Episode Summary
Zhao Mingda struggles with his daughter's medical bills, working relentlessly. Li Xinxin and Gao Peng uncover tax evasion at a fashion magazine through a clever investigation of online sales. Feng Dakai faces instability in his business and seeks guidance, while his subordinate resorts to intimidation. Zheng Hao deals with a personal loss, and Zhao Mingda receives a generous but ultimately refused offer of financial help from his deceased teacher's wife.
Spoiler Alert
The financial strain on Zhao Mingda continues as the hospital pressures him for the next month's treatment fees for his daughter, Zhao Wan'er. Zhao Mingda is working tirelessly, not only teaching at the school but also taking on numerous corporate consulting gigs, leaving him utterly exhausted.
Meanwhile, Yu Dana is overjoyed after finally conceiving her second child. She immediately shares the happy news with her husband, Lao Tang, and her friend Liang Jinqiu is equally thrilled for her.
Li Xinxin and Gao Peng are assigned to audit the "Fashion Forward" magazine. Mr. Zhou, the magazine's general manager, provides them with a mountain of financial statements. They start their work diligently, even using a body camera to record their process. They work through lunch, with Mr. Zhou personally delivering a lavish meal. Two magazine employees join them and complain about the tedious nature of their work. Despite a full day of scrutiny, Li Xinxin and Gao Peng find no apparent irregularities, and they leave for the day.
Xiong Yi picks up Li Xinxin, and they head out for dinner. Li Xinxin expresses her admiration for the high heels worn by the magazine staff. Gao Peng, passing a clothing store, notices a pair of high heels in the window.
A cosmetics company owner, Mr. Chen, approaches Zhao Mingda for an endorsement deal, hoping to leverage Zhao's online popularity. However, Zhao Mingda notices that the product's logo closely resembles that of a major international brand, raising concerns about potential trademark infringement. He's also worried about the product's seemingly exaggerated claims. Mr. Chen assures him there will be no issues and offers Zhao Mingda a substantial fee of 500,000 yuan.
Li Xinxin and Gao Peng report their findings to Li Dongjie. Although the magazine's accounts appear normal, they feel something is amiss. Li Dongjie suggests checking the magazine's online sales records, specifically focusing on payments made to the courier company. This advice proves to be a breakthrough.
Li Xinxin and Gao Peng discover discrepancies between the magazine's records and the courier company's data, revealing that the magazine concealed a significant number of delivery orders. Li Dongjie instructs them to verify this by contacting customers directly. They find that many customers purchased magazines through WeChat and other electronic methods, accounting for over half of the total sales, which were not recorded in the magazine's official accounts.
Having uncovered evidence of the magazine's online sales concealment and tax evasion, Li Xinxin and Gao Peng inform Li Dongjie, who instructs them to summon the magazine's editor-in-chief for investigation.
Xiong Yi buys a pair of shoes for Li Xinxin during his lunch break, planning a surprise with flowers and balloons in his car trunk. However, he's interrupted by repeated calls from Zheng Hao, and Li Xinxin arrives before he can set everything up. Xiong Yi is disappointed, but Li Xinxin is touched by the gesture.
The magazine's editor-in-chief, Zhou, arrives at the Inspection Bureau and admits to concealing online sales, agreeing to accept the penalties. Li Dongjie commends Gao Peng for his work, encouraging him to collaborate more with his colleagues.
Following Zhan Yi's death, Xindong's stability is shaken. Secretary Wang from the municipal committee warns Feng Dakai to be cautious. Feng Dakai, fearing repercussions, sends Lu Wangshui to eliminate any potential threats.
A-Wei takes over Kun Shu's network, forcing him to hand over all his business dealings. Kun Shu is intimidated but complies. Feng Dakai seeks help from Secretary Wang, who provides him with valuable advice. Lu Wangshui confronts Kun Shu, demanding to know who is instigating internal conflicts. Kun Shu is too afraid to speak. Knowing Kun Shu has severe diabetes, Lu Wangshui gives him 10,000 yuan.
Zheng Hao returns home to find Zheng Tianchou rushing to pick up a package. He spent 4,000 yuan on a Federer tennis racket for Chen Xiaoxing, who is ecstatic. Zheng Hao receives news of his teacher's passing. He and Zhao Mingda rush to pay their respects. Liang Jinqiu stays by the teacher's wife, who is heartbroken. The teacher's wife gives Zhao Mingda all her savings to help with Zhao Wan'er's medical expenses, but Zhao Mingda, while grateful, refuses to accept the money.
