assistance if Xu Jie took on Xiaoyu's case.

However, Xu Jie refused to accept the documents directly, emphasizing the importance of not breaking rules. She praised Song Xiu for maintaining his integrity at Chengtai. As a compromise, she suggested that whether she "received" the materials was her decision, while what he "did" with them was his, subtly acknowledging his indirect support while adhering to ethical boundaries.

Bai Ning and Xiao He were mediating a breakup dispute over relationship gifts and shared assets. The male party, furious about being unable to reclaim gifts and red packet money, hurled insults at Bai Ning and her client. As he threatened to throw coffee, Xiao He quickly shielded Bai Ning, taking the splash on his own shirt. Bai Ning stopped Xiao He from retaliating, reminding him of the professional consequences, like Attorney Song's previous suspension.

Xiao He, slightly burned and sticky, then quickly dried his shirt in the restroom under Bai Ning's impatient direction. Bai Ning emphasized that she views life as an Olympics, where winning is essential for a sense of presence, worth, superiority, and security. Meanwhile, Chen Ran took on a case for Liao Real Estate, which was being sued by the Zhao couple.

The couple claimed that formaldehyde from renovations led to the wife's miscarriage and demanded a 10 million settlement, a sum vastly exceeding Liao Real Estate's proposed 200,000. Chen Ran knew that the opposing lawyer, Shi Qi, was adept at manipulating public opinion and social discourse. Shi Qi's strategy was to exploit Liao Real Estate's imminent public listing and its desire to avoid negative publicity, using the case to elevate her own profile.

Chen Ran instructed her colleague, Chen Ke, to investigate, concluding that if the case went to court, Shi Qi would likely achieve her goal of self-promotion regardless of the verdict. In his personal life, Jian Peiran was on a video call with his son, Yangyang, while his mother complained about Chen Ran's constant work commitments. Later, a friend joined Jian Peiran for dinner and noticed his low spirits.

Jian Peiran then received an urgent call regarding a construction site incident, and he and his friend rushed to the scene. The newly built structure had collapsed, causing Jian Peiran immense stress, though fortunately, there were no casualties. Working late at the office, Chen Ran was completing a report when she noticed Attorney Jiang also working. Suddenly, Bai Ning deliberately pulled the circuit breaker, plunging the office into darkness and causing Chen Ran to realize she hadn't saved her work.

During this period, Li Gongming, facing his own health challenges, secretly transferred several client accounts with expiring contracts to Chen Ran's team for renewal, aiming to boost her performance in the senior partner race. Chen Ran, however, was hesitant, worried about being criticized for unfairly receiving cases and wanting to return them to Li Gongming. Xu Jie sought to secure the legal representation rights for Dr. Ye's family hospital, hoping to pass the opportunity to Chen Ran.

However, Dr. Ye had already promised these rights to Sun Zhewei, acknowledging his pivotal role in helping the hospital establish itself in Jinghai. Through a friend, Xu Jie arranged a meeting where she directly confronted Sun Zhewei about the representation rights. Sun Zhewei readily agreed to hand them over. As Xu Jie was leaving, he attempted to reconcile, asking why she couldn't forgive the past.

Xu Jie rebuffed him, accusing him of merely wanting to compete with Song Xiu due to his own bruised ego from a broken engagement, rather than genuinely caring for her. She warned him to stop his "dirty tricks" and behave like a "decent human being." The Lianchuang case, handled by Chengtai, was rapidly approaching trial. The deaths of Chen Wenguang and Sun Jian's suicide created immense pressure.

Huang Yaoqing assigned Song Xiu to assist Sun Zhewei with compiling the witness list. Sun Zhewei, seizing an opportunity to provoke Song Xiu, falsely claimed that Xu Jie had left her lipstick at his office after seeking his help. This blatant lie ignited Song Xiu's anger, leading him to furiously rub the lipstick flat against paper.

Huang Yaoqing's niece, Jiajia, an assistant lawyer, then imperiously demanded that Song Xiu accompany her to investigate the Hunter Restaurant case, asserting her uncle's authority. Still seething from Sun Zhewei's provocation, Song Xiu reluctantly agreed. At the Hunter Restaurant, the owner explained his "courtesy menu," which presented prices only to male diners, as a way to embody European chivalry and elegance, not to discriminate.

Song Xiu noted that Shen Mingyue, the plaintiff, remained steadfast in her refusal to settle the case. Jiajia insisted on dining at the restaurant, and Song Xiu eventually waited for her, having only a glass of water. During their conversation, Jiajia casually revealed that Huang Yaoqing was her uncle. Chen Ran, overwhelmed, assigned the Hunter Restaurant case to Xu Jie. Xu Jie soon arrived at the restaurant, joining Song Xiu and Jiajia.

When Xu Jie requested a menu, the restaurant, having temporarily changed its policy due to the lawsuit, offered only one type of menu—the one with prices. As Xu Jie and Song Xiu discussed the case's complexities, Jiajia repeatedly and unprofessionally interrupted. Losing his patience, Song Xiu sharply reprimanded her to stick to her duties as an assistant, causing Jiajia to retreat to the restroom in embarrassment.

Noticing Song Xiu's uncharacteristic anger, Xu Jie prompted him, and he handed her the now-flattened lipstick. Upon learning of Sun Zhewei's manipulative act with her lipstick, Xu Jie arranged a meeting with him through a friend. She promptly slapped him and issued a stern warning: if he ever resorted to such "dirty tricks" or meddled in her affairs again, she would retaliate every time she saw him.

Later, Song Xiu expressed satisfaction at the news of Xu Jie slapping Sun Zhewei. The intense competition for the senior partner title at Mingtang continued. Bai Ning confronted Chen Ran and Xu Jie, accusing them of unfairly boosting their performance by taking on client accounts transferred from Li Gongming. Xu Jie countered that these were legitimate renewals of expired contracts, lawfully handled by their team.

Feeling the weight of the accusations, Chen Ran suggested returning the cases to Li Gongming to maintain fairness. However, Xu Jie strongly disagreed, arguing that Li Gongming was already overburdened and that emotional decisions should not compromise legitimate business practices. Frustrated and angry, Bai Ning sought Tang Ying's help, asking her to transfer some case sources to her, but Tang Ying, critical of Bai Ning's irrational demands, refused to interfere.

The Hunter Restaurant case proceeded to trial at the Jinghai City Jingjiang District People's Court. Song Xiu represented the restaurant, while Xu Jie represented Shen Mingyue. The judge inquired about the failure to reach an out-of-court settlement. Xu Jie stated that Shen Mingyue's primary demand was for the restaurant to abolish its "women's menu" to uphold female consumers' rights, a demand the restaurant deemed unreasonable.

Song Xiu argued that the restaurant had tried to find a satisfactory solution, but Shen Mingyue's strong emotions had prevented a resolution. Xu Jie's side declined the judge's offer of court-mandated mediation. In court, Xu Jie argued that providing a menu without prices to women violated the principle of equal legal status in civil activities.

Song Xiu countered that the restaurant did not intentionally conceal prices or restrict choices, and that the "courtesy menu" was a gesture of consideration, unrelated to gender discrimination. The restaurant manager testified that customers with reservations received priced menus regardless of gender, and that a priced menu would be provided if requested. He also revealed the restaurant tracked an 8:2 male-to-female ratio for who paid the bill, but claimed this was to understand customer needs.

Xu Jie seized on this, arguing it implied the menu was based on the assumption that men pay, thus promoting gender discrimination. Shen Mingyue's boyfriend testified that he felt pressured by his girlfriend receiving an unpriced menu, fearing appearing stingy if he looked at the prices. He asserted that the menu created pressure for both genders, suggesting male payment was expected and thus discriminating against men.

Song Xiu countered by likening this to men opening car doors for women—a gesture of courtesy, not discrimination—and urged the court to focus on legal principles rather than personal emotions. After hearing both sides, the judge adjourned the court, stating the verdict would be announced at a later date.

