Episode Summary
Liang Jinqiu prepares a backup plan for a crucial hearing, while Zheng Hao uncovers a hidden connection between Yu Hui Coffee and Yiteng. Zheng Hao is told to offer a compromise to Mr. Zhou. Liang Jinqiu and her mother visit Liang Zhongwei in prison. A tennis match between Gao Shubo and Zheng Hao highlights lingering feelings between Zheng Hao and Liang Jinqiu. Mr. Zhou ultimately accepts Liang Jinqiu's compromise.
Spoiler Alert
The heat is on in this episode! Liang Jinqiu pulls an all-nighter, working tirelessly for seven straight days to prepare for the hearing. She's even got a backup compromise plan ready. Zheng Hao and the task force uncover a shady connection between Yu Hui Coffee and Yi Teng, revealing that Zhou's ex-wife, Wen Yihua, secretly holds a 25% stake in Yu Hui through a proxy. Liang Jinqiu, realizing their chances of winning are slim, hands over the second plan to Zhou. He's not ready to admit defeat and asks Liang Jinqiu to smooth things over with Zheng Hao, but she flatly refuses.
Song Minhong, aware that Yu Hui Coffee is a major taxpayer and local brand, previously cautioned Zheng Hao to proceed with caution and offer the company leniency. Following the hearing, Zheng Hao is instructed to convey the bureau's decision to Liang Jinqiu: if Mr. Zhou complies with the Inspection Department's required reforms, he will avoid further prosecution. Liang Jinqiu expresses her gratitude to Zheng Hao for lending her money through Zhao Mingda and states that she no longer harbors resentment towards him. She plans to invite both Zhao Mingda and Zheng Hao to dinner as a thank you, suggesting they put the past behind them.
Yu Dana, after a medical check-up, rushes to meet Liang Jinqiu and is shocked to learn about Mr. Zhou's concealed information. She apologizes repeatedly to Liang Jinqiu, hoping Mr. Zhou will accept the second plan. Gao Shubo calls Liang Jinqiu to invite her to play tennis the next day. After a grueling week, she welcomes the chance to relax and advises Yu Dana not to pressure Lao Tang.
Liang Jinqiu plans to take her mother to visit her father, Liang Zhongwei, in prison. Her mother is overjoyed, as this is their first meeting in six years. She wants to dye her hair to hide the gray, not wanting Liang Zhongwei to see it. Liang Jinqiu tries to calm her mother's nerves. Zheng Hao, still deeply affected by his past with Liang Jinqiu, is haunted by dreams of their time together. He wakes up in the middle of the night and goes for a walk by the river, eventually calling Zhao Mingda to join him for drinks.
Zhao Mingda sees that Zheng Hao can't let go of Liang Jinqiu and encourages him to pursue her. Zheng Hao admits he can't forget her, even suggesting he'd be content with a lifelong companionship without marriage. Zhao Mingda advises him not to feel guilty, emphasizing that Liang Jinqiu's father's arrest wasn't his fault, nor his father Zheng Tianchou's. Zheng Hao, aware of Liang Jinqiu's pain, doesn't want to hurt her further. Zhao Mingda urges Zheng Hao to forgive himself.
Zheng Tianchou notices that Zheng Hao's salary is 4,000 yuan less this month. Zheng Hao bought Chen Xiaoxing a tennis racket worth over 3,900 yuan, but they agreed to hide the true cost from Zheng Tianchou, claiming it was only 800 yuan. The remaining 3,200 yuan was supposedly lent to Xiong Yi. Zheng Tianchou doesn't press the issue.
Zhao Mingda asks Zheng Hao to take Chen Xiaoxing and Zhao Wan'er for tennis practice, as they have an upcoming city competition. Zheng Hao practices with them briefly before going to buy them water. Gao Shubo brings Liang Jinqiu to play tennis as well, and wanting to test Zheng Hao, he introduces him to Liang Jinqiu. Chen Xiaoxing and Zhao Wan'er greet Liang Jinqiu warmly.
Gao Shubo and Zheng Hao begin a match, with Gao Shubo aggressively pushing Zheng Hao. Zhao Wan'er, learning that Gao Shubo is Liang Jinqiu's boyfriend, cheers loudly for Zheng Hao. Zheng Hao, gradually losing stamina, concedes defeat and leaves with Chen Xiaoxing and Zhao Wan'er. Gao Shubo senses an unusual connection between Liang Jinqiu and Zheng Hao, but Liang Jinqiu dismisses it as something from the past. Gao Shubo doesn't inquire further.
Zhao Wan'er is curious about Gao Shubo's relationship with Liang Jinqiu, but Zheng Hao is evasive. Zhao Wan'er wants to call her father, Zhao Mingda, for information, but Zheng Hao forbids it. It's visitation day at the prison, and Liang Jinqiu's mother has meticulously prepared herself, though she's still nervous. Liang Jinqiu accompanies her to the prison.
Liang Zhongwei is overwhelmed with emotion, having not seen his wife in six years. They exchange words of comfort and concern. Liang Zhongwei is in good spirits, exercising daily and looking forward to traveling with his family upon his release. He mentions that Zheng Hao often sends him books and that he initially dreamt of rebuilding his career, but now realizes that being with his family is all that matters. He urges Liang Jinqiu to let go of her hatred and start a new life.
The second round of meetings takes place swiftly. Mr. Zhou accepts Liang Jinqiu's compromise plan and reaches an agreement with the Inspection Department. He agrees to a long-term partnership with Liang Jinqiu's firm. Yu Dana immediately shares the good news with Liang Jinqiu, admitting her initial mistake. Yu Dana's daughter, Duo Duo, has also been accepted into an international school through her own efforts, and Liang Jinqiu is happy for her.
"The Source of River" - Episode 9 Summary:
