All I Want for Love Is You Episode 3 Recap
> All I Want for Love Is You 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.