Bai Ning, feeling she lacked a strong ally at Mingtang, found herself unable to muster enthusiasm for work, lounging on the sofa in despondency. Xiao He, who retrieved a spare key from the fire hydrant outside her apartment, entered to console her. He gently chided her for keeping the key in such an obvious spot and noted her lack of spirit, recalling her earlier teachings on the "Olympics" of law.

Bai Ning expressed her contempt for the "corrupt" firm, lamenting that the system was rigged and that "athletes who dope get disqualified," implying unfairness. She revealed her envy for Chen Ran, who seemed to effortlessly possess what Bai Ning had to fight half her life to achieve.

When Xiao He suggested she shouldn't dwell on temporary setbacks and questioned her constant competition with Chen Ran, Bai Ning retorted, asking him not to persuade her if he was on Chen Ran's side. Xiao He clarified that while Chen Ran had recommended him, he wasn't biased. He admitted to finding Bai Ning annoying at first, but soon realized her relentless self-pressure stemmed from ambition, not malice.

Bai Ning, however, vehemently blamed Director Li Gongming for favoring Chen Ran and Tang Ying for manipulating her, insisting she herself was blameless. Xiao He tried to help her see reason, but Bai Ning dismissed him as merely an intern. Accepting his inability to comfort her, Xiao He left, urging her to rest. Meanwhile, Jian Peiran returned home, burdened by the collapse of his building project in the Northeast.

He called out for his wife, Chen Ran, and their daughter, Yangyang, but was met only with silence in the empty house, intensifying his sense of loss. Shortly after, Cao Hui called him. She mentioned hearing about the project failure and invited him out for a drink to unwind.

At the bar, Jian Peiran recounted his earlier ambition to work for a couple of years in the Northeast, enduring hardships to secure a promotion—a plan Chen Ran had opposed, but he had insisted on. Now, he felt it was a humiliating defeat. Cao Hui comforted him, attributing his misfortune to bad luck and reassuring him that his age was a man's prime, promising more opportunities. She even offered to be his "support" if things became truly dire.

Feeling a fleeting uplift, Jian Peiran decided to invite his friends, and encouraged Cao Hui to invite hers, for a night of karaoke and drinks to lift their spirits. Returning home, Chen Ran noticed Jian Peiran's luggage and schoolbag, but couldn't find him anywhere. Worried, she waited for him on the sofa all night. She tried calling his phone multiple times, then called her mother-in-law, who was already asleep and unaware of Peiran's return.

Chen Ran promised to text her once he was home. Later that night, a highly intoxicated Jian Peiran was being helped into a car by his friends, with Cao Hui accompanying them. He kept insisting he wouldn't go home, wanting to continue drinking. In the car, as Jian Peiran rested his head on Cao Hui's lap, Chen Ran's call came through, but Cao Hui silently disconnected it.

The next morning, Jian Peiran woke up in a hotel room, finding Cao Hui asleep beside him. He quickly answered Chen Ran's latest call, fabricating a story about being at a friend's place and having passed out from drinking too much. Chen Ran, relieved, asked him to call his mother, who had been worried. After hanging up, Jian Peiran immediately apologized to Cao Hui for drinking excessively, which she casually dismissed.

In court, the case involving Laiwu Real Estate, represented by Chen Ran, against Zhao Rentai and Qi Min was heard. Chen Ke's thorough collection of evidence, including Qi Min's prenatal checkup reports and the house quality report, along with Chen Ran's composed arguments, gave Laiwu Real Estate a significant advantage. The plaintiff's attorney, Shi Qi, questioned Ms. Qi about two prenatal checkups within a week, implying underlying health issues before her miscarriage.

Ms. Qi explained she felt unwell after the first checkup and later experienced a slight impact from a child, but doctors assured her everything was fine until her miscarriage four days later. Chen Ran presented evidence that the formaldehyde levels were compliant when the property was delivered and noted that Zhao Rentai had performed secondary renovations on the TV wall.

She also cited Ms. Qi's history of two previous miscarriages, though she had Shi Qi clarify that it did not meet the medical definition of "habitual miscarriage," firmly asserting no causal link between the property and the miscarriage. During the recess, Chen Ran approached Ms. Qi directly, apologizing for the uncomfortable questions asked in court and expressing her empathy as a mother. She subtly conveyed that, despite the impending verdict, the miscarriage was not the fault of Laiwu Real Estate.

Chen Ran then offered a settlement of 200,000 yuan as a gesture of goodwill. Shi Qi's attempt to reject the offer and seek public support was met with a firm reminder from Chen Ran that lawyers resolve problems, not exploit clients, and that further public exposure would only cause more distress to Ms. Qi. After considering the implications, Zhao Rentai and Qi Min agreed to the settlement, forcing Shi Qi to concede. Facing Xiaoyu's case, Song Xiu was deeply troubled.

His firm, Chengtai, was now representing Shihao Hotel, leaving Xiaoyu vulnerable and him unable to help. Wang Tao comforted him, advising that lawyers are gladiators wielding the law, not superheroes upholding justice. Meanwhile, the verdict for the Hunter Restaurant case was announced: Song Xiu had won.

The court ruled that the "courtesy menu" did not violate consumer protection laws, as price menus were available upon request, and it was aimed at the host, not specifically women, thus not constituting personal insult. Xu Jie then informed Chen Ran of her desire to represent Xiaoyu against Shihao Hotel.

Despite Shihao Hotel having been a previous client of Mingtang, Xu Jie argued that since their contract was terminated, she was ethically free to represent Xiaoyu, feeling a deep connection to Xiaoyu's plight as it mirrored her own past. Chen Ran supported Xu Jie's decision. Xu Jie and Song Xiu visited Xiaoyu. Suffering from emotional dependence, Xiaoyu clung to Song Xiu when he arrived, tearfully pleading for his help.

Song Xiu gently explained his firm's conflict of interest and persuaded her to accept Xu Jie as her new lawyer, reassuring her that they would both work to win her case. Outside, Song Xiu apologized to Xu Jie for the earlier lipstick incident. As forgiveness, Xu Jie demanded a kiss. After their tender moment, Song Xiu received a call from his mother, who urgently informed him that his uncle had suffered business losses and needed financial assistance.

Song Xiu quickly ended the call, concealing the new family burden from Xu Jie by telling her his mother simply wanted them both home for dinner. Bai Ning returned to work, and Xiao He, noticing her unhappy demeanor, attempted to lighten her mood. Their playful bickering eased the previous awkwardness between them. Elsewhere, Jian Peiran was facing a stark reality at his company.

His manager, Mr. Chen, informed him that while his diligence was recognized, responsibility for the project collapse was unavoidable. Although the company wouldn't fire him, a transfer to a new role was definite. Jian Peiran pleaded to remain in his current position, even with a pay cut, but Mr. Chen stated it was beyond his control. Later, Chen Ran called Jian Peiran, suggesting they go home together as she was finishing a case nearby.

Jian Peiran lied, claiming he was working overtime with a colleague, "Lao Bai." As Chen Ran was leaving her office, she overheard one of Jian Peiran's colleagues—the very same Lao Bai he had mentioned—talking about Jian Peiran's demotion due to the Northeast project collapse. The colleague, seeing Chen Ran, confirmed the news and advised her to spend more time with Jian Peiran. Chen Ran, visibly shocked, simply thanked him, having unwittingly discovered the truth about her husband's predicament.

Chen Ran was surprised to learn that Jian Peiran had been demoted after his project in the Northeast collapsed, a significant development he hadn't shared with her. She discussed her concerns with Xu Jie, who urged her to communicate openly with Jian Peiran. Chen Ran explained Jian Peiran's underlying dissatisfaction with his career, noting his previous ambition to prove himself in the Northeast was now thwarted by an unforeseen accident.

