Episode Summary
Mai Hongchao leaves prison with a grudge against his former mentor. He Biao blackmails Deputy Chief Peng with proof that his career-making bust was staged. Su Hongbao brokers a peace deal between Liu Tianye and He Biao's crew, winning trust by smashing a bottle on his own head. Liu Tianye receives a gun for protection, while Detective Qin Feng suspects a mysterious middleman is manipulating events.
Spoiler Alert
A Cold Welcome and a Dirty Past
Mai Hongchao is finally out of prison. The sun is shining on the gates, but the mood is anything but bright. Ye Tianyou shows up to collect him. He brings Qin Feng and Hu Xiaoyue along for the reunion. You would expect a hug or a thank you. You don’t get one. Mai Hongchao is still furious about the Xu Li case. He treats his old master with total disdain. The resentment is eating him alive.
The Deputy Chief's Secret
Things get ugly for Peng Hanzhang. He Biao corners him with a nasty ultimatum. He wants Peng to save He Gang. If Peng refuses, He Biao will expose a massive secret. We find out that Peng’s career is built on a lie. Years ago, He Biao planted a huge stash of contraband. He set it up so Peng could seize it and play the hero. He Biao even injured Peng to make the "bust" look real. Peng didn't know it was a setup back then. He thought he earned that glory.
Now, He Biao is furious. He risked his life to help Peng climb the ladder to Deputy Chief. He expects loyalty. Instead, Peng is trying to be a righteous cop. Peng visits a school to give a safety speech. His son looks at him with pure pride. It twists the knife in Peng's gut. Later, he sits in his office staring at his awards. The shame is overwhelming. He almost confesses everything to Ye Tianyou. In the end, he stays silent.
The Art of the Deal
The police are still digging. Zeng Xu tracks down Wu Si, an old underling of Ma Jin. He asks about the fireworks. Wu Si is a stone wall. He takes the blame for everything.
Meanwhile, Su Hongbao makes a power play. He approaches Liu Tianye with a proposition. He wants Liu to release He Gang. Su offers to be the middleman. He claims everyone can make money without bloodshed. Liu Tianye agrees to try it. They go to pick up He Gang. He Gang is suspicious immediately. He thinks it’s a trap. Su Hongbao hands him a bottle of booze to calm the nerves.
The police rush in, led by Zeng Xu. But the scene is already set. He Gang pretends to be drunk and asleep at his "friend" Su's house. It’s a perfect cover. Zeng Xu hauls Su in for questioning, but he knows he’s been outsmarted. Someone orchestrated this peace deal.
Wives and Mistresses
Zhao Ziyi is doing some investigating of her own. She tells her husband she has business in the city. Instead, she tracks down Zhou Sisi. Zhou Sisi is in the middle of moving. She recognizes Ziyi immediately. She thanks Ziyi profusely for the couple's financial help. She promises to pay them back. Ziyi plays it cool. She isn't there for the cash. She just wants a good look at the woman rumors say is her husband's mistress.
Blood and Beer Bottles
Liu Tianye officially introduces Su Hongbao to He Biao that night. The meeting goes well. He Biao realizes Su just needs cash to support his crew. He gives Su some debt collection work. He even throws in a car as a sweetener.
But there is bad blood. He Gang hasn't forgotten that Su beat him up recently. He stares daggers at Su. Su Hongbao doesn't flinch. He grabs a beer bottle and smashes it over his own head. It’s a brutal apology. He Gang respects the crazy move and forgives him.
Later, He Biao gives his brother a warning. He sees Liu Tianye building alliances. He tells He Gang to watch his back. Liu Tianye has too much ambition. He could be the next Ma Jin.
The Gun
Zhao Peng is worried. He gives Liu Tianye a gun for protection. He hopes Liu never has to use it. Liu stumbles home drunk later that night. Zhao Ziyi is waiting. She asks if Su Hongbao caused any trouble at the office. Liu lies through his teeth. He says Su is just a supplier and everything is fine. He looks nervous.
Back at the station, Qin Feng is alone. He stares at the wall. He can't figure out how He Gang got out of that kidnapping situation so easily. He knows a third party is pulling the strings.
