My Roommate Is a Detective Recap, Plot, Synopsis
My Roommate Is a Detective Synopsis
After 14 years of the Republic of China, Lu Yao, a playboy who has returned from studying in England, was invited to be a detective consultant by Qiao Chusheng, a detective with extraordinary skills, due to his superb intelligence and reasoning ability.
Afterward, they form a detective squad with a female reporter, Bai Youning, working together to solve seemingly treacherous murder cases.
With very different personalities, they uphold justice in a chaotic world and maintain social stability.
My Roommate Is a Detective Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the vibrant Shanghai of 1925, Lu Yao, a brilliant graduate with double degrees in mathematics and medicine from Trinity College, Cambridge, and a deacon of the UK's Freemasonry, was abruptly awakened by his landlady, Ms. Wang, informing him that constables were at his door. He hurried downstairs in his pajamas, only to be confronted by Qiao Chusheng, a newly appointed detective inspector from the Concession Police Station. Lu Yao tried to flee but was quickly surrounded and apprehended.
At the police station, Qiao Chusheng interrogated Lu Yao, accusing him of murdering the businessman Chen Qiusheng the previous night. A flashback revealed the events at entrepreneur Nie Chengjiang's housewarming party. Chen Qiusheng had arrived with his subordinates, He Kun, Long, and Hu. Lu Yao aggressively confronted Chen, demanding repayment for money lost due to Chen's fraudulent stock information, which had caused many, including Lu Yao, to lose everything.
Infuriated, Chen ordered his men to physically remove Lu Yao, who was thrown out of the party. Shortly after, Chen went to the bathroom. His three subordinates, waiting outside, claimed to have seen a knife emerge from the mirror, stab Chen, and then vanish. Despite an immediate search, they found no one else in the locked room.
Back in the interrogation room, Lu Yao denied the murder, explaining he fled that morning because he thought he was being arrested for scratching Chen Qiusheng's car in retaliation for being ejected from the mansion. When Qiao Chusheng’s subordinate suggested torture, Lu Yao immediately demanded a lawyer. Just then, Bai Youning, a tenacious journalist for "Xinyue Daily," burst in.
She announced she had run away from home after a fight with her father, the influential Bai Qili, and demanded exclusive access to the murder case. Qiao Chusheng, who owed his position to Bai Qili, reluctantly agreed. Lu Yao, with keen observation, deduced Bai Youning was a tabloid journalist who had just left home and that Qiao Chusheng was a newly promoted inspector indebted to her father, forcing Qiao to let her stay.
Lu Yao refused to be interviewed, citing the principle of "in dubio pro reo" and asserting his innocence without evidence. Qiao Chusheng sent his subordinate to verify Lu Yao's alibi with the car keeper at Nie's Mansion. He then visited Bai Qili, who revealed that the Bank of Sassoon had called to request leniency for Lu Yao, leading them to suspect Lu Yao possessed sensitive insider trading information.
Bai Qili advised Qiao that to succeed in the Concession, he must master its legal "game rules." Meanwhile, Bai Youning visited the Bank of Sassoon, where Lu Yao's colleagues confirmed his genius but also described him as a selfish and disliked narcissist. Concurrently, the car keeper corroborated Lu Yao's story, stating he saw Lu Yao scratching the car around 9 PM, providing an alibi.
However, Qiao Chusheng, now convinced of Lu Yao's innocence but wanting to use his intellect, decided to conceal the alibi. He coerced Lu Yao into helping solve the case by threatening to let Bai Youning's newspaper continue painting him as the killer. Lu Yao reluctantly agreed and asked to visit the crime scene. At Nie's mansion, Lu Yao examined the bathroom, noting the unusual mirrored decor.
He found a loose glass panel, but Qiao assured him checks had confirmed a solid wall behind it. Lu Yao reviewed the witness statements; the three men claimed they saw the stabbing reflected in the ceiling mirrors, as a corner obscured their direct view. Just then, Bai Youning arrived with new information: Long and Hu had recently paid off large gambling debts.
This cast suspicion on them, in contrast to He Kun, who was known for his unwavering loyalty to Chen Qiusheng for sixteen years. Lu Yao declared the initial autopsy superficial and insisted on a more thorough one. He also learned that Nie Chengjiang had recently suffered a heart attack, supposedly triggered by newspaper reports linking him to a past death during a village demolition project managed by Chen. Dr. Zhao, Nie's family doctor, was attending to him.
Lu Yao noticed Dr. Zhao’s expensive Breguet watch, questioning how a family doctor could afford it. Later, Bai Youning provided Lu Yao with a crucial detail about the demolition: Chen's men had indirectly caused the death of an elderly woman by throwing firecrackers into her house, leading to a fatal heart attack. This strengthened Lu Yao's theory that the murderer was trying to frame Nie Chengjiang.
His situation worsened when Bai Youning revealed that the car keeper had retracted his statement, making Lu Yao the prime suspect again. The next morning, a new autopsy report confirmed the killer was an expert and that Chen's body contained an herbal anesthetic, indicating a meticulously planned murder. Lu Yao then revealed his own observation about Dr. Zhao’s watch: the diamonds had been replaced with worthless crystals, suggesting the doctor was feigning wealth.
To demonstrate the murder method, Lu Yao had Qiao Chusheng assist him with custom-made mirrors, proving how a "mirror trick" could be accomplished with a sliding panel and an accomplice. During a re-interrogation of Chen's subordinates, Long and Hu confessed to stealing diamonds from their late boss's watch to pay their gambling debts, but not to the murder. Convinced he knew the killer's identity, Lu Yao returned to Nie's mansion with Qiao Chusheng.
He interrupted Dr. Zhao administering medicine to Nie Chengjiang, revealing that the herbs—Chinese Angelica, ephedra, and lobelia—were dangerous for a cardiac patient and accusing the doctor of attempting to poison Nie. When Dr. Zhao denied it, Lu Yao directly accused him of murdering Chen Qiusheng.
He pointed out the fatal flaw in the doctor's story: as a Harvard-trained physician, Dr. Zhao would know that pulling a knife from a chest wound is the wrong action, contradicting his claim of attempting first aid. When Dr. Zhao weakly blamed panic, Lu Yao demanded he return to the crime scene to reenact the events.
Episode 2 Recap
At Nie's Mansion, Lu Yao meticulously demonstrated how Dr. Zhao used a sleight-of-hand trick to murder Chen Qiusheng. He explained that He Kun had strategically positioned himself in front of the two bodyguards, Long and Hu, allowing them to only witness the stabbing through the mirror's reflection, not the actual act. Lu Yao revealed that the mirror was movable, concealing a space where Dr. Zhao had hidden.
After the murder, He Kun deliberately misled the bodyguards into believing they saw an assailant emerge from the mirror. Though Dr. Zhao believed his plan was flawless, Lu Yao discovered his un-wiped fingerprints on the mirror's reverse side. Cornered, Dr. Zhao confessed that his motive for killing Chen Qiusheng and Nie Chengjiang was revenge for his mother, an old lady who died of fright during the forced demolition to construct the mansion.
He Kun then admitted his complicity, driven by jealousy of Qiao Chusheng's success and his own desire to rise beyond being Chen Qiusheng's secretary. He confirmed that Dr. Zhao, risking everything, had offered him a large sum of money, convincing him that only Chen Qiusheng's death could secure his future.
Dr. Zhao further revealed that Nie Chengjiang and Chen Qiusheng were partners in selling opium, and Nie Chengjiang had framed Lu Yao to quickly close the murder investigation and prevent it from exposing their illegal activities. Dr. Zhao also admitted to poisoning Nie Chengjiang, ensuring he would not survive much longer. Upon returning to the Bank of Sassoon, Lu Yao was confronted by his boss, Sassoon, who was furious after reading Bai Youning's sensational newspaper report.
The report accused Lu Yao of being the prime suspect, scratching the victim's car, and using Sassoon's name for intimidation. Enraged, Sassoon immediately fired Lu Yao. Outside, Lu Yao encountered Qiao Chusheng and, still fuming, asked him to relay a message to Bai Youning, wishing her to be a spinster for the rest of her life. Qiao Chusheng then invited Lu Yao to work for him as a consultant, offering payment per case.
Lu Yao refused, citing his dislike for the dark nature of murder cases and expressing a preference for a conventional office job. That night, Lu Yao's landlady, Ms. Yun, pressed him for overdue rent and utility bills. Unexpectedly, Bai Youning arrived. Ms. Yun, asserting her authority as the landlady, promptly announced Bai Youning would be Lu Yao's new roommate to help cover the rent, stating Lu Yao could either accept or be evicted.
Left with no choice, Lu Yao reluctantly agreed. Despite his annoyance, Lu Yao found himself living with Bai Youning. His frustration mounted, but Qiao Chusheng soon arrived, seeking Lu Yao's help with a new case and offering substantial payment, which Lu Yao, after some negotiation, accepted. Qiao Chusheng took him to the scene of a bizarre incident: a tram full of women workers from a textile mill had vanished into thick smoke at an intersection the previous night.
A local resident recounted hearing strange, animal-like howling and seeing a dense fog that obscured everything. Lu Yao, upon examining the scene, noticed unusually large footprints but quickly dismissed them, deducing that the entire scene, including the pavement, track, and footprints, was a deliberately staged deception. He collected blood-stained bricks as evidence, while Bai Youning arrived to conduct interviews.
Lu Yao suspected the large-scale operation meant it was not a simple kidnapping, especially as the victims were likely unable to pay ransom. An elderly woman at the scene recounted a past incident from three years prior, where an alcoholic named Sun Peng was electrocuted at the same intersection by a falling wire, and the tram company paid for his burial. Lu Yao confirmed the details of Sun Peng's death from his memory of old newspaper articles.
Qiao Chusheng then brought Lu Yao to Donghai Power, urging them to quickly restore electricity to Huakang Tram to prevent public panic. Lu Yao, impressed by the power company's luxurious office, expressed a desire to work there. The company's president, Mr. Wu, met with Qiao Chusheng and promised to expedite repairs. During the meeting, Qiao Chusheng noticed President Wu smoking a rare, limited-edition Dannemann's handmade cigar. Meanwhile, Bai Youning's newspaper continued to sensationalize the tram disappearance case with dramatic headlines.
Qiao Chusheng warned her about the negative repercussions. Lu Yao, seeking financial advice, visited his former colleague at the Bank of Sassoon to inquire about shorting Huakang Tram Company's stock. His colleague strongly advised against it, revealing that Huakang had secured a huge insurance payout prior to the incident and that the company had mafia members among its shareholders.
Simultaneously, a group of people, posing as the missing workers' families, staged a protest outside, which Qiao Chusheng immediately recognized as a well-organized demonstration. Lu Yao informed Qiao Chusheng of his suspicion that Huakang Tram Company might be involved in insurance fraud. They visited George, the president of Huakang Tram Group's China division.
George confirmed the large insurance policy, explaining it was purchased after a previous electrocution incident three years ago involving a scrap collector, whose family had inexplicably managed to hire a lawyer and garner media attention, forcing the company to pay hefty compensation. George mentioned an upcoming shareholders' meeting where he expected Mr. Bai to approve using the insurance payout to compensate the families. Suspicious, Qiao Chusheng visited Bai Qili, who was indeed a shareholder.
Bai Qili clarified that he had invested in Huakang not for profit, but to use his influence to negotiate with the power company to drive down electricity prices, which was crucial for the growth of China's national industry. During their conversation, Bai Qili inquired about Bai Youning. Qiao Chusheng reluctantly admitted that she was co-renting an apartment with Lu Yao. Bai Qili, furious, flipped a table over.
Later, Bai Youning pressed Lu Yao for updates on the case and revealed that Hu Zhuxuan, a prominent figure in the rickshaw business, had previously ordered his men to smash trams. She then took Lu Yao to meet him. When Lu Yao questioned Hu Zhuxuan about the incident, he became enraged, and his men threatened Lu Yao with knives. Bai Youning quickly intervened, using her father's influence to calm the situation, but Lu Yao was visibly shaken.
Learning of Bai Qili's intense anger about their living situation, Lu Yao tried to pack his bags and move out. However, Bai Youning stopped him, threatening to accuse him of molesting her if he left. She promised to move out herself if he solved the case. Faced with this ultimatum, Lu Yao demanded all of Huakang Tram Company's contracts and financial records. He meticulously reviewed them and, convinced he had found a crucial lead, immediately instructed Bai Youning to prepare a car to go to Donghai Power.
Episode 3 Recap
Bai Youning visited Wu Tianpeng, President of Donghai Power, to inquire further about the tram case. She pressed him about his company's past disagreements with Huakang Tram, to which Wu responded that business involves both cooperation and competition. He admitted that Donghai Power had previously charged Huakang Tram higher electricity rates, a move he claimed was fully legal and approved by the Municipal Council.
Wu also confirmed his past intention to acquire the then-struggling Huakang Tram, seeing it as a win-win, but negotiations had failed. Now that the tram company was in trouble, Lu Yao provocatively suggested Wu acquire it, which Wu dismissed as a trap. Later, upon returning to the Concession Police Station, Lu Yao noticed patrol officers carrying an unidentified body found by the Suzhou River.
Detecting a familiar scent on the deceased, Lu Yao insisted on an immediate autopsy, overriding the officers' plans for quick cremation. The autopsy revealed the victim, Mao San, had suffered a severe head injury, a cut face, abnormally high sodium and potassium levels in his blood, undigested food, and signs of having been bound at his hands and feet. Qiao Chusheng recognized Mao San as a notorious gambler and womanizer who often robbed night shift female workers.
Lu Yao suspected Mao San had witnessed something related to the tram case and was silenced. Qiao Chusheng then led Lu Yao to Mao San's accomplice, who admitted lending a stolen bicycle to Mao San. On the bicycle's tire, Lu Yao detected the scent of "Chamber bitter" and noted irregular bluestone particles in the mud, leading him to deduce a connection to a bluestone mine in Sheshan, where explosions likely occurred.
Driven by his desire to solve the case quickly and prompt Bai Youning to move out, Lu Yao urged an immediate investigation. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng spent the night searching near the mine, convinced Mao San had been there. They soon discovered an abandoned warehouse concealing the missing tram. As they entered, hoping to find the missing female workers, they were ambushed by masked assailants.
One attacker lunged at Qiao Chusheng with a knife, but Lu Yao instinctively pulled him aside, saving his life. Lu Yao then retreated into a tent while Qiao Chusheng single-handedly subdued all the attackers. Emerging from his hiding spot, Lu Yao received Qiao Chusheng's gratitude for the rescue, though Lu Yao playfully claimed it was merely an instinct to protect his wallet. Qiao Chusheng, amused, promised to repay the favor. Qiao Chusheng summoned his officers to thoroughly search the area.
They located all the missing female workers in the back of the mountain, and Qiao Chusheng dispatched Adou to escort them back for statements. With the immediate task done, Lu Yao promptly called Bai Youning, demanding she move out as per their agreement. However, Bai Youning refused, asserting she would only leave once the true mastermind was caught. Suspecting Wu Tianpeng, Qiao Chusheng, along with Lu Yao and Bai Youning, confronted the Donghai Power president.
Wu denied any involvement, prompting Lu Yao to meticulously reconstruct the crime. He explained that Donghai Power, under the pretense of circuit repairs, had installed a temporary cable at a fork in the road. On the night of the incident, Wu's men secretly laid out dry ice and smoke cakes and a temporary cork track. The tram's power was then cut, allowing it to coast onto the cork track by inertia.
Smoke cakes were lit, female workers screamed and were subdued, and hot water poured on the dry ice created a dense fog, causing the ground around the rails to crack due to rapid temperature change. Under this artificial fog, the tram was manually switched onto the cork track, connected to the temporary cable, and silently moved away. It was later disassembled elsewhere and reassembled at the mine.
Lu Yao further accused Wu of planting fake dinosaur footprints to frame George, a British man fascinated by fossils, but pointed out that the old blood on the fossils didn't match the timeline of the crime. Bai Youning questioned Wu's elaborate motive. Qiao Chusheng explained that Wu aimed to cause panic, drive down Huakang Tram's stock, and then acquire it cheaply, unaware that Huakang had already secured insurance, thus foiling his financial scheme.
Bai Youning then linked this to previous incidents, asserting that the three-year-old electric shock accident, the involvement of relevant lawyers and media, and the recent family protests were all orchestrated by Wu. Lu Yao, recalling his two visits to Wu's office, highlighted changes to the furniture, curtains, and an ashtray, noting a strong cleaning agent smell. He then explained that Mao San, while waiting to rob night shift workers, stumbled upon the tram hijacking and gained a sulfur smell.
Mao San later attempted to blackmail Wu at his office, leading to his death. Lu Yao accused Wu of killing Mao San in that very room by striking him with a cigar ashtray, necessitating the room's cleanup. Wu denied it, demanding proof. Lu Yao presented the evidence: cigar tobacco found in Mao San's head wound matched the "Dannemann Royal" brand, which Lu Yao asserted was exclusive to Wu in Shanghai. Qiao Chusheng promptly ordered Wu Tianpeng's arrest.
After the case was closed, Lu Yao prepared a special meal, considering it a farewell to Bai Youning. However, Bai Youning refused to move, citing her pre-paid year's rent and demanding six months' rent as compensation from Lu Yao, which he reluctantly agreed to. When Bai Qili, Bai Youning's father, learned she was still living with Lu Yao, he became furious, deeming the arrangement inappropriate.
Qiao Chusheng tried to reassure him, claiming Bai Youning was thriving and that Lu Yao, though greedy, was not interested in women, including Bai Youning. Bai Qili, however, found this hard to believe and, despite Qiao Chusheng's efforts to calm him, ordered his men to monitor them. He instructed them to kill Lu Yao on the spot if he dared to "make a move" on Youning, or if Youning made a move on him.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaowen was being beaten for stealing Mr. Jiu's jade ring. Qiao Chusheng intervened, swiftly incapacitating Zhao's captors. He then instructed Salim to formally charge Zhao Xiaowen with larceny at the police station. Shortly after, patrol officers reported a new homicide: Shen Dazhi, the Chief of Residency Administration Section in Shanghai Police Department's Zhabei Branch, had been killed.
Back at the apartment, Lu Yao, still determined to make Bai Youning leave, deliberately played his violin loudly, waking her from her sleep after an all-night writing session and provoking a heated argument. Qiao Chusheng, after a preliminary assessment of Shen Dazhi's crime scene, sought Lu Yao's help. Lu Yao initially declined, citing the complex political entanglements between the Concession Police Station and the Chinese's jurisdiction.
Qiao Chusheng revealed that the Zhabei Police Chief was a disciple of Mr. Bai, who was pressing for a quick resolution to protect his protege's career, having invested heavily in his promotion. Seizing the opportunity, Lu Yao blackmailed Qiao Chusheng for his expensive watch as payment for his services, which Qiao Chusheng reluctantly conceded. Bai Youning followed them to the crime scene. Upon entering Shen Dazhi's office, Lu Yao was immediately captivated by a global limited edition gramophone.
Qiao Chusheng reminded Bai Youning that no photographs were to be taken before the case was solved. Despite his academic background in anatomy, Lu Yao visibly struggled and vomited at the sight of the blood, earning a scoff from Bai Youning.
Regaining his composure, Lu Yao noted that Shen Dazhi was found with a gun in hand and a bullet hole in the ceiling, yet his head was almost completely severed, indicating a precise cut by a master of the blade, like an executioner. Officers explained that Shen Dazhi had gained his promotion ten years prior by catching the serial killer in the "Executioner Serial murder" case, a man named Wang Yidao, who had famously vowed revenge from beyond the grave.
This fueled suspicions of supernatural retribution among the police. Lu Yao observed old case files from that ten-year-old murder case laid out on Shen Dazhi's desk. Lu Yao meticulously examined the room, concluding the gramophone was the most suspicious item due to its opulence contrasting with the office's otherwise poor decor, its rarity, and the victim's apparent lack of sophistication for listening to Brahms. He wanted to take it for further study, but Bai Youning accused him of personal gain.
Qiao Chusheng interjected, explaining that the gramophone was a gift from Mr. Bai to the Police Chief, who had lent it to Shen Dazhi temporarily. He promised Lu Yao the gramophone if he solved the case. Feigning tiredness and claiming "dyslexia" for lengthy documents, Lu Yao asked Bai Youning to recount the "Executioner Serial murder" case from the files. She detailed how Wang Yidao, an executioner unemployed after beheadings were replaced by firing squads in 1911, began killing.
On January 3rd, 1915, a drunken Wang Yidao killed a murderer who had escaped justice. During the manhunt, two more beheading murders occurred. He was finally caught on February 5th in front of Xiangmanlou Restaurant while disposing of his fourth victim, a teacher, by a temporary patrol officer, Chief Shen. Wang Yidao confessed and was executed.
Lu Yao pointed out that while the first three victims had criminal records and were beheaded with a large knife, the fourth victim was a teacher, killed impulsively with a small knife piercing his heart. He also noted irregularities in the narrative style of the fourth case's file, suggesting it might have been a frame-up or a forced confession due to external pressure.
Lu Yao then instructed Qiao Chusheng to find any surviving relatives or contacts of the murdered teacher, particularly those who had contact with him on the day of his death. He also pointed out that the paper of the case file on Shen Dazhi's desk was not the standard industrial paper used by the police station, suggesting the killer had deliberately placed a forged file there.
Later, back in Shen Dazhi's office, Lu Yao was listening to records when the Police Chief arrived. The Chief confirmed that Shen Dazhi, despite his past success with the Wang Yidao case, was generally incompetent at investigative work, having never solved a significant case since. Lu Yao then borrowed the Police Chief's Parker pen, promising to return it.
Episode 4 Recap
A police informant informed Qiao Chusheng that Lu Yao had a long discussion with the director, from whom he even stole a pen and a gold-plated button before leaving. Meanwhile, Qiao Chusheng, strategizing how to deal with the powerful figure responsible for the case, received crucial information from Bai Youning's investigation.
It revealed that the teacher murdered ten years prior had told a colleague he intended to buy a courtesan's freedom from a high-end brothel called Changsan Hall, but he was reportedly killed by Wang Yidao before he could do so. Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao personally visited Changsan Hall, as they believed the courtesans there were well-informed. An elderly courtesan, initially claiming ignorance about the sensational case, eventually admitted that the teacher's lover was named Wanqing.
She revealed that Wanqing believed Wang Yidao was not the real killer and had even tried to appeal to the police several times, though without success. Wanqing eventually left the brothel and was rumored to have become a famous journalist. Lu Yao suggested they find her, believing a female journalist with ten years of experience in Shanghai would be unique enough to locate.
Later, Lu Yao returned to his residence with Qiao Chusheng, where they found Bai Youning attempting to cook, filling the room with smoke and having burned her hand. While Lu Yao bandaged her injury, he inquired about female writers. Bai Youning reluctantly mentioned a female writer for Shanghai News named Chengxi, known for her sharp writing style. The name "Chengxi" also reminded Lu Yao of Liang Wentong, the fourth victim, who styled himself Chengxi.
Lu Yao deduced that this Chengxi, who started writing columns eight years ago after leaving Changsan Hall ten years prior, was indeed Wanqing. Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao immediately went to the Shanghai News office. The editor refused to reveal Chengxi's identity, citing media ethics. Qiao Chusheng attempted to intimidate him, reminding the editor of his past, but the editor remained defiant, threatening unfavorable headlines.
Lu Yao intervened, preventing a physical altercation, but not before subtly taking a payroll slip from the editor's desk. The slip contained Chengxi's address. Upon arriving at Chengxi's residence, Lu Yao noted her impressive collection of rare, out-of-print books. Qiao Chusheng confronted her, accusing her of mailing old case files to Shen Dazhi and suggesting her involvement in his murder.
However, Lu Yao noticed medical records on her table, which provided an alibi: she had been receiving an IV drip at Santa Maria Hospital during the time of Shen Dazhi's murder due to acute gastroenteritis, ruling her out as a suspect. Lu Yao then deduced that Chengxi, who was indeed Wanqing, had been secretly investigating the decade-old case and had eventually concluded that Shen Dazhi, now a Section Chief, was the true killer of Liang Wentong, not Wang Yidao.
Wanqing explained that Shen Dazhi, due to his illiteracy, was unappreciated in the patrol unit and often frequented Changsan Hall, where he would drunkenly insult intellectuals. She believed that Liang Wentong had encountered a drunken Shen Dazhi when he came to buy her freedom, leading to the fatal confrontation. Wanqing confirmed sending Shen Dazhi the old files along with a letter threatening to expose him if he didn't confess, only for him to die that very night.
Despite Wanqing's compelling account, Qiao Chusheng's intuition still hinted at her possible involvement, but Lu Yao dismissed his suspicions, stating that a real culprit would not leave clues leading back to themselves. Lu Yao then proposed revisiting Xiangmanlou Restaurant, where Wang Yidao was arrested for discarding the teacher's body ten years earlier. At the restaurant, Qiao Chusheng questioned the owner about the incident.
The owner clearly recalled that Xiangmanlou had officially opened for business on February 6th, the day "after" the murder and Wang Yidao's alleged arrest and confession on February 5th. This crucial detail led Lu Yao to conclude that Wang Yidao's confession was fabricated, as it impossibly mentioned Xiangmanlou by name. This implied that Shen Dazhi must have colluded with the police officer who recorded Wang Yidao's confession to falsify the report.
Qiao Chusheng immediately left to find the police officer who had worked with Shen Dazhi on the case. The following morning, Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng confronted the Bureau Chief. They revealed that the files from ten years ago had been partially destroyed in a recent police station fire, but Qiao Chusheng's network of retired officers had confirmed that the Chief was the one who interrogated Wang Yidao alongside Shen Dazhi, and that his career had skyrocketed since then.
Qiao Chusheng then accused the Chief of killing the teacher ten years ago and subsequently framing Wang Yidao with Shen Dazhi's help. The Chief vehemently denied the accusation. Lu Yao then meticulously reconstructed the events of ten years ago: During a chase to apprehend Wang Yidao, who had already killed three people, the Chief accidentally killed the teacher who was on his way to the brothel.
Seizing the opportunity, the Chief bribed Shen Dazhi, who was patrolling nearby, with a significant reward for Wang Yidao's capture and a permanent police position. Together, they interrogated a heavily drunk Wang Yidao overnight, making him confess to the first three murders and then falsely implicating him in the accidental killing of the teacher. This "two birds with one stone" strategy led to the Chief's promotion and Shen Dazhi's financial gain.
Lu Yao continued that ten years later, Wanqing, the teacher's former lover, had sent the incriminating file to Shen Dazhi, demanding his confession. Frightened, Shen Dazhi sought the Chief's help, but the Chief, to silence him, killed Shen Dazhi. The Chief continued to deny everything and demanded tangible evidence.
Lu Yao then unveiled his proof: during his initial inspection of Shen Dazhi's office, he had noticed a button missing from the Chief's uniform and found it hidden under a spinning fan. To mark it, he tied a small red thread to it.
Lu Yao then demonstrated how the "locked room" illusion was created: a mirror under a curtain and a second, unpowered fan in a blind spot made it seem as though the main fan was always spinning, allowing the killer to slip through the unpowered fan. The Chief, concerned about leaving evidence, had later returned to the scene to retrieve the button, thereby incriminating himself. Faced with this undeniable evidence, the Chief was left speechless and finally confessed.
For his successful resolution of the case, Lu Yao received a limited edition phonograph. Bai Youning, eager for details, tried to get information from Lu Yao, who shrewdly demanded three silver dollars for his story. Meanwhile, Mr. Bai Qili, Qiao Chusheng's father figure, reprimanded him severely for implicating the Chief, a man he had worked hard to promote. Qiao Chusheng, however, stood firm, insisting on upholding justice, and even offered to resign as inspector rather than compromise.
Seeing Qiao Chusheng's unwavering resolve, Mr. Bai relented, promising to handle the situation in Zhabei. Later, Qiao Chusheng paid Lu Yao his due for the case. He expressed surprise at Lu Yao's meager living conditions, given his evidently wealthy family background. Lu Yao explained his preference for pride over financial dependence on his family. Soon after, Qiao Chusheng received an alarm regarding a bizarre incident.
A female doctor, Lin Jiang, from Hongren Hospital, had been stalked by a "vampire-like" figure near her hospital the previous night. Trapped in an alley, she threw a stone that hit the creature's eye, causing it to spontaneously combust and burn beyond recognition. Lin Jiang was left traumatized, but a witness was present. Qiao Chusheng immediately brought Lu Yao to the crime scene.
Lu Yao quickly examined the charred remains and recognized Lin Jiang as a senior from Cambridge University, recalling that she had even pinned a corsage on him at a freshman welcome party. He then took her to the police station for a formal statement. At the police station, Bai Youning interviewed the witness, paying him for his information. The witness described the "ghost" being burned by light, though Bai Youning felt the information wasn't particularly valuable.
She then returned to the police station with Qiao Chusheng. Lu Yao, meanwhile, was meticulously preparing tea for Lin Jiang, using Qiao Chusheng's finest leaves, much to Bai Youning's amusement and observation of Lu Yao's unusual attentiveness. Lin Jiang recounted her terrifying experience, remembering a rancid, corpse-like smell from her attacker, who had been covered in bandages except for his eyes and mouth and possessed sharp teeth.
Lu Yao invited her to dinner, but she politely declined, urging him to solve the case quickly. Bai Youning continued to tease Lu Yao about his obvious affection for Lin Jiang. Later, Qiao Chusheng, Lu Yao, and Bai Youning visited the morgue. The forensic examiner reported that the deceased was thin, had unusually long nails, purple spots and wrinkles on unburned skin, and a generally pathological appearance. The fangs were confirmed to be real.
However, there was no evidence of significant edema, congestion, inflammation, or internal heat damage to the body, nor any signs of respiratory distress, indicating that the individual had been burned "after" death.
Episode 5 Recap
After forensic analysis concluded the victim of a mysterious death had been burned after death, the forensic doctor provided further details: the deceased was emaciated with unusually long nails, purple spots, and wrinkles on his unburned skin, his body appearing sickly. The victim also had genuine fangs.
Lu Yao confirmed that the skin showed no signs of swelling, congestion, or inflammation, and there were no indications of internal heat effects or respiratory syndrome, which supported the conclusion that the victim was burned after death. Bai Youning, a reporter, immediately seized on this, declaring it a Pulitzer-worthy headline about a vampire. She adamantly warned Qiao Chusheng not to disclose any information about the case to other media outlets.
The forensic doctor noted a strong smell of alcohol on the body, confirming it aided combustion, but the high concentration of alcohol found in the stomach made it unclear whether this was intentional or accidental. Lu Yao returned to the crime scene, where Bai Youning pressed him for clues. Lu Yao, sniffing a used tissue, decided to leverage the situation. He openly asked for twenty silver dollars, claiming he wanted to treat Lin Jiang to a French dinner with wine.
Bai Youning initially resisted but Lu Yao argued a Pulitzer Prize was worth the cost. Lu Yao then launched into a rambling historical account of vampires, mentioning Bram Stoker and Vlad III, which Bai Youning diligently tried to jot down. Abruptly, Lu Yao concluded the story, stating Shanghai lacked good wine and she would have to make do. Later, during dinner, Lin Jiang claimed she no longer drank, citing that drinking hinders business.
She also stated she did not recall any alcohol smell on the person who had followed Lu Yao that day. When Lu Yao mentioned the autopsy report's findings of high alcohol concentration in the victim's stomach and blood, Lin Jiang grew defensive, dismissing his concerns as over-sensitivity and insisting her intention was merely to catch up.
She then recounted how Lu Yao, as a student representative at Cambridge, had once sternly informed her about make-up exams, criticizing her carefree attitude and reminding her of the significant cost of her tuition. Lin Jiang surprisingly thanked him, saying his words prompted her to take her studies seriously. Bai Youning's newspaper, "Shanghai News," sensationalized the story with the headline "Mysterious Spontaneous Combustion: European Medieval Vampire Reappears in Shanghai."
She defended her decision to publish quickly, asserting it was "strike first, and I won" and dismissed concerns about public panic. She then confronted Lu Yao about his "date" with Lin Jiang, sarcastically labeling him "brainless" for not pressing Lin Jiang about the alcohol and calling Lin Jiang "heartless" for forgetting their past interactions.
When Lu Yao accused her of following him, Bai Youning proudly declared that her "informants were all over Shanghai," from restaurant managers and parking valets to beggars, implying she had eyes and ears everywhere. Their bickering was interrupted when Qiao Chusheng summoned Lu Yao, announcing another vampire murder. The victim was identified as Lou Wu of the Axe Gang, a well-known figure who had even attended Qiao Chusheng's eighteenth birthday.
The crime scene showed clear teeth marks, confirmed by a witness who described a brief quarrel between the victim and a "vampire" at a noodle shop before the attack. Qiao Chusheng, frustrated by the widespread panic and potential political fallout, warned Bai Youning to be extremely cautious in her reporting, especially since Lou Wu was connected to her father, Bai Qili, and any misrepresentation could implicate him.
Bai Youning, however, insisted on her right as a journalist to report the truth. Qiao Chusheng tasked Lu Yao with investigating the sewers near the first victim's crime scene. Lu Yao, initially reluctant, agreed after Qiao Chusheng reported four more bodies found in the Concession, all displaying similar neck punctures and identified as gang members. Bai Youning's newspaper continued to publish sensational articles, now proclaiming the "Vampire Enforced Justice for God, Punishing Gangster Scums!"
Qiao Chusheng angrily confronted Bai Youning, accusing her of exacerbating the situation. Bai Youning, using the pen name "Lian Xin," denied authorship and then criticized Qiao Chusheng for defending figures like Uncle Liang, whom she exposed as a crude opium dealer despite his public image as a philanthropist. She declared her hatred for "hypocrites who earn dirty money in the disguise of law."
Lu Yao, meanwhile, revealed his new findings to Qiao Chusheng: the manhole cover near the first victim's body had been moved, and a sewer map confirmed that all five crime scenes' drainage systems connected to Hongren Hospital, where Lin Jiang worked. He had sent Salim down the sewers, confirming the connection.
Lu Yao presented further evidence from the autopsy reports: all five bodies had needle marks on their veins, indicating their blood was drained by "large-bore puncture needles," commonly found only in hospitals. Lu Yao then disclosed his suspicion of Lin Jiang, recalling her casual demeanor and willingness to walk alone at night after their dinner, suggesting she knew the danger was gone or never existed. Bai Youning interjected, accusing Lu Yao of letting personal feelings cloud his judgment.
As Lu Yao tried to explain his deduction, Qiao Chusheng, baffled by Salim's obedience to Lu Yao, found his Rolex on Salim, realizing Lu Yao had used it to bribe him. Lu Yao quickly fled. Later, Lu Yao visited Hongren Hospital, carrying a bouquet of flowers, where he observed Lin Jiang in a heated argument with her former boss from Huaxing Pharmaceutical Factory.
A nurse explained that Lin Jiang had previously led a drug development project at the factory, which was abruptly halted, leaving her unpaid. The nurse, unaware of the specific drug, spoke highly of Lin Jiang's good intentions and lamented her busy schedule preventing her from dating. Simultaneously, Qiao Chusheng received a phone call from Bai Qili, who was furious about Bai Youning's articles. Bai Qili confirmed his long-standing estrangement from his daughter.
Lu Yao then approached Qiao Chusheng, requesting a search warrant for Huaxing Pharmaceutical Factory, believing the vampire murders were linked to a research project there. Qiao Chusheng refused, citing a lack of evidence and the factory's foreign shareholders, warning of potential international complications. That evening, Bai Qili personally confronted Bai Youning, urging her to stop publishing. Bai Youning remained defiant, accusing him of threatening her just as he had treated her mother.
She dared him to physically retaliate or shut down her newspaper, threatening to report him for trespassing and property damage, and even write a damning story if the police ignored her. Bai Qili retorted that he had locked up her mother and could do the same to her, but also warned that while he couldn't bring himself to harm her, he could easily deal with her editor or burn down the newspaper office if she didn't cease.
Later that night, Lu Yao found Bai Youning crying. He turned off the lights to give her privacy and comforted her, admitting that his own father had never shown him affection or encouragement, expressing that they both felt unloved. Lu Yao then led Bai Youning to Huaxing Pharmaceutical Factory, emphasizing the urgency of finding clues before they disappeared. Inside, after a brief exchange where Bai Youning playfully accused them of dating, they split up to search.
A guard dog lunged at them, prompting Bai Youning to cling to Lu Yao in fear, just as Qiao Chusheng arrived, presumably having followed them. Together, they located an archive revealing "Research Results of Potent Medicine for Porphyria." The trio confronted Lin Jiang that same night, laying out their deductions.
Lu Yao revealed that Lin Jiang, in collaboration with the factory boss, had been developing a potent medicine for porphyria, a condition where light-sensitive pigment in the skin, bones, and teeth, normally benign in darkness, becomes harmful when exposed to sunlight, causing patients to fear the sun, suffer severe anemia, and develop pale complexions and sharp teeth. Though initially effective, the project was halted due to severe lesions appearing in later-stage patients.
Lu Yao explained that Lin Jiang, unwilling to abandon her research, gathered the dismissed patients to stage a "cheap horror movie." She faked being chased by a vampire to guide public opinion. He revealed that the person chasing her was not the same one who combusted. The spontaneously igniting body was a deceased porphyria patient, hidden in the alley's shade and covered with white phosphorus-coated paper, which ignites with heat and leaves no ash.
This setup ensured witnesses believed the "vampire" had spontaneously combusted in sunlight. Bai Youning noted this explained why the autopsy showed the victim was burned after death. Lu Yao then detailed how Lin Jiang orchestrated four more "vampire" murders, draining blood with large-bore needles and creating bite marks with dental braces, then publicly disposing of the bodies.
