Because of You Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Because of You Synopsis
Zhang Guoguo, who grew up in the Tongli wonton store, was the delivery girl in town.
Although Guoguo did not have high education, her warm and cheerful personality won the love of the neighbors.
However, they didn’t know that Guoguo was the daughter of the second daughter-in-law of the famous Suzhou embroidery workshop “Jinlvge”, who grew up in Tongli by accident.
Guoguo had a unique talent for embroidery. Although she was once opposed by Wang Aiyu, she was recognized by everyone for her persistence and hard work and was given the opportunity to study at the Jinlvge.
Guoguo was grateful to Wang Aiyu for raising her, so she considered Wang Aiyu’s biological daughter Zhang Yuxin as her own family.
Unexpectedly, Yuxin became the student of Guoguo’s biological mother Xu Huijie. She incorporated the design concepts learned abroad into her embroidery and became a strong rival of Guoguo.
As they pursue their dreams together, they fell in love with the brothers, Li Yunkai and Li Yunzhe respectively.
In the face of fame and wealth, Yuxin lost herself, while Guoguo remained the original intention of learning embroidery despite the setbacks.
In the end, Guoguo awakened everyone’s conscience with his kind heart and made a career in embroidery herself.
Because of You Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the late 1990s, Golden Thread Embroidery, with its centuries of history, stood as a leader in bespoke hand-embroidery. Its reputation was further elevated when famous movie star Zhang Man Jia wore a gown co-created by the Head Embroiderer, Dong Lijun, and her two apprentices, Song Xiuhua and Xu Huijie, making headlines and earning the piece a place in the Embroidery Art Museum.
Due to her advanced age, Dong Lijun decided to choose a successor from her two disciples, who were also her daughters-in-law. Song Xiuhua was gentle and kind, exceptionally skilled but slow, while Xu Huijie was intelligent and capable but fiercely competitive, always seeking to surpass Song Xiuhua, though her embroidery speed was superior.
The competition would consist of three rounds: the first, to embroider a dress tailored to the opponent's preference; the second, to replicate a design on-site; and the third task, kept confidential. Xu Huijie was determined to win the competition, even forgetting her promise to attend her daughter Jin Yibei's drawing contest.
When she saw Song Xiuhua preparing to deliver the celebrated gown to the art museum, Xu Huijie intercepted her, convinced that Dong Lijun was unfairly favoring Song Xiuhua, especially since the museum curator was a competition judge. Xu Huijie spoke sharply, even making a cruel remark about Song Xiuhua being childless, to pressure Song Xiuhua into letting her deliver the dress.
Xu Huijie succeeded, but by the time her husband Jin Zhiming called, she had completely forgotten about Jin Yibei's competition, telling him she was busy and he would have to go alone. At school, a joyful Jin Yibei waited for her mother, but when she didn't arrive, Jin Yibei began to draw, thinking of her busy mother. Xu Huijie never appeared, and Jin Yibei was left alone until her father, Jin Zhiming, arrived late.
Overcome with guilt seeing his daughter maturely express understanding for her mother's work while missing out on maternal affection, Jin Zhiming suggested they move to America so Jin Yibei could experience a more normal childhood. Unable to take Jin Yibei home due to his own work, Jin Zhiming ordered a pizza delivery to compensate her. Meanwhile, in another house, a crying boy named Li Yunkai, Song Xiuhua’s nephew, was distraught.
His father planned to marry a woman named He Juan, who would become his stepmother, and insisted Li Yunkai accept an older brother, Li Yunzhe. Li Yunkai's father, frustrated by his son's crying, snatched his Transformer toy and reprimanded him before leaving. Li Yunkai sought comfort from his Aunt Song Xiuhua, but she was out. As he was leaving, he encountered Jin Yibei, who teased him for crying.
Annoyed, Li Yunkai ran off and collided with a pizza delivery bicycle, ruining Jin Yibei's pizza. Though he felt bad, Li Yunkai fled without looking back. Without her pizza, a hungry Jin Yibei waited for Xu Huijie to return. When her mother finally arrived, Jin Yibei excitedly greeted her, eager to show her the drawing she had won first place with. However, Xu Huijie, preoccupied with her work, merely glanced at the drawing dismissively.
Sensing her mother's impatience, Jin Yibei stopped insisting and simply said she was hungry, but Xu Huijie told her to find food in the kitchen herself. A dejected Jin Yibei sat alone playing with a doll when Song Xiuhua returned. Seeing Jin Yibei by herself, Song Xiuhua offered her some snacks she had bought and even braided her hair. Jin Yibei sadly wondered why her mother never had time for her.
Song Xiuhua, at a loss for how to explain, gently reassured Jin Yibei that her mother would spend time with her once her work was done. Jin Zhiming approached Dong Lijun, hoping she would simply appoint Song Xiuhua as the Head Embroiderer to make Xu Huijie give up embroidery and move to America with him and Jin Yibei.
Dong Lijun refused, explaining it would be unfair to Xu Huijie, emphasizing that she could not intervene unless Xu Huijie demonstrated flaws in her conduct or skills. Unbeknownst to them, Xu Huijie overheard their conversation. Outraged that her husband was undermining her efforts to win the competition, Xu Huijie confronted Jin Zhiming. He urged her to abandon embroidery and join him and Jin Yibei in America, but she vehemently refused, saying giving up now would be like killing her.
Hearing their argument, Jin Yibei tearfully pleaded with Jin Zhiming not to go to America or leave Xu Huijie. Jin Zhiming left in silence. Jin Yibei ran out after her father but couldn't find him. Instead, she bumped into Li Yunkai, who was on his way to buy a new Transformer. Remembering the ruined pizza, Jin Yibei insisted Li Yunkai take her to get pizza immediately. The two children happily went together, and Jin Yibei temporarily forgot about her father.
After their pizza, Li Yunkai walked Jin Yibei home, where they met Jin Zhiming. Jin Yibei begged Jin Zhiming not to leave Xu Huijie. Moved by his daughter's plea, Jin Zhiming agreed to give Xu Huijie another chance, and the couple decided to reconcile. Troubled by Jin Zhiming's words, Dong Lijun confided in Song Xiuhua. Song Xiuhua's wise counsel, emphasizing the importance of a couple's happiness, uplifted Dong Lijun's spirits.
However, this interaction deeply hurt Xu Huijie, who stubbornly believed Dong Lijun had already decided to name Song Xiuhua the next Head Embroiderer. That night, unknown to Song Xiuhua, Xu Huijie retrieved Song Xiuhua's partially completed competition piece and burned it in a metal bin. Jin Zhiming secretly witnessed the act. The next morning, Song Xiuhua frantically searched for her missing competition piece. Xu Huijie appeared, feigned concern, and helped search briefly before leaving.
Outside, she saw Factory Supervisor Ding Wei washing the metal bin she had used to burn the piece. Alarm flashed across her face as she asked if he had found anything, but Ding Wei claimed to have seen nothing and confidently stated that Xu Huijie would surely win the embroiderer's position. Disappointed by Xu Huijie's unscrupulous actions, Jin Zhiming confronted her, urging her to apologize to Song Xiuhua.
Xu Huijie adamantly refused to admit anything and, to end the discussion, agreed to Jin Zhiming taking Jin Yibei to America. Seeing Xu Huijie's stubbornness, Jin Zhiming left in frustration. Later, Jin Yibei found Xu Huijie, expressing her small wish to help her mother win the competition. Knowing that Song Xiuhua's deepest longing was for a child, Xu Huijie concocted a plan: she would use Jin Yibei as her model and embroider a child's dress for the competition.
Jin Yibei was overjoyed to wear a dress made by her mother for the first time in a long while. Though the dress was too small and uncomfortable, she refused to take it off, focused only on helping Xu Huijie win. The adorable Jin Yibei excitedly showed the dress to Jin Zhiming, telling him she would wear it to help her mother win. Heartbroken by his daughter's innocence, Jin Zhiming decided he couldn't let Xu Huijie continue down this path.
When Jin Yibei entrusted the dress to him for safekeeping, he secretly took it away. Confident she would win, Xu Huijie was furious to discover her competition piece missing and lashed out at Jin Yibei. Song Xiuhua arrived and intervened. When the two women stood on the competition stage, Song Xiuhua displayed her exquisitely embroidered wedding gown, a dragon-phoenix golden thread jacket. With no entry piece, Xu Huijie was forced to concede the first round.
Episode 2 Recap
The second round of the embroidery competition began, with the task of replicating "Heavenly Maiden Scattering Blossoms" within a tight two-hour deadline. The judges agreed that each contestant could have a non-embroiderer as an assistant. Song Xiuhua started her work methodically with the help of her husband, Jin Zhida. Across from her, Xu Huijie was assisted by young Jin Yi Bei. Jin Yi Bei, determined to help her mother win, bravely endured needle pricks without complaint.
Xu Huijie realized her meticulous needlework couldn't compare to Song Xiuhua's, but Jin Yi Bei reminded her of her unique talent for capturing artistic essence, likening her embroidery to a freehand painting that could "picture things that aren't even there." This sparked an idea for Xu Huijie, who decided to incorporate Western installation art into her piece, using a flower patch from Jin Yi Bei's dress as an embellishment.
Meanwhile, at Li Yunkai's home, his stepmother He Juan and her son, Li Yunzhe, were throwing out Li Yunkai's deceased mother's clothes. He Juan told Li Yunzhe that everything in the Li family belonged to them and they must work together to secure their position, removing any reminders of Li Yunkai's mother. Li Yunzhe eagerly agreed. Li Yunkai discovered them and tried to stop them from discarding his mother's belongings.
In the ensuing struggle, Li Yunkai accidentally pushed Li Yunzhe, who fell. Distraught, Li Yunkai fled. Back at the competition, the judges praised Song Xiuhua's intricate and refined Suzhou embroidery, noting her meticulous attention to detail, especially how she split each silk thread into three individual threads for the maiden's eyes, making their gaze deep and mysterious.
When it came to Xu Huijie's piece, the judges were impressed by her innovative approach of combining traditional embroidery with Western art to capture the painting's artistic concept, particularly the maiden's demeanor. While acknowledging Song Xiuhua's superior technique, the judge declared Xu Huijie the winner of this round for her creativity and execution of the painting's demeanor. With both contestants having won a round, Dong Lijun announced a tie and promised to reveal the next topic the following day.
Song Xiuhua congratulated Xu Huijie sincerely, acknowledging her clever idea, but Xu Huijie ungratefully credited only Jin Yi Bei for the inspiration. As Song Xiuhua headed home, she found a crying Li Yunkai by the door. He tearfully recounted how his stepmother and stepbrother had thrown away all of his mother's clothes. Enraged, Song Xiuhua prepared to confront Li Yunkai's father, but Jin Zhida intervened, advising her against meddling in another family's affairs as it might lead to unnecessary conflicts.
Song Xiuhua, though saddened for Li Yunkai, understood Jin Zhida's point. She hugged the boy, whose embrace reminded him of his mother. She comforted him, suggesting they search for his mother's old embroidery works at Golden Thread Embroidery, where she used to study, as a way to remember her. Jin Zhida offered to take Li Yunkai to search while Song Xiuhua returned to Dong Lijun. Dong Lijun then summoned Song Xiuhua and Xu Huijie.
She criticized Xu Huijie for forfeiting the first round, emphasizing the importance of competitive spirit, even if one expects to lose. Song Xiuhua tried to defend Xu Huijie, but Xu Huijie, ungrateful, retorted that if she hadn't been hindered in the first round, she would have already secured the lead embroiderer position. Dong Lijun, displeased with Xu Huijie's arrogance, pointed out the flaws in her second-round piece.
While acknowledging Xu Huijie's speed and creativity, Dong Lijun highlighted that her meticulousness, especially in details like the maiden's hair, still lagged far behind Song Xiuhua's, calling her work sloppy and comparable to an apprentice's. Dong Lijun then revealed the topic for the third and final round: to find the embroidery method for "Dwelling in Fuchun Mountains," a famous ink painting. The first person to successfully do so would become the new lead embroiderer.
Obsessed with winning the lead embroiderer title, Xu Huijie returned to her room, her mind consumed by "Dwelling in Fuchun Mountains." Jin Yi Bei tried to get her mother's attention, wanting her to play, but Xu Huijie, distracted and irritated, impatiently dismissed her. Jin Yi Bei, heartbroken, complained about Xu Huijie's broken promises, including not attending her drawing competition, taking her for pizza, or embroidering flowers on her dress.
Overwhelmed, Xu Huijie lashed out, blaming Jin Yi Bei for losing her cardigan, implying it was the reason she hadn't already won the lead embroiderer position. Jin Yi Bei tearfully left the room. Xu Huijie immediately regretted her outburst and wandered to Jin Zhiming's studio, where she discovered her missing competition entry, the embroidered cardigan, on his drawing table. Xu Huijie confronted Jin Zhiming, accusing him of undermining her and not supporting her like Jin Zhida supported Song Xiuhua.
Jin Zhiming admitted to taking the cardigan, explaining he did so because she had callously burned Song Xiuhua's entry and did not deserve to win by such dishonest means. He criticized Xu Huijie for her ruthless ambition and for sacrificing her family for personal gain, telling her she always blamed others and should learn to be caring and tolerant like Song Xiuhua.
Xu Huijie retorted that embroidery was her life, reminding him of how it brought them together and demanding why he was forcing her to give it up. Jin Zhiming countered that one cannot climb to success over others' bodies. Defiant, Xu Huijie dared him to tell everyone she had burned Song Xiuhua's competition dress.
In the midst of their parents' turmoil, Li Yunkai and Jin Yi Bei, both lacking consistent parental attention, found solace in each other's company and slowly became close friends, sharing their feelings of loneliness. Jin Zhiming, troubled by his deteriorating marriage, approached Jin Zhida to confide his frustrations.
Jin Zhida, as the elder brother, advised him to be more tolerant and understanding towards Xu Huijie, urging him to reflect on her actions with more empathy, which made Jin Zhiming feel a pang of guilt. Xu Huijie, determined to win the final round, considered seeking out Master Cui, Dong Lijun's elder sister and a renowned embroiderer, who she believed held the key to the "Dwelling in Fuchun Mountains" technique.
She learned Master Cui was in Jiangling and planned to visit her retirement home. Suspecting Song Xiuhua might also think of this, Xu Huijie tried to subtly gauge Song Xiuhua's intentions. Song Xiuhua indeed knew about Master Cui and even advised Xu Huijie to consider Jin Zhiming's feelings. This only reinforced Xu Huijie's belief that Song Xiuhua was trying to force her out of the competition. Unwilling to be outmaneuvered, Xu Huijie decided to leave for Jiangling that very night.
However, she was intercepted by Jin Zhiming, who confronted her again about their marital issues and the possibility of divorce. He reiterated his disgust at her ruthless tactics, including burning Song Xiuhua's entry, and her lack of remorse. Unbeknownst to them, Song Xiuhua overheard their heated exchange from outside and walked away, deeply disappointed. Overwhelmed by Xu Huijie's actions, Song Xiuhua, who had initially not desired the lead embroiderer position, now felt compelled to compete.
She decided she could no longer allow Xu Huijie's ambition to go unchecked and, with a resolute heart, set off for Jiangling with Jin Zhida that same night to see Master Cui. At the same time, as Xu Huijie tried to leave for Jiangling, Jin Yi Bei clung to her, begging her mother to stay. Xu Huijie, focused solely on her goal, tried to push past her daughter, but Jin Yi Bei, rushing to catch her, stumbled and got hurt.
Seeing her daughter's injury, Xu Huijie finally stopped. On the road to Jiangling, Song Xiuhua informed Jin Zhida of Xu Huijie's act of burning her first-round entry. Jin Zhida suggested informing Dong Lijun, but Song Xiuhua, in her kindness, decided to give Xu Huijie one last chance. She called Xu Huijie on the phone, urging her to reconsider moving to America with Jin Zhiming and subtly revealing that they knew about the burned entry.
Xu Huijie vehemently denied it but then heard car horns in the background, realizing Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida were also on their way to Jiangling. Panicked, Xu Huijie resolved to reach Jiangling immediately. She hastily left Jin Yi Bei with Jin Zhiming, blaming him for revealing her secret to Song Xiuhua, leading to another bitter argument between them.
Episode 3 Recap
Xu Huijie's deep-seated ambition for the lead embroiderer position intensified, leading to a heated argument with Jin Zhiming, who confronted her about burning Song Xiuhua's competition dress. Jin Zhiming asserted that Xu Huijie was climbing to success over others, and he offered her an ultimatum: either move to America with him and give up the competition, or they would divorce.
Xu Huijie, however, defiantly claimed that men could excel in their careers, so women should also be allowed to have such ambition. She even justified her actions by pointing out that Jin Zhiming had previously hidden her competition clothing. Overhearing their parents' bitter dispute, Jin Yi Bei was devastated by the talk of divorce. Later, a worried Jin Yi Bei complained to Li Yunkai that her parents were annoying and that even her kite seemed to dislike her.
Li Yunkai, in turn, comforted her, promising to retrieve her kite and suggesting that adults could be immature and their words might change. He advised Jin Yi Bei that if she truly wanted to prevent their divorce, she should make her parents happy. Jin Yi Bei, feeling inspired, gave Li Yunkai a handmade amulet, explaining that she had commanded it to make him happy.
Li Yunkai then confided in Jin Yi Bei about his own father becoming distant after his new mother moved in. He also told her about his late mother, who lived happily in heaven. He assured Jin Yi Bei that the amulet would ensure her mother's happiness in heaven and make her father nicer to her, advising her to do things her father enjoyed, like serving him pizza.
They promised to meet the next day for a pizza lunch, and Jin Yi Bei affectionately called Li Yunkai "Big Brother." Jin Yi Bei later approached Song Xiuhua, asking for help to tie a "truelove knot" on the amulet for her parents. Song Xiuhua, noticing the amulet was nicely made, patiently taught her.
Jin Yi Bei expressed frustration with her own embroidery skills compared to Song Xiuhua and her mother, but Song Xiuhua reassured her, encouraging her unique "caterpillar embroidery" style. Meanwhile, Jin Zhiming discussed his marital problems with his brother, Jin Zhida, who advised him to be more understanding towards Xu Huijie. Separately, Li Yunkai's father spoke with He Juan, reassuring her that he was leaving his late wife (Li Yunkai's mother)'s immovable property for Li Yunkai.
He Juan claimed she was content with their current life and wouldn't think of taking others' things, and Li Yunkai's father expressed his deep affection for her, believing she was sensible and understood him, calling marrying her the most correct thing he had ever done. Unbeknownst to him, He Juan had a hidden resentment.
She recalled discovering that Li Yunkai's biological mother, whom she had only perceived as an ordinary housewife, possessed significant wealth, leading He Juan to rationalize Li Yunkai's mother's death as a mere accident, unrelated to herself, and attributing it to misfortune. Driven by her burning ambition, Xu Huijie decided she must become the next heir of Golden Thread Embroidery, determined to escape her past as a janitor's daughter.
Song Xiuhua, having realized that only Teacher Cui, Dong Lijun's senior, held the key to mastering the "Fuchun Mountains" embroidery technique, understood that Xu Huijie would likely reach the same conclusion. Song Xiuhua attempted to counsel Xu Huijie about the true meaning of embroidery, emphasizing that it should be imbued with love for family, implying that abandoning family for fame would go against the embroiderer's goals.
Xu Huijie, however, accused Song Xiuhua of trying to force her out of the competition because Dong Lijun hadn't declared Song Xiuhua the winner. Song Xiuhua patiently clarified that she was advising her as an older sister-in-law, fearing Xu Huijie might later regret her sacrifices. Later, Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida prepared to drive to Jiangling that night to see Teacher Cui, realizing their responsibility to protect the Jin family and Golden Thread Embroidery.
Despite the late hour, Jin Zhida insisted on accompanying Song Xiuhua to ensure her safety. Song Xiuhua called Xu Huijie, attempting to make amends by admitting she and Jin Zhida knew Xu Huijie had burned Song Xiuhua's competition dress and offering her a chance to repent and salvage her marriage. Xu Huijie vehemently denied the accusation and, hearing car noises in the background, realized Song Xiuhua was already on her way to Teacher Cui.
Xu Huijie defiantly stated that no one could stop her ambition. Rushing to leave, Xu Huijie was intercepted by Jin Zhiming, who renewed his plea for divorce, citing Xu Huijie's ruthless actions and lack of remorse. Xu Huijie dismissed him, prioritizing her urgent trip. Jin Yi Bei, trying to stop her mother, accidentally injured her leg.
Xu Huijie, however, scolded her daughter for getting in the way of her dream and left anyway, telling Jin Zhiming to take care of Jin Yi Bei while blaming him for revealing the dress incident. As Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida continued their drive towards Jiangling, Xu Huijie sped off, taking a shortcut, determined to reach Teacher Cui first. Unseen, Jin Yi Bei secretly climbed into Xu Huijie's car, hoping to follow her mother and help reconcile her parents.
While secretly in her mother's car, Jin Yi Bei thought about her love for her parents and wished for them to always be together. Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida successfully met with Teacher Cui, who, despite her failing health and eyesight, gave Song Xiuhua an embroidered piece of "Fuchun Mountains" that she had painstakingly worked on, hoping it would guide Song Xiuhua to the correct method. As Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida departed the nursing home, Xu Huijie arrived.
Unseen by Song Xiuhua, Xu Huijie pursued their car, relentlessly honking to force them to stop. Distracted by the persistent horn, Song Xiuhua turned to investigate, only to realize too late that their car was about to hit a warning sign. Despite her desperate attempt to brake, the vehicle careened out of control and crashed violently into a large tree. Jin Zhida was thrown from the car, falling unconscious, while Song Xiuhua also sustained injuries and lost consciousness.
Xu Huijie, in a panicked state, rushed to the scene. Seeing Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida unconscious, she briefly considered calling the police but, overwhelmed by fear of interrogation, quickly turned and drove away. In her haste, a valuable earring fell from her ear, unnoticed. Unbeknownst to Xu Huijie, Jin Yi Bei, who had been secretly in her car, had also exited the vehicle and was left behind at the accident site.
The young Jin Yi Bei, helpless and alone, eventually wandered off the road and was struck by another car, suffering from amnesia as a result. Back at Golden Thread Embroidery, a distraught Xu Huijie was comforted by Ding Wei, who promised to provide an alibi, claiming she had never left for Jiangling. He also shrewdly advised her to replace her lost earring to avoid suspicion. Despite his assistance, Xu Huijie reaffirmed her sole love for Jin Zhiming.
At the hospital, Song Xiuhua, though only lightly injured, regained consciousness. Seeing an earring by her bedside, she recalled the recent events and concluded that Xu Huijie was responsible for the car crash. When she confronted Xu Huijie, the latter vehemently denied any involvement and produced a complete, matching pair of earrings she had already prepared. Jin Zhiming and Dong Lijun, who had initially been shocked by Song Xiuhua's accusations, were convinced by Xu Huijie's denial.
Moments later, the doctor delivered the devastating news: Jin Zhida had succumbed to his severe injuries. Song Xiuhua collapsed in heart-wrenching sobs, while Dong Lijun was overcome with grief. Overwhelmed by her son's death, Dong Lijun also fell ill. Jin Zhiming, consumed with caring for his mother, instructed Xu Huijie to return home and look after Jin Yi Bei. It was then that Xu Huijie realized she hadn't seen her daughter since she left.
Remembering Song Xiuhua's earlier words about retribution, Xu Huijie frantically rushed home, only to find Jin Yi Bei was indeed gone. After a desperate search, she found Ding Wei, who revealed he had seen Jin Yi Bei sneak into her car the night she departed for Jiangling. Xu Huijie then found Jin Yi Bei's amulet in her car, confirming her daughter had been lost at the accident scene.
Ding Wei, however, sternly warned Xu Huijie not to reveal that Jin Yi Bei had gone missing from her car, as it would inextricably link her to Jin Zhida's death. Meanwhile, Jin Yi Bei, suffering from amnesia, awoke in the arms of a compassionate woman with her own daughter and substantial debts. Mistaking the woman for her mother, Jin Yi Bei clung to her.
Though the woman initially considered taking Jin Yi Bei to an orphanage due to her financial burdens, Jin Yi Bei's tearful pleas and constant calls of "Mom" prevented the orphanage staff from accepting her, as they believed the woman was attempting to abandon the child. The woman eventually brought Jin Yi Bei back to her new wonton shop, which she had acquired by selling her car.
Touched by Jin Yi Bei's diligent and helpful nature, the woman decided to adopt her, giving her the new name Zhang Guoguo. Upon learning of Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida's tragedy, Li Yunkai's father canceled his planned visit to Golden Thread Embroidery. Li Yunkai then heard the heartbreaking news about his aunt's accident and Jin Yi Bei's disappearance.
Holding the amulet Jin Yi Bei had given him, he wept, a young boy grieving the loss of his mother and now his cherished friend. Discharged from the hospital, Song Xiuhua was consumed by sorrow over Jin Zhida's death, weeping incessantly. Xu Huijie, too, shed tears daily over Jin Yi Bei's disappearance. The two women, when they met, could only accuse each other.
Dong Lijun, unable to bear their constant bickering, intervened, sending Xu Huijie away with Jin Zhiming and expressing deep regret for ever holding the embroidery competition. The immense grief and her mother-in-law's unspoken reproaches made Song Xiuhua feel she could no longer remain at Golden Thread Embroidery. Despite Dong Lijun's pleas for her to reconsider, a heartbroken Song Xiuhua remained resolute in her decision to leave.
Before her departure, she found Li Yunkai and tearfully advised him to take good care of himself, leaving the young boy devastated as another loved one walked out of his life.
Episode 4 Recap
Song Xiuhua obtained the "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" image from Teacher Cui and called Dong Lijun to share the news. Concerned about the late hour and rain, Jin Zhida advised them to stay overnight. Song Xiuhua, however, insisted on leaving immediately, eager to return that night, even offering to drive herself so Jin Zhida could sleep during the journey. Meanwhile, Xu Huijie, having learned that Song Xiuhua had already gone ahead to Jiangling, was anxious.
She immediately decided to rush to Jiangling to intercept Song Xiuhua and Teacher Cui, unaware that Jin Yibei had secretly entered her car, concerned for her. Xu Huijie internally resolved not to let Song Xiuhua gain an advantage, fearing that if Song Xiuhua obtained the embroidery first and revealed her past misdeeds, particularly burning Dong Lijun's dress, she would be completely hopeless. Xu Huijie then saw Song Xiuhua's car.
Determined to stop Song Xiuhua, Xu Huijie began to fiercely chase Song Xiuhua's car, repeatedly honking to signal her to stop. Distracted by the honking and looking back, Song Xiuhua suddenly noticed her car was about to hit a warning sign. She braked immediately, but it was too late. The car still lost control, crashing into a large tree. Jin Zhida was thrown from the car after hitting the tree, as he had been protecting Song Xiuhua.
Song Xiuhua herself was also injured and fell unconscious. Xu Huijie rushed to the accident scene, finding Jin Zhida and Song Xiuhua unconscious. She considered calling for help but decided against using her phone, fearing police involvement and interrogation. She left the scene, muttering, "Nobody will know," unaware that her earring had fallen off. Unbeknownst to Xu Huijie, Jin Yibei, who had secretly gotten into Xu Huijie's car earlier, also got out when Xu Huijie checked on the victims.
When Xu Huijie drove away, Jin Yibei was left behind at the accident site. Young Jin Yibei, seeing the unconscious Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida, didn't know what to do. Her own mother, Xu Huijie, had already left. She helplessly wandered aimlessly on the road, crying out for her "Mom," "Eldest Aunt," and "Eldest Uncle." Due to her small size and sudden appearance, she was eventually hit by another vehicle.
At the hospital, Jin Zhiming and Dong Lijun arrived quickly after learning of Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida's accident. Dong Lijun worried anxiously for Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida. A doctor informed them that Song Xiuhua had awakened, her unconsciousness merely due to overstimulation. However, Jin Zhida's condition was critical, requiring emergency treatment.
Meanwhile, back at Jinluge, Factory Supervisor Ding Wei spoke with Xu Huijie, inquiring about the extent of Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida's injuries, noting the accident occurred on their way back from Jiangling and asking if Xu Huijie had seen them. Xu Huijie denied being there. The supervisor then noticed Xu Huijie's dirty shoes and discreetly advised her to claim she had been at the airport delivering embroidery, instructing her to remain calm.
He also pointed out Xu Huijie was missing an earring and told her to replace it to avoid being discovered. Song Xiuhua, upon waking, was given her personal belongings, including an earring. She then had a vivid flashback to the accident, recalling Xu Huijie's car flashing its lights at her. Song Xiuhua confronted Xu Huijie at the hospital, accusing her of deliberately causing the accident by chasing their car.
She claimed Xu Huijie was desperate to obtain the embroidery first and prevent Song Xiuhua from revealing her wrongdoings. Song Xiuhua produced an earring found at the accident site as proof. Xu Huijie, however, produced an identical pair of earrings that she had prepared, casting doubt on Song Xiuhua's accusation. Dong Lijun and Jin Zhiming, though initially shocked, suggested Song Xiuhua had misunderstood after seeing Xu Huijie's complete pair of earrings.
The doctor then delivered the devastating news that Jin Zhida had died due to his severe injuries and being brought to the hospital too late. Dong Lijun and Song Xiuhua were overcome with grief. Overwhelmed by Jin Zhida's death, Dong Lijun also fell ill. At the hospital, Jin Zhiming cared for Dong Lijun and questioned Xu Huijie about Jin Yibei's whereabouts, expressing concern that no one was caring for her at home.
Xu Huijie realized she hadn't seen Jin Yibei since the previous day. Both of them denied being the last one with Jin Yibei, each claiming the other had her last. Troubled by Song Xiuhua's earlier accusations that she would face retribution, Xu Huijie frantically returned home to search for Jin Yibei but couldn't find her. She asked around, but no one had seen Jin Yibei.
When she found Factory Supervisor Ding Wei, he recalled seeing Jin Yibei secretly running toward Xu Huijie's car the night of the accident. Xu Huijie frantically searched her car and found Jin Yibei's amulet, confirming Jin Yibei had been with her and must have gone missing during the accident.
The supervisor then strongly advised Xu Huijie to keep Jin Yibei's presence in her car a secret, warning that revealing it would lead to blame for both Jin Zhida's death and Jin Yibei's disappearance, potentially costing her everything, including the lead embroiderer position and her place in the family. He promised to search the accident scene himself and suggested waiting twenty-four hours before reporting Jin Yibei missing to the police.
Meanwhile, Jin Yibei regained consciousness in a stranger's arms, suffering from amnesia. She clung to the woman, calling her "Mom." The woman, burdened by debt and a biological daughter of her own, attempted to take Jin Yibei to a welfare institution, explaining Jin Yibei was not her child and seemed to have a head injury. However, Jin Yibei's persistent cries of "Mom" led the staff to believe she was being abandoned, and they refused to accept her.
The woman, out of options, took Jin Yibei back to her newly acquired wonton shop. Moved by Jin Yibei's innocent affection and helpfulness, the woman decided to adopt her and named her Zhang Guoguo. Back at home, Li Yunkai, having scored perfectly on a test, was offered a trip to his father's company family day. He Juan intervened, suggesting his half-brother, Li Yunzhe, should go instead, subtly hinting at favoritism.
Li Yunkai's father eventually agreed for Li Yunzhe to go, telling Li Yunkai to stay home and study. Li Yunkai mentioned he had invited a friend for pizza. His father approved, encouraging him to be generous and promising to pick him up later. Later, He Juan gave Li Yunkai extra money and falsely told him his father would be busy and wouldn't pick him up early, implying he should enjoy himself and not rush home.
He Juan secretly hoped Li Yunkai would not return home, aiming to secure Li Yunzhe's position as the sole heir. Li Yunkai, left alone, felt scared and hungry. When he eventually returned home much later, he found Li Yunzhe celebrating his visit to the company with their father. Li Yunkai then learned from his father that his aunt Song Xiuhua had been in a car accident, resulting in his uncle Jin Zhida's death, and that Jin Yibei was missing.
Devastated, Li Yunkai clutched an amulet Jin Yibei had given him, lamenting his unhappiness and her absence. Li Yunzhe further tormented him by taking Jin Yibei's amulet and his mother's embroidered handkerchief. Li Yunkai cried. He Juan intervened, forcing Li Yunzhe to return the items, but Li Yunzhe demanded Li Yunkai acknowledge He Juan as "Mom" and him as "Brother" in exchange, to which a heartbroken Li Yunkai reluctantly agreed.
Overwhelmed by Jin Zhida's death and the loss of Jin Yibei, Song Xiuhua was inconsolable, crying daily. Despite Dong Lijun's pleas and accusations of weakness, Song Xiuhua, heartbroken and resentful due to Dong Lijun's complaints and her husband's death, chose to leave Jinluge. She tearfully bid farewell to Li Yunkai, urging him to take good care of himself. Young Li Yunkai was deeply saddened to see his aunt also leaving him.
Zhang Guoguo fully integrated into her new life, tirelessly helping her adoptive mother at the wonton shop in Xiping, always with a bright smile. Her adoptive sister, Zhang Yuxin, however, often complained about their humble life. One day, Zhang Guoguo offered Zhang Yuxin water, but Zhang Yuxin pushed it away, spilling water on a customer. Zhang Guoguo quickly apologized and sang a song to soothe the irritated customer.
Guilt-ridden over Jin Yibei's disappearance, Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie, remembering their promise to hold a painting exhibition for Jin Yibei, decided to use a painting competition as an opportunity to find her. They advertised the competition in Huzhen, offering a scholarship and a substantial sponsorship of 50,000 yuan for the first-place winner. Zhang Yuxin saw the newspaper advertisement as a chance to escape poverty and get money.
She secretly took money from her adoptive mother and went to Huzhen to participate, making Zhang Guoguo promise to keep her departure a secret. At the competition, Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie meticulously searched for Jin Yibei among the young artists. Jin Zhiming was astonished to see Zhang Yuxin's painting, which bore an uncanny resemblance to Jin Yibei's distinct style. He rushed over, mistakenly believing he had found his daughter. They questioned Zhang Yuxin about her artistic inspiration.
Recalling how Zhang Guoguo had taught her to draw, and seeing an opportunity to rise above her impoverished circumstances, vain Zhang Yuxin lied, claiming the ideas were entirely her own. Disappointed, Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie prepared to leave. Observing their expressions, Zhang Yuxin approached them after the competition with her painting, fabricating a story of being an orphan and appealing for their kindness.
Grieving for their lost daughter, Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie were deeply moved by Zhang Yuxin's plight and readily agreed to help her, promising to visit her school and arrange for her to study in Huzhen. Zhang Mother, anxious after learning from Zhang Guoguo that Zhang Yuxin had gone to Huzhen alone, set out to find her. On the way, she encountered Song Xiuhua, who was unwell and had fallen.
Zhang Mother helped the still-grieving Song Xiuhua return home, noting her distant and unresponsive demeanor, as Song Xiuhua was unwilling to share her situation with the enthusiastic Zhang Mother. Because of assisting Song Xiuhua, Zhang Mother returned home without finding Zhang Yuxin and awaited her. Upon Zhang Yuxin's return, Zhang Mother scolded her for traveling so far alone.
However, her anger turned to joy when Zhang Yuxin announced she had won first place in the competition, securing a sponsorship and the opportunity to attend school in Huzhen. Xu Huijie continued to be distraught and cried inconsolably over Jin Yibei's disappearance. Dong Lijun tried to comfort her, and the two women wept together. To alleviate their profound regret, Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming soon traveled to Zhang Yuxin's school in Xiping.
They learned about her difficult family background and decided to sponsor her education. A teacher led them to Zhang Yuxin's classroom. Unbeknownst to them, their biological daughter, Zhang Guoguo, had just been sent by Zhang Yuxin to clean the toilets, causing them to unknowingly miss their chance to reunite. Zhang Mother, still apprehensive about Zhang Yuxin being taken away, decided to visit Jin Zhiming's school personally to assess his character and the environment.
Impressed by Jin Zhiming's gentle and refined manner, and the pleasant surroundings, she became convinced that sending Zhang Yuxin away was indeed the best choice for her future. To ensure Zhang Yuxin received better care, she then called Jin Zhiming, explaining that she could no longer afford to raise Zhang Yuxin and earnestly asked him to treat her well. Though heartbroken to send her own daughter away, Zhang Mother believed it was for Zhang Yuxin's greater good.
Overwhelmed by sadness, she lost interest in the wonton shop. However, young Zhang Guoguo compassionately comforted her and entertained the customers with songs, helping Zhang Mother regain her composure and spirits. Twelve years passed. Li Yunkai, who had grown into a young man, found himself heading to Xiping to offer legal aid at a local law firm. Before his departure, he deliberately maxed out He Juan's credit card, leaving her exasperated as he drove off.
Zhang Guoguo had also matured into a graceful young woman, yet she remained dedicated to the wonton shop, diligently making and delivering wontons daily, her face always adorned with a radiant smile as she navigated the bustling streets. She was particularly diligent, as the following day marked Zhang Yuxin's graduation ceremony. In a serendipitous turn of fate, Song Xiuhua, who had settled in Xiping years ago due to her profound grief, forged a connection with Zhang Guoguo.
Unaware that the young woman before her was Jin Yibei, Song Xiuhua imparted her exquisite embroidery skills to Zhang Guoguo. Despite her upbringing in a humble wonton shop, Zhang Guoguo possessed an innate talent and passion for embroidery, a legacy from her birth family of embroiderers. Under Song Xiuhua's expert tutelage, Zhang Guoguo embroidered a stunning and dazzling qipao for her adoptive mother.
Episode 5 Recap
In an early scene, Song Xiuhua found herself confronting a woman who was denying her obligation to raise her child with "certain defects." Song Xiuhua insisted that as the mother, it was her obligation to raise her daughter, threatening to involve the police until the woman, flustered, apologized for her "nonsense." Meanwhile, Yi Bei, now suffering from amnesia, was found by Zhang Mother.
Despite young Zhang Yuxin's complaints about their meager living conditions, Zhang Mother decided to take in Yi Bei, reasoning that she was responsible for the child's memory loss. Zhang Mother hoped that when Yi Bei's family was eventually found, they might offer a reward. She affectionately named the child "Zhang Guoguo," a name Zhang Guoguo herself quickly grew to love. Life settled into a routine at their small wonton shop.
Young Zhang Guoguo was a cheerful and hardworking child, diligently assisting Zhang Mother and serving customers with a bright smile. In stark contrast, young Zhang Yuxin was often demanding and dismissive. One day, Zhang Guoguo offered her sister water, but Zhang Yuxin rudely pushed it away, spilling it on a customer. Zhang Guoguo immediately apologized and sang a song to appease the customer, showcasing her kind nature, while Zhang Mother consistently doted on Zhang Yuxin.
Concurrently, Xu Huijie was consumed by despair following Jin Yibei's disappearance, seeing Yi Bei's absence as a cruel retribution. She lashed out at Song Xiuhua, demanding Yi Bei's return and even offering to forsake her embroidery career. Dong Lijun, trying to mediate, questioned Song Xiuhua if she was the driver who had been following their car, hinting at her involvement in the accident that caused Yi Bei's disappearance.
Song Xiuhua vehemently denied the accusation, and Jin Zhiming intervened, taking a distraught Xu Huijie away. At the same time, Song Xiuhua's own mother was overcome with grief, blaming Song Xiuhua for initiating the embroidery competition, which she believed led to her son Zhi Da's death and Yi Bei's disappearance. Dong Lijun later found Xu Huijie preparing to leave the Jin household, advising her that if she left, she should never return.
Instead, Dong Lijun urged her to focus on preserving Golden Thread Embroidery. Eventually, Dong Lijun formally named Xu Huijie the new lead embroiderer, hoping this responsibility would help her cope with her grief and bring Yi Bei back. Xu Huijie admitted that while this position was once her greatest ambition, it now brought her no joy, as the cost was losing Yi Bei. Dong Lijun reminded her to stay strong, highlighting her own endurance despite losing a son.
She also urged Xu Huijie to be kind to Zhang Yuxin, seeing a resemblance to Yi Bei in the young girl, believing it would bring peace to their hearts. Xu Huijie resolved to pick herself up for Yi Bei's sake. Meanwhile, Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie, tormented by Yi Bei's disappearance, decided to host a dyeing compound drawing competition. They remembered Yi Bei's unique drawing style and hoped the competition would serve as a beacon to bring her home.
Young Zhang Guoguo was often seen drawing the very dyeing compound scene that Yi Bei cherished. Young Zhang Yuxin soon discovered the competition poster, which promised a scholarship and a substantial cash prize. Secretly taking money from Zhang Mother, she set off for the competition, making Zhang Guoguo promise to keep her departure a secret. At the competition, Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie anxiously searched for Yi Bei among the participants. Zhang Yuxin's drawing strikingly resembled Yi Bei's distinctive style.
When questioned by the judges, Zhang Yuxin brazenly claimed the drawing as entirely her own creation, incorporating details she had heard from Zhang Guoguo. The judges were impressed by her talent, yet felt a pang of sadness that she was not Yi Bei. Around this time, Zhang Mother also met a visibly distressed Song Xiuhua, who was unwell on the street.
Zhang Mother helped her home and kindly offered the services of her wonton shop, though Song Xiuhua remained aloof due to her profound sorrow. After the competition, Zhang Yuxin approached Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie, feigning an orphaned status to garner their sympathy. Moved by her plight and the perceived reflection of Yi Bei's talent in her, they agreed to sponsor Zhang Yuxin's education and soon visited her school.
During this visit, Zhang Guoguo, unknowingly, was sent to clean the bathroom by Zhang Yuxin, tragically missing the opportunity to reunite with her biological parents. Zhang Mother, though reluctant to let Zhang Yuxin go, ultimately decided it was for her daughter's better future after seeing the kind Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie, telling Jin Zhiming via a phone call that she could no longer afford to raise Zhang Yuxin and asking them to care for her.
In another part of the city, Song Xiuhua bid a heart-wrenching farewell to a young Li Yunkai. She advised him to be obedient to his father and to get along with his new mother for the peace of his deceased birth mother. Li Yunkai, fearing abandonment, asked if she was leaving him too, but Song Xiuhua promised to return. She gave him a special amulet from "Little One" (Yi Bei/Guoguo), telling him to always remain happy.
His stepbrother, Li Yunzhe, often bullied him, taking his cherished possessions. Twelve years passed swiftly. Zhang Guoguo had grown into a graceful young woman, still working diligently at the wonton shop, making and delivering food with a perpetual bright smile. Her innate talent for embroidery, honed under Song Xiuhua's tutelage, had flourished. To surprise her mother, Zhang Guoguo meticulously embroidered a qipao for her, and also commissioned Song Xiuhua to make one for Zhang Yuxin's graduation.
Zhang Guoguo's skill earned high praise from Song Xiuhua. Zhang Yuxin, now a graduate, aspired to work for a major corporation. She interviewed at Times Group but was rejected due to her lack of overseas study experience. Disheartened, she met Lu Sichen on the street, with whom she had secretly married during her studies.
Zhang Yuxin subtly hinted at her desire to have a child, believing it might help her gain acceptance from his family, and also expressed a wish to accompany him abroad, but Lu Sichen did not grasp her indirect suggestions. Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Mother lovingly prepared for Zhang Yuxin's graduation ceremony, ready with their gifts. However, Zhang Yuxin called Zhang Guoguo on the phone, explicitly forbidding them from attending.
Zhang Guoguo, unwilling to disappoint Zhang Mother, kept Zhang Yuxin's refusal a secret. Meanwhile, at Li Yunkai's home, He Juan and Li Yunkai's father were embroiled in a dispute over Li Yunzhe's job. Now an adult, Li Yunkai confronted He Juan with pointed criticisms before storming out. He Juan, secretly thrilled by Li Yunkai's impending departure for Xiping, was not concerned by his complaints. Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Mother arrived in Huzhen. On the way, they unexpectedly encountered Li Yunkai.
Zhang Mother, feeling unwell, stumbled and fell in front of Li Yunkai's car. Li Yunkai, quick to anger, accused them of faking an accident. Outraged, Zhang Guoguo confronted him, demanding an apology for Zhang Mother. When Li Yunkai tried to flee, a furious Zhang Guoguo splashed him with water. After the chaotic encounter, Zhang Guoguo helped Zhang Mother find a place to rest. Unsure of the way to Zhang Yuxin's school, Zhang Guoguo sought directions and coincidentally met Dong Lijun.
The two, unaware of their familial connection, conversed briefly. As Zhang Guoguo assisted Zhang Mother away, she inadvertently left behind the qipao intended for Zhang Yuxin. Dong Lijun, intending to call out to them, picked up the garment and was astonished to recognize Song Xiuhua's distinct embroidery. Upon finally reaching Zhang Yuxin's graduation, Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Mother were overjoyed. However, Zhang Yuxin's expression changed instantly.
Anxious to keep them hidden from Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming, she tried to send them away. Zhang Mother, ever compliant, agreed, but Zhang Guoguo was visibly displeased by Zhang Yuxin's dismissive attitude toward their mother. During a photo opportunity for Xu Huijie, Jin Zhiming, and Zhang Yuxin, Zhang Guoguo boldly stepped into the frame, much to Zhang Yuxin's annoyance.
Unable to outwardly express her anger in front of Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming, whom she had led to believe she was an orphan, Zhang Yuxin suppressed her frustration. Having finally managed to send Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Mother away, Zhang Yuxin joined Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming for a celebratory dinner. During the meal, they expressed a desire to visit Zhang Yuxin's home.
Zhang Yuxin, having kept her marriage to Lu Sichen a secret, was terrified but reluctantly agreed, unable to decline their kind offer. Coincidentally, Li Yunkai's family was dining at the same restaurant for his farewell dinner before his move to Xiping. He Juan and Li Yunzhe were openly gleeful about his departure, while Li Yunkai's father seemed indifferent, and the family ate with their disparate thoughts.
At the restaurant entrance, Li Yunkai's family encountered Xu Huijie, Jin Zhiming, and Zhang Yuxin. Their brief exchange naturally led to a poignant discussion about the long-lost Jin Yibei. Fearing that Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming would discover Lu Sichen, Zhang Yuxin feigned an excuse to retrieve something and discreetly called Lu Sichen on her phone, but received no answer. Unable to delay further, she had no choice but to accompany Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming.
Unbeknownst to her, she dropped an accessory at the restaurant entrance, which Li Yunzhe picked up. Upon arriving at Zhang Yuxin's apartment, Zhang Yuxin asked Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming to wait while she quickly tidied the room, rapidly hiding all of Lu Sichen's belongings before inviting them inside. Seeing the modest living conditions, Xu Huijie suggested Zhang Yuxin move to Golden Thread Embroidery with her. Just then, Lu Sichen arrived with a cake, intending to celebrate Zhang Yuxin's graduation.
Surprised to find guests, he watched as Zhang Yuxin, wanting to conceal his true identity, introduced him as her senior brother. Although taken aback by her lie, Lu Sichen played along, placed the cake down, and left. Once settled at Golden Thread Embroidery, Zhang Yuxin, enchanted by the surroundings, had no desire to return to her rented apartment. Driven by greed, she openly expressed her desire to be Xu Huijie's daughter and inherit everything at Golden Thread Embroidery.
However, Xu Huijie, whose heart was still solely devoted to Jin Yibei, rejected Zhang Yuxin's plea. Despite Lu Sichen's requests, Zhang Yuxin stubbornly refused to return to their shared home, determined to remain at Golden Thread Embroidery. Xu Huijie was deeply affected by Zhang Yuxin's words. On her way to her room, she overheard Dong Lijun and Jin Zhiming discussing Song Xiuhua. Upon inquiring, she learned that Dong Lijun had found a qipao recognized as Song Xiuhua's work.
More unsettlingly, they mentioned that the ancient "Fushan Chun Ju Tu" painting was still in Song Xiuhua's possession. This news caused Xu Huijie great unease, as the events of the past still haunted her. Meanwhile, Zhang Guoguo, having been sent away by Zhang Yuxin, took Zhang Mother shopping. When Zhang Mother admired a dress, Zhang Guoguo wanted to buy it for her, but hesitated at the price.
She ultimately decided to purchase it, paying for it using Xu Xiaoqin's card but telling Zhang Mother that it was a gift from Zhang Yuxin as an apology. Zhang Mother was overjoyed, her heart filled with only positive thoughts of Zhang Yuxin, completely unaware of Zhang Guoguo's sacrifices or Zhang Yuxin's true, self-serving nature. Feeling guilty about losing Song Xiuhua's qipao, Zhang Guoguo made sure Zhang Mother was settled before going to apologize to Song Xiuhua in person.
She also told Song Xiuhua about the embroidery competition being held by Times Group in Huzhen. Zhang Guoguo, in her simplicity, believed Song Xiuhua's talent was too great for their small town of Xiping and urged her to enter the competition to win a grand prize and establish her own studio. However, Song Xiuhua, knowing Times Group was her brother-in-law's company, declined to participate, instead encouraging Zhang Guoguo to enter the competition herself and plan for her own future.
Episode 6 Recap
Zhang Yuxin, who had always believed she would marry into a wealthy family, was shocked to find Lu Sichen working as a waiter in a restaurant. Confronting him, she learned the truth about his family's bankruptcy, which explained his reluctance to introduce her to his relatives. Her anger intensified when she realized he had still gone through with their marriage after his family's financial ruin.
