Black & White Forest Episode 24 Recap
> Black & White Forest Recap
Eleven years ago, Bao Chenyan angrily confronted Wu and Er'leng, frustrated by their inability to handle accounting. He recounted how they had worked for three months, producing twelve different numbers without a single duplicate. He contrasted their failure with a professional accountant who solved the problem in two hours for 200 yuan, calling Wu useless and reminding him of past failures before Bao helped him. Er'leng argued that he was better at finding fighters than accountants.
As Bao expressed his exasperation, a man entered, presenting a resume from Gang City University with a Master's degree, applying for a job. Bao gave him an account book, challenging him to complete the calculation in two hours. To Wu and Er'leng's astonishment, the man finished instantly, explaining it was simple mental arithmetic. Impressed despite the man's bluntness, Bao asked about his requirements.
The man, Tu Manjiang, asked only for a basic salary and a small share of future company profits. Pleased with this, Bao declared Tu Manjiang was now working for him. In the present day, Xing Liang and Fei Zai discussed the current situation. Fei Zai found it strange that Tu Manjiang, an educated man capable of finding a better job, would choose to work for Bao. Xing Liang agreed, noting that such inconsistencies often indicate a problem.
He ordered Fei Zai and Yu to investigate both Tu Manjiang and Lin Yisheng, especially Lin Yisheng, and their parent company in Haicheng, given the complexity and covert nature of financial crimes. Elsewhere, Luo Tianyi and Wen Binbin brought Mr. Lin, Lin Yisheng, to a restaurant under the pretense that Tu Manjiang had arranged a meeting for him. Lin Yisheng was surprised, as Tu Manjiang hadn't contacted him.
Luo Tianyi and Wen Binbin insisted that Tu Manjiang had personally sent them to pick him up, explaining that Tu Manjiang was already meeting with a client interested in Lin Yisheng's project and was waiting for him. As Lin Yisheng realized he had been tricked and attempted to leave, Luo Tianyi and Wen Binbin stopped him, demanding he talk about the "Make Money" project and how much money he intended to steal.
Lin Yisheng became angry, calling them unreasonable and threatening consequences if they didn't let him go. Luo Tianyi retorted that he was less patient than Wen Binbin and wouldn't let him leave until he got answers, even taunting Lin Yisheng about disposing of his body. Faced with their threats, Lin Yisheng relented and claimed that the "Make Money" project was legitimate and healthy.
Meanwhile, Bao Chenyan confronted Tu Manjiang, offering him a drink and asking if he viewed Bao as a brother after eleven years. Tu Manjiang affirmed his loyalty, stating he had always seen Bao as the reliable older brother he had longed for. Bao then expressed his trust in Tu Manjiang, placing him within his inner circle alongside Zixuan, Wen Binbin, and Er'leng, and expected complete honesty in return.
Tu Manjiang admitted he didn't always reveal things he was certain about but insisted he never concealed anything that would harm the company's interests, understanding the rules of loyalty to his employer. He defended the Tuan Island project, stating it was legal and beneficial, not a scam. Bao remained unconvinced and produced an account book, confronting Tu Manjiang about a five-million-yuan transfer to a shell company.
He mentioned Wen Binbin had suspected Tu Manjiang, but Bao hadn't believed it until seeing the accounts. Tu Manjiang admitted the money went to Qi Hanchen. Bao accused him of colluding with Qi Hanchen to set him up. Tu Manjiang denied this, claiming his actions were for Bao, the company, the vendors' interests, and the welfare of their brothers. Tu Manjiang explained that while Bao was a successful gangster leader, he was a poor businessman.
He stated that he had to cooperate with Qi Hanchen and transfer the money for the "Make Money" project to obtain a proper financial license, which is legally required for small and medium-sized lending activities. Without it, the project would be deemed illegal. By processing Lin Yisheng's funds through a licensed company via Qi Hanchen, the vendors' interests could be protected even if Lin Yisheng's project encountered problems. Wen Binbin questioned why such a seemingly beneficial plan was kept secret.
Tu Manjiang explained that Lin Yisheng's funds were delayed, and they urgently needed capital. Given Bao's reputation after taking over Tuan Island, legitimate investors were hesitant, and past rivals were unwilling to help. The "Make Money" project was the only way to quickly raise the necessary funds to keep the Tuan Island project operational. He added that Qi Hanchen was the only person left with the required qualifications.
He hid it knowing Bao would likely disagree and lacking the time to persuade him. Tu Manjiang asserted that business prioritizes profit over brotherhood, and enemies can cooperate if it's profitable. He admitted concealing the plan was wrong but did not regret it because it benefited the company and the community. Lin Yisheng supported Tu Manjiang, stating Tu's actions were a last resort due to his own financial issues and were not driven by selfish motives.
