Storm Eye Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Storm Eye Synopsis
Ma Shang (Zhang Binbin), a national security investigator, is on a special investigation mission and is ordered to follow Chen Can, a foreign spy, to Shuangqing City.
In the process of surveillance and investigation, Ma Shang discovers that Chen Can is just nobody at the bottom of a multinational spy organization, which has been mobilized to steal the “DS material synthesis technology” independently developed by Ding Hua Group.
Due to the special circumstances of the case, the superiors directly sent Ma Shang down to Shuangqing City, and start a parallel-group investigation with the Municipal Bureau.
The operation code name is “Storm Eye”.
After combining the group, Ma Shang found out that the City Bureau action team leader is actually a high school classmate An Jing(Yang Mi), ten years ago quietly left without saying goodbye, so Ma Shang has been difficult to let go.
As the investigation progresses, Ma Shang and An Jing learn that the codename “Sleeper” spy has been lurking inside the Dinghua Group for a long time, and there is also the possibility that the Dinghua senior management has been corrupted and bribed.
After a lot of trials, Ma Shang and An Jing work together to find a way to turn the tide many times at critical moments.
In the end, the national security fighters succeed in capturing the “Sleeper” and wiping out the spy organization behind the scenes, defending the interests and dignity of the motherland.
Storm Eye Recap
Episode 1 Recap
On an international flight delayed by weather, Ma Shang quietly waited in his seat. The man next to him, Chen Can, began a conversation, assuming Ma Shang, with his sharp suit, must have been unable to get a first-class seat and was consequently in economy. Ma Shang noted that Chen Can was using rented WiFi and hadn't yet switched to a domestic SIM card.
When asked, Ma Shang identified himself as working in human resources, a headhunter, while Chen Can stated he worked in IT and had been abroad for nearly ten years. Meanwhile, at the National Security Bureau, An Jing, the chief of the investigation section, was organizing an operation. She briefed her team that their target was an international commercial spy known as Blaster, whose real name was unknown. Their mission was to track and surveil him without exposing themselves.
The target's flight landed in Shuangqing. An Jing's team began their close surveillance of Chen Can, who was the designated target. Chen Can took a taxi from the airport. Shortly after, the taxi driver informed the monitoring team that he had forgotten his luggage and needed to return to the airport. An Jing instructed the team to withdraw and use the SkyEye system for tracking.
Later, Chen Can changed to a black Chevrolet sedan with license plate RA9210, and the surveillance continued. Ma Shang returned home to Shuangqing, surprising his parents. His mother, calling him by his childhood nickname Xiao Juzi, was overjoyed but quickly began inquiring about his marital status and grandchildren. Ma Shang presented gifts for his parents, and just as they were about to go shopping for food, he received a work email, compelling him to attend to it.
Later, while walking with his mother after grocery shopping, Ma Shang excused himself to buy red wine, sending his mother home alone. He then encountered his high school classmate, Jia Shi, who proudly announced he was now a top cameraman at Shuangqing TV Station. Jia Shi informed Ma Shang that their high school teacher, Lao Wang, had passed away from lung cancer and his funeral was scheduled for the next day at Tao Yuan Public Cemetary.
Ma Shang promised to attend. During the ongoing surveillance, Du Meng, an agent, reported that Chen Can was slowing down and appeared to be testing him by letting him pass. An Jing confirmed she saw the situation and calmly directed Du Meng to exit at the next ramp, with another team member taking over the tail. Chen Can's vehicle later entered the underground parking garage of the Pavilion Shopping Center.
An Jing ordered all available CCTV footage from the garage and dispatched her teams to the location. Inside the shopping center, Zhou Lian and Chen Can entered an elevator together, with Chen Can remaining highly vigilant. Du Meng identified a subway station and requested permission to wait at its entrance. An Jing approved, aware of the complexity of the subway environment.
Du Meng tracked Chen Can into the subway, but while helping a pregnant woman who nearly fell, he lost sight of the target. The mission failed, and An Jing ordered the technical department to use the SkyEye system to locate Chen Can and recall the teams. Following the failed mission, An Jing approached Department Chief Song, taking responsibility for the failure but also raising several doubts.
She questioned why the provincial department, which had the target's flight information and knew of his forged identity and name, did not provide this crucial information. She argued that such details would allow them to investigate car rentals, hotels, and bank accounts. An Jing also suspected that Chen Can was keen on confirming his security, suggesting he might be planning a crime in Shuangqing.
She expressed concern about the limited preparation time and the possibility that Chen Can might have already connected with accomplices on the plane. Department Chief Song, however, dismissed her concerns and instructed her to write an action report. Meanwhile, Chen Can checked into a hotel, remaining highly vigilant about his surroundings. Later, An Jing's mother visited her, bringing food and expressing worry about her daughter's dangerous work. She suggested An Jing transfer to the technical department for a safer role.
An Jing, however, joked that her father's "ADHD gene" made her unsuited for a desk job. Her mother also mentioned that An Jing's high school teacher, Lao Wang, had passed away from lung cancer. The next day, An Jing attended Lao Wang's funeral. She observed Ma Shang speaking at the tombstone, then approached after he left to pay her respects. Ma Shang, who had returned, then saw An Jing.
They sat down for coffee, and Ma Shang shared that he had been working in Beijing since graduation, while An Jing said she worked for a Public Security Unit in Shuangqing. Ma Shang pressed her about her sudden disappearance ten years prior, revealing he had searched for her for a long time without any news, but An Jing evaded the question and they both left. Unbeknownst to An Jing, Ma Shang was a National Security investigator.
He later met with Director Song and Hao Zixuan. Ma Shang revealed that he had anticipated Chen Can's evasiveness and had planted a tracker on him during the flight. He explained that by letting Chen Can believe he had shaken off surveillance, Chen Can would likely continue with his plans, giving them an opportunity to intervene. Director Song commended Ma Shang's strategy.
He then showed Ma Shang files on the team's new collaborators from the Shuangqing City National Security Bureau's investigation section. To Ma Shang's surprise, one of the profiles was An Jing's.
Episode 2 Recap
Ma Shang confesses to Hao Zixuan that An Jing is his first love. Hao Zixuan recalls Ma Shang once mentioned her as "missing," not "dead," and presses for more details. Ma Shang explains that they were high school classmates in the same class but didn't interact much. However, they both got into Peking University, in the same major, same class, and were from the same hometown, which naturally brought them together.
Soon after the second semester of their freshman year, An Jing suddenly disappeared. Ma Shang searched for her for three years, contacting everyone he could, but no one knew what had happened. Hao Zixuan then expresses concern about the potential awkwardness of their current collaboration. Department Chief Song and Director Qin meet, with Qin Ting commending An Jing's ability to almost pinpoint the target despite limited intelligence.
Song Ju, proud of An Jing, jokingly warns Qin Ting not to try to poach her. They then discuss the mission. The target is Chen Can, who has been operating overseas for years. His return to Shuangqing is motivated by the artificial synthesis technology for DS material, a critical project of the Dinghua Group. A technology conference is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, where Dinghua's chief technology researcher will present the latest progress, confirming Chen Can's objective.
Song Ju questions why they don't simply arrest Chen Can, but Qin Ting explains that Chen Can is not operating alone, and their superiors have instructed them to eliminate the entire network. They decide to apply calculated pressure on Chen Can, allowing him to believe he is successfully evading them. Qin Ting, who has only recently received much of the new intelligence and kept the need-to-know circle strict, apologizes for the previous lack of coordination.
Song Ju accepts this, and Qin Ting informs him that Chen Can's hotel has been identified and his team is monitoring him, awaiting his next move. Hao Zixuan takes Ma Shang to a pier, where he introduces Lao Han, a retired comrade from the pier management company who ensures safety. Inside, Hao Zixuan reveals their advanced action station, boasting professional satellite tracking, high-precision positioning, and seamless confidentiality.
Ma Shang expresses mild jealousy that Hao Zixuan is stationed in such a high-tech facility while he is assigned to work from home, to which Hao Zixuan playfully responds that living at home is advantageous. Ma Shang is impressed by the mobile station, and Hao Zixuan explains its necessity due to Chen Can's elusiveness and expertise in evasion. Monitoring Chen Can, Ma Shang notes that he remains in his hotel and has not made any direct contact.
Hao Zixuan confirms he is watching Chen Can via a connection to the monitoring system. Ma Shang deduces Chen Can is likely using a single-line communication channel, suggesting the situation is more intricate than initially thought. Hao Zixuan informs him that Director Qin has already secured the cooperation of Professor Zou from the Dinghua Group, and their strategy is to trace Chen Can's network to apprehend all involved parties.
An Jing and Du Meng are disheartened after the SkyEye system loses Chen Can, who appears to be familiar with their tracking methods, even adjusting his gait. Despite Du Meng's pessimism, An Jing insists on continuing to search. Their team's analysis points to the unpublicized Dinghua Technology Seminar as a potential target.
An Jing requests a mission from Department Chief Song, advocating for active investigation rather than passive waiting, proposing to deploy scouts to monitor potential targets based on Chen Can's profile as a professional commercial spy. Song Ju initially dismisses this as a wasteful, "blind cat runs into a dead mouse" approach. Du Meng, however, defends An Jing's strategy.
An Jing then requests a private conversation with Song Ju, where she candidly expresses her belief in his loyalty but questions his apparent lack of concern over losing the target. Song Ju challenges her, even threatening to remove her from the case for her perceived insolence. An Jing clarifies her intent, reiterating that technical means are currently insufficient and deploying scouts is their best course of action to put the case back on track.
Song Ju reluctantly approves the operation, but strictly warns her to remain covert and avoid exposure. An Jing understands the urgency, realizing Chen Can's stay will be brief, driven by the pursuit of valuable commercial intelligence. At the Dinghua Group seminar, Chen Can, disguised as a participant, prepares to act. Ma Shang observes him and reports to Director Qin, who confirms Professor Zou has made arrangements. Professor Zou then takes the stage, stating the relevant data is on his laptop.
Chen Can successfully obtains the data, which Hao Zixuan confirms, immediately initiating tracking. An Jing suddenly arrives at the seminar, causing concern for Hao Zixuan, and Ma Shang quickly informs Director Qin of her presence. An Jing instructs Du Meng to find a position at the back door. While on a phone call with Department Chief Song, who orders her to return for a meeting, Chen Can brushes past An Jing.
She immediately realizes she had a face-to-face encounter with the target, and because Du Meng had previously tracked him, their cover might be blown. Concluding that further pursuit would be pointless if exposed, An Jing reports to Song Ju that Chen Can is leaving and has likely succeeded in his mission, urging for his capture. Song Ju then orders the arrest. An Jing and Du Meng promptly apprehend Chen Can.
Hao Zixuan expresses frustration that capturing Chen Can might hinder their larger investigation, but Ma Shang explains that given their exposure, arrest was the best course of action. He confirms that Chen Can had already sent the data, advising them to now wait and observe the developments. Later, An Jing explains that she noticed Chen Can's habitual movement of loosening his tie when nervous, which helped her identify him.
Back at the bureau, An Jing is severely reprimanded by Department Chief Song for getting exposed. An Jing suspects she may have interfered with another operation. Song Ju confirms her suspicion, explaining that the provincial department had been tracking Chen Can with the intention of allowing him to lead them to his accomplices.
An Jing argues that since Chen Can had already obtained and possibly spread the data, his capture might have been necessary to prevent further damage, even questioning if the data itself was false. Song Ju dismisses her theories and scolds her for making such an amateur mistake. When Du Meng tries to take responsibility, An Jing quickly interjects, taking full blame, but Song Ju sees through it and instructs Du Meng to write a self-reflection.
Meanwhile, Ma Shang reports to Director Qin that a Trojan program previously implanted in Professor Zou's computer successfully identified Chen Can's associate. He clarifies that Chen Can only sent the stolen documents before his arrest and no other warnings. The associate is identified as Liu Baoqiang, a 35-year-old unemployed Shuangqing native with no criminal record, previously fired for misappropriation of public funds.
Ma Shang believes Liu Baoqiang is likely a low-level middleman, possibly unaware of the full scope of the operation, though he doesn't rule out the possibility of a disguise. During this report, Ma Shang's father calls, but Ma Shang quickly dismisses the call. Ma Shang then requests access to the city bureau's monitoring system to observe Chen Can's interrogation, which Qin Ting grants.
During interrogation, Chen Can remains uncooperative, denying any knowledge of the data-sucking disc or commercial espionage, claiming he merely delivered water. An Jing and Du Meng present conclusive evidence, including colloid residue on the water cup and the disc, residual skin tissue on his waiter's uniform, and recovered email records from his phone, yet Chen Can persists in his denial.
Meanwhile, Ma Shang and Hao Zixuan observe Liu Baoqiang's unusual inactivity, noting he hasn't delivered the data despite five hours having passed since he received the email, making Liu Baoqiang appear anxious. An Jing confronts Chen Can, revealing their knowledge of his associate, but Chen Can still claims ignorance about the buyer. Ma Shang theorizes that Chen Can, a hired commercial spy, is likely under threat, and prioritizes a reduced prison sentence over other considerations.
He notices Chen Can repeatedly checking a clock on the wall and recalls a previous case where specific contact times were set, after which transactions automatically terminated. Ma Shang deduces that Chen Can is deliberately stalling for time, attempting to secure leniency while avoiding repercussions from his clients, and Liu Baoqiang is anxious about missing the deadline and not getting paid.
Department Chief Song confirms this analysis with An Jing, stating Chen Can is intentionally delaying until the transaction is automatically canceled. An Jing re-enters the interrogation room, reiterating the potential for mitigated punishment for meritorious service. She then reveals their knowledge of Liu Baoqiang, directly asking Chen Can about "letting Liu Baoqiang deliver goods on time."
A surprised Chen Can attempts to deny it, but An Jing warns him that once Liu Baoqiang is arrested, he will lose all chances for leniency. Late at night, Ma Shang tries to call his father, but gets no answer. He explains to Hao Zixuan that his parents are unaware of his work with the National Security Bureau.
He describes the mental toll of his job, constantly playing different roles and remaining vigilant, admitting to feeling lonely and anxious, and at times, questioning his own normalcy. Despite the challenges, he asserts he has no regrets. Meanwhile, An Jing observes Chen Can subtly trying to keep track of time during his interrogation. She instructs her team to change guards and to subtly expose their watches to him, each time setting the watch once.
After an extended period, Chen Can finally breaks his silence. Believing it is already 6:10 AM, he asks An Jing if her offer for a reduced sentence in exchange for cooperation still stands. He then agrees to contact the courier. Chen Can explains that the buyer requires his email confirmation before contacting the delivery person.
He details his method: first a blank email to the delivery person, then a blank email to the buyer for confirmation, after which the buyer and delivery person handle the transaction without his further involvement. He provides the buyer's email address: `17663868699@yagu. com`. As An Jing and Du Meng prepare to leave, Chen Can stops them, concerned about the timing. An Jing then reveals that they "played tricks" on their watches and the actual time is only 5:30 AM.
She warns him that providing misleading information is a serious crime, and he will face severe consequences, leaving Chen Can enraged. An Jing details the deployment plan. She informs the team that the buyer has already contacted Liu Baoqiang, but the brief, three-second call prevented them from tracing the location. An Jing will oversee on-site dispatch and information monitoring.
Du Meng will lead Unit A, tasked with meeting Xiao Li and meticulously tracking Liu Baoqiang's route from his apartment, maintaining vigilance despite Liu Baoqiang's lack of anti-reconnaissance training. Unit B, under Lao Liu, will focus on securing the goods at the transaction site. Wang Zuo's Unit C will remain on mobile standby, monitoring the surrounding environment and reporting any changes. Department Chief Song then addresses the team, acknowledging their potential confusion or resentment regarding the concealed intelligence.
He assures them that the upper-level department has valid reasons for their actions, which will become clear once the mission is successfully completed. He instructs everyone to focus on their assigned tasks, reminding them that the provincial department will provide technical support.
Episode 3 Recap
The National Security agents initiated an operation targeting Liu Baoqiang. After Liu Baoqiang deposited the goods, he contacted his go-between. He Zixuan successfully located the buyer's position at the Qiaodong high-speed entrance, approximately three kilometers away, and immediately relayed this information to An Jing. However, the target, Zhou Lian, had already discarded her phone and left the scene after receiving a phone call from Qiao Xichuan, who warned her that the police were tracking her.
An Jing directed her team to continue monitoring the buyer's potential movements while Du Meng was tasked with following Liu Baoqiang. After two hours, with no sign of the buyer, An Jing ordered the team to recover the goods and apprehend Liu Baoqiang. Ma Shang noted a crucial detail: the buyer's choice to wait at a highway ramp, a location with no immediate turnaround options, suggested they hadn't anticipated Liu Baoqiang being under surveillance.
This indicated that someone had alerted the buyer in advance. Ma Shang and Director Qin went to a building overlooking the transaction site, which offered the best vantage point. There, they discovered that the monitoring system at the observation point had been damaged.
From this, Ma Shang deduced that the suspect was a male, likely over 180 centimeters tall, between 30 and 50 years old, and in good physical condition, due to the monitor's height and lack of nearby stepping points. The suspect must have used the emergency stairs to avoid the elevator's monitoring system. Given the distance, the suspect must have used a professional high-power telescope to observe their deployment.
Director Qin agreed that the suspect's ability to see through their operation and strong anti-reconnaissance skills indicated extensive professional training. Ma Shang concluded they were facing a well-organized criminal organization, not just an isolated buyer. All leads were lost, making it clear that Ma Shang would not be returning to Beijing anytime soon. He requested Director Qin to combine the teams for a larger investigation. Meanwhile, An Jing and Du Meng interrogated Liu Baoqiang.
Compared to Chen Can, Liu Baoqiang seemed amateurish, denying any knowledge of his contacts or the goods he was delivering. He became emotional and cried, insisting he was merely an errand runner who followed instructions after receiving money. Du Meng was frustrated, puzzled by the operation's failure. Later, Director Song called An Jing and Du Meng to a secret location at a pier.
He stressed that their meeting must be kept in strict confidence, even from other colleagues at the City Bureau. To An Jing's surprise, Ma Shang was waiting there. Director Song led An Jing and Du Meng inside, where Director Qin was also present. Director Qin introduced Ma Shang, highlighting his experience in solving major cases, and He Zixuan as an information master.
He emphasized that the identities of Ma Shang and He Zixuan, who were assigned by Headquarters, must remain strictly confidential. An Jing was designated as the liaison for any coordination with the City Bureau. The team gathered in a specialized mobile station on a yacht at the pier. It was equipped with a high-power signal station to ensure communication and could also conceal nearby signals. The yacht would periodically go to sea to avoid drawing attention.
Ma Shang reiterated his discovery at the transaction site, explaining how the opponent's strong anti-reconnaissance capabilities and use of a high-power telescope indicated a large-scale, organized crime that had likely observed the site a day in advance. Director Qin then officially announced the launch of "Operation Storm Eye," stressing that failure was not an option, as they could not afford the consequences. Simultaneously, Zhou Lian contacted Qiao Xichuan, expressing her concern about the compromised operation.
Qiao Xichuan instructed her to proceed with her "plan B" and continue the mission, reassuring her that she had not been exposed. Zhou Lian, however, was hesitant, stating that she loved money but didn't want to get further entangled. She offered to provide more information if Qiao Xichuan would arrange for her to leave China, but he rebuffed her, reminding her of the rules of their work.
Later, Qiao Xichuan spoke with an unknown foreign associate who confirmed that clients had already paid, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the need to avoid any mistakes. Outside, An Jing expressed her surprise to Ma Shang about his involvement in such important National Security cases, acknowledging the rarity of such opportunities. Ma Shang, in turn, wondered why An Jing, a woman, had chosen the demanding and dangerous path of reconnaissance.
An Jing calmly explained that after dropping out of college, she attended the police academy and had been in this line of work ever since. Ma Shang didn't press for details, recalling his fantasy of running up to hug her if they ever met again. They both recognized that the upcoming mission was complex and required their full cooperation, ensuring no personal feelings would compromise the investigation.
Later, while An Jing was working late, Du Meng came to join her for dinner. Du Meng, having heard from He Zixuan, hesitantly asked An Jing if she and Ma Shang had been in love. An Jing admitted that they were college classmates and had been together before a past "accident." She reminded Du Meng that he was the only one in the reconnaissance section who knew about her personal history, to which Du Meng promised to keep it secret.
An Jing clarified that their current relationship was strictly professional and asked him to stop gossiping. Ma Shang met with Director Qin and An Jing to discuss the investigation. Ma Shang, reflecting on Chen Can's direct target of Dinghua's seminar, suspected an internal leak within the company. An Jing confirmed that she had already investigated Dinghua's executives. She provided details: Lin Xiaolan, the CEO, was an "iron lady."
Miao Huanyang, the Executive Vice President, was a founder and held significant power despite his title. Pang Yishan, another powerful Vice President in charge of R&D, was known for his bureaucratic and old-fashioned approach. An Jing also discovered that Miao Huanyang's daughter, Miao Fei, was a director at Dinghua and was engaged to Jia Changan, the CEO of Changan Science & Technology.
An Jing found it suspicious that Changan Science & Technology had overlapping projects with Dinghua and received large allocations of DS ore annually. An Jing proposed investigating Changan Science & Technology as a breakthrough point. However, Ma Shang disagreed, arguing that the core technology resided within Dinghua, not Changan, and investigating the latter would be a detour. He suggested infiltrating Dinghua for an undercover investigation, as the opponents were already aware of National Security's involvement.
Director Qin intervened, asking them to accompany him for a walk. He revealed an old gunshot wound on his left arm, explaining it was sustained during an undercover operation where a fellow agent shot him to maintain his cover after their rapid progress led to suspicion. Director Qin emphasized the critical importance of tacit understanding and trust in their line of work, especially with increasing threats of framing rather than direct combat.
He concluded by acknowledging their shared past, suggesting it provided a foundation for trust, which made An Jing visibly uncomfortable, leading her to question if Ma Shang had divulged their history. Meanwhile, Miao Fei was preparing for her wedding to Jia Changan and went with her best friend, Zhou Lian, to try on wedding dresses. Unbeknownst to Miao Fei, Zhou Lian secretly sent a threatening message to Jia Changan, demanding he meet her that afternoon.
Jia Changan, angered by the message, called Miao Fei, fabricating an excuse about an urgent company meeting related to financing, and asked her to go to the bridal salon alone. He later met Zhou Lian, who possessed intimate photos of them and demanded he delete them. Zhou Lian accused him of leading a double life. However, she insisted her primary reason for the meeting was to discuss "official business."
That evening, Miao Fei was visibly upset at dinner but deflected her father, Miao Huanyang’s, inquiries, claiming she was preoccupied with work. She expressed a desire to replace an employee, Yang Xun, for mishandling contracts, but Miao Huanyang advised caution, as Yang Xun was allied with Pang Yishan, a powerful figure, and suggested Miao Fei first find a way to balance her relationship with Pang Yishan.
Episode 4 Recap
Miao Huanyang was at dinner with his daughters when he received a call from Qiao Xichuan. He excused himself to take it. Meanwhile, his daughter Miao Fei chatted with her sister, Miao Lu, who planned to intern at Dinghua’s Engineering Department after graduation, a decision Miao Fei fully supported. On the call, Qiao Xichuan referenced Miao Huanyang's current role as Dinghua's executive vice president, which Miao Huanyang modestly called a "sinecure."
Miao Huanyang warned Qiao Xichuan against repeating past mistakes, stating that the current state control over rare resources was extremely strict, and any illicit activities would be akin to "perishing by fire." Qiao Xichuan suggested they meet face-to-face. Soon after, Jia Changan arrived at the Miao residence with gifts. Miao Fei appeared upset with him, but he apologized for leaving her alone at the bridal shop earlier that day due to company matters, eventually appeasing her with sweet talk.
Miao Fei then urged him to speak with her father about increasing their DS ore quota. Jia Changan then discussed work with Miao Huanyang, mentioning that a third round of financing for Changan Science & Technology was imminent if they could secure a larger DS ore quota.
Miao Huanyang, having heard about Jia Changan neglecting Miao Fei earlier, cautioned him about focusing too much on work and neglecting family, reminding him that Miao Fei had been "raised and spoiled in the palm of his hand." Miao Huanyang also expressed his own weariness, hinting at retirement. Jia Changan explained his ambition to quickly list his company, Changan Science & Technology, to gain financial independence, fearing a return to his past impoverished life.
He tried to draw a parallel to Miao Huanyang's own beginnings, but Miao Huanyang retorted that his own struggles founding Dinghua were incomparable. Miao Huanyang eventually agreed to help with the quota but subtly reminded Jia Changan of his past assistance.
Separately, Zhou Lian discussed Jia Changan with an associate, confidently asserting that Miao Fei, a "rich young lady who grew up with a golden spoon," would never suspect her relationship with Jia Changan due to her inherent confidence in her own charm and being accustomed to being pursued by men. Zhou Lian boasted about her two years of building trust with Miao Fei, becoming her closest confidante, even advising on personal matters.
Meanwhile, Ma Shang informed his parents that he had resigned from his job in Beijing because his manager had given away projects he'd been working on for months while he was on vacation. He also planned to move out and rent his own place. His parents were strongly against it, with his mother insisting he stay home until he got married, promising him all the personal space he desired then, and offering to cook and clean.
Ma Shang complained about not having personal space, finding it challenging to explain his true work without revealing his classified National Security role. An Jing and Du Meng, working on the Storm Eye operation, proposed a strategy to Song Bureau to investigate Changan Science & Technology without causing a stir. An Jing had already gathered public information, noting the unusually short interval between Changan Science & Technology’s Series A and Series B funding rounds compared to similar companies.
They suggested that relevant departments lead the investigation while they assist, a strategy Ma Shang had also reached a consensus on with An Jing, though he admitted feeling it was a bit risky, likening it to a "landmine-sweeping game." He also expressed concern that considering the situation based on An Jing herself could create additional issues. Song Bureau then took Ma Shang and An Jing aside for a private conversation.
Song Bureau asked Ma Shang about his feelings returning to Shuangqing after ten years in Beijing. Ma Shang admitted he found the heightened social interactions and "human sentiment" in Shuangqing challenging compared to the big city's more straightforward rules. Song Bureau empathized, recalling his own experience returning from Shenzhen, and shared that unlike Ma Shang, An Jing found it easier to navigate such complexities because her father was a veteran in National Security, a revelation that surprised Ma Shang.
Song Bureau emphasized the importance of balancing mission priority with considering the feelings of those around them, acknowledging it's not easy. Later, Miao Huanyang met with an old acquaintance, "Xu He," in a discreet location, remarking that too many eyes might see them. Miao Huanyang was reluctant to meet, questioning why they couldn't talk over the phone and recalling their "unpresentable" past cooperation.
He accused Xu He of orchestrating a casino trap ten years prior, making him lose money only to then offer help, thus creating a debt, asserting he had repaid all debts. Xu He casually dismissed this, then mentioned Miao Fei's upcoming wedding, offering a hefty gift in the form of a bank card and mentioning the password was still the same. Miao Huanyang firmly refused the "too heavy" gift, stating he could not bear it, and left.
After Miao Huanyang's departure, Xu He removed his disguise, revealing himself to be Qiao Xichuan. The next day, Miao Huanyang called an emergency company meeting and, to everyone's shock, formally announced his resignation from Dinghua. He explained that he and President Lin had already discussed it and he wished to make a public announcement to avoid future misunderstandings.
He cited health issues, exaggerating a heart problem from the previous evening, and a desire to enjoy "domestic bliss" with his family now that Miao Fei was getting married, having "experienced life and death." Despite pleas from his colleagues to reconsider, Miao Huanyang stated his decision was final, emphasizing that it would create opportunities for younger generations, though he would remain at Dinghua as an advisor. Concerned, Miao Fei visited her father in his office, questioning his sudden heart problem.
Miao Huanyang assured her he was merely "exaggerating a bit" for the announcement and was fine, but Miao Fei insisted on arranging an early health check-up for him. Miao Huanyang then asked Miao Fei to invite Jia Changan for dinner that evening. After Miao Huanyang's resignation announcement, Jia Changan visited him in his office, expressing concern about the sudden decision. Miao Huanyang reassured him that arrangements for the DS ore quota had already been made.
That evening, Miao Huanyang asked Miao Fei to invite Jia Changan for dinner. At dinner, Jia Changan again expressed concern about Miao Huanyang's resignation, to which Miao Huanyang reiterated his decision to rest and subtly placed the burden of family responsibility on Jia Changan. On the drive home, Jia Changan received a call from Zhou Lian. He reported that the DS ore quota would be secured soon, but Miao Huanyang was demanding a larger share of the revenue.
Jia Changan also suggested they avoid meeting or contacting each other for a while, as Miao Huanyang had been acting "peculiar," issuing implicit warnings, and his sudden resignation from Dinghua was unsettling. Zhou Lian was taken aback by the news of Miao Huanyang's resignation. An Jing and Du Meng engaged in physical training, where Du Meng voiced his frustration about having to follow Ma Shang's suggestions despite Song Bureau being in charge.
An Jing explained that Ma Shang's extensive experience in major cases made his input crucial. It was also An Jing's birthday, and Du Meng had personally chosen a place for their evening celebration. Later, An Jing, Du Meng, and an assisting officer from the city bureau went to Changan Science & Technology to conduct an investigation.
Jia Changan appeared overly cooperative, readily providing all requested documents, including important company data, and stating his company would "never touch any legal bottom line." While Du Meng found him straightforward and without anything "fishy," An Jing grew suspicious of his complete lack of resistance and quick provision of all materials, concluding he had likely anticipated the investigation and prepared beforehand. She questioned his explanation of "strategic reserve" for the unused DS ore.
As soon as An Jing and Du Meng left, Jia Changan frantically called Zhou Lian, telling her about the National Security visit and how they questioned him extensively about the ore issue. He asked her to check the surveillance footage, take a photo, and find ways to handle the situation. Zhou Lian then met with Qiao Xichuan, informing him about the National Security visit to Changan Science & Technology and Miao Huanyang's resignation.
She also mentioned Miao Huanyang's increased demand for revenue share from the quota, which Qiao Xichuan acknowledged as "to be expected." Qiao Xichuan calmly assured her not to worry, stating they had a backup plan and she just needed to "hold her horses and not mess up." When Zhou Lian asked if he had expected Miao Huanyang's resignation, Qiao Xichuan asked "When did it happen?"
and was informed it was "The day after you two met," implying he wasn't aware of the exact timing. Zhou Lian also showed him the photo of An Jing and Du Meng from the surveillance footage that Jia Changan had sent, questioning if they were the National Security agents who had been tracking her previously. Qiao Xichuan advised her not to alarm herself, reiterating that it could just be a routine check, and promised to devise a follow-up plan.
Episode 5 Recap
Pang Yishan was appointed as the Executive Vice President of Dinghua. During the announcement, Pang Yishan expressed his gratitude to President Lin, the Board of Directors, and Old President Miao for their support, acknowledging the heavy burden of the position but vowing to work cautiously and conscientiously.
President Lin then explained that the company, in a decision made with Pang Yishan, would establish a separate personnel department, moving it out of the Administration Center, to facilitate recruitment and ensure direct supervision by upper management. Miao Fei, who was in charge of the Administration Center, voiced her full support, stating she would not disagree with any decision beneficial to the company. President Lin then tasked Pang Yishan and Miao Fei with drafting the new recruitment requirements.
Meanwhile, An Jing and Ma Shang were analyzing information on Changan Science & Technology. Ma Shang noted that the company had only sold concepts and never produced products, yet had already secured a second round of funding. An Jing explained that in this industry, capital flows to whoever controls DS ore resources. Ma Shang suggested they investigate Changan Science & Technology's ore reserve locations, which An Jing agreed with.
Ma Shang then shared some insider information from Department Chief Song about Dinghua's new, independent personnel department and its search for a chief, a position he intended to apply for. As An Jing prepared to leave, Ma Shang stopped her, suggesting that Jia Changan might have detected their investigation, making it crucial to continue pressuring him by examining Changan Science & Technology's reserves. An Jing was slightly puzzled, as they had just discussed this.
Then, Ma Shang surprised her with a birthday gift: a calendar with a pressed maple leaf, a memento of a college promise to visit Xiangshan Mountain together. An Jing genuinely liked the gift. Later, Du Meng and their colleagues surprised An Jing with a birthday celebration, where she wished for their current case to be solved quickly.
At home, Ma Shang's mother found him studying Dinghua's recruitment details and encouraged him, mentioning that Ma Shang's father, Ma Junhai, had connections with Dinghua's high-level personnel, specifically Miao Huanyang, through his delivery business that spanned over a decade before Dinghua's IPO. Ma Shang explained that while he met the academic and experience requirements, the age minimum of 35 years old was a hurdle.
Ma Junhai was initially hesitant to use his connections, as he prided himself on never resorting to "backdoor" tactics. However, after further persuasion from Ma Shang, who saw his father as a role model, and his mother, who urged him to simply "make a suggestion" for a fair chance, Ma Junhai agreed to help. The next day, Ma Junhai and Ma Shang visited Miao Huanyang, who had recently retired and immediately shared this news with them.
Miao Huanyang greeted them warmly, acknowledging Ma Junhai's integrity over the years. Ma Junhai explained Ma Shang’s situation, mentioning his resignation from Beijing and his desire to work in his hometown, specifically for the Human Resources Manager position at Dinghua. Ma Shang presented his resume, which Miao Huanyang praised for his Peking University degree and work experience, but confirmed the age requirement was indeed a problem. Ma Junhai requested an interview opportunity for his son.
Miao Huanyang, reflecting on his departure from Dinghua, shared his mixed feelings and cautioned Ma Shang about the complexities of corporate politics and interpersonal relationships. He agreed to submit Ma Shang's resume, emphasizing that further success would depend entirely on Ma Shang's own capabilities. Shortly after, Miao Huanyang visited Miao Fei at her office. He told her about submitting Ma Shang's resume for the personnel supervisor position.
Miao Fei mentioned Ma Shang’s young age, but Miao Huanyang clarified that the age rule was no longer strictly applied. Miao Fei then deduced that the original recruitment conditions were designed to favor Yang Xun, and Miao Huanyang had intervened using President Lin's influence to ensure fairness and prevent internal factionalism, while also providing Miao Fei with a capable person. Miao Huanyang confirmed her understanding.
Miao Fei assured her father she had already identified suitable candidates for interviews, impressing him with her efficiency. Later, President Lin received Ma Shang's resume, noting that Miao Huanyang had personally delivered it. This development frustrated Pang Yishan, who had apparently promised the position to someone else (likely Yang Xun) and had already received a reprimand from President Lin over the matter.
In the ongoing investigation into Changan Science & Technology, An Jing and Du Meng paid another visit to the company and its warehouses, where they interviewed Jia Changan. Jia Changan, a brilliant scholar from a difficult family background, was cooperative, but An Jing observed inconsistencies, such as recent vehicle tracks despite his claim that no ore had moved in a month.
In a subsequent team discussion, An Jing suggested continued observation of Jia Changan due to his close ties with Dinghua and the Miao family, believing direct action was not yet warranted for the technology theft case. Later, during a team meeting, Department Chief Song revealed that Changan Science & Technology and Jia Changan were their main suspects. He announced that, in agreement with the provincial department, Jia Changan would be placed under comprehensive surveillance.
Du Meng questioned why they couldn't be more proactive, but Song Bureau clarified that they weren't just after Jia Changan, whom he considered a "small shrimp," but rather "big fish" who likely controlled Changan Science & Technology. The surveillance aimed to gather evidence of smuggling and uncover the true masterminds. An Jing was put in charge of planning the surveillance, including personnel deployment and specific control measures.
She briefed her team: Du Meng was assigned to monitor Jia Changan's residence, where he lived with his fiancée Miao Fei; Wang Zuo was tasked with Changan Science & Technology's office; and Lao Liu was to oversee the three ore warehouses with 24-hour shifts. However, the situation quickly changed. News broke that Jia Changan had been publicly reported by a shareholder for smuggling rare national resources.
Department Chief Song acknowledged that this information, consistent with their intelligence, meant their original surveillance plan was compromised. He immediately ordered An Jing to stop the surveillance and directly apprehend Jia Changan. An Jing and Du Meng split up to search for Jia Changan at his company and home. Simultaneously, Miao Huanyang called Miao Fei on her phone, asking if she had seen the news and expressing his inability to reach Jia Changan.
He sternly instructed Miao Fei that if she managed to contact him, Jia Changan must keep silent and offer no explanations, and she should do the same. Despite their efforts, An Jing found from the secretary that Jia Changan had just left his company with a "bunch of papers," and Du Meng reported that no one was at his home. Jia Changan had vanished.
Episode 6 Recap
Ma Shang and He Zixuan tracked Jia Changan's movements, informing An Jing that he had just passed the Youhe intersection of Nancheng Ring Road and was heading south. A report letter against Jia Changan surfaced, completely disrupting their entire plan, and Jia Changan was also internally distraught. An Jing was puzzled when Jia Changan continued heading east, as both the airport and railway station were to the west.
Ma Shang reassured her that they were monitoring his phone and would stay in touch. Jia Changan first tried to call an unknown number, but the call did not go through. He then received a call from Miao Fei. Crying, Jia Changan claimed the report letter was false and that he was being framed. Miao Fei believed him, telling him not to answer any questions if interrogated, and to immediately come to Dinghua, where her father was arranging a lawyer.
Jia Changan, distressed, admitted National Security was already after him. Ma Shang, having intercepted the call, quickly contacted An Jing, informing her that Jia Changan had just entered Dinghua's parking lot and was about to meet Miao Fei. An Jing, still ten minutes away, was urged to hurry to prevent them from colluding their stories. Ma Shang and He Zixuan speculated whether Miao Fei was truly unaware of Jia Changan's activities.
