Ordinary Greatness Episode 27 Recap
> Ordinary Greatness Recap
When Wang Shouyi returned to the Balihe Police Station, officers were waiting in the yard, pleading for Cao Jianjun. They urged their Chief to speak for Jianjun, saying he had only made a mistake and asking for help so he wouldn't be sent to prison, even if it meant a demotion. They emphasized his recent success in solving a case and catching a criminal, arguing his contributions outweighed his errors. Heartbroken, Wang Shouyi silently retreated to his office.
Gao Chao entered Wang Shouyi's office, expressing that despite his personal dislike for Cao Jianjun’s competitive nature and self-serving tendencies, he believed they should still try to help him. Wang Shouyi grew furious, slamming his cup on the ground. Later, Chen Xincheng and other officers appealed to Wang Shouyi, highlighting Cao Jianjun's sixteen years of dedicated service, numerous injuries, and his efforts in solving problems for the community.
They argued that while his mistake was serious, it was understandable, and not supporting him would demoralize the entire station. They even proposed asking Director Song for leniency or submitting a formal report. Wang Shouyi sharply rebuked them, asserting that police officers, as law enforcers, could not expect special privileges when breaking the law. He angrily declared that no one was to mention Cao Jianjun's case again, emphasizing that his punishment would be determined by law, not by them.
He then adjourned the meeting, but an officer made a final plea, reminding Wang Shouyi that Jianjun was their comrade. Zhou Hui’s mother and sister, Zhou Cong, arrived at her home. Zhou Cong gently tried to console her, but their mother launched into a tirade. She blamed Zhou Hui for marrying Cao Jianjun, remarking on how his police identity failed to protect him now that he was in trouble for drunk driving.
She compared him unfavorably to Sun Youguang, Zhou Hui's brother-in-law, boasting that Sun Youguang had paid back a three-million-dollar debt and was removed from the blacklist. She criticized Zhou Hui's marriage and lifestyle, repeatedly urging her to reflect on her choices and insinuating that Cao Jianjun would soon become an ex-convict. Zhou Hui, enraged, lashed out, defending Cao Jianjun as a devoted husband and father.
She exposed her brother-in-law's philandering and financial troubles, despite his wealth, and questioned her sister's happiness. Zhou Hui then declared her unwavering loyalty to Cao Jianjun, vowing to stand by him no matter the hardships. She told her mother that if she disliked him, she should no longer visit her home, and Zhou Hui would cease visiting her mother's home, suggesting they ignore each other.
When her mother protested, claiming to act for Zhou Hui's own good, Zhou Hui dismissed her. As Zhou Hui insisted it was time to pick up her child, she urged her mother and sister to leave. Her mother, furious, told Zhou Hui never to seek help from the Zhou family again, slammed the door, and departed. Left alone, Zhou Hui broke down in tears. Wang Shouyi went to the Municipal Bureau to seek a favor from Director Song.
Upon arrival, he was informed by Lv, an assistant, that Director Song was in a long meeting and knew Wang Shouyi’s purpose, suggesting he return first. However, Wang Shouyi insisted on waiting, explaining his own morning meeting had ended early and he had no other engagements. Lv served him tea, expressing that Director Song was also upset about Cao Jianjun’s situation. Wang Shouyi acknowledged that Jianjun had failed them and apologized for causing trouble.
Lv later interrupted Director Song's meeting to inform him that Wang Shouyi was still waiting. Director Song eventually met Wang Shouyi, respectfully addressing him as "Master" and recalling Wang Shouyi's mentorship since he joined the force. He then directly asked if there were any new developments beyond what Wang Shouyi had mentioned the previous night.
Wang Shouyi, with a heavy heart, admitted he had nothing new to say, expressing his shame for shamelessly seeking help for a subordinate who had committed such a serious crime. He pleaded with Director Song, hoping to secure "the last bit of hope for Jianjun," reminding him that Jianjun was his junior and asking if there was "a way to not let him get sent to prison."
Director Song, calling him "Master," regretfully stated he couldn't make such an assurance, as it depended on the law. He firmly reiterated that drunk driving carries a "no pardon" policy, stipulated long ago, and while he couldn't say if Jianjun would go to jail, he confirmed Jianjun "can't be a policeman anymore." He gently admonished Wang Shouyi for not having disciplined Jianjun more strictly earlier. Wang Shouyi left, heartbroken and in tears. Director Song later visited the Balihe Police Station.
Addressing the officers, he acknowledged their differing opinions on Cao Jianjun's criminal punishment. He reminded them of Cao Jianjun's second-class merit, a medal he had personally awarded, but firmly stated that "everyone is equal in front of the law" and "merits won't spare you from punishment when you make mistakes." He stressed that for law enforcers who break the law, the punishment would be even more severe.
Director Song then assigned blame, stating that both the bureau and the Balihe station were responsible for failing to educate and discipline Cao Jianjun. He announced the bureau’s decision to use Cao Jianjun as a negative example and launch a comprehensive education and rectification campaign across the entire bureau to strengthen self-discipline. Since Cao Jianjun's predicament, Yang Shu had been visibly dispirited, unable to focus at work and isolating himself in his room at home.
