Original subtitles

[Dark Night and Dawn]

[Episode 13]

Director,

I went back to Hongda Trading Company again

and found these paintings on the walls and in the rooms.

I suspect that the artist of these paintings is Shrike.

This gives us a new perspective.

I asked a professor at the school,

and he said these paintings

all belong to the same school.

Wang Liqun is a rough man,

and it's hard to imagine he would appreciate such things,

let alone put them in a trading company.

The professor also mentioned that

every artist

has their own unique brushwork,

just like our handwriting

is different.

I've studied them for several days

and even sent them to the school laboratory for analysis.

I found that the color ratios in these paintings

are almost identical.

This indicates that the painter

is someone very meticulous.

Director, you previously said

that Shrike is just that kind of person.

Yes.

Director, the cryptography expert has arrived.

Have all the traces from the propaganda posters been erased?

I was a step too late.

They've brought someone over to study them.

Got it.

Boss, hello.

Very good.

Come,

please sit, Yang.

Me?

When I tell you to sit, sit down.

Cheer up.

You need to be serious.

Look over here.

Well, Boss,

didn't you say

we shouldn't take photos

to avoid leaving evidence?

This is for identification purposes.

We'll show it to the Taiwan side.

I'll have good news for you shortly.

Look at me.

Don't move.

Very good.

Here's the thing.

Some time ago,

I applied to the Director to promote you

to Deputy Chief,

and today the official appointment has come through.

Congratulations!

Boss,

I haven't really achieved anything significant yet.

Even Commander Liu from the Anti-Communist Salvation Army

hasn't been very cooperative with me.

Not cooperating is because the money hasn't arrived.

Use the gold bars we got from the robbery

at Jinsheng Bank some time ago.

Yang,

you must help me win this game.

Have a seat.

Boss.

My life is given by you.

I'll do whatever you ask.

You remained remarkably calm

from the time Falcon was captured until his sacrifice.

You taught me

that only by being like this can one survive.

I've said these words to everyone,

but

only you have truly listened

and acted on them.

How long have we been

in this business together?

I've been with you for seven years,

and the studio has been in operation for four years.

Do you know what I value most about you?

Your humility

and restraint,

yet you don't lack courage.

Plus, you

can mimic my style perfectly,

which satisfies me greatly.

Deputy Chief Yang,

since the higher-ups have appointed you,

they hope to see you

achieve greater results

with our special station in Shanghai.

I understand.

I will do my utmost

to create more buzz

and bring honor to you, Station Chief.

Excellent!

Let's work together for our

shared unfinished cause.

Yes.

Yang,

today this account doesn't add up either.

Come.

I will announce a new appointment.

From today onwards,

Yang

is the Deputy Chief

with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

From now on, please be mindful of how you address him.

Yes, Deputy Chief Yang.

Congratulations, Deputy Chief Yang.

I'm flattered.

It's all thanks to the Chief's support.

Deputy Chief Yang.

I'll get back to work now.

Alright.

If you need anything, come back next time.

Okay, thank you, Boss.

You're welcome.

If you don't like those on that side,

you can look around here again.

These paintings aren't what I want.

Alright, no problem.

Take care, come back next time.

[Dexing Gallery]

[Path to a Strong Nation; Education as the Foundation]

[Lanting]

Come in.

Mr. Zheng.

The police should find this place soon.

Since we can't avoid it,

let's meet that Lu Zhengyang.

Do we really not need to evacuate?

On a battlefield where death is ever-present,

embracing the resolve to die often leads to survival,

while clinging to life

invites death.

Xiaoman, you can do it.

[Exquisite Advertising Artwork]

[Specializing in Artistic Portraits]

Hello.

[Lanting Calligraphy]

Hello.

Hello.

Are you looking to buy a painting

or to make an advertising sign?

I'd like to buy a painting for decoration.

Can I take a look?

Of course, feel free to look around.

We have landscape paintings

and portrait paintings.

I'd like this one.

You have a great eye.

This painting was created

with a lot of effort by our master.

Is that so? Which master?

We are Lanting Studio.

Of course, it's Mr. Lanting.

She must have discovered something.

What should we do?

It's nothing serious.

Everything that needs to be arranged has been arranged.

If anything changes,

Liu Guiheng will definitely make an issue out of it.

At that time, we need to control him

and not let him go wild.