Miao Fei waited anxiously in her office for Jia Changan. His car parked in a surveillance blind spot in the underground garage, making it impossible for Ma Shang to observe him. Upon arrival, An Jing found Jia Changan dead in his car. The door was locked, and she used tools to open it, confirming his death. Miao Fei, seeing Jia Changan's lifeless body, struggled to accept what had happened.
An Jing and Du Meng then went to question Miao Huanyang and Miao Fei. Overcome with grief and anger, Miao Fei vehemently demanded they leave. An Jing calmly waited outside. Miao Huanyang asked An Jing if the report letter's allegations were true. An Jing disclosed that they had already intercepted the latest batch of ore bound for Changan Science & Technology, indicating that the report was not entirely baseless.
Miao Huanyang feigned ignorance, expressing anger that Jia Changan had conducted such activities behind his back. Du Meng, however, remained suspicious, noting that a shipment of such a large quantity of ore from Dinghua would require Miao Huanyang's personal authorization. Ma Shang continued investigating an unknown number Jia Changan had called before his death, which did not connect.
The initial forensic examination showed no external injuries on Jia Changan's body, and the cause of death was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning from car exhaust. He Zixuan pointed out that Jia Changan had sent a text message to Miao Fei with only three words, "I am sorry," which seemed like a suicide note. Du Meng concluded that Jia Changan had committed suicide due to fear of conviction.
However, An Jing and Ma Shang disagreed, questioning why he would choose a surveillance blind spot in Dinghua for suicide, and pointing out that he had not yet been convicted, nor was it necessarily a capital crime. They wondered why he would choose such an extreme path when there was still a possibility for him to clear his name.
Ma Shang highlighted that Jia Changan's secretary had seen him leave with a stack of documents, which were missing from the crime scene. Director Song instructed An Jing and Du Meng to continue investigating Miao Huanyang and Miao Fei, emphasizing that Miao Huanyang was the origin point, regardless of his direct involvement in smuggling. Ma Shang mused about who would benefit most from Jia Changan's death.
On the way back, An Jing continued to ponder the case, suggesting a possible connection between Jia Changan's smuggling and Dinghua's intellectual property theft case. An Jing and Du Meng approached Miao Huanyang again, requesting another autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death. Miao Huanyang strongly refused, but Miao Fei interjected, agreeing to speak with them. Miao Fei struggled to reconcile Jia Changan's promise to meet her with his sudden death, adamantly stating he would not have committed suicide.
She agreed to the autopsy, determined to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Miao Huanyang, agitated, called Qiao Xichuan (referred to as Elder He), accusing him of being responsible for Jia Changan's death. Qiao Xichuan denied the accusation, claiming Jeffrey's people had acted too swiftly, showing a lack of trust in him, and making things more complicated. He emphasized the urgent need to find new suppliers to restore the flow of goods.
Zhou Lian expressed a desire to withdraw from their operations, but Qiao Xichuan rejected her request, instructing her to remain close to Miao Fei and to find an opportunity to handle the cameras in Jia Changan's office. He Zixuan's review of surveillance footage confirmed that neither Miao Huanyang nor Miao Fei had the opportunity to commit the murder themselves, though the possibility of them hiring a killer could not be ruled out.
During this time, Ma Shang received a call from Dinghua's Administration Department, inviting him for an interview on Monday. Ma Shang went back to the crime scene, re-evaluating the details. He Zixuan discovered a crucial piece of evidence from the Dinghua underground parking lot surveillance: a third person was present before An Jing's arrival and took documents that Jia Changan had brought from his office.
Ma Shang hypothesized that the killer had hidden in Jia Changan's trunk beforehand, waiting for the opportune moment. An Jing found this unlikely, arguing that Jia Changan's decision to go to Dinghua was at Miao Fei's insistence, and his parking spot was random, making it impossible for a killer to have been pre-positioned at the scene. Ma Shang further suggested that Jia Changan's lack of resistance during the murder implied the use of drugs, indicating an acquaintance was likely involved.
Director Song questioned how the killer could have left the scene without being captured by surveillance cameras. An Jing then received a call from Dr. Li, who reported finding a small needle mark under Jia Changan's left armpit during the autopsy, yet no drug residue was detected in his body. An Jing asked if there were drugs that could induce a coma and metabolize quickly. Ma Shang confirmed such drugs existed but were extremely difficult to acquire.
An Jing then deduced that the killer, after committing the act, hid in the trunk of a nearby car. The killer would have remained there, listening to the movements outside, including the police's initial investigation. Once the scene was less restricted and the onlookers dispersed, the killer would have emerged from the trunk, used a surveillance blind spot to hail a ride, or blended into the crowd to escape.
She concluded that the killer was not only an acquaintance but very likely someone associated with Dinghua. An Jing sternly warned Ma Shang that his mission at Dinghua had escalated. What started as an investigation into commercial espionage now involved a murder, and if his identity were exposed, he could become the killer's next target. Ma Shang calmly stated that he had considered such risks when he joined National Security.
Later, at home, Ma Shang's father mentioned Jia Changan's reported suicide, to which Ma Shang feigned ignorance. On Monday, Ma Shang went to Dinghua for his interview, where he met another applicant named Yang Xun, who was already working at Dinghua as a special assistant to the administrative management center director.
Episode 7 Recap
Miao Fei expressed her firm belief that Jia Changan would not have committed suicide, reasoning that he was not an irresponsible person who would escape problems, even if involved in smuggling. An Jing confirmed that Jia Changan's death was indeed a homicide. She explained that surveillance footage showed Jia Changan with documents before his death, which were missing from the scene, suggesting they were taken by the killer or someone who did not save him.
An Jing asked if Jia Changan had mentioned these documents to Miao Fei, but Miao Fei shook her head. Miao Huanyang, appearing distressed by the mention of documents, interjected and urged An Jing to allow Miao Fei to calm down. As An Jing and Du Meng prepared to leave, An Jing cautioned them to keep the information about the homicide confidential to aid the investigation. Miao Fei bowed deeply, pleading with them to find the killer.
Ma Shang attended an interview for a human resources supervisor position at Dinghua. Pang Yishan, one of the interviewers, noted Ma Shang’s impressive resume but questioned the relevance of his previous headhunting experience to a management role. Ma Shang argued that his extensive headhunting background was his greatest asset, enabling him to not only select talent but also contribute to product sales. The interview was then unexpectedly joined by Lin Xiaolan, the group’s President.
Upon learning that Ma Shang had been recommended by Miao Huanyang, Lin Xiaolan emphasized her strict policy against internal factions and her preference for hiring individuals without prior company connections. Ma Shang clarified that Miao Huanyang’s involvement was merely to help him secure an interview due to an age requirement. He further elaborated on his strengths, highlighting his ability to understand people's needs and company requirements, and his harmonious relationships with key employees.
After Ma Shang's interview, Pang Yishan expressed his view that Ma Shang might not be suitable for the supervisor position, preferring Yang Xun due to his familiarity with the company. Lin Xiaolan, however, encouraged them to reconsider, stating that breakthroughs and innovation require fresh perspectives and not solely relying on existing staff. She instructed them to think about it again and that a decision was not needed immediately. Miao Fei decided to return to her own home.
She gently dismissed Miao Lu, who offered to accompany her, telling her to focus on her graduation thesis. Shortly after, Miao Fei received a call from the wedding dress shop on Binhai Road, informing her that her wedding dress had been altered as requested and was ready for pick-up. This call triggered a profound emotional breakdown, and Miao Fei collapsed in despair. Miao Lu rushed to her side, concerned.
Later, Ma Shang reflected on his interview, admitting to An Jing that he felt approaching Miao Huanyang for a recommendation was a mistake, especially given Lin Xiaolan's stance. An Jing encouraged him not to dwell on objective reasons but to reflect on his actions, reassuring him that Director Song could arrange for him if this opportunity didn't work out.
An Jing then updated Ma Shang on her side of the investigation, noting that Miao Huanyang and Miao Fei's reactions to the news of Jia Changan's homicide appeared genuine. She added that the technology department had successfully accessed Jia Changan's computer, revealing he had been collecting shareholder information for Changan Technology prior to his death.
An Jing speculated that Jia Changan had likely sensed danger and was gathering evidence for self-protection, and that the documents he printed at work, later missing from the crime scene, were probably what ultimately led to his death. Miao Fei returned to the home she shared with Jia Changan. Memories of their life together, including their conversations and intimate moments, flooded her mind as she looked at his clothes and personal items. Overwhelmed by grief, she broke down in tears.
Zhou Lian arrived to console her. Miao Fei cried out, lamenting Jia Changan's sudden and inexplicable death, and questioning why he had hidden things from her, despite her being the closest person to him. She expressed regret for not being more attentive to him and wondered who he had provoked. Zhou Lian, feigning surprise, asked if he hadn't committed suicide. Miao Fei, distraught, continued to drink wine until she eventually fell asleep. Zhou Lian remained pensive, observing Miao Fei.
Meanwhile, Qiao Xichuan received a phone call from Jeffrey, who pressured him to accelerate their plans. Jeffrey stated he had already "cleaned up the mess" regarding Jia Changan's death. Qiao Xichuan mentioned the National Security Bureau's close monitoring, but Jeffrey dismissed his concerns, assuring him that the investigation into Jia Changan's death would not lead back to Qiao Xichuan. Qiao Xichuan then inquired about the identity of the person Jeffrey sent to kill Jia Changan, expressing surprise at their efficiency.
Jeffrey only revealed the code name "Sleeper," refusing to provide more details or allow Qiao Xichuan to collaborate with him, stating they had separate missions. Jeffrey then subtly threatened Qiao Xichuan by implying that Zhou Lian, his operative, would become useless if the supply of "fallen goods" was disrupted. Qiao Xichuan defended Zhou Lian, asserting her continued usefulness and promising to "take care of her" himself if she became obsolete.
Immediately after the call, Zhou Lian, who had been secretly listening and recording outside the room, entered. Qiao Xichuan, suspicious, searched her bag, which angered her. Zhou Lian then informed him that Miao Fei already knew Jia Changan's death was not a suicide. Qiao Xichuan dismissed the revelation, claiming Jia Changan's death had nothing to do with them, and instructed Zhou Lian to accompany Miao Fei to the funeral that afternoon, emphasizing her role as Miao Fei's best friend.
Ma Shang's father prepared to attend Jia Changan’s funeral. Ma Shang’s mother urged him to take Ma Shang along to show "sincerity" to Miao Huanyang. Ma Shang agreed that it was appropriate for him to attend for both personal sentiment and professional reasons. At the same time, Pang Yishan reminded Yang Xun that the supervisor position was still undecided and warned him not to be seen "currying favors" to avoid displeasing Lin Xiaolan, who disliked cliques.
Yang Xun, having previously flattered Pang Yishan, acknowledged the advice. Ma Shang received a phone call from An Jing, who informed him that Director Song had arranged for both her and Du Meng to attend the funeral openly, with He Zixuan providing covert support. Ma Shang also mentioned he would be attending. At the funeral, Ma Shang greeted Miao Huanyang and offered his condolences. An Jing and Du Meng were also present.
Miao Lu confronted An Jing and Du Meng, asking why National Security personnel were at the funeral, fearing it would generate gossip within the company. She then directly asked if they were searching for the murderer among the attendees and if her family was in danger. An Jing reassured Miao Lu, explaining that while they were there to pay their respects to Jia Changan, they also needed her cooperation for the investigation.
She clarified that the scenario of a murderer attending a victim's funeral typically applied to serial killers, urging her not to worry excessively. An Jing affirmed that they were investigating Jia Changan's homicide and guaranteed the safety of Miao Lu and her family. She then subtly requested Miao Lu's assistance, suggesting that, as an outsider, Miao Lu might observe details that Miao Fei and Miao Huanyang, due to their involvement in the related industry, might overlook.
She asked Miao Lu to report any suspicious findings. Miao Lu's public confrontation drew unwanted attention, prompting An Jing to decide that she and Du Meng should leave. Ma Shang encountered Yang Xun at the funeral. Yang Xun remarked on the numerous attendees, describing them as "vultures" waiting around Miao Huanyang. Ma Shang inquired about the interview results. Yang Xun explained that background checks were underway for all candidates due to the confidential nature of Dinghua's projects.
Yang Xun confidently declared his intention to secure the personnel head position and promised to help Ma Shang get hired in another role within Dinghua if he succeeded. As Ma Shang and his father were bidding farewell to Miao Huanyang, Qiao Xichuan, disguised as Xu He, approached. Miao Huanyang's demeanor immediately changed to one of fear and discomfort, and he quickly withdrew his hand from Ma's father's grasp.
Xu He began speaking to Miao Huanyang about the "awful mess" Jia Changan had left behind. Miao Huanyang, visibly distressed, urged Xu He not to seek him out, claiming he no longer had the ability to help. Xu He, however, continued to pressure him, subtly threatening Miao Huanyang by mentioning his "two precious daughters."
An Jing, observing from a distance, noted that Miao Huanyang spoke only to Xu He, indicating a significant and potentially troubling relationship, and instructed He Zixuan to investigate Xu He's background. Later, Yang Xun visited Zhou Lian at her restaurant. He introduced himself as Miao Fei's special assistant and expressed concern about Miao Fei's prolonged absence from the company, stating he wished to inquire about her condition through Zhou Lian as he felt it inappropriate to call Miao Fei directly.
Zhou Lian acknowledged his thoughtfulness and offered to relay any messages to Miao Fei, as she planned to stay with her for a few days. Yang Xun then asked to exchange WeChat contact information, which Zhou Lian agreed to. Finally, Ma Shang received a phone call confirming his successful recruitment at Dinghua and instructing him to report for duty on time. His parents were overjoyed by the news, and his mother excitedly declared they would celebrate.
Episode 8 Recap
Yang Xun was meeting with Zhou Lian when he received an urgent call from President Pang Yishan, who asked him to come over immediately. Yang Xun apologized to Zhou Lian, explaining that an urgent company matter required his attention, and he quickly left, insisting on treating her next time. Rushing to meet Pang Yishan, Yang Xun was surprised to learn that Ma Shang would be joining the company and taking his position as head of the personnel department.
Pang Yishan expressed his shock that Miao Huanyang still wielded such influence even after his departure. He instructed Yang Xun to try and win Ma Shang over before Miao Fei's return. However, if Ma Shang proved uncooperative and didn't align with their interests, Pang Yishan demanded that Yang Xun find a way to remove him from the company before he could establish himself. He urged Yang Xun not to be indecisive and to seize control of the situation.
Ma Shang's parents were overjoyed by his success in securing a position at Dinghua. His father advised him to work diligently and with integrity, while his mother suggested visiting Miao Huanyang to express their gratitude. Ma Shang's father deemed it inappropriate to visit Miao Huanyang at this time, suggesting they wait.
His mother then excitedly wondered if Ma Shang could eventually become a vice president, but his father quickly cautioned against such ambitious thinking, emphasizing the importance of taking one step at a time. Recognizing Ma Shang would need a car for work, his father insisted he take his newer car, offering to drive the old one himself. Ma Shang's mother agreed, stressing the need for the head of the personnel department to have a respectable vehicle.
Ma Shang accepted, promising to buy his father an even better car in the future. Ma Shang then texted An Jing, informing her of his new job. An Jing's concise reply, "Impressive," left Ma Shang feeling slightly annoyed, and he messaged back, teasing her about being a "person of few words." An Jing responded by reiterating the inherent dangers, citing Jia Changan's death, and asked if he had truly considered the risks.
After a long pause, Ma Shang replied that he had thought it through; entering the company was crucial to advancing the investigation, and he had to go. An Jing then assured him of their full cooperation. Du Meng presented a list of freight companies that had transported ores for Changan Science and Technology. He highlighted Junhai Logistics, a company small in scale whose boss was an old acquaintance of Miao Huanyang, having worked with him since Dinghua's founding.
Du Meng suspected foul play, believing the company should have grown larger given the connection. Meanwhile, He Zixuan reported on Jia Changan's funeral attendees, noting that while most were matched, there was one mysterious individual, referred to as Xu He, whose background was completely untraceable. This man had spoken with Miao Huanyang for about 20 minutes, a significant interaction given Miao Huanyang hadn't greeted anyone else. An Jing requested authorization to use the SkyEye system to locate Xu He.
Director Song initially worried this investigation would sidetrack them from their primary objective of identifying the secret information thief, emphasizing the need to support Ma Shang, who was starting at Dinghua the next day. An Jing countered that Jia Changan's killer was likely from Dinghua, the source of smuggling, and all clues ultimately pointed back to Dinghua.
She argued that Xu He's close ties to Miao Huanyang and Dinghua made him a crucial lead, and investigating him would also provide cover for Ma Shang's undercover operation. Convinced, Director Song approved the use of SkyEye. Du Meng then reported another significant finding: Junhai Logistics, which had shipped many batches of ore to Changan Science & Technology, was owned by Ma Shang's father.
Director Song instructed An Jing to handle the matter according to regulations but reminded her to be sensitive to Ma Shang's feelings, a directive that caused An Jing some concern. Later that evening, An Jing met with Ma Shang. He playfully asked if she had brought him to watch meteor showers or was hinting at something with the card she gave him.
An Jing clarified that the card was a universal access card from Director Song, allowing him to open all doors at Dinghua, and could be hidden within his company ID. Ma Shang, sensing her hesitation, pressed her for what was truly on her mind. An Jing, though believing Director Song should have been the one to reveal it, confessed that their investigation showed Junhai Logistics, the company that transported ore for Jia Changan, was owned by Ma Shang's father.
Ma Shang was surprised, stating he only knew his father had business dealings with Dinghua, not Changan Science & Technology. An Jing assured him it was a routine investigation, and she and Du Meng would manage its impact, but by regulation, he should recuse himself. Ma Shang insisted on his father's integrity and told An Jing to investigate thoroughly, even suggesting they make a big show of it.
He reasoned that his sudden ascent to a senior management role at Dinghua, combined with his family being investigated by national security, would make the opposing party drop their guard, as they wouldn't expect National Security to investigate their own. An Jing agreed with the logic but worried about the practicalities and impact on his mood. Ma Shang brushed off her concerns, confident in his acting abilities and his composure.
The following day, Ma Shang officially commenced his role at Dinghua. Yang Xun warmly welcomed him and took him on a tour of the company's departments, particularly highlighting the crucial Research and Development Center. Ma Shang felt apologetic for taking the head of personnel position, but Yang Xun graciously acknowledged Ma Shang's abilities and stated he lost willingly, emphasizing Dinghua's merit-based work culture. Meanwhile, Miao Fei also returned to work.
Her sister, Miao Lu, was anxious and wanted to stay with her, as their father had tasked her with monitoring Miao Fei. Miao Fei, however, insisted that focusing on work was her way of coping and assured Miao Lu she would not attempt suicide, dismissing her sister's worries as a student's lack of understanding about company affairs.
During the tour, Yang Xun explained that the R&D department occupied the entire third floor, housing 38 expanding project teams led by industry experts, including Professor Zou Jue, known for his difficult temperament. In the core R&D laboratory, where DS Materials' Artificial Synthesis Technology was being developed, they found Professor Zou and researcher Cheng Lei. Ma Shang extended a handshake to Cheng Lei, which was ignored, mirroring Professor Zou's gruff demeanor.
Yu Haoran, a young and promising project leader, greeted them enthusiastically but was promptly scolded by Professor Zou for idling. After an awkward encounter, Yang Xun and Ma Shang left the R&D center, with Yang Xun remarking on the eccentric personalities of scientific researchers. Subsequently, Yang Xun escorted Ma Shang to meet President Lin, where Miao Fei was also present. President Lin then dismissed Yang Xun, leaving only Ma Shang behind.
Concurrently, An Jing and Du Meng arrived at Ma Shang's home to question his father, Ma Junhai. Ma Shang's mother, vigilant, demanded to see their credentials before allowing them inside, proudly stating she herself was a security assistant. An Jing inquired if Junhai Logistics cooperated with Changan Science & Technology. Ma Junhai denied direct cooperation but confirmed they shipped goods to Changan Science & Technology based on orders from Dinghua, with whom they frequently collaborated.
He also asked if their visit was related to Jia Changan's death. An Jing requested shipping records, including bills of lading and delivery notes. Ma Junhai readily provided photographic evidence from his phone, assuring them original documents were at the company. Du Meng then asked for staff personnel files. Ma Shang's mother grew defensive, worried if a company worker had committed a crime, but Ma Junhai offered to tell them everything.
An Jing clarified they needed written materials, to which Ma Junhai explained his small company didn't always follow formal procedures but would arrange a copy. An Jing further inquired if Ma Junhai and his wife had plans to leave Shuangqing, explaining they might have follow-up questions and appreciated their cooperation. She assured him their routine investigation would not impact his business and urged him to report any unusual findings, however small.
Back at Dinghua, President Lin summoned both Miao Fei and Ma Shang. Lin Xiaolan praised Miao Fei's meticulousness and suggested Ma Shang seek her advice. Ma Shang thanked Miao Huanyang for his new position, but Miao Fei firmly stated that he was hired based on his own skills and to focus on his work. Lin Xiaolan elaborated on upcoming manpower needs for Dinghua's new product launch and Ma Shang inquired about security measures for recruitment.
Miao Fei offered to personally introduce him to the company's security and secrecy protocols. Afterwards, Miao Fei invited Ma Shang for coffee. Ma Shang explained his questions about security were to create a recruitment plan, and Miao Fei commented that he was "more professional than I thought," promising to provide him with relevant materials that afternoon.
Miao Fei then shared that her father, Miao Huanyang, had often spoken highly of Ma Junhai, describing him as the most "upright and kind-hearted," albeit a bit "old-fashioned," which Ma Shang readily agreed was an accurate description. Miao Fei concluded by stating she wasn't trying to sway him, but rather to caution him against company factions and to emphasize that recognition through his own capabilities was paramount.
Meanwhile, Du Meng expressed concern to An Jing about the investigation into Junhai Logistics, fearing that a thorough check might inadvertently list Ma Shang as a suspect. An Jing explained that Ma Shang's high-profile entry into Dinghua made him conspicuous, and the investigation into his family's company was actually intended to provide him with cover, making their true target more likely to emerge from those observing him.
While their team continued to investigate Xu He's identity, they made no significant progress, finding his fabricated information flawlessly executed. At home, Miao Lu discovered her father, Miao Huanyang, collapsed and immediately called for an ambulance. Back at the company, Yang Xun brought documents for Miao Fei and noticed her distress, subtly mentioning it to Ma Shang. Miao Fei was crying incessantly looking at her photo with Jia Changan.
Just as Ma Shang was about to discuss a project with Miao Fei, she received a frantic phone call from Miao Lu, learning that her father had suffered a heart attack and was en route to the hospital. Miao Fei rushed out, and Ma Shang, seeing her distraught state, offered to drive her to the hospital. Later, An Jing addressed her team, acknowledging their unspoken frustrations about not being part of the central task force.
She offered a self-criticism for not addressing their morale sooner, emphasizing that every team member was a capable backbone of the investigation department and deserving of recognition. She clarified that the task force, formed by the provincial department and Shuangqing's bureau, was primarily for inter-departmental coordination, which involved significant administrative burdens.
An Jing stressed the gravity of their current mission, describing their opponent as potentially the most formidable they had ever faced, and reminded them that failure was not an option. She assured them that if the case was solved, the honor would belong to everyone, and their responsibilities were equally crucial. Concluding the meeting, An Jing announced that with the Changan Science & Technology lead now exhausted, their focus would shift back to Dinghua. The investigation section would be divided the next day, with teams questioning Dinghua employees about Jia Changan's death.
Episode 9 Recap
Miao Fei rushed to the hospital where a doctor informed her that her father, Miao Huanyang, was not in serious condition but needed to maintain a calm mind, avoiding any extreme emotional reactions. Shortly after, Ma Shang accompanied Miao Fei into Miao Huanyang's hospital room. Miao Huanyang appeared well and warmly greeted Ma Shang, even offering to look over some work documents Ma Shang had with him.
Ma Shang explained his plan to separate the R&D department's computer network from other departments, which Miao Huanyang praised as a strong security measure. Concerned for her father's health, Miao Fei suggested Ma Shang leave. Before he did, Miao Huanyang advised Miao Fei to manage her interpersonal relationships effectively within the company. Upon returning home, Ma Shang's parents informed him that agents from National Security had visited their house for an investigation, though they claimed to have nothing to hide.
Ma Shang's mother then asked if his college girlfriend was named An Jing, noting that one of the agents who visited today also shared that name. Ma Shang remained silent, continuing to eat. After dinner, Ma Shang left the house. His father, Ma Junhai, expressed worry that his past association with Miao Huanyang might negatively impact Ma Shang and their company, despite assurances from the agents that it was a casual check.
Ma Shang's mother tried to comfort him, stating that their son was working and they were not short on money, so any business impact would not be a big deal. Meanwhile, An Jing and Du Meng were strategizing their investigation into Dinghua Group's internal personnel. They planned to prioritize middle management, the R&D department, employees on duty during Jia Changan's murder, and recent hires in important positions, especially those with questionable resume points or unusual career changes.
Separately, their colleague, He Zixuan, used the SkyEye system to locate Xu He, confirming his presence at the People's Hospital where Miao Huanyang was admitted, but Xu He quickly disappeared from their tracking. Later that night, Miao Huanyang woke up to see Xu He's figure outside his hospital room, startling him. Miao Fei, having gone out to buy coffee, was not there. Xu He then entered the room.
Miao Huanyang, visibly shaken, sternly told Xu He he would no longer help him and ordered him to leave. Xu He retorted that if Miao Huanyang were gone, all the information he had collected over the years would be useless. Miao Huanyang, enraged, threatened to expose everything, declaring it would be a "life-and-death struggle."
Xu He then insinuated that Miao Huanyang and Jia Changan were involved in illicit activities, even suggesting they might be responsible for Jia Changan's death, which Miao Huanyang vehemently denied. Miao Fei, returning with coffee, overheard the heated exchange between her father and Xu He from outside the room. Frightened, she quickly retreated to the stairwell, waiting until she heard Xu He's footsteps fade before cautiously emerging. To her surprise, Xu He was waiting for her just outside the door.
Her coffee spilled in her shock. Miao Fei confronted him, stating she had seen him at Jia Changan's funeral and demanded to know his relationship with her father. Xu He revealed they had known each other since Miao Huanyang founded Dinghua, suggesting her father had "more guts" than others in the industry. Miao Fei implored him to leave her retired and ailing father alone.
Xu He countered by invoking the saying "a father's debt has to be repaid by the son," implying that since Miao Fei was still at Dinghua, she could take her father's place in assisting him. He promised to give her all his information, assuring her father would be alright if she complied.
Ma Shang expressed his frustration and guilt to An Jing, feeling responsible for his father's company being entangled in the investigation due to its connection to Chang'an Technology and the Jia Changan case. An Jing reassured him that the investigation into his father's company was inevitable given its ties, regardless of Ma Shang's involvement. She advised him to console his parents appropriately without revealing his true role.
An Jing then informed Ma Shang that National Security would be questioning Dinghua employees the following day, partly to provide cover for him and exert pressure on other potential suspects. She highlighted the suspicious case of Wu Miao, a senior technologist who left a similar role in Tianlin City to become an assistant to the less qualified Yu Haoran at Dinghua. The next day, National Security agents arrived at Dinghua to question employees.
Ma Shang feigned surprise as he was called in for an interview, going through the motions with An Jing and other agents. He later met Cheng Lei for lunch and confided that his family was being investigated because his father had transported goods for Miao Huanyang for years, making him a "related suspect."
Cheng Lei advised Ma Shang not to mention his father's investigation at the company and to be wary of Yang Xun, whom he described as "Pang Yishan's person" and a "smiling tiger." Next, Miao Fei faced questioning from An Jing and Du Meng. She expressed her frustration, stating she had been questioned multiple times already. An Jing shifted to asking about visitors to Miao Huanyang at the hospital.
Miao Fei recognized Xu He from a photograph, confirming he had visited her father yesterday and was likely an early business partner. An Jing assured Miao Fei that they would provide any necessary assistance. Later, An Jing and Du Meng reviewed interrogation footage of Yu Haoran. Yu Haoran claimed to have taken leave on the day of Jia Changan's incident, which was confirmed, but he also revealed seeing Jia Changan at the Tianfang Hotel more than half a month prior.
This raised a crucial question for the investigators: why was Jia Changan at the hotel, and with whom, especially when he was supposedly planning his wedding with Miao Fei? Miao Fei, accompanied by Zhou Lian, decided to discard all of Jia Changan's belongings, questioning if he was truly destined for her or merely sought her father's resources. She received a phone call from Xu He, who asked her to meet him downstairs.
Xu He handed her a card and instructed her to find an opportunity to plug it into Professor Zou's computer, adding that the card also served as a key to his door. He dismissed her questions, telling her not to ask too much, as more knowledge would only increase her burden. He ignored her demand for her father's "information" until the task was complete. Upon returning home, Miao Fei thanked Zhou Lian for her companionship but requested to be alone.
As soon as Zhou Lian left, Miao Fei collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Later, Ma Shang returned with dessert for An Jing, prompting playful jealousy from He Zixuan and Du Meng. Du Meng voiced his suspicion that Miao Fei might also be involved in the case.
Episode 10 Recap
As Ma Shang ate, Du Meng expressed his suspicion about Miao Fei, noting her hesitation and repeated questioning about their investigation into Xu He. Ma Shang admitted to also sensing her evasiveness, although she usually appeared normal at the company. While they planned to keep a close watch on Miao Fei, An Jing suggested they also focus on Wu Miao, whose suspicious sick day was noted by Du Meng.
Both Ma Shang and Du Meng agreed that Wu Miao's absence seemed to be an attempt to evade questioning. Later, Miao Fei asked Ma Shang to elaborate on his network security proposal. He explained that despite the technical isolation, the laboratory network still had vulnerabilities and recommended physical isolation, a method used by many large companies.
To Ma Shang's surprise, Miao Fei immediately decided to implement physical isolation, starting that very day, and scheduled a meeting with the IT department head to arrange it, impressing Ma Shang with her efficiency. Meanwhile, An Jing and Du Meng continued their investigation into Jia Changan, searching hotel records for the past six months without success. Hotel staff explained that only overnight guests after 11 PM were registered strictly, not daytime visitors.
However, they found a check-in record for Yu Haoran from three weeks prior, though surveillance footage from that period was already overwritten. A hotel service person recalled an incident two months ago where Jia Changan, without a room key, had a dispute with him. Jia Changan eventually called a female friend, who came down to meet him. The woman wore a hat, concealing her face, but the staff noted her good figure.
An Jing deduced that this hat-wearing woman could not be Miao Fei, as Miao Fei would not need such a disguise. She also reasoned that a business transaction would not require registration at a hotel, leading her to believe that Jia Changan and the woman were likely lovers.
However, Du Meng pointed out the suspicious detail that Jia Changan's last phone call before his death was to a number registered under a fake identity, which cast doubt on a simple romantic affair. An Jing concluded that the woman possessed strong anti-detection capabilities, using a fake identity for a long-term hotel rental to avoid drawing attention. She assigned Du Meng and his team to search nearby road surveillance videos for clues.
At Dinghua, Miao Fei used a pretext to send Professor Zou and his colleagues to a meeting. She then entered Professor Zou's office and, using a card provided by Xu He, inserted it into his computer, implanting a virus. As she left, she was startled to encounter Ma Shang, who claimed he was looking for Professor Zou to discuss recruitment. Miao Fei, visibly flustered, quickly diverted him, saying Professor Zou was not involved in recruitment details.
After she hurried away, Ma Shang noticed her agitated demeanor and the warmth of Professor Zou's computer hard drive, immediately alerting Chief Song to shut down Dinghua's network. Ma Shang reported his findings, expressing certainty that Miao Fei had entered Professor Zou's office and activated his computer, but was unsure of the exact activity.
An Jing confirmed Yu Haoran's lead about Jia Changan staying at the hotel with an unidentified woman using a fake identity, suspecting this woman was the one Jia Changan called before his death. He Zixuan humorously speculated that Jia Changan might have been simultaneously having an affair and conducting a secret meeting. Chief Song revealed he had erased the surveillance footage of Ma Shang and Miao Fei entering the R&D passage but assured them he had a backup.
He praised Professor Zou and President Lin for their cooperation in handing over the computer without questions. Miao Fei visited her father, Miao Huanyang, in the hospital. She hypothetically asked him what he would do if she were involved in Jia Changan's smuggling case. Miao Huanyang became agitated but vehemently stated he would never report her, affirming she was his daughter and he would not let her go to jail. He expressed confusion over her sudden line of questioning.
Meanwhile, Zhou Lian met with Qiao Xichuan while intoxicated after drinking with Yang Xun. Qiao Xichuan admonished her for her state but also seemed to show concern. He pressed her to obtain ore quotas through Yang Xun, but Zhou Lian angrily retorted that she felt like a mere tool to him. Qiao Xichuan was frustrated, as the administrative documents Miao Fei had sent were largely useless, leading him to suspect she had tampered with them.
An Jing reported that Miao Fei had stayed with Miao Huanyang at the hospital all night, without leaving. Ma Shang wondered if Miao Huanyang had instigated Miao Fei's actions, and An Jing pondered if Miao Fei knew about Jia Changan's other woman. Ma Shang advised An Jing against being subjective, noting her rare display of empathy for Miao Fei, which An Jing defended by saying she could relate to Miao Fei's pain as a woman.
He Zixuan confirmed that a Trojan horse virus was implanted in Professor Zou's computer, capable of hacking all local network computers and transmitting data to a specific address. He estimated cracking the virus's original code to identify the recipient or the leaked information would take at least a year. Fortunately, Ma Shang's quick intervention, coupled with the lab's recently implemented physical isolation, prevented any core technical data from leaking. Du Meng suggested arresting Miao Fei, but An Jing disagreed.
She highlighted Miao Fei's contradictory actions of initiating physical isolation before implanting the virus, suggesting Miao Fei was likely coerced and trying to minimize the damage. An Jing argued that a premature arrest would alarm the person coercing her. She proposed comprehensive monitoring of both Miao Fei and Miao Huanyang, recommending starting with Miao Huanyang's background, given his approval of Jia Changan's ore quota and his likely involvement if Miao Fei was implicated.
Chief Song approved the plan and instructed Ma Shang to subtly extract information from Miao Fei without compromising his cover. As they left, An Jing asked Ma Shang to drive her, implying she had something important to say. In the car, Ma Shang confessed his decade-long guilt and helplessness, not knowing An Jing's whereabouts or if she was even alive. An Jing, who had initially intended to speak, decided against it, simply saying it was nothing.
The next day, President Lin convened an emergency meeting following the near data breach. Professor Zou expressed his outrage, emphasizing that only Miao Fei's prior arrangements for enhanced network security had prevented the loss of his life's work. Lao Zhao, the head of security, apologized and reported that R&D passage surveillance had been compromised and frames erased. President Lin then concluded this indicated a long-planned crime. Pang Yishan questioned the timing, suggesting someone exploited the network rectification.
Ma Shang intervened, clarifying that he had proposed the network rectification plan to President Lin and developed it with Miao Fei. President Lin cautioned against internal suspicion, stating that the perpetrator might not be an insider, and urged the rapid implementation of new security systems. After the meeting, Ma Shang found Miao Fei and subtly questioned her about seeing any suspicious individuals in Professor Zou's office. Miao Fei only mentioned seeing him.
Ma Shang, noting her defensiveness, reminded her of President Lin's words about not suspecting colleagues. He then pointed out that if she had delayed the virus implant by just one day, more core secrets could have been obtained, implying her actions were unusual. He reiterated his lack of suspicion but warned that corporate theft involving rare resources carried severe penalties and that relationships within the company were complex.
Meanwhile, Qiao Xichuan found the administrative documents from Miao Fei largely useless and noted interruptions during their transmission. Jeffrey, concerned that Dinghua's heightened security measures would attract official investigations, ordered Qiao Xichuan to withdraw. Qiao Xichuan, however, defiantly refused, stating he was motivated by a promise, not money, and intended to finish what he started. Zhou Lian, who had suggested withdrawing was a good idea, was dismissed by an agitated Qiao Xichuan, who claimed she didn't understand Jeffrey.
He then instructed her to focus on compelling Miao Fei to cooperate, as Yang Xun currently offered no value and was too close to Miao Fei to approach directly without raising suspicion. He advised Zhou Lian to remain calm and prioritize her safety. While Miao Fei was grocery shopping, Xu He appeared and confronted her. He revealed his knowledge of her "tricks" and her efforts to physically isolate the lab computers, indicating he understood her intent.
He warned her to cease her interference and to cooperate fully next time if she wanted her father's incriminating evidence back. Miao Fei questioned his extensive knowledge of Dinghua and his access to Professor Zou's office, wondering why he still needed her help. Separately, Du Meng received a call from his mother, who was unwell. An Jing suggested he bring his mother to Shuangqing for better medical care, but Du Meng wished to prioritize the case.
Du Meng presented An Jing with old Dinghua trade records that showed many transactions at suspiciously low prices, which An Jing identified as a serious commercial crime. They planned to use this information to pressure Miao Huanyang. Lao Liu reported that while Junhai Logistics' books were clean, something felt off. He noted that despite Ma Junhai's long-standing partnership with Dinghua, his company remained small, suggesting a lack of business acumen.
This conflicted with Ma Junhai's seemingly upright character, making his action of getting his son, Ma Shang, a managerial position at Dinghua through a "back door" highly contradictory. Lao Liu suggested informing Ma Junhai that their investigation was complete to make him relax, then focusing on Ma Shang, whose entry into Dinghua during a sensitive period and rapid promotion to manager, despite lacking management experience, warranted close attention. An Jing agreed that Ma Shang was suspicious and decided to integrate his investigation into the task force's broader inquiry into Dinghua.
