Stealth Walker Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Stealth Walker Synopsis
After Cheng Ji, an anti-drug captain in Lingnan City, is killed in the course of his duty, Lin Qiang, a police cadet, is mistakenly taken by a drug dealer as a trader, and the police force arranges for Lin to hide her identity and start an undercover mission to collect evidence of the drug dealer’s crime.
While infiltrating Qiu Hu’s group, Lin Qiang befriends Zhang Xianhe, the adopted son of overseas drug lord Ma Hongtao, and has to pretend to be in love with him to obtain information while suppressing her true feelings.
They have a tacit understanding to fight Qiu Hu and Liu Bing, two drug lords, but it is all Ma Hongtao’s plan to use the police force to fight the competition and enjoy the benefits.
However, Lin Qiang’s identity is still discovered by Zhang Xianhe, who is caught in a dilemma, while at the same time the joint law enforcement team on the periphery has to rush to find their hiding place before Lin Qiang is recognized by Ma Hongtao.
Lin Qiang’s life hangs in the balance, what she did not expect is that the secret of her father is also related to Ma Hongtao ……
Stealth Walker Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Three weeks ago, the Narcotics Control Brigade of the Jiangmen Branch in Lingnan City successfully intercepted a vehicle carrying heroin on the Lingsan Expressway. Suspect Wang Shanshan was arrested, and 10. 2 kilograms of heroin were confiscated. This event, reported as occurring at 10:20 am, marked the fifth major drug case in Lingnan City that year.
Police commissioner Gao Zongyi announced a sustained fight against drug networks, noting the arrested drug trafficking syndicate likely possessed strong anti-surveillance capabilities, possibly even being gang-related. Inside the Jiangmen Branch's Narcotics Control office, Vice-captain Cao Yongming oversaw Wang Shanshan's interrogation. She remained silent, refusing to cooperate. Officers pressed her, revealing they knew she had called a man named Qiu Hu multiple times, suspecting him to be the upstream supplier she was protecting. Wang Shanshan merely demanded a cigarette.
In a subsequent meeting, Cao Yongming reported Wang Shanshan's refusal to provide information, but confirmed intelligence pointed to Qiu Hu as her supplier. Commissioner Gao questioned the source's reliability, to which Cao Yongming replied it was "absolutely reliable." He explained they had tracked Wang Shanshan in the Longjin area for six months, dismantling many of her dealers, yet her supplier remained at large.
Gao Zongyi noted that Wang Shanshan being caught with 10 kilograms of heroin indicated Qiu Hu was a "bigger fish." Captain Cheng Ji suggested Wang Shanshan's silence was either to protect her supplier, possibly a lover, or out of fear for her family's safety from retaliation. He recommended investigating her family connections. During the meeting, Captain Cheng Ji's phone repeatedly rang, forcing him to excuse himself.
It was Dean Han from the police academy, reporting that Lin Qiang had been caught attempting to sneak into the Academic Affairs Office just before the police tryouts. Dean Han criticized Cheng Ji's parenting, but Cheng Ji defended Lin Qiang, claiming she was merely retrieving something for a friend. Cheng Ji then took Lin Qiang home, admonishing her for causing trouble at a critical time and urging her to study for the tryout.
He reminded her of his promise to her deceased father to help her become a police officer. Lin Qiang, exhausted from training, found the exam difficult, but Cheng Ji insisted she not disappoint him, recalling how he found her at the orphanage and always hoped she would join the police. The following day, Lin Qiang located Cheng Jingsong, who was involved in a SWAT operation. After the mission, she playfully ambushed him, prompting him to restrain her.
She comically shouted that he was hitting his wife, forcing him to release her. Assuming she needed money, Cheng Jingsong offered some, which she accepted, promising to repay him double. He warned her against visiting crime scenes, citing danger and protocol. Lin Qiang revealed her true intention, seeking advice on how to impress Vice-captain Cao Yongming during the tryout.
When Cheng Jingsong suggested she approach Captain Cheng Ji, Lin Qiang explained her uncle had been unyielding since she first expressed interest in the narc squad, refusing to help her. Cheng Jingsong eventually softened, humorously suggesting he would join her as a narc if she failed. At the police tryouts, Cao Yongming noticed several candidates with facial injuries. They reluctantly admitted Lin Qiang had beaten them, leading Cao Yongming to declare her "hopeless" and disqualify her.
Other students whispered that Lin Qiang, a "banger" from the orphanage, was a disgrace to her martyr father and owed her academy enrollment to Captain Cheng Ji. Despite the setback, Lin Qiang continued her rigorous training. Her friend, De, tried to persuade her to abandon her police dream for a more lucrative business, reminding her of their past and "banger" friends from the orphanage, claiming their connections would be severed if she became a cop.
De even admitted to telling their old friend Damao that Lin Qiang was "put behind bars" instead of at the police academy. Lin Qiang countered that if she had known about her martyr father earlier, she would have pursued a police career sooner instead of looking after their delinquent friends. Later, a dejected Lin Qiang asked Cheng Ji if she had shamed her father.
Cheng Ji reassured her, saying she was her own person and, with dedication, had the potential to be a good police officer. Touched, Lin Qiang confessed that Cheng Ji was the only one who believed in her, prompting him to offer to help her study. The next day, Cheng Ji visited Cao Yongming, who immediately stated he would not accept Lin Qiang into the squad due to her fighting during training.
Cao Yongming then shifted to the Wang Shanshan case, revealing that laboratory tests confirmed the heroin originated from Ma Hongtao in the Mengbang region of Hongwa. Cao Yongming proposed activating Cheng Ji's informant, Iron Sword, to locate Qiu Hu, Ma Hongtao's main distributor in Lingnan. He emphasized that capturing Qiu Hu was their best chance to apprehend Ma Hongtao, a top target.
Cheng Ji was hesitant, explaining Iron Sword's long-term deep cover in Hongwa was maintained precisely because he never initiated contact, prioritizing the informant's safety. However, under Cao Yongming's strong persuasion, Cheng Ji eventually called Iron Sword. Iron Sword confirmed Qiu Hu was Ma Hongtao's subordinate but admitted Ma Hongtao was growing suspicious of him, making it difficult to gather information without raising alarm. He promised to find a way, and Cheng Ji urged him to be extremely careful.
Meanwhile, Ma Hongtao’s adopted son, Zhang Xianhe, unexpectedly returned to Hongwa. Iron Sword learned that Ma Hongtao had assigned Zhang Xianhe a mission in Lingnan: to conduct a transaction with Qiu Hu to retrieve stolen goods. Zhang Xianhe asked if Iron Sword knew Qiu Hu. Iron Sword claimed ignorance, noting that Liu Bing usually handled Lingnan's supply. Zhang Xianhe explained that some of their goods had been stolen, and intelligence indicated Qiu Hu was responsible.
Despite this, Qiu Hu and Ma Hongtao had a long-standing relationship. Zhang Xianhe's mission was to offer a low-priced heroin deal to Qiu Hu in exchange for their stolen merchandise. Zhang Xianhe did not know what specific goods were stolen. Before Zhang Xianhe departed, Iron Sword gave him a potted plant from his garden, then offered to handle the transaction with Qiu Hu on Zhang Xianhe's behalf.
Lin Qiang invited Cheng Ji for dinner, hinting at needing financial assistance to open a small business with her friend, De. Cheng Ji firmly refused. Observing his plain clothes and reconnaissance equipment, Lin Qiang shrewdly deduced he was heading out for a scouting mission. Cheng Ji confirmed her suspicions, praising her keen observation skills, and revealed the intelligence came from his informant. He expressed hope that after this operation, his informant could reunite with his family.
After Cheng Ji left for his mission, leaving Lin Qiang at the food stall, she soon heard shouts of "Somebody died!" Rushing towards the commotion, a horrified Lin Qiang discovered Captain Cheng Ji's lifeless body. At the crime scene in Yiwan Hotel, police found Cheng Ji's wallet, gun, and badge missing. A blood-stained knife matching the victim's DNA was found nearby, and the hotel's surveillance system was damaged.
Given these findings, the case was initially deemed a robbery-homicide, and Commissioner Gao considered transferring it to Captain Cai of the Criminal Investigation Division. However, Cao Yongming vehemently argued that Cheng Ji was murdered while on duty for a drug case, insisting it was a targeted killing that should be handled by Narcotics Control. Facing pressure from the provincial level, and after Cao Yongming made a solemn pledge to solve the case or resign, Commissioner Gao granted him three days.
If no suspect was apprehended, the case would be transferred to Captain Cai. Lin Qiang, convinced she had seen the murderer, visited the police station to review surveillance footage. She identified a suspicious individual, recalling seeing bloodstains on his clothes when she bumped into him near the Yiwan Hotel, though she had been too distracted by the commotion to follow him.
She offered to help catch him, but Cao Yongming, still biased against her, dismissed her accusation as groundless without concrete evidence. Lin Qiang accused him of personal prejudice, leading to a heated argument where she dared an officer to cuff her. Cheng Jingsong arrived and intervened, prompting Cao Yongming to clarify that as an "outsider," Lin Qiang had no right to case details, but he would inform Cheng Ji's family of any progress.
Cheng Jingsong, though grieving, expressed his belief that Cao Yongming would bring justice for his uncle. Later, Lin Qiang found Cheng Jingsong packing Cheng Ji's belongings and asserted she knew the killer and could track him down. Cheng Jingsong insisted Cao Yongming would handle it and advised her to focus on her upcoming exam. Lin Qiang rejected his solace, saying she couldn't passively wait and that as a cop, he should be pursuing the killer.
She urged him to help her find evidence to prove her suspect was the murderer. Cheng Jingsong explained that as a SWAT member, he was prohibited from intervening. Disappointed, Lin Qiang stormed off, proclaiming she would find the evidence herself, ignoring Cheng Jingsong's questions about her destination. Recalling that the suspect had dropped a lighter when she bumped into him, Lin Qiang returned to the crime scene and found it. A flashback showed a poignant memory of Cheng Ji promising her a large bouquet on the day she officially became a police officer.
Episode 2 Recap
In an interrogation room, Cao Yongming confronted Wang Shanshan, showing her a photo of a suspect Lin Qiang had identified. He bluffed that the man had been arrested and confessed to killing a police officer under Wang Shanshan's orders, suggesting she sought revenge on the police. Wang Shanshan, now facing both drug dealing and murder charges, was provoked and blurted out that the man, Cong, was Qiu Hu's subordinate.
She argued that she was in jail and couldn't possibly have given him orders. Realizing she had been tricked, she refused to say more. However, her confession proved that Captain Cheng Ji's death was connected to the drug traffickers the police were pursuing. Cao Yongming instructed a subordinate to deliver Wang Shanshan's testimony to Commissioner Gao Zongyi, requesting the cases be consolidated.
While his subordinate praised Lin Qiang for the crucial lead, Cao Yongming dismissed her contribution as mere blind chance. Meanwhile, Lin Qiang, using the lighter Cong had dropped, traced him to a foot massage parlor. There, she and De discussed a plan to "make quick money" by targeting a "fat sheep." Lin Qiang confirmed she had a target in mind.
Posing as a masseuse named Lili, Lin Qiang infiltrated the parlor and overheard Cong on a phone call with a woman named Wang Qian. Cong instructed Wang Qian to meet him tomorrow at noon in the central area of Belle Plaza, specifying she should wear a red jacket and carry a bottle of cola, then await his instructions. Lin Qiang and De attempted to steal Wang Qian's phone to impersonate her, but they failed.
Deciding they couldn't wait, Lin Qiang, disguised in a doll costume and holding a billboard to obscure Cong's view, positioned herself in front of Wang Qian at the plaza. De relayed Wang Qian's actions to Lin Qiang, making Cong believe Lin Qiang was Wang Qian. During the call, Cong told Wang Qian he would no longer use that number and would contact her again later.
Cao Yongming's team discovered Wang Qian was Wang Shanshan's half-sister and a US citizen who had recently returned to Lingnan and withdrawn a large sum of US dollars that Wang Shanshan had deposited in her name. Cao Yongming re-interrogated Wang Shanshan, informing her that Wang Qian had met some of her old associates, whom he identified as Wang Shanshan's men. He implied that Wang Qian was about to engage in a drug transaction with the substantial amount of money.
Appealing to Wang Shanshan's concern for her sister, he hoped she wouldn't follow in her footsteps. Wang Shanshan, desperate to protect Wang Qian, quickly confessed her connection to Qiu Hu, stating he was her drug supplier and that the confiscated drugs came from him. She also revealed that the money in Wang Qian's account was drug money intended for a transaction with Qiu Hu, emphasizing that this was Wang Qian's first involvement and begging for her release.
Cao Yongming promised leniency if her confession was truthful and immediately demanded Wang Qian's phone number to track her. Her phone was located on Tianhe Avenue. Lin Qiang and De, posing as Qiu Hu's men, picked up Wang Qian, making excuses about Cong's sudden change of plans. They took her to a bar, where Lin Qiang pressured Wang Qian into drinking heavily, claiming it was customary for business.
As Wang Qian became intoxicated, Cao Yongming's team, tracking her phone, stormed the bar. However, they found Wang Qian already drunk and being carried out by Lin Qiang and De. Seizing an opportunity when Cao Yongming's team was distracted, Lin Qiang stole Wang Qian's phone and, deeming the situation too dangerous for De, knocked him unconscious before leaving. De, upon waking, angrily called Lin Qiang and left a furious voicemail about her going solo.
Moments later, Cong called Wang Qian's phone, now in Lin Qiang's possession, instructing her to have the money ready for a transaction at 10 AM on Saturday. Cao Yongming then tracked Lin Qiang down and confronted her, demanding to know how she found Wang Qian and who she had met. Lin Qiang defiantly stated she was conducting recon to solve Cheng Ji's case.
Cao Yongming revealed he had seen her on security footage in the bar, getting Wang Qian drunk, and accused her of interfering with their operation and disrupting their plans. Lin Qiang argued that since he didn't believe her initial identification of the suspect, she had to find her own evidence.
She then explained her investigation: finding Cong's lighter at Yiwan Hotel, discovering the foot massage parlor's name on it, staking out the place, learning about Cong and his boss, Qiu Hu, and their upcoming transaction with Wang Qian. She confessed she had impersonated Wang Qian to approach Cong, but admitted she didn't know what they were trading.
Cao Yongming criticized her "presumptuous behavior" and lack of discipline, telling her she was out of the case and should return to the Police Academy for her exams. He reminded her of Cheng Ji's efforts to get her into the Narcotics Control, his belief in her potential as an excellent officer despite her troubled past, and questioned if her current actions were what Cheng Ji would have wanted.
Lin Qiang, frustrated, called Cheng Jingsong, who was currently on mandatory leave from his training due to poor performance stemming from Cheng Ji's death. She told him that Dean Han refused to let her take the current exam because she had failed the previous one, insisting she retake it first. Cheng Jingsong offered to speak to the principal, but Lin Qiang believed it would be fruitless.
They both lamented Cheng Ji's absence, recalling how he used to solve all their problems. Cheng Jingsong comforted Lin Qiang, assuring her she wasn't alone and still had him. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gao Zongyi discussed Lin Qiang with Cao Yongming during a chess game. Gao Zongyi was surprised that Cong now believed Lin Qiang was Wang Qian, and commented on how Lin Qiang had fooled both sides, calling her a "rookie" and a "hothead" who acted without foresight.
Cao Yongming disagreed, acknowledging Lin Qiang's unconventional methods but recalling Cheng Ji's past words that if utilized properly, Lin Qiang could handle major cases. He then decided to involve her in the upcoming operation. Cao Yongming picked Lin Qiang up to attend Cheng Ji's memorial service. Lin Qiang initially refused, feeling ashamed of failing her exam and not having caught Cheng Ji's killer.
Cao Yongming insisted, telling her they needed to give Cheng Ji a proper farewell and that he had something important to discuss afterward. At the memorial service, a commander spoke of Cheng Ji's sacrifice, commemorating him alongside other officers who died combating drug trafficking. Following the service, Cao Yongming took Lin Qiang to the Martyrs' Cemetery, explaining that while other plots were for sale, this section was reserved for fallen heroes.
He showed her the graves of officers like Chen Yu, his former apprentice who died in a shootout, Zhao Xiaoran, a Narcotics Control scout run over by drug traffickers, and Shen Zhonghua, also known as The Tippler, who left behind a six-year-old daughter. Cao Yongming explained that these officers dedicated their lives to their profession, which was their unwavering belief, always ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Lin Qiang, still believing Cao Yongming disliked her, asserted that even if she couldn't be a police officer, she would never commit a crime, reiterating that she wasn't the "thug" he perceived her to be. Cao Yongming then revealed his proposition: he wanted her to be a "criminal" this time, by impersonating Wang Qian to conduct a heroin transaction with Cong in a temporary undercover operation.
He offered to complete her police enlistment paperwork if she accepted, giving her a chance to avenge Cheng Ji, but warned her of the extreme danger involved and urged her to consider it carefully. Later, Lin Qiang sat alone by the roadside outside the cemetery, tearfully looking at a memorial book Cheng Ji had left for her.
In a flashback, Cheng Ji's voice encouraged her, saying that despite what others thought, she had the potential to become an amazing police officer. As she grieved, Zhang Xianhe, also visiting the cemetery, happened to pass by and offered her a handkerchief.
Episode 3 Recap
Zhang Xianhe arrived at the scene, where Liu Bing was already present. Liu Bing remarked on Zhang Xianhe's ruthlessness in killing Sun Dapeng, despite their close relationship. Zhang Xianhe retorted that anyone who betrayed his father, Ma Hongtao, must die.
He explained that since he was the one who fed Sun Dapeng the false information, he had to be the one to "tie up the loose ends" to prevent rumors that he was covering for an old friend, especially after Liu Bing had accused him of colluding with a mole. He then instructed Fourth Uncle to handle the remaining details.
Fourth Uncle later reported to Ma Hongtao via phone that everything was taken care of, noting Ma Hongtao's son was "quite tough." Later, Zhang Xianhe picked up Coco, Sun Dapeng's granddaughter. Coco noticed a cut on his neck, which he dismissed. She innocently asked about Grandpa Sun, who had promised to take her to taste every Lingnan delicacy in Lingnan, wondering when he would return. Zhang Xianhe sadly told her that Sun Dapeng would not be coming back.
He then received a call from Ma Hongtao, who questioned why Zhang Xianhe had acted instead of Fourth Uncle. Zhang Xianhe reiterated that he had to personally eliminate Sun Dapeng to silence Liu Bing's accusations. He then confronted Ma Hongtao, realizing that the supposed trade with Qiu Hu was merely a ruse. Ma Hongtao confirmed that he used Zhang Xianhe to feed false information to Sun Dapeng because Sun Dapeng trusted him.
Zhang Xianhe expressed his disappointment, feeling that his own father had mistrusted him. Nevertheless, he declared that since things had reached this point, he would help Ma Hongtao retrieve the goods Qiu Hu had taken. Meanwhile, with only 68 hours left until the operation, Cao Yongming began intensely training Lin Qiang to become Wang Qian.
He provided her with detailed information about Wang Qian's background, including her being sent to Detroit at age 12, dropping out of high school, and having a tattoo that would need to be removed after the mission. He also emphasized the importance of mastering various types of unstandardized firearms often used by drug dealers. Cao Yongming reminded Lin Qiang that the money she would be handling belonged to the taxpayers and must be returned in full.
He briefed her on their target, Qiu Hu, also known as Tiger, explaining that Qiu Hu's suspicious nature meant he likely agreed to the deal intending to double-cross them and simply grab the money. Therefore, Cao Yongming provided Lin Qiang with a bag of fake money for the exchange. Lin Qiang requested backup, and Cao Yongming agreed, allowing her to enlist non-police assistance.
She then met Yong, an associate who had taken over after Shanshan's absence in Longjin, who informed her that she would be dealing with him now. During the meeting, Cong immediately demanded the money, signaling his intent to steal it. Lin Qiang, feigning weakness, negotiated a 50-50 split with Cong if they successfully acquired the drugs.
When Cong discovered the money was fake, Lin Qiang cleverly asserted that killing her would yield nothing, insisting that she would only hand over the real money after seeing the actual goods. Cong reluctantly agreed and took Lin Qiang to another location to show her the merchandise. Cao Yongming and his team followed, ready to move in when Qiu Hu appeared. However, Qiu Hu did not show up, instead sending his girlfriend, Chu Jiaojiao, with the goods.
Cong demanded payment from Lin Qiang, stating that Qiu Hu had shown her sufficient respect by sending Chu Jiaojiao. Simultaneously, Qiu Hu, who was observing from a nearby park, spotted the police and immediately called to have the goods dumped. Cao Yongming, realizing the situation, ordered his team to act. While police apprehended Cong's associates and Chu Jiaojiao, Cong fled with the fake money. Lin Qiang, determined to recover the money, quickly commandeered a car and pursued him.
Cong's escape was short-lived as Qiu Hu and his men intercepted him. Cong desperately tried to pin the blame on Lin Qiang, claiming she was a police officer. Qiu Hu then confronted Cong with Cheng Ji's police ID, demanding to know who ordered the hit. Cong confessed that a stranger had hired him to kill someone the previous month, and he had been unaware that the victim was a police officer. He again accused Lin Qiang of being a cop.
Lin Qiang vehemently denied this, shifting the blame to Cong for killing a police officer, which brought the authorities down on them and ruined her deal. After listening to both, Qiu Hu shot and killed Cong. As police sirens grew closer, Qiu Hu grabbed Lin Qiang, dragged her into a car, and fled the scene, leaving Cong's body behind.
Qiu Hu then instructed his two subordinates, Lei Jie and Hei, to dispose of Cong and Lin Qiang, and subsequently to rescue Chu Jiaojiao from the hospital. Lei Jie and Hei began digging a pit to bury Lin Qiang alive. Lin Qiang pleaded for her life, offering to do anything.
Realizing that Chu Jiaojiao was pregnant, and therefore vital to Qiu Hu, Lei Jie and Hei decided to temporarily spare Lin Qiang, believing she could serve as a scapegoat if their rescue attempt for Chu Jiaojiao failed. During her interrogation, Chu Jiaojiao denied any knowledge of Qiu Hu being involved in Cheng Ji's murder.
She claimed Qiu Hu had merely "taken" a batch of wine (not heroin, as suggested by Cao Yongming) and that the original owner had deliberately paid Cong to kill Cheng Ji to frame Qiu Hu. Cao Yongming, prioritizing the search for Lin Qiang, instructed his team to further investigate who hired Cong and what specific goods Qiu Hu had taken, while also stepping up efforts to locate Lin Qiang.
Held captive by Lei Jie and Hei, Lin Qiang devised a plan to rescue Chu Jiaojiao. During a restroom break, she subtly gathered information from a nurse about allergic reactions in pregnant patients. She then presented her detailed plan to Lei Jie and Hei: induce an allergic reaction in Chu Jiaojiao by adding shrimp powder to her food, forcing the doctors to take her for treatment and another ultrasound.
