Episode Summary
Boss Xue is revealed as the head of an illegal loan operation. A bus explosion, possibly deliberate, kills many, including family members of a chemical factory outing. Xiao Tang survives but is targeted by a mysterious figure who hesitates to harm her. Gu Zhen investigates, haunted by a past explosion. Kong Rubai receives another threatening call.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with the revelation that Boss Xue is the mastermind behind the underground money lending operation. Gu Zhen has already alerted the economic investigation department, and they're preparing to cooperate in the investigation. Kong Rubai receives another call from the same voice-altered individual, who laments about the unfairness of fate. The caller points out how Kong Rubai lost a great deal many years ago, while others gained immensely. After this cryptic message, the caller hangs up and destroys the phone, leaving investigators with no leads due to the call's short duration. The location where Yin Qing was discovered is a surveillance blind spot, and the license plate on the vehicle involved was fake. Gu Zhen decides to re-examine the key clues from the Feng Chao case years ago.
Boss Xue's loan company isn't just involved in high-interest loans; it's also running a nude loan operation. Fortunately, the police arrive at the company in time to prevent two young women from becoming victims. Xiao Tang, completely lacking in vigilance, is being secretly followed by Su Qian's father, arranged by Gu Zhen to ensure her safety. That morning, Uncle Su had gone for a medical checkup, and Wang Jian drives Xiao Tang. However, just as Xiao Tang finishes buying breakfast and is about to get in the car, a bus ahead suddenly explodes, engulfing the scene in thick black smoke. Xiao Tang is knocked unconscious by the blast. Wang Jian, getting out of his car, sees the devastating scene, with injured people lying everywhere, and immediately calls Gu Zhen. Ambulances arrive to transport the injured, while firefighters work to extinguish the flames. Gu Zhen rushes to the scene, desperately calling out Xiao Tang's name, the explosion bringing back traumatic memories of a similar incident years ago. Seeing Xiao Tang loaded onto an ambulance, Gu Zhen immediately throws himself into the rescue efforts.
After the fire is put out, the case becomes a major focus of public attention. Gu Zhen and his team, covered in soot and grime, investigate the source of the explosion, still uncertain whether it was an accident or deliberate. The bus was carrying a mix of items: elementary school textbooks, clothing belonging to elderly people, and clothes for young adults. Everyone on board perished in the explosion. Outside the crowd, a mysterious figure dressed in black calmly observes the scene. The explosive substance is likely gasoline. The passengers were family members of a chemical factory's team-building event. The bystanders who were affected suffered only minor injuries and are unaware of the situation on the bus, making the investigation more difficult.
Police meticulously search the bus for clues. Eight passengers survived, but their severe injuries prevent them from being interviewed. Xiao Tang is in a hospital room, still unconscious. The black-clad figure enters her room but hesitates to harm her when Xiao Tang cries out "Dad" in her dream. Xiao Tang has a concussion but will be fine with rest. Wang Jian, also injured, finally seeks medical attention for himself. Xiao Tang pleads with Gu Zhen not to inform her sister, who is abroad and would worry needlessly. Outside the room, a nurse watches them cautiously. She is Kong Rubai's sister-in-law, and seeing Gu Zhen after many years brings her great sorrow, even though she knows he wasn't responsible for what happened years ago.
Anna encounters Teacher Wang at the hospital, who originally intended to bring a flower basket for Xiao Tang, but Teacher Wang takes it away. Kong Rubai receives another call from the mysterious person, who claims he wants to help Kong Rubai eliminate his pain.
