Binary Love Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Binary Love Synopsis
The binary “1+1=10” just confirms the decade-long relationship between Zhou Linlin and Fang Yuke. In this binary love with Fang Yuke, Zhou Linlin becomes a permanent variable for Fang Yuke, the computer master, because of her spooky and cheerful personality.
Zhou Linlin is a young girl who tends to go overboard on one or some subjects. She entered the best university in the country under the careful guidance of Fang Yuke.
After entering the school, the careless Zhou Linlin accidentally got into trouble with the rising tennis star Wen Tao and Fang Yuke’s best friend Xie Duanxi; and built up a wonderful and warm sisterly friendship with her roommates Ye Ruting and Zhu Li.
In the end, with the help of Da zui and Lao Ding, Fang Yuke’s crush is finally finished. However, in the process of love, they encountered a variety of tests….
Binary Love Recap
Episode 1 Recap
A spirited young woman, Zhou Linlin, runs out into the hallway, jumps onto her skateboard with a deep leap, and skates away handsomely, captivating Fang Yuke. He describes his admiration for her as profound, believing her presence and smile illuminate his world. He interprets the Sigma symbol on a nearby bucket as a sign for summation, hoping this "calculated encounter," or long-anticipated reunion, will finally lead to a meaningful change in their relationship.
Zhou Linlin, engrossed in her phone, looks up to see Fang Yuke approaching. He tells her he wants to patch things up, but she glances at his elaborate setup and sarcastically suggests he use Sigma to sum up the "roadblocks" he's placed between them. As she attempts to leave, a kite blows in, and Fang Yuke pulls her to safety. They tumble onto the grass, resulting in an accidental kiss that leaves both of them stunned.
Fang Yuke, in his narration, observes that he accounts for all variables except the wind, which consistently causes their relationship to spiral out of control. Zhou Linlin, without his explanation, immediately recognizes the wind as the culprit. Fang Yuke sincerely apologizes and offers her a lemon candy, but Zhou Linlin, holding her skateboard, warns him to stay away before striking him with it. She attributes this action to the wind as well.
Fang Yuke notes this as a "qualitative change," as she had never resorted to physical action during his previous apologies. The narrative flashes back to August 2007, when they were seven years old. Little Fang Yuke is playing with a Rubik's Cube on the stairs when other children scatter its pieces. Little Zhou Linlin intervenes, scaring off the bullies with bugs and then thoughtfully reassembling the cube for him.
She tells Fang Yuke that she understands why others might not like him, but she does. As she runs off, he follows, and she shares a lemon candy with him. Fang Yuke narrates how he grew to love lemon candy, not for its taste, but for the precious moments Zhou Linlin fed it to him, wishing time could stand still as he watched her smile and play.
Years later, in September 2015, during high school, it rains heavily as Fang Yuke waits at a bus stop, declining umbrellas from several girls. He spots Zhou Linlin, uniquely protected by a raincoat draped over her umbrella, and smiles. He admires her imaginative and unique spirit, noting he can always spot her from afar. Shielding himself with his backpack, he joins her under her umbrella.
She playfully complains about the lack of space, but as they walk, she hands him a love letter. Zhou Linlin reads the opening line, "Fang Yuke, I like you. Could you like me, too?" Fang Yuke is elated, believing she reciprocates his feelings. However, Zhou Linlin quickly clarifies that the letter is from her friend, Lin Xue, and the opening was her own impromptu addition. Disappointed, Fang Yuke dismisses the letter as "poorly written" and departs.
Upon hearing Fang Yuke's harsh criticism, Lin Xue cries, and Zhou Linlin promises to write a new, more effective love letter for her. For a period, Zhou Linlin diligently writes and reads love letters on behalf of Lin Xue to Fang Yuke, often met with his weary tolerance. Fang Yuke yearns for a letter signed by Zhou Linlin herself, a hope that remains unfulfilled.
One day, during a school inspection, Fang Yuke secretly arranges to meet Zhou Linlin in the broadcasting studio, planning to confess his feelings. However, as Zhou Linlin unexpectedly arrives, a gust of wind knocks over a book, accidentally activating the school-wide broadcast. Before he can speak, Zhou Linlin begins reading a love letter she'd prepared for Lin Xue, inadvertently broadcasting her confession to the entire school.
Students are shocked, and Lin Xue is upset, believing Zhou Linlin is confessing for herself. Just as Fang Yuke is about to declare that they should "no longer be friends" (a prelude to asking her out), a teacher rushes in, frantically trying to shut off the broadcast. Zhou Linlin, misunderstanding, believes Fang Yuke deliberately set her up and is escorted away by the furious teacher.
Fang Yuke narrates that the "annoying wind" derailed his plans, and his attempts to salvage the situation were in vain. Following the incident, the school decides to punish Zhou Linlin. Fang Yuke pleads with his teacher, insisting on taking full responsibility himself, even offering to forfeit his direct admission to Qing University, a rare honor as the city's sole recommended student.
He adamantly states he cannot let her bear the blame and asks to be punished instead, despite his teacher's advice to prioritize his future. Despite his desperate appeals, Zhou Linlin decides to transfer to another school. Fang Yuke reflects that this "accident caused by wind" led to their prolonged separation. In September 2018, the narrative returns to the present.
Zhou Linlin and Fang Yuke, both admitted to Southern University, find themselves on the same train, an arrangement made by their mothers. Fang Yuke's mother, Ms. Hong Xia, booked them adjacent sleeper berths, and their mothers even bought them matching outfits and luggage. Zhou Linlin, frustrated by the arrangement and the train attendant mistaking them for a couple, calls her mother.
Her mother cheerfully confirms the matchmaking efforts, declaring that Zhou Linlin's "puppy love" from high school is now officially sanctioned and that they must "stay together and take care of each other." Fang Yuke corroborates this, having received similar instructions from his mother. Zhou Linlin, still annoyed, reminds him of the skateboard incident and warns him to keep his distance. Upon arriving at Nanshan Railway Station amidst a heavy downpour, Zhou Linlin accidentally grabs Fang Yuke's identical suitcase.
After exchanging luggage, she realizes she's forgotten her umbrella. Fang Yuke offers his, but she declines, searching her bag in vain. He then attempts to walk off in the rain, hoping to elicit her sympathy, but his plan is thwarted by the unexpected arrival of Xie Duanxi, a sophomore from Southern University's School of Biology, who is there to greet freshmen.
Xie Duanxi offers Zhou Linlin a ride, much to Fang Yuke's chagrin, as he had hoped for alone time with her. In the taxi, Zhou Linlin, who believes an online mentor named 'Genius Yu' (Yu Shen) assisted her with her university admission, asks Xie Duanxi if he knows anyone named Yu from his department. Fang Yuke, secretly Genius Yu, realizes his hidden identity is on the verge of exposure. He repeatedly interrupts Zhou Linlin's inquiries, earning her irritation.
Simultaneously, a news report announces an early typhoon, leading to the closure of the Cross-sea Bridge. Fang Yuke is frustrated by Xie Duanxi's presence, seeing him as an unwanted "third wheel." The typhoon forces the taxi to stop before the bridge, stranding Zhou Linlin, Fang Yuke, and Xie Duanxi on an island. They find the Seaside Heart Homestay, but only one room is available. Fang Yuke suggests Zhou Linlin take the room while he and Xie Duanxi seek other accommodations.
Zhou Linlin, finding this unchivalrous, texts Genius Yu for help finding a place to stay and hears a unique ringtone from Fang Yuke's phone. Suspecting a peculiar coincidence, she expresses her desire to investigate. Fang Yuke, fearing exposure, tries to leave with Xie Duanxi. However, Zhou Linlin insists they all share the single room, expressing her intention to use the opportunity to get to know them better.
Fang Yuke, despite his protests, continues to look for ways to make Xie Duanxi leave. Zhou Linlin calls her mother, explaining their predicament, who jokes about it being a "long-cherished plot" by the parents. Xie Duanxi, perplexed by Fang Yuke's attempts to get him to leave since they met, questions his behavior. Unfazed, Zhou Linlin ushers them into the room, declaring they'll "have fun all night."
Episode 2 Recap
Zhou Linlin, Fang Yuke, and Xie Duanxi were playing cards in a hotel room when Zhou Linlin directly confronted Xie Duanxi, asking if he was Genius Yu. Fang Yuke, reflecting inwardly, realized Linlin had "detonated the time bomb" and that "the tension was reaching flashpoint." He wished he "wouldn't use the identity of Genius Yu" if he had a second chance, wondering why the name "Genius Yu" was so annoying.
The narrative then flashes back to Zhou Linlin's earlier high school days. After her transfer, her grades plummeted, earning her criticism from teachers. Feeling down, she overheard classmates discussing the "Straight-A Students Forum" and decided to post a question there. On her way home, she encountered a pervert, but bravely used her skateboard to scare him off, though she was left shaken and in tears. Upon returning home, she found a birthday cake.
Her parents, busy with work, had left her to celebrate alone. She lit the candles, made a wish, and then, seeing a shooting star, wished for everything to become smoother. Just then, a reply appeared on the Straight-A Students Forum from "Genius Yu." He wished her a happy birthday, encouraged her with the adage, "If you can't reach by tiptoeing, try jumping," and offered to help her with her studies.
With Genius Yu's consistent support and her own hard work, Linlin successfully gained admission to Southern University. Around that time, Fang Yuke felt it was time for Genius Yu to disappear and stopped replying to her messages. Back in the present, Xie Duanxi denied being Genius Yu. To prevent further questions, Fang Yuke abruptly declared he needed to change his wet clothes to avoid catching a cold and insisted Linlin leave the room.
When she suggested he use the bathroom, he claimed it had no door and he couldn't change with her there. He then falsely stated that he and Xie Duanxi often changed together and that Xie Duanxi would help him, which Xie Duanxi unconvincingly confirmed. Suspicious, Linlin stepped out and sent a message to Genius Yu, hoping to see whose phone would ring. Anticipating her move, Fang Yuke quickly silenced his phone.
He had also previously removed his Genius Yu account from the Straight-A Students Forum, ensuring neither his nor Xie Duanxi's phone would respond to her message. After Linlin returned, Xie Duanxi questioned Fang Yuke about why he hadn't revealed his identity as Genius Yu, especially since he used the account to tutor her. Fang Yuke explained that Linlin "hates to be deceived most," and with "too many misunderstandings" between them, telling her now would only make her "hate him more."
Xie Duanxi observed that Fang Yuke, despite his calm demeanor, was "panicking" and easily defeated by Linlin. Fang Yuke retorted by mocking Xie Duanxi's failed "hybridization experiments," claiming his friend's speech harmed "photosynthesis," before announcing he was going to change. Xie Duanxi, ever supportive, followed him, offering to help. The three then resumed their card game, adding a new rule: whoever touched their phone would lose.
Linlin sent another message to Genius Yu, but with the account removed, neither phone reacted. Linlin lost the round, and Fang Yuke gently flicked her forehead as punishment. Unexpectedly, Linlin developed a nosebleed, which Fang Yuke meticulously cleaned for her. Later, as Linlin slept, she dreamed of both Fang Yuke and Xie Duanxi lying beside her, hugging her. She woke up startled to find only Fang Yuke sitting on a nearby chair; Xie Duanxi had already left.
The next morning, Linlin and Fang Yuke traveled to Southern University. At the campus entrance, Fang Yuke requested a photo with her to "report safety" to their mothers. Linlin reluctantly agreed, commenting that it was "a good omen to take a photo and break up," implying her intention to go their separate ways.
Internally, Fang Yuke declared that "the story of her and me has begun its new chapter," resolving to first become Linlin's friend again, then her boyfriend, and openly stay by her side. Linlin, however, quickly walked away, telling him not to follow her. Zhou Linlin located her dorm room, 318, in the Industrial Design department. She met her new roommate, Zhu Li, who preferred to be called "Li" and was a municipal top scorer.
Soon, another roommate, Wang Jie, arrived, a provincial top scorer of science. Feeling out of her depth, Linlin jokingly introduced herself as "Zhou Linlin who came here by luck." The roommates discussed their ambitious college plans: Zhu Li aimed to study for IELTS and attend ENSBA in Paris, while Wang Jie planned to complete her Ph. D. by age 29 and marry. Linlin shared her current goals: to "do well in industrial design" and "find someone."
Her roommates then informed her about a mandatory "replacement test" for freshmen, designed to "clear out those who came here by luck," warning that failing could lead to a department transfer or even expulsion. Unprepared, Linlin realized she needed to study urgently. Meanwhile, Fang Yuke reached his dorm in the Department of Computer Science.
His roommates, Lao Ding and Wang Yu, who preferred to be called "Da Zui," were engaged in the "INSEC Battle," a tradition where sophomores blocked freshmen's internet access, which freshmen had to unblock to be accepted into the department. Lao Ding enthusiastically introduced Fang Yuke as "Genius Fang Yuke, the top scorer of science of Yaodong Province, who abandoned Qing University for School of Computer Science of Southern University." No freshmen team had ever succeeded in this challenge before.
Fang Yuke quickly took charge, and with his expertise, they successfully regained their internet access. His roommates were astonished, hailing him as their "boss." Fang Yuke formally introduced himself to his new roommates. Linlin and her roommates, Zhu Li and Wang Jie, hurried to the library to study for the replacement test.
While struggling with the material, Linlin was surprised when Fang Yuke appeared, offering a tip and an exercise book, advising her to master all the previous exam question types. This guidance helped clarify the concepts for her. A flashback to October 3, 2016, showed a younger Fang Yuke with a fever, calling Xie Duanxi to borrow his Straight-A Students Forum account.
He reflected that he borrowed the account to approach Linlin because he was afraid she would recognize him, concluding he "must have been out of my mind because of the fever" to make such a "bad decision." Back in the present, during the replacement test, Ye Ruting, the "Prettiest Girl of our department" who rarely attends, made a dramatic entrance. She elegantly walked but got her high heel stuck.
Xie Duanxi, who was an invigilator for the test and was carrying a shade plant (Hosta) under an umbrella, helped her. He was more concerned about protecting the plant from direct sunlight than Ye Ruting's beauty. Ye Ruting was visibly drawn to Xie Duanxi. Later, during the exam, Linlin found herself stuck on a problem. She recalled Genius Yu's advice to relax by tapping the Morse code for "R" (Di-Da-Di).
As she tapped, she recognized this as one of Fang Yuke's habitual movements, raising a frightening suspicion that Genius Yu might indeed be Fang Yuke. Ye Ruting finished her test early and, in an attempt to make an impression, dramatically wrote her full name on her paper before handing it to Xie Duanxi. Xie Duanxi noticed she had left something behind but she had already departed.
An invigilator noticed a student, possibly Linlin, appeared unwell with a fever and gently suggested she go home to rest, assuring her that missing a day would not significantly impact her good academic standing.
Episode 3 Recap
In the classroom, Fang Yuke and Zhou Linlin faced each other, tapping the table using Genius Yu's method. Fang Yuke explained it was the Morse code for "R," shorthand for "relax," a method many people use to unwind. Linlin briefly wondered if he might be Genius Yu but quickly dismissed the thought, internally questioning her own ideas. She then thanked him for his help with the recent mock exam.
Suddenly, Linlin received a phone call about going to MMP Bar that evening. Fang Yuke, overhearing, immediately asked who had invited her for drinks, but Linlin told him it was none of his business. Later, she explained to her surprised roommates that she was going to MMP Bar to discuss her design for a competition she had entered on an online forum after they notified the results. Her roommates found the idea of discussing design at a bar "boring."
Meanwhile, Fang Yuke secretly searched for the bar online and was discovered by his roommate. He vaguely mentioned having "something important to do." He then showed off a hangover cure, stating he had it "just in case" of some unforeseen event, before heading out. Linlin was still trying to find the bar's location on Yunjiang Road when Fang Yuke covertly followed her. They entered the bar separately.
Inside, Linlin was greeted by Xiao Yi, the owner of MMP Bar, who already knew her. Fang Yuke, observing from a distance, wondered why Linlin knew him. Xiao Yi expressed great interest in her design work, hoping to collaborate to put her designed cups into production because he "really liked" her pieces. Linlin then noticed an Alessi Juice juicer, a 25th-anniversary limited edition, and she and Xiao Yi simultaneously named Philippe Starck as the designer they both admired.
They had a lively discussion about Starck's inspiration, with Linlin describing an insect's method of drinking water as a potential source for Starck's "alien" design. Xiao Yi was pleased to find someone he could connect with and offered her a choice between a regular and a non-alcoholic drink. Fang Yuke, observing from a distance, muttered that Linlin "never drinks alcohol."
However, Linlin chose the non-alcoholic option and commented on how good it tasted, which further confused and frustrated Fang Yuke, making him wonder when Linlin had started drinking. He then angrily downed his own drink. Meanwhile, Ye Ruting, who already knew Xie Ruixi, arrived at his lab/flower room. She asked for her headband back. Xie Ruixi initially prevented her from entering, stating the lab was off-limits, but eventually let her in. Their conversation was interrupted by the teacher's arrival.
Xie Ruixi quickly introduced Ye Ruting as a classmate from the Industrial Design department whom he had invited to assist him. However, the teacher playfully misunderstood their relationship, encouraging Xie Ruixi to "take your chance" with the "pretty girl," ignoring Xie Ruixi's repeated attempts to clarify. Ye Ruting then asked Xie Ruixi to help her put on her apron and tie her hair.
As he did so, she held his hand and teasingly asked if he had a girlfriend, given his skilled touch. Xie Ruixi, flustered, explained he had "only tied plants before." Ye Ruting smiled, acknowledging his response, and then advised him not to "make a fast knot next time." Before leaving, she quoted Philippe Starck, telling him not to "put limits on yourself," and left him her phone number, promising good news.
Xie Ruixi, still flustered, asserted that he was not a botanist. Later, as Linlin left the bar after her design meeting, she found Fang Yuke heavily intoxicated. He pointed at her and slurred, "Zhou Linlin. . . Don't worry. . . I will always protect you!" before becoming disoriented. Linlin tried to call Xie Ruixi for help.
At that moment, Xie Ruixi was engrossed in explaining plants to Ye Ruting, who was actively flirting with him, stating, "I'm not interested in plants. I'm interested in you," and adding that he looked "cute when you blush." Consequently, Xie Ruixi missed Linlin's call. Unable to reach him, Linlin took several photos of Fang Yuke, jokingly threatening to send them to his mother, and then struggled to get him a taxi, but couldn't.
Fang Yuke, in his drunken state, pulled out hangover cure pills, insisting they were "for you," which Linlin found quite amusing. They ended up taking a bus. After getting off, Fang Yuke stumbled and complained of pain, then inexplicably tried to take off his jacket, saying, "Linlin is cold." Linlin, telling him she wasn't cold, managed to get him to sit on her skateboard and pushed him back towards the dorms. Along the way, Fang Yuke repeatedly murmured apologies.
Suddenly, a thief bumped into them. Linlin, hearing shouts of "Stop the thief!" , immediately gave chase. As she confronted the thief, he tried to strike her with her own skateboard. Fang Yuke, momentarily shaking off his drunkenness, bravely stepped in front of Linlin, shielding her from the blow. He reassured her, "As long as you're okay." Their courageous act of catching the "underwear thief" was live-streamed online and quickly went viral across campus, making them "campus heroes."
