Episode 24 recap: Operation to Steal the Yokohama Concession Plan.
Nami left, and Tian Liu stood up for her. Fang Li intentionally mentioned cockroaches to startle Tian Liu. Fang Li went to Li Liqun's office, where Li Liqun asked about Fang Li's injuries and mentioned the gathering at the Yokohama's house on Saturday. Fang Li expressed disinterest in attending, and Li Liqun stated that he wouldn't interfere with Fang Li's nightlife at Changsan Tangzi. However, he warned that the Japanese were buying influence in Shanghai, and the position of No. 76 would soon be compromised. In the previous Japanese operation, No. 76 was suppressed at every turn. If the situation in the French Concession was the same this time, it wouldn't be long before they faced trouble. Yokohama held military power and was in charge of the operation plan, so it would be highly advantageous for Fang Li to infiltrate their circle.
After work, Chen Ke Hai coincidentally encountered Fang Li and inquired about the reason behind Chen Bin's anger. It turned out that Chen Bin had been searching for the person who reported them, but he was obstructed by the public administration bureau and the Japanese in the French Concession. Fang Li reported to Officer Miao that the joint management report on the French Concession by the Japanese was hidden in Yokohama's home. Obtaining that report would greatly damage the underground Communist Party.
At the same time, Chen Ke Hai also received the task of stealing the report. Fang Li waited for Tian Liu to return at midnight and informed her that she didn't have to come back after midnight. He also asked her to go to Yokohama's house on Saturday. Upon learning that attending the gathering would allow her to return to the Chen family, Tian Liu readily agreed. In front of Yokohama, Fang Li introduced Tian Liu as his fiancée, which visibly displeased Yokohama. If it weren't for Nami's insistence, Yokohama wouldn't have invited him and used the excuse of being busy to dismiss Fang Li.
Disguised as a waiter, Chen Ke Hai led the Yokohama family to the flower pot, but Tian Liu accidentally discovered them. She agreed not to expose Chen Ke Hai's identity but requested to discuss conditions later. Fang Li almost encountered Chen Ke Hai when he went downstairs, but Tian Liu distracted his attention. Dong Ye recognized Tian Liu and greeted her warmly. Fang Li used the excuse for Tian Liu to sing a song, leaving Nami heartbroken. Taking advantage of the moment, Fang Li and Chen Ke Hai secretly went to the second-floor office while they listened to the song. Chen Ke Hai also went upstairs, and Fang Li found the report, then discreetly hid it behind the flowers as he coincidentally encountered Nami. Chen Ke Hai hastily confirmed the report behind the flowers while Tian Liu and Dong Ye went upstairs. Chen Ke Hai deliberately guided Tian Liu to the restroom.
Nami publicly declared that Tian Liu was not her fiancée, and Fang Li admitted it was all just acting. The two of them laughed and went downstairs together. Tian Liu noticed that Chen Ke Hai was interested in what was in the flower pot and pretended to be drunk, asking Dong Ye to go downstairs for water while she attempted to hand it over to Chen Ke Hai. At that moment, Fang Li approached, causing Chen Ke Hai to quickly hide in the room. Tian Liu then stated that the purpose was to attract their attention, which was what Chen Ke Hai wanted. Dong Ye arrived at that moment, and Fang Li kissed Tian Liu directly, prompting Dong Ye to tactfully leave.
Fang Li apologized to Tian Liu for the kiss and expressed that she could move back to the Chen family the next day. However, Tian Liu thought about the intelligence still in Fang Li's hands, which she needed to obtain before going to Chen Ke Hai.
Xing Han Zhu's subordinate reported that Tian Liu was staying at Fang Li's house, and this person was also familiar with Chen Ke Hai, making it easy to track unlike Luo Bing. Xing Han Zhu suggested starting with her. Chen Ke Hai came to Fang Li's house under the pretense of delivering vegetables, and he confirmed the plan document on the table. Fortunately, Tian Liu came downstairs and pulled him aside to talk, allowing Fang Li to take the plan document back. The next day, Chen Ke Hai went to a house based on the note left by Tian Liu. She wanted to voluntarily take a photo of the document and give it to Chen Ke Hai, but he considered it too dangerous and didn't allow her to do so.
Just as Chen Ke Hai left, Tian Liu made a phone call to someone. Chen Bin beat up a friend of Chen Ke Hai's subordinate, as they were involved with several wealthy households that the Japanese wanted to appease. It was estimated that they were extorting money from the merchants before the Japanese could get to them. As expected, Chen Bin found a box of gold bars at the merchants' place. Today was the day they were going to adopt a child, and Luo Bing had prepared a lot of food. Fang Li quietly arrived at that time to join the meal.
Tian Liu made a deal with someone and bought a "camera jewelry box," but she was followed by Xing Han Zhu's people when the person left. She was taken away by someone in a secluded alley. Chen Ke Hai suggested that perhaps their shared status as orphans had sparked Luo Bing's desire to adopt. Tian Liu tried to open a drawer with a wire but wasted her own plan in vain.
The relationship between Luo Bing and Chen Ke Hai had always been lukewarm, but maybe using this child could bring Chen Ke Hai closer.
I really enjoy Fang Li's scenes. His lines are the essence, and Wang Sen's acting is exceptional. I love how Fang Li remains calm and composed, never in a hurry when facing situations.
He appears carefree on the surface, but in reality, he is serious and level-headed. He knows when to yield and when to assert himself. Wang Sen brings this character, Fang Li, to life. Every detail is perfectly executed.
When he is ruthless, he is quick, precise, and fierce. When he is angry, he resembles an angry bird. When he smiles, it's like a smile hiding a knife. He never shows mercy to enemies and those who deserve punishment.
When he is gentle, he is like a fluffy marshmallow. When he is sweet, it feels like being immersed in a honey jar. When he portrays moments of cruelty, it makes you feel heartbroken. That's where his acting shines the most.
Even though Fang Li is the antagonist, I don't harbor any hatred towards him, only admiration... Keep up the good work, Wang Sen. I believe in you.