Wang Li

Biodata

Background / History

Family and the Bank Incident

Wang Li is the only child of parents who had him at thirty-eight. When his father required urgent ICU treatment, he went to Nandu Bank to withdraw money from his father’s account. Staff refused because he was not the account holder, demanding either his father’s presence or proof of their relationship; even their household register was deemed insufficient 4 8.

While Wang Li was crying on the bank floor, robbers entered. A short robber asked why he was upset and, after hearing about his father, pushed two bundles of stolen cash into his arms. Wang Li initially feared accepting them, but relented after the robber called him unfilial. He then used the money to pay the hospital bill, while maintaining that he had not participated in the robbery 8.

Prosecution and Final Appeal

The first trial imposed a twenty-year prison sentence, which was upheld on appeal. Still detained after both defeats, Wang Li had lost hope of obtaining a reduction. Su Bai restored some of that hope by showing him an agreement promising no legal fees without a victory or reduced sentence, and Wang Li agreed to cooperate with the defense 4 13.

Su Bai challenged the robbery finding by arguing that Wang Li had acted from fear and necessity rather than an intention to rob. He also questioned ownership of the cash: prosecution evidence showed that the robbers had mixed bank money with customers’ withdrawn money before handing Wang Li two randomly selected bundles 9 10.

The final ruling was not a complete acquittal. The court cited unjust enrichment, transfer of illicit funds, and concealment of criminal proceeds, while granting leniency because of the emergency and Wang Li’s impaired judgment. Court officers escorted him away to complete the required procedures despite the suspended sentence 13 14.

Release and Referrals

After completing those procedures, Wang Li visited White Jun Law Firm with his parents. The family paid Su Bai 120,000 yuan—above the approximately 100,000 yuan contractual fee—as thanks for sparing him a lengthy prison term 16.

Wang Li then raised the possibility of divorcing his wife. He said she had neither visited his critically ill father nor shown concern during his detention. Worried that a lawsuit might cause difficulties while he was on probation, he postponed his own case and instead referred his childhood friend, Zhang Tongwei 17.

He brought Zhang Tongwei to the firm, defended Su Bai’s competence when his friend hesitated, and encouraged him to accept the legal fees. He later attended the divorce hearing and enthusiastically celebrated the verdict, including the imprisonment of opposing lawyer Ye Fei 18 19 32.

By Chapter 36, Wang Li reported that his wife had begun behaving herself after learning that Zhang Tongwei’s wife, Xie Jing, had been imprisoned. He still intended to return to Su Bai if he decided to divorce 36.

Appearance

• Burly build: Described as a burly man in his thirties 17 32.
• During detention: Appears utterly worn down, with lifeless eyes and little hope 4.
• During Zhang Tongwei’s trial: His face and neck become flushed with excitement 32.

Personality

Wang Li is deeply concerned for his parents. His father’s medical emergency drives his actions at the bank, and after release he physically supports both parents on their way to the law firm. His gratitude toward Su Bai is expressed through an increased payment and repeated client referrals 8 16 32.

He is outspoken and fiercely supportive of Zhang Tongwei. Anger over his friend’s treatment leads him to punch Su Bai’s new sofa, though he immediately becomes sheepish and apologizes. His excitement can also make him excessively talkative, prompting another embarrassed apology after the divorce hearing 17 32.

Following his release, Wang Li becomes noticeably more cheerful and starts making jokes—including teasing the newly divorced Zhang Tongwei that he will have “another chance” to divorce 36.

Relationships

• Wang Zizhong — Father, whose urgent ICU expenses prompted the bank visit. He retained Su Bai to handle Wang Li’s case 2 8.
• Zhang Cuifen — Mother; joins her husband and son in thanking Su Bai and urging him to accept their payment 16.
• Unnamed wife — Estranged spouse. Wang Li describes her indifference toward his father’s illness and his detention as reasons for wanting a divorce 17 36.
• Su Bai — Defense lawyer and trusted legal adviser. Wang Li credits him with avoiding a long prison term and promises to direct relatives with lawsuits to him 16 19 32.
• Li Xuezhen — Assists Su Bai during his detention-center interview, final-appeal filing, and consultation about Zhang Tongwei 4 5 17.
• Zhang Tongwei — Childhood friend whom he refers to White Jun Law Firm and supports throughout the divorce case 18 19 32 33.
• Nandu Bank — Opposing party in his combined appeal and civil lawsuit; ultimately ordered to apologize to him 5 13.

Story Role

• Public breakthrough for White Jun Law Firm: His livestreamed case attracts widespread coverage and a detailed analysis by legal commentator Luo Daxiang 15 16.
• Early financial support: His 120,000-yuan payment temporarily averts the firm’s debt crisis and funds further development 18.
• Link to the firm’s second case: His referral brings Zhang Tongwei’s divorce dispute to Su Bai, turning a successful representation into new business 18 36.

Notable Quotes

“Your Honor, members of the bench, I have no objections to this hearing. I am willing to accept whatever judgment is handed down.” 12

“From now on, if any of my relatives have a lawsuit, I’m sending them all to you.” 32