Lin Qiang calculated the three-minute travel time from Chu Jiaojiao's seventh-floor room to the second-floor Ultrasound Room as their window of opportunity. She proposed to tamper with the elevator during this period, creating a diversion, while Lei Jie and Hei waited at the west gate to ensure a quick escape into traffic.
Lin Qiang stipulated that her help was not free; she demanded to join Qiu Hu's operations after the rescue to make up for her lost money and botched deal. Despite Lin Qiang's cunning plan, Lei Jie expressed distrust of her, fearing she might be setting them up. Lei Jie and Hei then strapped a timed bomb to Lin Qiang, explaining that only Hei knew how to safely disarm it, thus ensuring her cooperation.
Lin Qiang, now in a perilous situation, could only ask Hei to extend the bomb's timer by an additional five minutes. Unbeknownst to them, Dazhuang reported to Cao Yongming that a nurse had delivered a message from Lin Qiang, requesting police cooperation with her rescue operation. Cao Yongming, suspecting their target was Chu Jiaojiao, ordered Dazhuang to closely monitor Chu Jiaojiao at the hospital, while he went to seek approval for this new phase of the operation from his superiors. Cao Yongming also briefly dismissed Cheng Jingsong, who was inquiring about Cheng Ji's case.
Episode 4 Recap
Lin Qiang, strapped with a timed bomb by Lei Jie and Tar Coal (who suspected she had other intentions during the rescue mission), found herself in a difficult situation and pleaded with Tar Coal to delay the detonation by five minutes. Disguised as a doctor, Lin Qiang entered the hospital and shared an elevator with Chu Jiaojiao, who was being transported for emergency treatment.
Taking advantage of the distraction of medical staff and police discussing Chu Jiaojiao's condition, Lin Qiang instructed Chu Jiaojiao to change into her clothes and hide. Lin Qiang then impersonated Chu Jiaojiao, jumping from a window, creating a diversion that led police to believe the suspect had escaped. The actual Chu Jiaojiao, wearing a doctor's white coat, descended to the ground floor.
Lin Qiang, having discarded her patient gown, met Chu Jiaojiao, and they had just escaped the hospital main gate. Cheng Jingsong witnessed them just as they escaped the hospital main gate. Learning that an inmate had escaped, he immediately chased after them, firing a warning shot before Lin Qiang and Chu Jiaojiao got into a waiting car. However, another unknown shooter also fired, wounding Lin Qiang. Despite her injury, Lin Qiang and Chu Jiaojiao sped away in the car.
Back at the Narcotics Control headquarters, Cheng Jingsong confronted Cao Yongming, confirming he only fired a warning shot and did not aim at the women. He questioned why Lin Qiang was involved, but Cao Yongming refused to provide details, citing it as an official Narcotics Control matter beyond a SWAT officer's clearance.
Cheng Jingsong then pressed Cao Yongming about Cheng Ji's death, noting that his uncle was nearing retirement and major cases were handled by Cao Yongming, yet Cheng Ji personally went scouting. He directly asked if Cao Yongming had asked Cheng Ji to go, but Cao Yongming remained silent. That shot hit Lin Qiang, and she bled profusely. Lei Jie did not want to save Lin Qiang, initially planning to drive a bit further and have Tar Coal abandon her.
However, Lin Qiang revealed she had contacted a friend via a nurse at the hospital and given Tar Coal's phone to this friend. She threatened that if she died and her friend couldn't reach her, the phone would be turned over to the police, implicating Lei Jie and Tar Coal. Realizing the phone was indeed missing, Lei Jie and Tar Coal reluctantly agreed to provide medical attention.
After two days unconscious, Lin Qiang awoke to Lei Jie and Tar Coal demanding the phone's location. Lin Qiang insisted on meeting Qiu Hu first, reminding them of their promise that she could work for him if she rescued Chu Jiaojiao. Tar Coal stated that Qiu Hu had refused her request. When Lin Qiang persisted, Lei Jie began to torment her. Chu Jiaojiao, feeling grateful to Lin Qiang, intervened.
She told Lin Qiang that Qiu Hu genuinely refused to take her in, advising her to surrender the phone and leave Lingnan to save her life. Lei Jie was surprised by Chu Jiaojiao's unexpected support, but Chu Jiaojiao explained she was protecting Qiu Hu. She then accused Lei Jie of orchestrating Lin Qiang's bomb-strapped rescue, revealing Lei Jie's intent to kill both her and Qiu Hu's unborn child.
Chu Jiaojiao threatened to reveal this secret plot to Qiu Hu if Lei Jie continued to provoke her, which caused Lei Jie to back down. Driven by concern for Lin Qiang, Cheng Jingsong applied for a transfer to Narcotics Control, claiming he was no longer suitable for SWAT duties. However, Cao Yongming suspected Cheng Jingsong's true motive was to investigate Lin Qiang and Cheng Ji's case.
Despite being pressed by a superior whose approval meant Cheng Jingsong would otherwise be relegated to community policing, Cao Yongming firmly rejected his application, stating he would not accept anyone with selfish intentions. Lin Qiang led Lei Jie to a wharf, promising to reveal the phone's location there. As they arrived and a boat prepared to depart, Lin Qiang announced that the phone had been in the car's backseat all along.
While Lei Jie rushed back to retrieve it, Lin Qiang boarded the boat and escaped. An enraged Lei Jie shouted threats, vowing to kill Lin Qiang if she ever returned. After escaping, Lin Qiang borrowed a phone and called Haoting Hotel, reserving the largest private room with the best wine under the alias "Wang Qian." She then instructed a waiter to inform Qiu Hu that "Wang Qian" missed him and had a "big present."
Qiu Hu, in the midst of a business meeting with Zhang Xianhe, was informed of "Miss Wang's" arrival. He asked Zhang Xianhe to wait in his car while he handled the matter. Lin Qiang, assuming the person entering the car was Qiu Hu, attacked Zhang Xianhe. After beating him, she realized her mistake, and Zhang Xianhe recognized her as the woman he had met crying by the roadside. Qiu Hu rushed out to apologize to Zhang Xianhe for the incident.
Qiu Hu brought Lin Qiang to the private room, demanding an explanation for attacking his guest. Lin Qiang, still using the alias Wang Qian, provocatively replied that she "got the wrong man," implying she had intended to confront Qiu Hu. Qiu Hu then questioned why she wasn't "buried with Cong," as he had ordered. Lin Qiang reminded Qiu Hu that his safety was due to her sister, Wang Shanshan's, loyalty, who hadn't exposed him after her arrest.
She accused Qiu Hu of seizing her money and trying to kill her. Qiu Hu dismissed her, saying that in their line of work, self-preservation was paramount, and "dead men never talk to the police." He declared that no one would condemn him if he killed her now. Lin Qiang admitted her "ignorance" and accepted the loss of her $200,000 as a "tribute."
She then emphasized her genuine attempt to join him by risking her life to rescue Chu Jiaojiao and Qiu Hu's unborn child, implicitly revealing that Qiu Hu was unaware of her role in the rescue. Skeptical, Qiu Hu summoned Chu Jiaojiao, who confirmed Lin Qiang had indeed rescued her from the police and revealed that Lei Jie and Tar Coal had strapped a bomb to Lin Qiang to force the rescue. Qiu Hu found the "bomb" strategy to be "creative."
As Tar Coal moved to escort Lin Qiang away, she suddenly grabbed a gun and pointed it at Qiu Hu, stating that she wouldn't be easily intimidated. Impressed by her daring and the successful rescue of Chu Jiaojiao, Qiu Hu offered her a choice: either shoot him or drop the gun and work for him. Lin Qiang lowered the gun, slapped Lei Jie, and then collapsed due to her injuries and exhaustion.
Episode 5 Recap
Cao Yongming was deeply concerned, having not heard from Lin Qiang for days, fearing she was in danger. He decided to issue a BOLO despite Li Yan's protestations that it would expose Lin Qiang's identity and make catching Qiu Hu much harder. Cao Yongming insisted, prioritizing Lin Qiang's safety. Meanwhile, Lin Qiang awoke in Chu Jiaojiao's home.
Chu Jiaojiao explained that after Lin Qiang passed out at the hotel, Lei Jie wanted to take her, but Chu Jiaojiao intervened and brought Lin Qiang back to her own place, knowing Lin Qiang wouldn't want to see Lei Jie. Lin Qiang thanked Chu Jiaojiao for speaking up for her to Qiu Hu and for saving her, vowing to return the favor.
Chu Jiaojiao helped Lin Qiang choose a flamboyant disguise, emphasizing that changing styles would make her unrecognizable, even to her own mother. Lin Qiang learned that Qiu Hu had agreed to let her stay, assigning her to work in the hotel’s billiard room, playing with guests and serving drinks. Lin Qiang expressed disappointment, lamenting the loss of her 200,000 and the low earnings as a billiard girl, reminding Chu Jiaojiao that she was with Qiu Hu for a specific purpose.
Chu Jiaojiao advised patience, assuring her that Qiu Hu would give her more important tasks when the time was right. Lin Qiang later found a public phone and called Cao Yongming. Cao Yongming, relieved, paused the BOLO. During their conversation, Lin Qiang joked about Cao Yongming thinking she was dead and criticized the Narcotics Control team for being ruthless. She confirmed that Cheng Ji was indeed killed by Cong, and she had heard Cong and Qiu Hu discussing it.
However, the real mastermind behind Cong's actions was not Qiu Hu; Cong was merely paid to kill, unaware of who was truly behind it. Lin Qiang also informed him that Qiu Hu had killed Cong, whose body was buried near G43 National Road, roughly four to five kilometers south of Linyan Road. She apologized for the vague location, explaining the dark and dangerous circumstances.
Cao Yongming acknowledged her hard work, and Lin Qiang reassured him she would complete her mission despite her injury. Cao Yongming then reported Lin Qiang's findings to Director Xu and Commissioner Gao. He confirmed Cong's death at Qiu Hu's hands and that Cong was Cheng Ji's killer, but reiterated that an unknown force was behind Cong, framing Qiu Hu. Director Xu announced the formation of the "10.
27 task force" for the case, with himself as head, Commissioner Gao as deputy, and Cao Yongming as the head of the command team. He emphasized the need for a contact person for Lin Qiang, someone not deeply entrenched in the criminal investigation system to ensure her safety and the mission's long-term success. Cao Yongming considered Cheng Jingsong. Cheng Jingsong had been persistently waiting outside the Narcotics Control team office for days, hoping to join.
Cao Yongming confronted him, and Cheng Jingsong admitted his personal desire to investigate Cheng Ji’s case and find Lin Qiang, but also expressed a genuine aspiration to become a front-line anti-drug officer like Cheng Ji and Cao Yongming. Cao Yongming informed him that he wouldn't be on the front lines but offered him a more challenging mission, requiring unconditional acceptance. Cheng Jingsong readily agreed, becoming Lin Qiang's new contact.
As part of her new cover, Lin Qiang was given a fitness VIP card at the billiard room, supposedly from a customer. She used it to go to the gym, where she met Cheng Jingsong, who was working as a fitness coach. Lin Qiang was surprised to find him as her contact, and Cheng Jingsong explained his role, expressing his concern for her safety but also his commitment to helping her complete the mission.
He then showed her files on Qiu Hu and Ma Hongtao, revealing that Qiu Hu, whose real name is Qiu Zhiming, uses the Haoting Hotel as a front for heroin trafficking, sourcing it from Hongwa as Ma Hongtao’s trustee in the Lingnan area. Lin Qiang was astonished by the scale of the drug network.
Cheng Jingsong tasked her with finding a batch of goods Qiu Hu had stolen, believing this large quantity of heroin triggered the turf war and would lead them to a larger drug trafficking network. He told her her new codename was "Rose" and that her identity would be strictly confidential. Cheng Jingsong then took Lin Qiang to Wang Shanshan’s house, which would be her safe house.
He gave her Wang Qian’s personal belongings, explaining that Wang Ye had replaced all of Wang Qian's online information with Lin Qiang's. He also handed her a passport with her photo replacing Wang Qian's, explaining that Wang Qian had been repatriated after testing positive for tetrahydrocannabinol. Lin Qiang was also instructed to learn English and harmonica, as Wang Qian was an American and a harmonica expert.
Lin Qiang, now fully immersed in her new identity, suspected Qiu Hu would hide the stolen goods in the one part of the Haoting Hotel she hadn't explored yet. Lin Qiang attempted to access the top floor of Haoting Hotel, but was stopped by a guard and turned away.
She later questioned Shaobin, a hotel employee, about the top floor, learning it housed Qiu Hu’s office and was only accessible to Qiu Hu, his confidants like Lei Jie and Hei Pi, and important guests. Back in the billiard room, Zhang Xianhe, who was looking for Qiu Hu, spotted Lin Qiang and challenged her to a game of billiards. If he won, she had to explain why she had hit him previously.
Lin Qiang feigned ignorance, claiming it was their first meeting. Zhang Xianhe pressed on, suggesting she was pretending, but Hei Pi interrupted, summoning him to Qiu Hu's office. Inside the office, Qiu Hu presented Zhang Xianhe with a H. Upmann cigar, explaining he remembered Zhang Xianhe didn't smoke cigarettes and assumed he'd appreciate cigars. Qiu Hu then apologized for the previous misunderstanding caused by his men.
Zhang Xianhe, being diplomatic, said he was forgetful and didn't want the issue brought up again. Qiu Hu inquired how Zhang Xianhe knew Si Shu, and Zhang Xianhe explained he had helped Si Shu with "bad accounts" or "unclean goods" the previous year, and Si Shu had been grateful, introducing him to various contacts. Qiu Hu implied Si Shu's tea house didn't generate enough legitimate income to warrant such a service.
He then invited Zhang Xianhe to his birthday party on the top floor next week, which Zhang Xianhe readily accepted. Shortly after, Hei Pi entered, handed Qiu Hu a key, and informed him that a batch of wine was stored in the warehouse. After Zhang Xianhe departed, Hei Pi reported to Qiu Hu that Hong's network was no longer buying from them, having found a new seller.
Qiu Hu was enraged by this encroachment on his territory and instructed Chu Jiaojiao to investigate Hong. Later, Lin Qiang observed Lei Jie harshly scolding Dingding, a KTV waitress, and commented on Lei Jie's tyrannical behavior. Chu Jiaojiao dismissed Lei Jie as a mere "door keeper" who only showed aggression to subordinates. Hei Pi then arrived, directing Chu Jiaojiao to investigate Hong and find out who her new supplier was.
In the car ride, Chu Jiaojiao reminisced about her dream of being a big star, realizing it was now replaced by the reality of wanted notices. She instructed Lin Qiang not to ask questions or speak much when they arrived. At Hong’s mahjong parlor, Chu Jiaojiao and Lin Qiang found Hong playing. Chu Jiaojiao introduced Lin Qiang as a new friend from Qiu Hu’s hotel.
Chu Jiaojiao subtly tried to extract information from Hong about her new business partners, implying loyalty to old connections like Qiu Hu. Lin Qiang quickly deduced Chu Jiaojiao's true intention: to uncover Hong's new supplier. Hong, however, was sharp and called out Chu Jiaojiao for being a "little girl" sent by Qiu Hu to gather information, reminding her of past favors and warning her to know her place. Seeing Chu Jiaojiao getting nowhere, Lin Qiang whispered instructions to her.
Lin Qiang then provoked Hong, causing a commotion, and Chu Jiaojiao created a diversion. In the ensuing chaos, Lin Qiang swiftly snatched Hong's wallet, explaining later to an angry Chu Jiaojiao that this was a strategic move to access Hong's phone to find the new seller's information. Chu Jiaojiao was impressed by Lin Qiang’s ingenuity, and they successfully identified the new seller.
Lin Qiang also, as part of her 'greedy' cover, mentioned using the money from the stolen wallet to buy a new album, even at an exorbitant price from fans. Lin Qiang's repeated successes unsettled Lei Jie, who voiced her suspicions about Lin Qiang (Wang Qian) to Hei Pi.
She pointed out that Wang Qian had not only saved Chu Jiaojiao but also retrieved Hong's phone and discovered the new seller, gaining favor with Qiu Hu and potentially threatening their own positions. Hei Pi, however, dismissed Lei Jie's concerns, arguing that Wang Qian was a known cheat and liar who used "dirty tricks" and therefore couldn't possibly be a cop. Despite Hei Pi's reassurance, Chu Jiaojiao herself began to sense an ulterior motive behind Lin Qiang's helpfulness. She confronted Lin Qiang directly, asking if she was "looking for something," startling Lin Qiang and revealing her growing suspicion.
Episode 6 Recap
Chu Jiaojiao questioned Lin Qiang, asking if her kindness had ulterior motives. She shared her frustration about being disliked by the hotel staff, who outwardly showed respect but secretly wished for Qiu Hu to dismiss her. When pressed, Lin Qiang feigned ignorance, prompting Chu Jiaojiao to directly accuse her of trying to reclaim the 200,000 U. S. dollars Qiu Hu had taken.
Lin Qiang, relieved that her deeper identity wasn't suspected, played along and admitted to this, praising Chu Jiaojiao's insight. Chu Jiaojiao then warned Lin Qiang to abandon her attempts to retrieve the money, explaining that Qiu Hu would surely kill her if he ever discovered her "ideas," and advised her to simply follow Qiu Hu's orders.
Lin Qiang had previously copied the data from Hong's phone card before it was given to Chu Jiaojiao, and Cheng Jingsong passed this information to Cao Yongming. Cao Yongming immediately ordered his team to analyze the contacts and their backgrounds. Cheng Jingsong reported that Lin Qiang had been attempting to glean information from Chu Jiaojiao about Qiu Hu's operations, particularly the location of the stolen goods, but had been unable to access Qiu Hu's heavily guarded top-floor office.
Cao Yongming, reasoning that Qiu Hu would never trust Chu Jiaojiao after her prior arrest, instructed Lin Qiang to change her strategy. He advised her to gather intelligence from less prominent figures within Qiu Hu’s network, emphasizing that even seemingly unimportant individuals could hold crucial clues. Following Cao Yongming's instructions, Lin Qiang initiated conversations with the hotel's waitstaff, treating them to snacks and wine.
During their chat, a waitress revealed that a specific, discreet, and easily overlooked backyard storeroom, hidden behind piles of miscellaneous items, was used for storing valuable liquor. She clarified that only Qiu Hu possessed the key, and a few days prior, Hei Pi had used it to have her husband, Liu, and other men move several boxes of red wine into it. Lin Qiang immediately suspected the storeroom's significance.
She visited it early the next morning but discovered the lock was connected to an alarm system, preventing forced entry. She photographed the lock and sent the images to Cheng Jingsong, explaining her deduction that the stolen red wine must be there. She also recalled Chu Jiaojiao's earlier, unheeded tip about Qiu Hu robbing red wine, suggesting it might have been true. Cheng Jingsong assured her that Wang Ye was analyzing the lock and would identify the key type soon.
As Lin Qiang was leaving the warehouse area, Lei Jie spotted her and questioned her presence. Lin Qiang quickly retorted that she was merely exercising, implying Lei Jie herself was loitering. Later, back at her apartment, Lin Qiang noticed a small girl following her. The girl introduced herself as Coco, Zhang Xianhe's daughter and Lin Qiang's neighbor.
Coco, with a melodramatic plea, begged Lin Qiang to help her with her math homework, claiming poor grades and severe punishments from her "evil dad." Lin Qiang initially dismissed Coco’s attempts to manipulate her, even tearing the practice paper, but Coco’s persistent pleading eventually led Lin Qiang to agree to tutor her.
During a meal, Coco explained her father's harsh punishments, and Lin Qiang, seemingly empathetic, promised to help her pass her exams, boasting about her own nickname, "Divine Power Little White Dragon," and her ability to handle any challenge. Qiu Hu met with Delta, who reported on Chen Zhiyong, Hong's new supplier. Delta described Chen Zhiyong as a new, inexperienced businessman from Chaozhou who had turned to illicit trade.
Delta advised Qiu Hu to maintain peace, suggesting that buyers turning to new sellers was a reasonable response after Qiu Hu's recent police incident. Qiu Hu, however, stressed the importance of Lingnan's underworld "rules" that he had established, asserting his sole authority over who could profit from the trade. He then offered Delta a batch of "No. 4" goods to sell, splitting profits 50/50. Delta agreed but insisted on a new, unknown person for the delivery.
Afterward, Delta informed Zhang Xianhe about the deal, expressing confusion over Qiu Hu’s financial concession, which he attributed to desperation due to police pressure and Chen Zhiyong's competition. Zhang Xianhe acknowledged that Qiu Hu's stolen goods were in his hotel storeroom but stated his preference for strategic methods over direct confrontation. He revealed the storeroom key was in Qiu Hu's office, but he would not retrieve it himself.
Zhang Xianhe had identified Lin Qiang (whom he knew by her alias, Wang Qian) as someone in significant debt from her time in the U. S. , making her susceptible to bribery. He had strategically moved next door to her to facilitate his approach. Cheng Jingsong contacted Lin Qiang, confirming that the warehouse lock was indeed alarmed and Qiu Hu held the key.
Lin Qiang updated Cheng Jingsong on her tense encounter with Lei Jie near the warehouse, believing Lei Jie was now suspicious. Lei Jie had summoned Lin Qiang to the hotel and assigned her a delivery task, providing the route and time. Lin Qiang tried to ascertain the nature and value of the goods, but Lei Jie only promised good payment upon successful completion, warning her to be careful.
Lei Jie later questioned Qiu Hu about assigning an important delivery to an inexperienced newcomer like Lin Qiang (referred to by her alias, Wang Qian), fearing the goods might be lost. Qiu Hu dismissed her concerns, admitting he deliberately intended for the shipment to fail. He used an analogy about raising oysters, explaining that sometimes one must sacrifice the smaller ones or use external forces to clear the way for larger ones.
He then gave Lei Jie Hong’s phone and instructed her to use it to leak the delivery details to Chen Zhiyong. En route to the delivery, Lin Qiang noticed she was being followed. She cleverly pulled into a secluded area where men quickly surrounded her, attempting to rob the goods. However, Lin Qiang had anticipated this, having already swapped the real consignment for a decoy and dispatched the actual goods with Cheng Jingsong as a delivery driver.
She then called Qiu Hu, confirming the attempted robbery but assuring him that she had substituted the goods and the real shipment was successfully delivered. Realizing his plan had backfired, a furious Qiu Hu ordered his men to capture one of Chen Zhiyong's men for interrogation. Meanwhile, at the designated drop-off point, Cao Yongming's team was ready to arrest the recipient when officers from the Meijiang Police Station arrived first and made the arrest.
Cao Yongming’s subordinate reported that someone had tipped off the police. Cao Yongming initially thought Chen Zhiyong was responsible, playing into his own plan to frame Chen Zhiyong. However, he quickly deduced that a direct police tip-off would destroy Chen Zhiyong’s credibility in the underworld, concluding the situation was more complex.
Delta, having learned that his men were arrested and falsely believing Chen Zhiyong had tipped the police, publicly declared that anyone doing business with Chen Zhiyong in the future would face his wrath. Chen Zhiyong, learning from his subordinate that Hong had lost her phone days earlier, realized that Qiu Hu had deliberately leaked the delivery information via Hong's stolen phone to frame him and incite Delta's anger.
