Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

There you are.

So tell me the updates.

[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 24]

I'm not concerned about these.

Yan Guohua is

what I'm concerned about.

What? Yan Guohua?

I can't figure out

where

Chang Zheng gets his strength

to go against the Zhao family.

You all said

it was because of Chang Fei.

But that's three years ago.

So are you saying...

It's not

the first time Yan Guohua appeared.

In the yacht bombing case,

he also came.

Both of his appearances

helped Chang Zheng get out of danger.

I think he's paying special attention to Chang Zheng.

If he pays special attention to Chang Zheng,

it means he's watching us too.

Yan Guohua is extremely dangerous.

He's known as the "Godfather of Police."

So

you must be extremely cautious.

[Serve The People]

Did you say you want to buy Yan Guohua a meal?

Yes.

As soon as he arrived in Changwu, he proved Chang Zheng's innocence

and also helped you, the Vice Mayor

maintain a clean and just image

in front of the public,

and did a huge favor for Aunt Lin.

You're talking

as if we went through his back door.

Mom,

he indeed helped Aunt Lin

to solve a huge problem

and also your old classmate.

Can't I buy him

a meal?

Why are you so keen on meeting him?

Is there anything you want from him?

I just decided to return to develop my career.

As a lawyer,

shouldn't I expand my network?

I've already made the arrangement at the hotel.

Guohua won't

eat outside.

It's not convenient for me either.

It has to be a family gathering.

Family gathering?

I didn't know you could cook.

I don't.

But Aunt Lin is good at cooking.

Besides, isn't it more reasonable

to eat at her place?

You see.

Guohua had done such a huge favor for Zheng.

Isn't it right for me to invite him

for dinner at home?

But you know

what Chang Zheng is like.

If he finds out,

he'll complain about me

for pulling the strings

for him.

Just don't tell Zheng about it.

Besides,

if he finds out,

just leave

the thinking to me.

After all,

Guohua and Chang Fei

are old friends.

He's just visiting you.

Asking him to stay for dinner

is just normal, isn't it?

Chang Fei passed away more than three years now.

Friends who remember him

are getting lesser now.

Don't say that.

We'll never forget Chang.

Without Chang,

Zheng

won't have a complete family.

Let alone a happy childhood.

You're right, Han Ya.

If it weren't for Chang,

I don't know how long I could hold on

to what I promised you.

Enough said.

I'll stop talking.

The past has its memories.

We're living in the present now.

The future has its hope.

I only hope

that the kids can live well.

Bai,

I'm sorry.

You've sacrificed too much

for Zheng.

In the future...

In the future,

just leave everything to me.

If anything happens,

I'll take care of it.

So don't worry anymore, okay?

Hasn't it always been like this?

Then

you'll listen to me this time, okay?

Okay.

I'll let you arrange it.

You can decide the time.

After that, let me know.

I'll prepare my best dishes.

Okay.

Political Commissar Yan.

Chang Zheng has completed

the special investigation.

Are you planning to lay low now?

I'm still considering this matter.

Are you worried

that you coincidentally appeared in Changwu twice

when Chang Zheng was in trouble?

You're the Political Commissar of the Provincial Criminal Investigation General Brigades.

As the leader of two special task forces,

isn't it natural?

It looks reasonable to others

but not to the Zhao family.

They start being suspicious.

Zhao Xiaosheng is wily and far-sighted.

Zhao Pengchao is not that simple too.

I'm afraid they have noticed me already.

Are you worried

about the safety of Secret Task Force members?

That's why I reiterate

the importance of keeping things secret.

If they find out

the existence of this Secret Task Force,

everything we did

will be in vain.

[Unknown Number]

[Yan,]

[it's me, Han Ya.]

[Is it convenient to talk?]

Jin Yan,

drop me at the junction ahead.

Okay.

Okay.

You can go now.

Vice Mayor Han,

hello.

Guohua,

we're all classmates.

You sound distant to calling me that way.

Fine.

I'll just call you by your name, then.

So, what's the matter?

I know you're in Changwu,

so I want to invite you for a meal.

Don't decline me just yet.

We won't be eating in public.

It's just a family gathering.

