Always on the Move Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Always on the Move Synopsis
In the late 1970s, on a steam train from Ningyang to Hacheng, a young railway police officer, Wang Xin, was shuttling through the bustling passengers on duty.
He mistook Ma Kui, an old railroad policeman, for a fugitive, and then their story began.
From mutual dislike of each other to appreciating each other, Wang Xin and Ma Kui fought side by side in the front line of railroad public security.
They always put the safety of each passenger in the first place, selflessly guarding the safety of the north and south trains.
Wang Xin and Ma Kui, the old and new generations of railroad police, witnessed the development of Chinese railroads from steam locomotives to electric locomotives to high-speed trains, witnessing the rapid changes in China.
Always on the Move Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In 1978, a train rattles along the tracks from Ningyang to Hacheng, leaving a trail of steam. The carriages are bustling with passengers, their belongings, and various animals like chickens and rabbits, filling the aisles, seats, and luggage racks. Cai Xiaonian, a train conductor, navigates through the crowded carriages, offering help to passengers and reminding everyone to look after their belongings. The journey is interrupted when a chicken flies loose, startling passengers and causing a commotion.
Railroad officer Wang Xin quickly captures the chicken, restoring order. Passengers praise his efficiency, and Cai Xiaonian remarks that catching a chicken is easy for a police officer who apprehends criminals. A passenger named Wang Guofu reports his black, Shanghai-branded bag missing. He tells Wang Xin he had held the bag tightly all night, fearing thieves, but it was gone when he woke up. Inside were three pancakes, half a pack of ginseng cigarettes, and a pack of herbs.
Wang Xin questions the other passengers and Cai Xiaonian, but no one saw the bag. Wang Guofu becomes very distressed, realizing the passengers who were next to him may have gotten off. At a station stop where some passengers are disembarking, Wang Xin takes Wang Guofu to report the theft to a fellow officer.
Wang Guofu, anxious, mistakenly tries to grab a bag from another passenger, believing it to be his, but Wang Xin intervenes, and they confirm it's not the lost bag. Wang Xin apologizes to the passenger. As the train is about to depart, and with no trace of the bag found, Wang Xin asks conductor Yao Yuling to make repeated announcements for passengers to quickly get off the train.
While Yao Yuling broadcasts the departure warnings, a man is seen hurrying off the train, attempting to conceal a bulging item. Wang Xin finds his behavior suspicious and pursues him. Train chief Niu Dali, who was also getting off, joins the chase. They apprehend the man, who had claimed he needed to go to the toilet due to stomach issues. They recover Wang Guofu's bag from the man. Wang Guofu is relieved to get his bag back.
He reveals that a significant amount of cash, his betrothal money for his future in-laws, was hidden inside the pancakes. Nervous about keeping the money safe, he tries to entrust it to Wang Xin, who declines, explaining it's not his duty. Wang Guofu then shows the money-filled pancakes to the train's furnace operator, Lao Wu, and Niu Dali.
Meanwhile, Yao Yuling makes an announcement over the loudspeaker commending Wang Xin for his quick action in recovering the stolen bag, leading the passengers to applaud him. Later, on a dark, rainy night, Officer Chen Qi escorts a handcuffed man named Ma Kui onto a sleeper carriage. Ma Kui repeatedly asks to use the toilet. Chen Qi warns him to be quiet. Wang Xin checks Chen Qi's credentials before leaving.
Ma Kui insists he will wet himself if he doesn't go, and Chen Qi eventually takes him. Moving through the crowded carriage, Ma Kui manages to snatch a hairpin, quickly using it to unlock his handcuffs. He then pushes through the passengers towards the toilet. Wang Xin and other officers realize Ma Kui is escaping and pursue him. Ma Kui reaches the toilet and is about to jump from the window.
Wang Xin enters the small space to stop him, and they struggle violently. Wang Xin tries to handcuff Ma Kui, but Ma Kui overpowers him and uses Wang Xin's handcuffs to secure him to the toilet piping. Ma Kui then jumps from the window, making his escape, leaving Wang Xin trapped and injured. Due to his injury, Wang Xin is granted two weeks of leave.
After recovering for two weeks, Wang Xin returns home, bringing back treats for neighborhood children and items neighbors had asked him to get, showing his popularity. His father, Wang Yongge, cooks for him and advises him to be less impulsive in his work, given his inexperience and the dangers on the train, worrying about his safety. Wang Xin minimizes his injury, saying he is fine. Upon returning to work, Wang Xin sees Ma Kui attempting to open a filing cabinet.
Mistakenly believing him to be a thief, Wang Xin quickly handcuffs him. Captain Hu arrives with Ma Kui's police uniform and introduces Ma Kui as a veteran railway police detective and a former colleague of Wang Xin's father, Wang Yongge. Captain Hu assigns Ma Kui as Wang Xin's mentor. Wang Xin is surprised and protests, but Captain Hu insists, explaining that Ma Kui is an experienced officer and the previous encounter was a misunderstanding.
Captain Hu recounts Ma Kui's past: ten years prior, during a theft arrest, a thief died jumping from the train, and two accomplices falsely accused Ma Kui of murder, leading to a twelve-year prison sentence. Ma Kui was only recently exonerated and reinstated after the accomplices were caught in another crime and confessed to framing him.
Captain Hu clarifies that Ma Kui's escape on the rainy night occurred when he was being brought back by a task force for case reconstruction, unaware that his conviction had been overturned and still intent on appealing his case. Wang Xin discusses the situation with his father, Wang Yongge, who confirms he knows Ma Kui from years ago and that Ma Kui's case was indeed a miscarriage of justice.
Wang Yongge encourages Wang Xin to learn from Ma Kui, praising his abilities and recounting a story of how Ma Kui once held onto a murderer trying to jump from a moving train window until the train stopped, highlighting his strength. Wang Xin expresses doubts about learning from someone who just got out of prison, but Wang Yongge stresses that the organization's decision should be respected and Wang Xin should learn from his new mentor.
Ma Kui visits his daughter, Ma Yan, at the store where she works. While there, a drunk customer approaches, accusing Ma Yan of watering down his liquor. Ma Yan calmly refutes the claim and proves him wrong by letting him taste the undiluted liquor. The customer becomes aggressive and attempts to strike Ma Yan, but Ma Kui quickly intervenes and restrains him.
Ma Kui suggests to the customer that perhaps his wife might have added water to prevent him from drinking too much, a suggestion the customer seems to consider before leaving. After Ma Yan finishes work, she walks home with Ma Kui, who has stopped to buy soy sauce. They arrive home, where Ma Kui's wife, Wang Sufang, has prepared dinner. At the table, Wang Sufang is hesitant to eat the meat.
Ma Kui encourages her, serving her some and reminding her she used to enjoy it, telling her she can like eating meat again now that he is home. He encourages both her and Ma Yan to eat heartily, noting Ma Yan's tendency to be a picky eater. Ma Yan asks her father to stop coming to her workplace, feeling that he treats her like she is still a child.
Episode 2 Recap
Ma Kui had recently returned home after being wrongfully imprisoned for ten years. His daughter, Ma Yan, remained distant. At the store where Ma Yan worked, Ma Kui warned her not to provoke intoxicated customers, fearing she might get hurt. Wang Sufang, Ma Kui's wife, supported his concern, urging Ma Yan to listen, but Ma Yan was frustrated and retreated to her room.
Wang Sufang encouraged Ma Kui not to be upset with Ma Yan, explaining that their long separation meant they needed time to reconnect. She expressed regret that her own chronic illnesses, including pulmonary emphysema and rheumatism, had forced Ma Yan to take over her job early, preventing her from pursuing higher education. Ma Kui felt guilty, believing his imprisonment had burdened his family.
Wang Sufang reassured him, affirming her belief in his innocence and expressing hope for their future, especially with Ma Yan potentially attending university. Ma Kui encouraged Ma Yan to study for the college entrance exam, despite her lack of high school education and lack of confidence. He found her reading "Canon of Sherlock Holmes." Seeing Wang Xin's name on the book, indicating it was borrowed, Ma Kui took it away.
The next day, Wang Xin was late for work, citing diarrhea. Ma Kui, his new mentor as a railroad officer, sternly told him that criminals wouldn't wait for him. He returned the book to Wang Xin, explaining that Ma Yan was his daughter and was preparing for the exam, asking Wang Xin not to distract her with such books. Wang Xin protested that Ma Yan had snatched the book, but Ma Kui dismissed him.
During a train patrol, Wang Xin and Ma Kui encountered an old blind man. Wang Xin tried to enforce the rule that he needed a ticket, but the old man, a long-time freeloader on the Ningyang-Hacheng route, insisted the train was his home and he wouldn't leave. Railroad officer Lu Hongxing arrived and brought the old man some food. Ma Kui quietly paid for a ticket for the old man.
Lu Hongxing explained that the old man had been searching for his abducted daughter on the train for years, eventually crying himself blind, becoming lost in his quest. Wang Xin questioned Ma Kui's action, arguing that rules should be followed. Ma Kui countered that sometimes one must be flexible and help those in hardship. Wang Xin, eager to be a detective, noted Ma Kui's capabilities and suggested he return to being a detective.
Ma Kui evaded the topic and quickly left. A passenger reported that ten yuan had been stolen from his pocket. Ma Kui and Wang Xin went to the carriage to investigate. Ma Kui noticed a passenger who seemed nervous and took him aside to the dining car. Ma Kui encouraged the passenger to provide information, assuring him of the importance of helping catch the thief even if others were afraid of retaliation.
The passenger, after some hesitation, described the thief as a man around forty, medium build, wearing a blue shirt and gray pants, with a noticeably large head. Impressed, Wang Xin asked Ma Kui how he knew that passenger was a witness. Ma Kui simply said he "guessed," then challenged Wang Xin's police academy training, asking why Wang Xin couldn't guess. Ma Kui instructed Wang Xin to search his assigned carriages, while he searched others.
Wang Xin reported back that he found no one suspicious in his section. Ma Kui didn't believe him and quickly located a suspect who was pretending to sleep. Ma Kui brought the suspect to the dining car, and Wang Xin brought the witness. The witness immediately identified the suspect as the thief, although he noted the suspect had changed his shirt color. Wang Xin and Ma Kui apprehended the man and recovered a significant amount of stolen money.
Later, while taking the thief's statement, Wang Xin asked Ma Kui for advice on how he identified the suspect. Ma Kui explained that the man matched the description, looked shifty, and appeared guilty. He again mocked Wang Xin for not noticing, especially since the man had changed clothes, likening Wang Xin's perception to "dog eyes" and making a pun on Wang Xin's surname. Wang Xin was infuriated by the personal insult.
Back home, Wang Xin vented to his father, Wang Yongge, about Ma Kui's harshness and insults. Wang Yongge advised Wang Xin to listen to his mentor, endure the hardships of being an apprentice, and focus on developing his own skills, saying that respect comes with capability. Wang Xin wondered if there was a hidden conflict between his father and Ma Kui, which might explain Ma Kui's cold attitude.
Wang Yongge avoided the question, telling his son not to dwell on it. Suddenly, Wu's chicken, nicknamed "Egg Queen," wandered into their house and jumped onto the dinner table. Wang Xin chased it out, leading to a humorous exchange with Wu's wife, who jokingly accused Wang Xin of trying to cook her prize chicken. In the railway dormitories where Wang Xin lived, neighbors interacted warmly. Yao Yuling showed off a new dress made by Mrs. Lu (Lu Hongxing's wife).
While chatting with Mrs. Cai and Mrs. Lu, Yao Yuling suddenly fainted. Neighbors called for help, and Dr. Shen Xiuping quickly arrived, diagnosing low blood sugar and requesting sugar. Niu Dali rushed to find some. Wang Xin offered his personal stash of White Rabbit candy, which helped Yao Yuling recover.
Seeing the large amount of fabric in Yao Yuling's room, Dr. Shen realized Yao Yuling had been exchanging her food coupons for cloth coupons to buy fabric for clothes, and she sternly reprimanded her for sacrificing her health for appearance. The neighbors urged Yao Yuling to prioritize eating and to keep candy on hand. During a particularly crowded shift, Wang Xin, Niu Dali, Yao Yuling, and Cai Xiaonian were working.
With passengers struggling to board, Wang Xin resorted to helping people enter through the train windows, including a young man, a passenger with a child, and an elderly woman. Later, in the dining car, Cai Xiaonian recounted Wang Xin's actions dramatically, amusing the other crew members. Wang Xin overheard them.
Ma Kui, laughing loudly, called Wang Xin over and further mocked him, particularly exaggerating the incident with the elderly woman who developed a cramp after being pushed through the window and Wang Xin's attempts to help. Wang Xin was visibly embarrassed. That evening, Wang Xin again complained to his father about Ma Kui's ridicule. Wang Yongge reiterated his earlier advice: focus on gaining skills, and eventually, people will respect him. He offered to share a drink with Wang Xin. Later that night, Wang Yongge visited Ma Kui, bringing wine and canned food. Wang Sufang welcomed him warmly, but Ma Kui remained reserved during their interaction.
Episode 3 Recap
Wang Yongge made a great effort to please Ma Kui, asking him to mentor Wang Xin. Ma Kui remembered clearly that Wang Yongge had witnessed him apprehending an armed robber but refused to testify for him, leading to Ma Kui's unjust imprisonment for ten years. Ma Kui maintained a cold attitude towards Wang Yongge, stating that he didn't need congratulations for being innocent and that the truth about those who saw but wouldn't testify would eventually come out.
Feeling guilty, Wang Yongge avoided dwelling on the past, instead offering compliments and emphasizing that Wang Xin was now in Ma Kui's hands, urging him to be strict. Ma Kui retorted that Wang Xin was Wang Yongge's son to educate, not his. Wang Yongge described his son as young, immature, and arrogant. Ma Kui pointed out Wang Xin was a proud police academy graduate and questioned his own ability to teach him.
Wang Yongge then reminisced about working on the same train with Ma Kui ten years prior, specifically mentioning the armed robbery. Ma Kui recounted the incident, subtly likening Wang Yongge's failure to testify to a "stab in the back." Wang Yongge noted that Ma Kui had risen from conductor to deputy superintendent. Ma Kui dismissed the notion of being a "high position," saying it was just a change of department with more responsibilities, still serving passengers.
Ma Kui insisted Wang Yongge take back the gifts he brought, but Wang Yongge left them before departing, saying he'd visit again. Wang Sufang knew Ma Kui held resentment towards Wang Yongge and worried when she learned Wang Xin would be his apprentice. Ma Yan approached Ma Kui, mentioning Wang Xin was her junior high classmate. She described him as smart and very righteous, someone who often stood up for girls at school.
Ma Kui grew impatient and told her to stop and go study. Wang Yan was annoyed. Wang Sufang then spoke to Ma Kui, criticizing him for pushing away Ma Yan when she finally spoke to him. She pointed out Ma Yan barely talked to him but became lively when mentioning Wang Xin.
Wang Sufang reminded Ma Kui of the ten years he was away and how it was natural for Ma Yan to feel distant, advising him to show her more care and affection. Ma Kui attributed their strained relationship to those ten years. Later, Ma Kui questioned Wang Sufang again about why Wang Yongge wouldn't testify, insisting he clearly saw what happened. Wang Sufang reminded him that Wang Yongge claimed Ma Kui was mistaken.
Ma Kui was frustrated, certain he hadn't been mistaken. One day, Yao Yuling, feeling unwell from low blood sugar, was given candy by Wang Xin. Afterward, she folded the candy wrapper into a heart shape and returned it to him, expressing her affection, though Wang Xin didn't seem to fully grasp the significance. Meanwhile, Niu Dali, who had feelings for Yao Yuling, caught and roasted a chicken for her in a field.
Yao Yuling declined to eat it herself but invited Wang Xin, who happened to be passing by, to join them. Niu Dali, though wanting to treat only Yao Yuling, agreed. They went to a spot on the hill where Niu Dali had roasted the chicken. He claimed it was a wild pheasant he'd caught. While eating, Wang Xin noted the meat was tender and didn't seem like a wild bird.
He then discovered numerous eggs inside the chicken, which raised his suspicion that Niu Dali had stolen it. Niu Dali denied it, claiming it was an old, lazy wild pheasant that was easy to catch because it was pregnant. Early the next morning, Guiqin discovered her prize hen, the "Egg Queen," was missing and called out for help. Neighbors, including Wu Changgui and Wang Xin, came out to assist. Guiqin was distraught.
Wang Xin, recalling the chicken Niu Dali had roasted, suspected it might have been Guiqin's missing Egg Queen. Niu Dali again denied it. Wang Xin took Yao Yuling and Niu Dali back to the hill where they had eaten the chicken. After seeing the feathers, Wang Xin confirmed it was not a wild bird and concluded it was indeed Guiqin's Egg Queen. He confronted Niu Dali, who admitted he hadn't known it belonged to Guiqin.
Wang Xin emphasized that the hen was like family to them. Niu Dali asked what they should do. Wang Xin proposed buying a replacement hen. Finding his own money insufficient, Wang Xin gave Niu Dali all the money he had, and Yao Yuling offered her share too. Niu Dali used the money to buy a similar hen and returned it to Guiqin. Guiqin was initially hopeful but quickly realized it wasn't her Egg Queen, recognizing the difference in size.
Wu Changgui tried to suggest Egg Queen might have lost weight, but Guiqin insisted she knew her hen. Later, Wu Changgui speculated that the thief must have been frightened upon learning there was a police officer in the compound and knowing his own tough personality, leading them to return a sick hen to cover their tracks. He decided to let the matter go.
At the market, Wang Xin was in line to buy fish when he encountered Ma Yan, who was also there. Ma Yan apologized for her father, Ma Kui. Wang Xin shrugged it off, saying he was new and his senior could treat him like dough. Ma Yan expressed concern about her father bullying him, mentioning she heard he had injured Wang Xin's wrist. Wang Xin downplayed it as just a bruise and a rumor.
Ma Yan told him to let her know if her father bullied him again, to which Wang Xin joked about needing his daughter to defend him. He advised her to tell her father that the "dough" might have a needle inside and could prick him. Later, Yao Yuling saw Wang Xin near the library. She was returning a Sherlock Holmes book.
Wang Xin mentioned he had a copy at home, and Yao Yuling asked if she could borrow his since the first volume was hard to find. Wang Xin introduced Ma Yan to Yao Yuling, identifying Ma Yan as Ma Kui's daughter and his junior high classmate, and introducing Yao Yuling as the train broadcaster. Yao Yuling greeted Ma Yan and recognized her from the First State-Run Store, calling her the girl who sells pickled vegetables.
Ma Yan felt insulted by the comment. When Ma Yan returned home, Wang Sufang noticed her bad mood. Ma Yan expressed frustration that her father was bullying Wang Xin and worried it would create the impression she had a bad relationship with him. Wang Sufang told her not to worry and said she would talk to Ma Kui. She wondered why Ma Kui was so strict with Wang Xin, who was so young.
Ma Kui overheard this and argued that strict training was necessary for a policeman, regardless of who said it. Wang Sufang insisted that since Wang Xin was Ma Yan's classmate, he should be given some consideration. She reminded Ma Kui that Wang Xin had protected Ma Yan from bullies like a brother when she was younger and that Ma Kui should be grateful. Ma Kui dismissed her concerns as meddling in his work.
The next morning, Guiqin found all five of her remaining chickens dead and cried uncontrollably. Neighbors gathered to comfort her. Wang Yongge held a meeting for the compound residents to discuss the mysterious deaths, asking for clues. Wu Changgui recounted how his Egg Queen was stolen and replaced with a different hen, which he believed was sick and caused the death of his entire flock. He considered it an act of malice and a challenge to the compound.
Residents suggested Wang Xin should investigate the case. Wang Xin accepted, vowing to investigate thoroughly and bring the culprit to justice. Wu Changgui and others encouraged cooperation. Wang Xin added that if the culprit wasn't found, they would all chip in to buy new chickens for Wu and Guiqin. Niu Dali, feeling responsible for bringing the sick hen, confessed his guilt to Wang Xin and Yao Yuling.
Wang Xin noted that what they hoped to cover up had resulted in more deaths. Niu Dali and Yao Yuling had no money left. Wang Xin bought ten chicks with his own money and gave them to Guiqin, trying to console her by saying she now had ten chickens instead of five. Guiqin was still saddened by the loss of her mature hens. On the train, a man and a woman performed Errenzhuan, attracting a large crowd of passengers.
Two thieves took advantage of the distraction to pickpocket. Wang Xin and Ma Kui were on patrol and warned passengers to watch their belongings. As the train neared the station, several passengers discovered their wallets were missing. Wang Xin immediately suspected the performers were involved, using their act as a diversion. Despite Ma Kui's attempts to stop him, Wang Xin got off the train to pursue the performers.
Wang Xin quickly located one of the male performers, who acted innocent and denied involvement when apprehended. Two accomplices, including the female performer and one of the pickpockets, joined him. They had already transferred the stolen wallets and boldly challenged Wang Xin to search them, demanding evidence. They scoffed at the notion of being arrested without proof, claiming their performance was merely cultural enrichment. They implied Wang Xin was inexperienced and suggested he release them.
Wang Xin was unable to produce evidence on the spot and was frustrated by their defiance. Later, Ma Kui was reprimanded by his superior for Wang Xin's actions. Ma Kui returned home and complained to Wang Sufang about Wang Xin not following orders, getting off the train alone to chase suspects, which led to him being scolded.
Wang Sufang responded that Wang Xin was acting just like Ma Kui did when he was young, recalling how Ma Kui used to anger his own mentor. Ma Kui dismissed the comparison. Wang Sufang pointed out that Wang Xin was his subordinate, and if he didn't listen, it reflected on Ma Kui's training. Ma Kui acknowledged the point but was still frustrated by the incident.
Episode 4 Recap
Wang Xin returned home after work and found Ma Kui, explaining how he chased after the thieves. He suspected a group of performers were working together to pickpocket passengers, but lacked concrete evidence and had to release them. Ma Kui was already upset and severely criticized Wang Xin's impulsive decision to get off the train without authorization. Wang Xin, however, was adamant he would eventually bring the thieves to justice.
Ma Kui became furious, worried that Wang Xin's recklessness would cost him his life one day. Wang Xin argued back, refusing to concede, which provoked Ma Kui to kick him fiercely. Upset, Wang Xin left. Wang Sufang blamed Ma Kui for hitting Wang Xin, and Ma Yan was also displeased with her father's actions. Ma Kui defended his behavior. Wang Xin went to his father, Wang Yongge, to vent his frustration and insisted he wanted a different mentor.
Wang Yongge also felt Wang Xin had acted thoughtlessly. Wang Sufang tried to encourage Ma Kui to reconcile with Ma Yan, suggesting he bring her a cup of milk. Ma Yan was unreceptive and shouted at him, causing Ma Kui to leave feeling disappointed. Wang Sufang kindly reasoned with Ma Kui, reminding him that during the ten years he was away, Wang Xin had taken good care of Ma Yan, like a brother.
She advised Ma Kui not to direct his resentment towards Wang Yongge onto Wang Xin. Wang Sufang believed Ma Kui was not a petty person. Ma Kui explained that he saw Wang Xin's potential as a police officer, but felt his impulsiveness could lead to serious trouble down the line. He kicked him lightly to make him remember the lesson and emphasized his responsibility as a mentor to ensure Wang Xin's safety.
Wang Sufang understood his underlying intentions, and Ma Yan, having overheard their conversation, found some comfort. Niu Dali waited eagerly outside Yao Yuling's home, hoping to walk to work with her. Yao Yuling actively avoided him and instead sought out Wang Xin to accompany her. Ma Yan found Wang Xin to try and apologize for her father's actions, and specifically drove Yao Yuling away. Wang Xin remained unwilling to forgive Ma Kui, leaving Ma Yan feeling helpless.
During a routine meeting, Wang Xin publicly admitted his mistake. Ma Kui, in turn, took full responsibility and spoke in defense of Wang Xin. Afterwards, Captain Hu asked Ma Kui for his opinion on Wang Xin's punishment. Ma Kui recommended a demerit to ensure Wang Xin learned his lesson. Wang Xin attempted to thank Ma Kui, but Ma Kui maintained a strictly professional demeanor, deliberately keeping his distance.
Niu Dali made an effort to be friendly with Changgui and casually inquired about the ten small chickens. Changgui had already suspected Niu Dali of stealing the "Egg Queen" and returning a sick chicken. Niu Dali confessed what happened, admitting he ate the Egg Queen chicken and didn't know why the others died, feeling guilty afterwards and buying the chicks. Changgui forgave him, lightheartedly mentioning he had always wanted to taste the Egg Queen.
Tang Xingguo and his fiancée Li Yuxiu boarded the train in Hacheng, traveling to Ningyang to visit relatives. Li Yuxiu again asked to try on the new watch he had bought. Tang Xingguo discovered a large cut in his bag and realized the watch was gone. As Wang Xin and Ma Kui were patrolling the carriage, Tang Xingguo immediately reported the theft.
He explained he had borrowed money and ration coupons to buy the watch as a bride price for Li Yuxiu. Li Yuxiu repeatedly blamed Tang Xingguo, doubting he had ever bought the watch as she had only seen the box. Tang Xingguo insisted he wasn't lying. A man sitting nearby quickly got up and left. Ma Kui followed him to the toilet, where he confronted the man and searched him, but did not find the watch.
In the process, Ma Kui injured the man's wrist. Li Yuxiu was convinced Tang Xingguo had lied and threatened to break off the engagement. Wang Xin's attempts to persuade her were unsuccessful. Distraught, Tang Xingguo tried to kill himself with a fruit knife from a nearby passenger. Wang Xin struggled to stop him, but Tang Xingguo managed to injure his own wrist. Wang Xin took Tang Xingguo to the dining car to get his wound bandaged.
Li Yuxiu softened and showed concern for Tang Xingguo. Ma Kui quickly led Wang Xin away to give the couple some privacy. The passenger suspected of stealing the watch, named Hou Sanjin, filed a complaint against Ma Kui, listing twelve accusations and demanding compensation for emotional distress. Captain Hu advised Ma Kui to apologize to the passenger. Wang Xin made a comment praising Ma Kui's strong grip, which irritated Ma Kui.
Captain Hu called Hou Sanjin in for a private talk with Ma Kui, while he and Wang Xin listened from outside the door. Hou Sanjin claimed his wrist was broken and presented a medical bill for Ma Kui to cover. Ma Kui remained convinced Hou Sanjin was the thief and offered to take him home to care for his injury. Hou Sanjin refused, admitted his wrist was not broken, and tore up the bill.
He withdrew his claim and suggested they could be friends, but Ma Kui insisted he be honest first. Hou Sanjin abruptly ended the conversation, stating he no longer wanted the money.
Episode 5 Recap
Ma Kui immediately exposed Hou Sanjin's pretense of a broken leg, causing Hou Sanjin to become visibly scared and eager to leave. Ma Kui didn't stop him but quietly followed. Hou Sanjin went straight to the railway tracks near the station, searching for the watch. He had stolen the watch from Tang Xingguo earlier and tried to escape. Ma Kui had noticed his nervous demeanor and pursued him relentlessly.
In his desperation, Hou Sanjin had thrown the watch into a toilet, and Ma Kui hadn't found it during their previous encounter. Hou Sanjin searched carefully along the railway tracks based on his memory, still unable to locate the watch. Ma Kui stepped forward and identified him. Terrified, Hou Sanjin took off running again. Ma Kui chased him vigorously but eventually stumbled and fell due to exhaustion. Hou Sanjin stopped and began taunting Ma Kui from a distance.
Just then, Wang Xin arrived and managed to apprehend Hou Sanjin. Ma Kui continued searching along the tracks. Wang Xin spotted the watch tucked away in a narrow gap. As he prepared to pick it up, Ma Kui called out sternly, stopping him. Ma Kui used a glove to retrieve the watch, stating that they needed to take it back to lift fingerprints. Caught red-handed, Hou Sanjin was stunned.
That night, Ma Kui and Wang Xin went to Tang Xingguo's home. They initially told him they hadn't found the watch, which visibly disappointed Tang Xingguo. However, Ma Kui then produced the watch and handed it back. Tang Xingguo was overcome with emotion. His fiancée, the nurse from the train, was overjoyed and immediately put the watch on her wrist, admiring it and showing it to his grandmother.
Seeing the couple's happiness and relief, Ma Kui and Wang Xin quietly excused themselves and left, declining their offer to stay for a meal. Upon arriving at Haihe Station, Yuxia's fiancé saw her off the train. They shared a heartfelt farewell. He had purchased a standing ticket but wanted to keep the seat he was using, so he left his bag on it before stepping off.
When he returned to the carriage as the train was about to depart, he discovered someone else had taken his seat. He explained that he had just stepped off to see someone off and had left his bag, but the other passenger refused to move and became argumentative, insisting the seat belonged to whoever was sitting there since it was unreserved seating. Their dispute escalated until Ma Kui arrived to mediate.
With just a few words, Ma Kui calmly explained the situation and convinced the passenger to yield the seat. With the college entrance exam approaching, Ma Yan received her admission ticket. Ma Kui tried to encourage her, but Ma Yan felt her abilities were lacking and thought being a saleswoman was perfectly fine.
Wang Sufang, Ma Yan's mother, also spoke up for her daughter, explaining that Ma Yan's studies had been hindered by her own chronic illness, which required Ma Yan to take on household chores early and frequently miss school, particularly in junior high. Ma Yan, seeing her parents' concern, reluctantly agreed to try studying for the exam one last time. Yao Yuling's radio broke down, and she asked Wang Xin for help fixing it.
As Wang Xin went to her place to collect the radio, Niu Dali was lurking downstairs, keeping a close watch on Yao Yuling's building. When Wang Xin came down carrying the radio, Niu Dali immediately took it from him, insisting he could fix it. A few days later, Niu Dali delivered the repaired radio to Yao Yuling himself.
Yao Yuling, who had hoped the broken radio would provide an opportunity to get closer to Wang Xin, was disappointed that Niu Dali had intervened. She took the radio from him and quickly dismissed him. Cai Xiaonian wore his new railway uniform for the first time, and passengers expressed their approval of the design. Yao Yuling walked through the carriage modeling her new uniform, attracting much attention as she had altered it to be very tight.
Conductor Lu Hongxing immediately noticed and sternly reprimanded her, reminding her that railway uniforms are not to be altered casually. Yao Yuling tried to defend herself, claiming she only made minor adjustments because she had lost weight, but Conductor Lu was firm. Wang Xin attempted to speak up for Yao Yuling, but Ma Kui supported Conductor Lu, reiterating that uniforms cannot be changed arbitrarily.
Conductor Lu told Yao Yuling she must get the uniform fixed back to its original size immediately, warning that her actions could affect the entire crew's chance of being recognized as a civilized train. Pressed for who did the alteration, Yao Yuling revealed it was Mrs. Lu, Conductor Lu's wife. Upon hearing this, Conductor Lu went home and severely scolded Mrs. Lu for altering uniforms for railway staff.
He locked the sewing machine and forbade her from using it for a month, emphasizing the potential consequences for his job if word got out. Yao Yuling later went back to Mrs. Lu, hoping she could alter the uniform back, but found the sewing machine locked and Mrs. Lu unable to help.
Desperate, Yao Yuling sought out a tailor, who told her that altering it back would be difficult, especially since she had thrown away the cut fabric, and advised her to find matching fabric from a state-owned store. Yao Yuling first asked Niu Dali for cloth coupons, but he had already sent his to his mother. She then asked Wang Xin, but his coupons were expired. Wang Xin suggested they ask Ma Yan, who worked at the state-owned store.
Wang Xin took Yao Yuling to the store to see Ma Yan. Ma Yan initially explained she couldn't sell fabric without a valid coupon, as state-owned stores didn't allow credit. However, after Yao Yuling's pleas, Ma Yan agreed to treat it as a loan, reminding her to return the coupon later.
