Episode Summary
Qin Feng proves his innocence regarding police brutality charges by revealing a secret video, simultaneously exposing a mole within the police station. He takes charge of a special task force to investigate Hu Xiaoyue's death. Meanwhile, Liu Tianye and the villagers fight back against Ma Jin's land grab using media exposure and counter-tactics. The corrupt Town Mayor is silenced by the villains after a fake disciplinary team tricks him into confessing.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 3 Recap: The Mole Hunt and Dirty Deeds
A Blast from the Past
We kick things off with a flashback to 2002. A young, wide-eyed Qin Feng just joined the force. But the nostalgia trip gets dark fast. A woman named Xu Li comes in to report a sexual assault. She is terrified. She didn't see the attacker's face, but she got a good look at the guy guarding the door. She calls him "Boss." She gives the cops a description. They sketch the guy out. This cold case is definitely coming back to haunt someone later.
Crashing the Welcome Party
Back in the present, the station is rolling out the red carpet for Chief Ye Tianyou. Everyone is standing at attention. Then Wang Tao ruins the mood. He walks right up to Ye and surrenders. He claims he and Qin Feng got framed for police brutality the night before. He begs the Chief to check the detention center personally. Director Jiang looks like he's about to throw up. He nervously leads the big brass to the cells.
The Sting Operation
Qin Feng is sitting in the lockup. He looks calm for a guy in handcuffs. He tells the Chief he has proof of his innocence. He secretly recorded the whole encounter. The video shows Boss Qian faking his injuries. It’s a classic flop. The evidence is undeniable. Bureau Chief Peng has no choice. He orders his men to arrest Qian. But he also makes a shady signal to someone else in the room.
Qin Feng didn't show the video earlier on purpose. He was running a test. He wanted to see if the station could actually bring Qian in. If they couldn't, it meant there was a mole. Sure enough, news comes in that Qian escaped. The station is compromised. The higher-ups are actually impressed by Qin’s gutsy play.
The Villain's Pivot
Ma Jin is losing his cool. He didn't expect Chief Ye to get involved this close to retirement. Elder Wang is sharper. He realizes Hu Xiaoyue’s death wasn't just a suicide. It was a trap designed to expose their operation. Since the police are closing in, Ma Jin orders Luo Bo to silence Qian. He also tells the fake cops they used earlier to go into hiding.
Back at the station, Qin Feng uses the momentum. He brings up Hu Xiaoyue’s suicide to guilt-trip Bureau Chief Peng. Peng has to save face. He promises a full investigation. Qin Feng immediately volunteers to lead the special task force. Chief Ye gives a silent nod of approval. Wang Tao and Mai Ge refuse to sit on the sidelines. They join the team.
Land Wars
The action shifts to the Jinding Development Zone. Liu Tianye walks right into the lion's den. The Town Mayor is clearly in Ma Jin’s pocket. Ma tries to bribe Liu with a higher payout. Liu isn't selling. He refuses to hand over Longwan.
Liu plays dirty too. He reports the Mayor for soliciting prostitutes. He wants to cut off Ma Jin’s political protection. At the same time, Jinding sends thugs to seize the land by force. Wen Jiangyan is ready for them. She brings in the media. Cameras roll as the thugs get violent. The bad guys are exposed on the evening news.
Cleaning House
Ma Jin retaliates. He sends goons to beat Liu Tianye to a pulp. Qin Feng shows up just in time to save him. Ma Jin watches from the sidelines as the police haul his men away. Power is restored to Longwan. It’s a small victory.
The Mayor panics. He starts destroying assets and evidence at home. Then, a "disciplinary committee" knocks on his door. The Mayor thinks he's busted. He confesses everything to cut a deal. But these aren't real officials. Luo Bo sent them. They silence the Mayor permanently. Luo Bo wants to go after Wen Qin next since she woke up from her coma. Elder Wang stops him. They need to find a weaker link among the villagers instead.