The goal was to manipulate public opinion into believing a "vampire enforced justice" against "wicked people," thereby pressuring the "black-hearted pharmaceutical factory owner" to restart the porphyria project. Lin Jiang, however, adamantly denied the accusations, calling Lu Yao's deductions imaginative but illogical, emphasizing her identity as a scientist, not a criminal or someone who would rely on folklore. Admitting a misstep in his deduction, Lu Yao requested Lin Jiang's address book to speak with her patients.
Qiao Chusheng then gathered all her patients at the factory. Impatient, the patients demanded to see Lin Jiang. Qiao Chusheng informed them that he had uncovered their crimes and that they were terminally ill with limited lives remaining, urging them to confess any accomplices for lighter sentences. The patients unanimously denied having any accomplices, asserting they had planned and carried out everything themselves. Lin Jiang then arrived, and the patients tearfully begged her to restart the project and save them.
Lin Jiang, however, apologized, explaining that current scientific knowledge simply did not support continuing the research. As the patients were taken away, Lin Jiang expressed profound guilt, wishing she had been more capable or persistent. Lu Yao comforted her, insisting she had done nothing wrong. The local newspaper celebrated the "vampire" case's resolution, attributing a new success to Inspector Qiao.
Lu Yao later met with a powerful Cambridge alumnus, who revealed his financial stake in Huaxing Pharmaceutical Factory and his interest in the porphyria case. The alumnus explained that he had halted the project due to low profitability in Asia, preferring investment in more common medications like those for malaria or stomachaches. He acknowledged Lin Jiang as a good doctor but critiqued her lack of understanding of profit.
The alumnus then offered Lu Yao a partnership, subtly hinting at needing "a little information" for cases that might affect his interests. Lu Yao, expressing a desire to avoid illegal activities and live safely, cautiously agreed to "try his best." Returning home, Lu Yao found Bai Youning waiting with takeout food.
She pressed him about Lin Jiang's innocence, suggesting Lin Jiang was at least an accomplice for concealing information and urged him to continue the investigation, even offering to pay him directly since Qiao Chusheng's funds had run out. Lu Yao refused, stating he only accepted legal commissions from the police. He confessed his fear, describing the mastermind's "risk control ability" as far exceeding any known political party or organization, given that the terminally ill patients revealed nothing under interrogation.
He stated he simply wanted to live and did not wish to delve deeper. Bai Youning, in turn, called him despicable and selfish, praising her own bravery and sense of justice. Lu Yao defended his stance, arguing that an ideal world is based on the rule of law, not morality, and that while he chooses not to do bad things due to his bottom line, choosing not to do good things is his right.
Bai Youning retorted that she now understood why he was single, leading to a continuation of their playful bickering. Meanwhile, Bai Qili, still unconvinced that a few hospital patients could orchestrate such a large-scale, intricate operation, especially one that bypassed Shao Liang's bodyguards, instructed Qiao Chusheng to continue investigating. He warned that such a powerful, hidden force posed a threat to them all. Qiao Chusheng confirmed he would proceed with the investigation.
Simultaneously, in an artist's studio, a painting depicting a woman dancing in flames suddenly ignited, rapidly setting the studio ablaze. Outside, citizens gathered, watching as a woman, the artist Ye Gerui, appeared to dance amidst the roaring flames.
Episode 6 Recap
Lu Yao was in the midst of painting a portrait of Bai Youning when his landlady abruptly arrived, demanding payment for overdue rent and utility bills. Startled, Lu Yao tried to hide, but the landlady noticed his valuable gramophone and threatened to sell it to cover the costs. Lu Yao quickly emerged, promising to pay soon. The landlady, however, turned on the gramophone, invited Lu Yao to dance, and unexpectedly proposed marriage, urging him to get a marriage certificate immediately.
Overwhelmed, Lu Yao promised to pay the rent within three days. Desperate for money, Lu Yao sought out Qiao Chusheng, offering to take any case to settle his debts. Qiao Chusheng then assigned him the case of a female painter, Ye Gerui, whose studio had burned down, killing her.
The painting she created before her death was called "Kiss of Fire," and witnesses claimed she was still alive when the fire began, only to be burned to death during the rescue efforts. Lu Yao promptly went to investigate the charred studio. Aside from art supplies, he found no immediate anomalies. Upon returning, Lu Yao stood transfixed in silence. Bai Youning tried to invite him and Qiao Chusheng to the Red House Restaurant for dinner, but he remained unresponsive.
Both Bai Youning and Qiao Chusheng pressed him for answers, with Qiao Chusheng assuring him of full support. Lu Yao then offered a condition: Qiao Chusheng must pay him as if it were a murder case, regardless of the actual cause of death. Qiao Chusheng agreed, prompting Lu Yao to state his conclusion: Ye Gerui had committed suicide. This matched the coroner's report, leading Qiao Chusheng to officially close the case as a suicide.
With the rent deadline looming, Lu Yao attempted to sell his cherished collections to Bai Youning, but she showed no interest, advising him to visit a pawnshop instead. He refused, considering his collection his "flesh and blood." Bai Youning then suggested he ask his wealthy father for money, but Lu Yao vehemently rejected the idea, stating he didn't want his father's "dirty money." Later, Salim, on Qiao Chusheng's behalf, summoned Lu Yao to the police station.
Ye Gerui's fiancé, Xue Qiong, had arrived, adamantly refusing to believe she committed suicide. He explained that they were to be married the following month, and Ye Gerui had already purchased train tickets for a sketching trip to Lingnan, showing no signs of distress. He pleaded with them to reinvestigate, even kneeling in desperation.
Lu Yao mused whether Ye Gerui's frequent depiction of women dancing in fire might have led her to become "too deep into character," but Xue Qiong strongly denied it. Xue Qiong confirmed he was in the northern Jiangsu Province visiting relatives on the day of the fire. Swayed by Xue Qiong's arguments, Qiao Chusheng reopened the case, despite Lu Yao's previous conclusion, and promised to pay Lu Yao's rent for a year if he found the true culprit.
Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng revisited Ye Gerui's home. Despite its simple furnishings, her expensive cosmetics stood out, and she appeared to make her own fashionable clothes from magazines, even on the day of her death. Lu Yao noted that someone who cared so much about her appearance was unlikely to choose to die by fire, leading Qiao Chusheng to agree that it wasn't suicide.
Meanwhile, Bai Youning discovered that Ye Gerui had been a poor artist whose paintings were worthless before her death. However, after her dramatic fiery demise, she gained fame as an "art martyr," and the value of her works skyrocketed. A Jewish collector named Raymond, who owned many of her paintings, reportedly made a profit of at least one hundred thousand silver dollars.
Bai Youning also heard that Raymond, despite being notoriously stingy, had recently purchased a luxurious, well-situated mansion in Qiyun Mountain with a single payment, which was rumored to be his largest expense ever. Lu Yao wanted to question Raymond, but Qiao Chusheng refused to go, instead sending Salim with Lu Yao. At Raymond's residence, they were told he was "traveling around."
However, Lu Yao spotted fresh cigar ash in an ashtray and an envelope with the Qingyuan Pavilion logo in the trash, deducing that Raymond had recently left for that private club and gallery. Since entry to Qingyuan Pavilion required an invitation, Lu Yao asked Qiao Chusheng to accompany him. Qiao Chusheng, seemingly holding a grudge against Raymond, initially refused, only relenting when Lu Yao threatened to abandon the case.
At Qingyuan Pavilion, Raymond was in the midst of auctioning Ye Gerui's paintings. Qiao Chusheng immediately confronted him, demanding he return to the police station. Raymond agreed to cooperate after finishing his business, but then a fire suddenly erupted in the exhibition hall, sending guests scattering. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng rushed in. Most of the displayed paintings were severely damaged, but one remained perfectly intact. Someone immediately offered a high price for it.
Raymond claimed it was Ye Gerui's last painting, attempting to drive up its price. Qiao Chusheng then exposed Raymond's deception, revealing he had scattered flammable rosin powder around the paintings, even finding residue on Raymond's fingers. Qiao Chusheng arrested Raymond and brought him to the police station for interrogation, presenting the evidence of arson. Raymond repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Qiao Chusheng pressed him on the murder charge, but Raymond refused to answer, so Qiao Chusheng had him detained, tasking Lu Yao with finding further evidence, reiterating his promise of a year's rent if the case was solved. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng returned to Ye Gerui's studio. Lu Yao found the red pigment on the canvases unusual; its color and texture suggested it was mercuric oxide, implying it had been secretly replaced.
He also noticed the peculiar placement of mirrors and glass ornaments in the studio. Using a flashlight, he demonstrated how light was reflected by these items onto the canvas. Qiao Chusheng then understood: the killer had used specific arrangements to focus sunlight onto the canvases treated with a combustion accelerant, creating the illusion of spontaneous combustion or suicide.
Lu Yao further theorized that Ye Gerui's frantic dancing in the flames was due to hallucinations caused by mercury poisoning from inhaling vaporized cinnabar, a component of the mercuric oxide. Meanwhile, Salim discovered an imported cigar butt, the same brand Raymond smoked, on the studio's rooftop. A street vendor below also confirmed seeing Raymond loitering near the studio on the day of the fire.
Qiao Chusheng dispatched Salim to Yun'an Department Store to check cigar sales records while he and Lu Yao returned to interrogate Raymond. Despite the growing physical and circumstantial evidence, Raymond continued to plead innocence. Qiao Chusheng then presented Ye Gerui's surviving "Kiss of Fire" painting to Xue Qiong at the police station. Shortly after Xue Qiong left, Salim returned with the cigar sales records, which surprisingly listed Xue Qiong's name.
Qiao Chusheng immediately concluded Xue Qiong was the true murderer, but Lu Yao remained unconvinced. Qiao Chusheng detained Xue Qiong, accusing him of orchestrating Ye Gerui's death by framing Raymond, thereby gaining ownership of the "Kiss of Fire" and becoming instantly wealthy. Xue Qiong vehemently denied it. Lu Yao soon revealed the truth: Ye Gerui had committed suicide.
He pointed to numerous small black scorch marks on the studio walls, indicating repeated light-focusing experiments, far too many for an outside perpetrator to conduct without Ye Gerui noticing. This suggested Ye Gerui herself had conducted them. Lu Yao then explained Ye Gerui's motives. He had investigated her local hospital and discovered she was terminally ill.
Living in poverty and exploited by Raymond, who had bought out her work for ten years at a low price, Ye Gerui's health had deteriorated from constant pressure, leading to her incurable condition.
Therefore, she devised an elaborate plan with three goals: first, to ensure her painting, "Kiss of Fire," would become famous and valuable; second, to frame Raymond, exacting revenge and reclaiming her art; and third, to leave the now-valuable paintings as a substantial inheritance for her beloved fiancé, Xue Qiong, ensuring his future financial security.
The cinnabar found at Raymond's house and his presence near the studio were explained by his hobby of Taoist health practices (evident from the portrait of Emperor Zhenwu in his home) and Ye Gerui intentionally calling him to the studio that day, knowing the vendor would spot him, thus weaving him into her scheme. Hearing Lu Yao's poignant analysis, Xue Qiong broke down in tears.
Episode 7 Recap
Lu Yao found himself in a financial bind, unable to pay his rent, and began reluctantly preparing to sell his prized possessions. While cleaning them, Raymond arrived to express gratitude, as Lu Yao's actions had cleared his name of a murder charge. Lu Yao seized the opportunity to propose Raymond buy his collectibles, but Raymond showed no interest in them.
Instead, he was captivated by a painting Lu Yao had casually created, offering thirty silver dollars for it on the spot, remarking on its Picasso-like style. Meanwhile, Qiao Chusheng remained fixated on Raymond's previous case, resentful that Raymond had escaped imprisonment. Bai Youning, curious about their conflict, learned from Qiao Chusheng that Raymond had brutally punished him by burning his arm with a cigar.
This happened years ago when Qiao Chusheng was a young porter at Shiliupu Pier and accidentally dirtied Raymond's shoes. Qiao Chusheng still bore the mark and the memory. Lu Yao, however, mused that Raymond's harshness had inadvertently propelled Qiao Chusheng to his current success. Bai Youning later lightheartedly demanded a "portrait usage fee" from Lu Yao for the painting Raymond bought, claiming it was her image, a claim Lu Yao dismissed as unrecognizable.
Later, at the Three-dollar Hall, Yaoqin, a resident courtesan, had just bid farewell to a guest and was preparing to go upstairs to receive her regular patron, Mr. Chen Guangzhi. Suddenly, a terrifying silhouette of a hanging person appeared on the window glass, causing the other women to scream in terror. Gathering her courage, Yaoqin entered the room, only to find Mr. Chen Guangzhi hanging from the ceiling beam, with the blood-red character "孽" (sin) carved into his forehead.
Qiao Chusheng, after trying to unwind at Paramount Hall, discovered his motorcycle was missing. He soon found Lu Yao precariously riding it before crashing into a roadside barrier. A furious Qiao Chusheng confronted him. Just then, Salim arrived to inform Qiao Chusheng of the murder at Three-dollar Hall.
Qiao Chusheng decided to bring Lu Yao along, but Lu Yao, citing injuries from the crash, leveraged the situation to extort money from Qiao Chusheng for medical expenses, lost wages, and "mental injury." Upon arriving at Three-dollar Hall, Yaoqin recounted the details of the discovery. They meticulously examined Yaoqin's room but found no signs of forced entry. Questioning Yaoqin about the victim, they learned that Chen Guangzhi was Shanghai's foremost porcelain carving master, though he had a significant gambling addiction.
The following morning, Bai Youning joined them, bringing the autopsy report confirming Chen Guangzhi died of asphyxia. She also revealed that yesterday was the first anniversary of Chen Guangzhi's respected teacher's passing. Due to his rampant gambling, Chen Guangzhi had accumulated substantial debts and neglected his carving. Lu Yao observed that the character carved on the victim's forehead was executed very professionally.
Lu Yao led Bai Youning to the Three-dollar Hall's backyard, where they noticed a deep indentation below Yaoqin's window. Yaoqin explained it was from a clothesline that often fell due to heavy items. Bai Youning theorized the killer used the rope to escape, thus leaving no footprints in the muddy ground. She attempted to demonstrate, almost falling herself, but Qiao Chusheng arrived just in time to catch her, admonishing their recklessness.
He then informed them that he had identified thirteen individuals who had close contact with Chen Guangzhi. Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao began their investigation by visiting Li Mohan, who had previously had a public altercation with Chen Guangzhi at an auction. Li Mohan was initially uncooperative, verbally abusing Lu Yao and spitting on him. However, upon Qiao Chusheng's appearance, Li Mohan immediately became docile and agreed to cooperate.
Li Mohan claimed he had been in his studio carving all night. Lu Yao noticed porcelain powder on Li Mohan's sleeve and observed that a "孽" character carved on a porcelain piece by Li Mohan differed from the one on Chen Guangzhi's forehead. Lu Yao explained that porcelain carving had two distinct schools—gongbi and xieyi—each using different tools and techniques. The "孽" on Chen Guangzhi's forehead was carved with a gongbi-style tool, while Li Mohan belonged to the xieyi school.
This crucial distinction cleared Li Mohan of suspicion. Li Mohan then suggested that Xu Lin, Chen Guangzhi's junior fellow disciple, was the most likely suspect, though he was not in Shanghai yesterday. Lu Yao, intrigued, questioned Li Mohan about his fear of Qiao Chusheng, who Li Mohan vaguely referred to as one of the "Eight Martial Arts Masters." Qiao Chusheng, however, evaded Lu Yao's persistent inquiries. Salim soon picked up Xu Lin, who had returned to Shanghai by train.
Xu Lin immediately went to the police station to provide a statement, repeatedly insisting he had been in Nanjing at a symposium. After Qiao Chusheng verified his alibi with authorities in Nanjing, Xu Lin was allowed to leave. Lu Yao, however, noticed Xu Lin's remarkably clean Heming brand cloth shoes and suspected he was lying. Lu Yao then took Qiao Chusheng to the train station to illustrate his theory.
He explained that in winter, third-class train carriages were typically at the rear of the train, closer to the locomotive's boiler for warmth. In summer, they were moved to the front for cooler air and to avoid coal cinders from the locomotive. This year, spring arrived early, prompting the carriages to be switched to their summer configuration that very morning.
Therefore, anyone traveling in a third-class carriage that day would have arrived with wrinkled clothes, be sweating profusely, have a dirty face, and, crucially, have coal dust on their shoes. Xu Lin's clean shoes were a strong indicator he hadn't traveled by train as he claimed. Lu Yao also pointed out a discreet gap on the west side of the train station, further solidifying his suspicions and urging Qiao Chusheng to arrest Xu Lin.
Lu Yao, Qiao Chusheng, and the now-arrested Xu Lin returned to the Three-dollar Hall's backyard. Lu Yao began to unravel the mystery, starting with a demonstration using shadows to explain how the hanging body could have appeared in the window, likening it to a magic trick. He then exposed Xu Lin's fabricated alibi: Xu Lin had hired someone to impersonate him at the Nanjing symposium, while he himself had hidden inside the train station overnight.
In the morning, he emerged with the first arriving train from Nanjing, blending in with the other passengers to create a false alibi. Lu Yao further revealed that the "dent" in the muddy ground of the backyard was not from a clothesline, but from a bicycle tire.
He then dramatically re-enacted the killer's escape: after committing the murder, Xu Lin had ridden a bicycle out of the backyard, parked it against the wall, climbed onto the roof using the bicycle as a step, then returned the same way. This method ensured no footprints were left. Lu Yao concluded by noting that in that era, bicycles were rare, and tracking one by its serial number would inevitably lead back to Xu Lin, exposing his crime.
Episode 8 Recap
Lu Yao's team located Xu Lin's bicycle, presenting irrefutable evidence that led Xu Lin to confess. Lu Yao questioned why Xu Lin had chosen to carve words on Chen Guangzhi's head, which seemed to intentionally expose his identity. Xu Lin explained that he wished to warn future generations against abandoning their original principles. He detailed how Chen Guangzhi, his senior apprentice, had succumbed to gambling debts and secretly colluded with a porcelain factory.
Chen Guangzhi arranged for inferior porcelain to be supplied to Shanghai's porcelain carvers while charging premium prices. Xu Lin had urged him to establish his own business, but Chen Guangzhi's greed prevented him from stepping down. Xu Lin feared that this would lead to new apprentices practicing with shoddy porcelain and loyal customers being disappointed, ultimately ruining the art of porcelain carving. He felt compelled to punish Chen Guangzhi on behalf of their Master.
Qiao Chusheng pointed out that Xu Lin's arrest would deprive the industry of another master, but Xu Lin maintained that the prosperity of a trade relies on the self-discipline and upward mobility of all its practitioners, not just one individual, and that removing a "black sheep" like Chen Guangzhi was necessary, with others like Li Mohan still supporting the trade.
Before being taken away, Xu Lin made a special request to Qiao Chusheng, asking him to retrieve a pair of sculpting knives from a drawer in his workshop and give them to Lu Yao. Xu Lin believed that Lu Yao, being a simple-minded man, might find solace in porcelain carving when troubled, as the sound of the knife on porcelain could bring a clear mind.
He also admitted to using Chen Guangzhi's sculpting knife for the murder, as his own "graver" was exclusively for porcelain. Meanwhile, Bai Youning had published a newspaper article about the case, sensationalizing it with a misleading headline about a ghost story. Qiao Chusheng later gifted Bai Qili a watch, claiming it was bought by Bai Youning with her contribution fee, which delighted Bai Qili.
Bai Qili expressed his appreciation for Lu Yao's intelligence and assistance in solving major cases, seeing him as a potential son-in-law. Qiao Chusheng advised him to observe further, but Bai Qili was eager to meet Lu Yao. The growing fame of Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng, who had solved numerous major cases in a short time, alarmed Norman. He feared that Bai Qili would seize this opportunity to expand his influence in the concession and suggested eliminating Lu Yao.
However, Andre strongly cautioned against this, revealing Lu Yao's distinguished family background in Haining, his scholar father who had represented China in the Paris Peace Conference, his two elder brothers who were high-ranking officials in the Beiyang Government, and his sister who served as a confidential secretary to a powerful figure. Andre warned that any harm to Lu Yao would bring endless trouble. Norman, realizing the implications, understood and backed down.
Lu Yao observed that cotton yarn prices were about to skyrocket and attempted to convince Bai Youning to invest in the stock market, promising her substantial profits. However, Bai Youning was penniless. Lu Yao, desperate not to miss this opportunity, suggested a sham marriage between them so he could secure a "bride price" from Bai Qili to invest. Bai Youning found this idea dull, advocating for a real marriage instead.
She then suggested Lu Yao marry their landlady, who was infatuated with him, claiming she would get him the entire stock exchange, not just the capital for investment. Lu Yao dismissed this, stating he would regret missing the stock opportunity for life. Just then, Qiao Chusheng arrived with a new case: a man's body found in the street garden near Jing'an Temple Road. Qiao Chusheng recounted the informant's report of blood flowing from the belfry, leading directly to the body.
Lu Yao, preoccupied with his financial woes, demanded an advance of 100 silver dollars as a consultant fee, threatening not to take the case otherwise. He feigned a "mental disorder" to emphasize his urgency for funds. Qiao Chusheng, recognizing the victim as Li Hengli, a returned student previously funded and highly regarded by Bai Qili, agreed to Lu Yao's demand.
Lu Yao insisted on meeting Bai Qili first, which Bai Youning immediately saw through as a ploy to extort money from her father. Despite her warnings, Qiao Chusheng called Bai Qili to arrange the meeting. At Bai Qili's residence, Lu Yao directly informed him about the murder of Li Hengli, a student Bai Qili had previously funded. Bai Qili, however, had funded hundreds of students and couldn't recall Li Hengli, despite being reminded that he had personally seen him off.
Bai Qili then steered the conversation towards Lu Yao's relationship with Bai Youning, mentioning he heard they shared an apartment. Lu Yao affirmed their amicable friendship, describing Bai Youning as a "warm-hearted and righteous" girl, but Bai Qili insisted Lu Yao take full responsibility for her, implying marriage. This deeply unsettled Lu Yao, who stammered denials and offered to move out immediately, fearing he was being accused of abandoning her.
Bai Qili reassured him and then presented him with an invitation to the prestigious Zhejiang Guildhall, an exclusive club for the big shots of the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce. Later, Lu Yao learned from Qiao Chusheng that the annual membership fee was 200 silver dollars, a sum he deemed extravagant for "drinking and chatting with a bunch of old men," and he defiantly discarded the invitation.
Bai Youning, upon hearing of Lu Yao's failed attempt to "swindle" her father and his near-panic, declared that Lu Yao was too naive to deal with experienced figures like her father and insisted Qiao Chusheng prevent any further contact between them, despite Qiao Chusheng's belief that her father meant well. Qiao Chusheng, Lu Yao, and Bai Youning arrived at the street garden to investigate the Bell Tower case.
The victim, 30-year-old Li Hengli, was the supervisor hired by Lidun Soap Factory. Qiao Chusheng's team had already sent the body for autopsy due to concerns about rats and cleaned up the bloodstains, which had been trampled by morning passersby. The informant, a gardener named Zhang Gong, reported that blood trickled out of the belfry gate last night, leading all the way to the flower bed, and also seeped from the belfry walls and stairs.
At the scene, a fortuneteller warned them of "disasters" due to the destruction of flowers for the belfry's construction, stating that the belfry was located in an inauspicious "reverse bow" area. Lu Yao, after examining the belfry, determined that the "blood" oozing from the walls was not real blood, but a mixture of water and rust.
He explained that during Shanghai's rainy season, a thin layer of oil applied to the wall could create a waterproof film, causing water to seep out in drops. Someone had then applied rust to the surface, mixing with the water to create the illusion of blood. This suggested an attempt to create a frightening illusion. Lu Yao also speculated that the blood leading from the belfry to the body could be explained by the pavement's slope.
However, Bai Youning refuted this, stating that Jing'an Temple Road, being one of the first roads built in the concession, was paved with cement boards and could not have uneven surfaces. Qiao Chusheng brought Zhang Gong in for interrogation. Zhang Gong initially denied involvement but eventually confessed that he went to the belfry to demand payment from Li Hengli for his destroyed pink roses. Li Hengli had initially offered only five silver dollars, promising a gold bar the next day.
Zhang Gong also mentioned that Li Hengli had been checking his watch constantly, suggesting he was waiting for someone. The autopsy report confirmed Li Hengli had died at least eight hours prior, sometime between 9 PM the night before last and 6 PM last night. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng returned to the belfry for further investigation.
Bai Youning reported that according to the street vendors (a violinist and a fortuneteller), Li Hengli was consistently the first to arrive at the construction site in the morning and the last to leave at night. Lu Yao noticed cracks in the belfry's bricks, concluding they were of inferior quality. Qiao Chusheng suspected collusion, suggesting Li Hengli and an accomplice were cutting corners and pocketing money.
They decided to review the construction approval documents, believing someone in the government might be involved. Bai Youning noted that Section Chief Zhou, who was responsible for the approval documents, conveniently took leave just as they began their search, raising suspicions. Despite Lu Yao's feigned "reading disorder," they began the tedious task of sifting through unclassified old documents.
While Qiao Chusheng and Bai Youning spent the entire afternoon reviewing approval documents, Lu Yao leisurely watched street performers near the bell tower. Their efforts uncovered evidence confirming that Section Chief Zhou of the Industry Section had secretly colluded with Li Hengli. They had inflated the belfry's construction costs and used inferior materials, embezzling the difference. However, Section Chief Zhou had vanished, leaving the trail cold. Later, Salim reported another body found in the street garden near Jing'an Temple Road.
Qiao Chusheng, Lu Yao, and Bai Youning rushed to the scene. The factory cleaner, who usually hosed down the belfry with soap water around 11 PM after the workers left, was the one who discovered the new victim. This time, the blood flowed out of the belfry and northward, a different direction from Li Hengli's body, which was found to the west. Lu Yao immediately identified the deceased as Section Chief Zhou, the same official who had gone on leave.
Bai Youning insisted on dragging Lu Yao to Section Chief Zhou's house for investigation. Lu Yao was immediately captivated by the house's opulent collection of Tang tri-colored pottery and other authentic artifacts, noting that just one set of pottery could buy an apartment on Avenue Joffre. Mrs. Zhou informed them that her husband had left at around 7 PM the previous evening, telling her not to wait up, and had planned a trip to Tianjin.
Pressed by Qiao Chusheng regarding the origin of their wealth given Section Chief Zhou's modest 60-silver-dollar salary, Mrs. Zhou revealed that her husband had regularly brought home gold bars over the past month. She showed them a chest full of gold bars, along with numerous antiques.
Bai Youning was appalled by the scale of the corruption, expressing that it was a cheap death for someone who embezzled so much from the public, but Lu Yao remained focused on the murder case, not the corruption. Qiao Chusheng, Lu Yao, and Bai Youning visited the chairman of Lidun Soap Factory. The chairman, constantly on the phone, appeared too busy to engage.
Lu Yao observed his yellowed fingers, overflowing ashtrays, and a trash can full of cigarette butts, indicating he had been chain-smoking and hadn't left his office for at least a day and a night. He also noted the chairman's bloodshot eyes, hoarse voice, unshaven chin, and wrinkled shirt, all consistent with someone who hadn't been out or groomed himself.
More critically, Lu Yao found a commemorative matchbox from Paramount Hall's anniversary celebration, which was only given to attendees between 9 PM and midnight two nights prior. Lu Yao reasoned that if the chairman were trying to fabricate an alibi, he wouldn't carelessly discard such a crucial piece of evidence, thus clearing him of suspicion. With the lead gone, Qiao Chusheng was at a loss.
Lu Yao then suggested that the key was to identify who benefited most from the deaths of Section Chief Zhou and Li Hengli, as their demise had directly led to the belfry construction being halted. He urged Qiao Chusheng to treat them to noodles at a newly opened shop downstairs. While at the noodle shop, Qiao Chusheng noticed water leaking from the ceiling, leading to the shop owner's complaints about a "leaking ceiling" from upstairs.
Episode 9 Recap
After Qiao Chusheng discovered the noodle shop downstairs was leaking, Lu Yao suddenly realized he had forgotten to turn off the tap in his own room. He and Bai Youning rushed upstairs, finding water flowing everywhere, even into Bai Youning's room, much to her exasperation. When Qiao Chusheng arrived, Lu Yao, observing the water's direction, had a sudden epiphany, finally understanding the unique method the killer used to murder Li Hengli and Section Chief Zhou.
Lu Yao later returned to the belfry and confronted a charlatan, accusing him of spreading rumors about the belfry bringing bloodshed. He challenged the man to tell his fortune. The charlatan, admitting he was a fraud, begged Lu Yao for mercy, but Lu Yao pressed him for the source of the "reversed arch taboo" rumor.
The charlatan explained that the sidewalk was shaped like a bow, with its vertex pointing directly at the belfry's main gate, creating the "reversed arch taboo." He then urged Lu Yao to go up the belfry to see for himself. Lu Yao later paid the charlatan for a past kindness when the charlatan had given him food.
Meanwhile, Qiao Chusheng's patrol officers investigated the alleyways near the belfry, discovering that many residents complained about the belfry blocking sunlight, particularly a few households that received no light at all. Qiao Chusheng decided to investigate this himself. From the top of the belfry, Lu Yao confirmed the charlatan's theory, which led him to identify the violinist as the murderer. When challenged by the violinist and other witnesses who doubted the claim, Lu Yao explained his theory.
He described the street garden's sidewalk as a maze, with the belfry as its center and flower beds as exits. He revealed that after daily construction work on the belfry, cleaners from Lidun Soap Factory used a special soapy water to wash away dust. This soapy water, when mixed with blood, created an unbalanced surface tension, directing the blood flow.
Lu Yao further explained that the killer manipulated this flow by using the consistent positions of street artists and hawkers, who habitually placed their stalls to block certain forks in the sidewalk.
He then revealed that the violinist's changing position on different days (from the west side to the middle) caused the other vendors to adjust their own positions, thereby changing which forks were blocked and thus altering the blood's path to different flower beds where the victims' bodies were found. Lu Yao used sketches from a daily painter in the garden to prove the violinist's shifting position.
The violinist, cornered by the evidence, admitted his motive was to demolish the belfry because it blocked his dying wife's view of the sunset. Lu Yao then revealed that his wife had passed away that very morning, making his actions tragically futile. The violinist stated that even seeing the sunset for a single moment was worth the cost.
Later, Lu Yao frantically tried to borrow one hundred silver dollars for a stock investment, as the next market trend was less than three days away. He approached Yun Jie, who teased him by offering to lend him the money only if he kissed her or danced with her.
Just then, Bai Youning, a core member of the Fudan Drama Club, burst in, feigning tears and dramatically accusing Lu Yao of being a heartless scoundrel who had abandoned her and their unborn child. Yun Jie, embarrassed, quickly left. Lu Yao was left speechless and exasperated, while Bai Youning was secretly pleased with her convincing performance.
Lu Yao later expressed deep regret, lamenting that if he had obtained the one hundred silver dollars, he could have made enough profit to buy the entire apartment building, as his chosen stock had soared in value. Bai Youning then presented her first movie script, which she had written based on their past cases.
She described the protagonist as a beautiful and graceful female reporter who solves cases, with Lu Yao reduced to her driver and sidekick who eventually dies protecting her. Lu Yao vehemently objected to his portrayal and demanded half of the script's earnings. Their argument was cut short when Qiao Chusheng arrived, announcing a new case. A father and son had discovered a female body while fishing by the river.
It was confirmed that the deceased had gone missing five years prior, and local villagers believed she had been taken by the river god to be his bride. Bai Youning eagerly pressed for details, but Lu Yao, still annoyed, refused to share any information with her. Mr. He, the deceased's father, came to Qiao Chusheng to report the case.
He explained that five years ago, he had taken his daughter, He Qingyi, to his villas in Jinsha Bay for a vacation. One night, around ten o'clock, she went for a walk alone and tragically fell into the water. A servant later told him that he had seen a young guy in blue clothes appearing near the villa around the time of the incident.
Mr. He, who owned all the surrounding properties, found this suspicious and led a search team to chase the young man, but he vanished at a crossroads. Mr. He dismissed the local rumors that his daughter had been taken by the river god to be his bride, but Lu Yao inquired about the legend's origin. Mr. He explained that it dated back to the Daoguang Period of the Qing Dynasty, when the area was prone to severe floods.
Villagers, influenced by a Taoist's prophecy, sacrificed virgins to the river god, and the floods subsequently receded, establishing the enduring legend. He Qingyi had disappeared at the very site where these ancient sacrifices took place. Lu Yao promised to return He Qingyi's body to him after the autopsy. As they spoke, Lu Yao observed Mr. He's suspicious behavior, noting his defensive posture, leaning back slightly, and continuously rubbing his hands.
Lu Yao prepared to go to the crime scene, but Qiao Chusheng, who was busy receiving a British official from the Municipal Council, assigned Big Guy Kan to accompany Lu Yao. Lu Yao, dissatisfied with Big Guy Kan's intimidating appearance, was reassured by Qiao Chusheng that despite his looks, Big Guy Kan was a loyal and honest man. Accompanied by Big Guy Kan, Lu Yao followed a set of tracks to a train station.
The old stationmaster recalled seeing the young guy in blue clothes five years ago. The young man had purchased two tickets for an eleven o'clock departure but inexplicably left at ten o'clock, disappearing entirely. He had left a heavy suitcase at the station. Lu Yao instructed the stationmaster to open it.
Inside, they found a note signed "River God," addressed to "Detective Lu," stating that his "girlfriend" (Bai Youning) was in the River God's custody and giving him three days to solve He Qingyi's murder, or the River God would marry her. Lu Yao immediately rushed back to the Police Station. At the Police Station, Qiao Chusheng confirmed that Bai Youning had been kidnapped from her home, evidenced by broken glass found on the living room floor.
He expressed panic, but Lu Yao, unwavering, vowed to find her within three days. He insisted on performing He Qingyi's autopsy himself, recognizing it as the sole clue to finding the perpetrator. During the autopsy, Lu Yao discovered extensive old bruises on He Qingyi's body, indicating long-term abuse. Her leg muscles showed severe atrophy from prolonged malnutrition, and her dull complexion suggested extended confinement.
He also noted recent, irregular cuts on her legs, consistent with being scratched by sharp vegetation, likely from running through a forest. Based on these findings, particularly the presence of freshwater aquatic plants on her body, Lu Yao deduced that He Qingyi had been held in a remote, densely vegetated area with a freshwater source, not far from Jinsha Bay.
He concluded that she had managed to escape, sprained her leg in the process, and was then recaptured, evidenced by wrist bruises. The killer, in a panic, had drowned her in a nearby freshwater river before dumping her body in the sea to conceal the crime. However, ocean currents had unexpectedly washed her back to Jinsha Bay.
Armed with Lu Yao's detailed findings, Qiao Chusheng dispatched all available patrol officers to search the identified area for a small cabin or prison that could house one person. They eventually located a small wooden cabin, which had a foul smell, and "Xu Yuan" carved into a wooden board. Lu Yao immediately concluded that Mr. He must know this individual. Lu Yao confronted Mr. He at his residence, relentlessly pushing him to reveal the truth.
He vividly described the five years of torment He Qingyi had endured: imprisoned in a tiny, shabby cabin in the woods southwest of Jinsha Bay, fed moldy and stinky pig food, and subjected to endless torture. Overwhelmed, Mr. He finally broke down, confessing that Xu Yuan, a notorious street punk, had coveted Qingyi and constantly spread malicious rumors about her.
To escape the pervasive gossip, Mr. He had taken Qingyi to the seaside villa, but Xu Yuan had abducted her and subjected her to unspeakable cruelties. Lu Yao then inquired if Qingyi had been pregnant, which Mr. He vehemently denied. Lu Yao requested to search Qingyi's room, where he discovered a note with the words "River God's Bride." Recognizing Bai Youning's distinctive handwriting, Lu Yao realized the kidnapper had been in Qingyi's room and left the note.
Just then, Salim arrived, confirming that Qiao Chusheng had uncovered Xu Yuan's identity. Salim further elaborated that Xu Yuan lived on Yong'an South Street, a neighbor of the He family. His father was a butcher, and Xu Yuan himself was a well-known punk who had been arrested multiple times for fighting. He was despised by his neighbors, and after Qingyi's disappearance, he became the primary suspect but vanished without a trace.
The ensuing harsh rumors reportedly led to his parents' deaths from anger, and his sister subsequently left to live with distant relatives in Ningbo. Lu Yao concluded that Xu Yuan was undoubtedly the one who had kidnapped and abused He Qingyi, and that by leaving the note, he was now challenging Lu Yao. Lu Yao requested a strong man, not Salim, to return to the crime scene with him.
Episode 10 Recap
Following the recent discovery of He Qingyi's body, who had been missing for five years, and the subsequent kidnapping of Bai Youning by someone claiming to be the "River God" who demanded Lu Yao solve He Qingyi's disappearance, Lu Yao continued his investigation.
Lu Yao conducted an experiment with Big Guy Kan, timing his run from the train station to the He family villa to determine if Xu Yuan could have abducted He Qingyi and still caught the 11 o'clock train. Big Guy Kan struggled with the pace, noting that an ordinary person would take over an hour.
Lu Yao calculated that even if Xu Yuan arrived at the villa by 10:20 AM via tram, he would only have eight minutes to kidnap He Qingyi from the heavily guarded estate before needing thirty-two minutes to return to the station by 10:28 AM to catch the train, making an unassisted kidnapping impossible. Big Guy Kan recalled the sensational case, mentioning that Mr. He offered a thousand silver dollars as a reward for his daughter's return.
He also remembered that about five or six months after Qingyi's disappearance, a letter arrived from the "River God" claiming Qingyi was happily married and and requested a box of gold be sunk in Jinsha Bay as a dowry. Mr. He, furious, ordered his butler to burn the letter and suppress any mention of the incident, but the butler secretly kept it, recognizing Qingyi’s handwriting and believing it might be her last keepsake.