Having learned that Wang Xin had helped Yao Yuling get the fabric, a disappointed Niu Dali bought expensive cloth coupons and went to see her, but it was too late. Dejected, he later drank heavily with Wang Xin and Cai Xiaonian. While drunk, Niu Dali confessed his strong feelings for Yao Yuling and directly asked Wang Xin not to pursue her, declaring that he would marry only her.
Wang Xin tried to gently advise him that they might not be compatible and that chasing someone who isn't interested wasn't a good idea, but Niu Dali refused to listen to his advice. Later, Wang Xin visited Ma Yan's house, ostensibly to return the cloth coupon. While he was chatting with Ma Yan, Wang Sufang immediately started preparing to make dumplings for him. Ma Kui, seemingly annoyed by Wang Xin's presence, began chopping meat and kneading dough loudly.
Despite Ma Kui's efforts to make him uncomfortable, Wang Xin remained unfazed. Eventually, they all gathered to eat the dumplings together, and Wang Xin complimented the food and Ma Kui's skill. The meal proceeded cordially.
Episode 6 Recap
Upon returning home from Ma Yan's house where he had returned a cloth coupon, Wang Xin found Yao Yuling waiting for him. After a brief exchange, Niu Dali, who had been watching them from a distance, approached Wang Xin and confronted him, expressing his jealousy and telling Wang Xin to stop being so close to Yao Yuling. Wang Xin insisted they were just colleagues, and she was simply thanking him.
Niu Dali was unconvinced, remarking that their handshake looked like they were holding hands and advising Wang Xin to avoid her, but Wang Xin saw no reason to avoid someone when he had done nothing wrong. Niu Dali, describing Wang Xin as tall with bushy eyebrows and big eyes, questioned why he was pursuing Yao Yuling, whom Niu Dali considered his. Wang Xin rejected the idea of competition between them and referenced a past conversation about not forcing relationships.
Defiantly, Niu Dali vowed to "force it." Later, Niu Dali attempted to win over Yao Yuling by bringing her soybean cakes obtained from a friend at a soybean oil factory, but she remained unimpressed.
Cai Xiaonian witnessed Niu Dali's efforts and offered him unsolicited advice on pursuing girls, candidly telling Niu Dali that given Wang Xin's status as a police officer and cadre compared to Niu Dali's status as a worker, Yao Yuling would understandably prefer Wang Xin, even reciting a rhyme about the difficult life of a stoker. On a subsequent train trip, Wang Xin encountered Yao Yuling in a carriage.
He noticed her face was flushed and asked if she was feeling unwell, but she attributed it to the heat. Later, while traveling on a train from Ningyang to Hacheng, a mother and her young son, Xiao Tao, were on board. Xiao Tao needed to use the toilet, and his mother eventually allowed him to go, watching him approach. As he neared the toilet, someone walked past, briefly obstructing her view.
When her view was clear again, Xiao Tao was gone. She frantically searched the toilet compartment, finding only a man inside who denied seeing her son and suggested he might be lost or she should report him missing to the police. Distraught, the mother searched desperately before reporting her son's disappearance to the railroad officers. An emergency meeting was called for the railroad officers. Officers reported their unsuccessful search efforts before and after the train reached the station.
They relayed the mother's account that her view was obstructed just as her son was about to enter the toilet, and he vanished in that moment. Ma Kui suggested that the boy might have been abducted during the brief period the mother's view was blocked, implying he never entered the toilet and placing blame for the lack of immediate observation on Wang Xin's handling of the situation.
He argued that if the boy "had" entered the toilet, the man found inside would be highly suspicious, but the mother's statement was unreliable due to the obstructed view. Wang Xin reacted with evident frustration to Ma Kui's insinuations. The captain emphasized the critical need to find the child quickly and urged everyone to pool their efforts and search for clues. Days later, Wang Xin brought college entrance exam study materials to Ma Yan's house.
Ma Kui confronted him, questioning his presence and accusing him of deliberately coming to provoke him. Wang Xin insisted he was helping Ma Yan study, showing her the math and physics books and arguing that his background as a vocational school graduate with strong academic performance made him qualified to assist her, unlike her father. He expressed regret that Ma Yan's life had been made difficult due to her father's period of "reform through labour."
Ma Yan and Wang Sufang came out, and Wang Sufang welcomed Wang Xin. Ma Kui tried to make Wang Xin leave, but Wang Sufang objected, reminding him Wang Xin was a guest. Ma Yan supported Wang Xin staying to help her study and asked her father to leave them. Ma Kui reluctantly stepped away, expressing his annoyance. Inside, Ma Yan looked at the study materials, finding them daunting and admitting she was only attempting to study for her father's sake.
Wang Xin spoke about the significance of going to university for a better future, sharing anecdotes about classmates who succeeded and describing the benefits of college life. He lamented not having the chance himself. Ma Yan suggested they apply to the same college, but Wang Xin explained that his job involving multi-day train trips left him with no time to study after returning home and needing to rest.
He told Ma Yan their circumstances were different and that the important task of achieving success lay with her. While Wang Xin and Ma Yan talked, Ma Kui lingered outside, planning to make Wang Xin leave soon. Wang Sufang intervened, urging Ma Kui to be more welcoming and pointing out the noticeable improvement in Ma Yan's mood and sociability since Wang Xin started visiting. She proposed inviting Wang Xin to stay for dinner.
Ma Kui adamantly refused, stating they didn't have tableware for the Wang family. Wang Sufang reminded him of the considerable help Wang Yongge had provided their family while Ma Kui was incarcerated, assisting with tasks like building the stove and changing the chimney in winter and mending the roof in summer. Ma Kui attributed Wang Yongge's help to guilt, but Wang Sufang told him to lower his voice so Ma Yan wouldn't overhear and to stop causing trouble.
Ma Kui insisted Wang Xin was intentionally provoking him, but Wang Sufang stood firm, prioritizing their daughter's happiness. Wang Xin eventually left, stating he felt comfortable at their home and would visit often, playfully mentioning he would do so for Ma Kui's sake. Wang Xin accepted the invitation to stay for dinner and, having a low tolerance for alcohol, quickly became heavily intoxicated. Ma Kui helped him home. Wang Yongge was surprised by his son's state.
As Ma Kui was leaving, Wang Yongge offered him money as a household subsidy, suggesting he keep it in case Wang Xin visited again. Ma Kui refused the money and insisted on speaking with Wang Yongge outside. Ma Kui then confronted Wang Yongge about a past incident, accusing him of having been a witness and questioning why he had not testified on Ma Kui's behalf. Wang Yongge repeatedly denied being present, claiming Ma Kui was mistaken.
Ma Kui was visibly frustrated by Wang Yongge's denial. Another officer arrived for the night shift and offered Ma Kui a ride, which he declined. When Ma Kui returned home, he found Wang Xin awake on the sofa, asking for water. Ma Kui immediately realized Wang Xin had been faking his drunkenness. Wang Xin confirmed it, explaining he was happy because he had managed to irritate Ma Kui by arguing with him and drinking his alcohol, enjoying seeing him angered.
He shrugged it off as their usual daily conflict. Later, Ma Kui checked on Ma Yan as she was studying, reminding her about posture and taking breaks. An hour later, he found her still on the same page and questioned her focus, drawing a comparison to his police work where careful observation is key. Ma Yan insisted she was reviewing, but Ma Kui stressed the importance of focused concentration and tackling difficult problems head-on.
Frustrated, Ma Yan finally told her father to stop being so hard on Wang Xin. Ma Kui dismissed this. Meanwhile, on the train, Lu Xuelin, who worked in Hacheng, and his fiancée Yuxia, who worked in Haihe, discussed the strains of their long-distance relationship. They traveled monthly to visit his parents in Ningyang before separating, she returning to Haihe and he to Hacheng.
Yuxia expressed her weariness with the arrangement and urged Lu Xuelin to transfer to Haihe, reminding him of a past promise to return in a few years. He explained the difficulty of transferring back and the critical stage of his research project in Hacheng prevented him from leaving. Yuxia countered that her own job in Haihe was going well, and she was expecting a promotion, making it impractical for her to transfer. Lu Xuelin stated he couldn't abandon his career.
Yuxia, feeling the pressure of her age and the desire to marry and start a family soon, told him she couldn't wait any longer and felt he was using marriage and children to avoid commitment. Unable to resolve their differences, she declared they could manage without each other and got off the train at Haihe Station, leaving Lu Xuelin visibly upset as he watched her depart.
Distraught by the argument and breakup, Lu Xuelin sat in the dining car, drinking heavily. Ma Kui approached him, recognizing him from previous trips. Lu Xuelin confided in Ma Kui, explaining his distress over the fight with his girlfriend about their distance and her demand that he transfer back, which clashed with his career prospects. He felt she was pressuring him with ultimatums about marriage and children.
Ma Kui listened empathetically, offering some general advice about the importance of a man's career, before being called away to handle a dispute in another carriage. That same night, a heavy rainstorm struck. Their old house, in a state of disrepair, began to leak severely. Ma Kui and Wang Sufang hurried to place basins to catch the water dripping from the ceiling, noting that the persistent leaking problem needed a permanent solution.
Episode 7 Recap
Yao Yuling offered to help Wang Yongge with his laundry, insisting even after he said it wasn't necessary. Just then, Ma Yan arrived looking for Wang Xin. Yao Yuling quickly interjected, saying Wang Xin wasn't home and asking what Ma Yan wanted, as if she were the lady of the house. Ma Yan seemed annoyed and mostly ignored her. Soon, Wang Xin returned, and Yao Yuling called out his name loudly.
Wang Yongge warmly invited Ma Yan inside, offered her a seat, and gave her melon seeds. Ma Yan brought physics problems for Wang Xin to help her with. Inside, they were trying to solve a question involving a radical symbol when Ma Yan commented that the room was hot and suggested they sit outside. Wang Xin agreed. Outside, Wang Xin focused on the problem while Ma Yan snacked on the seeds and chatted with him.
Meanwhile, Yao Yuling came out to hang clothes and tried to talk to Wang Xin, asking about his clothes and offering to wash them, mentioning she could do it along with hers. She also commented on his neat sewing skills. Ma Yan watched this interaction, clearly displeased. Later, Niu Dali came into the courtyard to wash his clothes and attempted to start a conversation with Yao Yuling.
She was dismissive and rude, commenting that his clothes were covered in cinders and would make the water black, suggesting they would be dirtier after washing. She then finished her task and went back inside. Wang Xin and Ma Yan continued working and chatting outside, often laughing together. From the window, Yao Yuling watched them with a sour look on her face. Elsewhere, Niu Dali sought advice from Wu about how to pursue Yao Yuling.
Wu suggested being "bold," recommending he just grab her hand and hold on. Cai Danian, overhearing this, disagreed strongly, calling it thuggish behavior. He advised a more nuanced approach, starting with a friendly greeting and handshake, but then holding onto the handshake while making eye contact to convey his feelings. Niu Dali was left feeling confused about which approach to take. On a hard sleeper carriage, four passengers were playing cards.
One passenger suddenly realized his new black leather shoes were missing. He became agitated, calling out for help. Wang Xin and Ma Kui arrived to investigate. They questioned the other passengers in the carriage. Some offered alibis, saying they had gone to the toilet, smoked, or been asleep, and willingly allowed their bags to be searched. However, an elderly man on the lower bunk was quietly reading a newspaper.
When Wang Xin asked him about the missing shoes, he claimed to be deaf and said he hadn't seen anything. He mentioned having a bag under his bunk. Wang Xin wanted to check his bag, but Ma Kui stopped him and led him away. Wang Xin told Ma Kui that he believed the old man was lying about being deaf because he seemed to react to their conversation, and his eyes looked suspicious.
He insisted they should search the old man. Ma Kui pointed out that if they searched him, they would need to search everyone in the carriage, but acknowledged Wang Xin's observation about the old man's eyes was a sign of progress. Wang Xin was still keen to apprehend the old man, worrying he might get off at the next station. Ma Kui told him to calm down and not rush. Unexpectedly, the elderly man then approached them voluntarily.
He confessed that he had taken the shoes, explaining that he thought they had been abandoned because they had been left near the bunk for a long time. He returned the shoes and apologized, visibly scared. Wang Xin immediately declared the man a thief and wanted to arrest him. Ma Kui intervened, reassuring the old man that it was fine since he returned the shoes and told him he could go back.
Wang Xin argued that stealing is stealing and they should arrest him because they are police. Ma Kui responded that Wang Xin had scared the man badly, warning him of the potential consequences. Ma Kui then spoke about second chances, saying that if someone makes a mistake and corrects it, they should be considered good and let off. Seeing an opening, Wang Xin joked, asking why Ma Kui didn't let him off for his mistakes.
Ma Kui simply replied that Wang Xin was his apprentice. Wang Xin lightheartedly suggested he might want to end his apprenticeship if they didn't get along, offering to continue sending gifts like fruits, meat, and eggs during festivals as a bribe. Ma Kui refused the offer and asked Wang Xin to get him some water. The train arrived at Haihe Station. Ma Kui saw Yu Xia, a regular passenger, asleep by the window and woke her up.
He helped her gather her belongings. As she got off, Ma Kui noticed she was walking with a limp. Immediately after getting off work, Wang Xin went to Ma Kui's house to help Ma Yan with her studies. Wang Sufang was already preparing food. Ma Kui arrived shortly after, looking displeased to see Wang Xin there.
Wang Sufang commented on their staggered arrival, and Wang Xin explained he had stopped at Ningyang No. 1 Middle School to get physics past papers for Ma Yan. Wang Sufang thanked him profusely. Ma Yan complained about the extra papers. Wang Xin insisted she work on them, explaining that the teacher recommended doing practice problems. He even set a time limit for her, like the actual college entrance exam.
Ma Yan grumbled about having to study on her day off, but Wang Xin stressed that her most important task was her studies. Wang Sufang continued preparing dinner, intending to invite Wang Xin to stay. Ma Kui made a sarcastic remark, suggesting Wang Xin treated their house like a canteen. Wang Sufang chided him and told Wang Xin to stay for dinner. Wang Xin declined, saying he needed to get the papers graded but would be back after that.
Wang Sufang thanked him again, and he left. She praised Wang Xin afterward, but Ma Kui remained annoyed, convinced Wang Xin was deliberately seeking him out and provoking him because he didn't want to be his apprentice. Wang Sufang told him to stop being petty and not cause trouble at home. Meanwhile, Yao Yuling was seen sewing a button back onto Wang Xin's shirt. She specifically sewed a bright red button, saying it was festive and stood out.
Wang Xin liked it and complimented her sewing skills. Niu Dali watched them from a distance, looking unhappy. An elderly blind man was traveling on the train from Ningyang to Hacheng. Ma Kui was assisting him, helping him get to his seat in a safe area, away from the crowd. The blind man was alert, relying on his other senses. At one point, he mentioned a familiar smell and was later seen moving through the carriage, searching and sniffing.
Human trafficker Liu Guiying, also on the train, looked worried when she saw him. As he approached her, she quickly turned away, trying to hide her face. When the train reached the terminal station, Liu Guiying quickly rushed off. The blind man immediately followed her, saying he could smell "that person" and asking if they were getting off, getting off the train right after her. Later, while checking the carriage after arrival, Ma Kui discovered a baby left behind.
He brought the crying infant to the station. A colleague suggested taking the baby to the orphanage, but Ma Kui was reluctant to send such a young child there. He decided to take the baby home temporarily. At his house, Wang Sufang was immediately charmed by the baby, commenting on how handsome he was. Ma Yan noticed red rashes on the baby's body, including on his hands and bottom.
She took him to Doctor Shen, who diagnosed the condition as eczema, assuring them it was common and prescribing an ointment. Back home, the baby cried frequently and loudly, regardless of who held him. The constant crying made it difficult for Ma Yan to study.
Ma Yan eventually suggested to Ma Kui that they should send the baby away, pointing out the disruption to her studies, Ma Kui's busy work schedule, and Wang Sufang's delicate health, arguing that they couldn't handle the added burden. Ma Kui, however, had already grown attached and was hesitant to send the baby away, saying they could raise him if his parents weren't found.
Wang Sufang also felt the baby was like family and said she wished he were their own child. Wang Xin, hearing about the baby, asked Ma Kui if he was still at their house. Concerned about Wang Sufang's health and Ma Yan's studies, he suggested Ma Kui bring the baby to his place instead, mentioning that his courtyard had more people, like Mrs. Wu and Mrs. Lu, who could help look after him until the parents were found.
Ma Kui declined, stating the baby still had some lingering health issues and he would care for him for the time being. With the family's care and the medicine, the baby's rashes improved significantly. Doctor Shen confirmed the baby was much better and asked if the parents had been located. Ma Kui and Wang Sufang said they hadn't found them yet and were just taking things "one step at a time."
Doctor Shen advised them to be prepared for the possibility that the baby might be an abandoned infant, perhaps left because the parents mistakenly thought he had a serious illness. Later, Ma Kui informed his supervisor that after more than half a month, the parents hadn't appeared, confirming the suspicion that the baby was abandoned. The supervisor stated that in such cases, the only option was to send the child to the orphanage.
Ma Kui then told Wang Sufang that they couldn't keep the child and would have to send him away. Wang Sufang became very upset, questioning how parents could abandon their child, especially now that he was almost healthy and growing well. She expressed sorrow at the thought of him growing up without parents. She then shared a painful memory: ten years prior, she was six months pregnant with their son when Ma Kui was imprisoned.
The shock caused her to miscarry. She recalled Ma Yan, who was young at the time, often getting medicine for her. Since that traumatic event, she had been unable to have another child, and the memory felt like a "knife digging into her heart." She told Ma Yan that when Ma Kui brought the abandoned baby home, she saw him as a "treasure given by God."
Ma Yan comforted her mother, telling her not to be sad and assuring her that the child was lucky and would find a better home. Finally, Ma Kui reluctantly took the baby to the orphanage. He gave the staff detailed instructions for the baby's care, handing over winter clothing and blankets, emphasizing the need to keep him warm. He thanked the staff for taking him in.
The staff member reassured him that the child was in good hands and they would contact him if needed. As Ma Kui turned to leave, the baby suddenly started crying loudly. Ma Kui paused, looking back at the crying infant, visibly struggling with his emotions and hesitant to depart.
Episode 8 Recap
After hearing a baby crying inconsolably, Ma Kui quickly picked the child up. Ma Yan arrived in a rush and took the baby home without a word. Once home, Wang Sufang’s tears turned to smiles as she hugged the baby, unable to get enough of looking at him. And so, Ma Kui took in the abandoned infant. Time passed quickly, and it was now 1979.
Yao Yuling noticed a ripped button on a pair of pants hanging on the clothesline at Wang Xin’s house, so she took them to sew it back on. When she returned the pants to Wang Xin, she discovered they weren’t his. Niu Dali then admitted they were his pants, which he had deliberately hung on Wang Xin’s line after seeing Yao Yuling sew a button for Wang Xin.
Yao Yuling was annoyed, complaining he shouldn't hang his clothes there, but Niu Dali just grinned foolishly, unfazed. Wang Xin was popular among passengers for helping them resolve difficulties, which pleased Ma Kui greatly. There was a blind man whose eyes had been affected by crying, but his sense of smell was exceptionally sharp.
He claimed he could distinguish people by their unique scents – the old, the young, men, women, the handsome, the ugly, the good, and the bad, and even animals. He described old men smelling like old men, old women like old boxes, little boys like milk, little girls smelling tender, pretty women cool, and ugly women like old corn. Good people, he said, had a "correct" scent, while bad people had an "evil" one.
He told Ma Kui he smelled of alcohol, at least 50%. Ma Kui was impressed and asked to become his apprentice, offering him pig bones, but the blind man insisted on bath chap. Ma Kui readily agreed and took him to the dining car immediately. Niu Dali noticed Wang Xin spending a lot of time with Ma Yan, and Yao Yuling also frequently showing interest in Wang Xin.
Suspecting Wang Xin might be involved with both, Niu Dali confronted him, issuing threats. Wang Xin stood his ground, and they started to fight. Yao Yuling happened to pass by and quickly intervened, separating them. Mistakenly thinking Niu Dali was interested in Ma Yan, Wang Xin suggested Yao Yuling help them get together, much to Niu Dali's visible frustration. Niu Dali, agitated, tried to clarify that he was not interested in Ma Yan.
As soon as Ma Kui finished work, he helped Wang Sufang look after the baby and offered to cook. Wang Sufang worried that Ma Yan wouldn't be used to his cooking. She also observed that Ma Yan had been acting differently lately – her face lit up when Wang Xin visited, but she became listless when he didn't come for a few days. Ma Kui also began to sense that something was amiss with Ma Yan.
Wang Sufang suggested it was Wang Xin's fault and perhaps Ma Kui shouldn't spend so much time with him. On the train, a young man known as Little Wenzhou was selling sunglasses with a lively sales pitch, attracting many passengers who eagerly tried them on. Ma Kui ordered the passengers back to their seats and apprehended Little Wenzhou for speculation.
Wang Xin immediately challenged Ma Kui’s action, arguing it wasn't speculation and citing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee which emphasized that practice is the sole criterion for testing truth. He also suggested some people had conservative and backward ideas needing improvement. Lu Hongxing also felt it didn't constitute speculation. Later, Wang Xin complained to his father, Wang Yongge, at home.
Wang Yongge advised him to listen to Ma Kui, but Wang Xin remained defiant. Wang Xin's mother tried to calm the argument, but Wang Yongge called Wang Xin a "traitor" for his views, warning him against provoking Ma Kui. One morning, Niu Dali found a slip of paper with two lines of romantic poetry under his door: "No water's wide enough when you have crossed the sea. No cloud is beautiful but that which crowns the peak."
He immediately went to Wang Xin for help understanding it. Wang Xin couldn't offer much insight. Cai Xiaonian came along, recognized the paper as from the railway bureau, and concluded it was a love letter for Niu Dali, likely written by Yao Yuling. He advised Niu Dali to wait and observe her next move, suggesting she was playing hard to get. Niu Dali was thrilled, believing Yao Yuling was interested in him.
Shortly after, Niu Dali received another slip with two lines: "On high, we'd be two love birds flying wing to wing. On earth, two trees with branches twined from spring to spring." Around the same time, Yao Yuling showed these same lines, plus another: "O poor, my love soul grieves on the lilac branches, on the. . . cardamom leaves," to Wang Xin, asking him the meaning of "cardamom leaves."
She seemed to be hinting at her feelings to Wang Xin, while Niu Dali continued to believe the poems were meant for him. Wang Sufang suddenly started coughing uncontrollably and eventually coughed up blood. She went to the hospital for a check-up with Shen Xiuping. Director Liu examined her and ordered tests despite her request for just medicine. The results revealed advanced lung cancer.
Feeling her world crumble, Wang Sufang pleaded with Director Liu to keep the diagnosis a secret from Ma Kui. Shen Xiuping urged her to seek treatment, but Wang Sufang knew her time was short. She desperately begged Shen Xiuping not to tell Ma Kui, explaining that he had suffered for ten years and she wanted him to finally live a good life, without spending all their money on futile treatment only to lose both her and the family's hard-won warmth.
Moved, Shen Xiuping reluctantly agreed. Wang Sufang's health worsened day by day. Ma Kui asked about the check-up results. Wang Sufang lied, saying it was just her old pulmonary emphysema acting up. When Ma Kui asked to see the lab report, she lied again, claiming she had left it with Shen Xiuping to look over. Despite her insistence that it was nothing serious and just her old problem, Ma Kui looked at her with suspicion, urging her not to lie. She maintained her composure, reassuring him she was fine, and insisted on doing the cooking while he rested or looked after the baby.
Episode 9 Recap
Wang Sufang was suffering from a relapse of emphysema. Her daughter, Ma Yan, returned and helped her with the cooking and chores. Ma Kui joined them, and the three shared a happy moment, appreciating being reunited as a family. Wang Sufang expressed her wish for Ma Kui to have a good life after enduring hardship for ten years. A group of men aggressively sold roasted chicken on a train traveling from Ningyang.
They forced passengers to eat a piece and then demanded money, behaving like robbers. Wang Xin and Ma Kui confronted them. Ma Kui warned them to put away their knives. The leader of the group challenged Ma Kui, asking what he could do. When Wang Xin drew his gun and warned them to back off or he would shoot, the leader became more defiant, questioning if Wang Xin's gun had bullets and daring him to fire.
The leader then whistled, signaling his men, who pulled out their knives and prepared to attack Wang Xin and Ma Kui. Ma Kui quickly ordered his men to back off. The leader dismissed the police as people who deserved to be beaten up. As the train neared Ningdian, Ma Kui used criminal slang to negotiate with the leader. He explained that the train was full of poor people and wasn't worth the effort of extorting money.
He proposed a compromise: they would let the two subdued robbers go, and the gang would put away their knives and get off the train at Ningdian. He assured the leader they could still make some money. The leader agreed, acknowledging that Ma Kui understood the rules and would do him a favor by putting the knives away. Ma Kui then subtly signaled Conductor Lu about the situation in the back coach.
When the train surprisingly stopped at Ningdian, the gang was confused. Officers from the Ningdian Railway Public Security Bureau stormed the train and arrested them. Captain Guo arrived, and Ma Kui commented that banditry was a thing of the past in this era of reform. The leader, being taken away, told Ma Kui he would remember him. Passengers applauded the police. After the incident, Ma Kui reprimanded Wang Xin severely.
He questioned why Wang Xin resorted to physical force and drew his gun when there were so many of them, and what would have happened if passengers were injured. Wang Xin argued that the men were arrogant and they, as police officers, couldn't tolerate it. Ma Kui explained that the leader was likely an old-time bandit.
He stressed that the successful arrest was due to careful strategy and his colleagues understanding his signal to inform Conductor Lu, who alerted the Ningdian police. He said that if the gang had gotten off at a busy station, catching them would have been difficult. He told Wang Xin he needed to use his brain and not just resort to force.
He also questioned Wang Xin's readiness to use the gun and the potential consequences, calling him useless for being unable to handle the situation without escalating it. Wang Xin admitted he was convinced by Ma Kui's reasoning. Later, Yao Yuling was seen helping clean Wang Xin's house. Wang Yongge came home and advised her not to do such chores, suggesting she focus on reading and studying instead, implying that her frequent visits might cause misunderstandings among neighbors. Yao Yuling left.
Wang Yongge then spoke to Wang Xin about how clean the house was after Yao Yuling's visit. He expressed concern about Wang Xin's relationship with Yao Yuling, advising him to be cautious about marriage. He implied that while Yao Yuling might be good at cleaning, she might not be suitable for the long term, warning that choosing the wrong person could lead to chaos. Wang Xin seemed dismissive, wanting to eat instead of discussing it.
Wang Yongge urged him to be clear with Yao Yuling if he didn't have feelings for her to avoid misunderstanding. Hou Sanjin, who had received a reduced sentence for cooperating and was released early, was also on a train. Ma Kui encountered him and called him aside. Hou Sanjin claimed he had turned over a new leaf, comparing his previous life of quick but dangerous money to his current legitimate work which was tiring but brought him peace.
Ma Kui encouraged him to live a good life. As Ma Kui turned away, Hou Sanjin quickly went into the toilet. Suspicious, Ma Kui followed and found Hou Sanjin trying to hide something in his pants. After being pressed by Ma Kui, Hou Sanjin revealed electronic watches. He explained he brought them from the south, where people were focused on making money.
He even tried to offer one to Ma Kui, stating their low cost in the south and high selling price locally. Ma Kui refused the offer. Hou Sanjin muttered that Ma Kui was stubborn. Ma Kui found nothing else on him and left, telling Hou Sanjin to close the door. Wang Xin, still trying to understand Ma Kui, asked his father, Wang Yongge, about his mentor. Wang Yongge asked if he was still thinking about changing mentors.
Wang Xin admitted he used to feel that way but now felt secure with Ma Kui and found his approach to cases insightful, saying he didn't want to change mentors anymore. Wang Yongge simply told him to figure it out himself. Wang Sufang's health was deteriorating, yet she was dedicated to caring for the abandoned baby she had taken in. The baby developed a fever, and Ma Kui and Wang Sufang took him to the hospital.
Later, with the baby sleeping soundly at home, a worried Ma Kui suggested sending the child to an orphanage. Wang Sufang was strongly against it, having grown attached to the baby. Ma Kui argued that caring for the child would be too much for her health, suggesting they could find the child a place and visit him, perhaps taking him back later. Wang Sufang insisted she could handle it.
She expressed her fear that her illness meant she would likely die before Ma Kui and wished for the child to stay with them and help Ma Kui after she was gone, and to also be a strong figure for Ma Yan. Ma Kui dismissed her concerns, saying he only needed her, but Wang Sufang remained firm on keeping the child. Ma Kui spoke to Captain Guo about his living situation and the child.
Captain Guo inquired about Wang Sufang's health and offered support. Ma Kui explained that his house was old and in poor condition, and he wished for Wang Sufang to be more comfortable, but he didn't want to burden the organization. Captain Guo immediately offered to report the situation and try to get him a new house. Captain Guo then suggested sending the baby to the orphanage to reduce their burden.
Ma Kui explained Wang Sufang's deep attachment and fear that she wouldn't cope if the child were suddenly taken away. Since the child's parents hadn't appeared, he planned to raise him but needed help with the legal adoption procedures to get a household registration. Captain Guo readily agreed to handle the adoption paperwork immediately. Soon after, Ma Kui's family moved into a larger railway staff dormitory, which included an attic.
Neighbors gathered to help them move and celebrated their new home, setting off firecrackers. Wang Yongge and Wang Xin came to help and brought a new thermos as a gift. Wang Yongge mentioned his long work history with Ma Kui and Wang Xin being his apprentice, while Ma Yan was Wang Xin's old classmate, making them closer.
After thanking everyone for helping, Ma Kui curtly dismissed Wang Yongge and Wang Xin, saying he was busy organizing the house and couldn't chat. He returned the thermos to Wang Yongge, claiming he had plenty and didn't need it. Wang Yongge was taken aback but took it back. Ma Kui told Wang Xin to leave. Later, inside the new house, Wang Sufang remarked on how nice but large and empty the house felt, needing more furniture.
She asked if Ma Kui had requested it from the leader, implying he wouldn't usually do so unless pushed. Ma Kui denied it, but Wang Sufang suggested he must have asked for her sake. Ma Kui brushed off her comments. Wang Sufang asked about the child's household registration. Ma Kui said they could do it anytime, but needed to name him. Wang Sufang suggested "Ma Jian," meaning "healthy," wishing for the child to grow up strong.
Ma Kui agreed to the name. Wang Sufang asked him to bring Ma Jian down and suggested he sleep with Ma Yan that night. As Ma Kui went upstairs, Ma Yan came down, but Ma Kui told her to go back up, and she said she just came down for some air. At the train station, Wang Xin was seeing Ma Yan off. Ma Yan mentioned that she was with someone new.
She told Wang Xin to leave, asking him to inform her next time he planned to visit. As the train prepared to depart and the platform grew crowded, they said their goodbyes.
Episode 10 Recap
Yuxia was traveling by train to Hacheng. Song Chaohua was with her, not her fiancé Lu Xuelin. Song got off the train partway through the journey, and they shared an emotional farewell. However, Song returned, wanting to spend more time with her, and they lingered by the carriage door, reluctant to part. When the train arrived at Hacheng, Yuxia disembarked alone. Lu Xuelin was waiting on the platform, and the two left together.
Song Chaohua watched them go, his heart heavy. Wang Xin and Ma Kui observed the scene, having noticed Yuxia and Song's unusual closeness earlier. Wang Xin felt negatively about Yuxia, but Ma Kui expressed understanding for the difficulties of long-distance relationships, stating it's not easy to live in two different places. As the train approached the station, a passenger, Little Wenzhou, realized the woven bag under his seat was gone. It contained sunglasses he had bought from the south.
