Episode Summary
Zhao Qi attempts suicide but is rescued and confesses his crimes, implicating Xiong Yi. Guo Ziqiang surrenders, leading to the closure of the 106 case. Xiong Yi is reassigned, and Zheng Hao returns to the Inspection Bureau. A new case involving Yu Hui Coffee's potential tax evasion emerges, bringing Liang Jinqiu and her past with Zheng Hao into play. Li Dongjie faces personal and professional conflicts, and Xiong Yi starts his new job with a violent encounter.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with intense drama. Xiong Yi confronts Zhao Qi, urging him to admit his mistakes and not to do anything rash. Zhao Qi, however, is consumed by guilt and feels he has no future, even contemplating suicide to avoid the shame of arrest. He's especially worried about his parents witnessing his downfall. Zheng Hao brings Zhao Qi's wife to the scene, and her pleas, combined with the intervention of firefighters, police, and medical personnel, save Zhao Qi's life after he jumps into a river.
After his rescue, Zhao Qi confesses everything. He admits to using his phone to steal Xiong Yi's signature and password, enabling his criminal activities. Xiong Yi, as a public official, is implicated in accepting bribes and facilitating the fraudulent use of VAT invoices. He also disabled the risk control warning system, opening the door for criminals.
Meanwhile, Guo Ziqiang turns himself in and confesses to issuing false VAT invoices. Donghe Industrial is brought to justice, and the 106 case is closed, though Captain Pan continues to search for Da Fei. Zheng Hao requests disciplinary action against himself, acknowledging his responsibility for Zhao Qi's actions. He also advocates for leniency for Xiong Yi, but Song Minhong remains noncommittal.
The close relationship between Xiong Yi and Zhao Qi, who started working together on the same day, is highlighted. Since Zhao Qi's incident, Xiong Yi has been deeply depressed, and their colleagues gossip about their connection and Zhao Qi's parents. This leads to a physical altercation between Gao Peng, who defends Zhao Qi, Xiong Yi, and another colleague, requiring Li Dongjie and Xiao Yilin to intervene.
As a result of the investigation, the leadership of the Lingshui District Taxation Bureau reassigns Xiong Yi to the First Office. Song Minhong is transferred to the Inspection Bureau and wants to bring Zheng Hao with her, which he agrees to consider. That evening, Zheng Hao treats Xiong Yi to hot pot, trying to comfort him and encourage him to do well in his new position.
The Inspection Bureau receives a new case from the Tax Collection Bureau: Yu Hui Coffee is suspected of underpaying taxes. Yu Hui Coffee is a rapidly growing domestic brand with 300 stores nationwide. Their tax payments suddenly decreased significantly last year, coinciding with a 40 million yuan purchase of intelligent software in March, raising suspicions of fraudulent invoices. Xiao Yilin calls an emergency meeting to discuss the case, and Li Dongjie, after reviewing the company's information, is assigned to conduct an initial investigation. This is Song Minhong's first case at the Inspection Bureau, and she reminds Li Dongjie to be fair and impartial.
Yu Dana and Liang Jinqiu meet with Mr. Zhou of Yu Hui Coffee. Mr. Zhou directly asks Liang Jinqiu for help in dealing with the Inspection Bureau's investigation. Liang Jinqiu assures him of her full effort, but Mr. Zhou believes the matter is too big for her and wants her to use her former lover, Zheng Hao, to resolve it. In return, he promises long-term cooperation with Liang Jinqiu. Liang Jinqiu clarifies that she has a grudge against Zheng Hao, as her father, Liang Zhongwei, was sent to prison by Zheng Hao's father, Zheng Tianchou, for issuing false invoices. Mr. Zhou is surprised by this revelation.
Li Dongjie is facing personal challenges as his mother-in-law is hospitalized, and his wife needs his help. However, he's unable to leave due to the Yu Hui Coffee case. Zheng Hao reports to the Inspection Bureau, and Song Minhong assigns him as the head of the Second Inspection Section. Li Dongjie is unhappy about Zheng Hao's return, recalling the death of Chen Dajun, who was killed while carrying out a task for Zheng Hao. Li Dongjie complains to Xiao Yilin, feeling it's unfair that Zheng Hao, due to his father's connections, has returned after a brief stint in the district. Xiao Yilin advises him to be patient, but Li Dongjie struggles to accept the situation.
At lunch, colleagues want to welcome Zheng Hao and invite Li Dongjie to join, but Li Dongjie declines, citing his mother-in-law's illness, and continues to avoid Zheng Hao. Gao Peng, who is introverted, generally keeps to himself. Xiong Yi happily reports to his new post at the First Office, only to be immediately struck by a water bottle thrown by an angry taxpayer. The man was upset about having to wait in line. Xiong Yi restrains the man until Yan, the office director (whom Xiong Yi calls "Yan Ma"), and the police arrive to resolve the situation. Yan assigns Xiong Yi to work at the counter.
Finally, Li Dongjie and his team arrive at Yu Hui Coffee, where they are met by Mr. Zhou, Liang Jinqiu, and Yu Dana.
