Age of Legends Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Age of Legends Synopsis
Liu Ziguang, who has been missing for eight years, suddenly returns to his hometown Jiangbei City. He loses his memory but discovers that he has a good body and ability different from those of ordinary people.
During a rescue of a kidnapped child, he is targeted by a policewoman, Hu Rong, as a suspect.
The police in Jiangbei are investigating a case of the new drug “Angel”. By chance, Liu Ziguang helps Hu Rong and the police to uncover Nie Wanfeng and the related drug traffickers one by one, but he accidentally finds himself involved in the case and had a deep relationship with Nie Wanfeng.
The murder of Hu Rong’s father during an undercover mission is also related to Liu Ziguang. A lot has happened in the missing eight years, turning Liu Ziguang’s life completely upside down.
Age of Legends Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In 2012, deep within an armed drug cartel's base in M Country, Liu Ziguang was bound to a chair, resisting a tattoo. He cried out, "I don't want a tattoo! Let me go! My dad was murdered by a junkie. I won't traffic drugs!" His sworn brother, Ye Wanglong, tried to calm him, saying, "Ziguang, stop yelling. We will become Colby's friends after we are tattooed. No one will dare to bully us."
Their argument attracted the attention of the drug lord, Colby, who stormed in. Colby offered Liu Ziguang a stark choice: "Work with me, you get that tattoo. If not, I kill you." Though Liu Ziguang was not killed, he was brutally beaten and thrown into labor in the drug den. While working as a forced laborer, Liu Ziguang seized an opportunity to escape but was quickly spotted, shot, and recaptured. Colby then imprisoned him.
Ye Wanglong managed to reach Liu Ziguang in his cell, bringing him water. Ye Wanglong revealed, "I have pleaded with Colby. I gave him all the money I earned as a drug dealer. He promised not to kill you." He boasted, "Colby thinks highly of me now. I did a few big transactions for Colby and earned a lot of money."
He then tried to convince Liu Ziguang, "I think if you and I plead with him, he will definitely let you out." Liu Ziguang looked at him in disbelief, "You are trafficking drugs with him?" Ye Wanglong confirmed, trying to persuade Liu Ziguang to join him, but Liu Ziguang refused the water, his eyes blazing with fury. The story flashed back three years earlier to the border of China, where Liu Ziguang first met Ye Wanglong on a long-distance bus.
Liu Ziguang, whose father had passed away, felt lost and had no family in Jiangbei. Ye Wanglong, after paying for Liu Ziguang's ticket, suggested they go to M Country together, where he heard many people were making money. They introduced themselves, with Ye Wanglong stating his name and Liu Ziguang replying with his own. Upon arrival in M Country, they found work at a bar. The owner assigned them local-sounding names: Ye Wanglong became Sangkun, and Liu Ziguang became Sangbo.
Ye Wanglong, gazing at a portrait of Escobar, expressed his ambition to be "capable and devilish" like his idol. One day, when Ye Wanglong inadvertently angered a hooligan, Liu Ziguang bravely shielded him from a knife attack, taking the blade himself. Ye Wanglong, deeply moved, apologized, "Ziguang, sorry. You got hurt because of me." He then suggested they become sworn brothers, pledging, "We will share the blessings and endure the bad times together." Liu Ziguang agreed.
Soon after, Ye Wanglong sought to join Colby's armed drug trafficking group, eager to be "successful and stand out." Liu Ziguang vehemently opposed this, reminding Ye Wanglong that his own father had died because of drug addiction. However, Ye Wanglong argued that in a world where the strong prey on the weak, they needed power, urging Liu Ziguang to join Colby to make money and avoid returning home poor.
Torn between his hatred for drugs and his loyalty to his brother, Liu Ziguang reluctantly agreed to temporarily align with Colby. Back in the present, late one night, Ye Wanglong secretly visited Liu Ziguang's cell, intending to help him escape. He told Liu Ziguang he had "some stuff over there" for him to take. However, shortly after Ye Wanglong left, armed guards discovered Liu Ziguang, surrounding him and yelling "Freeze!"
Meanwhile, in Jiangbei, China, Officer Huang secretly met with Hu Yuejin. Officer Huang revealed that a new, highly potent drug called "Angel," originating from an armed drug trafficking group in M Country, was rampant. With his experience in combating drug criminals, Officer Huang was chosen to go undercover in M Country to investigate the drug's source.
He entrusted his daughter, Hu Rong, to Hu Yuejin's care, promising that upon completing his mission, he would retire to spend more time with her. Hu Yuejin reminded him that he "owed this child the most" throughout his life. Before departing, Officer Huang disguised himself and visited Hu Rong at a basketball court. He watched as she called out "Dad" while playing with her friend, but when he approached, she greeted him as "Uncle," indicating she did not recognize him.
A wave of sadness washed over Officer Huang. Arriving in M Country, Officer Huang assumed the identity of a bar owner to gather intelligence on Colby's drug trafficking organization and the "Angel" drug. During his years of imprisonment, Liu Ziguang endured constant beatings. He heard a guard threaten, "If you escape again, I will break your legs." Despite the harsh conditions, he relentlessly honed his combat and shooting skills, forging a body of steel and never losing hope.
Later, Hu Yuejin traveled to M Country for an International Police Exchange Conference and took the opportunity to visit Officer Huang at his bar. He assured Officer Huang that he was doing well and that work was going smoothly, while bringing him "Fish Gelatin Biscuits" from Jiangbei, Officer Huang's favorite. Hu Yuejin then shared news about Hu Rong, telling Officer Huang she was "doing extremely well" but was "getting more stubborn," taking after him.
He showed Officer Huang a photo of Hu Rong in her police uniform, proclaiming, "Police Officer Hu Rong. Here!" Officer Huang was filled with pride, commenting on her beauty and how she resembled him. They reiterated their agreement that once Officer Huang's mission was complete, Hu Yuejin would "hand over your daughter to you," and Officer Huang would raise her, though Officer Huang insisted Hu Yuejin would always remain a father figure to her as well.
Hu Yuejin reassured Officer Huang that Hu Rong would eventually acknowledge and be proud of his work. Back at the drug base, Liu Ziguang, enduring immense pain, managed to untie himself. He fought off two drug dealers but was quickly discovered and surrounded by others pointing guns at him. In the tense standoff, Ye Wanglong suddenly appeared, ordering the guards to "Hold your fire! Calm down! Don't shoot! Mr. Colby allowed me to get him out."
He then calmly approached Liu Ziguang, took the gun from him, and quietly told him, "I know you have always wanted to leave here. I won't persuade you (to stay) today. Just leave." Liu Ziguang, concerned for his brother, asked, "What about you? Colby will never let you off." Ye Wanglong confidently replied, "Colby locked you here for four years. He has almost forgotten about you. I'm doing well here. I know he won't do anything to me."
He urged Liu Ziguang to leave, adding, "If you can't survive out there, come and find me. As long as you are alive, we will always be brothers." Liu Ziguang made his escape. Shortly after Liu Ziguang's departure, Colby furiously confronted Ye Wanglong, demanding to know if he had let Sangbo go and threatening to kill him. However, to Colby's shock, his own subordinates suddenly turned their weapons on him.
Ye Wanglong, with a cold smile, declared, "Mr. Colby, you make too much money but you share too little. So from now on, I am going to be the boss." As Colby pleaded for his life, offering all his money, Ye Wanglong proclaimed, "I'm finally going to become my idol, Escobar. It's going to be my era now." Colby was killed, and Ye Wanglong, now the new leader, stood triumphant, determined to build his own drug empire.
Episode 2 Recap
In 2016, Liu Ziguang encountered a destitute young man named A-Se on the street. A-Se noticed a peculiar black stone pendant on Liu Ziguang's chest – a strange-shaped black stone that Liu Ziguang had inadvertently unearthed while practicing martial arts in prison. A-Se immediately referred to Liu Ziguang as "Master" and declared himself "Disciple A-Se."
He recounted a fantastical tale of the stone being a "Disciple Stone" created by a "Master" who was imprisoned by the Great Demon King for 49 years before breaking free and leading the Light Sect disciples into battle. Finding A-Se somewhat bewildering, Liu Ziguang nevertheless decided to take him in. A-Se eagerly offered to help at a bar run by Officer Huang. While talking, Liu Ziguang discovered that Officer Huang was also from Jiangbei, instantly creating a bond between them.
Officer Huang offered Liu Ziguang and A-Se jobs at his bar, promising they could leave anytime if better opportunities arose. Liu Ziguang accepted, introducing himself as Guangzi. Later, Officer Huang secretly reported to his superiors, expressing his belief that Liu Ziguang was honest, righteous, and trustworthy, and seeking approval to train him as an informant. One day, Wanglong arrived at the bar with his subordinates and was surprised to find Liu Ziguang working there.
Wanglong urged Liu Ziguang to return to Jiangbei, stating that the bar was not a suitable place for him, and offered him a large sum of money. Liu Ziguang politely declined, saying he could earn his own money. Wanglong, acknowledging their brotherhood, told Liu Ziguang to come find him anytime if he changed his mind, promising to take him in. After Wanglong left, Officer Huang questioned Liu Ziguang about the identity of his "older brother."
Liu Ziguang revealed Wanglong was his sworn brother, but kept silent about his activities. Officer Huang pressed further, hinting that Wanglong's associate was a notorious local hoodlum, drug trafficker, and murderer, and asked how Liu Ziguang became involved with such people. When Officer Huang suggestively asked if Liu Ziguang was also involved in drug dealing or killing, Liu Ziguang became agitated.
He passionately explained that his father was killed by a drug addict right there, and that he himself had been imprisoned and tortured for four years by Colby for refusing to engage in drug dealing or murder. Emotionally, Liu Ziguang declared he was leaving. After learning about Liu Ziguang's past, Officer Huang felt the time was ripe. He took Liu Ziguang to a hidden room behind the bar.
In the secret room, Officer Huang revealed his true identity as a Chinese Drug Enforcement Police Officer in M Country, sent to investigate a new drug called "Angel" manufactured by Colby. He explained that he had been working undercover as a bar owner, using the secret room to gather intelligence and issue reports that led to numerous drug arrests, but he still couldn't find information about Colby, who remained at large.
Officer Huang then directly asked Liu Ziguang to become his informant, to return to the drug territory and infiltrate the organization to help eliminate the drug cartel. Officer Huang appealed to Liu Ziguang's resilience, noting his refusal to surrender during four years of torture. Liu Ziguang hesitated, stating he couldn't betray his sworn brother Wanglong, who was still involved with the drug organization, as he didn't want to become enemies with him.
Liu Ziguang sat contemplatively, his mind drifting back to painful memories. He recalled celebrating his father's birthday, buying him an electric shaver with his saved pocket money, and his father's heartfelt appreciation. That very night, amidst a heavy rain, Liu Ziguang returned home to find his father brutally stabbed by a drug addict who demanded protection money. His father died in front of him.
He then recalled Officer Huang's impassioned words about the devastating impact of drugs, reminding him that becoming an informant would not only aid the police but also protect countless innocent people from harm. After a profound internal struggle, Liu Ziguang approached Officer Huang and agreed to become an informant, but on two conditions. First, he asked Officer Huang to protect his older brother, Wanglong.
Officer Huang frankly stated that he couldn't promise protection, as Wanglong would face legal consequences for his crimes. However, he offered a path to a lighter sentence if Wanglong could atone for his actions by assisting the police. Liu Ziguang accepted this. His second condition was for the safety of A-Se. Officer Huang reassured him that he had already made arrangements to send A-Se back to Jiangbei to continue his education.
With his concerns addressed, Liu Ziguang then gave A-Se the black stone pendant, instructing him that by wearing it, he would be the "Right Light Envoy of the Light Sect," to obey "Uncle Huang" (who would be the "Senior Master"), and to return to Jiangbei to "revive the Light Sect." A-Se promised to wait for his return. Liu Ziguang then left the bar. Liu Ziguang journeyed to the drug base to join Wanglong.
Wanglong welcomed him with open arms, expressing his delight and quickly placing immense trust in him. Some time later, Liu Ziguang met Officer Huang at the bar. Officer Huang prepared a bowl of Jiangbei noodles for Liu Ziguang and shared that A-Se had been successfully sent back to Jiangbei, though he had been sad to leave.
Officer Huang then confided another secret: his daughter had become a police officer, and he jokingly suggested introducing her to Liu Ziguang after their mission was complete. One day, Liu Ziguang was with Wanglong at the drug base, reminiscing about their arduous early days in M Country, feeling nostalgic for simpler times. Liu Ziguang gently tried to persuade Wanglong to abandon his criminal path.
Wanglong, however, countered that there was "no going back" for him, reminding Liu Ziguang of their wolf tattoos, symbols of an irreversible commitment. He then chillingly confessed to Liu Ziguang that he had personally killed his wife and her parents because she had opposed his plan to develop the new drug "Angel." He also expressed his ambition to become the world's "Escobar" with his "Angel" drug.
Liu Ziguang was profoundly shocked, realizing how cold-blooded and utterly transformed his brother had become. Disturbed by Wanglong's confessions, Liu Ziguang visited Officer Huang at the bar, dejectedly explaining that he felt Wanglong had changed. Officer Huang affirmed that if Wanglong had truly changed beyond salvation, no one could save him. Liu Ziguang then handed Officer Huang a USB drive containing information about a Malaysian drug trafficker.
He also revealed that Colby was dead and that a new boss had taken over the organization, whom he would endeavor to identify. Officer Huang commended Liu Ziguang, stating he had not misjudged him. At the drug base, as Wanglong and Liu Ziguang were practicing assembling pistols, Wanglong received an urgent report. His demeanor changed as he confronted Liu Ziguang, accusing him of leaking information that led to the arrest of their Malaysian clients.
Wanglong pointed out the suspicious coincidence of Liu Ziguang having been out the previous night. Liu Ziguang calmly insisted it was merely a coincidence, as he frequented that pub every week. Wanglong then received another phone call. After hanging up, he slowly approached Liu Ziguang, a pistol in hand, and chillingly revealed that the bar owner was a Chinese Drug Enforcement Police Officer. Liu Ziguang was stunned, realizing Officer Huang's identity had been exposed.
Maintaining a brave front, Liu Ziguang questioned Wanglong's trust in him. Wanglong, with a cold smile, commanded Liu Ziguang to accompany him to the bar, stating that everything would naturally become clear then. Wanglong, his men, and Liu Ziguang arrived outside the bar. Wanglong handed Liu Ziguang a pistol, ordering him to go inside and kill the police officer within three minutes to prove his loyalty and innocence regarding the information leak.
He warned that failure to comply would leave Liu Ziguang unprotected from the "boss." As the minutes ticked by, Wanglong waited outside. A sharp gunshot echoed from inside the bar. Wanglong and his men rushed in to find Officer Huang lying dead in a pool of blood, and Liu Ziguang holding the smoking pistol.
Wanglong embraced a visibly shaken and ashen-faced Liu Ziguang, declaring his suspicions gone and praising him for his "first kill," then ordered his men to take Liu Ziguang for a drink to calm down. Later, Wanglong sent Liu Ziguang to an international drug dealers' gathering aboard a luxurious yacht in international waters. While on the yacht, Liu Ziguang received a phone call from Wanglong, who frantically warned him that police were closing in and told him to escape immediately. Liu Ziguang raced to the deck and plunged into the sea, but tragically hit his head on a reef, blood staining the water around him.
Episode 3 Recap
Two days later in Xihai City, China, a woman out for her morning exercise discovered Liu Ziguang unconscious on the beach and promptly brought him to a medical station. A doctor performed a comprehensive check-up and informed Liu Ziguang that he had suffered a head trauma, likely a mild concussion, resulting in memory loss. The doctor estimated he had been floating in the ocean for about two to three days.
Unable to recall anything beyond his hometown of Jiangbei and that his family was deceased, Liu Ziguang accepted the doctor's kind offer of ¥500 and arranged for a nurse, Little Jin, to cut his hair and trim his beard. Gazing at his reflection, Liu Ziguang wondered aloud how he had become this way and what had transpired during the past eight years that he couldn't remember.
Meanwhile, in Jiangbei City, Hu Rong and her colleagues were on a mission to apprehend a suspect. When the suspect spotted them and fled into a parking garage, Hu Rong and her team split up. Despite her colleague's warnings, Hu Rong aggressively pursued the suspect alone, engaging in a dangerous hand-to-hand struggle. Fortunately, her colleagues arrived in time to subdue the suspect.
Afterward, Captain Han Jin sternly reprimanded Hu Rong, criticizing her rashness and disregard for discipline, questioning her respect for him as her captain and her capability as a rookie. Hu Rong, however, defiantly mimicked Captain Han behind his back, much to the amusement of her colleagues. Liu Ziguang boarded a long-distance bus back to Jiangbei City, returning to his long-lost hometown with a weary demeanor.
Shortly after his arrival, Jiangbei experienced a hostage situation where several masked kidnappers abducted a child. Captain Han Jin, who had just banned Hu Rong from fieldwork for a month due to her previous insubordination, quickly left for the scene upon hearing the news. Disregarding the order, Hu Rong commandeered a motorcycle and sped off in pursuit of the kidnappers' vehicle, leaving the police car, which was stuck in traffic, behind.
Han Jin instructed his officers to follow her quickly, worried about her reckless behavior. Liu Ziguang made his way to his father’s old restaurant, remembering happier times when his father served customers. He found it empty and learned from the current owner, Li Jianguo, that the Chenguang Machinery Plant dormitories, which Liu Ziguang inquired about, had been torn down long ago and were now an abandoned site.
As Liu Ziguang walked through the streets, he stumbled upon the kidnappers’ vehicle, which had crashed. The kidnappers abandoned the car and fled on foot with the child. Hu Rong, relentlessly pursuing them, cornered them in an abandoned factory. She fired a warning shot, but the kidnappers threatened to harm the child, forcing her to lower her weapon. Two kidnappers then engaged Hu Rong while the others tried to escape with the child.
Seeing this, Liu Ziguang instinctively intervened, confronting the kidnappers and rescuing the child. When Han Jin and his team arrived, they found Liu Ziguang holding the child. They ordered him to put the child down and kneel. Faced with the officers' guns, Liu Ziguang experienced a vivid flashback of a drug factory, with a figure telling him, "Don't move! Freeze!" This triggered a physical reaction, causing him to lose his balance and fall.
Liu Ziguang was then taken to the Public Security Bureau for questioning along with the kidnappers. Meanwhile, Sun Wei met with Hou Sihai and knelt, informing him that "that event failed" due to a "fearless female cop." Hou Sihai expressed his anger at Sun Wei's carelessness, reminding him of the formidable Jiangbei police. Sun Wei assured him that the arrested kidnappers were "tight-lipped" and would not implicate Hou Sihai.
Sun Wei then voiced his concern that Nie Wanfeng might suspect them of involvement in his son's kidnapping. Hou Sihai confidently stated that as long as their men remained silent, Nie Wanfeng would have no evidence. At the Public Security Bureau, an investigation revealed that the individual named Liu Ziguang had been reported missing eight years prior in October 2009 by Gao Yuanchao. With no news for eight years, his death had been declared, and his household registration revoked.
Liu Ziguang stared in disbelief at the death certificate. Hu Rong, eyeing him suspiciously, questioned him about the knife and gunshot scars on his body and a tattoo, as well as his presence at the kidnapping scene. Liu Ziguang claimed he had no memory of how he acquired the scars or tattoo due to his amnesia. He explained that he had simply stumbled upon the kidnapping while looking for his home and had acted to save the child.
Little Bai later confirmed that statements from the other kidnappers corroborated Liu Ziguang's account, affirming he was not their accomplice. Furthermore, the Xihai hospital verified that he had indeed been rescued from the beach and treated for a mild concussion and post-traumatic amnesia. Han Jin informed Hu Rong that Liu Ziguang's story was consistent with the evidence and ordered his release, but Hu Rong remained instinctively suspicious, convinced he was not as simple as he seemed.
At the Jiangbei Public Security Bureau, Wang Long, operating under the alias Nie Wanfeng and claiming to be the child's father, expressed his gratitude to Bureau Chief Song. Bureau Chief Song informed Wang Long that the true person to thank was Liu Ziguang, who bravely intervened. Hearing the name "Liu Ziguang," Wang Long was visibly startled, his heart racing, but he quickly composed himself before leaving.
As Liu Ziguang walked out of the police station, he encountered an old neighbor, Uncle Guo. Initially, Liu Ziguang did not recognize him, but after Uncle Guo recalled fond memories of Liu Ziguang's father sending him to deliver food and liquor, Liu Ziguang's memory stirred, and he remembered Uncle Guo. Overcome with emotion, Uncle Guo, who had reported Liu Ziguang missing eight years ago, tearfully embraced him and took him home.
Later, Wang Long, speaking to his son Cheng Cheng, encouraged him to become stronger to protect himself, recalling a memory of being forced to commit a ruthless act in the past to gain strength.
Episode 4 Recap
At the police station, Captain Han received reports on the kidnappers' confessions, which were remarkably consistent, all claiming the motive was solely for ransom. Captain Han expressed his suspicion to the Chief, noting that while Nie Wanfeng was a wealthy businessman and a ransom demand seemed plausible, the identical and swift confessions from all suspects were unusual.
He believed they might be intentionally concealing the true purpose behind the abduction, prompting the Chief to instruct a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, at his home, Nie Wanfeng put his son Chengcheng to bed. His subordinate reported that the kidnapping was orchestrated by Hou Sihai's men, specifically Sun Wei's group. Despite the offense, Nie Wanfeng, with a cunning demeanor, decided against immediate retaliation.
He stated that directly confronting Hou Sihai would jeopardize his future plans, and instead, he intended to show them "courtesy." He then ordered his subordinate to swiftly investigate Liu Ziguang, the young man who rescued his son from the kidnappers. As he thought of Liu Ziguang, a complex expression flickered across Nie Wanfeng's face. He harbored a secret past as Ye Wanglong, a notorious drug lord, who had reinvented himself as the entrepreneur Nie Wanfeng.
Liu Ziguang, who once knew his true identity, now posed a significant concern, leaving Nie Wanfeng to wonder if his survival was "a blessing or a curse." He reflected on his past as Ye Wanglong, instructing his men, including Liu Ziguang, to lay low when he was away, indicating Liu Ziguang's position of trust and authority. He also recollected conversations about establishing the "Major Development Group" as part of his new identity.
Back at the police station, Hu Rong requested permission from Captain Han to investigate Liu Ziguang. However, Captain Han denied her request, reminding her of her recent punishment that restricted her from field work for a month. Hu Rong, undeterred and feigning compliance, declared she would stay late to "study and increase her knowledge" and "self-reflect" on her "disregard for regulations." Understanding her stubborn nature, Captain Han silently ordered a nourishing supper to be delivered to her office.
Later that evening, Hu Rong received a call from her parents. She tried to mislead her father, Hu Yuejin, by pretending she was out singing, but he revealed he had already spoken to Captain Han and knew she was working overtime. Her mother then took the phone, scolding Hu Rong for her recklessness during the earlier encounter with the kidnappers and expressing her long-standing apprehension about Hu Rong pursuing a dangerous career in criminal investigation.
She also admitted to feeling "ill at ease" recently. Hu Yuejin tried to reassure his wife, telling her not to "overthink it." Liu Ziguang and Guo Dazhi arrived at Guo Dazhi's modest home, an auto maintenance shop with a small courtyard that he proudly called his "mansion." Inside, Guo Dazhi presented Liu Ziguang with a white porcelain urn, explaining that it contained his father's ashes, which he had safeguarded for eight years.
Guo Dazhi expressed his profound relief at finally being able to return them, confessing his fear of dying before finding Liu Ziguang. He fondly recalled Liu Ziguang's father as a virtuous man who always "helped others and stood up against injustice" and never stayed silent, living by the principle: "Bad people inflict violence because good people stay silent." Overwhelmed, Liu Ziguang knelt before Guo Dazhi.
Guo Dazhi, a solitary old man, then offered to adopt Liu Ziguang as his son, promising to care for him and even help him find a wife. As they ate, Guo Dazhi inquired about Liu Ziguang's whereabouts during the past eight years, noting the physical changes in him, including his increased musculature, a facial scar, a tattoo, and evidence of knife and bullet wounds.
Liu Ziguang explained that he had no memory of those years, only recalling his father's death and being rescued on a beach two days prior, where doctors diagnosed him with head trauma and amnesia. Guo Dazhi reassured Liu Ziguang, expressing his unwavering belief that Liu Ziguang would not have done anything bad and encouraging him to let his memories return naturally without stress. The following day, Hu Rong once again approached Captain Han, pushing for an investigation into Liu Ziguang.
She highlighted his unusual ability to subdue several armed kidnappers single-handedly and emerge unscathed, suggesting he had received "special training." She also pointed out his eight-year disappearance, amnesia, and the presence of gun wounds, knife wounds, and a tattoo, all contributing to her suspicion that he was "not simple." Captain Han reiterated the need to adhere to protocol, insisting that Liu Ziguang was not a suspect and required a search warrant.
Frustrated, Hu Rong retorted that by the time a warrant was issued, it would be "too late." Captain Han remained firm, stating, "I don't care if hell freezes over first. These are the rules." Annoyed, Hu Rong declared it was her day off and she was going home to sleep. At home, Hu Yuejin received an urgent call informing him that Officer Huang Zhenwu, an undercover agent and his mentor, had lost contact.
He immediately instructed the provincial office not to give up on finding him and called Captain Han to enlist their unit's help in the search. The news filled Hu Yuejin with a profound sense of unease. When Hu Rong returned home later, she found her parents sitting silently at the dinner table, their expressions somber. She tried to lighten the mood, initially assuming they had fought or were considering divorce.
Her mother, trying to conceal the deeper distress, explained that her father had received a call about an old comrade who was gravely ill. Hu Rong, sensing her parents' unusual sadness, pressed for more details, but her mother vaguely replied that Hu Rong wouldn't know the comrade, and her father excused himself to lie down, unwilling to elaborate further.
As Liu Ziguang stepped out of his house, he was unexpectedly greeted by a young man named A-Se, who immediately knelt and addressed him as "Sect Leader." A-Se introduced himself as Liu Ziguang's "Right Light Envoy," claiming Liu Ziguang had promised to teach him new techniques, which Liu Ziguang dismissed as "nonsense." Before Liu Ziguang could fully comprehend the situation, a group of Hou Sihai's men, led by Monkey, arrived.
Monkey demanded Liu Ziguang accompany them, threatening harm to Guo Dazhi if he refused. To protect Guo Dazhi, Liu Ziguang followed them to an underground parking lot, where Sun Wei and more men on motorcycles awaited. Sun Wei challenged Liu Ziguang, who, despite his amnesia, displayed remarkable agility and strength, swiftly incapacitating the attackers. A-Se joined the fray, condemning their "despicable" ambush on his "Sect Leader."
Just as the fight intensified, police sirens pierced the air, prompting Sun Wei and his men to flee on their motorcycles. A-Se attempted to pursue them, but Liu Ziguang stopped him. Hu Rong and her colleagues soon arrived at the scene. Recognizing Liu Ziguang, she irritably accused him of being involved in the gang fight, stating she would take him back to the station for questioning.
Liu Ziguang, denying any involvement and disclaiming knowledge of A-Se, requested she take A-Se with her instead. A-Se, still kneeling and calling Liu Ziguang "Sect Leader," confused Hu Rong, who was further irked when Liu Ziguang referred to her as an "auntie policewoman." After Liu Ziguang went home and found Guo Dazhi sleeping peacefully, Hu Rong brought A-Se to the police station.
She ordered a KFC family bucket meal for him, and after initial hesitation due to his "Sect Leader's" rule not to accept food from strangers, A-Se eagerly devoured the meal, affectionately calling Hu Rong his "Fairy Sister." When asked for contact information, A-Se produced a "New Student Recommendation Letter" from his pocket, which Hu Rong identified as a recommendation letter. Later, Liu Ziguang visited a stadium and observed people running.
The sharp blast of a whistle triggered a flood of disturbing, fragmented memories from a past at a drug trafficking base. Overwhelmed, he instinctively leapt onto the track and began sprinting wildly, astonishing the other runners with his incredible speed.
Back home, as more fragments of his past surfaced, Liu Ziguang was visibly disturbed, grappling with the disorienting question of what he had truly done during the eight years he couldn't remember, and why A-Se knew him and called him "Sect Leader."
Episode 5 Recap
Hu Rong brought A-Se to a martial arts school, having found a note with the address. She spoke with the principal, who informed her that A-Se had been recommended by the Education Bureau but had not yet reported for the term. The principal noted that A-Se seemed to have some cognitive impairment, but also possessed unique talents, believing his condition could improve with treatment.
Hu Rong, still concerned and wanting to know more about A-Se's family, learned that he appeared to have no family. Before leaving for the police station, Hu Rong spoke with A-Se, who asked her to ensure Liu Ziguang, whom he referred to as "Sect Leader," would acknowledge him. Meanwhile, Uncle Guo woke up to find Liu Ziguang missing. He located Liu Ziguang at a nearby school track field, running with incredible speed.
As he heard a sharp whistle on the track, Liu Ziguang experienced a vivid flashback of a drug base, compelling him to run frantically. Uncle Guo was astonished by Liu Ziguang's newfound agility, a skill Liu Ziguang himself was aware of, fueling his desire to understand what happened during his eight years of lost memory. Nie Wanfeng received a phone report from his subordinate, Brother Hu, about Liu Ziguang's amnesia, but he remained unconvinced.
He speculated that Liu Ziguang was either trying to turn over a new leaf or concealing his identity for other motives. Nie Wanfeng recalled their shared past, including how they became sworn brothers after Liu Ziguang was injured defending him at a casino. He also remembered their time at a drug base, where Liu Ziguang trafficked drugs and killed alongside him. Nie Wanfeng recounted securing $100 million in a safe, which required both their passwords and fingerprints to open.
He considered Liu Ziguang's current situation a brilliant move to erase his past and escape police investigation. He ordered Brother Hu to thoroughly investigate whether Liu Ziguang’s amnesia was genuine or a pretense, deeming it crucial for determining how to deal with him. Later, Uncle Guo took Liu Ziguang to buy new clothes for a security guard interview at Zhicheng Property Management.
Liu Ziguang worried that his lack of education and household registration would hinder his chances, but Uncle Guo assured him that his physical abilities, combined with Uncle Guo's connections with the security team leader, Team Leader Bai (who owed him favors for bike repairs), would secure him the job. Unbeknownst to them, Hu Rong followed them, still suspicious about Liu Ziguang's possible special training. At the property, Little Li introduced Liu Ziguang to Team Leader Bai.
Team Leader Bai questioned Liu Ziguang about his silence, asking if he was mute, before offering him a probationary position. As Liu Ziguang and Little Li were leaving, Team Leader Bai implicitly asked Liu Ziguang to buy him cigarettes. Liu Ziguang refused, stating he didn't smoke and Team Leader Bai hadn't provided money. At this moment, Liu Ziguang noticed Hu Rong still discreetly watching him.
He approached her, offering a bottle of water, acknowledging her hard work in following him all morning. Hu Rong, in turn, told him she would investigate everything about him, to which Liu Ziguang replied he hoped she would share anything she found. Soon after, a tenant named Mr. Feng, who had illegally parked, got into an altercation with a security guard. Uncle Guo tried to mediate but was struck by Mr. Feng.
Upon seeing this, Liu Ziguang intervened decisively, striking Mr. Feng and knocking him to the ground. Mr. Feng, infuriated, sought help from Sun Wei, a local gangster. Sun Wei, who already held a grudge against Liu Ziguang, consulted with his boss, Hou Sihai, and was given permission to retaliate. Back at the property, Team Leader Bai informed Liu Ziguang that he was fired for assaulting a tenant.
Liu Ziguang countered by reciting relevant articles from the security code of conduct, leaving Team Leader Bai speechless. Just then, Little Li rushed over to warn Liu Ziguang that Mr. Feng had returned with a group of thugs. Fearless, Liu Ziguang walked out to confront them. Among the thugs were Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li, who recognized Liu Ziguang. They decided to call the police, and Hu Rong and Captain Han were dispatched to the scene.
Liu Ziguang faced off against over ten armed thugs alone, skillfully maneuvering through them and quickly subduing several. As Hu Rong and Captain Han arrived, they found many of the thugs already incapacitated. Team Leader Bai, witnessing the scene, accused Liu Ziguang of assaulting an owner and engaging in a mob fight. To gather evidence, Captain Han and Hu Rong reviewed the surveillance footage. The video clearly showed Liu Ziguang's impressive combat skills.
Captain Han concluded that Liu Ziguang had acted in self-defense and ordered the thugs arrested for mob fighting. He then instructed Hu Rong to take Liu Ziguang for a medical evaluation. Hu Rong escorted Liu Ziguang to the hospital for a physical examination and full body scan. While undergoing a CT scan, Liu Ziguang suddenly experienced a terrifying flashback to a drug base, startling him upright. Hu Rong firmly pushed him back down.
The doctor later informed Hu Rong that Liu Ziguang had an abnormality in his hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning, which could explain his amnesia. The doctor also noted Liu Ziguang's unusually high skeletal muscle mass, suggesting he had undergone long-term, high-intensity training, possibly like a professional boxer. These findings deepened Hu Rong's suspicion that Liu Ziguang harbored a significant past. Outside the hospital, Liu Ziguang assisted a blind man across the street.
Witnessing this, Hu Rong felt a change of heart and sincerely apologized to him. Liu Ziguang then led Hu Rong to a small, authentic restaurant, explaining that his father had owned it before being murdered there. He said he was being transparent to show he had nothing to hide. Hu Rong then asked if he knew Zhuo Li, the person who had called the police earlier, and Liu Ziguang, surprised and pleased, confirmed that Zhuo Li was his childhood friend.
Liu Ziguang later found Zhuo Li's boxing club, an old warehouse he had converted from Chengguang Factory. Both Zhuo Li and Bei Xiaoshuai were overjoyed to see him, reminiscing about their childhood as the "Three Musketeers" of Chengguang Factory. Unconvinced by reports of Liu Ziguang's fighting prowess, Liu Ziguang stood up and demonstrated his skills, leaving his friends dumbfounded.
He then sadly revealed his amnesia, admitting he had no memory of the past eight years, which was a source of great pain for him. Meanwhile, Sun Wei's subordinate, Monkey, was scolded for the failed attempt to deal with Liu Ziguang. Monkey hesitantly asked if Sun Wei would report the failure to their boss.
Sun Wei rebuked him, ordering him to gather more men and weapons for another attack on Liu Ziguang, and to also identify and deal with whoever called the police earlier. Later, while visiting Uncle Guo at the hospital, Liu Ziguang received a phone call from an unknown man who introduced himself as Sun Wei. Sun Wei claimed to have Liu Ziguang's two friends, and Liu Ziguang, hearing their cries over the phone, rushed to the old warehouse where his childhood friends lived.
Episode 6 Recap
Liu Ziguang, who recently resurfaced in Jiangbei after an eight-year disappearance, confided in Officer Hu Rong about his amnesia. He recounted how his father, who owned the "Truly Authentic" food stall, died there on a rainy night eight years prior. After this tragic event, Liu Ziguang left Jiangbei by bus, but his memory of everything that followed vanished. He earnestly assured Hu Rong that he was not lying and had nothing to hide.
Hu Rong, suggesting a visit to the bus station the next day might help him recover memories, asked him to add her on WeChat, a concept Liu Ziguang did not understand. She also informed him that his childhood friend, Zhuo Li, had reported a recent fight. Separately, Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li discussed the fight from the previous day, where a remarkably strong individual, strikingly similar to Liu Ziguang, had defended himself against a group of thugs.
They doubted it was truly their old friend, recalling Liu Ziguang's past timidity. They also worried about potential retaliation from Sun Wei, the leader of the thugs, especially since Zhuo Li had used his own phone to call the police, fearing Sun Wei would discover their involvement. Sun Wei, intent on revenge, contacted Liu Ziguang by phone. He held Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li captive, forcing Liu Ziguang to listen to their cries for help.
Sun Wei mockingly invited Liu Ziguang to the boxing gym. Liu Ziguang immediately rushed to the old warehouse where his friends lived. Sun Wei demanded that Liu Ziguang fight one of his formidable thugs. Liu Ziguang accepted the challenge to save his friends, effortlessly defeating his opponent. Breaking his word, Sun Wei then ordered a dozen more thugs to attack Liu Ziguang simultaneously. Despite the overwhelming numbers, Liu Ziguang again triumphed, sending the thugs scattering in defeat.
Following the dramatic rescue, Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li invited Liu Ziguang to the "Truly Authentic" barbecue stall to celebrate. They affectionately dubbed him "Brother Guang," deeply impressed by his newfound fighting abilities, and reminisced about their childhood as the "Three Musketeers of Gaotupo." When Bei Xiaoshuai tried to pay, Li Jianguo, the owner, presented him with an unexpectedly high bill, including 13 unpaid tabs from the current year.
Li Jianguo revealed he was forced to sell the shop due to "some things that came up." Liu Ziguang overheard Li Jianguo's phone conversation, realizing he owed a significant debt to someone named "Boss Pang." Liu Ziguang offered assistance, but Li Jianguo declined, explaining the debt was too substantial for a small sum of money to fix. Liu Ziguang thanked Li Jianguo for preserving the "Truly Authentic" signage.
Li Jianguo, a former Special Forces soldier, shared that he respected Liu Ziguang's father, a truly good man who believed that "the reason why bad people are so bad is because of good people's silence." Meanwhile, Hu Rong attempted to send a WeChat message to Liu Ziguang about their meeting, but it failed without her realizing. Annoyed by his apparent no-show, she found him at the "Truly Authentic" shop.
She angrily confronted him for standing her up, stating she no longer trusted him. Liu Ziguang tried to explain that he had rushed to help his friends, but Hu Rong refused to listen and left. Bei Xiaoshuai consoled Liu Ziguang, promising to smooth things over with Hu Rong and inviting him to move in with them, offering to teach him how to use WeChat. Liu Ziguang accepted the offer.
Tiger later reported to Nie Wanfeng that Liu Ziguang's hospital examination had confirmed his amnesia. Tiger planned to personally visit the hospital to verify the medical report. Nie Wanfeng instructed him to be cautious and to report back immediately. Nie Wanfeng then mentioned his plan to host Hou Sihai at his son Chengcheng's fourth birthday party, noting the gathering was an opportunity to soothe Chengcheng's nerves after a recent "bad thing," subtly referring to the kidnapping.
Hou Sihai arrived with Sun Wei. At the dinner table, Hou Sihai attempted to greet Chengcheng, but the child, visibly frightened, clung to Nie Wanfeng. Nie Wanfeng, in a seemingly lighthearted but pointed tone, joked about whether Hou Sihai was behind the kidnapping, making Hou Sihai uneasy. Nie Wanfeng then declared his principle, stating, "if anyone touches my family, that's the same as touching my bottom line."
Hu Rong visited Mr. Guo in the hospital, seeking information about Liu Ziguang's past, particularly his family background and what happened during his eight-year disappearance. Mr. Guo could only confirm that Liu Ziguang claimed to have amnesia. During her visit, a quirky patient named A-Se, who called Liu Ziguang his "Sect Leader" and claimed to be a disciple of the "Light Sect," launched into a fantastical story about their first meeting.
Captain Han, accompanying Hu Rong, had to intervene to stop A-Se's rambling. Hu Rong realized A-Se wouldn't provide reliable information but believed there was a definite connection between him and Liu Ziguang, and that someone must know about Liu Ziguang's lost eight years. After the birthday party, Nie Wanfeng led Hou Sihai to his collection room.
Noticing Hou Sihai's fascination with an antique gun, Nie Wanfeng picked it up, aimed it at Hou Sihai's head, and chillingly questioned if he had orchestrated Chengcheng's kidnapping. Hou Sihai vehemently denied any involvement. Nie Wanfeng then fired the gun, shattering an antique vase, leaving Hou Sihai pale with fear. Back at the police station, Captain Han reported to Hu Yuejin that Officer Huang Jinguan was officially missing.
Colleagues noted Captain Han's persistent phone calls, suggesting a major case was unfolding, prompting Hu Rong's curiosity. She attempted to eavesdrop outside Captain Han's office window, but he quickly drew the blinds. Later, Liu Ziguang, Bei Xiaoshuai, and Zhuo Li visited Mr. Guo. Bei Xiaoshuai observed a similar fruit basket in the room, and Mr. Guo mentioned Hu Rong's earlier visit.
Bei Xiaoshuai encouraged Liu Ziguang to make an effort with Hu Rong, impressed by her visiting Mr. Guo despite their earlier spat. The next day at work, Hu Rong was embarrassed to find a flower basket and a love letter addressed to her. Suspecting Liu Ziguang, she called him to accuse him. Liu Ziguang, genuinely surprised, agreed to meet her in an hour to explain.
Meanwhile, a group led by Qi Ge arrived at "Truly Authentic" to collect a debt from Li Jianguo, who requested more time due to financial difficulties. When Qi Ge's men began smashing the shop, Liu Ziguang intervened, shattering a table they tried to use as a weapon. Li Jianguo quickly de-escalated the situation, promising to sell the shop soon to repay his debt, and Qi Ge's group departed. Moments later, Hu Rong arrived.
Liu Ziguang explained to her that Bei Xiaoshuai, not he, had sent the flowers in his name. Later that night, Tiger infiltrated the hospital to covertly retrieve Liu Ziguang's medical records. He reported his findings to Nie Wanfeng, confirming Liu Ziguang's amnesia. Nie Wanfeng, secretly pleased by the news, decided it was time to formally make contact with Liu Ziguang.
Episode 7 Recap
Hu Rong visited Grandpa Guo at the hospital, bringing him fruit and introducing herself as a police officer from the Jiangbei Public Security Bureau. She asked about Liu Ziguang’s past. Grandpa Guo spoke fondly of Liu Ziguang as a kind, upright, intelligent child who excelled in school. He recounted the tragedy of Liu Ziguang’s father, a righteous man who ran a barbecue stall.
One day, Liu Ziguang’s father intervened when a drug addict was bullying Old Li, who sold hot spicy soup. The addict, unexpectedly ruthless, fatally stabbed Liu Ziguang’s father. This trauma, combined with the school ordering him to stop his studies without fully understanding the situation, led to Liu Ziguang’s disappearance for eight years. Grandpa Guo confirmed that Liu Ziguang claimed to have lost his memories of that period.
At the police station, Commissioner Hu Yuejin was informed by Captain Han that Officer Huang, Hu Rong's father, had gone missing and province-level authorities had lost all contact. Hu Yuejin sternly instructed Captain Han to keep this information from Hu Rong. When Hu Rong returned to the station, her colleagues noted Captain Han's unusual behavior of secluding himself in his office and constantly making calls, a sign that he was handling a significant case.
Hou Sihai arrived at Nie Wanfeng’s villa for Chengcheng’s birthday banquet, observing Nie Wanfeng’s collection of treasures, including an antique calligraphy scroll and an old gun. Nie Wanfeng picked up the gun and pointed it at Hou Sihai, accusing him of orchestrating his son’s kidnapping. A terrified Hou Sihai vehemently denied it. Nie Wanfeng then fired a shot, shattering an antique vase, and chillingly declared that he hated anyone who touched his family.
After leaving, Hou Sihai reflected on the incident, realizing his plan to detain Chengcheng had backfired, and Nie Wanfeng now knew the truth. He wondered if Liu Ziguang, who had disrupted his plans, was an operative sent by Nie Wanfeng, concluding that Liu Ziguang was someone they needed to carefully consider. At home, Nie Wanfeng trained Chengcheng, encouraging him to grow strong so no one could hurt him.
Chengcheng, still shaken, asked about the frightening guests from his birthday dinner, but Nie Wanfeng dismissed them as insignificant. Liu Ziguang, accompanied by Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li, also visited Grandpa Guo. Bei Xiaoshuai noticed a fruit basket identical to theirs and learned that Hu Rong had visited the day before. Bei Xiaoshuai, having investigated Hu Rong, informed Liu Ziguang that she was the influential daughter of Jiangbei City’s Deputy Mayor and the Chief of the Public Security Bureau.
He teased Liu Ziguang, suggesting Hu Rong was interested in him and that pursuing her would guarantee a comfortable life. Liu Ziguang, however, insisted that Hu Rong was merely investigating him. Bei Xiaoshuai argued that Hu Rong’s visit, despite Liu Ziguang missing their prior appointment, showed her genuine interest, and that Liu Ziguang should reciprocate her kindness.
Acting on his own, Bei Xiaoshuai sent a bouquet of flowers to Hu Rong at the police station with a card signed "Liu Ziguang, who loves you," expressing his affection. This caused a commotion among Hu Rong’s colleagues, who eagerly read the card and teased her about her blossoming romance with Liu Ziguang. Enraged and embarrassed, Hu Rong called Liu Ziguang while he was training with Zhuo Li, angrily accusing him of sending meaningless flowers and embarrassing her.
Liu Ziguang was initially confused until Zhuo Li explained Bei Xiaoshuai’s "confession" attempt. Liu Ziguang apologized and arranged to meet Hu Rong at Truly Authentic in an hour to explain. Arriving early at Truly Authentic, Liu Ziguang found Qi and his men harassing Li Jianguo, demanding repayment of a debt and smashing items in the shop. Liu Ziguang intervened, smashing a table to halt their destruction.
Li Jianguo quickly stepped in, promising Qi that he would repay the money within three days. Qi agreed, warning of severe consequences if the debt was not settled. After Qi and his men left, Hu Rong arrived and questioned what had happened. Liu Ziguang downplayed the incident, saying the group was just drunk.
Li Jianguo then asked Hu Rong to help him find a buyer for the shop for seventy to eighty thousand yuan to cover a friend's medical expenses, which Hu Rong agreed to do. Outside the shop, Hu Rong thanked Liu Ziguang, clarifying that her help was for Li Jianguo, whom she knew to be a good person, not for him. She then brought up the flowers.
Liu Ziguang admitted that Bei Xiaoshuai had sent them on his own, even showing a screenshot of the order as proof, and apologized. Hu Rong, furious, threatened to bring Bei Xiaoshuai to the bureau for harassing a police officer. To protect Bei Xiaoshuai, Liu Ziguang again claimed responsibility for sending the flowers. Hu Rong, exasperated, called him "mentally ill" and accused him of disrespecting a lady before walking away, telling him not to repeat such actions.
Hu Rong later approached her father, Commissioner Hu Yuejin, asking for 20,000 yuan. When he questioned her spending habits, she explained that the money was for someone else and for a good, nameless cause. Recognizing his daughter's altruism, Hu Yuejin agreed to find the money from Hu Rong’s mother. After receiving a report confirming Liu Ziguang’s memory loss, Nie Wanfeng remained skeptical and decided to test Liu Ziguang himself.
He approached Liu Ziguang at the hospital, where Liu Ziguang asked who he was. Nie Wanfeng introduced himself as Chengcheng’s father, reminding Liu Ziguang that he had saved his son. As Nie Wanfeng spoke, a vivid flashback played in his mind: a young Liu Ziguang, distraught after his father’s death and with his home demolished, expressed having no family left in Jiangbei.
Nie Wanfeng, then known as Ye Wanglong, had proposed they go to M Country together and they became sworn brothers, swearing to share good and bad times. Back in the present, Nie Wanfeng probed Liu Ziguang about his eight missing years. Liu Ziguang reiterated his memory loss.
Nie Wanfeng then stated that Liu Ziguang strongly resembled an old buddy of his, even in character, but claimed his friend was shorter and denied knowing Liu Ziguang during his eight years of amnesia. Nie Wanfeng offered to act as a big brother to Liu Ziguang, encouraging him to seek help if he ever needed anything. Seizing the opportunity, Liu Ziguang immediately asked to borrow 100,000 yuan. Although momentarily surprised, Nie Wanfeng readily agreed.
Liu Ziguang insisted on writing a promissory note, which Nie Wanfeng initially declined, seeing the money as a reward for saving Chengcheng. However, Liu Ziguang steadfastly maintained that borrowed money must be repaid. Nie Wanfeng discussed his meeting with Liu Ziguang with his subordinate, confirming that Liu Ziguang truly had lost his memories, as his eyes could not deceive him. Nie Wanfeng expressed regret, not for the money, but for what had happened to his "brother."
His subordinate suggested that Liu Ziguang’s amnesia was beneficial, as it meant one less person knew Nie Wanfeng’s true background. Nie Wanfeng, however, sighed, lamenting that his subordinate couldn't understand the depth of their relationship. Liu Ziguang took the 100,000 yuan to Truly Authentic, where he coincidentally found Hu Rong giving Li Jianguo the 20,000 yuan she had received from her father. Li Jianguo politely refused Hu Rong's money, unwilling to owe her a favor.
Liu Ziguang then stepped forward, offering Li Jianguo the 100,000 yuan and proposing to take over the shop. He suggested his two friends, Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li, could help run it, giving them legitimate work. He also hoped Li Jianguo would stay and receive a share of the profits. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Li Jianguo accepted, shaking Liu Ziguang's hand and declaring that they were now brothers, and the four of them would collectively manage Truly Authentic.
Returning to Zhuo Li’s home, Liu Ziguang revealed his plan to use the money to help Li Jianguo overcome his difficulties and suggested that the three of them—Liu Ziguang, Bei Xiaoshuai, and Zhuo Li—jointly run Truly Authentic. Bei Xiaoshuai was initially furious, complaining that Liu Ziguang risked his life for a mere 100,000 yuan, only to give it all away.
Zhuo Li, however, defended Liu Ziguang, reminding Bei Xiaoshuai that Truly Authentic was Liu Ziguang’s father’s old shop and that helping Li Jianguo was the right thing to do. Convinced by Zhuo Li’s words and his sense of loyalty, Bei Xiaoshuai agreed to support Liu Ziguang. Truly Authentic reopened its doors, bustling with a constant stream of customers.
However, Hou Sihai and his subordinate Sun Wei, accompanied by a group of men, stormed into the shop, declaring they were reserving the entire place and attempting to drive out the patrons. Li Jianguo, who recognized Hou Sihai from a previous encounter, stepped forward to intervene, but Hou Sihai, with a smirk, refused to budge. Liu Ziguang calmly approached Hou Sihai, emphasizing the importance of integrity in business, and politely asked him to wait outside.
To everyone's surprise, the calculating Hou Sihai, choosing not to cause a public scene, agreed to Liu Ziguang's suggestion and led his men to wait outside the shop. A girl named Li Wan, distraught from a breakup, climbed to the top of a financial building to vent her emotions. She lost her footing and began to fall.
Hu Rong, who had rushed to the scene, managed to grab Li Wan, but couldn't hold on, and Li Wan continued her perilous descent, prompting gasps from the onlookers below. At that critical moment, Liu Ziguang, who was passing by on a delivery, heroically sprang into action, seemingly appearing from nowhere, and saved Li Wan. It was revealed that Li Wan was Hu Rong's high school junior.
Hu Rong took Li Wan to the police station for counseling, but Li Wan, now infatuated, eagerly questioned Hu Rong about Liu Ziguang. Hu Rong, however, deflected, claiming she knew nothing. After Li Wan departed, Hu Rong found herself reflecting on Liu Ziguang's various acts of bravery, growing increasingly curious about this enigmatic man.
Hu Rong sought out Liu Ziguang, explaining that his eight-year disappearance and newfound skills made him a person of suspicion, and she assured him she would not abandon her investigation. Liu Ziguang unexpectedly sat beside her and confessed that while he initially disliked her, witnessing her rescue attempt had lessened his animosity. They shook hands in an awkward gesture of reconciliation before Hu Rong left.
