Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

Mom.

[Han Ya, Executive Vice-Mayor of Changwu City]

When did you get back?

A few days ago.

You were doing well abroad.

Why come back?

Because I missed you.

Is it so bad that I came back?

You know why I'm nervous.

That man and his sons.

I'm just worried.

Look, I took good care of myself.

I know.

In my heart,

you're always the good son

that does his best

in both studies and work.

Hence, why I'm worried.

Promise me.

Make sure you don't step into their muddied water.

I know, Mom.

What is it?

Embarrassed?

Nonsense.

Why should I be embarrassed?

On my resume,

your name is clearly stated as my son.

My name?

Is there another name?

[Qing Chenglin, Deputy Secretary General of Changwu Municipal Government]

Hello, boss?

Han Ya has met

her son.

[Chasing the Undercurrent]

[Punish those who commit crimes and make mistakes so as to discipline them, and execute those]

[who violate the prohibitions so as to terrify would-be violators. Guanzi, Ban Fa]

[Episode 10]

Listen. About the back-end work.

I think

if we're going to continue investigating the case,

we'll have to

rub shoulders with the Procuratorate.

What exactly happened

between you and Xiao Chen?

I won't pry if you don't wish to say.

Back in university,

he pursued me.

And then?

Then,

I rejected him.

Why?

I don't like rich heirs.

What kind of a reason is that?

A child

can't choose what

their parents do.

It's not his problem.

I know it's not up to him.

But back in university,

I always felt like

he was better than everyone else.

How should I put it?

Point is, I didn't feel comfortable.

If you put it like that,

I get it.

But,

listen.

We still have to

build a closer relationship with them.

But the way you two are...

Don't worry.

It won't affect work.

Good, then.

I can breathe easy.

I just don't want any awkwardness

or bad moods, you know?

Good on you.

Thinking of the bigger picture.

Eat up.

Okay.

While we're away in Macau, China,

make sure no one knows that Dad is conscious.

Don't worry, Pengchao.

I'll personally guard Master's room.

No one will be able to get in.

[Changwu City PSB Binxi Branch]

[Zhao Xiaosheng is awake]

Come on. It's time for the meeting.

Coming.

Qiu.

Do you know photography?

You know I love to travel.

Traveling and taking photos

are like

cigarettes and alcohol.

They go hand in hand.

I've studied a thing or two.

You studied it?

Take this with you

when you go back.

What is it?

A camera.

Pengchao.

Why did you suddenly gift me a camera?

This is the first person I suspect.

The Zhao family's driver.

Qiu Tao.

Reason being?

If you're free,

take the camera around

Dongwan Wharf.

Dongwan Wharf?

Are you expecting something to happen?

No.

Then what for?

There are too many coincidences

when it comes to him.

He's a bird lover,

and he likes photographing birds.

On the day of the incident,

a camera happened to be perched

opposite Dock 2.

It captured the whole yacht explosion.

Also,

he is the Zhao family's driver.

What about it?

What about it?

When something has too many coincidences,

it must be problematic.

The video clip we sent to Chang Zheng

has too many coincidences.

If he's smart,

he'll suspect it for sure.

So,

I want to open an investigation

on Qiu Tao.

I don't approve.

Why not?

You seem to suspect everything.

As long as it's related to the Zhaos,

it's reason enough to be a suspect. Am I right?

There is no prejudice involved.

This is reasonable doubt.

I suspect Zhao Pengcheng

was murdered by the Zhaos.

I suspect you're abusing power for personal gain.

Don't forget.

The thing that proved

your innocence

happened to be the clip Qiu Tao shot.

Now, you turn around and suspect

this and that about him.

I think your relationship with Qiu Tao right now

is like that of Lv Dongbin and the dog.

Zhang Qiufeng!

Repeat that again.

What did you mean by that?

We're having a meeting here!

What kind of a remark was that?

Hush, quiet down.

Mentor.

You're worried that the Chang kid

would suspect me?

His response

was quicker than I expected.

Suspecting you would happen sooner or later.

Right now,

he's the team captain handling Pengcheng's death.

So I have a job for you.

Become a bird enthusiast

in the shortest time possible.

Pengchao.

That's not a lot of time.

How am I supposed to become an expert?

I said, an enthusiast.

Spend some time

reading up on birds' scientific names,

physical attributes, habits,

habitat, and whatnot.

Most importantly,

make sure you memorize the migrating birds

that come to Changwu in winter.

Got it.

I'll do my best.

Hang around at the wharf more.

Make some friends.

