Episode 9 recap: # Jin Hai Dies Because of Gu Yi Zhong
In Episode 9, Jin Hai and Zhou Zhi Fei engage in a discussion about the mystery of "Cell 8." Zhou Zhi Fei is convinced that "Cell 8" has read the letter he left behind, based on changes in the markings on the note. They suspect that Gu Yi Zhong might have faked his death to escape Zhou Zhi Fei’s control and shift the suspicion away from "Cell 8."
Zhou Zhi Fei is aware of Gu Yi Zhong's intentions and plans to use "No. 90" to expose "Cell 8." Jin Hai suggests enhancing Gu Yi Zhong’s image of betrayal to undermine his influence from within. Jin Hai also reveals the address of the spring water source, leading Zhou Zhi Fei to imply that he understands the spring water is actually a messenger for delivering subversive information.
In the intelligence battlefield, every word and action is laden with hidden meanings. Zhou Zhi Fei must tread carefully, guarding against Gu Yi Zhong’s probes while also preparing for potential internal betrayals. Behind this game of wits lies a desperate quest for truth and control, while the true identity of "Cell 8" remains shrouded in mystery.
Zhou Zhi Fei confides in Jin Hai, who vows to follow him to the end. Pleased, Zhou Zhi Fei shares his plans for future seclusion overseas and promises to take Jin Hai and his wife, Xiao Lan, along to enjoy a peaceful life together as a reward for Jin Hai's loyalty. Under Zhou Zhi Fei's careful planning, a brutal training session for agents targeting Gu Yi Zhong begins, with the most harrowing task being the act of killing.
Jin Hai coldly carries out Zhou Zhi Fei's orders, bringing the innocent Cui Yao Min before Gu Yi Zhong and forcing the trembling young man to hold the cold gun in his hands, compelling him to take Cui Yao Min's life. Gu Yi Zhong, a youth who has never been stained by blood, is torn with inner conflict as he faces this unexpected challenge.
Realizing he cannot shoot a fellow countryman and does not want to become a killer, he notices the towel stuffed in Cui Yao Min's mouth. Thinking quickly, he tears it away, hoping to give Cui Yao Min a chance to speak. However, once able to voice his grievances, Cui Yao Min angrily accuses Zhou Zhi Fei and Jin Hai of betrayal, claiming they have taken his possessions and are now cruelly robbing him of his life.
Just as Jin Hai prepares to silence Cui Yao Min's outburst, the unexpected happens—Cui Yao Min suddenly lunges, seizing the gun from Gu Yi Zhong and wildly firing at Jin Hai. In this life-or-death moment, the surrounding agents react swiftly, decisively shooting Cui Yao Min and saving Jin Hai’s life.
A series of events plunged everyone present into deep shock and reflection. In the wake of Jin Hai's sudden death, Zhou Zhi Fei was furious and ordered Gu Yi Zhong to be imprisoned, intent on avenging his close friend. However, the arrival of Li Xian Sheng disrupted this plan; he brought a commission from Gu Xi Xing and hinted that Zhou Zhi Fei should prioritize the bigger picture and consider bringing Gu Yi Zhong into his fold.
Zhou Zhi Fei understood the implication—that this was an opportunity to use Gu Yi Zhong to thwart Gu Xi Xing's plans and create an opening for Wang Ze Min. He then secretly instructed Wang Ze Min not only to continue currying favor with Li Xian Sheng but also to organize a grand funeral for Jin Hai to demonstrate loyalty and friendship.
Xiao Ruo Tong, filled with hope, sought out Hai Mo, convinced that Gu Yi Zhong’s actions were driven by unspoken hardships. She earnestly asked Hai Mo for help in arranging a meeting so she could personally ask Gu Yi Zhong about his reasons, promising that the matter would remain strictly confidential among the three of them.
Although Hai Mo felt conflicted, she decided to help as much as she could. However, when she approached Gu Yi Zhong to relay Xiao Ruo Tong's request, he refused to meet. Not only did he decline, but he also handed Hai Mo a pen to pass on to Xiao Ruo Tong.
Just as Hai Mo was about to press him further, several agents suddenly burst in and took Gu Yi Zhong away, carefully inspecting the pen. This scene filled Hai Mo with confusion and unease. Zhou Zhi Fei summoned Gu Yi Zhong to his office, presenting him with the commission from Gu Xi Xing and instructing him to take it home and convey a deal: if Gu Yi Zhong complied, he would release Lu Zheng.
Following the plan, Gu Yi Zhong successfully rescued Lu Zheng and cleverly evaded Gao Hu's surveillance, using a matchbox to send an urgent message to Lu Zheng, warning him to leave before Gu Xi Xing's birthday to avoid disaster. However, Gu Xi Xing did not act as expected; instead of leaving, he publicly announced a birthday celebration and invited reporters to cover the event, pushing the situation to a boiling point.
Upon learning of this, Zhou Zhi Fei remained observant, eager for the unfolding drama. Meanwhile, he secretly contacted the mysterious "Cell 8," proposing that if "Cell 8" helped eliminate Gu Yi Zhong, he would continue to cooperate. The response from "Cell 8" revealed a cold exchange condition: Gu Yi Zhong’s life in exchange for his continued loyalty.
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