Episode Summary
In this episode, Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun are publicly framed for the Zhuque Hall bombing and arrested after discovering a key witness has been murdered. They are saved from execution by Gao Ying, leading Xia Mo to question her motives. Xia Mo's forensic skills clear them of a secondary accusation, while a flashback reveals Gao Fei is the true killer. As side plots involving the Gao family unfold, Tang Zhenyun's investigation leads him to the Red Moon House, where he captures a promising new suspect.
Spoiler Alert
"Rosefinch" Episode 17: Spoilers and Breakdown
The plot thickens as Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun find themselves ensnared in a sophisticated frame-up. Pressured by the Gao family, Zhang Zhiqiu holds a press conference and falsely accuses Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun of ordering the bombing at Zhuque Hall. The news sends shockwaves through the media, solidifying a narrative against the two investigators. Meanwhile, Gao Fei confirms to his superior, Gao Susheng, that all loose ends, including the clay artisan who was a key witness, have been dealt with.
Unaware of the public accusation, Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun arrive at the clay artisan's home, only to find him dead, having been beaten with a police baton. A radio broadcast alerts them to their predicament, and they realize they've walked straight into a trap. As they attempt to escape, police captain Shen Lian and his squad surround the premises. Gao Fei's team cuts off their escape route, leading to the swift arrest of both Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun.
Upon hearing of the arrest, Gao Ying immediately confronts Gao Susheng. She argues that the mysterious deaths of two investigating officers would only ignite a larger scandal. Persuaded by her logic, Gao Susheng tasks her with their rescue. Her timing is critical; Gao Fei has already taken the duo to a remote location, planning to execute them and stage it as an attempt to resist arrest. Gao Ying arrives just in time to halt the execution. With the subsequent arrival of Deputy Chief Yang Zezhi, Gao Fei and Shen Lian are forced to release their captives. However, Xia Mo is left deeply suspicious of Gao Ying's motives for repeatedly coming to his aid.
Later, Xia Mo conducts a thorough autopsy on the clay artisan. His professional examination of the body and wounds debunks any claims that he and Tang Zhenyun had tortured the artisan, proving the man was murdered. Deputy Chief Yang Zezhi concurs with the findings. In a flashback, it's revealed that four hours prior, Gao Fei had silently entered the artisan's home, killed him with a baton, and taken a pendant as a grim trophy.
After the autopsy, Xia Mo presses Gao Ying for the location of another hidden body, but she skillfully dodges the question. The plot takes another turn when Commander Zhao Jin calls Gao Susheng to praise his daughter, Gao Yue, and expresses a personal interest in her, putting Gao Susheng on high alert. In a seemingly unrelated event, Gao Yue succeeds at a film audition, oblivious to the hidden influence that secured her the part.
While Xia Mo deals with the political fallout, Tang Zhenyun seeks out clues at the Red Moon House. After a tense negotiation and a payment, the proprietor, Song Mama, provides a valuable piece of information: a man fitting the description of a henchman had been looking for someone named Zhou Yuqin before disappearing. Just as Tang Zhenyun prepares to leave, the very same henchman reappears. Wasting no time, Tang Zhenyun confronts and successfully captures him.