Enraged, she slapped him, declaring that they were strangers from that moment on, and walked away. A flashback reveals their relationship before the bankruptcy came to light. Zhang Yuxin had discussed her desire to study abroad with Lu Sichen and meet his family, even suggesting a child might help her gain acceptance. She expressed her gratitude for the luxurious experiences he provided, like dining in fancy restaurants and wearing designer clothes, but still felt insecure about her orphan status.
Lu Sichen had reassured her, promising she would always be his beloved princess and that their marriage was their own business. For her upcoming graduation ceremony, she had requested him to conceal their marriage from her conservative sponsors, which he had agreed to do. In a flashback to childhood, a young boy, Yun Zhe, fought with a young Zhang Guoguo over a handkerchief.
He insisted she call his mother "mom" and him "older brother" before he would return it, which she tearfully conceded. Later, at Zhang's mother's wonton shop, a customer complained about the late opening. While Zhang's mother was initially short-tempered, young Zhang Guoguo sweetly offered to sing for the customer, charming him into waiting. Twelve years later, Zhang Guoguo has grown into a cheerful young woman, diligently managing wonton deliveries. She embraces a philosophy of finding happiness in every day.
With the encouragement and support of Song Xiuhua, Zhang Guoguo, who previously only knew how to sell wontons, officially embarked on embroidery as her life's career. To better impart her skills, Song Xiuhua proposed to Zhang's mother to formally accept Zhang Guoguo as a disciple. However, Zhang's mother, being selfish and prioritizing her shop's business, only agreed after Zhang Guoguo repeatedly assured her it wouldn't impact sales.
Zhang Guoguo's life is now very fulfilling; she is busy with the shop during the day and learns embroidery from Song Xiuhua in her spare time. She grasps embroidery quickly, mastering many techniques after just one viewing, impressing even Song Xiuhua. Beyond technique, Song Xiuhua emphasizes the cultural aspect of embroidery, showing Zhang Guoguo the "Fuchun Mountains" painting and explaining its various needlework techniques.
Song Xiuhua expresses her sadness over losing her husband and the original "Fuchun Mountains" painting in a past car accident, unaware that the painting is currently casually kept in Zhang Guoguo's own home. Meanwhile, Li Yunkai, now a lawyer, prepares to relocate to Xiping for a legal aid position. He enthusiastically purchases a flamboyant wardrobe, shocking his mother, He Juan, and irritating his father. He Juan, secretly pleased by his departure, gently deflects his father's complaints.
Li Yunkai playfully suggests his move, combined with his aunt's overseas trip, will finally grant his parents a "good life" free of their "eyesores." After arriving in Xiping, Li Yunkai accidentally visits Zhang Guoguo's wonton shop. Remembering their previous roadside dispute, they argue fiercely. Zhang's mother, hearing the commotion, joins Zhang Guoguo in driving Li Yunkai out.
Settling into life in Xiping, Li Yunkai, still resentful of Zhang Guoguo, instructs his law firm colleagues not to order wontons from her shop. Realizing her business is suffering, Zhang Guoguo personally goes to the law firm, leading to another heated argument with Li Yunkai that even alerts his superior. An embarrassed Zhang Guoguo seizes the opportunity to suggest Li Yunkai treat everyone to wontons. The group reluctantly heads to the wonton shop with Li Yunkai.
To show her gratitude, Zhang Guoguo gives everyone an amulet. When Li Yunkai receives his, he is surprised to find it identical to the one Jin Yibei gave him long ago, though he doesn't dwell on it at the moment. Zhang Guoguo and her mother embark on a trip to Zhenhu to attend Zhang Yuxin's graduation. On the road, they encounter Li Yunkai, whose car's sudden honk startles Zhang's mother, causing her to stumble.
Li Yunkai immediately accuses them of faking an injury. Zhang Guoguo, outraged, retaliates by splashing water on him. They find a bench to rest, as Zhang's mother feels unwell, and Zhang Guoguo asks a local for directions to Zhenhu University. Coincidentally, Dong Lijun walks by and notices a qipao that Zhang Guoguo had dropped. Recognizing Song Xiuhua's distinct embroidery, Dong Lijun recalls the "Fuchun Mountains" painting, which she believes is still in Song Xiuhua's possession.
Upon arriving at Zhenhu University, Zhang Guoguo and her mother are overjoyed to see Zhang Yuxin. However, Zhang Yuxin is visibly uncomfortable, trying to keep them hidden from Xu Huijie and Professor Jin, to whom she maintains an image as an orphan. Unaware of the facade, Zhang Guoguo enthusiastically insists on taking a family photo with Zhang Yuxin, Xu Huijie, and Professor Jin.
Li Yunkai, also present at the ceremony, offers to take the photo, remarking on their lack of family resemblance. After the ceremony, Zhang Yuxin joins Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming for a celebratory meal. Their suggestion to visit her home immediately causes Zhang Yuxin distress, as she is secretly married to Lu Sichen. She tries to call him to warn him but cannot reach him. Though hesitant, she reluctantly agrees to the visit.
Rushing home ahead of them, she frantically hides Lu Sichen's belongings before letting Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming inside. Noticing the modest living conditions, Xu Huijie offers Zhang Yuxin a place at Golden Thread Embroidery. At that moment, Lu Sichen arrives with a cake to celebrate Zhang Yuxin's graduation. To conceal their marriage, Zhang Yuxin quickly introduces him as her "senior brother." Though surprised, Lu Sichen plays along and leaves after dropping off the cake.
At Golden Thread Embroidery, Zhang Yuxin is captivated by the opulent surroundings and craves to become Xu Huijie's daughter, hoping to inherit the prestigious embroidery house. She boldly expresses her desire, claiming to see Xu Huijie as a mother. However, Xu Huijie, whose heart belongs solely to her missing daughter Jin Yibei, rebuffs Zhang Yuxin's aspirations. Determined to stay, Zhang Yuxin ignores Lu Sichen's pleas to return home.
Troubled by Zhang Yuxin's naked ambition, Xu Huijie hands her a bank card and leaves, leaving Zhang Yuxin resentful. Overwhelmed by Xu Huijie's rejection and the shattering of her dreams of a wealthy marriage, Zhang Yuxin aimlessly wanders the streets. She overhears a conversation revealing that Lu Sichen's family is bankrupt and he is now burdened with all their debt. Fearing financial entanglement, she quickly leaves.
Her mother calls, but Zhang Yuxin, consumed by anger, vents about the unfairness of her situation before abruptly hanging up, leaving her mother distraught. Zhang Guoguo tries to comfort her mother. Soon after, Zhang Yuxin experiences severe nausea and vomiting. Suspecting pregnancy, she rushes to the hospital, where her condition is confirmed. When she insists on an abortion, the doctor informs her it is not possible and could lead to lifelong infertility.
Distraught and desperate, Zhang Yuxin decides to return to Xiping, hoping to find a hospital for an abortion there. She arrives home to find Zhang's mother admiring a qipao that Zhang Guoguo had painstakingly embroidered. Overcome with long-simmering jealousy, Zhang Yuxin erupts in a furious tantrum.
She bitterly laments her relentless pursuit of a luxurious life, which has only resulted in financial sponsorship from Xu Huijie but no genuine acceptance, and how her dream of marrying into wealth has become an illusion. She despairs that all her efforts have been in vain, while Zhang Guoguo, an orphan who was merely taken in, effortlessly possesses natural talents like drawing and now, even superior embroidery skills.
Zhang Guoguo returns home, initially happy to see Zhang Yuxin, but her joy is short-lived. Consumed by jealousy, Zhang Yuxin immediately confronts Zhang Guoguo, demanding she stop all embroidery. Zhang Guoguo refuses to give up her passion. Unexpectedly, Zhang's mother sides with Zhang Yuxin, forbidding Zhang Guoguo from continuing her embroidery lessons. To further appease Zhang Yuxin, Zhang's mother even sends Zhang Guoguo to spend the night at Xu Xiaojin's house.
On her way home, Zhang Guoguo encounters a heavily intoxicated Li Yunkai. He had been celebrating a lawsuit victory with colleagues, but beneath his outwardly boisterous demeanor, he carried deep loneliness and an enduring longing for Jin Yibei. Seeing a kite in the sky triggers a wave of memories of Jin Yibei, and he continues to drink alone, silently wishing for her return. Concerned for his well-being, Zhang Guoguo reluctantly begins escorting him home. Fortunately, she spots Xu Xiaojin and, finding a lifeline, quickly hands Li Yunkai over to her and makes a swift departure.
Episode 7 Recap
Zhang Yuxin, determined to prevent Zhang Guoguo from overshadowing her, instructed Zhang mother to ensure Zhang Guoguo would not touch embroidery again. Zhang mother readily agreed, prioritizing Zhang Yuxin's wishes above all else. When Zhang Guoguo arrived at Xu Xiaoqin’s house, she was turned away. Xu Xiaoqin, smitten with Li Yunkai after Zhang Guoguo entrusted him to her, did not want Zhang Guoguo interfering with her feelings.
Meanwhile, Li Yunzhe, constantly monitoring Li Yunkai’s movements, sought to keep his brother settled in Xiping to prevent him from returning to Huzhen and competing for family assets. Li Yunzhe actively created opportunities for Li Yunkai to thrive in Xiping. He also decided to engage Zhang Yuxin for his company, Strong Group, to foster a closer relationship with Golden Thread Embroidery.
This was part of a plan to have Lisa Wu, Strong Group’s spokesperson, wear a cheongsam selected by their company at an international TV festival, showcasing their diversity. Li Yunzhe's father, the Chairman, approved of this idea and promoted Li Yunzhe to director of the business development department.
Later, at a family meal with his mother and Li Yunkai, Li Yunzhe expressed his intention to ensure Li Yunkai's departure to Xiping was smooth, even as his mother seemed outwardly pleased with Li Yunkai’s relocation. Li Yunkai, for his part, expressed sadness about leaving his parents and brother, playfully teasing Li Yunzhe about his ambition. Upon seeing Zhang Guoguo, who had spent the night sleeping in the corridor, Zhang mother showed no sympathy.
Instead, she criticized her daughter's lack of understanding and proceeded to gather all of Zhang Guoguo’s embroidery work to burn it, following Zhang Yuxin’s wishes. A distressed Zhang Guoguo attempted to salvage her items, but in the ensuing struggle with Zhang mother, water was splashed on both of them. Enraged, Zhang mother accused Zhang Guoguo of being ungrateful and sternly forbade her from learning embroidery.
However, Zhang Guoguo, whose heart was set on embroidery, defiantly contradicted her mother, asserting that Zhang Yuxin was the truly ungrateful one. This only angered Zhang mother further. She openly declared that Zhang Yuxin was her only beloved daughter and cruelly threatened Zhang Guoguo, warning her not to jeopardize Zhang Yuxin’s future. If Zhang Guoguo dared to touch embroidery again, Zhang mother vowed to make her life miserable.
Heartbroken, Zhang Guoguo could only weep silently over the burnt remnants of her work, clutching the cloth doll she had treasured since childhood, feeling utterly lost. It was revealed through Zhang Guoguo's internal thoughts that the expensive clothing Zhang mother believed Zhang Yuxin bought for her was actually paid for by Zhang Guoguo herself, using Xu Xiaoqin's credit card. Li Yunzhe met Zhang Yuxin as planned and revealed his identity as the Chairman’s son.
He formally invited her to participate in the embroidery competition being organized to select a gown for Lisa Wu. Zhang Yuxin, initially lacking confidence, quickly recognized the immense opportunity after learning of Li Yunzhe’s prominent status. After parting ways with Li Yunzhe, Zhang Yuxin went to see Xu Huijie. Xu Huijie herself was interested in the embroidery competition, but Dong Lijun, the Grand Lead Embroiderer and Xu Huijie’s mother-in-law, did not approve of Golden Thread Embroidery participating in such events.
Additionally, Ding Wei advised Xu Huijie that a loss could damage Golden Thread Embroidery’s reputation. Preoccupied and irritated by these concerns, Xu Huijie had little patience for Zhang Yuxin, summarily dismissing the embroidery Zhang Yuxin had brought and quickly departing. However, the fiercely ambitious Zhang Yuxin had no intention of giving up. Feeling misunderstood and unaccepted, Zhang Guoguo confided in Song Xiuhua about Zhang mother’s disapproval of her embroidery pursuits.
However, due to Zhang Yuxin’s and Zhang mother’s prior warnings, Zhang Guoguo dared not reveal the true reasons behind her mother's stance. In a desperate bid to continue her embroidery studies, Zhang Guoguo again approached Zhang mother, pleading for permission. But Zhang mother remained unyielding, emphatically stating that Zhang Guoguo could not be compared to Zhang Yuxin, and if she interfered with Zhang Yuxin’s prospects, permission would be absolutely denied. Zhang Guoguo’s resolve was firm this time.
Seeing her persistence, Zhang mother resorted to physical violence, striking Zhang Guoguo openly in front of neighbors. Without any regard for Zhang Guoguo’s feelings, Zhang mother continued to beat and berate her, even blurted out that Zhang Guoguo was merely adopted. Surprised by this revelation, Zhang Guoguo was momentarily stunned. Realizing her mistake, Zhang mother quickly changed the subject. Just then, Li Yunkai, having woken up at Xu Xiaoqin’s home, passed by the wonton shop with Xu Xiaoqin.
Witnessing Zhang Guoguo being assaulted, Xu Xiaoqin stepped forward to intervene, but Zhang mother, being ill-tempered, paid her no heed. Li Yunkai quickly joined in, threatening to sue Zhang mother for abuse. Terrified of imprisonment, Zhang mother erupted in a fit of crying and wailing. Zhang Guoguo, unable to bear seeing her mother in such a state, stopped the commotion by threatening Li Yunkai in turn.
Realizing her direct pleas were futile, Zhang Guoguo asked Song Xiuhua to persuade Zhang mother. But Zhang mother was unshakeable in her determination to stop Zhang Guoguo, rendering Song Xiuhua’s intervention useless. Zhang mother even threatened to expel Zhang Guoguo from their home if she continued to pursue embroidery. Seeing Zhang mother’s unwavering stance, Song Xiuhua took Zhang Guoguo away with her. Back at Song Xiuhua’s home, Zhang Guoguo remained deeply concerned for Zhang mother.
Seeing her agitation, Song Xiuhua couldn't help but smile slightly. Song Xiuhua expected to wait a few days for Zhang mother’s call, but to her surprise, Zhang mother called very soon. It turned out someone had fallen ill after eating wontons from Zhang Guoguo's shop, which was why Zhang mother wanted Zhang Guoguo to return. A frantic Zhang Guoguo rushed to a law firm to inquire about the situation.
She learned that the issue stemmed from a customer's dog, a famous internet celebrity, suffering from diarrhea and being unable to work, leading to a demand for compensation from the wonton shop. This case was assigned to Li Yunkai. Zhang Guoguo was highly displeased upon discovering Li Yunkai would handle her case and demanded a different lawyer. However, Li Yunkai, seeing her reluctance, insisted on taking the case.
They had an initial tense encounter at the law firm where Li Yunkai had been on the phone, seemingly complaining about women in the city, before seeing Zhang Guoguo and calling her "Ramen-Head" and his "enemy." Their argument quickly escalated to old grievances, with Li Yunkai demanding compensation for his ruined suit and Zhang Guoguo demanding payment for the wontons she delivered for his "boss." The two then worked together to track the customer, hoping to find valuable clues.
Li Yunkai instructed Zhang Guoguo to pose as if for a photoshoot, but his true intention was to secretly photograph the customer and his dog behind her. Zhang Guoguo cooperated, striking various poses while walking backward, unaware that she was approaching the edge of a pond. Noticing the impending danger, Li Yunkai quickly pulled Zhang Guoguo to safety, but due to the force, he pulled her into his embrace.
Caught off guard, Zhang Guoguo instinctively tried to push him away, but at that moment, the customer looked their way. To avoid being discovered, Li Yunkai held Zhang Guoguo tightly until the customer left. An indignant Zhang Guoguo accused Li Yunkai of acting inappropriately, but after his explanation, she relented. Returning to Huzhen, Zhang Yuxin found Lu Sichen and demanded a divorce. However, Lu Sichen, who deeply loved Zhang Yuxin, refused.
His resolve was particularly strengthened when he inadvertently found Zhang Yuxin’s medical report at home and discovered she was pregnant. This infuriated Zhang Yuxin, who, in a fit of rage, slapped Lu Sichen again and decisively left. Lu Sichen, hoping to move Zhang Yuxin’s heart, believed she would reconsider for the sake of their child. But Zhang Yuxin was resolved not to endure a life of hardship with him any longer, even throwing their wedding photos into the trash.
Driven by her relentless pursuit of a wealthy life, Zhang Yuxin quickly packed her belongings and abandoned their home. Unable to find Zhang Yuxin, Lu Sichen went to Golden Thread Embroidery, only to be told by Xu Huijie that Zhang Yuxin was not there. A helpless Lu Sichen had no choice but to leave. In reality, Zhang Yuxin had arrived at Golden Thread Embroidery earlier and asked Xu Huijie to turn away Lu Sichen.
She had not disclosed her true relationship with Lu Sichen to Xu Huijie, claiming only that he was pursuing her and she had rejected him. Xu Huijie, seeing that Zhang Yuxin had nowhere else to go and had even given up her rented apartment, invited her to stay at Golden Thread Embroidery. (This invitation had been orchestrated earlier by Zhang Yuxin, who created a false impression of herself by having Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming visit her small, rented room.
During their visit, when Lu Sichen unexpectedly appeared at her apartment, Zhang Yuxin quickly dismissed him to Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming as merely a "university club senior" who was pursuing her, a lie they believed. ) At this time, Xu Huijie had her own motivations. Her mother-in-law, Dong Lijun, had consistently disapproved of Xu Huijie’s direction for Golden Thread Embroidery, creating a rift between them.
Furthermore, Dong Lijun had recently found a cheongsam made by Song Xiuhua, which intensified her resolve to find Song Xiuhua. Most critically, Jin Zhiming also supported bringing Song Xiuhua back and both he and Dong Lijun wished for Song Xiuhua to become the Embroidery Master of Golden Thread Embroidery. This left Xu Huijie feeling deeply insecure. Therefore, she was even more eager to participate in Strong Group’s embroidery competition.
However, her position meant she could not afford the consequences of a loss, so she needed a disciple to compete on her behalf. At this opportune moment, Zhang Yuxin’s ambition aligned perfectly with Xu Huijie’s need. For many years, Jin Zhiming had tirelessly searched for Jin Yibei, visiting the police station periodically to inquire about DNA matching information. On his latest visit, he discovered that Jiang Ling had also filed a report seeking Jin Yibei.
Recalling Song Xiuhua’s words at the hospital years ago, Jin Zhiming’s suspicions about Xu Huijie resurfaced. Back in Xiping, Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai quickly reached a settlement with the customer after gathering sufficient evidence. In high spirits, Zhang Guoguo recounted the entire incident to her friend, Xu Xiaoqin. Xu Xiaoqin, who harbored a secret affection for Li Yunkai, immediately contacted him after hearing that his pants had gotten dirty.
She offered to hire a housekeeper for him, which Li Yunkai readily accepted. However, Xu Xiaoqin's true intention was to trick Zhang Guoguo into cleaning Li Yunkai's room without his knowledge.
Episode 8 Recap
Following her agreement with Xu Xiaoqin, Zhang Guoguo meticulously cleaned Li Yunkai's messy apartment, leaving a note signed with Xu Xiaoqin's name. As she was about to leave, Li Yunkai unexpectedly returned. Zhang Guoguo quickly hid under a table, waiting until he finished his phone call and went into the bathroom to shower before making her exit. However, she discovered she had left one of her shoes behind.
Missing a shoe, Zhang Guoguo hurried to Song Xiuhua's house to continue her embroidery studies. They joyfully read a newspaper announcing Zhang Guoguo's successful entry into the embroidery competition semi-finals. During their conversation, Zhang Guoguo mentioned cleaning Li Yunkai's home, which made Song Xiuhua wonder if he might be her long-lost nephew.
Song Xiuhua, recognizing Zhang Guoguo's immense potential and thoughtful approach, such as crafting an intentionally slanted dress for a client with a leg difference, officially accepted her as an apprentice, urging her to wholeheartedly embrace embroidery as a profession. Overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude, Zhang Guoguo eagerly agreed, declaring that meeting Song Xiuhua was her life's greatest honor. Song Xiuhua then revealed that she had signed Zhang Guoguo up for the cheongsam competition instead of herself.
Zhang Guoguo continued to hone her skills, constantly thinking about embroidery, even teaching herself advanced knot-making techniques and diligently studying books on embroidery allusions and famous art pieces. For her semi-final piece, she boldly proposed embroidering on black satin, an idea strongly supported by Song Xiuhua, further impressing Song Xiuhua with her rapid learning and dedication. With one shoe missing, Zhang Guoguo returned home to find another pair. Her mother immediately began scolding her.
Feeling disheartened, Zhang Guoguo complained that her mother didn't even care about her injured foot. Hearing this, her mother's demeanor softened, and she anxiously inquired about Zhang Guoguo's injury, which cheered Zhang Guoguo. Zhang Guoguo then brought up her desire to study embroidery again, assuring her mother that it wouldn't interfere with Zhang Yuxin's future, especially since they lived far apart.
Her mother's attitude softened further, and she agreed to keep Zhang Guoguo's embroidery studies a secret from Zhang Yuxin, but not without emphasizing that Zhang Yuxin's prospects must not be jeopardized. Zhang Guoguo, who was designing a cheongsam for a contest with a looming deadline, assured her mother that she would continue to help at the wonton shop in the mornings and then go to learn from her teacher in the afternoons, reiterating her passion for embroidery.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Zhang Guoguo, Li Yunkai was desperately trying to find the owner of the lost shoe, even gathering all the female acquaintances he knew at his office to try it on. Unable to hide it any longer, Zhang Guoguo reluctantly admitted the shoe was hers but refused to confess she was the one who cleaned his apartment, instead falsely accusing Li Yunkai of stealing her shoe.
Meanwhile, news circulated about Lu Sichen's father's bankruptcy and legal troubles, leaving Lu Sichen burdened with debt. Zhang Yuxin was alarmed, worried she might be implicated. She answered a phone call from Lu Sichen dismissively, later lamenting her difficult fate, furious that her wealthy suitor had turned poor. Determined to take control of her own destiny, she resolved to enter Golden Thread Embroidery. It was revealed that Zhang Yuxin, already married to Lu Sichen, sought a divorce from him.
Despite his deep love for her, Lu Sichen refused, especially after discovering her pregnancy through her medical report. Enraged, Zhang Yuxin slapped him and left, determined not to endure poverty with him. She even threw their wedding photo into the trash before hastily leaving their home. Unable to find Zhang Yuxin, Lu Sichen visited Golden Thread Embroidery, hoping to see her, but Xu Huijie told him Zhang Yuxin was not there.
Lu Sichen briefly mentioned that Zhang Yuxin needed to go to the hospital, but considering her reputation, he did not elaborate further, simply leaving his contact information before rushing off. In reality, Zhang Yuxin had arrived at Golden Thread Embroidery earlier and asked Xu Huijie to help her get rid of Lu Sichen, fabricating that he was merely a persistent suitor whom she had rejected.
Seeing Zhang Yuxin with no place to go, Xu Huijie invited her to stay at Golden Thread Embroidery. Jin Zhiming, still harboring suspicions, confronted Xu Huijie about the disappearance of Jin Yi Bei years ago. Xu Huijie, apprehensive that Song Xiuhua might return and reclaim her position as lead embroiderer, vehemently denied taking Jin Yi Bei to Jiangling, instead accusing Song Xiuhua. Knowing Song Xiuhua's character, Jin Zhiming was initially unwilling to believe Xu Huijie.
However, Xu Huijie presented Ding Wei, who claimed to have seen Jin Yi Bei enter Song Xiuhua's car. Jin Zhiming's resolve wavered slightly. When Xu Huijie then accused him of trusting outsiders more than his own wife, he finally succumbed and believed her and Ding Wei's fabrication. Later, Xu Huijie, walking through the courtyard, noticed Zhang Yuxin washing clothes and appeared pale. Recalling Lu Sichen's earlier comments, Xu Huijie grew suspicious.
Before she could inquire further, Zhang Yuxin fainted from blood loss. Xu Huijie immediately tended to her. In her private thoughts, Zhang Yuxin, disturbed by her physical condition, vowed she would not bear a child for a poor man. She visited a doctor, who confirmed her pregnancy. When Zhang Yuxin requested an abortion, the doctor warned her of the significant risks involved for a late-term pregnancy, particularly given her severe uterine contractions, which could potentially lead to permanent infertility.
The doctor advised her to carry the child to term. Distraught, Zhang Yuxin resolved to travel to Xiping to seek an abortion. Soon after, Zhang Guoguo called Zhang Yuxin, having mailed her some pastries and expressing hope that she would be happy, also urging her to call their mother. Zhang Yuxin, however, was dismissive and hung up the phone abruptly.
Upon arriving at Zhang Guoguo's home in Xiping, Zhang Yuxin was greeted with immense joy by her mother, who eagerly inquired about her sudden return and any troubles she might be facing. Zhang Yuxin quickly deflected, then subtly asked her mother about available abortion clinics in the area, claiming it was for a friend. Her mother explained that such services were strictly regulated and difficult to find.
Zhang Yuxin, frustrated, later noticed a cheongsam made by Zhang Guoguo, adorned with embroidered flowers. Her mother proudly declared Zhang Guoguo's talent, which stirred envy in Zhang Yuxin, who questioned why her adopted sister surpassed her in embroidery and drawing. While pondering her ambitions for Golden Thread Embroidery, Zhang Yuxin recalled her initial plea to Xu Huijie to teach her embroidery, despite her lack of foundation. She had vowed to be Xu Huijie's best student and the next lead embroiderer.
Xu Huijie had acknowledged her determination but emphasized that the heir to Golden Thread Embroidery must be a member of the Jin family, like Jin Yi Bei, who would surely return. Zhang Yuxin had offered to serve as Jin Yi Bei's substitute until her return, willing to do anything for Xu Huijie. After Zhang Yuxin's return to the main city, seeing the luxurious master bedroom at Golden Thread Embroidery, she was consumed by envy for Jin Yi Bei.
Selfishly, she imagined replacing Jin Yi Bei and claiming everything in the house. As she explored the various rooms, she stumbled upon Jin Yi Bei's room. Jin Zhiming quickly intercepted her, explaining that Jin Yi Bei's room was a forbidden space, a symbol of his enduring pain and a sacred memory. Zhang Yuxin resented his protective gesture. Meanwhile, Li Yunkai's father, overseeing affairs at Strong Group, expressed his concern for the upcoming competition.
After assigning tasks to Li Yunzhe, he brought up Li Yunkai. Seeing Li Yunzhe's evident displeasure, Li Yunkai's father was displeased with his elder son's inability to tolerate his younger brother. He then decided to take Li Yunzhe to Xiping to visit Li Yunkai after their meeting concluded. Convinced by Xu Huijie and Ding Wei's testimony, Jin Zhiming's heart filled with resentment towards Song Xiuhua.
He no longer longed for her return and ruthlessly ordered all of Song Xiuhua's belongings to be discarded. Even Dong Lijun's intervention could not sway his decision, and he recounted Ding Wei's fabricated story to her. However, Dong Lijun, who deeply trusted Song Xiuhua, refused to believe his account. Li Yunkai celebrated a recent lawsuit victory with his colleagues, declaring his intention to dominate the law industry in Xiping.
Later, back at his apartment, feeling a bit melancholic from alcohol, he spoke aloud to a kite, expressing how much he missed Jin Yi Bei and his "Aunt" (Song Xiuhua), wishing they could see him and find him, as he yearned for their presence. His mood quickly soured when he discovered that Xu Xiaoqin and Zhang Guoguo, during their cleaning, had found his deceased mother's unfinished handkerchief with his name on it.
Xu Xiaoqin, who had asked Zhang Guoguo to complete the embroidery, was then blamed by a furious Li Yunkai for damaging his mother's only keepsake. He demanded she restore it, threatening to sever ties if she didn't, which forced Xu Xiaoqin to reveal Zhang Guoguo's involvement. Li Yunkai then angrily confronted Zhang Guoguo, shouting at her to restore the handkerchief. Zhang Guoguo realized that her good intentions had inadvertently caused distress.
Before she could attempt to repair it, Li Yunkai's father and Li Yunzhe arrived. Panicked, Li Yunkai quickly ushered Zhang Guoguo into the bathroom, then opened the door for his family. The three men sat together, but the conversation between Li Yunzhe and Li Yunkai was fraught with tension and veiled insults, prompting their father to intervene and diffuse the argument.
When his father requested to use the restroom, Li Yunkai, aware of Zhang Guoguo's presence in the bathroom, quickly claimed there was none and instead recommended a nearby wonton shop that offered both facilities and delicious food. Unsuspecting, his father and Li Yunzhe agreed to go there first. At the wonton shop, Song Xiuhua, who was visiting Zhang's mother, had an unexpected encounter with Li Yunkai's father.
He expressed his profound sympathy for her, seeing her living a solitary life in Xiping. Song Xiuhua, however, earnestly requested that he not disclose her whereabouts to anyone. Respecting her wishes, he agreed, but pleaded with her to promise to maintain contact, to which Song Xiuhua nodded in agreement. Back at Golden Thread Embroidery, Xu Huijie remained dissatisfied with the semi-final design for the competition and instructed Zhang Yuxin to make more modern and daring alterations. Dong Lijun, who happened to witness this, expressed her disapproval, dismayed at Golden Thread Embroidery's increasingly commercial direction and the near-complete abandonment of traditional qipao designs.
Episode 9 Recap
Dong Lijun once again found herself in a heated argument with Xu Huijie over the latter's decision to participate in the embroidery competition. Xu Huijie, convinced her actions were for the betterment of Golden Thread Embroidery, dismissed Dong Lijun's concerns. Seeing Xu Huijie's unwavering determination, Dong Lijun asserted her intention to await Song Xiuhua's return, believing only then could Golden Thread Embroidery be steered back onto its proper course. This belief, however, only fueled Xu Huijie's deep-seated resentment.
Meanwhile, Li Yunzhe instructed his assistant to recruit Zhang Yuxin, a former Golden Thread Embroidery scholarship student. He believed having her on board would symbolize Golden Thread Embroidery's support, ultimately benefiting Strong Group's ventures in the film industry and expanding their influence. Dong Lijun later openly expressed her disapproval of the competition to Xu Huijie, stating that Golden Thread Embroidery's legacy was built on artistry and reputation, not on competitive events.
She scorned the idea of pursuing fame through such means, deeming it unworthy of a lead embroiderer. Xu Huijie countered that her mother was too conservative for modern times, having missed numerous opportunities to strengthen their brand. She firmly stated that as the successor, the decision rested with her. Dong Lijun, however, warned that continued defiance and damage to the company's reputation would lead to Xu Huijie's removal from her position.
Another relative, supporting Dong Lijun, reminded Xu Huijie that if not for a past accident, Song Xiuhua would have been Golden Thread Embroidery's rightful successor. Xu Huijie, frustrated by the comparisons, argued that despite Song Xiuhua's perceived superiority, it was she who had dedicated herself to Golden Thread Embroidery for years. Dong Lijun, unwavering, declared that Song Xiuhua was indeed better and would return.
She then revealed her plan to seek out Song Xiuhua at an upcoming exhibition featuring Yao style embroidery, a style Song Xiuhua held dear. As the competition neared, both Song Xiuhua and Xu Huijie began preparing with their respective proteges, Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Yuxin.
To keep Zhang Guoguo's participation a secret from her foster mother, Wang Ai Yu, Xu Xiaoqin agreed to cover for Zhang Guoguo at the wonton shop, claiming she had sent Zhang Guoguo to Zhenhu for supplies. One evening, Wang Ai Yu, annoyed by Xu Xiaoqin's clumsiness, threw a rag that accidentally struck Li Yunkai. As an apology, Wang Ai Yu quickly prepared a bowl of wontons for him.
It was then that Li Yunkai first learned from Xu Xiaoqin that Zhang Guoguo was also competing. After finalizing her collaboration with Li Yunzhe, Xu Huijie left Zhang Yuxin to wait while she attended another meeting. Bored, Zhang Yuxin wandered through Strong Group’s facilities and unexpectedly encountered Zhang Guoguo. Already harboring deep resentment, Zhang Yuxin immediately demanded Zhang Guoguo withdraw from the competition and leave Zhenhu.
When Zhang Guoguo refused, Zhang Yuxin tore her competition invitation and cruelly blurted out that Zhang Guoguo was merely a "found orphan." Stunned by the revelation, Zhang Guoguo pursued Zhang Yuxin for an explanation, but Zhang Yuxin pushed her to the ground. Before Zhang Guoguo could react further, Zhang Yuxin received a phone call from Xu Huijie and hurried away. Li Yunzhe, for his part, also did not wish for Zhang Guoguo to win.
His agreement with Xu Huijie hinged on Zhang Yuxin securing first place, and Zhang Guoguo's victory would disrupt his meticulously laid plans. His plans were nearly complicated when Li Yunkai called, urging him to ensure the competition was fair. Li Yunkai’s unusual interest in company matters made Li Yunzhe suspicious, leading him to wonder if his brother already knew Zhang Guoguo, who was also from Xiping.
Unbeknownst to his brother, Li Yunzhe had previously revealed to an assistant that he had deliberately arranged for a worker to hire Li Yunkai for a lawsuit in Xiping, a ploy to keep him occupied and away from the company, preventing any interference with his ambitions. Upon returning to Xiping, Zhang Guoguo overheard Wang Ai Yu on the phone with Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Yuxin was complaining that Zhang Guoguo's participation in the competition was hindering her development.
Wang Ai Yu, always favoring Zhang Yuxin, agreed, calling Zhang Guoguo an ungrateful "white-eyed wolf" and deeming adopted children unreliable. Her words deeply wounded Zhang Guoguo, who felt abandoned. She later confided in Xu Xiaoqin, and Li Yunkai, who had arrived to see Xiaoqin, overheard their conversation. Unable to see her so upset, they invited her for drinks.
Finding an outlet for her pain, Zhang Guoguo drank until she was intoxicated, and Li Yunkai had to carry her on his back to Xu Xiaoqin’s house. Song Xiuhua happened to see them from a distance but, not ready for a reunion, chose to hide and watch them go.
The next day, Wang Ai Yu fiercely scolded Zhang Guoguo and, to prevent her from continuing embroidery, forbade her from leaving the wonton shop, ordering her to run it while Wang Ai Yu herself would handle deliveries. A distraught Zhang Guoguo tearfully questioned her mother about her birth, but Wang Ai Yu evasively changed the subject. Later, Li Yunkai visited her at the shop.
He playfully demanded she wash his shirt, which had been stained by her tears when he carried her the previous night, but his true intention was to encourage her to persevere with her dream. With the help of Li Yunkai and Xu Xiaoqin, Zhang Guoguo began practicing her embroidery in secret. Wang Ai Yu remained suspicious, even following her at night, but they managed to fool her into thinking Zhang Guoguo was simply helping at Xu Xiaoqin’s shop.
During one of these evenings, Li Yunkai playfully suggested Zhang Guoguo change her hairstyle. After Xu Xiaoqin gave her a makeover, Zhang Guoguo’s new appearance left Li Yunkai momentarily flustered by feelings he didn't quite understand. As competition day dawned, Li Yunkai devised a plan to help Zhang Guoguo attend: she would pretend to assist at his law firm. Wang Ai Yu, unsuspecting, agreed.
However, just as Zhang Guoguo was about to leave, Zhang Yuxin called her mother, instructing her to stop Zhang Guoguo at all costs. Realizing she had been deceived, Wang Ai Yu furiously pursued Zhang Guoguo. When she spotted Zhang Guoguo with Song Xiuhua, her rage boiled over. Without a word, she lunged forward and, in a fit of uncontrollable anger, cut Zhang Guoguo’s competition dress to shreds, screaming accusations of ingratitude at Zhang Guoguo and faithlessness at Song Xiuhua.
Zhang Guoguo was devastated by her mother's violent outburst. Once Wang Ai Yu left, seemingly satisfied with the destruction, Zhang Guoguo stared in despair at the shredded garment. However, Song Xiuhua, having anticipated Wang Ai Yu's volatile nature, calmly produced the real competition dress from her bag, having wisely hidden it in advance. Overjoyed to see her intact dress, Zhang Guoguo immediately grabbed it and rushed to the bus station.
But due to the earlier delay, she discovered she had missed the last bus to Zhenhu. Just as panic set in, Li Yunkai arrived in his car, offering her a ride. Zhang Guoguo quickly got in, but Li Yunkai remained stationary because she had not fastened her seatbelt. Clumsy with the mechanism, Zhang Guoguo struggled, prompting Li Yunkai to lean over and help her, their sudden closeness creating a moment of awkwardness between them.
With no time to dwell on the subtle emotion, Zhang Guoguo urged Li Yunkai to hurry, and he drove swiftly towards Zhenhu. They arrived at Strong Group just in time. Li Yunkai, ever thoughtful, had even brought a change of clothes for Zhang Guoguo to wear for the competition, a gesture that deeply moved her. Backstage, Zhang Yuxin, brimming with confidence after her mother’s earlier phone call, finished preparing her embroidery piece and headed off for coffee with Xu Huijie.
Xu Huijie and Zhang Yuxin had previously discussed their shared desire for Zhang Yuxin to win the competition. Despite Xu Huijie’s initial doubts about Zhang Yuxin’s embroidery skills, Zhang Yuxin had demonstrated her dedication by showing her heavily pricked fingers and claimed she had a strategic advantage with her connections to secure a win. She had inwardly believed that Xu Huijie, with her "sympathy for orphans," would eventually succumb to her influence and continue her mentorship.
Zhang Guoguo, meanwhile, was also busy backstage, making final preparations for her entry. Once everything was ready, the contestants and judges took their places in front of the runway. Xu Huijie noticed Zhang Guoguo nearby and, annoyed that someone so young had reached the finals alongside them, made a sarcastic remark, which further solidified Zhang Guoguo's negative impression of Xu Huijie. After a brief, tense exchange, the competition officially commenced.
Zhang Yuxin presented her embroidered work, but celebrity judge Lisa Wu reacted with notable indifference, showing little emotion and appearing eager to see the next contestant's piece, which visibly unnerved Zhang Yuxin. When Zhang Guoguo's work was unveiled, however, it immediately captivated Lisa Wu. Upon hearing Zhang Guoguo's design philosophy, Lisa Wu's admiration for the dress deepened.
However, Li Yunzhe, still intent on ensuring Zhang Yuxin's victory, attempted to redirect Lisa Wu's attention away from Zhang Guoguo's creation, criticizing its "dark" color and suggesting it was unsuitable for the star. Zhang Guoguo requested an additional five minutes to elaborate on her design, a request Li Yunzhe initially denied. Only when Lisa Wu adamantly insisted did Li Yunzhe reluctantly concede. Under the stage lights, the seemingly black dress transformed, revealing a stunning array of vibrant, multi-colored hues.
The unexpected visual even drew gasps of astonishment from Xu Huijie. Afterward, she inquired whose work the remarkable dress was. Recalling Song Xiuhua’s explicit instruction not to reveal her involvement, Zhang Guoguo offered a vague reply. The clear outcome of the competition did not sit well with Zhang Yuxin. Later, she sought out Zhang Guoguo in the lounge while she was drinking water and physically attacked her in a fit of anger.
Episode 10 Recap
Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo are dealing with a dog lawsuit. Li Yunkai directs Zhang Guoguo to take photos of the plaintiff's dog, leading to their usual bickering. Zhang Guoguo complains about Li Yunkai's bossy nature, but he insists his "spy work" is necessary for obtaining evidence.
During the formal resolution, Li Yunkai, representing Zhang Guoguo, refuses to pay any compensation, presenting evidence that the dog's diarrhea was caused by its owner, Mr. Yang, feeding it chocolate, not by Zhang Guoguo. Mr. Yang, surprised by this revelation, apologizes and agrees to revoke the lawsuit. As they conclude, the dog pees on Li Yunkai's pants, causing further playful conflict between him and Zhang Guoguo, who refuses to clean them.
Later, Xu Xiaoqin, an admirer of Li Yunkai, calls him to offer her sympathies about his pants and suggests hiring a housekeeper. She then secretly arranges for Zhang Guoguo, who owes her money, to be Li Yunkai's housekeeper, instructing Zhang Guoguo to keep her identity a secret. Zhang Guoguo, while cleaning Li Yunkai's apartment, discovers what she perceives as unusual items and habits, leading her to believe he is a "pervert."
She leaves a meal for him, but Li Yunkai, believing it was from "Miss Xiao Qin," calls to thank her, mentioning his dislike for egg dumplings. Zhang Guoguo overhears his comment, disappointed that her hard work might go to waste. While cleaning, Zhang Guoguo discovers the finalized list of participants for the Lisa Wu Cheongsam Competition and excitedly realizes she has been chosen as finalist number 273.
She rushes to tell Song Xiuhua, who congratulates her and expresses her faith in Zhang Guoguo's talent. Zhang Guoguo shares her apprehension about her mother's disapproval, mentioning her mother previously burned her embroideries. Song Xiuhua reassures her, promising to provide all necessary materials and support her embroidery dreams. Song Xiuhua later gives Zhang Guoguo a blanket she embroidered for her own daughter, Yi Bei, expressing her desire for Zhang Guoguo to sleep comfortably.
As Zhang Guoguo talks about her cleaning job for a "jerk lawyer," Song Xiuhua realizes she is talking about Li Yunkai and wonders if he could be her nephew. Meanwhile, Zhang Yuxin hides her pregnancy. She is seen washing clothes and appears unwell. Xu Huijie notices Zhang Yuxin's weakness and recalls Lu Sichen's earlier warning about Zhang Yuxin needing immediate medical attention. Xu Huijie presses Zhang Yuxin about her health, eventually taking her to a clinic.
During the examination, the doctor suspects pregnancy, which Zhang Yuxin vehemently denies to Xu Huijie. However, when alone with the doctor, Zhang Yuxin tearfully confesses her pregnancy and begs the doctor to keep it a secret from Xu Huijie, fearing severe repercussions from her mother. The doctor warns Zhang Yuxin about the risk of premature birth but reluctantly agrees to let her leave, provided she returns for follow-up check-ups.
Li Yunkai discovers that Zhang Guoguo left her shoe at his house and goes to the wonton shop, attempting to make various women try it on, believing it belongs to a "crazy fan." He confronts Zhang Guoguo, forcing her to admit the shoe is hers. Zhang Guoguo then tries to turn the tables, accusing him of stealing it while drunk.
Li Yunkai retorts that he was only drunk once and slept at Xu Xiaoqin's house that night, which surprises Zhang Guoguo and the bystanders. During the Lisa Wu Cheongsam Competition, after the dresses were presented, a frustrated Zhang Yuxin physically attacks Zhang Guoguo in the lounge, mockingly bringing up her adopted status. Zhang Guoguo, initially brushing it off, eventually threatens Zhang Yuxin, stating she will reveal Zhang Yuxin is not an orphan if she continues to harass her.
Zhang Yuxin, fearing exposure, falls silent. Xu Huijie is displeased by Zhang Guoguo's unexpected strong performance and blames Zhang Yuxin. To secure victory, Zhang Yuxin had approached Li Yunzhe, who assured her he had convinced Lisa Wu to make a decision after trying on the dresses, which somewhat eased Zhang Yuxin's mind. However, Zhang Guoguo is disheartened when Lisa Wu chooses Zhang Yuxin's dress after trying both on.
Unbeknownst to Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai, Zhang Yuxin had secretly threatened Lisa Wu with her pregnancy to manipulate her decision. Li Yunkai, unable to bear Zhang Guoguo's sadness, privately confronts Lisa Wu, who, in her difficult situation, evasively dismisses him. A staff member then brings Zhang Guoguo's "Black Swan" dress to Lisa Wu, but Li Yunkai, sensing Lisa Wu's guilt, takes the dress away.
A genuinely fond Lisa Wu tries to stop him but suddenly collapses due to a severe allergic reaction. Xu Huijie is initially jubilant about the victory, but her joy turns to alarm when she learns of Lisa Wu's critical condition. Upon seeing Zhang Yuxin's changed demeanor, she interrogates her and discovers that Zhang Yuxin had added pine resin to the dress to please Lisa Wu, unaware of Lisa Wu's allergy to pine nuts.
Fearing implication, Xu Huijie coldly tells Zhang Yuxin that this matter has no connection to Golden Thread Embroidery and that Zhang Yuxin must resolve it herself. Zhang Yuxin, resentful of Xu Huijie's attitude but knowing it's not the time for confrontation, agrees to handle the situation. Zhang Yuxin's solution is to frame Zhang Guoguo. She tells Zhang Guoguo that Lisa Wu was hospitalized due to an allergy to poultry and manipulates Zhang Guoguo into believing she is responsible.
Zhang Guoguo, horrified, expresses her fear. Zhang Yuxin feigns concern, offering to "solve" the problem but insists that Zhang Guoguo immediately return to Xiping and avoid contact with Lisa Wu or anyone else in Zhenhu. Zhang Guoguo, touched by what she perceives as Zhang Yuxin's protective gesture, agrees. Satisfied, Zhang Yuxin calls Li Yunzhe, reassuring him that the situation is resolved and urging him to keep the media from discovering the truth, lest Zhang Guoguo find out.
Meanwhile, Li Yunkai's father learns of the Lisa Wu incident and wants to handle it seriously, but Li Yunzhe persuades him to downplay it. Li Yunkai, impatient to leave and find Zhang Guoguo, who is waiting for him, argues with his father. Despite his father confiscating his car keys and wallet, Li Yunkai stubbornly leaves, even abandoning his clothes and pants, determined to find Zhang Guoguo.
He eventually finds her, and with only enough money for bus tickets, they take a shabby long-distance bus back to Xiping, without even enough for dinner. Zhang Yuxin's good mood is interrupted by a call from her mother, who informs her that a young man with a childhood photo of Zhang Yuxin (Lu Sichen) came to the wonton shop. Zhang mother, to protect Zhang Yuxin's secret about not being an orphan, had driven him away.
Recognizing Lu Sichen from the description, Zhang Yuxin warns her mother not to engage with him again. Meanwhile, Jin Zhiming is shocked to learn from a police officer about Yi Bei's missing person report being filed in Jiangling fifteen years ago by someone from "Golden Thread Embroidery." This contradicts Xu Huijie's account of Yi Bei disappearing in Zhenhu. Recalling the accident that day, Jin Zhiming suspects Song Xiuhua. Xu Huijie, overhearing this, is terrified.
She confides in Ding Wei about Jin Zhiming's renewed search for Song Xiuhua. Unbeknownst to them, Zhang Yuxin, who had been subtly tracking Xu Huijie due to her recent change in demeanor, overhears their conversation and learns about the past incident. Xu Huijie strongly insists on accompanying Jin Zhiming to find Song Xiuhua, hoping to control the narrative. As they near Zhang Guoguo's wonton shop, Song Xiuhua, who is visiting Zhang Guoguo, spots them.
She quickly tells Zhang Guoguo not to reveal her whereabouts and hurries away. When Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie finally reach Zhang Guoguo, Jin Zhiming shows her a photo of Song Xiuhua, but Zhang Guoguo denies knowing her. Xu Huijie, relieved, urges Jin Zhiming to leave. Despite his disappointment, Jin Zhiming leaves with Xu Huijie but later contacts Li Yunkai's father to ask for Song Xiuhua's address. Remembering Song Xiuhua's previous plea, Li Yunkai's father tactfully refuses.
In the car, Jin Zhiming reflects on the information, gradually accepting Xu Huijie's narrative that Song Xiuhua must have been too ashamed to appear after losing Yi Bei, and surprisingly, their relationship seems to mend. At the wonton shop, Li Yunkai, now back in Xiping, is having dinner with Zhang Guoguo. He is startled to hear Song Xiuhua's name and presses Zhang Guoguo for details, but she refuses to disclose anything.
Zhang Guoguo, apprehensive about facing her mother after going to Zhenhu against her wishes, braces herself for a reprimand. Her mother scolds her for running away but softens upon seeing her injured foot. Zhang Guoguo then confronts her mother about her apparent favoritism towards Zhang Yuxin and questions her own adoption. Her mother briefly falters but quickly denies Zhang Guoguo's suspicions, reiterating her love and explaining her preference for Zhang Yuxin as compensatory care for her sister's early independence.
In a high-end restaurant, Li Yunzhe waits for Zhang Yuxin. He buys her flowers, even though he knows they weren't ordered by him, in an effort to please her. Their conversation confirms their alliance: he aims for total control of the Li family's assets, and she seeks to replace Jin Yi Bei as the Jin family's legitimate daughter, even intending to eliminate Song Xiuhua as an obstacle. As Zhang Yuxin leaves the restaurant, feeling triumphant, she is abruptly pulled aside by Lu Sichen.
Episode 11 Recap
Lu Sichen, concerned for Zhang Yuxin's health, sought her out once more and urged her to go to the hospital for prenatal care. Zhang Yuxin, however, dismissed his concern, falsely claiming she had already terminated the pregnancy. Unwilling to accept her refusal, Lu Sichen forcibly put her into a taxi, intending to take her to the hospital. Zhang Yuxin vehemently resisted, alarming the taxi driver, who, in turn, took them to the police station.
