Raising The Bar

A few minutes ahead of the chambers hearing, trainee lawyer ROY finds out that he forgot to bring the letter issued by the consulate, so he requests another trainee solicitor, TONG CHING-CHI, to hurry back to the law firm and fetch the letter for him. Barrister FAN CHI-NGAI and solicitor LAM SUM-MUK begin the final preparation for the alleged abuse case of the domestic helper, and CHI-NGAI gets assistance from his pupils FOK TSZ-YING and CHAI ON-KUI. Following the questions posed by the prosecution barrister YAM CHUN-YIP, the accused MRS. KAM finally pleads guilty in the domestic helper abuse case, making CHUN-YIP's pupil YIU CHUI-FA admire her master very much. CHI-NGAI's wife, solicitor CHEUNG WAI-WAN is the partner of Woody Lam & Co, and she is very strict with her trainee TSANG HO-YAN. Even though, HO-YAN still has great respect for her……

ON-KUI and TSZ-YING rent an office in CHI-NGAI's chambers, officially starting their career. After WAI-WAN transfers the rich businessman LAU CHO-KWONG's case of alleged shoplifting to CHI-NGAI, ON-KUI has to handle the case all by himself in court because CHI-NGAI cannot make it to court. ON-KUI ends up feeling so nervous that he begins to throw up during the trial. When TSZ-YING starts looking for somewhere to stay, CHUI-FA hopes that either TSZ-YING and HO-YAN could sub-let a room to her after they find their ideal apartment. Knowing that CHING-CHI would like to resign and change her career to become a barrister, HO-YAN asks TSZ-YING to enquire on her behalf whether CHI-NGAI is going to receive another pupil into his chambers. CHING-CHI notices that there are cracks in the ceiling, yet she mistakes the structural engineer of the Buildings Department CHOW TSZ-BOK for the handyman……

Shortly after TSZ-YING moves in the new apartment, a resident who lives in the same building commits suicide. TSZ-YING is very afraid of ghosts, so she decides to sub-let the room to CHUI-FA after learning that living with CHUI-FA, who is very masculine in her attitudes and ways, could cast out evil and bring good fortune. Because barrister CHENG CHEUK-TUNG of CHI-NGAI's chambers is the opponent in the case that was handled by CHI-NGAI, ON-KUI becomes very defensive towards CHEUK-TUNG. Following CHI-NGAI to the parking lot, CHING-CHI directly asks CHI-NGAI whether he will consider to receive her as his pupil. With WAI-WAN reprimanding file clerk MAX for taking the easy way out, SUM-MUK tries to persuade WAI-WAN to leave it alone. WAI-WAN takes HO-YAN to a book store, where the owner CHU YIU-LIK recommends a book reading club to WAI-WAN……

When CHUI-FA moves into TSZ-YING's apartment, she also brings along the long-handled broadsword that has been passed down from generation to generation in her family, which upsets TSZ-YING. In the restaurant, CHING-CHI runs into KELVIN, who, maliciously, hints to CHI-NGAI that CHING-CHI is really a piece of work. TSZ-BOK consigns his computer to his friend's store for sale, using the name "M31" as the contact. Wanting to buy a second-hand computer, CHING-CHI then goes to contact the original owner M31. After CHI-NGAI interviews his client, a school bus driver called LI MING, who has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, he goes to have lunch with PAUL and CHING-CHI, during which PAUL recognizes that CHING-CHI is the one who started her apprenticeship with KELVIN……

The case against LI MING is closed and LI MING is acquitted, as a result, CHUI-FA feels very sorry for her master CHUN-YIP, who instead teaches her that they should always remain expressionless regarding the litigation. In his performance appraisal, TSZ-BOK's supervisor, RICHARD, rates him low on each trait, so TSZ-BOK tosses his staff ID and leaves in a huff. When TSZ-BOK starts applying for pupillage, SUK-FUN tells him that CHI-NGAI is the best pupil master. Having found out that TSZ-BOK is going to take the PCLL exam and would like to become a barrister, CHING-CHI gives him some tips and tricks in preparation of the exam as a former student. Part time helper MARY goes to FAN's home for a job interview, and CHI-NGAI's son CHO-YIN hires her because he is satisfied with her work……

