Episode Summary
Detectives Gu Zhen and Kong Rubai investigate the murder of art teacher Liu Ang (known as Matteo at a bar), who was threatened by his sort-of girlfriend, Xiao Tang, the previous night. The investigation reveals Liu Ang's secret life of luxury and multiple female companions, along with his undiagnosed terminal illness. A second murder occurs nearby, complicating the case.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Detectives Gu Zhen and Kong Rubai rushing to a bar where a murder has taken place. The on-site medical examiner, Su Qian, determines the victim, identified only as "Matteo," has been dead for about three to four hours, likely killed around 3:00 AM. The cause of death appears to be an attack from behind. The bar owner and a server recall a chilling threat made the previous day. A young college student, Xiao Tang, had stormed in, vowing to kill Matteo. Matteo, in response, had morbidly joked that if he died that night, it would be the "crazy girl," Xiao Tang, who did it. Gu Zhen seems visibly shaken by this revelation, and Xiao Tang is brought in for questioning.
The victim's identity is initially limited to his English name, Matteo. The bar owner notes he was a regular, always with a different woman. The police, however, identify him as Liu Ang, an art teacher at an adult training center. He was known for his paintings of women, portraying a kind of "broken beauty," and had gained some local fame as a "modern women's friend." During questioning, Gu Zhen shows clear concern for Xiao Tang. Kong Rubai points out that Xiao Tang is Gu Zhen's ex-girlfriend's sister, technically not a close relative, but still requiring Gu Zhen to recuse himself. Xiao Tang admits to being in a sort-of relationship with Liu Ang and confirms she threatened to kill him at the bar. She explains she was there with friends when she saw Liu Ang with another woman. Enraged, she slapped him, threw a bottle at him, and made the death threat before her friends pulled her away. After leaving the bar, Xiao Tang's friend, Anna, followed her, but Xiao Tang eventually told her to leave.
Xiao Tang then describes a terrifying experience. Walking alone on a dark path, she was pushed into the water by a masked figure. She screamed for help, but an elderly woman passing by, who seemed disoriented, didn't assist. Fortunately, the water was shallow. Xiao Tang escaped and cleaned herself up in a public restroom, returning to school when the gates opened. She explains she didn't go home because she no longer has one. Xiao Tang assumed Liu Ang would only report her for assault, unaware of his death.
Gu Zhen, trying to help despite the conflict of interest, attempts to provide Kong Rubai with background information on Xiao Tang. The autopsy reveals a crucial detail: Liu Ang had late-stage liver cancer, likely unbeknownst to him, as the symptoms were not obvious. Kong Rubai orders a search for surveillance footage, focusing on anyone with bloodstains on their sleeves. The detectives also note Liu Ang's expensive, custom-made suit, an unusual luxury for a teacher, suggesting a hidden source of income. The entire outfit is estimated to be worth around 100,000 RMB.
The case takes a dramatic turn when another body is discovered near the bar. The victim, a woman, was found in a corner. Su Qian estimates her time of death to be in the early morning, and there are signs of binding on her wrists and ankles. Kong Rubai visits the tailor shop where Liu Ang bought his suits. The owner confirms Liu Ang was an unlikely customer but a frequent one, always accompanied by different women who paid for his purchases.
