Be With You Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Be With You Synopsis
Ji Yanxin is an icy professor exuding an aura of abstinence, while Qi Nian, a manga artist, is a straightforward and innocent steel-straight girl who has never been in a relationship. For the sake of her comic creation, she plans to gain inspiration by dating Ji Yanxin to update her manga's storyline. In pursuit of her art, Qi Nian continuously schemes to outmaneuver Ji Yanxin, only to be "counter-schemed" by him instead, step by step falling into Ji Yanxin's sweet trap.
Be With You Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Twenty-four-year-old cartoonist Qi Nian, known by her pen name Baby Seven, finally finished the latest chapter of her comic after two sleepless days, concluding it with the female lead giving an over-the-shoulder throw to her suitor. Online comments flooded in, criticizing the lackluster romance. Her editor, frustrated that Baby Seven's work had neither topped the author nor popularity lists despite being serialized for over a year, warned that the chief editor demanded more traffic.
If Qi Nian's next work failed to generate a buzz, her career would be over. The editor urged her to experience the feeling of a "heart-racing" romance to improve her storylines, but Qi Nian protested that she only knew about heart attacks. She then presented her concept for her next work, "Wrestling Love," where the protagonists would be in constant physical contact. The editor, exasperated, gave Qi Nian until 5 p. m.
the next day to submit a new male character design, threatening to crush Qi Nian's head with her biceps if she saw another muscle man. Later, Qi Nian sat by a lake, sketching hearts and pondering what "heart-racing" truly meant. A Golden Retriever named Qi Bao approached her, wanting her beef jerky. Qi Nian shared her snack, noting that they shared the same surname, Qi. As Qi Bao tugged her along the streets, his collar communicator rang.
Suddenly, Qi Bao bolted, pulling Qi Nian until she crashed into a man standing by a bridge. As he turned, Qi Nian instinctively extended her hand for a handshake, but he simply reached for Qi Bao’s leash. Qi Bao then chased a butterfly, pulling the man forward, which caused him to fall onto Qi Nian. To complete the chaos, Qi Bao jumped onto the man's back, pinning him down and causing Qi Nian and the stranger to accidentally kiss.
Her heart pounded erratically, making her question if she had a congenital heart disease that only acted up after being kissed. The man, Ji Yanxin, quickly got up and retrieved a piece of beef jerky from Qi Bao's mouth. He apologized and offered to compensate Qi Nian, but she refused, instead asking for his contact information.
Just then, her editor called in a panic, revealing she had misread the deadline; Qi Nian's new character design was due in less than an hour. Qi Nian desperately asked Ji Yanxin if he could wait for her, but quickly dismissed the request as unreasonable. Surprisingly, Ji Yanxin settled onto a nearby bench with Qi Bao. Drawing furiously, Qi Nian felt a surge of confidence, convinced that a story inspired by him would be a hit.
After a phone call prompted him to return to his firm, Ji Yanxin wrote his name on a sticky note for Qi Nian, but a gust of wind carried it away before she could retrieve it. Back at his firm, Ji Yanxin’s friend, Shao Zui, was struggling to open a complex wooden box. Ji Yanxin took it, explaining it was a mortise-and-tenon puzzle box, an architectural hobby not for amateurs.
Shao Zui informed him that his grandfather was enraged after Miss Li, a potential match, called to report that Ji Yanxin had rejected her. When Shao Zui pressed him about his last intimate contact with a woman, Ji Yanxin casually replied it had happened that afternoon, admitting that he had likely initiated the accidental kiss but had no interest in the woman.
Later, Ji Yanxin called Miss Li to formally end things, explaining that his dog, Qi Bao, disliked her because she had instinctively shied away from him, causing the dog to lose his appetite. He concluded the call, "So let's just call it a day, Miss Lin." When she corrected him, "It’s Li," he simply replied, "Whatever." That evening, Qi Nian met with friends, vowing to find her "male lead." Her friends teased that romance wasn't in her genes.
Joking that she must be dreaming, Qi Nian called for someone to splash her awake, only for a bucket of water to pour down on her from above. The girl upstairs was drunk after being rejected. Qi Nian's friend, Liu Xia, a guidance counselor, recognized the school emblem on the drunk girl's uniform: Chunming University’s Architecture Department. She immediately guessed the object of the girl's affection was Professor Ji, the "handsome professor" of their department.
Liu Xia explained that Ji Yanxin was a visiting professor known for his good looks but icy demeanor, never remembering student names, only their IDs, and delegating all student communication to his TAs. Despite his coldness, Professor Ji was a young, award-winning talent, making him incredibly popular. Qi Nian posted a "Lost Dog" notice online, which included a drawing of the man and his dog, brazenly emphasizing that the "charismatic" owner was the main point of interest.
To her surprise, a reply indicated that the man and Qi Bao had been seen at Chunming University. On campus, she encountered a freshman secretly taking photos, who, when caught, slipped a memory card into Qi Nian's bag and urged her to go to the lecture theater in the Architecture Building. Qi Nian had just confessed to the freshman that she was looking for a man to be her "prototype" and that they had already kissed on the lips.
Qi Nian took a front-row seat in the lecture hall and was stunned when Ji Yanxin entered to teach—he was the renowned Professor Ji. The classroom was packed, a testament to his popularity. He presented a mortise-and-tenon puzzle box and announced his annual challenge: whoever could open it would be granted one request. As students chattered excitedly about the possibilities, Qi Nian found herself instinctively sketching muscles, a habit when she's excited.
Ji Yanxin noticed and instructed her to come to his office after class for a quiz, making her wait. He was then called away by a director. While he was gone and Qi Nian waited, another student successfully opened the puzzle box.
Episode 2 Recap
Following the successful opening of a complex mortise-tenon box, Qi Nian is taken to Ji Yanxin's office. There, he discovers not only sketches of himself in her drawing book but also a memory card filled with his photos in her bag. Qi Nian insists the card isn't hers and she has no idea how it got there, adding that her interest lies in abs and collarbones, not close-up face shots.
When Ji Yanxin questions how she opened the box, Qi Nian expertly explains the principles of ancient mortise-tenon structures, noting that the opening is often set at a 45-degree angle. She reveals that her father is an ancient architecture restorer, which is how she learned about such mechanisms. As a reward, Qi Nian asks only to see him and be near him every day.
In a surprising move, Ji Yanxin offers her a position as his teaching assistant, giving her a one-week trial to prove herself. Qi Nian's friend, Xin Xin, marvels at her sketches, suggesting that her close interaction with Ji Yanxin has refined her drawing style, making it ideal for a romantic comic hero. Noticing a charming sketch on the table, Xin Xin asks who drew it.
Qi Nian explains it was made by her new next-door neighbor, a girl she has yet to meet. She has deduced her neighbor's gender from the abundance of plush toys on her balcony, pink strawberry desserts in her fridge, and her extensive collection of scrapbooks. When asked how she will handle her new role, the optimistic Qi Nian declares her readiness to face any challenge.
Shao Zui, a long-time partner and friend of Ji Yanxin, learns from the school chat group that someone has opened Ji Yanxin's custom-designed box and that he has uncharacteristically hired a new teaching assistant. Shao Zui worries about Ji Yanxin's inability to remember names, wondering how he will manage the upcoming symposium.
Ji Yanxin, who struggles to link names to people, even using a chemical formula for ethanol to remember Shao Zui after a decade of friendship, prefers logical systems over arbitrary labels. He simply states that his new TA's success will depend on her own merit. On her first day, Qi Nian arrives punctually, only to have Ji Yanxin address her by her student ID, 852617.
He concisely outlines her duties, which include assisting with symposium materials, and sets a one-week deadline. Frustrated by his refusal to use her name, Qi Nian playfully suggests various affectionate nicknames for him. Annoyed, Ji Yanxin corners her, stating that her name "Qi Nian" (meaning seven) is less fitting than "five" in his eyes. He then sets a challenge: if he can remember her name after a week, she will pass his test.
Meanwhile, Ji Qiu, Ji Yanxin's younger cousin, is secretly photographing him to sell the pictures and fund her idol-chasing hobby. Shao Zui inadvertently ruins her shot by appearing in the frame. Ji Yanxin confiscates her camera and instructs her to apologize to Qi Nian for planting the memory card in her bag, demanding a recorded apology as proof.
Later, Qi Nian dreams of hiding under a desk with Ji Yanxin for a kiss, only to wake up and find her computer screen filled with searches of his name. At the university, a colleague sees a photo of Qi Nian on Ji Yanxin's desk and asks who she is, to which he unhesitatingly replies, "Qi Nian." During class, Qi Nian, recalling her dream, attempts to hide under the lectern.
Ji Yanxin, however, publicly points out that the correct safe spot during an earthquake is beside the lectern, not under it, before ordering her back to her seat, shattering her fantasy with a dose of harsh reality. Determined to make Ji Yanxin remember her, Qi Nian goes to extreme lengths, even printing her name on her clothes and ensuring he sees it whenever she brings him things. However, he continues to call her "five."
Her friend Liu Xia enlightens her that 'five' is pronounced 'five' in English, which sounds like the Chinese word 'fèiwù' (废物), meaning 'useless.' Undeterred, Qi Nian vows to make him remember her name. Ji Yanxin's architecture firm takes on a major project, requiring him to be away for six days. During his absence, Ji Qiu appears to apologize to Qi Nian but, too proud to say "sorry," claims she was merely taking "family photos."
Qi Nian seizes the opportunity, using the memory card as leverage to get information about Ji Yanxin, and learns from Ji Qiu that her cousin cares deeply about his reputation. Six days later, Ji Yanxin returns to find everyone, from students to the cleaning staff, singing Qi Nian's praises. She has not only completed all her tasks but also hand-sketched ancient architecture drawings and organized a conceptual design for an urban park. Her exceptional competence exceeds his expectations.
He asks Liu Xia for her whereabouts, but Liu Xia playfully feigns forgetting Qi Nian's name. Ji Yanxin finds Qi Nian by the roadside, where he acknowledges her superb performance but still deems her unqualified, questioning her motives for going to such lengths with everyone just to make him remember her name. As they argue, a passing motorcycle splashes them both with water. Ji Yanxin brings the soaked Qi Nian to his office.
Spotting someone outside, he instinctively pulls her into the room to hide. After changing, Qi Nian waits outside the door, fantasizing about how seeing his office would help her drawing. As her hand gestures wildly in the air, it lands squarely on Ji Yanxin's chest as he opens the door. Closing in on her, Ji Yanxin demands to know her true intentions for seeking him out.
Episode 3 Recap
Confronted by Ji Yanxin about her motives, Qi Nian confessed, offering both a complex and a simple reason for her persistence. The complex reason was that she had fallen for him at first sight and wished to observe him up close. The simple reason was that, due to her current circumstances, she genuinely needed him. Ji Yanxin dismissed her confession as insincere, accusing her of having ulterior motives.
He recounted their encounters, from the park—where he insisted his Golden Retriever made the first move—to her sudden appearance as his TA and the incident where he was splashed with water. He concluded that her actions, including "brainwashing" staff and admitting she wanted to "observe" him, proved her manipulative intentions. Just as Ji Yanxin declared he would not deal with her, an anxious Qi Nian stumbled and fell into his arms.
At that exact moment, Ji Yanxin’s grandfather entered and witnessed the scene. The grandfather immediately accused his grandson of engaging in a "teacher-student relationship." Qi Nian quickly presented her ID card to prove she was 24 years old and a proper working adult. Noting that Qi Nian was a Taurus and his grandson a Capricorn, the grandfather remarked on their astrological compatibility.
He then offered Ji Yanxin a deal: he would cancel the blind dates he had arranged if Ji Yanxin already had a girlfriend. To escape the predicament, Ji Yanxin reluctantly pointed to Qi Nian and declared her his girlfriend. The shrewd grandfather, not easily fooled, demanded her name. Ji Yanxin replied, "Qi Nian," explaining the characters as "Qi, from the phrase for sharing weal and woe, and Nian, for year after year."
Ecstatic, Qi Nian promised the grandfather she would never let Ji Yanxin go and would be responsible for him to the very end. Pleased by her boldness, the grandfather agreed to put the blind dates on hold, warning that he would start "making trouble" again if they ever broke up. Eager to make their fake relationship real, Qi Nian sought dating advice from her friends Liu Xia and Li Yue, and her editor, Xin Xin.
Liu Xia offered impractical tips about taking a specific bus route for a guaranteed confession, while Xin Xin, who only had experience with dating simulators, described various "types" of boyfriends and their corresponding strategy guides. Li Yue, who worked at Ji Yanxin’s firm, began offering practical advice—feed him, don't check his phone, don't interrupt his games—but was cut short when Ji Yanxin threw a design draft at him, demanding he redo a garage design.
Meanwhile, Qi Nian's comic, which starred a male lead based on Ji Yanxin, frustrated readers because it never showed his full face. Xin Xin urged Qi Nian to interact more with Ji Yanxin, but Qi Nian despaired that he was an "iceberg" she was lucky to even get near without being "frozen to death." To help, Xin Xin arranged for Qi Nian to attend a fan meeting for romance comics to learn from several "hotshots."
There, she met "Key," a highly respected male fan artist known as a "guru" of the genre, who was working part-time as a butler at the cafe. When Qi Nian asked what made romance comics so appealing, Key bluntly questioned why she would draw them without genuine passion. He asserted that an author without a "maiden's heart" was a disaster for readers and should not be in the field.
His words pushed Qi Nian to reflect on her motivations, and she resolved that even without talent, one must strive harder, noting that "innovation starts from imitation." Later, a hungry Qi Nian went to a supermarket for stinky tofu-flavored instant noodles, only to find herself fighting with Key over the last packet. Recognizing her, Key apologized for his earlier harshness. Their bickering continued as they walked home, where they were shocked to discover they were roommates in the same apartment.
Key had expected an "IT guy" based on the men's socks drying outside, while Qi Nian had envisioned a "cute girl." Over a shared bowl of noodles, Key playfully resumed his "butler" persona with a "this or that" game, which Qi Nian cleverly ended by answering his "do you like mom or dad more?" question with a startling "I like you." Seeing his financial struggles, Qi Nian proposed that Key could stay rent-free if he agreed to critique her comic.
Key reviewed her work, noting it felt more like an "observation log" than a romance, with details that were "too realistic and no fun." Deducing the male lead had a real-life prototype, which Qi Nian nervously denied, he suggested she try an "immersive experience" approach. This meant truly getting involved in the story and pursuing the male lead with genuine feeling: dressing up, appearing before him, faking a fall, and, if ignored, making a direct, passionate confession.
Qi Nian followed his advice, donning a beautiful dress and feigning a fall in front of Ji Yanxin, who simply gave her a pile of work. Undeterred, she used her "killer move," declaring, "I like you, and I want to be your girlfriend." Unimpressed, Ji Yanxin told her to close her eyes and think of her favorite thing. Her answer: "Fried chicken."
He challenged her to choose between accompanying him to the library or buying fried chicken, remarking that her affection for him clearly couldn't compete. In the library, her attempts at romantic tropes backfired comically. As she left, Ji Yanxin gave her his meal card to buy fried chicken, making her feel he was treating her like his dog.
While walking with her fried chicken, Qi Nian was cornered by Ji Yanxin’s indignant former TAs, who were upset that she had lasted so long in the position they were all fired from. Mistaking their intent, Qi Nian grabbed a stick, ready for a fight, which startled the girls into clarifying they only wanted to warn her away from Ji Yanxin. They vented about his tyrannical habits but admitted they still adored him.
