Episode Summary
Zhao Jiadi discovers his father's involvement in the unfinished building demolition. Internal conflicts escalate at Jinhai Group. Zhao Jiadi encounters Du Zikang and his former love, Xie Si. He decides to help Wu Dengke's struggling mining project. Zhao Jiadi initiates an internal audit, targeting Fu Fang's finances, while Zhao Xin warns Wei Jinghai to stay out of his business plans.
Spoiler Alert
"Zhao Jiadi Season 2" Episode 2 Recap & Spoilers:
Episode 2 kicks off with the revelation that Zhao Xin, Zhao Jiadi's own father, was behind the demolition of the unfinished building! Turns out, it was all part of a plan to turn the area into a profitable business district, aligning with Fu Fang's vision. Zhao Jiadi confronts his dad, but Zhao Xin defends his actions with a cold, hard business perspective: profit comes first. He argues that prioritizing ideals over shareholder interests is pointless.
The episode highlights the growing internal conflicts within the Jinhai Group. Morale is low, and hardworking employees are being overlooked. Zhao Jiadi is disgusted by this, but Zhao Xin dismisses his concerns. He schools his son on management tactics, saying a company needs to be run with "seven parts dog training and three parts eagle training." He warns Zhao Jiadi that Jinhai is his life's work, and profitability is non-negotiable. The father-son showdown ends with Zhao Jiadi's prediction that this approach will ultimately lead to the company losing its people.
The next morning, Zhao Jiadi is getting his exercise when Huang Fengtu offers some wisdom on navigating the world. Just then, his childhood buddy Wu Dengke calls, inviting him to dinner. Zhao Jiadi and his sidekick Zhao Yange head out, only to run into Du Zikang in the parking lot. Du Zikang, being the arrogant jerk that he is, steals their parking spot and throws money at them in a demeaning way. Remembering Huang Fengtu's advice, Zhao Jiadi swallows his pride and picks up the cash. To make things even more complicated, his old flame, Xie Si, is now Du Zikang's very pregnant wife! Du's father, clearly worried about business implications, tries to smooth things over, but Zhao Jiadi gives him the cold shoulder.
Meanwhile, Wei Jinghai tries to cozy up to Fu Fang, hoping to strike a deal. Fu Fang plays it cool but starts considering the possibilities. Back with the bromance, Zhao Jiadi and Wu Dengke reminisce over drinks at the basketball court. Wu Dengke reveals that his family's investment in a Karpunia mining project is in trouble, and they're facing a serious cash crunch. After careful consideration, Zhao Jiadi decides to use Jinhai's resources to step in and help.
As the mining project deal moves forward, Zhao Jiadi starts cleaning house internally. To avoid raising suspicion, he publicly takes over financial control of the branch offices while secretly sending his trusted ally, Guo Ning, to audit the books. Fu Fang is aware of what's happening but is confident he can cover his tracks. Gossip spreads within the company, with people pointing out that Zhao Dabiao and Xu Zhenhong's divisions are untouched, hinting at tension between Zhao Jiadi and his stepmother. Zhao Dabiao shows up to shut down the rumors, and things quiet down for now.
In the underground parking garage, Fu Fang grills a financial executive about the missing funds, learning that a 200 million yuan shortfall needs to be covered up. Fu Fang orders damage control and demands that the executive keep their talks with Wu's group's shareholders a secret. Guo Ning reports back to Zhao Jiadi, explaining that to dig deeper, they need access to the core financial data controlled by Fu Fang, which requires Zhao Xin's approval.
Over at the Wu Group, Cheng Jianshe sets up a meeting between Wu Dengke and Jinhai's representatives. Wu Dengke notices restrictive clauses in Jinhai's investment agreement and senses something fishy. Cheng Jianshe urges him to make a decision quickly. After weighing his options, Wu Dengke follows Cheng Jianshe's advice.
Back at Jinhai, the finance department insists on Zhao Xin's personal signature. Zhao Jiadi uses his position to pressure the old guard, forcing them to comply with the audit. Fu Fang intervenes but is cornered by Zhao Jiadi's evidence. Sweating bullets, he admits to his failures, offers to step down pending investigation, and warns Zhao Jiadi that Zhao Xin will want to have a word with him.
Simultaneously, Zhao Xin meets with Wei Jinghai by the river. Wei Jinghai, representing Chairman Li, pays a visit and mentions that they know Jinhai is planning to enter the mining sector. Zhao Xin dismisses their concerns and tells Wei Jinghai to inform Chairman Li that he's determined to conquer the overseas market, warning Wei Jinghai to keep his nose out of his business.
