Original subtitles

[You are My Fateful Love] [EP02]

Here, Miss Ruan.

Come on in.

Thanks.

Mr. Liu.

I got it.

No problem. It's nothing.

Let me. Thanks.

You two know each other?

No. No, we don't.

No.

Let me introduce you then.

This is

our firm's legal counsel,

Xu Huaisong.

Hello.

And this

is our client for this case.

Ruan Yu.

Miss Ruan.

A novelist.

Specializes in romance.

Mr. Xu, how'd you know that?

I looked over your file.

And how much do you know?

About the case? Or about the person?

Or maybe your novel?

Mr. Xu just means

we'd like to

get some basic info

on our clients before the discussion.

It's part

of being

a good lawyer,

right?

Got the basics covered.

Haven't read the novel yet, right?

Oh right, Miss Ruan,

you brought the novel, yeah?

I... Yeah.

Good.

Just hand it to Mr. Xu

later.

Have a seat.

Here.

[This novel is basically]

[a full-on fantasy]

[about Xu Huaisong, ]

[from his body to his soul.]

[And now I have to]

[give it to him, ]

[and then dive]

[into a legal discussion]

[about the fantasy]

[with him?]

Gentlemen,

as they say,

let mercy guide your hand.

Patience brings peace.

A step back gives room to breathe.

Saving a life is the greatest virtue.

Miss Ruan, what do you mean?

I... I mean,

I suddenly don't wanna sue anymore.

Don't wanna sue?

Are you... sure about that?

Just a sec.

I gotta take this.

Sorry.

Hello?

What kind of delivery

needs my signature in person?

Okay. Coming.

She suddenly doesn't wanna sue?

Did I do something wrong?

Mr. Liu's pretty busy, huh?

Last time I saw him,

he also had to step out

for a call.

Last time?

Please.

[He barely changed.]

[Time's been way too kind to him.]

Miss Ruan,

you got a problem with me?

No, no.

Wouldn't dare.

Just

feeling sorry for myself.

What's up, Mr. Xu?

Sorry.

Had to go downstairs

to sign for a package.

So, Miss Ruan,

have you made up your mind?

Mr. Liu, I've thought it through.

Alright.

I respect your decision.

I've had plenty of clients

who hesitate at the last minute.

But after thinking it over,

they usually go through with the lawsuit.

It's fine. Take your time.

Mr. Liu, you're talking

about your divorce clients, right?

Those two don't get along?

Thanks, Mr. Liu.

I'll think about it some more.

Sure. Let me walk you out.

Don't bother.

Go ahead with your work.

Running back and forth now

will make you late for lunch.

I'm not busy.

I was just about to invite you to lunch.

Then let me treat you.

It's too much trouble for you.

Alright.

Western food?

There is a Western restaurant

near where she lived.

Sure.

So you two already made plans for lunch?

I forgot about that.

How about next time?

But he's already gone downstairs.

It's okay. I'll go tell him.

Let's go.

Wait for me upstairs.

I'll drop Ruan Yu off

and come back to eat with you, okay?

There's a bed upstairs.

You're gonna crash and fix

your jet lag now?

Let's go.

Mr. Liu,

I left your keys in the car.

I'll head up then.

Alright. Thanks.

Then I'll drop Miss Ruan off first.

Than...

Thank you, Mr. Liu.

No problem, Ruan Yu.

You take the back.

More comfortable back there.

Thanks, Mr. Liu.

Close the door yourself.

Mr. Liu, I'm not going home.

Can you drop me at a friend's place?

Sure.

It's not out of the way.

It's actually closer.

No problem.

Just send me the address.

Okay.

Miss Ruan.

Mind telling me

which friend you're going to?

That's a little direct, don't you think?

You ask her then.

My editor's place.

Got it.

Going to your editor's?

What's up?

The case didn't go through?

Mingying.

Guess

who I ran into today?

Liu Mao...

He confessed to you?

It's Xu Huaisong.

Mingying.

I met

the real Xu Huaisong.

Something's off.

It's perfectly normal for me to care

about who I'm being set up with.

Then why

are you so worried about it?

Gotta know where my client's going.

Problem?

She's already out there

looking for a boyfriend.

Where else would she go?

Just some regular friend's place.

Easy for you

to say now.

What if she only went on the blind date

to get her family off her back?

You think you know my date

better than I do?

That call at the office this morning

was you,

wasn't it?

Setting me up to leave?

You're a little slow on the uptake.

How'd you even become a lawyer?

Your ex-girlfriend?

Well,

it's complicated.

What's more complicated

than an ex?

