Episode Summary
Kun Shu is rescued by Zhao Mingda after fainting. Liang Jinqiu clashes with her mother over her feelings for Gao Shubo and Zheng Hao. A tax evasion investigation is launched against Shubo Technology. Xiao Yuwei's phone is stolen by Kun Shu, leading to a confrontation. Zheng Tianchou and Liang Zhongwei have an unexpected reunion.
Spoiler Alert
This episode of "The Source of River" was packed with drama, near-death experiences, and some serious family conflict.
The episode opens with Kun Shu collapsing in the restroom due to low blood sugar. Luckily, Zhao Mingda happens to be there and comes to his rescue, feeding him a piece of candy that helps him recover. Kun Shu is very grateful for Zhao Mingda's help.
Meanwhile, Liang Zhongwei and Ren Sumin are on a shopping spree, buying groceries and houseplants. Ren Sumin calls Gao Shubo to help them bring everything home, and then invites him to stay for tea. When Liang Jinqiu gets home, she's annoyed that her parents are imposing on Gao Shubo. Ren Sumin is clearly trying to play matchmaker between Liang Jinqiu and Gao Shubo, which leads to an awkward moment, and Gao Shubo quickly makes his excuses and leaves.
The tension between Liang Jinqiu and her mother, Ren Sumin, reaches a boiling point. Liang Jinqiu confronts her mother, stating that she has no romantic feelings for Gao Shubo and wants her to stop meddling. Ren Sumin brings up Zheng Hao, revealing that she still holds a grudge against Zheng Hao's father, Zheng Tianchou, and will never accept Zheng Hao. Liang Jinqiu defends Zheng Tianchou, claiming he was innocent of the past events, and admits that Zheng Hao has never given up on their relationship. She confesses that she's been avoiding facing her feelings. The argument escalates, ending with the two estranged.
In a subplot, Xiong Yi and Li Xinxin treat Gao Peng to a meal. Gao Peng, aware of their intentions, assures them he's unfazed by office gossip. He acknowledges his father's crimes but says he'll face the consequences head-on. This seems to relieve Xiong Yi and Li Xinxin. Meanwhile, a drunken Xiao Yuwei gets into a car accident. Kun Shu, working as a rideshare driver, takes advantage of the situation and drives Xiao Yuwei home. He deliberately drives erratically, making Xiao Yuwei sick, and seizes the opportunity to steal Xiao Yuwei's phone.
The plot thickens as the Inspection Bureau receives an anonymous tip-off about tax evasion by Shubo Technology. The accusation is that the company, funded by Qianxin Technology for research, has been fraudulently claiming all expenses as research costs to get larger tax deductions, which are a government incentive for tech innovation. Xiao Yilin assigns the case to Zheng Hao.
Gao Shubo and his team have developed a groundbreaking new product using levitation technology. An investor, Manager Li, is very interested and promises investment after a site visit. Gao Shubo excitedly shares the news with Liang Jinqiu, asking her to prepare the necessary documents. However, Liang Jinqiu has just received a notice from the Inspection Bureau that they will be investigating Shubo Technology in two days, leaving Gao Shubo stunned.
Chen Xiaoxing creates a hand-drawn guide to using a smartphone. Zheng Tianchou assumes it's for him, but it's actually for Liang Zhongwei, who has been released from prison. Zheng Tianchou, who put Liang Zhongwei in jail, is conflicted by this news.
Liang Zhongwei expresses his approval of Gao Shubo, but he can sense that his daughter, Liang Jinqiu does not like Gao Shubo. He encourages her to be true to her feelings. Xiao Yuwei discovers that files from his phone have been leaked and quickly suspects Kun Shu. He confronts Feng Dakai, holding Kun Shu hostage and threatening his life to force Feng Dakai to sign an agreement.
After their big fight, Ren Sumin gives Liang Jinqiu the cold shoulder. Liang Jinqiu tries to make amends, buying her flowers, and Ren Sumin softens, promising to stay out of her daughter's love life. Chen Xiaoxing finishes the phone manual and, accompanied by Zheng Tianchou, decides to deliver it to Liang Zhongwei immediately.
Chen Xiaoxing calls Liang Jinqiu, but Liang Zhongwei answers as he returns home with groceries. He unexpectedly runs into Zheng Tianchou. The two men start awkwardly but soon find themselves deep in conversation, even discussing the potential marriage of Liang Jinqiu and Zheng Hao. Liang Zhongwei cuts the conversation short, needing to get home, but they exchange contact information, promising to talk more later.
