Tientsin Mystic Episode 16 Recap
> Tientsin Mystic Recap
Ding Mao, Guo Deyou, and Gu Ying reunited at the Dragon King Temple. The case had stalled due to Huang Yu's seemingly unstable mental state, which Ding Mao suspected was an act, prompting him to arrange for a psychiatric evaluation. Guo Deyou admitted he had borrowed three hundred silver dollars from Ding Mao to visit the ghost market, hoping to find information about the Preacher.
This mysterious figure held crucial secrets about the Demonic Cult, unbeknownst to most of its followers, and even Lian Huaqing was diligently searching for him. Unfortunately, the fisherman Guo Deyou was questioning was suddenly killed by the Immortal Rope, rendering the three hundred silver dollars wasted. Ding Mao recalled reviewing old Demonic Cult files at the hospital, where he noticed one prisoner's information was entirely encrypted and highly suspicious.
This individual, rumored to possess potent psychic abilities, had once caused hundreds of soldiers to suffer from hysteria, resulting in heavy losses. Ding Mao believed this person could be the elusive Preacher. The original encrypted documents were stored in the police archives. While obtaining Captain Fu's approval was an option, Guo Deyou knew it was unlikely, and outright theft was too risky given the file's sensitive nature and the severe consequences if discovered missing.
Guo Deyou then proposed an ingenious alternative to acquire the files. Adopting a worker's uniform, Guo Deyou surprised Wang Meiren in her car, having sent her driver away. He offered to treat her to a Tianjin specialty, "paste cornmeal cakes and boiled fish," an elaborate dish cooked by the river, if she would help him with a favor. He reminded her of a previous promise to "flatter him."
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce for Grain Transportation's dockworkers were unsettled after the recent incident where Sun Laoqi seemingly returned as one of the living deads. Madman Cui of The Door of Life seized this opportunity, arriving at the docks to sow discord. He blamed Ding Mao for the "living dead" incident, questioning the Chamber of Commerce for Grain Transportation's integrity and urging workers to join The Door of Life, promising better treatment.
Ding Mao, accompanied by Yu Si, arrived to confront Madman Cui. A heated debate ensued, with Ding Mao promising to double the workers' wages. Not to be outdone, Madman Cui immediately countered by offering triple the wages. At this critical juncture, Xiao Lanlan sent for Ding Mao. Speaking as a friend, she revealed that Madman Cui's actions were not merely about poaching workers.
The British Consulate reviewed its sea transportation partners every three years, and The Door of Life was a contender. Madman Cui sought to weaken the Chamber of Commerce for Grain Transportation to secure the partnership. Unexpectedly, Xiao Lanlan advised Ding Mao to "reduce" worker wages, not increase them. Later, Wang Meiren made a grand entrance at the police station.
Her celebrity status caused a stir, distracting Captain Fu and all the police officers who vied for her autograph and praised her for her noble character and understanding of their difficult work. Wang Meiren requested a group photo with the "heroes." During the commotion, Guo Deyou took advantage of the distraction and slipped into the archives. Inside, Guo Deyou located the confidential file and meticulously photographed every page. His plan, enabled by Wang Meiren, was a success.
He later asked her to develop the photos. Xiao Lanlan's strategy proved effective. The Door of Life, unable to sustain the triple wages they promised, began laying off workers, severely damaging their reputation. Yu Si reported this news to Ding Mao, who credited Xiao Lanlan. However, Yu Si cautioned Ding Mao against getting too close to Xiao Lanlan, fearing the Xiao family might have ulterior motives toward the Chamber of Commerce for Grain Transportation.
Ding Mao dismissed these concerns, hoping to mend past estrangements. Yu Si also informed Ding Mao that Ms. Hu had gone missing. Lian Huaqing appeared before Madman Cui, offering to help The Door of Life dismantle the Chamber of Commerce for Grain Transportation. Lian Huaqing revealed a deep personal vendetta, stating that the Chamber of Commerce for Grain Transportation had ruined his family, and he sought revenge.
Back in his cell, Huang Yu, who had seemed deranged, murdered a guard who was bringing him food. During the act, he clearly recalled Lian Huaqing's late-night visit. Lian Huaqing had recognized Huang Yu's mastery of the Immortal Rope and Art of Soft Bones, implying his talents were wasted merely as the head of the Huang family. He had offered Huang Yu the opportunity to lead the Outer Eight Gangs and dominate the Tianjin underworld.
Enraged by the guard's murder, Captain Fu lashed out at Ding Mao for his meddling and promptly revoked his special detective status, threatening arrest if Ding Mao continued to act as a police officer. Huang Yu, meanwhile, merely laughed chillingly in his cell. Guo Deyou returned to the Dragon King Temple, confiding in what appeared to be his late master's memorial, expressing fear that his investigation into the Demonic Cult might endanger his loved ones.
Gu Ying interrupted, annoyed that he was speaking to a memorial instead of her, and accused him of seeing "that vixen," Wang Meiren. Shortly after, Wang Meiren arrived, and Gu Ying, clearly jealous, left in a huff. Wang Meiren, observing Gu Ying's devotion, advised Guo Deyou not to take her affection for granted. Wang Meiren returned the developed photos, remarking on a peculiar "face" visible in one of the images, wondering if it was something sinister.
Guo Deyou explained it away as a camera smudge or magnified bloodstains on the document itself. Wang Meiren thanked him for saving her life. Guo Deyou noted that with her help in developing the photos, they were "even," but Wang Meiren expressed hope that he would need her assistance again before departing. Gu Ying's mother, the Shaman, had earlier complained about a lack of business.
Soon, however, she excitedly informed Gu Ying that The Door of Life had commissioned them for a major ritual. Carrying the printed photos of the encrypted document, Guo Deyou sought help from Xiao Lanlan at the newspaper office. She quickly identified it as an encoded document, explaining that the text itself held no inherent meaning and could not be deciphered without a "mother copy"—a key, most likely a specific book. Guo Deyou pondered this new obstacle.