THE REBEL Episode 15 Recap
> THE REBEL Recap
Following Zhou Yaoting's departure, Chen Moqun was recalled to Nanjing for an investigation. His superior accused him of mishandling Wang Zhi's death by using a fabricated Communist story and unjustly detaining Deputy Director Zhou, implying Chen acted out of self-interest. Chen, frustrated, accepted the order to report immediately. Before leaving, Chen Moqun urged Lin Nansheng to continue his work in Shanghai, expressing high expectations for him and advising him to "do whatever it takes to gain a foothold."
Meanwhile, with Chen Moqun no longer a direct threat, Ji Zhongyuan confirmed that Zhu Yizhen, having successfully assisted in retrieving the organization's radio disguised as the hotel meeting, would travel from Hong Kong to a contact point in Southern Zhejiang to continue her mission. Zhu Xiaoxian, after finishing his business, prepared to move to Hong Kong with his daughter. At Kai Tak Airport, Zhu Yizhen tearfully bid farewell to her father.
He reminisced about her childhood in Hong Kong and expressed his relief at having her by his side. However, Zhu Yizhen firmly told him she was leaving, explaining that she was grown up, had her "own choice and ambition," and needed "to do more for my late comrades." She apologized and urged him to take good care of himself before departing.
Lin Nansheng meticulously processed and destroyed all files related to Xu Liwen, symbolizing the end of a past dream and the comfortable life he had envisioned, which had now turned to ashes. The narrative then moved to the spring of 1937. Japanese military forces were steadily increasing their presence in Shanghai, conducting manoeuvres in Yangshupu District and holding urban street fighting rehearsals in North Sichuan Road. The city was becoming a dangerous intersection of various vying powers.
Director Fang Yubin from the Ministry of Civil Service arrived at the Shanghai Secret Service to announce new appointments. Wang Shi'an, who had anticipated being named the new station chief, was disappointed to discover he was appointed only as the "acting" station chief. Director Fang encouraged him, stating that the higher authorities were watching and that good achievements would secure his full position. Eager to solidify his authority, Wang Shi'an quickly sought to ally with Gu Shenyan.
He revealed that Chen Moqun would not be returning to Shanghai, having been given a "fake position" in Nanjing, and that he (Wang) should strive to excel as station chief. Wang Shi'an then offered Gu Shenyan the position of Deputy Station Chief, emphasizing his trust in Gu's capabilities and his discomfort with others like Hu Daoyi leading the operation squad.
Gu feigned disinterest in higher office, claiming he preferred his current role in the records office, but agreed to consider the offer. Wang also informed Gu about a new mission: investigating Eisuke Ikeda, a Japanese businessman suspected of being a spy who was reportedly in contact with Takahashi Senbei from the Nakajima Trading Company, an intelligence front.
Wang Shi'an also requested that Lin Nansheng be sent back to Nanjing for redistribution to a special training program, citing Lin's past loyalty to Chen Moqun as a reason he couldn't handle him. Gu Shenyan discussed Wang Shi'an's offer with Ji Zhongyuan. He saw the Deputy Station Chief position, with its direct control over the operation squad, as an excellent opportunity to gain crucial intelligence.
Ji Zhongyuan, however, warned him that the role was a "double-edged sword," as it would place him under constant scrutiny, especially from Wang Shi'an, who was "definitely not easy." Despite the risks, Gu decided to accept the position, believing it beneficial for their cause. Ji agreed to inform their superiors. They also concluded that for Gu's safety and operational security, Lin Nansheng should leave Shanghai.
Unaware of these machinations, Lin Nansheng approached Captain Hu Daoyi, offering to help with photo processing and expressing his keen interest in joining the operation squad. Hu informed him that the squad was now under Deputy Chief Gu's command and that Lin should speak to Gu directly. Lin Nansheng then went to Gu Shenyan's office, having already tidied it.
He passionately advocated for his placement in the operation squad, highlighting his Japanese language skills and his conviction that he was better suited for frontline work, particularly with the new Japanese spy investigation. Gu Shenyan, however, remained resolute, informing Lin that the station had decided to send him back to Nanjing for redistribution to a special training program. Gu emphatically stated that soldiers must obey orders and curtly instructed Lin Nansheng to pack his belongings and leave.
Distraught, Lin Nansheng wandered the streets. He spotted a movie poster for "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town," which instantly brought to mind Zhu Yizhen and their past promise to see the film together. While lost in thought, he unintentionally noticed someone following him, so he turned and walked away, speeding up as he went.
He quickly ducked into a cake shop, where he was surprised and delighted to find Zuo Qiuming, his old friend from special training, whom he hadn't seen in months. Lin Nansheng bought some cakes, and they found a secluded park bench to catch up. Zuo Qiuming playfully reminded Lin Nansheng of his old habit of sneaking cakes during training.
Zuo Qiuming claimed he had resigned from the army and was in Shanghai for a family matter involving a high official, though Lin Nansheng seemed skeptical. Their conversation turned serious as they discussed the escalating Japanese aggression in Shanghai, including military manoeuvres and street fighting rehearsals. They both agreed that a war was imminent, as Japan was actively trying to provoke China and "nibble away at the whole China." Zuo Qiuming declared his readiness to "die for the country."
After their meeting, Lin Nansheng returned home. While organizing his belongings, he found a pen Zuo Qiuming had given him, recalling their shared belief that as long as they remained on the same path, they would meet again. This encounter reinforced Lin Nansheng's unwavering determination to stay in Shanghai and fight for his homeland. The next day, Gu Shenyan made a phone call to the "safe care registry," requesting comprehensive information about Japanese secret services across all of China.
Lin Nansheng, still resolved, returned to Gu Shenyan's office, pleading one last time to stay and fight on the Shanghai frontline. Gu, however, remained unyielding, advising Lin to "cherish your life" and obey orders. He presented Lin Nansheng with the official transfer order, instructing him to report to Nanjing by the following day.
Lin Nansheng, with tears in his eyes, took the order and confronted Gu, asking if he was behind his transfer, given that Chen Moqun had specifically assigned him to Gu to investigate the mole. Gu angrily denied the accusation and ordered Lin Nansheng to surrender his gun. As Lin Nansheng reluctantly picked up his transfer order, he noticed a file on Japanese spies lying on Gu Shenyan's desk.
Leaving Gu Shenyan's office, Lin Nansheng saw Captain Hu Daoyi and his team hurrying out. He discreetly followed them and observed them tailing Eisuke Ikeda, the Japanese businessman. Not long after, he spotted Lan Xinjie with Ikeda and approached her, asking for her help in gathering information on Ikeda's activities.
