Stealth Walker Episode 23 Recap
> Stealth Walker 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.