Xu Jie acknowledged Jian Peiran's potential reluctance to expose his vulnerability but emphasized that avoiding the truth would only enable self-deception. Chen Ran decided to confront the issue. Later, Xu Jie presented Chen Ran with the legal representation contract for the Ye family's Qing'an Hospital, urging her to sign it promptly to bolster her qualifications for the senior partner election. Meanwhile, Jian Peiran, feeling lost and avoiding home, met with Cao Hui.

She offered him a potential job at a company she had long collaborated with, ensuring the project was local and required no travel. Jian Peiran, however, declined, stating he needed time to rest. Cao Hui, brushing aside his thanks, assured him she wasn't looking for trouble and merely saw it as returning a past favor.

She reflected on their youth, expressing regret that they hadn't been together, and suggested that now, in their ordinary lives, they could simply share some warmth. Disheartened by his professional failure and swayed by Cao Hui's unwavering admiration, Jian Peiran took her hand, setting aside his moral reservations. Jian Peiran returned home late, claiming urgent work and having been out drinking with a friend.

As he prepared for a shower, a hotel room key card accidentally fell from his pocket, which Chen Ran subtly noticed. The next morning, after dropping Yangyang at school, Chen Ran feigned a client meeting and discreetly followed Jian Peiran. She observed him meet Damao, who emerged from a talent market building and embraced him warmly.

Inside Jian Peiran’s car, Damao shared that she had been in Jinghai for a month and had found a local bar owner as a boyfriend. She lightheartedly asked Jian Peiran to help her assess his character and even joked about Chen Ran looking into his background. Damao also shared her belief that men couldn't always be relied upon, and one must ultimately depend on oneself.

Later, Chen Ran called the Jinghai Hotel to request a duplicate invoice under Jian Peiran's name, confirming her growing suspicions. Song Xiu, dealing with his uncle's business losses and mounting debts, sought financial assistance from the firm. He attended a dinner party with Huang Yaoqing, where he heavily drank to shield his superior. Impressed by Song Xiu's dedication, Huang Yaoqing officially accepted him as his apprentice, promising support but sternly warning against any form of betrayal.

Emboldened, Song Xiu requested an advance on his legal fees, which Huang Yaoqing readily granted. Unaware of Song Xiu's predicament, Xu Jie noticed his reluctance to answer his mother’s calls and proactively contacted her. She met Song’s mother, who revealed that Song Xiu's uncle had suffered significant business losses and needed funds for turnover.

Xu Jie promptly transferred 400,000 to Song's mother, dismissing any need for an IOU and playfully mentioning Song Xiu's "guarantee," though his mother was unaware he had already been made a permanent employee. Later that night, a very drunk Song Xiu returned home to find Xu Jie asleep on his sofa. Startled, he questioned why she was there. Xu Jie explained his mother had just left after a long conversation.

When pressed, Xu Jie disclosed that she had learned of his uncle's urgent financial need and had lent the money. Song Xiu was upset, insisting he, as a man, should be responsible for his family's affairs, regardless of his financial standing, and offered to have his mother repay her immediately. Xu Jie countered that in this era of gender equality, she was capable and willing to spend her own money, playfully suggesting he was looking down on her.

Despite his frustration, Song Xiu softened, musing aloud about the pros and cons of having such a competent girlfriend, and playfully concluded that he would handle such matters himself going forward. In a charming gesture, Xiao He sent white roses to all the women at the firm but presented Bai Ning with a single red one. However, Bai Ning initially overlooked the special significance, even discarding the flower.

Xiao He rescued it, gently placing it in a water cup, and chided her for not appreciating its unique status. Bai Ning, in turn, quipped that if everyone received the same, she would prefer none at all, and wryly commented on the firm's extravagant promotions. The following day, Bai Ning finally acknowledged the special intent behind the red rose and thanked Xiao He. She directly questioned what he liked about her, which momentarily stumped him.

She brought up past awkward encounters, including his abrupt departure after telling two awkward jokes during her illness, and a time he "lectured" her when she was down. Frustrated with her detailed questions, Xiao He simply confessed, "I like you," and passionately kissed her in the tea room. Unbeknownst to them, Liu Fang witnessed the kiss, ensuring the news would rapidly spread throughout the office.

The results of the senior partner election were announced, revealing a tie between Attorney Jiang Qiong and Chen Ran, necessitating a second round of competition. Bai Ning vehemently protested the outcome, deeming it unfair. She argued that her performance was comparable, yet Team Two, despite causing significant losses to Mingtang, particularly with the long-standing Shihao Hotel client, faced no clear repercussions. This, she claimed, undermined the firm's system of rewards and punishments.

Xu Jie immediately stepped in, taking full responsibility for the Shihao Hotel case, clarifying that it was her actions, not Chen Ran's, that led to the client’s departure. Chen Ran supported Xu Jie, explaining that the Shihao Hotel had become a casualty of Chengtai's aggressive acquisition tactics and that their subsequent ethically questionable behavior made them a client Mingtang was better off losing. Bai Ning, however, maintained that clients' perspectives could be guided by skillful lawyers.

Xu Jie countered that deliberate provocation transcended simple guidance, especially given Shihao Hotel's breach of confidentiality, which could have made Mingtang a laughingstock if perceived as their advice. She confidently defended her legal strategy as sound. Director Li attempted to pacify Bai Ning, assuring her of future opportunities, but Bai Ning, agitated, challenged the fairness of a "newly permanent intern lawyer" like Xu Jie even participating in the senior partner election meeting. Xu Jie firmly retorted that her presence was a testament to her own merit.

The heated argument between Bai Ning and Xu Jie during the senior partner election was abruptly halted by Li Gongming, who announced that the final decision regarding the senior partner position would be made solely by him and Director Tang, dismissing everyone from the meeting. Outside, Xu Jie told Chen Ran that she believed Director Li had been trying to protect Chen Ran during the election.

However, Chen Ran herself acknowledged that Attorney Jiang was also an excellent candidate and stressed the importance of seizing opportunities, especially with the tie vote. Li Gongming later discussed a merger proposal with Qingmu Law Firm with Tang Ying, but she vehemently opposed it. Tang Ying expressed her strong disapproval, stating that ever since Chen Wenguang left, Mingtang had become Li Gongming's personal fiefdom, where her opinions were completely disregarded.

She recounted how he was absent when Chengtai poached their clients, only to return and take all the credit after she had resolved the issues. Meanwhile, Huang Yaoqing from Chengtai, recognizing Tang Ying's deep dissatisfaction, met with her and offered a tempting alternative. He acknowledged her feelings of being ignored and suggested that with Chen Wenguang gone, Li Gongming now had absolute control over Mingtang.

Huang Yaoqing promised her better conditions, transparent partnership agreements, and the respect and control she desired, all secured in a clear written contract if she were to join Chengtai. A despondent Bai Ning sat eating alone in a restaurant, openly weeping in frustration over the election results. Xiao He, accompanying her, offered comfort, reassuring her that many in the firm, not just himself, privately supported her, believing her capabilities were truly impressive.

Bai Ning felt all her efforts had been in vain, like merely "running alongside them for nothing." Xiao He countered that every effort was a form of self-improvement and accumulation. When Bai Ning asked who he had voted for, he unequivocally said, "You." He openly confessed his feelings for her, expressing his desire for the woman he loved to achieve her dreams, calling her the most beautiful, adorable, kind-hearted, and amazing woman he had ever met.

His genuine affection eventually helped Bai Ning calm down. Chen Ran used a room key to track down Damao. Damao confessed that she had once harbored feelings for Jian Peiran during their time in the Northeast. However, she quickly clarified that she was now happily in a relationship with a bar owner in Jinghai, and her partner later appeared, confirming her words.

Damao advised Chen Ran to genuinely care for Jian Peiran and to learn to show vulnerability, suggesting that Jian Peiran lacked a sense of worth in their marriage. Later, Chen Ran indirectly sought advice from Attorney Jiang about divorce and child custody, posing it as a question for a friend. Attorney Jiang explained that divorce cases, especially those involving child custody, were complex and often ended up in court.