Family gathering?

Yes.

We'll eat at Chang Zheng's mom's place,

Lin Bai.

Do you remember her?

Of course, I do.

She's Chang Fei's wife.

Does Chang Zheng know she's inviting me for dinner?

No, she didn't tell him.

She said

he sees such gatherings

as pulling strings and going through back doors.

This lad is pretty stubborn, huh?

Okay.

I'll keep it a secret.

So, you're coming?

There are free food and drinks.

Of course, I'll go.

Okay, I'll be there on time.

[North Entrance]

[North Entrance]

[Tomb of Chang Fei]

[Tomb of Chang Fei]

[Tomb of Chang Fei]

Dad.

Who on earth took it away?

Come in.

Guohua, please sit down.

Okay.

Thank you for your hard work.

It's no hard work at all.

Sit.

Okay.

Sit.

Chao, sit.

Uncle Yan,

I know you can't drink alcoholic drinks without reporting.

So I prepared this tea we brought from home.

Try it.

Okay.

The tea must be expensive.

Not at all.

It doesn't cost a lot.

If you like it, you can take a few boxes back

after dinner.

I do like it.

I must drink tea in the morning.

But I can't bring it back.

It's considered taking a bribe.

After so many years,

you're still so funny.

Right, Han Ya?

It's an occupational disease.

People in our line of work

must make sure not to let our guards down

so we can prevent others from taking advantage.

Uncle Yan,

I plan to develop my career

after returning to the country.

I'll need to trouble you

with many things after this.

You better don't trouble me.

Have you forgotten what I do for a living?

You're the Political Commissar of the Provincial Criminal Investigation General Brigades.

No one dares to forget that.

That's right.

It's all about criminal investigations.

I'll give you an example.

Let's say

if Pengchao

did something

against the law

to the point of being charged for his crime,

I couldn't help even if I wanted to,

right?

I just want to remind you.

This kid just came back from overseas.

He's been staying overseas for a long time.

So he may not know much

about the country.

I'm doing this for your sake.

I understand.

I get it.

Are you sure?

Yes.

I have a friend in Australia

who's a well-known surgeon.

He said the same thing.

He hopes that we don't go to him for help

because

he specializes

in removing tumors.

See what I'm saying?

Those who studied overseas are indeed different.

I heard the moment Pengchao returned,

it was as if the Zhao family's business

starts sprouting new shoots from a dead tree.

The Tieshi Mining Group

becomes the Four Seas Group

in an instant.

It has a new look

with its scale expanded several times.

It's all thanks to Pengchao's effort.

Uncle Yan, you're flattering me.

I studied law overseas.

I really don't know anything about business.

Pengzhan and Pengxiang

are the ones managing the Four Seas Group.

I'm responsible

for providing them

with legal advice.

Since young,

Zhao is a bookworm.

He doesn't know

about the business trades.

Is that so?

Enough talking.

Let's eat.

Okay.

Let's drink.

Cheers.

Okay, cheers.

Thank you for the meal.

Thank you, Aunt Lin.

Not at all.

Eat.

Make yourself at home.

Let's eat.

Eat.

I won't be going back to the station.

Today,

I'm going home to see my mom.

Okay.

Dad,

I have to go now.

I'm going to visit Mom today.

When it's my off day,

I'll come again.

I'll get going now.

Uncle Yan,

a toast to you.

What is it for?

I'm proposing a toast

on behalf of Chang Zheng.

He was framed twice.

You also came all the way to Changwu

to help him out.

Even I'm jealous

of this favor.

What do you mean by this?

Are you saying

that I'm being partial to Chang Zheng

or am I abusing my power?

I don't mean it that way at all.

Let me explain this.

Chang Zheng was framed twice

because it had something to do with the Zhao family.

Of course.

Your impartial conduct

helped the Zhao family

and also Aunt Lin.

Then it'll be right for her to propose a drink to me instead.

Guohua,

you

haven't drunk a sip.

Why do you keep reasoning with him?

No, I wasn't.

Then Chao and I

will propose a drink to you.

Aunt Lin, wait.

Let me

explain it to Uncle Yan.

Actually,

I know

Chang Zheng's grudge against the Zhao family.