He frantically sought help from Wang Xin, describing his bag as blue and white striped with the character 'horse' on it, and explaining his goods were inside. Wang Xin quickly got off the train to search and identified a suspicious individual carrying a similar bag. He chased the man down and apprehended him, recovering the bag. The bag contained sunglasses and their cases.
Little Wenzhou, grateful, insisted on giving Wang Xin a pair of sunglasses, expressing his need to repay the kindness. Wang Xin initially refused, stating it was his duty and he would be making a mistake if he accepted. However, seeing Little Wenzhou's insistence, Wang Xin accepted the sunglasses. He hoped for praise from Ma Kui for his actions, but instead received a stern lecture.
Ma Kui questioned his professionalism, suggesting that accepting the gift amounted to receiving gratuity while in uniform, and told Wang Xin to look in the mirror and ask if he looked like a police officer. Wang Xin protested that Little Wenzhou insisted, but Ma Kui made it clear that being in uniform meant he couldn't just take things. Wang Xin stated he would pay Little Wenzhou back for the sunglasses.
Niu Dali and Yao Yuling each received anonymous love poems inviting them to see a movie at Red Star Cinema at four in the afternoon. Yao Yuling believed the invitation was from Wang Xin and dressed up excitedly for the date. However, when she arrived, she found Niu Dali waiting for her. Niu Dali was equally confused, insisting the letter he received was from her.
Yao, thinking Wang Xin had sent Niu Dali in his place, went to confront Wang Xin, who was completely unaware of the letters. Niu Dali returned home dejected. Yao Yuling then realized Niu Dali had written the letters to her. She suspected Ma Yan was trying to play matchmaker between her and Niu Dali and angrily confronted Ma Yan, who vehemently denied it. Wang Xin was present and defended Ma Yan.
Ma Kui saw the love poems and immediately recognized the handwriting as Cai Xiaonian's, pointing out the distinctive way he wrote the character 'nian' in his own name on the letters. Wang Xin, Niu Dali, Yao Yuling, and Ma Yan went to find Cai Xiaonian and demand an explanation. Cai Xiaonian readily admitted to writing the letters, explaining that he was trying to help Niu Dali and Yao Yuling get together, believing it was a good match.
Niu Dali was angry and yelled at Cai Xiaonian, rejecting his efforts. Wang Xin commented on Ma Kui's impressive ability to recognize handwriting, and Ma Kui responded sharply, reminding Wang Xin that a police officer should have sharp observation and memory, contrasting it with Wang Xin's initial confusion about the poems. Yao Yuling's mother arrived by train from their hometown, bringing a lot of homemade food, including salted fish.
Yao invited Wang Xin to join them and shared the food with her colleagues in the yard. Later, in their room, Yao's mother praised Wang Xin to Yao, commenting on his good looks, polite demeanor, and decent job. Learning that Wang Xin's father was a deputy superintendent, she strongly encouraged Yao to pursue a relationship with him. That evening, Niu Dali visited, having heard Yao's mother was visiting.
He awkwardly offered help, but Yao quickly sent him away, saying they didn't need anything. After Niu Dali left, her mother observed that he seemed interested in Yao, but upon learning he was a stoker, she reiterated her opinion that he had no future and urged Yao to focus on Wang Xin. Ma Kui was off duty, and Wang Xin was working alone on the train.
A passenger, Liu Guiying, approached him in distress, claiming her four-year-old son was missing, describing him as having a round face and thick eyebrows, wearing a white shirt and a yellow coat. The carriage was very crowded, and Wang Xin searched diligently through the passengers. As the train pulled into Beiling Station, Wang Xin spotted a suspicious man carrying a child who matched the description getting off the train. Acting quickly, Wang Xin jumped off and pursued the man.
With the assistance of the station police, he apprehended the man and secured the child, who appeared to be sedated. Liu Guiying took the child to the hospital. Back on the train, Cai Xiaonian congratulated Wang Xin on catching a trafficker, and the captain planned to report his commendable actions for recognition. However, shortly after, a missing child notification arrived from the Guandong Street Police Station.
The notice described a four-year-old boy lost near Guandong Street, matching the child Wang Xin had recovered. Wang Xin was shocked, realizing he had acted too impulsively and given the possibly sedated child to Liu Guiying without properly verifying her identity. When Ma Kui learned what happened, he immediately suspected Liu Guiying was a human trafficker and sternly told Wang Xin to write a detailed report of the incident.
Despite his disappointment, Ma Kui promised to speak to the leadership on Wang Xin's behalf, hoping his apprehension of the male suspect might mitigate the consequences of his error. Wang Xin was deeply upset by his mistake and lay on his bed, despondent. Ma Yan came to invite him to see the movie "Manhunt," starring Ken Takakura, which she knew he wanted to see, but he was not in the mood.
Yao Yuling then arrived, expressing concern and asking if he was alright. Seeing Yao, Ma Yan forcefully tried to make her leave, saying she wanted to talk to Wang Xin alone. Yao insisted on staying and pounded on the door after Ma Yan went inside. Annoyed by the commotion, Wang Xin opened the door, pushed Ma Yan out, and refused to let either of them in, leaving both women outside feeling dejected.
Learning from Ma Yan that Wang Xin was sulking in his room, Ma Kui went to see him and splashed cold water on him to shake him out of his despondency. Ma Kui told him that making a mistake was acceptable, but lying there feeling sorry for himself served no purpose. He emphasized that a man owns his mistakes and can change. Driven by this, Wang Xin vowed to find the child he had inadvertently returned to the suspected trafficker.
He decided to draw a portrait of Liu Guiying from memory to aid the search, stating he needed to remember her face. Seeing him draw, Yao Yuling asked if he would draw a portrait of her. Wang Xin hesitated, expressing concern he might not do a good job, but Yao insisted, saying she liked his drawing and that as long as it was his drawing, it would be good.
He agreed, deciding to draw her with her hair down, and quickly sketched her portrait without looking at her, saying he knew what she looked like because she was "in his heart." Yao was delighted with the drawing, finding it remarkably accurate, and then offered him tickets to the "Manhunt" movie again, suggesting it might even help him with his case. Wang Xin accepted the offer. As they left, Yao commented that the actor Ken Takakura wasn't as handsome as Wang Xin.
Episode 11 Recap
Watching the Japanese movie "The Hunt" together, Yao Yuling and Wang Xin discussed the plot. Yao Yuling told Wang Xin that she thought he was much better looking than Ken Takakura and even compared Ken Takakura's hairstyle to Conductor Lu's. Their quiet conversation bothered the audience behind them, who protested loudly. During the movie, Yao Yuling used lines from the film to express her feelings for Wang Xin, leaving him unsure how to respond.
After the movie, Yao Yuling confessed her feelings again, telling Wang Xin she had liked him since he gave her White Rabbit candy when she fainted from hunger. Wang Xin admitted that he also liked her, and they began a relationship. Wang Sufang fainted while getting water due to a worsening medical condition. Wang Yongge happened to see her and immediately took her to the hospital. After intense efforts by the medical staff, Wang Sufang regained consciousness.
Not wanting to burden Ma Kui and Ma Yan, she desperately pleaded with the chief physician, Director Liu, to conceal her true condition, which he suspected was metastatic cancer. When Ma Kui and Ma Yan arrived at the hospital later, Shen Xiuping told them that Wang Sufang had simply fainted due to low blood sugar caused by malnutrition, suggesting she stay in the hospital for a few days for observation. Ma Kui did not question this explanation.
Ma Yan and Shen Xiuping both emphasized to Wang Sufang that she needed to eat more and improve her nutrition. Worried about her adopted son Ma Jian being left unsupervised, Wang Sufang was reassured when Ma Kui arranged for their neighbors, including Cai's wife, Wu's wife, and Lu's wife, to take turns looking after him. Later, Ma Kui encountered Lu Xuelin on a train.
Seeing that Lu Xuelin was wearing a black armband, Ma Kui realized Lu's father had passed away. Lu mentioned that his fiancée, Yuxia, had stopped pressuring him to transfer to Hacheng, implying they had resolved their past issues. Ma Kui offered condolences and encouragement. Wang Yongge and Wang Xin visited Wang Sufang in the hospital, allowing Ma Kui to go home and rest while Wang Xin stayed to look after her.
Early the next morning, Ma Yan arrived to relieve Wang Xin. Yao Yuling soon followed, immediately greeting Wang Xin affectionately and linking his arm, asking him questions. Seeing their closeness and cheerful interaction, Ma Yan felt a pang of jealousy. When Wang Xin confirmed that he and Yao Yuling were dating, Ma Yan quickly found an excuse to leave. Wang Xin and Yao Yuling were inseparable, constantly seen together.
This greatly angered Niu Dali, who confronted Wang Xin directly, demanding that Wang Xin give Yao Yuling up to him. Wang Xin refused firmly, leading to a heated argument between them, ending without resolution. Cai Xiaonian offered Niu Dali advice on pursuing women, using an analogy of stoking a boiler to explain that Niu Dali was too intense and needed to be more relaxed.
Meanwhile, Ma Yan confronted Wang Xin, accusing him of having ulterior motives for constantly visiting her house, especially since he was now dating Yao Yuling. Wang Xin tried to explain that he visited because they were classmates and his father was Ma Kui's supervisor, but Ma Yan was upset and left angrily. After Wang Sufang was discharged from the hospital, Shen Xiuping frequently visited to help care for her.
Shen Xiuping even offered to take Ma Jian home with her sometimes, allowing Wang Sufang to rest. Distressed by his failed attempt to win Yao Yuling's affection, Niu Dali was in a bad mood, frequently shouting at Changgui over minor things. Changgui, understanding Niu Dali's heartbreak, didn't take it to heart. On a train, three men extorted a passenger. When the passenger refused to cooperate, they severely beat him.
Wang Xin and Ma Kui were called to the scene and intervened. The victim identified witnesses, but they were reluctant to testify, fearing retribution. When the train reached a station, one of the witnesses got off, and Ma Kui and Wang Xin followed him all the way to his home. The witness still refused to cooperate, shutting them out. Wang Xin suggested giving up, arguing that they shouldn't waste time on a seemingly minor case.
Ma Kui sternly rebuked Wang Xin, emphasizing the importance of every case and the police's duty to protect innocent people, regardless of the scale of the crime. That night, Ma Kui and Wang Xin returned to the witness's home, bringing canned goods as a gesture of goodwill. They waited patiently outside. Ma Kui explained to Wang Xin that the witness was likely afraid of the assaulters, who were local hooligans. After some time, the witness finally opened his door.
Seeing their persistence and sincerity, he told them the truth, confirming the three men were local thugs who regularly extorted people and had initiated the attack. He also revealed seeing a woman with a black spot on her face on a previous train ride. She was holding a small boy and had used a towel to apparently drug him, causing him to fall asleep, before getting off at Yongqing Station.
Acting on the witness's information, the police found the abducted boy in Yongqing, but the female trafficker had escaped. Reflecting on the case, Ma Kui reminded Wang Xin that small cases should not be underestimated, as they can often lead to significant clues. Later, Ma Kui was greeted warmly at the station by Wang Guofu, whom he had helped years ago in his very first case after becoming a police officer.
Wang Guofu introduced his wife and asked Ma Kui to name their future child, attributing his current happiness to Ma Kui's past help. Ma Kui declined to name the child but offered heartfelt congratulations and blessings.
Episode 12 Recap
For decades, an old man has been taking the train from Ningyang to Hacheng, searching for his daughter who disappeared without a trace. He explains to railroad officer Ma Kui that although the sea is vast, the needle he seeks, no matter how small, still has substance. Despite his failing eyesight from years of crying, he refuses to give up his search, driven by the sole wish to find his daughter.
He understands that his daughter's appearance must have changed over the years and accepts Ma Kui's sympathy without wishing to burden him further. Railroad officer Hou Sanjin approaches Ma Kui, indicating a pickpocket group is operating on the train. Ma Kui and his apprentice, Wang Xin, quickly move into the carriage. They find one suspect performing card tricks, specifically the "three-card monte" with red tens, drawing a large crowd.
While the crowd is distracted by the magic, four accomplices are busy stealing wallets from passengers. When Ma Kui and Wang Xin attempt to apprehend the group, the suspects transfer the stolen wallets and try to flee in different directions. Wang Xin chases one of the suspects, the one who was performing the card tricks. The suspect falls, hitting his nose and causing it to bleed. He immediately accuses Wang Xin of assault, yelling that the police are hitting people.
Meanwhile, a university professor dining in the dining car witnesses the commotion and questions Wang Xin's actions, suggesting that without proof, the suspect is innocent and criticizing what he perceives as forced confession, demanding that police work be subject to public supervision. Wang Xin attempts to explain the situation, but the professor remains difficult.
The tension is diffused when Ma Kui arrives, having successfully apprehended the other four members of the gang, confirming the suspect's affiliation with a known group of repeat offenders. However, the university professor publishes an article in the newspaper about the incident, sensationalizing the events and accusing Wang Xin of hitting the suspect and using illegal interrogation methods. This causes a stir, and Wang Xin faces potential disciplinary action, including suspension.
Wang Xin's father, Wang Yongge, visits Captain Hu of the railroad police detachment to plead for his son. Captain Hu explains that the matter has escalated because it's now public knowledge and has even reached the bureau leaders, who are upset about the negative impact on the force's image. Feeling unable to resolve it himself, Captain Hu advises Wang Yongge to seek help from higher-ups or someone who might have influence.
Desperate, Wang Yongge visits Ma Kui, asking him to testify for Wang Xin. Ma Kui refuses, bringing up his own past and stating that if someone had testified for him ten years ago, he wouldn't have spent a decade wrongly imprisoned. Wang Yongge leaves, disappointed and frustrated. Later, Wang Xin expresses his own disappointment in Ma Kui's unwillingness to help, feeling his mentor harbors deep resentment towards him.
Wang Xin's stepmother, Wang Sufang, and Ma Kui's daughter, Ma Yan, also urge Ma Kui to speak up for Wang Xin. Wang Sufang reminds Ma Kui that he knows Wang Xin's character better than anyone and that while impulsive, he acted with good intentions. Ma Kui remains firm, stating that the punishment is a matter for the organization to decide and implies Wang Xin must take responsibility for his actions.
Frustrated by her father's refusal, Ma Yan erupts in anger, questioning his role as a mentor and threatening to abandon her upcoming college entrance exam, leaving Ma Kui speechless. Simultaneously, Yao Yuling's mother expresses her concern about Wang Xin's situation, fearing he will be fired or severely punished, which would ruin his future prospects.
She advises Yao Yuling to break up with Wang Xin, emphasizing the importance of securing her own future and avoiding a life of hardship, highlighting that she still has a chance to change her path before getting married. Yao Yuling is hesitant, feeling torn between her mother's pragmatism and her feelings for Wang Xin. Yao Yuling later overhears neighbors gossiping about Wang Xin being suspended and likely fired.
Disturbed by this, she goes to see Wang Xin, who confirms that his job is likely over but suggests he can find another. Recalling her mother's words about his uncertain future, Yao Yuling's resolve strengthens. She meets Wang Xin privately and tells him she has been thinking a lot. She explains she isn't ready for marriage or family yet and feels they don't know each other well enough.
She suggests they busy themselves with their own lives and put their relationship aside for now. Understanding her unspoken reasons, Wang Xin accepts her decision, agreeing that there's no need to continue the relationship if marriage isn't the goal, and wishes her happiness as they part ways. Hearing about the breakup, Niu Dali goes to a shop and buys alcohol and snacks, openly celebrating the news. Meanwhile, Ma Yan visits Wang Xin to comfort him.
Wang Xin is drawing and gives Ma Yan a picture of a wolf, asking her to give it to her father. He explains that some people are "human on the outside, beast on the inside" and lack empathy, clearly referencing Ma Kui. Ma Yan understands his anger and criticism. Despite his initial refusal to help, Ma Kui secretly investigates Wang Xin's case.
He spends several days collecting information and finally locates two eyewitnesses who were in the carriage and are willing to testify that Wang Xin did not physically assault the suspect. Ma Kui presents their train tickets and seat numbers to Captain Hu as proof. Captain Hu confirms that based on the new evidence, Wang Xin is cleared of the assault accusation.
However, he notes that Wang Xin's handling of the case was problematic and had a negative impact on the police image. As a result, the organization decides to transfer Wang Xin to Hongyang train station for further training and experience. Wang Xin accepts the decision, stating he will obey. Believing his father pulled strings to clear his name, Wang Xin begins packing for his transfer to Hongyang station.
Wang Yongge visits Ma Kui, bringing peanuts to express his gratitude for helping Wang Xin. Ma Kui refuses the gift and the thanks, insisting that the decision was made by the leadership and had nothing to do with him, self-deprecatingly referring to his own past and lack of influence. Wang Yongge persists, but Ma Kui stands firm.
Later, Wang Xin is on the platform preparing to board the train to Hongyang when he encounters Ma Kui and his new apprentice, a young officer named Hu. Ma Kui introduces Hu as his new apprentice and Wang Xin as his "old apprentice" who was transferred due to a mistake. Wang Xin then asks Ma Kui why he has always seemed to dislike him.
Episode 13 Recap
Wang Xin was preparing to leave, and Ma Kui commented on his departure. Wang Xin remarked that he had finally escaped from Ma Kui. Ma Kui offered congratulations, but Wang Xin expressed confusion as to why Ma Kui seemed to dislike him and always targeted him despite his efforts. Ma Kui suggested it might just be for fun. As they prepared to part, Wang Xin suggested a handshake.
When they clasped hands, Wang Xin attempted to squeeze hard, but Ma Kui gripped his hand firmly, telling him to practice more and that he would have another chance to challenge him as long as Ma Kui was alive. Arriving at Hongyang train station, Wang Xin was approached by an old lady who appeared distressed and claimed her money had been stolen. She said she hadn't eaten in two days and desperately needed help.
Wang Xin, feeling sympathetic, gave her a pancake and two eggs from his bag. The old lady then added that she was sick and needed to see a doctor, but her stolen money prevented her from doing so. When Wang Xin suggested she go home for money, she claimed her home was thousands of miles away. Moved by her story, Wang Xin gave her three yuan, and then another two yuan, despite her initial hesitation.
He then proceeded to the Hongyang Station Police Station to report for duty. He met the Chief, who welcomed him and directed him to find Lin Jianjun. Wang Xin asked about his assigned duties and was told he would primarily be responsible for patrolling the station square throughout the day, including potential overtime. When he inquired about a desk, the Chief told him there were none available and he wouldn't need one for patrol.
Lin Jianjun, referred to as Jun, showed Wang Xin to the dormitory. Wang Xin unpacked and realized he had given away his food to the old lady. Lin Jianjun asked about her appearance and, upon hearing the details of her story about stolen money and needing a doctor, immediately concluded that Wang Xin had been scammed. Wang Xin was initially dismissive of the idea, confident he couldn't be fooled.
Wang Xin began his patrol duties, spending his days walking around the station square. He found the work monotonous despite becoming very familiar with the area. Frustrated, he approached the Chief again, requesting to be assigned more challenging tasks, highlighting his police academy training and experience with serious cases. However, the Chief dismissed his school training as theoretical and insisted he continue focusing on the square, comparing him to a mule or horse that needed to be tested.
Later, the Chief spotted Wang Xin taking a brief rest during patrol and sarcastically questioned if he was already tired, then ordered him to direct traffic. During one of his patrols, Wang Xin saw the old lady again in the square. He confronted her, reminding her that she had claimed to be thousands of miles away and that he had given her food and money. He questioned how much money she had scammed.
She seemed unrepentant and even suggested they cooperate, noting his uniform looked convincing. Wang Xin then revealed he was a real police officer. Startled, she became fearful and began to cry, claiming she was forced to scam people to support her orphaned grandson, whose parents had died. She pleaded that if she were arrested, the child would starve.
Wang Xin was skeptical, saying he wouldn't be fooled twice, but she swore she was telling the truth and invited him to her home to see her grandson. Wang Xin agreed to go, expressing surprise that she was a local resident after her previous lie. The old lady took Wang Xin to a simple home. She introduced him to a young boy, Lu Tiedan, confirming he was her grandson.
She explained the boy's parents were gone and she was raising him alone, pointing out how thin he was at eight years old because she struggled to make money. Despite his lingering doubts about the old lady's story, Wang Xin felt pity for the child. He gave them money and grain coupons, telling the old lady he knew she had done wrong but urged her to stop scamming and take good care of her grandson. She promised she would.
After Wang Xin left, Lin Jianjun questioned him further about the old lady, still suspecting she had lied despite Wang Xin's interaction with the boy. Wang Xin defended his actions, saying they seemed genuinely pitiful and he wanted to help. Later that night, feeling uneasy, Wang Xin returned to the old lady's house and found it empty. He realized he had likely been deceived again, and a fear that the child might have been abducted took hold.
He immediately reported the situation to the Chief, expressing his suspicion and requesting permission to search for the old lady and the boy. However, the Chief reiterated that Wang Xin's duty was to patrol the square and said he would contact local police to handle the search. The next day, while Wang Xin was patrolling, Lu Tiedan ran up to him, calling him "Officer Uncle" and saying he had been looking for him.
The boy revealed that the old lady was not his grandmother and that he wanted to go home. He explained that the old lady had taken him in after his parents died and used him in her scams, while he was made to beg. He told Wang Xin he hadn't gone to the police because the old lady said he would starve if she was caught.
He sought out Wang Xin because Wang Xin had shown him kindness by giving them food and money. Wang Xin took Lu Tiedan to the Chief. Lu Tiedan recounted his story, confirming he was from Baota Town and orphaned. Wang Xin explained how he had been tricked out of kindness, which had inadvertently led to uncovering the situation.
The Chief acknowledged the gravity of the situation and ordered an immediate investigation to determine whether the old lady had abducted or adopted Lu Tiedan. After the events with Lu Tiedan, Lin Jianjun commented on Wang Xin's subdued mood despite the case development. Wang Xin expressed frustration that despite his contribution, he was still stuck on patrol duty. Lin Jianjun argued that patrolling was important and less dangerous than other police work, but Wang Xin felt anyone could do it.
Lin Jianjun reminded him he had only been there a short time and opportunities would come. Meanwhile, on a train, Ma Kui was working with his apprentice, Hu. Hu noticed Ma Kui seemed quiet and asked if he was missing Wang Xin, a suggestion Ma Kui quickly dismissed. They apprehended a suspect and were taking him to the dining car for a statement. The suspect complained the handcuffs were too tight and asked Hu to loosen them.
Hu hesitated and reached for his keys, but Ma Kui arrived just in time, stopping him. Ma Kui recognized the suspect's attempt to escape and warned Hu to be more vigilant, telling the suspect he could see he was involved in something more serious than just theft. Hu was visibly shaken by the close call and thanked Ma Kui for his intervention. Ma Kui told him to be more careful in the future.
Back home, Ma Kui's son, Ma Jian, was playing in the yard. Ma Kui returned and noticed someone observing Ma Jian from a distance. Feeling protective, he cautioned Wang Sufang that they needed to closely supervise Ma Jian, especially when he was outside the courtyard, and to tell Ma Yan not to take the child out alone. Wang Sufang found his concerns a bit alarming but agreed. Doctor Shen was visiting, knitting socks for Ma Jian.
They chatted with her about her background, mentioning she was from Shen Village and had lived in Ningyang alone for ten years. Wang Sufang invited Shen to join them for dinner sometime. Back on patrol, Wang Xin was approached by a person who claimed a man had shortchanged them three yuan when breaking a ten-yuan bill. The person was certain the man had stolen the money. Wang Xin explained that proving theft required more evidence than just the discrepancy.
He offered to take a statement, suggesting it could be helpful if the suspect was later apprehended and confessed. The person declined, needing to catch a train, but provided a description: a man taller than Wang Xin with a round face, wearing a Zhongshan suit and carrying a bag. Later, Wang Xin asked Lin Jianjun if he knew about this type of scam.
Lin Jianjun confirmed it was a known trick that was difficult to prove unless the scammer was caught in the act. Wang Xin expressed frustration about his visibility as a uniformed officer making it difficult to catch someone red-handed in the square. While Wang Xin continued his patrol, scanning for the man matching the description of the shortchange scammer, Ma Yan unexpectedly arrived. She called out to him and had brought food with her.
Wang Xin took her back to the dorm. Ma Yan claimed she was in Hongyang on a business trip, which Wang Xin teased her about, suggesting she just came to visit him. Lin Jianjun returned to the dorm and joined them. Ma Yan was introduced as Wang Xin's classmate and they shared the homemade dishes she had brought, complimenting her cooking. Lin Jianjun encouraged her to visit them often.
Episode 14 Recap
Ma Yan visited Wang Xin at Hongyang Station, and while there, Lin Jianjun joined them. Lin Jianjun offered them some pickled mustard greens that his mother had made. Wang Xin seemed unhappy and told Ma Yan she shouldn't come to the station often, suggesting they should keep their distance as it's not good to be seen. Ma Yan was surprised and annoyed, asking why a police officer would be afraid of being seen.
She revealed that she came to tell him that if her father, Ma Kui, hadn't helped him find a witness, he would have lost his police uniform, having overheard her parents talking about it. This made Wang Xin realize the extent of Ma Kui's assistance. Meanwhile, Wang Sufang was surprised and concerned when she learned Ma Yan had gone to Hongyang Station without her knowledge.
Ma Kui was initially upset that Wang Sufang allowed it, but Wang Sufang explained that Ma Yan had been very down lately and needed to get out for some fresh air and relaxation. As they talked, Wang Sufang experienced pain, and Ma Kui showed concern, shifting his focus from Ma Yan's visit. Later, Ma Yan heard Wang Xin was trying to catch people who scam others by exchanging money.
She volunteered to act as bait, and Lin Jianjun thought she would be suitable. Wang Xin was hesitant to involve a citizen, but Ma Yan argued that as a police family member, assisting the police is a duty. Lin Jianjun commented that her cheerful appearance would likely attract the scammers. Ma Yan then went out attempting to exchange a ten-yuan bill for smaller change, but was repeatedly refused. A man approached her and offered to exchange the money.
He gave her ten one-yuan bills, then took one back claiming a corner was missing, and ultimately only gave her seven yuan. Wang Xin arrived just as the man was trying to leave and apprehended him. As Ma Yan was leaving, Wang Xin thanked her for her help. Wang Xin discussed the scam case with Lin Jianjun, noting how nimble the suspect was and that he almost broke the man's wrist trying to prevent him from destroying evidence.
He compared his strength to his mentor, Ma Kui, acknowledging that Ma Kui is very famous and has swollen the wrists of many criminals, suggesting he learned his skills from Ma Kui. Later, Wang Xin approached the Chief, asking if he could be assigned to different duties, implying that patrolling the small square felt insignificant. The Chief reiterated that solving cases, regardless of size, is what matters and instructed him to continue his patrol duty.
Meanwhile, Ma Kui and Wang Sufang waited late for Ma Yan to come home for dinner, having reheated the food multiple times. Wang Sufang warned Ma Kui not to scold their daughter. When Ma Yan finally arrived, Ma Kui expressed his displeasure with her lateness. Wang Sufang intervened, telling him not to be so grumpy. Ma Yan then recounted her day, mentioning she helped Wang Xin catch a scammer and that Wang Xin nearly broke the man's wrist.
She praised Wang Xin as a good apprentice, attributing his skills to Ma Kui's teaching. Wang Sufang agreed, suggesting the pupil had surpassed the master. Ma Kui dismissed this, insisting Wang Xin would never measure up to him. After a brief argument, they ate dinner, with Ma Yan remarking on how delicious it was. Wang Xin learned that the railway bureau was holding a shooting competition and that each station could send a representative.
Given his strong performance in shooting during police school, he was eager to participate and requested permission from the Chief. The Chief approved his request but made it clear that he would need to make up for any work he missed while training or competing. Confident he would achieve a good result, Wang Xin began preparing. In the dormitory, Lin Jianjun found Wang Xin practicing by threading a needle.
When asked about this unusual method, Wang Xin explained it was a unique technique to strengthen his mind for the competition. Lin Jianjun seemed unconvinced, playfully suggesting he make a necklace with the needle and thread. Wang Xin dismissed the teasing, asserting that once he took first place, Lin Jianjun would see his skill. Wang Xin traveled to Ningyang to participate in the shooting competition.
While near the competition area, he spotted Ma Yan and asked her to come and support him. After some playful back-and-forth, he sincerely invited her, and she agreed to come watch. Ma Yan managed to get leave from work and arrived at the competition site, where many people had gathered to watch, including Wang Yongge and Ma Kui.
Initially, an officer prevented her from getting too close for safety reasons, but upon identifying herself as Ma Kui's daughter, she was allowed in and joined her father and Wang Yongge. As the competition began, Wang Xin stepped up to the third target. His very first shot was announced as a bullseye, hitting a perfect ten points, setting an impressive tone.
Spectators, including Ma Kui's colleagues, praised Wang Xin, acknowledging him as Ma Kui's skilled apprentice and congratulating Wang Yongge on his son's performance. After five shots, Wang Xin had scored 49 points, creating significant pressure for the other competitors. The crowd cheered for him. Completing all ten shots, Wang Xin achieved a remarkable score of 98 points. The announcer declared the score astonishing and confidently stated he was in first place. The audience erupted in applause.
The results were announced: Li Liang from Hacheng took third place, Wang Ligang from Jiping secured second, and Wang Xin from Hongyang was declared the winner with 98 points. Wang Xin walked up to receive his award, with Ma Kui and Wang Yongge looking on proudly. After receiving his award for first place, Wang Xin delivered a speech. He thanked the leaders and comrades present.
He then took the opportunity to publicly thank his mentor, Ma Kui, acknowledging Ma Kui's strictness but emphasizing that it was for his own good. He stated that Ma Kui had set a good example and helped him correct his previous carelessness and understand what it means to be a qualified police officer. He mentioned he aimed for 100 points but didn't achieve it, promising to keep trying.
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, and Ma Yan was beaming with happiness. Later that evening, Ma Yan returned home quietly, trying to avoid notice. However, Ma Kui was waiting up and immediately confronted her about taking leave from work. Ma Yan initially offered vague excuses about going to a store or visiting a classmate. Under pressure, she confessed she had gone to watch Wang Xin's shooting competition.
She mentioned his first-place win and that he had praised Ma Kui in his speech. Ma Kui became angry and harshly scolded her, threatening consequences if she ever went to Hongyang Station again. Wang Sufang stepped in to defend Ma Yan, telling Ma Kui not to be so severe. Ma Kui argued that without strictness, Ma Yan would become uncontrollable.
Wang Sufang tried to point out that Wang Xin seemed like a good person, but Ma Kui quickly shut down the discussion, maintaining his unfavorable opinion. Before returning to Hongyang, Wang Xin went to visit Ma Kui at his home. Ma Kui initially acted indifferent, saying Wang Xin didn't need to come and he couldn't control him anyway. Wang Xin explained he wanted to thank him for helping find the witness, which he felt had saved his police career.
Ma Kui brushed it off, stating he acted for his own sake as Wang Xin's mentor. Wang Xin then tentatively asked how long he would need to stay at Hongyang Station, expressing a feeling that there aren't many significant cases there. Ma Kui told him to inquire with his own supervisors and advised him not to underestimate small stations, as they are often targeted by criminals, urging him to remain vigilant.
Wang Xin then proudly presented his first-place award certificate from the shooting competition to Ma Kui. Ma Kui examined it briefly, showing inward pleasure but maintaining a stoic expression before returning it and telling Wang Xin to patrol diligently at Hongyang with his achievement. Upon returning to the Hongyang Police Station, Wang Xin reported back to the Chief and again requested a transfer to different duties, mentioning his shooting competition win.
