Lady of Law Episode 25 Recap
> Lady of Law Recap
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.