Fang Yuke's roommates eagerly helped boost the story, determined to make it trend and proudly proclaiming him "the new star of Southern University's Computing Department." Linlin's roommates congratulated her, but also pressed her about her relationship with Fang Yuke, which she denied, emphasizing, "I took care of the thief." Privately, Linlin found Fang Yuke "kind of cute when he was drunk," but then quickly dismissed such thoughts. The next day, Linlin brought Fang Yuke medicine for his traumatic injuries.
He reiterated his promise, "I'll always protect you no matter what," to which Linlin simply advised him to "just take care of yourself." In class, the buzz about the "brave campus couple" continued. Fang Yuke deliberately chose to sit next to Linlin, fueling further gossip. On the university forum, someone identified as Lin Xue posted, claiming Linlin had once sent love letters to Fang Yuke on her behalf but then either "fell for him" herself or "did shady transactions."
Another anonymous user quickly came to Linlin's defense, characterizing her as an earnest, polite, and determined individual who wouldn't fall in love easily. They asserted there was "nothing wrong to like someone" or for a girl to confess, but criticized the original poster for "telling others what to do and judging others," concluding, "because no one loves you." With the online gossip escalating, Linlin discussed the issue with her roommate, noting that manual replies and deletions were insufficient.
Fang Yuke then presented her with a program he had developed. He explained that it could "automatically retrieve related content and delete all relevant information" from the forum, acknowledging it wouldn't be 100% effective but would "reduce the impact of this event to a lower and lower level." He assured her she didn't "need to be angry about it," and offered his help for any future problematic posts. He then suggested, "Let me add you on WeChat."
When Linlin scanned his QR code, she was surprised to find that she didn't need to send a friend request, as he revealed, "You've been on my friend list." Later, Fang Yuke confided in his roommate, expressing his joy that Zhou Linlin had added him on WeChat, seeing it as his relationship with her finally taking "one step further."
He then showed his roommate an application that contained "all the data of Zhou Linlin from her childhood to adulthood," which he diligently updated for a "clear conclusion" on how to "restore my friendship with Zhou Linlin" without a single mistake. His roommate, marveling at his dedication, remarked that Fang Yuke truly possessed a "binary brain."
Episode 4 Recap
Zhou Linlin was roused from her sleep by her screaming roommate, who announced that the exam results were out. Their neighbor, Pan Feifei, had scored 390 points and was crying, unable to handle the pressure. Zhou Linlin found this baffling, as the full mark was 400. She exclaimed, "Why would she cry when she got 390? This school is ungrounded." Her roommate explained that at Southern University, where the nation's top students gathered, 390 was considered a bottom score.
Accepting that she couldn't even be the tail of a phoenix and would just be a claw, Zhou Linlin hurried to check her own score. She operated the computer with nervous anticipation, then breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing her score of 394. She had narrowly passed it. When she asked her roommates about their results, Zhu Li proudly announced 397, and Wang Jie, 398.
Zhou Linlin sighed, lamenting that even after trying her best, she was still not good at learning. Meanwhile, Fang Yuke sat at his desk, his computer screen showing a perfect score of 400. His roommates wondered why he seemed so nervous, questioning if he worried about coming first or second. Unbeknownst to them, Fang Yuke's real concern was Zhou Linlin. He typed and deleted messages, unsure how to ask if she had passed.
Eventually, he sent her "The Guide to Repeating a Year of High School." Zhou Linlin's furious reply, "Fang Yuke, you are nuts. Keep it for yourself," eased his tension, but they quickly fell into their usual bickering. Fang Yuke accused her of requiting kindness with enmity, reminding her that he helped her pass the test, to which she simply replied, "Yes."
During their exchange, Zhou Linlin noticed his phone lacked a case, and she decided to make him a custom one adorned with a lemon design. Later that evening, Fang Yuke received a text from Zhou Linlin asking him to come to her dorm entrance. After a quick check in the mirror, he rushed out. Downstairs, Zhou Linlin and her roommates emerged. She handed him the handmade lemon phone case, saying, "Thank you for helping me study for the exam.
I don't like being in anyone's debt." As she and her friends started to leave, Fang Yuke asked where they were headed. They excitedly replied, "To dance. To learn. To take catch-up lessons." Zhu Li playfully invited "Genius Fang" to join them, but he declined, feigning disinterest. Concerned, Fang Yuke quickly hailed a taxi with his roommates and followed Zhou Linlin.
Inside the club, Zhu Li explained that it was a place where "a real hermit lives in the bustling place," allowing them to fully release emotions and relieve stress. She warned them not to be "fooled by various kinds of men," even having her WeChat QR code printed on her arm to find "study partners." When Fang Yuke saw Zhou Linlin about to order drinks, he rushed over, snatching the menu and declaring, "She can't drink alcohol."
Zhou Linlin, surprised by his presence, asked what he was doing there. Fang Yuke, flustered, lied that his roommates wanted to meet Zhu Li. At their booth, Fang Yuke tried to order milk for Zhou Linlin, but she informed him, "I'm lactose intolerant," revealing this condition developed in her senior year, a fact that surprised him, realizing he had missed yet another detail about her.
Zhou Linlin, Wang Jie, and Zhu Li opted for Long Island Iced Teas, while Fang Yuke ordered a Sober Forgetting Soup. Eventually, only Fang Yuke and Zhou Linlin remained at the booth. Zhou Linlin offered a shy "Thanks," to which Fang Yuke, now holding his phone, replied, "You already thanked me." He had already put on the lemon-designed phone case. Zhou Linlin found him to be a real conversation-ender.
When Wang Jie went off to dance, and Fang Yuke tried to stop Zhou Linlin from drinking, she became annoyed and joined Zhu Li on the dance floor. Alone, Fang Yuke noticed a pendant on Zhou Linlin's bag and smiled. Suddenly, on the dance floor, a man tried to harass Zhou Linlin. She quickly twisted his arm and confronted him. Fang Yuke immediately intervened, pulling the rogue away. Watching her, he pondered, "Lactose intolerant. Subdue a rogue with bare hands.
What else do I not know about you? I always thought I've been there for you. But I've missed so many moments of your life without realizing it." Zhou Linlin thanked him again and pulled him onto the dance floor to join her. Later, Fang Yuke carried a heavily intoxicated Zhou Linlin out of the club.
She fumbled in her pocket and offered him a lemon candy, a gesture that brought a smile to his face, reminding him of many times she had fed him candy in the past. Zhou Linlin suddenly insisted on walking by herself, explaining that while they used to walk together, she had grown accustomed to walking alone. Fang Yuke, looking at her with determination, promised, "From now on, I'm not gonna leave you alone."
As they rested, a tipsy Zhou Linlin explained her surprising fighting skills. She recounted an incident on her birthday when she encountered a pervert on her way home. Terrified, she fought him so fiercely that she even broke her favorite skateboard, leading her to learn self-defense moves. Fang Yuke's heart ached, thinking, "Why did I miss so much?" Zhou Linlin, with a proud sway, declared, "I, Zhou Linlin, can get everything done."
The next morning, Zhou Linlin awoke with a severe hangover, only to find Wang Jie and Zhu Li in similar states. Wang Jie insisted she had stayed in the dorm, but Zhu Li produced a video of Wang Jie dancing wildly the night before. Zhu Li then revealed to Zhou Linlin that she and Fang Yuke had returned an hour late.
Fang Yuke sent Zhou Linlin a message, advising her to drink honey water for her hangover and reminding her to "Don't forget what you said last night." Opening an attached video, Zhou Linlin watched herself drunkenly propose to Fang Yuke, declaring, "I'll marry you!" Mortified, she confronted Fang Yuke, demanding his phone to delete the video. He asked why she was so cold after proposing, but she insisted he delete it and never mention it again.
Unconvinced, she followed him to his male dorm, much to the annoyance of his roommates, who complained about her presence while one of them was sleeping naked. While Zhou Linlin searched his computer for video backups, she saw something on the screen that made Fang Yuke nervous. He quickly distracted her by trying to hide a folder labeled "My Goddess," to which she responded that she understood and wouldn't look.
After she left, Fang Yuke realized that she might have seen some sensitive information. In a panic, he then sent Zhou Linlin a timed message on the forum from "Genius Yu," inviting her to meet at Lanyue Lake in an hour. He then rushed to find Xie Ruixi to ask for his help. At Lanyue Lake, Zhou Linlin met Xie Ruixi, believing him to be "Genius Yu."
Fang Yuke, hidden nearby, remotely coached Xie Ruixi through an earpiece, having instructed him to memorize all the practice tests he'd made for Zhou Linlin, their entire chat history, and a list of potential questions she might ask. Xie Ruixi initially balked at the task, but Fang Yuke insisted it was an emergency. When Zhou Linlin asked "Genius Yu" why he hadn't revealed his identity before, Xie Ruixi, prompted by Fang Yuke, replied, "I have a girlfriend.
I don't want my girlfriend to get the wrong idea." Zhou Linlin then asked why he was meeting her now. Xie Ruixi, again following Fang Yuke's instructions, turned the question back to her, asking why she always wanted to meet "Genius Yu." Zhou Linlin explained she wanted to thank him in person, presenting him with a collection of notes she had carefully extracted from library books where he had posted them.
Addressing him as "Genius Yu," she confessed that his presence had ignited her determination and given her hope when she felt she had no chance of getting into Southern University, describing him as a "beam of light" during her hardest times. She quoted his advice, "if I can't reach something on tiptoe, just jump up and try it," crediting it with helping her achieve her dreams.
She also thanked him for his nightly conversations, for solving her problems, and for listening to her most sincere and unreserved confessions when she felt lonely and helpless. She concluded by reiterating, "I always thought you are my purest and most honest friend." As Zhou Linlin departed, Fang Yuke rushed to Xie Ruixi, asking about her whereabouts.
Xie Ruixi informed him she had left, then complained about the exhausting experience of being a "human pager" for thirty minutes of preparation for a conversation that only lasted "three minutes" but was filled with "super-challenging questions." He questioned Fang Yuke about his lie regarding a girlfriend and his sudden appearance. Fang Yuke reflected that he used to believe misunderstandings needed to be resolved systematically, one by one, starting from their high school past, before their relationship could progress.
Xie Ruixi countered that Zhou Linlin wasn't a math problem and their misunderstandings didn't require a step-by-step solution. Fang Yuke agreed, realizing that Zhou Linlin disliked being kept in the dark, and perhaps honesty was the only way forward. He vowed to find a method to explain everything to her.
Episode 5 Recap
Fang Yuke had very important things to tell Linlin, which he dreamt of finally confessing. In his dream, he showed her the exercise books filled with his annotations, including the one she found in the library, and reminded her of her message before the NCEE about meeting at Southern University.
He earnestly revealed his identity as Genius Yu, explaining that he had never left her but merely accompanied her in a different way, then apologized for the delay in telling her and asked for her forgiveness. However, Linlin's dream reaction was a skateboard swung at him, which jolted him awake. He found a Post-it note on his phone detailing his actual plan: "Confess to Zhou Linlin" at "Huanyue Road," with a sincere attitude and detailed steps.
He pondered why his dream self had been "hit" despite his meticulous preparations. Later, he learned about the upcoming Freshman Dance Party from his roommate, Da Zui. Da Zui, excited about his own anonymous online date for the party, enthusiastically shared his high hopes for finding a girlfriend before he turned twenty. Fang Yuke cautioned Da Zui about the unreliability of anonymous dating, warning of potential embarrassment if he met an acquaintance.
However, Da Zui found the anonymity thrilling, like a "blind box," and advised Fang Yuke to seize every opportunity when it arose. Meanwhile, in her dorm, Linlin was lost in thought when Zhu Li burst in, holding flowers and announcing the Freshman Dance Party and Fang Yuke's arrival. Linlin, however, was preoccupied with a peculiar thought: "Can a person behave quite differently online from what they are in reality?"
She mused that online, he seemed like "AI," but in person, he was like a "2G black-and-white screen" who even claimed to have a girlfriend. Zhu Li dismissed her concerns about online friends as unreliable and urged her to join the dance party for fun. Linlin found the idea of a dance party "old-fashioned," but Zhu Li insisted it was a university tradition.
Linlin initially planned to study with Wang Jie, but Wang Jie declared her intention to go to the party, viewing it as a strategic step to find a "potential husband" in line with her life schedule of falling in love in sophomore year and marrying after graduation. Linlin found Wang Jie's "rational" approach a little unnerving but eventually agreed to accompany them. Later, Fang Yuke asked Da Zui if he had a date for the Freshman Dance Party.
Da Zui, visibly embarrassed, quickly denied he was "that kind of person" when Fang Yuke predicted Da Zui and his anonymous online date might even "live in one room tonight." Fang Yuke smiled, and Da Zui then became animated, describing the romantic atmosphere of a dance party.
He then turned to Fang Yuke, advising him to tell Zhou Linlin anything he wanted to at the party, calling it a "marvelous opportunity," before happily leaving, holding a rose, for his own date. Back in their dorm, Zhu Li applied what she called the "latest nude look" makeup on Wang Jie and Linlin. Linlin, looking in the mirror, expressed doubt that there was "any difference," a sentiment echoed by Wang Jie.
Amusingly, both girls simultaneously exclaimed, "She's indeed our bestie," highlighting their shared skepticism. As they were about to take a photo, Fang Yuke sent Linlin a text asking what she was doing and if she would join him at the Freshman Dance Party. Recalling their previous awkward encounter, Linlin immediately refused and decided not to go with him, promptly heading out.
Elsewhere, Ye Ruting found Xie Duanxi and asked him to invite her to the Freshman Dance Party, emphasizing that she would wait for him in the auditorium. Xie Duanxi, a sophomore, explained he was busy with Students' Union work and might not be able to accompany her, but Ruting insisted, "be there or be square." Meanwhile, at the party entrance, Da Zui and Lao Ding, each holding a rose, unexpectedly encountered each other.
They were startled to then see Zhou Linlin also holding a rose, which briefly made them think she was their anonymous date. However, their fears were relieved when Zhu Li emerged, and Linlin handed the rose to her, revealing it was Zhu Li's. Inside, Wang Jie demonstrated her augmented reality app, which could estimate others' height and weight to help identify ideal partners.
She scanned Xie Duanxi, but Linlin intervened, explaining that Xie Duanxi already had a girlfriend and was her fellow townsman. Linlin then approached Xie Duanxi directly, asking him if he was Genius Yu, but he quickly evaded her question, stating he had work to do for the Students' Union, and left hurriedly. Confused, Da Zui and Lao Ding realized they hadn't found their anonymous dates.
They decided to send messages, only to discover, to their dismay, that they were each other's anonymous dates. They were frustrated with the forum for not specifying genders and vowed to confront the administrators for their "poor program," even threatening to write their own program to teach them a lesson.
At the dance, Linlin again tried to corner Xie Duanxi, pressing him with questions about the practice exams, still hoping to determine if he was Genius Yu, but he continued to deflect. Just then, Ye Ruting approached Linlin, claiming Xie Duanxi as her dance partner. Fang Yuke stepped in, declaring Zhou Linlin to be his dance partner and apologizing to her, "Sorry, I'm late."
Linlin thanked him for rescuing her from the awkward situation, but she still wasn't in the mood to dance. Fang Yuke had something important to tell her, but Linlin, still embarrassed by their previous "proposal" encounter, repeatedly cut him off, telling him not to bring it up again and asking him not to follow her. As Linlin stood near the stage, a flower ball from the ceiling began to fall directly above her.
Fang Yuke rushed to her aid, but Wen Tao, a freshman from the School of Economics and Management and a tennis champion, was quicker, leaping to catch Linlin just in time. Linlin recognized Wen Tao as the person who had helped her catch a thief in the past by kicking the thief with a tennis ball. She thanked him, but when he invited her to dance, she politely declined, stating she didn't want to dance tonight.
Wen Tao, however, was persistent. At that moment, Fang Yuke intervened once more, asserting that Linlin was his dance partner and, in a determined manner, pulled her onto the dance floor. According to the party rules, dancers were to exchange partners during the first dance, and Fang Yuke was briefly forced to swap partners with Wen Tao. Wen Tao, now with Fang Yuke as a partner, reminded Linlin about her skateboarding skills and his past encounter with her.
Fang Yuke tried to explain his story to Linlin while dancing, but she remained skeptical and impatient, telling him to "get to the point" rather than start from high school. Fang Yuke tried to counter Wen Tao's efforts to flirt with Linlin by stating that Linlin wasn't interested in tennis, but Wen Tao confidently declared he would make her interested.
Meanwhile, Ye Ruting danced with Xie Duanxi, openly confessing her feelings and implying a kiss, then asked him to give her his answer tomorrow in the greenhouse. Linlin, still hoping for answers, approached Xie Duanxi again, but he replied cryptically, "If you no longer believe that, does it still matter who Genius Yu is?" As the first dance ended, Fang Yuke quickly sought Linlin. He had tried to confess to her during the dance, but she was impatient.
Before Fang Yuke could find a quiet place to speak, Wen Tao seized the opportunity to make a public declaration. Facing Linlin, he stated, "Zhou Linlin, I fell in love with you at second sight. From this moment forward, I'll start to pursue you." Later that night, Fang Yuke's roommates observed him to be uncharacteristically serious.
Wen Tao and his two roommates confronted Fang Yuke, with Wen Tao taunting him for his inability to express his feelings to Linlin, claiming Fang Yuke was not worth competing with and that Linlin would never accept him. Fang Yuke's roommates, Da Zui and Lao Ding, stepped in to defend him. In response to Wen Tao's challenge of numerical superiority, Fang Yuke brought out his own two roommates, Chen Chen and Lin Ze, to stand with him. Despite the clear rivalry, Fang Yuke remained resolute, declaring his intention to "patch bugs" and "wipe out viruses" from his program, signaling his unwavering determination to win Linlin's heart.
Episode 6 Recap
On the rooftop of Building No. 7, surrounded by heart-shaped candles under the moonlight, Fang Yuke stood before Zhou Linlin. He was about to declare, "Linlin, I am Genius Yu," when Wen Tao dramatically appeared with fireworks, interrupting their moment of confession. Earlier that day, twelve hours before their rooftop meeting, Fang Yuke and Wen Tao both unexpectedly appeared in Zhou Linlin's first industrial design class, taught by Mr. Gu Xijue.
Zhu Li commented that Fang Yuke was clearly there to accompany Linlin. With no other available seats, Linlin found herself sitting next to Fang Yuke, who claimed an interest in design classes due to his second degree. Mr. Gu initiated the class by asking about the essence of design. When Wang Jie provided a standard, textbook answer that didn't satisfy him, Mr. Gu called on Zhou Linlin.
He gave her an alternative question, asking what kind of person Fang Yuke was. Linlin chose to answer the original question, articulating that design's essence lies in convenience, optimization, and being people-oriented, envisioning products as users' friends that accompany them, listen, and assist. Mr. Gu praised her insightful answer and asked about her favorite designer. Linlin named Philippe Starck, prompting Mr. Gu to mention a master class by Starck in Paris, encouraging her to apply if interested.
Shortly after, Wen Tao arrived, explaining he was taking the class as an elective. Zhu Li, feeling that it was her "sister's admirer," moved seats to allow Wen Tao to sit beside Linlin. Fang Yuke then explained he was there for his second degree, leading to Linlin teasing them about their reasons for attending her class.
For their first assignment, Mr. Gu tasked the students with designing cups within thirty minutes, emphasizing creativity over drawing skill, to assess their design thinking. Xie Ruixi, despite not being on duty, was seen watering flowers in the lab, anticipating his hosta flowers' bloom and looking out intently, while Ye Ruting contemplated adding him on WeChat from her dorm.