Don't you think debt and credit

are more complicated?

She owes you money?

No.

Then what's the deal between you two?

Just say it.

Spit it out.

Chinese food or Western food?

Fine, don't tell me.

I'm good with anything.

I'm not hungry. Up to you.

When are you leaving this time?

Tomorrow.

You just got back yesterday

and you're leaving tomorrow?

My client's trial

is in less than 48 hours.

Think I should be in a hurry?

Then why'd you

even bother coming back now?

What is

more important than a trial?

Excuse me.

Hello?

Huaisong.

I think I messed up.

I think I might've

screwed Ruan Yu over.

Who did you just say?

Ruan Yu.

You forgot?

Take it easy.

Just take your time.

I don't know what to do.

I'll send you a photo.

Huaisong!

Here's the document you needed.

That night,

I found this in the piano room

at the school art gallery.

You spend over ten hours flying back,

stay for a day,

then fly another ten-plus hours back.

I think you've lost it.

Who wouldn't?

Crazy.

I'm losing it.

Who was it that swore up and down

they wouldn't get caught?

This is insane.

I never thought it'd actually

make its way to him.

You wouldn't even see this in a novel.

What do I do?

I put out a post saying

the novel was based on my real life,

and also shared a video

clarifying the timeline

of the outline.

Can't delete or change it now.

What if... What if

he sees it?

Don't worry about that for now.

Isn't he some hotshot American lawyer?

Probably doesn't have time

to scroll through your Weibo.

Plus, you said

he didn't even recognize you.

But what if...

What if he reads

Chapter 23?

You were the one

who added that wild scene.

No, no, no... I...

I'm gonna...

I'm locking that chapter right now.

Locking it now.

But seriously,

you're dropping the lawsuit

over this little mess?

No!

I'm definitely suing.

I don't believe

Hang City

doesn't have a better law firm.

You two know each other?

No. No, we don't.

No.

Good thing he doesn't remember me.

[These law firms]

[were recommended by a friend.]

[I've already made appointments.]

[You can just go tomorrow.]

[As expected, you're the one]

[I can count on]

[when it counts.]

We know copyright disputes

inside out. You'll win for sure!

So

What's your level as a writer?

How much do you make from a book?

Ms. Ruan,

what Mr. Chen is saying

is that these cases are better

settled out of court.

Mr. Chen means

a PR battle costs a lot.

Mr. Chen...

Follow me right now,

and let's do some

public interactions.

Build up the buzz first.

[Get that so-called Lawyer Zhang]

[out here!]

[All he does]

[is hype things up.]

[Is he a lawyer]

[or an influencer?]

[I'm gonna sue him!]

They sure got it right.

The whole world

is just a giant amateur circus.

[Mr. Fan's definitely not part]

[of some amateur circus act.]

[If Zhikun is the rising star among]

[Hang City's young lawyers, ]

[Mr. Fan and Dingzheng are]

[the gold standard for old-school quality.]

[Other than the high fees, ]

[no flaws at all.]

Simply put,

this case is about

proving your outline was stolen.

Then can we compare

the wording of both works

to show

they're not

actually similar,

and prove that my work is original

and didn't infringe?

That approach is pretty difficult

right now.

There are indeed many similarities

in the plot.

It might not work in your favor.

Proving the outline was stolen

is the most direct and simplest way.

I understand all that.

But honestly,

the two works just

look a bit similar.

As an original author,

I want the legal recognition.

Miss Ruan, sorry,

but I'm a lawyer,

not your PR team.

I can't support your artistic sentiments.

Understood.

[Miss Ruan, ]

[just a friendly heads-up, ]

[I don't think any lawyer]

[is gonna go with your approach.]

[How'd it go with Mr. Fan?]

[He heard me out]

[and basically showed me the door.]

[But yeah, going my way]

[would probably be a thankless task.]

Hello, Mr. Liu?

Ruan Yu.

I just called to see

how you're doing with your decision.

[You're really not gonna sue?]

Mr. Liu,

how would you

handle my case

if it were up to you?

Prove the outline was stolen.

That's the simplest way.

What's wrong?

Running into some trouble?

You can tell me.

Even if I'm not your lawyer,

I'm still your friend.

I was wondering

if I could prove

the originality

of my work in this case.

That's actually...

It's okay, Mr. Liu.

I understand.

Yes.

Yes?

Mr. Liu, if you're just doing this

as a friend,

there's no need.

I know...

Of course not.

It's no trouble.

Not at all.

Are you on speaker,

Mr. Liu?

Yeah.

