Chapter Summaries

After being rescued from the flood, Song Ning returned to the capital with Lei Ming and reassured him about her captivity and injuries. At the hospital, she checked on Gu Zheng, promised to help restore his arm, and then found Zhou Yuanhang waiting outside the ward.

• Song Ning told Lei Ming that Lin Xiaoming had not seriously mistreated her, and Lei Ming took her back to the capital for an examination and treatment for her injured hands.
• At the hospital, Song Ning confronted Tan Min about Gu Zheng leaving before his stitches were removed and warned her that Lin Xiaoming had been caught in a flash flood.
• Song Ning examined Gu Zheng's wound and reassured herself that it was not serious, while ordering him to stay in the hospital until his stitches were removed.
• Song Ning listed her upcoming work and asked Gu Zheng to help find news about her hospital; Gu Zheng kissed her before she left to change her dirty clothes.
• Song Ning stepped into the corridor and found Zhou Yuanhang waiting for her.

Song Ning learned that Lin Xiaoming and Lin Xiaojun had forced a bus into the Yongping River, killing and injuring passengers, while Han Xiao explained the remaining threats and confirmed Ding Yongsheng was alive under guard. Han Xiao began serving as Song Ning’s personal security detail and followed her into the Siheyuan Courtyard, where Song Lan questioned why he had come inside.

• Zhou Yuanhang told Song Ning that Elder Zhou was recovering well and said his family had been worried about her.
• Tang Wei told Song Ning that Lin Xiaoming and Lin Xiaojun had forced a bus carrying thirty-two people into the Yongping River, killing six and injuring many others.
• Han Xiao told Song Ning he and Chen Liang would provide her security until the case was closed, and explained that Lin Xiaojun was the Butcher and Ding Yongsheng had worked for K.
• Han Xiao confirmed that Ding Yongsheng was alive and being held under special guard at the hospital.
• Song Lan welcomed Song Ning home, and Han Xiao followed them into the courtyard as her personal security detail, prompting Song Lan to ask why he was coming inside.

Song Ning returned to her family, organized hospital and distillery work for her companions, and spoke with Song Wang about their family and her possible marriage. The next morning, she went with Han Xiao to meet Huang Yongfu and was struck by the beautiful woman who accompanied him.

• Song Ning reunited with Song Wang and Zheng Chang'an, then agreed that Zheng Chang'an would help Chunzhi revise the distillery's rules while Song Lan and Song Mei visited Capital City hospitals to study their systems.
• Song Ning distributed hospital passes from President Peng and reminded Song Lan, Song Mei, and Zheng Chang'an of their research assignments.
• Han Xiao told Song Ning that Huang Yongfu wanted to meet her, and Song Ning arranged to visit him the next morning.
• Song Ning asked Song Wang whether Grandpa had left anything behind, and Song Wang said he knew of nothing and asked whether she planned to marry Comrade Gu.
• Song Ning and Han Xiao went to the Minzu Hotel to meet Huang Yongfu, who came down with several people, including a stunning woman.

Song Ning met Huang Yongfu, Chen Yawen, and Manager Lu in Capital City, where Huang sought her advice on Yongxing Electronics’ plans to advertise on television. She warned that Chen Yawen might not be allowed to appear on screen, and after arranging a way for Huang to contact her, Song Ning left as Chen asked to speak with her privately.

• Huang Yongfu greeted Song Ning and invited her to breakfast with Chen Yawen, Manager Lu, and their assistants.
• Song Ning and Chen Yawen introduced themselves, and Huang Yongfu explained that Yongxing Electronics’ sales had doubled and its production capacity had tripled.
• Huang Yongfu told Song Ning that Yongxing Electronics planned to expand its publicity to television and had arranged a meeting with the television station.
• Song Ning endorsed television advertising but warned that the station might restrict the approval process or prevent Chen Yawen from appearing on screen.
• Song Ning gave Huang Yongfu the Siheyuan Courtyard address and the Xiangyang Police Station telephone number, then asked about A Qing’s shoulder injury.
• Chen Yawen asked Huang Yongfu to let her speak with Song Ning privately.

