Original subtitles

=Hold a Court Now=

=Episode 23=

What are you doing?

Take a look.

Rui,

the whole room is full of legal professionals.

You can at least meet some people

to expand your network.

Are you dumb?

I'm going in first.

We can't go in together.

With your bestie here, who would even dare to approach you?

Don't leave.

We agreed to come for a free meal.

Look.

Our university alumni association

is having a tea gathering tonight.

Are you going or not?

No.

(Law University Alumni Reading Club)

Take another look.

See, there are so many people.

It's quite interesting.

Just go.

You can't stay cooped up at home all the time.

You should go out and meet new people.

Aren't they all alumni?

Maybe you've met them before. How are they new?

There are always some you haven't met.

There are always new people beyond the ones you know.

Why are you so stubborn?

Are you going or not?

No.

If you're not going, I'm going.

Go, please.

(Tea Gathering)

Excuse me, is this where we sign in?

Yes.

Are there any rules for this event?

I don't think so.

I'm here for the event too.

I'm not sure.

Have I seen you somewhere before?

Hello?

You finally picked up.

Your dad is meeting his old colleagues for dinner tonight.

Are you going?

No.

You should at least go out and see people.

You can't stay cooped up at home after work.

I'm with Jiang Feng.

He's at my place.

I mean, you should have a normal social life.

Then go with Jiang Feng.

They're all uncles and aunties who watched you grow up.

You haven't gathered in a long time.

It'll be good to get some fresh air.

I'm heading out now.

I'll come pick you up right away.

Don't come.

Jiang Feng and I are going to the alumni gathering.

We're about to leave.

Alumni gathering?

Alright, go ahead then.

What alumni gathering?

Having dinner with your parents is much better.

Wait for me.

(Xie Yuan) Please don't misunderstand.

I'm from the Legal Aid Center.

My name is Xie Yuan.

Xie Yuan?

Legal aid, nice to meet you.

I'm also a lawyer.

I'm from Ronghe Law Firm.

My name is Qin Rui.

Qin Rui?

You're Qin Rui?

No wonder you looked so familiar.

I've been following your video account,

Rui's Legal Lens, right?

Thank you.

I've followed you for a long time. I didn't expect to run into you here today.

I think many of your viewpoints

are excellent.

I often leave comments under your videos.

You even replied to me before.

What a coincidence.

I've seen some of the comments

under your videos too.

I don't think you need to take them to heart.

The internet

is just a place for people to vent.

Behind a screen, you don't even know

who you're talking to.

And some people

haven't even understood

the full story,

yet they make one-sided judgments and comments.

Netizens only stay interested for a short while.

When you achieve something even better someday,

they'll come back and praise you again.

Thank you for telling me all this.

Looks like you really have been following me.

Hurry up.

Hello.

Excuse me,

where is the tea gathering?

The matchmaking event, right? Downstairs.

Got it. Thanks.

Matchmaking event?

Just treat it as a tea gathering.

Grab a bottle of water and sit there.

It's fine. You'll eventually forget Qin Rui anyway.

The two of you are just parallel lines now.

If you cross paths again,

I'll write my last name backwards.

See?

Isn't that nice?

Shen.

Lan?

Shen, I didn't expect you to be here too.

Signing in here.

Help me sign in.

Lan, long time no see.

Long time no see.

Let's go.

Long time no see.

Long time no see.

How have you been?

Have you been well

at Ronghe Law Firm lately?

Pretty good.

Judge Shen, you must be doing well too,

even coming to a matchmaking event.

I just saw an empty table over there.

Why don't you go chat there?

Come on, this way.

You guys enjoy yourselves.

See?

She's already moved on

and is ready to start a new life.

You shouldn't keep hanging on either.

I almost thought I'd have to write my last name backwards.

Sit here, sit.

Then you...

You two take your time, I won't interrupt.

Seniors, you can sit anywhere that's free.

Let's sit here.

Let's go.

I'll get you something to drink.

I really didn't know she'd be here.

Sorry.

Who's that?

He seems to be

from the Chenxi Legal Aid Center.

His name is...

Xie Yuan?

Right, Xie Yuan.

Let me explain first.

Actually, I didn't come here for matchmaking today.

Not afraid you'll laugh at me,

I originally came just for a free meal.

