Episode Summary
While recovering, Liu Zhendong realizes Steven is a minor threat compared to the true mastermind behind the assassin Cha Peng. Meanwhile, Cheng Hui reconnects with his former subordinate, Zhao Tiehan, discovering he's been working undercover for the Shanhai Gang while appearing to serve foreigners. Cheng Nanping develops a more positive view of Liu Zhendong. Zhao Tiehan outlines four major crises facing the Shanhai Gang, including the lack of a leader and impending revenge from Zheng Qiu. Cheng Hui then introduces Zhao Tiehan and Xu Guangrong to the gang's hall masters, but Zhuang Bo seems troubled by these developments.
Spoiler Alert
First off, we catch up with Liu Zhendong, who's still laid up in the hospital. But don't think a few injuries can keep a good mind down! He's had plenty of time to think, and he's come to a pretty sharp conclusion: that slimeball Steven? Yeah, he’s a nasty piece of work, but ultimately, he’s just a pawn, a minor annoyance in the Shanhai Gang's grand ambitions. The real heavy hitter, the one Liu Zhendong is truly worried about, is whoever is pulling the strings of that assassin, Cha Peng. Think about it – anyone who can command a killer of that caliber is playing a whole different ball game, way out of Steven's league. Huang Zhongyi totally gets where Liu Zhendong is coming from, gives him a supportive pat, and basically tells him to chill, focus on healing, and leave the heavy lifting to him for now. Smart move.
Meanwhile, Cheng Hui is on a mission to track down his old, trusted subordinate, Zhao Tiehan. He finds him, but the reunion isn't exactly joyful. Zhao Tiehan is getting a serious dressing-down from some foreigners at their estate. Cheng Hui, being the stand-up guy he can be, doesn't hesitate to step in and back up his old friend, which immediately makes the foreigners pipe down. You love to see it!
On a slightly different note, there’s a bit of a spark, or at least some growing respect, between Cheng Nanping and Liu Zhendong. She’s starting to see that Liu Zhendong is a far cry from her father. Liu Zhendong, ever loyal, insists that Cheng Hui is a good man deep down. He even tells Cheng Nanping that if she were in the Shanhai Gang, she’d likely be making the same choices he is. Food for thought, Nanping!
Back to Cheng Hui and Zhao Tiehan. Cheng Hui later corners Zhao Tiehan, wanting to know why on earth he’s working for these foreigners. Zhao Tiehan tries to play it cool, saying the pay is good, but Cheng Hui sees right through him. Turns out, as Lian Liuliu had hinted to Cheng Hui earlier, Zhao Tiehan has been playing a dangerous game. He's been undercover, feeding intel to the Shanhai Gang and secretly funneling profits their way, all while appearing to serve the foreigners. The dude’s also been carrying a load of guilt for not being able to protect Cheng Hui’s wife back in the day, which is why he never officially rejoined the gang. Cheng Hui, understanding all this, offers Zhao Tiehan the position previously held by Lian Liuliu, even mentioning it was Lian Liuliu's wish. Talk about a complex situation!
Zhao Tiehan doesn’t jump at the offer immediately. He says he needs three days before he can introduce a certain Charles to Cheng Hui. But he doesn't stop there; he lays out some hard truths, pointing out four major crises the Shanhai Gang is facing:
- The excuse for A'Qi taking the fall for that crime is flimsy as heck, and the foreigners could decide to reinvestigate at any moment.
- Cheng Hui wants to lead the Shanhai Gang down a more legitimate path, but you can bet your bottom dollar other gangs and the police will fight him tooth and nail.
- Zheng Youbo's death has left Zheng Qiu thirsty for revenge, and that’s a storm cloud hanging over them.
- And the big one: the Shanhai Gang still doesn't have a new leader. Oof.
This reality check hits Cheng Hui hard. That very night, he calls a meeting with Zhuang Bo and the hall masters, bringing Zhao Tiehan along. She Yan (Snake Eye, presumably) is initially furious, thinking Zhao Tiehan is a traitor for working with the foreigners. But once the whole undercover story comes out, the ice thaws pretty quickly. Cheng Hui also takes this opportunity to introduce Xu Guangrong to the group. While most are raising their glasses and making merry, Zhuang Bo is looking anything but festive. His serious face tells us he’s got some heavy thoughts brewing.
So, there you have it! Liu Zhendong is piecing together the bigger picture, Cheng Hui is trying to consolidate power and navigate a minefield of problems, and new (old) alliances are being forged. The Shanhai Gang is in a precarious spot, and with Zhuang Bo looking troubled, you just know more drama is on the horizon.
