Episode 28 recap: Zhi's Identity Exposed, Those Around Her Suffer
In Episode 28, Chen Qiao watches Zhang Guifen walk away, feeling a pang of regret. He quickly decides to chase after her, pleading with her not to reveal what happened. However, Zhang Guifen remains resolute, insisting she will disclose everything and expose Chen Qiao's attempts to cover it up. Despite Chen Qiao's desperate pleas, Zhang Guifen is unmoved.
Frustrated, Chen Qiao continues searching for Zhang Guifen but learns that she has gone out. He heads to her home, only to find it empty as well. Meanwhile, Tie Dan, hungry and impatient, receives money from Chen Qiao to get something to eat while Chen waits in the room for Zhang Guifen's return. Unfortunately, Zhang Guifen has already confessed everything to the organization, and the shipyard workers will soon be informed.
Facing an irreversible situation, Chen Qiao seeks out Xian to express his guilt and helplessness. While Xian feels sorry for him, she advises Chen Qiao to accept reality and not to confront his superiors. Chen Qiao resolves to have a talk with Zhi to prepare her for what’s to come.
Early the next morning, Chen Qiao arrives at Zhi’s home, encouraging her to stay strong and gifting her a copy of *How the Steel Was Tempered*, symbolizing his hope that she would be resilient like the book's protagonist. When it comes to the specifics, Chen Qiao is vague, trying to instill a sense of hope in Zhi. Although Zhi senses something is amiss, Chen Qiao reveals nothing more.
In the afternoon, Zhi is informed that a party meeting at the shipyard is about to take place. Unexpectedly, before the meeting, she is summoned to the office by Chairman Zuo, where the factory director and the supervisor press her harshly about her biological father's identity. This revelation weighs heavily on Zhi, and she does not return home until late at night. Concerned, Zou Jie searches for her and eventually finds her crying alone in the office building.
The two embrace and weep together as Zhi confides in Zou Jie about her father's secret. This situation also implicates Chen Qiao, who is punished by being made to sweep the yard and faces cold stares from others. Zhang Guifen further distances herself from him. Zhi is reassigned to work in the cafeteria, while Xian takes on street cleaning duties. Zou Jie is also affected due to family issues—though he avoids being sent to Suzhou, the pressure and the burden of keeping secrets from his parents weigh heavily on him.
Zhi feels deeply guilty, believing she has dragged Zou Jie into this mess. During her time in the cafeteria, Zhi endures cold treatment and ostracism from her peers, who even accuse her of acting like a capitalist. Xiao Tang intentionally exposes her identity in front of everyone, causing Zhi immense pain. In despair, she runs to the riverbank to cry, where Chen Qiao arrives just in time to comfort her, urging her to be strong like the sea swallow.
Though Zhi is willing to face any consequences, she worries about the impact on Zou Jie’s future. After learning about Chen Qiao’s plight, Tie Dan visits him to inquire about the situation. To protect Tie Dan from getting involved, Chen Qiao advises him to keep his distance. Confused, Tie Dan returns home and seeks help from his mother, Zhang Guifen, but she only shows concern for their meals and does not offer any real support.
Comments(Episode 28)