A Lonely Hero's Journey Episode 28 Recap
> A Lonely Hero's Journey Recap
As a prisoner named Huang Qiushou was being transported, he suddenly attacked the driver, causing the scene to become chaotic. Meanwhile, Station Chief Zhou Zhifei, in his office, was interrupted by Xie Wenchao who brought the news that Huang Qiushou was dead and had the body brought to the interrogation room. Captain Zhang arrived at Gu Yizhong's residence late at night, stating it was an urgent official matter. Despite the late hour, he insisted Gu accompany him immediately.
Gu agreed but asked to change clothes first. Captain Zhang brought Gu Yizhong to the interrogation room at Unit 90 where Zhou Zhifei and Xie Wenchao were present. Zhou Zhifei expressed frustration that Huang Qiushou was dead, stating the original plan was for Huang to identify Gu Yizhong. With Huang dead, Zhou proposed they could have Gu identify Huang instead. Facing Huang's body, Gu Yizhong suppressed his inner shock and grief while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Zhou asked Gu if he knew the deceased. Gu stated he did not recognize the man. Zhou then identified him as Huang Zuchong, editor for Shanghai Hwa Hsia Illustrated, revealing his real name was Huang Qiushou, a senior agent of the CPC.
Zhou claimed Huang had died in a car accident and spoke at length about his past connection with Huang Qiushou in the Special Agent Section, describing him as a kind, sincere, dedicated communist, even sharing a personal memory about Huang making hand-pulled noodles. Zhou then revealed his suspicion that Gu Yizhong was Huang Qiushou's downline, codenamed "Lonely Boat," stating his basis was their shared architectural background, studying abroad, and Gu's subscription to Hwa Hsia Illustrated.
Gu calmly pointed out that many people subscribed to the magazine, including Zhou's own wife, effectively deflecting the accusation and noting that Zhou seemed to have been investigating him. Zhou, seemingly unfazed, asked Gu to examine the fatal wound on Huang Qiushou's neck to determine if he died from excessive blood loss, specifically trying to test Gu's reaction. Gu replied that he was not knowledgeable in medicine and couldn't do so. Zhou concluded his questions, and Gu prepared to leave.
As Gu departed, Zhou provocatively said, "Goodbye, Mr. Lonely Boat," and offered to share more about Huang Qiushou someday, but Gu declined, stating he wasn't interested. Zhou then commented to Captain Zhang that Gu Yizhong's lack of reaction to the body was identical to Zhang's own lack of sadness, finding it suspicious. Captain Zhang stated he wasn't sad because he didn't know the man.
Later, Zhou Zhifei met with Mr. Li and reported his certainty that Gu Yizhong was the "Lonely Boat" mole, adding he intended to "deal with him." Mr. Li cautioned him against acting rashly, noting Kondo Masao's recent closeness to Gu. Mr. Li suggested that if Gu was indeed the mole, Kondo's actions might be strategic, indicating the Japanese were also seeking a way out given the current stage of the war.
He advised Zhou to prioritize probing and winning over the 33rd Independent Division, led by Luo Wuqiang, who commanded significant forces with formidable equipment, mentioning that Zhou Fohai was also trying to recruit him into the Tax Police. Mr. Li saw "Lonely Boat" as potentially useful later, like a "nail" to "hang something on," and suggested letting him remain in place for now.
Mr. Li then brought up a personal matter concerning Lyuzhu, a friend in the Kun Opera world, who was causing trouble for his wife in Nanjing. He needed a place for Lyuzhu to stay. Zhou Zhifei offered to arrange for Lyuzhu to come to Suzhou, suggesting its pleasant environment would suit her. Mr. Li agreed and tasked Zhou with handling the matter.
Zhou Zhifei later expressed worry about this task to Yuqing, explaining Lyuzhu was a difficult woman; two previous men who handled her – Zhang Dabao from the Garrison Command and Xie Changle, Deputy Director of Jiangsu District – had been executed by shooting or shot to death by random bullets under Mr. Li's hand after being suspected of issues with her. Yuqing, recognizing the problem, cunningly suggested Zhou pass the "hot potato" responsibility to Gu Yizhong.
She reasoned that Zhou was too rough and didn't know how to handle women, but Gu was adept at it, citing his popularity with women at a cultural committee party. Yuqing explained that if Gu handled Lyuzhu well, Zhou would get credit for arranging it, but if Lyuzhu caused trouble or made advances towards Gu, Mr. Li might use his hand to have Gu also shot to death, effectively removing him. Zhou praised Yuqing's ruthless plan.
Following Yuqing's suggestion, Zhou Zhifei visited Gu Yizhong in his office under the pretense of just looking around and seeing if he needed anything. After some small talk about the office, Zhou revealed the real reason for his visit, referencing the matter they discussed by phone the previous night about Mr. Li. Gu feigned ignorance about the matter.