Once there, Lu Sichen attempted to pull Zhang Yuxin towards the exit to continue their journey to the hospital, and in the scuffle, they both fell to the ground. Responding police officers intervened, taking Lu Sichen into custody after Zhang Yuxin seized the opportunity to accuse him of domestic violence, hoping to finally secure a divorce. Meanwhile, Li Yunzhe, having returned to work, discovered flowers on the ground, a detail that piqued his suspicion.
He called Zhang Yuxin, who, fearful of her secret being exposed, lied that she was feeling unwell and had gone to the hospital. She implored Li Yunzhe not to mention her hospital visit to Xu Huijie. Zhang Guoguo felt dejected following the competition and Wu Lisa's hospitalization. Song Xiuhua, noticing her mood, offered words of comfort and encouraged her to approach future endeavors with greater diligence and caution.
Zhang Guoguo then tentatively asked about Xu Huijie's earlier visit to her, but Song Xiuhua skillfully changed the subject, promising to personally instruct Zhang Guoguo in embroidery. The mention of embroidery instantly lifted Zhang Guoguo's spirits. She suddenly recalled that her competition dress was still at Li Yunkai's house. After a quick farewell to Song Xiuhua, she hurried to Li Yunkai's residence. Li Yunkai, who was feeling quite hungry, was delighted to hear her knock, seeing her as his savior.
He told her he would reveal the location of her dress only after she cooked him a meal. After returning to Jinluge from the police station, Zhang Yuxin was immediately berated by Xu Huijie for her tardiness, as Xu Huijie had been waiting to begin embroidery lessons. Xu Huijie instructed her to meticulously memorize various silk thread colors and their corresponding shades, a task Zhang Yuxin found challenging, which further annoyed Xu Huijie.
Zhang Yuxin's phone then rang; it was Lu Sichen's lawyer calling to propose an out-of-court settlement, explaining that Lu Sichen’s father was ill and he wished to care for him. Zhang Yuxin agreed to the settlement, but only if Lu Sichen immediately signed the divorce papers. Zhang Yuxin then encountered Jin Zhiming, who, noticing her pale complexion, offered to cancel their plans to accompany Dong Lijun to a performance.
However, Zhang Yuxin, determined to seize every opportunity to supplant Jin Yi Bei, refused to forgo the outing. At that moment, she was struck by an intensely sharp abdominal pain. Fearing an unexpected medical emergency, she decided she could not remain in Zhenhu and took a taxi directly back to Xiping. During the ride, she called Zhang Mother, instructing her to evict Zhang Guoguo from the house and prevent anyone from contacting her.
Lu Sichen was heartbroken by Zhang Yuxin's demand for divorce, but for the sake of his ailing father, he reluctantly agreed to sign the papers. Zhang Yuxin, consumed by her escalating physical pain, abandoned Lu Sichen at the police station. As Zhang Guoguo returned home, following her usual routine, Zhang Mother promptly cast her out, barely glancing at the chicken soup Zhang Guoguo had prepared for her. Confused by her mother's actions, Zhang Guoguo sought out Li Yunkai.
Unexpectedly, Xu Xiaoqin, who harbored feelings for Li Yunkai, also arrived. Seeing Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai enjoying dinner and red wine together, Xu Xiaoqin was reluctant to leave. The three of them continued to have dinner. A highly intoxicated Xu Xiaoqin decided to try on Zhang Guoguo's "Black Swan" competition dress but found that it didn't fit her.
Zhang Guoguo then tried on the dress herself, and when she appeared before Li Yunkai in the elegant black gown, she instantly captivated him. Still reeling from her drunken state, Zhang Guoguo then stumbled and fell directly into Li Yunkai's embrace, leaving him both deeply affected and flustered. Zhang Mother waited anxiously for Zhang Yuxin at home. When the taxi finally pulled up to their door, Zhang Yuxin was too weak from pain to get out.
A frantic Zhang Mother immediately rushed Zhang Yuxin to the hospital, where doctors informed her that Zhang Yuxin was in premature labor. Zhang Mother was utterly distraught to discover that her daughter was pregnant and unmarried. Meanwhile, Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming were also concerned by Zhang Yuxin's sudden disappearance, mistakenly believing she had left in a fit of pique, unable to cope with the rigorous demands of embroidery.
They decided to contact her the following day to ascertain the situation. As Xu Huijie prepared to leave Zhang Yuxin's room, she discreetly found pregnancy medication in a drawer. Without revealing her discovery, Xu Huijie quietly departed with Jin Zhiming. After dinner, a very drunk Zhang Guoguo was stumbling uncontrollably. Li Yunkai offered to escort her home, but upon reaching the wonton shop, they found the door locked.
Li Yunkai left Zhang Guoguo sitting by the entrance while he went to seek a solution. At that moment, Song Xiuhua happened to pass by, saw the inebriated Zhang Guoguo on the ground, and took her away. When Li Yunkai returned to find Zhang Guoguo gone, he had no choice but to return to his own home. The next morning, Li Yunkai woke up at home and, still groggy, momentarily mistook Xu Xiaoqin for Zhang Guoguo.
He quickly averted his gaze, feeling a surge of guilt. Xu Xiaoqin, seizing the moment, pressed him about whether he had developed feelings for Zhang Guoguo. Li Yunkai, speaking disingenuously, denied it, trying to manage the situation. Xu Xiaoqin then attempted to delete photos of Zhang Guoguo from Li Yunkai's phone. Li Yunkai quickly snatched it back, feigning concern for Xu Xiaoqin to prevent her from interfering further.
Upon seeing Zhang Guoguo's picture on his phone, Li Yunkai's feelings for her solidified. Soon after, Li Yunkai received a phone call from his father, informing him that both his father and brother, Li Yunzhe, were already downstairs, waiting to visit. Panicked, Li Yunkai frantically tried to hide Zhang Guoguo, urging her to remain quiet and out of sight. Li Yunzhe and his father entered. Li Yunzhe remarked on Li Yunkai's nervousness, asking if he had caused trouble again.
Li Yunkai stammered denials, then attempted to divert their attention by claiming his toilet was clogged and suggesting they all go to the wonton shop downstairs for a midnight snack, where there was a restroom. He urged his father and brother to go ahead while he changed clothes. Once they left, Li Yunkai allowed Zhang Guoguo out of her hiding place, instructing her to leave quietly.
Zhang Guoguo, however, insisted on going to the wonton shop to put more stuffing in the wontons, playfully suggesting she needed to impress Li Yunkai's potential future father-in-law. Li Yunkai warned her not to say anything nonsensical to his father. After the birth, Zhang Yuxin and Zhang Mother returned home with the baby. Zhang Mother scolded Zhang Yuxin for her actions but then lovingly began preparing chicken soup for her recovery.
However, the callous Zhang Yuxin quietly abandoned the baby and slipped away. When Song Xiuhua returned with Zhang Guoguo, they were surprised to find a baby. Zhang Mother, still unaware of Zhang Yuxin's departure, brought out the chicken soup but found Zhang Yuxin gone. Faced with questions from Song Xiuhua and Zhang Guoguo, Zhang Mother nervously tried to cover up, claiming the baby was merely a found child.
Once Song Xiuhua had departed, Zhang Mother sank onto the stairs, weeping uncontrollably. Just outside, a distraught Zhang Yuxin heard her mother's cries. Despite her pain, she hardened her resolve, prioritizing her future above her mother and child, convinced that nothing could impede her path forward. Zhang Yuxin returned to Jinluge. When Xu Huijie questioned her sudden absence, Zhang Yuxin falsely claimed it was for her father's death anniversary.
To deflect suspicion about the pregnancy medication Xu Huijie had discovered, Zhang Yuxin revealed Wu Lisa's pregnancy, which successfully allayed Xu Huijie's concerns. Zhang Yuxin then attempted to express her dependence on Xu Huijie, but Xu Huijie, whose thoughts remained fixated on Jin Yi Bei, subtly rebuffed her advances. Zhang Guoguo looked at the adorable infant and asked Zhang Mother about her plans for the baby. Zhang Mother replied that she intended to send the child to a welfare institution.
Although heartbroken, Zhang Guoguo reluctantly agreed to accompany Zhang Mother. However, before they could take the baby to the welfare home, the child developed a fever and required hospitalization. It was there that Zhang Mother and Zhang Guoguo learned that, due to the premature birth and inadequate prenatal care, the baby had a congenital hearing impairment.
Episode 12 Recap
When the doctor revealed that Le Tong suffered from congenital hearing impairment and required immediate surgery to prevent lifelong disability, the compassionate Zhang Guoguo resolved to become the child's mother. She lovingly named the child Le Tong and persuaded Zhang Mother to keep her. Unbeknownst to Zhang Guoguo, Zhang Mother secretly welcomed this outcome, happy to have her biological grandchild nearby without jeopardizing Zhang Yuxin's future.
In stark contrast, when Le Tong's biological mother, Zhang Yuxin, learned of her daughter's condition, she silently hung up the phone. Zhang Guoguo later informed Song Xiuhua of her decision to adopt Le Tong. Song Xiuhua advised caution, worried that Zhang Mother might object. To Song Xiuhua's surprise, Zhang Guoguo shared that Zhang Mother had readily agreed, a fact that perplexed Song Xiuhua greatly.
Zhang Guoguo went to Li Yunkai’s law firm to deliver takeout as he had requested, only to be unexpectedly served with a lawsuit. It turned out that Zhang Guoguo had forcibly taken Li Yunkai's electric scooter when she was rushing to see Le Tong at the hospital, an act he held against her. Li Yunkai only dropped the lawsuit after Zhang Guoguo agreed to treat him to wontons for an entire year.
During their interaction, Li Yunkai also informed Zhang Guoguo that he had secured a significant order for her: three hundred embroidered ties for the law firm. Overjoyed by the news, Zhang Guoguo spontaneously hugged him. After learning about Le Tong's illness via phone, Zhang Yuxin hastily returned to Xiping and arranged to meet Zhang Mother and the baby.
She found herself annoyed by the crying Le Tong, but under Zhang Mother's persistent nagging, she reluctantly held the child and breastfed her. Perhaps comforted and fed in her mother's arms, little Le Tong soon stopped crying. Zhang Yuxin then insisted that Zhang Mother send Le Tong away as soon as possible and demanded that Zhang Guoguo never know who the child's real mother was before turning and leaving.
Watching Zhang Yuxin's retreating back, Zhang Mother, for the first time, decided not to comply with her daughter's wishes; she was resolute in keeping Le Tong. Back in Zhenhu, Zhang Yuxin received a call from Lu Sichen’s lawyer, urging her to settle their divorce out of court. The lawyer explained that Lu Sichen’s father had passed away, and Lu Sichen wished to be released quickly to handle the funeral arrangements.
Selfish as ever, Zhang Yuxin refused the out-of-court settlement, fearing that Lu Sichen might resent her due to his father's death and wishing he would disappear forever. When the lawyer conveyed Zhang Yuxin's decision to Lu Sichen, he was consumed by anger and despair, finally seeing Zhang Yuxin’s true colors. Determined to confess his feelings, Li Yunkai sought out Zhang Guoguo under the pretense of supervising her work.
He subtly brought up Song Xiuhua again, but Zhang Guoguo once more brushed him off. Remembering his primary goal, he quickly changed the subject and invited her on a lake excursion. Unaware of his intentions, Zhang Guoguo joined Li Yunkai on a boat. As he watched the endearing Zhang Guoguo, Li Yunkai's heart fluttered, and he seized the moment to ask her to be his girlfriend.
Still grappling with her own feelings, Zhang Guoguo simply thought Li Yunkai was out of his mind. Seeing her so clueless, Li Yunkai impulsively kissed her. This act, however, enraged Zhang Guoguo. She declared loudly that she would never like him, then panicked, jumped off the boat, and fled. Anxious to catch up, Li Yunkai rushed after her, only to tumble into the water in his haste.
Meanwhile, Li Yunzhe also met with Zhang Yuxin, bringing up the topic of studying abroad. Aware of Li Yunzhe's interest in her, Zhang Yuxin deliberately presented herself as self-reliant, feigning reluctance when Li Yunzhe offered sponsorship from Time Inc. Li Yunzhe saw through her charade but, surprisingly, found himself even more intrigued by her manipulative wit.
Concerned about Zhang Guoguo's future, Song Xiuhua implored Li Yunkai's father to personally speak with Dong Lijun, hoping she would accept Zhang Guoguo as an apprentice. Given that Xu Huijie was currently the embroidery master, Dong Lijun did not immediately agree, stating she needed time to consider. For due diligence, Dong Lijun specifically sought out Zhang Yuxin for information.
Upon learning that Dong Lijun was considering taking Zhang Guoguo as an apprentice, Zhang Yuxin maliciously blamed Zhang Guoguo for Wu Lisa’s allergy incident, significantly damaging Dong Lijun’s impression of Zhang Guoguo. At this time, Xu Huijie happened to pass by Jin Zhiming's studio. Seeing the familiar setup, Xu Huijie was flooded with memories of little Jin Yibei playing there while Jin Zhiming painted. Overcome with longing for her daughter, tears streamed down her face.
Understanding Xu Huijie's pain, Jin Zhiming produced the painting Jin Yibei had drawn years ago. The couple decided to once again publish the painting in the newspaper to search for their daughter. Li Yunkai's father called, instructing him to return to Zhenhu for work the following week, which made Li Yunkai even more desperate to confess his feelings to Zhang Guoguo.
After careful planning and preparation, Li Yunkai called Zhang Guoguo and arranged to meet her in the park, where he waited with a bouquet of flowers. However, fate had other plans. A torrential downpour ruined his carefully prepared flowers and left him completely drenched. Because Le Tong was still in the hospital, Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Mother were there tending to her. Zhang Guoguo was distracted by Li Yunkai's invitation.
After finally managing Le Tong's situation, Zhang Guoguo braved the heavy rain to meet Li Yunkai. But due to the severe weather, Li Yunkai, without an umbrella, left to find one, thus missing Zhang Guoguo who had arrived looking for him. When Li Yunkai later went to the wonton shop to find Zhang Guoguo, he overheard customers making veiled remarks about Zhang Guoguo being an unmarried mother. Displeased, he left immediately.
Later, Song Xiuhua found Zhang Guoguo and told her about the apprenticeship opportunity with Dong Lijun. However, considering Le Tong's condition, Zhang Guoguo reluctantly declined Song Xiuhua's offer. Song Xiuhua, feeling sorry for Zhang Guoguo, confronted Zhang Mother, accusing her of never truly putting Zhang Guoguo's well-being first and always favoring Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Mother, whose heart truly leaned towards Zhang Yuxin, engaged in a heated argument with Song Xiuhua.
With all the ties for the law firm embroidered, Zhang Guoguo personally delivered them to the office. To her dismay, Li Yunkai was still very upset about her missing their previous date and repeatedly questioned her about the child. Unsure how to explain Le Tong's origins, Zhang Guoguo simply stated that Le Tong was her child, which only angered Li Yunkai further, leading to an acrimonious parting.
Concerned by their unresolved conflict, Zhang Guoguo went to Li Yunkai's house that evening to inquire further, but a fuming Li Yunkai refused to speak calmly and instead sent her away. When Li Yunkai's father once again approached Dong Lijun about taking Zhang Guoguo as an apprentice, Dong Lijun agreed to meet Zhang Guoguo, much to Zhang Yuxin's displeasure.
Zhang Yuxin noted that Xu Huijie had previously shown interest in Zhang Guoguo, and now even Dong Lijun was willing to meet her. Zhang Yuxin naturally couldn't allow such a thing to happen. She discreetly approached Song Xiuhua under the guise of Golden Thread Embroidery, warning her to know her limits and not interfere. As Zhang Yuxin was about to leave, she encountered Zhang Guoguo, who was arriving to see Song Xiuhua.
A past conversation between Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Yuxin revealed Zhang Yuxin's strong opposition to Zhang Guoguo learning embroidery. Zhang Yuxin stated, "You said you didn't want people to know we're sisters. I'll be going first. Did you take my words as nothing? I didn't allow you to learn embroidery and you insisted on doing it. Now, you've become a finalist? Are you purposefully opposing me?"
Zhang Guoguo tried to explain that it wasn't intentional, but Zhang Yuxin retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting? Do you know who the other candidate is? Me." Zhang Guoguo expressed surprise that Zhang Yuxin, a fashion design student, was entering an embroidery competition. Zhang Yuxin proudly declared, "Who says a fashion design student can't learn embroidery? In fact, my teacher is Golden Thread Embroidery's embroidery master, Lead Embroiderer Xu. Xu Huijie."
Zhang Yuxin continued to belittle Zhang Guoguo, demanding she withdraw from the competition and reminding her that she was "just a stray child picked up by my mom. What right do you have to compete with me?" This harsh exchange deeply wounded Zhang Guoguo, who began to question her true origins. Zhang Yuxin then called Zhang Mother, reinforcing her demand that Zhang Guoguo be kept from attending the competition, threatening to sever their mother-daughter relationship if her plans were ruined.
Zhang Mother, terrified of losing Zhang Yuxin, desperately tried to stop Zhang Guoguo from leaving for Zhenhu. She confronted Zhang Guoguo, attempting to destroy her competition dress with scissors. Song Xiuhua intervened, questioning Zhang Mother's actions and criticizing her for obstructing Zhang Guoguo's future. Zhang Mother lashed out, accusing Song Xiuhua of conspiring with Zhang Guoguo to deceive her. However, Song Xiuhua then revealed that she had anticipated Zhang Mother's actions and had swapped the real dress for a decoy.
She encouraged Zhang Guoguo to give it her all in the competition. Li Yunkai, having been informed by Xiao Qin that Zhang Guoguo was going to Zhenhu, offered her a ride. He not only drove her but also helped her improve her appearance by providing a new outfit and arguing that "if the designer's sense of fashion is like a country bumpkin's, how would the judges believe in your good taste?"
He assured her that he was only helping her for Xiping's honor. At the competition, Zhang Yuxin confidently presented her cheongsam, "Golden Dragon." She explained her design concept, emphasizing how the golden thread dragon design highlighted Wu Lisa's "empress temperament" and "unique, unsurpassable sexiness." When the host announced the other contestant's arrival, Zhang Yuxin was shocked, having believed the competitor had withdrawn.
When Zhang Guoguo appeared, Zhang Yuxin scornfully remarked that competing with "a witless young girl like her is an insult to Golden Thread Embroidery's standing." Zhang Guoguo countered that she might be young but she embroidered for passion, not competition, aiming to "make clothes that speak its owner's heart." Zhang Guoguo then presented her cheongsam, "Black Swan." She explained that the neck and shoulder areas were made of translucent lace, while the body was silk embroidered with realistic swan feathers.
She revealed that the bottom portion used real feathers, sourced from a goose seller, meticulously cleaned and dyed. She explained that her teacher had taught her the feather embroidery technique, aiming for a "noble, natural, and lifelike" feeling. Zhang Yuxin criticized the all-black design as too conservative and unsuitable. However, Zhang Guoguo requested five more minutes and a beam of light.
Under the focused light, the black fabric surprisingly refracted into different shades of ice gray, blue, and purple, revealing its intricate artistry. When Lead Embroiderer Xu, impressed, asked about her teacher, Zhang Guoguo, remembering Song Xiuhua's previous instruction not to reveal her, claimed she had learned the technique from a magazine.
Episode 13 Recap
Zhang Yuxin, having finished her urgent warning to Song Xiuhua, departs hastily. However, her intense words bewilder Zhang Guoguo, who urgently calls out "Sister," surprising the unknowing Song Xiuhua. Recalling that Zhang Mu had always hidden Zhang Yuxin's existence as her daughter, Zhang Guoguo quickly denies any deep connection, claiming they had only met once at a competition. The episode then showcases the embroidery competition.
A celebrity, Lisa Wu, expresses deep admiration for Zhang Guoguo's "Black Swan" cheongsam, noting how extraordinary it is and that it feels like a story or a song emanating from her heart. Despite her clear preference, Lisa Wu ultimately chooses Golden Thread Embroidery's creation for the International Film Festival red carpet. Li Yunkai, having observed Lisa Wu's true feelings, confronts her, suggesting she chose against her conscience due to "commercial interests" or being "caught in a bind by someone."
He reminds her of the immense effort designers put into their work, claiming that Zhang Guoguo was even "kicked out from her home by her mother" to create her dress. Li Yunkai, a lawyer, warns of legal consequences for playing tricks in such a competition and states he will reserve his right to appeal. Li Yunkai is then informed that Zhang Guoguo is missing, rendering her dress unusable for Lisa Wu.
Meanwhile, Xu Huijie congratulates Zhang Yuxin on Lisa Wu's choice, which Zhang Yuxin downplays, attributing it to having a formidable teacher. However, Xu Huijie then expresses interest in Zhang Guoguo's surprising talent, considering her as another apprentice for Golden Thread Embroidery, much to Zhang Yuxin's dismay. Soon after, Lisa Wu is hospitalized due to an allergic reaction.
Xu Huijie confronts Zhang Yuxin, who admits to spraying pine nut juice on Golden Thread Embroidery's dress, intending to add a light fragrance, unaware of Lisa Wu's allergy. Xu Huijie furiously chastises Zhang Yuxin for her lack of basic knowledge and tells her to give up embroidery, quickly distancing herself from the mistake. Zhang Yuxin, internally resentful, notes that Xu Huijie takes credit for good outcomes but uses her as a shield when things go wrong.
Zhang Yuxin then seeks out Zhang Guoguo and falsely informs her that Lisa Wu's allergic shock was due to the goose feathers in Zhang Guoguo's "Black Swan" dress, despite Zhang Guoguo's claim of thorough disinfection. Zhang Yuxin exaggerates the legal repercussions, implying Zhang Guoguo could face huge compensation or even prison, before "reassuring" her that she has "taken care of everything" with Xu Huijie's help and that Zhang Guoguo won't go to jail.
Zhang Yuxin cautions Zhang Guoguo not to discuss the matter publicly or meet with the judges and Lisa Wu again. A relieved Zhang Guoguo thanks Zhang Yuxin, who privately mocks her naivety. Zhang Yuxin then secretly calls "Director Li," instructing him to blame Zhang Guoguo for the incident and suppress media reports, ensuring the collaboration between Golden Thread Embroidery and Strong Group remains unaffected.
Zhang Guoguo, wanting to understand the truth, chases after Zhang Yuxin to ask what she told Song Xiuhua. Zhang Yuxin haughtily warns Zhang Guoguo not to go to Jinluge, a notion Zhang Guoguo finds perplexing. Song Xiuhua, observing their argument from a distance, grows curious. Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie decide to intensify their search for Jin Yibei, contacting a promotional team to post advertisements at various stations.
However, Xu Huijie is deeply worried that Song Xiuhua might reveal the truth about Jin Yibei, which could expose past secrets. She then suggests delaying the search, explaining that Zhang Yuxin is about to study abroad and she doesn't want her to be upset. Jin Zhiming agrees after some consideration. Meanwhile, Le Tong refuses to drink formula, worrying Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Mu.
Zhang Guoguo rushes to the hospital to get breast milk from other new mothers, successfully feeding Le Tong. Zhang Guoguo finds Zhang Mu's careful attention to Le Tong peculiar, but Zhang Mu cryptically states that Le Tong is her "own granddaughter," so she naturally cares for her. Zhang Guoguo, not fully understanding, dismisses her suspicions. Li Yunkai decides to return to Zhenhu and bids farewell to his law firm colleagues. One colleague hints at Song Xiuhua's whereabouts.
Li Yunkai eagerly follows the lead to a clothing store, where the owner recognizes Song Xiuhua but cannot provide contact information, disappointing him. However, the owner mentions that Zhang Guoguo is Song Xiuhua's apprentice and handles most orders now. This revelation angers and saddens Li Yunkai, as Zhang Guoguo had repeatedly denied knowing Song Xiuhua despite his inquiries. Xu Xiaoqin, who admires Li Yunkai, visits his home as usual, only to find it empty.
Unable to find him, she calls Zhang Guoguo, tearfully asking if Zhang Guoguo likes Li Yunkai. A somewhat guilty Zhang Guoguo denies it, and Xu Xiaoqin then informs her of Li Yunkai's disappearance. Zhang Guoguo is surprised by Li Yunkai's sudden departure and decides to search for him. She soon spots Li Yunkai driving away and rushes to stop him.
Before she can speak, an enraged Li Yunkai confronts her about lying regarding Song Xiuhua and angrily declares his decision to leave Xiping, then drives off without looking back. Zhang Guoguo feels a bitter sadness, thinking of their time together in Xiping. Though she says to herself, "don't come back if you leave," she secretly misses him. As if sensing her sorrow, a heavy rain begins to fall.
Zhang Guoguo returns home drenched, only to be told by Zhang Mu that Le Tong is sick. A worried Zhang Guoguo rushes out to buy medicine. Upon returning with it, Zhang Mu harshly blames the breast milk Zhang Guoguo brought for Le Tong's illness and throws her out of the house. Distraught and with nowhere to go, Zhang Guoguo sits crying outside Song Xiuhua's door in the rain.
Song Xiuhua, returning home, finds the pathetic Zhang Guoguo and quickly brings her inside. Upon learning it's because of Le Tong, Song Xiuhua scolds Zhang Mu for her cruelty and expresses regret for Zhang Guoguo, who gave up the opportunity to study embroidery with Dong Lijun. Zhang Guoguo reveals her initial desire to learn embroidery was to make a dress for Zhang Mu, but now she needs to save money for Le Tong's ear surgery.
Moved by Zhang Guoguo's kindness, Song Xiuhua proposes taking Zhang Guoguo, Zhang Mu, and Le Tong to live in Zhenhu. Zhang Guoguo initially refuses, not wanting to burden Song Xiuhua, but Song Xiuhua eventually decides to take them to Zhenhu after Le Tong turns five and undergoes surgery. Zhang Yuxin successfully departs for Europe to study. Before leaving, she sends Zhang Mu a dress and a letter stating she might never return and that Zhang Mu should forget her.
Heartbroken, Zhang Mu sees it's Zhang Yuxin's flight for that day and rushes to the airport, hoping for one last glimpse of her daughter. On her way to the airport, Zhang Yuxin sees banners seeking Jin Yibei displayed across the city. Unaware of their significance, and with her view obstructed, she misses the childhood drawing of Jin Yibei and thus doesn't realize Zhang Guoguo is Jin Yibei.
Zhang Mu and Zhang Guoguo eventually arrive at the airport, heading to the departure hall, when they too notice the Jin Yibei banner. The childhood drawing on the banner triggers a strange sense of familiarity and a headache for Zhang Guoguo. Seeing Zhang Guoguo's pale face, Zhang Mu quickly guides her into the waiting area, but they still fail to meet Zhang Yuxin. The widespread Jin Yibei banners evoke deep emotions in Song Xiuhua.
When Zhang Guoguo learns that Jin Yibei is Song Xiuhua's niece, she tightly holds Song Xiuhua's hand, unsure how to comfort her. Back in Zhenhu, Li Yunkai enjoys some rare father-son time with his father, who takes him to a restaurant his mother used to frequent. Though Li Yunkai feels awkward, his mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Zhang Guoguo, making him distracted during dinner. Even his father notices his uneasiness.
Li Yunkai looks at Zhang Guoguo's photo on his phone and, with a heavy heart, eventually deletes it. Meanwhile, Lu Sichen, having resolved his lawsuit and having experienced Zhang Yuxin's heartless treatment, is no longer the man solely devoted to her. He successfully joins Shichuang as Li Yunzhe's personal assistant, recommended by Li Yunzhe's assistant. Li Yunkai's departure leaves Zhang Guoguo feeling a sense of loss.
When she sees the self-portrait Li Yunkai drew, she feels a mix of reluctance and joy, ultimately putting it into her wallet as a cherished memory. Five years swiftly pass. Le Tong has grown into a charming young girl, and Zhang Guoguo is no longer the yielding young woman she once was, having matured into a strong, independent woman.
Remembering her five-year promise to Song Xiuhua, Zhang Guoguo decides to sell her wonton shop and move to Zhenhu with Zhang Mu and Le Tong. Zhang Mu, still thinking of Zhang Yuxin, is reluctant to leave Xiping. Zhang Guoguo, however, is resolute about moving to Zhenhu, both for Le Tong's sake and her own. Zhang Mu remains critical of Zhang Guoguo, but little Le Tong can no longer tolerate it.
She sternly tells Zhang Mu not to bully Zhang Guoguo anymore. Seeing the small girl stand up for her brings immense comfort to Zhang Guoguo. When Zhang Guoguo, Le Tong, and Zhang Mu arrive in Zhenhu as promised, Song Xiuhua presents Zhang Guoguo with the imitation embroidery of "Celestial Maidens Scattering Flowers" from the embroidery master competition, along with a letter, instructing her to take both to Dong Lijun. After many years, Zhang Guoguo steps into Jinluge again.
The familiarity triggers a splitting headache, but she quickly composes herself. Guided by Ding Wei, she meets Dong Lijun. Upon reading Song Xiuhua's handwritten letter, Dong Lijun immediately agrees to personally teach Zhang Guoguo. After Zhang Guoguo leaves, a curious Ding Wei asks Dong Lijun about her enthusiastic reaction. Learning that Song Xiuhua recommended Zhang Guoguo, Ding Wei, sensing trouble, informs Xu Huijie.
Xu Huijie, still holding a grudge against Song Xiuhua, will not allow Zhang Guoguo to take her place. She instructs Ding Wei to monitor Dong Lijun's situation closely and notifies Zhang Yuxin to return to China as soon as possible. Leaving Jinluge, Zhang Guoguo walks casually towards home, unaware that Li Yunkai is rushing past. Catching a glimpse of her familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar figure, his long-suppressed emotions resurface.
After only a fleeting glance, he loses sight of Zhang Guoguo, leaving him to wonder if he was mistaken. Meanwhile, Lu Sichen has begun to distinguish himself within Li Yunzhe's company.
Episode 14 Recap
Zhang Guoguo, Le Tong, and Zhang Mother began a new life in Zhenhu. Their new neighbor, Jiang Zhengchuan, arrived, and Le Tong, having been primarily surrounded by women, eagerly ran to him, hugging his leg and calling him "Papa," much to Zhang Guoguo's embarrassment. As previously arranged, Zhang Guoguo went to Jinlu Pavilion, where she encountered Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming.
Jin Zhiming seemed to take a liking to Zhang Guoguo, but Xu Huijie, bearing a grudge against Song Xiuhua, was openly hostile and tried to prevent Zhang Guoguo from entering. However, Dong Lijun insisted that Zhang Guoguo be given a chance. Xu Huijie reluctantly agreed that if Zhang Guoguo could pass Jinlu Pavilion's test, she could become Dong Lijun's disciple. Confident, Zhang Guoguo accepted the challenge.
For the test, Xu Huijie presented two twin models wearing identical qipaos, one previously rated high and the other low by Dong Lijun based on their pairing. Zhang Guoguo was asked to identify the superior one. After observing closely, Zhang Guoguo discerned their differences but declared both pairings equally excellent. Xu Huijie seized this opportunity to accuse Zhang Guoguo of being unqualified and to criticize Dong Lijun.
Unwilling to see Dong Lijun reprimanded because of her, Zhang Guoguo humbly admitted her fault and promptly left Jinlu Pavilion. In her haste, she forgot her bag, which the twin sisters, who had participated in the test, quickly returned to her. Zhang Guoguo then astutely deduced that the younger twin had a hearing impairment, which likely influenced her choice of bright colors for the qipao.
The twins, surprised by her observation, pleaded with Zhang Guoguo not to reveal their secret, fearing dismissal due to their disability. Zhang Guoguo reassured them, promising she would not use their secret to gain entry into Jinlu Pavilion. Unbeknownst to them, Xu Huijie and Dong Lijun overheard their conversation. Witnessing Zhang Guoguo's kindness and compassion, Dong Lijun's determination to take her as a disciple solidified even further.
Zhang Yuxin, who had returned to Zhenhu at Xu Huijie's behest, learned from Xu Huijie that Zhang Guoguo had become Dong Lijun's disciple. This fueled Zhang Yuxin's resentment, making her believe Zhang Guoguo was trying to usurp her position. She confrontatively went to Dong Lijun's place, where she found Zhang Guoguo and He Juan. He Juan, interested in Jinlu Pavilion and especially fond of food, particularly enjoyed the desserts Zhang Guoguo brought, creating a harmonious atmosphere among the three.
When Zhang Yuxin appeared, the atmosphere became awkward. Zhang Guoguo, sensing Zhang Yuxin's sharp words, excused herself to leave. As she prepared to exit, Xu Huijie stopped her, warning her to leave Jinlu Pavilion and asserting that Jin Yibei was destined to be the next embroiderer. Zhang Guoguo remained unfazed, stating her only desire was to learn embroidery, not to become the embroiderer. He Juan, seeing Zhang Guoguo leave, quickly followed.
Liking Zhang Guoguo's desserts immensely, He Juan tried to persuade Zhang Guoguo to give up embroidery and become a pastry chef at her home. Zhang Guoguo, focused solely on embroidery, refused, but upon learning that Zhang Mother made the desserts, He Juan set her sights on Zhang Mother, leaving Zhang Guoguo her business card before rushing off. Zhang Yuxin, unwilling to openly antagonize Zhang Guoguo, discreetly approached her again, threatening her not to enter Jinlu Pavilion.
However, Zhang Guoguo was no longer the subservient girl she once was, holding years of resentment over Zhang Yuxin's five-year silence. When Zhang Yuxin tried to physically assault Zhang Guoguo as she used to, Zhang Guoguo stopped her, firmly telling Zhang Yuxin not to disrupt her and Zhang Mother's lives again.
Defeated by Zhang Guoguo, Zhang Yuxin then went to Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming, manipulating their feelings for Jin Yibei by falsely accusing Zhang Guoguo of seeking wealth through Jinlu Pavilion and not wanting Jin Yibei to return, further poisoning their views of Zhang Guoguo. Xu Huijie proposed a welcome dinner for Zhang Yuxin, but Zhang Yuxin declined, citing a prior commitment with Li Yunzhe.
Later, Zhang Guoguo spoke with her mother, who commented on Zhang Guoguo's "big heart" but lamented her loss in the "competition" that morning, meaning the Jinlu Pavilion test. Zhang Guoguo acknowledged her disappointment, stating it was her first embroidery competition, but reflected on its valuable lesson: embroidery demands precision and vast knowledge, and mistakes are unacceptable. She also recounted how her teacher, Song Xiuhua, had told her that failure is also a way to gain experience.
This prompted Zhang Mother to ask about her teacher, to which Zhang Guoguo enthusiastically praised Song Xiuhua. Zhang Guoguo then had a vivid memory of Song Xiuhua instructing her to deny knowing her if anyone asked. Soon after, Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie appeared at "Xiao Yu's Wontons," searching for Song Xiuhua. Zhang Mother, also known as Xiao Yu, denied any knowledge of Song Xiuhua. Jin Zhiming persisted in questioning Zhang Mother, who continued to deflect their inquiries.
After Zhang Mother tried to shoo them away, Jin Zhiming hid outside the shop to eavesdrop, and Zhang Guoguo found him. He questioned her about Song Xiuhua. They bantered, with Jin Zhiming humorously suggesting he stay at her house for the night to avoid his mother's displeasure. Zhang Guoguo internally reflected on Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie being Zhang Yuxin's foster parents and Song Xiuhua's reasons for hiding.
Meanwhile, Li Yunkai was on the phone, discussing Song Xiuhua's departure from Xiping, indicating he was trying to track her down. Elsewhere, Jin Zhiming privately mused that he should respect Song Xiuhua's decision to remain hidden if she insisted on it. He then conversed with Xu Huijie, who had also learned of Song Xiuhua's move from Xiping and connected it to Zhang Guoguo. Xu Huijie asserted that Song Xiuhua's hiding indicated her guilt in Jin Yibei's disappearance.
Jin Zhiming apologized to Xu Huijie for his past blame, admitting that their arguments about divorce were a factor in Jin Yibei getting lost. Xu Huijie, in turn, acknowledged her own fault for being overly focused on her embroidery career, leading to their marital strife. They shared a moment of reconciliation over their shared grief for Jin Yibei. Back at the wonton shop, Zhang Mother harshly reprimanded Zhang Guoguo for causing trouble for Zhang Yuxin and staying out all night.
Zhang Guoguo questioned why her mother always favored Zhang Yuxin, even daring to ask if she was her biological daughter, a notion Zhang Mother vehemently denied, blaming Zhang Yuxin for putting such ideas into Zhang Guoguo's head. Zhang Guoguo then expressed her sadness over Zhang Yuxin's apparent dislike for her.
Zhang Mother, softening, admitted to sometimes being frustrated with Zhang Guoguo but quickly clarified her affection, stating that Zhang Guoguo was always closer to her and never despised their humble family, even when she yelled or hit her. Zhang Guoguo, in turn, tried to defend Zhang Yuxin, suggesting she must have her own difficulties and would eventually return to care for their mother. Despite the emotional exchange, they reached a form of understanding.
Zhang Guoguo eventually left Jinlu Pavilion and prepared to head home. As she walked, she noticed a car following her. It turned out to be Li Yunkai, who, having learned from his father about Zhang Guoguo's presence in Zhenhu and her apprenticeship with Dong Lijun, had been eager to see her. Driven by this urgency, he had taken his new car, despite the risk of his father's anger.
However, upon seeing Zhang Guoguo, he hesitated to approach her, opting instead to discreetly follow. Zhang Guoguo, sensing she was being tracked, quickened her pace. Distracted by her, Li Yunkai accidentally rear-ended another vehicle. As he got out to negotiate with the other driver, Zhang Guoguo realized it was him. She was furious, recalling his sudden disappearance years ago and the heartbreak it caused Xu Xiaoqin. She sternly demanded that Li Yunkai issue a public apology to Xu Xiaoqin.
When he balked, she simply left her contact information for the accident and walked away, leaving a chagrined Li Yunkai to deal with the aftermath and his car being impounded. Although their reunion was awkward, Li Yunkai felt a surge of excitement. He then departed to meet his aunt, Li Hailan, learning of her plans to open a pastry shop.
He promptly called He Juan to arrange a welcome dinner for his aunt, only for his father to arrive, seize his phone, and demand to know the whereabouts of his new car, a question Li Yunkai vaguely sidestepped. Meanwhile, Zhang Yuxin had returned to Zhenhu at Xu Huijie's behest. Li Yunzhe instructed Lu Sichen to arrange a romantic dinner for them. At the restaurant, Li Yunzhe surprised Zhang Yuxin with a bouquet of roses.
She was delighted and expressed her ambition to fully integrate into the Jin family and replace Jin Yibei. Li Yunzhe, although not truly intending to pursue Zhang Yuxin or clarify their misunderstanding, then inquired about Song Xiuhua, voicing concerns that Song Xiuhua's adherence to tradition might impede their plans to commercialize Jinlu Pavilion. Zhang Yuxin concurred, hoping Song Xiuhua would not return. Unknown to Zhang Yuxin, Lu Sichen had arrived outside the restaurant.
He had just learned that Zhang Yuxin had been living abroad, which explained why he had been unable to find her for so long. Deciding to return to the company, Lu Sichen's figure hurried past, and Zhang Yuxin spotted him. She immediately panicked and feigned illness, quickly making an excuse to leave Li Yunzhe. A flashback revealed the dramatic events of their past: Lu Sichen forcibly taking a pregnant Zhang Yuxin to a hospital.
Zhang Yuxin had then falsely accused him of domestic abuse to the police, with the taxi's dashcam recording seemingly supporting her claim. Despite Lu Sichen's attempts to explain that she was his pregnant wife and he was trying to protect her, Zhang Yuxin continued to lie, portraying herself as a fearful victim and requesting a divorce, along with suing him for assault. Lu Sichen was subsequently arrested and detained by the police.
Still reeling from seeing Lu Sichen, Zhang Yuxin called Li Yunzhe, fabricating a story about feeling unwell and going to the hospital, which was why she missed his calls. She pretended to be considerate, asking him not to worry her "Professor and Teacher." Li Yunzhe, unaware of her deception, expressed his concern and urged her not to conceal future illnesses from him.
At Jinlu Pavilion, Zhang Yuxin arrived late for her embroidery lesson with Dong Lijun, blaming a meeting with Director Li. Dong Lijun, however, admonished her for tardiness and her apparent lack of focus, assigning her the daunting task of memorizing over three thousand seven hundred thread colors. Zhang Yuxin excused herself to the bathroom. While there, she spoke to Lu Sichen's lawyer on the phone, refusing any out-of-court mediation for Lu Sichen, whose father was gravely ill.
She heartlessly demanded that Lu Sichen sign the divorce papers as his only option. Back in the lesson, Dong Lijun, though recognizing Zhang Yuxin's cleverness and talent, noted her lack of dedication. Zhang Yuxin's inner thoughts revealed her exhaustion and continued worry about her child. Meanwhile, in jail, Lu Sichen's lawyer informed him that Zhang Yuxin had strong evidence of domestic violence against him.
To be able to care for his ailing father, Lu Sichen was left with no choice but to sign the divorce papers. Enraged by Zhang Yuxin's cruelty and manipulative tactics, he reluctantly signed the documents. Zhang Yuxin, experiencing abdominal cramps, subsequently called Lu Sichen's lawyer again.
She confirmed Lu Sichen had signed the divorce papers but abruptly stated she had an "emergency" and could not proceed with the mediation at that time, secretly pleased that Lu Sichen would remain in jail for a few more days. She then took a taxi to Xiping. Around the same time, Zhang Mother, reminiscing about Zhang Guoguo, prepared her favorite red-braised pork.
Zhang Yuxin called her mother, instructing her to close the shop and return home, making sure Zhang Guoguo was not there when she arrived. Confused but compliant, Zhang Mother prepared the house. Zhang Guoguo soon returned with chicken soup, but her mother, adhering to Zhang Yuxin's instructions, immediately sent her away, claiming she didn't want to see her that day. Dejected, Zhang Guoguo headed to Li Yunkai's house.
Li Yunkai, seeing her distraught and drinking, inquired about her unhappiness and offered his legal assistance to punish whoever had wronged her. Unexpectedly, Xu Xiaoqin arrived, initially suspecting a romantic dinner between Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai. Zhang Guoguo quickly dispelled her suspicions, and they all began drinking together. As Xu Xiaoqin became inebriated, she loudly hurled insults at Li Yunkai. Zhang Guoguo then asked Li Yunkai for her "Black Swan" dress from the embroidery competition. He retrieved it.
Zhang Guoguo tried it on, commented on its ill fit and "horrible handiwork," prompting Li Yunkai to playfully put it on himself and take pictures, much to Zhang Guoguo's annoyance. Later that evening, after the gathering, Li Yunkai, still bothered by Zhang Guoguo's earlier demand for a public apology to Xu Xiaoqin, decided he couldn't let it stand. He called Zhang Guoguo, but Le Tong answered the phone, admonishing him for disturbing their sleep at such a late hour.
Hearing the commotion, Zhang Guoguo woke up, took the phone, and upon learning Li Yunkai's intention, she unequivocally refused his request. Unable to sleep after the call, Li Yunkai restlessly wandered out of his room and found his aunt, Li Hailan, also awake. Curious about her past, he asked her about her rumored heartbreak while abroad. Li Hailan revealed that she had fallen in love with Jiang Zhengchuan overseas.
When Li Father, concerned for his sister, wanted to meet Jiang Zhengchuan, he mysteriously disappeared. While Li Father remained indignant, Li Hailan steadfastly believed Jiang Zhengchuan's feelings for her were genuine. Meanwhile, Zhang Yuxin, with her cunning mind, understood that constantly speaking ill of Zhang Guoguo to Dong Lijun would be counterproductive. Instead, she feigned vulnerability, pitifully requesting Dong Lijun not to overlook her in favor of Zhang Guoguo. Dong Lijun, perceiving it merely as a childish rivalry, paid it no mind and advised Zhang Yuxin not to overthink the situation.
Episode 15 Recap
A flashback reveals Zhang Yuxin in premature labor, her agonizing pain contrasting with her mother Wang Aiyu’s shock at discovering her daughter’s pregnancy. Zhang Yuxin, consumed by her own struggles, expresses her desire to abandon the baby, stating she cannot provide a good life. Meanwhile, Li Yunkai, still desperate to retrieve his car, tries to persuade Zhang Guoguo to vouch for him to the accident victims. Zhang Guoguo, recalling Li Yunkai’s past involvement with Xu Xiaoqin, tries to walk away.
In his haste to stop her, Li Yunkai accidentally brushes against her, leading to Zhang Guoguo slapping him. Before he can explain, another woman approaches, effusively thanking Li Yunkai for his help in her divorce proceedings. Zhang Guoguo’s impression of him further plummets, and she splashes water on him before leaving. Following Zhang Guoguo's suggestion, Wang Aiyu, still heartbroken by Zhang Yuxin’s predicament, takes a job as a live-in helper for He Juan.
Initially reluctant due to the extensive chores, Wang Aiyu expresses her desire to quit, inadvertently speaking in her dialect. He Juan finds this endearing, reduces her tasks to pickling garlic and cooking, and is pleased with her culinary skills. Shortly after, Li Yunkai returns home following his frustrating encounter with Zhang Guoguo. He is surprised to discover that the new nanny is Zhang Guoguo's mother, Wang Aiyu, and attempts to glean information about Zhang Guoguo from her.
He Juan, however, maintaining a superior air, forbids Wang Aiyu from sitting at the dining table. When Wang Aiyu prepares to leave and asks for her wages, He Juan persuades her to stay for better pay and more holidays. Wang Aiyu agrees, on the condition of a one-year salary advance. Though hesitant and feeling the pinch, He Juan consents, rationalizing that Wang Aiyu is unlikely to abscond with the money given Zhang Guoguo's presence at Jinluge.
Later, while signing a labor contract, Wang Aiyu’s name, Wang Aiyu, sparks a memory in He Juan, who realizes Wang Aiyu was the daughter of her former teacher. This unexpected connection warms their relationship considerably. At Jinluge, Zhang Guoguo feels a strange sense of familiarity. She wanders into Zhang Yuxin’s room and discovers a familiar award-winning painting, instantly recognizing it as her own childhood creation. Zhang Yuxin enters, quickly seizing the painting and adamantly denying Zhang Guoguo’s claim.
Their argument is overheard by Jin Zhiming. To divert suspicion, Zhang Yuxin quickly fabricates a story, accusing Zhang Guoguo of trespassing. Jin Zhiming, troubled by Zhang Guoguo’s words, discreetly calls Xiping Elementary to verify her attendance, which is confirmed. Intending to uncover the truth, Jin Zhiming arranges a meeting with Zhang Guoguo, a plan Zhang Yuxin soon uncovers. Zhang Guoguo receives a frantic call, informing her that Wang Aiyu has taken the baby Le Tong to the hospital.
At the hospital, doctors diagnose the premature infant with congenital hearing impairment and a fever, emphasizing the critical need for consistent care and a major surgery at age five to prevent lifelong language disability. Wang Aiyu is devastated, vowing to cure her regardless of the cost. She calls Zhang Yuxin to relay the news, but Zhang Yuxin reacts with cold indifference to her daughter’s plight.
Back home, Zhang Guoguo attempts to lower Le Tong’s fever with a warm bath, a method Wang Aiyu initially questions but Zhang Guoguo insists upon, citing childcare books. As they care for the baby, Wang Aiyu laments the baby’s birth mother’s irresponsibility for abandoning such a frail child. Zhang Guoguo defends the mother, suggesting she must have had no other choice, highlighting the deep pain of maternal separation.
Zhang Guoguo then proposes that she adopt Le Tong and raise her as her own, with Wang Aiyu acting as Le Tong’s grandmother, to safeguard Zhang Yuxin’s secret. Wang Aiyu, though pained, agrees, recognizing it as the only way to keep her granddaughter close, even if it means Zhang Guoguo bears the burden. Zhang Guoguo affectionately names the baby Le Tong, hoping she will grow up healthy and happy.
Later, Zhang Yuxin briefly returns to nurse Le Tong, but her demeanor remains detached. She views this as her first and last feeding, expressing a desire for the child to be well-behaved and attributing their separation to fate. Wang Aiyu watches her, deeply saddened by the emotional distance. Zhang Guoguo later confides in Song Xiuhua about adopting Le Tong.
Song Xiuhua expresses concern about Zhang Guoguo, a young, single woman, suddenly becoming a mother, but Zhang Guoguo explains her profound connection to the abandoned child and how even Wang Aiyu agreed to the arrangement. Jiang Zhengchuan and Le Tong arrive at Li Hailan’s dessert shop, seeking work. Li Hailan, still harboring deep resentment over Jiang Zhengchuan’s abrupt disappearance years ago, tries to turn them away. Her anger intensifies when Le Tong calls Jiang Zhengchuan "Dad."
Despite Jiang Zhengchuan's attempts to explain his past arrest and subsequent inability to meet her, Li Hailan refuses to listen, pushing them out. Jiang Zhengchuan, noticing the toy bear he once gave her, is filled with a mixture of happiness and sorrow. At his studio, Jin Zhiming presents Zhang Guoguo with one of Jin Yi’s paintings, asking if she understands its significance. Zhang Guoguo is perplexed by its striking resemblance to her own artwork.
