Episode Summary
Liu Zhendong and Cheng Nanping survive an ambush where Liu Zhendong is shot but ultimately saved by Cheng Nanping, who kills the attacker. The assassins are traced back to Da Peng. This incident deepens the rift between Cheng Nanping and her father, Cheng Hui, as she, influenced by Zheng Qiu, believes the Shanhai Gang (and by extension, Liu Zhendong) was behind Steven's death and wants to disown her father for his continued involvement. Meanwhile, Liu Zhendong's mother, Hong Yan, urges him to leave Shicheng for his safety, but he refuses, steadfast in his convictions. Hong Yan also notices the growing bond between her son and Cheng Nanping. Within the Shanhai Gang, praise for Liu Zhendong's heroism grows, with some suggesting he should lead Fengyun Tang, a notion Cheng Hui tries to suppress to maintain peace between Liu Zhendong and Huang Zhongxin.
Spoiler Alert
So, picture this: Liu Zhendong and Cheng Nanping are heading back, minding their own business, when bam! Ambush! Two gunmen are hot on their trail, and things get intense fast. They duck into this rundown, abandoned warehouse, but the attackers are relentless, closing in and demanding Liu Zhendong hand over Cheng Nanping, who they know is Cheng Hui's daughter. Talk about a tight spot!
Liu Zhendong, ever the hero, tells Cheng Nanping to hide while he takes on not one, not two, but three assassins. He puts up a heck of a fight, but even our guy isn't invincible and ends up taking a bullet. Just when you think it's curtains, Cheng Nanping, showing some serious guts, grabs a gun and takes down the last attacker. Seriously, what a moment!
Back at the Shanhai Gang headquarters, the investigation quickly points fingers: the assassins were Da Peng's goons. As soon as Cheng Hui gets the news, he, along with Huang Zhongxin and Hei Hu, rushes to the hospital. The good news? Liu Zhendong is badly hurt, but he's going to pull through. Phew! Huang Zhongxin is still shaken from the whole ordeal, especially worried sick about Cheng Nanping. After checking on Liu Zhendong, Cheng Hui pulls his daughter aside for a serious dressing-down. He’s furious, telling her she was reckless and didn't listen to his warnings.
Now, here’s where the family drama really kicks into high gear. Cheng Nanping has been listening to Zheng Qiu, who apparently convinced her that Liu Zhendong was ordered by the Shanhai Gang to kill Steven. This has her completely disgusted with the gang, seeing them as nothing more than a bunch of thugs. When Cheng Hui refuses to leave the Shanhai Gang, Cheng Nanping drops a bombshell: she’s going to publicly disown him, severing all ties. She’s not mincing words, folks. Cheng Hui is livid at her rebellion, but deep down, you can tell he can't bring himself to punish her too harshly. It's complicated!
Meanwhile, Liu Zhendong's mom, Hong Yan, hears about her son getting attacked and hurries to the hospital. She’s desperate for him to leave Shicheng with her, to get away from all this danger that keeps her up at night. But Liu Zhendong is stubborn. He insists on staying, arguing that Steven got what he deserved and that he was doing a public service. Plus, he’s not about to give up on his goals. Hong Yan, clearly frustrated with his bullheadedness, tells him about a dream she had where Cheng Hui found out the truth (presumably about Steven) and was going to punish Liu Zhendong according to gang rules. Liu Zhendong just brushes it off, telling his mom dreams are usually the opposite of reality. Classic son.
Just then, Cheng Nanping shows up with homemade food for Liu Zhendong. Hong Yan, sitting quietly by, definitely picks up on the special connection between her son and Cheng Nanping. You could cut the tension, or maybe the romance, with a knife!
Over in another corner of this tangled web, Zhuang Bo and three hall masters are singing Liu Zhendong's praises. They're impressed by his integrity and sense of responsibility. Hei Hu even comes right out and says Liu Zhendong is the man who should be leading Fengyun Tang. But Cheng Hui immediately shuts that conversation down, warning everyone not to bring it up again. He’s worried it’ll mess with the brotherhood between Liu Zhendong and Huang Zhongxin. Smart move, or just delaying the inevitable?
