All I Want for Love Is You Recap, Plot, Synopsis
All I Want for Love Is You Synopsis
As graduation from senior high school was approaching, in order to continue to be a classmate with her Mr. Charming, Zuo An, Gu Xiaoman takes out the spirit of practicing Sanda to study hard.
With hard work and exclusive advice from the genius Zuo An, Gu Xiaoman achieved the strongest comeback and succeeded in getting into the same university as Zuo An, making great progress towards love and studies.
During high school life, there were only a few secret interactions between them.
However, they showed off affection publicly in college life, and the sweetness was doubled.
The road of their getting close to each other is the sweetest and loving, the “accidental” events on the road are also cute and fun!
All I Want for Love Is You Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In a dream sequence, a woman in red and a man in white stood opposite each other amidst ancient buildings. The woman passionately urged the man to surrender to her will, but then assassins in black attacked. The woman protected the man, inadvertently tearing his clothes in the struggle, revealing his underwear, which embarrassed her. The scene then shifted to reality, introducing Gu Xiaoman, a perpetually energetic high school student.
Her father, Gu Jiancheng, was the city’s former Sanda champion and now the chief of the Security Department at the City Central Hospital. He was known for his strong sense of justice, often acting as "Hero Gu." Gu Xiaoman's mother had passed away when Xiaoman was six years old. Xiaoman grew up with her father, learning Sanda and achieving considerable skill.
She harbored a secret crush on Zuo An, the son of Director Zuo, her father's superior, and considered him her personal idol. She believed Zuo An was exceptionally intelligent, capable of "killing us for countless times in the world of learning" if knowledge could be transformed into power. On the first day of her senior year of high school, Gu Jiancheng repeatedly cautioned Xiaoman against fighting and urged her to focus on her studies.
Xiaoman confidently promised her father that she would get into college, which reassured him. As soon as Xiaoman left the house, she encountered her childhood neighbor, Zhan Yue. The two immediately started their usual bickering, with Xiaoman resorting to her fists to subdue Zhan Yue when words failed her. Xiaoman intended to quietly wait for Zuo An on her way to school, but instead, she spotted a thief.
Driven by her sense of justice, she gave chase, inadvertently dropping her pink diary. Zhan Yue later picked it up. During her pursuit, Xiaoman spotted Zuo An, who was in his car. Noticing the commotion, Zuo An followed. The thief, angered by Xiaoman's relentless chase, teamed up with accomplices to corner her. Despite being surrounded, Xiaoman showed no fear, quickly subduing several thieves, a scene witnessed by Zuo An as he arrived.
Xiaoman successfully apprehended the thieves and returned the stolen wallet to its owner. However, she then realized her diary was missing. Upon learning that Zhan Yue had found it, she angrily confronted him to retrieve it. Their reunion instantly devolved into playful fighting, with Xiaoman chasing Zhan Yue. In the scuffle, she accidentally tore Zuo An's pants, revealing his cartoon underwear. Onlookers burst into laughter, causing Xiaoman immense embarrassment, while Zuo An remained composed, quietly walking away without a word.
The incident of Xiaoman tearing Zuo An's pants led to a school notice of criticism. Chi Yaola, who was infatuated with Zuo An, gathered a group of girls to confront Xiaoman, demanding she apologize to Zuo An. Xiaoman, feeling guilty, agreed to apologize. However, Zuo An arrived and intervened, stating that her apology was unnecessary. Zhan Yue, witnessing Zuo An's dismissive attitude toward Xiaoman, became angry and argued with Zuo An.
During their heated exchange, Xiaoman accidentally bumped into Zuo An again, knocking him to the ground and further damaging his clothes, prompting more laughter from the bystanders. Xiaoman was even more flustered after accidentally knocking Zuo An down. To compensate him, she offered to sew his pants herself. Meanwhile, Miss Zhao, a teacher at the school, learned of Xiaoman's actions and sternly reprimanded her.
However, Zuo An defended Xiaoman, saying it was not her fault and that the matter was over. Xiaoman was deeply moved and thanked him. Zuo An remained calm and composed but, before leaving, advised Xiaoman not to get into fights anymore. Xiaoman readily promised to obey him. Later, in the classroom, Zuo An effortlessly solved a difficult problem, drawing admiring glances from the girls, while Xiaoman was lost in thought, fantasizing about Zuo An and giggling dreamily.
After school, Xiaoman continued to demand her diary back from Zhan Yue. Zhan Yue playfully teased her, making her agree to do his chores, including sweeping and mopping, and even help him deal with a group of students who were hogging their usual internet cafe. Xiaoman, having no choice, reluctantly agreed, all under Zuo An's watchful eye. Xiaoman "scared off" the boys from the internet cafe for Zhan Yue.
Afterward, the two went to a drink shop, engaging in close, playful banter, only to be spotted by Zuo An as he drove past. When Xiaoman and Zhan Yue returned home together, Gu Jiancheng, having been informed by Miss Zhao about Xiaoman's fighting, scolded Xiaoman and then reprimanded Zhan Yue. Later, Zhan Yue returned Xiaoman’s diary, but Xiaoman warned him not to reveal its contents to anyone else.
It turned out the diary was filled with Zuo An's name, containing Xiaoman's secret crush on him. Zhan Yue, after having glimpsed the diary, mocked her for admiring a "nerd," boasting about his own varied talents beyond academics. Xiaoman fiercely warned him again not to call Zuo An a "nerd" and threatened to hunt him down if he ever spoke of the diary's contents.
Episode 2 Recap
Xiaoman meticulously recorded the embarrassing moments she shared with Zuo An in her diary, specifically noting his unexpected intervention on her behalf that day. Although Zuo An generally remained aloof, his willingness to speak up for her deeply resonated with her. After finishing her entry, Xiaoman contentedly hid her diary away. She then fell into a daydream, imagining a dramatic encounter with Zuo An, only to be jolted awake by the sudden realization that she had started her period.
Rushing out to the supermarket for sanitary pads, she unexpectedly ran into Zuo An, who was browsing for a pen. Her embarrassment intensified when she discovered she had forgotten her wallet, but Zuo An, observing her predicament, stepped in and paid for her items. Xiaoman quickly took the sanitary pads and fled in disarray, while Zuo An remained, gazing at his newly purchased pen. At home, Zuo An’s father returned, beaming with joy.
He had just learned that Zuo An was recommended for admission to Nandu Medical University, a top medical school in the country from which Zuo An’s father, mother, and Uncle Sun had all graduated. Zuo An’s father had always hoped his son would achieve great success and attend this prestigious institution. Zuo An, upon returning to his room, silently affirmed to himself that he must become a doctor, believing it to be his destiny.
The next day at school, Xiaoman grappled with how to return the money to Zuo An but couldn't muster the courage. Zhan Yue, noticing Xiaoman’s preoccupation with Zuo An, expressed his displeasure. He followed Xiaoman out of the classroom and questioned her unwavering infatuation with Zuo An, unable to understand his appeal.
Xiaoman, however, glowed with adoration as she listed Zuo An’s many virtues, praising his academic prowess, good character, handsome appearance, versatility, kindness, integrity, and helpfulness, even describing him as the "light of her life" and a figure straight out of fiction. Zhan Yue grew visibly jealous, proclaiming that if the seemingly arrogant Zuo An could be described as helpful, then he, Zhan Yue, was a "young blood with dignity and honor, the model of Yincheng Middle School."
He then pressed Xiaoman to enumerate his own good qualities, but she struggled to name any. During physical education class, Xiaoman tried to find an opportunity to talk to Zuo An, but her attempts were noticed by Zhan Yue. Annoyed, Zhan Yue deliberately provoked Zuo An, challenging him to a basketball game. Zhan Yue, a skilled athlete, knew Zuo An was not inclined toward sports.
He tried to goad Zuo An into playing by calling him a "nerd" and a "coward," asserting that Zuo An was "vulnerable" and would lose without a fight. Though initially reluctant, Zuo An was sufficiently provoked by Zhan Yue's taunts to accept the challenge, agreeing to meet him on the court. Xiaoman then approached Zuo An, urging him to ignore Zhan Yue's provocations and returning the money she owed.
Believing Zuo An would surely lose, she tried to persuade him to back out of the game. Zuo An, in turn, asked Xiaoman who she hoped would win. Xiaoman hesitated, acknowledging Zhan Yue's athletic abilities but ultimately expressing her wish for neither of them to play, stating that such a "game with vindictiveness" was "meaningless." Zuo An simply replied, "I understand," and walked away. On the basketball court, Zuo An and Zhan Yue began their match.
Zhan Yue, leveraging his superior athletic skills, consistently outplayed Zuo An, verbally provoking him throughout the game with taunts about his academic focus and perceived lack of physical prowess. The escalating taunts led to a physical altercation between the two. Xiaoman quickly intervened to break up the fight. Miss Zhao, alerted to the situation, brought Zuo An, Zhan Yue, and other students involved to the disciplinary office.
Miss Zhao initially blamed Xiaoman, labeling her a "fighting queen" who negatively influenced the class. However, both Zhan Yue and Zuo An quickly defended Xiaoman, insisting she was only trying to stop the fight. When Miss Zhao questioned Zhan Yue and threatened him with a serious demerit, Zuo An stepped forward and took full responsibility for the fight, claiming he was the one who initiated it. Director Wang, who was present, declared that Zuo An would receive a serious demerit.
Miss Zhao expressed concern, explaining that a demerit could jeopardize Zuo An's recommendation to Nandu Medical University, as the quota was for students with excellent academic and moral standing. Zuo An, however, appeared unconcerned about his own academic record, showing more concern for Xiaoman. Director Wang, emphasizing the importance of strict punishment for fighting, ordered all involved students to run ten laps on the playground. During the run, Xiaoman, suffering from severe menstrual cramps, collapsed.
Without hesitation, Zuo An disregarded the running order and the presence of teachers, immediately picking up Xiaoman and carrying her to the infirmary for medical attention. Zhan Yue watched the scene, utterly bewildered. Xiaoman awoke in the infirmary to find Zuo An by her side, which brought her immense joy. She then expressed her sympathy for Zuo An, believing he was wronged and had taken the blame for Zhan Yue, whom she thought had started the fight.
Zuo An, however, corrected her, explaining that he was disappointed in himself for losing control and resorting to violence after losing the basketball game, admitting it was his fault. Xiaoman praised him as a "hero" capable of controlling his anger even in moments of rage. Zuo An then told her that she didn't truly know him and asked her not to interfere or "do anything" on his behalf in front of their classmates, as he didn't need it.
After school, Xiaoman's father arrived, expressing his anger and disbelief that his daughter had been unfairly punished. Miss Zhao repeatedly apologized to him. As Zuo An's father also arrived, Xiaoman, fearing Zuo An would be scolded, attempted to explain that the fight was her fault and stemmed from her. Zuo An swiftly interrupted her, trying to distance himself by stating they were "not very familiar."
Zuo An’s father reprimanded Zuo An for his rude behavior and demanded he apologize to Xiaoman, but Zuo An refused, claiming it was "not necessary." Zuo An’s father then took him home. At home, Zuo An's father scolded him for risking his university recommendation. He stated that if the recommendation was revoked, Zuo An would have no choice but to study in the United States. Zuo An remained silent throughout his father's lecture.
Meanwhile, Xiaoman, heartbroken by Zuo An’s cold public dismissal of their connection, vented her sadness by hitting a sandbag. Unbeknownst to her, Zuo An had created distance between them to protect her from facing further trouble and harm.
Episode 3 Recap
Xiaoman, who has practiced Sanda since childhood, often imagines herself as a heroine in a martial arts world. In one such fantasy, she sees herself as a righteous heroine, with Zuo An as the "Demon Cult Little Prince," declaring an inevitable conflict between their factions. In reality, as Xiaoman walks to school, Zuo An stops his car and tries to speak with her. However, Xiaoman, still affected by their recent strained interaction, deliberately keeps her distance.
She quickly promises not to cause him any more trouble and rushes off, cutting short Zuo An's attempt to apologize for his previous harsh words. Later, Zhan Yue approaches Xiaoman, playfully suggesting Zuo An was to blame for their previous punishment. Xiaoman, however, feels guilty for causing Zuo An trouble and admits she is ashamed to face him.
Zhan Yue also references Xiaoman's fainting from the previous day, hinting that Zuo An felt responsible as he was the first to take her to the infirmary. He advises her to stay away from the "nerd" Zuo An, whom he describes as a delicate "well-protected flower" they can't afford to harm. Xiaoman dismisses Zhan Yue, wanting to be left alone. Xiaoman continues to avoid Zuo An around campus, feeling he must dislike her and might even think she's following him.
To her surprise, Zuo An calls her, having found her number in the class address book. He asks why she keeps hiding from him, questioning if he is "so scary." He then invites her to meet after school. They meet at a dessert shop, where Zuo An apologizes for his previous harsh words. He explains that his father, Director Zuo, had seen Xiaoman hitting a punching bag the previous night and instructed him to apologize for his poor attitude.
He assures her that the matter is settled and asks her to stop avoiding him. Xiaoman, still a bit nervous and surprised by his directness, notes his fluctuating demeanor, describing his speech as being like a "roller coaster." Zuo An then bravely asks her to be his friend. Overjoyed and somewhat disbelieving, Xiaoman points out the vast academic difference between them and Zuo An's usual reclusive nature, stating that everyone thought he didn't need friends.
Zuo An refutes this, saying he has always thought highly of her, even recalling seeing her help an elderly woman cross the road. Their conversation solidifies their new friendship as they enjoy desserts. During their conversation, Xiaoman innocently remarks that Zhan Yue also enjoys the same type of desserts.
Zuo An immediately becomes visibly jealous, sternly telling her never to mention Zhan Yue in his presence again, and then instructs the waiter to replace all the desserts on their table with new ones. Xiaoman quickly falls silent and complies. Later, Xiaoman secretly vows to become as outstanding as Zuo An. The next day, Xiaoman finds Zhan Yue and warns him not to bully Zuo An.
Zhan Yue acknowledges that Zuo An had previously helped him avoid trouble, but jokingly asserts he still doesn't want to be friends with him, adding that he doesn't need "friends like him." Zuo An, overhearing, reveals he knows Zhan Yue wants to be friends with Xiaoman, causing Zhan Yue to become flustered. That evening, Xiaoman, chewing spicy strips, awkwardly runs into Zuo An at the supermarket. Embarrassed, she chokes, providing Zuo An with an amusing sight that makes him laugh.
In class, Miss Zhao announces a joint exam scheduled for mid-October, which is met with widespread disappointment from the students. To mitigate their stress, Miss Zhao then announces a Mid-Autumn Festival party for the class the following week, which brings cheers and excitement. At the party, the students are enjoying themselves. Zhan Yue playfully teases Xiaoman about her dancing, comparing her to a "Malaysian monkey," leading to a lighthearted quarrel between them before Miss Zhao intervenes.
Later, Director Wang invites all students to share their dreams. Zuo An is the first to speak, stating his ambition to become a doctor and his family's plan for him to study in the United States. This revelation deeply affects Xiaoman, who is stunned. Meanwhile, Zhan Yue expresses delight at the thought of Zuo An leaving. Other students then share their aspirations, including becoming a chef, a gastronomist, a volunteer, or a film director.
When it's Xiaoman's turn to share her dream, she pauses, still processing Zuo An's news. After a moment, she hesitates but finally states her dream is to become a teacher, inspired by her late mother who was also a teacher. Her classmates, including Zhan Yue, openly mock her, citing her poor academic record and suggesting she would struggle even to get into a local teacher's college, let alone a nationally renowned university.
Miss Zhao encourages Xiaoman to work hard despite the challenges. Zhan Yue then shares his dream of becoming a popular superstar. After the Mid-Autumn Festival party, Xiaoman reflects on the growing distance she feels from Zuo An due to his impending departure. Despite her self-doubt about her intelligence, she dedicates herself to studying for the joint exam.
The exam results are posted, showing Zuo An at the top of the class, while Xiaoman, with a score of 250, and Zhan Yue, with 338, are at the very bottom. Miss Zhao publicly criticizes them both for their consistently low scores, which have hit a new low. After the exam, a female classmate humbly approaches Zuo An for help with a physics problem.
Zhan Yue, nearby, sarcastically remarks that Zuo An wouldn't be so kind, given his usual distant demeanor. However, Zuo An unexpectedly announces that he will now help any classmate with academic questions, emphasizing mutual assistance. A line of girls quickly forms to ask him questions. One girl asks Zuo An about his upcoming Scholastic Assessment Test and plans to study in the US next month. This causes Xiaoman to become visibly upset.
Feeling the widening gap between their abilities and futures, she quietly leaves the classroom, feeling depressed. Zuo An notices her departure and follows her. He asks what is wrong, and Xiaoman directly asks him if he is truly going to the US. Zuo An confirms that it is arranged.
Xiaoman, despite her inner turmoil and reluctance to part, tells him that as his friend, she wants him to pursue the best education and future as it's a major matter concerning his prospects. When Zuo An asks if she has any advice, noting that they might not see each other often if he leaves, Xiaoman, tearfully, insists he should go, claiming her sincerity as a martial artist who never lies.
Xiaoman confesses her perceived academic "stupidity," feeling unable to offer Zuo An any useful advice because she is so "stupid" in this area. Zuo An reassures her, reminding her of her Sanda championship wins as proof of her intelligence, and encourages her to focus more on her studies in the remaining high school time.
However, Xiaoman laments her academic struggles, questioning why she's so "stupid" and can't even get into college, unlike excellent students like Zuo An, and wondering if the pig brains her father fed her were wasted. Later, Xiaoman is seen punching a sandbag at home to vent her frustrations about her poor exam performance. Zuo An, seeing her from his nearby house, considers going to comfort her.
However, Gu father intercepts him at the door, explaining that Xiaoman often vents her exam-related frustrations by hitting the sandbag and will be fine afterward. Zuo An then politely takes his leave.
Episode 4 Recap
Xiaoman diligently studied early in the morning, but her efforts felt futile. Zhan Yue arrived and mocked her for studying, but Xiaoman retorted, believing diligence could compensate for her lack of talent. She asserted that she knew her own business and was willing to put in the time.
Zhan Yue, wanting Xiaoman to join a friendly football match against Xie Sanjin’s class, playfully tried to persuade her, reminding her of their class's loss last year, but Xiaoman refused, saying she was not in the mood and was still bothered by her low exam score. Zhan Yue called her a "stubborn donkey" and left. Later, on the school playground, a football match was underway between classes.
During the game, one of Xiaoman’s classmates was injured, hurting his leg, and had to be sent to the infirmary. With their team a player short, Zhan Yue was desperate for a substitute. When other male classmates made various excuses for why they couldn't play, Zhan Yue suggested Xiaoman.
Mr. Liu, the teacher and referee, initially objected because Xiaoman was a girl, but Zhan Yue insisted that Xiaoman was like an "invincible King Kong" on the field, capable of playing as effectively as a boy. Mr. Liu reluctantly agreed, cautioning Xiaoman to be safe. As soon as Xiaoman entered the game, she turned the tide, constantly winning, and leading her team.
Classmate Xie Sanjin from the opposing team taunted Zhan Yue for putting a girl on the field, but Zhan Yue proudly declared that "Xiaoman will beat you." The opposing team’s player, Wang Lei, grew frustrated and deliberately tackled Xiaoman, causing her to fall. Zhan Yue rushed to Xiaoman's side and confronted Wang Lei, almost starting a fight. Mr. Liu, the referee, claimed he hadn't seen the foul clearly. Just then, Zuo An appeared and intervened.
He confidently declared that he could prove Wang Lei's action was deliberate using principles of mathematics and physics. He explained how the initial positions, Wang Lei's speed, the friction coefficient of the grass, and even the Earth's rotation and revolution would affect Xiaoman's falling direction differently if the impact was accidental versus intentional. Although he admitted the calculation was complex, he asserted he could figure it out.
When Zuo An suggested bringing in Mr. Wang, the city's physics authority, and even the principal, Wang Lei’s teammate panicked and admitted they had deliberately fouled Xiaoman. Wang Lei was promptly given a red card. Both Zuo An and Xiaoman were hailed as heroes by their classmates. The game resumed, and Xiaoman, with her exceptional athleticism, led her team to victory by scoring another goal. Everyone cheered her as their "heroine." After the match, students continued to discuss the win.
The girls attributed the victory mainly to Zuo An’s intervention. Zhan Yue, feeling his and his teammates' efforts were overlooked, argued vehemently that Zuo An’s "nonsense" about physics was just a trick and that the victory was due to their hard play. Xiaoman, however, stood up for Zuo An, stating that he truly helped the team, and most of her classmates supported Zuo An, believing in his good intentions. Zhan Yue called them "naive and stupid" for believing Zuo An.
When the class monitor, who was also a top student, was asked to give a fair judgment, she admitted she couldn't fully understand Zuo An's complex calculations. Xiaoman continued to defend Zuo An, highlighting his character and intelligence, questioning why a smart person like him would do something foolish like lying. Another student pointed out that Zuo An had been called to Mr. Wang's office right after the game, implying something suspicious.
Indeed, Zuo An had been summoned to Mr. Wang's office, where the physics teacher criticized him. Zuo An confessed that his elaborate theory was a spur-of-the-moment fabrication, designed to help their class in a desperate situation. Mr. Wang, although understanding the "force of circumstances," was annoyed that Zuo An had misled his classmates, including Mr. Liu, who was an English teacher and wouldn't understand physics.
Mr. Wang chastised Zuo An for involving the principal, knowing he was in a meeting, to create pressure. As punishment, Mr. Wang assigned all Grade Three science classes to redo exercises related to Newton's three laws, lamenting that such a ridiculous theory was believed. Upon Zuo An’s return to the classroom, Zhan Yue continued to provoke him, demanding that Zuo An admit his "physics proof" was a lie.
Zuo An remained silent, which Zhan Yue took as confirmation of his guilt. Xiaoman again defended Zuo An, stating he had good intentions even if his explanation was complicated. Most classmates sided with Zuo An, while Zhan Yue vowed to expose him. Xiaoman tried to physically stop Zhan Yue from confronting Zuo An, urging him to calm down. Later, Zuo An privately admitted to Xiaoman that he had indeed "fooled" everyone. Xiaoman, surprisingly, was not upset.
Instead, she praised Zuo An for sacrificing his own reputation for the sake of the class's honor, calling it "the spirit of chivalry" and the "highest realm" she pursued. Zuo An, in turn, complimented Xiaoman, calling her the true embodiment of chivalry for being the main reason their class won the football match. Zuo An then noticed a wound on Xiaoman’s leg from the match.
He bought a band-aid and carefully applied it, reminding her to be cautious even with small injuries. As the college entrance examination approached, Miss Zhao began home visits to discuss students' future academic paths. During her visit to Xiaoman’s home, she spoke with Xiaoman’s father, Mr. Gu, suggesting that Xiaoman consider applying to a sports school.
Miss Zhao explained that Xiaoman's academic performance, though showing some improvement, made a sports school the most promising path to university, given her excellent sports abilities. Mr. Gu was enthusiastic about the idea, but Xiaoman immediately interjected, firmly stating she did not want to attend a sports school. Miss Zhao urged Xiaoman to reconsider, emphasizing the gap between her dream of becoming a teacher and her current academic reality.
