In the opening, Luo Yuan and Xia Wei Dong are busy at work when Gu Yu comes out of the courtyard with a smile that reminds Luo Yuan of his former love, Yuan Xiao Xiao. Xia Wei Dong comforts Luo Yuan, telling him that Gu Yu has regained hope thanks to Luo Yuan's help and that he is a great judge
Elsewhere, Liu Hui Shan is pressuring her son Geng Nian and his wife Xu Fei to have a baby, even mentioning IVF. Geng Nian tries to get Xu Fei to understand his mother's concerns, but Xu Fei feels Geng Nian is too focused on work and no longer trusts his commitment to their family.
Late at night, Yang Yun Sheng kneels before Dai Chong Guang, begging for help to get funds for his son's medical treatment. Yang threatens to petition the government if Dai doesn't help, revealing he has an illegal pollution ledger. Dai is alarmed and quickly meets with Chen Zhi Qiang to strategize a response.
Su Zhuo invites Xia Wei Dong to join his team investigating the Xiang Fa Group. Xia Wei Dong is interested but hesitates, worried it may impact her relationship with Luo Yuan. During the investigation, they locate Pi Kang, a former pollution control manager who now drives waste trucks for Chen Zhi Qiang.
Su Zhuo proposes a deal - help Pi Kang resolve his labor issues and find a new job, and in return Pi Kang will provide data on Xiang Fa's chemical operations. After some hesitation, Pi Kang agrees to the deal.
The episode ends with the various characters facing difficult choices and conflicts as the investigation into the Xiang Fa Group's shady practices intensifies.
The Episode Review
"Above the Rivers" continues to deliver a captivating and morally complex narrative in Episode 25. The interweaving storylines keep viewers engaged, as the characters face difficult personal and professional decisions in the midst of the investigation into the Xiang Fa Group.
The emotional moments between Luo Yuan and Gu Yu, as well as the family tensions between Geng Nian, Xu Fei, and Liu Hui Shan, add depth and nuance to the drama. The high-stakes confrontation between Yang Yun Sheng and Dai Chong Guang raises the stakes, hinting at the depths of corruption the team may uncover.
The introduction of Pi Kang as a potential insider source further propels the investigation forward, though Xia Wei Dong's hesitation to join the team demonstrates the personal sacrifices the characters may have to make.
Comments(Episode 25)