When Jin Zhiming probes about Zhang Yuxin’s potential plagiarism, Zhang Guoguo vaguely deflects, trying to protect Zhang Yuxin. Jin Zhiming then suggests showing her Jin Yi’s portrait to see if she recognizes her. Before he can, Zhang Yuxin, fearing exposure, interrupts and creates an excuse to send Zhang Guoguo away. Jin Zhiming then directly questions Zhang Yuxin about the painting, but she vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Afterwards, a fearful Zhang Yuxin secretly enters Jin Zhiming’s studio to examine Jin Yi’s painting. Connecting it to Zhang Guoguo’s drawing, she develops a bold, unsettling theory. She then interrogates Xu Huijie about the specifics of Jin Yi’s disappearance, which further solidifies her suspicions. Desperate to protect her current life, Zhang Yuxin confronts Zhang Guoguo, warning her to stay silent. Zhang Guoguo realizes that any further discussion would be pointless.
Dong Lijun, still hoping to find Song Xiuhua, asks Zhang Guoguo about her whereabouts. Zhang Guoguo, honoring Song Xiuhua’s wishes, politely refuses to disclose the information. Dong Lijun, though disappointed, allows Zhang Guoguo to leave, entrusting her with a valuable embroidered cultural relic to restore at home. Xu Huijie observes this with quiet displeasure, while Zhang Yuxin seethes with jealousy, believing the task should have been hers.
Driven by ambition, Zhang Yuxin approaches Li Yunzhe at Shichuang to seek intellectual property protection for her designs. Li Yunzhe expresses reservations, noting the designs largely originate from Xu Huijie, but Zhang Yuxin argues this makes the protection even more crucial. Li Yunzhe agrees to assist and assigns the task to Lu Sichen.
Zhang Yuxin receives a phone call from Lu Sichen’s lawyer, informing her that Lu Sichen’s father has passed away due to a cerebral hemorrhage after hearing about his son’s imprisonment. The lawyer requests Zhang Yuxin cooperate with an out-of-court mediation for the divorce, which would allow Lu Sichen to attend his father’s funeral. Zhang Yuxin, however, refuses, fearing Lu Sichen’s potential revenge after his release. She internally hopes Lu Sichen will disappear from her life forever.
Back in his cell, Lu Sichen hears the devastating news of his father’s death from his lawyer, confirming Zhang Yuxin’s refusal to drop the lawsuit, which he interprets as intentional cruelty. Zhang Yuxin is then utterly stunned when Lu Sichen appears before her at Shichuang. He calmly introduces himself. Li Yunzhe suggests they all have dinner, but Zhang Yuxin, overwhelmed with shock and dread, declines, feigning inconvenience.
As Zhang Yuxin hurriedly tries to leave Shichuang, Lu Sichen catches up to her. Alone, she drops her facade, openly expressing her disgust and demanding he stay away. Lu Sichen, however, views this as merely the beginning of his plan for revenge. Later, at home, Li Yunkai, still pressured by his parents about the car, attempts to call Zhang Guoguo to persuade her to testify. Le Tong answers the phone, playfully scolding him for disturbing their sleep.
Zhang Guoguo, awakened by the commotion, takes the phone and, upon learning Li Yunkai's intentions, immediately refuses his request. Later, at Zhang Guoguo’s wonton shop, Li Yunkai once again presses her about the car accident and his need for her testimony. Zhang Guoguo, trying to placate him, offers him a free bowl of wontons. Li Yunkai, however, demands she treat him for a year, which Zhang Guoguo vehemently protests as robbery.
He then presents her with a mock lawsuit detailing demands for lost wages and emotional damages. Zhang Guoguo, exasperated, agrees to the year-long free wontons. Li Yunkai then offers her a substantial business opportunity: an order for 300 custom-embroidered ties for his law firm’s upcoming summit. Zhang Guoguo is overjoyed, playfully calling him a "jerk lawyer" in her excitement, a nickname he quickly admonishes her for. Later, as Zhang Guoguo leaves Jinluge, she again encounters Li Yunkai.
He first asks about Song Xiuhua’s whereabouts, which Zhang Guoguo refuses to disclose. He then reiterates his need for her help with the car, driven by persistent pressure from his parents. Zhang Guoguo boards a bus to avoid him, but he follows her on. Inside the crowded and jostling bus, they exchange annoyed glances. During a sudden stop, Zhang Guoguo nearly falls, but Li Yunkai quickly catches her.
She shows no gratitude, still resentful over his past actions with Xu Xiaoqin. When the bus jolts again, Zhang Guoguo falls and scrapes her knee. Li Yunkai sets aside their squabble, helps her up, and demands a seated passenger give up their spot for her. After repeated refusals, a frustrated Li Yunkai yells, finally getting the passenger to yield the seat. Once they exit the bus, Li Yunkai attentively cleans Zhang Guoguo’s injured leg. Seeing her unusually docile, he jokingly pretends to treat a non-existent injury on her forehead, drawing two long lines on it.
Episode 16 Recap
Zhang Yuxin, flustered, left an embroidered piece at Li Yunzhe's place, which he simply put away without much thought. Lu Sichen caught up to Zhang Yuxin in the elevator. She threatened him, putting up a brave front, but she was more terrified of Li Yunzhe discovering her connection to Lu Sichen. Seeing Lu Sichen unaffected by her coercion, Zhang Yuxin hastily departed the building.
Back home, Zhang Guoguo's mother, Wang Aiyu, expressed her displeasure to Zhang Guoguo for introducing her as a nanny to Li Yunkai's family. Since the situation was already set, Wang Aiyu offered Song Xiuhua a year's pre-paid salary for rent, but Song Xiuhua politely declined. When Zhang Guoguo returned to her room and looked in the mirror, she discovered two lines Li Yunkai had drawn on her forehead, which greatly angered her.
Meanwhile, Xu Huijie frantically searched for a missing embroidered cushion. Zhang Yuxin subtly suggested Zhang Guoguo might have taken it, leading Xu Huijie to suspect her. Xu Huijie called Dong Lijun for Zhang Guoguo's contact information, but Dong Lijun was displeased by Xu Huijie's baseless suspicions. Frustrated, Xu Huijie then called Li Yunkai's father, who also refused to provide Zhang Guoguo's contact. Li Yunkai, overhearing Zhang Guoguo's name, asked his father what was happening.
Upon learning that Jinluge suspected Zhang Guoguo of stealing a cushion, Li Yunkai grew concerned for her. Entering the house, Li Yunkai noticed He Juan holding an embroidered item that Li Yunzhe had brought home. Examining it closely, Li Yunkai recognized the Jinluge logo. Connecting this to his father's mention of the missing Jinluge embroidery, Li Yunkai realized the truth. Pressed by Xu Huijie, Dong Lijun reluctantly called Zhang Guoguo late at night to come to Jinluge.
When questioned about the missing embroidery, Zhang Guoguo, unaware of the situation, naturally denied taking it. However, Zhang Yuxin, eager to humiliate Zhang Guoguo, proposed searching Zhang Guoguo's home to prove her innocence. This angered Zhang Guoguo. In the midst of the standoff, Li Yunkai arrived and returned the embroidery to Xu Huijie. It then became clear that Zhang Yuxin had unintentionally taken the item to Li Yunzhe's place. With the truth revealed, Zhang Guoguo left Jinluge.
Li Yunkai pursued her, but Zhang Guoguo, wanting to avoid him, discreetly hid. Unable to find her, Li Yunkai became frustrated. He muttered about Zhang Guoguo's ingratitude, believing he had recommended a significant business venture to her. Zhang Guoguo, in turn, told him she would never like him and told him to "scram." Li Yunkai reluctantly left, frustrated and wondering why he was still thinking about her. Zhang Guoguo found his behavior quite strange.
After several observations, Jin Zhiming sensed that Zhang Yuxin and Zhang Guoguo's relationship was more complex than it seemed, suspecting they might have known each other previously. He approached Xu Huijie with his suspicions, who was surprised, wondering why Zhang Yuxin had never mentioned it if it were true. Jin Zhiming found this secrecy the most perplexing aspect, as if something was being intentionally concealed.
Fearing that any misstep might lead to Xu Huijie's disapproval, Zhang Yuxin arranged to meet Li Yunzhe. She blamed him for not returning the embroidery in time, which led to everyone knowing she had lost it and wrongly accused Zhang Guoguo. She recounted her various hardships and difficulties, repeatedly emphasizing that she could not leave Jinluge. Seeing Zhang Yuxin like this, Li Yunzhe gently hugged her to comfort her.
At breakfast, Li Yunzhe deliberately taunted Li Yunkai about his excessive concern for Zhang Guoguo and criticized him for returning the embroidery without consulting him. Li Yunkai, who already had a strained relationship with his brother, refused to be provoked. Li Yunzhe, in a foul mood, left without eating breakfast. Seeing her son's upset expression, He Juan questioned Li Yunkai about what had happened, but he vaguely dismissed her before leaving as well.
Li Yunkai, who had been keeping an eye on Zhang Guoguo, finally located her residence. To his surprise, he discovered Jiang Zhengchuan also lived there. Recalling how Jiang Zhengchuan's subordinate had forcibly taken his car previously, Li Yunkai began to suspect Zhang Guoguo and Jiang Zhengchuan were colluding to scam him. Angered, Li Yunkai found Zhang Guoguo's home. Le Tong opened the door, introducing Zhang Guoguo as her mother and Jiang Zhengchuan as her father.
This only solidified Li Yunkai's belief in their deception. Hearing the commotion, Song Xiuhua came out. Li Yunkai was stunned to see his aunt. They embraced, tears streaming, as Li Yunkai, just like years ago, called out "Auntie" repeatedly while hugging Song Xiuhua. Zhang Guoguo returned home to witness this reunion. Seeing Zhang Guoguo, Li Yunkai's temper flared, and he again blamed her for him not seeing Song Xiuhua for five years.
Because of the car incident, Li Yunkai remained convinced that Zhang Guoguo was in cahoots with someone to trick him. He questioned her about Le Tong, asking "Whose kid is she?" to which Zhang Guoguo firmly stated, "She's mine." Li Yunkai sarcastically responded that he had no further business with her. No matter what Zhang Guoguo said to explain, he refused to believe her, insisting on calling the two individuals whose car was rear-ended for a face-to-face confrontation.
Meanwhile, Jiang Zhengchuan was helping Li Hailan clean her shop. Still upset with him for his unannounced departure years ago, Li Hailan was unappreciative. However, Jiang Zhengchuan produced the small bear he had once given her, forcing her to confront her feelings. Li Hailan, still harboring feelings for Jiang Zhengchuan, did not resist his embrace. Just then, Le Tong burst in, announcing that someone had arrived at their house and Jiang Zhengchuan needed to return.
Upon returning home, Jiang Zhengchuan learned his two subordinates had arrived, leading to another confrontation with Li Yunkai. Jiang Zhengchuan demanded Li Yunkai pay for medical and car repair expenses before he and his subordinates left. Li Yunkai then realized Zhang Guoguo had indeed not conspired to deceive him and was delighted to learn that Zhang Guoguo and Jiang Zhengchuan were not a couple.
However, Zhang Guoguo, already very angry with him, did not want to hear any more of his words, especially after he questioned her about why she came to a single man's house at night, given that she was a mother. She stated she was only there to ask about Song Xiuhua and told him he was being petty for her not showing up to their previous meeting. Zhang Guoguo then left to buy embroidery supplies.
Song Xiuhua, noticing Li Yunkai's affection for Zhang Guoguo, suggested he accompany her, hoping to create an opportunity for them. Li Yunkai, following Zhang Guoguo on her shopping trip, ended up carrying all her purchases, reduced to a mere porter. Zhang Guoguo, however, remained indifferent to him, much to Li Yunkai's frustration. Eventually, Li Yunkai reverted to his shameless ways, hugging a tree and loudly complaining of thirst and exhaustion, refusing to move.
Unable to do anything, Zhang Guoguo broke open a watermelon she had bought, and they ate it together. Seeing Zhang Guoguo personally offer him a piece of melon made Li Yunkai very happy. He considerately cleaned up the rinds afterward and instructed Zhang Guoguo to protect her hands, which were meant for embroidery. Zhang Guoguo found this uncharacteristically gentle side of Li Yunkai difficult to comprehend.
Still speculating about Zhang Guoguo's true identity, Zhang Yuxin entered Jin Zhiming's studio once more. Her heart pounded as she saw the portrait of Jin Yibei; her suspicions were confirmed, leaving her terrified. Jin Zhiming happened to notice Zhang Yuxin's agitated expression. Fearing he would discern her unease, Zhang Yuxin quickly excused herself to pour tea. Distracted and still reeling from her discovery, Zhang Yuxin accidentally dropped and shattered a teacup when Xu Huijie suddenly spoke.
Xu Huijie also became suspicious of Zhang Yuxin's behavior. However, Xu Huijie had other commitments and did not dwell on the matter, leaving shortly after. Zhang Yuxin then entered Xu Huijie's room, retrieved a past photo of Jin Yibei, and confirmed it was indeed Zhang Guoguo. Her last glimmer of hope was completely extinguished. Jin Zhiming observed Zhang Yuxin's odd behavior.
He approached Xu Huijie, recounting Zhang Yuxin's recent peculiarities and boldly speculating that Jin Yibei might have been living in Xiping with Song Xiuhua. Upon hearing this possibility, Xu Huijie blamed Song Xiuhua for deliberately concealing Jin Yibei's whereabouts, though Jin Zhiming thought otherwise. Xu Huijie, thinking of Jin Zhida's death, nearly let slip something to Jin Zhiming. Nevertheless, this discovery gave them hope, and they decided to go to Xiping to search for clues.
Xu Huijie tasked Ding Wei to personally go to Xiping to gather information and specifically instructed him to investigate Zhang Yuxin's situation as well. Meanwhile, a friend had asked Dong Lijun to accept Zhang Guoguo as a disciple into Jinluge. Dong Lijun questioned Zhang Yuxin about the second-place winner of a previous competition (Zhang Guoguo).
Zhang Yuxin, fearing Zhang Guoguo's potential entry, falsely claimed Zhang Guoguo was too eager for success and irresponsible, citing a past incident where Zhang Guoguo's use of a unique dye caused a celebrity to have an allergic reaction, and Zhang Guoguo allegedly ran off without taking responsibility. Zhang Yuxin concluded that Zhang Guoguo was unfit for Jinluge. Dong Lijun understood her concerns.
Later, Dong Lijun, still wanting to know Song Xiuhua's whereabouts, questioned Zhang Guoguo again, but Zhang Guoguo, remembering Song Xiuhua's instructions, refused to disclose her location. A somewhat disappointed Dong Lijun then gave Zhang Guoguo a cultural relic embroidery that needed restoration to take home and handle. Unexpectedly, Xu Huijie saw this and was displeased, but did not say much. Zhang Yuxin, however, was greatly bothered by this, feeling jealous that Dong Lijun had clearly promised her this restoration task.
Unwilling to accept this, Zhang Yuxin went to Shichuang to find Li Yunzhe, presenting him with her "design works" (which were essentially all designed by Xu Huijie) and asking him to apply for intellectual property protection for them. Li Yunzhe raised doubts about the origins of these works, but agreed to help and tasked Lu Sichen with the matter. Zhang Yuxin was greatly surprised to see Lu Sichen appear before her this way.
Lu Sichen, now enjoying Li Yunzhe's trust and accompanying him everywhere, chose a restaurant where he used to work, making Zhang Yuxin uncomfortable. This unsettled Zhang Yuxin, making her fear he would say something that would arouse Li Yunzhe's suspicion. Finally, the meeting concluded, and Zhang Yuxin hurried away. Lu Sichen, tasked by Li Yunzhe to drive Zhang Yuxin home, followed her out. Zhang Yuxin, now helpless against Lu Sichen, continually warned him while simultaneously praying he wouldn't cause trouble.
With their conflicted thoughts, they drove off. Zhang Guoguo prepared to take Le Tong for a medical examination. Looking at the little girl, now grown so much, Zhang Guoguo felt a surge of emotions. The innocent Le Tong, who was very fond of Zhang Guoguo, praised her as the most beautiful person in the world.
Le Tong's childlike praises caused Zhang Guoguo to momentarily drift, recalling Li Yunkai's kiss in Xiping years ago, and her face suddenly felt warm and red. On their way to the bus station, Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong encountered Li Yunkai, who had driven there. He had brought a cake box as a gift for Le Tong. Zhang Guoguo initially resisted, but Li Yunkai's persuasive words eventually won her over. Seeing Le Tong accept the gift, Li Yunkai happily departed.
At the bus station, Zhang Guoguo suddenly heard someone calling her name but couldn't locate the source of the voice. Le Tong then discovered the sound was coming from inside the cake box she was holding. Zhang Guoguo opened it to find a mobile phone. Upon answering, Li Yunkai's annoying voice filled her ear. Zhang Guoguo was extremely frustrated, while Li Yunkai, in high spirits, continuously teased her, provoking Zhang Guoguo to shout back, oblivious to her surroundings.
Episode 17 Recap
Le Tong's hospitalization date was quickly set, which made Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong very happy. After all, this meant Le Tong could recover her health. Due to the surgery's requirements, Zhang Guoguo specifically came to Jinluge to return the antique embroidery that Dong Lijun had previously entrusted her to restore.
It so happened that Dong Lijun was not there, so Zhang Yuxin told Zhang Guoguo to put down the items and then leave, but Zhang Guoguo insisted on waiting until Dong Lijun returned before leaving. When one plan failed, she devised another. Zhang Yuxin used the excuse that Dong Lijun disliked people entering her room and touching her things, asking Zhang Guoguo to hand the embroidery to her.
Thinking that Le Tong still needed care at home, Zhang Guoguo confidently placed the embroidery on the table, saying that she would not be able to come to Jinluge again recently due to other matters, and then left. Meanwhile, Ding Wei also arrived in Xiping, asking everyone he met for news of Zhang Yuxin, but unfortunately, no one recognized Zhang Yuxin. Returning to Jinluge, Dong Lijun quickly discovered the embroidery left by Zhang Guoguo.
However, by this time, the embroidery had already been replaced with an inferior product by Zhang Yuxin. Seeing such workmanship, Dong Lijun was very angry, and Xu Huijie took the opportunity to make things worse. However, Dong Lijun refused to believe that this was Zhang Guoguo's standard. Seeing Dong Lijun's trust in Zhang Guoguo, Zhang Yuxin was very resentful. She slandered Zhang Guoguo, saying that she would never come to Jinluge again. Such irresponsible behavior made Dong Lijun very dissatisfied.
Zhang Guoguo led Le Tong to prepare for hospitalization. Le Tong, who was in a very good mood, specifically said goodbye to Jiang Zhengchuan before leaving. Just then, someone called to speak with Zhang's mother. It turned out that because Ding Wei was looking for Zhang Yuxin, the old neighbors in Xiping were surprised and asked Zhang's mother. The nervous Zhang's mother felt much relieved after hearing that the other party had not found out anything.
Zhang Guoguo quickly completed the hospitalization procedures with Le Tong. At this time, Li Yunkai, who knew Le Tong was having surgery, also rushed to visit Le Tong. He encouraged Le Tong while promising her that he would take good care of Zhang Guoguo during her surgery. Soon, Le Tong was pushed into the operating room.
Zhang Guoguo, eager for her daughter's well-being, was very nervous, and Le Tong coincidentally developed sudden symptoms requiring Zhang Guoguo's signature for consent, which made Zhang Guoguo's heart clench. Helpless, she could only pray that Le Tong would be okay while quietly weeping. Seeing Zhang Guoguo like this, Li Yunkai pulled Zhang Guoguo away from the operating room, continuously comforting her and reassuring her. He Juan visited Dong Lijun as usual.
When she learned that Zhang Guoguo had submitted an inferior embroidery piece, and recalling Zhang's mother's previous mention of Le Tong's surgery, He Juan suddenly understood. And learning that Zhang Guoguo was pregnant before marriage made Dong Lijun even more furious, feeling that Zhang Guoguo's character was truly problematic. Ding Wei rushed back from Xiping to Zhenhu and told Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie the investigation results.
It turned out that due to the long time passed, no one could remember Zhang Yuxin, only vaguely heard her seemingly calling someone named Wang Aiyu "mother." The two planned to find Wang Aiyu to inquire about the situation. Unexpectedly, this conversation was overheard by Zhang Yuxin. She quickly called Zhang's mother, but no one answered. Left with no choice, she decided to go find Zhang's mother herself.
Arriving at where Zhang's mother lived, Zhang Yuxin encountered Song Xiuhua, who was about to go out. Given Zhang Yuxin's past actions, Song Xiuhua had no good impression of her, so she asked Zhang Yuxin to leave. However, Zhang's mother happened to return. Seeing her daughter, Zhang's mother's emotions were a bit agitated, but due to Song Xiuhua's presence, the two had to vaguely say they were old acquaintances from Xiping.
However, their obvious attempts to conceal something made Song Xiuhua feel very strange. Zhang Yuxin told Zhang's mother that Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming would soon come to ask her about her background, and she asked Zhang's mother to help conceal it. Before she could finish speaking, Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming arrived at Zhang's mother's doorstep. Zhang Yuxin hastily hid inside the house.
When Jin Zhiming asked Zhang's mother about Zhang Yuxin's situation, Zhang's mother vehemently denied it, but Xu Huijie suddenly noticed Zhang Yuxin's handbag on the table inside the house. The two became even more certain that Zhang Yuxin must know Zhang's mother. Unable to hide any longer, Zhang Yuxin had to come out.
Facing Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming's questioning, Zhang Yuxin vehemently denied Zhang's mother's identity, saying that she had only stayed as a lodger at Zhang's mother's house before. Seeing her daughter's statement, Zhang's mother felt very distressed. She painfully murmured to herself, shedding tears and blaming Zhang Yuxin for having lost her true self in her current actions. However, this statement was recorded on a mobile phone by Lu Sichen, who arrived later.
He Juan called Zhang Guoguo to tell her about the embroidery incident. Zhang Guoguo hurried back to Jinluge to verify it. Facing Dong Lijun, Zhang Guoguo repeatedly stated that the embroidery was not done by her. Dong Lijun, who also had doubts, asked if anyone else had entered her room. Zhang Guoguo remembered that Zhang Yuxin had also been there, but Xu Huijie believed Zhang Guoguo was just shirking responsibility.
Dong Lijun then asked Zhang Guoguo about Le Tong, expressing subtle criticism regarding her premarital pregnancy. However, Zhang Guoguo generously admitted Le Tong's existence and did not consider her a disgrace. Because Le Tong was still in surgery, Zhang Guoguo did not want to waste more time on such a meaningless dispute, so she wanted to return to the hospital first. As soon as she went out, she ran into Zhang Yuxin.
Zhang Guoguo advised Zhang Yuxin to stop while she was ahead, and the atmosphere between them became somewhat tense. Jin Zhiming, who had come out, suggested investigating the truth. Dong Lijun then sent someone to Zhang Yuxin's room to retrieve her embroidery work. Through comparison, Dong Lijun discovered that the inferior embroidery was indeed not Zhang Yuxin's technique. Seeing that the matter would not implicate her, Zhang Yuxin once again insisted that Zhang Guoguo was framing her.
A very disappointed Zhang Guoguo told Dong Lijun that the inferior embroidery had a special perfume scent, and this scent clearly did not belong to her. Exposed, Zhang Yuxin could no longer hide. While admitting her mistake, she also blamed Zhang Guoguo for causing it. Her practice of only shirking responsibility onto others greatly disappointed Dong Lijun and Jin Zhiming. Dong Lijun handed the matter over to Xu Huijie to handle. Zhang Yuxin deeply resented Zhang Guoguo.
When she saw Xu Huijie coming to find her, unwilling to be expelled from Jinluge, she knelt and begged Xu Huijie, but her mistake this time made it impossible for Xu Huijie to help her either. Song Xiuhua rushed to the hospital to visit Le Tong. Learning about the embroidery issue from Li Yunkai, Song Xiuhua's understanding of Zhang Guoguo made her highly doubt the veracity of the matter.
Li Yunkai took the opportunity to learn about Zhang Guoguo's past from Song Xiuhua. When he learned that Zhang's mother had once ruined Zhang Guoguo's future in such a way, both of them found it difficult to understand. Because Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie had previously inquired about Zhang Yuxin, Zhang's mother specifically called Zhang Guoguo to the corridor and instructed her not to reveal Zhang Yuxin's true identity. Zhang Guoguo felt very helpless about Zhang's mother's actions.
The two had a small argument. At this moment, Song Xiuhua, who came out of the ward, overheard their entire conversation. Zhang Guoguo was very happy to see that little Le Tong was completely fine. Song Xiuhua advised her and Li Yunkai to take this opportunity to go eat something first. The two sat in the restaurant. Zhang Guoguo suddenly suggested she wanted to learn English.
It turned out that when she went to Jinluge earlier, she happened to encounter a foreign reporter, and not knowing English, she caused a lot of embarrassment during her communication with the foreign reporter. Li Yunkai, seeing her eagerness to learn, was naturally willing to help. However, upon seeing her crude eating manners again, he felt quite a headache.
Zhang Yuxin wanted to ask Li Yunzhe for help, but at this moment, Li Yunzhe did not have time to see her. Just then, she encountered Lu Sichen again. Lu Sichen, who already had some understanding of her background, was not in a hurry to confront her. Instead, when she saw Lu Sichen, she once again accused him of being delusional. Having no other choice, Zhang Yuxin called Li Yunzhe again to arrange a meeting.
Faced with Li Yunzhe's repeated rejections, she took the initiative to confess her feelings to him, saying that she had deeply loved him for a long time. However, Li Yunzhe, who already had a fiancée, did not want to give up his rich and powerful fiancée for Zhang Yuxin, so he was indifferent to her heartfelt confession. Zhang Yuxin sat helplessly on the chair, letting the rain pour down. Li Yunzhe still rushed over.
Seeing hope, Zhang Yuxin once again told Li Yunzhe that they were the same kind of people and should be together. However, his childhood experiences made Li Yunzhe dislike people who were like him the most. For the sake of his ambition, he could not deviate from his path. Hoping to move Li Yunzhe, Zhang Yuxin actively leaned in and kissed him.
Episode 18 Recap
Li Yunkai rushed to the hospital and saw Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong sleeping soundly. He felt very happy and took the initiative to cover them with blankets. Zhang Guoguo woke up and was very touched by Li Yunkai's efforts during this time. Li Yunkai pulled her close, and they lay face to face, gazing deeply at each other. Zhang Yuxin took the initiative to please Dong Lijun. in order to avoid being kicked out of Jinluge.
However, Dong Lijun, who already doubted her character, didn't appreciate it at all. Helpless, Zhang Yuxin secretly found Zhang's mother, first asking where she first met Zhang Guoguo, and then asking Zhang's mother to take Zhang Guoguo away from Zhenhu. Song Xiuhua and Zhang Guoguo were also on their way home.
Zhang Guoguo told Song Xiuhua her original intention of adopting Le Tong, and at the same time told Song Xiuhua that she had learned from Zhang Yuxin that she was an orphan picked up by Zhang's mother, which surprised Song Xiuhua very much. At this moment, Zhang Guoguo saw Zhang Yuxin and Zhang's mother talking on the side of the road. The two sisters accused each other as soon as they met, which made Zhang's mother feel very headache.
However, their conversation was heard by Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming who followed. They questioned Zhang Yuxin and Zhang Guoguo's relationship again, but Zhang Yuxin still denied it. Zhang Guoguo couldn't stand it and retorted, but was stopped and taken away by Zhang's mother. Song Xiuhua, who was not far away, saw these situations, and her doubts grew heavier and heavier.
After confirming from Zhang Guoguo that Zhang Yuxin was indeed Zhang's mother's daughter, Song Xiuhua decided to go to Dong Lijun to explain the situation, but Zhang Guoguo asked her to go later. Zhang Yuxin hurried back to Jinluge to pack her things. Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming still doubted her identity.
However, Zhang Yuxin used Xu Huijie's guilt and sympathy for Jin Yibei, recounting all her past experiences from childhood to adulthood, which made Xu Huijie finally give up her doubts and persuade Jin Zhiming. In addition, because of Song Xiuhua's reason, Xu Huijie believed even more that Zhang Guoguo was deliberately excluding Zhang Yuxin. Xu Huijie asked Zhang Yuxin to stay, but Zhang Yuxin, who had other plans in mind, did not agree to stay.
She carried her luggage all the way to Shichuang and rushed into Li Yunzhe's office. At this time, He Juan was persuading Li Yunzhe in his office to treat Gao Yating well, after all, only by marrying Gao Yating could he completely obtain Shichuang. Zhang Yuxin, who suddenly broke in, interrupted the conversation between the mother and son. Zhang Yuxin, who originally wanted to act pitiful, had to leave in a panic when she saw He Juan present.
He Juan, who recognized Zhang Yuxin, saw her come in and out looking pitiful, and her impression of her was even worse. Li Yunzhe caught up with Zhang Yuxin and learned that she had left Jinluge. Li Yunzhe said that he could arrange a job for her at Shichuang. However, how could Zhang Yuxin, who was extremely ambitious, be willing to be just an employee of Shichuang?
She pitifully confessed to Li Yunzhe that the reason why she was like this was entirely to match Li Yunzhe's status so that she could marry him. Such a deep confession made Li Yunzhe feel a little moved. At this time, Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai were taking care of Le Tong in the hospital. Le Tong asked them to go out and buy a cake.
Zhang Guoguo was worried about Le Tong, but at this time Song Xiuhua arrived in time, and the two left with peace of mind. Thinking of what Zhang Yuxin had done to Zhang's mother before, Zhang Guoguo's mood was a little low. After Li Yunkai knew the reason, he also thought of his mother, and the two felt a lot of emotion for a while.
Not wanting to be immersed in sad emotions anymore, Zhang Guoguo rushed into a cake shop. Looking at the beautiful cakes inside, Zhang Guoguo's eyes almost popped out. When he learned that Zhang Guoguo had never had his own birthday, Li Yunkai said with pity and domineering that he would personally celebrate Zhang Guoguo's birthday every year from now on.
Song Xiuhua stayed in the hospital to take care of Le Tong and found that Le Tong was actually drawing the dyeing workshop, which made her feel very strange. When she learned that Zhang Guoguo taught Le Tong to draw like this, Song Xiuhua couldn't help but have a bold idea in her heart.
She inquired about the clues about Zhang Guoguo's loss and being picked up in a roundabout way, and felt more and more that she might be Jin Yibei. Song Xiuhua, who returned home, wanted to see the photos of Zhang Guoguo's childhood. According to Zhang Guoguo's instructions, she found that she could not find her childhood photos no matter what. At this time, Zhang's mother came back and saw Song Xiuhua flipping through the photo album.
Feeling guilty, she did not dare to respond directly to Song Xiuhua's questions about Zhang Guoguo. Because before that, Zhang Yuxin had just asked her to bite the bullet and insist that Zhang Guoguo was her biological daughter, and took away all the photos of Zhang Guoguo's childhood. Facing Song Xiuhua's question about not reporting the case when she picked up Zhang Guoguo, Zhang's mother could only panic and say that Zhang Guoguo was abandoned.
After taking away Zhang Guoguo's photos, Zhang Yuxin threw them all into the trash can, and all of this was discovered by Lu Sichen. He took the photos after Zhang Yuxin left, and looking at Zhang Guoguo's childhood, Lu Sichen couldn't figure out what was going on for a while. Zhang Yuxin did not accept Li Yunzhe's arrangement to stay in Shichuang, but asked Li Yunzhe to cooperate with her in order to achieve the goal of returning to Jinluge.
Sure enough, Li Yunzhe found Xu Huijie and said that since the property rights of all the embroidery products of Jinluge were in Zhang Yuxin's name, all the embroidery products could not be sold without Zhang Yuxin's consent, which brought huge losses to Shichuang Group. Xu Huijie was very shocked and could not imagine that Zhang Yuxin would come up with such a trick.
When she told Dong Lijun and Jin Zhiming about the situation, the two were even more disappointed in Zhang Yuxin's character, but now they were controlled by Zhang Yuxin and could not think of a way to solve the problem for a while. On the other side, Zhang Guoguo was learning so-called etiquette and English with Li Yunkai.
Looking at the cute Zhang Guoguo, Li Yunkai was very happy and declared his sovereignty to Zhang Guoguo like a domineering president, which made Zhang Guoguo feel a throbbing in her heart. When she came to the hospital again to take care of Le Tong, she learned from Zhang's mother that Li's father asked Li Yunkai to go on blind dates every day so that he could get married as soon as possible, Zhang Guoguo felt very jealous.
At this time, Zhang's mother received a call from Jin Zhiming, asking her to come downstairs to meet. When Jin Zhiming sent a pile of remittance slips to Zhang's mother, Zhang's mother learned that Zhang Yuxin had told Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie that Zhang's mother had been forcing her to send money to herself.
Seeing her daughter wronged herself so much, Zhang's mother felt very sad, but she still decided to cooperate with Zhang Yuxin in this scene because she loved her daughter deeply. Jin Zhiming felt very sorry for Zhang Yuxin when he saw that Zhang's mother was so greedy for money, and warned Zhang's mother not to pester Zhang Yuxin in the future.
Song Xiuhua had been worried about Zhang Guoguo's life experience, so she found Zhang's mother again, trying to persuade her to help find Zhang Guoguo's biological parents, but under Zhang Yuxin's instructions, Zhang's mother had been deliberately avoiding her, which made Song Xiuhua feel very helpless. Le Tong's condition was getting better day by day.
Looking at Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai who came to take care of her every day, little Le Tong liked Li Yunkai very much in her heart, and she, who had always longed for fatherly love, regarded Li Yunkai as her real father. When Le Tong put forward such an idea, Zhang Guoguo's face turned red instantly.
Feeling a little guilty, she did not dare to look at Le Tong's innocent eyes, so she pretended to be angry and did not allow Le Tong to talk nonsense. Zhang Yuxin, who successfully returned to Jinluge, called Zhang Guoguo to meet, but was heard by Lu Sichen who had been following her. Zhang Yuxin found Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong in the hospital, and asked Zhang Guoguo not to covet Jinluge anymore.
Noticing Le Tong's existence, Zhang Yuxin felt a little strange, especially when Zhang Guoguo said that this was her daughter, which made her even more surprised. At this time, she suddenly noticed the gauze on Le Tong's ear. Thinking that the daughter she abandoned had hearing problems, Zhang Yuxin's face changed drastically. She couldn't care about warning Zhang Guoguo anymore, and kept asking about Le Tong's life experience and who her father was.
Talking about these issues in front of the child made Zhang Guoguo very unhappy. Zhang Guoguo took Le Tong away, but was stopped by Lu Sichen again. Zhang Yuxin saw Lu Sichen appear and take the initiative to approach Zhang Guoguo, which made her very uneasy. Lu Sichen ignored Zhang Yuxin and offered to send Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong away after revealing his identity to Zhang Guoguo.
Perhaps it was the nature of father and daughter that made Lu Sichen like Le Tong very much. When he learned from her that she had two fathers, he felt that Le Tong was very cute. Zhang Guoguo suspected the relationship between Lu Sichen and Zhang Yuxin. Although Lu Sichen repeatedly said that he and Zhang Yuxin were old acquaintances, Zhang Guoguo always felt that the relationship between the two was a bit subtle.
After Le Tong returned home, she was taken out by Song Xiuhua to eat pizza. The two came to Li Hailan's shop to find Jiang Zhengchuan. Just as Li Hailan came in with a pile of boxes, she lost her balance and fell into Jiang Zhengchuan's arms. Song Xiuhua met Li Hailan unexpectedly. Zhang's mother sat at home sighing. Zhang Guoguo couldn't stand it and comforted Zhang's mother to be more open-minded.
The naive Zhang Guoguo only cared about comforting Zhang's mother, and accidentally said that she knew that Zhang's mother was not her biological mother. Zhang's mother was very moved to see that Zhang Guoguo had never been estranged from her because she knew about this. Zhang Yuxin suspected Le Tong's identity, so she asked Zhang's mother out and questioned her about what was going on. Not wanting Zhang Yuxin to know the truth, Zhang's mother claimed that the child was Zhang Guoguo's biological daughter.
Episode 19 Recap
Zhang Guoguo was doing laundry while scolding Li Yunkai. It turned out that she felt extremely jealous upon hearing about Li Yunkai's blind date, yet she also felt she had no standing to be jealous. Li Yunkai saw her conflicted and troubled expression and was overjoyed inside. When Zhang Guoguo half-jokingly, half-resentfully mentioned whether Li Yunkai was going to get married, Li Yunkai hurriedly declared that if Zhang Guoguo didn't marry, he absolutely wouldn't either.
Faced with such a direct hint, Zhang Guoguo's heart truly pounded and her face flushed. Zhang Guoguo went to Jinluge to see Dong Lijun. Dong Lijun asked Zhang Guoguo to make some handkerchiefs, wrist bags, and similar items to give to the welfare institution. As Zhang Guoguo was about to leave with the fabrics, Xu Huijie stopped her. Xu Huijie was very displeased about Zhang Guoguo appearing in Jinluge again.
After learning that Dong Lijun had approved this, Xu Huijie increasingly felt that Zhang Guoguo must be following Song Xiuhua's arrangements, trying to curry favor with Dong Lijun to stay in Jinluge and seize the position of embroidery master. No matter how much Zhang Guoguo explained, Xu Huijie refused to believe her. Xu Huijie arranged to meet Zhang Yuxin, mentioning the copyright matters from their previous collaboration with Shichuang Group.
She hinted that Zhang Yuxin should agree to Shichuang continuing to sell Jinluge's works, but Zhang Yuxin deliberately played dumb. Just then, Xu Huijie received a call; it was Li Yunzhe's fiancée, Gao Yating, who wanted to try on a dress. Hearing Gao Yating's name, Zhang Yuxin had other ideas and proactively offered to deliver the dress for Xu Huijie. After meeting Gao Yating, Zhang Yuxin discovered that this legendary young lady's temper was indeed as capricious as rumored.
While Zhang Yuxin was helping her try on clothes, she accidentally knocked off a beaded flower from her dress, causing the young lady to fly into a rage and demand an apology. Just then, Li Yunzhe rushed in and pulled Zhang Yuxin up. Gao Yating watched their hands clasped together, and anger surged within her. Although she might not have loved Li Yunzhe deeply, she could not tolerate seeing her fiancé holding another woman.
This time, Li Yunzhe did not back down; instead, he directly canceled his engagement with Gao Yating. Zhang Yuxin, brought out by Li Yunzhe, feigned pitifully that she could endure any grievance for Li Yunzhe. Li Yunzhe, who was already moved, seeing Zhang Yuxin still thinking only of him at that moment, leaned in for a deep kiss. Xu Huijie met with Zhang Yuxin and Li Yunzhe.
Full of joy, she thought the cooperation issue with Shichuang had been resolved and invited Zhang Yuxin back to Jinluge. Unexpectedly, Zhang Yuxin refused, stating that the cooperation with Shichuang would also not continue, and at the same time, she handed Xu Huijie the previous cooperation documents with Shichuang. Xu Huijie was quite shocked by Zhang Yuxin's resolute action. Just then, Li Yunzhe picked up the document and found Zhang Guoguo's childhood photo tucked inside.
Fearing Xu Huijie would see it, Zhang Yuxin hastily put away the photo and excused herself to leave first. Xu Huijie caught up with Zhang Yuxin and reprimanded her, saying her actions were an act of ingratitude. But Zhang Yuxin stated that for all these years, anything Xu Huijie found inconvenient to handle, she had done it all. Now, she was merely making some plans for herself, and Xu Huijie's inability to accept it was unfair in itself.
Their conversation was full of hostility, and Xu Huijie, not wanting to get entangled further, turned to leave. But Zhang Yuxin suddenly rushed to her, knelt down, and begged Xu Huijie to take her as a daughter. She promised to follow Xu Huijie's lead from then on, and not only that, she would also make Li Yunzhe resume cooperation with Jinluge and at the same time make Dong Lijun completely relinquish control of Jinluge.
Considering all these things, Xu Huijie agreed to Zhang Yuxin's proposal. Xu Huijie found Jin Zhiming and proposed adopting Zhang Yuxin as her daughter. As expected, she met with opposition. Jin Zhiming could not accept anyone other than Jin Yibei, but Xu Huijie said she just needed spiritual solace. Thinking of the pain of not having a daughter for so many years, Jin Zhiming agreed.
The two then found Dong Lijun, who also expressed opposition, fearing that Zhang Yuxin would negatively impact Jin Yibei when she returned in the future. Jin Zhiming persuaded Dong Lijun that Zhang Yuxin's presence would not affect Jin Yibei. Zhang Guoguo was doing embroidery while waiting for Li Yunkai to come and learn English from her. However, Li Yunkai was forcefully kept at home by his father and He Juan at that time.
Unable to leave, Li Yunkai called Li Hailan for help. When Li Hailan brought Jiang Zhengchuan before Li's father, Li's father and He Juan reacted quite strongly. Remembering Jiang Zhengchuan's unannounced departure earlier, the two strongly advised Li Hailan not to associate with him anymore. Even Li Yunkai, who originally wanted to sneak away, was called back by his angry father, who told him to stop Li Hailan and Jiang Zhengchuan at all costs.
Unable to get away, Li Yunkai had to block them, but then he suddenly realized that Jiang Zhengchuan was the very person he had encountered at Zhang Guoguo's house before. Jiang Zhengchuan also recognized Li Yunkai at the same time. Indeed, when rivals meet, their eyes turn red with fury. Li Yunkai, who had originally intended to persuade, also joined the opposition. Seeing that they all shared the same attitude, Li Hailan directly pulled Jiang Zhengchuan away.
Li Yunkai came to Zhang Guoguo's home and discovered that Lu Sichen was also there, and Le Tong was even hugging Lu Sichen and calling him Dad. This made his heart a mix of emotions, and he became even more uncertain about Zhang Guoguo's feelings for him. Watching Lu Sichen giving Le Tong gifts and playing with her in the courtyard, Li Yunkai slinked away. Unwilling to give up, he called Zhang Guoguo.
Zhang Guoguo was also angry about his missed appointment. By this time, Li Yunkai had already overturned the vinegar jar. He subtly probed about Lu Sichen, and seeing that he hadn't achieved his goal, he awkwardly left a statement that was like a confession yet not, and then hung up. However, his words made Zhang Guoguo unable to sleep; she wasn't sure if Li Yunkai was confessing his feelings to her.
Li Yunkai also couldn't sleep, wondering if Zhang Guoguo could understand his feelings. Sleepless all night, Li Yunkai decided to be direct with Zhang Guoguo. Disregarding Zhang Guoguo's wishes, he simply hoisted her onto his shoulder and carried her to a quiet place. A somewhat nervous Li Yunkai confessed his feelings incoherently; he didn't know what Zhang Guoguo's reaction would be. After Zhang Guoguo listened to his words, she didn't emotionally throw herself into his arms.
Instead, she very realistically stated that she and Li Yunkai lived in two different worlds, and she also had Le Tong to take care of, so she couldn't recklessly accept his feelings. This did not make Li Yunkai retreat; instead, it strengthened his feelings for Zhang Guoguo even more. Zhang Yuxin called Lu Sichen out and threatened him not to bother her anymore. However, Lu Sichen demanded that Zhang Yuxin return the child to him.
How could Zhang Yuxin find the child now? She could only tell Lu Sichen that the child had been sent away, but this made Lu Sichen even angrier. He warned Zhang Yuxin that this matter would definitely not end there. Li Yunkai saw little Le Tong sitting on the ground with a worried expression, so he went over and asked her what was suddenly wrong. This only made Le Tong feel even more aggrieved.
She questioned Li Yunkai if he was going to abandon Zhang Guoguo and marry another woman. Seeing Le Tong crying so pitifully, Li Yunkai quickly stated that he only liked Zhang Guoguo and promised Le Tong that he would honorably marry Zhang Guoguo and bring her home. Le Tong, having reached an agreement with Li Yunkai, found Zhang Guoguo and said she wanted to eat cake.
Zhang Guoguo, unsuspecting, went directly to the store to buy one, but was told by the clerk that the venue was reserved for the day. Turning around, she saw Li Yunkai sitting nearby and was very puzzled. At Li Yunkai's repeated insistence, Zhang Guoguo reluctantly sat down, only to see one beautiful woman after another elegantly arriving. Although she hadn't accepted Li Yunkai, seeing so many beautiful women coming for him still made Zhang Guoguo extremely jealous.
Finally, all the beautiful women entered, and everyone raised their glasses to celebrate. Only Zhang Guoguo held a glass of milk, drinking it without taste. At this moment, Li Yunkai put down his glass and announced to the beautiful women present that Zhang Guoguo was his girlfriend. This sudden declaration caused Zhang Guoguo, who was completely unprepared, to spray all the milk onto Li Yunkai. The beautiful women looked at the disheveled Li Yunkai and couldn't stop giggling. It was then that Zhang Guoguo realized these beautiful women were not his ex-girlfriends as she had thought, but simply his friends.
Episode 20 Recap
Zhang Guoguo learned from the other girls that she was actually Li Yunkai's first love, which made her feel incredibly sweet inside, and she finally accepted Li Yunkai's feelings. At Zhang Guoguo's doorstep, Li Yunkai, facing the person he deeply loved, asked for a small gesture of affection. Zhang Guoguo closed her eyes, expecting Li Yunkai's kiss.
The excited Li Yunkai, however, suddenly found that his seatbelt was too tight, making it impossible for him to get close to Zhang Guoguo. This made him both embarrassed and anxious. Seeing Li Yunkai like this, Zhang Guoguo laughed and ran away. Zhang Guoguo took Le Tong to a parent-child activity, but forgot to bring a kite for Le Tong. Just then, Li Yunkai arrived, bringing a kite he had made himself.
Zhang Guoguo looked at the kite and suddenly felt it was strangely familiar, but she couldn't recall where she had seen it before, no matter how hard she tried. Li Yunkai ran into an acquaintance. Seeing Li Yunkai also participating in the parent-child activity, the acquaintance was surprised. Li Yunkai, however, generously stated that Zhang Guoguo was his girlfriend.
Little Le Tong then returned to their side, but was pointed out by the acquaintance's child that Le Tong's mother was a single mother, making the atmosphere a bit awkward for a moment. Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming told Zhang Yuxin that they agreed to adopt her as their goddaughter and would personally announce this news in front of all their relatives. Zhang Yuxin was incredibly excited inside.
However, Jin Zhiming mentioned that Dong Lijun still didn't agree to this, and Zhang Yuxin said she would definitely perform well. Thinking that her goal was finally achieved, Zhang Yuxin grew increasingly complacent. But at this moment, Lu Sichen called her. Zhang Yuxin, blinded by greed, remembered Lu Sichen's previous warnings and felt very uneasy in her heart. Upon returning home, Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong found Xu Xiaoqin at the door.
Seeing the injuries on her hand, Zhang Guoguo felt it was a bit strange, but Xu Xiaoqin spoke vaguely, only saying she had some special circumstances and had come to seek refuge with Zhang Guoguo. Without thinking much, Zhang Guoguo agreed to take Xu Xiaoqin in. Having not seen each other for a long time, they naturally wanted to drink and chat happily. Xu Xiaoqin always had Li Yunkai on her mind, so she asked Zhang Guoguo about Li Yunkai.
This made Zhang Guoguo very awkward; she didn't dare to tell Xu Xiaoqin about the relationship between Li Yunkai and herself, and could only give perfunctory answers. Meanwhile, Li Yunkai, who had already left, discovered that Le Tong's schoolbag was left in his car, and decided to return it to Zhang Guoguo.
Zhang Guoguo looked at the suddenly appearing Li Yunkai and gestured with her eyes for him not to appear in front of Xu Xiaoqin, but Li Yunkai was unwilling. Zhang Guoguo, having no choice, had to pretend that she had just run into Li Yunkai and brought him in front of Xu Xiaoqin. The three of them sat down together.
However, they didn't realize that Zhang Yuxin, who was outside the door, took pictures of them and found someone to investigate Xu Xiaoqin's situation. Li Yunkai took every opportunity to explicitly and implicitly persuade Xu Xiaoqin to give up her thoughts about him, but Xu Xiaoqin remained indifferent. Seeing Xu Xiaoqin, who had succumbed to alcohol and passed out, Li Yunkai finally found an opportunity to pull Zhang Guoguo aside.
Just as he was about to kiss Zhang Guoguo, Xu Xiaoqin suddenly woke up. Seeing this scene, the heartbroken Xu Xiaoqin ran out. Xu Xiaoqin, hiding in a corner, secretly cried, but then saw Zhang Yuxin pass by and thought she was sent by Zhang Guoguo to mock her.
Zhang Yuxin, who had ulterior motives, after learning that Xu Xiaoqin had run away from Zhang Guoguo's place, proactively comforted her and gave her money to find a place to settle down. Xu Xiaoqin didn't return home overnight, and Zhang Guoguo was very worried, but Li Yunkai didn't take it seriously.
He pulled Zhang Guoguo to sit next to Le Tong, and the three of them talked and laughed happily, but this scene was also captured by Zhang Yuxin from outside the door. While Zhang Mu was strolling on the street, she saw a notice posted by Jin Zhiming searching for Jin Yibei, and recognized it as Zhang Guoguo from her childhood.