The Chief congratulated him but also reminded him of the work he'd missed and referenced the recent scam incident where Wang Xin had been initially deceived. He confirmed that Wang Xin would continue his patrol duties. While patrolling the small square later, Wang Xin received a report of an altercation at a nearby provision store. He responded and found the store owner arguing with a customer.
The owner claimed the customer broke a wine bottle and refused to pay, while the customer argued the store's narrow aisle and bottle placement were unsafe. Observing the limited space, Wang Xin mediated, suggesting the customer pay the cost price for the bottle. The owner, after some hesitation, agreed, and the dispute was resolved. Wang Xin then advised the owner to arrange merchandise more safely in the future.
On a train journey from Ningyang to Hacheng, Hu and Ma Kui were on duty, patrolling the carriages. Suddenly, a passenger, who some initially perceived as normal, began acting erratically, brandishing a knife and frightening everyone onboard. Panicked passengers scattered. Hu responded, attempting to talk down the agitated individual, but the man turned on him, knife in hand, causing Hu to flee. Ma Kui quickly intervened and managed to subdue the man.
During the struggle, Ma Kui injured his back and sustained a knife wound to his hand. He went to the hospital where Doctor Shen Xiuping treated his hand injury. Doctor Shen also recommended transdermal patches to ease his back pain, but the patches were currently unavailable. Doctor Shen assured Ma Kui that she would inform him when the patches were restocked or arrange to get them to him.
During a heavy snowfall, Ma Yan traveled to Hongyang Station to see Wang Xin. She found him diligently clearing snow from the small square and watched him for a moment before he noticed her and playfully startled her. Ma Yan had brought dumplings for him to eat and invited Lin Jianjun to share them. As they ate, Lin Jianjun commented on Ma Yan's thoughtfulness and suggested that Wang Xin was lucky.
He seemed to notice Ma Yan's affection for Wang Xin but Wang Xin appeared oblivious, instead teasing Ma Yan and mentioning "Xiao Yao," which upset Ma Yan. Despite their bickering, Ma Yan admitted she had traveled a significant distance to bring him dumplings. She also revealed she had taken a day off and told her mother she was visiting a classmate, expressing concern about getting into trouble if the truth were discovered.
Later, Wang Sufang was gently massaging Ma Kui's injured back and applying a warm compress. She mentioned Hu's cowardly reaction during the recent train incident, describing him as naturally timid. Ma Kui contrasted this with Wang Xin's bravery, recalling a time when Wang Xin had fearlessly charged alone towards eight suspects.
Wang Sufang noted this rare praise, suggesting Ma Kui missed Wang Xin and felt safer knowing someone courageous like him was around to support Ma Kui, especially given his recent injury. Ma Kui, while not admitting to missing Wang Xin, conceded that his boldness and skill were undeniable, particularly his willingness to confront multiple threats head-on.
Episode 15 Recap
Late one night, Ma Yan had not yet returned home, causing Ma Kui concern. Wang Sufang attempted to reassure him, claiming Ma Yan was at a classmate's, but Ma Kui remained unconvinced, suspecting she had gone to Hongyang to see Wang Xin. Wang Sufang defended Wang Xin, referring to him as "little Wang," but Ma Kui retort that their own family had a "bad girl" who was staying out late.
He threatened to break her legs if she wasn't back soon, but Wang Sufang told him to calm down, reminding him he was already injured. She worried about what people would say if their daughter stayed out all night and how it might affect her ability to find a husband. Ma Kui angrily questioned what kind of father he was. Just then, Ma Yan came home, braving the heavy snow. Ma Kui immediately demanded to know where she had been.
Ma Yan quickly fabricated a story about going to the park and watching a movie with a classmate. Wang Sufang supported her lie, urging Ma Kui to let it go as she had homework to do. Ma Kui grew exasperated with both of them. Shen Xiuping visited, bringing three packets of transdermal patches for Ma Kui's injury. She explained how to heat them before applying and promised to get more if they were effective.
She also inquired about Wang Sufang's health, encouraging her to rest and saying she was off duty anyway and it was no trouble. Shen Xiuping asked if she could take Ma Jian to her place to play for a while, expressing her fondness for him and saying he was cute. Wang Sufang thanked her for the trouble.
After Shen Xiuping left with Ma Jian, Wang Sufang praised her, describing her as reliable, warm-hearted, and very handy, mentioning she had even knitted several pairs of socks for Ma Jian. Ma Yan agreed that Shen Xiuping was very nice and offered to help Ma Kui apply the patch. She carefully applied the patch to his back, despite some minor discomfort, and Ma Kui appreciated her help.
Wang Xin, on patrol, received a report from a convenience store owner about a customer who had broken a wine bottle. The owner insisted the customer pay, but the customer claimed the bottle fell on its own. Wang Xin noted that it always seemed to happen with bottles placed near the corner of the table and asked the owner about his responsibility. The owner complained about lack of space and mentioned the last incident was over a month ago.
Wang Xin insisted the owner move the bottles to prevent future accidents and make the customer pay. Later, Wang Xin returned to the store disguised. He pretended to be clumsy and knocked a bottle over. The owner immediately demanded payment. Wang Xin revealed his identity as a police officer. Startled, the owner confessed to setting up a mechanism that caused the bottle near the corner to fall when a rope was pulled, and admitted the bottle contained only water.
He offered Wang Xin anything he wanted from the store, but Wang Xin refused, telling him he was coming to the station with him. Yang Chief commended Wang Xin for his recent successful cases, describing them as "clean and neat" and calling Wang Xin "quite capable" with a "promising future." Wang Xin seized the opportunity to ask Yang Chief to call Ma Kui and praise his accomplishments. Yang Chief agreed and called Ma Kui.
During the call, he learned that Ma Kui had been injured by a criminal on a train. Yang Chief informed Wang Xin, who immediately requested leave to visit his mentor. Yang Chief granted his request, telling him to go quickly and return soon. Ma Kui had returned to work despite his injury. A younger officer named Hu apologized to Ma Kui for "fleeing the battle." Later, Ma Kui saw Lu Xuelin sitting alone in the dining car, drinking.
He advised Lu Xuelin that drinking alone was not good and warned him about the consequences of drinking heavily on the train. Lu Xuelin remained silent. As the train approached Haihe Station, Lu Xuelin collected his belongings and got off without a word. At Haihe Station, Song Chaohua was seeing Yuxia off.
Yuxia told Song Chaohua that she had bought a ticket for the 18th of the month to speak with Lu Xuelin face-to-face about her relationship with Song Chaohua, hoping to clarify things. They said a tender farewell. Lu Xuelin witnessed their interaction. He was seen with a bag containing nitric acid and dichlorvos. Ma Kui intervened, taking the bag and its contents. He immediately identified the chemicals and asked Lu Xuelin what he was planning.
He correctly identified Lu Xuelin as an engineer and deduced that he knew about Yuxia and Song Chaohua and intended "mutual destruction." Lu Xuelin indicated a pouch, identifying it as a love token his mother had kept for his future daughter-in-law, highlighting his long relationship with Yuxia and their impending marriage. Ma Kui realized Lu Xuelin planned to harm them and then commit suicide with the dichlorvos. Ma Kui ordered Hu to uncuff Lu Xuelin.
Ma Kui acknowledged Yuxia's handling of the breakup was inconsiderate but emphasized that everyone faces difficulties. He questioned Lu Xuelin about the potential consequences of splashing the acid, pointing out he could have injured innocent passengers. Lu Xuelin confessed he didn't care, he just wanted to die. Ma Kui explained the severe legal penalties for intentional assault and reminded him about the suffering his mother would endure if he went to prison.
He pointed out Lu Xuelin's good background and job, assuring him he could find another wife. Lu Xuelin expressed deep regret, acknowledging his mistake repeatedly and calling Ma Kui his savior. He anxiously asked about the potential prison sentence. Ma Kui, seeing his remorse and lack of actual harm caused, promised to request leniency from the organization, aiming to prevent a criminal record or notification to his employer. Lu Xuelin was immensely grateful.
Ma Kui returned Lu Xuelin's bag but confiscated the chemicals. Lu Xuelin then requested to see Yuxia. Ma Kui arranged for them to meet in the dining car. Yuxia explained that their two-year, long-distance relationship had been difficult and prolonged their unhappiness. She suggested that ending it now, though painful, would allow both of them to move on and focus on their lives and work. She wished him well and told him to take care.
Lu Xuelin tore up a piece of paper (presumably related to their relationship) and wished her well in return before they parted ways. Captain Hu showed Ma Kui a sample of a substance, asking if he recognized it. Ma Kui immediately identified it as opium, recalling encountering it during labor reform where it was grown for pharmaceutical use. He commented on its dual nature – capable of saving or killing.
Captain Hu informed him that the opium had been seized on a train in Yunnan, but the dealer, who spoke with a Northeast accent, had escaped. They suspected accomplices might be using the railway for transport and had been instructed by superiors to increase vigilance. Captain Hu asked Ma Kui, with his extensive experience, to train the officers on identifying opium and to ensure alertness at all stations along their line, including small ones like Hongyang and Haihe.
Wang Xin was patrolling the square at Hongyang Station when Ma Kui arrived. Wang Xin was clearly happy to see him. He led Ma Kui to Yang Chief's office. Ma Kui showed Yang Chief the opium sample, which Yang Chief hadn't seen in years. Ma Kui relayed the information about the Yunnan seizure and the Northeast accent of the suspect.
Yang Chief assured him he would inform his comrades and invited Ma Kui to stay for lunch, offering his favorite stew. As they chatted warmly, Yang Chief praised Wang Xin extensively in front of Ma Kui, highlighting his capability and success in solving cases since joining the station. Ma Kui downplayed the praise, saying handling cases was Wang Xin's duty.
He then proceeded to recount Wang Xin's past mistakes, such as getting off the train without permission and receiving punishment, and a confusing incident where he allegedly helped a "human trafficker" find a child. Wang Xin was visibly embarrassed by his mentor's public criticism and tried to interrupt, eventually using the excuse of preparing food to leave the office.
Yang Chief commented on Ma Kui's strictness, and Ma Kui explained that while Wang Xin was smart, capable, aggressive, and had the potential to be a good officer, he was also reckless and arrogant, which was why he had him patrolling the square as training. He said being Wang Xin's mentor was his fate. Yang Chief expressed envy at having such a good apprentice.
Wang Xin returned briefly as Ma Kui was leaving, and Ma Kui gave him a large box of patches he had brought. Wang Xin complained that Ma Kui had only come to mock him. Ma Kui told him respect was earned, not given through praise. Wang Xin said he understood. Ma Kui commented that the small station was a good place for him and that he might visit again. Wang Xin responded that Ma Kui could visit whenever he wanted.
Ma Kui urged him to work hard and not just think about going home for the holidays. Wang Xin said he did want to go home for Spring Festival. As the New Year approached, homes were decorated. Shen Xiuping, praised as a talented woman, wrote Spring Festival couplets for her neighbors. One neighbor commented on her not having a boyfriend, while another clarified that her capabilities meant she wouldn't settle for an ordinary man.
Meanwhile, Wang Yongge was preparing New Year's food. He instructed Wang Xin to take some fried carrot balls to Ma Kui's family. Just then, Ma Yan arrived with a plate of dumplings (filled with meat and egg) for Wang Xin's family. They exchanged the food. Suddenly, Yao Yuling's apartment caught fire. She screamed for help. Neighbors, including Wang Xin and Ma Yan, rushed to the scene. They quickly realized it was an oil fire and water couldn't be used.
Niu Dali heroically rushed into the burning apartment and carried out the pot of burning oil, severely burning his hands. Later, Shen Xiuping bandaged Niu Dali's hands, scolding him for his recklessness but also praising him for preventing a disaster. She warned him about the risk of infection, which frightened him. Afterward, Yao Yuling visited Niu Dali, bringing him New Year's Eve dinner.
Episode 16 Recap
Yao Yuling brought Niu Dali hot dumplings, asking about his injured hand. He told her it was much better and there was nothing to be afraid of for a man like him. She insisted he eat, even feeding him a dumpling, teasing him when he found it hot but delicious. He remarked on her effort in making them. On New Year's Eve, Wang Yongge prepared a feast.
He and Wang Xin shared a drink, with Wang Yongge encouraging Wang Xin to visit Ma Kui the next morning to improve his chances of being transferred back from Hongyang Station. Wang Xin eagerly recounted how he had solved several cases at Hongyang, including one involving a trickster who manipulated currency exchange and another using a small mechanism in a store, which made Wang Yongge proud.
New Year's Day began with firecrackers in the railway compound as residents, dressed in new clothes, set out to pay visits. At the Ma household, Ma Kui assigned his daughter, Ma Yan, the task of handling reciprocal greetings for visitors. Cai Xiaonian and Niu Dali were waiting in the courtyard.
When Yao Yuling came out dressed in new clothes, she and Ma Yan discovered they were wearing not only similar outfits but also identical scarves, which seemed to irritate Ma Yan. Niu Dali suggested they go find Wang Xin, but Wang Xin, having drunk too much the night before, was still asleep. They decided to go ahead without him. Wang Yongge returned home after paying visits to find Wang Xin still deeply asleep.
Assuming he hadn't sobered up, Wang Yongge didn't wake him. As residents came to visit the Ma family, Wang Xin's absence was noted. While Ma Kui didn't explicitly say anything, his wife, Wang Sufang, and daughter, Ma Yan, could tell he was upset by the oversight. Wang Xin finally woke up when it was already dark. He quickly got dressed and rushed to Ma Kui's home to pay his New Year respects.
Wang Xin tried to explain his late arrival, but Ma Kui was unforgiving, dismissing him abruptly. Ma Yan rolled her eyes at her father in frustration. Despite his sternness, Ma Kui had prepared a red envelope for Wang Xin. He gave it to Ma Yan to pass on, instructing her to tell Wang Xin to be more careful and less reckless in his work, or he would cause trouble without supervision.
Wang Xin felt touched by this message, understanding that Ma Kui cared for him despite his tough exterior. After the holiday, Wang Xin returned to Hongyang Station with renewed enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Niu Dali bought a new bicycle for Yao Yuling, which she loved but didn't know how to ride. Niu Dali patiently taught her how to balance and pedal. Ma Yan took leave to visit Wang Xin at Hongyang. They took a walk on a hill with a good view.
Ma Yan urged Wang Xin to speak to Ma Kui and try to get transferred back, but Wang Xin, knowing Ma Kui's temperament, was hesitant to risk offending him. Learning that Ma Yan was with Wang Xin, Ma Kui called Hongyang Station and left a message for Wang Xin to call him back upon his return. As Wang Xin and Ma Yan walked and talked, they found themselves deep in a wooded area. Suddenly, a heavy thunderstorm broke out.
Wang Xin led Ma Yan to a nearby bunker left over from a past war for shelter, giving her his outer garment to keep warm. Back home, Ma Kui was increasingly anxious because Wang Xin hadn't called back. Wang Sufang tried to reassure him. As darkness fell, Ma Yan shivered from the cold. Wang Xin held her close to share warmth. This close contact stirred feelings between them, and they shared a kiss.
The next morning, the rain stopped, and they headed back to Wang Xin's dormitory. Ma Yan called home to let her parents know she was safe and learned that Ma Kui was already on a train heading to Hongyang. Anticipating trouble, Wang Xin groaned inwardly. Ma Yan suggested he pretend to be sick to appease her father. Ma Kui arrived at the dormitory in an agitated state.
Ma Yan waited by the door, attempting to smooth things over and explaining they were stuck by the rain. Learning they had spent the night together in the bunker, Ma Kui insisted Ma Yan wait outside, stating he needed to talk to Wang Xin alone. Ma Yan reluctantly stayed outside, worried. Inside, Ma Kui quickly saw through Wang Xin's fake illness. He pressed him sternly about the previous night in the bunker.
Wang Xin confessed they had stayed there, explaining the heavy rain and the cold. Ma Kui, furious, grabbed Wang Xin by the neck. Ma Yan rushed back in to intervene, forcing Ma Kui to release Wang Xin and leave in anger. Ma Yan safely returned home, where Wang Sufang fussed over her, offering ginger soup and expressing her fear about the night in the bunker. She cautiously asked if anything intimate had happened between them.
Ma Yan vehemently denied it, which relieved her mother. Ma Kui instructed Wang Sufang to watch Ma Yan and prevent her from seeing Wang Xin again, though Wang Sufang expressed resignation about controlling her grown daughter. Later, Wang Xin and Lin Jianjun were walking when they saw a thief known to Wang Xin trying to swindle people. The thief and a woman were working together, staging an accident to extort money from a passerby.
Wang Xin watched as they collected the money and then moved aside to split it. Wang Xin apprehended them on the spot while they were dividing the money and called Ma Kui to report the arrest, emphasizing he had caught them red-handed, ensuring they would face consequences.
Episode 17 Recap
Niu Dali frequently used his free time to teach Yao Yuling how to ride a bicycle. She quickly learned and, feeling confident, decided to ride to the store alone. However, she hadn't gone far before she fell to the ground, the bicycle wheel detaching from the frame. Seeing she was injured and unable to walk, Niu Dali offered to carry her, insisting she get on his back despite her protests.
He carried her all the way back to the courtyard, first leaving the damaged bicycle at Mrs. Lu's doorstep and asking if her husband, Mr. Lu, could repair it. Then, carrying Yao Yuling into the courtyard, he openly showed off. Cai Xiaonian and Mrs. Wu immediately noticed, asking what happened to Yao Yuling and making jokes about Niu Dali carrying her.
Cai Xiaonian openly questioned if Niu Dali had deliberately loosened the screws on the bike wheel just to have a reason to get close to Yao Yuling, a suspicion also shared by Mrs. Wu. Niu Dali strenuously denied it, claiming he was innocent and shouldn't be wrongly accused, but they continued to tease him, suggesting he needed to do more than just carry her to win her over, like holding her close or even kissing her.
Niu Dali carried Yao Yuling upstairs, insisting she couldn't manage the stairs herself, and carefully put her down on her bed, tending to her leg injury. He insisted on staying to take care of her, offering to make dinner and even help her to the toilet or bring her a basin, arguing that since the injury happened while she was riding his bike, he was responsible.
Yao Yuling thanked him but told him she didn't need his help, though he insisted on staying to finish caring for her tonight after making dinner. He prepared a meal for her, which she admitted tasted good, but still urged him to leave as she felt better. Upon returning home from work, Ma Kui called out for Wang Sufang and found her collapsed on the floor.
He rushed her to the hospital, where a doctor informed him that Wang Sufang had late-stage lung cancer which had already metastasized, and that she didn't have much time left. The doctor revealed that Wang Sufang had asked him to keep her condition a secret. Ma Kui was devastated, asking why she had hidden such a serious illness from him. She told him there was no cure.
He blamed himself, feeling that his ten years of wrongful imprisonment had caused her immense suffering and that he should have been there for her instead of working or solving cases. Wang Sufang, however, told him not to say such things, that he had important work to do catching bad people, and that she was satisfied with the good days they had spent together since his return. Hospital staff then instructed Ma Sufang's family to complete the hospitalization procedures.
As they did so, a colleague comforted Ma Kui, telling him that after so many years, he was back now, and they had many happy days ahead. Ma Yan was heartbroken upon learning the news, refusing to believe the diagnosis and urging her father to take her mother to another hospital for a second opinion. Wang Sufang told Ma Yan she had grown up and needed to help support the family, especially since her father was busy with work.
Wang Xin visited Wang Sufang in the hospital. Ma Yan was still insisting on seeking treatment elsewhere, but Wang Sufang stated she was fine. Wang Sufang asked Ma Kui and Ma Yan not to stay at the hospital together, suggesting one could stay while the other went home, mentioning that Ma Jian was being looked after at Old Lu's place.
She spoke with Wang Xin, asking him to be patient with Ma Yan's temper in the future and to look out for her, expressing her trust in them since they grew up together and knew each other well. She then asked Wang Yan to leave the room with Wang Xin, stating she wanted to have a private conversation with Ma Kui. After they left, Wang Sufang comforted a tearful Ma Kui, urging him not to cry.
She gave him instructions regarding their family: she had made cotton clothes for Ma Jian that would fit him until he was eighteen and sewn thirty pairs of insoles for Ma Kui's sweaty feet, reminding him to change them often. She then gently suggested that after she was gone, with Ma Yan and Ma Jian still young, he should consider remarrying if he met someone suitable.
Ma Kui was heartbroken, telling her he only wanted her and for them to go home safely together. She then brought up Wang Yongge, urging Ma Kui to reconcile with him someday if the opportunity arose, and he agreed for her sake. She expressed a desire to look at him again before saying she was tired and wanted to sleep.
As she rested, Ma Kui spoke of their future plans – her recovery, Ma Yan marrying and having a child, and his eventual retirement so they could travel together by train to places like Beijing and Shanghai to see landmarks and eat local food. He spoke of how he thought of them every day during his ten years away and thanked her for giving him the strength to survive and return.
He repeatedly called her name, realizing with agony that she had passed away in his arms. Ma Yan returned to the room and cried out for her mother. After Wang Sufang's death, Ma Kui was consumed by grief. Ma Yan took on the responsibility of caring for him and Ma Jian. At dinner, she prepared food and, heartbroken, set a place for her mother at the table.
Ma Kui was visibly distraught, weeping and blaming himself for not noticing the severity of his wife's illness. Ma Yan comforted him, telling him that their mother had been very happy since his return, having not smiled much during his ten years of imprisonment, and that she had dedicated her heart to their family. She reassured him that their family would continue to live well, just as they did when their mother was with them.
Ma Yan also showed her maturity by preparing warm water for Ma Kui to wash his feet, telling him she would have Ma Jian sleep with her that night so he wouldn't disturb him, and that she planned to move downstairs the next day to better care for both him and her younger brother. Ma Kui watched her with a sense of solace, seeing how much she had grown up.
Before attending an urgent meeting, Ma Kui took Ma Jian to the store where Ma Yan worked, intending to leave the child with her. He learned from a colleague that Ma Yan had gone home sick about five minutes earlier. Finding no one else to watch Ma Jian, Ma Kui took him home.
There, he found Ma Yan and expressed concern that she hadn't gone to work again, reminding her that being a salesperson was a good job many people wanted. He explained he had a meeting and needed her to look after Ma Jian.
He gave her strict instructions to be particularly careful, noting the presence of many strangers outside, and emphasized that Ma Jian was young and should not be allowed to go out alone; if they did go out, she must hold onto him tightly. Later, at the railway public security branch office, Captain Jiang from the detective team addressed a meeting of railroad officers.
He announced that a group of drug traffickers had been transporting drugs by rail and had now extended their operations to the Ning-Ha Line. He explained that the previous day, a conductor at Haihe Station had discovered drugs hidden inside a roasted chicken during a routine check. Although they were too late to apprehend the suspect or recover the chicken, they had a witness in Hacheng.
Captain Jiang stressed the importance and difficulty of the case, noting that many officers were unfamiliar with drugs. He proposed transferring Comrade Ma Kui to the detective team in Hacheng to assist with the investigation. Ma Kui accepted the assignment and requested a helper. Ma Kui and Wang Xin, dressed in plain clothes for their mission, prepared to board the train from Ningyang to Hacheng.
Wang Xin addressed Ma Kui as "Mentor," expressing his excitement that his dream of becoming a detective was finally realized, and thanked Ma Kui for making it happen. Ma Kui told him to stop showing off and remember to call him "Mr. Ma" while they were undercover. As they boarded, Wang Xin noted how heavy their bags were.
Ma Kui joked that they didn't need much, as Wang Xin would be there to protect him, to which Wang Xin readily agreed. On the train, a man immediately recognized Ma Kui despite his plain clothes. It was Peng Mingjie, the warden from Hacheng prison. The two men, who hadn't seen each other in years, were clearly emotional upon meeting.
Peng Mingjie remarked on Ma Kui's sharp eyes, saying he recognized him instantly, and asked if he was back to being a police officer. Ma Kui replied that it was the only profession he knew. Ma Kui told Peng Mingjie he had been looking for him, and Peng Mingjie said he was on the train returning to Hacheng after visiting his daughter who was attending university in Ningyang.
Ma Kui expressed his happiness at encountering him and urged him to visit again, inviting him to his home in Ningyang with his daughter and jokingly claiming he was her godfather. Peng Mingjie mentioned he was now the warden in Hacheng and told Ma Kui to look him up if he ever needed anything there, stating they were all public servants. They exchanged addresses and promised to visit.
Shortly after, Wang Xin apprehended a thief who had attempted to pickpocket him right in front of him. The thief cried out in pain as Wang Xin held his arm. Wang Xin handed the thief over to Officer Hu for interrogation. Hu commented on how quickly the thief confessed, noting that being caught red-handed by Wang Xin made resistance futile. Hu praised Wang Xin's skill in catching the thief so quickly and quietly.
Wang Xin downplayed it, saying the thief was practically asking to be caught, and that he would have interrogated him himself if he weren't concerned about maintaining his undercover identity. Officer Hu then teased Wang Xin, asking if his wrist hurt from holding the thief, and implying Wang Xin was just praising Ma Kui because he wasn't there.
Episode 18 Recap
Wang Xin, curious, asked Hu about Ma Kui's demeanor towards him. Hu explained that Ma Kui had never gotten angry or hit him, and instead always praised Wang Xin in front of Hu, telling him to learn from his senior colleague. Wang Xin was surprised to hear this, as he had always assumed Ma Kui looked down on him, but it turned out Ma Kui spoke highly of him behind his back.
Hu admitted that he wasn't as capable as Wang Xin when he first started but encouraged Wang Xin to keep working, assuring him he would get better with time. As the blind man walked past Ma Kui, he used his sensitive nose to recognize the smell on him and deduced that Ma Kui was in disguise for a mission. Ma Kui was taken aback, as he and Wang Xin had specifically changed into old clothes to avoid being recognized.
The blind man noted that his hearing was also sharp, adding that if he were blind and lacked other skills, he wouldn't survive. Ma Kui offered him food, which the blind man gratefully accepted, noting Ma Kui's "good person" nature. Ma Kui and Wang Xin got off the train at the designated location and quickly found a hostel.
The conditions were difficult, and Wang Xin complained, but Ma Kui told him to boil some noodles first to satisfy their hunger, pulling out a bag of supplies he had brought from home, including an electric stove. Wang Xin tried to use the electric stove to boil water, but it caused a power outage due to overload before the noodles were cooked.
The hostel manager rushed over, demanding to know who used the stove and confiscating it, insisting it wasn't allowed, even though they hadn't been told. Ma Kui apologized for the trouble and assured the manager they wouldn't use it again, eventually handing over the hot stove after some initial back-and-forth where Wang Xin argued with the manager.
Ma Kui later instructed Wang Xin that as police, even out of uniform, they should avoid causing trouble, even if others try to bully them. Despite the inability to fully cook the noodles, Ma Kui had brought lard from home, adding scallions and soy sauce. Wang Xin found the uncooked noodles hard and complained, but Ma Kui ate heartily, seeming to enjoy the simple meal.
The hostel's quilts were old and smelled of mildew, and Wang Xin was bitten all over by lice. Combined with Ma Kui's loud snoring, Wang Xin couldn't sleep all night, feeling itchy and uncomfortable. The next morning, Ma Kui woke Wang Xin up to go into the nearby villages to investigate. They asked about suspicious individuals, getting a general description.
They then moved to the long-distance bus station ticket office to stake out potential suspects, using the description gathered, including a crucial detail from a witness about a missing little finger on the suspect's left hand. After some time observing passengers buying tickets, they spotted a person matching the description and followed them onto a long-distance bus. During the journey, the suspect seemed vigilant and opened the window for air.
Wang Xin also opened his window, anticipating the suspect might try to escape. As expected, the suspect jumped from the moving bus midway. Wang Xin and Ma Kui pursued him relentlessly. The suspect drew a gun and threatened them, but Ma Kui and Wang Xin hesitated, wanting to capture him alive. Taking advantage of their caution, the suspect scaled a wall and entered a nearby house. Ma Kui and Wang Xin arrived shortly after to find the gate locked.
The owner of the house returned home, and upon learning a criminal had entered his house, rushed towards the door, desperate to save his young child inside. Ma Kui pulled him back to prevent him from entering the dangerous situation. Inside, the suspect held the child hostage and demanded Ma Kui and Wang Xin leave within ten minutes or he would kill the child. The village director and local police arrived, quickly surrounding the courtyard.
Ma Kui instructed Wang Xin to work with the homeowner to draw a detailed layout of the house, including rooms, doors, and furniture placement. While Ma Kui was discussing his plan to enter and negotiate, Wang Xin, without waiting for the plan to be finalized, entered the courtyard through the gate. Worried for Wang Xin's safety, Ma Kui quickly followed him inside, taking off his outer clothes.
Ma Kui attempted to persuade the suspect to surrender, highlighting that turning himself in could lead to leniency. Meanwhile, Wang Xin quietly entered the house through a window in an adjacent room. The suspect saw Wang Xin's reflection in a mirror and fired his gun. Wang Xin took cover behind a door and, seizing an opportunity when the suspect was distracted, shot and killed him.
Ma Kui rushed into the room and found Wang Xin sitting on the bed, trembling from the shock of the events. Still shaken, Wang Xin forced himself to call Ma Yan. His speech was incoherent due to nervousness, but Ma Yan, sensing his distress, urged him to take good care of her father. Ma Kui, nearby, overheard the call and assumed Wang Xin was reporting their safety to Wang Yongge, his father. Wang Xin didn't correct him.
Having gone through this life-threatening experience together, they developed a mutual respect and understanding. On the train ride back to Ningyang, they encountered Little Wenzhou being reprimanded for stealing a steamed bun from a passenger. Little Wenzhou explained that his sunglasses business had failed, and after using his last money to buy a train ticket back to Wenzhou, he had nothing left for food and was starving.
Ma Kui encouraged him not to be discouraged and emphasized that mistakes are okay as long as you learn from them. Wang Xin bought Little Wenzhou a roast chicken and other food for his journey and gave him all the money he had. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Little Wenzhou started crying and offered Wang Xin his last pair of sunglasses as a gift.
Wang Xin hesitated, concerned it might violate regulations, but Ma Kui approved, reasoning it was like a purchase given Wang Xin's generosity. Wang Xin accepted the sunglasses. Hu took Little Wenzhou to make a statement and apologize to the passenger he stole from. Left with no money, Wang Xin asked Ma Kui for some to buy food.
Ma Kui refused flatly and even teased Wang Xin by showing his own money, telling him to just drink water if he was hungry, leaving Wang Xin frustrated. Ma Kui took Wang Xin to report the details of the case to Captain Jiang. After reporting, Wang Xin was eager to get home. He gave the sunglasses to Ma Yan, who found them beautiful and coveted. Noticing Ma Kui was about to leave work and likely head home, Wang Xin quickly made his excuses and left, seemingly avoiding being lectured.
Episode 19 Recap
Ma Kui returned home from his trip to Hacheng and found Shen Xiuping helping look after his young son, Ma Jian. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Shen Xiuping, acknowledging that he wouldn't be able to leave the house otherwise. Shen Xiuping brushed off his thanks, saying she enjoyed spending time with Ma Jian. Ma Kui assured her she could count on him if she ever needed help. Ma Jian then left with his father, saying goodbye to Auntie Shen.
Entering his home, Ma Kui immediately spotted a pair of sunglasses on the table. Recognizing them, he knew Wang Xin had been there and given them to his daughter, Ma Yan. He confronted Ma Yan, who initially claimed a colleague had lent them. Ma Kui saw through the lie and grew angry, telling Ma Yan to stop being hostile toward Wang Xin just because he gave her glasses.
In his frustration, Ma Kui revealed that Wang Xin had been in serious danger, implying he was lucky to have survived. Ma Yan, hearing this, pressed her father for details, but he became evasive and told her to go take a shower. Later, Ma Yan learned more about the dangerous incident. She understood that Wang Xin had called her immediately after the life-threatening encounter, needing to hear her voice for reassurance.