Enraged by Qiu Hu's calculated betrayal, Chen Zhiyong resolved to confront him directly. Delta, whose men were arrested and fearing police repercussions, called Zhang Xianhe, stating he would leave Lingnan temporarily and urging Zhang Xianhe to retrieve Ma Hongtao's goods quickly. Zhang Xianhe assured him his plan was in motion. Lin Qiang, updating Cheng Jingsong, acknowledged the ongoing difficulty in approaching Qiu Hu.
She saw Zhang Xianhe as a potential gateway to Qiu Hu's office and the storeroom key, despite their recent awkward interactions. Qiu Hu met with Chen Zhiyong. Qiu Hu, noting Chen Zhiyong's reported success and dismissing his men, initiated a tense discussion. Chen Zhiyong immediately confronted Qiu Hu about Delta's death threats and the loss of his customers due to the false belief that he had tipped off the police. He accused Qiu Hu of orchestrating the framing.
Qiu Hu, in turn, challenged Chen Zhiyong's claim over customers, asserting his long-established dominance in Lingnan. Chen Zhiyong firmly stated his intent to stay and compete, warning Qiu Hu that if he continued to target him, he would not hesitate to fight until both were destroyed. He revealed that his subordinate had seen Lin Qiang make a phone call during the delivery, thereby exposing Qiu Hu's tactic of using his own people to alert the police and frame Chen Zhiyong.
Chen Zhiyong warned Qiu Hu that such malicious actions, if left unchecked, would only lead to more trouble for him. Qiu Hu, with a chilling nod, acknowledged Chen Zhiyong's "logic" and then, without further hesitation, drew a gun and shot Chen Zhiyong dead.
Episode 7 Recap
Qiu Hu fired a gun at Chen Zhiyong, while Hei Pi dealt with Chen Zhiyong's subordinates. Hei Pi expressed concern that killing Chen Zhiyong would cut off Hong's supply and potentially create conflict with them. Qiu Hu, however, explained that his elaborate plan was not just about Chen Zhiyong. He asserted that every dealer now believed Chen Zhiyong had tipped off the police, a grave transgression in their world.
Therefore, killing Chen Zhiyong at this moment would not provoke retaliation from Hong or others, as they would consider a veteran like himself, whose goods were seized by police, more reliable than a supposed informant. Qiu Hu then ordered Hei Pi to remove Chen Zhiyong's body. To their surprise, Chen Zhiyong was gone, having worn a bulletproof vest and escaped. Furious, Qiu Hu ordered his men to chase after the "rat bastard."
Later, Lin Qiang pondered Zhang Xianhe's invitation to meet her at a hotel room two nights from now. Meanwhile, Qiu Hu summoned Lin Qiang, who feigned enthusiasm, expecting a reward. Qiu Hu presented her with money but first questioned a phone call she made during a recent delivery. Lin Qiang claimed it was her boyfriend. Suspicious, Qiu Hu accused her of being a mole, linking her call to the police raid.
Qiu Hu attempted to take her phone, but Lin Qiang pulled it away, saying she would give it to him herself. Qiu Hu then used her phone to call the number, waiting silently. Fortunately, Cheng Jingsong, acting as her boyfriend, answered, calling her "honeybunch" and expressing how much he missed her. Convinced, Qiu Hu remarked that her boyfriend was "quite clingy."
Seizing the moment, Lin Qiang angrily confronted Qiu Hu, accusing him of orchestrating the police raid to frame Chen Zhiyong and unfairly testing her loyalty, calling his actions "unethical." Reassured, Qiu Hu chuckled, praised her intelligence, and then gave her the money. After work, Cheng Jingsong arrived to pick up Lin Qiang. Noticing Hei Pi observing them, he deliberately put his arm around Lin Qiang and pulled her close, whispering that they were "being watched."
Once in the car, Cheng Jingsong scolded Lin Qiang for not deleting her call history. Lin Qiang retorted that deleting everything would be more suspicious, adding that she had intentionally left the records, which contained only calls from him and telemarketers. Cheng Jingsong acknowledged their quick thinking and explained that Qiu Hu's test indicated a lack of complete trust.
He proposed they commit fully to their fake relationship, including him picking her up daily, being visibly intimate, exchanging photos, using pet names, and going on regular dates. Lin Qiang readily agreed to the dates, especially for the "free food and drinks," but informed him she had another date first. Cheng Jingsong asked who it was, and Lin Qiang prepared to meet Zhang Xianhe, changing into a revealing uniform based on advice from Zhang Xianhe's daughter, Coco, about his preferences.
People stared at her outfit, to which she defensively told them, "Don't you know cosplay?" Upon seeing Zhang Xianhe's expression, she believed her "costume was spot on." Still concerned about Lin Qiang's upcoming date, Cheng Jingsong had earlier consulted his daughter, Coco, asking her about older girls' preferences in men's attire. Coco, having been asked the same question by Lin Qiang (whom she referred to as Wang Qian), deduced the date's purpose.
Speaking to Lin Qiang on the phone, Cheng Jingsong questioned why Zhang Xianhe chose a hotel room instead of his home next door. Lin Qiang suggested it might be inconvenient due to his child. Still worried, Cheng Jingsong sternly advised her to "behave yourself" and remember her identity, then told her he would book the adjacent hotel room. He instructed her to knock on the wall three times if she encountered any danger, promising to "immediately rescue" her.
Lin Qiang noticed his worried expression, jokingly asking if he was "shocked." Lin Qiang met Zhang Xianhe in her provocative outfit. After an initial awkward encounter, Zhang Xianhe showered and returned in a bathrobe, then pushed Lin Qiang against the wall. Lin Qiang, sensing his intentions, quickly asserted that they should discuss business before any intimacy, questioning if their interaction was about money.
She clarified that she would do anything for cash and was open to a long-term partnership, also mentioning she needed his help. Zhang Xianhe laughed, revealing he was "messing with her" and not to take it seriously, and that he actually needed her help. He then offered her money and revealed his plan: she was to accompany him to Qiu Hu's birthday party at his hotel tomorrow.
While he distracted Qiu Hu, she was to sneak into Qiu Hu's office to "borrow" something. Lin Qiang realized he was asking her to steal. Zhang Xianhe clarified it as "borrowing," stating he needed to "probe Qiu Hu's financial background" before investing in his hotel. He promised to reveal the specific item to "borrow" tomorrow and provided a dress for the occasion. Lin Qiang commented on the dress, saying it "shows his lack of taste."
After her late-night meeting, Lin Qiang forgot to contact Cheng Jingsong. The next day, she faced an angry Cheng Jingsong, who accused her of violating protocols due to her delayed report. Lin Qiang apologized, explaining she was absorbed in writing her operational log, and asked if he had indeed waited for her all night in the adjacent room. He admitted waiting until 4 AM but had not heard her three knocks.
Lin Qiang then recounted her successful interaction with Zhang Xianhe, informing him that she would attend Qiu Hu's birthday party to "steal something" from his office, which she believed could also lead them to their own intelligence. Cheng Jingsong expressed suspicion about the plan and insisted on reporting it to Cao Yongming before she proceeded. Lin Qiang, confident, questioned his caution, asserting she could easily handle Zhang Xianhe.
Cheng Jingsong then pressed her about the details of what happened in the hotel room, mentioning a knock he heard twice on the wall. Lin Qiang, annoyed by his prying, reminded him that as her contact, he was only privy to operational reports, not personal details. She conceded her "failure" to report fully and urged him to report to Cao Yongming.
Cheng Jingsong then reported to Cao Yongming that Lin Qiang had found a way to the top floor and would infiltrate Qiu Hu's office that night to search for the storeroom key. Cao Yongming praised Lin Qiang's recent performance but noted she was "clever but reckless," instructing Cheng Jingsong to "keep an eye on her" and offer more support.
He reiterated that while investigating the storeroom, which Chu Jiaojiao had earlier mentioned might contain "red wine" and "heroin," was a viable lead, they needed a backup plan. He anticipated another trade from Qiu Hu given his recent losses. He emphasized that Lin Qiang's risk in entering Qiu Hu's office must yield significant results.
Cao Yongming then interrupted a junior officer decocting herbs, playfully remarking on the specialized unit turning into a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, and ordered him to retrieve a pinhole camera. He then questioned Li Yan, who was engrossed in texting his girlfriend, about Lin Qiang's social connections. Li Yan confirmed that Lin Qiang's police academy connections were handled, and among her younger associates, all except De were unaware she was a police officer.
He added that De's art studio had closed and his whereabouts were unknown. Cao Yongming then gave the pinhole camera to Cheng Jingsong, instructing him to give it to Lin Qiang to install in Qiu Hu's office. This was not only to gather evidence but also to assess Qiu Hu's trust in Lin Qiang. He sternly warned Li Yan that if he met his girlfriend before finding De, he should submit a resignation instead of a work report.
Meanwhile, De spotted Lin Qiang in Zhang Xianhe's car. He followed them to the Haoting Hotel but was stopped at the entrance by a waiter who accused him of being a repeat "dine and dasher." Rejected and insulted, De noticed a "Hiring" sign outside the hotel and decided to apply for a job there to get closer to Lin Qiang. At Qiu Hu's birthday party at the Haoting Hotel, Lin Qiang accompanied Zhang Xianhe as his girlfriend.
Lei Jie initially attempted to block Lin Qiang's entry to the top-floor banquet hall, but Zhang Xianhe intervened, asserting Lin Qiang was his girlfriend and warning Lei Jie to show respect. Qiu Hu greeted them, and Zhang Xianhe apologized for their tardiness, offering a toast. Qiu Hu then questioned Lin Qiang about her relationship with Zhang Xianhe and the "other boyfriend" she had mentioned, to which Lin Qiang coolly replied that having two boyfriends was not an issue.
During the party, Zhang Xianhe discreetly signaled Lin Qiang. He then informed her that Qiu Hu's office was the "first one on the left." He initially handed her a device to open the door, but Lin Qiang confidently revealed her lock-picking tools, making a joke about not carrying lipstick in her bag.
Zhang Xianhe instructed her to find an "electronic key" in the right drawer of Qiu Hu's desk and duplicate it using a mold, explaining that it was for a special alarm-connected lock that couldn't be picked. He reiterated that he needed this to gauge Qiu Hu's financial standing before considering an investment in his hotel. Lin Qiang successfully entered the office, duplicated the key, and installed the pinhole camera behind a mirror.
However, she accidentally knocked over a cup, making a noise that alerted Lei Jie and Hei Pi, who were nearby. As Lei Jie and Hei Pi approached to investigate, Lin Qiang tried to exit the office, but her skirt got caught in the door. Just as they were about to discover her, Zhang Xianhe appeared, embracing and kissing Lin Qiang.
He subtly whispered to her that they were "being watched," prompting her to play along as she discreetly pulled her skirt free from the door. Lei Jie and Hei Pi, witnessing the intimate scene, assumed nothing suspicious and retreated. After the party, Zhang Xianhe dropped Lin Qiang off at her building. He gave her money, including an extra 20,000 as a "bonus" because he had "touched her" during the kiss.
Offended, Lin Qiang angrily threw the money back at him, asking what he thought of her and declaring it "far from enough." Zhang Xianhe teased her, suggesting her "body language said differently back there" and telling her to "drop her act." As Zhang Xianhe prepared to leave, Cheng Jingsong, who had been waiting, approached Lin Qiang, asking why she hadn't answered his calls. Zhang Xianhe, surprised, asked Lin Qiang who Cheng Jingsong was.
Cheng Jingsong confidently introduced himself as Lin Qiang's boyfriend. Zhang Xianhe expressed surprise, saying he had "never heard her saying she has one." Lin Qiang confirmed that Cheng Jingsong was indeed her boyfriend and introduced them. Cheng Jingsong then politely bid Zhang Xianhe goodnight and led Lin Qiang away.
Episode 8 Recap
Lin Qiang handed Cheng Jingsong the key mold she had copied, asking him to quickly create a key for himself. She noted that Zhang Xianhe had also asked her to obtain a key to the storeroom, and she had just given him the key mold he requested. Lin Qiang expressed her desire to understand Zhang Xianhe's true intentions before arousing his suspicion.
Cheng Jingsong, finding Zhang Xianhe to be a complex individual, immediately decided to report to Captain Cao and investigate Zhang Xianhe's background. Cheng Jingsong was also independently pursuing Cheng Ji's case. He discovered a Greek mythology book among Cheng Ji's belongings, which he realized was a codebook for encrypted messages previously dismissed as gambling ads. He recounted how Captain Cao had initially found no leads from Cheng Ji's phone records.
Using the codebook, Cheng Jingsong deciphered one message: "8 pm Wednesday at Yiwan Hotel, Iron Sword." Lin Qiang acknowledged Cheng Jingsong's unwavering dedication to his uncle's case. Cheng Jingsong stated that with the codebook, they now had a chance to contact Iron Sword. He vowed to uncover the truth and capture the mastermind behind Cheng Ji's death, regardless of whether it was due to betrayal or a trap. Lin Qiang assured him of her support.
To gain access to the warehouse, Lin Qiang distributed gifts to the hotel staff, saying, "I have gifts for everyone." She then hosted a hot pot meal in the kitchen, inviting everyone, including the warehouse guards. She specifically insisted that the storeroom keeper be invited to the meal, asserting that "lunch won't take much time."
While the staff enjoyed the meal and Chu Jiaojiao, encouraged by Lin Qiang's praise as "a renowned singer among us," performed, Lin Qiang discreetly left for Qiu Hu's warehouse. She used the copied key to open the door effortlessly. Inside, she found crates of red wine, which "had nothing wrong" upon inspection. However, one specific crate contained unsettling "blood and claw marks" and "traces of someone living in," indicating that a person had been smuggled "in a wine crate."
As Lin Qiang was examining this evidence, Zhang Xianhe unexpectedly entered. She quickly hid and observed as he looked around. Before leaving, Zhang Xianhe picked up Lin Qiang's lost Schnauzer keychain pendant. Lin Qiang later met with Cheng Jingsong, providing him with a bread bag and the fingerprints she had recovered from the suspicious wine crate. She explained that the conflict between Qiu Hu and Ma Hongtao was likely centered on "a person," not drugs.
She also informed him of Zhang Xianhe's appearance at the warehouse, expressing her confusion about why he was "so interested in the delivery that Qiu Hu intercepted." Cheng Jingsong then revealed that Zhang Xianhe was "Ma Hongtao's foster son" and that "he's looking for a person for Ma Hongtao." He elaborated that Zhang Xianhe managed several securities companies connected to Ma Hongtao's drug cartel and was suspected of money laundering.
Cheng Jingsong conveyed Captain Cao's new directive: Lin Qiang must "find the person Qiu Hu smuggled before Zhang Xianhe does." Meanwhile, at Zhang Xianhe's home, Coco recognized the pendant he found, exclaiming, "Isn't this Wang Qian's Schnauzer?" and confirmed she had played with it before. Through the pinhole camera Lin Qiang had installed in Qiu Hu's office, Captain Cao learned of "Fang Lin and Yenta" from Qiu Hu. Captain Cao's analysis suggested that "Fang Lin. . .
is probably the person in the crate." Cheng Jingsong instructed Lin Qiang to locate Fang Lin but sternly warned her to "keep a safe distance from Zhang Xianhe," given Zhang Xianhe had likely investigated "Wang Qian's identity" and the brutality of Ma Hongtao's cartel. Lin Qiang countered by citing legal principles, stating that all individuals are "innocent until proven guilty."
She argued that "even if the father is a drug dealer, the son could be innocent," suggesting, "Perhaps Zhang Xianhe is a good man." Cheng Jingsong, clearly agitated, admonished her, "You can't weather every crisis with petty tricks. In an operation, we must look out for any potential danger," and firmly advised her to "quit your fantasies about Zhang Xianhe." Later, Zhang Xianhe approached Lin Qiang at work to return her keychain pendant.
Both had unanswered questions about the other's presence at the warehouse. Zhang Xianhe proposed a billiards game, stipulating, "The loser answers the questions. One ball for a question." During the game, Lin Qiang asked how he gained entry to the warehouse, to which he admitted, "I made another for myself" when she asked him to make a key. When pressed on why he was there, Zhang Xianhe candidly replied he was there "to find a person."
He also shared personal details, revealing he was "born in Mengchen, raised in Hongwa and studied in the US." When asked about Coco, he confessed, "Coco is adopted. Soon after she was born, her parents died. Overdosed," adding that Coco was unaware of this fact. He assured Lin Qiang, "I won't tell you anything I shouldn't, but I will never lie to you."
After work, Lin Qiang met Cheng Jingsong and proposed leveraging Zhang Xianhe to confirm Fang Lin's identity, believing she could "get close to Zhang Xianhe by helping him" and potentially extract "information about Ma Hongtao." She reiterated her belief that "Zhang Xianhe is not a malevolent person" and that he "was honest with me" regarding his personal life. Cheng Jingsong reacted furiously, reminding her that Zhang Xianhe had found her pendant and "tested her."
He questioned her reckless judgment, asking, "Do you know what's gonna happen to you?" Lin Qiang defended her actions, arguing that if Zhang Xianhe intended harm, "he would have done so," and suggested cooperation since "he and I share the same target for now." Lin Qiang then challenged Cheng Jingsong's intense reaction to any mention of Zhang Xianhe, asking, "Why do you flare up when it comes to Zhang Xianhe?" and provocatively, "Think very hard about our current relationship."
Cheng Jingsong defensively responded, "I'm your brother. Put the operation aside, I have to guarantee your safety." Deeply troubled, Cheng Jingsong reported to Captain Cao, requesting the termination of Lin Qiang's undercover mission due to what he perceived as her "dangerous game" and "reckless" behavior, emphasizing his need to "keep her out of any danger." Captain Cao acknowledged Cheng Jingsong's emotional "concern" but highlighted Lin Qiang's significant contributions to their recent successes.
He noted that they had "captured almost 30 drug dealers and confiscated over 20 kilos of heroin," largely due to "Lin Qiang" and the information, particularly Wu Hong's phone log, she provided. He praised Lin Qiang's rapid progress, noting she had "learned to deal with her rivals." Captain Cao explained his initial apprehension about Cheng Jingsong being Lin Qiang's contact because personal attachment "clouds your judgment."
He also revealed that he had "implored" Cheng Ji to "contribute to Qiu Hu's case," which tragically led to Cheng Ji's death. Captain Cao told Cheng Jingsong that while he regretted Cheng Ji's death, he did not "regret it" because "by destroying drug cartels, we protect thousands of millions of civilians."
He strongly advised Cheng Jingsong to "drop your private feelings and focus on the case," adding that if forced to choose "between the case and my life, I hope you can choose the case without a second thought," concluding, "It is the police's duty to protect our people." Meanwhile, Lin Qiang successfully tracked the waitress delivering food to Fang Lin and subsequently located Fang Lin's hidden whereabouts.
Cheng Jingsong then called Lin Qiang, informing her that Captain Cao had "approved your plan." He instructed her to find a tall building and observe the "smoke of burning heroin" across the river, proudly stating, "The Narcotics Control confiscated the heroin thanks to the information you provided. Uncle Cheng would be proud of you."
Episode 9 Recap
After being covered by a colleague who claimed she was with a customer, Lin Qiang discovered Shengde also working at the Haoting Hotel as a staff member. She quickly pulled him aside, urging him to leave. However, Shengde demanded the money he believed Lin Qiang had taken after knocking him out during a previous operation. Lin Qiang, unable to fully explain at that moment, insisted he leave. Just then, Chu Jiaojiao arrived, asking if the two knew each other.
Taking a cue from Lin Qiang's expression, Shengde quickly claimed he was a new employee familiarizing himself with the senior staff. He also picked up on Chu Jiaojiao referring to Lin Qiang as "Qian," and adopted that name as well, successfully maintaining Lin Qiang's cover. After Shengde departed, Chu Jiaojiao, visibly distressed, confessed to Lin Qiang that her mother needed 100,000 yuan for surgery, and Qiu Hu had refused to help.
She pleaded with Lin Qiang for assistance, who promised to find a way. Lin Qiang later found Shengde again and told him she needed his help with a new task, promising to share the profits. Shengde was initially wary, accusing Lin Qiang of trying to trick him once more. Lin Qiang then explained that their previous gains had been intercepted by Qiu Hu, the hotel owner.
She reasoned that a direct confrontation with Qiu Hu was impossible, given his large number of men. Instead, they needed to identify vulnerabilities and seize a discreet opportunity to reclaim their money. She also revealed that her presence at the hotel was strategic, as it offered access to many wealthy individuals, providing avenues for additional income. Convinced by her reasoning, Shengde agreed to cooperate and pledged to keep her true identity, particularly her current alias Wang Qian, a secret.
With Shengde on board, Lin Qiang approached Zhang Xianhe. She directly asked if he was searching for the individual Qiu Hu had concealed in the wine crate, playfully mirroring his previous flirtatious advances. Zhang Xianhe, in turn, threw her onto the bed, demanding to know the person's location. Lin Qiang offered to find the person quickly if he paid her 100,000 yuan and collaborated on a specific task.
Zhang Xianhe agreed but warned her against flirting with every man she met. Later, while drinking at the Haoting Hotel, Zhang Xianhe deliberately detained Dingding, a waitress who regularly delivered food to Fang Lin. He pretended to be enamored with her and insisted she drink with him. The supervisor promptly summoned Lei Jie. Lei Jie initially resisted Zhang Xianhe’s advances, citing hotel rules.
However, Zhang Xianhe offered her a significant sum of money, insisting Dingding be sent to his room the next day. Tempted by the money, Lei Jie compelled a reluctant Dingding to comply, dismissing Dingding's pleas not to be sent to a client's room and her concern about delivering food to Fang Lin. Dingding, under duress from Lei Jie, went to Zhang Xianhe's room and began to undress.
However, Zhang Xianhe merely covered her with his coat and instructed her not to speak about the night, giving her hush money before allowing her to leave. Simultaneously, Lin Qiang, in disguise, delivered food to Fang Lin. While he ate, she discreetly photographed him and received a paper crane containing a chemical equation. Upon her return, Lin Qiang presented Zhang Xianhe with Fang Lin's photo and the paper crane.
Although Zhang Xianhe initially questioned the blurry image, Lin Qiang confidently affirmed it was the target. Zhang Xianhe made the agreed-upon payment, stating the remainder would be disbursed once Fang Lin was successfully located. Lin Qiang, seizing the opportunity, demanded an additional payment, subtly using Fang Lin's name. Zhang Xianhe questioned her choice to involve Lei Jie to stall Dingding, suggesting simpler methods.
Lin Qiang clarified that Dingding's timid nature meant she wouldn't skip her delivery without Lei Jie's direct command, and any direct interference would risk exposing their plan. She then sarcastically expressed guilt for sending Dingding "to a wolf," to which Zhang Xianhe jokingly accused her of jealousy. Lin Qiang subsequently presented her extraction plan to Cheng Jingsong.