Xiaoman, however, insisted she didn't want to give up on her dream. Mr. Gu was surprised, as Xiaoman had never expressed a desire to be a teacher before. Alone in her room, Xiaoman pondered her college choices, knowing that Zuo An planned to study abroad, which meant they wouldn't be classmates anymore. The next day, Xiaoman again told Miss Zhao she would not consider a sports school.
Miss Zhao, showing Xiaoman's recent quiz results where she failed every subject, criticized her for being impractical and self-willed. Xiaoman became deeply disheartened, and Zuo An, witnessing her sadness, felt a pang of sympathy. Determined to help Xiaoman, Zuo An secretly began to organize important study materials for her. The following day, he devised a plan. He "accidentally" left his detailed study notes at the hospital where Mr. Gu worked.
Mr. Gu, while on patrol, found the notes and was highly impressed by their organization and thoroughness, wishing his daughter Xiaoman could be as diligent. Zuo An, feigning surprise, explained that his notes were tailored to his specific learning style and would only be truly useful if he personally explained them. Seizing the opportunity, Mr. Gu expressed a desire for Xiaoman to learn from Zuo An’s notes but felt it was too much to ask Zuo An to tutor her.
Zuo An, pretending to be empathetic to Mr. Gu’s concerns about the looming college entrance exam, "reluctantly" offered to tutor Xiaoman for two hours every Sunday morning, stating his father had filled his other time slots. Mr. Gu was overjoyed and deeply grateful. Zuo An then asked Mr. Gu to keep their arrangement a secret, which Mr. Gu readily promised. Upon returning home, Mr. Gu excitedly informed Xiaoman that Zuo An would be tutoring her.
Xiaoman was stunned, initially disbelieving and even suspecting her father had threatened Zuo An. Mr. Gu denied any coercion, praising Zuo An’s excellent character and contrasting him with Zhan Yue, whom he reminded Xiaoman she had once saved as a child, yet Zhan Yue still often bullied her. Mr. Gu also expressed his deep happiness about Xiaoman's decision to pursue teaching, like her mother.
He then presented Xiaoman with Zuo An’s detailed notes, relaying Zuo An’s request that she review and memorize them before each tutoring session. Xiaoman, holding Zuo An’s notes, was overjoyed and began to daydream about him, before reminding herself to focus and not let him down.
Episode 5 Recap
Zuo An arrived at Xiaoman’s home to tutor her. Xiaoman was visibly nervous, having spent the morning tidying her room in anticipation. When Zuo An appeared, her face flushed crimson, leaving Zuo An puzzled. Xiaoman quickly explained that she had just been out running and was feeling hot, making it seem like she was out of breath. As Xiaoman went to fetch water for Zuo An, he took the opportunity to look around her room.
Upon her return, Xiaoman noticed that Zuo An’s face was also red. He awkwardly tried to explain that her room was indeed warm, attempting to hide his own flustered feelings. During the tutoring session, Xiaoman asked Zuo An why he was helping her. He simply replied that they were friends and that her father had asked him for help. Xiaoman accepted this explanation. As they started with English, Xiaoman struggled with the exercises, feeling too "stupid" to attempt them.
Zuo An gently reassured her, explaining that her issue wasn't a lack of intelligence but rather habitual nervousness that prevented her from concentrating. He encouraged her to imagine the problem as an opponent in a Sanda match, a sport in which she was a champion, to help her focus. With his guidance, Xiaoman calmed down and, to her surprise, successfully solved a difficult physics problem. Overjoyed, she leaped up in excitement, accidentally knocking Zuo An over with her fist.
She immediately apologized profusely, helping him back up. Spending more time together in this way deepened their relationship. Following Zuo An’s tutoring, Xiaoman's physics results showed remarkable improvement, scoring 112 points. Her teachers and classmates were quite surprised, some even suspecting she had cheated. To prove herself, Xiaoman confidently went to the blackboard and solved a challenging problem the physics teacher wrote down. Her perfect solution convinced everyone, earning her widespread praise and applause.
Overcome with emotion, Xiaoman cried tears of joy. Meanwhile, Zhan Yue, whose grades remained poor, confronted Xiaoman, accusing her of betraying their shared experience of failing exams. Another classmate intervened, telling Zhan Yue that if he truly considered Xiaoman a friend, he should be happy for her instead of blaming her. Later that day, Zhan Yue excitedly rushed into the classroom, announcing that Zuo An had failed his Scholastic Assessment Test and would not be going to the United States.
Initially, everyone was skeptical, given Zuo An's academic prowess. However, Zuo An confirmed the news, stating that he had indeed not performed well on the test and would not be going. This revelation was actually a deliberate act on his part. Concerned about Zuo An's mood, Xiaoman invited him to a dessert shop. She tried to comfort him, ordering several sweets, but Zuo An playfully teased her, pretending to be sad.
Xiaoman affectionately offered him dessert, hoping to cheer him up. Zuo An then admitted to Xiaoman that he had intentionally failed the exam because he did not want to go to the United States. Xiaoman pressed him for his reasons, but Zuo An remained evasive, saying only that he didn't have to go. Despite his reluctance to elaborate, Xiaoman was still happy, cherishing the thought of him remaining nearby.
After leaving the dessert shop, Zuo An continued tutoring Xiaoman at her home. Suddenly, Zhan Yue appeared at the window, inviting Xiaoman to play. Panicked that Zuo An would be discovered, Xiaoman quickly ushered him into the bathroom to hide. Zhan Yue sensed something was amiss and searched her room, but found nothing. Zhan Yue only found a pile of study materials on Xiaoman’s desk, which greatly surprised him, considering her sudden diligence.
Xiaoman seized the opportunity to encourage Zhan Yue to study harder before sending him away. When she returned to look for Zuo An, he was gone. Fearing he might be upset about being hidden, Xiaoman went out to find him. She found him playing basketball, a sport she hadn't known he enjoyed, thinking he only liked swimming.
Zuo An explained he wasn't particularly fond of basketball but was motivated to play because he had lost to Zhan Yue in a previous game and wanted to win next time. Xiaoman offered to join him, admitting she wasn't good at it but that two players were better than one. Zuo An teased her for her awkwardness, but Xiaoman, undeterred, tried to shoot the ball, accidentally hitting him on the head.
Episode 6 Recap
Before class began, Miss Zhao publicly announced that a love letter addressed to Zuo An had been discovered. Concerned about upcoming college entrance exams and potential distractions like puppy love, she criticized the incident and asked the writer to come forward after class. After school, Xiaoman, Chi Yaola, and other students waited by the staircase, curious to see who would confess, but no one appeared. Zhan Yue and Xiaoman left feeling disappointed, discussing who might have written the letter.
As they playfully bickered on their way home, they were surprised to find Miss Zhao at Xiaoman's doorstep. Miss Zhao had assumed the letter was Xiaoman's because it was found under her desk. She believed Xiaoman was showing signs of puppy love and had come for a home visit. Startled, Xiaoman's father immediately revealed that Zuo An had been tutoring Xiaoman. Both Miss Zhao and Zhan Yue were astonished by this revelation.
Xiaoman quickly clarified that she had no romantic involvement with Zuo An, explaining that Zuo An was reluctantly tutoring her at her father's request, and their interactions were strictly academic. Miss Zhao showed the letter to Xiaoman, who noticed the handwriting was unfamiliar. Xiaoman then retrieved her own notes to compare the handwriting, successfully proving her innocence. Miss Zhao, realizing her mistake, apologized to Xiaoman and her father for her hasty judgment.
Before her visit, Miss Zhao had also informed Zuo An's father about the letter. Consequently, Zuo An's father grew highly displeased with Xiaoman and, to prevent any further distractions for his son, forbade Zuo An from attending school, instructing him to self-study at home instead. Zuo An protested, but his father insisted it was for his own good and to help him adjust after deciding to stay and study in the country.
The next morning, as Zhan Yue and Xiaoman entered the classroom, Chi Yaola, leading a group of students, immediately confronted Xiaoman, accusing her of writing the letter and being manipulative. Xiaoman was at a loss for words. Zuo An then arrived, and Xiaoman eagerly looked to him for clarification, but he remained silent.
Just then, Miss Zhao walked in and publicly clarified the situation, explaining that the true author of the letter had bravely confessed to her late the previous night. Miss Zhao solemnly apologized to Xiaoman for her oversight and announced that Zuo An would be self-studying at home for the remainder of the semester at his father's request. Everyone in the class expressed their disappointment at Zuo An's absence, feeling glum.
Chi Yaola, however, continued to blame Xiaoman for the entire incident, still convinced that Xiaoman was behind the letter. Hearing this, Zhan Yue stepped forward to defend Xiaoman, publicly claiming that he had seen all of Xiaoman's diaries and that they only ever mentioned him. Zuo An, overhearing Zhan Yue's pronouncement, grew noticeably upset and left the classroom, his mood remaining troubled even after returning home. Meanwhile, Xiaoman was also feeling down, her thoughts consumed by Zuo An.
However, upon receiving study notes sent by Zuo An through his father, she resolved to redouble her efforts, determined not to let Zuo An's kindness go to waste. Before an upcoming school examination, Zuo An sent Xiaoman an encouraging message. Bolstered by his words, Xiaoman felt a surge of confidence. After the exam, her hard work paid off remarkably. Xiaoman's rank improved by over 400 places, placing her among the top 100 students in the entire grade.
Miss Zhao publicly commended Xiaoman for her significant progress, and Xiaoman was overjoyed by the recognition. After school, Zuo An congratulated Xiaoman on her achievement and handed her a new set of study notes, offering to help her further if needed during the holiday. Xiaoman was deeply moved by his continued support. Back home, Xiaoman began rising early each day for exercise while simultaneously memorizing vocabulary, a sight that pleased her father immensely.
During the holiday, Xiaoman meticulously planned out her entire day for studying. Zhan Yue, finding himself with time on his hands, went to Xiaoman's house, hoping to entice her to play. Though tempted, Xiaoman exercised self-control, firmly declining his invitation and refocusing on her studies. When Xiaoman encountered a difficult problem she couldn't solve, and also wanting to see Zuo An, she messaged him to meet and help her.
They met at a dessert shop, where Zuo An patiently explained the problem. Xiaoman, however, found herself continuously gazing at Zuo An rather than the problem. At that moment, Zhan Yue happened to pass by the dessert shop and saw them studying together. Later that night, Zhan Yue tossed and turned in bed, his mind replaying the scene of Xiaoman and Zuo An together, his mood growing increasingly frustrated.
The next day, while playing basketball with a friend, Zhan Yue complained and speculated that Zuo An might like Xiaoman. His friend scoffed at the idea, finding it impossible that anyone would be interested in "that female King Kong." Xiaoman arranged to meet Zuo An again, this time to present him with a thank-you gift.
She had noticed Zuo An frequently buying pens from a small store near her home and thought a good quality pen would prevent him from needing to buy them so often. Zuo An accepted the gift without much comment but seemed pleased. Afterward, Zuo An unexpectedly asked Xiaoman to teach him boxing, expressing curiosity. Xiaoman, though initially worried he might get hurt due to his lack of athletic experience, agreed to teach him a combination punch. During their training, Zuo An, unaccustomed to physical activity, accidentally twisted his waist while practicing a movement.
Episode 7 Recap
Xiaoman felt deeply apologetic after accidentally injuring Zuo An again, expressing concern that he might become permanently disabled because of her. Zuo An, however, casually responded by asking her to be responsible for him for the rest of his life, which left Xiaoman momentarily stunned. Just then, Director Zuo encountered the two and questioned why they were together. Zuo An attempted to lie, claiming he met Xiaoman at the library, but his father quickly saw through the deception.
Zhan Yue then arrived and tried to help Xiaoman, but his aggressive demeanor only further infuriated Director Zuo, who angrily escorted Zuo An away. Upon returning home, Director Zuo instructed Zuo An to stay away from both Xiaoman and Zhan Yue, prohibiting him from using his phone or going out. Zuo An protested, asserting that Xiaoman was his friend and the only person who could make him forget his worries.
He also promised his father that he would study diligently, get into a good university, and become a good doctor, living up to his expectations. After the winter break, students returned to school. Xiaoman noticed Zuo An's absence, and Miss Zhao informed the class that Zuo An would continue his studies at home this semester, which disheartened Xiaoman.
After school, Xiaoman was eager to visit Director Zuo to explain the situation, believing he misunderstood her connection with Zuo An, thus preventing Zuo An from attending school. However, Zhan Yue intervened, advising her against it, explaining that her explanation would only worsen the situation as Director Zuo already harbored suspicions about her influence on Zuo An.
Xiaoman then urged Zhan Yue to focus on his own studies and prepare for the college entrance exam, after which she turned and left. Zhan Yue, taking her words to heart, secretly vowed to get into a university, just like Zuo An. Missing Zuo An greatly, Xiaoman borrowed her father's phone to call him.
Zuo An stood on his balcony while Xiaoman was in her yard below; they spoke on the phone, looking at each other across the distance, and made an unspoken promise to both get into university. Zuo An then told Xiaoman to stop contacting him so she could fully concentrate on her studies. Xiaoman was a little disappointed but dedicated herself to studying during the final sprint phase for the exams.
From that day on, Zhan Yue also transformed, immersing himself in studying day and night. As expected, both Zhan Yue and Xiaoman showed significant improvement in their second and third mock exams, with their scores steadily rising. As the college entrance exam approached, Miss Zhao held the final class meeting, offering words of encouragement and expressing high hopes for everyone. She specifically praised Xiaoman and Zhan Yue for their remarkable breakthroughs. Finally, the college entrance exam arrived.
Before the test, Gu father gave Xiaoman many words of caution. Xiaoman and Zhan Yue then confidently walked into the examination hall together. After the exam results were released, Gu father was overjoyed to learn that Xiaoman scored 620 points, casually mentioning that Zhan Yue also performed well. He suggested that Xiaoman go out for a celebratory dinner with friends to relax, but Xiaoman remained sullen and unwilling to leave the house.
That evening, Zhan Yue came to see Xiaoman, inquiring about her current mood and her college application plans, but Xiaoman refused to discuss it. Xiaoman tossed and turned at home, unsure how to fill out her college application. The next day, Miss Zhao criticized Xiaoman for not filling in her first-choice university. Overhearing this, Zhan Yue angrily confronted Xiaoman, assuming she intended to apply to medical school like Zuo An.
He strongly advised her against it, reminding her that she had suffered from blood phobia since childhood and was fundamentally unsuited for medical studies. Xiaoman, however, insisted on attending the same university as Zuo An. Zuo An also learned about Xiaoman's failure to fill her first choice and met with her to inquire. Xiaoman remained evasive, so Zuo An urged her to consider her decision carefully.
After returning home, Xiaoman pondered for a long time and ultimately decided to follow her heart. The next morning, Xiaoman eagerly rushed to submit her application form, having chosen Nandu Medical University, the same school as Zuo An, as her first choice. At home, she nervously checked her admission results. Upon seeing her acceptance, she cheered joyfully and immediately ran out of the house, wanting to share the good news with Zuo An.
She headed to Zuo An's house, stopping at a convenience store to buy ice cream to celebrate with him. Gu father, though initially happy about Xiaoman's admission, was dismayed to discover she had applied to the Department of Clinical Medicine. Just then, Zhan Yue also arrived, announcing his admission to Nandu Medical University's nursing department. Gu father grew even angrier, mistakenly believing Xiaoman had applied to medical school because of Zhan Yue, and deeply worried, knowing her blood phobia.
Zuo An overheard the entire conversation. Afterward, while disappointed that Xiaoman had seemingly abandoned her dream of becoming a teacher, he was secretly pleased that he would be able to be classmates with her again. Upon Xiaoman's return home, Gu father angrily confronted her about her medical school application. He insisted that her blood phobia made medical studies impossible.
After much consideration, he proposed that he would accompany her in repeating a year of high school to retake the entrance exam. Xiaoman then expressed her heartfelt desire to study medicine and dedicate herself to saving lives. Gu father, moved by her conviction, reluctantly gave his consent.
Episode 8 Recap
Xiaoman has carried a deep-seated blood phobia since witnessing her mother's surgery as a child, a fear she has always yearned to overcome. Her father, initially hesitant about her pursuing medicine, eventually relents, but not before assigning her a "special training" task: she must learn to kill a chicken to conquer her aversion to blood.
When Zuo An brings a rooster home, intending to prepare it to nourish Xiaoman, she tries to persuade him to release it, citing its "free soul." However, Zhan Yue soon reappears with the same chicken, humorously returning it. The scene then shifts, revealing this challenge is part of Xiaoman's reality, as her father instructs her to kill the chicken, which she deliberately lets escape. Determined to speak with Zuo An, Xiaoman actively seeks him out.
She confronts him, asking why he is angry and distant, especially now that they are classmates in the same medical school. Zuo An tersely tells her that the medical field is not suitable for her, reminding her of her past ambition to become a teacher. Their tense conversation is abruptly interrupted by a jealous Zhan Yue, who makes a snide remark about Xiaoman's choice of major.
In his eagerness, Zhan Yue accidentally stumbles and plunges headfirst into a large water bucket. Both Xiaoman and Zuo An immediately rush to help him. After being pulled out, Zhan Yue clings tightly to Xiaoman, prompting Zuo An to leave the scene, visibly annoyed by their close interaction. Xiaoman attempts to call Zuo An back, but he simply wishes her a happy holiday and walks away.
Zhan Yue then confidently tells Xiaoman that Zuo An doesn't like her, but he himself does, a statement Xiaoman dismisses as nonsensical. The next day, Zhan Yue encounters Gu father, who playfully teases him about the previous day's incident and Xiaoman saving him. Zhan Yue seizes the opportunity, suggesting it’s a "special fate" that Xiaoman always appears when he's in danger, implying they are a good match. Gu father, clearly displeased, quickly dismisses Zhan Yue's words and sends him home.
That evening, Xiaoman returns home, and Gu father directly questions her about her relationship with Zhan Yue. Xiaoman laughs off the suggestion, vehemently denying any romantic involvement. Relieved, Gu father then advises her on finding a suitable partner, emphasizing the importance of choosing someone who is genuinely good to her, reliable, and mature.
He explicitly states that Zhan Yue, with his playful demeanor and inability to surpass her in anything, is not a good fit, and instructs her to maintain distance from him. Zhan Yue later gathers their classmates to discuss their upcoming farewell meal. Many female students express a strong desire for Zuo An to attend, despite doubts about his presence.
Chi Yaola, after some hesitation, texts Zuo An, who surprisingly agrees to come, much to the delight of Xiaoman and the others. Meanwhile, at home, Zuo An's father informs him of a crucial seminar the next day, requiring him to meet several prominent professors from Nandu University and "Uncle Sun."
Despite Zuo An's wish to attend the farewell meal, his father strongly urges him to prioritize the seminar, highlighting its importance for his future academic career and the need to save face for Uncle Sun. Zuo An is left in a difficult position. Simultaneously, Xiaoman meticulously prepares for the farewell meal, applying a lot of makeup. Her father jokingly expresses surprise at her transformation but praises her appearance.
Later, at the venue, Zhan Yue, seeing Xiaoman's overly pale makeup, mockingly calls her a "steamed bun spirit," earning a retaliatory punch from Xiaoman. Xiaoman, having spent the night creating a special graduation photo collage for Zuo An (since he missed the official one), arrives at the farewell meal, eager to present her gift.
Her excitement quickly turns to disappointment when she receives a call from Zuo An, who apologizes and informs her that he cannot attend the gathering as he is with his father meeting medical professors. Heartbroken, Xiaoman's spirits plummet, and she appears disheartened. Zhan Yue, oblivious to her distress, tries to confess his feelings, but Xiaoman, utterly dispirited, cuts him off and shares the news of Zuo An's absence with the rest of the class.
The other students express deep regret, and Xiaoman sits dejectedly at the table, unable to enjoy the food. Concurrently, Zuo An, feeling restless at his father's meeting, requests to leave and departs. Still dejected by Zuo An's absence, Xiaoman steps out of the main gathering area. To her surprise and delight, Zuo An arrives, apologizing for his lateness. Xiaoman's face immediately lights up, and she excitedly presents him with the graduation photo collage she made.
Zuo An is touched and praises her efforts, saying it is "terrific." Xiaoman then leads Zuo An to the karaoke room where their classmates are singing. Everyone is overjoyed to see Zuo An. Chi Yaola seizes the opportunity to approach him, intending to confess her feelings. However, Zuo An, understanding her unspoken words, gently interrupts her, saying "I know" and apologizing, kindly rejecting her before she can fully articulate her confession.
Despite this, Yaola still hands him her prepared gift, and other classmates follow suit, presenting their own gifts to Zuo An. Zuo An expresses his profound gratitude for the gifts and apologizes to his classmates for not having been a better classmate over the past three years. Meanwhile, Zhan Yue, feeling overshadowed and jealous of the attention Zuo An is receiving, loudly questions why everyone likes Zuo An more than him.
Zuo An skillfully diffuses the tension by playfully acknowledging Zhan Yue as their "little prince." With the atmosphere lightened, everyone joyfully resumes singing and celebrating. Xiaoman, observing Zuo An, feels a deep sense of contentment as her long-cherished dream of a complete and happy graduation ceremony finally comes to fruition, reflecting on the lively high school life she experienced.
Episode 9 Recap
After her exams, Xiaoman’s father suggested she join a study tour summer camp to experience new things, mentioning he had heard Zuo An already enrolled in one with a childhood sweetheart. Xiaoman quickly inquired about Zuo An’s departure, having already heard from nurses at their station that Zuo An was attending the camp with his childhood sweetheart, a girl who also took the college entrance examination this year.
Feeling a mix of disappointment and self-doubt, Xiaoman questioned why a childhood sweetheart would be special, reminding herself that she and Zuo An had been classmates since kindergarten and would continue to be for the next five years. To release her frustration, she vigorously punched a sandbag in the yard. As Xiaoman packed for university, her father joined her, expressing his reluctance to see her go.
He meticulously helped her pack, insisting she take an umbrella, various medicines for coughs and colds, and even her favorite chili sauce and pillow. Xiaoman tried to refuse the chili sauce, citing potential spills and inconvenience, and also the medicines, noting such items could be bought anywhere.
Her father, however, remained firm about the pillow, worried about her sleep, and insisted she take a photo of the three of them, explaining it was their way of accompanying her since he couldn't personally see her off. Xiaoman assured him she would be fine, mentioning Zhan Yue would be with her. Looking at her notebook, she longed to go to university registration with Zuo An. Meanwhile, Zuo An also finished packing.
He had planned to take the train to school with Xiaoman, but his father unexpectedly announced that he had already booked a flight for Zuo An and would take him to university, citing a last-minute meeting at the university's affiliated hospital. Despite Zuo An’s desire to refuse, his father's unwavering decision left him no choice.
The next morning, Xiaoman, mistakenly woken up early by her father who claimed their train was an hour earlier, excitedly set off for the university by train. Upon arriving at the vibrant campus, filled with anticipation, she witnessed a luxury car pull up. A man in designer clothes, Shen Chenyang, stepped out, followed by a pet pig named Jiong Niu. The pig ran wild, startling several female students. Xiaoman quickly intervened, shooing the pig away.
Shen Chenyang immediately confronted her, demanding to know who she was for pushing his pig. He arrogantly assumed she was a freshman trying to get his attention by provoking him, stating that everyone in the school knew who he was. Annoyed, Xiaoman retorted that it was his pig that had caused trouble first and that he should apologize.
