Episode Summary
A third murder victim, Zhu Yuhe, is discovered, confirming the killer is Zheng Zukang and revealing a new lead about his past. Just as the investigation gains momentum, Tang Zhenyun is ordered by Gao Susheng to drop the case. However, a doctor provides a key physical description of the suspect. Meanwhile, Gao Yue, having secretly returned to Shanghai, has her clandestine relationship with Zhao Ken exposed, leading to a tense, armed confrontation with her mother, Gao Ying.
Spoiler Alert
Rosefinch: Episode 9 Spoilers
The episode kicks off with the unexpected return of Gao Yue, who immediately throws a wrench in the works by secretly taking the place of a dancer named Xu Jing in a high-profile audition. She successfully becomes one of the "Twelve Beauties of Jinling," but her success catches the unwanted attention of Song Shi. Her father, Gao Susheng, senses the danger and orders his subordinate, Cao Yin, to get her out of Shanghai that very night. However, Gao Yue has other plans. She forces the car to stop and, in a desperate move, threatens to take her own life, ultimately managing to escape.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the murders at 25 Huian Li continues. With two victims found at the same location, detective Tang Zhenyun believes the killer has a special, dangerous obsession with the house. Worried for Xia Yingqi's safety, he suggests she either move out temporarily or let him move in to protect her. Xia Yingqi readily agrees to the latter, cheekily asking for rent. The serious moment is broken when Xia Mo, completely missing the subtext, innocently asks if Fu Ying will be moving in as well, leaving Tang Zhenyun and Xia Yingqi speechless.
The case takes another dark turn when Zhu Yuhe, who had been missing for two days, is found dead in a room at the Arc de Triomphe Hotel. The scene is chillingly familiar—her death mirrors that of the previous victim, Hong Xiu. Gao Ying brings in Xia Mo and Tang Zhenyun, and after examining the scene, they confirm their suspicion: the killer is Zheng Zukang. During the investigation, the hotel manager has a strong reaction to the name Zheng Meiyun. He confesses that she was once a well-known socialite with whom he had a brief affair before she was swindled out of her money and attempted suicide.
Just as the team is closing in, the investigation hits a major roadblock. Shen Lian arrives with a direct order from the powerful Gao Susheng: Tang Zhenyun is to stop investigating the case immediately. At this critical juncture, a new lead emerges from an unexpected source. A doctor contacts the team and introduces them to Dr. Li Zhi, formerly of the Ci'ai Mental Hospital. Dr. Li provides a crucial piece of information: Zheng Zukang suffers from syphilitic alopecia, which leaves distinctive coin-shaped bald spots on his head. He recalls his last encounter with Zheng, who was working as an apprentice at a photo studio, and remembers the terrifyingly fierce look in his eyes.
At the same time, Gao Ying's own investigation leads her to a modest inn where Gao Yue is hiding. Inside her daughter's bag, she finds a photograph of Gao Yue with a man named Zhao Ken. Gao Ying, Xia Mo, and Tang Zhenyun all rush to Zhao Ken's residence, where they find the two of them together. With her secret relationship exposed, Gao Yue confesses her love for Zhao Ken. Enraged, Gao Ying draws her gun and points it at him, but Gao Yue, without a moment's hesitation, steps in front of Zhao Ken, shielding him with her own body.