Episode 11 Recap
Ma Shang's mother felt that An Jing looked familiar. She searched through Ma Shang's room and eventually found an old photograph of Ma Shang with An Jing, confirming that the An Jing who recently visited their home was the same girl Ma Shang dated in college. Ma Shang's father dismissed her efforts, but Ma Shang's mother was convinced that Ma Shang still deeply cared for An Jing, noting that he hadn't pursued any relationships since their breakup.
She hoped they would rekindle their romance so he wouldn't remain single. An Jing prepared to go to Ma Shang's home to deliver the notice that the investigation was concluded, even though Du Meng offered to go in her place. Meanwhile, in the underground parking lot, Ma Shang had a near-collision with Wu Miao.
Ma Shang inquired if National Security agents had visited Wu Miao while he was on sick leave, mentioning that Yu Haoran had vouched for him, stating he was in the lab during Jia Changan's accident. Wu Miao appeared visibly uncomfortable during this conversation. An Jing arrived at Ma Shang's parents' house, officially informing Ma Shang's father that the investigation was over.
Ma Shang's mother, recognizing An Jing, warmly insisted she stay for dinner, swiftly adding that An Jing and Ma Shang were university classmates. Unable to decline the enthusiastic invitation, An Jing went inside and immediately sent a text to Ma Shang, urging him not to return home, but her message was too late as Ma Shang walked through the door. Ma Shang feigned surprise upon seeing An Jing.
During dinner, Ma Shang's mother continued to press An Jing, recalling how Ma Shang was "asking the whole world" for An Jing's whereabouts after she suddenly dropped out of school and was "crying" while holding his phone. Ma Shang was deeply embarrassed by his mother's revelations. Ma Shang's mother then tried to play matchmaker, asserting that fate had not broken the connection between An Jing and Ma Shang.
To divert the conversation, Ma Shang asked An Jing how she came to work for National Security, which led to an awkward silence. After dinner, Ma Shang walked An Jing outside. He clarified that his current feelings for her were not based on their past relationship but on who she is now—straightforward, clever, independent, proper, and beautiful.
An Jing reminded him of their professional boundaries, emphasizing that they were in a peculiar period and, as members of the task force, needed to be careful about personal relations when investigating cases. Ma Shang admitted he had struggled with this, having initially tried to joke and use "sweet nothings," but realized that being indirect would only make him seem unreliable and that An Jing probably wouldn't understand his intentions.
He told her she was not required to give an immediate answer, suggesting she could respond once the task force was disbanded. An Jing then bid him farewell, but a subtle smile played on her lips after he left. Back home, Ma Shang's mother eagerly questioned him about An Jing. Ma Shang told her that An Jing already had a boyfriend. His mother, undeterred, reasoned that An Jing wasn't married, so there was still a chance.
Later, in his room, Ma Shang texted An Jing, expressing his desire to share something from his heart. An Jing replied that she couldn't give him an answer, explaining that she had experienced a "nightmare" during their separation and didn't want to dwell on past events.
Before Ma Shang could send another message, An Jing sent a follow-up text, reminding him that the mission came first and that they should discuss other matters later, then told him to go to bed early. At National Security, Department Chief Song reviewed Dinghua's old transaction records. The prices were suspiciously close to the reserve price, leading him to believe that Miao Huanyang was not clean.
He instructed Ma Shang to apply pressure on Miao Fei while An Jing was tasked with bringing Miao Huanyang in for questioning. Ma Shang expressed concern that Miao Fei might be coerced, but An Jing assured him that she would proceed carefully. An Jing and Du Meng then went to Miao Huanyang's home. They arrived as he was having dinner with Miao Fei and Miao Lu, who was annoyed by their presence.
An Jing informed Miao Huanyang that new findings required his cooperation for examination, and he promptly agreed, despite the visible concern of his daughters as he was escorted away. During the interrogation, Miao Huanyang became nervous seeing the documents presented by An Jing and Du Meng. He firmly denied any wrongdoing concerning the suspicious early transaction records of Dinghua, claiming he was young and inexperienced, often suffering losses.
When asked about his sudden departure from Dinghua before Jia Changan's death, Miao Huanyang attributed it to health reasons, specifically his heart condition. An Jing and Du Meng suggested that Jia Changan's death might be related to his ore smuggling, which Miao Huanyang had approved. They expressed concern that those involved might threaten Miao Huanyang's life. Miao Huanyang maintained his innocence, insisting he knew nothing.
An Jing then informed him that while he was free to move around and not under any travel restrictions, he needed to keep his cellphone on. She also mentioned that the National Security's Economic Investigation Division had been contacted regarding Dinghua's early transaction records, and he should be prepared for their investigation. Miao Huanyang continued to deny any involvement.
Department Chief Song, however, confirmed that their objective for the interrogation had been met: approval for surveillance monitoring had been obtained, and An Jing was put in charge of the operation. Miao Huanyang returned home, much to the relief of Miao Fei and Miao Lu. Unaware that he was now being monitored, he reassured them that their family had overcome this hurdle. Miao Fei, however, suspected the situation was more complex.
Later, Ma Shang informed An Jing that his investigation into Wu Miao revealed issues, but Wu Miao was likely not the commercial spy they were looking for. He suggested that Miao Huanyang and Miao Fei might be involved in Jia Changan's smuggling but were probably not connected to his death. Ma Shang cautioned An Jing against blind optimism, reminding her that they might have only found the beginning of a complex maze.
He emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and encouraged her to maintain the team's morale, as fatigue would eventually set in, and she was the only one who could encourage them. An Jing thanked him for his reminder and trust.
Episode 12 Recap
Ma Shang approached Cheng Lei to seek his opinion on the Research Center's recruitment, having already prepared a proposal. Cheng Lei explained that their requirements were simple, primarily for data verification, which didn't demand high professional ability or experience; interns from relevant majors would suffice. He assured Ma Shang that only the project leader had access to complete core data, implying minimal security risks, and jokingly said even a monkey could do the verification work.
Ma Shang, however, expressed deep concern for the company's security, attributing this to his past experience as a headhunter in Beijing, where he learned about industry gossip and the critical importance of protecting a company's core profits. Later, Ma Shang took Cheng Lei to the rooftop to talk privately. He questioned Cheng Lei about his relationship with Yu Haoran and Yang Xun. Cheng Lei, stating he preferred not to take sides, urged Ma Shang to speak directly.
Ma Shang revealed that he had consulted Yang Xun about the Marketing Department's recruitment standards, and Yang Xun had advised him to lower eligibility requirements and hire a large number of people by "spreading the ad everywhere," believing more people equated to more efficiency. Cheng Lei immediately dismissed this as "nonsense," explaining that Dinghua's high-end medical equipment products required salespeople with extensive experience and professional knowledge to understand product literature, demonstrate products, and connect with relevant industries.
He warned Ma Shang that such a proposal would incur President Lin's wrath, indicating Yang Xun was deliberately setting him up. Ma Shang realized Yang Xun was retaliating for him getting a job Yang Xun wanted. Cheng Lei advised Ma Shang to distance himself from "those people" to avoid disaster, especially given the crucial importance of the current product to Dinghua.
Meanwhile, An Jing's team lost audio monitoring of Miao Fei's phone after she made a call on a different device from a stairwell. Hé Zixuán quickly contacted Ma Shang, informing him that Miao Fei's monitored phone remained in her office despite her departure and asked him to get closer to her. Miao Fei had received a call from Qiao Xichuan. She asked if he was the one controlling Changan Science & Technology's stocks.
Qiao Xichuan ignored her question and reminded her that her father would be safe if she completed her mission. He informed her that Dinghua had implemented new security measures, requiring a cryptographic key to access core data, and demanded she obtain it. Miao Fei protested, saying she was already under suspicion and couldn't fulfill his demand before hanging up. Miao Fei then left her office, but her company phone, which was being monitored, remained behind.
An Jing's units were dispatched to track Miao Fei, while Ma Shang also followed. Miao Fei drove in circles, constantly changing lanes and speeds, displaying clear anti-tracking experience. An Jing instructed Ma Shang to withdraw, as her units were already in position, and cautioned her team to be careful and focus solely on Miao Fei, ignoring any other disturbances. Miao Fei eventually left her car, boarded a bus, then transferred to the subway, and finally took a taxi.
To the team's surprise, Miao Fei arrived at the National Security Bureau. Inside the bureau, An Jing assured Miao Fei that their conversation was strictly internal, recorded, and completely safe, ensuring no one, especially the person controlling her, would know she was there. Miao Fei confessed that she was forced to implant the virus in Dinghua and had come to seek help.
An Jing questioned her about her sophisticated anti-tracking tactics, which Miao Fei admitted she learned from movies and employed out of fear that her controller would discover her actions. An Jing, taking Miao Fei's readiness to be open and honest as a sign of trust, promised her safety and urged her to reveal everything she knew. Miao Fei identified Xu He as the person threatening her.
She also suspected he had operatives within Dinghua and believed he might have killed Jia Changan, though she had no direct evidence and didn't know his relationship with her father. Miao Fei stated that Xu He was after Dinghua's core technology, specifically DS Materials' core technology. She recounted how she was initially coerced into inserting a virus but strategically isolated the company's network, knowing he wouldn't be able to steal significant information.
However, Xu He's latest demand for the cryptographic key left her feeling helpless, leading her to seek their assistance as her only way out. An Jing noted a crucial missing detail: what exactly Xu He was using to threaten her. Miao Fei remained silent. An Jing then led Miao Fei to a wine cabinet, which Miao Fei immediately recognized as her father Miao Huanyang's.
Inside, it was filled with bank cards from overseas banks, each opened under a different, mostly fake, identity. An Jing explained that while individual card balances were small, usually under fifty thousand US dollars, their combined total was substantial and unsettling. An Jing then explained that Xu He was using Miao Fei's father to threaten her and emphasized that stopping a family member's mistakes is often the best form of protection.
Concurrently, Miao Huanyang, sensing danger, was hastily packing his belongings at home, intending to leave. However, An Jing and Du Meng intercepted him before he could even exit his elevator. Miao Huanyang claimed he was merely going to a farmhouse in the suburbs to relax and had no intention of fleeing the investigation.
Du Meng then showed him photographs of the wine cabinet and the multitude of bank cards found inside, revealing that the "deliverymen" he had hired were actually their investigators. Miao Huanyang, confronted with the evidence, initially minimized his wrongdoing, claiming he was ignorant in the past and that the money, though unused, came from legitimate ore companies, offering to provide a list. He continued to protect his accomplice, however, asserting that his contributions to Dinghua far outweighed any mistakes.
An Jing then shifted focus to Miao Fei, causing Miao Huanyang to become visibly agitated, realizing his daughter was involved. An Jing revealed Xu He's name, explaining that the person he was protecting had targeted Miao Fei, using Miao Huanyang's past actions to coerce her into stealing Dinghua's secrets.
An Jing then showed Miao Huanyang a video of Miao Fei testifying that Xu He possessed a recording proving Miao Huanyang had leaked "bottom prices" and threatened to disseminate it online if Miao Fei didn't cooperate. Miao Fei also admitted to implanting a Trojan horse virus but ensuring that the Research Center's technology remained secure. Overwhelmed by his daughter's predicament, Miao Huanyang finally confessed. He recounted meeting Xu He ten years prior at an underground casino abroad.
At the time, Dinghua had just been listed, and his growing greed led him to gamble company funds, losing tens of millions. He believed the entire game was a trap set by Xu He, who then appeared as a "savior," offering to repay his debts in exchange for the DS Materials ore's bottom prices. This allowed Xu He to consistently purchase ore at the lowest possible cost.
Miao Huanyang eventually realized he was being scammed but was unable to escape the arrangement for over a year, fearing exposure. He managed to distance himself by transforming Dinghua into a listed group through multiple funding rounds and then retiring to a vice president role, no longer overseeing ore transactions. However, Xu He continued to pressure him until suddenly disappearing for ten years. Xu He re-established contact around May or June of the current year.
They met three times: once at a club, which prompted Miao Huanyang to feign illness and resign from Dinghua to avoid further cooperation; a second time at Jia Changan's funeral, where Xu He implicitly threatened him regarding Jia Changan's death; and a third time at the hospital when Miao Huanyang suffered a heart attack, where Xu He likely came to verify his condition.
Miao Huanyang also explained that Xu He had given him a special mobile phone for exclusive contact, which led Miao Fei to leave all her electronic devices in her office, suspecting they were being monitored. Both Miao Fei and Miao Huanyang described Xu He as appearing to be in his sixties ten years ago, yet showing no signs of aging, with unusually quick reactions.
Miao Huanyang remembered him as initially kind but later overbearing, while Miao Fei noted his impatient and domineering demeanor during recent interactions. An Jing allowed Miao Fei and Miao Huanyang to meet, though physical contact was prohibited. Miao Huanyang tearfully apologized to Miao Fei, expressing deep regret for causing her trouble and acknowledging that his initial desire to provide a better life for her and Lulu had led him down a path of "one wrong move after another."
Miao Fei, despite her father's fears, confirmed her decision to cooperate with National Security to lure out Xu He. Miao Huanyang, extremely worried about Xu He's ruthlessness, pleaded with An Jing to guarantee Miao Fei's safety. During a subsequent team meeting, An Jing noted that the information provided by Miao Fei and Miao Huanyang largely matched their existing intelligence, particularly regarding Xu He, suggesting that this aspect of their testimony was truthful.
She acknowledged that the task force had been pursuing Xu He through the SkyEye system for a significant period, but he had only appeared once, during Miao Huanyang's hospital stay, before vanishing again. This led An Jing to suspect that "Xu He" was likely a fake identity, making direct pursuit a "blind lead."
An Jing conceded that the Miao family line of investigation was initially a "side branch" stemming from the Jia Changan case, and the individuals involved might be secondary targets. However, she emphasized that having Miao Huanyang and Miao Fei's cooperation could provide valuable advantages.
Department Chief Song commended the team, stating that while the immediate outcome might be less than anticipated, the collaboration with the Miao family would undoubtedly yield more clues, enabling them to locate the "sleeper" and accomplish their mission. He encouraged everyone to remain vigilant and prepared for the most challenging obstacles, confident that they would ultimately eradicate these sleepers.
Episode 13 Recap
Du Meng mentioned that during the afternoon's questioning, Miao Huanyang stated he had met Xu He ten years ago. Du Meng asked An Jing if this reminded her of her father’s case. An Jing confirmed that the timeframes aligned, but her review of the old case files showed that the individual her father was tracking was not Xu He, suggesting it might just be a coincidence.
Later, Miao Fei informed An Jing that she had handed over both of her phones to An Jing's colleagues. The phone Xu He gave her had not received any messages, which An Jing considered good news, hoping Xu He still didn't suspect her. An Jing then told Miao Fei that since they were now collaborating, she needed to be prepared for potentially difficult news: Jia Changan might have had other women.
Miao Fei vehemently denied this, asserting that her relationship with Changan had been very strong. However, An Jing presented clear evidence, including surveillance footage, showing Jia Changan and an unidentified woman staying together at a hotel on multiple occasions. This woman used several fake identities and was suspected of being involved in the Changan Science & Technology smuggling case, possibly also being Jia Changan's lover.
An Jing asked Miao Fei if she could recall any other women Jia Changan was close to. Overwhelmed by the evidence, Miao Fei became upset and asked An Jing to stop talking. Miao Fei and Du Meng later arrived at a dock, where He Zixuan and Ma Shang had prepared hot food. As they ate, they discussed the case.
Ma Shang questioned why Xu He wanted Miao Fei to steal the cryptographic key, noting that all technical files in Dinghua’s R&D department were encrypted and required a key to view. He speculated that the files might have already been acquired after Miao Fei implanted the virus, and only the key was needed.
However, given that DS Materials had its own confidential system—a fact known throughout the company and therefore to Xu He—Ma Shang theorized that Xu He likely had another spy within Dinghua, potentially the person who killed Jia Changan. He concluded that Xu He’s primary goal might not be the synthetic technology itself, as coercing Miao Fei for this purpose seemed too risky for the limited direct benefits.
Ma Shang believed that catching Xu He through Miao Fei would unravel the entire mystery. He proposed a covert operation to protect Miao Fei. An Jing confirmed the plan was ready. Ma Shang then revealed he had compiled all suspicious information regarding Wu Miao. He instructed An Jing to publicly arrest Wu Miao at Dinghua the next day for interrogation, letting everyone know that National Security was monitoring him or even the R&D department.
An Jing expressed concern that if Wu Miao wasn't the main culprit, such an action might alert Xu He without protecting Miao Fei. Ma Shang assured her he was certain based on current intelligence. An Jing and Du Meng decided to stay overnight on the boat to review the files and head straight to Dinghua in the morning. Ma Shang offered them the two bedrooms on the boat while he and He Zixuan would sleep on the sofa.
Ma Shang toasted An Jing and Du Meng, acknowledging their collaboration and the smooth progress of the case since Miao Huanyang's arrest. Back at home, Miao Fei, upset by the revelation of Jia Changan's infidelity, vented her emotions by smashing various items. Surveillance personnel observed her, with one suggesting it was better for her to break things than to hurt herself.
Qiao Xichuan's associate, Zhou Lian, watched the footage and questioned if they should postpone their plan for the next day, noting Miao Fei’s unusual emotional state and the fact that her phone hadn't been with her all afternoon, indicating a potential problem. Qiao Xichuan, however, decided to proceed with the operation as planned, instructing Zhou Lian to contact Miao Fei and report any unusual occurrences immediately. Unable to sleep, Ma Shang went out for some air.
An Jing, having just showered, joined him. Ma Shang noted how abnormal it was that despite their resources, they couldn't find any information on Xu He. He recalled both Miao Huanyang and Miao Fei describing Xu He as a nimble, vigorous person, not an old man, suggesting he might be using a mask.
An Jing had also considered this, finding it strange that there were no records of Xu He, even if he held foreign nationality and had entered the country before. Ma Shang added that while advanced simulation masks exist, Xu He's ability to change his voice and posture to truly become another person was frightening, which would explain why the SkyEye system couldn't track him. He emphasized this was mere speculation without proof.
An Jing then grew quiet before revealing a personal detail: her father, when alive, had also served in Shuangqing City’s investigation section. The day before her disappearance, on May 6th, her father died in a car accident while on a pursuit mission. The other driver was thoroughly investigated, found to have no suspicious connections, and was convicted of drunken driving.
An Jing admitted that her father's death was only part of the reason she had completely cut off contact with Ma Shang back then, promising to explain the rest later. She connected this to Miao Huanyang's testimony that Xu He also vanished around ten years ago and hadn't reappeared since, similar to the target her father had been pursuing.
An Jing wondered if such coincidences existed, and if Xu He was a fake identity, could he be that person from long ago? Her father's case involved espionage related to ore resources, and while there was no evidence of organized crime, the possibility couldn't be entirely ruled out. Ma Shang admitted the probability was low, but reassured An Jing, promising that whether Xu He was that past spy or not, they would not escape the law.
He vowed to help An Jing complete the current case and then assist her in organizing the old case files to find the one who got away and ensure he paid for his actions. The next day, An Jing and Du Meng went to Dinghua to question Wu Miao. Wu Miao, while cooperative, seemed anxious. He answered questions about unrelated matters fluently but became flustered when questioned about suspicious activities.
Wu Miao had been a Senior Researcher at Tianxing Technology before becoming a Research Assistant at Dinghua. He claimed he was ill with the flu on the day the virus was implanted, not deliberately evading questioning. He denied any involvement in the virus implantation and tried to deflect suspicion onto Yu Haoran, reasoning that Yu Haoran worked within the physically isolated lab network and would know that implanting a virus there would cause complete data loss.
An Jing pointed out that his current salary at Dinghua was only a third of what he earned at Tianxing Technology. She also mentioned that when Wu Miao left Tianxing Technology a year prior, there was a report of misappropriated research funds. Wu Miao adamantly denied this, saying he wouldn't be free if he had done such a thing.
An Jing further highlighted that Tianxing Technology had recently released two new products highly similar in function and application to Dinghua's unreleased product. Wu Miao dismissed this as normal industry research. An Jing concluded the interview by telling Wu Miao to keep his phone on and that they would also interview Zhang Jianqui, the president of Tianxing Technology. After the questioning, Wu Miao was approached by Yu Haoran, who asked what National Security had inquired about.
Wu Miao told him they mainly asked about his sick leave and whether Yu Haoran could have been the one to plant the virus. As An Jing and Du Meng left, they received news that Miao Fei was speaking with Xu He on the phone.
Xu He inquired about Miao Fei’s progress, who explained that the cryptographic key was in the Research Center’s Archive Room safe, and while she knew the password and could open the fingerprint lock, the key had location tracking that would trigger an alarm and change its dynamic password if removed from the lab.
Xu He dismissed this as a minor issue he would resolve, instructing Miao Fei to meet him at the supermarket where they previously met, during her lunch break, and await further instructions. Ma Shang advised An Jing not to enter the supermarket herself, citing a past mission where their identity might have been compromised, possibly by Xu He, and he couldn't guarantee Xu He wasn't working with that person.
An Jing understood, instructing her team (Wang Zuo and Xiao Li) not to enter but to connect all supermarket surveillance to their location. She believed Xu He wouldn't commit an assault in a crowded supermarket, emphasizing the need for caution to avoid exposure and potential hostage situations. An Jing then texted Miao Fei, reassuring her that they had full surveillance coverage.
At the supermarket, Xu He, speaking on the phone, guided Miao Fei to Area C, specifically to a shelf of microwave ovens, which was a surveillance blind spot. The team temporarily lost sight of Miao Fei. An Jing calmly instructed them to display the views from both ends of the aisle and increase the audio surveillance.
Xu He confirmed he was not at the supermarket but instructed Miao Fei to open the first black microwave oven on the second row to her left, where he had left an item for her. Miao Fei found it to be a duplicator. Xu He instructed her to plug the cryptographic key into its USB connector and wait for a red indicator light to turn green, telling her she was one step away from success.
Miao Fei expressed her wish to never see him again. The team felt frustrated by the encounter, but Ma Shang encouraged them, noting that Xu He asking Miao Fei to continue implied their plan was succeeding. An Jing confirmed that Director Song had approved the mission. She planned for Miao Fei to pretend to duplicate the key as realistically as possible to deceive any internal monitors at Dinghua, and then they would await Xu He's arrangement for the transaction.
An Jing inquired about the Tianlin City Bureau's investigation into Zhang Jianqui, Tianxing Technology's owner, receiving news that he was unlikely to hold out long. She hoped to have results before Miao Fei's transaction, enabling them to publicly arrest Wu Miao inside Dinghua. This, she believed, would send a message to Xu He that they had targeted the wrong person. Ma Shang enthusiastically agreed, prompting An Jing to playfully scold him for his immaturity.
She then urged everyone to get some rest after working for many hours, mentioning she had a meeting with Miao Fei that night. Later that night, Miao Fei, looking distressed, left work and observed Yang Xun and Wu Miao chatting in a suspiciously secretive manner about work. Miao Fei then went to a restaurant, where she intentionally left her phone on the table before heading to the restroom, as instructed by An Jing.
Zhou Lian and Qiao Xichuan, who were monitoring Miao Fei, continued their surveillance, with Qiao Xichuan confirming that Jeffrey had approved his plan and his person would provide secret assistance. After finishing her meal, Miao Fei got into a waiting surveillance vehicle. Meanwhile, Wu Miao called Yang Xun, desperately pleading for help to prevent the information leak from becoming public, fearing it would ruin him.
Yang Xun then had a conversation with Yu Haoran on the phone, about Yu Haoran having kept complete data for new medical instruments on his private computer on the day the lab’s network was physically isolated. Yang Xun reassured Yu Haoran that the document might not have been leaked, and even if it was, it would just be scrambled code without the cryptographic key. He added that even if the code was deciphered, it wouldn’t necessarily expose Yu Haoran as the leaker, reminding him to forget their conversation.
Episode 14 Recap
Miao Lu called Miao Fei, concerned that their father, Miao Huanyang, had not answered his phone. Miao Fei quickly went into the bathroom and turned on the shower before assuring Miao Lu that their father was on vacation, seeking peace and quiet, and wouldn't be back until next month. Miao Fei redirected the conversation to Miao Lu's graduation to avoid further questions. Moments later, Zhou Lian called Miao Fei, questioning why she hadn't picked up earlier.
Zhou Lian attempted to arrange a meeting with Miao Fei, claiming she had accidentally taken Miao Fei's coat. However, Miao Fei declined, stating she was too busy. Observing this, Qiao Xichuan advised Zhou Lian not to push too hard, fearing Miao Fei would grow suspicious. Zhou Lian wondered how she could probe Miao Fei without meeting her, to which Qiao Xichuan responded that they should wait until Miao Fei acquired the target item.
The next day at Dinghua, Miao Fei approached Ma Shang, mentioning that colleagues had reported his frequent absences from the office. Ma Shang explained that he had been actively recruiting experienced sales professionals with extensive network resources, believing it was more sincere to visit them directly than to ask them to come for interviews. Miao Fei apologized for her initial attitude and expressed how vital Dinghua was to her, thanking Ma Shang for his diligent work.
Later, Yu Haoran asked Wu Miao to get him a cup of hot milk. Cheng Lei intervened, reminding Yu Haoran that Wu Miao was a research assistant and shouldn't be running errands. An Jing and Ma Shang discussed recent developments. Ma Shang revealed that Zhang Jianqui of Tianxing Technology had confessed that Wu Miao was collecting data for them. Ma Shang decided to publicly announce Wu Miao's arrest within Dinghua, believing this would expose other "small fish" who might resign.
Ma Shang then shared his thoughts on Miao Fei’s earlier conversation with him, feeling as if she was giving "final instructions." He recalled Miao Fei's words, "The greater the desire is, the greater the price you pay. The end result won't be good." He also noted her observation that he maintained a certain distance from everyone, neither too far nor too close, concluding that "Dinghua needs people like you."
An Jing, however, suggested Ma Shang was overthinking, emphasizing that Miao Fei's every move was under surveillance, making it difficult for her to cause any trouble. That evening, An Jing deployed four teams in anticipation of Miao Fei copying the key. She explained that a group was on standby because if Miao Fei succeeded, Xu He would likely demand an immediate transaction. Heavy rain that night caused significant static on the team's listening devices.
Miao Fei hesitated upon seeing Yu Haoran and Cheng Lei still working in the R&D department. Yang Xun arrived to take Yu Haoran to dinner, and Yu Haoran casually asked Wu Miao to finish his work, calling it "really easy." Cheng Lei, annoyed by Yu Haoran’s behavior, told Wu Miao to pack up and go home, stating they didn't need to work overtime for Yu Haoran. Wu Miao remained, collected some data, and then quietly left the office.
Once the office was empty, Miao Fei emerged from the stairwell and proceeded with her plan to copy the key using the replicator Xu He had provided. After she finished, the listening devices used by An Jing and Du Meng experienced another burst of piercing static, losing the audio feed. An Jing instructed Miao Fei to go home as usual, assuring her they would follow.
Shortly after Miao Fei left, another unidentified person entered the R&D lab and also copied the key. Qiao Xichuan called Miao Fei, who had successfully copied the key, and instructed her to go to Tiandu Mall within the hour. Qiao Xichuan then informed Zhou Lian that he would not use Xu He's identity for this meeting, as he did not plan to meet Miao Fei face-to-face and pretending to be an old man was inconvenient.
Just as Miao Fei was about to leave, Miao Lu unexpectedly arrived, knocking loudly on the door. Miao Fei quickly placed the phone Xu He had given her into the bathroom before opening the door. Miao Lu confronted Miao Fei, demanding to know what had happened to their father, whose phone had been off for days without any word of his safety. Miao Lu inadvertently mentioned "National Security Bureau," causing Miao Fei to quickly cut her off.
Qiao Xichuan and Zhou Lian, who were monitoring the conversation, immediately realized this was a trap. Qiao Xichuan instructed Zhou Lian to quickly interfere with the signals at Miao Fei's house and remove any traces of their surveillance equipment once Miao Fei departed. Miao Fei had already sent a message to An Jing, explaining that she had hidden Xu He's phone in the bathroom, fearing Miao Lu might accidentally reveal their operation.
Despite the potential exposure, An Jing conveyed to Ma Shang that this was their only opportunity, and the operation would continue. Miao Fei arrived at Tiandu Mall and waited, but Xu He never appeared. Du Meng relayed this information to An Jing. Ma Shang and He Zixuan discussed the situation via video call, puzzling over why Xu He hadn't shown up.
Ma Shang suggested that cell phone monitoring had a limited range, and the problem likely stemmed from the conversation between Miao Fei and Miao Lu. An Jing and Ma Shang realized Miao Fei's home might have been monitored, and the other party would undoubtedly rush to erase any tracks. An Jing immediately instructed Du Meng to pick her up, and they sped towards Miao Fei's residence, speculating that the adversaries would be eager to remove their surveillance.
Indeed, Zhou Lian, equipped with a signal jammer, had already removed the monitoring devices from Miao Fei's house and departed. Qiao Xichuan, in turn, discarded the human skin mask he had been using as Xu He's disguise. Upon arriving at Miao Fei’s house, An Jing instructed Du Meng to retrieve footage from the community's surveillance cameras and called Section Chief Chen for technical personnel to sweep the premises. However, the technicians found no abnormal signals.
An Jing noted that with the heavy rain hindering outdoor CCTV visibility and lightning interfering with indoor cameras, it was difficult to determine if the systems had been tampered with or if any devices had been removed. As Xu He still hadn't appeared, Miao Fei was escorted safely back home. Feeling dejected, Miao Fei asked An Jing if she had lost her usefulness to the team.
An Jing reassured her, stating that she had never "used" her and appreciated her cooperation, despite the unexpected outcome. An Jing promised continued protection and inquired if Miao Fei had noticed any unusual activity in her home, such as rearranged items or fluctuating network signals. Miao Fei admitted she hadn't paid attention. An Jing explained that their team needed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the house, so Miao Fei would need to stay elsewhere, suggesting her father's place.
Miao Fei then asked if she would be required to leave Dinghua once their collaboration concluded. Later, the entire task force felt disheartened by the failed operation. Some agents suspected that Miao Fei herself might have secretly warned Xu He, postulating that she could be a highly effective spy. However, Department Chief Song and Ma Shang urged them to base their conclusions on facts and evidence, suggesting they review their own vulnerabilities.
Ma Shang reiterated that their previous tests showed that Xu He could not have listened to Miao Fei and Miao Lu's conversation via cellphone. An Jing maintained her belief that Miao Fei's house was wiretapped, but conceded that the one-hour delay between Miao Lu’s visit and their arrival would have given the culprits sufficient time to remove any devices without leaving a trace, making it nearly impossible for their technical staff to confirm.
The poor visibility from the heavy rain and the lightning interference affecting CCTV footage further complicated their investigation. The team also considered the possibility that an internal spy within Dinghua, as previously mentioned by Miao Fei, could have notified Xu He.
Episode 15 Recap
Professor Zou sternly reprimanded Yu Haoran for failing to correctly calculate the assigned data, demanding he redo it and return the corrected figures within two hours. He then reassigned Yu Haoran’s subsequent tasks, including retrieving a cryptographic key, to Engineer Cheng Lei. Feeling frustrated, Yu Haoran asked for Wu Miao and then angrily cursed him, convinced that Wu Miao had deliberately sabotaged his work. Engineer Cheng Lei, on his way to retrieve the key, discovered the archives door unlocked.
Concerned about the security of Dinghua's core information, he immediately reviewed the surveillance footage. While the initial playback showed only him entering the archives around 2 PM the previous day, further examination of the late-night hours revealed a suspicious light emanating from the door crack. Cheng Lei dismissed suggestions of mere signal interference or faulty equipment, insisting that core data was at stake.
He reported his findings to Professor Zou, Lin Xiaolan, and Pang Yishan, confirming that he had securely closed the door earlier. Lin Xiaolan praised Cheng Lei’s vigilance and, while assuring him the company would thoroughly investigate the incident and involve external departments if necessary, instructed him and the other staff to maintain strict confidentiality to prevent any internal gossip. Meanwhile, Department Chief Song learned that after Miao Fei left the archives, someone else might have entered.
He revealed that Miao Fei's surveillance footage had been intentionally erased according to their plan, but the mysterious light from the door crack still appeared. An Jing recalled that the reconnaissance vehicle had experienced two distinct periods of strong signal interference after Miao Fei departed, with the second occurring without any lightning, making it seem less like normal weather fluctuations. She realized that this artificial interference could explain why no one was recorded entering the area.
Department Chief Song concluded that the synchronized signal fluctuations and the mysterious light from the archives door confirmed a deliberate, man-made interference, meaning Xu He had likely obtained the key. Ma Shang immediately identified Wu Miao as the culprit, expressing frustration at how completely he felt fooled, despite his previous assessment of Wu Miao as a marginal figure.
He Zixuan’s investigation revealed Wu Miao was the last person to leave the office, taking an item believed to be the signal interference device. As Wu Miao lacked authorization for archives access, he must have acquired fingerprints. Initially, surveillance indicated Wu Miao remained at home.
However, when Wang Zuo and his team attempted to apprehend him there, they failed, as He Zixuan’s subsequent investigation revealed Wu Miao had already left his residential area on a motorbike disguised as a takeout delivery person. This disguise and pre-arranged escape vehicle indicated strong anti-reconnaissance capabilities. Wang Zuo eventually recovered the abandoned motorbike and uniform, but Wu Miao's trail went cold.
An Jing took Ma Shang aside, who was consumed by self-blame, believing his initial assessment of Wu Miao had misled the entire investigation. An Jing reassured him it wasn't his fault, as her own judgment, based on Wu Miao’s meticulously verified and seemingly ordinary resume, was identical. She acknowledged they were currently at a disadvantage but urged him not to concede defeat and to adjust his mindset.
Later, An Jing discussed with the team, highlighting Wu Miao's history of misappropriating Tianxing Technology's research budget and his agreement with Tianxiang Technology's boss, Zhang Jianqui, to steal Dinghua’s information to avoid a lawsuit. She questioned why Xu He, known for his thorough vetting of collaborators like Miao Huanyang, would partner with such a "blemished" and "full of loopholes" individual.
An Jing proposed that they temporarily set aside the assumption of a direct partnership between Xu He and Wu Miao, noting the lack of concrete evidence linking them or even definitively proving Wu Miao stole the cryptographic key. She admitted they might have narrowed their investigative focus too much. Ma Shang, apologizing for his earlier misjudgment, suggested contacting the Tianlin City bureau to investigate Zhang Jianqui’s monthly bank withdrawals and subsequent trips.
He hypothesized that Wu Miao, a commercial spy solely driven by money, likely hid his ill-gotten gains near these secret meeting locations. It was confirmed that Zhang Jianqui regularly drove to Sanfeng Town, a border town between Shuangqing and Tianlin City, after making his withdrawals. An Jing and Du Meng drove towards Sanfeng Town.
Along the way, Du Meng, impressed by Ma Shang's intellect, expressed his feelings of inferiority, noting that only An Jing could match Ma Shang's thought process during case discussions. An Jing encouraged him, assuring him she wasn't as capable at his stage and that recognizing deficiencies was an opportunity for growth.
An Jing then received a call from "Uncle Wang," a friend of her mother, informing her that he had been in a car accident and her mother sustained a slight concussion, becoming emotionally unstable. An Jing, torn between her duty and her family, asked Uncle Wang to stay with her mother, promising to come as soon as possible.
Du Meng, noticing An Jing’s distress and concern for her mother's fragile mental state, urged her to go to the hospital, offering to meet up with Wang Zuo instead. An Jing, however, refused to get out of the car, wiping away tears. She insisted they must continue the pursuit because if Wu Miao wasn't apprehended, they wouldn't confirm his connection to Xu He or the key theft, leaving the entire case unsolved.
She stated that this was her personal matter and she could handle it. An Jing then revealed that her father died while chasing a spy, whom she suspected was Xu He, and she bitterly resented him for using similar tactics to facilitate escapes years later. She vowed to catch the culprit. Meanwhile, Miao Fei visited Zhou Lian's shop, where Zhou Lian feigned concern about her recent absence.
Miao Fei confided that she struggled to trust anyone after discovering Jia Changan had another woman, catching Zhou Lian off guard. Elsewhere, Qiao Xichuan contacted Jeffrey, reporting his failure to obtain the key from Miao Fei, whom he suspected was cooperating with the National Security System. Jeffrey, however, revealed that his own operatives had already secured the key.
An enraged Qiao Xichuan attempted to withdraw from the mission, even forfeiting his final payment, but Jeffrey rebuked him, comparing him to a pet that must obey its master. Jeffrey insisted that Qiao Xichuan complete his original plan to receive his full payment and promised to send the key to him shortly. Zhou Lian then called Qiao Xichuan. National Security agents successfully tracked Wu Miao to Sanfeng Town.
An operative, "Lao Liu," disguised as a drunkard, managed to place a monitoring device on him. An Jing, now at the scene, decided against an immediate arrest after overhearing Wu Miao's commanding tone on a call, telling someone to "come over quickly." She opted to wait for Wu Miao's contact person to appear, hoping to apprehend both individuals simultaneously. Receiving updates, Ma Shang grew increasingly suspicious, finding Wu Miao's swift location too easy.
He noted that the previous night's heavy rain would have provided far better cover for an escape, making Wu Miao's morning flight puzzling. These observations led Ma Shang to increasingly doubt that Wu Miao was the actual thief of the cryptographic key, though he hoped he was simply overthinking the situation.
Episode 16 Recap
An Jing’s mother, Su Meipei, was in the hospital in distress and had scratched a nurse. Doctor Wang, who was dating Su Meipei, apologized to the nurse, but the nurse expressed concern about Su Meipei’s mental state. Department Chief Song arrived, identifying himself as Su Meipei’s friend.