If there is really any change,

we can seek Yang Hui's help.

He has gathered quite a few people recently.

He is the key player.

We cannot use him.

That's a lot.

Thank you!

Wei, over here.

This is a token of respect from the workers to you.

The dock profits quite a bit.

Compared to the boss,

this is nothing.

I've pretty much reached the end of the line.

Wei, you're different.

The Bearded One values you so much.

One day you will make it.

When that day comes, don't forget me.

I wouldn't forget you.

I'll treat you. Let's go have a drink!

Not today.

I have guests at home.

It wouldn't be right not to entertain them.

Alright.

By the way,

someone just asked me to give you this letter.

Who?

That kid selling newspapers at the door.

Alright, then you can go.

[He's Restaurant]

Zhao Lan is doing well.

You can rest assured.

If there's anything, just speak frankly.

Something big must have happened.

Otherwise, you wouldn't have come to find me personally.

Do you think I'm very unapproachable?

Aren't you?

You participated in that operation four years ago too.

My wife died

in that foreign-style building on Fuzhou Road,

still pregnant.

The child's age

should be about the same as Zhao Lan's now.

What can I do for you?

In a few days, Zombie Sparrow will find you.

Follow her instructions.

What task?

You'll know when the time comes.

You are now the best candidate to replace Falcon.

Don't let me down.

You still have family to take care of.

I envy you.

[He's Restaurant]

The cryptography expert has studied

[Shanghai Municipal Administrative Map]

the promotional painting on the hospital wall.

He found that the length of the lines

on the clothing of the characters in the painting

hides a Morse code.

It means "wait for rescue."

[Wait for rescue]

And that day, when Wang Liqun went to the bathroom,

he passed by that painting.

Afterward, he stopped his hunger strike.

Who painted that picture?

According to the hospital,

the company responsible for making slogans and promotional paintings for the hospital

is called Lanting Studio.

We now suspect that Lanting Studio

is an important stronghold for Shrike.

The one in charge of this studio is a couple.

The one who is often responsible

for creating slogans and promotional paintings

is the husband, named Zheng Lanting,

and he is already under surveillance.

[Waiting for rescue]

[Document Folder of the Shanghai People's Government Public Security Bureau]

How about this?

We'll arrest them tonight.

They may have weapons.

Be careful.

Yes.

Yes.

Director, Director!

I found Wang Liqun's superior.

Zheng Lanting, the owner of Lanting Studio,

is Wang Liqun's superior.

How did you find that out?

I visited Lanting Studio this afternoon

and found a painting.

The brushstrokes of the painting

are identical to those of Wang Liqun.

You went alone?

Yes.

You may have already alerted them.

If they had taken action,

you might not have made it back today!

Do you understand?

Alright.

Remember,

you are never allowed to act alone in the future.

Yes.

Let's go.

They are concerned about your safety.

Let's go.

How is Yang Hui doing?

I just received news

that he has subdued

most of the Anti-Communist Salvation Army.

Power is indeed a fascinating/wonderful thing.

He quickly stepped into the role of Deputy Chief.

Our guests have arrived.

Go greet them.

[Lanting Studio]

[Lanting Studio]

If anything happens,

hide behind me.

[Production, Business Card Design, Graphic Design]

Coming.

Reporter Lu,

what brings you here so late?

Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Zheng.

We are from the Public Security Bureau

[Name: Lu Zhengyang]

and have a case that requires your assistance.

What case?

You'll find out when you get there.

Let's skip the small talk.

Mr. Zheng, there's a reason

we're looking for you.

Huzi.

What's wrong?

Zheng has always been law-abiding.

What right do you have to take him away?

You are Mr. Zheng's wife?

Yes.

You need to come with us too.

Am I going too?

It's just to assist in the investigation.

if there are no issues,

you'll be back soon.

Okay.

Lanting.

We'll cooperate.

[Daya Hotel]

We have searched Lanting Studio

and Zheng Lanting's residence,

but there's nothing significant found for now.

Let's interrogate them first.

Keep an eye on him

and don't let him cause trouble.

Ah?

What do you mean, "ah"? Let's go.

I...

Mr. Zheng, don't be nervous.

We met last time

at your school.

So you are a police officer.

Only the police could invite you here.

Well...

Well, um...

Right, feel free to let me know

anything you want to investigate.