Meanwhile, Li Wan proudly recounted the story of Liu Ziguang saving her to her friends, who lauded him. Li Wan then publicly declared Liu Ziguang her savior and, from that moment on, her man. That night, Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li worried about Liu Ziguang’s persistent insomnia, caused by recurring nightmares. They realized he was tormented by fragmented memories, including Nie Wanfeng's words about resembling an "old buddy" and the flashback of them becoming sworn brothers. They debated how to help him, eventually deciding that he would eventually sleep when he was utterly exhausted.
Episode 8 Recap
After Nie Wanfeng (male) provided him with ¥100,000, Liu Ziguang (male) arrived at the Truly Authentic barbecue joint. He found Hu Rong (female) already there, attempting to lend Li Jianguo ¥20,000, which Li Jianguo was reluctant to accept. Liu Ziguang (male) then presented Li Jianguo with the ¥100,000, proposing to buy the shop to save it.
He outlined his conditions: his two brothers would work there, ensuring they had proper jobs, and Li Jianguo would remain as a partner, receiving a share of the profits. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Li Jianguo accepted, declaring that from then on, the shop would be run by the four of them, and Liu Ziguang (male) would be his brother.
Hu Rong (female) questioned where Liu Ziguang (male) got such a large sum, and he truthfully admitted he borrowed it from Nie Wanfeng (male). The Truly Authentic barbecue shop reopened, attracting many customers. However, Hou Sihai (male) and his subordinate, Sun Wei (male), along with their gang, crashed the opening, demanding to reserve the entire shop and trying to drive away the patrons. Li Jianguo, who recognized Hou Sihai (male) from the past, tried to reason with him.
Hou Sihai (male) was dismissive, stating he had a habit of not eating with strangers and offered to pay for everyone's takeout orders if they left. Liu Ziguang (male) then stepped forward, introducing himself as a co-owner. He calmly explained that their business operated on sincerity and a first-come, first-served basis, asking Hou Sihai (male) to wait or make an advance reservation.
Impressed by Liu Ziguang (male)'s principled stance, Hou Sihai (male) unexpectedly agreed to wait, instructing his men to sit outside. Bei Xiaoshuai (male) brought stools and drinks for them while the other customers continued their meals inside. Later, Li Wan (female), distraught after a breakup, went to the rooftop of a financial tower.
Hu Rong (female) rushed to the scene and managed to grab Li Wan (female)'s hand as she teetered on the edge, but struggled to pull her to safety. Just as Li Wan (female) was about to fall, Liu Ziguang (male), who was passing by as a delivery man, intervened heroically, scaling the building and pulling Li Wan (female) to safety.
Hu Rong (female) took Li Wan (female), her former high school junior, to the police station for a lecture about disrupting public order. Li Wan (female), however, was more interested in the "handsome heroic man" who saved her, asking Hu Rong (female) for his name, contact information, and relationship status. Hu Rong (female) claimed not to know him, though privately, Liu Ziguang (male)'s enigmatic character intrigued her.
Upon leaving, Li Wan (female) declared to her friends that Liu Ziguang (male) was her savior and, from that day on, she was "his woman." Hu Rong (female) later visited Liu Ziguang (male) at the boxing gym. She explained her continued suspicion regarding his extraordinary martial arts skills and his unexplained eight-year disappearance, stating she would not abandon her investigation until she understood his past.
Liu Ziguang (male) admitted he initially found her annoying but witnessing her bravery during the rescue changed his perception. Hu Rong (female) reciprocated the sentiment but maintained that he would remain her primary suspect until she could unravel his past. After their candid exchange, Hu Rong (female) left. Li Wan (female) hosted a lavish rooftop party at Zhicheng Garden, drawing numerous complaints from residents about the noise.
Manager Gao and Captain Bai (male) were hesitant to confront her due to her father's position as the Zhicheng Group's boss. Captain Bai (male), with ill intent, assigned Liu Ziguang (male) the task of stopping the party. Liu Ziguang (male) went up and cut the power. Li Wan (female), initially furious, was surprised and delighted to see that it was Liu Ziguang (male) who had interrupted her celebration.
The following day, Captain Bai (male) gloated, informing Liu Ziguang (male) that he was fired due to a complaint from Li Wan (female) regarding his customer service. However, Assistant Wei (male) from Zhicheng Group arrived and delivered a surprising message: Li Wan (female) had ordered Captain Bai (male) to be dismissed immediately, and Liu Ziguang (male) was to replace him as the new security captain. Captain Bai (male) was left utterly stunned.
Assistant Wei (male) escorted Liu Ziguang (male) to Li Wan (female). Puzzled by his promotion, Liu Ziguang (male) asked Li Wan (female) for an explanation, but she simply stated that as the Acting CEO of Zhicheng Corporation, she was ordering him to accompany her to Longyang for a bid. On the way, Li Wan (female) informed Liu Ziguang (male) that their main competitor was Long Shaoping (male) of Longyang Shenzhou Corporation, who was backed by Hou Sihai (male).
Liu Ziguang (male) immediately set a condition: a 10% salary increase for himself and his security team if they succeeded. When Li Wan (female) questioned why his entire team needed a raise, Liu Ziguang (male) threatened to get out of the car, prompting her to quickly agree. Their convoy to Longyang was ambushed, with their tires punctured by spikes scattered on the road, causing a sudden accident.
Li Wan (female) was terrified, and Liu Ziguang (male) instinctively pulled her into a protective embrace before cautiously exiting to assess the situation. Meanwhile, Tiger reported the incident to Nie Wanfeng (male), revealing that Hou Sihai (male) had orchestrated the car accident to hinder Zhicheng Corporation's bid.
Tiger asked if they should intervene, but Nie Wanfeng (male) dismissed the idea, confident that Hou Sihai (male) and Long Shaoping (male) were no match for Liu Ziguang (male), though he instructed Tiger (male) to continue monitoring. Police soon arrived at the scene, including Hu Rong (female). Liu Ziguang (male) quickly determined the accident was "a man-made attempt." From a nearby car, Sun Wei (male) watched Liu Ziguang (male) with Li Wan (female), seething with frustration.
Mr. Yin (male), a close friend of Li Wan (female)'s father, arrived, expressing concern and advising her not to proceed to Longyang, revealing that other bidding convoys had also met with accidents. He offered his bodyguards for her protection, but Li Wan (female) declined, stating she trusted Hu Rong (female) and Liu Ziguang (male) more. Liu Ziguang (male) later asked why she refused Mr. Yin (male)'s bodyguards.
Li Wan (female) explained that her travel plans were secret, yet Mr. Yin (male)'s immediate arrival and eager offer of security raised her suspicions that he might be planting spies. After their failure, Sun Wei (male) and Monkey reported back to Hou Sihai (male), infuriating him and intensifying his hatred for Liu Ziguang (male). As Li Wan (female)'s team checked into their Longyang hotel, Long Shaoping (male)'s subordinates reported their presence to him, Sun Wei (male), and Monkey.
Sun Wei (male) promptly ordered them to initiate their plan as soon as they entered the bidding venue the next day, with Long Shaoping (male) assuring him of a flawless execution. The next morning, Long Shaoping (male)'s operatives closely watched Hu Rong (female), Liu Ziguang (male), and two others as they leisurely ate breakfast, even as the bid time approached.
Sensing something was wrong, the operatives rushed over, only to discover that one of the four was a girl dressed identically to Li Wan (female), realizing they had been tricked. This was Hu Rong (female)'s "golden cicada shedding its skin" strategy: Li Wan (female) had swapped clothes with a hotel employee to slip out undetected and reach the bidding venue.
Long Shaoping (male)'s enraged men attempted to pursue Li Wan (female), but Hu Rong (female) and Liu Ziguang (male) thwarted their chase. As Hu Rong (female) and Liu Ziguang (male) took an elevator, Long Shaoping (male)'s men tampered with it, trapping them inside. The confined space triggered a severe panic attack in Liu Ziguang (male), who relived terrifying memories of being imprisoned. Hu Rong (female), seeing his distress, embraced him, calming his emotions until police arrived and rescued them.
Li Wan (female) successfully won the bid. This entire incident exposed the criminal activities of Long Shaoping (male) and Hou Sihai (male). The police department leaders instructed Han Jin (male) and Hu Rong (female) to closely monitor Hou Sihai (male), gather criminal evidence, and work towards apprehending his entire syndicate. Upon returning to Truly Authentic, Liu Ziguang (male) found Arthur (male) arguing with Bei Xiaoshuai (male) and Zhuo Li. Arthur (male) immediately declared Liu Ziguang (male) his "master."
Enraged, Liu Ziguang (male) tried to send Arthur (male) away, but Arthur (male) knelt, refusing to leave, prompting Liu Ziguang (male) to question when and how he supposedly became his master and took him as a disciple.
Episode 9 Recap
Liu Ziguang continues to struggle with fragmented, terrifying memories of his past, causing him to dread sleep. He is haunted by visions of being locked in a cage, beaten, and shot at, with him returning fire. He wonders if he truly knows Arthur, who fervently believes in their past connection.
Earlier, after Liu Ziguang was promoted to Security Team Captain, Li Wan, acting as interim president of Zhicheng Corporation, tasks him with accompanying her to Longyang for a crucial bidding project. Their competitor is Long Shaoping of Shenzhou Group, who is backed by the formidable Hou Sihai. Liu Ziguang agrees to the assignment on the condition that his security team receives a 10% salary increase, a demand Li Wan promptly accepts.
During their journey to Longyang, the convoy is sabotaged with tire-puncturing nails, leading to a car accident. Liu Ziguang immediately shields a terrified Li Wan and deduces the incident was intentional. Nie Wanfeng, informed by his subordinate Tiger Brother about Hou Sihai’s attempt to hinder Liu Ziguang, confidently asserts that Hou Sihai and Long Shaoping are no match for him but instructs Tiger Brother to continue monitoring Liu Ziguang. Hu Rong and her police team arrive at the scene.
From a distance, Hou Sihai’s enforcer, Sun Wei, is incensed to see Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong once again thwarting their plans. Mr. Yin, a close associate of Li Wan's father, arrives unexpectedly, warning Li Wan that several other bidding convoys have also been targeted and urging her to withdraw, offering his bodyguards. Li Wan, however, declines, suspecting Mr. Yin's sudden appearance and offer of protection are suspicious.
Upon arrival at their Longyang hotel, a secretary arranges rooms for Li Wan, Liu Ziguang, and Hu Rong. Li Wan loudly insists on sharing a room with Liu Ziguang, citing her need for protection. Liu Ziguang politely refuses, offering his room number. Hu Rong cleverly intervenes, feigning a massage for Li Wan’s injuries, and discreetly swaps room keys to prevent Li Wan from moving into Liu Ziguang’s room.
Unbeknownst to them, Hou Sihai’s men are already trailing them, with Sun Wei ordering Long Shaoping’s crew to act once they enter the bidding venue. Aware of the surveillance, Hu Rong coordinates with her police team stationed outside the hotel and briefs Liu Ziguang on a decoy plan.
The next morning, as Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong deliberately prolong their breakfast in the hotel restaurant, Li Wan, disguised in hotel staff uniform, successfully slips out of the hotel and heads to the conference hall. Realizing they have been outmaneuvered, Hou Sihai’s men retaliate by tampering with the hotel elevator, trapping Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong inside.
The dark, confined space triggers a severe panic attack in Liu Ziguang, bringing forth vivid, terrifying memories of being caged, beaten, and shot at by someone in a drug factory. He recalls returning fire himself. As Liu Ziguang trembles and curls up, Hu Rong immediately kneels, pulls him into her arms, and calmly reassures him. Soon after, Li Wan successfully wins the bid, a victory widely reported in the news.
Watching the broadcast, Mr. Yin coldly questions how long her good fortune will last. Han Jin and his team arrive at the hotel to rescue Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong. In the car, Hu Rong thoughtfully reflects on Liu Ziguang’s traumatic recollections, remarking to Han Jin that Liu Ziguang seems more responsible than he might appear.
Back at the police station, Hu Rong and Han Jin report Hou Sihai’s role in orchestrating the car accident and his extensive criminal enterprise to Director Song. They learn that Hou Sihai has established a large criminal organization in Jiangbei. While they have some evidence of his activities, Director Song advises continued covert investigation to gather more proof before a full-scale operation to dismantle the entire network.
Meanwhile, Nie Wanfeng is informed that Liu Ziguang has once again thwarted Hou Sihai’s efforts. He orders his subordinates to continue observing Liu Ziguang, predicting that Hou Sihai's temper will lead to further confrontations, which Liu Ziguang can handle. Separately, Hou Sihai, undeterred by the bidding loss, devises a new plan to control the supply of essential construction materials for the Longyang project, aiming to disrupt Zhicheng Corporation’s operations. Arthur, sent by Grandpa Guo, appears at Zhuo Li’s boxing gym.
When Liu Ziguang arrives, Arthur, calling him "Sect Leader" and "Right Light Envoy," excitedly recounts an elaborate tale of Liu Ziguang saving the "Light Sect" from a "bloodbathing war." Liu Ziguang, finding him incoherent, tries to dismiss him, but Arthur’s deep loyalty and insistence on protecting him are evident. Liu Ziguang eventually provides Arthur with food. After Arthur is fed, Liu Ziguang calls Hu Rong to arrange for Arthur’s return to the martial arts school.
Li Wan later gives Liu Ziguang a luxurious motorcycle, saying it's a company provision for him as Zhicheng’s Security Team Captain. Liu Ziguang accepts, thanking her on behalf of his team for the recent 10% raise he negotiated. Li Wan tries to persuade him to call her "Xiao Wanzi," but he politely insists on "Boss." Li Wan then instructs her secretary to prepare an award banner, intent on having Liu Ziguang accompany her to deliver it to the police station.
She asserts her determination to surpass Hu Rong, believing there is "nothing she can't have." The next day, Li Wan arrives at the police station with Liu Ziguang to present the award banner. She publicly expresses gratitude for the police's assistance during the Longyang bidding, specifically thanking Hu Rong and Han Jin.
She dramatically recounts how dangerous the situation was, including Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang being trapped in the elevator, though Liu Ziguang interjects that she never actually asked him about it. Li Wan then playfully asks Han Jin when he plans to marry Hu Rong and start a family. Hu Rong's face visibly darkens in response to the banner, which reads "Police Couple," and Li Wan's teasing.
Later, Han Jin enters his office to find Whitey hanging the "Police Couple" banner, which Whitey claims he retrieved from Hu Rong's trash. Han Jin is clearly displeased. Whitey then criticizes Han Jin for his passive approach to Hu Rong, suggesting he should be more proactive. Annoyed, Han Jin rebukes Whitey for meddling and angrily throws the banner into the trash, but after a moment of reflection, he retrieves it and carefully stores it away.
Hu Rong's distressed mood affects her performance during shooting practice, making her unable to concentrate. Whitey observes her poor results and tells her she won't pass the upcoming assessment, suggesting she should abandon her career as a detective and focus on her relationship with Han Jin, whose affection for her is well-known. He further reveals that Han Jin is the future son-in-law of Deputy Mayor Hu, emphasizing Liu Ziguang's lack of a chance.
Just then, Liu Ziguang arrives at the police station, stating he has other matters to discuss with Hu Rong and that Whitey shouldn't meddle in his personal life. Whitey continues to push the issue, prompting Li Wan to appear and declare her interest in Liu Ziguang, asserting that she "fancies him" and he "should just accept it."
Shortly after, the principal of Arthur's martial arts school calls Hu Rong, telling her that her "boyfriend Liu Ziguang" has taken Arthur from the school and she needs to come pick him up. This revelation stuns Whitey, and a flustered Hu Rong immediately rushes to find Liu Ziguang. Hu Rong’s parents visit the police team as assessments approach. Hu Rong’s mother pulls Han Jin aside and directly asks if he likes Hu Rong.
He confirms his affection but expresses concern that a confession might make their working relationship awkward. He promises to confess soon. Later, still worried after the elevator incident, Hu Rong's mother questions Hu Rong about Liu Ziguang, advising her to stop investigating him and leave it to Han Jin, labeling Liu Ziguang as dangerous. Hu Rong, exhausted, retreats to her room, while her parents continue to discuss their concerns about her safety as a criminal investigator.
Back at the "Truly Authentic" gym, Liu Ziguang, Zhuo Li, and Bei Xiaoshuai review their monthly earnings. Liu Ziguang divides the profits into three shares, setting aside his portion for Li Jianguo. Inspired, Zhuo Li and Bei Xiaoshuai also contribute most of their shares. Zhuo Li then reminds Liu Ziguang that Arthur might hold clues to his missing eight years, piquing Liu Ziguang’s interest. Following this, Liu Ziguang, after learning Arthur's whereabouts from Hu Rong, seeks him out.
Arthur, ecstatic that Liu Ziguang came for him, excitedly reasserts their connection, claiming Liu Ziguang taught him martial arts and saved his life. Arthur also takes out a black stone he is wearing, insisting Liu Ziguang put it on him. Liu Ziguang, recalling Hu Rong's previous comment about Arthur having no known family, decides to bring Arthur back to Zhuo Li’s place. Arthur is overjoyed.
After Arthur is fed, Liu Ziguang calls Hu Rong to arrange for Arthur’s return to the martial arts school. Liu Ziguang, still struggling with his memory, is troubled by Arthur's unwavering conviction that they know each other. He recounts his nightmares of being tortured in a cage. Despite Hu Rong's assertion that Arthur has no known family and only seems to know Liu Ziguang, Liu Ziguang remains conflicted about their potential past connection. He questions whether the vivid, terrifying images are real memories or mere figments of his imagination.
Episode 10 Recap
Li Wan had given Liu Ziguang a luxury motorcycle, explaining it was his company-provided vehicle as the security captain of Zhicheng Company. Liu Ziguang accepted it. Later, Li Wan brought Liu Ziguang to the police station to deliver an award banner. While there, she jokingly asked Han Jin when he planned to marry Hu Rong and have children, making him visibly uncomfortable. She then dramatically unveiled an award banner that read "Police Force Star Couple," much to Hu Rong's annoyance.
Later, when Han Jin entered his office, his subordinate Xiaobai was hanging the very same banner, claiming she had retrieved it from Hu Rong's trash bin. Xiaobai chided Han Jin for his passive approach to Hu Rong, suggesting everyone in the bureau already knew he liked her and that he should confess. Annoyed, Han Jin took the banner and threw it back into the trash. However, once Xiaobai left, he secretly retrieved it and tucked it away.
Liu Ziguang, Zhuo Li, and Bei Xiaoshuai gathered to review the monthly profits for Truly Authentic. Liu Ziguang proposed that his share of the 13,800 yuan profit be given to Li Jianguo. Zhuo Li readily agreed, contributing his share as well. Bei Xiaoshuai, after some hesitation, took 500 yuan for his living expenses, explaining he had a girlfriend and needed to spend money, unlike his single friends. He then placed the rest of his share into the box.
Zhuo Li remarked on how Liu Ziguang's return had set them back on a righteous path, genuinely working and earning money. He also mentioned that A-Se might hold the key to Liu Ziguang's missing eight years, as he seemed to know Liu Ziguang's past. The next day, Zhuo Li delivered the money to Li Jianguo. Initially, Li Jianguo refused, feeling as though he was being pitied.
He insisted that he was a partner in the business and knew how much he should take, and that among brothers, one should not be overly generous. Zhuo Li quickly clarified that the money was not for him, but for Wenxian's medical expenses, reminding Li Jianguo that they were all friends. He urged Li Jianguo to accept it for Wenxian's sake, as friends should help each other in times of need.
Li Jianguo, touched, accepted the money as a loan he promised to repay. That evening, Li Jianguo returned home to find Wenxian missing. He eventually located her on the road outside their house and brought her back. Weeping, Wenxian confessed her fear that her illness was a "bottomless hole" that would drag him down, especially after losing his brother, Binzi, over a decade ago. She blamed herself for his prolonged singlehood.
Li Jianguo dismissed her worries, reassuring her that he would take care of her and that she should focus on getting better. Following up on Zhuo Li's suggestion, Liu Ziguang called Hu Rong to inquire about A-Se’s address, which she provided. Liu Ziguang went to the Jiangbei Wushu School to meet A-Se.
A-Se was ecstatic, addressing Liu Ziguang as "Sect Leader" and recounting a fantastical history where Liu Ziguang, the "Sect Leader," had saved his life and taught him all his martial arts. He even showed Liu Ziguang a black stone pendant, claiming Liu Ziguang had personally given it to him.
Despite A-Se's erratic storytelling and belief that Liu Ziguang was his martial arts master, Liu Ziguang decided to take him in, considering Hu Rong's earlier remark that A-Se had no family and he was the only person A-Se seemed to know. Back at Truly Authentic, Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li found A-Se's appearance, especially his tattered clothes and smell, humorous. Bei Xiaoshuai, however, insisted that A-Se was "fashionable."
Liu Ziguang arranged for A-Se to shower and offered him new clothes, but A-Se refused to cut his long hair, believing it came from his parents, a sentiment Liu Ziguang respected. Meanwhile, Hu Rong's parents, Hu Yuejin and his wife, visited the police station to encourage the team before their upcoming assessment. Hu Rong's mother pulled Han Jin aside, asking directly if he liked Hu Rong. Han Jin confirmed his feelings.
She pressed him on why he hadn't confessed, to which he admitted concern about making their work environment awkward if things didn't work out. He promised to tell Hu Rong within a month. Later, Hu Rong was visibly distressed during shooting practice, struggling to concentrate. Xiaobai, observing her poor performance, suggested she wouldn't pass the assessment and advised her to prioritize love with Han Jin, whose feelings for her were an open secret among their colleagues.
Just then, Principal Chen from A-Se's martial arts school called Hu Rong, informing her that her "boyfriend" Liu Ziguang had picked A-Se up to live off-campus. Xiaobai was shocked to hear the term "boyfriend," while Hu Rong, denying the claim, rushed to Truly Authentic to find Liu Ziguang and A-Se. Upon arriving at Truly Authentic, Hu Rong confronted Liu Ziguang about taking A-Se.
A-Se, overjoyed to see her, called her "Sister" and insisted she stay to try the meat skewers he had learned to grill. Liu Ziguang went to prepare a cold tomato dish for her, even peeling the tomatoes meticulously. As Hu Rong ate, she suddenly felt unwell and ran to the bathroom to vomit. At the same time, a customer outside was angrily complaining that the kebabs were stale and inedible.
Liu Ziguang, realizing the seriousness of the situation, immediately took Hu Rong to the hospital, despite her protests that she needed to practice for her assessment. The doctor confirmed that Hu Rong's stomach bloating was due to consuming unhygienic food combined with high psychological stress. Walking with her in the hospital corridor, Liu Ziguang noticed her anxiety. Hu Rong confessed her lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, a dream her father had never fully supported.
She felt immense pressure to perform well, fearing failure more than anything. Liu Ziguang shared a personal anecdote about his childhood asthma and how he used to get nervous before competitions. He taught her a trick to calm her nerves: silently reciting the value of Pi. The next day, during her shooting assessment, Hu Rong remembered Liu Ziguang's advice. As she raised her pistol to the target, she mentally repeated "3.
1415926535897932," and to everyone's amazement, she hit every target, performing exceptionally well. Back at Truly Authentic, Liu Ziguang furiously confronted Bei Xiaoshuai with the stale kebabs, realizing the raw materials were the problem. Bei Xiaoshuai initially feigned ignorance but eventually admitted to buying cheap, low-quality ingredients because he was short on cash. Liu Ziguang sternly reminded him that honesty and integrity were paramount in business, pointing to the store's name on the wall.
Even Zhuo Li, typically a peacemaker, sided with Liu Ziguang, leaving Bei Xiaoshuai bewildered by Liu Ziguang's influence. Later, Li Wan hosted a dinner at Truly Authentic to express her gratitude to Han Jin and Hu Rong for their help during her trip to Longyang. Liu Ziguang also joined them. Suddenly, a drug dealer named Li Ge, seated at another table, recognized Han Jin as the police officer who had killed his brother years ago.
Fueled by vengeance, Li Ge grabbed Han Jin, holding a gun to his head, while his accomplice pointed a gun at Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang. Flashbacks of his time within a drug cartel surged through Liu Ziguang's mind. He swiftly disarmed Li Ge's accomplice, expertly dismantling the gun into pieces before his own eyes, a skill he hadn't known he possessed. Taking advantage of the distraction, Han Jin disarmed Li Ge.
However, Li Ge pulled out a knife, and Hu Rong rushed to assist Han Jin but was injured in the struggle. In the chaos, Li Ge seized Li Wan, taking her hostage. Thinking quickly, Hu Rong declared herself Han Jin's girlfriend. Li Ge, pleased by this development, agreed to exchange Li Wan for Hu Rong. After the exchange, Hu Rong and Han Jin exchanged a knowing glance.
With a perfectly timed, coordinated move, Hu Rong seized the opportunity and fatally shot Li Ge. Liu Ziguang rushed Hu Rong and Li Wan to the hospital. Doctors treated their wounds, and Hu Rong, having injured her leg, was told she needed to be hospitalized. However, she adamantly refused. Ignoring Li Wan's loud protests, Liu Ziguang picked Hu Rong up and carried her to the second-floor inpatient department, much to Hu Rong's embarrassment.
At the hospital, A-Se arrived and enthusiastically greeted Liu Ziguang as "Sect Leader" and Hu Rong as "Sect Leader's Wife," causing further mortification for Hu Rong. Li Wan, who only sustained minor injuries, insisted on sharing Hu Rong's hospital room, brazenly stating it was to keep an eye on them and prevent Hu Rong from "stealing" Liu Ziguang. At the shooting range, Liu Ziguang practiced with a pistol, perplexed by his natural proficiency with firearms.
This, combined with recurring violent flashes in his memory, led him to question if he had committed murder in his past. He confided in Zhuo Li, asking if he would still consider him a brother if he had done something truly terrible. Zhuo Li reassured him, arguing that if he had committed a serious crime, the police would have apprehended him by now. He advised Liu Ziguang to simply forget the past if he couldn't remember it.
Hu Yuejin and his wife visited Hu Rong in the hospital. Seeing her injured, Hu Yuejin was deeply pained and worried about his daughter's safety, feeling a responsibility to the late Officer Huang. He informed Hu Rong of his decision to have her transferred out of the Criminal Investigation Team once she recovered. Hu Rong strongly objected, citing her excellent assessment performance and expressing sadness that her father seemed to lack faith in her abilities as a detective.
Hu Yuejin, burdened by unspoken concerns, left without further explanation. Brother Hu reported Li Ge's death to Nie Wanfeng. He informed Nie Wanfeng that Li Ge was a minor contact who didn't know much. Nie Wanfeng, however, cautioned Brother Hu to be careful, as Li Ge had some "Angel" drugs, fearing the police might trace them. Brother Hu then sought out Hou Sihai, a local Jiangbei underworld figure, to help him quickly find a man known as Scarface.
Hou Sihai readily agreed, instructing his subordinate, Sun Wei, to locate Scarface immediately and eliminate him if he proved to be an unimportant lead. At the Criminal Investigation Team, Han Jin quickly interrogated Li Ge's accomplice, who revealed that their drug contact was Scarface. Han Jin promptly called Liu Ziguang, asking for surveillance footage from Truly Authentic to help identify Scarface, who had been seen dining with Li Ge. Liu Ziguang took screenshots of Scarface from the video and showed them to Bei Xiaoshuai, who hesitantly recalled seeing the man at a friend's internet cafe.
Episode 11 Recap
Hu Rong successfully completed her police officer evaluation. She calmed her nerves by reciting pi, hitting every target with precision, which greatly surprised her colleagues. Meanwhile, at Truly Authentic, Liu Ziguang confronted Bei Xiaoshuai about using substandard meat. Bei Xiaoshuai, initially unrepentant, suggested Liu Ziguang's anger was unwarranted and only due to Hu Rong experiencing an upset stomach. Liu Ziguang, emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to quality, threatened to fire him.
Zhuo Li intervened, and Bei Xiaoshuai apologized, promising to repay his debts and not repeat the mistake. Liu Ziguang gave him a final chance, stressing that their brotherhood did not excuse business dishonesty. Zhuo Li later explained to Bei Xiaoshuai that Liu Ziguang's concern was about their business integrity, not merely Hu Rong. After work, Han Jin invited Hu Rong to a celebratory dinner for her successful evaluation. Li Wan insisted on hosting the dinner at Truly Authentic.
She publicly announced her intention to pursue Liu Ziguang, a declaration A-Se openly disapproved of. During the dinner, a drug dealer named Li Ge recognized Han Jin as the officer who killed his younger brother. Seizing an opportune moment, Li Ge pulled out a gun, taking everyone hostage. Liu Ziguang and Han Jin swiftly reacted, subduing one of Li Ge's accomplices and disarming him. Li Ge then injured Hu Rong's leg and took Li Wan hostage.
Hu Rong bravely stepped forward, falsely claiming to be Han Jin's girlfriend to exchange herself for Li Wan. After a silent exchange of glances with Han Jin, Hu Rong skillfully disarmed Li Ge and fatally shot him. Liu Ziguang and Han Jin took Hu Rong and Li Wan to the hospital. Li Wan's injuries were minor, but Hu Rong required observation for her leg wound. Hu Rong resisted staying, but Liu Ziguang carried her to her room.
A-Se, arriving shortly after, hailed Liu Ziguang and addressed Hu Rong as "Sect Leader's Wife," much to her embarrassment. Li Wan also decided to stay in Hu Rong's room, claiming she needed to watch over them to prevent Hu Rong from "snatching" Liu Ziguang. Liu Ziguang entrusted Li Wan with the task of keeping an eye on Hu Rong.
Back at the boxing gym, Liu Ziguang was troubled by his instinctive ability to quickly disassemble the gun during the incident, leading him to question if he might have killed someone in his past. He confided in Zhuo Li, who tried to comfort him, suggesting that if he had committed crimes, he would have been arrested by now. Zhuo Li advised him to forget what he could not remember and focus on their restaurant business.
Elsewhere, Nie Wanfeng received a report from his subordinate, Brother Hu, that the deceased drug dealer Li Ge had been dealing with Brother Hu's subordinate, Scar. Concerned about the police potentially tracing their "Angel" drug supply, Nie Wanfeng ordered Brother Hu to silence Scar before the authorities could find him. To achieve this, Brother Hu sought out local crime boss Hou Sihai, asking for his help to locate Scar.
Hou Sihai readily agreed and instructed his own subordinate, Sun Wei, to find Scar and eliminate him if he proved to be an unimportant figure. Concerned by Hu Rong's injury, Hu Yuejin and his wife visited her at the hospital. Hu Yuejin informed Hu Rong that he and Deputy Director Song had decided to transfer her out of the Criminal Investigation Team once she recovered.
Hu Rong vehemently objected, pointing out her excellent assessment results and accusing her father of not trusting her abilities. Her mother, too, expressed deep worry for Hu Rong's safety. Hu Yuejin remained resolute, stating that the decision had been made, causing Hu Rong to leave in frustration. Meanwhile, in a police interrogation room, Li Ge's accomplice confessed that the drug dealer they were transacting with was named Scar.
The accomplice also revealed that while he didn't know Scar's whereabouts, he knew Scar had a close friend named A-Lang, who could lead them to Scar. Han Jin immediately called Liu Ziguang, requesting surveillance footage from Truly Authentic from the night of the incident to identify Scar. Liu Ziguang reviewed the surveillance footage and took a screenshot of Scar. He showed the image to Bei Xiaoshuai, who vaguely recognized Scar from a friend's internet cafe.
Liu Ziguang then instructed Bei Xiaoshuai to leverage his connections to locate Scar. Liu Ziguang visited Hu Rong again at the hospital. Hu Rong expressed her frustration that her father believed she was not capable of being a good criminal detective. Liu Ziguang shared the story of the North American red fox, illustrating how a father's protective actions are often unspoken and driven by deep care.
He encouraged Hu Rong to calmly communicate her feelings and dreams to her father to prevent further misunderstanding. Hu Yuejin concluded a police meeting about the increase in drug transactions. Afterwards, Hu Rong, using crutches, approached him at the police station. She reminded him of her oath when she joined the police force and revealed that her dream of becoming a police officer was inspired by her admiration for him as a hero.
Hu Yuejin admitted that being a criminal detective was too dangerous. He recounted the tragic story of his best friend and comrade-in-arms, Officer Huang, who lost his wife during childbirth while on a critical drug bust and later went missing after years of dangerous undercover work. Hu Yuejin explained that his protective stance stemmed from this painful history.
Hu Rong, however, bravely stated that if given the choice, Officer Huang would have made the same sacrifice, and she was willing to follow in his footsteps. Moved by her unwavering determination, Hu Yuejin finally relented and decided to support her ambition to be a police officer. Upon returning home, Hu Yuejin faced his wife's renewed concerns and complaints about his decision to allow Hu Rong to continue as a criminal detective.
Hu Yuejin explained that Hu Rong's mind was made up, and he was powerless to dissuade her. He then revealed a crucial detail: allowing Hu Rong to be a police officer was also the wish of her biological father, Officer Huang. Concurrently, Bei Xiaoshuai discovered that Scar was playing an online game. Liu Ziguang, during his visit to Hu Rong, suggested she register for the same game to potentially pinpoint Scar's exact location.
Energized by the idea, Hu Rong immediately began the registration process. Later, Hu Rong cleverly tracked an internet protocol address through the game and forwarded it to Han Jin, suspecting that Scar and his associates were conducting drug transactions online. Han Jin began trailing A-Lang at a bar and was surprised to find Liu Ziguang also present. Han Jin grew more suspicious of Liu Ziguang's extraordinary experiences over the past eight years, as he wouldn't otherwise be tracking A-Lang.
After A-Lang left the bar, Han Jin followed him, with Liu Ziguang again offering help, which Han Jin unceremoniously rejected. Han Jin and his team continued to follow A-Lang home, finding his movements secretive and further confirming their suspicions. When Liu Ziguang again appeared, secretly tailing them, an irritated Han Jin ordered him to leave, warning him against obstructing police work. Liu Ziguang reluctantly complied.
Annoyed by Liu Ziguang's persistent interference, Han Jin instructed his subordinate to take Liu Ziguang back to the bureau for a blood and urine test to prevent him from being in the way. Meanwhile, Hou Sihai met with Sister Mei, the owner of Golden Splendor. Sister Mei subtly probed whether Hou Sihai was still using his sand transportation route to smuggle drugs. Becoming wary, Hou Sihai initially refused when Sister Mei proposed investing in a drug operation.
However, Sister Mei produced samples of highly sought-after ecstasy pills. When pressed for their origin, she claimed to be merely an employee, stating that her powerful boss wished to utilize Hou Sihai's transportation network to penetrate the domestic drug market. Though initially hesitant, Hou Sihai's eyes lit up when Sister Mei promised a 50/50 profit split after deducting costs. He promptly agreed to the partnership. Later, Hou Sihai met with Nie Wanfeng.
Hou Sihai complained about their existing 30/70 profit split and boldly demanded a 50/50 share. Nie Wanfeng remained silent. Hou Sihai then provocatively brought up Scar, implying that if Scar were caught by the police, it could lead back to Nie Wanfeng, which would be troublesome. Nie Wanfeng, recognizing the implicit threat, calmly agreed to Hou Sihai's revised profit-sharing demand without immediate reaction.
Episode 12 Recap
Hu Yuejin reflected on Hu Rong's unwavering determination to become a police officer. He recalled how her biological father, Zhen Wu, had entrusted Hu Rong to his care, hoping she would one day join the police force. Zhen Wu believed that a world with more police would be a cleaner one. Moved by Hu Rong's commitment, Hu Yuejin finally gave his blessing, telling her, "Rong Rong, do what you should do."
He made her promise to protect herself, and Hu Rong, grateful, hugged him tightly, thanking her father. He then instructed her to return to the hospital to fully recover from her wounds before resuming her missions. That evening, Hu Rong's mother was furious upon learning of Hu Yuejin's decision to let Hu Rong continue as a criminal investigator. She confronted him, reminding him of their agreement to have Hu Rong transferred.
Hu Yuejin explained that their daughter was an adult, and it was futile to force her to change her mind, as her determination was absolute. Hu Rong's mother accused him of being an inefficient father and expressed deep concern, fearing that if anything happened to Hu Rong, they would have failed Zhen Wu. Hu Yuejin then revealed that it had always been Zhen Wu's wish for Hu Rong to become a police officer.
At a bustling restaurant, Bei Xiaoshuai was diligently making calls, inquiring about Scar's whereabouts. He informed his friends that he was assisting Liu Ziguang in the search for Scar. Soon after, Bei Xiaoshuai called Liu Ziguang, reporting that while he hadn't located Scar directly, he had found Scar's close friend, A-Lang. Bei Xiaoshuai revealed that A-Lang and Scar frequently played an online video game called Millennium Oasis, where Scar's username was "Scar God."
He added that A-Lang worked at Jinhao Bar and offered to send the address, suggesting that finding A-Lang would ultimately lead them to Scar. Liu Ziguang visited Hu Rong in the hospital, noticing Li Wan passed out with a wine bottle in the next bed. Hu Rong was disheartened after losing a video game. Liu Ziguang then told her about Scar's involvement in the game, "Millennium Oasis," where his username was "Scar God."
Hu Rong immediately realized that if she registered for the game, she might be able to trace Scar's IP address and pinpoint his location. She asked Liu Ziguang how he acquired this information, and he playfully claimed "illegal means" before admitting that Bei Xiaoshuai's friend, an internet cafe manager, had provided the details. Hu Rong thanked him, and as Liu Ziguang departed, she asked for the game's name.
At a hotel, Mei Jie, the general manager of Jiangnan's prominent nightclub Golden Glory, hosted a dinner for Hou Sihai. After exchanging pleasantries, Mei Jie directly inquired if Hou Sihai was utilizing his land transport routes to move highly sought-after goods globally, expressing a desire to collaborate. Hou Sihai remained cautious, emphasizing the illicit nature of his cargo, which prevented him from easily including others.
Mei Jie then presented a sample of a compound drug, confirming it was "Angel," a highly demanded substance internationally. Hou Sihai recognized the drug. Mei Jie revealed she was an employee of a powerful and promising young "big boss" who wished to leverage Hou Sihai's land routes to penetrate the Chinese market and expand into other countries through Jiangbei. To ensure their partnership, her boss was prepared to offer a 50/50 split of the net profits after production costs.
Surprised and pleased by the generous offer, Hou Sihai eagerly accepted, toasting to their collaboration and shared prosperity. Liu Ziguang unexpectedly encountered Han Jin at a bar, both seemingly on the trail of Scar. Han Jin immediately accused Liu Ziguang of following him, to which Liu Ziguang retorted that he had his own network of contacts.
Han Jin, suspicious of Liu Ziguang's unremembered past eight years, sternly warned him against interfering with police operations and ordered him to leave, threatening him with obstruction if he persisted. Undeterred, Liu Ziguang secretly continued to follow Han Jin. Later, while Han Jin and his team were staking out an internet cafe, Liu Ziguang reappeared, offering them takeout food.
Han Jin, exasperated by Liu Ziguang's presence, ordered officer Xiao An to take him back to the bureau for blood and urine tests, citing suspicion of public disturbance while intoxicated, and instructing him not to accept payment for the food. Han Jin later explained to a colleague that despite Liu Ziguang's good intentions, his actions were meant to protect him as a civilian from a dangerous situation. Hou Sihai later met with Nie Wanfeng to negotiate a business deal.
Nie Wanfeng, sensing Hou Sihai's urgency, inquired if he had located Scar. Hou Sihai dismissed Scar as a priority and began to lament the difficulties and risks of distributing goods, particularly with the heightened police scrutiny following Scar's incident. He contrasted his anxieties with Nie Wanfeng's seemingly detached role, arguing that their initial 30/70 profit split was no longer equitable. Hou Sihai then demanded a 50/50 split, asserting he deserved greater compensation for the increased effort and risk he bore.
He subtly reminded Nie Wanfeng that Scar still possessed his goods, implying that a police seizure could trace back to Nie Wanfeng. Nie Wanfeng, recognizing the veiled threat, expressed his annoyance at Hou Sihai's indirect approach but ultimately conceded to the new profit-sharing terms, offering him tea. In the hospital, Liu Ziguang brought Hu Rong deep-fried breadsticks.
Hu Rong, having registered for the "Millennium Oasis" game, found it peculiar that players in a specific "Five Poisons Sect" rarely played but instead focused on chatting and trading equipment. She realized that they might not be genuinely playing games but rather using the platform for drug transactions. She immediately contacted Captain Han, sending him the suspected IP address and informing him of her theory regarding Scar's gang.
Meanwhile, Han Jin and his team, after a long night of surveillance, observed A-Lang, who, experiencing drug withdrawals, made his way to Scar's residence. The police followed and stormed the room, only to discover Scar was not present. They apprehended A-Lang and, under interrogation, he admitted to knowing Scar and possessing his phone number. Han Jin ordered A-Lang to call Scar. However, a wary Scar quickly hung up after only a few words, preventing the police from tracing his location.
Just as the police were at an impasse, an officer reported that Liu Ziguang's tests were clear, and Liu Ziguang, having returned from the bureau, confidently offered a method to locate Scar. Following Liu Ziguang's plan, the police sent Scar a fake text message about an overdue phone bill. Scar, falling for the ruse, topped up his phone, but then received another overdue notice. Frustrated, he called mobile customer service.
Han Jin, impersonating a customer service agent, engaged Scar in conversation, prolonging the call while the technical team swiftly pinpointed his exact location. With Scar's location confirmed, Han Jin quickly led his team into action. Upon arriving at the address, they found a multitude of internet cafes, making it difficult to identify Scar. At that critical moment, Hu Rong provided even more precise location details for Scar.
Han Jin immediately ordered an assault on the second floor, and the police successfully arrested Scar. After Scar's arrest, the police tested the seized drugs, confirming them to be "Angel," a discovery that heightened their concerns. An emergency meeting was convened, during which Han Jin presented a compilation of clues. They concluded that a sophisticated drug trafficking network had been established in Jiangbei City.
Hu Yuejin ordered a discreet investigation, specifically targeting the drug trafficker Sang Bo, emphasizing the need for secrecy to avoid alerting their targets. Following the meeting, Hu Yuejin and Han Jin discussed the importance of keeping the investigation details from Hu Rong. However, Hu Rong overheard fragments of their conversation and pressed them for information. Hu Yuejin and Han Jin skillfully deflected her questions, managing to maintain their secrecy. Later, Hu Yuejin invited Han Jin for dinner at his home.
Hu Rong's mother praised Han Jin's helpfulness around the house and subtly expressed a desire for a young man in the family, hinting at a match between him and Hu Rong. Hu Rong, feigning ignorance, deliberately misinterpreted her mother's comments, suggesting her mother wished to adopt Han Jin as a godson and urged him to immediately acknowledge her as his godmother. Hu Yuejin frowned at Hu Rong's deliberate evasion, while Han Jin appeared slightly awkward.
Later, Han Jin received a call from Liu Ziguang, and they arranged to meet for drinks, accompanied by Hu Rong. As the three conversed, Li Wan unexpectedly arrived. She intimately linked her arm with Liu Ziguang's, leaning close to him, but Liu Ziguang subtly distanced himself. Both Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong simultaneously bent down to retrieve fallen beer bottles, and when Liu Ziguang accidentally bumped his head, Hu Rong gently massaged the spot.
This brief contact stirred shared memories of their previous encounter in the elevator. After Li Wan had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol, Liu Ziguang offered to drive her home. As Liu Ziguang led Li Wan away by the hand, Hu Rong's expression became noticeably strained, a reaction that Han Jin observed keenly. Hu Ge later reported to Nie Wanfeng that despite the intense police presence, drug distribution was still ongoing, raising Nie Wanfeng's suspicions.
He questioned if Hou Sihai had recently contacted anyone unusual. After a moment of thought, Hu Ge mentioned Hou Sihai's secret meeting with the female boss of Golden Glory. Nie Wanfeng promptly ordered an investigation into this enigmatic woman. Concurrently, Hou Sihai, realizing Liu Ziguang was unyielding to his influence, cunningly decided to target those close to him. Bei Xiaoshuai, who was spending lavishly on his influencer girlfriend and desperately seeking wealth, became Hou Sihai's first pawn. Hou Sihai's subordinates lured Bei Xiaoshuai to an underground gambling den, where he quickly amassed a substantial gambling debt.
Episode 13 Recap
As Scar cursed the mobile service company over the phone, Han Jing, impersonating a customer service representative, patiently tried to delay him while the police tech team worked to pinpoint his location. Scar, growing increasingly agitated, threatened to report the "idlers" in the office. Han Jing, feigning apologies for a "system error," assured Scar that his service was restored. After Scar hung up, his location was successfully traced.
Han Jing thanked Liu Ziguang for his clever idea, promising to buy him drinks after Scar's capture. Liu Ziguang, who doesn't drink alcohol, agreed to accept milk instead. Scar, unaware that he had been tricked, logged into an online game, immediately alerting Hu Rong, who had been waiting for him to appear. The police, led by Han Jing, quickly moved in on Scar's location in an apartment building. They raided the second floor, unit 201, and apprehended Scar.
Meanwhile, Nie Wanfeng received news from his subordinate that Scar had been arrested. He expressed annoyance, believing Hou Sihai had not genuinely put in the effort to find Scar. Nie Wanfeng suspected Hou Sihai merely wanted to demonstrate their dependence on him. Just then, Hou Sihai arrived at Nie Wanfeng's villa, feigning helplessness and blaming his incompetence.
Nie Wanfeng, concealing his true feelings, instructed Hou Sihai to immediately use his connections to determine if the police had found the drug "Angel," reminding him that they were "in the same boat." Hou Sihai reluctantly agreed. After Hou Sihai left, Nie Wanfeng's subordinate complained about Hou Sihai's arrogance.
Nie Wanfeng calmly stated that "someone will eventually get rid of him," revealing his belief that Liu Ziguang was the person for the job and that "the good show will start soon." The drugs seized from Scar were initially misidentified as Ecstasy by the lab, a result that Han Jing relayed to the team, thinking it was a minor case.
However, Hu Rong, recently discharged from the hospital, recognized the pills as "Angel" based on Interpol intelligence and insisted on retesting. The retest confirmed that the pills were indeed Angel with 80% purity. This critical discovery led to a joint meeting of the Jiangnan and Jiangbei anti-drug police. Director Song detailed the history of Angel, an advanced drug developed by Sangbo, the new head of Colby's drug cartel.
Interpol had been tracking Sangbo, but he had mysteriously disappeared during an open sea operation. Han Jing then presented the details of Scar's case, explaining that Scar (Jiang Dazhi) and Li Ge (a 20-year-old street dealer) operated a highly organized, well-hidden drug network using online games for distribution, with Angel secretly transported by water into Jiangbei City.
Hu Yuejin announced the formation of "Operation S," a special investigation team combining officers from the Criminal Police and Drug Enforcement teams, tasked with uncovering the entire drug network and specifically targeting Sangbo, with strict orders not to alert the other parties. After the meeting, Hu Yuejin and Han Jing discussed keeping the true nature of the Angel case from Hu Rong, believing her impulsive character would make things difficult.
Hu Rong, having overheard fragments of their conversation, pressed for details about their "mission." They skillfully deflected her questions, claiming they had merely been entertaining county hall officials. Later, Hu Yuejin invited Han Jing home for dinner, where Hu Rong's mother enthusiastically tried to set them up. Hu Rong, however, jokingly suggested that her parents wanted to adopt Han Jing as a godson, much to their dismay and Han Jing's embarrassment.
Just then, Han Jing received a call from Liu Ziguang, who invited him out for drinks. Hu Rong, feeling a bit down, decided to join them. At the Di Di Dao Dao restaurant, Liu Ziguang stuck to milk, while Han Jing ordered beer. Li Wan soon arrived uninvited, immediately making a beeline for Liu Ziguang, playfully wrapping her arm around him. Liu Ziguang subtly distanced himself.
When a beer bottle rolled under the table, both Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong instinctively bent down to pick it up, their eyes meeting. The moment triggered vivid flashbacks for both of them, recalling their initial fateful encounter in the elevator. As the evening progressed, Li Wan became heavily intoxicated and insisted Liu Ziguang drive her home, refusing to leave without him. Seeing Liu Ziguang lead Li Wan away, Hu Rong's expression faltered, a reaction Han Jing noticed with sadness.
At Li Wan's home, as Liu Ziguang prepared to leave, Li Wan tried to prevent him, claiming she was too drunk to be left alone. Liu Ziguang saw through her act, directly telling her to stop pretending. Li Wan then confessed her feelings for him, but Liu Ziguang gently rejected her.
She then insightfully asked if he liked Hu Rong, suggesting he either was afraid to admit it or unaware of his own feelings, pointing out the tender way he looked at Hu Rong compared to his cold demeanor towards her. Meanwhile, Nie Wanfeng learned from his subordinate that despite his orders to halt distribution, drug goods were still circulating.
His subordinate also reported that Hou Sihai had recently met with a wealthy female merchant from Jiangnan, the boss of Golden Glory Holiday Resorts, to discuss business. Nie Wanfeng ordered an immediate and thorough background check on this woman. His subordinate also mentioned that Liu Ziguang had helped the police arrest Scar and seemed very close to Hu Rong.
As Hou Sihai found Liu Ziguang difficult to control, he manipulatively decided to target Liu Ziguang's friends to teach him a lesson, recognizing that Liu Ziguang's loyalty to his friends was his greatest weakness. Following Hou Sihai's manipulative strategy, Bei Xiaoshuai, who had been spending lavishly on a social media influencer girlfriend, was lured into an illegal gambling den. He quickly accrued a massive gambling debt.
Zhuo Li, noticing Bei Xiaoshuai's unusual behavior, discovered he was siphoning money from Di Di Dao Dao and calling his mother for funds, but kept it secret out of loyalty. Eventually, Bei Xiaoshuai disappeared. When debt collectors from Hou Sihai's gambling den arrived at Di Di Dao Dao demanding ¥1,000,000, Zhuo Li was forced to reveal Bei Xiaoshuai's plight to Liu Ziguang.
Liu Ziguang, confronted with Bei Xiaoshuai's signed promissory note for ¥1,000,000, immediately declared he would pay the debt on Bei Xiaoshuai's behalf. Unexpectedly, Tiger, one of Nie Wanfeng's men, arrived with ¥1,000,000 in cash, stating that Nie Wanfeng was settling the debt as Liu Ziguang had previously saved his son's life. Tiger instructed the debt collectors to take the money and return the IOU, emphasizing that Nie Wanfeng was simply repaying a favor and not interfering in their other disputes.
The collectors, though surprised by Nie Wanfeng's involvement, accepted the money. Liu Ziguang, acknowledging the favor, promised Tiger he would repay Nie Wanfeng as soon as possible. Liu Ziguang found Bei Xiaoshuai in despair, attempting to hang himself. Liu Ziguang intervened just in time, pulling him down. Disappointed and pained, Liu Ziguang couldn't help but beat Bei Xiaoshuai, telling him that he always treated Bei Xiaoshuai like a younger brother, but Bei Xiaoshuai never treated him as an older brother.
Bei Xiaoshuai, crying hysterically, questioned why he was stopped and despaired over his ¥1,000,000 debt. Liu Ziguang then took Bei Xiaoshuai to the police station to report the gambling den. Hu Rong suggested a 15-day detention for Bei Xiaoshuai, which Liu Ziguang agreed to, believing it would help Bei Xiaoshuai calm down. Following the leads, the police quickly raided and shut down the underground gambling den.
Liu Ziguang visited Nie Wanfeng to express his gratitude and offer a promissory note for the ¥1,000,000. Nie Wanfeng, however, feigned anger and insisted that if Liu Ziguang considered him a friend, he shouldn't rush to repay the money. As Nie Wanfeng walked Liu Ziguang out, he warned him about Hou Sihai's ruthless nature and advised him to be cautious.
