Episode Summary
Zeng Dalun takes the fall for a crime he didn't commit and leaves Shanghai. Lin Siyun rejects a settlement for her maid's death and focuses on building a women's hospital with the Zeng family's backing. At a political party, Cheng Ao forces Lin Siyun to dance with him, hinting that he knows more than he's letting on.
Spoiler Alert
The Cover-Up Gets Complicated
The Fake Confession
The episode kicks off with Cheng Ao getting some new intel. He learns that Zeng Dalun wasn't the one who killed Lin Siyun's maid, Xiuxiu. In fact, Zeng Dalun wasn't even in his own car that night. This whole thing smells fishy. Cheng Ao knows Zeng Dalun, and he figures there must be a good reason why he's choosing to take the fall for someone else.
Cheng Ao first checks in with Zeng Dalun's father, Zeng Peide. The Zeng family is in the middle of a political election, so they need to maintain a perfect public image. The father says he can't control his son, but it's obvious he's worried.
So, Cheng Ao tries to get Zeng Dalun out on parole. He has a serious talk with him, explaining that every newspaper is just waiting to pounce on this story. If the truth about his family gets out, they'll be labeled as bullies who throw their weight around. But Zeng Dalun won't budge. He keeps insisting that he's the one who accidentally killed the maid. He would rather go to jail than reveal the real killer.
A Deal Gone Wrong
With that plan shot, Cheng Ao tries a different angle. He goes to Lin Siyun, hoping they can reach some kind of settlement to make this all go away. But Lin Siyun is not having it. She studied abroad and isn't interested in a payout. She wants justice. She makes it very clear that the person responsible must pay with their life.
This puts Zeng Dalun in a really bad spot. Cheng Ao tells him his only option is to get out of Shanghai immediately. Zeng Dalun isn't stupid. He agrees and decides to head to the Northeast. The situation there is chaotic, which gives him a perfect opportunity to start over and make a name for himself.
A New Mess and a New Mission
The Boyfriend Problem
We also get a new side plot. Lin Siyun's childhood friend, Shen Yiqun, has a girlfriend named Daisy who is pregnant. He seems to regret his choices. Shen Yiqun asks Cheng Ao to help him solve this problem. He claims he and Daisy barely know each other and that the baby can't possibly be his.
But when Cheng Ao goes to talk to Daisy, he gets a very different story. She says Shen Yiqun actively pursued her. He even promised to marry her and take responsibility. Cheng Ao realizes Shen Yiqun is lying and decides he wants no part in helping him.
Lin Siyun's Hospital
After returning to the country, Lin Siyun has been focused on one goal. She wants to open a modern women's hospital. At the time, 80% of women in China relied on midwives for childbirth, and their skills were wildly inconsistent. A dedicated hospital would be a game-changer. She discusses the idea with Shijun, who is completely on board.
The Zeng family is providing the money and connections for the hospital. Because of their influence, Lin Siyun gets all the necessary permits and documents without any trouble. She knows this is all thanks to the Zeng family's power. The Shen family, who are also big players in politics, help expedite the hospital project's paperwork. As a thank you, they invite her and Shijun to their daughter's birthday party.
The Party Showdown
The Forced Dance
Cheng Ao's godfather also gives him an invitation to the Shen family's party. He tells Cheng Ao that the Shen family is on the rise and he needs to learn how to use their influence. So, Cheng Ao shows up at the party.
Lin Siyun is supposed to have a dance with Shijun. But Cheng Ao's man quietly pulls a gun on Shijun, forcing him to back away. With no other choice, Lin Siyun has to accept Cheng Ao's invitation to dance. This is the first time they've ever danced together.
She looks at him with pure disgust the entire time. But Cheng Ao just leans in and tells her that sometimes what you see on the surface isn't the real story.