Let Chang Zheng and his men see you there.

Tang.

Yes, uncle?

About the thing I asked.

Yes.

Tao.

What's in that?

This contains pictures of birds.

I bought them from people

all over the world.

Professional quality.

Unpublished.

Just remember

to transfer them to your mobile's photo gallery.

First-hand.

I'll leave it here, Tao.

Say, what if that Chang kid

doesn't show up?

Then wait for him to come.

How long will that take?

Until he comes to my side.

What?

Is that even possible?

[Zhao Xiaosheng related personnel]

To be fair,

the four of us make up the task force.

Why do we have

to report everything to Chief Zhang?

Right.

We already have our own task force.

Why do I care what he thinks?

So,

I'll put myself forward.

I'll secretly investigate Qiu Tao.

How do you plan to do it?

I think

we first have

to find out if Qiu Tao is actually a bird lover.

If he really is,

then what we know so far

could really be coincidences.

Even if he loved birds, that in itself can't be a coincidence.

Investigate him.

Got it.

[International, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan, China]

Pengxiang.

They're here.

Pengxiang.

Isn't that Tang?

What's he doing here?

Just go with the flow.

Pengchao.

My apologies.

I brought Shanmao along without asking you.

Pengchao.

Let's go together.

Okay.

When we reach Macau, China,

and you notice anything off,

we'll make the move first.

Got it.

[International, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan, China, Departures]

Mr. Zhang.

Pengchao, hello.

Long time no see.

Long time no see.

Now that you're in Macau, China, you should stay longer.

I have a tight schedule, only one day.

We should meet more often.

I have lots to thank you for.

-I've prepared drinks. -Lovely.

Please.

Pengxiang.

Pengchao.

What's this?

It's a little inappropriate.

Is it not enough?

This?

Enough?

Tang.

Sorry.

Uncle Pengxiang.

Tang.

Tang!

Uncle Pengxiang.

My eldest nephew.

Impressive.

I learned something new today.

A 1,000-dollar chip

made 1.8 million.

Look, if Pengchao hadn't held you back...

You shouldn't have stopped him.

You could've won at least 100 million, no?

Uncle Pengxiang.

Even if Uncle didn't stop me,

I would've stopped too.

Gosh, boy.

You should continue when luck is on your side.

No need to listen to him.

Uncle Pengxiang.

There's a saying in the casino.

"We don't mind you winning,

as long as you come."

For a gambler,

there are four steps.

Set a small goal.

Achieve it.

Cash in.

And then leave.

A small goal?

Win money.

Got that?

I don't remember the last two.

I can only get as far as the first two.

Uncle Pengxiang.

This is why you lose as many times as you win.

You're absolutely right.

Shaowen, you're...

Keep me in check!

I need to do all four steps.

That's how I'm going to keep the money, got it?

Pengchao.

The 1.8 million is ready.

Okay.

Pengxiang.

It's 1.8 million.

All the money won has been cashed.

I'd like to know.

At your casino,

would you be able to do this?

Do you know why we came to Macau, China?

Yes.

To learn, right?

In Mainland China,

running a casino

is against the law.

But if you insist, I can't stop you.

Hence there must be rules.

Once the rules are set,

you have to obey them.

Got it.

There have to be rules.

Heard that?

Go back and set up the rules.

Same goes for me. I have to follow too.

Got it?

Yes, sir.

Pengchao.

I get it.

I really do.

This trip

to Macau, China served its purpose.

However,

I still have some things

I don't quite get.

I'd like to clarify with you.

Go on.

Didn't you

grow up in Australia?

How come you have friends in Macau, China?

From what I see,

they're treating you with a lot of...

respect.

Those people aren't exactly known to be saints.

How did you do that?

I helped them before.

That's all.

Heard that?

That's all.

That's all there is.

What was it? Did you save their boss?

Yes.

Pengchao.

You saved Xia Zongtao.

You also saved Sangniu.

And you even saved the boss here.

Is saving lives your everyday work?

I'm a lawyer.

Yes.

Saving lives is my everyday work.

The food is here.

Let's eat.

Uncle Pengxiang.

Please.

Okay.

Your Sangniu.

My Heitou.

The Xias' second son, Xia Zongtao.

And now there's Tang.

Who is Tang?

Tang Shaowen.

He is the old man's little caretaker.

These people are all on Pengchao's side.

And they've pledged their loyalty.

Pengzhan, this is bad.

Pengchao has his own men in

all the important posts

within the Zhao family.

Are you listening?

Say something!

I already know that.

