Me First

I should have enjoyed my public speaking in Xian today but for a prior brief that I have accepted to prosecute on fiat. I woke up very early in the morning to prepare again for a trial, as I practise what I preach: "preparation, preparation and preparation". In court, defence counsel suggested to me that a day's hearing was not enough.

Anyhow, we discharged our professional roles and tried to agree to admit as much non-controversial facts as possible before the trial. When the court was in session, we agreed even more with the lady judge's sanction, focusing just on the issues at stake. I opened my case and finished the examination-in-chief of my star witness by 11 o'clock.

Defence counsel took time to frame his questions and put his case. As my star witness refuted his suggestions one after another, she began to look sick and needed an adjournment. When the court resumed its session, her physical conditions continued to fail her, and all sides subsequently agreed that the trial had to be adjourned.

"Can we do it on Oct 31?" The lady judge said. "I've to do voluntary work in HKUST. " I was the last to reply. "How about Nov 7?" She said. "I've to speak in Guangzhou." I remarked last. "How about Nov 15?" She said. "It's my daughter's graduation day!" I sounded firm last. "Tell us which day would work for you then." She said to me first!

#MeFirst