Episode 27 recap: Wang Lei killed Hou Haiying to save Zhang Peng.
With half a month's time approaching, Lin Zhihua was worried about the lack of progress in the drug case and stayed at the police station hoping to find some clues. He stayed up until midnight and went to make instant noodles, only to discover that someone had already prepared them. Lin Zhihua's actions woke up Hou Haiying, who urged him to go back and rest, not wanting Sun Chu Cen to suffer along with them due to their lack of consideration. Lin Zhihua expressed his desire to help Hou Haiying, but Hou Haiying didn't want him to continue enduring and advised him to go back. Wang Lei took the box of new drugs to find a buyer, but when he encountered the person selling drugs, they were terrified upon seeing the package and refused to accept it. The drugs belonged to Kun Ge, a major drug dealer in the south, and no one dared to mess with his merchandise.
Wang Lei returned empty-handed, feeling anxious as An Feiya's medical expenses were still unsettled. At that moment, Zhang Peng approached him, fully aware of An Feiya's situation and offered to help. Soon, Zhang Peng managed to gather some money to assist Wang Lei in his urgent situation, but they still hadn't found a buyer for the drugs. They needed to figure out a way to make it happen.
Hou Haiying used to know a drug dealer who now worked under Kun Ge. In order to crack the case, Hou Haiying planned to infiltrate the drug trafficking network as an undercover agent. Before leaving, he specifically informed Lin Zhihua about this and asked him to continue the investigation if anything happened to him. Lin Zhihua, knowing the extreme danger involved, felt somewhat saddened. Hou Haiying jokingly reassured him that even if Lin Zhihua died, he himself wouldn't die, hoping to put Lin Zhihua's mind at ease.
A Kang, one of Kun Ge's subordinates, had known Hou Haiying for a long time. However, in A Kang's eyes, Hou Haiying was like an elephant selling drugs. When they were on a truck together, A Kang saw the new drugs that Hou Haiying brought out and suddenly pulled out a gun, accusing him of stealing Kun Ge's merchandise. Hou Haiying boldly declared that he had killed Diao Zhe and Diao Yu, and the goods were his spoils. He had no connection to Kun Ge. If he couldn't return tonight, the millions worth of goods would be destroyed. He snatched A Kang's gun and took him hostage.
Seeing how ruthless and strong Hou Haiying was, Kun Ge was impressed. Just before the last count, he accepted Hou Haiying as his partner.
After Kun Ge returned, he specifically made offerings to Guan Er Ye and scolded A Kang for being foolish when he returned. A Kang insisted that he had known Hou Haiying for many years and was not a police officer. This infuriated Kun Ge, who threw Hou Haiying's profile at A Kang. After carefully examining it, A Kang found no flaws and became even more convinced that he hadn't misplaced his trust. Kun Ge urged A Kang to think carefully, considering that anyone involved in the drug trade for so many years would have some stains on their record. The fact that Hou Haiying had a clean background indicated that something was amiss.
Kun Ge discovered that Zhang Peng and Wang Lei were selling his merchandise on their own, so he kidnapped Zhang Peng and used his life as leverage to force Wang Lei to do something for him. Wang Lei initially wanted to take full responsibility and have Kun Ge release Zhang Peng, but Kun Ge knew that Wang Lei was sentimental and used Zhang Peng's life to coerce him into agreeing.
Hou Haiying had just ordered a bowl of wontons in front of a food stall when his pager, hanging from his waist, started beeping. It turned out to be Kang Ge inviting him to meet at the mechanical factory. Hou Haiying immediately found a nearby telephone and called Lin Zhihua, instructing him to secretly bring a camera and go to the mechanical factory alone to take photos. Lin Zhihua became excited and immediately called Sun Chu Cen to join him.
As soon as Hou Haiying got in the car, he was attacked by Wang Lei, who was hiding inside. As an experienced police officer, Hou Haiying reacted well. During the struggle with Wang Lei, the force became too great, and they broke open the door of the car compartment. Wang Lei was a professional killer, and Hou Haiying gradually became overpowered. He struggled to take out his gun and shot the driver, causing the car to crash and stop by the side of the road. By this point, Wang Lei had already inflicted several wounds on Hou Haiying, and when Hou Haiying was on the verge of collapse, the police finally arrived.
Sun Chu Cen looked at the severely injured Hou Haiying with great sorrow, while Lin Zhihua saw Wang Lei's figure through the bloodstains on the ground. He immediately aimed his gun at Wang Lei. When Wang Lei turned his head, Lin Zhihua was surprised and couldn't bring himself to shoot. At that moment, Sun Chu Cen's voice came through, urging Lin Zhihua to quickly call an ambulance. In that instant, Lin Zhihua couldn't find Wang Lei anymore and hurriedly sent Hou Haiying to the hospital.
Before his death, Hou Haiying looked at the photo in Lin Zhihua's hands with great satisfaction. He entrusted the case to Lin Zhihua and went to be reunited with his wife and child, taking his last breath. Seeing Wang Lei return unharmed, Kun Ge was particularly pleased with his skills. Not only did he take good care of An Fei Ya, but he also gave Wang Lei a stack of money, hoping that Wang Lei would work with him in the future.
This drama tells the story of the turbulent and restless era of the 1970s and 1980s. It portrays the genuine nature of five individuals and their journey to establish themselves in society, driven by brotherly loyalty, as well as their tragic downfall.
Those who are unlucky often face a tumultuous path in life. This drama evokes both tears and laughter. I am moved by their loyalty and their emotions. Yet, I am also saddened.
If fate hadn't played tricks on them, would they have had a better life? Could they have avoided entering the world of organized crime and turning against each other?
All they wanted was a peaceful and safe life, but fate had a different plan for them during that era. Fate truly toys with people! At the same time, I feel fortunate that since the era of reform and opening up, our country has made significant improvements in areas such as law enforcement and administration.
I am grateful to live in such a peaceful and prosperous time. This drama is crafted with great care, and the actors have dedicated themselves to portraying each character.
I really enjoy this drama. It's worth it!