Peng Zhaolin figures that Deng Ligang and Song Hongyu want to hide their identities, so they won’t stay in major cities. All they can do is search smaller towns as best they can. After returning from Jingbei, Cheng Guo and Peng Zhaolin discover that Peng Zhaolin has already renovated his home. Both are pleasantly surprised. Meanwhile, Da Shun, introduced by Xiao Liying, gets a job at a slaughterhouse, which can earn hundreds of thousands of yuan a year. For someone like Da Shun, who wouldn’t blink at killing, the slaughterhouse work is easy.
Shi Bi becomes a stay-at-home husband—he’s a good cook and has a good temper and good looks, so people think he’s a nice guy. Zhen Zhen studies diligently and is also working hard to move on with her life. Deng Ligang’s game hall and pool parlor become very popular, and he suddenly transforms into a “big boss.” Thanks to Xiao Liying, Da Shun finds a way to get household registration—just buy property and you’ll qualify.
Song Hongyu gives birth to a son. Deng Ligang shows her the household registration book and tells her their family’s documents are all set. While on a business trip, Peng Zhaolin visits Zhen Zhen’s school. Since that incident, Zhen Zhen’s mother has seemed like a different person, and her relationship with Zhen Zhen has greatly improved. Zhen Zhen doesn’t refuse to go back to Xuecheng; she’s just still afraid. The college entrance exams are approaching, and she hasn’t decided what major to choose. Peng Zhaolin suggests the police academy, reasoning that becoming a police officer might help her conquer her fears—make the criminals fear her instead.
Deng Ligang, Shi Bi, and Da Shun don’t see each other much anymore. Now that Deng Ligang and Song Hongyu have moved their whole families over, Da Shun also wants to bring his loved ones, but Deng Ligang won’t allow it. During their Lunar New Year gathering, Song Hongyu’s younger brother demands Deng Ligang buy him a car, leading to a tense disagreement. Song Hongyu feels stifled. Da Shun is upset as well and secretly buys a train ticket to go home, but Deng Ligang catches him. Deng Ligang points out that they all agreed to bring their families, live together, and if necessary, die together. Da Shun’s son is still young—what if one day they all get caught? Deng Ligang’s eyes turn cold. He makes Da Shun call his wife, threatening that he can pay money to support her or just as easily arrange her funeral.
Year 2011. Zhen Zhen has become a police officer and is Peng Zhaolin’s apprentice. She’s so driven she rarely rests during training. She often visits Peng Zhaolin’s home to eat and helps tutor Peng Cheng. As for why Zhen Zhen decided to become a police officer, Cheng Guo and Peng Zhaolin argue heatedly about it. Cheng Guo tells Peng Zhaolin to visit her brother, who has undergone heart bypass surgery. While chatting, she mentions the patient next to him. From photos, it’s identified as none other than Deng Ligang’s younger brother—Deng Lide.
