A Lonely Hero's Journey Episode 22 Recap
> A Lonely Hero's Journey Recap
Haimo saw Gu Yizhong holding a baby and asked whose child it was, remarking how cute the infant was. Gu Yizhong handed the baby to Haimo and was on the phone with Xiao Ruotong. Through Gu Yizhong's conversation, Haimo learned that Gu Huizhong had passed away and understood the baby belonged to her. After the call, Gu Yizhong mentioned his sister had died without telling him the baby's name.
He then asked Haimo if she knew how to make plum blossom cakes, explaining his sister's fondness for them, especially with red bean paste filling, and asked her to make some in memory of his sister. Haimo, who learned from her mother, agreed. Meanwhile, a CBI agent reported to his Director that Zhou Zhifei was still alive, much to the Director's relief, as they hadn't sent a telegram claiming credit yet.
The Director inquired about Jiang Boxian's whereabouts and any activity at No. 90, noting a tip-off that Zhou Zhifei hadn't left the building since his arrival. The agent believed their attack had intimidated Zhou Zhifei, but the Director disagreed, suspecting Zhou Zhifei might be tracking them. Spotting suspicious figures below, they realized the danger and fled. Later, Xie Wenchao reported killing only two enemies in their operation, mentioning German personnel prevented capturing everyone from the travel agency.
He handed the Director an account book, explaining that organization leaders like Xu Enzeng and Dai Li often treated their bureaus like private businesses, documenting finances, and cited how No. 76 used a ledger to capture CBI Shanghai Station Director Chen Gongshu in 1940. The Director urged Xie Wenchao to find the accountant to make a significant contribution. He then rallied his men, telling them to use force to show No. 90 was not to be trifled with.
Xiao Ruotong and her comrades gathered, mourning Zhou Zhenwu and Gu Huizhong. They reflected on the sacrifices of patriots like Zhou Zhenwu, whose true name and origins were often unknown, having joined the Red Army under pseudonyms to protect their families from Kuomintang retaliation. They vowed that while such patriots might be nameless to some, all of China would remember them. Xiao Ruotong expressed concern for Gu Yizhong, who was under immense pressure after losing both his father and sister.
She suggested bringing him back to the base area, fearing the strain of No. 90 could lead him to do something irrational. At Gu's Garden, Fu Gui arrived to assist with the funeral arrangements and spoke with Haimo. He noted Gu Yizhong's unusual absence from his morning routine, only to find Gu Yizhong inside, stretching and complaining about stiffness after sleeping. Plum blossom cakes, made by Haimo, were placed near a memorial for Gu Huizhong.
Later, Gu Yizhong was on a rooftop overlooking Zhou Zhifei's location on a balcony. As he took aim, Huang of the underground party arrived and urged him to calm down. Gu Yizhong voiced his rage, blaming Zhou Zhifei for his father's and sister's deaths and declaring his intention to kill the traitor.
Huang reasoned with him, pointing out the Japanese invaders were the true enemy and arguing that killing Zhou Zhifei now would only be personal revenge, not justice, and would expose Gu Yizhong. He stressed that traitors like Zhou Zhifei should face historical judgment and the people's bullets, not his immediate action. Huang then revealed Gu Yizhong's importance to the party, highlighting his past contributions, such as providing clues that secured vital medicine and helped save Xiao Junxia.
He informed Gu Yizhong that his name had been cleared and his identity was being activated for operations in the Suzhou-Shanghai region, assigning himself as Gu Yizhong's single-line superior and designating a photo studio liaison point. Huang encouraged him, emphasizing he was not alone and praising the beauty of their city, hoping communist ideals would give him strength. He mentioned Junxia had reported Gu Huizhong's sacrifice and Hu Zhiping's true identity to the Division Ministry of Political Affairs.
Gu Yizhong met with Xiao Ruotong, who told him his name had finally been cleared. Gu Yizhong expressed the heavy cost, lamenting the loss of his father and sister and feeling he had no family left. Xiao Ruotong comforted him, saying, "You still have me."
Gu Yizhong spoke of losing hope after repeated setbacks, but Xiao Ruotong reassured him, bringing good news: the party had agreed for him to return to the base area with them, and Junxia was making arrangements. She showed him the Peace Army uniforms they would use for disguise. Gu Yizhong then revealed he couldn't leave tomorrow because Haimo had been kidnapped by CBI agents who were forcing him to rescue Jiang Boxian, whom he identified as Junxia's cellmate.
He felt indebted to Haimo for saving his life and helping Gu's Garden, and could not abandon her. He asked Xiao Ruotong and Junxia to leave first, promising to join them in Changshu once he resolved the situation. Xiao Ruotong accepted, prioritizing Haimo's safety. She then grew nostalgic, reminiscing about a happy time before the war when they had a picnic and he sang to her, making her feel like the happiest person alive, wishing for such carefree moments again.