While I've been laying in this hospital bed,

my mind has been turning non-stop,

thinking of one particular phrase.

"A well thought out plan

is unstoppable."

So what now?

Tell me what should we do?

Take it?

Just accept it?

Pengzhan.

We live on the knife's edge.

We've fought and killed for so long.

I can't beat him with smarts.

But is he better in underhanded tactics?

Pengzhan.

Are we just going to accept this?

I won't.

My men won't accept either.

Do you know what Pengchao does?

What?

He's just a lawyer.

Do you know who he represents?

Triads.

Macau, China triads.

These past years,

Pengchao

has been representing them in court,

and he's been winning for them.

Pengchao

must be a key figure

in his circle in Australia.

How did you know?

I'll be frank.

I got a friend in Australia

to dig into Pengchao's movements.

He found that Pengchao has been using these lawsuits

to engage with many powerful Australian families

and forged

deep friendships with them.

He also picked up lots of tricks.

Over the years,

bit by bit,

he's planted spies within the Zhao family.

And we were oblivious to it.

Why?

He's using international means

to overpower us country bumpkins.

How are we supposed to win?

Who is it?

Pengchao.

Answer it. Don't say anything.

Hey, Pengchao.

Pengxiang.

Is Pengzhan with you?

What's the matter?

Dad is awake. He wants to see you all.

Right now.

Dad!

Dad.

This is...

You even got out of bed.

Your body...

Father's body is tough as a bull.

You're more physically fit than me.

Better than you?

Of course.

So who's going to die first between us?

Dad.

Don't make jokes like that.

Since everyone is here, I'll speak my mind.

I know everything that's happened with you three.

From now on,

the Zhao family affairs

will be handled according to Pengchao's instructions.

Heard that?

Wait, Dad.

Anything?

Talk to Pengchao if there's anything.

Stop bothering me.

I'm going to go feed the birds.

Dad, do you need company?

Master Detective, can you recognize me?

Why are you dressed like that?

Didn't you give me the task

to go photograph birds?

I forgot about it.

Your outfit...

Looks the part.

But just looking the part is no good.

You need to have the aura.

To do a good job, you first must have the right tools.

The way I'm dressed,

I totally have the aura.

By the way, I also prepared lots of pictures.

What pictures?

Take a look.

Okay.

I really did a lot of preparation. Look.

I prepared lots of pictures.

Yes, I saw. I got it.

Are you scared of birds?

Chang Zheng.

No wonder when you were in the forest,

your expression changed

when they mentioned birds.

Are you really scared of birds?

What's so scary about them?

Look, they look so cute.

I was attacked by chickens when I was young.

So I developed a fear of feathered animals with beaks.

Alright?

Stop bothering me.

Why were you attacked by a chicken?

Why? Go and ask the chicken.

How should I know?

I know, I know.

Several of my friends

all got attacked by chickens before.

Chickens like to go for the boys' pee-pee.

Go and do your work.

It's true, Mentor. I've seen it.

Who cares if you've seen it?

You're a pee-pee.

Chang Zheng.

I didn't think you were...

Too funny!

Go do your job.

I'll be off.

[Zhao Xiaosheng related personnel]

Pengchao.

I didn't hear wrong, did I?

Is that really the plan?

Pengzhan is the president of Tieshi Mining.

You'll be the chairman.

You...

You'll be

the group's legal advisor?

But Father said,

you'll be in charge

of the family affairs from now on.

You've been scribbling even before

Father left.

What are you drawing?

[Zhao]

[Zhao]

To ensure the stability of the Zhao family,

we can't afford to fight internally.

We have to work together.

Just get to the point, Pengchao.

What exactly are you planning?

I want to clear the Zhao family's name

and turn over a new leaf.

The Zhao family

has been this way

for the past 20 years.

You want to clear its name?

I don't think it's that easy.

Indeed, it's not.

But now,

I'm determined to do it.

Have you told Father

about your plan?

This is his idea.

Master.

Pengzhan and Pengxiang have left.

When the bird grows bigger, so does the forest.

Those words sounded a bit weird.

Why?

Did I get it the other way around?

If I raise you until your wings are developed,

are you going to fly off?

Look.

Look here.

Here.

Pengxiang.

Come to my house.

No thanks.

Don't you want to chat?

There's nothing to talk about.

I thought

you were just crippled

but still had the heart of a tiger.

But,

you've become weak inside and out.

I shouldn't expect anything from you.

Forget it.

I'll do it myself.

You enjoy your retirement.

Hello?

The Executive Vice-Mayor?