They also gossiped that his grandfather was arranging blind dates because Ji Yanxin was still hung up on a beautiful ex-girlfriend. Hearing this, the fried chicken in Qi Nian’s hand suddenly lost its appeal. Ji Yanxin, having overheard that Qi Nian was being cornered, arrived to find she had befriended the group, who were actually members of his fan club. They were excitedly looking at her drawings of him and planning merchandise.
Ji Yanxin interrupted, asking if she had eaten her fried chicken. Qi Nian replied that she had shared it and was now "off" fried chicken, implying her appetite soured after hearing about his ex. Ji Yanxin dismissed her wavering feelings as unreliable "little girl’s love," prompting Qi Nian to retort, "I’m not a little girl!" At that moment, Ji Yanxin’s cousin, Ji Qiu, appeared, dramatically pointing at Qi Nian and announcing to her brother, "This TA is a fake! She's not a student at Ming Da University! She's a liar!"
Episode 4 Recap
Following his grandfather's intervention, Ji Yanxin confronts Ji Qiu, asserting that Qi Nian is his girlfriend and demanding that Ji Qiu show her respect by addressing her as "sister-in-law." Humiliated, Ji Qiu retaliates by exposing Qi Nian as a fraud, revealing that she is not a student at Mingda University and therefore a fake teaching assistant.
Overhearing this, Qi Nian tearfully admits to Ji Yanxin that she lied about her background, explaining she had hoped that by working hard, she could earn the right to stay by his side. She insists that Liu Xia had no part in her deception and formally resigns, thanking him for his recent care and confessing her genuine desire to be with him. Immediately after resigning, Qi Nian receives an urgent call from her editor, Xin Xin.
The deadline for the New Talent Competition has been moved up, and the submission requirement has increased from one to three chapters. Missing this new deadline would mean disqualification from the competition's first half. Despite the emotional turmoil and a sudden downpour, a determined Qi Nian rushes home to work. Back in the empty office, Ji Yanxin discovers a desk full of drawings Qi Nian had made of him.
He steps out with an umbrella, but finds the campus deserted, mirroring his own feelings of emptiness. Soaked and emotionally drained, Qi Nian arrives home and dives straight into her work, only to collapse from a high fever of 39. 3 degrees Celsius, brought on by the rain and stress. Key finds her and insists she go to the hospital, but Qi Nian refuses, worried about the time and cost, with her deadline looming.
Understanding her desperation, Key offers to handle the inking and coloring if she can complete the storyboards for all three chapters, giving her a chance to submit on time. Meanwhile, Ji Yanxin arrives at an architectural symposium but is unable to reach Qi Nian. His former assistant, Sijia, appears, explaining that Qi Nian quit but had asked her to come in case he needed help.
Disaster strikes when the presentation file on Ji Yanxin's USB drive is corrupted and won't open. Sijia confirms that only Qi Nian has the backup. After finally reaching her, Qi Nian, despite her fever, abandons her own comic to reassemble Ji Yanxin's presentation from incomplete drafts. When she discovers the finished file is too large to send electronically, she grabs the USB drive and rushes to the venue.
She arrives just in time, handing the drive to a worried Ji Yanxin, who notices her pale face and profuse sweating. After urging him to go on, Qi Nian collapses. Qi Nian awakens in a hospital bed with Ji Yanxin watching over her. Her first concern is that she made him miss the symposium. He reassures her, claiming it was only postponed due to a power outage.
However, a call from Sijia reveals the truth: Ji Yanxin had been incredibly anxious, ultimately giving his presentation to a junior lecturer and forfeiting his own opportunity. Overcome with guilt, Qi Nian apologizes, but Ji Yanxin explains that just as she chose to help him despite her illness, he simply made a choice to prioritize her. After her IV drip is finished, they walk to a bus stop.
They board the 520 bus, the same one where Liu Xia famously confessed to Li Yue. Recalling Key’s advice that genuine feelings are key to a good romance story, Qi Nian’s heart races. As the bus's clock hits 5:20, she musters her courage and publicly confesses her feelings to Ji Yanxin. The other passengers, including employees from an architectural firm who recognize Ji Yanxin as their boss, are captivated. Ji Yanxin questions the appropriateness of her public display.
Qi Nian rephrases, asking if she can pursue him. He asks when this "serious love" began, and she honestly replies, "Just now, less than five minutes ago." Dismissing her feelings as impulsive, he bluntly states, "I’m not interested in love." Unfazed, Qi Nian promises to like him for a longer time, suggesting he can respond when he feels she is worthy. When the bus jolts, her phone falls, and Ji Yanxin picks it up, placing it in her coat pocket.
Before her stop, Qi Nian presses him for an answer, to which he replies, "Whatever." Later, Qi Nian calls Xin Xin to apologize for missing the deadline, but is stunned to learn her manuscript was submitted an hour early. She immediately realizes Key must have finished and uploaded it for her. Xin Xin then delivers the exciting news: Qi Nian's comic, temporarily titled "Manga Da" ("The Great Comic"), has been selected for the next round.
However, the new requirement is to convert the entire work to full color before the final selection, a task Qi Nian finds daunting. Xin Xin notes the recent improvement in her art style—softer, more refined lines characteristic of a skilled shoujo artist—and insists that Qi Nian must recruit this mysterious helper as an assistant to complete the work.
At the coffee shop where he works, Key is confronted by a masked female customer who scoffs at his latte art of a character from "Thither Cloud," calling the manga an outdated and forgotten work that hasn't been updated in five years. As a devoted fan, Key is incensed. Seeing she is reading the top-ranked manga "Flower & Romance," he retorts that he despises the comic and its author, Lu Qingwu.
The masked customer is, in fact, Lu Qingwu herself, a commercially successful manga artist. Later, a fan excitedly shows Lu Qingwu a fan comic, only to be harshly berated for her audacity. Meanwhile, Qi Nian and Xin Xin discuss Lu Qingwu, noting that "Thither Cloud" was her debut work under the pen name "Qiyue Qingwu," which she has since publicly disavowed and belittled after achieving mainstream fame.
While eating fried chicken, Qi Nian and Xin Xin discuss the difficulty of finding an assistant. Reaching into Qi Nian's pocket for a tissue, Xin Xin instead pulls out a business card for "Yiyan Architecture Office," bearing Ji Yanxin's name. Qi Nian stares at it in surprise, completely unaware of how it got there.
Episode 5 Recap
Qi Nian realized that having Pei Siqi as her assistant was impractical due to the profession's tedious and unrewarding nature. She confessed to Xin-xin about her feelings for Ji Yanxin, admitting she had fallen in love but was rejected. Xin-xin, while eating fried chicken, accidentally pulled out Ji Yanxin's business card from Qi Nian's pocket. Qi Nian then realized Ji Yanxin had slipped it into her pocket on the bus.
She interpreted this as a sign to pursue him, while Xin-xin suggested he might just want an assistant. Undeterred, Qi Nian resolved to win him over. Upon arriving at Yiyan Architecture Office, Qi Nian was teased by Li Yue about her increased boldness after confessing her feelings. He warned her that Ji Yanxin was now a top-tier architect and could be demanding.
Qi Nian visited Ji Yanxin's residence to deliver documents and encountered Shao Zui, his business partner, in a kimono robe and hair rollers. Shao Zui's playful tone made Qi Nian mistakenly believe Ji Yanxin was gay, causing her to shriek in dismay. Ji Yanxin then invited Qi Nian inside. He disliked being called "Professor" or "Mr. Ji," so Qi Nian chose "Teacher Ji."
Shao Zui cooked a meal that Qi Nian found inedible, but Ji Yanxin, engrossed in his reading, ate it without complaint. Noticing his indifference to food when focused, Qi Nian volunteered to manage his meals and living arrangements. Ji Yanxin initially refused, but Shao Zui, tired of his cousin Ji Qiu's stories about them, persuaded him to accept.
Shao Zui advised Qi Nian to maintain a distance from Ji Yanxin, especially in his home, and adhere strictly to his rules until he opened up to her. He added that once Ji Yanxin began to accept her, she should interpret his words in the opposite way. Qi Nian, confused, explored the house. Ji Yanxin stopped her from entering a particular room, warning it was off-limits. When she suggested locking it, he said it remained unlocked, fueling her curiosity.
Pei Siqi, looking at Qi Nian's male protagonist in her comic, criticized his lack of admirable qualities beyond his aloofness. Qi Nian explained that he had a gentler side. When drawing, he was detached, but when lacking inspiration, he obsessively cleaned. He also occasionally visited a mysterious room, emerging from it purified and gentle. Pei Siqi recounted the tale of Blue Beard, hinting Ji Yanxin resembled him, suggesting a hidden danger.
Days later, Qi Nian cleaned Ji Yanxin's home, remembering the Blue Beard story as she neared the mysterious room. Hearing a splash from the pool, she found a wet Qi Bao jumping on her. Ji Yanxin asked if she had gone into forbidden areas when the dog jumped in. Qi Nian denied it, and Ji Yanxin, trusting her, dried Qi Bao's feet. Seeing Qi Nian looking dejected, he placed the towel on her head.
Pei Siqi sat dejectedly on the steps, eating ice cream after losing his phone, wallet, and keys. Qi Nian, realizing she left her keys at Ji Yanxin's, reluctantly called a locksmith, as no boss would deliver keys to an employee. Despite her preference for spicy food, Qi Nian cooked a clear broth hotpot for Pei Siqi. She proposed he become a full-time cartoonist. Pei Siqi, uncharacteristically humble, recounted how he left home to pursue comics, betting against his brother.
After rejections, he resorted to odd jobs and fan comics. Qi Nian showed him a past manuscript, highlighting a section he drew that received positive feedback, emphasizing his talent for storytelling. She formally invited him to partner with her for the Manzao New Works Competition. Pei Siqi agreed, stating he would quit all other jobs and dedicate himself to working with her, entrusting her with his dream. Qi Nian assured him that she would help him realize his dreams.
Pei Siqi remarked he felt proposed to by a romantic comic's male lead. Pei Siqi revealed his full name, Pei Siqi, using his mother's surname. Thus, they became comic partners. The next morning, Qi Nian arrived early and made breakfast at Ji Yanxin's. The dishes, despite their appealing presentation, didn't affect Ji Yanxin's cold demeanor. As Qi Nian watered the lawn, grumbling about Ji Yanxin's unyielding nature, Qi Bao approached her playfully.
Ji Yanxin, outside for fresh air, saw the scene and smiled slightly, stunning Qi Nian, who then accidentally doused him with water. Qi Nian asked Ji Yanxin if he was a "dog person," but he denied it, explaining Qi Bao was family and caring for him was a habit. As Ji Yanxin left, he touched Qi Nian's head, saying habit was a deeper emotion than liking. He then gave her a golden key, revealing it was to his front door.
Episode 6 Recap
Following a conversation about how habit can be a deeper emotion than simple liking, Ji Yanxin gives Qi Nian the keys to his house, entrusting her to house-sit while he is away. Qi Nian misinterprets his words, believing he expressed affection for her, and she happily walks his dog, Qi Bao, feeling like the lady of the house. Meanwhile, at a cafe, Gu Qingwu is disappointed to learn that the barista she admired has resigned.
She later connects with her team of young fans online, who diligently work to boost her popularity. While appreciating their efforts, Gu Qingwu privately expresses her frustration with handsome individuals who lack talent, resolving to prioritize competence over appearance in future hires. Back at Ji Yanxin’s home, his cousin Ji Qiu arrives and mistakes Qi Nian for a vengeful fan.
The misunderstanding is cleared up by a call from Ji Yanxin, who instructs Qi Nian to take care of his cousin. Eager for information, Qi Nian coaxes details out of Ji Qiu, who reveals that the unlocked room downstairs is Ji Yanxin’s secret sanctuary. It contains an old landline phone he cherishes as a link to someone who left years ago, and he often waits for it to ring. As they speak, the phone suddenly rings.
Despite her hesitation, Qi Nian enters the room and answers, only to hear silence before the line disconnects. Just as she worries about explaining herself, Ji Yanxin returns home early. Unable to apologize verbally, Qi Nian later uses a music player to convey a heartfelt message, expressing regret for her overeagerness to understand him. In a silent gesture of forgiveness, Ji Yanxin follows her outside and turns on the street light for her.
Feeling dejected, Qi Nian sits on the steps outside until her friend, Pei Siqi, finds her. He comforts her with an alternate interpretation of the Bluebeard story, suggesting Bluebeard gave his wives the key hoping to be accepted for his true self, secrets and all. This makes Qi Nian wonder if Ji Yanxin secretly wanted her to enter the room.
To cheer her up, Pei Siqi orders an extremely spicy hot pot, a favorite of hers, but struggles comically with the heat himself, making her laugh. He then reveals he lost his ID and must retrieve his household registration booklet from his estranged brother, Ji Siqi, who is ignoring his calls. Qi Nian encourages him to stop depending on others for validation and to become more independent.
The next day, Pei Siqi suffers from the aftereffects of the spicy meal, blaming his brother for coddling him into a state of helplessness. Elsewhere, his brother, Ji Siqi, is engrossed in his drawings. After a sneeze causes him to make a mistake, he instinctively calls out Qi Nian's name before quietly erasing the error. Struggling to name her new comic, Qi Nian asks Pei Siqi for advice.
He suggests she look through classical texts, as his and his brother's names were inspired by "The Analects of Confucius". Following his lead, Qi Nian finds her title, "美人宜修" (Beauty Should Adorn), in "Nine Songs: Xiangjun," a poem her own brother once made her memorize. Pei Siqi then introduces her to a dating simulation game to find creative inspiration, guiding her to interact with a "domineering CEO" character, Mr. J, who is notoriously difficult to win over.
Confident after her persistent pursuit of the real-life Ji Yanxin, Qi Nian dives into the challenge. Qi Nian plays the game relentlessly, frustrated that the elusive Mr. J, whose line "I'm not interested in love" is identical to Ji Yanxin's attitude, is the only character she can't complete. After three days, she finally reaches "friend" status with Mr. J, allowing them to add each other as contacts in the game.
At that moment, her phone buzzes with a real friend request. She excitedly assumes it's Ji Yanxin, only to discover it's Ji Qiu impersonating him. Ji Qiu scolds her for her slow response before revealing that Ji Yanxin has locked himself in his room for days, causing even Qi Bao to fall ill from his owner's low spirits, and urges her to come over immediately. Worried, Qi Nian rushes to Ji Yanxin's home.
She finds him lying weakly on the sofa, his eyes lighting up when he sees her. Misinterpreting his gaze as annoyance, she starts to leave, but he quickly pulls her back. Weak from lack of rest, he loses his balance, and they both tumble to the floor. He gently pinches her cheek, and her cry of pain confirms for him that he isn't dreaming.
Noticing his fever, Qi Nian offers him water and awkwardly suggests he unbutton his shirt to cool down, turning away in embarrassment when he actually starts to do so. Mustering her courage, she confesses her feelings, declaring that he is unique and that no fictional character could compare to the real him. In her eyes, he is the only one who matters.
Ji Yanxin gently strokes her head and tells her, "not to be repeated," which Qi Nian joyfully interprets as him making a special exception just for her. As she buzzes around him happily, he gently presses her onto the sofa, asking her to just be quiet. Qi Nian decides to stay and care for him.