Recently, the law firm of TSZ-YING's Uncle CHARLES gets hired to deal with the case involving a star called SIT KIM, who is charged with assaulting a police officer, and they even want TSZ-YING to defend their client. While teaching CHING-CHI and TSZ-BOK in detail about the legal proceedings, CHI-NGAI constantly simulates the possible reaction of the accused so as to test their ability of dealing with the emergency. During her conversation with YIU-LIK, WAI-WAN learns about YIU-LIK's philosophy of life, following which she invites CHI-NGAI to drink sunflower tea together. Solicitor TSUI YIN-CHIT, who is handling the SIT KIM case, leads SIT KIM to go to have a meeting with TSZ-YING, during which SIT KIM has doubts about TSZ-YING's ability. However, YIN-CHIT reassures him that he should have faith in TSZ-YING……

Being accused of property damage, mansion owner KOT TAI-YAN intends to seek aid from WAI-WAN, only to find out that she is not in Hong Kong. TAI-YAN at last chooses to represent himself in court, whereas HO-YAN gives him legal advice. During the trial, the judge suspects that TAI-YAN suffers from mental illness, adjourning the trial till further notice. Upon her return, WAI-WAN learns that HO-YAN advises TAI-YAN to represent himself in court, so she gives HO-YAN an earful. After TAT-KAN recommends ON-KUI to defend LAM KIN-WAI, who committed the offence of jaywalking, ON-KUI, CHING-CHI and TSZ-BOK go to inspect the scene, during which CHING-CHI is very impressed with TSZ-BOK's active attitude towards work. Chatting with each other online by using nicknames, BLACK ANGEL and M31, both CHING-CHI and TSZ-BOK lie about their job, claiming to be a barista and a bartender respectively……

CHUI-FA is on vacation, and she seizes the opportunity to return to the guesthouse run by her mother,YIU ON-SUM, to help her. While there, she encounters TSUN KIN-ON and his wife YIK KWAN-LIN who is in the wheelchair when they check in. After KIN-ON pushes his wife to the pier, both he and his wife KWAN-LIN are later seen falling into the sea. Having noticed that his wife WAI-WAN starts listening to different types of music, CHI-NGAI tries to find out under whose influence she is. LI DAN is hospitalized due to severe stress, so CHING-CHI goes to pay her a visit in the hospital, where by chance, she discovers that CHUNG-HANG seems to be very intimate with a female nurse. Later on, CHING-CHI reveals what she has seen to HO-YAN. Solicitor FONG TIN-NO hires CHI-NGAI to defend KIN-ON, who however, behaves very uncooperatively……

CHUN-YIP brings his new girlfriend to join the party, and is made fun of by CHI-NGAI and JUDGE LUI. After WAI-WAN arrives together with her son CHO-YIN, JUDGE LUI recognizes that CHO-YIN is the one that often sits in and watches the trials, so CHI-NGAI and his wife start reprimanding CHO-YIN. Having invited her three good friends for a get-together in her home, HO-YAN not only prepares delicious food but also dresses up nicely, and all of her good friends have no idea what's going. At that moment, CHUNG-HANG arrives with a bouquet of flowers in his hands, announcing his and HO-YAN's upcoming September wedding. Through his conversation with CHI-NGAI, CHUN-YIP notices that WAI-WAN might have a suitor; whereas CHI-NGAI frankly discloses that WAI-WAN's tastes and hobbies have changed……

With TSZ-BOK getting online at the office to chat with BLACK ANGEL and put forth his grievance, CHING-CHI finally comes to realize that TSZ-BOK is M31. CHI-NGAI and SUM-MUK's chambers jointly hold an annual vacation event, yet CHEUK-TUNG is unable to make it due to an emergency. CHI-NGAI urges CHING-CHI to invite one of her friends to fill the vacancy, so CHING-CHI asks CHUI-FA to go with her. After WAI-WAN receives the travel photos sent by YIU-LIK, she also takes some photos of the scenery outside of her hotel and shares them with YIU-LIK. As a result, the two start communicating more. Sharing his pertinent experience as a lawyer with a group of novice lawyers, SUM-MUK also mentions a shocking case of cannibalism. CHING-CHI then asks TSZ-BOK whether he will abandon his dream of becoming a barrister due to SUM-MUK's past experience……