Didn't expect it to turn out like this.

Actually, today,

I'm not here for matchmaking either.

I came hoping to find

lawyers willing

to take on legal aid cases.

A large portion of our cases

are from the Family Court.

We want to help those

who are treated unfairly within their families,

to give them support.

Alright, enough.

She's already moved on emotionally.

You still can't let go?

I know this might be a bit abrupt,

but I'm not sure if you'd be interested.

I used to handle Family Court cases too,

so I've heard about this area,

but I don't know it very well.

Let me explain it to you.

Look.

Take a look at these photos.

Do you know,

recently, Qin Rui

acted as defense counsel for Ren Haiping,

and she's been heavily criticized for it.

She's only been at Ronghe for a few days,

but how did she turn into this?

Turn into what?

Look.

Qin Rui used to care about money,

but she earned it the right way.

So why is she helping Ren Haiping now?

You're a judge.

Don't make assumptions if you don't know the truth.

Why are you taking it out on me?

This just means you haven't let go.

If you haven't let go, go to say something while you still can,

so you won't regret it again.

Who says I haven't let go?

Fine. Then stay here and think it through,

whether you've really let go or not.

I'm going to get a drink.

Most of us think

that only women suffer from domestic violence.

But

there are also some men

who suffer from it.

However,

because of pride,

they don't seek help.

And in some cases,

they simply have nowhere to turn.

So in the end,

they may take extreme actions.

That's not what we want to see.

So what we hope is

to have more people join us

and to spread awareness more widely

so people know our organization exists.

At critical moments,

they can trust us

and seek help from us.

Look, these.

Xiezhi,

have some water.

Thank you, Lan.

Try this cake. We made it ourselves.

Alright.

Thank you.

How is it, Xiezhi?

How has work been lately?

Quite smooth.

What about you? Where are you working?

I haven't found a job yet.

I'm not in a hurry.

I organized this event first.

You organized it?

That's great.

Indeed.

As for legal aid,

it may be different from your usual work,

and you may need to find a balance.

But we truly hope

more people can join us

and give us their support.

We really need people,

especially someone like you,

who has the ability to help us.

Your video account

also has a lot of influence.

I didn't expect that after meeting you today,

I'd be this happy.

I came today to find

like-minded people

to work with us on legal aid.

And it isn't easy.

I'm glad today to have learned so much

about legal aid.

So,

would you be interested in joining the Legal Aid Center?

It would be nice

if I get the chance to visit in the future.

Why don't we add each other on WeChat?

That would be great.

Scan mine?

When are you usually free?

Weekends are generally more convenient for us.

Alright.

If I have time and want to go,

I'll contact you.

I'm going to find my friend.

- Okay, thanks. - Okay.

We'll meet again if there's a chance.

Sure.

Thank you.

Do you still remember the case last time?

You even came to me for advice.

Yes, thank you, Feng.

No problem.

Shen, has work been going well lately?

Yes, quite well.

Just a lot of cases recently.

Have you met anyone you're interested in?

- Long time no see. - Long time no see.

Is that your friend?

She doesn't seem to be in a good mood.

Still working in forensics?

Yes.

You have to take a look, right?

There are so many people here.

- Yeah, take a look. - Right.

Congratulations.

Congratulations, Shen, on your upcoming position at the High Court.

Work hard too.

Wait for me,

I'll go to the High Court and be your assistant.

Deal.

Alright.

You be Jiang's assistant,

and I'll be Shen's assistant.

Not in a good mood?

Because of Shen Xiezhi, right?

Didn't expect him to come here for matchmaking too.

Didn't you also add someone on WeChat?

You're not losing.

He's from the Legal Aid Center.

He just came to ask

if I wanted to join them.

I knew it. No wonder he told you three times tonight

to contact him.

You came here for matchmaking yourself.

I don't know how it went for you,

but you heard everything at my table.

You heard it pretty clearly.

Caught by you.

With a whole room full of people,

the one I care about most is still you.

But tonight,

the moment I said I'm a forensic doctor,

everyone ran away.

Too timid. They won't achieve much.

I rejected them.

You barely even saw Shen Xiezhi all night.

Did you reject him too?

You should worry more about yourself.

I'd like to,

but I've got no luck in love.

