Resumo do episódio 12 de The Justice
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Cheng Yizhi, having witnessed the drug-dealing postman escape and learned from an addicted woman that the Rejuvenation Agent could alleviate pain, tasked Heart-shaped Face with discreetly investigating pharmacies and clinics that dispensed the agent for pain relief. Heart-shaped Face discovered that Ren'an Pharmacy on Erma Road had been secretly selling a "magical oral liquid," the Rejuvenation Agent, to cancer patients, which was remarkably effective in stopping pain.
The demand for this oral liquid grew beyond cancer patients to include smokers and cigarette dealers, leading the clinic to cease sales four months prior due to concerns about potential trouble. Heart-shaped Face further revealed that the oral liquid was Ren'an Pharmacy's exclusive secret formula, developed by Zhou Wenquan, a Chemistry lecturer at Huhai University, at the request of the pharmacy owner, Zhou Ren'an, who was his cousin.
Meanwhile, Wu Lizi, under the alias Miss Daisy, the casting director for the Chunqiu English Drama Club, helped Mr. Jiao's daughter, Shao Yu, secure an audition for a play. Shao Yu and her mother were overjoyed and profusely thanked "Miss Daisy" (Wu Lizi) for the opportunity, while Mr. Jiao harbored internal distress.
Shao Yu excitedly recounted to her father how her small role as Mary in "Pride and Prejudice" unexpectedly led to an invitation for a subsequent audition, thanks to Miss Daisy's recognition of her talent. Cheng Yizhi went directly to Huhai University to find Zhou Wenquan.
Introducing himself as the manager of Longying Private Bank and a friend of Mr. Fu, an executive at the university, Cheng Yizhi was warmly received by Zhou Wenquan, who was already aware of Cheng's intention to donate to the Chemistry Department. Inside the lab, Cheng observed Zhou working on a project to improve milk products for a French firm, a task Zhou explained was simply a means to earn extra funds for the laboratory.
Despite the meager payment, Zhou intended to acquire an ultra-low-temperature reactor. He then enthusiastically spoke about the pervasive importance of chemistry in all aspects of national development, from metallurgy and dyeing to everyday items like matches and soap, and crucially, in pharmacy. Cheng Yizhi acknowledged Zhou's desire to allocate a portion of the donation specifically to the Chemistry Department. Cheng then directly inquired if Zhou Wenquan was indeed the inventor of Ren'an Pharmacy's renowned "magical oral liquid."
Cheng Yizhi, having earlier claimed a bank employee's illness as his reason for inquiry, listened as Zhou Wenquan's cheerful demeanor immediately faded upon being asked about the "magical oral liquid." He somberly confessed that the invention was a "stain on his career." He explained that he had initially developed the pain-relieving agent at his cousin Zhou Ren'an's behest, intending to ease the severe suffering of cancer patients, a task he undertook with a deep sense of duty.
However, to his dismay, the oral liquid, while more potent than opium in alleviating pain, proved to be even more addictive. He tragically realized his medicine had transformed into a dangerous drug. Zhou Wenquan revealed that he personally intervened to stop Ren'an Pharmacy from selling it after observing individuals without cancer using it to numb themselves and seek pleasure.
He expressed profound relief at having "stopped it from getting worse," fearing he would be responsible for countless ruined families if it proliferated. Cheng Yizhi then suggested that mass-producing the formula could benefit patients and doctors alike, promising a high price for the formula, enough to purchase any desired lab equipment. However, Zhou Wenquan adamantly refused to sell the formula, asserting that its potential societal harm far outweighed its medical value.
Despite listing the costly equipment he yearned for—an ultra-low-temperature reactor, a centrifugal extractor, a vacuum reactor, and a temperature-controlled thermal conductivity meter—Zhou Wenquan steadfastly declared that his "conscience is priceless" and reiterated his refusal. The next morning, Mr. Jiao, after dropping off Shao Yu at school, anxiously waited for Wu Lizi at the school gate. When Wu Lizi arrived, she confronted him, threatening to continue intruding on his family's life if he did not reveal the truth.
