Episode Summary
Liu Zhendong, recovering in the hospital, clashes with his mother, Hong Yan, who disapproves of his apparent connection with Liu Suibian, a woman she deems unsuitable. Meanwhile, Shanhai Gang leader Cheng Hui makes a strategic decision to have A'Rong leave their gang to potentially lead the rival Qiankun Society, aiming to avoid government conflict. Later, at a banquet, Cheng Hui confronts and expels Liu Zhendong from the Shanhai Gang, accusing him of plotting for leadership. A dejected and drunk Liu Zhendong is then beaten by Shanding Zai's men but is rescued by Liu Suibian. He wakes up in her home the next morning, shocked to find her naked beside him.
Spoiler Alert
So, we kick things off with Hong Yan visiting her son, Liu Zhendong, in the hospital. He’s been cooped up for a while and is absolutely itching to get out, complaining he’s going to start growing mold if he stays any longer. Classic Liu Zhendong, right? But Mama Hong Yan isn't having it. She insists he needs to keep resting and then, like any good mom, starts speculating if his restlessness is because he’s got a girl on his mind.
Speak of the devil (or an angel in disguise?), Liu Suibian walks in right on cue, also carrying food. Hong Yan immediately sizes her up, noticing her striking looks despite her simple clothes. When Liu Suibian honestly explains her background – currently unemployed and living in Pozhai – Hong Yan’s face just drops. And when Liu Suibian respectfully calls her "Benefactor's Mom" (En Gong Ama), Hong Yan tells her to wait outside. Then, she lays down the law to Liu Zhendong: a woman from the "dusty world" (you know what that means) will never set foot in the Liu family home, not even as a concubine. Ouch.
Meanwhile, over at the Shanhai Gang, Cheng Hui is in a meeting with Zhao Tiehan and others in the incense hall. Zhao Tiehan is breaking down the gang's current situation, pointing out that besides Cheng Hui himself, only A'Rong is really capable of taking on major responsibilities. Xu Guangrong chimes in, confirming that A'Rong’s previous two failures to pay the public accounts were due to legitimate reasons, implying Liu Xiongwu's punishment might have been a bit harsh. But then, Cheng Hui throws a massive curveball: he orders A'Rong to leave the Shanhai Gang! Everyone is stunned. Cheng Hui explains his master plan – if they try to forcibly take over the Qiankun Society's territory, they'll definitely face a government crackdown. His solution? Prop up A'Rong to become the leader of Qiankun Society instead. Zhao Tiehan, finally getting it, heads off to carry out the order. Smart, or incredibly risky?
Later, Liu Zhendong finally gets discharged and heads back to the Shanhai Gang. He gets Xiaoweiba to invite all the "uncles" (the senior members) for a feast. After a few rounds of drinks, guys like She Yan are laying the flattery on thick. But Cheng Hui isn't in a mood for pleasantries. He slams his cup down and straight-up asks Liu Zhendong if he’s got his eyes on the gang leader position. Before Liu Zhendong can even answer, Cheng Hui declares that as long as he's breathing, Liu Zhendong can forget about being gang leader, or even a hall master. The whole room is in an uproar. Cheng Hui then exposes Liu Zhendong for using Hei Hu's trust to set up a scheme and orders him to leave the Shanhai Gang immediately. Double ouch. Kicked out by his mom (sort of) and his boss in one episode!
That same night, a dejected Liu Zhendong is spotted by Huang Zhongxin and Cheng Nanping drowning his sorrows at a street food stall. Huang Zhongxin hesitates, wondering if they should approach him, but Cheng Nanping just turns and disappears into a dark alley. As fate would have it, a very drunk Liu Zhendong is recognized by some of Shanding Zai's goons. They give him a brutal beating, leaving him spitting blood. Just when things look really bad, Liu Suibian happens to pass by and drags him back to her place in Pozhai.
