Guardian Episode 15 Recap
> Guardian Recap
Cong Bo discovers the pinhole camera that Zhao Yunlan had previously installed in Professor Shen Wei's office. The footage reveals a disturbing scene where Shen Wei, while alone, responds to an unseen messenger, demanding that the Regent hand over the Book of Lord Earth within three days so he can personally investigate Zhu Jiu's origins and abilities. Cong Bo, who dubs himself the "Dragon City whistleblower," believes he has a duty to expose the truth.
He presents his collected "evidence" to Zhao Yunlan, threatening to publicize it within three days. Shen Wei expresses deep regret for his carelessness, but Zhao Yunlan sees an opportunity to turn an adversary into an ally. He has Lin Jing hack into Cong Bo's computer and delete the stolen data, then visits Cong Bo with Shen Wei.
Cong Bo argues that his revelations serve the public, but Zhao Yunlan challenges this by showing how his reports, based on partial information and misleading angles, have caused immense harm, such as pushing a company to bankruptcy in the case of Mr. Zhang. Confronted with the negative consequences of his actions, a guilt-ridden Cong Bo apologizes. Zhao Yunlan then offers him a position as an external investigator for the Special Investigation Unit, urging him to use his skills for justice.
In the following days, Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei are inseparable, discussing matters privately in the office and sharing late-night snacks before walking home. Their growing closeness is not lost on Zhu Hong, who, heartbroken over her unrequited love for Zhao Yunlan, confides her frustrations to Da Qing over beer. Overwhelmed, she resolves to call Zhao Yunlan and demand answers. Her distress is also noticed by a naive Guo Changcheng, though Da Qing deflects his questions.
The next morning, Guo is on his way to work when he witnesses an elderly man, the Regent, get hit by a car. The disoriented Regent speaks of not having seen the sun in years and being alone in the world. After initially declining help, he asks Guo to take him to "No. 4 Guangming Road"—the address of the Special Investigation Unit.
Upon arriving, the Regent is immediately confronted by a furious Chu Shuzhi, who recognizes him and nearly attacks him before Guo intervenes. Zhao Yunlan arrives and calmly greets the Regent, acknowledging his status as the third leader of the Subterraneans. When Shen Wei appears, the Regent is terrified of being recognized. To protect Shen Wei's identity, Zhao Yunlan quickly introduces him as Professor Shen, a "special consultant and bioengineering expert."
Inside the office, the Regent explains his predicament: the Book of Lord Earth has been lost. Shen Wei, who needed the book to research Zhu Jiu, is enraged. The Regent tries to blame an escaped prisoner, Ding Dun, but Shen Wei dismisses it as an excuse. The Regent then implores Shen Wei to return to the Subterrane to find the book.
Zhao Yunlan insists on accompanying him, despite Shen Wei's grave warnings that the Dark Energy in the Subterrane could fatally corrupt his body due to his ability to resonate with the Hallows. Zhao argues that as a leader, he must face the danger, especially with Shen Wei by his side. Reluctantly, Shen Wei agrees and uses a shared vision to give Zhao a brief, unsettling glimpse of the dark, timeless world of the Subterrane.
As Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei prepare to leave, Wang Zheng receives an urgent call: the Star Supervisory Bureau is conducting a surprise inspection that afternoon. With Zhao away, the team panics and devises a plan for Guo, who has never officially met the inspectors, to pose as the Director in his office. Da Qing confidently volunteers to stall the arriving commissioner with his charm.
However, when the special car pulls up, Da Qing opens the door and his confident smile freezes as he comes face-to-face with the stern Director General Zhao of the Star Supervisory Bureau.
