Light Beyond the Reed Episode 7 Recap
> Light Beyond the Reed Recap
Lin Feng expressed frustration to Captain Zhang about the ongoing investigation, feeling that waiting was inhumane given the victim's suffering and the suspect's capture. He believed the evidence was insufficient and questioned Captain Zhang's "strategy." Captain Zhang rebuked Lin Feng's impatience, reminding him that prematurely labeling Fan Jiancheng as a criminal was a major taboo for police, as he was merely a suspect until a verdict.
Lin Feng retorted that everyone makes mistakes, pointing out Captain Zhang's own reprimand for showing photos and videos to Qin Nan. Captain Zhang differentiated his situation, explaining he was unaware of Qin Nan's connection to the case and acted in a private capacity. Lin Feng acknowledged his own anxiety and admitted he was wrong.
Captain Zhang then urged Lin Feng to focus on finding new evidence rather than debating existing statements, emphasizing that evidence of drunkenness was weak due to varying factors like mood and environment. Lin Feng argued that testimonies indicated Ye Sibei was not sober that night, which would invalidate Fan Jiancheng's claim of seduction.
Captain Zhang agreed that Zhao Chuchu had mentioned Ye Sibei was upset that night, and consequently instructed Lin Feng to bring Ye Sibei in for another statement to clarify her state of sobriety. During her re-interview, Ye Sibei told the police that she had no private contact with Fan Jiancheng outside of work, only professional interactions.
She expressed gratitude towards him because, after struggling to find employment due to her age, Fan Jiancheng intervened with HR to secure her position at Fuqiang Real Estate. While he claimed it was due to her being a capable college student, she wasn't sure of his true motives. Ye Sibei confirmed she was in dire need of money, having taken a 100,000 yuan credit loan to help her brother buy a house for his wedding.
Fan Jiancheng had provided a falsified employment proof with a higher salary to facilitate this loan, which he did readily, acting friendly within the company. She also confirmed making one call to Fan Jiancheng after the incident to request leave. Regarding her alcohol consumption, she admitted to rarely drinking but recalled consuming about 13 tiny glasses of 53% baijiu on the night of the incident.
She explained that even when drinking that much, she would feel dizzy and excited, wanting to talk, but her consciousness remained clear, with only her walking being a little unsteady. Qin Nan, seeking to help Ye Sibei find work, contacted his childhood friend, Dachun, who worked at a water plant that needed a bookkeeper. Qin Nan informed Ye Sibei about the low-paying position and sent her the details, wishing her luck with the interview.
Dachun introduced Ye Sibei to his director, highlighting her college degree and accounting background at a real estate company. When asked, Ye Sibei specified Fuqiang Real Estate. However, the director quickly grew suspicious upon learning she previously worked at Fuqiang and mentioned the recent rape case there, asking for the victim's name.
Realizing the director's apprehension and feeling unwell, Ye Sibei excused herself and left abruptly, much to Dachun's chagrin, who was then scolded by the director for bringing her without proper vetting. Outside, Dachun expressed his understanding of Ye Sibei's situation and advised her to treat Qin Nan well, emphasizing his kindness. Ye Sibei, agreeing that things were not as rumored, humbly thanked Dachun, who offered further help if needed, though her attempts to explain seemed futile.
At Qin Nan's repair shop, a customer returned claiming a recently patched tire was still faulty. Qin Nan patiently inspected the tire, pointing out that the new puncture was in a different location from the previous repair. Despite the clear evidence, the customer insisted on blaming Qin Nan's shop. Qin Nan, the owner, offered a 20% discount on the new repair and asked them to return later.
He confided that he wanted to hit them but, being in the service industry, he had to control himself. When Ye Sibei arrived at the shop, the same rude customers returned, hurling insults at her, referring to the recent scandal. Qin Nan almost lashed out, but Ye Sibei calmed him down, telling him not to take their words to heart and to cover his ears if it happened again. She expressed her desire to leave town after the lawsuit.
Later, Qin Nan asked about her job interview, and Ye Sibei vaguely replied that she wasn't a good fit. Qin Nan offered her a job at his shop if she couldn't find anything else. While they were eating, Ye Sibei noticed a large collection of books, surprising her, as she hadn't realized Qin Nan was an avid reader.
Qin Nan admitted he worried she might think he was pretending to be cultured by reading in front of her, a college graduate. Dachun chimed in, confirming Qin Nan's intellectual side and remarking that Ye Sibei still had much to learn about her husband. Ms. Tao called Ye Sibei, informing her that Fuqiang Real Estate's leadership wanted to meet and provide an explanation.
Despite Dachun's warning that it was a trap, Ye Sibei decided to go, determined to hear their "explanation." Qin Nan offered to drive her on his motorcycle, an experience he had wanted to share since before their marriage, and she agreed. Before entering, Qin Nan reminded her to turn on her phone's recording feature and encouraged her to speak her mind, offering to go with her. However, Ye Sibei insisted on going alone, trusting herself to handle it.