Shen Chenyang, irked by her repeatedly calling his pet a "pig," continued to provoke her, challenging her to hit him and declaring that if she dared, he would make her his first girlfriend of the semester. Xiaoman, losing her temper, punched Shen Chenyang, causing his nose to bleed. She verbally lambasted him, calling him a "hoodlum" and "insane," and vowed to beat him every time she saw him bullying others.
Enraged, Shen Chenyang tried to retaliate by flying a drone to prank her, but Xiaoman punched it out of the air. As they prepared to escalate their fight, Zuo An appeared, quickly intervened, and led Xiaoman away. As they walked, Xiaoman tried to explain her actions. Zuo An cautioned her that physical violence solves nothing and suggested she might be better suited for a sports school than a medical one.
Just then, Zhan Yue arrived, grabbing Xiaoman's luggage from Zuo An and shooing Zuo An away. Zhan Yue then revealed to Xiaoman that Zuo An had a girlfriend, which brought back Xiaoman’s earlier memory of seeing Zuo An with his childhood sweetheart. Upon returning to her dormitory, Xiaoman instantly became the subject of her new roommates' gossip. News of her fight with Shen Chenyang had already gone viral on the school forum.
After discussing Shen Chenyang's notorious reputation as a wealthy repeater known for pranks and playing with girls, their conversation shifted to their third roommate, Sun Anning. She was described as Vice Principal Sun Xuejun's daughter, beautiful, talented in academics, piano, and ballet, a true "princess." Xiaoman was stunned when her roommates then revealed that Sun Anning's boyfriend was none other than Zuo An, this year's top scorer.
Still reeling from this news, Xiaoman remained preoccupied even when Zhan Yue invited her out for a meal. Soon after, Zuo An called Xiaoman, inviting her to the beef noodle restaurant near the school's back entrance, the very place she was currently eating. Before Xiaoman could respond, Zuo An hung up. She tried to discreetly leave but found Zuo An already at the entrance. Seeing her with Zhan Yue, Zuo An offered to treat them both.
At the restaurant, Zhan Yue ate enthusiastically, explaining he needed to replenish his energy after helping Xiaoman with her luggage and making sure Zuo An paid. Xiaoman chided him for his excessive eating and for devouring most of the cold beef. Zhan Yue, annoyed by her sudden "ladylike" demeanor, retorted angrily and left. Xiaoman then thanked Zuo An for intervening earlier, and he gently reminded her that fighting was no longer acceptable, as they were in university, not high school.
After dinner, Zuo An and Xiaoman decided to take a walk around campus. As they chatted, Sun Anning approached Zuo An, affectionately mentioning she heard he was at the noodle shop and apologizing for making him wait all afternoon due to her rehearsal. Sun Anning, exuding elegance and described as a campus goddess, then informed Zuo An they needed to go to the department to review his speech for the freshman welcome party.
She also mentioned that Zuo An’s father had called about dinner soon. Xiaoman, taken aback by Sun Anning's beauty and close interaction with Zuo An, watched as they left, with Zuo An reminding her to attend the welcome party. That evening, at the freshman welcome party, Sun Anning captivated the audience with a graceful ballet performance. Xiaoman noticed Zuo An's admiring gaze at Sun Anning, which seemed different from how he looked at other girls. This made Xiaoman feel disheartened and somewhat insecure. Back in their dorm, her roommates excitedly praised Sun Anning's exceptional qualities, expressing both envy and admiration, while Xiaoman listened in silence.
Episode 10 Recap
The women in Gu Xiaoman’s dormitory were discussing Sun Anning when Anning herself suddenly returned. They began to introduce themselves to each other. Sun Anning, seemingly a bit jealous, told Gu Xiaoman that she already knew her and that she and Zuo An were high school classmates. The other dorm mates were surprised to learn this.
Gu Xiaoman quickly stated that she and Zuo An were not well-acquainted, but Anning immediately contradicted her, mentioning they had seemed quite familiar earlier that day. This left Gu Xiaoman feeling embarrassed. Zhou Lina and Liu Dan, the other roommates, fawned over Sun Anning, given her background, and tried to pry into her relationship with Zuo An. Anning, however, dodged their questions. Just then, Anning's phone rang; it was Zuo An. She answered cheerfully and headed downstairs.
The two curious roommates then led Gu Xiaoman to follow Anning. They watched Zuo An and Anning chatting happily. Zuo An explained he was simply fulfilling Anning's father's request to ensure she arrived home safely. Seeing the two laughing and talking together made Gu Xiaoman feel deeply disheartened. That night, Gu Xiaoman once again entered her fantastical martial arts world, dreaming of Zuo An and Anning in an intimate embrace.
She suddenly cried out, startling herself awake and frightening Lina and Liu Dan. Lina complained loudly, prompting Gu Xiaoman to apologize and leave the dormitory to run on the playground. Gu Xiaoman ran furiously, trying to vent her frustration. She struggled to accept the idea of Zuo An liking someone else, yet she also encouraged herself not to give up. As she headed back to the dormitory, she unexpectedly encountered Shen Chenyang, leading to another misunderstanding.
Shen Chenyang, believing Gu Xiaoman was out running late at night specifically to meet him, once again concocted a dramatic scenario of being secretly admired. His interest in Gu Xiaoman grew, and he offered to treat her to a midnight snack. Gu Xiaoman wanted nothing to do with him, but Shen Chenyang persisted. In her exasperation, Gu Xiaoman accidentally punched him again. Shen Chenyang mentally noted this incident.
As university military training began, Zhan Yue sought out Gu Xiaoman during a meal. Seeing them together, roommates Lina and Liu Dan, assuming Zhan Yue was Gu Xiaoman's boyfriend, discreetly left to give them privacy. Gu Xiaoman then told Zhan Yue that they should maintain a distance to avoid misunderstandings. When Zuo An approached, intending to join them, Zhan Yue abruptly sent him away. During their conversation, Zhan Yue inadvertently revealed that Zuo An lived diagonally opposite his dormitory.
Gu Xiaoman immediately asked for Zuo An's room number, but Zhan Yue initially refused to tell her. Only after Gu Xiaoman offered to wash his socks did he relent and tell her the number. Zuo An, observing their close interaction from a distance, felt a pang of displeasure. Military training continued with intensity. Shen Chenyang sat observing the freshmen, but Gu Xiaoman became distracted by his presence. The instructor called her out to demonstrate goose-stepping.
To her embarrassment, the pants of her military uniform suddenly ripped. Shen Chenyang then appeared, laughing at her predicament. Gu Xiaoman realized he was behind this trick. Sun Anning promptly removed her outer uniform and offered it to Gu Xiaoman, helping to alleviate the awkward situation. Upon learning that Shen Chenyang had bullied Gu Xiaoman, Zhan Yue couldn't help but confront him, leading to a scuffle. Both Gu Xiaoman and Zhan Yue were subsequently punished with standing at attention.
Afterward, still fuming, Gu Xiaoman intercepted Shen Chenyang to talk. However, their personalities clashed, and their conversation quickly devolved into another argument. Gu Xiaoman, once again, punched Shen Chenyang. When Zuo An learned of Gu Xiaoman's ordeal, he personally confronted Shen Chenyang and warned him to stop bothering her. Zuo An revealed he had uncovered evidence of Shen Chenyang's plagiarism, threatening that if he didn't want his family's listed company to be affected, he should leave Gu Xiaoman alone.
Shen Chenyang, looking thoughtful, reluctantly agreed to back down for the time being. Zuo An then found Gu Xiaoman, expressing his concern. He then retrieved a new military uniform for her. Gu Xiaoman returned to her dormitory with the new uniform, where her roommates were still discussing Shen Chenyang's antics. Suddenly, a group of people entered, carrying various bouquets of flowers.
Everyone admired them, assuming they were for Sun Anning, but to their surprise, the flowers were for Gu Xiaoman, sent by Shen Chenyang. Before the military training session began, Shen Chenyang publicly announced his intention to pursue Gu Xiaoman and even bought water for all her classmates as a gesture of goodwill. Gu Xiaoman watched, utterly exasperated. Still troubled by his persistent attention, Gu Xiaoman sought out Shen Chenyang again to talk. She got into his car, an action witnessed by both Zhan Yue and Zuo An, leaving them deeply worried.
Episode 11 Recap
Shen Chenyang brought Xiaoman to his residence, a place he called his home, which Xiaoman found less exaggerated than she expected. Xiaoman directly stated her purpose for coming, asking him to stop pursuing her as his actions were causing her significant distress. She even apologized if she had offended him, admitting defeat.
However, Shen Chenyang firmly refused to give up, insisting he was truly pursuing her and offering to let her hit him back more times than she had previously hit him. Their attention then shifted to his pet pig, Jiong Niu. Xiaoman, having heard a rumor that Jiong Niu was left by an ex-girlfriend, inquired about it. Shen Chenyang clarified that Jiong Niu was abandoned due to a congenital heart condition and he had rescued her, making her "his daughter."
Xiaoman, showing immediate concern, affectionately stroked the pig, a sight that made Shen Chenyang even more fond of her. As they talked, Shen Chenyang received phone calls from Zhan Yue and Zuo An, who took turns on the phone, urgently demanding to know Xiaoman's whereabouts. Shen Chenyang dismissed Zhan Yue's presence, while Zuo An directly threatened Shen Chenyang, insisting he would come to pick Xiaoman up and warning him against harming her.
Shen Chenyang, however, dismissed their concerns, telling them he would ensure Xiaoman returned safely. When Xiaoman decided to leave, Shen Chenyang strongly insisted on driving her back to school, despite her attempts to decline his offer, stating that as her senior, he felt responsible for her safe return. Upon arriving at the school gate, they were immediately intercepted by Zuo An and Zhan Yue, who had been waiting. A heated argument erupted among the three men vying for Xiaoman's attention.
Zhan Yue and Shen Chenyang exchanged insults, while Zuo An asserted his right to take Xiaoman. Amidst the chaos, Zuo An decisively took Xiaoman away. Xiaoman, perturbed by their strange behavior, expressed her frustration, reminding them she could have walked back to the dorm herself. Zuo An, however, chastised her for daring to get into Shen Chenyang's car, questioning her judgment and dismissing Shen Chenyang's pursuit as insincere, calling him "insane."
Xiaoman retorted, feeling that Zuo An implied she was not likable. Zuo An then took Xiaoman to dinner, where they shared beef noodles. Xiaoman, realizing Zuo An had waited for her without eating, thanked him for his concern. During their meal, Xiaoman unintentionally mentioned Zhan Yue, causing Zuo An to feel a hint of jealousy.
She then suggested inviting Zhan Yue to join them, but Zuo An quickly dismissed the idea, saying Zhan Yue wouldn't come if he knew Zuo An was there and could take care of himself. After dinner, Zuo An walked Xiaoman back. Despite her burning curiosity about his relationship with Sun Anning, Xiaoman hesitated to ask directly.
When she finally tried to inquire if Sun Anning was his girlfriend, Zuo An simply explained that they had grown up together, their parents were good friends, and that Sun Anning was a kind and helpful person, implying Xiaoman and Sun Anning would get along well. He then wished her good night, leaving Xiaoman frustrated by his ambiguous answer. Back in her dormitory, Xiaoman was immediately interrogated by Liu Dan and Zhou Lina.
They excitedly showed her a photo posted on the school's internal network depicting the three boys quarreling over her at the school gate. The post was filled with wild comments speculating about Xiaoman's relationships, even accusing her of "N-timing." Xiaoman vehemently denied the rumors, insisting they were all made up and expressing distress, particularly worried about how Zuo An might perceive her. Meanwhile, Zuo An and Zhan Yue had also seen the online post.
Sun Anning called Zuo An, questioning him about his relationship with Xiaoman after seeing the post and an implied video. Zuo An tried to dismiss it as nonsense, but Anning insisted he wouldn't show such concern for someone unless he liked them. Zuo An maintained it was his personal business. He then asked Anning if she could contact the website administrator to remove the post, explaining it was detrimental to both him and Xiaoman.
Anning calmly informed him that the post had already been deleted. Unbeknownst to Zuo An, Shen Chenyang had been the one to have it removed, observing the public's perception of him with a degree of satisfaction. Later, Xiaoman spoke to Zuo An about the online rumors, apologizing for involving him.
Zuo An, however, reassured her not to let baseless rumors bother her, advising her to focus on her studies and cherish her university life, especially given the difficulty of medical school. The next day, while eating in the cafeteria, Xiaoman accidentally bumped into Lin Nana, who had previously shown interest in Shen Chenyang. Lin Nana seized the opportunity to humiliate Xiaoman, demanding she wipe her shoes and making snide remarks about the online rumors.
Despite Zhou Lina's attempt to intervene, Lin Nana refused to back down. Xiaoman offered to wipe the shoes as a gesture to end the conflict and maintain peace, but Lin Nana scornfully rejected her offer, suggesting it was best to keep distance from someone as "famous" as Xiaoman. Xiaoman and Zhou Lina then left the scene. Shortly after, Shen Chenyang approached Xiaoman again, relentlessly trying to get her to eat with him.
To deter his persistent advances, Xiaoman blurted out that she had a boyfriend and, in a desperate gesture, pointed randomly, landing her finger directly on Zuo An, who was nearby. Startled by her own impulsive action, Xiaoman quickly fled the cafeteria. Her dorm mates later questioned her about the "boyfriend," noting the uncanny accuracy of her random pointer.
While Xiaoman insisted it was just a spur-of-the-moment lie to get rid of Shen Chenyang, Zhou Lina warned her that Zuo An, being handsome and intelligent, might be "fickle in love," like a "central air conditioner" given his close ties to Sun Anning. Xiaoman, however, defended Zuo An, asserting he wasn't that type of person. During military training, the instructor introduced simple grappling moves for self-defense.
When students were told to pair up for practice, Lin Nana proactively chose Xiaoman as her partner. During their practice, Lin Nana intentionally launched an aggressive attack, seemingly aiming to harm Xiaoman. However, Xiaoman instinctively defended herself and counter-attacked. Lin Nana was thrown to the ground and immediately feigned a severe injury, dramatically appealing for sympathy. Xiaoman, unable to fully explain her actions, was criticized by the instructor for her heavy-handedness and ordered to apologize to Lin Nana.
Xiaoman, indignant and feeling unfairly targeted, adamantly refused to apologize. To punish her defiance, the instructor challenged Xiaoman to a military posture standing contest, stating that if Xiaoman gave up first, she would have to apologize. Xiaoman readily accepted, preferring the punishment over an unmerited apology. Xiaoman stoically endured the standing punishment under the hot sun, refusing to give in. Zuo An, upon learning of the situation, quickly rushed over.
Others urged him to persuade Xiaoman to stop, but Zuo An understood Xiaoman's stubborn and principled nature, knowing she would never back down once she made a stand. He decided to simply stay by her side, ready to assist when needed. As expected, Xiaoman eventually collapsed from heatstroke. Zuo An, Shen Chenyang, and Zhan Yue immediately ran to her.
Shen Chenyang and Zhan Yue began to quarrel and scuffle over who would help Xiaoman, but Zuo An swiftly lifted Xiaoman and carried her to the infirmary, an unexpected act that surprised Sun Anning. Upon waking in the infirmary, Xiaoman expressed her sadness and disappointment at having fainted and "lost" the contest. Zuo An gently comforted her, telling her not to dwell on it and that her well-being was more important than winning.
He playfully chided her for her impulsiveness, hinting he might tell her distant father if she acted recklessly again, but then softened his tone, calling her "a bit silly but cute." He then left to buy her some fruit, and as he departed, Shen Chenyang arrived.
Episode 12 Recap
Shen Chenyang told Gu Xiaoman that he had good news and bad news. The good news was that the instructor had been criticized and even admitted that he admired Gu Xiaoman. The bad news was that she had gone from being an internet sensation within the school to being officially recognized. Shen Chenyang thought the two of them were a perfect match.
Gu Xiaoman questioned why he had come, and when Shen Chenyang started talking nonsense again, she kicked him out of the room. Chi Yaola came to Zuo An’s school and happened to run into Zhan Yue. The two started bickering the moment they met. It turned out that Chi Yaola was also there to see Gu Xiaoman. Gu Xiaoman was happy, and she learned that Chi Yaola was studying languages at the neighboring school.
Chi Yaola said she had heard rumors about Zuo An dating someone, but once she saw it was Gu Xiaoman, she knew it must be a misunderstanding. Gu Xiaoman gave an awkward smile. At that moment, Zuo An came over carrying a watermelon. Chi Yaola was excited, Gu Xiaoman was happy, but Zhan Yue looked frustrated. Gu Xiaoman and Zhan Yue walked out together, and Chi Yaola wanted to take Gu Xiaoman shopping. Zhan Yue insisted on tagging along.
Gu Xiaoman tried on several outfits, only to be mocked by Zhan Yue. The two still enjoyed themselves. Then Chi Yaola wanted to get her eyebrows done and nails polished. It turned out she was planning to officially confess to Zuo An during dinner. Gu Xiaoman and Zhan Yue were shocked. Chi Yaola admitted she knew Gu Xiaoman also liked Zuo An, but they could compete fairly, and no matter whom Zuo An chose, it wouldn’t affect their friendship.
Zhan Yue’s eyes nearly popped out in disbelief. At dinner, they kept waiting for Zuo An, only to see him arrive with Sun Anning. Zhan Yue gloated, and Chi Yaola looked displeased. During the meal, Sun Anning thoughtfully poured water for Zuo An, while Chi Yaola served him food. The tension between the two was obvious. Gu Xiaoman felt depressed, while Zhan Yue was delighted.
When Sun Anning cooked beef tripe for Zuo An in the hotpot, Chi Yaola insisted on cooking tripe too, but accidentally scalded Sun Anning. Sun Anning took the opportunity to have Zuo An leave with her. Chi Yaola was upset and angry, calling Gu Xiaoman a coward. Sun Anning formally confessed to Zuo An, but to her surprise, Zuo An rejected her. Back at the dorm, Gu Xiaoman wondered if she really was a coward.
Just then, Lina returned, and Gu Xiaoman asked for her opinion, saying it was about a “friend.” Lina replied, “That person is you, right?” She told Gu Xiaoman that saying nothing meant zero, but speaking up meant there was still hope. Encouraged, Gu Xiaoman began preparing her confession, trying out different approaches. But when she faced Zuo An, she lost her courage, only managing to thank him for treating everyone to dinner.
Later, Zuo An was going to Sun Anning’s house for a meal. Gu Xiaoman assumed he must be with her, so she called Chi Yaola, saying her confession had failed, and asked her to come drink with her. At the bar, Shen Chenyang was drinking gloomily and got targeted by some people. Chi Yaola told Gu Xiaoman she couldn’t make it after all. Just then, Gu Xiaoman saw Shen Chenyang being chased.
At first, she didn’t want to get involved, but she couldn’t just stand by. Shen Chenyang was chased into an underground parking lot, hiding here and there, but was eventually found. The thug’s girlfriend had approached Shen Chenyang first, but she lied, claiming Shen Chenyang had tried to seduce her. They were about to beat him up when Gu Xiaoman arrived and fought them fiercely.
In a moment of carelessness, she was struck on the head, but then she exploded with strength and took them all down. Shen Chenyang followed behind her, looking at her with admiration.
Episode 13 Recap
Following the military training incident, Shen Chenyang rushed Gu Xiaoman to the hospital, prioritizing her immediate care. As Xiaoman recovered in the hospital, Zuo An called to check on her. Xiaoman, fearing his worry, avoided mentioning what had happened. During their conversation, she suddenly heard Sun Anning's voice in the background, making her jealous. Xiaoman quickly uttered a few words and hung up the phone.
Zuo An had gone to Sun Anning's house at her request to play chess with her father. However, when Anning's mother returned home and saw Zuo An, her demeanor immediately changed. She became visibly upset and asked him to leave, implying a past conflict with Zuo An's family. Anning and her father tried to calm her down, but Anning's mother insisted that Zuo An tell his father, Zuo Qiming, that their families should not interact so closely in the future.
Despite the tense situation, Zuo An politely apologized for intruding and stated he would visit Anning another day before respectfully departing. Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Xiaoman stewed in her frustration, upset that Zuo An was with Anning. Shen Chenyang approached her and tried to cheer her up, reminding her of their shared experience during the incident where he "bled" for her.
He then took the opportunity to confess his feelings for her again, declaring he had fallen in love with her and would not give up. Xiaoman, however, reiterated her rejection, stating she already liked someone else. Shen Chenyang immediately guessed it was Zuo An, but despite Xiaoman confirming her long-standing affection for Zuo An and her unwavering feelings even if unrequited, Shen Chenyang confidently asserted that she would eventually fall in love with him.
Upon returning to school, Xiaoman was filled with apprehension as the mandatory anatomy course approached. In her first anatomy theory class, Xiaoman exhibited extreme discomfort, appearing distressed. Pressed by her roommates, Zhou Lina and Liu Dan, she finally confessed her blood phobia, admitting she could handle injuries from Sanda but not anything hospital-related. Unbeknownst to Xiaoman, her rival, Lin Nana, overheard this crucial information. Leading up to the practical anatomy class, Xiaoman grew increasingly nervous.
Zhou Lina and Liu Dan tried to reassure her, explaining that the preserved bodies wouldn't bleed and the smell, though strong, would become tolerable. They also strategized to get grouped with her and advised her to appear less conspicuous. Zuo An noticed Xiaoman's anxiety and attempted to comfort her, but she instinctively pulled away. Sun Anning, the class monitor, assigned groups, placing Xiaoman, Zhou Lina, and Liu Dan in a group with Wang Chengyi.
As the practical began, Lin Nana, aware of Xiaoman's condition, squeezed ketchup onto her arm to simulate bleeding, intending to provoke her. Upon seeing the "blood," Xiaoman instantly fainted. Liu Dan and the others quickly covered for Xiaoman, claiming she had an extreme case of hyper-cleanliness exacerbated by the strong smell of essential balm she was using. Xiaoman soon recovered and insisted on returning to the anatomy lab.
However, as she watched a classmate dissect an internal organ, the sight caused her to faint again. The dean, who had a background in psychology, was informed of the incidents and summoned Xiaoman. He expressed concern about her serious "psychological problem," which was not on record, and offered professional counseling. When Xiaoman insisted on overcoming it herself, the dean gravely informed her that her current condition made it impossible for her to continue studying clinical medicine.
He gave her a stark choice: undergo a professional psychological assessment or consider transferring to another department or withdrawing from the university. Xiaoman, determined not to give up, insisted she would overcome her blood phobia. Xiaoman shared the dean's ultimatum with Liu Dan and Zhou Lina, who were shocked by the severity of the situation. Zhan Yue then rushed over, having overheard rumors, and asked if she was being expelled.
He reiterated his past warnings about her unsuitability for the medical field due to her blood phobia. Zuo An and Sun Anning, passing by, overheard the conversation, and Zuo An's concern was evident. Later, Yaola sought out Xiaoman, having learned about her blood phobia and the pressure to leave. To Xiaoman's surprise, Yaola declared she was giving up on Zuo An, stating she would "leave him" to Xiaoman.
Yaola admitted to mixed feelings towards Xiaoman, including jealousy, but confessed she was deeply moved by Xiaoman's unwavering dedication to Zuo An. Yaola explained that while she could have matched Xiaoman's academic efforts to get into the same university and major, she wouldn't have done so for Zuo An because her passion was dancing.
