Storm Eye Episode 4 Recap
> Storm Eye 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.