No luck in love, but the car's here.

Are we going or not?

Let's go.

Slow down.

Slow down.

- Slow down. - Slow down.

Careful, careful.

Alright.

Bye.

What are you doing?

What's that supposed to mean?

Shouldn't you be a gentleman

and walk her to the entrance?

What kind of person are you?

What kind of person are you?

You just got your heart broken,

and you can't stand seeing me get a second chance.

You're jealous?

Oh, Jiang Feng,

now I see you clearly.

Go on and start your second chance already.

Lan.

Lan, take care on the way.

Bye.

- Bye. - Bye.

Has it arrived?

Over there.

Nothing else needs to be said.

I don't accept mediation!

Yuanbao's dad,

I'm sorry.

I'll kneel to you.

Ma'am.

You can't leave.

Let's get up first.

Yuanbao's dad,

I've wronged you.

You can hit me or scold me,

but you can't leave.

Yuanbao's dad...

I'm not his father.

I don't have that kind of blessing.

Let go of me.

Let go...

Yuanbao's dad,

the child is closest to you.

If he comes home and can't find you,

he'll be frantic. Yuanbao's dad,

I'm begging you.

Let go!

- I'm begging you. - Sir, please calm down.

Don't get physical. Let's talk this out.

Please...

Ma'am, let's get up and talk, come on.

I don't accept mediation.

I'm filing for divorce.

I want a divorce!

(DNA marker analysis shows Wang Changxing)

(is not the biological father of Wang Yuanbao.)

(The results do not support Wang Changxing)

(as the biological father of Wang Yuanbao.)

This is the last tough case.

No idea if we can get through it.

Don't worry, it'll be fine.

If the divorce is granted, won't this family fall apart?

The plaintiff is elderly and in poor health,

covered in illnesses,

and relies entirely on the defendant for daily care.

The defendant has no income

and depends on the plaintiff to get by.

There's a little over two thousand a month in pension,

plus a little over one thousand in disability benefits for the son.

There are usually no major expenses,

so they can barely make ends meet.

But if the divorce is granted, who gets the house?

Who moves out?

The old man only has a little over two thousand a month.

After paying rent,

there won't be enough left to live on.

And as for the old lady,

she only has a little over one thousand a month,

and she has to take her disabled son with her if she moves out.

This family of three

at least supports each other when they're together

and can barely get by.

But if they divorce,

what will they do?

The problem is,

after raising this intellectually disabled son for so many years,

he turns out not to be his biological child.

No one could swallow that.

How can this be resolved?

Good morning, Judge Shen.

Morning.

♪All the little things♪

♪Between you and me♪

♪Woven into our lives♪

♪The building blocks of life♪

(Forensic Identification Center) Please take a look at this report.

If everything's fine, sign here.

Hello.

Judge Shen, you're here.

Director Li is waiting for you. You can go straight to him.

Alright, thank you.

♪Some questions♪

♪Weigh like mountains♪

♪How do we piece life back together?♪

♪So hate can fade and love feels new again♪

(Total: 719,900.8 yuan)

♪Reclaim the barren parts of life♪

(To-Do Today: 1. Study and analyze last year's non-litigation cases at the firm)

(International accident insurance claim case)

Here, this is for you.

What time did you get off work last night?

10:30 PM.

Why so early?

Director, yesterday, I...

I don't want to hear excuses!

All I know is, you still haven't provided me

with the legal analysis

on the termination

of Jintang Group's IPO.

And you haven't turned in

the due diligence report for Huilong Group either.

Do you remember

your billable hours last year?

I had 1,900 hours last year.

Do you know how many I had?

I'm someone close to retirement,

and I still logged 2,500 hours.

Young people, you're not working hard enough.

♪Where fairness stands♪

Come on in.

Mr. Li.

Judge Shen.

I was just telling Zhang this morning

to send the report over to you

so that you wouldn't come in person.

You're quite meticulous.

It's nothing.

The main thing is, the parties are anxious.

They've been under a lot of stress.

Getting the result earlier

will give them some peace of mind.

I see.

But

this result...

It doesn't support a father-son relationship, right?

Actually, this test wasn't really necessary.

Fangyuan is also

(Forensic Opinion Report) a well-known institution in the field.

