Cambrian Period Episode 14 Recap
> Cambrian Period Recap
A flashback shows a young Song Mingzhu asking Jian Zi if he truly has to return to his motherland, wondering if it's not good to stay where they are. Jian Zi explains it's not "going" but "returning," stating that his mother told him his life would only be complete there. Mingzhu asks if it's really that good, and Jian Zi simply replies, "That's my home."
Later, as a child, Mingzhu sadly tells Jian Zi she has to leave to study abroad and makes him promise to wait for her, adding that she will accompany him back to his motherland. She playfully teases him, saying he's so big he'll never get a girlfriend. Years later, a lively Song Mingzhu is surrounded by reporters at the airport, who are eager to hear about her return plans.
They ask about rumors of job offers from prestigious hospitals in America and Beijing, and her views on South Island. Song Mingzhu manages to make a brief comment about being a citizen of South Island before being overwhelmed. Zhan Shili arrives, and she exclaims, "Uncle Zhan, you should have come to save me long ago! I was chased by reporters!" Zhan Shili, calling her a "famous genius beauty," jokes that being low-key isn't in vogue.
He then mentions wanting to quickly return to see if her father, Director Song, likes the "big gift" he brought back—referring to Song Mingzhu herself. Meanwhile, a suspended Li Yongji watches a news report. It announces Zhan Shili's acquittal and the lifting of all restrictions against him by the authorities, with Qiu Men Group donating 10 million USD for island medical facilities to express admiration for Song Mingzhu's patriotism.
The news then reports that Luo Zhengan, the second attorney general of the State High Procuratorate, was found dead at home from a sudden myocardial infarction, despite having no prior heart conditions. Deeply shocked by the news of his superior's death and Zhan Shili's release, Li Yongji performs a solemn military salute in sorrow. After some recovery, Jian Zi's health has improved. Tang Yin sits by the sea, wishing for their lives to remain peaceful.
Jian Zi gently embraces her from behind, but Tang Yin playfully pushes him away, telling him to go upstairs and rest. As they continue to tease each other, Tang Yin accidentally trips on the stairs and falls onto Jian Zi. Embarrassed, she quickly gets up and runs off. Mai Quancheng, observing their interaction, feels his matchmaking instincts rekindle.
Jian Zi seizes an opportunity to send Mai Quancheng away after Mai finishes a phone call with Cai Jiayi, hoping for some alone time with Tang Yin. After Mai Quancheng leaves, Tang Yin expresses that she is content with their peaceful life and believes that living better and happier is what those they lost would want. Just as they are sharing a tender moment, the Qiu Men butler arrives at the tavern, instructing them to attend Suo Tou's funeral.
At Zhan Shili's residence, Song Mingzhu offers tea to her father, Director Song, and Zhan Shili. Director Song playfully scolds her for forgetting him after studying abroad, while Zhan Shili praises her as a "hope for cardiology." Director Song then complains that Mingzhu first sought out Zhan Shili, making it seem like she's closer to him than her own father.
Zhan Shili reveals that Mingzhu is looking forward to seeing Jian Zi, and Mingzhu, in a giddy mood, runs upstairs to get ready. Once she's gone, Director Song thanks Zhan Shili for the "gift" of his daughter. Zhan Shili then reveals a second "big gift": he offers to help Director Song secure the vacant Prosecutor General position, following Luo Zhengan's death.
Director Song expresses skepticism due to the delicate balance of power, but Zhan Shili assures him that he has already "taken care of several important members" and that with the Song family's continued efforts, the position would be "secure." He emphasizes that entering the Supreme Procuratorate is a crucial step towards the Legislative Yuan. Unable to resist, Director Song accepts the "gift." Cai Jiayi drives Mai Quancheng to see his mother.
On the way, she complains about the police having to maintain order for Suo Tou's elaborate funeral, seeing it as Qiu Men's blatant challenge designed to embarrass the police. Mai Quancheng's mood drops drastically when she mentions his mother. He demands she stop the car, revealing his deep-seated resentment towards any form of "social aid" for his family, seeing it as charity that would make them "fools."
Cai Jiayi questions his alternative, leading him to confess a painful secret: since his first encounter with clients, he discovered a "physiological problem"—he has no physical response during "money-for-sex transactions." To hide this, he administers drugs to his female clients. He admits to his "impotence" and suggests it's due to developing drug resistance. Cai Jiayi retorts that he "deserved it." They bicker again, with Mai Quancheng jokingly accusing her of liking him because she cares so much.
Cai Jiayi vehemently denies this, stating that as a police officer, it's her duty to correct even "a puppy who makes mistakes." Jian Zi and Tang Yin arrive at Qiu Men for Suo Tou's funeral. Jian Zi kneels to keep vigil for his brother.
In a trance, he sees an apparition of Suo Tou, who gently tells him to "learn to let go" and not to carry regrets and guilt for his brother and Keke until his death, as he did. Suo Tou reflects on his life, acknowledging Zhan Shili's kindness in giving him a proper burial despite his past.
He talks about his youthful ambition to be a legend like Zhan Shili, only to realize that "there is only one Zhan Shili," and he could never replicate that path; "Suo Tou is Suo Tou," he couldn't become a "prince." He expresses regret for his failed ambition to control Qiu Men, which he thought would allow Jian Zi to pursue happiness and freedom.
Suo Tou advises Jian Zi to "always keep your path in your own hands," and not end up like him, dying with "regrets and guilt for yourself, for your brother, for that woman." He bids Jian Zi farewell, and the vision fades, leaving Jian Zi deeply shaken. Later, Zhan Shili has a private conversation with Tang Yin. He thanks her for her care in the ambulance, crediting her with saving his life, and offers financial and other support.
He then requests that she forgive Suo Tou for his past actions. Tang Yin replies that Suo Tou ultimately saved her, so she bears no ill will. At this moment, Song Mingzhu enters, arm-in-arm with Jian Zi. Introducing herself as Jian Zi's childhood sweetheart, she pointedly thanks Tang Yin for caring for him over the years.
Song Mingzhu then proposes to move to the tavern with her medical equipment to care for Jian Zi, citing his incomplete recovery and his dislike for hospitals. Jian Zi immediately declines, stating he can go to a hospital if needed, and that Tang Yin's care is sufficient. Zhan Shili interjects, praising Mingzhu as a "medical genius" and insisting that Jian Zi treat her "like family," calling this an "early adaptation."
He subtly reminds Jian Zi that Tang Yin, as an unmarried woman, should not be living with him. Mingzhu, reinforcing her claim, states that she didn't study in America but in Shanghai, a place Jian Zi once wanted to visit, and Zhan Shili supports this fabrication. Though saddened, Tang Yin assures Zhan Shili that she understands her place. Outside the funeral, Jin Lin approaches Li Yongji, noting his absence from the ceremony.
She comments on his uprightness compared to those who "bow down" to survive. Jin Lin then reveals she knows he "set up Suo Tou" and questions his safety if that information were to spread. She proposes a plan to destroy Qiu Men by crippling their casino's financial chain, which is their sole source of funds after investing heavily in a resort.
Jin Lin intends to produce "massive fake chips" and requires Li Yongji's "police force" to safely transport them from international waters to the island. Li Yongji expresses skepticism about her ability to challenge Zhan Shili, suggesting her evidence isn't strong enough. Jin Lin retorts that Zhan Shili has already eliminated all immediate threats and will target them next, hinting that Li Yongji's suspension is part of this.
When Li Yongji questions how fake chips can impact Qiu Men, Jin Lin reveals that with his assistance, the "fake chips can become real chips," and she then mentions "Tang Yin," implying her crucial role in the scheme.
