Episode Summary
In this episode, Li Heng solidifies his power in the Deqing Society while simultaneously working to sabotage Central Statistics Bureau from the inside. He risks exposure to warn his comrades about a new surveillance threat, leading to a tense confrontation where he must create a diversion to ensure their escape.
Spoiler Alert
Li Heng's New Gig
A Promotion and a Matchmaking Fail
So, the episode kicks off at the Deqing Society. Lu Kaide is pushing hard for Li Heng to take charge. There's some debate, but it doesn't last long. A bunch of the old-timers worked with Li Heng's father. That history helps smooth things over. The arguments die down.
Li Heng stands before everyone. They hand him a bowl of "loyalty wine." It symbolizes a bond of life and death. He drinks it all in one go. Just like that, the ceremony is done. He is officially the new First Master.
Afterward, Lu Kaide pulls him aside. He tells Li Heng he can pick his own crew. He also mentions there's a spare room at his house. He suggests Li Heng should come back and live there. Li Heng glances at Lu Shufen, who looks embarrassed. He immediately gets what Lu Kaide is trying to do. He's playing matchmaker. Li Heng politely turns him down, using his official duties as an excuse. Lu Kaide doesn't push it. Lu Shufen, though, is clearly disappointed and sulks by herself.
Da Kui Wants In
Da Kui comes up to Li Heng to congratulate him. He sincerely says he wants to follow Li Heng and work for him. He keeps calling him "brother." Li Heng looks pretty tired of it. He corrects Da Kui, telling him he hasn't earned the right to call him that yet. But Da Kui isn't discouraged. He swears that one day, Li Heng will accept him as a brother.
The Walls Are Closing In
New Tech, Big Problems
Over at the Central Statistics Bureau headquarters, Shen Yihe calls a meeting. An Mi gives a report. The new American surveillance equipment is up and running. She points out that the new system is great at catching suspicious radio signals. They also have the codebooks they captured earlier. They expect a major breakthrough soon. The communications department has its best people on it 24/7. They have all the tech they need for listening and analysis.
This new tech is bad news for Li Heng. He tries to find his organization. He goes alone to Yu's Wonton Shop. He learns the original owner sold the place a long time ago. He talks with the new owner, Yu Tong. Li Heng is sharp. He notices the guy's accent isn't local. His mannerisms also don't fit the role of a simple shop owner. This makes Li Heng even more suspicious.
The Race Against Time
The Trap is Set
That night, Yu Tong and Jia Yunying get an urgent message from their superiors. A new contact, codenamed "Yellow Leaf," is about to arrive in Chongqing. They need to reactivate the contact station to meet them. But Central Statistics Bureau's new gear works fast. It locks onto the radio's location. When Shen Yihe gets the report, he orders everyone to stay at headquarters. They are getting ready to make an arrest.
The agents are exhausted but stay on duty. By the early morning, they can barely keep their eyes open. Li Heng uses this as his chance. He brings An Mi a coffee in the telegraph room. While there, he secretly gets a look at the decoded telegram. Then he "accidentally" spills his coffee. He manages to mix the crucial code paper in with the trash. He goes back to his office. He uses a pencil to trace the full text of the secret message. Then he lies down on the sofa and pretends to be asleep.
Cutting the Power
When the building is quiet, Li Heng makes his move. He sneaks out and cuts the power line for the surveillance van. He then risks everything by going to the contact point. He gives Yu Tong the urgent warning. Central Statistics Bureau has decoded their messages. They have to get out now. Yu Tong is doubtful, but he starts packing up anyway.
At almost the same time, An Mi discovers the equipment was sabotaged. She reports it to Shen Yihe. This causes a lot of confusion. Everyone rushes to fix the power switch.
A Close Call with Jia Yunwu
Once the power is back, Jia Yunwu senses something is wrong. He suspects Li Heng is involved. He does a surprise check of Li Heng's office. He just finds Li Heng sleeping soundly on the sofa. Li Heng pretends to be groggy and confused. He already wiped away the footprints on his windowsill. He left no evidence. Jia Yunwu has no proof, so he has to let his suspicions go for now.
Chaos at the Rendezvous
A Turf War
Li Heng goes along with the plan. He joins the team for the arrest operation. But when he gets to the location, he gets a surprise. Tang Meng is already there with his own men. They're hiding nearby, planning to make the arrest first and steal the credit.
Yu Tong is disguised as a rickshaw puller. He's secretly watching both groups. Li Heng sees his opening. He leads his men right over to Tang Meng. He deliberately provokes him. He wants to make him angry enough to start a fight. It works. Their two groups start brawling.