It turned out her parents had always been looking for her whereabouts, which made Zhang Mu decide to contact Jin Zhiming. Unaware of the full story, she proactively called Jin Zhiming, saying she had news of Jin Yibei. This made Jin Zhiming extremely excited, but made Zhang Yuxin extremely panicked.
Jin Zhiming told Zhang Mu to come to him according to the address, and at the same time, told Xu Huijie and Dong Lijun the news; all three of them were very happy. Zhang Yuxin anxiously called Zhang Mu but no one answered. At this point, Xu Huijie found her and said that the matter of adopting her as their goddaughter would have to wait until Jin Yibei returned.
Zhang Yuxin outwardly expressed understanding, but inwardly she was filled with immense hatred. Zhang Guoguo happened to come to deliver the handkerchief and wristlet she had made earlier. Upon learning that Jin Yibei had been found, she also felt happy for Dong Lijun, so she left the items and departed. When Zhang Mu finally arrived at the entrance of Jinlü Pavilion, Zhang Yuxin, afraid of being exposed, proactively went out to greet her, and Jin Zhiming also followed her out.
When Zhang Mu saw that it was actually Zhang Yuxin and Jin Zhiming who came out, she frantically put away the missing person notice and said that she was just looking for Zhang Guoguo. Jin Zhiming was very disappointed. Not waiting for the person who brought news of Jin Yibei, Xu Huijie couldn't help but suspect that Zhang Mu might be the one who called. Zhang Yuxin hastily said it was absolutely impossible.
The Jin family, who couldn't figure out what was going on for a while, were all very puzzled. Zhang Yuxin took the opportunity to find Zhang Mu, told her the news that Zhang Guoguo was Jin Yibei, and repeatedly instructed her not to let Zhang Guoguo recognize the Jin family.
At the same time, she stated that if Jin Zhiming checked the surveillance and found that Zhang Mu was the one who made the call, Zhang Mu would be responsible for all consequences. Not letting Zhang Guoguo recognize her family made Zhang Mu feel extremely guilty, especially after learning from Zhang Yuxin that Song Xiuhua was Zhang Guoguo's paternal aunt-in-law, which made her feel even more tormented.
She found Song Xiuhua and recognized Zhang Guoguo from a photo on her desk. Her heart was conflicted and complex, and seeing Zhang Guoguo's consistent affection and closeness towards her made her heart ache even more. Unwilling to give up, Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie took Zhang Yuxin to check the surveillance footage and indeed found that the person who made the call was Zhang Mu. The two decided they must find Zhang Mu and ask for the reason.
Zhang Yuxin called Zhang Mu again, telling her to handle the matter well and not implicate her. Because of Li Hailan's insistence on dating Jiang Zhengchuan last time, Li Yunkai's father personally rushed to her shop and installed a surveillance system despite Li Hailan's objections, under the pretext of understanding her life. However, as he walked out the door, he was almost hit by a car while answering a call.
At the critical moment, Jiang Zhengchuan still rushed out and pushed him aside. Knowing that Li Yunkai's father had a bad impression of him, Jiang Zhengchuan didn't dare to stay long and left in a hurry, but he left his wallet on the roadside, and it was picked up by Li Yunkai's father.
Zhang Mu looked at Le Tong, and then thought of Zhang Guoguo's true identity, afraid that Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie would know that Zhang Guoguo became an unmarried mother because of her. Thinking of these consequences, she finally made up her mind. When Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie found her, she insisted adamantly that the reason she made the call was purely to get revenge on the Jin family, which made Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie very angry.
From being full of hope to being utterly disappointed, Jin Zhiming couldn't help but push Zhang Mu. Zhang Guoguo, who was standing nearby, immediately shielded Zhang Mu. Xu Huijie even paranoically believed that Zhang Guoguo must also be involved in this matter. Zhang Mu, who was already deeply remorseful, seeing Xu Huijie still wanting to wrongly accuse Zhang Guoguo, enraged, she said that it was all her idea alone.
Zhang Guoguo still learned English with Li Yunkai as usual, but today, she was clearly a bit distracted. After asking for the reason, Li Yunkai comforted Zhang Guoguo not to overthink. Although there were so many troublesome things, looking at Li Yunkai, who was by her side, trying hard to comfort her, Zhang Guoguo's mood also improved considerably. Having nowhere to go, Xu Xiaoqin wandered aimlessly around, and directly hung up when she saw Zhang Guoguo's incoming call.
Unexpectedly, she was stopped by her creditors on the street. Facing the creditors' relentless pressure, and thinking that Li Yunkai now had someone else in his heart, she blamed Zhang Guoguo for everything. When Zhang Guoguo called her again, she demanded 100,000 yuan from Zhang Guoguo as compensation.
Episode 21 Recap
A frantic Xu Xiaoqin forced Zhang Guoguo to give her 100,000 within an hour, or she would commit suicide. Having bought sleeping pills, she sat in Zhang Guoguo's home, hopefully waiting for Zhang Guoguo to bring the 100,000, but she knew that if Zhang Guoguo refused to find Li Yunkai, she would never get the money. While hesitating, her creditor sent over photos of her being humiliated. Deciding to go all the way, she directly swallowed the sleeping pills.
Zhang Yuxin came to find Zhang Mu, repeatedly reiterating that Zhang Mu should cooperate with her to prevent Zhang Guoguo from returning to Jinlüge. Zhang Mu, who was still wavering, finally decided to cooperate under the repeated requests of her own biological daughter. Unexpectedly, their conversation was overheard by Xu Xiaoqin. She walked out to question them, but fainted due to the onset of the medicine's effects. Zhang Guoguo returned home.
The guilty Zhang Mu dared not say much about Xu Xiaoqin, only saying that she had come and left in a hurry. Zhang Guoguo, unsuspecting of anything, then directly rushed to Jinlüge. Inside the dyeing workshop, she was tidying up the dyed cloths that had been messed up by the wind. Li Yunkai secretly came up behind her. While playing around, Li Yunkai fell into the dye vat again. This scene felt incredibly familiar to Zhang Guoguo.
She seemed to feel that sometime in the past, the same situation had occurred. In fact, Li Yunkai also felt it was familiar, but the carefree him had never connected Zhang Guoguo with Jin Yibei. Jin Zhiming and Dong Lijun found Li Yunkai to consult him about suing Zhang Mu. Because of Zhang Guoguo, Li Yunkai advised them not to do so lightly.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yuxin stopped Zhang Guoguo, feigning pity and begging her not to come to Jinlüge again and disturb the lives of Jin Zhiming and his wife. In fact, all of this was just an act Zhang Yuxin put on for Xu Huijie. Hearing her words, Xu Huijie was incredibly touched and immediately declared that Zhang Yuxin was her daughter.
Jin Zhiming also stated at the same time that they should quickly hold a grand banquet to acknowledge Zhang Yuxin's status. Dong Lijun found Zhang Guoguo, told her about Zhang Mu's previous actions, and suggested that Zhang Guoguo leave Jinlüge. Knowing these things, Zhang Guoguo felt very guilty. She hurried home, but Zhang Mu tearfully told Zhang Guoguo that she had been sued by Jinlüge. Zhang Guoguo, worried about Zhang Mu, found Li Yunkai and asked for his help.
Li Yunkai brought Zhang Guoguo and her mother to Jinlüge. Facing Zhang Mu and Zhang Guoguo's repeated assurances, Xu Huijie remained unmoved. Even though both knelt before her, it still couldn't make Xu Huijie change her decision. In the end, it was Li Yunkai's repeated guarantee that made Dong Lijun finally express forgiveness. Zhang Yuxin seized the opportunity to propose that Zhang Guoguo should not be allowed to come to Jinlüge again, and Xu Huijie naturally agreed.
For Zhang Mu's sake, Zhang Guoguo agreed to their request. Before leaving, Zhang Guoguo expressed her gratitude to Dong Lijun. Zhang Mu, who was feeling sad inside, also meaningfully wished Zhang Yuxin to get the life she wanted. Zhang Mu felt guilty and proactively suggested cooking something delicious for Li Yunkai, but at this moment, Li Yunkai's mind was not on eating.
He promised Zhang Guoguo that he would do everything possible to help Zhang Guoguo return to Jinlüge, and asked her to wait patiently for a while longer. Zhang Mu also felt very uneasy inside. Her own daughter watched her kneel before others, yet only thought about how to become someone else's daughter. Feeling sad, she just wanted to be alone for a while. When Dong Lijun and Xu Huijie thought of Jin Yibei, they couldn't help but shed tears.
At this moment, Zhang Yuxin feigned surprise, saying that she had already inquired about Jin Yibei's whereabouts. The Jin family, unaware of the truth, hopefully followed Zhang Yuxin to find the so-called Jin Yibei, but it was actually Xu Xiaoqin impersonating her. It turned out that after Xu Xiaoqin took the sleeping pills and was rescued by Zhang Yuxin earlier, the two reached an agreement for her to impersonate Jin Yibei.
Jin Zhiming, Xu Huijie, and Dong Lijun, afraid of being disappointed again, stood nervously at the corridor entrance, feeling a bit lost. Xu Xiaoqin, holding the doll wrist bag stolen from Zhang Guoguo, suddenly appeared before them. Seeing this wrist bag, Xu Huijie could no longer suppress her emotions and excitedly hugged Xu Xiaoqin. After not seeing her for many years, they were all eager to know Xu Xiaoqin's recent situation over the years.
But after all, she wasn't the real Jin Yibei, so Xu Xiaoqin's answers were very ambiguous. However, Xu Huijie, whose eyes were already blinded by emotion, didn't realize these things. She excitedly introduced everyone in the room one by one to Xu Xiaoqin, and then left with Zhang Yuxin and Xu Xiaoqin. Only Jin Zhiming and Dong Lijun were left in the room.
Regarding this Jin Yibei who had been missing for over a decade and suddenly appeared, Dong Lijun had reservations and told Jin Zhiming about her concerns. After much thought, Jin Zhiming decided to agree to Dong Lijun's suggestion to find an opportunity to do a paternity test to confirm the identity. Since Li Yunkai's father installed surveillance cameras in Li Hailan's store, he has been constantly monitoring her.
Once he noticed anything amiss, he would call to question what was going on. The helpless Jiang Zhengchuan, in order to see Li Hailan, could only dress up as a cartoon bear. Even so, Li Yunkai's father was still a hundred percent uneasy. Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie took Xu Xiaoqin and Zhang Yuxin to do a paternity test, and the result surprisingly proved that Xu Xiaoqin was their daughter.
The two were very excited and repeatedly promised that they would treat Xu Xiaoqin well in the future. In fact, Zhang Yuxin had already obtained Zhang Guoguo's DNA as early as when she decided to pull a switch, so this so-called paternity test now naturally wouldn't reveal the truth. After confirming Xu Xiaoqin's identity, Dong Lijun was extremely excited and hugged her tightly, unwilling to let go. Xu Xiaoqin, with a guilty conscience, was somewhat unsure how to face them.
Thinking of Zhang Yuxin's previous suggestion, she took the opportunity to propose giving her adoptive parents a sum of money, which was actually for paying off her own debts. Xu Huijie, without much thought, immediately took out a card and gave it to Xu Xiaoqin. Zhang Yuxin warned Xu Xiaoqin that her current wealthy life was all given by her, so Xu Xiaoqin had better be obedient.
However, Xu Xiaoqin was very nervous, wanting to leave the Jin family after getting the money. Zhang Yuxin naturally wouldn't allow such a situation to happen. She simultaneously enticed Xu Xiaoqin to become Jin Yibei so she could marry Li Yunkai, and threatened Xu Xiaoqin that taking the money and leaving would lead to her being accused of fraud and imprisoned. Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo came to Li Hailan's store.
It turned out that because of Li Yunkai's father installing surveillance cameras, Li Hailan wanted Li Yunkai to help. However, because earlier, of the unpleasantness between Li Yunkai and Jiang Zhengchuan, Li Yunkai also opposed their relationship. Li Hailan then played her trump card, stating that as long as Li Yunkai was willing to help her and Jiang Zhengchuan this time, she would also help Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo in the future.
After some thought, the aunt and nephew happily reached an agreement. At this moment, Li Yunkai received a phone call, learning that Jin Yibei had been found. This made him very happy. Li Yunkai told Zhang Guoguo the news, allowing her to share in his joy. At this point, he probably still couldn't imagine that the so-called Jin Yibei was Xu Xiaoqin.
Episode 22 Recap
Li Yunkai happily came to Jinlu Pavilion, hoping to see the so-called Jin Yibei as soon as possible. Knowing that it was actually Zhang Yuxin who found Jin Yibei, he was a little unimpressed. Xu Xiaoqin, led by Jin Zhiming, appeared in front of Li Yunkai. In fact, Li Yunkai's heart was a little complicated. He should be happy for Jin Yibei's return, but looking at Jin Yibei like this, he was really disappointed.
Xu Xiaoqin didn't hide her love for Li Yunkai at all. She rushed up to hug him and announced in front of everyone that she had admired Li Yunkai for many years. Li Yunkai was very strange about the sudden change in Xu Xiaoqin's identity. Facing his questioning, the guilty Xu Xiaoqin looked at Zhang Yuxin and could only explain everything with amnesia.
Li Hailan invited Zhang Guoguo to eat pizza in the store, tentatively asking Zhang Guoguo if she was willing to marry Li Yunkai. Not only that, she also frankly said that Li Yunkai used to like Jin Yibei. At this time, Li Yunkai brought Xu Xiaoqin to eat pizza. Seeing Xu Xiaoqin, Zhang Guoguo worriedly asked her where she had been for so long. Under Li Yunkai's explanation, Zhang Guoguo learned that Xu Xiaoqin was actually Jin Yibei.
Zhang Guoguo felt very strange, especially when Xu Xiaoqin said that her favorite food was pizza, which made Zhang Guoguo even more puzzled. Facing Zhang Guoguo's questioning, Xu Xiaoqin could only explain guiltily that she didn't like to eat pizza before because she was poor. Li Yunkai felt very sorry after hearing this. Zhang Guoguo offered to take Xu Xiaoqin to eat her favorite hot pot, but she was rejected.
She said arrogantly that she was unwilling to go with Zhang Guoguo to eat cheap things. Xu Xiaoqin's attitude made Zhang Guoguo very sad, so Li Yunkai had to send Xu Xiaoqin back to Jinlu Pavilion first. Zhang Guoguo went to pick up Le Tong from school, and Le Tong asked why Li Yunkai was not there. Zhang Guoguo felt a little lost in her heart.
Thinking that he used to like Jin Yibei, and now Xu Xiaoqin is Jin Yibei, she was really sad. Li Yunkai appeared at this time, making Zhang Guoguo's heart a little excited. The sensible Le Tong took the initiative to create an opportunity for the two to be alone. Li Yunkai expressed to Zhang Guoguo that he only had Zhang Guoguo in his heart and would not have other ideas about Xu Xiaoqin.
Although he said so, Zhang Guoguo still felt lost in her heart. Looking at Zhang Guoguo like this, Li Yunkai didn't know how to comfort her, so he could only kiss her deeply. Zhang Guoguo, who realized she was being kissed, pushed Li Yunkai away suddenly. Seeing Li Yunkai's injured expression, Zhang Guoguo no longer suppressed her emotions, took the initiative to hug Li Yunkai, and kissed him back deeply.
Song Xiuhua has been paying attention to Zhang Guoguo's biological parents. After calling again to inquire, she learned that there was no matching result, and she was a little disappointed. Zhang Guoguo came to see Song Xiuhua and told her that Xu Xiaoqin was Jin Yibei. Song Xiuhua was very suspicious and felt that the two looked completely unlike each other. She was going to find old photos to compare, but found that the previous family photo had disappeared.
Xu Xiaoqin returned to Jinlu Pavilion and saw Xu Huijie still busy late at night. She was obviously very tired, but she was still gentle when facing her, making her feel even more guilty. She tentatively asked Xu Huijie if she would always be good to her and hinted that she might not be her daughter. Zhang Yuxin hurriedly interrupted Xu Xiaoqin when she heard these words and hinted that only by becoming Jin Yibei could she marry Li Yunkai.
Xu Huijie also said that she supported her relationship with Li Yunkai. Xu Xiaoqin went to Li Yunkai's house, showing off by chopping vegetables and cooking. Seeing that she messed up the kitchen, Li Yunkai stopped her and took her out. Finally, they had time to be alone, but Li Yunkai kept talking about Zhang Guoguo's various good points, which made Xu Xiaoqin very dissatisfied, accusing Zhang Guoguo of various faults.
Li Yunkai was very unhappy that she said that about Zhang Guoguo, and his tone was a little tough. Seeing that Xu Xiaoqin's face was not very good, Li Yunkai took the initiative to offer to take her to eat pizza. The angry Xu Xiaoqin blurted out that she didn't like pizza at all. Li Yunkai was very disappointed when he saw Xu Xiaoqin like this.
Realizing that she had said the wrong thing, Xu Xiaoqin found Zhang Yuxin, knelt down and begged Zhang Yuxin to help her leave Jinlu Pavilion. Xu Huijie pushed the door open. Zhang Yuxin hurriedly helped Xu Xiaoqin up, saying that it was because Zhang Guoguo was pestering Li Yunkai, so Xu Xiaoqin knelt down to ask her for help. Xu Huijie, who loved her daughter, was naturally willing to help Xu Xiaoqin achieve her wish.
She took the initiative to ask Zhang Guoguo out and offered to let Zhang Guoguo return to Jinlu Pavilion and give her a sum of money as long as she left Li Yunkai. Li Yunkai found Zhang Guoguo and learned from her what Xu Huijie had done, comforting Zhang Guoguo not to think too much, because his heart was always with her. However, such a thing always made Zhang Guoguo a little upset.
At this time, Li Yunkai received a call from Jin Zhiming, saying that Xu Xiaoqin was trying to commit suicide and wanted to see Li Yunkai. Li Yunkai brought Zhang Guoguo to Jinlu Pavilion. Jin Zhiming was a little unhappy to see Zhang Guoguo also there, and specified that Xu Xiaoqin only wanted to see Li Yunkai alone. Not wanting to embarrass Li Yunkai, Zhang Guoguo took the initiative to persuade Li Yunkai to see Xu Xiaoqin first.
Xu Xiaoqin told Li Yunkai that she did not commit suicide, but because there was some trouble that was inconvenient for Jin Zhiming and his wife to know, so she asked Li Yunkai for help. Li Yunkai took Xu Xiaoqin out and told Zhang Guoguo that he had something to go out and deal with. Although she felt a little awkward, Zhang Guoguo did not stop him.
On the contrary, Zhang Yuxin kept adding fuel to the fire, making Zhang Guoguo feel even more irritable. Xu Xiaoqin took Li Yunkai to a hotel and secretly left a crack in the door when Li Yunkai was not paying attention. Not only that, she also deliberately spilled soda on Li Yunkai, forcing Li Yunkai to change clothes and take a shower, and then took the opportunity to take pictures and send them to Zhang Guoguo.
When Zhang Guoguo rushed over angrily, Xu Xiaoqin pulled the half-naked Li Yunkai down on the bed together. Seeing this scene, Zhang Guoguo slapped Li Yunkai in the face and left straight away. Li Yunkai hurriedly put on his clothes and went to chase Zhang Guoguo. However, Zhang Guoguo was in a state of confusion at this time and didn't want to listen to Li Yunkai's explanation at all.
On the other side, Xu Xiaoqin was also very scared when she saw Li Yunkai going out so angrily. She called to ask Zhang Yuxin what to do. Zhang Yuxin just asked her to send the previous photos of her and Li Yunkai together to herself and then ignored her.
Zhang Yuxin came to Li Yunzhe's office and revealed her plan, especially pointing out that Zhang Guoguo was an unmarried mother, and with the existence of Xu Xiaoqin, reporting that Li Yunkai had problems with his lifestyle would definitely bring Li Yunkai down completely. Looking at Zhang Yuxin who was thinking about him like this, Li Yunzhe was very satisfied and took the initiative to kiss Zhang Yuxin, but Lu Sichen saw it outside the door.
After the two left, Lu Sichen walked to Li Yunzhe's desk and took out the recording pen from under the desk. Li Yunkai was afraid that Zhang Guoguo would think wildly, so after hesitating again and again, he chose to call and explain clearly. He professed his love to Zhang Guoguo deeply, saying that his love for her was already incurable, so how could he have anything to do with other women?
If Zhang Guoguo didn't even have such trust in him, then how should he deal with himself? Such deep affection made Zhang Guoguo feel both sweet and bitter in her heart. The report letter was sent to the law firm. Facing the leader's questioning, Li Yunkai did not want to implicate Zhang Guoguo and took the initiative to give up his career.
Li Yunkai's father was very angry after learning about the matter, and with Li Yunzhe adding fuel to the fire, his impression of Zhang Guoguo was even worse. He Juan found Zhang Guoguo and accused her of seducing Li Yunkai. The more she spoke, the more excited she became. She even picked up a stick to hit Zhang Guoguo. Zhang's mother rushed home, saw her daughter being beaten, snatched the stick from He Juan's hand, stood in front of Zhang Guoguo and confronted He Juan tit-for-tat.
Episode 23 Recap
Li Yunkai's father summoned Li Yunkai to the company and questioned him about his relationship with Zhang Guoguo. Li Yunkai didn't want to explain further and left his office directly. Worried that Zhang Guoguo would overthink things because of this incident, Li Yunkai called her again and again. Until Zhang Guoguo finally answered the phone, Li Yunkai once again told her his determination and decision, asking her to seriously consider this relationship and not give up lightly.
Zhang Yuxin met Li Yunzhe. Seeing Li Yunkai lose power, both of them were in good spirits. Zhang Yuxin took the opportunity to take out the gift she had prepared for He Juan. Li Yunzhe said he would take Zhang Yuxin home to meet his parents, which made her very happy. Lu Sichen suddenly arrived. In his words, he mentioned that he had found the child, recounting the past events without naming names.
Upon hearing this, Li Yunzhe expressed deep sympathy and anger, while Zhang Yuxin, who was beside him, turned pale with fright. Zhang Yuxin threatened Lu Sichen not to reveal her secret. Lu Sichen was unfazed and similarly threatened her with Li Yunzhe. Enraged, Zhang Yuxin still wanted to hit Lu Sichen as she used to, but he resisted and pushed her aside. His father's death and his daughter's disappearance filled Lu Sichen with deep hatred for Zhang Yuxin.
He looked at Zhang Yuxin and warned her once again that he would definitely find his daughter and make her pay for it. Zhang Yuxin was extremely scared and hurriedly found her mother (Zhang Mu). She inquired about the child and asked her mother to find every possible way to locate and hide that child. At the same time, she repeatedly demanded that her mother not let anyone know that she had given birth to a child.
Zhang Guoguo finally understood her feelings. She went to Li Yunkai's company, hoping to surprise him, only to hear that he had been suspended for his scandalous relationships. When she heard from Li Yunkai that this matter was inseparable from Li Yunzhe and Xu Xiaoqin, an enraged Zhang Guoguo rushed to find Xu Xiaoqin. Zhang Guoguo questioned Xu Xiaoqin why she framed Li Yunkai. A guilty Xu Xiaoqin dared not admit it and simply pushed all blame onto Zhang Guoguo.
It was only when Zhang Guoguo revealed that Xu Xiaoqin came to Zhenhu to evade debts that a reluctant Xu Xiaoqin finally confessed, saying she had many difficulties. Although angry at Xu Xiaoqin's actions, Zhang Guoguo still genuinely acknowledged this former friend. Knowing that Xu Xiaoqin always wanted to be a stylist, Zhang Guoguo specifically signed her up to be Wang Meiyin's stylist. Looking at the registration form Zhang Guoguo handed to her, Xu Xiaoqin felt both conflicted and touched.
Xu Xiaoqin wanted to tell Zhang Guoguo everything, but she hesitated after thinking of Zhang Yuxin's threats. Facing the kind Zhang Guoguo, Xu Xiaoqin agreed to clear Li Yunkai's name. Just then, Xu Xiaoqin's boyfriend called, and she also revealed that she had impersonated Jin Yibei. Unexpectedly, Zhang Guoguo, who had not gone far, overheard it. A frightened Xu Xiaoqin asked Zhang Guoguo to keep her secret and promised to explain the truth to the Jin family soon.
Xu Xiaoqin found Zhang Yuxin and told her that Zhang Guoguo already knew about her impersonation. Zhang Yuxin, however, didn't care about Xu Xiaoqin's fate and told her to figure it out herself. Seeing this situation, Xu Xiaoqin threatened Zhang Yuxin that she would tell the truth, but Zhang Yuxin threatened her with photos of Xu Xiaoqin being insulted. A helpless Xu Xiaoqin didn't know what to do.
Zhang Yuxin suggested she quickly leave Jinluge before Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie found out. Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai waited downstairs at the company for Xu Xiaoqin to withdraw the accusation, but found that she not only didn't show up but her phone was also off. Zhang Guoguo was a bit angry, but Li Yunkai was not surprised. Not wanting Li Yunkai to be wronged, Zhang Guoguo personally went to the law firm to clarify the matter.
However, Li Yunkai, whose mind was already made up, directly submitted his resignation. Li Yunkai went to his father's office again. Facing his father's questioning and Li Yunzhe, who was watching from the side, Li Yunkai couldn't be bothered to waste words. An angry father immediately kicked Li Yunkai out of the house. When Zhang Guoguo returned home, she was somewhat surprised to find Li Yunkai there.
Especially upon learning that Li Yunkai had fallen out with his father, Zhang Guoguo became extremely anxious. However, for Li Yunkai, none of this was as important as Zhang Guoguo. He clearly told Zhang Guoguo that he had run away from home and asked her to take him in. Seeing Li Yunkai sacrifice so much for her, Zhang Guoguo felt a little sad inside. Xu Huijie came to Xu Xiaoqin's room and found Xu Xiaoqin was gone.
She, greatly alarmed, found Jin Zhiming, only to be told that Jin Zhiming had sent people to Xiping to investigate Xu Xiaoqin's parents and found that they had never picked up a child at all. Therefore, Xu Xiaoqin could not possibly be Jin Yibei. At this moment, Zhang Yuxin falsely accused Zhang Guoguo of Xu Xiaoqin impersonating Jin Yibei. Her daughter, lost and then found, turned out to be fake, which made Xu Huijie feel unacceptable.
She angrily found Zhang Guoguo and slapped her. Li Yunkai and Zhang Mu quickly came out and questioned Xu Huijie what was going on. Seeing them protect Zhang Guoguo so much, Xu Huijie revealed Xu Xiaoqin's matter. For such a thing to happen, Zhang Guoguo deeply sympathized with Xu Huijie. However, facing Xu Huijie's aggressiveness and Zhang Yuxin's instigation, Li Yunkai was very displeased. He proposed to sue them for trespassing.
Seeing that Zhang Yuxin couldn't gain anything, she persuaded Xu Huijie to leave first. The "Baby Come Home" public welfare organization called Zhang Guoguo to inform her that Le Tong's biological parents had been found. Zhang Guoguo arrived at "Baby Come Home" with some apprehension. She didn't notice that Lu Sichen was actually there too. Seeing Zhang Guoguo's figure, Lu Sichen had a bold guess in his heart. He called to ask the staff for his daughter's name.
When he learned it was Le Tong, he asked the staff to keep it a secret for him and politely declined the request to meet Zhang Guoguo. The assistant of national treasure singer Wang Meiyin came to Jinluge and proposed to Xu Huijie that they wished to invite Dong Lijun to personally make a gown. This made Xu Huijie somewhat dissatisfied.
Zhang Yuxin, discerning her mood, pointed out that Dong Lijun was already retired and everything at Jinluge was now managed by Xu Huijie. However, the other party insisted that Dong Lijun must personally design this gown. Xu Huijie thought about how she had been the Embroidery Mistress for many years, yet still had to be constrained by Dong Lijun everywhere, which made her resentful.
Zhang Yuxin seized the opportunity to suggest that with Dong Lijun's current energy, it would surely be difficult for her to complete the design and production of the gown alone. Why not let her (Xu Huijie) participate in this design? At that time, this gown could naturally also be considered Xu Huijie's work. After some thought, Xu Huijie agreed to her suggestion. The two found Dong Lijun and subtly proposed the idea of assisting, but were rejected.
An unwilling Xu Huijie, not wanting to give up just like that, suggested again that the matter of taking Wang Meiyin's measurements could be handed over to Zhang Yuxin. Li Yunzhe took Zhang Yuxin to meet He Juan. He Juan, who desperately wanted her son to marry a lady from a prestigious family, completely looked down on Zhang Yuxin's background and naturally showed her no good face. Li Yunzhe saw his mother belittle Zhang Yuxin in such a way and had a dispute with her.
Episode 24 Recap
Faced with He Juan's difficulties, Zhang Yuxin felt deeply wronged, but this only strengthened her resolve to marry Li Yunzhe. He Juan likewise could not understand Li Yunzhe's insistence on Zhang Yuxin, and the three parted ways unhappily. Li Yunkai moved into Jiang Zhengchuan's home without a single piece of luggage, which gave Jiang Zhengchuan a legitimate excuse to see Li Hailan. He directly called Li Hailan to come and deliver clothes. Li Yunzhe took Zhang Yuxin out.
Faced with He Juan's difficulties, both of them were somewhat unhappy. At this moment, Zhang Yuxin brought up the matter of Wang Meiyin's dress, and said that they must prevent Dong Lijun from making the dress for Wang Meiyin. Unexpectedly, their conversation was overheard by Li Hailan. Li Hailan brought the clothes to Zhang Guoguo's home and unintentionally brought up the matter of Wang Meiyin's dress, which made Song Xiuhua feel something was not right.
Zhang Yuxin returned to Jinluge and happened to run into Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie who were about to go out. They recognized that it was Li Yunzhe who brought her back, and both expressed approval of their relationship. However, thinking of He Juan's attitude, Zhang Yuxin still felt a bit uneasy. Xu Huijie comforted her not to overthink it.
With her current status as Jinluge's goddaughter, she was perfectly suitable for Li Yunzhe, and as for He Juan, there was no need to pay too much attention to her. Zhang's Mother called Zhang Yuxin, lying to her that the daughter she had given birth to had long since died prematurely, in order to dispel Zhang Yuxin's continuous inquiries about the child.
Turning around, she saw Zhang Guoguo giving all the cut fruit to Le Tong to eat, while she herself only ate the fruit cores. This scene deeply pained Zhang's Mother's eyes. Thinking that her own daughter only cared about recognizing others as mothers, even abandoning her biological daughter for it, while Zhang Guoguo, whom she had taken in, was by her side accompanying her and taking care of her child, Zhang's Mother felt extremely sad inside.
Li Yunkai came to Song Xiuhua's room and saw Song Xiuhua looking at Jin Zhida's photo, knowing she was thinking of the past again. Li Yunkai didn't know how to comfort her. Connecting this with what Li Hailan had mentioned earlier, Li Yunkai was a bit worried about Dong Lijun.
The next day, Li Yunkai took a dress and burned it in front of Dong Lijun, Xu Huijie, and Jin Zhiming, bringing up the truth of the embroidery master dispute from back then. Sure enough, Dong Lijun was very angry after learning that Xu Huijie had burned Song Xiuhua's dress.
Seeing that the matter was exposed, Xu Huijie had no choice but to admit it, while seizing the opportunity to retaliate by accusing Song Xiuhua of taking Jin Yibei to get revenge on her. Dong Lijun simply did not believe her version of the story. Li Yunkai asked Dong Lijun about Wang Meiyin's dress.
Dong Lijun revealed her intention to have Zhang Guoguo help, and Li Yunkai readily agreed, asking Dong Lijun to promise that if Wang Meiyin was satisfied with the dress, Zhang Guoguo would be allowed to return to Jinluge. Xu Huijie found Zhang Yuxin and complained to her that for so many years, she had been constrained by Dong Lijun everywhere.
If Wang Meiyin were to wear Dong Lijun's dress again this time, her position as embroidery master would be even more precarious. Not only that, Zhang Guoguo would also use this opportunity to return to Jinluge. Zhang Yuxin was naturally unwilling for Zhang Guoguo to return to Jinluge. She told Xu Huijie to focus on her embroidery, and she would take care of all the remaining matters. Zhang Guoguo took Le Tong out and ran into Lu Sichen.
He could not acknowledge Le Tong as his own, but that did not prevent him from caring about Le Tong. He specially bought a bicycle for Le Tong, and fearing Zhang Guoguo would overthink it, he even deliberately said it was a company prize for employees. Although Lu Sichen repeatedly concealed his true intentions, his strange behavior still made Zhang Guoguo feel puzzled. At this moment, Zhang Yuxin called to invite Zhang Guoguo to meet.
Zhang Guoguo questioned Zhang Yuxin if she was the one plotting behind the scenes regarding Xu Xiaoqin's matter. Zhang Yuxin naturally wouldn't admit it. At the same time, she arrogantly told Zhang Guoguo that she was about to marry Li Yunzhe, and told Zhang Guoguo to break up with Li Yunkai. Zhang Guoguo no longer tolerated Zhang Yuxin as she did back then.
She warned Zhang Yuxin that Lu Sichen already knew about the relationship between her and Zhang's Mother, and told her to watch out for herself. Song Xiuhua suggested that Li Yunkai discuss the matter with Li's Father regarding Zhang Guoguo as soon as possible. However, now that Li Yunkai had been kicked out, he couldn't do anything about Li's Father for the time being.
Thinking of how much Zhang Guoguo had suffered since childhood, Li Yunkai promised Song Xiuhua that he would never give up his feelings for Zhang Guoguo. Zhang Guoguo saw the specially supplied silk threads from Jinluge placed in front of Song Xiuhua and loved them so much she couldn't put them down. Li Yunkai told Zhang Guoguo that Dong Lijun had asked her to assist in making a dress for Wang Meiyin, and about her return to Jinluge.
This made Zhang Guoguo extremely happy. Zhang Yuxin was on a roll at Shichuang Group. The clothing she designed made Li Yunkai's father very satisfied. At the same time, Li's Father also expressed support for the relationship between Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin, which made Zhang Yuxin and Li Yunzhe very happy. Feeling that she was a step closer to success, Zhang Yuxin even voluntarily suggested asking Lu Sichen to take her to Wang Meiyin.
Li Yunzhe, without overthinking it, readily agreed. Zhang Yuxin and Lu Sichen arrived at the parking lot. Zhang Yuxin questioned Lu Sichen if he was investigating her, and Lu Sichen did not deny it. Zhang Yuxin was a bit frantic. She pulled Lu Sichen, wanting to go find Li Yunzhe. However, Lu Sichen would not grant her wish so easily.
He did not hide his resentment at all, telling Zhang Yuxin that he would wait until she stood at a high place before making her fall hard. Such a Lu Sichen made Zhang Yuxin extremely scared. He Juan told Li's Father about Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin, originally thinking he would oppose their relationship with her. Unexpectedly, Li's Father said to let nature take its course, which made He Juan very disappointed.
Zhang Yuxin came to Wang Meiyin's place and seized the opportunity to suggest to Wang Meiyin that she wear the dress made by Xu Huijie. However, Wang Meiyin wholeheartedly admired Dong Lijun's craftsmanship, and therefore did not agree. Xu Huijie was determined to have Wang Meiyin wear the dress she made. So after Zhang Yuxin finished taking measurements, the two began to study Wang Meiyin's previous dress styles, hoping to design a unique dress.
At the same time, they also had to try every possible means to prevent Dong Lijun from successfully embroidering the dress. Meanwhile, Song Xiuhua and Zhang Guoguo on the other side were also racking their brains to make Wang Meiyin's dress. Li Yunkai's father still monitored Li Hailan's small shop every day. Discovering that her delivery business was exceptionally good, he couldn't help but suspect that Jiang Zhengchuan was using the opportunity to date Li Hailan.
Li's Father, having no one else to use, suddenly thought of Li Yunkai and called him to go find Jiang Zhengchuan to understand the situation between the two of them. In fact, his son had been gone for so long that Li's Father's anger had long since subsided. He took this opportunity to suggest Li Yunkai return home. Li Yunkai, reluctant to part with Zhang Guoguo, was not in a hurry to return to the Li family.
Instead, he used every opportunity to cultivate his relationship with Zhang Guoguo. Seeing Zhang Guoguo say "I like you" again and again, Li Yunkai's heart felt as if he had eaten honey, sweet from the inside out. Zhang Yuxin tried to enter Dong Lijun's room and was discovered by Teacher Xie. At this moment, Xu Huijie rushed over and diverted Teacher Xie. Zhang Yuxin found the dress embroidered by Dong Lijun and took a picture.
Then she found Zhang's Mother and asked Zhang's Mother to take a picture of Zhang Guoguo's embroidery work for her, and at the same time asked Zhang Guoguo to make a cheongsam for Zhang's Mother. Zhang's Mother hesitated a bit. She now clearly understood Zhang Yuxin's character.
However, thinking that Zhang Yuxin was, after all, her own biological daughter, and she had repeatedly promised that this was the last time she would ask her, in the end, she still decided to help Zhang Yuxin one more time.
Episode 25 Recap
Zhang Yuxin will give the photos taken by Zhang's mother to Xu Huijie. Seeing Zhang Guoguo so young yet possessing such creativity and ideas, Xu Huijie felt a rush of emotions. Zhang's mother rushed to Li Yunkai's house early to make breakfast, deliberately making He Juan unable to sleep well. Because of the relationship between Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai, the two of them were at loggerheads.
Li Yunkai arrived at Jinlüge and handed the shawl embroidered by Zhang Guoguo to Dong Lijun. Looking at Zhang Guoguo's craftsmanship, Dong Lijun was very satisfied and immediately stated that Zhang Guoguo could return to Jinlüge anytime. At this moment, Zhang Yuxin also persuaded Xu Huijie to prepare a dress and go to Wang Meiyin's house together, assuring Xu Huijie that Wang Meiyin would definitely not wear the dress made by Dong Lijun.
When Dong Lijun took out the dress prepared for Wang Meiyin, she discovered it was no longer the dress she had originally embroidered. Wang Meiyin looked at the dress, very disappointed, while Dong Lijun was immensely shocked. When there was nothing else to do, Xu Huijie gave the dress she had prepared to Wang Meiyin. Dong Lijun, caught in a dilemma, could only nod in agreement.
Just then, Song Xiuhua arrived with Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai, bringing with her an exquisite dress. At first glance, Wang Meiyin deeply fell in love with this dress. Xu Huijie naturally did not want such a thing to happen, so she asked Wang Meiyin to refuse, using the excuse that the dress was not from Jinlüge.
However, Dong Lijun immediately stated that this dress was embroidered by her most esteemed disciple, and was no different from what she herself would have made. Xu Huijie angrily left Wang Meiyin's home, questioning Zhang Yuxin about what had happened. At this point, Zhang Yuxin was speechless. While the two were talking, Li Yunkai suddenly appeared and pointedly suggested investigating the matter of the swapped dress, which made both of them very nervous.
Song Xiuhua accompanied Dong Lijun back to Jinlüge. Zhang Guoguo discovered that the dress swapped for Dong Lijun's was actually the qipao she had made for Zhang's mother. Seeing this, everyone had different thoughts. Zhang Guoguo asked Dong Lijun to remain silent, but Li Yunkai disagreed, stating that this matter had a huge impact, and Zhang Guoguo could not let Dong Lijun suffer unimaginable consequences just for the sake of her own mother. Song Xiuhua and Xu Huijie met unexpectedly.
In front of Jin Zhiming, Xu Huijie blamed Song Xiuhua for taking away Jin Yibei. Regarding the truth of that year, Song Xiuhua raised her doubts. Jin Zhiming stated that Ding Wei personally admitted to seeing Jin Yibei get into Song Xiuhua's car. Song Xiuhua demanded a face-to-face confrontation with Ding Wei. At this moment, Zhang Yuxin appeared and said that Ding Wei was not at Jinlüge.
Fearing exposure, Xu Huijie found Ding Wei and gave him a sum of money, telling him to go into hiding for a while. However, Zhang Yuxin overheard their conversation. Zhang Guoguo took the qipao she had made and found Zhang Yuxin. Faced with Zhang Guoguo's questioning, Zhang Yuxin naturally would not admit it and instead bit back. Zhang Yuxin, who was used to being arrogant in front of Zhang Guoguo, still threatened Zhang Guoguo as she did before.
However, this time, before Zhang Guoguo could refute, Li Yunkai and Song Xiuhua both appeared before Zhang Yuxin, warning her not to be so insolent again. Song Xiuhua took Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo back home. Song Xiuhua had quite a few complaints about Zhang Guoguo's mother's actions. Zhang Guoguo, knowing she was in the wrong, said that she would explain the matter to Song Xiuhua.
Le Tong went to find Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai, and unintentionally mentioned seeing Zhang's mother taking photos with her phone. This made the two even more certain that the matter was definitely related to Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Guoguo found Zhang's mother and confronted her about the qipao. To protect Zhang Yuxin, Zhang's mother vehemently denied it, which greatly disappointed Zhang Guoguo.
He Juan once again told Li Yunkai's father that she disagreed with the relationship between Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin. At this moment, Li Yunzhe appeared and informed Li's father that Li Yunkai had resigned for Zhang Guoguo. Unable to contain his anger, Li's father brought He Juan to Zhang Guoguo's home, accusing Li Yunkai of disgracing the Li family for a divorced woman with a child.
Li Yunkai stood firmly in front of Zhang Guoguo, telling Li's father that Zhang Guoguo was his wife and Le Tong was his daughter, so he had to protect the mother and child. Seeing such a determined Li Yunkai, Zhang Guoguo felt both touched and pained. He Juan pulled Li's father away from Zhang Guoguo's home. At this moment, Le Tong chased after them, crying and begging them to accept Zhang Guoguo.
The sensible Le Tong even said that she would stay with Zhang's mother and not cause trouble for the Li family. Looking at such a sensible Le Tong, Li's father and He Juan didn't know what to do. This scene also deeply pained Lu Sichen's eyes.
To be able to see his daughter frequently, he had specifically moved next door to Zhang Guoguo, but now he saw his daughter standing pitifully on the street, desperately pleading with others, while he was powerless. This incident brought irreparable psychological trauma to little Le Tong.
She believed that it was because of her that Zhang Guoguo couldn't be happy, so when Zhang Guoguo still took care of Le Tong as before, little Le Tong began to distance herself from Zhang Guoguo. After Li Yunzhe learned that Wang Meiyin ultimately chose Song Xiuhua's dress, he felt somewhat indignant for Zhang Yuxin. At this moment, Zhang Yuxin called him crying, saying that Li Yunkai would not agree to her marrying into the Li family.
This made Li Yunzhe very displeased; he immediately wanted to go see Zhang Yuxin, without even attending his meeting. Dong Lijun found Xu Huijie and told her that she wanted Song Xiuhua and Zhang Guoguo to return to Jinlüge. Xu Huijie disagreed, but this time Dong Lijun's attitude was very firm. She also stated that she would investigate the truth of seventeen years ago and the truth behind the swapped dress.
Faced with such a strong Dong Lijun, Xu Huijie felt very scared. Meanwhile, Jin Zhiming was also searching for Ding Wei's whereabouts. Xu Huijie did not want Jin Zhiming to find Ding Wei and tried to push all the blame for the past events onto Song Xiuhua. However, due to Song Xiuhua's appearance, Jin Zhiming no longer simply believed Xu Huijie's one-sided story. Xu Huijie felt the situation was very tricky.
Zhang Yuxin appeared at this moment, stating that Li Yunzhe hoped both sets of parents could meet as soon as possible. This gave Xu Huijie a glimmer of hope. She suggested to Zhang Yuxin to marry Li Yunzhe as soon as possible to solidify her position as the embroidery master. His father's lack of support made Li Yunkai feel very distressed, so he drowned his sorrows in alcohol.
When Zhang Guoguo found Li Yunkai, he was already so drunk that he couldn't tell directions. Seeing Zhang Guoguo, he happily pulled her, introducing her to those nearby as the girl he loved most. Amidst everyone's blessings, Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo drank the so-called "cross-cupped wine." Zhang Guoguo helped Li Yunkai all the way home. At the door, she received a package.
Zhang Guoguo, not knowing what it was, opened it and found that it was actually a recording of Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin secretly plotting to frame Li Yunzhe. However, she did not know that Lu Sichen had specially sent it to her. Zhang Guoguo intended to go find Zhang Yuxin again. Zhang's mother stopped Zhang Guoguo and pleaded with her not to ruin Zhang Yuxin's current life. Seeing Zhang's mother, who couldn't distinguish right from wrong, Zhang Guoguo felt not only disappointed but also somewhat angry.
Episode 26 Recap
Zhang's mother told Zhang Yuxin that Zhang Guoguo had discovered her taking photos. Selfish Zhang Yuxin's first thought was not what would happen to Zhang's mother, but whether she herself would be expelled from Jinlü Pavilion. This kind of Zhang Yuxin made Zhang's mother feel extremely distressed. Zhang Guoguo came to Jinlü Pavilion and, in front of everyone, accused Zhang Yuxin of swapping Dong Lijun's dress.
She also produced the records of them taking photos and chatting, but Zhang Yuxin once again turned on Zhang's mother. Just as the two were arguing incessantly, Zhang's mother suddenly appeared and proactively admitted to Dong Lijun that she was the one who gave Zhang Guoguo's qipao to Zhang Yuxin.
Her action greatly surprised Jin Zhiming, especially since they had witnessed firsthand that Zhang's mother and Zhang Yuxin's relationship was like fire and water; how could she possibly have given Zhang Yuxin the qipao? But then, Zhang's mother took out the dress that Dong Lijun and Zhang Guoguo had made for Wang Meiyin, stating that Zhang Yuxin had given it to her to hide. By now, there was nothing left for everyone to misunderstand.
Dong Lijun and Jin Zhiming only wanted to know if Xu Huijie was aware of this matter. Facing their questioning gazes, Xu Huijie naturally would not admit it. Zhang Yuxin also stated at this point that this matter was solely her doing, while simultaneously blaming Dong Lijun for being too partial. Dong Lijun no longer wanted to listen to her nonsense and announced that Zhang Guoguo would return to Jinlü Pavilion, and that she intended to re-elect the head embroiderer.
Zhang's mother watched Zhang Yuxin actually acknowledge a malicious woman like Xu Huijie as her mother, which made her angry at her lack of ambition. But the misguided Zhang Yuxin stated that she would definitely help Xu Huijie secure her position as head embroiderer. There was no need for further words when they couldn't agree. Zhang Guoguo took out a recording. Hearing her own voice, Zhang Yuxin immediately changed her expression and tried to snatch it.
However, Zhang Guoguo stated that Li Yunkai had already given the recording to his father. Li Yunzhe brought He Juan to the jewelry store. He Juan was overjoyed, thinking Li Yunzhe intended to buy jewelry for her. However, Li Yunzhe mentioned that he planned to buy it for Zhang Yuxin for a marriage proposal, which instantly made He Juan's mood plummet.
At this moment, Li Yunzhe received a call from Zhang Yuxin, learning that Li Yunkai had given the recording to Li Haisong. Li Yunzhe rushed to Li Haisong's office. Knowing that one of his sons had conspired with a woman to frame his other son, Li Haisong was furious. Li Yunkai seized the opportunity to suggest that Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin break up. The two brothers then engaged in another heated argument.
Seeing such sons, Li Haisong directly kicked them all out. Li Yunzhe questioned Li Yunkai if he wanted to return to the company. Li Yunkai was well aware of his hidden motives. Originally, Li Yunkai did not want to inherit the family business, but seeing Li Yunzhe being so unscrupulous, he could not allow the Li family's assets to decline in this manner.
Zhang Yuxin was in Li Yunzhe's office when Lu Sichen happened to enter, holding a diamond ring to propose to Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Yuxin naturally refused, swatting away the diamond ring in Lu Sichen's hand and insulting him. Lu Sichen mocked Zhang Yuxin, saying that lies would always be exposed. Furious, Zhang Yuxin raised her hand to hit Lu Sichen but was stopped. Just then, Li Yunzhe pushed the door open.
Zhang Yuxin was a bit awkward, unsure how to explain, but Lu Sichen stepped forward and proactively admitted the transgression. Li Yunzhe hugged Zhang Yuxin, reminding her of their evening date. However, Zhang Yuxin accidentally discovered an envelope with her name written on it. Realizing something was amiss, she used the excuse that the envelope was for the design department and quickly left with it.
In the stairwell of the corridor, Zhang Yuxin opened the envelope and found it was her past pregnancy test report. Just then, Lu Sichen appeared and proposed to her: either give up everything that didn't belong to her, or wait for Li Yunzhe to know everything. Song Xiuhua received a call saying that the DNA test results for Zhang Guoguo, which she had sent in earlier, were ready.
At this moment, Zhang's mother happened to overhear from outside the door, and she actually felt some guilt. Previously, she had noticed Song Xiuhua seemed to be looking for Zhang Guoguo's toothbrush and guessed that she might want to do a DNA test for Zhang Guoguo to find her parents. So, she secretly swapped the toothbrush and also took away all of Zhang Guoguo's childhood photos. She had already lost one daughter and could not lose Zhang Guoguo again.