Back in class, Zhou Linlin's submission was exceptional, featuring six distinct cup designs with detailed schematics, a level of skill Mr. Gu deemed top-tier in the department. Fang Yuke, admitting he couldn't draw, presented a unique approach rooted in his expertise in computer UI design. He explained that considering usability and user experience for smartphones aligned with the people-oriented nature of industrial design, leading him to design cups as icons using basic geometric shapes. Mr. Gu praised his innovative perspective.
Conversely, Wen Tao's abstract design was deemed a "negative example" due to his lack of drawing skills. Mr. Gu then grouped Wen Tao with the highly capable Zhou Linlin, much to Fang Yuke's apparent displeasure. Later, the class was divided into groups of three for a semester-long project.
Fang Yuke, wanting to be in Linlin’s group, subtly bribed Wang Jie by offering to upgrade her social app for more precise screening, securing her agreement not to join Linlin's group, thus allowing him to join Linlin and Wen Tao. During lunch, the trio attempted to discuss their project, but Fang Yuke and Wen Tao engaged in a childish rivalry over Linlin, with Wen Tao placing carrots on her plate and Fang Yuke promptly removing them, insisting Linlin disliked them.
Annoyed by their antics, Linlin stated that they weren't there to discuss the project and left the dining hall, forbidding them from following. Fang Yuke and Wen Tao later sought her out in the library, both apologizing. Fang Yuke expressed regret for annoying her at lunch, while Wen Tao criticized Fang Yuke for being controlling and apologized for their argument. Linlin accepted their apologies but declined the food they brought, preferring to focus on their assignment.
Wen Tao then suggested a visit to a new, highly-rated horror escape room downtown for inspiration. Linlin initially declined, but upon hearing Fang Yuke, in an attempt to explain the difficulty of Starck's master class, utter the phrase, "If you can't reach it by tiptoeing, try jumping, then," she was taken aback. This familiar phrase, combined with previous hints like a matching IP address, solidified her realization that Fang Yuke was indeed Genius Yu.
With a newfound sense of clarity, Linlin urged Fang Yuke to admit his mistakes, prompting him to agree that new inspiration was needed before changing direction. When Wen Tao reiterated the escape room idea, Linlin, now aware of Fang Yuke's fear of ghosts, unexpectedly agreed to go immediately, which also led Fang Yuke to reluctantly agree to join. Preparations for the escape room began.
Fang Yuke, despite his fear of ghosts, was determined to go with Linlin and started researching the game's design to mitigate his anxiety. His roommate, Old Ding, offered to explain the game, which Fang Yuke accepted, preferring a player's insights over unsettling videos. Meanwhile, Zhu Li, having been informed by Linlin of Fang Yuke's deception, questioned why Linlin wouldn't directly confront him. Linlin explained her frustration with his secrecy and revealed his single weakness: a fear of ghosts.
Zhu Li, along with Wang Jie, agreed to help Linlin scare Fang Yuke. Fang Yuke's roommates, Old Ding and Big Mouth, also planned to assist Fang Yuke by creating opportunities for him and Linlin to be alone while trapping Wen Tao. At the escape room, Wen Tao declared his intent to protect Linlin, who playfully asked Fang Yuke if he was scared, offering him a chance to quit. Fang Yuke, however, insisted he was not afraid, and they all entered.
Inside, Zhu Li, attempting to scare others, ended up scaring herself and ruining her makeup. Wang Jie, ever the pragmatist, became engrossed in identifying flaws in the escape room's design and ended up discussing Morse code and game mechanics with the designer, leaving Linlin and Fang Yuke alone.
Linlin seized the moment to don a ghost mask and scare Fang Yuke, who initially fled in terror but then returned, expressing concern that she might be scared alone, an action that deeply touched Linlin. Afterward, Zhu Li emerged with ruined makeup, while Wang Jie received complimentary tickets for her keen eye in spotting game defects. Linlin and Fang Yuke then arranged to meet at 9:30 PM on the rooftop of Building No. 7 to talk.
Elsewhere, Ye Ruting returned to the dorms, giving gifts to her roommates. She directly asked Zhou Linlin about her relationship with Xie Ruixi, admitting her own feelings for him. Linlin clarified that she had no romantic interest in Xie Ruixi, reassuring Ye Ruting and strengthening their friendship as roommates. Xie Ruixi, having waited in the greenhouse all day, finally messaged Ye Ruting, asking if she was still coming.
Wang Jie overheard Linlin and Fang Yuke's conversation about their rooftop meeting and quickly informed Wen Tao, who, believing it to be a romantic date, recruited his friends to decorate the rooftop with heart-shaped candles and fireworks for a surprise confession of his own. Just as Fang Yuke arrived at the rooftop of Building No. 7, he saw the heart-shaped candles and mistook them for Linlin's romantic gesture, filling him with joy.
Zhou Linlin then appeared, and as Fang Yuke was about to confess his identity as Genius Yu, Wen Tao suddenly emerged with fireworks, creating a grand spectacle that effectively interrupted Fang Yuke's long-awaited confession. Meanwhile, in an earlier instance, Fang Yuke had visited his professor, Mr. Gu Xijue, who taught "The Principle of Microcomputer." Fang Yuke inquired if he could be excused from attending the regular classes, explaining he was pursuing a second degree.
To demonstrate his capability, he presented several assignments he had completed based on the previous semester's curriculum for the course. Impressed by Fang Yuke's clear thinking, Mr. Gu not only praised his work but also invited him to join the university's software development project.
Episode 7 Recap
On the rooftop, Fang Yuke finally confessed to Zhou Linlin, telling her, "I'm Genius Yu." However, Linlin calmly replied, "I already knew that." Just then, Wen Tao appeared, having misunderstood Linlin's intention to be alone on the roof. Linlin asked Wen Tao to step back, then urged Fang Yuke to continue. Fang Yuke admitted he had wanted to reveal his identity for a long time.
Wen Tao interjected, claiming it wouldn't change anything, prompting both Linlin and Fang Yuke to tell him to be quiet. Linlin confronted Fang Yuke, asking when he had actually planned to tell her. She recalled an instance when he had wanted to confess after hearing her discuss Genius Yu with Xie Ruixi, but she had left before he could.
Linlin pointed out he had missed numerous opportunities, including after the NCEE, when she found him but he let Xie Ruixi take the blame, and during their journeys to college. Fang Yuke explained that after the incident at the broadcasting studio, he struggled with how to approach her. Knowing she didn't want to see him, he chose to remain by her side using the persona of Genius Yu, believing it was the best way.
Linlin, however, expressed her dislike for being the last to know the truth, stating that if he truly respected her, he should have been honest from the start. With nothing more to say, she turned and left, Fang Yuke following closely behind. Meanwhile, after turning off the lights in the lab, Xie Ruixi found Ye Ruting waiting outside. He was pleased to see her, having assumed she was busy because she hadn't replied to his messages.
Ye Ruting asked if he felt disappointed when she didn't respond, urging him to answer with his heart. Xie Ruixi grew shy. He then led her to see a special plant that had flourished, and Ye Ruting naturally linked arms with him. Inside the dimly lit incubation room, Ye Ruting was surprised to see glowing mushrooms.
Xie Ruixi explained they were fluorescent fungi, commonly known as "Ant Street Lamps," which glow at night to attract insects and spread their spores, a strategy for reproduction. Ye Ruting remarked that his world was far more interesting than she had imagined and expressed a desire to learn about more of his unusual plants. Back in her dorm, Zhou Linlin’s roommates pressed her for her thoughts on Fang Yuke's confession.
Linlin admitted that if he were a stranger, his persistence would be touching, but their shared history made it difficult to forgive his repeated deceptions. Despite her feelings, Fang Yuke continued to send her messages, apologizing for keeping the truth from her. That night, Fang Yuke was restless, unable to sleep. Professor Chen called him, praising his recent assignments and offering him a school project related to his work, sending him the details to apply.
Fang Yuke added a reminder to his sticky note: "Apologize to Zhou Linlin." Later, Xie Ruixi walked Ye Ruting back to her dormitory. She mentioned having moved back to be closer to him, making him blush. They agreed to visit his collection again when the next batch of Hosta flowers bloomed. At the same time, Wen Tao, still confused by the complex relationship between Linlin and Fang Yuke, called his roommate for advice on Genius Yu’s identity.
His roommate, a fan of idol dramas, advised him to be patient, suggesting that "the worse the actress's history is, the better your chances are" and that Linlin needed to resolve her past with Fang Yuke before moving on. Wen Tao was convinced by this analogy. For the next few days, Linlin maintained her distance from Fang Yuke, who could only observe her from afar.
While studying in the library, she found herself moved by old chat records with Genius Yu, recalling their shared study sessions. In the dorm, her roommate inquired about her plans for the upcoming National Holiday, to which Linlin revealed she had bought a train ticket home for the afternoon of the 30th. Wang Jie, upon hearing this, promptly informed Fang Yuke. As Linlin boarded her train home, she was unsurprised to find Fang Yuke already on board.
Soon after, Wen Tao also appeared in their car, explaining that his junior tennis team had training in Yaodong, so he decided to accompany Linlin home. Wen Tao then accidentally spilled water on his bunk, rendering it unusable. Later that night, he snuck into Fang Yuke's bunk, forcing Fang Yuke to endure his presence to avoid upsetting Linlin. The next morning, Linlin asked if they had fought all night, to which Fang Yuke quickly replied they had slept well.
The two continued to bicker, vying for Linlin's attention, until Linlin's mother arrived at the station. Linlin's mother spotted Fang Yuke first, greeting him warmly and inviting him home for dinner, mentioning she had prepared many of his favorite dishes. Soon after, Linlin's father arrived and immediately took a liking to Wen Tao, the Junior tennis champion. He enthusiastically invited Wen Tao home, too, much to Linlin's mother's annoyance.
At home, Linlin's father continued to try and set up Linlin and Wen Tao, leading to a heated discussion with Linlin’s mother in the kitchen, where she instructed him to follow her lead. During dinner, Wen Tao presented Linlin's parents with tickets to his tennis match, which greatly pleased Linlin's father. Fang Yuke then offered to accompany Linlin's father fishing the next day, but he declined, insisting that Wen Tao join him instead.
Linlin's father then invited Wen Tao to stay overnight. Seeing this, Linlin's mother quickly claimed that Fang Yuke's mother, Hong Xia, was not home, and invited Fang Yuke to stay as well. Later that night, Linlin's mother had a phone call with Hong Xia, Fang Yuke's mother, to discuss the situation. They agreed that Linlin and Fang Yuke needed a chance to clear the air.
They decided to book a restaurant, with each mother bringing their child, and then stage an argument during dinner. The next day, Linlin’s mother successfully tricked Linlin into coming to the restaurant. As planned, once both Fang Yuke and Linlin arrived, the mothers began a loud argument, feigning anger over Linlin's father taking Wen Tao fishing, which quickly escalated to dredging up past grievances, including why Linlin had transferred schools years ago.
The argument quickly reached a crescendo, with accusations and old wounds surfacing, before the mothers dramatically stormed out, leaving Fang Yuke and Linlin alone. After the chaotic dinner, Fang Yuke sincerely apologized to Linlin and then took her back to their old high school. He explained everything, and Linlin confessed that Genius Yu had guided her through the most difficult time of her life, ultimately helping her gain admission to Southern University, for which she was profoundly grateful.
Fang Yuke apologized again for not being transparent with her. Linlin, finally forgiving him, asked him not to silently support her from the shadows anymore, but to stand openly by her side as they started anew. To symbolize their new beginning, she offered him a lemon candy, an echo of their past. They sat on the rooftop of their old high school for a long time, talking. When they eventually tried to leave, they found the doors locked.
Fang Yuke called Director Wang, their former school director, for help. Upon his arrival, Director Wang was surprised to see Linlin there. He then revealed to her that Fang Yuke had sacrificed his recommendation to Qing University years ago, all for her. This revelation triggered a flashback to their high school days: Fang Yuke had given young Linlin a "safety helmet" for her thumb, to protect it because she always read while walking.
He asked her about her future aspirations, and she confidently declared her dream of becoming a great designer like Philippe Starck, hoping to attend Southern University's industrial design program. Fang Yuke, teasingly, suggested he'd open a pancake stand at Southern University so he could audit classes and sell pancakes. He also mentioned his own dream of studying computer engineering at Qing University.
Linlin playfully scoffed at his pancake idea, but he assured her he would always be there for her, even joking that he could take her exams. Their shared dreams and lighthearted banter painted a picture of a deep, supportive friendship.
Episode 8 Recap
Zhou Linlin and Fang Yuke walked home together. Fang Yuke asked if she was still cold, to which she replied she wasn't, feeling better now that the wind had died down and she was wearing his jacket. Fang Yuke confirmed he wasn't cold either. He then inquired about her plans for the remaining holiday days. When she said she had no arrangements, Fang Yuke suggested they go to the beach, and Linlin readily agreed.
Elsewhere, Ye Ruting summoned Xie Duanxi to help her carry some items. On their way, they spotted a go-kart track. Ruting suggested they try it, even though Xie Duanxi admitted he had never played before. She insisted that there's a first time for everything and playfully declared she wouldn't go easy on him. They enjoyed several rounds, racing with the wind. Afterwards, Xie Duanxi asked why she wasn't going home for the holiday.
Ruting confessed she didn't want to leave while he was still at school and proposed they ride go-karts again tomorrow. Xie Duanxi then informed her he was leaving tomorrow for a field trip to the Haishan Forest Preservation Base in Yaodong for work. Ruting immediately claimed she was also going to Yaodong for a vacation with her roommates, carefully omitting that her real intention was to be with him. She even provocatively asked if he wanted her to accompany him.
The next morning, Linlin woke up to find Fang Yuke already waiting at her house, her mother having prepared everything for their trip. Linlin's mother then called her husband, asking him to keep Wen Tao occupied, as Linlin and Fang Yuke were heading to Haishan Resort to celebrate Linlin's birthday. Unbeknownst to her, Linlin's father had put the phone on speaker, allowing Wen Tao to overhear the conversation.
After hanging up, Linlin's father subtly prompted Wen Tao to attend to an urgent matter, sending him on his way. Shortly after, Zhu Li and Wang Jie arrived, explaining that Linlin had invited them along. Zhu Li, recently heartbroken after breaking up with "Blue Rose" because he complained about her appearance without makeup, was in need of a distraction, and Wang Jie couldn't bear another minute of her crying in the dorm.
Fang Yuke, who had planned a romantic getaway for just him and Linlin, could only politely agree, though he was visibly disheartened by the growing party. Upon arriving at the beach, Fang Yuke was surprised to see his own roommates, Old Ding and Da Zui, already there. They explained they had noticed Wen Tao's friends buying birthday celebration supplies that morning and, after some "thorough investigation," realized Wen Tao was planning a surprise birthday for Zhou Linlin.
They had followed them all the way to Haishan to help Fang Yuke. Soon enough, Wen Tao and his two friends, Lin Ze and Chen Chen, arrived, leading to a brief, tense exchange between the two rival groups before Linlin diffused the situation. Meanwhile, Ye Ruting and Xie Duanxi also arrived. Ruting tried to maintain her cover story by telling Xie Duanxi that her roommates would arrive tomorrow, but he pointed out that they were already setting up tents nearby.
Ruting quickly laughed it off, saying they had simply arrived early. Xie Duanxi accompanied her as she went to greet them. Linlin, understanding Ruting's predicament, helped her maintain the facade, while Ruting further elaborated that she preferred staying in an RV rather than a tent, implying it was due to her never having camped before and wanting more comfort.
Later, as Linlin and Fang Yuke chatted by the sea, he described a beautiful, distant beach where reef rocks connected into a natural path. Linlin, intrigued, wanted to go immediately. However, Wen Tao interrupted, inviting her to ride a water scooter, promising an exciting experience. Just then, Fang Yuke received an urgent call from Professor Chen, who had reviewed his project "declaration" and emailed him some revisions, asking him to resubmit it as soon as possible.
Reluctantly, Fang Yuke apologized to Linlin, explaining he had to return to his work but promised to be back in an hour at the latest. He left Linlin to ride the water scooter with Wen Tao. At the same time, Ye Ruting, in the privacy of her RV, directly confessed her feelings to Xie Duanxi, stating that the resort was merely a "staging post" and that her "goal is clear"—she wanted him to be her boyfriend.
Xie Duanxi, however, responded with a parable about a tree that uprooted itself to move across a river, only to find the new environment unsuitable and no strength to return. He explained that "every plant should grow in the suitable growing environment and climate," and he didn't want Ruting to endure such hardship. When Ruting, confused, asked what he meant, he simply apologized and left.
Back at the campsite, Fang Yuke worked diligently on his revisions inside his tent, casting glances at Linlin and Wen Tao enjoying themselves outside, which spurred him to work faster. Once he finished, he approached Linlin, suggesting they go to the distant beach. But his roommates and Wen Tao's friends, including Lin Ze and Chen Chen, suggested renting a yacht to go out on the sea for swimming, snorkeling, and photos, which Linlin also found appealing.
Despite Fang Yuke's desire for alone time with Linlin, everyone agreed, forcing him to join the larger group. He remained on the yacht as he couldn't swim, watching Linlin and Wen Tao's friends play in the water. After a while, he realized Linlin hadn't resurfaced with the others. Fearing she was in trouble, he impulsively jumped into the sea, forgetting he couldn't swim. His leg immediately cramped, leaving him struggling. Linlin, returning from a deep dive, spotted him.
Realizing he was in danger, she quickly swam to his aid and rescued him. Both Linlin and Fang Yuke were taken to the infirmary. Fang Yuke, having just swallowed some seawater, recovered quickly, but Linlin developed a cold from the sea breeze. While they were recuperating, Wen Tao and his friends were busy setting up an elaborate birthday celebration for Linlin with a "piano, cake, and red wine. . . flowers and lights," rehearsing a grand confession.
Meanwhile, Old Ding and Da Zui, concerned about Wen Tao's lavish plans, went to retrieve a cake Fang Yuke had already ordered. In their haste, they accidentally dropped and damaged it, leaving it crumpled and fleeing in panic. Fang Yuke, still in the infirmary, saw Linlin sleeping. He took the damaged cake and painstakingly re-decorated it himself.
He presented it to Linlin, who, upon seeing the unique design, realized it was similar to a cake she had received in high school and understood that he had also been "Genius Yu." Fang Yuke confirmed that he had given it to her aunt back then, fearing she wouldn't accept it directly. Linlin reflected on that high school birthday, which she had initially thought was her worst, but then recalled how "Genius Yu" had appeared and "brightened my life again."
She thanked Fang Yuke for celebrating her birthday and for "never leaving my life," while he promised to spend every future birthday with her. They shared the re-decorated cake, deepening their bond. Later, after Fang Yuke and Linlin had returned, Wen Tao's pre-arranged birthday celebration began, with everyone wishing Linlin a happy birthday. However, Linlin's heart was already filled with Fang Yuke's earlier, more personal gesture.
As the evening progressed, Fang Yuke and Linlin prepared to release Sky Lanterns together, making wishes. Wen Tao, in an attempt to disrupt their moment, invited Linlin to set off fireworks. Though Linlin and Fang Yuke continued with their lanterns, Wen Tao's friend, after being told "we don't have enough" lanterns for Wen Tao's group, decided to set off fireworks. Wen Tao then intentionally aimed his fireworks, causing Fang Yuke's Sky Lantern to explode in the sky. Wen Tao facetiously apologized, calling it "tit-for-tat fireworks" for Fang Yuke having saved him earlier. Fang Yuke's face turned green with anger.
