Episode Summary
In episode 14, tensions rise as Gao Ying halts Xia Mo's investigation, causing a rift between them. The highly anticipated Zhuque Hall beauty pageant turns chaotic when a protest erupts, exposing alleged police corruption just as the pre-selected winner is crowned. The protestor, Zhang Zhiqiu, is detained and then mysteriously released, only to be ambushed by Gao Fei's men, leaving his fate uncertain.
Spoiler Alert
Rosefinch Episode 14: Chaos at the Coronation
The simmering tensions of the past few weeks finally boil over in a dramatic episode centered around the Zhuque Hall beauty pageant. The story picks up with the fallout between Gao Ying and Xia Mo. Acting on strict orders from her father, Gao Susheng, to ensure their safety, Gao Ying forces Xia Mo and his team to halt their investigation. However, her actions are misinterpreted as a move to protect Zhuque Hall's interests, leading to a bitter argument and leaving their alliance in tatters.
Meanwhile, Shen Lian receives a commendation for his work on the Gao Fei case. His superior, Yang Zezhi, delivers a cold warning not to let it go to his head, threatening severe punishment if there are any security lapses during the pageant.
On the night of the pageant finals, Zhuque Hall is under heavy guard. The event is a grand affair, attended by a host of powerful figures including government officials, foreign consuls, and business leaders. The arrival of Commander Zhao Jin causes a stir. As Gao Susheng humbly greets him, he learns from Song Shi that the winner has already been decided: Shen Ruchun. Commander Zhao Jin also takes a special interest in Zhang Qi, the head of the stock merchants' association, and secretly instructs Song Shi to find a way to win him over.
Backstage, the drama intensifies. Gao Ying approaches Shen Ruchun and, with a grave expression, places a hair accessory on her before leaving without a word. Just as the final twelve contestants are about to take the stage, the power cuts out. Thinking fast, Gao Ying instructs the women to walk out holding candles, creating an unexpectedly beautiful and memorable scene. When the lights finally return, Gao Yue is spotted on the second-floor balcony, immediately capturing the attention and interest of Commander Zhao Jin.
The night reaches its chaotic climax the moment the crown is placed on Shen Ruchun's head. Suddenly, leaflets rain down from above, bearing the explosive message: "Police and bandits collude, a grievance awaits justice." In the next second, Zhang Zhiqiu rushes out with a banner, shouting about the injustice done to his sister. Gao Susheng quickly orders his men to remove him. Facing a crowd of reporters, Commander Zhao Jin publicly declares that he will personally oversee the investigation and demands the case be solved within a strict deadline.
Later, Zhang Zhiqiu is thrown into a police detention cell. Shen Lian confronts him, harshly dressing him down and threatening severe punishment. Overwhelmed by the thought of his sister's case remaining unsolved, Zhang Zhiqiu collapses in a corner, sobbing uncontrollably. The sight moves Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun, who witness the scene. When they return the next day to follow up, they are shocked to discover that Zhang Zhiqiu has been mysteriously released. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Gao Fei and his thugs surrounding the now-free Zhang Zhiqiu, his fate hanging in the balance.
