Episode Summary
Zheng Hao and Li Dongjie's investigation into Qike Company stalls, but they uncover evidence of a larger criminal operation involving a deserted factory, a lying truck driver, and a fleeing suspect. Zhao Mingda is revealed to be involved in a tax fraud scheme and is suspected of planning to flee the country. Zhan Si provides evidence against Feng Dakai. Li Xinxin, Xiong Yi, and Gao Peng's investigation in Lanjiang reveals further connections to the fraud, while personal tensions rise between Li Xinxin and Xiong Yi.
Spoiler Alert
The investigation into Qike Company hits a wall. Zheng Hao and Li Dongjie lead two separate teams to audit Qike's accounts, but the elusive Zhao Mingda is nowhere to be found. Manager Zhao skillfully handles the inquiries, and the audits reveal no major discrepancies, only minor questionable points. Xiao Yilin, concerned about the prolonged investigation, suggests closing the case. However, Zheng Hao refuses to give up, vowing to uncover the mastermind behind the operation, and he's backed by Li Dongjie, Xiong Yi, Li Xinxin, Shi Haifeng, and Gao Peng.
Xiong Yi and Gao Peng's team investigates the logistics, customs, and freight forwarding companies involved with Qike. Despite clean paperwork, they remain suspicious and decide to conduct on-site inspections. Zheng Hao, Xiong Yi, and Gao Peng visit a mobile phone parts factory, finding it deserted, with the factory manager claiming the workers are away for training.
Simultaneously, Li Dongjie, Li Xinxin, and Zhang Lu visit the logistics company. Li Dongjie personally accompanies a truck supposedly heading to Xindong to pick up goods. Li Xinxin and Zhang Lu follow closely behind. The driver, claiming unfamiliarity with the highway, is exposed when his truck cannot pass due to height and width restrictions on the national highway. He confesses he's never actually hauled goods from the Xindong phone parts factory, a confession recorded by Li Xinxin and Zhang Lu.
Zheng Hao, Xiong Yi, and Gao Peng dine at a restaurant near the factory, learning from the owner that the factory has never hired any workers. Li Dongjie and Zheng Hao regroup. A sudden call from the police reveals that the people at both the parts factory and the logistics company have fled. Zheng Hao and Li Dongjie confirm their suspicion of a large criminal syndicate, but with the leads now cold, they are unsure where to turn next.
Meanwhile, Feng Dakai throws a celebratory banquet. Zhao Mingda, seen making a secretive phone call, claims he's talking to Zhao Wan'er. Feng Dakai, skeptical, calls Shen Yue, only to discover that Shen Yue is preparing to take Zhao Wan'er to Switzerland for medical treatment. Feng Dakai is shocked and suspects Zhao Mingda plans to flee with Shen Yue and Zhao Wan'er, and wants to arrange everything for them in Switzerland. Zhao Mingda is furious but suppresses his anger, knowing he can't afford to fail now.
Zhan Si, still mourning the death of Zhan Yi, decides to collaborate with Zhao Mingda to take revenge on Feng Dakai. Zhan Si hands over evidence of Feng Dakai's illicit invoice trading and murder, preserved in Zhan Yi's email account.
Xiong Yi, Li Xinxin, Shi Haifeng, and Gao Peng review their two visits to Qike, searching for valuable clues. Li Xinxin suddenly recalls a blurry Dawei Logistics receipt under a box. Xiong Yi immediately reports this to Zheng Hao. Dawei is a logistics company in Lanjiang, Li Xinxin's hometown. Zheng Hao dispatches Li Xinxin, Xiong Yi, and Gao Peng to Lanjiang to investigate.
Dawei Logistics' system is down, delaying data retrieval until Monday. Zhao Mingda and Manager Zhao are revealed to have established a company called Baifuda, using it for export tax rebates. Zhao Mingda, sensing that Zheng Hao and Li Dongjie are closing in on Qike's tax fraud, instructs Manager Zhao to take the blame and implicate Feng Dakai, allowing Zhao Mingda to complete Baifuda's tax rebate. He promises Manager Zhao a share of the profits and assures her family's well-being. Manager Zhao, trapped, agrees.
In Lanjiang, Li Xinxin treats Xiong Yi and Gao Peng to dinner, inviting her parents. The parents pressure Li Xinxin about marriage during the meal, revealing to Xiong Yi that Li Xinxin hasn't told her parents about their relationship. Xiong Yi is upset, and Li Xinxin explains that while she accepted his proposal, she's still hesitant. Their argument ends in a stalemate.
On Monday, Li Xinxin, Xiong Yi, and Gao Peng visit Dawei Logistics. The manager retrieves the data, showing that Dawei regularly ships goods from Muyun Factory to Qike Company, with Qike always paying in cash and not requesting invoices. Xiong Yi books three return tickets to Xindong, but Li Xinxin, still angry, returns alone. Gao Peng advises Xiong Yi not to let emotions cloud his judgment, and Xiong Yi sends a message to Li Xinxin, attempting to reconcile.
Zheng Hao and Zhao Mingda visit Liang Zhongwei in the hospital. Liang Zhongwei is recovering well. Zheng Hao conveys greetings from Zheng Tianchou, and Liang Zhongwei expresses his desire to play ball with Zheng Tianchou once he's fully recovered. Ren Sumin learns that Liang Zhongwei has been secretly playing ball with Zheng Tianchou, but doesn't pursue the matter. Ren Sumin expresses concern for Zhao Wan'er's condition and urges Zhao Mingda to treat Shen Yue well. Before leaving, Ren Sumin invites Zheng Hao and Zhao Mingda to dinner at their home, surprising both Liang Jinqiu and Zheng Hao.