She proposed using a sanitation truck to abduct Fang Lin, as it was the most discreet method to evade any of Qiu Hu's potential lookouts. After the abduction, Li Yan, disguised as a traffic police officer, would intercept the truck to verify Fang Lin's identity. Lin Qiang explained that this approach would prevent Zhang Xianhe from becoming suspicious, allowing them to continue gathering intelligence on Ma Hongtao through him.
She confirmed that Shengde was procuring the truck and would follow a predetermined route for Li Yan’s intervention. Cheng Jingsong expressed reservations about involving Shengde, citing his untrustworthiness. However, Lin Qiang vouched for Shengde, affirming their strong bond and loyalty. She assured Cheng Jingsong that Shengde was aware of her cover and would not reveal her background, emphasizing his potential as a valuable asset.
The night before the operation, Zhang Xianhe delivered a lunchbox to Lin Qiang, offering a cryptic warning to "be careful tomorrow in the operation." Lin Qiang ate the meal and fell into a deep, drugged sleep. She awoke the next morning to Chu Jiaojiao's urgent knocking, inquiring about her mother's surgery funds. Lin Qiang immediately realized she had been tricked and missed the scheduled operation.
She found a note from Zhang Xianhe containing the address and passcode for a safe, instructing her to take the money and leave Lingnan. Enraged at being outmaneuvered, Lin Qiang found a stranger to make an anonymous phone call to Qiu Hu, informing him to immediately go to Dongling Road, or the "goods would be gone." Lin Qiang later confessed her mistake to Cheng Jingsong, explaining how Zhang Xianhe had drugged her food, causing her to miss the operation.
She expressed her disbelief at her own lapse in judgment and regret for having trusted him. She informed Cheng Jingsong about Zhang Xianhe's note and the money she found, but admitted she didn't understand why he wanted her to leave Lingnan. She still held onto hope that Fang Lin was with Qiu Hu, providing an opportunity to locate him, but worried about Zhang Xianhe's fate if Qiu Hu had indeed intercepted him.
Meanwhile, Qiu Hu confronted Zhang Xianhe, recognizing him as Ma Hongtao's infamous, low-profile foster son who managed the syndicate's finances abroad. An enraged Qiu Hu threatened to kill him. Zhang Xianhe retaliated by warning Qiu Hu that if he were to die, all of the company's financial records and distribution channels, currently in Zhang Xianhe's possession, would be perceived as having fallen into Qiu Hu's hands.
He stated that countless individuals within Ma Hongtao's organization would then seek to eliminate Qiu Hu, urging him to reconsider his actions. Zhang Xianhe clarified that he was not acting on Ma Hongtao's orders but was attempting to establish his own business by rescuing Fang Lin.
Episode 10 Recap
Facing Zhang Xianhe's threats, Qiu Hu, though scared, rebuffed Zhang Xianhe's offer of partnership, declaring his organization was too small for someone of Zhang Xianhe's caliber. For Boss Ma's sake, Qiu Hu spared Zhang Xianhe's life but warned him to disappear and leave Lingnan if he valued his life. Despite letting Zhang Xianhe go, Qiu Hu secretly plotted to eliminate him and suspected an internal spy. He tasked Lei Jie with investigating.
Meanwhile, Lin Qiang retrieved the money from the safe Zhang Xianhe had left for her. On her way, she was intercepted by De, who accused her of abandoning him at their previous rendezvous, where he was knocked unconscious and stripped. He demanded the money, reminding her of their deal. Lin Qiang, however, stated the money was for someone truly in need, not him. She then found Chu Jiaojiao and gave her the money for her mother's surgery.
Chu Jiaojiao expressed her gratitude to Lin Qiang, then cautioned her to stay away from Zhang Xianhe, explaining that he had caused trouble for Qiu Hu and almost got killed, and she worried Lin Qiang might get implicated. Lei Jie, who already harbored suspicions about Lin Qiang (also known as Wang Qian), knew directly confronting her wouldn't convince Qiu Hu due to their past animosity. Instead, she approached De, inviting him for a meal to learn more.
De, being cunning, claimed he and Lin Qiang had known each other since his time "mixing" in America, exaggerating tales of his exploits there and portraying Lin Qiang as someone who owed him a favor for saving her from thugs. While talking, Lei Jie subtly photographed a unique tattoo on De's hand.
Later, she showed the photo around, discovering from others that De had an older sister suffering from kidney disease who was frequently hospitalized, and that De had never even left Lingnan, let alone been to America. Upon Lin Qiang's return, Zhang Xianhe confronted her, angry that she hadn't left Lingnan as per his note. He accused her of tipping off Qiu Hu, which led to Qiu Hu knowing his true identity and now seeking his life.
He revealed he had sent Coco to safety and urged Lin Qiang to leave immediately. Lin Qiang countered, asserting her large ambition, stating that the small sum Zhang Xianhe offered was insufficient, and she intended to stay with Qiu Hu to make a fortune. Zhang Xianhe then revealed his true reason for sending her to steal the key: Qiu Hu's office was bugged with surveillance cameras, and her actions had been recorded.
He warned her that once Qiu Hu saw the footage, she would also face severe consequences. Lin Qiang, feeling betrayed and used as a shield, questioned why he would return if he had indeed pushed her into danger. Zhang Xianhe admitted he didn't want to see her hurt and wanted to protect her. After his conversation with Lin Qiang, Zhang Xianhe instructed his assistant to book the earliest flight to Los Angeles for the following day.
Moments later, he was ambushed by Qiu Hu's men. Fortunately, Cheng Jingsong appeared and single-handedly fended off the attackers, helping Zhang Xianhe escape to his gym. Zhang Xianhe, suspicious of Cheng Jingsong's timely appearance and impressive fighting skills, questioned him. Cheng Jingsong simply claimed he was out for his usual night run and happened to pass by, remarking that Zhang Xianhe should be grateful instead of questioning him.
Zhang Xianhe then inquired if Cheng Jingsong was aware of Lin Qiang's predicament and urged him to take her away, revealing his concern for her. Cheng Jingsong advised Zhang Xianhe to prioritize his own safety and leave Lingnan, assuring him that he would protect Lin Qiang. However, Zhang Xianhe, reflecting on his father's expectations and the scrutiny from rivals like Liu Bing, decided against leaving.
He affirmed his resolve to stay in Lingnan, recover Fang Lin, and confront Qiu Hu, stating he would rely on his own strength to resolve the situation and establish his dominance. He mockingly told Cheng Jingsong to watch his girlfriend closely. Cheng Jingsong informed Lin Qiang that Cao Yongming's team had investigated the Haoting Hotel's surveillance system. The top floor, including Qiu Hu's office, was outside the general surveillance network, indicating any cameras there would be independent.
The hard drive containing the footage would thus be located in Qiu Hu's office. He cautioned against deleting or damaging the footage, as it would immediately alert Qiu Hu. Lin Qiang, frustrated by the constraints, jokingly threatened to burn down the hotel, which sparked an idea in Cheng Jingsong. The next day, Lin Qiang activated the hotel's fire alarm system, causing chaos.
The guards on the rooftop rushed downstairs, where Hei Pi redirected them to secure the stairwell while he investigated the "fire." Taking advantage of the diversion, Cheng Jingsong rappelled from the rooftop into Qiu Hu's office, retrieved the surveillance hard drive, and handed it to the technical department.
On his way out, he was spotted by Ms. Zhang, who, having previously seen him with Lin Qiang, mistakenly assumed he was Lin Qiang's mechanic boyfriend and convinced him to fix a broken boiler in the bathhouse, during which he sustained minor injuries. Meanwhile, Zhang Xianhe sought an alliance with Hong to counter Qiu Hu. Hong initially dismissed him, expressing her reluctance to get involved in gang conflicts.
Zhang Xianhe, after losing a substantial amount of money to her in mahjong to gain her attention, revealed his identity as Boss Ma Hongtao's son. He then argued that Qiu Hu, once supported by his father, was now ungrateful and had no goods to supply. He offered to make Hong the next Qiu Hu, supplying her at a price she could name. Hong expressed her fear of Qiu Hu's retaliation, referencing the fate of a previous rival, Chen Zhiyong.
Zhang Xianhe, however, countered by revealing his knowledge that Hong was secretly harboring the very much alive Chen Zhiyong, whom Qiu Hu had failed to kill. He pointed out that Chen Zhiyong was currently unable to supply goods or share his contacts, making him a burden for Hong. Realizing Zhang Xianhe knew her secrets and offered a powerful alternative, Hong's interest was piqued, and she invited him to discuss further.
Cheng Jingsong returned the processed hard drive to Lin Qiang, explaining that the technical department had replaced the footage of her in Qiu Hu's office with decoy video. He added that Cao Yongming would send officers disguised as firefighters that evening to help her discreetly reinstall the hard drive. Suddenly, De called Lin Qiang, distraught. He revealed that Lei Jie had kidnapped his sister, Xiaoxing, and was threatening her life unless De exposed Lin Qiang's true identity.
Lin Qiang reassured De, promising to find a solution. Realizing Lei Jie posed an immediate threat, Lin Qiang decided to act quickly. She deliberately discussed the recently discovered celebrity "pinhole camera" scandal with Chu Jiaojiao, linking it to Qiu Hu's earlier suspicion of a mole and Zhang Xianhe possibly planting surveillance. Lin Qiang subtly suggested that if cameras were indeed installed, they would likely be in Qiu Hu's home or office.
This immediately made Chu Jiaojiao suspicious, leading her to urge Hei Pi to thoroughly search Qiu Hu's office. Qiu Hu met with Fang Lin to discuss their cooperation. Knowing Fang Lin's affection for Dingding, a hotel server, Qiu Hu brought Dingding to Fang Lin's room and pressured him to cooperate, using Dingding as leverage. After Qiu Hu left, he received a call from Hei Pi, who reported finding surveillance cameras in his office.
Qiu Hu initially assumed Hei Pi had found the camera he had personally installed near the fish tank, but Hei Pi quickly corrected him, stating there were two additional cameras, including a pinhole one, suggesting a more extensive and unexpected breach.
Episode 11 Recap
Hei Pi called Lei Jie to inform her that a pinhole camera had been discovered in Qiu Hu’s office. Lei Jie instructed her subordinates to keep Xiaoxing under surveillance and returned to the hotel, believing that identifying the camera’s planter would be a more straightforward way to uncover information than interrogating Shengde. Upon his return, Qiu Hu intended to check his own hidden surveillance system for video playback to identify the mole, only to find the hard drive missing.
Hei Pi denied any involvement. Qiu Hu immediately ordered a comprehensive search of the hotel. His subordinates located the hard drive in Lei Jie’s locker. Lei Jie and Hei Pi attempted to defend themselves. Hei Pi claimed he witnessed Zhang Xianhe and Lin Qiang being intimate outside Qiu Hu’s office during his birthday party, suggesting Lin Qiang was responsible for planting the camera.
Lei Jie also insisted she had been actively searching for the mole for Qiu Hu and had no opportunity to enter his office, believing she was being framed. She adamantly accused Lin Qiang (referred to as Wang Qian in the dialogue) of being the mole, stating that Lin Qiang and Shengde knew each other from a long time ago and that Shengde knew Lin Qiang's background. Qiu Hu silently played the video footage retrieved from the newly found hard drive.
It clearly showed Lei Jie and Hei Pi being intimate in his office. After Hei Pi left, Lei Jie remained alone in the office. Lei Jie, in a panic, reiterated her defense, arguing that she had been investigating the mole for Qiu Hu and that someone was deliberately framing her. She maintained that Lin Qiang was the true mole and suggested bringing both Lin Qiang and Shengde to confront them.
Qiu Hu agreed, ordering Lin Qiang and Shengde to be brought to his office. Lei Jie confronted Shengde, warning him to speak truthfully about everything. Under Lei Jie's initial pressure, Shengde claimed that Lin Qiang was an undercover police officer who had assisted Zhang Xianhe in kidnapping Fang Lin.
Qiu Hu pressed Shengde for details on how he knew Lin Qiang was a police officer, but Shengde faltered, eventually admitting that Lei Jie hadn't provided him with the specifics, only that Lin Qiang was problematic. Sensing Shengde's dishonesty, Qiu Hu brandished a knife, demanding the truth. Terrified, Shengde confessed that Lei Jie had coerced him into framing Lin Qiang by kidnapping his sister, Xiaoxing.
Shengde further revealed that Lei Jie had been compromised by Zhang Xianhe, recounting an incident where Zhang Xianhe had harassed Dingding at the hotel. Lei Jie intervened, and Zhang Xianhe subsequently left in good spirits. Shengde mentioned that it was common knowledge in the hotel that Lei Jie had accepted money from Zhang Xianhe to secretly work for him. Lei Jie vehemently denied these allegations, swearing her loyalty to Qiu Hu.
Qiu Hu then instructed Chu Jiaojiao to retrieve Lei Jie's bank records. Chu Jiaojiao returned with proof of a 50,000 yuan transfer from Zhang Xianhe to Lei Jie's account. Lei Jie desperately tried to explain that the money was prostitution fees from Zhang Xianhe for Dingding, but Qiu Hu dismissed her explanation as absurd for a mere waitress.
Lei Jie continued to accuse Lin Qiang, but Qiu Hu, now convinced, accused Lei Jie and Shengde (whom he believed was manipulated by Lei Jie) of being the moles. Enraged, Qiu Hu ordered everyone out of his office, intending to kill Lei Jie himself. Hei Pi, familiar with Qiu Hu's brutal nature, pleaded with Chu Jiaojiao to intercede on Lei Jie's behalf.
However, Chu Jiaojiao refused, reminding him of Lei Jie's past cruelties, stating that when she was caught by the police, Lei Jie had tried to blow her up to silence her. She also stated that Qiu Hu would not listen to her and warned Hei Pi not to intervene either, as she couldn't protect him. Realizing Qiu Hu's deadly intent, Lin Qiang quickly sent Shengde away to spare him from witnessing the murder.
Shengde, having learned Xiaoxing's location in a bungalow in the Haoyun Village woods from Hei Pi, immediately left to rescue his sister. Lin Qiang attempted to enter the office to intervene but was physically stopped by Chu Jiaojiao, who warned her against confronting Qiu Hu. Shortly after, Qiu Hu emerged, ordering Hei Pi to dispose of Lei Jie’s body. Lin Qiang watched Lei Jie's body, grappling with mixed emotions and a deep sense of guilt.
Later that evening, Cheng Jingsong found a distressed and inebriated Lin Qiang, who reported the events. Lin Qiang explained that Shengde was unaware of her true identity or Qiu Hu's background. She believed that due to his timid nature, Shengde would only report Lei Jie's death anonymously, if at all. Lin Qiang expressed remorse for involving Shengde, who framed Lei Jie because of her, and felt that he now resented her and would not return to the hotel.
She confided in Cheng Jingsong, questioning whether her actions against Lei Jie were for the mission's success or for her own survival. Cheng Jingsong comforted her, advising her not to dwell on it and emphasizing that her safety was paramount. He also informed her that their team had located and rescued Xiaoxing before Shengde arrived, ensuring Shengde didn't know Lin Qiang was involved in the rescue.
He instructed Lin Qiang to prevent any premature police reports regarding Lei Jie's death before their operation could proceed. Subsequently, Cheng Jingsong reported to Cao Yongming, expressing concern about Lin Qiang's emotional state after Lei Jie's death. Cao Yongming reiterated that anti-drug operations require patience and the right timing. He analyzed Qiu Hu's current situation, noting that by eliminating Zhang Xianhe, Qiu Hu had severed ties with Ma Hongtao and also removed Chen Zhiyong, controlling his network.
This meant Qiu Hu would now be seeking new drug sources. Cao Yongming emphasized the importance of monitoring Qiu Hu and identifying Fang Lin as a crucial breakthrough point for their operation. Qiu Hu later visited Chu Jiaojiao for dinner. Chu Jiaojiao was happy to see him and hoped he would stay the night, but Qiu Hu declined. He informed her that with Lei Jie gone, Yenta's operation had begun, and he wanted Chu Jiaojiao to oversee it.
Chu Jiaojiao expressed concern about the environmental pollution at the site affecting her pregnancy, but Qiu Hu dismissed her worries, stating that her involvement would be beneficial for both of them, and with enough money, they could even care for a "deformed baby." She reluctantly agreed. Qiu Hu then summoned Lin Qiang to his top-floor office.
After asking about her work at the billiard hall, he announced that she would replace Lei Jie as the manager of Haoting Hotel and assured her that a significant financial opportunity would soon arise. Lin Qiang, now promoted, changed her uniform in the locker room, where she noticed Chu Jiaojiao looking visibly upset. Lin Qiang advised Chu Jiaojiao to consider securing a backup plan for herself and her child, given the inherent dangers of Qiu Hu's business.
Chu Jiaojiao, feeling hopeless, confessed she couldn't find a way out. Lin Qiang promised to help her think of a solution and subtly took one of the pills Chu Jiaojiao was taking. After work, Lin Qiang discreetly followed Chu Jiaojiao but lost sight of her. Lin Qiang provided the pill to Cheng Jingsong for analysis. He confirmed it contained diphenyl antitoxin, leading him to suspect that Chu Jiaojiao was exposed to toxins.
Cheng Jingsong reported this discovery to Cao Yongming, who, along with Li Yan, went to investigate the area where Lin Qiang had lost track of Chu Jiaojiao. Meanwhile, Lin Qiang observed Qiu Hu's recent inactivity and Chu Jiaojiao's prolonged absence from work and home, noting her phone was off and her lights were dark at night. Lin Qiang decided to investigate Dingding next. She learned that Dingding was moving.
Lin Qiang and Shengde, who had reconnected after their earlier conflict and decided to continue working together, offered to help Dingding move. Shengde also mentioned the hotel rumors about the boss and the business being "dirty." Lin Qiang set clear boundaries for Shengde, instructing him not to listen, ask, or speculate about matters that didn't concern him.
Dingding, grateful for their assistance, shared a secret with Lin Qiang: Zhang Xianhe hadn't harmed her when he took her to his room; he simply made her sit by the bed for two hours. Dingding concluded that Zhang Xianhe was a good but eccentric person, assuring Lin Qiang it was safe for her to be with him. While helping Dingding unpack, Lin Qiang found a box of paper cranes, which Dingding stated were from her boyfriend.
Opening one, Lin Qiang discovered a chemical equation. This reminded her of similar markings on paper cranes previously given by Fang Lin, leading her to suspect a connection. She immediately rushed to the location where Fang Lin had been held and found an entire wall covered with chemical equations.
Episode 12 Recap
Lin Qiang photographed the chemical formulas from the wall where Fang Lin was held, and these images were submitted to the technical department. Initial analysis of the chemical equations confirmed that Fang Lin is likely a drug manufacturer. Cao Yongming recalled that during a previous reconnaissance around Yangqi Village, where Chu Jiaojiao had been active, he and Li Yan had discovered abnormal river water quality.
Tests revealed the presence of organic solvents such as acetone, toluene, and ethane, all components used to make methyl ethyl ketone. The team had initially believed that after Ma Hongtao cut off his heroin supply, Qiu Hu would search for new sources. However, this new evidence suggested that Qiu Hu had instead shifted his focus to meth production, a drug that is cheaper and easier to mass-produce.
Qiu Hu assembled his main dealers, including Hong, Wang Ziyou (also known as Scar King), and Qin Jianguo. Wang Ziyou, 36 years old, operated a bathhouse as a front for his drug dealing activities and was one of Qiu Hu's Lingnan dealers. Hong, whose full name is Wu Hong, had worked as a factory girl in Lingnan and after her release from prison, she met Qiu Hu and became his heroin distributor.
Qin Jianguo, a wanted criminal from 1997 for organized crime, also fled to Lingnan and became part of Qiu Hu's drug network. The police had obtained these details about Qiu Hu’s network from Hong’s intercepted phone contacts, which allowed them to identify and arrest several low-level members without alerting the core group. The dealers expressed their frustration over the lack of product and income.
Qiu Hu presented them with his newly manufactured meth, proposing they join him in this new business. However, Hong and the others were hesitant, citing their unfamiliarity with meth and uncertainty about its market. Qiu Hu grew suspicious, believing their hesitation indicated they had found another supplier. Acting on his suspicions, Qiu Hu and his men stormed Hong's mahjong parlor. Hong confronted him, demanding to know if he was not ashamed of bullying a woman.
Qiu Hu ignored her and demanded to know Zhang Xianhe’s whereabouts. Seeing that Qiu Hu had already figured it out, Hong led him to Zhang Xianhe, who was playing mahjong with Delta and Chen Zhiyong. Qiu Hu immediately pointed a gun at Zhang Xianhe, but Delta warned him not to act rashly. Hong intervened, stating that Zhang Xianhe was merely playing cards with friends, and if Qiu Hu could not tolerate his presence, their old relationships would be severed.
She firmly declared that Zhang Xianhe’s establishment in Lingnan was inevitable. Shortly after, other dealers, including Wang Ziyou, arrived. Recognizing the shift in allegiances, Qiu Hu asked Wang Ziyou to take Zhang Xianhe’s place at the mahjong table and requested a private conversation with Zhang Xianhe. During their private discussion, Qiu Hu acknowledged Zhang Xianhe's success in consolidating his former dealers and offered to resume their partnership.
He stipulated that Zhang Xianhe could only invest capital, must not interfere in other matters, and would not be informed of Fang Lin's location. Zhang Xianhe, however, scoffed at the terms, explaining that the situation had changed. He asserted his independent wealth and network of dealers, and crucially, confirmed that while Ma Hongtao had cut off Qiu Hu's supply from Hongwa, his own supply remained intact.
Zhang Xianhe warned that if Qiu Hu tried to eliminate him as he did Chen Zhiyong, Hong and the other dealers would not stand by. He also revealed that he was responsible for keeping Ma Hongtao’s enforcer, Liu Bing, from causing trouble for Qiu Hu. Zhang Xianhe reminded Qiu Hu that his patience was limited, having been threatened twice with a gun, and advised him to consider his options carefully before proposing a genuine partnership.
Their meeting was observed and photographed by surveillance police. Cao Yongming, noting Zhang Xianhe’s sudden close association with drug traffickers, suspected Ma Hongtao's backing and ordered his team to keep a close watch on Zhang Xianhe. Commissioner Gao arrived at the task force, highlighting the police bureau's strong stance against the new meth, which is easy to produce, low-cost, and highly addictive.
He issued a strict directive for Cao Yongming to locate Qiu Hu’s meth production site and initiate arrests within two weeks, emphasizing that any delay would allow the drug to spread further, making cross-regional efforts more difficult. Cao Yongming suggested that their water sample analysis pointed to Yangqi Village as a likely location but noted its complex environment and requested a month for the operation. Commissioner Gao dismissed the request, reaffirming the two-week deadline.
Meanwhile, Cheng Jingsong informed Lin Qiang that Zhang Xianhe had moved back into the apartment next door to her. He reminded her of Zhang Xianhe's criminal background and the police's two-week deadline, to which Lin Qiang responded that she knew her duty. Lin Qiang returned home feeling conflicted. Coco enthusiastically greeted her, and Zhang Xianhe invited Lin Qiang to dinner. While Zhang Xianhe cooked, they chatted.