Song Xiuhua brought Zhang Guoguo to the testing center and was indeed told that the DNA results could not be matched. In truth, Zhang Guoguo felt somewhat disappointed. She had thought she could finally find out who her biological parents were, but unexpectedly gained nothing. Seeing Zhang Guoguo, who was clearly disappointed but still forcing a smile, Song Xiuhua felt very guilty.
Li Haisong now kept Li Hailan under extremely strict watch, even arranging fixed pick-up and drop-off times for her commute. Reluctantly, Li Hailan was put into a taxi by He Juan, only to discover that Jiang Zhengchuan was the driver. In order to be openly with Li Hailan, Jiang Zhengchuan decided to meet Li Haisong himself. Jiang Zhengchuan personally called Li Haisong, identifying himself as the person who saved him last time, and expressed a wish to meet him.
Li Haisong readily agreed. When he arrived at Li Hailan's shop and learned that the person who saved him was Jiang Zhengchuan, he found it completely unacceptable, especially when Jiang Zhengchuan proposed dating Li Hailan. Li Haisong adamantly insisted that the two must break up completely. He Juan came to Jinlü Pavilion to find Xu Huijie, but unexpectedly ran into Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Yuxin, who was determined to marry Li Yunzhe, naturally treated He Juan with great enthusiasm.
However, He Juan clearly told her that while Li Yunzhe could fool around with her, marrying into the Li family was absolutely impossible. He Juan explained her purpose to Xu Huijie, asking Xu Huijie to persuade Zhang Yuxin to give up voluntarily. However, for Xu Huijie, Zhang Yuxin and Li Yunzhe's marriage also concerned her position as head embroiderer, so she certainly would not persuade Zhang Yuxin to give up.
To make He Juan comply, Xu Huijie even threatened her with the matter of Li Yunkai's mother's death back then, forcing her to agree to the marriage. However, this conversation was overheard by Zhang Yuxin, who was hiding outside the door. He Juan returned home restless, recalling past events.
She didn't know that Li Yunkai's mother would suddenly return to that supermarket and discover the ring in her hand, nor did she imagine that Li Yunkai's mother would be hit and killed in a daze after learning she was Li Haisong's ex-wife. What made her even more terrified now was that Xu Huijie was actually at the scene at that time.
She couldn't imagine how Li Haisong would treat her if he found out that Li Yunkai's mother's death was related to her. Deep in thought, she didn't even notice that Li Haisong had already returned. Because of Zhang Yuxin, Li Haisong was uncharacteristically firm this time, strongly opposing Li Yunzhe marrying her. He Juan tentatively suggested agreeing to their marriage, but was questioned by Li Haisong, who became suspicious of her sudden change of decision. Li Yunzhe brought Zhang Yuxin to the place where Zhang Yuxin had confessed her feelings to him, took out a ring, knelt on one knee, and proposed to Zhang Yuxin.
Episode 27 Recap
Lu Sichen saw Le Tong playing at the door and suggested taking her to the amusement park. Le Tong was very happy. Zhang Yuxin took away all the photos of Jin Yibei in Jinluge. She didn't want her actions to attract Jin Zhiming's attention. Although he didn't know what Zhang Yuxin was holding, he felt something was wrong. Jin Zhiming found Zhang Yuxin and made an excuse to see the layout plan for Shichuang Group's press conference.
However, on the computer, he saw the words Lu Sichen had secretly taken: Zhang's mother crying and accusing Zhang Yuxin of abandoning her birth mother and being snobbish. Song Xiuhua called Zhang Guoguo to wake up. The two were preparing to find Dong Lijun, but while helping Zhang Guoguo tidy up her bed, they discovered the embroidery of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" that had been lost years ago.
Song Xiuhua anxiously asked Zhang Guoguo what was going on, but Zhang Guoguo, who had lost her memory, could not provide more clues. She only knew that it was something she had worn around her neck when she was eight years old. Seeing that she couldn't get any answers, Song Xiuhua suggested taking the embroidery back for research. When Zhang Guoguo left Jinluge, Jin Zhiming specifically called out to her and apologized to her on behalf of Zhang Yuxin.
The cheerful Zhang Guoguo smiled so brightly that Jin Zhiming was momentarily lost in thought, as if he saw Jin Yibei. Song Xiuhua once again brought up the car accident from seventeen years ago to Dong Lijun. She firmly believed that Xu Huijie must have been at the scene. However, after so many years, Dong Lijun was not sure if they could still find evidence.
At this moment, Song Xiuhua mentioned that she seemed to have seen Jin Yibei in a trance back then. Now, only by finding Jin Yibei could everything be revealed. Thinking of the "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" embroidery found at Zhang Guoguo's place, Song Xiuhua's conviction grew stronger. She was determined to find the truth and give an explanation to Jin Zhida.
Due to Xu Huijie's threats, He Juan was under immense internal pressure, even dreaming of Li Haisong and Li Yunkai's accusations. Forced into a corner, she found Li Yunzhe and stated that she would no longer oppose his marriage to Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Yuxin secretly snuck into Lu Sichen's house, deleted all the videos about herself on his computer, and also took away the photos of Le Tong she found in his home.
As she left, because she was in too much of a hurry, she bumped squarely into Zhang's mother, and Le Tong's photos scattered all over the floor. Zhang's mother wondered why she had so many photos of Le Tong. Zhang Yuxin changed the subject and asked again about the child she had given birth to back then. Zhang's mother naturally wouldn't reveal that Le Tong was her daughter, only repeatedly asking if Lu Sichen was the child's father.
However, neither of them noticed that their conversation was seen by Song Xiuhua, who was not far away. Le Tong happily played with Lu Sichen at the amusement park, which worried Zhang Guoguo, Li Yunkai, and the others greatly. They split up and searched everywhere for Le Tong, never imagining that Le Tong had been taken by Lu Sichen. After several rounds of searching, there was still no trace of Le Tong.
Song Xiuhua put forth her conjecture to Zhang's mother, believing that Le Tong might have been taken by her biological father. When Zhang's mother heard that Zhang Guoguo had actually gone behind her back and found Le Tong's biological father, she couldn't help but feel a little angry. She always somewhat selfishly felt that Zhang Guoguo should not cause trouble for Zhang Yuxin.
Finally, when Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai also rushed to the amusement park to look for Le Tong, they just happened to brush past Lu Sichen. Li Yunzhe brought Zhang Yuxin to find Li Haisong. Because of the previous recording incident, Li Haisong had an extremely poor impression of Zhang Yuxin and firmly opposed their marriage.
Seeing this, Zhang Yuxin pushed all the blame onto Zhang Guoguo, accusing Zhang Guoguo of deliberately seducing Li Yunkai, which was why Li Yunzhe and she resorted to such a desperate measure. In Li Yunzhe's office, Zhang Yuxin discovered that in order to boost her clothing sales, Li Yunzhe deliberately falsified accounts to make Li Haisong recognize Zhang Yuxin's abilities and eliminate his prejudice. Zhang Yuxin subconsciously feared that Lu Sichen would find out about this.
Unexpectedly, Li Yunzhe mentioned that Lu Sichen told him he didn't come to work today because he found his biological daughter. Zhang Yuxin turned pale with fright. Connecting this with the photos of Le Tong she had found in Lu Sichen's home earlier, she felt that Le Tong was her own daughter. She came to Zhang Guoguo's house again and just happened to see Lu Sichen sending Le Tong home.
After Lu Sichen left, Zhang Yuxin entered the courtyard and took Le Tong away. Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo, who had been unable to find Le Tong, returned home, both feeling very sad. Because of Le Tong's disappearance, Zhang's mother placed all the blame on Zhang Guoguo, scolding her for neglecting Le Tong for the sake of Li Yunkai. This caused Zhang Guoguo immense inner pain; Le Tong's disappearance was equally a devastating blow to her.
Li Yunkai couldn't bear to see Zhang Guoguo in such pain, nor did he want Zhang's mother to continue blaming Zhang Guoguo, so he went out again to search for Le Tong. Lu Sichen heard a commotion and went out, just seeing Li Yunkai. From his mouth, he heard that Le Tong was missing, which greatly surprised him, because he had just sent Le Tong home not long ago.
Lu Sichen didn't bother to explain further and rushed out onto the street to look for Le Tong. At this moment, Zhang Yuxin called, asking what was going on with his and Zhang Guoguo's daughter. Le Tong's voice also coincidentally came from the other end of the phone. Lu Sichen anxiously warned Zhang Yuxin not to harm Le Tong.
Le Tong tried to seize this opportunity to escape, but with her small size and short legs, how far could she run? She was quickly caught by Zhang Yuxin. Le Tong anxiously called for her mother, hoping Zhang Guoguo could come save her. Suddenly, the police appeared. Seeing the situation, they took Zhang Yuxin and Le Tong away together. Le Tong finally returned to Zhang Guoguo.
Learning that Zhang Yuxin had taken her away, Li Yunkai angrily confronted Li Yunzhe, warning him to break up with Zhang Yuxin immediately. Li Yunzhe, of course, was unwilling, only thinking that Li Yunkai was deliberately going against him. Looking at the incorrigible Li Yunzhe, Li Yunkai punched him and also stated that he would tell Li Haisong about the matter.
After hearing Li Yunkai's words, Li Haisong was noncommittal, merely retorting whether he knew that Zhang Guoguo had been using his sympathy. Li Yunkai, who knew Zhang Guoguo well, didn't believe such an excuse at all, but also didn't want to argue with Li Haisong further over it. Time would prove everything. Li Haisong also showed Li Yunkai the sales report for Zhang Yuxin's clothing designs.
He believed that Zhang Yuxin, being so capable, marrying Li Yunzhe would benefit both Li Yunzhe and the company. As for the previous recording incident, he had already blamed everything on Zhang Guoguo. Looking at the exaggerated sales report, Li Yunkai dismissed it with disdain. Thinking of Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin, if they truly married, the Li family's assets might not be preserved. Li Yunkai proposed to Li Haisong that he would come to work at the company.
Seeing his son, who had always ignored company affairs, actually volunteer to come to work, Li Haisong was somewhat surprised. Li Yunkai, however, stated that he could definitely help Li Haisong protect the family business and would move back to the Li family home immediately. Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie received a call from the Public Security Bureau, informing them that Zhang Yuxin had been detained. At the same time, Zhang's mother, who was busy educating Le Tong not to go with strangers, also learned of this news. She furiously blamed everything on Lu Sichen.
Episode 28 Recap
Zhang's mother saw the amusement park photos Le Tong brought back and recognized Lu Sichen as the child's biological father, which made her face change drastically, and even Zhang Guoguo noticed it. Unable to tell the truth, Zhang's mother could only vaguely respond with a few words. Zhang's mother called Zhang Guoguo aside and asked Zhang Guoguo to forgive Zhang Yuxin for taking Le Tong away, but Zhang Guoguo refused.
Zhang's mother was afraid that Le Tong's background would affect Zhang Yuxin's future, so she found Lu Sichen and asked him to stay away from Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong. However, Lu Sichen directly revealed Le Tong's true identity and blamed Zhang Yuxin for abandoning her daughter. Knowing that she could no longer hide it, Zhang's mother knelt down and begged Lu Sichen to let Zhang Yuxin go, but Lu Sichen was unmoved.
Zhang Yuxin informed Li Yunzhe and Xu Huijie through her lawyer that she was detained because Zhang Guoguo framed her. At the same time, she separately told Li Yunzhe that Lu Sichen might be working for Li Yunkai. Unwilling to believe, Li Yunzhe, at the lawyer's suggestion, checked the parking lot surveillance footage and indeed saw the dispute between Lu Sichen and Zhang Yuxin.
Li Yunzhe angrily went to find Lu Sichen, punched him without a word, and simultaneously questioned him why he threatened Zhang Yuxin. Lu Sichen did not tell Li Yunzhe the truth, only repeatedly reminded him to sober up. Zhang's mother once again pleaded with Zhang Guoguo to find a way to save Zhang Yuxin, and Zhang Guoguo, unable to resist Zhang's mother, had to agree. She went to the police station to withdraw the charges against Zhang Yuxin.
After seeing Zhang Yuxin, Zhang Guoguo asked her about her relationship with Lu Sichen. Having been detained for two days, Zhang Yuxin now harbored even deeper hatred for Zhang Guoguo. She no longer concealed from Zhang Guoguo that she was Le Tong's mother, directly blaming Zhang Guoguo's adoption of Le Tong for her current entanglement with Lu Sichen. Zhang Guoguo could not accept this reality.
Thinking of Lu Sichen's inexplicable concern and care for Le Tong, she understood in her heart that what Zhang Yuxin said was indeed the truth. However, she was still unwilling to give up, so she found "Baby Home" again and inquired about Le Tong's DNA matching results, only to be hit by reality once more.
Now, recalling how Zhang's mother used to scold her endlessly because of Le Tong, she suddenly understood: Zhang Yuxin's daughter was naturally more important than her. Zhang Guoguo found Zhang's mother and asked her if Le Tong was Zhang Yuxin's daughter, but Zhang's mother, feeling guilty, denied it. Even now, Zhang's mother was still solely considering Zhang Yuxin, even deliberately deceiving her. Zhang Guoguo felt incredibly sad, and her gaze towards Zhang's mother was filled with utter disappointment.
A distraught Zhang Guoguo returned home and saw Li Yunkai playing with Le Tong. Seeing her return, Li Yunkai happily wanted to give her a surprise, but Zhang Guoguo was in no mood for any surprises at that moment. She looked at Le Tong, who kept calling her and Li Yunkai "Daddy" and "Mommy," and felt immense pain in her heart. However, Li Yunkai, immersed in his excitement, did not notice Zhang Guoguo's unusual demeanor.
Zhang's mother found Zhang Yuxin and asked her how she had been doing lately. However, Zhang Yuxin was in no mood to answer Zhang's mother's questions at that moment. She first blamed Zhang's mother for secretly keeping Le Tong, and then demanded that Zhang's mother take Le Tong and leave Zhenhu to live abroad. The poor Zhang's mother couldn't even speak a foreign language, so how could she live abroad? Yet, Zhang Yuxin didn't care about any of that.
After much consideration, Zhang Guoguo found Lu Sichen and asked him not to see Le Tong anymore, because the grudges between him and Zhang Yuxin would only harm Le Tong. Li Yunkai, as agreed with Li Haisong, officially moved back to the Li family. At the same time, he announced to He Juan and Li Yunzhe that he would formally join Shichuang Group.
The expressions on their faces were a bit unnatural; just a minute before, they had heard that Li Haisong agreed to his marriage with Zhang Yuxin and hadn't even had time to be happy before Li Yunkai's arrival completely interrupted them. Zhang Yuxin found Lu Sichen's home and warned him not to bother her anymore.
However, Lu Sichen paid no attention to her words, and at the same time, warned Zhang Yuxin not to be too proud for too long, then pushed her out the door. Zhang Yuxin returned to Jinluge with a somewhat uneasy heart, only to find that Li Yunzhe was actually waiting for her at the door, and had even specially prepared balloons and flowers to create a surprise for her, which deeply touched Zhang Yuxin.
Zhang Guoguo and Song Xiuhua took Le Tong to Jinluge. After the two handed Le Tong over to Dong Lijun, they went about their respective tasks. Relying on her subconscious memories, Zhang Guoguo found Jinluge's warehouse without anyone's guidance. Song Xiuhua, who had been secretly observing her, discovered that Zhang Guoguo could indeed find the warehouse by herself, which made her even more certain that she was Jin Yibei.
Song Xiuhua's attitude and reaction caught Zhang Yuxin's eye, and she immediately realized that Song Xiuhua already knew Zhang Guoguo was Jin Yibei. After lunch, Zhang Guoguo played with Le Tong in the courtyard. Because Le Tong wanted a kite, Zhang Guoguo found the place where she used to hide kites when she was little.
This scene was witnessed by Jin Zhiming, who was very surprised, because no one except Jin Yibei would know this place, yet Zhang Guoguo easily found it, making him somewhat suspicious. Watching Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong leave, Jin Zhiming fell into deep thought. Song Xiuhua then walked up to him and told him that Zhang Guoguo could not only find these hidden places, but also drew exactly the same pictures as Jin Yibei.
This news immediately lit up Jin Zhiming's eyes, but then he remembered she was Wang Aiyu's daughter, and he dismissed his idea. A very troubled Jin Zhiming asked Song Xiuhua why Zhang Guoguo had Jin Yibei's memories. It was then that Song Xiuhua revealed that Zhang Guoguo was not Wang Aiyu's biological daughter, but a child she had picked up. Hearing this news, Jin Zhiming felt extremely excited, as if he had a little more confidence in finding Jin Yibei.
However, Song Xiuhua also expressed her doubt: Zhang Guoguo's DNA surprisingly did not match Jin Yibei's. The two suspected that there was an issue with the test results, but they couldn't figure out which part was wrong for a while. Li Yunkai handed a new sales report to Li Haisong. It turned out someone had anonymously reported that the sales report for Zhang Yuxin's design series, previously prepared by Li Yunzhe, was suspected of being falsified.
Looking at the obviously different report in front of him, Li Haisong cast a suspicious gaze at Li Yunzhe. Li Yunzhe, who was determined to marry Zhang Yuxin, naturally would not admit it at this time. Seeing his two sons contradict each other, Li Haisong decided to investigate the matter thoroughly, arranging for Li Yunkai to fully audit all accounts from the past few years. This action made Li Yunzhe very nervous; he knew better than anyone that the clothes designed by Zhang Yuxin were not selling that well.
Episode 29 Recap
Li Yunzhe, Zhang Yuxin, He Juan, and Xu Huijie went to a jewelry store to select jewelry. He Juan was already dissatisfied with Zhang Yuxin, and although forced to agree, she still disliked her, using it as an excuse to mock and satirize her for being vain. Xu Huijie couldn't stand it and was somewhat confrontational with He Juan. The atmosphere became a bit awkward.
At this time, Xu Huijie took out a set of jewelry she had commissioned the jewelry store to make and gave it to Zhang Yuxin as a wedding gift. At the same time, Li Yunkai also gave Zhang Yuxin a car. Xu Huijie and Zhang Yuxin returned to Jinluge. They saw Le Tong playing in the courtyard. Xu Huijie took the opportunity to accuse Le Tong of being ill-mannered. Even though Zhang Guoguo repeatedly apologized, she still wouldn't let up.
Finally, Jin Zhiming stepped in to stop Xu Huijie. Zhang Yuxin watched Le Tong being reprimanded. Although she felt a bit bad inside, she remained indifferent, after all, in her view, nothing was as important as her own future. Li Yunkai arranged to meet with Lu Sichen, asking if he was the one who handed over the evidence of Li Yunzhe's false accounting to him.
After a moment of silence, Lu Sichen generously admitted it, but Li Yunkai didn't understand why Lu Sichen wanted to target Li Yunzhe. Lu Sichen didn't intend to explain, only instructed Li Yunkai to cherish Zhang Guoguo before leaving. Zhang Guoguo came to Song Xiuhua's shop. She was a bit troubled about whether she should return Le Tong to her biological father. Their conversation was overheard by Li Yunkai outside the door.
It was then that he learned that Le Tong was not Zhang Guoguo's biological daughter. Remembering how he had misunderstood Zhang Guoguo because of Le Tong back then, he felt very guilty and remorseful. Li Yunkai turned his head and saw the little Le Tong appearing before him, riding a bicycle. He felt even more pained for this little girl than before. Looking at Zhang Guoguo beside him, Li Yunkai suddenly felt immensely happy.
He embraced Zhang Guoguo, constantly expressing his love and deep remorse. Because Zhang Yuxin was coming to eat at home, He Juan had no choice but to find Zhang Mu and ask her to come to her house to cook again. Listening to He Juan's complaints about the so-called daughter-in-law, Zhang Mu advised her to consider carefully. At this time, she didn't know that Zhang Yuxin was the so-called daughter-in-law.
Zhang Yuxin encountered her former classmate Xing Qian on the road. She learned from her that Lu Sichen had told all their classmates about her marriage and had also taken all the photos of them from when they were dating before. This made Zhang Yuxin very displeased. She angrily told Xing Qian that there was no such thing as a wedding. After Zhang Yuxin got into the car, she suddenly found Lu Sichen in the back seat.
Thinking of Xing Qian's words from before, Zhang Yuxin warned Lu Sichen not to be endless. How could Lu Sichen listen to her? He once again reminded her to wait to receive the wedding gift he sent, then walked away without looking back. When He Juan saw Zhang Yuxin, she still showed no good expression and was critical in every way. At this time, Zhang Mu appeared. She was stunned to see that He Juan's daughter-in-law was actually Zhang Yuxin.
Zhang Yuxin also never expected to meet Zhang Mu here. Neither of them spoke first, which instead gave He Juan another opportunity to pick on Zhang Yuxin. Watching her daughter being lectured, Zhang Mu intended to defend her a couple of times, but was interrupted by He Juan. At He Juan's request, Zhang Yuxin went to clean Li Yunzhe's room. Zhang Mu was uneasy and secretly followed her.
Although she didn't know much, just by looking at He Juan's demeanor, she knew that she didn't like Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Mu didn't want Zhang Yuxin to marry into the family and suffer such grievances every day, so she tried to persuade her to consider carefully. When Li Yunzhe returned, he saw the overly plain dishes on the table and questioned Zhang Mu about what was going on.
He Juan made an excuse, saying that Zhang Mu only knew how to make these things and told them not to be too picky. Li Yunzhe understood that this was He Juan trying to assert dominance over Zhang Yuxin, so he told He Juan to fire Zhang Mu and picked fault with Zhang Mu in every way possible. Zhang Yuxin watched all of this, saying nothing.
Now, not only did she have to endure He Juan's bullying, but even her mother received no good treatment because of it. Zhang Mu found Zhang Guoguo, hoping to explain what had happened before. However, Zhang Guoguo was already utterly disappointed by Zhang Mu's actions over the years. She knew that no matter what, Zhang Yuxin was always the most important, and she was always the one who could be sacrificed.
Zhang Mu thought Zhang Guoguo disliked Le Tong, so she resorted to her usual tricks, throwing a tantrum and being unreasonable. However, the current Zhang Guoguo would no longer be affected by this. She clearly told Zhang Mu that she would continue to raise Le Tong, but she no longer wanted to be Zhang Mu's daughter and stated that she would move out with Le Tong. Watching Zhang Guoguo leave like that, Zhang Mu also felt a bit bad inside.
She somewhat painfully blamed Zhang Guoguo, asking why she was still so foolish as to raise a child for Zhang Yuxin at this point. Because of Li Haisong's obstruction, Li Hailan hadn't seen Jiang Zhengchuan for a long time and could only relieve her longing by watching movies. At this time, Li Yunkai came over and persuaded Li Hailan that instead of longing for him there, it would be better to go find Jiang Zhengchuan.
Enlightened, Li Hailan immediately happily left for Jiang Zhengchuan's home. Li Yunkai asked Zhang Guoguo out. The two held hands, enjoying the breeze and exchanging sweet words. Zhang Guoguo was a bit reluctant to admit she was happy, saying one thing but meaning another. Li Yunkai scooped Zhang Guoguo into a princess carry. Warmth filled the air between the two of them. With the wedding approaching, Xu Huijie personally prepared Zhang Yuxin's wedding gown.
During the fitting, Zhang Yuxin was a bit distracted. Lu Sichen was like a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment, which made Zhang Yuxin very uneasy. Facing Xu Huijie's concern, she couldn't tell the truth, so she had to make an excuse, saying she was nervous because she was getting married. Lu Sichen found Li Haisong and expressed his intention to resign, but he refused to state the specific reason.
Li Haisong had always admired Lu Sichen's competence and tried to keep him. At this time, Lu Sichen suddenly discovered a photo of Li Haisong and his own father. His dazed appearance attracted Li Haisong's attention. Upon inquiry, he then learned that Lu Sichen was actually Lu Wen's son. At this point, Li Haisong was determined to keep Lu Sichen no matter what.
Li Haisong called Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin and said that for their wedding, he had specially invited an important person to be fully responsible, and he formally introduced Lu Sichen to them. Both were very shocked when they saw it was actually Lu Sichen, and Zhang Yuxin felt even more guilty. Li Yunzhe, unaware of the truth, rushed forward, about to fight with Lu Sichen, but was stopped by Li Haisong.
Zhang Yuxin, fearing that things would escalate, quickly advised Li Yunzhe not to be impulsive. After the two returned to their office, Li Yunzhe asked Zhang Yuxin why she didn't reveal the truth about Lu Sichen threatening her. Zhang Yuxin could only vaguely respond, saying that the wedding was paramount and she didn't want any further complications.
Zhang Yuxin, who had returned to Jinluge, specifically took away all the childhood photos of Jin Yibei that she had previously received in a box. At this time, Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie arrived, asking her how she had packed her things.
Episode 30 Recap
Teacher Han helped Zhang Yuxin move the box containing Jin Yibei's photos to the car but accidentally fell, bumping into Zhang Guoguo. Zhang Guoguo helped Teacher Han carry the box into the car, but unexpectedly, Zhang Yuxin saw her. Zhang Yuxin was very afraid that Zhang Guoguo would discover those photos, so she nervously scolded Zhang Guoguo, forbidding her to touch her things.
Watching Zhang Yuxin, who was hostile to everyone, Zhang Guoguo felt she was utterly unreasonable and warned her to know her place. After all, she was just an adopted daughter, and the Jin family had never given up on finding Jin Yibei. This made Zhang Yuxin even more determined to become the successor of Jinlu Pavilion. Xu Huijie complained that Song Xiuhua refused to attend Zhang Yuxin's wedding. Just then, Zhang Guoguo entered.
Jin Zhiming wanted to confirm once more whether Zhang Guoguo was Jin Yibei, so he gave her a sketching easel and asked her to draw anything she liked. Mistaking that he wanted to teach Zhang Guoguo how to paint, Xu Huijie became even more displeased. Song Xiuhua and Dong Lijun had no desire to listen to her talk about these things and directly took Zhang Guoguo away.
Zhang Yuxin knew that Dong Lijun had once stipulated that whoever possessed the Fushan Chunju Tu could inherit the position of embroidery master. She impatiently found Zhang's mother and asked her to go back and find the Fushan Chunju Tu. After returning home, Zhang's mother searched but did not find the Fushan Chunju Tu. When Zhang Guoguo returned, she saw the bedsheets and quilts messed up on the bed and asked Le Tong what on earth had happened.
After learning that Zhang's mother was looking for a painting with trees, Zhang Guoguo guessed that Zhang Yuxin must have told Zhang's mother to get the Fushan Chunju Tu. Zhang Guoguo received a call from Li Yunkai. It turned out he had invited Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong to go shopping together. The three of them went on a shopping spree and even walked swaggeringly down the street in parent-child outfits.
Li Yunkai also seized the opportunity to tease Zhang Guoguo that she wasn't as good-looking as him, which led to Zhang Guoguo chasing and playing with him. Zhang's mother arrived at He Juan's home, found Zhang Yuxin, and told her that she had not found the Fushan Chunju Tu. Just then, He Juan entered and saw Zhang Yuxin sitting on the bed, and started another round of scolding.
Zhang's mother couldn't stand it anymore and got into an argument with He Juan. Facing the feisty Zhang's mother, He Juan was no match. Seeing He Juan clearly getting angrier, Zhang Yuxin immediately interrupted Zhang's mother, while simultaneously accusing her of not talking to He Juan that way, and kicked her out.
Her own daughter, bowing and scraping, smiling to greet her mother-in-law who clearly disliked her, but using harsh words against her own biological mother – Zhang's mother felt very upset. Zhang Yuxin received a text message; Li Yunzhe had invited her to meet at a restaurant. However, when she arrived, she found out that Li Yunzhe had not invited her.
While she was wondering, Xing Qian, a university classmate she had met before, walked over and asked Zhang Yuxin why she had called all the classmates. Realizing something was wrong, Zhang Yuxin hurriedly pulled Xing Qian aside, just as Lu Sichen also arrived. The classmates were all very surprised to learn that the two had actually broken up. When Li Yunzhe saw this, he had some doubts about their relationship.
Seeing that she could no longer hide it, Zhang Yuxin directly turned the tables on Lu Sichen, saying that he had been pestering her and treating her violently. Li Yunzhe, who was originally somewhat suspicious of her, heard this, punched Lu Sichen, and warned him not to bother Zhang Yuxin anymore. After this incident, Zhang Yuxin returned to Jinlu Pavilion and tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
On one side was the rich and luxurious life she had longed for, and on the other was a past built on lies. She felt incredibly tormented. Xu Huijie came to Zhang Yuxin's room, and with her comfort, Zhang Yuxin finally managed to fall asleep. Looking at Zhang Yuxin sleeping, Xu Huijie suddenly thought of Jin Yibei. She wished so much that she could see her own daughter, seeing her get married and have children.
Li Yunkai asked Zhang Guoguo to come out for a walk. It was still the same old place, and the wind was still blowing the same way. Learning that Li Yunkai had reconciled with Li Haisong, Zhang Guoguo felt happy for him and advised him not to argue with Li Haisong for her sake anymore. However, Li Yunkai, who had already decided on Zhang Guoguo, would never give her up because of family reasons.
He actively proposed marriage to Zhang Guoguo, and her deep hug and kiss were her response to him. Zhang's mother really wanted to attend Zhang Yuxin's wedding, but she knew Zhang Yuxin didn't want her to appear. She tentatively asked Zhang Guoguo if she could attend Zhang Yuxin's wedding. Zhang Guoguo said she would take Le Tong with her. Thinking of Le Tong's background, Zhang's mother was somewhat unwilling.
Seeing her manner of always being afraid of causing trouble for Zhang Yuxin, Zhang Guoguo was quite unhappy and left with Le Tong. Zhang Yuxin called Zhang's mother, telling her to take Le Tong to a nearby hospital and wait there. Zhang's mother naturally refused such an inexplicable request. At that moment, she was only thinking about attending her daughter's wedding.
After hanging up, Zhang Yuxin called Lu Sichen, falsely claiming that Le Tong had been in a car accident and asking him to check the situation. However, Lu Sichen, who knew Zhang Yuxin's character too well, didn't believe a word of it. Zhang's mother still secretly came to the hotel where Zhang Yuxin was getting married. She secretly hid to one side, waiting for Zhang Yuxin to appear.
When she saw Zhang Yuxin, Zhang's mother pulled her aside and took out the gold bracelet she had carefully prepared. Such a thing, in Zhang Yuxin's eyes, who was used to seeing all kinds of jewelry, was simply not presentable. She didn't want to accept it and was also afraid Li Yunzhe would discover it, so she hastily appeased Zhang's mother with a few words and entered the hotel.
But at this moment, Li Yunzhe also received a call from Lu Sichen, telling him that he would send him all the evidence concerning Zhang Yuxin. A somewhat disappointed Zhang's mother had no choice but to leave, but she was hit by a car while trying to pick up the gold bracelet that Zhang Yuxin had dropped on the ground.
At this time, Zhang Yuxin was busy being lovey-dovey with Li Yunzhe in the hotel, completely unaware that her mother had collapsed at the hotel entrance. When Lu Sichen arrived, he saw Zhang's mother lying unconscious in the rain, called Zhang Yuxin to come out, but was refused. Lu Sichen had no choice but to send Zhang's mother to the hospital first. Zhang Guoguo was currently tidying up the messy floor in the Jinlu Pavilion's warehouse.
It turned out that Zhang Yuxin had deliberately messed up the warehouse and then asked Zhang Guoguo to tidy it up, fearing the wedding would be ruined. However, with the thunder and rain outside, Zhang Guoguo's dizziness suddenly flared up, and she fainted on the ground. Xu Huijie and Jin Zhiming were preparing to go to the hotel for Zhang Yuxin's wedding when Jin Zhiming noticed Zhang Guoguo's painting on the table.
Looking at the exactly same painting style, Jin Zhiming excitedly rushed out. He hurried to the warehouse and took Zhang Guoguo back to the room. He was now very certain that Zhang Guoguo was his beloved daughter—Jin Yibei. Looking at the unconscious Zhang Guoguo on the bed, Dong Lijun and Jin Zhiming were both very worried.
Listening to her murmuring in her unconscious state, Dong Lijun also believed that she was very likely Jin Yibei, as only Jin Yibei would tell the stories she had told back then. Just then, Xu Huijie urged Jin Zhiming again to go with her, but Jin Zhiming's thoughts were entirely on Zhang Guoguo. He told Xu Huijie that he suspected Zhang Guoguo was Jin Yibei, but Xu Huijie refused to accept such a statement.
The couple became a bit unhappy about this. Xu Huijie came to the hotel and told Zhang Yuxin that Jin Zhiming would not come to her wedding because of Zhang Guoguo, which disappointed Zhang Yuxin. Especially after hearing Xu Huijie say that Jin Zhiming believed Zhang Guoguo was Jin Yibei, she felt even more guilty. However, at this moment, she couldn't show anything.
Just then, the evidence Lu Sichen had someone deliver to Li Yunzhe also arrived at the hotel but was intercepted by Zhang Yuxin. Looking at the papers filled with her past experiences, Zhang Yuxin became even more determined not to let anyone destroy her happiness. Because Jin Zhiming did not come to the wedding, He Juan naturally did not give Xu Huijie a good look. Xu Huijie, knowing she was in the wrong, could not retort.
It was Li Yunzhe who stepped forward to avoid the awkwardness. Zhang Yuxin finally appeared before everyone, arm in arm with Li Yunzhe. Thinking of Lu Sichen's previous warnings, and looking at Li Yunzhe beside her now, Zhang Yuxin felt that she could finally achieve her wish.
Episode 31 Recap
Zhang Guoguo finally woke up. Dong Lijun and others were very concerned about her condition. Jin Zhiming even asked her if she still had any other memories. At this time, Zhang Guoguo saw herself calling Xu Huijie "Mom" in her memory, but she did not say it out loud. For all this, she still had too many uncertainties. Jin Zhiming was a bit anxious, wanting to confirm if Zhang Guoguo's memory had recovered.
Song Xiuhua hinted to him not to act too hastily. Zhang Guoguo was somewhat disturbed by the sudden emergence of that memory, so she decided to leave Jinlu Pavilion first. When she went out, a scene of her calling Jin Zhiming "Dad" appeared in her mind. Zhang Guoguo, finding it incredible, asked Song Xiuhua if she had a photo of Jin Yibei; she wanted to confirm if her suspicion was true.
Li Yunkai called Zhang Guoguo to tell her about Zhang's mother's car accident and hospitalization. Zhang Guoguo could no longer worry about Jin Yibei's matter and rushed away. Song Xiuhua asked Jin Zhiming if he had a portrait of Jin Yibei. Jin Zhiming handed the missing person notice for Jin Yibei from back then to Song Xiuhua. Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai rushed to the hospital and felt much relieved after hearing that Zhang's mother was not seriously injured.
Looking at Zhang's mother now, Zhang Guoguo felt a little guilty. After Lu Sichen handed the golden bracelet from Zhang's mother's hand to Zhang Guoguo, she immediately understood that it was meant for Zhang Yuxin. Seeing her lying in bed now, while Zhang Yuxin, despite knowing her mother was hospitalized, refused to even come and see her, Zhang Guoguo felt very angry. Because she had to take care of Zhang's mother, Zhang Guoguo entrusted Le Tong to Lu Sichen's care.
Being able to be alone with his daughter was a rare moment of happiness for Lu Sichen. Le Tong told Lu Sichen that she would be moving abroad with Zhang's mother and asked him to keep it a secret from Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai. Zhang's mother finally woke up, but she did not dare to tell Zhang Guoguo the real reason for her car accident; she just kept insisting on being discharged soon.
When He Juan was tidying up clothes for Li Yunzhe, she accidentally knocked over the box Zhang Yuxin had brought, and found that it was full of photos of Jin Yibei. However, He Juan had never seen Jin Yibei when she was a child, so she thought Zhang Yuxin had undergone plastic surgery and went to ask Li Haisong with the photos.
Just then, Li Yunkai suddenly appeared, took the photos of Jin Yibei from her hand, and learned that all these photos were actually in Zhang Yuxin's suitcase. Li Yunkai took all the photos away. Zhang Guoguo, while Zhang's mother was asleep, slipped the golden bracelet back into Zhang's mother's hand. In fact, Zhang's mother was not really asleep. Feeling the golden bracelet in her hand, Zhang's mother was filled with mixed emotions.
Zhang Yuxin called Zhang Guoguo to ask about Zhang's mother's condition. Zhang Guoguo was very angry at her heartless behavior and, at the same time, warned Zhang Yuxin that she was going to look for her biological parents. Zhang Yuxin was very scared; she thought Zhang Guoguo might have recovered her memory. He Juan called Zhang Yuxin to tell her that Li Yunkai had taken all the photos of Jin Yibei she had hidden.
Hearing this news, Zhang Yuxin could no longer sit still. While Li Yunzhe was taking a shower, she secretly slipped out of the hotel room. Lu Sichen saw photos of Jin Yibei at Song Xiuhua's place. Connecting this with the photos he had previously picked up that Zhang Yuxin had thrown away, he realized that Zhang Yuxin was plotting to seize the Jin family's assets. He found Zhang Yuxin and revealed her long-standing motive.
Zhang Yuxin begged Lu Sichen to let her go, but Lu Sichen refused. During their argument, Lu Sichen pushed Zhang Yuxin into the swimming pool. Li Yunkai returned the photos of Jin Yibei to Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie, telling them that all these photos were found in Zhang Yuxin's luggage. This made Jin Zhiming very angry, and he believed Zhang Yuxin must be plotting something. But Xu Huijie repeatedly defended Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Yuxin rushed to Jinlu Pavilion.
Faced with Jin Zhiming's questioning, she resorted to her old trick, shifting all blame onto Zhang Guoguo. Xu Huijie naturally believed her without a doubt, but Jin Zhiming and Dong Lijun refused to believe. They countered Zhang Yuxin, asking why Zhang Guoguo would hide her own photos. This statement made Xu Huijie very displeased. She stubbornly insisted that Zhang Guoguo could not be her daughter.
Jin Zhiming did not want to argue with her any further and helped Dong Lijun leave. Song Xiuhua handed the missing person notice for Jin Yibei to Le Tong, asking her to give it to Zhang Guoguo. Unexpectedly, Le Tong was too tired and fell asleep. Zhang's mother discovered the missing person notice and tried to secretly hide it. Zhang Guoguo suddenly returned, and she could only pretend to be asleep out of fright.
Looking at her adopted daughter on one side and her adoptive mother on the other, Zhang Guoguo, whose memory had recovered, felt extremely conflicted inside. Le Tong eventually handed the missing person notice to Zhang Guoguo, but it was snatched away by Zhang's mother. Seeing this, Zhang Guoguo instantly understood that Zhang's mother had known everything all along but had deliberately hidden it from her for Zhang Yuxin's sake. Zhang Guoguo's heart was filled with immense pain.
Although she had always known that Zhang's mother loved Zhang Yuxin more, she could actually prevent another family from reuniting for the sake of her own biological daughter, which made it difficult for Zhang Guoguo to forgive her. Li Yunzhe always remembered that Lu Sichen had previously said he would give him evidence concerning Zhang Yuxin, but he had not seen this evidence even by evening.
He called to inquire and learned that the items were given to Zhang Yuxin, but Zhang Yuxin remained silent, which made him feel somewhat suspicious. Xu Huijie found Teacher Han and asked about Zhang Yuxin's luggage earlier. Teacher Han admitted that the box was indeed moved from Zhang Yuxin's room and also told Xu Huijie about Zhang Yuxin's insistence on having Zhang Guoguo tidy up the warehouse. These words sparked a hint of doubt in Xu Huijie's heart.
Zhang Guoguo went out to look for Zhang's mother and met Li Yunkai on the way. Just as she was about to ask Li Yunkai to help her search, Zhang's mother suddenly appeared. However, she seemed somewhat dazed and ignored Zhang Guoguo's questions. It turned out that because Zhang Guoguo already knew her true identity, she feared it would affect Zhang Yuxin, so she specifically rushed to the hotel to find Zhang Yuxin.
However, Zhang Yuxin was only concerned with being intimate with Li Yunzhe and did not go to see her at all. Li Yunkai pulled Zhang Guoguo along to eat pizza. Zhang Guoguo, whose memory had recovered, looked at Li Yunkai, who was still coaxing her with pizza to make her happy, just like when they were children, and felt both nostalgic and sweet. However, Zhang Guoguo temporarily did not want to tell Li Yunkai that she was Jin Yibei.
At Zhang Guoguo's request, Li Yunkai recounted stories about Jin Yibei to Zhang Guoguo one by one, as if counting cherished treasures. Zhang Guoguo felt that there was nothing happier than this moment. It turned out that her beloved was destined to fall in love with her from a very young age.
Episode 32 Recap
Li Yunzhe took Zhang Yuxin to enjoy a candlelight dinner. Looking at the affectionate and romantic Li Yunzhe, Zhang Yuxin tentatively asked if he would still love her if she didn't have the status of goddaughter of Jinlü Pavilion. After getting Li Yunzhe's affirmative answer, Zhang Yuxin felt happy. During the meal, a waiter brought over a cake, saying it was to wish their daughter a happy fifth birthday.
Li Yunzhe was very displeased after hearing this, but Zhang Yuxin's expression changed dramatically. She felt a little guilty and wanted to persuade Li Yunzhe to leave first, but Li Yunzhe, who had put so much effort into it, would not leave just because of such a small matter. Song Xiuhua asked Zhang Guoguo if she recognized who Jin Yibei was. Zhang Guoguo, unprepared, flatly denied it.
Lu Sichen also found Zhang Guoguo at this time, taking out a photo of her as a child and asking her to identify it, and said that Zhang Yuxin had torn it up and thrown it away before. Only then did Zhang Guoguo realize that Zhang Yuxin had always been preventing her from reuniting with her biological parents. Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin were swimming in the pool.
While they were not paying attention, Lu Sichen secretly took Zhang Yuxin's handbag. When Li Yunzhe rushed to the company, he happened to catch Li Yunkai's work report. His excellent performance received high praise from Li Haisong, which made Li Yunzhe feel very uncomfortable. Li Yunkai's future development plan for Shichuang Group made Li Haisong even more impressed. He had completely underestimated his second son, who turned out to be so thoughtful and capable.
All of this made Li Yunzhe feel jealous. Zhang Yuxin found Mother Zhang. After learning that Zhang Guoguo already knew her true identity, she blamed Mother Zhang for not informing her sooner. But Zhang Yuxin couldn't deal with these matters right now; her first priority was Mother Zhang and Le Tong. She took out a sum of money for Mother Zhang, asking her to take Le Tong to live abroad.
Li Haisong handed over the matter of Jinlü Pavilion's embroidery exhibition to Li Yunkai. This made Li Yunzhe displeased. He ordered someone to send all the embroideries to Beijing. Unexpectedly, Lu Sichen had already taken the embroideries away. Seeing Lu Sichen constantly opposing him, Li Yunzhe became even angrier. Lu Sichen asked Li Yunzhe if he had seen the evidence, but Li Yunzhe hadn't seen it at all.
Li Yunkai asked Zhang Guoguo to review the embroideries to be displayed at the exhibition. Zhang Guoguo saw that they were all machine embroidery and not pure handmade at all. This made Li Haisong very angry. He ordered the exhibition to be canceled and an apology to the media. Zhang Yuxin told Xu Huijie the news. After learning that Zhang Guoguo had ruined the exhibition, Xu Huijie's dislike for Zhang Guoguo reached an unbearable level.
Xu Huijie angrily confronted Zhang Guoguo, accusing her of opposing her everywhere and forbidding her from entering Jinlü Pavilion again. Seeing her still being so difficult, Zhang Guoguo didn't know what to think. But thinking of the previous exhibits, Zhang Guoguo could not believe that they were Xu Huijie's work.
After Xu Huijie left, Zhang Yuxin told Zhang Guoguo that Xu Huijie was only responsible for the design of that batch of exhibits, so she didn't know they were all machine embroidery. Zhang Yuxin suggested that Zhang Guoguo talk to Li Haisong, retract her previous statements, and let the exhibition proceed as scheduled, but Zhang Guoguo refused. At this moment, Zhang Guoguo took out Jin Yibei's missing person notice and questioned Zhang Yuxin about what was going on.
Since it was impossible to conceal it any longer, Zhang Yuxin simply told the truth. She warned Zhang Guoguo that if she dared to acknowledge Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie as her parents, then she would reveal everything Xu Huijie had done, and the Jin family would fall apart. Xu Huijie found Dong Lijun and said that Zhang Guoguo had ruined her exhibition.
Dong Lijun told her that all those exhibits were machine embroidered, and holding an exhibition would only ruin Jinlü Pavilion's reputation. Xu Huijie, unwilling to give up, found Zhang Guoguo again. After she saw the photos of the exhibits, she finally confirmed Dong Lijun's words. Li Yunzhe received a call; it turned out that Zhang Yuxin's lost handbag had been found. He prepared to drive to retrieve the handbag.
When passing the parking lot, Zhang Yuxin happened to be there too. Fearing that Lu Sichen's evidence would fall into Li Yunzhe's hands, Zhang Yuxin had specifically put it in her car. Seeing Li Yunzhe's figure at this moment, she quickly lowered her head and hid in the car. Xu Huijie found Zhang Yuxin and questioned her about the machine embroidery. At first, Zhang Yuxin, as usual, blamed everything on Zhang Guoguo.
Only this time, Xu Huijie clearly no longer believed her words. Seeing that Xu Huijie wouldn't fall for it, Zhang Yuxin directly hinted to Xu Huijie that she already knew the truth about Jin Yibei's disappearance years ago. Therefore, the most important thing now was for Xu Huijie to cooperate well with her, instead of losing her temper at her all the time.
Seeing Zhang Yuxin's hostile turn, Xu Huijie didn't know what to do; she neither wanted to be controlled by Zhang Yuxin, and she also feared that Zhang Yuxin truly knew something. Jin Zhiming took Zhang Guoguo to the DNA testing center. He told Zhang Guoguo that he couldn't wait any longer because he truly wanted to see his daughter. However, thinking of Zhang Yuxin's previous threats, Zhang Guoguo felt hesitant internally.
She was afraid that once her identity was confirmed, Xu Huijie might be harmed. But looking at Jin Zhiming's pleading eyes, Zhang Guoguo couldn't bear to refuse him. Li Yunzhe found the handbag Zhang Yuxin had lost earlier. From the bag, he found a pair of rings, surprisingly engraved with Zhang Yuxin's and Lu Sichen's names. Although he had some doubts, he mostly believed this might be Lu Sichen's trick.
Too rushed to think further, he hurried back to the company, where he happened to meet Lu Sichen. Li Yunzhe told Lu Sichen that there was no so-called evidence. Lu Sichen advised him not to bother anymore, as Zhang Yuxin would absolutely not hand over the evidence willingly. Zhang Yuxin rushed back to the Li family home and, under He Juan's guidance, was diligently cooking.
What she didn't know then was that just as she entered the house, Lu Sichen came to her car, opened the car door with a spare key, and prepared to go inside to look for the evidence that should have been handed to Li Yunzhe. Li Yunzhe also rushed back to the Li family home. He returned Zhang Yuxin's handbag, which he had found earlier, and asked about the pair of rings in the bag.
Zhang Yuxin, without changing her expression, stated that she also didn't know what was going on, then threw them away and turned to leave. Li Yunzhe picked up the rings. At this moment, he felt conflicted, unsure whether to believe Lu Sichen's words or continue to think that all of this was merely Lu Sichen's trick.
In fact, upon seeing those rings, Zhang Yuxin's heart was not as calm as it appeared, but she couldn't let Li Yunzhe notice anything unusual. Thinking that Lu Sichen had always been by her side constantly threatening her, Zhang Yuxin felt she had to secure that evidence. She went back to the car, preparing to take the evidence, but suddenly discovered that the contents inside had all turned into blank sheets of paper.
Episode 33 Recap
Zhang Yuxin somewhat anxiously returned to the trash can, searching for the couple rings she had thrown away earlier, but this scene was seen by Li Yunzhe. Although he didn't say anything, Zhang Yuxin's inconsistent behavior still made him waver a little. Zhang Guoguo called Lu Sichen, asking him to temporarily stop the war between him and Zhang Yuxin. Thinking of what Zhang Yuxin had said about Xu Huijie earlier, Zhang Guoguo was very worried.
She wondered what crazy things Zhang Yuxin might do if Lu Sichen pushed her too hard. Zhang Guoguo was in a bad mood and went to the company to find Li Yunkai. Li Yunkai deliberately asked Zhang Guoguo to buy him sushi and personally fed him, making the two of them warm and sweet like many ordinary couples in the world.
Knowing that Zhang Guoguo was already very tired, Li Yunkai carried her to the sofa, letting her get a good night's sleep. Watching Zhang Guoguo in deep sleep, Li Yunkai secretly put a ring on her hand. At this moment, Zhang Guoguo opened her sleepy eyes and subconsciously called out "Brother Yunkai." Li Yunkai took out the talisman Jin Yibei gave him when he was a child and gave it to Zhang Guoguo, wishing her a happy future.
Looking at Li Yunkai, who was so considerate of her, Zhang Guoguo's heart was filled with gratitude. Li Hailan, upon learning of her pregnancy, quickly called Jiang Zhengchuan to tell him. Hearing that he was about to become a father, Jiang Zhengchuan was extremely happy. Xu Huijie made a call, feeling uneasy, hoping to contact Ding Wei as soon as possible.
