My Roommate Is a Detective Episode 22 Recap
> My Roommate Is a Detective 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.