During dinner, Coco complained that Zhang Xianhe was cooking all of Lin Qiang's favorite dishes, and asked Lin Qiang to attend her parent-teacher conferences. When Coco jokingly declared she'd rather live with Lin Qiang and eat takeout for life, Zhang Xianhe playfully renamed her "Coco Wang". Coco then asked Lin Qiang to play her harmonica. After Lin Qiang played a blues piece, Zhang Xianhe requested "La Partida," describing it as her signature song.
Lin Qiang, startled, claimed she did not know the piece, immediately sensing that Zhang Xianhe suspected her. Zhang Xianhe brushed off her denial, stating he thought all blues players knew the famous song, a world-famous piece. Later, Delta called Zhang Xianhe, expressing suspicion about his smooth return to Lingnan without police interference, suggesting there might be an undercover agent among them.
Zhang Xianhe reassured Delta, vowing ruthless action against any mole, similar to how Sun Dapeng was dealt with, should one be found. Separately, Qiu Hu was facing a severe cash shortage. His subordinates reported that potential investors like Mr. Jiang and Hu Bingchang were avoiding him, and the deposit for a shipment of ephedra, a precursor for meth, would deplete their remaining funds. Desperate but still mistrustful of Zhang Xianhe, Qiu Hu summoned Lin Qiang.
Lin Qiang maintained her cover, describing her relationship with Zhang Xianhe as a casual fling for his money and claiming she hadn't seen him since their fallout. Qiu Hu offered her a significant opportunity, explaining his need for Zhang Xianhe's investment but also his desire to control him. He then handed Lin Qiang a bag of meth, instructing her to find a way to get Zhang Xianhe addicted, convinced this was the only path to his compliance.
Shortly after leaving Qiu Hu’s office, Lin Qiang encountered Zhang Xianhe, who pointedly asked if she had recently learned the Blues harmonica and directly questioned her true identity. Alarmed, Lin Qiang returned to her apartment, confirming there were no immediate surveillance devices. She then called Cheng Jingsong, informing him of Zhang Xianhe's suspicions.
Cheng Jingsong reassured her that Cao Yongming had established a dual identity for her, ensuring that even if Zhang Xianhe discovered she wasn't Wang Qian, he could not uncover her police background. He advised her to stick to her story of being a small-time criminal who impersonated Wang Qian to get involved in Qiu Hu's drug business.
Lin Qiang, however, worried that if Zhang Xianhe doubted her, Qiu Hu would soon follow, jeopardizing her mission at a critical stage, especially with the meth lab discovery so close. Cheng Jingsong urged her to remain calm and strategize on how to dispel Zhang Xianhe's suspicions.
Episode 13 Recap
Zhang Xianhe was preparing to leave when Lin Qiang approached him, explaining she had cooked a meal for him as a gesture of thanks for his past hospitality. Zhang Xianhe, not rushing, went to her apartment. While he found her cooking to be burnt and overly salty, he ate it without complaint. He observed that her cooking style indicated a person who either grew up without proper guidance or lacked a stable home, probing her to confess more about herself.
Lin Qiang countered by accusing him of being overly suspicious. During this exchange, Zhang Xianhe received a phone call, during which he discussed an offer from Vanuatu and complex financial analyses. While he was occupied, Lin Qiang poured him a drink and secretly added meth to it, as instructed by Qiu Hu. Just as Zhang Xianhe was about to drink, he noticed a burnt smell emanating from the kitchen, which Lin Qiang quickly attributed to her cooking.
He went to assist her in the kitchen. Shortly after, Coco arrived. Zhang Xianhe offered Coco the doctored drink, but Lin Qiang rushed out of the kitchen and intercepted her, quickly disposing of the beverage. Realizing what had almost happened, Zhang Xianhe angrily sent Coco home, then warned Lin Qiang never to approach Coco again, threatening dire consequences if anything befell the child.
Later, Lin Qiang spotted a gambling advertisement at the Haoting Hotel, recognizing the URL as a disguised digital code similar to those Cheng Ji had received. She promptly retrieved the code book from Cheng Jingsong and deciphered the message, revealing a meeting time and location for Iron Sword, with a rose as the signal.
Lin Qiang expressed her desire to meet Iron Sword, but Cheng Jingsong insisted on reporting to Cao Yongming and advised her to first resolve Zhang Xianhe's suspicions. Lin Qiang claimed the matter was settled, admitting she had only pretended to drug Zhang Xianhe with Qiu Hu's meth, without letting him consume it. Cheng Jingsong relayed the information to Cao Yongming, who, after considering Iron Sword's long disappearance, viewed the contact as too risky.
He believed that when risks outweighed opportunities, inaction was the best course, emphasizing the priority was to gather evidence of Qiu Hu's drug manufacturing and trafficking without alerting him. Cheng Jingsong informed Lin Qiang of Cao Yongming's decision to prohibit the meeting. However, Lin Qiang defied the order and secretly went to the rendezvous point. She observed Zhang Xianhe placing a rose with a beggar on the roadside.
She began to follow him and was almost discovered, but agents sent by Cao Yongming intervened just in time to conceal her presence from Zhang Xianhe. Cao Yongming personally confronted Lin Qiang, reprimanding her for her recklessness and insubordination. He stressed that her exposure would have jeopardized the entire operation, and consequently, he ordered her withdrawal from the mission. He further revealed that the police had identified Iron Sword as Sun Dapeng, confirming that Zhang Xianhe was not the informant.
Cao Yongming concluded that Zhang Xianhe's possession of the code book strongly implicated him in Cheng Ji's death. Feeling a deep sense of guilt, Lin Qiang earnestly pleaded for another chance, vowing never to repeat her mistakes. Concurrently, Fourth Uncle provided Zhang Xianhe with Lin Qiang's orphanage records, confirming she was not Wang Qian. Zhang Xianhe acknowledged he was already aware, explaining that a genuine police officer would not use meth in a drink.
He stressed that Lin Qiang was one of Qiu Hu's people, and that eliminating her would provoke Qiu Hu, hindering their current objective of cooperating to locate Fang Lin. Fourth Uncle then informed Zhang Xianhe that Lord Ma had called, not to press about Fang Lin, but to request Sun Dapeng's autopsy report, which Lord Ma then instructed him to burn without further explanation.
This led Fourth Uncle to voice his suspicion of Zhang Xianhe, believing him to be 'protecting his own' and warning that such behavior would lead to their downfall. Zhang Xianhe stated that he still needed to personally go to Lingnan to find Fang Lin, while Fourth Uncle assured him that he would handle other matters. Later, Zhang Xianhe, worried about Coco's safety, decided to move. Coco, however, was distraught and cried, refusing to leave their current home or Lin Qiang.
Hearing Coco's cries, Lin Qiang approached Zhang Xianhe's door. After sending Coco back to her room, Zhang Xianhe pressed Lin Qiang for the truth. Lin Qiang confessed to placing the substance in his drink, claiming Qiu Hu had coerced her, and reiterated that she had not intended for Coco to be harmed. Under his persistent questioning, she admitted to not being Wang Qian.
She fabricated a story about meeting the real Wang Qian at a nightclub after moving from America, eventually joining Wang Shanshan's (Wang Qian's sister) heroin dealing operation due to financial hardship. She claimed that after Wang Shanshan's arrest and Wang Qian's disappearance, Cong mistook her for Wang Qian, leading her to impersonate her for drug transactions. Zhang Xianhe then inquired about her whereabouts on the afternoon of the eighth day.
Lin Qiang recalled watching the movie "King Kong" on Qingyuan Road with hotel waiters, followed by hotpot. Understanding Qiu Hu's intent to control him through addiction, Zhang Xianhe offered to keep her secret if she fully cooperated, threatening to expose her true identity otherwise. He resolved to feign addiction to fulfill Qiu Hu's expectations. Meanwhile, Chu Jiaojiao observed Heipi burning joss paper for Lei Jie outside the Haoting Hotel, which she found inauspicious.
Back inside, she instructed one of Qiu Hu's men to dispose of Cong's belongings. The man discovered a seemingly valuable camera among the items and handed it to her. While Chu Jiaojiao was distracted, Heipi subtly swapped out the medicine in her bag. Later, Chu Jiaojiao conversed with a hotel waiter who mentioned that Cheng Jingsong had repaired the bathhouse boiler during the hotel fire incident.
This information raised Chu Jiaojiao's suspicions, as she knew Cheng Jingsong was a fitness coach, not a plumber. Subsequently, Lin Qiang and Zhang Xianhe executed their plan, staging a scene for Qiu Hu to believe Zhang Xianhe had become addicted to meth. Convinced that Zhang Xianhe was now under his control, Qiu Hu discussed a large drug deal, proposing Zhang Xianhe invest at least 3,000 units.
Qiu Hu suggested Wang Qian (Lin Qiang) as a trustworthy intermediary to handle the signing and financial transactions for both parties. Back at home, Chu Jiaojiao examined the camera from Cong's belongings and found photos of Cheng Jingsong wearing a police uniform. This discovery led her to the shocking realization that Lin Qiang, posing as Wang Qian, was indeed the mole.
Episode 14 Recap
Lin Qiang was attacked by Tar Coal after work, who tried to strangle her. Fortunately, Shengde arrived and intervened, confronting Tar Coal, "Tar Coal, are you insane? You're gonna die the same way Lei Jie did." Lin Qiang urged Shengde to tie up Tar Coal, then discovered Chu Jiaojiao's medicine on him. Tar Coal vowed, "None of you are gonna get away."
Lin Qiang hurried to the hotel to warn Chu Jiaojiao, who was attempting to call Tiger to expose Lin Qiang as an undercover agent. Upon seeing Lin Qiang, Chu Jiaojiao panicked and tried to flee, feeling guilty. Lin Qiang pursued her, eventually catching up as Chu Jiaojiao struggled for breath. When Chu Jiaojiao reached for her medicine, Lin Qiang quickly knocked it from her hand, explaining, "Tar Coal switched your medicine. He wants you dead!
Did you take the pills in the last few days?" Chu Jiaojiao confirmed she hadn't, saying, "No. I just took it out." Lin Qiang expressed her relief and concern, "If I was a little slower, you and the baby would have been on the way to the hospital." Chu Jiaojiao, startled and scared, remembered Lin Qiang was an undercover agent, but Lin Qiang had just saved her and her baby, making her hesitate about her original plan.
Lin Qiang then comforted Chu Jiaojiao, assuring her and her baby were safe. After saving Chu Jiaojiao, Tar Coal managed to escape after injuring Shengde. Shengde was later taken to the hospital by the police. Lin Qiang then went to see Tiger, showing him Tar Coal's gun and explaining how Tar Coal had attacked them. She recounted, "Tar Coal switched your medicine. He wants you dead! And Jiaojiao too. Fortunately, we're OK, so we come to tell you.
Otherwise, you'd be the next, Tiger." Tiger reacted angrily, saying, "After Lei Jie died, that guy has been acting strange, but I didn't expect him to want to kill me, and Jiaojiao too." He then turned to Chu Jiaojiao, asking her about the urgent matter she mentioned on the phone and the 'thing' she had.
Chu Jiaojiao, having been saved by Lin Qiang and hesitant about exposing her, decided to change her story and told Tiger that she wanted to inform him about "the medicine Tar Coal switched." Tiger decided to prioritize the raw materials and the upcoming meeting. He instructed Lin Qiang, "The raw materials are on the way. Before the delivery, we need to set up a meeting with the seller. This was originally arranged for Tar Coal to handle. Now you go."
Lin Qiang agreed. Tiger added that he would handle Tar Coal and told Lin Qiang and Chu Jiaojiao not to worry about it. Back at his home, Tar Coal ignored a call from Tiger, then received an unknown call instructing him, "Open the closet and check the thing inside." He found a stack of cash. Shortly after, Tiger arrived at Tar Coal's house with his men. Tiger confronted Tar Coal, saying, "You're quite capable, huh?
Didn't run away, waiting for me to come to your door." Tar Coal pleaded, "Tiger, I was impulsive. Please give me another chance." Tiger then presented the switched medicine and ordered him to "Eat it." Tar Coal refused, instead stabbing his own hand and begging, "Tiger, spare me please." Tiger, observing his self-inflicted injury and saying it was not worth it for a dead woman, declared, "I'll spare you today. But be a smart man."
Lin Qiang visited Shengde in the hospital. Shengde assured her he was recovering and confirmed he had not revealed her involvement to the police, having claimed he was mugged. Shengde then urged Lin Qiang to stop working with Tiger, expressing his concern, but Lin Qiang insisted she couldn't leave yet but would soon be free and promised to treat him to a big meal then. Shengde then shared information about Dingding, whom Lin Qiang had asked him to investigate.
He explained that last Saturday, while fixing Dingding's TV, he met a man who appeared nervous and wore glasses. Dingding had also instructed him not to visit her on Saturday afternoons. Lin Qiang deduced this was likely Fang Lin and Dingding's regular meeting time. Lin Qiang briefed Cheng Jingsong on Shengde's discoveries, explaining her deduction that Saturday afternoons were Fang Lin and Dingding's regular meeting time at Dingding's home, which could be a lead to the drug workshop.
Lin Qiang also updated him that Zhang Xianhe now completely trusted her, requiring her signature and confirmation for all of Tiger's payments, including an advance payment to the ephedra seller. Just then, Lin Qiang received a text from Chu Jiaojiao, asking her to pick up something from her house, but Chu Jiaojiao's phone was off. Sensing something was amiss, Cheng Jingsong and Lin Qiang went to Chu Jiaojiao's apartment.
Chu Jiaojiao was not there, but they found a camera on her desk. Upon seeing the camera, which appeared to be from "Uncle Cheng," both Lin Qiang and Cheng Jingsong were greatly alarmed, realizing it contained information that could expose Lin Qiang's undercover identity. Meanwhile, Tiger discovered that Chu Jiaojiao had stolen money and a gun from his safe.
After confirming she wasn't answering her phone, he angrily dispatched his men to search for her in her hometown, Lecong, with orders to kill her if they couldn't bring her back. Cheng Jingsong reported the alarming discovery of the camera and its contents to Cao Yongming, explaining that the camera belonged to "Uncle Cheng" and contained information that jeopardized Lin Qiang's undercover identity.
Cao Yongming concluded that Chu Jiaojiao fled because she feared both the police and informing Tiger about Lin Qiang's true identity. He stressed the urgency of bringing her back before Tiger could find her and expose Lin Qiang. Cao Yongming then instructed Li Yan and his team to surveil Dingding's apartment to track Fang Lin, based on Lin Qiang's deduction of their regular meeting time, hoping to use this faster method to locate the drug workshop.
Additionally, the Third Squad was assigned to tail Wu Zhenfa, the Shaizhou merchant who owned Paisheng Furniture and had received an advance payment for ephedra from Tiger. He tasked Cheng Jingsong with locating and bringing back Chu Jiaojiao, while the undercover agent (Lin Qiang) would directly communicate with him (Cao Yongming), cutting out intermediate links for heightened security, as the arrest was imminent. Later, Zhang Xianhe contacted Lin Qiang, asking her to accompany him to Dingding's home the next day.
He explained his suspicion that Dingding was valuable to Tiger because of her relationship with Fang Lin, as evidenced by a small, non-salary payment from Tiger to Dingding. Zhang Xianhe revealed his true intention: to acquire Fang Lin and thereby gain control of the entire drug production chain, considering Tiger a temporary obstacle. He instructed Lin Qiang to control Dingding and prevent any mishaps while he dealt with Fang Lin.
After agreeing and ending the call, Lin Qiang immediately reported Zhang Xianhe's plans to Cao Yongming, describing Zhang Xianhe as "too difficult to deal with." The next day, as Zhang Xianhe and Lin Qiang were en route to Dingding's house, Cao Yongming's team attempted to intercept them by orchestrating a minor car accident. However, Zhang Xianhe was undeterred; he abandoned his car and swiftly hailed a taxi, leaving Lin Qiang to follow him.
Zhang Xianhe pressed on to Dingding's apartment, intending to abduct Fang Lin. When no one answered, Lin Qiang attempted to dissuade him, suggesting they reconsider, but Zhang Xianhe ignored her and insisted she pick the lock, reminding her of her skills and promising to double any money she would have earned from Tiger if she helped him. Once inside, they hid, waiting for Fang Lin and Dingding.
Lin Qiang secretly hoped to allow Fang Lin to escape so Li Yan's team could follow him to the drug workshop. However, Tiger unexpectedly arrived. Discovering Fang Lin had snuck out of his custody, Tiger brutally punished him by injecting Dingding with drugs to control Fang Lin. Fang Lin pleaded with Tiger to spare Dingding, promising, "I won't run away again. I'll do whatever you tell me, Tiger. Please let Dingding go."
Lin Qiang tried to intervene, but Zhang Xianhe held her back. Highly suspicious, Tiger ordered his men to take the drugged Dingding away, telling them to "teach her a lesson. Tell her to shut up" once she recovered. He then escaped with Fang Lin by jumping out a window into a neighboring property.
Li Yan, having been alerted to suspicious activity in the apartment and then hearing from a neighbor about men jumping from a window, quickly realized Tiger and Fang Lin had fled, losing their trail. Cao Yongming was furious with Li Yan for losing Fang Lin for a second time, emphasizing that all their efforts now rested on Lin Qiang locating the drug workshop quickly, otherwise they would have no evidence for arrest.
Compounding the situation, the Third Squad, who were tailing Wu Zhenfa, reported that Wu Zhenfa had spotted them, forcing them to detain him and bring him in. Cao Yongming personally interrogated Wu Zhenfa, confronting him with evidence of receiving a million-dollar advance from Tiger and the illegality of his ephedra trafficking, which could lead to a ten-year sentence. Wu Zhenfa, desperate, pleaded for a chance.
Cao Yongming offered him a deal: cooperate by attending the scheduled meeting with Tiger's men, accompanied by police, and then assist in capturing Tiger in exchange for leniency. Wu Zhenfa readily agreed. On the day of the meeting, Lin Qiang discovered that Hong would also be present and that she knew Wu Zhenfa, a crucial detail she immediately relayed to Cao Yongming.
At the station, Cao Yongming and Li Yan were coaching Wu Zhenfa on his role, but Wu Zhenfa proved to be uncooperative, even attempting to escape. Realizing the risk, Cao Yongming decided to personally impersonate Wu Zhenfa's cousin for the meeting at Hongyi Restaurant. Upon meeting, Hong immediately noticed that Cao Yongming was not Wu Zhenfa. Cao Yongming, playing the part, claimed, "I'm Wu Zhenfa's cousin. He owed a huge debt in gambling and took off.
So he asked me to make the delivery." Hong, unconvinced and stating that "Zhenfa never told me he had a cousin," insisted on speaking directly to Wu Zhenfa. Under pressure, Cao Yongming called Wu Zhenfa and handed the phone to Hong. With police supervising him, Wu Zhenfa reluctantly confirmed Cao Yongming's story, telling Hong, "I can't go back. Once I step on the mainland, the loan sharks will find me. You can trust my cousin. Don't worry, sweetheart."
Convinced by Wu Zhenfa's assurances, Hong agreed to proceed with the transaction. Cheng Jingsong finally located Chu Jiaojiao at a hospital in Lecong, where she was seeking treatment for breathing difficulties due to the switched medicine. He urged her to return with him, promising, "You protected Wang Qian's cover. The police will try to get you a lenient sentence." However, Chu Jiaojiao tragically revealed, "Too late. Qiu Hu's man found me just now.
I've told them Wang Qian is a cop." Alarmed, Cheng Jingsong immediately contacted Cao Yongming to inform him that Lin Qiang's undercover identity as Wang Qian had been compromised. Simultaneously, Tiger received a phone call confirming this very information, learning that "Wang Qian is a cop."
Episode 15 Recap
Captain Cao Yongming arrived at the agreed transaction location on Yong'an Highway and contacted Commissioner Xu, requesting immediate SWAT backup. Captain Cao reported that Lin Qiang's cover had been exposed after Qiu Hu's men found Chu Jiaojiao and forced out the undercover identity. Commissioner Xu expressed concern about making an arrest and alerting Qiu Hu without first locating his drug workshop, as this would make it difficult to secure a conviction.
Captain Cao assured the Commissioner that Qiu Hu, desperate for ephedra due to strict controls and a lack of trustworthy subordinates, would likely come in person, and that Cheng Jingsong was actively questioning Chu Jiaojiao. Once Chu Jiaojiao revealed the location known as "Ba Po", the workshop's location, they could proceed with the raid.
Considering Lin Qiang's life was in grave danger, Commissioner Xu agreed to dispatch the Sixth SWAT Unit, instructing Captain Cao to hold the situation until they arrived. Qiu Hu soon arrived at the transaction point. His men immediately restrained Lin Qiang and confiscated her phone. Captain Cao, posing as the seller's representative Mr. Chen, attempted to stall. Qiu Hu ordered Hei Pi to inspect the ephedra, which was cleverly hidden inside mattresses.
After Hei Pi confirmed the quality and the payment was transferred, Qiu Hu prepared to have Hei Pi drive the goods away. Captain Cao then feigned receiving a message about his wife being injured by a "rose flowerpot," a coded signal meant for Lin Qiang, indicating her identity was compromised. Qiu Hu, annoyed, threatened Captain Cao and proceeded to leave with the ephedra and Lin Qiang before the police reinforcements could arrive. Lin Qiang understood Captain Cao's hidden message.
After Qiu Hu's departure, Captain Cao immediately ordered all traffic surveillance footage to be reviewed to track Qiu Hu's movements. Inside Qiu Hu's car, Qiu Hu interrogated Lin Qiang, detailing how her actions as an undercover agent had compromised his operations, including setting up Cong and causing Lei Jie to become a scapegoat. Lin Qiang admitted her identity, but argued that keeping her alive as a hostage would prevent the police from acting recklessly, suggesting she could still be useful.
Despite Hei Pi's suggestion to kill her, Qiu Hu, acknowledging her point, decided to spare Lin Qiang's life for the time being, vowing to make her suffer. Meanwhile, Keke got in touch with Zhang Xianhe and bribed Old Zhao, who delivered meals, hoping Old Zhao would secretly release Fang Lin. Zhang Xianhe promised to take Fang Lin to a safe place after his escape. Cheng Jingsong was intensely questioning Chu Jiaojiao.
He reminded her that Lin Qiang (using her alias Wang Qian) had consistently protected her, even submitting written reports to secure a lenient sentence for her, emphasizing it was for her unborn child's sake. Chu Jiaojiao was torn, fearing that revealing the workshop's location would lead to Qiu Hu's death and leave her child without a father. Cheng Jingsong then delivered critical news: Lin Qiang had been captured by Qiu Hu and was in life-threatening danger.
Distraught, Chu Jiaojiao revealed that "Ba Po" was not a person, but an alley in Yangqi Village. Following Chu Jiaojiao's information, the police quickly raided the drug workshop in Yangqi Village, arresting five suspects. However, neither Qiu Hu, Lin Qiang, nor Fang Lin were found at the scene. Simultaneously, Dazhuang, an officer tailing Zhang Xianhe, reported that Fang Lin was now in Zhang Xianhe's car, though his destination was unknown.