Jin Zhiming found Xu Huijie and told her that he and Zhang Guoguo had taken a paternity test, and the results would be available tomorrow. However, Xu Huijie completely refused to accept this fact; she repeatedly denied Zhang Guoguo's identity, which made Jin Zhiming highly suspicious of her motives. Lu Sichen told Zhang Guoguo that Zhang Yuxin had asked Zhang's mother to take Le Tong to live abroad.
Thinking that Zhang Yuxin would send away both her mother and daughter for her own happiness, Zhang Guoguo was extremely angry. She found Zhang Yuxin and questioned her about the truth of the matter. Zhang Guoguo found Zhang's mother and told her that she had already taken a paternity test with Jin Zhiming and would soon return to her biological parents. Zhang's mother felt upset and pleaded with Zhang Guoguo not to abandon her.
Zhang Guoguo, remembering Zhang's mother's past actions, turned and left. At this time, Zhang's mother, fearing that Zhang Guoguo's return would affect Zhang Yuxin, quickly called Zhang Yuxin to inform her. In the hospital corridor, Jin Zhiming waited anxiously and nervously for the paternity test results. When he saw that the results matched, Jin Zhiming was so excited that he didn't know what to do. He turned around and saw Zhang Guoguo.
Looking at his daughter, he suddenly became afraid that she wouldn't acknowledge him. Zhang Guoguo looked at Jin Zhiming, whose eyes were filled with tears, and suddenly ran out. When Jin Zhiming caught up with Zhang Guoguo, he saw her sitting blankly to the side, blaming herself for not recognizing her own family for so long. Finally, Zhang Guoguo hugged Jin Zhiming, calling out "Dad" again and again, and Jin Zhiming's heart shattered.
At the embroidery exhibition venue, Xu Huijie tentatively asked Zhang Yuxin how much she knew about the events of that year, but Zhang Yuxin uncharacteristically stated that what happened before was just a misunderstanding. Looking at Zhang Yuxin like this, Xu Huijie still felt a little nervous inside. Zhang Yuxin didn't want to continue the topic with her, so she handed the embroidery exhibition documents to Xu Huijie.
Unexpectedly, Xu Huijie casually flipped through them and saw a photo of Zhang's mother and Jin Yibei when she was a child. Xu Huijie was greatly startled. After Zhang Yuxin noticed, she took the photo away and tried to calm Xu Huijie with lies. But this time, Xu Huijie completely disbelieved Zhang Yuxin.
Seeing this situation, Zhang Yuxin stopped talking nonsense, immediately turned hostile, revealed the death of Jin Zhida and the disappearance of Jin Yibei from that year, and warned Xu Huijie not to try to find Jin Yibei again. Zhang Guoguo followed Jin Zhiming back to Jinluge. When Dong Lijun learned that Zhang Guoguo was her granddaughter, she couldn't help but shed tears.
After waiting for seventeen whole years, she finally waited for Jin Yibei, whom she had longed for day and night. How could she not be emotional? Dong Lijun said that she wanted Zhang Guoguo to live in Jinluge and never be separated again. Zhang Guoguo was in a difficult position; after all, Le Tong and Zhang's mother still needed her care, and at this moment, she couldn't abandon them and stay in Jinluge.
After a brief consideration, Zhang Guoguo expressed her concerns and declined Dong Lijun's offer. Xu Huijie found Zhang's mother and questioned her about Jin Yibei's whereabouts. Zhang's mother refused to say, and the two had an argument. Song Xiuhua rushed over, separated them, and told Xu Huijie that Zhang Guoguo was Jin Yibei. Xu Huijie could not accept this fact. She repeatedly questioned Song Xiuhua and Zhang's mother about where the real Jin Yibei was. Zhang Guoguo walked in.
Faced with Xu Huijie's prejudice, Zhang Guoguo felt extremely sad internally. Simply because she was not the perfect daughter in Xu Huijie's mind, Xu Huijie repeatedly denied her existence. Song Xiuhua couldn't bear to watch this situation and advised Xu Huijie to come to her senses. Looking at Zhang Guoguo, who had grown into a young woman, and recalling everything that had happened between them, Xu Huijie couldn't face it: her own Jin Yibei actually looked like this.
Guilt, self-blame, and unwillingness filled her heart. Song Xiuhua advised her not to impose her will on Zhang Guoguo. She lost her mother when she was very young, and now, having grown up through her own efforts, she still had to face rejection from her biological mother. What a cruel thing that was. Zhang Guoguo returned upstairs and saw that Zhang's mother had packed all of her and Le Tong's luggage. She naturally disagreed with Le Tong leaving.
However, Zhang's mother insisted on taking Le Tong away. Le Tong also persuaded Zhang Guoguo to let her leave with Zhang's mother, because her presence had become an obstacle to Zhang Guoguo's happy life. Such a precocious Le Tong left Zhang Guoguo at a loss. She had no choice but to ask Le Tong to leave first so she could talk to Zhang's mother alone.
Zhang Guoguo asked Zhang's mother if Zhang Yuxin had asked her to take Le Tong away. Zhang's mother vehemently denied it. Although she had mentally prepared herself, facing Zhang's mother's unprincipled favoritism, Zhang Guoguo still felt uncontrollably angry. Zhang Yuxin called Lu Sichen to arrange a meeting, stating that if he was willing to return the wedding ring to her, she would reveal everything she had done back then.
Li Yunkai happened to pass by the door at this moment and, upon hearing Zhang Yuxin's words, couldn't help but feel a bit strange, not understanding what her wedding ring had to do with Lu Sichen.
Episode 34 Recap
Lu Sichen and Zhang Yuxin met as agreed at the police station entrance. To put Lu Sichen in jail, Zhang Yuxin directly called out the police and accused Lu Sichen of stealing her ring. After a search, the police confirmed that Lu Sichen had not stolen her ring at all. Li Yunzhe rushed over and asked Zhang Yuxin what was going on. Zhang Yuxin had no choice but to insist that Lu Sichen had stolen her ring.
Unexpectedly, Li Yunzhe took out the ring, which surprised Zhang Yuxin greatly. After learning that Li Yunkai had helped Li Yunzhe find the ring, Zhang Yuxin was somewhat speechless. She knew that Lu Sichen must have teamed up with Li Yunkai. What she needed to do now was to keep Li Yunzhe steady and prevent him from doubting her again. Under her passionate confession, Li Yunzhe indeed believed her.
Zhang Guoguo told Li Yunkai that Zhang's mother was planning to take Le Tong away. Li Yunkai advised her to relax and took the opportunity to propose to her, so as to solve her worries. Xu Huijie looked at Jin Yibei's childhood photos, her heart filled with contradictions. She longed for her own daughter but couldn't accept the fact that Zhang Guoguo was her daughter.
Jin Zhiming found Xu Huijie and told her that he was preparing to bring Zhang Guoguo back to Jinlu Pavilion. His suggestion made Xu Huijie a little nervous; she was afraid Zhang Guoguo would remember the truth about the car accident from that year. Li Yunkai brought Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong to the Li family. As expected, they were reprimanded by He Juan.
Although Zhang Guoguo repeatedly apologized, and Le Tong also said she wouldn't come to the Li family, He Juan remained relentless. Seeing them make things so difficult for Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong, Li Yunkai firmly stated that no matter what, he would definitely marry Zhang Guoguo. Seeing that they couldn't reach an agreement, Li Yunkai angrily pulled Zhang Guoguo away.
Li Haisong felt that continuing the discussion in front of Le Tong would have a bad impact on the child, so he asked Zhang's mother to take Le Tong out first. Zhang Yuxin seized this opportunity to tell Zhang's mother to immediately take Le Tong and leave Zhenhu to live abroad. Zhang's mother hesitated, but Zhang Yuxin repeatedly stated that only if Le Tong disappeared would it not affect her marriage with Li Yunzhe.
Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai returned home. At the doorway, Zhang Guoguo shyly confessed "I love you" to Li Yunkai. After being together for so long, it was rare to see Zhang Guoguo make such a bold confession, and Li Yunkai was very happy. Zhang Guoguo returned to the room and saw Le Tong's painting, realizing that Le Tong must have been taken away by Zhang's mother. Zhang Guoguo anxiously told the news to Li Yunkai.
The two decided to first find Zhang Yuxin to ask about the situation, and at the same time, call Lu Sichen to search for Le Tong at the airport. Zhang Yuxin called Zhang's mother, telling her to definitely take Le Tong away and not to contact anyone. Zhang's mother was very reluctant to leave. Little Le Tong also had red eyes and kept calling "Mommy" in her heart. The two sat in the car embracing each other, silent.
Song Xiuhua came to Jinlu Pavilion and told Jin Zhiming, Xu Huijie, and Dong Lijun about Le Tong's disappearance. Jin Zhiming and Dong Lijun were very worried about Zhang Guoguo after hearing this, but Xu Huijie did not care, even thinking that Le Tong's departure was a good thing. Her attitude made the other three very displeased. Song Xiuhua asked Xu Huijie to find Zhang Yuxin and inquire about Le Tong's whereabouts.
Li Yunkai was in the company's stairwell and heard Zhang Yuxin instructing Zhang's mother on the phone to leave as soon as possible, so he recorded all her words on his phone. After Zhang Yuxin had almost finished speaking, Li Yunkai walked out to question her about Le Tong's whereabouts, but Zhang Yuxin fiercely told Li Yunkai that she would absolutely not reveal Le Tong's location. Zhang Guoguo found Zhang Yuxin and asked her to reveal Le Tong's whereabouts.
Seeing Zhang Guoguo's current anxiety, Zhang Yuxin felt a sense of vengeful pleasure. She proposed to Zhang Guoguo that if she would honestly be Zhang Guoguo, then she might still be able to see Le Tong; otherwise, she shouldn't even think about living with Le Tong. Zhang Guoguo naturally disagreed. At this point, Zhang Yuxin again threatened Zhang Guoguo with Xu Huijie's matter, and told Zhang Guoguo that her disappearance back then was entirely caused by Xu Huijie.
Li Haisong held the opening ceremony for his new store as scheduled. Seeing that neither Li Yunkai nor Lu Sichen had come, he was a little surprised. Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin took this opportunity to badmouth Li Yunkai and Lu Sichen, but Li Haisong did not believe Zhang Yuxin's claims. Zhang's mother brought Le Tong to the airport's departure lounge. At this moment, Lu Sichen also happened to arrive.
Zhang's mother didn't want Lu Sichen to take Le Tong away, so she lied to Le Tong, saying that if she didn't follow Lu Sichen, Zhang Guoguo could marry Li Yunkai. Unexpectedly, this single sentence made little Le Tong even more firmly believe that only if she left would Zhang Guoguo find happiness. While Lu Sichen was still pressing Zhang's mother about Le Tong's whereabouts, Le Tong had already gotten into a car by herself and left the airport.
Li Yunkai brought Zhang Guoguo to the airport. Lu Sichen told them that he had not seen Le Tong. Anxious, the two rushed into the airport hall, shouting and asking everywhere, hoping to find Le Tong. At the Li family at this time, Jiang Zhengchuan was dotingly feeding Li Hailan. This made He Juan very displeased, and the two had a quarrel over it. He Juan even wanted to drive Li Hailan and Jiang Zhengchuan out of the Li family.
Just then, Jiang Zhengchuan received a call and learned that Le Tong was missing. He didn't care about anything else and quickly rushed out to help search for Le Tong. Xu Huijie found Zhang Yuxin and asked if Le Tong's disappearance was related to her. Zhang Yuxin refused to admit it.
Thinking of Zhang Yuxin's usual conduct, Xu Huijie did not quite believe her words and warned her that if she had intentionally prevented Zhang Guoguo from returning to Jinlu Pavilion, knowing Zhang Guoguo's identity back then, she would definitely not let Zhang Yuxin off. However, Zhang Yuxin didn't care. She believed she had leverage over Xu Huijie, so Xu Huijie wouldn't dare do anything to her no matter what.
At the same time, she defiantly told Xu Huijie that she would bring Li Yunzhe back to Jinlu Pavilion for dinner and asked her to make sure to prepare the dishes Li Yunzhe liked. The group searched for Le Tong several times at the airport but couldn't find her. Zhang Guoguo was already exhausted at this point. She loudly blamed Zhang's mother, pleading with her to find Zhang Yuxin for Le Tong's whereabouts.
On the other side, Li Yunkai and Lu Sichen were in the airport's monitoring room, carefully looking for clues related to Le Tong. Li Haisong learned from Li Yunzhe that Li Yunkai was still looking for Le Tong. Recalling Le Tong's repeated assurances to him that she would not be a burden to the Li family, Li Haisong also couldn't sit still and immediately asked Li Yunzhe to find someone to look for Le Tong.
Zhang Yuxin and Li Yunzhe came to Jinlu Pavilion. Jin Zhiming's attitude towards the two was very cold. When Zhang Yuxin suggested having lunch, Jin Zhiming refused on the spot and told them to leave immediately. Li Yunzhe was very displeased with Jin Zhiming's attitude. Seeing that they now only cared about Jin Yibei, he angrily pulled Zhang Yuxin away. Xu Huijie's heart was very conflicted.
She was afraid Zhang Yuxin would cause trouble for Zhang Guoguo, but she didn't dare to step forward to stop her, fearing that Zhang Yuxin would reveal what happened that year, and then Jinlu Pavilion would no longer be able to accommodate her.
Episode 35 Recap
Xu Huijie is preparing to make Zhang Guoguo her favorite eight-treasure porridge. Jin Zhiming is very grateful for her actions, because he understands that Xu Huijie's ideal daughter is not Zhang Guoguo, but now she is still willing to make the porridge Zhang Guoguo loved to eat as a child, which is a big step forward. Xu Huijie's heart is very painful. She no longer insists on not acknowledging Zhang Guoguo's identity, but feels extremely guilty.
She remembers that when Zhang Guoguo was little, she didn't treat her well, and later even caused her to be lost. Now, she has grown into a beautiful young woman, but she is still so bad to her. A night has passed, and there is still no news of Le Tong. Zhang Guoguo kneels down and begs her Zhang mother to bring Le Tong back. Zhang mother instead blames Zhang Guoguo for losing Le Tong because she is getting married.
With nowhere to vent, she even hits Zhang Guoguo. At this moment, Xu Huijie rushes over, pushes Zhang mother away, and loudly reprimands her for not bullying her daughter. Zhang Guoguo looks at Xu Huijie protecting her and is filled with emotion. Xu Huijie is even more angry that Zhang Guoguo doesn't fight back when she is beaten. Zhang Guoguo, who is too emotionally excited, faints in Xu Huijie's arms.
Zhang mother calls Zhang Yuxin to meet immediately, and refuses to explain the reason on the phone no matter what, which makes Zhang Yuxin very unhappy, feeling that Zhang mother can't even handle such a small matter as going abroad. Li Yunkai and Lu Sichen finally find Le Tong's whereabouts through surveillance. Lu Sichen suggests that Li Yunkai go back and tell Zhang Guoguo the news about Le Tong so that she can feel relieved.
At the same time, Lu Sichen continues to look for Le Tong's whereabouts. Zhang Yuxin meets with Zhang mother. After learning that Le Tong is lost, she is not only not worried about her safety, but even thinks that since things have come to this, she should just let it go. Zhang mother is extremely disappointed by such ruthlessness, and she can't believe that she would give birth to such a daughter.
Xu Huijie happens to overhear the conversation between the two. Only then does she learn that Zhang Yuxin is actually Zhang mother's biological daughter. Zhang Yuxin hurriedly denies it, but Zhang mother hands Xu Huijie a parentage test report between the two. Seeing this, what else does Xu Huijie not understand? Since she can't hide it, Zhang Yuxin simply stops hiding it.
She brings up the past and wants to threaten Xu Huijie with what happened seventeen years ago, but Xu Huijie does not intend to trade her own biological daughter with her. When one plan fails, another arises. Zhang Yuxin takes out the secretly recorded conversation with Ding Wei, warning Xu Huijie to maintain the status quo and continue to maintain the mother-daughter relationship with her.
Li Yunkai takes Zhang Guoguo to eat pizza, but Zhang Guoguo, who is worried about her daughter, is not in the mood to eat anything at this time. Helplessly, Li Yunkai has to feed Zhang Guoguo himself, which makes Li Yunkai's heart suddenly have a strange throbbing, as if he is seeing Jin Yibei eating pizza. Outside, it suddenly starts to rain. Looking at the water curtain, Zhang Guoguo's memory suddenly recovers a little.
She vaguely remembers the car accident scene back then. But the current Zhang Guoguo is not in the mood to think about these fragments of memory. She is worried about Le Tong's whereabouts and is very anxious. Li Yunkai sees that she doesn't look good, so he takes off his coat and puts it on her.
Seeing that the rain shows no sign of stopping, Zhang Guoguo decides not to wait any longer, and rushes into the rain, turning her head and shouting for Li Yunkai to follow quickly. This Zhang Guoguo is like the little Jin Yibei back then, making Li Yunkai stunned for a moment. Zhang mother comes to Shi Chuang Group and warns Zhang Yuxin that if she can't find Le Tong, she will tell everyone in the Li family about her background.
This makes Zhang Yuxin very unhappy. She asks Zhang mother if she bought the plane ticket with Zhang Guoguo's credit card, and asks Zhang mother to insist that it was Zhang Guoguo's idea to send Le Tong away. Li Haisong is lamenting Le Tong's loss.
Zhang Yuxin takes the opportunity to take out the so-called evidence that Zhang Guoguo bought the plane ticket, telling Li Haisong that Le Tong's loss was completely directed and acted by Zhang Guoguo, and the purpose was to marry Li Yunkai. These words make Li Haisong's little good impression of Zhang Guoguo, which was not easy to change, fall to the bottom again. Jin Zhiming comes to find Li Haisong, intending to tell Li Haisong about finding Jin Yibei.
Li Haisong takes this opportunity to tell Jin Zhiming Zhang Yuxin's slanderous words against Zhang Guoguo. Jin Zhiming remains calm, and only tells Li Haisong that he has found Jin Yibei, and will bring her to meet with Li Haisong's family in a while.
Le Tong has been discovered by a security guard in a residential area and sent to the Public Security Bureau, but Lu Sichen, who is unaware of all this, is still asking people on the street everywhere according to the clues provided by the surveillance video. Zhang mother looks at Le Tong's schoolbag and keeps shedding tears. Thinking that little Le Tong has not been found until now, her heart is like a knife twisting.
At this time, the police come to the house and find Zhang mother, asking Zhang mother to go back to assist in the investigation on the grounds of investigating Le Tong's disappearance. Facing the police's questioning, thinking of Zhang Yuxin's special instructions to her before, she must insist that Zhang Guoguo instructed her to take Le Tong away, Zhang mother's heart is full of struggle.
Zhang Yuxin's ruthlessness and Zhang Guoguo's loyalty make Zhang mother determined not to harm Zhang Guoguo anymore. Li Yunkai learns from Li Yunzhe about Zhang Yuxin's statement that wronged Zhang Guoguo. He calls Zhang Yuxin to warn her that Zhang mother has been taken to the police to assist in the investigation of Le Tong's disappearance. As for the credit card, no matter who handled it, it will always be found out.
This makes Zhang Yuxin feel scared, because it was she who secretly took Zhang Guoguo's ID card to apply for a credit card, and used this credit card to buy plane tickets for Zhang mother and Le Tong. Zhang mother said at the police station that she wanted to see an important person, and the police agreed to her request. Zhang mother did not call Zhang Yuxin, but called He Juan, asking to meet her.
He Juan is very surprised that Zhang mother would ask to meet her at this time, but unable to resist the curiosity, she still decides to go to the police station to meet Zhang mother. This scared Zhang Yuxin, who was next to her. She was very worried that Zhang mother would say something she shouldn't have to He Juan, and insisted on accompanying He Juan to meet Zhang mother. Zhang Guoguo sits listlessly on the bed.
Xu Huijie comes in to see her and asks her somewhat reproachfully why she would hide the relationship between Zhang Yuxin and Zhang mother, even though she knew it. The kind-hearted Zhang Guoguo has no way to explain the complicated reasons, she is just a little surprised that Zhang mother would personally tell these things to Xu Huijie.
Thinking of Zhang Yuxin's repeated threats to her with Xu Huijie, Zhang Guoguo asks Xu Huijie if there is any unspeakable secret between the two. Xu Huijie has difficulty speaking and cannot tell Zhang Guoguo the truth. Zhang Yuxin accompanies He Juan to the police station. She keeps signaling Zhang mother with her eyes not to talk nonsense, but Zhang mother does not respond to her, but only tells He Juan about her other daughter.
Episode 36 Recap
Zhang's mother did not explicitly state that Zhang Yuxin was her daughter, but she kept urging He Juan to agree to let her daughter be with He Juan's son. These words were inexplicable, and He Juan had no idea what Zhang's mother was trying to express. In a fit of anger, He Juan directly left. Li Yunkai and Lu Sichen finally found Le Tong. Seeing her relatives, little Le Tong ran over and hugged Li Yunkai.
Her small face was a little dirty, and her expression was a little wronged, but Li Yunkai was still very angry that she had run off without a word. Seeing Li Yunkai's clearly unhappy expression, Le Tong quickly admitted her mistake, which made Li Yunkai unable to continue being angry. Li Yunkai called Zhang Guoguo to tell her that Le Tong had been found. Happy Zhang Guoguo relayed the news to Dong Lijun, Jin Zhiming, and Xu Huijie.
Jin Zhiming seized the opportunity to propose publishing an announcement to sever his adoptive father-daughter relationship with Zhang Yuxin. Xu Huijie was a bit uneasy; she tried to persuade Jin Zhiming not to do so for now, but Dong Lijun and Jin Zhiming both believed that Zhang Yuxin had been targeting Zhang Guoguo all along, which they found intolerable.
Xu Huijie could no longer object either, but thinking of Zhang Yuxin's threats, she felt caught between a rock and a hard place. Li Yunkai told Li Haisong the news of Le Tong being found, and stated that he would definitely find the mastermind behind the whole incident. This made Zhang Yuxin feel a bit nervous; once the truth was exposed, she would have no place left in the Li family.
Finally seeing Le Tong appear before her, Zhang Guoguo was overwhelmed with emotion and gave Le Tong a stern talking-to. Le Tong, realizing her mistake, admitted it with tears, which also made Zhang Guoguo feel very uncomfortable. Unable to bear watching, Li Yunkai quickly comforted both the mother and daughter. Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo rushed to the police station to inquire about the progress of Le Tong's previous disappearance case.
Learning that Zhang's mother had actually taken all the blame upon herself, both were very helpless. Li Yunkai had no choice but to hand over the previously recorded audio of Zhang Yuxin's phone call to the police.
Lu Sichen came to Li Haisong's home and took out a photo of Zhang Yuxin in her childhood with Wang Aiyu, pointing out that she had been faking her background so that she could become Jinlü Pavilion's adopted daughter, and thereby marry Li Yunzhe with a suitable identity. Faced with the suspicious gazes of everyone, a guilt-ridden Zhang Yuxin simply went all out and ran directly outside.
Li Haisong took the photo and asked He Juan to question Wang Aiyu whether the person in the photo was indeed Zhang Yuxin. He Juan initially did not believe it, but then she suddenly remembered Wang Aiyu's previous nonsensical remarks and began to think that Zhang Yuxin might really be her biological daughter. Li Yunzhe took out the group photo of Zhang Yuxin and Lu Sichen, questioning Zhang Yuxin about what was going on.
Zhang Yuxin repeatedly denied it, claiming that she and Lu Sichen were just university alumni who occasionally took some casual photos. Li Yunzhe did not believe her explanation. At this moment, his mind was in turmoil, and he just wanted to be alone for a while, so he drove Zhang Yuxin out. The police found Zhang Yuxin, took her to the police station, and asked her to assist with the investigation. This scene was coincidentally witnessed by Li Yunzhe's assistant.
He quickly went to find Li Yunzhe, but unexpectedly, Li Yunzhe actually asked him about Lu Sichen's girlfriend. From his fragmented words, Li Yunzhe sensitively caught the word "sister-in-law," which made him even more distraught. When the assistant told Li Yunzhe the news that Zhang Yuxin had been taken away by the police, Li Yunzhe was not in the mood to care about Zhang Yuxin's current situation.
Zhang Yuxin arrived at the police station and happened to see He Juan and Zhang's mother arguing. It turned out that He Juan wanted Li Yunzhe to divorce Zhang Yuxin because of Zhang Yuxin's background. Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuxin naturally refused and threatened He Juan with the death of Li Yunkai's mother back then, forbidding her from instigating Li Yunzhe to divorce her.
The police took Zhang Yuxin and Zhang's mother into the interrogation room together, presented the audio evidence, and asked them what was going on. At this point, Zhang Yuxin still lied without changing her expression, pushing all the blame onto Zhang Guoguo, and demanded a face-to-face confrontation with Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong. Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo brought Le Tong to the police station. Zhang Yuxin did not miss any opportunity to slander Zhang Guoguo.
At this point, Zhang's mother voluntarily took all the blame upon herself. Seeing that she was still wholeheartedly covering for Zhang Yuxin, Zhang Guoguo angrily left with Le Tong. Looking at Zhang Guoguo's resolute departing figure, Zhang's mother felt both distressed and regretful, but more than anything, helpless. Li Yunzhe had already grown suspicious of Zhang Yuxin. He seized the opportunity to go to the parking lot and installed a tracker on her car, but unexpectedly, Zhang Yuxin discovered it.
She nonchalantly found Li Yunzhe, but Li Yunzhe's attitude towards her was very cold. After simply asking her what happened at the police station, he hurriedly left. Li Yunkai learned that Jin Yibei had been found and arranged for everyone in the Li family to meet Jin Yibei at Jinlü Pavilion in the afternoon. Overjoyed, Li Yunkai immediately told Zhang Guoguo the news.
Zhang Guoguo did not tell Li Yunkai that she was Jin Yibei; instead, she advised him to hurry back and wait to see Jin Yibei in the afternoon. Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie came to Zhang's mother and Zhang Guoguo's home to pick up Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong. Zhang's mother tried to persuade Zhang Guoguo to stay a bit longer, but a deeply disappointed Zhang Guoguo directly refused.
Before leaving, Xu Huijie warned Zhang's mother not to pester Zhang Guoguo anymore in the future, nor to cause her any trouble. Li Haisong's family arrived at Jinlü Pavilion as agreed. He Juan unrestrainedly accused Zhang Guoguo of being ignorant and uncultured, suggesting that Li Yunkai should just dump Zhang Guoguo sooner. Her words clearly displeased Dong Lijun.
Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie then appeared, telling everyone that Jin Yibei was changing clothes and would soon come to meet them, asking everyone to wait a little longer. Zhang Yuxin seized the opportunity to find Xu Huijie, blaming her for letting Zhang Guoguo return to Jinlü Pavilion. But how could Xu Huijie object to her own daughter returning to her own home?
She was too lazy to explain further to Zhang Yuxin, only assuring her that although they could no longer be mother and daughter, she would still acknowledge Zhang Yuxin's identity as her disciple. How could Zhang Yuxin be satisfied with such an identity? What she wholeheartedly wanted was Jinlü Pavilion.
She proposed to Xu Huijie that as long as Xu Huijie was willing to organize a competition and help her defeat Zhang Guoguo to obtain the position of embroidery master, then she would not reveal what happened back then. A group of people gracefully took their seats, waiting for Jin Yibei to appear. Zhang Guoguo, wearing a qipao personally made for her by Xu Huijie, walked towards everyone holding Le Tong's hand.
Li Yunkai was very surprised to see Zhang Guoguo at this moment. Jin Zhiming publicly announced that Zhang Guoguo was their daughter who had been missing for many years – Jin Yibei. Li Yunkai looked at Zhang Guoguo in front of him, thinking that she was actually Jin Yibei, and was too astonished to say anything.
Episode 37 Recap
Li Yunkai expresses his deep affection to Zhang Guoguo, and everyone else seems to have become a backdrop for the two of them. Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie looked at their daughter, feeling extremely satisfied. Although she had gone through many hardships, she finally returned to Jinlv Pavilion and gained an enviable love. All of this was worth their happiness. Looking at the expressions of He Juan, Li Yunzhe, and Zhang Yuxin, it was clearly unpleasant.
Each of them had different thoughts, and recalling their previous slanders against Zhang Guoguo, they suddenly felt as if they were sitting on pins and needles. Zhang Guoguo's identity suddenly made Li Yunzhe realize something about Zhang Yuxin's past actions. He questioned Zhang Yuxin why she had kept Zhang Guoguo's true identity a secret, but Zhang Yuxin flatly denied it. However, at this point, Li Yunzhe would no longer be easily moved by her words.
Zhang Yuxin tried to step forward and hug Li Yunzhe as before, but he pushed her away. Watching Li Yunzhe leave without a second thought, Zhang Yuxin intended to drive after him. At this moment, Lu Sichen got into her car and told Zhang Yuxin to go to another place with him.
Jin Zhiming and Xu Huijie told Li Haisong and He Juan that they had decided to cut ties with Zhang Yuxin and informed them of Zhang Yuxin's continuous obstruction of their efforts to reunite with Zhang Guoguo. Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo strolled together in the park. Li Yunkai proposed marriage to Zhang Guoguo again and kissed Zhang Guoguo deeply.
A melody of love flowed between them as they recalled their first meeting in Xiping years ago, and now, walking hand in hand, it seemed everything was predestined. Lu Sichen took Zhang Yuxin to his father's factory, holding his father's portrait and questioning Zhang Yuxin about her actions back then. At this time, Zhang Yuxin had already sent a text message to Li Yunzhe, asking him to rescue her.
Zhang Yuxin argued with Lu Sichen like a madwoman while waiting for Li Yunzhe to arrive. Zhang Yuxin saw Li Yunzhe's car coming into view and immediately knelt before Lu Sichen, begging him to let her go. Li Yunzhe, unaware of the truth, rushed forward and punched Lu Sichen. Lu Sichen did not fight back; he simply played a VCR containing footage of Lu Sichen and Zhang Yuxin together from back then.
Li Yunzhe instantly understood everything, directing all his anger at Zhang Yuxin, accusing her of the shame and deception she had brought him. Watching Li Yunzhe abandon him again, Zhang Yuxin directly blocked the car, begging Li Yunzhe to give her another chance and promising him that she would definitely deliver Jinlv Pavilion into Li Yunzhe's hands. At the same time, she also told Li Yunkai that his mother's death was related to He Juan.
However, Li Yunkai, who had had enough of her lies, did not believe a single word. Lu Sichen looked at his father's portrait, feeling extremely distressed. At this moment, Li Yunzhe's assistant arrived, advising Lu Sichen to let go of the past. However, whenever he thought of his father dying with unresolved grievances, Lu Sichen found no way to forgive Zhang Yuxin.
Xu Huijie specially prepared pajamas for Zhang Guoguo and took meticulous care of her life, which made Zhang Guoguo feel a little overwhelmed. Seeing that Xu Huijie's emotions were a bit off, Zhang Guoguo tentatively asked what was wrong, but Xu Huijie couldn't tell the truth; she just hugged Zhang Guoguo and kept crying. Li Haisong's attitude had changed; he planned to agree to Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo's marriage, but He Juan was very unwilling.
Seeing He Juan's appearance, only thinking of her own son, Li Hailan immediately expressed support for Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo, and asked He Juan what standing she had to object, which made He Juan even more unhappy. Li Yunzhe returned to the Li family in low spirits and told He Juan that he disagreed with Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo's marriage, asking He Juan to stop them from getting married no matter what.
He Juan told Li Yunzhe about Jin Zhiming's intention to cut ties with Zhang Yuxin, which further enraged Li Yunzhe. Zhang Yuxin happened to return, and both the mother and son were filled with anger when they saw her. To win back Li Yunzhe, Zhang Yuxin played hard to get, stating that she would leave after helping Li Yunzhe get everything he wanted.
She thought Li Yunzhe would be moved by her words, but Li Yunzhe coldly told her to finish what she needed to do as soon as possible, and then disappear from his life completely. Zhang's mother had not yet adapted to Zhang Guoguo's departure; even in her dreams, she was with Zhang Guoguo. However, now Zhang Guoguo was utterly disappointed with her, and she could only see Zhang Guoguo in her dreams. Zhang Guoguo coaxed Le Tong to sleep.
Suddenly, a memory flooded her mind; she recalled the scene when she first met Zhang's mother and somewhat puzzled why she would have been in that place. Zhang Yuxin woke up and found Li Yunzhe sleeping on the sofa. She wanted to go and help Li Yunzhe up but was coldly rejected by him. He Juan happened to come down and was very surprised to see them sleeping in separate rooms, asking Zhang Yuxin what was going on.
Zhang Yuxin couldn't answer He Juan and hastily left under the pretext of preparing breakfast. At the dining table, Li Yunzhe saw the breakfast Zhang Yuxin had prepared for him, immediately put down his chopsticks, and left. The clearly awkward atmosphere between the two made Li Yunkai feel very strange. At this moment, Li Haisong suggested that Li Yunkai go on a business trip to Hangzhou.
After Li Yunkai departed, Li Haisong invited Zhang Guoguo out and proposed that if she wanted to marry Li Yunkai, she must give up Le Tong. Zhang Guoguo naturally would not agree; she firmly told Li Haisong that she would not give up either Li Yunkai or Le Tong. Seeing such a stubborn Zhang Guoguo, Li Haisong directly feigned illness. Zhang Guoguo, unaware of the truth, quickly helped Li Haisong up and rushed to the hospital.
Li Yunkai rushed over at this moment. It turned out that Lu Sichen had called him to say that Li Haisong had arranged to meet Zhang Guoguo, and he was worried, so he quickly came to find them. Zhang Guoguo told Li Yunkai that Li Haisong had had a heart attack and needed to go to the hospital immediately. Li Yunkai was somewhat confused; he had never known that Li Haisong had heart disease.
Seeing that he couldn't keep up the act, Li Haisong simply stopped pretending, just awkwardly urged Li Yunkai to quickly take Zhang Guoguo to buy some decent clothes. Zhang Guoguo returned to the room she used to share with Zhang's mother and packed her belongings. In a drawer, she found the talismans she had made back then.
She had made one each for Jin Zhiming, Xu Huijie, and Li Yunkai, but now, she had never seen the talisman on Xu Huijie, which made her a little curious. As she was leaving, Zhang Guoguo encountered Zhang's mother. Zhang's mother invited her to stay for a meal, but Zhang Guoguo refused.
Episode 38 Recap
Zhang Yuxin and Lu Sichen had a dispute on the street, which was coincidentally witnessed by Le Tong. She instinctively worried about Lu Sichen's safety, which deeply touched Lu Sichen. Li Yunkai took Zhang Guoguo kite flying, an activity he loved most in his childhood. Doing it now with the person he loved seemed exceptionally joyful. While Zhang Guoguo was not paying attention, Li Yunkai appeared before her, holding a bouquet of flowers, and formally proposed to Zhang Guoguo.
Faced with Li Yunkai's heartfelt confession, Zhang Guoguo was moved to tears and accepted Li Yunkai's proposal. Zhang Yuxin found Jin Zhiming and asked him not to sever their godfather-daughter relationship. Thinking of her past actions, Jin Zhiming firmly rejected Zhang Yuxin's suggestion. Since she couldn't persuade Jin Zhiming, Zhang Yuxin simply threatened him, saying he would definitely regret this matter.
Jin Zhiming wanted to catch up with Zhang Yuxin to clarify the situation, but Xu Huijie stopped him and advised him not to push Zhang Yuxin too hard for now. Li Yunzhe saw Lu Sichen at the company and was quite displeased with him. At this moment, Li Yunzhe suddenly remembered that Lu Sichen had previously mentioned having a daughter with his ex-wife, which sowed a seed of doubt in his heart.
Zhang Yuxin arranged to meet Zhang Guoguo and proposed to acknowledge Le Tong as her daughter, thinking she could use this to threaten Zhang Guoguo. Unexpectedly, Zhang Guoguo did not fall for it and warned Zhang Yuxin that even if she were willing to accept Le Tong, Li Yunzhe probably wouldn't. These words made Zhang Yuxin unable to pretend any longer. She fiercely told Zhang Guoguo that the reason she got lost back then was entirely Xu Huijie's fault.
Zhang Yuxin found Li Yunzhe and gave him a sales plan, but Li Yunzhe did not appreciate it. When the two of them presented two different plans to Li Haisong, it caused great dissatisfaction for Li Haisong. However, Li Yunkai, with Zhang Guoguo's help, proposed a feasible plan for the future development of Shichuang Company, which made Li Haisong increasingly satisfied with them. He Juan was eating beef jerky at a street stall.
Because Li Haisong had always disliked such things, she hadn't been able to eat them. Now that she could eat freely, she was naturally in a good mood. Unexpectedly, she was then harassed by several ruffians. At the critical moment, Jiang Zhengchuan appeared, drove away the ruffians, and rescued He Juan. Li Yunzhe felt depressed and could only rely on alcohol to numb himself. This made Zhang Yuxin very sad.
She could no longer be the daughter of Jinlü Pavilion, so at this moment, she could not lose Li Yunzhe no matter what. In the blink of an eye, it was Zhang Guoguo's wedding day. Xu Huijie personally put on the embroidered dragon and phoenix gown for Zhang Guoguo. Seeing her daughter return to her side not long ago, only to leave her again, Xu Huijie felt very reluctant. Song Xiuhua also rushed over at this time.
Looking at the beautiful Zhang Guoguo, whose face was beaming with a happy smile, Song Xiuhua genuinely felt happy for her. Zhang Yuxin called Xu Huijie to meet. Xu Huijie naturally did not want to miss Zhang Guoguo's wedding, but Zhang Yuxin threatened Xu Huijie with Ding Wei, insisting that she must come to see her no matter what. Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo's wedding was very traditional.
Zhang Guoguo sat in the sedan chair, waiting for the auspicious moment to arrive so she could perform the wedding ceremony with Li Yunkai. Zhang's mother came before Li Yunkai and gave him the wedding gift she had specially prepared. Seeing Zhang's mother's sincerity, Li Yunkai happily accepted the gift. Le Tong saw Zhang's mother and asked her to stay for Zhang Guoguo's wedding.
However, considering Zhang Guoguo's attitude, Zhang's mother felt that Zhang Guoguo might not want to see her, so she planned to leave. Zhang Guoguo, who heard their conversation, took the initiative to speak, asking her mother to stay for the wedding. Xu Huijie, out of helplessness, decided to go see Zhang Yuxin. This scene was witnessed by Lu Sichen. He first called to warn Zhang Yuxin that he would reveal Le Tong's true identity, making Zhang Yuxin cautious.
Then he found Xu Huijie, persuaded her to go back to Zhang Guoguo's wedding, and assured her that he would personally resolve Zhang Yuxin's matter. After Jin Zhiming's spirited and joyful opening speech, Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo's wedding officially began. Firecrackers crackled, drums and music resounded. The couple, holding a large red silk ribbon, walked step by step towards both sets of parents. Every step witnessed the sincere love between them.
Li Yunkai looked at Zhang Guoguo, now his wife, and gently kissed her. He knew that every day hereafter, Zhang Guoguo would accompany him, walking step by step forward. Xu Huijie looked at Zhang Guoguo, filled with emotion. She finally did not miss an important moment in Zhang Guoguo's life, but at the same time, she was very afraid that the moment of happiness would be too short. Zhang's mother also felt happy seeing the beautiful Zhang Guoguo.
Thinking of Zhang Guoguo's constant care and consideration for her, but how she herself had repeatedly dragged Zhang Guoguo down because of Zhang Yuxin, Zhang's mother felt deep regret. Lu Sichen met with Li Yunzhe. Seeing Lu Sichen so enthusiastic about Li Yunkai's wedding, yet avoiding his own, made Li Yunzhe very displeased. Lu Sichen had no choice but to tell Li Yunzhe about taking Zhang's mother to the hospital, and stated that she was Zhang Yuxin's birth mother.
However, Li Yunzhe refused to believe it, always thinking Lu Sichen was distorting facts. At this moment, Zhang's mother appeared and personally admitted to Li Yunzhe that she was Zhang Yuxin's mother. Zhang Yuxin rushed to Jinlü Pavilion and coincidentally encountered Zhang's mother. Zhang's mother advised her not to destroy Zhang Guoguo's happiness anymore, but Zhang Yuxin refused. Lu Sichen, who hadn't gone far, also rushed over.
As soon as Zhang Yuxin saw Lu Sichen, she threatened him, absolutely forbidding him from revealing Le Tong's true identity. Seeing that the two were about to argue, Zhang's mother had no choice but to pull Zhang Yuxin away. However, their conversation was heard clearly by Li Yunzhe, who was hiding nearby.
Zhang's mother told Zhang Yuxin that she had informed Li Yunzhe about being Zhang Yuxin's mother, and advised Zhang Yuxin to behave well in front of Li Haisong and He Juan in the future. Unexpectedly, Zhang Yuxin became more and more agitated as she listened, blaming Zhang's mother for taking matters into her own hands, potentially ruining her life at any moment. Li Yunzhe found Li Yunkai and first expressed his blessings.
Then, unwilling to give up, he once again asked Zhang Guoguo whether Zhang's mother was indeed Zhang Yuxin's birth mother. Zhang Guoguo did not deny it. Li Yunzhe looked at all this, only feeling that he had been completely deceived by Zhang Yuxin all along.
Episode 39 Recap
Li Hailan and Jiang Zhengchuan were in He Juan's room, searching for the so-called dowry. Jiang Zhengchuan suddenly found a pair of identical rings, which greatly surprised Li Hailan, because back then this ring was not on Li Yunkai's mother's hand, but at the time, no one thought much of it. Unexpectedly, many years later, it appeared in He Juan's room. Li Hailan immediately called Li Yunkai to inform him.
Ding Wei quietly appeared at the entrance of Jinluge, where he was recognized by Jin Zhiming. When he saw Jin Zhiming walking towards him, he quickly ran away. Ding Wei's reaction greatly surprised Jin Zhiming. After he told Dong Lijun, Song Xiuhua, and others about this situation, Song Xiuhua was very dismissive, believing that Ding Wei must have a guilty conscience. Li Hailan and Jiang Zhengchuan mentioned Li Yunkai's mother's ring, but their conversation was overheard by Zhang Yuxin.
She asked Li Hailan what was going on, but Li Hailan was very wary of her. She picked up the ring and pulled Jiang Zhengchuan back to the room. Left with no choice, Zhang Yuxin quickly called He Juan, telling her to firmly deny knowing anything about it. He Juan found Xu Huijie and asked her not to reveal the truth about Li Yunkai's mother's death back then.
At this moment, Song Xiuhua suddenly appeared, and He Juan had to stop the conversation and leave with Li Haisong. Li Yunkai took the ring from Li Hailan's hand and instantly recognized it as the one on his mother's hand. When Li Haisong and He Juan returned home, Li Yunkai took out two identical rings and questioned her about what was going on. Li Haisong was also very shocked that He Juan actually had two rings.
He pressed her step by step to tell the truth. At the crucial moment, Zhang Yuxin stepped forward and voluntarily admitted that the ring was given to her by Li Yunzhe. Li Yunkai was very dissatisfied with Zhang Yuxin's actions. Zhang Guoguo suggested sending the ring for appraisal to expose Zhang Yuxin's lie. At the same time, Zhang Yuxin repeatedly urged He Juan not to admit that the ring belonged to Li Yunkai's mother, no matter what.
Zhang Guoguo returned to Jinluge. Xu Huijie planned to tell Zhang Guoguo the truth about what happened back then, but Zhang Yuxin sent a text message threatening Xu Huijie, forbidding her from telling Zhang Guoguo the truth. For her daughter's happiness, Xu Huijie did not compromise with Zhang Yuxin.
She subtly told Zhang Guoguo that she could ask Li Yunkai to find the supermarket owner at the car accident site and ask her for the truth of what happened back then. Zhang Yuxin called to threaten Xu Huijie, saying she would reveal everything that happened back then. Xu Huijie thought she might lose Zhang Guoguo forever because of this, and cried, begging Zhang Yuxin not to be so cruel, but Zhang Yuxin was relentless.
Xu Huijie did not notice that her actions were seen by Jin Zhiming. At this time, she was solely focused on how not to be led by Zhang Yuxin. She suddenly thought of Lu Sichen; he had come to Jinluge more than once for Zhang Yuxin back then, which made Xu Huijie feel that Zhang Yuxin might have some other secrets.
Following Xu Huijie's guidance, Zhang Guoguo found the owner of that supermarket from back then and asked her about the situation. Zhang Yuxin suddenly arrived, and with a series of threats and hints, successfully made the supermarket owner unwilling to mention what happened back then, and she quickly left under an excuse.
Zhang Yuxin happily told He Juan that she had handled the supermarket owner, so as long as Xu Huijie didn't speak, no one else in this world would know what happened back then. Zhang Guoguo suddenly appeared and asked Zhang Yuxin for the ring's appraisal certificate, saying that Li Haisong wanted to see it, which made Zhang Yuxin and He Juan's expressions turn very ugly. Xu Huijie found Lu Sichen and asked him about his relationship with Zhang Yuxin.
After a brief thought, Lu Sichen readily admitted that he and Zhang Yuxin had been married and had a child. This gave Xu Huijie a glimmer of hope. She asked Lu Sichen about the child's whereabouts, but Lu Sichen was unwilling to tell her. Zhang Yuxin took out the appraisal certificate. After Zhang Guoguo casually glanced at it, she immediately insisted that the ring was fake according to the jewelry store's appraisal. This was unacceptable to He Juan.
She shouted back at Zhang Guoguo, asking how it could be fake, saying that she had appraised this ring years ago, and it was identical to Li Yunkai's mother's, so it couldn't possibly be fake. He Juan's words were heard by Li Haisong and Li Yunkai. Both of them could not forgive He Juan for what she had done.
Even though He Juan repeatedly stated that what happened back then was just an accident, Li Haisong could not accept it, and Li Yunkai even lost control of his emotions and shouted at He Juan. Li Yunzhe saw his mother being bullied and accused Li Yunkai of also being responsible for what happened back then. Even so, Li Yunkai could not forgive He Juan. Li Haisong, in a fit of anger, simply left.
Zhang Guoguo questioned Zhang Yuxin why she lied about this matter. Zhang Yuxin still pretended to be calm and stated that the ring was indeed given by Li Yunzhe, but Li Yunzhe had long been tired of her lies. He directly exposed her and told her not to interfere with He Juan and his affairs again. After some thought, Zhang Yuxin believed that all this was caused by Xu Huijie.
She took out the phone she had tricked from Ding Wei and, using Ding Wei's name, sent a text message to Jin Zhiming, stating that he intended to take Xu Huijie away. At the same time, she also sent a text message to Xu Huijie, telling her to leave with Ding Wei and start a new life. Xu Huijie, who didn't understand the situation, thought it was a text message from Ding Wei and found his ambiguous attitude very strange.
She called back to ask Ding Wei what was going on, but Zhang Yuxin's voice came through. Zhang Yuxin warned Xu Huijie that because she had always helped Zhang Guoguo, she had already sent a text message to Jin Zhiming in Ding Wei's name to retaliate against Xu Huijie. Jin Zhiming had doubts about this inexplicable text message. He did not rush to Xu Huijie for verification, but instead called Li Yunkai, asking him to help find Ding Wei.
Zhang Guoguo had always been suspicious about the place where she met Mother Zhang back then. She went to Mother Zhang's home to confirm the details of their encounter that year. Upon learning that she was alone and met Mother Zhang in the outskirts of Jiangling, her suspicions grew stronger. Disregarding Mother Zhang, Zhang Guoguo planned to go find Song Xiuhua. Watching Zhang Guoguo leave without any hesitation, Mother Zhang felt extremely distressed.
She had even prepared a table full of good dishes in advance, hoping Zhang Guoguo would suddenly appear and have a meal with her. Unexpectedly, Zhang Guoguo merely passed by in a hurry, with no intention of staying. Zhang Guoguo told Song Xiuhua about meeting Mother Zhang in Jiangling back then. Song Xiuhua eagerly asked Zhang Guoguo if she remembered that Xu Huijie was also at the scene of the car accident.
At this moment, Xu Huijie suddenly appeared, interrupting Song Xiuhua's words and accusing her of always opposing her. Seeing that the two were about to argue, Zhang Guoguo pulled Xu Huijie away. She tentatively asked Xu Huijie if Song Xiuhua's words were true.
Episode 40 Recap
Zhang Guoguo couldn't help but recall the events of the past, causing her head to ache severely. At this moment, Lu Sichen returned with Le Tong, and seeing that Zhang Guoguo didn't look well, he offered to take them home. Zhang Guoguo's mother happened to see Le Tong from behind.
Having not seen her for a long time, she missed Le Tong very much, and after calling Le Tong to her side, she held her and looked at her for a long time. Zhang Guoguo's mother suggested that Zhang Guoguo leave Le Tong with her, but Zhang Guoguo refused her mother's request because of the last time she had taken Le Tong away without permission.
Xu Huijie found Zhang Yuxin and threatened her with the fact that she had given birth to a child, warning her not to provoke Zhang Guoguo again, or she would tell Li Yunzhe about Zhang Yuxin's child. Zhang Yuxin was indeed frightened, and she grabbed Xu Huijie, begging her not to tell Li Yunzhe. Xu Huijie took the opportunity to ask Zhang Yuxin to tell her the whereabouts of Ding Wei.
