The Knockout Episode 29 Recap
> The Knockout Recap
An Xin, concerned for the naive Gao Qilan, met with her to urge her to distance herself from her brother, Gao Qiqiang. He suggested she consider a new job, a different hospital, or even leaving Jinghai or the province entirely, believing it was the only way to ensure her safety. Gao Qilan expressed her frustration, stating that having grown up in Jinghai, she had no other place to go.
As she began to walk away, An Xin continued to follow her, emphasizing his point. Gao Qilan confronted him, acknowledging her affection for him but accusing him of being unkind. An Xin clarified that his sole intention was to persuade her to separate herself from her brother's influence. Gao Qilan then revealed that Gao Qiqiang was her only family in the world, having raised her since she was orphaned, making it impossible for her to abandon him.
Following the release of Tang Xiaohu due to insufficient evidence, An Xin reported to Xu Zhong and Ji Ze about a dinner invitation from Gao Qiqiang. He recounted Gao Qiqiang's proposal for An Xin to marry Gao Qilan and move away from Jinghai. An Xin had refused, but he interpreted Gao Qiqiang’s offer as a desperate attempt to challenge the guidance team head-on.
Xu Zhong commented that Gao Qiqiang’s direct approach was unusual, noting that previous investigations usually involved an initial offering of "gifts." An Xin clarified that Gao Qiqiang had indeed presented a "gift" upon the team's arrival by allowing the police to dismantle some underground casinos and loan shark operations, but the team had chosen to reject it. An Xin also suggested increasing security around the guest house, anticipating that Gao Qiqiang might resort to more aggressive tactics.
To gain a deeper understanding of Gao Qiqiang’s background, Xu Zhong requested An Xin, a fellow Jinghai native, to take them to the places where Gao Qiqiang had grown up, particularly his childhood home. An Xin readily agreed. An Xin then led Xu Zhong and Ji Ze to Gao Qiqiang's old family home in Old Factory Street. He explained that Qiangsheng Group had redeveloped the entire area in 2010 but intentionally preserved this specific old building.
Gao Qiqiang would regularly bring his employees here for team-building exercises and his family for New Year's Eve dumpling-making, rituals meant to remind them of their humble beginnings. Xu Zhong asked An Xin if, with the benefit of hindsight, he would still have offered food to Gao Qiqiang 20 years ago. An Xin admitted his uncertainty, acknowledging that personal choices are often shaped by unique circumstances or necessity.
He then posed a direct question to the guidance team: did they, as outsiders, truly trust him, a local Jinghai police officer? Xu Zhong reassured him that their vetting process had cleared him and, in turn, questioned An Xin's trust in their mission. An Xin responded by declaring that he had never considered his own future, signaling his unwavering commitment. Ji Ze then officially welcomed An Xin to the team, a moment An Xin confessed he had long awaited.
The following morning, An Xin, now in police uniform, officially reported for duty. Deputy Director Qi announced that the "715 special case" was being elevated, leading to the formation of a new special investigation team, with An Xin appointed as its Deputy Team Leader. An Xin expressed surprise, having only been told he would join the team, and humbly conveyed his concern that his rank might be insufficient for such a prominent role.
However, Deputy Director Qi asserted that after thorough discussion, the team unanimously agreed An Xin was the most qualified person in Jinghai for the position, an announcement met with applause from the assembled team. During a meal with Tang Xiaolong and Tang Xiaohu, Gao Qiqiang warned them about the guidance team's intensifying investigation. He advised Tang Xiaolong to temporarily halt his "troublesome" businesses. Tang Xiaolong resisted, arguing that stopping would jeopardize their ventures.
However, Gao Qiqiang, feeling immense pressure, declared he was willing to sacrifice "a few more lives" if it meant the guidance team would leave. He then stressed to Tang Xiaolong that during this sensitive period, both brothers must report all matters to him, regardless of size. Shortly after, Tang Xiaolong learned that his subordinate, Wang Shuai, a property manager, had been arrested.
Wang Shuai had violently demanded a year's advance rent from a shop owner named Hu Yong, who couldn't pay. When the local police dismissed the incident as a mere fight, Hu Yong's wife, Lihua, reported it online, which led to Wang Shuai’s arrest by the guidance team.
Tang Xiaolong attempted to leverage his connections within the Jinghai Public Security Bureau to free Wang Shuai, only to discover that the arrest had been made by the provincial special investigation team, indicating a much higher level of scrutiny. During his interrogation, Wang Shuai defiantly challenged the special investigation team's interference, sarcastically questioning their methods of identifying gang involvement based on tattoos and slogans.