Captain Cao ordered Dazhuang to maintain surveillance and report all details. Back with Qiu Hu, his attempts to contact his workshop were met with a subordinate's trembling voice over the phone, inadvertently confirming the raid. Enraged by the news of his workshop being compromised, Qiu Hu was prepared to kill Lin Qiang. Lin Qiang, realizing Fang Lin was not captured, quickly claimed to know Fang Lin's whereabouts.
She asserted that Fang Lin was with Zhang Xianhe, suggesting Qiu Hu call Zhang Xianhe, who would surely exchange Fang Lin for her. Lin Qiang insisted that Zhang Xianhe was unaware of her true identity.
Convinced to try, Qiu Hu called Zhang Xianhe, informing him he had Lin Qiang (referring to her by her alias, Wang Qian) and demanded Zhang Xianhe bring Fang Lin and 500,000 US dollars in cash to a scrap metal plant in the south within an hour, alone. Zhang Xianhe agreed.
During a brief phone exchange with Zhang Xianhe, Lin Qiang, pretending to be Zhang Xianhe's girlfriend, subtly communicated her situation and hinted at a plan (asking him to think of his favorite foods and promising to cook for him later), reassuring him she was unharmed and that they would "leave Lingnan for somewhere no one knows about us" after this. Inside Zhang Xianhe's car, Fang Lin questioned who he had called and where they were going.
Zhang Xianhe sternly told him to cooperate, promising not to hurt him. Police shadowing Zhang Xianhe observed him stopping at a bank to withdraw a large amount of cash before heading south. Captain Cao, connecting Zhang Xianhe's actions with the last known location of Hei Pi's phone in the southern area, deduced that Lin Qiang had cleverly used Zhang Xianhe to lead them to Qiu Hu.
He immediately ordered the Southern Branch to intercept Zhang Xianhe and personally rushed to the location with Li Yan. Captain Cao stopped Zhang Xianhe, identifying himself as the captain of the Narcotics Control Brigade of Menjiang Sub-bureau, and stated he suspected Zhang Xianhe was involved in a drug deal. Zhang Xianhe insisted he had to save his girlfriend, Lin Qiang, whose life was at stake.
Captain Cao agreed to help him save Lin Qiang, provided Zhang Xianhe cooperated with the police in apprehending Qiu Hu. At the scrap metal plant in the south, Zhang Xianhe arrived with the money and Fang Lin. Qiu Hu, expressing surprise at Zhang Xianhe's presence, took the cash. Lin Qiang urged Zhang Xianhe to flee, warning him that Qiu Hu had no intention of letting them go.
Just then, Hong arrived with her men, having been secretly called by Zhang Xianhe as backup. Qiu Hu, seeing Hong, tried to dissuade her from interfering by revealing Lin Qiang's identity as a cop. Lin Qiang vehemently denied this, accusing Qiu Hu of slandering her to divide them. Zhang Xianhe also spoke up for Lin Qiang, asserting that Qiu Hu, now cornered and desperate, intended to kill them all. Enraged by the defiance, Qiu Hu attempted to shoot Lin Qiang.
At that moment, a police sniper, strategically positioned, fired a shot, hitting Qiu Hu and preventing Lin Qiang's death, which plunged the area into chaos. Amidst the confusion, Qiu Hu, despite his injury, managed to escape with Fang Lin. As Qiu Hu tried to shoot Lin Qiang again, Zhang Xianhe bravely stepped in front of her, taking a bullet. Lin Qiang and Zhang Xianhe then escaped in the car.
Hong and her men also managed to flee the scene, evading police capture. Captain Cao's team pursued Qiu Hu to Peiling ferry dock. There, Qiu Hu, injured and with Fang Lin, met Hei Pi, who was waiting for him. Qiu Hu told Hei Pi that all the others had been arrested. As they were about to leave, Hei Pi, seizing the opportunity to avenge Lei Jie, fatally stabbed Qiu Hu. Hei Pi then took Fang Lin and disappeared. By the time Captain Cao arrived at the dock, only Qiu Hu's lifeless body remained by the river.
Episode 16 Recap
Hei Pi delivered Fang Lin to Liu Bing, informing him that he had stabbed Qiu Hu to death. Liu Bing, acknowledging Hei Pi's "well done" act, rewarded him by immediately killing Hei Pi and taking Fang Lin. Meanwhile, Lin Qiang drove the injured Zhang Xianhe, who had been shot, away from the scene. Zhang Xianhe insisted they could not go to a hospital and directed her to a clinic on Xiding Road.
At the clinic, they found only a timid nurse, as the doctor was off duty. The nurse explained that she had no experience with such a serious wound and the clinic lacked anesthetic, urging them to go to a proper hospital. With no other option, and under Zhang Xianhe's direct guidance, Lin Qiang nervously proceeded to extract the bullet herself. Having successfully retrieved Fang Lin, Liu Bing was gaining favor.
Ma Hongtao’s associate, Dong, leveraged this success to praise Liu Bing and subtly undermine Zhang Xianhe. Dong highlighted Liu Bing's efficiency in handling Fang Lin and Qiu Hu, asserting that Liu Bing was more reliable and suggesting he take over critical financial roles. He also cast suspicion on Zhang Xianhe, citing his close ties with the police informant Iron Sword, and questioned Zhang Xianhe's loyalty.
Dong then strongly advised Ma Hongtao, whose face bore an injury, to undergo surgery in the US, assuring him that Liu Bing could manage all company affairs, and mentioned Wang Shan had already made arrangements. After a long silence, Ma Hongtao agreed to go to the US for his operation. At the police station, Cao Yongming reflected on the recent operation. While the drug workshop was raided and meth seized, many questions remained about the "10. 27 case."
He wondered who killed Qiu Hu (whose body was found by Peiling River) and why Zhang Xianhe was so determined to take Fang Lin. He concluded that Fang Lin's importance was far greater than just a simple drug producer, as Lin Qiang had previously suggested.
Suspecting Ma Hongtao's involvement due to Zhang Xianhe's relationship with his foster father, Cao Yongming decided that Zhang Xianhe would be crucial for the ongoing investigation, stating, "We need to keep him as our bait to get the big fish. A big case has just begun." Back in his office, Cao Yongming noticed several missed calls on his landline from a mobile phone the previous day, the last one having been answered but with no one speaking.
He instructed his assistant, Shen, to find the subscriber, which was later confirmed to be Zhang Xianhe. Later, during interrogations, Chen Zhiyong reported that Lyu Si (also known as Si Shu) had once drunkenly bragged about killing a police informant. Cao Yongming personally questioned Lyu Si, confronting him about his various crimes, including mob activities, usury, and the heroin from Qiu Hu.
Lyu Si initially refused to speak, but eventually broke down, claiming Qiu Hu had set him up and he had no involvement in the drug business. When Cao Yongming pressed him about the death of Sun Dapeng (Iron Sword), Lyu Si denied involvement. After being warned it was his last chance, Lyu Si finally confessed that "Zhang Xianhe" was the killer. Zhang Xianhe eventually woke up in the clinic, seemingly out of immediate danger.
He made light conversation with Lin Qiang, who had been watching over him. He asked about Coco, feeling he was not a good father for making her live such a difficult life and explaining he adopted her to prevent her from growing up in an orphanage. Lin Qiang then informed him that Fang Lin was likely arrested, asking about his next plan.
Zhang Xianhe responded that he originally intended to turn Fang Lin over to the police, having been entrusted by a friend to deliver him to the captain of Narcotics Control of Menjiang Branch, whom he identified as Cao Yongming. Lin Qiang, confused, asked about this friend and the specific branch. Zhang Xianhe explained that he had tried to contact the captain after getting Fang Lin, but no one answered his office phone.
He then revealed that he was intercepted by Cao Yongming while on his way to rescue Lin Qiang, which is when Fang Lin was presumably taken. He felt he had still fulfilled his promise to his "old friend." He then directly asked Lin Qiang if she was a police officer, to which she denied. Lin Qiang left the clinic to call Cao Yongming. She reported Zhang Xianhe's location and current condition.
Cao Yongming immediately instructed her to watch Zhang Xianhe, telling her he would send a team to apprehend him, as Lyu Si had confessed that Zhang Xianhe killed Iron Sword. However, when Lin Qiang returned to the clinic, Zhang Xianhe had already disappeared. Zhang Xianhe used the clinic's phone to call Ma Hongtao, but his subordinate, Li Shu, answered. Zhang Xianhe asked to speak to his foster father, stating his intention to take Coco and Lin Qiang away from Lingnan.
Li Shu informed him that Ma Hongtao had gone to the US for surgery and that his phone would not be in use for a while, explicitly telling Zhang Xianhe not to interfere with company business anymore and to "take care of himself," implying his removal from power. Sensing danger, Zhang Xianhe rushed to Coco's school, only to discover that Liu Bing's men had already taken her.
He pursued them and found Coco being forced into a car, resisting because the man claimed he would take her to McDonald's, a place her father never allowed her to go. Zhang Xianhe fought Liu Bing's men, rescuing Coco, but during the struggle, Coco hit her head and fainted. As Zhang Xianhe drove Coco to the hospital, Liu Bing called his henchman's phone, and Zhang Xianhe answered.
Liu Bing, sounding surprised that Zhang Xianhe was alive, taunted him, revealing that Ma Hongtao had "stepped down" to the US for good (implying Liu Bing's hand in it and his plan to kill Zhang Xianhe), that Liu Bing now controlled all corporate affairs, and that he had bribed key figures like Dong and Wang Shan with the profits from Fang Lin's drugs.
He also mocked Zhang Xianhe for his inability to get Fang Lin earlier and explicitly mentioned that Li Shu had sided with him after seeing Iron Sword's autopsy report, implying Zhang Xianhe's role in the informant's death. At the hospital, the doctor informed Zhang Xianhe that Coco had a blood clot in her left brain pressing on a nerve, which would affect her hearing and require more of his time.
Zhang Xianhe was heartbroken and guilt-ridden, seeing Coco struggle to hear him and blaming himself, feeling that it was too dangerous for Coco to be with him. Lin Qiang visited Chu Jiaojiao in the hospital, bringing her favorite CDs and revealing her true name. She also mentioned collecting Chu Jiaojiao's posters and magazines from Haoting, promising to give them to her after her discharge.
She told Chu Jiaojiao that Qiu Hu's body had been found by Peiling River, although the killer remained unknown. Chu Jiaojiao expressed relief, stating that Qiu Hu would have preferred death over jail. Lin Qiang encouraged her not to give up hope, assuring her that her cooperation with the police in taking down the drug workshop would earn her a lenient sentence, allowing her to be released while still young enough to raise her child.
Chu Jiaojiao tearfully asked if Lin Qiang truly considered her a friend, and Lin Qiang, holding her hand, affirmed, "You're my best friend." Following Zhang Xianhe's disappearance, Cao Yongming put Lin Qiang on mandatory leave.
Lin Qiang suspected this was a punishment for intentionally letting Zhang Xianhe escape, though her colleague tried to reassure her, suggesting it was well-deserved rest after a long undercover operation, and reminded her that Zhang Xianhe had killed Iron Sword, implying she wouldn't deliberately aid him. Lin Qiang, however, maintained that evidence was insufficient and that they shouldn't rush to judgment.
Determined to find Zhang Xianhe, Lin Qiang visited Coco's school, where Miss He, Coco's teacher, confirmed that Coco was now with Ms. Li and provided Li's address. Lin Qiang then visited Ms. Li, who explained that while Zhang Xianhe hadn't returned, he occasionally called to check on Coco. Ms. Li provided Lin Qiang with Zhang Xianhe's phone number. Lin Qiang quickly shared the number with her colleague, Wang Ye, to trace its location. The phone was pinpointed to Shibei Village.
Upon arriving, Lin Qiang heard a street musician playing a song that held special meaning for her and Zhang Xianhe. She asked the musician who requested the song, and he replied that a man had paid him to play it twenty times. Lin Qiang immediately realized Zhang Xianhe had been there and purposefully left a message for her, but by the time she asked for his direction, he had already left, having successfully evaded her.
Episode 17 Recap
Lin Qiang faced reproaches from Cheng Jingsong for not immediately informing the police about Zhang Xianhe's whereabouts. Cheng Jingsong accused her of having personal feelings for Zhang Xianhe, sternly telling her, "It's no longer your job to find him." He questioned why she failed to report when she spotted traces of him, asking, "Why did you go after him yourself?" and suggesting she intended to meet him alone before the police could intervene.
Lin Qiang countered that she had to act quickly, or Zhang Xianhe would flee. She emphasized that Zhang Xianhe's sudden disappearance after Coco's injury meant something significant must have transpired, but Cheng Jingsong insisted, "Whatever it is, it's none of your business. You aren't Wang Qian anymore and Zhang Xianhe is no longer part of your life." Meanwhile, Cao Yongming reported new findings. Tests confirmed that the meth confiscated from Zhang Xianhe's residence was ephedrine-free, indicating pure chemical synthesis.
Such a process, though difficult for most drug manufacturers, seemed to be part of Zhang Xianhe's "experiments," as suggested by the simple testing tools found at his temporary shelter. Cao Yongming believed Zhang Xianhe was a valuable asset in tracing Ma Hongtao's movements.
He revealed that this type of meth production required a catalyst extracted from a plant in the bladderwort family, known as ephedra sinily stapit, a common herb used in weight loss and blood pressure medication, which was not a controlled substance. During an interrogation, one of Hong's subordinates revealed that Hong was purchasing ephedra sinily stapit for a businessman named Luo, a detail Cao Yongming found too coincidental to ignore.
Cheng Jingsong’s investigation found that ephedra sinily stapit, typically supplied by Miao Villages in Mengchen, had become scarce and expensive, with its source monopolized by an unknown pharmaceutical company. Cheng Jingsong reported that no markets in Lingnan had the herb. Cao Yongming concluded that a trip to Mengchen was necessary and instructed Cheng Jingsong to keep him updated. Seeking Hong, Lin Qiang enlisted De's help.
When conventional methods failed to locate Hong, Lin Qiang, using her alias Wang Qian, orchestrated a rumor among local gangs, claiming Hong had betrayed her to the police. As expected, Hong's men apprehended Wang Qian. Hong was initially suspicious of Wang Qian being a police informant, but Wang Qian cleverly diverted suspicion, blaming Qiu Hu and Hei Pi for the earlier police raid.
She pointed out that Hei Pi, Qiu Hu's usual shadow, was conspicuously absent during the raid, suggesting a setup. Wang Qian asserted that Qiu Hu and Fang Lin had likely fled to start a new business elsewhere. Convinced by Wang Qian's explanation, Hong remarked that only someone "clean" would dare to confront her openly, unlike those who hid, revealing their guilt. Hong then offered Wang Qian a place in her operation, asking, "Would you like to join me?"
Wang Qian readily accepted, declaring, "From this moment on, I'm all yours." Hong led Wang Qian to a secluded, abandoned skating rink that served as their hideout. Wang Qian probed Hong about her current activities, learning that Hong was temporarily buying herbs for a client to earn money. When asked about the specific herb, Hong couldn't recall its exact name, vaguely referring to it as 'Xun. . .'
and then mistakenly calling it 'Xunmazhen' (Urticaria), though the herb was actually 'ephedra sinily stapit'. Wang Qian also inquired about Zhang Xianhe's whereabouts, but Hong, surprised, retorted, "You're his chick. If you don't know where he is, how could I?" Hong further stated that after the police raid, she avoided contact with anyone in their circle, especially Zhang Xianhe. Lin Qiang then contacted Cao Yongming via phone to report her progress.
Cao Yongming, having already learned from Cheng Jingsong's investigation that Hong's activities likely involved a new type of meth, instructed Lin Qiang to continue surveillance on Hong, specifically to identify the pharmaceutical company involved before making any arrests. Lin Qiang expressed frustration at Cao Yongming's inconsistent directives, feeling confused by being put on and taken off cases. Cheng Jingsong arrived in Mengchen and met with local Narcotics Control detective Wu Feng.
Wu Feng, emphasizing the need to blend in, immediately transformed Cheng Jingsong into a "vendor" and laid out his "rules" for operating in Mengchen, which included avoiding the word "investigation" and following his lead. Wu Feng informed Cheng Jingsong that a man named Ruan Shan had bought up all the ephedra sinily stapit in the Miao Village. Wu Feng, whose distant grandpa was the Village head, offered to broker a deal to secure the herb supply.
Cheng Jingsong clarified that his mission was to identify the pharmaceutical company behind Ruan Shan, not to monopolize the supply. Wu Feng, confident that Ruan Shan's gambling habit could be exploited, took Cheng Jingsong to a gambling house, assuring him they would find Ruan Shan there if the budget allowed. At the gambling house, Ruan Shan appeared, and Cheng Jingsong discreetly followed him, only to encounter Wu Yufei, an old acquaintance, who seemed to know Ruan Shan.
Cheng Jingsong, maintaining his cover, told Wu Yufei he was no longer a police officer and was now in the herb business. Wu Yufei gave him her number and asked him to call her. The next day, Cheng Jingsong met Wu Yufei, who seemed to be flirting with him.
When Cheng Jingsong asked her to introduce him to Ruan Shan for herb business, Wu Yufei deflected by asking if he was married or had a girlfriend, which Cheng Jingsong seemed to misunderstand. During their walk, Wu Yufei's shoe heel broke. Cheng Jingsong, ever the practical police officer, immediately sat down to repair it. From a distance, Wu Feng, observing their interaction, called Cheng Jingsong, advising him to "forget about the shoe" and "carry her or hold her!"
Cheng Jingsong, though bewildered, complied when Wu Yufei playfully asked him to carry her. Pleased by his gallantry, Wu Yufei arranged for him to meet Ruan Shan at Yuxian Teahouse the following day, reminding him not to reveal his past as a SWAT member. Cheng Jingsong met Ruan Shan as planned and expressed interest in buying ephedra sinily stapit. Ruan Shan explained that the Village head had stopped supplying him, likely because someone else had offered a better price.
Ruan Shan vaguely stated he worked for multiple companies when Cheng Jingsong tried to ascertain his primary pharmaceutical company. Unknown to Cheng Jingsong, Lin Qiang, still undercover with Hong, had already met Luo Kun, the owner of Chenhua Pharmaceutical, the main buyer of ephedra sinily stapit. Lin Qiang reported this breakthrough to Cao Yongming. Lin Qiang then informed Cao Yongming that she had already seen Luo Kun of Chenhua Pharmaceutical.
Cao Yongming, confirming Lin Qiang's rapid progress, told Cheng Jingsong that Lin Qiang was the best fit for undercover work on this line and instructed him to cooperate with her in Mengchen. Cheng Jingsong was disgruntled, feeling that his efforts with Ruan Shan were now redundant. Hong, acting on Luo Kun's behalf, then dispatched Lin Qiang, along with De, to Mengchen to resolve the supply issue.
Upon arriving in Mengchen, Lin Qiang and De encountered Ruan Shan, who informed them that the supply problem had already been "taken care of" by a "young man" — none other than Cheng Jingsong. De was astonished to see Cheng Jingsong, but Lin Qiang quickly silenced him. Lin Qiang and Cheng Jingsong found a moment to speak privately. Both were frustrated, each accusing the other of disrupting their carefully laid plans.
However, with their cover potentially blown and their objectives intertwined, they agreed that all three of them—Lin Qiang (as Wang Qian), De, and Cheng Jingsong—would proceed to the Miao Village together. At the Miao Village, the Village head unexpectedly informed them that he could no longer provide the ephedra sinily stapit, having already granted exclusive agency rights to someone else. He explained that his daughter, Xina, was getting married and her fiancé also required the herbs.
Just then, Xina arrived with her fiancé, revealing him to be Zhang Xianhe, much to the shock of Lin Qiang, Cheng Jingsong, and De. Zhang Xianhe, addressing the group, acknowledged that he and some of them were "old friends" from past business dealings. He welcomed them but firmly stated, "We can't wait for another year," indicating his immediate need for the herbs. The Village head suggested they enjoy the village scenery while he arranged matters for the evening. Xina then introduced herself to Lin Qiang as "Xian's fiancée," prompting Lin Qiang to introduce herself as "Wang Qian."
Episode 18 Recap
Lin Qiang and Zhang Xianhe found an opportunity to speak privately. Lin Qiang started by asking Zhang Xianhe why he had left without a word, only a note, after promising to return. Zhang Xianhe countered, asking why Lin Qiang and Cheng Jingsong had suddenly come to Miao Village in Mengchen to acquire Xunma grass. Lin Qiang didn't answer directly, instead revealing that she had visited Coco at Ms. Li's place after he disappeared and saw that Coco's ear was injured.
She pressed him for an explanation. Zhang Xianhe remained silent, leading Lin Qiang to his mother's grave. There, as he placed offerings, he began to recount his past. He spoke of his childhood poverty, and how his mother had left him in Mengchen to earn money, returning home sick each time. He overheard adults whispering that she was a drug mule. Though he didn't believe it at first, he later learned it was true.
His mother eventually tried to quit and returned home secretly, but the drug dealer wouldn't let her go. During a brutal beating, the drug packets still inside her body ruptured, and she died right in front of him. After her death, the drug dealer, Ma Hongtao, adopted him. Zhang Xianhe explained that Ma Hongtao, once powerful in Hongwa, had been sidelined by his nephew, Liu Bing, due to infighting among his subordinates. Lin Qiang acknowledged she understood.
Zhang Xianhe further revealed that Fang Lin, who had been captured earlier, could produce a new type of meth that didn't require ephedra, but instead needed large quantities of Xunma grass as a catalyst. With Fang Lin now in Liu Bing's hands, Liu Bing would be dependent on Xunma grass to manufacture the new drug.
Zhang Xianhe stated that he didn't know Liu Bing's current whereabouts, but if he could control the Xunma grass supply, he would undoubtedly track Liu Bing down. He then clarified that Coco’s ear injury occurred when Liu Bing’s men attempted to kidnap her as part of his efforts to eliminate Zhang Xianhe to secure his own position. Zhang Xianhe vowed that he would not allow anyone he cared about to be harmed again.
Later, Lin Qiang reported Zhang Xianhe's story to Cheng Jingsong. Cheng Jingsong expressed skepticism, questioning the veracity of Zhang Xianhe's claims. However, Lin Qiang felt that Zhang Xianhe was genuinely explaining his circumstances and had no reason to lie. Meanwhile, Captain Cao had instructed Cheng Jingsong to prioritize obtaining the exclusive distribution rights for Xunma grass, emphasizing that this was crucial for uncovering leads related to the new meth.
He also mentioned that since the police couldn't directly intervene, they had to rely on their own methods. Lin Qiang relayed this, agreeing that their primary goal remained securing the Xunma grass rights, regardless of Zhang Xianhe's motives. That evening, Wu Feng noticed the Village Head looking troubled. The Village Head confessed his worries about his daughter Xina's impending marriage to Zhang Xianhe.
