Episode Summary
Cheng Hui impresses Charles on the golf course, leading to a potential alliance and a chance for Cheng Hui to clear the Shanhai Gang's reputation. Later, Cheng Hui reveals to Hong Yan the true cause of her husband Liu Xiongwu's death (poisoning, not her son Liu Zhendong's fault), easing her long-held resentment. Meanwhile, tensions simmer between Xu Guangrong and Zhuang Bo, and Cheng Nanping confesses her feelings to a recovering Liu Zhendong in the hospital.
Spoiler Alert
So, the episode kicks off with Cheng Hui stepping onto the golf course. This whole meet-up with a fellow named Charles was arranged by Zhao Tiehan. Now, Cheng Hui isn't exactly channeling his inner pro golfer at the start. His first few swings are a bit rough, and Charles is visibly not thrilled, even telling Cheng Hui he's only got one more shot to prove himself. Talk about pressure! But then, Cheng Hui, cool as a cucumber, swings in his own rhythm. He absolutely nails it – a perfect shot that soars through the air and lands impeccably. Charles, who had heard Cheng Hui was a pretty dangerous character from the Shanhai Gang, is stunned. He starts to see that Cheng Hui isn't just dangerous; he's got this lethal kind of charm about him.
After the game, they chat, and Cheng Hui doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to defending the Shanhai Gang. He makes it clear that the gang isn't about plundering other people's property, despite what the rumors might say. He even explains the core Chinese values they uphold – loyalty, trustworthiness, propriety, and righteousness. Charles, who clearly came in with some preconceived notions, starts to have a change of heart. The two actually end up having a great conversation and even agree to work together in the future. Didn't see that one coming!
On the ride back in a Shanhai Gang vehicle, Cheng Hui is clearly deep in thought. As they pass Hong Yan's place, he asks the driver to stop. He happens to walk in on A Gui really laying into A Xiang. Cheng Hui steps in, calms things down, and tells A Xiang to head back to the repair shop and keep his nose clean, believing the kid has learned his lesson and won't be so quick to run his mouth again.
Next up, Cheng Hui goes to see Hong Yan. He tells her he figured out a while ago that she was eager for him to leave Shicheng, not because she disliked him, but because she was trying to protect her son, Liu Zhendong. You see, Hong Yan had been under the impression that Liu Zhendong, in his youthful recklessness, was responsible for Liu Xiongwu's death. But Cheng Hui, ever the investigator, uncovered the truth: Liu Xiongwu actually died because he was poisoned, which made him go mad. Liu Zhendong had nothing to do with it. This is a massive revelation for Hong Yan. She admits that way back when, she did have feelings for Cheng Hui, but after marrying Liu Xiongwu, she was completely devoted to her husband and family. Now, learning that her husband's violent behavior was caused by poison, all those years of resentment she'd been carrying just melt away. Imagine the relief!
Meanwhile, in other storylines, Xu Guangrong makes his usual delivery of herbal tea to Zhuang Bo. There's this really tense moment where Zhuang Bo just squints and stares at Xu Guangrong as he drinks the tea, only relaxing his tense shoulders a tiny bit afterward. Definitely makes you wonder what's going on there.
Over at the hospital, the drama continues. The woman Liu Zhendong had previously helped is hesitating outside his room, holding a container of soup. She sees Cheng Nanping go into Liu Zhendong's room. And speaking of Cheng Nanping, she's made a big decision: she's staying in Shicheng. Not only that, but she gently confesses her feelings to Liu Zhendong, leaving him utterly shocked.
