Recaps

Dong Xuebin saw Xie Huilan and their newborn son off as she left to take up her new post, then discussed his own return to work with Han Jing. Han Jing urged him to keep a low profile in his Zhengchu Level position while helping Xie Huilan establish herself in the Southern Region.

• Dong Xuebin reluctantly said goodbye to Xie Huilan and their baby at the airport as the family joked together after their departure.
• Han Jing asked Dong Xuebin to drive her home and told the others she had something to discuss with him.
• Han Jing advised Dong Xuebin to keep a low profile when he reported to his new Zhengchu Level post and use the time to recover from past upheavals.
• Han Jing explained that Dong Xuebin's father and the family had carefully arranged his new position so he could settle in and help Xie Huilan establish herself in the Southern Region.
• Dong Xuebin promised Han Jing that he would work hard and not disappoint her or his father.

Dong Xuebin began his new job at the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, arriving late and keeping to himself as he tried to follow his mother-in-law’s advice to stay low-key. He learned that his office’s oversight covered Jiangnan Province, where Hui Lan had just taken office, giving him a potential role in protecting her.

• Dong Xuebin moved into a modest apartment near work and drove an old Xiali to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
• He arrived more than an hour late on his first day at Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office Eight, greeted coworkers, and went straight to his office.
• Dong Xuebin brewed tea instead of meeting leaders, reviewing documents, or assigning work, because he intended to keep a low profile.
• He learned that Office Eight oversaw six provinces and that his Second Office covered Jiangnan Province, where Hui Lan had just taken office.
• Dong Xuebin realized his office could investigate and supervise high-ranking provincial cadres, giving him a way to deter anyone who might make trouble for Hui Lan.

On his first official day in the Second Office, Dong Xuebin relaxed in his office before joining his colleagues for lunch. Han Fei’s blunt question about his background left Dong Xuebin amused as the group continued getting to know him.

• Dong Xuebin spent the morning in his office reviewing staff files, drinking tea, and listening to music.
• Yin Cheng'an greeted Dong Xuebin, excused his late arrival, and invited him to the agency cafeteria with the Second Office staff.
• Yin Cheng'an treated the group to lunch, and Dong Xuebin observed their informal, joking atmosphere.
• Han Fei asked Dong Xuebin what his background was and compared his rank with her own; Dong Xuebin said he had no special background.

On his first day in Second Office, Dong Xuebin kept a low profile and spent the afternoon relaxing until Lan Xuewen brought him a complaint letter concerning a vice governor in Jiangdong Province. Lan then revealed that Xie Huilan had asked him to help Dong familiarize himself with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

• After lunch, Dong Xuebin returned to the office alone while Han Fei and the others criticized his distant manner and heard Beethoven playing from his office.
• Dong Xuebin texted Xie Huilan, who advised him to keep a low profile and told him Lan Xuewen would visit.
• Lan Xuewen delivered a complaint letter about suspected wasteful projects involving a vice governor in Jiangdong Province, and Dong Xuebin agreed to pass it to Yin Cheng'an.
• Lan Xuewen explained that Xie Huilan had asked him to help Dong understand the situation and get started with his work, and they greeted each other warmly.

Lan Xuewen briefed Dong Xuebin on the backgrounds and personalities of his colleagues in Second Office. Dong Xuebin exchanged contact information with Lan and decided to keep enjoying his relatively easy post.

• Lan Xuewen told Dong Xuebin that Director Yin Cheng'an was easygoing with colleagues but strict and decisive when handling cases.
• Lan Xuewen outlined the family connections of Zhang Dongliang, Sun Zhaobang, and He Zhou.
• Lan Xuewen explained that Han Fei had the strongest background in Second Office because her father held a powerful post in the Central Organization Department.
• Dong Xuebin asked about Han Fei's father's faction, and Lan Xuewen said he did not know but that the man had an average relationship with the Xie Faction.
• Dong Xuebin thanked Lan Xuewen, exchanged phone numbers with him, and returned to his office after Lan left.

Dong Xuebin accepted Jiang Min’s invitation to Lian University’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, where she wanted him to arrive early and help. He left work on time and took the next day off, leaving his coworkers baffled by his lack of interest in office life.

