Episode Summary
It's the second loop of the same day, and Ding Qi is using his knowledge to change events. He tries to protect his team while also investigating the Moma Group. A shareholder meeting reveals deep betrayals, with Mo Yuanzhi's wife voting against him but a junior researcher saving his job. A secret rooftop meeting exposes a death threat against Mo Yuanzhi from a mysterious figure called "Squid." Ding Qi shifts his strategy, deciding to control the minor players to draw out the main killer, all while realizing that An Lan is also a target.
Spoiler Alert
A Fresh Loop, A New Strategy
Here we go again. Ding Qi is back on December 12th for the second time. He knows things are about to go sideways. His first move is calling his boss, Duan Zheng, to warn him.After the last loop's explosion, Ding Qi saw three people at the hospital. He now has their pictures on a board: Yu Shiya, Han Yufei, and Tang Xin. He's labeled them "survivors." When his team members Da Kai and Fang Lu show up at the station, alive and well, he gets emotional. He hugs them one by one, much to their confusion.He even snubs Duan Zheng's attempt at a hug. Later, he pulls Duan Zheng aside and promises to protect their team this time around.
Meanwhile, Han Yufei is staring at a photo of Han Song. He blames someone called "Squid" for his death and swears he'll find out the truth.
The Moma Group Power Play
A Bug and a Promotion
Ding Qi is on protection detail for the CEO of Moma Group, Mo Yuanzhi.He uses the opportunity to plant a listening device on An Lan, a researcher at the company. He listens in on her conversation with Mo Yuanzhi. It turns out Mo Yuanzhi wants to make her the chief scientist. He tells her he doesn't really care about the Moma company itself. He's obsessed with genetic research. He sees An Lan as a fellow research fanatic. His plan is to make her an assistant chief scientist first. This will put her in control of the team without a huge fight. He says he will handle the shareholders.
The Shareholder Showdown
The shareholder meeting gets intense. Han Yufei tries to force Mo Yuanzhi to give up his management rights. He calls for a vote, and several shareholders agree with him. Then comes the surprise. Yu Shiya, Mo Yuanzhi's wife, looks him in the eye and says she doesn't want to lose him. Then she votes against him. But the tide turns again. Tang Xin speaks up. She wants Moma to be led by someone who actually understands the science. She casts her vote for Mo Yuanzhi. With his own vote added, Mo Yuanzhi secures his position. He immediately announces An Lan's new appointment. Han Yufei is furious and smashes his glass.
Unmasking the Conspiracies
A Rooftop Meeting
While Mo Yuanzhi gives a speech at a university, his wife Yu Shiya heads for the roof. She's followed by another officer, Yu Peishan, who gets stopped by a locked door but manages to use a listening device. On the roof, Yu Shiya meets with Han Yufei. He admits his plan to oust Mo Yuanzhi failed. Yu Shiya is worried her husband already suspects her. Han Yufei then drops a bomb. He tells her that if Mo Yuanzhi doesn't give up control of Moma, "Squid" is going to kill him.
Ding Qi's New Plan
Ding Qi is trying to stay a step ahead. He leaves his colleague Haoxin to watch Mo Yuanzhi's speech while he tracks down a man named You Yuxiang. He visits his studio, which is filled with clocks. You Yuxiang claims time is very important to him. Ding Qi tries to take him down, but a suspected weapon in his hand turns out to be just a pen.
Back at the speech, a person in a hoodie stands up from the crowd. Ding Qi realizes he needs a new approach. His plan is to neutralize the two known loose ends, Fu Jun and You Yuxiang, to force the real "Squid" to show their hand. He tells Da Kai to get a team ready. He also learns that the entire Moma leadership team is heading to a wedding, putting An Lan in potential danger. He gets nervous and tells Fang Lu to watch her closely.
