When Liu Bing receives the acquisition intention letter from the Earl Audio Company, he experiences a severe psychological imbalance. Xiao Yawen speculates that Earl's intention is not to acquire but to get close and understand Ge Lv Shi Company, indicating a cautious and preemptive strategy. Shen Nan uses the pretense of helping "Xia Yu" (Rui Xiaodan's alias) pay her phone bill to probe her. She suggests that Rui Xiaodan accompany her on a trip and plans the itinerary, which is fraught with danger for Rui Xiaodan. Ge Lv Shi Company does not submit a defense, forfeiting their right to defend and proceeding directly to the evidence exchange stage. Learning that Ge Lv Shi is a poverty alleviation company, Lin Yufeng realizes that winning the lawsuit is almost impossible. He seeks out Zhou Jianhua, a friend with underworld connections. As a friend and elder, Zhou Jianhua analyzes the essence of the situation and shares his opinion, eventually handing Lin Yufeng a handgun.