• Jiang Min invited Dong Xuebin to the university’s anniversary celebration and asked him to arrive before six to help move things and keep order.
• Jiang Min suggested Dong Xuebin give a speech as a former student, but he declined because he wanted to keep a low profile.
• Dong Xuebin and Jiang Min arranged to have dinner together that evening.
• Dong Xuebin left the office at exactly five and declined Han Fei’s invitation to dinner with the Second Office.
• Dong Xuebin handed Yin Cheng'an the documents and requested the next day off, which Yin Cheng'an approved as annual leave to be made up later.
• After Dong Xuebin left, Han Fei complained about him, and Yin Cheng'an rebuked her before the group went to dinner.

Dong Xuebin took Teacher Jiang Min out to dinner and drove her to her staff dormitory ahead of a leaders’ event the next day. As Jiang Min got out of his battered car, a jagged edge tore her skirt, leaving her to hurry home holding it closed.

• Dong Xuebin met Jiang Min and took her to an inexpensive restaurant for dinner.
• Jiang Min told Dong Xuebin that leaders from several provinces would attend the next day’s event, including a vice mayor from Jiangdong Province.
• Dong Xuebin told Jiang Min he worked at the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, but she dismissed his claim that he had already become a big leader.
• Dong Xuebin drove Jiang Min to her staff dormitory in his old Xiali.
• A jagged edge on the passenger seat tore Jiang Min’s skirt as she got out, and she declined Dong Xuebin’s offer of his pants before hurrying inside.

Dong Xuebin returned to Lian University for its thirtieth anniversary celebration and reunited with former classmates. He caught up with Le Hai Dong, Zhao Meng, and Sun Ru Hua, who discussed their careers and Le Hai Dong’s connections in the Capital City education system.

• Dong Xuebin woke early, drove to Lian University, and received a campus pass after explaining that Teacher Jiang Min had invited him to help.
• Dong Xuebin felt nostalgic as he revisited the campus for the first time in about three years.
• Dong Xuebin recognized Le Hai Dong, Zhao Meng, and Sun Ru Hua in the parking lot, and they greeted one another and caught up.
• Le Hai Dong asked Dong Xuebin for Yao Cui’s phone number, but Dong Xuebin avoided answering and changed the subject.
• Zhao Meng and Sun Ru Hua asked about Dong Xuebin’s income and Le Hai Dong’s promotion, and Le Hai Dong offered to help them through his education-system connections.

Dong Xuebin reunited with former classmates at Lian University and joined them in helping Teacher Jiang prepare for the anniversary celebration. The others soon stopped working, leaving Dong Xuebin to move almost all the heavy items by himself as Jiang Min returned to help him.

• Sun Ru Hua, Zhao Meng, and Le Hai Dong chatted about their lives while Dong Xuebin listened quietly.
• Jiang Min arrived and explained that she had called the former students to help with tasks for the university anniversary celebration.
• Jiang Min led the group into the auditorium and asked them to move tables and flower baskets backstage.
• Le Hai Dong, Zhao Meng, and Sun Ru Hua gradually stopped helping and went to chat, while Dong Xuebin moved nearly all the heavy items alone.
• Jiang Min returned, saw Dong Xuebin working by himself, and tried to help, but Dong Xuebin insisted that she rest.

Dong Xuebin helped Teacher Jiang prepare for Lian University's anniversary celebration, then ignored Vice Principal Wang's order to move equipment and chatted with Teacher Jiang's students. The chapter ended when he heard that a leader's car had struck Teacher Jiang at the school gate and she had not gotten up.

• Dong Xuebin did most of the preparation work while Le Hai Dong, Zhao Meng, and Sun Ru Hua rested, and Teacher Jiang thanked him.
• Dong Xuebin helped secure a fallen banner, then went inside to watch the rehearsal after Teacher Jiang said there was nothing else to do.
• Vice Principal Wang ordered Dong Xuebin to help move equipment, but Dong Xuebin ignored him and stayed in his seat.
• Dong Xuebin learned that the students he was chatting with were Teacher Jiang's current students and spoke warmly with them.
• Dong Xuebin heard that a leader's car had grazed Teacher Jiang near the school gate and that she had not gotten up.

Dong Xuebin rushed to the school gate after learning that Jiang Min had been hit by a car, where he found angry students confronting the driver. He learned the driver was Dong Quan, a vice mayor of Wuyang City, and recognized Wuyang City from a document he had seen the day before.