Later, Nie Wanfeng confided in Tiger, who worried that Liu Ziguang, being an amnesiac without support in Jiangbei, might not be able to contend with Hou Sihai. Nie Wanfeng calmly replied that Tiger simply didn't understand Liu Ziguang's true capabilities. Bei Xiaoshuai's father rushed to Di Di Dao Dao, distraught, explaining that Hou Sihai was aggressively targeting his sand quarry. Liu Ziguang understood this was Hou Sihai's retaliation for the raid on his gambling den.
Recognizing the imminent conflict, Liu Ziguang promptly resigned from his position as security director at the company, recommending Li Jianguo, a former special forces soldier, as his successor. Li Wan, skeptical, challenged Li Jianguo with a combat expert, but Li Jianguo effortlessly defeated the challenger. Li Wan reluctantly agreed to appoint Li Jianguo as security director for a one-month trial. Liu Ziguang then announced his intention to take over the management of Bei family's sand quarry.
Li Jianguo warned him that this move would cut off Hou Sihai's revenue stream and that Hou Sihai would not tolerate it. Liu Ziguang, resolute in his decision, declared the sand quarry must operate, having carefully considered the risks. Seeing Liu Ziguang's determination, Li Jianguo offered his unwavering support. When Bei Xiaoshuai was released from detention, Liu Ziguang and his friends were there to meet him.
Bei Xiaoshuai immediately received a frantic call from his father, urging him to rush to the sand quarry. Liu Ziguang and Bei Xiaoshuai arrived to find Monkey, Hou Sihai's subordinate, and his thugs intimidating Bei Xiaoshuai's father. Bei Xiaoshuai tried to intervene as his father was about to kneel, but Liu Ziguang stepped forward, fearlessly declaring that from that day forward, Hou Sihai would no longer be allowed to exploit and bully businesses in the area.
Episode 14 Recap
Distraught over his 1,000,000 yuan debt, Bei Xiaoshuai attempted to hang himself at the boxing gym. Liu Ziguang rushed to stop him, pulling him down and then punching him. Liu Ziguang expressed his deep disappointment, stating that he had always regarded Bei Xiaoshuai as his younger brother, but Bei Xiaoshuai had never seen him as an older brother. Lying on the boxing ring, Bei Xiaoshuai tearfully admitted his wrongdoings. Liu Ziguang then took Bei Xiaoshuai to the police station.
Bei Xiaoshuai confessed to losing over 1,000,000 yuan at an underground gambling den located at Xianghe Villa Garden, after initially winning 30,000 yuan. Hu Rong informed Liu Ziguang that the police would investigate the gambling den but, in accordance with the Security Administration Punishment Act, Bei Xiaoshuai would be detained for 15 days. Liu Ziguang agreed, believing the time would help Bei Xiaoshuai calm down, learn from his mistakes, and stay on the right path.
Later, Liu Ziguang visited Nie Wanfeng, who was teaching his son, Cheng Cheng, to play Go. Nie Wanfeng reminded Cheng Cheng that Liu Ziguang was his savior and that he must repay him when he grew up. Liu Ziguang then tried to give Nie Wanfeng a promissory note for the 1,000,000 yuan Nie Wanfeng had loaned him to cover Bei Xiaoshuai's debt. Nie Wanfeng, however, dismissed it, saying that if Liu Ziguang considered him a friend, he shouldn't mention repayment.
Liu Ziguang insisted, explaining that while money might not be a problem for Nie Wanfeng, it was a substantial amount for him. As Liu Ziguang left, Nie Wanfeng pulled him aside and warned him to be cautious of Hou Sihai, describing him as smooth, sly, and rigorous in business dealings, citing the Longyang incident as an example.
Liu Ziguang responded that he would leave Hou Sihai alone only if Hou Sihai did the same, but if he continued to bully people or act unchecked, he would not remain silent. Recognizing Liu Ziguang's sense of duty, Nie Wanfeng offered his help for any future needs, asking Liu Ziguang to call him "Older Brother." Liu Ziguang agreed. Nie Wanfeng then reflected on Liu Ziguang, recalling that if not for him years ago, he might not have survived.
His subordinate, Brother Hu, confirmed that he had spread the word about Bei Xiaoshuai's parents owning a sand quarry, ensuring Hou Sihai was aware. Brother Hu expressed skepticism about Liu Ziguang's ability to contend with Hou Sihai, given his amnesia and lack of support in Jiangbei. Nie Wanfeng simply stated that Brother Hu did not truly understand Liu Ziguang. Meanwhile, a joint meeting between the Jiangnan and Jiangbei Public Security Bureaus took place.
Captain Xu reported the discovery of a new drug called "Angel" in Jiangnan City, determining it was smuggled via waterways. Given its appearance in both cities, Captain Xu predicted that criminals had established a secret trafficking route connecting to the open sea. Chief Wang underscored that traffickers were utilizing an existing network. Deputy Chief Hu Yuejin stressed the urgency of dismantling this drug network and proposed a joint task force to thoroughly investigate all waterway channels without alerting the criminals.
At the sand quarry, Monkey, one of Hou Sihai's subordinates, confronted Old Bei about the price of sand, offering only 90 yuan per cubic meter, significantly lower than Old Bei's usual selling price of 120 yuan and the market rate of 167 yuan. Monkey made it clear that this lower price was punishment because Bei Xiaoshuai had offended "Chief Hou," who controlled all sand sales and prices in Jiangbei.
Old Bei frantically tried to call Bei Xiaoshuai, but his phone was off. Monkey then ordered his men to forcefully unload the sand at the discounted rate. Back at "Truly Authentic," Liu Ziguang and Zhuo Li discussed their financial predicament. Zhuo Li hoped Bei Xiaoshuai would learn his lesson in jail and worried about repaying the 1,000,000 yuan loan to Nie Wanfeng, especially with Li Jianguo also needing money.
Liu Ziguang reaffirmed his commitment to repaying the debt and helping his friends. Old Bei soon arrived, distraught, asking if Bei Xiaoshuai had provoked Hou Sihai. Liu Ziguang reassured him, fabricating a story about Bei Xiaoshuai being on an inventory run. Old Bei lamented that all his month's work was for naught due to Hou Sihai's intimidation and that Bei Xiaoshuai hadn't changed.
Liu Ziguang then secretly told Zhuo Li that he was the one who reported Hou Sihai's underground gambling operation to the police, implying that Hou Sihai's actions against Old Bei were retaliation. At Zhicheng Group, Li Wan argued with Director Yin about the high construction costs, specifically the inflated price of sand. Director Yin, hinting at her inexperience, dismissed her concerns. Li Wan pointed out that other companies, like Major Development Group, had 10% lower costs.
Director Yin retorted that "every company is different" and alluded to "connections" being the real factor. Liu Ziguang, having been appointed Security Director, later arrived at Li Wan's office and announced his resignation. Li Wan, surprised, initially thought he was leaving over salary and offered a 10% raise, then playfully wondered if it was because he didn't want to see her or due to Hu Rong. Liu Ziguang clarified it wasn't personal.
Li Wan refused to let him resign immediately, citing her need for protection after offending Hou Sihai. Liu Ziguang suggested Li Jianguo as his replacement. Li Wan agreed but set a condition: she would bring her security officers to test Li Jianguo's skills, and if he won, Liu Ziguang could resign. Liu Ziguang accepted.
Nie Wanfeng, analyzing the situation and knowing Liu Ziguang's character, predicted that Liu Ziguang would recommend Li Jianguo, a skilled ex-army veteran in urgent need of income, confirming Liu Ziguang's loyalty to his friends.
Liu Ziguang then persuaded a hesitant Li Jianguo to take the position, explaining that it would provide his family with a steady 20,000 yuan monthly income and that Li Wan would be safer with Li Jianguo, who was friendly with Hou Sihai, by her side rather than Liu Ziguang, who had offended Hou Sihai. Li Jianguo, despite his initial reservations about fighting Li Wan's chosen opponents, agreed.
Nie Wanfeng further predicted that Li Wan would not easily let Liu Ziguang go and would find a formidable opponent for Li Jianguo. True to Nie Wanfeng's prediction, Li Wan brought Peter, an MMA champion, to fight Li Jianguo, rather than merely "a few security officers." Liu Ziguang pointed out her deception.
Li Wan justified her choice by stating her high standards for a Security Director, insisting that if Li Jianguo was as strong as claimed, it would be an easy win. Despite the stacked odds, Li Jianguo accepted the challenge and impressively defeated Peter. Li Wan conceded, agreeing to appoint Li Jianguo as Security Director with a one-month probation period, during which he had to ensure impeccable security, or Liu Ziguang would be held accountable.
Liu Ziguang guaranteed Li Jianguo's performance, and Li Wan welcomed him to Zhicheng. Nie Wanfeng noted that Liu Ziguang's strategic move of placing Li Jianguo as his replacement was a clever way to help his friend and keep Li Wan safe simultaneously. He then correctly predicted Liu Ziguang's next move: taking over the Sunshine Sand Quarry. Liu Ziguang confirmed this to Li Wan, explaining his intention to run Uncle Bei's sand plant to help him.
Li Wan expressed serious concerns, warning him that while his previous victory in Longyang didn't fully provoke Hou Sihai, entering the sand business directly threatened Hou Sihai's core interests. She reminded him of Hou Sihai's monopoly over Jiangbei's sand and gravel market, making it impossible for anyone to buy or sell without his involvement. Li Wan added that Liu Ziguang had already busted Hou Sihai's casinos for Bei Xiaoshuai, making this new endeavor extremely risky.
Liu Ziguang acknowledged all the risks but firmly declared his resolve to run the sand quarry. Hearing this, Li Jianguo stopped trying to dissuade him and pledged his unwavering support. Nie Wanfeng reiterated that Liu Ziguang's acquisition of the Sunshine Sand Quarry would inevitably lead to an all-out confrontation with Hou Sihai.
He described Liu Ziguang as "a grain of sand in Hou Sihai's eye," certain that neither would tolerate the other's domineering presence in the sand and gravel business, predicting a decisive battle. He specifically noted that Bei Xiaoshuai's release the following day would officially mark the beginning of this conflict. The next day, Liu Ziguang and Zhuo Li picked up Bei Xiaoshuai from the police station. Bei Xiaoshuai, eager to repay his debt, proposed going to Italy to sell shoes.
Liu Ziguang informed him that the 1,000,000 yuan debt had been settled using money borrowed from Nie Wanfeng, reassuring him that they would repay Nie Wanfeng slowly. Immediately after, Bei Xiaoshuai received a frantic call from his father, urging him to rush to the pier. Realizing Hou Sihai's men were causing trouble again, Liu Ziguang, Bei Xiaoshuai, and Zhuo Li quickly headed to the sand quarry.
They arrived to find Monkey pressuring Old Bei to sell his sand at a drastically reduced price, using Bei Xiaoshuai's past actions against Hou Sihai as leverage. As Old Bei prepared to kneel in desperation, Bei Xiaoshuai intervened, declaring they would not sell the sand. Liu Ziguang stepped forward, asserting that he was responsible for reporting the gambling dens and warning Monkey and Meng that Hou Sihai's monopolistic and bullying tactics in the market would no longer be tolerated.
Meng attempted to intimidate them with their numerical superiority. At that moment, Li Jianguo arrived, calling for a calm discussion. Li Jianguo asked Monkey and Meng to respect him, acknowledging Liu Ziguang as his friend, and requested they allow the sand to be transported. Monkey insisted on Hou Sihai's rules, but Li Jianguo countered that business should not involve coercion.
Meng, seemingly yielding to Li Jianguo, decided to let them go for now but explicitly warned Old Bei that if he didn't sell his sand to Hou Sihai, no one else would dare to buy it, and his sand quarry would be unable to survive. After they left, Liu Ziguang advised Old Bei to sell the sand quarry, as he couldn't continue operating it. To Old Bei's surprise, Liu Ziguang offered to buy it himself.
Zhuo Li added that profits from "Truly Authentic" would support the purchase and that Old Bei would receive a share of the sand quarry's future earnings. Liu Ziguang then declared that the sand quarry would now belong to all of them. A disheartened Bei Xiaoshuai expressed deep remorse, admitting that the trouble and debt were his fault, yet Liu Ziguang was bearing the burden alone.
Liu Ziguang magnanimously dismissed his worries, assuring him that as long as Bei Xiaoshuai understood his mistakes, it was enough. Soon after, Liu Ziguang's "Sunshine Sand Quarry" officially opened with celebratory firecrackers.
Episode 15 Recap
At the police station, colleagues chat as Little Li distributes wedding candies, inviting everyone to her wedding. They playfully tease Hu Rong about finding a boyfriend, debating whether Captain Han Jin or Liu Ziguang is a better choice. While some praise Han Jin's responsibility and thoughtfulness, others, including Hu Rong, find Liu Ziguang more handsome and manly. Han Jin himself then walks in and confidently declares himself more attractive, prompting Hu Rong to label him "shameless."
Meanwhile, Liu Ziguang, Zhuo Li, and Bei Xiaoshuai are at the newly acquired Sunshine Sand Quarry. Zhuo Li feels guilty for involving Liu Ziguang in the conflict with Hou Sihai, but Liu Ziguang reassures him, stating the rivalry is his own and that they will face any challenges together, solidifying their brotherhood. The Sunshine Sand Quarry officially opens, and news of Liu Ziguang's direct challenge to Hou Sihai’s monopoly quickly spreads across Jiangbei.
Hu Rong, hearing of this, expresses concern that Liu Ziguang might have completely provoked Hou Sihai, noting his tendency to act without considering the repercussions. Sun Wei reports to Hou Sihai about Liu Ziguang’s sand quarry. Hou Sihai confidently asserts that Li Wan of Zhicheng Corporation will defy expectations and purchase sand from Liu Ziguang, explaining that Zhicheng has been overpaying by ¥2,000,000 annually due to Mr. Yin’s collusion with him. He anticipates an internal power struggle at Zhicheng.
Later, Sun Wei visits Mr. Yin on Hou Sihai’s behalf to discuss renewing their contract. Mr. Yin assures him that Li Wan, whom he dismisses as an "ornament," holds no real power and that the Board of Directors will ultimately side with him. Li Wan attends the grand opening of Liu Ziguang’s Sunshine Sand Quarry, presenting him with Zhicheng Corporation’s sand purchasing contract as a "big gift."
Liu Ziguang initially hesitates, not wanting to implicate her, but Li Wan insists, explaining that she already offended Hou Sihai during a previous trip and that this move is essential to establish her authority against Mr. Yin, whom she feels makes her look like a mere figurehead. Later, when Liu Ziguang accompanies Li Wan to Zhicheng for the contract signing, Mr. Yin confronts them, pushing for the renewal of Hou Sihai's contract instead.
Li Wan firmly states her intention to collaborate with Sunshine Sand Quarry, citing its high-quality sand, and demands Mr. Yin’s signature on their new contract. She even pledges to personally cover any breach fees if Liu Ziguang fails to meet supply demands, thereby backing him up. Mr. Yin vehemently opposes, accusing Li Wan of jeopardizing the company and reminding her that such procurement decisions require a Board vote.
Li Wan retorts that Zhicheng overpays for Hou Sihai’s sand and declares her determination to break his monopoly. Unyielding, Mr. Yin proposes they settle the matter at a board meeting, a challenge Li Wan accepts. While on duty, Hu Rong receives a video message from Li Wan featuring her and Liu Ziguang on a sand carrier, accompanied by a caption telling Hu Rong not to interfere with "the blissful lives of Handsome Brother Guang and I."
Hu Rong dismisses it as "meaningless," her jealousy evident. At the subsequent Zhicheng Board meeting, Mr. Yin presents both sand suppliers for a vote. Despite Li Wan’s passionate appeal for Liu Ziguang’s company, not a single director supports her proposal, leaving her visibly furious, while Mr. Yin grins triumphantly. At his villa, Nie Wanfeng explains his strategic moves to Brother Hu.
He instigated the rivalry between Liu Ziguang and Hou Sihai as a calculated warning to Hou Sihai, who has been exploiting his sand transport-line to demand larger profit shares from Nie Wanfeng's illicit operations. Nie Wanfeng intends to leverage Liu Ziguang to dismantle Hou Sihai's monopoly, eventually bringing Liu Ziguang under his control to establish his own independent transportation network.
He reveals that his act of repaying Liu Ziguang's friend's ¥1,000,000 debt was a clear message to Hou Sihai that Liu Ziguang has his backing, thereby asserting his dominance over Hou Sihai, whom he considers "too soft" to challenge him. Following the unsuccessful board meeting, Li Wan, Liu Ziguang, and Li Jianguo discuss their next steps. Li Wan laments the directors' collusion with Mr. Yin.
Li Wan’s assistant, Ziqian, reports that despite extensive checks, Mr. Yin has no scandalous past or financial irregularities. Liu Ziguang remains suspicious, suggesting they investigate Mr. Yin’s past employment. Li Wan mentions her father recruited Mr. Yin from America, and Li Jianguo adds that Mr. Yin claimed to work for JP Morgan Chase. Liu Ziguang requests Mr. Yin’s resume, suspecting it may be falsified.
Liu Ziguang also warns Li Wan about suspicious individuals tailing them, whom he believes are Hou Sihai's men. Li Wan, however, insists on visiting the Riverbank Estate construction site the next day, confident with Liu Ziguang and Li Jianguo accompanying her. Liu Ziguang volunteers to stay overnight and join her.
The next day, as Li Wan, Liu Ziguang, and Li Jianguo inspect the Zhicheng construction site—where Mr. Yin is conspicuously absent—a barrel of cement falls from a high floor, narrowly missing Li Wan. Liu Ziguang quickly pulls her to safety, while Li Jianguo tackles the manager away from harm. Police later confirm the incident was deliberate, based on reports of unusual noises and someone fleeing the scene. Hu Rong and her team arrive at the scene.
Seeing Liu Ziguang comforting Li Wan, Hu Rong feels a pang of jealousy. Li Wan immediately accuses Hou Sihai, but Hu Rong asks for concrete evidence. Liu Ziguang informs Hu Rong that no concrete was scheduled for the next two days, making the falling barrel highly suspicious. Hu Rong, seemingly irritated, sarcastically tells Liu Ziguang to go "look after" Li Wan and then takes his safety helmet, putting it on her own head as he leaves.
Meanwhile, Hou Sihai meets with Nie Wanfeng to confront him, directly questioning Nie Wanfeng’s involvement in Liu Ziguang's affairs, particularly the ¥1,000,000 debt payment. Nie Wanfeng claims he merely lent the money to Liu Ziguang as a favor for saving his son and asserts that Liu Ziguang is not "his man." Accepting this, Hou Sihai declares his intention to proceed with his plan to annex Liu Ziguang’s sand field.
Nie Wanfeng, however, warns Hou Sihai about increased police surveillance, subtly questioning the timing of his business expansion. At the construction site's monitoring room, Liu Ziguang and the supervisor review the surveillance footage, identifying a worker named Wang Biao as the person who tampered with the cement barrel. Hu Rong's team identifies Wang Biao's suspicious white Jinbei van.
Liu Ziguang attempts to follow Hu Rong, who is driving alone to apprehend Wang Biao, but she, still visibly jealous, tells him to stop bothering her and Li Wan. Undeterred, Liu Ziguang secretly hides in the trunk of Hu Rong's car. Together, they pursue and successfully apprehend Wang Biao.
During interrogation, Wang Biao takes full responsibility for his actions, claiming he disliked Li Wan and denying any connection to Hou Sihai, frustrating the police who suspect Hou Sihai is the mastermind. Li Wan attempts to convince the board again, recounting the cement barrel incident as Hou Sihai’s intimidation. Mr. Yin, however, counters by emphasizing that buying from Hou Sihai guarantees "safety and peace of mind," warning of dire consequences for worker safety and project timelines if further incidents occur.
He also confidently asserts that Wang Biao will not implicate Hou Sihai due to loyalty and ample compensation. Frustrated and angry by Wang Biao’s silence and the board’s refusal to cooperate, Li Wan seeks help from Liu Ziguang, who reiterates his suspicion about Mr. Yin's background. Liu Ziguang suggests investigating Mr. Yin’s old work records, specifically his claim of working for JP Morgan Chase, believing it could be his vulnerability. Following Liu Ziguang's suggestion, Li Jianguo investigates Mr. Yin's background.
He quickly uncovers that Mr. Yin falsified his work resume. Li Jianguo confronts Mr. Yin, revealing his findings and presenting him with Liu Ziguang's sand purchasing contract. Li Jianguo warns that if Mr. Yin refuses to sign, his falsified resume will be exposed at the next company meeting. Faced with this blackmail, Mr. Yin reluctantly agrees and is compelled to sign the contract for Liu Ziguang's sand.
Episode 16 Recap
Sunshine Sand Quarry's sand trucks were intercepted by the police for weighing, but they were not overloaded and had all their paperwork in order. Bei Xiaoshuai informed Liu Ziguang that the land route was clear, and now everything depended on their water transport. Sun Wei, already waiting, initiated a new plan. He had men pretend to fall off a motorcycle, blocking the trucks.
When the men refused to move, Bei Xiaoshuai considered paying them off, but they escalated the argument and struck Zhuo Li, causing the situation to spiral out of control. Meanwhile, Nie Wanfeng predicted that if Liu Ziguang's land route was blocked, he would definitely use the water route. He knew Meng Zhiqi, who had guarded the pier for Hou Sihai for years, would try to intercept them, leading to a fierce confrontation.
Indeed, Meng Zhiqi and his men aggressively blocked Liu Ziguang. Liu Ziguang tried to reason with Meng Zhiqi, but he refused to listen. Knowing Meng Zhiqi's rules, Liu Ziguang realized the only way was to spar with him. Meng Zhiqi attacked first without hesitation. Although Liu Ziguang had the upper hand, he deliberately held back. Meng Zhiqi felt a sense of shame.
He genuinely expressed his admiration for Liu Ziguang, declaring him a brother from that day forward, then loudly ordered his men to clear the path. As Liu Ziguang's group was about to pass, Sun Wei reappeared with more thugs, blocking their way again. Fortunately, the police arrived promptly and apprehended the thugs, a result of Li Wan's foresight in calling the police earlier when she sensed trouble at the pier.
At Zhicheng Group, General Manager Yin confronted Li Wan, gloating that if Liu Ziguang failed to deliver the sand to the construction site on time, Li Wan's position on the board would be precarious. Li Wan, however, calmly played a puzzle game on her phone, remarking that she enjoyed "dancing on the edge of a knife." General Manager Yin was speechless and left in a huff.
When Liu Ziguang finally delivered the sand via the water route to the Zhicheng Group construction site, General Manager Yin tried to stop him, triumphantly announcing that Liu Ziguang was thirty seconds late according to the contract. Just then, Bei Xiaoshuai emerged from the back gate, proudly declaring that the sand had already been delivered through the back entrance twenty minutes earlier.
It turned out that when Bei Xiaoshuai's sand trucks were initially blocked, Li Wan had brought friends to help. General Manager Yin's joy turned to disappointment, and he left disgruntled. With the successful completion of this business deal, Liu Ziguang and his team were elated. At that moment, Li Jianguo received a phone call, and his expression changed immediately; Zhuo Li had been beaten and hospitalized.
Hu Rong rushed to the hospital after receiving the news, finding Liu Ziguang and Bei Xiaoshuai already waiting outside the intensive care unit. Zhuo Li had been severely injured by an unknown group of assailants. Tiger Brother informed Nie Wanfeng that Liu Ziguang's brother was injured, expressing concern that Liu Ziguang, being loyal, might give up for his brother's sake. Nie Wanfeng confidently stated that he understood Liu Ziguang, and "losing" was not in his vocabulary.
The police quickly identified the suspects who assaulted Zhuo Li, and Han Jin assigned Hu Rong to the interrogation. In the interrogation room, the suspect remained defiant, insisting he acted alone. Hu Rong, determined, resolved to outlast him. In the intensive care unit, Li Jianguo looked worried, suggesting they should pause sand sales, fearing Hou Sihai's retaliation against others. Bei Xiaoshuai and Li Wan strongly disagreed, believing that even if they conceded now, Hou Sihai might not spare them.
Everyone looked to Liu Ziguang for his opinion, but he remained silent, his expression grim. Deputy Song called Hu Rong into his office and reprimanded her for being too eager and violating procedures during the investigation. Hu Rong emotionally explained that she had been investigating Hou Sihai for some time without finding evidence, and seeing Zhuo Li in the ICU made her feel she hadn't done enough. Deputy Song's tone softened.
He advised her not to be too hasty, as Hou Sihai's case was significant and required careful handling. Finally, he decided to temporarily suspend Hu Rong and send her home to rest for a few days. Hu Rong dejectedly left the police station as heavy rain poured down. Liu Ziguang waited outside with an umbrella. Hu Rong expressed her frustration about being suspended and unable to catch Hou Sihai.
Liu Ziguang comforted her, sincerely telling her he knew she was a good police officer from the first time he met her, adding, "the rain won't last forever." As if on cue, the rain soon stopped. They both looked up at the sky, and a bright smile involuntarily bloomed on Hu Rong's face. Li Jianguo, at Li Wan's request, investigated General Manager Yin's background and discovered evidence of a fabricated resume.
That night, Hou Sihai was pressing his subordinates to contact General Manager Yin about the contract renewal, believing it might be necessary to put pressure on him. Hou Sihai was also informed that Wang Biao had been arrested but remained silent. The next day, General Manager Yin arrived at his office to find incriminating photos, revealing his past as a chef.
Enraged, General Manager Yin slammed his hand on the desk, accusing Li Jianguo of threatening him because he had Li Wan's backing. Li Jianguo calmly produced the contract, asking him to sign it. He reminded General Manager Yin that Chairman Li already knew about his fabricated resume and had forgiven him once, but his continued unrepentance showed ingratitude.
Li Jianguo then offered a choice: sign the contract, and Li Wan would drop the past issues, or his resume would be presented at next week's board meeting, potentially leading to dismissal without severance. To keep his position as director, General Manager Yin was forced to sign the contract. After obtaining the contract, Li Wan went to Oasis to celebrate with Liu Ziguang, Li Jianguo, and Zi Qian, proudly calling it her first independently signed contract.
However, Zi Qian cautioned her that Hou Sihai was a vicious man and she must be careful in the future. Nie Wanfeng received news of the contract between Li Wan and Liu Ziguang, and he told his subordinate that he was now just waiting for Hou Sihai to come seeking his help. Meanwhile, General Manager Yin reported to Hou Sihai about how Li Wan had coerced him, expressing surprise at Liu Ziguang's "despicable tactics."
General Manager Yin slyly suggested that while the contract was signed, fulfilling its terms was another matter. He explained that the contract required sand delivery to the Zhicheng site within five days, and failure to do so would void the agreement. Hou Sihai agreed that five days would be enough. Hou Sihai then instructed the Xue brothers to instigate a worker strike at Sunshine Sand Quarry.
The Xue brothers gathered the workers, telling them the quarry was small and rundown, destined for bankruptcy, and that they wouldn't earn much. They offered better pay at their own sand quarry. When Zhuo Li couldn't stop the workers from leaving, he angrily confronted the Xue brothers, accusing them of causing trouble. He then punched one of them, Third Brother. However, the Xue brothers falsely accused Zhuo Li of assault and dramatically cried out, demanding police intervention.
The police arrived, took Zhuo Li for questioning, and the Xue brothers demanded ¥50,000 in compensation for medical fees, mental distress, and lost wages, threatening further claims if the injury worsened. The quarry was forced to halt operations. Bei Xiaoshuai informed Liu Ziguang of these events. Liu Ziguang, distressed by Zhuo Li's injury, said he would take care of the sand quarry business and instructed Ase to protect Li Wan.
Bei Xiaoshuai's father arrived at the quarry, attempting to force Bei Xiaoshuai to leave Liu Ziguang and stop opposing Hou Sihai. Bei Xiaoshuai refused, revealing that Liu Ziguang had previously paid off his ¥1,000,000 gambling debt to Hou Sihai, saving his life. He declared he would follow Liu Ziguang through hell, reminding his mother of the importance of gratitude. Liu Ziguang and Ase decided to investigate the Xue family.
Hu Rong and her colleague were on a stakeout but found no new leads on Hou Sihai. They were following the Xue brothers, who were visiting their ailing father, Uncle Xue, in the hospital. Liu Ziguang and Ase bought fruit and went to visit Uncle Xue, pretending to be friends of Eldest Xue.
Uncle Xue, suffering from cancer, shared his story of his sons' difficult lives, working to pay for his medical treatments since their mother died early, and therefore lacking education and friends. Ase nearly blurted out the truth about the Xue brothers' misdeeds but Liu Ziguang subtly stopped him, not wanting to hurt the old man. As they left, Liu Ziguang quietly gave some money to the nurse caring for Uncle Xue.
He told Ase that some truths are best kept to oneself to avoid causing pain. Back at the sand quarry, the Xue brothers were still causing trouble. Suddenly, the nurse arrived with Uncle Xue. The sight of his sons fighting and causing disruption enraged Uncle Xue. He scolded his sons for helping Hou Sihai to commit evil, making money without conscience to pay for his medical treatments, and bringing shame upon their family. He demanded they apologize to Liu Ziguang.
The Xue brothers immediately knelt and apologized. Liu Ziguang, showing great generosity, told them there was no need, and from now on, they were brothers. He urged them to take good care of their father. The Xue brothers sincerely apologized to Liu Ziguang for their past actions. Wei Ge informed a furious Hou Sihai that Liu Ziguang's sand quarry had resumed operations. Hou Sihai cursed them as "waste."
Deputy Director Song briefed Hu Yuejin on the case of Zhen Wu, a fellow officer. Han Jin's inquiries with M Country police suggested that Zhen Wu might have been harmed, as a bar he owned shut down shortly after the open sea operation where drug kingpin Sangbo escaped. They feared Zhen Wu's cover was exposed, and he became a target of Sangbo's retaliation.
Deputy Director Song also reported that the drug "Angel" had appeared in Jiangbei and Jiangnan, leading Interpol to suspect Sangbo had re-entered the country. Han Jin later confirmed that Sangbo was not found in Macau despite extensive searches, further supporting the theory that he had returned to mainland China, specifically Jiangbei, given the appearance of "Angel" there. Deputy Director Song emphasized the critical importance of finding Sangbo and all leads related to "Angel" to dismantle the drug operation.
He particularly stressed to Han Jin the need to ensure Hu Rong's safety, stating that they owed it to Zhen Wu, whose fate remained unknown. At the police station, Zhuo Li had recovered and returned to the sand quarry, much to the joy of Liu Ziguang and Bei Xiaoshuai. Liu Ziguang advised Zhuo Li to control his temper, understanding his frustration.
He mentioned that the Xue brothers had left, both fearing Hou Sihai's revenge and taking their father for treatment elsewhere, remarking on their unexpected filial piety. In a police team meeting, Hu Rong encouraged her team, acknowledging Hou Sihai's cunning but highlighting his greatest weakness: greed. She advised everyone to remain calm, plan carefully, and wait for him to make a mistake. Deputy Song commended her insight, jokingly suggesting she was aiming for a team leader position.
Later, Officer Bai tried to set up Hu Rong and Han Jin with movie tickets, but Hu Rong cleverly redirected her to Zhao Gang. After work, Liu Ziguang waited outside the police station to pick up Hu Rong. He tried to clarify his relationship with Li Wan, asserting he had "nothing to do with her at all." Hu Rong, still reserved, responded that it was none of her business.
Liu Ziguang insisted on taking her home, citing potential dangers and her injured leg, and placed a helmet on her head. As they rode on his motorcycle, Liu Ziguang noticed they were being followed. He accelerated, and Hu Rong held him tightly, making him secretly smile. Meanwhile, Sun Wei urgently reported to Hou Sihai that Liu Ziguang's sand quarry would begin transporting sand in thirty-six hours.
Sun Wei also mentioned a more pressing issue: the police were heavily scrutinizing sand transport lines, suspecting a connection to the "Angel" drug. Hou Sihai, after a moment of thought, instructed Sun Wei to halt their operations on the transport lines, allowing him to focus entirely on dealing with Liu Ziguang. Later, Sun Wei and Hou Sihai discussed strategies to block Liu Ziguang's sand routes.
Sun Wei proposed that he would oversee the land routes, while Meng Zhiqi would handle the water routes. Hou Sihai, pleased, arranged a banquet for Meng Zhiqi. Meng Zhiqi, however, cut directly to the chase, asking if Hou Sihai wanted him to block Liu Ziguang at the pier. He agreed to do so but then, without eating a single bite, stood up and left. Hou Sihai found Meng Zhiqi's behavior peculiar and ordered Sun Wei to keep a close watch on him, suspecting foul play.
Episode 17 Recap
Liu Ziguang walked Hu Rong home, mentioning he would soon be delivering sand to Zhicheng's construction site. Hu Rong, worried about Hou Sihai, urged him to be extra careful and contact the police if anything happened. Liu Ziguang confidently stated he wasn't afraid of people like Hou Sihai, confessing that it was Hu Rong who had given him the courage to face this challenge.
He recounted how, after returning to Jiangbei and forgetting his past eight years, he had almost given up, but her persistent investigation had kept him going. Hu Rong admitted she had been suspicious of him then. Liu Ziguang believed his memories would eventually return and wondered if he would regret it.
He then proposed a hypothetical: if his past self turned out to be a "bad guy," she could ignore him, but if he was a "good guy," they could be friends. Hu Rong playfully retorted that it was the other way around; she would have to think about being friends with a "good guy," but if he was a "bad guy," she would surely pester him daily as part of her investigation.
Liu Ziguang found her logic sound and bid her farewell. Meanwhile, Hou Sihai, after learning from a subordinate that the police were investigating sea and transit routes, likely targeting their "Angel" operation, deemed it too dangerous to continue smuggling. He ordered a temporary halt to the operation and directed his focus entirely on Liu Ziguang. At Sunshine Sand Quarry, Li Jianguo and Bei Xiaoshuai worried about Liu Ziguang's disappearance and Hou Sihai's unusual silence.
When Liu Ziguang returned, they eagerly sought instructions on the sand transport routes. Bei Xiaoshuai playfully teased him about his relationship with Officer Hu. Liu Ziguang dismissed their concerns about Hou Sihai, stating he was tired and going to sleep, assuring them he already had a solution. Li Jianguo joked that being in a relationship must be exhausting.
Shortly after, Li Wan arrived at the sand quarry, stating she was there to assist with the important sand shipment scheduled for the following day. Liu Ziguang outlined two routes for transporting sand to Jiangbei: one by sea and one by land. He guaranteed the land route would be problem-free. Li Wan urged him not to take it lightly. Liu Ziguang mentioned that Meng Zhiqiu would handle the water route and was waiting outside.
Li Wan, eager to meet Meng Zhiqiu, requested a dinner be prepared. Later, General Manager Yin called Liu Ziguang, inquiring about the sand preparations and timely delivery. Liu Ziguang affirmed his punctuality and commitment. Yin, however, hinted that if Liu Ziguang encountered difficulties and had to break the contract, he should inform him, offering to speak on his behalf at the board meeting to waive penalty fees.
Liu Ziguang rejected Yin's offer, telling him to stop wasting time with board members and instead inform Hou Sihai to unleash all his tricks, as Liu Ziguang was prepared to fight him to the end. Hou Sihai met with Meng Zhiqiu, praising his noble spirit and suggesting that Liu Ziguang's fight was for the entire Jiangbei sand industry.
Meng Zhiqiu declined Hou Sihai’s offer of wine, stating one makes mistakes when drinking, and asked Hou Sihai to get to the point. Hou Sihai then referenced Liu Ziguang causing him trouble and explicitly asked Meng Zhiqiu to block Liu Ziguang at the pier the next day, and to pressure him if possible. Meng Zhiqiu questioned if Hou Sihai was overstepping his bounds, but a subordinate quickly intervened, urging Meng Zhiqiu to comply.
Meng Zhiqiu then promised to "do a good job" for Hou Sihai. After Meng Zhiqiu departed, Hou Sihai grew suspicious of his easy agreement, and his subordinate confirmed Meng Zhiqiu seemed to be "up to something." Hou Sihai then instructed his man, Monkey, to keep a close watch on Meng Zhiqiu. As Liu Ziguang’s trucks set off the next morning, Nie Wanfeng's subordinate reported their visible departure by both land and water.
Nie Wanfeng believed Liu Ziguang had likely sent Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li via the land route, expecting Hou Sihai to cause trouble there. On the land route, Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li’s trucks were stopped by traffic police for inspection. Bei Xiaoshuai noted that Liu Ziguang had correctly anticipated this. The police checked the vehicles' loading capacities and documents. Earlier, Liu Ziguang had emphasized strict adherence to weight limits and ensuring all paperwork was in order.
The police confirmed no issues and allowed the trucks to proceed. Bei Xiaoshuai immediately called Liu Ziguang, praising his foresight and reporting a smooth land journey, suggesting the waterway might have been unnecessary. Liu Ziguang cautioned them to remain vigilant. Upon learning his plan to cause an overload issue had failed, Hou Sihai, furious, called Liu Ziguang "cunning" and instructed Sun Wei to proceed with "their plan" for the land route.
Sun Wei then orchestrated a fake traffic accident: a man pretended to be hit by a woman driving a car, blocking the road in front of Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li’s truck and demanding compensation. Zhuo Li, realizing it was a scam, tried to pay him to clear the road. However, a woman then appeared and struck Zhuo Li.
Hou Sihai then instructed Sun Wei to leave the land route obstruction to others and assist Meng Zhiqiu in blocking the waterway. Nie Wanfeng's subordinate informed him that if the land route failed, Liu Ziguang would have no choice but the waterway, where Meng Zhiqiu, having guarded the pier for Hou Sihai for years, would certainly intercept him. Nie Wanfeng predicted a direct confrontation, where the braver party would prevail. At the pier, Liu Ziguang's sand was loaded.
Meng Zhiqiu, with his men, immediately blocked Liu Ziguang's path, telling him to turn back and find another way. Liu Ziguang explained that Hou Sihai had left him no other option, forcing him to use this pier, and offered to abide by Meng Zhiqiu's unwritten rule of fighting anyone who wished to pass. During their duel, Liu Ziguang intentionally yielded to Meng Zhiqiu.
Meng Zhiqiu, impressed by Liu Ziguang's character, declared them sworn brothers and ordered his men to clear the path. As Liu Ziguang's trucks prepared to proceed, Sun Wei, as anticipated by Hou Sihai, arrived with more thugs, blocking their way again. Fortunately, police arrived, alerted by Li Wan, and arrested Sun Wei and his men for public brawling.
Officer Yang, leading the police, urged Liu Ziguang to hurry, reminding him that the entire Jiangbei construction industry was watching him to deliver the sand promptly and bring righteousness to the sector. Liu Ziguang thanked them and continued his journey. Meanwhile, at Zhicheng, General Manager Yin continued to pressure Li Wan, reiterating that Liu Ziguang's convoys were blocked and his failure would jeopardize her board position.
Li Wan calmly dismissed his concerns, stating she enjoyed "dancing on the knifepoint" since aligning with Liu Ziguang against Hou Sihai. She also suggested Yin should persuade Hou Sihai to stop his actions if he truly cared for the corporation, hinting Liu Ziguang might even leave him some business if he repented. Li Wan later commented to Yin that Meng Zhiqiu, in his confidence, resembled Liu Ziguang.
At the Zhicheng construction site, General Manager Yin attempted to obstruct Liu Ziguang, proudly announcing he was thirty seconds late and thus in breach of contract. As Yin began to elaborate on the penalty, Bei Xiaoshuai emerged from inside, interrupting him. Bei Xiaoshuai revealed that their first load of sand had arrived twenty-five minutes earlier through a back gate, with Chairman Li Wan supervising the work. Yin, frustrated, had to concede.
Following this success, Bei Xiaoshuai exuberantly declared that Sunshine Sand Quarry would soon be inundated with contract offers. Indeed, Li Jianguo’s phone immediately rang off the hook with companies eager to sign. However, his celebratory mood was cut short when he received news that Zhuo Li had been seriously injured and was in the ICU.
Liu Ziguang, who had earlier noted a twitching in his right eye, a sign he interpreted as an omen of disaster, had warned Hu Rong to be careful, acknowledging that some things cannot be avoided. Hu Rong rushed to the hospital after receiving a phone call. She found Liu Ziguang, Li Jianguo, and Bei Xiaoshuai by Zhuo Li's ICU door. Bei Xiaoshuai explained that Zhuo Li had been detained for public brawling and was injured.
A police officer present elaborated that Zhuo Li had gotten into a conflict on the highway, injuring someone and getting injured himself. While in custody for a check-up, he escaped and was later found beaten by a group of unknown men. The officer stated they were investigating the assault but reminded Hu Rong that Zhuo Li would still face charges for injuring someone and escaping custody.
Hu Rong angrily questioned how Zhuo Li could be injured while in police custody, suspecting Hou Sihai's involvement. The officer assured her they would thoroughly investigate and punish the attackers. Nie Wanfeng's subordinate informed him that Hou Sihai's men had beaten Zhuo Li, who was now in the ICU. The subordinate expressed concern that Liu Ziguang's loyalty to his friends might make him concede. Nie Wanfeng, however, confidently asserted that Liu Ziguang never knew the meaning of losing.
Meanwhile, Hou Sihai's subordinate reported that police patrol cars were outside their house, indicating the police had them on their radar. Realizing the danger, Hou Sihai ordered Sun Wei to ease off on Liu Ziguang to avoid giving the police more weaknesses to exploit. At the hospital, a doctor confirmed Zhuo Li was out of danger, much to Liu Ziguang's relief. Bei Xiaoshuai, convinced Hou Sihai was behind the assault, pleaded with Hu Rong to arrest him.
Hu Rong, understanding his frustration, explained the need for evidence but promised a thorough investigation. Back at the police station, Hu Rong asked Little Zhao for details on the hospital assault case, learning Captain Han had taken everything. When she confronted Captain Han, she passionately argued that her past mistakes or injuries shouldn't prevent her from contributing to the team or investigating cases. Captain Han calmly confirmed she was referring to Zhuo Li's case and showed her evidence.
He revealed they had already identified the person who beat Zhuo Li and had been planning his arrest for two hours, which would happen immediately. Captain Han emphasized his concern for her safety but clarified that investigating was their job. Hu Rong apologized for misunderstanding him, and Captain Han then assigned her the responsibility of questioning the suspect once he was brought in, which she accepted.
Back at the ICU, a worried Li Jianguo suggested they temporarily halt sand sales, fearing Hou Sihai's retaliation. Bei Xiaoshuai and Li Wan strongly disagreed, arguing that Hou Sihai would not spare them even if they conceded. Everyone then turned to Liu Ziguang for his opinion, but he remained silently gloomy. In the ICU, Bei Xiaoshuai impatiently asked Liu Ziguang about his plans. Li Jianguo suggested a temporary compromise, but Bei Xiaoshuai interrupted him.
Liu Ziguang, who had been silent, then spoke with firm resolve, declaring that the sand quarry would continue its operations. As Li Jianguo was about to try and persuade Liu Ziguang further, he received a phone call from Assistant Wei. His expression immediately changed; something had happened at the construction site. Li Jianguo and Liu Ziguang rushed to the chaotic construction site, where workers were in an uproar. It turned out the contractor had absconded with all the money.
General Manager Yin seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire, stating that if the bank found out, future loans would be difficult to secure. Li Wan quickly met with bank staff, hoping for a loan, but they politely stated that banks have their own risk control standards. Just then, General Manager Yin arrived with members of the board to confront Li Wan, blaming her for the mismanagement.
Li Wan, in response, firmly declared that if she couldn't resolve the issue, she would resign immediately. Faced with this predicament, Li Jianguo suggested seeking Hu Rong's help. Hu Rong enthusiastically agreed to assist, making inquiries and learning that the construction contractor had not left Jiangbei City. Meanwhile, in the ICU, Zhuo Li finally regained consciousness. Liu Ziguang instructed him to rest and recover well.
At this moment, Liu Ziguang received a phone call invitation from Hou Sihai, who was celebrating his birthday the next day. Liu Ziguang accepted without hesitation. Li Jianguo and Bei Xiaoshuai worried it would be too dangerous for him to go alone, but Liu Ziguang appeared calm and unconcerned. The next day, Liu Ziguang arrived at Hou Sihai's birthday banquet, pushing a birthday cake. Upon seeing him enter, Hou Sihai's subordinates stood up, on high alert.
Hou Sihai reprimanded his men, claiming Liu Ziguang was an invited guest. Liu Ziguang slowly approached Hou Sihai with the cake. Hou Sihai warmly pulled Liu Ziguang close, repeatedly calling him "brother." Hou Sihai then asked his subordinates to cut the cake. Liu Ziguang, in a serious tone, stated that this cake was for Hou Sihai alone to eat, because he had monopolized the sand market in Jiangbei. Hou Sihai's expression immediately soured.
He coldly chuckled, saying he was determined to control the Jiangbei sand market, but he would not eat this cake. Liu Ziguang then directly grabbed Hou Sihai's head and forcefully pushed it into the cake. He then publicly announced that Sunshine Sand Quarry would continue to operate, and if Hou Sihai wanted to challenge anyone, he should come directly for Liu Ziguang. With that, Liu Ziguang walked out unconcerned.
Humiliated in front of everyone, Hou Sihai was furious and gritted his teeth in anger. Little Zhao informed Hu Rong that the SkyNet surveillance system showed the contractor had not left Jiangbei at all, but was spotted near the Lakefront Community. Hu Rong notified the police, who immediately dispatched officers and quickly apprehended the contractor. At his residence, Li Jianguo advised Liu Ziguang to go into hiding for a few days, but Liu Ziguang remained unconcerned.
Just then, Hu Rong excitedly arrived, telling them the contractor had been found. As the group walked downstairs, preparing to head to the hospital, a speeding van suddenly appeared and drove directly towards Hu Rong. With quick reflexes, Liu Ziguang pushed Hu Rong out of the way, but was himself struck by the oncoming van and fell to the ground, unconscious. Liu Ziguang was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Li Wan and others, having received the news, anxiously hurried to the hospital, deeply worried about Liu Ziguang. Outside the hospital room, Hu Rong was emotionally distraught, sobbing uncontrollably. Liu Ziguang was at one point critically ill, but fortunately, the doctors managed to save him from the brink of death. Learning that Liu Ziguang had been rescued, everyone's anxious hearts finally settled. Hu Rong kept a watchful vigil by Liu Ziguang's bedside.
She softly murmured that once Liu Ziguang woke up, she wanted to go to the amusement park with him, watch movies together, and openly confessed that she loved Liu Ziguang but had never said it aloud. Meanwhile, upon learning that Liu Ziguang had survived, Hou Sihai was infuriated. Sun Wei proposed another wicked idea, suggesting they go back to the hospital to finish him off, but Hou Sihai berated him, explaining that attacking in broad daylight now would be suicidal.
At the Zhicheng Group board meeting, with the project halted and the company suffering heavy losses, Li Wan indignantly offered her resignation. Later, Li Wan and Hu Rong sat side-by-side on a bench outside the hospital room. Li Wan frankly told Hu Rong that she knew Hu Rong also loved Liu Ziguang, but she would not give up on him. Hu Rong remained silent.
Episode 18 Recap
Hou Sihai, triumphant after Liu Ziguang's comatose state and Li Wan's removal from the board, is warned by Sun Wei about Meng Zhiqiu. Hou Sihai confronts Meng Zhiqiu, who accepts blame, withdraws from the dock, and asks for his subordinates to be spared. Hou Sihai agrees, terminating their contract.
Hu Rong diligently cares for Liu Ziguang in the ICU, while Han Jin reveals the hit-and-run driver escaped, but those who assaulted Zhuo Li and the foreman confessed to being instigated by Hou Sihai. Hu Rong requests to rejoin the police, but Han Jin advises her to apply to Director Song. A recovering Zhuo Li is told by Bei Xiaoshuai that Liu Ziguang is busy at the sand quarry, but Zhuo Li grows suspicious.
Meanwhile, Hou Sihai meets Nie Wanfeng, admitting he hired someone to hit Liu Ziguang. He then demands Nie Wanfeng increase his cut, which Nie Wanfeng surprisingly accepts. Realizing something is wrong, Zhuo Li leaves his room and learns from Arthur that Liu Ziguang has been comatose for four days. Enraged, Zhuo Li, armed with scissors, attempts to confront Hou Sihai, joined by Bei Xiaoshuai, but Li Jianguo wisely stops them.
Hu Rong's plea to Director Song to rejoin the force is denied due to her emotional state, leading to her suspension. Her attempt to subtly influence her father, Hu Yuejin, also fails, as he sees through her pretense and questions her relationship with Liu Ziguang. Director Song reports to Hu Yuejin that evidence points to Hou Sihai orchestrating Liu Ziguang's accident. Hu Yuejin orders the police to dismantle Hou Sihai's criminal group systematically.
Doctors inform Hu Rong that Liu Ziguang's condition has worsened, and he might become a vegetable, leaving her heartbroken. Grandpa Guo advises Hu Rong to move on, fearing Liu Ziguang's condition will impede her own life. At Zhicheng company, Director Yin pushes Li Wan to cooperate with Hou Sihai to save the project. Li Wan, for the sake of the company and Liu Ziguang, agrees to meet Sun Wei.
At a nightclub, Sun Wei humiliates Li Wan, forcing her to drink multiple beers. She apologizes, agreeing to work with Hou Sihai. Sun Wei doesn't deny harming Zhuo Li, then has his men find and confiscate Li Wan's hidden recorder. Director Yin intervenes for her release. Before leaving, Li Wan defiantly tells Sun Wei to inform Hou Sihai she refuses to cooperate with people like them.
Hu Rong, unable to secure an arrest warrant for Hou Sihai without evidence, is suspended by Director Song for emotional bias. As she leaves in the rain, Liu Ziguang offers her an umbrella, reassuring her that she is a good police officer and that the "rain won't last forever," and as he closes the umbrella, the rain indeed stops.
Zhuo Li eventually wakes up, feeling guilty about the sand quarry, but Liu Ziguang and Bei Xiaoshuai tell him to focus on recovery. Facing chaos at the sand quarry, Liu Ziguang decides to keep it running. Li Jianguo informs them that Zhicheng's construction site is in crisis, with the foreman absconding with workers' wages, causing Li Wan and Director Yin to be surrounded. Zhicheng faces a financial crisis, and their bank denies further loans.
Hu Rong suspects Hou Sihai is behind the incidents and returns to the police station to investigate, risking her suspension. Hou Sihai invites Liu Ziguang to his birthday party. Liu Ziguang decides to attend, bringing a birthday cake. Nie Wanfeng is also present at the party.
Episode 19 Recap
At a birthday celebration, Liu Ziguang confronted Hou Sihai, accusing him of monopolizing the sand business in Jiangbei and demanding that Hou Sihai eat a cake representing the market. When Hou Sihai defiantly declared his intention to control the Jiangbei sand and pebble construction materials market, Liu Ziguang forcefully pushed Hou Sihai’s face into the cake, stating that Sunshine Sand Quarry would continue its operations and that Hou Sihai should come directly to him for any issues.
Watching the scene, Nie Wanfeng subtly smiled, observing Liu Ziguang. Meanwhile, Little Zhao called Hu Rong, informing her that the chief labor contractor, Xiao Qiang, had not left Jiangbei and was spotted near Lakeside Estates. Hu Rong immediately went to the local police station to inform Deputy Head Yang Feng, who promptly dispatched officers to apprehend the contractor. Liu Ziguang was discussing the aftermath of the confrontation with Li Jianguo.
