• Last updated: 2024-10-04 04:13

Episode 26 recap: Shaobai Discovers the Spy Conspiracy

In Episode 26, Deputy Yang assigns Chen, an old hand from the archives, and experienced intelligence analyst Li Yaohong to work in Old Lu's second office. Old Lu clears Lin Shaobai's desk for Li, and Huzi returns Lin's belongings to him. With two pounds of sorghum candy, Lin learns that the newcomer, Li Yaohong, is from Shandong and has extensive experience in intelligence analysis.

Feeling unsettled, Lin goes to the cafeteria to confront Old Lu. Sensing he’s out of place, Li quickly leaves with his lunchbox. Lin collects all the dishes from Old Lu, insisting on discussing matters in his office. Old Lu is aware that Lin prefers to stay in the Pigeon Unit to avoid the eyes of the mole within the bureau. He suspects that the attention of the spy, Boliao, may have infiltrated key positions in the department.

Despite the need for work, Lin has to take his belongings from his old desk. Upset, he deliberately withholds the chili sauce his mother made from Old Lu. Since he finishes work early and is close to the school, Lin goes to pick up Feihang, who enjoys staying at the Lin household and loves Grandma Lin's cooking. When Old Lu arrives to pick up the child, Feihang is already asleep.

As it’s late, Old Lu agrees to let Feihang stay over. Lin discusses with Old Lu the possibility of Feihang living there temporarily, not only for the proximity to school but also because two mothers can look after him. After some thought, Old Lu consents. The two mothers mention wanting Old Lu to help transfer Lin back, catching Lin off guard; he quickly states he has his own plans.

Since the propaganda campaign began, many spies have surrendered, most of whom were already known or previously captured by the bureau. Among the documents, Li Yaohong discovers a chemist named Liang Yunda who received orders from his superiors but chose to surrender, fearing he was getting too deep. Old Lu decides to use Liang to expose his superiors. When agent Chen, code-named Lin Chi, sees Old Lu on a mission with Liang, he promptly reports it to Boliao, who then contacts Xu Wei to inform Liu Gui Hang that Liang has defected.

Initially, Liu Gui Hang is skeptical, but Xu Wei insists that Xiao Si should check it out. Afterward, Xiao Si returns, confirming that Liang has indeed defected. The café staff are unfamiliar, and there are many new faces inside. Liu Gui Hang insists on using unfamiliar faces to handle explosives, and Xu Wei does not argue further, agreeing to report back to Boliao.

That evening, Old Lu visits the Lin family and cooks dinner. With a child in the house, the Lin family feels much livelier. After dinner, Lin sees Old Lu off and learns that today’s mission failed as the spies didn’t show up. However, they had purchased white phosphorus and drawn a map of the docks. The next day, Lin pretends to be a letter writer at the docks, helping workers draft over thirty letters but finds no leads.

The following day, Old Lu and Lin go to the school to pick up Feihang, but he has gone to the art studio with Zheng Lanting to paint promotional posters. The two decide to visit the studio, where Lin deliberately mentions a photo of the Wentian couple, asking Zheng Lanting to help illustrate Feihang's parents based on his description. After Old Lu and Lin leave, Boliao and Xiao Yun realize that Old Lu and Lin were intentionally testing each other.

Everyone has a weakness, and Boliao plans to use Feihang to blackmail Lu Zhengyang. Someone is smoking outside the white phosphorus storage facility, and Xu Wei gives them a harsh reprimand. Lin inadvertently learns from a worker that the sand found in the flour initially came from Jin Maochang's Warehouse No. 4. Observing at the Jin family warehouse, Lin sees Liu Gui Hang delivering goods and realizes the spies plan to blow up government supply stores. He quickly writes a letter and releases a carrier pigeon to send the message back.

Lin then secretly boards a truck going to the white phosphorus storage facility. Xu Wei, being cautious, demands a vehicle inspection and discovers Lin inside. Liu Gui Hang attempts to kill Lin, but Xu Wei intervenes.