Su Meipei recognized him by an old nickname, "Casket Song," and in a highly agitated state, she claimed that the people who killed her father years ago were now trying to harm her again by injecting her with drugs. Department Chief Song assured her he was there to investigate and needed her assistance.
After she calmed down and fell asleep, Doctor Wang inquired about her condition, but Song Ming stated he had no right to reveal private matters and believed Su Meipei would explain herself when she recovered. When Doctor Wang inquired about the truck driver involved in the accident, Song Ming mentioned that he was seriously injured but out of danger. Meanwhile, An Jing, in a surveillance vehicle, listened in on Wu Miao.
Du Meng and his team quietly positioned themselves upstairs at Wu Miao's location. Wu Miao's ex-wife arrived at a house, wondering what trouble he had gotten into. Wu Miao offered her a large sum of money, instructing her to give some to his parents and keep the rest for their child. He told her not to contact him again and to tell their son he had gone abroad or died.
His ex-wife angrily questioned the money's source, reminding him he still owed millions from a previous embezzlement. Wu Miao, frustrated, openly admitted to being a criminal and a spy, earning money from espionage. Enraged by his confession, his ex-wife attempted to jump from a window. Du Meng swiftly intervened, pulling her to safety, and subsequently arrested Wu Miao. Department Chief Song met with Ma Shang’s mother, Auntie Hu, to discuss the car accident.
She recounted how she and another safety assistant had been near the scene and provided immediate assistance. An Jing arrived at the hospital, encountering Song Ming and Auntie Hu. Song Ming praised Auntie Hu for her quick response, and An Jing then revealed that the injured patient, Su Meipei, was her own mother.
When Song Ming inquired, An Jing confirmed that Auntie Hu was Ma Shang’s mother, prompting Song Ming to advise An Jing to be mindful of Ma Shang’s identity given their ongoing investigation. An Jing then shared her initial assessment that Wu Miao was not the one who stole the encryption key. Department Chief Song acknowledged her concerns, admitting that Du Meng had already informed him of her misgivings regarding the car accident.
He gently reminded An Jing that individual capabilities are limited and assured her that the city bureau colleagues would provide unwavering support for both her professional duties and personal matters. He presented her with preliminary investigation materials, concluding that the car accident was an isolated incident caused by the truck driver’s fatigue, but offered continued support if she wished to investigate further. An Jing thanked him and went to see her mother.
An Jing found her mother, Su Meipei, whose mood was now stable. Su Meipei tearfully apologized for her earlier outburst and for scratching the nurse, feeling ashamed of losing control. An Jing comforted her, expressing her own regret for not being there when her mother needed her most, and promised to stay by her side. Su Meipei mentioned that Doctor Wang had taken care of her throughout the night.
During his interrogation, Wu Miao appeared surprisingly calm, even complaining about his ex-wife. He admitted to misappropriating research funds from Tianxing Company to support his family, which he subsequently lost through stock speculation, leading him to steal more. He also confessed to sharing data related to materials application and R&D on a technical forum, for which he received virtual currency convertible to RMB.
However, he adamantly denied stealing the encryption key, claiming he was merely a researcher’s assistant with no authorization or even physical access to the archives where the key was kept. Ma Shang and He Zixuan reviewed the surveillance footage and pondered why An Jing wasn't present during Wu Miao’s interrogation. He Zixuan expressed concern that if Wu Miao wasn't the thief, the key might already be in Xu He's possession, and they were left wondering about Xu He's next move.
Later, Ma Shang's mother, Auntie Hu, excitedly called Ma Shang from home, recounting saving An Jing’s mother and suggesting that this was a good opportunity for Ma Shang to pursue a relationship with An Jing. She also specifically called An Jing to inform her of the news. That night, as An Jing went to get water for her mother, she encountered Ma Shang, who had brought her food.
An Jing explained the situation, recounting how her parents had a loving relationship until her father's car accident many years ago. This tragedy caused her mother’s world to collapse and severely affected her mental state. Her mother became convinced that An Jing’s father was murdered, suffering from sleepless nights and eventually viewing everyone, including An Jing, as a potential killer.
An Jing shared how she dropped out of school to care for her mother, but her mother’s condition only worsened, pushing An Jing herself to the brink of collapse. She confessed that hearing about her mother’s recent car accident while on a mission in Sanfeng Town had devastated her.
While her rational mind suggested it was an accident, she couldn’t shake the fear that her mother might be right—that her father's death was part of an espionage cover-up, and now her mother was being targeted again. Overcome with emotion, An Jing broke down. Ma Shang, deeply moved, embraced her and apologized for his past resentment over her sudden departure, realizing he had never truly understood her struggles.
He promised that he was no longer the naive boy he once was and would stand by her, investigating the truth of both accidents, regardless of whether they were connected, to find the real culprit. The following day, Su Meipei was discharged from the hospital. Doctor Wang arrived with fruit. Su Meipei asked An Jing to take her belongings but chose to leave with Doctor Wang, stating she had important things to discuss with him.
She also asked An Jing to apologize to the nurse on her behalf. Department Chief Song held a meeting, confirming that Wu Miao’s interrogation had not produced any evidence linking him to the encryption key theft. During the discussion, it was suggested that Wu Miao's arrest might have been a deliberate diversion. The team also discussed the report from the municipal bureau, which indicated the suspect who entered the archives used Yu Haoran's fingerprint.
Forensic analysis also found fluorescent residue on the electronic password lock, implying the thief observed Miao Fei entering the password. An Jing proposed three main suspects: Yang Xun, who had unexpectedly cleared the R&D office that night; Zhou Lian, Miao Fei’s best friend, whose insistent calls to Miao Fei on the night of the theft raised suspicion despite her not working at Dinghua; and Miao Fei herself, who might have inadvertently or intentionally revealed the operational timeline.
Following the meeting, Ma Shang approached Department Chief Song, requesting access to the files concerning An Jing’s father’s car accident from ten years ago. He explained that An Jing’s father was on a mission when the accident occurred, which resulted in the loss of their target. Ma Shang pointed out the profound impact this had on An Jing’s operational conduct and the striking similarity to her mother’s recent accident.
He also referenced Miao Huanyang’s testimony about Xu He’s disappearance at the same time as An Jing’s father's accident, suggesting a possible connection, even if the probability was low. Song Ming agreed to grant access but advised Ma Shang not to expend too much energy on the cold case. An Jing and Du Meng then interviewed Miao Fei, with the conversation being recorded.
Miao Fei recalled the night of the theft, stating that many were working overtime, and she was on the verge of giving up on her mission when Yang Xun suddenly called Yu Haoran away. Subsequently, Cheng Lei and Wu Miao also left the office. She heard Yang Xun complaining to Yu Haoran about having to "arrest people himself." Miao Fei confirmed she hadn't met anyone else after obtaining the encryption key.
When asked about anyone acting abnormally, Miao Fei surprisingly brought up Ma Shang, noting his coincidental start date at Dinghua and his unusual proposals for security rectification plans, which seemed unrelated to his HR role. Du Meng quickly interjected that Ma Shang couldn't be a suspect, and An Jing confirmed that Ma Shang had already been investigated and cleared.
An Jing then subtly pressed Miao Fei about her sister, Miao Lu, suggesting that Miao Fei should inform Miao Lu about their father, Miao Huanyang’s case, but cautioning her to keep it secret. An Jing then inquired if anyone had stayed at Miao Fei’s house recently. Miao Fei mentioned her friend, Zhou Lian, had stayed with her for a few nights after Jia Changan’s death, adding that she had known Zhou Lian longer than Jia Changan.
When An Jing asked about Zhou Lian's profession (a Western-style restaurant owner) and her relationship with Jia Changan, Miao Fei became agitated, claiming her relationship with Jia Changan was irrelevant to the case. An Jing persisted, and Miao Fei eventually stated that Zhou Lian and Jia Changan "didn't know each other very well."
Episode 17 Recap
Miao Fei unexpectedly arrived at Zhou Lian's restaurant late at night, claiming she was hungry, which surprised Zhou Lian. While Zhou Lian prepared some food, Miao Fei asked for wine and drank a glass quickly. Zhou Lian noted Miao Fei's strange demeanor as Miao Fei reminisced about their first meeting in a yoga class, back when Zhou Lian’s restaurant was still under decoration.
Miao Fei poured them more wine and expressed her deep envy for Zhou Lian's independence, highlighting how Zhou Lian had built her career in the city without relying on anyone. In contrast, Miao Fei felt she had always relied on either her father, Miao Huanyang, or Jia Changan, at least emotionally. She mused that with her father retired and Jia Changan dead, she felt suddenly adrift.
Miao Fei then recalled that when Jia Changan was pursuing her, his eyes seemed to be on Zhou Lian during their shared meals, wondering if Zhou Lian was the one he truly liked. Zhou Lian quickly denied this, stating she had always maintained her distance from Jia Changan. Miao Fei then spoke about Jia Changan claiming to love her yet having another woman outside, and asked Zhou Lian if she would ever betray her.
Zhou Lian firmly promised she never would. Outside, An Jing and Du Meng were monitoring the conversation from their car. An Jing concluded that Miao Fei clearly suspected Zhou Lian and Jia Changan’s relationship, marking the start of a conflict between the two women. Du Meng suggested applying pressure to Zhou Lian, but An Jing believed Miao Fei’s emotional pressure was more effective.
She decided they should wait for Zhou Lian to reveal any missteps, noting that this might eventually lead them to their true target. Later, Ma Shang met Du Meng to discuss an investigative mission. He informed Du Meng that he had already obtained approval from Director Song to investigate the incident involving An Jing's father ten years ago, and An Jing herself would need to recuse herself from this task.
Ma Shang explained that recent cases provided clues linking them to the decade-old matter, suggesting a new approach might yield results. Du Meng seemed surprised that An Jing had personally confided in Ma Shang about her family issues, noting her apparent trust in him. Ma Shang openly admitted his feelings for An Jing, stating he did not want to see her in pain anymore.
He acknowledged that her father's unresolved case had been a long-standing emotional burden for both An Jing and her mother, and finding the truth would finally bring them peace. Du Meng, sharing the same concern for An Jing's well-being, agreed to partner with Ma Shang. At a company meeting, Pang Yishan announced that the R&D department's Archives Room door had been left open and surveillance videos damaged.
He then pointed out that Miao Fei was the last authorized person to leave the archive room that day, implicitly accusing her. Ma Shang interjected, asking for video evidence of Miao Fei entering the room, which Pang Yishan couldn't immediately provide. President Lin then clarified the situation, revealing that the actual secret thief was Wu Miao, a research assistant, who had been selling company data.
After a brief discussion about the company's response, Professor Zou advocated for publicly announcing Wu Miao's actions to deter future corporate espionage. Following the meeting, a distraught Miao Fei, reflecting on her father Miao Huanyang's past, wept in her office. She then confronted Yang Xun, angrily demanding an overdue expense report. Shortly after, Ma Shang spoke with Yang Xun, who complained that Miao Fei was taking out her frustrations on him.
Yang Xun also mentioned that Cheng Lei was the first to discover the Archives Room issue. Ma Shang then sought out Cheng Lei, who was complaining about being scolded by Professor Zou despite his discovery. Miao Fei called her sister, Miao Lu, home for dinner to share difficult news. She tearfully revealed that their father, Miao Huanyang, had been arrested by National Security for past illegal activities and was now acting as a "tainted witness" to redeem himself.
Miao Lu was shocked and immediately worried about Miao Fei's involvement. Miao Fei assured her she was not implicated and urged Miao Lu to focus on her studies and career, not to worry their father. During a separate conversation, Cheng Lei told Ma Shang that Pang Yishan was determined to force Miao Fei out of Dinghua.
He explained that despite being the only Miao family member left, Miao Fei, as an executive director, wielded significant power, more than Ma Shang might realize. Cheng Lei then directly asked Ma Shang if he had feelings for Miao Fei, noting how often Ma Shang came to her defense. Ma Shang denied it, insisting his interactions were strictly professional, but Cheng Lei remained unconvinced, citing Ma Shang's intervention at the recent meeting.
Later that night, Ma Shang and Cheng Lei were drinking. Cheng Lei helped a seemingly inebriated Ma Shang into a taxi. However, Ma Shang, though smelling of alcohol, was clear-headed, having been gathering information. The next morning, Ma Shang debriefed Director Song. He reported that he found nothing suspicious about Cheng Lei and questioned why Cheng Lei would have exposed the archives theft if he were involved. He also noted that Miao Fei's tenure at Dinghua might be short-lived.
Ma Shang informed Director Song that An Jing's two interrogations of Wu Miao yielded no new information, and he believed Wu Miao was telling the truth. During this debriefing, Ma Shang also inquired about An Jing’s mother, who was recovering well, and he and Director Song discussed the challenges of investigating the ten-year-old case of An Jing’s father. The next morning, Ma Shang arrived at work to find a stack of resignation letters.
Miao Fei visited him to thank him for defending her during the meeting and requested copies of the resignation letters. Ma Shang then mentioned that Miao Lu had applied for a technical position at Dinghua. Miao Fei asked Ma Shang to reject her sister's application, stating she didn't want Miao Lu to join the company at this time. An Jing and Du Meng later met with Miao Fei for further questioning.
An Jing directly asked if Miao Fei suspected Zhou Lian and Jia Changan of having an affair. Miao Fei denied it, stating she couldn’t treat a friend as a suspect based solely on her personal doubts, though she admitted to having her own suspicions privately. An Jing expressed understanding, acknowledging that people often avoid confronting such truths to preserve friendships.
The agents then shifted their focus to Yang Xun, but Miao Fei insisted that while Yang Xun was not always agreeable in the workplace, he was not a person capable of deeply concealing his true intentions, and she had always been aware of his minor schemes. She also pointed out that the person who approached Jia Changan was a woman. Du Meng then revealed that they had found a large sum of unexplained money in Yang Xun's bank account.
They asked Miao Fei to use her position to discreetly investigate Yang Xun's financial sources and his social connections within Dinghua, as an overt investigation by them would alert him. Miao Fei agreed to help. She also asked about Xu He, worried for her own safety since he hadn't contacted her. An Jing reassured her that she would be under continuous protection until the case was closed.
Miao Fei also asked about her father, Miao Huanyang, and An Jing confirmed he was safe under witness protection. Miao Fei then handed An Jing the copies of the resignation letters she had received from Ma Shang, suggesting that some of these departing employees might be connected to Wu Miao. She vowed to cooperate fully to catch the culprits and protect Dinghua, her father's legacy.
Du Meng later complained to An Jing about Ma Shang's seemingly ineffective presence at Dinghua, implying he was unproductive. An Jing countered that everyone had different roles, and Ma Shang had played crucial roles, such as proposing data isolation measures, identifying inconsistencies in Miao Fei's actions, and guiding them to capture Wu Miao. Later, Miao Lu confronted Miao Fei at home, demanding to know why her job application to Dinghua had been rejected.
Miao Fei admitted to arranging it, stating that Miao Lu could not join Dinghua at this time. Miao Lu accused her sister of abusing her power, insisting she was only seeking a job based on her own abilities and had no interest in workplace politics. Miao Fei, however, stood firm, declaring the matter non-negotiable.
Episode 18 Recap
Miao Lu tearfully confronted Miao Fei, demanding to know why her resume was rejected and accusing her sister of abusing her power. Miao Fei maintained that the decision was not negotiable. Miao Lu expressed her deep desire to join Dinghua, believing it was the only way to prove her father, Miao Huanyang, was not a bad person, even if he had made mistakes.
She aspired to become a chief researcher, just as her father had built Dinghua with his own skills, and felt that if their father were still present, Miao Fei would not dare to treat her this way. Miao Fei later met Zhou Lian at her restaurant, who had arranged lunch for her. Miao Fei explained that she had a private matter to discuss with someone.
Ma Shang soon arrived, and Miao Fei introduced him as Dinghua's head of personnel to Zhou Lian, her best friend and the restaurant owner. Miao Fei then asked Ma Shang to help re-recruit Miao Lu. She admitted her initial reluctance stemmed from a fear that Miao Lu would be bullied due to their family's recent troubles and her own unstable position within the company.
Ma Shang noted Miao Fei's overprotective nature, and Miao Fei agreed, concluding that she should respect Miao Lu's personal wishes. Despite the re-recruitment being against company regulations, Ma Shang promised to find a way to navigate the process. Zhou Lian joined them for the meal. Ma Shang inquired about how long Miao Fei and Zhou Lian had known each other, expressing curiosity about their seemingly different personalities.
Miao Fei suggested Ma Shang and Zhou Lian add each other on WeChat for potential future business collaborations. After dinner, Miao Fei drove Ma Shang home, thanking him for his help, which Ma Shang stated was his duty. Ma Shang's mother, Hu Yuping, observed Miao Fei dropping him off and questioned him about their closeness. She warned him about potential gossip, given Miao Fei's fiancé's recent death and the unresolved issues surrounding the Miao family, fearing he might become implicated.
Ma Shang insisted their interactions were strictly professional, but his mother firmly instructed him to maintain a clear boundary in his personal life, especially since Miao Huanyang's reputation was declining. Ma Shang reluctantly agreed. Meanwhile, An Jing was spending time with her mother, who was recovering from a recent illness. An Jing received a text from Ma Shang asking for her home address, as he wanted to send a gift for her mother's recovery.
An Jing initially resisted, concerned about exposing their connection, but Ma Shang assured her he could handle it discreetly. Still, An Jing refused to accept any undeserved gifts. Ma Shang countered that the gift was for her mother, who would surely appreciate it. An Jing then complained to her mother about her "unique colleague."
Her mother, learning the colleague was male and had insisted on sending a gift after An Jing mentioned her illness, approved the gesture and asked An Jing to convey her thanks and happiness to him. An Jing sent a message to Ma Shang as requested. Separately, Du Meng called Ma Shang, informing him that he had gathered additional clues regarding the ten-year-old case and would send them over.
He stressed the importance of carefully reviewing the information, given the scarcity of leads over time. Ma Shang acknowledged his efficiency. Miao Fei requested and received a large volume of data, less than ten percent of the Administration Center's three-year records, to conduct an audit herself, declining offers of assistance from the Finance Center. Miao Lu then arrived at Miao Fei's office for her interview, happy that her sister was finally paying attention to her.
Miao Fei reminded Miao Lu not to disclose anything about their father's situation and cautioned her that the workplace was far more complex than she imagined, contrasting it with Miao Lu's past dismissal of their father's and her own worries about company matters. Miao Lu affirmed her understanding. Ma Shang invited Cheng Lei to Zhou Lian's restaurant, where Cheng Lei quickly realized Ma Shang needed his help.
Ma Shang explained that Miao Lu, Miao Fei's recently graduated sister, would be joining the Technology Department. He expressed concern that Pang Yishan's faction might ostracize her and sought Cheng Lei's assistance. Cheng Lei playfully asked if Ma Shang and Miao Fei were romantically involved, which Ma Shang denied, stating he simply felt sympathetic towards Miao Fei's family after their recent hardships and hoped Cheng Lei could support Miao Lu as a newcomer.
Zhou Lian then approached Ma Shang, asking for his help to promote her restaurant's new menu. Ma Shang offered to connect her with a friend who worked at a TV station. Miao Lu officially started her position. Cheng Lei showed her to her desk and assigned her data to audit, instructing her to familiarize herself with the environment.
Miao Lu questioned the efficiency of segmenting the data, but Cheng Lei explained it was a security measure, assuring her that he and another engineer would handle the final consolidation. He then departed for a regular meeting. At the meeting, Pang Yishan elaborated on a crucial new project for Dinghua, emphasizing its substantial investment and potential to transform the medical device market. He stressed the need for thorough planning, risk assessment, and contingency measures.
Miao Fei volunteered to lead the project, offering to collaborate with the R&D department. Professor Zou and Lin Xiaolan approved, assigning Miao Fei the responsibility. Professor Zou then announced that his synthetic technology project was nearing completion and required a special assistant due to the increased workload and prior confidentiality. He specified the need for someone with an excellent professional background, who was safe, reliable, and could quickly integrate into the project.
Pang Yishan advocated for an internal candidate from the R&D department, a sentiment supported by Lin Xiaolan. Lin Xiaolan then assigned Ma Shang to oversee the recruitment process. An Jing encountered Ma Shang's mother, Hu Yuping, at a supermarket. An Jing thanked Hu Yuping for her help during her mother's illness and offered to treat her to dinner.
Hu Yuping suggested An Jing bring her boyfriend to dinner, to which An Jing, forgetting Ma Shang's earlier fabrication, replied that she did not have a boyfriend. This delighted Hu Yuping, who then offered to treat An Jing instead and mentioned Ma Shang's desire to catch up. An Jing, realizing her mistake, quickly excused herself for an urgent meeting. Later, at a meeting held on a yacht, An Jing arrived late.
Ma Shang disclosed his suspicion that Miao Fei was doubting his identity, citing her intentional probing and her introduction of Zhou Lian to him. An Jing took responsibility, recalling that during her interrogation of Miao Fei, when Miao Fei suspected Ma Shang, Du Meng had interjected to tell her not to doubt him, which likely fueled Miao Fei's suspicions. Du Meng, present at the meeting, expressed remorse and offered to report his error to Department Chief Song.
Ma Shang acknowledged the "hidden danger" but reassured Du Meng that it was not a major issue he couldn't handle, urging An Jing to comfort him. They discussed Miao Fei's shifting attitude towards Zhou Lian. An Jing theorized that with her fiancé's death and her father's arrest, Miao Fei's emotional support system had narrowed to her best friend.
An Jing believed Miao Fei was not protecting Zhou Lian out of loyalty but out of self-preservation, grappling with rational suspicion and emotional denial, and potentially using Ma Shang to approach Zhou Lian to alleviate her own uncertainties. Ma Shang found this psychological assessment plausible. An Jing then recounted her awkward encounter with Ma Shang's mother and her accidental revelation that she did not have a boyfriend, invalidating Ma Shang's earlier lie.
Ma Shang dismissed it, stating his mother would persist in encouraging him to pursue An Jing regardless. At An Jing's home, her mother admired the "Anshen tea" sent by a colleague. Du Meng arrived to collect some clothes for An Jing. An Jing's mother, connecting this to An Jing's earlier comment about a "unique colleague," questioned Du Meng about any new colleagues taking special care of An Jing, hoping to thank them.
Du Meng vaguely replied that An Jing was popular and everyone looked out for her. An Jing's mother then asked Du Meng if he had considered transferring positions, noting the demanding nature of their work. Du Meng stated he was committed to his chosen path. She then inquired about the danger level of their current case, knowing she couldn't ask for specifics. Du Meng admitted it wasn't entirely safe but promised An Jing would be protected with him around.
Misinterpreting his words, An Jing's mother, expressing her constant worry for An Jing's safety and future, urged Du Meng to persuade An Jing to transfer out of the reconnaissance section. Du Meng was initially excited, thinking she was entrusting An Jing to him, but quickly realized her true intention. He hesitated, pointing out the inappropriateness of a team leader telling his section chief to transfer, anticipating a reprimand.
An Jing's mother then appealed to his friendship, reminding him of An Jing's unwavering support for him and stressing her concern for An Jing's well-being and her ability to lead a normal life. Ma Shang discussed Professor Zou's special assistant recruitment with him, advocating for recruiting a technician from a national scientific research institution to ensure security and efficiency. Yu Haoran overheard this conversation and reported it to Lin Xiaolan and Pang Yishan.
Pang Yishan expressed strong disapproval, deeming Ma Shang's decision rash for not consulting them first. He argued that hiring an outsider would demoralize internal staff, emphasizing that internal competition was crucial for employee vitality and growth, and questioned how an unknown external candidate could be more secure than a thoroughly vetted internal employee. Lin Xiaolan supported Pang Yishan's stance, agreeing that opportunities for advancement were the "source of all vitality" within a company.
Yu Haoran was pleased with the outcome, telling Yang Xun that Lin Xiaolan had decided on an internal campaign for the position, and expressing confidence in his own qualifications and connections. Yang Xun inquired about Miao Lu's work performance. Yu Haoran stated her work was adequate but subtly mentioned that she was initially rejected for the role and only recruited later by Ma Shang through a separate interview, implying special treatment.
Yang Xun worried that Cheng Lei, Yu Haoran's main competitor, might form a clique with Ma Shang and Miao Lu. Yu Haoran concurred with this concern. Later, at the office, Yu Haoran deliberately brought up Miao Lu's family background, mentioning her father, Miao Huanyang, prompting discussions among colleagues about her identity and her seemingly humble role in data accounting. Cheng Lei intervened, assigning a new data accounting task to the group that needed to be completed meticulously by the end of the day.
Episode 19 Recap
During a work assessment involving data from the accounting team, Miao Lu's computer suddenly crashed, resulting in the loss of data for the entire accounting team. Yu Haoran aggressively blamed Miao Lu, implying a virus on her computer, and demanded that the recalculated data be submitted by tomorrow morning. Miao Lu took on the daunting task of redoing all the data herself. Meanwhile, Ma Shang was at the pier, avoiding his mother.
He had just finished a phone call with Zhou Lian, for whom he had arranged a classmate to film a promotional video, viewing it as an opportunity to gather information and "trap" her. An Jing arrived at the pier to check data. Ma Shang remarked that she appeared jealous when he mentioned Zhou Lian, a comment An Jing dismissed as narcissistic.
Ma Shang then asked if his mother had contacted her, which An Jing confirmed, stating his mother was inviting her for a meal. Ma Shang instructed An Jing to delay the invitation for as long as possible, but An Jing sighed, finding it difficult to keep making excuses. Later that night, Cheng Lei found Miao Lu still at the office, diligently redoing the lost data.
Miao Lu explained the situation, reiterating Yu Haoran's accusation of a virus on her computer and his strict deadline. She expressed her frustration and determination to complete the work and assert herself against Yu Haoran. Cheng Lei examined her computer and confirmed there was no virus, suggesting the issue might have been with Yu Haoran’s hard drive, although Miao Lu mentioned Yu Haoran claimed to format it after every transfer.
Despite Miao Lu's resolve to handle it alone, Cheng Lei, feeling it was unfair, offered to help with half the data. Miao Lu was touched and accepted his help. The following morning, Miao Fei discovered Miao Lu asleep in the office, having worked until four AM. Miao Fei urged her to wash up and get breakfast. Miao Lu wondered why Yu Haoran was so hostile towards Miao Fei.
Miao Fei explained that Yu Haoran and her assistant, Yang Xun, were a close-knit and "vicious" group. She declared that she would not allow them to think they could bully her or Miao Lu, intending to teach them a lesson. Later, Miao Fei met with An Jing and provided her with Yang Xun's expense records. These records detailed extensive fraudulent reimbursements and embezzlement of company funds over the past three years.
An Jing acknowledged the seriousness of the embezzlement but noted that it ironically made Yang Xun a less likely candidate for the corporate spy. An Jing then showed Miao Fei a photo of her father, Miao Huanyang, explaining that he had repeatedly requested for her to see it to reassure her. Miao Fei was deeply moved, observing that her father looked healthier and genuinely happy, which An Jing attributed to his mental freedom and improved spirit.
Miao Fei tearfully confessed that she had always aspired to be a successful entrepreneur like her father but now realized she had been naive, failing to perceive the ulterior motives of those around her. She concluded that her decision to confess everything and cooperate with An Jing was the wisest choice she had ever made. Cheng Lei sought Ma Shang's advice regarding Miao Lu.
Ma Shang noted Miao Lu’s maturity in not escalating the conflict with Yu Haoran, which could otherwise be interpreted as Miao Fei using her sister to challenge a team leader. Cheng Lei admitted to making a minor procedural adjustment during Miao Lu's recruitment, worrying about accusations of forming a mutually beneficial faction with Miao Fei.
To shield Miao Lu from Yu Haoran's harassment, Cheng Lei planned to apply for her unit to be incorporated into his project team, acknowledging the risk of being smeared himself. He found Miao Lu to be an "interesting girl" and felt it would be a waste for her to leave. Simultaneously, Du Meng received a phone call confirming the source of the funds sent to his family, which matched his suspicions.
This news left him visibly distracted and even caused him to be late for a meeting, prompting Ma Shang's concern. During the meeting, An Jing reported on her conversation with Miao Fei. She presented evidence of Yang Xun's detailed and reliable embezzlement of company funds over the past three years. Ma Shang questioned if this development ruled out Yang Xun as a corporate spy, doubting a high-profile spy would engage in such risky behavior.
An Jing conceded that the lead on Yang Xun was likely "broken." Given Yang Xun's constant internal friction and obstruction of their investigation, they decided to let Dinghua handle the matter internally and remove him. Du Meng added that Dinghua should manage its own workplace problems. Miao Fei called Yang Xun into her office, reminding him of her trust and the authority she had delegated to him as her special assistant.
She then revealed the extensive fraudulent expense reports, confronting him with evidence of significant embezzlement. Yang Xun attempted to defend himself by citing his hard work, but Miao Fei remained firm, demanding he repay the money and resign immediately. She emphasized that not pressing legal charges was already a considerable leniency. Yang Xun eventually conceded and agreed to leave. Later, Ma Shang dined at Zhou Lian's restaurant.
Zhou Lian treated him, expressing gratitude for his help in arranging the promotional film. She inquired about Miao Fei, to which Ma Shang responded that Miao Fei was overwhelmed with challenges caused by others employing "underhand means." Zhou Lian suggested that Miao Fei consider resigning and starting her own business, asserting that with her accumulated resources and Miao Huanyang’s influence, she could undoubtedly surpass Jia Changan's achievements, particularly regarding securing Class C ore quotas from Dinghua.
Ma Shang praised Zhou Lian for her keen insight into human nature. Meanwhile, Pang Yishan approached Miao Fei regarding Yang Xun's situation. He attempted to downplay the embezzlement as a mere "moment of greed" and urged Miao Fei, as a leader, to "turn a blind eye" if Yang Xun returned the money, claiming it would cause little harm to Dinghua. Miao Fei rejected his proposition, accusing him of hypocrisy given his previous emphasis on strict discipline.
Pang Yishan, undeterred, subtly shifted the blame, reminding Miao Fei that she was the final signatory on the problematic expense reports. He warned that if the matter escalated, she would also be implicated. Ma Shang, having witnessed Pang Yishan's interaction with Miao Fei, offered his support. Miao Fei expressed her concern about Pang Yishan’s formidable influence and means, fearing that a public confrontation would result in both her and Yang Xun being removed.
Ma Shang advised her to bypass a direct confrontation with Pang Yishan and instead approach President Lin Xiaolan. He suggested Miao Fei first admit her own oversight, then present the evidence against Yang Xun, assuring her that Lin Xiaolan would likely support her, especially since Pang Yishan's expanding power also presented a threat to Lin Xiaolan.
Following Ma Shang’s advice, Miao Fei submitted her resignation to President Lin Xiaolan, taking responsibility for the "great losses" to the company caused by her "carelessness" in signing fraudulent expense reports. She presented detailed evidence of Yang Xun's embezzlement. The matter was swiftly brought to a company meeting.
Yang Xun initially denied the allegations, but Ma Shang intervened, proposing that the matter be reported to the police and the Prosecutor General's Office for a thorough external investigation, given its serious nature. Faced with the prospect of a public investigation, Yang Xun confessed to his errors, promised to repay all embezzled funds, and immediately offered his resignation.
After the meeting, Miao Fei thanked Ma Shang, admitting her concern when his statement seemed to align with Pang Yishan's, momentarily making her suspect his intentions. Ma Shang playfully dismissed her concern. Miao Fei then pledged her full support to him should he ever encounter difficulties at Dinghua. Ma Shang declined her invitation for that night, mentioning he had plans with a "female friend," and expressed a wish for her to be his girlfriend.
Meanwhile, Du Meng had been acting strangely. An Jing confronted him, but Du Meng angrily accused her of "charity," demanding to know why she had secretly sent money to his family, and questioning his ability to support them. An Jing, sighing, explained that she did it because she understood his character and knew he wouldn't accept direct help, likening it to receiving aid herself in the past.
Du Meng remained unyielding, asserting that his situation was different now that he was employed and that, while others could help him, she could not. His distress carried into a subsequent meeting. During the meeting, after An Jing reported Yang Xun's forced resignation, she asked Ma Shang about any new information from Zhou Lian, but Ma Shang said they had discussed "nothing important." An Jing noted the prolonged inactivity from the other side since the key was lost.
Du Meng then proposed a shift in strategy, suggesting they shouldn't just wait. He advocated for actively investigating other smaller companies that received quotas from Dinghua, much like their previous investigation into Chang'an Technology. Du Meng's suggestion sparked a realization in Ma Shang, who recalled Zhou Lian's precise knowledge of Jia Changan's Class C ore quota. Ma Shang questioned An Jing whether Miao Fei had known about Jia Changan's quota before the incident.
An Jing confirmed that Miao Fei had not been privy to such detailed information before the incident and would not have spoken about it due to the sensitivity surrounding her father's reputation and potential conflicts of interest. Ma Shang was left wondering how Zhou Lian had such specific knowledge. Separately, Miao Lu sought out Miao Fei, having heard about Yang Xun's resignation.
She believed it was a direct consequence of her own recent troubles and assured Miao Fei that she would no longer tolerate bullying from Yu Haoran, as their team was now under Cheng Lei's supervision. Her eyes lit up as Miao Lu spoke admiringly of Cheng Lei and expressed a desire to treat him to a meal, asking Miao Fei if it would violate company rules. Miao Fei advised her to "take good care of this connection."
Episode 20 Recap
An Jing called Miao Fei to confirm if she had ever mentioned to anyone that Changan Science & Technology could obtain a C-type quota from Dinghua. Miao Fei was certain she had never spoken about it to anyone. Ma Shang was puzzled by how Zhou Lian might have known this information. The team re-examined surveillance footage from when Jia Changan died and discovered that his parking spot was directly outside Zhou Lian's restaurant.
This revelation made Zhou Lian their primary suspect. An Jing stated that while Zhou Lian was highly suspicious, they could not arrest her without substantive evidence. She then assigned Du Meng and Lao Liu to lead a 24-hour surveillance operation on Zhou Lian to prevent her from escaping and to monitor her social connections. An Jing emphasized that they needed to fully control Zhou Lian's daily activities, record anything suspicious, and avoid revealing themselves unless absolutely necessary for safety.
Meanwhile, Ma Shang noticed Du Meng's subdued demeanor and asked An Jing about their relationship, suggesting Du Meng might be pursuing her. An Jing dismissed it as trivial, but Ma Shang advised her to clarify things with Du Meng, warning that "a person who keeps digging a deep hole won't come out so easily." An Jing insisted there was nothing between them that needed explaining and told Ma Shang to focus on the case.
Overseas, a man named Jeffrey instructed a person he called "Bat," whose name was Bouchard Isabelle, to go to China. Jeffrey explained that Qiao Xichuan had been disobedient, and Bat was to "teach him a lesson." Jeffrey cautioned Bat not to underestimate China's National Security System (NSS), as they were already involved in the investigation. The next day, An Jing met Miao Fei, who quickly deduced that An Jing suspected Zhou Lian.
An Jing confirmed that Zhou Lian knew about Changan Science & Technology consistently receiving C-type quotas from Dinghua. An Jing clarified that it wasn't certain if Jia Changan had told her, as Zhou Lian might also know other high-level executives at Dinghua. Miao Fei then admitted that when An Jing had shown her a photo of Jia Changan's lover, her first impression was that the person looked like Zhou Lian.
However, she had dismissed it as a baseless thought, deceiving herself because she didn't want to believe it. An Jing empathized with Miao Fei, telling her that facing the truth was essential for a turning point, and that if someone in her life was wrong for her, whether in love or friendship, she should leave as soon as possible to find the right people. Miao Fei agreed, acknowledging her own weakness.
Du Meng and Lao Liu began their surveillance of Zhou Lian, observing her meticulously managing her restaurant. They listened in as she discussed the quality of a dish with her chef, focusing on customer feedback and making changes. Du Meng remarked that Zhou Lian appeared genuinely dedicated to her restaurant, suggesting it might not merely be a cover. At Dinghua, Ma Shang approached Pang Yishan, inquiring whether every part of Dinghua's upcoming medical device product had been patented.
Ma Shang, citing the previous R&D Archives incident, expressed concern about the risk of someone stealing cryptographic keys or technical files, which could lead to significant financial losses if competitors created imitations. He argued that it was crucial to investigate any potential document leaks. Pang Yishan found Ma Shang's reasoning valid and assigned him the task of investigating the matter, instructing Yu Haoran to cooperate.
Yu Haoran, who was present, appeared uneasy, particularly when Ma Shang confidently stated that data, even from obsolete hard drives, could still be restored. Yu Haoran tried to downplay the possibility of leaks from personal computers. An Jing and Du Meng met, both reporting no significant progress on the case. An Jing asked Du Meng why he had previously said that everyone else could help her but he couldn't.
Du Meng hesitantly explained that it was because she was his direct superior and someone he deeply admired. An Jing pointed out that their current dynamic was affecting their work and clarified that she had always considered him a friend, and there could be no other type of relationship between them. Du Meng said he understood and accepted this, but he still refused to accept the financial assistance An Jing had provided to his family.
An Jing reassured him by suggesting he consider it a loan without interest, which Du Meng eventually agreed to. He Zixuan and Ma Shang were relieved to see An Jing and Du Meng reconcile. He Zixuan later reviewed all surveillance videos and confirmed that while Zhou Lian had been active around Dinghua, she had never entered the building, as if deliberately avoiding suspicion.
His analysis using the SkyEye system did not identify anyone matching Zhou Lian's physical traits on the day of the incident. Furthermore, Zhou Lian's phone records for the past two months showed no contact with any other high-level executives at Dinghua, apart from Ma Shang himself, which Lao Liu humorously flagged as suspicious. Overall, Zhou Lian's daily routine was exceptionally simple, bordering on "too ordinary." Miao Fei visited Zhou Lian at her restaurant, where she was seeing off a customer.