Li Jianguo expressed concern that Hou Sihai would not let Liu Ziguang off easily, emphasizing Hou Sihai's pride. Liu Ziguang, however, dismissed the seriousness of the matter, pointing out he hadn't harmed Hou Sihai's men or money. He believed that the bosses, long oppressed by Hou Sihai, desired change and that justice would prevail in a society governed by law.
Liu Ziguang further asserted that he would not leave Jiangbei until the problems with Zhicheng were resolved, reassuring Li Jianguo that the Public Security Bureau could handle Hou Sihai if needed. At that moment, Hu Rong arrived, having learned of Liu Ziguang's location when he didn't answer her calls. She excitedly informed him that they had found the chief labor contractor, who was slightly injured and now in the hospital.
Liu Ziguang quickly instructed Li Jianguo to return to the office and inform Li Wan, while he prepared to go to the hospital with Hu Rong. As he turned to speak with Hu Rong, a truck suddenly sped towards her. Liu Ziguang instinctively pushed Hu Rong out of the way, taking the full impact of the collision himself. Liu Ziguang lay gravely injured, and Hu Rong rushed him to the hospital, where Li Jianguo soon joined her.
In the emergency room, doctors urgently worked on Liu Ziguang as his blood pressure and heart rate plummeted. He suffered cardiac fibrillation, and despite multiple defibrillation attempts and the administration of epinephrine, his heart stopped for a moment. During this critical time, a heartfelt thought from Hu Rong echoed, "I have not told you that I like you yet." Miraculously, Liu Ziguang’s heart began beating again, and his vital signs were restored, though he remained deeply unconscious.
The doctors stated they could not predict if or when he would regain consciousness. At the hospital, Li Jianguo tried to reassure a frantic Grandpa Guo that Liu Ziguang was stable, though he had been hit by a car. Grandpa Guo immediately suspected Hou Sihai was behind the attack. Hu Rong, meanwhile, stood vigil by Liu Ziguang’s bedside, gently cleaning his face and hands, hoping he would awaken.
She silently pledged to do all the things they had longed to do together, confessing her unspoken feelings. Nie Wanfeng’s associate, Tiger, informed him that Liu Ziguang, though momentarily dead, had been saved and was now unconscious, calling his life "tough." Nie Wanfeng instructed Tiger to monitor all activity at the hospital but warned against taking any further action given the number of people around Liu Ziguang.
He confirmed that the driver responsible for the accident had been safely moved out of Jiangbei, reiterating the importance of avoiding police capture. Simultaneously, at a board meeting of Zhicheng Group, Director Yin and other board members highlighted the severe financial losses incurred daily due to the paralyzed Sunshine Sand Quarry, which affected projects like Riverbank Estates and Longyang, totaling millions in damages.
Li Wan, accepting responsibility, announced her resignation from her position, stating she would "get lost" if it satisfied them, and recalled how her father had once scammed his own daughter. Later, Li Wan visited the comatose Liu Ziguang, expressing her determination to find the best neurosurgery specialists, even if it meant searching in Beijing or overseas, to ensure his recovery. Hu Rong, also present, confirmed she had already consulted specialists who gave similar grim assessments.
Meanwhile, Hou Sihai, delighted, boasted to Sun Wei about Li Wan’s removal and Liu Ziguang’s coma, considering it a significant victory. Sun Wei reminded him that Meng Zhiqiu, known as Qiu Zi, still needed to be dealt with for his previous actions. Hou Sihai then confronted Qiu Zi at the pier, questioning his loyalty and pointing out that Qiu Zi had allowed Liu Ziguang to transport sand and caused the detention of some of Hou Sihai's men.
Qiu Zi admitted his error and expressed willingness to face punishment. He offered to withdraw from the pier, pleading with Hou Sihai to allow his loyal brothers to continue earning a living. Hou Sihai, granting Qiu Zi this "honor," agreed to let the men stay but declared their contract null and void. Police Captain Han and his team visited the hospital to see Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang.
Han Jin noted Hu Rong's haggard appearance and urged her to take care of herself. He updated her on the investigation: the driver had escaped, but the construction foreman and Wang Biao, who had assaulted Zhuo Li, confessed to acting on Hou Sihai’s orders. Hu Rong, determined to contribute, expressed her desire to return to work, and Han Jin advised her to apply directly to Deputy Director Song.
In another part of the hospital, Bei Xiaoshuai tried to conceal Liu Ziguang's condition from Zhuo Li, who was recovering. He lied, saying Liu Ziguang was busy at the sand quarry, which was thriving after Liu Ziguang had "scared off" Hou Sihai. However, Zhuo Li noticed Bei Xiaoshuai's visible distress and pressed him, sensing something was amiss. Later, Zhuo Li, escorted by an officer, managed to reach Liu Ziguang's room after A-Se's attempts to hide the truth failed.
Upon seeing Liu Ziguang in a coma, Zhuo Li was overwhelmed with grief, pleading with his friend to wake up. He furiously asked if Hou Sihai was responsible. Soon after, Bei Xiaoshuai found Zhuo Li, who was determined to seek revenge on Hou Sihai, even in his injured state. Unable to deter him, Bei Xiaoshuai, with fierce loyalty, declared he would join Zhuo Li in confronting Hou Sihai.
However, Li Jianguo timely discovered them and rationally prevented them from confronting Hou Sihai. Later, Hou Sihai met with Nie Wanfeng, deliberately arriving late to assert dominance. He openly admitted to ordering the attack on Liu Ziguang, which left him unconscious. Nie Wanfeng, while acknowledging the news, maintained that the conflict was personal and he would not interfere.
Hou Sihai then complained that Liu Ziguang's close ties with the police had caused increased scrutiny and scared off his men, making business difficult. He demanded an increase of 20% in the profit split to compensate for the operational challenges, to which Nie Wanfeng readily agreed. Nie Wanfeng's associate later commented on Hou Sihai's arrogance, but Nie Wanfeng, seemingly unfazed, mused that such overconfidence would only bring danger closer.
Later, Hu Rong waited at the entrance of the Public Security Bureau for Deputy Director Song to finish work. She proactively requested to return to duty, claiming she had adjusted well. However, Deputy Director Song, seeing her anxious demeanor, unhesitatingly instructed her to continue resting and rejected her application. Disappointed, Hu Rong turned her attention to her father, Director Hu Yuejin. At home, she meticulously prepared a meal for him.
Hu Yuejin, however, immediately saw through her intentions, pointing out she had ordered a pile of takeout to fool him. Seeing her plan foiled, Hu Rong turned to leave. Hu Yuejin then pressed her about her frequent interactions with Liu Ziguang and their relationship. Hu Rong stammered and quickly escaped. Deputy Director Song reported to Director Hu Yuejin that based on various clues, it was inferred that Hou Sihai was also behind Liu Ziguang's car accident.
The police had now largely mapped out the structure of Hou Sihai's criminal gang. Hu Yuejin ordered them to start with the periphery of Hou Sihai's criminal group, breaking them down one by one, ensuring no one escaped, and waiting for Hou Sihai to reveal his true colors. Back in the hospital ward, doctors, after a diagnosis, revealed a grim expression and requested to speak with Liu Ziguang's immediate family. As everyone exchanged glances, Hu Rong stepped forward.
The doctor and Hu Rong then exited the room, where he informed her that Liu Ziguang's condition had worsened and he might become a vegetable. Hu Rong's heart sank upon hearing this, and she was overcome with sorrow, recalling their past moments together. Grandpa Guo visited Liu Ziguang and was deeply moved by Hu Rong's unwavering and meticulous care for him over the past days.
In a senior's tone, he advised Hu Rong to visit less often, as he could care for Liu Ziguang, reminding her that Liu Ziguang might become a vegetable and that Hu Rong had her own life and social circle, expressing concern that she might sacrifice her own future for him. Hu Rong, leaning over Liu Ziguang's bedside, was overcome with grief and sobbed silently.
However, while Li Jianguo was caring for Liu Ziguang in the ward, he noticed Liu Ziguang's fingers move. Overjoyed, he called out Liu Ziguang's name. Liu Ziguang then opened his eyes, his mind filled with thoughts of Hu Rong. He asked Li Jianguo where he was, and Li Jianguo explained about the car accident. Liu Ziguang recalled the painful incident but pulled Li Jianguo back when he tried to call a doctor.
Nie Wanfeng, despite Tiger’s dismissive remarks, instructed his associate to keep monitoring Hou Sihai and Liu Ziguang, suspecting things weren't as simple as they seemed. A week later, Li Jianguo helped Liu Ziguang sneak out of the hospital ward. Wearing a mask, Liu Ziguang quietly left to investigate Hou Sihai and discovered Sun Wei colluding with a Zhicheng Group contractor.
Upon returning to the hospital, he was spotted in the elevator by Hu Rong, who was overjoyed to see him awake. Everyone rejoiced upon learning of Liu Ziguang's awakening. Bei Xiaoshuai playfully chided him for not informing them sooner, causing unnecessary worry. Liu Ziguang explained his actions were a ploy to deceive Hou Sihai and facilitate his investigation.
He revealed he had discovered Sun Wei secretly siphoning money from Hou Sihai and intended to use this information to provoke infighting between them. Li Jianguo secretly stole a phone from one of Sun Wei's subordinates. He retrieved evidence of the subordinate's monthly transfer of 100,000 yuan to Sun Wei and sent it to Hou Sihai. Hou Sihai then sent men to apprehend Sun Wei's subordinate, questioning him about the monthly 100,000 yuan deposits.
The subordinate nervously knelt, explaining that the account number wasn't his but Sun Wei's, which instantly darkened Hou Sihai's expression. Continuing his secret surveillance, Li Jianguo unexpectedly discovered Hou Sihai's mistress secretly meeting with Sun Wei. Simultaneously, at the Public Security Bureau, Deputy Director Song was deploying forces and issuing a command for a sweeping operation, determined to round up Hou Sihai's criminal gang. At this very moment, Hu Rong entered his office, requesting to return to duty.
Sun Wei was quickly brought before Hou Sihai, where he knelt, begged for forgiveness, and repeatedly slapped himself in remorse. Hou Sihai remained unmoved, then feigned magnanimity, giving Sun Wei a reprieve and instructing him to focus on managing the pier and goods. Feeling as if he had received a great pardon, Sun Wei hastily left. After being discharged from the hospital, Liu Ziguang made a special trip to the detention center to visit Zhuo Li.
Zhuo Li, seeing Liu Ziguang's sudden appearance, immediately brightened and then wept with joy, having previously feared Liu Ziguang was dead. Liu Ziguang chided him for planning to confront Hou Sihai with a pair of scissors without considering the consequences. Zhuo Li emotionally explained that before Liu Ziguang returned, he and Bei Xiaoshuai had lived aimlessly, but seeing Liu Ziguang had rekindled his hope for life. Returning home, Liu Ziguang found Grandpa Guo drinking continuously.
Upon inquiry, he learned that Grandma Zhang, whom Grandpa Guo had long admired, had married someone else and left. Grandpa Guo was deeply frustrated, regretting not having confessed his feelings all these years. He advised Liu Ziguang to learn from his mistake and proactively confess his feelings to Hu Rong. Seeing Liu Ziguang busy shopping online, Bei Xiaoshuai learned he was preparing to confess his feelings and began offering advice.
Liu Ziguang, finding Bei Xiaoshuai unreliable, decided to buy a recording doll online himself. Action-oriented, he invited Hu Rong to a local restaurant called Dididao. He intended to give her a surprise, but it turned into a fright when Liu Ziguang personally handled the barbecue. As they ate, Liu Ziguang gazed intently at Hu Rong and, gathering his courage, told her he had a gift for her.
Episode 20 Recap
Liu Ziguang took out a recording doll from the kitchen, intending to present it to Hu Rong and seize the opportunity to confess his feelings. However, at the crucial moment, the doll remained silent, spoiling the romantic gesture. Hu Rong, puzzled, then received a phone call. She pressed Liu Ziguang on what the doll was meant to say, but seeing him flustered, she quickly departed.
His confession attempt thwarted, Liu Ziguang dejectedly threw the doll onto a table, only for it to suddenly play his message, leaving him in a state of amused frustration. Sometime after this incident, Liu Ziguang was involved in a car accident and fell into a coma. Zhuo Li, consumed by anger over Liu Ziguang's condition, declared his intention to kill Hou Sihai.
Bei Xiaoshuai tried to calm him, reminding him of Liu Ziguang's state, but Zhuo Li insisted he would die alongside Hou Sihai. Seeing Zhuo Li's resolve, Bei Xiaoshuai agreed to join him in the fight. Just as they were leaving, Li Jianguo intercepted them, urging them to prioritize Liu Ziguang's recovery. He questioned their reckless behavior, asking if they had "lost your brains" and if "the trouble you've created isn't big enough."
He emphasized that Liu Ziguang was in a coma, and if something happened to his brothers, he would be devastated. Though Zhuo Li confessed he couldn't "swallow this anger," Li Jianguo reasoned, "Yeah, who could? Just because of that, you are going to fight it out with him and die?" He implored them to wait for Liu Ziguang to recover, assuring them that "when he recovers, everything will be fine."
At the hospital, Hu Rong received a grim update from a doctor: Liu Ziguang’s condition was not optimistic, and he was likely in an "irreversible coma," meaning he could become a "human vegetable." Stunned, Hu Rong's mind was flooded with memories of their shared moments. Grandpa Guo often reminisced about Liu Ziguang's past kindness, how he consistently brought home his earnings, and their talks about Liu Ziguang's amnesia.
He remembered advising Liu Ziguang to "look forward and stop thinking about the past" and felt immense pride in his recent successes. Deeply saddened by Liu Ziguang's current state, Grandpa Guo prayed fervently for his awakening. The next day, Grandpa Guo sat by Liu Ziguang's bedside, determined to talk to him continuously, convinced he could "wake him up by talking and calling out to you."
He recalled their history and his hopes for Liu Ziguang's future, vowing to spend all his money, even "the money I kept for buying my coffin," to ensure his recovery. When Hu Rong arrived, Grandpa Guo gently advised her to visit less frequently. He explained he would care for Liu Ziguang and didn't want Liu Ziguang to "delay" her, suggesting she shouldn't sacrifice her own future for him.
Hu Rong, understanding his words, silently wept as she tenderly wiped Liu Ziguang's hand. Hou Sihai received news from a subordinate confirming Liu Ziguang had become a "human vegetable." Clearly pleased, he quickly dismissed his mistress and Sun Wei, who were kneeling before him, to celebrate the perceived end of his troubles. Meanwhile, at Liu Ziguang's bedside, Li Jianguo observed Liu Ziguang stirring and excitedly called his name.
Liu Ziguang suddenly opened his eyes, his mind filled with thoughts of Hu Rong. He then asked Li Jianguo where he was, and Li Jianguo informed him about the car accident. Liu Ziguang recalled the painful moments of his injury. When Li Jianguo went to call a doctor, Liu Ziguang pulled him back, deciding to feign a coma. A week later, with Li Jianguo's help, Liu Ziguang secretly left his hospital room, wearing a mask, to investigate Hou Sihai.
During his covert investigation, he discovered Sun Wei colluding with a chief contractor from Zhicheng Group. Upon his return to the hospital, Hu Rong saw him in the elevator, surprised he was awake. Later, to maintain the deception, Li Jianguo told the others that Liu Ziguang's condition was still "not too good," ensuring the ruse of his prolonged coma continued. Afterward, Liu Ziguang's friends learned of his awakening and were overjoyed.
Bei Xiaoshuai questioned why he hadn't informed them earlier, causing unnecessary worry. Liu Ziguang explained his deception was to mislead Hou Sihai, allowing him to investigate covertly. He revealed he had discovered Sun Wei secretly embezzling money from Hou Sihai, and his plan was to use this to cause internal strife within Hou Sihai's organization.
Li Jianguo expressed concerns for Liu Ziguang's safety, but Liu Ziguang reassured him that Hou Sihai, believing him incapacitated, had lowered his guard, creating the ideal opportunity. Hu Rong warned him to stay in the hospital and leave the rest to the police. Li Jianguo secretly obtained a subordinate's phone, retrieved evidence of monthly ¥100,000 transfers to Sun Wei's account, and sent it to Hou Sihai. Hou Sihai then had Sun Wei's subordinate apprehended and interrogated him.
Under duress, the subordinate revealed that the account belonged to Sun Wei, who had been illicitly depositing ¥100,000 into it each month from company funds. Hou Sihai's face darkened upon hearing this. He then outwardly downplayed the incident, telling the subordinate to leave it and sending him off for a good meal, but his underlying intention to deal with Sun Wei was evident.
Hu Rong returned home and prepared a large meal, hoping her father, Hu Yuejin, would intercede with Deputy Director Song on her behalf. Hu Yuejin, however, saw through her ploy, noting that the food was takeout and refusing to make the call. He then inquired if she had been spending all her time at the hospital with Liu Ziguang.
Deputy Director Song and Han Jin discussed the recent calm in drug trafficking along the coastline and transport routes, noting the absence of "Angel drug" and soft drug transactions, suggesting the dealers had "gone secretly underground." They stressed the importance of maintaining high vigilance to ensure there were "no blind spots in our surveillance." Concurrently, Nie Wanfeng, preparing for a trip to M Country, instructed his subordinate to closely monitor both Hou Sihai and Liu Ziguang.
He hinted that Liu Ziguang's coma might be a deception, quoting "The Art of War" by stating "there can never be too much deception in war." In Deputy Director Song's office, Hu Rong proposed using Sun Wei to dismantle Hou Sihai's criminal organization, stating that Sun Wei, a longtime follower, must possess extensive evidence. Han Jin strongly concurred, predicting that Hou Sihai’s reaction to Sun Wei's betrayal would cause their ranks to fall into disarray.
Deputy Director Song approved this strategy, ordering a comprehensive surveillance of Hou Sihai’s group, with Han Jin leading the operation. When Hu Rong inquired about her role, Deputy Director Song then allowed her to return to duty, noting that the police now had a clear understanding of Hou Sihai’s criminal network and that it was the "best time to bring in our nets."
He then relayed Deputy Mayor Hu's instructions to "crush every criminal perpetrator individually" and "take down Hou Sihai and his organization in one fell swoop." At Hou Sihai's residence, his mistress and Sun Wei were forced to kneel before him. Hou Sihai, having uncovered their affair, produced incriminating photographs. Sun Wei desperately tried to deny the allegations, claiming the pictures were doctored, but Hou Sihai, with cold indifference, tossed a knife at him, instructing him to resolve the matter himself.
While staking out Hou Sihai's house from their car, Han Jin and Hu Rong spotted Sun Wei rushing out in a panic, clutching his injured hand, seemingly headed for the hospital. They inferred that Hou Sihai had acted against him. Han Jin commented that this alone wasn't enough, suggesting they needed to intensify the pressure. Hu Rong then had an idea, mentioning Meng Zhiqiu, believing he might possess crucial insider information.
They subsequently questioned Meng Zhiqiu, who indeed provided vital leads regarding the Nie Chengcheng kidnapping case. Sun Wei was then brought before Hou Sihai, kneeling and profusely apologizing. He admitted to taking the money, explaining it was due to his mother's illness, and begged for forgiveness, citing his years of loyal service. Hou Sihai feigned generosity, remarking that filial piety was commendable and that he was not "unfair or unreasonable" over a "small sum of money."
However, he sternly reminded Sun Wei of "laws and rules" and reassigned him solely to managing the pier and goods, where "the big money is," effectively stripping him of other responsibilities. Sun Wei, relieved, hastily departed. Shortly after, Hou Sihai's associate confirmed that Sun Wei had embezzled at least ¥5,000,000 over the past years. Liu Ziguang and his friends visited Wen Xian, who was preparing for surgery.
Noticing Li Jianguo's conflicted demeanor, Liu Ziguang encouraged him, suggesting that if he and Wen Xian truly loved each other, despite her being his comrade's widow, they should be together. Li Jianguo then entered Wen Xian's hospital room, while the others considerately stepped aside. After a moment of profound hesitation, Li Jianguo presented a ring and proposed marriage to Wen Xian. Overcome with joy, she accepted, and they decided to travel for their wedding after her successful surgery.
Hou Sihai was taken aback by an unexpected visit from his former lover, Sister Na. He scowled, threatening her life, but Sister Na defiantly retaliated, threatening to expose numerous secrets she knew about him, which instantly darkened Hou Sihai's expression. Feeling increasingly agitated, Hou Sihai immediately sought out Sun Wei, demanding to know if Hu Rong had contacted him.
Despite Sun Wei's bewildered appearance, Hou Sihai remained suspicious and warned him that they were inextricably linked, and if one of them were exposed, both would suffer. After Hou Sihai departed, his subordinate Monkey casually remarked on the day's commotion, noting that Hu Rong had left just before Hou Sihai's arrival. Sun Wei was aghast, realizing he had fallen victim to Hu Rong's counter-intelligence ploy.
Concurrently, Tiger reported to Nie Wanfeng, expressing apprehension that if Hou Sihai were captured, the investigation might lead back to Nie Wanfeng. Observing the rapidly escalating situation, Nie Wanfeng couldn't help but comment on Liu Ziguang's ruthlessness. Upon returning home, Hou Sihai was immediately confronted by Hu Rong and a team of police officers. He was arrested on suspicion of orchestrating the kidnapping of Nie Chengcheng.
During the interrogation, Hou Sihai vehemently denied any involvement, adopting an arrogant stance and demanding that his lawyer speak with Hu Rong. At that moment, Han Jin received instructions from Deputy Director Song, indicating that further investigation into the core secrets of Hou Sihai's criminal organization was necessary, and the legal time limit for his current detention had expired. Consequently, the police were compelled to temporarily release Hou Sihai.
Leaving the police station, Hou Sihai, sitting in his car, pondered the events and concluded with certainty that Sun Wei was the one who had betrayed him, fueling his intense resentment. Sun Wei called, attempting to clarify the misunderstanding, but Hou Sihai, already convinced, abruptly cut him off, ordering a meeting at the pier that very night. He then made a chilling call to two known thugs, brutally commanding them to eliminate Sun Wei.
Waiting at a warehouse, Sun Wei eagerly approached Hou Sihai's arriving SUV, only to be met by the dark muzzles of guns. The two thugs opened fire, killing Sun Wei, then sped away. Hu Rong and Han Jin immediately gave chase. Cornered and with no escape, the fleeing thugs burst into a used car dealership, seizing hostages and initiating a standoff with the police. With a large number of hostages involved, the police hesitated to launch an immediate assault.
Han Jin proposed negotiations. One of the injured thugs aggressively demanded a medical professional to treat his wound and the withdrawal of all police snipers. Hu Rong volunteered to go in, disguised as a medic, to engage with the thugs. Given the critical time constraints, Director Hu and Deputy Director Song reluctantly gave their approval. Disguised as a nurse, Hu Rong entered the room and prepared to bandage the injured thug's wound.
However, the other thug grew suspicious and demanded she remove her mask. Hu Rong had no choice but to comply. The thug instantly recognized her as the police officer who had been pursuing them earlier, and his face contorted in a menacing glare as he pointed his gun at her, threatening to kill her.
Episode 21 Recap
Hu Rong calmly tended to a wounded gangster, even as the other held a gun to her head. Suddenly, the gangster discovered a hidden security guard trying to contact the police with a walkie-talkie. He dragged the guard out, and Hu Rong was surprised to see it was Liu Ziguang, wondering how he had managed to get inside. Seeing the situation escalate, Director Sun ordered an immediate operation.
While delaying the gangsters to lull them into a false sense of security, Han Jin was instructed to infiltrate through the back door. Inside, events took a rapid turn. Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong teamed up to take down one gangster, but the other immediately opened fire on Hu Rong. Both Liu Ziguang and Han Jin instinctively lunged forward to shield her.
Han Jin bore the brunt of the bullet, collapsing gravely wounded and unconscious, while Liu Ziguang was also injured. Han Jin was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. Hu Rong waited by the room, consumed by guilt. A sigh of relief escaped her when she learned Han Jin's surgery was successful. Later, Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong sat together on a bench outside the recovery room.
Liu Ziguang explained he had originally come to deliver takeout to Hu Rong and, realizing the danger, had quickly donned a security uniform to help. He regretted that his intervention had led to the current situation. Hu Rong blamed herself, saying both Liu Ziguang and Han Jin were injured because of her. Liu Ziguang sourly suggested that Han Jin shielded her because he liked her. Hu Rong then asked, "And you?" but Liu Ziguang remained silent.
At the police headquarters, Director Hu formally announced that with irrefutable evidence, Hou Sihai had been confirmed to be using his sand transport business for drug trafficking, and an arrest warrant was issued. However, when police raided Hou Sihai's home, they found it empty. Hou Sihai had fled prematurely, leaving behind many important belongings, suggesting a frantic escape.
Following the kidnapping of Nie Chengcheng, Director Song invited Nie Wanfeng to the police station for questioning about his business dealings and any grievances with Hou Sihai. Nie Wanfeng, inwardly startled, maintained a calm demeanor, claiming he had only purchased sand and gravel from Hou Sihai. He then launched into a detailed accusation of Hou Sihai's domineering and unscrupulous business practices.
Nie Wanfeng, a seasoned manipulator, left Director Song with no apparent flaws in his story, and the director politely escorted him out. In the hospital room, Liu Ziguang sat quietly by Han Jin's bedside, his mind racing. Han Jin's selfless act had saved both him and Hu Rong. He recognized Han Jin's profound affection for Hu Rong, evident in his willingness to risk his life for her.
This realization intensified Liu Ziguang's internal conflict about whether to confess his own feelings to Hu Rong. Upon learning that Hou Sihai was wanted by the police, Nie Wanfeng ordered his subordinate, Tiger, to deploy all their men to prevent Hou Sihai from falling into police hands. Meanwhile, Hou Sihai's downfall led to a boom in business for Sunshine Sandpit, much to Bei Xiaoshuai's delight. In contrast, at the Zhicheng Group office, General Manager Yin was extremely agitated.
With Hou Sihai's collapse, the sand and gravel supply to the Riverside construction site had dried up, and other sandpits were hesitant to supply. General Manager Yin, frantic, rushed to find Li Wan, who was racing, to seek her help. After some playful teasing from Li Wan that nearly gave him a heart attack, he urgently proposed signing a sand supply contract with Sunshine Sandpit. In the hospital, Liu Ziguang watched over the unconscious Han Jin, speaking softly to him.
He acknowledged Han Jin's deep love for Hu Rong and confessed his own feelings, declaring that once Han Jin recovered, he would compete fairly for Hu Rong's affection. Just as he finished his heartfelt declaration, Hu Rong stepped into the room, overhearing everything. Leaning against the wall, a mix of emotions washed over her. Fortunately, at that moment, Han Jin stirred and regained consciousness, bringing a wave of celebration to the room.
Later, when Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong were alone again, Hu Rong, feeling awkward, tried to slip away, but Liu Ziguang gently took her hand. Later, Liu Ziguang was packing his belongings, preparing for discharge from the hospital. Li Jianguo entered and asked what he was thinking about, guessing he was thinking of Officer Hu. Li Jianguo encouraged him to express his feelings, advising him not to keep it to himself and regret it later.
Liu Ziguang confessed that his old self, "a questionable person without a past or future," would "never had dared to think" of liking Hu Rong, feeling he had no right to love. However, the near-death experience had given him a "coming back to life" feeling, making some things clearer to him, as "in front of life and death, some things seem trivial, while other things seem larger than life when we are alive."
Li Jianguo approved, and Liu Ziguang decided to visit Zhuo Li. After completing the discharge procedures, Liu Ziguang, accompanied by Li Jianguo and Bei Xiaoshuai, went to the detention center to see Zhuo Li. Initially, Zhuo Li, not seeing Liu Ziguang, cried uncontrollably, believing his brother had died. Bei Xiaoshuai quickly brought Liu Ziguang forward, and Zhuo Li’s tears subsided once he saw Liu Ziguang was alive and well.
Speaking via phone, Liu Ziguang asked how Zhuo Li was doing inside. Zhuo Li, wanting to reassure him, quickly claimed to be doing well and "even gaining weight from eating." Zhuo Li then confided that before Liu Ziguang returned, he and Bei Xiaoshuai "were living like trash," Bei Xiaoshuai wasting money on a live-streaming anchor and he himself running an unqualified boxing gym. They had no direction.
But Liu Ziguang's return had changed everything, making them feel like "everything was about to change" and "Our days were about to get better." Zhuo Li confessed that from the moment he saw Liu Ziguang, he decided to follow him, not just for his fighting skills, but because he believed Liu Ziguang would give them "something to live for" and help them "lead decent lives."
Zhuo Li explained that seeing Liu Ziguang "lying on the bed unconscious" had shattered his world, driving him to confront Hou Sihai, feeling it was the only way he, as someone less clever or strong than the others, could help. Liu Ziguang advised Zhuo Li that "who you are now doesn't matter," reminding him that everyone has a past, but "the most important thing is we must remember that at this very moment, we are good people."
He stressed that "revenge will not solve the problem" and promised to await Zhuo Li's safe release. That evening, Liu Ziguang visited Uncle Guo, who appeared dejected. Uncle Guo, drinking heavily, recounted the story of Mrs. Zhang, a widowed neighbor he had grown close to, as many friends tried to set them up. He admitted that his pride and selfishness prevented him from taking the initiative to express his feelings, always waiting for her to speak first.
He lamented that he "should have taken the initiative and made things clear to her earlier. Then, I wouldn’t be in this situation today," as Mrs. Zhang eventually married Mr. Wang's older brother through a matchmaking effort. Liu Ziguang tried to comfort him with platitudes about finding other partners, but Uncle Guo clarified his true intention: to warn Liu Ziguang about his own situation with Hu Rong.
He urged Liu Ziguang not to be like him and "be brave and take the initiative" with Officer Hu, emphasizing that a "beautiful, and educated" woman like her wouldn't make the first move. Uncle Guo also warned Liu Ziguang about Han Jin, describing him as a tall, handsome team captain with whom Hu Rong seemed to have an "unordinary relationship," and that their professional proximity provided Han Jin with more opportunities.
He stressed that if Liu Ziguang remained passive, he would "end up exactly just like me." Liu Ziguang promised Uncle Guo that he would not make the same mistake. Inspired by Uncle Guo's advice, Liu Ziguang went online to buy a gift for a confession. Bei Xiaoshuai, finding him, eagerly offered advice, suggesting flowers and a ring with a direct proposal, claiming Hu Rong had confessed her feelings for Liu Ziguang when he was unconscious in the hospital.
Liu Ziguang, however, was still worried that Hu Rong might be upset about his coma trick. Despite Bei Xiaoshuai’s suggestions, Liu Ziguang settled on an "outdated" voice recording doll. He then invited Hu Rong to a barbecue restaurant. His attempt at a surprise entrance startled Hu Rong, who jokingly asked if the food would give her diarrhea again, but Liu Ziguang assured her the meat was fresh.
While they ate, Liu Ziguang awkwardly retrieved the doll from the kitchen, explaining "It has something to say to you." He tried to activate it, but it malfunctioned, repeatedly failing to play its message. As Hu Rong warned him against breaking the doll's hand, she received a call summoning her back to duty. She left in a hurry, still curious about the doll's message. Moments after she departed, the doll finally activated, softly uttering, "I like you."
At the police station, Hu Rong proposed using Sun Wei as a key to dismantling Hou Sihai's criminal organization, reasoning that as a core member, Sun Wei surely held critical information. Han Jin strongly agreed, suggesting that if Hou Sihai suspected Sun Wei of disloyalty, he would undoubtedly act first, revealing crucial leads. The chief commended the strategy and ordered comprehensive surveillance of Hou Sihai and Sun Wei, placing Han Jin in charge. Hu Rong was reassigned to active duty.
At Hou Sihai's villa, Sun Wei and Anna knelt before him, their affair exposed by photographs. Sun Wei desperately tried to deny the pictures, claiming they were photoshopped. Hou Sihai, unmoved, menacingly threw a knife onto the floor in front of Sun Wei. Anna, however, brazenly stood up to Hou Sihai, demanding the villa in the west. She threatened to reveal his "too many things" to her friends or the police if anything happened to her.
Outside Hou Sihai's villa, Han Jin and Hu Rong, monitoring the premises, saw Sun Wei leave, clutching his hand, and rush toward the hospital. They concluded that Hou Sihai had already acted against him, but Han Jin believed they needed to "step up the pressure." They decided to question Meng Zhiqiu, who might know more.
Meng Zhiqiu provided a critical lead, informing Han Jin that Liu Yong and Zhu Xingyu, arrested for Nie Chengcheng's kidnapping, had been at Hou Sihai's house the day before the abduction. He vividly recalled Hou Sihai instructing them to "Be efficient in carrying out the job. Don't give the game away," and declaring his intent for "this Nie fellow to know that Jiangbei is not his territory." This testimony provided significant evidence linking Hou Sihai to the kidnapping.
Liu Ziguang and others visited Wenxian at the hospital, where she was preparing for surgery. Liu Ziguang encouraged a conflicted Li Jianguo to propose to Wenxian, emphasizing that his deceased comrade-in-arms would be touched by his meticulous care for his wife, and that marriage would strengthen their bond. As Wenxian sat, surrounded by well-wishers, Li Jianguo, after much hesitation, entered the room and proposed with a ring. Wenxian, tearfully, accepted, agreeing to travel and marry after her successful surgery.
Li Jianguo promised to get her a better ring once he became rich. Everyone celebrated, joyfully addressing Wenxian as "Sister-in-Law." Wenxian’s surgery was later successful, bringing relief and celebration. Sun Wei later went to the "D-ONE" nightclub to meet Hou Sihai. Hou Sihai confronted him, questioning whether Hu Rong had contacted him and expressing concern that the police were now aware of their activities.
He warned Sun Wei that they were "grasshoppers on the same string," and any leaks would have severe consequences for both of them. Sun Wei tried to reassure Hou Sihai and offered to investigate the police’s movements. After Hou Sihai left, his confidant, Monkey, casually remarked to Sun Wei that it had been lively that day, with Hu Rong having just left before Hou Sihai arrived. Sun Wei was greatly alarmed, realizing he had fallen for Hu Rong's counter-espionage trick.
Meanwhile, Tiger reported to Nie Wanfeng, expressing concern that if Hou Sihai were caught, the investigation would lead back to Nie Wanfeng. Seeing the situation take a sharp turn, completely beyond his expectations, Nie Wanfeng couldn't help but sigh that Liu Ziguang was too ruthless. Hou Sihai returned home, and as soon as he got out of the car, he found Hu Rong and a group of police officers blocking his doorstep.
The police arrested him on suspicion of instigating Nie Chengcheng's kidnapping. In the interrogation room, Hou Sihai vehemently denied any knowledge of the kidnapping and arrogantly threatened to have his lawyer speak with Hu Rong. At this point, Han Jin received instructions from Director Song that further investigation into the core secrets of Hou Sihai's criminal group was needed, and the time for Hou Sihai's summons had expired, so the police had to temporarily release him.
Hou Sihai walked out of the police station, and in the car back, he deliberated, concluding that Sun Wei must have betrayed him, filled with resentment. When Sun Wei called, wanting to explain the misunderstanding, Hou Sihai, having already made up his mind, grimly interrupted him, instructing him to meet at the pier that night. He then called two habitual criminals and viciously ordered them to eliminate Sun Wei.
Sun Wei, waiting in the warehouse, saw Hou Sihai's SUV arrive and ran over, but was unexpectedly met by dark muzzles. The two gangsters shot and killed Sun Wei, then drove away, pursued closely by Hu Rong and Han Jin. The two gangsters, having nowhere to go, finally broke into a used car dealership, took hostages, and confronted the police. With numerous hostages held by the gangsters, the police hesitated to act. Han Jin proposed negotiations.
One gangster aggressively demanded a medic to bandage his wound and for the snipers to be withdrawn. Hu Rong volunteered to impersonate a medic to engage with the gangsters. Given the urgent situation, Director Hu and Director Song had no choice but to reluctantly agree. Dressed as a nurse, Hu Rong entered the room and prepared to bandage the injured gangster. However, the other gangster grew suspicious and demanded she remove her mask.
Hu Rong reluctantly complied, and the gangster immediately recognized her as the police officer who had been pursuing them earlier. He instantly turned hostile, pointing his gun at Hu Rong and threatening to kill her.
Episode 22 Recap
Hou Sihai received a call informing him that Liu Ziguang had recovered and been discharged from the hospital. This news instantly worried Hou Sihai, who expressed concern about the escalating situation and Liu Ziguang's ruthless nature. He was also informed that he was being closely watched by the police, which made him realize the fight was becoming fiercer than he imagined and already out of control.
Hu Rong and her police team arrived with an arrest warrant for Hou Sihai, who was suspected of orchestrating Nie Chengcheng's kidnapping. Initially defiant, Hou Sihai became compliant upon seeing the warrant and was taken into custody. At the police station, Hu Rong interrogated Hou Sihai regarding the kidnapping. He denied knowing the culprits, claiming he had not personally received them at his home, and accused Hu Rong of making baseless accusations in a society governed by law.
Han Jin, observing from another room, found Hou Sihai to be a slippery and difficult subject. Given the time limit on the interrogation and the need to uncover deeper secrets of Hou Sihai's criminal enterprise, Deputy Director Song instructed the team to release him for the time being. Soon after his release, Hou Sihai felt uneasy, suspecting Sun Wei of tipping off the police. He called Sun Wei and arranged to meet at the Southside Pier warehouse that night.
Hou Sihai then ordered a subordinate, Old San, to kill Sun Wei, offering 5 million yuan and citing Sun Wei's betrayal. Sun Wei, unsuspecting, went to a derelict construction site near the pier and was fatally shot. The sound of gunshots prompted the police to respond. Hu Rong and Han Jin immediately arrived, discovering the culprits had fled into a used car service shop and taken hostages.
Deputy Director Song arrived at the scene, stressing the paramount importance of ensuring hostage safety. Han Jin briefed him on the situation: ten to eleven hostages were inside with two armed gangsters, one of whom was wounded. Han Jin attempted to negotiate via loudspeaker, but the gangsters initially refused to communicate.
When they finally responded, they demanded a doctor for their injured accomplice and a getaway car, threatening to kill a hostage every five minutes if their demands were not met quickly, imposing a ten-minute deadline for all conditions. They also insisted on speaking directly with the police leader. Deputy Director Song identified himself and, to de-escalate the volatile situation, ordered the snipers to withdraw.
Hu Rong, with her basic first-aid training, volunteered to enter the shop disguised as a doctor, hoping to find an opportunity to subdue the perpetrators. Both Han Jin and Deputy Director Song opposed the idea due to her inexperience in such dangerous situations. However, Hu Yuejin, Hu Rong's father and Director-General, unexpectedly gave his consent, instructing her to be extremely cautious and discreetly providing her with a hidden gun. Hu Rong entered the shop with a first-aid kit.
As she began bandaging the injured gangster, the other armed gangster ordered her to remove her mask, quickly recognizing her as a police officer. Hu Rong maintained that she was the only one capable of saving his accomplice, while the gangster warned her that any deception would result in the deaths of everyone inside. Meanwhile, in an office area, the armed gangster discovered a security guard, who turned out to be Liu Ziguang.
With Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang now inside, Han Jin proposed a swift attack from a hidden back door with a special forces team, while other police provided cover from the front. Deputy Director Song approved the plan, and Han Jin began preparations. To buy more time, the police continued to announce the availability of the getaway vehicle via loudspeaker. The gangsters, however, took two hostages as human shields. During the escalating confrontation, a gangster fired at Hu Rong.
Liu Ziguang immediately sprang forward to shield her. At the same instant, Han Jin, who had covertly infiltrated the premises, also rushed to protect Hu Rong. Han Jin took the bullet, falling critically wounded, while the bullet also injured Liu Ziguang. Han Jin was rushed to Jiangbei People's Hospital for emergency surgery. Liu Ziguang, also injured, followed to receive medical attention.
Hu Rong sat in the hospital corridor, consumed by guilt, blaming herself for failing to apprehend Hou Sihai and for Han Jin's severe injury. Liu Ziguang, recovering from his wounds, explained to her that he and Han Jin protected her not out of her necessity for it, but because they both genuinely cared for her and desired to protect her.
Hu Rong acknowledged his words but expressed deep remorse, feeling that as a police officer, she should be protecting others, not requiring protection herself, and regretting Han Jin's sacrifice for her. Doctors later confirmed Han Jin's surgery was a success. At police headquarters, Director-General Hu Yuejin and Deputy Director Song announced crucial breakthroughs.
Based on solid evidence and confessions from Sun Wei's killer, Hou Sihai was confirmed to be involved in drug trafficking via waterway transport lines, in addition to murder, kidnapping, and organized crime. A nationwide arrest warrant for Hou Sihai was officially issued. Following the briefing, Hu Yuejin praised Hu Rong's "outstanding performance" during the hostage crisis and urged her to prioritize her safety.
Police officers raided Hou Sihai's residence, but he had already fled, leaving behind substantial amounts of cash and gold, indicating a frantic escape. Nie Wanfeng, learning of Hou Sihai's exposure and disappearance, realized he had to take direct action to prevent Hou Sihai from implicating him and his syndicate.
Deputy Director Song summoned Nie Wanfeng to the police station for questioning about any business dealings or conflicts he might have had with Hou Sihai, particularly in relation to Nie Chengcheng's kidnapping. Nie Wanfeng, maintaining his composure, stated that his Major Development Group had only purchased sand and gravel from Hou Sihai's Four Seas Sand Trading Company.
He described how Hou Sihai had monopolized the market by coercing other suppliers, forcing Nie Wanfeng to buy sand at prices 30% higher than market rates. He recounted a past incident where he, while intoxicated, had criticized Hou Sihai for unfair practices but quickly apologized and continued the business relationship. Nie Wanfeng expressed his personal philosophy of "amiability makes you rich" and lamented how the situation nearly cost his son's life.
Despite Nie Wanfeng's carefully constructed narrative, Deputy Director Song remained suspicious as he politely escorted him out. Back at the hospital, Liu Ziguang sat by Han Jin's unconscious bedside, speaking softly. He acknowledged Han Jin's profound love for Hu Rong, evident in his self-sacrificing act. Liu Ziguang confessed his internal struggle, contemplating whether he should still confess his own feelings for Hu Rong given Han Jin's condition.
Meanwhile, at the police station, Hu Rong stepped in to handle Han Jin's responsibilities, meticulously reviewing maps and potential locations for the fugitive Hou Sihai, her worry for Han Jin evident in her diligent work.
Episode 23 Recap
Liu Ziguang was in Han Jin's hospital room, speaking to him while he was unconscious. He told Han Jin that from the moment he saved Hu Rong, he could tell Han Jin loved her deeply. However, Liu Ziguang admitted he also liked Hu Rong a lot. He then declared that once Han Jin woke up, they would have a fair competition for Hu Rong's affections.
He promised not to confess to Hu Rong before Han Jin woke up, stating that Han Jin would look down on him if he did, and reiterated that he would wait for his friend. Just then, Hu Rong arrived, and Han Jin regained consciousness. Liu Ziguang then asked Hu Rong if she had heard everything he said to Han Jin, but she became flustered and quickly left.
Soon after, Hu Rong returned to the hospital to visit the now-conscious Han Jin. Han Jin asked her if she had seen Liu Ziguang recently, and she awkwardly said no. Han Jin understood her unspoken concerns. He sighed, self-deprecatingly remarking that before Liu Ziguang's appearance, he was considered the ideal match for Hu Rong by her parents and police colleagues, but Liu Ziguang had changed everything.
Han Jin then encouraged Hu Rong to seek out Liu Ziguang and truly understand her own heart. He promised to give them his blessing if she chose to be with Liu Ziguang, but if not, he would always be her eternal fallback. Moved by his words, Hu Rong embraced Han Jin. That evening, after much reflection, Hu Rong bravely called Liu Ziguang, asking to meet him at an amusement park.
Liu Ziguang was preparing to leave for his meeting with Hu Rong when he spotted a car whose driver strongly resembled Hou Sihai. He immediately chased the car on his motorcycle. The cunning Hou Sihai swerved, positioning his vehicle to block the road. Liu Ziguang's motorcycle crashed heavily into the car, sending him flying. Hou Sihai's car failed to start after the collision, forcing him to abandon it and flee towards the dock.
Liu Ziguang slowly regained consciousness and, stumbling, pursued him to the dock. Meanwhile, at the amusement park, Hu Rong waited in vain. Unable to reach Liu Ziguang, whose phone was off, she became angry, believing he had deliberately stood her up, and left. The next day, Liu Ziguang went to the police station to find Hu Rong, who was still upset.
He quickly explained that he had encountered Hou Sihai the previous night and chased him, but Hou Sihai had managed to escape. Seeing Liu Ziguang's injuries, Hu Rong's anger only grew. Liu Ziguang then asked if she had made a choice regarding her feelings. Hu Rong retorted angrily that Liu Ziguang had never formally confessed to her and was clearly not ready, leaving him speechless.
Simultaneously, news broadcasts announced an arrest warrant for Hou Sihai across the country, describing him as a fugitive and asking for public assistance. Nie Wanfeng, watching this on television, ordered his subordinate, Tiger, to find Hou Sihai quickly before the police could apprehend him. Hou Sihai had previously recorded a video, threatening Nie Wanfeng with "Angel" if anything happened to him, and demanding 500 million, with 10 million upfront and passage out of the country.
Nie Wanfeng immediately agreed to his terms and arranged to meet Hou Sihai the following night at the riverside sand quarry. After Hou Sihai left, Tiger asked Nie Wanfeng if they should take action. Nie Wanfeng, with a cold gaze, stated that since Hou Sihai dared to challenge him publicly, he must be fully prepared. He then ordered Tiger to find the original video and all backups.
Due to Hou Sihai's downfall, Jiangbei's sand and gravel market was in disarray, and Zhicheng Group's ongoing construction project urgently required sand. Director Yin of Zhicheng decided to approach Li Wan for a collaboration with Sunshine Sand Quarry, which was now booming with business and overwhelmed by orders. Director Yin contacted Li Wan's assistant, Wei Ziqian, to arrange a meeting. Assistant Wei initially played hard to get, suggesting Li Wan was uncontactable, perhaps "flying, running, or gone out to sea."
Director Yin eventually found Li Wan at a racing club. Li Wan insisted on completing her race before discussing business, and a desperate Director Yin reluctantly joined her in the race car. The high-speed ride left him severely carsick and nauseous. After the race, Director Yin pleaded with Li Wan to approach Liu Ziguang for a contract, stressing that Zhicheng's project faced significant delays otherwise. Li Wan agreed and headed to Sunshine Sand Quarry, but Liu Ziguang was not there.
A subordinate reported to Nie Wanfeng that they had located Hou Sihai. Nie ordered the subordinate to "personally handle this matter" and "make it clean." Hou Sihai, in disguise, paid a taxi driver and hid in a bicycle repair shop. Hu Rong and other police officers arrived at the shop, but the owner confirmed Hou Sihai had already left. Nie Wanfeng's subordinate later reported a miscalculation; the police had appeared suddenly, interrupting their "task" and allowing Hou Sihai to escape.
Nie, unfazed, stated that "maintaining the pot is just a question of time," suggesting his resolve to eliminate Hou Sihai remained. Police found a public transport card at the abandoned repair shop, which Hu Rong confirmed Hou Sihai had registered three days prior but never used. Deputy Director Song, believing Hou Sihai was still in Jiangbei, ordered a comprehensive city-wide investigation. Liu Ziguang, while topping up Uncle Guo's transport card, encountered Hu Rong, who was investigating near the card station.
He attempted to speak with her, but she, still angry, ignored him and walked away. Later, police received a report of a body found by the river. Hu Rong and her team were shocked to discover it was Hou Sihai, with a suspicious suicide note found on him. At the "Di Di Dao Dao" boxing gym, Xiao Bei and others celebrated upon hearing news reports of Hou Sihai's apparent suicide.
However, Liu Ziguang remained skeptical, finding the suicide claim implausible, as he had just seen Hou Sihai alive the previous night. Following an inspection of the scene, Hu Rong reported to Director Song her belief that the suicide scene was fabricated, hinting at foul play. Director Song ordered a full investigation, and the forensic report soon confirmed Hu Rong's suspicion: Hou Sihai had indeed been murdered.
After some hesitation, Hu Rong informed Han Jin that Liu Ziguang had seen Hou Sihai the night he died, which immediately drew Han Jin's serious attention. Han Jin reviewed surveillance footage, spotting Liu Ziguang. He then confronted Hu Rong, pointing out a blind spot in the street's surveillance where Liu Ziguang's whereabouts were unknown for nearly two hours, a period that coincided precisely with Hou Sihai's death, making Liu Ziguang a prime suspect.
Meanwhile, Li Wan visited Han Jin in the hospital. She pressed him about his feelings for Hu Rong, asking if he truly loved her. She urged him to confess, emphasizing that some feelings are unique and if missed, will never return. Encouraged by Li Wan's words, Han Jin called Liu Ziguang, proposing they both confess their feelings to Hu Rong together at the hospital the following day.
Liu Ziguang relayed this plan to Uncle Guo, who advised him to act decisively, concerned about Han Jin's intentions. They discussed how Liu Ziguang should best confess. Hu Rong, meanwhile, subtly sought advice from her mother about a friend facing simultaneous confessions from two admirers. Her mother immediately guessed she was referring to Liu Ziguang and Han Jin, panicking at the unexpected situation. Liu Ziguang and Han Jin prepared for their confessions.
Xiao Bei comically handed Liu Ziguang a safety helmet, jokingly suggesting he might need it if the confession didn't go well. In the hospital garden, both Han Jin and Liu Ziguang, holding bouquets of flowers, approached Hu Rong. They squabbled over who should confess first. Han Jin eventually began, acknowledging their agreement to confess together.
However, he then argued that his act of taking a bullet for Hu Rong was simply his duty as a police officer and captain, something he would do for any colleague. He contrasted this with Liu Ziguang, a civilian, who had no such obligation, implying Liu Ziguang's action was a purer testament to his love for Hu Rong.
Liu Ziguang, angered by Han Jin's reasoning, asked if he was "giving her to me," and asserted that he, too, would take a bullet for Han Jin if he were in danger. He accused Han Jin of not adhering to their "fair competition" agreement and refused to confess. Exasperated by their bickering, Hu Rong declared she chose Han Jin. Liu Ziguang, shocked, questioned her choice.
Hu Rong angrily retorted that they were treating her like a "commodity" and were behaving ridiculously. She told Han Jin to go back and rest, and Liu Ziguang to "do whatever you want," before walking away. Both men urged the other to chase after her, but neither moved, each accusing the other of cowardice. Later, Hou Sihai arrived at Jinbihuihuang, demanding to see Miss Mei. He was blocked by her secretary, but Hou Sihai directly entered Miss Mei's office.
Finding her away on a business trip, he insisted on staying and waiting for her return, asking the secretary to arrange a meeting with Miss Mei as soon as possible. After waiting in vain, an impatient Hou Sihai called Tiger, stating he wanted to meet Nie Wanfeng at Jinbihuihuang. Tiger suggested this was a golden opportunity to eliminate Hou Sihai during the meeting. However, the cunning Nie Wanfeng rejected this idea, speculating that Hou Sihai would be prepared for such a meeting and would have a backup plan.
Episode 24 Recap
Prior to this, at Di Di Dao Dao, Liu Ziguang, encouraged by Bei Xiaoshuai, decided to confess his feelings to Hu Rong. Unexpectedly, Hu Rong proactively called him, stating her intention to come to the boxing gym to find him, which surprised and delighted Liu Ziguang. Liu Ziguang immediately busied himself with Bei Xiaoshuai, decorating the gym in a romantic and cozy manner, preparing for his formal confession.
