Lady of Law Episode 13 Recap
> Lady of Law Recap
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.
