Episode Summary
Chu Shaohua discovers Wen Zhiqiu's role in Xia Chu's death from five years ago, leading her to break off their engagement and sell her shares in his company. Using the funds, she and the newly returned Cheng Hui open a modern pharmaceutical factory. However, she immediately faces fierce business competition from her friend Kang Erniu, who is now working for Xia Yuan and successfully launching a rival product.
Spoiler Alert
The Truth Comes Out
Chu Shaohua overhears something that changes everything. She learns Wen Zhiqiu was the one who called Xia Chu away on the day he was murdered. Not only that, but Wen Zhiqiu was old friends with Xiaolin, who worked for the killer, Mu Ziru. This sets off all kinds of alarm bells for Shaohua.
She goes straight to Wen Zhiqiu for answers. He admits the Nationalist party ordered Mu Ziru to kill Xia Chu. But that's all he's willing to say.
Shaohua Connects the Dots
Shaohua doesn't need him to say more. She puts the pieces together herself. Wen Zhiqiu called Xia Chu to a specific place. Mu Ziru and his men were there to kill him. Then, Wen Zhiqiu used his inside man, Xiaolin, to get rid of Mu Ziru afterward. It was a clean, brutal setup.
She confronts him with her theory. He admits to all of it. He planned the whole thing.
In total shock, Shaohua pulls a gun on him. You can see the conflict in her eyes. But in the end, she just can't bring herself to pull the trigger.
A Clean Break
The End of an Engagement
After the confrontation, Shaohua unloads on her friend Kang Erniu, though she keeps the gritty details to herself. The next morning, she makes her move. She sends Wen Zhiqiu a resignation letter. He gets the message loud and clear and cancels their wedding plans. It's over.
While this drama unfolds, Kang Erniu starts a new chapter. Xia Yuan is teaching her how to do business. His first lesson is cold but simple. Don't trust anyone. Only money matters.
Building a New Future
Cheng Hui returns from his studies abroad, medical certificate in hand. Shaohua picks him up from the docks with a new plan already forming. She wants to build the most advanced pharmaceutical factory, one that combines traditional and Western medicine.
There's just one problem. Cheng Hui estimates they need about 400,000 to get started. Shaohua is ready to sell her house. Cheng Hui suggests a better idea. She should sell her shares in Wen's Grand Pharmacy. This is perfect for Shaohua. She wants nothing to do with Wen Zhiqiu ever again.
She sends Cheng Hui to handle the negotiation. When Wen Zhiqiu hears she's building her own factory, he agrees to buy her out for a generous 600,000. We also learn he sold his flagship pharmacy in Shanghai to open smaller shops elsewhere. Xia Yuan points out the obvious. Wen Zhiqiu gave up a top-three business for Shaohua, and now he's lost her anyway.
Business Gets Personal
Old Rivals and New Competition
With the money secured, Shaohua and Cheng Hui get to work. They officially reopen Chichun Tang, and the new factory begins production. On opening day, Wen Zhiqiu sends a flower basket as a goodwill gesture. Shaohua has it sent right back.
The new factory's main product is an improved version of the "Wanlingdan" pill, now ready for mass production. But they have immediate competition. Xia Yuan has developed a new medicine called the "Yushu Pill." He puts Kang Erniu in charge of selling it.
Kang Erniu feels conflicted about competing with her friend. Xia Yuan tells her not to be sentimental. He promises to back her up, and her confidence soars.
A New Rivalry Begins
Sun Longyin suddenly reappears. He tells Kang Erniu he deserted the army. He signed up to fight the Japanese, but his superiors sent them to fight Communists instead. He's not happy to see Kang Erniu working with Xia Yuan and warns her to stay away from him. She gets angry and defends Xia Yuan, who was the only one there for her when she was in trouble.
Kang Erniu proves to be a natural at business. She sets a low price for the Yushu Pill. She offers high rebates to pharmacies. She also makes them sign exclusivity deals. Sales of the Yushu Pill skyrocket, quickly crushing the Wanlingdan.
The episode ends as Chu Shaohua learns her new main competitor is none other than her friend, Kang Erniu. She immediately goes to find her for a talk.