She stressed the importance of preparing various forms of evidence, including documentary, physical, audio-visual materials, and witness testimonies, and urged the friend to gather favorable evidence promptly as there's an 80% chance it would go to court. Jian Peiran sent Chen Ran a message saying he was working overtime, but Chen Ran knew he had lost his job. He also received a message from Damao, informing him that Chen Ran had visited her.

When Jian Peiran finally returned home, Chen Ran decided it was time for an honest conversation. Jian Peiran admitted to losing his job in the Northeast and apologized for not telling her earlier, explaining he didn't want to worry her or Yangyang, or appear pathetic. Regarding Damao, he maintained that he merely helped her secure a hotel room when she arrived in Jinghai, as she was a former subordinate with no connections.

He assured Chen Ran their relationship was strictly professional and that Damao already had a boyfriend, even offering his phone for her to check their messages. The truth began to unravel when Yangyang's lost smartwatch was tracked to the Jinghai Grand Hotel. Chen Ran dropped Yangyang off with Chen Ke after her daughter refused to go to her grandmother's house.

Yangyang confided in Chen Ke that she felt both her parents were too busy and that her dad seemed to be "having issues." At the hotel, Chen Ran cleverly obtained Jian Peiran's room number by pretending to order fruit delivery for him. Standing outside the room, she then overheard Jian Peiran referring to a woman inside as "Xiaohui." Reflecting on recent events, Chen Ran decided she could no longer avoid confronting Jian Peiran. She rang the doorbell and waited.

Jian Peiran, seeing Chen Ran through the peephole, hesitated for a long time. He and the woman, Cao Hui, changed out of their sleepwear. Believing Chen Ran had left, he finally opened the door only to find her sitting patiently outside. They finally had a face-to-face confrontation. Jian Peiran admitted his wrongdoing, tried to reassure Chen Ran that Cao Hui had no intention of breaking up their family, and claimed he never wanted to leave them.

Chen Ran was disgusted, telling him that hearing Yangyang's name from his mouth made her sick. Jian Peiran expressed a desire to find a solution that would minimize harm to all parties involved. Song Xiu called his mother to confirm that he had transferred the money to her. Shortly after, he found Xiaoyu waiting downstairs at their office building.

Xiaoyu confessed she was scared and wanted to withdraw the lawsuit, believing that if she had dropped the case earlier, none of this "struggle" would have happened. Song Xiu reassured her, asserting that she had done nothing wrong and should not give up, promising that Xu Jie would help her win and clear her name. But Xiaoyu remained afraid. Meanwhile, Xu Jie was distracted at work, unable to reach Xiaoyu.

After calling Sun Zhewei, who denied any involvement in Xiaoyu's disappearance and taunted Xu Jie, she went to Song Xiu's place after work, where she was surprised to find Xiaoyu. Xu Jie was frustrated by Xiaoyu's sudden and unannounced departure from the hospital, pointing out that as her lawyer, her time and energy were limited. Song Xiu explained that Xiaoyu was too scared to go anywhere else and he had agreed to let her stay.

Due to a severe emotional dependency, Xiaoyu now trusted only Song Xiu and insisted on staying at his home. Despite her initial irritation, Xu Jie understood Xiaoyu's distress. Song Xiu assured Xu Jie that they would convince Xiaoyu to continue the lawsuit. Later that night, Xiaoyu, after receiving comfort from both Song Xiu and Xu Jie, had a change of heart.

She told Song Xiu that she had reconsidered and agreed that they "must file the lawsuit," realizing that otherwise, she would "carry this stigma for life." She apologized for her emotional outburst and expressed her decision to trust them to help her get justice.

Jian Peiran attempted to calmly discuss the situation with Chen Ran, suggesting that they minimize the damage. He claimed he never expected to reach such a point with Cao Hui. However, Chen Ran perceived his calm demeanor as an attempt to maintain a facade of peace for their parents and daughter, Yangyang, as if nothing had happened. She asserted that the harm he had caused was already immense and irreparable.

Jian Peiran argued that their separation wasn't solely their decision, as it involved both sets of parents and their child, insisting that their family should not fall apart. With tears in her eyes, Chen Ran firmly countered that her decision to move out with Yangyang and divorce him was the only thing she could decide for herself, stating that their home ceased to exist the moment he took this step.

After this confrontation, Chen Ran sought out Attorney Jiang Qiong to represent her in the divorce proceedings. Jiang Qiong understood the pain an unhealthy marriage inflicts on children and emphasized that Chen Ran needed to articulate her primary demands. Chen Ran’s main request was to secure full custody of Yangyang, hoping to minimize the emotional impact on her daughter.

Jiang Qiong advised her that while divorce would inevitably cause some harm to Yangyang, Chen Ran's love for her child was paramount. She stressed the importance of providing strong evidence of Jian Peiran's marital misconduct or financial issues to support the custody claim. Jiang Qiong also recommended that Chen Ran temporarily send Yangyang to her mother or another relative, as Jian Peiran’s family might react unpredictably. Chen Ran acknowledged this advice.

Back at her office, Chen Ran briefly told Chen Ke that she might not have much energy to care for Yangyang in the coming period, and Chen Ke assured her he was always available. Meanwhile, Liu Fang excitedly shared office gossip, initially thinking Bai Ning had been poached by Chengtai, but soon corrected herself to reveal that Director Tang Ying was the one who had left Mingtang to join Chengtai.

Xu Jie prepared for Zhen Xiaoyu's court case, but Xiaoyu was uneasy and worried that Song Xiu wasn't present. To bolster Xiaoyu's confidence, Xu Jie didn't reveal that Song Xiu would be there, simply telling her to trust in their ability to win. In court, Xu Jie and Sun Zhewei engaged in a fierce debate over whether Shihao Hotel had infringed upon Xiaoyu's privacy.

Sun Zhewei argued that the settlement agreement was merely personal information, not privacy, and that the hotel’s disclosure was for commercial reasons, having no causal link to the earlier video leak by a third party. Xu Jie countered, defining privacy as personal peace and information one wishes to keep private, arguing that previous leaks made Xiaoyu even more vulnerable. She emphasized that deliberately publishing the settlement agreement, leading to renewed cyberbullying, constituted an infringement under tort law.

Xu Jie stated that even if it were merely personal information, the hotel's disclosure was not lawful, proper, or necessary, and thus they should bear responsibility. During her final statement, Xu Jie paused before revealing a set of intimate photos, announcing that she, Xu Jie, was the woman in the partially pixelated images.

She explained that these photos were taken by a former boyfriend in a hotel and later leaked online for "unspeakable reasons," making her a victim of privacy infringement. Sun Zhewei objected, claiming the evidence was irrelevant, but Xu Jie insisted her statement was pertinent to many people connected to the case. She then cited statistics, highlighting that online privacy violations against women were shockingly common, yet a high percentage of cases were withdrawn.

Xu Jie attributed this to societal victim-blaming and the fear of further public shaming, stating that women are often subjected to comments like "With that body, why fear exposure?" , "Dressed like that, she deserved it," or "She must be a slut." She passionately argued that the real tragedy lies in having one's privacy exploited by someone they once loved and trusted.

Xu Jie connected this to Xiaoyu’s case, asserting that Shihao Hotel’s deliberate exposure of the settlement agreement, which led to Xiaoyu's second wave of online abuse and suicidal thoughts, was even more damaging than direct online vitriol. She called for stronger hotel management to prevent similar incidents and expressed hope that such violations would cease for all women, including herself. The court was then adjourned, awaiting a judgment.

After the trial, Xu Jie had drinks with Song Xiu and reflected on her emotional closing statement, asking if he pitied her. Song Xiu denied pitying her, instead expressing his affection and telling her she was not a "pitiful character casually discarded." Later, Song Xiu relayed that Xiaoyu was now home and ready to start a new life, having asked him to thank Xu Jie for her "impressive performance" in court.