I study law

and you enforce the law.

I have nothing to say when you have evidence to capture people.

But

when it comes to personal feelings,

I'm not the same

as the Zhao family.

No matter what,

Chang Zheng is still my younger brother.

What...

What nonsense are you talking about?

Since when is Chang Zheng

your brother?

He's Aunt Lin's eldest son

and even calls you intimately.

Doesn't that make him my brother?

Chao is right.

He's indeed his brother.

Yes, he is.

Yes.

So

Uncle Yan,

I propose this toast on behalf of my brother.

Thank you for your concern and care toward him.

Is that acceptable, then?

Of course.

Here.

Cheers.

Eat the dishes.

Okay.

I need to go to the washroom.

Okay.

Let's eat.

Eat.

Cheers, Han Ya.

Cheers, Lin Bai.

Thanks.

Lin Bai's cooking

is getting better.

The food is delicious.

Eat more.

Don't be shy. Eat more.

Mom, I'm back!

Political Commissar Yan?

Aunt Han?

You're all here?

Why didn't you tell me you have dinner here?

Let me see

what you have cooked.

I asked Political Commissar Yan to come for dinner

because he happens to be in Changwu

and we, classmates haven't met for such a long time.

Aunt Han,

we haven't met for a long time too.

That's right.

Is someone else here?

Your Aunt Han

brought her son here.

You brought your son.

Zhao Pengchao?

You're back.

Why are you here?

We have come here

to thank Uncle Yan

for helping you out.

Do I need you to thank him on my behalf?

Get out.

Chang Zheng,

where are your manners?

Mom, don't get involved.

Get out.

Zheng,

Pengchao

accompanied me here.

Aunt Han,

you're always welcome

to our home.

But don't blame me for not giving you a face

if you want to bring a Zhao member here.

Our house

will never welcome the Zhao family!

Chang Zheng,

don't go too far!

Mom,

my dad is watching.

My dad is not even buried.

Yet, the Zhao family

is having a meal at our family table!

Zheng,

don't be upset.

We'll

go now.

Han Ya,

don't go.

I invited all of you here.

No one is allowed to leave!

You can leave!

Leave!

[Political Commissar Yan Guohua]

Yes, Political Commissar Yan.

Chang Zheng,

the dinner is over.

About today,

no matter what,

I still need to give you a piece of my mind.

After you left,

your mom was in a very bad state.

You should call her and apologize.

I understand, Political Commissar Yan.

Thank you.

How did it go?

At today's dinner,

Yan Guohua

was pretty scheming

and didn't reveal anything.

So you lost?

It's a tie, I guess.

Not bad.

You're tied on your first fight.

Not bad.

He appeared relaxed today.

But the truth is,

he's at his bottom line.

I can feel

he was fully prepared

for my probing.

Now you see

why I've kept a clear distinction with him

for more than 30 years?

He was really unyielding

when I tried to approach him.

But the moment I brought up Chang Zheng,

he immediately

expressed a kind

of clear protective signal.

Are you saying

he has been supporting Chang Zheng?

I don't know.

We didn't go too deep into the conversation,

and I dare not probe further.

But I'm certain of one thing.

Between both families,

he'll stand on their side.

I think

he has been watching us

for quite some time.

With his position,

if

he's targeting the Zhao family,

I'm afraid...

Dad,

do you think we should

arrange the countermeasure ahead of time?

Do you have any now?

When I was in Australia,

I discussed with Mr. Ji

the possibility of acquiring local mining companies.

Currently,

he's also inspecting relevant companies.

Any updates on that?

There's one.

Jiubijiu Mining Company in Australia.

Do you want to acquire this company?

Through mergers and acquisitions,

we can obtain overseas markets.

At the same time, it'll allow the Four Seas Group

to become bigger, stronger,

and more well-known internationally.

This will increase the assurance

of the family's safety.

Stop telling me the big picture.

Tell me what's practical.

It's a type of asset transfer.

As long as we go

through all the procedures legally,

we'll be able

to transfer all our assets

to Australia.

I knew

this would happen sooner or later.

[Binxi Criminal Investigation]

She even hung up on me.