When Pei Siqi calls to invite her to a cartoonist's autograph session the next day, Ji Yanxin overhears, takes the phone from her, and coldly tells Pei Siqi, "She's busy," before hanging up.
Episode 7 Recap
Shao Zui arrived at the designated location after receiving a call from Ji Qiu, finding her and her dog, Qi Bao, stuck in fresh cement at a construction site. Shao Zui playfully pulled Qi Bao out first, teasing Ji Qiu and demanding she call him "brother" or "uncle" to get help. Annoyed, Ji Qiu tried to move through the cement to confront Shao Zui, only to get her shoe thoroughly stuck.
As she lost her balance, Shao Zui rushed to catch her, falling beneath her and resulting in both of them and Qi Bao getting covered in mud and cement. As Shao Zui carried Ji Qiu on his back while leading Qi Bao away, Ji Qiu complained about her cousin, Ji Yanxin. She was upset that he remembered Qi Nian's name but had saved her contact information on his phone as "Yangcheng Lake," a nickname she found unflattering.
Shao Zui suggested that perhaps Qi Nian was the person who could finally bring about a change in Ji Yanxin. Meanwhile, at Rongpin Animation Culture Co, Ltd., the editor-in-chief, Xiao, praised their lead cartoonist, Lu Qingwu, for maintaining her top rank. He reminded her that their strategy involved acquiring talented newcomers to suppress them, not to nurture them, thereby ensuring Lu Qingwu's continued dominance.
When asked about a recent newcomer they had poached, Lu Qingwu confirmed the artist had been fired, agreeing with the philosophy that other artists should only serve as foils to maintain her position at the top. Around this time, Pei Siqi submitted an impressive application to Rongpin, showcasing a solid art style. He unexpectedly won two tickets to Lu Qingwu's autograph session and called to invite Qi Nian.
However, Ji Yanxin, who was with Qi Nian at his studio, took the phone and curtly rejected the invitation, claiming Qi Nian was busy. Recognizing Ji Yanxin's voice but not placing it, Pei Siqi accused him of being a "black-hearted boss" for exploiting his employees. Angered by the accusation, Ji Yanxin enforced his strict house rules, forcing Qi Nian to stay overnight to accompany him to an event the next day.
The following day, Ji Yanxin attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Thinking House Concept Bookstore, with Qi Nian unexpectedly dressed in a full Peppa Pig mascot costume, serving as a "tailor-made background board." Having mistakenly taken short-acting sleeping pills instead of fever medicine that morning, Ji Yanxin began feeling extremely drowsy. Noticing his disorientation, Qi Nian quickly put the Peppa Pig head on him and discreetly guided him away from the event.
Ji Yanxin explained that he wasn't dizzy but profoundly sleepy, as he had mixed up the medication bottles and taken a second dose, causing the drug's effects to peak. To counteract the drowsiness, he asked Qi Nian to keep him engaged with stimulating conversation. Her attempt at a fake confession about cheating was immediately dismissed by Ji Yanxin as unconvincing. He then encouraged her to talk about herself, telling her she was unique to him.
Qi Nian shared details about her life: her age, family background, and her hobby of drawing comics, despite majoring in ancient Chinese. She explained how shoujo manga served as a "guide to life" for her, inspiring her to live like a princess in a comic. As she continued talking, Ji Yanxin eventually succumbed to the medication and fell asleep. At Lu Qingwu's autograph session, Pei Siqi bought a book to gain entry.
During the fan Q&A, he directly challenged Lu Qingwu, questioning the authenticity of her debut work, "Thither Cloud," published under the pen name Qiyue Qingwu. He pointed out that her subsequent works showed a decline in quality and a drastically different art style. He accused her of being a fraud who used ghostwriters and capitalized on her initial fame, demanding she answer for her deceptive practices. As security guards moved in, Pei Siqi fled.
While watching over the sleeping Ji Yanxin, Qi Nian confided a secret to him: she is a comic artist, currently using the pen name "Qi Zai," and her former pen name was "Qiyue Qingwu." She reflected that she wouldn't abandon the name but would instead return it to its rightful place. Just then, she received an urgent call from Pei Siqi, who was hiding from security in a stairwell and needed her help.
Promising the unconscious Ji Yanxin she would be back, she rushed off. Shortly after, Ji Yanxin slowly woke up, looked out the window, and saw Pei Siqi in the building opposite, calling out his name, "Siqi," in recognition.
Episode 8 Recap
Ji Qiu answered an old-fashioned phone in Ji Yanxin's room, only to hear what sounded like a telemarketer. However, she quickly recognized the voice as her cousin, Pei Siqi, despite his attempts to disguise it. Ji Qiu threatened to expose a video of him causing a scene at an autograph session to Ji Yanxin if he didn't admit his identity.
Siqi retorted that he had changed his surname to Pei and was no longer a Ji, then made a hasty escape upon spotting Ji Yanxin in the mall. Meanwhile, Qi Nian, who was also at the mall searching for Siqi, unexpectedly encountered Lu Qingwu. Lu Qingwu greeted her by calling her "Qiyue Qingwu," a pen name they once shared.
A flashback revealed their past: Qi Nian, a talented high school student, was discovered by Lu Qingwu and an editor from Rongpin Comics. They invited her to collaborate on a series, creating the pen name "Qiyue Qingwu" by combining parts of their names. Although Qi Nian had to take a break for her college entrance exams, she was promised she would be a professional cartoonist upon her return.
However, she later discovered that Lu Qingwu had claimed "Thither Cloud," their collaborative work, as her own independent creation, which had achieved massive success. Back in the present, Lu Qingwu provocatively asked if Qi Nian was still drawing children's books. Qi Nian retorted that her artistic pursuits were none of Lu Qingwu's concern, adding that unlike some, she still had her integrity.
The exchange escalated when Lu Qingwu heard a voice message from Pei Siqi on Qi Nian's phone and mistakenly accused her of orchestrating the earlier disturbance. As security approached, Ji Yanxin arrived, swiftly pulling Qi Nian away from the confrontation. Afterward, Ji Yanxin, who had sprained his foot chasing Siqi, questioned Qi Nian about her entanglement with a cartoonist, seemingly unaware of the full story or her own identity as one.
Qi Nian was touched that he had helped her without needing an explanation. Elsewhere, in her office, Lu Qingwu fumed over the incident. An employee then revealed that the "troublemaker" was Pei Siqi, whose resume had been rejected due to incomplete information. Upon seeing Pei Siqi's impressive artwork, Lu Qingwu lamented that such a talented artist was her "anti-fan," regretting that she couldn't hire him.
Back at Ji Yanxin’s home, an annoyed Pei Siqi confronted Qi Nian, demanding she choose between him and her boss. Qi Nian firmly chose her boss, explaining that Ji Yanxin was the prototype for the male lead in her comics. Later, Pei Siqi, having received an offer letter from Rongpin, contacted Ji Qiu to get his household register from Ji Yanxin's home to apply for an ID card. However, his brother Ji Yanxin intercepted him, holding the register.
Ji Yanxin, who had always disapproved of Pei Siqi's dream to draw comics, admitted he let Siqi worry that his name might have been removed from the family register to remind him that he would always be family. Seeing Siqi's determination and his offer from a leading company, Ji Yanxin agreed to let him pursue his dream, on the condition that he successfully started the job. Ji Yanxin continued to suffer from headaches, worrying his assistant, Shao Zui.
Upon returning home, Ji Yanxin was surprised to find Qi Nian waiting for him, and her presence seemed to calm his frustration from the encounter with his brother. Qi Nian secretly looked up his medication and discovered it was for insomnia, with sleepwalking as a known side effect. True to her discovery, despite checking that his door was locked, Ji Yanxin sleepwalked into Qi Nian's room, got into her bed, and embraced her, even kissing her forehead.
The next morning, a visibly exhausted Qi Nian was chided by an oblivious Ji Yanxin for "playing" all night. In reality, after his sleepwalking episode, he had returned to his own room and locked the door, inadvertently trapping Qi Nian—who had followed him out of concern—inside until dawn. Later, Qi Nian met with her friends and confessed Ji Yanxin's sleepwalking condition was the reason for her sleepless nights.
She recounted how she could quietly draw him while he was in this state, and how he had held her and almost kissed her. Despite the intimacy, Qi Nian was determined not to take advantage of his unconscious state. When her friend asked if she wanted him to be cured, a conflicted Qi Nian admitted she wanted to enjoy the "perks" of his gentle, sleepwalking state a little longer. Meanwhile, Pei Siqi arrived at Rongpin for his first day, only to discover that his new superior, the Chief Content Officer, was none other than Lu Qingwu.
Episode 9 Recap
Ji Yanxin, aware of his sleepwalking, tries to piece together his episodes from various clues. He receives a call from a friend confirming that Pei Siqi's name is absent from Rongpin's new recruitment list. At Rongpin, Pei Siqi confronts the chief content designer, Lu Qingwu, and staunchly refuses to apologize for their past conflict. Lu Qingwu warns him that dignity doesn't pay the bills, but Siqi retorts that he isn't used to being someone's "dog" and walks out.
Having lost a bet with his brother, Siqi reluctantly agrees to work at Ji Yanxin's firm, resigning himself to drinking bitter Americano. Just before getting into Ji Yanxin's car, he receives an exhilarating call from Qi Nian. Qi Nian informs Siqi that their new comic, "Dress for the Beauty," has surpassed "Flower & Romance" to claim the top spot in views on its first day. This reignites Siqi's hope for a career in comics.
Ji Yanxin, having forced Siqi into the car, grabs the phone. He sternly questions Qi Nian's relationship with his brother and warns her not to give him false hope, but she playfully promises to be "responsible" for Siqi before the signal cuts out. After the call, Ji Yanxin sees that he has saved Qi Nian's contact as "My Crush." Despite his earlier reservations, Ji Yanxin allows Siqi to pursue his dream.
At the Mancao Culture studio, a colleague gives Siqi the contract for "Dress for the Beauty," where he is surprisingly listed as a co-creator with Qi Nian. When asked if confronting Lu Qingwu for the manga "Thither Cloud" was worth it, Siqi confirms it was. The colleague then reveals that Qi Nian has gone to find her "hero," Mr. J—the prototype for the manga's male lead, who is also her current boss.
Siqi is stunned, as he believed the story was about Qi Nian's friend, not her own life. Later, Qi Nian is organizing files at Ji Yanxin's home when his younger brother, Ji Qiu, calls, chiding her for not having been home in a week. After the call, she finds Ji Yanxin taking sleeping pills and realizes he knows about his sleepwalking. She helps him to his bed, but he unexpectedly leans in and kisses her.
Pushing him away, she's confronted by a semi-conscious Ji Yanxin, who asks if she knows about his condition. Panicked, Qi Nian denies it and flees. As she runs out, a now fully awake Ji Yanxin sees Pei Siqi affectionately putting a helmet on her before they ride off on an e-bike. Sensing Qi Nian's distress, Siqi takes her to the riverside.
She confides in him about the kiss, fearing how the proud Ji Yanxin will react to her seeing his vulnerability. To cheer her up, Siqi buys a vendor's entire stock of balloons, telling her they are beautiful in the dark, just as her private thoughts are "cute" to those who understand. Qi Nian admits her boss is the prototype for the manga's male lead, which she jokingly labels "Stockholm Syndrome."
Their ride home is complicated when the e-bike's brakes fail, forcing them to ride around until the battery dies. Meanwhile, Ji Yanxin drives to their apartment building and sees them enter together. A gossiping security guard approaches him, remarking on the "sweet couple" who live on the same floor and even turn their lights off at the same time.
The guard then quotes a popular forum post—"What to do when you see your younger brother and his girlfriend getting a room?" —further infuriating the jealous Ji Yanxin. Returning to his office, Ji Yanxin emails Qi Nian a large workload, demanding she return within thirty minutes. Qi Nian rushes back, arriving just in time. Fearing his reaction, she lies that the oversized shirt she's wearing, which is actually Siqi's, was an online purchase that was too big.
Ji Yanxin, suppressing his jealousy, orders her to sharpen thirty pencils by hand. He then interrogates her about her night out. Qi Nian explains she was celebrating with her "roommate," clarifying they just share an apartment. Ji Yanxin is visibly relieved, but his jealousy flares up again when she cheerfully describes her fun e-bike adventure with Siqi.
The next morning, a frustrated Siqi repeatedly calls Ji Yanxin's company to complain about his boss's inhumanity for making Qi Nian work all night. Simultaneously, Ji Yanxin shows up at Qi Nian's building with an e-bike, demanding she give him a ride to work "just like last night." When they discover the battery is dead, he makes her pedal him to the office as punishment. They arrive to the astonished stares of his employees, just as the front desk gets another call from "Mr. Pei Junior," complaining about the boss.
Episode 10 Recap
Ji Yanxin was amused by a phone call from a "Mr. Pei," who identified himself as Qi Nian's friend. This was, in fact, Siqi, who vociferously complained about the company's "ruthless exploitation," claiming Qi Nian hadn't been home for 24 hours. He asserted that a company relying on overtime had no future and a boss dependent on his assistant working late should shut down. Hanging up, Ji Yanxin wryly commented on his younger brother's improved scolding skills.
Later, Qi Nian asked Li Yue about Ji Yanxin's recent mood, wondering if he secretly liked being scolded and what his stress-relief methods were. Li Yue believed Ji Yanxin handled everything effortlessly but confirmed the firm was facing a major issue: the Quancheng ancient building restoration project was stalled due to local protests, causing significant daily losses. He then dismissed Qi Nian's ability to help, suggesting she focus on making coffee.
The landlady, Ms. Wu, visited Siqi with peeled apples, informing him she needed the apartment back for her son's wedding. To soften the blow, she explained she had already found two separate apartments for them: a nicely decorated one-bedroom for Siqi at the same rent and another for Qi Nian, reasoning it was inappropriate for an unrelated man and woman to live together.
A baffled Siqi questioned what could possibly happen between them, but Ms. Wu insisted they move within a week, as she had already hired a moving company. Unbeknownst to them, this was orchestrated by Ji Yanxin, who had purchased the building at a high price solely to separate the two.
Later, Ms. Wu confirmed to Ji Yanxin that the matter was handled, praising his generosity and how much he cared for his "brother," before playfully asking if he had a girlfriend. Ji Yanxin's cousin, Ji Qiu, visited him, bored during her school holiday, and asked him to teach her how to draw.
She gushed about her idol, the manga author "Baby Seven" (Qi Zai), praising their work "My Boyfriend in My Head" as a genius "girl manga mudslide" for its unique humor. She proudly presented a drawing she had copied, but Ji Yanxin tore it up, dismissing her artistic ambitions and her choice of idol.
Later, Qi Nian overheard Ji Qiu's excitement about meeting Baby Seven at MC's upcoming monthly meeting and realized Ji Yanxin's cousin was a devoted fan of her work, musing that she could become a "divine wingman." At the MC office, Qi Nian was surprised to learn the company's "big boss," Shao Zui, was an acquaintance.
Meanwhile, Lu Qingwu, the chief artist and producer from rival company Rongpin, arrived under the guise of cooperation, her true aim being to poach the popular new author, Baby Seven. Shao Zui, aware of her intentions, allowed the meeting. Lu Qingwu tried to downplay Baby Seven's value as a "rookie who got lucky," but Shao Zui countered that she wouldn't have come personally if the author were worthless.