He also encouraged Xu Jie to visit Li Gongming when she had time. Back at Mingtang, Li Gongming called a meeting to address Tang Ying's departure and the significant client losses she caused, emphasizing the firm's grave situation and urging everyone to try and win back the clients. Bai Ning, whose clients were severely impacted, defiantly stated she wouldn't "beg" from the second group. Li Gongming encouraged unity to overcome the crisis.

At Chengtai, Sun Zhewei was furious to find his office being moved to accommodate Tang Ying. He confronted Huang Yaoqing, who explained that Tang Ying, a senior partner with a large client base, was a "priceless treasure" recruited at a high cost, and Sun Zhewei's old office was the only suitable one.

Huang Yaoqing, focused solely on results, not process, also pressured Sun Zhewei to deliver a "fatal blow" to Mingtang in the Lianchuang case, stressing that there was no room for failure after his previous disappointing attempts. Song Xiu, having joined Chengtai, learned about Tang Ying's move and Huang Yaoqing's plans to "take over Mingtang," but preferred that Mingtang and Chengtai remain separate. Meanwhile, Bai Ning struggled to retain her clients, making calls that proved futile.

She became furious, realizing Tang Ying's past "support" was merely a manipulative tactic to control her. Bai Ning angrily decided to confront Tang Ying at Chengtai. However, on her way, she received a phone call from Wen Ya's aunt, informing her that Wen Ya had committed suicide. Overwhelmed by this tragic news compounding her professional woes, Bai Ning broke down in tears. Concurrently, Chen Ke showed Xu Jie an online report.

The article, an interview with Sun Cailu, cunningly shifted the blame for Lianchuang's misconduct entirely onto Mingtang, plunging the firm into another public relations crisis. Xu Jie immediately reported this to Li Gongming, who was about to leave for a consultation with a Beijing expert. Li Gongming recognized this unethical tactic as Sun Zhewei’s doing, designed to deflect blame from Lianchuang and undermine Mingtang in public opinion.

Xu Jie offered to go to Qing'an to meet Sun Cailu directly to understand the situation. Li Gongming also lamented Tang Ying's departure and speculated that it might have been due to their long-standing differences or his failure to consider her feelings, though Xu Jie assured him his focus on what he believed was right for the firm was most important.

Later, Chen Ran tried to contact Jiang Qiong, who wasn't at the law firm, so Chen Ran decided to visit her at home to discuss some divorce materials. Upon arriving, Chen Ran heard shouts and quickly climbed through a window, discovering Jiang Qiong being subjected to domestic violence by her husband, Feng Dezhao.

Chen Ran immediately intervened, threatening to call the police, take photos, and get a medical examination, reminding Feng Dezhao, a company CEO, of the legal repercussions and the damage to his reputation. Jiang Qiong, despite being a skilled divorce lawyer who always advised others to leave abusive marriages, had endured years of abuse herself. Her husband first struck her after their child's full moon because she returned to work, then apologized and promised never to repeat it.

However, the abuse resumed years later, escalating to the point where he hit and cursed her every other day without reason. Jiang Qiong, hiding her bruises with a cold yogurt pack so her child wouldn't notice, finally broke down crying in Chen Ran's arms, admitting she too feared divorce despite helping countless others navigate it.

Jiang Qiong, a divorce lawyer, struggled to maintain her own marriage. She expressed her anguish to Chen Ran, lamenting how she helped others divide assets, clarify stakes, and fight for child custody, yet couldn't protect her own family, which was now in complete shambles. She feared public criticism and the negative impact on her child and career. Crying, she asked Chen Ran to delete sensitive content from her phone.

Witnessing Jiang Qiong's plight solidified Chen Ran's decision to leave her own marriage. She reflected on how people stubbornly adhere to societal expectations of family roles rather than pursuing their true happiness. Chen Ran packed her belongings, symbolically leaving her wedding ring in a prominent spot, and moved into her brother Chen Ke's place.

She apologized to Chen Ke for imposing on him, admitting she hadn't yet found a way to tell their mother and was concerned about how sensitive Yangyang would react. Chen Ke reassured her, offering his full support and asserting that Jian Peiran losing her was the greatest loss of his life. Jian Peiran called Chen Ran, desperately asking her to return so they could talk face-to-face. He admitted his mistakes and pleaded for another chance.

Chen Ran, however, was resolute, stating that a marriage without trust could not be sustained. She advised him to hire a lawyer and arrange a time to resolve their divorce as soon as possible. Jian Peiran asked if it had to be "such a scene." Later, at Yangyang's school, Jian Peiran's mother confronted Chen Ran. She initially apologized but quickly became aggressive, criticizing Chen Ran's age and her chances of remarrying.

She then tried to force Yangyang to come home with her, claiming Yangyang’s surname was Jian, not Chen. Chen Ke stepped in to protect his sister but was violently pushed to the ground by Jian Peiran. After Jian Peiran left with Yangyang, Chen Ran tended to Chen Ke's injuries. Chen Ke, deeply understanding Yangyang's situation, wisely remarked that "a good separation might be better than staying together in a toxic way" for a child.

When Yangyang later returned to Chen Ran, she shared a story about her friends resolving a dispute over lollipops, innocently asking if her parents could also reconcile. Chen Ran explained that her and her father's problems were far more complex and apologized for making Yangyang witness such a scene, promising it would not happen again. Yangyang then asked if her father had made a major mistake that Chen Ran simply couldn't forgive.

Chen Ran confided in her mother, Qian Qiuqing, about her decision to divorce Jian Peiran. To Chen Ran's surprise, her mother was fully supportive. Qian Qiuqing dismissed common reasons for divorce, such as incompatibility or infidelity, and assured Chen Ran that she would stand by her decision, even if the case went to court.

Qian Qiuqing urged Chen Ran to prioritize her own feelings and secure custody of Yangyang, emphasizing that there was no need to maintain a broken marriage for the sake of others. She then encouraged Chen Ran to embrace a new beginning, suggesting she hire personal trainers to get in shape and proudly declaring that "Qian Qiuqing's daughter, even after divorce, is still in demand." Meanwhile, Song Xiu met Li Gongming for dinner.

Li Gongming commended Song Xiu's excellent work, noting his clear thinking and attention to detail. During their conversation, Li Gongming took some medicine for a headache, which Song Xiu discretely recognized. Upon later research, Song Xiu discovered Li Gongming was suffering from a brain tumor. Deeply saddened, Song Xiu drank by himself in his apartment complex, tears streaming down his face. Xu Jie found him there and silently stayed by his side before approaching.

Burdened by guilt over Chengtai's unethical tactics against Mingtang, Song Xiu conveyed to Xu Jie his wish for her to win the Lianchuang case, stressing its importance for Li Gongming. Xu Jie then confessed to Song Xiu the reason for her deep personal involvement in the Lianchuang case: Sun Jian, who tragically committed suicide by jumping from the Lianchuang building, had purchased the problematic financial product through her when she worked at a financial company in Qing'an.

She felt immense guilt and declared that taking on this case was not just for Mingtang but also for herself. Song Xiu observed that Xu Jie had changed, to which she asked if he liked it. Driven by a desire for justice and advancement, Song Xiu confronted director Huang Yaoqing about his exclusion from the Lianchuang case.

He demanded a senior partner position as a condition for his participation, asserting his confidence in winning the case and drawing a comparison to Sun Zhewei, who joined Chengtai as a senior partner. Xu Jie traveled to Qing'an to visit Sun Jian's parents. She openly admitted that she was the one who recommended the Lianchuang financial product to their son.

Sun Jian’s parents were furious, verbally and physically attacking Xu Jie, blaming Chen Wenguang for their son's death and accusing her of being complicit. They ordered her out of their house. Later, Song Xiu and Sun Zhewei arrived at Sun Jian's parents' home, aiming to secure Hong Li’s signature on a settlement agreement that her husband, Sun Cailu, had already signed with Chengtai.

