Episode Summary
Wen Yifan recalls a past kindness from a classmate, Guo Ling, who was later murdered. A present-day assault case connects to Guo Ling's murder, with Che Xingde as the prime suspect. Zeng Yi, the victim, secretly records Che Xingde and his mother discussing his past crime. Sang Yan confronts Che Xingde to protect Wen Yifan and is injured in the process. Wen Yifan rushes to the hospital, relieved that Sang Yan is safe, and he expresses his happiness at finally being able to protect her.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with a flashback to Wen Yifan's high school days. One morning, she boards the bus only to realize she forgot to reload her bus pass. A girl behind her, also in a Beiyu High School uniform, silently steps up and pays for her.
Back in the present, Wen Yifan, now a reporter, is working on a case. The person reporting the crime, Zeng Yi, recognizes Wen Yifan and reveals a shared traumatic experience. Zeng Yi was sexually assaulted by Che Xingde, the brother of her mother-in-law. Zeng Yi recounts the horrifying night when Che Xingde cornered her in the bathroom while her husband, Wen Ming's cousin, was away at a class reunion. Che Xingde, emboldened by the fact that he largely financed their house, assaulted her.
The situation escalates when Che Xingde's mother, Che Yanqin, arrives home to find him attacking Zeng Yi. She pulls him off but then shockingly tells Zeng Yi not to report the crime, fearing the scandal. Che Yanqin then confronts Che Xingde, bringing up a dark secret from his past: he had killed a girl named Guo Ling years ago, and she helped him bury the body. Zeng Yi, having regained some composure, secretly records their conversation on her phone.
The victim's description matches Guo Ling, a girl who was murdered in high school. Wen Yifan suddenly remembers the girl who helped her on the bus years ago – it was Guo Ling.
Meanwhile, Sang Yan messages Wen Yifan, who informs him that Che Xingde is the prime suspect and is currently on the run. Sang Yan, more concerned for Wen Yifan's safety, learns that she met Officer Chen, who had previously helped her, and that she suggested they attend Chen Xi's wedding together. Sang Yan, understanding the implied meaning, tells Wen Yifan to make a good birthday wish this year.
Wen Yifan visits Guo Ling's father, who is now a broken man living alone. He regrets arguing with his daughter and not supporting her writing, clinging to the delusion that she's simply hiding away to write. Wen Yifan promises to report the truth after the verdict, hoping to prevent similar tragedies.
Sang Yan, worried about Wen Yifan, asks about her work schedule. Wen Yifan says she finishes at 8:30 PM, but a sudden memory of Che Xingde's past threats throws her off. He had warned her that if he ever hit rock bottom, he would come after her. Disturbed, she decides to leave work early.
Sang Yan immediately drives to pick her up, but upon arriving at the TV station, he spots Che Xingde lurking around. After calling the police, Sang Yan confronts Che Xingde, and a struggle ensues. Sang Yan is stabbed several times. Wen Yifan, worried about Sang Yan's delay, calls him and learns he's been injured and is at Nanwu Central Hospital. She rushes to the hospital, where she receives another call from Sang Yan, reassuring her that he's fine, and that Che Xingde is in worse condition.
After giving her statement to the police, Wen Yifan finally sees Sang Yan, his hand stitched up. Overwhelmed with relief and anger, she confronts him. Sang Yan, choked with emotion, tells her that he finally managed to protect her, to pull her out of her pain and despair, and that he's happy he could do it.
