The Murder in Kairoutei Episode 9 Recap
> The Murder in Kairoutei Recap
Jiang Yuanxing received a call from the Dafeng Investigation agency, revealing critical information about Cheng Cheng's background. The investigator reported that Cheng Cheng's father, Cheng Dawei, was a compulsive gambler, and Cheng Cheng consistently paid off his gambling debts. Furthermore, Cheng Dawei had sent Cheng Cheng to an orphanage when he was five years old, after his mother passed away. The investigator confirmed having photos of them together and Cheng Cheng's signed payment receipts.
This news, coming while Cheng Cheng was trying to confess his true identity to Jiang Yuanxing from a Ferris wheel, left Jiang Yuanxing feeling deeply disappointed and betrayed by his deception. She walked away, refusing to hear his explanations, asking him not to follow her or contact her again. As Cheng Cheng walked home, filled with regret, he received a mysterious phone call.
The caller exposed his true identity as Cheng Dawei's son and the fact that he was impersonating Li Hao, having deceived everyone all along. The caller, however, stated no intention to reveal this truth publicly, instead using it as leverage to offer Cheng Cheng real assistance in achieving his goals. Cheng Cheng asserted his genuine feelings for Jiang Yuanxing, stating he would not hide the truth, but the caller warned that he would gain nothing if he refused to comply.
Gao Guangyi, after much thought, decided to incorporate the "five rules of the Gaos" into his will. These rules, forbidding gambling, drug use, corruption, tarnishing the family name, and infighting, carried severe penalties: five years' exclusion from Hongye Group and forfeiture of inheritance rights. Although Gu Tao found these terms overly strict, Gao Guangyi believed such measures were essential to control his family after his passing.
Meanwhile, Teng Jun believed Jiang Yuanxing's prospects were over and suggested a thorough investigation into Gao Hongzhi's intentions, whose attitude was difficult to gauge. At the same time, Gao Guangyi instructed Lin Zhenhui to call a family meeting for 8 PM that night at the Kairoutei teahouse, explicitly inviting Jiang Yuanxing but excluding Cheng Cheng. Li Hao unexpectedly visited Cheng Cheng at the car workshop.
Cheng Cheng took him out for barbecue, carefully downplaying the origin of his fancy car by claiming it belonged to the workshop. Li Hao mentioned Jiang Yuanxing had inquired about DNA test results for him, to which Cheng Cheng gave a vague response. Li Hao reminisced about their orphanage days and expressed enduring gratitude for Cheng Cheng's past help, promising to always share what he had.
After they finished eating, Cheng Cheng hailed a taxi for a drunken Li Hao, ensuring he got back to his hotel, and paid the fare. Later that evening, the Gao family members gathered as instructed. However, Gao Guangyi, citing poor health, postponed the meeting until the next morning.
Gao Hongjie, noting that the three Gao siblings held no positions in Hongye, felt that Teng Jun and Ji Dongmei cared too much about power and too little about the family's collective interest. He separately contacted his younger sister, Shiyao, proposing that they use a "Letter of Attorney for the Acting Chairman" to reclaim control for the siblings and prevent the family from falling apart.
Shiyao, usually avoiding power struggles, decided to personally approach Gao Guangyi, a move noticed by Ji Dongmei, who immediately became suspicious. Gao Guangyi had always respected Gao Hongzhi's character and abilities, hinting at his succession as chairman. However, Gao Hongzhi was deeply entangled in his relationship with Li Sixuan and wished to avoid harming anyone. He was increasingly realizing that his benevolent intentions might lead to adverse outcomes.
Li Sixuan, meanwhile, affirmed her resolve not to marry into the Gao family, revealing plans for a trip to the foothills of the Himalayas next month. Gao Zijian, who already found Li Sixuan's gaze toward Gao Hongzhi peculiar, confirmed his suspicions when he witnessed Gao Hongzhi entering her room. Gao Hongzhi broke up with Li Sixuan, and despite her sadness, she thanked him for the beautiful memories they shared.
Separately, Cheng Dawei, hoping to profit from Cheng Cheng's association with Gao Guangyi, found Cheng Cheng and urged him to continue his charade as Gao Guangyi's son, boasting about his own gambling winnings and newfound "good luck." Cheng Cheng pleaded with his father to abandon gambling and live a normal life, reminding him of how his actions had forced Cheng Cheng to live like a "rat in the sewer."
Cheng Dawei, however, was deaf to his son's pleas, claiming Cheng Cheng was his benefactor. Angered by his father's refusal to change and his mention of Teng Jun's involvement in his scheme, Cheng Cheng forcefully pulled him out of the car. Gao Guangyi met with Jiang Yuanxing privately. He informed her that he would not pursue the board's attempt to force him to step down, confident that external opinions would eventually subside as long as internal stability was maintained.
He formally announced Gao Hongzhi as his successor and stated he would not oppose Jiang Yuanxing's relationship with Cheng Cheng, emphasizing that he considered her like his own child. Overwhelmed by Gao Guangyi's sincerity, Jiang Yuanxing tearfully confessed Cheng Cheng's true identity, admitting that she had made a mistake with the DNA sample submission. After leaving the room, Jiang Yuanxing called Cheng Cheng, instructing him to come to Kairoutei to meet Gao Guangyi the next morning.
She added that she had nothing more to say to him, feeling she had lost Gao Guangyi's trust. Cheng Cheng, distressed, attempted to call her back but the line was busy. Jiang Yuanxing believed Gao Guangyi's decision to meet Cheng Cheng directly was a sign that she had lost his trust. Later, as heavy rain poured outside, Jiang Yuanxing sat alone in her room, drinking.
Ji Dongmei arrived, delivering the plan for the Africa region for the second half of the year, a clear signal that Gao Guangyi was sidelining Jiang Yuanxing from the core operations of the group. Ji Dongmei, sensing Jiang Yuanxing's despair, told her she understood Gao Guangyi's nature and advised her to recognize the current situation. Lin Zhenhui then pushed Gao Guangyi in his wheelchair to a covered walkway to watch the rain.
Gao Guangyi spoke of past hardships and assured Lin Zhenhui that she and Linlin would always be provided for. However, when Lin Zhenhui expressed hope for Linlin to join the group, Gao Guangyi firmly refused. He explained that Linlin, with his honest nature, was unsuited for the complexities of the business world, drawing a parallel to Gao Zijian's spoiled upbringing.
He concluded that Linlin's life should be one of comfort and happiness, free from corporate struggles, his mind clearly preoccupied with Cheng Cheng's suitability for the business world. Lin Zhenhui then informed him that Linlin was in trouble, and if they didn't intervene, his life might be ruined. Gao Guangyi remained resolute, stating that everyone must face the consequences of their actions.
This cold indifference from Gao Guangyi became the final blow for Lin Zhenhui, pushing her to devise a dangerous plan. That night, Lin Zhenhui found Jiang Yuanxing, who was distraught and drinking heavily. Lin Zhenhui empathized with Jiang Yuanxing, saying that sometimes, despite knowing something is wrong logically, one cannot help but remain silent, mirroring Jiang Yuanxing's current state. After Jiang Yuanxing had drunk too much, Lin Zhenhui helped her back to her room.
She then called Cheng Cheng, telling him that Jiang Yuanxing was very drunk and upset. She specifically instructed him to enter Kairoutei through the back door to avoid the Gao family and surveillance cameras. Cheng Cheng immediately called a taxi and headed to Kairoutei.