Hong Li was outraged, accusing Sun Cailu of betrayal and declaring that no amount of money could compensate for her son's life; she wanted justice. Sun Cailu tried to reason, arguing that the settlement offered more compensation than they would likely get by pursuing a lawsuit. Sun Zhewei warned Hong Li that if she cooperated with Mingtang, she would face massive compensation claims for breaching the existing agreement.

He argued that Chen Wenguang, not Lianchuang, was the one directly responsible for their son’s death and that Lianchuang was the only entity able to offer them compensation. Despite the initial rejection, Xu Jie, still in Qing'an, met with Song Xiu. She told him that after seeing Sun Jian's parents, she felt a sense of relief, having finally confronted her guilt. Song Xiu reassured her, reminding her that Luo Runnian was the sole party truly responsible for the tragic outcome and that she should not place such heavy blame on herself.

Song Xiu met Xu Jie at her apartment, where she had covered the bruises on her face with makeup. She explained that after meeting Sun Jian's parents, she could no longer simply wait for the public prosecution results; the meeting was less daunting than she had imagined, and in fact, she felt some relief. Song Xiu reassured her, stating that Luo Runnian was the sole guilty party and she shouldn't burden herself with excessive blame.

Xu Jie, however, urged Song Xiu not to get involved in the case, reminding him that his firm, Cheng Tai, was defending Luo Runnian and representing Lianchuang. Song Xiu dismissed her concerns, insisting that he knew what he was doing and that even if he didn't handle the case, another lawyer from his firm would. He concluded that they should each fulfill their own duties and serve their own master.

Later, Song Xiu tried repeatedly to speak with Hong Li, Sun Jian's mother, at her home. He explained that he was different from other lawyers and genuinely wanted to help Sun Jian seek justice, acknowledging their grief and asking for an opportunity. However, Hong Li consistently turned him away, refusing to listen and telling him not to return. Xu Jie also visited, requesting half an hour of Hong Li's time.

Hong Li begged her to leave, stating that seeing Xu Jie felt like a "knife stabbing her heart" and accusing Xu Jie's firm of making "dirty money." Xu Jie clarified that she wasn't there to exonerate her firm but to reveal the truth, asserting that Sun Jian's death wouldn't be ignored and no victim should be buried this way.

She offered to share Sun Jian's words, explaining that he deeply cherished his parents, who had lived in their old, modest home since his childhood. He was saddened by their struggles with the stairs and aspired to use the financial product to pursue profitable projects, eventually buying them an elevator-equipped apartment for a comfortable retirement. Hong Li, however, tearfully responded that they didn't need any of that; she just wanted her son back alive and safe.

Xu Jie then highlighted that many others, like Sun Jian, were suffering under Lianchuang's debt and might be contemplating similar desperate acts. She pointed out that Lianchuang could buy everything but not kinship, warning Hong Li that signing the settlement agreement would effectively help Lianchuang escape justice. Hong Li firmly declared that Lianchuang had underestimated them; they would repay Sun Jian's debts themselves and would not accept money "stained with her son's blood."

Xu Jie revealed that Lianchuang was using Sun Jian's death to shift blame onto Mingtang, and while Mingtang bore some responsibility, Lianchuang was the true culprit and must pay. She inferred from Hong Li's previous reaction that she hadn't signed the agreement and asked for permission to represent Sun Jian and other victims.

At that moment, Sun Cailu, Sun Jian's father, emerged, angrily yelling at Xu Jie to "get out," accusing her and her firm of being selfishly motivated by money or their "damn law firm." He asserted that Xu Jie had already harmed Sun Jian once, and he would not trust her or settle with Lianchuang, repeatedly ordering her to leave. Meanwhile, Chen Ran and Jian Peiran met for mediation regarding their divorce and Yangyang's custody.

The judge noted their fifteen-year marriage, the irreconcilable differences leading to divorce, and their thirteen-year-old daughter. When asked about accepting the court's mediation, Chen Ran firmly refused, while Jian Peiran's lawyer accepted. Chen Ran reiterated her refusal, despite the court offering ample time for mediation. Jian Peiran asked if they truly had to reach this point, suggesting he wasn't unreasonable. Chen Ran responded that their relationship was broken, and who was right or wrong no longer mattered.

She explained that even if she forgave him, they couldn't return to the past, and a marriage without trust was meaningless. She presented Jian Peiran with a choice: sign the divorce agreement or proceed with legal action. Jian Peiran retorted that Chen Ran always had her way and prioritized clients over her family, questioning if she considered the harm divorce would inflict on Yangyang. Chen Ran countered that the situation would hurt Yangyang, him, her, and their entire family.

Jian Peiran, in a fit of anger, declared he chose Yangyang and would never give up her custody, insisting she would stay with him even after divorce. The mediation ended, with the court stating that custody would be decided during the trial, and summons would be issued. Later, Jian Peiran picked Yangyang up from school, presenting her with a new toy he had promised.

Yangyang inquired if her mother knew he had picked her up, and then asked if her parents were truly divorcing. Jian Peiran admitted they might "separate for a while" but assured her they would remain her parents and love her even more, to which Yangyang remarked that her mother had used similar words.

Yangyang then expressed her anger, saying she had anticipated their problems and tried to warn them, feeling that if they had cared more, they wouldn't have reached this point. Jian Peiran quickly changed the subject, suggesting they visit Yangyang's grandmother. At the hospital, Jian Peiran's mother, still hospitalized for high blood pressure, declared that seeing Yangyang made her feel better. She insisted on not being discharged, wanting Chen Ran to feel guilt for her condition.

She told Jian Peiran not to inform Chen Ran that Yangyang was with them. Yangyang, however, revealed that her mother already knew. The grandmother accused Yangyang of being foolish, fearing Chen Ran would take her away, but Yangyang clarified that it was she who had told her mother. Chen Ke arrived at the hospital to apologize to Jian Peiran and his mother for the school incident, bringing fruit.

Jian Peiran's mother rejected his apology, insultingly called him a "weasel" with ulterior motives, and accused him of trying to trick Yangyang away. Jian Peiran tried to explain that he brought Yangyang for the promised toy and because her presence helped his mother's blood pressure, asking if Chen Ke followed them out of distrust. Chen Ke again apologized for the school incident but then asserted that Jian Peiran's real mistake was betraying Chen Ran.

He urged Jian Peiran to give up Yangyang's custody. Jian Peiran refused, claiming he had sacrificed much for the family and Yangyang needed his care and companionship. He reiterated that he would not give up custody and would only send Yangyang home after his mother's condition stabilized. Chen Ke stated that he had come without Chen Ran's knowledge and they would wait at home for Yangyang.

Back home, Chen Ke suggested going to the hospital again, but Chen Ran, realizing he had already been there, told him not to go again, trusting Jian Peiran to bring Yangyang home. She stated that both she and Jian Peiran loved Yangyang, and if Yangyang ultimately didn't choose her, it would mean Chen Ran wasn't a good enough mother. Chen Ke confessed that this time he went to the hospital for Chen Ran, not Yangyang.

He lamented his perceived powerlessness, recounting his struggle to protect her and win Yangyang back, only to make things worse. He expressed his difficulty in comforting her, as they hadn't grown up together, and his frustration that his efforts, like cooking for her only to have to reheat the food repeatedly due to her late work hours, felt inadequate.

He admitted that he resorted to apologizing because he felt it was the only thing he was good at, having grown up under the judgment of others. Chen Ran embraced him, reassuring him that they had done nothing wrong and owed no one an apology. She affirmed they were siblings, a family, and would always be together. Yangyang returned home and asked about her grandmother. She mentioned that Jian Peiran respected her choice.

Chen Ran comforted Yangyang, assuring her that both parents would respect her decision and wouldn't force her, although she might need to testify in court. Chen Ran apologized for making Yangyang go through this, and Yangyang, tearfully, expressed that she didn't want them to separate. Chen Ran explained that she and Jian Peiran faced relationship problems that needed to be addressed. She emphasized that separation would not diminish their love or care for Yangyang.