I'll do my best to cooperate.

It's not an investigation.

It's just a routine questioning.

Okay.

Before the Counter-Japanese War,

Mr. Zheng studied painting

from Mr. Wu Huayuan.

Later, he taught in the Western Painting Department

at Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts.

I was a music student at the time

and admired Mr. Zheng's talent.

That's when we got to know each other.

So talented,

yet he went to teach at an elementary school?

At that time, Japan was in control.

The Japanese asked Mr. Zheng

to paint propaganda posters,

but he stood firm

and resigned from his lecturer position,

even closing his own studio.

It was only after enduring until the victory of the Counter-Japanese War

that Mr. Zheng found a job

as a primary school teacher.

Then, the studio reopened.

Mr. Zheng, do you recognize this?

This is a promotional poster for Guangci Hospital.

Our studio drew it.

Did you paint it yourself?

Yes, I painted it. Is there a problem?

No problem at all.

Last time,

I watched you paint,

and we talked about it

that a few strokes showed real skill.

Not only was it proficient,

but you also understand painting theory well.

I'm flattered.

You have a great memory.

Mr. Zheng.

We just want to know

if you did the touch-ups

on this painting later.

There were no touch-ups.

I remember I painted it for less than two months.

It wasn't time for touch-ups yet.

The first version

of the propaganda poster was done by Lanting.

But for minor touch-ups,

it's usually the assistants who do that.

Which assistants?

Li Xu and Yang Hui. Just those two.

Where are they now?

They left after work.

You'll see them tomorrow when they come to work.

Where do they live?

I'm not sure about that.

I only know they both live in Jing'an.

Let's talk about Li Xu first.

Li Xu came to us last year

after we posted a job ad.

He came to us

with this recruitment advertisement.

He's a young guy.

Though a bit impatient,

he's sincere

and sharp.

He's strong physically

and does

most of the running around

in the studio.

But can he paint like this?

No, he can't paint.

What about Yang Hui?

Yang Hui paints well.

Tell us about Yang Hui.

Here's Yang Hui's situation.

After the Counter-Japanese War,

our studio

reopened,

and he came to me

looking for a job.

I asked him to show me his work.

It was really good.

He's not talkative but very diligent,

and he doesn't have

high salary demands.

He has helped me a lot.

What about his family?

Yang Hui has always been single.

Later, we learned

he couldn't forget his late wife.

I heard

she was killed by the Japanese.

So we're together,

it's like keeping warm in a group.

Keeping warm in a group.

Well,

I see it's getting late.

I have classes at school tomorrow.

What kind of case

are you investigating?

It's a agent case.

Catching agents, huh?

You and Mr. Zheng have been together for so long,

but you've never thought about having a child?

We've always wanted one,

but can't conceive.

Officer,

do you have to manage this too?

Just asking.

What did you get?

This couple is very tight-lipped.

That only leaves two possibilities.

Either they're honest citizens,

or they're highly skilled agents.

Xiao Yun said those two assistants

will come to work as usual tomorrow.

I suggest we release Xiao Yun

and let her continue business as normal.

Tomorrow, we'll wait for opportunities.

How about this?

Tomorrow, Shaobai and Xiaoman,

you two go to verify the testimony at Zheng Lanting's school.

See if he's lying.

Xu, you and Huzi need to find out

Yang Hui and Li Xu's exact addresses.

If they don't show up tomorrow,

we'll go to their place and catch them.

[Lanting Studio]

Thank you, Boss.

[Exquisite Advertising Artwork]

Good morning, Mrs. Zheng.

Li Xu, you're here.

Give it to me.

Li Xu.

What are you doing?

Let go of me!

Sirs, I really didn't go to Guangci Hospital.

Really.

I remembered.

It should have been Yang Hui who went.

Did your boss send him?

No.

That day, I happened to overhear him on the phone,

saying he was going to the hospital for touch-ups.

But when he left,

he told the boss he was going

to the soap company to deliver samples.

Now that I think about it, it's quite strange.

What exactly did he do wrong?

Xiao Yun,

it's already past nine.

Why hasn't Yang Hui come yet?

It is quite unusual.

He's never late.

Where could he be?

We can't wait any longer.

Xiang, keep people here

and watch closely.

We're going to find Yang Hui.

Mr. Zheng is telling the truth.

