Cambrian Period Episode 3 Recap
> Cambrian Period Recap
Zhan Shili summoned Suo Tou, who was surprised to find Jin Lin also present. Jin Lin had come to Qiu Men for help after the death of her husband, Mr. Pei of Hanqing Group. His six sons were resentful and sought to eliminate her, so Jin Lin hoped to leverage Qiu Men's power on South Island to protect herself and her daughter.
Jin Lin thanked Zhan Shili for his hospitality, mentioning that her late husband’s sons were treating her badly and she simply wanted to raise her daughter safely. Zhan Shili questioned why she came to Qiu Men if she planned to settle in America, to which Jin Lin clarified that South Island was her hometown and she intended to reside there permanently, asking if he welcomed her.
Zhan Shili expressed concern, stating he might not be able to interfere if her late husband's sons pursued her, as it was a family matter. Jin Lin insisted that with Zhan Shili's presence, they wouldn't dare. Zhan Shili dismissed his influence and warned her not to be complacent, noting that even within Qiu Men, some were disloyal. Zhan Shili, having already noticed the underlying situation, then formally introduced Suo Tou to Jin Lin.
He highlighted Suo Tou as his most capable adopted son, entrusting him with all his affairs, big and small, and instructed Jin Lin to seek Suo Tou's help for any matters within Qiu Men's territory. He also reminded Suo Tou to treat Jin Lin with respect as an elder. Suo Tou accepted the directive and pledged his assistance. After Da Zhong's death, Suo Tou took over all of his industries.
He considered these businesses to be "unpresentable flesh trade" and instructed his subordinates to mind their status. That evening, Suo Tou sent for Jin Lin, wanting to assert his dominance and humiliate her. At the club, Suo Tou provocatively asked Jin Lin what she sought from him. Jin Lin simply stated "security." Suo Tou scoffed, suggesting that her current actions would only push security further away.
Jin Lin referenced her difficult past, which she believed everyone knew, and pointed out that she possessed wealth while he held power, arguing that a "combination of interests" was the most practical path to mutual benefit. Suo Tou reminded her of Zhan Shili's instruction for her to "behave" on Nanxun. Jin Lin retorted that if good behavior guaranteed safety, she would comply, but both knew it wouldn't.
She insisted that an alliance based on mutual interests was the most realistic approach. Suo Tou dismissed her, suggesting she seek Zhan Shili for cooperation, as he was the true power on South Island. Jin Lin then conceded, offering herself to him if he agreed to her conditions. Suo Tou responded with a mocking laugh, asking if she thought she was more beautiful or younger than the other women present.
He abruptly ended the meeting, warning her to remember that this was not Hanqing and to shed the pride of her "female military adviser." After Jian Zi returned to his tavern, he reflected on his encounters with Tang Yin. He called her, stating his intention to take responsibility for what happened between them. Tang Yin, however, had no desire to speak with him, angrily cutting off the call. Jian Zi, persistent, called again.
Tang Yin furiously told him she wasn't interested in someone like him, questioning why he, at a young age, would "eat soft food" (be a male escort). Jian Zi clarified that he was "really not a duck." This argument jogged Tang Yin's memory, making her realize that Mai Quancheng was the last person seen with Shen Keke.
She asked Jian Zi if he could contact Mai Quancheng to inquire about Keke's whereabouts, but Jian Zi informed her that Mai Quancheng's phone was off and he couldn't reach him either. Tang Yin then abruptly ended the call, declaring she didn't want to see him again. Unable to reach Mai Quancheng, Tang Yin went to Shen Keke's apartment. Unable to get inside, she resorted to shouting Keke's name from downstairs, which attracted the attention of a security guard.
The guard warned her to stop disturbing the peace and, when she persisted, threatened to call the police. Tang Yin challenged him to do so, even jokingly thanking him. After the guard called, Tang Yin went to the police station to report Keke missing. A police officer informed her that they couldn't officially file a missing person report until 24 hours had passed, despite Tang Yin explaining Keke's abnormal behavior and plans to leave that morning.
While waiting, Tang Yin saw "anti-prostitution" posters throughout the station. Remembering her and Keke's actions from the previous night, she felt a surge of guilt and embarrassment, lamenting that "if Officer Li knew that Coco and I went looking for (male escorts) last night, how embarrassing." She quickly fled the station, also regretting her casino losses. Penniless and friendless, Tang Yin wandered aimlessly through the streets, eventually arriving at a snack street.
