Episode Summary
Man Wai-sam's dangerous undercover operation reaches its climax. Playing the part of a devoted follower, she gains Master Wang Kwong's trust and gets invited to his private island retreat. While her colleagues at SNK News try to discredit her, her own team works from the outside. The plan culminates in a dramatic public takedown at a press conference, where Man Wai-sam uses secretly recorded video and forensic evidence to expose Wang Kwong as a fraud who uses drugs to manipulate his followers. The police arrest him, and Man Wai-sam's long con pays off.
Spoiler Alert
The Public Relations Play
Man Wai-sam Goes on Camera
So, after some bad press hits the Crystal Clear Academy, Master Wang Kwong gets nervous. He finally agrees to an interview with Man Wai-sam. She plays her part perfectly. She talks about how joining the group has changed her life. She says she went from anxious to joyful and calm. She also makes a key point. Crystal Clear Academy never charged her a single dollar. They even gave her the crystals for free. This gives Master Wang Kwong the opening he needs. He jumps in to push his whole "crystal power" narrative and clean up his image.
The Backlash Begins
Of course, Kelly Tang sees this interview. She immediately goes on a livestream. She rips into Man Wai-sam. She claims Wai-sam is clearly helping a cult. She even suggests Wai-sam might have a mental illness. She tells everyone that nothing Wai-sam reports can be trusted anymore. The attack is swift and brutal.
Fallout at the Office
A Strategic Suspension
Back at the office, Yu Ying-fei makes a big move. He decides to suspend Man Wai-sam from her duties. Almost everyone is against her. Only Lau Yim and Ma Ka-ming stand by her side. Lau Yim has to explain the real plan to her colleagues. She tells them that publicly cutting ties with Man Wai-sam is a good thing for the company. It makes them look impartial. It protects them from criticism later. She reminds them that Man Wai-sam succeeded. She got Master Wang Kwong on camera. Now their real job begins. They need to investigate him and his inner circle.
SNK News Smells Blood
Over at SNK News, they see an opportunity. They want to do a special report on Man Wai-sam joining a cult. Cheung Ka-yin is the only one who objects. She argues the story shouldn't be about Man Wai-sam. It should be about Master Wang Kwong and his whole operation. But the boss, Koo Chiu-wah, puts it to a vote. Everyone except Ka-yin votes to target Man Wai-sam.
The Island Fortress
Man Wai-sam Goes Deeper
Master Wang Kwong performs another one of his "crystal energy" sessions on Man Wai-sam. He uses his words and the environment to guide her. She actually does feel a sense of calm. He tells her that her inner conflict comes from deep guilt and obsession. Then, a core member tells her about a special week-long retreat. It promises a complete "rebirth." The catch is you have to give up your old life. That means your status, your friends, and your money.
The Infiltration
Lau Yim finds a group photo that tips her off to the cult's location. It's a resort on Lamma Island. Ma Ka-ming goes there but gets turned away. They tell him only members are allowed on the island. So, Lau Yim, Ma Ka-ming, and Chan Tsz-kit find another way. They use an abandoned pier to sneak onto the island. They split up to search for Man Wai-sam. They also notice a lot of famous people arriving, so they know something big is happening.
Meanwhile, Man Wai-sam asks to join the retreat. Wang Kwong does another session with her. This time, she has a vision. She sees George Leung right before his accident. The inner struggle becomes too much, and she faints. Just then, a member reports that reporters have been spotted on the island. Wang Kwong is worried. He doesn't want any more bad press before his "Holy Land" project launch. He tells his people to find a reason to kick them off the island.
The Trap Is Set
A Little Blackmail
Yu Ying-fei pays a visit to Chan Kai-fung. They talk about which media outlets will get to be part of the government press pool. Chan Kai-fung doesn't want their platform to be chosen. But Yu Ying-fei came prepared. He pulls out a photo of Chan Kai-fung's wife, Lo Tsz-han, at the Lamma Island resort. Chan Kai-fung immediately changes his tune.
A Tense Reunion
Lau Yim finally finds Man Wai-sam on the island. She begs her to come back with them. But Man Wai-sam stays in character. She says she just had a spiritual cleansing. She claims it was a feeling like nothing she's ever experienced. A few other cult members walk by. Man Wai-sam coldly tells Lau Yim to leave. The act is convincing.
The Takedown
The Press Conference Ambush
A week passes. We're at a huge press conference for the new "Mind-Body-Spirit Holy Land." Cheng Chi-wo is on stage announcing the plan. Suddenly, Lau Yim stands up and asks a question. Then, the screen behind the stage changes. It's a video. The video shows Master Wang Kwong using datura flowers to drug people and guide them into a meditative state.
The truth comes out. Man Wai-sam had been secretly filming every single one of her sessions. She also managed to collect the ash from the datura incense. She gave it to Lau Yim to get it tested as evidence.
The Master Exposed
Master Wang Kwong panics. Man Wai-sam takes the stage and exposes everything. She reveals his real name is Chiu Man. He came from a poor background. He even served time in prison for fraud. He learned how to run a cult from the internet. He used these tactics to lure people in and take their money. Right on cue, the police arrive. They arrest Chiu Man and take him away for investigation. The con is officially over.