When ON-KUI is having lunch with TSZ-YING and CHUI-FA, he invites them to visit the jail with him. While there, CHUI-FA gets to know a prisoner CHAN KEUNG with a nickname called BROTHER LUNG. CHI-NGAI receives a new case, in which the witness for the prosecution is an underaged girl called WAN-SZE, whereas the accused is KAU PAK-TUNG. CHING-CHI feels rather disturbed regarding the case involving WAN-SZE, which also reminds TSZ-BOK of things about KEI-KEI. WAI-WAN goes to attend a promotional campaign for a new book release, and she didn't know the author is actually YIU-LIK himself until she arrives there. CHIN-SHUN offers new fund products to CHEUK-TUNG, yet TSZ-YING doesn't like that her boyfriend tries to sell stuff to CHEUK-TUNG. Coincidentally, TSZ-YING's parents, FOK KUN-TUNG and HUI WAI, also arrive at the same restaurant where CHEUK-TUNG seems to be preoccupied after seeing KUN-TUNG……

With all the girls accompanying HO-YAN to conduct a site visit to the wedding venue, CHUNG-HANG, taking the advantage when HO-YAN is not around, asks TSZ-BOK to pick up CHING's phone call in his stead and lie for him. Seeing CHI-NGAI working out at the gym like crazy, CHUN-YIP assumes that it must have something to do with WAI-WAN, so he also mentions to him how he deals with the issues between him and CHEUK-TUNG. During lunch, CHING-CHI receives CHUI-FA's tips about how to lose weight, following which she alters the content a bit to make it appear as healthy living tips, and sends to TSZ-BOK in the name of BLACK ANGEL to trick him. In the case handled by ON-KUI and TAT-KAN, both the prosecution attorney and JUDGE HO think that the video is too blurry to be admissible evidence. However, ON-KUI insists to present it in court, making JUDGE HO feel so annoyed……

With all the girls accompanying HO-YAN to conduct a site visit to the wedding venue, CHUNG-HANG, taking the advantage when HO-YAN is not around, asks TSZ-BOK to pick up CHING's phone call in his stead and lie for him. Seeing CHI-NGAI working out at the gym like crazy, CHUN-YIP assumes that it must have something to do with WAI-WAN, so he also mentions to him how he deals with the issues between him and CHEUK-TUNG. During lunch, CHING-CHI receives CHUI-FA's tips about how to lose weight, following which she alters the content a bit to make it appear as healthy living tips, and sends to TSZ-BOK in the name of BLACK ANGEL to trick him. In the case handled by ON-KUI and TAT-KAN, both the prosecution attorney and JUDGE HO think that the video is too blurry to be admissible evidence. However, ON-KUI insists to present it in court, making JUDGE HO feel so annoyed……

While TAT-KAN is going around in circles and trying to get some jobs done, WAI-WAN urges him to submit some documents as soon as possible, so SUM-MUK advises WAI-WAN not to be overly critical of TAT-KAN. Although some other jurors including CHING believe PAK-TUNG is guilty, CHAN TONG cannot make up his mind, so the jury has to continue to stay in court. CHING-CHI gives the wedding gift to HO-YAN, who hugs CHING-CHI and bursts into tears, worrying that she might have made a bad decision. HO-YAN assists TAT-KAN in dealing the job, which is spotted by WAI-WAN. WAI-WAN reprimands TAT-KAN for having HO-YAN do his job so as to get off work early, making TAT-KAN so angry that he resigns. Apart from hearing WAI-WAN say that a friend taught her how to relieve headaches by massaging the thenar space, CHI-NGAI also finds an umbrella from the book store which makes him feel rather disturbed……

Having accompanied his client MISS LAU to wait at the cross-border bus station for several hours, MAX eventually manages to send the divorce papers to MISS LAU's husband, TSE WAI-LEI. TSZ-YING gets a call from KUN-TUNG, who asks her to defend his friend TANG CHI-HUNG in an assault case, in which the victim is a top talent agent LAM CHING-CHING. SUM-MUK tries to persuade TAT-KAN to go back to his chambers to resume his former position, yet TAT-KAN claims that WAI-WAN has always been acting against him. With the CHI-HUNG's case undergoing the trial, JUDGE HO rejects his bail plea, making CHI-HUNG so angry that he wants to change his lawyer. In light of this, TSZ-YING goes to seek aid from CHEUK-TUNG, who advises her to ask KUN-TUNG to be CHI-HUNG's surety……

