Episode Summary
In "Created in China" Episode 13, Liu Jun faces a moral dilemma after the data thief Fan Xiaolong's family begs for mercy, leading him to secretly provide financial aid against his father's wishes. Meanwhile, Engineer Sun confesses he was a spy for the rival Longsheng company but now pledges loyalty to Tengfei, warning Liu Jun about another potential mole, Engineer Liao. The Qian family drama intensifies as Qian Hongying covers up her brother Hongming's infidelity. A series of misunderstandings, culminating in a forgotten date, causes a definitive breakup between Liu Jun and Yu Shanshan. The episode ends on a somber New Year's Eve, with each character isolated and new conflicts brewing.
Spoiler Alert
Created in China Episode 13 Recap: A New Year of Betrayal and Heartbreak
As the new millennium approaches, the characters of "Created in China" find themselves entangled in a web of corporate espionage, moral dilemmas, and emotional turmoil. Episode 13 sees Liu Jun grappling with the fallout from a data theft case, the discovery of a spy in his ranks, and the complete collapse of his romantic relationship. Meanwhile, the Qian family is fractured by infidelity and secrets, setting the stage for new conflicts as the New Year's Eve fireworks fade.
A Crisis of Conscience and a Father's Warning
The episode picks up with the data theft case involving Fan Xiaolong now in the hands of the prosecutor due to the significant amount of money involved. Liu Jun is thrown into a moral quandary when Fan's wife appears outside the police station with their three children, kneeling and begging for mercy. She reveals that her husband is the sole provider for their family, which includes a bedridden mother. Later, a conflicted Liu Jun follows the police officer to Fan's home and secretly leaves money to help the struggling family.
When Liu Jun suggests dropping the lawsuit to his father, Liu Shitang, he is met with a harsh rebuke. Liu Shitang scolds his son for his sentimentality, warning him that "pitying a gambler will only get you bitten." He insists that business cannot be run on emotion, a lesson Liu Jun is struggling to accept.
The Spy Who Switched Sides
Back at the Tengfei factory, a new threat emerges. After a subtle hint from Engineer Liao, Liu Jun confronts Engineer Sun, who makes a shocking confession: he was originally a corporate spy sent by the rival Longsheng company to steal technology. However, he was so impressed by Tengfei's company culture and commitment to innovation that he had a change of heart and chose to stay loyal to Liu Jun's company.
Sun's confession comes with a warning. He tells Liu Jun that Longsheng is plotting to frame Tengfei and suggests that Engineer Liao may be their new mole. This leaves Liu Jun and Qian Hongming stunned, realizing that two of their senior engineers are now under suspicion. Even with Sun's declaration of loyalty, they know he must be watched closely.
A Family's Web of Lies
The Qian family is unraveling under the weight of its own secrets. Qian Hongying is distraught after witnessing her brother, Qian Hongming, embracing another woman at a hotel. She feels immense guilt as she faces her sister-in-law, Shen Jiali, who is at home caring for the children.
The deception deepens when Hongming announces his plan to buy a luxurious top-floor apartment. His wife, Shen Jiali, confesses she has a severe fear of heights, but he dismissively suggests they "get used to it" by staying in a high-rise hotel in Shanghai. To cover for her brother's affair, Qian Hongying lies about having plans with a friend, when in reality, she is secretly meeting with Liu Shitang.
The Final Straw and a Lonely New Year
Liu Jun's dedication to his work proves to be the final nail in the coffin for his relationship with Yu Shanshan. After leaving the bank, where he paid a generous compensation to an injured worker's family, he runs into Lin Chuan. He gives her a ride home, and during the drive, she offers to use her connections to help him secure a much-needed loan. Just then, Yu Shanshan calls. Hearing another woman's voice in the car, she hangs up in anger.
Completely absorbed in his work, Liu Jun forgets about his date with Shanshan. He rushes to her apartment late at night, waiting for hours in the snow, but she refuses to answer his calls. The New Year begins with their official breakup.
The episode closes on a somber New Year's Eve montage: Qian Hongming's family is in the high-rise hotel in Shanghai; Liu Shitang and Qian Hongying are on their secret date; Lin Chuan is being forced into a blind date by her sister-in-law; and Liu Jun is alone, playing the piano and staring at his silent phone. The dawn of the new year brings no relief, only the promise of more conflict, punctuated by Liu Shitang discovering his car tire has been slashed—a sign of troubles to come.
Spoilers & Key Developments
- Moral Dilemma: Liu Jun secretly provides financial aid to the family of Fan Xiaolong, the employee who stole company data, against his father's stern advice.
- A Spy's Confession: Engineer Sun reveals he was a spy for a rival company but has switched his allegiance to Tengfei. He warns Liu Jun that another engineer, Liao, may be the new spy.
- Infidelity and Deceit: Qian Hongying discovers her brother, Qian Hongming, is having an affair and chooses to cover it up. Hongming ignores his wife's acrophobia, planning to buy a penthouse.
- Relationship Over: A critical misunderstanding involving Lin Chuan, followed by a forgotten date, leads to Liu Jun and Yu Shanshan's definitive breakup.
- Ominous New Year: The characters spend New Year's Eve apart and in various states of distress, and the episode ends with a minor act of sabotage against Liu Shitang, hinting at future conflicts.
