Resumo do episódio 21 de The Company
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After the intense live-action Liubo Chess game, everyone safely departed. Su Beilu, who had sustained a wound during the event, was reassured that it was not severe and only required stitches at a hospital. Wei Lai, the host's representative, apologized for any unpleasantness during the game and presented each participant with 10,000 silver dollars, emphasizing that participation was more important than winning.
Many, including Wei Zhuoran, politely declined the money, explaining their true purpose in attending was to visit Elder Yu and check on his well-being, not for financial gain, especially after having been absent for three years, and purely to spend time with him. Elder Yu initially perceived their refusal as a slight, but when Wei Zhuoran proposed arranging a visit to Xiuyun's grave as her death anniversary approached, everyone eagerly agreed.
Elder Yu was deeply touched, realizing that Xiuyun was still cherished by them all. He confessed to having blamed both himself and the others for Xiuyun's death, but now acknowledged the futility of such resentment. Despite his vast knowledge of antiques, he admitted to lacking the broad-mindedness of ancient scholars. He urged them to live their lives fully, honoring Xiuyun's hope. Finally, Elder Yu offered a heartfelt apology for intimidating them the previous night.
Feeling exhausted, he bid them farewell, unable to personally see them off. Fulfilling his promise, he presented the invaluable Liubo Chess set to Bi Zhi, acknowledging his victory. In the aftermath, the Hong brothers reconciled, mutually understanding each other and strengthening their bond; Hong Lie decided to focus on training for an upcoming competition, entrusting the full management of their martial arts center to his more astute younger brother, Hong Chi.
Wu Yunong and Wei Zhuoran also treated each other honestly, and their relationship warmed up. Wu Yunong's father also pledged to accompany her to her next performance and advocate for her desired machine purchase with the Chamber of Commerce, signaling a strengthened relationship. One month later, the group respectfully accompanied Elder Yu to Xiuyun's grave. Shortly after their return to the manor, the true Cao A'ning arrived, presenting his credentials and apologizing profusely for his tardiness.
He explained that his identification had been stolen en route, causing a significant delay, and he had informed his uncle, Butler Li, immediately. Elder Yu was left with a pressing question: who was the imposter who had been by his side, posing as A'ning, all this time? This mystery lingered in Elder Yu's heart, dissipating slowly. Meanwhile, Su Beilu's wound had healed, and his stitches were removed.
Bi Zhi treated him to ice cream, which Su Beilu shared brought back childhood memories of only receiving the treat when he was exceptionally well-behaved. Bi Zhi revealed it was his first time trying ice cream, and they both agreed to bring some back for the Market Lord. Su Beilu, eager to resume their missions, pressed Bi Zhi for their next task, assuring him of his full recovery. That evening, Bi Zhi invited Master Dong to dinner.
When Su Beilu returned home, he was surprised to find Chun Ge and Ren Xiaomin already there, preparing a hot pot, and wondered if there was a special celebration. They teased him, claiming it was for Bi Zhi's newfound outgoing nature and Chun Ge's success in quitting gaming. During the meal, they playfully recounted conflicting stories of how Su Beilu had injured himself.
Bi Zhi reflected on how this gathering, much like their housewarming, filled his home with a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time. He thanked them for their companionship, admitting he had grown accustomed to solitude but now cherished having friends and reasons to celebrate. Bi Zhi earnestly cautioned Master Dong to meticulously guard his antiques from being easily defrauded, a lesson Master Dong claimed to have learned from Bi Zhi.
Bi Zhi then offered heartfelt encouragement to Chun Ge, acknowledging his bravery and wishing him luck in finding love. Finally, he entrusted Ren Xiaomin with the care of Su Beilu's pet, Xuan Wu, for when he would be away, words that she innocently accepted. The next day, Bi Zhi and Su Beilu embarked on a new mission, time-traveling to an ancient dynasty to recover the Liangzhu Silk, specifically an "Autumn Twilight Painting" depicted on it.
Their search led them to Youran Pavilion, where they found Scholar Zhao Wanli deeply intoxicated and snoring loudly. Su Beilu, attempting a first-aid technique, accidentally roused the scholar, who reacted angrily. Bi Zhi politely introduced himself and inquired about the Autumn Twilight Painting. Su Beilu, exaggerating, claimed they had brought "half a lifetime's worth of possessions" for the painting.
Zhao Wanli, however, was dismissive and deliberately made things difficult for Bi Zhi, even taking out a fake painting to extort him. Bi Zhi, not discouraged, humbly handed over a 10,000 silver note, politely turned, and departed, showing great demeanor. Bi Zhi and Su Beilu discreetly followed Zhao Wanli to a tavern. There, Zhao Wanli settled his tab with Madam Ran, then ordered a large vat of Nv'er Hong liquor to celebrate.
Madam Ran, who knew him well, served him braised pork head and warned him not to get too drunk and cause a mess, setting a one-vat limit. As Zhao Wanli recited poetry, two ruffians began to harass Madam Ran. Despite his drunken state, Zhao Wanli bravely stepped in to defend her. A scuffle ensued, in which one ruffian spat on Zhao Wanli's garment.
Madam Ran ultimately chased them away, and Bi Zhi, with his wisdom, resolved the remaining issue by offering to pay Zhao Wanli's entire tab. Along with Su Beilu, he offered to escort Zhao Wanli home as a gesture of sincerity for the painting. Madam Ran agreed, though she noted his house was quite a distance away. At Zhao Wanli's home, Bi Zhi asked Su Beilu to light a candle.
While Zhao Wanli was still unconscious, Su Beilu began searching for the Autumn Twilight Painting. Bi Zhi stopped him, clarifying that the candle was meant to "leave him a ray of light in the darkness," not to facilitate theft. The commotion, however, woke Zhao Wanli, who flew into a drunken rage, accusing them of trying to steal his paintings, yelling that stealing art was like "murdering one's parents," and violently drove them out.
Outside, Su Beilu expressed shock at Zhao Wanli's terrifying drunken behavior. Bi Zhi, fearing further confrontation, suggested returning to Yashe, but Su Beilu was determined to find another way. The following morning, Bi Zhi and Su Beilu returned to the tavern. Madam Ran, initially surprised, learned they were there to pay off all of Zhao Wanli's remaining debts. Impressed by their sincerity, she accepted the payment and returned their change. Su Beilu then asked her about the Autumn Twilight Painting.
Madam Ran admitted that while Zhao Wanli spent his days drawing, she couldn't identify that particular piece. She then recounted Zhao Wanli's story: in his youth, he was a talented and proud man who vowed not to marry until he passed the imperial examinations. However, he repeatedly failed, which led to his current despondent state. She confessed to trying to persuade him to find other paths, but he had dismissed her, claiming she didn't understand him.
Later, he declared that fame and fortune were illusions and began to drown his sorrows in Nv'er Hong, frequently demanding it even when she refused him credit, making her the only tavern that would tolerate his debts. Just then, Zhao Wanli appeared at the tavern, carrying flowers, once again ready for his daily indulgence.