It was into this setting that Hu Rong stepped into the boxing gym, taken aback by the elaborate, romantic decorations. As music played, Liu Ziguang slowly made his way onto a stage, ready to make a heartfelt confession. His nervousness caused him to stumble over her name initially, but he quickly composed himself, bravely declaring his desire to be with her forever and pleading for a chance. Tears welled in Hu Rong's eyes as she listened.
She subtly gestured for Bei Xiaoshuai to leave, then, her emotions in turmoil, walked towards a smiling Liu Ziguang. With a deep breath, she firmly produced her police badge and informed him that he was a witness in the Hou Sihai case and needed to accompany her to the police station for questioning. The chain of events leading to this moment had been complex.
Some time prior, Hou Sihai had gone to Golden Glory in search of Miss Mei, but her secretary insisted she was not present. Undeterred, Hou Sihai refused to leave, demanding a room to wait for her return. Meanwhile, Liu Ziguang had already returned to the boxing gym disheartened, confiding in Bei Xiaoshuai that his initial attempt to confess his feelings to Hu Rong had been rejected.
Bei Xiaoshuai, convinced Liu Ziguang's approach was flawed, even offered to call Officer Hu to understand her perspective. Later, Hou Sihai contacted Nie Wanfeng, arranging a meeting at Golden Glory that evening. Nie Wanfeng's subordinate expressed concern that it could be a trap, but Nie Wanfeng, viewing Hou Sihai as a continuing threat, decided to attend.
He reasoned that since Hou Sihai initiated the meeting, he must have come prepared, making a direct confrontation too risky and conspicuous at Golden Glory. Concurrently, Li Wan excitedly arrived at Di Di Dao Dao. Bei Xiaoshuai described Liu Ziguang's romantic confession to Hu Rong, embellishing details of their supposed intimacy after a successful "hand-holding." Following this, Bei Xiaoshuai boldly declared his intention to pursue Li Wan himself. Overwhelmed with emotion, Li Wan broke down in tears at the table.
Bei Xiaoshuai quickly backtracked, explaining that Liu Ziguang's confession was real, but his own declaration was just a joke. Li Wan, still distraught, asked for alcohol, and Bei Xiaoshuai chivalrously offered to drink with her. During this, a staff member gently advised her that her biggest challenge was her unrequited love.
The next day, Li Wan, still determined, visited Di Di Dao Dao again in search of Liu Ziguang, hoping to invite him to watch a new movie together for a romantic outing. However, Bei Xiaoshuai, mischievously, implied that Liu Ziguang was currently enjoying a romantic "couple's world" at the movies with Police Officer Hu. Liu Ziguang, in reality, was at the seafood market visiting Qiu Zi, bringing him pastries.
Liu Ziguang urged Qiu Zi to return to manage the sand quarry, which was now under Uncle Bei's care with Bei Xiaoshuai assisting, citing Bei Xiaoshuai's unreliability. Qiu Zi, however, expressed his weariness of his past life of "fighting and killing" at the quarry. He found peace running his small business and was happily pursuing a young woman selling fruit, affectionately referring to her as his future sister-in-law.
Subsequently, Hou Sihai sent a video to Nie Wanfeng, addressing the Jiangbei Public Security Bureau. In the video, he claimed that if they were watching, it meant he was dead, murdered by Nie Wanfeng, Chairman of Major Development Group. Hou Sihai implicated Nie Wanfeng in illegal drug trafficking, specifically mentioning the "Angel" drug. He then called Nie Wanfeng, subtly mocking him before demanding his conditions.
Hou Sihai explained that with his house and company seized, his bank accounts frozen, and all his men gone, he was penniless. He then demanded 500 million, with 10 million in cash upfront, and safe passage out of the country, implying these demands were minor compared to the secret of the "Angel" drug.
Nie Wanfeng agreed to his terms, arranging to meet at the Riverside Sand Quarry at midnight the following night, where the money would be delivered, and Hou Sihai would be sent abroad by waterway. After the call, Nie Wanfeng, recognizing Hou Sihai's calculated move, reiterated to his subordinate the critical task of locating and destroying all copies of the incriminating video. Meanwhile, Hu Rong visited Han Jin at the hospital.
Han Jin, perceptive of her hidden emotions, noted how she had become less frank since meeting Liu Ziguang and directly asked if she liked him. Hu Rong hesitantly admitted that she did, and when asked if Liu Ziguang liked her, she replied, "Perhaps." Han Jin then confessed his own resentment, recalling how he was once seen as the ideal partner for Hu Rong by her parents and colleagues.
He lamented that Liu Ziguang's sudden appearance had changed everything, describing it as fate that hard work couldn't alter. Despite his personal feelings, Han Jin encouraged Hu Rong to genuinely confront her emotions. He promised his blessings if her relationship with Liu Ziguang blossomed, and reassured her that if it ended, he would still be there for her, explicitly calling himself her "spare tire."
He urged her to be courageous, emphasizing that her choice would impact not only her happiness but also his and Liu Ziguang's future. Moved by his words, Hu Rong embraced him. Later that night, pondering Han Jin's advice, Hu Rong called Liu Ziguang to arrange a meeting at an amusement park. As Liu Ziguang rode his motorcycle to meet her, he unexpectedly spotted Hou Sihai driving.
He immediately gave chase, but Hou Sihai cunningly swerved his car, causing Liu Ziguang to collide and be thrown onto a flower bed. Hou Sihai's car then stalled, prompting him to abandon it and flee towards the riverbank. Liu Ziguang, though injured, struggled to his feet and continued to pursue him. At the same time, Hu Rong waited patiently at the amusement park, repeatedly calling Liu Ziguang, whose phone remained off, leaving her increasingly frustrated.
The next day, Liu Ziguang sought out Hu Rong at the police station to explain his absence, apologizing for standing her up. He told her he had encountered Hou Sihai, chased him, but the man had ultimately escaped. Hu Rong, already upset, became even more agitated upon seeing Liu Ziguang's injuries, scolding him for constantly putting himself in danger and questioning if he believed himself to be a police officer or a car chaser.
Liu Ziguang, noticing her concern, playfully asked if she was worried, which she quickly denied. He then revealed that the previous night's events had helped him find an "answer" regarding her choice between him and Han Jin. Hu Rong challenged him, pointing out that he had never formally confessed his feelings or asked her to be his girlfriend, implying his own lack of readiness.
Liu Ziguang, resolute, declared he was ready, but before he could elaborate, he stated he was going to find Hou Sihai. Soon after, a report came in about a body discovered by the river. Hu Rong and her team arrived at the scene, shocked to identify the deceased as Hou Sihai. A peculiar suicide note was found on his person, leading to a preliminary judgment of death by drowning.
News of Hou Sihai's demise quickly spread, reaching Di Di Dao Dao, where Bei Xiaoshuai and Uncle Guo celebrated, even contemplating a discount for their customers. However, Liu Ziguang remained skeptical, having seen Hou Sihai alive just the night before, finding the idea of suicide hard to believe. Following her initial assessment, Hu Rong reported to Deputy Director Song her strong suspicion that Hou Sihai's death was a homicide, meticulously staged to appear as a suicide.
Deputy Director Song instructed her to conduct a thorough investigation. When Han Jin was discharged from the hospital, Hu Rong and a colleague went to pick him up. Han Jin, despite orders for him to rest at home, insisted on returning to the police station immediately, emphasizing the critical need to prevent the loss of clues. The forensic autopsy report soon arrived, confirming Hu Rong's suspicions: Hou Sihai had indeed died from drowning, likely between midnight and 1:00 a. m.
on October 18th, 2017. A small amount of sand found in his oral and nasal cavities indicated aspiration before death, consistent with drowning. However, a two-centimeter head wound, identified as a contusion likely caused by being pulled by the hair, confirmed that he had been murdered upstream before being dumped in the river. Han Jin promptly directed his team to investigate upstream for the exact crime scene, review surveillance footage, and seek out witnesses.
Hu Rong, after some hesitation, informed Han Jin that Liu Ziguang had encountered Hou Sihai on the night of his death, a revelation that instantly drew Han Jin's close attention and, coupled with surveillance showing Liu Ziguang in a blind spot during the estimated time of death, made him a prime suspect.
At the police station, Liu Ziguang detailed his encounter with Hou Sihai to Han Jin and Hu Rong, explaining how he had pursued Hou Sihai and narrowly avoided a serious car accident before passing out. Han Jin pressed him for any useful leads. Liu Ziguang, looking keenly at Hu Rong, challenged them, asking if they suspected him of killing Hou Sihai.
Hu Rong averted her gaze, unable to respond, but Han Jin interjected, reassuring Liu Ziguang that it was merely a routine investigation. Undeterred, Liu Ziguang firmly stated he would remain there and fully cooperate. Later that evening, after a night of heavy drinking, Li Wan awoke in Bei Xiaoshuai's bed, mortified.
She quickly grabbed her clothes, attempting to discreetly slip away, but was caught off guard by Uncle Guo entering the room, leaving her utterly flustered and unable to offer an explanation. Back at the police station, Han Jin and Hu Rong worked relentlessly, sifting through evidence. Han Jin urged Hu Rong to go home for some rest, but at that moment, a colleague rushed in with news that the actual crime scene had been found.
Energized, Han Jin and Hu Rong promptly went to the site. Their examination further reinforced their conviction that Hou Sihai had been murdered elsewhere and his body subsequently disposed of in the river to simulate drowning. Upon learning of Liu Ziguang's involvement in Hou Sihai's murder case, Li Wan was profoundly shocked. She immediately went to the police station and hired a lawyer.
The lawyer, after making inquiries, reported back to Li Wan that Liu Ziguang was willingly cooperating and had no intention of leaving. Seeing Li Wan's distress, Uncle Guo advised her to return home and await further news. Hu Rong and Han Jin successfully located an eyewitness who corroborated Liu Ziguang's account, testifying that he had appeared disoriented and on the verge of collapsing that night.
At the police station, a colleague reported that forensic analysis had recovered skin and hair fragments from under Hou Sihai's fingernails, believed to belong to the assailant. Hu Rong immediately commenced further investigation. During dinner, as Han Jin ordered takeout for Hu Rong, he received a call from forensics: the DNA comparison results were ready. Han Jin rushed off, with a visibly anxious Hu Rong following close behind.
The results confirmed that the suspect's DNA did not match Liu Ziguang's, effectively clearing him of suspicion. Hu Rong visibly relaxed, letting out a long sigh of relief. Hu Rong went to the interrogation room to inform Liu Ziguang of the DNA results and his release. Liu Ziguang silently walked out, where he was met by Li Wan, who immediately bombarded him with questions.
As Liu Ziguang and Li Wan walked away together, appearing quite close, Hu Rong felt a surge of sadness. Separately, Tiger nervously reported to Nie Wanfeng that the police had discovered the murder scene by the river where Hou Sihai's body was found, asking if he should go into hiding. Nie Wanfeng, composed, dismissed the idea, advising him not to attract undue attention. He specifically warned Tiger to ensure that the scratches on his arm—sustained during Hou Sihai's struggle to escape—remained undiscovered.
Episode 25 Recap
Brother Hu inquired of Nie Wanfeng whether he should go into hiding. Nie Wanfeng calmly replied that there was no need, but advised Brother Hu to be careful not to expose the scratches on his wrist, which he sustained when Hou Sihai struggled against him. It was revealed that after Nie Wanfeng had arranged to meet Hou Sihai at the pier that night, Brother Hu took the opportunity to drown him in the river.
Subsequently, Brother Hu retrieved the key to Hou Sihai's laptop from his wallet, accessed his computer, located, and deleted incriminating videos. At a police meeting, Hu Rong presented a blue lighter found among Hou Sihai's belongings and proposed investigating it as a lead. Han Jin then instructed his team to find out which high-end clubs distributed such lighters to their members. Separately, Li Wan confessed to Liu Ziguang that she had drunkenly woken up next to Bei Xiaoshuai.
Liu Ziguang was stunned. When Bei Xiaoshuai approached, Li Wan furiously called him a beast. Liu Ziguang then received a phone call and left quickly. Bei Xiaoshuai explained that Li Wan had thrown up on herself that night, and he had asked an elderly neighbor, Aunt Zhang, to help change her clothes, assuring Liu Ziguang nothing untoward had happened. Relieved, Li Wan immediately called Liu Ziguang to confirm her innocence and reaffirm her feelings for him.
Later, Han Jin met Liu Ziguang for drinks. He candidly admitted that before Liu Ziguang's appearance, everyone, including himself, had assumed he would become Hu Yuejin's son-in-law. Han Jin confessed that seeing the way Hu Rong looked at Liu Ziguang made him realize he had lost, though he still harbored a sliver of hope. At that moment, Li Wan arrived with soup for Liu Ziguang, who, without a word, abruptly rushed out.
Han Jin, feeling dejected, told Li Wan he had just made a foolish decision, giving up the woman he loved to his rival. Li Wan chastised Han Jin as a fool and attempted to leave. Han Jin stopped her, taking her to a bar to drink away their sorrows. Li Wan accused Han Jin of idly sitting while their loved ones were together.
Han Jin, in turn, sharply rebuked her, saying that if she truly loved Liu Ziguang, she should wish him happiness instead of trying to sabotage his relationships. Hu Rong informed Han Jin that Liu Ziguang had seen Hou Sihai on the night of the murder. Han Jin considered this crucial and asked for specific details. Hu Rong revealed she had arranged to meet Liu Ziguang at 10:30 p. m. at the amusement park that night.
She wanted to tell him she chose him, but he never showed up. It turned out he had encountered Hou Sihai and was involved in a car accident while pursuing him. Han Jin explained that Liu Ziguang was hit by Hou Sihai at 11:15 p. m. and disappeared from surveillance at 11:25 p. m. while still chasing Hou Sihai. However, Liu Ziguang only reported the incident to the police at 1:15 a. m.
Due to blind spots in surveillance, there was a crucial one-hour and fifty-minute gap where Hou Sihai was murdered, and they needed Liu Ziguang to explain what happened. Meanwhile, Bei Xiaoshuai was strategizing with Liu Ziguang on how to mend things with Hu Rong, whom he called "Xiao Hong." Bei Xiaoshuai critiqued Liu Ziguang's previous confession as lacking creativity and for standing Hu Rong up. He suggested Liu Ziguang plan a unique and romantic confession.
Liu Ziguang worried about too many people at Truly Authentic, so Bei Xiaoshuai proposed the boxing gym for a more private setting, assuring him of "follow-up activities." While Han Jin and Hu Rong were discussing the case, Liu Ziguang called Hu Rong, inviting her to the boxing gym. Hu Rong, prompted by Han Jin, replied that she would come to the boxing gym that night instead of waiting until the next day.
Bei Xiaoshuai, upon hearing this, became excited, interpreting it as a sign of Hu Rong's eagerness. He quickly rallied his friends to help prepare the boxing gym. At the boxing gym, Bei Xiaoshuai and his crew meticulously set up decorations, including balloons, flowers, a band, and a swimming pool, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Bei Xiaoshuai kept coaching a nervous Liu Ziguang on the romantic lines he was supposed to say, repeatedly correcting his mistakes and reminding him to use "Rong Rong" instead of "Xiao Hong." When Hu Rong arrived, she was surprised by the elaborate setup. Bei Xiaoshuai grandly introduced Liu Ziguang.
Liu Ziguang, still fumbling, began his heartfelt confession, expressing his deep affection for her, how she brought familiarity and trust after his memory loss, and his desire for her to accompany him through life, shielding her from storms. He proposed that she be his boyfriend. Hu Rong was visibly moved, tears streaming down her face. She asked Bei Xiaoshuai and the others to leave, saying she needed time with Liu Ziguang.
Once alone with Liu Ziguang, Hu Rong approached him, her expression serious. She pulled out her police ID and stated, "I'm a police officer. My name is Hu Rong. You reported seeing Hou Sihai, who was murdered. Please come to the bureau with me and explain to us in detail what happened." Bei Xiaoshuai later met Li Wan at Truly Authentic, where he excitedly recounted Liu Ziguang's confession to Hu Rong, embellishing details about their newfound intimacy.
He then jokingly declared his intention to officially pursue Li Wan, echoing a past promise to Liu Ziguang. Li Wan, heartbroken, started crying uncontrollably. Seeing her distress, Bei Xiaoshuai admitted his pursuit was a joke to cheer her up, but Liu Ziguang's confession to Hu Rong was real. Li Wan, still upset, asked for beer, and Bei Xiaoshuai agreed to drink with her.
At the Public Security Bureau, Liu Ziguang was interrogated by Hu Rong and Han Jin about the night Hou Sihai was murdered. Liu Ziguang recounted running into Hou Sihai on his way to the amusement park, chasing him because he knew Hou Sihai was wanted, being hit by Hou Sihai's car, fainting, and waking up to continue the chase before being almost hit by another car and asking a passing driver to call the police.
Han Jin pressed for details, pointing out that forensic evidence showed Hou Sihai's time of death coincided with the period Liu Ziguang claimed to be unconscious. Liu Ziguang grew angry, asking if they suspected him of murder, and then pointedly asked Hu Rong if she also suspected him. Han Jin interjected, clarifying it was a routine investigation due to surveillance blind spots. Liu Ziguang, however, refused to leave, stating he would remain to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Han Jin asked Hu Rong to speak with Liu Ziguang alone. After a night of drinking, Li Wan woke up to find herself in Bei Xiaoshuai's bed, wearing different clothes. Mortified, she tried to sneak out but was caught by Uncle Guo, who misunderstood the situation. Just then, Bei Xiaoshuai received a phone call from the Public Security Bureau, informing them about Liu Ziguang being there. Hu Rong, having stayed up all night, was urged by Han Jin to rest.
Zhao Gang then rushed in to report that the primary crime scene had been found. Han Jin and Hu Rong immediately went to the scene, where they found clear signs of a struggle. They concluded Hou Sihai fought fiercely with his killer before being drowned, confirming it was murder and not suicide. At the Public Security Bureau, Li Wan arrived with a lawyer. The lawyer spoke with the police and informed them that Liu Ziguang was voluntarily staying to cooperate.
Uncle Guo, seeing Li Wan's distress, advised her to return home and wait for news. Han Jin and Hu Rong interviewed a witness who described Hou Sihai running fast, while Liu Ziguang was lagging, staggering, and appearing unwell, often falling. The witness believed Liu Ziguang would not have been able to catch Hou Sihai in that condition. Hu Rong returned to the Public Security Bureau.
Xiao Tian reported that the forensic team had extracted skin flakes and hair from Hou Sihai's fingernails, suspected to be torn from the killer. Hu Rong immediately began investigating. During mealtime, Han Jin ordered takeout for Hu Rong and received a phone call from the forensic doctor stating that the comparison results were ready. Han Jin rushed over, and an anxious Hu Rong hurried after him.
The DNA comparison showed that the suspect's DNA did not match Liu Ziguang, effectively clearing him. Hu Rong breathed a sigh of relief. Hu Rong then went to the interrogation room to inform Liu Ziguang of the DNA results and that he could go home. Liu Ziguang left without a word and encountered Li Wan, who immediately bombarded him with questions.
Seeing them walk away side-by-side in what appeared to be an intimate manner, Hu Rong felt a pang of sadness. Separately, Brother Hu nervously reported to Nie Wanfeng that the police had discovered Hou Sihai's murder scene by the river. He asked if he should go into hiding for a while.
Nie Wanfeng calmly advised him not to draw unnecessary attention, but to be careful not to let anyone discover the scratches on his arm sustained during the struggle with Hou Sihai. Back at Truly Authentic, Bei Xiaoshuai and Li Wan tried to explain Liu Ziguang's absence to A-Se, telling him Liu Ziguang was with "Fairy Sister" Hu Rong, practicing "cultivation" at the Public Security Bureau.
Uncle Guo explained that Liu Ziguang was staying to cooperate with the police and prove his innocence. Li Wan, still concerned, promised Uncle Guo she would find a way to clarify the matter and get Liu Ziguang back.
Episode 26 Recap
Han Jin presented the case's progress to the special task force, suggesting that the "Angel" case and Hou Sihai's case could be investigated together, which the leaders of the task force approved. Han Jin then hesitantly asked Director Song if Hu Rong could join the task force, given she was the lead investigator for the Hou Sihai case. Director Song and Hu Yuejin were both taken aback.
Just then, Hu Rong entered the meeting room and formally requested to join the task force herself. Later, Hu Yuejin called Hu Rong and Han Jin into his office. Han Jin advocated for Hu Rong to be allowed into the task force, after which Hu Yuejin asked him to leave. Hu Yuejin then listened to Hu Rong's analysis of both the Hou Sihai and "Angel" cases.
Finding her analysis very reasonable, Hu Yuejin granted Hu Rong's request to join the special task force. Hu Rong subsequently reported to Han Jin, who solemnly introduced her to Huang Zhenwu, whose photo was on the wall. Han Jin explained that Huang Zhenwu had gone undercover in M Country to investigate "Angel," and sadly noted that he was now missing. Hu Rong gazed at Huang Zhenwu's photo, feeling a sense of familiarity.
Police later discovered that Hou Sihai's lighter originated from the Golden Splendor Resort in Jiangnan City. The Jiangnan City Bureau quickly sent surveillance videos from the resort, in which Hu Rong and Han Jin indeed spotted Hou Sihai. They traveled to the Jiangnan City Bureau and attended a case meeting, where they were briefed on the local investigation. The city bureau reported that Hou Sihai had been hiding at the Golden Splendor Resort before his death.
Mei Jie, the resort owner, had been acting mysteriously, leading them to suspect a significant connection between her and Hou Sihai. As Hou Sihai was involved in the transportation aspect of the "Angel" case, the current focus was to trace the origin of "Angel." Therefore, they recommended deploying a young, experienced female officer to infiltrate the resort as an undercover agent. Hu Rong suddenly rose and walked to the podium, volunteering for the undercover mission.
The leaders of the Jiangnan City Bureau were pleased, but Han Jin immediately stood up in opposition. After returning to Jiangbei, Hu Rong remained steadfast in her determination to go undercover. Director Song consistently objected, so Hu Rong eventually deferred the final decision to Hu Yuejin. Hu Rong looked at Hu Yuejin expectantly.
After a long moment of contemplation, Hu Yuejin agreed to Hu Rong's request to take on the undercover mission, much to her surprise and delight, and to the disbelief of Han Jin and Director Song. Hu Yuejin and his wife, Mei Jie, made dumplings with heavy hearts to see Hu Rong off. Hu Rong tried to appear cheerful, and her parents also tried to maintain a calm demeanor.
However, with Hu Rong embarking on such a dangerous mission, none of them could truly feel at ease. Later, Hu Rong unexpectedly called Liu Ziguang, inviting him to spend the weekend together. Liu Ziguang was overjoyed. They spent a fun-filled day at an amusement park. Liu Ziguang boldly put his arm around Hu Rong, and she didn't push him away, as they enjoyed themselves like a normal couple in love.
Meanwhile, at "Daodao Cuisine," Liu Ziguang was detained, prompting his friends to worry. Guo Da Ye believed they still needed Li Wan's help. He asked her to find a way to get Liu Ziguang back. Li Wan assured Guo Da Ye not to worry, promising to definitely think of a way to bring Liu Ziguang back. At the police station, Officer Zhao informed Hu Rong of new evidence.
The coroner had found skin flakes and blood under Hou Sihai's nails, suggesting Hou Sihai had scratched the killer's hands. Zhao proposed a DNA match with Liu Ziguang. Other officers were discussing Liu Ziguang's misunderstanding and Hu Rong's sadness, but Han Jin reminded them to focus on the Hou Sihai case. Hu Rong then went to the interrogation room to inform Liu Ziguang about the DNA test, and he silently cooperated with the blood collection.
Han Jin, concerned for Hu Rong who hadn't eaten all day, urged her to eat some porridge, even giving it as a command, but she still refused. Later, Han Jin received a call announcing the DNA results were ready. Hu Rong joined him to hear the findings. The forensic report confirmed that the skin flakes and blood from Hou Sihai's nails, along with fingerprints and hair from the crime scene, all belonged to the same person—the killer.
However, Liu Ziguang's DNA and fingerprints did not match those found. This unequivocally excluded Liu Ziguang as the murderer. Officer Zhao noted that the killer's DNA and fingerprints were not in their existing database. Hu Rong, relieved and determined, declared she would immediately inform Liu Ziguang of the results. As she prepared to do so, Li Wan arrived at the police station, demanding an update on the case and when Liu Ziguang could be released.
Hu Rong confirmed that the matter had been thoroughly investigated and Liu Ziguang could leave at any time. Li Wan insisted on joining her to see Liu Ziguang, but Hu Rong told her to wait outside the station. Inside, Hu Rong informed Liu Ziguang that his DNA did not match the killer's and he was cleared to go home. Liu Ziguang simply thanked her. As he stepped out, Li Wan rushed to him, expressing her relief and concern.
She chided the police for detaining him, but Liu Ziguang clarified that he had willingly cooperated with the investigation. Li Wan noticed a wound on Liu Ziguang's hand and worriedly inquired, but he brushed it off. Hu Rong then asked Liu Ziguang if he had anything else to say to her. He remained silent. Li Wan then linked arms with him and they walked out together.
Hu Rong watched them leave, disheartened, and later, Han Jin found her, asking if she was okay. She insisted she was fine, though her sorrow was evident. Meanwhile, Hai Ge, Nie Wanfeng's subordinate, expressed concern about the police discovering the crime scene by the riverbank where Hou Sihai was murdered. He asked Nie Wanfeng if he should go into hiding. Nie Wanfeng dismissed the idea, stating that hiding would only make him appear guiltier.
He calmly instructed Hai Ge to be careful about the hand Hou Sihai had scratched. It was then revealed that Hai Ge was indeed the one who killed Hou Sihai, having lured him to the riverside, drowned him, and then taken all evidence related to Nie Wanfeng's drug trafficking. In a police meeting, Hu Rong re-emphasized that the focus should be on tracing the origin of the lighter found among Hou Sihai’s belongings.
She explained that "Welcome" was engraved on it, indicating it was custom-made for an entertainment establishment, likely the last place Hou Sihai visited before his death, which could provide a breakthrough in the case. Han Jin supported her suggestion and directed his team to investigate the lighter's manufacturer and to check high-end clubs for similar customized lighters. Back at "Daodao Cuisine," Liu Ziguang was having dinner with Guo Da Ye and Li Wan.
Li Wan tearfully recounted to Liu Ziguang how she had woken up in Bei Xiaoshuai's bed with her clothes changed after a night of heavy drinking, expressing regret and fear that Bei Xiaoshuai had "seen every part of her body." She apologized and pleaded for another chance. Bei Xiaoshuai, who had just walked in, tried to explain. An argument ensued as Li Wan angrily accused him. Liu Ziguang, seemingly upset, received a call and abruptly left.
Bei Xiaoshuai then clarified to Li Wan that he had called Auntie Zhang from next door to help change her clothes after she vomited, and that nothing untoward had happened between them. Relieved, Li Wan quickly called Liu Ziguang to assure him of her innocence, proclaiming she was "still his." Hu Rong, alone on her bed, reflected on her growing feelings for Liu Ziguang, regretting her earlier coldness towards him.
She picked up her phone to text him, typing a message asking him to dinner, but hesitated, ultimately deciding not to send it. At home, Liu Ziguang, still visibly angry, smashed an egg at the dinner table while eating with Guo Da Ye. Guo Da Ye observed Liu Ziguang's mood, knowing he was upset with Hu Rong.
He gently urged Liu Ziguang to understand Hu Rong's special role as a police officer, explaining that bringing him in for questioning was standard procedure, not an act of suspicion. Guo Da Ye, ever trusting of Liu Ziguang, reaffirmed his belief in his good character, asserting that even during his eight years of amnesia, Liu Ziguang could not have done wrong.
He noticed a message from Hu Rong on Liu Ziguang's phone, but Liu Ziguang refused to look at it, stating he hadn't "figured out how to face her." Guo Da Ye advised him to apologize to Hu Rong. Concerned about Hu Rong who still wasn't eating, Han Jin saw her at the police station. He then went to a boxing gym to see Liu Ziguang, whom he found training intensely.
Han Jin commented on Liu Ziguang's boxing skills, humorously suggesting he might have been secretly practicing during his missing eight years. He challenged Liu Ziguang, asserting his own advantage in winning Hu Rong's affection due to their shared history, family connections, and the general perception that they were a couple, with everyone seeing him as Director Hu's son-in-law.
Han Jin conceded that Liu Ziguang was a caring person but questioned if that alone was enough for Hu Rong, especially given his unknown past. He admitted that he thought he had lost when he saw Hu Rong's profound sadness as Liu Ziguang left the police station earlier. However, observing Liu Ziguang's current state, Han Jin declared that he now believed Liu Ziguang was "still insufficient," and he still harbored hope.
Just then, Li Wan arrived at the gym with soup for Liu Ziguang. Liu Ziguang, without a word, abruptly rushed out. Han Jin, seemingly admitting defeat in a momentary lapse, told Li Wan he had just done "something really great," which was giving up the woman he liked to his opponent. Li Wan angrily called him a fool and tried to run after Liu Ziguang, but Han Jin stopped her. Instead, he took her to a bar.
Drunk, Li Wan complained that while their sweethearts were together, they were left alone. Han Jin responded that he was suffering, but unlike her, he wasn't selfish. He argued that true love meant wishing for the other's happiness, not destroying it. He criticized Li Wan's love for Liu Ziguang, suggesting it was merely an obsession stemming from him being the one thing she couldn't have, rather than genuine affection, which he defined as "self-control, understanding, making each other whole."
Meanwhile, Liu Ziguang found Hu Rong sitting alone on a basketball court. He apologized for his previous anger, acknowledging that he should have understood the extraordinary nature of her profession and that he had wronged her. Hu Rong, touched, thanked him for his understanding. As she prepared to leave, Liu Ziguang blurted out that he liked her and asked if she would be his girlfriend. With a shy smile, Hu Rong immediately agreed.
Liu Ziguang then said his hands were cold and asked to borrow hers to warm them, which she sweetly allowed. They held hands, silently enjoying the moment. The next day, Han Jin reported to Director Hu (Hu Yuejin) via phone that the "Angel" drug had been found in Hou Sihai's company warehouse, and that Hou Sihai's company had close financial ties with a "Tiger" company in T Country, involving a huge sum of money.
He suspected the "Tiger" company was also connected to "Angel" drugs. Director Hu tasked him with investigating this. Mei Jie, Hu Rong's mother and Director Hu's wife, overheard him mention "Angel" and questioned him, but Han Jin evasively replied that he and Director Hu were discussing donations to the "Angel Charity Group." Mei Jie, sensing his evasiveness, told him to leave so she could eat.
Later, Liu Ziguang and Guo Da Ye prepared dinner at "Daodao Cuisine" and invited Hu Rong, but she called to say she had a case and had to work overtime, so she couldn't make it. As they settled to eat, Li Wan unexpectedly arrived and asked to speak privately with Liu Ziguang. Guo Da Ye, concerned about Li Wan's intentions and recalling her past unpredictable actions, discreetly pulled Bei Xiaoshuai aside to watch them, worried she might cause trouble. He remembered her once saying, "If she can't be with him when he's alive, she can be with him in death."
Episode 27 Recap
Li Wan expressed her concern to Bei Xiaoshuai about her feelings for Liu Ziguang, making a morbid joke that she might contemplate a desperate act if she couldn't be with Liu Ziguang. Bei Xiaoshuai commented that, given Li Wan's strong personality, no action from her would truly surprise him. Liu Ziguang then asked Li Wan what she wanted to tell him.
Recalling a past conversation where her love was described as one-sided and detrimental to his happiness, Li Wan, with tears in her eyes, requested Liu Ziguang to hold her tightly one last time, just for a few precious seconds. He embraced her. As she clung to him, memories of their time together flashed through her mind.
After a silent countdown, she released him, declaring that from then on, he was free to do as he pleased, and she would offer her blessings to him and Hu Rong. She explained she was letting go because her love for him was genuine. Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong spent a delightful day together at an amusement park. As fireworks illuminated the night sky, they shared a sweet embrace.
Hu Rong gazed at Liu Ziguang, her heart silently whispering her love, tears rolling down her cheeks. Moments later, Liu Ziguang was startled to find Hu Rong had vanished. He frantically searched the entire park for her, but she was nowhere to be found, and her phone was off. Her sudden, unexplained departure left Liu Ziguang bewildered and distressed. Back at his residence, Liu Ziguang sat silently, consumed by his confusion.
Both Bei Xiaoshuai and Li Wan empathized with his plight. Li Wan speculated that Hu Rong's abrupt leaving might be due to some secret, unspoken difficulty, a suggestion that stirred a flicker of understanding in Liu Ziguang. Despite Bei Xiaoshuai's attempts to encourage him to eat, Liu Ziguang remained too preoccupied to touch his food. Meanwhile, Han Jin was putting Hu Rong through rigorous undercover training. She successfully completed a room tidying test.
Han Jin then challenged her to reach a monitoring room within two minutes, circumventing all security cameras. From the monitoring room, Han Jin expressed his concern to Director Hu, believing the test was too difficult for Hu Rong, and asked if she could be given another chance. Director Hu sternly replied that criminals would not offer second chances, a response Han Jin accepted. To their astonishment, Hu Rong arrived ahead of schedule, passing the demanding assessment.
Han Jin received a report that Liu Ziguang had been waiting outside the Public Security Bureau for three days. Director Hu advised Han Jin to handle the situation with extreme care, as Liu Ziguang's presence could inadvertently compromise Hu Rong's undercover operation. As Han Jin escorted Hu Rong, he discreetly signaled her, allowing her to spot Liu Ziguang patiently waiting. Hu Rong quickly concealed herself behind a wall, silently sobbing.
However, driven by the critical importance of her undercover mission, Hu Rong hardened her resolve and ran off, covering her face to hide her emotions, knowing she had to leave him behind. Later, Hu Rong reflected on Han Jin's evasive answers regarding the substance "Angel," which heightened her suspicions, especially when she recalled a previous conversation where her parents vaguely mentioned an "Angel Charity Group."
She also remembered an earlier incident where Han Jin identified a drug as Ecstasy, despite her own suspicion that it was "Angel" based on Interpol's drug files. The next day, Hu Rong invited Han Jin to a restaurant, determined to unearth the truth about "Angel." She confronted him directly, accusing him of concealing vital information, despite their close bond. Han Jin initially denied any deceit.
Hu Rong then challenged him to swear on his life that if he was lying, he would be struck by a car upon leaving the restaurant. Han Jin attempted to divert the conversation by bringing up her parents, but Hu Rong pressed him further, asking about Hou Sihai and why he had identified the drug as Ecstasy if it was indeed "Angel." She then demanded to know if a task force had been created to investigate "Angel."
Under the weight of another solemn oath, Han Jin reluctantly confessed that a small investigation team, comprising her father (Director Hu), Deputy Director Song, and himself, had been formed, which they named the "S Task Force." Displeased by his earlier deception, Hu Rong abruptly departed.
At an S Task Force meeting, Han Jin presented his findings, explaining that Hou Sihai had been secretly trafficking a new drug, "Angel," which originated from a country referred to as T Country and was transported into Jiangnan and Jiangbei via Hou Sihai's established sand routes. He identified "Tiger Company" from T Country as the probable source of the drug.
Han Jin also revealed that a lighter found on Hou Sihai indicated he had visited a high-class club or hotel before his murder. He then raised the sensitive topic of Hu Rong, who was in charge of Hou Sihai's case and had recently learned about the S Task Force, seeking guidance on how to proceed with her involvement. Suddenly, Hu Rong entered the meeting room, saluted, and formally requested to join the S Task Force.
Director Hu, visibly angered by her presence, demanded to know how she had discovered the task force. Hu Rong stated that Captain Han had informed her. Visibly upset, Director Hu ordered both Hu Rong and Han Jin to follow him to his office. In Director Hu's office, Hu Rong steadfastly reiterated her demand to join the S Task Force, asserting her right as a police officer to discuss official matters.
Director Hu dismissed her plea, emphasizing that major cases were not trivial affairs and she should adhere to bureau directives, citing her youth and lack of experience. Han Jin attempted to intercede, highlighting Hu Rong's good intentions. Director Hu, however, insisted that she required more training. Hu Rong countered that maturity needed the right opportunity to develop, and she believed that opportunity was now. Director Hu then dismissed Han Jin, wishing to speak with Hu Rong alone.
Addressing her affectionately as "child," Director Hu cautioned her about the severe consequences of any errors in such a critical case. Hu Rong respectfully reminded him of his own teachings: that it was a police officer's duty to see a case through to its conclusion. She then requested the opportunity to present her analysis of the Hou Sihai and Angel cases, promising to accept his decision if her insights proved unhelpful.
Hu Rong meticulously explained that the discovery of "Angel" in Hou Sihai's warehouse, coupled with suspicious business dealings between his Four Seas Sand Trading and T Country's Tiger Company, strongly implicated Tiger Company in the "Angel" drug trade. She deduced that Hou Sihai's role in the drug ring was transportation, clandestinely using his sand routes as cover.
This explained his aggressive rivalry with Liu Ziguang over the sand business; Liu Ziguang's sand plant inadvertently threatened Hou Sihai's illicit transportation network, causing Hou Sihai to panic and escalate the conflict. His recklessness ultimately exposed "Angel," prompting his higher-ups to silence him.
Hu Rong proposed that the next investigative steps should focus on identifying Hou Sihai's uplink and uncovering the true nature of Tiger Company, while cautiously continuing the murder investigation and seeking assistance from Interpol to dismantle the entire "Angel" drug trafficking network. Director Hu acknowledged her analysis as sound and noted her significant improvement. When Hu Rong once more requested to join the S Task Force, promising unwavering obedience and dedication to safety, Director Hu finally granted his approval.
Overjoyed, Hu Rong thanked her "Dad," who then privately instructed her to adhere to all bureau arrangements, obey her superiors, and prioritize her safety. Han Jin subsequently provided Hu Rong with all the latest clues and evidence collected by the task force. He then introduced Officer Huang Zhenwu as their undercover liaison and his former teacher, adding that he was also Director Hu's war comrade.
Han Jin recounted Huang Zhenwu's background: a former Jiangbei officer who, twenty years prior, had been transferred to Yunnan's Drug Enforcement Unit, where he had become Han Jin's teacher eight years ago. Huang Zhenwu had discovered the new drug, "Angel," and had gone undercover abroad to trace its origins. Tragically, they had lost contact with him a few months ago, and his whereabouts remained unknown.
Hu Rong felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if she had seen him before, and expressed her hope for Officer Huang's safe return. Han Jin reiterated the paramount importance of her safety as she embarked on her mission with the S Task Force. Hu Rong hurried home after receiving a call for a mission from her parents, who were celebrating her father's birthday. She playfully asked why he observed two birthdays a year, but her parents offered no explanation.
After recording a heartfelt birthday greeting, Hu Rong received an urgent call for a mission and had to leave immediately, apologizing to her parents for her abrupt departure. As she left, her mother urged her to be careful. After Hu Rong was gone, Director Hu solemnly acknowledged a photograph of Huang Zhenwu, noting that it was his birthday and the child (Hu Rong) had suddenly been called away on a mission.
Liu Ziguang arrived at the police station with a home-cooked meal. He shared some with his colleagues, including Grandpa Guo. Han Jin, observing Liu Ziguang, playfully teased him about enjoying a private meal. After tasting the food, Han Jin lightheartedly critiqued Liu Ziguang's cooking skills. During an S Task Force meeting, it was reported that the lighter found on Hou Sihai was custom-made for the Golden Glory Holiday Resort in Jiangnan.
The resort, a high-end establishment situated in the suburbs, was known for its discreet activities. Mei Jie, the secretive and manipulative boss of Golden Glory, was identified as a key figure.
Evidence revealed that Hou Sihai had hidden at Golden Glory for 48 hours prior to his murder, and the resort had illegally failed to register his personal details, leading to strong suspicions of its involvement in Hou Sihai's death and the "Angel" drug case, given Hou Sihai's role as a drug transporter. To advance the investigation without alerting the suspects, the task force decided to deploy a young, unknown female undercover officer into Golden Glory, posing as an attendant.
The chosen candidate needed to be attractive, quick-witted, possess strong detective skills, and be capable of handling dangerous situations. A cooperative staff member at Golden Glory had already been secured to facilitate the undercover officer's entry. Hu Rong immediately stood up and volunteered for the mission, emphasizing her extensive knowledge of the Hou Sihai case, her outstanding police academy record, and her comprehensive training. She confidently guaranteed mission success. Han Jin, however, immediately opposed her candidacy.
Deputy Director Song also expressed reservations, suggesting other less suitable candidates. Hu Rong reiterated that she was the most qualified and that no one else in the Jiangbei Public Security Bureau met the criteria as perfectly as she did. Director Hu initially hesitated, emphasizing the gravity of the case and her need for more experience. After a moment of deep thought, he finally approved her request, telling her to proceed.
Hu Rong was overjoyed, while Han Jin and Deputy Director Song reacted with disbelief. Privately, Director Hu cautioned Hu Rong not to disclose the nature of her undercover assignment to her mother. Following the approval, Han Jin brought Hu Rong to Jiangnan City. To establish her new undercover identity, "Chu Feifei," Captain Cao, operating under the alias Chu Xinmin, posed as her father. The Jiangnan City Bureau had already secured a cooperative supervisor at the Golden Glory Holiday Resort.
Through this supervisor's introduction, Hu Rong entered Golden Glory. However, Mei Jie, the boss of Golden Glory, unexpectedly arrived with her subordinates and announced that no new staff were being hired. Thinking quickly, Hu Rong loudly accused the supervisor of scamming her out of 3000 yuan for the job. Upon learning the situation, Mei Jie immediately fired the supervisor.
Hu Rong then appealed to Mei Jie, claiming she desperately needed the 3000 yuan and would leave Golden Glory once she had earned it back. Impressed by Hu Rong's spirit, Mei Jie agreed to her request. Later, as Hu Rong prepared to go home for her luggage, Mei Jie instructed her subordinate, Xiao Fei, to follow Hu Rong and investigate her background. Han Jin and his team, who were discreetly observing from a distance, spotted Xiao Fei tailing Hu Rong.
They promptly notified Captain Cao to prepare for a staged event. As Xiao Fei followed Hu Rong to an alley, Captain Cao and his team put on a convincing show of demanding money from Hu Rong, portraying him as a gambling addict father. Xiao Fei, completely deceived, left without suspicion. He reported back to Mei Jie, who then dismissed Hu Rong as merely a poor girl with a gambler father.
Captain Cao later warned Hu Rong that despite their successful deception, Mei Jie was inherently suspicious and Hu Rong should remain vigilant. Han Jin later returned to Jiangbei and saw Liu Ziguang still waiting outside the Public Security Bureau. Liu Ziguang rushed to inquire about Hu Rong's whereabouts.
Han Jin told him that Hu Rong had gone abroad for studies, and accused Liu Ziguang of constantly putting Hu Rong in danger despite claiming to love her, noting that Hu Rong had faced continuous trouble since meeting him. Liu Ziguang returned to the boxing gym, still refusing to eat or drink. Grandpa Guo came to persuade him, advising him to trust in their love and believe that Hu Rong's abrupt departure surely had a hidden reason.
Hu Rong's mother, having learned of the undercover mission, confronted Director Hu, accusing him of recklessness for allowing Hu Rong to undertake such a dangerous assignment. She expressed her constant anxiety about Hu Rong's safety during fieldwork and questioned how he would explain it to Zhenwu if anything went wrong.
Director Hu calmly explained that he had given the matter serious consideration and believed Zhenwu would support Hu Rong's decision, recalling that Zhenwu had endorsed her choice to attend the police academy. He read aloud a letter from Zhenwu, addressed to "Old Hu," where Zhenwu expressed his deep love for Rong Rong, admitted to struggling to remember her face, and found strength in the thought of the three of them fighting for justice in different places.
Zhenwu hoped Rong Rong would be brave and kind, like her adoptive parents, and wished to return soon to see her and thank them. Despite the letter, Hu Rong's mother remained steadfast in her objection. She declared that even if Zhenwu agreed, she would not, emphasizing that Hu Rong, whom they had raised as their own and for whom they had chosen not to have biological children, was more important to them than a biological child.
She adamantly refused to allow her daughter to take such a risk. Director Hu reassured her, explaining that Hu Rong had volunteered for the assignment and was indeed the most suitable candidate, possessing the same bravery and righteousness as Zhenwu. He urged his wife to be proud of their child, assuring her that the mission would be continuously monitored, with external support ensuring Hu Rong's safety.
He reminded her that Hu Rong was intelligent and well-trained, and everything would be fine. He also reiterated that the bureau's decision was final and could not be changed, and that she should not reveal the nature of the mission to Hu Rong upon her return. Overwhelmed but accepting, Hu Rong's mother began kneading dough, remembering Hu Rong's wish for dumplings. Later, Hu Rong shared a poignant farewell dinner of dumplings with her parents.
Her mother tenderly served the hot dumplings, explaining that it was a cherished family tradition to include coins for good luck, wishing Hu Rong safety and well-being during her mission. Hu Rong discovered multiple coins in her dumplings, and her father revealed that her mother, anxious that Hu Rong might not eat enough before leaving, had intentionally put in extra. The three of them shared the meal, each trying to maintain a brave front despite their underlying apprehension about the dangerous mission that lay ahead.
Episode 28 Recap
Hu Rong reassured her parents that she was only going away for training, not somewhere far, and urged them to take care of themselves. Her father, Hu Yuejin, reminded her of her promise to always perform well and not make them worry, just as she did when she entered the police academy. He told her that he and her mother would consider this like she was going off to college, eagerly awaiting her return.
They shared a heartfelt moment, making a pinky swear and taking a family photo. Later, Hu Rong called Liu Ziguang, suggesting they go on a two-day trip the following weekend. Liu Ziguang was brushing his teeth and became so excited he nearly foamed at the mouth, expressing his eagerness to spend "couple moments" with her. The next day, he prepared an elaborate spread of cooking utensils and ingredients, planning to cook a nice meal for Hu Rong.
His friend, Bei Xiaoshuai, teased him for bringing so many pots and pans, implying he was overthinking the romance and jokingly advised him to be prepared for "protection" as a "rookie." On their date, Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang rode shared bicycles to an amusement park, enjoying themselves like any ordinary couple. At one point, Hu Rong recited a romantic poem: "There is a myriad of things in this ephemeral world. I love three of them.
The sun, the moon, and you. Sun for the morning. Moon for the night. And you forever." She playfully refused to explain its meaning to him. As they watched fireworks that evening, embracing, Hu Rong silently reflected on her happiness but acknowledged her imminent undercover mission. She hoped Liu Ziguang would forgive her for not telling him the truth and wished they could start over if she returned safely.
Hu Rong covertly left, knowing she couldn't bear to say a direct goodbye. Liu Ziguang soon realized Hu Rong was gone and frantically searched for her, calling her phone repeatedly, only to find it switched off. He was left heartbroken and utterly bewildered by her sudden, unexplained departure. Back at his residence, Liu Ziguang was consumed by grief, refusing to eat. Bei Xiaoshuai expressed frustration at Hu Rong's actions, feeling she had disrespected Liu Ziguang's feelings.
Li Wan, however, suggested that Hu Rong might have an unspeakable reason for leaving. Liu Ziguang, weary of the discussion, asked them to stop. Bei Xiaoshuai and A-Se tried to coax him into eating the meal Bei Xiaoshuai had prepared, but Liu Ziguang, recalling a sweet memory of Hu Rong once trying to feed him fish despite his aversion to bones, remained unresponsive. Eventually, Grandpa Guo visited and encouraged Liu Ziguang not to be passively waiting.
If Hu Rong saw him so disheartened and decadent, she would be heartbroken. With his "knot untied," Liu Ziguang finally ate ravenously. Later, he revisited the amusement park, reflecting on Hu Rong's words and actions, finally beginning to understand her painstaking efforts. Meanwhile, Hu Rong underwent intensive undercover training. She successfully completed a room cleaning test. Han Jin then challenged her to infiltrate a hotel's monitoring room within two minutes while avoiding all surveillance cameras.
Director Hu Yuejin watched with Han Jin. When Han Jin voiced concern that the task might be too difficult and suggested a second chance, Hu Yuejin sternly countered that criminals would never offer a second chance, emphasizing the life-and-death nature of the mission. To their surprise, Hu Rong completed the task ahead of schedule. She met with her father and Han Jin, ready for her mission, and Hu Yuejin reminded her to always prioritize her safety.
Before leaving, she affectionately called him "Dad." Han Jin then received a call informing him that Liu Ziguang had been waiting outside the police bureau for three days. Hu Yuejin instructed Han Jin to handle the situation carefully, as Liu Ziguang's actions could compromise Hu Rong's mission and even his own safety. Han Jin took Hu Rong to Jiangnan City. At Han Jin's signal, Hu Rong also saw Liu Ziguang waiting steadfastly outside the police bureau.
She hid behind a wall, silently sobbing, but carrying the weight of her undercover mission, she could only choose to leave without explanation, fearing she couldn't control her emotions, and ran away with her face covered. They arrived at an attic where Captain Cao, now adopting the identity of Chu Xinmin, was waiting to pose as Hu Rong's father.
Han Jin reiterated the importance of memorizing every detail of her new identity as Chu Feifei and warned her about the constant, subtle surveillance she would face once she infiltrated the core of the criminal organization. Under her new identity, Chu Feifei, Hu Rong went for an interview at the Golden Glory Holiday Resort, accompanied by Little Zhao, a contact arranged by the Jiangnan City Bureau. Little Zhao assured her it would be a simple interview.
Hu Rong successfully completed the initial evaluation, impressing the supervisor with her meticulous work. However, Mei Jie suddenly arrived and announced that Golden Glory was not hiring any new staff. Thinking quickly, Hu Rong loudly accused Little Zhao of taking 3,000 yuan from her under false pretenses. Mei Jie, after hearing Little Zhao admit to accepting the money, immediately fired him.
Hu Rong then appealed to Mei Jie, explaining her fabricated backstory: her father, Chu Xinmin, was a gambling addict who owed 290,000 yuan in debts, and she desperately needed to earn money to help pay it back. She pleaded for a cleaner's position, promising to leave after earning 3,000 yuan. Mei Jie, initially dismissive, was ultimately impressed by Chu Feifei's strong personality and agreed to give her a one-month trial in Little Zhao's former position.
Still suspicious, Mei Jie ordered her subordinate, Xiao Fei, to follow Chu Feifei home and thoroughly investigate her background. Han Jin's surveillance team, observing Xiao Fei, immediately contacted "Chu Xinmin" (Captain Cao) to prepare for the staged debt collection scene. Xiao Fei covertly followed Chu Feifei to her "home" in a narrow alley. There, "creditors" (Han Jin's team members) aggressively demanded payment from "Chu Xinmin."
Chu Feifei bravely intervened, promising to repay her father's debts within one month, even offering herself as collateral if she failed. The "creditors" eventually left, seemingly satisfied. Inside, "Chu Xinmin" complained about an "injury" from the scuffle, prompting Chu Feifei to tenderly massage his back. During this moment, "Chu Xinmin" shared a poignant story about his past as a police officer and the sacrifices he made for his family, including a divorce due to his demanding job.
Xiao Fei, having witnessed the dramatic scene, reported back to Mei Jie at Golden Glory. He confirmed that Chu Feifei indeed came from a poor background, with a gambling-addict father who owed significant debts. He also reported that she had a history of borrowing money from colleagues at her previous hotel job. Mei Jie, now seemingly convinced by this narrative of a desperate young woman, became less suspicious of Chu Feifei. "
Chu Xinmin" (Captain Cao), however, cautioned Chu Feifei not to let her guard down, reminding her that Mei Jie was inherently distrustful. At Golden Glory, Sister Xiao informed Hu Rong that Mei Jie's office would now be her responsibility. Hu Rong meticulously organized the office, while Mei Jie monitored her through surveillance.
