Resumo do episódio 18 de Lady of Law
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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.