Song Ning gave her statement about the abduction, learned that the K organization’s leaders had been captured, and wondered whether she had been unusually lucky during both kidnappings. She headed to West City First Hospital to visit A Qing and Wu Tao Ying, still questioning whether Songnian Alley held another secret beyond the gold.

• Chen Yawen thanked Song Ning for helping her career and asked her to show her around Capital City, so Song Ning arranged for Tang Wei to guide her through Gu Zheng.
• Song Ning spent nearly two hours giving Tang Wu’s subordinates a detailed statement about her abduction and rescue.
• Lei Ming told Song Ning that Lin Xiaoming’s body had been found and that the Military still had to investigate the K organization’s records, informants, and possible moves by Ghost.
• Song Ning told Lei Ming she wanted to read Ding Yongsheng’s statement and asked investigators to question him clearly about anything involving her.
• Song Ning asked Han Xiao to take her to West City First Hospital to visit the injured A Qing and Wu Tao Ying, while wondering whether Songnian Alley’s secret involved more than the gold.

Song Ning visited A Qing in the hospital and learned that A Zhong was working with Yu Zhengyang, while A Qing planned to leave gang life behind. She then visited Wu Tao Ying and asked about buying more goods, learning that the Wu Family had lost its gold but might still have the box it came in.

• Song Ning brought gifts to A Qing, who was recovering from a shoulder injury, and told him not to move.
• A Qing told Song Ning that A Zhong had joined Yu Zhengyang after helping him translate blueprints, and Song Ning recognized A Zhong as Luo Wenzhong.
• A Qing revealed that he and Luo Wenzhong were cousins who had left Master Luo’s gang, and Song Ning urged A Qing to seek out A Zhong.
• Song Ning visited Wu Tao Ying and Kong Jianming, who were hospitalized after Lin Xiaoming abducted and injured the Wu Family.
• Song Ning told Wu Tao Ying that the abductors had been arrested and their leader was dead, then asked whether the family had any goods left to sell.
• Wu Tao Ying said the gold had been confiscated but offered Song Ning the box it had come in.

Song Ning bought information from Wu Tao Ying about a hidden box and planned to retrieve it with Han Xiao, then spent the day working at Qingbei Laboratory and asked Mike for help buying equipment for her planned hospital. As dinner ended, Han Xiao arrived with an urgent call for her to come to the hospital.

• Song Ning paid Wu Tao Ying forty yuan for the location of a box hidden in the ruins of the Wu family's old home in Cat-Ear Alley, and she told Han Xiao to retrieve it at night.
• Song Ning worked on the laboratory's final report and joined Mike and Lao Qi for dinner at Fangshan Restaurant.
• Song Ning asked Mike to help her source medical equipment, including a CT scanner, for the hospital she planned to run, and he agreed to make inquiries.
• Song Ning spotted Li Yawen dining with Tang Wei but decided not to approach them.
• Han Xiao hurried into the restaurant and told Song Ning that something had happened and she had to come to the hospital.

Song Ning rushed to the Military Hospital to treat Zhou Yunzhi after her condition suddenly worsened, and the blood tests confirmed that Zhou Yunzhi had been poisoned. Zhou Yunzhi stabilized, while the hospital prepared to report the poisoning and investigate.

• Jiang Chengshi summoned Song Ning to the hospital after Zhou Yunzhi's monitor alarmed and doctors believed she was near death.
• Song Ning ordered emergency treatment and used silver needles Han Xiao brought to help stabilize Zhou Yunzhi.
• Blood test results confirmed that Zhou Yunzhi had been poisoned, and Director Liu used them to guide her treatment.
• Song Ning told Director Liu to report the case and let the investigation proceed, and Jiang Chengshi asked whether someone had really poisoned Zhou Yunzhi.