His colleagues noticed his listlessness; Li Dawei even wanted to talk to him, but Jia told him to give Yang Shu some space. Xia Jie, Zhao Jiwei, and Li Dawei were all concerned, unsure how to provide comfort. Wang Shouyi met Captain Luo for dinner, where they enjoyed pig face, a dish Wang Shouyi had promised Captain Luo. Wang Shouyi, still drinking tea instead of alcohol, confided his deep sadness over Cao Jianjun’s downfall.
He explained that Cao Jianjun, a capable colleague who had recently made contributions, had destroyed his career with alcohol and drunk driving. Captain Luo observed that while things are unpredictable, one should learn to take things easy. Wang Shouyi attributed Cao Jianjun’s fate to his personality, a trait he had often warned him about. Captain Luo agreed, musing that if personality could change, so could fate.
Wang Shouyi then shared another dilemma: the Municipal Bureau had launched a major investigation requiring a skilled writer and had specifically requested Yang Shu, the Peking University top student and Cao Jianjun's disciple, from their station. Wang Shouyi suspected the bureau was concerned Yang Shu might also get into trouble if he stayed at Balihe. Feeling anxious, Wang Shouyi sought Captain Luo's advice on whether to agree to the transfer or resist, mentioning that Director Song was his former apprentice.
Captain Luo, respecting Wang Shouyi's professional boundaries, offered personal counsel: "when you are capable of it, then just try your best, but when you're not, then just let it be." This advice left Wang Shouyi in deep contemplation about what was "capable" and "not capable." The next morning, Wang Shouyi held a meeting with his leadership team and Yang Shu.
He announced what he called "very good news": the Municipal Bureau was launching a major special research project and had specifically requested Yang Shu for his legal background, writing skills, and excellent performance. Wang Shouyi presented this as an honor for Yang Shu and a demonstration of Balihe Police Station’s commitment to the greater good. He instructed Yang Shu to complete his handover procedures promptly and report to the Municipal Bureau, assigning the instructor and Cheng Hao to assist him.
Zhao Jiwei quickly learned of Yang Shu’s transfer and, along with Xia Jie, suspected it was due to the bureau’s distrust of their station following Cao Jianjun’s incident. They decided to organize a farewell dinner for Yang Shu that evening and asked Li Dawei, who was out on duty with Chen Xincheng, to buy groceries and return early. However, when Li Dawei arrived home with a large haul of groceries, Jia informed him that Yang Shu had already left.
Yang Shu had packed his luggage earlier that afternoon and sent a message to Xia Jie, Li Dawei, and Zhao Jiwei via WeChat group, explaining his early departure to adapt to his new environment and work schedule, promising to visit often. Li Dawei was disappointed by Yang Shu’s unannounced departure, while Zhao Jiwei speculated that Yang Shu had left quietly to avoid a difficult farewell. Xia Jie’s mother returned home earlier than expected from Dali.
Xia Jie picked her up at the station, but her mother was in a foul mood, sighing about the trip being "meaningless" and complaining that Xia Jie was too busy to accompany her. She even grumbled about the bureau not sending a car to pick her up. Back home, she immediately retired to bed for a nap. Concerned by her mother's disposition, Xia Jie discreetly called her aunt. Her aunt revealed that the issue stemmed from Mr. Liang.
Initially, he had been quite enthusiastic, but Xia Jie’s mother, always "so proud," had kept her distance. As a result, Mr. Liang had started seeing someone else and returned home early from Dali. The next morning, Xia Jie visited Mr. Liang, thanking him for taking care of her mother during the trip.
She inquired about his new relationship, and he admitted a friend had introduced him to someone, but he hadn't made a decision, implying his heart remained with Xia Jie's mother. Xia Jie, speaking candidly, told him that her mother couldn't find anyone better than him and that missing this opportunity would be her mother’s regret, not his.
Mr. Liang confirmed that despite her mother’s rejection, he knew she relied on him emotionally and he, too, found it hard to let her go. He explained his initial care was out of gratitude to Xia Jie’s father, but it had evolved into pity for her mother. Xia Jie promised to get her mother's response to him as soon as possible. Back home, Xia Jie attempted to discuss Mr. Liang with her mother, who was watching television.
Her mother immediately grew defensive, accusing Xia Jie of wanting to "get her married" and "get rid of her." She tearfully recounted her sacrifices for Xia Jie, stating that all Xia Jie seemed to want was for her to move out or marry Mr. Liang. Xia Jie tried to explain that her intention was only to alleviate her mother’s loneliness, but her mother retorted that she had been alone for years and still had Xia Jie.
Xia Jie then tried to convey that her work would only get busier and, at twenty-two, she also desired "her own life." This further upset her mother, who interpreted it as Xia Jie wanting to get married and leave her. Her mother cried, lamenting her "miserable" life, first abandoned by Xia Jie's father, and now, she felt, even by Xia Jie.