Episode 9 Recap
Zhou Linlin played the guitar and sang, bringing their bonfire party to a satisfying close. Everyone sat around, with Fang Yuke gazing affectionately at Linlin, while Wang Jie appeared quite drunk. In her caravan, Ye Ruting was also intoxicated, singing loudly and out of tune, which drew a crowd and disturbed the campers. Zhou Linlin, hearing the ruckus, asked her friends to head back while she went to check on Ruting.
Inside the caravan, Zhou Linlin asked Ruting what was wrong. Ruting, weeping, confessed that Xie Duanxi had rejected her. He had described her as a "tree," saying a tree transplanted across a river would regret it. Confused, Linlin couldn't understand the metaphor. Ruting then declared vehemently, "No one can reject Ye Ruting!" Meanwhile, Wen Tao had strategically decided to sleep outside Fang Yuke's tent.
When Fang Yuke questioned him, Wen Tao explained he was "preventing trouble" in case Fang Yuke "did something in the middle of the night." Fang Yuke found this tactic childish. His roommates, however, were also keeping watch, believing that "on such a beautiful night, something great will happen." Zhou Linlin spent time comforting Ruting until her crying subsided.
Ruting, still upset about Xie Duanxi and feeling her makeup was smeared, didn't want to face Fang Yuke directly, but understood Fang Yuke might have insights into Xie Duanxi. Linlin offered to help by getting information from him. She sent a text to Fang Yuke, asking him to meet her at the seaside, as she had "something to tell" him. Fang Yuke immediately sat up, dressed, and rushed out, believing Linlin was about to confess her feelings.
When they met at the beach, Fang Yuke, ever thoughtful, brought a jacket for Linlin and suggested they talk where it wasn't as windy. Linlin, however, was resolute, stating, "Love can't wait." Mistaking her urgency, Fang Yuke tried to confess first, but Linlin stopped him, directly asking, "Do you know what kind of girl Xie Duanxi likes?" Fang Yuke was taken aback.
When Linlin claimed she was asking "for myself" rather than for Ruting, he grew angry, accused her of being out in the strong wind after an infusion, and turned to leave, telling her to go back. Back at the caravan, Linlin was surprised to find Ruting had already recovered. Ruting explained, "My sadness is time-bound."
She confidently asserted that Xie Duanxi would eventually fall for her, adding that to love someone, one must take action so the other person knows their feelings. She said she needed to learn more about him, as "Ye Ruting is never a girl who easily gives up." She thanked Linlin for gathering "information" late at night and gifted her a face mask.
Furious, Fang Yuke went to confront Xie Duanxi, demanding to know when he and Zhou Linlin started their relationship. Xie Duanxi, initially believing Fang Yuke was asking about him and Ruting, admitted they weren't officially together, but had shared "a little crush and a few surprising kisses." He added that Ruting had often visited him in the greenhouse, professed her love that day, and asked him to be her boyfriend, but he had rejected her.
Fang Yuke's anger intensified, but then he quickly realized Xie Duanxi was talking about Ruting. Xie Duanxi clarified that he had "nothing to do with Zhou Linlin," and only then did Fang Yuke finally understand Linlin’s earlier question. Meanwhile, Linlin and Ruting were applying their face masks. Linlin praised Ruting as "the bravest girl I've ever seen," especially surprised to learn Ruting cried, having always thought of her as an "ice queen."
Ruting, however, denied crying, insisting she was just watching a movie with a loud scene. She cautioned Linlin to keep this "movie" secret. Xie Duanxi then offered Fang Yuke advice, telling him that if he cared about Zhou Linlin so much, he should "directly tell her." Fang Yuke argued that their relationship wasn't at that stage yet, having just returned to being friends, and he didn't want to "scare her" by confessing.
He felt Linlin only saw him as a friend. Xie Duanxi countered that if Fang Yuke never expressed his feelings, Linlin would never know. He questioned whether continually "defending" against Wen Tao and avoiding direct action would yield results. Fang Yuke, who had loved Linlin for many years, wanted to make her fall for him step-by-step through his actions, and he was willing to wait. Xie Duanxi pressed him, asking, "What action have you taken? You've missed too many opportunities.
Why not start now?" This profound advice resonated with Fang Yuke, who immediately rushed out. At that moment, Zhou Linlin was also out on the beach, watching the sunrise. Fang Yuke found her, shouted, "Zhou Linlin, I like you," and then kissed her. Startled and shy, Linlin ran away. On their way back to school, Wen Tao, having woken to find Fang Yuke gone, discovered him kissing Zhou Linlin.
Later, Zhou Linlin dismissed the kiss as "just an accident between friends" that Fang Yuke should "forget immediately." Fang Yuke tried to discuss it further, but Wen Tao interrupted, reinforcing Linlin's words by stating it "was just an accident between good friends" that "doesn't mean anything." Despite this, Fang Yuke refused to give up, resolving to remain by Zhou Linlin's side.
Upon returning to Lingfeng Campus, Fang Yuke tried to continue their friendship as before, but Linlin consciously maintained a distance. For instance, when Linlin texted Fang Yuke to help her request leave for an evening class, he texted back, "That's not how you use a good friend. A gentleman's friendship is bland as water," indicating his growing frustration with the friend label.
To further his cause, Fang Yuke bought a Musang King durian for Zhou Linlin's roommates, telling them, "your good friends are his good friends, too," hoping to curry favor. When Fang Yuke was preoccupied in a meeting, Wen Tao seized the opportunity to invite Zhou Linlin to play tennis. He surprised her with "Happy Ball No. 3," declaring, "I'm your biggest source of happiness."
He even let her win a game, giving her a small "gold trophy" as a prize, and she happily agreed to treat him to dinner. Meanwhile, Fang Yuke's friends saw Zhou Linlin and Wen Tao together at the canteen and sent photos to Fang Yuke, who was in his meeting, completely distracting him. Fang Yuke, now determined, sent Zhou Linlin a flurry of messages, including a list of "100 things to do with good friends."
Annoyed by the constant notifications, Linlin muted him, texting back, "The world is quiet now," expressing her discomfort with his incessant messaging. Ye Ruting, upon returning to school, directly confronted Xie Duanxi about his "plant" metaphor. She asserted, "I'm not a tree or a plant. . . The environment where you are is the environment suitable for me." She then departed for class, playfully calling him "botanist."
One evening, as Zhou Linlin and Wen Tao finished dinner, it started raining heavily. Wen Tao rushed to buy an umbrella, even referring to Linlin as his "girlfriend" at the cashier out of urgency. However, Zhou Linlin, unwilling to wait, ran back to her dorm. Fang Yuke, having sensed the situation, intercepted Zhou Linlin in the rain. He embraced her, telling her, "If you don't want us to be good friends, perhaps we can try another relationship.
I no longer want the wordplay." When she tried to resist, he forcefully kissed her, declaring, "It's never an accident between good friends." In a flashback to high school, Zhou Linlin and Fang Yuke were at an ice cream shop. When Linlin inquired about a "second item half-price" offer for Peach Gem Ice Creams, the cashier, assuming they were a couple, remarked, "You two little lovers have been together for a while." Zhou Linlin quickly clarified, "We're not a couple.
We're good friends." Fang Yuke then, subtly hinting at his feelings, asked, "Can't good friends get the second one half-price?" before emphasizing, "We're good friends. Very, very good friends." Later, they were seen ordering big drumsticks and fries.
Episode 10 Recap
Zhou Linlin initially hesitated but then returned Fang Yuke's kiss, as the rain poured down. After the kiss, Fang Yuke earnestly declared, "I want to be your boyfriend." Zhou Linlin admitted she had never considered such a relationship, to which Fang Yuke playfully urged her, "Then start to think about it." She responded, "Are. . . Are you going to think in the rain?" They walked back to the dormitory.
Upon arrival, Zhou Linlin shyly thanked him for walking her back before quickly heading upstairs. Immediately after Zhou Linlin went inside, Wen Tao rushed over, visibly wet from the rain, and asked Fang Yuke if he had seen Linlin. Fang Yuke confirmed he had walked her back to her dorm and she had gone upstairs. Wen Tao then provocatively said, "Thank you for walking her back. However, I'll take care of such things from now on."
Fang Yuke retorted that Wen Tao needn't thank him on behalf of Linlin. Wen Tao defiantly replied, "You don't decide. We've got plenty of time. Let's keep competing," before Fang Yuke turned and walked away, ignoring his challenge. Inside her dormitory, Zhou Linlin was still in a daze. Her roommate, Zhu Li, immediately sensed something was amiss. When Zhou Linlin hesitantly asked Zhu Li a question, Zhu Li shrewdly guessed it was about Fang Yuke.
As Zhou Linlin subconsciously touched her lips, Zhu Li exclaimed, "They kissed!" Zhou Linlin, surprised, asked how she knew. Zhu Li explained her observation. Zhou Linlin claimed she "didn't feel a thing," but Zhu Li insisted this was impossible, explaining that a truly good kiss fills one with the other person's presence and leaves a sweet taste.
Zhou Linlin, embarrassed, tried to silence Zhu Li and questioned how she knew so much, to which Zhu Li responded with a hint of playful mystery. Fang Yuke's roommates had secretly taken photos of him kissing Zhou Linlin. When asked about them, Fang Yuke pretended to scold them for sneak-taking pictures, but then admitted the composition was "sexy" and "perfect" and continued to gaze at them with a wide smile, saving them to his phone.
One of Fang Yuke's friends then provocatively sent the kissing photos to Wen Tao's friend. Wen Tao's friend tried to comfort him about "just a kiss," which confused Wen Tao because he thought the photos were from the previous evening, while his friend alluded to a morning kiss, leading them to question how many times Fang Yuke and Linlin had kissed.
Deeply affected, Wen Tao decided to channel his emotions into intensive tennis practice, insisting his friends join him on the court, despite their exhaustion. His friend speculated that Wen Tao was adopting a "romantic film" approach to sadness, using physical exertion to dry his tears, while dismissing Fang Yuke as a mere supporting character in a daydream. The next morning, Fang Yuke brought Zhou Linlin breakfast, handing it to her personally downstairs.
Her roommates noted Fang Yuke's persistent affections, from the unexpected kiss to the thoughtful breakfast, discussing whether they should help Zhou Linlin or not. In the library, Fang Yuke was quick to assist Zhou Linlin in reaching a book too high for her. During class, he sat close to her, watching her intently, and even offered her a hand warmer when she appeared cold.
His focus on Zhou Linlin was so consuming that he didn't notice their teacher passing by, drawing a pointed remark from the teacher about him "waiting for user feedback" while Fang Yuke simply smiled blissfully. After class, Zhou Linlin's roommates, who learned from Zhou Linlin that Wen Tao was in confined training for an upcoming match, left for the dorm. Zhou Linlin stayed behind and called out to Fang Yuke, indicating she had something important to discuss.
She explained that she found it difficult to accept a good friend suddenly confessing feelings and kissing her. She felt their relationship had only just started to mend, and he was still the Fang Yuke she had grown up with, making the sudden shift "so abrupt" and hard to process. Fang Yuke asked if she wanted to revert to being just friends.
Zhou Linlin clarified that relationships weren't a game to simply go "forward or backward," and she needed time and space to think about their relationship. Fang Yuke smiled, reassuring her that he would wait for her answer, no matter what it was or how long it took. Zhou Linlin, reiterating her need for space, then left.
Ye Ruting sought out Xie Duanxi, but a teacher named Zhu Gong informed her that Xie Duanxi was interning at a plant base in Nanming County, Nanshan, and his return date was uncertain, suggesting she text him. Meanwhile, the school announced the closure of the design studio for renovation due to damaged equipment, prompting students to seek off-campus housing for their final projects.
Zhou Linlin found the local rents too high and suggested her roommates share an apartment to reduce costs. However, one roommate preferred to stay in the dorm, and Zhu Li stated she had her "own private life" to manage. Zhou Linlin then asked Ye Ruting to join them, but Ye Ruting revealed she had already completed her assignment, even having her drawings sent to a factory for manufacturing.
She announced her plan to head to the plant base the next day to find Xie Duanxi, dismissing concerns about the high cost and about wearing a dress to a plant base. Back at his dorm, Fang Yuke learned from his roommates that Zhu Li and Zhou Linlin were struggling to find affordable housing. Secretly, Fang Yuke rented an apartment himself.
He even enlisted Xie Duanxi, who returned briefly from his internship, to help move furniture and place plants for formaldehyde removal. Despite Xie Duanxi's complaint about being dragged back just for this, Fang Yuke insisted on helping him finish. Soon after, an agent contacted Zhou Linlin with an offer for an apartment in Xinyuan Residence for only 800 yuan, including utilities.
Skeptical, Zhou Linlin, accompanied by Zhu Li, insisted on viewing it immediately, catching the agent by surprise, who quickly alerted Fang Yuke to hide. The apartment was ideal, with natural light and an operating board already in place, but Zhou Linlin suspected something was amiss with such a low price, wondering aloud if it was a haunted house. During their inspection, Zhu Li unexpectedly found Fang Yuke hiding in a wardrobe.
Realizing the truth, Zhu Li, pretending to still be looking for flaws, enthusiastically convinced Zhou Linlin to sign the lease, emphasizing that it was an unmissable deal and reassuring her that there was nothing wrong with the contract. The agent then mentioned they could change the electric lock's password. Ye Ruting, in a red dress, arrived at the plant base in Nanming County, Nanshan, declaring "Xie Duanxi, here I am."
She was quickly confronted by a cow, which startled her and caused her to nearly fall, dropping her suitcase. Xie Duanxi appeared, catching her and offering to help retrieve her belongings, but Ye Ruting, trying to compose herself, insisted she could manage. However, another fright from the cow sent her belongings scattering, which Xie Duanxi found amusing. After settling into her room, Xie Duanxi asked if she needed anything.
Ye Ruting boldly replied, "I need you to be my boyfriend," which visibly flustered him, prompting him to offer to wash her clothes before making a hasty exit. Later, Ye Ruting lamented the loss of her cosmetics and the two-day wait for a new delivery, worried about the dry climate. That night, Xie Duanxi appeared outside her window, bringing her local skincare products, explaining they were used by locals to combat the strong winds.
Ye Ruting teasingly asked if this was "care from a boyfriend," to which Xie Duanxi simply replied, "Good night." The next morning, Ye Ruting was pleased with the products' effectiveness, admiring herself in the mirror. That night, Zhou Linlin moved into her new apartment, still pondering if it was a haunted house. Hearing sounds inside, she cautiously investigated with her skateboard, only to discover Fang Yuke showering in what she thought was "her" apartment.
Shocked, she yelled at him, "What a freak! Why are you having a bath in my apartment?" Fang Yuke, who was stuck in the bathroom and couldn't open the door, eventually asked her to pass him a towel. After he was clothed, Zhou Linlin fled the apartment, but a moment later, realized it was "her" apartment and returned, only to find that Fang Yuke lived right next door.
Later, as both lay awake, a text message from Wen Tao reminded Zhou Linlin to attend his tennis match the next day. The next morning, as Zhou Linlin prepared to leave for Wen Tao's tennis match, she was startled to see Fang Yuke also exiting his apartment, making her feel awkward. She directly asked him, "Why did you use Z as your passcode?" referring to his apartment's electric lock.
He responded that it was "the initial of your name," a revelation that brought a shy smile to her face. He prompted her to hurry, as she would be late for the match, and revealed that Wen Tao had also invited him. Meanwhile, at the match, Wen Tao's friends debated whether he was the leading or supporting character, with some initially expressing doubt about his performance against veteran player Cheng Ke.
Indeed, Wen Tao's initial excitement at seeing Zhou Linlin quickly waned upon noticing Fang Yuke's presence, causing him to lose some initial points and games. However, he soon regained his focus and staged a dramatic comeback, ultimately winning the championship. During his post-match interview, Wen Tao publicly confessed his deep feelings for Zhou Linlin, hoping she would attend all his future games to cheer him on and witness his victories.
Later, Fang Yuke showed Zhou Linlin a new white backpack his mother had bought him, noting it hadn't been set with a password. Zhou Linlin then suggested "he" set its passcode to "Z," the initial of her family name. Fang Yuke playfully asked if "her" own apartment password was "F" for Fang, which she denied.
Upon successfully unlocking her "own apartment door" with "Z," she realized her apartment password was the same as the one she suggested for his backpack, and playfully quipped, "So, you share my family name? Zhou Yuke."
Episode 11 Recap
Wen Tao publicly confessed his feelings for Zhou Linlin at a tennis match. He declared that he used to think tennis was the most important thing in his life, but that changed after he met her. He expressed his wish for her to root for him in every future game and share every moment of glory with him. Some onlookers commented that this was typical of Tao's style, a "shameless manipulation of public opinion."
Fang Yuke, unable to listen further, intervened and confronted Wen Tao. He questioned whether Wen Tao had considered Linlin's feelings, pointing out that while Wen Tao got what he wanted by having everyone witness his affection, it was merely a burden for Linlin. After hearing this and seeing Linlin's expression, Wen Tao embraced Fang Yuke, causing the crowd to mistakenly chant for "them" to get together.
Wen Tao then asserted to Fang Yuke that nothing could stop him from liking Linlin. After the match, Zhou Linlin found Wen Tao packing his belongings. She offered him a drink, complimenting him on his great game and congratulating him on his championship win. She also thanked him for his "non-aggression" during their previous interaction, implying he didn't use the public platform further against her. Wen Tao acknowledged his mistake, admitting he hadn't considered her feelings during the public confession.
Linlin, knowing what he intended to say, firmly stated that she could not accept his romantic feelings. She added that she would understand if he felt it was best for them not to interact anymore. Wen Tao, though visibly disappointed, managed a smile and asked if they could still be friends. Linlin agreed, on the condition of a "pure friendship."
Wen Tao then urged her to go rest, offering to treat her to a meal in a few days, to which Linlin, smiling, replied, "My treat," before departing. After her conversation with Wen Tao, Zhou Linlin left with her roommates, not noticing Fang Yuke waiting for her. He watched them go, a small smile playing on his lips. Meanwhile, Ye Ruting was on an outing where she had a comical encounter with a group of geese.
They chased her, causing her to jump onto Xie Duanxi for safety. Xie Duanxi found her fright endearing and advised her, "The next time you run into critters, try not to talk to them." When Ruting asked why he was smiling, he teasingly replied, "No, the geese are funny." He also inquired if the outfit he'd lent her was comfortable, to which she responded it looked pretty good, and he proudly stated that he could pull off any style.
Back at the dorm, Wen Tao's roommate pondered the series of elaborate attempts Wen Tao had made to pursue Zhou Linlin, from helping her catch a thief, to falling in love at first sight at the ball, accompanying her to class, going fishing with her dad, rooftop encounters, escape room dates, birthday parties, and finally confessing at his moment of victory, concluding, "Tao got every step right. What could be the reason?
Could it be that Zhou Linlin is not the right one for Tao?" Wen Tao, however, was unfazed and doing push-ups. When asked why he wasn't worried, he calmly stated that being friends was good because at least Linlin wouldn't hate him for his confession, and as long as he remained by her side, he would still have a chance. His roommate expressed admiration for his strong "self-regulation ability."
