Episode Summary
In this episode, Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun rescue a key witness, which results in their superiors imposing a seven-day deadline to solve the serial murder case. As they pursue a lead involving a rare stone, Gao Yue's defiance of her father leads to a dark revelation about the fate of famous women, while pressure mounts on Gao Susheng to orchestrate a cover-up.
Spoiler Alert
Rosefinch: Episode 15 Spoilers
Just as Zhang Zhiqiu is about to be stabbed, Tang Zhenyun and Xia Mo arrive in the nick of time. The three of them successfully fight off Gao Fei and his group, taking Zhang Zhiqiu to the police station. This action enrages Shen Lian, but before he can retaliate, Yang Zezhi arrives and publicly announces an order from their superiors: due to public outcry over the serial murders of young women, the case must be solved within seven days.
To prevent any potential misconduct from Shen Lian, Yang Zezhi assigns Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun to take charge of the Zhang Yunli case, instructing them to report all progress directly to him. At their urging, Yang Zezhi also orders protection for Zhang Zhiqiu, putting Shen Lian in a difficult position.
Meanwhile, Gao Yue's appearance at the beauty pageant finals infuriates her father, Gao Susheng. Resentful over the Zheng Zukang incident, Gao Yue is determined to become independent. To assert his authority and crush her ambition of becoming a movie star, Gao Susheng forces Shen Ruchun to kneel before Gao Yue as a display of family power.
After Gao Yue leaves in anger, Gao Susheng takes a blindfolded Shen Ruchun to the private residence of Commander Zhao Jin. When the blindfold is removed, Shen Ruchun is horrified to see the famous actress Sun Mei chained like a dog. She has a shocking realization that the glamorous life she aspires to is a lie, and its stars are merely playthings for the powerful. Song Shi then delivers a message to Gao Susheng from Commander Zhao Jin: he is being given another chance but must close the case with the "predetermined result" by the deadline, heavily implying he must cover up the truth.
The investigation continues as Xia Mo, her brother Xia Yingqi, and Tang Zhenyun split up to follow leads. The clues point them to lapis lazuli, leading them to the only shop in Shanghai that sells the stone, which they discover is an enterprise of the Qingzhu Gang. Just as the shop owner calls his thugs to attack, Gao Ying appears and resolves the conflict. While they review the account books, Gao Ying deliberately sends Xia Yingqi away and privately warns Xia Mo not to escalate the situation.