Mei Jie then received a phone call from her boss, Lisa, who harshly criticized Mei Jie for her imprudent decision to privately take in "Old Four," whose subsequent death had implicated the Taige Group in an investigation. Mei Jie, filled with trepidation, assured Lisa she would report any developments promptly. Later, Xiao Fei instructed Hu Rong to clean his room. While cleaning, Hu Rong discovered a suspicious box containing drug paraphernalia and the drug "Angel," confirming Xiao Fei's drug use.
Hu Rong quickly devised a bold plan to use Xiao Fei to establish herself, and after receiving approval from her superiors, she set her plan in motion. That day, as Xiao Fei was taking drugs in his room, Hu Rong came to clean. Suddenly, police knocked for a surprise inspection. Xiao Fei panicked, but Hu Rong discreetly gestured for him to give her the drug box, which she then quietly moved and hid.
After the police left, Mei Jie called Xiao Fei to her office. Hearing Hu Rong and Xiao Fei whispering, Mei Jie stopped and questioned them. Meanwhile, Bei Xiaoshuai was trying to persuade Liu Ziguang to start Sunlight Building Materials Company, promising a glorious future. Liu Ziguang was hesitant, worried about funding as he still owed Nie Wanfeng one million yuan. Liu Ziguang and Bei Xiaoshuai went to Nie Wanfeng's house to discuss the debt.
Nie Wanfeng suggested that they be flexible and consider the one million yuan as his investment in their company. Bei Xiaoshuai was overjoyed and promised to deliver the investment contract immediately. On their way back, Liu Ziguang criticized Bei Xiaoshuai for acting on his own initiative, still feeling uneasy about Nie Wanfeng's unusually kind treatment towards him.
After learning about Xiao Fei's drug use, Mei Jie severely reprimanded him in her office, then aggressively questioned Hu Rong about why she helped Xiao Fei, threatening to fire her. In desperation, Hu Rong knelt before Mei Jie and pleaded her case. Mei Jie seized the opportunity, proposing that if Hu Rong could perform a task for her that night, she could continue to stay at Golden Glory. Later, Bei Xiaoshuai met his streamer girlfriend at Golden Glory.
She enthusiastically kissed him and announced they would register for marriage the next day. Bei Xiaoshuai deliberately exaggerated his miserable family background, causing her to leave with a disdainful expression. As Bei Xiaoshuai left Golden Glory, he happened to see Hu Rong getting into a car and driving away at the entrance. He immediately called Liu Ziguang. Late that night, Hu Rong followed Mei Jie's instructions and arrived at a designated location, where she retrieved a black package.
As Hu Rong prepared to leave, two thug-like individuals approached, claiming they wanted to snatch her bag. Hu Rong resisted and was beaten by the two thugs. In the monitoring room, Han Jin and his team, noticing the urgent situation, prepared to order the nearby police to intervene, but the calm Director Hu Yuejin decisively stopped them.
Episode 29 Recap
Xiao Fei reported to Mei Jie about Chu Feifei, revealing that her family was very poor due to her father being a gambling addict who owed a significant amount of money. To evade creditors, Chu Feifei and her father had recently moved into a new estate. Xiao Fei had even encountered creditors seeking payment while following her, almost leading to a physical altercation. Mei Jie, noting Chu Feifei's desperation for money, inquired about other clues.
Xiao Fei further disclosed that Chu Feifei, while working previously as an attendant at a hotel, was known for frequently borrowing money and failing to repay it. Mei Jie concluded that Chu Feifei was indeed a "trashy thing" and decided to keep an eye on her. Later, Hu Rong received a call from her father, who informed her that Han Jin had identified the person following her as Xiao Fei, one of Mei Jie's subordinates.
He also relayed that Han Jin had dealt with the informant who had previously contacted Hu Rong at Golden Glory, assuring her not to worry. However, her father warned Hu Rong about Mei Jie's meticulous and suspicious nature, stressing that despite their successful "show" in front of Xiao Fei, she could not let her guard down. Hu Rong confirmed she understood and would remain vigilant.
At the police station, Han Jin urged Liu Ziguang to stop waiting, claiming that Hu Rong had gone overseas for training and would be away for a long time. Liu Ziguang, disbelieving, pressed him for her whereabouts. Han Jin then accused Liu Ziguang of causing Hu Rong repeated trouble since his return to Jiangbei, citing incidents involving Longyang, Sun Wei, and Hou Sihai, each of which brought her danger.
He asserted that Liu Ziguang's persistent pursuit, while he might see it as protection, was a burden for Hu Rong. Liu Ziguang vehemently denied this, insisting he only wanted to protect her and demanding to know where she was, but Han Jin advised him to think carefully and left. Meanwhile, Bei Xiaoshuai tried to get a despondent Liu Ziguang, who was refusing to eat, to have some noodles.
Uncle Guo arrived and questioned Liu Ziguang about his state, realizing it was due to Hu Rong. He asked if Liu Ziguang truly loved Hu Rong and if he believed she loved him back. When Liu Ziguang affirmed his belief in their love, Uncle Guo challenged him on his self-destructive behavior, reminding him that Hu Rong's work as a police officer was special and that she likely left without explanation to protect him.
He encouraged Liu Ziguang to be a real man, take care of himself, and wait for her to return and explain, rather than becoming a "wreck." Uncle Guo recalled how Liu Ziguang had changed for the better since returning to Jiangbei, becoming a strong and righteous man like his father, but expressed disappointment that such a minor setback was causing him to lose his wisdom and strength.
To prompt him, Uncle Guo even took Liu Ziguang's bowl of noodles, threatening to eat them himself. Liu Ziguang finally took the bowl and ate, breaking his fast. Later, Han Jin expressed guilt to Hu Rong's father, Hu Yuejin, about their deception.
Hu Yuejin admonished him, stating that their actions were for the greater good of both Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang, and that a police officer should not be sentimental when it comes to the success of an undercover mission and an officer's safety. He jokingly recalled Hu Rong's nickname for Han Jin, "Mother-in-law," saying it was fitting given his overly caring nature.
Liu Ziguang went to the amusement park, revisiting a place where he and Hu Rong had once shared tender moments. He remembered Hu Rong's words about their first meeting—how she knew he was a police officer and how he must always remember her identity. He realized the depth of her commitment to her duty and her painstaking efforts.
Earlier, Hu Rong, informed by Sister Xiao that she would be cleaning Mei Jie's office, had discovered Xiao Fei with 'Angel' drugs and drug paraphernalia in his room. She formulated a bold plan to use this to gain Mei Jie's trust, which was approved by her superiors. Mei Jie observed Hu Rong through surveillance cameras. After Hu Rong finished, Mei Jie complimented her work before dismissing her.
In her office, Mei Jie received a reprimanding call from Lisa, her boss, regarding Hou Sihai. Lisa was furious that Mei Jie had allowed Hou Sihai to stay at Golden Glory before his death, which led to the Tiger Company being investigated. Mei Jie explained that Hou Sihai had cornered her, and she had driven him away, claiming Golden Glory was not implicated because he didn't die there.
Lisa, however, was not appeased, ordering Mei Jie to immediately destroy all records linking Golden Glory to the Tiger Company and to report any future issues without acting independently. Mei Jie assured Lisa she would comply. A flashback then showed Mei Jie’s earlier tense conversation with Hou Sihai, where he accused her of wanting him gone due to Lisa's fear of police involvement. Hou Sihai had vowed to return and reclaim Jiangbei after laying low.
Bei Xiaoshuai took Liu Ziguang to a prime location in Jiangbei's business district, proposing they establish their "Sunshine Construction Supply Company" there. He envisioned the company becoming influential in Jiangbei within a few years, aiming for a stock market listing. Liu Ziguang was hesitant, still concerned about the one-million-yuan debt they owed Nie Wanfeng. They visited Nie Wanfeng to explain their new venture and requested a two-month extension for the loan.
Nie Wanfeng, surprisingly generous, offered to convert the one million yuan into an investment in their new company, asking only for a shareholder agreement. Bei Xiaoshuai was ecstatic, readily agreeing, but Liu Ziguang remained wary of Nie Wanfeng's excessive generosity. On their way back, Liu Ziguang expressed his unease, believing Nie Wanfeng's actions were suspicious, but Bei Xiaoshuai dismissed his worries, eager to seize the opportunity. Liu Ziguang, however, insisted on repaying the debt and refused Nie Wanfeng's investment.
Mei Jie confronted Xiao Fei in her office, scolding him fiercely for bringing drugs into his room, emphasizing that it could have jeopardized Golden Glory. During a surprise police raid, Hu Rong quickly hid the drugs Xiao Fei had, preventing their discovery. Mei Jie then summoned Chu Feifei (Hu Rong) and praised her quick thinking for concealing the drugs during the police raid. Mei Jie questioned why Hu Rong didn't turn the drugs over to the police.
Hu Rong, feigning fear of losing her job and citing her father's gambling debts, knelt and pleaded for Mei Jie to give her another chance, promising to do anything. Mei Jie, acknowledging that Hu Rong's actions had protected Golden Glory, agreed to give her a chance, tasking her with retrieving an item at 10 PM that night, warning of severe consequences if she failed. Meanwhile, Bei Xiaoshuai’s streamer girlfriend, Tang Xin, met him at Golden Glory.
She enthusiastically kissed him and immediately proposed marriage, suggesting they get their license the next day, travel to the Maldives the day after, and have a baby the following year. To test her sincerity, Bei Xiaoshuai intentionally described his family as being in a miserable financial situation. Tang Xin, however, reacted with disdain and left. As Bei Xiaoshuai left Golden Glory, he saw Hu Rong getting into a car and quickly called Liu Ziguang.
Later that night, Hu Rong, following Mei Jie's instructions, went to a designated location and retrieved a black package. As she prepared to leave, two thug-like men approached, attempting to snatch the bag. When Hu Rong resisted, they began to beat her. In the monitoring room, Han Jin and his team observed the unfolding danger and were about to order nearby police officers to intervene. However, Director Hu, remaining calm, decisively stopped them.
Episode 30 Recap
Bei Xiaoshuai and Tang Xin were discussing their relationship and financial situation. Tang Xin had initially expressed a desire to marry him, likely assuming he was well-off.
However, upon learning that he had no savings, having spent it all buying presents for her, that he was unemployed, rented a house, and had lost his car gambling (though he promised not to gamble after marriage), and that he had a family to support, she became angry, stating she wouldn't marry him and that she had "dodged another bullet."
After settling his bill, Bei Xiaoshuai was about to return to Jiangbei when he unexpectedly spotted someone he believed to be Hu Rong (referred to as Xiao Hong) at the Golden Glory resort in Jiangnan. He immediately called Liu Ziguang, telling him, "Brother Guang, I think I saw Xiao Hong," and confirmed she was at Golden Glory in Jiangnan, asking if Liu Ziguang wanted to come over.
Meanwhile, Hu Rong followed Mei Jie's instructions to retrieve an item from the parking lot. Han Jin and Director Hu Yuejin observed from a hidden vantage point. In the parking lot, Hu Rong retrieved the item but was suddenly ambushed by a group of thugs attempting to snatch it. Hu Rong quickly secured the item in her bag and held it tightly as the thugs kicked and beat her.
Watching the distressing scene on video, Han Jin was distraught and urged his colleagues to intervene. However, Director Hu Yuejin believed this was a deliberate test from Mei Jie, cautioning that any rash action would expose Hu Rong's cover and jeopardize their entire operation. Despite the beating, Hu Rong persevered, biting one of her attackers, and eventually managed to escape by running towards a passage when the thugs were distracted.
Later, Hu Rong returned the retrieved item, which turned out to be just a pile of newspapers, to Mei Jie. Mei Jie confirmed to Hu Rong that she had passed the test. Mei Jie then gave Hu Rong a bank card containing ¥100,000 to pay off her father's gambling debts, with the pin being Hu Rong's birthday. Hu Rong accepted the card, expressing her gratitude and promising to take her job seriously and maintain strict secrecy.
Mei Jie sternly warned her that disclosing any information about Golden Glory to outsiders or acting disadvantageously towards the resort would not be tolerated. Liu Ziguang, accompanied by Bei Xiaoshuai, arrived at Golden Glory. After some time, Hu Rong eventually emerged from the building. Upon seeing Liu Ziguang from afar, she quickly fled to an underground passage to avoid being recognized, locking a door behind her.
Liu Ziguang pursued her, calling out her name and expressing his deep longing through the closed door. He recounted searching for her like a crazy man after she disappeared and described the pain of losing someone. He dismissed Han Jin's claim that she no longer loved him, reaffirming his certainty in her love and declaring, "My world only has you. Only you." He asked her to protect herself well, finally saying, "I love you."
Behind the locked door, Hu Rong wept silently, her emotions in turmoil. Back in Jiangbei, Bei Xiaoshuai attempted to convince Liu Ziguang that the woman they saw was not Hu Rong, suggesting she was likely overseas training. He also argued that Hu Rong was on an extremely dangerous assignment and didn't want him involved, hence he shouldn't go. However, Liu Ziguang was resolute in his decision to go to Jiangnan to help her, making arrangements for Zhuo Li's return.
He instructed Bei Xiaoshuai to take care of Uncle Guo and watch over A-Se, noting that A-Se had some problems, and asked him not to reveal his plan. That evening, Hu Rong called Captain Cao to inform him about Liu Ziguang's arrival at Golden Glory. Captain Cao, recognizing the serious implications, immediately contacted Han Jin.
The next morning, Han Jin drove to the barbecue stand looking for Liu Ziguang but was met by Bei Xiaoshuai, who vaguely stated that Liu Ziguang had gone away to relax and travel. Han Jin, however, correctly inferred that Liu Ziguang had gone to Jiangnan to find Hu Rong. Indeed, Liu Ziguang had successfully applied for a job as a security guard at Golden Glory.
On his first day, he encountered Hu Rong, who was working, maintaining a poker face as if he did not recognize her. Hu Rong, shocked to see him, later sent him a message arranging to meet in the alley by the hotel's pipes that night. At their meeting, they embraced tightly and shared a passionate kiss.
Hu Rong asked him why he had come, and Liu Ziguang responded by questioning why she was allowed to be an attendant there but he couldn't be a security guard, then declared that in his heart, she was the one he wanted to protect forever. Hu Rong was enchanted by his words. News of Liu Ziguang's presence at Golden Glory quickly reached Director Hu Yuejin and Director Song.
They were gravely concerned that his emotional involvement and lack of proper training could inadvertently expose Hu Rong's identity and endanger her life. Han Jin was tasked with compelling Liu Ziguang to leave. Han Jin called Liu Ziguang, ordering him to withdraw from Golden Glory and arranging a meeting. However, Liu Ziguang flatly refused, asserting that since he had chosen this path, he would not turn back, and then ended the call.
Meanwhile, Nie Wanfeng received intelligence revealing that the bar owner Liu Ziguang had shot in M Country was, in fact, Hu Rong's biological father. This shocking discovery led Nie Wanfeng to question whether Liu Ziguang's amnesia was genuine or merely a clever facade to conceal his past actions and gain a heroic image. He acknowledged that he had truly underestimated Liu Ziguang.
Back at Golden Glory, Hu Rong was serving Mei Jie coffee when she overheard Xiao Fei struggling to fix a computer that had crashed. Mei Jie, frustrated with Xiao Fei's incompetence and drug-induced issues, berated him. Hu Rong interjected, first suggesting Xiao Fei's approach was flawed, and then mentioning that she had previously studied computer science at a vocational college but dropped out due to family debts.
Mei Jie, seeing an opportunity, dismissed Xiao Fei and assigned Hu Rong the task of fixing the computer and recovering important files. As Hu Rong intently worked on the computer, Xiao Fei and Mei Jie monitored her from an adjacent room via their phones. They initially suspected she was attempting to copy data, but their fears were assuaged when she answered a phone call from her father.
Director Hu Yuejin, however, received a report that Hu Rong had successfully established a link with the Public Security Bureau, enabling them to bypass the firewall and receive data packets within twenty minutes. Hu Rong realized Mei Jie's actions were a deliberate test and that Mei Jie intended for her to delete the data packet. While outwardly complying, Hu Rong covertly managed to transmit the data packet.
The police quickly decoded it, revealing transaction records between Golden Glory and the Tiger Group, which significantly energized Director Hu Yuejin and Director Song. Later, in the underground garage, Liu Ziguang encountered a drug-addicted Xiao Fei, who stumbled from his car, accidentally spilling "Angel" drugs. Liu Ziguang immediately recognized the drug, raising his suspicions. He subsequently found Xiao Fei in a secluded area suffering from withdrawal and provided him with aid.
Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang had another meeting in the pipe room. Liu Ziguang told her about saving Xiao Fei during his drug relapse. Hu Rong urged Liu Ziguang to leave the perilous Golden Glory, but he was steadfast in his commitment to stay and protect her as an undercover agent. Hu Rong expressed her concern that the exposure of their relationship would inevitably lead to the mission's failure.
That night, in his dorm, Liu Ziguang was plagued by fragmented, disturbing images, particularly the familiarity of the "Angel" drug. He intensely questioned his unknown eight-year past, feeling a strong urge to uncover the truth. He grappled with the decision of whether to remain at Golden Glory or to leave. Hu Rong later saw Liu Ziguang again at Golden Glory and requested leave from Mei Jie, claiming she needed to go home.
Upon Hu Rong's arrival home, Han Jin was waiting for her. He immediately demanded that Liu Ziguang withdraw from Golden Glory. Worried that Liu Ziguang would not heed his words, Han Jin then sought Hu Rong's assistance in convincing him. During a break at the staff dormitory, Liu Ziguang, driven by curiosity, inquired about Xiao Fei from his colleagues, who seemed unwilling to discuss the matter.
Suddenly, a sullen Xiao Fei appeared at the doorway, confronting Liu Ziguang about his inquiries and motives. Xiao Fei angrily offered Liu Ziguang ¥10,000 in an envelope as a reward for his previous help. Liu Ziguang refused the money and urged Xiao Fei to quit drugs. When Xiao Fei attempted to throw the money at him, Liu Ziguang seized his arm and stated firmly that he intended to help him overcome his addiction.
Xiao Fei, however, remained unreceptive to his help. Hu Rong arranged to meet Liu Ziguang in the restroom, but was surprised to find Han Jin waiting there instead. Han Jin sternly warned Liu Ziguang against interfering with police operations, emphasizing the severe repercussions if he compromised the mission. Liu Ziguang, standing his ground, asserted that he could act as an undercover agent to protect Hu Rong, which, he pointed out, was precisely Han Jin's initial objective. Han Jin, left with no other option, could only advise Liu Ziguang to take care of himself and adhere to police directives.
Episode 31 Recap
Hu Rong, using her undercover identity Chu Feifei, received a call from Sister Mei, asking her to come to the office immediately. Sister Mei explained that Little Fei had failed to repair her computer and even damaged it, so she needed Chu Feifei, a computer major, to take a look and try to recover some important deleted documents. Sister Mei then left the office, instructing Chu Feifei to continue working and promising to return later.
Unbeknownst to Chu Feifei, this was a setup orchestrated by Sister Mei and Little Fei to test her. Little Fei was confident that the professional hacker-grade program he installed would prevent Chu Feifei from escaping their surveillance. As Chu Feifei worked on the computer, Sister Mei and Little Fei observed her from a distance. Little Fei noticed her taking action, suspecting she was attempting to duplicate materials, but he was certain his program would crash the computer if she tried.
Suddenly, Chu Feifei received a phone call from her "Dad," who was asking for money again. She put on an act, expressing surprise and annoyance, claiming she had just given him 100,000 yuan and was busy repairing her boss's computer, asking him to tell people to wait a few days.
Little Fei, observing this, wondered if they had misjudged her, but Sister Mei, while admitting she pitied Chu Feifei's hard life, asserted, "I do pity her, but I don't trust her. Keep a close watch over her." Meanwhile, at police headquarters, Director-General Hu and Captain Han were alerted that Hu Rong was using an encrypted code to access their server. She was attempting to bypass the opposing firewall's surveillance to establish a link.
The police successfully established the link, allowing them 20 minutes to avoid the firewall's surveillance and receive data. Back in the office, Sister Mei returned, having had to deal with Little Fei's sudden drug withdrawal symptoms, which caused her to return to supervise Chu Feifei herself.
Sister Mei then revealed her true intention: she praised Chu Feifei for recovering the documents and then instructed her to log into a specific URL to find a concealed chatroom and delete all its contents. Chu Feifei realized in her mind that recovering the data was just a test; Sister Mei's real goal was to make her delete a data package.
As she proceeded, the police noted that Hu Rong began transmitting data, but it was being blocked, likely by a more advanced firewall. Chu Feifei, seeing the chatroom had a background backup, informed Sister Mei that she would open a backdoor and send a supervirus to quickly delete it. This allowed Hu Rong to successfully transfer critical data using a hidden mirror file, bypassing the hidden firewall.
At the same time, in the parking lot, Little Fei was in the throes of drug withdrawal. He stumbled out of a car, frantically searching for drugs. Liu Ziguang, on patrol, witnessed this and saw Little Fei drop a white pill. A voice in Liu Ziguang's mind identified it as "Angel, version two," and he felt an unsettling familiarity. Little Fei, consumed by his addiction, pushed Liu Ziguang away, hallucinating and yelling, "Are you a human or a ghost?
Why don't you just die? !" He vowed to stop taking drugs but couldn't control himself. Liu Ziguang later found Little Fei collapsed and convulsing and immediately intervened, helping him. Back in Sister Mei's office, Hu Rong (Chu Feifei) completed the data deletion, and Sister Mei was impressed, complimenting her performance.
Chu Feifei then thanked Sister Mei, fabricating a story about being deeply in debt due to her family situation before meeting Sister Mei, and expressing gratitude for the 100,000 yuan which greatly alleviated her burden. She also mentioned being glad to finally use her computer skills again. Sister Mei considered it fate and handed Chu Feifei another 20,000 yuan as a reward, which Chu Feifei initially declined but eventually accepted.
Chu Feifei then pledged her loyalty, promising to serve Sister Mei diligently, stating, "as long as you don't mind, I will go with you to the end." At police headquarters, officers successfully decoded the files Hu Rong transferred, which included ledger accounts between Golden Glory and Tiger Company. They concluded that further investigation into Golden Glory's secrets was necessary. Director-General Hu and Sir, watching the operation unfold, were proud of Hu Rong, remarking on her bravery and intelligence.
Han Jin was instructed to be extremely careful with the mission and ensure Hu Rong's safety, as police forces from Jiangbei and Jiangnan were secretly monitoring Golden Glory. A colleague, Xiao Bai, noted that everyone, including Captain Han, missed Hu Rong. Han Jin affirmed their shared longing but emphasized the importance of closing the case quickly for Hu Rong to return safely. Later, Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong met again secretly in the pipe room.
Hu Rong earnestly requested that he not inquire about any of her missions, and Liu Ziguang nodded, giving her a light kiss on her lips. She then made a second request: not to contact Sister Mei. After Liu Ziguang agreed, Hu Rong gave him another light kiss, then seriously stated that if he couldn't do these things, he must leave Golden Glory. Liu Ziguang solemnly promised.
She then urged him to leave Golden Glory, expressing concern that their relationship could expose her identity and jeopardize her mission, which could only succeed. Liu Ziguang refused, insisting he was there to protect her because he couldn't leave her in such a dangerous place alone. Hu Rong pressed him, asking if he loved her, and if so, to obey her request to leave. He confirmed his love but refused to leave.
Frustrated, Hu Rong told him, "Don't let me see you tomorrow morning," before pulling away from him and leaving. That night, Liu Ziguang was troubled by recurring images in his mind. He questioned why he recognized the "Angel" drug and how it related to his past. He pondered the identity of a person who flashed in his mind and what truly happened during the eight years of his memory loss.
He wondered about the people pursuing him, the gunshots, his tattoos, and his appearance on a beach, desperately seeking answers. He also recalled Hu Rong's words, realizing he couldn't let her know about these disturbing thoughts, as she would surely make him leave, and if he left, no one would protect her. He wrestled with the dilemma of whether to stay or go.
Xin Xin, Little Fei's sister, came to Golden Glory to see him and was distraught to learn he was addicted to drugs, making him unrecognizable. She tearfully pleaded with him to quit. Little Fei painfully admitted he was immersed in it and found it hard to extricate himself. Just then, Sister Mei entered and coldly reprimanded Little Fei, telling him not to die in Golden Glory even if he overdosed.
Xin Xin immediately knelt before Little Fei, begging Sister Mei to let him go. Sister Mei, however, angrily retorted that Little Fei's drug addiction was not her fault, and she had paid off his drug debts numerous times, saving his life repeatedly. Later, while on patrol, Liu Ziguang saw Little Fei feeding stray cats and praised him for his compassion. Little Fei gave him a cold shoulder.
Liu Ziguang sincerely expressed his desire to help Little Fei, but Little Fei did not appreciate it and left with a grim face. Hu Rong witnessed this interaction and called Liu Ziguang to her room. She accused him of violating their agreement, and angrily made to leave. Liu Ziguang grabbed her hand and explained that he came to Golden Glory as an undercover agent not only for her, but also to save those suffering from drug addiction.
Hu Rong then understood his good intentions. Li Wan couldn't reach Liu Ziguang and asked Bei Xiaoshuai about his whereabouts. Bei Xiaoshuai lied, saying Liu Ziguang was traveling, which Li Wan found suspicious. Soon after, Assistant Wei found out Liu Ziguang was working as a security guard at Golden Glory. Alarmed, Li Wan rushed to Golden Glory with Assistant Wei. In the lobby, Li Wan confronted Liu Ziguang, pulling at him and demanding to know why he was hiding there.
Liu Ziguang was tense, and Little Fei, hearing the commotion, had already noticed everything unfolding, as did Sister Mei. In a moment of desperation, Liu Ziguang cut Li Wan off and falsely claimed that Assistant Wei had conspired with "his sister" to swindle his money. Assistant Wei was utterly confused. As Li Wan was about to argue, she suddenly saw Hu Rong dressed as a server.
Li Wan was stunned, noticing Hu Rong's name tag read Chu Feifei, and Liu Ziguang's read Liu Xiaoguang. Li Wan seemed to realize something and fell silent. Sister Mei called Hu Rong to her office, having grown suspicious that Liu Ziguang and Li Wan's argument was a pretense. She ordered Little Fei to investigate Liu Xiaoguang's background with Zhicheng Group.
Fortunately, before leaving, Li Wan had realized she might have caused trouble and specifically instructed Assistant Wei that everyone should refer to Liu Ziguang as Liu Xiaoguang from then on, and his records should be modified. Little Fei's inquiry thus revealed no discrepancies. Afterward, Sister Mei called Liu Ziguang to her office, questioned him about the argument with Li Wan, and prepared to fire him.
Little Fei, who was standing nearby, interceded on Liu Ziguang's behalf, praising him as the best security guard and suggesting he might be useful for other purposes. Sister Mei then changed her mind. Bei Xiaoshuai received a call from Liu Ziguang, who reassured him that he was safe. Li Wan was finally relieved. Bei Xiaoshuai keenly observed that Li Wan had not truly moved on from Liu Ziguang. Li Wan's emotions were complex.
Distracted, she absentmindedly crossed the road when a speeding car suddenly approached. Fortunately, Bei Xiaoshuai reacted quickly, pulling her into his arms and saving her. Both immediately felt awkward and uncomfortable, and quickly separated. The next morning, Liu Ziguang was still at Golden Glory, much to Hu Rong's frustration.
Soon after, Hu Rong (Chu Feifei) went to Sister Mei to ask for leave, explaining she needed to go home to give her father money for his gambling debts, fearing collectors would trouble him. Sister Mei, acknowledging Chu Feifei's filial piety, granted her a day off to rest. Xin Xin came to Little Fei's room to give him some money, urging him to leave Golden Glory as soon as possible.
Little Fei was conflicted, admitting his life was given to him by Sister Mei, but he swore he would resolutely quit drugs. Just then, Sister Mei called Little Fei to the office and instructed him to go with Hu Rong to collect money. Little Fei and Hu Rong went to the underground car park, preparing to leave by car. At that moment, Xin Xin was also driving away.
She immediately recognized the person in the passenger seat of Little Fei's car as the female police officer who had saved her previously. In a panic, she immediately called Little Fei and told him that Hu Rong was a police officer. Liu Ziguang, who happened to be passing by, witnessed all of this.
With his sharp eyesight, he recognized Xin Xin as the hostage he had saved in the used car market and strongly suspected that Xin Xin had also recognized Hu Rong. Liu Ziguang's suspicion was correct; Xin Xin admitted she had indeed recognized Hu Rong's police identity and had called her brother. Liu Ziguang, anxious, pressed Xin Xin to know where Little Fei and Hu Rong were going, but Xin Xin couldn't say.
Hu Rong returned to her "Dad's" apartment, where Han Jin was waiting for her. Han Jin informed her that the superiors had ordered Liu Ziguang's immediate withdrawal from Golden Glory, as his presence risked disrupting the mission and endangering himself. Han Jin asked Hu Rong to handle Liu Ziguang, as her influence might persuade him, and she nodded in agreement.
Later, Liu Ziguang was in the staff lounge, discreetly asking colleagues about Little Fei's background, but they were reluctant to speak. Little Fei, who had overheard, entered the lounge with a grim expression. He dismissed the other staff and confronted Liu Ziguang, demanding to know why he was asking about him. Little Fei then offered Liu Ziguang 10,000 yuan as a thank you for saving him, telling him to stop meddling in his affairs.
Liu Ziguang refused the money, asserting that he wanted to help Little Fei quit drugs, warning him of the dangers. Little Fei angrily retorted that it was none of Liu Ziguang's business. Liu Ziguang received a text message, ostensibly from Hu Rong, instructing him to meet at the cinema entrance in the mall in two hours. Upon arrival, he found Bei Xiaoshuai, who directed him inside, while he remained to keep watch.
Inside, Liu Ziguang was surprised to find Han Jin waiting, not Hu Rong. Han Jin admitted he had arranged the meeting. Liu Ziguang immediately reiterated his firm stance: he would not leave Golden Glory or Hu Rong. Han Jin explained that Hu Rong was on a police mission, and Liu Ziguang could not be involved. Liu Ziguang countered that Hu Rong was also his lover, and it was his right to protect her.
Han Jin implored Liu Ziguang not to let personal feelings jeopardize a critical joint police investigation involving numerous comrades who were working tirelessly to support Hu Rong. Liu Ziguang acknowledged Han Jin's concerns but reminded him that Han Jin's initial goal was also to protect Hu Rong, and now he could do that. He swore on his life that he would not affect the case and would protect Hu Rong.
Han Jin, understanding Liu Ziguang's resolve, informed him that he would report to his superiors, but warned Liu Ziguang to obey police instructions. Reporting back to Director-General Hu, Han Jin conveyed Liu Ziguang's strong determination. He suggested that trying to remove Liu Ziguang forcefully might alert the enemy and jeopardize Hu Rong's mission, making it safer to allow Liu Ziguang to stay at Golden Glory for now.
They decided to strictly monitor Liu Ziguang and ensure his safety, but also to extract him when the right opportunity arose. Director-General Hu also reminded Han Jin to tell Hu Rong not to let personal feelings distract her, as "a battlefield is not a child's playground." A colleague remarked on Liu Ziguang's deep love for Hu Rong and how his presence made them feel more secure. Han Jin agreed, stating he never misjudged Liu Ziguang's capabilities.
Later, Hu Rong received a text message from her "Dad," warning her about "that kid from the grilled skewer place" (likely Little Fei) and urging her to be careful not to let this influence her work. She replied, assuring him she would handle it well.
Episode 32 Recap
Xin Xin suddenly remembered that Little Fei had taken a gun with him when he left earlier, prompting Liu Ziguang to call Han Jin in a state of alarm to relay the critical information. Upon hearing the news, Director-General Hu Yuejin immediately instructed Han Jin to contact the Jiangnan police to locate Hu Rong and initiate a full-scale rescue operation, ensuring her safety above all else. Han Jin wasted no time, heading straight to Jiangnan City.
Meanwhile, Liu Ziguang, having received the location details, urgently drove to intercept Little Fei and Hu Rong. Inside the car, Hu Rong sensed the unusual tension. She attempted to make conversation, asking Little Fei if he had been with Mei Jie for many years and where his hometown was, but Little Fei remained grimly silent. It wasn't long before Hu Rong realized they were not on the correct route.
As Little Fei drove them towards a secluded area on the outskirts, he pulled out a handgun. He finally stopped the car, pointing the gun at Hu Rong's head as he sternly accused her, revealing her identity as a police officer. " You are a police officer," he stated. " Tell me, why did you join the police force? What is your objective for infiltrating Golden Glory?"
With her cover blown, Hu Rong dropped her pretense and openly admitted her undercover role. She calmly declared, "From the day I joined the police, I was never afraid of death." She challenged him, "Do you think that if you kill me, you can escape the law? Even if I die here today, there will be countless police officers who will avenge me. They will capture you and your boss and send you to jail. You can't escape.
If you kill me today, you are doomed." Holding the pistol, Little Fei hesitated, unable to pull the trigger. Liu Ziguang arrived at the scene just in time. Xin Xin, who was also present, desperately pleaded with her brother, "Little Fei, put down your gun. Don't do anything stupid. She saved my life. She is my benefactor. Let her go. Let her go and I will come with you, okay?"
However, Little Fei, overwhelmed by emotion, screamed, "No. I want to die with her!" Soon after, the blare of police sirens filled the air as squad cars converged, surrounding them. Little Fei's composure completely unraveled. Liu Ziguang stepped forward, speaking loudly to deliberately divert Little Fei's attention. Seizing the opportunity, Han Jin ambushed Little Fei from behind, pointing his gun at him. While Little Fei was momentarily stunned, Hu Rong swiftly disarmed him, snatching the handgun from his grasp.
Following her successful rescue, Hu Rong received a phone call from Mei Jie, which she artfully deflected to maintain her cover. Han Jin informed them that the situation had changed drastically, necessitating Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang's withdrawal, and Little Fei's arrest. However, Hu Rong advocated for a different approach, proposing that they try to turn Little Fei into an informant. Liu Ziguang supported her, arguing that Little Fei was not inherently bad and deserved an opportunity for redemption.
Han Jin sought guidance from Director-General Hu Yuejin and Director Song. Hu Rong confidently asserted her belief that she could successfully persuade Little Fei to cooperate, and her conviction ultimately swayed Director-General Hu Yuejin, who decided to endorse her plan. Hu Rong then directly addressed Little Fei, giving him a stark choice: "You have two choices. Either you atone for your crime and turn over a new leaf, or you face punishment. You are a sensible person.
You know what is right and wrong." After a long period of contemplation, Little Fei agreed to assist the police, but only on the condition that they guarantee his sister's safety. After Little Fei was taken away, Hu Rong sternly confronted Liu Ziguang, demanding to know what she would do if he had been killed by his reckless actions. Liu Ziguang, half-jokingly and half-seriously, asked for a reward.
Hu Rong, blushing, rose on her tiptoes and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before shyly retreating, leaving Liu Ziguang with a wide, triumphant smile. Hu Rong, now as Chu Feifei, and Little Fei returned to Golden Glory and reported to Mei Jie. Noticing Little Fei's subdued demeanor, Mei Jie dismissed Chu Feifei and spoke to Little Fei alone.
Little Fei haltingly suggested that Chu Feifei could no longer be used, fabricating a story about her being too greedy, claiming he saw her eyes light up at the sight of a red packet. Mei Jie, however, dismissed his vague reasons. Just then, Mei Jie received a call from her boss, Lisa, who informed her that she was flying from Canada to Jiangnan City and instructed Mei Jie to prepare for her arrival.
Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong met in a secluded pipe room. Hu Rong expressed concern that Little Fei might betray them. They then found Little Fei in another room, in the throes of drug withdrawal and attempting to take drugs. Liu Ziguang swiftly intervened, snatching the narcotics from his hand. Hu Rong then pulled Little Fei into the bathroom, turning on the shower and dousing him with cold water to help him regain his senses.
Concurrently, Han Jin reported to Director-General Hu Yuejin and Director Song that intelligence indicated Lisa, the suspected mastermind behind the Taige Group, had left Thailand and was likely headed to China. Director-General Hu Yuejin instructed Han Jin to promptly notify the Jiangnan Public Security Bureau to coordinate a joint operation.
Soon after, news arrived from Jiangnan City that, due to the lack of a clear frontal photograph of Lisa and only a single fingerprint available, they could not definitively confirm her entry into the country. Consequently, Director-General Hu Yuejin ordered Han Jin to proceed to Jiangnan City and instructed Hu Rong to closely monitor all suspicious individuals within Golden Glory.
Episode 33 Recap
In the aftermath of the hostage situation, Little Fei, driving at high speed, had brandished a gun and accused Hu Rong of being a police officer. As police cars and Han Jin’s vehicle pursued them, Hu Rong urged Little Fei to stop. He eventually did, pressing the gun to her head and reconfirming her identity as a cop.
Hu Rong calmly admitted she was a police officer, stating that she had never feared death since joining the Crime Unit and that it was their duty to fight criminals. She also warned him that she carried a GPS tracker, and if she died, he would not escape justice. Little Fei, visibly agitated, hesitated to fire his weapon.
Liu Ziguang soon arrived on the scene, accompanied by Little Fei’s sister, who tearfully begged him to drop the gun, reminding him that Hu Rong was her savior. Little Fei, however, felt cornered and threatened to die with Hu Rong, urging his sister to leave. As more police surrounded them, Liu Ziguang created a diversion, shouting to draw Little Fei’s attention.
While Little Fei was distracted, Han Jin ambushed him from behind, pointing a gun at him, which allowed Hu Rong to swiftly disarm Little Fei. Han Jin immediately called Deputy Director Song to report Hu Rong’s safe rescue, and Song relayed the news to Director-General Hu Yuejin, who expressed immense relief. Hu Rong received a call from Mei Jie, to whom she reported the mission was successful and that she and Little Fei would return soon.
After the call, Han Jin informed Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang that their cover had been compromised and, for safety reasons, their undercover mission at Golden Glory must end. He instructed them to return to Jiangbei immediately with Little Fei. Hu Rong objected, arguing that withdrawing now would raise Mei Jie’s suspicions and nullify all their efforts. Liu Ziguang supported her, believing Little Fei was not inherently evil and deserved a chance at redemption.
Unable to resolve the dispute, Han Jin sought guidance from his superiors. Deputy Director Song initially rejected the idea of continuing the mission due to the high risks. However, Hu Rong directly called her father, Director-General Hu Yuejin, assuring him of her confidence in securing Little Fei’s cooperation and pleading to continue. Hu Yuejin, after a moment’s consideration, granted his permission, emphasizing her safety and promising that he and her mother would await her safe return.
He later explained to Deputy Director Song that allowing Hu Rong to fulfill her duty, much like her biological father Zhenwu would have, was the greatest love he and Zhenwu could show her. Hu Rong then presented Little Fei with two choices: cooperate with the police to atone for his past and turn his life around, or face legal consequences and spend his life in prison.
She appealed to his conscience and his bond with his sister, telling him it was not too late to change. Encouraged by his sister, Little Fei agreed to help, on the condition that the police protect his sister. Hu Rong assured him of his sister’s safety. Liu Ziguang then questioned Hu Rong about what she would do if he had died when he rushed in to protect her.
She asked if he would cry if she died, to which he affirmed, "Of course, I would." Hu Rong then teased him about calling her his girlfriend for the first time, which he confirmed. He asked for a kiss as a reward, and Hu Rong shyly kissed his cheek before running off, leaving Liu Ziguang with a broad, triumphant smile.
Shortly thereafter, Mei Jie received a phone call from "Lisa," who announced her arrival in Jiangnan from Canada within two days and instructed Mei Jie to prepare. Lisa also informed her that, from now on, she preferred to be called "Tina." Back at Golden Glory, Hu Rong and Little Fei reported to Mei Jie. Noticing Little Fei’s sullen expression, Mei Jie kept him behind to speak privately.
Little Fei hesitantly suggested that Hu Rong should no longer be used, claiming she was too greedy and had reacted visibly to a red packet. Mei Jie, however, dismissed his concerns, caring only if Hu Rong had acted suspiciously during a money collection, which Little Fei denied. After Mei Jie's call with Lisa/Tina, Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong met, where Hu Rong expressed concern that Little Fei might betray them.
They later found Little Fei in his room struggling with drug withdrawal. Liu Ziguang quickly confiscated the drugs, and Hu Rong pushed him into the bathroom, using cold water to help him regain composure. Later, Little Fei discreetly pulled Hu Rong aside, asking if cooperating with the police would truly lead to redemption. Hu Rong confirmed it, and Little Fei, trusting her, retrieved a hidden phone from his toilet tank.
He handed it to her, revealing it contained the contact list of everyone Mei Jie was associated with, stating it held everything he knew. Hu Rong promised to forward the information to her colleagues and reiterated that Little Fei’s sister was safe and under Captain Han’s protection in Jiangbei. Later, Hu Rong received a text from Han Jin, requesting a meeting. They met at Cao’s house, where Han Jin disclosed vital intelligence.
He confirmed the significance of Little Fei’s contact list and promised an immediate investigation. More importantly, he revealed that Interpol suspected Lisa, the true controller of the Tiger Company and Mei Jie’s supplier, had fled T Country and was likely headed to Golden Glory. Since they lacked a full photograph of Lisa and only possessed a single fingerprint, Han Jin tasked Hu Rong with diligently monitoring any suspicious new arrivals at Golden Glory.
He emphasized that Lisa was a key figure in the criminal organization, closely linked to Sangbo, and her capture was crucial to uncovering Sangbo and potentially solving Hou Sihai's murder. Hu Rong understood that finding Lisa was now her paramount objective. Soon after, a female VIP, Tina (Lisa), arrived at Golden Glory. Mei Jie personally greeted her and escorted her to the penthouse suite, a rare event noticed by both Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong.
Inside the suite, Tina presented Mei Jie with a million yuan for a successful transaction. She explained her choice of Golden Glory for such a large deal was due to it being their territory and her profound trust in Mei Jie. Mei Jie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her loyalty. Tina stressed the immense scale of the deal and the absolute necessity of its success, to which Mei Jie assured her that all arrangements were meticulously handled.
Hu Rong later approached Little Fei, asking about the mysterious woman. Little Fei admitted he knew little but observed that Mei Jie rarely used the penthouse suite for guests, which suggested the woman held considerable importance. Meanwhile, Brother Hu reported Lisa's presence at Golden Glory to Nie Wanfeng. Nie Wanfeng speculated that Lisa, facing significant danger, must be on a critical mission given her risky journey to China to meet Mei Jie, despite Nie Wanfeng himself not knowing her.
Noticing Tina/Lisa leaving her room, Liu Ziguang quickly sent a message to Hu Rong. Posing as room service, Hu Rong entered Tina’s room and managed to obtain her lipstick. Back in her own room, she carefully extracted fingerprints from the lipstick tube. As Hu Rong prepared to re-enter Tina’s room, Tina unexpectedly emerged and sternly warned Hu Rong not to enter her room again without permission. Suspicious, Tina reviewed the room’s surveillance footage, confirming Hu Rong’s unauthorized entry.
She immediately called Mei Jie, who then confronted Hu Rong in Tina's room. Hu Rong nervously produced the lipstick, prompting Mei Jie, exasperated, to order her to apologize to Tina. Hu Rong returned the lipstick and apologized, but Tina remained unconvinced, coldly questioning Hu Rong’s true motives. Hu Rong concocted a story about her father being a gambler and her own greed being the reason for her actions. Unpersuaded, Tina demanded Hu Rong cut off a finger.
Mei Jie quickly interceded on Hu Rong’s behalf. Tina relented but insisted on meeting Hu Rong’s father, Cao. Suddenly, Little Fei arrived to summon Cao to Golden Glory, claiming Mei Jie sent him but without knowing the reason. Cao, sensing the gravity of the situation, feigned returning to his room for clothes and secretly contacted Han Jin, gravely informing him of the developing crisis. Cao then presented himself humbly before Mei Jie.
Mei Jie offered to settle his gambling debts, an offer Cao politely feigned to decline. Mei Jie, however, insisted. To verify their story, she had both Cao and Hu Rong write down the names of their creditors. Seeing identical lists, Tina then instructed Mei Jie to call one of the creditors on the spot. Mei Jie dialed the number, and Han Jin answered, expertly impersonating a gruff loan shark demanding payment from Cao.
This convincing performance finally assuaged Mei Jie and Tina's suspicions. With Mei Jie displeased with Hu Rong over the lipstick incident, Hu Rong found it difficult to move around freely. Consequently, Liu Ziguang took the fingerprints Hu Rong had collected from Tina/Lisa and delivered them to Han Jin, who expressed his sincere gratitude. The fingerprint analysis soon confirmed that the VIP was indeed Lisa.
Episode 34 Recap
Liu Ziguang secretly met with Hu Rong, informing her that Lisa's identity had been confirmed, which greatly uplifted her spirits. However, Hu Rong quickly expressed concern that Lisa had grown suspicious of her, making it impossible for her to approach Lisa again. Liu Ziguang immediately offered to monitor Lisa in her stead. Zhuo Li was finally released from prison and was met by Guo Dalu and Bei Xiaoshuai. Zhuo Li, excited to be out, immediately asked about Liu Ziguang.
Bei Xiaoshuai, attempting to cover for him, claimed that Liu Ziguang had reconciled with Hu Rong (referred to as Xiao Hong in dialogue) and was accompanying her on a training trip abroad. Zhuo Li was disappointed, having hoped for an immediate reunion of "the three musketeers" for drinks. Later, Li Jianguo returned to the "Di Dao Di Dao" restaurant and inquired about Liu Ziguang.
Bei Xiaoshuai, clearly uncomfortable, initially repeated the fabricated story about Liu Ziguang being away for training with Officer Hu. Li Jianguo, sensing deception, pressed Bei Xiaoshuai for the truth, especially after a call to Liu Ziguang's phone went unanswered. Realizing Liu Ziguang might be in danger, Li Jianguo demanded an honest explanation.
Under pressure, Bei Xiaoshuai reluctantly admitted that Hu Rong was on a secret mission in Jiangnan, and Liu Ziguang, worried for her safety, had followed her, asking them not to tell anyone. Li Jianguo then went to Golden Glory and sought out Old Zhou, the kitchen manager. Initially, Old Zhou's assistant tried to turn Li Jianguo away, but Li Jianguo insisted.
Old Zhou, recognizing Li Jianguo as a former respected leader and joking about his reputation as the "kebab king of Jiangbei," asked his reason for visiting. Li Jianguo, putting aside his pride, humbly requested a job to help cover his wife's medical expenses. Seeing Li Jianguo's difficult situation, Old Zhou agreed to help. Coincidentally, Mei Jie had been wanting to add variety to Golden Glory's menu, so Old Zhou proposed a new outdoor barbecue section, which Mei Jie approved.
Old Zhou then decided to put Li Jianguo in charge of this new venture. Later, while Liu Ziguang was accompanying Mei Jie on a kitchen inspection, he was shocked to discover Li Jianguo working there. They discreetly arranged to meet that night. During their meeting, Li Jianguo reassured Liu Ziguang not to worry about him, highlighting his past military experience in reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance. Liu Ziguang, recognizing Li Jianguo's capabilities, agreed to let him go undercover as well.
Li Jianguo then urged Liu Ziguang to leave, explaining that he needed to prepare to host VIP guests on the top floor the following day. This news excited Liu Ziguang, who then disclosed Lisa's true identity and Hu Rong's mission to Li Jianguo, proposing a bold, collaborative plan. Han Jin, learning of Li Jianguo's involvement, initially criticized Liu Ziguang, expressing concern that more participants would only increase the risks.
However, Li Jianguo, drawing on his military background, assured Han Jin of his unwavering cooperation and promised not to cause any trouble. Liu Ziguang then outlined his detailed plan for the next day. Han Jin found the plan somewhat daring but, after consulting with his superiors, approved the strategy. As a precautionary measure, he assigned a female police officer, Xiao Bai, to work alongside Li Jianguo.
The next day, amidst a torrential downpour, while Li Jianguo was preparing a whole roasted lamb for Lisa, a group of ruffians began to harass her. Liu Ziguang swiftly rushed into the rain, skillfully fending off the attackers and knocking them down. Impressed by his gallant actions and handsome appearance, Lisa was delighted and eagerly led Liu Ziguang to her room. There, she brazenly attempted to seduce him, offering herself.
Liu Ziguang, flustered, quickly fabricated an excuse about having a girlfriend and hastily retreated from the room. Mei Jie, highly apologetic for the evening's events, approached Lisa to express her regrets. Lisa then inquired about Liu Ziguang's name and background. Mei Jie assured her that they had thoroughly vetted Liu Ziguang, and his history and identity were impeccable. Lisa promptly requested Liu Ziguang to serve as her personal, round-the-clock bodyguard, a request Mei Jie promptly granted.
Liu Ziguang later reported Lisa's attempted seduction to Hu Rong, reaffirming his loyalty. Hu Rong, amused by his tension, reassured him of her complete trust before Liu Ziguang received a phone call and left in a hurry. Hu Rong visited Xiao Fei in his room. She discreetly inquired about the mysterious new woman staying in the top suite. Xiao Fei confided that anyone residing in that particular room must be a person of significant importance to Mei Jie.
News of Lisa's presence at Golden Glory quickly reached Nie Wanfeng. His subordinate informed him that the woman they had been tracking had finally checked in. Nie Wanfeng reflected on Lisa's precarious situation, noting that she was "besieged on all sides" and had come to Mei Jie at Golden Glory, suggesting her motives were far from straightforward. He surmised that her risky journey to China at this time must involve a significant business deal.
Nie Wanfeng revealed Lisa's notorious past as a top figure in their criminal circles, detailing her history of drug trafficking in South America and later weapon trafficking in the Golden Triangle. He described her as cunning and cruel, an elusive figure who frequently changed identities, whose true appearance and movements were largely unknown, even to Interpol.
Recognizing that Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang were undercover at Golden Glory, Nie Wanfeng acknowledged that they were bound for "a life-and-death test of strength" with Lisa. While admitting he couldn't predict the winner, he privately hoped Liu Ziguang would succeed, as Lisa's downfall would coincidentally benefit him greatly. In an underground passage, Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong convened to discuss the new woman at Golden Glory.
Liu Ziguang shared his observation that "a mysterious woman moved onto the top floor of Golden Glory" that day, personally received by Mei Jie with extreme courtesy, indicating she was "not so simple." Hu Rong agreed, concluding that anyone receiving such special treatment from Mei Jie must be highly significant, speculating, "Perhaps she is the leader of their drug trafficking ring. Perhaps, she is the legendary Lisa."
Liu Ziguang then proposed to "find a way to get close to her" to learn her background, but Hu Rong quickly reminded him of their agreement, asserting that he must obey her. She assigned him the task of "keeping watch over the movements of Sister Mei and that woman," promising to handle other matters herself.
The next day, after Lisa (who used the alias Tina) left her room, Hu Rong, disguised as a cleaning attendant under the name Chu Feifei, seized the opportunity to enter. She discreetly took a lipstick from the room. Later, she knocked on Lisa's door, fabricating an excuse about having left a cleaning agent. Lisa, however, sternly warned her, "You're not allowed to enter my room without my permission in the future."
Observing Hu Rong's suspicious behavior through surveillance cameras, Lisa immediately called Mei Jie to her room. Mei Jie confronted Hu Rong, who nervously produced the stolen lipstick. Mei Jie, frustrated, ordered Hu Rong to apologize to Lisa. Hu Rong returned the lipstick and offered her apologies, but Lisa remained unconvinced. She coldly demanded Hu Rong to kneel, which Hu Rong reluctantly did.
