Episode Summary
Liu Zhendong and his mother, Hong Yan, secretly leave Shicheng for Europe. Meanwhile, the Shanhai Gang's new businesses launch, irking Zheng Qiu, who confronts Cheng Hui. Cheng Hui, while publicly recommitting to the Shanhai Gang (though with hidden concerns), privately arranges for Huang Zhongxin to leave the gang and start a legitimate business, paving the way for Huang Zhongxin to confess his feelings for Cheng Nanping. Touched by his actions, Cheng Nanping reciprocates, and they become a couple.
Spoiler Alert
So, the episode kicks off in the early morning mist, super atmospheric. Liu Zhendong, looking like he's made a huge decision, tracks down Hong Yan. He hands her three boat tickets – plot twist! He tells her he’s going with her to Europe and, get this, he’s never setting foot in Shicheng again. Talk about a dramatic exit! The two of them, mother and son, just slip away onto the boat without saying goodbye to anyone. As the ship pulls away, Liu Zhendong is out on the deck, watching the port disappear. You can just feel the turmoil – he’s relieved, but also clearly not entirely thrilled to be leaving it all behind.
Meanwhile, back in Shicheng, things are moving fast. Within three days, the Shanhai Gang has officially launched its new transport and restaurant businesses. This move, as you can imagine, totally gets under Zheng Qiu's skin. But, because he's a bit wary of Charles' power (remember him?), Zheng Qiu has to keep his anger on a simmer for now. Instead, he decides to have a breakfast meeting with Cheng Hui. Over eggs and whatever else they're having, Zheng Qiu doesn't hold back, basically sneering that the Shanhai Gang is just the same old trouble in a new package. Cheng Hui, cool as a cucumber, tells him straight up that his main goal is to find a good path forward for Shicheng and he really doesn’t want to be enemies with Zheng Qiu.
Later, Cheng Hui summons Huang Zhongxin and tells him it's time to leave the Shanhai Gang. Huang Zhongxin is so shocked he literally drops to his knees. Cheng Hui pulls him up, explaining gently that the Shanhai Gang is eventually going to be disbanded anyway, so it’s better to figure out an exit strategy sooner rather than later. Then, Cheng Hui switches gears and asks Huang Zhongxin about his feelings for his daughter, Cheng Nanping. Huang Zhongxin, bless his heart, musters up all his courage and promises to take care of Cheng Nanping for the rest of his life. Cheng Hui knows his daughter isn't a fan of all the gang drama, so he decides to set Huang Zhongxin up with his own shop, helping him leave the gangster life behind. Aww, Papa Cheng!
The next day, Cheng Hui is back in charge of the Shanhai Gang, making a big public declaration that he’s going to give his all for the gang. Everyone looks on seriously, but nobody seems to notice the worry hidden in his eyes. At the same time, Huang Zhongxin takes Cheng Nanping to the new shop Cheng Hui is getting for him. This is where he lays his heart on the line. He tells her how he feels, super earnestly, but also makes it clear that he’s not going to pressure her. If she’s not feeling it, they can just go back to being like brother and sister.
But here’s the thing – after all this time they’ve spent together, Huang Zhongxin’s quiet protection has totally won Cheng Nanping over. Because he’s done so much for her, she gives him this incredibly sweet, knowing smile and then – wait for it – hugs him from behind! Huang Zhongxin freezes for a second, probably in disbelief, and then pure joy just takes over. He covers her hands with his and holds them tight, trembling. It’s official, folks, we have a ship!
So, Liu Zhendong is off to Europe, Cheng Hui is playing a very careful game with both his enemies and his own gang, and Huang Zhongxin and Cheng Nanping are finally together. What a packed episode! Can't wait to see what happens next.