Song Ning stayed beside Zhou Yunzhi and helped her briefly regain consciousness, allowing Zhou Yunzhi to identify Lin Xiaoming as the person who tried to kill her and reveal his threat against Zhou Xiaotang. Zhou Yunzhi passed out again, and Song Ning was left wondering how Zhou Xiaotang and Lu Changqing were involved before discovering someone waiting for her the next morning.

• Song Ning stayed overnight with Zhou Yunzhi, whose condition worsened before the drugs in her system and Song Ning's treatment briefly brought her around.
• Zhou Yunzhi told Song Ning and Han Xiao that Lin Xiaoming had tried to kill her and threatened Zhou Xiaotang and her whole family.
• Zhou Yunzhi passed out again, and Song Ning explained that her brief lucidity might not return if she woke later.
• Han Xiao told Song Ning that Dong Yuan still had not found Zhou Xiaotang or her mother, while Song Ning questioned Lu Changqing's connection to Lin Xiaoming and the case.
• After Zhou Yunzhi remained unconscious through the night, Director Liu took over and told Song Ning someone was waiting for her outside.

Tan Qingru reassured Song Ning that the Gu family would stand by her if Tan Min had done wrong or had feelings for Gu Zheng. After Han Xiao reported the ongoing investigations, Song Ning went to President Peng to ask about Tan Min’s research projects.

• Tan Qingru brought Song Ning breakfast, explained how Tan Min had become part of the family, and promised that the Gu family would not excuse wrongdoing or let Tan Min interfere with Song Ning and Gu Zheng.
• Song Ning thanked Tan Qingru, who urged her to rest before leaving the hospital office.
• Han Xiao told Song Ning that Zhou Yunzhi’s testimony had been reported, Zhou Weide’s case would be reviewed, and Tan Min was being investigated over several suspicions.
• Song Ning told Han Xiao she planned to visit the Qingbei Laboratory and first needed to see President Peng.
• President Peng praised Song Ning’s work and agreed to refuse academic invitations while she was busy.
• Song Ning asked President Peng which hospital research projects Tan Min had participated in.

Song Ning helped Han Xiao’s investigation into Tan Min by uncovering her research record, then focused on completing her project. When Huang Yongfu and Manager Lu reported that the television station had rejected Chen Yawen’s commercial, Song Ning explained the policy barrier and hinted she had another way to help.

• Song Ning reviewed Tan Min’s archived project records, found that she had led two successful recent projects, and passed their names to Han Xiao for the investigation.
• Han Xiao drove Song Ning to Qingbei, then realized she had forgotten to visit the boss after spending the night and morning at the hospital.
• Song Ning concentrated on the project’s final review, with experts from De and China due to verify the results in three days.
• Huang Yongfu and Manager Lu told Song Ning that the television station would allow only product footage with a voice-over, not Chen Yawen appearing on camera.
• Song Ning explained that policy and the planned economy constrained the television station, then said she could still help Yongxing Electronics without making the station bend its rules.

Song Ning helped Huang Yongfu turn his unused television advertising budget into a charity campaign that earned publicity for Yongxing Electronics and Chen Yawen. After the Sino-German research project received international recognition, Han Xiao warned Song Ning that the boss would not be at the hospital.

• Song Ning urged Huang Yongfu to donate supplies and work with the television station to publicize genuine aid, and he agreed to spend three times his original advertising budget.
• Song Ning and her research team completed the project appraisal on December 31, 1979, and Chinese and German representatives confirmed their research had achieved groundbreaking results.
• On January 1, 1980, Song Ning delivered a bilingual television speech as the project’s results received prominent coverage in Hua Country.
• A television report showed Huang Yongfu and Chen Yawen donating supplies to children, with Yongxing Electronics’ name prominently displayed throughout the campaign.
• When Song Ning said she wanted to visit the hospital, Han Xiao offered to drive her and warned that the boss would not be there.