• Dong Xuebin hurried to the school gate after students told him Teacher Jiang had been hit.
• Dong Xuebin found Jiang Min sitting injured while students and teachers surrounded the Audi and demanded that its driver apologize.
• The driver, Dong Quan, got out after a student kicked the car, while security guards tried to hold the angry crowd back.
• A student explained that Dong Quan had brushed Jiang Min with his car, then tried to drive on without checking on her.
• Dong Xuebin heard that Dong Quan was a vice mayor of Wuyang City in Jiangdong Province and recognized the city from a document at the Letters and Visits Office.

After Deputy Mayor Dong Quan brushed against Jiang Min with his car, students demanded an apology while Vice Principal Wang pressured them to disperse and let Dong Quan enter the campus. As Dong Quan began to leave the confrontation, Dong Xuebin stepped forward and challenged him.

• Students and teachers surrounded Dong Quan at the school gates, demanding that he apologize to Jiang Min and pay compensation.
• Jiang Min told her students to return to the auditorium, but they refused until she insisted that they leave her to handle the matter.
• Vice Principal Wang arrived and ordered the crowd to disperse, threatening students who continued to block the entrance.
• Vice Principal Wang apologized to Dong Quan and escorted him into the campus as the crowd watched angrily.
• After Dong Quan had taken three steps, Dong Xuebin walked forward and asked who had said he could leave.

Dong Xuebin confronted Dong Quan for striking his mentor, Jiang Min, and refusing to apologize. He revealed that he was an inspector with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and ordered Dong Quan to come with him for questioning.

• Dong Xuebin stopped Dong Quan from leaving and insisted that he apologize to Jiang Min and compensate her.
• Dong Xuebin rebuked Dong Quan and Vice Principal Wang, then offered Dong Quan the choice of apologizing or facing further consequences.
• Dong Quan refused to apologize and dismissed Dong Xuebin's ultimatum.
• Dong Xuebin showed Dong Quan his work ID and identified himself as an inspector in the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection's Eighth Inspectorate Office.
• Dong Xuebin ordered Dong Quan to accompany him for a talk and warned that refusing could lead to administrative measures.

Dong Xuebin revealed that he was a Zhengchu Level official from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and demanded a private talk with Dong Quan after Dong Quan injured Teacher Jiang. Deputy Mayor He Zhengfei tried to mediate but recognized that Dong Xuebin would not back down, so he told Dong Quan to cooperate and left.

• Dong Xuebin showed Dong Quan his Central Commission for Discipline Inspection credentials and asked Vice Principal Wang to prepare a nearby classroom for a private discussion.
• Vice Principal Wang arranged a classroom after Dong Quan realized he could not refuse an official request from the Eighth Inspectorate Office.
• He Zhengfei arrived, and Dong Quan appealed to his former superior for help with the dispute over Teacher Jiang's injury.
• He Zhengfei offered to have Dong Quan pay compensation and asked Dong Xuebin to let the matter go, but Dong Xuebin refused and cited his official assignment and Teacher Jiang's importance to him.
• He Zhengfei told Dong Quan to cooperate with Dong Xuebin, then left the campus as the onlookers wondered why he had not intervened further.

Dong Xuebin confronted Dong Quan over Wuyang City's new stadium project, using a Central Commission for Discipline Inspection investigation to put him under pressure. Dong Quan left realizing his political career could be at risk, while the crowd outside waited for the outcome of the dispute.

• Dong Xuebin led Dong Quan into the Teaching Building, where students cheered after seeing the deputy mayor go with him.
• Dong Xuebin questioned Dong Quan about Wuyang City building a third stadium despite having two existing ones.
• Dong Xuebin said the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection had received a report and ordered Dong Quan to submit a written report before the end of the week.
• Dong Quan left the meeting fearing the investigation could threaten his political career and suspecting Dong Xuebin would use it against him.

Dong Xuebin got approval from Yin Cheng'an to handle Wuyang City’s suspected Face Project, while Dong Quan apologized to Jiang Min and tried to secure her help in smoothing things over with Dong Xuebin. The chapter left Dong Quan waiting to see whether Dong Xuebin would accept his apology and dinner invitation.