She highlighted Xiaoman's extraordinary commitment, choosing to pursue medicine despite her blood phobia simply to be in the same school as Zuo An, a sacrifice Yaola felt incapable of making herself. Yaola concluded that Xiaoman's feelings for Zuo An far surpassed her own, making Xiaoman truly deserving. Yaola then offered Xiaoman heartfelt encouragement, wishing her happiness with Zuo An. Touched by Yaola's sincerity, Xiaoman vowed to persevere and not give up on her path.
Episode 14 Recap
Xiaoman was determined to overcome her blood phobia and began attempting various methods to do so. When Shen Chenyang learned of her efforts, he offered his help, suggesting he could use his family's wealth and status to smooth things over with the school administration. Xiaoman, however, could only offer a wry smile, stating that such measures wouldn't truly solve her problem. Meanwhile, Zuo An went to Xiaoman's dormitory building to speak with her.
Learning she wasn't there, he went to the anatomy building. He found Xiaoman with Shen Chenyang, which immediately sparked his jealousy. Shen Chenyang, upon seeing Zuo An, questioned his presence. When Xiaoman later asked Shen Chenyang how he knew she was there, he revealed he had followed her from her dorm, stating she looked like she was "going to the battlefield." Shen Chenyang then mocked Xiaoman, implying her attempts to conquer her fear were futile.
Zuo An was visibly upset by their interaction. He began to scold Xiaoman, pointing out that everyone at school knew she couldn't stay in the clinical department if she couldn't overcome her psychological barrier. He expressed concern, but accused her of acting as if nothing was wrong. Shen Chenyang quickly came to Xiaoman's defense, arguing that Zuo An was being unreasonable and not understanding Xiaoman's efforts, suggesting Zuo An only cared because Xiaoman hadn't sought his help.
Zuo An dismissed Shen Chenyang’s words as "importuning" and challenged Xiaoman, asking why she came to the school if she found it so difficult and urging her to seriously consider her choices before walking away. Back in her dormitory, Xiaoman’s roommate, Anning, who knew about Xiaoman's fear of blood, offered to help her by watching medical videos together. Xiaoman expressed her gratitude, feeling Anning was exceptionally kind.
However, Anning then revealed that this method, along with the organized video folders, was something Zuo An had personally taught her and had even watched with her during a summer when they were in senior high, holding her hand through the process. Hearing this left Xiaoman feeling deeply disheartened. As Anning played the videos, Xiaoman struggled to watch due to her fear. Anning, seemingly to comfort Xiaoman, poured her a glass of watermelon juice.
However, the juice's color reminded Xiaoman of blood, causing her to feel immediate nausea. Shortly after, Anning made an excuse to leave, intentionally leaving Xiaoman to watch the videos alone. As soon as Anning stepped out, Xiaoman rushed to the bathroom and vomited uncontrollably. Anning, observing Xiaoman's distress, wore a look of schadenfreude. Later, Zuo An, also hoping to help Xiaoman overcome her fear, had found some anatomy videos to show her.
However, Xiaoman was still angry with him and refused to engage. Soon after, the dean of the department called Xiaoman, informing her that after a school meeting, it had been unanimously decided that she must either transfer departments or withdraw from the university. Xiaoman adamantly refused, immediately going to the principal's office.
She passionately recounted her arduous journey to gain admission to the university, detailing how she had risen from being academically at the bottom of her class to successfully enrolling in the highly competitive clinical medicine program. The principal was moved by Xiaoman's tenacious and unyielding spirit and decided to give her another chance. After her meeting with the principal, Xiaoman returned to tell Liu Dan and Lina about the outcome.
She informed them that she had made a bet with the dean: if she could attend anatomy classes normally within a month, she would be allowed to stay in the clinical department. Zuo An, who happened to overhear this, became very angry. He expressed his frustration, unable to comprehend why Xiaoman insisted on staying in the clinical department or why she refused to consider transferring. Xiaoman, in turn, was upset that Zuo An didn't believe in her resolve.
Feeling he couldn't persuade Xiaoman himself, Zuo An sought out Zhan Yue for help, hoping to understand the underlying reason for Xiaoman's blood phobia, but Zhan Yue also had no idea. Zhan Yue, learning from Zuo An that Xiaoman might be expelled, nobly declared that he would drop out of school with her. Zuo An was furious upon hearing this and sharply reprimanded Zhan Yue. Despite Zuo An's rebuke, Zhan Yue later called Xiaoman to comfort her.
He spoke with her frankly, admitting that Zuo An's words about him being unserious and "dragging her down" had made him reflect. He apologized for not knowing how to help her, and although initially hesitant, he offered words of encouragement, telling her that anatomy was just about dead bodies. Xiaoman was deeply touched by his sincerity. Later, Zuo An approached Xiaoman again to apologize for his harsh words earlier.
He still suggested she watch anatomy videos, but Xiaoman refused, stating she was tired of everyone pushing videos on her. Zuo An then changed his approach, telling Xiaoman that he now supported her staying in the clinical department and would help her overcome her fear. Just like their high school days, they sat together in the library to study.
Zuo An began by explaining basic anatomy and, acknowledging her difficulty with videos, suggested they draw anatomical structures instead, demonstrating how to do it. Xiaoman was impressed by his drawing skills, and Zuo An assigned her the task of drawing as well. She felt a renewed sense of hope, recognizing Zuo An as the one who always extended a helping hand during her most desperate times. As they studied, Zhan Yue passed by and quietly observed them without interrupting.
Later, Zhan Yue called Zuo An, demanding he answer his calls. Zhan Yue then asked about Xiaoman's bet and if she needed any help, even jokingly offering to use "money" to solve her problems. Zuo An informed him that Xiaoman had found her own method and was doing fine. Zhan Yue affirmed his support, telling Zuo An to remind Xiaoman that he would always be there if she ever needed help.
Episode 15 Recap
Previously, Yaola found Zhan Yue annoying, but now she found him more pleasing to the eye. While shopping alone, Yaola spots Zhan Yue singing by himself. Concerned, she approaches him, but he remains withdrawn and uncommunicative. Sensing his distress, Yaola takes him to a KTV, believing a bigger space will help him vent. Inside the private room, Zhan Yue remains sullen and refuses to sing, prompting Yaola to express frustration about booking such a large room for him.
When Yaola suggests inviting Xiaoman to join them, Zhan Yue vehemently objects, insisting he will eat and drink but Xiaoman must not come. As they share drinks, Yaola playfully teases him about looking like a "drowned dog" earlier, to which he retorts that he is a handsome "little prince." Zhan Yue then dedicates a heartfelt song to "Miss 'take medicine'," which Yaola finds surprisingly charming. They continue to sing and dance until both become quite intoxicated.
Zhan Yue offers to sing one last song for Yaola, who, in her tipsy state, sees only him. The two end up sleeping in the KTV room overnight. The next morning, Zhan Yue wakes to find Yaola still holding onto his arm. For a moment, he feels a flicker of affection and is tempted to touch her, but Yaola awakens and immediately confronts him, asking what he was attempting to do.
Startled, Zhan Yue flees, with Yaola hot on his heels, demanding an explanation. Later, Anning approaches Liu Dan, reminding her of past favors and subtly coercing her into helping target Xiaoman. Liu Dan, feeling indebted, reluctantly agrees to Anning's request to "keep an eye on Xiaoman and Zuo An." During an anatomy class, Zuo An proposes to the instructor that he switch groups to partner with Xiaoman, citing her slower progress and his desire to help her.
With Zuo An's supportive presence, Xiaoman bravely approaches a cadaver. She manages to touch a blood vessel without fainting, feeling proud of her newfound progress. However, following Anning's instruction, Liu Dan deliberately applies some fake blood to the cadaver, then feigns injury. The sight of the blood triggers Xiaoman's traumatic memory of her mother, and she collapses, once again overwhelmed by her blood phobia. Zuo An quickly takes her to the hospital. Afterwards, Liu Dan is wracked with guilt.
Xiaoman, unaware of Liu Dan's deception, warmly comforts her, assuring her it was not her fault but a relapse of her own problem. Although Liu Dan considers backing out of her agreement with Anning, she realizes her part-time tutoring job depends on Anning's continued support, leaving her trapped and forced to obey. To help Xiaoman overcome her blood phobia, Zuo An begins spending time with her daily, seeking solutions.
Liu Dan, meanwhile, constantly observes them, reporting their every move to Anning. One morning, Zuo An calls Xiaoman, excitedly telling her he has found a way for her to fully accept anatomy class. He takes her to a hospital, where she meets "Aunt Qin," who has prepared a special viewing for them. Zuo An has arranged for Xiaoman to watch a surgery of a car accident victim with severe blood loss, a situation tragically similar to her mother's accident.
Zuo An explains that this incident is the root of her fainting spells, and she must confront it rather than escape. Despite her initial intense distress and pleas to look away, Zuo An steadfastly encourages her to watch, reminding her that she is a "heroine" and he will stay by her side. Xiaoman bravely endures the entire video, watching as the medical team successfully stops the bleeding and saves the patient.
Overcome with emotion, she breaks down in tears, and Zuo An holds her close, comforting her. Anning witnesses this intimate moment from a distance. As they leave the hospital, Xiaoman notices her snot on Zuo An's shirt. Mortified, she profusely apologizes and tries to clean it, but the stain proves stubborn. Zuo An playfully teases her, then suggests she wash the shirt as a form of apology. Xiaoman eagerly agrees, even declaring she would wash his clothes for a lifetime.
Zuo An jokes about what kind of person would wash his clothes for a lifetime, delighting in her sincerity. Xiaoman later realizes the "live" surgery was a pre-recorded video, feeling Zuo An was "cunning" for staging it, but he explains he simply wanted to create the most realistic experience for her, having sought help from an elder. He had, in fact, already spoken with Xiaoman's father to understand the full extent of her blood phobia.
Zuo An walks Xiaoman back to her dormitory. Anning, who has been observing them, intercepts Zuo An after Xiaoman goes inside. She confronts him, demanding to know the truth about his feelings for Xiaoman, especially since he had previously told Anning he didn't like her and it had nothing to do with Xiaoman. Zuo An, now direct, admits, "Yes, I like Gu Xiaoman." Anning is shocked and hurt, questioning why he lied.
Zuo An clarifies that he did not lie, but merely knew that while he likes Xiaoman, she does not reciprocate his feelings, and given his circumstances, a relationship between them is impossible. He then firmly tells Anning not to waste her time on him, stating that even without Xiaoman, they could never be together. Anning, however, is unwilling to accept this, expressing that she desires his genuine affection, not just a superficial display of concern.
Xiaoman and Yaola share a happy conversation, with Xiaoman excitedly recounting how Zuo An helped her overcome her psychological fear, including his unconventional method and the two comforting hugs she received. Yaola expresses surprise at Zuo An's actions. Their chat is interrupted by Zhan Yue's arrival. An awkward tension settles between Yaola and Zhan Yue, and despite Xiaoman's probing questions, both refuse to explain what happened between them.
Zhan Yue then invites them to a bar where his band is performing. Later that evening, at the bar, Zhan Yue delivers a passionate performance. Both Xiaoman and Yaola watch, with Yaola becoming increasingly captivated by Zhan Yue on stage. Xiaoman feels a profound sense of contentment, overjoyed that Zhan Yue is pursuing his passion and grateful for her own significant progress in overcoming her phobia.
She toasts with Yaola, wishing for Yaola to "catch Zuo An soon" and for all of them to have a brighter future. As the episode concludes, Zuo An unexpectedly appears in Xiaoman's dormitory. He playfully suggests he's there because the audience might want to see him wash her shirt, referencing their earlier conversation. Xiaoman, though initially flustered, insists she was sincere in her offer to wash his clothes "for a lifetime," reiterating her commitment as a matter of principle.
Zuo An, charmed by her sincerity, declares he will agree to anything she says. He then teases her about her cartoon underwear, prompting Xiaoman to playfully challenge him, asking if he will ever dare to tease her again, to which he cheekily responds, "I still dare."
Episode 16 Recap
Xiaoman confidently arrived for her anatomy experiment class, which was the final day of her one-month deadline with the dean to overcome her fear. When Mr. Shen asked for volunteers to help transport newly arrived cadavers, Xiaoman eagerly offered. Other students mocked her, questioning if she was going to transport bodies or just faint herself. Xiaoman insisted she wouldn't faint again, though others pointed out her past incidents. Zuo An supported her and accompanied her.
Anning, seeing Zuo An's support for Xiaoman, later pulled Liu Dan aside to enlist her help again. Liu Dan reluctantly agreed, expressing frustration at being used repeatedly. As they moved bodies in the storage room and specimens room, Mr. Shen mentioned that while many bodies were from diseases, one was a young woman who died in a car accident. Anning and Liu Dan conspired to make Xiaoman's group work with the cadaver of the car accident victim.
When the anatomy class officially began, Mr. Shen told Xiaoman that since it was the last day of her one-month period to conquer her fear, she needed to perform the dissection herself. Xiaoman then asked which of the cadavers was the car accident victim, and Anning pointed out it was the one Xiaoman's group had. Realizing this, Xiaoman became visibly shaken. Despite Zuo An's encouragement, reminding her it was just a common practice and she could do it, Xiaoman struggled.
She murmured about the cadaver being "her" and questioned the purpose of their studies if "that person has been saved back" in the video she previously watched, while many others in the world "haven't been rescued." This cryptic conversation frustrated a classmate. Overwhelmed, Xiaoman apologized for wasting everyone's time, then tearfully told Mr. Shen she was giving up and left the class.
Zuo An desperately searched for Xiaoman on campus, calling her repeatedly, but could not reach her, becoming increasingly anxious. Meanwhile, Liu Dan confronted Anning, questioning why she orchestrated Xiaoman’s distress. Anning vaguely dismissed her, instructing Liu Dan to keep quiet about their involvement. Later, Zuo An learned that Xiaoman was dropping out and immediately sought out Mr. Shen.
He earnestly pleaded with the professor not to let Xiaoman quit, praising her as a diligent student and asking for more time to overcome her psychological barrier. Mr. Shen, however, revealed that Xiaoman had initiated the withdrawal herself. Campus rumors quickly spread about Xiaoman being a "coward" for fainting in anatomy class.
Shen Chenyang, upon hearing the taunts, angrily confronted the bullies, threatening them with cockroaches if they continued to pick on classmates, reminding them they were just as easily scared by a small bug. He then offered to celebrate his birthday with Xiaoman the next day, stating his life motto was to do as one pleased. Xiaoman returned to her dormitory to pack her belongings, ready to leave. Liu Dan and Lina expressed their sadness at her departure.
Xiaoman avoided Zuo An's persistent calls, feeling like a "deserter" for giving up and murmuring apologies to herself. Lina speculated that Xiaoman's intense reaction to the car accident victim cadaver might be linked to a past trauma, perhaps her mother having died in a car accident, a long-held secret. This revelation deeply affected Liu Dan, who mumbled "It's all my fault." Zuo An finally intercepted Xiaoman, angrily confronting her about her decision to give up.
He questioned why she was abandoning her medical studies after all her hard work, reminding her that she had promised never to quit and to stay. Xiaoman began to confess her true motivation for entering medical school—that it was "for Zuo An"—but her words were cut short by the sound of a violent car crash nearby. Zuo An immediately rushed to the scene to help the injured.
Despite her initial terror, Xiaoman, urged by Zuo An, overcame her fear and assisted him in administering first aid and stopping the bleeding, acknowledging that only they could help the victim at that moment. Together, they transported the injured person to the hospital and waited anxiously outside the operating room. Meanwhile, back at the dormitory, Lina realized Xiaoman was avoiding Zuo An and that her words were often the opposite of her true feelings when she was troubled.
She called Zuo An to inform him that Xiaoman had gone out, and they were concerned as it was almost time for the dorm building to be locked. As Xiaoman stood motionless, Zuo An continued to encourage her, reminding her that they wouldn't know if they could save the person unless they tried, just as they wouldn't win a competition unless they stood on the field.
A doctor then emerged from the operating room to announce that the surgery was a success, crediting their timely first aid for saving the patient's life. The grateful family thanked Zuo An and Xiaoman profusely, and the doctor encouraged them to continue their medical studies and save more lives after graduation. Overjoyed and profoundly relieved, Xiaoman declared to Zuo An, "I did it. I am not afraid.
I am really not afraid," asserting that she would go back to school and no longer drop out. Having stayed at the hospital late, Xiaoman and Zuo An missed the dormitory curfew. Zuo An then took Xiaoman to an apartment his father had purchased near the university. Xiaoman noted her tendency to "always proving myself wrong," as her decision to return to school immediately led to the dorm being locked.
Zuo An assured her she wouldn't be "on the streets" and convinced her to come with him since the dorm auntie would be asleep and he "forgot to bring my ID card" so they couldn't get a hotel room. Upon arrival, Xiaoman learned the apartment belonged to Zuo An’s father, who occasionally used it when looking for books not available in the school library. Both felt a palpable nervousness sharing the space.
As they talked, Xiaoman noticed the apartment was filled with various medical books, including a rare one Mr. Shen had mentioned that she had searched for in the library. Inspired, she expressed her renewed determination to study hard and become a good doctor, although she admitted a fear of not succeeding. Zuo An firmly encouraged her, assuring her she could "definitely learn it well" and urging her to ignore others' opinions, focusing solely on her goal.
He promised to "trust" and support her, deeply touching Xiaoman. Concurrently, Shen Chenyang, having meticulously prepared for his birthday celebration, waited at home for Xiaoman, unaware of her change of plans. When she didn't arrive, he called her, then her roommates, only to learn she was with Zuo An, which enraged him. He drove to the school and waited anxiously for her return, refusing to leave.
Episode 17 Recap
After an evening at Zuo An’s apartment, where he gently insisted she take the bed and he the sofa, both Xiaoman and Zuo An were delighted by their close proximity. Xiaoman also secretly realized she was likely the first girl to stay overnight, which further pleased her. As she settled into bed, Zuo An, initially flipping through books, then noticed her feigning sleep. He thoughtfully pulled her hand under the covers and tucked her in.
Xiaoman silently cherished his thoughtful care, smiling to herself with happiness once he had left her side. Xiaoman then drifted into a dream, finding herself back in her martial arts world with Zuo An, where they were renowned as "legendary doctor couple." They successfully healed a man injured by a horse, and Zuo An also praised Xiaoman's skills, making her overjoyed. The next morning, Zuo An prepared breakfast. Xiaoman, self-conscious about her appearance, worried about facing him.
As they walked back to school, Zuo An asked how they would explain their overnight absence. Xiaoman suggested she would claim she stayed at home, while Zuo An said he would tell people he went to karaoke with Yaola. However, Zuo An became stern upon learning that Xiaoman had stayed out overnight before, demanding to know with whom.
Xiaoman suddenly recalled that it was for Shen Chenyang's birthday, which she had completely forgotten due to the unexpected hospital visit with Zuo An. Realizing her phone was off, she quickly turned it on to find a barrage of messages from Shen Chenyang. She rushed to find him, discovering him still waiting under her dormitory building. Xiaoman apologized profusely, expressing deep regret for forgetting his birthday.
Shen Chenyang, despite his initial anger and worry from waiting all night, embraced her and attempted to kiss her. Xiaoman, however, firmly stopped him and reprimanded him for his actions. Xiaoman unequivocally told Shen Chenyang that she did not like him and that Zuo An was the only person she would ever love. Undeterred, Shen Chenyang dismissed her feelings, mocking her preference for "poker-faced" guys and claiming that even top students would eventually work for him.
Xiaoman retorted that he was shallow and incapable of understanding Zuo An's ideals or the encouragement he brought to others. Shen Chenyang then loudly declared his intention to formally pursue her. Soon after, the entire campus was abuzz with news of Shen Chenyang's lavish pursuit of Xiaoman. He sponsored various school clubs, filling the bulletin boards with posters showcasing his affections for her. While many female students expressed envy, Xiaoman felt utterly humiliated.
She began tearing down the posters, and Zhan Yue, understanding her frustration, joined her, helping to remove the embarrassing displays. Shen Chenyang continued his relentless pursuit, even recruiting other students to publicly cheer for him, which Xiaoman found exasperating. He followed her to class and sat beside her, trying to engage her in conversation. He flattered a student from the film club, who in turn publicly wished Shen Chenyang and Xiaoman a happy future together, much to Xiaoman's dismay.
Xiaoman angrily told Shen Chenyang he was turning her into a spectacle, but he insisted his actions were simply a public display of affection, even suggesting more outrageous stunts like banners, hot air balloons, and customizing a wriggling inflatable model of her "Jiong Niu" character with his declaration of love, with the words "Shen Chenyang loves Gu Xiaoman" on the front and "good luck to the whole family" on the back. Xiaoman eventually told him to shut up.
During class, Lin Nana complained to the teacher about Shen Chenyang's disruptive behavior. The teacher, recognizing Shen Chenyang as a senior student, ordered him to leave. Lin Nana further implied that Xiaoman was also a problem. However, Shen Chenyang refused, arguing there were no school regulations preventing senior students from attending junior classes, leaving the teacher frustrated and powerless. As class concluded, Shen Chenyang persistently followed Xiaoman.
Xiaoman received a phone call from the dean, which she initially feared was about her tearing down the school posters. However, the dean informed her that her performance in anatomy class, particularly in practicals, was unsatisfactory, and she might fail the upcoming final exams. He suggested she prepare to retake the course next year. Xiaoman was deeply distressed by this, realizing that retaking the course would put her a year behind Zuo An, preventing them from attending classes together.
Determined not to give up, she decided to go to the anatomy lab that night to study intensively. That night, Xiaoman secretly entered the anatomy building, climbing through a window to access the lab. She apologized to the body donors, explaining her determination to avoid retaking the course and falling behind Zuo An. As she studied, she struggled with a heavy body part and tried to use her phone for more light.
A security guard discovered her, dressed in a white lab coat with disheveled hair, illuminated by her phone's light. Mistaking her for a female ghost, he screamed and fled in terror. The next day, the campus was rife with exaggerated rumors of a ghost haunting the anatomy lab, causing widespread fear and reluctance to attend classes. Xiaoman attempted to clarify the misunderstanding, but Lina and her roommates stopped her, advising her that explaining now would only worsen the situation.
Xiaoman reluctantly agreed to remain silent for the time being. Xiaoman then dreamt she was back in the martial arts world, wrongly accused of being a "sexual predator" and unable to defend herself. A historical version of Shen Chenyang appeared, thanking her for saving his life. He was utterly infatuated with her, introducing himself as being from a good family and rich, with hobbies including raising Jiong Niu and cooking.
He expressed his desire to create a wriggling inflatable model of her "Jiong Niu" character to publicly declare his love, with the words "Shen Chenyang loves Gu Xiaoman" on the front and "good luck to the whole family" on the back. He tried to kiss her, but Xiaoman instinctively punched him. Despite the punch, Shen Chenyang found her actions "familiar and lovable," further cementing his eccentric devotion.
Episode 18 Recap
Zuo An and his roommates discussed the campus haunting at the anatomy building, finding the rumors perplexing. That evening, Xiaoman went to the anatomy building to study, only to find it locked. As she worried, Zuo An appeared, offering to teach her study methods and help her catch up. Xiaoman was delighted.
As they chatted happily, Zuo An attempted to confess his feelings, but their conversation was cut short by the sudden appearance of a security guard, forcing them to quickly hide. The following Saturday morning, Zuo An tutored Xiaoman at his home. During their study session, Xiaoman fell asleep, and Zuo An considerately took care of her. Upon waking, she told Zuo An she had dreamed of failing her exams.