Its authority is no less than ours.

I understand.

Without this result, it would be difficult

to even begin a conversation with the parties.

Thank you, Mr. Li.

No problem.

Hello?

Hello, Qingcheng Family Court, this is Yu Le.

Hello, Judge Yu, this is Shi Xiaomei.

Hello.

It's like this,

I just called Judge Shu's office,

but no one picked up,

so I'm calling you instead.

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

You're not disturbing me at all.

Ms. Shu happens to be in a meeting right now.

If you have anything, you can tell me.

I just wanted to ask,

if I find a job,

will the chances of getting custody

of all three children

be much higher?

Sorry,

we can't disclose that.

But

it could be

one of the factors we consider.

Of course I hope

my children can live better lives.

They won't have to suffer with me.

So right now,

I've already started looking for a job.

Oh, right, I just finished an interview.

They had a good impression of me.

I might get a result in the next few days.

That's great. Congratulations in advance.

But then again,

you're taking care of three children

while job hunting.

That's really tough.

Judge Yu,

actually,

I've only now truly understood

what it means to say a mother becomes strong

for her children.

Before this, even though I was a mother,

I relied on my mother-in-law for everything.

I treated marriage

as a safe haven where I could slack off.

And that's how

my life ended up like this.

But it's alright.

Now I understand

what I should do

and how I should live.

I see.

How are the children?

Are they doing okay?

They're all doing well.

Du has really grown up.

When I'm busy,

she can help take care of her younger siblings.

And my mom also comes by often.

That's good.

In that case,

if there's anything you need from us,

just let me know.

Thank you, Judge Yu.

I have another interview later,

so I won't take up more of your time.

Alright. Wishing you success.

Okay, goodbye.

Come on in.

Ms. Lou, you wanted to see me?

Come on in.

Have a seat.

How is the Hehua Insurance case going?

Have you made any progress?

I'm organizing the materials.

I can submit an initial proposal to you

before the end of the day.

No rush.

Those two parties are both quite stubborn.

They won't accept an ordinary proposal anyway.

You don't need to rush it

and force something out for me.

If you run into any bottlenecks,

don't push through on your own.

Just tell me,

and I'll help you resolve it.

Thank you, Ms. Lou.

It's alright. I just

need a bit more time.

I can handle it myself.

There are many kinds of employees.

You're someone who can take responsibility, handle pressure,

and doesn't complain.

Of course I should reciprocate.

In the future, I hope

you'll be capable and able to

handle cases independently.

But for now, there's no rush.

Slow down,

follow your own pace.

Take this time

to do what you want to do.

Don't wait until you're overwhelmed later.

I won't just leave you on your own either.

Thank you, Ms. Lou.

Actually, I've noticed that our firm

hasn't met this year's legal aid hours yet.

I also looked into it,

and there's a legal aid center called Chenxi.

If I have time this weekend,

I'd like to go check it out.

Legal aid. That's good.

Go ahead.

Here, Judge, have some water.

Thank you, Madam Qiu.

Where are the old gentleman and Yuanbao?

They went out for a walk.

Yuanbao

gets restless if he doesn't go out at the usual time,

crying and shouting,

making things uneasy.

The test results

from your side are out, right?

(The results do not support Wang Changxing as the biological father of Wang Yuanbao)

I've brought this upon myself.

I deserve it.

Ma'am,

from what we understand,

your relationship with your husband

has always been very good.

What exactly happened in between?

Could you tell us?

Back then, he and I

were already preparing to get married.

But his family

was very dissatisfied with me.

While he was working in the mine,

they called off the engagement on his behalf.

After that,

I couldn't stay in my hometown anymore.

I had no choice

but to follow my aunt

and go work out of town.

Once, during a dinner with coworkers,

I tried to drown my sorrows in alcohol.

I had a few drinks

and lost my senses.

I was taken advantage of.

I had no way to speak up.

More than a month later, he came to find me.

I didn't know how to tell him.

I...

Here, Madam Qiu.

Thank you.

Not long after, we still got married.

After Yuanbao was born,

we thought he was just premature.

I truly didn't expect this.

It's all my fault.

I've ruined him.

Ma'am,

please don't blame yourself too much.

No one wanted this to happen.

Where are the old gentleman and Yuanbao?