Later, as Zhou Linlin worked on her design homework and Fang Yuke was busy coding, both simultaneously went to their respective balconies with cups of water. Noticing the rain, they each reached out a hand to feel it, only to discover each other on their balconies. Linlin, surprised, quickly retreated indoors.
That evening, Ye Ruting posted on social media about "the correct way to talk to animals," accompanied by a picture of food, prompting Xie Duanxi to recall her earlier fear and gently smile before liking her post. While Zhou Linlin was focused on her homework, a sudden power outage plunged her room into darkness. Fang Yuke, having just stepped out of the shower, immediately called out for her. He tried her door but it wouldn't open.
He then tried from his side and entered, suggesting their apartments were connected. He speculated that a circuit breaker might have tripped. Noticing his wet hair, Linlin quickly retrieved a towel for him, advising him to take it, "I'm afraid you'd get a shock" if he touched the switch while wet. As they discussed the situation, they realized they were both coincidentally wearing identical hoodies, each jokingly asking, "Did your mom buy it?"
Fang Yuke then realized that his own apartment was also without power, concluding that the main power switch outside must be broken. However, when they attempted to leave to investigate, the door wouldn't budge. He determined that the electronic lock's core was likely broken, requiring a spare key. Unfortunately, Fang Yuke didn't have his phone to contact the building manager, so Linlin had to call the agent instead.
The agent informed her that it was too late in the evening and they would have to wait until the landlord could be reached. Searching for a light source, they found a candle on the workbench. As Fang Yuke stood up from squatting to light it, he accidentally kissed Zhou Linlin. He quickly apologized, saying, "It wasn't on purpose," to which Linlin replied, "No, it's okay." They settled down to chat, using the candlelight.
Linlin showed Fang Yuke her semi-finished final project, a design piece, asking if he could tell what it was, but he couldn't. He admitted his own final project was stuck in the drawing stage due to his poor artistic skills. Linlin playfully offered, "Do you need your older sister to give you some extra lessons?" leading to a lighthearted debate over who was older, with Linlin asserting, "I'm two months older than you. Of course, I'm the older sister.
Well, bite me." They then passed the time drawing each other. When Fang Yuke revealed his drawing of Linlin, she exclaimed, "What is it? Big Mouth?" and insisted, "It's your self-portrait! It looks just like you!" leading to a playful struggle over the notebook. The next morning, they were awakened by a knock. When Linlin opened the door, she was surprised to find Wen Tao.
He explained that his mother, the landlord, had asked him to open the door, then noticed the two of them and asked, "Did you two spend the night here?" Linlin quickly clarified that the circuit breaker had tripped the previous day, and Fang Yuke, who had come to help, got locked in with her. Wen Tao then provocatively thanked Fang Yuke "for taking care of Linlin for me," which Fang Yuke curtly dismissed, asking, "Who are you to thank me?"
A repairman soon arrived, fixed the door and the power, and advised them to avoid using high-power electrical appliances. Afterward, Wen Tao invited Linlin to breakfast to calm her nerves, which she accepted. He asked why she had moved out of her dorm. Linlin explained that her school studio was broken, and she needed a place to catch up on her homework, noting the coincidence that he was the landlord.
Wen Tao mentioned the agent told him the tenant was a boy and he was surprised to find it was her, suggesting the agent made a mistake. He then asked if she needed anything for the house, but Linlin expressed satisfaction, particularly with the workbench. Wen Tao offered to waive her rent, but Linlin insisted on paying the agreed-upon 800 yuan.
When Wen Tao suggested she could tutor him in English to offset the rent, Linlin reiterated, "I can help you anytime, but I'll still pay the rent," humorously adding, "It's not a speech contest," referring to his earlier desire to improve English for competitions. Fang Yuke then subtly intervened by placing a large helping of carrots, which Wen Tao disliked, onto Wen Tao's plate. Wen Tao protested, but Fang Yuke defended it as nutritious.
Wen Tao, frustrated, asked, "Fang Yuke, are you done?" and then mockingly suggested, "Why don't you become a stand-up comedian since you have such a smooth tongue?" Wen Tao then excused himself to the restroom. During Wen Tao's absence, Fang Yuke confronted him, saying "You rented the apartment." Wen Tao, admitting he knew this secret, gloated, "So touching. Too bad you can't let Linlin know." Fang Yuke calmly responded, "She doesn't need to know."
Wen Tao continued to provoke, saying, "Although I'm moved, you still have to pay the rent. Don't you like being a nice guy? The rent goes up 800 next month." Fang Yuke, determined, simply replied, "For the sake of Linlin, I will pay you." Upon Linlin's return, Wen Tao quickly said, "I asked Fang to feel free to eat. It's my treat today."
He then asked Linlin when she would be free to tutor him in English, and she agreed to meet at 2 PM that afternoon. The next afternoon, Wen Tao showed up at Zhou Linlin's apartment, intending to get an English lesson from her. Fang Yuke, seemingly anticipating this, tried to block him at the door.
Wen Tao declared his purpose, and Fang Yuke, revealing he knew about Wen Tao's good high school English competition scores by even referencing his report card, sarcastically questioned why he needed lessons. Wen Tao brushed him off, saying he was studious and Linlin was willing to teach him. When Linlin opened the door, Wen Tao greeted her as "Miss Zhou" and announced he was there for his English lesson.
Linlin, however, suggested, "Well, since he's also here, just let him teach you. He taught me all my English before." Fang Yuke, in turn, subtly tried to deter Wen Tao by questioning if he, a busy student pursuing two degrees, would even have time for homework. Linlin then asked Wen Tao directly if he would do the homework, and he agreed. Once Linlin left them to it, Fang Yuke presented Wen Tao with a hefty book titled "10,000 Test Questions."
He explained it would help him master grammar quickly, covering all exam knowledge and promising "amazing progress." Wen Tao was taken aback by the sheer volume, wondering if Fang Yuke was trying to mess with him, calling it "the sea of questions tactic" and noting it was unlike Fang Yuke's usual style. Fang Yuke calmly stated he taught students "according to their aptitude."
Linlin, returning to their conversation, supported Fang Yuke, saying he was "very experienced in examinations" and Wen Tao "must do as he says." Wen Tao, though disgruntled, conceded, "Linlin, you're always right. Okay, Mr. Fang. I'll do it." He even offered to do the homework right there, claiming he had no classes and could get answers directly. Fang Yuke then cleverly suggested they go to his apartment for pens, effectively separating Wen Tao from Linlin.
Later, Wen Tao was advised by his roommate to take his English studies seriously if he didn't want to fail, mentioning the overwhelming amount of exercises. His roommate then informed him about an upcoming swimming test for the School of Design, where Zhou Linlin would be participating. Wen Tao, seeing an opportunity, decided to attend. He also recalled that the school was recruiting lifeguards, and his roommate offered to check with contacts at the natatorium for him.
At the swimming test, Fang Yuke accompanied Zhou Linlin, who arrived with her friends, including Zhu Li looking "gorgeous." To everyone's surprise, Wen Tao was now working as a lifeguard. He immediately blocked Fang Yuke from entering, sternly stating, "It's a test for girls! Boys are not allowed to be here!" Linlin, surprised, called his name. Wen Tao responded with a polite "Good afternoon, Linlin. Good luck to you."
As Fang Yuke stood by the entrance, observing Linlin, Wen Tao repeatedly blew his whistle at him. Mr. Zhang, the new basketball teacher appointed to supervise the test, intervened, reminding Wen Tao that a lifeguard's whistle is for danger, not for preventing non-swimmers from watching. Wen Tao tried to justify his actions by claiming he had saved Fang Yuke before and was being proactive. The teacher dismissed his excuse.
Unable to use his whistle, Wen Tao resorted to glaring at Fang Yuke, who remained focused on Linlin. Suddenly, Fang Yuke noticed Linlin in distress and immediately plunged into the water to rescue her. Realizing Linlin was in danger, Wen Tao also quickly jumped in. Zhou Linlin was quickly pulled from the water and attended to by medical staff. Her lower right abdomen showed significant tenderness, leading them to suspect acute appendicitis and conclude that she needed immediate hospitalization.
When an ambulance was called, they were informed it would take 30 minutes to arrive due to rush hour traffic, a delay deemed too long. Fang Yuke and Wen Tao carefully helped her change out of her wet clothes to prevent her from catching a cold, then rushed her into a waiting taxi. Wen Tao, anticipating traffic, sped ahead on his motorbike.
As their taxi encountered severe traffic congestion, Fang Yuke, feeling helpless, asked the driver if there was an alternative route, but was told all routes were jammed. Wen Tao skillfully maneuvered through the traffic, speaking to drivers one by one, asking them to move their cars because his friend was sick and needed to get to the hospital urgently. This helped clear a path for the taxi. However, as they neared the hospital, the taxi was again blocked.
Realizing time was critical, Fang Yuke decided they couldn't wait. He carefully picked up Zhou Linlin and began running towards the hospital, but halfway there, they were unexpectedly hit by a car.
Episode 12 Recap
Wen Tao arrived on his motorcycle to find Linlin and Fang Yuke lying on the ground after a car accident. The driver, more concerned about his vehicle than their injuries, accused them of rushing out suddenly and wanted compensation. Wen Tao immediately stepped in, telling the driver he would handle the situation and urging Fang Yuke to take Linlin to the hospital. Fang Yuke, holding a pale Linlin, quickly carried her away.
At the hospital, Linlin was rushed into the emergency room. Fang Yuke anxiously asked the nurses about her condition, neglecting his own severe injuries. Wen Tao advised him to get treatment, promising to inform him immediately once Linlin woke up. Reluctantly, Fang Yuke went to get his wounds dressed. A doctor soon informed Wen Tao that Linlin likely had kidney stones, but they were small and could be passed naturally.
After receiving IV fluids and anti-inflammatory medication, she would recover, with the advice to drink plenty of water and do more jumping, including jump rope, to aid expulsion. Wen Tao went to check on Linlin, who had just woken up. Her first question was, "Where is Fang Yuke?" Wen Tao, visibly disappointed, told her to lie still and that he would go check on Fang Yuke.
He then found Fang Yuke, who had just finished getting his arm bandaged, and relayed Linlin's condition, even giving him a cup for Linlin to drink more water. Witnessing Fang Yuke and Linlin's mutual concern, Wen Tao decided to leave. As Fang Yuke was talking to Linlin, reassuring her about his hand, he suddenly collapsed, causing Linlin to cry out in distress.
A doctor explained to a worried Linlin that Fang Yuke had a mild concussion from the car accident and needed to stay overnight for observation. Linlin asked about his care, and the doctor informed her that he might experience dizziness and headaches for three to five days, but these symptoms would subside. The primary concern was his injured arm, which had sustained severe damage due to excessive stretching, originally just an ordinary fracture.
Linlin watched Fang Yuke with a pained heart, grateful for his selflessness in rescuing her from the pool and rushing her to the hospital. Later that evening, Linlin and Fang Yuke's roommates arrived at the hospital, peeking into the room before going to speak with the doctor, feeling like "mistresses" intruding on a private moment. Linlin stayed by Fang Yuke's bedside all night, gently stroking his hand and silently thanking him.
Fang Yuke awoke to find Linlin asleep next to him, tenderly brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. In another room, Ye Ruting was battling mosquitoes, frustrated that she couldn't hang her mosquito net properly and was covered in bites. Xie Ruixi arrived to help, commenting on how late it was and asking if she missed him.
He noticed her struggle with the mosquito net, which she described as "ill-designed," and offered to hang it for her, telling her to "sit here" while he worked. Once it was securely tucked in to prevent mosquitoes from entering, he prepared to leave. Ye Ruting wanted to see him out, but he told her to stay inside. After he left, a relieved Ye Ruting thanked "little mosquito" (referring to Xie Ruixi). The next morning, Linlin and Fang Yuke were discharged.
Linlin carefully attended to Fang Yuke, even opening the car door for him. Fang Yuke thanked her for her care the previous night, but Linlin felt he wouldn't have been injured if it weren't for her. He told her to get some sleep, promising to wake her when they arrived home.
Upon returning to their apartment, Fang Yuke suggested ordering takeout for their meal, but Linlin, quoting "Ms. Chen Pingping" that "takeouts will never be as healthy as the food we make ourselves," insisted they cook together. To their surprise, their roommates had decorated the apartment with a "Welcome Back" banner and a care schedule, promising to take turns looking after Fang Yuke. Lao Ding, in his enthusiasm, accidentally grabbed Fang Yuke's injured arm.
Linlin quickly intervened, pulling Zhu Li aside and telling her to take everyone away, stating that she and Fang Yuke needed to talk privately. Zhu Li, initially confused, quickly understood that "Linlin needs some space." She then took charge, gathering the others by claiming there was an "important meeting at school" that required their attendance. When Lao Ding protested about his wasted schedule, Zhu Li forcefully told him to leave, threatening him with the schedule.
As Linlin and Fang Yuke began to remove the decorations, Linlin, standing on a chair, nearly fell, but Fang Yuke caught her. Their eyes met, and he leaned in as if to kiss her, but Zhu Li burst back in, claiming she forgot her bag, interrupting their moment. Embarrassed, Linlin told Fang Yuke she wouldn't help him with the rest and that she would go cook some porridge and return later.
While Linlin was in the kitchen, Wen Tao arrived, ostensibly to congratulate Fang Yuke on his discharge. Linlin, still unwell, was preparing porridge for Fang Yuke. Wen Tao expressed concern about Linlin, asking why she was taking care of Fang Yuke while still sick.
He explained his visit as "returning the favor" to "Mr. Fang" for helping him with English, and even brought two bags of jump ropes for Linlin, saying the doctor advised her to use them to help pass her kidney stone. He then tried to quickly serve Fang Yuke some porridge. Fang Yuke noticed Linlin had burned her hand, but she downplayed it.
Fang Yuke immediately took her hand to apply medicine, but Wen Tao quickly returned with a bowl of porridge, interrupting them. Wen Tao then declared that he would take care of Fang Yuke in the coming days, even snatching tasks from Linlin to prevent Fang Yuke from receiving her care. This left Fang Yuke no opportunity to speak with Linlin directly, so he messaged her, inviting her to jump rope at 11 PM.
However, Wen Tao lingered until past 11 PM, refusing to leave. When Fang Yuke hinted he should go, Wen Tao casually revealed he had a sleeping bag and intended to stay the night, having arranged for Lin Ze to drop it off. Fang Yuke, frustrated, had no response. Linlin, waiting in her room, decided to check on Fang Yuke when he didn't come for their planned rope-jumping session.
She emerged from her room to find Wen Tao trying to help Fang Yuke unzip his jacket, creating an awkward situation. Fang Yuke told Wen Tao not to move, but Wen Tao insisted, stating he wouldn't be comfortable sleeping with his clothes on and trying to pull the zipper. Fang Yuke warned him not to come closer, but Wen Tao ignored him, claiming he was just helping with the stuck zipper, pulling at Fang Yuke's jacket as Linlin watched.
Episode 13 Recap
Linlin entered Fang Yuke's room to ask about breakfast and stumbled upon an awkward scene with him and Wen Tao. Fang Yuke quickly tried to explain that his hand was stuck in his zipper, attempting to show her, but his hand suddenly came free, making the situation even more embarrassing. Linlin, flustered, asked about breakfast, only for Wen Tao to reveal he had already ordered it for tomorrow, inviting her to join them.
Linlin initially claimed she had already eaten, then quickly corrected herself, saying she wouldn't need to order if they had it covered. Before leaving, she awkwardly advised them to keep their door closed next time, as she had entered because it was open. Back in her own room, she felt utterly mortified. That night, Fang Yuke messaged her, telling her to rest well and offering to do rope skipping with her the next day.
Linlin laughed aloud upon hearing his voice message, while Fang Yuke, recalling her cute embarrassment, almost dropped his phone. Meanwhile, during a heavy downpour, Ruting rushed out of her room. Xie Duanxi, concerned for her safety, followed her, urging her to return indoors as it was dangerous. However, Ruting was determined to protect her tomato seedling from the rain.
She rejected Xie Duanxi's suggestion to replant if it was lost, explaining she had made a wish upon it and it "must" blossom without any issues. After securing the seedling, she told Xie Duanxi that the plants were the fruits of his hard work and she wouldn't let them be harmed. She then playfully instructed him to carry her so she could pull down the rain tarp. Once they were back inside, Xie Duanxi gently dried her hair.
As Ruting leaned in for a kiss, he became nervous and abruptly retreated, immediately going to his room to take a shower. Later, Ruting received a phone call from her father, who inquired about her decision regarding studying in Germany, to which she simply smiled. The next morning, Wen Tao informed Linlin that his coach had called him back for urgent training. He handed her a list of nutritionist-approved foods, advising her to mind her diet to prevent further pain.
He promised to return immediately after training and urged her to call him if she felt unwell. Linlin, in turn, told him to hurry before his coach got angry, cheering him on as he left. Shortly after, Xie Duanxi went to Ruting's room, only to be told by a classmate that she had left before dawn, likely returning home. He called her, expressing his surprise that she hadn't informed him.
Ruting then revealed she was flying to Germany at 5 PM that afternoon. Xie Duanxi, alarmed, pressed her for details about her trip, asking why she was going and when she would return. Ruting, secretly delighted by his concern, playfully asked why he cared. Xie Duanxi, finding an excuse, mentioned that her little seedling would blossom soon. Ruting simply told him to send her a photo if it did, then hung up.
Seeing no other option, Xie Duanxi grabbed his luggage and rushed out. Linlin, still thinking about Fang Yuke, wondered if he was awake and what to bring him. Just then, Fang Yuke messaged her, asking if she was up. She hurried to his room and, to ease his discomfort, drew "does not ache or itch" on his arm and gently scratched his back when he complained of an itch. She then realized he couldn't manage showering on his own.
She called his roommates for help, but they were all busy with end-of-semester assignments and experiments. With no one else available, Linlin reluctantly offered to help Fang Yuke bathe, despite his initial protest. She carefully scrubbed his back, raising her hand higher when he requested it. After a while, she left him a towel and waited outside.
Hearing a noise, she worried he had fallen and rushed back in, only to find him naked, clutching the shower curtain to cover himself. Fang Yuke sheepishly explained his shampoo had fallen before she burst in. At the airport, Ruting waited, confident Xie Duanxi would come. She even counted down from five, but when she turned, he wasn't there. Confused, she was then embraced from behind by Xie Duanxi.
He revealed he had bought a ticket for the same flight to Germany, declaring his intention to stay with her for a month, three months, or even indefinitely if she decided to remain there. He confessed his love, explaining he couldn't wait for her tomato plant to blossom as a sign. Apologizing for his less passionate expression of love, he placed her hand over his heart, telling her it had already quietly blossomed.
They shared a passionate kiss, and he promised to express his feelings more fully from that day on. As they headed to security, Ruting stopped him, confessing she hadn't actually bought a ticket. Xie Duanxi, unfazed, simply said he wouldn't blame her, to which Ruting playfully asserted her position as his girlfriend, daring him to. Later, Fang Yuke was engrossed in coding when Linlin entered, apologizing for walking in without knocking as he hadn't answered.
He explained he hadn't heard her. Linlin expressed concern for his injured arm, asking if he should take a leave. Fang Yuke insisted he needed to catch up on missed classes and prepare for discussions with his tutor. Linlin, observing his struggle, offered to help him by typing as he dictated. Their coding session turned into playful banter, with Linlin accidentally crashing his computer. Fang Yuke initially suggested they get dinner, but Linlin, determined, insisted on fixing the computer first.
