Episode Summary
The police investigation narrows in on Deng Jianli after discovering he forged signatures to acquire ephedrine for making meth. However, lead officer Lin Qiangfeng suspects the more cunning Lu Shaohua is the true mastermind. Before he can be fully interrogated, Deng Jianli commits suicide, leaving a note that takes full blame. While the case is officially considered a success, Lin remains suspicious of Lu Shaohua, whose personal life unravels as his wife leaves him. The episode ends with a new, dangerous alliance forming as another criminal, Jin Yongxiang, approaches Lu Shaohua with a large sum of cash and a partnership offer.
Spoiler Alert
The Narcotic Operation: Episode 15 Spoilers
The investigation into the Xigang drug ring intensifies as the police focus their efforts on the city's chemical and pharmaceutical plants. Li An's team uncovers a critical discrepancy at the Xigang chemical factory: records show only two batches of ephedrine were logged, but shipping orders confirm three were delivered. When questioned, the factory manager explains that Deng Jianli, a man known for his honesty, was put in charge of managing the ephedrine supply three years ago. Upon reviewing the delivery slips, the manager immediately identifies one with a forged signature, prompting Li An to send it for a handwriting analysis.
Meanwhile, a parallel narrative unfolds with Lu Shaohua, who arranges for Wang Lin to drive Deng Jianli home. During the drive, Wang Lin strategically mentions that Lu Shaohua sold his own car to raise money for Deng's wife's much-needed kidney transplant. Tragically, Deng's wife passed away before the money could be used. This revelation seems to have little effect on the grieving Deng, who is more curious about Lu Shaohua's business dealings. Wang Lin reveals that Lu's partner is Zhao Shuangxi.
Li An's suspicions about Deng Jianli grow, especially after a visit to the hospital reveals that Deng had initially planned to spend 200,000 on his wife's transplant but suddenly backed out. This, combined with the likely forged signature, points to Deng secretly procuring ephedrine. While Li An's team focuses on Deng, officer Lin Qiangfeng turns his attention to Lu Shaohua. Lin builds a compelling case: Lu has a background in chemistry, his family's company was previously used by the notorious smuggler Lao Gui to move methamphetamine, and he possesses a key to an unregulated factory workshop.Coupled with his recent string of night shifts, Lu has both the means and opportunity to be producing drugs.
The forensic report confirms their fears: Deng Jianli's handwriting matches the forged signature. As Li An moves to arrest Deng, Lin Qiangfeng urges him not to lose sight of Lu Shaohua, suggesting the two are likely working together. Lin decides to intercept Lu at the funeral home, banking on the idea that Deng will confess and implicate his partner. However, when Lin confronts Lu, he remains perfectly calm, answering every question without faltering.
The case takes a dark turn when Li An's team arrives at Deng Jianli's home to find him dead from suicide. In his hand is a photo of his late wife and a detailed suicide note. In the letter, Deng takes full responsibility for everything. He confesses to collaborating with Zhao Shuangxi, forging the manager's signature to buy 15 kilograms of ephedrine, and using the unregulated workshop to manufacture methamphetamine, all in a desperate attempt to save his wife.
With Deng's confession, the case appears closed. At a summary meeting, Tan Qinglin declares the operation a success, shifting the department's focus to identifying the mole who has been feeding information to Zhao Shuangxi. However, Lin Qiangfeng remains unconvinced that the full story has come to light.
The episode also delves into the personal and criminal fallout. Lu Shaohua's wife, Liu Qing, confronts him, accusing him of making drugs with Deng. He vehemently denies it, claiming he was only making weight-loss pills to provide a better life for their family. Unconvinced, Liu Qing packs her bags and leaves. In the criminal underworld, Jin Yongxiang apologizes to the powerful Luo Bingzhang for the trouble his brother, Zhao Shuangxi, has caused. Luo severs ties with Jin, returning his three million and, unbeknownst to Jin, secretly ordering a hit on him as he leaves.
In a final twist, Lu Shaohua uses a hefty bribe to secure a coveted transfer to the Public Security department, infuriating his rival, Chief Chen. After a heated confrontation, Chen and his men vandalize Lu's home. The police, led by Wang Hui, intervene. Wang Hui, a childhood friend of Lu's, defends him to a still-suspicious Lin Qiangfeng. The episode concludes with Lu Shaohua returning to his trashed home, only to be met by Jin Yongxiang, who arrives with the three million in cash and a business proposal.
