Black & White Forest Episode 20 Recap
> Black & White Forest Recap
Eighteen years ago, Xing Liang attended Wen Zixuan’s birthday party. He overheard guests discussing Wen Zixuan picking up her boyfriend from the subway, noting his poverty and humble background as a farmer’s son, and expressing surprise that someone of Wen Zixuan’s status would choose him. The guests also compared their expensive gifts, with one lamenting her 900-yuan scarf was the cheapest. Xing Liang, observing the gift list where his 66-yuan present was noted, quietly took it back and left.
Years later, Wen Binbin was on the phone with Fei Zai, expressing confusion about Bao Chenyan’s situation – arrested by them, released, and now accused of hiring a killer and taken again. Fei Zai said it was complicated. Wen Binbin then mentioned that Xing Liang wasn’t answering his phone. Fei Zai revealed that Xing Liang had been taken in for investigation and warned Wen Binbin that things were not as simple as they seemed, advising him not to inquire further.
Inside, Wen Zixuan pressed Tu Manjiang for the truth about Bao Chenyan’s involvement in the murder case, but Tu Manjiang insisted he only handled business matters. Wen Binbin came in, confirming Bao had been taken for questioning. Seeing Wen Binbin’s hesitation, Wen Zixuan and Tu Manjiang urged him to speak. Wen Binbin revealed Xing Liang was also under investigation. Wen Zixuan immediately recognized this as a calculated move by their adversaries, starting to "take people down."
Wen Binbin reasoned that Xing Liang being taken meant Bao Chenyan was safe. Wen Zixuan agreed the logic was sound but worried that if Bao were indeed guilty, Xing Liang would inevitably be implicated. She stated their enemies' ultimate goal was Tuan Island, and if the accusations against Bao stood, the focus would shift to Dian Lao'er's shares, benefiting Qi Hanchen. Wen Zixuan directed Tu Manjiang to contact Haicheng, anticipating they would demand a high price given the circumstances.
She drew a stark contrast, saying Haicheng wanted money, but Qi Hanchen wanted their lives. Anticipating negative public opinion being manufactured, Wen Binbin offered to handle it, but Wen Zixuan said he had more pressing matters and that they needed to split up and act separately. Meanwhile, Qi Hanchen discussed Xing Liang's investigation with An Zhihui. He noted that a mere report wasn't enough.
An Zhihui added that another crucial factor was the shooter accusing Bao Chenyan of hiring him, claiming Xing Liang knew this yet released Bao, potentially violating regulations. Qi Hanchen received a call from Uncle Long, who confirmed that the accusation against Bao Chenyan for hiring a killer was the work of his friend, describing it as a "skill of tightening the net."
Intrigued, Qi Hanchen expressed interest in meeting this friend to discuss "fishing tips" at Guanhai Tea House in two days. Later, Qi Hanchen told An Zhihui that this individual was highly ambitious, aiming not just for Tuan Island but also plotting against both Bao Chenyan and Xing Liang. He described the man as cunning and ruthless, cautioning An Zhihui to be extremely careful when dealing with him.
Despite An Zhihui's concerns about the risk, Qi Hanchen insisted on meeting him to gauge his depth, viewing the enemy of his enemy as a potential ally. He then instructed An Zhihui to apply for an administrative review, citing Bao Chenyan's suspected hiring of a killer and potential unjust enrichment related to Tuan Island. During an interrogation, investigators presented Xing Liang with a real-name report letter written by his cousin, Xing Jian.
The report alleged that Xing Liang had engaged in a money-power exchange with Li Xiangyuan, helping him resolve problems in exchange for Li Xiangyuan handling Xing Jian's debt crisis. Xing Liang vehemently denied the allegations, stating that throughout his decades as a police officer, he had never acted as anyone's protection umbrella or engaged in any form of power-for-interest exchange. He explained that before releasing Bao Chenyan, Chen Yiming had made accusations, but none were supported by solid evidence.
Therefore, he had no legal basis to continue detaining Bao, who was initially arrested for a minor security incident (fighting), not a criminal case. He also noted that Bao attended a crucial business hearing for Tuan Island the day he was released. He dismissed the idea he released Bao for business interests, saying if that were the case, Wen Zixuan would already be wealthy.
Wen Binbin arrived at the station, accusing the situation of being a trap targeting Tuan Island and trying to drag them all down, but also a trap specifically designed to permanently harm Xing Liang. Xing Liang asked what he meant. Wen Binbin asked if he knew Li Xiangyuan, his middle school classmate.