Having accompanied his client MISS LAU to wait at the cross-border bus station for several hours, MAX eventually manages to send the divorce papers to MISS LAU's husband, TSE WAI-LEI. TSZ-YING gets a call from KUN-TUNG, who asks her to defend his friend TANG CHI-HUNG in an assault case, in which the victim is a top talent agent LAM CHING-CHING. SUM-MUK tries to persuade TAT-KAN to go back to his chambers to resume his former position, yet TAT-KAN claims that WAI-WAN has always been acting against him. With the CHI-HUNG's case undergoing the trial, JUDGE HO rejects his bail plea, making CHI-HUNG so angry that he wants to change his lawyer. In light of this, TSZ-YING goes to seek aid from CHEUK-TUNG, who advises her to ask KUN-TUNG to be CHI-HUNG's surety……

By chance, TSZ-YING overhears CHI-HUNG talking about KUN-TUNG's extramarital affairs. It's revealed that CHING-CHING has an illegitimate daughter. Having read about this, TSZ-YING seems to have felt something. CHEUK-TUNG is concerned that TSZ-YING would hate her once she learns about her real identity, so she confides her troubles to CHUN-YIP, who is the only one who knows her secret. When CHUI-FA and ON-KUI go for a visit at the jail, CHAN KEUNG introduces an inmate called KOON to CHUI-FA. Having bought the movie tickets, ON-KUI asks TSZ-BOK to lie for him in front of CHUI-FA, so that he can go to see the movie together with CHUI-FA. KOON has a belly ache and goes to the washroom, during which another prisoner SHEK HOI-SING also goes to the washroom to throw up. Accidentally, KOON loses his glasses, in the wake of which KOON is instead framed for beating up HOI-SING……

After HOI-SING and correction officer CHIU TING-YAU testify in court, CHUN-YIP is informed that CHAN KEUNG has suffered injuries and might not be able to attend the court hearing the following day, which makes ON-KUI feel suspicious. ON-KUI notices that CHUI-FA seems to be troubled after viewing the personal information of CHAN KEUNG, so CHUI-FA reveals to him that CHAN KEUNG could be her father, adding that she will never ever forgive him. With KOON and CHAN KEUNG giving their testimonies respectively, the prosecution attorney indicates that CHAN KEUNG made up a story so as to help get KOON set free. WAI-WAN goes to attend YIU-LIK's photography exhibition, where she discovers that she appears in one of his works called the "Secret Admirer". WAN-SZE is charged with murdering her newborn infant, so CHEUK-TUNG and ON-KUI accept to defend her, above which they even ask TSZ-BOK and CHING-CHI to offer help……

CHEUK-TUNG enters a plea in mitigation for WAN-SZE. Although WAN-SZE receives a lenient sentence in the end, she shows no remorse at all. Wondering whether he should relocate his chambers to the 17th floor, CHUN-YIP even mentions about making room for CHEUK-TUNG to have her own office, but CHEUK-TUNG rejects his suggestion, adding that she will probably go overseas for a year to take a break. WAI-WAN spots some sexy girls' photos in CHO-YIN's tablet computer, so she reminds CHI-NGAI to ask their son about it. At midnight, WAI-WAN overhears that CHI-NGAI is talking on the phone. According to their conversation, the other end of the line requests to meet CHI-NGAI, whereas CHI-NGAI exhorts that person to learn how to handle things even without him being there. A professor complains that LI DAN often turns assignments in late, thinking that they should not be indulgent towards this……

TSZ-CHUN was CHING-CHI's neighbour after she emigrated to Australia, and also the schoolmate who inspired her to study law at University. WAI-WAN complains about how boring her life is, so YIU-LIK recommends that WAI-WAN should take a long vacation. Accusing LI DAN of plagiarising her homework online, CHI-NGAI doesn't let her pass. CHI-NGAI collects travel brochures to Easter Island and gives them to WAI-WAN, adding that he might be able to take the long vacation to accompany her, but WAI-WAN doesn't seem happy at all. Giving WAI-WAN a house key, YIU-LIK tells her that he has a summer resort, and she is welcome anytime. CHING-CHI, TSZ-CHUN, TSZ-BOK and HO-YAN go to take a tour around a remote island, during which HO-YAN accidentally slips and falls. Right away, TSZ-BOK picks her up……

