Episode 3 recap: # Gu Yi Zhong Framed

In Episode 3, Gu Xi Xing sits at home, worried about his children when two women visit. One of them claims to be his future daughter-in-law, Hai Mo. After some inquiries, the truth is revealed: Hai Mo is actually the daughter of Yu Quan, a classmate of Gu Xi Xing from military school. Their families had arranged a marriage for them years ago.

However, Gu Xi Xing knows that his son has feelings for Xiao Ruo Tong, and he feels deeply sorry for Hai Mo. Although Hai Mo doesn’t say much, her cousin, Weng Tai, cannot hide her dissatisfaction and accuses Gu Xi Xing of being ungrateful. Aware of his shortcomings, Gu Xi Xing patiently explains the situation and invites them to stay at his home.

In reality, Weng Tai's true identity is that of a Nationalist military intelligence agent named Quan Shui. She has come to Suzhou to meet Zhou Zhi Fei. Zhou Zhi Fei is aware that he has stepped onto a treacherous path and is hesitant to revisit old flames. He is also concerned that Quan Shui may be sent to eliminate him.

Given that Quan Shui is the top agent close to the president, her presence adds an air of mystery and danger. Therefore, Zhou Zhi Fei acts cautiously, sending his trusted associate Jin Jiang to meet Quan Shui in his place to gauge her intentions. Behind this secretive meeting, various factions are entangled, each with their own motives, leading to a silent struggle involving loyalty, betrayal, emotion, and reason.

As Gu Yi Zhong and his group enter the base, they are not met with warm welcomes but with strict scrutiny and isolation. Their weapons are confiscated, and they are assigned to separate accommodations. This treatment leaves Gu Yi Zhong feeling a mix of emotions, sensing unwarranted suspicion and exclusion.

Wang Zhi Ming, the head of the New Fourth Army’s counterintelligence, personally conducts a thorough examination of Gu Yi Zhong and his companions. When he learns that they have questioned the identity of "Eagle," he smiles and reveals the truth: the comrade in military uniform is indeed the "Eagle," whose real name is Zhou Zhen Wu. He is the secret liaison for the New Fourth Army in Suzhou, operating under the guise of a worker at the Liang You Coffee Shop.

This revelation shocks everyone, as it turns out that their previous suspicions and misunderstandings stemmed from ignorance of the truth. Zhou Zhen Wu further discloses that he has been quietly observing and protecting Gu Yi Zhong and his group at critical moments. Whether it was Xiao Ruo Tong bringing Gu Hui Zhong's bracelet to Zui Xian Lou or Gu Yi Zhong and Xiao Ruo Tong visiting Liang You Coffee Shop, he was always present, just unseen.

Duan Wen Tao's decision to expose himself was a tactic to protect Zhou Zhen Wu's movements and ensure the mission proceeds smoothly.

However, after Gu Yi Zhong shares his harrowing experiences, Wang Zhi Ming and Zhou Zhen Wu exchange scrutinizing glances. They begin to suspect that Gu Yi Zhong might be the traitor in hiding, known as "Cell 8."

After all, he miraculously survived being chased by dozens of agents, and the New Fourth Army soldier who supposedly helped him escape has yet to be identified. This suspicion creates a tense atmosphere, and Gu Yi Zhong faces an unprecedented crisis of trust. He knows that the only way to dispel the shadow hanging over him is to prove his innocence through concrete actions.

Upon entering the base, Gu Yi Zhong and his companions are met with strict scrutiny and isolation. Their weapons are confiscated, and they are forced to live apart. Gu Yi Zhong feels a mix of emotions, sensing deep suspicion and exclusion. In addition to the slain New Fourth Army soldier, he discovers a radio and messages in his room, providing undeniable evidence against him.

Zhou Zhi Fei receives a telegram from Cell 8, confirming that the New Fourth Army base is located on Chongshan Island, and promptly relays this information to Kondo Masao. The Japanese military launches a three-pronged assault on the base. Wang Zhi Ming urgently instructs Xiao Ruo Tong and the others to evacuate, declaring Gu Yi Zhong a traitor who will face execution by firing squad.

Xiao Ruo Tong and Gu Hui Zhong stand firmly by Gu Yi Zhong, convinced of his innocence. Just as they are making their case, Japanese bombers roar overhead, shrouding the sky in battle clouds. In a moment of quick thinking, Xiao Ruo Tong breaks down the door to rescue Gu Yi Zhong. Facing Zhou Zhen Wu’s gun, she bravely shields him and urges him to run.

After escaping, Gu Yi Zhong unexpectedly encounters Gu Hui Zhong and Hu Zhi Ping, who are preparing for childbirth. He resolutely decides to draw the Japanese forces away to allow them to escape by boat. On the lake, the sound of a baby crying echoes—a celebration of life and a source of peace for Gu Yi Zhong. He knows his sister has safely given birth, and a great weight lifts from his heart.