Always on the Move Episode 12 Recap
> Always on the Move 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.