They eventually managed to restart it and continued working. The next morning, Professor Chen arrived at Fang Yuke's dorm, insistent on seeing him, despite his roommates' attempts to stall him. Linlin, waking Fang Yuke, panicked, worried about how to explain her presence. Fang Yuke bought them time, claiming he was naked. Linlin quickly donned a hat and mask, pretending to be a cleaner.
Professor Chen, however, grew suspicious and even asked for her contact information for cleaning services at his own home. Fang Yuke finally confessed her identity, and Linlin apologized for the misunderstanding. Professor Chen then revealed the purpose of his visit: to offer Fang Yuke a place in the prestigious year-long "827 project," a list on which Fang Yuke's name was included. Concerned about Fang Yuke's commitment to his second degree, Professor Chen asked him to consider it carefully.
Fang Yuke initially hesitated, not wanting to abandon his second degree. Linlin, however, encouraged him, emphasizing the rare opportunity and assuring him they would have plenty of time together, and she could even tutor him in industrial design. Reminded of his unwavering determination, Fang Yuke called Professor Chen, accepting the project. Afterward, Linlin returned to her dorm, where her friends were discussing the competitive Starck Master Class, noting that only one spot in Asia would be available next year.
Ruting then made a celebratory return, declaring her countryside trip a "super success" and distributing gifts. She hinted at her newfound happiness in love, wishing her friends similar success. Her friends quickly deduced she was now in a relationship with Xie Duanxi. Ruting then inquired about Linlin's progress with Fang Yuke.
Linlin, claiming there was no progress, was surprised when Ruting revealed that Fang Yuke had rushed to Xie Duanxi's house, fearing Xie Duanxi would steal Linlin away, and confessed his love and desire to pursue her. Linlin's friends pressed her to admit her feelings for Fang Yuke, and she finally confessed to having "different feelings" for him. Her friends, overjoyed, declared it a "big success" and demanded a celebratory meal from Fang Yuke after their exams.
Later, a classmate informed Linlin that their design projects had been rejected by Mr. Gu for lack of practicality. Remembering Fang Yuke's difficulties showering, Linlin was inspired to design an "automatic bath brush." She proudly presented her design, detailing its innovative features: four types of bristles for different body parts, three power levels for diverse cleaning needs, and a simplified operation for people with physical disabilities.
She explained that she designed it for a friend who was injured and had trouble bathing. Mr. Gu, impressed, suggested Fang Yuke test the brush and provide user feedback, acknowledging his current injury. Fang Yuke waited for Linlin after class, observing the "does not ache or itch" drawing still on his arm. When Linlin emerged with her large brush model, Fang Yuke playfully thanked her for designing it for her "good friend."
Linlin jokingly denied it was exclusively for him, citing Mr. Gu's request for user feedback. Their playful exchange was interrupted by Linlin's friends, who had been waiting to eavesdrop. They playfully "borrowed" Linlin from Fang Yuke for the night, and he agreed, asking her to inform him when she got home. Meanwhile, Wen Tao's coach furiously confronted him for not submitting his application for the French competition, stressing the approaching deadline.
Wen Tao tried to defer, but his coach demanded immediate submission, stating nothing was more important than the match. Wen Tao, still hesitant, was silenced by his coach. Later, Linlin's roommates discovered she had been admitted to the Starck Master Class in France. They celebrated, excitedly noting that Wen Tao could now go to France with her. Upon hearing the news, Wen Tao immediately searched for his application form to submit it.
Linlin discussed the admission offer with Fang Yuke, who acknowledged the inherent dilemma between love and career. With only five days to decide, Fang Yuke advised her to think deeply before making such a personal decision. That night, Fang Yuke found himself struggling with his homework, his mind preoccupied with Linlin.
He admitted that looking at her peacefully sleeping made his "mind go blank and slow down," playfully asking her to forgive him and consider it a small perk of his broken arm.
Episode 14 Recap
Zhou Linlin decided to tell Fang Yuke about her plans to study in France during a hotpot dinner at her house the following day, having already sent him an invitation. Zhu Li decided to invite Lao Ding and Big Mouth, while Wang Jie also announced her intention to invite Lin Ze and Chen Chen, a remark that Zhu Li seemed to notice. Meanwhile, Lao Ding and Big Mouth were at the supermarket, speculating about Zhou Linlin's sudden invitation.
They were convinced she and Fang Yuke were about to formalize their relationship, recalling how close they seemed during Professor Chen's previous visit. Overjoyed at the thought, they celebrated no longer having to witness the antics of the PE students and even bought a large quantity of walnuts, sarcastically suggesting they were for the PE students to "boost their brains." Simultaneously, Lin Ze and Chen Chen were also shopping.
They were discussing Zhou Linlin's upcoming trip to France with Wen Tao, assuming the two were embarking on a sweet romance. They knew Zhou Linlin deeply admired Starck and would not miss this opportunity. The two groups then coincidentally encountered each other, leading to an argument during which Lao Ding and Big Mouth discovered that Zhou Linlin was indeed going to France with Wen Tao, leaving them feeling sorry for Fang Yuke.
Back at home, Zhou Linlin admitted to her friends that she hadn't yet figured out how to tell Fang Yuke. She simply wanted to gauge his reaction, believing that a larger group would ease the awkwardness. She resolved that if Fang Yuke asked her to stay, she would forgo her cherished dream of studying under Starck.
Zhu Li playfully bet that if Fang Yuke didn't try to keep her, she would stop calling herself a "goddess," a title Wang Jie pointed out she had self-proclaimed anyway. Deep down, Zhou Linlin already knew her heart's desire. That evening, at the hotpot dinner, Zhou Linlin announced her acceptance into Starck's Master Class and her impending move to France. Fang Yuke, although already aware, still managed to force a toast. Linlin watched him, but he remained expressionless.
Wen Tao then stood up to congratulate her, also announcing his own departure to France. Fang Yuke fell silent. Zhou Linlin then purposefully asked to drink with Fang Yuke alone, thanking him for his past encouragement, hoping to elicit a deeper response. He rose, congratulated her, acknowledging her long preparation for this dream, and they drank together. Next, Ruting and Xie Duanxi shared their news: they were officially a couple.
Ruting recounted how she had told Xie Duanxi she was going to Germany, and he, without hesitation, rushed to the airport, bought a ticket, and declared he would accompany her whether she stayed or left. Fang Yuke seemed to understand the implied message but still offered no words to persuade Zhou Linlin to stay. Later, as Wen Tao became inebriated, Zhou Linlin approached Fang Yuke. " I'm going to Paris soon," she said, "don't you have anything to tell me?"
Fang Yuke calmly responded that he supported her decision. Linlin pressed him, asking if he shouldn't try to keep her. He explained that he knew Starck was her idol and that he supported her pursuit of her dreams before turning and leaving. Zhou Linlin felt a profound sadness about her departure, and her friends expressed their disapproval of Fang Yuke's actions. Ruting, however, suspected Fang Yuke's behavior was not as simple as it seemed.
She called Xie Duanxi, entrusting him with a "difficult yet glorious mission" to discover Fang Yuke's true feelings. Xie Duanxi confronted Fang Yuke, intentionally leaving his phone line open so Zhou Linlin could overhear. Fang Yuke confessed that he could not bear to make Linlin sacrifice her hard-won opportunity at the master class for him. He explained that her studies in France would only last a year, Starck was her greatest idol, and he would always be there for her.
Overhearing his sincere words, Zhou Linlin was deeply moved to tears. Once Xie Duanxi ended the call, Linlin, now overflowing with happiness, resolved to find Fang Yuke and confess her feelings. An opportune moment arose when they were alone in a train compartment on their journey home. Despite the perfect setting, Zhou Linlin found herself unable to speak the words. To fill the awkward silence, she initiated some hesitant small talk.
Soon after, she received a message about a class reunion and, seizing the chance, invited Fang Yuke to join, but he politely declined, citing holiday family obligations. Feeling increasingly embarrassed and still unable to confess, she sought advice from her friends via text message. Encouraged by their counsel, Zhou Linlin mustered all her courage and bravely declared to Fang Yuke, "Let me get to the point, I adore you! Shall we get in a relationship though it's late?"
However, Fang Yuke had put on his headphones, missing her heartfelt declaration, leaving her bold attempt unfulfilled. At the train station, she tried again to speak to him, but her parents arrived to pick her up, interrupting her attempt. Another opportunity slipped away. She then planned to confess during dinner, only to discover that Fang Yuke's family was visiting relatives, leaving her without a chance. That night, Zhou Linlin waited for Fang Yuke's room light to illuminate.
When it did, she rushed outside and threw pebbles at his window. To her surprise, Fang's father opened the window, and she accidentally blurted out "I like you," which he asked her to repeat, making her quickly backtrack. The next morning, Zhou Linlin was summoned to a class reunion. Expecting to see Fang Yuke there, she was disappointed when he didn't show.
However, she learned from other classmates that Fang Yuke had harbored a secret affection for her for a long time and had even meticulously collected numerous photos of her. This revelation intensified her desire to see him, but he was still at his relatives' home, forcing her to wait impatiently until the New Year. Finally, Fang Yuke returned. Zhou Linlin, eager to meet him, quickly retrieved some rice cakes from her mother to take to his house.
However, due to road repairs near her building, she had to take a detour over the bridge, unknowingly passing Fang Yuke, who was simultaneously on his way to find her. Upon hearing he had gone to her place, she initially wanted to rush back, but Fang Yuke's mother, Mrs. Hong Xia, persuaded her to wait in Fang Yuke's room instead.
Inside his room, Zhou Linlin discovered a personal "Zhou Linlin Museum" – a treasure trove filled with items related to her, meticulously collected by Fang Yuke, each piece a testament to his deep affection. Overwhelmed with emotion, she immediately ran out to find him, her desire to confess more urgent than ever. She finally caught up with him on the bridge. She embraced him tightly, and as fireworks lit up the sky, she finally confessed her love.
She realized that Fang Yuke loved her more deeply than she had ever imagined and was profoundly touched by his careful preservation of their shared memories. In that moment, she also recognized that, without even realizing it, she had quietly fallen in love with him long ago. Fang Yuke, in turn, reaffirmed his love, promising to always be with her.
Episode 15 Recap
Fang Yuke walked Zhou Linlin home, lingering at her door. He reached for her hand, but their moment was interrupted when Aunt Meng, Linlin's mother, came out. Undeterred, Fang Yuke gently warmed Linlin's ears before they exchanged goodnights. Inside, Linlin was beaming with happiness and shyness. A moment later, Fang Yuke called her, telling her to "look out the window." He was standing across the street.
Linlin playfully turned off her room lights, using a desk lamp to cast shadows on the window for them to interact. Their playful phone call continued with them coyly trying to get the other to hang up first, until Linlin's mother overheard and intervened, telling her to "hang up" without being so "coy." After the call, Fang Yuke sent a message saying, "Let's go on a date tomorrow," to which Linlin happily replied, "Okay."
The next morning, Linlin eagerly knocked on Fang Yuke's door. He quickly excused himself to get ready, greeting her warmly with, "Good morning." Fang Yuke asked, "Where are we going?" to which Linlin responded she didn't know, then playfully asked if he missed her. Fang Yuke simply urged, "Let's just go." They started their date by watching a movie. In the cinema, Linlin was busy eating popcorn.
Fang Yuke repeatedly tried to hold her hand, but Linlin, misunderstanding his intention, offered him some popcorn, saying, "Do you want popcorn?" He responded, "Just eat the popcorn," before finally holding her hand, eventually asking, "Can you stop doing it?" referring to her eating, as he just wanted to hold her hand.
Later, while having lunch, Fang Yuke looked at a list of "100 Things Couples Should Do Together," noting that they had already done "most of the things on your list" even before they were officially a couple. Linlin found these typical couple activities "too normal" and "nothing fun." She then proposed, "Well, how about we do something that most couples won't do?"
Fang Yuke later fed her ice cream, marking it as "the first time your boyfriend feeds you ice cream in person." Following Linlin's suggestion for unusual activities, they went to play paintball. Zhou Linlin, dressed in the combat uniform, impressed Fang Yuke. He momentarily got lost in a fantasy of embracing and kissing her, only to be brought back to reality when Linlin called his name, asking, "What are you doing?"
Fang Yuke apologized, and when Linlin suggested he should "feel better" after she playfully shot him, he proposed, "Then let's go play for real?" Linlin eagerly agreed, "Okay. I'm not afraid." However, their game quickly devolved into a playful fight, with Fang Yuke asking, "What are you doing? You said you wanted to play for real. Don't get mad. It's just a game. How could I be mad?"
before Linlin shot him, causing her to apologize, "Sorry, I was too serious about it." Fang Yuke, after getting hit in the eye, remarked, "No wonder couples don't play paintball together," and Linlin responded, "But you can dodge at least." He then clarified, "I tried. You shot too accurately." Concerned, Linlin asked, "Does it still hurt?" and when he affirmed, she offered, "Let me give you more eye drops."
During the application, Fang Yuke claimed he needed "more medicine," which turned out to be a kiss from Linlin, after which he declared he felt "much better." Later that evening, as they walked, Linlin confessed, "Sorry. You didn't ask me to stay. I thought. . ." Fang Yuke reassured her, stating, "I know how important this is to you. I don't want you to have any regrets."
Linlin, now understanding his true feelings, replied, "Now I know that you'll always be there." She then asked him about her flight, "Have you booked the flight?" Fang Yuke confirmed that Linlin would "leave this Sunday." Realizing their time together was short, Linlin remarked, "We only have a few days left," and proposed to Fang Yuke, "Let's enjoy the countdown." He readily agreed, "Okay. That's it."
For their countdown romance, Zhou Linlin and Fang Yuke went cycling and took photos on a grassy field. Fang Yuke, after taking a selfie, set it as his phone wallpaper, making Linlin exclaim, "Are you nuts?" to which he replied, "I'm so pretty." As they rode, Fang Yuke's bike got a flat tire, and it began to rain. Linlin, observing, "I think it's raining," prompted Fang Yuke to confirm, "Really?" Zhou Linlin then suggested, "Let's go. Leave the bike there!"
and they hurried to a convenience store under a bridge, with Fang Yuke riding Linlin on her bicycle. While sheltering, Linlin noticed Fang Yuke looking at a special application on his phone. He explained, "Everything about Zhou Linlin is in this application." As Linlin read through the "List of Missed Events," she realized how many experiences, such as her "sixteenth birthday" or "going home with Zhou Linlin 634 times," they had missed.
She lamented, "In this case, there are a lot of things we haven't done," which Fang Yuke confirmed, saying, "Everything we've missed in the last two years is in it." Inspired, Linlin declared, "I know what to do. Come home with me when the rain stops. I know how to make it up to you." Back at her house, Linlin had Fang Yuke try on her old high school uniform, remarking, "It fits you.
You wear it just right," as she had bought a larger size for herself. Fang Yuke, intrigued, asked, "Is this how you are going to make it up to me?" and "Do you do cosplay?" Linlin explained, "To put it simply, it's role-playing." She also changed into a uniform, and they enacted a first meeting. As Fang Yuke tried to "go to the bathroom and change my clothes," Linlin stopped him, insisting, "This is my love letter.
Will you accept it?" When he refused, she playfully tickled him until he conceded, "All right! I will! I will." Still, Linlin felt "there's something missing" from the atmosphere and suggested, "How about we go back to school tomorrow?" Fang Yuke asked, "Wearing this?" and she confirmed, "Yeah." The next day, still in their school uniforms, Zhou Linlin and Fang Yuke returned to their high school, determined to "make up for the time we've missed."
Fang Yuke, slightly hesitant, asked, "Are you sure you want to do this?" Linlin, guiding him to a hidden entrance, exclaimed, "Great. It's still here!" Fang Yuke, surprised by the secret passage, wondered, "Why would there be such a place?" Linlin teasingly replied, "You buried your head in books every day. Of course you didn't know. Hurry. Watch your head," as they squeezed through. They were almost immediately spotted by a teacher who demanded, "What are you two doing?
Why aren't you in class?" Linlin quickly shouted, "Run!" and they fled, Fang Yuke noting, "He didn't catch up. We don't have to go this far." They eventually reached the Broadcasting Studio, a place Linlin remembered as having "bad memories." Fang Yuke, initially reluctant, said, "Let's not go in there. There are only bad memories about it," but Linlin insisted, "Then I'll turn those bad memories into beautiful ones. Come with me."
Inside, Linlin remarked, "It's exactly the same as it was three years ago. Nothing has changed." She recalled, "Do you remember the day I was taken away? You were standing right here that day. I was reading a love letter to you when the director rushed in and took me out." Fang Yuke, however, had a different memory. " Why was that day three years ago not like this in my memories?" he asked.
After Linlin insisted, "That was the case. I remember it all," Fang Yuke revealed the truth: "At that time, I was standing right here with a letter in my hand, practicing over and over again, not knowing how to confess my love to the girl I like. I brought the letter with me." Linlin then understood, "So, you were gonna read me a love letter."
Fang Yuke elaborated on his past feelings, "You used to write love letters to me for other people at that time. I saw those words, I couldn't help but want to tell you, Zhou Linlin, the person I like is you. I wanted to show you my heart. So, here is the belated love letter." Linlin replied, "I don't think it's belated. It's the perfect time for you to read it to me now."
He then read the heartfelt letter, expressing his admiration for her spirit and mischievousness, and how she burst into his world, making him realize, "this is called a crush. This is love. Zhou Linlin, I like you." Just as he finished reading and they shared a kiss, the director and a complaining teacher burst in. The teacher accused them of "late for school, skipped classes, and held hands. They even came to the Broadcasting Studio to kiss.
Who do you think you are? Zhou Linlin and Fang Yuke?" The director, recognizing Fang Yuke and Zhou Linlin, warmly asked, "Didn't you say you were just friends the last time I saw you on the roof?" Fang Yuke smoothly replied, "Friends cleared the misunderstanding and became boyfriend and girlfriend. Thank you, sir." The director, delighted, affectionately called Fang Yuke a "boy" and invited them to catch up in his office, completely ignoring the complaining teacher's initial grievance.
Meanwhile, Xie Duanxi and Ruting were on a date at Ruting's house when her parents and relatives unexpectedly returned home due to a canceled flight, creating an awkward situation. Ruting had not yet revealed her relationship to her parents, asking Xie Duanxi not to introduce himself as her boyfriend. Instead, he presented himself as "Xi at Home," a chef from a popular app Ruting mentioned, explaining he was there for home cooking.
After Xie Duanxi prepared the meal, Ruting's father, who was suspicious, insisted he stay for dinner. This led Ruting to finally confess her relationship with Xie Duanxi. Her father, upset that Xie Duanxi hadn't been honest earlier, questioned him, prompting Ruting to explain why she had prevented him from speaking.
Ruting's father then accused his daughter of being capricious and not serious about the relationship, but Xie Duanxi countered this, describing Ruting as a determined and steadfast person who changed him and taught him how to express love. He affirmed his seriousness for Ruting, and Ruting herself spoke up, acknowledging her past immaturity and crediting Xie Duanxi with teaching her that "love is something you should make efforts to get. It's about perseverance, about going all out.
You have to pay something to get something." She concluded by asking her father to trust that both she and Xie Duanxi were truly serious about each other. Her father, appearing satisfied, approved their relationship. Zhou Linlin and Fang Yuke continued their countdown romance, making up for missed moments, even revisiting Southern University where Fang Yuke admitted he used to pretend to read "Chinese National Geography" just to watch her.