Taking the advantage when his parents are away on a trip, CHO-YIN brings a female classmate, HAU-YUE, back home, but SUM-MUK suddenly pays a visit. CHING-CHI says that TSZ-CHUN wants to treat TSZ-BOK for a meal, coincidentally, HO-YAN arrives and sets off together with them. Rumor has it that CHI-NGAI sexually harassed a female student and all the staff who work in the chambers are gossiping about it. ON-KUI then reprimand them for talking non-sense, whereas TSZ-BOK, while reminding everyone not to assume anything, knows that CHING-CHI casts doubt on CHI-NGAI. SUM-MUK discusses the case with CHI-NGAI, thinking that the testimony given by the security guard is pretty much against CHI-NGAI. CHI-NGAI sends a text message to WAI-WAN, but receives no reply from her. On the other hand at the resort, YIU-LIK is trying to woo WAI-WAN with his cooking……

Taking the advantage when his parents are away on a trip, CHO-YIN brings a female classmate, HAU-YUE, back home, but SUM-MUK suddenly pays a visit. CHING-CHI says that TSZ-CHUN wants to treat TSZ-BOK for a meal, coincidentally, HO-YAN arrives and sets off together with them. Rumor has it that CHI-NGAI sexually harassed a female student and all the staff who work in the chambers are gossiping about it. ON-KUI then reprimand them for talking non-sense, whereas TSZ-BOK, while reminding everyone not to assume anything, knows that CHING-CHI casts doubt on CHI-NGAI. SUM-MUK discusses the case with CHI-NGAI, thinking that the testimony given by the security guard is pretty much against CHI-NGAI. CHI-NGAI sends a text message to WAI-WAN, but receives no reply from her. On the other hand at the resort, YIU-LIK is trying to woo WAI-WAN with his cooking……

Upon her return to home, HO-YAN overhears that LI DAN bursts into tears in the room and tells CHING-CHI about how she gets sexually harassed, shortly afterwards, she leaves her home again. Having found out the criticism against CHI-NGAI in an online public forum, TSZ-BOK defends CHI-NGAI by using his nickname M31. CHEUK-TUNG cannot help feeling indignant and the unfairness for CHI-NGAI after reading a magazine article. She also feels sorry for CHI-NGAI, knowing that WAI-WAN is not by his side, and CHI-NGAI has to confront this all by himself. Some police officers go to the chambers to ask CHI-NGAI to help with their investigation as they suspect CHI-NGAI is connected with an alleged rape. CHUI-FA wins the championship of the long-handled broadsword fighting, so TSZ-YING throws a party in celebration of her winning……

CHI-NGAI is concerned that his son might think too much after hearing all kinds of rumors, so he lets his son wear his barrister wig and pretend to be a judge to ask him for details about the issue. In the meantime, the police officers once again arrive at their home, requesting to take CHO-YIN back to the station to assist in the investigation for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a girl under the age of sixteen. While apologizing to CHI-NGAI and his wife for not having told them that CHO-YIN brought home a female classmate, SUM-MUK blames himself for lacking vigilance. WAI-WAN thinks that there might not be so many negative things that would have happened to them had she not gone on a trip. She even frankly tells CHI-NGAI that she didn't go to Chile. CHING-CHI discovers a diary that belongs to the late LI DAN when she is packing the things left behind by the deceased LI DAN……

TSZ-BOK and CHING-CHI leave the chambers together after packing up the documents. TSZ-BOK feels very excited as he is going to be officially called to the bar the following day, so he tries to confide in CHING-CHI. He is about to speak , then falters and changes his mind. SUM-MUK, CHUN-YIP and CHEUK-TUNG pay a visit to CHI-NGAI's home, where WAI-WAN and CHEUK-TUNG exchange their pregnancy tips. Suddenly, CHUI-FA comes to realise that she hasn't seen CHING-CHI since she last appeared in a coroner's court. HO-YAN reveals that recently CHING-CHI often hides in her room to talk with her mother on phone, presuming that there must be something wrong in Australia. When TSZ-YING is accompanying CHEUK-TUNG and CHUN-YIP to go shopping for some baby stuff, she receives a phone call from her mother, and her composure suddenly changes……