He revealed that Zhang Xianhe's mother had been a drug mule and feared Zhang Xianhe might follow a similar path, endangering Xina's future. Wu Feng, seeing an opportunity, offered to help the Village Head disrupt the marriage if he was truly against it. The Village Head, desperate, asked for the plan, to which Wu Feng simply stated it was easy but required the Village Head to follow his instructions.
Wu Feng then went to brief Lin Qiang and Cheng Jingsong on his plan, which was to simply sabotage the wedding. Both Lin Qiang and Cheng Jingsong initially balked at the idea, finding it too audacious. Wu Feng, however, insisted that he had already discussed it with the Village Head and, having no other solutions, told them to proceed as planned.
The next day, Xina approached Lin Qiang, offering her a bowl of chicken soup she claimed contained donkey-hide gelatin for health. Xina, acting sweet, said she wanted to get to know Zhang Xianhe's friends better before her wedding. Lin Qiang took the opportunity to warn Xina that Zhang Xianhe was not the man she imagined. She revealed that she and Zhang Xianhe had once been together, and he had callously dumped her.
Lin Qiang painted Zhang Xianhe as manipulative, noting his secretive phone calls and pensive solitary moments. She asserted that Xina was merely "one percent" of his world, not his "only." Xina feigned shock and distress. Lin Qiang then bluntly told Xina that Zhang Xianhe was marrying her solely for the Xunma grass supply, and once he got it, he would vanish. She urged Xina not to repeat her past mistakes. Xina thanked her for the warning.
As they spoke, Lin Qiang developed a rash on her neck. Xina pointed it out, suggesting it might be an allergic reaction. When Lin Qiang went to check her face in the mirror, Xina quickly grabbed Lin Qiang’s phone and covertly scanned her messages. Upon Lin Qiang’s return, still itchy and red-faced, she questioned if the herb in the soup caused the allergy, wondering if it was not donkey-hide gelatin after all.
Xina then confessed that it was indeed the wild geranium, a special herb from their village, which could be poisonous in large quantities. Realizing Xina had deliberately drugged her, Lin Qiang became furious. Xina then declared that Zhang Xianhe was "her man," and she didn't care about his past because she would be his future. She dismissed any other women, warning them not to "covet" him.
Infuriated by Xina’s deception, Lin Qiang stormed back to Cheng Jingsong, ordering him to ruin the wedding and secure the Xunma grass supply at all costs, threatening that he wouldn’t be allowed to return to Lingnan otherwise. Cheng Jingsong, noticing her reddened face, asked what had happened.
Meanwhile, Xina reported back to Zhang Xianhe that she had successfully fed Lin Qiang the wild geranium to get her phone, and found messages from someone named Hong urging Lin Qiang to acquire Xunma grass. Zhang Xianhe acknowledged the name "Wu Hong" (Hong). Xina then reminded him of their "big day" in three days, implying their wedding was a planned operation for his mission.
On the day of the wedding, Wu Feng reiterated the plan to Cheng Jingsong: when the Village Head struck the gong to commence the ceremony, Cheng Jingsong was to be the first to rush into Xina’s room, which, by village tradition, would successfully nullify the marriage. To ensure Cheng Jingsong’s success, Lin Qiang detained Zhang Xianhe in his room by blocking his exit, preventing him from interfering.
As the gong sounded, a confused Cheng Jingsong hesitated, but Wu Feng frantically urged him to act, revealing that Lin Qiang had Zhang Xianhe detained. Inside the room, Lin Qiang physically struggled with Zhang Xianhe, refusing to let him out. She accused him of working for Hong and attempting to disrupt her mission, and he questioned how she knew. Cheng Jingsong, finally spurred into action, raced into Xina’s room, disrupting the ceremony as planned.
Though Xina was heartbroken and in tears, the Village Head, relieved, comforted her while secretly expressing his satisfaction with Zhang Xianhe's failure. He then publicly granted the Xunma grass distribution rights to Cheng Jingsong, and a contract was swiftly signed. With the mission complete, Zhang Xianhe prepared to leave Mengchen. Xina came to help him pack, revealing that the idea of marrying to secure the Xunma grass rights from her father was actually hers.
Despite the wedding being a ruse, her feelings for him were genuine. She confessed that they had grown up together, and regardless of what others in the village said about him and his mother, she had always believed them to be the kindest people. Zhang Xianhe, unable to reciprocate her affections, could only apologize and wish her to find someone who truly loved and deserved her.
As Lin Qiang and Cheng Jingsong began their journey back to Lingnan, Hong sent Lin Qiang an address, instructing them to pick up an additional person. Upon reaching the designated location, they were both stunned to find Zhang Xianhe waiting for them. Lin Qiang, surprised, looked at him, and Zhang Xianhe simply urged her to drive, reminding them it was a two-day trip to Lingnan.
Episode 19 Recap
On their way back, Lin Qiang confronted Cheng Jingsong, asking if he had secretly contacted Captain Cao Yongming. She knew he had disappeared from her sight for three minutes at a rest stop. She pressed him on what Captain Cao said about Zhang Xianhe. Cheng Jingsong explained that Captain Cao wanted them to evaluate if Zhang Xianhe posed a threat to their upcoming plan to infiltrate Chenhua Pharmaceutical.
If Zhang Xianhe was deemed a threat, Captain Cao could coordinate his arrest before they reached Lingnan. Lin Qiang expressed concern about Wu Hong, who was expecting her to bring Zhang Xianhe to her. Cheng Jingsong casually remarked that Zhang Xianhe and Wu Hong could see each other in jail, implying Wu Hong’s arrest was also an option if necessary, as Captain Cao would ensure a flawless operation.
However, Lin Qiang argued that their primary mission was to infiltrate Chenhua Pharmaceutical and investigate the flow of herbs, and arresting Zhang Xianhe prematurely might alert others. She believed it was more crucial to uncover Zhang Xianhe and Wu Hong’s secret collaboration before making any moves. When Cheng Jingsong questioned her plan, she vaguely replied, "My plan is to fatten up the pig before butchering it."
Annoyed by her cryptic response, Cheng Jingsong insisted on calling Captain Cao, but Lin Qiang stopped him. She proposed they split up, with one monitoring Wu Hong and the other Chenhua Pharmaceutical, to gather more information. Cheng Jingsong, though expressing skepticism about the increased risks of such a multi-pronged approach, eventually agreed. Back in the city, Cheng Jingsong went to Chenhua Pharmaceutical to meet its owner, Luo Kun. Ruan Shan facilitated the meeting, introducing Cheng Jingsong to Luo Kun.
Lin Qiang, having earlier exchanged some barbed remarks with Zhang Xianhe, had attempted to join the discussion about a long-term partnership with Luo Kun. However, Luo Kun, observing her, asked if she possessed the exclusive distribution rights for the herbs. Upon learning she did not, Luo Kun made it clear he would only negotiate with the rights holder, effectively dismissing her.
This rejection amused Zhang Xianhe, further irritating Lin Qiang, who then locked the car door, leaving Zhang Xianhe to find his own way to Hong. Cheng Jingsong, agreeing to Luo Kun’s terms, told Lin Qiang to stay put as it was “none of her business.” Left out of the main negotiation, Lin Qiang could only watch as Cheng Jingsong went with Luo Kun to his office.
Inside, Cheng Jingsong proposed a partnership: he would use his herb distribution rights to invest in Chenhua Pharmaceutical and actively participate in its operations, aiming to become the marketing representative and renegotiate procurement prices with manufacturers to drive up the herb’s market value. After some deliberation, Luo Kun agreed, but only if Cheng Jingsong could guarantee to supply him with all future batches of herbs.
After Cheng Jingsong left, Luo Kun commented to his assistant that Cheng Jingsong seemed to be a gullible newcomer with a front company, but his assistant, Ruan Shan, cautioned that Cheng Jingsong might be more cunning than he appeared. After being excluded from Cheng Jingsong’s deal, Lin Qiang returned to Hong. Hong was immediately furious, demanding to know why Lin Qiang hadn’t brought Zhang Xianhe with her.
Lin Qiang, in turn, questioned Hong’s sudden interest in Zhang Xianhe, reminding her of his previous near-mishaps with the herbs. Hong revealed that the trip for Luo Kun was only worth 60,000, whereas if Zhang Xianhe had secured the herbs, it would have been fifty times more profitable. Lin Qiang realized Hong and Zhang Xianhe had a deeper plan. Hong then confessed that the herbs, though not drugs themselves, were crucial catalysts for producing new synthetic drugs.
Lin Qiang angrily confronted Hong, accusing her of sending her to Mengchen not to secure the herbs, but to keep an eye on Zhang Xianhe due to Hong's distrust of him, and also to "check Mr. Luo out." Lin Qiang further suggested that Hong had deliberately sabotaged Zhang Xianhe’s attempt to get the exclusive distribution rights for her own benefit, even accusing her of planting Cheng Jingsong. The argument escalated, and Hong ordered her men to "beat her."
Just as they were about to attack, Zhang Xianhe arrived and intervened, asking Hong to "let her go." Hong, giving Zhang Xianhe face, reluctantly dismissed Lin Qiang. Dejected, Lin Qiang left Hong’s establishment and hailed a taxi. To her surprise, the taxi driver was Captain Cao Yongming in disguise. He chided her for her lack of alertness.
Captain Cao revealed that he had been preparing to arrest Wu Hong and Zhang Xianhe at a skating rink but had to cancel the operation due to a new development: Ma Hongtao, a significant figure, had resurfaced and was reported to have infiltrated Lingnan. This shift meant that the higher-ups now considered Zhang Xianhe a key lead, making Lin Qiang’s recent setback unfortunate.
Captain Cao then provided Lin Qiang with information about Ma Hongtao: he had severe facial burns from a fire in his youth, which, due to poor medical care at the time, remained unhealed until he recently underwent surgery in the United States. His exact age was unknown, estimated to be between 45 and 60.
Given the limited information on Ma Hongtao, their new priority was to ascertain his purpose in returning to Lingnan and whether it was connected to Liu Bing or Zhang Xianhe. Lin Qiang, reaffirming her commitment despite the challenges, told Captain Cao she wanted to continue her mission. Zhang Xianhe and Hong had a conversation, after which Hong agreed to his proposal, hinting at her generous nature.
Zhang Xianhe then contacted Lin Qiang, telling her that Hong wanted to discuss an opportunity for her to "right her wrongs." Lin Qiang was initially wary, especially when Zhang Xianhe directed her to a hotel, the Vinstin Hotel, for the meeting. Despite her hesitation, she followed him to a room where Hong was present. Concurrently, Cheng Jingsong was also at the Vinstin Hotel, where he had successfully secured agreements with three diet pill manufacturers.
He met Luo Kun to sign the contracts. After signing, Luo Kun sternly instructed Cheng Jingsong to handle all future business matters at the company and avoid contacting him privately, regardless of the importance. During this time, Cheng Jingsong noticed Zhang Xianhe and Lin Qiang at the hotel. In the hotel room, Lin Qiang learned that Zhang Xianhe and Hong's collaboration centered on finding Liu Bing.
Hong admitted her motivation was to acquire Liu Bing’s meth, while Zhang Xianhe sought to settle a personal score with Liu Bing, who he blamed for harming Coco. Zhang Xianhe explained that he knew Liu Bing loved parties and women, and since it was Liu Bing’s birthday, he was certain to be celebrating at this very hotel.
Lin Qiang initially assumed she was meant to seduce Liu Bing, but Zhang Xianhe clarified that her role was to impersonate a masseuse, drug Liu Bing with a sedative, and then escort him out. Lin Qiang was highly reluctant, deeming the plan too risky and fearing for her life. Zhang Xianhe, however, brushed off her concerns, only warning her to be vigilant as Luo Kun might also be present in the villa.
He revealed that Luo Kun and Liu Bing were partners, with Luo Kun publicly collecting the herbs on Liu Bing’s behalf. Just then, a call came through—Liu Bing was requesting a masseuse, marking the opportune moment for their plan. Meanwhile, Cheng Jingsong, who was on his way back after signing the contracts with Luo Kun, received an urgent message from Lin Qiang.
She reported that Zhang Xianhe and Wu Hong were planning to seize Liu Bing tonight at a villa in the Vinstin Hotel. Cheng Jingsong informed Captain Cao, also confirming that Luo Kun was present at the hotel earlier. Despite Captain Cao’s warning not to expose himself and to proceed cautiously, Cheng Jingsong insisted on returning to the hotel, as he was nearby. At the hotel, Lin Qiang, disguised as a masseuse, entered Liu Bing’s room and covertly drugged his water.
As she prepared to give him a massage, Luo Kun unexpectedly walked in. Fearing recognition, Lin Qiang quickly put on a mask, explaining she had a cold. Luo Kun, though slightly suspicious, simply told Liu Bing to continue with his massage and left the room. Soon after, the sedative took effect, and Liu Bing passed out. Lin Qiang then let Zhang Xianhe into the room. Zhang Xianhe, however, brandished a syringe, intending to kill Liu Bing.
Lin Qiang immediately stopped him, arguing against his murderous intent. As they argued, Liu Bing’s bodyguard, alerted by the commotion, entered the room and discovered Zhang Xianhe. With Liu Bing’s drugged state quickly wearing off, Cheng Jingsong suddenly burst in, knocked out the bodyguard, and helped Zhang Xianhe escape. In the chaos, Cheng Jingsong accidentally left his pen behind in the room.
Episode 20 Recap
After the chaotic escape from the hotel, Lin Qiang, Zhang Xianhe, and Cheng Jingsong arrived at the parking lot. Hong, who was waiting for them, was frustrated by their failure to retrieve Liu Bing and also expressed surprise at Cheng Jingsong's presence. Lin Qiang explained that Luo Kun was in the same room as Liu Bing, and without Cheng Jingsong's timely intervention, they would have been discovered. She further revealed that Cheng Jingsong was now a manager at Chenhua Pharmaceutical.
Zhang Xianhe, however, angrily blamed Lin Qiang, claiming that Liu Bing would have been dealt with if she hadn't stopped him. Hong was furious to learn of Zhang Xianhe's impulsive intent to kill Liu Bing on the spot, questioning his judgment. Earlier, Captain Cao Yongming discussed the complex situation with his team. He noted that Liu Bing had usurped Ma Hongtao's drug manufacturing and distribution network.
While Ma Hongtao was rumored to be in Lingnan, likely seeking the new meth, arresting Liu Bing might not directly lead them to Ma Hongtao. Cao Yongming revealed that Zhang Xianhe had secured a temporary shelter in a city village since returning from Mengchen, and he had dispatched officers to monitor him, hoping he could lead them to Ma Hongtao.
However, he admitted they had lost track of Liu Bing, and with Hong aggressively seeking Liu Bing's drug factory, the situation was indeed precarious. Lin Qiang then brought Cheng Jingsong to a meeting with Hong and Theta. Hong playfully teased Lin Qiang about Zhang Xianhe, but Cheng Jingsong skillfully deflected by emphasizing his pragmatic, money-focused approach.
He proposed a partnership, offering to identify which of Luo Kun's factories had suspicious usage of "Xun Ma Cao" (herbal hemp), which would aid Hong's operations. He outlined his plan to inspect all twelve factories that purchased the herb for diet pills, searching for discrepancies in the quantities. Lin Qiang clarified that any factory involved in meth production would divert a portion of the herbs as catalysts. However, Hong, impatient, suggested directly confronting Luo Kun to "break him."
Cheng Jingsong, averse to violence, reiterated his intention to avoid getting his hands dirty, leading to a heated exchange where Hong accused him of seeking profit without risk. Lin Qiang defused the tension by winning a mahjong hand and mediating their argument. She proposed a combined strategy, cautioning that brute force against Luo Kun might not reveal Liu Bing's factory location. Instead, she suggested focusing on tracking the herb delivery routes to uncover the drug factory.
Convinced by Lin Qiang's logic and Theta's silent agreement, Hong reluctantly accepted the cooperation. Unbeknownst to them, Lin Qiang had secretly placed a listening device under the mahjong table, allowing Captain Cao's team to monitor their conversation. After Cheng Jingsong left, he praised Lin Qiang's performance, acknowledging that her acting had successfully established his trustworthiness with Hong, ensuring his safety among them.
Lin Qiang then informed Cheng Jingsong that she had already audited all twelve factories; seven were eager to collaborate in promoting the herb's weight-loss benefits, while five were more cautious, preferring high-value buyouts over developing new diet products, thus narrowing their investigation. Hong, having grown distrustful of Zhang Xianhe, sought Theta's advice. Theta, citing their close ties, readily offered his assistance. Hong inquired about planting her people within Chenhua.
Theta advised against high-level positions due to stringent vetting but suggested targeting driver roles, as they were low-paid and often found playing mahjong at a nearby shop, making them vulnerable. Concurrently, Cheng Jingsong initiated his plan to infiltrate Chenhua Pharmaceutical by arranging for an associate, Ah De, to be hired as a driver. Soon after, Luo Kun, suspicious of Cheng Jingsong, attempted to test him by presenting a pen he claimed to have found in Cheng Jingsong's hotel room.
Cheng Jingsong, unfazed, calmly produced his "own" customized pen, complete with his initials engraved on the cap, explaining that he had asked Ah De to quickly find an identical replacement after realizing his original pen was missing. This quick thinking allowed him to pass Luo Kun's test. Cheng Jingsong then attempted to meet with Huang Ziliang, the owner of Lungsheng Group, for business, but Luo Kun had already intervened, instructing Huang Ziliang to refuse the meeting.
Luo Kun further pursued his own agenda by inquiring about Coco's surgery details at the hospital, relaying this sensitive information to Liu Bing, who began preparing an ambush for Zhang Xianhe. Meanwhile, Lin Qiang, monitoring the conversations via the secretly placed listening device, learned of Hong's plan to target Luo Kun's driver, Lao Sun, to extract information.
She reported this to Captain Cao Yongming, who instructed his team to monitor Hong's actions closely, hoping to trace Liu Bing's factory through her. Separately, Cheng Jingsong's suspicions about Lungsheng Group's diet pills grew. Officer Li Yan, investigating Huang Ziliang, uncovered that his fiancée, Wu Yufei, was a university classmate of both Lin Qiang and Cheng Jingsong. Realizing this potential lead, Lin Qiang arranged a 'chance' encounter at Wu Yufei's beauty salon.
During their conversation, Wu Yufei warned Lin Qiang against investing in Lungsheng's 'Ailios' diet pills, revealing that their 'Xun Ma Cao' content was insufficient for weight loss, rendering them ineffective despite high production volumes. Wu Yufei also confided her suspicion that Huang Ziliang was having an affair but lacked proof. Lin Qiang advised her to search Huang Ziliang's office for clues.
As Coco's surgery was imminent, Zhang Xianhe, burdened by guilt over her condition and uncertain of the surgery's outcome, asked Lin Qiang to deliver a magic wand he had bought for his daughter, as he couldn't bear to face her. Despite Coco's joy upon receiving the gift, Zhang Xianhe watched her secretly from outside her hospital room.
During Lin Qiang's visit, Cheng Jingsong called her urgently, warning her (on the phone) not to let Zhang Xianhe remain at the children's hospital. He relayed Ah De's intelligence: Luo Kun had been inquiring about Coco's surgery time at the hospital, almost certainly on behalf of Liu Bing, to locate Zhang Xianhe. Before Lin Qiang could relay the full warning to Zhang Xianhe, Liu Bing and his men ambushed them at the hospital, abducting Lin Qiang, Zhang Xianhe, and Coco.
The three were bound in a car, with Lin Qiang desperately trying to comfort a terrified Coco. Suddenly, their vehicle crashed violently. Lin Qiang briefly regained consciousness amidst the chaos, hearing someone say, "Boss Ma, all taken care of," before losing consciousness again. When Cheng Jingsong managed to rouse her, Zhang Xianhe and Coco were gone. Lin Qiang, now fully awake, immediately urged Cheng Jingsong to contact Captain Cao Yongming, declaring, "Ma Hongtao showed up! He's here!"
Episode 21 Recap
Cheng Jingsong took Lin Qiang to the hospital for a check-up, and she was cleared of any serious injury, only a mild concussion. She was then brought back to the task force where Captain Cao joined them. Lin Qiang informed Captain Cao that during the car crash, she heard Ma Hongtao's name and believed he had staged the accident. Captain Cao confirmed that Interpol had verified Ma Hongtao's return to China, noting he had lost control of his drug cartel.
Lin Qiang questioned why Ma Hongtao would stage a crash, suspecting it might be related to Zhang Xianhe, as Ma Hongtao might need help to regain power by remaining hidden and waiting for the right moment. Captain Cao explained that Ma Hongtao returned to target Liu Bing and reclaim Fang Lin to restore his authority, confirming that Liu Bing had conspired with other senior members to seize control.
Captain Cao also revealed that Ma Hongtao's face was severely burned years ago in a conflict with other drug dealers and that Hongwa police reported he had recently gone to the States for medical treatment. Lin Qiang made a bold deduction that Ma Hongtao might have undergone plastic surgery.
Captain Cao agreed with this speculation, instructing Lin Qiang to contact Zhang Xianhe, as he would be the closest person to Ma Hongtao if the accident was indeed staged by Ma Hongtao to save his son. Zhang Xianhe woke up in the hospital, finding Coco missing. A nurse informed him that he was brought in by a kind stranger and that he was alone. Disregarding his injuries, Zhang Xianhe immediately left the hospital.
Shortly after, Ma Hongtao called him, confirming he was alive and ready to "get rid of Liu Bing" together. Ma Hongtao warned that if Zhang Xianhe followed his instructions, Coco would remain safe. Ma Hongtao suspected that either Cheng Jingsong or Lin Qiang was a police informant and ordered Zhang Xianhe to investigate who it was. Cheng Jingsong dropped Lin Qiang off near Zhang Xianhe's home, instructing her to monitor any suspicious individuals approaching him.
His own mission was to obtain data from Long Sheng Pharmaceutical, which was believed to be in Huang Ziliang’s office and would require Wu Yufei's assistance. Lin Qiang, leveraging Wu Yufei's suspicion about her fiancé cheating, knew she could persuade her to help. Inside Zhang Xianhe's apartment, he confessed that Ma Hongtao had taken Coco to coerce him into finding a police mole.
He believed Ma Hongtao was too old to have orchestrated the car crash alone and mentioned hearing someone call "Boss Ma" after the accident. Lin Qiang, recalling Cheng Jingsong’s earlier mention of Luo Kun visiting the children’s hospital, suspected that Luo Kun might be secretly working for Ma Hongtao and was involved in the crash. Zhang Xianhe felt helpless, trapped by Ma Hongtao as long as Coco was held captive.
Lin Qiang comforted him with a hug, a scene observed by Cheng Jingsong from a surveillance point, making him visibly uncomfortable. Lin Qiang promptly reported Zhang Xianhe's revelations to Captain Cao, urging him to dispatch officers to rescue Coco and apprehend Ma Hongtao. However, Captain Cao emphasized that police investigations require evidence and logic, not emotional responses, reiterating that focusing on Liu Bing was the key to eventually exposing Ma Hongtao.
