Episode Summary
Qi Sizhe discovers a hidden chemical formula in an old notebook belonging to Li Ming, which turns out to be the key to the drug ring's operation. Han Feng reveals details about Li Ming's death during a past undercover mission. Professor Wu Yongchang is kidnapped by the syndicate to force the formula's release. The police set a trap using fake evidence, leading to a confrontation where Qi is taken hostage and Han Feng survives a close-range shooting to arrest a high-ranking gang member.
Spoiler Alert
The Chemical Connection
Qi Sizhe dives into the lab data. He spots norepinephrine in the reports. It reminds him of his old teacher's lectures. The police interrogate the crew brought in from the glass factory. These guys don't know much. However, the physical evidence is solid. The substance found in the red wine bottles matches the sample Han Feng seized earlier. This confirms the glass factory was the manufacturing hub the police have been hunting.
Handwriting and History
Qi asks Li Xiaoxi to check Lin Guifen's travel history. She hasn't left Hecheng. Qi then digs up his old graduation thesis. It has notes written by Wu Yongchang. He compares this handwriting to the notes found at the factory. The style is nearly identical. He advises Han Feng to get a professional analysis.
During this search, Qi finds an old autopsy notebook. He gave this book to Li Ming back in college. Yet, someone placed it by Qi's bedside while he was in a coma after his car accident. Han Feng shines a flashlight on the last page. A hidden chemical formula appears.
The Missing Piece
The expert confirms the handwriting belongs to Li Ming. Qi realizes the significance of that formula. It is the missing link. The drug ring has been desperate for this specific chemical structure. Without it, they cannot produce their final product. This explains all those dangerous human experiments. They were trying to replicate what Li Ming wrote down.
Han Feng's Past
Han Feng opens up to Qi about the old "Raw Diamond" case. He was undercover with Cha Kun at the time. He ran into Li Ming during a transaction. An anonymous phone call tipped off the police about the factory's location. Han and Guan Lixing raided the place. Li Ming seemed genuinely surprised by the police presence. A gunfight broke out, and Li Ming died. The source of that anonymous call remains a mystery.
Confronting the Professor
Qi decides to visit Wu Yongchang alone. He doesn't want to spook him. Wu claims he knows nothing about Chen Chuchuan distributing drugs. He admits to making medicine, but only for his wife. She suffers from severe depression, and hospital prescriptions weren't working. Feng Zhengxi offered him a lab once. Wu says he refused the offer.
The Trap
Wu Yongchang disappears. Police find blood at his home matching both him and Lin Guifen. They suspect Feng Zhengxi is the kidnapper. The police decide to set a trap. They hold a press conference and claim they possess "K's" original drug notes. The bait works. Qi receives a text message. The demand is simple: trade the notes for Wu's life.
Into the Lion's Den
Qi goes to the designated location. Han Feng and the team follow him. The kidnappers are slippery. They manage to shake off Han's tail. A criminal named Crow identifies the contact as Ah Sen, a trusted man of Nuo Sha. The thugs take Qi to the drug factory. Wu is there, tied up. Feng Zhengxi reveals his true colors. He only wants the formula. He doesn't care about the lives of the test subjects.
The Shootout
Han Feng follows Crow to meet Ah Sen. Crow betrays him immediately. Ah Sen shoots Han in the chest. Fortunately, Han is wearing a bulletproof vest. A chaotic gunfight ensues. Crow is killed in the crossfire. The police manage to arrest Ah Sen on the spot.
