Black & White Forest Episode 16 Recap
> Black & White Forest Recap
Qi Hanchen instructed An Zhihui to thoroughly clean up everything related to Dian Lao'er's involvement to prevent it from affecting the upcoming Tuan Island bid. An Zhihui confirmed they had organized Dian Lao'er's company files and everything else was fine, but noted the company's current share was only 0. 2%. He was told to try and secure at least 2% before the bid opens.
Qi Hanchen emphasized that any trace of Dian Lao'er's involvement must be removed from the project to avoid problems. An Zhihui asked about Xing Liang, wondering if he might cause difficulties, but Qi Hanchen described Xing Liang as cautious and principled, unlikely to directly hinder the plan, adding that sometimes his actions could even be beneficial as they prepared to engage in the bid. Meanwhile, Xing Liang's team continued investigating Chen Mingyuan's death.
Based on their findings, they suspected Qi Hanchen was Chen Mingyuan's superior and that Qi Hanchen and An Zhihui were likely involved in the death. Xing Liang hypothesized that Qi Hanchen and Dian Lao'er had a falling out, and Qi Hanchen, fearing exposure, arranged for two people to infiltrate the nursing home and locate Dian Lao'er via his father's phone before killing him.
However, Xing Liang stressed they needed solid evidence against An Zhihui before taking direct action, as a premature move could alert them. Fei Zai reported that the killer's motorcycle was modified with an unusual caliper, a sign of the "gray industry" that operates underground, making it difficult to trace.
He predicted Wen Binbin would investigate this lead, as Wen Binbin had left in a hurry after photographing the suspect's photo, which Fei Zai jestingly suggested was a low-profile effort to gain recognition. Wen Binbin and Luo Tianyi were indeed pursuing the modified motorcycle lead, visiting various shops. They found Jiang Hu, who ran a motorcycle shop and was personally working on a modified bike. Jiang Hu claimed his shop was legitimate and the modification was a hobby.
Fei Zai reported back to Xing Liang about finding Jiang Hu. Xing Liang suspected Jiang Hu might be working for someone else, finding it odd for a potential boss to do manual labor unless it was a peculiar hobby. He found it even more suspicious that a motorcycle enthusiast would ride that specific type of motorcycle, suggesting it was likely not his personal bike. Xing Liang instructed Fei Zai to investigate who Jiang Hu was truly working for.
Bao Chenyan showed Wen Zixuan a share transfer agreement from Dian Lao'er, transferring all his company's shares to Bao. Wen Zixuan expressed surprise, given their previous rivalry. Bao suggested that compared to the person behind Dian Lao'er, he might have seemed more appealing. The agreement required Bao to give 5% of the annual dividend from the Tuan Island project to Dian Lao'er's father and relatives if he secured the project, which Wen Zixuan viewed as essentially a gift.
Bao confirmed the person behind Dian Lao'er was Qi Hanchen, describing him as a powerful figure with extensive connections. Wen Zixuan stated they should focus on their own capabilities, noting that with Bao's shares, they now held over 50% and had a good chance of winning the bid. They agreed to compete against Qi Hanchen. Xing Liang received a call from his old classmate, Li Xiangyuan, who insisted on having dinner together that night at Banshantang.
Xing Liang initially declined, citing work and his dislike for socializing, but eventually agreed after Li Xiangyuan's persistence. The investigation into the motorcycle continued. Luo Tianyi learned from Jiang Hu that someone named Chen had the motorcycle taken away that noon, just before the police arrived. The bike's last known location was Wenhui Avenue, but surveillance didn't track it further. Wen Binbin received a tip about a warehouse near Wenhui Avenue possibly hiding the motorcycle.
They located the bike in the warehouse. However, they decided not to move in immediately, believing the motorcycle was bait and their target was the person who brought it there. Xing Liang arrived at the large private room for dinner, expecting only Li Xiangyuan, and was about to leave due to his aversion to socializing. As he opened the door, Qi Hanchen arrived.
Li Xiangyuan introduced Xing Liang as the captain of the Crime Investigation Unit and Qi Hanchen as a successful young businessman. Xing Liang inquired about Qi Hanchen's business, who stated he only engaged in profitable ventures. Qi Hanchen then revealed he had also invited Tai Yongzheng, who turned out to be Xing Liang's college classmate. They all noted the unexpected connections.