I think this matter

should still be discussed face-to-face with him.

Sir,

your wife has already told us

everything that happened back then.

What's done is done.

She didn't

intend to deceive you.

So today,

can we calmly

talk this through?

Back then?

Back then, why didn't she say it?

If I hadn't had that fall,

I wouldn't even know my own blood type to this day.

All my life,

I've been raising someone else's son.

Dad.

I'm fine.

Go play.

It's fine, go play.

Yuanbao was born premature

and developed this condition.

When he's stable,

he just seems a bit slow.

But when he has an episode,

he completely loses control.

I used to think,

he's my son, so I have to take responsibility.

As long as I raised him,

he could still call me Dad.

When I fell,

he knew how to call for help

and saved my life.

He even knew to cry

and care about me.

I had nothing to complain about.

But

now,

turns out...

I've been raising someone else's son.

What debt did I owe in my past life?

Sir,

please don't get agitated.

After these rounds of mediation,

in our view,

your bond with Yuanbao

is even closer than most fathers and sons.

Yuanbao

trusts you and depends on you.

Yes, you see, he's been protecting you too,

as if he's afraid we might mistreat you.

What's the point of that?

At this stage,

I have nothing left to complain about.

They can have everything.

I don't want anything.

But sir,

if you divorce your wife,

given your current condition,

how will you manage alone

without her care?

That's not something you need to worry about.

Like I said,

I refuse mediation.

As for the child,

whoever wants him can take him.

As for me,

I don't want him anymore.

Dad,

you don't want

me.

Dad.

Don't follow me!

Don't follow me.

Dad.

Dad.

The mistake was mine.

I've ruined his whole life.

I agree to the divorce.

I've thought it through.

I'll take my son with me.

I don't want anything else.

We wouldn't be able to make use of it anyway.

Let it count as making amends to him.

In principle, based on the fault,

the house should indeed be awarded to Mr. Wang.

But the old lady still has to care for her son.

Relying on less than two thousand a month in assistance

and paying rent,

life would truly be unsustainable.

You've already started planning the property division?

Haven't you?

Do you think

there's still room to turn things around with him?

The old couple still has deep feelings for each other.

After all, they've been through so much together.

Forty years of ups and downs.

How many families can say that?

I can actually tell

that even though he speaks harshly,

he still has feelings for his son.

After all, forty years of habit

won't disappear overnight.

But that doesn't mean he still has the strength

to treat them the way he used to.

Besides, even if reconciliation is possible,

it won't happen overnight.

Still, we have to try.

I can't end up tearing apart a fragile family

just for the sake of

meeting my own deadline, right?

So, what do you plan to do?

Process a handover

and let Chief Judge Shu handle it slowly?

I don't know

if the old lady can hold on that long.

I'm not sure

if I'm right,

but I have a feeling

that

the old lady might take her son...

Try to end their lives.

You think so too?

I thought I was just overthinking.

Any plans tonight?

How about we grab dinner

and talk it through?

I've made plans with someone.

Alright, no problem.

I'll think it through myself.

It's fine. Enjoy your meal.

I've started to not dislike

the smell of food as much since yesterday.

Look,

I've already eaten half a box.

You scared me.

I thought

even eating alone in my office

was enough to drive you out.

You're not even having morning sickness.

Why the frown?

It's still about Shi Xiaomei's case.

Honestly, I really don't know how to rule on it.

Do you think it's possible

to grant her custody of all three children?

Duan Ziping's request is quite reasonable.

Given Shi Xiaomei's financial situation,

she really doesn't have the ability to support three children.

But don't you think, compared to Duan Ziping,

Shi Xiaomei is more suited to be the parent?

For the sake

of her children's healthy growth,

Shi Xiaomei has chosen to push herself forward

to strive and better herself.

That's quite admirable.

Honestly,

if I were in her position,

I'm not sure I'd have that kind of determination.

Calm down.

Your hormones are all over the place right now.

She even gave false testimony in court the other day.

Did you forget?

If she hadn't stopped in time,

she would've been detained.

Besides, she doesn't even have an income right now.

How is she supposed to raise three children?

You've never raised a child.

It takes a lot of time and energy.

Just raising Fei alone

has already taken so much of my effort and time.

