Episode Summary
Following internal strife, Liu Zhendong ensures the tortured woman in Pozhai receives medical care. At a memorial, Qiankun Society leader An Gexiong provokes the Shanhai Gang, blaming police for Lian Liuliu's death and mocking the gang's weakness. Hei Hu wants revenge but is calmed by Cheng Hui; Hei Hu reconciles with A'Rong. Cheng Hui suggests Hei Hu lead temporarily, but Hei Hu declines. A'Rong proposes delaying the leadership decision. With the crucial Fengyun Tang leader position open, Liu Zhendong is the favored candidate over Huang Zhongxin. However, Liu Zhendong refuses the position, revealing he was recently saved by Cheng Hui and Huang Zhongxin and is planning a secret operation that must not involve the Shanhai Gang.
Spoiler Alert
"Contenders" Episode 15 Recap & Spoilers: Power Plays and Secret Plans
Alright, so the dust is settling a bit after the internal chaos within the Shanhai Gang. First off, Liu Zhendong makes his way back to Pozhai to check on that woman they rescued. What he finds is brutal – she's been strung up from the rafters and clearly tortured again, looking absolutely wrecked. Liu Zhendong is furious. He immediately calls over the brothel madam, reads her the riot act, and demands she get a doctor for the woman ASAP. He makes it crystal clear: the woman needs proper food and care, and no more abuse, period.
Meanwhile, back at the Shanhai Gang's main hall, they're holding a memorial service. Hei Hu is there, paying his respects, when suddenly An Gexiong, the head honcho of the rival Qiankun Society, rolls in with his crew. He says he's there to offer condolences, but yeah right – it's pure provocation. He starts squaring off verbally with Hei Hu, A'Rong, and the others. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife, right there in the memorial hall. It only cools down when Cheng Hui steps in to mediate.
An Gexiong might be arrogant, but he lands some painful truths. He basically mocks the Shanhai Gang, saying the "foreigner" police (likely referring to colonial or international settlement police) don't give a damn about them. He insists the cops were the ones who actually killed Lian Liuliu, and the real culprits are still walking free. He twists the knife, calling the Shanhai Gang useless and suggesting that if they can't handle their business, maybe the Qiankun Society should just take over. Ouch.
This whole confrontation really gets to Hei Hu. He's fired up and wants to go all Fa Shu style – an eye for an eye – to avenge Lian Liuliu. But Cheng Hui advises him that now isn't the right time for that kind of move. On the upside, this whole mess makes Hei Hu truly appreciate A'Rong's loyalty. Whatever bad blood was between them is gone; they shake hands and make peace. It's a solid moment of reconciliation amidst the chaos.
To try and stabilize the gang, Cheng Hui suggests Hei Hu should take charge as the acting leader during this crisis. However, Hei Hu turns it down, admitting he doesn't feel he's up to the task right now. A'Rong then comes up with a clever idea: they should announce publicly (like in the newspapers) that they won't choose a new permanent leader until after the 100-day memorial for Liu Xiongwu (presumably the former big boss). This should shut down outside speculation and give them breathing room.
Now, there's a major internal issue: the Fengyun Tang (Hall of Wind and Cloud) needs a new leader. This isn't just any position; Fengyun Tang handles the bulk of the gang's business, making it the most critical of the four halls. Looking at the younger generation, the only real contenders are Liu Zhendong and Huang Zhongxin. Cheng Hui asks Hei Hu and the others for their opinions, and the consensus is clear: Liu Zhendong is the guy. Interestingly, A'Rong, who happens to be Huang Zhongxin's uncle, pulls his nephew aside privately, likely telling him to think about the bigger picture and maybe step aside gracefully.
So, Hei Hu and She Yan meet with Liu Zhendong, ready to offer him the coveted Fengyun Tang leadership. But plot twist! Liu Zhendong flat-out refuses. He explains that he was recently set up (details vague, but sounds serious) and only got out of it thanks to help from Cheng Hui and, significantly, Huang Zhongxin. Because of this, he feels he can't possibly accept the leadership position – it wouldn't be right. His loyal follower, A'Qi, is totally confused by this. Liu Zhendong clarifies: yeah, he did want power before, but things have changed. Why? Because whatever he's planning next is something he absolutely cannot drag the Shanhai Gang into.
So, Episode 15 leaves us hanging! The gang is vulnerable, rivals are circling, and Liu Zhendong, the apparent frontrunner for a key position, just turned it down because he's got some secret, dangerous mission brewing that requires him to operate outside the gang structure. What is he up to? This definitely sets the stage for some major developments!