If you ask me,

you're lucky your mom didn't block you.

You don't usually

go home that much.

You had to chase him out when you went home.

I thought you were a smart guy.

Why?

You can't handle your mom now?

Impossible.

I have my way

when it comes to coaxing my mom.

Mother,

are you still upset?

Please don't be upset anymore.

After all, I'm still a kid.

It's inevitable to say the wrong thing.

Please don't be angry anymore.

If you're still angry,

I'll go home tonight,

and we'll both go at it.

So neither of us can go to sleep.

What's so funny?

I didn't expect you to have a childish side.

It's an essential skill.

She has replied.

Put it on speaker.

I'm all right.

You should get some rest.

See?

How can I fail

in coaxing my birth mom?

Nice.

Mother, good night.

Mother, good night.

Mother, good night.

[Chang Zheng]

Mother, good night.

Dad,

you should know my intention.

Yeah,

I do.

All my life,

I prefer sons over daughters.

I also know

that women can never

be registered in Zhao's household.

It doesn't matter if they're the wife or daughters.

But

your mom is an exception

because

she's the only woman I care about.

Do you know why I do that?

Because women are troublesome.

They can't do anything big.

Instead,

we need to worry about their safety.

You know.

When the Zhao family made

our first pot of gold,

the word safety

has been putting me

in a bind.

Indeed.

At the time, I knew

I had no way back.

Including your brothers

and their mothers.

Honestly,

they're uneducated.

Let alone have any accomplishment.

Think about it.

Can the children produced by such genes

accomplish great things?

But your mom is different.

She was a top student

at school.

When she started working,

her IQ and EQ were better

than others.

I already knew

she could take office.

It's too bad.

The Zhao family couldn't keep her.

But fortunately,

you

have inherited our outstanding genes.

So

you're the Zhao family's only hope.

I have thought

of the endings

for myself

and the Zhao family.

Of course,

I even thought

of leaving the country.

It's better than staying here

and having our property confiscated and imprisoned.

Right?

Since you have already planned it,

then

you can just go ahead with it.

In several days,

it'll be my birthday.

Take this chance to invite Ji Lv

to come over

and have a chat.

I was about to tell you about it.

I was thinking of the same thing too.

But Pengchao,

I have a request.

Australia is your territory.

When we get there,

the living conditions

for your brothers

and me must not be less

than we have in Changwu.

You must guarantee this.

Everything else

is up to you.

Understood.

[Zhao, Four Seas Group]

Pengchao.

Uncle.

What's this?

Qiu,

do you still remember what I told you

when you complained

about not being able to put your talent to use?

Of course, I do.

You said we'd return to Australia in the end.

That's where we show our strengths.

The time has come.

Really?

The ones marked

are our next plan.

Hotel,

tourism, logistics, mining,

and also livestock.

This is a huge plan.

How much do we have to invest?

It must be an enormous figure.

That's why I need you

to help me liquidate the company's assets

and see how much cash we can use.

Also,

see how much cash we can get

from the family's assets.

Okay.

One more thing,

my dad's 60th birthday is next week.

Help him organize a birthday party.

A birthday party?

Pengchao,

I don't think

this is related to the plan in Australia.

We have an honored guest

from Australia.

I understand.

The birthday party

is a cover-up for the real purpose of his visit.

Hush.

Get to work, then.

Don't worry, Pengchao.

You can count on me.

What's wrong?

Tao,

something came up.

You can go back first.

I won't be taking the ride home with you today.

Okay.

I'll leave you to it, then.

Drive carefully, Tao.

[Unknown Number]

The Zhao family's business scale in Changwu

has expanded several times

in such a short time.

Now, they're expanding to Australia.

Where exactly

did they get the money?

I used to wonder too.

Now, I've figured it out.

Earlier, the Four Seas Group of the Zhao family

had made several

project acquisitions.

From the book,

the payments were all paid.

But the truth is

that Zhao Pengchao

only made the down payment.

He transferred

most of the remaining balance

to a secret account.

Then his two brothers

let him do

anything he wants?

Zhao Pengchao likely

did it behind his brothers' backs.

According

to the current information,

this money

is likely

heading to Australia.