[Stopping at Ultimate Goodness; Unity of Knowledge and Action]

I've known him for years.

Understood.

Principal Shen,

I'm a bit curious.

Are there any teachers here

who have a bad relationship

with Mr. Zheng?

He's afraid of his wife at home

and a pushover at school.

Some people appear honest,

but who knows what they're like behind the scenes?

That makes sense.

Did Mr. Zheng offend you behind his back?

He always gives the principal good cards when playing.

He flatters the principal excessively.

He's comfortable,

but we lose money because of it.

Just this?

Isn't this annoying enough?

This is it.

The room is so tidy.

Shrike must be a very meticulous person.

Check thoroughly.

Yes.

[To Yang Hui]

[Password]

This should be a code book for telegraphic communications

between Shrike and Taiwan.

The Investigation and Monitoring Division has always been responsible for

monitoring signals from Taiwan.

If we can decode it,

we can grasp the agents' movements.

Immediately send it to the Investigation and Monitoring Division.

Alright.

Officers, have some tea.

Call me Mr. Zhao.

I won't have any tea.

You go ahead with your work.

Which one is the boss?

I'm here to pick up a painting.

This way.

What day did you order it?

I ordered it the day before yesterday, the Galloping Horses painting.

Okay.

[One painting sold; 1000 silver dollars received.]

[Poster design: 5,000 silver dollars received.]

[One painting sold; 1500 silver dollars received.]

The Galloping Horses painting.

[The Galloping Horses; Yang Hui]

It's on the second floor.

Li,

go get it.

Sir, please have a seat

for a moment.

Li, is everything alright?

I'll take a look.

Wait, I'll go.

Make sure to pass

this message to Yang Hui.

What's going on?

The painting fell when I was picking it up.

Come on.

Take it easy.

What happened?

It fell when I was getting it.

How careless!

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

Take the painting down.

[Specializing in Artistic Portraits] [Exquisite Advertising Artwork]

Newspaper!

The boss lady said,

the louder you make a commotion outside,

the faster the boss will come out.

What else did she say?

She said it's time

to let the Anti-Communist Salvation Army move.

Boss,

what's our next move?

Let's make a big move.

Haven't found Yang Hui yet?

No.

Did you gain anything at the school?

Not yet,

but I have an idea.

What idea?

Thank you for your hard work,

Mr. Zheng.

Today,

the meal is improved.

Who sent this?

This is from your wife.

Don't worry.

I told her

to wait for two days.

Your matters will be cleared up and you'll be released soon .

Right?

Thank you for your effort.

Also, I need

to ask you

to say some good words to your leader for me.

We're both Shanghainese,

no need to be polite.

Thank you.

Take care of yourself.

Think about it.

They even tried to rescue Wang Liqun when we captured him.

If we really catch Shrike,

won't there be any commotion outside?

If Zheng Lanting is really Shrike,

and he knows there are people outside trying to save him,

what would his reaction be?

[Swallow it to pretend to be ill; Will rescue you on the road]

Report, Sir!

What's wrong, Mr. Zheng?

I found this

in my lunchbox.

We'll get to the bottom of this.

He reported it quite resolutely.

I played along with his act for nothing.

The items were sent in under Xiao Yun's name.

He reported it without hesitation.

Is he not afraid it'll implicate his wife?

That's not a normal reaction.

If one plan doesn't work, we'll try another.

He may be able to hold steady,

but the people outside may not.

Master,

something happened with Shrike.

[Xiya Watch Store]

[Shanghai People's Government Public Security Bureau]

[Chief Agent Zheng Lanting is about to be escorted to Beijing for trial. Please coordinate with Beijing authorities for his reception.]

Hello, this is Lanting Studio.

The watch you left here is repaired.

Is it convenient for you to come pick it up now?

The police has left.

They don't want to raise suspicions,

so the phone is temporarily safe.

Speak frankly.

Shrike is about to be transferred to Beijing.

Yang Hui has many people under him.

If he cooperates with me,

I can definitely rescue Shrike

from the hands of the Communists.

Where did you get this information?

I just intercepted a telegram from the Public Security.

Thanks for your goodwill,

but Shrike doesn't need your rescue.

He has his own arrangements.

Don't underestimate the Communists.

Once Shrike leaves Shanghai,

he'll never be able to come back.