Cadres,

peers,

ladies and gentlemen.

[Changwu City Cadres Meeting]

Mayor Zhu is away for training at the party headquarters.

During this period,

I will be in charge of city government affairs.

To be honest,

I do so with trepidation.

It's a big responsibility.

I hereby

solemnly vow.

Starting now,

anything or anyone that uses my name

to secure works

and projects,

get tenders,

or do anything for personal gain,

no matter who

or what their relationship is with me,

I want everyone to question it,

disregard it,

and cancel it entirely.

And to report to me immediately.

Or,

report it to the relevant authorities.

I also

wish to implore you all

[Changwu City Cadres Meeting]

to keep my actions in check

and support my legislation.

Together, we'll work hard for the improvement of Changwu.

Thank you.

I've checked.

The children of government officials

cannot do business.

So,

I'm not holding

any positions in the group.

Don't worry.

I will have minimal contact with them.

Of course,

I wouldn't weigh you down.

Weigh me down?

I'm your mother.

Precisely because you're my mom,

that's why I support you.

I heard your speech.

Mayor Zhu

is away for training in Beijing.

You're in charge right now.

We need to use this opportunity

to get rid of the "vice" from your title.

Son.

I fully support you

for wanting to build your career back here.

But I hope

you'll use your talent in the right place.

I will.

With both feet on the ground,

I will do my best to contribute

to the advancement of the city.

Then tell me.

What is your plan?

I don't have a concrete plan yet.

I'll look around.

Once the time is right,

I'll figure out the direction.

Are you really not going

to hold any position in the group?

I'll just be their legal advisor.

Legal advisor?

Mom.

The inauguration of the new management team is tomorrow.

Will you attend?

No.

I don't want to see him.

He won't be there.

He had a stroke.

He's half-paralyzed.

Hence why a new management team.

Vice-Mayor Han.

Mr. Qing.

Pengchao.

You're all grown.

Anything?

Great that Pengchao is here too.

Vice-Mayor Han.

Tomorrow is the inauguration of the new management team

of Tieshi Mining Group.

Are you...

I was just asking my mom about it.

So she's agreed?

Vice-Mayor Han is still considering it.

Ma'am.

Tieshi Mining Group

is Changwu's leading enterprise,

a pillar enterprise.

The previous municipal cadres

would attend the group's important events.

That's the norm.

You are

the executive vice-mayor.

And you're currently in charge.

You should attend.

You should attend.

If you say so,

I'll go then.

See you tomorrow then.

Mr. Qing, you guys go ahead.

I'll be off.

Okay.

Excuse me.

Do you enjoy bird photography too?

Yes.

You too?

Yes.

But I'm new.

I'm not very good.

Just keep shooting. After hundreds and thousands,

there is bound to be a good shot.

What's the matter?

It's nothing.

Sir, do you usually shoot here?

Yes.

There are fewer people.

The birds aren't easily startled.

It's better to get a good, natural angle.

Have you shot at night?

Why do you ask?

Oh.

I came the other night

and I saw a camera placed

on a tree back there.

I wondered how they weren't worried

about it getting stolen.

Stolen?

Who would dare do that?

We don't touch the Zhaos' stuff.

Zhaos' stuff?

No wonder they're so reassured.

That person is Mr. Zhao's driver.

His name is Qiu.

Does that Qiu guy

come here every night?

I do see him quite often.

Why?

You wish to know him?

Oh, no.

I'm new to bird photography.

So I thought

it should be easier

to photograph the birds

when they're asleep at night.

Maybe I could get him to teach me.

Right.

Xiong.

I've chased your sister-in-law off.

Okay.

Thanks, Xiong.

I'll wait for you at the same bar.

I'll buy you a drink.

Sure.

Comrade Chang Zheng.

This is for work.

You should at least take a glimpse.

It's not about my fear.

Ask them.

You can show it to them.

Just take a look.

One glimpse.

She's right.

Just one glimpse, Mentor.

The birds are much cuter than chickens.

You guys can look.

Show them.

Just one look.

Just show them. Not me.

One glimpse.

Mentor, just take a look.

It's work.

Birds are better than chickens.

Do it for the sake of work.

What did you photograph?

With your photography skills,

the camera is totally a waste.

What the heck is this?

Look at this and tell me.

What?

Look at these.

Yan.

I guess you do abstract work.

What are you laughing about?

I only did it to complete my task.

The main target is the person,

not the birds.

Yan.

Is there something wrong with the screen,

or you just can't keep your hands still?

Stop teasing me.

Next time there's such a task, you two can go.

