Black & White Forest Episode 22 Recap
> Black & White Forest Recap
Five years ago, Na Fan informed Luo Tianyi that she was joining the army, as her application had been approved and she would be leaving in two days. Luo Tianyi was surprised, asking why she would join the army when she was doing so well in college and planning to go abroad, and why she hadn't discussed it with him beforehand.
Na Fan claimed she was discussing it then, but Luo Tianyi countered that it was an announcement, not a discussion. He pressed her for a reason, reminding her of her dream and planned future. Na Fan explained that for her, a dream was too luxurious; there was something more important. Luo Tianyi suspected it wasn't a sudden decision and asked if Uncle Jiang had influenced her.
Na Fan confirmed that Uncle Jiang had told her something important that reminded her of her past experiences, suggesting that joining the army might be the only way to achieve her goal. Luo Tianyi questioned what could be so important that it would make her abandon years of effort. Na Fan revealed it was about her father's case, stating that after so many years, there were still no clues, so she had to rely on herself to find the truth.
Luo Tianyi questioned why Uncle Jiang would bring this up now, calling him calculating and cunning. Na Fan became serious, telling Luo Tianyi that she had never spoken to him so solemnly before. She emphasized that Uncle Jiang was their benefactor and forbid Luo Tianyi from slandering him in front of anyone. Luo Tianyi clarified he wasn't slandering, just trying to understand, and Na Fan stated she didn't care about anything else as long as she could achieve her objective.
Wen Binbin confronted Fei Zai for ignoring his calls and messages, accusing him of trying to block him. Fei Zai claimed he had accidentally pressed the wrong buttons. Wen Binbin demanded a more believable excuse, sensing something was wrong with the case. Fei Zai reluctantly revealed that Chen Yiming had attempted suicide but was saved, although his condition was still unstable. Wen Binbin connected this to Xing Liang abruptly leaving dinner the previous night, realizing something significant had happened.
Wen Binbin suspected his advice might have played a role in Fei Zai's situation. Fei Zai denied it was Wen Binbin's fault and admitted he had made a mistake, having faced consequences. Fei Zai asked Wen Binbin for a favor if he felt guilty: to stop inquiring about the case. Wen Binbin agreed to help if he could, but when pressed for a firm promise regarding the case, he deferred the matter and left, citing another commitment.
Back at the company, Luo Tianyi overheard colleagues discussing how Tu Manjiang refused to lend money to help Liu Shu, who was ill, while others had contributed. Luo Tianyi called Tu Manjiang heartless and intended to confront him for money. He went to Tu Manjiang's empty office but soon heard him on the phone arranging a meeting. Luo Tianyi and Wen Binbin followed Tu Manjiang to a place, but a woman at the entrance stopped them.
They attempted to gain entry by claiming to be meeting a Mr. Wang and then Mr. An, who they said invited them previously, but the staff refused, citing a rule against admitting anyone claiming to be Mr. An's friend. While still outside, Luo Tianyi received a call reporting trouble at Tuan Island. Luo Tianyi and Wen Binbin rushed to Tuan Island.
They found people causing a disturbance, led by Mouse Zhou, who was damaging property and spreading negative rumors about Bao Chenyan. Mouse Zhou taunted Luo Tianyi, claiming Bao was finished due to a "murder case" and questioning how they could protect Tuan Island without him. Luo Tianyi and his group retaliated, driving the troublemakers away. Afterward, the vendors on Tuan Island expressed concern about the impact on their business and whether Bao Chenyan would return.
Luo Tianyi insisted they should fight back against anyone causing trouble, while Tu Manjiang urged caution and patience. An argument ensued between Luo Tianyi and Tu Manjiang about how to handle the situation, with others trying to mediate. Tu Manjiang explained he had been meeting with someone from the bank. Luo Tianyi remained skeptical of Tu Manjiang, voicing distrust and suggesting he was hypocritical.
They discussed the implications if Tu Manjiang were to leave and the chaos that might follow in Bao's absence. Shops were closing early due to fear and the damage caused. When the cost of repairs came up, someone mentioned the vendors couldn't afford renovations and could only make minor repairs. Wen Binbin offered to pay for the necessary upgrades to potentially attract new customers.
They also discussed Qi Hanchen's strategic attempts to buy shares from individual vendors while exploiting their current upset by spreading rumors about Bao and offering favorable terms. Wen Zixuan arrived, and she and Tu Manjiang discussed the need to cooperate with Qi Hanchen under the current circumstances, agreeing to arrange a meeting. Xing Liang was reprimanded by his superior, Director Tai, for Chen Yiming's suicide attempt happening under their watch.
Xing Liang took full responsibility and requested to continue investigating the case instead of being suspended. Director Tai informed him that, based on existing evidence and statements, including a report submitted to the Provincial Department, the gun case was being formally closed. Xing Liang strongly objected, highlighting numerous unresolved doubts. Director Tai acknowledged the pressure they were under but allowed the task force to remain active and continue investigating informally.
He cautioned Xing Liang to proceed carefully and avoid getting himself into trouble again, referencing a previous incident. Wen Zixuan met with Qi Hanchen. They reminisced about their fathers' friendship and shared love for a particular wine. Qi Hanchen brought up cherishing old connections and offered an apology for any past issues, presenting a gift, a cooperation agreement with MorningStar Investment.
