THE REBEL Episode 8 Recap
> THE REBEL Recap
Chen Moqun expressed concerns about Lin Nansheng's performance, noting his cautiousness and coherence but also his tendency to overthink and be indecisive. He instructed Hu Daoyi to keep a close watch on Lin Nansheng and report any developments immediately, especially regarding the plan to infiltrate the Communist Party. Meanwhile, Zhu Yizhen was delighted to attend a lecture by Professor Shen Yuchang on French literature at Shenjiang University.
To her surprise, Lin Nansheng, using his alias Xu Liwen, the new teaching assistant in the Department of Chinese Studies, was the host. This unexpected encounter significantly lowered her guard towards him. Noticing Zhu Yizhen's shift in attitude and anticipating the university ball, Lin Nansheng decided to seek out Lan Xinjie to learn how to dance.
Lan Xinjie, insightful about matters of the heart, advised Lin Nansheng not to focus on mastering dance steps but rather on being his authentic self. She suggested that leaving an unforgettable impression was key to winning someone's affection. Lan Xinjie found Lin Nansheng's uncorrupted sincerity admirable and predicted that in this very city, he might find someone he truly cares about. Lin Nansheng felt a mix of understanding and apprehension about this advice.
On the day of the ball, Zhu Yizhen helped her friend Hu Xiufen connect with her boyfriend before discussing the specifics of an upcoming protest march with her classmates. When Lin Nansheng arrived, he sought opportunities to approach Zhu Yizhen. Their initial conversation was awkward, but as others began to dance, they found common ground.
Zhu Yizhen revealed her disinterest in dancing, explaining that in such settings, women were often passive, chosen and watched, which she found unfair and indicative of a hidden social inequality. Lin Nansheng resonated with her sentiments, expressing his support for women's freedom and independence. This intellectual connection deepened their bond, leading them to spontaneously recite lines from Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" in unison, including "One’s-Self I sing, a simple separate person. . .
The Female equally with the Male I sing." Moved by their shared understanding, Zhu Yizhen enthusiastically invited Lin Nansheng to dance. In the following days, while preparing for the demonstration, Zhu Yizhen was surprised and pleased to see Lin Nansheng among the participants. As the students meticulously prepared propaganda materials, including comics for the illiterate, the police suddenly conducted a raid. Lin Nansheng quickly pulled Zhu Yizhen away through a back exit, successfully helping her evade capture.
Grateful for his assistance, Zhu Yizhen offered to help Lin Nansheng find a rare edition of "Leaves of Grass." Unbeknownst to them, moments after their escape, Hu Daoyi bribed the police, confirming that the raid was a premeditated setup. Despite his success in gaining Zhu Yizhen's trust, Lin Nansheng struggled with his conscience, feeling uneasy about manipulating her emotions for his mission.
He voiced his moral conflict to Chen Moqun, stating he "can't do it" and that "it's immoral" to play with someone's feelings. Chen Moqun sternly reminded him of his duty as a special agent, emphasizing that Zhu Yizhen was not just a leftist but a Communist, an "enemy" who would "torture" him if his identity were exposed. He ordered Lin Nansheng to shed his emotions and remember the oath he took.
Later, Zhu Yizhen, wearing a hairpin as a signal for a meeting, went to the library. There, she was unexpectedly met by Hu Xiufen, who playfully removed the hairpin, nearly causing Zhu Yizhen to reveal her true intentions. Zhu Yizhen quickly recovered, claiming she bought the hairpin from a roadside stall, but Lin Nansheng, who was present, noticed her momentary unease.
The next day, Zhu Yizhen received a phone call from "Zhang's Clothing" and, following a prearranged code, went to pick up a customized qipao, which contained a hidden note from Ji Zhongyuan. Chen Moqun, who had bugged Zhu Yizhen's phone, was aware of the call but chose not to act, prioritizing Lin Nansheng's mission to gain her trust over immediately apprehending any contacts at the tailor shop.
Zhu Yizhen took her clothes to the Grand Theatre, where she met Ji Zhongyuan during a movie screening of "The Desert Island." She reported on the march preparations, the enthusiasm of students and patriotic teachers, and expressed concerns about student safety during potential police suppression. She also informed Ji Zhongyuan about Xu Liwen (Lin Nansheng), detailing his active involvement in student activities and suggesting that the organization investigate him for possible recruitment.
Ji Zhongyuan agreed to the investigation and received the decrypted intelligence from Zhu Yizhen. To further solidify Lin Nansheng's heroic image and Zhu Yizhen's affection, Chen Moqun orchestrated a violent suppression of a student march. He instructed his men to commence the operation once the student formation became uncontrollable. During the chaos, Lin Nansheng bravely shielded Zhu Yizhen from the police batons, taking numerous blows until he collapsed into unconsciousness. He was rushed to the hospital.
Zhu Yizhen was distraught and filled with remorse, as the doctors reported Lin Nansheng's severe injuries and uncertain prognosis, warning of potential brain damage if he didn't awaken from his coma. Hu Daoyi expressed concern for Lin Nansheng's survival, but Chen Moqun, holding a newspaper, remained indifferent, coldly remarking that life and death are predestined for special agents.
Meanwhile, Gu Shenyan learned that the Secret Service's Operation Squad had been involved in suppressing the student protest, which struck him as unusual since such actions were typically handled by the police. Growing suspicious, he met with Ji Zhongyuan at a noodle shop, confirming that Lin Nansheng was not in his hometown as he had claimed for his leave. This further convinced Gu Shenyan that Chen Moqun was secretly plotting something.
Ji Zhongyuan also expressed concern about the Secret Service's involvement and promised increased caution for the organization's safety. Back at the hospital, Zhu Yizhen, overwhelmed with guilt, stayed by Lin Nansheng's bedside, sending away the concerned maids who had brought supplies. As she worriedly watched over him, Lin Nansheng slowly regained consciousness. The doctor confirmed his condition was weak but stable, and with rest, he would recover.