Zuo An reassured her, explaining they had a month until the exam and their progress was good, though more late-night practice would be needed for experimental classes. When Xiaoman expressed her gratitude and offered to thank him, Zuo An proposed that she give him her scholarship money as tuition once she earned it. Xiaoman, invigorated by the challenge, promised to secure the scholarship, and they resumed their studies. Meanwhile, Shen Chenyang called Xiaoman, who repeatedly ignored his calls.
He then contacted Lina, offering her a new, smart phone in exchange for information about Xiaoman's whereabouts. Lina was tempted and agreed to the deal. Later, as Xiaoman prepared to meet Zuo An for a study session at the anatomy lab, Lina suddenly feigned a stomachache. Xiaoman called Zuo An to cancel their plans, though he hung up on her twice, and then accompanied Lina to the infirmary.
The infirmary doctor quickly discerned Lina was faking her illness but did not expose her, merely advising them to wait for her "gas to pass." While Xiaoman was at the infirmary, Zuo An, who was waiting for her at the anatomy building, was apprehended by security. It was revealed that Shen Chenyang had seized the opportunity to report Zuo An, leading to his capture.
He was taken to the department head's office, where he explained that he had been practicing anatomy and admitted to being the cause of the recent "haunting" incidents on campus. Anning learned of Zuo An's predicament and rushed to the department head's office to plead on his behalf. However, the department head stated that the incident had caused a major stir in the school, and disciplinary action against Zuo An was unavoidable.
Furious, Anning suspected Xiaoman was responsible for Zuo An's trouble. She stormed back to the dormitory and, without a word, rummaged through Xiaoman's bag, finding a flashlight and a mask. Anning angrily confronted Xiaoman, accusing her of going to the anatomy room at night, causing Zuo An to be caught, and then abandoning him when the security guards arrived. Anning also revealed that Zuo An had received a school-wide notice of criticism, which would prevent him from graduating with distinction.
Feeling that it was unfair to Zuo An, Anning then threw Xiaoman's bag on the floor. Distraught and filled with guilt, Xiaoman immediately rushed out of the dormitory to find Zuo An. She apologized profusely and offered to confess her role in the incident to the department head. Zuo An, however, dismissed her idea, reassuring her that it had nothing to do with her and that he didn't care about the "titles" or graduating with distinction.
He instead encouraged her to focus on getting the scholarship as they had agreed. Xiaoman was deeply moved and almost confessed her feelings for him but decided to wait until she earned the scholarship. Meanwhile, Yaola learned about Zuo An's school-wide criticism and went to their school to inquire about the situation. She encountered Zhan Yue and asked if he knew anything, but he appeared gleeful, which angered Yaola.
She then informed Zhan Yue that Zuo An had been caught because he was helping Xiaoman with her studies, a revelation that puzzled him. Separately, Lina felt immense guilt over the escalating situation. She returned the new phone Shen Chenyang had given her, condemning his actions as "mean and shameless."
She clarified that her initial intention was only to create distance between Xiaoman and Zuo An, never imagining Shen Chenyang would go so far as to report Zuo An, leading to his punishment. Shen Chenyang, however, unrepentantly justified his actions, stating that love is inherently selfish and that Zuo An was his rival. Anning overheard Lina's conversation with Shen Chenyang. She then angrily went to find Xiaoman, who was eating with Yaola and Zhan Yue.
Anning directly confronted Xiaoman, physically shoving her, revealing Shen Chenyang's role in Zuo An's punishment, and sternly warned Xiaoman to stay away from Zuo An. Zuo An arrived, attempting to shield Xiaoman, but Anning pulled him away, leaving Xiaoman distressed. Afterward, Anning approached Zuo An, hoping to reconcile, but Zuo An firmly rejected the idea. Seeing his persistence, Anning changed tactics, suggesting Zuo An join her and her father for dinner, which Zuo An reluctantly agreed to.
Upon learning more about the situation, Xiaoman confronted Shen Chenyang, harshly criticizing him as hypocritical and mean. Shen Chenyang, however, showed no remorse, calmly asserting that love is inherently selfish and that as Zuo An's rival, his actions were understandable. Xiaoman was enraged.
Episode 19 Recap
Xiaoman confronted Shen Chenyang, telling him to stay away from her. Shen Chenyang, feeling dejected but unrepentant, declared that love is selfish and he would never regret his actions, no matter how despised they made him. Xiaoman, realizing that Shen Chenyang's actions (which were aimed at her) had inadvertently caused trouble for Zuo An, felt extremely apologetic and decided she should no longer bother him.
When she went to the library to study, Zuo An approached, hoping to sit with her. Xiaoman, however, declined, claiming the seat was reserved for Liu Dan. Zuo An, disappointed, suggested they go to a café, but Xiaoman refused, leaving him to depart dejectedly. Xiaoman secretly vowed to herself that she would earn a scholarship before trying to reconcile with Zuo An.
Meanwhile, Liu Dan was dismissed from her part-time job at the library after missing her shift due to accidentally overshooting her bus stop. Distraught, she called Sun Anning for help. Anning, however, feigned difficulty and distanced herself, claiming it was Liu Dan's own mistake and she was just a student. Later, Anning confided in Zhou Lina about Liu Dan's request, revealing that Liu Dan had asked her to intercede with the teacher by leveraging her father's position as vice-principal.
Lina dismissed it as an unreasonable request, advising Anning to ignore it. Lina also commented on Liu Dan's frequent part-time jobs, suggesting she wasn't focusing on her studies. Liu Dan returned to the dormitory looking heartbroken and cried alone in the bathroom. Xiaoman and Lina discovered her distress. Liu Dan tearfully revealed her family's financial struggles and her mother's heart disease, explaining that all their savings had been spent on her treatment.
She shared that her primary motivation for studying medicine was to one day cure her mother, but her mother's condition had worsened before she could even become a doctor. Xiaoman and Lina were at a loss for how to comfort her. Xiaoman offered Liu Dan some money, but Liu Dan refused, feeling embarrassed.
Lina also insisted Liu Dan take the money as a loan, but Liu Dan still declined, explaining that it wouldn't be enough and her mother couldn't even get admitted to the hospital. She expressed her urgent need to find a specialist to examine her mother's condition. Xiaoman then recalled knowing a specialist in cardiac surgery. Xiaoman and Liu Dan visited the specialist.
The doctor informed them that the hospital recently received a sponsor for a heart disease project, offering free surgeries to qualifying patients, which Liu Dan's mother did. Liu Dan was overjoyed, but Xiaoman remained suspicious, finding it too good to be true for such a prestigious hospital to offer free surgery. The doctor, sensing her doubt, personally guaranteed full responsibility if any issues arose during the surgery, which finally put both Xiaoman and Liu Dan at ease.
Unbeknownst to them, Shen Chenyang had arranged the entire free surgery, explicitly instructing the doctor not to reveal his involvement to Xiaoman. Later, Anning announced to their class that Liu Dan's mother was undergoing surgery and proposed a class-wide donation drive for her postoperative care. Zuo An readily agreed. Other students speculated that a "hidden rich man," possibly Shen Chenyang, had already paid for the surgery, aiming to impress Xiaoman, but Zuo An dismissed these rumors as unfounded.
During the surgery, Liu Dan was incredibly anxious. Xiaoman comforted her by sharing her own personal story, revealing that her mother had passed away in a car accident. Hearing this, Liu Dan remembered a painful truth: during an anatomy class, Sun Anning had instructed her to deliberately assign the car accident cadaver to Xiaoman's group, intending for Xiaoman to fail the course. Overwhelmed with guilt, Liu Dan confessed everything to Xiaoman, apologizing profusely.
Xiaoman was enraged and immediately rushed off to confront Sun Anning, ignoring Lina's futile attempts to calm her down. Xiaoman furiously confronted Anning, accusing her of threatening Liu Dan and intentionally sabotaging her anatomy course by using the car accident cadaver. Anning denied everything, feigning ignorance of Xiaoman's mother's death and fabricating a story that Liu Dan was retaliating against her because Anning refused to help her regain her part-time job using her father's influence.
Xiaoman, however, saw through the lies, asserting that Anning was just using Liu Dan's situation to get back at her. As Xiaoman, fueled by anger, moved to physically confront Anning, Zuo An arrived and restrained her, just as the Dean also appeared. Anning, playing the victim, questioned Xiaoman's respect for school rules. Zuo An intervened, explaining that Xiaoman was merely impulsive and wouldn't harm anyone.
The Dean suggested summoning Liu Dan to clarify the situation, but Xiaoman explained Liu Dan was with her mother during surgery. Anning then tried to gain sympathy by suggesting Xiaoman and Liu Dan were unfairly blaming her due to their personal misfortunes. Xiaoman, furious and heartbroken by Zuo An's intervention on Anning's behalf, walked away. Zuo An followed, attempting to explain that he only stopped her to prevent her from hitting someone in front of the Dean.
Xiaoman, in tears, accused him of siding with Anning and revealed that Anning hated her and used her mother's tragedy to try and drive her out of school. Zuo An tried to calm her, stating he grew up with Anning and believed she was not capable of such actions, insisting there must be a misunderstanding. Xiaoman then directly asked him if he trusted her or Anning.
When Zuo An hesitated and said he would investigate once Liu Dan returned, Xiaoman, feeling betrayed, declared that her affairs would no longer concern him. Zuo An grabbed her hand, attempting to comfort her, but at that moment, Anning called Zuo An's name from behind. Xiaoman immediately pulled her hand free and walked away. Afterward, Anning claimed to Zuo An that she feared Xiaoman would have hit her.
Zuo An apologized on Xiaoman's behalf, explaining her mother's past trauma, but Anning insisted it had nothing to do with her and accused Xiaoman and Liu Dan of framing her. Anning then admitted to Zuo An that she was envious and jealous because he liked Xiaoman, but asserted her pride would prevent her from resorting to "despicable" actions. She then left.
Zuo An later tried to call her, but she cut him off, believing he would eventually come back to her. Concerned about Xiaoman's low spirits, Zhan Yue and Yaola sought her out. Xiaoman confided her confusion, unable to understand why Anning would turn on her, especially since Anning had initially been kind. Yaola analyzed the situation, concluding that Anning was retaliating because Zuo An liked Xiaoman, viewing Xiaoman as her romantic rival.
Yaola pointed out that Anning only acted as Zuo An's girlfriend, but Zuo An had never acknowledged it because his true affections lay with Xiaoman, explaining Anning's motivation to drive Xiaoman away. Later, Anning called Liu Dan. After confirming Liu Dan's mother's surgery was successful, Anning subtly threatened Liu Dan, implying that if Xiaoman's impulsive behavior continued, it could negatively impact both their academic standing and future graduation. Liu Dan recognized the veiled threat and reluctantly agreed to Anning's terms.
Moments after Liu Dan ended the call, Zuo An appeared, asking what had transpired. Liu Dan refused to reveal the truth, instead urging Zuo An to distance himself from Xiaoman and focus on his relationship with Anning, claiming it would be best for Xiaoman. After much contemplation, Xiaoman decided not to pursue the matter further, choosing to let go of the conflict. Her decision stemmed from a deep disappointment that Zuo An had chosen to believe Anning over her.
Later that night, Shen Chenyang approached Xiaoman, expressing concern and persistently trying to make amends. Xiaoman initially ignored him, but Shen Chenyang's relentless efforts eventually led her to reluctantly agree to a truce. Just then, Zuo An arrived, witnessing their close interaction. He immediately stepped forward to intervene, but Xiaoman, still angry upon seeing Zuo An, abruptly turned and walked away.
Episode 20 Recap
Xiaoman remained upset with Zuo An, avoiding him despite his persistent attempts to reach out. Although she replied coldly to his messages, she found herself missing him when he did not respond. Zuo An had apologized, admitting he knew Anning had done wrong. Meanwhile, Xiaoman, who had confidently aimed for a scholarship, was left distraught by her exam results. While her scores were decent among her dorm mates, she felt uneasy about them.
Her spirits plummeted further upon learning that the scholarship, which Zuo An usually won, might go to Sun Anning this semester because Zuo An had received a notice of criticism. Xiaoman lamented that she wouldn't be able to fulfill her promise of using the scholarship to pay Zuo An for tutoring fees. With exams over, Xiaoman went home for winter break.
Zuo An, searching for her, contacted Zhou Lina and learned that Xiaoman had already left alone, seemingly unhappy but having passed her exams well despite the semester's difficulties. Shortly after, Zuo An encountered Shen Chenyang, who mockingly questioned Zuo An's continued pursuit given Xiaoman was ignoring him. Shen Chenyang advised Zuo An to give up, claiming Xiaoman would be his sooner or later. Zuo An retorted that Xiaoman had never accepted Shen Chenyang.
Zuo An then asserted his deep, unique connection with Xiaoman, highlighting their shared history as childhood sweethearts since kindergarten, which Shen Chenyang could not imagine. He declared his intention to spend the winter holiday with Xiaoman, prompting Shen Chenyang to accuse him of relying on "geographical advantage." At home, Xiaoman found the winter holiday incredibly boring. She missed Zuo An but grew jealous imagining him with Sun Anning.
Her father tried to encourage her to go out or visit the boxing gym, her favorite place, but Xiaoman refused, preferring to sleep. Zhan Yue called, then visited, trying to persuade her to go out and questioning why she seemed so unhappy, hinting that it might be due to Zuo An and Anning. Xiaoman, frustrated, confirmed that Zuo An was indeed constantly on her mind. Later, Yaola invited Xiaoman to a class reunion.
Xiaoman initially declined, claiming she was not feeling well, but quickly changed her mind and enthusiastically agreed upon learning that Zuo An would also be attending, thinking he was not with Sun Anning after all. At the class reunion, Zuo An and Xiaoman finally saw each other. As they were about to catch up, Zhan Yue, clearly jealous, interrupted. He called Zuo An a "nerd" and unwelcome, then reminded Xiaoman how Zuo An and Anning had allegedly "bullied" her.
Zuo An dismissed Zhan Yue, who then provoked Zuo An by calling him his "defeated opponent." Unwilling to back down, Zuo An immediately challenged Zhan Yue to a basketball game at their old court. Despite the class monitor's attempts to stop them, saying lunch was ready and other classmates were arriving, Zuo An insisted on the game. Classmates watched, skeptical of Zuo An's chances against Zhan Yue, but to everyone's surprise, Zuo An decisively won the match.
Zhan Yue tried to dispute the win, claiming he "slipped," but Zuo An stood firm. After the game, Zuo An found Xiaoman, who had left, feeling disheartened about her own unfulfilled promises compared to Zuo An's determination. Zuo An expressed his happiness at his victory. Xiaoman then apologized for breaking her promise about the scholarship. Zuo An gently dismissed her apology, acknowledging she was in a bad state during exams.
He then apologized himself, admitting he had misunderstood Anning and believed her, not expecting her to change and hurt Xiaoman. Xiaoman was surprised to learn that Zuo An knew about Anning's actions, and upon hearing his genuine regret, she felt a great weight lifted from her. She asked Zuo An about the full extent of the conflict with Anning, but he preferred not to dwell on the "shameful thing," stating it was in the past.
He clarified that he wasn't familiar enough with Anning for forgiveness to be an issue, but he still couldn't understand why Anning hated her. Just as Zuo An was about to confess something else to Xiaoman, Shen Chenyang suddenly appeared, interrupting their conversation. He announced that he had come specifically to spend the winter break with Xiaoman because "someone" had mocked him for not being able to. Zuo An tried to lead Xiaoman away, but Shen Chenyang stubbornly followed them.
They attempted to book a hotel room for Shen Chenyang, but he claimed he hadn't brought his ID, preventing him from checking in. Exasperated, Zuo An offered to arrange a room for Shen Chenyang at his own home, but Shen Chenyang refused, insisting he had come for Xiaoman and wanted to stay at her house.
Despite Xiaoman's protests and calling him "shameless," she reluctantly agreed to take him home, assuring Zuo An that her father would never allow him to stay. Shen Chenyang, however, was confident, declaring that a "son-in-law entering the house depends on his own ability." Upon arriving at Xiaoman's house, her father welcomed Zuo An. Shen Chenyang introduced himself as Xiaoman's "good friend," a claim her father seemed to eye with suspicion.
Xiaoman tried to explain that Shen Chenyang was just a senior from school who needed a place to stay for one night, expecting her father to refuse outright and even jokingly offered her father a "sword" to "break his leg." To her utter surprise, her father agreed to let Shen Chenyang stay for "only one night," reasoning it was too late to send him away, even after Zuo An pointed out Shen Chenyang's lies about his ID.
This unexpected decision left Zuo An visibly upset and Xiaoman shocked. Xiaoman grudgingly prepared a corner in the warehouse for Shen Chenyang. She went to him, warning him to leave first thing in the morning. Shen Chenyang flatly refused, stating he intended to spend the entire winter break with her. Annoyed, Xiaoman grabbed his neck, pulling him close in exasperation. At that moment, her father walked in, misinterpreting their close proximity as an intimate moment between a couple.
He advised Xiaoman, as a girl, to be "restrained." Xiaoman immediately tried to explain the misunderstanding, emphatically denying that Shen Chenyang was her boyfriend and questioning her father's taste. Her father, while relieved, still seemed unconvinced and was later seen secretly observing Shen Chenyang from a distance as Shen Chenyang tried to make himself comfortable in the dusty warehouse, loudly proclaiming his love for Xiaoman and his disregard for discomfort.
Episode 21 Recap
Xiaoman spent a restless night, plagued by worries that Zuo An might misunderstand her relationship with Shen Chenyang and distressed about how to explain the situation to him. She thought Zuo An would surely be unconcerned and asleep. The next morning, Shen Chenyang had already prepared an elaborate breakfast. Gu's father enthusiastically praised Shen Chenyang’s cooking, exclaiming he had only seen such beautiful and nutritious breakfasts on television.
Shen Chenyang humbly accepted the praise, promising to showcase his true culinary skills at noon. Xiaoman, however, was bewildered by her father's sudden change of heart. She questioned why Shen Chenyang was still there, reminding her father that he was supposed to leave and threatening to "break his leg" if he didn't. Gu's father dismissed her protests, telling Shen Chenyang to stay as long as he liked.
Xiaoman accused Shen Chenyang of having "bought" her father with a meal, but Gu's father defended Shen Chenyang, stating that a man who can cook must be good in other aspects too. He asserted his role as the head of the family, declaring Shen Chenyang his guest who had nowhere else to go, and noted how tidily Shen Chenyang had cleaned the storage room. Shen Chenyang thanked Gu's father sincerely.
Xiaoman then confronted Shen Chenyang, accusing him of threatening her father. Shen Chenyang retorted, asking if she believed he was only capable of threatening people, and then claimed he had been very sincere and diligent that morning. Shen Chenyang then recounted how Gu's father had woken him early to test his physical endurance. Gu's father had openly questioned his physical fitness, asking how he intended to pursue Xiaoman with such poor stamina.
Shen Chenyang admitted he wasn't Xiaoman's boyfriend yet but confessed his sincere feelings for her, promising to exercise daily for her sake. Gu's father then made him run five kilometers, boasting that he used to run much farther with Xiaoman when she was little. After the strenuous run, Shen Chenyang cooked breakfast. Gu's father was highly impressed by Shen Chenyang's knife skills, praising his finely shredded ingredients and noting that cutting was paramount in cooking.
Shen Chenyang explained his love for food and cooking, emphasizing his desire to share meals with family and friends. Gu's father then inquired about Shen Chenyang's family, prompting Shen Chenyang to reveal his parents' early passing and that he was raised by his sister. Gu's father empathized, sharing that Xiaoman's mother also passed away when Xiaoman was young, and he raised her alone.
Gu's father then expressed his genuine liking for Shen Chenyang, acknowledging his sincerity towards Xiaoman, and invited him to stay longer, stating he wanted to "test" Shen Chenyang as a potential boyfriend for Xiaoman. Shen Chenyang accepted, then playfully told Xiaoman he almost revealed his family's wealth to her father, a notion Xiaoman vehemently rejected, insisting he should leave.
Gu's father, hearing their continued argument, interjected, sternly warning Xiaoman not to yell at Shen Chenyang, his invited guest, under threat of having her own leg broken. Later, Zhan Yue and Yaola arrived to visit Xiaoman. Zhan Yue was astonished to find Shen Chenyang there and immediately began insulting him, calling him an "old pervert." Shen Chenyang quickly clarified that although he was a few years older than Xiaoman, he was not old.
Gu's father reprimanded Zhan Yue for his impoliteness, reiterating that Shen Chenyang was his guest. Zhan Yue expressed his outrage that Shen Chenyang was allowed to stay in the house while he himself was barely allowed through the door. Gu's father then openly explained that he was giving Shen Chenyang a chance to be "tested" as a potential boyfriend for Xiaoman, as Shen Chenyang was sincerely pursuing her.
He contrasted this with Zhan Yue's past antics, such as climbing walls and fighting, and questioned Zhan Yue's reliability. Feeling challenged and resentful, Zhan Yue immediately demanded to be included in the "test" as well, wanting to compete with Shen Chenyang. Gu's father agreed to test Zhan Yue too, to avoid any accusation of unfairness. Both young men then enthusiastically began competing to serve and impress Gu's father.
Xiaoman, meanwhile, was utterly exasperated by the entire situation, confiding in Yaola that she foresaw a very difficult winter holiday. Yaola reassured her she had support and then curiously asked why Xiaoman had never considered Zhan Yue as a romantic interest, given their long history together. Xiaoman dismissed the idea, stating they were too familiar and there was no romantic possibility between them. She also dismissed Zhan Yue’s apparent interest in her as not serious.
Desperate to escape the chaos, Xiaoman decided she would go anywhere as long as Shen Chenyang wasn't there. Meanwhile, Zuo An, wanting a reason to see Xiaoman, uncharacteristically initiated a class reunion in their old class group chat, a move that surprised everyone given his usually quiet and solitary nature. The news quickly spread among their former classmates.
Zhan Yue noted Zuo An's unusual behavior, playfully suggesting that the recent appearance of a "more disgusting guy" (implying Shen Chenyang) had made Zuo An seem "inexplicably lovely." Shen Chenyang unexpectedly appeared at the reunion, claiming to be a schoolmate and Zuo An's senior. Zuo An curtly informed him it was a class reunion and he wasn't welcome. Shen Chenyang persisted, claiming he was stuck to Xiaoman and couldn't be shaken off.
Classmates, observing Shen Chenyang, praised his height and good looks, asking if he was Xiaoman's boyfriend, which Xiaoman quickly denied. Shen Chenyang introduced himself as Xiaoman's friend. Shen Chenyang then took charge of the barbecue, playfully threatening Xiaoman to make her help him. He skillfully cooked for everyone, earning effusive praise from the other classmates, one even calling it the "most delicious barbecue" they had ever had. Zuo An, watching from a distance, seemed unimpressed, noting the burnt parts.
Classmates also commented on how good Shen Chenyang was to Xiaoman, again suggesting he was her boyfriend. Another classmate remarked that they used to think Xiaoman and Zuo An would end up together. Xiaoman clarified that the old love letter incident was not her doing and that she had long put the misunderstanding behind her. While the party was in full swing, Shen Chenyang, noticing Xiaoman’s irritation, offered to take her somewhere fun. Subsequently, Zhan Yue fell into a puddle.