She promised to continue taking Yangyang on trips, picking her up from school, and attending parent-teacher meetings, just as before. She read Yangyang a story about a happy child whose parents were divorced, hoping Yangyang could find similar happiness. She promised to cherish their time together and accompany Yangyang as she grew up. The next morning, Chen Ran prepared for work, leaving Yangyang in Chen Ke's care.

Chen Ran received a phone call from Jiang Qiong, who had been beaten and was hospitalized. Chen Ran encouraged Jiang Qiong to decide on divorce, pointing out her injuries as strong evidence. Jiang Qiong, however, revealed her fear that her traditional parents would not accept a divorced daughter, and she felt isolated, "fighting alone" in Jinghai. She worried that a public trial would damage her professional reputation as a lawyer who couldn't manage her own marriage.

Chen Ran urged her not to sacrifice her lifelong happiness, warning that prolonged pretense could lead to self-deception. She lauded Jiang Qiong as an excellent lawyer whose marriage now posed a threat to her safety, insisting she must break free. Jiang Qiong apologized, admitting she couldn't be as brave as Chen Ran and would ask the judge to postpone the hearing. Chen Ran immediately refused, insisting on proceeding as planned, reminding Jiang Qiong that she too was a lawyer.

Jiang Qiong apologized for faltering at the last minute and told Chen Ran where to find all the case materials in her drawer, to which Chen Ran promised to bring back good news. At the court, Chen Ran chose to represent herself. Jian Peiran's lawyer argued that Jian Peiran bore most family responsibilities, including Yangyang's education and daily life.

He claimed that after Jian Peiran moved to the Northeast, Chen Ran frequently ordered takeout and left Yangyang to eat alone, with Jian Peiran's mother often handling school pickups, thus failing her motherly duties. He concluded Jian Peiran was better suited for custody and demanded 15,000 yuan monthly child support from Chen Ran. Chen Ran agreed to an equal division of assets but vehemently objected to the accusation of failing her motherly duties.

She explained that their division of household labor before Jian Peiran's move was a mutually agreed choice. She clarified that most takeout meals were due to tight schedules while taking Yangyang to after-school classes, emphasizing that a child's growth hinged on companionship and emotional connection, not merely meals. She admitted she was not a "perfect" mother but a "qualified" one. Due to her demanding work, she couldn't always be physically present, but whenever home, she prioritized her motherly duties.

She detailed her involvement in Yangyang's life: remembering birthdays (even sending gifts from afar), participating in a parent-child sports day where they won first place, immediately flying back from Switzerland after Yangyang was injured, attending a celebrity fan meeting, and witnessing Yangyang's first menstrual period. She concluded that she had never been absent from any significant stage of Yangyang's growth.

Jian Peiran's lawyer then accused Chen Ran of reckless spending and an inability to adapt to a reduced income following her father's legal troubles, questioning her ability to provide a stable life for Yangyang. He contrasted this with Jian Peiran's sacrifice of family time to work in the Northeast and support the family, fulfilling his fatherly duties, and reiterated that custody should go to him.

Chen Ran refuted this, stating that despite growing up in a privileged environment, she was not spoiled. She explained that she and Jian Peiran maintained a joint fund for most of their income, with transparent accounts accessible to both, and that Jian Peiran was aware of this arrangement. She challenged the opposing lawyer to provide evidence of her "reckless spending," asking Jian Peiran directly if she had ever demanded luxury items, designer clothes, or stays in five-star hotels.

She explained that their family adjusted spending based on their financial situation, enjoying more when well-off and living frugally when not. She acknowledged a period of work difficulties last year and her increased focus on work to boost family income. To save money, they moved from a larger home to a more economical residence, a decision Jian Peiran also knew and agreed to.

She concluded that working diligently to create wealth and improve family life was her way, as a mother and wife, of protecting their home. Outside the courtroom, Chen Ke tried to comfort Yangyang, who was worried about her choice. Yangyang asked who he thought she should choose, anticipating he would favor her mother. She voiced her dilemma, feeling torn between her parents and surprisingly "in high demand" after previously feeling overlooked.

Yangyang asked Chen Ke how he coped with similar challenges. Chen Ke admitted to feeling sad but having endured. He assured her that her family would always be her family, and her parents' love for her would not diminish with their marital changes, promising their love would always exceed her expectations. Yangyang asked him not to call her "kiddo," suggesting "niece" instead.

She then asked if her parents wouldn't be angry no matter who she chose, and Chen Ke told her not to think of them as so "narrow-minded," before asking her who she would ultimately choose.

Yangyang, speaking with her uncle Chen Ke, wondered if her parents would be angry regardless of her custody choice. Chen Ke assured her they wouldn't be so narrow-minded, then pressed her to reveal her decision. Later, Song Xiu was eating alone when Sun Zhewei approached, sarcastically complimenting his handling of the Lianchuang case. Song Xiu countered that the case was a joint effort, only for Sun Zhewei to dismiss his contribution, calling it "cooperation" instead.

Song Xiu then revealed that Director Huang had promised him a senior partner position at Chengtai if the case succeeded, a deal he took because Director Huang was disappointed in Sun Zhewei for not having accomplished anything since joining the firm. Enraged, Sun Zhewei stormed off. Song Xiu's persistent efforts finally moved Hong Li, Sun Jian’s mother. As she walked home, Song Xiu offered to help with her groceries.

Hong Li reminisced about Sun Jian, who used to meet her at the gate and carry her bags, lamenting that he was gone because he hadn't lived a simple life like Song Xiu. Inviting Song Xiu inside, she shared her grief in Sun Jian's room, which remained untouched. She explained that Sun Jian had always been self-reliant and only wanted his parents to live a better life, which led him to invest in Lianchuang.

She handed Song Xiu the financial contract, imploring him to help her son get justice against the powerful corporation. Hong Li also mentioned that Xu Jie had visited and she could see Xu Jie genuinely wanted to help, not just escape blame, and that she now understood why Sun Jian was so desperate to earn money.

Song Xiu assured her that Sun Jian would want his parents to live a life free from debt and that she would make the choice that allows her son to rest in peace. Meanwhile, Chen Ran’s divorce and custody trial proceeded. Jian Peiran's lawyer, Fang Pu, aggressively questioned Chen Ran about bringing Chen Ke, a "stranger," into the family home without Jian Peiran's consent.

Chen Ran objected, clarifying Chen Ke was her half-brother and that inviting him to their father's memorial was natural. Fang Pu then questioned her loyalty, suggesting a suspiciously close relationship with Tian Mao. Chen Ran explained Tian Mao was her father's apprentice and their discussions were about her father's case.

When Fang Pu cited Yangyang's mention of an "intimate farewell," Chen Ran challenged him to produce evidence and warned against defamation before presenting a video of her own: Jian Peiran intimately embracing Cao Hui, revealing his infidelity. After the court session, Jian Peiran confronted Fang Pu, unhappy with the aggressive tactics. Fang Pu argued that divorce cases are battlegrounds where one must fight ruthlessly for custody.

He also noted that his tactics had provoked Chen Ran into revealing the video of the affair, something she might not have done otherwise. When Yangyang was called to testify, Fang Pu questioned her about Chen Ran's busy schedule. Yangyang admitted her mother was busy but had also offered to change jobs for her, adding that she was proud of her mother's work. Fang Pu then asked if Yangyang had complained to her father about Tian Mao.

She confirmed she had, but only because her mother always seemed unhappy after meeting with him about her grandfather's case. Fang Pu then tried to insinuate that Chen Wenguang’s criminal record could affect Yangyang's future, a question Chen Ran immediately objected to. Given a chance to speak, Chen Ran asked Yangyang to list her flaws.

Yangyang mentioned several complaints, like not being allowed to play games, but concluded tearfully that what she truly loved was simply being able to call out "Mom" every morning and hear her reply. Yangyang then told the court she loved both her parents and wanted them to be happy, even if they were separated. In her closing statement, Chen Ran acknowledged her imperfections as a mother but emphasized her unwavering love for Yangyang.