The guidance team, meanwhile, recognized that while Wang Shuai was a minor figure, his arrest was a strategic move to challenge Gao Qiqiang's carefully constructed image of invincibility. They noted that the assault case on Couple Street, as detailed in the new tip-off, clearly indicated gang-related activities and potential misconduct by local police who had repeatedly failed to act. Fang Ning and Sun Xu were then dispatched to investigate further.
Tang Xiaolong's attempts to secure Wang Shuai's release through local police officials failed as the officials, wary of the guidance team, refused any involvement. Tang Xiaohu then prepared a two-million-yuan bribe for higher-ranking government officials, but they too avoided meeting him. Gao Qiqiang, informed of their unsuccessful efforts, unexpectedly arrived at the planned meeting place, informing them that their invited guests would not be coming. He gestured at the stacks of cash, asking scornfully if they were "gifts."
Gao Qiqiang explained that this visit from the provincial guidance team was not a routine inspection but a serious education and rectification campaign within the political and legal system, aimed at building a loyal and honest force. He concluded that at such a critical time, no one would dare to accept their invitations or money. Recognizing Tang Xiaohu's lack of judgment, Gao Qiqiang announced he would personally take charge of the matter and demanded complete honesty from him going forward.
Meanwhile, Fang Ning and Sun Xu conducted interviews with over 50 shop owners on Couple Street. They learned that the property management company frequently violated contracts by arbitrarily raising rents, and Wang Shuai's team often resorted to violence against those who resisted. Most shop owners were too afraid to sign interview records or testify. Fang Ning and Sun Xu then visited the shop of Hu Yong and Lihua, the couple who had reported Wang Shuai.
Terrified of retaliation, the couple immediately attempted to withdraw their report, despite Fang Ning's assurances of confidentiality and protection. Hu Yong vehemently forbade Lihua from cooperating, prioritizing their child’s college education and their business, fearing they would lose everything if they crossed Qiangsheng Group. Lihua, however, was distraught, urging her husband to speak up.
The couple revealed that their shop’s leasing contract, set to expire at year-end, was arbitrarily disregarded by Wang Shuai, who demanded a year’s advance rent for the following year and threatened eviction. They lamented that despite numerous police reports, the situation remained unchanged, as incidents were always dismissed as mere "fights," and their profits were continually eroded by constant rent hikes.
Hu Yong further argued that any intervention by the guidance team would jeopardize the small compensation they hoped to receive from Wang Shuai. He expressed deep skepticism, noting that past arrests had only resulted in quick releases, leaving them powerless against Qiangsheng Group. Despite Fang Ning’s insistence that the team was there to dismantle the “protective umbrella” protecting criminals, the couple remained steadfast in their refusal to cooperate.
An Xin, Fang Ning, and Sun Xu then visited Hu Yong's home, only to find it deserted. A neighbor confirmed the couple had moved two days prior. Fang Ning’s checks revealed no travel records, suggesting they were still in Jinghai. An Xin deduced they must have been coerced. Reviewing surveillance footage, An Xin identified a Qiangsheng Group vehicle involved in their relocation. Without delay, the trio proceeded directly to confront Gao Qiqiang.
Gao Qiqiang, feigning ignorance of Hu Yong, eventually admitted the couple wasn't with him but initially refused to disclose their whereabouts, instead asking for a "reward" for his cooperation. An Xin firmly reminded him that cooperation was a civic duty. Gao Qiqiang retorted that he would only help his "brothers" and wrote down an address, then suggested they talk privately later. An Xin refused his invitation to eat and left.
The new address led them to a lavish apartment in the city center. Hu Yong, clearly uncomfortable, confronted them at the door, reiterating his desire to withdraw the report and questioning why they had tracked him down. An Xin directly asked if Gao Qiqiang had provided them with the luxurious house. Hu Yong admitted it was a condition to make peace with Wang Shuai.
He tearfully explained that he and his wife could never afford such a place and apologized for implicating the team. An Xin warned them that Gao Qiqiang's "kindness" was merely a tactic to obstruct the investigation and that if Qiangsheng Group’s assets were seized, they would lose the house. He urged them to consider the legal consequences of withholding information. However, the couple remained uncooperative, having chosen to protect their newfound asset by aligning with Qiangsheng Group.
An Xin and his team left, realizing the couple had been effectively bought off. Outside, An Xin again encountered Gao Qiqiang, who tried to frame his actions as good Samaritanism, drawing parallels to his own past struggles. Gao Qiqiang reiterated his "personal request": for An Xin to arrange a private dinner with Xu Zhong and Ji Ze to resolve any "misunderstandings."