She sarcastically expressed envy for Shao Yu's "happy and innocent" life, a stark contrast to her own after her father, Wu Zhifu, allegedly "embezzled and killed himself." Wu Lizi warned Mr. Jiao that she was no longer the "old Lizi" he knew and had already gained Shao Yu's trust, implying she could disrupt his daughter's life if he didn't cooperate. Mr. Jiao furiously demanded she leave his daughter alone and target him instead.
Wu Lizi reminded him of his previous dismissal of her, forcing her to approach his daughter. She threatened that if he didn't confess, Shao Yu would experience "a different kind of life." Under immense pressure, Mr. Jiao disclosed that before Wu Zhifu's death, he possessed a roll of film containing crucial evidence to "clean the financial mess inside the Shanghai Deposit Bank."
He denied knowing the film's exact contents and stated he was unsure if Zhou Guangxian had acquired it, though he suspected not, as Zhou had later inquired about its whereabouts. Mr. Jiao desperately pleaded with Wu Lizi to spare his innocent daughter and promised he had told her the truth. Lei Zi reported to Huang Ruhong that Zhou Wenquan, a Chemistry lecturer at Huhai University, was the inventor of the Rejuvenation Agent.
Lei Zi recommended arresting Zhou Wenquan and sending him to the Smoking Regulating Department to quash rumors linking Longying Private Bank to the drug, which he believed had arisen due to Heart-shaped Face's actions and could have severe consequences. Huang Ruhong, however, decided to consider it further and dismissed Lei Zi as Cheng Yizhi arrived. Cheng Yizhi then presented his findings, confirming Zhou Wenquan as the inventor but vehemently disagreeing with Lei Zi's suggestion.
He argued that Zhou Wenquan was not the true initiator of exploiting the Rejuvenation Agent as a drug; he had simply created a pain-relieving oral liquid for cancer patients, unaware it would be exploited by others for profit. Cheng Yizhi emphasized Zhou's strong aversion to drugs, noting his refusal of substantial money.
He warned that sending Zhou Wenquan to the ineffective Smoking Regulating Department, a hub of gang conflicts over drug profits, would make him a target for assassination or abduction by gangs whose opium trade was threatened by the Rejuvenation Agent.
Cheng Yizhi also expressed suspicion about the origin of the rumors linking Longying Private Bank to the Rejuvenation Agent, especially since Heart-shaped Face (Pang Feng) had admitted to possessing the agent but not selling it, and no other connections were found. He believed someone was orchestrating a scheme to create discord. To protect Zhou Wenquan and the bank's reputation, Cheng Yizhi proposed that Longying Private Bank "befriend" Zhou Wenquan, leveraging Huang Ruhong's prestige to deter gang interference.
When Huang Ruhong asked for specific details on how to execute this "friendship," Cheng Yizhi requested more time to devise a plan. Alone, Cheng Yizhi pondered his deep concern for Zhou Wenquan, questioning if it stemmed from mere sympathy, admiration for Zhou's unwavering conscience, or a nascent desire to experience the dignity found in social responsibility as a financier. He knew it was more than just simple pity.
Cheng Yizhi, struggling to find a way to help Zhou Wenquan, was advised by Wu Lizi to approach the problem by understanding Zhou's true desires. She observed his distress and urged him to open up, suggesting that to help someone, one should "give him what he lacks, what he wants, or help him pursue what he yearns for." Taking her advice, Cheng Yizhi directly asked Zhou Wenquan about his dream, offering ample funds and equipment.
Zhou Wenquan responded by taking Cheng to witness the plight of ordinary people suffering from tuberculosis, showing him the agonizing struggles of those gasping for breath. Cheng Yizhi was deeply moved. Zhou Wenquan explained the stark contrast between the care rich patients received in beautiful sanatoriums and the grim reality for the poor, who were left to "wait for death here or at home."
