Episode Summary
Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun uncover a crucial clue from Song Mama that links the powerful Commander Zhao Jin to the conspiracy. Their investigation leads them to a secret passage and a hidden room where a disturbing film is being shown. Gao Ying discovers them and, after helping them escape, is formally drawn into Zhao Jin's scheme. He reveals that the recent beauty pageant was a front for a stock market manipulation plot and tasks her with managing a bank and a gang.
Spoiler Alert
"Rosefinch" Episode 21: Secrets Uncovered
Following a film's ribbon-cutting ceremony, Tang Boju issues a stern warning to Tang Zhenyun and Xia Mo, telling them not to stir up trouble. Meanwhile, Commander Zhao Jin orchestrates a media campaign, having Song Shi announce in major newspapers that various business associations are investing in the theater. In a telling move, he alters a character in the announcement, changing the phrase "promising future" to "promising fortune," subtly revealing his manipulation of public sentiment.
Later that night, as the Xia Mo siblings and Tang Zhenyun are analyzing clues, screams from the Red Moon House draw their attention. Rushing over, they find Gao Fei celebrating Kong Shun's release from prison by allowing him to brutally beat a woman named Bao Rui. When Tang Zhenyun attempts to step in, Xia Mo holds him back. The tense situation is diffused by Song Mama, who claims that a "special commissioner" has taken an interest in Bao Rui.
Though her intervention works, a humiliated Gao Fei slaps Song Mama across the face before leaving. Song Mama endures the insult. Seizing the opportunity, Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun offer her money for information. Taking the silver dollars, Song Mama provides a cryptic clue about Sun Mei's powerful backer, hinting that his surname is the first in the "Hundred Family Surnames." The clue clicks for Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun, who instantly realize she is referring to Commander Zhao Jin.
Returning to Residence No. 25, they are drawn by a strange sound. A thorough search reveals a secret passage leading to a hidden screening room. Inside, a projector is playing a silent, disturbing film depicting abuse. Just then, Gao Ying, passing by outside, hears the noise and enters the room. She is horrified by the film's content. Fearing for their safety, she stops Xia Mo from taking the film reel. Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps forces the three of them to retreat through the secret passage.
Afterward, Gao Ying accompanies Gao Susheng to a meeting with Commander Zhao Jin. Also present is Zhang Qi, the head of the stock business association. There, Zhao Jin reveals Gao Ying's true mission: the much-publicized beauty pageant was merely a setup to inflate the value of the "Great World Entertainment Stock." He hands her control of the Yongli Bank and the Qingzhu Gang. Accepting a glass of red wine from the commander, Gao Ying officially steps into her perilous new role, fully aware of the dangers ahead.