Lisa then took out a pair of scissors, pressing them against Hu Rong's hand, and pressed her to reveal her true intentions for entering the room. Hu Rong maintained her fabricated story about her father, Cao Jinguan, being a gambling addict and her being tempted by the expensive lipstick due to her poverty, adding, "In my whole life, I'd never be able to buy such an expensive lipstick."
Lisa dismissed this as an unoriginal lie, stating that in society, one must pay for mistakes, and offered Hu Rong the choice to cut off her own finger. Mei Jie quickly intervened, vouching for Hu Rong's pitiful background and confirming that her records had been checked. Lisa, referring to herself as Tina, temporarily relented but demanded to meet Hu Rong's father.
Xiao Fei arrived to pick up Cao Jinguan, informing him that Mei Jie had requested his presence at Golden Glory, though he was unsure of the reason. Sensing trouble, Cao Jinguan feigned needing to retrieve clothes and discreetly messaged Han Jin about the "sudden situation."
Upon arrival at Golden Glory, Mei Jie greeted Cao Jinguan, introducing herself as Hu Rong's superior and explaining that they wished to understand his family's situation, as Hu Rong (under the alias Chu Feifei) had mentioned his gambling debts. Mei Jie proposed to help clear his debts, an offer Cao Jinguan feigned reluctance to accept. Mei Jie insisted, then instructed both Cao Jinguan and Hu Rong to independently list their creditors' names, contact numbers, and the amounts owed.
Liu Ziguang watched anxiously from a distance. Their identical lists, showing a ¥290,000 debt, surprised Lisa and Mei Jie. To verify, Lisa instructed Mei Jie to call one of the listed creditors. Mei Jie made the call, and Cao Jinguan, speaking into the phone, interacted with Han Jin, who was already prepped and answered, adopting the persona of a gruff debt collector, "Boss Han," and aggressively demanding ¥150,000 within a week, threatening to double the interest otherwise.
Convinced by the performance, Mei Jie expressed sympathy, advised Cao Jinguan to abandon his gambling habit for his daughter's sake, and assured him that the company would handle the remaining debt. She then dismissed him and Hu Rong, with Lisa instructing Hu Rong to keep the returned lipstick. Due to the lipstick incident, Lisa instructed Mei Jie to exclude Hu Rong from the upcoming transaction and forbid her from cleaning her room in the future.
Mei Jie then sternly reprimanded Hu Rong for the theft, warning her against repeating such "taboo" behavior. Later, in an underground passage, a despondent Hu Rong expressed her concern to Liu Ziguang that Mei Jie's suspicion would hinder future intelligence gathering. Liu Ziguang comforted her, showing her drawings of a future overseas vacation, complete with sun, sea, and a teasing depiction of Hu Rong in a bikini, which she playfully dismissed as "rotten rascal" behavior.
Liu Ziguang then delivered Lisa's fingerprints to Han Jin, explaining that Mei Jie's close watch on Hu Rong made it safer for him to relay information going forward. Han Jin thanked him for his help. Separately, Director Song and Han Jin confirmed through fingerprint verification that the VIP was indeed Lisa, noting her alias "Tina," and reiterating their belief that she was in China for a significant transaction, likely "a great conspiracy" or "a big business deal."
Episode 35 Recap
Li Jianguo sought out Chef Zhou at Golden Glory, explaining his reluctance to ask for help but pleading for work to cover his wife's medical expenses. Chef Zhou, seeing Li Jianguo's sincerity, promised to consider it. When Mei Jie later expressed a desire to update the restaurant's menu for an important guest, Chef Zhou suggested an open-air barbeque stall. Mei Jie found the idea excellent, especially for the spacious hotel garden.
Chef Zhou then recommended his friend, Li Jianguo, who had many years of experience running a barbeque shop, to manage the new stall. Mei Jie was delighted by the coincidence and arranged to meet Li Jianguo and sample his cooking. Meanwhile, Zhuo Li confided in Shuai about his enduring crush on Wen Xiaoxue since childhood, describing her as his "dream lover."
He recounted seeing her recently and feeling "struck by lightning," falling deeply in love and asking Shuai for advice on how to pursue her. Shuai advised Zhuo Li to be proactive, suggesting he send flowers and drinks, pick her up and drop her off, and show her genuine concern. Li Jianguo successfully launched the barbeque stall. Mei Jie was highly impressed with his grilling skills, praising the lamb as "crispy but not burned" and melting in the mouth.
Liu Ziguang, encountering Li Jianguo at Golden Glory, covertly arranged to meet him in the kitchen that night. During their meeting, Liu Ziguang urged Li Jianguo to leave, deeming the situation too dangerous. However, Li Jianguo refused, stating he couldn't stand by while Liu Ziguang was in peril, and reminded him of his military training in reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance, believing he could be of help. Liu Ziguang relented but made him promise to be extremely careful.
Li Jianguo then revealed that Mei Jie had asked him to prepare food for the VIP guest from the top floor to test his cooking skills, identifying the guest as Lisa, the drug lord of Golden Glory. Liu Ziguang explained Hu Rong's mission to investigate Golden Glory's drug trade, her current inability to approach Lisa, and how this barbeque opportunity was a rare chance for him to get close.
Li Jianguo then planned a setup during Lisa's meal the next day. Captain Han Jin confronted Liu Ziguang in the men's toilet, criticizing his decision to involve Li Jianguo and fearing the increased risk. Li Jianguo, however, interjected, taking full responsibility for joining Golden Glory out of concern for Liu Ziguang's safety. He respectfully refused Han Jin's order to return to Jiangbei, arguing that his sudden disappearance would arouse suspicion and jeopardize Liu Ziguang's cover.
Li Jianguo solemnly promised, as a retired soldier, to act cautiously and cooperate fully with the police. Liu Ziguang corroborated Li Jianguo's points, emphasizing Hu Rong's stalled intelligence gathering and the critical importance of tomorrow's opportunity. Captain Han, after consulting with his superiors, approved Li Jianguo's continued presence at Golden Glory and Liu Ziguang's plan for the following day, albeit with a warning to exercise discretion and prioritize safety.
He also assigned Officer Xiao Bai, introduced as Li Jianguo's niece "Li Li," to assist him. The next day, as a heavy rain fell, Li Jianguo was preparing roasted lamb when several unruly individuals accosted Lisa. Liu Ziguang swiftly intervened, battling the men and driving them away. Impressed by Liu Ziguang's fighting prowess, Lisa asked his name, "Liu Xiaoguang," and noted his "lame name, but nice fighting skills" before taking him to her room.
Lisa attempted to seduce Liu Ziguang, telling him he was soaking wet and offering to shower with him. Liu Ziguang politely declined, stating he had a girlfriend and couldn't be rude as she was Mei Jie's special guest. Mei Jie apologized profusely to Lisa for the security breach. Lisa, still shaken, demanded a thorough investigation and questioned the reliability of "Liu Xiaoguang." Mei Jie assured her that his background had been thoroughly checked and found to be simple and clear.
Satisfied, Lisa ordered that Liu Xiaoguang be transferred to become her 24-hour personal bodyguard. Mei Jie promptly conveyed this promotion to Liu Xiaoguang, announcing a ten percent salary increase and instructing him to move into the penthouse starting tomorrow. Liu Xiaoguang expressed surprise but accepted. He then called Hu Rong to inform her of Lisa's attempted seduction and his new role, reaffirming his loyalty.
Hu Rong, amused by his earnestness, playfully chided him for Lisa's actions but expressed her full trust. Later, Zhuo Li visited Wen Xiaoxue, bringing her snacks. He awkwardly offered to accompany her home, noticing she was working a part-time job and coming home late. He also mentioned that he was now managing his shop with Xiaoshuai after "finishing some work," subtly avoiding mentioning his recent detention.
Back at Golden Glory, Mei Jie reported to Lisa on the progress of the transaction arrangements, confirming they would proceed next Monday. Lisa instructed Mei Jie to announce that Golden Glory would be closed that Monday for inventory, allowing only VIP guests for the transaction, and to thoroughly vet all existing guests to prevent any disruptions. As Mei Jie reported, Liu Ziguang entered with his luggage. Lisa, startled, hastily tore up a note she had been writing.
Mei Jie then reminded Liu Ziguang to be a good personal bodyguard to Lisa, which he eagerly agreed to. As Mei Jie was leaving, she offered to take Lisa's trash, and Lisa handed her the torn pieces of the note. Liu Ziguang went to his new room, pondering the scenes he had just witnessed.
When Liu Ziguang officially reported to the penthouse, Lisa instructed him to address her as "Sister Lisa" and again playfully questioned him about his girlfriend, telling him to check his new room. While Liu Ziguang was fetching Lisa's grilled lamb, Li Jianguo discreetly informed him about Mei Jie's order to close Golden Glory for inventory next Monday, noting that a mid-month closure was highly suspicious.
Upon returning to the penthouse, Lisa requested a shoulder massage, commenting on his strength, which she said reminded her of her ex-boyfriend, who was also muscular and good at fighting. She flirted with him, noticing his nervousness, and then straightening his tie. After she went to bathe, Lisa called out to Liu Ziguang, asking him to wait for her, but he opted to wait in his own room. Later, Liu Ziguang secretly met with Hu Rong.
He showed her the torn pieces of Lisa's note, on which Hu Rong vaguely deciphered "one thousand equals fifty," though neither understood its meaning. Liu Ziguang also shared that Lisa had mentioned her ex-boyfriend was very good at fighting. As they were talking, a patrolling security guard discovered them. They hastily tried to leave but ran directly into Mei Jie. Mei Jie, smiling at their disheveled appearance, asked if they were a couple.
Noticing the paper in Hu Rong's hand, she demanded to see it. Hu Rong, startled, tried to pass it off as love notes, but Mei Jie insisted, her tone becoming stern. Just as Hu Rong reluctantly produced the note, Liu Ziguang, with a quick move, snatched it and swallowed it whole. Mei Jie was stunned, then remarked bitterly on Liu Ziguang's ruthlessness. To verify their relationship, Mei Jie arranged a private room for them to "enjoy their intimate time."
Once inside, Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang hugged tightly and whispered to each other, realizing the room was bugged with cameras—Mei Jie had set them up. Confirming their suspicions through the monitor, Mei Jie was watching their every move, forcing them to continue their charade. Suddenly, Mei Jie received a call from Lisa and informed Liu Ziguang that he needed to accompany her out. Lisa then took Mei Jie and Liu Ziguang to another hotel.
She instructed Liu Ziguang to guard the lobby, telling him to report any anomalies immediately, before ascending upstairs with Mei Jie. In a room, Lisa met her ex-boyfriend, Tony. Tony revealed that Sangbo had secretly leaked information to Interpol during the last public arrest operation, intending to use Interpol to eliminate other drug lords and gain sole power. He mentioned receiving intelligence that Sangbo was in Jiangbei and planned to kill him to exact revenge.
Tony then abruptly decided to move the transaction scheduled for next Monday to tomorrow. Lisa, though taken by surprise, knew Tony's temperament and immediately instructed Mei Jie to prepare for the transaction to take place tomorrow afternoon. Mei Jie descended to the lobby and informed Liu Ziguang that he would need to wait there for Lisa, possibly until tomorrow morning. Liu Ziguang quickly relayed this critical intelligence to Hu Rong, who promptly informed Captain Cao.
Upon receiving the news, Captain Han and his team convened an emergency meeting at the Public Security Bureau. According to their intelligence, a person named "Tirard" had checked into the hotel, and Lisa's late-night meeting with him indicated he was a significant figure. Captain Han also analyzed that Golden Glory would definitely have a major operation next Monday. He instructed Officer Xiao Zhao to notify Jiangnan Public Security to closely monitor Golden Glory.
Episode 36 Recap
Tiger reported to Nie Wanfeng that Lisa had a secret meeting tonight. Nie Wanfeng suspected this was connected to a drug deal and expressed curiosity about the identity of the person Lisa met, ordering Tiger to investigate swiftly. Meanwhile, Mei Jie attempted to reach Xiao Fei by phone for an errand but failed. She then asked Hu Rong to check on him. Hu Rong found Xiao Fei in the bathroom, using a cold shower in an attempt to self-detoxify.
Hu Rong encouraged him, stating her trust in his ability to overcome his addiction. She later reported to Mei Jie that Xiao Fei was suffering from a fever and needed rest, offering to handle the errand herself. Mei Jie agreed, and the two drove to a dilapidated factory. Mei Jie provided Hu Rong with a briefcase, keys, and a flashlight, instructing her to enter alone while Mei Jie remained in the car, guiding her remotely via a Bluetooth earpiece.
Hu Rong navigated the dark, abandoned premises as Mei Jie directed her step-by-step. Eventually, Hu Rong uncovered a colorful tarp and found three boxes underneath, filled with US dollars. Mei Jie confirmed it was ten million USD and sternly warned Hu Rong against harboring any ill intentions, threatening her and her family if even a single bill went missing. Hu Rong assured Mei Jie of her loyalty.
Hu Rong then packed the money into a trolley case and returned to the car. Mei Jie praised Hu Rong for her competence and encouraged her to work closely with Lisa in the future, promising she would be well-rewarded. That same night, Liu Ziguang discovered a memo in Lisa's room, which he later secretly showed to Hu Rong, who identified the imprint "one thousand equals fifty."
Their clandestine meeting was interrupted by a patrolling security guard, and they were then confronted by Mei Jie. Mei Jie, observing their panicked state, laughingly questioned if they were romantically involved. She noticed a slip of paper in Hu Rong's hand and demanded to see it. Hu Rong, startled, claimed it was a love note, but Mei Jie insisted, growing stern. Under duress, as Hu Rong reluctantly produced the paper, Liu Ziguang swiftly snatched it and swallowed it whole.
Mei Jie was stunned but angrily commented on Liu Ziguang's ruthlessness. To further test their supposed relationship, Mei Jie arranged a private room for them to "enjoy their time together." Inside, Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong, after a brief embrace, whispered to each other, realizing the room was bugged with surveillance cameras—a setup by Mei Jie. Accepting their predicament, they decided to play out the charade as genuinely as possible.
While monitoring them, Mei Jie received a phone call from Lisa and subsequently informed Liu Ziguang that he needed to go out with them. Lisa then took Mei Jie and Liu Ziguang to a hotel, where she instructed Liu Ziguang to wait in the lobby while she went upstairs with Mei Jie.
Upstairs, Lisa met with Tony, her ex-boyfriend, who revealed that Sangbo had betrayed them during the previous open sea operation, attempting to eliminate other drug lords to monopolize the market. Tony stated he had information that Sangbo was hiding in Jiangbei and he intended to kill him. Tony then abruptly announced that he was moving the upcoming transaction from next Monday to the very next day. Lisa, though surprised, agreed and instructed Mei Jie to prepare for the accelerated timeline.
Mei Jie then relayed to Liu Ziguang that he would be waiting for Lisa until possibly the next morning. Liu Ziguang quickly relayed this intelligence to Hu Rong via text message, leading the task force to receive intel that Tirad (Tony) had checked into the hotel.
At the task force headquarters, based on Liu Ziguang's memo discovery, the information about Lisa's formidable ex-boyfriend, and the confirmed hotel check-in of Tirad, Director Hu requested a closer look at the imprint on the memo. He boldly conjectured that the image of a wing represented the "Angel" drug, and the numbers "one thousand equals fifty" signified ten million US dollars as the transaction funds for 50,000 grams of the drug.
Director Hu deduced that Lisa's presence in China was for a drug transaction. Information from T Country confirmed that Tirad, the T Country national, was actually Tony, a notorious drug lord. Considering these developments and the intel that Golden Glory planned to stop operations next Monday for reorganization, Director Hu emphasized the need for Hu Rong to gather as much intelligence as possible to dismantle Golden Glory, which he believed to be a major drug operation.
The next day, Lisa, in high spirits, returned to Golden Glory with Liu Ziguang. Mei Jie, waiting at the entrance, informed her that the money had been secured and other plans were progressing smoothly. Lisa instructed Mei Jie to ensure all mobile phone signals were blocked once VIPs arrived to prevent any information leaks. Lisa then playfully disclosed to Mei Jie her belief that the infamous drug lord Sangbo might be hiding in Jiangbei, intending to monopolize the Chinese market.
She suggested that Hou Sihai's death could also be linked to Sangbo, highlighting the need for extreme caution in their upcoming transaction. Meanwhile, Tiger reported to Nie Wanfeng that Tony had arrived in Jiangnan for a transaction with Lisa. This news perplexed Nie Wanfeng, as only three individuals had escaped during the open sea operation, and he himself had warned Liu Ziguang about the police.
Nie Wanfeng found it contradictory that Tony would openly come to China if he were the informant, leaving him pondering who the true traitor might be. At Golden Glory, Lisa told Liu Ziguang they were going out. She then suddenly mentioned her plan to go to Malaysia and asked if he would join her, though she quickly clarified it was just a joke when Liu Ziguang showed no reaction.
Soon after, the task force received intelligence that Tony had entered Golden Glory with a tour group. They suspected the transaction might have been moved forward but awaited precise confirmation from Hu Rong. When the tour group arrived at Golden Glory, their guide led them to the barbecue stall where Lisa was waiting.
Hu Rong discreetly approached Liu Ziguang, informing him that the man Lisa had secretly met last night, Tony, was now present, and she suspected the transaction might be occurring earlier than planned. Liu Ziguang quietly told Hu Rong that he had seen Mei Jie bring five identical boxes into the hotel lobby, followed by a bellhop carrying five more. Hu Rong decided she needed to investigate the contents of these boxes.
Amidst the crowd, Liu Ziguang slipped the bus keys to Hu Rong. She went to the bus cargo hold and discovered it was full of money in briefcases. Hu Rong then rushed to Mei Jie's room, where she found the five identical briefcases.
Episode 37 Recap
Hu Rong opened a suitcase and discovered the drug "Angel," confirming that the drug deal had been moved up to today. She tried to call the police, but found that neither her mobile phone nor the hotel landline could connect. Desperate, Hu Rong went to find Xiaofei, telling him, "The drug deal that Sister Mei and Lisa arranged for next Monday has been brought forward to today and the transaction is coming to its end.
Now, all communication from Golden Glory to the outside has been cut off. I'm unable to send any messages out. You are my only hope now. You must help me to get the news out or else it'll be too late." Xiaofei agreed to help, promising to think of a way and advising him to contact Han Jin once he got out.
Xiaofei then walked towards the main entrance of Golden Glory, but was stopped by security guards who informed him that Mei Jie had given strict orders that no one was allowed to leave before 6:00 p. m. Xiaofei argued, but the guards stood firm, forcing him to return inside. Hu Rong relayed the news about Lisa's drug deal being moved up and the communication blackout to Liu Ziguang and Li Jianguo.
She stressed, "We must try to delay them for as long as possible so the police can get here. We can't let Tony leave Golden Glory." They knew they had to buy time until the police arrived. Having failed to leave, Xiaofei resorted to a drastic measure. He faked a drug addiction relapse and slit his wrist. His cries for help alerted a cleaner, and the news reached Mei Jie.
Mei Jie initially intended to give him a simple bandage, but a supervisor, fearing a fatality, persuaded her to send Xiaofei to the hospital. Mei Jie reluctantly agreed. On the way to the hospital, Xiaofei secretly used his cell phone to call the police, successfully relaying the critical information. Later, after the garden barbecue, the tour group prepared to depart. The driver announced he couldn't find the bus keys.
Mei Jie arranged for Hu Rong and some men to search the garden with the driver. However, the suspicious Tony immediately demanded a different bus. Mei Jie quickly arranged for another large bus, and Tony and the other tour group members boarded the new vehicle. As the new tour bus was about to leave, Liu Ziguang swiftly jumped onto it. He held up a cell phone, asking, "May I know whose cellphone is this? Whose is it?"
Tony identified it as his own and attempted to retrieve it. Liu Ziguang refused, insisting Tony prove ownership by unlocking it. This provoked Tony, and the two quickly began to argue and fight. During the struggle, Tony knocked off Liu Ziguang's sunglasses. He then stared in disbelief, recognizing Liu Ziguang as Sangbo, a figure he had long believed to be missing. Liu Ziguang looked back at Tony with a bewildered expression.
Seeing the fight erupt inside the bus, the passengers quickly disembarked to get away. Hu Rong rushed onto the bus and pulled Lisa off. As Lisa stood stunned, Hu Rong suddenly attacked her, and the two engaged in a fierce fight. Mei Jie intervened, putting Hu Rong in a chokehold. Lisa, enraged, demanded to know who Hu Rong was. Hu Rong, with determination, declared, "I'm a police officer." Just then, Li Jianguo and Xiaobai ran over to provide backup.
Lisa seized the opportunity to commandeer a vehicle, attempting to make a getaway. Liu Ziguang and Tony continued their struggle from inside the bus to the ground outside. Eventually, Liu Ziguang held Tony firmly by the throat. Unable to break free, Tony furiously continued to shout "Sangbo." At that moment, Han Jin and other police officers arrived, sirens blaring. Tony and Lisa were apprehended, but during her fight with Lisa, Hu Rong was stabbed in the abdomen.
Liu Ziguang and Han Jin immediately rushed Hu Rong to the hospital's emergency room. Hu Yuejin arrived shortly after hearing the news. Liu Ziguang, overcome with guilt, apologized for failing to protect Hu Rong. Hu Yuejin, moved, told him he had already done more than enough for her. A nurse emerged from the operating room, stating that Hu Rong had lost a lot of blood and required a family member to donate AB type blood. Hu Yuejin hesitated.
Liu Ziguang stepped forward, declaring that he was AB type. Eventually, the doctor informed the anxious group waiting outside that Hu Rong's life had been saved. Liu Ziguang and Hu Yuejin were both tearfully relieved. Li Wan went to meet Bei Xiaoshuai, informing him that she was going abroad for company business and had come to say her goodbyes. She asked Bei Xiaoshuai to convey her farewells to Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong.
Bei Xiaoshuai, visibly saddened, managed a smile and urged Li Wan to take good care of herself while overseas. Tony later succumbed to his severe injuries and died. In a police interrogation room, Officer Zhao questioned Mei Jie. Mei Jie confessed to her criminal activities. She informed Officer Zhao that Tony and Sangbo had escaped during the open sea operation, and that Sangbo was currently in Jiangbei. She recounted hearing Tony call Liu Ziguang "Sangbo" during their altercation and mentioned that Lisa had previously stated that Hou Sihai might have been murdered by Sangbo.
Episode 38 Recap
Liu Ziguang rushed Hu Rong to the hospital’s emergency room. A nurse emerged, stating that Hu Rong had lost a lot of blood and they lacked enough AB blood type in storage, requiring a donor. Liu Ziguang immediately stepped forward, confirming he has AB blood and offering to donate. He then placed a small bell in Hu Rong’s hand as she was taken into the operating room.
After the successful transfusion, the doctor announced that Hu Rong was saved, crediting Liu Ziguang's timely blood donation. Meanwhile, it was reported that the drug trafficker Tony had passed away due to his injuries. Shortly after, Li Wan met with Bei Xiaoshuai to inform him that she was going overseas and wanted to say her goodbyes to everyone. She asked Bei Xiaoshuai to relay her farewells to Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong upon their safe return.
Bei Xiaoshuai, feeling bittersweet, encouraged Li Wan to take good care of herself while abroad. In the interrogation room, Han Jin pressed Lisa for information, revealing that Mei Jie had already confessed everything. He warned Lisa that remaining silent would not benefit her. Lisa, however, remained defiant, stating that she was doomed either way. After Han Jin clarified that it wasn't the same, she agreed to chat with him, and later flirtatiously called him "Handsome Guy."
She admitted to dealing drugs since 2010 and confirmed Tony was her ex-boyfriend and business partner. Lisa disclosed that she had supplied Hou Sihai with a small quantity of goods, but most of her stock was managed by Mei Jie at Golden Glory. When asked about her drug source, Lisa coyly deflected. She claimed not to know Sangbo, a secretive drug lord, but hinted that Tony knew him well and that Sangbo was currently in Jiangbei.
Lisa then provocatively questioned how Tony, who spent years in T Country, came to know Liu Ziguang. She recounted hearing Tony loudly ask Liu Ziguang what he was doing there, after Liu Ziguang's sunglasses fell off on the bus. Later, Zhuo Li held a bouquet of flowers, intending to confess his feelings to Wen Xiaoxue after her shift. Earlier, at the boxing gym, Bei Xiaoshuai had encouraged a despondent Zhuo Li to confess to Wen Xiaoxue.
Bei Xiaoshuai, acting as a love expert, coached Zhuo Li on how to approach her, emphasizing confidence and a gentle approach, even having a junior member, A-Se, act as Wen Xiaoxue for practice. Following this advice, Zhuo Li waited for Wen Xiaoxue. When she arrived, he nervously confessed his long-standing affection and asked her to be his girlfriend.
Wen Xiaoxue, with a pained expression, gently declined, stating it wasn't his fault but hers, and that they shouldn't see each other again. Zhuo Li was left heartbroken, feeling like a failure. Meanwhile, Liu Ziguang left Hu Rong’s hospital room to buy food for Hu Yuejin, who had been by Hu Rong’s side all night. Shortly after Liu Ziguang left, Hu Rong regained consciousness. Seeing her father, she immediately asked for Liu Ziguang, fearing he had died.
Hu Yuejin reassured her that Liu Ziguang was just buying food and showed her the bell Liu Ziguang had placed in her hand. Liu Ziguang soon returned, and Hu Rong expressed her relief at seeing him. Hu Yuejin received an urgent call requiring him to return to the police station, entrusting Liu Ziguang with Hu Rong's care. Back at the boxing gym, Bei Xiaoshuai found Zhuo Li still dejected after his failed confession.
Zhuo Li lamented that Wen Xiaoxue didn't accept his flowers or his feelings, believing they were incompatible. Bei Xiaoshuai offered a different perspective, suggesting that Wen Xiaoxue's gentle refusal implied she had a hidden difficulty rather than a genuine dislike, leaving room for hope. Separately, Hu Yuejin met with Director Song and Han Jin. Director Song informed Hu Yuejin that new intelligence from interrogations, including those of Mei Jie and Lisa, suggested Sangbo was likely hiding in Jiangbei.
Han Jin then showed Hu Yuejin surveillance footage from the tourist bus. He explained that while there was no audio, lip-reading experts confirmed Tony had said to Liu Ziguang, "Why are you here?" This indicated a prior connection between Tony and Liu Ziguang. Hu Yuejin instructed Han Jin to thoroughly investigate these suspicious points. Later, Bei Xiaoshuai sought out Wen Xiaoxue to understand her reasons.
He directly asked why she rejected Zhuo Li, questioning if it was because of his shortcomings. Wen Xiaoxue clarified that she genuinely liked Zhuo Li, but her family's complicated situation—her father's significant debts and her mother's severe illness—prevented her from pursuing a relationship, as she didn't want to burden him. Understanding her predicament, Bei Xiaoshuai offered her a job at Truly Authentic, framing it as a legitimate hiring opportunity due to increased business, and she readily accepted.
Returning home, Bei Xiaoshuai shared the details with Zhuo Li, explaining that Wen Xiaoxue harbored feelings for him but was unwilling to burden him with her family's problems. Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhuo Li instinctively reached for his bank card, wanting to offer her financial help. Bei Xiaoshuai stopped him, explaining that giving money would humiliate a strong-minded girl like Wen Xiaoxue.
Instead, he proposed bringing her to work at Truly Authentic, where they could secretly pay her double wages and also create opportunities for them to spend more time together. Zhuo Li was overjoyed by this thoughtful plan. Hu Yuejin and Han Jin visited Hu Rong at the hospital and then called Liu Ziguang aside to question him about his encounter with Tony on the bus.
Liu Ziguang stated that he didn't know Tony but that Tony seemed to recognize him and wanted to kill him. He also revealed that he had dreamt of fiercely fighting Tony the previous night. Hu Yuejin hypothesized that during Liu Ziguang's eight years of disappearance, he might have had an encounter with Tony, and Tony's gunfire could have stimulated a repressed memory.
Hu Yuejin instructed Han Jin to investigate Liu Ziguang's past in T Country, asking the T Country police for any clues. Liu Ziguang returned to Hu Rong’s room. Hu Rong inquired about the wooden sign he had written for her. Liu Ziguang explained that after she went missing, he retrieved it from the amusement park as a memento, hoping to remember her by it if he never found her again.
Hu Rong shared that she understood the sign's meaning: “In this world, you like three things: sunrise, sunset, and me.” She suggested they return the sign to the amusement park together after her discharge, believing it would protect them there. Meanwhile, Tiger reported to Nie Wanfeng that Golden Glory had been raided, Mei Jie and Lisa were arrested, and Tony was dead. He also mentioned that Tony had recognized Liu Ziguang and engaged in a violent struggle with him.
Nie Wanfeng, unfazed, noted that Tony's perception of Liu Ziguang as Sangbo perfectly aligned with the police's intelligence that Sangbo was in Jiangbei. Satisfied that his true identity remained hidden, he instructed Tiger to simply keep a close watch on Liu Ziguang. Later, Liu Ziguang was startled awake from a dream where he was fiercely fighting Tony. Hu Rong comforted him, reminding him that Tony was already dead.
Episode 39 Recap
Xiao Fei and his sister Xin Xin visited Hu Rong in the hospital. Hu Rong first thanked Xiao Fei for bravely risking his life to deliver crucial information, which was vital in capturing the drug traffickers. Xiao Fei then knelt by her bed, expressing profound gratitude. He revealed that before Hu Rong's intervention, his life at Golden Glory was miserable, like a "zombie," and thanked her for giving him a new beginning.
Liu Ziguang helped Xiao Fei to his feet, telling him that life's journey was long and he must persevere on the right path he had chosen. Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong promised to pick Xiao Fei up from the rehabilitation center when he was released. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Hu Yuejin and Han Jin interrogated Liu Ziguang about the incident at Golden Glory.
Liu Ziguang recounted using his cellphone as a diversion to delay the bus, and Tony's strong reaction, shooting him as soon as his sunglasses fell off. He denied knowing Tony and admitted to being confused, even dreaming of a fierce fight with Tony the previous night, but the details were unclear. He couldn't recall anything that would explain Tony's recognition.
Han Jin reported that T-Country police found no record of Liu Ziguang entering or exiting their country, nor any connection between him and Tony's drug trafficking network. This led them to deduce that Tony and Liu Ziguang were not connected. However, Hu Yuejin remained deeply suspicious, noting Liu Ziguang's scars, tattoos, and eight years of lost memories.
He suggested that Tony might have recognized Liu Ziguang due to interactions during Liu Ziguang's lost eight years, or that Tony's aggressive reaction might have stimulated fragmented memories. Hu Yuejin instructed Han Jin to continue investigating Liu Ziguang's background, particularly in T-Country, for any hidden facts or breakthroughs. Back home, Hu Yuejin informed his wife that Hu Rong would soon be back, having achieved a Second Class Merit award for her undercover work.
He had kept the news of her injury from his wife. The next day, Hu Rong was discharged and returned to the police bureau, where she was formally commended for her outstanding performance during the Golden Glory operation. Liu Ziguang was present, and Hu Rong publicly acknowledged his crucial role in her mission's success and safe return.
Hu Yuejin also expressed his gratitude to Liu Ziguang on behalf of the Jiangbei people and police force, formally inviting him to dinner at their home that evening. Liu Ziguang humbly accepted, stating he only did what he should. That night, Liu Ziguang joined Hu Rong for dinner at her family's home, where Hu Rong's mother had prepared a table full of dumplings. The atmosphere was warm and joyful.
Hu Rong's mother mentioned the family tradition of putting coins in dumplings for good luck when someone goes on a dangerous mission. Hu Yuejin then spoke earnestly to Liu Ziguang, stating that he could see Liu Ziguang's affection for Hu Rong. He urged Liu Ziguang to investigate and clarify his past eight years of lost memories, assuring him that this would bring peace of mind to them as her parents when they entrusted Hu Rong to him.
Liu Ziguang readily agreed, affirming that recovering his lost memories was his greatest wish, and he promised to protect Hu Rong and dedicate himself to this endeavor. Liu Ziguang returned to Truly Authentic, where his friends celebrated his heroism. Zhuoli and others teased him about entering the next phase of his life: marriage. Zhuoli even pretended to check a calendar for auspicious dates. Liu Ziguang, reflecting on their words, decided to invite Hu Rong to dinner that very evening.
Hu Rong received Liu Ziguang's message at the police station and smiled, looking forward to their date. When Hu Rong arrived at Truly Authentic, she found people holding the exact same "I like you" doll that Liu Ziguang had given her previously, each repeating the phrase. She was then led into a rose-filled area where Liu Ziguang, dressed in a suit, appeared.
He delivered a heartfelt declaration of love, then knelt, presenting a diamond ring, and asked Hu Rong to marry him. Hu Rong, blushing, accepted his proposal, and Liu Ziguang placed the ring on her finger. Surrounded by their cheering friends and family, they embraced. At that same moment, Han Jin, who was working late at the police station, received a phone call from Chang Tuo, an anti-narcotics officer from M-Country.
Chang Tuo delivered the somber news that the remains of Police Officer Huang Zhenwu had been found. DNA comparison confirmed a complete match, and forensic analysis ruled his death a homicide, with two bullet wounds. His death was estimated to have occurred about six months prior, coinciding with the "open sea arrest operation" when contact with him was lost.
Chang Tuo stated they suspected drug lord Sangbo was responsible, but lacked concrete evidence, and promised to email the photos of the remains and DNA results, along with updates on their investigation. Han Jin was visibly shattered by the news, the phone slipping from his hand. He then reported Officer Huang's sacrifice to Hu Yuejin. Hu Rong's mother, who had just been joyfully showing Hu Yuejin the video of Hu Rong's engagement, noticed Hu Yuejin's sudden change in demeanor.
He then reluctantly shared the devastating news with her. At the police station, a grief-stricken Hu Yuejin met with Han Jin and Song Bureau. He recalled Officer Huang Zhenwu's intention to retire after completing his last joint operation. Hu Yuejin, overcome with emotion, vowed to bring the murderer to justice at any cost, refusing to let Officer Huang's sacrifice be in vain.
Song Bureau expressed concern about how to inform Hu Rong, a sentiment Hu Yuejin shared as a heavy burden on his mind. Meanwhile, Nie Wanfeng received a call from his subordinate, Wanka, from M-Country, confirming that Officer Huang's remains had been found and that the police were now tracing surveillance footage from a specific bar. Wanka assured Nie Wanfeng he would acquire the footage before the police. Nie Wanfeng's expression grew grim.
He instructed Tiger to book a flight to M-Country for him. Nie Wanfeng coldly stated that with the police discovering the remains of the undercover officer, he planned to frame Liu Ziguang as the drug lord Sangbo, making him the scapegoat to prevent his own identity from being exposed. Later, Hu Rong returned home in high spirits, showing her mother her engagement ring. She noticed her mother seemed preoccupied and quickly inquired, but her mother brushed it off.
When Hu Yuejin arrived home, he discussed with his wife the difficult decision of telling Hu Rong the truth about Officer Huang Zhenwu. Despite his wife's worries that Hu Rong might not be able to handle such a shock, Hu Yuejin's resolve was firm.
The next morning, over a specially prepared breakfast, Hu Yuejin gently shared with Hu Rong the poignant story of his comrade, Officer Huang Zhenwu, and then revealed that Officer Huang's daughter had been living in Jiangbei all this time.
Episode 40 Recap
Nie Wanfeng received a phone call from his subordinate, Wanka, who reported that the M Country police had located the remains of Huang Zhenwu, the undercover officer. Wanka informed Nie Wanfeng that the police were investigating the killer and were starting to suspect Sangbo. A security camera outside Huang Zhenwu's bistro was found, potentially containing incriminating video. Wanka promised to retrieve the footage before the police could get any evidence.
Nie Wanfeng instructed Wanka to send him the video once secured. Shortly after, Nie Wanfeng ordered another subordinate, referred to as "Brother Hu," to arrange a plane ticket for himself to M Country the following day. Nie Wanfeng explained that the police were investigating Huang Zhenwu's death, and since Liu Ziguang was the one who killed the undercover officer, the investigation would eventually lead to him.
Taking advantage of Liu Ziguang's memory loss, Nie Wanfeng planned to shift all blame onto him, framing him as Sangbo, the murderer of Huang Zhenwu. Meanwhile, Liu Ziguang brought Hu Rong to a special spot, reminding her that it was where they first held hands and he first confessed his feelings. Hu Rong agreed, explaining it was why she wanted to revisit the place after his proposal.
Liu Ziguang reaffirmed his deep love and commitment to protecting her for the rest of his life, assuring her that she belonged to him alone. Later that evening, Hu Rong arrived home, beaming with joy as she showed her mother her engagement ring. Her mother's eyes were red, but she claimed they were from happiness after seeing the video of Liu Ziguang's proposal.
Hu Rong expressed her profound love for Liu Ziguang, and her mother, while happy, felt a touch of sadness about her daughter growing up and getting married. Hu Rong reassured her that she would always be her and her father's little girl. As Hu Rong went upstairs, she joyfully exclaimed about her upcoming marriage. Before going to bed, Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong exchanged loving goodnight messages.
That night, Hu Yuejin's wife, unable to sleep, expressed her profound sorrow over Huang Zhenwu's sudden death, lamenting that Hu Rong would never get to know her biological father. Hu Yuejin revealed he had always hoped to tell Hu Rong the truth once Huang Zhenwu completed his mission, retired, and returned to Jiangbei, so they could reunite. He was heartbroken that Zhenwu had died without ever hearing Hu Rong call him "Dad."
Hu Yuejin felt they must tell Hu Rong the truth quickly, so Huang Zhenwu could rest in peace and Hu Rong could fulfill her filial duty. His wife worried about the immense emotional blow this would be for Hu Rong, but Hu Yuejin was resolute, believing they couldn't keep it a secret forever and decided to tell her the next morning. The following morning, Hu Rong was surprised to find dumplings prepared for breakfast.
Hu Yuejin invited her to sit down and solemnly began to recount his long history with Huang Zhenwu, his trusted comrade. He shared how Zhenwu, a conscientious and excellent officer, had been transferred to the drug enforcement front lines in Yunnan. Hu Yuejin explained that when Zhenwu left, his wife was heavily pregnant and tragically died from birth complications two months later. Zhenwu, on an important mission, could not even return for his wife's funeral, a lifelong regret.
Hu Yuejin then revealed that Huang Zhenwu's newborn daughter was left in Jiangbei and entrusted to him and his wife, who raised her for over twenty years due to the dangerous nature of drug enforcement work. He then opened a box, retrieved a photo, and confirmed to a stunned Hu Rong that Huang Zhenwu was her biological father, and she was the child he had entrusted to their care.
Hu Rong was overcome with shock, asking if Huang Zhenwu was her father and if she was the child in the photo. Hu Yuejin gently acknowledged her difficulty in accepting the truth but affirmed that Huang Zhenwu was indeed her biological father and loved her deeply. He explained that Zhenwu had no choice but to leave her due to his duty, as the families of front-line anti-narcotics officers also required protection.
For many years, Zhenwu, alone in a foreign country, constantly thought of her, visiting when he could or sending gifts. Hu Yuejin revealed that many of Hu Rong's childhood items, from school supplies to new year clothes and toys, were prepared by Huang Zhenwu. He reminded her of a severe bout of pneumonia she had in high school, prompting her to realize that the blurred figure she vaguely saw then was Huang Zhenwu.
Hu Yuejin confirmed this, adding that Zhenwu was deeply moved and cried when Hu Rong, in her feverish state, called out "Dad," but he quietly left to avoid raising suspicion. He also shared that when Hu Rong wanted to apply to the police academy, he and his wife were hesitant, but Huang Zhenwu wrote a letter firmly supporting her decision, which ultimately convinced them.
Hu Yuejin recounted how Zhenwu returned once to see her when she started college, playing basketball with her, unaware it would be their last encounter. Hu Rong finally understood why Hu Yuejin celebrated his birthday twice each year—one was for Huang Zhenwu, with videos and photos sent to him. A flashback showed Huang Zhenwu receiving these photos, marveling at Hu Rong's growth and memorizing her features.
He expressed pride that she was following in their footsteps and found strength in the thought of them fighting crime in different places. Huang Zhenwu's greatest wish was to return home, see his child, and personally thank Hu Yuejin and his wife. Hu Rong's mother, sitting nearby, wiped away her tears. Reading a letter from her biological father, Hu Rong could no longer suppress her grief. Later, Hu Rong ran upstairs, closing herself in her room.
After some time, she reappeared dressed in black, with a white flower pinned to her chest, and bowed deeply before a portrait of her biological father, Huang Zhenwu. Her mother remarked that Huang Zhenwu, like Hu Rong, had always loved her dumplings. Hu Rong then went to the police station, where she found her colleagues preparing for Huang Zhenwu's memorial service.
She approached Han Jin, who was also there, and confronted him, asking if he had known the truth about her father all along and why he kept it from her. Han Jin admitted he had known but had been instructed by Huang Zhenwu, his "Teacher," not to tell her, fearing it would disrupt her happy life or suddenly cause her pain.
He explained that Huang Zhenwu had always hoped to complete his mission and return to reunite with her, so she could acknowledge him as her father. Hu Rong asked what kind of person Huang Zhenwu was to Han Jin. Han Jin described him as the most capable, courageous, dedicated, humble, and careful individual who taught him the true meaning of being a police officer.
He affirmed that Huang Zhenwu was a good cop, and would have been a good father if he had the chance, recalling Zhenwu's wish to be an ordinary man to live a peaceful life with his wife and daughter. Han Jin revealed they had been searching for Huang Zhenwu for a long time, only confirming his sacrifice the day before.
When Hu Rong asked how he died, Han Jin explained that M Country police suspected drug lord Sangbo was responsible for his death. Distraught, Hu Rong immediately sought out Liu Ziguang at Didi Daodao and brought him to a basketball court. She tearfully recounted how, five years ago, she had played basketball there and encountered a man she thought was a stranger, who was, in fact, her biological father.
Liu Ziguang, initially confused, listened as Hu Rong explained that her current father was her adoptive father, and her biological father, Huang Zhenwu, was an undercover drug enforcement officer. He had been sent to M Country five years prior to investigate the "Angel" drug and was murdered half a year ago by Sangbo.
Liu Ziguang embraced the grieving Hu Rong, comforting her by assuring her that she still had her Father Hu, Mother Hu, and him, and that he would always be there to love her and protect her from any future hardships. Hu Rong then asked him to accompany her to her father's memorial service the next day, and Liu Ziguang readily agreed.
Hu Rong later penned a heartfelt letter to her biological father, expressing her regrets for not knowing him and her pride in being his daughter, promising to become a good cop like him. The memorial service for Comrade Huang Zhenwu was held at the police station, presided over by Hu Yuejin. He spoke of Zhenwu as the team's first captain, an old comrade-in-arms, and Hu Rong's biological father, who had been gloriously sacrificed overseas and had now returned home.
Han Jin then shared his own memories, recalling his training under Huang Zhenwu eight years ago in Yunnan's Drug Enforcement Team. He recounted a terrifying first field operation where Zhenwu bravely confronted drug dealers while Han Jin cowardly hid.
After the danger passed, Zhenwu sternly told him he no longer considered him his student, a moment that spurred Han Jin to dedicate himself to becoming a worthy police officer, hoping one day to earn the right to call Zhenwu "Teacher" again. Liu Ziguang arrived late with flowers. Upon seeing Huang Zhenwu's portrait at the memorial, he suddenly began to tremble.
Fragmented, horrifying memories from an M Country bar flashed through his mind: Huang Zhenwu speaking of his daughter, himself and Nie Wanfeng acting as "brothers," and the chilling image of himself and Nie Wanfeng killing Huang Zhenwu in that bar. Overwhelmed with disbelief, Liu Ziguang abruptly left the service. Liu Ziguang immediately went to Nie Wanfeng, his face grim, and demanded to know if they had known each other previously and if Nie Wanfeng had ever witnessed him commit murder.
After a brief pause, Nie Wanfeng confirmed that Liu Ziguang had indeed killed someone, and that they were sworn brothers. Liu Ziguang, agitated, questioned why Nie Wanfeng had not told him sooner. Seeing Liu Ziguang's sudden distant demeanor, Nie Wanfeng urged him to sit down, claiming he had withheld the truth to protect him from painful memories. Nie Wanfeng then began to narrate their past, describing their acquaintance and eventual brotherhood.
However, he severely twisted the facts, portraying Liu Ziguang as a greedy and ruthless drug lord who had willingly embarked on a criminal path of drug trafficking for wealth, even allying himself with the drug dealer Colby. Nie Wanfeng claimed he had tried to dissuade Liu Ziguang, but to no avail.
Episode 41 Recap
Nie Wanfeng deliberately distorted the truth to Liu Ziguang, painting him as a ruthless, money-driven drug lord and himself as a loyal, lifelong brother. Nie Wanfeng began by expressing how scared he was that Liu Ziguang would one day ask about his past and how he didn't want him to confront those difficult memories.
He claimed they became sworn brothers eight years ago, having gone through life and death together, and stated he remembered everything, even if Liu Ziguang had forgotten. Nie Wanfeng then recounted how they first met on a bus to M Country, with Liu Ziguang being poor but driven by a determination to "strike gold" and smelling "the scent of money."
Despite Nie Wanfeng's warnings, Liu Ziguang insisted on working at a gambling den, where Nie Wanfeng observed him thriving in the illicit atmosphere, like a "fish in a pond." Liu Ziguang even expressed admiration for drug kingpin Escobar, stating he wanted to be like him due to his ruthlessness and capability, even though he was a drug trafficker.
Nie Wanfeng claimed Liu Ziguang later chose to leave the casino to seek out Colby, the top drug lord in M Country, convinced that following him would make them rich. Nie Wanfeng tried to persuade Liu Ziguang against joining Colby's drug cartel, warning him of the illegal nature and tragic end, but Liu Ziguang was resolute, declaring, "If I make big bucks, so what if I'm a drug trafficker?"
Liu Ziguang, ignoring Nie Wanfeng's pleas to return to Jiangbei, declared he was ready and left with Colby's men. Nie Wanfeng then claimed Liu Ziguang became Colby's subordinate, engaging in drug trafficking and murder, before personally killing Colby and taking his place as the leader of a large, armed drug cartel. Nie Wanfeng then told Liu Ziguang about their alleged reunion six months prior in M Country.
He claimed he encountered Liu Ziguang outside a pub, where Liu Ziguang, carrying a gun, charged inside despite Nie Wanfeng's desperate warnings. Nie Wanfeng heard gunshots, and upon entering, found the bar owner lying in a pool of blood with Liu Ziguang still holding the gun. He stated that Liu Ziguang's men then arrived and called him "Sangbo," leading Nie Wanfeng to realize that Liu Ziguang was indeed Sangbo.
Overcome with pain, Liu Ziguang recalled Hu Rong's words that Sangbo was the one who killed her biological father, Huang Zhenwu. Nie Wanfeng feigned sorrow, apologizing and wishing Liu Ziguang had forgotten these memories. Liu Ziguang, believing Nie Wanfeng's story, was distraught and left. As Liu Ziguang departed, Nie Wanfeng smirked, revealing his manipulative intent. Later, Hu Rong urgently searched for Liu Ziguang at Di Di Dao Dao but couldn't find him.
Bei Xiaoshuai informed her that Liu Ziguang had seemed unusual since her visit to the restaurant the previous day and had experienced nightmares again that night, repeatedly shouting, "It wasn't me!" Bei Xiaoshuai speculated that Liu Ziguang was tormented by the memories of his eight lost years. Hu Rong, worried, instructed Bei Xiaoshuai to stay at Di Di Dao Dao and notify her if Liu Ziguang returned, while she continued her search for him.
Meanwhile, Nie Wanfeng, recalling their experiences in M Country, spoke to his subordinate, Tiger Brother, expressing fear that Liu Ziguang's memories were returning. He warned that if Liu Ziguang fully remembered everything from eight years ago, it would be dangerous for him. Nie Wanfeng emphasized the urgent need to make the first move and firmly establish Liu Ziguang's identity as Sangbo before he regained his full memory, ensuring Nie Wanfeng's safety.
He instructed Tiger Brother to have Wanka release the fabricated surveillance video to the police, promising Wanka a handsome reward. At the police station, Han Jin received a call from Officer Chang Tuo of the M Country police. Chang Tuo informed him that they had found surveillance footage from downstairs of Officer Huang Zhenwu's bistro, confirmed to be from the night of Huang Zhenwu's murder.
The video showed three armed militants leaving, whom they believed to be the killers, and they were investigating if these individuals belonged to Sangbo's militant drug trafficking organization. Han Jin immediately contacted Deputy Director Song and Director-General Hu Yuejin to report this critical development. Upon reviewing the footage, Hu Yuejin noted that one of the figures bore a strong resemblance to Liu Ziguang, a sentiment echoed by Han Jin, who highlighted the matching physical traits.
Han Jin then connected this to the incident at Golden Glory, where Tony had shouted "Sangbo" at Liu Ziguang while shooting at him, leading Han Jin to a bold hypothesis: Liu Ziguang might indeed be Sangbo. Distraught, Liu Ziguang returned to Guo Dazhen's place and began to drink heavily. Guo Dazhen, alarmed by his behavior, tried to stop him and asked what was wrong.
Liu Ziguang, in a state of agitation, spoke of his eight lost years and his childhood fear of losing his father, emphasizing his desire to be a good person. Guo Dazhen reassured him that he was indeed a good child. Liu Ziguang then tearfully confessed to Guo Dazhen, whom he considered a father, that he had killed someone—specifically, Hu Rong's biological father, Huang Zhenwu. He claimed he remembered pointing a gun at Huang Zhenwu's head.
Guo Dazhen was shocked, dismissing it as nonsense and fearing Liu Ziguang was mentally unwell. Concerned, Guo Dazhen secretly called Hu Rong for help. At the special investigation team, Hu Yuejin asked Han Jin for his assessment of Liu Ziguang.
Han Jin admitted to having many doubts, finding it difficult to reconcile the image of Sangbo, a notoriously wicked criminal, with the Liu Ziguang he knew—a good person who bravely stood up for justice, saved Hu Rong, and helped dismantle Golden Glory. He speculated that if the accusations were true, something deeply hidden and unrecallable must have happened during Liu Ziguang's eight years of lost memory.
Given the resemblance of the suspect in the video to Liu Ziguang, Han Jin recommended bringing Liu Ziguang in for questioning and investigation, assuring that he would receive justice if innocent, but would face the law if proven guilty. Deputy Director Song agreed with Han Jin but expressed concern about the potential impact on Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang's relationship.
Hu Yuejin acknowledged his own past hopes for Liu Ziguang to be his son-in-law, but firmly stated that justice for Huang Zhenwu and the anti-drug institution must take precedence over personal feelings. He assured them he would handle Hu Rong's reaction and ordered Han Jin to immediately bring Liu Ziguang to the Public Security Bureau for investigation to clarify all doubts. Hu Rong rushed to Guo Dazhen's place.
Guo Dazhen informed her that Liu Ziguang, while drunk, had claimed to have killed her father. Hu Rong's heart sank, and she desperately tried to rouse Liu Ziguang. Just then, Han Jin arrived with police officers to take Liu Ziguang into custody for investigation. Seeing this, Guo Dazhen, overwhelmed with anxiety and anger, suffered a heart attack and collapsed. Hu Rong quickly notified Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuoli to come and care for Guo Dazhen.
She then hurried to the Public Security Bureau, where Deputy Director Song explained the situation and showed her the surveillance video. Watching the footage of the suspect who resembled Liu Ziguang, Hu Rong struggled to accept it. Song Bureau also reminded her that Tony had shouted "Sangbo" at Liu Ziguang during the Golden Glory incident. Hu Rong broke down, crying in Hu Yuejin's arms, lamenting the cruel twist of fate.
