The competitors are immediately presented with the second test. They are shown a painting—the same one Alexandre used in one of his university lectures. A single clue is given to them: the word "link." They are now given two weeks to find the perfect wine that complements the painting.
Issei's grandfather, Noboru Tomine, CEO of Tomine Diamonds, hosts a press conference to express his support for Issei's competition. In private, however, Noboru has been ruthless in his efforts to force Issei to drop out of the competition. Despite this, in public, he is extremely supportive and wishes Issei well.
The two competitors begin their research on the painting, a still life painting titled "A Glass Compote with Peaches, Jasmine Flowers, Quinces and a Grasshopper" by Fede Galizia. Luca believes the wine they seek will be Italian, possibly from Milan or Lombardy. The aromas they should search for are those depicted in the painting: peach, jasmine, and quince.
Honoka finally relents and shows Issei the package containing Hirokazu's belongings. Issei reads the note his father has left, which reads: "Don't search for me." Issei is shocked to hear that his father has gone missing. He wants to tell the police, but his mother demands that he does nothing. She asks what he said to Hirokazu the last time they spoke. Issei is ashamed of his words.
Issei collects a photograph from Hirokazu's office showing the father and son together. As he exits, he bumps into Noboru in the elevator. In private, his grandfather speaks more honestly, stating that Issei has been disowned by his own family for his betrayal.
Despite his family's rejection, Issei defies them once again and goes to the police. However, they refuse to get involved in Hirokazu's voluntary disappearance. Issei decides to contact Yurika Katase, a journalist, and offers her an exclusive interview if she will investigate the disappearance herself.
Meanwhile, Camille indulges in every drop of wine she can find, only to be met with a sudden, brutal vomiting session. The following day, she meets with Luca, who presents her with an opportunity to take over Alexandre's wine guide business. That night, Camille and Thomas go out for a drink, where Thomas reveals that he's been with Juliette for seven years and that she's even proposed to him. Later, Camille attempts to kiss Thomas, but he politely but firmly rejects her.
Issei embarks on his own investigation, visiting his parents' old university and inquiring about their courses. He learns that Alexandre taught for a few months in 1991 and that his parents took the course. He's given the contact details of Alexandre's translator.
Yurika's investigation yields CCTV footage of Hirokazu at the train station, and in return for this vital information, Issei agrees to be interviewed on live TV.
Camille and Luca meet with the publisher, Jacques Fusier, who offers her Alexandre's old job. Camille's daughter seems excited to take on her father's legacy, but Thomas thinks it's a bad idea since Camille is inexperienced and unprepared for this prestigious role. After the attempted kiss and this argument, Thomas decides to leave Tokyo for good.
During the interview, Issei is questioned about the second challenge, his relationship with Alexandre and his family. Yurika asks if Issei will be taking over the diamond business, and Issei says he will not. To end the interview, Issei thanks his father. Hirokazu is then seen watching the interview in a diner - he's alive!
"The Link" concludes with Issei traveling to meet Alexandre's translator, Yoko Sawaguchi. She passes Issei a box of files and then discusses her memories of those three months working with Alexandre. Yoko remembers Honoka as an intense and demanding individual, while Hirokazu was impulsive and besotted by his future wife.
As the conversation progresses, Yoko finally reveals the truth about those crucial months. Hirokazu's jealousy led to Alexandre being fired, and Honoka was clearly in love with Alexandre. Issei's worst fears have come true, making him question his own parents.
Back in the car, he considers calling Camille but then changes his mind. They have much to discuss in the future, but Issei isn't ready for that conversation yet.
