Stealth Walker Episode 19 Recap
> Stealth Walker 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.