Later, while Haimo was performing on stage, Quan Shui appeared and took Haimo into custody after her performance. Quan Shui then called Gu Yizhong at Gu's Garden, asking if he knew why she was calling. Gu Yizhong immediately asked about Haimo, and Quan Shui confirmed she had her. She instructed Gu Yizhong to get into a waiting car outside his gate and follow the driver's orders, or he would not see Haimo again.
Following the instructions, Gu Yizhong was taken to a boat where Quan Shui was waiting with Haimo. Quan Shui taunted him, commenting on his affection for Haimo and his role as a special agent, suggesting Haimo, not being part of their world, shouldn't be involved. Gu Yizhong demanded to know what she wanted for Haimo's release. Quan Shui demanded Jiang Boxian.
Gu Yizhong replied that it was difficult because Zhou Zhifei had moved Jiang Boxian to a secret location, making his rescue seemingly impossible. Quan Shui insisted, suggesting other ways. She tried to provoke Gu Yizhong by comparing Haimo favorably to a female student. When Quan Shui physically threatened Haimo, Gu Yizhong became angry and warned there would be no deal if she hurt her. Quan Shui accepted his term.
Gu Yizhong questioned why she was asking him for Jiang Boxian when Zhou Zhifei was one of their people, to which Quan Shui scornfully called Zhou Zhifei a traitor to CBI. Quan Shui gave Gu Yizhong two days to exchange Jiang Boxian for Haimo, threatening Haimo's life if he failed. Haimo urged Gu Yizhong not to agree, claiming Quan Shui was acting.
Quan Shui countered this and highlighted the urgency, mentioning the Japanese military police were also searching for Jiang Boxian, and if they found him first, Chongqing might surrender. Appealing to his patriotism, she argued that helping her meant helping himself. Gu Yizhong agreed to the deal. Back at No. 90, Huang reported to Kondo about Zhou Zhifei and his wife moving into the station dorms for safety from assassins and the tightened security at Suzhou gates.
Kondo inquired about problems at No. 90 during his absence, specifically mentioning a dungeon escape, dismissing Huang's attempts to minimize the issue. Insisting on his loyalty, Huang was shown a photo of Jiang Boxian. Kondo identified him as a significant Kuomintang official believed to be at No. 90. Huang feigned ignorance. Kondo then confronted Zhou Zhifei, demanding to know when he arrested Jiang Boxian and his current location.
Zhou Zhifei claimed no memory of handling such a case, mirroring the Warden's statement, which led Kondo to suspect collusion. Dismissing Huang, Kondo then used Zhou Zhifei's son, Youfei, as leverage. He showed Zhou Zhifei a letter from Youfei and mentioned the Osaka Army Local Juvenile School and Kyoto International Students Academy were recruiting cadets for the Japanese military and that he had recommended Youfei.
Zhou Zhifei expressed concern for his son's frail health, deeming him unfit for military life, and asked Kondo to reconsider. Kondo simply repeated "Jiang Boxian," implying his son's fate depended on his cooperation. Zhou Zhifei returned to the dorms where Yuqing was staying for safety. After they spoke briefly about the baby, Zhou Zhifei showed Yuqing Youfei's letter. He noted the unusually neat handwriting, suspecting it was a sample letter his son was forced to copy, confirming Kondo's manipulation.
Yuqing made a suggestion about Youfei returning with Japanese troops to coordinate action with them, which angered Zhou Zhifei, who saw it as advocating treason. Expressing his unhappiness with living confined in the dormitory, Zhou Zhifei offered to take Yuqing out for a "business occasion" the next day, telling her to dress up. Yuqing was thrilled at the prospect of leaving the dreary dorm and escaping the feeling of being a "dried salted fish."
Later, Jiang Boxian, confined to a room, told a guard his defiance, stating he would never become a traitor and demanded Zhou Zhifei either kill or release him. He refused opium and asked for a massage, urging the guard to hasten Zhou Zhifei's visit. Zhou Zhifei arrived with Yuqing. Yuqing introduced herself to Jiang Boxian and his wife. Yuqing then took Mrs. Jiang aside to talk, leaving Zhou Zhifei to speak with Jiang Boxian.
Zhou Zhifei inquired about his comfort and offered to fulfill any requests. Jiang Boxian called him hypocritical, likening him to the Wang Regime, and questioned if he was to be held indefinitely. Zhou Zhifei denied this, mentioning Mr. Li's promise of return to Chongqing if he cooperated. Jiang Boxian was skeptical.
Zhou Zhifei subtly revealed his knowledge of Jiang Boxian having had an opportunity to escape with the Communist surnamed Xiao (Ruotong), suggesting his failure to leave was intentional and not just due to opium use. He tried to persuade Jiang Boxian to cooperate by contrasting the comforts provided with the difficulties faced by the Communists. He offered to allow Jiang Boxian visits to scenic spots in Suzhou. Jiang Boxian suggested the Lingering Garden.