Confident in Qi Nian's loyalty due to their shared past, Shao Zui brought her in to meet Lu Qingwu face-to-face. Upon seeing Qi Nian, Lu Qingwu, who knew her as the author of "Dress for the Beauty," understood Shao Zui's confidence. Believing Baby Seven was a "straight guy" vulnerable to temptation, Ji Qiu rushed to Shao Zui, panicked that he was letting the notoriously seductive Lu Qingwu meet him alone.
During their chat, she remarked that if the author of "My Boyfriend in My Head" were a woman, her partner would need immense fortitude. Overhearing, Qi Nian agreed. Ji Qiu then discovered a new manga by Baby Seven featuring a male lead who looked just like Ji Yanxin, leading her to speculate that the "straight male author" had a crush on her cousin.
It was at this moment, hearing Qi Nian's voice from the meeting room, that Ji Qiu finally realized Qi Nian was Baby Seven. Inside, Lu Qingwu pressed Qi Nian, highlighting Rongpin's superior resources. Qi Nian retorted that her biggest regret was ever knowing Lu Qingwu, reminding her that Lu Qingwu had voluntarily left the industry years ago. She declared she didn't need Lu Qingwu's patronage and Rongpin didn't need an author with her "bad history."
After the failed attempt, Qi Nian reaffirmed her commitment to MC, telling Shao Zui she wouldn't leave unless forced out. Qi Nian asked Shao Zui about Ji Yanxin's "emotional burden." Shao Zui fabricated a story, claiming Ji Yanxin's difficult personality had driven away someone he cared for deeply, leaving him with immense guilt and anxiety—his "only true ailment." Hidden behind a curtain, Ji Qiu listened in annoyance, thinking it sounded like her cousin had an ex-girlfriend.
Qi Nian, however, vowed to help Ji Yanxin find peace, regardless of his past. Shao Zui then revealed to Ji Qiu that he had made up the story to create "misunderstanding, twists, and drama" to fuel the sparks between Qi Nian and Ji Yanxin, calling himself a "magnificent meddler." Ji Qiu was thrilled, imagining her future sister-in-law drawing manga about her life with Ji Yanxin. Distracted by Shao Zui’s words, Qi Nian fell into the pool while cleaning it.
Ji Yanxin wrapped her in a towel and told her to change. Later, Qi Nian, wearing clothes she found in his closet, was watching "Spirited Away." Ji Yanxin dismissed the film as "childish" and an escape from reality. Qi Nian defended her love for such stories, arguing everyone needs a "Utopia" and dreams to live for. She then confronted him about a hidden room downstairs filled with his cherished possessions, including a vast collection of Grimm's Fairy Tales.
Ji Yanxin threatened to throw her in the pool unless she explained how she knew about it. She confessed that he had led her there during a sleepwalking episode. Just then, Siqi called the office again, threatening to sue for illegal labor practices since Qi Nian had been unreachable for over 24 hours. Hearing this, Ji Yanxin abruptly announced an urgent business trip to City South, raising Siqi’s suspicions when Qi Nian called to inform him.
Lu Qingwu instructed her agent to sign a renowned fan artist named Key, who had never worked professionally. Coincidentally, she spotted Siqi struggling to hail a cab and, recognizing him as her target, offered him a ride to City South. In the car, Siqi saw his own artwork and wrongly assumed she had investigated him.
Lu Qingwu revealed she knew he was Key and tried to recruit him, but Siqi issued a challenge: he would consider it only if she finished "Thither Cloud," a series she abandoned five years prior. The conversation stalled, and Lu Qingwu kicked him out of her car. Moments later, her car broke down, stranding them both in the middle of nowhere.
On their trip, Qi Nian, remembering that relaxation helps with sleepwalking, tried to ease Ji Yanxin's stress by telling him jokes, which he failed to appreciate, and startling him with a horse head mask. Upon arriving, Qi Nian excitedly suggested they attend a local fireworks display that evening. Ji Yanxin flatly refused, citing a need to work overtime and a personal dislike for fireworks due to safety concerns.
Episode 11 Recap
Qi Nian eagerly anticipated the Summer Firework Display and tried to convince Ji Yanxin to join her, though he was preoccupied with work and claimed he disliked fireworks for safety reasons. Undeterred, Qi Nian used their feigned romantic relationship as an excuse, suggesting they go out and take photos to appease her grandfather, who was growing suspicious due to their lack of pictures together. She revealed that her grandfather had even asked Ji Qiu to help add Ji Yanxin's WeChat.
Citing the importance of respecting an elder's wishes, Ji Yanxin agreed to an outing, choosing to visit local architectural landmarks. While touring a Princess Building, known for its Danish fairytale style, Ji Yanxin shared his passion for architecture, and Qi Nian enthusiastically captured many photos of him. He then offered to take photos of her, but his attempts were either blurry or overexposed. As Qi Nian reviewed the photos, Ji Yanxin drove them to an amusement park.
To her astonishment, he produced two reserved tickets for the firework display, which were otherwise sold out. Meanwhile, Lu Qingwu and Ji Siqi, whose car had broken down in a remote, muddy area, finally caught a tractor ride back to the city. Upon seeing Qi Nian's social media posts, Ji Siqi immediately hailed a cab to the amusement park, dragging Lu Qingwu along.
On the carousel, Lu Qingwu grew frustrated with Ji Siqi's constant scrolling through Qi Nian's updates and confronted him about his feelings for her. After a brief denial, he admitted his affection and warned Lu Qingwu not to try and poach Qi Nian for her company. Annoyed, Lu Qingwu stormed off on her own, only to get lost, her high heels causing painful blisters.
Having secretly followed her out of concern, Ji Siqi found her stranded and won a pair of flip-flops for her from a claw machine. Elsewhere in the park, Ji Yanxin reluctantly participated in a claw machine game for Qi Nian, despite finding it childish. To her amazement, he demonstrated remarkable skill, easily winning a stuffed pig. He later won five crabs in a row from another machine, impressing Qi Nian with his unexpected talent.
At the same time, Ji Siqi was captivated by a cotton candy stand. Sensing his interest, Lu Qingwu persuaded the vendor to let them use the machine, and Ji Siqi enthusiastically made an oversized cotton candy, leading to a playful argument over whose was bigger. During their crab dinner, Ji Yanxin meticulously peeled the shells for Qi Nian, who remarked how fortunate anyone would be to have such a considerate person by their side.
They shared homemade plum wine, which Qi Nian mistook for juice despite Ji Yanxin's warning about its potency. As the alcohol took effect, a tipsy Qi Nian asked about the "person he couldn't let go of," speculating it was an ex-girlfriend. Ji Yanxin clarified that his 'heart problem' was not a woman but his younger brother, Ji Siqi, whose sudden departure years ago and recent hostile return had brought back painful memories.
As the fireworks began, they boarded the Ferris wheel. Ji Yanxin started explaining the chemical principles of the 'flame reaction,' prompting Qi Nian to playfully ask him to stop the 'chemistry class.' He then turned to her, uttered the words, "I like you," and gently kissed her. At the same time, Lu Qingwu's new flip-flops broke during a squabble, forcing Ji Siqi to carry her on his back to a viewing spot.
Looking up from beneath the Ferris wheel, Ji Siqi witnessed his brother and Qi Nian kissing. From atop the wheel, Ji Yanxin also saw his brother's disheartened figure below. The next morning, Qi Nian woke up alone in a hotel room, vaguely recalling the kiss but dismissing it as a dream. When she opened her door, she found Lu Qingwu, who cryptically mentioned "the two brothers." Lu Qingwu then revealed the connection between Ji Yanxin and Ji Siqi, a fact Qi Nian had been completely unaware of.
Episode 12 Recap
After a night out, a visibly drunk Qi Nian was carried down from a Ferris wheel by Ji Yanxin. Ji Siqi, observing the scene, clenched his fists and glared at his brother. Stating he had family affairs to deal with, Ji Yanxin entrusted Qi Nian to Lu Qingwu's care. The next morning, as the four of them had breakfast, both Ji Yanxin’s hand and Ji Siqi’s face bore injuries.
Qi Nian and Lu Qingwu feared the brothers had come to blows, but Ji Yanxin explained the real reason: Ji Siqi, in a fit of pique, had thrown flyers on the ground, then stumbled while picking them up. Ji Yanxin injured his hand when he instinctively reached out to break his brother's fall. During their tense meal, Ji Siqi almost revealed that Qi Nian was a cartoonist, but she quickly interjected, claiming to be merely his assistant.
The conversation was cut short when Ji Yanxin tried to force her to choose a side professionally. Their grandfather suffered a sudden medical emergency and was hospitalized. Ji Qiu, their cousin, discovered a recently dated will in their grandfather’s drawer. She also overheard him on the phone with an insurance company, inquiring if malignant tumors were covered under his policy, with his grandchildren as beneficiaries.
Realizing the gravity of their grandfather's condition, Ji Yanxin decided to reassure him before his surgery. He lied, claiming he and Ji Siqi had reconciled and were now living together. Relieved, their grandfather stated that their mended relationship made the surgery "worth it." To maintain the charade for their grandfather’s peace of mind, Ji Siqi reluctantly moved into Ji Yanxin’s house. He stipulated one condition: Qi Nian must also stay with them, to prevent him from "committing murder."
The brothers' interactions remained fraught with tension, marked by petty arguments over food preferences and Ji Yanxin’s controlling nature, which included assigning Ji Siqi the task of cleaning up after their dog, Qi Bao. Ji Siqi eventually confided in Qi Nian, revealing the history of their strained relationship. After their parents divorced and left when he was young, Ji Yanxin, once a loving older brother, adopted their father's strict, authoritarian methods.
This led to constant conflict, culminating in a major fight on Ji Siqi's sixteenth birthday. After Ji Siqi was involved in a school fight, a furious Ji Yanxin, angry at what he saw as escapism into manga, destroyed his younger brother's artwork and figurines. Heartbroken, Ji Siqi fled to America to live with their mother, resolving never to see his brother again.
As Ji Siqi's twentieth birthday approached, he was at a cake shop when he was confronted by the same classmate who had provoked him years ago. The classmate mocked Ji Siqi's family, but Lu Qingwu unexpectedly arrived and intervened, pretending to be Ji Siqi’s girlfriend to drive the bully away.
She presented Ji Siqi with a birthday cake and once again offered him a position at her company, but he declined, stating that he had stopped celebrating his birthday at sixteen. Meanwhile, at the house, Qi Nian nearly fell while hanging laundry but was caught by Ji Yanxin. He held her close to prevent their dog from dirtying the clean sheets, causing Qi Nian’s heart to pound.
She innocently asked if he had drunk coffee, mistaking his rapid heartbeat for a caffeine rush. Though he had claimed he wouldn't celebrate it, Ji Yanxin had bought a cake for Ji Siqi. As Qi Nian tried to make birthday noodles, she got flour on her face, and Ji Yanxin gently wiped it off before taking over the cooking himself.
Ji Siqi sat alone by a river, lost in thought, a birthday cake he had bought for himself now smashed on the ground beside him. He returned home with a heavy heart to find Qi Nian had decorated the living room and prepared birthday noodles. He was touched by the gesture, admitting that celebrating with her might be different.
However, his mood soured when Qi Nian revealed that Ji Yanxin had helped with all the preparations and had also left him a gift. The revelation ignited his buried resentment. He furiously accused his brother of trying to antagonize him on his birthday again, just as he had at sixteen. Ignoring Qi Nian's attempts to explain, Ji Siqi insisted his brother had never truly felt remorse. He threw the gift to the floor and stormed out, declaring he would move out for good after their grandfather's surgery.
Episode 13 Recap
Qi Nian confided in Shao Zui and Ji Qiu, revealing that Ji Yanxin and Siqi's relationship remained strained. While there had been a chance for reconciliation, Qi Nian admitted she might have pushed too hard. Shao Zui suggested the brothers' misunderstanding ran deep, referencing Ji Yanxin's unforgivable past action of ruining Siqi's room and ACG collection.
Ji Qiu defended Ji Yanxin, stating he acted for Siqi's own good, but Shao Zui countered with a hypothetical about her idol fan accounts being shut down. Shao Zui mused that Ji Yanxin likely knew he had gone too far, but his personality made it difficult for him to apologize directly. As Grandpa Ji prepared for surgery, Siqi anxiously declared he would agree to any of Grandpa's last wishes, including forgiving Ji Yanxin.
However, Grandpa Ji, who was actually suffering from cholecystitis, not cancer, became enraged. He clarified that updating his will was normal procedure, questions about a malignant tumor were standard for insurance, and calling his old friends was simply to announce his grandson's new relationship. Ji Yanxin then confessed he had deliberately misled Siqi to force a reconciliation, which further angered Siqi. Frustrated by his brother's indirect approach, Siqi demanded a real apology for everything.
Ji Yanxin eventually apologized for all the past harm he had caused. Shao Zui intervened, explaining to Siqi how Ji Yanxin had single-handedly kept their father's company afloat, even working as a labor contractor and developing chronic health issues, all of which he hid from Siqi. He then urged Siqi to look for the birthday gift Ji Yanxin had prepared.
Back home, Siqi found a photo of a door, which led him to his old room, now meticulously restored with his complete ACG collection. Overwhelmed with guilt, Siqi was later found drinking alone at a convenience store by Lu Qingwu. He confided in her, expressing remorse for his selfishness and admitting he was the one who should apologize. Lu Qingwu playfully chided him, advising him to save alcohol for truly sad times and offering him ice cream instead.
Their banter about their age difference hinted at a burgeoning closeness. Meanwhile, a downcast Ji Yanxin began drinking. Qi Nian confronted him about his ambiguous behavior, reminding him she could get tired and give up. A drunk Ji Yanxin pulled her into a tight embrace, pleading with her not to leave and confessing he needed her presence to sleep soundly, calling her more effective than sleeping pills. Reassured, Qi Nian promised she wouldn't leave unless he asked her to.
The next morning, Qi Nian discovered a photo of Ji Yanxin with an elegant woman. Ji Yanxin then announced they were going to "meet the parents" and they drove to the Ji family's old mansion with Ji Qiu and Shao Zui. Once everyone gathered, Siqi announced his decision to join the family business to relieve his brother's burden.
However, Grandpa Ji dismissed the idea, stating he had already hired a professional manager, Lin Yi, to allow his grandsons to pursue their passions freely. It was revealed that Lin Yi was the woman from the photo and Ji Yanxin's former senior. Ji Qiu quickly warned Qi Nian about Lin Yi, identifying her as a "potential rival in love."
Qi Nian, however, was more preoccupied with the dinner menu and inadvertently mentioned that she was not Ji Yanxin's "real girlfriend," which Lin Yi overheard. Before dinner, the brothers had a heartfelt reconciliation in the kitchen. Ji Yanxin explained his past harshness was meant to test if Siqi's passion for comics was genuine, and he apologized. Siqi, deeply moved by the restoration of his collection, also sincerely apologized.
During the meal, Lin Yi tried to stir trouble by revealing Qi Nian's comment to Grandpa Ji. However, Ji Yanxin turned the tables, admitting to his grandfather that he intended to use the situation to make their relationship real. Later, Ji Qiu again expressed concern about the formidable Lin Yi. While acknowledging her rival's strengths, Qi Nian declared her unwavering determination to win Ji Yanxin's heart.
To help, Ji Qiu encouraged Qi Nian to focus on promoting her manga, "Dress for the Beauty," for the Silver Scale Awards and suggested a weekend camping trip to accelerate her real-life relationship with Ji Yanxin. To prepare, Ji Qiu insisted they first go shopping for a "battle robe"—the hottest swimsuit she could find.