Qi Hanchen mentioned hearing about Xing Liang being a good son-in-law to the Wen family and being old friends with "Sister Xuan," expressing interest in a business cooperation with her. Xing Liang clarified that he didn't handle business matters, which were entirely Wen Zixuan's domain. Qi Hanchen then stated his primary interest in Binjiang was the Tuan Island project and asked Li Xiangyuan about his prospects, which Li confirmed were good given his strength.
Qi Hanchen reiterated his desire for a business cooperation with the Wen family, viewing the Tuan Island project as a potential opportunity. He dismissed concerns about the project's complexity, claiming to understand its basic situation and being ready to fully intervene. At Dian Lao'er's memorial, Hai paid his respects. Xizai was also there, regretting he couldn't protect Dian Lao'er.
Hai observed the world's tendency to abandon those who fall, but recognized Xizai's loyalty, noting Dian Lao'er had helped him when his daughter was ill, providing a means to support his family. Hai was the only one who came to see Dian Lao'er off, offering thanks to Bao Chenyan for his visit and stating he would not meet Dian Lao'er again, thanking him on behalf of his family. Wen Zixuan returned home and found Xing Liang looking troubled.
He mentioned meeting Qi Hanchen and being bothered by his familiar address of "Sister Xuan." Wen Zixuan explained Qi Hanchen had pursued her years ago but she had rejected him due to his arrogance and narcissism, which she found off-putting. Xing Liang admitted to being jealous. Wen Zixuan assured him she would not cooperate with Qi Hanchen and that their combined shareholding with Bao in the Tuan Island project was sufficient.
She revealed that Dian Lao'er had transferred his shares to Bao before his death. Xing Liang expressed concern about the situation. Xizai was seen drinking with someone, discussing the disarray among Dian Lao'er's former subordinates. The person claimed Dian Lao'er had designated Shuigui as the new leader before his death, which Xizai disputed. The person suggested Xizai confront Shuigui about "the contract," hinting that Shuigui's ignorance of it would expose him as problematic.
He claimed Dian Lao'er had shown this contract to Bao Chenyan. The person criticized Shuigui for not attending Dian Lao'er's funeral, unlike Xizai who was in the hospital. Angered, Xizai vowed to deal with Shuigui. The person further manipulated Xizai by portraying Shuigui as cunning but lacking the strength needed in their world, suggesting it was an opportunity for Xizai to take control.
He proposed that finding Dian Lao'er's killer would rally the other brothers behind Xizai, especially the principled Hai, securing widespread support against Shuigui. The person then offered Xizai a photo from a motorcycle enthusiast near the eastern suburbs, suggesting it might be the suspect's motorcycle from the police bulletin. Xizai took the bait and left to search. Xizai and his men searched Dongxing Street without finding the motorcycle and decided to expand their search area.
Hai advised Xizai to be careful and treat his injury. The police were monitoring the warehouse where they found the motorcycle. Noticing the commotion from Xizai's search, they realized the person who left the bike might be observing from nearby, concerned about its discovery. They decided to use the motorcycle to lure the observer. Xing Liang instructed the junk man, Wang Dali, to pretend to proceed with scrapping the bike and cooperate with the police.
The junk man recounted how he was contacted by phone by someone who wanted him to scrap a motorcycle, giving him a deposit and the key, and telling him to pick it up from the warehouse on Wenhui Avenue's backstreet, promising the remaining payment later. The junk man reluctantly agreed, sensing the vehicle was tied to illegal activities and worrying about the risks and potentially not receiving the full payment.
The unknown person called the junk man to check on the motorcycle's disposal. Following police instructions, the junk man said he had just picked it up and was heading back. The person urged him to scrap it that night. The brief call provided only a rough location linked to the base station on 5th Street. The junk man confirmed his yard was on 5th Street, indicating the observer was likely nearby.
Xing Liang instructed the junk man to act naturally and not scrap the bike. Based on the base station's range and visibility, Xing Liang identified potential observation points near the junk yard. Liu Yong contacted the SWAT team. The plan was to surround the area and arrest the observer once the SWAT team was in position. The police prepared to execute the plan.
