Hong Shi publishes a notice in the newspaper, declaring officially that his ties with Dangyong have been severed. Dangyong sets off on his escape route. Zhang Yan is unhappy Zhang Min refuses to leave Dangyong, even though Hong Shi has advised her to consider her own happiness. Zhang Min refrains from telling Zhang Yan she had met Dangyong. Zhang Yan promises to talk to the authorities, and asks her to convince Dangyong to give himself up. Zhang Min is certain Dangyong will never betray his comrades and work with the authorities. In 1956, talks with the British government regarding autonomy in Singapore fall through. The chief minister resigns. The labour representative takes over as chief minister, and Zhang Yan is promoted.