Episode 14 Recap
The group arrived at the seaside for a camping trip. Ji Siqi’s attachment to Qi Nian was immediately noticeable, prompting Shao Zui and Ji Qiu to tease that Ji Yanxin must be feeling a sense of crisis. They playfully debated how adults handle love compared to children. Meanwhile, Ji Siqi’s drone crashed into Lu Qingwu’s tent, scattering her expensive, limited-edition face powder and breaking her lipstick.
Lu Qingwu angrily demanded compensation, but Ji Siqi defiantly wiped the smudged lipstick from her face, promising to replace it now that he knew the shade. Lu Qingwu then complained about her stressful work at Rongpin and bragged about her high royalties. To lure Ji Siqi, a fan of her “Thither Cloud” series, she mentioned having the unpublished sequel sketches on her iPad, which was on her yacht. Ji Siqi reluctantly followed her aboard.
Once he was engrossed in the sketches, the yacht pulled away from the shore, and he panicked, revealing his fear of water. Lu Qingwu, enjoying his distress, declared he was stuck with her at sea until morning. From the shore, Shao Zui joked about Ji Siqi's predicament, while Ji Yanxin simply observed without intervening. Qi Nian arrived in a flowy dress, hoping to catch Ji Yanxin’s eye, but he was unimpressed, only commenting on her choice of shoes.
Spurred on by Ji Qiu, who insisted the trip was for her to pursue Ji Yanxin and urged her to use a "secret weapon," Qi Nian changed into a T-shirt with a bikini design. Ji Yanxin, finding it childish, bluntly told her to change again. Feeling rejected, Qi Nian spent time with some children, playfully reprimanding one for calling her "auntie."
Ji Qiu then introduced the "Mascot Game," a camp activity where a male and female pair wearing special bracelets could have their fees waived if they unlocked them within 24 hours. The bracelets unlock faster with proximity and higher heart rates, but an alarm sounds and time is added if they are more than a meter apart.
Qi Nian’s romantic hopes were dashed when Ji Yanxin interpreted the rules literally, explaining that "proper exercise" could raise their heart rates without physical contact. He then led her through a series of strenuous activities like running and sit-ups, turning her flirtatious plans into a grueling workout. Frustrated, Qi Nian confronted him, accusing him of deliberately misunderstanding her intentions and confessed she wanted to "flirt" with him. In her agitation, she stepped on a shell and cut her foot.
Ji Yanxin immediately tended to her wound and carried her on his back toward the camp's clinic. On the way, Qi Nian fully confessed her "ill intentions," admitting she had planned to wear provocative clothes, hold his hand, enjoy intimate moments by the sea, and even attempt a "surprise attack" at night.
Far from being upset, Ji Yanxin smiled, telling her this was the happiest he had been all day and that she should remember her words, as she wouldn't have time to regret them. Aboard the yacht, a severely seasick Ji Siqi was asked by Lu Qingwu to choose between his brother and Qi Nian. He chose his brother but insisted he wouldn't give up on Qi Nian.
Lu Qingwu challenged his feelings, suggesting it was merely gratitude, as Qi Nian was the first to recognize his artistic talent. She promised to cherish his talent a hundred times more than Qi Nian and grant him complete creative freedom. Ji Siqi rejected her offer, stating Qi Nian would always be his priority unless she abandoned him first.
Lu Qingwu then clarified that she wasn't trying to possess him; she simply admired how his art captured beautiful sights and wanted to share them with him. That night, Ji Yanxin invited Qi Nian to sit with him while the others were at a campfire party. He hinted they could create a "confined space" without the bracelets. Flustered by her earlier confession, Qi Nian insisted she now had no "ulterior motives."
Ji Yanxin provocatively asked, "What if I want you to have them?" He suggested a method to minimize their distance while rapidly increasing their heart rates. Qi Nian cautiously leaned in and kissed him. Ji Yanxin reciprocated, and at that moment, the bracelets clicked open. Startled, Qi Nian fled, leaving Ji Yanxin smiling to himself.
Lu Qingwu took Ji Siqi to an uninhabited island and showed him the breathtaking spectacle of "Blue Tears," glowing marine microbes visible only during their breeding season in pristine waters. Captivated, Ji Siqi admitted the experience was worth it and that he disliked her "a tad less." Back on solid ground, Lu Qingwu playfully jumped from a height, and Ji Siqi caught her.
She gave him a blue sand hourglass, calling it a "confession artifact" that represented the wish-granting Blue Tears. Though he dismissed it as childish, he accepted the gift. Ji Qiu was thrilled to see the unlocked bracelets, but Ji Yanxin explained his philosophy on relationships: he pursues who he likes on his own terms and expects complete honesty. If he senses the other person is hiding something, he will keep his distance, regardless of their feelings.
Affected by his words, Qi Nian left the camp early the next morning, leaving only a note. Her abrupt departure soured Ji Yanxin’s mood, creating a tense atmosphere. When he asked where Ji Siqi was, Shao Zui, fearing his wrath, frantically assured him Ji Siqi was with a male friend and definitely not a girl, especially not Qi Nian.
Back at her office, Qi Nian collapsed, dwelling on her confusion over Ji Yanxin's demand for total honesty despite their growing intimacy. Her colleague then revealed that her manga, "Beauty Should Dress Up"—which features a character based on Ji Yanxin—had been published, but the copies were mistakenly mailed to his firm. Panicked, Qi Nian rushed to his office to intercept the package. There, she was stopped by his assistant, Li Yue, who tried to persuade her to give up.
He dropped a bombshell: Ji Yanxin was about to get engaged to Lin Yi, a match approved by his grandfather, and was already making arrangements. Qi Nian tried to dismiss it as a rumor, but then she saw Ji Yanxin and Lin Yi embracing outside the office door. Her backpack slipped from her shoulder, and a small doll of Ji Yanxin inside it fell and shattered, mirroring the devastation in her eyes.
Episode 15 Recap
News of Ji Yanxin's impending engagement, allegedly arranged by his grandfather, began to circulate. This rumor reached Qi Nian just after she witnessed Ji Yanxin and Lin Yi in a close embrace. Unable to hear their conversation, Qi Nian misinterpreted the scene as confirmation of the engagement. Finding the key to Ji Yanxin's house, which he had given her earlier for safekeeping, she resolved that it was time to leave for good.
Upon returning to his apartment, Ji Yanxin found Qi Nian with her packed luggage and the house key left on the table next to a copy of "Dress for the Beauty". Qi Nian confessed that her initial pursuit of him was not born of love but was a calculated effort to find inspiration for her comic.
She revealed that she was the lead author of "Dress for the Beauty", with Siqi as her assistant, and that Ji Yanxin was the prototype for the male lead. She admitted to approaching and flirting with him solely for story ideas, acknowledging the impropriety of her actions.
However, she also confessed that the closer she got to him, the more she genuinely fell in love, to the point where she could no longer draw without him, causing her comic to stall. She insisted her later confessions were sincere but, given the circumstances and his supposed engagement, she didn't expect him to believe her. When Qi Nian turned to leave, Ji Yanxin pulled her back and gave her a passionate kiss.
Just then, Siqi and Lu Qingwu arrived, witnessing the intimate moment. The blue hourglass Lu Qingwu was holding for Siqi slipped from her grasp and shattered, a poignant symbol of his failed chance at love. Still in a daze, Qi Nian was carried back into the house by Ji Yanxin. She bit her own hand, the pain confirming she wasn't dreaming, but Ji Yanxin's uncharacteristic behavior made her question his sobriety.
Disregarding her luggage left outside, he scooped her up, kicked open his bedroom door, and laid her on the bed. A flustered Qi Nian stammered that they were not in that kind of relationship, but Ji Yanxin declared their relationship could be whatever she wanted. He urged her to repeat what she had said earlier: "I just like you, it’s not about anything else," confessing he had waited a long time to hear those words.
He gently took her hands and intertwined their fingers, but the romantic tension was broken by the sound of Qi Nian's stomach rumbling. Meanwhile, Lu Qingwu followed a distraught Siqi for two blocks. When she asked where he was going, he angrily replied, "To die." Lu Qingwu scoffed at his dramatic reaction, challenging him to channel his anger into winning Qi Nian back.
After Siqi ran off, she found him in an alley where he expressed surprise that she, a "frail woman," would follow him out of concern. Lu Qingwu then taunted him for only daring to buy cheap beer to pretend to drown his sorrows. Provoked, Siqi followed her to her apartment. Later, Ji Yanxin took Qi Nian out for a late-night meal and earnestly asked her, "Let's date."
Wary of his usual pattern of building up her hopes only to let her down with a twist, Qi Nian hesitated. Ji Yanxin assured her he was completely sober and serious about his actions. He told her to go home, think it over, and give him an answer the next day. The next morning, Siqi woke up in Lu Qingwu's bed with a headache.
Seeing her in a revealing nightgown, he was shocked, his memory of the previous night hazy after she had plied him with drinks. Lu Qingwu playfully teased him, pretending she was going to pay him for his "services." Later, in her room, she watched a video she had recorded of him drunk in the bathtub. His heartbroken confession—"Brother, someone is bullying me. He kissed the girl I like the most, right in front of me"—had softened her.
In the video, a drunken Siqi mistook her for Qi Nian and demanded she say "I like you." Though she tried to correct him, she eventually relented to his drunken pleas. He fell asleep just as he leaned in to kiss her, and she had simply taken care of him for the night. Qi Nian confided in her friends Liu Xia and Li Yue about Ji Yanxin's proposal.
Initially skeptical, they became convinced of his sincerity after Qi Nian confirmed he had kissed her. Still, Qi Nian was hesitant to accept. She recalled a high school crush, Jin Xianyu, who confessed to her but was seen with another girl two days later, making her fear Ji Yanxin's feelings might be just as fickle. Her friends advised her to confront him directly about her insecurities. Taking their advice, Qi Nian went to Ji Yanxin.
Pointing out that she had always been the pursuer, she questioned his sudden change of heart, asking if he was merely moved by her efforts, looking for a temporary companion, or just lonely. Seeing her anxiety, Ji Yanxin replied simply, "Because I like you. It's just that simple." He then opened his arms, and his warm embrace melted away all her doubts. Later, while organizing her comic drafts, Qi Nian excitedly told her colleague Xinxin about her new relationship.
Ji Yanxin joined them, but as he leaned in to kiss Qi Nian, they were interrupted by his cousin, Ji Qiu. She announced she was now an intern and the new editor for their comic at Man Cao, tasked with "supervising" their romance. She even presented them with a "couple's gift pack" full of vouchers and tickets. Ji Yanxin quickly sent the "juvenile" home. Finding his sudden affection a bit overwhelming, Qi Nian struggled to adapt.
He suggested she start by calling him by his name. When she discovered he had saved her contact as "My Girl," she was touched. They then officially changed each other's contact names to "Boyfriend" and "Girlfriend," solidifying their new status.
Episode 16 Recap
Lu Qingwu looked at her comic, musing that unrequited love felt like a bitter medicine, sweet at first but increasingly unpleasant. Her editor, Director Xiao, found her dramatic outlook unusual, asserting that her own style was to decisively claim what she wanted. Lu Qingwu then confessed that she had installed a positioning system on Siqi's phone and that she intended to pursue him.
Director Xiao advised her to be direct and proclaim her sovereignty, even suggesting she spread his compromising photos online. Meanwhile, Siqi met with his friends at a Comic Cafe, confessing he had lost his virginity after drinking. His friends playfully congratulated him on not becoming a "Wizard"—a man over 25 who remains a virgin, a state that supposedly grants increasing magical power with age. Though Siqi was annoyed, he admitted the situation wasn't serious enough to call the police.
His friends, sensing his unacknowledged feelings for Lu Qingwu, noticed his mixed signals. Chong, who was pregnant, cautioned Siqi to obey traffic rules after getting his license, or he might end up like her. No sooner had she spoken than Chong's water broke, despite her due date being a week away. Siqi urgently called Lu Qingwu for help, stating someone's life was in danger. Lu Qingwu, seeing his distress, rushed to the Comic Cafe and ensured he was alright.
She accompanied him to the hospital, where he thanked her for helping his friend get to the delivery room, preventing her from having to name her baby "Mansheng" or "Kasheng." Lu Qingwu, still shaken from witnessing the "most devastating moment in a woman's life," criticized his simple "thank you." Taking advantage of the situation, she confronted Siqi, stating she had photos and videos of his drunken state.
She implied she might be pregnant, noting it had been her unsafe period that night. She revealed she was trying to woo him and demanded a "clock in" kiss on her face. Siqi, mortified, tried to push her away. Lu Qingwu continued to taunt him, claiming she had numerous other suitors and would soon tire of him, viewing their interactions as just gaining "experience" in a game.
After seeing a photo Lu Qingwu sent him, a frustrated Siqi pulled her close and aggressively kissed her, declaring it a "week's clock in," which left Lu Qingwu furious. Ji Qiu went to Shao Zui's office to discuss an article she had mismanaged, confusing authors and their works, which Shao Zui had secretly helped her withdraw to prevent her from being fired.
Shao Zui playfully complimented her diverse talents, including her ability to take photos, write, and even "fight for her idols online," before admitting he was teasing her. A colleague interrupted, reminding Ji Qiu that as an intern, she shouldn't be in Shao Zui's office, prompting her to leave. Ji Qiu later discussed Siqi's recent artwork with Qi Nian, noting that despite his strong technical skills, his art appeared miserable, as if someone had forced him to create it.
Ji Qiu then revealed that Siqi liked Qi Nian, a fact Qi Nian had been oblivious to. Around the same time, Siqi received a message from Lu Qingwu, which momentarily broke his sorrowful thoughts. Director Xiao advised Lu Qingwu against pitying a man, explaining that while admiration can be replaced, pity often leads to love and self-sacrifice, trapping a woman for life.
Lu Qingwu scoffed at the idea of falling in love with a "kid," but a simple reply from Siqi made her thoughts gravitate toward him. Lu Qingwu attempted to surprise Siqi by covering his eyes from behind, but he reflexively used an over-the-shoulder throw, a habit he developed in high school. Lu Qingwu feigned injury, demanding "kisses and hugs" to get up.
She continued to press Siqi for "clock in" kisses, proposing a deal: she would delete one compromising photo from her 512GB phone for every kiss he gave her. Siqi reluctantly complied. Ji Qiu suggested that Qi Nian update her romance story, "Dress for the Beauty", with more intimate scenes, proposing an "adult chapter" now that the main characters had confessed their feelings.
Qi Nian called Siqi for his opinion, and he surprisingly encouraged her to write "sweet stories" and include intimate scenes regularly, citing Lu Qingwu's "shameless" but popular comics as an example. Qi Nian sensed Siqi's unusual behavior, realizing how cruel it was to ask him to illustrate intimate moments between the woman he liked and another man. Qi Nian went on a one-day business trip for a book ordering fair, making Ji Yanxin visibly unhappy.
He expressed how much he would miss her, counting down the seconds until her return, and insisted on a hug. Qi Nian confided her worries about Siqi to Ji Yanxin, admitting that while his talent was wasted as her assistant, his feelings for her complicated her desire for him to find a better opportunity.
Ji Yanxin reassured her, stating that Siqi was strong and that it was alright for Qi Nian to be "slow to others," as long as she was "sensitive to me." Later, Ji Yanxin took Qi Nian back to her rented apartment and playfully insisted on a kiss before letting her go. A gossiping security guard asked about their relationship, to which Ji Yanxin proudly declared Qi Nian was his fiancée.
