Light Beyond the Reed Episode 5 Recap
> Light Beyond the Reed Recap
Ye Sibei slowly awoke in the hospital, finding Qin Nan by her side. She immediately apologized, expressing regret for letting him see her in such a pathetic state. Qin Nan urged her to stop, claiming he was the one who should apologize. He revealed that he had gone to her company that day, but seeing the gates locked and lights off, he assumed she had gone home.
He deeply regretted not calling her, emphasizing that the incident was an unforeseen accident and not her fault. After some thought, Ye Sibei firmly declared her intention to report the crime. Qin Nan affirmed his unwavering support, promising to accompany her to the police station after her discharge. He assured her that she would win and receive justice, promising her a bright future.
He vowed to confront anyone who dared to criticize or bully her, reiterating that she had done nothing wrong and he, as her husband, would always stand by her. Meanwhile, Ye Sibei's family was gathered to celebrate her father's birthday, with Nianwen calling Qin Nan to inquire about their whereabouts. However, the call was interrupted by a hospital announcement requesting Ye Sibei's family.
Nianwen became frantic, learning from Qin Nan that Ye Sibei was in People's Hospital due to alcohol poisoning. The entire family, including Ye Sibei's parents and Zhao Chuchu, rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, Ye Sibei's father, Mr. Ye, angrily confronted Qin Nan, questioning why he hadn't protected Ye Sibei. Nianwen tried to calm his father.
He then expressed his complex feelings, admitting that while their family's love for Ye Sibei was real, their deeply ingrained societal views also held sway. He confessed that his previous reluctance to support Ye Sibei's decision to report the crime was partly self-serving, but mostly stemmed from a desire to shield her from public judgment, the painful retelling of her experience to the police, and the fear of a failed case.
He questioned whether such an arduous path was truly worth the emotional toll on his sister. Qin Nan responded to Nianwen's doubts, explaining that people pursue justice because it forms the very foundation of a meaningful life. He argued that if Ye Sibei’s world lacked basic justice, she couldn't hope to live well. He pointed out that if perpetrators could act with impunity, and kindness was met with malice, Ye Sibei couldn't accept such a world.
While reporting the crime seemed daunting, it represented her struggle for liberation. In contrast, giving up, though seemingly peaceful, would subject her to lifelong torment. As Qin Nan emphasized the importance of justice, Ye Sibei's mother called Nianwen in a panic, stating that Ye Sibei was missing from her room. The family immediately launched a frantic search, with Qin Nan joining them.
Ye Sibei was eventually found by her family, and she once again declared her intention to go to the police. Her mother vehemently rejected the idea, accusing her of being crazy and urging Qin Nan to call a doctor instead. She pleaded for Ye Sibei to consider the impact on their family, Nianwen's upcoming wedding, and Zhao Chuchu's reputation.
Ye Sibei, visibly distraught, passionately countered, asking why she should suffer in silence when both reporting and hiding the truth would be painful. She confronted her mother about past injustices, recalling how her parents had wanted a son, leading to her being left in the countryside for three years after Nianwen was born. She reminded them of being blamed when her father lost his job, and how her education was sacrificed for Nianwen’s.
She recounted how her parents caused her to lose a good job in another city and constantly demanded money for Nianwen’s house and wedding, never inquiring about her own well-being. She asserted that her desire for justice was not selfish, especially given how little her family had truly done for her. Her mother continued to insist she was stopping her for Ye Sibei's own good, not for their family's reputation.
Finally, Ye Sibei declared that her only reason for living was to send her assailant to jail, stating that since she wasn't afraid of dying, she wouldn't be afraid to live through this. She implored her mother, "If you still think of me as your daughter, let me go." Moved by Ye Sibei's powerful plea, Nianwen bowed to her, expressing deep regret for his past insensitivity. He admitted to passively accepting the benefits from his sister while ignoring her struggles.
He reiterated his understanding that the legal path was difficult but necessary, and pledged to stand by her, regardless of the outcome, emphasizing that she was not at fault. Ye Sibei tearfully thanked him. Qin Nan then comforted Ye Sibei, asking if she was feeling well, to which she replied she had never felt better. With Nianwen and Qin Nan's support, Ye Sibei left for the police station.
Back at the hospital, Ye Sibei's mother, Huang Guifen, chastised Mr. Ye (Ye Ling) for hiding the incident, arguing that his inaction was enabling the rapist. Mr. Ye retorted that she never cared about household matters. Huang Guifen dismissed her husband's concern, calling him naive and warning him that reporting would bring no benefit to Ye Sibei, only more difficulties. She told Ye Ling to brace himself, stating, "This is just the beginning."
At the Criminal Investigation Unit, an officer noted Ye Sibei was still in her hospital gown, to which she explained her urgency, fearing that any delay would make her lose courage. She calmly provided her personal details and, when asked for the specific reason for her visit, stated, "I've been raped." Meanwhile, Nianwen sat anxiously outside, while Qin Nan reassured him of Ye Sibei's incredible bravery.
Inside, the officer questioned Ye Sibei about the night of the incident, asking when she lost consciousness. She recalled it happening after getting into the car with her friend Zhao Chuchu and her superior Fan Jiancheng, both of whom she had trusted. She became emotional as she described losing consciousness due to the alcohol and waking up in the backseat, blindfolded. She then recounted hearing a "ticking mechanical sound" and realizing the assailant was on top of her.
When pressed for specific details, she confirmed it was intercourse, describing the perpetrator as an aging man with rough hands. Overwhelmed by the intrusive questions, she asked for a different officer, feeling that the police were being unsympathetic. The officer explained that such details were crucial for solving the case and proving guilt, emphasizing the importance of honesty for the truth to emerge. He warned her that the path ahead would be painful, with even more difficult questions to face.
A vivid flashback to the assailant's menacing voice — "Pretending, are you? Yell! Or else I'll kill you!" — caused Ye Sibei to finally admit, "I yelled." As Ye Sibei emerged, Captain Zhang, a police officer, saw her with Qin Nan and realized she was Qin Nan's wife. Qin Nan asked Captain Zhang for his help.
Captain Zhang assured them it was his duty, commended Ye Sibei for her courage, and told her to rest at home, promising to notify them of any developments, adding that her previous report's information was still on file. After they left, Captain Zhang reflected that he had made a mistake and needed to report it. Nianwen, still supportive, promised to arrange for his mentor, Meng Xin, a skilled lawyer known for helping victims, to represent Ye Sibei.
Ye Sibei felt a sense of relief, perceiving her future as "just unknown" rather than bleak. Later, Zhao Chuchu visited Ye Sibei, attempting to peel an apple for her but cutting herself. She tearfully apologized for not realizing Ye Sibei was drunk and not sending her home that night. Ye Sibei comforted her, urging her not to blame herself.
When Zhao Chuchu asked for more details about what happened after she left, Ye Sibei simply said she didn't know and asked her not to overthink it. Soon after Zhao Chuchu left, Qin Nan brought Ye Sibei some food. Meanwhile, two officers from the Criminal Investigation Unit arrived at Fuqiang Real Estate, asking for Fan Jiancheng. Upon locating him, one of the officers presented him with a subpoena, instructing him to accompany them for questioning regarding a case.