Ma Kui, realizing Wang Xin's deep reliance on Ma Yan, was furious and strictly forbade her from having any relationship with him. Ma Yan, however, refused to accept his command. Meanwhile, Yao Yuling ran into Wang Xin as he was heading home. She congratulated him on his return to Ningyang and commented on his new bicycle. Wang Xin, appearing tired, gave brief responses, mentioning that police work was interesting and he needed to shower, quickly excusing himself and leaving.
Later, Niu Dali found Yao Yuling, excited that he had bought tickets for a movie they had planned to see. Yao Yuling, however, told him she was too tired and wanted to cancel, leaving Niu Dali disappointed despite his efforts. A commendation meeting was held for the railroad police, where Ma Kui and Wang Xin were honored for their actions in the Hacheng case. The leader praised their bravery in confronting a dangerous criminal and rescuing a child hostage.
When asked to speak, Ma Kui deferred to Wang Xin. Wang Xin gave a somewhat disjointed account of the pursuit and rescue, describing traveling day and night, staking out the suspect, the chase, and the confrontation. Ma Kui interrupted to point out the flaws in Wang Xin's explanation and noted that killing the suspect had cut off investigative leads.
The leader acknowledged Wang Xin's contribution but, echoing Ma Kui's sentiment, cautioned him against arrogance and emphasized that he still had much to learn to become a fully qualified railroad detective. Despite the criticism, the leader announced that Wang Xin was being officially recognized as a role model for the police force. Wang Yongge prepared a celebratory dinner for Wang Xin, proud of his son's achievement.
He questioned Wang Xin about the incident, stressing the importance of using his judgment and strictly following his mentor Ma Kui's instructions in dangerous situations. Ma Yan joined them, having secretly brought a bottle of Ma Kui's valuable 20-year-old liquor to share with Wang Xin. Wang Yongge, uncomfortable with the stolen liquor, soon excused himself, feigning drunkenness.
Left alone, Ma Yan insisted Wang Xin drink the liquor with her and pressed him to explain why he had called her after the dangerous encounter. After some hesitation, Wang Xin admitted that he had been terrified after facing death and needed to hear her voice to calm his nerves. Ma Yan teased him about being emotional but was clearly touched, pouring him more wine as they continued talking late into the evening.
The next day, Yao Yuling arrived at Wang Xin's place with a bowl of longevity noodles she had made for him, congratulating him on being a role model. Ma Yan was openly jealous of the gesture. Yao Yuling stayed to chat and accepted a drink from the liquor. Ma Yan, wanting to finish the prized bottle, encouraged everyone to drink quickly. Yao Yuling drank too much and soon became noticeably drunk.
She stumbled as she left, and Niu Dali met her outside, expressing concern. Irritated by his attention, she reacted impatiently when Niu Dali asked if they could be together if he became a train driver, simply telling him to "fight for" his goal and leaving him crestfallen. Wang Xin was rewarded with a television by the police office. He brought it home and intended for it to be for Ma Yan.
Ma Kui vehemently objected to Ma Yan keeping it, demanding she return it immediately. Ma Yan refused, asserting her right to accept the gift from Wang Xin and declaring she would move it to her room. Ma Kui became enraged, threatening to smash the television, but Ma Yan stood her ground, promising to protect it and never forgive him if he did. Later, Wang Yongge spoke to Wang Xin, initially misunderstanding that the TV was a gift for Ma Kui.
Wang Xin clarified it was for Ma Yan. Recognizing the depth of feeling between them, Wang Yongge advised Wang Xin to give up on Ma Yan, stating that Ma Kui's opposition meant their marriage was impossible. However, Wang Xin was resolute, vowing he would marry only Ma Yan. In the courtyard, neighbors gathered to watch television together, enjoying a show called "Huo Yuanjia" on the new set Wang Xin and Ma Yan had placed there.
Niu Dali even helped position the antenna for better reception. Meanwhile, Yao Yuling stayed home. Later that night, Niu Dali arrived at her door with a brand new television for her. He explained he knew she preferred to watch alone rather than with the crowded group in the courtyard. He helped her set up the TV in her room. As it flickered to life, Yao Yuling smiled, and Niu Dali commented on how beautiful her smile was.
At Ma Kui's home, his old friend Peng Mingjie visited with his daughter, Lili, who was starting university in Ningyang. Ma Kui and Ma Yan warmly welcomed them and hosted a dinner. Over drinks, a nostalgic Ma Kui insisted on recounting a life-saving event from 1972, when he was seriously ill during labor reform.
He tearfully recalled how Peng Mingjie, the farm captain at the time, had selflessly carried him over ten miles through the mountains to the county hospital, saving his life. He emphasized the profound bond of friendship and gratitude he felt. Peng Mingjie humbly downplayed his actions, saying anyone would have done the same. Ma Kui instructed Ma Yan to honor Peng Mingjie and treat Lili, who was younger, as a cherished sister.
Ma Yan and Lili quickly became close, agreeing to treat each other like true sisters. Lili happily accepted Ma Kui's invitation to consider his home her own while she was in Ningyang. After dinner, Ma Yan and Lili retired to Ma Yan's room to chat privately, bonding further. Lili admired a knitted kettle cover Ma Yan had made and expressed her desire to learn knitting from her.
Episode 20 Recap
Niu Dali enthusiastically brought home a high-priced secondhand television, but it wouldn't turn on. He took it for repair and learned that except for the shell, all the internal parts were broken and it couldn't be fixed. Devastated, Niu Dali explained that the TV cost him a year's salary and sought help from Wang Xin. Wang Xin posed as a buyer and approached the fraudulent seller. He then revealed his identity and arrested the person on the spot.
Meanwhile, the railway police were dealing with frequent thefts of railway fasteners. During a meeting, the commanding officer emphasized the need to quickly solve the case, noting the thief operated after dark, covering long distances, making investigation difficult. Ma Kui suggested that since the motive was likely financial, they should secretly visit local waste acquisition stations to see if anyone was buying the stolen parts, which could provide clues.
The strategy decided upon was for officers to patrol the railway in pairs across different sections. Wang Xin and Ma Kui were assigned together. In the evenings, neighbors in the courtyard gathered to watch the TV, creating a lively atmosphere, though Yao Yuling found the noise bothersome and preferred to stay inside. Ma Kui and Wang Xin began their stakeout along the railway line in Li Village at night. Wang Xin, not dressed warmly enough, shivered from the cold.
Ma Kui, prepared with a cotton quilt, shared it with him. Ma Kui criticized Wang Xin for being unprepared but acknowledged he would learn from the experience. They discussed the case, the thief's boldness, and their determination to catch him. After a long night with no sign of the thief, they headed home. Ma Yan had thoughtfully brought Wang Xin a water bottle, telling him it was for the cold nights. Wang Xin was touched by the gesture.
Cai Xiaonian announced his upcoming marriage, sharing that his fiancée's family had specific demands: the furniture betrothal gifts must amount to "forty-eight legs," interpreted as a collection of cabinets, dressers, beds, tables, chairs, and stools, and the wedding procession must include eight new Phoenix brand bicycles. Cai's father, Lao Cai, and the neighbors were concerned by the challenging requests, especially finding eight new Phoenix bikes.
The neighbors offered to pool their unused furniture to meet the "forty-eight legs" requirement and even hire a carpenter for new pieces. They advised Cai Xiaonian to speak with his future mother-in-law to see if the bicycle requirement could be negotiated, stressing that the marriage itself was more important than material possessions. Cai Xiaonian met with his future mother-in-law, but she was adamant about needing eight new Phoenix bikes, unfazed by the difficulty.
Feeling intimidated and unable to persuade her, Cai Xiaonian returned to the courtyard to update the neighbors. He expressed worry that failure to meet the demands would be a loss of face for the entire railway courtyard community. Wang Xin offered a blunt opinion, suggesting he would tell the family to "marry the bike" instead and that he would rather remain single than be forced into such demands. Ma Yan found Wang Xin's view impractical and argued with him.
Yao Yuling voiced support for Wang Xin's principle, stating that if she were getting married, she wouldn't ask for anything material as long as the man treated her well. Niu Dali agreed with Yao Yuling. Ma Yan responded with a pointed remark, suggesting Yao and Niu should "support each other in their room," which angered Yao, leading to a heated exchange between them. Yao and Niu abruptly left the conversation.
Following the neighbors' discussion, they began organizing contributions for the "forty-eight legs," with some offering furniture. Wang Xin's father, Wang Yongge, also offered to contribute a table and repaint it, telling Wang Xin that if he didn't have spare furniture for Cai Xiaonian, he would provide it on Wang Xin's behalf, which Ma Kui later dismissed. Ma Kui and Wang Xin continued their nighttime stakeouts for several more days at Li Village, but the thief was elusive.
Frustrated, Wang Xin suggested they try staking out during the day, but Ma Kui dismissed the idea as foolish, certain the thief would only operate under the cover of darkness for safety. Wang Xin went to stake out the tracks alone during the day, but Ma Kui found him and insisted they leave, reiterating that the thief wouldn't risk working in broad daylight.
Later that afternoon, around 2 PM, a villager discovered a young man acting suspiciously on the railway line. The man fled, and it was found that a railway fastener had been partially removed. Captain Jiang informed Ma Kui and Wang Xin about the incident, causing Ma Kui to realize his assumption about the thief only striking at night was incorrect. As Ma Kui prepared to return to the stakeout area, his old illness flared up, causing him severe abdominal pain.
Wang Xin rushed him to the hospital. Shen Xiuping attended to Ma Kui, diagnosing appendicitis. She advised him to rest calmly and patiently to avoid the need for surgery, noting the condition likely stemmed from an issue during his time in a labor camp. Though initially stubborn, Ma Kui agreed to follow the doctor's orders. Shen Xiuping instructed Wang Xin to take good care of his mentor.
After recovering and being discharged from the hospital, Ma Kui, despite Shen Xiuping's advice to rest further, insisted on returning to the stakeout with Wang Xin. They staked out the railway line and spotted a man on a motorcycle stealing fasteners. Wang Xin immediately rushed forward to confront the thief, who attempted to flee. Ma Kui quickly handed Wang Xin his bicycle so he could give chase. Wang Xin pursued the thief, who eventually fell off his motorcycle.
Wang Xin apprehended him. Ma Kui arrived and told Wang Xin to handcuff the thief, refusing to take sole credit for the capture. As Wang Xin secured the complaining thief, Ma Kui used a tool he had brought to re-tighten the fastener on the railway track.
Episode 21 Recap
Railway police officers Ma Kui and Wang Xin apprehended Chen Xiaofei, a twenty-year-old man caught stealing railway fasteners. Chen Xiaofei confessed, explaining that his mother was old and in poor health, and he wanted to give her a better life. He initially stole alone, then used a used bicycle, and eventually acquired a motorcycle to go further and avoid capture. He claimed the motorcycle was not stolen but repaired after a friend's accident.
Chen Xiaofei admitted he knew stealing fasteners could cause train derailments, which is why he stole them strategically, leaving several between the ones he took. He expressed remorse and pleaded to see his mother before going to prison, fearing she wouldn't be able to bear his long absence, especially since he had told her he was going away for work. Ma Kui, showing a rare moment of tenderness, agreed to the request, despite Wang Xin's concern about him escaping.
Ma Kui and Wang Xin accompanied Chen Xiaofei home. Chen Xiaofei told his mother he was leaving that day for work in the south with his friends, mentioning "Brother Wang and Brother Ma" would look after him. His mother expressed her concern for him traveling alone and gave him instructions. Chen Xiaofei promised to make money and come back to marry and take care of her, saying he needed to do something serious for once.
After an emotional farewell, he thanked the officers for helping him. Wang Xin advised him to reform and try to get out early, while Ma Kui, still curious, asked why he stole during the day, a time when others were usually not stealing. Chen Xiaofei explained he had scouted the railway and believed thieves only stealing at night was a stereotype, making daytime stealing less risky. Captain Jiang held a meeting to summarize the successful resolution of the case.
He praised the officers involved, noting they saved the country from losses and brought honor to the squad. As a reward for their hard work, each officer received coupons for ten eggs and half a kilogram of meat. Captain Jiang specifically highlighted Wang Xin and Ma Kui. Wang Xin deflected the praise onto Ma Kui, explaining that his mentor had given him the opportunity to make the arrest while not fully recovered.
Ma Kui, however, took the opportunity to criticize his own "empiricism," admitting he had been stuck on the idea that thieves only operate at night and confessing that if he had listened to Wang Xin's earlier suggestion to stake out during the day, the case might have been solved sooner. He emphasized that Wang Xin was indispensable to solving the case and noted his own dedication, mentioning he had developed appendicitis from being too eager to solve it.
The community came together to help prepare for Cai Xiaonian's wedding to Yan Hong. They had initially planned to gather eight Phoenix bikes for the bridal escort team, four from each side. Wang Xin, Ma Yan, and Niu Dali were among the young people waiting in the courtyard. Yao Yuling made a dramatic entrance, dressed up, capturing everyone's attention, while Ma Yan reacted with disapproval. Wang Yongge urged Cai Xiaonian to depart for the bride's house.
Just as they were about to leave, news arrived that the bride's family had prepared eight brand-new Phoenix bikes themselves. This caused concern on the groom's side, who only had four bikes, creating an imbalance. Facing the potential embarrassment, Cai Xiaonian and his father were unsure what to do.
Wang Xin came up with a clever solution: they would wrap four old bicycles in red paper to make them look new and festive, adding them to the four new bikes they had to complete their team of eight. The bridal escort team, including Wang Xin and Niu Dali, set off on the eight bikes, with Cai Xiaonian proudly leading them, chanting a celebratory phrase.
Upon arrival at the bride's home, the mother-in-law noticed the red-wrapped bikes and, tearing off the paper to reveal the old bicycles, became upset, accusing Cai Xiaonian of trying to fool her on her daughter's wedding day and stating she wouldn't let him marry her daughter. Wang Xin immediately stepped forward and took responsibility for the idea, asking her to blame him instead. The father-in-law intervened, smoothing things over. The mother-in-law revealed it was a test of Cai Xiaonian's sincerity.
Reassured by Cai Xiaonian's heartfelt vows to always treat Yan Hong well, she happily gave her blessing and entrusted her daughter to him. The newlyweds then joined the escort team on a bike to head back. As they departed, they noticed that many more bikes from the bride's side had joined the procession, making their group even larger. On the ride back, Ma Yan rode on the back of Wang Xin's bike, and the two chatted happily.
Yao Yuling rode with Niu Dali, remaining mostly quiet, appearing thoughtful or perhaps displeased. Niu Dali tried to engage her in conversation and joked about their speed and her comfort, which she dismissed. Ma Kui joined the procession on his bike to support them. The large group made their way back to the railway community courtyard for the wedding feast. At the wedding banquet in the courtyard, neighbors helped with the preparations and serving.
Cai Xiaonian's father received gifts and money from community members including Wang Yongge, Ma Kui, and others, expressing his gratitude. The banquet began with everyone raising glasses to toast the happy couple. During the meal, Niu Dali playfully suggested Wang Xin and Ma Yan also drink with linked arms, which seemed to visibly annoy Yao Yuling.
Niu Dali then tried to coax Yao Yuling into eating, offering her a chicken leg after she complained about the food being salty, but she refused. Shen Xiuping, drinking steadily, became quite inebriated. Her son, Ma Jian, grew sleepy, and she decided to take him home to bed. Seeing Shen Xiuping stumble, Ma Kui discreetly followed them to ensure they got back safely.
Ma Kui arrived at the house to find Ma Jian fast asleep and Shen Xiuping also having fallen asleep on the bed. He was about to leave when Ma Yan returned home from the banquet. After checking that her mother was asleep, Ma Yan went back out to join the others. After the main banquet, Cai Xiaonian put on disco music, and the younger people gathered to dance.
A tension between Ma Yan and Yao Yuling escalated from the dance floor, leading them to exchange insults, with Yao Yuling calling Ma Yan names related to her work and smell, and Ma Yan retaliating verbally. Their argument turned physical, and they began to fight. Ma Kui arrived and quickly broke them up. Wang Yongge also intervened, scolding them for their behavior at the wedding.
When questioned about the cause of the fight, Ma Yan blamed Yao Yuling, who in turn suggested the fight was due to their shared interest in someone, implying Wang Xin. Wang Yongge asked Wang Xin if the fight was over him, and then spoke to Wang Xin about the difficulty of him and Ma Yan being together due to Ma Kui's likely disapproval.
Later that night, Yao Yuling was unable to sleep and wrote a letter to Wang Xin expressing her feelings, finishing around 2 a. m. She went to Wang Xin's home and slipped the letter under his door. Unseen, Ma Yan came out and witnessed Yao Yuling placing the letter. After Yao Yuling left, Ma Yan quietly retrieved the letter.
Episode 22 Recap
Ma Yan read the letter Yao Yuling wrote to Wang Xin. In it, Yao Yuling admitted her mistake in leaving him, especially during his most difficult time, blaming it on being young and foolish. She expressed how much she missed him and hoped they could reunite, stating she was genuinely happy when he returned. She confessed she still liked him and wanted him to forgive her and give her another chance to forget the past and start over.
She swore to be devoted to him wholeheartedly. Early in the morning, Shen Xiuping woke up to find herself at Ma Kui's house. She realized she had too much to drink the previous night and had followed Ma Jian home. Feeling awkward, she saw Ma Kui sweeping outside and quickly walked past him and back to her own house. Lu observed this and told his wife that he saw Doctor Shen leaving Ma Kui's house, speculating they were together.
His wife noted that Ma's wife had been gone for years and such a relationship wouldn't be unusual. Lu warned her to keep it secret. Later, Shen Xiuping left for work and encountered Ma Kui and Ma Jian again. She apologized for her behavior the previous night, but Ma Kui reassured her it was fine and told her to reach out if her family needed anything. Wang Xin headed out to see a classmate.
Yao Yuling was waiting and found an excuse to walk with him. Wang Xin mentioned her letter, saying he was quite touched, but mistakenly believed she had wished him and Ma Yan lasting happiness. Yao Yuling was surprised and denied writing that, stating her true feelings were wanting to be good with him and restart their relationship. Wang Xin firmly told her to stop joking, reiterated his wish for her happiness, and left, saying he was in a hurry.
Shen Xiuping went to work after saying goodbye to Ma Kui and Ma Jian. Meanwhile, the train service from Ningyang to Hacheng saw a massive increase in passengers. Stations were overcrowded, with people pushing and even climbing through windows to get onto the trains. Amidst this chaos, a human trafficker seized an opportunity. Dongdong was with his father, who was trying to pass luggage through a window to someone inside.
The father got on the train, but when he turned back for Dongdong, the child was gone. Dongdong's father frantically called out for his son. Captain Jiang received the report and held an urgent meeting. Officers expressed the difficulty of catching the perpetrator. Captain Jiang mentioned a witness confirmed the trafficker got off in Hacheng, noting the city's large size would make finding them like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Wang Xin volunteered to take the case, stating the description of the woman likely matched a trafficker he had previously encountered and was determined to redeem himself. Ma Kui immediately offered to go with his apprentice, saying it was his duty as Wang Xin's mentor. Captain Jiang praised their attitude and assigned the case to them, hoping they would catch the trafficker and find the child quickly. Wang Xin and Ma Kui took a train to Hacheng.
Upon arrival, they checked into a hostel. Wang Xin declared he wouldn't rest until the trafficker was caught, while Ma Kui cautiously reminded him of past setbacks. They began investigating by checking local households for unregistered children, a strategy Ma Kui acknowledged could be time-consuming. As they were discussing the slow progress, they saw a group of six men attacking one person. Ma Kui intervened, pointing out the unfairness of the situation.
The group turned their aggression towards them, surrounding them. Wang Xin and Ma Kui fought back and managed to escape, but the group chased them into an alley. Just as they were cornered, a dry goods merchant named Jia Jinlong appeared. He identified himself as a local and, when the group remained aggressive, he asked if they knew Cripple Teng, claiming he was his elder brother. The men, intimidated by the mention of Cripple Teng, backed down.
Jia Jinlong then vouched for Wang Xin and Ma Kui as his friends and asked the group to let the matter go. They dispersed reluctantly. Jia Jinlong admitted he didn't actually know Cripple Teng but knew Wang Xin and Ma Kui. He reminded them of a time on a train years ago when robbers forced him to buy roast chicken and they intervened to help him, saying he had a deep impression of them.
Recognizing them as police officers, he offered his assistance, being a local. Wang Xin later called Ma Yan from the hostel phone to report his safety, describing how warm her knitted scarf felt and that it made him feel like she was with him. Ma Kui entered and saw him. After Wang Xin hung up, Ma Kui questioned him, guessing he was talking to Ma Yan. Wang Xin lied and said he was talking to his dad.
Ma Kui cut the phone line, accusing him of lying, and warned him to stop pursuing Ma Yan, insisting they were not suitable. Wang Xin disagreed, believing they were. Ma Kui stated it was their families who were not suitable, but refused to elaborate when Wang Xin asked why. Frustrated, Wang Xin said he would leave, but Ma Kui dismissed it as a futile attempt to provoke him and reaffirmed his stance.
Ma Kui then left to handle something, instructing Wang Xin to stay put. Ma Kui went to visit his friend Peng Mingjie. As he arrived, he saw someone leaving and Peng Mingjie quickly hid something before welcoming him warmly. Ma Kui explained he was in Hacheng on a case and decided to visit. Peng Mingjie offered him a bottle of expensive 20-year-old wine, but Ma Kui, being on duty, declined to drink excessively.
Ma Kui asked Peng Mingjie to help him look for information about the human trafficker. He also cautioned Peng Mingjie, as a leader, to be wary of people seeking favors and not to be taken advantage of. Peng Mingjie assured him he understood and knew what he was doing. Wang Xin decided to call Jia Jinlong for help with the case. Jia Jinlong soon contacted him with a lead, stating the children might have been taken to old ditch.
He explained his friend at the police station encountered a couple registering an older child they claimed was adopted from relatives, raising suspicion. When Ma Kui returned, Wang Xin excitedly shared the news. Ma Kui was angry that Wang Xin had contacted Jia Jinlong without reporting it first, calling him undisciplined. Wang Xin defended his actions, citing the urgency and Ma Kui's absence. Ma Kui ordered him to stop talking and leave immediately, promising to scold him later.
They went to 老沟 (old ditch) and found the child. The person there described the woman who brought the child as being in her thirties or forties, neither fat nor thin, with a black spot on her chin. They confirmed the description seemed accurate but said the woman had left immediately after dropping off the child and receiving payment. The trafficker had escaped. Jia Jinlong treated Wang Xin and Ma Kui to dinner. They repeatedly thanked him for his help.
Jia Jinlong insisted it was his pleasure to assist police officers who worked hard for the people. After dinner, at the train station, Jia Jinlong gave them two bags of mountain products as gifts, despite their initial refusal, telling them to accept them as friends. They promised to treat him when he visited Ningyang.
Back at the police station, Captain Jiang commended Ma Kui and Wang Xin for successfully rescuing the child, calling it a significant achievement even though the trafficker wasn't apprehended. He mentioned Jia Jinlong's contribution and noted he had turned the mountain products over to logistics, emphasizing the importance of public support in their work. Peng Mingjie and his daughter Peng Yongli came to visit Ma Kui's house, bringing a sheep as a gift.
Ma Kui searched for his 20-year-old bottle of wine to share, but couldn't find it. He suspected Ma Yan, but she claimed not to know where it was, suggesting he might have drunk it while intoxicated. Ma Kui, certain he wouldn't have touched it without a special occasion, gave up searching. They ate the sheep. During dinner, Ma Kui advised Peng Mingjie about the challenges of being a leader and urged him to remain incorruptible.
Peng Mingjie acknowledged the advice and said he had saved up meat coupons little by little to buy the sheep. Ma Kui warmly invited Peng Yongli to move in with them, offering her the upstairs room and declaring his home was her home. Peng Mingjie expressed concern about imposing, but Ma Kui insisted they were family. Peng Yongli agreed to stay for the night.
Ma Kui further encouraged her to consider living there permanently, saying it would make things easier and waiting for her to acknowledge him as family. Peng Yongli then affectionately called him "Godfather". Ma Kui was delighted to have another daughter and toasted to the happy occasion. Later, Ma Kui searched for the wine again and confronted Ma Yan. When he pressed her, guessing she had given it to "that guy" (meaning Wang Xin), she confessed.
She justified her action by saying Wang Xin had risked his life and needed a drink, and claimed the television she had given him previously was more valuable than the wine anyway. Ma Kui pointed out their possessions were separate, but Ma Yan playfully retorted that his were hers too. Ma Kui lightly chided her but told her to take milk to Peng Yongli, who was studying.
He then said he was going to pick up Ma Jian from Shen Xiuping's house. As 1984 began, the State Council issued a notice about managing the significantly increased passenger traffic expected during the Spring Festival transport period from January 13th to February 21st, anticipating over 600 million travelers. The railway department actively planned for hundreds of additional train trips, including express and slow trains, to handle the volume. The visuals showed trains packed with people and their luggage, all heading home for the holidays.
Episode 23 Recap
Due to a significant increase in passenger volume during the Spring Festival travel season, the train's shock absorber spring became severely compressed, preventing the train from moving. A railroad officer pushed through the packed crowd to report the situation. A decision was made to have some passengers disembark and arrange for the station to accommodate those who were stranded, and no new passengers would be allowed to board at subsequent stops.
The officer managed to exit the carriage, assisting fellow railroad officers in helping passengers get off so the train could finally depart. Inside the carriages, the overcrowding was extreme, making it difficult to move or even reach the facilities. The toilets were full, with people desperately needing access. One passenger, visibly agitated and clutching his stomach, suddenly climbed onto the luggage rack and began yelling that someone was trying to kill him, demanding help.
Railroad officers Wang Xin and Ma Kui responded to the commotion. The man on the rack was highly emotional, pointing erratically throughout the carriage. Wang Xin calmly tried to persuade him to come down. As the man finally started to descend, he slipped and hit his head hard on a seat armrest.
Wang Xin immediately noticed the large amount of money the man was carrying and quickly understood that he had faked the incident out of fear of being robbed, having not slept properly for days. The man confessed his fear and apologized for causing a disturbance, explaining his long, difficult journey home with his savings.
Wang Xin arranged for him to rest in the sleeper car area, reassuring him that it was safer and advising him to sleep but not too deeply. Ma Kui observed the handling of the situation and remarked that Wang Xin was becoming more and more like him. The intense crowding on the train inevitably led to friction and arguments among passengers.
In one instance, an elderly man, unable to reach the toilet due to the crowd, resorted to relieving himself into a plastic bag in the carriage, explaining he couldn't hold it any longer. In another incident, people trying to use the toilet found it occupied by passengers who had squeezed inside to eat because there was no space elsewhere. An argument erupted, with people outside demanding entry and accusing those inside of being shameless for eating in the toilet.
The people inside defended their choice due to the lack of space. The dispute escalated, and someone outside threw a bag containing urine onto the passengers in the toilet, leading to a physical fight just as Wang Xin and Ma Kui arrived. Wang Xin and Ma Kui intervened, separating the fighting passengers and taking them to the dining car to mediate.
They addressed the elderly man first, acknowledging his difficult situation but gently advising him against urinating in the carriage in the future. Then they turned to the toilet dispute, criticizing the passenger who threw the urine while also pointing out that those who occupied the toilet to eat were also in the wrong, causing inconvenience to others. After hearing both sides, Ma Kui told them they were equally at fault and should apologize to each other.
Both parties eventually offered apologies. In another part of the carriage, a male passenger fell asleep and leaned his head onto the shoulder of a female passenger next to him. The woman, feeling his face pressed against her, mistook him for a hooligan and sought out Wang Xin and Ma Kui. The man explained he was simply asleep and didn't mean to lean on her, noting that she had pushed him when he woke up.
The woman, however, was indignant and threatened him. Ma Kui quickly diffused the situation by explaining it was a misunderstanding caused by the crowded conditions and told them to be more understanding and apologize to each other. At home, Ma Kui was sewing a button for Peng Yongli's shirt. Ma Yan commented on his sudden needlework skills, attributing them to his years of living alone and jokingly accused him of being jealous.
Peng Yongli returned home from her exams early and affectionately called Ma Kui Godfather. Noticing his shoulder pain, she offered to give him a massage, insisting she wouldn't consider him her godfather if he refused. While massaging him, she mentioned that a classmate's parents, who were not in good health, needed sleeper tickets for a trip from Ningyang to Chunlin and asked if he could help arrange them. Ma Kui readily agreed, which visibly annoyed Ma Yan.
Later, Ma Kui gave Peng Yongli some money and grain coupons for her return to school, further irritating Ma Yan, who pointed out that Peng Yongli's father was a warden and she didn't need the supplies. Ma Kui insisted it was for her peace of mind while traveling. Meanwhile, Wu Changgui began experiencing severe redness and tearing in his eyes, with his vision becoming blurry.
Despite his wife's urging to visit the railway hospital, he dismissed his condition, claiming it was just inflammation he could treat with eye drops bought elsewhere. He seemed reluctant to seek official treatment, perhaps fearing it would affect his job. His wife continued to worry as his condition worsened.
Ma Yan attempted to buy Ma Kui new shoes, but he refused, citing the cost and insisting his old work shoes were fine, prompting Ma Yan to accuse him of being cheap with himself but generous with Peng Yongli. He maintained his stance and returned home without buying shoes. Later, at home, while enjoying the fish Ma Yan had bought, Ma Kui asked Peng Yongli about her classmate's parents' journey.
Peng Yongli explained that the intended conductor, Li, had been replaced by Wang Yongge due to an emergency. She said her classmate's parents had given Wang Yongge the note, but he had told them the recreational car had no bunks and sent them to the dining car for the entire night, making them stand or sit up.
Upon hearing Wang Yongge's name and how the passengers had been treated despite his note, Ma Kui fell silent, a deep-seated resentment for Wang Yongge evident. Separately, Niu Dali visited Wu Changgui's home to invite him to watch television. Wu Changgui refused, making excuses about being sleepy. The next morning, Niu Dali returned, confused by Wu's constant sleeping. He found Wu Changgui wearing sunglasses inside the house during the daytime.
Wu claimed he wore them to block out the light so he could sleep better during the day to compensate for not sleeping at night. When Niu Dali inquired further about his eyes, Wu became defensive and paranoid, accusing Niu Dali of wanting his job and hoping he would go blind. Wu insisted his eyes were still sharp. Niu Dali left, puzzled and concerned, while Wu Changgui continued to express suspicion towards him to his wife.
Episode 24 Recap
Wu was suffering from severe eye problems that affected his work. His director visited him at home and urged him to see a doctor. Wu reluctantly went and was diagnosed with uveitis, with a possibility of an eye tumor needing further examination. Under immense pressure, Wu isolated himself at home, refusing to see neighbors who came to check on him. Jia Jinlong visited the railway courtyard and asked Yao Yuling for Wang Xin's address.
Jia Jinlong was visibly captivated by Yao Yuling's beauty. Wang Xin welcomed Jia Jinlong warmly. Jia asked Wang Xin to help him buy a sleeper train ticket back to Hacheng, explaining his mother was hospitalized. Wang Xin quickly secured the ticket and took Jia Jinlong to the train station. Ma Yan also came to the station to give Jia some local Ningyang specialties.
At the station, Jia asked Wang Xin if Yao Yuling was his girlfriend, which Wang Xin seemed to confirm jokingly, saying she was the second most beautiful person in the courtyard. Ma Kui surprised Ma Yan with a pair of high-heeled shoes she had long desired, even helping her put them on, which brought tears to her eyes.