• Dong Xuebin called Yin Cheng'an, who assigned him responsibility for Wuyang City and authorized him to follow up on its report and recommend how to handle the case.
• Vice Principal Wang arranged medical attention for Jiang Min and tried to make amends as the teachers and students learned Dong Xuebin was a Zhengchu Level leader.
• Dong Quan came out of the Teaching Building, apologized repeatedly to Jiang Min for injuring her, and offered to cover her medical expenses.
• Dong Quan asked Jiang Min to invite Dong Xuebin to dinner and put in a good word for him, hoping to prevent Dong Xuebin from pursuing the matter further.

After Dong Quan apologized and left, Dong Xuebin became the students’ hero and reassured them that he had gladly helped with their campus preparations. He reunited with Jiang Min and his old classmates, who learned more about his career and celebrated his success.

• Dong Quan drove away after apologizing, and the students cheered while Vice Principal Wang tended to Jiang Min.
• Dong Xuebin emerged from the building to enthusiastic cheers, including one student shouting that she loved him.
• A senior girl apologized for having asked Dong Xuebin to hang banners and move things, and he said he had been happy to help.
• Students crowded around Dong Xuebin for autographs, but he excused himself and went to Jiang Min.
• Le Hai Dong, Sun Ru Hua, and Zhao Meng congratulated Dong Xuebin on his career, and Jiang Min told him she was happy for him.

Dong Xuebin helped Jiang Min to her office after she twisted her ankle, where she thanked him for standing up for her and learned why Dong Quan had apologized. Jiang Min persuaded Dong Xuebin to let the personal dispute go, though he declined Dong Quan’s dinner invitation because he was overseeing Wuyang City in his official capacity.

• Dong Xuebin supported Jiang Min toward the Medical Room, then carried her up to her office when her injured ankle made the stairs difficult.
• Jiang Min told Dong Xuebin that Dong Quan had apologized, thanked him for defending her, and urged him not to blame Sun Ru Hua, Le Hai Dong, or Zhao Meng for staying out of the dispute.
• Dong Xuebin explained that an assignment about Face Projects in Jiangdong Province had put Dong Quan and Wuyang City under his scrutiny, prompting Dong Quan to change his attitude.
• Jiang Min warned Dong Xuebin that Deputy Mayor He could retaliate, but Dong Xuebin insisted he did not fear the consequences of standing up for his teacher.
• Jiang Min asked Dong Xuebin to stop pressing Dong Quan and accept his dinner invitation, but Dong Xuebin agreed only to end the personal dispute and refused dinner to avoid the appearance of collusion.

Dong Xuebin treated Jiang Min's injured foot with a massage and used his ability to heal it, then urged her to pretend she was still limping to avoid damaging her reputation. They prepared to go downstairs to the school anniversary celebration, and Jiang Min was reassured by his thoughtfulness.

• Dong Xuebin examined Jiang Min's swollen foot and massaged it while she turned down the Medical Room's offer of help.
• Dong Xuebin used Reverse for one second while treating Jiang Min, and her pain and swelling disappeared.
• Jiang Min tested her foot by walking around the room and confirmed that it no longer hurt.
• Jiang Min changed into a tracksuit and Canvas Shoes while Dong Xuebin waited outside.
• Dong Xuebin suggested that Jiang Min pretend to limp, and she praised his maturity before they headed downstairs.

Dong Xuebin attended Lian University’s anniversary ceremony, reconnected with Deputy Mayor He Zhengfei, and joined his teacher and classmates for lunch at the school. The chapter ended with him walking to the cafeteria and sharing a few tips about government work with Jiang Min’s students.

• Dong Xuebin accompanied Jiang Min to the auditorium, then accepted a reserved seat beside He Zhengfei.
• Dong Xuebin and He Zhengfei chatted warmly about Hui Lan and her baby while watching the performances, including Jiang Min’s students.
• After the ceremony, He Zhengfei told Dong Xuebin to handle Dong Quan as he saw fit, and Dong Xuebin said he would let the matter go after Dong Quan apologized.
• Dong Xuebin declined the officials’ hotel lunch and chose to eat in the school cafeteria with his classmates and Jiang Min’s students.
• As they walked to the cafeteria, Dong Xuebin briefly answered the students’ questions and shared practical advice about government work.

