Storm Eye Episode 19 Recap
> Storm Eye 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."
