Episode Summary
Zheng Hao returns the account books, easing tensions at the Bureau. Flashbacks and new connections are revealed as Liang Jinqiu returns, partnering with Yu Dana in a new business and reconnecting with Zheng Hao. Meanwhile, Feng Dakai confronts Guo Ziqiang over tax fraud, leading to a desperate hostage situation. Li Dongjie investigates the empty shell company, Donghuan Electronics.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Zheng Hao and Xiong Yi successfully returning the account books to the Bureau, relieving Xiao Yilin, who was worried about the situation. Xiao Yilin mentions that Ji Donglin has regained consciousness, and he plans to visit him with Zheng Hao tomorrow. Li Dongjie, hearing of Zheng Hao's success, tries to pry for information, but Zheng Hao, concerned about the safety of Zheng Tianchou and Chen Xiaoxing, remains tight-lipped and leaves. Li Dongjie is visibly annoyed, and even Xiao Yilin's attempts to smooth things over don't fully appease him. Zheng Hao rushes home, relieved to find Zheng Tianchou and Chen Xiaoxing unharmed. However, Zheng Tianchou scolds him for assisting the Inspection Bureau, leading to a heated argument. Chen Xiaoxing, trying to defuse the tension, accidentally knocks over one of Zheng Tianchou's trophies, shifting Zheng Hao's focus to her. Zheng Tianchou quickly ushers Chen Xiaoxing back to their room.
Meanwhile, Feng Dakai, the president of Huaya Group, is furious upon learning that Guo Ziqiang and Liu Wei have evaded taxes totaling 30 million through fraudulent invoices. Feng Dakai had supported Donghe Industries, hoping to use Donghuan Industries. Zhao Mingda calls Zheng Hao to inform him that Liang Jinqiu has returned to the country, news that surprises Zheng Hao. Yu Dana brings Liang Jinqiu and her mother to their rented apartment, having thoughtfully bought camellias. However, Liang's mother is visibly upset, and Yu Dana learns that Liang Jinqiu's former home had a large camellia garden, making the gesture unintentionally painful.
Yu Dana and Liang Jinqiu establish the Danxin Tax Agency. Yu Dana brings Liang Jinqiu to an economic forum, hoping to network with business leaders. Zhao Mingda, a finance professor, lectures the attendees and distributes his new book. Feng Dakai arrives late. Yu Dana approaches Feng Dakai, introducing herself and her firm. Feng Dakai politely accepts her card and promises to consider future collaboration.
After the lecture, Zhao Mingda greets Liang Jinqiu. A reporter, trying to interview Feng Dakai, asks Zhao Mingda for an introduction, but Zhao Mingda claims to be unfamiliar with Feng. The reporter insists, pointing out that Feng Dakai sponsored the event and specifically requested Zhao Mingda as a speaker, but Zhao Mingda remains evasive.
Feng Dakai approaches Zhao Mingda, casually inquiring about Liang Jinqiu. Zhao Mingda formally introduces them, and Feng Dakai mentions that Zhao Mingda's father sponsored his university education. Seeing their connection, Yu Dana asks Zhao Mingda to introduce her to Feng Dakai. Feng Dakai invites Zhao Mingda and Liang Jinqiu to dinner, and Yu Dana eagerly accepts.
Zheng Hao arrives to meet Zhao Mingda, who introduces him to Feng Dakai and Yu Dana. Zheng Hao recognizes Liang Jinqiu, and their reunion after many years is awkward. Liang Jinqiu excuses herself, saying she needs to accompany her mother. Zheng Hao rushes after her. Song Minghong suddenly calls Zheng Hao, and Yu Dana follows him out. Zheng Hao, needing to return to the Bureau, arranges to have dinner with Liang Jinqiu and Zhao Mingda the next day. Yu Dana realizes that Liang Jinqiu and Zheng Hao were once lovers.
Zheng Hao, Song Minghong, Li Dongjie, and Xiao Yilin visit Ji Donglin in the hospital. Ji Donglin praises Zheng Hao for retrieving all the account books and also commends Li Xinxin for her bravery and resourcefulness. With Donghe Industries' accounts seized, Guo Ziqiang and Liu Wei realize they are cornered. They plan to flee the country. Guo Ziqiang calls Zhang Shaocheng, the owner of Donghuan Electronics, demanding money. Zhang Shaocheng claims to be out of town, but Guo Ziqiang doesn't believe him, demanding 17 million by the next day.
Zheng Hao discovers that Donghuan Electronics sold game consoles to Donghe Industries, with five invoices totaling 17 million issued this month alone. He wants to investigate Donghuan Electronics, but Li Dongjie volunteers to take on the task, leaving Zheng Hao to update the risk control system. Ji Donglin approves Li Dongjie's request.
Li Dongjie and Li Xinxin arrive at Donghuan Electronics, only to find it deserted and sealed, having been empty for four months. They learn that Donghuan Electronics consisted only of Zhang Shaocheng and one employee, both of whom have absconded. Feng Dakai confronts Guo Ziqiang, playing a video of Liu Wei being beaten. Liu Wei accuses Guo Ziqiang of profiting from invoice fraud. Guo Ziqiang, terrified, blames everything on Liu Wei, but Feng Dakai is unconvinced and demands he turn himself in. Guo Ziqiang, desperate to avoid prison, threatens suicide, but Feng Dakai remains firm.
Guo Ziqiang, with no options left, holds Feng Dakai at knifepoint. Security guards arrive, but Feng Dakai dismisses them. He explains the severity of the situation to Guo Ziqiang, who collapses in fear. The guards drag him away, and Feng Dakai orders his men to find Zhang Shaocheng. The Bureau is holding a skills competition. Xiong Yi is studying while eating. Li Xinxin greets him, but he is indifferent. Li Xinxin, a top student from Xindong University, is determined to win the competition.