Song Ning checked on Elder Zhou and Zhou Yunzhi, whose brain damage had left her with severe cognitive impairment, and offered to try acupuncture. Tian Juying revealed that Zhou Qihang’s late wife was Tian Yingxue, a kind woman who had taken her and Yunzhi in after Yunzhi’s father died.

• Han Xiao told Song Ning that Boss had been discharged with Director Liu’s approval, and Song Ning decided to arrange rehabilitation.
• Song Ning examined Elder Zhou and found that his recovery was going well, though he still needed time before straightening his back.
• Song Ning found Zhou Yunzhi awake but unable to recognize people reliably, and Tian Juying described her cognitive problems and nightmares.
• Song Ning told Tian Juying that Zhou Yunzhi’s recovery was uncertain and offered acupuncture to stimulate the points around her head.
• Tian Juying told Song Ning that Tian Yingxue, Zhou Qihang’s late wife, had brought her and Zhou Yunzhi into the family after Yunzhi’s father died.

Song Ning heard a troubling detail about Zhou Xiaotang’s disappearance while visiting the Military District and preparing to travel to Shenzhen City. Dong Yuan revealed that Zhou Xiaotang and her mother vanished after arranging to bury Zhou Weide’s ashes in their ancestral home’s back garden.

• Tian Juying told Song Ning that Zhou Qihang’s heroic family was a forbidden subject among the Zhous, then stopped speaking when Zhou Yunzhi knocked over her cup.
• Song Ning learned that Dong Yuan and Li Suying had registered their marriage on New Year’s Day but had postponed their wedding feast until his case was finished.
• Song Ning told Xiong Gang and Dong Yuan that she planned to travel to Shenzhen City for seven or eight days and asked them about Gu Zheng’s arm rehabilitation.
• Xiong Gang and Han Xiao argued over who would escort Song Ning, while Dong Yuan reported that Zhou Xiaotang and her mother had vanished after returning to their hometown.
• Dong Yuan said Zhou Xiaotang and her mother had asked a clan uncle to bury Zhou Weide’s ashes in their ancestral home’s back garden, but disappeared before the planned burial ceremony.

Song Ning discussed the Lin family investigation and Tan Min’s confession with Xiong Gang, then learned that Gu Zheng had to remain behind to handle negotiations. As Lei Ming saw her off, Song Ning told him that many things still seemed off to her.

• Song Ning questioned Xiong Gang about Zhou Weide and Elder Zhou’s different ancestral homes but did not explain her suspicion.
• Xiong Gang told Song Ning that Lin Rongguang had confessed to issuing Buddha Lord’s travel permits and that Lin Xiaoming’s father had been arrested, while their other uncle had no known connection to the crimes.
• Xiong Gang revealed that Tan Min had accepted research achievements from Lin Xiaoming and wanted to gain status so she could be worthy of Gu Zheng.
• Lei Ming and Chen Liang returned without Gu Zheng, who stayed behind to handle matters and negotiate with the foreigners.
• Lei Ming praised Song Ning and walked her out, where she told him that many things seemed off.

Song Ning and Lei Ming discussed clues about K’s agents before Han Xiao drove her home and complained that Lei Ming was too familiar with her. At the courtyard, Zheng Chunzhi congratulated Song Ning and told her the Distillery handover was scheduled for the next day.

• Song Ning told Lei Ming that Suzanna, Zhou Weide’s burial, and Tan Min’s behavior still seemed suspicious, and questioned how Lin Xiaoming and A Pu had gained their skills so young.
• Lei Ming explained that Night Owl referred to the Lin Family branch, which had infiltrated the military, while A Pu represented the Ding Family branch, which funded K through crime and smuggling.
• Han Xiao drove Song Ning away and objected to Lei Ming patting her head, warning that Gu Zheng might be hurt; Song Ning said she would be more careful.
• Song Ning returned to the Siheyuan Courtyard, where Zheng Chunzhi congratulated her on her scientific achievements and said the Distillery handover contract would be signed the next day.