He'll also expose all of us

who are still hiding here.

If you're scared,

you can go to Zhoushan first.

Scared?

Shrike and I are colleagues.

I will never abandon him.

I will definitely risk my life to save him.

This is also the intention of the Director.

Wait for good news from Yang Hui and me.

He's talking nonsense.

If he makes a move to rescue him,

the Communists will conclude that the boss is Shrike.

Liu Guiheng has bad intentions.

He's eyeing the Chief position.

We must stop him.

How do we stop him?

Yang Hui can't be contacted at all.

If there are any changes,

Liu Guiheng will definitely take advantage of the situation.

At that time, you must control him

and not let him act recklessly.

If needed, you can go to Xu Wei.

The Director's intention

is to rescue Shrike at all costs.

The road to Beijing during his transfer

is the only

and best opportunity.

Shrike just asked me

to make a fuss outside.

He didn't ask me to save him.

If the rescue fails,

it will ruin Shrike's major plans.

Have you thought about it?

Once Shrike defects,

we who are hiding in Shanghai

might all be taken out.

You don't understand Shrike.

Maybe you would defect,

but he won't.

He wouldn't even if it meant death.

How do you know I would definitely defect?

Alright.

Even if he plans

everything meticulously before he was caught,

can he anticipate

being transferred to Beijing?

The situation is constantly changing,

and our actions must also change accordingly.

Perhaps

the message he most wants to convey right now

is for you

to rescue him.

I need to confirm with Zombie Sparrow.

Yang Hui,

listen to my advice.

Right now, the only person Shrike can rely on is you.

I know Shrike has saved your life before.

You ignore him now.

It's either because you're afraid of death

and the Communists

or because you have ill intentions.

You wish for his death,

waiting for a chance to take his place.

You're talking nonsense!

I, Yang Hui, am not that kind of person.

Then prove it to him.

I remind you once again

that this is the Director's order.

Not only you,

even Zheng Lanting has to listen obediently.

If you dare treat the Director's words lightly,

do you want to experience the NBIS's punishment?

Tell me.

How to rescue him?

[Lanting Studio]

[Huang Liusheng Hardware Store]

[Lanting Studio]

Hello, do you want some pens?

I'd like two red ballpoint pens.

Red ones. Here you are.

How much?

Five hundred.

Thank you.

Here you go.

Are you always set up here?

Yes, why?

I live just diagonally opposite.

If this pen runs out of ink,

I'll come to you for a replacement.

Alright, no problem.

Thank you.

Take care.

Take care.

Cigarettes! Cigarettes!

Old Dao, Camel, Hardeman.

Selling cigarettes!

Is anyone looking to buy cigarettes?

Newspaper!

Newspaper!

Kid.

Give me a piece of today's newspaper.

Alright.

Here you go.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Newspaper!

Newspaper!

Aren't you the guy selling ballpoint pens?

Yeah, what a coincidence!

I didn't expect to run into you here.

It is quite a coincidence.

Where are you off to?

I...

I'm out of cigarettes,

I came to buy a pack.

Come to the shop for tea sometime.

More people mean more business.

Alright then.

I'm off.

Take care.

I'll definitely visit when I have time.

Sir, do you still want it?

[He's Restaurant]

Coming to see me like this

is too dangerous.

It's urgent.

Shrike has been arrested.

Liu Guiheng is inciting Yang Hui

to go save Shrike with him.

This will put Shrike in danger.

I need you to stop them at all costs.

A few days ago, Shrike came to me

and told me to follow your arrangements.

Was it because of this?

Right.

You'd better act immediately.

Once it's done,

I don't want to remain a nameless pawn.

What do you mean?

You should know,

in the organization,

the higher the rank, the more funding you get.

I need to save money for my wife and kids.

Of course,

higher rank

also means

having subordinates to command,

increasing your chances of survival.

What are you really trying to say?

I want to be the captain of the action team,

the new Falcon.

You know how to negotiate terms now.

Xu Wei,

since Shrike brought you back from Zhoushan,

he's been planning to cultivate you.

After seeing you last time,

he mentioned that

as long as you pass this test,

the action team captain position would be yours,

with the rank of Major.

If I reach the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.,

I hope the party will approve

to let my wife go to Taiwan first.

That's fine.

But

the food

is to be had one bite at a time,

and the road

is to be walked one step at a time.