Cambrian Period Episode 1 Recap
> Cambrian Period Recap
The story opens with background information on the collapse of the Hanqing Group, a powerful black dynasty. On November 5, 2016, its leader, Pei Yuancheng, died from a stroke at 68. Two days later, several high-ranking Hanqing Group members were arrested. It was revealed that Pei Yuancheng had not named a successor, which left the group in a power vacuum.
By November 11, Pei Yuancheng's six sons were fighting amongst themselves, plunging the group into internal conflict that spread instability across all territories under its influence. This led to the complete fragmentation of the once-dominant black dynasty, marking it as the most unstable factor in recent Asian public security.
Meanwhile, on South Zhanbu Island, a police briefing highlighted that the island faced an even more ruthless, cunning, and darker criminal force than the Hanqing Group: the Qiumen Group, led by the wealthy Zhan Shili. This group had exploited South Island's visa-free and tax-free policies to control all casino operations, generating immense illicit profits and becoming the island's primary security threat.
An officer emphasized that the period following Pei Yuancheng's fall and the Hanqing Group's fragmentation presented both an opportunity and a danger. He warned that an unchecked Zhan Shili would become more reckless. The officer noted that Suo Tou and other key figures managed crucial aspects of the Qiumen Group, while Face Mask served as Zhan Shili's ace assassin—a mysterious, cunning, and dangerous individual, second only to Zhan Shili himself in terms of threat.
He concluded his speech by declaring his readiness to pay any price to combat the black forces and fight influential powers to the end, underscoring his commitment to eliminate the Qiumen Group. Tang Yin, a young woman who recently left the entertainment industry, arrived on South Island with the goal of doing personal shopping business.
On a cruise ship, she enthusiastically declared her intentions to make a lot of money and spoke about leaving her old life behind, which caught the attention of Jin Lin and her daughter, Xiuer, who were also on board. Tang Yin apologized to Jin Lin for her boisterous behavior, explaining her plans to become a personal shopper, and asked for Jin Lin's name. Jin Lin introduced herself, stating her surname was Jin.
Upon docking at the wharf, Tang Yin continued to live-stream, showcasing the legitimacy of her personal shopping venture. She then encountered a chaotic brawl on the dock, mistaking it for a movie set, and excitedly commented on the "actors'" realistic performances, even comparing one fighter to the singer Deng Ziqi. Unbeknownst to her, this was a real and dangerous situation. Da Zhong, a traitor from the Qiumen Group, was being pursued by Face Mask, the group’s mysterious assassin.
Simultaneously, South Island Chief of Police Li Yongji arrived with his officers, as Face Mask was a wanted fugitive. This created a tense three-way standoff between the police, Da Zhong, and Face Mask. During the confusion, Xiuer, Jin Lin's young daughter, wandered off to retrieve her bouncy ball and was grabbed by Da Zhong, who took her hostage. Jin Lin frantically tried to intervene, but her assistant urged her to trust the police.
Li Yongji stepped forward, lowering his weapon, attempting to negotiate with Da Zhong. He offered him a chance to surrender and promised police protection. However, Tang Yin, completely unaware of the danger, continued to live-stream, loudly criticizing Da Zhong's "acting." Exasperated, Da Zhong fired a shot, hitting and destroying Tang Yin's phone. Furious, Tang Yin marched over to Da Zhong, trying to "coach" him on how to act more convincingly.
Da Zhong seized the opportunity to take Tang Yin as a second hostage. Li Yongji tried to reason with Da Zhong, urging him to release the hostages and turn himself in, promising police protection against Face Mask, who was also there to kill him. Da Zhong angrily dismissed the police, then used both Tang Yin and Xiuer as shields as he ascended a bridge ladder.
Once at the top, he unexpectedly abandoned the two hanging from the bridge railing and jumped into a waiting speedboat, making his escape. As Tang Yin and Xiuer dangled precariously, Face Mask swiftly rescued Xiuer and safely handed her back to Jin Lin before disappearing into the crowd. Tang Yin, unable to hold on, fell into the sea. Without hesitation, Li Yongji jumped in to rescue her.
The police immediately launched a large-scale manhunt for Face Mask, but he managed to evade capture once again, leaving officers to lament his uncanny ability to anticipate their movements, as if knowing even the blind spots of gods. After being rescued, Tang Yin initially complained loudly about the inadequate police service, demanding compensation for her broken phone. However, her demeanor abruptly shifted when she saw the handsome Chief Li Yongji.
She became soft-spoken, accepting his apology for the incident, and even tried to get his contact information. Li Yongji, noticing she was wet and cold, kindly offered her his jacket to prevent her from getting sick, which delighted Tang Yin, who was clearly smitten with the officer.
Following this incident, Li Yongji successfully passed his assessment and was promoted to Deputy Chief of the Police Department, taking charge of all major case investigations and public security management across South Zhanbu Island. Li Yongji addressed his colleagues, expressing his love for the land and his mission to fight crime and ensure public safety. Later, Tang Yin met her good friend, Shen Keke, outside the police station.
Shen Keke seemed secretive and agitated, urging Tang Yin to leave South Island quickly. Tang Yin, however, was still determined to pursue her personal shopping business and make a fortune, even thinking aloud that she was too embarrassed to ask the handsome Li Yongji for compensation. To help her friend make quick money, Shen Keke led Tang Yin to a casino.
They had good luck, winning over a hundred thousand, and were about to leave when Shen Keke received a phone call. She stepped away to answer it. During the call, Suo Tou of the Qiumen Group angrily demanded an item from Shen Keke that was vital to the Qiumen Group's survival, and revealed that he had killed Da Zhong, who had been involved in a plot to usurp power with him.
Suo Tou then asked an associate about the widow of Han Qing, Jin Lin, and decided to extend courtesies to her, sending gifts. Meanwhile, in the short time Shen Keke was on the phone, Tang Yin had gambled away all their winnings, exclaiming, "I lost all my money!" With no money left, the two friends decided to find a place to rest.
As they drove, Shen Keke tried to comfort Tang Yin, assuring her they would find a way to win the money back the next day and find a quiet place to survive the night, believing everything would be fine tomorrow. They eventually arrived at a secluded bar. Inside, Tang Yin was shocked to see Face Mask, now unmasked, working as the bar owner. The sight seemed to trigger a memory for her, and she found him "beautiful." Sensing that his identity might be compromised, Face Mask instinctively reached for a dagger hidden nearby.