Miao Fei scheduled a dinner at her home for Saturday and mentioned how busy she had been with work since Yang Xun left, realizing how much work he actually handled. Yang Xun met with Pang Yishan, desperately asking for help. He explained that despite selling his house and car and borrowing from all his friends, he was still 2 million yuan short of repaying the embezzled funds before the deadline, fearing Miao Fei would send him to jail.
Pang Yishan gave him a card containing only 100,000 yuan, telling Yang Xun that he had made a mistake and must bear the consequences himself. Pang Yishan then promptly left. Miao Lu bought Cheng Lei milk tea and persistently asked him to have dinner with her to thank him for helping her with data previously. Cheng Lei initially tried to decline but eventually accepted her invitation.
As they were talking, a drunken Yang Xun approached them, yelling insults and accusing them of having an affair. He then blamed Miao Fei, calling her a "bitch" who conspired with Ma Shang to ruin him, and physically assaulted Miao Lu. Cheng Lei immediately intervened, getting into a fight with Yang Xun. Ma Shang, who happened to be passing by, quickly stepped in and helped Cheng Lei subdue Yang Xun, bringing an end to the chaotic scene.
Bat, also known as Bouchard Isabelle, arrived in China and checked into a hotel. Upon entering her room, she thoroughly inspected it and remarked that it was "so dirty" before stating, with a knowing look, "Sometimes not clean is clean." On Saturday, Miao Fei invited Zhou Lian to her home for dinner. While Miao Fei was busy in the kitchen, she intentionally left some Dinghua R&D documents on the living room sofa.
Zhou Lian, sitting nearby, glanced towards the kitchen, then looked at the documents. Instead of picking them up to read, she deliberately used a throw blanket to cover them. An Jing and Du Meng, observing this via surveillance, were puzzled. They noted that a normal person would at least be curious enough to look at the documents, and Zhou Lian's action of covering them up clearly indicated that she had sensed danger.
Episode 21 Recap
After Zhou Lian got into a taxi, she sent a message to Qiao Xichuan, informing him that Miao Fei was already suspicious and that she might be under surveillance. Qiao Xichuan instructed her to execute a backup plan. Zhou Lian then took a long taxi ride, circling extensively before returning to her residence. Surveillance observed this, noting it was a clear indication of her suspicion. Qiao Xichuan was in a coffee shop nearby, and Bat had been secretly observing.
An Jing and Du Meng, seeing this, realized Zhou Lian was already suspicious. Du Meng questioned if they should apprehend her, but An Jing explained that without solid evidence, they couldn't, as Zhou Lian wouldn't confess, and interrogation wasn't always a guaranteed breakthrough. An Jing then suggested to Miao Fei, who was worried she might have revealed something, that she confront Zhou Lian directly.
An Jing reassured Miao Fei that she had performed well, and Miao Fei agreed to a showdown. Miao Fei was deeply distressed, recalling her initial friendship with Zhou Lian from their yoga class and how their relationship had become so complicated, making her feel heartbroken. Bat took out a set of professional equipment, seemingly ready for action. Miao Fei spent a night in agony, recalling her initial friendship with Zhou Lian and the deep trust she had placed in her.
She remembered An Jing's earlier revelations about Jia Changan's infidelity and his potential involvement in a smuggling case, and how Zhou Lian had sworn she would never betray her. Despite her distress, Miao Fei decided to confront Zhou Lian. She arrived at Zhou Lian’s Western restaurant with a stern expression, which visibly unsettled Zhou Lian, who then dismissed her staff.
Miao Fei immediately accused Zhou Lian of lying and of her "nasty activities" with Jia Changan, mentioning "disgusting photos" she had seen on a USB flash drive. Miao Fei expressed her profound sense of betrayal, having considered Zhou Lian her best friend. Zhou Lian attempted to explain, but Miao Fei revealed that her last visit was a test, a chance for Zhou Lian to confess, which she failed, instead speaking of sisterhood.
Miao Fei declared the end of their friendship and conveyed her intense hatred upon seeing the photos. She then mentioned a voice recorder she possessed but hadn't had the courage to listen to, fearing she'd hear something that would make her sick. Zhou Lian panicked at the mention of the recorder, pleading that she too was deceived by Jia Changan and begging Miao Fei to hand it over.
Miao Fei, with a cold expression, pulled away and exited the restaurant, leaving Zhou Lian calling after her. Zhou Lian, unable to contain herself, rushed out of the restaurant into the pouring rain. Du Meng observed her obtaining change and using a public phone booth to call Qiao Xichuan. She told him that Miao Fei had visited, confirming she had photos of Zhou Lian and Jia Changan, as well as a voice recorder that might contain evidence.
Qiao Xichuan quickly hung up and turned off his phone, preventing An Jing from pinpointing his location due to the short call duration. He then called Zhou Lian back, warning her that she was being watched and arranging to meet at their usual spot. Zhou Lian accelerated her pace through the rain, with Du Meng and Lao Liu covertly following. She grew increasingly paranoid, perceiving everyone around her as a police officer.
Suddenly, she inadvertently spotted Bat, who had been setting up surveillance equipment nearby, and panicked, attempting to flee in fright. In her haste, she was struck by a car in the street. Zhou Lian died from her injuries. Bat later reported to Jeffrey that Zhou Lian had been terminated, noting her unawareness of being exposed and her contact with Qiao Xichuan while under surveillance.
Jeffrey cautioned Bat to be wary of Qiao Xichuan's retaliation, given his close relationship with Zhou Lian, but Bat confidently dismissed the threat, assuring Jeffrey that Qiao Xichuan would not suspect him. Investigators discovered a final text message from Zhou Lian's phone, containing only the numbers "228," sent to an unregistered number. Back at the bureau after collecting evidence from Zhou Lian’s restaurant, Du Meng questioned why Zhou Lian had suddenly behaved so frantically.
An Jing showed him surveillance footage highlighting Zhou Lian’s evident fear upon seeing Bat, the individual who had been observed setting up equipment earlier. An Jing explained that the SkyEye system had failed to capture Bat's face from any angle, and gait recognition could not track him after he crossed the street. Meanwhile, Qiao Xichuan received a phone call confirming Zhou Lian’s autopsy report, which stated her death was an accidental traffic accident.
Jeffrey then called Qiao Xichuan, calmly informing him that he had "solved" his problem by eliminating Zhou Lian, claiming it was because she was under National Security's surveillance, thus preventing Qiao Xichuan's exposure. Qiao Xichuan was furious, stating that he and Zhou Lian were only interested in money, not in risking their lives. Jeffrey, unfazed, justified his actions by asserting that some lives are insignificant when billions in profit are at stake, especially if they are not their own.
He then offered Qiao Xichuan Zhou Lian's share of the materials modeling business and corresponding remuneration, which Qiao Xichuan, after a moment of contemplation, accepted. Bat meticulously left his hotel room without leaving any traces. The National Security team, including An Jing, was in a state of low morale. Ma Shang analyzed the "228" text message Zhou Lian sent before her death, suggesting it could be related to the phone's nine-key input method, potentially spelling "cat," "bat," or "act."
He posited this might point to the killer's identity, but they were still unable to definitively determine its meaning, and all clues seemed to have been broken. Du Meng offered a self-criticism to Director Qin and Department Chief Song for the failure to capture Zhou Lian. Director Qin, however, dismissed the self-criticism as unhelpful at this critical juncture, urging Du Meng to focus on future actions instead. Ma Shang found An Jing dejected, sitting alone.
He tried to comfort her by sharing a personal story of a past failure, emphasizing that even the most formidable enemies leave clues. An Jing, reflecting on her seven years of flawless work, expressed her current struggle to move forward. She then voiced her concern for Ma Shang's safety, as two lives had already been lost in the case. Ma Shang playfully reassured her that he wouldn't abandon her.
Meanwhile, Miao Fei was distraught over Zhou Lian's death, crying to her sister Miao Lu, who became very concerned about her well-being and later asked Ma Shang if there were problems with the company, as Miao Fei seemed to be on the verge of collapse. An Jing presented new findings: evidence confirmed Zhou Lian was the contact for Liu Baoqiang, proving her involvement in technology theft.
This was corroborated by traffic surveillance video and her rental of a car under a false identity, which aligned with the vehicle seen during their earlier monitoring of Liu Baoqiang. Furthermore, data recovered from Zhou Lian's personal computer revealed she was the actual controller of Changan Technology's "minority shares," making her not only a participant but likely one of the leading players in the ore smuggling case, and potentially even controlling Jia Changan.
An Jing theorized that the person behind Zhou Lian was likely not Xu He, as the informant who warned Zhou Lian and the murderer of Jia Changan seemed to be a younger or middle-aged individual, contrasting with Xu He's perceived limited mobility. Moreover, no one matching Xu He's description was seen during the surveillance of Zhou Lian's death.
She proposed a more extreme theory: Xu He, who had only been spotted once at Jia Changan's funeral and later at Miao Huanyang's hospital before vanishing without a trace, might be a younger male disguising himself as an old man. This could explain the inconsistencies in their observations of the "suddenly appearing and disappearing" individual(s).
Department Chief Song acknowledged that this hypothesis could explain many questions but stressed the need for concrete clues and clear objectives, suggesting they await further information from Ma Shang, hoping for a major breakthrough.
Episode 22 Recap
Ma Shang secretly entered Dinghua and discovered that Yu Haoran's computer hard drive had been newly replaced. He later shared this information with An Jing, Du Meng, and Zixuan, explaining that he had suggested re-investigating the Dinghua network virus to determine which documents were leaked. He found that all computers in the R&D department had hard drive usage records over a year old, except for Yu Haoran's, which only had a few days of records.
This change occurred on the same day Ma Shang submitted his application for the network virus investigation. Ma Shang noted that R&D department regulations require an application to the IT department for hardware replacement, but Yu Haoran had no such record. This indicated Yu Haoran had a guilty conscience and had likely replaced the hard drive to conceal sensitive information, suggesting a significant data leak. Du Meng added that the critical question was whether the information was intentionally distributed.
An Jing revealed that Department Chief Song believed approval for comprehensive surveillance of Yu Haoran might not be granted. Du Meng questioned why, given Yu Haoran's obvious guilty conscience. An Jing clarified that without concrete evidence of deliberate information leakage or knowledge of what information was compromised, Yu Haoran’s action might merely be seen as covering up a work violation, not a crime.
Du Meng worried they would miss vital clues without monitoring his calls, but An Jing insisted they must follow existing protocols and gather more evidence to secure surveillance approval. Yu Haoran left Dinghua early, and National Security agents followed him to a bar, where he met Yang Xun. An Jing, listening in, heard Yang Xun, visibly upset with Pang Yishan, ask Yu Haoran for a two million loan.
Yu Haoran, however, suggested Yang Xun sell his house, remarking that starting over was not a big deal for a capable man. He implied he could not provide such a sum and that selling the house was a more practical solution than a risky mortgage loan. Yang Xun, realizing Yu Haoran would not help, angrily accused him of being as morally bankrupt as Pang Yishan and dismissed him.
Yu Haoran then advised Yang Xun to reflect on his situation, stating, "Heaven helps those who help themselves," before leaving. An Jing instructed the agents to continue monitoring Yang Xun until he left the bar, while Yu Haoran returned to the office to work overtime. Du Meng volunteered to track Yu Haoran over the upcoming weekend, which was approved. Later that evening, Ma Shang brought his mother’s homemade food to the office for the team.
An Jing pulled Ma Shang aside to speak privately, much to Du Meng’s playful annoyance. An Jing revealed she had arranged to have lunch with Ma Shang’s mother the following day. Ma Shang was surprised and asked if his mother had been pressuring her. An Jing denied it, saying his mother was quite endearing and constantly sent caring messages.
She acknowledged that at their age, parents often need to be "coaxed" like children and assured Ma Shang she could handle his mother, even suggesting Ma Shang might not need to attend. Ma Shang, knowing his mother's personality, insisted on being there. An Jing confirmed the restaurant was safe and playfully mentioned that his mother had been sending her childhood photos of Ma Shang and sharing embarrassing stories about his adolescence, much to Ma Shang’s chagrin.
He nervously pressed her for details. Separately, Miao Lu called Cheng Lei and invited him to see a movie the next day, stating she had two tickets. Cheng Lei initially demurred, claiming he rarely watched movies, but Miao Lu insisted he needed a break, and he eventually agreed. The next day, Ma Shang picked up his mother, who had meticulously dressed for the lunch, while Ma Shang himself was more casually attired.
His mother expressed disappointment in his appearance for such an "important occasion," but he reassured her that her own "brilliant" look was sufficient. On the way, Ma Shang spotted Cheng Lei waiting outside a movie theater and stopped to greet him. Cheng Lei looked surprised to see Ma Shang. Ma Shang quickly deduced that Cheng Lei was waiting for Miao Lu.
Cheng Lei, embarrassed, clarified that Miao Lu had invited him to the movie as a thank you and pleaded with Ma Shang not to mention it at the office. Ma Shang promised to keep it a secret, jokingly taking credit for their budding romance.
At the cinema, Miao Lu asked Cheng Lei about the competition to become Professor Zou's assistant, offering to use her sister's connections to help him, emphasizing that connections matter as much as capability when qualifications are similar. Cheng Lei, however, felt the favor was too significant, especially since he believed their movie outing had already settled any debt of gratitude from the Yang Xun incident. Miao Lu, flustered, quickly turned the conversation to the movie, which had just begun.
Meanwhile, at the restaurant, Ma Shang’s mother and An Jing’s mother met warmly. Ma Shang’s mother inquired if An Jing’s mother liked the gifts "our little pony" (Ma Shang) had sent when she was discharged from the hospital, revealing that Ma Shang was the one who bought them, contrary to An Jing’s earlier suggestion that a colleague had done so. Ma Shang then explained he had bought calming tea and a sleeping pillow.
Ma Shang’s mother then proudly mentioned that Ma Shang worked at Dinghua as a human resources manager, "always working late." An Jing’s mother was impressed by his executive position and his good looks, then wondered why both Ma Shang and An Jing, despite their excellent qualities, were still unmarried. Both mothers began to subtly push for a match between them. An Jing tried to change the subject as her mother emphasized the wisdom of elders.
Suddenly, An Jing received a call from Du Meng, who reported that Yu Haoran had received an envelope from an unidentified man, suggesting a potential transaction. An Jing quickly prepared to leave, apologizing to the mothers for the interruption. Ma Shang’s mother urged Ma Shang to escort An Jing out. As Ma Shang walked An Jing to her car, he asked about the situation, expressing confidence in Du Meng’s handling of it.
An Jing, however, worried aloud about the possibility of another "headache" lunch, to which Ma Shang jokingly replied that it was good for future in-laws to get along, prompting An Jing to playfully scold him for taking advantage. Ma Shang, feigning seriousness, claimed he was "sacrificing everything for the mission." Yu Haoran was tracked to the vicinity of Professor Zou's house. Lao Liu, recalling recent violent incidents, suggested intercepting him.
However, Du Meng calmly refused, explaining that their primary mission was to find suspicious points in Yu Haoran's behavior, not to act based on assumptions. He noted they didn’t know what was in the envelope, and a meeting between colleagues was normal. Du Meng stressed that they couldn't be overly cautious due to past events nor refuse necessary risks.
He instructed Wang Zuo to take over surveillance at Professor Zou's home, ensure their conversation was recorded, and intervene immediately if Professor Zou’s safety was threatened. Yu Haoran met Professor Zou, presenting him with an envelope containing highly sought-after tickets to a music opera. Yu Haoran explained a friend at the City Opera House had helped him obtain them, remembering Professor Zou's love for operas.
Professor Zou was delighted and offered to pay, but Yu Haoran politely refused, stating it was a small gesture of appreciation for Professor Zou's guidance at work. Yu Haoran then left, declining an invitation to stay for dinner, claiming he had to work overtime. An Jing later arrived and was briefed on the situation, but signal issues prevented direct listening to the conversation. Zixuan, Ma Shang, and Du Meng reviewed surveillance footage of Zhou Lian’s last movements.
Zixuan reported a significant new clue: a man with an umbrella had been following Zhou Lian after she crossed Deyang Walking Street, appearing for the last time at a surveillance blind spot on Youyi Road, where she was killed, before vanishing from the SkyEye system. An Jing suggested he might have escaped by car or entered a nearby shop.
Zixuan noted that no camera captured his face, likely due to the umbrella, and the SkyEye system couldn’t track his gait, implying he altered it. His common attire and unremarkable physique made him indistinguishable in the crowded area. An Jing observed that their focus had initially been solely on Zhou Lian's movements. She then instructed them to investigate if any vehicles were reported stolen in the vicinity that day.
Following this, An Jing abruptly asked Ma Shang about the earlier business lunch. Ma Shang, caught off guard, dramatically described the situation as "grim" and the "operation too well run," claiming he was "completely surprised" and did his best. An Jing playfully called him an "idiot" and told him to "make himself useful," all while Du Meng and Zixuan watched, amused by their open flirting.
That night, a heavily drunk Yang Xun, still at the bar lamenting that everyone looked down on him, was approached by a bearded man. The man introduced himself as the CEO of Xingchuang Science and Technology, gave Yang Xun his business card, and claimed to be in business discussions with Dinghua. He subtly expressed interest in learning about Dinghua’s competitors and invited Yang Xun for a private conversation, promising to divulge everything he knew.
At Dinghua, Pang Yishan confronted Yu Haoran and Cheng Lei about the R&D department's weekly report, noting that data calculation was "slower than expected." Yu Haoran explained that he and Cheng Lei used different calculation methods in their respective groups, which caused delays when trying to merge the data. Pang Yishan then visited Professor Zou, explaining that the differing calculation methods by Cheng Lei and Yu Haoran were affecting efficiency and delaying work.
He proposed assigning the final data calculation to a single group and recommended Yu Haoran's team, praising their maturity, outstanding performance, and Yu Haoran’s immediate willingness to take charge. Professor Zou, recalling Yu Haoran's recent gift of opera tickets, agreed to let Yu Haoran handle the calculations. Outside, Cheng Lei, Miao Lu, and Ma Shang discussed this development.
Miao Lu expressed outrage that Cheng Lei's work would be taken over by Yu Haoran, suspecting Pang Yishan's motives were not purely technical but aimed at securing the assistant position for Yu Haoran. Miao Lu declared her intention to speak with her sister, Miao Fei, to intervene. Cheng Lei, however, urged her not to, arguing that Professor Zou had already approved the decision, and her intervention would only escalate the conflict without changing the outcome. Ma Shang, observing their conversation, remarked to himself that Miao Lu seemed to genuinely like Cheng Lei and questioned Cheng Lei's conscience, reminding him of Miao Lu's past help.
Episode 23 Recap
Miao Lu enters Miao Fei's office without knocking, carrying a silk scarf that is Miao Fei's favorite brand. Miao Fei, annoyed, tells her to state her intentions directly instead of fawning. Miao Lu reveals she wants Miao Fei to help Cheng Lei be in charge of the final accounting for the company's current project, which is crucial for his selection as Professor Zou's assistant.
Miao Fei questions Miao Lu's intense interest in Cheng Lei, to which Miao Lu explains that Cheng Lei was kind to them, having been beaten by Yang Xun while protecting Miao Fei from trouble. Miao Fei agrees to try her best, acknowledging she doesn't want Pang Yishan's faction to dominate, but also knows they are difficult opponents. She then urges Miao Lu to leave quickly to avoid gossip.
During a meeting, Miao Fei proposes reassigning Yu Haoran to handle factory connections and letting Cheng Lei manage the data accounting. Pang Yishan immediately objects, arguing that such important work should go to a more experienced team like Yu Haoran's, not Cheng Lei's newer group. The dispute is cut short by Lin Xiaolan, who suggests discussing the matter further after the meeting.
In her office, Lin Xiaolan later confronts Miao Fei about an anonymous report regarding Cheng Lei and Miao Lu's close relationship. While dismissing it as a private matter, Lin Xiaolan expresses disappointment, questioning if Miao Fei is using this connection to promote Cheng Lei. Miao Fei denies it.
Lin Xiaolan acknowledges Pang Yishan's improper work behavior but warns Miao Fei that their continuous arguments could lead to both Yu Haoran and Cheng Lei being sidelined, leaving the critical accounting work undone. She advises Miao Fei, as Miao Huanyang's daughter, to adopt a long-term perspective and avoid internal conflicts, emphasizing that cooperation is the foundation of modern business. Miao Fei thanks her, stating she now understands what she needs to do.
Ma Shang briefs An Jing and Du Meng on the situation at Dinghua, confirming that Yu Haoran is still assigned to the project's final phase. An Jing questions why Ma Shang came in person for such a minor update instead of calling, to which he playfully replies he wanted to see her. Du Meng volunteers to stay behind to help He Zixuan analyze videos, secretly intending to discuss An Jing's father's case with Ma Shang.
Du Meng reports that their investigation into the drunk driver Fan Dewei, whose daughter received leukemia treatment, led to a significant clue. After Fan Dewei was imprisoned, a charitable organization, secretly backed by the Hermes Group, provided a free marrow transplant for his daughter. This was suspicious because Hermes, an energy company, was linked to energy smuggling—the very crime An Jing's father was investigating.
Du Meng theorizes that Hermes controlled this charitable organization long before formally acquiring it, using good people to further their illicit activities. Meanwhile, Yang Xun contacts "President He," who is actually Qiao Xichuan in disguise, to arrange a meeting and apologize for his previous conduct. Qiao Xichuan agrees. After the call, Qiao Xichuan, while planting a listening device on a car, discusses mineral updates and his plan to wait for Dinghua's next move regarding data manipulation.
Yang Xun meets "President He" and asks for a two-million-yuan loan to cover his company debts. Qiao Xichuan initially feigns reluctance but then agrees to help, taking Yang Xun to a gambling house. He introduces Yang Xun to Nanxi, the manager, and leaves under the pretense of meeting another friend, promising to return. Yang Xun gambles, loses all his money, and accrues a significant debt with the gambling house.
He desperately calls Qiao Xichuan, who arranges for Nanxi to grant him a week to pay, with the interest deducted from Qiao Xichuan's own account. However, Qiao Xichuan later privately tells Yang Xun that he has lost trust in him, refusing to cover any further interest and demanding immediate repayment, dismissing Yang Xun's attempts to leverage his knowledge of Dinghua. Miao Lu expresses her remorse to Cheng Lei for failing to secure his promotion.
Cheng Lei reassures her, saying he has accepted the decision and will simply focus on his work. Miao Lu criticizes Pang Yishan and expresses frustration with Lin Xiaolan's handling of the situation, prompting Cheng Lei to scold her for speaking ill of superiors in an open space and for her low emotional IQ. Cheng Lei then offers to treat Miao Lu to lunch.
Miao Lu suggests Zhou Lian's Western restaurant, but they discover it has been sealed by the Public Safety Bureau. Suggesting a Japanese restaurant, Miao Lu instinctively links arms with Cheng Lei, who doesn't notice until she becomes self-conscious. An Jing summons Ma Shang to the action station, knowing he stayed late the previous night to discuss her father's case with Du Meng. Ma Shang jokingly complains about having to make a special trip to see her.
In the car, An Jing directly asks about the progress in her father's case. Ma Shang reminds her of their agreement that she should not get involved to prevent her emotions from affecting their judgment. An Jing accepts this but shares her own discovery: a car was stolen from a parking lot near where Zhou Lian died, and it has not been recovered.
Ma Shang shares his intel that Pang Yishan is actively pushing for Yu Haoran to become Professor Zou's assistant, and Cheng Lei has given up. While he suspects Pang Yishan, he hasn't found any clear loopholes in his consistent behavior of promoting his own people. Ma Shang then plays a song in the car, reminding An Jing it was the song they used to announce their relationship in college, prompting a subtle smile from her.
An Jing and Du Meng investigate the stolen car. They find no non-family fingerprints on the vehicle, and only one hair sample that doesn't belong to the owner or his family. The steering wheel was wiped clean, and surveillance footage of the suspect shows him carefully concealing his identity, only putting down an umbrella after entering the car, which had anti-UV film. This suggests professional training.
Director Song suggests that the suspect might be "Bat," an Asian criminal known for concealing his identity, who rarely operates in East Asia. He decides to send the test results to Director Qin for more thorough matching and detailed information on "Bat." Later, Miao Lu visits Miao Fei again, remembering to knock this time. She asks about Zhou Lian's restaurant closure and inability to contact her.
Miao Fei claims she is also out of touch with Zhou Lian and speculates that Zhou Lian might be in a bad mood or unwell. She then shifts the conversation to Miao Lu's relationship with Cheng Lei, mentioning rumors that have reached Lin Xiaolan. Miao Lu denies dating Cheng Lei, blaming Yu Haoran for spreading gossip, and jokingly declares she would date Cheng Lei just to spite their rivals.
Cheng Lei attempts to help Yu Haoran's team with their overtime data verification, but Yu Haoran politely refuses, implying their different work styles might lead to errors that would disappoint "the chief." Miao Lu pulls Cheng Lei away, making a snide remark about Yu Haoran's good relationship with "the chief" and his success being due to "romance." Yu Haoran, in turn, generously offers to pay for his team's dinner and late-night snacks, earning their enthusiastic appreciation.
Yang Xun meets "Brother Yong," a mine owner, and tries to build a connection. Brother Yong asks Yang Xun, who studied overseas, for help in sending his high school daughter abroad to study. Yang Xun eagerly agrees, stating he knows people in the field and it wouldn't be difficult, though he implies associated fees and stresses the urgency due to the approaching semester.
An Jing receives a worried call from Uncle Wang, informing her that her mother's mood has deteriorated after he mentioned An Jing's father's case. An Jing requests leave from Director Song and rushes home. Upon arrival, Uncle Wang apologizes for his words. An Jing's mother has changed the door code and refuses to open the door while Uncle Wang is present.
After he leaves, she lets An Jing in, expressing her distress that no one believes her conviction that An Jing's father's death was not an accident. An Jing tries to comfort her mother, attributing her upset to Uncle Wang's insensitive remarks.
Episode 24 Recap
An Jing's mother initiated a conversation with her daughter, reflecting on how many years had passed without them properly discussing her father's accident. She asked An Jing for her thoughts on the matter. An Jing admitted that she, like her mother, had never accepted the incident as merely an accident. She reassured her mother that she believed in her keen intuition and her persistent reasons for questioning the official conclusion over the years.
An Jing promised not to give up investigating, emphasizing that clues, no matter how hidden, eventually surface, and justice, though it may be delayed, is never absent. Later that night, Ma Shang called An Jing, having heard about her mother's emotional distress. An Jing explained that her mother had become agitated after discussing her father with Uncle Wang.
An Jing confessed that while she told her mother she believed her, she privately felt a degree of uncertainty, wondering if her own strong feelings prevented her from accepting her father's death as an accident. Ma Shang reassured her that it's natural for family members to struggle with objectivity in such situations and promised they would uncover the truth. They then wished each other goodnight. Meanwhile, Department Chief Song, Ma Shang, and Du Meng were analyzing their current case.
Song mentioned that the hair sample report had been sent to Director Qin and that they needed to find other breakthroughs while awaiting the results. Ma Shang updated them on Dinghua, explaining that the company was fully focused on launching a new product. Its final data was about to be verified before proceeding to clinical trials. Du Meng questioned why the espionage organization would act so early if Professor Zou's research wasn't complete.
Ma Shang clarified that once the final data is announced and patented, no buyer would bid for already registered technology, which would incur huge fines and lawsuits. Ma Shang also noted that Yu Haoran, backed by Pang Yishan and possessing considerable ability, had a 90% chance of becoming Professor Zou's special assistant. He added that if Professor Zou cooperated, Yu Haoran would be forced to make a move.
After the meeting, Ma Shang spoke privately with Department Chief Song about An Jing's father's ten-year-old case. He revealed that the charity which had assisted Fan Dewei's daughter was backed by Hermes Group. Song was surprised, stating he had overseen the original investigation and couldn't have missed such a detail.
Ma Shang clarified that the charity's initial sponsor was a small northern European company, which Hermes only acquired two years "after" the incident, making it impossible for Song to have discovered it then. Ma Shang explained that this lead alone wasn't enough and they needed help locating Fan Dewei, the driver, who had been released from prison but had vanished. Song agreed to assist, understanding that Ma Shang and Du Meng were preoccupied with the special operation.
Yang Xun, desperate for money, reached out to Fu Dayong about his daughter's overseas study. He urged Fu Dayong to pay the deposit quickly, warning that delays could mean waiting another year. Fu Dayong asked Yang Xun to postpone it, citing difficulty in getting such a large sum of cash quickly, and also mentioned hearing about Yang Xun's resignation from Dinghua.
Shortly after, debt collectors from the casino arrived at Yang Xun's home, asserting they wouldn't leave until he paid his debts. They dismissed his pleas for more time and even joked about acting as his "free bodyguards." Yang Xun, at his wit's end, desperately sought help from President He. He initially refused to lend money for gambling debts, reminding Yang Xun that he also owed Dinghua, who would call the police if he fled.
Seeing no other way out, Yang Xun proposed a partnership with President He, stating he now understood the "way" He had shown him before—if others could profit, so could he. He desperately pledged to do whatever He asked. At Dinghua, Lin Xiaolan announced the completion of the R&D Department's data calculation, with the product soon to enter clinical verification. She publicly thanked Professor Zou for his immense support, even at the cost of delaying his own projects.
Lin Xiaolan then instructed Miao Fei to organize overseas team-building trips for all departments to help staff relax. Pang Yishan seized the opportunity to recommend Yu Haoran for the special assistant position to Professor Zou, praising his contribution to the data calculation. Professor Zou, indifferent, stated he had no preference, finding all young R&D staff capable. Lin Xiaolan then confirmed Yu Haoran's promotion. Colleagues congratulated Yu Haoran, who offered to treat everyone to a celebratory dinner.
Miao Lu, observing the scene, was visibly upset. Cheng Lei, having lost the position, retreated to the rooftop. Ma Shang found him there. Cheng Lei confessed his disappointment, feeling he had lost not due to a lack of professional skill, but due to a lack of "background." He declared his intention to resign, disillusioned with Dinghua's internal politics where Pang Yishan sidelined him for not taking sides.
Miao Lu arrived and tried to dissuade him, explaining that she herself came to Dinghua for its superior technology and opportunities, not because of her sister. She urged Cheng Lei to see the bigger picture and offered to resign with him if he truly left, though she genuinely hoped he would stay. Later, An Jing and Ma Shang discussed the ongoing investigation.
Ma Shang confirmed Yu Haoran's promotion meant they could proceed with their next probe, informing Department Chief Song to liaise with Professor Zou, who was usually cooperative on security matters. An Jing, however, expressed doubts about Yu Haoran being their target, noting his recent actions didn't seem consistent with a long-term dormant agent. Ma Shang admitted he'd observed Cheng Lei for a long time but found nothing suspicious, especially as Cheng Lei had nearly resigned over the assistant position.
An Jing then inquired about Miao Fei's recent state. Ma Shang found Miao Fei to be "especially tranquil," which he considered unusual given the betrayals by Jia Changan and Zhou Lian, coupled with her father's past mishap. He admitted he wasn't sure about Miao Fei's situation and had had little contact with her. He suggested that Miao Lu, who was less adept at hiding her emotions, might be a more accessible source of information.
An Jing assured him that her mother was doing well. Yang Xun brought his "friend," Mr. Zhang, a study-abroad advisor, to meet Fu Dayong and his daughter, Fu Mengyao. Fu Dayong, worried about the complexity of arranging his family's overseas study, appreciated the help. Mengyao, however, was rebellious and walked away mid-conversation. Yang Xun apologized, promising an even more reliable friend.
He then revealed to Fu Dayong that he had resigned from Dinghua and was now vice president of a new company called "Xingchuang Technology," which also dealt with DS materials. He suggested future collaboration, but Fu Dayong expressed hesitation, fearing disapproval from Pang Yishan and Dinghua. Unbeknownst to Fu Dayong, President He was orchestrating these events from behind the scenes.
He later advised Yang Xun not to rush Fu Dayong, promising to handle Mengyao's study abroad himself without revealing his involvement, so Fu Dayong would feel indebted to Yang Xun. He also clarified that his earlier intervention with the debt collectors was merely to buy Yang Xun time, not to repay his debt, emphasizing their equal partnership. Yang Xun, understanding He's shrewdness, vowed to focus on their collaboration.
Suddenly, Miao Fei called Ma Shang, sounding distressed, informing him that the medical devices sent for clinical verification had problems, signaling significant trouble for Dinghua. They rushed to an emergency meeting. Lin Xiaolan sternly confronted Yu Haoran about the medical accidents occurring in multiple hospitals, highlighting that he was responsible for verifying the core design parameters. Yu Haoran vehemently denied any fault, insisting the prototypes passed all tests and his data verification was flawless, blaming the production side instead.
Lin Xiaolan pointed out the core manufacturer's impeccable record. Yu Haoran still denied responsibility. Lin Xiaolan asked him to return to his office, acknowledging it was premature to assign blame, but also instructed him to keep the matter strictly confidential. Pang Yishan interjected, stating it was too late as the news had already leaked to the media, causing a significant backlash. Ma Shang and An Jing watched a news report about Dinghua's medical device products causing accidents during clinical testing.
Miao Fei, speaking to Ma Shang on the phone, described the chaotic situation, with Lin Xiaolan dealing with reporters. An Jing suspected a conspiracy targeting Dinghua, noting how all reports immediately blamed Dinghua's products before any investigation. Ma Shang agreed, speculating it was a follow-up to the key theft, and Yu Haoran's leaked information might be related to the medical device data.
An Jing questioned Yu Haoran's motive, as such an incident would undoubtedly ruin his future as Professor Zou's assistant. Ma Shang proposed they investigate Dinghua's cooperating manufacturers and the hospitals where the accidents occurred. An Jing confirmed she would begin collecting information on the relevant parties. Meanwhile, Yang Xun and President He discussed Dinghua's predicament. Yang Xun gloated, calling it a "big stumble."
He observed that Dinghua's downfall presented an opportunity for them, suggesting it was time to re-contact Fu Dayong, who would surely seek a new path if Dinghua faltered. Yang Xun, suspicious, asked if He had known Dinghua would face problems, noting his calm demeanor when Fu Dayong initially refused their partnership. He then stepped away to take a call from Jeffrey, confirming his plan to wait until Dinghua's shares plummeted before making his move.
Yang Xun, overhearing the conversation, grew more convinced that He's true agenda extended far beyond mere ore smuggling. He, sensing Yang Xun's probing, warned him against greed, reminding him of his past losses at the gambling house, and reiterated that they should focus solely on "this business." Later, Department Chief Song, Ma Shang, Du Meng, and An Jing continued to discuss Dinghua's crisis. Ma Shang described the impact as catastrophic.
While Professor Zou and Cheng Lei were examining the cause, Ma Shang suspected a link to Yu Haoran's data leak and the key theft. Du Meng and Song, however, questioned Yu Haoran's motivation, arguing that such an action would destroy his career and prevent him from accessing the DS materials technology. Song considered if it was a tactic to "play for time," believing that Dinghua's failure would severely impact all their R&D, including the DS artificial synthesis technology.
Du Meng countered that the strategic value of DS Materials was immense, and even patented, it would still be a target. Song clarified that their opponent was not a national espionage organization, meaning their ultimate goal was profit, which would be greatly reduced if they stole patented technology. An Jing confirmed she had identified the liable parties from the hospitals and manufacturers. Song reiterated the importance of quickly determining the accident's cause to plan their next move.
Ma Shang returned home to find shattered glass on the floor. He saw his father sitting sullenly and asked if he had argued with his mother. His father, in a sarcastic tone, denied it, saying his mother was "very capable now." Ma Shang then asked where his mother was, but his father didn't know. Ma Shang called out for his mother.
Episode 25 Recap
Ma Shang found his mother in tears, having had another argument with his father. She worried that the incident at Dinghua would affect him. Ma Shang reassured her that it was a company matter unrelated to his department and wouldn't impact him. His mother then confessed that she had secretly invested all their savings in Dinghua shares.
She had done so after hearing Ma Shang mention a new product launch that she believed would make Dinghua's stock skyrocket, intending it as a short-term investment. Now, with the incident, the shares were plummeting, and his father was furious. Ma Shang tried to calm her, insisting that money could be earned back and everything would be alright. He mentioned that Dinghua was actively seeking solutions and wouldn't simply collapse.
Despite his efforts, his parents continued to bicker, with his mother tearfully promising to repay the money. At Dinghua, Director Wei of the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) arrived to address the accident. Before meeting him, Lin Xiaolan, Miao Fei, and Pang Yishan discussed their strategy. Meanwhile, Ma Shang instructed Cheng Lei to focus on the accounting work. Yu Haoran, anxious about the investigation, approached Ma Shang to inquire about the results, fearing he would be implicated.
Separately, An Jing met with Song Ju, expressing her frustration that despite their long investigation, the adversary always seemed a step ahead. Song Ju, in turn, offered encouragement, suggesting An Jing consider the possibility that even if Yu Haoran wasn't the culprit, his investigation helped eliminate a wrong lead. Miao Fei presented a preliminary report to Director Wei, who seemed impatient with its length and the absence of Yu Haoran, the directly responsible person, and a technical department representative.
Miao Fei explained that Dinghua's projects were under strict monitoring and that Yu Haoran was only responsible for the final data collection after multiple engineers had proofread it. She highlighted Dinghua's stringent confidentiality, which involved private keys for every data access, suggesting the complexity of the situation and even raising the possibility of malicious tampering designed to suppress Dinghua.
