Episode Summary
After deciding to split up, Lu Shaohua sends Wang Lin to a decoy location while he hides in Xigang. Wang Lin, along with other associates, is cornered, leading to his suicide. Based on a psychological analysis of Lu's taunts, Lin Qiangfeng correctly deduces that Lu is hiding in Xigang, the most dangerous place for him. An investigation into a reclusive new tenant leads the police to Lu's safe house. In a pre-dawn raid codenamed "Operation Woodpecker," Lin Qiangfeng finally arrests Lu Shaohua, bringing their long-running conflict to an end.
Spoiler Alert
"The Narcotic Operation" Episode 32: The Net Closes In
A month after their last narrow escape, Lu Shaohua decides the air-raid shelter is no longer safe. He and his loyal follower, Wang Lin, must part ways to increase their chances of survival. Lu instructs Wang Lin to head for Linbian and, if Lu doesn't join him within three days, to make his way to Wanbei. A reluctant Wang Lin gives Lu a final haircut, a request from Lu who doesn't want to look pathetic upon his inevitable capture. After a sad farewell, Wang Lin smashes a hole through a wall and escapes.
Soon after, Zhao Zhenhai and Lin Qiangfeng's team raid the shelter, led by an informant. Lin Qiangfeng ventures inside alone and discovers the fresh escape hole and signs of recent habitation. Scrawled on the ceiling are the words "Lu Shaohua was here"—a clear taunt. The message solidifies Lin's understanding of his adversary's psychology; this isn't just about escape, it's about notoriety.
The police net tightens elsewhere. Associates Luo Xiaoming and Qiu Tianyu are cornered in Guangning. Seeing no way out, Luo attempts to surrender but is shot dead by Qiu, who is then promptly arrested. Meanwhile, a disguised Wang Lin makes his way to Linbian by bus. During a routine police check at a service area, a panicked Wang Lin takes a female passenger, Tingting, hostage. The situation reminds him of his own beloved Qingqing. In a moment of despair, he forces the hostage's boyfriend to call her Qingqing before turning the gun on himself.
At a police meeting, some officers suggest pursuing Lu Shaohua in Wanbei, just as his instructions to Wang Lin intended. However, Lin Qiangfeng argues that Lu's provocative message at the shelter reveals a desire to be remembered, and such a man would hide in the most dangerous place: their own backyard of Xigang.Despite some dissent, his sharp analysis convinces his superiors, Zhao Zhenhai and Tan Qinglin. Lin and Tan are dispatched back to Xigang to lead the hunt.
In Xigang, the police, under Li An's direction, launch a city-wide operation, plastering wanted posters everywhere. A crucial tip comes from a resident on Hebin Road about a new tenant who never leaves his house. Yang Wei investigates and learns from a housekeeper that the mysterious man hired her by phone to deliver groceries and dispose of his trash daily. The landlord adds that the tenant, who paid a full year's rent in cash upfront, was so heavily disguised she couldn't see his face. An examination of the man's garbage reveals he doesn't smoke, drink, or eat a local snack called Daxiaosu—habits inconsistent with Lu Shaohua's known profile, which makes Lin Qiangfeng even more certain it's a deliberate misdirection.
Convinced that Lu is hiding in plain sight, Lin Qiangfeng and his team, "The Three Musketeers," begin a stakeout. They observe that the tenant has a disciplined, predictable routine. While some on the team remain skeptical, Lin is sure he has his man. He requests permission to move in from Chen Qingquan, who convenes an emergency meeting. The arrest is approved and codenamed "Operation Woodpecker."
At four in the morning, teams led by Lin Qiangfeng and Li An quietly surround the house. They storm the building and capture Lu Shaohua, who is taken completely by surprise. For Lin Qiangfeng, the arrest marks the triumphant end of a five-year-long battle of wits against his cunning nemesis.
