Episode Summary

Da Peng confronts Cheng Hui but is easily overpowered. She Yan initially gets the chance to execute Da Peng for being a traitor but passes the task to Liu Zhendong. Just as Da Peng tries to reveal a secret about Liu Zhendong's parentage, Liu Zhendong fatally stabs him. Meanwhile, Cheng Nanping's published article about Lian Liuliu's death causes a stir, suggesting a police mole. Zheng Qiu prevents Steven from silencing Cheng Nanping, seeing her as a useful pawn. Zheng Qiu meets Cheng Nanping, trying to manipulate her, but she stands firm on Lian Liuliu being innocent. Later, Zheng Qiu confronts Cheng Hui; old grievances resurface, leading Zheng Qiu to pull a gun on Cheng Hui, who remains defiant and vows to make Zheng Qiu pay for past deeds once he has proof.

Contenders: Episode 14

Spoiler Alert

Contenders Episode 14: Recap & Spoilers

Alright, the episode kicks off with some heavy confrontation. Cheng Hui basically dares Da Peng to take his shot if he's really set on killing him. He gives him a chance, but honestly, Da Peng doesn't stand a chance against Cheng Hui.

Since dealing with traitors is the job of the Zhongxiao Tang, Cheng Hui hands the dagger over to She Yan. Now, She Yan takes a couple of swings at Da Peng but then decides to pass the opportunity for revenge – specifically, avenging his father – to Liu Zhendong.

This is where it gets juicy. Da Peng suddenly remembers something Zheng Qiu once mentioned: Liu Zhendong hates Liu Xiongwu more than anyone, maybe because Liu Xiongwu isn't his actual biological father. Oof. Da Peng is just about to spill this massive secret when Liu Zhendong, apparently overcome with rage (or maybe just wanting to shut him up fast), goes straight for the kill, fatally stabbing Da Peng. So much for that secret coming out... for now.

Meanwhile, Cheng Nanping's article about Lian Liuliu's death hits the streets, and suddenly everyone in Shicheng is talking. The buzz is all about a potential mole within the police department being responsible for Lian Liuliu's demise.

This news does not sit well with Charles, who is absolutely furious. He throws Zheng Qiu out of his office and then chews out Steven, basically calling Steven's story about Lian Liuliu attempting an assassination complete nonsense. Steven, trying to deflect, points the finger back at Zheng Qiu and suggests they need to "take care of" Cheng Nanping.

But Zheng Qiu sees things differently. He argues that Cheng Nanping is Cheng Hui's only blood relative. Making her disappear quietly would be a waste of a potentially valuable pawn, or "chess piece" as he puts it. Strategy over immediate silencing, classic Zheng Qiu.

So, Zheng Qiu decides to handle Cheng Nanping personally. He invites her out for a meal (while Huang Zhongxin shadows them, keeping an eye on things from nearby). Zheng Qiu tries to play the sympathy card, blaming the "foreigners" (the 'yang ren') for the mess. He pretends to feel bad about her father, Cheng Hui, being supposedly manipulated by bad people. Then, he acts all serious, criticizing her for painting Lian Liuliu as some kind of hero in her article. Cheng Nanping isn't buying it, though. She pushes back, questioning the real story behind Lian Liuliu's death and standing firm that Lian Liuliu was one of the good guys.

After his little chat with Cheng Nanping, Zheng Qiu heads over to the Shanhai Gang territory to confront Cheng Hui himself. They meet by the sea, and the tension is thick. Cheng Hui doesn't hold back, accusing Zheng Qiu of abandoning the ideals he once had. He calls him out for working for the foreigners and losing every last shred of his conscience.

These two were clearly friends once, which makes the bitterness even sharper. Zheng Qiu, furious and maybe a little ashamed, snaps. He pulls a gun and points it right at Cheng Hui's head. But Cheng Hui doesn't even flinch. This makes Zheng Qiu realize Cheng Hui might actually be willing to die if it means taking Zheng Qiu down with him – a "one life for one life" situation.

We get a glimpse into Zheng Qiu's deep-seated hatred here: he blames Cheng Hui for his father's death and for "stealing" his childhood sweetheart, A'Zhen. But Cheng Hui throws down a warning: once he digs up the proof he needs, Zheng Qiu will have to pay for every single "blood debt."

So, where does that leave us?

  1. Da Peng is dead, silenced just before revealing a potentially huge secret about Liu Zhendong's parentage.
  2. Liu Zhendong is now a killer, driven by... revenge? Or silencing Da Peng?
  3. Cheng Nanping's article has stirred up trouble, making her a target but also a strategic piece in Zheng Qiu's game.
  4. The conflict between former friends Cheng Hui and Zheng Qiu has reached a boiling point, with guns drawn and old wounds ripped open. Cheng Hui is on a mission for evidence, and Zheng Qiu is clearly feeling the pressure.