Ma Kui emphasized that Uncle Peng had saved his life and that he couldn't neglect Lili, who had been entrusted to them by Uncle Peng. He hoped Ma Yan understood his position, which seemed to ease her mind slightly. Niu Dali returned from his hometown with a prescription from an old doctor known for treating eye conditions and immediately brought it to Wu. Wu was initially hesitant and felt ashamed, having previously suspected Niu Dali wanted his job.
After receiving the medicine and hearing Niu Dali's genuine concern, Wu apologized for his past thoughts. Wu then asked Cai to recommend Niu Dali to take over his position, which Niu Dali reluctantly accepted. Excited, Niu Dali invited Yao Yuling out to celebrate becoming an assistant driver. Yao Yuling was also happy for him. During the meal, Niu Dali confessed his feelings and asked Yao Yuling to be his girlfriend, to which she happily agreed.
The celebration was briefly interrupted when their table unexpectedly tilted, sending food everywhere. Niu Dali assured her they could order another table. Later, a passenger alighting from a train at Ninggang station carried a snake-skin bag from under his seat. Blood from the bag dripped onto a nearby passenger, for which he profusely apologized and offered compensation for the stained clothes. Hu, a railroad officer, arrived and inspected the bag, discovering human remains inside.
The passenger claimed he found the bag at the station and denied knowing its contents, but Hu didn't believe him and took him to the police station. The passenger insisted he thought the bag contained frozen pork and had just picked it up to take with him. Wang Xin pressed him for details about where he boarded the train, but the passenger was evasive.
To verify the passenger's story, Wang Xin conducted an experiment on a train with a bag of frozen pork. By analyzing the degree of thawing of the recovered human remains, Wang Xin concluded the passenger's initial account was false regarding the origin station. The passenger then confessed he had gone to Songlin to meet a lover and found the bag on the platform at Songlin station when returning, and he had indeed gotten off the train at Ninggang.
Captain Jiang assigned the case to Wang Xin and Ma Kui, instructing them to solve it quickly, and provided them with the forensic report confirming the remains belonged to an adult male with Type B blood. Wang Xin and Ma Kui began their investigation, reviewing missing persons reports.
They identified Ding Gui'an, a 24-year-old man with no stable job and a history of petty crime and fighting, who had been missing since the beginning of the year and had Type B blood. They visited Ding Gui'an's mother, who told them her son's older brother was named Dong Gang, and that both brothers had previously been incarcerated. They staked out the area near Dong Gang's small provision store.
From a distance, they observed him helping an older woman who had sprained her ankle by taking her home. Ma Kui and Wang Xin approached Dong Gang at his store, posing as relatives of Ding Gui'an to inquire about his whereabouts.
Dong Gang claimed to have no knowledge of Ding Gui'an's current location or recent activities, stating they hadn't been in close contact for years, especially after Dong Gang was released from prison two years prior and refused Ding Gui'an's attempts to pull him back into crime. Despite their questions, Dong Gang offered no useful information, and they eventually left.
As they were leaving, Wang Xin subtly noticed that Dong Gang's hands were sweaty despite the indoor warmth, which he interpreted as a sign of nervousness or deception, though he lacked concrete proof. They continued their stakeout near Dong Gang's store in shifts but observed nothing unusual. Niu Dali took Yao Yuling out on a bicycle to see a movie. Yao Yuling dressed up carefully for the occasion.
As they were leaving the courtyard, Jia Jinlong arrived looking for Wang Xin and Ma Kui, almost colliding with Niu Dali's bicycle. Jia Jinlong watched Yao Yuling leave, a hint of disappointment on his face. He noticed a button that had fallen from her clothes and picked it up. When he asked about Wang Xin and Ma Kui, he was told they were away working on a case and their return was uncertain.
Wang Xin and Ma Kui continued their stakeout outside Dong Gang's store for a full day and night without finding any leads. Late that night, Dong Gang looked around cautiously before closing his store and leaving. Finding his behavior suspicious, Wang Xin and Ma Kui quietly followed him.
Episode 25 Recap
Following the elusive Dong Gang, Wang Xin and Ma Kui observed him walking in circles, displaying strong counter-surveillance skills, which led them to believe he was aware they were watching. Wang Xin followed him while Ma Kui waited. After Dong Gang entered a building and then left, Wang Xin searched a garbage bag he had discarded, finding only everyday waste. This made him suspect someone was inside Dong Gang's residence. Concerned for potential danger, they entered the building.
Inside, they found a man chained to a bed. The man was disoriented, repeated that he was not Ding Gui'an, and called Wang Xin his father. Returning to Dong Gang's store, they found it empty. Ma Kui suggested that Dong Gang had likely been testing them and only fled when he realized they were watching, possibly alerted when Wang Xin searched the garbage.
Wang Xin expressed regret, but Ma Kui reassured him it was due to his inexperience, advising him on the timing and method of investigation. At the local police station, they learned the chained man was Dong Gang's mentally ill younger brother. The brothers were orphans who grew up together, and the brother was sent to a mental hospital when Dong Gang went to prison. After his release two years prior, Dong Gang brought him home and chained him up.
The police were still investigating the reason. Wang Xin insisted on speaking with the brother despite warnings about his unpredictable behavior. He managed to engage the brother briefly before the man became agitated, repeatedly shouting, "I didn't kill anyone," especially upon seeing a police uniform.
This outburst led Wang Xin and Ma Kui to speculate that Dong Gang might have committed a murder that his brother witnessed, causing his mental breakdown, and Dong Gang had subsequently confined him to prevent him from revealing it. Later, a hog hock was discovered in a garbage can.
At the police station, officers compared it to a photo, noting a tattoo of the character "Yi" on the forearm section that matched a tattoo on a photo of Ding Gui'an's forearm, which also displayed a specific hand gesture. The severed limb was identified as belonging to Ding Gui'an. Shortly after, news arrived that Dong Gang had been apprehended. When questioned, Dong Gang asked about his brother, and was told he was safe and better off.
Dong Gang then confessed to killing a friend five years earlier during a fight. His brother had witnessed the event and was so traumatized he developed mental illness. Dong Gang was imprisoned for the stabbing. After his release, he brought his brother home, but his brother's repeated claims of "I didn't kill anyone" when he saw him made Dong Gang fear exposure, leading him to chain his brother up.
However, Dong Gang claimed to know nothing about Ding Gui'an's disappearance or the severed limb. Ma Kui observed his reaction and concluded Dong Gang was likely truthful about having no information regarding Ding Gui'an. Despite Dong Gang's confession to the earlier murder, the investigation into Ding Gui'an's disappearance would continue based on the confirmed identity of the remains. Meanwhile, Jia Jinlong visited the yard where Wang Xin and Ma Kui lived, asking for Wang Xin, who was out.
While waiting, he encountered Yao Yuling returning from work. Jia Jinlong returned a button he had previously found, complimenting her beauty and giving her his contact information. Niu Dali was attempting to build a boom box, researching old models and learning from repairmen, hoping to impress Yao Yuling. Yao Yuling dismissed his efforts and his inquiries about the circuit diagram, stating she was busy.
Ma Yan made dumplings for Wang Xin, hiding them from her father, Ma Kui, and having Peng Yongli and Ma Jian deliver them. Ma Kui discovered the dumplings, replaced them with plain dough, and expressed his strong disapproval of Ma Yan's relationship with Wang Xin, citing his perceived poverty. Ma Yan was defiant, stating her determination to be with Wang Xin regardless of her father's objections. Wang Yongge found the dough and, preparing dumpling filling, made dumplings.
He advised Wang Xin that Ma Kui's opposition was significant, urging him to reconsider the relationship, but Wang Xin remained committed to Ma Yan. A series of thefts occurred on trains where passengers' pants were skillfully slit open and money was stolen without injuring the person. So far, eleven such incidents had been reported. The thief was elusive and left no clues. Captain Jiang ordered the officers to catch this "master thief" quickly.
Wang Xin analyzed the sophisticated technique and estimated the thief was likely over fifty years old, determined to catch him. On a train from Ningyang to Hacheng, a salesman known as "Little Wenzhou" was selling sunglasses using persuasive techniques. Wang Xin warned him to be cautious about the thief operating on the trains.
On the same train, an old blind man recognized a scent he associated with his daughter, Duo, and followed a young woman off the train at Haihe Station. The young woman, perceiving him as a threat, quickly left with her companion. Ma Kui witnessed this and felt sympathy for the old man. Jia Jinlong made another visit to Wang Xin and Ma Kui, enjoying a meal Ma Kui prepared.
He noted how busy their work seemed, asking if they had caught a human trafficker mentioned previously, which Wang Xin confirmed they had not. After dinner, as Jia Jinlong was leaving, he looked around the yard and saw Yao Yuling's clothes on the second floor, realizing that was her home. Yao Yuling went shopping for new clothes.
Niu Dali suggested she be more frugal, leading to an argument in which she dismissed his advice as indicative of his inability to provide for her. She mentioned planning a trip to Hacheng to visit a classmate. Niu Dali offered to accompany her, but she firmly refused, stating she would be met there and advising him not to take time off his job. Ma Kui and Wang Xin spent several days searching trains for the thief without success.
Upon returning home, Ma Kui found Ma Yan was not there. He encountered Shen Xiuping and offered her money and grain coupons for her help in looking after Ma Jian, but she declined, asserting her role as Ma Jian's godmother. Ma Kui then went to Wang Xin's to ask about Ma Yan's whereabouts and learned from Wang Xin that she was attending a classmate's wedding, with Wang Xin referring to himself as her boyfriend, which clearly annoyed Ma Kui.
Episode 26 Recap
Ma Kui sternly forbids Wang Xin from pursuing a relationship with his daughter, Ma Yan. Wang Xin asserts that Ma Yan is already his girlfriend, which enrages Ma Kui, who threatens him. Ma Yan arrives home and, sensing the tension, pretends to be angry with Wang Xin for upsetting her father, which seems to appease Ma Kui somewhat. Ma Yan tells Wang Xin about her recent trip south, explaining she met Little Wenzhou while attending a classmate's wedding.
Little Wenzhou, noting her limited capital, suggested she try selling buttons and connected her with a factory in Wenzhou. Ma Yan describes the south as eye-opening – people are fashionable and energetic, streets are filled with bustling merchants and buyers, and the button factories produce vast quantities with better patterns and designs than they see locally. Inspired, she decides to quit her stable saleswoman job and start a street stall selling buttons.
She knows Ma Kui will object and plans to hide it from him initially. She asks Wang Xin for seed money, explaining that she wants to earn money not just for herself but also to prove their worth to her father, who looks down on Wang Xin for being poor; they can build a future together. Wang Xin agrees to contribute his savings. Ma Yan selects a secluded spot for her stall to avoid Ma Kui's detection.
Wang Xin helps her advertise her buttons, even singing a promotional jingle. Customers soon begin to arrive. Ma Yan takes sick leave from her job to run her stall. When her superior, Mr. Song, visits the house to check on her, Ma Kui learns she hasn't been to work for a week. Later, Ma Kui finds Ma Yan at her hidden stall. He confronts her angrily and orders her to pack up and go home.
Ma Yan refuses, wanting to continue selling, which further infuriates Ma Kui. In a fit of rage, he flips her stall, scattering her buttons. Defeated, Ma Yan returns home with him. At home, she insists she feels relieved now that the secret is out and wants to continue doing business, stating it's her "career." She argues that others are making money this way and there's nothing wrong with it.
Ma Kui vehemently opposes her, calling her foolish for abandoning her stable, lifelong job for a risky venture. Ma Yan reveals she has a "mentor," Little Wenzhou, whom she met on the train. Ma Kui dismisses the idea entirely and orders her to return to her previous job. Yao Yuling returns from a trip to Hacheng looking significantly different – she has a new perm, is wearing fashionable clothes and jewelry, and smells of jasmine.
Neighbors, including Mrs. Cai and Mrs. Wu, are astonished by her transformation and admire her new appearance. Yao Yuling distributes gifts she brought back, including animal-shaped pencils and mandarin duck soap dishes. Niu Dali, who was watching from his window, quickly comes over to greet her. He asks her about her trip and who she visited in Hacheng, to which she gives a vague answer about seeing a classmate.
She gives him a large chunk of Russian bread she brought back, which makes him very happy. Although not explicitly shown, it becomes clear that Yao Yuling's trip was connected to Jia Jinlong, with whom she has been corresponding, and their relationship has progressed. Ma Kui and Wang Xin are traveling by train from Ningyang to Hacheng. Ma Kui remains visibly displeased with Wang Xin. Little Wenzhou walks by, and Ma Kui recognizes him.
Ma Kui calls him over and learns that Little Wenzhou is doing well in Hacheng, running a small business. Little Wenzhou mentions that he told Wang Xin to have Ma Kui visit him if he came to Hacheng. Ma Kui comments on Little Wenzhou's apparent prosperity. Ma Kui then asks Little Wenzhou about the "female apprentice" Wang Xin mentioned. Little Wenzhou identifies her as "Sister Yan" (Ma Yan), praises her diligence, and states she will achieve great things.
Ma Kui accuses Little Wenzhou of ruining Ma Yan's stable career. Upon realizing that "Sister Yan" is Ma Kui's daughter, Little Wenzhou becomes extremely nervous and tries to leave, claiming he needs to use the toilet. Ma Kui stops him, demanding he fully explain his involvement with Ma Yan, including introducing her to a button factory. Ma Yan is determined to continue selling buttons and prepares to go out. Ma Kui confronts her with angry accusations.
Upset, Ma Yan goes to Shen Xiuping's house to talk. Wang Xin is also there. Ma Yan explains her father's unreasonable opposition. Wang Xin clarifies that Ma Kui's resistance to Ma Yan's business is tied to his disapproval of Wang Xin's poverty, and Ma Yan wants to earn money to prove herself and gain Ma Kui's acceptance of their relationship.
Shen Xiuping attempts to mediate, advising Ma Kui that times have changed and he should communicate with Ma Yan instead of being heavy-handed. She also highlights that if he dislikes Wang Xin being poor, he shouldn't prevent Ma Yan from earning money. Ma Kui dismisses Shen Xiuping's advice and tells her to mind her own business. Shen Xiuping, feeling offended, threatens to stop interfering. Ma Kui quickly apologizes for his temper.
Shen Xiuping softens slightly and reiterates her advice about communication and accepting Wang Xin, but Ma Kui remains stubborn regarding his view of Wang Xin. Later, Ma Yan moves out of the family home and continues selling buttons. Ma Kui finds her at her stall and urges her to come back home. Ma Yan refuses, and deliberately shouts her sales jingle loudly to provoke him.
Yao Yuling anxiously waits for a letter from Jia Jinlong, repeatedly checking at the post office but receiving no reply, which causes her distress. Wang Xin is also at the post office and tries to engage her in conversation about the letter. Separately, Ma Kui comes home late from work and goes to Shen Xiuping's house to pick up Ma Jian. Ma Jian, who had been waiting for him, is already asleep.
Ma Kui informs Shen Xiuping that he has to travel for work again the next day and asks if Ma Jian can stay with her while he is gone. Shen Xiuping readily agrees, dismissing the need for formality between them. Late one evening, Niu Dali invites Yao Yuling into his home to show her something. He proudly unveils a large console radio he assembled from second-hand parts, promising to work hard to be able to buy her new things someday.
He demonstrates the radio's functions, including playing music and recording. He suggests she record a message about the radio's benefits. She records a short statement about how the radio can provide entertainment like listening to music, dancing, and recording memories. He then plays disco music, and Yao Yuling becomes excited and dances energetically. Niu Dali is delighted and briefly joins in. However, the radio suddenly short circuits and starts smoking, dampening Yao Yuling's spirits.
A flustered Niu Dali apologizes profusely and vows to fix it, assuring her it won't happen again. He expresses his strong feelings for her, promising to provide for her needs and earn enough to buy her anything she wants. He then asks her to marry him, promising lifelong love and care. Yao Yuling says she needs to discuss it with her mother. Niu Dali insists he will talk to her mother and is confident of getting her approval.
He immediately suggests they go buy fabric for new clothes as a step towards marriage, and she agrees to go with him. The following morning, Niu Dali is taking Yao Yuling by bicycle to buy fabric. At the courtyard entrance, they encounter Jia Jinlong. Jia Jinlong greets Niu Dali and says he is looking for a friend he has been missing day and night.
Niu Dali, seemingly unaware of the true nature of Jia Jinlong's visit, tells him he is taking his future wife, Yao Yuling, shopping for clothes and invites him to their wedding. They then ride away. While riding, Yao Yuling suddenly claims to have a stomachache and asks Niu Dali to stop. He expresses concern and suggests going to the hospital, but she insists on going home for medicine, claiming it's not serious.
They return to her home, where Niu Dali fusses over her, offering her porridge. Yao Yuling, still feigning illness, tells him she can't eat yet and dismisses him, telling him to leave the bowl. Early the next morning, Yao Yuling goes to meet Jia Jinlong by the river. She confronts him, demanding to know why he didn't reply to her letters. Jia Jinlong attempts to explain, saying he came to Ningyang for the friend he misses dearly.
When she presses him to clarify who the friend is, he explicitly identifies her as "Yuling," and asks if she didn't understand his feelings for her during their time in Hacheng. Still seeking an explanation for the unanswered letters, she repeats her question. He suggests they talk more about it while having a meal.
Episode 27 Recap
After a trip to Hacheng to meet with Jia Jinlong, Yao Yuling wrote him several letters, but he didn't reply. Feeling slighted, she decided to date Niu Dali. Jia Jinlong eventually visited, explaining his lack of replies was due to being busy with business and fearing their relationship would be discovered by Ma Kui and Wang Xin, especially since he was taking her from Niu Dali, which could lead to gossip.
He asked for more time and promised to take her to Hacheng once his business was settled, assuring her he would treat her better than Niu Dali. To win her over, he suggested they go out to eat and he would buy her some nice clothes. Meanwhile, Wang Xin and Ma Kui were occupied with the ongoing severed limbs case in Songlin when they received news from Yuzhou police about a murder.
The victim was Liu Lan, a 26-year-old woman who died from bleeding caused by a sharp weapon. They traveled to Yuzhou and visited the crime scene with local officers. They observed that the victim's hand was clenched with the pinkie extended, a gesture identical to the severed arm found in the Songlin case. Ma Kui and Wang Xin concluded the killer was the same person and was deliberately leaving this signature as a provocation and mockery.
They noted the killer's calm demeanor, evidenced by the smell of alcohol at the scene despite no bottles being found, and advanced anti-detection skills, suggesting professional training or prior experience with law enforcement. They recognized that the killer was now operating across locations, making the case increasingly complex. Declining an offer for a meal due to their duties, they agreed to keep in touch and left Yuzhou.
Following her renewed connection with Jia Jinlong, Yao Yuling's attitude towards Niu Dali changed dramatically. Niu Dali, hoping to marry her, became confused and hurt by her distance. He confronted her, asking why she was ignoring him and when they would tailor their wedding clothes now that she seemed better. She told him she preferred being single and wanted to break up, clearly stating they were just colleagues.
Despite his pleas and willingness to wait, she insisted he find someone else, saying she didn't want to hold him back. He maintained that his feelings were his own business and her delaying him was his choice, leaving her with nothing more to say except that their relationship was simply "Comrades." Devastated by her rejection, Niu Dali attempted suicide by drinking poison but was found and saved by neighbors. When Yao Yuling heard what happened, she visited him.
Initially seeming annoyed by his actions and the potential blame she would face, she ultimately tried to persuade him to accept their breakup gently. He, however, quietly accepted her decision, saying he would listen to her, which seemed to catch her off guard after his drastic act. Later, Wu Changgui, Cai Xiaonian, Lu Hongxing, and Wang Yongge confronted Yao Yuling, blaming her for Niu Dali's state and demanding she take responsibility for breaking her promise to him.
Wu Changgui threatened her, stating he wouldn't let her off if anything happened to Niu Dali. Feeling bullied and cornered, Yao Yuling broke down in tears, accusing them of ganging up on her. The others softened their approach, acknowledging it wasn't entirely her fault but stressing she should comfort Niu Dali. Despite their attempts to dissuade him, Niu Dali decided to quit his job at the railway and pursue a business venture.
His colleagues, including Wu Changgui and Cai Xiaonian, argued against the decision, pointing out his stable future as a deputy driver and calling his plan impulsive and potentially a way to escape his feelings about Yao Yuling. Cai Xiaonian warned him that leaving the railway meant he couldn't return. Niu Dali, however, had made up his mind, determined to forge his own path while he was still young.
That night, as snow fell heavily, Niu Dali stood in the courtyard, gazing at Yao Yuling's window, reminiscing about their life in the community. He made a heartfelt vow to return a wealthy man and marry her. Ma Kui found him there, frozen, and offered him counsel. Ma Kui observed that Yao Yuling was not suitable for him, or he wouldn't be so unhappy.
He advised Niu Dali against fixating on her, encouraging him to look beyond their community for a suitable partner, given his steady job and good character. Accepting Ma Kui's advice, Niu Dali decided to go inside. The following morning, he left the community, boarding a southbound train with his luggage. Back on the train, Ma Kui and Wang Xin continued their patrol duties. During their shift, chaos erupted as a young thief, identified as Ruo, was caught stealing.
A chase ensued. As Ma Kui attempted to apprehend Ruo, the thief used a blade to slash Ma Kui's hand. Wang Xin quickly intervened, tackling Ruo, who then bit Wang Xin's hand before being restrained. Railroad officers arrived and took Ruo into custody. Upon returning to the police station, Ma Kui and Wang Xin were met with a tense atmosphere. Captain Jiang and other officers appeared somber, and doctors from the infectious disease department were present, disinfecting the area.
The doctors informed Ma Kui and Wang Xin that the thief, Ruo, had HIV, and their injuries posed a risk of infection, requiring immediate mandatory quarantine. Shocked, they were taken to a hospital room and placed in isolation, finding themselves sharing the space with Ruo. News of their situation spread, and community members, including Wang Yongge, Cai Xiaonian, and Cai Dalian, visited the hospital to offer support.
They tried to reassure the officers and ease their anxiety, informing Ma Kui that Ma Jian was being well cared for by neighbors. Wang Yongge attempted to question Ruo about how he contracted the disease, but Ruo responded defiantly, threatening that they would all die together. The others urged Wang Xin and Ma Kui not to lose hope, emphasizing that the disease wasn't easily transmitted and they should trust the medical professionals.
Ma Yan soon arrived at the hospital, visibly distressed upon seeing her father and Wang Xin isolated. Wang Xin tried to comfort her, assuring her he felt fine so far. Ma Kui also attempted to reassure her, telling her not to worry too much and entrusting the care of Ma Jian to her, which brought her to tears. She promised to look after her brother, and Ma Kui acknowledged her as his daughter before telling her to go home.
Left alone with Ruo, Wang Xin became agitated, demanding to know how Ruo got HIV. Ruo remained defiant and threatening, prompting Ma Kui to intervene and stop Wang Xin from escalating the confrontation. Ma Kui then calmly spoke to Ruo, learning his name and that he believed he was infected after being bitten by someone who had the disease. Ma Kui questioned why Ruo had bitten Wang Xin, but Ruo didn't respond directly.
Later, a nurse brought Ma Kui needle and thread to mend Ruo's torn clothes. The nurse also updated them that their blood samples had been sent to Beijing for testing and that experts there wanted to conduct a comprehensive examination, meaning they would be transferred to Beijing soon. Wang Xin grew increasingly anxious about the seriousness of the situation, wondering if they were truly infected.
He expressed his worries about potentially dying before fulfilling his life goals, such as marrying, having children, and being filial to his father. He questioned why Ma Kui was being kind to Ruo, considering he was a thief who had potentially infected them. Ma Kui explained his sympathy, noting Ruo's difficult life as an orphan who likely suffered greatly, suggesting that perhaps this period of being cared for was the best he had ever known.
Episode 28 Recap
Wang Xin spoke to Ma Kui about his confusion regarding their relationship. He questioned why Ma Kui, who had been kind to him and taught him skills, harbored such animosity towards his father and vehemently opposed his relationship with Ma Yan. He felt his mind was in a mess trying to understand the root cause. Ma Kui revealed that years ago, during an arrest on a train, he was attacked and knocked unconscious by a thief.
The thief was later found dead after jumping from the train while fleeing. Ma Kui was subsequently accused of murder. He explained that Wang Yongge was present and witnessed the entire incident but refused to testify on Ma Kui's behalf, which led to Ma Kui being wrongfully imprisoned for ten years.
Ma Kui stated he didn't necessarily hate Wang Yongge but couldn't comprehend why his former colleague wouldn't speak a single word of truth for him, even just to say he disliked him. While acknowledging Wang Xin was a good and promising police officer, Ma Kui firmly stated that his relationship with Ma Yan was impossible because he could not bear for his daughter to call Wang Yongge her father.
Wang Xin vowed that if he survived their current predicament, he would uncover the truth behind the past incident. Overhearing their conversation, Ruo confessed that he had lied about having HIV. He had fabricated the illness because he was afraid of going to jail and even more terrified of facing his dangerous boss outside. He believed the illness was the only way he could remain in the hospital safely.
Ma Kui assured Ruo that if they got out, they would round up his boss's entire group, but Ruo would need to cooperate and provide information. Soon after, they received a call from Beijing: the results of their blood samples were negative for HIV. Both Ma Kui and Wang Xin were overjoyed. Ruo provided information about his boss's location. Ma Kui and Wang Xin worked with local police to track down and apprehend the group.
Back at their station, Wang Xin confronted Wang Yongge about the incident ten years prior, mentioning Ma Kui claimed he saw him on the train. Wang Yongge insisted he was in carriage number two, heard about a death in the dining car, and only saw Ma Kui being taken away when he arrived. He adamantly denied being in the dining car and couldn't testify for Ma Kui, dismissing Ma Kui's belief based on seeing clothes as illogical.
Later, news arrived of a new murder case in Yuzhou. The victim was identified as Lu Xiaomei, a 32-year-old local woman who was strangled to death. A witness reported seeing a person digging in a small bamboo forest during a heavy rainstorm, describing them as a relatively short man in a raincoat.
When police reached the burial site, they found Lu Xiaomei's body with one hand exposed, formed into a fist with the little finger extended – a seemingly deliberate gesture. Lu Xiaomei's distraught parents expressed their anger and frustration to the police, highlighting that the killer had committed multiple similar crimes without being caught and blaming the authorities for their daughter's death.
Ma Kui publicly vowed to catch the murderer, stating he would remove his police uniform if he failed, accepting the criticism and acknowledging the police's responsibility. While Wang Xin initially thought this was a rash statement, Ma Kui insisted it was a commitment. Reporting back to Captain Jiang about the Yuzhou case, Ma Kui noted the scarcity of clues, the unknown motive, and the random nature of the killer's actions.
Captain Jiang instructed them to return to their train duty, emphasizing the increasing crime rate on the railway. During a train journey, a passenger named Bao Jiashun became highly agitated, claiming someone was trying to kill him and attempting to jump from a window. Other passengers and officers intervened to restrain him. Officer Hu brought Bao Jiashun to the dining car, where Ma Kui and Wang Xin questioned him.
Ma Kui quickly suspected Bao Jiashun was under the influence of drugs. A search revealed drug paraphernalia. Bao Jiashun confessed to being a drug addict who owed significant debt and feared his creditors. Wang Xin pressed him for the source of the drugs. Bao Jiashun named his dealer as Rat, who he contacted by phone to arrange meetings, but claimed not to know where Rat lived.
Initially hesitant to betray Rat, Bao Jiashun was ultimately persuaded by Ma Kui's stern yet empathetic approach, which focused on the devastating consequences of drug addiction and the possibility of turning his life around. He agreed to call Rat. Bao Jiashun placed a call to Rat to arrange a drug purchase. Ma Kui and Wang Xin staked out the area. Rat arrived, cautiously surveying the surroundings before meeting Bao Jiashun.
The transaction took place, and Ma Kui and Wang Xin moved in to apprehend Rat. Rat quickly confessed that his boss was named San Tou Qiang and was located in Shenzhen. He communicated with San Tou Qiang solely by phone. Recognizing the importance of this lead, Ma Kui decided they needed to go to Shenzhen immediately to pursue San Tou Qiang before word of Rat's arrest spread. They contacted the Shenzhen police.
Upon arriving at Shenzhen station, they were greeted by Officer Chen Zhijie, a local officer sent by his captain to assist them. Meanwhile, back at the railway compound, Niu Dali returned home, appearing affluent and dressed in fashionable clothing, speaking with a Guangdong accent, which drew the attention and curiosity of his neighbors. He chatted with Mrs. Cai and Mrs. Lu, showing off his attire and explaining he bought it from another region.
In Shenzhen, Ma Kui, Wang Xin, and Officer Jie began their investigation. They discovered that Rat and San Tou Qiang communicated via a specific public telephone booth on Guangping Street. They spoke with the booth owner, Mr. Wang, who confirmed San Tou Qiang's routine of visiting the booth around 6 p. m. daily to check for calls and make his own. Mr. Wang described him as a tall, large local man who claimed to be in the handbag business.
Ma Kui and Wang Xin arranged for the owner to signal them when San Tou Qiang arrived while they waited nearby. At the same time, Niu Dali took Yao Yuling to an upscale restaurant. He demonstrated his apparent wealth by insisting on a reserved table and ordering an elaborate meal, describing it as a display of being steady and rich.
He expressed his intention to return to marry Yao Yuling after earning enough money within a year or so, but Yao Yuling's response was noncommittal, urging him only to be careful in his business dealings.
Episode 29 Recap
Niu Dali returned to his hometown after a year of hard work in Shenzhen, believing Yao Yuling was still single. He presented her with a carefully chosen ring, hoping it would symbolize their future together. However, Yao Yuling declined the gift, not explaining that she was already in a relationship. Niu Dali suggested he hold onto the ring for her until the time was right, which she agreed to.
He treated the neighborhood to a meal before heading back to Shenzhen. Meanwhile, San Tou Qiang made a call from a public phone booth, cautiously checking his surroundings before returning to his nearby accommodation at Fuqiang Hostel. Wang Xin followed, observing San Tou Qiang enter the second floor. Wang Xin attempted to enter the hostel under the guise of booking a room but was told it was full.
He then asked to use the bathroom, but finding it was on the first floor, he had to leave, unable to gather information about the room. Ma Kui kept watch from a nearby street vendor stall, confirming San Tou Qiang was in the room where a light had just turned on on the second floor. Ma Kui sought out local officer Chen Zhijie, who was helping his wife sell socks at a street stall during his off-duty hours.
Ma Kui informed Chen Zhijie about San Tou Qiang's location and asked him to quickly investigate the hostel owner. Their plan was to apprehend San Tou Qiang when he went to pick up the goods. Chen Zhijie agreed to help. Ma Kui returned to the street stall where Wang Xin was waiting. Ma Kui mentioned Chen Zhijie helping his wife with her stall, which Wang Xin found normal, criticizing Ma Kui's perceived old-fashioned mindset.
Chen Zhijie soon reported back, having discovered that San Tou Qiang's real name was Luo Jiaqiang and that he had been a long-term resident of Room 212 at Fuqiang Hostel since November of the previous year. The hostel owner was cooperative and willing to assist the police; he confirmed Luo Jiaqiang was generous and involved in the leather handbag business but added that no one had ever visited Luo Jiaqiang at the hostel.
Chen Zhijie met with Wang Xin and Ma Kui to discuss their next steps. They agreed to continue monitoring the situation and wait for Luo Jiaqiang to make a move related to the goods. Niu Dali, wanting to do something beneficial for his neighbors, proposed tearing down the communal water basin in the courtyard and installing individual water pipes and taps in each household. He offered to pay for it himself.
The neighbors appreciated his gesture, though Changgui advised him to save the money for getting married. This comment deeply affected Niu Dali, bringing tears to his eyes. He announced he would be returning to Shenzhen that afternoon, saying tearful goodbyes to everyone, expressing how much he had missed them and how touched he was by their past kindness and support. He also shared his ambitious plans for the future.
