Episode Summary
Zhao Jiadi shares intelligence about the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce's plans with Cai Yanzhi, warning about the inevitable involvement of the Li Shi Group and the shrewdness of Wei Jinghai. Despite Cai Yanzhi's caution, she agrees to take Jiadi to a meeting with Wei Jinghai. Meanwhile, Zhao Xin tasks Huang Ruiyang with negotiating a deal in Hangcheng, intending to disrupt the Nanshan Chamber's expansion plans and provoke Li Minxian. At the meeting, Jiadi confronts Wei Jinghai, warning him about his father Zhao Xin's likely aggressive countermoves against Nanshan's expansion. Their departure is interrupted by Jiao Ye, leading to a brief fight before Wei Jinghai intervenes. Jiadi asks Cai Yanzhi to investigate Jiao Ye, suspecting Wei Jinghai has ulterior motives. Wei Jinghai, under pressure regarding the expansion, dismisses Jiadi but considers using him. Jiadi discusses the situation back at Risheng, receiving differing advice from Minister Jin and Lin Peng. The episode ends with Old Xu convening Nanshan members to discuss share subscriptions.
Spoiler Alert
So, our main man Zhao Jiadi kicks things off by laying out some serious intel for Cai Yanzhi. He’s basically cracked the code on the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce’s recent moves, emphasizing that no matter how you slice it, the Li Shi Group's core interests are smack dab in the middle of this whole capital chess game. Jiadi, cool as a cucumber, points out that a veteran player like Wei Jinghai, with all his years and experience in the business world, didn't get to where he is without some sharp commercial instincts and the smarts to read the room.
Even though Jiadi’s analysis is on point, Cai Yanzhi, ever the pragmatist, reminds him that Wei Jinghai is still a dangerous figure for him. But, good news for Jiadi, she agrees to take him to a crucial meeting the next day. Plot twist though – Pei Luoshen’s nanny overhears their whole conversation and, like a shot, runs off to tattle to Jiao Ye, clearly looking for a payout. You just can't trust anyone with loose lips these days!
Meanwhile, over in another corner of this tangled web, Huang Ruiyang proactively shows up at Zhao Xin's place. His sister, Huang Fangfei, is quick to remind him to seize this opportunity and not let their brother-in-law (Zhao Xin) down, hoping to secure a brighter future for the Huang family. Zhao Xin then quizzes Huang Ruiyang about his take on the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce's plans for a joint venture expansion. Huang Ruiyang suggests that the immediate priority is to secure a route – simply repairing the road to the logistics station would allow them to tap into the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce's network for quick shipments. He figures if Nanshan wants to expand, they'll need to upgrade their equipment, and that's where Jinhai (Zhao Xin's company) could step in with funding for a win-win partnership.
After hearing Huang Ruiyang out, Zhao Xin tasks him with heading to Hangcheng to negotiate this cooperation. Huang Ruiyang is momentarily stunned, realizing he's just been handed a hot potato, but he has no choice but to suck it up and agree. Truth is, Zhao Xin doesn't really care if Huang Ruiyang succeeds or fails. His real goal? To stir the pot in Hangcheng and show Li Minxian that the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce isn't the powerhouse it once was. Oh, the mind games!
The next morning, Cai Yanzhi herself picks up Zhao Jiadi, and along with her bodyguard, they head off to meet Wei Jinghai. The agenda? To discuss the issue of Chen Zhuhe's lost goods, with Cai Yanzhi making it clear they won't be simply paying to make the problem go away. Zhao Jiadi speaks up for Cai Yanzhi and then lays his own cards on the table: he wants to leverage the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce's power to go head-to-head with Jinhai.
However, Wei Jinghai isn't exactly rolling out the welcome mat. He uses his veteran negotiation tactics to put the screws to Zhao Jiadi. Our guy Jiadi doesn't push for an immediate alliance but leaves Wei Jinghai with a stark warning: knowing his father Zhao Xin's aggressive style, the Jinhai Industrial head honcho is unlikely to react passively to Nanshan's expansion plans. Instead, he’ll probably hit back hard and fast.
Just as Cai Yanzhi and Zhao Jiadi are about to leave, Jiao Ye and his crew show up, blocking their path and demanding Zhao Jiadi answer for previously reporting him. Things get hairy for a second, but Cai Yanzhi’s bodyguard is a total pro, easily taking down Jiao Ye’s men. Zhao Jiadi even disarms one of them with his bare hands! The confrontation only de-escalates when Wei Jinghai steps in and lets Cai Yanzhi and her party leave.
On the ride back, Cai Yanzhi asks Zhao Jiadi about his next move. Jiadi has a gut feeling that there's more to Wei Jinghai than meets the eye, suspecting some hidden agenda. He asks Cai Yanzhi to dig up some dirt on Jiao Ye. Elsewhere, Zhu Hongzhi shows up at Dongfang Ship Leasing with two full suitcases of cash. The boss, seeing the money, agrees to provide them with a boat for their sea voyage. Looks like someone's planning a trip!
Back to Wei Jinghai – he’s not losing any sleep over Zhao Jiadi. His main concern is the joint venture expansion, especially with Sangke breathing down his neck. The financial hole is getting bigger, and delays are not his friend. Jiao Ye offers to get him some emergency cash through underground channels, but Wei Jinghai dismisses it as a drop in the ocean. He is, however, mulling over how he might use Zhao Jiadi as a pawn in his own game.
When Zhao Jiadi gets back to Risheng, he updates Lin Peng and Minister Jin. Minister Jin advises caution, pointing out that their department has close ties with the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce bosses. With Chairman Li looking to retire, Fan Longquan and Wei Jinghai are currently vying for power, and there are a lot of personal relationships involved – it’s best not to jump in prematurely. Lin Peng, however, has a different take and eventually convinces Minister Jin. He even buys Zhao Jiadi a new suit, telling him not to embarrass him. Classic.
The episode also shows Old Xu gathering the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce members to discuss share subscriptions for the expansion, urging everyone to contribute within their means and voice any concerns.
