Episode 15 recap: Counterfeiting Disrupts the Economy
In Episode 15, Berlao announces Xu Wei as the new leader of the Eagle Squad in front of Liu Gui Hang, who is visibly displeased but too intimidated to protest. Berlao then uses a broken watch to remind Liu Gui Hang that a team needs genuine cooperation; they cannot afford to lag behind or rush ahead.
Lin Shaobai excels in the operation to capture Yang Hui and is officially hired by the police, receiving his own police uniform. That evening, the team gathers for a celebratory dinner, toasting their success and congratulating Lin Shaobai on becoming a proud member of the People's Police. Berlao outlines the next mission, with Xu Wei joining the transport team to facilitate contact with the Dai Yue Qing from the Hand Hook Gang.
When Xu Wei mentions Lin Shaobai, who was called in by Lu Zhengyang for help, he lies, claiming they were only partners for a short time and not close allies. After drinking too much, Lin Shaobai complains about Old Xu not recruiting him when he was in the underground police. Old Xu playfully recounts embarrassing stories about Lin Shaobai from before the liberation. Lu Zhengyang takes the drunken Lin Shaobai home, and the next day, the first thing Lin Shaobai does upon waking is put on his police uniform.
In Shanghai, there’s a rising trend for silver dollars as the value of the renminbi declines. People increasingly prefer to hold onto silver dollars. Berlao plans to exploit this trend by using a counterfeiting machine to disrupt Shanghai's economy, making citizens distrust the renminbi. Previously, when Mao Sen and others evacuated Shanghai, they took several printing machines from the central mint, but those machines are too large to transport easily.
With a smile, Berlao asserts that "it's all about ingenuity." As Xu Wei begins connecting with Jin Maochang, he requests that Jin transport a printing machine from Zhoushan to Shanghai, which Jin refuses. Xu Wei's aggressive demeanor causes Jin to relent, promising to try but insists he needs Xu Wei's help to deal with Liu Xisheng, who is causing him trouble.
After Xu Wei leaves, Jiang Yang follows him and discovers Xu Wei's hidden identity as a member of the transport team. Lin Shaobai takes Jin Yan out to eat and learns that two people have been following her for several days. He cleverly manages to control them and learns that they were sent by Jin Maochang to protect her. With photographic evidence, Jin Yan no longer doubts their intentions but thinks her father is overly cautious.
Big Mama and Second Mama play mahjong with friends and discuss the silver dollar trend. Lin Shaobai warns them not to speculate on silver dollars. Meanwhile, the templates for the counterfeit bills are rough; Berlao personally copies them, admiring the artistry of the original renminbi designer. Xu Wei calls to say he has made contact with the Hand Hook Gang, exciting Berlao, who looks forward to the day when counterfeit currency floods Shanghai.
The Shuihe Gang comes to collect a debt but falls into a trap, with their boss Feng becoming a target for Dai Yue Qing. Many members of the Shuihe Gang switch sides, taking up the hand hook and betraying their old boss. As a result, Dai Yue Qing not only absorbs the Shuihe Gang's territory but also recruits Feng’s men.
Dai Yue Qing meets with Berlao, who invites her to join him in the battle for financial control. She believes in silver dollars over renminbi, echoing the choice of most people in Shanghai. Although the People’s Liberation Army has entered Shanghai, the renminbi’s acceptance is not guaranteed.
Xu Wei continues to operate under his cover, transporting counterfeit bills to the docks, where Brother Hu instructs his men to spend the counterfeit renminbi on anything they can buy, using any means necessary.
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