Ma Kui and Wang Xin spent several days monitoring Luo Jiaqiang without seeing him meet anyone. He only smoked a cigarette in the corridor after making phone calls before returning to his room. However, a few days later, Chen Zhijie received information that Luo Jiaqiang was scheduled to move a batch of goods in two days. This confused Wang Xin and Ma Kui, as they hadn't seen him transmit any messages externally.
Reviewing their observations, Wang Xin recalled Luo Jiaqiang throwing away his cigarette after only a few drags and suspected he was using the cigarette butts to pass messages. Returning to their surveillance point outside the hostel, Wang Xin and Ma Kui saw Luo Jiaqiang smoke a cigarette and flick the butt onto the street. A woman immediately approached and picked it up.
Ma Kui and Wang Xin moved in quickly and apprehended the woman, who turned out to be Hou Sanjin disguised in women's clothing. Hou Sanjin admitted that Luo Jiaqiang wrote messages on the cigarette butts. He confessed to his involvement in drug trafficking, explaining that he turned to it after being cheated in business and abandoned by friends. Believing his capture was the end, Hou Sanjin's only wish was to see his son one last time.
Hou Sanjin revealed that he had a son with a woman in 1977, but she abandoned the child with him. Unable to care for the infant, who appeared sickly, he left him on a train. That child was later found and adopted by Ma Kui and his wife, becoming Ma Jian.
Hou Sanjin confessed to frequently watching Ma Jian from outside their courtyard but decided against trying to reclaim him after witnessing how well Ma Kui cared for him as his own son. He expressed gratitude to Ma Kui for raising his son. Ma Kui was enraged upon hearing this, realizing Hou Sanjin was the person he had occasionally seen lurking outside their home.
Despite his anger, Hou Sanjin pleaded with Ma Kui for just one last, distant look at Ma Jian. Following close cooperation and strategic deployment by the Shenzhen police based on the information gathered, Luo Jiaqiang was successfully apprehended. Ma Kui planned to escort Hou Sanjin back to Ningyang the following day. Wang Xin decided to meet up with classmates that evening.
While shopping for a toy for Ma Jian, Ma Kui unexpectedly saw Niu Dali working, collecting swill from a restaurant. Ma Kui called him aside to talk. Niu Dali claimed the job was profitable, earning him at least 1,000 yuan a month, and expressed his ambition to save money to start his own business later.
Ma Kui was concerned for him, but Niu Dali seemed content, only asking Ma Kui not to reveal his current job to Wang Xin or their neighbors, especially Yao Yuling, as he wanted to save face. Ma Kui and Wang Xin escorted Hou Sanjin to Ningyang. Ma Yan and Ma Jian were there to meet them. Seeing his son from a distance, tears welled up in Hou Sanjin's eyes.
Ma Jian happily greeted his father, Ma Kui, and received the toy. Several months later, based on the leads provided by Hou Sanjin, the police collaborated with authorities in Hacheng. They successfully identified and confirmed the principal members of the criminal group were located in Hacheng, marking a significant breakthrough in the case. As they discussed the next steps for further investigation and apprehension, they received a report that Bao Jiashun had escaped from the rehabilitation center.
Episode 30 Recap
Upon arriving in Ningyang from Shenzhen, Ma Kui and Wang Xin are immediately called to a crime scene. The victim is identified as Bao Jiashun. His tongue has been cut out, and his fingers and toes have been chopped off.
Wang Xin observes that the cutting of the tongue was to silence him, and the removal of digits was to prevent him from providing evidence, concluding that this brutal act was retaliation by ruthless drug dealers for Bao Jiashun informing the police. Ma Kui agrees, calling the dealers vicious and inhuman. Ma Yan has been seeing Wang Xin for several years, but Wang Xin has been hesitant to propose to Ma Kui.
Impatient, Ma Yan threatens to go on blind dates. Wang Xin, finally deciding to be bold, goes to Ma Kui's house. He tries to gauge Ma Kui's opinion of him by awkwardly asking Ma Jian, who calls him nice. Ma Kui dismisses this, telling Wang Xin to look in the mirror to know himself. Wang Xin then directly states his intention to marry Ma Yan. Ma Kui's response is to tell Wang Xin to copy books.
Ma Yan emerges from her room, declaring she intends to marry Wang Xin and will get their marriage certificate the next day, demanding the household register from Ma Kui. Ma Kui feigns ignorance of its location, but Ma Jian offers to steal it for his sister, earning himself the same punishment of copying books from Ma Kui. The next morning, Ma Yan and Wang Xin head to the Civil Affairs Bureau with their documents.
However, the staff informs Ma Yan that the household register is an old, invalid one. Ma Yan realizes her father tricked them, explaining that the old register belonged to her mother and her father must have secretly swapped it for the current one. She regrets not checking it more carefully in her haste. Wang Xin remarks that her father, being a veteran cop, is "smarter than a thief," stating that "the older, the wiser." Frustrated, Ma Yan sighs.
Back home, a visibly angry Ma Yan attempts to cook, but burns the vegetables. Ma Jian points it out, and she snaps at him. She later approaches Ma Kui to discuss her desire to quit her job and go into business. Ma Kui firmly refuses, insisting she keep her secure job. Ma Yan mentions Niu Dali, who went out and made money, returning in style, even installing piped water for everyone in their compound, earning widespread respect.
She believes she can do even better. Ma Kui remains resistant, cautioning her that doing business isn't easy. Ma Yan offers a compromise: she will keep her job and do business part-time. Ma Kui reluctantly agrees, provided it doesn't interfere with her work. Ma Yan is surprised by his concession, noting how much he seems to have changed since returning from Shenzhen. Wang Xin also feels this change and expresses envy for the wealthy southerners who make money in business.
He worries about Ma Kui's reaction if he were to try, so Ma Yan decides to test the waters first. Ma Yan tells Ma Kui that someone who went to Shenzhen with him was also inspired and is thinking of doing business. Ma Kui asks who, and Ma Yan reveals it's Wang Xin, clarifying that while he hasn't said it directly, he has the idea.
Ma Kui replies that it's normal to want a better life and laughs, which surprises Ma Yan as he seems calm. Ma Kui calls Wang Xin a "scout" sent by Ma Yan and tells her to have Wang Xin come see him directly. Ma Yan asks if he will agree if Wang Xin is serious. Ma Kui repeats his instruction for Wang Xin to come himself. Wang Xin arrives at Ma Kui's home.
Ma Kui tells Ma Jian to leave them. Ma Kui greets Wang Xin and acknowledges his trip to Shenzhen, saying it opened his eyes and cleared his direction. He then speaks sarcastically, praising Wang Xin for following the money and the crowds, calling him "bravo." Wang Xin is confused, noting it doesn't sound like praise. Ma Kui pushes further, suggesting Wang Xin resign today and offering to accompany him to the station.
Wang Xin protests that he didn't say he wanted to quit. As Ma Kui pulls him, Wang Xin urges them to talk calmly. Ma Yan enters, asking if Ma Kui is misleading her and reminding him that he called Wang Xin "cute." Ma Kui confirms he thinks Wang Xin is "too cute" but questions why wanting a better life is wrong.
Ma Yan and Ma Jian defend Wang Xin, pointing out Ma Kui previously found him too poor, and now that he wants to make money, that's also unacceptable. They ask what he wants. Ma Kui insists nothing will do and is being unreasonable. Ma Jian agrees his father is wrong. Ma Kui punishes Ma Jian by making him copy an entire book after his homework, forbidding dinner until it's done.
After being scolded, Wang Xin feels discouraged and wants to give up. Ma Yan encourages him not to be deterred by a little scolding, citing her own experience arguing with her father but still pursuing her business. Wang Xin argues their situations are different because he is a police officer. Ma Yan counters that police officers also have the right to pursue their own lives.
She suggests they ask Shen Xiuping to write a fake sick leave certificate for a back injury so they can go south together to explore business opportunities. If things look promising, he can return and resign later. Wang Xin doubts Shen Xiuping will agree, but Ma Yan assures him she is open-minded and supportive, having helped her with her business. Wang Xin goes to see Shen Xiuping.
He claims his back hurts, sometimes severely, and says a doctor in Shenzhen has a secret effective remedy. Shen Xiuping is skeptical about finding a unique doctor there. Wang Xin then admits he mainly wants to go to Shenzhen to clear his head, saying he liked the climate and scenery from his previous visit. He claims he will go alone but has classmates there, and that he considered inviting Wang Yongge but he was busy.
Wang Yongge appears and tells Wang Xin he is old enough to make his own decisions but should understand what he is doing and return quickly, regardless of who he goes with. Wang Yongge helps Wang Xin pack and gives him some money, asking him to look after Ma Jian. Wang Xin says goodbye and leaves for the train station. Ma Yan is waiting for him, and he is heavily bundled up to avoid being recognized.
Suddenly, Ma Kui appears and pulls Wang Xin aside. He questions why Wang Xin is covering up, suggesting it's inconsistent with being a police officer. He sarcastically asks about the back pain, then questions the real reason for going to Shenzhen. Wang Xin asks for understanding, having already secured leave and come out. Ma Kui calls his action a serious mistake, accusing him of deceiving the organization and risking punishment.
Wang Xin insists he is not a child to be threatened and simply wants to make more money. Ma Kui challenges this, asking why he needs so much money and reminding him of the time he felt Ma Kui considered him poor. Ma Kui questions the idea that money is easily made and accuses Wang Xin of wanting to leave, fail, and then return to policing, getting the best of both worlds.
He points out that Wang Xin hasn't explicitly said he will quit. Ma Kui then reminds Wang Xin of their conversation in Hacheng about practicing grip strength. He recounts how his mentor was fatally stabbed on a train, bleeding profusely and dying before they could reach a station for help.
His mentor's last words were asking Ma Kui if he still wanted to be a police officer, warning him of the dangers, hardships, and lack of family time the profession entails. Ma Kui explains he has persevered through a sense of persistence and responsibility. He tells Wang Xin, as his apprentice, that he cannot lie to him or act in ways contrary to being a police officer. He emphasizes the commitment required, with no giving up halfway or being distracted.
Ma Kui praises Wang Xin as a promising candidate who can become an excellent detective if he works hard. He concludes by stating that at Wang Xin's age, he can make his own choices and Ma Kui has no right to decide for him, leaving the decision to stay or go in his hands. Wang Xin asks Ma Kui what he told his mentor when asked if he still wanted to be a police officer.
Ma Kui calls him a "little runt" and says Wang Xin knows he has always been a police officer. Ma Yan joins them and asks if her father scolded him. Wang Xin says no but admits he looks like it. Ma Yan suggests if he is truly determined, Ma Kui cannot stop him, proposing he emulate the Shenzhen police who balance both careers. Wang Xin considers this and takes a nap. Ma Kui watches the train depart, looking wistful.
Moments later, Wang Xin reappears, having decided to stay and continue being a police officer. Ma Kui goes to see Shen Xiuping at the hospital. He confronts her about providing Wang Xin with a fake diagnosis for a back injury, saying he suspected it was her. He asks why she did it.
Shen Xiuping explains that Wang Xin came to her, admitting his actions were wrong but saying he saw no other way to make money, which he believed was necessary for Ma Kui's approval. He promised secrecy and pleaded for help, emphasizing his genuine love for Ma Yan. Ma Yan also came, expressing her feeling that her father's objection wasn't about money, but insisting that since he brought up money, they had to address that obstacle.
She begged Shen Xiuping not to let their relationship fail, stressing they had no other option and their unwavering commitment to each other. Shen Xiuping says she felt pity for the young couple and hoped they could start a family. Ma Kui calls this foolish, reminding her he had already said they couldn't be together. When Shen Xiuping asks why, Ma Kui says there are things she doesn't understand. She asks if his late wife knew and would have agreed.
Shen Xiuping admits her actions are done and accepts blame. However, she reiterates her belief that Ma Kui's objection isn't about money and argues that he shouldn't let his personal issues interfere with his children's future. Ma Kui dismisses the conversation as unresolvable. Shen Xiuping says she understands, but Ma Kui tells her to stay away from him.
Episode 31 Recap
Yao Yuling informed Wang Yongge and Wang Xin that she had resigned from her job as a train announcer and needed to vacate her dormitory room. She asked Wang Yongge if he could help her get permission to store her luggage in the dorm temporarily until she could return for it, as she had too many belongings to move at once. Wang Yongge was surprised by her decision and expressed regret for her leaving a good job.
Wang Xin speculated that she was leaving to be with Niu Dali. Yao Yuling did not elaborate, offering vague excuses instead. Wang Yongge cautioned Wang Xin that while Yao Yuling might lack practical skills, she wasn't malicious and he hoped she wouldn't be deceived, noting that if she was going to be with Niu Dali, who was capable and hardworking, it would be reassuring.
Later, Wang Xin pleaded with Wang Yongge to speak to Ma Kui to resolve their past misunderstanding, believing this was necessary for Ma Kui to approve his relationship with Ma Yan. Wang Yongge staunchly maintained he was not in the wrong and refused to approach Ma Kui, whom he felt treated him like an enemy. He questioned if Wang Xin doubted his word and insisted he was not on the train Ma Kui claimed to have seen him on.
Wang Yongge reiterated that if Ma Kui approved of Wang Xin and Ma Yan's relationship, he would not object, but the issue stemmed from Ma Kui. Yao Yuling departed on a train bound for Hacheng with Jia Jinlong, both anticipating a new life. At Ma Kui's home, Peng Yongli and Peng Mingjie visited. Ma Kui hosted them with a large meal.
Peng Yongli announced that she and Peng Mingjie had been dating for two years and planned to marry in a couple of months. She asked Ma Kui to be her wedding witness, and he enthusiastically agreed. Peng Yongli expressed her intention to stay and work in Ningyang after graduation, being used to living there.
Ma Kui was delighted and immediately offered to prepare a new room in his house for the couple, suggesting Ma Jian share a room downstairs to make space. Peng Yongli was hesitant, concerned about being a burden to Ma Kui and Ma Yan, but Ma Kui insisted it would be no trouble and make the house lively. Ma Yan arrived and mentioned she was heading out early to set up her stall, despite the cold.
Both Ma Kui and Wang Yongge worried about her working in the cold, but she insisted on being diligent. Peng Yongli asked Ma Kui if he had prepared his witness speech, and he joked that it was all in his head. Ningyang police received a report that Chen Limei, a 24-year-old married female worker from Linjiang No.1 Textile Factory, was murdered on her way home after working the night shift. Her body was found by people fishing near the riverbank.
The estimated time of death was around 1 a. m. , and the method of the crime was consistent with the train dismemberment case. Wang Xin was at the scene, and analysis of footprints suggested the suspect was a male between 1. 75 and 1. 8 meters tall and weighing around 80 kilograms.
The initial investigation focused on Chen Limei's colleagues, but all those matching the suspect's characteristics had alibis, leading investigators to believe the killer was not someone close to her. Wang Xin discussed the case and the lack of leads in ongoing investigations with his mentor, Ma Kui, who advised being proactive rather than passively waiting for the criminal to surface, suggesting mobilizing social forces to find new clues.
Liu Ming, a patient Shen Xiuping had treated, visited her clinic to express his gratitude for curing him, bringing her two cans as a gift. Shen Xiuping declined the gift, stating that treating patients was her duty as a doctor. Later, despite the cold weather, Ma Yan prepared to leave early to set up her street stall on a weekend, saying she needed to make more money. Wang Yongge was concerned but couldn't dissuade her.
They had a brief discussion about the difficulties faced by police families. Peng Yongli arrived at Ma Kui's home and again confirmed her wedding plans for the next two months and Ma Kui's role as witness. Ma Kui reiterated his plan to prepare a new, decorated marital room for her and Peng Mingjie, brushing aside her suggestion to rent a place.
The police received a report about a missing female college student from Wahe who was returning to Ningyang for school. Witnesses saw her get off the train and leave the station with a middle-aged woman. Wang Xin canvassed businesses and individuals outside the station. He learned from one vendor that the student and woman had gone in a specific direction.
A dumpling shop owner recalled them coming in, the woman finding the dumplings too expensive, and noted that the woman had a spot on her chin. Based on the description and circumstances, Wang Xin suspected the middle-aged woman was Liu Guiying, a human trafficker he had encountered previously. He reported his findings to Ma Kui.
Ma Kui decided to travel by train to Wahe to speak with the missing student's family, instructing Wang Xin to stay behind, report to the team, and look after Ma Yan and Ma Jian. Jia Jinlong visited Wang Xin on the train platform and gave him a new coat. Wang Xin took the opportunity to ask Jia Jinlong if he had heard anything about drug traffickers or addicts in Hacheng.
Jia Jinlong admitted they were known outlaws, unlike human traffickers, and that he was afraid of them, but agreed to help Wang Xin gather information. After finishing her shift at the hospital, Shen Xiuping was met by Liu Ming, who insisted on accompanying her home and taking her to dinner. Shen Xiuping tried to refuse his company, claiming she had things to do at home and later pretending she had forgotten something at the hospital to escape his persistence.
Liu Ming followed her, expressing his strong feelings for her and his determination to be with her, mentioning his work in the city, money, and house. Shen Xiuping clearly stated she wasn't interested in getting familiar with him and asked him to leave, but Liu Ming declared he wouldn't give up on her. Ma Kui took the train to Wahe. The blind old man he knew was also on the same train.
They engaged in a friendly competition, using their sense of smell to identify the professions or characteristics of passengers. Ma Kui acknowledged the old man's superior skill and asked him for tips on improving his olfactory abilities. Wang Xin and Ma Yan ate at a noodle restaurant. The owner gave them an unusually large portion of meat and initially refused payment, making Wang Xin suspicious.
He recognized the owner as Chen Xiaofei, whom he had arrested years before for stealing railway track fasteners. Chen Xiaofei was now running the restaurant with his wife and elderly mother, raising a child, and living an honest life. He expressed deep gratitude to Wang Xin for helping him turn his life around. Wang Xin was touched and felt a sense of accomplishment as a police officer, reflecting that helping criminals reform was a meaningful part of the job.
He insisted on paying for the meal, putting it on a tab for future visits. As they left, Ma Yan urged Wang Xin to propose to Ma Kui. Later, Ma Kui went to Shen Xiuping's home to pick up Ma Jian, but the boy had fallen asleep. Shen Xiuping told Ma Kui to let him sleep there and offered to bring him home the next morning, dismissing his apologies for the inconvenience.
As Ma Kui was leaving, Shen Xiuping noticed he had forgotten his scarf. She followed him outside and tied it around his neck for him. This interaction was witnessed by their neighbor, Cai's wife. Soon, gossip spread among the neighbors, with Cai's wife and Wu's wife speculating about Ma Kui and Shen Xiuping's relationship and potential cohabitation, discussing whether they were a good match or if Shen Xiuping was "wasted" on Ma Kui.
Episode 32 Recap
Ma Yan arrived at Shen Xiuping's home to pick up Ma Jian, but he wanted to stay and finish his homework and have dinner there. Shen Xiuping invited Ma Yan to stay and eat as well. Ma Jian was very fond of Shen Xiuping, treating her like his own mother. He even mentioned that neighbors like Auntie Cai and Auntie Wu said the same thing, causing Shen Xiuping to blush deeply.
Later, Ma Yan spoke with Ma Kui at home, strongly suggesting he pursue a relationship with Shen Xiuping. She then pressed him to approve her relationship with Wang Xin, but Ma Kui adamantly refused and ordered her back to her room. Hearing the neighborhood gossip, Shen Xiuping went to Ma Kui to discuss the rumors and offered to clarify the situation with everyone, but Ma Kui seemed unconcerned about the hearsay, stating his skin was thick enough to handle it.
Following a tip that a female college student had been taken by a human trafficker, referred to as Ying, to a steamed bun shop, Wang Xin and Ma Kui went to investigate. Ma Kui ordered two steamed buns and two bowls of congee and sat down to eat. Wang Xin, using the excuse of needing the toilet, tried to check the back, but the owner, visibly wary, stopped him, claiming the toilet was broken and instructing him to go elsewhere.
Wang Xin left, but then circled back and entered the shop's backyard, where he found only a red hair tie. The owner became increasingly anxious and started to head towards the back, but Ma Kui deliberately created a commotion, complaining loudly about finding multiple hairs in his congee. The owner became agitated, threatening Ma Kui. Hearing the disturbance, Wang Xin returned, and he and Ma Kui quickly left the shop.
Outside, Wang Xin showed Ma Kui the red hair tie found in the backyard. Ma Kui suspected it might have been deliberately left by the female student, so they immediately sought out the student's family to identify it. They brought the steamed bun shop owner in for questioning. He initially denied any knowledge, claiming he didn't recognize the people in the photo and didn't know where the hair tie came from.
Wang Xin patiently reasoned with him, presenting the witness account and the physical evidence found in his backyard. Faced with the mounting evidence, the owner showed remorse, tearing up, and confessed. He admitted that the human trafficker, Ying, had brought the student to his shop, held her in the backyard, and paid him money to keep quiet.
He claimed he only provided the location as a temporary stop and truly knew nothing more about Ying or where the girl was taken, saying she was a ruthless person and he was just a transfer station getting some pocket money. Ma Kui observed Wang Xin's interrogation of the owner and was impressed by his ability to handle the situation, praising his skillful approach.
Meanwhile, Liu Ming continued to pester Shen Xiuping, who was frustrated and threatened to call the police. Unfazed, Liu Ming persisted, declaring his affection and desire to be with her. Ma Kui happened upon the scene, and Shen Xiuping sought his help. Liu Ming insisted on pursuing Shen Xiuping, prompting Ma Kui to intervene decisively.
He confronted Liu Ming, even falsely claiming to be Shen Xiuping's "brother," and sternly lectured him about forcing his intentions on others and following her at night. Despite Liu Ming's stubborn assertion that he wouldn't give up on difficulties, Ma Kui firmly escorted Shen Xiuping away. Niu Dali returned to the railway courtyard looking weary and disheveled after facing financial ruin. Neighbors expressed concern upon seeing him.
Wang Yongge suggested Wang Xin take Niu Dali out for a meal to catch up. Ma Yan and Cai Xiaonian joined them. Niu Dali inquired about Yao Yuling, but Cai Xiaonian quickly changed the subject, stating no one knew where she went but she likely didn't go looking for him. Niu Dali recounted losing everything in business. He planned to return to Shenzhen to clean slop again, hoping to save enough money to make a comeback.
Wang Xin gave Niu Dali clothes, and Ma Yan expressed admiration for his resilience and offered to lend him money to help him restart (mentioning she needed to discuss it with her wife, Yan Hong, first). Cai Xiaonian offered to treat him to meals for a few days while he stayed. When Ma Kui returned home from work, Peng Mingjie was waiting for him.
Peng Mingjie asked Ma Kui to help arrange Peng Yongli's wedding, as he might not be able to attend. Pressed by Ma Kui for the reason, Peng Mingjie confessed that he had taken bribes and was now under investigation. Ma Kui urged him to surrender for leniency. Peng Mingjie, burdened by the situation, agreed and placed handcuffs on himself, deeply saddening Ma Kui.
It was Peng Yongli and Geng Jianguo's wedding day, with many friends and family attending, including Ma Kui and Ma Yan. Ma Kui took the stage as the wedding witness. During his speech, he publicly explained that Peng Mingjie could not be present due to work. He then delivered a message on Peng Mingjie's behalf, expressing joy that Lili had found a lifelong partner and that he was relieved knowing she would be cared for.
Ma Kui concluded by sharing Peng Mingjie's advice to the newlyweds: that regardless of wealth, the most important thing in life is to follow the right path, strive, work hard, build their own home, and forge a new future.
Episode 33 Recap
Peng Yongli was puzzled when Peng Mingjie didn't show up at her wedding. She eagerly sought out Ma Kui for answers. Though Ma Kui didn't want to upset her on her special day, her persistent questioning led him to reveal that her father, Peng Mingjie, had been jailed for accepting bribes. Learning that Ma Kui had persuaded her father to turn himself in, Peng Yongli was devastated and left angrily.
Peng Yongli and her husband, Geng Jianguo, decided to travel to Hacheng immediately after their wedding because her grandmother was seriously ill. Ma Kui suggested they wait until the next day, but Peng Yongli was too worried about her grandmother. Seeing her concern, Ma Kui didn't insist further and gave them a generous cash gift for their wedding. As the Spring Festival approached, Ma Kui went to the station to find the blind man he knew.
He urged the blind man to come with him for a bath and a meal, eventually convincing him to accept his offer. Ma Kui took the blind man to his home. After a bath, he served a hearty meal and drinks. As they ate and talked, the blind man revealed his name was Meng Qingshan. Ma Kui learned that Meng Qingshan's keen sense of smell helped him track people, and he was searching for his daughter.
He recounted how he had fallen into a sewer while following a scent, and was grateful someone helped him out. They played a drinking game, and Ma Kui told Meng Qingshan his name. Meanwhile, Jia Jinlong quickly found a lead on Li Tong, a kidnapped college student. He immediately notified Wang Xin, who, along with Ma Kui, traveled to Hacheng. They worked with local police to successfully rescue Li Tong. Afterward, Wang Xin and Ma Kui thanked Jia Jinlong.
Jia Jinlong explained his wife was hesitant about him getting involved in tracking drug dealers, but he was secretly helping them. He promised to share any information he found. Ma Kui made it a routine to pick up Shen Xiuping from work every evening. A man who persistently tried to court Shen Xiuping approached her again. Ma Kui stepped in, claiming Shen Xiuping was his wife and warned the man to stay away.
Shen Xiuping supported Ma Kui's claim by linking arms with him as they left. Later, Ma Kui invited Shen Xiuping to dinner. Under the pretense of talking about Ma Jian's affection for her, Ma Kui hinted at his own feelings. Shen Xiuping opened up, admitting she had long wanted to be with him but worried about causing him trouble due to her past.
Ma Kui assured her he didn't care about her past and was willing to face any difficulties together. He suggested they make their relationship public to the neighbors, but Shen Xiuping wanted to wait a little longer. One day, Ma Yan felt nauseous and vomited. Ma Kui showed concern, prompting Ma Yan to confess she believed she was pregnant with Wang Xin's child.
Ma Kui was furious but quickly suspected she was fabricating the pregnancy to force his agreement to their marriage. He insisted she get a hospital check-up, but she was reluctant. Ma Kui later spoke to Ma Jian, who confirmed Ma Yan had been experiencing nausea and lack of appetite recently, making Ma Kui ponder the possibility.
Ma Kui congratulated Wang Xin on the successful rescue in Hacheng but used the opportunity to confront him, pressing him about Ma Yan's potential pregnancy. Wang Xin remained defiant, and the tension between them escalated. Ma Yan presented Ma Kui with a pregnancy test result. Ma Kui immediately dismissed it as fake and insisted on taking her to the hospital himself, though he then hesitated, sensing her determination to pursue her own happiness. Ma Kui became enraged.
Wang Xin arrived in time to protect Ma Yan, declaring he would take full responsibility. Ma Jian also sided with Wang Xin and Ma Yan. Ma Kui was left speechless. He took the test result directly to the hospital to verify it with Shen Xiuping. Shen Xiuping advised Ma Kui to accept Wang Xin and Ma Yan's relationship. Ma Kui was resistant but felt powerless.
Ma Yan packed her bags and went to Wang Yongge's house, intending to stay there, even if it meant sleeping on the floor. Wang Yongge was hesitant to host her without Ma Kui's permission, fearing his reaction. Just as he expected, Ma Kui arrived, demanding Ma Yan leave and angrily confronting Wang Yongge. After sending Wang Xin and Ma Yan outside, Ma Kui insisted on speaking with Wang Yongge alone.
Ma Kui accused Wang Yongge of manipulating the situation, suggesting he orchestrated Ma Yan's pregnancy to force their marriage. Wang Yongge countered that the children wanted to be together and blamed Ma Kui's unwavering opposition for their actions. Ma Kui declared he would never allow his daughter to marry into Wang Yongge's family, expressing his bitter resentment over Wang Yongge's failure to testify on his behalf years ago, which led to his unjust imprisonment. He questioned if his daughter would ever be able to call Wang Yongge "Dad" if she knew about his past cowardice.
Episode 34 Recap
Ten years prior, an incident occurred on a train where railroad officer Ma Kui apprehended a thief. In the struggle, the thief was injured. Wang Yongge was present in the corridor of the dining car and witnessed the events. However, Wang Yongge did not testify for Ma Kui, which resulted in Ma Kui being wrongfully imprisoned for a decade.
After his release, Ma Kui confronts Wang Yongge, accusing him of causing his suffering by being timid and refusing to speak up. Ma Kui recalls seeing Wang Yongge in the dining car corridor during the incident, panicked, stating he could never forget the look in his eyes. Wang Yongge denies being there, asking what he possibly did to wrong Ma Kui.
Wang Yongge pleads with Ma Kui to let the past go, saying Ma Kui's suffering has ended and he is now living a happy life. He specifically asks Ma Kui not to make things difficult for their children, Wang Xin and Ma Yan. Ma Kui retorts that Wang Xin is a good boy, but unfortunately has a father like Wang Yongge, suggesting Wang Xin should hate Wang Yongge instead.
Wang Yongge seeks Ma Kui's acceptance for the relationship between Wang Xin and Ma Yan, but Ma Kui is firm in his refusal. Ma Yan returns home upset, and Ma Kui tries to comfort her, telling her not to think about "this matter" and that she will understand eventually.
Troubled by the unresolved conflict, Wang Xin asks Wang Yongge if anyone was with him in Carriage 2 that day who could corroborate his story and help resolve the tension between him and Ma Yan. Wang Yongge becomes agitated, avoiding the questions and accusing Wang Xin of interrogating him like a police officer. The intense emotional exchange causes Wang Yongge to suddenly collapse.
Wang Xin calls for help, and with the assistance of neighbors, he carries Wang Yongge to the hospital. Ma Yan learns that Wang Yongge has suffered a stroke and rushes to the hospital, stating she needs "to do what people should do." At the hospital, a doctor updates Wang Xin on Wang Yongge's condition, saying it's "better than expected."
The doctor confirms that the "brain hematoma" has been largely cleared, "intracranial pressure" is normal, and the patient is "temporarily out of danger." Ma Yan arrives and is relieved by the news. Wang Xin handles the necessary hospital procedures while Ma Yan waits. Under Wang Xin's care, Wang Yongge's condition improves, and he later wakes up. Neighbors, including Cai Xiaonian, visit him, bringing food and expressing their relief at his recovery.
Cai Xiaonian brings stewed mutton, advising Wang Yongge to drink the soup for energy, joking about his quick recovery. Cai Xiaonian reflects on Wang Yongge's previous good health and notes how his illness has made Wang Xin's burden heavier. He also comments on Wang Xin's growth under Ma Kui's mentorship, praising his progress. Ma Kui is present during one of these visits but is called away to deal with an issue in a carriage.
After being discharged, Wang Yongge uses a cane to walk. Cai Xiaonian visits again with food. From his window, Wang Yongge sees Ma Kui walking by and calls out "Old Ma," but Ma Kui does not seem to hear him and keeps going. At home, Wang Xin finds Wang Yongge searching for a lock he can't remember buying, indicating memory problems as a sequela of the cerebral hemorrhage.
Ma Yan visits Wang Xin, asking about the conversation between their fathers and why Wang Yongge fell ill. Wang Xin explains Ma Kui's accusation that Wang Yongge saw him on the train but didn't testify out of fear, leading to the imprisonment, while Wang Yongge insists he wasn't there. Wang Xin tells Ma Yan he believes his father but feels he can't push Wang Yongge further given his current state, admitting he doesn't know whom to believe.