The letter also mentioned their life was difficult due to the scarcity of fish and shrimp in Jinsha Bay. Lu Yao then examined the letter's envelope, noticing faint impressions of Chinese medicinal herbs, including Borneol, nux vomica, daemonorops draco, frankincense for anti-inflammatory and blood circulation, and Atractylodes, radix aconiti, and musk for abortion. He deduced that Qingyi might have been injured and needed an abortion.
Lu Yao instructed Qiao Chusheng to send men to major pharmacies to check purchase records from that June for these specific combinations of medicines, believing the buyer would be the culprit. Big Guy Kan revealed that Xu Yuan had repeatedly fought with a man named Long, a minor punk and distant relative of the He family, who now worked for Mr. Du. Qiao Chusheng confronted Long, who initially refused to cooperate.
After Qiao Chusheng resorted to force, Long admitted that Xu Yuan was infatuated with Miss He and frequently harassed her. Mr. He, being Long's relative, had asked him to intervene. Long had repeatedly beaten Xu Yuan, but the more he was beaten, the more determined Xu Yuan became. Once, Xu Yuan even showed up strapped with explosives, terrifying Long and his men. Long believed Xu Yuan was definitely responsible for Miss He's subsequent disappearance.
Soon after, a report came in that Xinchang Pharmacy had a purchase record matching the exact medicine list from that June. The buyer was Zhou Wenmao, the He family's butler. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng rushed to the He mansion but found Zhou Wenmao had fled. Inside his room, they found a note with "8125, Zhabei Old Warehouse" written in Bai Youning’s distinct handwriting, with the ink still fresh.
Qiao Chusheng immediately dispatched patrol officers to search the train station and docks for Zhou Wenmao while they headed to the warehouse to rescue Bai Youning. Upon arriving at the warehouse, Bai Youning surprisingly claimed she was there voluntarily and that her kidnapper was not the murderer. Lu Yao spotted dried soybeans, a snack Big Guy Kan loved, and deduced that Big Guy Kan was actually Xu Yuan.
Bai Youning confirmed that Xu Yuan had asked for her help to pose as a hostage, forcing Lu Yao to quickly solve He Qingyi's case. Lu Yao, connecting the dots, realized that Xu Yuan's intimate knowledge of Qingyi's room and a secret compartment only known to Qingyi meant that Qingyi and Xu Yuan had planned to elope. The "insider" was Qingyi herself, but Zhou Wenmao had intercepted them.
Xu Yuan had cleverly used Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng to uncover Zhou Wenmao's identity and whereabouts. Xu Yuan had left the warehouse address for them to rescue Bai Youning, allowing him to pursue Zhou Wenmao unhindered. Realizing Xu Yuan's intent to confront the butler, Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng quickly set off. They found Xu Yuan in a forest cabin, where he had brought Zhou Wenmao. Zhou Wenmao confessed that he had long admired He Qingyi.
Seizing an opportunity when she was on her way to meet Xu Yuan, he easily gained her trust, then secretly abducted her and hid her. He admitted to raping her. Enraged by the confession, Xu Yuan used a branding iron to inflict wounds on Zhou Wenmao. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng arrived in time to prevent Xu Yuan from killing him.
Xu Yuan explained that he and Qingyi were deeply in love, but Mr. He, disapproving of their relationship, confined Qingyi to the Jinsha Bay villa. Qingyi secretly sent him a message to meet her at the train station for an elopement. When she didn't show up, Xu Yuan returned to the villa, only to be mistaken by Mr. He as the kidnapper and chased out of Shanghai.
He then disfigured himself and returned to the city to seek revenge and find Qingyi. Zhou Wenmao then admitted he feigned helping Mr. He search for Qingyi. Qiao Chusheng tried to persuade Xu Yuan to let the law punish Zhou Wenmao, reminding him that even Miss He would not wish him to become a murderer. However, consumed by vengeance, Xu Yuan disregarded the plea and fatally stabbed Zhou Wenmao. Xu Yuan was later sentenced to ten years in prison.
Mr. He visited Xu Yuan in jail, expressing deep regret and apologizing for his past actions. Xu Yuan, accepting his fate, said he and Qingyi were not destined in this life and only wished to be buried together. Mr. He agreed. Xu Yuan also gave Lu Yao a token of love from Miss He's room, a piece he cherished as a symbol of their bond.
After her ordeal, Bai Youning expressed profound gratitude to Lu Yao for risking his life to save her, promising him half the royalties from her script. Lu Yao agreed to help her revise the draft, but immediately pointed out numerous typos, teasing her about her illiteracy. Qiao Chusheng, passing by, witnessed their bickering and quietly departed. Later, Bai Qili gave Qiao Chusheng a list of Manson Club's entry and exit records, which included Lu Yao's name.
Concerned, Qiao Chusheng confronted Lu Yao, advising him against associating too closely with foreigners, citing potential conflicts of interest with Bai Qili. Lu Yao dismissed his concerns, stating he simply went there to drink and chat, and emphasized how much he valued his unique friendship with Qiao Chusheng. A foreign real estate agent approached Miss Meng, Lu Yao and Bai Youning's landlady, expressing interest in buying her house. Lu Yao and Bai Youning served as interpreters.
The agent lavished Miss Meng with compliments, leading her to believe he was romantically interested. The agent then invited Miss Meng to dinner. Unwilling to move out or translate during a potential romance, Lu Yao instructed Bai Youning to deliberately mistranslate. He falsely claimed that Miss Meng had been married five times and was currently the mistress of Bai Qili, the powerful Shanghai mob boss. The terrified agent quickly made his excuses and fled.
Soon after, Qiao Chusheng arrived at their apartment, requesting Lu Yao's assistance on a new case. Father Massimo, a Catholic priest, had been found dead, hung on a cross several meters high inside the church. Seeking to escape Miss Meng's continuous presence, Lu Yao agreed and accompanied Qiao Chusheng and Bai Youning to the crime scene. There, a horrified witness was found.
Lu Yao climbed a ladder to examine the victim, observing deep knife wounds in the heart and abdomen, and nails driven through his hands and feet, indicating a religious ritual that implied the killer believed Massimo to be profoundly sinful. Initially hesitant to get involved in a foreign-related case, Lu Yao conceded when Qiao Chusheng threatened to bring Miss Meng to the scene to spur his efficiency.
Lu Yao and Bai Youning questioned a nun and parishioners, learning that Father Massimo was short-tempered and had made many enemies since arriving less than a year ago, causing many congregants to stop attending services. A witness, Yang Sufang, distraught, claimed her deceased son, Cheng Zhikang, was the killer, stating he had returned as a vengeful spirit.
Bai Youning gently spoke to Yang Sufang, who, accompanied by her husband Cheng Yihe, the church's chairman, recounted that three months prior, Father Massimo had brutally beaten their son, Cheng Zhikang, for accidentally soiling a painting of the Madonna. Their son later died in the hospital from his injuries. They had not reported the incident, believing it was God's will.
Lu Yao noted that while a strong motive for revenge existed, the three-month time gap between the son's death and Massimo's murder seemed unusual. He concluded that while the motive was clear and the method understood, the killer's identity remained uncertain due to the many potential suspects.
Episode 11 Recap
When Qiao Chusheng moved Massimo's body, he noticed the cross bore signs of being struck, leading him to suspect the killer used a Flying Tiger Claw hook. He explained that the killer likely threw the hook onto the cross, climbed up with the body, and then secured it, remarking on the strength required. Lu Yao challenged him to attempt it. Soon after, Father Angus approached them, offering to share a meal.
Lu Yao politely declined, recalling a prior unpleasant experience with church food. He then observed that Father Angus, as the church's head priest, seemed remarkably composed given the circumstances. As Lu Yao, Qiao Chusheng, and Bai Youning were leaving to find food, they witnessed Cheng Yihe admonishing his wife, Yang Sufang, for speaking wildly in front of the inspector.
Yang Sufang tearfully insisted that her experience was not a hallucination, maintaining that she had clearly seen their son at the crime scene. Cheng Yihe attempted to convince her that her visions were a natural consequence of grief over their deceased son, Cheng Zhikang, and her collapsing faith. Exasperated, Cheng Yihe then blurted out that he was the one who killed Massimo. Qiao Chusheng immediately arrested Cheng Yihe, ignoring Lu Yao's attempts to intervene and let Cheng Yihe finish speaking.
During the interrogation, Qiao Chusheng learned that Cheng Yihe had moved into the church only after his son's death, not when he was elected chairman six months prior. Cheng Yihe claimed he falsely confessed to his wife to give her a "reasonable excuse" and prevent her from believing their son's ghost was seeking revenge. Qiao Chusheng then presented a blood-stained shirt found in Cheng Yihe's room as evidence of the murder.
Cheng Yihe maintained the blood belonged to his son, left by Massimo, and asserted that both Yang Sufang and Father Angus could corroborate his story. He admitted to hating Massimo intensely and wishing him dead but claimed he lacked the courage to commit such a sin, fearing it would condemn him to hell. Despite Cheng Yihe's emotional confession, Lu Yao's intuition suggested he was not the killer.
Lu Yao pondered if Cheng Yihe had been framed, noting the oddity of hiding a bloodied shirt when the police were about to search his room. He concluded that the murderer must be connected to the church. Lu Yao led Qiao Chusheng to the church crypt, which was remarkably clean compared to other areas, suggesting recent sanitization.
Lu Yao deduced this was Massimo's site for child abuse and the place of his murder, identifying a knife found among the tools as the likely weapon. He dismissed Qiao Chusheng's suggestion that Massimo himself might have cleaned it, arguing Massimo had no reason to conceal his own activities. Lu Yao pointed out the absence of blood on the knife, unlike the whips, indicating it was the murder weapon used by someone else.
He reasoned that the killer must be a church insider familiar with the crypt. Lu Yao then suggested that the crime might not have been committed by a single person, possibly involving other parents of the choir children. He speculated that if Yang Sufang's vision was not a hallucination, then another choirboy might have been used to impersonate her son's ghost. Lu Yao then moved to inspect the cross where Massimo's body was found and other parts of the church.
He observed the frescoes and sculptures, reflecting on the profound impact of religious art. While there, he found several physics-related books and a candlestick with a dent under a Bible in the nuns' room. Later, Lu Yao questioned two believers who were reportedly the only ones who hadn't argued with Massimo. They denied liking Massimo, stating that everyone in the church disliked him.
They revealed that Father Angus frequently chastised Massimo publicly and that they always reported Massimo's misdeeds directly to Father Angus, since Massimo was merely a deputy priest. Father Angus, in a conversation with Lu Yao, expressed his fear that Massimo, an abuser of choir children who even bought poor children from outside, would be promoted to head priest if Angus were transferred.
Bai Youning excitedly informed Lu Yao that the choirboy confirmed Massimo had taken him to the crypt, but the boy stated he had seen nothing. This detail spurred Lu Yao to a sudden realization about the identity of the culprit. He urged Bai Youning to rush, fearing the murderer would escape. However, to their surprise, Father Angus had already arrived at the police station and confessed to the murder.
Angus claimed he drugged Massimo, dragged him to the crypt, stabbed him with a knife found there, and then nailed him to the cross to highlight his sins. Lu Yao immediately challenged Angus's confession, pointing out that an elderly man could not have single-handedly hoisted Massimo's heavy body up a tall cross. Angus struggled to explain, vaguely attributing it to divine strength.
Lu Yao asserted that Angus was lying and that he knew the true killer and the reason for Angus's false confession. Qiao Chusheng announced Father Angus's confession to the church staff and believers, but a nun immediately protested, insisting Angus could not be the murderer. Lu Yao then revealed the true culprits were three nuns, explaining that Angus was sacrificing himself to protect them. He demonstrated how a "physics enthusiast" among them had devised a clever method.
By utilizing the cross's smooth, stainless-steel surface as a makeshift pulley, they could easily hoist the body up from below. He presented the dented candlestick from the nuns' room as evidence, explaining it was used to create a dent on the cross. Lu Yao further explained that the body was secured from the second-floor corridor using a long, hooked stick, which also explained the larger knots on the body.
Finally, he detailed how they burned the ropes to release the body, using asbestos cloth to prevent the flame from reaching the body itself. The ropes, he added, were soaked in potassium nitrate to facilitate burning. Faced with this undeniable evidence, the three nuns stepped forward and confessed, admitting they committed the murder out of a desire for revenge for the abused children.
After the three nuns were taken away, Qiao Chusheng criticized Father Angus for having enabled Massimo's actions for so long, asserting he should have reported him earlier. Qiao Chusheng revealed new information: Massimo was not a genuine priest from the Vatican, but a gangster from Rome who had murdered a priest and assumed his identity to escape to Shanghai. Father Angus was visibly stunned by this revelation. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred from his post.
Meanwhile, a conversation revealed that Lu Yao, a brilliant Cambridge mathematics student, was an unwitting pawn in a larger scheme orchestrated by a senior military official named Norman. Norman had previously massacred an entire village to steal cultural relics and had silenced all witnesses. Qiao Chusheng, now aware of this dangerous connection, grew concerned for Lu Yao's and Bai Youning's safety. He contacted Bai Youning's father, Bai Qili, to request additional protection for Bai Youning.
Upon returning home, Lu Yao immediately pressed Qiao Chusheng for his fee for solving the case. Bai Youning playfully taunted him, leading to a sarcastic exchange about their incompatible personalities. Lu Yao then retired to his room, only to find his landlady, Yun Jie, lounging on his bed amidst numerous lit candles. He attempted to flee, but Bai Youning had locked the door.
Yun Jie revealed that Lu Yao had previously sabotaged her relationship with a foreigner and that Bai Youning had told her Lu Yao secretly harbored a crush on her, prompting Yun Jie to believe he was jealous. She asked to stay the night, but Lu Yao adamantly refused. The next morning, Bai Youning found Lu Yao sitting glumly on the sofa. She claimed her actions the previous night were merely a joke.
Yun Jie then emerged from the bedroom, confirming she had slept in the bed while Lu Yao had spent the night on the sofa. She explained that she had let Lu Yao go because he had lied about being in love with someone else—Bai Youning—to get rid of her. Exasperated by Bai Youning's antics, Lu Yao swore to get even with her.
As a peace offering, Bai Youning invited Lu Yao to a movie premiere, explaining that a famous actor, Gao Song, was interested in purchasing the script Lu Yao had helped her modify. Lu Yao initially showed little interest, even falling asleep during the premiere held in a surprisingly shabby theater. As the film concluded, producer Tan Xiao took the stage to thank the audience and invited director Li Rui and lead actor Gao Song to join him. Unexpectedly, Gao Song was suddenly shot and killed on stage, plunging the theater into chaos.
Episode 12 Recap
Following the mysterious circumstances of the previous episode, where Lu Yao fell asleep at the movie premiere and lead actor Gao Song was mysteriously shot, this episode begins in a packed movie theater where Gao Song has died. Lu Yao orders the staff to seal off the premises, prompting frustrated audience members to protest loudly and demand to be let out. Some even accuse Lu Yao, who was seated behind the victim, of being the most likely suspect.
Lu Yao calmly states that anyone eager to leave at that moment would be considered suspicious, which momentarily quiets some. Bai Youning attempts to appeal to their curiosity, suggesting that witnessing such a high-profile death would be a "big news" event for them. Just then, Qiao Chusheng arrives with his patrol officers. Lu Yao briefly explains he had been sleeping during the movie, with Bai Youning as his witness.
After learning of Gao Song's bloody abdominal wounds, Qiao teasingly suggests Lu Yao might have committed the murder while snoring. Lu Yao, indignant, then declares that he would not disclose the killer's identity even if he knew it, due to Qiao's persistent accusations and his declaration that Lu Yao wouldn't receive consulting fees as a suspect.
As the investigation commences, an officer reports that no murder weapon was found at the scene, and confirms no audience members had left the theater during the screening, effectively making the venue a locked room. The coroner reports that Gao Song's wounds are unusually severe, suggesting he was hit by a dumdum, a type of expanding bullet banned since the Hague Convention of 1899.
However, the lack of penetrating wounds or any bullet found in the body, coupled with Gao Song not being in the front row, puzzles investigators. Bai Youning dramatically dubs it a "Bullet from Ghost" for a potential newspaper headline. Lu Yao then decides to get breakfast, complaining that Bai Youning's prior promises of script fees for a co-written screenplay had gone unfulfilled, making him wary of her new offer of a consulting fee.
Bai Youning and Lu Yao discuss the film script they had co-written, which Gao Song had liked, but he died before they could finalize a deal. Bai Youning notes that Gao Song was a notorious playboy, and rumors circulated about his involvement with the film's leading actress, Shen Yaoguang. Shen Yaoguang had wanted to continue the relationship after filming wrapped, but Gao Song, known for changing partners with every new movie, refused.
Feeling hurt, Shen Yaoguang reported Gao Song to her boss, Mr. Bai, Bai Youning's father, leading to Gao Song being severely beaten by several strong men the previous week. Bai Youning suspects her father was behind the beating. Qiao Chusheng later discusses this with Mr. Bai, who firmly denies involvement. Mr. Bai explains that he wouldn't kill Gao Song over a slighted relationship, especially since Gao Song was contracted for three more films with his company.
He also emphasizes that Shen Yaoguang is a "cash cow" for his company, implying he wouldn't jeopardize her career by getting involved with her. Mr. Bai also extends an invitation for Lu Yao and Bai Youning to have dinner at their home. Lu Yao concludes that Shen Yaoguang, having been deeply hurt, is a potential suspect and decides to interview her, while Qiao Chusheng goes to gather more information from Mr. Bai.
At Shen Yaoguang's residence, Lu Yao is visibly struck by her beauty. Shen Yaoguang, however, remains cold and expresses no sorrow for Gao Song's death, stating she is "glad to know he's dead" and that he "deserved more than death." She reveals she skipped the premiere because she never wanted to see him again. For her alibi, she states she was getting her hair done at Huating with multiple witnesses.
She also discloses that Gao Song had borrowed 200 silver dollars from her and never repaid it, lamenting that while it is acceptable for capable men to be fickle, cheating women out of money is despicable. When Lu Yao asks what kind of man she likes, she candidly replies, "He has to be rich or powerful."
Back at the police station, the coroner re-examines Gao Song's body, definitively ruling out the dumdum theory as there are no explosive remnants in the body. Lu Yao, still intrigued, then requests a check for sleeping pills, sedatives, or nerve poisons. Lu Yao informs Qiao Chusheng that he still considers Shen Yaoguang a suspect and has arranged to have dinner with her that night at Baoshan Restaurant, which is near the theater.
A witness had seen Gao Song exiting the restaurant before going to the movie. Lu Yao invites Qiao Chusheng to join, but Qiao refuses to pay for the meal. At Baoshan Restaurant, the elevator is out of order, forcing Lu Yao and Bai Youning to climb five flights of stairs. A service staff member confirms that Gao Song had indeed eaten lunch there on the day of his death, accompanied by a man in a hat and sunglasses.
They had overheard a heated argument, with the man stating, "Who you think you are? You're nothing without me," to which Gao Song retorted, "I've shown extreme patience and magnanimity. Don't be self-righteous." Lu Yao then orders Gao Song's exact lunch menu, which consists entirely of heavy meat dishes like Dongpo Pig Knuckle and Stewed Pork Cubes, surprising Lu Yao given Gao Song's celebrity status.
The staff clarifies that Gao Song is a huge meat-eater, joking that he is a "reincarnation of Pigsy," but claims he manages his weight by consistently working out. Lu Yao decides to consume all the dishes himself to rule out any food poisoning from incompatible ingredients. After finishing the enormous meal without any ill effects, Lu Yao returns to Qiao Chusheng, confirming that food poisoning is not the cause and demanding reimbursement.
Qiao Chusheng, in turn, presents Gao Song's recent medical records, which indicate he is in excellent health with no chronic illnesses. The coroner also confirms no traces of poison, sleeping pills, or sedatives are found in Gao Song's body. Puzzled, Lu Yao decides to investigate Gao Song's home, accompanied by Bai Youning. They find the house filled exclusively with imported furniture and a stash of diet pills, which Lu Yao notes would explain Gao Song's large appetite without weight gain.
Despite finding various high-end cosmetics, Lu Yao concludes there are no new valuable clues and leaves. Lu Yao and Bai Youning attend Gao Song's funeral, presided over by the film's producer, Tan Xiao. Tan Xiao insists that Gao Song's death was caused by an explosion and tearfully acknowledges Mr. Bai's crucial financial support in launching the film, emphasizing its continued release as Gao Song's final work. Lu Yao observes Director Li Rui, noting his odd expression, and later approaches him.
Li Rui offers to help Lu Yao sell his crime script, praising the plot but criticizing the dialogue, promising a "big money" deal. Lu Yao slyly suggests to Bai Youning that Li Rui might have a motive for the murder, but then jokes that they could arrest him after he sells the script, to which Bai Youning protests, guaranteeing Li Rui's innocence.
Lu Yao then spots a photo of an 18-year-old Gao Song, who appears significantly overweight, prompting him to deduce that Gao Song had lost a considerable amount of weight two years prior. Lu Yao immediately instructs Bai Youning to investigate order forms at Yun'an Department Store. Meanwhile, Qiao Chusheng has apprehended Director Li Rui. A restaurant staff member identifies Li Rui as the man who had argued with Gao Song at Baoshan Restaurant.
Qiao also presents a "fuse" found at Li Rui's home, which Li Rui claims is a prop for his upcoming war film. Qiao, convinced Li Rui is the killer, begins to interrogate him. However, Lu Yao bursts in, adamantly declaring Li Rui innocent and redirecting Qiao's attention to Tan Xiao, the producer, as the true culprit. Qiao has Tan Xiao brought in, but Tan Xiao vehemently denies any involvement. Bai Youning arrives, confirming she has obtained purchase records.
Lu Yao then begins to lay out his theory: Gao Song, despite his unhealthy diet and lack of exercise, maintained his physique using diet pills.
Lu Yao explains that if the dosage of these pills, identified as dinitrophenol (a type of uncoupler that drastically increases metabolism), is significantly increased, and the person is then subjected to strenuous exercise, it could lead to a rapid rise in body temperature, heart palpitations, and internal "self-explosion" as blood vessels rupture, a phenomenon he demonstrates with an experiment on mice. Tan Xiao continues to deny his guilt. Lu Yao systematically dismantles Tan Xiao's defense.
He points out Tan Xiao's fatal slip-up at the funeral, where he mentioned Gao Song's death by "explosion," a detail only known to internal investigators at that early stage. Lu Yao then explains that Tan Xiao had deliberately chosen the "shabby" theater for the premiere, despite an offer from a superior venue, because of its proximity to Baoshan Restaurant.
This ensured Gao Song would eat there, following his habit of dining near his engagements and favoring the restaurant's heavy, meaty dishes. Furthermore, Tan Xiao had tampered with the elevator at Baoshan Restaurant, forcing Gao Song to climb five flights of stairs. For a person who had ingested a large dose of high-concentration dinitrophenol, this forced exertion was deadly. Once inside the theater, the drug took full effect, causing a drastic increase in Gao Song's body temperature and profuse sweating.
Lu Yao reveals that sedatives had also been subtly introduced into Gao Song's drinking water, making him fall into an unnoticeable coma or sleep, which explained the lack of struggle or sounds. The small dose of sedatives was quickly metabolized and excreted through the heavy sweating, which is why the coroner found no trace of them. Lu Yao concludes that the murder weapon was, in effect, Gao Song himself.
As evidence of foul play, Lu Yao presents the bottle of diet pills found at Gao Song's home: marked as opened five days prior and usually containing 150 pills, it should have had 125 pills remaining if Gao Song took the standard five pills daily.
However, Lu Yao found 130 pills, proving that the original pills had been swapped out for a high-concentration version and then swapped back, with the killer forgetting to account for the five pills Gao Song would have taken that day. Lu Yao then exposes Tan Xiao's chemical engineering background, despite his claim of studying literature, citing his peculiar water-pouring habit as evidence. He also reveals that Tan Xiao had purchased a large quantity of diet pills from Yun'an Department Store.
Cornered and speechless, Tan Xiao finally confesses. Lu Yao then lays out Tan Xiao's motive: he was deeply in debt, owing Mr. Bai a substantial sum with high-interest rates, and had hoped the movie would be his financial salvation. However, Gao Song's scandal with Shen Yaoguang and her subsequent refusal to attend the premiere threatened the film's reputation and box office success.
To generate massive publicity and ensure the film's profitability, Tan Xiao had orchestrated Gao Song's death, turning it into a sensational "last work" mirroring the film's plot, thereby ensuring a box-office hit to pay off his debts and save his life. Tan Xiao further reveals that he also acted out of a twisted sense of loyalty to Shen Yaoguang, feeling Gao Song "deserved more than death" for hurting her. Tan Xiao is then taken into custody.
Episode 13 Recap
Li Rui excitedly informed Lu Yao that the script had been sold for two hundred and fifty silver dollars. Upon hearing it was purchased by a mafia boss with the surname Bai, Bai Youning immediately realized it was her father, Mr. Bai, and angrily threw Li Rui out. Lu Yao, desperate for the money, tried to open the door for Li Rui, but Bai Youning blocked his way, firmly stating her objection.
Meanwhile, an individual was observed spying on Lu Yao and Bai Youning from an opposite building. Mr. Bai's men apprehended the spy, who claimed to have been acting under Mr. Norman's orders. Mr. Bai, visibly angered, confronted Mr. Norman, bringing the bruised spy with him. Mr. Norman denied any involvement, but Mr. Bai sternly warned him against harassing his daughter and her husband in the future, stating, "Don't say I didn't warn you."
Following this confrontation, Mr. Norman silenced the spy and immediately ordered his disposal. Later, Bai Youning apologized to Lu Yao for her earlier outburst, explaining her reluctance to sell the script to her father stemmed from a fear that he would use it as leverage to force her to move back home. Lu Yao, initially annoyed and wishing she would leave, dismissed her apology. Feeling hurt, Bai Youning retreated to her room.
She confided that, having grown up pampered by everyone who only sought to please her father, Lu Yao was the first person to treat her with genuine honesty. This sincerity made her feel valued. Subsequently, Lu Yao prepared a delicious papaya catfish soup and left a bowl for her outside her door. Moved by his gesture, Bai Youning called out, expressing her affection for him and asking him to open the door.
On the day of the God's Message Society's ritual, numerous followers gathered. Wang Ming, having been enlightened by the God's Messenger from the Laobeimen division, was honored as the 513th follower. During his initiation, Wang Ming knelt before a perceived deity, seeking the "Ultimate Truth" and solemnly vowing to adhere to the society's rules, even accepting to be "punished by being struck by God-sent lightning" if he ever violates them.
As the ritual progressed, the God's Messenger prepared to ascend the "Divine Rope" to receive God's instructions. A wooden box was brought forward, from which a rope extended upwards towards the ceiling. The God's Messenger climbed the rope amidst chants. After "half a stick of incense" had burned, the expectant followers were shocked as the God's Messenger's lifeless body plummets from above, causing immediate pandemonium and shouts of disbelief asking why the "God is not protecting us."
Salim arrived with patrol officers to investigate the chaotic scene. The God's Messenger's son, Li Danyi, adamantly asserted that his father's death was a divine punishment, claiming it mirrored the fate of those who violated the society's rules. He insisted that this was an internal affair of their society and does not require police intervention.
Despite Li Danyi's protests and insistence on "Punished by God" due to his father "upsetting God," the patrol officers, stating they are "officers on duty," insisted on taking the body for further investigation. Li Danyi chanted the "Mantra of Rebirth," praying for his father's peaceful rest, before allowing the officers to remove the body. Lu Yao devised a cup game, challenging Bai Youning to guess which cup hides the money. Bai Youning consistently lost, quickly exhausting her funds.
In a bid to win back her losses, she staked her beloved jade pendant, which Lu Yao valued at twenty silver dollars. After realizing the trick, she correctly guessed, turning the tide and winning back her money. Determined to win everything, Bai Youning proposed a final round, betting all her winnings against everything in Lu Yao's room. She insisted on manipulating the cups herself, and her skillful movements dazzled Lu Yao, ultimately leading to his complete defeat.
Lu Yao, pleading desperately with Bai Youning to leave him a few dollars for food, claiming he's "at the peak of his physical growth" and needs "enough protein for balanced nutrition." Bai Youning playfully reminded him that today is the fifth of the month, the day Qiao Chusheng distributes salaries to the patrol officers. Taking Bai Youning's hint, Lu Yao donned a patrol officer's uniform and blended into the crowd where Qiao Chusheng was distributing salaries.
He successfully received a portion of the payment, but his familiar height gave him away. Qiao Chusheng immediately recognized him and arrested him for impersonating a patrol officer and scamming money. As he is taken away, Lu Yao playfully comments on his "Halloween" costume, but Qiao Chusheng quips that he'll provide him a better "costume."
Lu Yao, initially pleading that they are "colleagues" and this is "just for the formality's sake," then boldly challenges Qiao Chusheng to keep him locked up forever if he dares. Upon hearing of Lu Yao's arrest, Bai Youning rushed to confront Qiao Chusheng, demanding his immediate release. She expressed concern that Lu Yao, accustomed to a comfortable life, might fall ill or be harmed in jail, questioning who would then assist Qiao Chusheng with his cases.
Qiao Chusheng claimed the matter is now beyond his authority and sarcastically suggested she seek help from the British officials at the Municipal Council, warning that they might impose a harsher sentence. He then hinted that only one person in Shanghai can give him orders, implying her father, Mr. Bai. Bai Youning, after much deliberation, returned home to her father, Mr. Bai. He welcomed her, playfully asking what she wants, as she rarely visits.
She immediately asked him to intervene with Qiao Chusheng to release her friend, Lu Yao. Mr. Bai, acknowledging that Qiao Chusheng would not arrest someone without a valid reason, initially refused. When Bai Youning attempted to leave, he stopped her, instructing his housekeeper to call Qiao Chusheng for dinner that night. Impatient, Bai Youning insisted he call him immediately. Mr. Bai agreed but proposed a condition: she must return home once a week for dinner.
After some negotiation, they settled on a compromise: she will visit once every two weeks. True to his word, Qiao Chusheng accompanied Bai Youning to the jail to release Lu Yao. Lu Yao, grateful for his freedom, was met by Qiao Chusheng's playful teasing about his gluttony after his time in jail. Lu Yao questioned Qiao Chusheng about his unwarranted arrest, to which Qiao Chusheng counters that there is a new case involving the God's Message Society.
He revealed that Salim has just retrieved the body of a man, identified by witnesses as a "God's Messenger" who supposedly climbed a rope into the clouds but then tragically fell to his death. Qiao Chusheng stated the case is closed, deeming it an accidental death during a ritual with over 50 witnesses present, and that police usually don't intervene unless a complaint is filed.
Bai Youning, however, sensed a deeper story, arguing that the man's death was portrayed as a "Punished by God," and insisted on investigating further. Lu Yao, acknowledging that he owed Bai Youning a favor for bailing him out, reluctantly agreed to join her. Bai Youning and Lu Yao arrived at the God's Message Society's Laobeimen division, finding a large crowd gathered and a notice posted on the door.
They learned from the murmuring crowd that the Nanjing Headquarters had decided to disband the division, claiming the deceased God's Messenger violated society rules and was consequently "Punished by God." It was also revealed that Li Danyi, the son of the deceased, was the designated next God's Messenger. As Lu Yao listened, a small girl bumped into him.
He quickly realized his wallet was missing and chased after her, while Bai Youning suggested calling the police, to which Lu Yao dismissed, saying there's no money in it and it's too much trouble to file a report. Just as Lu Yao decided to leave, he overheard the same little girl tearfully pleading with her father to see a doctor.
The father, however, refused, fearing he would suffer the same fate as the God's Messenger if he went against the society's beliefs. Lu Yao and Bai Youning burst in, confronting the girl and demanding the wallet back. The father scolded his daughter for the theft and repeatedly apologized to Lu Yao. Upon learning that the girl stole the wallet to pay for her father's medical treatment, Lu Yao decided not to pursue the matter further.
Lu Yao and Bai Youning reported their findings about the God's Message Society to Qiao Chusheng. They explained that the organization was rapidly expanding, with each division gaining over a thousand new believers monthly. The society operated on a strict hierarchical structure where new members paid a fee to join and were then encouraged to recruit their friends and family. As members advanced in rank, they received a larger share of the membership fees.
They primarily targeted ordinary people, convincing them that their current suffering was due to sins from a past life, and that donating money to worship "God" would atone for these sins. Those who failed to recruit new members faced reprimand and punishment, forcing them to exhaust all their resources to pay fees.
Bai Youning added that the "God's Messengers" who claimed to "talk to the God" used "throwing dust in people's eyes," much like magic tricks, to instill fear and ensure believers' obedience. Recognizing it as a large-scale scam, Qiao Chusheng decided to investigate, starting with Li Danyi, the son of the deceased God's Messenger. The next morning, Qiao Chusheng, Bai Youning, and Lu Yao arrived at the Laobeimen division, only to find it deserted.
Their search uncovered a vast collection of priceless artifacts, including "white porcelain from Ding Kiln," and detailed personal information on numerous followers, which Lu Yao explained were used to gather background information to defraud them. Qiao Chusheng ordered these ill-gotten gains to be confiscated. Lu Yao, however, was preoccupied by the absence of the "Divine Rope," suspecting it was deliberately removed.
He deduced that if the God's Messenger's death was genuinely an accident, there would be no reason to flee or hide the rope, leading him to conclude that someone tampered with the rope to cause the "accident." Qiao Chusheng immediately dispatched officers to search train stations and docks and contact Nanjing police. Meanwhile, Bai Youning presented the God's Messenger's autopsy report, revealing his cause of death as a fall and, surprisingly, that he was a eunuch.
Lu Yao quickly pointed out that this meant Li Danyi cannot be his biological son. As they continued their search, Lu Yao discovered a hidden cellar. Feigning fear of the dark and potential danger, he suggested they return the next morning, hinting at his intention to explore it alone for more valuables. Bai Youning saw through his ruse and secretly ordered her men to stake out the cellar and apprehend Lu Yao if he attempted to steal anything.
Bai Youning diligently investigated the God's Messenger's background and discovered his true identity: Li Changmeng, a eunuch from Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, who left the palace in 1909 and later changed his name to Li Meng. Records indicated he joined the God's Message Society after 1914. However, the identity of Li Danyi remained elusive. Realizing Lu Yao had not returned home the previous night, Bai Youning and Qiao Chusheng returned to the cellar, finding Lu Yao trapped inside.
They rescued him, and Lu Yao explained that the cellar door's spring-loaded handle automatically locked him in. Just then, he spotted the little girl and her father from whom he earlier reclaimed his wallet. Upon inquiry, the father confirmed his improved health after seeing a doctor and revealed that Li Danyi had previously advised him to seek medical attention, only to be verbally and physically abused by Li Meng for doing so.
The father further divulged that Li Danyi was adopted by Li Meng over ten years ago after his entire family perished in a fire, when Li Danyi was around nine or ten years old. Qiao Chusheng immediately ordered an investigation into all fire incidents that occurred in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions between 1914 and 1916, looking for cases where an entire family died but a nine to ten-year-old boy survived.
Episode 14 Recap
In 1915, Qiao Chusheng's investigation revealed that a family of four in Yangzhou tragically perished in a kitchen fire, with only the nine-year-old eldest son surviving because he was not home. He subsequently went missing. Bai Youning analyzed that Li Meng, upon returning to his hometown of Yangzhou after leaving a mutual aid society, had adopted Li Danyi after the fire.
Lu Yao instructed Qiao Chusheng to contact Yangzhou authorities to investigate the fire's details, while he went to the God's Message Society to verify information about the Divine Rope. At the society, Lu Yao encountered resistance from believers. He tried to have his patrol officers arrest them, but faced protests from onlookers.
Upon realizing his patrol officers were unarmed, having been told to only investigate the scene, Lu Yao then appealed to the believers, begging them to let him in so he could find the real killer of their God's Messenger, Master Li, whom he stated was murdered. Convinced by his plea for justice, the believers allowed him entry.
Once inside, Lu Yao found a ladder, climbed to the rooftop, and noted a chimney directly above a skylight, along with a particularly smooth brick, suggesting frequent use. Qiao Chusheng's investigation in Yangzhou revealed suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire, hinting at intentional arson. Neighbors reported that the family had previously harbored a monk, leading Bai Youning to suggest it might have been Li Meng.
She theorized that Li Meng set the fire, and then, feigning benevolence, adopted the orphaned Li Danyi. She suspected Li Danyi later discovered Li Meng's secret, prompting his desire for revenge. When Bai Youning and Qiao Chusheng found Lu Yao, he directed them to dig up sand at the crime scene.
Lu Yao explained that the fresh sand covered a hidden pit where someone would operate the "snake bone rope," which contained two steel wires, allowing it to stand upright or collapse like an ordinary rope. He also revealed the illusion of clouds near the skylight was created by water vapor from the boiler room's chimney, which directly pointed to the skylight. Lu Yao deduced that Li Danyi's actions were driven by a desire to rescue his younger brother.
He theorized that Li Danyi's brother, presumed dead in the fire, was actually kidnapped by Li Meng's associates and forced to live in a dark, four-by-four-foot cellar for years, training to operate the Divine Rope through a small hole. Li Danyi stole the Divine Rope to prevent the discovery of the children trapped within. Lu Yao expressed a wish that the brothers would never be caught.
He then asked Qiao Chusheng where one might go to appreciate the moon, correctly anticipating that the brothers, seeking freedom, would be by the Huangpu River. There, Li Danyi confessed to killing Li Meng to free his brother and other children stolen by the God's Message Society, who were used as tools for their deceptions. His rescued younger brother expressed a wish to see the widest sky in the city.