Dong Xuebin received an explanation from Wuyang City’s party secretary about the new stadium, then spent the day reconnecting with his teachers and fellow students at Lian University. After sharing a meal and helping with the cleanup, he sat with them in the shade, reflecting on how much had changed and how little had.

• Zhang Li, Wuyang City’s Municipal Party Secretary, called Dong Xuebin to explain the stadium project and its provincial approval; Dong said the claims would be verified.
• Dong Xuebin returned to the banquet and told Le Hai Dong, Zhao Meng, and Sun Ru Hua about his wife and newborn son, then toasted with them.
• Dong Xuebin shared a nostalgic meal with his old university community, and everyone finished the food and laughed together.
• Dong Xuebin helped Teacher Jiang’s students and the teachers clean up the auditorium, and his easygoing attitude encouraged the others to join in.
• Dong Xuebin sat with Le Hai Dong, Sun Ru Hua, and the students in the shade after the cleanup and reflected on youth and change.

Dong Xuebin returned to the Discipline Inspection Committee and spent most of the workday watching movies, despite his colleagues’ disapproval. After speaking with Xie Hui Lan, he decided to ask for leave so he could join her on an inspection trip to Macau.

• Dong Xuebin arrived at the office, met deputy director Chen Dayou, and watched a movie while his colleagues criticized his behavior.
• Han Fei delivered Wuyang City’s documents to Dong Xuebin, who later reviewed the report and issued a warning without imposing punishment.
• Xie Hui Lan called Dong Xuebin and invited him to join her provincial inspection and study trip to Macau with family members.
• Dong Xuebin agreed to ask Director Yin for leave so he could travel to Macau with Xie Hui Lan.

Dong Xuebin asked Yin Cheng'an for time away to visit his wife and newborn, and Yin arranged a fifteen-day business trip to Jiangnan Province for him. Dong Xuebin handed off his work and left his colleagues stunned by his second long absence so soon after taking up the post.

• Dong Xuebin brought Wuyang City's report to Yin Cheng'an and confirmed his comments on it.
• Dong Xuebin told Yin Cheng'an that his newborn was unwell and he needed to visit his wife in Jiangnan Province.
• Yin Cheng'an arranged a fifteen-day official business trip for Dong Xuebin to Jiangnan Province, telling him to use the time to care for his family.
• Dong Xuebin called Xie Huilan to say he would travel the next day or the day after, then handed his duties to colleagues and said they should not contact him about work.
• Han Fei, He Zhou, and the others were shocked and annoyed that Dong Xuebin had taken another half month off on only his third day at work.

Dong Xuebin traveled to Xiaxing City to join Xie Huilan, who was taking office there, and got into a fight with Zheng Fei at the airport. Airport staff rushed in as the two struggled, leaving the confrontation unresolved.

• Dong Xuebin packed a small bag, left for Nanyuan Airport, and boarded a flight to Xiaxing City.
• Dong Xuebin argued with Zheng Fei while boarding, then moved aside when a flight attendant asked him to.
• After landing, Zheng Fei struck Dong Xuebin’s bag with his luggage and walked on without apologizing.
• Dong Xuebin demanded that Zheng Fei pick up the bag and apologize, and the two exchanged insults.
• Zheng Fei slapped Dong Xuebin’s arm, so Dong Xuebin twisted his arm while dodging Zheng Fei’s kicks.
• Airport staff hurried over and ordered Dong Xuebin and Zheng Fei to stop fighting.

Dong Xuebin and Zheng Fei waited at the airport for Director Xu Xianglin to resolve their fight, but Xu turned out to be an old acquaintance with a bitter history with Dong. The chapter ended with Zheng Fei realizing that Xu Xianglin and his son Xu Dong had serious conflicts with Dong Xuebin.

• Airport staff and police arrived, and Dong Xuebin stopped fighting Zheng Fei.
• Zheng Fei called for Xu Xianglin, citing his position at the Xiaxing City Agriculture Bureau.
• While waiting, Zheng Fei took a call about returning to report to Secretary Xie before two o’clock.
• Xu Xianglin arrived with Xu Dong and heard Zheng Fei accuse Dong Xuebin of starting the altercation.
• Xu Xianglin and Dong Xuebin recognized each other as former neighbors, and Xu refused Dong’s offered handshake.