Never Say Goodbye Episode 20 Recap
> Never Say Goodbye Recap
Mu Qing reflects on his past encounter with Linda (Liu Qingqing), when he had rescued her and emphatically warned her to avoid drugs. Despite his efforts, she has now become deeply involved in drug dealing. He contacts Director Liu by phone, confirming that Linda is the same girl he saved and expressing his determination to uncover who introduced her to this path and who her true mastermind is.
Mu Qing suggests that as he operates in the shadows while the police are visible, he should handle the investigation, a proposition Director Liu accepts, urging him to proceed with caution. Later, Director Liu informs Mu Qing that the drug users arrested the previous night confessed that Linda is the mastermind. Mu Qing then discusses the situation with Li Ruosheng, showing him Linda's drug paraphernalia. He points out that the drug's composition is very similar to Scorpion's.
Li Ruosheng is surprised, believing Scorpion to be dead, and questions if someone is imitating Scorpion's methods. Mu Qing, seeking answers, instructs Li Ruosheng to approach Linda and uncover the truth. Li Ruosheng begins his task by giving Linda a golf lesson and inviting her to a movie, which she declines. Later, after driving her home, he attempts to enter her apartment, citing safety concerns and his exhaustion, suggesting he could doze off while driving.
Linda, however, offers to call him a driver. She confronts him directly, asking about his intentions, and states she cannot give him what he desires, despite his insistence that he only wants her. She dismisses his romantic advances, but he claims genuine seriousness. Opportunistically, Li Ruosheng takes her phone, dials his own number, and tells her he is available 24/7 if she needs him. He later uses this connection to confirm her address.
Meanwhile, at the police station, Rong Yao theorizes that Linda is a front for a new, powerful drug lord, possibly from Spectre, who is exploiting Scorpion's former methods to flood the fashion market with cheap drugs to deflect attention. He believes Linda is the critical link to the mastermind. Rong Yao decides to use Xiaochang, a recently arrested associate of Linda's, to set up a meeting.
Xiaochang initially expresses doubt due to Linda's cautious nature but is reminded that cooperation could lead to leniency. When Xiaochang calls Linda, she feigns unfamiliarity and quickly hangs up. Rong Yao learns from Xiaochang that drugs are coded as "stage suits," measured in "pieces." Rong Yao then texts Linda directly, posing as a new buyer for "1,200 pieces of stage outfits." Linda promptly calls Xiaochang, inquiring about the buyer's identity.
Xiaochang, guided by Rong Yao, describes "Mr. Zhao" as a reliable friend of a close brother. Linda, still wary, demands a video call within three minutes, threatening to cancel the deal otherwise. Rong Yao's team quickly disguises Xiaochang and uses Zheng Ke's technical skills to create a fake, upscale background for the video call. During the call, Linda expresses surprise at Xiaochang's well-being. Xiaochang, following instructions, relays Mr. Zhao's terms: 1,200 pieces, cash payment, and no delays.
Linda agrees to meet and promises to send the time and location. Afterward, Linda calls Tieguanyin to inform her about the large 1,200-piece deal. Linda assures Tieguanyin that she has vetted the buyer and will not implicate her if anything goes wrong. Tieguanyin then asks about another task she assigned. Linda reports that Li Ruosheng has fallen for her trap, and Ou Kexin has become jealous, leading to arguments with Mu Qing.
Linda explains she is careful not to make her manipulation too obvious. Tieguanyin acknowledges the successful progression of their plan. Mu Qing is puzzled by Ou Kexin's recent irrational behavior and constant arguments. Li Ruosheng clarifies that Ou Kexin is jealous because Mu Qing's attention has been focused on Linda, but he reminds Mu Qing of their mission's greater importance. Li Ruosheng then asks Mu Qing to pick up a bouquet of flowers from Shiguang Flower Shop.
Simultaneously, Ou Kexin calls Mu Qing, demanding he deliver fabric to her studio within ten minutes. Upon Mu Qing's arrival at her studio, an assistant points out the flowers in his car to Ou Kexin, who, misinterpreting the gesture, is delighted, believing they are for her. After Mu Qing delivers the fabric, Ou Kexin makes a sarcastic remark about him rushing off to a "date," still acting jealous.
Mu Qing, bewildered by her unpredictable anger, departs, wishing her well, while she continues to mock his eagerness. Mu Qing delivers the flowers to Linda's doorstep as per Li Ruosheng's request. Li Ruosheng explains that Linda, being "very rational," will deduce they are from him. Shortly after, Linda calls Li Ruosheng, addressing him as "Honey," but then sternly warns him to stop his "impure thoughts" and "stalking," threatening to consider him a "pervert" if he persists.
Despite this apparent rejection, Li Ruosheng remains unperturbed. Mu Qing teases him about his failed romantic ploy, but Li Ruosheng confidently reveals his "next trick": he had secretly installed a tracking device in Linda's phone case when she wasn't paying attention earlier. He boasts that Linda cannot escape his grasp, to which Mu Qing wryly advises him not to be overconfident. Later, when Mu Qing visits Ou Kexin's studio to deliver some items, he is surprised to find Linda there.
Linda, attempting to sow discord, deliberately thanks Mu Qing for the flowers he delivered and invites him to dinner as a token of gratitude. A visibly jealous Ou Kexin immediately steps in, hugging Mu Qing and stating he is unavailable due to prior dinner plans with her, effectively warding off Linda. Linda, realizing her attempt to provoke failed, departs. Still agitated, Ou Kexin scolds Mu Qing for gaining weight and tells him to eat only apples for dinner.
This triggers a flashback for Mu Qing, who recalls a similar conversation with Rong Yu, where she also called him "fat" and insisted he stick to apples for weight loss. Rong Yao receives a call from Linda confirming their meeting. He instructs his team to prepare for an undercover operation within the hour. Zheng Ke is tasked with monitoring all telecom signals in a three-block radius, as they suspect Linda might be controlled by an unseen boss.
Zhao Ran is assigned to pose as "Mr. Zhao," an electronic component businessman from Shanghai, with Li Yimeng acting as his secretary. Despite having worked long hours, Li Yimeng insists on participating in the mission. The team sets up a comprehensive surveillance system at the Fanyihui Teahouse, the agreed meeting location. Zhao Ran and Li Yimeng enter, and Linda soon arrives alone. Zhao Ran compliments her, but Li Yimeng, playing the aggressive secretary, immediately questions Linda's authority regarding the deal.
Linda asserts that as the host, she sets the rules, implying her boss will not meet them without sufficient trust and sincerity. Zhao Ran diffuses the tension, admitting he is a "rookie" compared to them, and emphasizes his "money and sincerity." However, Linda states that for a deal of this magnitude, their current display of "sincerity" is inadequate. Zhao Ran agrees to reschedule and bring the remaining money. Simultaneously, Li Ruosheng, tracking Linda's phone, follows her to the teahouse. He discreetly observes the meeting and overhears her discussing a substantial shipment of goods, which greatly surprises him.
