Episode Summary
Jin Yan confesses to manipulating Yu Fan into killing Gao Yarui, using his past trauma against him. The full details of the murder plot are revealed, with Yu Fan as the mastermind and others assisting. Shen Ye stays with Xu Tongsheng, who discovers an old photo revealing Shen Ye's past identity as He Xi, who has psychogenic amnesia. Xu Tongsheng tries to help Shen Ye recover his memories by revisiting a familiar place, while Jin Chun gets injured and is helped by Han Jun.
Spoiler Alert
The truth comes crashing down on Jin Yan. Confronted with irrefutable evidence, she confesses to manipulating Yu Fan, exploiting his feelings of guilt and trauma. She made Yu Fan believe he was reliving his past bullying experiences, all while making herself appear even more caring and supportive. Once they were inside the "Sorrow" room, Yu Fan realized he was in the wrong place, and his first instinct was to call Jin Yan. She instructed him to remain calm, avoid revealing the mistake, and then guided him to extinguish the candles on the floor, pour alcohol, and use quicklime to ignite the dry straw. Jin Yan, speaking through the intercom, created a terrifying illusion, claiming that Gao Yarui was burning her alive. Yu Fan, consumed by guilt for not saving his friend in the past, saw this as a chance to make amends. He fearlessly threw himself into the flames, even laughing amidst the burning, believing he was finally atoning for his past failure.
Shen Ye presses Jin Yan further, demanding to know who else was involved in Gao Yarui's murder. Jin Yan reveals that Yu Fan was the mastermind behind the plan. Fang Ni and Cheng Sisi procured the alcohol, while she herself provided the candles and sugar bottles. The script had been meticulously rehearsed, awaiting the fourth stage when Gao Yarui entered the room. However, Jin Yan admits that her resentment towards Yu Fan grew over time, leading her to commit an act she'll regret forever. With the case finally closed, everyone mourns the tragic loss of these young lives. Jin Chun reflects on the power of Jin Yan's psychological manipulation, highlighting the impact of psychological factors on memory and behavior.
Meanwhile, Shen Ye is in a funk. Xu Tongsheng notices his colleague's low spirits and offers tea. Shen Ye explains that his father has been away on business, their home has been experiencing power outages, and he hasn't been able to shower for days. He even has to charge his phone at the police station. Xu Tongsheng, ever the friend, invites Shen Ye to stay at his place, an offer Shen Ye eagerly accepts.
Xu Tongsheng goes above and beyond, buying new bedding and toiletries for Shen Ye. When Shen Ye arrives, he can't help but chuckle at the Ultraman bedspread Xu Tongsheng prepared, but he's genuinely touched by his friend's warmth. As Xu Tongsheng washes Shen Ye's clothes, he discovers a small bear pillow in his backpack. Unzipping it, he finds an old photo – a memento from their graduation, showing them playing the recorder together. Xu Tongsheng is overwhelmed with emotion, realizing that Shen Ye is actually He Xi. He embraces a bewildered Shen Ye.
Shen Ye is stunned. Xu Tongsheng explains, but Shen Ye insists the photo was taken by his father, and they're clearly not on the same page. Xu Tongsheng is baffled – He Xi has completely forgotten his childhood.
The next day, Xu Tongsheng confides in Jin Chun, who agrees that the situation is incredibly coincidental. If Shen Ye is indeed He Xi, he might be suffering from psychogenic amnesia (a condition where a person experiences sudden memory loss, usually triggered by stress or trauma, without any physical brain damage). Jin Chun points out that Shen Ye seems happy now, and there might be no need to recover those childhood memories. However, Xu Tongsheng feels compelled to help He Xi remember, and Jin Chun advises patience, suggesting that reconstructing past life scenes might be a starting point, although the impact of any given scene can vary greatly from person to person.
As they're talking, Shen Ye arrives with lunch for Jin Chun, feeling awkward around Xu Tongsheng. Xu Tongsheng, understanding that he needs to take things slow, backs off. Shen Ye mentions a new restaurant nearby and invites Jin Chun to join him. However, Xu Tongsheng suddenly suggests a hike up Changli Mountain. Shen Ye complains about the exertion, but when Jin Chun agrees, he reluctantly goes along.
Shen Ye drives Jin Chun and Xu Tongsheng to Changli Mountain. Nearing the summit, Jin Chun creates an opportunity for the two to be alone, taking his camera to explore the surroundings. Xu Tongsheng leads Shen Ye to a riverside spot and starts throwing stones into the water. The scene triggers a sense of familiarity in Shen Ye, but with no cell service at the summit, they start searching for Jin Chun.
Meanwhile, Jin Chun has accidentally twisted his ankle in another location. Unable to reach Shen Ye and Xu Tongsheng, he calls out for help. Han Jun, coincidentally passing by, comes to Jin Chun's aid and assists him.