Impressed by Lu Yao's bravery during the earlier confrontation with the cultists, Qiao Chusheng suggested he join the Green Dragon Gang, hinting at high seniority under Mr. Bai, but Lu Yao firmly refused, stating it was unsuitable for his character and that his parents would disapprove.
Bai Youning bought Lu Yao new clothes and tried to persuade him to come home for dinner with her father, Bai Qili, reminding him he owed Bai Qili a favor for helping him out of jail. Lu Yao reluctantly agreed only after Bai Youning promised to clarify their relationship as "just friends" to her father.
At dinner, Bai Youning began eating before Bai Qili, prompting Lu Yao to gently remind her of etiquette, though Bai Qili dismissed it, encouraging Lu Yao to relax. Bai Qili then bluntly asked Lu Yao if he had a girlfriend and offered to introduce him to well-known socialites who had studied abroad. Bai Youning vehemently opposed this, arguing such women would be a bad influence. Bai Qili countered that as mere roommates, she had no right to control Lu Yao.
Enraged, Bai Youning stormed out, telling the housekeeper, Ms. Wu, to use less salt in her father's meals due to his high blood pressure. Lu Yao followed her. Outside, Lu Yao complained about missing dinner, while Bai Youning speculated her father wanted him to join the Green Dragon Gang, a proposition Lu Yao had already rejected from Qiao Chusheng. As snow began to fall, they walked home, with Lu Yao jokingly complaining about a minor injury.
Meanwhile, Bai Qili discussed Bai Youning's temper with Qiao Chusheng, who promised to bring Lu Yao and himself home for another dinner. Later, at the office, Lu Yao went to collect his payment for the case, and Qiao Chusheng presented him with a platinum invitation to the Zhejiang and Ningbo Chamber of Commerce, paid for by Bai Qili. Lu Yao politely declined, hinting at Bai Youning's previous warnings. Suddenly, a patrol officer reported a major fire at the Tan Mansion.
Qiao Chusheng rushed to the scene. The butler, Mr. He, frantically tried to re-enter the burning house, only to discover the body of Tan Yixiong in the pond in the courtyard. Qiao Chusheng was deeply saddened, revealing that Tan Yixiong was a respected senior who had taught him much about the underworld and had once saved his life.
Lu Yao learned that Tan Yixiong was a former formidable leader of the Green Dragon Gang's Dongxing Division who had retired four years prior. His household consisted of Mr. He, his mistress Luo Shanni, and a youngest son, Tan Xing, who was currently unaccounted for.
Lu Yao also uncovered the tragic history of Tan Yixiong's two elder sons, who had disappeared years ago and were later found dead in the same pond, their bodies entangled in waterweed, a case Bai Qili had extensively but unsuccessfully investigated, leading to rumors of divine retribution. Lu Yao determined Tan Yixiong's death occurred after 3:30 AM, but the coroner refused to perform an autopsy without Bai Qili's explicit consent, citing Tan Yixiong's special status.
Lu Yao, convinced it was a murder, returned to the Tan Mansion with Qiao Chusheng to re-examine the scene, meticulously observing the footprints leading to the pond, noting multiple sets from the yard but only one from the house gate, along with drag marks and unique slipper prints. Qiao Chusheng located Tan Xing at an opium den. Tan Xing admitted he had returned home around 9:15-9:30 PM to retrieve money before heading back to the opium den.
Mr. He corroborated Tan Xing's brief visit and recalled Tan Yixiong cursing after his son left. Luo Shanni stated she woke around 5:30 AM due to strange noises, saw Tan Yixiong by the pond, and then fell unconscious descending the stairs, only to wake up in the hospital. Qiao Chusheng initially found their testimonies consistent.
Lu Yao vigorously pushed for an autopsy, but Bai Qili abruptly arrived and ordered the case closed, citing concerns that prolonged investigation could destabilize the underworld, despite Bai Youning's impassioned protests and the presence of a reporter from Xinyue Daily. Qiao Chusheng, adhering to Bai Qili's command, informed Mr. He, Tan Xing, and Luo Shanni of the case closure and the terms of Tan Yixiong's will.
The will stipulated that ten of the forty-one gold bars stored in the Jincheng Bank would go to Mr. He, with the remainder allocated to Luo Shanni. Tan Xing vehemently rejected the will, accusing Luo Shanni of forgery and physically attacking her. Luo Shanni retorted, questioning his legitimacy as Tan Yixiong's son and reminding him of his humble origins before joining the family. Qiao Chusheng quickly intervened to stop the altercation.
Later, Lu Yao attempted to secretly perform an autopsy on Tan Yixiong but was intercepted by Qiao Chusheng, who reiterated Bai Qili's desire to preserve Tan Yixiong's body intact, a matter of great importance in the underworld. Lu Yao countered that if Tan Yixiong was murdered, his soul would not rest. He proposed returning to the Tan Mansion for another meticulous search, promising that if he found conclusive evidence of murder, Qiao Chusheng would then allow the autopsy. Qiao Chusheng agreed, and they returned to the mansion that night, with Lu Yao humorously cautioning Qiao Chusheng to be careful not to get dust on his expensive, custom-made shoes.
Episode 15 Recap
Lu Yao meticulously examined the scene, noting traces on the staircase railing that suggested Luo Shanni had been restrained, indicating her fall was not accidental. He also observed that the fire in the room had not originated from below the curtain but rather spread from an external source, and found mud, not ash, near the unlit candlestick. As Lu Yao investigated, a masked assailant attacked him. Qiao Chusheng intervened, engaging the attacker in a fierce struggle.
The assailant was a highly skilled martial artist, landing brutal, potentially fatal blows. As Qiao Chusheng was being choked, Lu Yao grabbed a shard of a vase and stabbed the attacker's left arm, forcing the injured assailant to flee. Immediately after the assailant's escape, a strong smell of gasoline filled the air. Qiao Chusheng realized the danger, and he and Lu Yao barely made it out of the mansion before it erupted in flames.
Qiao Chusheng identified the assailant as someone from the Green Dragon Gang, recognizing the fighting style as identical to his own gang training. Despite the fire, Lu Yao remained focused on the murder, insisting on an autopsy for Tan Yixiong. He quickly instructed Qiao Chusheng to question Luo Shanni and told Bai Youning to return home immediately to ask her father, Bai Qili, about Tan Yixiong's true assets.
Qiao Chusheng visited Luo Shanni, who was eager for her inheritance so she could quickly leave Shanghai for Hong Kong, expressing her joy for a new start. She mentioned that He, the butler, had been Tan Yixiong's loyal aide, having served him faithfully and even taken a bullet for him.
When asked if Tan Yixiong might have been murdered, Luo Shanni insisted she saw him by the pond at 5:30 AM, though she only saw his back, noting he wore a fur coat and hat, confirming she didn't see his face. She added that Tan Yixiong often seemed lost in thought by the pond. Lu Yao arranged a meeting at the police station, claiming the case would be closed early and inviting Bai Qili as a witness.
Tan Xing, Luo Shanni, and He were already waiting. Qiao Chusheng formally announced that He was the masked attacker from the previous night. Lu Yao then instructed He to reveal his left arm, which bore a burn wound exactly where Lu Yao had injured the assailant. He claimed the injury was from the fire, but Lu Yao countered, revealing that fingerprints from the gasoline drum used in the arson had been collected.
Faced with this undeniable evidence, He confessed to being the masked man and the murderer but refused to disclose his motive. Qiao Chusheng ordered He's arrest, but Lu Yao halted the process, stating the inheritance issues needed to be resolved first. Lu Yao then exposed the full extent of Tan Yixiong's wealth, which was far greater than the gold bars mentioned in the will.
Through Bai Youning's inquiries with Bai Qili, it was confirmed that Tan Yixiong had entrusted Bai Qili with a separate will, along with title deeds and shares in Huacheng Trading, Lei's Herbal Medicine Store, and Jincheng Bank, plus four plots of land. These were specifically designated for Tan Xing only when he demonstrated maturity. Lu Yao then directly accused Tan Xing of murdering his father.
He explained that the autopsy revealed fluid in Tan Yixiong's lungs but a clean nasal cavity, indicating drowning in clean water, not the murky pond. Lu Yao detailed how Tan Xing, returning from an opium den between 9:15 and 9:30 PM, entered the bathroom in his leather shoes, leaving muddy footprints. A heated argument ensued over money, escalating to the point where Tan Xing drowned his father in the bathtub after Tan Yixiong threatened to disinherit him.
Tan Xing furiously accused Bai Qili of orchestrating a frame-up with the police to seize his father's fortune. Bai Qili interceded when Qiao Chusheng moved to strike Tan Xing. Tan Xing adamantly denied having enough time to commit the murder and stage the scene. Lu Yao then revealed He's crucial role in the cover-up: He had dragged Tan Yixiong's body into the snow immediately after death to refrigerate it, thereby delaying the perceived time of death for the coroner.
He then put on Tan Yixiong's shoes to drag the body to the pond, creating the illusion of suicide and concealing the dragging marks. He also woke Luo Shanni by knocking on her window, establishing a false alibi for Tan Xing. Lu Yao highlighted that the unusual depth of the footprints, suggesting two people's weight, was the initial clue pointing to murder.
Further analysis of stomach contents confirmed Tan Yixiong died two to three hours after dinner, around 9:00 PM, corroborating Tan Xing's presence. Qiao Chusheng then exposed scratch marks on Tan Xing's arm, direct evidence of a struggle with Tan Yixiong. At that moment, the owner of Tongbao Pawnshop arrived, presenting three gem rings that Luo Shanni recognized as belonging to Tan Yixiong, which Tan Xing had pawned the previous night.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, Tan Xing confessed to killing his father, expressing bitter resentment that Tan Yixiong had only acknowledged him and his peasant mother after his other two sons died. He lamented his mother's mysterious disappearance after they were brought into the family. He further revealed that despite her hatred for Tan Yixiong, Tan Xing's mother's ultimate goal as a mother was to secure Tan Xing's recognition and inheritance as the sole heir.
He also explained that Tan Yixiong, aware of Tan Xing's volatile nature, had instructed him (He) to protect Tan Xing and ensure his survival, so as to preserve the Tan family's sole remaining bloodline. Tan Xing, overcome by the revelations and the weight of his actions, broke down in tears. Impressed by Lu Yao's detective work, Bai Qili acknowledged that the Green Dragon Gang now owed him a significant favor.
Bai Qili instructed Qiao Chusheng to assist Luo Shanni with her departure. Luo Shanni, expressing her desire to sever all ties with the underworld, advised Qiao Chusheng to also consider his future and establish himself independently rather than continue working for Bai Qili. Qiao Chusheng, however, insisted he must repay his loyalty to Bai Qili. Surprisingly, Bai Youning decided not to publish the story of Tan Yixiong's death, much to Lu Yao's confusion.
Bai Youning explained that Tan Yixiong had been like a father figure to her, attending her school parent meetings when her own father was absent. She reflected on the fundamental importance of parental care and companionship over wealth for children, which was why she chose not to expose the tragic details of his death in the newspaper. Meanwhile, Lu Zifu, Lu Yao's father, sent his servant to discreetly inquire about Lu Yao.
The servant reported that Lu Yao was doing well in Shanghai, living with Bai Youning, Bai Qili's only daughter, and working as a detective consultant for the Concession Police alongside Qiao Chusheng, one of Shanghai's legendary Eight Martial Arts Masters. The servant noted Bai Qili's high regard for Lu Yao, expressing concern that Lu Yao might become a live-in son-in-law who squanders the family fortune.
To celebrate solving Tan Yixiong's case, Qiao Chusheng took Lu Yao to an elegant "couples restaurant," complete with a violinist. Qiao Chusheng then presented Lu Yao with an expensive watch, insisting on fastening it onto Lu Yao's wrist in front of everyone, much to Lu Yao's embarrassment. Lu Yao's awkwardness was alleviated when Qian Rui, an old classmate from Trinity College, Cambridge, recognized him.
They exchanged greetings, and Lu Yao learned that Qian Rui was now the assistant to the president at St. George University. Qian Rui invited Lu Yao for coffee the next day. Lu Yao arrived at St. George University as promised, where Qian Rui, impressed by Lu Yao's academic prowess, enthusiastically tried to recruit him as a lecturer, offering a generous salary and flexible hours, emphasizing the critical role of education in rebuilding China.
Qian Rui then led Lu Yao to observe Liu Mo's anatomy class. Lu Yao was surprised to see Liu Mo, who he remembered as trembling while holding a scalpel and getting nauseous from formalin, now teaching. He noticed Liu Mo still drank during his lectures. During the class, Liu Mo unveiled a human specimen in a glass tank, only to discover it had been replaced with a different body, later identified as Doctor of Medicine Guan Dailiang.
The students panicked and fled. Lu Yao, leveraging his experience as a detective consultant, immediately took charge of the investigation. Liu Mo, initially uncooperative and hostile, became fully compliant when Qiao Chusheng and other patrol officers arrived, agreeing to lead them to Guan Dailiang's medical laboratory. Qiao Chusheng playfully teased Lu Yao, calling him a "jinx who brings bad luck," noting that murder cases seemed to follow him wherever he went.
Episode 16 Recap
Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao arrived at the St. George University medical school laboratory to investigate the death of Guan Dailiang. Bai Youning soon joined them, having learned about the case through her extensive network across Shanghai. She urged them to quickly resolve the investigation, as the university's board members were influential tycoons who would exert pressure if the case dragged on, potentially costing Qiao Chusheng his job and Lu Yao his reputation.
Lu Yao, however, casually dismissed these concerns, suggesting he could simply freeload at Qiao Chusheng’s home if he lost his job. Lu Yao meticulously examined the dissection room, noting its single exit and the central dissection table, which would have made any manipulation of the body easily noticeable by students. He also ruled out entry through the windows due to the presence of students.
Meanwhile, Bai Youning efficiently gathered details on Guan Dailiang, revealing he was a local medical doctor, a professor of Infectious Diseases, and recently bereaved of his father. Qiao Chusheng questioned the students present during the class, confirming that no one had entered or exited the classroom during that time, suggesting the body was already in the tank.
A critical piece of information also emerged: Guan Dailiang had been seen entering the laboratory building two days prior and had not been seen leaving since, indicating the killer might be one of the few people who accessed the building during that period. The autopsy report revealed Guan Dailiang’s death occurred between midnight and 4 AM, but the cause remained elusive due to the extensive interference from formalin.
Lu Yao consulted the laboratory’s in-out register and identified three individuals who entered the lab during this timeframe: Guan Maoliang at midnight, Lin Ai at 1 AM, and Liu Yansheng at 2:30 AM. Qiao Chusheng immediately brought them in for questioning. Guan Maoliang, Guan Dailiang’s brother, claimed he was in his own lab and then visited his brother for personal reasons, without any witnesses.
Liu Yansheng, a fellow doctor, denied ever meeting Guan Dailiang, despite Qiao Chusheng's assertion that Guan Dailiang was eccentric and had a sharp tongue, making him unpopular among many. Lin Ai stated she was alone in her lab conducting experiments. All three lacked solid alibis, prompting Qiao Chusheng to dispatch his men to investigate their backgrounds further. Lu Yao returned to the lab where Guan Dailiang’s body was found.
The coroner had previously reported severe corrosion in the victim's oral, nasal, esophageal, and tracheal cavities. Lu Yao’s keen observation led him to discover brown powder residue in the glass tank. He deduced that this powder was a compound formed from the reaction of potassium permanganate and formalin. He explained that formalin, an aqueous solution of formaldehyde, reacting with potassium permanganate, a strong oxidant, would produce a large volume of corrosive gas.
This gas, when forced into the body, would erupt from the mouth, nose, and eyes, creating a terrifying effect of the body coming back to life with wide eyes and an open mouth. This chemical reaction also explained the severe facial and head corrosion. Suddenly, a shadow flickered past the window. Lu Yao, quick on his feet, jumped from the third floor and chased after the fleeing figure, with Bai Youning following closely.
Despite their pursuit, the person managed to escape. Lu Yao then stopped Bai Youning from continuing the chase, stating that he didn't want to lose such a perfect and clean roommate. Their conversation soon turned to the gruesome murder method, with Lu Yao speculating that such a complex and horrific act could only stem from extreme hatred, reminiscent of ancient acts of desecration.
The next morning, Qiao Chusheng woke a still-sleeping Lu Yao with a splash of water, eager to share new leads. His team discovered that Liu Yansheng and Guan Dailiang had secretly collaborated on research into epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, a project later banned by the medical school. Guan Dailiang, to protect himself, exposed Liu Yansheng, leading to Liu losing all his research and igniting a deep feud between them. Qiao Chusheng considered this a strong motive for murder.
Qiao Chusheng had also learned that Guan Maoliang and Guan Dailiang had a significant dispute over their late father’s inheritance. Guan Maoliang, a compulsive gambler deeply in debt, was being aggressively pursued by creditors. Qiao Chusheng arrested him. During the interrogation, Lu Yao confronted Guan Maoliang about returning to the lab for a box of rose cake, which Lu Yao suspected contained arsenic.
He revealed that the red specks in the cake, unlike ordinary rose sugar, reflected light under strong illumination, identifying them as impure arsenic. Lu Yao then had Guan Maoliang place his hand on the table, pointing out traces of low-concentration potassium permanganate, which he had covertly applied to the cake, knowing these traces could not be easily washed off and would expose Guan Maoliang’s guilt.
However, Qiao Chusheng’s investigation revealed that Guan Maoliang had recently paid off all his debts, strongly suggesting he benefited from his brother’s death. Despite the mounting evidence, Lu Yao deduced that Guan Maoliang was not the killer. He explained that the rose cake found in the lab was still fresh and glossy, indicating Guan Dailiang had never opened it.
Furthermore, someone proficient in chemistry, like the actual killer, would know how to remove potassium permanganate traces, which Guan Maoliang evidently did not. Guan Maoliang then confessed that his creditors had pushed him to consider the inheritance. He bought the arsenic-laced rose cake but couldn't bring himself to poison his brother. Knowing Guan Dailiang never ate in the lab, he left the cake there. Upon hearing of his brother's death, he panicked, fearing suspicion, and returned to retrieve the cake.
A breakthrough came from the coroner, who, following Lu Yao’s persistent urging to meticulously examine the victim's head, discovered a tiny pinhole at the nape of Guan Dailiang’s neck, directly in the medulla. This indicated that a sharp medical probe had been used to stab the life center, causing instantaneous death. The precision of the single pinhole suggested a highly skilled individual with knowledge of medicine or anatomy.
This new evidence effectively ruled out Guan Maoliang, leaving Lin Ai and Liu Yansheng as the primary suspects. Lu Yao proceeded to check the chemical supply registers for potassium permanganate and formalin. During his visit, he encountered Liu Mo, who, recalling Lu Yao’s mischievous antics at Cambridge, including stealing reagents and notes, and forcing him to skip classes, leading to Liu Mo repeating a year, angrily tried to attack Lu Yao.
Lu Yao skillfully evaded him and, later with Qiao Chusheng, visited the medical school’s poultry house, reasoning that animal experiments required such facilities. There, they found Liu Yansheng was the person in charge. Lu Yao deduced that Liu Yansheng, as the manager of a facility requiring regular disinfection with formalin and potassium permanganate fumigation, would have extensive access to these chemicals. However, upon entering, they discovered Liu Yansheng’s body in the bathroom.
He had been murdered in the exact same manner as Guan Dailiang: with brown chemical residue and a pinhole at the back of his neck, confirming a serial killer was at large. Bai Youning quickly published an exclusive on the "Formalin Serial Murder Case" in the New Moon Daily, a headline that quickly spread across Shanghai. Her father, Bai Qili, summoned Qiao Chusheng, urging him to solve the case promptly.
Bai Qili revealed his true motive: he sought to join the St. George University school board to challenge the foreign monopoly on Western medicine production and patents, seeing it as crucial for China’s future amidst impending large-scale wars. He explicitly identified "those Englishmen at the Manson Club" as the masterminds behind this "battle without gunpowder." Lu Yao, however, chastised Bai Youning for publicizing the case.
He argued that modern medicine depended on dissections and specimens, and her article, which highlighted the victims' previous efforts to persuade body donations while also emphasizing the belief that "dissecting a body will be punished by Heaven," would deter future body donations and hinder medical progress. Bai Youning defended her article as merely describing objective facts gleaned from her investigation into the victims' past activities.
Bai Youning later interviewed Liu Mo, who, upon learning that she shared an apartment with Lu Yao, launched into a scathing critique of Lu Yao’s character. He described Lu Yao as selfish, capricious, disloyal to friends, and inhumane to girlfriends, citing an instance where Lu Yao abruptly abandoned an intelligent and beautiful economics major girlfriend to go to Paris.
Liu Mo warned Bai Youning about Lu Yao's "intimacy issues," claiming that he would panic and flee whenever someone got too close, causing the most hurt when emotions ran deepest. Meanwhile, Lu Yao visited Lin Ai at her rented apartment. She was visibly nervous and resistant, suspecting he believed her to be the murderer.
Lu Yao revealed that he knew she had spent eight hours in Lab 301 on the day of Guan Dailiang's murder, from 1 AM to 9 AM. Lin Ai explained she was culturing soybean rhizobium, a process requiring constant temperature monitoring and repeated cooling with water, which necessitated her continuous presence. Despite her detailed explanation, Lu Yao expressed skepticism, finding it hard to believe anyone could remain stationary in a hot lab for such a long period.
Lu Yao later discussed Lin Ai with Qiao Chusheng, pointing out the discrepancy between her current luxurious lifestyle and her family's humble background two years prior. Qiao Chusheng, observing Lu Yao's concern, playfully suggested he had a romantic interest in Lin Ai.
Nevertheless, Lu Yao concluded that based on her detailed alibi, which involved an experiment taking seven hours and forty minutes and her confirmed appearance at 8:42 AM to display results, she must have started at 1:02 AM, making it impossible for her to have committed the murder and submerged the body in formalin within a mere two minutes of entering the lab at 1 AM. Despite this, Lu Yao still intended to return to the lab to personally verify her claims.
Episode 17 Recap
Lu Yao returned to the medical school to continue his investigation. While his findings confirmed Lin Ai’s alibi—that her experiment results proved her presence in the lab—the trail of clues seemed to run cold. Qiao Chusheng, feeling stuck, listened as Lu Yao suggested a different approach: to investigate the origins of the human body specimens used at the university.
Bai Youning, a reporter, had previously hinted at the "revenge of the specimens," and Lu Yao believed this might be a key. Qiao Chusheng managed to obtain old records of collected bodies from Liu Mo. However, these records were deliberately vague, a consequence of the controversial and often unethical methods used to acquire bodies over the years, including from execution grounds or the black market, all under the guise of "medical progress."
Lu Yao, displaying his sharp intellect, narrowed down the investigation: he instructed Qiao Chusheng to focus only on bodies acquired during Guan Dailiang and Liu Yansheng's six-year tenure at the university, excluding those from before they attended school or after they parted ways. He also shrewdly deduced that any "picked up" or dismembered bodies could be ruled out, as the effort involved in obtaining a complete body for a partial specimen was simply too high.
Lu Yao then concluded that the most logical place to continue their search for information was the hospital where Guan Dailiang and Liu Yansheng had both worked, as it offered convenient access to patient records and time for interaction with families, which would facilitate body donations. At the hospital, Qiao Chusheng successfully obtained medical records. Lu Yao, feigning an inability to read the doctor's messy handwriting, attempted to leave, but Qiao Chusheng insisted they review the documents.
They soon found the case of Lin Shiyu, a ten-year-old boy who had died from epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, a disease Guan Dailiang and Liu Yansheng had specifically studied. Lu Yao noted the unusually meticulous detail in Lin Shiyu’s medical record, which he suspected was fabricated, particularly given Guan Dailiang's known sloppy handwriting.
A sudden realization struck Lu Yao: the name Lin Shiyu, combined with his father Lin Yuan, and a classical poem that subtly linked Lin Shiyu's name to Lin Ai's given name, "Lin Tingyun," strongly suggested that Lin Ai was Lin Shiyu's older sister. Lin Yuan had, in fact, given his consent to Guan Dailiang and Liu Yansheng for his son's body to be used as a specimen. With this critical insight, Lu Yao immediately decided to confront Lin Ai.
He also recalled earlier evidence that Guan Dailiang had visited Lin Ai’s lab after midnight on the night of his death, leaving a distinctive bitten cigarette butt in her trash. Furthermore, Lu Yao found it peculiar that Lin Ai, despite her otherwise excellent academic performance in theoretical medical subjects, consistently performed poorly in practical anatomy, which required hands-on dissection of bodies. He believed her strong aversion to handling corpses was a significant clue.
Upon arriving at the medical school, Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng were met with chaos: a dormitory building had exploded and caught fire. Among the casualties, Lin Ai was found in room 206, her body severely disfigured. This distinct method of death led Bai Youning to suggest that it was the work of resentful spirits. Patrol officers later reported that Lin Ai’s true name was Lin Tingyun.
It was revealed that six years prior, her mother had remarried, leaving her younger brother under their father’s care. Her brother had fallen ill and tragically died during treatment at St. George’s Medical School. Adding another layer of complexity, Salim’s team discovered a letter from Lin Tingyun at Liu Yansheng’s residence. The letter accused both Liu Yansheng and Guan Dailiang of providing "negative treatment" to her brother, Lin Shiyu, while secretly using him for unauthorized medical experiments.
It stated that they had then manipulated her father, Lin Yuan, with "double talks" to obtain consent for Lin Shiyu's body to be turned into a specimen. Lin Tingyun, writing as Lin Ai, vowed that she possessed irrefutable evidence and intended to make both Liu Yansheng and Guan Dailiang pay a painful price.
Following this revelation, Qiao Chusheng immediately went to investigate the ruins of Lin Ai's house, while Lu Yao proceeded to the medical school to retrieve Lin Ai’s personal belongings. Qiao Chusheng's investigation at Lin Ai's destroyed apartment confirmed that the incident was a gas explosion with no signs of forced entry, leaving the exact cause – accident or suicide – ambiguous. Meanwhile, Lu Yao examined Lin Ai’s experimental notes.
He discovered that she had successfully reduced the cultivation time for soybean rhizobium by twenty minutes. This timeframe, Lu Yao asserted, was ample for committing murder and disposing of a body. He also noted the presence of empty capsules with dark purple traces, indicating contact with potassium permanganate, and a gastric tube, suggesting a method for delivering the substance into a victim's stomach to cause specific chemical reactions post-mortem.
Qiao Chusheng, connecting these details, concluded that Lin Ai was the serial killer and that the case was closed, regardless of whether her death was accidental or suicidal. However, Lu Yao remained unconvinced. While Bai Youning was cooking, Lu Yao observed that a typical stove explosion would not cause a house to collapse entirely.
This led him to deduce that Lin Ai’s apartment must have contained other highly flammable and explosive materials beyond just natural gas to achieve such destructive power. Prompted by this realization, Lu Yao went to the medical school to inquire about any missing human specimens from Liu Mo. Liu Mo initially resisted, emphasizing the rarity and value of the specimens.
However, Lu Yao threatened to accept a teaching position at the medical school, vowing to make Liu Mo's daily life miserable, which prompted Liu Mo to grudgingly allow Lu Yao to investigate. Bai Youning subsequently arrived and assisted Lu Yao in searching the specimen pool, where they discovered that a significant number of localized, partial specimens were missing. When combined, these missing parts formed the exact components needed to construct a complete human body.
Armed with this discovery, Lu Yao presented a new theory to Qiao Chusheng. He proposed that the dismembered corpse found at Lin Ai’s apartment was not Lin Ai, but rather a body assembled from the partial human specimens missing from the medical school. He explained that these formalin-rich specimens, when heated or exposed to open flames, could produce explosive vapors.
He theorized that such an explosion would shatter the body, intentionally obscuring its identity and cause of death to facilitate a staged death. In this theory, Lu Yao suggested that Lin Ai had faked her own death using these body specimens and the gas explosion to escape.
Qiao Chusheng immediately issued an urgent city-wide warrant for Lin Ai’s arrest, assigning Salim to secure all city exits and instructing A Dou to investigate Lin Ai's social and familial connections for any potential concealment. Concurrently, Lu Yao provided Qiao Chusheng with Liu Yansheng’s photograph, suggesting that he might be trying to flee by ship to Southeast Asia, based on a subtle clue involving matchboxes from a specific restaurant.
Qiao Chusheng dispatched Liuzi and his team to stake out the docks, emphasizing discretion. Liu Yansheng was subsequently apprehended. Bai Youning was initially stunned, believing Liu Yansheng to be a ghost due to his alleged death. Lu Yao, however, meticulously explained the true sequence of events. He clarified that the body found in Liu Yansheng’s bathtub was not his own, but a complete human specimen that Guan Dailiang had preserved in formalin.
Its distinct, overly prominent birthmark was, ironically, a giveaway of its inauthenticity, contrasting with the faded appearance typical of formalin-soaked bodies. Lu Yao revealed that Liu Yansheng had earlier used a trolley to transport this complete specimen out of campus, deceptively labeling it as animal carcasses for experiments.
The decomposed body later found at the medical school, which was quickly buried by unsuspecting staff, was actually a newly pieced-together specimen, made to appear as if it were the “lost” original specimen. Liu Yansheng further manipulated Guan Dailiang’s body, using a reaction between formalin and potassium permanganate to cause his eyes and mouth to open post-mortem, with the facial damage being a deliberate part of his plan.
Lu Yao characterized this as a "five-bird-with-one-stone" strategy: to create a ghastly atmosphere, draw immediate attention to Guan’s identity in the formalin, cause severe damage to impede autopsy results, provide a necessary condition for Liu Yansheng’s own faked death, and establish a false narrative of a serial murder case, thereby diverting suspicion from himself. He emphasized that the freshly embalmed, complete specimen used for his own “fake” death would be less prone to detection.
Liu Yansheng was indeed the one who had secretly entered Lin Ai’s residence, setting up the formalin and the mechanism that triggered the fatal gas explosion, which truly killed Lin Ai. He also deliberately placed potassium permanganate capsules and a gastric tube in Lin Ai’s locker, along with Lin Ai’s genuine three-year-old letter, to frame her for the killings.
Lu Yao deduced that Lin Ai’s letter, mentioning a “price,” was a clear reference to blackmail, not revenge, as Liu Yansheng’s bank account showed regular transfers to Lin Ai. Liu Yansheng confessed to killing Lin Ai, claiming he was driven to desperation by her continuous blackmail.
He further admitted to the other murders, stating that Guan Dailiang, influenced by the St. George University board members who prioritized profits from expensive drugs, had reported him, destroying his life-saving research on epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis. This series of murders was both an act of private revenge and a calculated attempt to fake his own death, allowing him to escape and continue his vital research in a safer environment.
Lu Yao inferred Liu Yansheng’s intention to flee to Southeast Asia based on a subtle clue: Liu Yansheng’s choice to buy breakfast from a distant restaurant in the Japanese Concession, known to be near a shipping company selling limited tickets to Southeast Asia, rather than a closer establishment. Lu Yao later confided in Qiao Chusheng that his earlier actions, including the false lead against Lin Ai, were deliberate attempts to avoid alerting Liu Yansheng during the investigation.
While acknowledging the potential societal benefits of Liu Yansheng’s research, Lu Yao stated that his actions were still criminal. Qiao Chusheng proceeded to arrest Liu Yansheng, promising to try and secure a deal for him to continue his research in prison. Separately, Lu Yao implored Bai Youning not to publish the full, sensitive details of the murder motives—specifically, the corrupt practices of St. George University’s board—to avoid damaging the university’s reputation and crushing the hopes of its students.
Following the case, Qian Rui persistently tried to recruit Lu Yao to teach at St. George University, even offering a higher salary. Lu Yao, however, expressed disinterest, claiming he was unsuitable for teaching and couldn’t tolerate instructing “idiots” like Liu Mo. Qian Rui eventually confessed that the offer was at the insistence of Lu Yao’s father, Lu Zifu, who was concerned about Lu Yao’s current associates and wished for him to pursue a more “proper job.”
Later, while Lu Yao was cooking, Bai Youning playfully interrogated him about his past relationship with an ex-girlfriend from Cambridge who studied economics. She accused him of abandoning her without a word, prompting Lu Yao to defend his actions by claiming he grew tired of relationships quickly and was too young to commit, finding endless possibilities in life. Bai Youning sharply criticized him, calling him “shameless” and worse than a “beast.”
Concurrently, Bai Qili met with Norman, seeking his crucial vote to secure a position on the school board of St. George University. Norman initially declined, citing his ample friendships. However, Bai Qili subtly leveraged his knowledge of the recent serial murders at St. George University, implying that he possessed information about the “true masterminds” behind the incidents, and threatening to expose these details publicly. Faced with this veiled threat, Norman was compelled to yield and compromise.
Episode 18 Recap
Lu Yao's apartment is ablaze, leading him to immediately suspect Bai Youning's cooking as the cause, especially upon seeing her disheveled. Despite her protests of innocence, Lu Yao scolds her for her recklessness, highlighting the danger she put herself in and sarcastically remarking on her "water in her brain" as a potential firefighting tool. With their home damaged, Bai Youning suggests staying at a hotel, but she has no money. Lu Yao then proposes they stay at her father's house.
Bai Youning vehemently refuses, declaring she would rather freeze to death than allow her father to mock her misfortune. Lu Yao responds by sarcastically likening her to "The Little Match Girl," implying her foolishness in the situation. Meanwhile, Lu Yao's father, Lu Zifu, in Shanghai, receives news that his son has rejected a teaching position at St. George University.
Enraged, Lu Zifu believes his son has gone astray and immediately contacts his subordinate, Zhiqing, instructing him to travel to Shanghai to bring Lu Yao back. Separately, in Shanghai, the vice principal of Shuren Middle School, Ding Rongxian, arrives at the secluded Yuning Pagoda around six in the morning, clearly under the influence of alcohol from drinking all night. He dismisses his secretary, Xie Zhen, and driver, insisting they stay put while he ascends the pagoda alone.
Despite Xie Zhen's concerns about the deserted location and rumors of the pagoda being haunted, Ding Rongxian, feeling emboldened by the alcohol, scoffs at the idea of danger. Suddenly, a loud noise and a woman's piercing cry echo from the pagoda's summit. Xie Zhen and the driver rush up. Ding Rongxian stumbles to the top, confronting a figure he identifies as Mo Lan, questioning if she is human or ghost.
Mo Lan then shoves Ding Rongxian from the pagoda, causing him to die instantly. The next morning, Qiao Chusheng arrives at the police station to find Lu Yao and Bai Youning asleep on his office sofa, having been displaced by the fire and refusing to stay at Bai Youning's father's house. Qiao Chusheng wakes them, informing them about the death of Ding Rongxian, the vice principal of Shuren Middle School, who fell from the Yuning Pagoda at 6 AM.
Lu Yao initially resists, citing the need to buy building materials and clean his apartment, but Qiao Chusheng, emphasizing the importance of the case due to Shuren Middle School's influential connections, offers to cover all repair and redecoration costs. Lu Yao agrees. At the crime scene, Qiao Chusheng explains that Ding Rongxian had received an anonymous letter instructing him to meet at the Yuning Pagoda at six in the morning.
Lu Yao finds the meeting location peculiar, especially given Ding Rongxian's inebriated state, speculating he might have been emboldened by alcohol. Bai Youning, leveraging her reporter instincts, uncovers that five years prior, a schoolgirl named Xu Xiaoya died after falling from the same pagoda during a Shuren Middle School spring tour, a consequence of a stampede.
She notes that Ding Rongxian, a socially well-connected individual with a complex background, was poised to become the next principal and had just welcomed a son last month, making suicide highly improbable. Lu Yao, Qiao Chusheng, and Bai Youning search the pagoda's summit for clues but find nothing conclusive. Lu Yao detects a strong sulfur smell and explosive residues, while Bai Youning dismisses reported crying sounds as merely the wind.
Lu Yao then interrogates Xie Zhen, Ding Rongxian's secretary, inquiring about his income and any "off-the-books" earnings related to school admissions. Xie Zhen denies having such authority. The driver, who accompanied Ding Rongxian, later clarifies that he himself has an intense fear of blood and fainted after seeing the body, which is why Xie Zhen, despite his subordinate role, had to go report the death.
The driver also reveals Ding Rongxian's dying words: "Mo Lan, are you a human or a ghost?" Xie Zhen clarifies that the anonymous letter had been received a month prior, initially ignored by Ding Rongxian, who only decided to meet the sender while inebriated the previous night. When Lu Yao persists about Ding Rongxian's potential illicit income, Xie Zhen evades the question.
Annoyed, Lu Yao, despite having no evidence, theatrically threatens Xie Zhen with torture, calling for Salim to "use harsh tortures." Qiao Chusheng intervenes, releasing Xie Zhen and scolding Lu Yao for his reckless behavior, revealing that Xie Zhen's uncle is the influential Hu Zhuxuan.
Reviewing records, Lu Yao discovers a crucial link: after the stampede five years ago, Mo Lan, a school librarian and one of the lead teachers, was fired to appease public anger, while Ding Rongxian, also a lead teacher, was inexplicably promoted. Furthermore, Lu Yao learns that Mo Lan had committed suicide by jumping from the Yuning Pagoda a month prior, with Salim having handled her body. Lu Yao visits Shuren Middle School to speak with the principal.
The principal describes Mo Lan as deeply introverted and socially awkward, often crying for an entire night if gently reprimanded. He claims to have assigned her to the external lending desk in hopes of encouraging her to socialize and make friends. He recounts her unusual habits, like washing all her clothes together, leading her white attire to turn green, and always wearing mismatched socks and a peculiar hat, causing colleagues to avoid her.
Lu Yao then inquires about a woman named Zhu Yingjiang, whom the principal initially denies knowing. When Lu Yao presses, stating Zhu Yingjiang visited the school to complain at least three times, always met personally by the principal, he finally confesses. Zhu Yingjiang and her husband had repeatedly caused disturbances at the library, accusing Mo Lan of murdering their daughter. The school paid them off and, despite his reluctance, dismissed Mo Lan to quell the unrest.
After Mo Lan's departure, the Zhu family stopped coming. The principal provides their address. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng locate Zhu Yingjiang's gynecological clinic. Upon hearing of Ding Rongxian's death, Zhu Yingjiang is overcome with joy, exclaiming "This is great!" and immediately lights incense for her deceased daughter, Xu Xiaoya.
She openly admits to harboring intense hatred for both Mo Lan and Ding Rongxian, confessing she "dreamt of killing them both," wishing them both dead, believing divine justice has finally been served against the "incompetent teachers." She provides an alibi for the morning of Ding Rongxian's death, stating she was at the farmer's market from 5:30 to 7:00 AM, a fact her neighbors can corroborate.
She then reveals her husband is at a casino, having gambled away all the compensation money they received from the school after Xiaoya's death. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng proceed to the casino. Spotting them, Zhu Yingjiang's husband immediately flees. Qiao Chusheng gives chase, but the husband, despite having gambled for two days straight, manages to escape. Qiao Chusheng wonders why the man ran if he wasn't involved in the murder.
Lu Yao deduces that the husband likely mistook Qiao Chusheng for a loan shark, mockingly implying Qiao Chusheng's appearance fits the part. Qiao Chusheng instructs Lu Yao to delve deeper into the stampede incident at the school, while he himself investigates who might have helped Ding Rongxian cover up the affair.
Lu Yao arranges for Xie Zhen, who admits his uncle is the renowned Hu Zhuxuan but emphasizes his own detachment from the underworld, to bring Liu Xinxin, Xu Xiaoya's classmate and a witness to the original incident. Liu Xinxin, initially hesitant, confesses after Lu Yao promises her safety and confirms Ding Rongxian's death.
She reveals that Mo Lan had strongly objected to taking the students up the dangerously high pagoda, fearing accidents, but Ding Rongxian, arrogantly asserting he would take full responsibility, insisted on leading the children up while Mo Lan stayed behind. Tragically, Xu Xiaoya fell from the fourth floor and died. Ding Rongxian then systematically threatened the students with expulsion and promised them guaranteed admissions to top universities if they collectively lied about the incident.
Liu Xinxin adds that her impoverished parents also compelled her to remain silent, fearing the loss of her hard-earned place at Shuren Middle School. Analyzing Ding Rongxian's initial testimony, which claimed Mo Lan led the ascent and he saw Xu Xiaoya's shadow falling from the base of the pagoda, Lu Yao points out a critical inconsistency: given the pagoda's structure and the time of day, Xu Xiaoya's shadow would have been obscured by the pagoda itself.
He concludes that Ding Rongxian deliberately fabricated his account, swapping his position with Mo Lan's to shift blame onto her, and that Mo Lan, being introverted and vulnerable, was easily intimidated into accepting the false accusation. Concurrently, Qiao Chusheng learns that Ding Rongxian had hired Axe Hong, a known figure from old Zhabei, to follow Mo Lan for several weeks.
When confronted, Axe Hong admits to merely "scaring her to keep her mouth shut" as a favor for Ding Rongxian, denying any direct harm and attributing Mo Lan's subsequent suicide to her "not tough in mental quality." The autopsy report confirms Ding Rongxian died from a fall. Lu Yao, consulting a medical text, explains that high doses of quinine can cause severe neurological damage, leading to symptoms like constricted vision and temporary blindness.
He theorizes that Zhu Yingjiang might have chronically poisoned Ding Rongxian, timing a sudden onset of blindness to cause his fatal fall from the pagoda. They immediately visit Zhu Yingjiang's clinic, only to find it deserted. Their next stop is Ding Rongxian's home, where his wife provides his medical records, showing he had been prescribed quinine for malaria three months prior after a trip to Southeast Asia.
This confirms that the quinine found in Ding Rongxian's system was merely normal medication residue. Lu Yao, puzzled, wonders why Zhu Yingjiang would flee if she wasn't the killer. A sudden realization compels Lu Yao to rush back to Yuning Pagoda with Qiao Chusheng. There, they discover Zhu Yingjiang perched on the pagoda's edge, seemingly preparing to commit suicide, with a photo of her daughter, Xu Xiaoya, laid out below. Lu Yao quickly intervenes, urging her not to die.
He reveals that their investigation has concluded Ding Rongxian was solely responsible for the stampede incident. Lu Yao persuades Zhu Yingjiang that only by remaining alive can she witness Ding Rongxian's reputation being utterly destroyed and truly secure justice for Xu Xiaoya. As she begins to descend, Lu Yao adds a crucial, harsh truth: Mo Lan was an innocent victim, constantly harassed by Zhu Yingjiang, who was ignorant of the real facts, until she was driven to suicide.
He asserts that Zhu Yingjiang holds direct responsibility for Mo Lan's death, declaring Ding Rongxian the "arch-criminal" and Zhu Yingjiang an "accomplice." He stresses that she has no right to die until she atones for her sins, successfully dissuading her from taking her life. Later, Bai Youning brings Lu Yao to an art exhibition by the renowned painter Gu Weiyun. Though initially feigning a lack of artistic understanding, Lu Yao proceeds to eloquently praise Gu Weiyun's work.
He particularly highlights a piece that masterfully uses varying shades of red to evoke an atmosphere of peace and calm, defying the conventional association of red with passion and excitement. Bai Youning, observing his elaborate flattery, sarcastically remarks on his shameless efforts to secure free food.
Episode 19 Recap
Lu Yao showered Gu Weiyun with exaggerated praise for his artwork, claiming it surpassed even Picasso and Monet, who would be ashamed to see it. Overwhelmed by the flattery, Gu Weiyun offered Lu Yao any painting as a gift. Lu Yao, however, specifically requested to take that one with him.
Later, Lu Yao immediately identified Xie Zhen as Ding Rongxian's murderer, citing the secretary's unusually coherent and detailed statement as a red flag, contrasting it with other witnesses who were typically in extreme confusion after such a traumatic event. To prove his theory, Lu Yao had Salim conduct an experiment.
He explained that Xie Zhen murdered Ding Rongxian using the principle of the "afterimage of the complementary color," a concept derived from Hering's opponent-color theory, much like the green surgical gowns worn by doctors to counteract visual fatigue from staring at red. He elaborated that by constantly bombarding Ding Rongxian with psychological hints through letters, making him believe he ruined Mo Lan's life, and then exploiting Ding Rongxian's hangovers and long-term quinine use, Xie Zhen created an illusion.
When Ding Rongxian, whose vision was fatigued from seeing red, saw Xie Zhen in a white trench coat, he perceived him as Mo Lan's ghost in green, causing him to panic and fall from the pagoda. Xie Zhen's last words, "Mo Lan, are you a human or a ghost?" were the result of this induced hallucination, which also served to mislead the investigation.
Xie Zhen tried to deny it, but Lu Yao countered, explaining how Xie Zhen used a specific rope technique (wrapping two strands parallel around a pillar and pulling one end to quickly retrieve it after descending) to quickly descend the pagoda after the murder, creating a false alibi of already being at the bottom. Lu Yao deduced Xie Zhen was an experienced rock climber from his posture and frequent wearing of hiking shoes.
Lu Yao then presented a series of evidence: a custom-made hat identical to one Mo Lan wore, a style long discontinued, for which Salim had found an order record for Xie Zhen. Xie Zhen claimed it was a birthday gift for a close lady friend. Next, Lu Yao showed a paint shop order for red paint, along with a simulated portrait based on the clerk's memory, which resembled Xie Zhen.
Xie Zhen claimed he dumped the paint because the color was too bright, and heavy rain had washed it away. Finally, Lu Yao revealed a threatening letter found on Xie Zhen's desk, written in Mo Lan's handwriting, instructing Ding Rongxian to meet at Yuning Pagoda. Xie Zhen admitted writing it but insisted he only meant to scare Ding Rongxian.
As a final piece of evidence, Lu Yao revealed the rope found near Yuning Pagoda, which bore Xie Zhen's bloodstains from his rapid descent, suggesting he scraped his hand. Lu Yao confessed that his suspicion of Xie Zhen was solidified by Xie Zhen's abnormal calmness and preparedness during initial questioning, including when Salim attempted to torture him, suggesting he had planned every counter-argument and knew he couldn't be held without evidence. Cornered by the irrefutable evidence, Xie Zhen confessed.
He declared he killed Ding Rongxian to save Shuren Middle School. He accused Ding Rongxian of corrupting the school by selling enrollment quotas at high prices and colluding with gangsters to induce and threaten innocent children into lying after a stampede incident, turning a prestigious institution into a haven for rich profligates. Xie Zhen stated he acted for the greater good of the school and its students, and would "die without regret."
Qiao Chusheng was deeply saddened by this confession, knowing he would have to face Xie Zhen's uncle. Qiao Chusheng went to meet Uncle Xuan, who immediately condemned him for arresting his nephew, Xie Zhen. Uncle Xuan praised Xie Zhen's act as "enforcing justice for Heaven" against a "beast," and accused Qiao Chusheng of "helping the evil." He demanded Qiao Chusheng hand over Lu Yao, threatening to retaliate if he refused.
Qiao Chusheng, however, staunchly defended Lu Yao, stating that Lu Yao was merely a subordinate and he, as the inspector, was solely responsible for the case and made him do everything. To emphasize his resolve, Qiao Chusheng took off his shirt and sliced his chest with a dagger, explaining that it was a gesture of respect as a junior, but also a declaration of his clear conscience in upholding the law.
He further explained that even if he wanted to release Xie Zhen, the Municipal Council would not allow it given the irrefutable evidence and the loss of life. He then challenged Uncle Xuan to pursue him if he still sought revenge, stating he was ready to face any consequences. Uncle Xuan, seeing Qiao Chusheng's determination, warned him that they had made a powerful enemy and that he would have to "pay his price" for this offense.
Qiao Chusheng had the apartment quickly renovated with twenty workers working around the clock. When Lu Yao and Bai Youning returned, Qiao Chusheng presented them with the bill. Lu Yao immediately protested, arguing that he didn't start the fire and shouldn't have to pay. Qiao Chusheng clarified that he paid for the decoration, but they were responsible for the new furniture, including the sofa, rug, and cabinet.
Bai Youning offered to pay for the sofa, but the argument quickly escalated into a physical fight over the expensive French-imported cushions. Unable to mediate, Qiao Chusheng quietly slipped away from the escalating conflict. As Lu Yao and Bai Youning's argument continued, Jiang Zhiqing arrived, surprising Qiao Chusheng who quickly left to report to Bai Qili.
Qiao Chusheng informed Bai Qili about the apartment renovation and the cause of the fire, which he suspected was Bai Youning's accidental fault, expressing concern for the couple's lack of self-care. More importantly, he reported Jiang Zhiqing's presence. Bai Qili, wary of Jiang Zhiqing, instructed Qiao Chusheng to closely monitor him, fearing he might mislead Bai Youning and Lu Yao. Meanwhile, Jiang Zhiqing found Lu Yao amidst his argument with Bai Youning.
Jiang Zhiqing, a former colleague from Cambridge, immediately offered Lu Yao a ticket to Guangzhou. He revealed his purpose was to take Lu Yao back to help establish a school there to train military talents for China, as the country was in peril and facing potential war. Lu Yao initially refused, citing his studies in mathematics and medicine, and his disinterest in fighting, claiming he was a "complete egoist."
Jiang Zhiqing passionately argued about China's precarious state, emphasizing the urgent need for individuals with Lu Yao's talents to contribute to the nation's defense. He also tried to appeal to Lu Yao's pride, mentioning his father's disapproval. He gave Lu Yao a few days to consider his offer. A distraught Bai Youning informed Lu Yao that her mentor, Mr. He, had been murdered the previous night.
She recounted the doorman's fragmented account: a phone call from Mr. He crying for help and exclaiming "He is back!" before the line went dead, after which the doorman found him deceased. Bai Youning expressed profound grief, revealing that Mr. He had "taught her how to write news step by step" and was "more like a father to her in the spiritual sense." She implored Lu Yao to find the killer, prompting Lu Yao to offer comfort and assurance.
The following morning, Qiao Chusheng, Lu Yao, and Bai Youning entered the newspaper office through a back door, as the front entrance was locked. They found Mr. He dead in his messy office, a limited edition Parker pen, which he cherished for writing, plunged into his neck. The room was in disarray and filled with books, indicating he had been packing to move to a new office. During his meticulous examination of the scene, Lu Yao noticed a ten-year-old newspaper.
He realized the newspaper, which contained a prominent article written by Mr. He titled "Wicked woman who murdered her husband is finally executed today," was deliberately left at the scene by the murderer, as it would have been impossible for the dying Mr. He to place it so neatly with his severe neck wound. The date on the newspaper was April 14, exactly ten years after the execution of the "wicked woman," suggesting a ten-year anniversary revenge.
Lu Yao concluded this was a "copycat case," mimicking a past event. The murder caused a stir at the newspaper. Tong Li, a head reporter, openly discussed her intention to leave for "Ta Kung Pao", subtly mocking Bai Youning by suggesting she was only suitable for a typing job. This led Bai Youning to suspect Tong Li was the killer, motivated by jealousy over Mr. He's favoritism towards her.
However, a delivery man arrived, bringing mangoes and Dahongpao tea, which Mr. He had ordered for Tong Li from Guangzhou. He also handed Bai Youning a lengthy rejection letter from Mr. He regarding her article. Distraught by the meticulous critique, which even pointed out punctuation errors, Bai Youning declared she was cutting ties with her deceased mentor.
Lu Yao, however, comforted her, explaining that Mr. He's detailed feedback, even on punctuation, was a sign of his faith in her potential, acknowledging her sensitive subject matter and boldness as strengths that others lacked. Drying her tears, Bai Youning recounted the sensational "singer's murder case" from ten years prior.
She explained how Ye Ying, a once-famous singer, had murdered her husband, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning, and attempted to kill her nine-year-old daughter with sleeping pills to elope with her lover. Although the daughter survived after falling into a coma, Ye Ying steadfastly denied her involvement due to a lack of direct evidence. Mr. He, then a novice reporter, delved deep into the investigation, publishing a series of special reports that exposed details of Ye Ying's private life.
These reports were eventually admitted as secondary evidence in court, leading Ye Ying to confess under immense public and legal pressure, resulting in her execution. Lu Yao immediately suspected Ye Ying's daughter might be seeking revenge, as she was now old enough.
However, Bai Youning quickly debunked this, having learned that the daughter was living abroad as the hostess of a renowned art salon, currently preoccupied with a Gauguin exhibition and confirmed to be out of the country for several months. Despite this, Lu Yao asked Bai Youning to compile all of Mr. He's articles related to that case from ten years ago.
Bai Youning then suggested an alternative suspect: Chu Ming, the son of a prominent flour tycoon and the fourth young master of the Chu family. She argued that Mr. He, as a journalist exposing wrongdoing, was bound to make enemies, and Chu Ming was an "innocent victim" in the Ye Ying case. Chu Ming, a well-known eligible bachelor, had fervently pursued Ye Ying when she became famous at sixteen, but she married someone else and left the entertainment industry.
When she returned years later, he resumed his pursuit. After Ye Ying's murder of her husband came to light, Chu Ming was implicated in reports as her accomplice. Unable to bear the immense public pressure, he vanished, and his family's flour business plummeted as a result. Bai Youning suggested that if she were in his shoes, she would harbor deep resentment towards Mr. He. Qiao Chusheng, acknowledging the potential motive and noting that the Chu family, though affected, was still powerful, decided they should visit the Chu family to investigate further.
Episode 20 Recap
Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao visited Chu Ming's father, who confirmed his son, Chu Ming, had returned from Paris less than a month ago after a decade abroad. His father was pleased that Chu Ming had changed his "bad habits and dispositions" and agreed to provide his current address.
During their conversation, Lu Yao revealed that his family's patriarch had been wanting to acquire the Chu family's warehouse, subtly questioning Qiao Chusheng's integrity if Chu Ming turned out to be the killer and the warehouse was offered as a bribe. Qiao Chusheng firmly dismissed the idea, stating he wouldn't compromise his principles, emphasizing his boss's good character, who even forbade his men from opium trade because it would harm China.
Upon arriving at Chu Ming's residence, they found no one answering the door. Suddenly, a small dog named Lele jumped out from a neighbor's house, startling Lu Yao, who had a childhood trauma from being bitten by such a dog. Panicked, Lu Yao snatched Qiao Chusheng's gun, intending to shoot the dog. During their struggle, the gun accidentally discharged.
The gunshot alerted Chu Ming, who emerged from his home and invited the two in, politely requesting them to change their shoes due to his severe mysophobia and OCD. He then excused himself to finish cleaning a bowl. Inside, Lu Yao discovered a bottle of '62 Lafite, and he and Chu Ming shared a glass, discussing their shared experiences in Bordeaux.
Qiao Chusheng then directly addressed the reason for their visit: the sudden death of He Youwei, the editor of Xinyue Daily, the previous night. Chu Ming confessed that he had moved abroad ten years ago specifically because of the Ye Ying murder case, which He Youwei was involved in, and expressed frustration that he was now tangled in it again.
When questioned about his whereabouts between ten and eleven o'clock the previous night, Chu Ming claimed he was home alone all night, stating he had grown accustomed to living without maids during his years abroad. He admitted to being friends with Ye Ying.
Growing increasingly agitated, Chu Ming launched into a tirade against He Youwei, accusing him of distorting facts and manipulating public opinion, declaring that such a person deserved to die and he would have shot him if he had a gun. Qiao Chusheng noted Chu Ming's clear motive but lack of an alibi. Chu Ming defiantly challenged them to find evidence, warning them not to threaten him, as his father's influence had significantly waned due to his past troubles.
He dared them to take him in and torture him. During this heated exchange, Lu Yao discovered a pot of Fotiaoqiang stew in the kitchen. Unable to resist, he helped himself to a bowl, praising Chu Ming's culinary skills. Chu Ming claimed he personally made the stew, emphasizing that it required 24 hours of constant attention and supervision, which he presented as his alibi. Despite Lu Yao's insistence on the soup's excellent taste, Qiao Chusheng forcefully took him away.
Determined to verify Chu Ming's story, Lu Yao insisted on going to the Golden Gate Hotel, renowned for its Fotiaoqiang, promising to reveal a crucial clue after tasting it. At the hotel, Lu Yao sampled the dish and immediately declared it identical to Chu Ming's, concluding that Chu Ming must have purchased it from the hotel.
He explained that Chu Ming's home kitchen lacked the specific equipment and conditions, like a purple clay pot and jujube pit charcoal for slow cooking, necessary to achieve such tender texture and taste. Lu Yao then asked the waiter if anyone had ordered Fotiaoqiang for takeout the previous night, but the waiter stated he needed to check with other staff members who would be on duty the following morning.
The next morning, after Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao had spent the night organizing their clues, Bai Youning's newspaper, "Extra," hit the stands with a sensational headline: "The editor of Xinyue Daily's bizarre death! Revenge of wraith in the newspaper office!" It explicitly linked He Youwei's death to the ten-year-old Ye Ying murder case. Qiao Chusheng was exasperated by Youning's "repulsive addiction for sensational headlines."
Moments later, the Golden Gate Hotel manager called, confirming that Chu Ming had indeed ordered Fotiaoqiang for two the night before last, but had eaten alone and taken the leftovers with him around 9 PM. Lu Yao pointed out that even with a short break, Chu Ming would have had ample time to go to the newspaper office to commit murder.
Re-examining the old case files, Lu Yao highlighted a suspicious detail: Chu Ming was Ye Ying's sole alibi witness after her performance ten years prior, yet he had mysteriously disappeared when his testimony was needed. Lu Yao stated his intention to question Chu Ming again, seeking answers about why he fled and whether Ye Ying had lied. As they drove to Chu Ming's house, Qiao Chusheng noticed they were being followed.
Qiao Chusheng deliberately led the tailing car into a dead-end alley, blocking it. The pursuer turned out to be Tong Li. She greeted Qiao Chusheng, praising his reputation as a man of "civil and martial virtues" and "righteous spirit." She inquired about the editor's case, but Qiao Chusheng refused to disclose any confidential information. Tong Li then criticized Bai Youning, calling her a "layman" who only got her job through Mr. Bai's connections and wrote poorly.
She then offered Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao an "olive branch," proposing that her newspaper, Ta Kung Pao, publish their case information first, offering an "information fee" based on the case's importance. Lu Yao's eyes lit up, and he immediately asked the price for the He Youwei case, to which Tong Li promised at least two hundred yuan, implying they had chosen the wrong partner previously.
As Tong Li departed, she subtly flirted with Qiao Chusheng, who admitted he wanted to marry her. However, he hesitated, citing the rivalry between Tong Li and Bai Youning. Lu Yao, motivated by the promise of money, encouraged Qiao Chusheng to pursue his happiness and collaborate with Tong Li, suggesting they keep their partnership secret from Bai Youning.
Lu Yao even humorously proposed a schedule for sharing Tong Li, with Qiao Chusheng getting her on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and himself on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with Sundays off. Qiao Chusheng, envisioning their wedding night, agreed to the cooperation but stressed the absolute need for secrecy from Youning. Just then, Bai Youning suddenly appeared, demanding to know what secret they were keeping.
Lu Yao quickly concocted a story about a "surprise party," which Bai Youning playfully claimed to have seen through, before leading them back to Chu Ming's house. Upon their arrival, Bai Youning knocked on Chu Ming's door, but there was no answer. The female neighbor, with Lele in tow, emerged and informed them that Lele would bark whenever anyone entered or exited Chu Ming's house, and it hadn't barked the previous night or morning, suggesting Chu Ming hadn't left.
Lu Yao noticed that the light in Chu Ming's study was on, which he found odd, as Chu Ming had previously stated his study had excellent lighting and he never needed to turn on the lights during the day, always switching them off when leaving the room. Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao entered to investigate, where they discovered Chu Ming dead in a chair.
Inside, Lu Yao identified a bottle of sleeping pills (marked with foreign language) and observed that most of the wine in the house was from Burgundy, despite Chu Ming's stated preference for Bordeaux, leading him to suspect the wines were not Chu Ming's. Qiao Chusheng ordered the wines, particularly an '82 Lafite, to be taken to his apartment for further research and testing as important physical evidence.
Patrol officers soon discovered Ye Ying's photograph and the cap of the Parker pen in a drawer in Chu Ming's bedroom. Based on the evidence, Qiao Chusheng concluded that Chu Ming had killed He Youwei and then committed suicide out of guilt. He declared the case closed but expressed dissatisfaction that they hadn't caught the culprit alive. Lu Yao suggested they celebrate by going to a Western restaurant to collect their payment, and Qiao Chusheng suggested Jimmy's Kitchen.
Later, Qiao Chusheng met Tong Li at Jimmy's Kitchen. She was late and immediately inquired about the case's progress, which disappointed Qiao Chusheng, as he felt she was "too anxious." He changed the subject, and Tong Li then inquired about his personal life and how many girlfriends he had. Qiao Chusheng clarified that while he had had "fun with" other women, he had never been in a serious relationship and wished to pursue one with her.
Tong Li revealed her extensive knowledge of his past: how he "Left his hometown" and "suffered a lot" before "fighting his way out and up on his own" to become famous in the underworld even before he turned 20. She recounted how Mr. Bai recommended him as an inspector, initially just to "have fancy experience on his resume," but he unexpectedly became renowned throughout Shanghai by solving numerous mysterious cases.
Tong Li praised him as a hero, though Qiao Chusheng humbly credited Lu Yao, stating that Lu Yao wouldn't have achieved anything without his support. Just as they were about to order, Qiao Chusheng spotted Bai Youning sitting alone across the restaurant, drinking, and quickly switched seats with Tong Li to avoid being seen. Tong Li playfully teased him about being afraid of Youning.
Qiao Chusheng explained he didn't want Youning to "misunderstand and go mad" if she knew about their relationship. Tong Li then admitted her genuine feelings for him, suggesting they might have a future if he had "fewer girlfriends." She jokingly asked if he was proposing but then clarified she was only kidding about marriage, though serious about her feelings. She declined his offer to drive her home.
Later that night, a very drunk Bai Youning confronted a sick and equally inebriated Lu Yao, who had consumed three bottles of red wine and half a bottle of rum. She accused him of having already closed He Youwei's case and deliberately hiding it from her, citing her "source" who told her that Chu Ming was the murderer and had committed suicide. Despite Lu Yao's attempts to deny it, Bai Youning remained unconvinced, forcing him to concede that the case would only be considered closed when he officially declared it so.
Episode 21 Recap
Lu Yao reassured a very drunk Bai Youning that Chu Ming was not the killer. She expressed fear that he might betray her, but he denied it. He guided her to her room, but she eventually settled back on the sofa, prompting Lu Yao to cover her with a blanket. Qiao Chusheng returned to the police station early in the morning, finding Lu Yao asleep on the sofa after a tumultuous night with a drunken Bai Youning.
Qiao Chusheng described his own night as having gone very smoothly, but when Lu Yao immediately asked for the 200 silver dollars for the information, Qiao Chusheng admitted he hadn't even had the chance to ask Tong Li. He revealed they were too engrossed in conversation, even discussing marriage. Lu Yao, exasperated, warned Qiao Chusheng that once the information was published, they would lose their leverage.
He insisted that either Tong Li pays, or Qiao Chusheng is responsible for the 200 silver dollars. Later, Lu Yao brought breakfast home, only to be confronted by an enraged Bai Youning holding a copy of Ta Kung Pao. She accused him of betraying her by leaking the insider details of the He Youwei murder case to Tong Li, who promptly published the story.
Lu Yao denied any involvement, suggesting Qiao Chusheng might be responsible, but Bai Youning dismissed his excuses and dragged him off to confront Tong Li. At the newspaper office, Bai Youning directly questioned Tong Li about the source of her information. Tong Li, unphased, calmly stated her professional obligation to protect her informants. Bai Youning immediately accused Lu Yao. Tong Li challenged her, asking, "So what if it's him?"
Lu Yao, in turn, pleaded with Tong Li not to implicate him. Tong Li then asserted her position, reminding Bai Youning that the newspaper office was not her gang's territory and that she was not intimidated by threats, welcoming any attempts to intimidate or kidnap her in the concession. Enraged, Bai Youning stormed out, vowing to make Tong Li pay. Tong Li then casually invited Lu Yao to lunch, which he politely declined, stating he had his own bread.
Lu Yao followed Bai Youning, who immediately demanded to know how much Tong Li paid him. Lu Yao admitted to receiving 200 silver dollars. Bai Youning was deeply hurt, feeling their friendship was not even worth a fraction of that amount. Lu Yao defended himself by pointing out that other news outlets pay much higher informant fees, while Bai Youning's paper consistently offers only "single digits."
Bai Youning argued that her tabloid paid these small amounts from their own pockets, doing their best. Seeing her distress, Lu Yao offered to provide her with information for free in the future. Bai Youning, heartbroken, cried and sarcastically stated that she was "ignorant" and her humble tabloid could not afford a "heavyweight detective" like him.
Lu Yao apologized, but Bai Youning insisted that he did nothing wrong and it was her fault for trying to take advantage of their friendship. To appease Bai Youning, Lu Yao finally admitted that the He Youwei case was far from closed. He proposed they visit Chu Ming's house together to look for further evidence, which instantly brightened Bai Youning's mood, though she suspected he was just trying to cheer her up.
At Chu Ming's residence, Lu Yao's keen observation immediately spotted a misaligned bottle of 1982 Lafite, noting Chu Ming's severe OCD meant every bottle label faced outward. He deduced that someone else handled and placed the bottle. Lu Yao also highlighted the disturbing similarities between Chu Ming's death – involving sleeping pills, a confined space, and charcoal heating – and the death of singer Ye Ying's husband a decade prior, identifying it as a clear copycat murder.
He asserted that the same individual was responsible for both Chu Ming's and He Youwei's murders. Lu Yao further noted that two glasses in Chu Ming's kitchen were improperly cleaned, contradicting Chu Ming's meticulous habits, suggesting the presence of another person.
The discovery of a glass of plain water next to the sleeping pills was also deemed suspicious, as Chu Ming was known to take medication with red wine, indicating the water was deliberately staged by the killer, who was unaware of Chu Ming's habits. The Parker pen cap found at the scene, which belonged to the murder weapon used on He Youwei, was clearly planted to frame Chu Ming for He Youwei's murder and subsequent suicide.
Lu Yao concluded his deductions by referencing the neighbor's dog, which only barks at men, thus revealing the murderer to be a woman. He firmly believed Tong Li was the culprit, though he had yet to uncover her exact method and motive. Bai Youning, visibly cheered by the revelation that Tong Li was the prime suspect, remarked that such a person "should have been executed long time ago."
She wasted no time, immediately setting off to investigate the social circles of both He Youwei and Chu Ming, hoping to uncover any connections between them. Meanwhile, Tong Li visited Qiao Chusheng at his office, expressing her deep gratitude. She credited him for the article on the He Youwei case, which had created a significant stir in society and helped her firmly establish herself at Ta Kung Pao.
As a token of her appreciation, she invited Qiao Chusheng to her home for dinner, an invitation he eagerly accepted. Lu Yao, appearing deep in thought on the sofa, had seemingly consolidated all the clues, affirming his conviction that Tong Li was the murderer. Bai Youning offered him a mere five silver dollars for any new findings, but Lu Yao, his mind feeling "a bit confused," declined, stating he needed to go downstairs for "some fresh air."
As he left, Bai Youning took the opportunity to thoroughly review the case files herself. Elsewhere, Tong Li prepared a lavish meal for Qiao Chusheng at her home. He praised her cooking, though playfully admitting it was "a little bit salty." They shared a drink, toasting to their "destiny" and "future."
Qiao Chusheng revealed his Hubei origins and how he came to Shanghai at a young age, while Tong Li shared she was born in Shanghai but raised in Peiping, only moving to Shanghai after college. When he asked why she came to Shanghai, she hinted it was "in order to meet the destined one." She confessed her laziness, having only ever visited Peiping and Shanghai.
Qiao Chusheng then expressed his biggest dream: to earn enough money to travel the world with his loved one. Tong Li, smiling, readily offered to accompany him. At a shoeshine stand, Lu Yao overheard a conversation about the He Youwei murder case. He sat down, and an accidental knock of a water jug on the ground triggered a sudden epiphany. He immediately returned to He Youwei's office, where he meticulously re-examined the crime scene.
By "rearranging all the blood stains on objects and restoring them like piecing back a puzzle," he finally understood the killer's "true purpose." He then confronted Qiao Chusheng, who, after a slight hesitation, handed over 200 silver dollars, stating he couldn't bring himself to ask Tong Li for the money.
Lu Yao then revealed his crucial discovery: despite Tong Li's claim of never having left Peiping and Shanghai, shipping records showed she traveled to Paris two years ago, precisely when she applied for a job at Xinyue Daily. Sensing Qiao Chusheng's growing affection for Tong Li, Lu Yao warned him to disengage from the case now, as continuing the investigation would likely "break his heart."
Despite Lu Yao's warning, Qiao Chusheng, accompanied by Lu Yao and Bai Youning, went to confront Tong Li. Bai Youning made no secret of her disdain for Tong Li. Qiao Chusheng formally announced that Tong Li was suspected of murdering He Youwei and Chu Ming and requested her cooperation with the investigation. Tong Li vehemently denied the accusations and demanded concrete evidence.
Lu Yao stepped forward to reveal the truth: the person Chu Ming was waiting for at the Golden Gate Hotel the night He Youwei was killed was not Tong Li, but Lin Qihua, the daughter of the singer Ye Ying. He explained that after Ye Ying's execution, her daughter was raised in Paris, eventually becoming "the hostess of a famous salon."
Two years prior, she swapped identities with the real Tong Li, who had studied in Paris, and returned to Shanghai to exact her revenge. Lu Yao pointed out a specific detail that first aroused his suspicion: the way Tong Li flipped a baguette that he had dropped, a French custom where bread placed upside down is reserved for death row prisoners – a detail only someone who lived in France would know.
He explained that Tong Li likely revealed her true identity to Chu Ming before their meeting, knowing his eagerness to meet would provide her with an opportunity to frame him. Chu Ming was killed before he could expose her. Lu Yao then took Tong Li, Qiao Chusheng, and Bai Youning to He Youwei's office to physically demonstrate how the murder was committed and how she exited the "sealed room."
He explained that his crucial insight came from an incident at a shoeshine stand, where knocking over a water jug made him realize how the blood spatter patterns were manipulated.
He illustrated how Tong Li, using a scarf, moved a bloody box behind the door, created a narrow gap just wide enough to slip out, then dragged the box tightly against the door from the outside, finally pulling the scarf through the crack, thereby creating the illusion of a sealed room. The scattered bloody boxes and book bundles were meant to disguise the missing blood spatter pattern on the floor, caused by the initial position of the box.
Tong Li attempted to dismiss his theory as mere imagination. Lu Yao then presented her published article as undeniable proof. While complimenting her writing skills, he highlighted the critical flaw: her article explicitly mentioned the murder weapon was a "Parker pen," a detail conspicuously absent from his official case report. Only a select few involved in the investigation knew the brand, confirming Tong Li's intimate knowledge of the crime. Lu Yao then unveiled Tong Li's true motive.
Ten years ago, her mother, Ye Ying, tragically succumbed to public pressure and eventually pleaded guilty, largely due to Chu Ming's failure to testify on her behalf. Upon encountering Chu Ming years later at a winery in Bordeaux, living a life of apparent ease, while her mother had "died because of something she didn't do," Tong Li's desire for revenge ignited, leading her back to Shanghai. Tong Li confirmed Lu Yao's understanding, acknowledging his analysis was "almost right."
Lu Yao continued, revealing a darker truth: Tong Li's father was a severe drug addict who subjected Ye Ying to long-term physical abuse, even leaving scars and cigarette burns on Tong Li herself, as documented in her medical records from Guangci Hospital and her mother's prison medical report. Ye Ying, in an effort to support her family, returned to the stage, which only exacerbated her husband's jealousy and violence.
Tong Li tearfully confessed that she attempted to die with her father, but she alone was rescued. Upon awakening, she discovered her mother had been executed. After reviewing He Youwei's sensationalized reports, she believed her mother had "pled guilty because she couldn't stand the public bashing." Lu Yao corrected this misconception, explaining that Ye Ying's conviction lacked direct evidence and was heavily influenced by public opinion fueled by He Youwei's article, which subtly pointed blame at her daughter.
Ye Ying had, in fact, pleaded guilty to halt the investigation and protect Tong Li. Tong Li expressed profound gratitude to Lu Yao for unveiling the complete truth, stating that her mother was a brave woman who sacrificed her life to protect her. She declared her resolve to punish those who twisted facts and spread rumors. She felt she could not live peacefully knowing the "villains" who manipulated public opinion had risen to respected positions.
As she was led away, Tong Li gave Lu Yao the Parker pen, calling it his "reward." With the truth fully exposed, Bai Youning reflected on He Youwei's past guidance that journalists "should be responsible for their words and deeds," now realizing that he himself may have missed that opportunity. To lift her spirits, Lu Yao offered to take her to the Red House Restaurant and have Qiao Chusheng cover the bill, but Bai Youning was too upset to eat.
She recalled a past conversation where He Youwei admitted to making "many mistakes" early in his career, now understanding he was referring to the Ye Ying case. She mused that He Youwei might have felt "a sense of relief" when Tong Li confronted him. Meanwhile, Qiao Chusheng visited Tong Li in prison. He sadly reminded her of their shared dream of traveling the world together and how he believed she was his destined one. Tong Li apologized, expressing her profound regret that, if circumstances had been different, she would have gladly embarked on that journey with him.
Episode 22 Recap
Qiao Chusheng, overwhelmed by the truth of Tong Li's culpability, sought solace in alcohol. Lu Yao arrived, claiming he was out for a walk after eating too much, and joined his friend for a drink. Qiao revealed that Tong Li had told him in prison she would have pursued a relationship with him if circumstances were different. Lu Yao, observing Qiao's raw emotions, even suggested he break her out of jail.
Though Qiao initially feigned indifference, Lu Yao pointed out the strong emotions Qiao displayed when he looked at Tong Li. Qiao then confessed that he felt a profound connection to Tong Li because, like himself, she had lost her parents at a young age, and despite her alluring exterior, he perceived her as a vulnerable girl craving affection. Qiao dismissed his teary eyes as a result of drinking, and Lu Yao playfully toasted to their "eventual love."
Lu Yao later recounted that Qiao continued his heavy drinking and off-key singing all night, even getting into fights with annoyed bar patrons. The next morning, Lu Yao returned home to find Bai Youning, who had spent the night finishing her newspaper article, demanding he review it. Lu Yao was reluctant, but Bai Youning brought up the "score" between them, specifically how he and Qiao Chusheng had secretly provided information to Tong Li.
Lu Yao claimed it was a strategic move to "draw the real murderer out" and that he had used Qiao Chusheng's attractiveness to extract information from her. Bai Youning challenged him, asking if he truly knew Tong Li was the killer at that time. Bai Youning then recalled that Lu Yao had previously declared Tong Li the murderer in the newspaper office hallway, citing jealousy as her motive because the editor favored Bai Youning.
Lu Yao later backtracked, calling his statement "angry words." Bai Youning then jokingly credited Lu Yao's "genius intuition" for her own eventual realization, claiming she wouldn't have suspected Tong Li otherwise. Lu Yao, despite his earlier backtracking, proudly accepted the praise, boasting about his accurate intuition and how the case wouldn't have been solved without Bai Youning's insight, which saved an innocent person from being framed.