Shi Xiaomei may have the will but not the means.

That's the core issue.

But she's already looking for a job.

In that case,

even if they divorce,

no matter who gets custody,

the blood ties with the grandparents

won't change,

right?

And besides, people can grow.

With Shi Xiaomei's current drive,

maybe she can balance both family and career

in the future?

Perhaps pursuing a career and raising children

can help find common ground.

Hope it helps unlock her potential.

It's just hard to know what difficulties she'll face.

Even if Duan Ziping isn't the most reliable,

he has a house, a car, and savings.

And there's also the grandmother,

who can help out.

I think

a stable life, with no worries about food or clothing,

and having family around,

is the best option for the children.

Actually, I also know

that granting custody of all three children

to the mother isn't realistic.

Besides, you can tell the grandmother

cares about the three children.

You know, these kids

have grown up together since childhood,

their bond is so strong, and their relationship so close.

Just because their parents are getting divorced,

they're being forced apart.

It hurts me.

It really does.

♪Turn around for every part of life♪

♪Rushing between buildings♪

♪Caught in the grind of daily living♪

♪Facing the surging waves of life♪

♪Hearing the ticking of a wound-up spring♪

(Jiang Feng)

♪For the distant place we long to reach♪

(Shen Xiezhi: Are you off work?)

I'm on my way.

♪Unfolding a story full of twists with courage♪

(Are you on your way to see me?)

♪Through wind and across rivers♪

Not to see you. I'm on my way to meet Lan.

Her friend gave her two tickets

so we could visit an exhibition at the modern art museum.

After that, we might grab a meal,

or maybe not.

What, do you want me to come over now?

I can tell her to cancel.

♪Like a migrating flock♪

(No need. I'm afraid if you come now. I don't want to entertain you.)

(Shen Xiezhi)

(Jiang Feng)

What?

If you want me to come, just say it.

Right?

I'm really free right now.

No need. I've arranged to meet an agent to look at apartments.

Looking at apartments?

Alright then, go ahead.

If I finish early,

I'll find you for a late-night meal.

Okay.

Bye.

(Chenxi Legal Aid Center)

Hello, who are you looking for?

Excuse me, is Xie Yuan here?

He's in the office on the third floor.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Alright, I'll be there soon.

- Are you okay? - I'm fine.

Mo.

Are you okay, kid?

We made a promise with you.

We'll protect you.

Come with me, let's cut the cake.

It's your favorite,

and it's sweet.

Come on.

Go ahead.

I'll take him over first.

Let's go.

Are you alright? Let me see.

Sorry, I bumped into you just now.

Are you okay?

I'm fine, just a small bump.

(Tianhai City High People's Court)

(From aspiring to become a judge,)

(to entering the Intermediate People's Court,)

(then being transferred to Qingcheng Court,)

(and becoming a Family Court judge,)

(now I'm finally able to realize my ambition.)

(A judge may be lonely,)

(they must restrain their emotions)

(to uphold justice and remain fearless.)

(This profession)

(has never been an easy choice,)

(nor one to hesitate over.)

♪All the little things between you and me♪

♪Woven into our lives♪

♪The building blocks of life♪

♪Shape the sky above us♪

♪Are you doing alright?♪

♪What are you struggling for?♪

♪Some questions weigh like mountains♪

♪How do we piece life back together?♪

♪So hate can fade and love feels new again♪

♪Reclaim the barren parts of life♪

♪Walking this road together, still hoping♪

♪Let me be the wind at dawn♪

♪Blowing away all the pain♪

♪Let me be the balance that holds the weight♪

♪Where fairness stands♪

♪Within every heart♪

♪So many voices calling♪

♪Struggling, lost, waiting for an answer♪

♪Light up the lamps♪

♪To answer those voices♪

♪You deserve to be happy♪

♪Loud and clear♪

♪All the little things♪

♪Woven into our lives♪

♪The building blocks of life♪

♪Shape the sky above us♪

♪Are you doing alright?♪

♪What are you struggling for?♪

♪Some questions♪

♪Weigh like mountains♪

♪Let me be the wind at dawn♪

♪Blowing away all the pain♪

♪Let me be the balance that holds the weight♪

♪Where fairness stands♪

♪Within the law♪

♪And within every heart♪