Wen Binbin still felt the secrecy was wrong. Tu Manjiang reiterated that he didn't regret it because the project was beneficial. He also warned Bao about the complexities of financial fraud. Lin Yisheng added that Tuan Island was losing money, with only stall rents providing income. If vendors couldn't pay rent, the project would fail, making "Make Money" crucial for their survival and the vendors.
Tu Manjiang acknowledged Bao's distrust of Qi Hanchen but argued that as a major shareholder, Qi Hanchen's interests were aligned with theirs, and as a businessman, he understood the need for profit. To address Bao's concerns, Tu Manjiang personally guaranteed the "Make Money" project, offering a three-day refund period: loan recipients only had to return the principal without interest, and depositors would receive immediate cash refunds or IOUs if necessary, with Tu Manjiang backing them personally.
Bao agreed to the project. Luo Tianyi expressed his displeasure. Later, a vendor named Hui expressed surprise at the number of people investing in the "Make Money" project. Bao urged Hui to get his money back, warning him about financial fraud and noting that even he wasn't fully informed about Lin Yisheng's project. Hui defended the project, citing Tu Manjiang's investment and expertise.
He revealed that Tu Manjiang had secretly lent him money when he needed it, asking him to say it was from a relative to avoid trouble with other vendors. Hui considered Tu Manjiang a good person and credited the project with helping him. He reasoned that a scammer wouldn't voluntarily offer refunds. Hearing this, Bao apologized to Tu Manjiang in front of Wen Binbin and Luo Tianyi for doubting him.
Tu Manjiang accepted the apology, admitting his initial secrecy was wrong but stating he had no regrets since Bao now understood. Bao asked if they were still brothers, which Tu Manjiang confirmed, adding that while the project was feasible, he still didn't trust Lin Yisheng. Bao asked Tu Manjiang to keep a close eye on Lin Yisheng, and Tu Manjiang promised to ensure the vendors' interests were protected. They then shared a drink.
Luo Tianyi pulled Wen Binbin outside, complaining about Bao being easily fooled and Tu Manjiang's perceived manipulation. Wen Binbin questioned if his dislike of Tu Manjiang was personal or project-related, and Luo Tianyi dismissed Tu Manjiang as untrustworthy. Luo Tianyi saw his sister, Na Fan, with a man and called out to her. Na Fan introduced the man, An Zhiqiang, to Luo Tianyi and Wen Binbin. Wen Binbin suggested it was late and they should leave.
As Na Fan prepared to go with them, Luo Tianyi warned An Zhiqiang not to be physically aggressive towards his sister. Walking away, Luo Tianyi criticized Wen Binbin for being timid around Na Fan and not confronting An Zhiqiang. Wen Binbin responded that he had no claim to Na Fan's actions. Luo Tianyi pressed him on their relationship status, noting things seemed to be going well and he thought they were close to success.
Wen Binbin expressed uncertainty, wondering if her hesitation stemmed from his lack of police reinstatement. Luo Tianyi dismissed this, calling him foolish and stating that Na Fan clearly liked him and his reinstatement was inevitable; such a thing wouldn't be a decisive factor. He argued that even if it were the reason, Wen Binbin should still intervene when another man was involved, referring to An Zhiqiang as a "pretty boy." Wen Binbin appeared intoxicated from earlier drinking.
Meanwhile, Yu provided Xing Liang with an update on their investigation into the recording of Chen Mingyuan and Uncle Long. They identified Heyue Supermarket on Heliu Road in Shenchuan based on the timestamp and a 5th-anniversary event, and had narrowed down 19 vehicles within the probable range based on sound analysis.
Xing Liang showed Yu a new car and they briefly discussed the former racer, Big Eye Chen, expressing sadness about his current state and mentioning a racing video of him recently posted online. Later, Luo Tianyi received a call from his contact, Da Pao, who couldn't reach Wen Binbin and had news for Luo Tianyi.
Da Pao reported seeing a motorcycle rider resembling the person in Wen Binbin's photo, following him to a building, and seeing the person enter, leaving the motorcycle outside. Da Pao requested 1000 yuan for the information, and Luo Tianyi agreed, asking for the location. Luo Tianyi rushed to the address. Da Pao called again, saying the person had left.
However, Luo Tianyi spotted a distinctive motorcycle matching the description ("red motorcycle, black leather jacket, red helmet, last two digits 48") and confirmed to Da Pao that he saw it, arranging to meet him later. Luo Tianyi approached the motorcycle and found Na Fan there. He questioned why she was there and what was happening. She demanded his phone. He refused, thinking she was acting strangely. She insisted, and as they struggled, Tu Manjiang emerged from behind Luo Tianyi and stabbed him.