Bai Youning further elaborated on her own process, describing how she intuitively felt an insider was responsible and how Tong Li's image suddenly appeared in her mind, accompanied by a deep sense of revulsion. Annoyed by Lu Yao's "smooth talk," she jokingly threatened to break his "thin arms." Lu Yao then quietly slipped away. Later that day, Qiao Chusheng met with Bai Qili, confirming that the Tong Li case was closed and she would face a death sentence next month.
Qiao admitted the situation was tough for him, but emphasized that Tong Li had her reasons for her actions and he would have done the same if in her shoes. Bai Qili then revealed his intention to invest in Xin Yue Daily to ensure Bai Youning's job security, a decision Qiao supported.
Bai Qili also inquired about Jiang Zhiqing, whom Qiao reported had been meeting various people to raise military funds and had booked a private room for two at the Heping Hotel. Bai Qili, annoyed by the continuous unrest, decided against further surveillance of Jiang Zhiqing as long as he remained in Shanghai. Qiao then left. Later that night, Jiang Zhiqing hosted Lu Yao, reiterating his desire for Lu Yao to leave Shanghai.
Lu Yao, however, expressed his contentment with Shanghai, finding a unique sense of accomplishment in solving cases for the police, even without a stable job or consistent income. Jiang Zhiqing pressed him, asking if he was staying because of someone he couldn't leave, specifically "that girl." Lu Yao admitted this was partially true, elaborating that he felt responsible for a "clumsy" man and woman in his life who couldn't function without him.
Jiang Zhiqing countered that the country needed him more. Lu Yao, while respecting Jiang Zhiqing's revolutionary fervor, expressed skepticism about which leadership could truly bring happiness, asserting that ideals were "empty talk" until realized. He offered to be merely "icing on the cake" once the country was stable. As Lu Yao tried to leave, he felt the effects of the drugged wine, collapsing. Jiang Zhiqing then ordered him to be taken to Guangzhou while he was unconscious.
Lu Yao awoke the next morning at home, disoriented and unable to recall how he returned. He only remembered drinking heavily and experiencing vivid, bloody dreams that left him with a strange but intense sense of guilt. Meanwhile, Bai Youning visited Qiao Chusheng in the hospital, where he was recovering from injuries. She chastised him for single-handedly confronting multiple assailants to rescue Lu Yao, describing his actions as reckless.
Qiao explained the suddenness of the situation left no time to assemble a team, and he couldn't simply allow Lu Yao to be kidnapped. He then sternly instructed Bai Youning to keep the truth from Lu Yao, fearing Lu Yao's timid nature would prevent him from leaving the house if he knew the details.
Bai Youning returned home and, when Lu Yao pressed her about his return, she vaguely told him he was "drunk and unconscious" and was carried back by "several strong men," dismissing his unsettling dreams as a manifestation of a guilty conscience. Qiao Chusheng later reported back to Bai Qili, who was indignant about Lu Yao's father, a powerful politician who had participated in the Paris Peace Conference, having Lu Yao kidnapped.
Bai Qili believed this act stemmed from disapproval of Lu Yao's presence in Shanghai, especially his potential relationship with Bai Youning, and he staunchly defended his daughter's intelligence, beauty, and education against any perceived slight. While Qiao suggested arranging a marriage proposal through a middleman, Bai Qili adamantly refused to appear subservient. He declared that if the young couple's relationship flourished, he would prepare a dowry, but if Bai Youning were to be wronged, he would retaliate forcefully.
Later, at home, Lu Yao was attempting to fix a lamp and decided to play a prank. He feigned being electrocuted, causing Bai Youning to react with alarm. Believing he was in danger, she instinctively kicked him away, then scolded him for his "perverted" jokes and threatened to hit him. Just at that moment, Qiao Chusheng arrived, announcing a new murder case: a man had been burned to death at the Dahua Ballroom.
The victim was identified as Liu Xiangui, an old adversary of Bai Qili who had previously betrayed him, seized his chemical plant, and nearly won the presidency of the Chamber of Commerce against him. Upon hearing the victim's identity, Bai Youning expressed a grim satisfaction, calling it "karma." Lu Yao, despite his recent prank, immediately prepared to join Qiao at the crime scene.
At the Dahua Ballroom, witnesses recounted that Liu Xiangui spontaneously burst into flames from his chest while dancing, burning to death instantly. Lu Yao, after a brief examination, declared it a murder, explaining that spontaneous combustion from white phosphorus would have a pungent smell that his dance partner would have noticed, and the rapid, intense burning indicated a highly flammable material inconsistent with typical rich people's clothing.
He also corrected Qiao's initial thought about suit wires, explaining their function for tailoring. The team then proceeded to Liu Xiangui's residence. Inside, Lu Yao immediately noticed the strong scent of musk and identified several valuable imperial artifacts, including a Ming Dynasty Xuande incense burner, a Ding Kiln bowl, and Qianlong era paintings. He concluded that the household had connections to Qing imperial nobility, further noting that the furniture was arranged according to Manchu customs.
Liu Xiangui's wife, Jin Menglan, then appeared and instantly recognized Lu Yao as "Maomao," her distant nephew. She claimed to have known his mother since childhood and even held him when he was three, producing old photos to prove their familial ties. Lu Yao confirmed a distant relation but clarified that their families were not close.
When Lu Yao explained they were investigating her husband's death, Jin Menglan stated she rarely accompanied him, suggesting they question his "lackey" about his movements. She insisted that Liu Xiangui always wore Chinese attire, never a suit, contradicting initial witness accounts, and suggested checking his wardrobe if they doubted her. Jin Menglan then named Bai Qili as Liu Xiangui's fiercest enemy, but claimed she was indifferent to the case's outcome, only concerned that rumors might unjustly implicate Mr. Bai.
Lu Yao assured her they would quickly find the real culprit. Qiao Chusheng found Jin Menglan highly suspicious, noting how quickly she deflected blame towards Bai Qili, even before the death was officially confirmed as a murder. He also observed her luxurious lifestyle, evident when a servant delivered freshly picked fruits, and playfully mocked Lu Yao's own financial situation in contrast.
Later, Bai Youning arranged for Qiao and Lu Yao to meet at a restaurant owned by Liu Xiangui, where she presented the autopsy report. The report confirmed Liu Xiangui died from organ burns and carbon monoxide inhalation, with his heart identified as the ignition point, though the damage was too severe to pinpoint the exact cause. Manager Wu, the restaurant's manager, approached them, feigning concern about the establishment's future and the panicked employees following Liu Xiangui's death.
Qiao quickly dismissed him, advising him to simply focus on managing the restaurant. Bai Youning then speculated that employees doubted Jin Menglan's leadership abilities, given her sheltered noble upbringing, and playfully teased Lu Yao about his own noble heritage and childhood nickname. Qiao Chusheng then interrogated Liu Xiangui's dance partner, who turned out to be an old acquaintance of his. She flirtatiously complained about his recent absence and unreturned calls, reminiscing about their past romantic moments.
Qiao, however, quickly redirected the conversation to Liu Xiangui's murder. The dancer, feigning innocence and claiming to be easily startled, suggested Qiao was merely "jealous" or "teasing" her. She then made a bold move, sitting on his lap and attempting to kiss him, forcing Qiao to call for assistance to remove her. Lu Yao and Bai Youning, observing this uncomfortable interaction from outside, found it amusing and teased Qiao.
Lu Yao commented that the dancer was "a kind woman" who just "reacts to things slowly." He then shifted the focus back to the case, suggesting they investigate those closest to Liu Xiangui, including "his driver, errand boys, business partners," and specifically naming Jin Menglan. He also playfully called Bai Youning "Heinan," prompting another lighthearted chase. Later, Lu Yao returned to Jin Menglan's residence.
He inquired about her relationship with Liu Xiangui, which she described as distant due to his frequent travels, leading to less conflict. She contrasted this with Lu Yao's parents' famously harmonious relationship and recounted his mother's elopement due to his father's talents. Jin Menglan then directly questioned Lu Yao about "living with Mr. Bai's daughter," to which he clarified they were merely roommates with separate bedrooms.
Drawing on her "Qing's nobility" heritage, she warned him against associating with the daughter of a "mafia," claiming such a connection would bring shame to his ancestors and disparaging Bai Youning's background as too low. Lu Yao, despite his own occasional annoyance with Bai Youning, defended her against Jin Menglan's harsh words. Finally, Lu Yao requested to examine Liu Xiangui's bedroom, and Jin Menglan, claiming the room upset her, directed him to it.
Lu Yao noted the room appeared to have been uninhabited for a considerable time. Following their investigations, Qiao Chusheng informed Lu Yao that patrol officers had discovered Jin Menglan's frequent clandestine meetings with Manager Wu from Liu Xiangui's restaurant over the past month. Rumors also circulated that Manager Wu's rapid promotion from waiter to manager within six months was due to an alleged affair with Jin Menglan.
Lu Yao, however, remained skeptical, dismissing these suspicions as mere speculation, pointing out that an owner meeting a manager was normal, and jokingly asking if he and Bai Youning were having an affair since they had danced rumba together. Bai Youning, convinced of Jin Menglan's malicious intent due to her attempt to frame Bai Qili, warned Lu Yao not to let his judgment be clouded by personal feelings.
Despite Lu Yao's doubts, Qiao and Bai Youning firmly believed Jin Menglan had conspired with Manager Wu to murder her husband. Their suspicion intensified when an informant reported that Manager Wu had abruptly instructed his family to pack up, seemingly to flee. Qiao revealed that on the day of the murder, Manager Wu and Liu Xiangui had lunched together, and after leaving the restaurant, Liu Xiangui had changed from his customary Chinese gown into a suit.
Qiao hypothesized that Manager Wu might have tampered with the suit, causing it to ignite spontaneously. Lu Yao, still not entirely convinced, questioned why Manager Wu would flee if he was about to achieve his goals with Jin Menglan and had successfully framed Bai Qili. He decided to accompany Qiao and Bai Youning to Liu Xiangui's house.
In the backyard, Lu Yao meticulously directed the officers to collect all the trash, emphasizing the need to search for any igniting or flammable materials. Their diligent search yielded a new flint and a Chinese gown with a chest stain, which Lu Yao immediately instructed an officer to confirm with Jin Menglan if Liu Xiangui had worn it the day of his death.
Qiao Chusheng, accompanied by patrol officers, then went to Manager Wu's residence, where they found him packing numerous white silk shirts, an indicator of his unusually lavish lifestyle for a manager. Despite Manager Wu's claim that his wealth came from stock investments, Qiao arrested him on suspicion of Liu Xiangui's murder. During interrogation, Manager Wu admitted the flint found in Liu's trash was his, previously used for hunting, and discarded after he moved.
He also confessed that Liu Xiangui had changed clothes at his place on the day of the murder, explaining that Liu had spilled red wine on his long gown and needed to change quickly before going to the ballroom. Qiao proposed that Manager Wu had deliberately caused the wine spill to induce Liu to switch into a silk shirt, then placed the flint on him to cause spontaneous combustion.
Manager Wu retorted that a flint could not spontaneously ignite and that silk, while flammable, was easily extinguished, suggesting it couldn't have caused such a rapid and fatal fire. Qiao then pressed him about his widely known intimate relationship with Jin Menglan, asking whether the murder was his sole idea or a shared plan. Manager Wu vehemently denied any involvement in the murder and any affair. Surprisingly, Qiao then ordered his release, leaving Manager Wu bewildered.
Episode 23 Recap
Unable to extract any valuable information from Manager Wu, Qiao Chusheng released him, though not without remarking on the perceived embarrassment of arresting someone without concrete evidence. As a mere formality, Qiao had already sent two patrol officers to follow Wu, one of whom could read lips. Wu was tracked to a meeting with Jin Menglan, where she questioned his entanglement with the police. Wu vehemently denied any significant interaction.
Their recorded conversation yielded little, appearing to be a normal exchange between a boss and a subordinate, yet Qiao found their indifference suspicious given their past close relationship, suggesting it was deliberately feigned. Jin Menglan mused about rumors of Liu Xiangui's mistress, considering it normal for tycoons, but she also reflected on how Liu, initially known for being henpecked and incompetent, had achieved his success thanks to her dowry and unwavering support.
She suspected herself to be the astute adviser behind Liu, viewing him as a mere puppet, and believed her discovery of his infidelity had prompted her vengeful plans. Lu Yao then visited Jin Menglan at Liu Xiangui's residence, where she generously offered him any of the ancient artifacts from her study, which he observed was more akin to a small museum. She claimed it was a compensatory gesture for never having given him New Year's money.
His attention was drawn to a prominent sapphire necklace. Jin Menglan dismissed the sapphire as worthless, promising him a large diamond instead, but only if he would not give it to Bai Youning, lest it bring disgrace. Bai Youning soon uncovered the history of the sapphire. Fifteen years prior, Liu Xiangui had invested his entire fortune, a sum of 300,000, to purchase the sapphire from an Austrian.
The gem was originally part of a 17th-century dowry from King Philip IV of Spain. Liu had it polished into a heart shape and fashioned into two necklaces: one he gave to Jin Menglan, and the other he kept for himself. Bai Youning's investigation revealed that the sapphire necklace was now seen on a dancer. Concurrently, Qiao Chusheng's inquiry uncovered that Liu Xiangui had redeemed a woman named Yanling, an escort girl from the high-end brothel, three years earlier.
Yanling, it turned out, had a criminal record for arson from seven years prior, having set a customer on fire who later died from his injuries. However, she had been acquitted because she was not present at the scene when the man caught fire, and there was no direct evidence linking her to the arson. Qiao presented a photo of the burnt victim, noting the similarity to Liu Xiangui's death.
With this new lead, Lu Yao resolved to visit the high-end brothel himself, playfully dismissing Qiao’s teasing about him not wanting to pay for the services. There, he engaged in conversation with Qingdai, an escort girl, who expressed her admiration for Qiao Chusheng, calling him "a man among men" due to his physique and the sense of warmth and security he exuded. Qingdai disclosed Yanling's current whereabouts, mentioning she was learning dance from a French dancer in the French Concession.
Lu Yao, accompanied by Bai Youning, then proceeded to the dance studio. He quickly identified Yanling by her mink coat and, more tellingly, the sapphire necklace around her neck. Later, Lu Yao attempted to gain access to Yanling's room by posing as a member of the hotel's logistics service department, claiming to be checking windows. As he began to inspect the room, Yanling grew suspicious and confronted him, pulling a gun.
Lu Yao, caught off guard, cried out for help, and Qiao Chusheng promptly arrived to intervene. Yanling, observing men's suits in her closet and unfinished cigars on her windowsill, correctly deduced that Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng were working for Jin Menglan, indicating her continued relationship with Liu Xiangui. She revealed that Liu had warned her a month ago that Jin Menglan knew of their affair and would seek revenge, yet Yanling insisted she desired no legal title, only Liu.
At this point, Qiao Chusheng informed Yanling that Liu Xiangui was dead. Yanling was visibly shocked and initially accused Qiao of the murder before Lu Yao introduced himself as a renowned detective. Yanling then shared details about Liu's habits, including his preference for a broad ring and a sachet in his shirt pocket because he disliked strong perfumes.
She recounted meeting an older woman in her dance class six months prior whose husband also disliked perfumes, and who had given her similar "fruity-smelling" sachets. While she didn't know the woman's name, she described her as tall with pale skin and large eyes. Lu Yao, connecting the dots, inquired about Liu Xiangui's investments. Qiao Chusheng confirmed Liu had seized control of a chemical plant from Mr. Bai the previous year.
After a quick phone call to Mr. Bai to confirm details about the chemical plant's operations, Lu Yao's understanding of the case became clear. Lu Yao directly confronted Jin Menglan, accusing her of murdering Liu Xiangui. As he did, he recalled Liu's proposal to her at a Western restaurant with a band playing a familiar tune.
Jin Menglan initially denied the accusation, attributing her distress to her "OCD" which compelled her to expose liars, admitting only that Liu had "not been home for a long time," causing her personal shame. Lu Yao then directly implicated her in creating the sachets. He openly questioned why someone of her high standing would associate with a "lowlife" like Manager Wu and publicly dance with him.
Jin Menglan defiantly admitted she wanted people to gossip, stating that if Liu could cheat, so could she, seeking to humiliate him in return for breaking her heart. Lu Yao then revealed her elaborate scheme: she had discovered Liu's affair six months prior when she saw Yanling wearing the sapphire necklace at the dance studio. Jin Menglan, cornered, confessed to the murder and her motive.
Lu Yao meticulously laid out her method: the sachets contained lemon acid, which, when combined with active metals and a wire, would short-circuit and ignite from constant friction and squeezing in Liu's pocket during his weekly dance sessions. He pointed out that fresh fruit deliveries to Liu's mansion had started six months ago, coinciding with her experiments.
When Jin Menglan challenged the lethality of such a spark, Lu Yao revealed the full extent of her plan: Manager Wu had intentionally spilled red wine on Liu at a restaurant, compelling him to change into a suit and shirt pre-treated with colorless, tasteless alcohol-based fuel. This fuel ensured complete combustion, leaving no residue. Lu Yao confirmed that Jin Menglan had inspected the chemical plant three times and taken samples three months prior.
He explained that forensic tests on the sachet would reveal fuel residue, as it would have been present during her experiments. Lu Yao also mentioned that the dancer near Liu at the time of the fire had tears from the smoke, leading him to suspect an accelerant.
He concluded by revealing his initial suspicion of her, recalling how she burned musk at their first meeting in the living room, a clear sign she was trying to stay awake, anticipating police questioning. He acknowledged her intelligence but questioned her choice to act personally rather than hiring a hitman. Jin Menglan, facing irrefutable evidence, fell silent. Lu Yao expressed his dismay that she would commit such an irrational act for a man he deemed worthless.
Jin Menglan, however, felt a perverse satisfaction in seeing Liu Xiangui's "dirty heart burn to ashes in public." She lamented that she had married him believing him to be honest and upright, only to witness his character change with his circumstances. When someone suggested her "princess" status was irrelevant as the Qing Dynasty was long gone, Jin Menglan retorted, asserting that the only reason she had remained "Mrs. Liu" was because she had not forgotten who supported her.
She condemned Liu as a "bastard" who "should have died long time ago," regretting only that his death had "stained her hand." Qiao Chusheng acknowledged their debt to her for eliminating Liu. Jin Menglan then made a singular request: that her "family background" not be disclosed publicly, fearing it would humiliate her people, as their pride was all they had left after the Qing Dynasty's fall. Qiao Chusheng, after a moment, agreed to keep her secret.
Before the case was officially closed, Jin Menglan requested a private word with Bai Youning. She curtly informed Bai Youning that her "humble parentage" and "vulgar temperament" made her "unworthy" of Lu Yao, and advised her to "stay away from his life." Bai Youning was incensed by the insult and immediately confronted Lu Yao, angrily demanding to know what made her "unworthy." Lu Yao, calling her a "lunatic," playfully ran off as she continued to express her outrage.
Meanwhile, Qiao Chusheng reported to Mr. Bai that Liu Xiangui's death would shift the power dynamics within the concession. He advised Mr. Bai to tell Youning to be cautious, but expressed greater concern for Lu Yao. Qiao revealed that after Jiang Zhiqing's failed attempt to kidnap Lu Yao, his sister, a former confidential secretary to a powerful government official with extensive connections, had suddenly returned home. Qiao suspected her return was directly related to Lu Yao.
Mr. Bai, feeling helpless, suggested Lu Yao and Bai Youning leave Shanghai and lie low, but Qiao Chusheng disagreed, believing they could not hide forever. Later, Lu Yao expressed his annoyance over Qingdai's comment that Qiao Chusheng was "a man among men" compared to him, and pondered changing his image. Bai Youning chuckled, affirming Qiao's manliness in comparison but clarifying it wasn't just his fighting prowess.
She then revealed the truth about a hazy memory Lu Yao had dismissed as a dream: one night, Qiao Chusheng had single-handedly rescued Lu Yao, who had been drugged unconscious and kidnapped to the wharf by Jiang Zhiqing's men on his father's orders. Qiao had arrived alone, confronted Jiang Zhiqing, declared Lu Yao his "brother," and fought off Jiang's men, sustaining multiple knife wounds in the process, all to ensure Lu Yao's safe return.
Bai Youning urged Lu Yao to show more gratitude to Qiao, as Qiao had not wanted Lu Yao to know the extent of his sacrifice. Lu Yao, in a rare display, cooked an elaborate dinner for Qiao Chusheng and Bai Youning. He made a grand toast, ostensibly to thank them, but largely to boast about his own intelligence and effortless success.
Bai Youning, acknowledging their friendship, expressed gratitude that they hadn't pushed her away, admitting she'd had few friends growing up. Lu Yao, true to form, immediately ribbed her, attributing her lack of friends to her difficult personality. Their playful bickering quickly escalated, leaving Qiao Chusheng to quietly pour himself a drink, feeling a sense of loss.
He then informed Lu Yao that after Liu Xiangui's death, Mr. Bai was already moving to acquire Liu's factories and businesses at the lowest cost, aiming to control the vacuum left behind. He also reiterated his ongoing efforts to "drive Lu Yao out of Shanghai" within the month, acknowledging the persistent threat from Lu Yao's father. That same evening, at St. Mary's Hall, students were rehearsing late for a dance performance.
While showering, they were startled by the haunting strains of "Für Elise" from the auditorium. The tune sent chills down their spines, as it was the last song played by a student named Fu Mingyue before her death, and no one had dared to play it since. Speculating it was either Fu Mingyue's ghost or a prank, they decided to investigate. As they approached the auditorium, a muffled plea of "Please don't kill me!"
was heard, followed by a single gunshot. Terrified, the girls discovered their teacher, Fang Yu, collapsed at the entrance of the auditorium. Fang Yu, who was the fiancée of the school's piano teacher, Qin Shutong, had fainted at the sight of him lying dead by the piano. The next morning, Salim roused Qiao Chusheng, Bai Youning, and Lu Yao from their slumber on the sofa, informing them of the murder at St. Mary's Hall.
Bai Youning was shocked, recognizing it as her alma mater. Qiao Chusheng immediately took them to the scene. Lu Yao began questioning the students, learning that the victim was Qin Shutong, the 25-year-old piano teacher, and that the gunshot had been heard at a quarter past eleven the previous night. The students, members of the school dance team, had rushed to the scene but saw no murderer.
They confirmed that Fang Yu was the first to discover the body but had fainted at the auditorium entrance without entering the immediate crime scene, thus preserving it. Principal Guo soon arrived, instantly recognizing Bai Youning, who subtly but frantically signaled him to avoid mentioning her past escapades at the school. Principal Guo, however, warmly acknowledged her and described her years as a student as "memorable."
Episode 24 Recap
Lu Yao asked Principal Guo to introduce British St. Mary's Hall, a school funded by the British that mainly caters to children of diplomats, though most students are from wealthy Shanghai families. Principal Guo mentioned that Williams is the foreign principal but is often busy. As Lu Yao inquired, Bai Youning stayed close, evidently nervous that Principal Guo might inadvertently reveal embarrassing details from her time as a student there.
Lu Yao then brought up a past incident from the previous year that had no record at the police station. Principal Guo admitted it was not a murder but a schoolgirl's suicide, which they had resolved privately to prevent it from escalating into a sensitive diplomatic issue. Insisting on all the facts, Lu Yao requested a detailed account of the suicide case.
Due to the school's foreign investment, British shareholders mandated that all faculty and students provide detailed personal records, including fingerprints. This led to a swift breakthrough: fingerprints found on the murder weapon matched Fu Mingyue, a student who had died by suicide the previous year. Lu Yao then sought out the students to gather information about Fu Mingyue. Miao Xizi, a close friend of Fu Mingyue, revealed that Fu Mingyue had also died by that same piano.
Bai Youning shared what she knew, recalling that last September, Fu Mingyue had finished playing "To Alice" on the piano when a gunshot suddenly rang out, and the incident had since become a school ghost story. Bai Youning also mentioned rumors that Fu Mingyue's death was linked to her music teacher, Qin Shutong, who had taught her "To Alice" as her very first song, suggesting a forbidden romantic relationship.
Despite Qin Shutong's insistence on his innocence and the school's inconclusive investigation, they intended to dismiss him after the current session concluded. Lu Yao, Qiao Chusheng, and Bai Youning went to the infirmary to speak with Fang Yu about the previous night. Fang Yu described staying late after the rehearsal to clean the room, as was her routine due to her mysophobia.
She then heard piano music, followed by a gunshot, but admitted she was alone in the rehearsal room at the time and had no one to corroborate her alibi. Lu Yao's direct questioning about her being uncorroborated sparked outrage among the girls present, who strongly defended Fang Yu. When Qiao Chusheng sternly rebuked them, they all burst into tears.
Qiao Chusheng, visibly flustered, quickly exited, leaving Lu Yao to calm the distraught students, which he did by promising them ice cream. The girls then urged Lu Yao to focus on why only Fu Mingyue's fingerprints were found on the gun. Upon hearing Fu Mingyue's name again, Fang Yu appeared visibly uneasy and promptly excused herself, citing discomfort. Bai Youning then pressed the girls, asking if they believed Fu Mingyue and Qin Shutong had been secretly dating.
She subsequently revealed herself to be their alumna, which immediately sent the girls fleeing in terror. Puzzled, Lu Yao asked Bai Youning what she had done in her past to make them so scared, to which she playfully responded that she would have to kill him if she ever told him.
Qiao Chusheng uncovered that Qin Shutong and Fang Yu had secretly obtained a marriage certificate three days before the murder, a fact they kept hidden, with Fang Yu only acknowledging her status as his fiancée. Given Qin Shutong's significant family wealth, Lu Yao surmised that Fang Yu might be motivated by inheritance, a theory Qiao Chusheng confirmed.
Qiao Chusheng also revealed that patrol officers, during Fang Yu's interrogation, had discovered a suspicious bloodstain on her necklace, leading to her immediate detention. Meanwhile, Lu Yao speculated that Fang Yu had acquired Fu Mingyue's suicide gun, used it while wearing gloves, and then fabricated the "female ghost's revenge" story to deflect suspicion and escape justice. Lu Yao then went to the school to investigate Qin Shutong's movements.
He reviewed the in-out register for the teaching building, finding no record of Qin Shutong entering after 9 PM. Teachers also confirmed that Qin Shutong had returned to his dorm around 8 PM and had not been seen leaving through the main exit. However, Lu Yao discovered shoe prints on Qin Shutong's dorm window, indicating he had climbed out, likely to conceal a secret activity from the register.
Bai Youning volunteered to question the students, confident that her dual role as a reporter and an alumna would grant her unique access, despite Lu Yao's initial concern she might scare them off. She confidently explained that her past actions had established her as the "king of the jungle" within the girls' school, making her name a nightmare for others, not something they would run from.
The following morning, newspapers were rife with sensational reports about the St. Mary's Hall murder, claiming it was a "female ghost's revenge." Lu Yao suspected this widespread media coverage was deliberately orchestrated to create an alibi for the true perpetrator, confirming it wasn't Bai Youning responsible for these particular articles.
Qiao Chusheng also provided details about Qin Shutong's past: a 25-year-old from a wealthy Shanghai family, he inherited his parents' fortune before becoming a piano teacher at St. Mary's Hall, where he was popular among female students and frequently received gifts. Meanwhile, Bai Youning revealed her method for gathering information.
She had coerced Principal Guo into providing a school uniform by reminding him of a past incident during her student days: she had arranged for British students who bullied her classmates to be kidnapped and thrown into the Suzhou River, an incident that nearly sparked an international dispute and led to the previous principal's dismissal, which she jokingly claimed paved the way for Principal Guo's current position.
Once in uniform, Bai Youning posed as a transfer student and infiltrated the school's film club. By offering a signed movie poster of Lin Xirong, she successfully obtained extensive information on Fu Mingyue's classmates, including their family backgrounds and academic records, specifically mentioning Liu Tong, Miao Xizi, and Lu Qian.
Critically, she learned that a student named Sun Meng had an exceptionally close relationship with Qin Shutong, and Sun Meng's name appeared on the teaching building's in-out register after 9 PM on the night of the incident. Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao interviewed Sun Meng, who vehemently denied any illicit relationship with Qin Shutong, emphasizing that she had a fiancé and would pursue legal action if rumors persisted.
Meanwhile, Principal Guo desperately appealed to Qiao Chusheng to lift the police blockade on the auditorium for the graduation party scheduled for the following night, citing numerous dignitaries who had already been invited. However, Qiao Chusheng remained firm, stating the auditorium would remain sealed until the murder case was fully resolved. Separately, Lu Yao spoke with Auntie Zhang, the house parent for the girls' dormitory.
Auntie Zhang recalled seeing Sun Meng dragging a heavy cello case out of the dorm on the night of the incident, with Sun Meng claiming it was for graduation party preparations. Lu Yao then obtained a copy of the graduation party's program from Auntie Zhang, only to find that Sun Meng was not listed to perform, nor was there any cello performance scheduled for the event.
Upon entering the music room, Lu Yao was immediately surrounded by enthusiastic students, who showered him with small gifts. He then instructed everyone to retrieve their personal instruments and performance props from the backstage.
Noticing that Sun Meng's cello case was remarkably heavy, requiring assistance from her classmates, Lu Yao publicly revealed that Qin Shutong had been transported into the teaching building concealed within that very cello case, citing the presence of rosin on Qin Shutong's collar despite his lack of cello-playing ability.
Sun Meng burst into tears, adamantly denying she was the killer, explaining that someone had only asked her to lure Qin Shutong to her dormitory, and then move him in the cello case to the teaching building as a lesson, not realizing he would die.
Lu Yao acknowledged that Sun Meng was not the murderer, explaining that she had been blackmailed into participating due to her secret romantic affair with Qin Shutong, a revelation that caused immediate uproar among the other students. Lu Yao meticulously reconstructed the entire crime.
He explained that Miao Xizi, leveraging her knowledge of Sun Meng's secret affair with Qin Shutong, blackmailed Sun Meng into luring Qin Shutong to her dorm, sedating him with ether, and then transporting him in the cello case to the teaching building, placing him by the piano. Lu Yao confirmed that Sun Meng had left the building before the murder, as recorded in the register, making her innocent of the killing.
Miao Xizi then used Fu Mingyue's suicide gun to kill Qin Shutong, intending to frame Fang Yu. Miao Xizi vehemently denied the accusation, claiming she was in the shower with other students when the gunshot occurred. However, Lu Yao exposed her alibi as fake, revealing she had sneaked out of the shower after her classmates entered their individual compartments.
He then demanded she produce a hidden modified record, explaining that the "To Alice" piano music and gunshot they had heard were actually played from this record on a gramophone in the backstage. The murder weapon, he noted, had traces of a silencer, allowing Miao Xizi to commit the crime before the record played, using the sound to create a short time gap and establish her false alibi.
Lu Yao further revealed that Miao Xizi was the anonymous source who had leaked the sensational "female ghost's revenge" story to the tabloids, recognizing the distinct student-like writing style. Cornered, Miao Xizi confessed without remorse. She explained that Fu Mingyue was her best friend, who had been seduced and raped by Qin Shutong, ultimately leading to her suicide.
Miao Xizi had kept Fu Mingyue's suicide gun, patiently waiting for the day she could avenge her friend by killing Qin Shutong in the very same way. She added that Fang Yu was not entirely innocent in Fu Mingyue's tragic fate, which motivated her attempt to frame her. Miao Xizi expressed profound satisfaction, feeling "no complaint nor regret" for her actions.
Bai Youning returned home in high spirits after attending a movie premiere with the girls from St. Mary's film club, now her self-proclaimed "sisters" and "predators" in the "cruel jungle" of the school. She excitedly recounted their enjoyable evening to Lu Yao, also sharing a new ghost story she had heard, about students faintly hearing "To Alice" in the school at night.
However, Bai Youning soon admitted to feeling a persistent unease and proposed a trip for her and Lu Yao to relax, driven by her concern that he might be kidnapped again, especially after his previous abduction. Lu Yao dismissed her fears, assuring her that he would not be easily taken, and if he were, he would escape and return to ensure he paid his share of their rent.
He firmly stated that he would only leave Shanghai on his own terms. Relieved, Bai Youning and Lu Yao reaffirmed their shared commitment to not terminate their tenancy agreement. Meanwhile, Lu Zifu, Lu Yao's father, was plagued by severe insomnia and night sweats, consumed by worry for his son. Lu Miao, Lu Yao's brother, volunteered to travel to Shanghai himself to bring Lu Yao back, determined to help him make a clean break from any entanglement with local gangsters.
Episode 25 Recap
On a stormy night, actor Dong Lin fled in terror from Room 403 of the Liulin Apartment Building after discovering his lover, Xiaolian, apparently murdered in the bathtub. Arriving home in a panic, he instructed his maid, Axiu, to immediately wash his clothes and to lie to anyone who asked, claiming he had arrived home at half past nine.
Later, around ten-thirty, an apartment resident discovered the door to Room 403 ajar and found another body, reporting it to the police. Inspector Qiao Chusheng brought a bewildered Dong Lin to the scene, where Dong Lin was horrified to find his wife, Qian Yiru, dead in the bathtub in the exact same manner. Lu Yao, a senior detective consultant, also arrived and was taken aback by the gruesome scene.
Qiao Chusheng identified the victim as Qian Yiru, a thirty-five-year-old famous entrepreneur, and Dong Lin as her husband and the company’s general manager. When reporter Bai Youning arrived, Dong Lin pleaded with her not to publish the details of his wife's death, repeating his alibi that he had been at a dinner party and returned at nine-thirty, a story his maid could confirm.
At the police station, Axiu told Inspector Qiao that Qian Yiru had eaten dinner quickly before dressing up to meet a "Mr. Ding" at Room 403 of the Liulin Apartment Building. Qian Yiru had instructed Axiu to tell Dong Lin she had a headache and had gone to bed, warning him not to enter the master bedroom. Axiu confessed she suspected an intimate relationship between her mistress and Mr. Ding, noting their frequent, happy phone calls.
She provided Mr. Ding's phone number, begging Qiao not to reveal her cooperation to Dong Lin for fear of losing her job. Bai Youning quickly identified Mr. Ding as Ding Shuhan, a married Chinese teacher and Qian Yiru’s lover, confirming they often met for private dinners. She also discovered Room 403 was a short-term rental with a discreet key-exchange system and obtained the rental slip for the night of the murder, which was under the pseudonym “Miss Wu.”
Meanwhile, Lu Yao visited Dong Lin's camera store. Dong Lin, desperate for the case to be solved, offered Lu Yao a camera before leaving for an appointment. A store employee told Lu Yao that Dong Lin rarely involved himself in the business, was considered a "kept man," and had once been publicly slapped by his wife without retaliating. Inspector Qiao apprehended Ding Shuhan, who, after initially denying the affair, confessed under pressure.
He stated that Qian Yiru had asked him to meet at Room 403 at nine forty-five. Arriving late due to heavy rain, he smelled blood, found her body, and fled in terror, leaving a bouquet of roses he had brought for her on a nearby cabinet. He pleaded with Qiao to keep the affair secret to protect his family. Concurrently, Lu Yao’s sister, Lu Miao, arrived in Shanghai and met with Municipal Council director Anderson.
On behalf of their father, she requested Anderson's official help in forcing Lu Yao to return home, citing disapproval of his work with the police and his association with gangsters, and flatly rejecting any possibility of him marrying into the Bai family. At the police station, Lu Yao asserted that Ding Shuhan was not the killer, explaining his "gut feeling" that a man with such timid eyes couldn't commit such a brutal murder.
He theorized that Ding's affair was a way to fund his chronically ill wife's medical care, a suspicion supported by the expensive supplements found in Ding's home. Lu Yao pointed out the key discrepancy: Ding's roses were on a cabinet, so the roses in the bathtub must have been brought by someone else, likely someone very close to the victim.
This led Qiao and Bai Youning to suspect Dong Lin had killed his wife to frame her lover and inherit her fortune. Feeling the case was more complex, Lu Yao insisted they investigate the will's beneficiaries and took Qiao to meet Qian Yiru's younger brother, a degenerate gambler. The brother confirmed that Qian Yiru's will left her entire estate to him, a decision she made after he vehemently opposed her marriage to Dong Lin.
Meanwhile, a distraught Dong Lin went to a bar to ask about Xiaolian, providing a detailed description to the bartender, who reported the inquiry to Qiao. Later, Qiao, Lu Yao, and Bai Youning arrived at Dong Lin's residence to search the premises. Lu Yao noted a spotlessly clean bicycle Dong Lin had gifted Axiu and that Dong Lin's clothes from the previous night were already washed.
Cornered, Dong Lin confessed to his tryst with Xiaolian in Room 403, explaining he had found her dead in the bathtub and fled, believing someone had killed her first and then his wife to frame him. Axiu stepped forward to corroborate his alibi. Lu Yao then announced that Xiaolian had been arrested. When Axiu feigned ignorance, Lu Yao threatened a face-to-face confrontation, causing her to blurt out that she had told Xiaolian to "run far away."
Lu Yao then exposed Axiu as the true murderer. He laid out the timeline: at nine o'clock, as Dong Lin headed to Room 403, Axiu called Ding Shuhan to arrange a 9:30 meeting with Qian Yiru, then informed her mistress. At 9:15, Dong Lin arrived, and Xiaolian, who had been bribed by Axiu, faked her death. After Qian Yiru left home, Axiu called Ding again, delaying their meeting until 9:45, knowing he lived far away and would be late.
Axiu then rode her bicycle, arriving at the apartment before Qian Yiru's rickshaw. She ambushed Qian Yiru in the hallway, knocked her unconscious, and hid her. At 9:30, Dong Lin found Xiaolian’s "body" and fled. Axiu then paid Xiaolian, who left, before dragging the unconscious Qian Yiru into the bathroom and fatally stabbing her. Lu Yao presented his evidence: Axiu’s testimony mentioned Qian Yiru's "miserable death" before the police had released any details.