Sorry about that, Ruan Yu.

Hold on a sec.

I need to sign two documents.

Okay.

Any instructions?

Proving your originality

isn't essential evidence,

but as supporting evidence,

it may have a positive impact

on the outcome of the case.

That request can be done.

You're not worried

the comparison won't look good?

Hold on.

Two more documents to sign.

Okay.

In this country, the easiest way

to handle this kind of case

is to go with the stolen outline angle.

Different playbook from

what you're used to overseas.

In any country,

you go with the stolen outline angle.

That's what we've been talking about...

But what if the outline

wasn't stolen at all?

What do you mean?

Mr. Liu, are you still there?

If you're busy,

we can talk later.

Hurry up.

I don't have that many files to sign.

Regardless of how the comparison

turns out,

I think true originality

deserves a shot.

Really?

Thank you so much, Mr. Liu.

No worries. Goodbye.

You can't take this case this way.

You are

pushing it now.

Hang City's full of law firms.

Why do you have to push her

toward Zhikun?

Because I'm the only one

who knows how to handle this case.

You're the only one who knows how?

This isn't about me, is it?

Why go through all this trouble?

You could've just told me.

You know what,

Ruan Yu

is the best of all girls

I've been set up with

over the years.

She's pretty, smart,

and a writer.

I'm a lawyer.

A writer and a lawyer.

That'd make a nice story.

Fine.

I'll wait and see

what episode you end up with her in.

You watch too many dramas.

Dinner tonight?

No.

Where you off to then?

Su City.

Good, don't eat.

Work meeting

turns into a date.

Miss Ruan, see you tonight.

A writer and a lawyer.

That'd make a nice story.

Has a nice ring to it.

Huaisong, you're back?

When did you get back?

Did you come back for that thing?

Fine, I won't ask.

Huaisong, come home for dinner tonight.

I'm eating out.

No. Come on.

Mom really misses you.

I'll pick you up after school.

Go to that place you sent me last time.

Okay. It's a deal.

See you after school.

Love you.

What a coincidence.

Who were you on the phone with?

So happy.

The man who loves me most

in this world.

Give it back!

Put his picture down!

Xu Huaishi,

you're getting

more and more violent.

What, I look at Li Shican for two seconds

and he's gonna get canceled?

Say that again!

Looks like you've got

too much allowance!

My luck

with money is just good.

I just ran out of allowance

and someone's taking me out to eat.

Who?

Huaisong.

A really handsome guy.

Second only to Shican.

Good-looking and rich.

And he spends money on me.

Huaisong!

I'm such a space case.

Gotta go back.

What's Shi doing?

So you're Huaisong?

Don't call her Shi.

Just because you're older doesn't mean

you can take advantage of her.

You're Shi's classmate?

We're buddies.

Not just classmates.

Not just classmates?

Then who are you to her?

What's it to you?

You're trying to pump me

for info about her, aren't you?

No way.

Shi didn't tell you

who I am?

You?

You're that

good-looking, rich guy

who spends money on her,

right?

Shi usually describes me

like that?

It's just money.

Anyone can have it.

Let me tell you,

if you keep messing

with Xu Huaishi,

I won't go easy on you.

Huaisong.

You're still here?

This is my classmate I told you about,

Zhao Yi.

Looks like you've already met.

So you're Zhao Yi?

I've not only met him.

I also know you two

aren't just classmates.

Zhao Yi!

What did you tell Huaisong?

Shouldn't "Huaisong" be his last name?

So I'd be Ms. Shi?

He's Xu Huaisong, my real brother.

Got a problem with that?

No problem. Xu.

Xu.

I've got work tonight.

Not joining you for dinner.

Mr. Liu,

your friend is already here.

I'll show you over.

Okay. Thanks.

Weren't you going to Su City?

Back so soon?

Shouldn't "Huaisong" be his last name?

Is Mr. Liu serious

this time?

That shirt is expensive.

I never saw him wear it.

Who is it?

Do I know this girl?

It's Miss Ruan, the one

with the defamation case.

Mr. Liu drew up the contract this afternoon.

He's securing it tonight.

Securing the deal

or securing the girl?

If I go with Zhikun,

will you be my attorney,

Mr. Liu?

Yes.

So we'll move forward

with the plan we discussed on the phone,

right?

Of course.

We'll provide legal advice

as appropriate.

Never against

the client's wishes.

That's great.

I trust your expertise, Mr. Liu.

Let's sign the contract then.

Now?

No rush.

The contract can wait a few days.

As for the online buzz,

a few days won't matter.

It's not a big deal.

