Episode Summary
Episode 3 sees Zhao Xin tightening his grip on Jinhai, sparking conflict with Zhao Jiadi over the company's future. Alliances shift as Fu Fang plays a dangerous game with Wei Jinghai, and Wu Dengke faces devastating consequences from Jinhai's takeover of Wu Group, leading to a tragic end.
Spoiler Alert
"Zhao Jiadi Season 2" Episode 3 Recap & Spoilers:
Episode 3 of "Zhao Jiadi" Season 2 is packed with power plays, betrayals, and some serious family drama. Let's dive in:
The episode kicks off with Wei Jinghai testing Zhao Xin's interest in the overseas mining operations. Zhao Xin doesn't appreciate the probing and warns him off. Meanwhile, Qi Dongcao, aware of the company's situation, offers her help to Zhao Jiadi at Jinhai. She also drops a truth bomb: Zhao Xin might not actually want to take the company public, hinting that his real goal is to build a family-owned empire. Zhao Jiadi retorts that he doesn't even consider it a family, especially since Zhao Xin has torn it apart.
Fu Fang, in an attempt to cover up some financial discrepancies, gets in touch with Wei Jinghai. He then reports to Zhao Xin that he's fixed the books and is ready to face the consequences. Zhao Xin, in classic manipulative fashion, offers a word of comfort before scaring him, leaving Fu Fang on edge.
Zhao Jiadi tasks his uncle, Zhao Dabiao, with continuing the audit. But just as Zhao Dabiao is about to confront Huang Ruiyang, Zhao Xin intervenes with a phone call, shutting down the investigation. Suspecting foul play, Zhao Jiadi rushes back to the family mansion, only to find Zhao Xin and Fu Fang buddy-buddy. He realizes his efforts have been in vain. Zhao Xin tells Zhao Jiadi that he doesn't have to like Fu Fang, but someone who gets things done doesn't need to be liked.
After leaving the Zhao residence, Fu Fang calls Wei Jinghai, clarifying that the money he took was a personal loan. He makes it clear that he knows what Wei Jinghai and his associates are planning for Jinhai, and that he has his limits, adding that Zhao Xin is not as simple as they think. Wei Jinghai simply smiles and wishes him a happy partnership.
During a meal, Zhao Xin brings up the collaboration with the Wu family, encouraging Zhao Jiadi to go all in. Zhao Jiadi questions Zhao Xin's reluctance to go public. Zhao Xin emphasizes that no matter how big Jinhai gets, it must remain a Zhao family business. This difference in vision leads to another clash between father and son. Zhao Jiadi expresses his desire for Zhao Xin to earn every penny with a clear conscience.
The agreement between Jinhai and the Wu Group is finalized. Cheng Jianshe, a high-ranking member of the group, celebrates with his crew in a private room. The other executives praise Cheng Jianshe for latching onto Jinhai, saving them a lot of trouble. They encourage him to hold a board meeting to elect a new chairman and vote Wu Dengke out.
Wu Dengke overhears the conversation outside the door and is devastated. He enters the room and tearfully pleads with the executives to help him and the Wu Group. The executives are indifferent. Wu Dengke shaves his head on the spot, vowing to save the company and prevent it from being renamed Zhao. His emotional display even moves Cheng Jianshe.
Despite this, Cheng Jianshe can't help Wu Dengke. He explains that he personally signed the equity restructuring agreement and that no one is to blame. He says that the business world is a battlefield with no friends, only interests. Wu Dengke is left in despair. It's revealed that Cheng Jianshe and Wei Jinghai are in cahoots, both seeking revenge for Lao Wei, but Cheng Jianshe is reluctant to push Wu Dengke to the brink.
As the Jinhai quarterly meeting approaches, Zhao Jiadi, accompanied by Qi Dongcao and his uncle, heads to the venue. On the way, they encounter a distraught Wu Dengke. The sudden animosity between former friends leaves Zhao Jiadi feeling uneasy. During his speech, Zhao Jiadi speaks about Jinhai's early struggles and the unity that propelled its growth.
He laments that Jinhai has lost its way, with shifting allegiances and deep-seated issues. His words are a direct challenge to his father. Just as Zhao Jiadi is about to announce his decision, Zhao Xin dramatically enters the room and takes the stage to thunderous applause. He announces his return as chairman of Jinhai and reveals that the company has secured the rights to operate the Carpurnia mine. Meanwhile, Qi Dongcao tries to comfort Wu Dengke, only to witness him jump from a high-rise window.
