The agent has transformed into a brand new outfit, with a tie and a jacket plus a slick haircut. Sheng is puzzled with his transformation. The agent explains to Sheng the importance of appearances. He also managed to find a few sponsors and is brimming with confidence.
Mingmei comes to the diner alone and stays very quiet. The chef mentions Sheng to her, trying to show her that Sheng is giving up everything for her. Kuka goes to see Sheng at his training ground.
Sheng comes to Kuka’s classroom wearing a suit. Kuka is happy to see him. Sheng drives Kuka and Mingmei home. However, Mingmei and Sheng still cannot agree with each other about the fight.
The stadium is packed. The host says that this is the first game the boxing champion has fought since he was banned from fighting after the death of one of his opponents. The host speculates that Sheng will not last till the end of the first round.
The diner is full of customers because the chef has decided to open early to cheer for Sheng. Everyone has their eyes glued to the TV. Kuka runs to the diner alone to watch Sheng fight. Castro’s coach suggests to him to try and stretch the fight a bit longer so it will go the second round. Sheng is down just seven seconds into the fight, but he struggles up and survives the first round.
The chef dials Mingmei’s phone when Sheng survives the first round. He tells Mingmei how Sheng has planned to spend his boxing income. Sheng has included Mingmei and her son in all his financial planning. Even if he dies, his life insurance would be able to support Mingming and Kuka. The chef urges Mingmei to treasure Sheng’s life. Mingmei runs towards the stadium. The chef stays right outside the diner to listen to the fight on radio. He follows closely with the development of the game and only relaxes a little when he hears that Sheng starts to fight back.
Nobody expects Sheng to survive the second round. Sheng is down once again, but stands up during the counting. Castro turns to look at Sheng uncertainly. The audience cheer for Sheng, who then hits Castro with a powerful punch. Sheng becomes more agile, ducking away the punches rained down on him from Castro. The game turns more interesting. Towards the end, Sheng is forced against the rails and nearly falls down, yet he survives the second round.
The agent tells Sheng to make a few moves in the third round, and then let his opponent take him down. Sheng insists to continue with the fight. Neither Castro nor his coach has expected the game to drag on to the sixth round. The host says he saw Sheng smile and wonders if he has lost his mind. Even Castro is puzzled to see Sheng smiling instead of giving up. With each hit, Sheng seems to be getting stronger. No one knows what is behind his strength and determination. The game continues to the eleventh round. A powerful punch from Sheng gets Castro down. The chef smiles when he hears the host describes the action. Mingmei sees Sheng beaten down by Castro just as she walks into the stadium. The game continues into the twelfth round, when Sheng is down again. The audience cheer for Sheng, whose determination has won their hearts. Castro eventually wins the game. He hugs Sheng to show his appreciation. Sheng hears Mingmei calling his name. He follows the voice and finds Mingmei. He holds her in his arms and proposes to her. The chef smiles while still standing outside the diner. Long, who has been watching the game, leaves quietly.
Midnight Diner was broadcast on SBS ONE at Wednesday 7 February 2018, 13:00.