Episode Summary
In this tense episode, Zhao Yazhu uses AR contact lenses to gather intel at the Pengze Hotel but arouses Yang Guang's suspicion. As a crucial nuclear technology demonstration approaches, James directs a mysterious operation, with Ou Qihong, the project leader, believed to be the primary target. Security is heightened, and Luca assembles a device under James's orders, intended to steal sensitive data from the nuclear plant. Amidst the escalating tension, Zhao Yazhu shares an emotional phone call with Yang Guang. The episode culminates with Yang Guang realizing that the true objective might be to steal the nuclear technology itself through a misdirection, rather than assassinating Ou Qihong, prompting him to urgently warn his colleagues.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicked off with Zhao Yazhu, cool as a cucumber, rocking some AR contact lenses. She arranged a meeting with Xiang Taisheng at the Pengze Hotel, casually asking if she could, you know, just pop into the nuclear power plant's central hub for a peek at the actual operations. Xiang Taisheng, understandably, was like, "Uh, that's a hard no due to confidentiality, lady." But while he stepped away to take a call, Zhao Yazhu, ever the opportunist, started scanning the Pengze Hotel's layout with her fancy eyewear.
Her recon mission wasn't entirely smooth sailing, though. Hotel security measures meant she couldn't get a full scan of all the floor monitoring info. Meanwhile, Yang Guang, ever watchful in the surveillance room, caught her suspicious eye movements and immediately suspected she was secretly recording. Later, as Zhao Yazhu drove off, she realized she had a tail. A quick call to James, and he whisked her away to their hotel's restaurant for a debrief. Little did they know, Chen Qiu was playing spy too, sneakily planting a listening device in a chopstick holder on the next table. Smooth.
During their "private" chat, Zhao Yazhu voiced her concerns about the major roadblocks they'd face the next day and pressed James for the detailed plan. James, however, remained cryptic, telling her the time wasn't right and to just get some rest. Elsewhere, Liu Chu had experts confirm that Zhao Yazhu was indeed wearing special contact lenses. This discovery led Yang Guang to a chilling theory: their prime target was likely Ou Qihong, who was staying at the Pengze Hotel and happened to be the main person in charge of the current project. If anything happened to him, the subsequent tech research and development would screech to a halt, dealing a massive blow to China's nuclear energy sector.
Understandably, this set off alarm bells. Yang Guang immediately reported his suspicions to Zhang Baiqing. Liu Chu, not wasting any time, contacted Xiang Taisheng and Ou Qihong to fill them in and request their cooperation. They even brought in a squad of armed police, cleverly disguised as hotel staff, to beef up security. As night fell, James sent a message to Taylor: "It's go time."
The Lianhai Bureau went into full lockdown mode, ensuring the hotel was secure. Yet, James and his crew made no immediate moves, exuding an almost unnerving confidence. In the temporary command center, Liu Chu was a bundle of nerves. With only ten hours left until the nuclear technology demonstration, the tension was palpable. Yang Guang and Li Jian tried to help, suggesting they vet the hotel service staff for anyone in desperate need of money, but that lead turned up nothing.
Then, as midnight approached, things got interesting. James sent Luca an assembly diagram, revealing that all the equipment they had so far were just parts. Luca got to work, meticulously assembling the device, sending step-by-step photos to James until it was fully assembled and operational.
Yang Guang, still glued to his monitors, continued to listen in on James and spotted Zhao Yazhu on her balcony. In a poignant moment, Zhao Yazhu called Yang Guang. She spoke of how long it had been since they'd seen each other and how, on this "special day," he came to her mind. Yang Guang, bless his heart, said he'd wait for her to come back. Zhao Yazhu, fighting back tears, let slip a "if I can come back," then quickly tried to cover it by saying she had more business trips lined up. After the call, a clearly affected Yang Guang just stared at the surveillance feed.
The action picked up again around 4 AM. Luca received new instructions. After telling Xie Xiaoman to wait for him, he zipped off on a speedboat to meet Taylor. Simultaneously, James and Zhao Yazhu were also making their final preparations. They contacted Yao Youzhi, requesting a tour of the core area of the nuclear plant. Yao Youzhi, though remarking they should have asked sooner, agreed to have Manager Li arrange it.
Soon, everyone was en route to the nuclear power plant, with Liu Chu personally leading the escort. Li Jian, noticing Yang Guang's anxiety, tried to reassure him that Ou Qihong's personal safety wouldn't be compromised. Meanwhile, Luca met up with Taylor, who handed him a new passport. The rest of his payment, Taylor promised, would be transferred as soon as they were out of China.
Then came the big reveal of Luca's mission: he was to support James by reaching a specific destination and activating a device. Once the nuclear plant was operational, this device would hoover up vast amounts of technical data, which Luca would then remotely acquire and hand over to Taylor. Taylor assured Luca that the area near the plant was clear of defenses and instructed him to approach underwater and find a concealed spot on shore.
Back with Yang Guang, a sudden realization hit him as he recalled the assassination attempt at the Shiji Hotel. It dawned on him that stealing the technology would be far more valuable to their enemies than simply assassinating Ou Qihong. This meant James and his team were likely planning a classic misdirection – a feint to the east while attacking in the west! He and Li Jian immediately tried to warn Liu Chu and the head of the nuclear power plant.
