Episode Summary
The Japanese grow suspicious of "Needham," forcing the plan to accelerate. Ding Yi must impersonate Needham at a high-stakes party hosted by Mrs. William. After a crash course in etiquette, Ding Yi accidentally gets drunk but still manages to attend. At the party, he navigates seeing Meng Jie with the Japanese, vomits in front of officer Kondo Saburo, and ultimately outsmarts Kondo in a tense confrontation, turning the officer's trap against him.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 4: The Party from Hell
I've got to hand it to this show. Just when you think you know where it's going, it throws a bottle of liquor into the mix. This episode was a mess in the best way possible.
The Plan Gets Complicated
The Japanese are getting smart. They noticed "Joseph Needham" never actually demonstrates his work in class. He always uses his bad eyesight as an excuse. They suspect he's hiding something big in his hotel room.
So, Gu Yangshan comes up with a new plan. He tells Ding Yi to say his goodbyes to Chief Takeda. The story is that his secret code has been leaked. Gu Yangshan even has people ready to make the story look real.
We also get a good look at Ding Yi's special skill. The guy has a photographic memory. Gu Yangshan hands him a massive dictionary to test him. Ding Yi says he just needs a few hours. He doesn't just memorize it. He can write it all out perfectly. Gu Yangshan finally understands why the real Needham chose him. They definitely bet on the right horse.
Becoming Joseph Needham
A Crash Course
Xian Biyun shows up with some urgent news. A Mrs. William is hosting a dinner party. The Japanese have been watching the William residence because Needham has been there. This means Ding Yi has to go to the party. Tonight.
This isn't just about books and codes anymore. This is the real test. Ding Yi has to truly become Joseph Needham. The game is starting way ahead of schedule.
With only seven hours to go, Gu Yangshan starts a total transformation. He turns Ding Yi into a proper British-educated scholar. Three hours before the party, he's teaching him table manners. Ding Yi is more horrified by the rare beef than anything else.
One Drink Too Many
This is where things get really good. Xian Biyun arrives to pick them up for the party. She finds Ding Yi completely wasted.
It turns out Gu Yangshan wanted to give him a single drink to calm his nerves. But Ding Yi, trying to prove he could handle his liquor, drank the entire bottle. He passed out and even started calling Xian Biyun his Juliet in his sleep. Gu Yangshan has to practically shock him awake. Xian Biyun is not impressed. She tells Gu Yangshan to keep him on a tight leash.
Walking into the Lion's Den
Old Faces, New Allegiances
They finally make it to the party. Ding Yi is still stumbling around. The first person they see is Meng Jie. She's with the Japanese. It looks like her family has officially become pro-Japanese. That's a problem.
A Japanese officer named Kondo Saburo walks right up to Ding Yi for a chat. Gu Yangshan has to act fast. He pulls Meng Jie away before she can say something and blow their cover.
A Very Public Mistake
Ding Yi is not having a good time. He's drunk. He sees another guest eating snails. That's the last straw. He throws up. Right in front of Kondo Saburo. You just can't write this stuff.
While this is happening, Xian Biyun runs into an old friend, Ye Yin. They used to make movies together before the war.
The Bathroom Showdown
Kondo takes Ding Yi to the restroom. He is clearly suspicious. He keeps trying to test Ding Yi and his "bad eyesight" on the way there. Ding Yi even fakes a fall just to keep the act going.
In the bathroom, Kondo thinks he's got him. He points to a "stain" on Ding Yi's suit and pulls out a gun. It was a trap. But Ding Yi is quicker. He deflects by talking about the suit's expensive fabric. He turns the tables so completely that Kondo becomes the laughingstock of the party. It was a brilliant move.