Blaming Shen Chenyang for the incident, Zhan Yue yelled at him after being helped out of the water by Zuo An. Xiaoman soon learned that Zuo An had a fever. She immediately bought medicine and, dragging Zhan Yue along, went to visit him. To their surprise, Anning opened the door. Anning, asserting her long-standing relationship with Zuo An, informed them he was resting and not to be disturbed, implying it was improper to barge in.
Feeling dejected, Xiaoman decided to let Zuo An rest and handed the medicine to Anning, claiming Zhan Yue bought it. Anning thanked them. After they left, Anning callously tossed the medicine into the trash. Outside, Zhan Yue questioned Xiaoman's passivity, asking why she didn't fight for Zuo An if she was unhappy, and then asked if she would never like anyone other than Zuo An, even himself. Xiaoman appeared unresponsive to Zhan Yue's advances.
Shortly after, Zuo An came downstairs, having heard the knocking. He tried to dismiss Anning, stating he only had a mild cold and did not need care, and urged her to go home for the approaching New Year. Anning, however, insisted on staying to celebrate with him, ignoring his clear desire for her to leave. Zuo An then stated that he would be very unhappy if anyone were to harm Gu Xiaoman.
As New Year's Eve approached, Xiaoman tried to persuade Shen Chenyang to return home for the holidays, pointing out he had been staying for a month and should visit his sister. Shen Chenyang, however, became dramatic, suggesting this might be their "only" New Year together and that she would regret missing every moment. Xiaoman was unnerved by his morbid pronouncements but resignedly told him he could stay if he insisted.
Shen Chenyang, delighted, immediately began discussing New Year's dinner plans with Gu's father. Xiaoman, realizing he had been feigning his sadness, muttered that he was a "scourge who will last for thousands of years." On New Year's Eve, Gu's father praised Shen Chenyang's cooking skills while they prepared a festive meal. He then made a toast for the New Year.
As Xiaoman, Zhan Yue, and Yaola set off fireworks, Gu's father commented that Xiaoman and Shen Chenyang made a perfect match, as did Yaola and Zhan Yue. This immediately sparked playful arguments and denials from all four, especially Yaola and Zhan Yue, who vehemently rejected the idea of being matched with each other, exchanging insults about their appearances and future prospects.
Shen Chenyang then jokingly claimed he and Xiaoman were a perfect match, prompting Xiaoman to playfully threaten him, leading to a chase around the yard, with Gu's father trying to intervene. Amidst the joyful chaos, Xiaoman paused and quietly thought of Zuo An, wishing him a "Happy New Year" and playfully urging him to "come and catch" her. Meanwhile, Zuo An spent the New Year's Eve alone, watching the fireworks light up the sky, his thoughts continually drifting to Xiaoman.
The next morning, Shen Chenyang prepared to leave. Xiaoman walked him to the car. Shen Chenyang expressed his reluctance to part ways, hinting he would feel Xiaoman's presence even if she didn't see him off, and asked for a farewell hug, which Xiaoman disgustedly refused. Shen Chenyang then thanked Xiaoman for making it the "most memorable Spring Festival," adding that he had "no regrets."
As soon as Shen Chenyang left, Xiaoman felt immense relief, internally calling him a "drama king" and a "scourge." She planned a celebratory feast for herself. Xiaoman then went to the supermarket for snacks. The A Po who ran the supermarket greeted Xiaoman warmly, telling her that Zuo An had been waiting for her there repeatedly but she had never shown up. Xiaoman was confused and disbelieving, thinking Zuo An would never wait for her.
A Po then confided that on New Year's Eve, Zuo An had personally told her he liked Xiaoman. Xiaoman was utterly shocked. Just then, A Po's granddaughter arrived and explained to Xiaoman that A Po suffered from Alzheimer's disease, warning Xiaoman not to believe anything she said. Xiaoman immediately assumed A Po's words were a misunderstanding due to her condition.
However, A Po continued to insist, saying she knew Zuo An liked Xiaoman because he often came to the store under the pretense of buying pens but was actually waiting for her. She urged Xiaoman to go find him, adding that she had even seen two "naughty boys" setting off dangerous firecrackers nearby on New Year's Eve. Xiaoman, finding A Po endearing, still felt that it had been a thrilling minute.
Episode 22 Recap
After the winter break, Xiaoman returned to her university life filled with renewed determination. She confidently announced to her roommates that she was going to confess her feelings to Zuo An. She recounted how an old lady at the supermarket, who used to see them frequently, had told her Zuo An often bought pens as an excuse to wait for her and even claimed he liked Xiaoman.
Although Xiaoman initially thought the old lady, who had Alzheimer’s, was mistaken, she now felt ready to directly tell Zuo An how she felt, regardless of anyone else like Anning. Unbeknownst to Xiaoman, Anning was listening in from just outside their dormitory door. Meanwhile, Zuo An was also in his dorm, looking up online how to confess to a girl he liked. After searching for a while without finding satisfactory answers, he turned to his roommate for advice.
His roommate teased him, saying a popular top student like him shouldn't need to confess personally. Zuo An insisted on an answer, so his roommate suggested he learn from Shen Chenyang, describing Shen Chenyang as someone who pursues girls with both money and sincerity, captivating most women. The roommate then lamented that Xiaoman was like a "millennium iron tree" that wouldn't bloom, always acting like a man, even speculating if she might like women.
Zuo An, still without a clear answer, shook his head and continued his own search. Shen Chenyang began his intense pursuit of Xiaoman by delivering homemade breakfast to her dormitory on the first day of the semester, bringing extra servings for her roommates, Lina and Liu Dan. He even falsely claimed he had stayed at her house during the winter break.
Xiaoman quickly denied this, visibly uncomfortable, and pleaded with him to stop coming to the female dorm, but Shen Chenyang confidently stated he had already smoothed things over with the dorm lady. Lina and Liu Dan were impressed by Shen Chenyang's culinary skills and praised him, urging Xiaoman to consider him. However, Xiaoman firmly declared that she only loved Zuo An. As Xiaoman spoke, she discovered a worn-out love letter under her bed, addressed to "Xiao Wenying."
Lina recognized the name and immediately researched it online, revealing a notorious campus ghost story known as the "Secret Love Curse," part of the school’s "seven campus wonders" tales. The story claimed that five years ago, a student named Xiao Wenying, who used to occupy that bed, had confessed her love but was miserably rejected. Since then, any girl who slept in her bed and wished to confess would inevitably face a similarly tragic failure.
Xiaoman was initially concerned but quickly dismissed it as a ridiculous superstition and resolved to bravely proceed with her confession. Xiaoman shared her confession plan with Yaola, who was incredibly supportive. To create the perfect opportunity, they decided to enlist the help of Zuo An's roommates. Xiaoman diligently crafted her love letter, preparing for the big moment.
Yaola, trying to take charge, asked to review the letter, but Xiaoman refused to show it, confident in her own plan inspired by romance novels and idol dramas. Yaola envisioned a dream-like confession, with Zuo An arriving on a bike on a sunlit path, and Xiaoman, in a white dress, declaring her love to him. With her plan set, Xiaoman headed to confess to Zuo An. However, the situation quickly went awry.
Before she could even reach Zuo An, a sudden downpour began, and she slipped, falling to the ground. At that very moment, another girl, wearing an identical dress, appeared, took Xiaoman's love letter, and handed it to Zuo An. Zuo An promptly rejected the girl. Mortified by her own messy appearance and the stolen moment, Xiaoman quickly fled the scene, her confession utterly ruined. It was later revealed that Anning had deliberately orchestrated this entire incident to sabotage Xiaoman's confession.
Back in the dorm, a dejected Xiaoman was comforted by Yaola. Zhan Yue expressed his irritation to Yaola for being too invested in Xiaoman’s failed confession. Their conversation quickly escalated into an argument, with Zhan Yue questioning Yaola’s sincerity and implying she used to like Zuo An. Yaola retorted, accusing Zhan Yue of being a "stinky and sour loser" if he truly liked Xiaoman but refused to pursue her openly. Feeling hurt, Zhan Yue walked away.
Later, Xiaoman sent him a message, reassuring him that despite Zuo An's brilliance, he would always be her dazzling "little prince" on stage. This comforting message helped Zhan Yue reconcile with Yaola. Learning about Zhan Yue's dream of becoming an all-around star, Yaola encouraged him to participate in a talent audition for a foreign company that was selecting trainees for overseas debut training.
Although Zhan Yue was hesitant about being judged, Yaola persuaded him to join as a companion, emphasizing the need for a bigger stage than school or bar gigs. They diligently practiced their performance. During the audition, Yaola was visibly nervous, and a judge rudely made fun of her name. Despite Xiaoman and Zhan Yue's encouragement, Yaola, lacking confidence, made a mistake during her performance. The judge told her to leave the stage, but Yaola pleaded for another chance.
When the judge refused, Zhan Yue stepped onto the stage and danced with Yaola. Ultimately, only Zhan Yue impressed the judges. Xiaoman, undeterred by her previous failure, prepared to confess to Zuo An again. However, before she could, a barrage of other girls began approaching Zuo An with their own confessions. This continuous stream of confessions was orchestrated by Anning, who hoped to discourage Xiaoman and make her retreat. Yet, Xiaoman remained persistent.
During a "Mao Zedong Thought" class, she wrote her confession to Zuo An on the blackboard, but once again, other girls quickly seized the opportunity to add their own messages, overshadowing hers. Annoyed by the constant interruptions, Zuo An publicly asked everyone to stop such behavior in class, much to Anning's delight. Later, Xiaoman encountered Shen Chenyang with his dog, Jiong Niu.
Shen Chenyang tried to convince Xiaoman to play with them, playfully suggesting they were now a "lucky and happy family." Xiaoman quickly corrected him, emphasizing their relationship was strictly platonic. The conversation took a serious turn when Shen Chenyang warned Xiaoman against pursuing Zuo An, threatening to have Zuo An expelled from school if she dared to be with him. Xiaoman, in turn, fiercely warned Shen Chenyang that if he ever harmed Zuo An, she would never forgive him.
Episode 23 Recap
Zhan Yue, though praised by the judges, declined their offer, stating he was only there to accompany Yaola, and pulled her off stage. He told the judges that they disrespected his companion's dreams. Later, while drinking with friends, Yaola impulsively kissed Zhan Yue and confessed her feelings, telling him that no matter how foolish or annoying he might seem to others, he would always shine brightly in her eyes. Startled, Zhan Yue quickly ran away.
Witnessing Yaola's bold pursuit of love inspired Xiaoman to confront her own "secret love curse" and gather the courage to confess to Zuo An. After downing several drinks, Xiaoman found Zuo An in the library and followed him into the men's room. Zuo An, surprised by her presence, called her a "female hooligan." Xiaoman, determined, told herself she had to speak up now or lose her chance, but when she tried to confess, she stammered, unable to form the words.
Zuo An, noticing she had been drinking, lectured her on the harmful effects of alcohol on the human body, specifically mentioning ethanol and its negative impacts on the central nervous system. Xiaoman, apologizing, tried to explain she was trying to brave herself, but Zuo An continued to scold her. Confused by his reaction, Xiaoman ran away.
Alone, Zuo An replayed Xiaoman's words in his mind, recalling her abstract confession that she felt like a "donkey" endlessly chasing him, who was like a "carrot" hanging on her head, always out of reach. A smile spread across his face as he realized the true meaning of her rambling. Overcome with understanding, Zuo An chuckled aloud in the library, drawing the attention of other students. Meanwhile, Xiaoman's repeated failed confession attempts left her feeling even more disheartened.
She worried Zuo An would now see her as nothing but a "little alcoholic." Her roommates, Lina and Liu Dan, expressed concern. Lina suggested a "confession rehearsal" to help Xiaoman practice. During their practice, Xiaoman struggled to deliver a convincing confession, feeling she lacked "feminine charm" or was "too slutty." Lina, trying to motivate her, warned that if she didn't act, Zuo An might end up with someone else, potentially Sun Anning.
The thought of Anning being with Zuo An spurred Xiaoman, though she still lacked the courage to directly confess. Xiaoman later spoke with Zuo An's roommate, who mentioned that Zuo An had been asking about ways to confess to girls the previous day and had just gone to the family community to meet Anning, supposedly to lend her a book.
The roommate speculated Zuo An was going to confess to Anning, a "perfect match" as the top student and goddess of the clinical department. This news left Xiaoman utterly devastated as she wandered aimlessly. Anning had found a pretext to meet Zuo An, but he bluntly told her that the rose she had taken the day before was actually meant for Gu Xiaoman. He stated he was leaving, but Anning held onto his hand, refusing to let go.
She reminded him of their years together and questioned why he didn't like her. Zuo An calmly responded that liking someone doesn't require a reason. Anning argued that if it wasn't her, it shouldn't be Xiaoman, mentioning a past event and asserting that it was because of Xiaoman that he sought to live for himself. She accused him of treating her unfairly, suggesting the past incident made him want to escape her.
Zuo An clarified that he had never viewed Anning as a substitute and only felt a sense of responsibility to care for her like a brother cares for a sister. He then unequivocally stated that Gu Xiaoman was the only person he had ever liked from the beginning. Despite Xiaoman perhaps not being as excellent, having shortcomings, or being as pretty as Anning, Zuo An emphasized that his heart was entirely filled with Xiaoman, leaving no room for anyone else.
Anning, abandoning her pride, begged him not to leave, offering to humble herself to the dust for him, but Zuo An, though apologetic, firmly rejected her pleas. Enraged by Zuo An's rejection, Anning blamed Xiaoman for everything. She returned to her dormitory and, in a fit of anger, threw Xiaoman's belongings onto the floor. Among them, she discovered Xiaoman's diary. Driven by a malicious plan, Anning took the diary and deliberately left it in the hallway of the dormitory building.
Later, Liu Dan and Lina found Xiaoman's scattered belongings and suspected a thief, asking Xiaoman if anything was missing. Still despondent, Xiaoman didn't realize her diary was gone. Unbeknownst to her, her rival, Lin Nana, picked up the lost diary and began plotting her revenge against Xiaoman. The next morning, Xiaoman woke up and frantically searched for her diary, only to find it missing. When Liu Dan and Lina returned, they whispered amongst themselves.
Xiaoman asked them what was wrong, and Liu Dan reluctantly informed her that her diary had been posted on the school's bulletin board. Xiaoman rushed out, her heart sinking as she saw pages of her personal thoughts plastered across the wall, bringing tears to her eyes. Lin Nana and other students gathered around, openly mocking and ridiculing Xiaoman, who became the laughing stock of the entire school.
Crying, Xiaoman ran through the campus, with Shen Chenyang chasing after her, attempting to comfort her. At that moment, Zuo An arrived, holding a bouquet of flowers. Upon seeing Zuo An, Xiaoman, overwhelmed, immediately ran away, avoiding him. Shen Chenyang, seeing Zuo An, became furious. He snatched the flowers from Zuo An's hand and angrily stomped on them. Zuo An, bewildered, stood there as Lina and Liu Dan arrived and urged him to look at the school bulletin board. As Zuo An read the posted diary, a broad smile spread across his face, and he immediately took a pen and wrote a response on the bulletin board.
Episode 24 Recap
After the public exposure of her diary, Xiaoman retreated to her dormitory, still reeling from the shock. She repeatedly wished she was dreaming, hoping to wake up and find everything normal again. Shen Chenyang followed, attempting to console her by downplaying the situation.
He suggested that being laughed at was not a big deal, even calling himself the "biggest joke in this school," and humorously offered to streak across campus with only his swimming trunks on, accompanied by Jiong Niu, to distract everyone. Despite his efforts, Xiaoman remained distraught, insisting that it was impossible between her and Zuo An, and that she only loved Zuo An. Shen Chenyang then tried to suggest that this outcome was better, as she still had him.
Her despair was palpable as she felt everything was over. Suddenly, Lina called, her voice brimming with excitement, urging Xiaoman to return to the bulletin board. Xiaoman rushed back and found Zuo An had written a response on the board, openly acknowledging her crush with the words, "I heard you have a crush on me. What a coincidence, I have a crush on you too," and asking her to be his girlfriend.
Zuo An then appeared before her and confessed his deep affection, revealing he had liked her for a long time. He spoke of her living in his heart and his fear of her leaving, asking her to stay. Xiaoman, still feeling as if she were in a dream, admitted that Zuo An’s sudden confession, after her long secret crush, was overwhelming and she needed time to adjust.
Zuo An reassured her, reminding her of his past care, emphasizing that he only helped her, not others, and promised she would never feel insecure with him. Their emotional embrace was met with applause. While Xiaoman and Zuo An celebrated their newfound relationship, not everyone shared their joy. Shen Chenyang and Anning, observing the couple, quietly departed, clearly heartbroken.
Xiaoman and Zuo An then strolled hand-in-hand through campus, Xiaoman still feeling as if in a dream, overwhelmed by the suddenness of her happiness. Zuo An gathered the scattered pages of Xiaoman’s diary, explaining he would reassemble them as the diary was very important to them, and that he hadn't read it. Xiaoman, however, revealed that the diary had been stolen, and she only had some torn pages. She suspected Sun Anning of taking the rest.
Zuo An sought out Anning, directly asking if she had taken Xiaoman’s diary. Anning denied it. Zuo An revealed he knew she had done things because of his feelings for Xiaoman, as Liu Dan had informed him, and reiterated that a relationship between them was impossible from the start. Anning, tearful and distraught, defended her past actions as being for his sake and bitterly blamed Xiaoman for all their problems, refusing to accept responsibility.
Zuo An expressed his disappointment, saying he no longer recognized her and found it unfair that she blamed everything on Xiaoman, whom he had always considered kind. Anning retorted that his perception of her kindness was hypocritical, accusing him of treating her as a substitute for her twin sister, Sun Anxin, to atone for something. Zuo An firmly denied ever seeing her as a substitute, stating he only wished for her happiness and safety.
Recognizing her pain, he apologized for the last time, stating that from that moment on, he would no longer act as her brother to avoid further misunderstandings, declaring that Xiaoman was the only person he would protect in his life. Meanwhile, consumed by bitter resentment, Shen Chenyang took a golf club and violently smashed the bulletin board where Xiaoman's diary had been displayed. Overwhelmed by heartache, he then collapsed and fainted.
Zhan Yue, also heartbroken by the news of Xiaoman and Zuo An, sat beneath the bulletin board, drinking heavily. Yaola found him there, offering comfort. Zhan Yue confided in her, expressing his deep sorrow. He spoke of his childhood with Xiaoman, how they had grown up together from kindergarten through university, and how he had always thought they would spend their lives side by side.
He praised Xiaoman’s loyalty and care but lamented that after high school, she changed, with her eyes only for Zuo An, leaving him feeling like a "fifth wheel." Yaola empathized, but also pointed out that Xiaoman's happiness was undeniable. Zhan Yue, feeling worthless, questioned if he was "so bad" and "nothing like" Zuo An, which was why Xiaoman couldn't see him. Yaola firmly rejected this, telling him he was not "nothing" and had his own charm.
To snap him out of his self-pity and drunkenness, Yaola dramatically dragged him into the women's restroom. There, she challenged him to fulfill his previous boast about "eating something" if Zuo An liked Xiaoman. As Zhan Yue protested, she pressed him to sober up, then confessed that she liked him, asking him if he had ever truly seen her.
She revealed that the joint venture company had called her, impressed by his potential, and wanted him to re-interview for an opportunity to train abroad. Yaola offered to accompany him, as she was already planning to study abroad, emphasizing that this was a significant career opportunity for him. For their first official date, Xiaoman, feeling both nervous and excited, called Yaola over to help her with makeup.
She expressed her anticipation, mentioning that Zuo An had texted her, promising a "perfect memory." Yaola, however, advised her to lower her expectations, describing Zuo An as outwardly reserved but intensely private, and speculating that he might not be adept at relationships despite his deep feelings. Yaola cautioned that simply liking someone was different from being in a relationship, comparing a reserved person to a plain boiled cabbage.
Xiaoman agreed to try to "grow with Zuo An" and create a "harmonious atmosphere." When Xiaoman finally rushed to meet Zuo An, she profusely apologized for her tardiness. Zuo An, finding her endearing, immediately complimented her appearance and took her hand. He playfully remarked on her blushing face, which indicated her shyness, making her even more charming to him.
Xiaoman, flustered by his unexpected "love words," admitted she thought they would both be "green hands" at dating, but Zuo An was acting like a seasoned expert. Zuo An then proposed a simple date: dinner and a movie, asking if she would be disappointed by its ordinariness. Xiaoman quickly assured him she wouldn’t be, embracing the idea of growing together through simple experiences.
Their date was interrupted when Lina and Liu Dan frantically arrived to inform them that Shen Chenyang had smashed the bulletin board and was now facing expulsion. Concerned, Xiaoman and Zuo An rushed to the teacher’s office. Inside, Shen Chenyang brazenly admitted to the vandalism, offering to pay for the damages and even establish a scholarship in the department's name, claiming money could solve most problems.
The furious teacher chastised him for his lack of remorse, highlighting his long history of misconduct and how his sister had repeatedly intervened to save him from expulsion. The teacher declared a meeting would be held that afternoon to decide his fate, demanding Shen Chenyang write a profound, original self-review. If he truly acknowledged his mistake, he would be given another chance.
However, Shen Chenyang defiantly refused to make a public review and stormed out, declaring he didn't want to stay at the school anyway. As Shen Chenyang stormed out of the school, his sister, Shen Xiyue, intercepted him, pulling him aside for a stern lecture. She expressed her frustration over his constant trouble-making, especially the bulletin board incident, and ordered him home for a serious talk.
Meanwhile, Xiaoman, still deeply concerned about Shen Chenyang, insisted on visiting him, wanting to persuade him to stay in school. Zuo An, despite their interrupted date, decided to accompany her, assuring her that they wouldn't fight like children. Upon their arrival at Shen Chenyang's place, his sister, Shen Xiyue, confronted Xiaoman directly.
Having heard that Xiaoman was the reason for her brother's actions, she spoke with open hostility, accusing Xiaoman of "entangling" her brother despite not liking him, and implying Xiaoman was not as innocent as she appeared. Shen Chenyang tried to defend Xiaoman and asked his sister not to speak without knowing the full situation. Feeling unjustly maligned and finding Shen Xiyue's behavior unreasonable, Xiaoman and Zuo An decided to leave. Outside, Xiaoman expressed her distress at being misunderstood.
Zuo An gently comforted her, suggesting they not dwell on the incident. He playfully brought up the idea of couple nicknames. Xiaoman affectionately decided to call him "Childe An," while Zuo An, in turn, called her "silly girl," their sweet exchange helping to lift her spirits. Shen Xiyue continued to lecture Shen Chenyang, urging him to return home and stressing that she was his only true family and would eliminate anyone who tried to hurt him.
Despite his earlier defiance, news later circulated among students that Shen Chenyang had begun his self-review. Although some speculated he would refuse to do it, others were surprised when he declared his intention to broadcast his apology live online, much to the exasperation of his department head, signaling his reluctant compliance.
Episode 25 Recap
While Zuo An and Xiaoman were studying in the library, Xiaoman saw an update on her phone showing Shen Chenyang doing a live review. He apologized for wasting everyone's time, acknowledging he had caused trouble and that many people disliked him, but also expressed his fondness for the school, where he met "his most important friend." Xiaoman was surprised, thinking he might not want to be expelled after all.
Zuo An, however, was cynical, remarking that despite his tough exterior, Shen Chenyang was an "embroidered pillow" who ultimately had to back down. Xiaoman teased Zuo An, asking if he was jealous, to which Zuo An confirmed he was, making Xiaoman smile with delight. Later, Zuo An and Xiaoman were studying together on the grass. Xiaoman complained about having to study medical chemistry in the clinical department, finding it too difficult.