The rental slip for "Miss Wu" contained a typo and a full stop after the name—a unique writing habit identical to Axiu's on her signed witness statement. Fingerprints on the slip were also hers. Finally, her bicycle was spotlessly clean, proving she had meticulously washed off the mud from the rainy night to hide her movements. Her motive, Lu Yao concluded, was an obsessive love for her master, Dong Lin.
Episode 26 Recap
Following the revelation of her guilt, Axiu confessed her deep love for Dong Lin, explaining that he was the only person who had ever treated her as a human being, patiently teaching her to read and write. She described her resentment towards Qian Yiru, who constantly abused Dong Lin, and her desire to free him from the stigma of living off a woman.
To achieve this, Axiu spent all her savings to hire a prostitute named Xiaolian, staging a fake murder to make herself Dong Lin's sole alibi and prove her indispensable devotion. Dong Lin, however, dismissed her actions, insisting that Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao would have cleared his name regardless, which deeply wounded Axiu. She expressed her shock at Dong Lin's selfishness and cowardice, a stark contrast to the man she thought she loved.
Lu Yao explained to a frustrated Bai Youning that he had suspected a setup early on. He found dried pig blood on the bathtub's edge—"fishy but not sweet"—and his informant had told him Dong Lin was asking about a woman named Xiaolian. Lu Yao used this knowledge to bluff Dong Lin, who then revealed his connection to her.
Lu Yao also confirmed Axiu's involvement by identifying her handwriting on the envelope containing the key, knowing Xiaolian couldn't have entered the apartment otherwise. As they spoke, Qian Yiru's brother burst in with a notarized will, declaring himself the new owner of the house and all assets.
He moved to evict Dong Lin, who pleaded for help, but Qiao Chusheng, Lu Yao, and Bai Youning turned away indifferently, with Lu Yao only pausing to secure Dong Lin's promise of a new camera for solving the case. That night, Lu Yao received a terrifying phone call from his elder sister, Lu Miao, who announced she was in Shanghai to take him home and would not leave without him.
Panicked, Lu Yao began packing to flee, but Bai Youning stopped him. When Lu Yao, knowing his sister's formidable nature, yelled at her in frustration, Bai Youning called her father, Bai Qili. He immediately dispatched men to surround Lu Yao's residence, preventing Lu Miao from approaching. Bai Youning then fiercely declared that the French Concession was her territory and Lu Yao was her "pet," and that no one would take him from her.
The next morning, Zhou Yunliang, owner of the Dazhou Department Store, was killed by an apparent lightning strike while visiting his late wife's grave during a storm. At the scene, Lu Yao noted several inconsistencies: a nearby tree was split by the strike, but the victim's copper-capped "Luojin Umbrella" was undamaged. The body was charred beyond recognition, and there was no heart medication on the deceased, despite Zhou Yunliang having suffered a recent heart attack.
Lu Yao declared it a murder, theorizing that the victim was a stand-in for the real Zhou Yunliang, who had faked his death. He also suggested a device, similar to Franklin's kite experiment, was used to attract the lightning. The Zhou family's butler, Zhang, identified the body as Zhou Yunliang by a missing lower tooth. He explained that he was in Shaoxing on an errand for the young madam, He Qiaoyin, and thus couldn't accompany his master as usual.
When Bai Youning suggested Zhou Yunliang had absconded with a lover, Butler Zhang erupted in anger, accusing her of slander. Infuriated by his outburst, Bai Youning impulsively declared him the murderer. At the Zhou residence, Lu Yao discovered 27 large insurance policies with Zhou Yunliang’s son Zhou Yalong, daughter Zhou Yafang, and concubine He Qiaoyin as beneficiaries. He Qiaoyin told them the children were unfilial and only cared about the inheritance.
In the kitchen, Lu Yao tasted a soup the master loved but He Qiaoyin never ate. Claiming he wanted to savor the "taste of home," he bought the pot, privately intending to have it analyzed. Meanwhile, Bai Youning recounted the Zhou family's troubled history. Years ago, Zhou Yunliang’s attempt to marry He Qiaoyin, a ballad singer, was thwarted by his wife and children, who threatened public disownment.
After his wife's death, he tried again, but his children's opposition escalated, with Zhou Yafang threatening suicide. With the children set to inherit the estate and He Qiaoyin to receive a massive insurance payout, all three had a strong motive. Lu Miao arranged a meeting with Lu Yao, but Qiao Chusheng and Bai Youning promised to handle it, telling him to focus on the case.
Lu Yao instructed the coroner to run extensive tests on the body, particularly for hemoglobin levels, and to analyze the soup. He then met with Zhou Yalong, who confirmed he, his sister, and He Qiaoyin were in a shareholders' meeting during the incident. At the declining Dazhou Department Store, Butler Zhang blamed the family's infighting and the children's incompetence for its failure. This impending bankruptcy, combined with the insurance payout, solidified the motive for Lu Yao.
He dispatched Bai Youning to verify the insurance signatures and sent an officer named Adou to the docks with a list of English import names, including "secondary coil." Just then, the autopsy report arrived in two parts—"cause" and "effect"—confirming the victim died a painful death. With new insights, Lu Yao decided to return to the cemetery.
Episode 27 Recap
Lu Yao, accompanied by Salim, returned to the cemetery to investigate the death of Zhou Yunliang. Lu Yao observed burn marks on a large tree and deduced that the incident was not a natural lightning strike but an artificial one, meticulously orchestrated. Qiao Chusheng subsequently ordered the arrest of Zhou Yalong, Zhou Yafang, and He Qiaoyin, bringing them to the police station.
Lu Yao reconstructed the events, explaining that the apparent thunder was created by super firecrackers made from gunpowder extracted from regular fireworks, which Butler Zhang had confirmed Zhou Yalong setting off. Lu Yao then revealed that Zhou Yalong, a physics major, had ordered a secondary coil from the UK months prior. This equipment, part of a Tesla Coil, allowed him to generate artificial lightning by placing the device on a car and discharging it over the cemetery wall.
Lu Yao pointed to the scorch marks on the wall and the ground as evidence of an initial aiming error before the body was electrocuted. He then asserted that the person seen entering the cemetery that day was not Zhou Yunliang, but Zhou Yalong, who closely resembled his father and could have disguised himself with old-age makeup while holding an umbrella low to obscure his face.
He Qiaoyin attempted to defend Zhou Yalong, but Lu Yao exposed their collective motive: to claim a substantial life insurance payout because their family business, Dazhou Department Store, was on the verge of bankruptcy. Despite Zhou Yalong and Zhou Yafang's adamant denials of murder, claiming their father died of a heart attack, He Qiaoyin accused them of angering Zhou Yunliang to his death, leading to a heated argument among the three. Qiao Chusheng intervened, stating they were all indirectly responsible.
Believing they didn't commit the murder but conspired to fake an accident, Lu Yao pressed them for the full truth. Zhou Yalong confessed that on the day of the incident, they were in a contentious board meeting when Butler Zhang called, informing them of Zhou Yunliang’s critical condition. Rushing home, they found their father had already passed away from a heart attack. Amidst their distress, Butler Zhang presented a huge insurance policy and urged them to work together.
Faced with the family’s impending financial ruin, the three decided to stage Zhou Yunliang’s death as a lightning-strike accident to claim the insurance money. Lu Yao then dismissed their story, revealing that Zhou Yunliang's actual cause of death was an overdose of nitroglycerin. He stated that lab tests showed an excessive amount of the drug in Zhou Yunliang’s stomach, indicating it was swallowed, not dissolved sublingually as prescribed, and had been heated before ingestion.
Lu Yao directly confronted Butler Zhang, who had been alone at home that day, accusing him of putting 23 nitroglycerin pills into Zhou Yunliang's soup. He pointed to the faint residue of the drug found on the casserole lid, which Butler Zhang had overlooked while meticulously cleaning the pot. Lu Yao concluded that Butler Zhang deliberately framed the three beneficiaries, providing clues about Zhou Yalong's physics background and the company's financial state to mislead the investigation.
Enraged, Butler Zhang confessed that his lifelong loyalty was met with ingratitude when Zhou Yunliang refused to lend him retirement money. Lu Yao then dramatically tore up the insurance policy, declaring it invalid since the death was a murder, leaving the three siblings stunned. After the case, Lu Yao, impeccably dressed, went to meet his sister, Lu Miao, with Bai Youning accompanying him.
Lu Miao was annoyed by their tardiness, and her anger escalated when Bai Youning introduced herself as Lu Yao’s girlfriend. A guest, Brian Anderson, Chief Director of the Concession Public Works Bureau, praised Lu Yao upon learning he was a Cambridge graduate. Lu Miao questioned the depth of Lu Yao and Bai Youning's relationship, to which Bai Youning confidently declared their profound love.
Lu Miao bluntly stated that their father would never approve of Lu Yao marrying a gangster's daughter, but Bai Youning defiantly retorted that love was the only thing that mattered. Bai Youning then pulled out a gun, threatening to die if she couldn't be with Lu Yao. Lu Miao, equally defiant, took the gun, claimed it had only two bullets, and proposed a deadly game to decide their fate.
Lu Miao fired a shot at herself first, and without hesitation, Bai Youning put the gun to her own temple and pulled the trigger. Lu Yao was terrified, but Qiao Chusheng arrived just in time, announcing that the gun was empty. Furious that they had conspired to trick him and risked their lives, Lu Yao stormed out. Later, Qiao Chusheng took a still-shaken Lu Yao to investigate a new case.
Shen Changzai, a prominent medicine dealer, was at a magic show with his grandson. During a "disappearing person" act, the magician chose Shen Changzai's grandson, who held ticket No. 43, to participate. After the magician plunged swords into the box, blood appeared, but when the box was opened, the boy was gone. Chief Jiang Yuandao of the Zhabei Police Station, who was sitting next to the Shen family, described the incident.
Lu Yao examined the prop box and the lottery cylinder, discovering that all the slips inside were marked "No. 43," confirming a premeditated kidnapping. Given Shen Changzai's connections, Qiao Chusheng took charge of the case, ordering all theater staff to be questioned and all props to be inspected. Returning home, Lu Yao found Bai Youning drinking alone. Relieved he wasn't still angry, she apologized for her impulsive behavior earlier.
Lu Yao reiterated that his sister, despite her harsh demeanor, cared for him deeply. The abduction investigation stalled. Lu Yao realized the prop box at the police station had been swapped with the one used during the performance. He questioned the magician, Wang Tiancheng, who remained uncooperative.
When Chief Jiang Yuandao suggested using harsh interrogation methods, Lu Yao strategically agreed to let him take Wang Tiancheng to the Zhabei station, hoping the change in circumstances would force a break in the case. As they left, Lu Yao noticed Chief Jiang Yuandao's expensive Rolls-Royce and spotted traces of crayons and bubble gum inside. Suspecting Jiang had been the original target as he was the one who traded the No. 43 seat, Lu Yao proposed visiting his home.
Qiao Chusheng suggested a polite gift-giving visit instead of a formal search. At Jiang's house, they were greeted by Mrs. Jiang, who tried to prevent them from entering. Once inside, Lu Yao noticed dusty children's toys, indicating the child had been gone for some time. Mrs. Jiang broke down and confessed that their daughter, Zhao'er, had been kidnapped and the kidnappers had threatened to kill her if they told anyone.
She explained that her husband was trying to handle it himself, but she feared he was no match for such cunning criminals, especially after they had brazenly abducted Shen Changzai's grandson from a crowded theater.
Episode 28 Recap
Following the revelation of his daughter Zhao’s kidnapping, police chief Jiang Yuandao anxiously placed the requested ransom in room 205 of a hotel, pleading with the kidnappers for her release. However, the kidnappers had already detected the police ambush he had set up in the adjacent room. The hallway lights shattered, causing panic, and Jiang rushed to room 205 only to find the money gone and the window wide open, leaving him distraught.
Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao soon arrived, with Lu Yao immediately suggesting the case was a revenge plot, similar to the recent kidnapping of the tycoon Mr. Shen's grandson, Chen. Under the bed, Lu Yao discovered a girl's hairpin, which Jiang did not recognize. The trio then proceeded to Mr. Shen's residence, where the tycoon, frustrated by the lack of progress, angrily confronted Jiang.
When shown the hairpin, Mr. Shen also denied recognizing it, stating that his grandson, being a boy, wouldn't wear such an item. Lu Yao learned the kidnapper had ingeniously extended a public phone line into a nearby alley to make the call, indicating a cunning criminal. Mr. Shen, in a fit of pique, declared he would hire underworld figures to find his grandson and instructed Jiang to torture the magician, Wang Tiancheng, for information, regardless of any permanent injury.
Meanwhile, a stumped Lu Yao returned home to find that Bai Youning had uncovered a crucial lead. Seven years prior, Mr. Shen founded a school where a "haunting" incident traumatized a student named Chen Xiaoyuan, who subsequently dropped out and committed suicide by jumping from the eighth floor. Jiang had handled the case, absolving the school of responsibility, which led to his rapid promotion.
Unable to persuade Lu Yao to leave Shanghai, his elder sister, Irene, visited Qiao Chusheng, offering him a prestigious military or political position in Peiping. Her hope was that Lu Yao, being close to Qiao, would follow him, thus removing him from Shanghai. Qiao politely declined, asserting his commitment to protecting Lu Yao's freedom and respecting his choices. Bai Youning continued her investigation, tracing the students who witnessed the "haunting" with Chen Xiaoyuan. Only one, Sun Qianqian, remained in Shanghai.
Bai Youning convinced Lu Yao to accompany her to Baoshan District, and during the trip, she impulsively proposed a fake marriage, suggesting they secretly get a marriage certificate to deter Irene. Though Lu Yao expressed concerns about their compatibility, Bai Youning framed it as the only strategy to escape his sister's interference. They found Sun Qianqian, who revealed her past academic success was due to "Smart Pills" provided at the school.
These pills improved mental clarity but had side effects like hallucinations, which she believed caused the "haunting" and Chen Xiaoyuan's death. Research by Bai Youning linked the pills to methamphetamine, produced by a chemical plant once owned by Mr. Shen. Lu Yao concluded Mr. Shen had used the students for drug trials. He also learned the hairpin found at the hotel was an item from Shen's school, yet both Shen and Jiang had denied recognizing it.
Fearing for Wang Tiancheng's safety, Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao rushed to the prison, only to find the magician had escaped, leaving a letter for Jiang vowing revenge on Mr. Shen. Qiao accused Jiang of being an accomplice, which he denied. Lu Yao then revealed his shocking deduction: during the ransom drop, the sack Jiang delivered contained not money, but Mr. Shen's grandson, Chen.
Lu Yao meticulously reconstructed the events: Jiang's daughter was kidnapped with the sole demand being an exchange for Chen. Jiang bribed Wang Tiancheng, who used a custom-built prop box to fake Chen’s disappearance during his magic show. This allowed Jiang to secretly transport Chen away in a police vehicle. Lu Yao also exposed Shen's drug experiments and Jiang’s complicity in the cover-up of Chen Xiaoyuan’s death in exchange for his career advancement. A stunned Jiang was left speechless.
Just then, Mr. Shen was reported missing. Jiang received a call from Wang Tiancheng, who confessed to kidnapping Shen and reminded Jiang how he had dismissed Chen Xiaoyuan's mother's pleas for justice. Hearing a train, a ship's whistle, and an echo in the background, Lu Yao pinpointed Wang's location to a warehouse near a railway and a dock.
As Jiang prepared to lead a raid, Qiao intervened, offering to retrieve Zhao himself to repay a past favor and recognizing Jiang was too emotionally compromised. Wang Tiancheng called Jiang again, allowing him to overhear a chilling negotiation with Mr. Shen. Wang revealed he had acquired Shen's original drug formula and intended to test it on both Zhao and Chen, sadistically telling Shen that it was Jiang who had kidnapped his grandson.
As Jiang cursed Wang over the phone, Lu Yao and Qiao arrived and apprehended the magician. During interrogation, Wang Tiancheng was defiant about his seven-year quest for revenge for his sister. However, Lu Yao sensed something was amiss. Wang had ample opportunity to kill Mr. Shen and to escape but did neither. Lu Yao realized Wang’s true motive: to manipulate Jiang into committing the murder. As suspected, Jiang later snuck into Mr. Shen’s hospital room and strangled him to death.
Following these events, Bai Youning again proposed marriage to protect Lu Yao from his sister. Lu Yao refused a marriage of convenience, confessing he would only marry her if he truly loved her. Their banter was interrupted by a call from Anderson, who informed Lu Yao that the Municipal Council was sending him to Scotland Yard for a year of training.
Upon his return, he would be promoted to Chinese Chief Inspector, but if he refused, he would be barred from working cases in the Concession. Understanding this was his sister’s doing, Lu Yao felt trapped. To lift his spirits, Qiao took him to a dance hall, unaware that Bai Youning was already being informed of their whereabouts.
Episode 29 Recap
Lu Yao arrived at the newly reopened Dahua Ballroom, a place where his aunt's husband, Liu Xiangui, had tragically died in a fire. He learned that after the incident, the building had been acquired at a very low price by Zou Ying. Originally the daughter of a prominent Hangzhou pharmacist whose family fortune was gambled away by her father, Zou Ying had single-handedly revived their business.
She then renovated the ground floor of the building into a ballroom and the upper floors into a high-end hotel. The evening's grand ball was to celebrate its reopening. Qiao Chusheng attempted to introduce Lu Yao to a girl, but Lu Yao, recognizing his ex-girlfriend Zou Jing in the crowd, quickly disappeared. Lu Yao, recognizing Zou Jing, retreated to a balcony, his mind wandering back to his days studying at Cambridge.
He recalled a time at a party where he argued with an older student. Zou Jing had intervened, drinking a large glass of alcohol on his behalf and for all Chinese students, eventually becoming heavily intoxicated. She explained that she couldn't stand by and watch a fellow countryman be bullied in a foreign land. Lu Yao was deeply grateful for her help, and their feelings for each other grew.
However, soon after, Lu Yao believed he saw Zou Jing with another man, leading to a deep sense of disillusionment. Zou Jing followed Lu Yao to the balcony and greeted him, trying to explain that his perception of her past actions was a misunderstanding. Lu Yao, however, remained unforgiving. He accused her of lying and believing only what he saw, while she retorted that he only believed what he thought he saw.
Their conversation quickly devolved into an argument, with Lu Yao accusing her of cheating and Zou Jing expressing frustration that he kept bringing up the past. They parted ways unhappily. Inside, Zou Ying formally introduced her sister, Zou Jing, to the assembled guests before performing a song. Qiao Chusheng, observing Lu Yao's sour mood and his gaze fixed on Zou Jing, approached Zou Jing and invited her to dance.
Zou Jing initially refused, stating she didn't drink, smoke, or dance, but agreed after Qiao Chusheng suggested dancing with him was better than dealing with random strangers. Lu Yao watched them closely from afar. Just then, Bai Youning arrived, demanding to know what Lu Yao was doing at such a place and why he was supporting Zou Ying. She revealed that Zou Ying was her father, Bai Qili's, lover.
Bai Youning explained that she had run away from home after finding Zou Ying at their house, which led to her overturning a dinner table and her father hitting her for the first time. She had moved out that night and never returned. Bai Youning attempted to drag Lu Yao home, but Qiao Chusheng intervened. Infuriated, Bai Youning turned her anger on Qiao Chusheng, accusing him of bringing Lu Yao to a place that would only make him more upset.
In his defense, Qiao Chusheng disclosed that the Municipal Council's directors had decided to send Lu Yao to Scotland Yard for a year of training, and if he refused, he would no longer be permitted to handle cases in the Concession. Feeling like an outsider for being excluded from such important information, Bai Youning stormed off. Lu Yao expressed concern for Bai Youning, but Qiao Chusheng assured him that a driver would take her home safely.
He then redirected Lu Yao to entertain Jiang Ruomei, a young lady whose father was a British knight, who had recently returned from her studies at Princeton University. Jiang Ruomei told Lu Yao she had read about him in newspapers and expressed a desire for him to be her guide in England. However, Lu Yao remained distracted, looking around the ballroom and giving unenthusiastic responses about England, which Jiang Ruomei noticed.
As Lu Yao began to move to get a drink, a violent explosion rocked the ballroom. He was thrown a considerable distance by the immense force of the blast. Bai Youning rushed to the hospital, her heart aching as she saw Lu Yao completely wrapped in white bandages. She cried, regretting not having forcefully taken him home earlier, and prayed for his swift recovery. Lu Yao, ever the prankster, feigned a critical condition, claiming he had little time left.
His act caused Bai Youning to weep uncontrollably. Qiao Chusheng arrived shortly after and exposed Lu Yao's deception, revealing that he had only suffered a minor concussion and would recover within a few days, adding that Jiang Ruomei had scheduled afternoon tea with him. Enraged by Lu Yao's trickery, Bai Youning grabbed a chair, intending to strike him. Lu Yao, startled, promptly leaped from his bed and fled.
Back at home, Bai Youning punished Lu Yao by making him hold a pineapple and a purple cabbage while maintaining a deep squat, threatening to break his legs if he moved. Qiao Chusheng intervened, attempting to get Lu Yao released so he could assist with the Dahua Ballroom investigation. Bai Youning, however, adamantly refused, citing concerns for Lu Yao's safety and insisting that Qiao Chusheng, as the inspector, was responsible for the investigation himself.
She declared Lu Yao grounded until the truth of the explosion was uncovered. The following morning, Qiao Chusheng and a group of patrol officers attempted to discreetly extract Lu Yao from his window, only to be caught by Bai Youning guarding the door. Qiao Chusheng then briefed Lu Yao on the explosion's aftermath, reporting two fatalities—Zou Ying and Liu Changlin, the vice chairman of the Guangdong Chamber of Commerce—and twenty-seven serious injuries.
He mentioned that preliminary investigations had not ruled out a gas explosion. Lu Yao immediately dismissed the gas leak theory, recalling that at the scene the previous night, he had seen dark red flames, not the blue or green flames characteristic of a gas fire, and there had been no gas smell.
Bai Youning, ever suspicious, pressed Qiao Chusheng about his whereabouts during the explosion, to which he vaguely claimed he was in the bathroom, though it was implied he was with other women. Lu Yao learned that Liu Changlin had been on stage presenting flowers when the explosion occurred. Bai Youning recounted seeing Liuzi, Bai Qili's personal bodyguard, on the street after her argument with Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng. Liuzi had forcibly escorted her home.
Both Lu Yao and Bai Youning suspected Bai Qili's involvement in the bombing and urged Qiao Chusheng to discreetly question him. Qiao Chusheng, however, refused to confront Bai Qili directly. Just then, Zou Jing arrived at the police station, insisting on speaking with Qiao Chusheng. Qiao Chusheng revealed to Bai Youning that Zou Jing was, in fact, Lu Yao's first girlfriend, a detail Zou Jing herself had confided in him.
Bai Youning confronted Lu Yao, demanding an explanation of his past with Zou Jing. Lu Yao admitted they were classmates at Cambridge, with him at Trinity College and her a year older at King's College. Their relationship lasted for one year, four months, and seventeen days. He explained they broke up because he saw her tutor kiss and embrace her, which he interpreted as her cheating.
Qiao Chusheng, however, defended Zou Jing, stating that she had told him she had refused her tutor's advances and that the kiss was merely a traditional Western farewell on the cheek. Despite this, Lu Yao, still visibly upset after all this time, argued that the embrace and her tears indicated deeper feelings. He admitted to taking a long sick leave to go to Paris and numb his pain with hedonistic pursuits, claiming he had finally moved on.
As Qiao Chusheng prepared to take Lu Yao to meet Zou Jing, Bai Youning insisted on taking fifteen minutes to apply makeup, determined to make a strong impression and not be outshone. Upon meeting Zou Jing, Bai Youning introduced herself as the chief reporter for Xinyue Daily. Zou Jing immediately stated that she would not grant any interviews until the truth of the case was uncovered, to prevent media interference and public speculation.
She then asked Bai Youning to leave, asserting that Bai Youning's father, Bai Qili, was a suspect in the case. Zou Jing emphatically stated that her sister, Zou Ying, had been murdered. She explained that Liu Changlin was not on the original guest list and had only attended at the last minute, reinforcing her belief that Zou Ying was the true target of the attack.
She revealed that a week before the incident, her sister had received a threatening letter containing a bullet, advising Qiao Chusheng not to touch it due to potential fingerprints. Zou Jing further recounted that after the explosion, she had returned to the scene to search for her deceased mother's diamond necklace, which her sister had been wearing and was now missing.
There, she encountered several men, led by a distinctive figure with a long knife scar, who she recognized as Liuzi, Bai Qili's personal bodyguard, whom she had previously seen in her sister's office. These men were furtively taking photographs of the scene before fleeing when she discovered them.
Zou Jing insisted that Bai Qili was behind the murder and claimed to possess additional evidence, urging Qiao Chusheng and Lu Yao to accompany her home to retrieve it if they truly intended to solve the case.
Episode 30 Recap
Upon their arrival at Zou Jing’s home, Lu Yao showed clear signs of annoyance towards her, even as Qiao Chusheng urged him to search for clues. Lu Yao, however, was preoccupied with reading a newspaper, expressing his irritation at Zou Jing's presence and his reluctance to speak with her. This led Qiao Chusheng to use reverse psychology to get him to engage.
When Zou Jing went to the kitchen to boil water, Lu Yao followed, openly stating his fear that she might poison them. In response, Zou Jing produced a collection of newspaper clippings she had gathered while in the UK, showcasing all of Lu Yao’s solved cases. She explained that her sister had sent them, and she had genuinely celebrated his successes. Acknowledging their past personality clashes, she urged him not to let his feelings for her hinder his future.
Qiao Chusheng then requested the evidence. Zou Jing hesitated, questioning if he would protect Mr. Bai. Qiao Chusheng admitted he couldn't guarantee impartiality given his loyalty to Mr. Bai, but promised to give her a day's head start if Mr. Bai was indeed involved. To persuade her, Qiao Chusheng emphasized Mr. Bai’s reputation for righteousness, citing an old scandal involving Youning’s mother where Mr. Bai, despite his anger, merely exiled the man involved rather than killing him.
He added that if Mr. Bai had intended to harm Zou Ying, he would have known about it. He personally guaranteed a thorough investigation and pledged to inform Zou Jing if they encountered insurmountable obstacles, leaving the choice to fight or flee in her hands. Convinced, Zou Jing handed over Zou Ying’s detailed account book, suggesting it held the motive.
As they left, Lu Yao unexpectedly asked why Zou Jing had cried when she parted ways with their professor, Keynes, years ago. Zou Jing deflected, promising an answer after the case was solved. Lu Yao immersed himself in the account book, discerning a peculiar financial pattern. He noted that while the family’s general expenses were incredibly high, Zou Ying’s girls’ school and restaurant had been losing money.
In stark contrast, her pharmaceutical factory showed abnormally low raw material costs coupled with exceptionally high sales profits, with shipping listed as the largest expenditure. Lu Yao found this suspicious, as the factory claimed to produce Bronin, a cough medicine with a major Shanghai distributor, which negated the need for extensive shipping. He suspected tax evasion or uncollected debts.
Qiao Chusheng proposed that Lu Yao investigate the factory while he confronted Mr. Bai, vowing to resign if Mr. Bai was implicated. Just then, Bai Youning arrived with a test report showing Liuzi’s fingerprints on the bullet from the threatening letter. She insisted on joining Qiao Chusheng to confront her father. To prevent a family argument, Qiao Chusheng fabricated a story about Lu Yao and Zou Jing rekindling their romance.
Enraged, Youning chased Lu Yao for an explanation, allowing Qiao Chusheng to make a swift exit. Qiao Chusheng met with Mr. Bai, presenting him with Zou Ying’s account book. Mr. Bai dismissed it as a business matter outside his jurisdiction. Qiao Chusheng pressed him, revealing that Youning had seen Liuzi outside the dance hall before the explosion and that Zou Jing had witnessed him photographing the scene afterward.
Mr. Bai admitted sending his men but vehemently denied killing Zou Ying, stressing he never harmed those who didn't deserve it, especially not someone he once cared for. He claimed Zou Ying had gone "too far" for money. Meanwhile, at the pharmaceutical factory, Lu Yao and Bai Youning were ambushed by heavily armed guards. Lu Yao identified their weapons as American-made Thompson submachine guns, realizing they were overwhelmingly outgunned. Terrified, Youning clung to Lu Yao as bullets rained down.
Amidst the chaos, a grenade exploded, followed by the sound of a British Enfield sniper rifle. As the enemy fire diminished, Liuzi and his men appeared, having rescued them. After the firefight, Lu Yao noticed smoke seeping from a wall crack, deducing the presence of a secret room. Inside, they discovered a large, concealed laboratory filled with heroin. Lu Yao pieced together the operation: Zou Ying was purifying heroin from opium and shipping it to Hong Kong for international distribution.
This explained the factory’s high profits, low costs, and large shipping expenses. Bai Youning confronted Liuzi, accusing her father of ordering Zou Ying's murder. Liuzi denied this, explaining Mr. Bai’s deep hatred for drug trafficking. He revealed that after their legitimate businesses failed due to Zou Ying's lavish spending, she turned to making and dealing drugs. Mr. Bai discovered this and sent her a bullet as a final warning.
Later, Zou Ying connected with Mr. Huang, who facilitated her Hong Kong drug route. On the night of the explosion, Mr. Bai had ordered Liuzi to deliver funeral wreaths to the dance hall opening, intending to publicly sever ties with her. However, the explosion occurred before they could act. Mr. Bai, suspecting a powerful external force, sent Liuzi back to photograph the scene for evidence. Following the factory incident, Qiao Chusheng confronted Mr. Huang, accusing him of orchestrating the attack.
Mr. Huang denied involvement, citing his close ties to the Bai family. Undeterred, Qiao Chusheng issued a chilling threat, vowing to retaliate against Huang’s entire family if Lu Yao or Youning were harmed again. Later, he reported the shootout to Mr. Bai, who suspected the British were behind the bombing to frame him, dismissing the idea that Mr. Huang would kill his "cash cow," Zou Ying. He instructed Qiao Chusheng to continue investigating to clear his name.
That night, Qiao Chusheng learned from Youning that Lu Yao had gone with Liuzi to investigate the explosion site and rushed to join them. At the dance hall, Lu Yao explained the urgency of their investigation. He sniffed the air, noting the absence of pungent sulfur, which led him to theorize the use of a new, colorless, and odorless liquid explosive, possibly French.
He also observed that the explosion’s trajectory was top-down, and discovered a cylindrical stage component with a clean inner wall, unlike other fire-blackened fragments, indicating it had been wiped. Suspecting evidence tampering, Lu Yao asked Liuzi to bring in the men who had taken photos for questioning. Just then, Qiao Chusheng arrived, and Liuzi, mistaking him for an intruder, lunged at him before Lu Yao intervened.
Meanwhile, a British man named Mr. Norman learned of the factory’s fall but was confident his technicians could restart production elsewhere, expressing interest in recruiting Zou Jing. Mr. Bai confronted Mr. Huang, reiterating his lifelong disdain for drugs. Mr. Huang cautioned him against offending the powerful British, reminding him to consider Youning and Lu Yao’s safety. Mr. Bai defiantly declared his readiness to fight the British to the death over his principles.
Later, Youning found Lu Yao reading recruitment ads, and he confessed he was preparing for a new career, anticipating his removal. Youning then revealed a crucial clue: a week before the explosion, Zou Ying and Zou Jing had a massive argument because Zou Ying tried to force her sister to become Mr. Huang’s concubine. With this motive established, Lu Yao concluded that Zou Jing was the bomber.
Youning, seeing his conflicted expression, accused him of letting his feelings cloud his judgment. Though Lu Yao admitted Zou Jing had been kind to him, Youning passionately argued that justice must be served for the more than twenty innocent people injured in the blast.
The two had a heated argument, with Lu Yao asking for time to think, while Youning starkly reminded him of how Qiao Chusheng had coped after arresting Tong Li, suggesting he too might face a painful choice.
Episode 31 Recap
After finishing the last bottle of wine, Lu Yao finally came to a realization and told Bai Youning to notify Adou to search the trash cans around the ballroom for evidence, reminding him to bring a bottle of iodine. Lu Yao also instructed Bai Youning to tell Qiao Chusheng to arrest the suspect, but specifically asked him not to use handcuffs on her.
Meanwhile, Anderson and Norman met with Zou Jing, attempting to persuade her to continue operating her pharmaceutical factory and collaborate with them. Norman claimed to have an informant close to Zou Ying who witnessed Zou Jing orchestrate the explosion. As Zou Jing was about to raise her glass to toast, Qiao Chusheng arrived with patrol officers to arrest her. When Zou Jing demanded evidence, Qiao Chusheng meticulously outlined the entire case.
He explained that Zou Ying, due to poor business management and severe financial imbalance, used her factory staff to extract heroin from opium and smuggled it to Hong Kong, which offended Mr. Bai. To find a new backer, Zou Ying then coerced Zou Jing into becoming Mr. Huang’s concubine, leading to an irreconcilable conflict between the sisters. Zou Jing vehemently denied the accusations.
Qiao Chusheng revealed that Zou Jing caused the explosion using flour, not explosives, detailing how flour dust, with its large specific surface area, becomes highly combustible when reaching a certain concentration in the air. He explained that Zou Jing had loaded one of the six dry ice machines on stage with flour. During the performance, as Zou Ying and Liu Changlin posed for photos, a reporter's flash ignited the flour particles, causing the violent explosion.
Qiao Chusheng stated that Zou Jing later returned to the scene to wipe the dry ice machine's spray gun clean to remove evidence. However, her fingerprints were found on the inner wall of the spray gun, and the handkerchief she used was discovered with her fingerprints in a trash can in the back alley of the ballroom. Footprints, extending all the way to the backstage, were also found after spraying iodine on the flour traces.
Qiao Chusheng further explained that Lu Yao became suspicious when Zou Jing claimed she hadn't returned home the night of the incident, yet she changed from black high heels—found in the ballroom’s back alley trash can—to red ones. The discovery of a lighter in her home's trash, despite her not smoking, indicated she knew her sister wouldn't return.
Additionally, her ledger clearly showed a recent purchase of a large quantity of flour, and only a thin layer of flour remained in her kitchen, solidifying Lu Yao's theory. Zou Jing, defeated, acknowledged her actions, including sending the ledger and a bullet to the authorities, hoping to mislead them into incriminating Mr. Bai and closing the case. Qiao Chusheng then produced a copy of the "Shanghai Times" newspaper, which Anderson and Norman had given to Zou Jing.
He pointed out it was a special edition, containing articles about flour mill explosions and the principles of dry ice machines, suggesting it was Zou Jing’s source of criminal inspiration. Qiao Chusheng then pressed Anderson, warning him that he would expose their involvement if they didn't agree to let Lu Yao remain in Shanghai. Considering the long-term stability of the Concession, Anderson conceded to Qiao Chusheng's demand.
After Zou Jing was taken into custody, Bai Youning visited her in prison, exchanging taunts. Zou Jing, however, tried to provoke Bai Youning by recounting her romantic past with Lu Yao. She asked Bai Youning to relay to Lu Yao that she regretted leaving Keynes, which was why she cried when they broke up, as only Keynes made her feel truly loved, respected, and protected.
Zou Jing then spitefully gave Bai Youning a detailed recipe for deep-fried yellow croaker, instructing her to use it to tie Lu Yao’s heart down. Lu Yao arrived on time to meet Jiang Ruomei, who boldly proposed herself as his girlfriend, admitting her long-standing admiration for him. She urged him to accept an executive director position at her brother's foreign trade company. Lu Yao politely declined, citing the "untamed shrew" at home, referring to Bai Youning.
He humorously listed Bai Youning's flaws, but admitted he couldn't live without her, enjoying the moments when she was upset. Jiang Ruomei, sensing his true feelings, understood his affection for Bai Youning. Lu Yao, eager to escape further conversation, quickly made an excuse to leave. Later, Bai Youning, following Zou Jing's instructions, prepared deep-fried yellow croaker. Lu Yao immediately guessed she had seen Zou Jing.
Bai Youning pressed him about his whereabouts, and he admitted to meeting a beautiful, gentle, educated woman who played golf and studied at Princeton. Bai Youning, already aware of his every word through her extensive network of informants across Shanghai, grew furious, accusing him of bad-mouthing her. A playful chase and fight ensued, prompting Qiao Chusheng, who arrived with two bottles of wine, to quietly leave them at the door upon hearing the commotion.
Lu Miao, Lu Yao's sister, arrived at Mr. Bai's residence with elaborate gifts to thank him for his care of Lu Yao. She straightforwardly declared her intention to take Lu Yao home and explained that their father disapproved of his marriage to Bai Youning. Mr. Bai stood firm, stating that if their family couldn't treat his with respect, he would retaliate.
He emphasized that Lu Yao was a good young man, and if he chose to stay in Shanghai, Mr. Bai would do everything to support him. Lu Miao, receiving a cold reception, had no choice but to depart. Sister Yun arrived to collect rent, and Bai Youning seized the opportunity to ask for advice on how to get Lu Yao to marry her. Sister Yun suggested catering to his interests and then playing hard to get.
She also advised Bai Youning to seek guidance from experienced women, leading Bai Youning to consult Qingdai. Qingdai, in turn, encouraged Bai Youning to take the initiative, asking her how she felt about Lu Yao, to which Bai Youning rated him a "hundred and twenty" out of a hundred. Qingdai then suggested Bai Youning buy two tickets, stressing the importance of creating a private space.
Bai Youning subsequently bought tickets for a shadow play and invited Lu Yao, but he flatly refused, citing a strange superstition that whenever they appeared together, misfortune struck. Bai Youning, disheartened, invited Qiao Chusheng instead. After the shadow play, as Bai Youning and Qiao Chusheng were leaving with the audience, the theater lights suddenly went out.