Ma Yan is visibly upset by the situation. Later, Wang Yongge consults a doctor about his forgetfulness. The doctor explains that memory confusion, aphasia, and motor dysfunction are common sequelae but warns that the memory issues may worsen with age, potentially progressing to something like senile dementia in severe cases, advising Wang Yongge to be mentally prepared. Ma Yan is later seen working at her stall, and Wang Xin helps her.
Haunted by his secret and fearing his worsening memory will soon prevent him from confessing, Wang Yongge decides to reveal the truth to Ma Kui. He goes to Ma Kui's door and calls out. Ma Kui initially refuses to open, recalling Wang Yongge's past denials and declaring their relationship is over.
Wang Yongge persists, explaining he has something important to say and that he is afraid because his "brain is going bad," fearing he will lose the chance to speak the truth if he doesn't do it now. He admits, "I was in the train. That day, I was in the dining car." Hearing this admission, Ma Kui opens the door. Inside, Wang Yongge confesses, "I. . . killed that man."
He describes being in the dining car getting meat for his child when the injured thief ran in. The thief grabbed a knife and threatened him before opening a window to escape. Wang Yongge admits he grabbed the thief's leg but lost his grip, watching the thief fall to his death from the train. Terrified, Wang Yongge "ran away" and did not testify for Ma Kui because he felt he was the one who caused the death.
He repeatedly apologizes to Ma Kui. Ma Kui is enraged by the confession, demanding to know why Wang Yongge let him go to jail instead. Wang Yongge denies "intending" for Ma Kui to go to jail, explaining he couldn't admit the truth because he had a child at home – Wang Xin, who was only eight years old at the time and had lost his mother. Ma Yan enters and overhears the conversation.
Heartbroken, she cries out that she was only seven years old that year, highlighting her own suffering of growing up without a father while Ma Kui was imprisoned. Wang Xin is also present and stunned by the revelation. Wang Yongge expresses his guilt, acknowledging it was all his fault and that he owes Ma Kui, offering to compensate him. Ma Kui furiously rejects any compensation, yelling that Wang Yongge can never make up for what he did.
He orders both Wang Yongge and Wang Xin to leave his house immediately and never return. As they are forced out, Wang Xin questions his father, asking why he made someone else a scapegoat for his own mistake. After being thrown out, Wang Xin locks himself in his room, refusing to speak with Wang Yongge. The next morning, Wang Yongge goes to the Ningyang Railway Public Security Branch Office.
He introduces himself to Captain Hu as the Deputy Superintendent of the passenger section and states he has come to turn himself in for the killing that occurred in 1968, which wrongly implicated Ma Kui. Due to his recent memory problems, he explains he wrote down the details in a "letter of confession" to ensure everything was accurate.
He presents the letter to Captain Hu, affirming its truthfulness, and asks to be handcuffed as a murderer, also requesting to see Ma Kui. Captain Hu informs him that Ma Kui was released long ago and that Wang Yongge will be transferred to the detention center temporarily while the case is investigated. Wang Xin arrives at the station with his father's medicine.
Captain Hu takes the medicine, noting Wang Yongge's fluctuating clarity but the clear nature of the confession letter, and informs Wang Xin his father will be transferred to the detention center. Separately, Ma Yan tearfully admits to Ma Kui that she is "not pregnant" and tears up the test results, apologizing. Ma Kui tells her he already knew.
Episode 35 Recap
Wang Yongge voluntarily turned himself in, admitting that he had caused the death of a thief who fell from the train years ago. He was taken into custody but felt an unprecedented sense of relief, as if a heavy burden had finally been lifted. He expressed a strong desire to see Ma Kui. Ma Kui visited Wang Yongge in the detention center.
During their meeting, Wang Yongge tearfully pleaded with Ma Kui to consent to the marriage between Wang Xin and Ma Yan, even offering to disown Wang Xin as his son if it would help. Despite Wang Yongge’s desperate pleas, including kneeling, Ma Kui remained resolute and left without giving his approval. Meanwhile, Wang Xin longed for Ma Yan but hesitated to approach her directly.
He was seen lingering near her home, and although Ma Yan saw him from her window as she braved the cold weather at her market stall, she gave him a cold shoulder. Wang Xin left ointment for frostbite hanging near her stall, but she refused to accept it. Mustering courage, Wang Xin sought out Ma Yan at the market. Ma Yan tearfully told him that she wanted to break up.
Wang Xin insisted she was the only one for him, but Ma Yan explained that seeing him constantly reminded her of the suffering her family, especially her father, had endured over the past decade because of his family's actions. She recounted painful childhood memories of being bullied and seeing her mother ill and alone, attributing her swallowed tears over the years to their family. She felt she couldn't overcome the pain or face him, believing she didn't deserve him.
Ma Kui happened to pass by and overheard Ma Yan's raw emotional confession, which clearly affected him deeply. Following an investigation that clarified the details of the incident and the deceased's prior criminal behavior, Wang Yongge's case was dropped due as the statute of limitations had expired. He was released from custody, having refused bail earlier.
Wang Xin picked up his father, who was physically present but suffering from significant memory lapses and confusion, though he remained lucid about the past crime. Wang Yongge repeatedly asked about Ma Yan, and Wang Xin struggled to respond truthfully, saddened by his father's deteriorating condition. Ma Kui was informed of Wang Yongge's release but offered no immediate comment. In a separate development, Jia Jinlong and Yao Yuling were shown to be happily married.
Jia Jinlong's business was thriving, allowing him to buy another apartment. During an anniversary celebration marked by generous gifts, he revealed his plan to use the new apartment to bring Yao Yuling's mother to live nearby. Overcome with emotion, Yao Yuling then shared the joyful news that she was pregnant, which delighted Jia Jinlong. Wang Yongge's post-stroke condition caused him to forget he had already turned himself in and been released.
He repeatedly wrote confession letters and attempted to surrender at the police station, becoming agitated when reminded the case was closed and he had been home for months. Wang Xin dutifully retrieved him each time, managing his father's confusion. Shen Xiuping, showing care, arranged for Wang Xin to take his father to see a specialist in the provincial hospital.
During one instance where Wang Xin went to retrieve his father from the station, he rode his bicycle home and saw Ma Yan working at her stall at the intersection. They shared a silent, poignant look. Wang Xin, understanding the depth of the hurt his family had caused and the impossibility of their relationship under the circumstances, rode away with his father, silently vowing to protect her from afar for the rest of her life, knowing she deserved better.
Exhausted from his ordeal, Wang Yongge dozed on the back of Wang Xin's bike. Just then, Ma Kui appeared, helping to steady the bike and support the older man. Ma Kui took Wang Yongge's latest confession letter and tore it into pieces, a symbolic act of letting go of the past.
He also commented to Wang Xin, using an analogy about needing to leave his father's household register, and handed him a household register, signifying his long-awaited approval for Wang Xin and Ma Yan to marry. Wang Xin was overcome with emotion. Wang Xin and Ma Yan dressed up and went to the marriage registration office. Wang Yongge watched from a window and smiled with contentment as he saw them go.
Elsewhere, Shen Xiuping was seen burying medicine dregs under a tree and leaving secretively. Cai Xiaonian observed her and retrieved the dregs. Cai's mother, also aware of the strong smell of medicine around Shen Xiuping's home and having seen a pair of men's shoes she believed were too large for Shen Xiuping, grew suspicious that Shen Xiuping was hiding an illness.
She went to check on Shen Xiuping, who refused to let her in, insisting she was just tired, but the strong smell of medicine lingered. The Cai family continued to speculate, with Cai Xiaonian's mother convinced the shoes belonged to a man, possibly Ma Kui, given their perceived closeness, though her husband cautioned against gossip. Soon after, Ma Jian and other children were playing soccer when their ball went into Shen Xiuping's house through an open door.
Shen Xiuping reacted with uncharacteristic anger, yelling and roughly forcing them out. Later, Ma Jian reported to Ma Kui that he had seen someone lying covered in bed in Shen Xiuping's house and described how frightening Shen Xiuping had been. Ma Kui reflected on the shame his own father had brought upon their family after his divorce when he was arrested for hooliganism, sensing Shen Xiuping might be hiding something similarly embarrassing.
The police arrived at Shen Xiuping's home, drawing a crowd of curious neighbors. The officers stated they were verifying the presence of a recently released individual living in the community. When they revealed the person was Shen Xiuping's father, who had been released after serving time for hooliganism, the neighbors became agitated and demanded that he be made to leave the community.
Episode 36 Recap
Upon learning that Shen Xiuping was sheltering her father, who had been released from prison and was suffering from lung disease, Ma Kui immediately offered to take care of him himself. Shen Xiuping was reluctant, fearing her father's past would affect her own reputation and consequently Ma Kui's career and family, especially with Ma Jian still young and Ma Yan unmarried.
Ma Kui dismissed these concerns, telling her not to worry about what others thought and that their lives were their own. Despite being touched by his offer and acknowledging him as a good person, Shen Xiuping felt she could not accept, believing it would be unfair to him. Later, Ma Kui gathered everyone in the courtyard for a public announcement.
He spoke of his late wife, Wang Sufang, and how Shen Xiuping had been a great help in raising his children and taking care of his family. He declared his intention to marry Shen Xiuping and form a family with her, stating that they were both single and wanted to live a good life together.
He mentioned recent troubles in Shen Xiuping's family but insisted he was not afraid of any gossip or consequences, stating he was determined to marry her. He added that his children, Ma Yan and Ma Jian, were supportive, and his apprentice Wang Xin also approved. Ma Kui announced the matter was settled and they would get married after the children's wedding. Shen Xiuping reacted with surprise and tried to tell him it wasn't decided, but Ma Kui was firm.
Wang Yongge thanked Ma Kui, while Shen Xiuping still felt things were more complicated than he made them sound. Shen Xiuping presented a new wedding quilt she had made for Wang Xin and Ma Yan to Ma Kui, who thanked her. However, after much contemplation, she wrote a letter to Ma Kui. In the letter, she expressed how his public declaration had touched her deeply and reignited her hope for a home and a life together.
But she explained that she could not overcome her inner conflict and felt she would bring shame and hardship to him and his children, fearing the gossip they would endure. Stating her heart would break if she caused them pain, she revealed she had left Ningyang by train with her father to care for him till the end. Reading the letter left Ma Kui heartbroken.
The next day, on Ma Yan's wedding day, Ma Kui tearfully combed her hair, reminiscing about her mother doing it and regretting his absence during the decade she and her mother suffered while she had to work to support the family. He praised her beauty and offered fatherly advice on marriage, urging her not to be willful but also to ensure she was never wronged. On the wedding day, the railway compound was decorated festively.
Wang Xin arrived to pick up the bride. Ma Jian, acting as the gatekeeper, challenged Wang Xin with three questions. Wang Xin truthfully answered questions ranging from when he first kissed Ma Yan (revealing it was at Hongyang Station in a bunker during a rainy night) to promising to handle household chores and stating Ma Yan would manage their money. Satisfied, Ma Jian allowed him in. Wang Xin brought Ma Yan back to his home.
In a tea ceremony, Ma Yan served tea to Wang Yongge, who welcomed her and gave her a red packet. Wang Xin served tea to Ma Kui, who also gave him money. A family photo was taken with the elders and the newlyweds, celebrating the union of the two families. Meanwhile, the railway system was modernizing, with steam locomotives being replaced by diesel and electric ones.
Ma Kui was assigned to go to Shenzhen with Wang Xin to apprehend drug dealers. After ensuring Wang Yongge was settled, Wang Xin met Ma Kui. On their way, they discussed the mission's risks, and Wang Xin insisted on accompanying Ma Kui. Upon their arrival in Shenzhen, they were met at the station by Niu Dali, who had become a successful entrepreneur in the city and arrived in his own car.
Niu Dali drove them to a location, which appeared to be a gambling house, to search for the individuals. Inside, a suspect pulled out a gun during the confrontation, but Wang Xin and Ma Kui quickly subdued him. Wang Xin was frustrated to learn the dealer was only a single-point contact, losing their lead in Hacheng. Ma Kui reassured him, stating they still managed to disrupt a transaction line in Shenzhen.
Niu Dali, showing off his thriving business (even having a soup named after him), hosted a dinner for Wang Xin and Ma Kui, expressing deep gratitude for their past help and offering future assistance. They declined expensive liquor as they were on duty. Later, back home, Ma Yan passionately argued with Ma Kui, seeking permission to quit her job and focus on her business, citing Niu Dali's success as inspiration and believing she was equally capable.
Ma Kui strongly opposed the idea, focusing on the financial risks involved with rent and salaries, and firmly refused to let her quit, despite her persistence. Frustrated by Ma Kui's refusal, Ma Yan complained to Wang Xin at home, declaring she would resign the next day against her father's wishes. Wang Xin tried to comfort her and initiate intimacy, but she was too preoccupied with her argument with Ma Kui to engage, leaving Wang Xin to sleep alone.
On a subsequent train journey while on duty, Wang Xin unexpectedly encountered Yao Yuling in the soft-seat cabin. They caught up, and she shared that she was living in Hacheng with her mother and busy with business. Upon learning Wang Xin and Ma Yan were married, she congratulated them and urged them to have children soon, noting their age, before leaving to rest.
An elderly blind man approached Ma Kui and Wang Xin with urgency, claiming to have detected a human trafficker by scent on the train. They searched the carriages and the platform at Beiling Station but found no one. The old man insisted the person was on board.
As they spoke, a woman walked by, and the old man instantly recognized her unique scent – like strongly alkaline steamed buns mixed with another odor – which he identified as the same smell belonging to the person who kidnapped his daughter on a train in 1963. He desperately chased her, but the human trafficker, Liu Guiying, managed to escape, leaving the old man distraught.
Episode 37 Recap
In 1963, on the train from Ningyang to Hacheng, a man's two-year-old daughter was abducted. For thirty-two years, he searched for her on that very train, eventually crying himself blind. He never forgot the human trafficker's scent and a big black spot he'd seen on the face of a woman involved. Listening to the man's description, Wang Xin recognized the details as matching Liu Guiying, the human trafficker he knew.
Wang Xin and Ma Kui comforted the blind man, assuring him they would catch the trafficker and expressing hope that his daughter was living a good life, urging him to stay alive. Meanwhile, Ma Yan wanted to quit her job and start a business, but Ma Kui firmly opposed it. She threatened to go on a hunger strike. Wang Xin and Ma Jian pleaded on her behalf, but Ma Kui didn't believe she was serious, thinking she was just acting.
Wang Xin accompanied Wang Yongge for a walk while Ma Kui visited Ma Yan, who was lying in bed pretending to be sick. Ma Kui pretended to leave, and as soon as he did, Ma Yan quickly got up to eat, only to be caught by Ma Kui. He still refused to agree to her business plan. Ma Yan complained to Wang Xin, who then came up with an idea. Wang Xin gathered the two families for a vote.
Ma Yan felt confident, having bought Ma Jian new shoes hoping he would vote for her. Wang Xin supported Ma Yan's decision to resign and start a business. However, Ma Jian changed his vote at the last minute, siding with Ma Kui. Ma Yan realized Ma Kui had used a mix of pressure and persuasion on Ma Jian, forcing him to vote against her.
Ma Kui had also spoken to Wang Yongge beforehand, who had agreed to support him but ultimately abstained from voting, only saying, "The Beijing-Kowloon railway is about to open," before going inside. The vote ended in a two-to-two tie. Ma Kui was angry and pulled Ma Jian home. That night, Wang Xin and Ma Yan went to talk to Ma Kui. Ma Kui remained firm in his refusal.
Knowing Ma Kui's concerns about Ma Yan's future well-being, Wang Xin reassured him, promising he wouldn't let Ma Yan suffer. Wang Xin also revealed that Ma Yan had been secretly doing business for years and had saved a lot of money, her success being the reason she needed to quit her job to manage the growing business. Convinced by their arguments and seeing their determination, Ma Kui finally relented and made a concession. Ma Yan and Wang Xin were overjoyed.
On a train back to Ningyang, Niu Dali and his assistant were traveling in a soft-seat cabin, enjoying food and drinks and laughing. An old cadre in the same carriage disapproved and started a heated argument with them, questioning their eligibility for soft seats. A crew member arrived to mediate and explained the new railway regulations which allowed passengers to purchase soft-seat tickets with valid identification like ID cards or passports.
The old cadre remained upset, arguing about safety concerns with such people now traveling in soft seats. Niu Dali retorted, leading to further insults. Yao Yuling, in the adjacent soft-seat cabin, recognized Niu Dali's voice and came out to see what was happening. She and Niu Dali hadn't seen each other in years and caught up in the aisle. Yao Yuling learned Niu Dali was still unmarried and advised him to settle down.
Niu Dali discovered that Yao Yuling had left him years ago to marry Jia Jinlong, which clearly bothered him. Yao Yuling hesitated but eventually told him she would always remember his kindness before returning to her cabin, leaving Niu Dali with mixed feelings. Wang Xin and Ma Kui were also on the same train. They happened to encounter a couple who had a memorable dispute on a train years ago, a disagreement that ultimately led to their relationship.
They had gotten married, had a son who was now seven or eight years old, and had named him "Lvpi" to commemorate meeting on a green-colored train. The couple invited Wang Xin and Ma Kui for dinner. Seeing their happiness, Ma Kui subtly prompted Wang Xin about getting married and having a child soon. Later, Ma Kui discovered his bag was missing from under his seat.
To his surprise, Ruo appeared and handed it back, advising Ma Kui to keep a better eye on his belongings. Ruo then spoke openly about his life after being released from prison. He had learned tailoring and was now able to support himself without resorting to crime. Seeing how confident and resilient Ruo had become, Wang Xin and Ma Kui were genuinely happy for him.
Ruo expressed deep gratitude to them, explaining that thinking of them had helped him avoid returning to his old ways in tough times. As the blind man sat on the train, a small boy offered him a steamed bun out of kindness. Suddenly, the blind man caught the familiar scent of the human trafficker. He reported this to Hu, who then informed Wang Xin. Wang Xin approached the boy.
The boy's mother, heavily covered and wearing a mask, sat beside him. Wang Xin offered them drinks, but the woman remained concealed and refused to reveal her face. Wang Xin reported the situation to Ma Kui. The blind man was certain the smell was the trafficker's, though he noted the woman's visible chin did not have the black spot he remembered. Suspecting the boy might be abducted, they knew they had to investigate further.
When the woman and the boy got off the train at Beiling Station, Ma Kui and Wang Xin followed discreetly. They went into a noodle shop. Ma Kui instructed Wang Xin to keep watch on the shop while he went to a nearby steamed bun shop to gather information.
At the bun shop, Ma Kui spoke with the owner, learning that the noodle shop was registered under the daughter's name, Zhu Yuezhen, and that they lived over a hundred miles away in Sandaogou. The bun shop owner mentioned they were from out of town and had opened the shop three years ago, around the same time her husband died and she left with her son and daughter.
Ma Kui contacted the local police and, given the late hour and potential for the woman to escape, Wang Xin urged them to go to Sandaogou immediately. That night, Ma Kui and Wang Xin arrived in Sandaogou and located Zhu Yuezhen's residence. Local officials confirmed that Zhu Yuezhen's real name was Liu Guiying.
They knew little about her but mentioned she had served several years in prison in another province when she was younger and was known to be skilled at making steamed buns, although they had an unusual smell. Her husband had died three years ago, after which Liu Guiying had left the village with her son and daughter.
Although the local officials confirmed Liu Guiying did not have a black spot on her chin, the blind man, brought there by the police, confronted Liu Guiying and unequivocally identified her by her scent, despite her apparent attempts to disguise herself with a fake mark. With this positive identification and the matching circumstances, Wang Xin confirmed Liu Guiying was the human trafficker. The local police then took her into custody.
Episode 38 Recap
Ma Kui and Wang Xin escorted Liu Guiying back towards Ningyang. An old man, recognizing her by a distinctive smell, became agitated, identifying her as the human trafficker who had kidnapped his two-year-old daughter in the fall of 1963 at the Ningyang Train Station. He described his daughter with a ponytail tied with a red scrunchie and wearing a pink dress, desperately pleading with Liu Guiying for information.
Pressured to confess, Liu Guiying admitted she was being watched by police that day and, scared, she left the child on the platform. The old man was distraught, repeatedly asking which platform and if his daughter was alive. Overcome with emotion, he fainted. It was New Year's Eve. Ma Yan brought new clothes for Wang Yongge. Wang Yongge, noting the festive season, told Ma Yan that a home needed a woman's touch and asked if she was seeing anyone.
He also inquired about her godmother and suggested bringing her back, but Ma Yan explained her godmother couldn't come because her father was suffering from kidney failure and required weekly dialysis treatments, which he refused to have done elsewhere. Meanwhile, Ma Kui and Ma Jian were making dumplings. Ma Yan arrived with the new clothes for both of them.
Ma Kui had also prepared new clothes and red envelopes for Ma Yan and Ma Jian, telling them they would always be his children. Ma Yan relayed Wang Yongge's invitation for them to come over for dumplings. Ma Kui suggested they have dinner at his place instead, inviting Wang Xin and Wang Yongge to join them. Ma Yan agreed to go fetch them.
On New Year's Day morning, Ma Kui woke Wang Xin early, informing him they had to go to Hacheng for a case immediately. They boarded the train, where the crew members, Cai Xiaonian, Hu, and Lu Hongxing, were also working during the holiday. They shared dumplings on the train. Cai Xiaonian gave an elaborate New Year's toast wishing everyone success and happiness.
Later, Ma Kui brought dumplings, Baijiu, and other dishes to the old blind man still living on the train. He offered him a new jacket, which the old man was surprised and pleased to receive, noting he hadn't worn new clothes in over thirty years. Ma Kui encouraged the old man to get off the train now that the trafficker was caught, but the old man insisted he felt safer there and was still determined to find his daughter.
Ma Kui gave him a business card for his friend, Niu Dali, suggesting he contact him to arrange a place in a nursing home, but the old man refused, saying he was fine living on the train with Ma Kui taking care of him. Ma Kui urged him to think about his future. In Hacheng, Ma Kui and Wang Xin met with Detective Gu from the local police bureau. Gu explained they had recently arrested another drug dealer.
However, shortly after, the dealer had a seizure (epilepsy), became unconscious, and was hospitalized in the People's Hospital under police guard. The dealer had only managed to say his supplier was local. Gu was cautious, advising Ma Kui and Wang Xin not to visit the hospital as it might worsen the dealer's condition and expressing concern about alarming the supplier. Wang Xin worried the dealer might be silenced, recalling the case of Bao Jiashun.
Gu assured them the hospital was secure and they should wait for updates. Ma Kui and Wang Xin went to find a place to eat and unexpectedly encountered Jia Jinlong. Yao Yuling arrived to pick him up, revealing to Ma Kui and Wang Xin that she and Jia Jinlong were married and had a son. Jia Jinlong claimed he fell for Yao Yuling at first sight in Ningyang. Yao Yuling explained she hadn't told them to avoid gossip.
Ma Kui then suddenly mentioned he had forgotten to pick up a file from the police station and asked Jia Jinlong for a ride. At the police station, they found it empty due to the holiday. Jia Jinlong insisted on hosting them for dinner and drinks at his establishment, the Ling Ballroom. At the Ling Ballroom, Jia Jinlong hosted Ma Kui and Wang Xin, joined by some of his men. Ma Kui drank heavily and appeared intoxicated.
Jia Jinlong asked about their case. Despite appearing drunk, Ma Kui revealed they had caught a drug dealer who had epilepsy and was hospitalized, adding that they suspected a bigger ringleader was involved. He deliberately mentioned the dealer was in the People's Hospital and made eye contact with Wang Xin. Understanding the signal, Wang Xin excused himself to make a phone call using Ma Kui's phone, telling Ma Kui he would greet Ma Yan.
Later, after Jia Jinlong had dropped them off at their hotel, Ma Kui immediately became alert once Jia Jinlong drove away. He explained to Wang Xin that he had detected a unique smell in Jia Jinlong's car, the same smell he had previously encountered on Hou Sanjin and Bao Jiashun. He noticed the same scent on Jia Jinlong's men at the KTV, confirming his suspicion that they were part of the same group involved in the drug case.
He explained that his visit to the empty police station and revealing the dealer's location in the hospital was a ruse to provoke Jia Jinlong. Wang Xin admitted he was initially confused by Ma Kui's behavior but understood the signal. He confirmed he had contacted Detective Gu, who had deployed officers to the hospital. Wang Xin also confirmed he had deleted the call record.
Ma Kui praised Wang Xin's growing skills, joking that he had learned well from him and the old blind man's ability to identify people by smell. True to their suspicions, Jia Jinlong sent men to the People's Hospital to silence the drug dealer. However, police who were lying in wait ambushed them.
Two of Jia Jinlong's men were arrested immediately; Gu described them as having buzz cuts, one with an "love" tattoo and the other with a "tolerance" tattoo, which Ma Kui recognized as the men from the KTV, confirming Jia Jinlong was likely their boss. Two other men escaped. Gu contacted Ma Kui and Wang Xin, and they rushed to the Ling Ballroom. Wang Xin asked Yao Yuling to call Jia Jinlong, but his phone was off.
Police took Yao Yuling in for questioning. Despite searching several locations, police could not find Jia Jinlong. Gu speculated he had only one route left. Having seen the police surround the Ling Ballroom, Jia Jinlong and the two men who escaped the hospital ambush disguised themselves and boarded the train bound for Ningyang from Hacheng. Ma Kui and Wang Xin also boarded the same train and began searching the carriages. They soon located Jia Jinlong and his men.
Confronted, Jia Jinlong grabbed a young girl sitting nearby and took her hostage, while his men seized other passengers. Ma Kui urged Jia Jinlong to release the hostages and surrender, pointing out they were surrounded. Jia Jinlong retorted that he could use the hostages to ensure his escape. Ma Kui offered to exchange himself for the hostages. Wang Xin stepped forward, volunteering to swap places with the hostages, appealing to Jia Jinlong based on their past connection.
Jia Jinlong agreed, noting Wang Xin's higher value. Wang Xin removed his jacket and threw his pistol onto the floor before joining Jia Jinlong. Jia Jinlong then ordered his men to release the other passengers.
Episode 39 (Ending) Recap
With Wang Xin volunteering as a hostage, Jia Jinlong forced Ma Kui and the other railroad officers out of the carriage, leaving only himself, Wang Xin, and two of his subordinates inside. Jia Jinlong believed his plan was foolproof, unaware that Wang Xin had suspected him for some time. Wang Xin revealed that Ma Kui, using a technique learned from an old blind man, had smelled drugs in Jia Jinlong's car upon first boarding.
Jia Jinlong then realized Ma Kui had intentionally leaked information about the hospital where a captured drug dealer was receiving treatment, hoping to lure him into a trap. He also understood Ma Kui had embraced his subordinates the previous night not out of camaraderie, but to discreetly smell them for any traces. Jia Jinlong demanded Ma Kui arrange a jeep with a full tank of fuel, waiting at the platform of the next station with no one present.
He threatened to kill Wang Xin if his demands were not met. Ma Kui immediately contacted the local police to arrange the vehicle. Wang Xin urged Jia Jinlong to surrender for leniency, but Jia Jinlong stated he knew death was inevitable the moment he started dealing drugs and refused to give up. He confessed that the drug dealer Wang Xin had shot years ago in Sanshan County was his sworn brother.
He hadn't killed Wang Xin to gather information, observing their activity level to determine when it was safe to transport goods. He claimed Yao Yuling was completely unaware of his criminal activities. Unable to persuade Jia Jinlong, Wang Xin turned his attention to the two subordinates, urging them to surrender and promising a chance at survival if they hadn't committed murder. Fearing his men would waver, Jia Jinlong drew his pistol and aimed it at Wang Xin.
As Wang Xin continued his psychological offensive, one of the subordinates decided to surrender. Jia Jinlong shot and killed him on the spot. The other subordinate immediately raised his hands in surrender, leaving Jia Jinlong isolated. Wang Xin fought fiercely with Jia Jinlong. Ma Kui arrived just in time to help subdue him. Unwilling to give up, Jia Jinlong pulled out a dagger and stabbed Ma Kui in the chest. Ma Kui collapsed instantly.
Wang Xin cried out for help, but it was too late. Ma Kui died from his severe injuries, leaving Wang Xin overcome with grief. Time passed quickly, and by 2009, China's railway system had developed significantly. Niu Dali and his wife visited Hacheng to enjoy the snow. While there, Niu Dali spotted Yao Yuling selling lamb skewers from a street stall. Yao Yuling was visibly embarrassed, but her son came to help her.
She quickly turned away, seemingly reluctant for Niu Dali to see her in such circumstances. Watching her walk away, Niu Dali felt a pang of sadness. Years turned into 2017. While reviewing old case files, Wang Xin discovered that Ding Gui'an, the victim in the severed limbs case from years ago, was actually alive. He had changed his name to Ding Baosheng, married, had a child, and opened a small store. Wang Xin apprehended Ding Gui'an.
Using hair samples Ma Kui had collected during the original investigation, Wang Xin confirmed Ding Gui'an was the true culprit behind a series of murders. Ding Gui'an confessed his crimes, admitting he killed for money and couldn't stop after the first accidental murder. To fake his own death and divert suspicion, he had tattooed the character "义" (Yi) on a victim's severed arm, a detail he then claimed was on his own body.
He stated the recurring gesture of the victims holding up a little finger was intended as a provocation to the police. He couldn't explain why the victims' blood types matched his. He stopped killing after getting married and having a son, wanting a peaceful life, believing the police had forgotten about him after so many years. Wang Xin told him that given the severity of his crimes, he wouldn't be worthy of wearing his uniform if he hadn't caught him.
Meanwhile, Wang Yongge, Wang Xin's father, was experiencing moments of lucidity mixed with confusion. He didn't recognize Wang Xin, mistaking his grandson, Wang Haoyang, for his son and insisting he needed to go to work. Ma Yan gently tried to calm him down, reminding him it was his day off. It was the anniversary of Ma Kui's death. Peng Mingjie, his daughter Peng Yongli, and her son visited Ma Kui's grave.
Peng Mingjie expressed his gratitude to Ma Kui for helping him surrender, acknowledging him as the most important person in his life despite their relatively short acquaintance, and saying he still wore the scarf Ma Kui gave him. Peng Yongli also offered her apologies to Ma Kui, saying she had misunderstood him before and that she remembered his kindness. Ma Yan, Wang Xin, and Ma Jian also came to pay their respects.
Ma Jian had followed in Ma Kui's footsteps and become a railroad officer, telling his late father he had taken over his work. Later, Shen Xiuping also arrived. Together, they remembered Ma Kui as a good, ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. Wang Xin, Ma Yan, and Wang Haoyang took a high-speed train trip. Unexpectedly, Little Wenzhou was on the same train and they happily reminisced together, with Little Wenzhou complimenting Ma Yan on how little she had changed.
Separately, Yuxia and Xuelin also met on the train, expressing surprise and excitement at seeing each other after many years, marveling at how much faster travel was now compared to when they used to commute between Ningyang and Hacheng. Cai Xiaonian, who had taken over as conductor after Lu Hongxing retired, was on his last shift before retirement.
He gave a heartfelt speech to the passengers, recounting his long career from steam to high-speed trains and sharing an anecdote about a former passenger he helped who later became a successful entrepreneur. Lu Hongxing was on the train to record Cai Xiaonian's final moments on duty. Cai Xiaonian wished everyone a safe journey and better lives, concluding by wishing prosperity for the country.
During the journey, a thief was caught, and a lost baby was found, reminding everyone on the train to be understanding and tolerant of each other. In legal proceedings, Ding Gui'an was sentenced to death for intentional homicide. Jia Jinlong, Hou Sanjin, and others received the death penalty for multiple crimes including smuggling, trafficking, and manufacturing drugs, and illegal possession of firearms. Liu Guiying was sentenced to life imprisonment for trafficking women and children. The Ministry of Public Security posthumously awarded Ma Kui the title of "Second-class Hero Model of the National Public Security System."
