• Last updated: 2024-10-01 02:55

Episode 22 recap: The Trap Set by the Shrike and the Scheme Against Lu Zhengyang

In Episode 22, private detective Lu Tingzhen admits to having bought a lot of photo paper, with the remaining two boxes charged to Master Qi at the Yaohua Photo Studio. Lu Zhengyang and Huzi rush to the photo studio, where Master Qi is busy developing photos. Lu Zhengyang asks the apprentice, Ah Xing, some questions and looks at the accounts. Initially, Master Qi seems to be hiding something, but Lu Zhengyang sternly points out that everyone who has used this photo paper has gone missing.

Master Qi is taken aback; he thought losing the photo paper was a minor issue, not realizing it involved spies. As the prime suspect, he is taken to the police station for questioning, while Xu Wei secretly films the scene, planning to use the footage to create a false narrative against Lu Zhengyang.

Xu Wei tortures Boss Qian, resulting in his death—an act meant to serve as a warning. Under pressure, Boss Qian writes down the routes and numbers of every ship. Jin Maochang is the first to comply, while Gao Huaipu is so frightened he has an asthma attack, and others assist him, with Jin stuffing medicine into his mouth until he recovers.

At the police station, Master Qi explains that the photos were stolen and admits he hesitated to report it because he feared being fired by the young master. The photo paper went missing on a rainy night after he had sent Ah Xing home; a customer had arrived unexpectedly, asking for numerous photos. When Lu Zhengyang shows Master Qi the photos, he identifies one of the people as Xu Wei.

Puzzled as to why spies would go to such lengths to steal, Lu Zhengyang is interrupted by the families of the missing entrepreneurs who gather outside the police station, demanding answers, some even kneeling down. Jin Yan tries to calm them, but their emotions remain high. Lin Shaobai notices one person who doesn’t seem to be there to protest but rather to observe; he learns that this is Gao Huaipu's son.

Worried that Lin Shaobai might act impulsively, Lu Zhengyang and Huzi head to the rooftop, where they find Lin animatedly telling stories to the pigeons, alleviating their concerns. Once they leave, Lin resumes his investigation. Back home, Lin inadvertently discovers that Lao Gao, from Xingfu Lane, is Gao Huaipu's son, who was estranged from the family years ago.

Lin asks his second mother to help him arrange another mahjong game with Lao Gao the next day. The following day, when apprentice Ah Xing arrives, he finds Master Qi hanging and cries out as he brings him down. Forensic expert Jin Yan confirms that the murder took place in the photo development room. However, neighbors believe the police questioning led to Master Qi’s death.

The news quickly spreads with articles and photos in the papers. Lin Shaobai sees this and immediately calls the social department, trying to prevent Lu Zhengyang from seeking punishment from Deputy Chief Yang. However, his efforts are in vain. Deputy Chief Yang tells Lu to continue his investigation as he sees fit, assuring him that he will handle the external pressure. The Shrike is unconcerned about Lu Zhengyang’s fate; his goal is to control all of Shanghai.

While playing mahjong, Lao Gao reveals that Gao Huaipu suffers from severe asthma and needs a specific American medication, isoproterenol tablets. Lin Shaobai consults Jin Yan to learn more about this drug. Meanwhile, Zheng Lanting does not show up, and Jiang Yang’s assassination plan falls apart. He sends his brothers away and, alone, straps explosives to confront Zheng Lanting in the studio. Zombie Que Xiaoyun calmly advises him to cool down, diverting Jiang Yang’s attention, while Li Xu secretly locks the studio door. Suspicious, Jiang Yang initially refuses to drink the cup of tea.