Linlin noticed the difference in their relationship, remarking, "This is our first time sitting here as a couple. I feel there are a lot of things we haven't done." She wished, "I wish time could stop at this moment forever," to which Fang Yuke lovingly responded, "I'll always be there." Finally, the day of Zhou Linlin's departure arrived. At the airport entrance, she stopped Fang Yuke, saying, "Just stay here.
The more time we spend together, the more I don't want to leave you." Fang Yuke, wanting to cherish the last moments, replied, "I want to watch you a little longer." Linlin then presented him with a gift: "Wearing these glasses, you will be able to use eye drops on your own without asking for help," reminding him to take care of himself. Fang Yuke promised, "I will eat well and sleep well. Take care of yourself.
I'll wait for you." Just then, Wen Tao and his friends appeared. Wen Tao announced, "Linlin, we are on the same flight." When asked by a friend why they transferred from Nanshan to Qingyu just to fly with her to France, Wen Tao replied that "This flight suits me the best in terms of time." Fang Yuke, with a hint of warning, told Wen Tao, "Just don't cause Zhou Linlin any trouble."
As Linlin prepared to board with Wen Tao, overcome with emotion, she turned back to embrace Fang Yuke, saying, "I don't want to leave you." He replied, "I don't want you to leave, too," and they shared a lingering farewell kiss. Wen Tao and his friends watched, with one of his friends questioning, "Why does the main actress tangle with the supporting role?" Wen Tao tried to dismiss it as "just a farewell between friends" and "It's okay. It's nothing."
Episode 16 Recap
In February 2019, Zhou Linlin arrived in Paris with Wen Tao. While video calling Fang Yuke, Linlin checked out an apartment, expressing her delight at being able to see the Eiffel Tower from the window. However, the agent suddenly demanded double the agreed-upon rent. Wen Tao, present at the viewing, offered to pay the increased rent for Linlin.
From China, Fang Yuke quickly found the actual rental information online, discovering the real landlord was French and the rent was indeed 1,000 euros a month. He forwarded the details to Linlin and emailed the landlord, exposing the agent's scam. The agent was forced to leave, and Linlin secured the apartment at the fair price. Afterwards, Linlin asked Wen Tao to leave so she could rest, despite his offer to help clean up.
She then confessed to Fang Yuke that she already regretted not packing him in her suitcase and bringing him along, as she missed him terribly. Fang Yuke reassured her that a year would pass quickly, and they would reunite after she completed her master class and he finished his project.
The next day, Linlin received a bouquet of flowers from Fang Yuke, with a note wishing her good luck with her first class and signed "Your Fang who loves you," a gesture she found sweet if a bit cheesy. She lovingly arranged the flowers, placing a photo of them together nearby. As Linlin began her master class in design, taught by Starck, half a year passed.
Zhu Li voiced how empty she felt without Linlin in their dorm, calling the space incomplete. She also championed the botanical garden as an ideal dating spot for its photo opportunities, endless conversation starters with various plants, and affordable entrance fee. Inspired, Ruting surprised Xie Duanxi by suggesting they go to the botanical garden that weekend, despite having turned him down many times before.
During their date, Ruting wanted Xie Duanxi to photograph her, but he became distracted by an ailing leaf, diagnosing it with rust disease and engaging staff in a discussion about plant health. Ruting was exasperated, declaring she never thought she'd compete with a leaf for her attention. Later, when she expressed her fondness for roses, Xie Duanxi corrected her, explaining the botanical differences between roses and Chinese roses.
Ruting, frustrated that he focused on academics rather than her feelings, became angry. After the date, Ruting returned to her dorm and asked her roommates to help her think of a place where "not a single blade of grass grows." Xie Duanxi, bewildered by Ruting's anger, sought advice from Fang Yuke. Fang Yuke, while talking to Xie Duanxi in person, was interrupted by a call from Linlin.
He advised Xie Duanxi that since roses had caused the argument, he should use roses to apologize. After the call, Fang Yuke and Linlin maintained their long-distance relationship through regular video calls, even sharing the same type of drink from the supermarket, feeling close despite the miles. Xie Duanxi then visited Ruting, offering her a jar of rose sauce.
He told her she didn't need to distinguish between roses and Chinese roses, only that the gesture should be sweet, which brought a smile to Ruting's face. When Ruting declared she was cold, Xie Duanxi, despite the warm weather, promptly draped his coat over her shoulders. Ruting then hugged him, affirming that this was indeed the correct answer and that he now knew how to make it up to her next time.
One night, Fang Yuke's alarm went off at 3 AM so he could call Linlin, waking his roommates who playfully complained about his changed schedule since Linlin went abroad. Wen Tao frequently visited Linlin, bringing her food and trying to be helpful. When Linlin mentioned a leaky pipe, Fang Yuke advised her to wrap it with cloth and scheduled a plumber.
Later, Wen Tao noticed the leaky pipe and confidently offered to fix it himself, only to worsen the leak and cause a flood. Fortunately, the plumber Fang Yuke had already scheduled arrived and quickly resolved the issue. During a subsequent video call with Linlin, Fang Yuke saw Wen Tao still in her apartment, sparking his jealousy. His friends in China, witnessing his distress over Wen Tao's presence in Linlin's life, decided to rally behind him.
Two of his friends joined the 827 project, even locking up their video games as a sign of commitment, to help Fang Yuke finish faster so he could visit Linlin. Fang Yuke echoed their sentiment, vowing to complete the project as soon as possible to fly to France. Linlin and Wen Tao were preparing to cook when Fang Yuke surprised her by ordering takeout for her, declaring the surprise was on its way.
Linlin received the takeout, which Wen Tao sniffed at, calling unhealthy. He continued to insist they cook, despite Linlin being amused by Fang Yuke's gesture. During a video call, Linlin mentioned her upcoming birthday and offered Fang Yuke three wishes. For his first wish, he wished for her health, happiness, and for her to eat well. For his second wish, he wished he could finish his studies and return to her soon.
For the third wish, he said he yearned for an "Anywhere Door" to be with her anytime, anywhere. He confidently told her the project was going well and didn't need wishes for it. Fang Yuke eventually completed the preliminary phase of the 827 project. When he went to Professor Chen, hoping to ask for leave, he was instead introduced to Manager Wang, who praised the software and asked Fang Yuke's team to immediately plan for the beta testing phase.
Fang Yuke silently accepted the new work, his hopes of visiting Linlin dashed. He apologized to Linlin over the phone, explaining his travel was delayed indefinitely. Linlin, understanding, reassured him she could take care of herself and urged him to focus on his work, promising to video call him to celebrate her birthday. That night, as Linlin walked home, two men accosted her, demanding her phone so she couldn't call the police.
Fang Yuke called her, but her phone had been stolen, so she couldn't answer. Just as the men cornered her, Wen Tao arrived, carrying a birthday cake he intended as a surprise. Seeing Linlin in danger, he immediately confronted the men, fighting them off. Linlin seized the opportunity to retrieve her phone and call the police. As the police sirens grew closer, the attackers fled, but not before one of them stabbed Wen Tao. Linlin frantically tried to stop the bleeding, crying for help as Wen Tao, losing consciousness, managed to whisper, "Happy birthday, Linlin."
Episode 17 Recap
Linlin sobbed uncontrollably outside the operation room, terrified after Wen Tao was stabbed while protecting her from a group of gangsters. She answered a call from Fang Yuke, crying that Wen Tao was in the operation room and had been for a while, having bled profusely. Fang Yuke, worried and somewhat panicked, tried to calm her down, assuring her they would wait for Wen Tao to come out.
Shortly after, the doctor emerged and informed Linlin that Wen Tao was lucky to have been brought in quickly. His wound, near the belly button, was deep but protected by the omentum, so no internal organs were damaged. The wound had been stitched, and although his left calf sustained some soft tissue injury, a CT report showed it wasn't severe, requiring only rest. Linlin, concerned about Wen Tao's future as an athlete, asked if this would impact his career.
The doctor replied that it would depend on his recovery. Relieved, Linlin finally relaxed, while Fang Yuke began searching for flight tickets. As Linlin gently wiped Wen Tao’s forehead in his hospital room, his roommates rushed in. Linlin explained that Wen Tao was still unconscious after surgery but out of danger.
His roommates expressed their frustration, noting that Wen Tao had painstakingly arranged this day off for Linlin's birthday, only for such an accident to happen, likely delaying his upcoming match. Linlin learned the match was scheduled for three days later. She insisted on staying to care for Wen Tao herself, despite the hospital's one-caretaker policy and her friends' offer to help, stating it was her responsibility. Later, as Linlin poured water, Wen Tao awoke.
She immediately asked about his discomfort, offering to call a doctor, but Wen Tao only wanted her by his side. Moved to tears, Linlin thanked him, but told him he didn't need to do so much for her. Wen Tao responded that his feelings for her had never changed, and even though he knew her answer, it didn't matter. He explained that just as she couldn't fall in love with him, his love for her was equally unchangeable.
He simply asked her to visit him often and not to be overly sad or moved. Back home, Linlin found a birthday cake and takeout food at her door. She lit candles, made a wish, and thought about sending a message to Fang Yuke expressing how much she wished he was with her, but decided against it. She then ate the lemon candy from the cake.
That evening, Linlin brought Wen Tao some noodles, which had clumped together, but he insisted they were the best he’d ever eaten. After returning home and messaging Fang Yuke that she had arrived and was tired, Linlin was surprised by a knock at her door. It was Fang Yuke. Overwhelmed with surprise and emotion, she hugged him tightly, crying and asking why he took so long, confessing how scared and helpless she had felt.
Fang Yuke held her, reassuring her that he was there now and she had nothing to fear. The next day, Linlin arrived at the hospital with food for Wen Tao, who had assumed she wouldn't come. She explained a delay in sending an email to her tutor. Wen Tao commented that the noodles were much tastier than last time, prompting Linlin to reveal they were made by Fang Yuke, who then walked in. Wen Tao was visibly disappointed.
Fang Yuke suggested Linlin go to her classes, assuring her he would take care of Wen Tao. He thanked Wen Tao for saving Linlin, promising to look after him on her behalf, even bringing an array of soups, food, and fruit. Wen Tao, wary of Fang Yuke’s sudden kindness, expressed his fear, even flinching when Fang Yuke offered him a peeled mandarin, suspecting it might be poisoned.
Linlin later returned to find Wen Tao agitated, claiming Fang Yuke was trying to "torture" him. Wen Tao suggested Fang Yuke, being a top student, might be committing "high-IQ crime," perhaps by putting laxatives in his food. Linlin tried to reassure him but decided to talk to Fang Yuke outside. She asked him why he was suddenly so kind to Wen Tao.
Fang Yuke explained his deep gratitude, stating that if Wen Tao hadn't intervened, Linlin would have been hurt, an outcome he couldn't bear. He was genuinely committed to caring for Wen Tao until his full recovery. Linlin thanked him, and Fang Yuke, noting her jet lag, sent her home to rest, promising to convey her good intentions to Wen Tao. For about half a month, Fang Yuke diligently cared for Wen Tao, who continued to be uncomfortable with his presence.
Fang Yuke even brought in a professional, experienced caregiver who specialized in athletes, but Wen Tao refused his help. When Linlin visited, Wen Tao exaggerated his recovery, trying to convince her he was well enough to be discharged and avoid Fang Yuke. Linlin, however, reiterated the importance of a full recovery for an athlete, citing the "100 days for bone injury" proverb and emphasizing that rushing recovery could impact his career.
Fang Yuke reassured Linlin that Wen Tao had recently undergone a full check-up and his health indicators were excellent. As Fang Yuke prepared to leave for China, Linlin expressed her sadness at their impending separation. Fang Yuke, making dinner, asked Linlin to call Wen Tao to check if he was back in his dorm. Wen Tao, eager to show he was fine, lied, claiming he was already at the training ground, actively practicing.
He boasted about being a genius tennis player and his responsibilities to the team. Linlin, reassured by his supposed recovery, enjoyed a shared meal with Fang Yuke from a single plate. Wen Tao, meanwhile, confided in his roommates, realizing that despite his efforts, Linlin was happiest with Fang Yuke. He reflected that he had tried his best to be there for Linlin, but Fang Yuke's presence made her truly happy. He then resolved to be happy if Linlin was happy.
Later, when Fang Yuke departed, Linlin, unable to bear watching him leave, hid under her covers, promising they would reunite soon and never part again. Fang Yuke reciprocated the sentiment. The next day, as Linlin attended a sketching class, she messaged Fang Yuke, asking if he had arrived at the airport. To her surprise, Fang Yuke suddenly appeared in her classroom, introduced by the professor as the model for the day's lesson to understand human anatomy.
Overjoyed, Linlin learned that Fang Yuke had applied for an extension with his professor, allowing him to stay longer and work on his projects online, on the condition that he would be her exclusive model every day. Eventually, Linlin returned to China and was warmly welcomed by her roommates. They eagerly inquired about her relationship with Fang Yuke, discovering she had cut short her master class (referred to as "Stark") to return for him.
Fang Yuke's friends also pressed him for details about his experiences with Linlin, particularly on intimacy, but he playfully deflected, initially urging them to focus on their studies, then jokingly admitting he would make time for dating amidst his work.
On January 21, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic worsened, Linlin's mother called, advising her not to come home for Chinese New Year, but to stay at school with Fang Yuke and stock up on masks, as their community was under strict lockdown. Linlin immediately called Fang Yuke, who was queuing for masks. Just then, the school announced a lockdown starting at 6 PM. Linlin urged Fang Yuke to return quickly.
He managed to buy masks and made it back to campus by jumping over a barrier just as the gates closed at 6 PM, ensuring they would spend the lockdown together. Even amidst the serious situation, Fang Yuke's playful nature surfaced as he teasingly interrupted Linlin's studies with his antics.
Episode 18 Recap
On January 22, 2020, as the campus began its lockdown due to the emerging epidemic, students were instructed to return to their dorms. Zhou Linlin and Fang Yuke parted ways downstairs. Fang Yuke reassured her, "It's okay. Go back to your dorm. I'll come and visit you tomorrow." Linlin, in turn, told him to keep some of the disposable masks they had. Staff members hurried everyone along, including Fang Yuke who was still watching Linlin.
Meanwhile, in the greenhouse, Xie Duanxi remained unaware of the unfolding situation until a classmate urged him to return to his dorm, informing him that the campus was already locked down. Upon checking his phone, Xie Duanxi discovered numerous missed calls from Ruting. When he tried to call her back, her phone was off. Panicked, he rushed out to find her. To his relief, Ruting appeared, having managed to get in just before the lockdown.
She came prepared, bringing several essentials like masks, protective suits, disinfectants, instant noodles, and toilet paper, which deeply touched Xie Duanxi. He confessed his fear of her not being by his side. That night, Xie Duanxi thoughtfully made the beds in their duty room. Although there were two beds, he suggested he would sleep by the door in a sleeping bag to protect her.
However, Ruting insisted he sleep indoors, admitting she would be scared if she woke up alone in the middle of the night. Xie Duanxi realized she was the one who was truly afraid. They discussed the gravity of the situation, with Ruting sharing how everyone on the street was wearing masks, a sight she had never witnessed before. Xie Duanxi comforted her, promising to stay by her side until everything passed. Life under the indefinite lockdown began.
In the dorm, Zhu Li complained about being stuck without men. Zhou Linlin, advocating for a broader perspective, argued it was a good opportunity for her to focus on studies. Coincidentally, Fang Yuke initiated a video call, and Linlin eagerly admitted how much she missed him, wishing she could see him immediately. Fang Yuke advised her to stay safely in her dorm, promising to always be there for her. Elsewhere, Da Zui, unable to return home, expressed his delight.
He explained that his family of PhDs put immense pressure on him to study, making school life preferable. Zhu Li later confided in Linlin, distraught that her boyfriend, who lived in Wuhan, had suddenly stopped contacting her. She worried something might have happened to him. Linlin, surprised to learn Zhu Li had a boyfriend, comforted her, assuring her that everything would be alright. Soon after, Fang Yuke knocked on their door.
He had applied to be a school volunteer, delivering meals to students staying on campus. He informed Linlin that their meal was left on the doorknob, instructing them to retrieve it only after he had left and to disinfect their hands after touching the packaging. Linlin told him they were safe inside their dorm but urged him to be more careful. Fang Yuke reassured her that the school provided them with full protective clothing.
They exchanged words of care through the closed door, missing each other. In the greenhouse, Ruting and Xie Duanxi found a way to make their lockdown enjoyable. They had hotpot, and Ruting lovingly picked various vegetables for him from the Incubation Room, including Orychophragmus, perilla leaves, basil leaves, coriander, mint leaves, and cherry tomatoes. She proudly declared she could now differentiate between edible and non-edible plants, precious and common species, and was interested in anything a botanist liked.
She even brought seeds, offering to plant his favorite vegetables. Xie Duanxi was once again captivated by her tenderness. One morning, Ruting woke to find Xie Duanxi had already created a "hotpot vegetable garden" for her, which she adored, rewarding him with a big kiss. During this time, Linlin developed a routine of waiting for Fang Yuke to knock and then meeting him on the balcony. One day, she shouted "Fang Yuke!"
but realized all the volunteers were making the same gesture, making it impossible to distinguish him. Zhu Li teased her, calling it a "failed attempt at showing affection." Despite this, Linlin insisted that conveying their feelings was enough. On April 9, 2020, the school finally lifted the lockdown, allowing students to move freely within campus. Fang Yuke arrived downstairs early, eagerly awaiting Linlin. As Linlin left her dorm, her temperature was checked and registered 37. 1°C.
A staff member explained that according to regulations, temperatures above 37°C required on-campus isolation, while temperatures above 37. 3°C required hospital isolation. Fang Yuke immediately reassured Linlin that it was likely just a common fever. However, because Zhou Linlin had a fever, Zhu Li, as a close contact, was also taken to the on-campus isolation point. While isolated, Linlin received a call from Wen Tao, who, after overhearing medical staff, learned about her isolation.
He anxiously declared his intention to fly back to China to be with her, despite Linlin's warnings about the risks of travel and potential re-isolation. Meanwhile, Fang Yuke, unable to enter the isolation area, stayed downstairs by the building the entire night, worried about Linlin. He communicated with her via phone, promising to be near her and always appear when needed. The next morning, Linlin's temperature returned to normal.
She called Fang Yuke with the good news, telling him she could be released in 14 days if her temperature remained stable. Relieved, Fang Yuke promised to keep her entertained during her isolation. He sent her a tablet with special videos, including a personalized "weather report" and a live stream of the campus.
During one live stream from the greenhouse, Fang Yuke inadvertently filmed Xie Duanxi and Ruting, revealing they were isolated together, supposedly to update the plant water supply system. Meanwhile, Wen Tao's efforts to return to China were thwarted when his flight was canceled, leaving him disappointed. Finally, Linlin's isolation ended, and she was released, happily embracing Fang Yuke, who declared, "Finally, I can hold you in my arms."
Later, his friend Lao Ding found Fang Yuke making ugly finger puppets for Linlin, teasing him about his lack of artistic talent. Fang Yuke, however, insisted that pleasing his girlfriend was a task he would handle himself.
Episode 19 Recap
As their final year of university began, everyone started making new choices for their future lives. Zhou Linlin reminded Zhu Li that their interview at BQ was only an hour away, urging her to hurry and get ready. Zhu Li expressed her desire to look perfect, as BQ was the ultimate dream for design students, hoping to leave a good first impression.