Wen Zixuan accepted the gift but proposed delaying further discussions about full cooperation and celebratory drinks until Bao Chenyan was released, suggesting they could all drink together then. Qi Hanchen expressed anticipation for Bao's release and agreed to wait. Later, Bao Chenyan was released from the detention center. He met with Wen Zixuan and Tu Manjiang. They discussed his release, attributing it to a lack of sufficient evidence. They planned another meeting for that evening.
Tu Manjiang made a phone call to Director Li, reporting Bao's release. Director Li explained their strategy: releasing Bao was a tactic to lure out the true mastermind, as Chen Yiming was in a coma and could not provide further information, halting progress in the case.
Director Li stressed the importance of the operation's success, emphasizing that Tuan Island would serve as bait and that Bao, while not necessarily the mastermind, was a crucial figure whose release could lead to new discoveries. That evening, Bao Chenyan, Wen Zixuan, and Tu Manjiang met with Qi Hanchen again. They shared a drink.
Bao outlined his conditions for cooperating on the Tuan Island project: the stall rent for vendors must not increase, and all decisions affecting the vendors' interests must be approved by them. Qi Hanchen found these terms unacceptable and felt they showed a lack of sincerity. Seeing that an agreement could not be reached, he ended the meeting and left. As he departed, Qi Hanchen made a remark about Bao drinking too quickly, which Bao perceived as a veiled threat.
After Qi Hanchen left, Bao, Wen Zixuan, and Tu Manjiang discussed Qi Hanchen's significant influence and the uncertain path ahead. Bao contrasted Wen Zixuan's calm strength with Tu Manjiang's caution, remarking that despite appearances, people like Qi Hanchen might be similar to others they dealt with. He also mentioned relying on Tu Manjiang and the Lin family for support. Subsequently, Bao Chenyan, Wen Zixuan, and Tu Manjiang met with Sheng, from the Lin family. Sheng appeared busy and somewhat detached.
Tu Manjiang introduced everyone. Sheng praised Tu Manjiang's discernment in projects and stated he had reviewed the plan and was ready to sign the agreement immediately. Bao expressed gratitude. They attempted to persuade Sheng to stay for a meal and drinks, emphasizing the importance of building rapport as partners, but he politely declined, citing an urgent meeting in Gang City and promising to meet "next time."
After Sheng left, Bao, Wen Zixuan, and Tu Manjiang discussed their impressions of both Sheng and Qi Hanchen, noting similarities in their underlying motivations despite their different outward styles. Tu Manjiang provided background on the Lin family's company, Guotai Group, describing it as low-profile but expansive, focusing on financial leverage rather than specific industries. He explained that Sheng's interest in the Tuan Island project likely stemmed from its potential as a cash flow source to utilize their financial strategies.
Bao, impatient with the detailed analysis, stated his only concern was whether Sheng would invest real money without causing complications. Wen Zixuan urged Tu Manjiang to gain a deeper understanding of Sheng's business logic. Wen Zixuan called Luo Tianyi, inviting him and Wen Binbin over for dinner. At dinner, they engaged in playful banter.
Xing Liang arrived with news: the gun case was formally closed, and Wen Binbin's suspension had been lifted and replaced with a major demerit, with no criminal charges, due to his significant contributions. However, the task force would continue its investigation due to remaining doubts in the case. Luo Tianyi pressed Xing Liang for a timeline on when the case would be fully closed and Wen Binbin completely cleared and reinstated. Xing Liang admitted it was uncertain.
Wen Binbin realized that pursuing the investigation would involve the Tuan Island project, potentially requiring him to recuse himself as his wife and sister were involved. He questioned if his reinstatement hinged on him withdrawing from the investigation or on finding who was truly responsible for framing him regarding the lost gun. Xing Liang confirmed that someone was indeed using the lost gun incident to cause trouble.
Luo Tianyi argued with Wen Binbin, still expressing strong suspicion of Bao Chenyan based on Chen Yiming's earlier statement that Bao ordered him to take Wen Binbin's gun and knockout and also suggesting Bao had ordered Sun Changhai not to harm Luo Tianyi during a previous arrest attempt. Wen Binbin was visibly conflicted by these accusations. Later, Xing Liang took Wen Binbin to meet with Director Tai and Commissar Sun.
They formally presented Wen Binbin with the official decision: the revocation of his suspension, replacement by a major demerit, and exemption from criminal punishment due to his service. They welcomed him back to duty. Wen Binbin expressed feelings of inadequacy for losing his weapon, recalling his father's pride in his becoming a police officer and his wish for Wen Binbin to uphold that honor. Na Fan comforted him, urging him to focus on finding the gun.
Luo Tianyi countered, accusing Wen Binbin of being solely motivated by personal pride and blaming him for the complications that arose after the gun's disappearance. Na Fan reminded Luo Tianyi of her promise: she would become his girlfriend if he got his job back. Wen Binbin grasped that uncovering the truth about who framed him by using the gun was critical for his full vindication and reinstatement. Chen Yiming was believed to know the gun's location.
Subsequently, Xing Liang successfully located the gun, and technical analysis confirmed it was Wen Binbin's missing service weapon. Wen Binbin was relieved, feeling he could now face the memory of his father without shame.