An Xin flatly refused, stating that a dinner with Xu Zhong was impossible, but a meeting for cooperation could be arranged. Gao Qiqiang, undeterred, declared he would then pursue his own methods. An Xin reported Gao Qiqiang's tactics to Xu Zhong, highlighting Qiangsheng Group's immense financial capability to acquire all the shops on Couple Street and expressing concern about being manipulated by Gao Qiqiang's agenda.
He reiterated Xu Zhong’s principle that the anti-gang crackdown and legal system rectification should extend back 20 years, ensuring all crimes are punished. Xu Zhong then inquired about the history of Couple Street, which An Xin explained was initially developed by Shahai Group. He detailed how fierce conflicts erupted between Shahai and Qiangsheng over control of the street until a city leader intervened, facilitating its sale to Qiangsheng Group at a fair price.
Jiang Tian, Shahai Group’s chairman, then used the proceeds to build the Shahai Hotel, ostensibly resolving the conflict amicably. An Xin described Jiang Tian as a straightforward individual, a member of the Municipal Consultative Conference, and well-protected by city leaders, making him untouchable by Gao Qiqiang. Xu Zhong then asked An Xin if he believed Jiang Tian would cooperate with their investigation. An Xin, noting Jiang Tian’s wealth, believed he would not be easily bribed by Gao Qiqiang.
Acting on this lead, An Xin and Sun Xu met with Jiang Tian. An Xin directly questioned him about a 2015 incident where Jiang Tian and his driver were allegedly attacked on Couple Street, their car vandalized, with no official police action, followed by the sale of the street to Qiangsheng Group two weeks later.
Jiang Tian, acknowledging their identity as members of the guidance team, candidly stated that while he could survive in Jinghai by fighting Gao Qiqiang, cooperating with the guidance team would render him powerless in the city. Sun Xu pressed him on whether any leaders had tried to influence him. An Xin then appealed to Jiang Tian's sense of justice, suggesting that a fair and impartial business environment would benefit everyone, including Shahai Group.
Jiang Tian, however, remained cautious, stating that he had never "won" against Gao Qiqiang but had still "lived a good life," implying he wasn't willing to take further risks. As An Xin and Sun Xu prepared to leave, Jiang Tian subtly indicated that his recently fired driver, Lin Asheng, knew "many things." Lin Asheng, Jiang Tian's former driver, met with An Xin and recounted the 2015 incident in detail.
He explained that after Shahai Group acquired Couple Street, Qiangsheng Group repeatedly sabotaged their operations. Jiang Tian, desperate for a peaceful resolution, arranged a meeting with Gao Qiqiang. Lin Asheng, accompanying Jiang Tian, grew suspicious of the desolate meeting spot. Following Jiang Tian's instruction, he kept the car running. Soon after, Wang Shuai and his men appeared, aggressively demanding Jiang Tian get into their car to meet Gao Qiqiang.
When Jiang Tian insisted Gao Qiqiang come to him, Wang Shuai ordered his men to attack. As they fled in their car, their tires were punctured. Jiang Tian managed to jump out and hide, but Wang Shuai caught Lin Asheng, severely beat him, and left him injured outside a Chinese medicine hospital.
Lin Asheng then described how Officer Lu Peng, the inspector of Pingkang Police Station, visited him at the hospital and took him to Wang Shuai's car, where Wang Shuai threatened him. Coerced, Lin Asheng gave a false statement at the police station, fabricating a story about Jiang Tian encountering a group of drunkards and getting into a fight, which resulted in him receiving 20,000 yuan in "compensation."
Wang Shuai and his men were only detained for a few days on charges of provoking a fight. Crucially, Lin Asheng revealed he had secretly preserved the dashcam footage of the entire incident, as instructed by Jiang Tian. An Xin, Xu Zhong, and Ji Ze reviewed the shocking dashcam video, confirming Lin Asheng's testimony and the true sequence of events.
They noted that Lu Peng, who handled the original report, remained the inspector of Pingkang Police Station years later, speculating that he likely profited more from his position in the commercially active district than if he had been promoted. Xu Zhong declared that Lu Peng's actions – falsifying statements, minimizing serious crimes, disregarding public interest, and undermining judicial process – were grave enough to warrant severe punishment.
Armed with this new evidence, An Xin and Fang Ning then apprehended Wang Shuai. An Xin and Fang Ning then located Lu Peng, who was casually drinking with colleagues during work hours. An Xin confronted him about the impropriety of drinking on duty. Fang Ning then identified herself as being from the Commission of Discipline Inspection and ordered Lu Peng to return with them for investigation.
Lu Peng attempted to resist and claim innocence, but when Fang Ning stated they had nothing further to ask due to his non-cooperation, he tried to escape to the toilet. An Xin and Fang Ning swiftly apprehended him.
