Episode Summary
Episode 17 sees several plotlines intertwine. Li Chunlai is offered a position with the archaeological team despite Fang Kun's reservations. Mu Jianhui tries to reassure his suspicious wife, Liu Shulan, about their financial situation while secretly navigating a dangerous deal involving stolen antiques with her brother, Liu Shusheng. Wenwen and Li Yuanguang's relationship deepens. The archaeological team, now including Hou Yuelai, prepares for the Lü family tomb excavation, facing logistical challenges. Meanwhile, the police, led by Qi Dacang and Zhao Feng, close in on Liu Shusheng and Mu Jianhui, using an informant. A tense confrontation occurs at Liu Shusheng's home when the police arrive with a search warrant during a family meal. Mu Jianhui attempts to outsmart the police with a large sum of cash and a plan to "launder" the antiques. The situation escalates when Liu Shulan faints and is rushed to the hospital, leading to Liu Shusheng and his wife's arrest, though they deny any wrongdoing.
Spoiler Alert
"The Lost National Treasure" Episode 17 Recap & Spoilers:
With Li Chunlai idling his days away, a fact not lost on anyone, Guo Shilin devises a plan to get him a position as an apprentice technician with the archaeological team. The move is intended to smooth over Li Chunlai's marital issues and also placate Qi Youliang. However, Fang Kun expresses reservations about Li Chunlai's character, knowing his penchant for gambling. Despite his concerns, Fang Kun tentatively agrees, primarily for Qi Youliang's sake.
Meanwhile, Mu Jianhui accompanies his wife, Liu Shulan, to the hospital for a prenatal check-up. Apart from an unstable fetal heartbeat, the doctor advises that all is relatively well, recommending quiet rest and a stress-free environment for Liu Shulan. Liu Shulan can't shake the feeling that her husband is hiding something significant from her and worries he might be treading a dangerous path. With a child on the way, her fear isn't for herself but for the possibility of their child being born fatherless. To allay her fears, Mu Jianhui concocts a story, claiming he mortgaged their house to secure funds for a business venture, which offers Liu Shulan a sliver of reassurance.
In reality, both Mu Jianhui and Li Yuanguang are acutely aware of a formidable challenge looming ahead, one that won't be easily overcome. Elsewhere, Wenwen pays another visit to the recycling station, bringing gifts. Li Yuanguang has prepared pizza, and the two share a meal, reminiscing about old times. Li Yuanguang then gives Wenwen a sum of money, suggesting it's time for her to consider finding a romantic partner. Wenwen, however, confesses that she already has feelings for someone – and promptly kisses Li Yuanguang, finally breaking the unspoken tension between them.
On the archaeological front, the provincial institute and the city office have decided to conduct a joint excavation of the Lü family tomb, with Luo Qing appointed as the team leader. Just before their departure, Hou Yuelai, a specialist in cultural relic restoration, applies to join the team. When Fang Kun learns of this, he immediately calls Luo Qing for an explanation. Luo Qing dismisses his concerns, stating that her "senior brother" (referring to Hou Yuelai) is ambitious, and his desire to join the archaeological team is hardly surprising and not something she felt compelled to report to Fang Kun. Their conversation is brief. Later, Luo Qing attempts to rent a house from Lü Fugui's family for the team but is turned down by Mrs. Lü (Lü Dasao), who claims a relative will be visiting soon and thus, no rooms are available.
At the police bureau, Qi Dacang reports that they have now gathered substantial information on Liu Shusheng. Consequently, Liu Shusheng's brother-in-law, Mu Jianhui, has also fallen under police scrutiny. The police have initiated surveillance on both men and discovered Mu Jianhui's suspicious activities, including mortgaging his house and shop to obtain a large sum of cash. Zhao Feng, meanwhile, has a new strategy for the stolen Song porcelain case: he plans to use an informant, who will pose as a potential buyer to ensnare Liu Shusheng.
The following morning, Mu Jianhui, carrying a suitcase packed with money, drives his wife, Liu Shulan, to Liu Shusheng's home for a meal. Liu Shusheng and his wife, He Xiaofeng, are both present. Just as Liu Shusheng is about to leave to meet the supposed buyer, Mu Jianhui stops him. Mu Jianhui reveals a plan to leverage connections with Zhao Youlin to "launder" the illicit antiques, making them appear legitimate, which would instantly double their selling price.
Convinced by Mu Jianhui's proposal, Liu Shusheng cancels his meeting with the buyer and instead prepares a lavish meal to entertain his sister and brother-in-law. As they are eating, Qi Dacang arrives with a search warrant. Panicked, Liu Shusheng urges Mu Jianhui to help him hide the porcelain, while he and He Xiaofeng go outside to stall the police. Qi Dacang and his officers proceed to search every room. Throughout the ordeal, Mu Jianhui and Liu Shulan remain seated at the dining table, maintaining a facade of composure.
The search initially turns up nothing. However, Qi Dacang’s attention is drawn to a black suitcase nearby. Upon opening it, he discovers it is filled to the brim with cash. Mu Jianhui continues to drink his alcohol, appearing unfazed, while Liu Shusheng and He Xiaofeng are visibly on edge. Qi Dacang then fixes his gaze on the dining table. At this tense moment, Liu Shulan complains of feeling unwell and asks to go upstairs to rest. Seconds later, a scream pierces the air from outside. Everyone rushes to the source of the sound to find Liu Shulan has fallen on the staircase.
Liu Shulan is immediately rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Liu Shusheng and He Xiaofeng are taken into custody at the police station. Mu Jianhui and Qi Dacang wait anxiously outside the emergency room. During interrogation, He Xiaofeng staunchly claims that the large sum of money was for their business's cash flow, asserting that Mu Jianhui was merely helping them out. Liu Shusheng, equally resolute, denies any involvement in the trafficking of cultural relics, portraying himself as an exemplary, law-abiding citizen, leaving the interrogators with no leverage.
