Episode Summary
In episode 7 of "The Perfect Suspect," Zhong Ning's investigation into Xiao Dade's murder leads him to a key witness and a video of Xiao threatening to expose the Green Cloud Group. His direct confrontation with Zhao Qian results in a formal complaint, which reopens a tragic seven-year-old case involving the death of Zheng Gang's sister, causing a bitter conflict between the two detectives. Meanwhile, Liu Renkai uses blackmail to manipulate Zhao Qian, who in turn exerts her power over him and her family. The episode concludes with the grieving widow Fang Qinchun, after learning the truth about her husband's death, forming a dangerous alliance with Liao Boyan to seek revenge against Zhao Qian.
Spoiler Alert
"The Perfect Suspect" Episode 7 Recap: Old Wounds and New Enemies
This Episode on "The Perfect Suspect," the investigation into Xiao Dade's murder rips open old wounds, revealing a seven-year-old tragedy that shattered the lives of detectives Zhong Ning and Zheng Gang. As Zhong Ning closes in on the powerful Green Cloud Group, he finds himself stonewalled by the cunning Zhao Qian. Meanwhile, a dangerous game of blackmail and manipulation unfolds, culminating in a new, vengeful alliance that promises to change everything.
Zhong Ning's Investigation Hits a Wall
The episode picks up with Zhong Ning digging deeper into the murder of Xiao Dade. A visit to Xiao's favorite restaurant yields a crucial clue: on the day of his death, Xiao uncharacteristically ordered his food to-go. The restaurant owner also recalls seeing an unknown man pull Xiao into a nearby alley, though his face was obscured. The plot thickens when Zhong Ning's assistant uncovers a livestream video made by Xiao just two days before he was killed. In it, he threatened to expose a major secret about the "princess" of the Green Cloud Group, all but signing his own death warrant.
Armed with this lead, Zhong Ning arranges a meeting with Zhao Qian under the guise of being a divorce lawyer. He questions her about Xiao Dade, and she coolly claims she was preparing to sue him for defamation, feigning shock when Zhong Ning informs her of his death. But when Zhong Ning pivots, asking about a hit-and-run case from five years prior involving Liao Yifan, Zhao Qian’s demeanor instantly shifts. She accuses Zhong Ning of violating protocol by questioning her alone and promptly calls the criminal police division to file a formal complaint. The move successfully shuts down the interrogation, forcing a frustrated Zhong Ning to leave.
A Ghost from the Past
Zhao Qian’s complaint has immediate repercussions, and Zheng Gang is officially reprimanded. Furious, he confronts Zhong Ning, the raw anger between them boiling over. Zheng Gang blames Zhong Ning for the death of his sister, Zheng Wenjing, seven years ago, accusing him of the same recklessness now. The two nearly come to blows before their colleague, Zhang Yiming, intervenes.
Zhang Yiming drives them to the Paradise Nightclub, the site of the tragedy that tore them apart. In a painful flashback, we learn that Zheng Wenjing worked at the club. During a police raid, a headstrong Zhong Ning decided to move in before the arrest warrant was officially approved. The premature action resulted in chaos, and in the ensuing panic, Zheng Wenjing fell from an upper level and was fatally impaled by steel rebar below. Zhong Ning has carried the crushing weight of that guilt ever since, eventually leaving the force to care for his sick daughter. Though Zhang Yiming urges them to let go of the past, the wounds are clearly still fresh as Zhong Ning storms out of the car. Later, in a poignant moment, he hallucinates a vision of Wenjing smiling at him, remembering how she loved to see him in his police uniform. The vision steels his resolve to see the current case through to the end and uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
A Dangerous Game of Threats
While Zhong Ning grapples with his past, Liu Renkai makes a bold power play against Zhao Qian. He threatens her with a video, demanding she show him respect by personally greeting him. He chillingly reminds her that he has "killed for her" and needs leverage to ensure his own safety. In a bizarre display of dominance, he returns a dog that Zhao Yinghong had given her, a symbolic act to reclaim his "dignity" within the Zhao family. After returning home, Zhao Qian unleashes her fury on Zhao Yinghong, locking him in a room filled with photos of his late wife and ordering him to "reflect" on his actions.
However, a new piece of evidence complicates things for Zhong Ning: Zheng Gang discovers immigration records proving Zhao Qian was out of the country five years ago, giving her a solid alibi for the hit-and-run. Despite this, Zhong Ning's faith in his own deductions remains unshaken.
Zhao Qian continues to pull the strings, demonstrating her control over Liu Renkai by temporarily taking his son. A panicked Liu Renkai rushes to her office to apologize, and she returns the child with a stern warning. To protect his son, Liu decides to move in with his mistress, Xu Lina, permanently. When his wife, Luo Lijuan, fails to stop him, she tragically takes out her frustration by beating their daughter.
An Alliance for Revenge
The episode's climax is set in motion by Fang Qinchun, the grieving widow of Qian Cheng. She attempts to hold a public memorial for her husband in front of the Green Cloud Group headquarters, but Zhao Qian coldly orders Liu Renkai to dispose of her. Fang Qinchun, utterly defeated, sends her young son, Qian Dong, to hide while she kneels and kowtows to Liu Renkai.
Later, a terrified Fang Qinchun discovers her son has disappeared from school. Just as her panic reaches its peak, Liao Boyan appears and returns the boy safely. He then drops a bombshell, revealing the true circumstances of her husband's death. Fang Qinchun confesses that she always knew Qian Cheng would never have hanged himself but was too terrified of Zhao Qian to challenge the official story. Seizing the opportunity, Liao Boyan offers to help her get revenge. His condition: Fang Qinchun must arrange a meeting with Zhao Qian. With her agreement, a new and unpredictable plot for vengeance is born, setting the stage for an explosive confrontation.