Don't tell me Zhao Pengchao's acquisitions

were just a cover-up.

His main purpose

is to move the Zhao family's assets

overseas.

In addition to these assets,

Zhao Pengchao is also liquidating the family assets.

I don't think he'll leave a single cent here

as long as he can take it.

Don't tell me this kid is planning to run

because he found out something.

I don't think so.

But I have a feeling

this kid had planned this a long time ago.

As long as the money reaches Australia,

then

it will be all his.

That's his territory.

Forget about his brothers.

Even his father

won't dare to go against him.

What channel would he use

to transfer the money?

All I know is that he invested this money in Australia.

But I'm not sure what he'll invest in.

But it's Zhao Xiaosheng's

60th birthday next week.

Zhao Pengchao will hold a birthday party.

Among his guests,

there's a guest from Australia.

This is a rare opportunity for us.

I thought so too.

Not only must we find this guest,

but we also need to use this opportunity

to search for gang members hidden

by Zhao Pengchao in secret.

But do you think Zhao Pengchao will

let these people join the birthday party?

It's not up to him to decide.

It's his father's 60th birthday.

Those who attend are not just anybody.

Those people hidden by Zhao Pengchao

have criminal records for us.

But to the Zhao family,

they're meritorious people.

Zhao Pengchao

is a guy with high EQ.

He'll weigh the pros and cons of this matter.

Of course, we'll invite them.

You were the one who hid them

in the orchard.

Now, you're also the one who wants

to let them out.

It's Dad's 60th birthday.

How can we not invite them to such an important occasion?

If one of them is unhappy

and goes against us,

who can appease him?

Pengxiang,

they're your buddies.

Why don't you make the arrangement?

Sure, no problem.

But...

Please don't say that.

It makes me tremble

every time you say that.

I just wanted to say

to let them sit in a group of ten

in the private room.

Since we sit in the private room,

they should do too.

I understand.

Safety first, right?

Okay.

We'll leave security to Pengxiang too, then.

I've already made the arrangement.

You only need to come

and enjoy the party, that's all.

I can't do anything

because I'm crippled.

That's

a good arrangement.

Pengchao,

thank you for your hard work.

I listen to Pengzhan.

Thank you for your hard work, Pengchao.

Thank you.

Pengxiang.

Did you want to see me?

Take these two and have them tested.

Aren't this hair?

Whose hair are these?

One is mine.

The other one belongs to Yaya.

Pengxiang,

are you doing a DNA test?

Can you keep it down?

Pengxiang,

Master

always asked you to do it.

But you refused.

Why are you suddenly changing your mind?

It's Father's birthday party

in two days.

Pengchao has invited those who should come.

So I think this is a good chance.

If Yaya is mine,

I'm going to use this occasion

to make Father acknowledge this granddaughter.

Pengxiang.

What do we do

if Yaya isn't yours?

Are you tired of living?

I'll get going, then.

[Ping'an Alley Station. Secret Task Force]

According to our findings,

all the members

of the Zhao family

will be attending

Zhao Xiaosheng's 60th birthday.

It's a good opportunity

for us.

Zhang,

brief us on the situation.

Okay.

These people will drive

to the birthday party at the hotel.

So the license plate numbers

will be our breakthrough.

We can record these license plate numbers

to track down

the vehicle owner.

We'll pinpoint

the Zhao family's gang members from there.

That's easy.

We can use our phones

to record passing cars

when people aren't paying attention.

We can't use our phones.

Shanmao,

I want you to monitor

people around.

I want you to check

anyone who uses their phones.

Me?

Check what?

He wants you to check

if they were really on call

or secretly recording.

I see.

We're making such a huge display.

The Public Security will keep watch.

In Changwu,

isn't the Public Security on our side?

Right?

All the footage and pictures taken by a phone

will be archived.

If

the Zhao family notice,

not only will it endanger

your safety,

but it'll also likely

expose the entire

Secret Task Force.

But

if we don't use our phones,

how do we record the car license plate numbers?

Use your brain.

Memorize them.

But there could be more than 100 people

attending Zhao Xiaosheng's birthday party.

Can we memorize them all?