Their conversation was overheard by Li Yunkai, who saw Zhang Yuxin pulling at Xu Huijie, so he walked over and protected Xu Huijie behind him, telling Xu Huijie that Jin Zhiming was also looking for Ding Wei, so he would definitely find him. Li Haisong called Zhang Yuxin to his office and asked her in front of Li Yunzhe whether she wanted to resign from her position in the design department.
Zhang Yuxin started to object, but Li Yunzhe suddenly stated that it was Zhang Yuxin's own decision to no longer be responsible for the design department. To avoid contradicting Li Yunzhe, Zhang Yuxin had to nod in agreement. At the same time, Li Yunzhe asked her to return all the prize money she had won in the past to Shi Chuang Group, and even forced her to sign a contract for fear that she would deny it.
Zhang Yuxin was very heartbroken by Li Yunzhe's actions, and she begged Li Yunzhe not to treat her like this. But Li Yunzhe proposed that unless she could win the International Embroidery Selection Exhibition, he would absolutely not accept her again. At the same time, Li Yunkai was also throwing a small tantrum, because he saw Lu Sichen taking Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong home, and he felt instantly jealous.
After Zhang Guoguo persuaded him with kind words, Li Yunkai finally stopped dwelling on it. Li Yunkai, who was happy after being coaxed, suggested that Zhang Guoguo participate in the International Embroidery Selection Exhibition as his designer. Xu Huijie found Lu Sichen and asked him to help delete the recording from Zhang Yuxin's phone. After a moment's thought, Lu Sichen agreed to help Xu Huijie.
He found Zhang Yuxin, snatched her phone without saying a word, and deleted all the recordings. Just then, Li Yunzhe arrived and, seeing them pulling at each other, questioned Zhang Yuxin whether she had any more leverage in Lu Sichen's hands. Zhang Yuxin didn't dare to tell the truth and just gave a few perfunctory answers.
Thinking that Xu Huijie had actually joined forces with Lu Sichen, Zhang Yuxin angrily called Xu Huijie, telling her that she had other recording backups and that Xu Huijie shouldn't be too proud. Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai returned to Jinlu Pavilion, and Dong Lijun suggested that Zhang Guoguo change her name back. Zhang Guoguo agreed, but proposed to only change the surname, not the given name, which everyone agreed to.
He Juan came to Li Hailan's shop and saw them eating affectionately. Thinking about how she had been neglected by Li Haisong because of the ring, she couldn't help but blame Li Hailan. Jin Zhiming heard that Xu Huijie was also looking for Ding Wei, and he questioned Xu Huijie whether she was hiding anything from him. Xu Huijie naturally wouldn't admit it.
However, this time, Jin Zhiming no longer believed Xu Huijie's words and stated that he had carefully investigated and found out that it was Ding Wei who had reported to Jiang Ling to look for Zhang Guoguo back then, which made Xu Huijie very nervous. All indications showed that Jin Zhida's death was likely related to Xu Huijie, which made Jin Zhiming unable to believe anything Xu Huijie said.
Zhang Yuxin took her design draft to Li Yunzhe, but Li Yunzhe's reaction was very cold, and he warned her that it was not the time to talk about business. Unwilling to give up, Zhang Yuxin wanted to continue pleasing Li Yunzhe, but her actions made Li Yunzhe even more angry. He directly stated his attitude, not wanting to live under the same roof with Zhang Yuxin and lead a hypocritical life. Li Yunzhe's ruthlessness made Zhang Yuxin very sad.
Turning her head and seeing Li Yunkai's care and consideration for Zhang Guoguo, Zhang Yuxin felt very unbalanced. Zhang Guoguo was so tired that she fell asleep directly on the table. Li Yunkai lovingly carried her to bed and tucked her in. Seeing such a gentle Li Yunkai, Zhang Guoguo felt extremely happy. With the man she loved most on one side and her daughter on the other, Zhang Guoguo felt that her life was perfect.
Li Yunkai found Ding Wei's phone number through Zhang Yuxin's call records. After he told the news to Jin Zhiming, Jin Zhiming immediately decided to contact Ding Wei. However, as soon as the call was connected, it was hung up by Zhang Yuxin, who suddenly appeared. She told Ding Wei not to contact anyone and threatened him with Xu Huijie's safety.
Jin Zhiming was eager to know the truth, and he proposed to meet Zhang Yuxin, but Li Yunkai suggested seeking Lu Sichen's help, which would be easier to find Ding Wei than directly facing Zhang Yuxin. With Lu Sichen's help, they used the tracking device on Zhang Yuxin's car to find out where Ding Wei was hiding. When they arrived there, they found that it was already empty, leaving only a phone ringing non-stop.
Xu Huijie took Zhang Guoguo to the "Baby Come Home" public welfare organization to find Zhang Yuxin's daughter. Zhang Guoguo tentatively asked Xu Huijie what she would do after finding the child. Xu Huijie said that she would use the child to get rid of Zhang Yuxin's threats. This made Zhang Guoguo very nervous, but Xu Huijie, who was eager to find out about Zhang Yuxin's child, didn't notice this.
She anxiously sped up, wanting to get to "Baby Come Home" as soon as possible. Xu Huijie never expected that her actions would cause Zhang Guoguo to recall part of the past. Zhang Guoguo suddenly realized that it was really Xu Huijie who followed Song Xiuhua's car back then, which led to Jin Zhida's death, and Zhang Yuxin had been using this incident to threaten Xu Huijie all along.
Thinking about the harm that Le Tong might suffer, Zhang Guoguo told Xu Huijie that if she insisted on finding Zhang Yuxin's daughter, she would sever her mother-daughter relationship with her. Zhang Guoguo found Song Xiuhua, looking at her gentle face, thinking about how she had borne the pain of losing Jin Zhida for so many years, yet still took good care of her, Zhang Guoguo suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
Zhang Guoguo found Xu Huijie, hoping that Xu Huijie could personally admit her mistake to Song Xiuhua. However, Xu Huijie never wanted to face this reality. She had concealed it for seventeen years, how could she confess everything to Song Xiuhua at this time?
Song Xiuhua saw Xu Huijie's figure, thinking that she could find out the truth of that year today, but she never thought that Xu Huijie would push all the responsibility back as soon as she opened her mouth. This made Song Xiuhua very sad. She just wanted to hear a sincere apology from Xu Huijie. Such a simple wish could not be fulfilled, and the two sisters-in-law quarreled again.
Dong Lijun, who heard the noise and rushed over, questioned what was going on. Feeling guilty, Xu Huijie left in a hurry. Song Xiuhua hugged Dong Lijun and cried bitterly, thinking that Jin Zhida would not hear a sincere apology even now, Song Xiuhua's heart was broken.
Episode 41 Recap
Today, Li Haisong dotes on Le Tong immensely. His first thought upon returning home from work every day is to see if Le Tong has come out to greet him. This harmonious scene also makes Li Yunkai feel very happy. It can be said that at this moment, the Li family, apart from He Juan, Zhang Yuxin, and Li Yunzhe's unhappiness, is filled with laughter and joy.
Taking advantage of Zhang Guoguo's absence, Zhang Yuxin tried to sow discord between Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo, deliberately bringing up Le Tong's biological father, which made Li Yunkai feel a little jealous. Lu Sichen found Zhang Guoguo and told her that Zhang Yuxin was using Ding Wei to threaten Xu Huijie. After they finished talking, the two went directly to Song Xiuhua's home, unexpectedly finding Li Yunkai there as well.
This instantly made Li Yunkai's jealousy flare up once more. Lu Sichen didn't know how to explain, so he left the awkward situation for Zhang Guoguo to handle alone. Zhang Guoguo led Li Yunkai out of Song Xiuhua's courtyard and told him Le Tong's true identity, but at the same time, she concealed the fact that Zhang Yuxin was her mother. Li Yunkai did not press further, but generously stated that he and Zhang Guoguo were Le Tong's parents.
Seeing such an understanding Li Yunkai, Zhang Guoguo was moved and hugged him. The two returned to the Li family, chatting and laughing, which made Zhang Yuxin extremely jealous. Thinking of her own marriage and then seeing Zhang Guoguo's happiness, she almost lost control of her emotions. When resting at night, Le Tong was coincidentally with Li Haisong. Li Yunkai hoped to get close to Zhang Guoguo. After persistent coaxing, Zhang Guoguo finally agreed to Li Yunkai's request.
Unexpectedly, at the crucial moment, Le Tong suddenly pushed open the door and came in, instantly turning the romantic atmosphere awkward. The next day, Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Yuxin got up and came to the dining room, only to see that Zhang Mother had already prepared breakfast for the whole family. Zhang Mother was very excited to see her two daughters, but Zhang Yuxin was quite displeased with Zhang Mother's appearance, finding fault and showing disdain everywhere.
Her attitude was so bad that even He Juan couldn't stand to watch. Time Creation Group decided to hold an internal vote to select the entries for the International Embroidery Selection Exhibition. In the end, Zhang Yuxin narrowly defeated Zhang Guoguo by one vote. Xu Huijie called Zhang Guoguo, asking her to come back and help her.
It turned out that the Jin family members wanted to know the truth about the car accident seventeen years ago, so they asked her what happened and urged her to tell the truth. Song Xiuhua, moreover, firmly insisted that besides herself, there were other witnesses who knew about Xu Huijie's actions in Jiang Ling at that time. Her words made Xu Huijie very nervous.
At this moment, Zhang Mother appeared, but she did not accuse Xu Huijie; instead, she hinted that Song Xiuhua and Jin Zhida had abandoned Zhang Guoguo in Jiang Ling back then, which led to the car accident. Hearing this, Xu Huijie breathed a sigh of relief, but Song Xiuhua became extremely anxious. Just then, Zhang Guoguo arrived. Hearing Zhang Mother's words, she furiously accused Zhang Mother of falsely incriminating Song Xiuhua.
However, Zhang Mother adamantly insisted that it was Song Xiuhua who abandoned Zhang Guoguo; it turned out that all of this was Zhang Yuxin's ploy. Zhang Guoguo caught up with Zhang Mother, wanting to get a clear explanation. Seeing that Zhang Yuxin was also nearby, Zhang Guoguo immediately understood everything. Xu Huijie also came out at this time, and Zhang Yuxin seized the opportunity to pull Xu Huijie, demanding that she yield the position of Embroidery Master to her.
Under duress, Xu Huijie took Zhang Yuxin to Dong Lijun and proposed the idea of giving up the position of Embroidery Master. Dong Lijun directly suggested that Zhang Guoguo become the next Embroidery Master, which distressed Zhang Yuxin. Xu Huijie, understanding Zhang Yuxin's intentions, immediately came forward and stated that Zhang Guoguo was too young and not suitable to bear the heavy responsibility of Jinluge. Their conversation was overheard by Song Xiuhua, who was lying in the inner room.
She dragged her weak body out and questioned Xu Huijie why she wouldn't let Zhang Guoguo be the Embroidery Master. Seeing that the two were about to argue again, Dong Lijun directly decided to hold a competition to re-select the Embroidery Master. This undoubtedly gave Zhang Yuxin hope. Song Xiuhua took this opportunity to propose that Zhang Guoguo represent her in the competition, and if Zhang Guoguo lost, Song Xiuhua would leave Jinluge forever.
Seeing Song Xiuhua's determination, Xu Huijie also stated that if Zhang Yuxin lost, she would likewise leave Jinluge forever. Jin Zhiming found Xu Huijie and questioned if she intended to use this competition as an excuse to elope with Ding Wei. Seeing Jin Zhiming misunderstand her so much, Xu Huijie quickly asserted her innocence, repeatedly stating that she was Zhang Guoguo's mother and would never leave Jinluge no matter what.
Zhang Yuxin happened to overhear her words, feeling even more resentful towards Xu Huijie in her heart. Zhang Mother returned home and saw Song Xiuhua weeping in front of Jin Zhida's photo. She felt a little guilty and dared not face Song Xiuhua. However, Song Xiuhua, seeing her appearance, became emotional, questioning why she had falsely accused her. Zhang Mother dared not tell the truth and could only keep shifting responsibility.
Zhang Guoguo happened to be visiting Song Xiuhua at this time, and seeing Zhang Mother still so stubbornly misled, Zhang Guoguo's heart was filled with disappointment. To ensure she won the Jinluge heir competition, Zhang Yuxin specifically asked Wu Lisha to step forward, and once again brought up the so-called incident where Zhang Guoguo allegedly caused her hospitalization back then. This matter indeed weighed heavily on Wu Lisha's mind.
After discussing with Jin Zhiming, Dong Lijun decided to use this competition to uncover the truth behind Jin Zhida's death years ago. She finally set the competition topics for the Jinluge heir: the first task was to embroider the most accurate rendition of the Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains painting, and the second was to embroider a shroud for her.
He Juan found Li Yunzhe and complained to him that Li Haisong was finding fault with her, accusing her of not caring about Li Hailan. Just then, Zhang Yuxin excitedly rushed in and told Li Yunzhe that she would soon be able to take control of Jinluge. At He Juan's instruction, Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin proactively visited Jiang Zhengchuan and Li Hailan, offering to take them to take wedding photos.
Coincidentally, Li Haisong and He Juan also arrived at this time, and the group decided to go take wedding photos together. Li Hailan suddenly remembered that her qipao was still at Song Xiuhua's shop, so she asked Zhang Yuxin to retrieve it for her. He Juan took Zhang Yuxin to Song Xiuhua's shop. Seeing no one inside, the two decided to enter and search for Li Hailan's qipao on their own initiative.
As a result, Zhang Yuxin discovered the Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains painting from seventeen years ago. She hastily hid the painting and took it away before He Juan noticed. The Li family group quickly finished their wedding photos at the photography studio. Zhang Yuxin invited Li Hailan to eat together, but Li Hailan suggested waiting for Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo, which made Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin look displeased.
Xu Huijie arrived at Song Xiuhua's shop, just as Song Xiuhua entered right behind her. Song Xiuhua was quite displeased with Xu Huijie's appearance, and the two resumed their verbal argument. At this moment, Song Xiuhua suddenly discovered that the Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains painting was missing. Since Xu Huijie was the only one in the shop at the time, Song Xiuhua had to suspect that Xu Huijie had taken it.
Facing Song Xiuhua's interrogation, Xu Huijie felt greatly wronged. Zhang Guoguo happened to appear at this time, and she also cast a suspicious gaze towards Xu Huijie. This left Xu Huijie feeling helpless, so she could only leave first.
Episode 42 Recap
Zhang Yuxin felt she had victory in her grasp, and her mood consequently improved a lot. She even had the leisure to go chat with Xu Huijie. Zhang Yuxin learned from Xu Huijie that to satisfy Dong Lijun in the second round, they must use cloth dyed by Ding Wei, and once Ding Wei appeared, the events of that year would surely be brought up again.
Song Xiuhua and Zhang Guoguo were also somewhat worried about the issue of Ding Wei's dyed cloth. At this moment, Li Yunkai rushed over, telling Zhang Guoguo that he knew where to get Ding Wei's dyed cloth. He then took Zhang Guoguo to Ding Wei's courtyard and collected all the dyed cloth.
Zhang Yuxin suddenly appeared; she had originally planned to take the cloth from here as well, but now that all the dyed cloth had been taken by Zhang Guoguo, she had to return empty-handed. Zhang's mother missed Le Tong very much, so she inquired about Le Tong's situation with Song Xiuhua, mentioning Le Tong's adopted background during their conversation. However, neither of them knew that their conversation had been overheard by Le Tong.
Thinking that she might not be Zhang Guoguo's daughter, Le Tong ran out sadly, and coincidentally met Lu Sichen. Le Tong told Lu Sichen what was on her mind, which left Lu Sichen unsure how to comfort Le Tong. Zhang Guoguo took Le Tong back to Jinluge, where she happened to run into Xu Huijie. The mother and daughter met, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward.
Xu Huijie was very sad to see Zhang Guoguo's alienation from her; she didn't know how to make Zhang Guoguo understand her so-called compulsion. But to the kind Zhang Guoguo, all of Xu Huijie's actions were merely for her own self-interest. Dong Lijun called Song Xiuhua, Zhang Guoguo, Xu Huijie, and Zhang Yuxin together, uniformly preparing competition fabric for them, and demanded that they take the process from dyeing to embroidery seriously.
Song Xiuhua and Xu Huijie both understood that Dong Lijun was implicitly asking them to find Ding Wei, because only cloth dyed by Ding Wei could truly match Dong Lijun's inner expectations. Lu Sichen arranged for Zhang's mother to have dinner with Li Haisong. Zhang's mother, unsuspecting, gladly accepted the invitation, but this matter was overheard by Li Yunzhe's assistant. Li Yunzhe quickly called Zhang Yuxin, asking her to prevent Zhang's mother from meeting Li Haisong.
When Zhang Yuxin frantically found Zhang's mother, it took much persuasion for her to finally get Zhang's mother to leave with her. However, the two of them did not know that their actions had been fully observed by Li Haisong and Jin Zhiming, who were separated by only a door. Hearing such a truth, both Li Haisong and Jin Zhiming were extremely shocked, seemingly unable to imagine that Zhang Yuxin could be so malicious.
But what surprised Li Haisong and Jin Zhiming even more was that their own family members, who clearly knew Zhang Yuxin's identity, collectively chose to conceal the truth. Zhang Yuxin hurriedly left with Zhang's mother. At this time, Li Yunzhe also came to the restaurant out of concern and happened to see the departing figures of Li Haisong, Jin Zhiming, and Lu Sichen. Li Yunkai watched Zhang Guoguo working diligently at her desk every day and felt very unbalanced.
He once tried to seduce Zhang Guoguo, but she remained unmoved, which made Li Yunkai feel very frustrated. He simply took her by force, carrying Zhang Guoguo onto the bed. Zhang's mother found Zhang Guoguo and gave her a sewing box. Zhang Guoguo initially didn't want to accept it, but Zhang's mother insisted on giving it to her.
As things stood, Zhang's mother deeply regretted not having treated Zhang Guoguo well when she had the chance, even helping Zhang Yuxin bully Zhang Guoguo at one point, going so far as to burn her sewing box to prevent her from learning embroidery. Now, the only thing she could do was use this small sewing box to express a trace of her goodwill. This small gesture of hers made Zhang Guoguo's tears flow uncontrollably.
Li Yunzhe secretly arranged the acquisition of Jinluge, instructing his subordinates to keep it from Li Haisong for the time being. Unexpectedly, Li Haisong found Li Yunzhe first, demanding that he immediately divorce Zhang Yuxin and give up the idea of acquiring Jinluge. Seeing that Li Yunzhe remained stubborn, Li Haisong immediately decided to hand over the traditional business department, which Li Yunzhe was in charge of, to Li Yunkai.
Li Yunzhe furiously returned to his office, blaming Zhang Yuxin for being incompetent and causing more trouble than help, and openly expressing his resentment towards Lu Sichen. Unexpectedly, Zhang Yuxin took his words seriously. She immediately drove to the warehouse, preparing to retaliate against Lu Sichen. At the same time, Li Yunzhe also arrived at the warehouse, shouting loudly for Lu Sichen to come out. At this moment, Zhang Yuxin had actually already seen Lu Sichen's figure.
Remembering Li Yunzhe's previous words, she secretly pressed the crane's unloading button, watching helplessly as Lu Sichen was struck down to the ground. Her insane action greatly surprised Li Yunzhe; he urgently tried to call an ambulance but was stopped by Zhang Yuxin. Just as the two were arguing and hesitating, other workers in the warehouse timely discovered Lu Sichen, who was pinned under the goods, rescued him, and sent him to the hospital.
Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo were very surprised to hear about Lu Sichen's injury, especially when they learned that Zhang Yuxin and Li Yunzhe had also been present at the scene, which made them unable to stop themselves from overthinking. Li Haisong also felt very surprised and instructed Li Yunzhe's assistant to make sure to find Li Yunzhe and Zhang Yuxin, as he wanted to personally verify the truth of the matter with them.
Zhang Yuxin urged Li Yunzhe to visit Lu Sichen in the hospital, but at this moment, Li Yunzhe was not in the mood to listen to Zhang Yuxin. Such a vicious Zhang Yuxin made Li Yunzhe couldn't help but want to completely leave her, but Zhang Yuxin threatened Li Yunzhe with Lu Sichen's injury. Li Yunzhe felt both angry and hateful, and at the same time, he became even more determined to leave Zhang Yuxin.
Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai rushed to the hospital to visit Lu Sichen, but found that they couldn't find him. It turned out that Zhang Yuxin had arranged for the warehouse security guards to secretly hide Lu Sichen. Unable to find Lu Sichen, the two had to return to Jinluge first, only to see that Le Tong was still at the entrance, waiting to meet Lu Sichen.
Jin Zhiming found Xu Huijie and questioned her why she was helping Zhang Yuxin deal with Zhang Guoguo. Xu Huijie was unable to tell the truth and could only repeatedly shirk responsibility, which made Jin Zhiming even more suspicious that Xu Huijie must be hiding something important from him. A fierce argument thus erupted between the two.
Dong Lijun earnestly hoped that Song Xiuhua could win the competition, so she specifically came to Song Xiuhua's house and gave her top-quality mugwort, so that she could dye the best fabric. Unexpectedly, this scene was witnessed by Zhang's mother, who was very surprised that Dong Lijun would appear here and couldn't help but pay attention to what the two of them were going to say.
Episode 43 Recap
Zhang Yuxin arrived at the hospital and learned from the doctor that Lu Sichen was fine but still unable to wake up, which put her mind at ease. In fact, deep down, she even secretly hoped that Lu Sichen would never wake up. Li Yunzhe returned home, and his reaction to Li Haisong's questioning was very cold. This attitude made Li Haisong very angry, as if his son had become increasingly disappointing since marrying Zhang Yuxin.
He Juan also blamed everything on Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Yuxin rushed back at this time. He Juan proposed that the two divorce, but Zhang Yuxin naturally refused and framed Li Yunzhe for Lu Sichen's injury, using this to threaten He Juan and Li Haisong. Although her words shocked both Li Haisong and He Juan, she underestimated Li Haisong's character. Li Haisong would rather let Li Yunzhe face legal sanctions than be threatened by Zhang Yuxin.
Zhang Yuxin returned to her room. Li Yunzhe asked her to divorce him as soon as possible. Zhang Yuxin resorted to her old trick, continuing to threaten Li Yunzhe with Lu Sichen's incident, and told him that because there was no surveillance, no one could prove that she did it. On the contrary, many people had heard Li Yunzhe threatening to kill Lu Sichen.
Zhang's mother secretly called Zhang Yuxin behind Song Xiuhua's back to tell her about Dong Lijun sending mugwort, and repeatedly reminded Zhang Yuxin to be careful. Unexpectedly, Song Xiuhua overheard her words. Song Xiuhua was very disappointed with Zhang's mother's unprincipled and bottomless indulgence. Zhang Yuxin called Ding Wei, asking him to tell her the detailed method for dyeing cloth.
When she finished the call and was about to return to her room, she found that Li Yunzhe had locked the door from the inside. Left with no choice, Zhang Yuxin had to sleep on the sofa in the living room. Early the next morning, Zhang's mother arrived at the Li family home early and felt great pity when she saw Zhang Yuxin sleeping on the sofa. During their conversation, Zhang Yuxin suddenly felt a wave of nausea.
Seeing Zhang Yuxin in this state, Zhang's mother was very happy, convinced that Zhang Yuxin was pregnant. He Juan also came to the living room at this time. Zhang's mother told He Juan about Zhang Yuxin's pregnancy. He Juan was greatly alarmed. After discussing with Li Yunzhe, they both decided that they absolutely could not let Zhang Yuxin give birth to this child. However, the arrival of the child gave Zhang Yuxin a glimmer of hope.
She immediately told Li Haisong the news, and sure enough, she saw Li Haisong's expression also turn very grim. To confirm the pregnancy, He Juan and Zhang Guoguo accompanied Zhang Yuxin to the hospital. After confirming with the doctor that Zhang Yuxin was indeed pregnant, He Juan felt dizzy. She worried that Li Yunzhe might never be able to get rid of Zhang Yuxin in this lifetime. Zhang Guoguo came to Song Xiuhua's home.
Song Xiuhua asked Zhang Guoguo if Le Tong's biological mother was Zhang Yuxin. Zhang Guoguo was somewhat reluctant to admit it, but facing Song Xiuhua's caring gaze, Zhang Guoguo still nodded and admitted it. Song Xiuhua suggested that Zhang Guoguo tell the truth of the matter to prevent the Jinluge family from being manipulated by Zhang Yuxin again, but Zhang Guoguo was very worried that Le Tong would be hurt by this.
Zhang Yuxin found Xu Huijie and arrogantly told her about her pregnancy, wanting Xu Huijie to dye cloth for her. Xu Huijie was actually very displeased with Zhang Yuxin's attitude, but now being controlled by her, she could only choose to endure it. Xu Huijie hinted to Zhang Yuxin that the cloth she dyed might not meet Zhang Yuxin's requirements. Thinking of the importance of this competition, Zhang Yuxin decided to have Ding Wei dye the cloth himself.
Xu Huijie then brought up the matter of the Fuchun Mountains painting. Zhang Yuxin took the painting out of her bag. Connecting this with Song Xiuhua's previous words, Xu Huijie finally understood that Zhang Yuxin had stolen the painting. Zhang Yuxin encountered Le Tong when she left Jinluge. Looking at her daughter, Zhang Yuxin wanted to say a few words to her, but Le Tong was very resistant towards her, which made Zhang Yuxin quite unhappy.
She hinted to Le Tong that she was the closest person to her in this world, but little Le Tong did not understand the meaning of her words. Instead, Xu Huijie, who was not far away, learned Le Tong's true identity from these words. Ding Wei came to the place where mugwort was sold and found that Dong Lijun had already been waiting there for a long time.
Only then did Ding Wei realize that Zhang Yuxin had been using him to restrain Xu Huijie. At the request of Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo, Ding Wei followed them back to Jinluge. Xu Huijie found Zhang's mother and questioned her whether Le Tong was Zhang Yuxin's daughter. Zhang's mother dared not admit it and drove Xu Huijie out. Unwilling to give up, Xu Huijie then found Song Xiuhua and questioned her why she didn't reveal Le Tong's identity earlier.
Their conversation was overheard by Le Tong, who was not far away. Zhang Yuxin secretly took Lu Sichen's keys and wallet, thereby obtaining his computer to frame him for leaking company secrets. When Li Haisong learned that Lu Sichen had leaked company secrets, he was indeed very angry. Zhang Yuxin then found Li Yunzhe and asked him to arrange for her to attend the company's high-level meeting.
She planned to use this opportunity to completely bring down Lu Sichen and make it impossible for him to establish himself at Shichuang Group. During Shichuang Group's high-level meeting, Zhang Yuxin presented evidence of Lu Sichen embezzling public funds and spoke eloquently. Just when she thought she had victory in her grasp, Lu Sichen suddenly appeared and overturned Zhang Yuxin's lies. Zhang Yuxin, somewhat flustered, sought help from Li Yunzhe.
However, Li Yunzhe not only did not help her but instead pointed out that the public funds had been used by Zhang Yuxin to bribe the warehouse security guard. Ding Wei, in front of everyone at Jinluge, confessed about his relationship with Zhang Yuxin. Learning of Zhang Yuxin's actions, Dong Lijun was very angry. Song Xiuhua took the opportunity to question Ding Wei about his earlier accusation that she had taken Zhang Guoguo away.
Knowing that the lie could not continue, Ding Wei found Jin Zhiming alone and told him everything about what happened that year. Suddenly learning the truth of that year, Jin Zhiming felt he had no face to confront Song Xiuhua. He found Xu Huijie and questioned her why she had never told the truth for so many years, allowing seventeen years to pass before he learned everything from Ding Wei.
Thinking of his elder brother who died young, his missing daughter, and his sister-in-law who left home, and knowing that all of this was caused by Ding Wei and Xu Huijie, Jin Zhiming could not forgive her no matter what. Xu Huijie watched Jin Zhiming leave resolutely, crying uncontrollably.
Zhang's mother stopped Zhang Guoguo at the entrance of Jinluge and told Zhang Guoguo that Xu Huijie had come to her to verify Le Tong's identity, and begged Zhang Guoguo to save Zhang Yuxin, even kneeling for it. Looking at Zhang's mother like this, Zhang Guoguo felt very helpless. Song Xiuhua suddenly appeared and asked Zhang's mother not to pressure Zhang Guoguo anymore. Thinking of the punishment Zhang Yuxin might receive, Zhang's mother refused to get up, pleading bitterly with Song Xiuhua and Zhang Guoguo.
Episode 44 Recap
After Zhang Yuxin's lies were exposed, Li Yunzhe and Li Yunkai found her and demanded that she transfer all intellectual property rights of her design works to Shichuang and leave Shichuang, otherwise Shichuang Group would file a criminal lawsuit against her. Although Zhang Yuxin was unwilling, she was even more afraid of going to jail, so she had to agree to Li Yunzhe's request. Zhang Yuxin walked out of the office dejectedly and ran into Lu Sichen.
Seeing Zhang Yuxin like this, Lu Sichen finally found some pleasure in revenge. Zhang Yuxin begged Lu Sichen to let her go for the sake of the child in her womb, but her actions only made Lu Sichen feel more disgusted.
Thinking that when she was pregnant with Le Tong, she was determined to abort the child, but now that she is pregnant with someone else's child, she is determined to keep it, which made Lu Sichen even more unable to forgive what she had done. But neither of them realized that Li Yunzhe was nearby, listening to their words clearly, which also made Li Yunzhe even more certain that there was indeed a child between the two of them.
Li Yunkai saw the video of Lu Sichen proposing to Zhang Yuxin from Li Yunzhe's computer. Recalling what Zhang Guoguo said before that Lu Sichen was Le Tong's biological father, Li Yunkai suddenly understood that Le Tong's biological mother was actually Zhang Yuxin. Li Yunkai couldn't accept this fact, he suddenly thought of Li Yunzhe, if even he felt unable to accept it, then one can imagine how painful Li Yunzhe's heart must be.
Li Yunkai found Li Yunzhe, and the two brothers rarely sat together and drank until they were drunk. Le Tong was a little concerned about her own background. Looking at Zhang Guoguo who was busy working, Le Tong wanted to talk to Zhang Guoguo about her feelings. She came to Zhang Guoguo's side, but accidentally caused Zhang Guoguo to prick her hand with an embroidery needle, which broke Xu Huijie's heart.
Thinking of her daughter raising other people's children, and enduring so many years of ridicule and contempt for it, she found Le Tong extremely unpleasant. Zhang Guoguo didn't want to argue in front of Le Tong, for fear of hurting Le Tong, but Xu Huijie didn't care so much, she could only see her daughter's various grievances and grievances in her eyes, and the atmosphere between the two became a little tense.
Le Tong saw that Zhang Guoguo was embarrassed because of her, and cried, not knowing what to do. Li Yunkai, who was drunk, returned home and questioned Zhang Guoguo about Le Tong's background. He blamed Zhang Guoguo for making such a stupid choice back then, and why she didn't tell him Le Tong's true identity in the first place.
Forced into a corner, Zhang Guoguo blurted out a divorce, and Li Yunkai's heart was instantly deeply hurt, and the two broke up unhappily. Their fierce quarrel was heard by Le Tong outside the door. Seeing that it was still because of her that caused a gap between Li Yunkai and Zhang Guoguo, Le Tong cried secretly again. Li Yunkai still sent Le Tong to school as usual, but ran into Lu Sichen at the school gate.
He called Lu Sichen aside and clearly told him not to disturb Le Tong's life again. Lu Sichen was silent for a while, and nodded in agreement with Li Yunkai's proposal. Le Tong secretly hid aside, looking at Lu Sichen's departing figure, feeling very reluctant in his heart. Zhang Yuxin helped Xu Huijie dry mugwort, and Xu Huijie told Zhang Yuxin that she already knew Le Tong's background, which made Zhang Yuxin a little nervous.
She tried to continue to threaten Xu Huijie with what happened seventeen years ago, but Xu Huijie didn't want to get entangled with her and turned away. At this time, Zhang Yuxin suddenly felt abdominal pain, and Xu Huijie quickly sent her to the hospital, where the doctor told her that she had miscarried and would never be able to get pregnant again in the future. The awakened Zhang Yuxin couldn't accept this fact.
Zhang Yuxin understood that without this child, she would completely lose Li Yunzhe. Zhang Yuxin begged Xu Huijie to keep it a secret for her, but Xu Huijie proposed that Zhang Yuxin take Le Tong away, otherwise she would tell Li Yunzhe about her miscarriage. Xu Huijie came to Song Xiuhua's house and, in front of Zhang Guoguo's mother and Zhang Guoguo, proposed to let Le Tong leave Zhang Guoguo.
Zhang Guoguo naturally wouldn't agree, she had raised Le Tong from a young age, how could she bear to give her to someone else now. Zhang Guoguo persuaded Xu Huijie that instead of dwelling on Le Tong's background, it would be better to think more about how to make up for the mistakes she made back then.
Zhang Guoguo was absent-minded as she walked on the road and was almost hit by a car, which made her suddenly remember that she lost her memory because she was hit by Zhang mother's car back then. She returned to Song Xiuhua's house again and questioned Zhang mother about how they met back then. Zhang mother was a little guilty and had to continue to vaguely imply that Song Xiuhua had abandoned Zhang Guoguo on the side of the road.
Looking at the still stubborn Zhang mother, the sad Zhang Guoguo told the truth of the year, she could forgive Zhang mother for her bad treatment, but she could never forgive Zhang mother for deliberately framing Song Xiuhua for her own selfish interests. Li Yunzhe felt much more relaxed after learning that Zhang Yuxin had a miscarriage, but this good mood didn't last for a second before he was angered by the news that Le Tong was Zhang Yuxin's daughter.
He angrily questioned Li Yunkai if he had known about this for a long time, and said that he must let Le Tong leave the Li family. Zhang Yuxin and Jin Zhiming met in a restaurant, Zhang Yuxin proposed that as long as he was willing to give her custody of the child, then she would agree to a divorce. Li Yunzhe arrived at this time and questioned Zhang Yuxin how she would raise a non-existent child.
The lie was exposed like this, and Zhang Yuxin was a little at a loss. What shocked her even more was that Li Yunzhe already knew Le Tong's background. Zhang Yuxin returned to the Li family and pretended to be happy to have a good meal in front of He Juan, and then said that she was going back to Jinlu Pavilion.
She went upstairs to pack her things, looking at the wedding photo with Li Yunzhe, her heart was filled with mixed feelings. Jin Zhiming learned that Le Tong was not Zhang Guoguo's biological daughter, and was very satisfied with Zhang Guoguo's character. But Li Yunzhe said Le Tong's true identity at this time, which made Li Yunkai very angry, but Jin Zhiming's reaction was very calm, he only asked Li Yunkai to call Zhang Guoguo back, and said nothing else.
Xu Huijie found Zhang Guoguo and once again persuaded her to give up Le Tong. Whenever she thought of the suffering her daughter had endured for the past seventeen years, Xu Huijie felt extremely resentful. But Zhang Guoguo couldn't agree with Xu Huijie's statement. Le Tong was her daughter who she had raised from a young age, and she couldn't give up this kinship no matter what.
Now Zhang Guoguo has completely remembered what happened back then, and that is why she feels both sad and at a loss when facing Xu Huijie. The good Xu Huijie wants to give her is not what Zhang Guoguo wants at all. She only hopes that her mother can face her mistakes back then frankly, instead of shirking responsibility.
Episode 45 Recap
Le Tong's true identity was finally known to everyone in the Li family. This huge amount of information made He Juan feel even more that misfortune had befallen their household. Thinking that her eldest son was burdened by Zhang Yuxin, and her second son would have to raise Zhang Yuxin's daughter, He Juan felt dizzy spells, as if everything had gotten worse since Zhang Yuxin and Zhang Guoguo appeared.
Li Haisong also did not want Le Tong to stay in the Li family. Their choice, from their own perspective, was not wrong. But for Zhang Guoguo, it forced her to separate from her daughter. She could not blame Li Haisong and He Juan for their selfishness, but the innocent Le Tong was even less at fault. At this moment, Zhang Guoguo could not think of a better option than to take Le Tong and leave the Li family.
Li Yunkai saw Zhang Guoguo's resolute attitude and was not angry. As a man, he had the obligation to protect his wife and daughter. Although this would displease Li Haisong and He Juan, he still chose to stand by Zhang Guoguo. Li Yunkai told Li Yunzhe his decision. Li Yunzhe likewise found it incomprehensible.
He had always thought Li Yunkai would be reluctant to give up everything in the Li family, never imagining that he could abandon everything for Zhang Guoguo. This made him suddenly feel a little relaxed. It was a rare opportunity for the two brothers to have a heart-to-heart talk. On the other side, Zhang Guoguo reluctantly took Le Tong and left the Li family. She was actually a bit upset inside.
With things having come to this point, she was reluctant to part with Le Tong, but equally reluctant to part with Li Yunkai. At this moment, Lu Sichen's car stopped beside her. Seeing Lu Sichen, Zhang Guoguo felt some resistance. She did not want Lu Sichen and Le Tong to have too much contact. Lu Sichen also felt very guilty about everything that had happened.
He thanked Zhang Guoguo while informing Li Yunkai to come and pick up Zhang Guoguo and Le Tong. When Li Yunkai arrived, he happened to hear Zhang Guoguo mention him. It turned out that Zhang Guoguo had always felt that because of her and Le Tong, Li Yunkai's pressure was increasing, and he was becoming less energetic. This made Li Yunkai's heart feel warm and touched, with a slight hint of self-reproach.
Li Yunkai took the sleeping Le Tong from Lu Sichen's car. On the way home, he told Zhang Guoguo that he would arrange everything so she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. Seeing Li Yunkai always thinking of her, Zhang Guoguo did not know how to express her feelings, so she simply hugged him and gave him a big kiss. Inside Times Group, Lu Sichen took out the dashcam footage from the previous warehouse truck.
It detailed Zhang Yuxin's attempt to harm him. The truth was revealed, and Li Haisong breathed a sigh of relief. This video proved Li Yunzhe's innocence, but at the same time, he was shocked by Zhang Yuxin's viciousness. Lu Sichen decided to call the police to handle this matter. Just as he called to notify the police to find Zhang Yuxin, Zhang's mother also happened to arrive at Times Group and overheard his words.
Originally, Zhang's mother intended to plead with Li Haisong not to expel Zhang Yuxin from the Li family, but at this moment, Lu Sichen's call made her no longer care about the Li family, and she left in a hurry. Jinluge's embroidery master competition was held as scheduled. Wu Lisha, at Zhang Yuxin's invitation, also became one of the judges for this competition. After Dong Lijun finished her speech, the competition officially began.
At the entrance of the Li family home, because Le Tong wanted to watch Zhang Guoguo's competition, He Juan planned to call a car to take her there. Out of curiosity about her birth mother, Le Tong asked He Juan if she knew her birth mother. He Juan was somewhat embarrassed and could only equivocate to placate Le Tong. Li Yunzhe happened to overhear this conversation.
He realized this might be an opportunity to get rid of Zhang Yuxin and volunteered to take Le Tong to find her birth mother. Halfway there, Le Tong already regretted it. She didn't want to hurt Zhang Guoguo's feelings because of her curiosity about her birth mother. In fact, Li Yunzhe also regretted it. No matter how much he hated Zhang Yuxin, using Le Tong made him feel guilty.
At the competition venue, the first round was to find Cui Hui's masterpiece, "Fushan Chunju Tu". Song Xiuhua preempted, saying that this painting was in her possession but was now lost. Unexpectedly, Zhang Yuxin took out "Fushan Chunju Tu", countering that the painting had always been with Xu Huijie. Zhang Guoguo understood that this was Zhang Yuxin's trick.
As long as Xu Huijie spoke, it would inevitably bring up the events of seventeen years ago, which was precisely what Zhang Guoguo least wanted to see. Left with no choice, Zhang Guoguo conceded the first round. Song Xiuhua was a bit anxious because this competition was very important. Song Xiuhua did not want Zhang Guoguo to concede so easily. But Zhang Guoguo comforted Song Xiuhua, saying that she would definitely win the next two rounds.
Soon, the second round began. Zhang Guoguo and Zhang Yuxin each embroidered a "Fushan Chunju Tu". Zhang Yuxin's work was sparkling and dazzling, while Zhang Guoguo's work appeared ordinary. Just when everyone thought she might fail because of this, Zhang Guoguo revealed the profound essence of her work. To better embody the meaning of "Fushan Chunju Tu", Zhang Guoguo used a back-to-basics embroidery method, ultimately winning the unanimous approval of the judges.
During the halftime break of the competition, Zhang Yuxin saw Le Tong. She deliberately told Le Tong that Zhang Guoguo hated Le Tong's birth mother the most, which made Le Tong distraught and accidentally ruin Zhang Guoguo's competition embroidery dress. Xu Huijie saw the ruined dress and couldn't help but scold Le Tong, but Zhang Guoguo and Li Yunkai protected Le Tong. This scene greatly impacted Xu Huijie.
She finally made up her mind to be the mother Zhang Guoguo wanted her to be. The third round of the competition was about to begin. At this moment, Zhang's mother rushed over to find Zhang Yuxin, pleading with her to leave together. However, Zhang Yuxin, single-mindedly focused on becoming the embroidery master, did not notice Zhang's mother's anxiety at all, nor was she in the mood to listen to her.
She insisted on breaking free from Zhang's mother and entered the competition venue. When Zhang Guoguo presented the embroidery dress to the judges, her superb embroidery skills, as well as Song Xiuhua's deep affection for her deceased husband, deeply moved Dong Lijun. Thinking that after her passing, she could wear her son's favorite clothes to meet him, Dong Lijun felt both peaceful and excited inside.
But what was most surprising was that Zhang Guoguo was able to quickly embroider the spot Le Tong had dirtied into six geese symbolizing blessings in an extremely short time, making everyone admire her high level of skill. When Zhang Yuxin's embroidery dress was also presented before everyone, everyone's expressions were a bit strange, but Zhang Yuxin herself was shocked because it was not the embroidery dress she had prepared at all.
At this moment, Xu Huijie spoke, recounting the events of seventeen years ago one by one. These past events, piece by piece, deeply pained the hearts of Dong Lijun, Jin Zhiming, and Song Xiuhua. After waiting for a full seventeen years, finally today, the truth came to light.
Episode 46 Recap
Zhang Guoguo looked at the tearful Xu Huijie, and for the first time, she felt proud to have such a mother. Zhang Guoguo became the new embroidery master of Jinlu Pavilion. Zhang Yuxin saw Xu Huijie admit her past actions in front of everyone. She felt very unwilling to accept it, rushing to the judges' table, trying to persuade the judges to change their decision. Just then, Zhang's mother rushed in and pulled Zhang Yuxin away without explanation.
The selfish Zhang Yuxin thought Zhang's mother was forcibly pulling her out of the competition venue to favor Zhang Guoguo. But at this time, Zhang's mother couldn't bother to explain much. She took out a sum of money and gave it to Zhang Yuxin, telling her to leave quickly, and also informed her that Lu Sichen had called the police to arrest her. Seeing her daughter fall to such a state, Zhang's mother didn't know what to do.
She could only think of finding Li Haisong and Li Yunzhe, hoping that the two of them would help Zhang Yuxin one last time out of their past relationship. However, Zhang Yuxin's actions over the years had already caused the two of them to be utterly disappointed in her, let alone the fact that she could now even commit murder.
Zhang Yuxin knew that she was now at a dead end, but she still wanted to see Li Yunzhe one last time before everything ended. She secretly called back to the Li family, used Le Tong to open the door for her, and found the ring Li Yunzhe had given her when he proposed. Looking at the ring, her heart was actually very sore; this small ring had witnessed her happiness, but also her tragedy.
Kind Le Tong sensitively noticed that Zhang Yuxin didn't want to be discovered. She secretly brought a piece of pizza for Zhang Yuxin to eat, but Zhang Yuxin accidentally knocked it to the ground. Seeing Le Tong about to clean up the broken plate on the floor, Zhang Yuxin quickly stopped her and started cleaning it up herself, but accidentally cut her finger. Seeing her hand bleeding, Le Tong brought a bandage and wanted to dress Zhang Yuxin's wound.
At such a difficult moment, only Le Tong showed her a glimmer of kindness, which left Zhang Yuxin with mixed feelings. Li Yunzhe's phone rang at this moment, and he arranged to meet Zhang Yuxin at his villa. Zhang's mother, having no one else to turn to, found Zhang Guoguo again, hoping she could help Zhang Yuxin one last time. Zhang Guoguo didn't know how to describe her feelings.
For so many years, if not for Zhang's mother's doting, Zhang Yuxin would not have come to this point. Even now, Zhang's mother was still intent on covering for Zhang Yuxin; such love would only make Zhang Yuxin sink deeper and deeper. Facing Zhang Guoguo's rhetorical question, Zhang's mother realized that it was her doting that had harmed Zhang Yuxin, and she hoped to personally persuade Zhang Yuxin to surrender.
Zhang Yuxin came to Li Yunzhe's villa, trying to win back Li Yunzhe's heart, but Li Yunzhe already detested her deeply, especially seeing her still wearing the engagement ring on her hand, which made Li Yunzhe feel even more unbearable. Li Yunzhe snatched the ring from her hand, threw it into the fireplace, and set it ablaze. He hoped to use this method to completely end his past with Zhang Yuxin.
Zhang Yuxin saw the ring engulfed in raging flames, and the grief in her heart was indescribable. She endured the burns from the fire and took out the ring that had witnessed her happiness. Looking at Li Yunzhe's resolute departing back, Zhang Yuxin felt disheartened. She took the ring and walked towards the cold lake water. Zhang's mother rushed over, just in time to see Zhang Yuxin attempting to take her own life.
Driven by her love for her daughter, she disregarded everything and directly rushed into the lake water, trying to save Zhang Yuxin, but unfortunately, she was submerged. This scene was coincidentally witnessed by Zhang Guoguo, who arrived shortly after. She and Li Yunkai rushed over and sent the unconscious Zhang's mother to the hospital. In the hospital corridor, Zhang Guoguo, Li Yunkai, and Zhang Yuxin waited anxiously.
When the doctor informed them that Zhang's mother was out of danger, they all breathed a sigh of relief. Lu Sichen arrived with the police at this moment, wanting to take Zhang Yuxin away, but Zhang Yuxin did not want to leave Zhang's mother at this time. Zhang Yuxin pleaded with Zhang Guoguo not to let the police take her away.
Seeing Zhang Yuxin standing safely in front of her, but Zhang's mother lying inside, Zhang Guoguo resented her more than ever. She did not hesitate to let the police take Zhang Yuxin away. Xu Huijie returned to Jinlu Pavilion and knelt before Song Xiuhua. She knew she had no right to ask for Song Xiuhua's forgiveness, but she still wanted to sincerely apologize to Song Xiuhua.
Xu Huijie had decided to surrender to the police, but before that, she still had to settle things with Jin Zhiming. When she placed the signed divorce agreement in front of Jin Zhiming, he felt both conflicted and pained. His elder brother's death made it impossible for him to forgive Xu Huijie, but seeing Xu Huijie truly going to surrender, he felt unbearable heartache and could only tightly embrace Xu Huijie, giving her his final encouragement.
Zhang Guoguo and Song Xiuhua finally returned to Jinlu Pavilion openly and honorably. She hoped in her heart that her mother could return soon, and the family could reunite. Everything seemed to be back on track. Zhang Yuxin received her deserved punishment, Xu Huijie also took on her responsibilities, Song Xiuhua could finally return to Jinlu Pavilion, and even Le Tong grew up healthy under He Juan's care. Just like that, three years passed quickly.
Zhang's mother suffered intellectual impairment due to falling into the water back then. To prevent her from burdening Zhang Guoguo further, Xu Huijie voluntarily took on the heavy responsibility of caring for her. Zhang Guoguo felt very happy to see her two mothers living together harmoniously. The only regret was that Xu Huijie still refused to return to Jinlu Pavilion.
In fact, in the hearts of Dong Lijun and Song Xiuhua, Xu Huijie had long been forgiven; it was just that she could never forgive herself. Only after hearing that Dong Lijun was unwell did Xu Huijie finally step into Jinlu Pavilion. The mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law met, and for a moment it seemed there were a thousand words to say but no idea where to start.
Under Song Xiuhua's strong persuasion, Xu Huijie finally agreed to stay in Jinlu Pavilion. Looking at the familiar environment, Xu Huijie was filled with emotion. She habitually came to Jin Zhiming's studio and saw Zhang Guoguo there as well. While the mother and daughter were talking, Jin Zhiming suddenly appeared. Xu Huijie felt a little awkward, but Jin Zhiming generously welcomed his wife home.
Just such an ordinary sentence instantly reddened Xu Huijie's eyes, and the family of three hugged tightly. Lu Sichen finally decided to leave Zhenhu and live abroad. Before leaving, he specifically gave a painting to Le Tong. Seeing Le Tong crying and running out to look for him, Lu Sichen felt a little sad in his heart, but he understood that staying by Zhang Guoguo's side was the best choice for Le Tong.
Happy life always comes so suddenly and naturally. When Li Yunkai took Zhang Guoguo for a picnic, looking at her favorite pizza, Zhang Guoguo suddenly felt a wave of nausea, and a crystallization of their love was thus born. (End of the series)