Zuo An patiently began to explain its importance, detailing how it helps understand the mechanisms of medical treatments. However, Xiaoman was more captivated by Zuo An himself, barely listening as she admired him. Noticing her distraction, Zuo An suggested taking her somewhere. As they both stood up, Xiaoman momentarily expected Zuo An to kiss her, but he instead bent down to tie her shoelace, leaving her playfully disappointed.
Zuo An then led Xiaoman to his secret spot: a quiet, rarely-visited library storeroom he had discovered by chance while searching for a book. He explained that he had organized the space and often came there to read in peace, sometimes encountering a "sweeping monk" – a retired, knowledgeable old professor who volunteered at the library and engaged him in discussions. Xiaoman loved the place, declaring she would be happy anywhere as long as she was with Zuo An.
As they resumed studying, Xiaoman couldn't help but steal glances at Zuo An. Eventually, Zuo An moved closer, taking her hand as they continued to read. Xiaoman, curious, suddenly asked Zuo An why he had chosen her, especially since she couldn't see anything special about herself. Zuo An replied simply that he found her very special. He then asked Xiaoman when she first noticed him.
Xiaoman's mind flashed back to kindergarten, remembering how Zuo An quietly read books while other children played, which had sparked her curiosity. Zuo An then confessed that he had actually been curious about her too, wishing he could have played in the mud and even fought with her, envying her carefree play. He explained that his mother had always restricted such "unruly" behavior, making him feel out of place among other children.
Zuo An continued his heartfelt confession, calling Xiaoman his "sunflower" and declaring her existence the "most beautiful thing" that had ever happened to him. He leaned in to kiss her, but Xiaoman, suddenly shy, made an excuse to look for a book. Zuo An followed her, standing behind her, and gently kissed her. After their study session, they walked hand-in-hand through the campus. Zuo An walked Xiaoman to her dormitory building, and they lingered, reluctant to part.
He hugged her tightly, promising to pick her up for class the next day. As Xiaoman entered the dorm, Zhan Yue suddenly appeared with a basketball, challenging Zuo An to another game. Zuo An won again, and Zhan Yue, bewildered by Zuo An's rapid improvement, asked how he became so skilled. Zuo An revealed he had been practicing diligently every week, rain or shine, because he didn't want any guy better than him to be around "his" Gu Xiaoman.
Zhan Yue was touched by Zuo An's words and then shared his own news: he was going abroad to become a trainee. Earlier that day, Yaola had taken him for another audition, where the examiners were highly impressed and offered him overseas training. Zhan Yue was excited but confessed his fear of going alone. Yaola comforted him and pinkie swore that she would go with him. Zuo An congratulated Zhan Yue on this opportunity.
Zhan Yue, in turn, formally entrusted Xiaoman's care to Zuo An. Zuo An and Xiaoman then went to see off Zhan Yue and Yaola. During their meal, Xiaoman cleverly sent Zhan Yue to buy ice cream for Yaola, then told Yaola that she believed Zhan Yue liked her, though Yaola was skeptical. However, when Zhan Yue returned quickly, out of breath, with strawberry ice cream—Yaola's favorite—Yaola was clearly moved.
After seeing Zhan Yue and Yaola off, Xiaoman predicted they would soon become a couple. Zuo An agreed, calling them a "perfect match," and then sweetly added that he and Xiaoman were also a perfect match. Xiaoman was overjoyed, and they continued their sweet stroll on campus. Their campus life became a string of sweet routines: Zuo An brought breakfast to Xiaoman's dorm every morning, making her roommate Lina envious.
They were inseparable, eating meals, attending classes, going to the library, and visiting their secret storeroom to read together. These tranquil days quickly transitioned into their second year of university. After Xiaoman and Zuo An got together, Shen Chenyang became noticeably dejected. He was often seen alone in the underground parking lot where Xiaoman had once helped him. Lin Nana found him there and comforted him, dismissing his online detractors as "keyboard men" who were just jealous.
She also claimed that Xiaoman was "blind" for not choosing him and would eventually regret it. Shen Chenyang's mood lifted, and he began dating Lin Nana. They made a show of their affection in class, constantly clinging to each other. Later, in the cafeteria, Lin Nana deliberately tripped Xiaoman, then arrogantly demanded Xiaoman clean her shoe, accusing her of jealousy. Xiaoman refused, and when Lin Nana attempted to physically confront her, Zuo An quickly intervened, pulling Lin Nana back.
Zuo An confronted Shen Chenyang, stating that Xiaoman was his girlfriend and her concerns were his own. Zuo An's roommates and Lina all stood by Zuo An and Xiaoman, forcing Shen Chenyang and Lin Nana to leave. During a lab class, Shen Chenyang continued to display a lack of interest in his studies.
When the teacher reprimanded him, Shen Chenyang brazenly stated he was only there to accompany his girlfriend, Lin Nana, though he added that consolidating knowledge was also "beautiful." The teacher warned him not to disturb other students. Later, during an experiment to determine blood types, Shen Chenyang personally pricked Lin Nana's finger to draw blood. Lin Nana shrieked dramatically, drawing the attention of the entire class, while Shen Chenyang fussed over her exaggeratedly. Lina, witnessing the scene, scoffed, remarking that they were a "pair of performance talents."
Episode 26 Recap
During a blood collection, Xiaoman was visibly nervous, but Zuo An remained by her side, offering comforting words. Other students, witnessing their closeness, couldn't help but tease them, remarking on their evident affection. Anning observed this scene, and her emotions boiled over. Upon returning home, she erupted in a fit of anger. Concerned for his daughter, Uncle Sun called Zuo An, hoping he could calm Anning. However, Zuo An's presence only seemed to escalate Anning's distress.
Anning lashed out at Zuo An, pouring out her heart and confessing her deep love for him, pleading with him to leave Xiaoman. Zuo An, however, gently but firmly refused her request. Anning's mother, Lv Huijun, hearing the commotion, entered the room and reprimanded Zuo An, accusing him of having already caused the death of one daughter, Anxin, and warning him not to inflict further harm on Anning.
At that moment, Zuo An's gaze fell upon a photo of Anning's sister, Anxin, on the floor, which visibly disturbed him. Overwhelmed, he abruptly left. Anning, attempting to follow Zuo An, stumbled and fell. Concerned onlookers quickly transported Anning to the hospital. Afterward, Uncle Sun expressed regret for having asked Zuo An to comfort Anning. Seeing her daughter's distress, Lv Huijun immediately contacted Zuo An's mother, Zhou Jin, urging her to intervene in Zuo An's affairs.
Following his conversation with Anning, Zuo An struggled with unresolved emotions, frequently experiencing nightmares. Xiaoman noticed his unusual state and inquired about it, but Zuo An remained evasive. Still worried about him and observing his recent low spirits, Xiaoman decided to cheer him up by preparing a surprise meal. She planned to buy groceries and cook for him personally. As Xiaoman arrived at Zuo An's building, laden with ingredients, she saw a dog charging towards a woman.
Xiaoman courageously intervened, shooing the dog away, only to discover that the woman was Zuo An's mother, Zhou Jin. Zhou Jin thanked Xiaoman for her kindness. She was also on her way to see Zuo An but received a phone call and had to leave. Xiaoman then went upstairs and began preparing the meal for Zuo An. Zuo An, unable to resist, affectionately kissed Xiaoman. She insisted on cooking alone, playfully shooing him out of the kitchen.
However, Xiaoman, being an inexperienced cook, faced challenges, and their grand dinner plan didn't quite materialize. They ended up sharing instant noodles, yet they found simple happiness in each other's company. As they finished eating, in the quiet intimacy of Zuo An's apartment, Zuo An leaned in to kiss Xiaoman. Just as their lips were about to meet, the doorbell suddenly rang. Xiaoman went to open the door, only to find Zhou Jin, Zuo An's mother, standing there.
Zhou Jin's expression immediately hardened upon seeing Zuo An and Xiaoman together. She subsequently took them to a tea house. Zhou Jin attempted to speak with Xiaoman privately, asking Zuo An to leave. However, Zuo An refused, explicitly stating that he and Xiaoman were inseparable and that anything she had to say could be said in front of both of them. Enraged by his defiance, Zhou Jin unequivocally declared her disapproval of their relationship, demanding that they break up immediately.
Xiaoman tried to salvage the situation, promising to work harder to prove herself worthy of Zuo An. However, Zhou Jin dismissed her efforts, firmly stating that no matter what Xiaoman did, she would never accept their relationship. Zuo An led Xiaoman away from the tea house. Afterward, Xiaoman comforted Zuo An, encouraging him to have another conversation with his mother, expressing her wish for their relationship to receive everyone's blessing. Zuo An agreed.
Later, Zuo An returned home and found his mother on the phone with his father. He overheard Zhou Jin expressing her belief that the Zuo family owed the Sun family and that they should fulfill any requests from the Suns. His father, Zuo Qiming, wisely suggested that Zuo An should be allowed to make his own decisions regarding his personal life. Zhou Jin, however, disagreed, insisting that she would handle the situation. Disturbed by the conversation, Zuo An quietly left.
The next day, before class, their roommate Lina informed Xiaoman and Zuo An that their neurology professor had been replaced. Zuo An immediately suggested they skip class, but Xiaoman was reluctant. She worried that skipping class, especially if his mother found out, would only further solidify her disapproval of their relationship. Despite Zuo An's attempts to convince her, Xiaoman insisted they attend class. Once in the classroom, Xiaoman realized that the new professor was none other than Zhou Jin.
Zuo An's earlier reluctance to attend class had been rooted in his fear that his mother would intentionally make things difficult for Xiaoman. His fears proved true as Zhou Jin deliberately challenged Xiaoman, asking her to recite the twelve pairs of cranial nerves in front of the entire class. When Xiaoman struggled, Zhou Jin publicly mocked her.
Unable to tolerate his mother's behavior, Zuo An stood up, declared that he would not attend her classes until she understood her misconduct, and then pulled Xiaoman out of the lecture hall. Outside, Zuo An told his mother he wouldn't return to her class until she acknowledged her wrongful behavior of intentionally humiliating a student. Xiaoman, however, tried to comfort Zuo An, blaming herself for not studying harder.
Secretly, she resolved to dedicate herself to her studies to change Zhou Jin's perception of her. To lift Zuo An's spirits, Xiaoman agreed to go on a date with him. They enjoyed a romantic time by the sea. During their date, Shen Chenyang approached Xiaoman, probing her about the pressure she faced from Zuo An's mother.
Xiaoman dismissed his concerns, advising him to focus on Lin Nana, and firmly told him to stop contacting her as she had no intention of having any further association with him. Later, Xiaoman turned to Zuo An, admitting she felt far from her dream of becoming a good doctor and asked him to tutor her in neurology. Zuo An playfully resisted but eventually agreed, especially after Xiaoman promised to use her scholarship money as tuition.
Episode 27 Recap
During Professor Zhou's second class, she clarified her previous behavior towards Xiaoman, stating she hadn't intentionally targeted her, emphasizing that medicine is a complex and precise field where every detail affects health and life. Immediately after, she challenged Xiaoman by asking her to draw an anatomical diagram on the board. Zuo An prepared to intervene on Xiaoman's behalf, but Xiaoman was ready, having practiced the diagram for two nights. She confidently presented a satisfactory answer.
Despite this, Professor Zhou remained unimpressed, hinting that mere basic skills wouldn't guarantee a successful medical career. Later, Zuo An directly confronted his mother, urging her to stop deliberately undermining Xiaoman. He explained that Xiaoman was the one who helped him emerge from his dark period and brought him the happiness he yearned for. Zuo An's mother, seeing him repeatedly defy her, blamed Xiaoman for his changed behavior. Zuo An retorted that she never truly understood him.
During their heated discussion, the painful truth about Anxin's death was finally revealed. Years ago, a young Zuo An and Sun Anxin were playing, struggling over a doll. When young Zuo An let go, Sun Anxin, due to momentum, fell backward into a lake. Young Zuo An immediately jumped in to save her. Their mother, upon learning of the incident, rushed to the scene but instinctively only saved her own son, failing to rescue Anxin.
This tragic event left Zuo An's mother with deep guilt towards Anxin's family, causing her to feel perpetually indebted to them and always accede to their requests. As Zuo An finished speaking, both he and his mother were overwhelmed with grief recalling the painful memory. Afterward, Zuo An, still holding a grudge, refused to speak to his mother. Worried sick about his whereabouts, Zuo An's mother called Xiaoman, who searched and eventually found him at his apartment.
Xiaoman spoke with Zuo An, comforting him, and their conversation soon turned playful, gradually lifting his spirits. To help mend the strained relationship between Zuo An and his mother, Xiaoman sought out Professor Zhou. She shared her deepest wish: for Zuo An to find genuine happiness. Zuo An's mother was visibly moved by Xiaoman's sincerity.
Zuo An's father, who had discreetly overheard their conversation, was also impressed with Xiaoman and subsequently encouraged his wife to drop her opposition to Zuo An and Xiaoman's relationship. Later, Zuo An's mother spoke with Zuo An, confirming she would no longer forbid his relationship with Xiaoman. However, she still expressed dissatisfaction with Xiaoman. She then proposed a condition: Zuo An must agree to care for the injured Anning. Reluctantly, Zuo An accepted.
Anning, despondent over losing Zuo An, had been neglecting her rehabilitation. Zuo An's arrival and warm words of comfort, along with his personal guidance during her therapy, finally helped Anning calm down and cooperate. Anning requested Zuo An's constant companionship throughout her recovery and asked him to pick her up and drop her off for classes daily, to which Zuo An agreed.
Meanwhile, a classmate of Zuo An's was excitedly walking across campus with a single rose, intending to give it to Lina, Xiaoman's roommate, who was waiting on a campus bench. Lina was displeased by the single rose, complaining that her previous admirers were more generous. As Lina spoke, she suddenly spotted Anning in a wheelchair, with Zuo An pushing her attentively from behind. Shocked, Lina immediately rushed to her dormitory, attempting to subtly hint at the situation to Xiaoman.
Lina repeatedly tried to suggest that Xiaoman should go on more dates with Zuo An to reduce his time with Anning, but Xiaoman completely failed to grasp the hints. Nevertheless, Zuo An later informed Xiaoman about his commitment to accompany Anning until her full recovery. Xiaoman grew visibly jealous, and Zuo An followed her, trying to explain his actions.
He admitted that he understood his mother's true intentions: despite outwardly approving their relationship, she secretly hoped he would spend more time with Anning. Xiaoman was even more puzzled, questioning why Zuo An would agree knowing his mother's ulterior motive. Zuo An explained that their love was strong enough to withstand any challenge, yet Xiaoman remained somewhat uncertain. During their time together, Anning deliberately found various excuses to monopolize Zuo An's time, hoping to keep him away from Xiaoman.
However, Zuo An's heart remained with Xiaoman; while fulfilling his obligations to Anning, he never neglected Xiaoman's feelings. When Anning realized Zuo An's thoughts were still entirely consumed by Xiaoman, her jealousy intensified, leading her to harbor malicious intent, even contemplating harming Zuo An to secure him for herself. She began devising a scheme to break them apart.
Anning would often try to extend their time together, suggesting Zuo An stay longer at her house or even act as a "brother" as a "substitute for Sun Anxin." Zuo An, however, consistently maintained his boundaries, firmly telling her he would never leave Xiaoman. Separately, Lina's relationship with Shen Chenyang deteriorated. Lina confronted Shen Chenyang, accusing him of using her to provoke Xiaoman, which he openly admitted.
Angered, Lina broke up with him, proudly declaring she was the one who dumped him. Subsequently, Lina read Xiaoman's diary, discovering it was filled with Zuo An's name, with only fleeting mentions of Shen Chenyang. Armed with this, Lina confronted Xiaoman, accusing her of playing with Shen Chenyang's emotions and implying Xiaoman was responsible for their breakup.
Xiaoman's friends quickly intervened, defending her and dismissing Lina's accusations as a desperate attempt to save face, stating that Shen Chenyang's true feelings for Xiaoman were well-known. Xiaoman's friends grew concerned about Zuo An's frequent absences due to Anning, referring to Anning's residence as the "witch’s home." They urged Xiaoman to call Zuo An and demand he join them for dinner, but Xiaoman, trusting Zuo An, reassured them that he had kept her informed.
Her friends, however, advised caution, prompting one of them to call Zuo An directly. Zuo An confirmed he was taking Anning home and would meet Xiaoman later. Anning, overhearing, subtly inquired if it was Xiaoman on the phone. Anning then made further attempts to prolong Zuo An's stay, citing missed lessons or inviting him to dinner. Zuo An politely declined, reiterating his commitment to teach her back at school and his need to leave. He firmly reiterated his lifelong devotion to Xiaoman, leaving Anning in her apartment.
Episode 28 Recap
Anning met Gu Xiaoman and intentionally showed Zuo An's wallet, claiming he had forgotten it at her place that morning. When Xiaoman reached for it, Anning pulled it back, teasing Xiaoman for not being angry and then praising her as a "naive and kind girl who is hard to refuse," just as Zuo An had described her. Anning further asserted that Zuo An was not only kind but also very nostalgic.
She opened the wallet to reveal a childhood photo, which she claimed was taken when she was five. Anning then told Xiaoman that Zuo An had asked for this photo as a school progression gift when he entered high school, implying a deep significance between them. Xiaoman, however, expressed doubt, believing the meaning might have changed.
Anning then stated that she did not want to hurt Xiaoman, but the feelings between her and Zuo An were impossible for Xiaoman to understand, suggesting Zuo An's interest in Xiaoman was merely a "sense of freshness." Xiaoman angrily refuted Anning, calling her a storyteller and asking if she thought a few words would make her break up with Zuo An.
Anning countered by asking Xiaoman to consider why Zuo An would keep her photo in his wallet if he didn't care for her. Xiaoman, feeling a surge of jealousy and upset, abruptly left. Back in her dormitory, a distraught Xiaoman was questioned by Zhou Lina and Liu Dan, who noticed her pale face.
Xiaoman shook her head, offering no explanation for her mood, but then subtly asked Zhou Lina what it meant if a boy kept a girl's photo in his wallet. Zhou Lina unequivocally stated that it's "exclusive for girlfriends," likening it to the passenger seat of a car, and firmly denied any exceptions. This only deepened Xiaoman's distress.
Alone, Xiaoman's mind raced, replaying Anning's and Zhou Lina's words, and she retreated into her own imagined martial arts world, where she envisioned Zuo An and Anning as soulmates, leaving her to depart sadly and alone. The next morning, Anning publicly returned Zuo An's wallet to him, stating he had left it at her house after he had taken her home the previous day. Xiaoman found the sight of the wallet particularly jarring.
Noticing Xiaoman's upset expression, Zuo An checked on her. Xiaoman asked if he was hiding anything from her. Zuo An denied it, and Xiaoman, choosing to trust him, told him she would wait for him to confide in her when he was ready, emphasizing the importance of honesty between them. Zuo An then tenderly cared for Xiaoman, checking her temperature with his forehead and urging her to rest, but Xiaoman insisted on staying with him.
Zuo An then took her to a scenic spot, where he made her take her medicine, and then kissed her to take away the bitter taste. Their romantic moment was soon interrupted by friends who commented on their sweetness before they all planned to go for dinner together.
As Xiaoman left her dormitory, she was approached by Lin Nana, who claimed that Mr. Shen, their experiment teacher, needed her help to transport a new batch of cadavers for the upcoming experiment class. Despite Xiaoman's confusion about the early transport, Lin Nana assured her it was for "advance preparation." Lin Nana rejected Liu Dan's offer to help, insisting only Xiaoman was strong enough. Without suspicion, Xiaoman accompanied Lin Nana to the cadaver storage room.
Once inside, Lin Nana revealed her true intentions. She taunted Xiaoman, calling her naive, and locked her in. Lin Nana explained her bitterness, revealing that her relationship with Shen Chenyang had been miserable because she constantly worried about Xiaoman "provoking" him. She accused Xiaoman of not letting Shen Chenyang go, despite having Zuo An.
Xiaoman tried to explain that she had barely spoken to Shen Chenyang since he started dating Lin Nana and understood the pain of one's boyfriend being with another girl. Lin Nana, however, was consumed by her resentment, leaving Xiaoman trapped in the cold, dark room with no phone signal. Xiaoman frantically called out Zuo An's name as her consciousness began to fade. Meanwhile, Shen Chenyang had been waiting for Xiaoman outside her dormitory, unable to reach her by phone.
Zuo An, after ensuring Anning was settled, also began searching for Xiaoman. Shen Chenyang eventually encountered Zuo An and Zhou Lina, and Lina mentioned that Liu Dan had seen Xiaoman go with Lin Nana to transport cadavers. Realizing the danger, Shen Chenyang remembered Lin Nana's earlier remark about returning a key. Both men rushed to the storage room, where Shen Chenyang expressed concern about Lin Nana's intentions, noting the extreme cold inside.
They quickly broke open the door, rescued Xiaoman, and immediately rushed her to the hospital. At the hospital, Shen Chenyang reprimanded Zuo An for not adequately protecting Xiaoman, leading Zuo An to feel a deep sense of guilt. While Xiaoman was recovering, Anning called Zuo An, reminding him that her final rehabilitation session was the next day and asking him to bring her ice cream.
Overhearing the conversation, Xiaoman magnanimously urged Zuo An to go, reminding him of his promise to Anning and emphasizing the importance of "finishing what you started" and being a good person, especially given Anning's persistent nature. Zuo An initially resisted, wanting to stay with Xiaoman, but eventually agreed to pick Anning up from the affiliated hospital and then return immediately. He then told Xiaoman she could only have porridge.
Later, Shen Chenyang arrived with homemade food for Xiaoman, claiming to be her "highest level delivery." Xiaoman, however, was reluctant to eat, fearing Zuo An's jealousy, and asked him to leave. Frustrated, Shen Chenyang called Xiaoman an "idiot in love" for letting her boyfriend spend time with another girl and for her apparent self-deception. Xiaoman retorted, calling him an "idiot" in return and ordering him to leave, insisting there was no problem between her and Zuo An.
Shen Chenyang left the food, reiterating his "idiot in love" accusation. Meanwhile, at the rehabilitation center, Anning grew upset with Zuo An's rush to return to Xiaoman. She angrily told him that if he was so worried about "her," he didn't need to stay and should just go.
Episode 29 Recap
Xiaoman, still unsettled by Shen Chenyang’s earlier words, felt restless in her hospital room. She decided to seek out Zuo An, knowing he was at the same hospital accompanying Anning for rehabilitation. Downstairs, Xiaoman saw Zuo An and Anning in a seemingly intimate embrace—Anning had stumbled, and Zuo An caught her, leading Anning to quickly kiss him. Both Xiaoman and the arriving Shen Chenyang witnessed this. Xiaoman was shocked, while Shen Chenyang was enraged.
He immediately confronted Zuo An, demanding to know what they were doing and intending to physically fight him. Xiaoman tried to intervene, explaining to Shen Chenyang that things weren't as they appeared, but Shen Chenyang was too angry to listen, urging Xiaoman to see the truth of the situation. In the ensuing struggle, Xiaoman pushed Shen Chenyang away to protect Zuo An, causing Shen Chenyang to stumble back onto some medical equipment.
