Episode Summary
Lu Shaohua, now a skilled meth producer under Lao Gui's guidance, strikes a dangerous deal with distributor Zhao Shuangxi. He agrees to sell his high-quality product and betray Lao Gui in exchange for a higher price. Meanwhile, officer Lin Qiangfeng uncovers the connection between Zhao Shuangxi and Lao Gui and learns the tragic backstory of an addict, which strengthens his resolve to dismantle the drug ring.
Spoiler Alert
The Narcotic Operation: A New Player Changes the Game
The world of the narcotic operation is thrown into disarray as a talented new player, Lu Shaohua, emerges, forging new alliances and disrupting the established order. Meanwhile, officer Lin Qiangfeng gets closer to the truth behind the drug network, uncovering painful stories and dangerous connections along the way.
The episode flashes back six years to show Lin Qiangfeng beginning his undercover assignment in Xigang, taking on the alias Agu to work as an apprentice in a barbershop. In the present, events at a local chemical plant begin to spiral. After gambling away his salary, Chief Chen conducts a surprise inspection and nearly exposes Lu Shaohua stealing ephedrine, a key ingredient for making meth. Lu Shaohua's colleague, Wang Lin, covers for him. Eager for a piece of the profits, Wang Lin asks to join the operation, and Lu Shaohua introduces him to the notorious dealer, Lao Gui. Their activities are almost discovered when Chief Chen spots a light in an abandoned warehouse, but Wang Lin ambushes the chief, knocking him unconscious and allowing Lu Shaohua and Lao Gui to escape. To smooth things over, Wang Lin later provides a written apology and covers Chief Chen's medical expenses.
Meanwhile, Lin Qiangfeng's investigation leads him to Shen Ping, who reveals her tragic descent into drug addiction. A performer who feared losing her spotlight to younger talent, she turned to drugs to reclaim her former glory. Her partner, Xia Xun, tried to help her quit, but when his efforts failed, he started using drugs in despair and ultimately lost his life. Shen Ping, who was introduced to methamphetamine by a beauty shop owner named Zhao Shuangxi, now resolves to enter a rehabilitation clinic, but only after she has laid Xia Xun to rest.
Under Lao Gui's mentorship, Lu Shaohua quickly masters the art of producing high-purity methamphetamine, earning high praise from his teacher. However, his new trade leaves a distinct chemical scent on him, which is noticed first by Wang Lin and later by his old master at a bathhouse, raising suspicions.
Feeling confident, Lu Shaohua approaches Zhao Shuangxi at his Jiulong Beauty & Hair Salon with a sample of his product. Though Zhao Shuangxi initially threatens to call the police, he becomes intrigued when Lu Shaohua mentions his connection to Lao Gui. After testing the meth and finding its quality exceptional, Zhao Shuangxi eagerly tries to contact his superior, Jin Yongxiang, who abruptly hangs up on him.
Lin Qiangfeng's own investigation brings him to the same salon. He and his partner, Yang Wei, notice a hair product with a unique smell identical to one linked to Lao Gui, confirming that Zhao Shuangxi is distributing Lao Gui's product.
The climax of the episode sees Lu Shaohua and Zhao Shuangxi meeting at a pool hall to negotiate a deal. Lin Qiangfeng and his team are close behind, tracking their every move. Lu Shaohua sets his price at 300,000 per kilogram. Zhao Shuangxi counters with a higher offer of 350,000, but with a shocking condition: Lu Shaohua must deliver Lao Gui, for whom there is a 100,000 bounty. After a moment of consideration, Lu Shaohua agrees, adding his own term that the drugs must be sold far away to avoid attracting local police attention.