In the interrogation room, police officers woke a still-intoxicated Liu Ziguang. Han Jin personally conducted the interrogation, presenting the surveillance video and asking if he recognized anything. Liu Ziguang vehemently denied any recollection. Han Jin then showed him a photograph of Officer Huang Zhenwu. Liu Ziguang admitted to having only seen Huang Zhenwu's memorial photograph before, but then, surprisingly, confessed without hesitation to killing Huang Zhenwu. Han Jin abruptly stood up, anxiously questioning if Liu Ziguang had regained his eight years of lost memory. Liu Ziguang, in distress, replied that Nie Wanfeng had told him.
Episode 42 Recap
After Liu Ziguang started drinking heavily at the gym and babbling about being a murderer who killed Hu Rong's father, Officer Guo, alarmed, called Hu Rong for help. When Hu Rong arrived, Han Jin and his team subsequently arrived to take a drunken Liu Ziguang back to the bureau for questioning regarding a major case involving her father. During the commotion, Guo, upset and anxious, suffered a heart attack and fainted. Deeply distressed, Hu Rong rushed to the police bureau.
There, Director Song showed her surveillance footage from M Country police, which captured three men leaving her father's pub after his death. Han Jin then explained that a drug trafficker named Tony once shouted "What are you doing here?" to Liu Ziguang on a bus and also mentioned "Sangbo."
Combined with the physical build of one of the men in the video being similar to Liu Ziguang's, they suspected Liu Ziguang might be Sangbo, the drug lord responsible for her father's death. Overwhelmed, Hu Rong collapsed into her father Hu Yuejin's arms, crying uncontrollably. Meanwhile, in the interrogation room, Liu Ziguang was repeatedly woken up by officers. Han Jin showed him the surveillance video, but Liu Ziguang claimed he had no impression of its content.
When shown a photo of Officer Huang Zhenwu, Liu Ziguang identified him as Hu Rong's father, whom he had seen at the memorial service. He then confessed to killing Officer Huang with a gun, stating, "I'm Sangbo. I killed someone." However, he quickly added that he didn't recall the event and only knew about it because Nie Wanfeng told him he had killed him and witnessed it. He desperately asked Han Jin to help him recall.
Han Jin reported to Deputy Song that Liu Ziguang was on the verge of a mental breakdown and could not be interrogated further in his current state. Although Liu Ziguang admitted to being Sangbo and the murderer of Han Jin's teacher, he had no personal recollection of these events, attributing all information to Nie Wanfeng.
Deputy Song agreed that Liu Ziguang needed rest before further questioning but highlighted Nie Wanfeng as a potential new lead, given Liu Ziguang's claims that Nie Wanfeng witnessed the murder and identified him as Sangbo. Han Jin concurred, stating their relationship seemed complex, and sought permission to question Nie Wanfeng, which Deputy Song granted. Meanwhile, Hu Rong, deeply distraught, found herself on a basketball court.
Her mind was in chaos, torn between her love for Liu Ziguang and the possibility that he was the drug lord who killed her father. Conflicting emotions battled fiercely in her heart, causing her immense pain and ultimately leading her to break down in tears as she recalled painful snippets of her father's death and happy memories with Liu Ziguang. Han Jin visited Nie Wanfeng's home and inquired if Liu Ziguang had recently sought him out.
Nie Wanfeng confirmed Liu Ziguang had visited him yesterday to ask about his past. He initially hesitated, asking if there would be repercussions for speaking candidly about Liu Ziguang, whom he described as "no longer an ordinary person." Han Jin assured Nie Wanfeng of his safety, clarifying that he was cooperating with a police investigation. Nie Wanfeng then began to recount his history with Liu Ziguang, stating they had been buddies eight years ago.
He claimed that Liu Ziguang had insisted on joining Colby's drug cartel despite Nie Wanfeng's best efforts to dissuade him. After Liu Ziguang left, Nie Wanfeng said he tried to track him and later saw a photo that confirmed Liu Ziguang’s involvement with the cartel. He asserted that Liu Ziguang had risen in ranks, completed many tasks for Colby, and bore a wolf tattoo, the cartel's mark.
Nie Wanfeng further alleged that Liu Ziguang eventually killed Colby and became the drug cartel's boss, transforming a small gang into a powerful drug trafficking organization, thus becoming a full-fledged drug lord. Han Jin pressed Nie Wanfeng, asking why he had not reported Liu Ziguang immediately upon his return to Jiangbei, given his knowledge of Liu Ziguang's role as a drug cartel leader, and was only speaking about it now.
Nie Wanfeng passionately explained that when he first encountered Liu Ziguang in Jiangbei, Liu Ziguang had saved his son's life, making him his son's savior. He also noted that Liu Ziguang, his former sworn brother, had become an armed drug trafficker, while he was a defenseless civilian with a young son, making him too afraid to take the risk of reporting him.
Nie Wanfeng disclosed that Liu Ziguang's name in M Country had been Sangbo, and his own, Sangkun, names given to them by a casino owner. Han Jin then inquired about Nie Wanfeng's activities after parting ways with Liu Ziguang in M Country.
Nie Wanfeng detailed that he left the casino shortly after and started a small business, during which he met his wife, Ruan Junlan, a Chinese citizen who had immigrated to M Country and hailed from an aristocratic shipping family. He recounted their marriage and the birth of their son, Chengcheng, before his wife's passing less than a year later due to a congenital heart disease. Nie Wanfeng inherited her family's assets and later established the Major Development Group.
He stated that three years ago, he decided to return to Jiangbei with Chengcheng, and had since made significant donations to schools, healthcare, and charities to fulfill his late wife's benevolent last wishes. Han Jin commended his and his wife's philanthropic devotion. Nie Wanfeng confirmed that he continued to travel back to M Country for business and to visit his wife's grave. Han Jin then produced a photo of Officer Huang Zhenwu.
Nie Wanfeng recognized him as a pub owner he had previously met. He then claimed that six months ago, while visiting his wife's grave, he witnessed Liu Ziguang, accompanied by two armed men, charge into the pub. He stated that two gunshots were heard shortly after, and upon entering the pub, he found the owner lying in a pool of blood with Liu Ziguang holding a gun. Nie Wanfeng explicitly asserted that Liu Ziguang had killed the pub owner.
He added that Liu Ziguang subsequently held a gun to his head, threatening to kill him if he meddled in his affairs. Nie Wanfeng concluded by reiterating his concern for his son's safety and urged Han Jin to ensure his family’s protection, to which Han Jin readily agreed. As Han Jin was leaving, he casually asked Nie Wanfeng’s subordinate, Tiger, about his hometown. Tiger cleared his throat and quickly replied that he was from Guangdong, a detail Han Jin noted.
Back at the police station, Han Jin repeatedly replayed his conversation with Nie Wanfeng. When Zhao brought him Nie Wanfeng's organized statement, Han Jin remarked thoughtfully that Nie Wanfeng's testimony felt "too systematic, too complete," as if it had been prepared in advance. He suspected an ulterior motive, feeling that "every single word that he said is aimed at the police" and that his relationship with Liu Ziguang was far from simple.
Consequently, Han Jin instructed Zhao to immediately contact the M Country police to verify all the details of Nie Wanfeng's statements and background, including information about his deceased wife and her family. He also ordered a discreet investigation into the Major Development Group, with a particular focus on Tiger. At home, Hu Rong's mother worried as her daughter refused to eat. Despite her mother's attempts to console her, Hu Rong remained despondent.
Her mother tearfully expressed disbelief that Liu Ziguang, whom her daughter loved, could be implicated in Officer Huang Zhenwu's murder. Hu Yuejin tried to calm his wife, explaining it was an investigation and not a conclusion, and a chance for Liu Ziguang to clear his name. Hu Rong then expressed her desire to return to the police team and work alongside Han Jin on Liu Ziguang’s case.
Hu Yuejin initially expressed concern that her current emotional state might hinder the investigation. However, Hu Rong tearfully countered that she couldn't passively remain at home when the case involved both her biological father and her fiancé, stating, "How could I look on and not do anything?" Seeing her heartbroken expression, Hu Yuejin softened and agreed, asking her to keep her emotions in check, which she promised to do.
Upon her return to the police station, Hu Rong immediately heard Liu Ziguang screaming from the interrogation room, demanding to see her. She rushed in, ignoring calls to stop. Liu Ziguang, distraught, found solace in her presence and embraced her tightly. Hu Rong whispered that she trusted him more than anyone and, looking into his eyes, asked if he had killed her father, Huang Zhenwu. Facing her anxious gaze, Liu Ziguang slowly admitted, "I did."
Heartbroken, Hu Rong pushed him away, stumbling back. With tears streaming down her face, she removed her engagement ring and placed it in his hand, crying, "I hate you!" She desperately pleaded with Liu Ziguang to tell her it wasn't true, to deny killing her father and being Sangbo, but he remained silent, unable to offer any denial. Tiger subsequently reported to Nie Wanfeng that Chengcheng had been successfully sent abroad.
He informed Nie Wanfeng that the Chinese police were now secretly investigating Nie Wanfeng's background and personal information, but reassured him that Wanka had ensured his fabricated records were flawless, urging him not to worry. However, Nie Wanfeng, who had been closely monitoring the police's actions, remained uneasy. He was concerned that the police had not yet arrested Liu Ziguang, which, by conventional standards, they should have done, leaving him feeling deeply unsettled.
During a case analysis meeting, Han Jin presented a photo Nie Wanfeng had given him, depicting Liu Ziguang participating in an armed organization. He expressed skepticism, noting that all of Nie Wanfeng's statements during his interrogation were meticulously complete, appearing seamless and prepared. Hu Yuejin, relying on his intuition, agreed that Nie Wanfeng's testimony seemed problematic, questioning how Nie Wanfeng could have obtained such a photo, given that armed drug trafficking groups typically maintain strict secrecy regarding their members' identities.
Deputy Song raised further questions, pointing out that while Nie Wanfeng claimed to have personally witnessed Liu Ziguang commit murder, Nie Wanfeng himself was not visible in the existing surveillance video. He instructed Han Jin to contact the M Country police to check for any more comprehensive surveillance footage. Given that Liu Ziguang had been interrogated for twenty-four hours without the police finding any conclusive evidence, Hu Yuejin proposed that Liu Ziguang be temporarily released.
He suggested this move could "beat the bush to scare the snake," allowing them to observe Nie Wanfeng's reactions and intentions. Following his release, Liu Ziguang returned to the boxing gym, where he was immediately surrounded by his friends and associates who were eager to question him. However, he remained silent, unable to utter a single word.
Han Jin later explained to Bei Xiaoshuai and the others that the case, involving Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang's lost eight years of memory, had caused Liu Ziguang significant emotional trauma. He concluded that for now, they could only await further evidence.
Episode 43 Recap
Sun Hu informed Nie Wanfeng that Chengcheng had been safely sent out of the country with his caretakers, and his mood was stable. Sun Hu also reported that Wanka had called, confirming that Chinese police were investigating Nie Wanfeng's identity and past experiences in M Country. Wanka assured them that the information he had prepared for Nie Wanfeng was flawless and nothing would go wrong.
Nie Wanfeng acknowledged Wanka's good work, pleased that his preparations would prevent his dubious past from being exposed, and instructed Sun Hu to keep Wanka well-compensated. Nie Wanfeng then expressed frustration that despite video footage, photos, and an eyewitness confirming Liu Ziguang as Sangbo, the police still had not arrested him, questioning what was happening at the Public Security Bureau. Meanwhile, at the police station, Director-General Hu Yuejin inquired about Liu Ziguang's interrogation.
Han Jin reported that Liu Ziguang was in a very bad psychological state and couldn't recall anything about his time in M Country or the case details, so questioning had been temporarily halted. Hu Yuejin asked if M Country police had confirmed Liu Ziguang as the drug lord Sangbo. Han Jin explained that while Liu Ziguang's photos and personal information were sent, M Country police lacked front-face images of Sangbo and thus couldn't confirm the identity.
Han Jin noted that it was Nie Wanfeng who claimed Liu Ziguang was Sangbo and provided details of their time in M Country, stating Liu Ziguang was the leader of an armed drug trafficking organization. Nie Wanfeng provided a photo as evidence and mentioned Liu Ziguang's organization tattoo, which many had seen when Liu Ziguang first returned.
Han Jin's analysis, however, was that the photo and tattoo only proved Liu Ziguang's involvement in a special armed organization, not that he was Sangbo. He also pointed out that Nie Wanfeng's account of witnessing Liu Ziguang kill his teacher, Zhenwu, lacked actual proof and sounded like a prepared script during their questioning. Due to these doubts, Han Jin had already contacted M Country police to verify Nie Wanfeng's entire history there before trusting his statement.
Hu Yuejin shared his intuition that Nie Wanfeng's confession was questionable, questioning how Nie Wanfeng obtained Liu Ziguang's photo and knew about the organization's tattoo, given that such groups typically keep members' identities secret. Han Jin admitted Nie Wanfeng didn't specify how he acquired this information. Hu Yuejin also noted that if Nie Wanfeng personally witnessed Zhenwu's murder, he should have appeared in the video footage from M Country, yet he was absent.
He instructed Han Jin to verify with M Country police if they had the complete video footage. Hu Yuejin suspected that Nie Wanfeng's consistent narrative, pointing to Liu Ziguang as Sangbo and Zhenwu's killer, might be a deliberate act to mislead the police and have Liu Ziguang punished, but his true objective remained unclear. Considering Liu Ziguang's psychological breakdown after nearly 24 hours of interrogation without sufficient evidence, Hu Yuejin concluded that his continued detention was detrimental to the investigation.
He emphasized that the existing partial video footage was insufficient to arbitrarily conclude Liu Ziguang was the murderer, and there was a lack of evidence to confirm him as Sangbo. Based on the principle of "in dubio pro reo," Hu Yuejin recommended releasing Liu Ziguang but placing him under strict surveillance. This would also allow them to observe Nie Wanfeng's reactions. Han Jin agreed. After the discussion, Director-General Hu Yuejin asked Hu Rong to stay behind at the police station.
He acknowledged her distress, reminding her that she had promised to control her emotions, but he heard she was very agitated during Liu Ziguang's interrogation. Hu Rong apologized, admitting she couldn't set aside her personal feelings and act solely as a police officer. Hu Yuejin expressed his understanding. He reiterated the police's reliance on evidence, pointing out that currently, there was insufficient proof to label Liu Ziguang as Sangbo or Zhenwu's murderer.
Therefore, adhering to the principle of "in dubio pro reo," Liu Ziguang could not yet be considered a real suspect. Speaking as her father and potentially Liu Ziguang's future father-in-law, Hu Yuejin shared his belief that Liu Ziguang was a good person, based on his interactions since Liu Ziguang's return to Jiangbei. He reminded Hu Rong how Liu Ziguang had bravely protected her, rushing to her aid in Golden Glory and taking a bullet for her at the used-car dealership.
He and Hu Rong's mother both saw their sincere love. Hu Yuejin recognized that Liu Ziguang's current situation, suspected of being Sangbo and Zhenwu's murderer, presented a significant test for their relationship. He urged Hu Rong to face Liu Ziguang rather than hide. As a police officer, it was her duty to investigate the truth, and privately, the conflicts in their love had to be resolved by them.
He advised her to be with Liu Ziguang, show him concern, and help him through this difficult period, offering this as both Director-General and father, while respecting her ultimate decision. Hu Rong thanked him. Han Jin then escorted Liu Ziguang back to the boxing gym. Liu Ziguang's friends gathered, asking about his condition, while he remained silent and distant.
Bei Xiaoshuai confronted Han Jin, accusing the police of being ungrateful after Liu Ziguang helped them solve a major drug trafficking case just two days prior. Han Jin clarified that as a friend, he hoped Liu Ziguang was innocent and believed him to be righteous and responsible, but as a police officer, he had to follow evidence, which had made Liu Ziguang a suspect. Li Jianguo intervened, asking Bei Xiaoshuai to understand Han Jin's difficulties.
Han Jin reassured them that the police would investigate thoroughly and provide answers, stating that the law would neither wrongly accuse the innocent nor let the guilty go free. He asked them to take good care of Liu Ziguang and to contact him immediately if any situation arose. At the boxing gym, Liu Ziguang remained unresponsive, despite A-Se's plea for him to wake up for the "Light Sect" and Zhuo Li's attempt to feed him kebabs Li Jianguo had grilled.
Suddenly, Liu Ziguang demanded alcohol, confusing A-Se, who pointed out he never drank. Liu Ziguang insisted he had drunk milk as requested and now wanted alcohol. Bei Xiaoshuai, unable to watch him distressed, went to buy some. Hu Rong, still pondering her father's words, then received a frantic phone call from Bei Xiaoshuai, who said Liu Ziguang was having another breakdown and they couldn't control him. She rushed to the boxing gym.
When Bei Xiaoshuai arrived back with alcohol, Liu Ziguang, now coherent enough to reject it, demanded milk, having seemingly forgotten his earlier request for alcohol. Upon seeing Hu Rong, Liu Ziguang's mood seemed to shift. He happily took her hand and wanted to go to the pipe room in Golden Glory, feeling it was the only place they could talk privately and safely. Hu Rong tried to calm him down, offering to get him food.
In a state of agitation, Liu Ziguang began drawing on eggs, repeatedly declaring, "This is wrong." He claimed the eggs weren't from Golden Glory and kept asking for more, insisting on drawing himself. Hu Rong watched him, distressed. Meanwhile, Sun Hu informed Nie Wanfeng that Liu Ziguang had been released by the police and sent back to the boxing gym.
Nie Wanfeng, surprised by this development, commented that they had underestimated the police and decided to wait and observe the police's next move. He then mused about how much of his past Liu Ziguang might have recalled. Although he had always treated Liu Ziguang like a brother, Nie Wanfeng now acknowledged that Liu Ziguang had become a threat, and he expressed a chilling desire for Liu Ziguang's death, indicating a willingness to resort to any means necessary.
Han Jin received an update from M Country regarding Nie Wanfeng's background verification. The report confirmed that Nie Wanfeng's late wife, Ruan Junlan, was from a wealthy family in M Country, suffered from congenital heart disease, died shortly after giving birth to Nie Chengcheng, and Nie Wanfeng subsequently inherited her family's significant assets. Three years prior, he returned to Jiangbei with Nie Chengcheng and established the Major Development Group using these funds, commuting between Jiangbei and M Country for business.
Han Jin then inquired about the complete bistro video footage. Little Zhao informed him that M Country reported the recording camera's storage device was damaged, and only the middle section of the footage could be retrieved, with no recordings before or after. Han Jin found this "coincidence" highly suspicious, believing the video had been tampered with to hide undisclosed secrets.
He noted that if Nie Wanfeng was present at the scene as he claimed, he should have appeared in the video, but he didn't. These discrepancies convinced Han Jin that Nie Wanfeng was involved with the video's tampering. He instructed Little Zhao to contact Chang Tuo immediately to investigate the video for signs of manipulation, suspecting an accomplice might be within their own department.
Little Zhao also updated Han Jin that Nie Wanfeng's associate, Brother Hu, was identified as Sun Hu, a Guangdong resident with no criminal record, who became Nie Wanfeng's assistant three years ago. His connection to Nie Wanfeng, however, remained unverified. Additionally, Houzi's whereabouts were located in Zhejiang, and he was under surveillance, with efforts underway to bring him back to Jiangbei soon.
Han Jin emphasized the importance of arresting Houzi quickly and maintaining close surveillance on Sun Hu and Nie Wanfeng. Sun Hu later reported to Nie Wanfeng that he spotted two suspicious individuals outside, possibly undercover police, suggesting they were being watched. Nie Wanfeng, realizing the police were suspecting him, declared his intention to take a public stand and let everyone in Jiangbei witness his actions.
He proceeded to host a grand donation ceremony, announcing his Major Development Group would donate ten public primary schools in his late wife Madam Junlan's name, claiming it was a way to give back to society. Meanwhile, Liu Ziguang's mental state continued to deteriorate. He furiously stabbed a sandbag with a dagger, asking it if he was Sangbo and if he had killed someone, hallucinating that the sandbag confirmed his guilt.
He saw his hands covered in blood and raised the dagger to stab himself, but Hu Rong, horrified, quickly intervened and stopped him. To prevent Liu Ziguang from harming himself, his friends had to tie him to a chair while trying to talk sense into him. Zhuo Li implored Liu Ziguang to remember his friends and Hu Rong, emphasizing that they would face any difficulties together and that he shouldn't torment himself. Li Jianguo also urged him to "wake up."
Seeing the chaotic situation, Li Jianguo asserted that Liu Ziguang was crumbling under immense psychological pressure, and Hu Rong was also on the verge of breaking down. He proposed that the only solution was to go to M Country to thoroughly investigate Liu Ziguang's lost eight years and find evidence to prove his innocence. Bei Xiaoshuai expressed concern about the vastness of M Country, but Li Jianguo turned to A-Se, recalling his mention of the Light Sect in M Country.
A-Se confirmed the Light Sect was in Mengla, M Country, and he knew the way. He also mentioned an "Old Sect Leader," Liu Ziguang's teacher, who knew everything about Liu Ziguang's past. Li Jianguo decided he and A-Se would immediately travel to M Country to find the Light Sect and the Old Sect Leader. He instructed Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li to stay behind and care for Liu Ziguang, Hu Rong, and Uncle Guo.
Li Jianguo also cautioned them not to reveal their mission until they found some concrete clues. After the others left, Hu Rong and Liu Ziguang sat together on the sofa, with Liu Ziguang's head resting on her lap. Hu Rong, her voice filled with emotion, spoke to a silent Liu Ziguang.
She confessed that upon his return to Jiangbei, she initially saw him as a bad person, but after all they had been through, he had become a hero in her heart, and she had entrusted her entire life to him. Now, facing the possibility that he might be the drug lord Sangbo or even her father's murderer, her greatest enemy, she had many unanswered questions. Yet, in his current state, he couldn't answer.
She reiterated that she had never cared about his past, only loving him for who he was now, but she never imagined his past would have such a profound impact on her. Hu Rong stroked his hair, silently holding back her tears. Li Jianguo and A-Se arrived in M Country. A-Se led him to a small bistro that was once important to them, but they found its doors nailed shut.
A-Se explained that the "Old Sect Leader" he mentioned was the bistro's owner. Unbeknownst to Li Jianguo and A-Se, their arrival near the bistro had been noticed, and they were put under discreet surveillance by Nie Wanfeng's people. Meanwhile, back at the boxing gym, Hu Rong noticed Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li furtively looking at something and directly questioned them.
Episode 44 Recap
At the boxing gym, Hu Rong found Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li stealthily watching something on a phone. When questioned, Bei Xiaoshuai initially deflected, but under Hu Rong’s insistent pressure, Zhuo Li confessed that Li Jianguo and A-Se had secretly gone to M Country to search for evidence to prove Liu Ziguang's innocence. Zhuo Li explained they were watching a video and listening to a voice message Li Jianguo had sent.
The video showed A-Se stating that the location was where Liu Ziguang used to live. Upon hearing this, Hu Rong was startled and declared that they needed to bring Li Jianguo and A-Se back immediately. Meanwhile, in M Country, Li Jianguo and A-Se were leaving Officer Huang's small bistro. Suddenly, they were ambushed by an unknown group of armed individuals who surrounded the place.
Li Jianguo and A-Se fled to the rooftop, but as the armed men closed in, Li Jianguo didn't notice an armed individual firing at him from behind. At the critical moment, A-Se heroically pushed Li Jianguo out of the line of fire, was hit by a bullet, and fell from the building, dying from the impact, as Li Jianguo cried out in anguish. Li Jianguo was subsequently captured by the armed group.
Nie Wanfeng received a call from his subordinate, who confirmed that they had killed A-Se and captured Li Jianguo. Nie Wanfeng instructed his men to keep Li Jianguo alive, as he could be useful. Back at the police station, Hu Rong urgently reported to Han Jin about Li Jianguo and A-Se's unauthorized trip to M Country. Han Jin was stunned.
Just then, he received a call from the M Country police, informing him of a fatal shooting where A-Se was killed and Li Jianguo was abducted. Both Han Jin and Hu Rong were shocked. During a police briefing, Director-General Hu Yuejin and Deputy Director Song were informed of the situation. Han Jin detailed the M Country police report about the gun homicide near the "Teacher's pub," confirming A-Se's death and Li Jianguo's abduction.
Hu Rong then presented her deduction: A-Se consistently referred to Liu Ziguang as "Sect Leader," and in his audio message, A-Se confirmed he, Liu Ziguang, and their "Elder Sect Leader" had lived in that M Country pub. She concluded that the "Elder Sect Leader" was likely Officer Huang Zhenwu. Director-General Hu Yuejin validated Hu Rong's reasoning and, with a grave expression, stated that A-Se's death meant Li Jianguo's safety was paramount.
He ordered Han Jin to secretly liaise with the M Country police to investigate the armed men and ensure Li Jianguo's safe rescue. Hu Yuejin then spoke privately with Hu Rong, urging her to conceal A-Se's death from Liu Ziguang to protect his fragile mental state. He also encouraged her to help Liu Ziguang recover his memories, seeing it as a crucial step for both Liu Ziguang and the ongoing investigation.
At the boxing gym, Liu Ziguang was in a daze when A-Se's voice echoed in his mind, saying he left the "Disciple Stone" under the pillow. Liu Ziguang found the stone and, in a harrowing vision, saw A-Se's tragic death. Overcome with grief, he frantically demanded to know A-Se's whereabouts from Bei Xiaoshuai and Zhuo Li. They reluctantly informed him that A-Se and Li Jianguo had gone to M Country to investigate his past.
Liu Ziguang, desperate, declared he was going to M Country to find A-Se, convinced by his vivid dream that A-Se had died. Hu Rong arrived and stopped him, urging him to stay in Jiangbei and cooperate with the police investigation. She insisted that his only task now was to recall his past, deceptively assuring him that A-Se and Li Jianguo were safe. Later, Han Jin received another call from Officer Chang Tuo of M Country police.
Chang Tuo revealed that during their investigation into Huang Zhenwu's homicide, they discovered a significant lead: Huang Zhenwu had cultivated an informant who provided intelligence on a major drug trafficking meeting on the open sea. However, the informant's identity and current location remained unknown. Hu Rong rushed to the police bureau after Han Jin summoned her. Han Jin shared the M Country police's discovery about Huang Zhenwu's informant.
Hu Rong, recalling Li Jianguo's audio message about Liu Ziguang living in her father's pub, excitedly theorized if Liu Ziguang could be the informant. She eagerly asked if this would clear his name. Han Jin confirmed it would to some extent but stressed that proving Liu Ziguang's identity as the informant was difficult and that M Country police were actively verifying the informant's identity.
He suggested Hu Rong carefully probe Liu Ziguang, hoping he might recall something, but warned against deliberately prompting him. Liu Ziguang, surrounded by photos of Huang Zhenwu, struggled with his fragmented memories. Suddenly, a flood of recollections surged into his mind: Huang Zhenwu persuading him to become an informant, infiltrate a drug cartel, and promising to introduce him to his daughter.
He also vividly remembered Nie Wanfeng's maniacal laughter after the "Angel Version Two" success and the scene of getting a tattoo. Overwhelmed, Liu Ziguang roared Nie Wanfeng's name. He then excitedly told Hu Rong that he had remembered everything. He claimed Nie Wanfeng was part of a drug cartel and had a wolf's head tattoo identical to his own.
He implored Hu Rong to take him to Nie Wanfeng, believing that if Nie Wanfeng indeed had the tattoo, it would prove Liu Ziguang's innocence. Hu Rong, believing him, agreed. They went to Nie Wanfeng's residence. Hu Rong explained that Liu Ziguang had regained his memory and asserted that Nie Wanfeng was a member of Colby's drug cartel and should also bear a wolf's head tattoo. She demanded to see his tattoo.
Nie Wanfeng, seemingly unfazed, initially scoffed at Liu Ziguang's "imagination" and questioned Hu Rong's professional conduct as a police officer who should rely on concrete evidence, not a suspect's erratic memories. Despite his protests, he eventually lifted his shirt to reveal a smooth, untattooed back. Liu Ziguang was dumbfounded. Nie Wanfeng mockingly dismissed them as they left, demanding Hu Rong report the incident to her superiors for a satisfactory explanation.
Back at the boxing gym, a dejected Liu Ziguang tore down the photos from the wall. He confided in Hu Rong, explaining that he hadn't been insane but struggled to articulate his thoughts or trust his own memories. He felt guilty for his selfishness, acknowledging Hu Rong as the true victim, yet she had consistently encouraged and believed in him. He lamented his current inability to trust his own recollections, especially after Nie Wanfeng showed no tattoo.
He felt his memory of being Huang Zhenwu's informant was useless if no one, not even himself, could believe it. Hu Rong, however, reaffirmed her faith in him, confirming that the police had indeed discovered that her father had an informant. Nie Wanfeng, upon learning that Liu Ziguang's memories were recovering rapidly, grew increasingly anxious, fearing that Liu Ziguang might eventually recall everything and pose a threat.
He remembered the one hundred million US dollars he had deposited into a bank account, with Liu Ziguang having entered the password and Nie Wanfeng his fingerprint. After careful deliberation, Nie Wanfeng decided it was time to play his final card. He instructed Wanka to send the black money account details to Interpol, hoping that if Liu Ziguang remembered the password, it would solidify his identity as Sangbo.
Episode 45 Recap
Hu Rong appeared before Director Song and Captain Han Jin to admit her mistake, explaining that Liu Ziguang had recalled Nie Wanfeng's involvement in a drug trafficking organization and also remembered himself as Huang Zhenwu’s informant. Han Jin questioned her decision to take Liu Ziguang to Nie Wanfeng's home, fearing it might have alerted a suspect if Nie Wanfeng were indeed a criminal.
Hu Rong acknowledged her hastiness and reported that their visit yielded nothing; Nie Wanfeng showed no wolf-head tattoo or even a scar. Director Song found Liu Ziguang's claim of being an informant strange, recalling Li Jianguo's earlier statement that Huang Zhenwu, Liu Ziguang, and A-Se had lived together in a pub. He wondered if Liu Ziguang was deliberately fabricating the story to deflect suspicion.
At that moment, Officer Zhao informed them that Interpol had sent an email revealing the drug lord Sangbo's bank account in Switzerland, along with a login link. However, the bank could not provide the password. Interpol believed that whoever could open this account was most likely Sangbo. Director Hu Yuejin frowned, asking how Interpol obtained the account information. Han Jin stated it was an anonymous tip. Director Hu Yuejin, considering criminal psychology, suspected a trap.
He reasoned that if Liu Ziguang truly were Sangbo, he would certainly feign memory loss or claim to have forgotten the password, never opening the account to confirm his identity. Hu Rong then volunteered to confront Liu Ziguang, confident she knew his special numbers and could not be fooled. Director Hu Yuejin granted her permission, but cautioned her to remain calm, sending Officer Zhao along with her.
After Hu Rong left, Director Hu Yuejin also pondered whether Sangbo might have actually been Huang Zhenwu's informant. Hu Rong went to the boxing gym and placed a laptop in front of Liu Ziguang, presenting the account as his father's, known only to his father and the informant. She urged him to enter any familiar numbers. Liu Ziguang initially claimed he had no code and couldn't think of any numbers.
However, Hu Rong reminded him that whenever he was nervous, he would recite Pi. Liu Ziguang then hesitantly entered the digits of Pi, and to their astonishment, the account successfully opened. Calmly, Hu Rong instructed Officer Zhao to return to the task force and report that Liu Ziguang had opened the bank account. Alone with Liu Ziguang, Hu Rong then painfully revealed the truth: it was not his father's account, but Sangbo's.
This meant he was Sangbo, the one who killed her father, Huang Zhenwu. Liu Ziguang's expression turned complex as he grappled with the realization that he was Sangbo, the murderer, yet possibly also her father's informant, as his own memories had suggested. Hu Rong then informed him of more tragic news: A-Se had died, and Li Jianguo had been kidnapped. After a long silence, Liu Ziguang requested to see Guo Yuanchao, and Hu Rong agreed to accompany him.
Back at the police station, the task force convened. Director Hu Yuejin posed the question of how they viewed Liu Ziguang opening Sangbo's account. Han Jin voiced his suspicions, pointing out the excessive coincidences: the M Country police video was conveniently edited, missing a beginning and end, and the source of the anonymous tip to Interpol about the account remained unknown.
He also revealed that when he tested the account using Pi, it only showed the balance and account name, offering no functional operations. Han Jin concluded that the account was a deliberate scheme to mislead the police into continuously investigating Liu Ziguang. Director Hu Yuejin then ordered Hu Rong and Officer Zhao to maintain close surveillance on Liu Ziguang to ensure his cooperation. Hu Rong accompanied Liu Ziguang to Guo Yuanchao's home, waiting outside while Liu Ziguang went inside.
He quietly entered the room, making sure not to disturb Bei Xiaoshuai, who was asleep by Guo Yuanchao's bedside. From a distance, Liu Ziguang knelt and paid his respects to Guo Yuanchao, promising to return to care for him until his last days. He then cast a final glance toward the door where Hu Rong was waiting and quickly left the house, undetected.
Hu Rong soon received a phone call reporting Liu Ziguang's escape, which sent her rushing back to the station. Director Hu Yuejin was furious, demanding to know how Liu Ziguang could have vanished under surveillance. Han Jin suggested that Liu Ziguang might have already left Jiangbei, prompting Director Hu Yuejin to issue an urgent order for his immediate apprehension. Meanwhile, Liu Ziguang went to Nie Wanfeng's home, requesting safe passage to M Country.
Nie Wanfeng initially refused, stating "We aren't the same," but Liu Ziguang offered the password to his 100 million USD secret bank account as leverage. After a brief pause, Nie Wanfeng agreed to help his "brother." Later, Hou Sihai's subordinate, Monkey, was apprehended and interrogated. Monkey confessed that Hou Sihai had been using his sand transportation routes to smuggle a drug called "Angel" for Nie Wanfeng.
Their partnership dissolved when Hou Sihai, driven by greed, tried to renegotiate his profit share, exceeding Nie Wanfeng's tolerance. Monkey deduced that Nie Wanfeng must have silenced Hou Sihai to protect himself. The police, acting on a lead, went to Nie Wanfeng's villa, only to find he had also disappeared. His housekeeper recalled seeing Nie Wanfeng and Liu Ziguang leaving together the previous night. At the same time, Sun Hu drove Liu Ziguang to Mengla Town.
Sun Hu mentioned that Nie Wanfeng had told him that he and Liu Ziguang once lived like brothers in a pub in that town. As Liu Ziguang walked through Mengla Town, familiar sights triggered a flood of memories from his past eight years, making them vividly clear. During a police briefing, Director Song reviewed the latest evidence, connecting Monkey's confession to Nie Wanfeng's role as the "Angel" drug supplier and his likely involvement in Hou Sihai's murder.
He suggested Nie Wanfeng could indeed be the elusive drug lord Sangbo. Just then, Han Jin received a call from Officer Chang Tuo of the M Country police, who reported that a corrupt local officer named Wanka had been arrested. Wanka confessed to being bribed by Nie Wanfeng, known in M Country as Ye Wanglong, a major drug lord who supplied "Angel" and had been trafficking drugs there.
Wanka had long supplied Nie Wanfeng with internal police information and covered up his crimes, ensuring Nie Wanfeng remained off the police's radar. Chang Tuo also confirmed that the previous video they received was indeed tampered with by Wanka and sent over the complete version. The full video showed Nie Wanfeng, appearing triumphant, walking out of the pub.
It also depicted a flashback scene where Nie Wanfeng (as Sangkun) and Liu Ziguang (as Sangbo) were given their aliases at the pub. Hu Rong concluded that all the misleading evidence, including the edited video, the false tattoo lead, and the black money account, were part of Nie Wanfeng’s elaborate plan to frame Liu Ziguang. She deduced that Nie Wanfeng intended to make the police believe Liu Ziguang was Sangbo, thereby diverting attention from himself.
Han Jin further speculated that Nie Wanfeng was the true Sangbo. Director Hu Yuejin immediately ordered full cooperation with the M Country police to apprehend Nie Wanfeng and rescue Li Jianguo. Soon after, Han Jin received another update from Officer Chang Tuo: Wanka's confession revealed that Nie Wanfeng had orchestrated a car accident to murder his own wife and her parents in M Country. He then inherited their vast wealth, which he used to develop his armed drug cartel.
The corrupt officer Wanka had also helped Nie Wanfeng fabricate evidence for these crimes. Director Song concurred with the new deductions, affirming that Nie Wanfeng was the real drug lord Sangbo, and they decided to collaborate with M Country police to dismantle his criminal organization.
Episode 46 Recap
Through the efforts of Hu Yuejin, Chinese police were granted permission to enter M Country to collaborate with M Country police in a joint effort to dismantle Sangbo's drug trafficking cartel. This decision followed earlier deductions by Hu Rong and Han Jin, who suspected that a series of fabricated evidence, including an incomplete video, a manipulated bank account, and a fake tattoo, had been designed to mislead the police into believing Liu Ziguang was Sangbo.
Han Jin further theorized that Nie Wanfeng might be the real Sangbo. These suspicions were reinforced by Liu Ziguang himself, who had recently regained memories of being an informant trained by Huang Zhenwu, and by the M Country police's recent arrest of Wanka, an officer who confessed to being bribed by Nie Wanfeng to provide internal police intelligence.
Wanka's testimony revealed Nie Wanfeng, operating under the alias Ye Wanglong, as a major drug lord and the provider of "Angel" drugs, whose subordinates were responsible for A-Se's death and Li Jianguo's kidnapping. These revelations clarified Liu Ziguang's motive for leaving Jiangbei with Nie Wanfeng: he intended to expose Nie Wanfeng, prove his own innocence, and rescue Li Jianguo. With M Country police having identified the drug cartel's base but lacking sufficient manpower, they requested Interpol's assistance.
Hu Yuejin promptly sought and received approval for an international collaboration with M Country police to save Li Jianguo, apprehend Nie Wanfeng, and uncover the full truth about Liu Ziguang. He then briefed his officers, stressing their mission to eradicate Sangbo's drug cartel and uphold China's zero-tolerance stance on drugs. Meanwhile, at the boxing gym, Zhuo Li was agitated, convinced that Liu Ziguang had gone to M Country to rescue Li Jianguo.
He insisted on accompanying Bei Xiaoshuai to M Country. However, Bei Xiaoshuai prevented him, cautioning him against going to M Country, reminding him that A-Se had died there and Li Jianguo had been kidnapped. Bei Xiaoshuai emphasized that they would only be a hindrance to Liu Ziguang and should instead manage Truly Authentic, Sunshine Sand Quarry, and the construction supply company, and wait for Liu Ziguang's safe return.
He then hugged Zhuo Li, reassuring him that Liu Ziguang would definitely come back unharmed. Unaware of the coordinated police action, Liu Ziguang walked through the streets of Mengzhuo. He arrived at the small pub he once knew, finding its door boarded shut. Memories flooded his mind, reminding him of his past with Huang Zhenwu and A-Se. He recalled Huang Zhenwu offering him and A-Se a place to stay and work, considering the pub their home.
Liu Ziguang had introduced himself as Guangzi. He remembered a birthday celebration for Huang Zhenwu's daughter, where Huang Zhenwu revealed his true identity as a Chinese drug enforcement officer on an important mission. Huang Zhenwu had then asked Liu Ziguang to become his informant, to infiltrate the drug trafficking base and rejoin his "brother" to help dismantle the organization, a request Liu Ziguang accepted.
Huang Zhenwu had expressed his concern for Liu Ziguang's safety, telling him he regarded him as his own son and would take him back to Jiangbei to meet his daughter once the mission was complete. Elsewhere, Nie Wanfeng and Hu were on the run. Hu questioned why Nie Wanfeng hadn't brought Liu Ziguang directly to the base, instead sending him to the pub.
Nie Wanfeng explained that Liu Ziguang had recently sought his help to leave the country and mentioned having $100,000,000 in an account, suggesting he had accessed it and likely recovered most of his memories. Nie Wanfeng believed the pub held significant memories for Liu Ziguang, and by sending him there, he would fully regain them, leaving nothing for Nie Wanfeng to hide. Hu then inquired about Li Jianguo, who was still being held captive.
Nie Wanfeng stated that the future of their brotherhood would soon be revealed. Nie Wanfeng later drove to the town and found Liu Ziguang sitting by the pub. Observing Liu Ziguang, Nie Wanfeng concluded that he had remembered everything, including the way to the base. He invited Liu Ziguang to return to the base with him, adding that Li Jianguo was eagerly awaiting him. Liu Ziguang took the keys and drove them to the drug factory base.
During the journey, Liu Ziguang's mind raced with memories of being forced into Colby's organization and getting a tattoo. He initially resisted, but Colby threatened him. Nie Wanfeng, then, had brought him water, encouraging him to apologize to Colby and assuring him that he could get rich quickly by working with Colby as he himself had.
Upon their arrival at the base, Nie Wanfeng expressed his joy at their return, asserting that they were both "bad guys" who had killed and trafficked drugs, making any return to Jiangbei impossible. He reiterated his promise to make Liu Ziguang rich in M Country and affirmed their bond, saying, "What's mine is yours." Liu Ziguang responded by demanding Li Jianguo's release in exchange for the black gold account password.
Nie Wanfeng readily agreed, stating the money was always theirs and that he would comply with Liu Ziguang's request. They entered the Angel research and development center, which Liu Ziguang recognized as an upgraded version of the one he knew. Nie Wanfeng ordered Li Jianguo to be brought to them. A battered and injured Li Jianguo was led in. Liu Ziguang handed him a phone, instructing him to call him once he reached a safe location.
After Li Jianguo left, Hu placed a laptop in front of Liu Ziguang, prompting him for the black gold account password. However, Liu Ziguang stated he had questions for Nie Wanfeng first. Liu Ziguang then began to interrogate Nie Wanfeng. He first asked why Nie Wanfeng hadn't revealed his true identity when they first met in Jiangbei, after Liu Ziguang had saved Nie Wanfeng's son.
Nie Wanfeng reminded Liu Ziguang that he had commented on Liu Ziguang's resemblance to an old buddy, but Liu Ziguang at the time had no memories. Liu Ziguang then confirmed that Nie Wanfeng was the true boss, to which Nie Wanfeng clarified that he became the boss after Colby's death, but "money" was the ultimate boss. Just then, Li Jianguo called Liu Ziguang, confirming his safe escape.
Liu Ziguang continued his questioning, asking why Nie Wanfeng had used his name, Sangbo, to traffic drugs. Nie Wanfeng explained that he had instructed his subordinates that Liu Ziguang was his brother, and "he is me, I am him," thus justifying the use of Liu Ziguang's name for business dealings. Liu Ziguang then questioned the disappearance of Nie Wanfeng's tattoo, which they had supposedly gotten together.
Nie Wanfeng revealed it was a mere fake skin patch, a "cheap trick" that had even deceived Officer Hu (Hu Rong). Liu Ziguang's final question was how Nie Wanfeng had known about the police presence during the meeting in international waters. Nie Wanfeng attributed the tip-off to Hu. Liu Ziguang then delivered a shocking revelation: he was the one who had transmitted that police report. Nie Wanfeng dismissed this as impossible.
Liu Ziguang then declared that he did not kill Huang Zhenwu, pointing to another drug dealer and stating that the man was the actual killer. The drug dealer confessed, explaining he had kept silent because Huang Zhenwu had once given him water, saving his life. Enraged, Nie Wanfeng claimed that "he" was the one who had given the man that "damned water," not Huang Zhenwu.
In a fit of fury, Nie Wanfeng shot the drug dealer multiple times, killing him instantly. Nie Wanfeng then turned his gun on Liu Ziguang. Liu Ziguang, acting swiftly, disarmed him. As other drug dealers swarmed forward, aiming their weapons at Liu Ziguang, a walkie-talkie on one of the dealers suddenly blared, signaling the approaching police. Liu Ziguang seized the moment, fighting his way out.
Police sirens blared loudly as police cars streamed into the drug trafficking base, immediately engaging in a fierce gun battle with the drug dealers. Nie Wanfeng and his men cornered Liu Ziguang against a wall, but Li Jianguo burst in with an assault rifle, pushing back the drug dealers. Seeing the tide turn, Nie Wanfeng grabbed his phone and laptop from a table, preparing for a hasty escape.
Episode 47 (Ending) Recap
The fierce gunfight at the drug base intensified. Hu Rong, caught in the crossfire, sustained a gunshot wound to her shoulder and collapsed. As drug dealers advanced, a new round of rapid gunfire erupted, signaling the arrival of Han Jin and his team. Han Jin immediately rushed to Hu Rong's side, asking if she was alright and offering her his bulletproof vest, urging her to be careful.
As police officers cleared the battlefield, Liu Ziguang, having been in the thick of the fight, identified himself to prevent friendly fire, shouting, "Don't shoot! I’m Liu Ziguang!" Liu Ziguang then spotted Nie Wanfeng firing from a distance and quickly pulled Hu Rong out of the line of fire. Tragically, Han Jin was hit by Nie Wanfeng's bullet, collapsing and spitting blood.
Hu Rong rushed to Captain Han, desperately trying to staunch the blood flow, but she could feel his life slipping away. With his last breaths, Han Jin softly addressed Hu Rong, telling her he was going to meet his teacher and questioning if he was finally worthy of calling him "Teacher." Hu Rong, heartbroken, confirmed he was, as tears streamed down her face. Liu Ziguang, seizing a weapon, relentlessly pursued Nie Wanfeng.
He cornered Nie Wanfeng, who was using a hostage as a shield. Nie Wanfeng ordered Liu Ziguang to drop his gun and sit at a nearby table, dismissing the hostage. Nie Wanfeng, his voice seething with anger, interrogated Liu Ziguang, demanding to know why he had been deceived. He raged that his "best buddy" was a police informant, leaving him with nothing, his life's wealth gone, a penniless fugitive hunted by the police.
He exclaimed that Liu Ziguang was "truly incredible" and threatened to kill him. After his outburst, Nie Wanfeng's tone shifted, becoming mournful. He lowered his submachine gun and asked Liu Ziguang if he remembered why he had lured him to this rooftop. It was the place where they first arrived in M Country and became sworn brothers, vowing to "share blessings and misfortunes together."
He expressed regret for not having added "but ask to die in the same year and month," musing that it would be "quite good to die by the hands of one's own buddy." Nie Wanfeng then stated that because of Liu Ziguang, he had lost everything—his money and his comrades. He then challenged Liu Ziguang, acknowledging his skill with guns, to "play it one last time," gesturing to two disassembled handguns on the table.
Nie Wanfeng threw a beer bottle, and as it exploded on the ground, both men frantically assembled their pistols. Liu Ziguang proved quicker, completing his weapon first and aiming it directly at Nie Wanfeng's forehead. Nie Wanfeng, with a contorted face, repeatedly dared Liu Ziguang to kill him. A pained expression crossed Liu Ziguang's face as he fired several shots deliberately "beside" Nie Wanfeng. Liu Ziguang then revealed the black gold account password: "31415926."
He explained that "314" was Nie Wanfeng's birthday, "926" was his own birthday, and "15" was the date they became sworn brothers that year. Nie Wanfeng again pleaded, "Kill me!" but Liu Ziguang calmly stated he would not. He asserted that the law would punish Nie Wanfeng, adding that he would not "go the same way as the devil."
Nie Wanfeng, desperate, cried out that letting him live was worse than death and announced he would die before Liu Ziguang's eyes, raising his gun to commit suicide. However, Hu Rong arrived just in time, firing a precise shot that knocked the gun from Nie Wanfeng's hand. Police sirens blared, and Nie Wanfeng was swiftly apprehended. On the rooftop, Hu Yuejin asked Liu Ziguang if he had any evidence to prove his identity as Officer Zhenwu's informant.
Liu Ziguang confirmed he did, revealing the existence of a secret room hidden behind the wine cabinet in the bistro. He explained that he had used this concealed room, known only to him and Officer Huang (Zhenwu), to transmit crucial intelligence about the drug lords' offshore gathering to Interpol. Hu Yuejin and Hu Rong then entered the secret room.
Inside, they were astonished to find the walls adorned with photos of Hu Rong, spanning from her childhood to the present, all sent by Liu Ziguang to her father. Liu Ziguang remarked on the collection, noting that it was a pity there were no photos of them together. Hu Rong activated a worn computer on a desk, which played a pre-recorded video message from her father, Officer Zhenwu.
In the emotional video, Officer Zhenwu addressed his daughter, stating that by the time she saw it, he would be gone. He introduced Liu Ziguang as an "upright and courageous" informant he had personally trained, who had infiltrated the drug cartel to provide him with intelligence.
He explained that due to the complex nature of M Country police relations and to ensure Liu Ziguang's safety, he had not fully reported Liu Ziguang's background to the organization, thus his identity as an informant was unknown. Officer Zhenwu urged Hu Rong to convey Liu Ziguang's situation to the organization and to protect this "nameless brave hero."
He shared that despite carrying out his mission alone since Hu Rong's birth, he never felt lonely because looking at her photos daily made him feel she was always with him, fighting by his side. The most painful regret, he confessed, was not being able to acknowledge her as his daughter, hear her call him "Father," or hug her. He apologized but expressed confidence that she, as his daughter and a cop, would understand his choice.
He assured her he had "never left her, not even for one second," and concluded with "I love you." Overwhelmed with emotion, Hu Rong finally understood that Liu Ziguang was innocent of her father's death. She rushed downstairs to Liu Ziguang, embracing him tightly. The collaborative efforts of Chinese and M Country police successfully dismantled the "Angel" cross-border drug operation, along with solving the murder of Hou Sihai.
In recognition of his bravery and sacrifice, Han Jin was posthumously honored as a martyr and awarded a first-class merit. Back in Jiangbei, Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong began making plans for their wedding. They chose to take their wedding photos at the very beach where Liu Ziguang had been rescued years ago. While getting ready, Liu Ziguang unexpectedly insisted on including the doctor and nurse who had saved him in their photos.
He had earlier returned the 500 yuan the doctor had given him when he was found, explaining that after being thrown overboard by Tony, he drifted for days before washing ashore. The doctor not only saved his life but also provided him with money to return to Jiangbei. The nurse had even trimmed his hair for him.
Hu Rong playfully feigned annoyance, asking, "This is the first time I'm getting married and we're taking wedding pictures with four people from inside? There's a doctor and even a nurse." She jokingly asked if he didn't want to marry her, to which Liu Ziguang quickly reassured her that wasn't the case. Seeing his earnestness, Hu Rong smiled, realizing her husband valued friendship above all else, and confirmed she wasn't truly angry.
Hu Rong then extended her right hand to Liu Ziguang, who understood the gesture. He knelt on one knee, took out a ring, and asked if she knew what he was gifting her. Just as he was about to place it on her finger, Hu Rong's phone rang with a call from Hu Yuejin. After a brief conversation, she informed Liu Ziguang she had an urgent mission and had to leave immediately, describing it as a secret.
Liu Ziguang, dismayed, asked about their wedding ceremony, to which Hu Rong replied they would have to postpone it. With a quick kiss on his cheek, Hu Rong, still in her wedding dress, hurried off, leaving Liu Ziguang kneeling with the ring, a look of utter dejection on his face. One month later, Hu Rong, undercover, boarded a private jet with a man identified as Mr. Zhang.
She was greeted by a flight attendant who informed Mr. Zhang about an air traffic control delay. As she settled in, she noticed one of the cabin staff, who offered her dessert, was Liu Ziguang, disguised for the same mission. He offered her champagne, which she politely declined, stating she was staff and couldn't drink. He then offered her dessert instead.