The judge granted the divorce, awarding custody to Chen Ran, citing Yangyang’s age, her stated preference, the mother's stable income, and the particular needs of a girl in adolescence. Jian Peiran was ordered to pay 5,000 yuan in child support monthly until Yangyang turns eighteen. Outside the courtroom, Chen Ke comforted a tearful Yangyang, telling her his own parents’ marriage was even more complicated.

He playfully teased her about her resilience, and she responded with light sarcasm about her new status as a child of divorce. Pleased to see her spirit, Chen Ke acknowledged that growing up overnight isn't easy, recognizing her strength. Chen Ran then met with Xu Jie, who was struggling with the hostility from Sun Jian's parents and felt conflicted about putting Song Xiu in a difficult position.

Chen Ran observed that Xu Jie had grown, now considering others' feelings instead of only focusing on results. After sharing the good news that her divorce was final and she had custody, Chen Ran dropped a bombshell: she was pregnant again and planned to raise the child alone. Overjoyed, Xu Jie jokingly offered to play the "father" role for school meetings.

Playfully touching Chen Ran's belly, she suggested the possibility of twins, to which Chen Ran sighed that they would need two cribs. Later, at Mingtang, Li Gongming brought up the merger with Qingmu Law Firm again. The partners advised waiting until the Lianchuang case was resolved, as it had severely damaged Mingtang's reputation. Li Gongming then revealed he has a brain tumor.

Chen Ran was deeply saddened, seeing him as family, but he reassured them he had come to terms with it. He gave Chen Ran a letter from her father, written before his death, stating his wish for her to take over his senior partner position. Chen Ran refused, insisting she wanted to earn the position on her own merits and assuring Li Gongming she was ready to take responsibility for Mingtang's future.

Huang Yaoqing was informed by Sun Zhewei that most Lianchuang victims had signed a settlement, but Hong Li remained unyielding. Huang Yaoqing stressed that Sun Jian's case was paramount and ordered Sun Zhewei to secure a win. Reflecting on Li Gongming's illness, Huang Yaoqing grew introspective about health and ordered company-wide checkups for all Chengtai employees. Xu Jie and Chen Ran continued their difficult search for Lianchuang victims.

Many, including affluent professionals and those too proud to speak out after losing everything, were unwilling to testify. They decided to approach Li Dongkai, a victim who organized others online. Chen Ke warned Chen Ran that Li Dongkai held a grudge against their father and would be hostile. As predicted, when Chen Ran explained that Chengtai's settlement offer was a tactic to shift blame onto her deceased father, Li Dongkai dismissed her. He preferred the tangible compensation, sarcastically remarking that at least Lianchuang was paying, unlike some who just "escape" through death.

Li Dongkai, a key organizer for the victims, expressed his frustration with the prolonged Lianchuang case, which had caused many to lose hope. He felt Lianchuang was attempting to shift blame onto the deceased and was only concerned with getting his money back, not the legal intricacies. Chen Ke, demonstrating genuine sincerity, offered to help Li Dongkai unload his truck, giving Chen Ran an opportunity to speak with him.

Chen Ran emphasized that accepting Lianchuang's early compensation through a letter of understanding would allow the perpetrators to buy their way to a reduced sentence and encourage future crimes. Impressed by their earnestness, Li Dongkai agreed to listen to their plan and rallied other victims to Mingtang. At Mingtang, Chen Ran and Xu Jie further explained that while a legal victory would secure their money, settling for a quick compensation would allow Lianchuang to escape with too little consequence.

Many victims remained focused on financial recovery, but Hong Li, Sun Jian's mother, firmly declared her refusal to take money and her determination to fight the lawsuit, regardless of the outcome. She then revealed that this strategy was orchestrated by Song Xiu, who wanted Chengtai to submit all their evidence and lower their guard, allowing Mingtang to use the time before the public trial to prepare thoroughly and gain the upper hand.

Xu Jie was deeply upset by Song Xiu's high-stakes plan, which put his career at risk. She confronted him, accusing him of sacrificing himself when their case had good chances. Song Xiu explained he had carefully considered his actions, believing that even if the opponent wasn't Xu Jie, Chengtai would still target Mingtang. He calmly stated that he could pursue legal aid or public interest law, as his true calling was to ensure fairness and justice.

Although angry, Xu Jie was also heartbroken, embracing him and affirming that in her eyes, he was never "just a small-time lawyer," but a truly great one. Later, Huang Yaoqing called Song Xiu in. He acknowledged Song Xiu's talent and drive, seeing a younger version of himself in him. However, he expressed disappointment that Song Xiu had betrayed his trust.

He warned Song Xiu that he could ensure he never practiced law again but ultimately just told him to leave Chengtai and never take their cases or cross paths with him again. Before Song Xiu left, Huang Yaoqing asked him to call him "Master" one last time, a request Song Xiu tearfully fulfilled, expressing his gratitude. With renewed vigor and armed with Song Xiu's strategic insight, Chen Ran and Xu Jie led Mingtang's team.

They meticulously gathered evidence, noting the sheer volume of documents. Other teams, including Xiao He and Lao Mo, were inspired by their dedication and joined in, helping with the extensive fieldwork and evidence gathering. The effort was immense, with staff members regularly working late and racking up significant steps on their phones during their investigation rounds. Their collective moral principles fueled their drive, and their hard work paid off.

The number of victims willing to join Mingtang's collective lawsuit grew, matching the number who had settled with Chengtai. The Lianchuang Group's illegal fundraising case proceeded to trial. The court found Lianchuang Group guilty of illegal public deposit-taking, declaring their asset management contracts invalid. The judge ordered Lianchuang to return the full principal of 135 million RMB to Hong Li and eighty other plaintiffs, along with interest calculated from the date of their initial investment until actual repayment.

This monumental victory brought the complex and emotionally charged case to a close, delivering justice to all the affected victims. In her personal life, Chen Ran, now a senior partner, continued her demanding work while pregnant with her second child. Her brother, Chen Ke, frequently expressed concern about her workload, suggesting she reduce it, but Chen Ran remained steadfast, confident in her ability to balance her responsibilities and ensure her children's well-being.

During a prenatal checkup, Jian Peiran visited, bringing supplements and offering to accompany her to future appointments, citing his experience. Chen Ran, however, remained silent, clearly indicating her desire to keep their relationship in the past. Meanwhile, Song Xiu had embraced his new path as a public interest lawyer, holding legal lectures in the community.

Xu Jie found him radiating confidence and success in this new role, realizing his former mentor, Li Gongming, had subtly guided him toward this path all along. One evening, while attending one of Song Xiu's lectures, Xu Jie playfully proposed to him in front of a group of elderly square dancers. To her surprise, Song Xiu, who had also secretly prepared a ring, reciprocated, and they joyfully became engaged, witnessed by the appreciative crowd.

Later, Jiang Qiong visited Chen Ran's office to thank her, attributing her newfound courage to Chen Ran's support. Jiang Qiong, now handling a high-profile celebrity divorce case alongside her family affairs, politely declined Chen Ran's offer of time off, stating that for her, work had become the best form of rest. Shortly after, Bai Ning consulted Chen Ran about a new, sensitive collective lawsuit concerning workplace harassment against women, involving numerous major companies and law firms.

Bai Ning noted that other firms were hesitant to take on the case. Chen Ran and Xu Jie quickly realized that one of the plaintiffs was Miaomiao, a former Mingtang employee who had previously leaked client lists to Chengtai. Given the timing of Miaomiao's allegations, Chen Ran and Xu Jie suspected that Huang Yaoqing and Chengtai were once again behind the scenes, orchestrating a new scheme.

As they prepared to face this fresh challenge, Chen Ran reflected on Mingtang's evolution, now a place that truly bore her name and principles. With unwavering determination, the two women, shoulder to shoulder, prepared to bravely embark on their next unknown journey, ready to fight for Mingtang's honor.