Lu Qingwu tried to pour water for Siqi, but he insisted on doing it himself and accidentally scalded his hand. Lu Qingwu took him home, advising him against continuing as Qi Nian's assistant, given his emotional state and injury. She argued that "Dress for the Beauty" was a burden to him and that his current state was dragging Qi Nian's project down.
Siqi, frustrated, retorted that his work was his own business and accused Lu Qingwu of treating him as a "toy for fun." Exasperated, Lu Qingwu blurted out that she liked him but then quickly retracted her confession, claiming it was "fake," as was the claim that they had slept together. She told Siqi he was "free" and drove away as he looked on dejectedly.
Later, Qi Nian met Siqi for dinner, noting it had been a long time since they had last eaten together. She suggested a two-flavor hot pot, remembering that he couldn't handle spicy food. Qi Nian subtly conveyed that "sometimes it's good to make it clear." She explained that Siqi had always compromised for her, and now it was her turn to plan for him.
She then gently told him that his work on "Dress for the Beauty" could stop, explicitly stating that starting tomorrow, their partnership would be over. Back at Ji Yanxin's office, a project's trading date was moved up, requiring staff to work overtime. An employee requested to leave early to "accompany his wife," a reason Ji Yanxin initially rejected. However, when Qi Nian arrived at his office, Ji Yanxin immediately softened, canceling all overtime for his staff and using the very same reason: to "accompany my wife."
Episode 17 Recap
Lu Qingwu proposed that her next work could be serialized on the MC platform, on the condition that she obtain Ji Siqi's full contract. Shao Zui, however, revealed that Ji Siqi had already signed a termination agreement an hour earlier, meaning he was no longer affiliated with MC. When Lu Qingwu questioned this, Qi Nian called her, explaining that she had allowed Ji Siqi to leave because his talent was being constrained by remaining her assistant.
She reminded Lu Qingwu of their previous conversation about Ji Siqi's potential, emphasizing that while the direct termination might hurt him, it was necessary for his growth. Qi Nian urged Lu Qingwu to nurture Ji Siqi properly, not exploit him as a mere source of income. Later that night, an inebriated Ji Siqi arrived at Lu Qingwu’s home, searching for a G-pen Qi Nian had given him and lamenting that he could no longer draw alongside her.
Lu Qingwu offered him a place to stay for the night. However, Ji Siqi pulled her close, asked her to kiss him, and initiated a passionate embrace. Lu Qingwu initially tried to resist, but Ji Siqi held her hand firmly, and she found his dominant actions reminiscent of Ji Yanxin. Meanwhile, a distraught and heavily intoxicated Qi Nian sought comfort in Ji Yanxin's office, singing, crying, and eventually throwing up on him.
She profusely apologized, but Ji Yanxin expressed more concern for her tendency to self-blame, reassuring her that he would handle any significant problems and wished for her happiness. The next day, during a morning meeting, Qi Nian hid under Ji Yanxin's desk. When a female employee accidentally dropped some files, Ji Yanxin bent down to retrieve them, seizing the opportunity to discreetly kiss Qi Nian, who could only bite her lip in annoyance. An alarm roused a sleeping Lu Qingwu.
Ji Siqi, already awake, had prepared breakfast. Despite the previous night's intimacy, Ji Siqi was surprisingly aloof as he proposed they begin dating. Lu Qingwu unexpectedly rejected him, explaining that dating required love, which she believed he did not yet feel for her. Ji Siqi admitted his feelings were unclear, observing that Lu Qingwu consistently challenged his boundaries. He then asked if she truly liked him.
While Lu Qingwu affirmed her fondness for him, she differentiated it from the kind of affection suitable for dating, insisting they revert to being strangers. Elsewhere, Ji Qiu was late for work again, but the clock-in machine coincidentally malfunctioned. She mentioned her leave request had been directly approved by the CEO. However, Shao Zui confronted her about her frequent absences, visible as numerous red marks in her personnel record.
Ji Qiu pouted and promised to be punctual and diligent, swearing on her idol's honor. Lin Yi arrived for a meeting, where Qi Nian introduced herself as Ji Yanxin's official girlfriend. Hearing Qi Nian's surname, Lin Yi smiled meaningfully and insinuated that Ji Yanxin's interest in her might be tied to the Ancient Town project, sowing seeds of doubt in Qi Nian's mind.
Later, Ji Yanxin informed Qi Nian that he had to go to the US for urgent business but had cleared a full day to spend with her. He dismissed her concern that he might be too tired, stating that being with someone he liked was never tiring. At the cinema, Qi Nian appeared distant. Unable to suppress his desire, Ji Yanxin embraced and passionately kissed her, but she pushed him away.
He apologized for rushing things and promised to give her space, but asked her not to make him wait too long. Qi Nian visited Li Yue at the firm, inquiring about the endorser for the Ancient Town project. Li Yue explained it was a highly confidential matter managed personally by Ji Yanxin. Qi Nian then entered Ji Yanxin's office and found a background check on her father, Qi Chengyi, dated early May—the same time she and Ji Yanxin had met.
She deduced that Ji Yanxin had initially targeted her father for the project and was only dating her for that reason. Soon after, a woman called Ji Yanxin's company line, intimately addressing him as "baby." Ji Yanxin did not correct her and mentioned they would have a week together in the US. Qi Nian, standing outside his office, overheard the entire conversation, which confirmed her suspicions. In a conference room, Lu Qingwu awaited an interview with a new artist.
To her surprise, Ji Siqi entered, dressed in a suit. He closed the blinds and walked towards her, creating an intense atmosphere. Their moment was interrupted by Jia, who informed Lu Qingwu about an evening welcome party for new staff. Lu Qingwu, seizing the chance to escape the awkward situation, assigned Ji Siqi to Jia, instructing her to have the new artist blow up balloons for the party.
The sales of "Dress for the Beauty" experienced a surge, yet Qi Nian's intense work ethic was alarming; she had been painting relentlessly for three days straight, almost completing the next month's workload. Ji Qiu and Xin observed her with concern. Qi Nian sadly confided that she feared her relationship with Ji Yanxin might be entirely one-sided. Shao Zui, overhearing, worsened her anxiety by suggesting the woman in the US might be Ji Yanxin's long-lost "white moonlight."
After silencing Shao Zui with a stern look, Ji Qiu decided to organize a party for Qi Nian, hoping to show Ji Yanxin that Qi Nian was not entirely dependent on him.
Episode 18 Recap
Ji Qiu sought Shao Zui's help to find male companions for a party, dismayed when he announced he had arranged for a truckload of male models. This clashed with her true intention: to use ordinary, even "ugly," men to make Qi Nian realize that exceptional men like Ji Yanxin—whom she called a "precious Burberry man"—were a rare find.
Ji Qiu believed that sending Ji Yanxin photos of Qi Nian with other men would trigger his possessiveness, making him fly back immediately. Shao Zui, however, was skeptical, questioning her methods and suggesting Qi Nian might just meet "a Gucci man" instead. Meanwhile, Qi Nian, walking distractedly, collided with a masked man. He revealed himself as Jin Xianyu, who had famously confessed to her in high school.
During their school art show, Jin Xianyu had misinterpreted Qi Nian's first-prize portrait of her young father as a secret declaration of love for him. He had arrogantly offered her a chance to "woo him," a misconception Qi Nian had swiftly corrected. Now, she reminded him that he had been the one to confess, only to pursue the "school babe" the very next day. He justified this by claiming she hadn't accepted his confession anyway.
Despite the awkward past, they exchanged pleasantries, acknowledging the unexpected reunion. Elsewhere at the party, new employee Ji Siqi angrily confronted colleagues who were slandering Lu Qingwu, defending her fiercely and declaring that he cared, even if Lu Qingwu claimed indifference. Later, Lu Qingwu thanked Ji Siqi for his intervention, admitting she was deeply moved that he stood by her. She playfully asked if his past "confession" still stood, to which he affirmed it did.
Ji Siqi then inhaled helium to make his voice comically high, making Lu Qingwu laugh before he playfully kissed her. Later that night, Ji Siqi escorted Lu Qingwu to her room. Lu Qingwu subtly hinted for him to come in, but Ji Siqi insisted that their relationship had started in the "wrong order" and they needed to "start all over again."
He gave her a tender "good morning kiss" on her forehead, leaving her to ponder his old-fashioned yet charming approach. A crowd of ardent fans spotted Jin Xianyu, prompting him to quickly pull Qi Nian into a VIP room to escape. There, he revealed he was "Yu," a member of the idol group XZONE.
Ji Qiu, who had been waiting for Qi Nian, excitedly crashed the VIP room, proclaiming herself a "pure fan" who had supported him since his debut and encouraging Qi Nian to enjoy the moment with her. While Ji Qiu watched Jin Xianyu sing with starry-eyed admiration, Qi Nian sat with headphones on, her mind preoccupied with her own complicated love life. Jin Xianyu approached Qi Nian, sensing her distress.
Upon learning she was troubled by her current relationship, he saw an opportunity. He claimed they were "nearly in a relationship" in high school, a statement Qi Nian immediately corrected to "not even close." Despite not remembering what her hair was like in high school, he feigned deep affection and suggested they leave her dilemma to fate. He proposed a coin toss—heads for reconciliation, tails for giving up—and told her to follow him for the result.
On an open platform, he theatrically threw the coin away, proclaiming, "Your choice is me," and asserting that being with a "national idol" was her destiny. Qi Nian was utterly unimpressed. She flatly told him she only listened to his "nonsense" out of desperation and that his "naive" coin toss simply helped her realize what she truly wanted. As she turned to leave, dismissing his attempts to make her feel moved, Ji Yanxin suddenly appeared and pulled her away.
Ji Yanxin dragged Qi Nian into a private room, expressing his dismay that she had attracted a "rotten peach blossom" in his absence. Frustrated by Ji Yanxin's unresponsiveness and Jin Xianyu's arrogance, Qi Nian lost her temper. When Jin Xianyu called Qi Nian's phone, Ji Yanxin intercepted it, silencing her with a passionate kiss. Qi Nian furiously challenged him, asking why he could be accompanied by "beautiful girls" while she couldn't even have a male friend.
In response, Ji Yanxin made a call. The female voice on the other end, endearingly calling him "honey" and "baby," provoked Qi Nian into a confrontation. However, her anger dissolved into shock when the woman then addressed Ji Yanxin as "son," revealing she was his mother and dispelling Qi Nian's misunderstanding. Meanwhile, Shao Zui found a dejected Ji Qiu in Jin Xianyu's VIP room.
She had gotten two of the idol's friends drunk, only to uncover a trove of his "black history"—his narcissism, transactional relationships with women, preferential treatment of fans, demand for luxury gifts, instigation of fan wars, and manipulative friendships for career gain. This devastating truth shattered her "pure fan" devotion. Declaring she would now focus on her career, Ji Qiu prepared to confront Qi Nian, but Shao Zui stopped her, revealing he had already informed Ji Yanxin of the situation.
Shao Zui had sent Ji Yanxin an email with photos of Qi Nian, using "no sex before marriage"—a Ji family rule—as the password, confident that Ji Yanxin's feelings would compel him to return. In a flashback, before his departure, Ji Yanxin had confided in Shao Zui. He confessed he was "not an upright gentleman" and that his intense possessiveness over Qi Nian was constantly making him question himself.
He feared becoming the "controlling freak" Ji Siqi had accused him of being, eventually controlling Qi Nian's life and "exceeding his authority." His trip to America was meant to be a period to "calm down" and create space for them both. However, as Shao Zui had predicted, Ji Yanxin's carefully planned separation was undone by the mere sight of Qi Nian with another man. Shao Zui, having orchestrated Ji Yanxin's return, thoughtfully arranged a car for the couple.
Ji Yanxin drove Qi Nian to a romantic hotel, where she finally voiced her deepest insecurity: whether he had only approached her because of the project involving her father. Ji Yanxin vehemently denied this, stating his self-respect would never allow him to "get a girlfriend for every project." He clarified that while he had sought her father's assistance, it had no bearing on his feelings for her.
Still seeking reassurance, Qi Nian confessed her confusion, asking when he had fallen in love with her. Ji Yanxin admitted that even he couldn't pinpoint the exact moment, but that his feelings had evolved "naturally." He explained that he had reached a point where he "could no longer leave" her, and his love for her continued to deepen daily, as if he were "born to love" her.
Struggling to control his emotions, Ji Yanxin warned Qi Nian about his strong possessive tendencies. He reiterated his fear that he might one day control her entire life, just as he had tried with Ji Siqi, and told her she still had a choice. However, Qi Nian ignored his warning, instead reiterating her most pressing question: why he hadn't answered her calls. Ji Yanxin confessed he was afraid of being "softhearted," knowing that her voice would have shattered his resolve.
Understanding his deep love and internal struggle, Qi Nian kissed him passionately, recalling that she'd been told "to get a man, you should take the initiative." Their embrace deepened as they finally found solace in each other's arms. Later, an exhausted Ji Qiu lay fast asleep on Shao Zui's shoulder in the car. He gazed at the girl he had watched grow up, a somber realization settling in his heart that the days he could continue to accompany her were now numbered.
Episode 19 Recap
Having finally reconciled, Qi Nian wakes up in Ji Yanxin's arms but tumbles to the floor when startled by a phone call from Xinxin. Unable to get up due to her injuries, she listens as Ji Yanxin answers. Xinxin teases them about their intense reconciliation and announces an autograph session for "Dress for the Beauty" next week, with the publicity focusing on their real-life romance.
She warns Ji Yanxin to return a fully recovered Qi Nian, threatening to dismantle his office otherwise. Ji Yanxin promises to care for her and then reveals he has rented the entire suite to serve as her exclusive new studio, complete with multiple rooms and art supplies. Overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness, Qi Nian feels foolish for ever doubting him, and Ji Yanxin agrees her overthinking "black hole brain" needs to be dealt with.
Ji Qiu, feeling down after closing a large fan club for her former idol, posts about her disappointment online. While browsing, she stumbles upon a dramatic post from Qi Nian: "My boyfriend said he would deal with me and won't let me get off the bed. What should I do?" She then sees a comment from Lu Qingwu, who calls it "romance."
Curious, Ji Qiu checks Lu Qingwu’s profile and finds her own post asking for advice on how to win over her young, traditional boyfriend. Lu Qingwu recounts how Ji Siqi fusses over her, bringing shawls and even offering thermal underwear. However, he steadfastly refuses to live together before marriage due to strict family rules.
Frustrated by the two-year wait until Ji Siqi turns 22, Lu Qingwu laments the prospect of becoming an "old leftover woman" and fantasizes about keeping him for herself. Meanwhile, Director Xiao confronts Lu Qingwu about Ji Siqi, her new recruit, beating a colleague at a welcome meeting and suggests transferring him to logistics. Lu Qingwu vehemently defends Ji Siqi, asserting she recruited him herself and warning Director Xiao not to interfere.
Later, Ji Siqi questions Jia, another artist, about Lu Qingwu’s work ethic. Jia explains that due to extreme procrastination, Lu Qingwu only draws covers and color pages herself, while ghostwriters handle the comic's internal content. Jia then assigns Ji Siqi the task of getting the next volume's submissions from Lu Qingwu. Despite his initial dislike for her art style, Ji Siqi now claims to be a fan and wants to observe her techniques.
