Episode 15 recap: Corporate Environment Causes Employees to Get Cancer
In this episode, Wen Shanshan's company underwent renovations, which led to air pollution and caused several employees, including salesman Hu Mingchuan, to develop cancer. Hu Mingchuan knew his time was running out and wanted the company to compensate him, but Wen Shanshan refused. To Wen Shanshan's misfortune, she herself was then diagnosed with breast cancer.
Fearing another such incident, the company's CEO Jia Keming decided that once current employee contracts expired, he would send workers to a private medical facility for checkups. If any issues were found, he would use that as an excuse to fire them. When Wen Shanshan found out about this, she was outraged and publicly revealed that she too had cancer, catching Jia Keming off guard. Though Jia Keming acted concerned for Wen Shanshan publicly, behind the scenes he had his secretary secretly fire her.
Meanwhile, at Geng Nian's family restaurant, Geng Nian, Lin Haiyan, and their coworkers gathered to chat. Geng Nian shared heartfelt stories about his experience as a judge, deeply moving his mother and wife. Lin Haiyan also expressed gratitude for the team's support and hopes for a smoother road ahead at work.
Pang Yun said she was striving to be a qualified judge, but Nie Wen was dejected after failing the judicial exam. Luo Yuan and the others encouraged him not to give up, as the path to becoming a judge is a difficult one.
Su Zhuo and Ning Ni heard from Wen Shanshan that the employees' cancer was linked to the company's renovations, but there was little evidence to prove it. Persuaded by Su Zhuo, Wen Shanshan mustered the courage to go with them to find the former employees and get them to testify.
The Episode Review
"Above the Rivers" continues to deliver a compelling and socially conscious narrative in its 15th episode. The storyline surrounding the company's negligence in causing employee illnesses through environmental pollution is both timely and impactful. The way the episode explores the CEO's callous attempts to cover up the issue and protect his own interests adds a layer of moral complexity that keeps viewers engaged.
Interspersed between the main corporate drama are heartwarming character moments, such as Geng Nian's heartfelt conversations with his family and the encouragement the group provides to the aspiring judge Nie Wen. These quieter scenes help balance the more intense workplace conflicts.
Comments(Episode 15)