Episode Summary
Xu Tongsheng continues to investigate Fan Yi, despite Shen Ye's objections. Zeng Mingfang struggles to find funding for her orphanage and asks Jin Chun for help. Xu Tongsheng and Shen Ye are interviewed, during which Xu Tongsheng nearly reveals his suspicions. Shen Ye's relationship with his father, Shen Yi, becomes strained. Xu Tongsheng follows Fan Yi and witnesses a suspicious meeting. Shen Ye, distracted by the revelation about his family, gets into a car accident.
Spoiler Alert
After smoothing things over from the previous incident, Xu Tongsheng, guided by a worker's description, sketches portraits of two suspicious individuals. He identifies them as Fan Yi and Li Si. Xu Tongsheng locates and brings them to the Criminal Investigation Team for questioning. They both claim they were only responsible for watching the machinery at the Ducheng Processing Plant, a job requiring no technical skills. Their statements align with Gao Weiyuan's, and Shen Ye starts to urge Xu Tongsheng to stop being so paranoid.
Meanwhile, Zeng Mingfang's orphanage faces cutbacks due to a lack of funding. The Bureau of Civil Affairs informs her that she'll have to reduce the number of children under her care. Deeply attached to each child, Zeng Mingfang is unwilling to send them elsewhere. Her superior suggests seeking private funding and even recommends a charitable organization, but she'll have to handle the outreach herself.
Xu Tongsheng's success in solving the restaurant fire case has garnered significant attention in the city. The fire department plans to give him special recognition. Zhao Zhiyuan advises him to prepare, but Xu Tongsheng is indifferent to the accolades. Mao Mao offers to help gather the necessary materials, accepting the task on Xu Tongsheng's behalf.
Zeng Mingfang calls Jin Chun home for dinner. Relieved that it isn't about a blind date, Jin Chun returns. During the meal, Zeng Mingfang asks Jin Chun to create a presentation to promote the orphanage and attract investment. Later, they go to the orphanage to collect materials. Seeing the children's joyful faces, Jin Chun reflects on her mother's dedication to the orphanage, experiencing a mix of complex emotions. Zeng Mingfang calls Xu Tongsheng, asking him to speak at the event as a former resident of the orphanage. Jin Chun strongly objects to Xu Tongsheng's involvement, so Zeng Mingfang asks Jin Chun to help find sponsors instead.
Xu Tongsheng and Shen Ye are interviewed together. When the reporter asks about the fire case, Xu Tongsheng becomes agitated, nearly revealing his suspicions about a mastermind. Shen Ye quickly interjects, attempting to smooth things over and divert Xu Tongsheng. Shen Yi watches the live broadcast with a subtle, unreadable expression.
Back at the office, Xu Tongsheng reiterates his suspicions about Fan Yi, wanting to use him as an entry point. Shen Ye advises Xu Tongsheng to let go of his obsession. After days of working overtime and not going home, Shen Yi visits Shen Ye at the Criminal Investigation Team. Gu Nuo passes by, and they exchange a knowing glance. Wu Yong advises Shen Ye to manage his family situation, as Shen Yi's frequent visits could have negative consequences.
Still suspicious of Fan Yi, Xu Tongsheng stakes out Fan Yi's home. Two days later, Fan Yi receives a phone call and rushes out. Xu Tongsheng follows him and sees Fan Yi interacting with a man in black. Xu Tongsheng attempts to follow the man in black, but the man's high level of alertness forces him to stop.
Shen Ye becomes increasingly reluctant to go home, and Jin Chun is also burdened with worries. They call Xu Tongsheng to join them for a late-night snack. Shen Ye mentions his father's recent unusual scrutiny, which Jin Chun dismisses as a "male menopause." However, Xu Tongsheng bluntly states that Shen Yi is not Shen Ye's father and that his only relative is his grandmother. Shen Ye, angered by the topic, abruptly leaves. Jin Chun blames Xu Tongsheng for being too hasty, feeling that her own attempts to help have been undermined. Lost in thought about Xu Tongsheng's words, Shen Ye crashes his car into a roadside curb and loses consciousness on the way home.