Xing Liang confirmed he did and had helped him years ago with a labor dispute case that was transferred to the local police station, reiterating there was no benefit exchange. A flashback showed Xing Liang and Wen Zixuan visiting Xing Jian and his wife, Lili. Wen Zixuan brought gifts. Xing Jian spoke of needing a "bridge loan" to save his factory, otherwise he'd have to run away.
Wen Zixuan gently told him Xing Liang was just a police officer, not as capable as Xing Jian thought, although he always tried to help family within his means. She recounted how Xing Liang had given Xing Jian all his personal savings when Xing Jian had previously asked him to borrow from Wen Zixuan, because Xing Liang knew Wen Zixuan's company was struggling and didn't want to burden her.
Xing Jian clarified he wasn't asking for a loan but for Xing Liang to introduce him to businessmen, promising to pay full interest. Wen Zixuan told him Xing Liang avoided such connections. Xing Liang arrived with Li Xiangyuan and introduced them. Xing Jian soon left, asking Xing Liang to remember his request. Xing Liang and Wen Zixuan then discussed Li Xiangyuan bringing them gifts previously when Qi Hanchen and Mr. Tai were present.
Wen Zixuan urged Xing Liang to stop associating with such people. Wen Zixuan later spoke with someone over the phone about Xing Liang's situation. The person advised her not to worry too much, to trust the police and Xing Liang, stating "a clean hand wants no washing," but acknowledged the complication of the real-name report requiring investigation. They suggested she focus on her own affairs.
Back with Wen Binbin, Wen Zixuan expressed worry for Xing Liang, noting that despite his sometimes unpopular nature, he was family, and the accusations attacking his career ideal must deeply upset him. She declared she had to help him. Wen Binbin asked if she intended to confront Qi Hanchen directly, recalling how she had previously dismissed him as someone who "didn't deserve it." Wen Zixuan met Qi Hanchen for tea at Guanhai Tea House.
Qi Hanchen commented on the occasion, mentioning his father's expertise and influence on his own occasional tea habit. He shared that his retired father left the family group entirely to him, which was demanding but also enjoyable. Wen Zixuan advised him about moderation, warning that overdoing anything could spoil its enjoyment. Qi Hanchen responded by quoting her supposed philosophy about reaching a goal at all costs.
Wen Zixuan countered that excessive persistence became an "obsession," leading to suffering and difficulty escaping greed. Qi Hanchen agreed but redirected her advice back to her, noting he had previously advised Xing Liang to balance work with family and rest, and since Xing Liang hadn't listened, she had seemingly taken it upon herself to teach him how to rest. Wen Zixuan asked how long this "lesson" would last and if payment was expected.
Qi Hanchen replied that as old friends, she knew what he wanted, implicitly referring to Tuan Island. Wen Zixuan refused to surrender Tuan Island, stating they had lost the competition fairly. Qi Hanchen remained confident. A child briefly interrupted their conversation. Shortly after, Qi Hanchen's father called, explicitly telling him to stay out of the Wen family's business, particularly Tuan Island, and to compete fairly. Qi Hanchen agreed to his father's directive.
After the call, he commented on Wen Zixuan's effective maneuvering to influence his father but maintained that he was now the sole decision-maker for his family's business. Wen Zixuan suggested cooperation on Tuan Island as a more beneficial path than destructive competition. When she asked about Xing Liang, Qi Hanchen stated he would no longer interfere in that matter, leaving it to them, but offered a final cryptic warning that betrayal often comes from those closest to you.
Wen Zixuan conveyed Qi Hanchen's warning to Wen Binbin, suggesting the person who framed Xing Liang was likely someone close. They considered his colleagues or old classmates. Wen Binbin asked if any of them had connections to or were reliant on Qi Hanchen. Wen Zixuan recalled Xing Liang attending a dinner hosted by Li Xiangyuan where Qi Hanchen was present, identifying Li Xiangyuan as a businessman and Xing Liang’s closest classmate.
Wen Binbin tried calling Li Xiangyuan but his phone was off. Wen Binbin and others tracked down Li Xiangyuan, who was making travel arrangements to leave. Wen Binbin informed him the police were looking for him and told him to turn himself in. Li Xiangyuan denied writing the report, blaming Xing Jian and calling him a rascal who was slandering him and making him a scapegoat.
