Episode Summary
Xu Xiao investigates Lin Guoqiang's past and tries to get Ding Dang to recall details of her kidnapping with Chen Nan's help. Lin Guoqiang and Xu Xiao clash over the best approach to help Ding Dang recover her memories. Xu Xiao suspects Ding Dang is manipulating Lin Guoqiang, while Lin Guoqiang wants to give her a chance.
Spoiler Alert
So, Xu Xiao is digging into Lin Guoqiang's past. Turns out, the reason Lin Guoqiang transferred to the city police department is seriously heartbreaking. Shi Shu, the old police officer, reveals that Lin Guoqiang's daughter passed away in an accident, and his wife couldn't cope, leading to divorce. Lin Guoqiang requested a change of scenery, and the higher-ups approved it. Xu Xiao tries to pry for more details about the daughter's death, but Shi Shu clams up.
Xu Xiao is desperate to get Ding Dang to spill any clues she might have. Remember Chen Nan offering to help with her psychology skills? Xu Xiao's now considering taking her up on that offer. So, Xu Xiao brings Chen Nan to Lin Guoqiang's place. Chen Nan tries to use her psychological expertise to soothe Ding Dang and unlock some memories related to the case. Lin Guoqiang is worried that pushing too hard, too fast could be harmful to Ding Dang. He prefers a gradual approach, but Xu Xiao is all about catching the killer ASAP and doesn't want emotions to slow things down.
Chen Nan guides Ding Dang through a recollection of that awful night. The more Ding Dang remembers, the more distressed she becomes, her body tense with the trauma. Chen Nan is super impressed by Ding Dang's courage after the session. Lin Guoqiang understands Ding Dang's emotional state, considering she was trapped in a car trunk with a dismembered body! He does bring up a valid point: why didn't the killer bury the body before grabbing Ding Dang? Xu Xiao thinks the killer probably ran into Ding Dang while they were still trying to dispose of the body, making her a target of opportunity. Chen Nan suggests a reenactment to jog Ding Dang's memory, but Lin Guoqiang thinks it's too cruel. Xu Xiao, however, is worried that every passing moment puts another potential victim at risk. Lin Guoqiang pleads for more time for Ding Dang, but Xu Xiao only grants him two days.
Lin Guoqiang tries a different tactic to build Ding Dang's courage. He takes her to a dark building to find a cat, hoping to boost her bravery. He also preps her for a reenactment of the crime scene, hoping to unlock any lingering memories. Ding Dang is starting to rely on Lin Guoqiang. After helping him, she wants to stay with him. With Ding Dang's okay, they quickly set up a mock crime scene. Unfortunately, Ding Dang doesn't recall anything useful, leaving Xu Xiao disappointed.
After several failed attempts, Xu Xiao decides to send Ding Dang away, but Lin Guoqiang wants her to stay. He's noticed that Ding Dang is actually taking his advice, studying, making breakfast, and even cooking his favorite foods. Xu Xiao is suspicious. He believes Ding Dang is manipulating Lin Guoqiang, studying him, and planning something. He warns Lin Guoqiang that she could be dangerous and that he might be her next target. Xu Xiao even brings up Ding Dang's troubled past, pointing out that she dropped out of school early and seems lazy, reinforcing his belief that she's after Lin Guoqiang.
Xu Xiao drops a bombshell: he overheard Ding Dang telling her friend that "the opportunity has come," implying they're plotting against Lin Guoqiang. But Lin Guoqiang, acting like a father figure, is willing to give Ding Dang another chance. It turns out Ding Dang confessed everything the night before and even secretly read Lin Guoqiang's daughter's diary, learning that he loves radish dumplings. Xu Xiao remains unconvinced, believing that people like Ding Dang never change.
So, is Ding Dang a victim, a manipulator, or both? Is Lin Guoqiang blinded by his own pain and desire to help? And will Xu Xiao's suspicions save Lin Guoqiang or push Ding Dang further into a corner?