Soon after, Shen Chenyang’s face changed dramatically, and he fainted. Zuo An and Xiaoman anxiously called his name. Shen Chenyang was rushed to the emergency room. Waiting outside, Zuo An quickly clarified to Xiaoman that the incident with Anning was a misunderstanding and an accident, stating he hadn’t expected Anning’s actions and had only caught her to prevent a fall. Xiaoman, still reeling, asked why he hadn't avoided her and questioned if he still harbored feelings for Anning.
Zuo An vehemently denied it, swearing that Anning held no place in his heart. Although Xiaoman remained upset, Zuo An apologized repeatedly for causing her discomfort. Shen Chenyang’s sister, Shen Xiyue, arrived and immediately accused Xiaoman of pushing her brother. Just then, the doctor emerged, informing them that Shen Chenyang’s heart condition had worsened, though he was out of immediate danger. It was then revealed that Shen Chenyang suffered from congenital heart disease, a fact he had hidden.
Xiaoman felt a crushing wave of guilt, but Zuo An reassured her that she couldn't have known. The doctor explained that a heart transplant was Shen Chenyang’s only hope for survival, with a fifty percent success rate, but for unknown reasons, Shen Chenyang consistently refused the procedure. Soon after, Shen Chenyang regained consciousness and asked to see Xiaoman.
When Xiaoman entered, Shen Chenyang, in his usual playful manner, made light of his condition, even joking about creating a clothing brand called "Heart Disease" or "CHD." Xiaoman urged him to be serious, expressing concern, but Shen Chenyang reassured her that he wouldn't die and admitted to having her diary, which he claimed Lin Nana gave him. Xiaoman was shocked to learn he'd read it, though he denied having done so.
Observing Xiaoman’s positive influence on Shen Chenyang, Shen Xiyue decided Xiaoman was the key to persuading him. Shen Xiyue later spoke with Xiaoman, describing Shen Chenyang as an attention-seeker who treated life like a game, but explained this behavior stemmed from a deep-seated fear of death.
She revealed that his refusal to graduate was not due to poor grades but because a doctor once suggested he might not live past college, leading him to believe that not graduating would somehow prevent his death. Shen Xiyue then, with an undeniable tone, pressed Xiaoman to persuade Shen Chenyang to undergo the surgery.
She also sternly warned Xiaoman to keep Zuo An away from her brother, reminding Xiaoman that she still owed her 300,000 for her classmate’s mother’s surgery, implying that Xiaoman's current good fortune was due to Shen Chenyang. Xiaoman agreed to help persuade Shen Chenyang but protested Zuo An’s exclusion, to which Shen Xiyue firmly stated she would not allow anything to interfere with her brother's treatment.
Xiaoman and Zuo An attempted to persuade Shen Chenyang together, but their initial efforts were unsuccessful. Shen Chenyang remained adamant, even stating that Zuo An’s presence irritated him. Later, Zuo An, applying his knowledge of psychology, analyzed Shen Chenyang’s behavior, diagnosing him with a mild dependent personality disorder.
He theorized that due to the early death of his parents, Shen Chenyang lacked a sense of security and, upon finding a dependable person like Xiaoman, clung to her like a drowning person to a life raft. Zuo An explained that Xiaoman was Shen Chenyang’s "life-saving straw" and needed to provide him with appropriate psychological counseling. Zuo An then playfully expressed his jealousy about Xiaoman being Shen Chenyang’s "straw," acknowledging the difficult position Xiaoman was in but supporting her.
Xiaoman returned to talk with Shen Chenyang, who admitted his fear of death and reluctance to take risks due to an unfulfilled wish. When Xiaoman pressed him to reveal it, he playfully teased her before admitting that the wish involved both her and Zuo An, and he would share it directly with Zuo An later. Shen Chenyang also asked Xiaoman to help persuade his sister, Shen Xiyue, to marry.
He revealed that Shen Xiyue had vowed not to marry until he was cured, and if she married, half of his wish would be fulfilled. It was known that Shen Chenyang’s primary doctor, Xu Fei, was in love with Shen Xiyue. Understanding the situation, Xiaoman and Zuo An approached Xu Fei, encouraging him to propose to Shen Xiyue. Xu Fei was hesitant, expressing concerns about Shen Xiyue’s willingness to accept, but promised to try for Shen Chenyang’s sake.
Shen Chenyang, seeing the progress, finally agreed to undergo the surgery. However, he added a condition: after the surgery, he wanted to fulfill one last wish—to pursue Xiaoman one final time. Xiaoman was taken aback and hesitant, but Zuo An, accepting the challenge, agreed on her behalf, sealing the promise with a handshake. Xiaoman, initially annoyed that Zuo An had made such a decision for her, was reassured by Zuo An, who affectionately described her as his precious "silly girl."
Meanwhile, Zhan Yue and Yaola returned to China during their annual leave and learned about Shen Chenyang’s illness. They met up with friends, where a misunderstanding arose regarding Zuo An and Anning. Xiaoman quickly clarified that Anning had been the one pursuing Zuo An, and he had rejected her. During their reunion, Zhan Yue made a joke about winning Xiaoman over, which made Yaola jealous.
She stormed off, prompting Zhan Yue to chase after her and earnestly apologize, reminding her that he truly liked her. He then decided to go back to school with Yaola to pack up their things. Later, Anning sought out Xiaoman near her dormitory. Anning deliberately provoked Xiaoman, revealing that she and Zuo An were going to the United States as exchange students for at least a year.
She insinuated that this extended time together might lead them to rekindle their old relationship and pointedly reminded Xiaoman of the photo of her in Zuo An’s wallet. Xiaoman was furious. Back in her dormitory, she relayed the encounter to Lina and Liu Dan. Lina confirmed having seen the photo in Zuo An's wallet, connecting it to Xiaoman's earlier inquiries about boys keeping photos of other girls. Both Lina and Liu Dan tried to comfort Xiaoman, advising her to be proactive and secure her relationship with Zuo An to prevent Anning from gaining an advantage.
Episode 30 Recap
Xiaoman, troubled by what she had learned, decided to have a direct conversation with Zuo An. Her friends had warned her about Anning and the photo in Zuo An's wallet, emphasizing that Zuo An was not the type to play games, yet also acknowledging that boys can be tricky. When Xiaoman finally met Zuo An, she made him squat down to assert her authority, demanding to know why he hadn't told her earlier about his impending departure.
Zuo An explained that he had only just found out himself. Their school had an exchange program with Berkeley University in the US, offering not only study opportunities but also participation in experimental activities and a chance for postgraduate recommendation upon returning to China. His mother had already signed him up, but the other spot was given to Anning. Zuo An expressed his hesitation, reminding Xiaoman of their shared desire to study abroad together.
Xiaoman, however, insisted he seize the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," acknowledging that going abroad was impossible for her. She dismissed Anning's presence, stating that as long as Zuo An's intentions were firm, she would approve of his going, even with Anning. Then, she confronted him directly about the photo of a young girl in his wallet, demanding to know why it wasn't a picture of her. Zuo An, clearly flustered, promised to explain everything and immediately left to find Anning.
Zuo An confronted Anning, confirming that she had replaced Anxin's photo with her own when she found his wallet. He thanked Anning for her past feelings but made it clear that he was with Gu Xiaoman. He recounted how Xiaoman, just half an hour prior, had given her blessing for him to go to the US with Anning, her eyes filled with trust and encouragement.
For that trust, Zuo An declared, he could no longer hide anything from Xiaoman and intended to confess everything. He then returned to Xiaoman, who was anxious about his sudden departure. Zuo An explained the long-standing burden of Anxin's death. He confessed that while he didn't directly cause her death, he had always felt responsible, believing the accident could have been avoided if not for him. Xiaoman, realizing the immense psychological pressure he had carried for years, comforted him.
Zuo An further revealed that he had finally come to terms with his mother's instinctive reaction to save him, acknowledging her own suffering after resigning from her public office and moving to the US alone. Xiaoman thanked him for sharing his truth and for choosing her. Zuo An, in turn, thanked Xiaoman, calling her the "sunflower" of his life and affirming that their time together had been the happiest of his life. He confessed his love for her.
Meanwhile, Anning's mother tried to comfort her daughter, who was clearly still distraught over Zuo An, despite pretending otherwise. Her mother assured her of support for any choice she made regarding the exchange program, reminding Anning of her sister. Anning, however, remained resolute in her internal thoughts, vowing never to let Zuo An leave her, regardless of Xiaoman or her sister. The next morning, Xiaoman woke early to accompany Shen Chenyang for his check-up.
She playfully nudged Zuo An, who had stayed over, and they joked about their sleeping arrangements and whether Xiaoman was jealous of his impending trip with Anning (which she denied). When Xiaoman tried to get Shen Chenyang moving, he was deliberately slow, making jokes and asking her to sit with him longer, despite their appointment with Xu Fei. Frustrated, Xiaoman playfully pushed him. Shen Chenyang stumbled onto the sofa, complaining of chest pain.
Xiaoman initially dismissed it as another one of his dramatic antics, but when he fainted, she realized the severity of the situation. At the hospital, Xu Fei informed them that Shen Chenyang's condition had worsened significantly. The surgery should have been performed two years prior, and his heart was now in a state of failure, requiring immediate intervention.
Shen Xiyue, Shen Chenyang's sister, desperately offered money for a heart source, but Xu Fei explained that it was a matter of scarcity, not cost, as a heart source meant another life had ended. Both Shen Xiyue and Xiaoman were deeply worried. Xu Fei informed them that over fifty patients in the city were awaiting similar surgeries, and currently, only Wuhan and Zhengzhou had potential donors, with transport taking several days.
He advised Zuo An and Xiaoman to return home, emphasizing that Shen Chenyang's priority was rest. Shen Chenyang, upon waking, refused to see Xu Fei, insisting only on Xiaoman's presence. He continued his playful, possessive behavior towards Xiaoman, even making a joke about his "bet" with Zuo An, hoping to live to compete for Xiaoman. Zuo An reminded him of their oath as medical students to prioritize life, genuinely wishing for Shen Chenyang's recovery.
Later, while studying, Xiaoman told Zuo An she now wanted to specialize in cardiac surgery, initially influenced by Shen Chenyang's situation, but then feeling it was a genuine calling. Zuo An playfully praised her future as a "Dr. Gu" and then decided he would also choose cardiac surgery, joking it would make it easier for him to "check on her."
He reassured Xiaoman about Shen Chenyang's chances of survival, emphasizing the hospital's expertise and Shen Xiyue's relentless efforts to find a donor. Despite the reassurance, Xiaoman remained anxious, but Zuo An reminded her about their upcoming exams and the importance of focusing. Taking a break from studying, Zuo An playfully "recharged" Xiaoman with a kiss, and they discussed future plans. Their moment was interrupted by cries for help. They rushed to find a little girl drowning.
Zuo An froze, his past trauma regarding Anxin surfacing. Xiaoman urgently encouraged him, reminding him, "She is not Sun Anxin." Her words spurred him into action. Zuo An bravely rescued the girl, and afterward, Xiaoman comforted him, affirming that he had finally overcome his past, becoming truly free from the shadow of Anxin. Zuo An acknowledged her crucial role in his healing process, expressing profound gratitude.
After their exams, Xiaoman was distraught, comparing her answers with Zuo An's and realizing how different they were. She pessimistically concluded she would either barely pass or fail entirely, expressing envy for Zuo An's academic prowess despite their similar routines. With Zuo An scheduled to leave in half a month, Xiaoman grew tearful, dreading his absence and fearing she wouldn't cope with her studies or graduate without him.
Zuo An reassured her, promising remote tutoring and emphasizing that consistent study leads to mastery, assuring her she would become an excellent doctor. Xiaoman felt a bit better and vowed to work hard. As they walked on campus, Anning approached them, ostensibly to inform Zuo An that their departure for the US had been moved up by ten days.
She explained that their fathers wanted them to arrive early to attend the Biology and Medicine Cross-Boundary conference at Berkeley University, an event attended by top world experts. Anning then deliberately detailed how their families had rented a two-bedroom apartment near the university, and she had already ordered bedding and living essentials for them, asking if Zuo An needed anything else. Xiaoman instantly recognized Anning's words as a blatant act of provocation and a show of force.
Xiaoman later expressed her frustration and jealousy to Zuo An, who admitted to a slight feeling of pride but quickly apologized. Xiaoman was particularly upset about the prospect of him living with Anning. Zuo An explained his mother's request for him to look after Anning in an unfamiliar country, acknowledging that while he wasn't stingy, he also felt uncomfortable about the situation.
Episode 31 Recap
Before Zuo An's departure, he and Xiaoman shared an emotional farewell, affirming their belief that their love would overcome the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Xiaoman confessed her concern about her beloved Childe An living under the same roof with another girl, a situation she found difficult to accept. Zuo An reassured her that he would maintain his integrity for his "sunflower."
Xiaoman then playfully laid out several conditions for him: "hear no evil, see no evil," daily video call reports, and strict boundaries with any girl who might try to court him. Zuo An readily agreed to all her terms. Later, Shen Chenyang found Xiaoman looking dejected and teased her, suggesting she was thinking about Zuo An or had quarreled with him. Xiaoman denied it, but Shen Chenyang pressed on, asking if it concerned Sun Anning.
He half-jokingly suggested they were "comrades in the same trench" as he too harbored feelings for Xiaoman. Xiaoman firmly dismissed his attempts to link her sadness to Sun Anning, emphasizing that Sun Anning could never take Zuo An away from her. Shortly after, Shen Chenyang had a serious private conversation with Zuo An, acknowledging that Xiaoman was deeply anxious about Zuo An living with Sun Anning, despite her outward claims of indifference.
Shen Chenyang asserted that not everyone could be a virtuous person like Liu Xiahui, and Zuo An should know what kind of person Sun Anning was. He confessed that, ironically, he would be happy if Sun Anning had succeeded in taking Zuo An away, as it would clear the path for him to pursue Xiaoman without guilt. However, he also recognized the immense pain Xiaoman would endure if she lost Zuo An.
Shen Chenyang, reflecting on his own life, pleaded with Zuo An not to cause Xiaoman any more unhappiness, calling it his last wish. Immediately after this earnest conversation, Shen Chenyang collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. His sister, Shen Xiyue, rushed to the hospital and scolded Xiaoman and Zuo An for not looking after him.
Upon regaining consciousness, Shen Chenyang defended them, claiming he had run out on his own to see his "handsome little buddy" and missing him greatly. He continued to joke even as Shen Xiyue expressed frustration over his irresponsibility, and urged both his sister and Xiaoman to go and comfort each other. Xiaoman, witnessing his increasingly frail state, felt deep sadness and fear that he might not survive. Back at Zuo An's place, Xiaoman helped him cook.
She revealed she had recently learned to cook, playfully adding that she didn't want any man to be better than Zuo An in any aspect, hinting at Shen Chenyang's renowned cooking skills. They shared a warm, intimate meal. During dinner, Xiaoman presented Zuo An with a gift: his diary, which she had carefully repaired. She asked him to let the diary accompany him to the United States in her stead.
Xiaoman then expressed her regret that she couldn't see him off at the airport the next day because Shen Chenyang's surgery was scheduled for that morning. Zuo An understood, telling her to focus on caring for Shen Chenyang and to inform him immediately after the surgery. On a sunny afternoon, Xiaoman was in tears, prompting Zuo An to comfort her. She explained her tears were due to Shen Chenyang's illness.
Zuo An gently reminded her that Shen Chenyang's recovery was their shared wish. Xiaoman tightly embraced him, feeling a profound sense of happiness in that moment. As Zuo An sat by her bedside, watching her sleep, they both knew a temporary separation was imminent. Despite their reluctance to part, they were certain they would reunite in a year or so, though the exact future remained unclear.
Both were committed to nurturing their hard-won relationship, fearing the regrets they might have decades later if they didn't. They chose to face all future difficulties hand-in-hand. The next day, Zuo An departed for the United States early in the morning. Xiaoman remained at the hospital to accompany Shen Chenyang. Before his surgery, Shen Chenyang, with fading strength, asked Xiaoman to take good care of Jiong Niu. He fell unconscious shortly after and was quickly wheeled into the operating room.
Meanwhile, Zhan Yue, who had debuted as a popular star overseas, and Yaola decided to return to China to develop their careers. However, they soon realized they were barely recognized, making Zhan Yue lament the difficulty of breaking into the Chinese market. Despite the setback, Zhan Yue remained determined to become a superstar and reaffirmed his promise to Yaola that she would always be his backup dancer, no matter his future achievements. Yaola, however, demanded he "marry her."
Later, Xiaoman finally celebrated her graduation. Her roommates expressed their reluctance to part ways, with Lina and Liu Dan suggesting Xiaoman's excellent academic record qualified her for a position at the city's best hospital. However, Xiaoman revealed her desire to return to her hometown to develop her career, explaining she simply missed home.
Three months after returning to her hometown, Xiaoman was still in bed when Zuo An video-called her at 7:00 AM Beijing time, urging her to get up for work as she had already been late five times that month. Xiaoman grumbled about Director Xu Fei, who had transferred to their Yincheng Central Hospital, saying he showed no regard for their past acquaintance and was always asserting his authority.
Zuo An suggested Xu Fei's strictness might stem from a desire to see her improve. Zuo An also mentioned he was busy filling out an application for "African immunotherapy programs," promising to tell her more later. Xiaoman rushed out, still managing to be late, earning a stern look from Director Xu Fei. During patient rounds, Director Xu criticized Xiaoman for failing to memorize a patient's case, specifically a patient with coronary artery stenosis.
When a nurse, Xiaoxue, promptly recited the details, Director Xu highlighted the interns' shortcomings. However, Xiaoman, observing the patient's nails and lips, accurately deduced signs of myocardial hypoxia, contradicting the ECG readings. Director Xu, though initially dismissive, cautioned the interns not to blindly trust machines, emphasizing the importance of observation. He then sternly told Xiaoman, as the top medical graduate, not to be overly proud, likening her correct diagnosis to a "blind cat running into a dead mouse."
He ordered her to memorize all patient cases before leaving work. Later, Director Xu sought out Xiaoman, softening his tone and telling her not to take his earlier harsh words to heart, even suggesting she call him "senior." Xiaoman politely declined, stating that "feigning compliance while acting in opposition" was not her style, humorously suggesting "trimming the sails" or "acting according to circumstances" as alternatives for his behavior.
She insisted on calling him Director Xu and left to memorize cases, humorously noting she didn't have time to chat like him. Xiaoman's colleague commiserated with her, mentioning that every day felt like a battle and she often stayed up late. Her colleague then pointed out Jiajia, a lonely little boy on a nearby bed. Jiajia suffered from congenital heart disease and often pretended to be happy, but her colleague had heard him crying during a night shift.
Xiaoman's curiosity was piqued, and she approached Jiajia to comfort and chat with him. Jiajia asked if Xiaoman's kindness was because he was too sick to grow up, but Xiaoman reassured him, telling him she had met people with more severe conditions.
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
After comforting a young boy recovering from heart surgery, Xiaoman emerged from the hospital ward and encountered Shen Chenyang, who was distributing food and gifts to the cardiac surgery department. Staff members openly speculated that Shen Chenyang must have feelings for someone in their department. Xiaoman remained silent amidst the whispers. Later, Xiaoman discreetly pulled Shen Chenyang aside, asking him to curb his overt gestures and avoid causing gossip among her colleagues.
Unfazed, Shen Chenyang admitted he was indeed there to pursue her once more. This confession was unexpectedly overheard by Zuo An, who was on a phone call with Xiaoman at that very moment. Over the phone, Zuo An declared to Shen Chenyang that their previous bet was merely a joke. Shen Chenyang, in turn, provoked Zuo An, telling him to return quickly and secure Xiaoman.
Zuo An then revealed that after completing an African medical project, he would return directly to China, skipping his planned trip to the United States. Sometime later, Xiaoman grew increasingly anxious as her messages and calls to Zuo An went unanswered for several days. When Shen Chenyang visited her at work, he noticed her distraught appearance and expressed concern. Xiaoman confided in him about her inability to contact Zuo An.
Soon after, Chi Yaola and Zhan Yue also arrived to offer comfort. Everyone tried to reassure Xiaoman not to worry, with Shen Chenyang offering to personally contact Professor Zhou to investigate Zuo An's whereabouts. While Xiaoman remained at home, deeply agitated, Shen Chenyang returned, accompanied by a visibly pale Sun Anning.
Anning, tearfully, shared a devastating account: Zuo An’s plane had been involved in an accident during its landing in Africa, and all members of the medical team, including Zuo An, were feared lost. She revealed that Zuo An’s parents, Professor Zhou and Uncle Zuo, had already traveled to the United States to handle his affairs. Xiaoman vehemently refused to believe the news, accusing Anning of fabricating the story to break up her and Zuo An.
Shen Chenyang intervened, confirming that he had spoken with Professor Zhou and the news was tragically true. Xiaoman’s eyes glazed over as she processed the words, remaining inconsolable despite Shen Chenyang’s attempts to comfort her. She repeatedly murmured that she did not believe Zuo An would not return, insisting she would wait for him at home. Anning, also weeping, urged Xiaoman to face the reality of the situation.
Overwhelmed by grief and anger, Xiaoman accused both Shen Chenyang and Anning of conspiring against her, then furiously tried to drive them out of her home. Shen Chenyang, visibly saddened, also attempted to stay with Xiaoman, knowing she couldn't accept the news easily. However, Xiaoman continued to lash out, repeatedly hitting Shen Chenyang, forcing both Shen Chenyang and Anning to leave. Alone, Xiaoman lay in her room, utterly lost and silent, her father watching on, consumed by worry.
The next morning, Xiaoman walked through the school grounds, her mind flooded with memories of her time with Zuo An. She found herself at the basketball court where he used to play and broke down in a loud, heartbroken cry. Chi Yaola and Zhan Yue soon arrived and gently embraced her, offering silent comfort. Back at the hospital, Xiaoman overheard her colleagues discussing her and Zuo An’s difficult and now seemingly tragic love story.
Their sympathetic murmurs further deepened her sorrow, prompting her to step outside the hospital where she wept openly. Shen Chenyang found her there and offered solace. Xiaoman expressed profound regret for not convincing Zuo An to stay, believing that if she had, the accident would never have happened.
Shen Chenyang reassured her, explaining that the list of victims from the accident had not yet been released and urging her to hold onto hope, affirming his belief that Zuo An would be safe. His words offered Xiaoman a glimmer of comfort, and she declared her conviction that Zuo An was alive and would return, with her friends pledging to stand by her. Some time passed, and Xiaoman, having completed her internship, officially became a doctor.
Life continued, she went to work every day, but a profound emptiness lingered in Zuo An's absence. One day, Xiaoman was assigned to perform a minor surgery. As she prepared, she realized the patient had not changed into the proper attire. She called for a nurse but received no response. Turning to address the patient directly, Xiaoman was stunned to find Zuo An lying on the operating table. He was alive. Xiaoman stood speechless, tears welling in her eyes.
Zuo An reached out, took her hand, cupped her face, and tenderly kissed her. They shared a sweet, tearful embrace, unaware that Chi Yaola, Shen Chenyang, and others, who had orchestrated Zuo An's return and knew of his presence, were watching from outside, celebrating the joyful reunion. Their moment of intimacy was abruptly interrupted by an urgent call for an ambulance; a car accident had occurred near the hospital. Without hesitation, Zuo An and Xiaoman rushed out to assist. From that day forward, the heroine and the childe lived a life devoted to healing and a happy life.