Director Wei, emphasizing patient safety, decided that all other medical projects at Dinghua must be suspended until the current matter was thoroughly investigated. He demanded a concise report within three days. Miao Fei informed Ma Shang that the temporary delay and project suspension was the best outcome they could hope for. She noted that despite this, the stock market would certainly react negatively.
Miao Fei tasked Ma Shang with stabilizing the major shareholders to prevent them from withdrawing their investments, which could lead to Dinghua's collapse. Ma Shang confirmed he had been monitoring the stock market, observing a slowdown in the fall, which suggested their efforts were having some effect. Meanwhile, Lin Xiaolan approached Pang Yishan, suggesting they consider an offer from a state-owned enterprise that had expressed interest six months prior, seeing it as the only potential way to save Dinghua.
Pang Yishan vehemently opposed this, despite admitting to past selfish actions aimed at undermining Miao Huanyang's legacy. He argued that Miao Huanyang's rule against state-owned enterprise intervention was crucial for Dinghua's core advantages of flexibility and autonomy. He assured Lin Xiaolan that he was actively negotiating with other capital providers and expected a positive outcome soon. In another development, Qiao Xichuan, disguised as President He, met with Yang Xun.
He instructed Yang Xun to follow his plan step-by-step to secure Fu Dayong's cooperation. President He then excused himself to "see a friend," but instead changed his disguise and secretly entered a room to collect fingerprints from a cup. He later returned to Yang Xun with a bottle of collectible liquor, reiterating that everything would go smoothly if Yang Xun adhered to his instructions.
Back at Dinghua, during the data audit, Miao Lu and Cheng Lei discovered a set of invalid codes. Cheng Lei confronted Yu Haoran, who furiously denied responsibility, accusing Cheng Lei of framing him with a "crude mistake." Pang Yishan intervened, ordering Yu Haoran to stay put and await the company's final decision, assuring him that Dinghua would not wrong anyone. Lin Xiaolan then announced to the executives that the data provided to manufacturers indeed had problems.
Pang Yishan agreed with the findings but expressed concern about the repercussions of admitting fault. Miao Fei proposed a strategy to buy time: find a new partner willing to inject capital before publicly announcing the accident, thereby releasing positive news. Lin Xiaolan again brought up the idea of a state-owned enterprise intervention, but Pang Yishan firmly rejected it, reiterating his ongoing talks with capital partners and promising imminent results. Ma Shang later discussed the invalid codes with Cheng Lei.
Cheng Lei explained that these were meaningless, patchwork codes. He doubted Yu Haoran, a senior engineer, would make such a basic mistake, suggesting the codes might have been deliberately inserted. However, Cheng Lei couldn't understand Yu Haoran's motive, given his recent promotion to Professor Zou's assistant, a position that offered access to cutting-edge technology. Cheng Lei stated that despite their differences, he and Yu Haoran shared basic professional ethics.
Yang Xun informed Fu Dayong that his daughter Mengyao's overseas study arrangements were settled. To verify, Yang Xun arranged a call with Qiao Xichuan (or his associate), who, posing as an academic contact, convincingly confirmed a rare opening at a public school, citing Yang Xun's recommendation. He assured Fu Dayong about Mengyao's English by suggesting a preparatory language class, which Fu Dayong readily accepted despite the increased cost. Relieved, Fu Dayong profusely thanked Yang Xun.
Yang Xun then cautiously brought up the subject of ore procurement. Fu Dayong, while grateful, expressed reluctance, citing Dinghua's current troubles and the extensive government approvals required for mining and sales. Yang Xun confidently declared that his new company, Xingchuang Science and Technology, had a strong background, and the necessary approvals were already being processed, promising a swift trade once complete. An Jing, Ma Shang, and Song Ju discussed the investigation.
Ma Shang shared the discovery of the meaningless code in Yu Haoran's data, finding it peculiar for an engineer of his caliber to make such a basic error if his intent was sabotage. An Jing recalled her previous discussion with Song Ju about the possibility of Yu Haoran being framed. Ma Shang mentioned Lin Xiaolan's push for state-owned enterprise intervention and Pang Yishan's strong opposition, which seemed rooted in Dinghua's long-standing strategy of maintaining autonomy.
An Jing suggested focusing the investigation on the accident itself. He Zixuan hypothesized that Yu Haoran's original data might have been fine, but someone could have tampered with it remotely. Song Ju, having anticipated this, produced a key and instructed He Zixuan to promptly investigate this possibility. Ma Shang later arrived home to find his parents arguing again about stocks, with his mother wishing to buy more despite their previous losses.
Episode 26 Recap
Ma Shang arrived home to find his parents, Ma Junhai and his mother, immediately stopping an argument as he entered. His mother still wanted to buy Dinghua's stocks, explaining that a professional securities analyst had advised her, stating that Dinghua's stocks, despite recent daily falls, were stabilizing at closing, indicating systematic buying and an impending rebound due to behind-the-scenes manipulation. She also mentioned her father wanted her to sell with a 300,000 yuan net loss.
Ma Shang tried to mediate, suggesting they didn't have much spare cash and borrowing money could lead to greater losses. Later that night, Ma Shang returned home after a conversation with An Jing to find his father sleeping on the sofa, having been kicked out of the room by his mother. When Ma Shang tried to intervene, his mother accused his father of treating her like a thief, constantly monitoring her.
His father retorted that her "gambling mood" necessitated his watch. Ma Shang’s mother then became frustrated with her son, dismissing him as a bachelor trying to teach a married couple, and told him to leave her room. The next day, Ma Shang met with Du Meng, discussing how they were getting closer to the truth behind the case but cautioning against complacency. He emphasized that the two cases might be connected, making the Dinghua investigation the top priority.
Du Meng reported that Fan Dewei was doing odd jobs and living in a rental, with severed social ties that made him difficult to track. Ma Shang advised a long-term, covert approach to investigating Fan Dewei to avoid alerting their adversaries. Du Meng agreed to wait for further instructions from Ma Shang and continued to monitor Yu Haoran while Ma Shang went to a meeting. At the meeting, He Zixuan announced he had successfully cracked the key.
He explained that although Dinghua’s security was robust, the stolen key allowed them to bypass verification and access encrypted data via remote tampering. He confirmed that the data used by the factory was indeed the final data submitted by Yu Haoran. Ma Shang then raised the puzzling aspect: how the perpetrators knew which data Yu Haoran had already verified during their remote tampering, as tampering with unverified data would have been immediately detected.
An Jing then questioned the motive behind the attacks on Dinghua. Ma Shang proposed that instead of destroying Dinghua, which would indefinitely delay Professor Zou's project, the objective was to cripple the company. This would allow an external party to step in as a "savior," invest in Dinghua, and gain access to its artificial synthesis technology. An Jing agreed, calling it brilliant. Ma Shang suggested a close watch on Dinghua's investors.
He noted that despite the best option for Dinghua being intervention by a state-owned enterprise, Pang Yishan strongly opposed it, insisting he could handle the crisis alone. An Jing found Pang Yishan's firm opposition unusual, arguing that if he were a spy, the enemy would have acted more directly rather than employing such elaborate schemes. Ma Shang also pointed out that Dinghua's stock, after an initial limit-down, had stabilized at closing each day, suggesting a systematic acquisition aiming for control.
He assigned He Zixuan the task of investigating who was acquiring Dinghua's stocks, promising assistance from the Securities Regulatory Commission and the Technology Department. Later, An Jing drove Ma Shang home. Ma Shang mentioned his parents' incessant fighting over his mother's stock investments and expressed his reluctance to go home. An Jing then informed him about her mother, who was doing well and being sincerely cared for by Uncle Wang, despite a recent argument.
Ma Shang then playfully offered to take care of An Jing, which she acknowledged with a smile before stopping the car at his home. After Ma Shang exited, An Jing mused that he thought himself clever, but wondered who would truly be interested in such a "poor guy." Meanwhile, a spy known as Bat discovered a tracking device under his car after a near accident.
He immediately called Jeffrey, his handler, to demand an explanation, noting that the tracker was of the same type Jeffrey himself used. Jeffrey denied deploying the device, deducing that Qiao Xichuan had likely uncovered Bat's presence. Bat advocated for eliminating Qiao Xichuan, arguing he was out of control and a threat. However, Jeffrey insisted Qiao Xichuan was still valuable for protecting Jeffrey's other operatives within Dinghua and ordered Bat to reattach the tracker and await further instructions.
Yang Xun met with Fu Dayong to deliver an admission letter for Fu Dayong's daughter to St. Mary's University in London. Fu Dayong, cautious, verified the school's online presence, which Yang Xun confirmed was legitimate. Satisfied, Fu Dayong reached an oral cooperation agreement for the ore mining project, with Yang Xun assuring him they would secure all necessary approvals.
Yang Xun then contacted President He (Qiao Xichuan), expressing concern over Fu Dayong's cautious nature and fearing he might meticulously scrutinize the ore mining approvals. President He dismissed his worries, assuring him that he had "means" to handle such details and that the approval process would be seamless. An Jing and Du Meng interrogated Yu Haoran, who admitted to being part of a social circle with Yang Xun and Pang Yishan, all of whom Pang Yishan had promoted.
Yu Haoran acknowledged that Yang Xun frequently paid for their outings and seemed to spend beyond his known income, leading Yu Haoran to suspect financial impropriety, which he believed Pang Yishan also observed. When confronted about tampering with his office computer's hard drive, Yu Haoran confessed. He explained that after a Trojan horse attack on Dinghua's systems, he had a personal file he forgot to delete and feared being fired if the company found it.
Panicked by Ma Shang's announced computer checks, he replaced the hard drive. He then revealed the forgotten file contained the complete data for the medical device project. Yu Haoran vehemently denied intentionally causing the accident, arguing that the erroneous code was nonsensical, something no professional would use to sabotage. He stressed that, as Professor Zou's assistant, he was on the cusp of significant career advancement with the DS Materials technology and would never jeopardize his future.
Instead, he accused Cheng Lei, citing their professional rivalry and Cheng Lei's opportunity to steal the key and tamper with the data, as Cheng Lei was still in the office after Yu Haoran left with Yang Xun and had been involved in the project from its inception. An Jing countered that Cheng Lei, being a technician, would also not employ such an invalid code. Yu Haoran became increasingly agitated, maintaining his innocence and offering his bank account for inspection.
An Jing and Du Meng discussed Yu Haoran's statement, finding it consistent with their theories and seemingly sincere, prompting them to investigate his claims further to either clear him or reallocate resources. Separately, Pang Yishan informed Lin Xiaolan that National Security had taken Yu Haoran for questioning. Overwhelmed by mounting stress and exhaustion, Lin Xiaolan suddenly fainted. Pang Yishan rushed her to the hospital.
Song Ju received a call about Lin Xiaolan's collapse, and Ma Shang was already on his way. At the hospital, Miao Fei and Pang Yishan were by Lin Xiaolan's side when Ma Shang arrived. The doctor explained that Lin Xiaolan's fainting was due to hypotension, likely caused by severe psychological stress and lack of rest.
Upon regaining consciousness, Lin Xiaolan acknowledged her inability to return to work immediately and entrusted Pang Yishan with full authority over Dinghua's affairs, urging Miao Fei and Ma Shang to cooperate with him for the company's sake. Pang Yishan assured her he would do his utmost.
Episode 27 Recap
Ma Shang arrived late to a meeting, explaining he had been at the hospital. He reported that Lin Xiaolan’s doctor diagnosed her condition as hypotension, which would resolve with rest. An Jing confirmed that Yu Haoran presented no issues, appearing to have been manipulated, and was now under surveillance. However, Ma Shang expressed concern over Pang Yishan, to whom Lin Xiaolan had entrusted full responsibility for Dinghua’s affairs.
An Jing added that she had deliberately tested Pang Yishan, noting his apparent fear of involvement in Yu Haoran’s matter, which she found peculiar. She then suggested assigning Lao Liu, who had been supervising Yu Haoran, to monitor Pang Yishan instead, a suggestion which was approved. Meanwhile, He Zixuan was urged to focus on identifying who was manipulating the stock market.
Later, a Vice President, identified as Fu Zong, visited Pang Yishan, inquiring about Dinghua’s recent lack of orders from his company, Yushan Mining, and expressing concern over their agreement and quota. Pang Yishan, appearing preoccupied, assured him that Dinghua would honor its commitments but stated he was too busy to discuss the matter further.
After Fu Zong left, Pang Yishan summoned Miao Fei to his office for a frank discussion, stating that in this critical period, they needed to work together for Dinghua. He emphasized the urgent need for capital to stabilize the stock market. Miao Fei acknowledged Dinghua's conservative operating strategy, which had previously rejected investment groups, fearing speculative intentions.
Pang Yishan then implied that Miao Fei was the only one who could save Dinghua, referring to her father, Miao Huanyang, and his connections. Miao Fei explained that her father was recuperating in a nursing home in Greece, in poor health, and was therefore unable to assist. Pang Yishan then requested Miao Huanyang's contact information so he could directly approach his network for investment, but Miao Fei refused, reiterating her father's delicate health.
Pang Yishan, angered by her refusal, coldly ended their discussion, asserting that he could achieve his goals without the Miao family’s involvement. Distraught, Miao Fei sought out An Jing, confessing her predicament with Pang Yishan and her inability to reveal the true state of her father’s health. An Jing acknowledged Miao Fei’s deep emotional connection to Dinghua, which her father had founded, but underscored the significant national loss if Dinghua's core technology fell into the wrong hands.
An Jing questioned Pang Yishan's consistent refusal of state-owned enterprise assistance, especially since Lin Xiaolan had sought such help. Miao Fei explained that Dinghua had always pursued independent development, a principle established by her father and upheld by Lin Xiaolan. An Jing, however, found Pang Yishan’s unwavering refusal unreasonable, given Dinghua’s desperate circumstances, and wondered if he might be hiding something.
An Jing clarified that they would maintain vigilance against anyone involved until the case was resolved, acknowledging Miao Fei’s invaluable assistance in their investigation. Meanwhile, Ma Shang and Du Meng tracked down Fan Dewei, the driver responsible for An Jing's father's accident, to a dilapidated rental house in a town slated for demolition. They found him heavily intoxicated. Fan Dewei was defensive and emotional when questioned, especially concerning his deceased daughter, and made several contradictory statements.
He claimed to have had no contact with his girlfriend, Li Fang, since his imprisonment, yet Ma Shang observed a recent photo of Li Fang and their daughter, who appeared to be around ten years old, as well as new, unopened toiletries in the house, suggesting recent visits. Du Meng noticed signs of alcohol allergy on Fan Dewei's face, casting doubt on his claim of daily drinking to cope with sorrow.
Ma Shang then noted that despite the accident report confirming high alcohol levels in his blood at the time, drinking so much with an allergy would be tantamount to suicide, thus theorizing that Fan Dewei drank to embolden himself rather than to drown his sorrows. Du Meng further noted that if Fan Dewei and Li Fang were unmarried, their daughter would not have been eligible for the charity rescue list, adding another inconsistency to Fan Dewei’s account.
Later that evening, An Jing continued to monitor Pang Yishan, who attended his fourth business gathering, observing his tireless dedication with growing unease. She instructed a colleague, Xiao Li, to maintain close surveillance on him. Elsewhere, Li Fang visited Fan Dewei, showing concern. Fan Dewei, however, told her not to visit anymore, saying he was moving to a new place and would contact her then.
As Li Fang was leaving, Du Meng and Ma Shang intercepted her, requesting her cooperation with a few questions. They then brought Li Fang back to Fan Dewei's residence, startling him. Ma Shang revealed that they had spoken with Li Fang and that many secrets were coming to light.
He explained to Fan Dewei that his daughter’s hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was tampered with; the medical team that collected the cells was different from the one that performed the surgery, and they even operated at different hospitals. Ma Shang revealed that someone had manipulated the process and tampered with the files, making the doctors believe they were transplanting matched cells.
His daughter was then moved to another hospital for recovery, where the doctors, unaware of the actual situation, struggled to identify the cause of the rejection. Ma Shang asserted that the surgery was a ploy to silence Fan Dewei. Overwhelmed by the truth, Fan Dewei broke down and confessed that the car accident was not accidental.
He recounted how someone had provided him with the time, location, and details of the target vehicle, instructing him simply to stop the car in exchange for his daughter’s medical treatment. The idea of drinking and causing an accident was also suggested by them. Despite his alcohol allergy, Fan Dewei drank heavily out of fear, leading him to lose control and fatally hit the person.
When asked to identify the instigator, Fan Dewei could only recall that it was "an old man," a detail that visibly alarmed Ma Shang and Du Meng. Following Fan Dewei's confession, Ma Shang and Du Meng met with An Jing. Du Meng, hesitant to deliver the grim news, deferred to Ma Shang. Upon hearing the truth about her father’s death, An Jing became highly emotional, attempting to immediately confront Fan Dewei.
Ma Shang restrained her, reminding her of the protocols, and held her as she wept. After an overnight interrogation, Fan Dewei provided a full confession, but the identity of the old man who ordered the hit remained elusive, with no name or clear description. Ma Shang acknowledged that a composite sketch had been made but noted that after more than ten years, its effectiveness would likely be limited, though they would continue to investigate.
He also inquired about investigating Hermes, but Song Bureau Chief explained the difficulties involved, noting that Director Qin was already working with the foreign affairs department to explore diplomatic pressure. Preparing to return to Dinghua, Ma Shang expressed his commitment to his duties, noting the company’s current critical state. Song Bureau Chief voiced his profound regret over the original investigation into An Jing’s father’s case, feeling responsible for the truth being buried for a decade.
Ma Shang reassured him, explaining that Fan Dewei’s motivation to save his daughter would have prevented him from speaking out, and crucial evidence was not available at the time, thus absolving Song Bureau Chief of blame. Song Bureau Chief thanked Ma Shang, agreeing that uncovering the truth was the best solace for fallen comrades. Later, An Jing confided in Du Meng, expressing her apprehension about facing her mother.
Her mother had always believed her father's death was not an accident, and now her suspicions were tragically confirmed. An Jing worried that sharing the truth would cause her mother further emotional distress. Du Meng confessed he had similar concerns about telling An Jing, but Ma Shang had pointed out that An Jing, as an adult, had the right to know the truth, and he believed the same applied to An Jing’s mother. An Jing thanked him for his understanding.
As Ma Shang arrived at Dinghua, he was greeted with news that Pang Yishan had successfully secured a company to inject capital into Dinghua. He quickly sought out Miao Fei, and together they attempted to attend the meeting, but a security guard barred their entry, stating that only individuals on Pang Yishan’s approved list were permitted. Ma Shang immediately telephoned An Jing to relay this significant development.
Episode 28 Recap
At Dinghua’s negotiation table, Pang Yishan welcomed Qiao Xichuan, President of Knowledge & Invention Union, hoping for a successful negotiation. Qiao Xichuan immediately raised concerns about the impact of Dinghua’s recent medical product incident. He acknowledged Dinghua’s responsibility but stressed the situation was not optimistic due to ongoing public disturbance and the psychological rejection among patients that would be hard to reverse.
Pang Yishan countered, believing that if the product recovered, market value and credibility would return, and he highlighted Dinghua's other promising products. When Qiao Xichuan asked if Dinghua’s in-development projects would be shared upon capital injection, Professor Zou flatly refused, and Pang Yishan supported this, explaining that these projects involved sensitive national resources, which Qiao Xichuan accepted. They then moved on to discussing the capital injection ratio. Meanwhile, the team investigated Knowledge & Invention Union.
He Zixuan noted that while the company had invested in many projects, their scale was typically small, making its large investment in Dinghua abnormal and suggesting it was a shell company. Du Meng added that it could be a con company or a front for a larger financial group. An Jing then had a phone call with Miao Fei, who had just finished a meeting.
Miao Fei explained that Knowledge & Invention Union, represented by Qiao Xichuan, a foreign citizen of Chinese origin, had no prior business dealings with Dinghua. She suspected they were exploiting Dinghua’s crisis. Miao Fei provided An Jing with the company’s information. Miao Fei admitted that Pang Yishan found them through private channels, and despite the strangeness, everyone at Dinghua viewed it as a lifeline and was unwilling to question the underlying issues.
Later, Ma Shang returned home and found Fu Dayong, an old friend of his father, Ma Junhai, waiting. Fu Dayong, who runs Yushan Mining and primarily deals in DS Materials ore, was in Shuangqing for business. Dinghua was his biggest client, and he complained about Pang Yishan’s arrogant attitude, stating he couldn’t even get in to see President Lin and was turned away.
He was facing cash flow issues because Dinghua hadn't placed its usual ore order due to the incident, and he feared being ruined by year-end, which led him to actively seek new clients. Ma Shang’s mother, Hu Yuping, asked about Fu Dayong’s daughter, Fu Mengyao, who was going to England for college, lamenting that she was an underachiever.
Hu Yuping then enthusiastically suggested that Fu Dayong invest in Dinghua’s stock, claiming it was professionally manipulated and at its lowest point, poised for a significant rise. Ma Junhai quickly intervened, trying to stop his wife from spreading such information and potentially dragging others into financial trouble. Hu Yuping became angry and left the table. Ma Shang went to comfort his mother, who was upset about Ma Junhai’s public rebuke. She still believed in the stock opportunity.
Ma Shang then secretly revealed to her that President Lin Xiaolan had been hospitalized recently due to exhaustion from trying to find investors, and she couldn't manage Dinghua’s affairs. He explained that under such circumstances, Dinghua’s stock wouldn't rise as the analyst had predicted. Hu Yuping was alarmed, realizing she would lose over 300,000 yuan. Ma Shang urged her to cut her losses but she worried about Ma Junhai nagging her for the rest of her life.
Ma Shang reassured her that he would help her deal with the situation, so she wouldn’t have to face her husband’s lectures alone. Ma Shang later arrived at a team meeting where He Zixuan confirmed that Knowledge & Invention Union was indeed a shell company backed by the Hermes Group.
He Zixuan emphasized that the Hermes Group was involved in both the current case and the one from over a decade ago, confirming that Knowledge & Invention Union had ulterior motives for investing in Dinghua. An Jing suggested that their primary goal was technology, recalling that Qiao Xichuan had inquired about sharing technical resources, a request immediately rejected by Professor Zou.
An Jing also reported that Qiao Xichuan's background appeared clean, with no criminal record, and he had become president of Knowledge & Invention Union six months prior, returning to China recently. However, the timing of his return was suspicious, coinciding with Chen Can’s arrival in Shuangqing. Du Meng asked if the government could stop the acquisition. Ma Shang clarified that their objective wasn't to halt the buyout but to follow the trail to the entire criminal organization.
He stressed the need for solid evidence, such as proof of secret stock buying, before taking direct action. Ma Shang instructed the team to speed up their investigation, emphasizing that while full surveillance on Qiao Xichuan wasn't yet possible, he must be closely tracked. An Jing volunteered for the task, but Ma Shang insisted she get some rest, stating he would take responsibility for the night's tracking.
After the meeting, Ma Shang and An Jing were leaving together when Ma Shang suddenly feigned a severe headache, claiming it was an old problem. An Jing expressed concern and offered to drive him to the hospital, but Ma Shang dismissed it. He then asked An Jing to keep a secret, "confessing" that doctors had told him an operation couldn't be performed locally, and he had "at most another year" to live.
An Jing immediately saw through his deception, admonishing him not to joke about such serious matters. She then requested that he promise not to give up and to stay alive at least until the case was closed. Ma Shang grew frustrated, claiming his headache was real, but An Jing playfully teased him about "mental disability" and warned him never to make such a joke again. An Jing then shared her true feelings, thanking him for investigating her father's case.
She admitted that while she initially felt hope that a new investigation might confirm her suspicions and her mother's, she also secretly wished it would turn out to be a mere accident, so she wouldn't have to carry such a heavy burden of hatred or reopen old wounds. She concluded that the truth, however painful, was paramount, and after years of emotional turmoil, she finally felt exhausted but could now get a good night's sleep.
Meanwhile, Fu Dayong frantically tried to reach his daughter, Fu Mengyao, who wasn't answering her phone. Yang Xun arrived and helped him contact the teacher accompanying Fu Mengyao. It turned out Fu Mengyao was simply waiting for her luggage and had forgotten to turn on her phone. Fu Dayong was relieved to hear her voice and scolded her to keep her phone on. Yang Xun then presented Fu Dayong with the ore mining quota approval document.
Fu Dayong, still unsure about Dinghua, was pressured by Yang Xun to consider collaborating with Xingchuang Science and Technology, as Dinghua was in disarray and constantly delaying him. Fu Dayong, heading back to Yushan, promised to give Yang Xun an answer within a day. An Jing continued her surveillance, tracking Pang Yishan to a private club where he met Qiao Xichuan.
Inside, Qiao Xichuan told Pang Yishan that while Dinghua was a "hot potato" he was helping, Dinghua wasn't showing enough sincerity regarding the buyout ratio and stock price. Pang Yishan assured him he would secure the highest possible buyout ratio within national policy. Qiao Xichuan then proposed a personal arrangement: if Pang Yishan ensured an "extra share of benefit" for Knowledge & Invention Union, Pang Yishan would also receive a bonus.
Pang Yishan tried to equate his benefit with the company's, but Qiao Xichuan dismissed this, clearly separating corporate and individual gains. Back at home, Hu Yuping and Ma Junhai discussed the stock. She lamented the 320,000 yuan loss she faced if she sold now. Ma Junhai, recalling Ma Shang's earlier words about Dinghua's slow recovery, agreed that selling might be necessary.
He then offered to cook and deliver dinner to Ma Shang himself to get more information about the situation, despite his wife's protests. Ma Junhai went to Dinghua but was informed by a security guard that Ma Shang had left hours ago. The guard added that while R&D and Marketing staff often worked overtime, the HR department, where Ma Shang worked, usually kept regular hours. Ma Junhai returned home without telling Hu Yuping, but waited up for Ma Shang.
When Ma Shang arrived, Ma Junhai confronted him, asking if he was hiding something. Ma Shang claimed he had been working overtime and missed calls, but his father revealed he knew Ma Shang had left work early. Ma Junhai expressed understanding that Ma Shang had his own life but worried he might be making wrong choices or jeopardizing his health. Ma Shang reassured his father that none of those concerns were true and promised to explain everything later, as it was too complex to do so briefly.
Episode 29 Recap
Early in the morning, Fu Dayong called Yang Xun, accusing him of trying to harm him. Yang Xun feigned ignorance, prompting Fu Dayong to reveal that the documents Yang Xun provided were fake. Yang Xun tried to stall, claiming it was a misunderstanding and promising to visit Fu Dayong immediately. After hanging up, Yang Xun quickly contacted Qiao Xichuan, informing him that Fu Dayong had discovered the fake documents.
Qiao Xichuan instructed Yang Xun not to worry and to wait for Fu Dayong to follow up, assuring him that Fu Dayong would soon cooperate. Meanwhile, Pang Yishan visited Lin Xiaolan in the hospital. He brought good news of a company willing to invest in Dinghua, stating that the deal was nearly certain if they agreed to a slight reduction in the stock price.
Lin Xiaolan, trusting Pang Yishan’s capabilities, reluctantly gave him full authority to manage the negotiations, acknowledging it seemed to be the only way to save Dinghua. Later, Fu Dayong received an unexpected package containing only a mobile phone. Upon opening the phone, he saw a video of his daughter being kidnapped. Moments later, Qiao Xichuan called him, threatening his daughter’s safety if he reported anything to the police.
Qiao Xichuan demanded that Fu Dayong follow their plan to prepare the ore as instructed and complete the mining contract on time, promising his daughter's safe return and a "thank-you gift" once the deal was complete. Fu Dayong, distressed and fearful for his daughter, had no choice but to comply. At Dinghua, Pang Yishan's efforts to win over Engineer Cheng Lei became increasingly obvious after Yu Haoran's incident.
While Cheng Lei initially disliked Pang Yishan, he admitted that Pang Yishan had genuinely worked hard to resolve the company's crisis. Miao Lu, overhearing their conversation, expressed her dissatisfaction with Cheng Lei's change of heart. Cheng Lei then questioned why Miao Huanyang, Miao Lu's father, had not appeared to address the major issues facing Dinghua, leaving Miao Lu speechless. Separately, a contact known as Bat reported to Jeffrey that Qiao Xichuan was diligently working on the case.
Jeffrey, in turn, instructed Bat to temporarily cease tracking Qiao Xichuan to ensure Bat's identity remained unexposed. Miao Fei called Ma Shang for a meeting, informing him that she had secured permission from Pang Yishan for him to attend the second round of negotiations between Dinghua and Knowledge & Invention Union. Ma Shang was surprised by this gesture.
Miao Fei found the short interval between the two negotiation rounds unusual, suggesting Knowledge & Invention Union seemed overly anxious as they had set the negotiation times. Ma Shang later reported on the meeting, noting that both sides fiercely bargained over the stock price. However, he found it curious that Pang Yishan steadfastly refused to lower the stock price, despite the other side's pressure.
Ma Shang believed Miao Fei's special request for him to attend the meeting confirmed her suspicion about his true identity. An Jing agreed, recalling her previous encounter with Miao Fei. She wondered if Miao Fei's eagerness to show loyalty had an ulterior motive, but Ma Shang resolved to remain vigilant without revealing his identity. An Jing admitted her admiration for Miao Fei’s ability to remain composed and focused despite the crises, even questioning if she could be deeply deceptive.
Ma Shang, however, explained that his background check on Miao Fei showed she had dedicated her entire career to Dinghua since graduation, making it unlikely she had time for professional espionage training. An Jing then considered her own situation, admitting she hadn't yet told her mother about her true work and needed time to organize her thoughts.
Ma Shang, too, was conflicted; he decided to go home that night, worried about his father’s displeasure after not returning home the previous night. He lamented the difficulty of keeping his secret from his parents while living under the same roof, joking that his mother might "kill him" when she found out, though An Jing reassured him, saying his mother would surely understand.
An Jing dropped Ma Shang off near his home, where they unexpectedly saw Fu Dayong rushing out of Ma Shang's house, looking disoriented. Fu Dayong briefly mumbled that he had been discussing something with Ma Shang’s father before hastily departing. Ma Shang entered his home, where his father, Ma Junhai, immediately asked to speak with him privately. Ma Junhai explained that he had pondered all night and felt something was amiss with Ma Shang’s recent behavior.
He ruled out romance, drinking, gambling, or other illicit activities, concluding there was only one possibility: Ma Shang had another job. Ma Shang, trying to appear calm, confirmed he had taken a side job to supplement his income, explaining that his salary at Dinghua was significantly less than his previous job in Beijing. He assured his father that this wouldn't affect his main responsibilities at Dinghua, especially since Dinghua's uncertain future meant he couldn't afford to be idle.
Ma Junhai, though initially concerned about contract ethics, ultimately accepted Ma Shang’s explanation, cautioning him to maintain a balance and prioritize his health over money. Ma Shang then inquired about Fu Dayong, to which his father casually replied that Fu Dayong had simply asked him to handle a shipment for another company, as Dinghua's business had declined.
Later, Fu Dayong received another call from Qiao Xichuan, who instructed him to close all the curtains in his house, an action observed with confusion by Du Meng, who was monitoring Fu Dayong. Following Qiao Xichuan’s next command, Fu Dayong went to the bathroom and turned on all the faucets at full blast. Meanwhile, He Zixuan reported that Yushan Mining lacked the necessary government approval to extract ore, confirming that Fu Dayong's private mining activities were entirely illegal.
An Jing grew increasingly concerned that Fu Dayong was indeed planning to smuggle ore. Suddenly, Ma Shang called An Jing, reporting that he was being followed. An Jing immediately instructed He Zixuan to locate Ma Shang's car. Ma Shang skillfully led his pursuer through streets with surveillance cameras, allowing An Jing to identify the follower. To her surprise, An Jing recognized the man as Ma Shang's father. Ma Shang was momentarily at a loss, but decided to confront his father.
He kept his phone line open for An Jing to monitor their conversation. Department Chief Song Ming arrived, and An Jing briefed him on the situation. Song Ming suggested a simple explanation: a father worried about his son. However, he also acknowledged the need for other preparations, given Ma Junhai's connections to Miao Huanyang and Fu Dayong.
Ma Junhai confessed to Ma Shang that he had been following him since work, driven by worry that Ma Shang might be involved in something illicit. Ma Shang reiterated his earlier explanation about his side job and rushed out, claiming he had to meet a friend. Simultaneously, at the mine, Fu Dayong was overseeing the secret extraction and storage of ore, emphasizing safety precautions even for overnight storage.
Back at headquarters, He Zixuan found it perplexing that Ma Junhai would run a red light just to keep up with Ma Shang, finding it an unusually extreme action for a worried father. Ma Shang, understanding the implications, admitted he couldn't fully explain his father's persistence. He acknowledged his father's extensive connections with Miao Huanyang and Fu Dayong, and his deep familiarity with Ma Shang himself, making it impossible to hide his true identity from him.
He worried that if his father was involved in any criminal activity, his own identity might already be compromised. An Jing, having confirmed with Miao Huanyang that Ma Junhai’s relationship with Dinghua was strictly business and not private, proposed a solution to clear Ma Junhai's suspicion. An Jing and Department Chief Song Ming arranged to meet Ma Junhai for a meal.
During their conversation, An Jing directly informed Ma Junhai that they possessed sufficient evidence to prove Fu Dayong was smuggling national rare resources, catching Ma Junhai off guard. He expressed disbelief, mentioning that Fu Dayong had just given him an order for a shipment. An Jing confirmed that they had been tracking Fu Dayong since he discussed that order with Ma Junhai.
Episode 30 Recap
An Jing informed Ma Junhai that Fu Dayong was suspected of not only smuggling but also forging mining documents, and requested his cooperation in the arrest by personally escorting the truck with a monitoring device. At that moment, Ma Junhai received a call from Fu Dayong, and he was instructed to answer on speaker. Fu Dayong urged Ma Junhai to quickly prepare the truck convoy, stating he had all the goods ready and they needed to be shipped that day.
Ma Junhai feigned a delay, promising to contact the drivers, then ended the call. Ma Junhai expressed his disbelief to An Jing and Department Chief Song, explaining that Fu Dayong, whom he had known for over ten years, possessed an inexhaustible gold mine and, despite his love for money, would never risk his life with smuggling. He also wondered when National Security had started investigating Fu Dayong.
Ma Junhai recalled that only Ma Shang knew about Fu Dayong's request for him to deliver goods. An Jing advised him not to overthink it, promising everything would become clear after Fu Dayong's arrest. Still, Ma Junhai worried that Ma Shang might have committed a crime and pleaded with An Jing to help his son, fearing he was on a dangerous path. Just then, Ma Shang entered the room, surprising his father.
An Jing revealed that Ma Shang was a National Security agent. Ma Shang and his father spoke privately. Ma Junhai was upset, learning Ma Shang had been in National Security for ten years and had kept it a secret while his parents worried constantly. Ma Shang explained that his work involved special circumstances related to an ongoing case, and asked his father not to tell his mother, knowing her tendency to share information.
He then playfully suggested buying his father a new car to make amends for his decade-long deception, finally softening Ma Junhai's stance. Ma Junhai agreed to cooperate with National Security and was fitted with a monitoring device. Ma Shang, visibly concerned, urged his father to be very careful. Meanwhile, Fu Dayong called Qiao Xichuan, stating he wanted to see his daughter before the goods could be shipped. Qiao Xichuan assured him that a video call would be arranged.
Soon after, Fu Dayong and Ma Junhai set off with the convoy. Ma Shang was anxious for his father's safety, but An Jing reassured him that comprehensive arrangements were in place to ensure Ma Junhai's protection. As the convoy proceeded along a mountain road, Ma Junhai announced a stop to cool the brake pads. Fu Dayong observed the drivers, noting many unfamiliar faces, as they were National Security personnel An Jing had arranged.
Ma Junhai quickly explained that the business had been tough, leading to frequent changes in drivers, which Fu Dayong wouldn't notice as he typically didn't accompany the shipments. Fu Dayong then specifically asked for the name of the young driver in their truck, "Li Kun," and conspicuously held his phone outside the window, raising suspicion. An Jing, observing from the command center, immediately warned the driver, Lao Liu (who was posing as Li Kun), to be extra vigilant.
Around the same time, Pang Yishan received documents about "Knowledge & Invention Union Company," discovering its investors included the Hermes Group. He tried desperately to contact Miao Huanyang but couldn't reach him, so he went to see Miao Fei. Pang Yishan stressed the urgency, stating Dinghua's survival was at stake and he needed to speak with Miao Huanyang immediately. Miao Fei admitted she couldn't arrange it, leading Pang Yishan to deduce that Miao Huanyang must have been arrested.
Miao Fei's silence confirmed his suspicion. Pang Yishan questioned Miao Fei about her father's past, specifically his revealing of company deal base prices. He revealed that those previous deals were backed by the Hermes Group, just like "Knowledge & Invention Union Company." Given this dangerous connection, Miao Fei advised stopping the acquisition immediately.
The convoy arrived at a warehouse, not a port, which An Jing noted as unusual for smuggling and potentially indicated a change in plans or an armed gang. Ma Shang considered it a safety measure to change hands, suggesting the entire warehouse might be controlled by the smugglers. Department Chief Song also warned all teams to be cautious, as the smuggling gang could be armed.
While the cargo was being unloaded, Ma Junhai engaged Fu Dayong in conversation, asking how much he would earn from such a shipment. Fu Dayong revealed it was around thirty million. When Ma Junhai then mentioned that Fu Dayong's child was grown and studying abroad, implying he should be at ease, Fu Dayong's heart sank, prompting Ma Junhai's suspicion. Ma Junhai then excused himself to the restroom.
In a secure area, he reported to An Jing that he felt something was wrong. He reiterated that Fu Dayong, a man he knew well, would not engage in such risky activities, especially since he was financially stable after having shed his past dark history. Ma Junhai shared his observations about Fu Dayong's probing questions to Lao Liu and placing his phone out the window, leading him to suspect that Fu Dayong was being coerced.