Zhou Zhifei then referenced the recent incident where Gu was accused of communist collusion, claiming it was a misunderstanding caused by Unit 76, and that he had even called Wan Lilang to complain about such distrust between "comrades." Gu cautiously brought up the surveillance at the wonton stand near his home, suggesting that might also be Unit 76.
Zhou evaded this directly and steered the conversation back to Mr. Li, emphasizing that as their superior, Mr. Li's matters needed their help. Zhou finally asked Gu to take care of Lyuzhu, claiming Gu was better suited for the task due to their similar age and Gu's perceived ability to interact with women, contrasting himself with his own strict wife. Gu expressed understanding of Zhou's predicament but initially claimed he was unable to help.
Zhou persisted, offering Gu Longjing tea and emphasizing that Mr. Li greatly admired Gu, had mentioned him several times, and hoped Zhou would promote him. Zhou stressed that taking care of Lyuzhu was the best opportunity for Gu to build a connection with Mr. Li and advance his career. Gu eventually agreed to take on the task.
Zhou was pleased, thanked Gu profusely, and promised to have Captain Zhang remove the surveillance from the wonton stand immediately, adding that Gu's safety after that would be up to himself. Gu Yizhong met Lyuzhu and began accompanying her. After a day of shopping, Lyuzhu complained about her legs and demanded Gu massage them, even acting coquettish and flirting.
Gu politely declined, asking her to respect herself and suggesting he find a professional masseur, a blind masseur, or a famous bone-setting master instead, which Lyuzhu dismissed, rudely commenting about blind people and cripples. She commented on his apparent knowledge and noted that Zhou Zhifei had cleverly passed the task given by Mr. Li onto him, calling Zhou a "sly" and "damned Station Chief."
Lyuzhu inquired about plans for the next day, dismissing suggestions of visiting gardens or listening to ballads as boring but showing some interest in Suzhou embroidery, noting his knowledge of its technique. She instructed him to pick her up at seven that evening to go to a dance hall. That evening, Gu Yizhong accompanied Lyuzhu to a dance hall. When a Japanese Colonel, Ito, aggressively demanded Lyuzhu dance with him and pour him a drink, she refused, angering him.
Ito became aggressive, drew a pistol, and threatened to shoot. Just as the situation escalated, Ono intervened, recognizing Ito. Ono explained that Lyuzhu was his friend's friend and reminded Ito that Commander Kobayashi Nobuo might be displeased if he heard about the incident. Ono persuaded Ito to put the gun away, and Ito left after apologizing to Ono. Ono advised Gu and Lyuzhu to leave the potentially dangerous place.
Afterward, Gu scolded Lyuzhu for being reckless in provoking the Japanese officer, warning her they were ruthless killers. Lyuzhu retorted mockingly whether he was afraid and lacked courage, stating she was not afraid of the Japanese, claiming Mr. Li had said the Japanese couldn't operate in China without their help. Gu warned her against saying such things publicly and against being willful, insisting he had to ensure her safety as he was tasked with being loyal to his assignment.
Lyuzhu dismissed his concerns, telling him he couldn't tell her what to do and calling him spineless and like the others. Gu returned home late that night, finding Haimo waiting up for him. He told her not to wait up and to rest. Haimo had prepared lotus seed and Gordon Euryale seed soup for him. At dinner, there was only plain food, and Haimo explained it was better for Gu's stomach as he'd been drinking daily.
She then pointedly criticized his frequent drinking and associating with women from Nanjing and Shanghai at places like amusement parks and dance halls, calling them scummy places. She implied she was aware of his activities and felt disrespected, despite their marriage being merely an arrangement, stating he should at least show some respect. Zhou Zhifei visited Gu Yizhong again, complaining that Lyuzhu's expenses were exorbitant, totaling 3,000, and joking that he might have to sell Gu Garden.
Gu agreed to reimburse him, expressing surprise at the amount ("Three thousand? A bit much ah") and asking for a few days to get the money, acknowledging Zhou was "wronged" by this task.
Zhou encouraged Gu to continue taking good care of Lyuzhu, reiterating that she could praise him and "whisper sweet nothings" about him to Mr. Li when he returned, which would lead Mr. Li to see Gu as "one of his own" and be a significant boost for his career. Gu thanked him, and Zhou reiterated his support, addressing Gu as "little brother."
Later, Ono visited Haimo, praising her skill in Pingtan, specifically Tanci, and stating he felt he had learned all he could from her. He mentioned a friend was holding a birthday party and wanted him to sing Tanci, but his skill wasn't sufficient. He then requested Haimo accompany him to the party to perform. Haimo asked if the friend was Chinese or Japanese; Ono confirmed he was a Japanese military officer.
Haimo expressed hesitation about getting too close to Japanese officers as ordinary people, fearing misunderstanding. Ono then revealed that his friend was not just any officer, but His Excellency Commander Kobayashi Nobuo. Gu Yizhong was within earshot and reacted with subtle inner joy upon hearing the name, seeing it as an opportunity and feeling anticipation for the meeting.