Song Ning and Zheng Chunzhi reviewed the Distillery contract, and Zheng Chunzhi shared how the deaths of her fiancé and father had left her estranged from her family. After a lively dinner, Song Ning teased Han Xiao about wanting to escort Zheng Chunzhi, then Gu Zheng arrived late and said he had important news.

• Song Ning and Zheng Chunzhi finished reviewing the contract and agreed to work together.
• Zheng Chunzhi told Song Ning about her fiancé and father dying, the rumors that she brought bad luck, and her estrangement from her relatives; Song Ning welcomed her as family.
• Song Wang called Zheng Chunzhi by her given name, and she explained that she had asked him to stop using her formal title; Song Ning learned she was twenty-seven.
• After dinner, Song Wang escorted Zheng Chunzhi to the bus station, while Song Ning teased Han Xiao about wanting to see her home.
• Gu Zheng visited Song Ning late at night, complained that she had not checked on him in the hospital, and asked her to stop focusing on his hand because he had something important to tell her.

Song Ning learned that Gu Zheng’s father was helping advance a policy legalizing private medical practice, while Gu Zheng reported that the Dawn Project was delayed until the end of 1981. Song Ning questioned why its completion date differed from what she remembered from the future.

• Gu Zheng confirmed that he had used all his strength to leave faint marks on Song Ning’s hand, and she gave him exercises to rehabilitate his left arm.
• Song Wang interrupted the couple, then retreated to his room after politely offering Gu Zheng noodles.
• Gu Zheng told Song Ning that foreign nationals accused of crimes in Hua Country would face prosecution despite pressure from their embassy.
• Gu Zheng said his father expected a policy legalizing private medical practice to take effect as early as the end of January, and Song Ning was delighted.
• Song Ning argued that the people and events she remembered from the future still followed their expected course despite her interventions.
• Gu Zheng said the Blue Shield expected the Dawn Project to finish at the end of 1981, and Song Ning wondered what had gone wrong.

Song Ning and Gu Zheng discussed their upcoming trips and shared an intimate moment before Gu Zheng decided to stay overnight at the compound. The next morning, Song Ning received Gu Zheng’s report on Zhou Qihang’s family and photographs that showed he had also been investigating Tian Yingxue.

• Song Ning and Gu Zheng agreed to travel to learn more about the Dawn Project and to handle Song Ning’s land transfer.
• Gu Zheng gave Song Ning a custom-made watch, and they kissed until Song Wang interrupted them.
• Gu Zheng said he would stay the night and bunk with Han Xiao, then left Song Ning with a basin and washing supplies.
• Song Ning remembered she had meant to ask about Tian Yingxue and wondered whether she was connected to the gold bars found in Songnian Alley.
• The next morning, Han Xiao gave Song Ning a document envelope from Gu Zheng containing a report on Zhou Qihang’s family and photographs of the former Unit "331" commander’s family.

Song Ning learned the tragic story of Zhou Qihang and Tian Yingxue, then uncovered a possible connection between Tian Yingxue’s relatives and Songnian Alley. At the Xingfu Road Winery’s formal handover, she kept her promise by asking Song Wang to sign the contract.

• Song Ning read the records describing Zhou Qihang’s military service, Tian Yingxue’s work helping disadvantaged children, and how the family died confronting Ghost in 1974.
• Han Xiao told Song Ning that a Tian-family rosewood chest had been found and that Tian Yingxue’s relatives had once lived in Songnian Alley, though the connection to the old man’s final words and Lin Xiaoming remained unclear.
• Song Ning and Han Xiao arrived at the Xingfu Road Winery, where officials and staff completed the equipment handover ceremony.
• When it was time to sign the formal contracting agreement, Song Ning called Song Wang forward and told him she was keeping her promise to lease him a winery.