During the summary exchange meeting at Renhua Branch of Shenmao Bank, Tao Wuji truthfully reported the audit results, detailing their irregular lending practices and project specifics. The branch manager was publicly embarrassed by the audit department, suppressing his anger. The rest of the attendees were bewildered, and the meeting ended hastily.
Later, Xie Zhiyuan approached Zhao Hui again, apologizing for past actions and hoping Zhao Hui would help him out of a sense of camaraderie. Xie Zhiyuan hinted that his own efforts played a significant role in Zhao Hui’s rise to the position of bank president. Their conversation was cut short by a secretary who hastily left the room to avoid overhearing more confidential discussions. However, Zhao Hui warned Xie Zhiyuan not to attempt coercion, firmly stating that any further unethical behavior would sever all cooperation with the bank. Xie Zhiyuan’s mention of Zhao Rui, who was abroad, left Zhao Hui deeply unsettled.
In the subsequent audit team meeting, the female assistant from the audit department deliberately pretended to be knocked over by Tao Wuji, drawing everyone’s attention. Tao Wuji argued logically, and Miao Che quickly resolved the issue with a few words. The audit report for Renhua Branch was made public, revealing their substantial losses of 1.07 billion due to irregular operations.
The audit department’s leadership criticized the audit team for being overly critical, leading to one of them angrily smashing a teacup, causing Tao Wuji’s wrist to be cut by the shards, resulting in profuse bleeding. The scene descended into chaos, and Miao Che sternly rebuked the leaders, ordering Tao Wuji to be taken to the hospital for examination. Recognizing their fault, the audit leadership had no choice but to leave.
Meanwhile, Xie Zhiyuan reneged on his promise to help Zhou Lin with her son’s schooling. Although Su Jianren contacted school authorities, his efforts were inconclusive. Just as Zhou Lin was about to call Director Feng for help, Principal He unexpectedly called, offering to arrange her child’s enrollment.
Concerned about Xie Zhiyuan’s potential threat to Zhao Rui, Zhao Hui learned of an incident where Zhao Rui was splashed with water by a stranger and rushed to confront Xie Zhiyuan. With Wu Xianlong’s mediation, Xie Zhiyuan admitted his predicament to Zhao Hui and pleaded for assistance. Zhao Hui warned him that the controversial project could only pass through fraudulent means, and they would need to devise a new plan.
Tian Xiaohui, under Shen Jing’s instruction, obtained evidence of Zhao Hui’s bribery from Wu Xiaofei’s office drawer and sent it to Shen Jing. These photos provided Xie Zhiyuan with leverage against Zhao Hui, allowing him better control over Zhao Hui.
At the airport, Tao Wuji showed Miao Che his wrist, deliberately exaggerating the blood flow to intimidate the audit department. Although warned not to play clever tricks, Tao Wuji’s determination was appreciated by Miao Che. Tao Wuji shared his findings from the audit trip with Tian Xiaohui, believing that wrongdoers would eventually be exposed.
Miao Che, through Ma Li, learned of Zhao Hui’s threat from Xie Zhiyuan and called to advise Zhao Hui to remain calm and seek his help if needed. Zhao Hui proactively visited Zhou Lin, who was grateful for Zhao Hui’s assistance with her son’s schooling, and invited him to dinner upstairs. Zhao Hui expressed his concerns to Zhou Lin and reciprocated her feelings, offering her hope.
Regulatory investigators suddenly visited Yuanzhou Trust Company, forcing Xie Zhiyuan to cooperate with their investigation. Upon returning to work at the audit department, Tao Wuji found his colleagues solemn-faced and learned that the audit department had filed a complaint with the head office. The pregnant female assistant had been sent to the hospital after her fall, and although everyone suspected foul play, there was no evidence to prove Tao Wuji’s innocence, leaving him facing disciplinary action.