He instructed Lin Qiang to continue with her current work, no matter how insignificant it seemed. Lin Qiang, with Wu Yufei's help, successfully entered Huang Ziliang's office and retrieved crucial data from Long Sheng Pharmaceutical. This data significantly advanced the police investigation, revealing that Chenhua Pharmaceutical had sold seven tons of Xunma grass to Long Sheng, but Long Sheng only needed three tons for its legitimate products, falsifying their records.
Captain Cao ordered intensified surveillance on Chenhua's deliveries and instructed Li Yan to closely monitor Long Sheng to confirm if the remaining Xunma grass were being diverted to a drug manufacturing facility. Meanwhile, Lin Qiang learned from Hong, via a listening device she had planted, that Hong had found a new buyer, "K." She discovered that K used his private ships at Jiangbei Dock, normally for transporting coal, to smuggle drugs, and obtained his contact number.
Separately, Li Yan uncovered suspicious activity involving Long Sheng. He found that Long Sheng had been using its popular "Bird's Nest Drink" as payment for Xunma grass from Chenhua Pharmaceutical. Further investigation revealed that these drinks would loop back to Chenhua, then be resold to a distributor called Kangleduo Pharmaceutical to generate cash flow.
However, Li Yan discovered that Kangleduo Pharmaceutical was a shell company with non-existent or defunct retail outlets, implying the sales records were fake and the drinks were being hoarded. Suspecting the drinks themselves contained illegal substances, Li Yan sought Cheng Jingsong's help to acquire a sample from Chenhua's heavily guarded Warehouse 3, managed directly by Luo Kun. Cheng Jingsong, while engaging Luo Kun in conversation, created an opportunity for De to secretly take a sample.
Lab results confirmed Li Yan's suspicions: the "Bird's Nest Drink" contained no bird's nest but was entirely made from Xunma grass extracts. Captain Cao recognized this elaborate scheme, where raw Xunma grass was processed into liquid form at Long Sheng and then returned to Chenhua as a cover-up for drug manufacturing. He ordered continuous surveillance on Chenhua's Warehouse 3, certain that any outgoing shipment would lead them directly to Liu Bing's drug factory.
Zhang Xianhe attempted to track Luo Kun but was discovered. To Zhang Xianhe's surprise, Luo Kun did not harm him, leading Zhang Xianhe to deduce that Luo Kun was, in fact, Ma Hongtao's mole within Liu Bing's organization. Luo Kun confirmed this, admitting that Ma Hongtao was past his prime and no match for Liu Bing and Li Guohua.
To reclaim power, Ma Hongtao intended to use the police to eliminate Liu Bing first, which was the real reason he ordered Zhang Xianhe to find the police mole. Luo Kun then tossed Coco's hair tie at Zhang Xianhe, a stark reminder of his leverage over him. Soon after, the "Bird's Nest Drink" shipment from Chenhua Pharmaceutical began moving.
As Cheng Jingsong and Lin Qiang prepared to follow the truck, Hong suddenly appeared, forced her way into their car, and ordered them to chase the Chenhua truck immediately. Lin Qiang tried to engage Hong in conversation, but Hong remained guarded, keeping her gun pointed at them. Following the truck driven by Sun, they observed him receiving a phone call and then meeting another man.
Hong immediately exited their car, pointed a gun at the man, and aggressively demanded Liu Bing's factory location. Under duress, the man divulged the address: "No. 33, Taisheng Road." Hong then confiscated Lin Qiang and Cheng Jingsong's phones, forced them into the back of the drug truck with her men, and sped off toward the factory. Li Yan, who was coordinating the backup, witnessed this unfolding situation and quickly reported it to Captain Cao before continuing his pursuit.
However, when the truck turned onto Village Road C22, the lack of cover forced Li Yan to abandon the direct chase to avoid detection, further hampered by a passing train. Captain Cao, receiving the update about the lost signal and the new location, ordered his technical team to perform an immediate analysis of the C22 village road area. Hong and her armed group stormed the factory, quickly neutralizing the drug manufacturing personnel and initiating a search for the drugs.
Lin Qiang and Cheng Jingsong, meanwhile, discreetly sought out a communication device to alert Captain Cao. Lin Qiang successfully obtained a mobile phone from a factory worker and immediately called Captain Cao, relaying their precise location at "No. 33, Taisheng Road," and describing the dangerous situation with Hong's armed men and numerous workers. Captain Cao promptly dispatched the nearest SWAT team for backup.
While Cheng Jingsong searched for a phone, he was discovered by one of Hong's men, leading to a scuffle. The noise from the fight attracted Liu Bing, who burst into the factory with his own heavily armed men and brutally killed Hong and her entire crew. Cheng Jingsong narrowly escaped the shootout and seized the opportunity to take Liu Bing hostage. In another part of the factory, Lin Qiang witnessed driver Sun secretly meeting Fang Lin.
Fang Lin handed Sun a disc, demanding that he uphold his promise to help him and Ding Ding escape the country. Lin Qiang, overhearing their conversation, was stunned to realize that "Sun" was none other than Ma Hongtao, who had undergone plastic surgery. After receiving the disc, Ma Hongtao then killed Fang Lin and took the disc.
Episode 22 Recap
As Ma Hongtao stood over Fang Lin's dead body, Lin Qiang appeared and was immediately threatened. To save herself, Lin Qiang desperately appealed to Ma Hongtao, identifying herself as "Wang Qian" and emphasizing her close relationship with Zhang Xianhe, Ma Hongtao’s son. She stated, "He's your son. So I'm on your side. I'm not a threat to you," and offered, "I know a way to get out. I can help you."
Meanwhile, Cheng Jingsong and his team were in a standoff with Liu Bing's men when special police forces, dispatched by Cao Yongming, arrived. They quickly subdued Liu Bing's crew and arrested them. Fang Lin's body was discovered, but Lin Qiang was missing. She had, in fact, helped Ma Hongtao escape the drug factory. On their way out, they met Luo Kun. Ma Hongtao informed Luo Kun that Cheng Jingsong was a police mole, a revelation Luo Kun received without surprise.
After learning that the drugs were not at the factory, Luo Kun moved to kill Lin Qiang because she knew Ma Hongtao's identity. " So I can't keep you alive," Luo Kun stated. Lin Qiang quickly offered a new incentive, claiming to have "a distribution network" and "a new network" to sell drugs. She pleaded to see Zhang Xianhe one last time, invoking his name as a reason for Ma Hongtao to spare her.
In police custody, Liu Bing confessed to multiple crimes but denied any knowledge of Ma Hongtao's whereabouts, insisting he was "in the US." He also expressed surprise upon learning of Fang Lin's death when questioned by Cao Yongming. Regarding the missing one ton of meth, Liu Bing revealed, "Li Guohua has it. As for where he keeps it, I have no idea."
An autopsy report confirmed that the bullet in Fang Lin's head did not match any weapons recovered from Liu Bing or Wu Hong's group, suggesting another individual was present at the scene. Additionally, Luo Kun's driver, Sun, was also reported missing, and further investigation revealed he was a temporary worker with no records at Chenhua Pharmaceutical.
Recognizing the significant scale of the drug operation, involving an estimated five tons of meth in Li Guohua's possession, a special task force, "Operation Thunder," was formed with the help of Officer Zhou from Interpol. Officer Zhou revealed that Zhang Xianhe, Ma Hongtao’s foster son, was actually an Interpol informant. He had been recruited by their American office due to his deep hatred for drugs, stemming from his biological mother's death as Ma Hongtao's drug mule.
Zhang Xianhe had previously assisted in raiding Ma Hongtao's plantations in Hongwa and was considered "a valuable asset." Officer Zhou also noted that Zhang Xianhe had lost contact with them, similar to Lin Qiang's disappearance, and had sought help from the local police. During the investigation, Cheng Jingsong took over the interrogation of De, who, upon seeing Cheng Jingsong's police uniform, realized his true identity and expressed concern for Lin Qiang's safety.
Meanwhile, Ma Hongtao contacted Li Guohua, instructing him to hand over the large quantity of drugs. Luo Kun confined Lin Qiang in a secluded room at a remote suburban location after confiscating all her belongings. Later, Luo Kun met Zhang Xianhe, confirming Cheng Jingsong's status as a police mole, stating, "Boss Ma was right. There was a mole among us." Zhang Xianhe then met Ma Hongtao, who had undergone facial surgery and expressed joy at their reunion.
Zhang Xianhe confronted Ma Hongtao, piecing together his father's plan to use the police to eliminate Liu Bing, remarking, "To root up the mole around you, you tipped the police, so they'd take Liu Bing down for you. Right?" Ma Hongtao explained his covert presence in Lingnan was to "solve quietly" certain problems. He also confirmed he had obtained the drug formula from Fang Lin and intended to revive his business.
When Zhang Xianhe asked about Sun Dapeng's autopsy report, Ma Hongtao confirmed Sun Dapeng's death was "a suicide," assuring Zhang Xianhe that he knew his son's character and that he "wouldn't hurt him." Ma Hongtao then asked Zhang Xianhe to return to managing his finances. Zhang Xianhe agreed but set a condition: "Give Coco back to me." Ma Hongtao assured him that Coco was safe and "Uncle Li is the most thoughtful.
With him taking care of Coco, you'll have nothing to worry about." Zhang Xianhe responded, "I'm naturally reassured with Uncle Li taking care of Coco." Later, Lin Qiang met with Zhang Xianhe. Zhang Xianhe revealed he knew her true identity, addressing her as "Officer Lin," and reassured her that he would keep her identity secret from Ma Hongtao, warning that if Ma Hongtao knew, "you'll die."
He explained that Ma Hongtao's suspicions about her had dissipated after confirming Cheng Jingsong was a police officer. Zhang Xianhe then urged Lin Qiang to tip off the police about Ma Hongtao's location, stressing that "only when Boss Ma is arrested can Coco finally be safe." Lin Qiang questioned his true motives, asking, "Is it true it's just about Coco's safety? Zhang Xianhe, who are you?"
Zhang Xianhe confirmed Lin Qiang's proposed distribution channel through "K" was reliable and asked that Lin Qiang not be kept locked up. Ma Hongtao agreed to let her "show her around tomorrow," as if on "a pleasant trip, a vacation." While being taken out, Lin Qiang managed to discreetly use a passerby's mobile phone to send a message, simply "K," to De via a mobile poker game. Upon receiving the message, De immediately reported it to the police.
Despite initial doubts from some officers about the sender's identity, as the account was registered by a local tout, De firmly believed it was Lin Qiang, asserting, "The game account I registered has never received messages from others except for Lin Qiang. It has to be her." Cheng Jingsong also vouched for De’s conviction. The police acted on the lead and began tracking K, observing him meeting Zhang Xianhe and Luo Kun.
During their meeting, K demanded cash payment for the drugs, specifically requesting old banknotes with no consecutive serial numbers, and asked for two days to prepare. They agreed to finalize the transaction in "two days" at Nanjiang Refinery, with the delivery at "Warehouse No. 14." K insisted that Ma Hongtao "has to come to collect the cash in person, or I'll drop out of this deal." Cao Yongming and Officer Zhou finalized the police operation.
They planned to deploy officers at the Yumin Expressway exit to prevent any escape from the Nanjiang Refinery area. Although Zhang Xianhe and Luo Kun were momentarily lost after switching to a public ferry, K remained under surveillance, expected to lead them to Ma Hongtao. Cao Yongming emphasized the need for extra protection for Lin Qiang and Zhang Xianhe if they appeared during the operation, surmising that Lin Qiang sent the message to lure Ma Hongtao.
Cheng Jingsong expressed optimism for Lin Qiang's safety. On the day of the transaction, Zhang Xianhe urged Ma Hongtao to depart, as K had the money ready. However, Ma Hongtao calmly dismissed him, saying, "No rush. Sit down for a while. Luo Kun has it arranged," indicating he had a plan. At Warehouse No. 14, K's men confirmed the drugs were legitimate but expressed unease over Ma Hongtao's absence.
As they started loading the truck, Cao Yongming, after a moment of hesitation, gave the order to move in. Police swarmed the warehouse, apprehending K and seizing the narcotics. From a vantage point on the rooftop, Luo Kun telephoned Ma Hongtao, confirming the police raid. Ma Hongtao, having anticipated this, instructed Luo Kun to detonate the bomb planted in the truck.
As officers discovered the bomb and began to evacuate, Cheng Jingsong, recognizing the grave danger posed by the nearby refinery, bravely entered the truck. Ignoring frantic pleas from Cao Yongming and Dazhuang to escape, Cheng Jingsong drove the bomb-laden truck away from the warehouse to an isolated area. The bomb exploded moments later, leaving Cheng Jingsong's fate tragically uncertain, with Cao Yongming's desperate radio calls met only by Dazhuang's anguished shouts of "Cheng Jingsong!"
Episode 23 Recap
Cheng Jingsong was rushed to the hospital with severe burns across his body and multiple organ damage. Doctors stated his chances of recovery were almost zero, deeply distressing the police task force. Meanwhile, due to the failed drug deal, Ma Hongtao grew suspicious of Lin Qiang and Zhang Xianhe. Lin Qiang attempted to defend herself and Zhang Xianhe, arguing that they were both under constant surveillance and had no opportunity to alert the police.
She suggested investigating everyone, starting with their personal belongings, phone records, and communication history. Taking her advice, Ma Hongtao pulled out a photo from Lin Qiang’s wallet, asking who the person was. Lin Qiang identified him as her deceased father, which surprised Ma Hongtao. Realizing Lin Qiang was truly unaware, he handed the photo to Zhang Xianhe, whose expression changed.
Ma Hongtao then revealed that the man in the photo was Sun Dapeng, who was also Cheng Ji's informant, Iron Sword. Lin Qiang was in disbelief, insisting her father had died years ago. Ma Hongtao then presented a voice recorder, explaining it was found among Sun Dapeng's belongings and contained many recordings about Lin Qiang, indicating her father had missed her dearly.
Zhang Xianhe, seeing Luo Kun about to kill Lin Qiang, quickly intervened, confessing that he was responsible for the police raid on Hongwa's plantation and that he had leaked information about the transaction with K to the police, effectively taking the blame for Lin Qiang. Ma Hongtao and Luo Kun took Zhang Xianhe away for a private confrontation.
Zhang Xianhe no longer hid his resentment towards Ma Hongtao, revealing his profound hatred stemming from his biological mother's death while transporting drugs for Ma Hongtao, forcing him to call Ma Hongtao "dad" for years. Despite his anger, Ma Hongtao did not kill Zhang Xianhe on the spot; instead, he temporarily imprisoned both Zhang Xianhe and Lin Qiang together.
Once alone, Zhang Xianhe, now aware that Lin Qiang was Sun Dapeng's daughter, confessed that he did not kill Sun Dapeng but that Sun Dapeng died for him. Sun Dapeng had realized his cover was blown and, though he didn't know whom Zhang Xianhe worked for, he knew Zhang Xianhe was gathering evidence against Ma Hongtao. To protect Zhang Xianhe, Sun Dapeng committed suicide as a cover and urged Zhang Xianhe to hand Fang Lin over to the police.
Zhang Xianhe warned Lin Qiang that Ma Hongtao still harbored doubts about her and would soon come for him, entrusting Coco's care to her. Soon after, Ma Hongtao ordered Luo Kun to eliminate Zhang Xianhe, who was pushed off a cliff. Ma Hongtao then took Lin Qiang away, instructing her to escort a shipment by sea with Li Guohua.
Lin Qiang pleaded with Ma Hongtao, recounting Zhang Xianhe's dying wish for her to care for Coco, and requested that she be allowed to look after Coco once the child arrived. Ma Hongtao agreed, stating that the cargo ship would arrive the next morning, disguised with iced fish, and after she oversaw the loading, she should bring Coco to meet him.
Back at the police station, Cao Yongming was consumed by self-blame for falling into Ma Hongtao's trap, losing Ma Hongtao's trail, and the disappearance of a large quantity of meth. However, the police chief assured him that things were looking up and led him to a surprise. It was Zhang Xianhe, who had miraculously survived the fall. He revealed that he found a note with "Jiangwan, Dongling" written on it.
He further explained that Ma Hongtao had killed Fang Lin during the police raid and had obtained the drug-making disc recorded by Fang Lin. This disc, if used, could lead to a new wave of meth production, making it crucial to stop Ma Hongtao. He passed this crucial information to Cao Yongming and his team, also pleading with the police to ensure Coco's safety during the operation.
After investigation, the police discovered a sunning ground in Jiangwan, Dongling, was hiring illegal workers. Cao Yongming, disguised as an illegal worker, infiltrated the compound and located Lin Qiang. Lin Qiang informed Cao Yongming of the current situation, explaining that Ma Hongtao would likely not appear before the cargo delivery. Their best course of action was to apprehend Li Guohua the following day and then trace Ma Hongtao through him.
Lin Qiang then inquired about the explosion she had heard, and Cao Yongming informed her of Cheng Jingsong's critical injuries. The next day, as Lin Qiang and Li Guohua were escorting the goods, the police arrived at the scene. Li Guohua immediately turned to flee but was quickly apprehended. Lin Qiang rushed to find Coco and successfully rescued her.
However, a search of the ship's cabin yielded no illicit drugs, much to Lin Qiang's astonishment, as she had personally located the meth the previous night. Li Guohua was equally surprised, then realized they had both been outsmarted by Ma Hongtao.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Lin Qiang and Li Yan hurried to the cargo hold, only to find that all the meth Lin Qiang had meticulously marked the previous night was gone. Lin Qiang expressed her disbelief, stating that she had personally seen the meth and even tied a colorful rope as a mark on one of the boxes. Meanwhile, Zhang Xianhe visited Baoshan Cemetery to pay his respects at Sun Dapeng's tomb.
He mused on the twists of fate that led him to meet Sun Dapeng's daughter, Lin Qiang. As he prepared to leave, he noticed something concealed within the tomb. Retrieving a hidden envelope, he discovered a CD containing Fang Lin's drug-making formula. Zhang Xianhe immediately called Cao Yongming to relay his discovery, but his call was abruptly cut short when Luo Kun appeared, holding him at gunpoint.
Ma Hongtao then revealed that the entire sequence of events was his elaborate scheme. He had deliberately allowed Zhang Xianhe to fake his death and had left him a note, intending for Zhang Xianhe to leak information to the police. The goal was to use the police to eliminate Li Guohua, after which Ma Hongtao planned to retrieve the CD and escape.
Zhang Xianhe, now Ma Hongtao's captive, was told he would witness Ma Hongtao’s departure with the drugs and the CD before his own death. Ma Hongtao confessed his long-standing distrust of everyone around him, explaining that he had already ensured the drugs were swapped and that Li Guohua would be caught by the police. He also expressed his deep hatred for Zhang Xianhe, whom he once treated like a son, for colluding with the police and betraying him.
Realizing Ma Hongtao's true intentions, Lin Qiang quickly contacted Cao Yongming. She deduced that Ma Hongtao never intended for Li Guohua to transport the drugs, having set up a trap to keep them for himself. Lin Qiang inferred that the meth must have been transferred using a specific van from Dongling Market that had been seen entering and exiting the drying yard that morning.
She provided a detailed description of the van, noting its yellow "Dongling Market" lettering, heavy wear, and a license plate starting with "AP." After hearing Zhang Xianhe's incomplete call about the CD, Cao Yongming quickly formulated a plan: he dispatched Li Yan and his team to Dongling Market to intercept the meth, while Lin Qiang and Dazhuang were sent to Baoshan Cemetery to apprehend Ma Hongtao and rescue Zhang Xianhe, with additional police support converging on the cemetery.
Lin Qiang and Dazhuang soon encountered Ma Hongtao’s vehicle. Lin Qiang immediately turned her car to pursue him. Elsewhere, Li Yan located Luo Kun at the market with the drugs. A shootout ensued as Luo Kun resisted arrest, but Li Yan eventually subdued and arrested him. Lin Qiang and Dazhuang managed to force Ma Hongtao’s car to a stop. However, Ma Hongtao opened fire, gravely injuring Dazhuang. Despite his wounds, Dazhuang urged Lin Qiang to continue the chase.
Ma Hongtao deliberately led Lin Qiang’s car onto a broken bridge. Lin Qiang braked just before the chasm, but Ma Hongtao then attempted to ram her car off the cliff. In a desperate act, Zhang Xianhe, who was tied up in the back seat, struggled free and fought Ma Hongtao for the steering wheel, causing the car to stop and saving Lin Qiang's life. Lin Qiang rushed out to check on Zhang Xianhe, who was severely injured.
Ma Hongtao, though dazed from the collision, was not unconscious. He got out of the car, pulled out his gun, and shot Lin Qiang twice. As he prepared for a third shot, Zhang Xianhe, summoning his last ounce of strength, tackled Ma Hongtao, knocking the gun away. Ma Hongtao broke free and began to choke Lin Qiang.
With all her remaining fight, Lin Qiang managed to stab Ma Hongtao in the neck with Sun Dapeng's recording pen, causing him to fall. Just then, police reinforcements arrived, rescuing Lin Qiang and Zhang Xianhe. Three months later, the Ma Hongtao case was finally closed. Zhang Xianhe had once again left without a word.
Lin Qiang took on the responsibility of caring for Coco and regularly visited Cheng Jingsong in the hospital, where the doctors reported positive signs of recovery, with his brainwave frequency, eyelid twitching, and heart rate all improving. Coco, still missing her father, mentioned how he used to buy her meat floss buns. Lin Qiang promised to buy them for her every day, even an entire fridge full. Lin Qiang also visited Baoshan Cemetery to pay tribute to Sun Dapeng.
She listened to the recording pen he had left for her. In the recording, Sun Dapeng explained his undercover mission in Hongwa, expressing his love and regret for not being able to contact Lin Qiang. He shared his anguish over the devastating impact of drugs on children and families, declaring his willingness to sacrifice everything for their future. He recounted seeing Lin Qiang with Cheng Ji at a snack stall and expressed his joy at her healthy growth.
Sun Dapeng had believed he was on his final mission and would soon return to her, expressing his hope that she understood his choices and did not hate him. After listening to her father's words, Lin Qiang visited Cheng Ji, placing a bouquet of flowers at his memorial. She donned her police uniform, a dream she had now fulfilled, and reflected on the profound meaning of being a police officer.
She acknowledged the difficulties of the profession but resolved to continue, not for her father or Cheng Ji, but for herself, because she was a narcotics control policewoman. Upon her return to duty, Lin Qiang was awarded a second-class merit badge. Afterward, Cao Yongming, with a mysterious air, directed her to a laptop, telling her it contained someone she most wanted to see.
After Cao Yongming and the Chief left, Lin Qiang opened the laptop to find a video message from Zhang Xianhe. He apologized for his sudden departure and explained that he had been assigned by Interpol to Longcheng to assist the police in investigating a cross-border drug trafficking syndicate that had extended its reach into the country.
He thanked Lin Qiang for taking care of Coco and expressed uncertainty about when they would meet again, hoping it would be in person so he could tell her something special. Lin Qiang felt a weight lift from her heart, relieved that Zhang Xianhe was safe, and looked forward to the day they would reunite. In the meantime, Lin Qiang, as a narcotics police officer, continued her fight against criminals. She then contacted Ad, ready for a new task.