A storage room nearby unexpectedly lit up, and Qiao Chusheng, peering through the window, witnessed what appeared to be a shadow puppet wielding a weapon and stabbing someone. He urgently demanded the theater manager open the door, only to find the shadow play artist, Tao Yu, dead. Qiao Chusheng instructed Bai Youning to prevent anyone from leaving. Lu Yao soon arrived to investigate, noticing a tightly clutched button in Tao Yu's hand, which he had patrol officers take for analysis.
As Lu Yao examined the crime scene, he noticed Mr. Ge, the theater's concierge and former erhu player, attempting to slip away. Lu Yao called him back and found an opium pipe on him. Though Mr. Ge denied smoking opium, Lu Yao then dramatically pulled out a shadow puppet from a prop box, fabricating a tale about a "King of Hell's Curse" that would cause anyone who saw it to die, effectively scaring the crowded audience away.
With most people gone, Lu Yao admitted his trick, explaining that the crowd's odor was overwhelming. He then instructed Qiao Chusheng to gather detailed information about everyone who had been present, suspecting the killer was among them, and Qiao Chusheng immediately ordered the audience to be called back. Later that night, as Qiao Chusheng, Bai Youning, and Lu Yao finally left the theater, Lu Yao playfully called Bai Youning a "jinx."
Before she could respond, an assailant hidden in the shadows shot Lu Yao in the chest. Bai Youning screamed in terror, and Qiao Chusheng rushed Lu Yao to the hospital. The surgery was dangerous, and a nurse requested a family member sign a liability waiver. In a moment of panic, Bai Youning signed as Lu Yao's wife, a declaration that visibly stunned Qiao Chusheng.
Bai Youning then prayed, vowing that if Lu Yao survived, she would never leave him for a second. Thanks to the medical staff's full efforts, Lu Yao was declared out of danger but remained in a deep sleep. Doctors, however, discovered that his wound was not from a bullet but from a micro syringe, describing it as having a triangular pyramid blade for piercing, a hollow middle cylinder, and an end baffle to prevent full penetration.
Qiao Chusheng immediately ordered Awei to guard Lu Yao’s hospital room, forbidding all visitors without his permission. He dispatched Long to monitor train stations and docks for suspicious individuals, authorizing their immediate arrest for interrogation. Qiao Chusheng then headed back to the crime scene with Liuzi and a K9 unit, including Dobermans and German Shepherds.
Episode 32 Recap
Liuzi and Qiao Chusheng investigated the rooftop where Lu Yao had been shot, discovering a bullet casing and a distinctive golden bracelet. This bracelet was one of 108 specially customized by Mr. Huang for his loyal henchmen on his sixtieth birthday. Qiao Chusheng promptly delivered the bracelet to Mr. Bai, who immediately confronted Mr. Huang. Mr. Huang vehemently denied any involvement, asserting he had watched Bai Youning grow up and would never harm her.
He also reminded Mr. Bai of Lu Yao's powerful family background—with a high-ranking father and two warlord brothers—making it unthinkable for him to orchestrate such an attack. Despite his strong denials, Mr. Bai remained unconvinced, leading to a heated and unresolved argument between the two veteran figures. Meanwhile, Norman, revealed as the orchestrator of the chaos, expressed his intent to destabilize Shanghai for his personal gain.
Anderson voiced concerns about the escalating situation, but Norman remained unfazed, believing they were safe as long as Lu Yao remained in a coma. Lu Yao indeed remained unconscious, with Bai Youning vigilantly staying by his side. Qiao Chusheng's investigation uncovered that the bullet used was specially designed and filled with a high dose of veterinary anesthetic, typically employed for hunting large animals like elephants, explaining Lu Yao's prolonged unconsciousness.
A sudden commotion in the hospital hallway caught Qiao Chusheng's attention. It was Lu Miao, Lu Yao's elder sister, who had arrived to visit him. Initially stopped by Liuzi, she was quickly granted entry by Qiao Chusheng. Lu Miao requested a private conversation with Bai Youning, prompting Qiao Chusheng to step outside. Liuzi, eager to retaliate against the British, suggested immediate action, but Qiao Chusheng advised patience, believing the time was not yet ripe.
Upon seeing Lu Yao unconscious, Lu Miao became furious, lamenting his entanglement in Shanghai's underworld conflicts. She recalled Lu Yao's stubbornness from a young age and felt responsible for his upbringing due to their mother's frequent absence. However, she also acknowledged Lu Yao's integrity, viewing him as pure and childlike compared to the hypocrites she knew.
Having observed Bai Youning for several months, Lu Miao had grown to trust her character and gave her blessing for their relationship, even promising to persuade their father. For their safety, Lu Miao strongly urged them to leave Shanghai, offering to establish them anywhere in the world—from her husband's manor in Tunisia to major cities like Paris, London, or New York—guaranteeing them a worry-free life.
Bai Youning agreed to discuss this with Lu Yao once he regained consciousness, as Lu Miao emphasized the urgency given the growing unrest in Shanghai. In the subsequent days, the Concession was rocked by a series of incidents targeting British interests, including arsons, chaos at a casino, and a car explosion. Though no lives were lost, a sense of fear permeated the area. Qiao Chusheng largely ignored the reports, refusing to dispatch officers despite Adou's concerns.
Just then, Qiao Chusheng received news that Lu Yao had woken up and rushed to the hospital. He found Lu Yao feigning amnesia and acting like a simpleton, gluttonously eating. Bai Youning, who had been diligently nursing him, was initially deceived. However, Qiao Chusheng saw through the act and tricked Lu Yao by claiming Lu Miao had been kidnapped. Lu Yao's immediate and concerned questions exposed his deception to Bai Youning, who, enraged, began to physically reprimand him.
Anderson attempted to bribe Mr. Huang with a box of gold bars, urging him to confront Mr. Bai. Mr. Huang, though reluctant to enter a direct conflict, found it difficult to resist Anderson's persistence. After his recovery, Lu Yao was discharged from the hospital. Qiao Chusheng escorted him and Bai Youning home, arranging 24-hour protection and advising them to stay indoors. Lu Yao learned that during his coma, Mr. Bai had retaliated by causing disturbances targeting British properties.
Still obsessed with the shadow play murder, Lu Yao insisted on solving it. Qiao Chusheng revealed that he had traced the brand-engraved button found at the scene to a limited-edition trench coat imported from Germany. Crucially, a fingerprint on the button matched the one on the murder weapon. He had also acquired a list of the seventeen buyers of this specific coat, planning to compare their fingerprints to identify the culprit.
Qiao Chusheng grew uneasy due to Norman's unusual silence, unsure how the British might retaliate after suffering significant losses. Meanwhile, the patrol officers compared the fingerprints of all the audience members present at the theater but found no match with the murderer's. Lu Yao, however, remained convinced the culprit was among them.
He theorized that it was a "psychologically locked room" scenario, where the murderer hid behind the door and blended into the crowd as they rushed in when the door opened. He wanted to revisit the scene, but Qiao Chusheng strictly forbade him and Bai Youning from leaving. After facing their joint protests, Qiao Chusheng relented, providing them with American-made body armor and helmets and assigning officers for their protection.
Fully armored, Lu Yao and Bai Youning arrived at the Qiyuan Theater. Lu Yao noted its close proximity to the Sassoon Bank and observed Tao Yu's fans mourning outside. Bai Youning informed him about Mr. Wu and Tao Yu, the two master and apprentice puppeteers, and their strained relationship. Mr. Wu instructed Mr. Ge, the concierge, to show them the storage room.
Lu Yao pressed Mr. Ge to identify anyone who might have worn the specific branded trench coat found at the scene. Mr. Ge initially claimed he couldn't remember, but under Lu Yao's threat of a drug bust for his opium use, he confessed that a man named Chen Youli had worn such a coat. Bai Youning immediately identified Chen Youli as Mr. Huang's strategist, also known as the "White Paper Fan."
While Qiao Chusheng decided to consult Mr. Bai before arresting Chen Youli, Lu Yao learned about the specific rules for storing shadow puppets from the props staff. He then noticed that a Zhong Kui painting in the lobby had been replaced, learning from Mr. Ge that it was a new painting from the Chenghuang Temple to ward off evil spirits, which deepened his suspicion of the concierge.
Separately, Bai Youning arranged for their landlady, Ms. Yun, to test Lu Yao's feelings. Despite Ms. Yun's playful attempts at seduction, Lu Yao firmly stated that Bai Youning was the only woman he had fallen for since returning to China. Bai Youning, listening from an adjacent room, was overjoyed. Qiao Chusheng returned home to inform Mr. Bai about Chen Youli's involvement in the murder.
He explained that Mr. Huang had been trying to acquire the theater, and Chen Youli had resorted to extreme measures like arson and threats when the owner refused to sell. Mr. Bai advised Qiao Chusheng to gather conclusive evidence before taking any action. Qiao Chusheng then arranged a meeting with Chen Youli and, during their conversation, discreetly took Chen's glass. He rushed back to compare the fingerprints, confirming that Chen Youli's prints matched those found on the murder weapon.
Upon learning that Chen Youli was the murderer, Bai Youning expressed concern about the impending conflict between Mr. Huang and Mr. Bai. Just then, Lin Xiaobai, Lu Yao's former colleague, unexpectedly arrived. She informed Lu Yao that Mr. Sassoon was selling off assets and converting them into gold, seemingly preparing to evacuate Shanghai. She also mentioned that other wealthy Jewish businessmen were quietly selling their assets, indicating a significant opportunity in the stock market.
Lin Xiaobai suggested Lu Yao borrow money from Mr. Bai, but Lu Yao, changed by his near-death experience, prioritized safety over financial gain and shared his thoughts of leaving Shanghai. That night, Lu Yao and Bai Youning discussed their future, considering Hong Kong or London as potential destinations. Meanwhile, Mr. Bai presented the conclusive evidence of Chen Youli's guilt to Mr. Huang, but Mr. Huang dismissed it, leaving the decision of how to proceed entirely up to Mr. Bai.
Episode 33 Recap
Bai Youning informed Lu Yao that his sister, Lu Miao, had not only agreed to their plans to leave Shanghai but had also given her blessing for their relationship. Lu Yao feigned reluctance, prompting an annoyed Bai Youning to question his recent kiss.
Lu Yao explained the kiss was a desperate act when he thought he was dying, but now realized he had a long bucket list to complete, which included everything from using his Swiss ice cream machine to watching a movie with the person he loved. He then confessed his affection for her carefree smile, his joy in teasing her, and how he secretly watched her feign nonchalance while admiring him after he solved a case.
When asked if he was still too "sleepy" to confess, Lu Yao declared that after a life lived aimlessly, he would now dedicate himself to her, vowing to spend the rest of his life tackling her like an endless math problem. Moved to tears, Bai Youning embraced him.
Meanwhile, as Qiao Chusheng expressed his doubts to Bai Qili about arresting Chen Youli without conclusive proof, news arrived that a shipment of Bai's arms had been ambushed by Mr. Huang’s Marine Police, with heavy casualties. Realizing Mr. Huang had declared open war, Bai Qili ordered Qiao to arrest Chen Youli immediately. During interrogation, Chen Youli denied the murder, accusing Qiao of framing him to drag his gang into Bai Qili's escalating conflict with the British.
Qiao recounted the official story: that Chen, furious after his offer to buy the shadow play theater was rejected, murdered the co-owner, Tao Yu. Chen scoffed, admitting he was at the theater but never in the storage room where the murder occurred, stating he wouldn't dirty his own hands to kill "two humble puppeteers." He refused to sign any confession, daring Qiao to use force. Later, Mr. Huang confronted Bai Qili, furious about Chen Youli's arrest.
After a tense standoff, Huang insisted Chen was innocent and proposed that Bai Qili's brilliant "son-in-law," Lu Yao, investigate. Bai Qili brought up the ambush, but Huang claimed his men acted in self-defense and deflected, warning Bai Qili that a British warship with two thousand Royal Marines was arriving next month, ostensibly to "assist in suppressing bandits" but truly targeting him. At Qiao's request, Lu Yao agreed to re-examine the case.
He and Bai Youning, after a rock-paper-scissors game to decide their future home (Paris won), joined Qiao at the theater. Lu Yao and Qiao found Wu Peiyan, the surviving owner, packing his late partner's belongings. Wu Peiyan confirmed Tao Yu had a morphine addiction, which he despised so much he had considered killing Tao Yu himself.
Though Wu Peiyan had a strong motive, Lu Yao was perplexed by his seemingly unbreakable alibi: multiple witnesses saw him emerge from the front of the theater less than a minute after the murder. The next morning, the case took a dire turn when the Municipal Council, pressured by public outcry and a visiting British delegation, issued an order for Chen Youli's immediate execution.
Lu Yao, convinced Chen was framed, pointed out fatal flaws in the evidence: Chen was left-handed, but the fingerprints on the murder weapon were from a right hand. His coat, a polyester blend impossible to clean blood from, was spotless. Lu Yao decided he had to speak with Chen Youli, bribing his way into the prison.
Chen revealed that on the night of the murder, he was lured to the theater, drank a glass of water, and was subsequently struck with severe diarrhea, confining him to the toilet when the murder happened. He also recalled being mugged a week earlier by a man with an elm stick—the same type of wood as the murder weapon.
Lu Yao deduced a sinister plot: the killer stole Chen's button, drugged him to create a useless alibi, and used the fingerprints obtained from the prior mugging to frame him. As an official from the Municipal Council arrived, Lu Yao slipped away, advising Chen to remain silent. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng obtained the old sewer blueprints for the area, hoping to find a secret passage in the theater, but the plans showed no such exit.
Their investigation hit a dead end. That night, Bai Youning brought urgent news: the execution had been moved up to the early morning hours to prevent a rescue attempt by Mr. Huang. With the deadline looming, Qiao's men began smashing the theater's walls and floors in a desperate search for a hidden tunnel, but found nothing. As the frantic search continued, Lu Yao was distracted by the unusually fast-paced dance music from the neighboring Shengle Club.
A quick call to an old colleague confirmed that a cargo ship, the "Istanbul," was leaving for Hong Kong the next day with hundreds of security personnel aboard. Suddenly, all the pieces clicked: the club's free-for-all promotion, Mr. Sassoon selling off his assets, the heavily guarded ship, and the area's large flood-discharge pipes. The murder was merely a diversion. Apologizing to the bewildered Wu Peiyan for the destruction, Lu Yao ordered Qiao to immediately converge on the Sassoon Bank. Arriving at the vault, they caught a crew of men in the act, transporting gold bars from the bank into the underground pipe system.
Episode 34 Recap
Lu Yao, Qiao Chusheng, and Adou descended into a hole in the Bank of Sassoon's vault, where they discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Ge in the sewer pipes. Lu Yao immediately declared that the murderer in the theater case was none other than Wu Peiyan and proceeded to meticulously recount the events of that fateful night. Before the shadow play performance, Wu Peiyan had drugged Tao Yu with a high concentration of antihypertensive drugs.
Given Tao Yu's history of drug abuse, the combination of substances plunged him into a deep coma. Wu Peiyan then enlisted Mr. Ge to help him with the performance. During a three-minute segment of the play that required no singing, Wu Peiyan slipped on gloves, dragged the unconscious Tao Yu from backstage into the storage room, gagged and bound him, and placed a button from Chen Youli's coat in his victim's palm.
He then used a wooden stick, which Chen Youli had previously handled, to stab Tao Yu to death, before returning to the stage to finish the performance. After the show, Wu Peiyan used a large mirror strategically placed in the corridor to create the illusion that a shadow puppet was killing Tao Yu in the storage room, while he operated it from another room.
When the lights went out, Wu Peiyan quickly moved the mirror, concealing it behind a large painting, and then emerged from the other room, establishing a perfect alibi. Lu Yao proved this by tearing down the Chinese painting, revealing the mirror. He noted its Western-style frame and unusual weight had first aroused his suspicion, and that the nail holding it was deliberately loosened for easy removal.
Lu Yao presented further evidence, explaining that Tao Yu's acrylic pants generated static electricity when dragged, leaving behind fibers that could be revealed with a special reagent, tracing a clear path from backstage to the crime scene. Additionally, the unique "double bowline" knot used to tie Tao Yu was a sailor's knot, and Wu Peiyan had previously been a sailor.
Confronted with the irrefutable evidence, Wu Peiyan confessed, claiming Tao Yu "deserved it" for years of torment that nearly ruined their theater. Lu Yao then pressed Wu Peiyan about Mr. Ge's death. Wu Peiyan denied killing him, claiming the robbers were responsible. This led Wu Peiyan to confess his coerced involvement with the gang. He recounted that after he had killed Tao Yu, someone confronted him late at night, threatening to expose the murder if he didn't cooperate.
The mysterious figure ordered him to give the theater employees time off, allowing the robbers to conduct nightly construction under the theater without interference. Qiao Chusheng, initially bewildered, asked how Lu Yao deduced the gold robbery. Lu Yao explained that a colleague from the Bank of Sassoon had told him Mr. Sassoon was converting assets into gold, likely preparing to flee Shanghai.
Consulting old building plans, Lu Yao found unusually thick flood discharge pipes connecting the theater to the bank's vault, large enough for a person. Though he initially dismissed the idea due to the noise of such an operation, he noted a nearby ballroom had started hosting nightly parties with free entry.
Qiao Chusheng observed that while other ballrooms played slow music after 10 PM, this one continued with loud, fast music, confirming Lu Yao's suspicion it was cover for excavation noise. Further investigation revealed that trash cans and debris in the back alley had been removed, suggesting large vehicles were entering nightly.
Lin Xiaobai also informed Lu Yao that the bank had booked a cargo ship, the "Istanbul," for Hong Kong the next day with an unusually large crew of three to four hundred guards, confirming it was the gold transport. This meant that night was the robbers' last chance. As Wu Peiyan was taken into custody, Lu Yao urgently reminded Qiao Chusheng to save Chen Youli. Moments later, a terrified Chen Youli, having soiled himself, was being led to his execution.
Qiao Chusheng's patrol officers arrived just in time to stop the proceedings, declaring Chen Youli innocent. Qiao Chusheng sincerely apologized to a deeply shamed Chen Youli. Later, Qiao Chusheng reported the details to Mr. Bai, concluding that Mr. Huang had been unknowingly manipulated by British interests, as he wouldn't risk offending Sassoon for the gold.
Meanwhile, after his release, a stern Mr. Huang reprimanded Chen Youli, who confessed that British individuals had hired him to acquire the theater under the false pretense of redevelopment, hiding their true intentions. Mr. Huang credited Qiao Chusheng for preventing a disaster and instructed Chen to treat him with respect.
Huang also reflected on how he himself had nearly been used as a pawn, noting he still owed Mr. Bai for a lost shipment of arms and several men, and warned Chen to avoid foreign entanglements. Mr. Sassoon expressed his gratitude to Lu Yao and offered him a position as a director at the bank. Lu Yao politely declined, explaining his desire to move abroad with Bai Youning.
Understanding, Sassoon revealed his own plans to transfer his wealth to Hong Kong ahead of a potential war in China and warned Lu Yao to be careful of retaliation, promising to help him realize his dream of a life abroad. Soon after, Lu Yao confronted Norman, systematically laying out how he had masterminded numerous criminal cases.
He detailed how Norman used custom-made newspapers to induce individuals to commit offenses: from the Nie family murder to a drug trafficking dispute; from a tram hijacking to a series of murders orchestrated to install his own people, secure business interests, manipulate markets, and eliminate rivals.
Lu Yao meticulously connected Norman to the murders of porphyria patients, a female painter, a porcelain carver, a Catholic nun, a newspaper editor-in-chief, and several wealthy businessmen, showing how Norman had profited from each death or used them to consolidate power and remove threats like Mr. Bai. He explained how Norman manipulated a maid into a copycat murder via a fake radio broadcast and drove a man to kill by tampering with his medicine.
He concluded with Norman’s involvement in the heroin operation that led to the death of his ex-girlfriend's sister. Lu Yao revealed that Norman's company had placed massive short-selling orders months before the gold robbery, set to profit from the resulting market crash. Despite Norman's denials, Lu Yao announced he had compiled a report of all these crimes and given it to Mr. Sassoon, who would forward it to a British House of Lords delegation in Shanghai.
As British police arrived to arrest him, a stunned Norman was told he would face justice under British law. As he was led away, Norman stated that the anesthetic bullet that struck Lu Yao was not his doing, leaving Lu Yao bewildered. Qiao Chusheng informed Mr. Bai of Norman's arrest, explaining it was accomplished through Lu Yao's report and Mr. Sassoon's influence.
Concerned for their safety after straining relations with the British, Mr. Bai suggested Lu Yao and Bai Youning leave Shanghai for a while, which Qiao Chusheng supported. Later, Lu Yao hosted his sister, Lu Miao, for hotpot. After congratulating him, she pressed him to leave Shanghai with Bai Youning for their safety. Lu Yao adamantly refused. He then revealed he knew the anesthetic bullet that hit him was fired from a rare rifle by her driver.
Lu Miao admitted it was for his own good, but a furious Lu Yao threatened to call the police. Lu Miao warned that if he didn't leave, she would take further action. The siblings argued fiercely until Lu Miao stormed out. Lu Yao confessed to Bai Youning that his rebellion stemmed from a cold upbringing after his mother's difficult birth with him, and he refused to be controlled by his family.
Bai Youning perceptively asked if his choice to be with her was just another act of defiance. Lu Yao admitted he had never considered it, and she urged him to think it over. That night, Lu Miao telephoned a commander, Lu Youjia, ordering him to take five to six thousand rookie soldiers, armed with rifles, grenades, and over twenty Maxim machine guns, to Shanghai and bring Lu Yao back.
Episode 35 Recap
Lu Yao spent the entire night analyzing Bai Youning, converting all her traits into numerical values. He worked through complex equations and concluded that his feelings for her were genuine and independent of any external factors. This revelation brought Bai Youning a moment of relief, until Lu Yao added that his prolonged single status might have skewed his judgment. Annoyed, Bai Youning angrily threw a cup of water at him, and the glass struck his face, causing it to bleed.
Bai Youning took Lu Yao to the hospital for his injury. Lu Yao wanted to see Doctor Jiang, who had performed surgery on him previously, but Doctor Jiang was currently operating on Marquis Harvey, a senior director of the Municipal Council. While waiting in the hallway, Lu Yao couldn't help but admire a passing nurse, which ignited Bai Youning's jealousy. Lu Yao admitted he felt uneasy, having been bored since Norman's arrest left him without any intriguing cases.
He even remarked that investigating cases was truly enjoyable. Just then, a loud explosion echoed from the operating room, sending nurses and doctors fleeing. Lu Yao saw a blood-covered Doctor Jiang and bravely entered to find the patient dismembered by the blast. Qiao Chusheng soon arrived with his patrol officers, playfully remarking that Lu Yao and Bai Youning seemed to bring misfortune wherever they went.
Lu Yao briefly explained the situation, and Qiao Chusheng expressed his concern, noting Marquis Harvey's immense influence and Mr. Bai's recent investment in the hospital, fearing Mr. Bai might be implicated due to their past conflicts. The coroner, Yu, arrived shortly after, and Lu Yao urged him to quickly determine the true cause of Marquis Harvey's death. Yu’s preliminary investigation concluded it was a murder, with fragments of an explosive device, including a detonator, found inside the victim's stomach.
In an emergency meeting, Anderson, a British official, demanded the Municipal Council swiftly apprehend the culprit, emphasizing the potential political ramifications, especially with an election approaching. Lu Yao, concerned about potential bloodshed, instructed Qiao Chusheng to prepare his men for any escalation. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng ruled out the possibility of the bomb being placed during surgery, as there were no abdominal incisions, and a medical team would have simpler ways to kill a patient.
They pondered how such a large device could have entered the Marquis's body, with Lu Yao frustratingly challenging Qiao Chusheng to swallow a lightbulb to prove its impossibility. At that moment, Ms. Yun arrived with her close friend Huang Lu, Marquis Harvey's wife. Huang Lu revealed she married the Marquis last year after becoming pregnant, though she later suffered a miscarriage. She described her marriage as unfulfilling due to the significant age gap and cultural differences.
Huang Lu admitted she wasn't particularly grieving, confessing to being a lavish spender, which led to frequent arguments with the Marquis. He, despite his inherited title and estates, was not as wealthy as she thought, having four children from a previous marriage, and had threatened to disinherit her over her spending. Huang Lu then presented an accidental death insurance policy, making her the sole beneficiary.
Believing the Marquis was assassinated due to his conflict with Mr. Bai, she eagerly sought to have his death confirmed as murder so she could claim the substantial payout and buy a prized horse. Lu Yao found her shamelessness appalling but proceeded with the investigation after Ms. Yun promised to waive his rent if the case was solved quickly.
Meanwhile, Qiao Chusheng met with Mr. Bai, who believed someone was deliberately trying to frame him, giving the British a pretext to suppress the Green Gang. He urged Qiao Chusheng to solve the case swiftly. Qiao Chusheng then visited a bomb expert at an opium den, who identified the device's detonator as a new Swiss Corbet automatic ignition model.
The expert claimed only two other people in Shanghai could make such a bomb: Yuichi Watanabe, who had joined the Kwantung Army in Mukden, and an unknown Indian. Qiao Chusheng checked customs manifests and found that Salim, an alumnus of British Imperial College London and Vickers Arsenal, had recently ordered such detonators. Qiao Chusheng immediately dispatched his subordinate, Adou, to apprehend Salim. Upon his arrest, Salim insisted on speaking with Lu Yao, vehemently denying the murder.
He explained that he modified firearms to support his family in London and only took the bomb-making job for the substantial pay. He received requests and payments via a specific post box in Shanghai's underground black market, never meeting his clients. Salim described the bomb he made, stating its dimensions differed from the fragments found in Marquis Harvey's stomach. Just then, Anderson arrived at the police station with his men, demanding to take Marquis Harvey's body.
Qiao Chusheng firmly refused, leading to a tense standoff. Lu Yao interjected, calmly reassuring Anderson that the body would be released after a final check, de-escalating the confrontation. Lu Yao noticed Coroner Yu acting erratically, stammering and wearing new expensive clothing and accessories. He immediately suspected foul play and warned Yu against falsifying evidence. Cornered, Yu confessed that he had met a woman at a nightclub, Da Shijie, who showered him with gifts and promised to marry him.
However, her "husband" discovered their affair and threatened to expose Yu unless he produced a fake autopsy report. Yu admitted that on the night of Marquis Harvey's autopsy, he heard an explosion outside his window, found some broken parts, and incorporated them into the report as evidence. He insisted that no bomb was actually found inside the Marquis, but maintained that Marquis Harvey truly died from a powerful internal explosion centered in his stomach, which severely burned his organs.
Qiao Chusheng demanded the woman's address. He and Adou investigated, only to find the apartment empty. Inquiries revealed the entire building belonged to Mr. Bai, and the tenant's name was fake, with rent paid in cash. Qiao Chusheng deduced this was a meticulously planned setup to implicate Mr. Bai. Lu Yao then took Doctor Jiang to the hospital operating room.
Doctor Jiang revealed that Marquis Harvey had a small, benign stomach tumor and chose him for the surgery because they were both Oxford alumni. Doctor Jiang vividly recalled that the explosion occurred the moment he made the incision after administering anesthesia. Lu Yao confiscated all of Marquis Harvey's medical records and took Doctor Jiang to the police station for his protection, fearing someone might try to silence him. That night, Lu Yao meticulously reviewed Marquis Harvey's medical records.
He instructed Bai Youning to visit Doctor Barzel at a German hospital the next day to inquire about Marquis Harvey's medical history and his reasons for transferring hospitals. The following morning, Lu Yao met with Huang Lu, informing her that no explosives were found in Marquis Harvey's body. Huang Lu adamantly insisted Mr. Bai was responsible for the murder. Lu Yao, suspecting Anderson's involvement, pressed her about her relationship with him.
Huang Lu admitted Anderson had offered to help with the funeral and encouraged her to publicly weep and hint at Mr. Bai's culpability. She found the idea preposterous, as she had no intention of becoming a pawn against the Green Gang. All she cared about was the insurance money, stating she wouldn't let her youth go to waste. She further detailed Marquis Harvey's peculiar habits, like meticulously recording all his daily activities, which had driven his servants to distraction.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
Lu Yao meticulously examined Marquis Harvey's "Daily Life Record," which Huang Lu provided, noting the Marquis's recent dietary changes from rich meats to lighter foods like tofu skins, eggs, and milk, suggesting a stomach ailment. Huang Lu, expressing her indifference, explained that her initial care for the Marquis diminished after discovering he had bequeathed his money, lands, and manors to his children.
She admitted to persuading him to have surgery in Shanghai instead of London, fearing that at his age, he might never return from Britain, and she wished to avoid a fate similar to that of another aristocrat's wife, who lost all her wealth after her husband's death abroad. Meanwhile, Bai Youning spoke with Doctor Barzel, a University of Goettingen graduate, who confirmed Marquis Harvey's tumor was malignant.
Doctor Barzel had advised conservative treatment due to the Marquis's advanced age and fragility, as surgery wouldn't significantly prolong his life. This revelation solidified Lu Yao's suspicion that the medical record Doctor Jiang had obtained was a forgery. Bai Youning further discovered that Marquis Harvey had received a subpoena from the Lord Chancellor, summoning him back to Britain to testify against Norman, his sworn enemy.
Given the Marquis's status, his testimony would ensure Norman's permanent downfall, leading Lu Yao to conclude that Norman's remaining loyalists in Shanghai were responsible for the current situation. Qiao Chusheng reported to Mr. Bai on the Marquis Harvey case, indicating that numerous clues were being manipulated to incriminate Mr. Bai. He urged Mr. Bai to seize the opportunity to eliminate Norman's remaining henchmen, fearing escalating problems.
However, Mr. Bai, preferring not to provoke further conflict, revealed he had already dispatched another team to investigate every aspect of Marquis Harvey's affairs. Unexpectedly, Lu Youjia, Lu Yao's childhood schoolmate, arrived at Lu Yao's residence. Lu Youjia stated that he was under orders from Lu Miao, Lu Yao's sister, to bring him home, and had brought three thousand armed soldiers with machine guns and mortars, currently stationed in Qingpu and prepared to enter the city.
Lu Yao requested three days to conclude his ongoing investigation, but Lu Youjia, emphasizing that their military funds were approved by Lu Yao's elder brother, granted him only 24 hours. Bai Youning vehemently opposed Lu Yao's forced departure. She declared that as Lu Yao's future wife and a legal citizen of Shanghai, she would not permit him to be taken away. Challenging Lu Youjia's authority, she asserted that any attempt to abduct her husband would incite public outrage.
That night, as Lu Yao packed his belongings, Bai Youning urged him to stay, reminding him that while his status as the Lu family's youngest son offered protection, his role as her husband would provide even greater security.
She then posed three crucial questions: first, if he truly loved her, to which he responded, "I love you"; second, if he would commit to a marriage with no possibility of divorce, which he accepted without hesitation; and third, if he was comfortable with her continuing her career instead of raising children, to which he agreed to take care of the children himself. In return, Lu Yao asked her to "use less force and more reason" after they were married.
Following her agreement, he knelt and proposed with a ring. Lu Yao immediately called Qiao Chusheng, informing him of the wedding the next day and asking him to attend. Surprised but overjoyed, Qiao Chusheng instructed Adou to gather their men and orchestrate an overnight wedding preparation. Bai Youning wore the wedding dress her mother had custom-made for her before passing away, deeply moved by the thought of her mother watching her wedding from heaven.
Mr. Bai was the first to arrive at the church, where Qiao Chusheng explained that due to time constraints, only a Western-style wedding could be held, with a grander Chinese ceremony planned after Lu Youjia and his soldiers were dealt with. Qiao Chusheng confirmed that all influential figures in Shanghai had been invited; Mr. Huang, preoccupied with business in Hong Kong, had sent a crate of gold bars. Meanwhile, Liuzi was deployed to delay Lu Youjia's troops.
Anticipating potential exploitation by the Municipal Council and the British, Qiao Chusheng had already strategically deployed his forces at key intersections. Still uneasy, Mr. Bai ordered Qiao Chusheng to send Huazi to Warehouse No. 6 to retrieve 200 bags of dynamite, ready for a decisive confrontation. Outside the church, over twenty reporters clamored to see Bai Youning.
When she appeared, they expressed their genuine happiness for her and declared their collective support, vowing to use their cameras to protect the couple's civic rights and ensure that any attempt to disrupt the wedding would become front-page news. Bai Youning was profoundly touched, repeatedly bowing in gratitude.
When Lu Yao, dressed in his wedding suit, arrived at the church, Qiao Chusheng made a final check, asking if his marriage was born of genuine love or mere expediency, even offering to help him escape. Lu Yao unequivocally affirmed his true love for Bai Youning, calling it the most clear-headed and unwavering decision of his life. Qiao Chusheng sincerely wished them happiness.
At that moment, a patrol officer informed Qiao Chusheng that Lu Youjia's forces had blocked all wedding guests, including prominent figures like Mr. Du and Mr. Yu. Qiao Chusheng immediately relayed this to Mr. Bai, who, despite the obstruction, insisted that the wedding proceed as scheduled. Outside, Liuzi bravely confronted Lu Youjia, holding bags of dynamite in a tense standoff. Inside the empty church, Bai Youning walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with her father.
A priest officiated the ceremony, with Qiao Chusheng presenting the rings. Lu Yao and Bai Youning exchanged vows and were wed. Lu Youjia, having been held up, eventually arrived alone at the church, only to be overwhelmed by a barrage of questions from the reporters who swarmed him. Lu Miao returned home to report to her father, who was enraged upon seeing large wedding photographs of Lu Yao and Bai Youning in the newspaper.
He recounted his own elopement with Lu Yao's mother, recalling how he remained unfazed even when his father-in-law dispatched troops to capture him. Lu Miao observed that Lu Yao's polite outward demeanor masked an inherent stubbornness, a trait much like their mother's. She described Bai Youning as a good-hearted, innocent, and gallant woman, expressing her belief that with such a capable wife, Lu Yao would find happiness.
After deliberation, Lu Yao's father instructed Lu Miao to retrieve Lu Yao's betrothal presents and reluctantly agreed to her plea that he personally deliver them to Shanghai. After the wedding, Bai Youning, utterly exhausted, expressed regret that they hadn't opted for a simple travel wedding, and Lu Yao promised her an even grander celebration in the future.
Qiao Chusheng, on behalf of Mr. Bai, presented the newlyweds with keys to a villa, complete with servants and a driver, along with a blank check. Qiao Chusheng also gifted them a brand-new car. Lu Yao, eager to embark on a honeymoon in Paris, was urged by Qiao Chusheng to first resolve Marquis Harvey's case, warning that British warships were nearing the port, and failure to identify the true perpetrator could precipitate a war.
Arriving at Marquis Harvey's mansion with Qiao Chusheng and Anderson, Lu Yao dramatically unveiled the true cause of the explosion: pyloric obstruction. He explained that Marquis Harvey's gastric mucosa had undergone extensive fibrosis, forming a cicatricial stenosis that led to the obstruction. Consequently, the Marquis had not had a bowel movement for a week, causing significant food residue to accumulate and ferment into methane in his stomach.
During the operation, when a small incision was made, the pressurized methane violently jetted out, igniting upon contact with an alcohol lamp and causing the explosion. Lu Yao then exposed Huang Lu, revealing she had secretly administered a new asthma medication to the Marquis. While generally non-toxic, a side effect of prolonged use—reduced stomach motility—had induced the pyloric obstruction. Lu Yao presented evidence from her college assignments, pharmacy purchase records, and the forged medical record, all bearing identical handwriting.
He detailed that Huang Lu, a former medicine and nutrition major, had deliberately instructed the Marquis to consume gas-producing foods to exacerbate his condition. She then falsely reported to the hospital that his bowel movements were normal, a lie contradicted by the evidence at the crime scene. Lu Yao concluded that Huang Lu had orchestrated this "medical accident" to claim the substantial insurance payout.
Huang Lu denied the charges, but Lu Yao countered that she had also seduced the coroner, Xiao Yu, and colluded with the manager of the Jiangwan Racecourse to coerce him into falsifying the autopsy report. Qiao Chusheng brought in Xiao Yu, who confirmed he was forced to comply. Lu Yao then shifted his focus to Anderson, exposing his elaborate scheme.
To prevent Marquis Harvey from testifying against Norman, Anderson, after learning of Huang Lu's plot, had commissioned Salim to construct a bomb. The bomb was intended to be planted as evidence to support the fake autopsy report, thereby framing Qiao Chusheng and ultimately shifting blame onto Mr. Bai. Anderson smugly warned Lu Yao that Norman had already been acquitted due to a lack of testimony and was soon to return to Shanghai. Unfazed, Lu Yao promptly handcuffed Anderson.
Mr. Sassoon, representing the Municipal Council, thanked Lu Yao and proposed he take Bai Youning to London for their honeymoon, followed by advanced studies at Scotland Yard, before returning to Shanghai as an inspector. Lu Yao expressed no interest. Sassoon then advised him to remain abroad for a while, as Lu Youjia's military intrusion had provoked widespread public anger. Lu Yao decided to proceed with his honeymoon.
Qiao Chusheng saw the couple off as they boarded their ship, with Lu Yao advising him to find a partner and marry soon. Returning to the Police Station, Qiao Chusheng found his colleagues in a panic. Adou informed him that all the board members of the Municipal Council of the French Concession had died collectively the previous night at the Golden Orchid Club. Their deaths occurred within a minute of their arrival, with the cause a mystery.
Mr. Du had personally requested his and Mr. Bai's assistance with the investigation. Meanwhile, aboard their ship, Lu Yao received an urgent cable from Qiao Chusheng. Without reading it, Lu Yao folded the telegram into a paper airplane and tossed it into the sea, choosing to continue their honeymoon journey uninterrupted.