Disregarding her financial situation, she ordered a large meal. When the owner realized she was trying to leave without paying, he confronted her, accusing her of repeatedly cheating him and threatening to call the police. Just as Tang Yin pleaded not to be taken to the police station, Jian Zi appeared, paid for her meal, and rescued her.
Tang Yin was furious, demanding to know how he found her and accusing him of stalking and being a "pervert" after she had told him she never wanted to see him again. Jian Zi calmly explained he had located her using her mobile phone's positioning system.
Tang Yin then burst into tears, complaining that the whole world was against her and recounting her miserable experiences over the past few days, including almost being beaten and losing money at the casino, wondering why he hadn't shown up sooner. Jian Zi silently walked behind her, letting her vent her anger. Finally, he asked her if she had anywhere to go, money for a hotel, or food to eat.
Tang Yin hesitated, admitting she had nothing but still tried to dismiss him. Jian Zi then wondered if he truly looked like a "duck." Left with no other options, Tang Yin reluctantly followed Jian Zi back to his place. Tang Yin accompanied Jian Zi to his tavern, remarking on its unexpected charm. She provocatively asked him how much a male escort in his profession could earn from a single client.
Jian Zi reiterated that she was mistaken and that he "didn't accept guests," explaining that the tavern was an inheritance from his elders and he only kept it open to prevent the house from being idle, not to make money. Tang Yin, however, remained skeptical, sarcastically suggesting that clients must seek him out directly and that he likely wasn't short of money in his "special occupation." Jian Zi once again firmly stated that he was "not a duck."
When offered juice or another beverage, Tang Yin, still wary of him, chose to drink only tap water, citing hygiene concerns. Jian Zi led Tang Yin to a room where she could stay, providing her with some of his old clothes. Tang Yin, commenting on their "quite effeminate" appearance, was told by Jian Zi to wear them if she didn't want to run naked and warned not to touch anything private in the room.
She retorted that she wasn't interested in his privacy. As Jian Zi was leaving, Tang Yin, feeling a little embarrassed, stopped him to express her gratitude. She apologized for her earlier harsh words, explaining that a young woman traveling alone must always be cautious. Jian Zi responded that no thanks were needed, as they were simply helping each other, and asked her not to call him "that one" (male escort) anymore.
Later, alone in the quiet of the night, Tang Yin reflected on her recent misfortunes. She found renewed determination, encouraging herself and affirming her belief that she would definitely become South Island's number one personal shopper. The next morning, still not accustomed to their shared living space, Tang Yin groggily pushed open the bathroom door and sat on the toilet, only to find Jian Zi brushing his teeth. She let out a scream, leading to another argument.
Their cohabitation had officially begun. Meanwhile, Li Yongji approached his junior colleague, Cai Jiayi, at the police station. He officially appointed her as a member of the major case group, assigning her to assist in the investigation of Shen Keke's disappearance. Cai Jiayi expressed initial surprise and some disappointment that the case was merely a missing person report from the previous day with incomplete clues, questioning why it was escalated to the major case group.
Li Yongji reminded her of his teachings about helping others and that "many big cases get clues from small cases," adding that he had a "hunch that he would catch a big fish this time." He then revealed further details, and upon seeing Mai Quancheng's picture in the case files, Cai Jiayi exclaimed in recognition. She realized that the person connected to the missing person was Mai Quancheng, a male escort from South Island whom she frequently arrested.
As Tang Yin and Jian Zi prepared to search for Mai Quancheng, Tang Yin, wearing Jian Zi's old clothes, teased him about a "sweetheart" when he claimed the clothes were a gift. She then pressed him to quickly find "the duck." Just as they were about to leave, they spotted Mai Quancheng discreetly peeking from behind the tavern. Tang Yin shouted his name, startling him, and he immediately fled.
Coincidentally, Li Yongji and Cai Jiayi also arrived at that moment, looking for Mai Quancheng. Both groups joined the chase, with Cai Jiayi quickly apprehending him due to her agility. Mai Quancheng protested his innocence, claiming he had been "law-abiding" and hadn't taken any clients that day. Cai Jiayi questioned why he ran if he was innocent, to which he retorted that anyone would flee from the police.
He continued to tease her about her persistence in arresting him, suggesting she "had a big deal this time." As Cai Jiayi was about to discipline him for his insolence, Tang Yin and Jian Zi arrived at the scene. This marked the first formal confrontation between Li Yongji and Jian Zi, as their eyes met.