Right, Mr. Liu?

How is it not a big deal?

No.

This can't wait.

The longer the buzz keeps building,

the more risk we take on.

Ruan Yu,

look over the contract carefully.

Ask me if anything's unclear.

No need to be formal.

I've already signed

both copies.

Okay.

I don't have any questions.

Great.

Mr. Liu.

If I file a lawsuit,

what documents do I need to prepare?

The priority

is to get notarized copies

of all the defamatory content

about you online

as soon as possible.

I'll help you with that.

Also, don't let anyone know

you're planning to sue yet,

or you might tip them off.

As for the rest...

Hold on.

Mr. Liu,

aren't you my counsel?

Mr. Xu,

are you involved too?

Mr. Liu handles the court appearances.

I'll help with case prep.

But I can't afford

to pay

two lawyers.

Don't worry about that.

He's just learning.

You don't need to pay him.

Besides, with our connection,

I can give you 20% off.

Thank you, Mr. Liu.

Actually,

I have a few friends in the industry

who've been in copyright disputes.

Mr. Xu, I could refer you to them

if you want to study.

I don't mind.

Mr. Liu, is that okay with you?

After all, this isn't

a Zhikun case.

So if Mr. Xu

gets involved,

it might not look great for the firm,

right?

Mr. Xu,

when you say

"help with case prep,"

does that mean you'll advise

Mr. Liu on strategy,

but not handle everything...

The first step of case prep

is fully understanding the case.

So you have to

review all the documents?

Including the entire novel?

Miss Ruan, is there something

in your novel

you'd rather not share?

No, no.

No.

Alright. Contract's signed.

Let me set up a work group chat.

That way we can communicate easily.

Alright?

Sure.

In 1,000 meters,

you'll get on the airport expressway.

[Mr. Xu will handle]

[organizing the plot points]

[from the novel for our case.]

[If you have any questions, ]

[feel free to reach out to him.]

[Mr. Liu, ]

[for the plot organization part, ]

[can I just]

[coordinate with you?]

[Mr. Xu has more experience]

[with plagiarism checks.]

[I just thought with Mr. Xu]

[being overseas, the time difference]

[would be a hassle.]

[Plus, he's probably pretty busy.]

[Don't worry about the time difference.]

[He's a night owl.]

[And no matter how busy he is, ]

[for my sake, ]

[he'll make time for this case.]

[Once the materials are organized, ]

[you can post them in the group chat.]

Hello?

Man,

this type of case

is your specialty, right?

You told me to say in the group chat

that you're handling this case.

I did it.

Then Ruan Yu responded,

and you just went silent.

What's your deal?

You're putting me

in a really tough spot here.

If you're really that uncomfortable

being in the middle,

just come sit over here.

Fine.

You can have her

add me on WeChat.

I see now.

You came back all of a sudden

for Ruan Yu.

Shi got into some trouble.

That's a terrible excuse.

Seriously?

If you have time to gossip,

why not just have the client

contact me?

Wait.

Why do you want her

to contact you?

Don't tell me you added her

and she didn't accept?

Nonsense.

So I guessed right!

Looks like you've got more experience

being rejected than I do, Mr. Liu.

You got anything or not?

If not, I'm hanging up.

I'll hang up first.

I've got more experience?

[Here's the defamation record]

[I've organized so far.]

[I already had it notarized]

[at the notary office this morning.]

[Please take a look and let me know]

[if anything else needs to be added.]

[You should add him on WeChat.]

[He's in too many work group chats.]

[Might miss things sometimes.]

Add Xu Huaisong on WeChat?

4308.

[Back then, I spent three years]

[going over his info]

[and never found a reason to add him.]

[Ten years later, here it is.]

[Life really has]

[a twisted sense of humor.]

What do I say?

Hello, Mr. Xu.

This is Ruan Yu.

No. Too formal.

No.

Too stiff.

What do I do?

No! I can't add him!

Talking to him about the novel

feels too awkward

What if I slip up?

[A young lady with no legal background]

[would rather figure out]

[notarization herself]

[than let you help.]

[Looks like she really doesn't]

[want to deal with you.]

How... Did I just add him?

What...

What did my friend request

say?

Have a seat.

One more thing.

Someone

found a phone in the auditorium.

Is anyone here to claim it?

Nobody?

Whose phone is this?

The "study or marry me"

person,

come up

and get your phone.

Whose phone?

Sir. Sir.

Sir, I'm sorry.

It's mine.

Don't bring

your phone to school anymore.

Focus on your studies.

Thank you, sir. Sorry about that.