Episode Summary
Zhao Jiadi grapples with his complicated relationship with his recently released-from-prison father, Zhao Xin, and is thrust into the leadership of Jin Hai Group. He faces resistance from within the company as he attempts to implement his vision, while external forces plot against the Zhao family. His plans to create employee housing are dramatically destroyed.
Spoiler Alert
"Zhao Jiadi Season 2" Episode 1 Recap & Spoilers: Family, Power, and a Whole Lotta Demolition
The episode kicks off with some serious daddy issues. Zhao Jiadi's relationship with his father, Zhao Xin, has always been distant. When they finally meet after years, it's not exactly a heartwarming reunion. Turns out, Zhao Xin had promised his wife, Shang Hong, he'd return home in glory. Instead, he shows up with a new woman and kid in tow. Ouch. Shang Hong is understandably devastated, and Zhao Jiadi basically vows to make it on his own without his father's help. He hates the idea of relying on that family money.
But fate has a twisted sense of humor. Zhao Xin gets thrown in jail, and his massive company, Jin Hai Group, is left without a leader. Cue the infighting! Even though the old guard at Jin Hai totally look down on him, Zhao Jiadi is forced to step up and become chairman. He knows it's a dangerous game, and there's no turning back.
When Zhao Xin gets out of prison, the first thing he does is move his parents' graves. Zhao Jiadi goes to pay his respects alone, only to find a huge, over-the-top ceremony being set up. Think loud music, a stage, the whole shebang. Meanwhile, back at the Zhao family mansion, everyone's waiting for Zhao Xin's grand entrance. He arrives in a convoy that screams power and control.
In the car, Zhao Xin asks about his son. Qi Dongzhang tries to put a good spin on things, but Zhao Xin knows his son is stubborn. He warns Qi Dongzhang to watch out for both internal power struggles and external threats to Jin Hai. Meanwhile, Zhao Da Biao is throwing a party for the whole village, complete with free food, drinks, and cash, to celebrate the grave relocation.
Things get super awkward when Zhao Jiadi runs into his father at the gravesite. Zhao Xin, acting like the head of the family, tells him to help with the move. Zhao Jiadi is not having it. He calls out his father for disrespecting their grandfather's wishes, who wanted to be left in peace. Then, in a seriously rebellious move, he rips the red cloth off the offering table, grabs a stack of cash, and walks away. Mic drop.
The next day, Qi Dongzhang notices Zhao Jiadi is troubled. Zhao Jiadi had big plans to modernize Jin Hai, but he's running into major roadblocks. Qi Dongzhang gently advises him not to rush things and hints that Zhao Xin might have his own agenda.
Meanwhile, over at the Li Group, General Manager Wei Jinghai tries to team up with Chen Hongxiong to take down the Zhao family. But Chen Hongxiong has apparently had a change of heart and refuses. He even throws some shade at Wei Jinghai, suggesting he might be backing the wrong horse. Ouch again.
Back at Jin Hai, Zhao Jiadi tries to rally the troops at a management meeting. He pushes for a plan to turn a failed construction project into affordable housing for employees called "Jin Hai Home". It's crickets in the room until he raises his hand, and then the executives who owe him favors reluctantly follow suit. But then, veteran Fu Fang throws a wrench in the works, and the vote is postponed. After the meeting, Fu Fang assures the other executives that Zhao Jiadi won't be able to shake things up too much.
Undeterred, Zhao Jiadi visits the construction site with Zhao Da Biao and a designer. He explains that he's not just trying to make money; he wants to provide housing for his employees. The designer is moved, and the workers put up banners to show their support. But just as Zhao Jiadi is giving a rousing speech, Huang Ruiyang shows up and announces he's acting on behalf of his sister's husband. He signals to the foreman, Liu, and…BOOM! The building is blown to smithereens. Zhao Jiadi is left standing there, watching his plans go up in smoke. Talk about a cliffhanger!
Zhao Jiadi grapples with his complicated relationship with his recently released-from-prison father, Zhao Xin, and is thrust into the leadership of Jin Hai Group. He faces resistance from within the company as he attempts to implement his vision, while external forces plot against the Zhao family. His plans to create employee housing are dramatically destroyed.