He offers to stay with her 24/7, even at her home, to ensure she meets her deadlines, an offer she readily accepts. Shao Zui treats Ji Qiu to an abundance of desserts, hoping to cheer her up. He recalls a childhood memory where she cried over a poor math grade, and he, declaring himself her "follower," offered to forge her parent’s signature and promised to always help her.
With newfound determination, Ji Qiu declares she will focus on her career, believing both idols and love are fake. Shao Zui seizes the opportunity, informing her that "Dress for the Beauty" is set to be adapted for television and asking her to be involved. Simultaneously, Director Xiao learns the same news and, seeing Qi Nian's success as a chance to sever a past "bond," instructs his subordinate to prepare a smear campaign against her.
Ji Qiu diligently prepares a TV adaptation proposal. Shao Zui arranges for Xinxin to critique it within Ji Qiu's earshot. Xinxin observes that while the proposal shows deep emotion, it lacks concrete planning. Recognizing Ji Qiu's sincerity, Shao Zui entrusts Xinxin with guiding both the project and Ji Qiu, ensuring she will be cared for in his absence. Engrossed in revising her proposal, Ji Qiu fails to grasp the deeper meaning behind Shao Zui's words.
Now acting as Lu Qingwu's editor and assistant under the name "Key," Ji Siqi becomes a relentless draft-urging machine. He demands a frontispiece, color pages, and twenty pages of rough sketches, even cutting Lu Qingwu’s nails, declaring them a "burden" to her drawing. When Lu Qingwu complains of having no inspiration, she bargains for a hand-holding session to "activate" her creativity. After "recharging" by giving a grateful kiss to Ji Siqi's cheek, she surprisingly submits her drafts on time.
When Jia asks for his secret, Ji Siqi refuses to share, warning that getting the main pages will be a hellish task. Later, seeking to relax, Lu Qingwu challenges Ji Siqi to a fifteen-second no-blink staring contest. Captivated, Ji Siqi leans in to kiss her, but Lu Qingwu suddenly breaks the gaze, complaining of dry eyes.
Flustered and embarrassed, Ji Siqi storms out of the room, leaving Lu Qingwu to muse that while she failed to get a kiss, she couldn't understand why he was so angry.
Episode 20 Recap
The night sky was dark as Ji Siqi urged a recalcitrant Lu Qingwu to finish her manuscript. When she refused to leave her bed, he wrapped her in her blanket and carried her to the computer. Staring blankly at the screen, Lu Qingwu was unwilling to draw, prompting Ji Siqi to question her professional integrity, citing the long hiatus of her previous work, "Thither Cloud." The name of the comic caused Lu Qingwu's demeanor to change instantly.
She angrily challenged him, asking by what right he was questioning her—as her editor, an anti-fan, or her boyfriend. Seeing her sudden distress, Ji Siqi’s expression filled with concern and pain. Meanwhile, Shao Zui frantically called Ji Yanxin, warning him to keep Qi Nian off her phone, but it was too late. The internet was flooded with accusations that "Dress for the Beauty" was a fabrication and that its author, Baby Seven, was a liar.
Ji Yanxin offered to issue a formal clarification, but Qi Nian somberly noted that people only believe what they want to, adding that she had been through this before. Sensing a deeper trauma, Ji Yanxin gently probed if something similar had happened in her past, but she refused to speak of the painful memory. Later, as Ji Yanxin rested his head on her lap, he asked for a story.
After she began a fairy tale, he stopped her, calling her by her old pen name, "Qiyue Qingwu," and asked to hear her own story instead. Qi Nian began to recount her past, starting in high school where she met Lu Qingwu, a fellow aspiring artist who became her mentor and partner, inviting her to debut with her.
In another part of the city, a drunken Lu Qingwu confessed her own version of the past to Ji Siqi as she soaked in a bathtub. She revealed that "Qiyue Qingwu" was the pen name for two people, and the genius artist Ji Siqi admired was not her. She explained that their editor at the time, Xiao Li, recognized their complementary talents—Qi Nian's brilliant world-building and Lu Qingwu's skill with character design—and signed them as a collaborative duo.
Their joint work, "Thither Cloud," was a massive success, earning them the Silver Quill Cup, the highest honor in comics. However, at the award ceremony, only Lu Qingwu went on stage to accept the prize. Qi Nian continued her side of the story to Ji Yanxin. Just before her college entrance exams, she met with Xiao Li to turn in the final manuscript. He deliberately spilled a drink on her computer, causing it to crash.
Under the guise of fixing it, he took the computer, erased her signature from all the artwork, and changed the password to their shared "Qiyue Qingwu" account. He then used drafts from Qi Nian’s personal sub-account to publicly frame her for plagiarizing Lu Qingwu. With no internet access for a month while she focused on her exams, Qi Nian was unable to defend herself and was quickly vilified by the fan community, forcing her to delete her accounts.
She was eventually hired by MC Comics, where she adopted a new name and art style, even tackling the unfamiliar genre of romance comics. She told Ji Yanxin she never wanted to revisit that trauma. He held her, respecting her wishes but also gently reminding her that stories often have more than one side, and asked if she could handle the current online backlash herself before he intervened.
Lu Qingwu, meanwhile, confessed to Ji Siqi that without Qi Nian, "Thither Cloud" was impossible to continue, and she was forced to create new, "boring" stories to escape her former partner’s shadow. She felt she could never match Qi Nian's natural talent. Angrily, she asked if Ji Siqi also believed she had stolen the credit, insisting that Qi Nian had betrayed her first.
She revealed that Xiao Li had shown her a contract, seemingly signed by Qi Nian, terminating their partnership and renouncing her authorship. Although she was skeptical, a subsequent text from Qi Nian’s number saying "don't come to me," followed by being blocked, convinced her she had been abandoned. Lu Qingwu tearfully expressed the agony of living in Qi Nian's shadow, only to have Qi Nian reappear acting like the sole victim.
As she cried, Ji Siqi began to suspect that a third party was manipulating them both. After Lu Qingwu fell into a drunken sleep, Ji Siqi, now understanding the depth of her pain, quietly finished her manuscript for her. He resolved to stay by her side until she healed.
When she woke, Lu Qingwu playfully tried to convince him to move in, but a sudden, alarming message on his phone caused him to jump up and leave, telling her not to contact him for a few days. Shortly after, Lu Qingwu was summoned by Xiao Li to a tea house.
He intended to pitch her comic, "Flower & Romance," to Pei Yan, the head of the prestigious Galaxy Productions, in a bid to suppress the rising popularity of "Dress for the Beauty." At the meeting, Xiao Li tried to disparage Qi Nian's work as a flash in the pan with a small fanbase. However, Pei Yan countered, stating she valued the "sincerity" in a work like "Dress for the Beauty" over mass-produced, "cookie-cutter comics."
Offended by the thinly veiled insult, Lu Qingwu stood to leave and accidentally bumped into a server, spilling hot tea on Pei Yan. The next day, Ji Qiu was found asleep at the office conference table after working all night on a proposal. Her boss, Shao Zui, let her sleep through the morning meeting. Afterward, he woke her, invited her to dinner, and reminded her about Baby Seven’s autograph session that day.
As she rushed off, Shao Zui checked his watch, ominously noting he had "14 hours left." Elsewhere, a nervous Qi Nian called Ji Yanxin from the dressing room, worried the online rumors would ruin the event. He calmly reassured her that he was there for her and that she looked beautiful. The autograph session began with Ji Qiu as the host. During the fan Q&A, a fan asked if the character Mr. J was based on a real person.
Qi Nian confirmed that the story was about her pursuit of someone real. When fans clamored to see the real Mr. J, Qi Nian hesitated, wanting to protect his privacy. At that moment, Ji Yanxin stepped onto the stage from the audience. He introduced himself as a fan of Baby Seven and, to the shock and delight of the crowd, as her boyfriend. His appearance instantly dispelled the rumors but also made him a trending topic.
Qi Nian worried about his privacy being compromised, but he was unfazed, telling her that any love that required her to sacrifice her reputation wasn't worth it and that he would always be her support. As they shared a moment, an assistant from Galaxy Productions approached Qi Nian and handed her a business card from Pei Yan, requesting a meeting. Ji Yanxin accepted on her behalf before Qi Nian was pulled away for a group photo with her fans, leaving him smiling proudly as he watched her.
Episode 21 Recap
After an incident where a drink was spilled on her clothes, Ms. Pei left in a hurry, instructing her assistant to postpone an upcoming meeting. However, Ji Yanxin confidently asserted that they would still meet with her, framing Qi Nian as a significant rival they now needed to overcome. Qi Nian confirmed she was already acquainted with Ms. Pei.
Ji Qiu rushed to a restaurant for a planned dinner with Shao Zui, only to find the place empty but decorated for her birthday, a fact she had forgotten. Shao Zui then surprised her, singing "Happy Birthday." He revealed he had cooked fried rice for her, but its terrible taste led Ji Qiu to question if he had ageusia. Shao Zui confirmed this, explaining it was the result of an accident ten years ago.
Though he still has lingering effects, he assured her he was slowly recovering. Later, Shao Zui took Ji Qiu on a shopping spree, offering to buy her anything she desired. Ji Qiu questioned the extravagance, pointing out she would have another birthday next year. Shao Zui hinted that by then, another man would likely be paying for her.
Ji Qiu then mentioned one last thing she wanted to do for her "coming-of-age," which briefly alarmed Shao Zui, who feared she had something reckless in mind. Ji Qiu clarified that her wish was simply to make a birthday cake together. As they decorated it, Shao Zui guided her hand to write her name, "Ji Qiu," just as he used to teach her calligraphy. He wished her a life of happiness, free from hardship. Suddenly, the power went out.
Shao Zui urged her to make a wish, but Ji Qiu insisted she could just tell him. He refused, stating he wouldn't be her "genie" forever, as he intended to get married and have his own life. He then encouraged her to freely pursue romance, promising not to interfere anymore. Upset, Ji Qiu pulled him back as he went to check on the power, causing them to fall and accidentally kiss.
Shao Zui immediately apologized, but Ji Qiu, flustered, demanded he compensate her. Still fuming, Ji Qiu walked away with her shopping bags. Shao Zui caught up to wish her a happy twentieth birthday and urged her to find true love. Misunderstanding his sincerity as an apology for the kiss, Ji Qiu playfully warned him that she would get her revenge. While she bid him "see you tomorrow," a melancholic Shao Zui replied, "goodbye."
The next morning, Ji Qiu arrived at work early, only to be met by Shao Zui's lawyer. The lawyer presented her with an agreement for the gratuitous transfer of all his shares in MC Comics, making her the new chairman of the board. Ji Qiu was left utterly perplexed. Meanwhile, Lu Qingwu sought comfort from Ji Siqi, complaining about a "difficult middle-aged woman."
To her shock, Ms. Pei emerged wearing Ji Siqi's shirt, leading Lu Qingwu to accuse him of cheating. The misunderstanding was cleared when Ji Yanxin and Qi Nian arrived, and Ji Yanxin addressed Ms. Pei as "Mom." Ms. Pei, mother to both brothers, playfully suggested the couples swap partners. When Ji Yanxin and Lu Qingwu protested in unison, Ms. Pei took it as a sign of their compatibility.
After Ji Siqi reaffirmed that Lu Qingwu was his girlfriend, Ms. Pei challenged both couples to film over ten hours of their dates to prove their relationships were genuine. As the couples filmed their vlogs, Qi Nian confronted Lu Qingwu in a pet store, bluntly stating she didn't deserve Ji Siqi. Qi Nian accused her of stealing the authorship of "Thither Cloud" and being responsible for the cyberbullying that nearly ended her career.
A stunned Lu Qingwu denied being the mastermind. Qi Nian dismissed her pleas, stating that after Lu Qingwu chose to take credit for their work, no explanation was needed. Distressed, Lu Qingwu implored Qi Nian to keep this from Ji Siqi, unaware that Ji Yanxin had already told his brother everything. Lu Qingwu later confronted Director Xiao, accusing him of fabricating lies to turn her against Qi Nian.
Director Xiao admitted to his manipulations, reminding her of her own jealousy and callously stating she was merely a "cash cow" to him. Realizing she had been used, Lu Qingwu declared their partnership over. Upon returning to her office, she found Ji Siqi waiting, still filming. He directly asked if she was the other half of "Qiyue Qingwu" and responsible for what happened to Qi Nian. Feeling betrayed and judged, Lu Qingwu emotionally lashed out.
She falsely claimed she had forced Qi Nian to fire him and told him to go find his "goddess." Ji Siqi left, not seeing the tears in her eyes. Finally, Ms. Pei called Qi Nian, expressing delight with her sweet prospective daughter-in-law and teasing Ji Yanxin for being a workaholic. Qi Nian handled the conversation gracefully, and the call ended with Ms. Pei satisfied that her son had finally found happiness.
Episode 22 Recap
Ji Yanxin held Qi Nian close, sensing her boredom as she looked at his architectural drawings. He urged her to be more open about her feelings, stressing that he envisioned a lifetime together, not just a fleeting romance. Taking his words to heart, Qi Nian playfully demanded his full attention for the night. She made him put aside his work, wear matching hairpins for a selfie, and even attempt the popular "Thomas Hug."
As they tried the lift, Ji Yanxin got a slight strain, prompting Qi Nian to tease him about his clumsiness. She wondered aloud if he truly liked her despite her demanding nature, and he warmly affirmed his feelings. This led Qi Nian to ponder if they could have been together sooner had she been more honest. She then asked about Qi Bao's original owner.
Ji Yanxin explained that his driver had found the dog and he never expected to keep him so long, now considering him family. He revealed he would be busy soon and asked Qi Nian to care for Qi Bao, which she happily agreed to, envisioning them as a "family of three." Her daydream was interrupted when Siqi tried to call her but couldn't get through as her line was busy.
A determined Lu Qingwu arrived at her studio and instructed her assistant, Jia, to post a notice on Weibo announcing the restart of "Thither Cloud" and revealing the true story behind the author Qiyue Qingwu. Jia tried to dissuade her from risking her reputation, but Lu Qingwu was unyielding. Just then, Siqi appeared, took her phone, and led her away to the aquarium, reminding her that the sea always calmed her down.
Siqi expressed his frustration, lamenting that despite their breakup, he still found himself drawn back to her, even finishing her overdue drawings. He playfully demanded she take responsibility for his efforts. When Lu Qingwu retorted that she couldn't since he didn't like her, Siqi confessed he did like and miss her, then pulled her into a kiss.
Later, Siqi told Lu Qingwu he had found the recording pen containing her conversation with Director Xiao, which proved she hadn't set up Qi Nian. He explained he had given the recording to Qi Nian and would respect her decision, promising to stand by Lu Qingwu. He then played an audio message from Qi Nian.
In the message, Qi Nian stated that while she couldn't forgive Director Xiao, she was choosing to let go of the grudge against Lu Qingwu, seeing how much Siqi cared for her. She proposed they restart their friendship from the day in high school when Lu Qingwu had first approached her to collaborate. Qi Nian later told Ji Yanxin that she had completely moved on from her past conflicts, crediting Siqi for helping her find peace.
She then urged Ji Yanxin to pay more attention to Ji Qiu, who was deeply affected by Shao Zui's sudden disappearance. Ji Qiu's new assistant, Zhou Xinxin, complained about Shao Zui's abrupt departure and his decision to promote Ji Qiu and transfer his company to her, likening his actions to those of a "tragic CEO." Ji Yanxin located Shao Zui working at a restaurant less than two kilometers from the Ji house.