[Zhao Xiaosheng related personnel]

Let's see if you're any better.

Hand it over.

Get on with your work.

Go on.

Stop laughing.

So annoying.

[Zhao Xiaosheng related personnel]

Captain.

What are we going to do next?

Tieshi Mining Group has an event tomorrow.

The inauguration of the new management team.

I'll go take a look.

[Tang Shaowen, Qiu Tao]

Qiu Tao

is the Zhao family's driver.

Surely he'll be there.

Okay, I'll go with you tomorrow.

Mentor.

I'll go too.

You two stay put.

Just focus on your own tasks.

I'll go alone.

Hey.

Will you be all right by yourself?

Why not?

I know what to do.

The inauguration

[Inauguration Ceremony for New Management Personnel]

of the group's new management team today

is highly regarded by the municipal leaders.

We are honored to have

the Executive Vice-Mayor of Changwu City, Madam Han Ya,

attending the ceremony.

Please welcome Vice-Mayor Han to say a few words.

[Inauguration Ceremony for New Management Personnel]

Esteemed guests,

ladies and gentlemen.

Tieshi Mining Group

has been one of Changwu's pioneers

and pillar enterprises.

It has helped create jobs for the city

and driven the city's economic growth.

You could say,

without the efforts of Tieshi Mining Group,

Changwu wouldn't have progressed

at such a rapid rate.

[I have with me some data.]

[In the past five years,]

[Changwu Economic News Channel]

[Changwu City's annual GDP growth]

[is more than 7%.]

[We're top in the province.]

[Herein,]

[Tieshi Mining Group's contribution is the greatest.]

Finally, you have something good

to say about the Zhao family.

But there are some people

who are unable to see the good we've done for Changwu.

On the surface,

Changwu City's GDP is increasing year by year.

But the bankruptcy rate of SMEs

is far higher

than in other cities in the province.

It's three times more than the surrounding areas.

We've run

investigations on the group's

old cases.

Some of the cases showed

that they

forced white liquor

down the throats of the deceased miners

and then lied to their families,

claiming that the miners

went to work while drunk.

Thereby,

they would only pay

minimal compensation.

Meanwhile,

most of the insurance money

went into their own pockets.

Over the years,

we've built and repaired roads and bridges,

helped the poor, and supported education.

I did not neglect any party.

To compete for mineral resources,

they sent people

to turn the local schools

into unsafe buildings.

They had to be demolished.

Then,

they took

a little bit of money

made from mining to build new schools.

That is what the Zhaos

call acts of kindness.

The Zhao family

has lived here for generations.

[Changwu Economic News Channel]

Changwu's land

and its people

have sentimental value.

Unregulated mining.

Destroying the ecological environment,

bullying the market,

and disrupting economic order.

Their supposed contributions

are built by sacrificing

the local people's

safety and livelihood

and the healthy development of SMEs.

Without me, Zhao Xiaosheng,

Changwu wouldn't be the way it is.

The local people are all saying,

Zhao Xiaosheng

is the emperor of Changwu.

[Inauguration Ceremony for New Management Personnel]

The inauguration of the new leadership team

of Tieshi Mining Group

is an important step to speed up the process of industrialization

in order to achieve set goals

in the industry.

What are you looking for?

Start and build

the city's pillar industries...

Pengchao.

To accelerate the city's economic development

and social progression.

-He's over there. -It plays a crucial role.

So,

Pengchao is not taking anything.

So indifferent to fame and fortune, huh?

He's not lacking anything.

Everything belongs to him.

He's currently the head of the Zhao family.

We were already on the back foot.

Now we have a mother who's a vice-mayor to contend with.

Impressive.

Pengzhan.

If only you weren't crippled.

You could've produced the eldest grandson.

We can't beat him in our generation.

But our next generation

can take him out.

Don't bother yourself with my problems.

You should get a DNA test.

Your biological daughter

might not be yours.

A successful progression.

Wishing everyone here

good health and prosperity.

Thank you, Vice-Mayor Han, for your kind words.

Now, we'd like to invite

the group's newly-appointed president, Mr. Zhao Pengzhan

and chairman, Mr. Zhao Pengxiang to give their speech.

What happened to my father

was unfortunate.

I hope

I'd only be holding the position of president temporarily

to help the company

get through this trying period.

And then

welcome back our father

in good health.

Hereby,

[Inauguration Ceremony for New Management Personnel]

I have something to announce.

[Changwu News]

I've decided

to invest all of

my personal assets

into the expansion and reproduction

of Tieshi Mining Group.