An Jing instructed Ma Junhai to complete the unloading and then leave for his safety, promising to handle the rest. Their conversation was overheard by a security guard, but Lao Liu, who had been keeping watch, promptly knocked the guard unconscious. Ma Shang agreed with his father's assessment, suggesting that if Fu Dayong held critical information, rushing an arrest could lead to unforeseen problems. He proposed that Ma Junhai directly reveal his identity to Fu Dayong.
An Jing expressed concern about Ma Junhai's safety if he did this. Lao Liu then relayed An Jing's message to Ma Junhai, explaining the risks but affirming his right to choose. Ma Junhai decided to speak with Fu Dayong directly. An Jing immediately put the teams on high alert, ready for the capture. Ma Junhai called Fu Dayong aside for a private talk, and once inside, directly asked if his phone was being monitored before revealing his own monitoring device.
Fu Dayong became agitated, grabbing Ma Junhai's collar and tearfully exclaiming that his daughter was in the hands of those people, and if the goods weren't delivered on time, she would be in danger. Ma Junhai assured him that National Security could hear everything and would help. Zixuan quickly identified Fu Dayong's daughter as Fu Mengyao. An Jing, however, expressed a possibility that Fu Dayong might be fabricating the kidnapping, having sent his daughter abroad to facilitate a major deal.
She suggested proceeding with the first part of their planned operation. Department Chief Song worried about the risk of information leakage if they tried to negotiate with the captors, jeopardizing the hostage's safety. Ma Shang, agitated with concern for his father, supported the idea that they couldn't retreat now and there was no better solution. Department Chief Song ultimately decided to apprehend the individuals at the warehouse first. An Jing then gave the order for the operation to commence.
Fu Dayong was brought before Department Chief Song and was surprised to learn that his phone, which he believed was monitored, was not. He then showed a video of his kidnapped daughter on his phone, pleading for her rescue and offering to accept any punishment in return. After the arrest, An Jing thanked Ma Junhai, acknowledging his crucial role in safeguarding the hostage.
Ma Junhai, however, was still upset, expressing his hurt that even his own son, Ma Shang, had suspected him. An Jing quickly intervened, explaining that in their line of work, personal feelings cannot be involved when dealing with suspicious circumstances. Ma Shang tried to speak, but An Jing gently signaled him to stop. Ma Junhai lamented the decade-long deception. An Jing then asked Ma Shang to step out so she could talk to Ma Junhai privately.
An Jing patiently explained that Ma Shang had been caring for his parents in ways they didn't realize. She recounted how Ma Shang had been deeply troubled when his parents' company was investigated, how he deliberately took a beating from a fired co-worker to protect his cover, working tirelessly at Dinghua during the day and analyzing cases at night.
She added that he would return home late every night, no matter how far or tired he was, just to avoid alarming his parents. An Jing emphasized the immense pressure and loneliness Ma Shang endured by keeping such a secret, appealing to Ma Junhai's understanding as a former soldier who understood the importance of following orders.
Episode 31 Recap
An Jing encouraged Ma Junhai not to blame Ma Shang but to try and understand him. Ma Junhai then expressed his desire to go home and asked Ma Shang to drive him. Ma Shang was concerned about the ongoing situation, but An Jing reassured him that she and Department Chief Song were present, and Du Meng's role was also crucial.
Before leaving, Ma Junhai thanked An Jing for revealing everything, praised her as a good kid, and asked her to continue looking after Ma Shang. As they drove home, a tense silence filled the car. Ma Junhai’s wife called, and he answered brusquely, telling her he was busy. She asked if the goods had been shipped successfully, to which Ma Junhai confirmed everything was fine and that he would be home soon.
Upon reaching their street, Ma Junhai quickly got out of the car without waiting. Ma Shang followed, apologizing and pleading with his father not to be angry. Ma Junhai waved him off but then tapped on the car window, instructing him to "Pay attention to safety." Ma Shang, He Zixuan, and An Jing convened a video meeting with Department Chief Song.
Song confirmed that Fu Mengyao had been kidnapped and emphasized that no information about any arrests could be leaked before she was safely rescued. Ma Shang suggested allowing the first batch of goods to be sent, then having customs delay the shipment for other reasons to keep their opponents unaware. An Jing disagreed, citing too many uncertainties, such as unknown meeting times, the number of people involved, or potential secret codes or hidden sentries.
He Zixuan reported finding two potential breakthroughs among the arrested individuals and promised to send the relevant information. Ma Shang proposed offering a reduced sentence or witness protection to these individuals to secure their cooperation.
During the meeting, An Jing provided an update on Fu Mengyao's whereabouts, reporting that the Sky-Eye system showed her leaving Shuangqing Airport after being seen off by Fu Dayong, then getting into a black limousine that traveled to Binhai city, where surveillance was lost due to a blind spot. Ma Shang confirmed that the provincial government office had approved him to assist the Binhai city office in investigating the case.
Recognizing the urgency, Ma Shang requested to work with An Jing on this mission to rescue Fu Mengyao, hoping to leverage this to gain cooperation from Fu Dayong, who had been unforthcoming due to concerns for his daughter's safety. Department Chief Song approved An Jing's preparations. Earlier, Du Meng noticed Pang Yishan hadn't gone to work. He later followed Pang Yishan as he drove to the city hospital, not Dinghua.
Ma Shang suspected this visit might be linked to Pang Yishan's prior conversation with Miao Fei. Du Meng attempted to monitor the conversation, though direct mobile phone monitoring required approval. Inside the hospital, Pang Yishan met Lin Xiaolan and announced he was there to say goodbye. He presented information about Knowledge & Invention Union, revealing its deep background and backing by the Hermes Group. Lin Xiaolan knew of Hermes but was unaware of any past collaboration with Dinghua.
Pang Yishan explained that the connection dated back about ten years, before Lin Xiaolan joined Dinghua, and was handled by Miao Huanyang. He admitted he tracked it out of "selfishness," intending to use it against Miao Huanyang. Pang Yishan disclosed that Dinghua's DS ore was secretly sold to the Hermes Group at that time, likely flowing overseas.
Lin Xiaolan was furious, demanding an immediate halt to all collaboration with Knowledge & Invention Union, asserting that Hermes's interest in acquiring Dinghua was clearly not simple due to their meddling in DS ores. Pang Yishan acknowledged this, confirming that Knowledge & Invention Union was secretly buying Dinghua's shares to gain control. Lin Xiaolan believed the transaction would fail because the government, which closely monitored Dinghua, would undoubtedly intervene.
He then revealed that the only way to prevent Dinghua's collapse was to allow state-owned enterprises to step in. He confessed that his and Miao Huanyang's previous opposition to state funding was not to preserve Dinghua's autonomy, but rather to hide their past "bad debts." Pang Yishan concluded by stating he was turning himself in. Lin Xiaolan was moved, understanding that this difficult choice showed how much Dinghua meant to him and assuring him he hadn't disappointed her.
Pang Yishan expressed gratitude for her trust, feeling that for years, he had been nothing more than Miao Huanyang's "pug," underestimated by everyone. He thanked her for trusting him to lead during the company's crisis. With a bow, Pang Yishan left, instructing Lin Xiaolan to oversee the new investments he had arranged once she recovered, viewing this as his final contribution to Dinghua. Ma Shang later confirmed Pang Yishan's intention to surrender.
However, Ma Shang found the situation "terrible" and "strange," noting that the acquisition of Dinghua by Knowledge & Invention Union was something Dinghua could resolve internally, without their intervention. He felt the entire "game" was poorly executed and that their opponents were not typically this incompetent. An Jing advised Ma Shang not to overthink it. During a meeting, Ma Shang reiterated his concern that the progress felt "too smooth," as if the opponent had suddenly become foolish.
An Jing still considered getting Qiao Xichuan to talk a major breakthrough. An Jing also revealed a significant discovery: a string of fingerprints found on the phone Fu Dayong had submitted, which had been sent for cross-matching. Ma Shang remained uneasy, believing that the internal threat within Dinghua had not yet been eliminated, as they had seemingly misidentified the insider. Ma Shang returned home to find Ma Junhai still awake.
His father expressed frustration at his inability to discern Ma Shang’s true identity for so long. Ma Shang asked his father to keep his identity a secret from his mother for now, as the timing wasn't right. Ma Junhai promised to do so, only asking Ma Shang to prioritize his safety during missions. When Ma Shang mentioned going on a business trip, Ma Junhai immediately deduced he was going to rescue Fu Dayong’s kidnapped daughter.
Ma Junhai supported Ma Shang's work but couldn't help but worry about his safety. Meanwhile, Qiao Xichuan arrived at Dinghua for a meeting. Lin Xiaolan, now recovered, confronted him, stating that during their previous negotiations, he had deliberately withheld the fact that Knowledge & Invention Union was backed by the Hermes Group. She made it clear that if Hermes’s involvement in acquiring Dinghua had been disclosed earlier, they would never have entered negotiations.
Qiao Xichuan tried to dismiss her concerns, but Lin Xiaolan insisted it was a critical matter. As Qiao Xichuan prepared to leave, An Jing entered. She informed him that National Security had evidence proving Knowledge & Invention Union’s malicious intent in acquiring Dinghua’s shares to gain a controlling interest.
An Jing stated that while he wasn't being detained yet, he was restricted from leaving the country and was required to cooperate with their investigation, warning that any attempt to depart would result in detention. Qiao Xichuan, asserting his status as a businessman and non-Chinese citizen, tried to call his lawyer, but An Jing clarified that her visit was merely to inform him, and further questions would be addressed later in the investigation.
Before Ma Shang left, his mother handed him a package containing his favorite foods and cold medicine, despite his protests that it was just a short business trip. She reminded him to call her upon arrival. Ma Junhai, after a moment of silence, decided to drive Ma Shang to his drop-off point. In the car, Ma Junhai reflected that Ma Shang was now grown and no longer needed their protection, but as parents, they would always worry.
He urged Ma Shang to focus on his mission and not be distracted by concerns for them. Ma Shang promised to handle everything quickly and return home safely. Before Ma Shang exited the car, Ma Junhai leaned in and said that Fu Dayong had only one precious daughter, and Ma Shang "must rescue her!" Ma Shang guaranteed he would complete the mission.
Du Meng informed An Jing that Qiao Xichuan was under comprehensive surveillance, with all his movements, telephone signals, and potential exit points being monitored. He confirmed that they were following An Jing's instructions to allow Qiao Xichuan some room to maneuver, anticipating his next move. An Jing then entrusted the monitoring of Qiao Xichuan to Du Meng and his team, as she and Ma Shang were departing to rescue Fu Mengyao. Du Meng later noted that a recent call from Qiao Xichuan could not be monitored as it was a satellite signal.
Episode 32 Recap
Qiao Xichuan contacted his superior, Jeffrey, reporting that the National Security Bureau was tailing him and demanding that their purchasing activities cease immediately. Qiao argued that his mission was a success despite being tailed and assured Jeffrey that the minerals were fine. Jeffrey, while initially questioning Qiao's performance, promised to help him escape once the current case concluded. During this phone call, Du Meng and his team detected the signal but were unable to connect before the call ended.
Later, Jeffrey instructed another operative, "Bat," to continue their work, confirming that Qiao Xichuan had completed his part. Jeffrey warned Bat to be cautious, as the NSS might already be ahead of them, based on Qiao's report. An Jing and Ma Shang arrived in Binhai City and met with Zhang Li from the Binhai Municipal Bureau’s Investigation Section to get an update on the Fu Mengyao kidnapping case.
Zhang Li informed them that the kidnappers had thoroughly disinfected the car, likely destroying any DNA evidence. She revealed that a suspect named Wu Siwei, a habitual offender recently released from prison, had been identified by a distinctive necklace visible in toll booth surveillance footage, despite his disguise. However, despite using the Sky-Eye system, his current location remained unknown. An Jing and Ma Shang were granted access to inspect the car.
In Shuangqing, Du Meng and Department Chief Song interrogated Fu Dayong, who was deeply distressed about his daughter Fu Mengyao. He initially refused to cooperate, fearing that providing information would put Fu Mengyao in greater danger, believing the kidnappers would kill her if news of his cooperation leaked. Du Meng assured him that the detained ore meant Fu Mengyao’s life was not yet at risk and pressed him, asking what he would do if his daughter suffered harm.
Fu Dayong angrily declared he would go bankrupt to seek revenge, but Du Meng countered that he lacked the means or knowledge to do so, emphasizing that his only option would be lifelong regret if he didn’t cooperate. Department Chief Song further explained that sharing clues would increase the chances of Fu Mengyao’s rescue and help them apprehend all involved parties, ensuring her safety from future retaliation. Realizing his options, Fu Dayong named Yang Xun as the middleman.
Department Chief Song and Du Meng discussed the implications of Yang Xun's involvement. They recalled that Miao Fei had provided evidence of Yang Xun's misappropriation of funds from Dinghua, and the evidence was not forged. Department Chief Song raised concerns about Miao Fei's potential complicity, suggesting that Yang Xun's dismissal might have been a calculated move to cover his tracks and clear him of suspicion, part of a two or three-year long plan.
However, Du Meng argued against Miao Fei's involvement, citing An Jing and Ma Shang's consistent monitoring and testing of her, which had yielded no suspicious findings. Department Chief Song then questioned how Yang Xun, having seemingly cleared his name, could so quickly turn to an espionage organization. Du Meng explained Yang Xun's desperate situation after losing his career and facing significant debt, making him vulnerable to recruitment, even for illegal activities.
While acknowledging the leap from embezzlement to espionage, they agreed that apprehending Yang Xun was crucial to uncovering his recruiter. Department Chief Song instructed Du Meng to locate Yang Xun discreetly and await further orders for his arrest, emphasizing the importance of not alerting anyone, especially Miao Fei. An Jing and Ma Shang tracked Wu Siwei in Binhai. Ma Shang noted how straightforward the operation seemed, while An Jing grew increasingly suspicious, feeling their opponent was acting too foolishly.
Their surveillance was interrupted when a group of men, unrelated to the National Security Bureau, ambushed and attacked Wu Siwei. An Jing and Ma Shang immediately moved in, capturing Wu Siwei and the attackers. During the confrontation, Ma Shang instinctively shielded An Jing, who later told him that she would rather be injured herself than see him get hurt, leaving him momentarily surprised. It was discovered that the attackers were Wu Siwei's former prison enemies, a chance encounter.
Despite his capture, Wu Siwei refused to cooperate during interrogation, and his personal phone contained no relevant call records, suggesting he used a separate, specialized device. Back in Shuangqing, Department Chief Song and Du Meng confirmed that Yang Xun had suddenly repaid his debt to Dinghua two days prior, coincidentally on the same day Fu Dayong shipped his goods and Fu Mengyao was kidnapped. Meanwhile, in Binhai, An Jing had pulled a muscle during the arrest.
Ma Shang gently chided her impulsiveness, to which she retorted that she had to act to protect him, playfully implying he was "useless." An Jing also developed a cold, prompting Ma Shang to offer her cold medicine his mother had packed for him. This conversation led An Jing to ask about WiFi for a video call, sparking a realization for Ma Shang: a phone's saved WiFi signal data could map Wu Siwei's movements, even without direct call records.
When their analysis of Wu Siwei's phone revealed his frequent presence in prosperous city areas—an unlikely place for holding a hostage—An Jing astutely suggested checking the soles of his shoes. This confirmed her suspicion: the presence of a sewer smell indicated Fu Mengyao was likely held in the city's underground sewer system. Following this breakthrough, the Binhai Public Security's elite team successfully rescued Fu Mengyao and apprehended the remaining kidnappers. Simultaneously, Yang Xun was arrested and interrogated.
After initially denying involvement in the kidnapping and claiming ignorance about the forged mining document he provided, he eventually confessed that the person who recruited him was named He Ping. An Jing and Ma Shang returned to Shuangqing to brief Department Chief Song on the successful rescue of Fu Mengyao. Ma Shang reported that the kidnapper was Secretary Zhang, who had been accompanying Fu Mengyao abroad.
He Zixuan discovered that two hours after Fu Dayong sent his daughter, Secretary Zhang had exploited Fu Mengyao's reluctance to attend school, convinced her to turn off her phone, leave the airport, and then took her shopping in Binhai before holding her captive. An Jing noted that Fu Mengyao was made to lie to her father about already being in the UK.
Du Meng then reported on Yang Xun, stating that he maintained he was only acting to repay his Dinghua debts and denied knowledge of the kidnapping, though his cooperation did lead to the dismantling of an underground casino. Department Chief Song stressed that regardless of Yang Xun's denials, the forged mining document was sufficient for his arrest, and the priority now was to link his and Fu Dayong's confessions to Qiao Xichuan.
They noted that Fu Dayong and Yang Xun had only communicated with their contact by phone, and a fingerprint found on Fu Dayong's phone did not match Qiao Xichuan's. Ma Shang added that "He Ping," the person Yang Xun named, had a fake identity and disappeared after the incident. Du Meng proposed that Qiao Xichuan might have used a dual identity to contact Yang Xun, though they lacked concrete proof.
To resolve this, An Jing instructed He Zixuan to use the Sky-Eye system's gait recognition to compare video footage of Yang Xun meeting He Ping with Qiao Xichuan's movements at Dinghua. Separately, Du Meng noticed An Jing's muscle strain, playfully blaming Ma Shang for letting her get injured. An Jing then offered to send Du Meng for six months of training at the provincial department, recognizing his potential.
Du Meng, however, refused, expressing his desire to stay and work alongside her, citing their years of collaboration. He also reminded An Jing to maintain emotional control during Qiao Xichuan's eventual arrest, given the potential connection between Qiao Xichuan and her father's past case. Unbeknownst to the NSS, Jeffrey's operative, "Bat," infiltrated Qiao Xichuan's hotel. The NSS monitoring team observed a situation in Qiao Xichuan's room.
At this time, Bat, disguised as a room service attendant delivering dinner, entered Qiao Xichuan's room. Bat quickly strangled Qiao Xichuan and then moved his body to the bathroom, staging the scene to appear as a suicide. The NSS monitoring team, observing Qiao Xichuan's room from afar, noted only the brief entry and exit of a server and reported "all is normal," unaware of the murder.
Simultaneously, the gait recognition results came in, confirming that He Ping was indeed Qiao Xichuan. Upon receiving this crucial information, Department Chief Song immediately ordered An Jing to proceed with the arrest, emphasizing the need to ensure the target's safety. An Jing, unaware that Qiao Xichuan was already dead, commanded her teams to take action.
Episode 33 Recap
As Qiao Xichuan's communication signal was suddenly lost and the entire hotel experienced a power outage, An Jing and Du Meng found themselves trapped in the elevator. An Jing swiftly instructed Unit Two to proceed directly to Qiao Xichuan's room without waiting. Her team discovered Qiao Xichuan in the bathtub, having apparently attempted to commit suicide by slitting his wrists.
They quickly confirmed he still had a pulse and called for an ambulance, with An Jing emphasizing that they must ensure he survived. Shortly after, Du Meng informed An Jing that the technology department had recovered part of Qiao Xichuan's call logs, confirming his involvement in the case concerning her father's death ten years ago. This provided sufficient grounds to merge the two cases for investigation.
An Jing, emotionally stirred, resolved to personally tell her mother about the truth, declining Du Meng's offer to accompany her. Director Qin arrived and was briefed by Department Chief Song on the situation. Qiao Xichuan remained in a coma, with doctors reporting brain damage and a high probability of never regaining consciousness. Meanwhile, Yang Xun, who had been apprehended, steadfastly refused to cooperate during interrogation, repeatedly claiming wrongful accusation and demanding a lawyer, indicating he was well-prepared.
An Jing presented the collected evidence: an array of disguise equipment, including wigs, canes, various paints, glues, and a voice-changing device, found at Qiao Xichuan's residence. Based on testimonies from Miao Fei and Miao Huanyang, it was concluded that Qiao Xichuan was also Su He, responsible for coercing Miao Huanyang into insider trading a decade ago and recently forcing Miao Fei to steal the key.
Furthermore, Fu Dayong's testimony confirmed He Ping as another of Qiao Xichuan's aliases, orchestrating Fu Mengyao's kidnapping and coercing Fu Dayong into ore smuggling. Recovered data from Qiao Xichuan's destroyed computer revealed that Yang Xun and Qiao Xichuan had planned the technical theft in Shuangqing and the ore smuggling from both inside and outside Dinghua.
Yang Xun's role was to lurk within Dinghua to steal information and provide cover, while Qiao Xichuan managed all external operations, coercing individuals like Jia Changan, Zhou Lian, Liu Baoqiang, and Chen Can. An Jing noted Qiao Xichuan's ruthless nature, suggesting he likely killed Jia Changan and staged it as a suicide after exposure, and may have been connected to Zhou Lian's traffic accident.
Director Qin, acknowledging Qiao Xichuan's central role in both the current and the decade-old case, including the death of Comrade An Wei, ordered the hospital to do everything possible to revive him. Meanwhile, Ma Shang confided in his father about how to reveal his true identity to his mother. His father advised him to be direct and promised to manage his mother's reaction.
Ma Shang then spoke to his mother in the kitchen, who initially misinterpreted his serious tone, thinking he had resigned from Dinghua due to its troubles. Ma Shang clarified that since graduating from university, he had been an officer with the National Security Department, and his roles as a headhunter and at Dinghua were merely covers for his real work as an investigator. His mother was shocked and needed time to process this revelation.
Later, at dinner, though she cooked a feast and pretended nothing happened, Ma Shang and his father were still worried. She eventually expressed understanding for his secrecy, acknowledging the nature of his work, but voiced concerns about his safety and marital prospects. Ma Shang's father subtly reminded his wife not to accidentally reveal their son's identity, to which she retorted, affirming her capability to keep secrets. That evening, An Jing, her mother, and Uncle Wang had dinner.
An Jing's mother, feeling happy, ordered red wine. Afterward, Uncle Wang offered to drive them home, but An Jing declined, opting for a walk with her mother to sober up. During their walk, An Jing bravely revealed to her mother that her father's death was not an accident and that the ongoing case was unexpectedly linked to the events of ten years prior.
An Jing's mother, tearful but deeply relieved that those who harmed her husband had been caught, expressed a desire to visit his grave soon. Later, Ma Shang met An Jing by the sea. He shared his relief after finally disclosing his true identity to his family. An Jing, having reflected on her feelings, then asked Ma Shang if he wanted to be with her. Overjoyed, Ma Shang embraced and kissed her, confessing he had waited ten years for this moment.
He recalled her initial coldness upon their reunion but soon recognized her unwavering sense of justice, passion, independence, and strength, just as she was a decade ago. Learning the truth behind her past, he felt a profound desire to protect her for life. He pointed out their similar natures – rational at work, emotional with family – and their enduring unspoken understanding.
Their intimate moment was interrupted by a call from Department Chief Song for An Jing, who promptly stated that work took priority and she needed to return to the bureau. Ma Shang lamented his bad luck, joking about starting a long-distance relationship just after finding a girlfriend. He informed An Jing that the provincial department wanted him to withdraw from Dinghua and return to Beijing in two days, believing they had enough evidence.
However, Ma Shang still harbored doubts about the case's seemingly "smooth" resolution. An Jing assured him that the National Security Bureau would investigate thoroughly. An Jing's calm acceptance, attributing his departure to a leader's order, made Ma Shang slightly jealous. Ma Shang went to Miao Fei to tender his resignation. Miao Fei reacted calmly, stating she had long suspected his true identity.
She also revealed her own plans to leave Dinghua soon, as her father's past involvement would likely become public knowledge once state-owned enterprises injected capital. Miao Fei inquired if the case was concluded and, still troubled, asked who truly killed Jia Changan. She had narrowed it down to an insider, specifically Yang Xun, but found it difficult to believe he possessed such ruthlessness.
She theorized that Yang Xun might merely be an internal asset, and the true killer could be someone else. Miao Fei requested that Ma Shang inform her immediately if he discovered the actual murderer. Elsewhere, Cheng Lei shared good news with Ma Shang and Miao Lu: he had been appointed Professor Zou's special assistant. Ma Shang congratulated him, playfully hinting at "double happiness" concerning his professional success and his relationship with Miao Lu, causing her to shyly excuse herself.
Late that night, Cheng Lei made a phone call, revealing his status as a sleeper agent to Jeffrey. Cheng Lei noted that Miao Fei was still at Dinghua and his suspect remained there. Jeffrey issued a "simple" mission: acquire the technology and extract himself swiftly. Cheng Lei pushed back, highlighting the unforeseen complications he had already navigated and warning Jeffrey not to allow his operatives to interfere with his actions. Later, Ma Shang found An Jing by the sea.
He playfully offered her a choice between good news and bad news. The "bad news," he revealed, was that after discussing with Director Qin, he still believed the case had suspicious elements and required further investigation. The "good news" was that he would, therefore, not be leaving Shuangqing yet, giving them more time together. An Jing remarked that both sounded like bad news, but she was not surprised.
The task force continued its work, but they faced a passive situation with no new leads. Miao Huanyang, Chen Can, and Liu Baoqiang offered no valuable information, and Qiao Xichuan remained unconscious. Du Meng was assigned to monitor Qiao Xichuan at the People's Hospital. Simultaneously, Jeffrey instructed his operative, Bat, to cease all further actions and remain hidden until further notice. Bat acknowledged the order and subtly claimed responsibility for Qiao Xichuan's current state.
Episode 34 Recap
In the hospital, an unconscious Qiao Xichuan is being tended to. A doctor, Director Li, informs Du Meng that while Qiao Xichuan's bodily functions are stable, he has sustained brain damage, and his memory recovery depends entirely on luck. Director Li assures Du Meng that they will pursue all active and effective treatments.
A new medicine is slated for administration, and Du Meng, acknowledging Qiao Xichuan's crucial role in their ongoing investigation, instructs his team to maintain a vigilant watch and report any changes. A spy, later identified as Bat, infiltrates the premises disguised as a doctor. He overhears Director Li's instructions for Qiao Xichuan's medication.
After discarding his white coat, Bat cunningly distracts a nurse by feigning confusion about directions and then covertly swaps the medicine she was about to administer to Qiao Xichuan. Moments later, a nurse’s panicked cries about Qiao Xichuan's sudden cardiac arrest echo through the ward, prompting Bat to leave, seemingly satisfied with his mission accomplished. However, Bat’s movements are under constant surveillance by Du Meng and his team, who track his departure and immediately dispatch agents to follow him.
Du Meng later confirms that the injection was indeed tampered with, but thanks to his team's timely intervention, Qiao Xichuan was never in actual danger; they had intercepted the nurse before the altered medicine could be administered. Du Meng then arranges for Qiao Xichuan's secure transfer to another hospital.
An Jing reveals that this entire sequence was a calculated test, conceived by her and Ma Shang, to see if the opposing organization would attempt to silence Qiao Xichuan, given his extensive knowledge. She expresses surprise that Bat was brazen enough to take the bait and make such a daring move. Following the hospital incident, Du Meng recovers discarded gloves from the underground garage after Bat's departure.
Qin Ting and Song Ju soon arrive with the fingerprint analysis results: the fingerprints match those found on the phone Qiao Xichuan had previously given to Fu Dayong. The perpetrator, an internationally known but highly cautious operative, has no real name, only a code, "Bat." This revelation immediately reminds everyone of Zhou Lian's dying message, which also referred to "Bat." Re-evaluating the case, the team concludes that Qiao Xichuan did not kill Zhou Lian.
Her message was a warning, indicating that Qiao Xichuan and Zhou Lian were likely unaware of Bat's presence in Shuangqing. Ma Shang theorizes that Qiao Xichuan deliberately planted Bat's fingerprints on the phone to frame him, a desperate attempt to use the authorities to eliminate Bat. They also consider the possibility that information found on Qiao Xichuan's computer was intentionally left by Bat to mislead them.
The team concludes that neither Qiao Xichuan nor Bat are the ultimate masterminds, suggesting a higher-level organization or a "sleeper" agent is still at play. Song Ju then reveals another critical piece of information: the website Wu Miao used to sell data was funded and operated by Hermes, further emphasizing the organization's pervasive involvement. Given these developments, Ma Shang proposes to Qin Ting that he resign from Dinghua.
He explains that if he remains at the company, the enemy might suspect their investigation is ongoing, even after abandoning Qiao Xichuan. His departure, however, could lead the adversaries to lower their guard. Qin Ting approves Ma Shang's request. An Jing asks Ma Shang if he will now publicly reveal his identity within the city bureau. Ma Shang playfully dismisses the idea, joking about having social phobia and suggesting it will keep him from "messing around outside."
Meanwhile, Du Meng receives a phone call from his sister, Xiao Ling, who has arrived in Shuangqing to visit him. An Jing encourages Du Meng to prioritize his family and go pick her up. During dinner, Xiao Ling shares her concerns about their mother's declining health and the inadequate medical facilities back home. Du Meng promises to find a way to transfer their mother to a city hospital for better care.
Xiao Ling also brings joyous news of her college admission but worries about the increased financial strain on Du Meng. He reassures her to focus on her studies, promising to handle all expenses and even offers to buy her new clothes as a reward. Upon learning that Xiao Ling is staying in a cheap, potentially unsafe small hotel near the station, Du Meng insists on moving her to a more secure hotel, despite her protests about the cost.
An Jing and Ma Shang then meet with Miao Fei, urging her to reconsider her resignation from Dinghua, as her continued cooperation is vital to their investigation. Miao Fei is hesitant, expressing her desire to leave what she describes as a "place of right and wrong" and her concern for her sister, Miao Lu, and her family's safety. An Jing assures her that she will only be required to provide information from within Dinghua, with her safety guaranteed.
An Jing appeals to Miao Fei's sense of duty, stating their mission is for the country and Dinghua's core technology, which ultimately convinces Miao Fei. The following day, at a company meeting, Lin Xiaolan announces the reintegration of the human resources department into the administrative center, appointing Miao Fei as its new head.
Ma Shang then formally announces his resignation, citing a conflict with his personal career plans after the department's cancellation, though he expresses gratitude for his time at Dinghua. Miao Fei subsequently introduces a new, "extreme but very safe" security protocol, which she developed in consultation with Ma Shang, designed to protect Dinghua's core technology from external threats. Lin Xiaolan clarifies that this involves fragmenting all data, granting only Professor Zou access to the complete core technology.
Professor Zou, while acknowledging potential impacts on the project schedule, expresses his full support for the company's decision. Later, Cheng Lei confronts Ma Shang on the rooftop, expressing intense anger over Ma Shang's resignation and, more significantly, his proposal for fragmenting core technology data. He views this as a lost opportunity for IT professionals to access advanced technology.
Cheng Lei accuses Ma Shang and Miao Fei of nepotism, comparing them to Pang Yishan and Yang Xun, and suggesting Ma Shang's actions were orchestrated by Miao Huanyang to benefit his daughter, Miao Fei. Ma Shang dismisses Cheng Lei's accusations as overthinking. That evening, Ma Shang informs his parents that he will be moving to Beijing in a few days and that his relationship with An Jing is progressing.
His mother is overjoyed and, despite Ma Shang's plea for them not to be overly cautious about his work, excitedly suggests inviting An Jing for a meal to "lay the foundation" before he leaves, which Ma Shang tries to deflect. Meanwhile, Cheng Lei, during a date with Miao Lu, receives a phone call from Jeffrey.
He steps outside to speak privately, informing Jeffrey that Ma Shang, the individual Jeffrey had long suspected, has left Dinghua but has implemented a significant security measure, making it challenging to acquire the complete core technology. Jeffrey reacts furiously, reminding Cheng Lei of the sacrifices made, including his own people, to secure Cheng Lei's position. Cheng Lei retorts that they are partners, not master and subordinate, and assures Jeffrey he has his own plan.
Back with Miao Lu, she expresses concern and suggests talking to Miao Fei about the situation at work, but Cheng Lei dismisses it, stating it is pointless as Lin Xiaolan already approved the new security. Cheng Lei laments that Ma Shang, whom he considered a friend, did not consider his perspective.
Miao Lu, feeling insecure, worries that Cheng Lei's apparent dislike for Miao Fei might extend to her, but he reassures her that he separates personal feelings from professional matters and that he likes her. Later, An Jing, observing Bat finally making a move, alerts Du Meng to initiate action, ordering a team to track Bat via surveillance. Once Bat leaves his hotel room, Du Meng infiltrates it to conduct a search. However, Bat unexpectedly turns back.
An Jing immediately warns Du Meng to evacuate and instructs Xiao Li to create a diversion. As Du Meng makes his escape, he discovers hidden, offline cameras in the room and quickly deletes the stored footage. He then climbs out the window and hides precariously on the building's exterior. Bat re-enters his room and lights a cigar, settling in, which prolongs Du Meng's dangerous wait.
To buy Du Meng more time, An Jing instructs the front desk to call Bat's room with a fabricated excuse about his usual wine being unavailable. This distraction allows Du Meng to jump into an empty room directly below. Though he successfully evades detection, Du Meng hits his head on a guardrail during the jump, resulting in a severe injury and rendering him unconscious. An Jing is notified of his condition and sends Lao Liu to assist, while reminding her team to continue monitoring Bat.
Episode 35 Recap
Du Meng was rushed to the hospital after suffering a severe head injury. The doctor informed the team that while no serious internal injuries were found, his head trauma was significant, and he might not regain consciousness. If surgery became necessary, his family would be notified. An Jing quickly contacted Ma Shang to relay the news, and Ma Shang promised to find time to visit Du Meng.
An Jing then arranged for Du Meng's sister, Du Ling, to be contacted, instructing the team not to inform their mother due to her frail health. Meanwhile, Cheng Lei unexpectedly visited Ma Shang at his home. They had dinner, during which Cheng Lei apologized for his previous harsh words, and Ma Shang graciously accepted his apology, stating that he understood how Cheng Lei felt and had not taken it to heart.
Later, at the hospital, Du Ling cried by Du Meng's bedside, speaking to her mother on the phone and reassuring her of Du Meng's well-being, while concealing the true extent of his condition. She expressed regret to An Jing about her inability to help her brother financially, especially as he planned to bring their mother to Shuangqing for treatment. As An Jing comforted Du Ling, Du Meng weakly spoke, startling everyone.
An Jing playfully chastised him, noting his deep-seated pride, suggesting he only woke up because they were talking about his family. Cheng Lei, still at dinner with Ma Shang, inquired about his plans after resigning. Ma Shang revealed his intention to return to Beijing and work as a headhunter, mentioning a company that had offered him a director position with good pay. Cheng Lei expressed his approval of Beijing as a place with more opportunities.
When Cheng Lei offered to see him off, Ma Shang replied he would be leaving the day after tomorrow morning and that it wasn't necessary. Cheng Lei then mentioned that since he knew where Ma Shang’s family lived, he would visit Ma Shang’s parents on weekends, as they were getting older. Ma Shang quickly dismissed the idea, assuring Cheng Lei that his parents were in good health and had relatives in Shuangqing to care for them.
That night, An Jing sent Du Ling home. In the hospital corridor, she spotted Ma Shang, who had come late to check on Du Meng, clearly still worried. Inside Du Meng's room, Ma Shang teased him about his lack of flowers or fruits for a hospital visit. Ma Shang then admonished Du Meng for being reckless during his last mission, stressing the need for better evacuation plans in the future.
Du Meng, in turn, probed about Ma Shang and An Jing's relationship, then jokingly told Ma Shang that if they were together, he must always let An Jing bully him and never bully her back. An Jing, listening from outside the room, smiled at their banter. On the way back, Ma Shang shared his suspicions with An Jing about Cheng Lei’s probing questions, believing Cheng Lei was trying to uncover his next moves.
Despite Cheng Lei being the least suspected at Dinghua, he was still a person of interest due to his proximity to the core technology, second only to Professor Zou, especially after so many incidents at Dinghua and his relationship with Miao Lu. To test Cheng Lei, Ma Shang proposed a setup. He had only told his parents, An Jing, and Cheng Lei that he would return to Beijing the day after tomorrow morning.
Ma Shang asked An Jing to have a team follow him to the airport that day to see if anyone else was tracking him. An Jing readily agreed. The next morning, Ma Shang packed his belongings. His father brought him his favorite baked potatoes that his mother had specially prepared. His mother had cooked a large feast, continuously serving him food, concerned about his well-being but supportive of his work, urging him to prioritize safety.
Ma Shang, in turn, expressed his worries about his parents, cautioning his father against personally delivering goods and his mother against being overly brave in her security assistant role. With worried eyes, his parents saw him off as he left for the airport. An Jing's team monitored Ma Shang’s journey. Cheng Lei did not appear and no suspicious vehicles followed. Ma Shang did not board the plane; instead, a decoy in identical clothing did.
Ma Shang returned to a yacht, where he would be staying with He Zixuan. An Jing remarked that Ma Shang might be overthinking things, but he insisted that caution was always wise. The hair DNA and fingerprints Du Meng had retrieved definitively proved that Bat was present at the crime scene. Ma Shang instructed Du Meng to continue resting, stating that the Dinghua project would be completed that month, marking the time for their "final battle with our real enemy."
Meanwhile, Jeffrey met with Lide, who was aware of Jeffrey’s involvement with Hermes and the Chinese government's pressure on the organization. Jeffrey offered Lide double the pay for his loyalty, assigning him the task of assisting Cheng Lei in China. Cheng Lei and Miao Lu dined together. Cheng Lei expressed frustration about not fully understanding the core technical principles of the project despite his role as Professor Zou's special assistant, feeling the company had intentionally withheld information.
Miao Lu tried to comfort him, suggesting that the public would only care about his title and not the extent of his involvement. The following day, Miao Fei informed Miao Lu that Cheng Lei was not on the list of personnel accompanying the press conference in Danhe, advising her to console him. Miao Lu reacted angrily, emphasizing Cheng Lei's significant contributions. Miao Fei explained that the list was based on National Security's recommendations and the Danhe operation was critical.
