Episode Summary
Hong Fu and Miao Miao run a popular food stall in 1997 Shenzhen. Four suspicious men with a large bag enter the shop, matching the description of bank robbers on the news. A plainclothes cop arrives, misses Hong Fu's subtle warning, but eventually realizes the danger when one of the men handles his ID. The cop sends Miao Miao away for safety just before the power cuts out and a fight ensues in the dark.
Spoiler Alert
Welcome to the Boomtown
We are back in Shenzhen. The year is 1997. This city is the bleeding edge of the economic reforms. People come here from every corner of the country. They want to chase miracles. Hong Fu and his girlfriend Miao Miao are right in the middle of this hustle. They run a local food stall. Their service is loud and friendly. The food mixes northern and southern flavors. It works. They attract a crowd. They see every type of person trying to make it in the big city.
Unwanted Guests
The night gets late. Four large men walk into the stall. They carry a massive woven bag. It is stuffed to the brim. These guys look tense. Miao Miao glances at the TV in the corner. The news is running a story on four bank robbers. She connects the dots immediately. She shoots a look at Hong Fu. He notices the men acting strange too. But he is terrified. He doesn't want to provoke them. He keeps his head down and serves them their food.
The Clueless Cop
A plainclothes police officer drops in for a midnight snack. Hong Fu sees a chance to get help. He grabs a napkin. He writes the word "Danger" on it. He hands it to the officer. The cop takes the napkin. He doesn't look at it. He just wipes the sweat off his face with it. Hong Fu is losing his mind. He doesn't know what else to do.
Then the cop drops his ID badge on the floor. One of the robbers picks it up. He hands it back to the officer. That small interaction changes everything. The cop senses something is wrong. He realizes these four men are suspicious.
Lights Out
The officer thinks fast. He tells Miao Miao to pack up four box lunches. He says he needs them delivered to his colleagues at the station. This is a smart move to get her out of the way. Miao Miao heads out the door with the food. Suddenly, the power cuts. The shop goes pitch black. The cop doesn't hesitate. He tackles one of the men. The stall erupts into chaos. Outside, Miao Miao screams in terror.
