Episode Summary
Yao Youzhi kidnaps Zhao Yaning and Yang Guang for revenge and to prevent a video release. They manage a daring escape by outsmarting him and his guards. Stranded and broke, Zhao Yaning cleverly obtains a new phone and cash. With the help of a mysterious contact and fake passports, they fly from Jinchuan to Yanping. Meanwhile, investigator Li Jian becomes increasingly suspicious of Luca and starts digging into his background. Upon arriving in Yanping, Zhao Yaning and Yang Guang go their separate ways. James, after confirming Zhao Yaning's safety, appeases Yao Youzhi with a "gift" and plans an internal party, inviting Yang Guang to gauge his allegiance, while also coordinating with his own superior about an upcoming project and smuggled goods. Yang Guang reports to his superior, Zhang Baiqing, confirming that Zhao Yaning possesses the skills of a professional spy, though her organization's nature remains unclear. Li Jian uncovers more incriminating information about Luca, who in turn becomes wary and questions Xie Xiaoman about Li Jian.
Spoiler Alert
Our episode kicks off with Yao Youzhi going full-on villain. He's nabbed Zhao Yaning and Yang Guang, and he’s not doing it for ransom. Nope, this is personal. He’s got two things on his mind: one, to make them suffer for whatever perceived wrongs, and two, to make absolutely sure Zhao Yaning can never, ever release that incriminating video footage she has. James tries to play negotiator, phoning Yao Youzhi to get him to release our duo, but Yao Youzhi is on a power trip and basically tells him to get lost, even threatening to end Zhao Yaning and Yang Guang right then and there.
Then things get even creepier. Yao Youzhi, clearly enjoying himself way too much, shoves a camera in their faces and tries to force Zhao Yaning and Yang Guang to get intimate. Talk about uncomfortable. To really twist the knife, he grabs a golf club, threatening to bring it down on Yang Guang if Zhao Yaning doesn't comply. Thinking fast, Zhao Yaning leans into Yang Guang, and they put on a show of "intimacy." But it's all a ruse! The second they see an opening, they break free from their restraints and start throwing down with Yao Youzhi's bodyguards. In a classic action hero move, they manage to grab Yao Youzhi himself, use him as a shield, snag some motorcycle keys, and make a roaring getaway. You love to see it!
Now, they're on the run, completely broke, and can't exactly waltz back to their hotel. This is where Zhao Yaning’s resourcefulness (or deviousness, depending on how you look at it) shines. She spins a sob story to a local shopkeeper, claiming she's a victim of domestic abuse by her "husband," and manages to score a new phone and a wad of cash. Priorities, right? With the new phone, she makes a call to her mysterious contact. Meanwhile, Yao Youzhi isn't giving up; he's got his goons staking out the airport, determined to catch them. But Zhao Yaning is one step ahead. She meets her contact, gets a black bag, and hustles Yang Guang into a bathroom for a quick change. Armed with two fake passports, they slip through Jinchuan airport and hop on a flight to Yanping. Smooth.
While all this drama is unfolding, Li Jian and his team are on the trail of Luca. They're tailing him, but Luca, being the slippery guy he is, realizes he's being followed. He takes a few detours, casually orders some takeout from a restaurant, and then heads back to his place in the Nanguang Garden residential area. Li Jian’s cop senses are tingling; something about Luca is definitely off, and he’s determined to dig deeper. Back home, Luca shoots a message to James, letting him know the Guoan Bureau (that's the Ministry of State Security for us) is onto him, so their planned meeting is off for now. The plot thickens on that front!
The next day, Zhao Yaning and Yang Guang land in Yanping. There’s a surprisingly tender moment where Zhao Yaning gets a bit sentimental, regretting that their old photos together, including a birthday pic, didn't make it back with them. So, she whips out her phone and snaps a couple of new selfies with Yang Guang. Aww? Or is it all part of the act? They finally part ways in the airport lobby.
Zhao Yaning immediately gets on the phone, first to Yao Youzhi (probably to rub it in a little) and then to James. Once James confirms she’s safe, he calls Yao Youzhi. Defeated and probably a bit humiliated, Yao Youzhi actually concedes and agrees to continue their business cooperation. James, ever the puppet master, tells Yao Youzhi he’s sending him a "big gift." Yao Youzhi opens his door to find a car outside, filled with scantily clad women waving at him. Uh, okay James, interesting choice of peace offering.
Later, Zhao Yaning, after a quick change at home, heads to the company to debrief James about everything that went down in Shousheng. She tells him she’s still not sure about Yang Guang. The man’s willpower and beliefs are rock solid, making it hard to tell if any emotion he shows is genuine or just part of his own game. James decides this is the perfect opportunity to throw an internal company celebration and, conveniently, invite Yang Guang. His plan? To help Zhao Yaning figure out if Yang Guang is starting to "lean" their way. Classic spy games. When Zhao Yaning presses James for details on their next move, he’s still playing it close to the chest, only promising to fill her in within a month. After she leaves, James pulls out a burner phone (of course he has one) and calls his own boss. Turns out, the big boss is going to provide whatever "items" are needed for their project, sending them in batches to sneak past customs. Super sketchy.
On the other side of the fence, Yang Guang reports back to his superior, Zhang Baiqing. He confirms that Lide’s operational style is textbook intelligence agency stuff, and Zhao Yaning? She’s got all the skills of a professional spy. However, they still can't pinpoint the exact nature or allegiance of her organization. More investigation is needed. Zhang Baiqing advises Yang Guang to stay patient, keep up the "friendly" relationship with Zhao Yaning and her associates, and keep following those leads.
Back with the Guoan Bureau, Section Three has been doing some digging. They contacted Luca's supposed overseas publisher, and Li Jian gets some interesting intel: Luca is no "promising new author." Even more suspiciously, the person who supposedly connected him with the publisher was none other than Sander. Li Jian is convinced this is no coincidence. Later, Li Jian bumps into Xie Xiaoman at a gym. They barely exchange a few words before Luca himself shows up and whisks Xie Xiaoman away. On the way home, Luca starts asking Xie Xiaoman about Li Jian, clearly trying to gather info. That evening, Luca makes an excuse and leaves his house. Where is he off to now?