When questioned, Shao Zui vaguely stated that for him, simply being away from Ji Qiu qualified as a trip. Despite being promoted to CEO of Shao Zui's company, Ji Qiu felt lost, wandering the city at night and longing to know where he was. At the company, her assistant informed her that Shao Zui had sold all his real estate a year ago and moved out of his villa just last week, leaving only a few personal items behind.
Sifting through them, Ji Qiu found a written self-criticism from her childhood, recalling how she was bullied after her parents' death and how Shao Zui, acting as her guardian, had promised to stay by her side until she grew up. Tucked inside a book, she discovered a folded photograph of her father with a note on the back: "Shot in 2009 before the climb with the captain."
Realizing the photo was taken before she had ever met Shao Zui, she began to wonder about his true connection to her father. Ji Yanxin confronted Shao Zui about his past. Shao Zui admitted his purpose in the Ji family was to fulfill her father's dying wish, but he struggled with how to tell Ji Qiu the true cause of her father's death, which he insisted was just an accident.
Sensing Shao Zui was still burdened by it, Ji Yanxin pressed him, but Shao Zui dismissed his concerns. He changed the subject, advising Ji Yanxin to be more attentive to Qi Nian, warning him that she was popular and cute, with many admirers who could easily steal her away. As if on cue, Qi Nian, engrossed in a phone call with Zhou Xinxin about the casting for "Dress for the Beauty," briefly lost sight of Qi Bao.
The dog darted towards a handsome man holding a copy of her comic. The man introduced himself as Su Xuran, the actor cast as Mr. J, and, to Qi Nian's shock, Qi Bao's former owner. Witnessing the scene, Shao Zui jokingly suggested to Ji Yanxin that he should get Qi Nian a "license" to mark his territory. Meanwhile, Su Xuran implied a deeper connection to the role, asking if Qi Nian would like his portrayal of Mr. J.
When Ji Yanxin called, Su Xuran, unseen by Qi Nian, subtly answered the incoming call labeled "Boyfriend" on her phone. Hearing another man's voice, a furious Ji Yanxin hung up and immediately headed to the airport. Missing Ji Yanxin but reluctant to disturb his work, Qi Nian found a humorous way to vent. She used a dog language translator app to record playful insults for him, such as "Ji Yanxin, you idiot!
If you don't come back, I'll cheat on you!" confident he wouldn't understand. Later, Su Xuran arrived at Qi Nian's studio to discuss the role. He probed Qi Nian about what aspects of the male lead attracted her, but she deflected, suggesting he meet Ji Yanxin himself. When Su Xuran then tried to arrange separate meetings with Qi Bao, Zhou Xinxin interrupted to remind him of another appointment.
As he left, Su Xuran addressed her as "Assistant Zhou," leaving her puzzled as she had never told him her name. Siqi discovered that Lu Qingwu had laid off her staff, abandoned profitable IP adaptations, and was determined to restart "Thither Cloud" on her own. This infuriated Director Xiao, who summoned Siqi to his office. Blaming Lu Qingwu for significant financial losses, he threatened to expose her past scandals unless Siqi took on all the rejected projects himself.
To protect Lu Qingwu, Siqi reluctantly agreed to the impossible workload and pushed himself to exhaustion, eventually falling asleep at his desk. Lu Qingwu found him, locked him in the room for his own good, and took his employee ID. She then burst into Director Xiao's meeting. When he accused her of lacking dignity, she retorted that dignity was for those who deserved it, and he did not.
Episode 23 Recap
Following up on her decision to leave Rongpin, Lu Qingwu confronted Director Xiao, declaring him unworthy of respect and demanding to terminate her contract, stating her lawyer would handle the details. Enraged, Director Xiao threatened to ruin her and Qi Nian’s reputations, specifically mentioning the plan to co-sign the "Thither Cloud" project as a potential point of leverage against Qi Nian.
Unfazed, Lu Qingwu warned him that if they were to truly fight, she might not be the one to lose. She then invited her artists to leave with her, confident she could support them. Director Xiao scoffed, believing no one would abandon an industry leader for her. To his shock, Ji Siqi called Lu Qingwu his "Queen," tossed his work badge on the table, and led her out of the company, leaving the other hesitant artists behind.
Later, Qi Nian visited Ji Siqi’s apartment to retrieve her belongings and found Lu Qingwu laughing hysterically at a show, her appearance disheveled. Embarrassed, Lu Qingwu quickly tidied up. With their past misunderstandings resolved, she candidly asked Qi Nian if she and Ji Yanxin had kissed. Qi Nian shyly explained they were adhering to his family's strict rules and that it was difficult to meet him, implying a lack of physical intimacy.
Lu Qingwu playfully advised her not to get hung up on one person when there were many options available. Just then, Ji Siqi returned and overheard her remark. Clearly jealous, he stormed into his room. Lu Qingwu rushed to appease her "King of Jealousy," then humorously warned Qi Nian that if the younger brother was this possessive, she should be wary of the elder one.
Meanwhile, Qi Nian was testing an app with her dog, Qi Bao, to see who was most important to Ji Yanxin. The app suggested it was "his brother," leaving her disappointed. Shortly after, Su Xuran arrived and, in an attempt to win her over, perfectly emulated the character "Mr. J" from her game, even proposing to her in character.
Qi Nian firmly rejected him, stating her boyfriend was her only ideal and that she knew he had only used Qi Bao to get close to her. At that moment, Ji Yanxin appeared and exposed Su Xuran’s deception. He revealed that Su Xuran couldn't be Qi Bao's original owner, as the dog was five years old and Su Xuran had been abroad for a decade.
Ji Yanxin added that Su Xuran had spent a week at a pet clinic just to bond with the dog for the role. Calling him by the old nickname "Fatty Su," which only a close acquaintance would know, Ji Yanxin left Su Xuran stunned. Later, Ji Yanxin teased Qi Nian about a "dog language" voice message she had sent, saying she was getting bolder. To appease him, she had to make him happy.
To make Ji Yanxin happy, Qi Nian agreed to go take photos with him. Before they entered the building, Ji Yanxin reminded her of a "Ji family rule" for when one makes a mistake: "only nod, don't speak." Inside, staff members congratulated her as she was handed forms for marriage registration and a pre-marital check-up. Confused, she pointed out they were at the Civil Affairs Bureau's Marriage Registry.
When Ji Yanxin tried to play it off as creating "atmosphere," she held up the red marriage certificate booklet, sarcastically asking if it was the latest photo booth template. The reality of the situation sinking in, Qi Nian remarked on how sudden it all was and urged him to say the words he never finished on the plane. He confessed, "I miss you."
He then told her that important words should be said all at once: "I miss you, I do, I love you, and let's get married," sealing their new status with a kiss. Elsewhere, Xinxin confronted her old classmate Su Xuran, revealing his interference had only accelerated Ji Yanxin's marriage plans. Ji Qiu found Shao Zui at a restaurant, dramatically embracing him with wild theories that he'd been sold or had a terminal illness. Annoyed, he dismissed her fantasies.
She then produced an old photograph of him with her father before a 2009 mountain climbing trip and demanded to know their true relationship. Shao Zui revealed it was from a mountain disaster; her father had saved him from an avalanche. The night before, her father had expressed deep regret over missing her childhood and his wish to see her grow up. As the survivor, Shao Zui had stayed by her side for ten years to fulfill that dying wish.
Ji Qiu painfully realized his kindness had a time limit—it was merely the fulfillment of a promise. Thanking him for his decade of loyalty, she solemnly vowed to no longer be a burden to him. Lu Qingwu posted a full account of the "Qiyue Qingwu" incident online, feeling a great sense of relief despite the inevitable backlash.
She confessed her fears of becoming a burden to Ji Siqi, who lovingly reassured her he would stay by her side no matter what, even if they had to start over from scratch. Newly married, Qi Nian worried about telling her parents, who didn't even know she was dating. Her mother then called, warmly addressing Ji Yanxin as her son-in-law. She explained that he had visited them the previous week to ask for their blessing, and they had happily agreed.
Her father had simply texted, "got it." Qi Nian then realized Ji Yanxin's "business trip" was actually a visit to her hometown. Soon after, Xinxin called with news that Lu Qingwu had announced her retirement. As Qi Nian prepared to leave, Ji Yanxin reminded her to rely on him if she needed help. Qi Nian struggled with whether to publicly defend Lu Qingwu, knowing it would draw negative attention to herself.
Unlike Lu Qingwu in the past, she refused to retreat in fear. The restaurant owner offered her a new dessert and some wisdom: marriage is simply two people facing life's challenges together. Reminded of Ji Yanxin's words, she asked for his opinion. He admitted he'd prefer she avoid the controversy but encouraged her to follow her heart, promising to catch her if she fell. With Ji Yanxin's support, Qi Nian published a long post defending Lu Qingwu.
MC's official accounts, along with numerous silent accounts, immediately reposted it. To everyone’s surprise, her follower count soared as semi-retired manga masters and famous figures from other fields voiced their support. Knowing only Ji Yanxin could orchestrate such a network, she called him. He jokingly claimed he just "hired some online commenters" out of boredom. Qi Nian marveled at his secrets, and he tenderly replied, "Now, you're the only secret I have left."
Overwhelmed, she tearfully told him she missed him. She then confessed that she had lied before; she ran away because she was scared to be alone and was still afraid of marriage. He reassured her, admitting his own impatience but saying she had helped him grow, and told her to take her time. Without hesitation, Qi Nian rushed down and embraced him from behind, vowing never to make him wait again.
At the restaurant, Ji Qiu, despite her reputation for holding her liquor, passed out drunk. Shao Zui considered distancing himself further to help her move on, but the owner advised against it, cryptically sharing that such an approach had once led to his own family's separation. When Shao Zui tried to find common ground by saying they were both single, the owner flashed a wedding ring, correcting him.
Roused from her stupor, Ji Qiu angrily confronted Shao Zui, calling him scum. She demanded to know why he kept appearing and disappearing from her life, challenging him to either care for her forever or stay away completely, and tearfully asked why he couldn't just like her instead of treating her like a burden.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Waking up, Ji Yanxin playfully demanded the "follow-up" to their comic's story, reminding Qi Nian that since their characters had wed, they were now "legally married" in that context. Feeling shy, Qi Nian tried to quietly retrieve her clothes from the sofa, fearing their dog, Qi Bao, would alert him to her presence. Amused by her modesty, Ji Yanxin gently teased her before rising to prepare their breakfast.
The news spread quickly that Rongpin Animation had terminated Xiao Li's contract, bringing a sense of triumph. Ji Qiu excitedly announced that Xiao Li was "doomed," having been sued by all the artists he wronged and blacklisted by major platforms for copyright infringement. At the old house, the grandfather gathered the family.
Siqi and Lu Qingwu arrived, recounting their disastrous trip which involved falling into the sea, getting lost due to Lu Qingwu's poor sense of direction, losing their belongings, and being chased by a dog. Despite the hardships, Siqi refused to break up with her. Pei Yan then pulled Lu Qingwu aside, revealing that his assistant, Jia, had provided evidence of Xiao Li's fraudulent dealings.
This exposed Xiao Li's betrayal of Rongpin and his use of Lu Qingwu's name for unauthorized copyright transactions. Pei Yan admitted to exchanging resources with Rongpin's senior management to protect Lu Qingwu's intellectual property, which forced their hand against Xiao Li. Reaffirming her commitment, Lu Qingwu boldly "proposed" to Pei Yan for his son's hand, declaring Siqi "will be mine," despite him being two years shy of the legal marriage age.
Pei Yan jokingly accused her of trying to "rob" him of his son. Soon after, Ji Yanxin's mother arrived and announced her own upcoming wedding, stating that other marriages would have to "wait in line" until after hers. Upon hearing his mother's wedding announcement, Ji Yanxin offered his congratulations, though he was clearly affected. Later, he opened up to Qi Nian, explaining his strained relationship with his father, who believed emotions were a weakness and demanded only obedience.
Ji Yanxin had adopted this philosophy until his father's sudden disappearance when he was twenty, an event he described as "a collapse of faith." This left him without direction, causing him to feel he had become a "twisted" person. Qi Nian reassured him that he was far from it, affectionately calling him "a little weird, untruthful, scheming, and possessive," before warmly affirming he was the most wonderful person she had ever met.
Ji Yanxin admitted his initial unhappiness about his mother remarrying but had come to accept it, expressing his wish for his father's well-being and his desire to one day bring Qi Nian to meet him. Ji Qiu confirmed Shao Zui's sense of taste had returned and scolded him for knowing she was confessing while drunk. She then playfully confronted him, questioning if he planned to leave her now that he was well.
As he prepared to leave, Ji Qiu sat on his luggage, declaring her intention to be his "baggage." Shao Zui responded by "packing" her along with his belongings, stating he was "not used to leaving" her behind and promising their trip would not be on a budget. Qi Nian led Ji Yanxin to a restaurant, hoping its kind owner would bake their wedding cake.
Upon entering, Ji Yanxin was stunned to see his mother with the restaurant owner, who was none other than his biological father. He confronted his father, realizing he had been living nearby for years, not just abroad as he had thought. Ji Yanxin questioned his father's unexpected career as a chef, given his previous disdain for men cooking. His father explained it was born from his love for Ji Yanxin's mother.
He then admitted his disappearance years ago was to reconcile with her, revealing that his earlier philosophy—that emotions were "useless"—was a facade, a "lie" that was actually "full of holes." He apologized for his past harshness, affirming that Ji Yanxin had always been a source of pride who could succeed by simply living authentically. Ji Yanxin accepted the apology, acknowledging he had treated Siqi with similar harshness, noting they were "two of a kind."
Siqi accompanied Lu Qingwu to the bridal shop as his mother tried on wedding dresses, expressing his admiration when Lu Qingwu tried on a gown herself. Meanwhile, Qi Nian was still at her studio, finally completing her comic, "Dress for the Beauty," to her colleagues' congratulations. Upon finishing, Qi Nian arrived at the bridal shop and tried on the wedding dress Ji Yanxin had chosen for her.
A staff member then presented her with a "slow mail" letter sent three months prior. Inside, she found a drawing of herself sleeping alongside the message: "July 9. I want to get married with you." Ji Yanxin appeared and placed the wedding ring on her finger. When Qi Nian playfully noted he hadn't formally asked for her consent, a video arrived from his mother.
The footage, filmed in secret, captured Ji Yanxin's heartfelt confession to his parents, in which he declared that while he could survive without her, such a life "is not a real life at all." With his true feelings revealed, Ji Yanxin knelt before Qi Nian. He promised to shoulder all family responsibilities, asking only that she share her life with him, concluding that the most crucial thing was her willingness.
Overcome with emotion, Qi Nian tearfully replied, "I do," and "I love you." Ji Yanxin brought Qi Nian to an old bell tower, explaining that its seven chimes each morning reminded him of her. Qi Nian playfully asked how long he had secretly wanted to marry her. A flashback to ten years prior showed a young Ji Yanxin hanging a wooden plaque inscribed "For Family Harmony," only for Qi Nian's father to point out it was a "marriage wall."
Her father then inadvertently swapped his plaque with one Qi Nian had written, wishing "To Form Marital Ties." Ji Yanxin had cherished her plaque ever since, signifying the quiet beginnings of their shared destiny. Reflecting on her journey, Qi Nian realized that her "ideal Prince Charming" was never a figment of her imagination; rather, when Ji Yanxin appeared, she instinctively knew he was the one.
