Episode Summary
Ordered to arrest Jiang Feiman, Gu Chengchun defies his superiors and helps her escape, forcing her to shoot him to create a diversion. Meanwhile, at a gala, Liang Shuo and Lu Xijian unmask the true identity of the mole "Bone Maggot" as the doorman, Old Hu, who is aided by a surprisingly conflicted Zhao Di. The episode culminates in a city-wide alert as a fireworks display is revealed to be a signal for a devastating attack on the Shanghai station, a plot uncovered by Xie Nianci through a coded message.
Spoiler Alert
"Abyss Dweller" Episode 22 Recap: Suspicion, Sacrifice, and a Shocking Betrayal
Key Spoilers & Highlights
- Gu Chengchun's Ultimate Sacrifice: Ordered to arrest Jiang Feiman, Gu Chengchun defies his superiors and engineers her escape. To make it look convincing, he forces her to shoot him, sustaining a serious injury to save her life.
- The "Bone Maggot" Twist: The initial suspect for the mole "Bone Maggot" turns out to be a misdirection. The real traitor is revealed to be Old Hu, a seemingly harmless doorman at the intelligence headquarters, who is exposed in a tense confrontation.
- Zhao Di's Mysterious Motives: During the chaos of Old Hu's exposure, Zhao Di shatters a glass to create a diversion, helping the mole. She later reveals a connection to Old Hu through a fallen comrade, "Qingshuang," suggesting her allegiances may lie with the underground.
- Fireworks of Death: A spectacular fireworks display hosted by the Japanese is actually a covert signal for a major operation. Xie Nianci deciphers a corresponding lighthouse message, uncovering a plot to launch a catastrophic attack on the Shanghai station.
Detailed Recap
A Chain of Suspicion Ignites Conflict
The episode opens with a cloud of paranoia hanging over the Military-Statistics Bureau. Director Xie Jun'an has become convinced that Jiang Feiman is the source of recent intelligence leaks. Brushing aside Gu Chengchun's pleas to focus on the national threat of the Japanese, Xie Jun'an issues a chilling order: arrest Jiang Feiman, and if she resists, "shoot to kill." A stunned Gu Chengchun is forced to comply, setting up an ambush in Jiang Feiman's room at the theater.
A Choice Between Duty and Affection
When Jiang Feiman returns, Gu Chengchun confronts her alone. She furiously denounces Xie Jun'an for prioritizing internal power struggles over the war effort. In a moment of raw honesty, Gu reveals he has long known her heart belongs to Liang Shuo (an underground operative). He makes his loyalties clear, telling her, "If you were killed, what reason would I have left to carry on?"
As a proud Chinese, he cannot bring himself to harm her. Instead, he devises a desperate plan for her survival. He instructs her to shoot him to create a believable crime scene, then tells her to seek refuge with Xie Nianci, hoping she can use the influence of the collaborationist-run No. 76 intelligence agency to hide from the Bureau's assassins.
The Truth Unmasked at the Gala
Simultaneously, Liang Shuo and Lu Xijian are at a lavish party, hunting for the mole "Bone Maggot." Their primary suspect, Zhou Andao, is seen meeting with a mysterious woman, but this proves to be a dead end. Shifting their focus, they scan the crowd for anyone out of place and are shocked to see Old Hu, a humble doorman from their headquarters, mingling at the exclusive event.
Their suspicions are confirmed when Old Hu nervously tries to approach the Japanese official, Mizuho Genxin. Liang Shuo drags him into a private room and, through intense interrogation, breaks him, forcing him to confess he is "Bone Maggot." Just as the truth comes out, Zhao Di shatters a wine glass on the floor, causing a commotion that allows Old Hu a moment's reprieve. She later explains to Liang Shuo that Old Hu once saved the life of her fallen comrade, "Qingshuang," revealing a deeper, hidden connection.
A Deadly Warning Beneath the Fireworks
As Jiang Feiman and Xie Nianci escape the Bureau's surveillance, Mizuho Genxin launches his "fireworks display"—a beautiful but deadly signal for his forces to mobilize. Xie Jun'an is already en route to a mission, walking directly into the trap. The wounded Gu Chengchun, helping the women escape, places his faith in his director's ability to survive.
Noticing the conspicuous absence of another high-ranking Japanese official, Takagi Yugi, Liang Shuo senses the danger. Under the guise of proposing a toast, he provides cover for Lu Xijian to send a warning via coded lighthouse signals. Across the city, Xie Nianci deciphers the message, and her face turns pale with horror. The signal is an urgent alert: the Shanghai station is about to face a devastating, all-out assault.