He revealed that his own father had died of tuberculosis, a prevalent disease among workers at the iron factory where he labored. Since then, Zhou Wenquan had dedicated himself to creating "real medicine"—an effective antituberculosis drug. He acknowledged the immense difficulty and cost of such research, contrasting expensive but effective European drugs with cheap, ineffective domestic alternatives, and lamented the historical lack of investment in local pharmaceutical factories.
Cheng Yizhi, profoundly affected by what he saw, promised to help Zhou Wenquan overcome these obstacles, expressing unwavering faith in his ability to succeed and inviting him to discuss a concrete plan. Cheng Yizhi reported to Huang Ruhong about his proposal to establish a pharmaceutical factory for Zhou Wenquan. Initially concerned about the significant expenditure, Huang Ruhong was swayed by Cheng Yizhi's compelling arguments.
Cheng highlighted Zhou Wenquan's financial acumen, assuring Huang that funds would be managed prudently and that even if antituberculosis drug research failed, other products would ensure a respectable return on investment. More importantly, Cheng emphasized Zhou Wenquan's brilliant research capabilities, asserting that with Longying Private Bank's financial backing, the antituberculosis drug was within reach.
He strategically appealed to Huang Ruhong's position as a Director of the General Chamber of Commerce of Shanghai, framing the investment as fulfilling a critical mission to support industry, invigorate the economy, and set an example for others in embracing national responsibility. Huang Ruhong reluctantly agreed, noting Cheng Yizhi's newfound "fancy words" and deducing he had been influenced by Professor Lu.
Cheng Yizhi explained his frequent visits were primarily due to Mrs. Lu's longing for Wu Lizi, with Professor Lu's financial insights being a secondary benefit. Huang Ruhong accepted this explanation without further inquiry. Through Cheng Yizhi's persistent efforts, the Wenquan Pharmaceutical Factory was successfully established. During the opening, Zhou Wenquan enthusiastically showcased his new facility to reporters and Cheng Yizhi.
While confident in the factory's initial success, Zhou expressed apprehension that the visible acquisition of advanced equipment might inadvertently reveal his true goal of developing an antituberculosis drug. He feared foreign firms, protective of their monopolies, would "destroy" any Chinese competitor and obstruct his access to raw materials, equipment, and licenses. Cheng Yizhi reassured him, emphasizing that discretion would keep their true intentions hidden.
Zhou Wenquan then unveiled his comprehensive plan for profitability: a range of successful cosmeceuticals, including Hundred Flower Dew, skin creams, and whitening creams, all with appealing designs, which had already secured orders. He also developed child-friendly medicines like antipyretic pills, wind-cold pills, anti-diarrhea agents, and calcium tablets, strategically rebranding the factory's logo to a puppy to capture the children's market.
Cheng Yizhi was greatly impressed, commending Zhou Wenquan as not just a scientist but also a "management genius" with a keen "economic mind." Zhou Wenquan explained his commitment to profit generation as a necessary step to honor Cheng Yizhi's "huge loan" and support for his dream, particularly given the arduous and lengthy nature of antituberculosis drug research, assuring Cheng he would not disappoint him. Cheng Yizhi reaffirmed his unwavering trust.
Lei Zi was incensed, as his attempt to use Heart-shaped Face to undermine Cheng Yizhi had spectacularly backfired, instead boosting Cheng Yizhi's standing. Meanwhile, Zhou Wenquan was formally welcomed as a new member of the General Chamber of Commerce of Shanghai. During the ceremony, he publicly expressed his gratitude to Huang Ruhong, the founder of Longying Private Bank, for investing in his factory, acknowledging that it was their first direct meeting.
Taking the stage, Huang Ruhong delivered an impassioned speech, highlighting his mission as a Director to support young entrepreneurs. He proudly affirmed Longying Private Bank's role in Zhou Wenquan's success and then, to Zhou's dismay, publicly wished him "great success" in developing an antituberculosis drug. This public announcement immediately worried Zhou Wenquan, who recalled Cheng Yizhi's earlier warnings about foreign firms' reactions to challenges in their monopolized sectors.
