Episode Summary
Zhao Tiehan gets himself and She Yan arrested to protect Cheng Hui in prison, with Zhao arranging to deliver Cheng Hui's meals and medicine. Liu Zhendong confronts Xin Ge of the Da Fan Gang while investigating Robert, and later arranges for Hong Yan and Liu Suibian's mother to take refuge with the Shanhai Gang. Cheng Nanping awakens and, after an emotional conversation where Liu Zhendong calls her a sister, implores him to save Cheng Hui. News of Cheng Hui's arrest spreads, which Zheng Qiu believes will aid the Governor's anti-gang plans, while also warning James that Liu Zhendong is investigating him.
Spoiler Alert
Our guy Zhao Tiehan is pulling out all the stops to protect Cheng Hui, who's currently in a tight spot. To get himself into prison where he can keep an eye on Cheng Hui, Zhao Tiehan orchestrates a public brawl with She Yan. Yep, they literally planned to get arrested. It's a bold move, and of course, it works, drawing the attention of the police department. Thanks to some backdoor dealing by Gou Wendao, She Yan gets placed right in Cheng Hui's cell – talk about a strategic placement! Gou Wendao specifically instructed the prison head to make this happen. Meanwhile, Zhao Tiehan isn't just sitting pretty; he uses the prison head's children as leverage (yikes!) to secure the gig of delivering meals to Cheng Hui. This allows him to secretly instruct She Yan to make sure Cheng Hui takes his medication on time, because, you know, recovering from injuries is key, even in the slammer.
Liu Zhendong Takes on the Big Guns
Liu Zhendong is on a mission to find out who this Robert character really is. He boldly walks into the Da Fan Gang's turf to meet their leader, Xin Ge. No beating around the bush here – Liu Zhendong lays it all out, warning Robert (and by extension, Xin Ge) that even if Robert has powerful backers, Liu Zhendong has some serious connections of his own. Xin Ge is visibly furious, but he’s also wary enough of Liu Zhendong's clout to hold back, for now.
Family First, Drama Second
Back on the home front, Liu Zhendong learns that Hong Yan is planning to move with Liu Suibian's mother to a hotel for safety. Thinking fast, Liu Zhendong suggests a more secure option: seeking refuge with the Shanhai Gang. To make this less suspicious to prying eyes, Hong Yan stages a dramatic (and fake, we presume) breakup with Liu Zhendong before moving into the Shanhai Gang's territory with Liu Suibian and his mom. Of course, there’s a mole in the Shanhai Gang who dutifully reports this development to Zheng Qiu. However, the mole still has no leads on the whereabouts of Huang Jinhu.
An Emotional Awakening and a Brother's Promise
Cheng Nanping finally wakes up to find Huang Zhongxin by her side. Soon after, Xiao Shaofeng and his newspaper colleagues arrive to visit. Huang Zhongxin is still adamant that Cheng Hui is the one who murdered Huang Jinhu. Cheng Nanping, however, skillfully avoids the topic. Instead, she asks Xiao Shaofeng to get in touch with Liu Zhendong.
When Liu Zhendong arrives, their conversation takes an emotional turn. He confesses that he’s always seen Cheng Nanping as a younger sister. This clearly isn't what she wanted to hear, and with a heavy heart, Cheng Nanping finally calls him "brother" and begs him to save Cheng Hui. Liu Zhendong, ever the stand-up guy, solemnly promises he’ll do everything in his power.
Media Storm and Political Chess
Meanwhile, the news of Cheng Hui's arrest for murder is splashed across all the major newspapers in Shicheng. Zheng Qiu is practically rubbing his hands together, convinced that the Governor will use this public outcry as the perfect opportunity to push forward his plan to eradicate the gangs. James, however, questions if Zheng Qiu is being aggressive enough. Zheng Qiu, ever the strategist, flips the script and warns James to be cautious of Liu Zhendong. Apparently, Liu Zhendong has started gathering evidence against James, and Zheng Qiu advises it’s time to strike first.
