Episode Summary
Suspicions deepen around Jia Sanmeng and Ye Meng as evidence of domestic abuse and a potential affair surfaces. Jin Chun deals with a disastrous arranged date while uncovering clues from Qin Qing's past, leading to a heartbreaking confrontation with Qin Qing's mother. The autopsy confirms long-term abuse, and Ye Meng admits to a connection with Jia Sanmeng, but denies murder.
Spoiler Alert
The investigation into Qin Qing's death intensifies in this episode, pulling in multiple suspects and revealing dark secrets. Shen Ye checks in on Ye Meng, who has moved into a shared apartment. Ye Meng expresses envy for the seemingly perfect couple next door, Qin Qing and Jia Sanmeng, noting their constant companionship and lack of arguments. However, Ye Meng soon observes the growing disconnect between Qin Qing, who is more practical, and Jia Sanmeng, a literature enthusiast. Jia Sanmeng, in turn, seems to find a kindred spirit in Ye Meng, even gifting her a butterfly specimen. When confronted about her social media posts hinting at wanting to eliminate Qin Qing, Ye Meng claims it was all fictional, part of her creative writing process, using the couple as inspiration.
Jia Sanmeng, when questioned, admits to the financial struggles that led him to co-renting but denies any real interaction with Ye Meng. He dismisses Ye Meng's detailed accounts of his and Qin Qing's life as the fantasies of an admirer.
Meanwhile, Jin Chun faces an uncomfortable arranged date with Jiang He, who brings his overbearing mother along. The date is a disaster, with Jiang He's mother's interrogative approach pushing Jin Chun to exaggerate the dullness of her job. She eventually escapes with the help of a timely call from her colleague, Yuan Zhoulu.
Later, Jin Chun's father, Jin Dong, calls to inquire about the date, but Jin Chun downplays its failure. Her stepmother, Zeng Mingfang, enters the room, and Jin Dong avoids mentioning the call with his daughter. While reviewing Qin Qing's livestream replays, Jin Chun notices bruises on Qin Qing's body. The next day, she has Li Dangui make a copy of the livestream's private message records.
Jin Chun visits Qin Qing's mother, revealing evidence of long-term domestic abuse by Jia Sanmeng. Initially in disbelief, Qin Qing's mother is shaken by the mounting evidence. She requests a final viewing of her daughter's body, breaking down at the sight and begging Jin Chun to uncover the truth.
The autopsy confirms multiple bruises on Qin Qing's body, consistent with prolonged abuse. Jin Chun shares this with Shen Ye, adding that a fan of Qin Qing's revealed that Qin Qing was planning to leave Jia Sanmeng.
Shen Ye confronts Ye Meng again. This time, the mention of the butterfly specimen cracks Ye Meng's facade. She admits to a mutual understanding and deep connection with Jia Sanmeng, viewing Qin Qing as the main obstacle to their relationship. However, she still denies any involvement in Qin Qing's death.