Indeed, several compradors from foreign firms promptly approached Zhou Wenquan, probing him about the veracity of his antituberculosis drug research. To mitigate the damage, Cheng Yizhi proposed a "remedy plan": Zhou Wenquan must "act" by confidently and grandiosely announcing his intention to develop "all" drugs currently monopolized by foreigners, including those for liver disease and rheumatism, with aggressively short timelines. Cheng believed this would lead foreign firms to dismiss his ambitious claims as mere marketing bluster.
Separately, Cheng Yizhi was in a noticeably better mood, confiding in Wu Lizi that the troubles involving Heart-shaped Face had finally subsided, leading to his improved sleep, a detail Wu Lizi had observed from sleeping beside him. Wu Lizi then asked Cheng Yizhi to accompany her to the upcoming prospectus party hosted by Shanghai Deposit Bank, for which she had acquired two invitations from Mrs. Tang of Si Da Private Bank.
Her true intention was to seize this opportunity to investigate her father's cause of death. Cheng Yizhi expressed concern about the potential for gossip regarding her and her deceased father. Wu Lizi, however, declared her resolve: though she had always feared such talk, she now intended to "walk in proudly" and demonstrate to everyone the wonderful husband she had and how happily she lived.
When Cheng Yizhi raised the issue of the bank's suit-only dress code, contrasting it with his traditional long gowns, Wu Lizi insisted they could have a suit custom-made and expedited, playfully but firmly overriding his objections until he agreed to attend. Satisfied, she then sang him a lullaby. Cheng Yizhi and Wu Lizi made a grand entrance at the Shanghai Deposit Bank's prospectus party, immediately becoming the center of attention.
Guests whispered, recognizing Wu Lizi as Wu Zhifu's daughter and speculating about her presence and her escort, suspecting she had gained entry with someone else's invitation and intended to investigate the bank's fundraising. Deputy General Manager Jiao, concerned that Wu Lizi might seize the opportunity to inquire about their fundraising, was instructed by Zhou Guangxian to prevent her from speaking with Mr. Zhai.
Zhou Guangxian tasked Jiao with finalizing terms with Mr. Shi of Juwen Leather and discussing investment details with Mr. Zhai of Guanfeng Real Estate, reiterating the importance of keeping Wu Lizi away from Mr. Zhai. When Wu Lizi attempted to dance with Mr. Zhai, Deputy General Manager Jiao intervened, trying to redirect her, claiming he and Mr. Zhai had important business discussions.
Wu Lizi confronted him, questioning if her father's passing and loss of his General Manager position meant she no longer had the right to dance at the bank's event. Overhearing, Mr. Zhai, after confirming her identity as Wu Zhifu's daughter, graciously invited her to dance. Meanwhile, Zhou Wenquan spotted Cheng Yizhi and enthusiastically approached him, jokingly asking why Cheng had abandoned such a beautiful lady for him.
Cheng Yizhi, mistakenly believing Zhou Wenquan was referring to his "own" uncle, inquired, "Your uncle?" Zhou Wenquan clarified, "Who is "your" uncle?" to which Cheng Yizhi replied, "Zhou Guangxian, General Manager of Shanghai Deposit Bank." As Wu Lizi danced, her partner's wife discreetly inquired to Zhou Guangxian about the identity of the dancing woman, to which he simply replied, "Miss Wu, she's becoming more and more beautiful."
Cheng Yizhi and another male guest discussed Wu Lizi's presence, with the other man implying she was there to probe the prospectus. Cheng Yizhi dismissed this, stating Lizi was merely there for leisure and to enjoy a waltz. The other man then sarcastically commented on Cheng Yizhi's "generous mind" for allowing his wife to dance freely, recalling her past as a bar waitress. Cheng Yizhi calmly retorted that Lizi had once encountered "well-dressed beasts" during her time as a waitress, subtly implying his hope that the current company was more refined.