Inside, Ms. Tao introduced Ye Sibei to Mr. Zhao, a high-ranking executive, and other company leaders. After they sat down, Ms. Tao expressed apologies for the inconvenience and stated that Mr. Zhao greatly valued Ye Sibei, wanting to discuss Fan Jiancheng's case. She then presented Ye Sibei with 200,000 yuan, claiming it was enough to settle her loans and save more, and that the company would help with any other requests. Ye Sibei questioned if it was compensation.
Ms. Tao explained that accepting the money meant she would "explain things clearly" to protect the company's reputation, implying a retraction of her accusations against Fan Jiancheng. She insinuated Ye Sibei was only after money and that Mr. Zhao, out of generosity, wanted to settle the matter peacefully to avoid a lawsuit that could have been brought against Ye Sibei. Ye Sibei scoffed, asking if Fan Jiancheng had claimed she wanted money.
At this point, Zhao Shuhui, Fan Jiancheng's wife, angrily interjected, accusing Ye Sibei of not being satisfied with the money and asking why else she was there. Ye Sibei fiercely retorted that she was there to demand what Fuqiang Real Estate intended to do about "that scumbag Fan Jiancheng." Zhao Shuhui exploded in anger, but Ms. Tao intervened, ushering Zhao Shuhui out and asking Mr. Zhao if she and Ye Sibei could speak privately.
In a private conversation, Ms. Tao tried to manipulate Ye Sibei into accepting the money, framing it as a "shortcut" for a better life. She argued that the company couldn't punish Fan Jiancheng without concrete proof and suggested Ye Sibei retract her claims, implying her current situation would make it impossible to find another job.
Ms. Tao then resorted to emotional blackmail, highlighting the potential harm to Qin Nan's business, Zhao Chuchu's employment, and her family's reputation if she didn't compromise, accusing her of being selfish. Ye Sibei, however, adamantly refused, declaring she couldn't accept such injustice or allow the guilty to live freely while she suffered. She acknowledged the difficulty of her chosen path but insisted someone had to walk it.
She then warned Ms. Tao that if Zhao Chuchu were fired, she would expose all the company's secrets online, including their attempt to silence her, and vowed to pursue justice as long as she lived. Panicked, Ms. Tao tried to snatch Ye Sibei's phone, shouting for others to stop her. Zhao Chuchu subtly helped Ye Sibei escape, who then called out to Qin Nan, waiting outside. They sped off on Qin Nan's motorcycle.
Qin Nan asked what happened, and Ye Sibei angrily replied that she had insulted them because they threatened her. Qin Nan asked where they were going, and Ye Sibei declared they were going to celebrate her "coming of age," explaining that growing up meant learning to face the world in one's own way, a deeper concept than merely reaching legal age, though she was already 28.
Ye Sibei then expressed her confusion, wondering why so many people defended a bad person instead of protecting a good one. Qin Nan explained that motivations varied: some were driven by corporate interests, finding it easier to silence a powerless victim than expose a powerful executive. Others sought self-comfort, preferring to believe in deserved punishment rather than arbitrary suffering, a concept he called "victim-blaming theory." He also cited traditional customs.
He concluded by telling her that despite the opposition, there would always be supporters, and though good people might be overlooked or silenced, she should look for them and not lose heart. Later, Ye Sibei asked Qin Nan why he remained by her side, wondering if his presence was rooted in a sense of good and evil. She then asked if he had dated before their marriage or had ever liked someone.
Qin Nan confessed he hadn't dated but admitted there was someone he had always wished well, though he never expected to be with her. Ye Sibei then speculated that Qin Nan's support was driven by morality or pity, and thanked him for accompanying her thus far. Believing she could now face everything independently—handle the lawsuit, move to the provincial capital, and live alone—she suggested they finalize their divorce upon returning home, not wanting him to be burdened by duty.
Qin Nan, however, responded by asking what if his reasons were not duty. He emphasized that her resilience meant she would have fought for justice even without him, eventually finding her own path to resist and report the crime. He asserted that she alone made her decisions, and that "anyone could be Qin Nan," implying his role was merely a supportive one.
He added that if it were simply duty, she wouldn't need him anymore, prompting her to ask why he was truly there. Qin Nan hesitated to articulate his feelings. Lastly, she asked what good qualities he saw in someone like her. Qin Nan responded affectionately, listing her many virtues: her resilience, stubbornness, defiance, and unwavering spirit.
He recalled small, beautiful details about her: how even when poor, she made paper flowers to light up her home, bought pretty hair clips, thoughtfully matched plates and cups, ironed her clothes meticulously, and always carried and cherished her Dandelion flower. He concluded by assuring her that she possessed numerous good qualities and was truly wonderful.