An Jing received an alert confirming Bat had booked a ticket to Danhe, solidifying their certainty that the opposing side would make a move. Qin Hall declared the mission's primary objective was to lure out the sleeper. Despite being excluded from the official list, Cheng Lei decided to travel to Danhe with Miao Lu, framing it as a leisurely trip.
Upon arriving in Danhe, National Security personnel confirmed the presence of unauthorized monitoring equipment at both the venue and the hotel, indicating the enemy’s activities had begun. Security personnel thoroughly checked Professor Zou’s room and assured him of round-the-clock protection. Ma Shang, acting as a headhunting company director, visited Professor Zou, offering him a job if he ever wished to change careers, which Professor Zou politely declined. An Jing then instructed Ma Shang to bring Miao Fei to a meeting.
As Cheng Lei and Miao Lu checked into their hotel, Cheng Lei spotted Lide. He quickly made an excuse about being hungry and sent Miao Lu ahead to check in. Cheng Lei then met Lide in the bathroom. Cheng Lei confronted Lide, believing his and Bat's presence would disrupt his own plans, seeing them as expendable assets Jeffrey was willing to sacrifice, much like Zhou Lian and Qiao Xichuan.
Lide delivered Jeffrey's ultimatum, stating it was Cheng Lei’s last chance, and revealed that Bat was currently installing cameras in the hotel. Cheng Lei, making it clear he was not a fool to be sacrificed, agreed to cooperate but demanded that Lide hand over the retrieved item to him immediately once the mission was accomplished.
An Jing reported that Bat's abnormal behavior led them to discover he had hijacked the venue's surveillance system and installed audio monitors in the hotel rooms. To counter this without alerting Bat, they planned to notify venue security to change monitoring routes and move Professor Zou to a different room. Ma Shang noted Bat's seemingly reckless actions, which An Jing suggested could be a diversion for the hidden sleeper. Du Meng then informed Miao Fei that her sister, Miao Lu, was also in Danhe, much to Miao Fei’s surprise.
Episode 36 Recap
Miao Fei expressed her surprise at Miao Lu and Cheng Lei’s unexpected arrival in Danhe, though she understood why they would come, given her father initiated the technology and Cheng Lei's extensive involvement in the project. She then received a phone call, and Ma Shang instructed her to answer normally. The caller, Cheng Lei, using a disguised voice and speaking English, demanded her cooperation to obtain synthetic material technology, threatening her by claiming knowledge of her father, Miao Huanyang’s, whereabouts.
Miao Fei vehemently refused, stating her father had already paid for his actions, and An Jing quickly intervened to calm her down. An Jing assured Miao Fei that her father was safe under witness protection and the caller was merely bluffing. Ma Shang instructed Miao Fei to comply with any future demands from the caller, assuring her that the National Security Bureau would protect her.
After Miao Fei left, Ma Shang analyzed that the enemy's renewed contact with Miao Fei was merely a diversion, expressing concern that Professor Zou might be the real target. An Jing introduced Ma Shang and He Zixuan to their local colleagues, Wang Zuo and Lao Liu, emphasizing the need to keep their task force identities confidential. Later, An Jing asked about Bat’s activities, and Du Meng reported no significant movements or untraceable satellite calls.
Miao Fei suddenly asked Ma Shang if he had ever killed anyone, struggling to understand why she was being targeted when she had never harmed anyone. An Jing acknowledged Miao Fei’s emotional distress, and Ma Shang offered comfort by explaining that crime, in essence, stems from poor evolutionary performance in human society, where progress is ultimately achieved through cooperation. Miao Fei understood his perspective. Miao Fei received another call and was instructed to wear a headset.
Under the watchful eyes of An Jing and Du Meng, she followed instructions and went to a supermarket. Cheng Lei, observing her through a camera on her headset, noticed her glancing at An Jing and Du Meng. Miao Fei explained her fear of being discovered. The encrypted call was untraceable. Cheng Lei, speaking to an associate, explained his use of English was to confuse the National Security Bureau and hoped they would not suspect him.
The Bat received a signal to proceed with his mission. Cheng Lei then guided Miao Fei to a staff entrance, informing her that the items in her bag would not pass the main security check. Miao Fei, communicating with Ma Shang through her second earpiece, revealed she was carrying a computer. Sensing danger, Ma Shang warned his colleagues that Bat might be preparing to act. Miao Fei entered the staff passage using a password provided by Cheng Lei.
Ma Shang approached her, and Cheng Lei ordered Miao Fei to send him away. As Ma Shang turned to leave, he discreetly placed a second Bluetooth earphone into Miao Fei’s other ear, enabling her to communicate with both Ma Shang and Cheng Lei simultaneously. An Jing grew suspicious, and Ma Shang, having brought a jammer, suspected the computer might contain a bomb. He refrained from activating the jammer immediately, as it would interrupt all communications and expose their operation.
Cheng Lei instructed Miao Fei to find a seat and open the computer. The moment Miao Fei opened the laptop, Ma Shang activated the jammer. Cheng Lei, believing he had outsmarted them, gloated that the National Security Bureau would now be focused on disarming what they thought was a bomb, diverting attention from his true objective. However, Ma Shang’s voice then came through his earpiece, declaring Cheng Lei had lost.
Meanwhile, Bat, disguised as a hotel service worker, attempted to deliver a meal to Professor Zou. Security personnel, who were actually National Security Bureau agents, frisked him and allowed him into the room, where he was immediately apprehended. The computer Miao Fei carried was confirmed to be an ordinary device, not a bomb. After the mission, An Jing informed Miao Fei that she and Du Meng needed to attend a meeting, assuring her that security personnel would remain with her.
Later, Miao Lu called Miao Fei, suggesting they have dinner together. Miao Fei declined due to work but agreed to dinner the following evening. Miao Lu told Cheng Lei to be on his best behavior for their first dinner with Miao Fei. Separately, Cheng Lei received news that Bat had lost contact and the mission had failed.
At a meeting, it was revealed that Bat claimed he had never met the Sleeper but provided intelligence about a key figure who had disappeared. The priority remained Professor Zou's and the data's safety. The next day, Ma Shang joined Miao Fei for dinner with Miao Lu and Cheng Lei, citing security concerns and his past employment at Dinghua as a reason for his presence. Miao Lu expressed surprise at Ma Shang’s unexpected appearance.
Miao Fei attempted to reassure Cheng Lei about his contributions to Dinghua, promising him an important position in the future. Ma Shang, in turn, playfully tried to poach Cheng Lei for his headhunting company. Miao Fei then informed them that the public exhibition had been canceled for safety reasons. Miao Lu, upset, left for the restroom, protesting that Cheng Lei, after all his hard work, would not even get to see the exhibit. Miao Fei followed to console her.
In the restroom, Miao Fei urged Miao Lu to convince Cheng Lei to return to Shuangqing the next day, asking her to pretend it was her own idea. She explained she couldn't clarify the situation now but would in a few days, stressing that Miao Lu should not tell anyone, especially Cheng Lei. Back at the table, Ma Shang questioned Cheng Lei's presence at the conference, noting it was out of character for him to attend uninvited.
Cheng Lei explained that Miao Lu had insisted on coming, wanting to witness the project’s success on behalf of her father, Miao Huanyang, who he confirmed had been arrested. Ma Shang discreetly placed a listening device on Cheng Lei. Cheng Lei later discovered the device but, after some contemplation, put it back, seemingly planning to use it to his advantage. During this time, Miao Lu continuously tried to persuade Cheng Lei to return to Shuangqing, and he agreed.
An Jing, listening in, heard a sudden commotion and suspected Miao Lu and Cheng Lei had been kidnapped. Back in her room, Miao Fei received another call from Cheng Lei, the Sleeper. He instructed her to wear her headphones and accused her of trying to get Miao Lu to leave Danhe too quickly.
He revealed he had "controlled" Miao Lu and Cheng Lei because they refused to depart, threatening Miao Fei that he could eliminate her regardless of National Security Bureau protection. Desperate to protect her sister, Miao Fei agreed to cooperate. As the doorbell rang, Cheng Lei ordered her to remain calm and not hang up. An Jing was at the door, asking if Miao Fei was alright. Miao Fei, feigning normalcy, allowed her in, concealing the ongoing call.
An Jing informed Miao Fei that Miao Lu and Cheng Lei might have been kidnapped, likely to coerce her into compliance. She advised Miao Fei to report any suspicious contacts immediately, promising the Bureau’s support. Miao Fei, appearing distracted, requested to be left alone due to tiredness. After An Jing left, Cheng Lei commended Miao Fei's performance, reiterated his promise not to harm her sister if she cooperated, and demanded to know what she was willing to do next.
Episode 37 Recap
After An Jing left Miao Fei's room, Cheng Lei continued his call with Miao Fei, praising her performance. He assured her that he wouldn't harm Miao Lu if Miao Fei cooperated, explaining that he merely needed her to do something for him. He then instructed her to listen carefully, describing a device called a "data super-copier" in the package.
He explained its five-meter range and that she needed to activate it when Professor Zou unlocked the data, waiting for its instruction light to turn green. Cheng Lei promised to tell her the delivery method later before ending the call. Meanwhile, Cheng Lei woke Miao Lu, who was tied up. He apologized, reiterated that he wouldn't hurt her, and clarified he just wanted her sister to help him. Miao Lu, bewildered, asked him who he truly was.
Cheng Lei acknowledged her confusion, revealing that the person she knew as Cheng Lei was merely an identity he had assumed. He boasted about how long he had gone undetected at Dinghua and explained his plan to create the illusion that both he and Miao Lu had been kidnapped together, urging her to cooperate. When Miao Lu cried out for help, he violently silenced her and left.
At the crime scene, Du Meng reported to Department Chief Song that there were no surveillance cameras and, despite signs of a struggle near Cheng Lei's abandoned car, no evidence of a third party had been found yet. An Jing added that their team had lost sight of Cheng Lei and Miao Lu after being stuck in traffic.
Given the lack of information, Du Meng wondered if the perpetrator could be "Jeffrey," but they had no details on such a foreign individual. They concluded that the sole motive behind the kidnapping was to threaten Miao Fei, and the apparent abduction of Cheng Lei led them to believe their previous suspicions about him might have been wrong. However, An Jing reminded them that a listening device had been planted on Cheng Lei, of which the other party was unaware.
She suggested they could use this to track the perpetrator. Department Chief Song approved, instructing them to monitor Miao Fei closely, and Ma Shang agreed to communicate with her. An Jing and Ma Shang went to Miao Fei's room. An Jing sent a text message to Miao Fei's phone to ask if there were any surveillance devices in the room, to which Miao Fei pointed to a spot on the table.
After a quick check, they confirmed the room was secure. Miao Fei then revealed that the mysterious caller had given her a data copier and ordered her to copy data from Professor Zou's computer. She recounted that after An Jing had informed her about Miao Lu's kidnapping, the caller had mockingly asked, "How is it? You know that I'm not bluffing now, right?"
Following An Jing's departure from the room, he then explicitly warned her not to cooperate with the authorities and gave her instructions. Ma Shang found it highly unusual that the perpetrator continued to give instructions even after knowing the National Security Bureau was involved. An Jing determined that since the other party wanted the task to continue, they would follow this lead to apprehend him. Later, Miao Fei contacted Cheng Lei, confirming she had obtained the data.
However, she insisted on speaking with Miao Lu first. Cheng Lei refused, demanding she deliver the item to the assigned location before she could see her sister. Miao Fei questioned if he was afraid of being caught, pointing out that the National Security Bureau was aware of Miao Lu's kidnapping and would surely be following her. Cheng Lei dismissed her concerns, stating that her sister's life depended on her delivering the package.
Ma Shang became increasingly frustrated, feeling responsible for the "sleeper" constantly being one step ahead. He needed to re-evaluate the entire situation. Deep in thought, he considered how everyone seemed to be used by the true mastermind. He recalled Bat's statement about being a mere pawn and the Leader's confidence in his elaborate, failsafe plan involving Miao Fei and Miao Lu. Ma Shang realized that Cheng Lei was the sole beneficiary in many past incidents.
Cheng Lei's initial feigned reluctance to become Professor Zou's assistant, despite being the only one to gain from it, now struck Ma Shang as a calculated deception to divert suspicion. Even after becoming an assistant, Cheng Lei couldn't access the final data, prompting him to orchestrate a new plan. Ma Shang deduced that Cheng Lei had used Leader and Bat for what were essentially suicidal missions to eliminate threats to himself, ensuring he would be the ultimate victor.
He realized that Miao Fei's meeting with Leader was designed to lead to Leader's arrest, leaving Cheng Lei as the final winner. Miao Fei made a phone call, but the person on the other end hung up. An Jing received a report about this, making the caller's intentions unclear. Soon after, security forces moved in and arrested Leader. Meanwhile, at the International Science and Technology Exposition, Cheng Lei, in disguise, managed to successfully copy the data.
Ma Shang urgently contacted Department Chief Song, explaining his realization that Cheng Lei was the sleeper they had been searching for and that he had orchestrated everything. He requested to activate the Sky-Eye system to locate Cheng Lei. Ma Shang instructed Zixuan to search for Cheng Lei's location within an hour of the press conference, reasoning that Cheng Lei, after expending such efforts and betraying his partners, would not leave empty-handed.
Department Chief Song received an update from Director Qin that Qiao Xichuan had regained consciousness that afternoon and was being interrogated, which was good news. An Jing and Ma Shang quickly tracked Cheng Lei's vehicle. They found Cheng Lei's abandoned car, still warm, and An Jing deduced he had switched vehicles. Ma Shang theorized that Cheng Lei had deliberately allowed Leader to be caught, knowing he would confess, to create a time window for his escape.
Ruling out airports and train stations, they concluded he was likely heading for sea transport, as Danhe City was close to the sea. An Jing instructed Zixuan to monitor all surveillance cameras leading to Danpu Port. Zixuan soon confirmed that Cheng Lei was indeed heading towards the sea, on Buhe Road, fleeing towards Danpu Port.
Department Chief Song ordered all support teams to converge on Danpu Port and authorized An Jing and Ma Shang to intercept Cheng Lei's vehicle, despite not seeing any hostage, to prevent his escape, which could endanger Miao Lu. An Jing and Ma Shang pursued Cheng Lei's car. Cheng Lei, unwilling to surrender, attempted to escape, leading to a collision that badly damaged both vehicles. Ma Shang, injured from hitting his head against the car window, fell unconscious.
An Jing, disregarding her injured partner, immediately got out and chased Cheng Lei. Cheng Lei had already seized Miao Lu, holding her hostage. An Jing pointed her gun at him, demanding he release Miao Lu. Cheng Lei, unfazed, told her he held the advantage and ordered her to drop her weapon. For Miao Lu's safety, An Jing complied, placing her gun on the ground. Cheng Lei then instructed her to kick it towards him.
As he bent down to retrieve it, An Jing swiftly kicked the gun away and engaged him in hand-to-hand combat. During the struggle, Cheng Lei managed to throw An Jing to the ground, injuring her. Just then, Du Meng arrived as backup, pointing his gun at Cheng Lei and ordering him to surrender slowly with his hands on his head.
However, Cheng Lei, with a sudden burst of strength, pulled out a hidden weapon and ruthlessly stabbed Du Meng in the throat. Du Meng collapsed, bleeding profusely. An Jing, wounded, struggled to crawl towards him. As Cheng Lei raised his gun to shoot An Jing, Ma Shang, having regained consciousness, fired a shot that wounded Cheng Lei's arm, forcing him to flee.
An Jing reached Du Meng, who, in his dying moments, expressed his gratitude and his wish to continue following and working with her if he had more time. An Jing desperately pleaded with him to hold on, calling it an order. Ma Shang called Department Chief Song, reporting that Miao Lu had been rescued, Du Meng was severely wounded, and Cheng Lei had escaped.
Later, as Department Chief Song and Director Qin arrived, An Jing sat on the ground, overwhelmed with grief. The news soon came that Du Meng had passed away, causing both Ma Shang and An Jing to break down in tears. Director Qin, concerned about their emotional state, suggested transferring the case to the provincial authorities. However, Department Chief Song believed that An Jing, having previously overcome similar personal tragedies, possessed the mental fortitude to adjust.
He also vouched for Ma Shang's professionalism, arguing that removing them from the case now would be the greatest blow to them. Director Qin conceded, granting them one day to compose themselves. Meanwhile, Cheng Lei was seen in a public restroom, crudely tending to his arm wound.
Episode 38 Recap
An Jing and Ma Shang remained at the dock throughout the night. As a dedicated member of National Security, An Jing was mentally prepared for many difficult situations, but she struggled to accept Du Meng's death. She spent the night reflecting on her time with him, remembering every operation where he was always the first to charge forward.
She recalled how he would quietly stay late with new dossiers and how, despite having a sick mother and a younger sister in college, he always brought laughter to his colleagues. An Jing vividly remembered Du Meng's first day in National Security when he expressed a desire to be a hero.
She had playfully teased him about watching too many crime dramas, but he explained that they were ordinary people whose duty was to protect national security, emphasizing that "hero" was just a label and every National Security warrior was an "unknown hero." He wanted to be such a hero. Both An Jing and Ma Shang were determined to arrest Cheng Lei and ensure justice for Du Meng.
An Jing, Ma Shang, and He Zixuan reported to Director Qin and Director Song. An Jing explained that Cheng Lei's willingness to risk being killed to retrieve the data copying device indicated the transaction was crucial to him, suggesting he didn't believe he was at the end of his rope. Fortunately, Du Meng had struck the device, preventing immediate data leakage, and without specialized equipment or expertise, Cheng Lei was unlikely to repair it.
The data copying device was Cheng Lei's only "ticket" to escape, as he couldn't do so alone, needing a shield and support. With his identity exposed, he had become an abandoned pawn, making the device his sole bargaining chip. An Jing inquired about Qiao Xichuan's interrogation results for further analysis. Director Qin revealed that Qiao Xichuan had disclosed Jeffrey's employment by the Hermes Group. Based on previous evidence and pressure on Hermes, the group would not easily let Jeffrey off.
This meant both Cheng Lei and Jeffrey faced similar predicaments: failure to obtain the data would lead to significant trouble. An Jing theorized that Cheng Lei, now highly distrustful due to his experiences, would demand Jeffrey appear in person. They had learned Cheng Lei stole a private vehicle and was fleeing towards Shuangqing, which the provincial and municipal bureaus were now tracking. Director Qin acknowledged their grief over Du Meng's sacrifice but stressed that it wasn't anyone's individual responsibility.
He reminded them that all National Security agents were prepared for sacrifice and that only by successfully completing the mission would Du Meng's sacrifice hold true meaning and bring comfort to their fallen comrade. He then instructed An Jing and Ma Shang to take the fastest flight directly to Shuangqing. Back at the city bureau, An Jing brought He Zixuan, introducing him to the team as their technical support for the task force.
Xiao Li, seeing An Jing, tearfully asked if Du Meng had returned with her. An Jing, holding back her own emotions, simply said he was with Director Song and would arrive later. The familiar environment intensified An Jing's grief, reminding her of their past operations together. Xiao Li, having confirmed Du Meng's death, broke down, crying uncontrollably.
An Jing tried to comfort her by reminding her that Du Meng used to tease her, saying her smile was uglier than her crying face, but Xiao Li wished Du Meng was there to see her cry now. An Jing then urged Xiao Li to focus on the arduous tasks ahead. Xiao Li had already notified Du Meng's family, and his sister, Du Ling, was waiting in the meeting room.
An Jing met Du Ling and, filled with guilt, confessed that Du Meng had sacrificed his life to save her when she was controlled by the criminal. Du Ling confirmed that she knew the secret reason why her brother would go to such lengths for An Jing. An Jing offered to cover Du Ling's university fees and their mother's medical expenses, but Du Ling refused, stating that her brother had always taught her to rely on herself.
Du Ling shared that their mother was unaware of Du Meng's death, and she planned to tell her in person the next day, fearing how she would react. Du Ling started crying, and An Jing embraced her, repeatedly apologizing. Leaving the meeting room, An Jing could no longer suppress her own tears. Ma Shang later received his documents from An Jing, who asked if he was confident in completing the mission.
Ma Shang affirmed that he had to complete it, for the duty to national security and for Du Meng. Cheng Lei was observed heading towards Shuangqing City. Wang Zuo, Lao Liu, and Xiao Li joined "Operation Storm Eye." The team carefully tracked Cheng Lei, who eventually abandoned his vehicle and proceeded on foot into a residential building. Inside, he drew the curtains and retrieved a suitcase filled with cash and several fake identification documents from under a bed.
After setting the suitcase ablaze, he quickly departed. Wang Zuo and Lao Liu, smelling the smoke, immediately entered to extinguish the fire and recovered the remaining items, which included eight fake passports for various countries, five fake Chinese IDs, along with some clothes and cash. An Jing and Xiao Li, waiting outside, observed Cheng Lei leaving the complex and continued their pursuit. An Jing remarked that Cheng Lei was too arrogant, but would not be for long.
Meanwhile, Professor Zou learned of the recent events and felt deep remorse, lamenting that he would have rather not pursued the project if he had known the human cost. He reflected on how cold data had led to so much bloodshed, questioning if science was not meant for all mankind, and worried about how many "sleepers" were still active in the world.
Lin Xiaolan, having been briefed by Director Song the previous night, visited Professor Zou, assuring him that it was not his fault and that the country's economic and security breakthrough from this technology would ultimately make the nation stronger. She also met with Miao Fei, expressing her sympathy for what she had endured. Miao Fei was concerned about her suitability to remain at Dinghua, especially as she would need to testify in court and felt she had made mistakes.
Lin Xiaolan, however, reassured her, emphasizing that Dinghua's doors would always be open to her, even if the legal process required a temporary separation. She also advised Professor Zou to keep the matter confidential for national security reasons. Ma Shang reported to Director Song that Cheng Lei had checked into a hotel on Xize Road.
This hotel was strategically chosen for its complex environment and numerous exits, ideal for escape, and Cheng Lei had purchased a large quantity of living supplies, suggesting an extended stay. He had also employed multiple anti-tracking methods, moving between different hotels, in an attempt to shake off his pursuers, but An Jing and her team had successfully maintained surveillance. Director Song and Ma Shang then proceeded to interrogate Qiao Xichuan, whom Director Song had brought back from the provincial department.
Qiao Xichuan recounted his background, stating he was a second-generation immigrant, born and raised abroad, whose parents were businessmen who frequently moved countries. In 1997, when he was around twelve or thirteen, his parents' business went bankrupt during the financial crisis, making it impossible for them to afford his prestigious school fees. During this difficult time, someone approached him and convinced him to enroll in a "special private school," which he described as an underground organization.
There, he underwent five years of intense special training, emerging as an "employed spy." He explained that the "school" changed locations every three months, and he genuinely didn't know who the orchestrating figure behind it was, adding that he was managed like an internment camp, only seeing his fellow students for five years. Qiao Xichuan expressed genuine surprise upon learning that Cheng Lei, a technical engineer from Dinghua, was the "sleeper."
He confirmed his multiple identities, including Simon Lau, Xu He, and He Ping, but preferred to be called Qiao Xichuan. An Jing's team observed Cheng Lei attempting to establish contact with someone, and she instructed her team to reduce noise and try to intercept the communication signal. Xiao Li was sent plug-ins to wall off fixed audio sounds, and He Zixuan was asked to help distinguish signals among the many sources.
Cheng Lei then made a phone call to Jeffrey, accusing him of shifting all the blame onto him and affecting his situation. Jeffrey responded with irritation, telling Cheng Lei not to contact him again. Jeffrey, located abroad, could not be directly positioned. Cheng Lei pressed Jeffrey, stating he had the data and Jeffrey needed to retrieve it personally, warning that Hermes would be in serious trouble without the data, putting Jeffrey in a position no better than his own.
Jeffrey, however, maintained he would handle his own problems and ended the call. An Jing, while confirming Cheng Lei's location, noted Jeffrey's inability to be located due to being overseas, and his apparent reluctance to enter the country. Despite this, An Jing analyzed that Jeffrey was also under pressure, suggesting that the situation could still take a favorable turn.
She asked He Zixuan to attempt to simulate the voice characteristics of the two callers, though He Zixuan noted the difficulty due to limited dialogue, noise interference, and its impact on simulation accuracy. Meanwhile, Jeffrey found himself being pursued by Hermes agents. In a desperate attempt to save his life, he offered the complete synthesis technology data as leverage to his pursuers, asserting that even if China patented it, the technology's inherent value remained unchanged. He pleaded for his life, stating he had something to negotiate with.
Episode 39 Recap
Bat confessed that an organization exists, as Qiao Xichuan had previously claimed, but he knew little about its inner workings or if Jeffrey was its ultimate leader. Director Song confirmed that their primary objective remained to apprehend Jeffrey. Recognizing that Cheng Lei might not succeed in luring Jeffrey to China, An Jing proposed an alternative plan. An Jing and Ma Shang proceeded to interrogate Qiao Xichuan again, pressing him about an incident that occurred ten years prior.
At that time, national policies on rare resources were tightening, and illegal transactions were under increased scrutiny. Qiao Xichuan’s partner was being monitored by the National Security Bureau. To help his partner escape, Qiao Xichuan hired a truck driver named Fan Dewei to crash into the National Security vehicle tracking them, promising to fund the treatment for Fan Dewei’s daughter’s leukemia as compensation.
However, Fan Dewei, consumed by fear, drank excessively, lost control of his truck, and fatally collided with National Security investigating officer An Wei. Qiao Xichuan admitted his involvement, stating he only intended for Fan Dewei to stop the vehicle, not cause a death, and could only offer an apology to the victim's family. Meanwhile, Cheng Lei contacted Jeffrey. Jeffrey warned him not to deceive him, stating he could both save and destroy him.
Cheng Lei then insisted that Jeffrey come in person to retrieve the data, reminding him of past successful evasions. Jeffrey refused, acknowledging the possibility of their conversation being monitored due to an interruption from a hotel staff member, and offered to send his best men instead. Director Song, upon hearing the details of this call, realized the situation was unfavorable and instructed An Jing and Ma Shang to persuade Qiao Xichuan to cooperate fully.
During the continued interrogation, An Jing directly accused Qiao Xichuan of being the true murderer, explaining that his seemingly flawless plan to protect his partner ultimately led to An Wei’s death and Fan Dewei’s family suffering a tragedy. She revealed that the Hermes Group, Qiao Xichuan's employer, rushed Fan Dewei’s daughter's surgery to silence him, using incompatible stem cells.
The young girl was subjected to prolonged agony from the rejection reaction before she died, making Qiao Xichuan indirectly responsible for her death. An Jing further exposed that the partner Qiao Xichuan went to such lengths to protect was later killed and thrown into the sea by a smuggling ship owner in a double-cross incident, another consequence of Qiao Xichuan’s misguided cleverness.
An Jing then brought up Zhou Lian, recalling how Zhou Lian used her last breath to send a warning message to Qiao Xichuan before her death. While Bat hadn't directly harmed her, his sudden appearance had terrified Zhou Lian, causing her to flee in a panic and get hit by a car while crossing the road. Qiao Xichuan confessed that Zhou Lian was not a professional spy but loved money too much, leading him to exploit her.
He admitted to repeatedly deceiving her with promises of withdrawal after "one last mission," which he himself didn't believe. An Jing then revealed her identity, stating that An Wei, the National Security officer who died ten years ago, was her father. She confronted Qiao Xichuan, arguing that he was no different from people like Bat or Jeffrey, his hands stained with the blood of many lives, including her father, Fan Dewei's daughter, his partner, and Zhou Lian.
Ma Shang further pushed Qiao Xichuan, who became emotionally distraught and finally agreed to help. Director Song then told Qiao Xichuan that his cooperation would not guarantee freedom or any other benefits, but it would offer him a chance to save his soul. Later, Ma Shang found An Jing deep in thought and without an appetite.
An Jing confessed that when she saw Qiao Xichuan in a coma at the hospital after his arrest, she had an urge to strangle him, yet today, facing her father's killer, she felt no anger. Ma Shang reassured her that this wasn't numbness but rather a sign that she was reconciling with herself.
He suggested that her decade-long torment wasn't about Qiao Xichuan, but about her own struggle to be strong enough to protect those around her, including her mother, colleagues, and Du Meng. Ma Shang acknowledged her pain and helplessness in the face of Du Meng's sacrifice, and her realization that she wasn't invincible. He urged her to accept that she had done her best, and that no one is perfect.
An Jing, realizing the truth in his words, managed a smile and playfully called Ma Shang the "worst psychologist." Meanwhile, Miao Fei and Miao Lu had a heart-to-heart talk by the sea. Miao Lu was still deeply unsettled by Cheng Lei’s actions and the memory of Du Meng, feeling traumatized and unwilling to fall in love again. Miao Fei comforted her sister, acknowledging that their capacity for endurance differed and that having a traumatic experience was normal.
She emphasized that compared to death, their current struggles were minor. Miao Fei expressed her inability to comprehend why some people trampled on lives for profit, while others sacrificed themselves for others. She concluded that while they couldn't understand everything, they could at least choose not to harm others and not to surrender to those who had wronged them.
With Qiao Xichuan's agreement, Director Song decided to use him to impersonate the head of the Hermes Group to pressure Jeffrey, given that Qiao Xichuan confirmed such a superior existed. To ensure the plan's success, they would monitor Qiao Xichuan closely. After some voice modulation adjustments, Qiao Xichuan, impersonating the Hermes head, made a call to Jeffrey. Jeffrey, visibly flustered, was ordered to retrieve the data within a week, or face severe consequences, with the implication of fatal retribution.
Jeffrey, panicking, agreed to the demand. The team concluded that Jeffrey had no reason to doubt the authenticity of the call and that Qiao Xichuan's performance was excellent. Soon after, Cheng Lei received an encrypted email from Jeffrey. Cheng Lei then called Jeffrey, instructing him to only communicate using this code and to await further messages.
The code proved complex to decipher, prompting Director Song to send the team to rest, but Ma Shang and An Jing suggested Qiao Xichuan likely knew the decoding method, as he had used similar codes in the past. Director Song agreed to consult him. Days passed with no unusual activity from Cheng Lei. Ma Shang personally went to Qiao Xichuan, who initially withheld the decryption method.
Ma Shang eventually deduced the core of the code involved using letters to the right and left of "plus" signs as valid information, with the rest being mere obstructions. With this, Jeffrey's message was decoded as "Coming soon. Get ready." Cheng Lei's reply was simply "05262013." Qiao Xichuan identified this as a date.
Ma Shang speculated that Cheng Lei and Jeffrey might have faced a similar situation on that date, and Cheng Lei was instructing Jeffrey to use the same escape plan from that time to help him flee. Director Song considered having Ma Shang impersonate Cheng Lei using a voice simulator to lure Jeffrey, but decided against it due to insufficient information about Jeffrey's appearance and the risk of him not showing up before meeting Cheng Lei. Director Song emphasized that while the mission must succeed, public safety and lives were paramount.
Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
Jeffrey contacted Cheng Lei, informing him that an exit route had been prepared. However, Cheng Lei insisted that he would not hand over any data until he saw Jeffrey in person. Jeffrey, unable to be located by the authorities due to an anti-location device on his phone, expressed frustration about being watched and the need to get rid of their tails.
An Jing, recognizing the potential for Cheng Lei to resort to extreme measures, requested two additional teams to manage the situation. Ma Shang supported this by stating that they would also prepare backup plans to control the surrounding area and avoid a forced arrest if circumstances became uncontrollable. The next day, Cheng Lei began his mission, leaving his hotel room after intentionally damaging items.
An Jing and her team, including Wang Zuo, entered to investigate, while other agents continued to tail Cheng Lei. Wang Zuo discovered dozens of soap wrappers in the trash, leading An Jing to conclude that Cheng Lei had likely created and was carrying homemade explosives. She immediately alerted all teams. Director Song and Director Qin, upon learning this, immediately decided to arrest Cheng Lei, authorizing lethal force if necessary.
They asserted that protecting public safety was their primary mission, even if it meant not luring Jeffrey out. As Cheng Lei entered a densely populated area, An Jing requested Ma Shang's cooperation, and Ma Shang initiated the backup plan. Ma Shang convinced Qiao Xichuan to impersonate Jeffrey on the phone, explaining that they hoped Cheng Lei would face legal sanctions rather than being killed.
Ma Shang assured Qiao Xichuan that close surveillance would prevent any detonation even if Qiao Xichuan failed. Meanwhile, Cheng Lei and the real Jeffrey had exchanged emails, with Cheng Lei stating "Qinghai Square" and Jeffrey replying "In five minutes." Qiao Xichuan, posing as Jeffrey over the phone, directed Cheng Lei to proceed "one step further" to a "better location" in the underground parking lot at spot 331, asking him to contact him once his mission was complete.
As Cheng Lei followed these instructions into the underground parking garage, the real Jeffrey called him. Jeffrey became suspicious, realizing he had been exposed, and promptly abandoned the meeting. Surrounded by An Jing's team in the parking lot, Cheng Lei realized he had been duped by an impostor. An Jing informed him that his explosives would be harmless at that distance. Cheng Lei, after provocatively asking about Du Meng, ultimately surrendered.
An Jing, wary of other hidden weapons, instructed her team to maintain a safe distance before successfully arresting him. With Cheng Lei apprehended, Ma Shang immediately began analyzing the recording of Jeffrey’s last phone call to Cheng Lei, recognizing it as their sole chance to capture Jeffrey. He isolated a distinct "subway station card" sound, confirming Jeffrey was at a subway station.
Based on the call's timing, Jeffrey should be at Qinghai Square, a complex interchange station with multiple lines, entrances, and 134 surveillance cameras. Ma Shang ordered all surveillance footage from the time of the call to be displayed, despite the initial lack of clarity. He then met Qiao Xichuan to help sift through the numerous screens. While initially struggling with identification, Ma Shang, with intense focus, identified an individual who abruptly changed direction amidst the usual flow of the crowd.
He then synchronized the surveillance footage with the exact call time, 09:08, and requested facial and gait analysis, confirming the target's identity. Jeffrey was located on Subway Line 2, Platform 5. Director Qin and Director Song highly commended Ma Shang's calm and swift decision-making.
When Zixuan inquired how Ma Shang could discern Jeffrey from such small, crowded screens, Ma Shang explained his method: recognizing that subway crowds typically move in fixed, clear directions, he focused on individuals who deviated from this pattern. Jeffrey's realization of the crisis would have caused him to abruptly change direction, making him a "disruptive element" and thus, detectable. Ma Shang and An Jing interrogated Cheng Lei.
An Jing urged him to confess, reminding him that "there's no perfect crime in this world," though Cheng Lei maintained his arrogance, attributing his capture to carelessness. Cheng Lei then inquired about Jeffrey, dismissing him as "not the big shot" and offering to exchange a "big secret" for amnesty. An Jing rejected the offer, stating that only a sentence reduction for cooperation was possible.
When An Jing pressed for his true identity, Cheng Lei revealed he was not the original Cheng Lei. Years ago, his organization tasked him with a challenging mission to infiltrate Dinghua. The original Cheng Lei, an IT professional studying in the States, died with his family in a car accident.
Taking advantage of their similar appearance and height, he assumed the identity of Cheng Lei, a "top-notch staff member from the overseas branch of Dinghua," and claimed to have adopted many other identities, such as Johnny, a Key Account Manager, or a doctor.
He recounted his personal history, revealing he discovered he was adopted at thirteen and later learned his biological parents perished in an air crash on September 1, 1983, leaving him without knowledge of his nationality or true age. Cheng Lei admitted to killing Jia Changan, humorously noting his good fortune that it occurred in a surveillance blind spot, or he would have had to "solve the security control room."
He continued to demand amnesty in exchange for information, arrogantly stating he "wouldn't have to wake up from a sound sleep" if not for them. Ma Shang retorted that the People's Republic of China would find and "wake up" anyone threatening its security. Later, Ma Shang, Director Qin, and Director Song discussed Cheng Lei’s revelations, fearing that the organization they had dismantled was merely the "tip of the iceberg," with more formidable missions ahead.
An Jing questioned Cheng Lei's sudden decision to share his life story and mention the 1983 air crash. Ma Shang also found it odd, convinced Cheng Lei wouldn't speak "meaningless things." Director Qin warned Ma Shang against falling into "cognitive inertia" from their prolonged confrontation, advising him not to let himself be "thrown into a vortex" by Cheng Lei's distorted personality. He reiterated the saying, "When you look at evil, evil will look at you too."
Director Qin then announced that Headquarters would assume control of the case, transferring all involved parties, including Jeffrey, Qiao Xichuan, Cheng Lei, "Leader," and "Bat," into their custody. An Jing was visibly enraged by Cheng Lei’s brazen demeanor. Du Ling carried Du Meng's urn to the Martyrs' Cemetery, where Ma Shang, An Jing, and their fellow National Security agents, dressed in uniform, gathered to bid farewell to their fallen comrade.
Director Qin delivered a solemn speech, acknowledging their recent success in cutting off the "devil's talons" but warning that the "brain still exists" and "this monster is hibernating in the dark," with "even more hostile forces" lying in wait. He declared that "Protecting the security of the country is an endless battle," urging them to remain "fully-prepared to take the enemies head on" to honor the sacrificed heroes.
Later, as Ma Shang drove An Jing, he playfully reminded her about a trip she owed him from college. However, their lighthearted moment was interrupted by a new mission, involving a target named Xu Feng, code-named "Stone," a 36-year-old male of 1. 6 meters height.
This perpetual readiness, accepting new challenges and embarking on new journeys at any time and place, epitomized their lives and work as National Security warriors, committed to silently protecting the nation's peace and tranquility, unwavering through all adversities.