He claimed he couldn't go to the police because he had promised someone, citing an "underworld code." Wen Binbin suggested Qi Hanchen was behind it, pointing out how quickly they found Li Xiangyuan despite him trying to hide. He warned Li Xiangyuan that by running, he was accepting responsibility.
Wen Binbin offered a deal: Li Xiangyuan should keep his phone off, remain in hiding, and follow Qi Hanchen's instructions, and Wen Binbin would handle the police, assuring him everything would be resolved by the time he returned. Li Xiangyuan then asked Wen Binbin to find Xing Jian, insisting Xing Jian was unreliable and likely bribed by Qi Hanchen. Bao Chenyan was interrogated. He refused to cooperate unless he could see Xing Liang, but was told Xing Liang was unavailable.
He eventually agreed to answer questions. The officer asked if he had ordered Chen Yiming to steal Wen Binbin's police gun. Bao vehemently denied it, stating everyone knew his relationship with the Wen family, and he was more worried than anyone when Wen Binbin was suspended. He called the idea that he would harm Wen Binbin illogical. The officer then asked if he had ordered Chen Yiming to kill Chen Mingyuan and Wu Ajin.
Bao again denied it, saying he had fought openly with Dian Lao'er for nearly twenty years and could have killed him long ago if he resorted to playing dirty. He also stated he himself had been looking for Wu Ajin and was unhappy he had died so easily without settling their accounts. When shown a picture and asked if he knew Luo Jiahui, identified as Chen Yiming's mistress, Bao claimed he only knew "Tao Jie" and no other women.
He insisted he didn't know Luo Jiahui, emphasizing that Chen Yiming was his "brother," and they had trusted each other for decades, so he never inquired about his private life. Wen Binbin, posing as Xing Liang’s brother-in-law, visited Xing Jian and Lili, bringing gifts. Lili welcomed him warmly, praising Wen Zixuan for being a good wife to Xing Liang and providing help to their family. She mentioned their house needed repairs and Xing Jian had no job.
Wen Binbin said Xing Liang had heard about their difficulties and sent him. He then revealed his "mission" was to recruit guards for his sister's company, as Xing Liang believed family members were reliable. He offered 6,000 yuan a month with insurance, acknowledging there were no holidays but offering overtime pay. Xing Jian asked if he qualified. Wen Binbin clarified that Xing Liang had actually said Xing Jian was closer to the family and should manage the recruitment.
Xing Jian then asked if another relative who was skilled in free combat could also get a job. Lili urged Xing Jian to call this relative, Ye, telling him it was urgent and there was good news. Wen Binbin then spoke privately with Xing Jian, directly asking about the report letter. Xing Jian denied writing it initially. Wen Binbin pressed him, threatening to expose his lies and turn family members against him.
Xing Jian then confessed that Li Xiangyuan had introduced him to a boss named "Director An," whose full name he didn't know. Director An had paid him 500,000 yuan to write the letter, and the contents were completely false. Wen Binbin expressed disgust at his relatives attempting to exploit his sister and frame her husband, calling them shameless. Xing Jian suggested they leave, as it wasn't safe there anymore, mentioning Director An had promised to show him other opportunities.
Wen Binbin told him to go back and wait for instructions. Xing Jian thanked him and confirmed again that he was paid 500,000 yuan by Director An to write the false letter. Wen Binbin contacted Fei Zai, informing him he was returning and asking him to arrange the timing for delivering the video evidence to the disciplinary inspection commission. Fei Zai was relieved, believing this would save Xing Liang.
Later, Li Xiangyuan complained to Qi Hanchen about being kept waiting despite needing to return to his business. Qi Hanchen casually offered to buy him a bag and told him to get a taxi and wait. Li Xiangyuan then called Qi Hanchen, explaining his difficulty handling Wen Binbin, calling him "nasty," but assured Qi Hanchen he had taken full responsibility and wouldn't implicate him.
Qi Hanchen acknowledged his effort, told him not to worry, and confirmed their planned collaboration project would proceed. Li Xiangyuan thanked him. Qi Hanchen instructed someone to monitor Wen Binbin's actions. The subordinate questioned if this violated Qi Hanchen's promise to his father. Qi Hanchen stated he didn't intend to seriously harm Xing Liang, just teach him a lesson, and instructed caution to avoid going too far.
Qi Hanchen and An Zhihui met Uncle Long and Mr. Jiang at Guanhai Tea House. Uncle Long introduced Mr. Jiang as the friend he had mentioned. Qi Hanchen immediately recognized Mr. Jiang, stating they already knew each other.