Linlin teased her that interviewers would fall in love with her because she was so beautiful; Zhu Li then clarified that interviewers were mostly women. Zhu Li confirmed she had given up plans for a master's degree abroad to start at BQ sooner. They also briefly discussed Ruting, who wasn't worried about finding a job or continuing her studies because she had a family business to inherit. Linlin again rushed Zhu Li to leave for the interview.
Meanwhile, Fang Yuke and his team, including Da Zui, were checking out their new office space. Da Zui was impressed by the prime location, suggesting their company, "Fangzhou Technology," would soon be listed for funding. Fang Yuke had indeed settled on the name "Fangzhou Technology," explaining it conveyed a sense of technical revolution. Zhu Li quickly went to buy makeup, leaving Linlin to take the elevator alone. There, Linlin unexpectedly encountered Mr. Xiao.
Recognizing him, she commented that he must be a major client of BQ, given the sophisticated design of his bar. Xiao Yi confirmed his importance to BQ, and Linlin explained she was there for a designer interview, admitting to some nervousness. Xiao Yi confidently told her that a gifted designer like her would be very welcome at BQ. Upon entering BQ, Xiao Yi was greeted as "Mr. Xiao" by everyone.
He was there for a meeting about a new brand project and introduced Linlin as an interviewee, wishing her good luck before heading to his meeting. When called for her interview, Linlin went in. Shortly after, Zhu Li emerged from her interview feeling overwhelmed by its difficulty. Linlin, however, had found her interview surprisingly straightforward, despite both being interviewed by Hanna, the Director of the Design Department.
Hanna had asked Linlin about various design styles, and when Linlin offered to sketch them, Hanna declined and immediately offered her a salary of 8,000 RMB after tax, higher than Linlin's requested 6,000 RMB. In contrast, Zhu Li was asked to answer detailed questions in English and was offered 6,000 RMB before tax, leaving her feeling disheartened, especially since Linlin had even been offered coffee during her interview.
Hanna later explained to her staff that she would keep both girls for the probation period. She noted Linlin's quick and quality sketching of different design styles, and subtly revealed that Linlin had previously worked with Mr. Xiao and attended a master class, hinting at the special treatment. A heavy rain began to fall. Zhu Li, having an appointment with a rental agent, offered Linlin a ride, but Linlin declined, saying she was meeting Fang Yuke for dinner.
Linlin then texted Fang Yuke, telling him not to come pick her up, as she could run over. However, Xiao Yi emerged from the building, saw Linlin in the rain, and quickly offered her his umbrella, suggesting they walk together as he was also heading in the same direction. He asked about her interview, and Linlin replied it went smoothly, though she was unsure of the outcome.
Xiao Yi reassured her, stating that truly talented designers transcend formal interviews and he believed she would succeed. He then inquired if her aspirations remained the same. Linlin explained that her ideals were now more concrete, shaped by her half-month quarantine during the pandemic. Witnessing volunteers' laborious disinfection efforts daily made her ponder the true essence of industrial design: to create solutions for everyday problems. Xiao Yi noted that her thinking had matured significantly.
Just then, a breathless Fang Yuke arrived, recognizing Xiao Yi from his MMP bar. Fang Yuke thanked him for helping Linlin, and Xiao Yi gracefully left. Linlin commented to Fang Yuke that meeting Xiao Yi was like something out of a novel. Fang Yuke, playfully jealous, dismissed it as a "horror novel," then vowed to grow Fangzhou Technology rapidly, collaborate with BQ, and become her client himself.
As they walked away in the rain, Fang Yuke, with Da Zui and a friend, successfully pitched Fangzhou Technology's software development project to investors. He highlighted their unique advantage: complete independent intellectual property rights for their software, a solution he developed during his undergraduate studies, which would free the industry from reliance on foreign patents. This pitch secured their first investment. Both Zhou Linlin and Zhu Li received their acceptance offers from BQ, celebrating their success.
That night, Xiao Yi, reviewing the list of accepted interns, smiled when he saw Zhou Linlin's name. Fang Yuke then surprised Linlin by taking her to BQ, where he revealed he had rented an office for Fangzhou Technology on the floor above BQ. He explained he wanted to be close to her and believed in his ability to earn more money, having secured the location even before she received her offer, confident she would get in.
Linlin found his "weird confidence" contagious. He promised another surprise the next day, and Linlin correctly guessed their company logo was Morse code. Fang Yuke then led Linlin to a new house he had chosen, conveniently located near their workplaces and boasting excellent design and greenery. Linlin adored the place, especially the large floor-to-ceiling window. Fang Yuke proposed they buy it, given his company's good financial standing, and entrusted Linlin with the full responsibility of decorating it.
Linlin playfully warned him of her expensive taste, to which Fang Yuke sweetly replied he would pay "by installments. . . with the rest of my life" before they shared a kiss. Meanwhile, Ruting began working at her father's company, finding the work uninteresting. She was tasked with the "City Floating Garden Project" but expressed her disinterest to a subordinate, telling them not to call her "Miss Ye" as she wasn't her father.
She called Xie Duanxi, complaining about her work and urging him to "elope" with her. Xie Duanxi, a first-year graduate student pursuing a master-doctor combined program, stated it would take at least four more years to graduate, leading Ruting to joke they could have a two-year-old child by then. He suggested they start their "procedure" with him picking her up and dropping her off daily.
Ruting contrasted his situation with Fang Yuke, who had started his own business for more freedom. When Xie Duanxi pressed her, Ruting admitted she preferred him. They were later seen happily decorating their new home. Zhu Li, struggling to find affordable housing near BQ, complained about the high rent being several times her salary. Da Zui and a friend offered to show her a suitable apartment via video call, but she dismissed their suggestions and hung up.
When Linlin returned, she found Zhu Li looking at the floor plan of her new house, which Fang Yuke had bought. Linlin happily shared details about their ongoing decoration, prompting Zhu Li to accuse her of "torturing her for four years" and "throwing a nuclear bomb," feeling Linlin was flaunting her relationship.
Another roommate, Wang Jie, tried to console Zhu Li by suggesting she would get used to being alone, which only agitated Zhu Li further, causing her to storm off to eat. Linlin, dismissing Zhu Li's outburst as "graduation syndrome," turned her attention to designing a new electronic wristband product, her "next dream." In a company meeting, Zhou Linlin presented her electronic wristband design, a product she called her "next dream," complete with design sketches and color schemes.
A colleague quickly dismissed the concept, arguing that the ideal of an automatic disinfectant spray within a wristband was impractical, as no such miniature atomizing devices existed. Linlin countered that design should be people-oriented, and solutions could be found once the concept was clear. However, the colleague reiterated that BQ was a design firm for clients, not for inventing products, and attempted to move on. At that moment, Xiao Yi entered and, having heard the discussion, intervened.
He acknowledged BQ's role as a design company but quoted Philippe Starck, stating, "Never put limits on yourself," and lauded Linlin's bracelet for "pushing the envelope." He then revealed that domestic research institutions had already developed mass-producible miniature atomizers. Therefore, Xiao Yi declared, BQ would launch its own product brand, starting with Linlin's wristband design, and instructed everyone to fully cooperate, expressing confidence in its market potential.
Hanna, the Design Director, was taken aback by this sudden announcement, calling it "too hasty." Xiao Yi explained that this move had been "brewing for a long time," awaiting the right product to kickstart it. Impressed by his decisive authority, Linlin later asked a colleague about Xiao Yi's identity, learning that he was not merely a significant client but "the boss" of BQ.
At her father's company, Ruting was reminded of a meeting for the City Floating Garden Project, a project she had previously dismissed. When Xie Duanxi unexpectedly arrived, Ruting worried her father would see them. Xie Duanxi, however, calmly informed Ruting's father that he was temporarily taking over the "City Floating Garden Project" while his tutor was abroad.
Ruting's father then offered Ruting the leave she had earlier requested, but she quickly retracted her request, asserting her obligation to be fully involved in such a crucial project. Her father, surprised by her sudden interest, asked when she began caring so much about the company, to which Ruting confidently replied, "From now on." Later that night, Xiao Yi found Zhou Linlin still working diligently at the BQ office.
He offered to move the next morning's wristband project meeting to the afternoon so she wouldn't have to stay up late, but Linlin insisted on finishing her work that night. When she tried to get hot water from a broken dispenser, Xiao Yi ingeniously used the coffee machine to prepare hot water for her, and even offered to order her food, which Linlin politely declined. Just then, Fang Yuke arrived, concerned that Linlin might be hungry staying up late.
He attempted to intervene in Xiao Yi's attentive gestures, but Linlin formally introduced Xiao Yi as "my boss." Upon this revelation, Fang Yuke, though clearly still wanting to be with Linlin, decided to go upstairs to his office, stating he had some work to finish, and promised to wait for Linlin downstairs to take her home.
Xiao Yi later encountered Fang Yuke in the lobby, inquiring if renting such an expensive office space for a startup right above BQ was causing him significant pressure. Fang Yuke, unfazed, responded that none of that mattered; the most important thing was simply being "close to Linlin."
Episode 20 Recap
As the day of Southern University's graduation ceremony arrived, Zhou Linlin found herself rushing, unable to find a taxi. To her surprise, Fang Yuke pulled up in a new car, adorned with flowers, to pick her up. Zhou Linlin, astonished, asked whose car it was.
Fang Yuke proudly revealed that he had bought it on a loan on the day he showed her the house, marking it as his third surprise after his company went public and he purchased their new home. The couple exchanged warm wishes for graduation before heading to the ceremony, with Fang Yuke thoughtfully buckling Linlin's seatbelt. At the ceremony, they joined their friends, listening to Professor Chen Yajun's speech from the School of Computer Science.
As Linlin prepared to give her own address, her friends encouraged her not to be nervous. Taking the stage, Zhou Linlin, the outstanding graduate representative of the School of Design, spoke from the heart. She recalled her first day on campus four years prior, meeting her roommates Zhu Li and Wang Jie, and a memorable, somewhat chaotic, initial encounter with Fang Yuke where her makeup was ruined, and her roommates comforted her.
She expressed deep gratitude for the warmth, friendship, and support her friends provided throughout their college years, helping her overcome challenges and sharing countless moments of joy and sorrow. She urged her fellow graduates to "jump up and try" if something seemed out of reach, and wished that "those who love each other can always be by each other's side" and for everyone to walk into a beautiful future, emphasizing that graduation was not an end but a new beginning.
Shortly after Zhou Linlin’s speech, Fang Yuke, the outstanding graduate representative of Nanshan City, was called to the stage. As they passed each other, their hands briefly touched. However, before Fang Yuke could begin his heartfelt address, Zhou Linlin received an urgent notification from her company. The brand ambassador for the PR Band project, whose identity had been kept secret, had arrived for the shoot, and she needed to meet him face-to-face for a coordination meeting.
She quickly asked Zhu Li to inform Fang Yuke and left the ceremony. Unaware of her departure, Fang Yuke continued his speech, expressing profound thanks to Zhou Linlin for passionately entering his life, for her smile, optimism, and for making his life more meaningful. He spoke of their story beginning on campus and his hope for a new chapter. Pulling out a diamond ring, he declared, "Shallow affection is like floating clouds. Deep love is like a gentle breeze.
For the rest of our lives, I have you, and you have me." But as the stage lights brightened, he realized Zhou Linlin was gone. His friends, Zhu Li and Wang Jie, expressed regret for Linlin missing the romantic proposal and blamed Xiao Yi, their boss, for calling her away, with Zhu Li explicitly cursing him as "immoral." Later, Fang Yuke found his friends and asked about Linlin.
Upon hearing she had rushed back to work, he requested that they keep his failed proposal a secret, as he intended to prepare another surprise for her. Meanwhile, Zhou Linlin arrived at her company's product research laboratory for the coordination meeting. The ambassador's agent, Miss Qi, proved to be difficult, raising numerous demands regarding the shooting schedule, wardrobe (preferring black over the proposed sea-green/bean-green), and only agreeing to studio shoots.
She insisted on an eight-hour workday that included travel time and an hour-and-a-half lunch break, and that the shoot must conclude by 4:30 PM. When the BQ representative tried to reason with her, Miss Qi became confrontational, stating that her client was not desperate for work and implying that BQ’s young designer was inexperienced. Just as tensions rose, the brand ambassador walked in, revealing himself to be Wen Tao.
He immediately took control, stating that they would proceed exactly as the designer wished. After the meeting, Zhou Linlin confronted Wen Tao, playfully asking why he didn't attend the graduation ceremony. Wen Tao responded that his grand entrance at the company was "cooler" and then revealed to Xiao Yi that he agreed to the advertisement because Linlin was the designer. Xiao Yi, their boss, proposed a celebratory dinner, which Wen Tao agreed to, but only if Linlin also attended.
Linlin accepted. Separately, Xie Duanxi, taking advantage of the graduation day, led Ruting to the greenhouse for a special surprise. Professing his love, he acknowledged how Ruting had taught him how to love and announced that it was his turn to be proactive. He spoke of his love for her passionate nature, comparing it to fire, which plants fear, but which he embraced in her. He also promised, "From now on, the romance Ruting wants, Xie Duanxi will definitely deliver."
He then knelt and proposed, asking, "Miss Ye, will you let me put a ring on your finger?" A tearful Ruting, overwhelmed with emotion, playfully demanded, "Who allowed you to propose to me? Put it on me right now!" She accepted, and in a lighthearted moment, Xie Duanxi feigned dissatisfaction, joking that she had "ruined his plan" to create an even grander romantic proposal, promising her a "bigger surprise." Later that evening, Zhou Linlin returned to the dorm.
Ruting was there, celebrating her engagement by giving gifts to her friends and proudly showing off her large diamond ring. The girls chatted excitedly, and Zhu Li almost blurted out details of Fang Yuke’s failed proposal, mentioning him "reciting a poem," but quickly changed the subject when Linlin questioned her.
Amidst their merriment, Zhou Linlin learned that Wen Tao was indeed the PR Band ambassador and had attended the dinner with Xiao Yi, realizing her boss was the "immoral man" Zhu Li had cursed earlier. After drinking with Xie Duanxi, a slightly tipsy Fang Yuke contacted Zhou Linlin by phone, asking her to meet him at the school gate for graduation photos, wanting to commemorate their university life together, as she had missed the official ceremony.
When Linlin arrived, their romantic moment was interrupted by their equally tipsy friends, who quickly joined them for group photos. Unexpectedly, Wen Tao also arrived, having been informed by one of the friends. Wen Tao immediately confronted Fang Yuke. Fang Yuke began by sarcastically thanking Wen Tao for endorsing Linlin’s project, but Wen Tao retorted that he could do more for Linlin than Fang Yuke, and then turned serious.
He questioned Fang Yuke’s absence during Linlin’s quarantine, asserting that he had been given a chance and failed to cherish it. Declaring that "those who miss their chance should be eliminated," Wen Tao announced his return to pursue Linlin. Before Fang Yuke could respond, the friends pulled everyone into a series of chaotic group photos, bringing their student days to a messy but memorable end.
Amidst the laughter, they reflected on their hopeful futures, grateful for the precious people who had accompanied them. Following the graduation festivities, Fang Yuke took his friends to tour his new house, which he had bought for Linlin. His friends were impressed by the "mansion," with Zhu Li and Wang Jie joking about the disparity between Fang Yuke’s house ownership and their rented accommodations.
Fang Yuke proudly declared it was not just Linlin’s home but also theirs, and that Linlin lived upstairs, calling it her "dream house," though Linlin herself remarked that it still had a "gap" from her actual dream house. The following morning, Zhou Linlin received a notification from Xiao Yi that a new client had specifically requested her for a design project.
She hurried to the meeting room, only to discover that her "new client" was none other than Fang Yuke, representing his company, Fangzhou Technology. He declared, "Zhou Linlin, I want to be your client," fulfilling his promise to support her career by making his company their client. Shortly after, Zhu Li entered, playfully complaining to Fang Yuke about not getting any work from his company.
Episode 21 Recap
Zhou Linlin arrived at the office to discover that Fang Yuke had indeed become her new client. She recalled how he had asked her to wear a new shirt he bought earlier that morning, realizing he had already planned for them to wear matching outfits. She pressed him on why he insisted on being her client, to which he initially replied it was for normal work operations. He then admitted he wanted to be her client because he liked her.
His only requirement, he stated, was for her to be his designer. When asked about design elements, he responded that he liked whatever she liked, because she was his favorite. Before delving into design, he first wanted to decide on their lunch plans. Zhou Linlin then noticed their colleagues outside the office were already gossiping about them.
At lunch, Fang Yuke treated Zhou Linlin and addressed her as "Master Zhou," a term she accepted despite his playful suggestion of "Engineer Zhou." He had already ordered all her favorite dishes. To discuss the company's packaging design, he presented her with an album of images, seeking her personal opinions. Zhou Linlin suggested an aquarium theme.
When he asked what elements to add, she proposed jellyfish, but quickly changed her mind, reasoning that jellyfish were too slow for programmers who needed speed, suggesting the swift Shortfin Mako Shark instead. Fang Yuke almost sent a message confirming the shark house at the aquarium as a proposal location, but hesitated. He then asked her what she, personally, would like most in an aquarium, disregarding company direction.
She replied that what she liked best wasn't typically found in an aquarium, but he insisted it could be, leading her to playfully suggest a Mermaid. Meanwhile, Ruting led Xie Ruixi, blindfolded, to a meticulously decorated room, promising him an even bigger surprise following his earlier proposal. She revealed the room, which included a "Marry" sign with a space for her.
As they were about to share a kiss, Xie Ruixi swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed. The next morning, Fang Yuke drove Zhou Linlin to work, smiling as he saw Wen Tao's endorsement video. Inside the office, Zhu Li greeted Zhou Linlin with both good and bad news.
The good news was that their advertisement had become a trending topic, but the bad news was that within just two hours of its launch, a million units of the product had been booked, far exceeding their expectations and overwhelming the factory. Zhou Linlin then went to see Mr. Xiao, where she found Miss Qi also present. Miss Qi praised Zhou Linlin as the youngest and most promising designer she had ever met, acknowledging the advertisement's resounding success.
This success, Miss Qi explained, was the reason they decided to sign a full contract with Wen Tao for the endorsement. Zhou Linlin was surprised by this, worried about how much time a full contract would take from Wen Tao's training. Miss Qi brushed aside her concerns, stating it was Wen Tao's own decision and a mutually beneficial, "win-win" situation for their careers. Uneasy, Zhou Linlin immediately requested leave to speak with Wen Tao.
As Mr. Xiao and Miss Qi departed, Mr. Xiao overheard the receptionist taking a call for Zhou Linlin about a meeting at the aquarium with Fang Yuke’s company. Mr. Xiao intervened, instructing the receptionist not to transfer the call, stating he would personally deliver the message to Zhou Linlin.
Meanwhile, Zhou Linlin found Wen Tao and urged him not to sign the full contract, explaining that it would consume too much of his time, potentially leaving him no time for basic training. She implored him to carefully consider his decision and not to abandon his career for anyone. She then confessed to Wen Tao that her heart already held no space for anyone else.
Since childhood, Fang Yuke had always been the most special person in her life; he had given her so much love, shaping her into the Zhou Linlin she was today, encompassing her entire youth. Wen Tao appeared deeply affected by her heartfelt words. Fang Yuke arrived at the aquarium, expecting a meeting, only to be met by Mr. Xiao. Mr. Xiao revealed that he had intercepted the meeting notification intended for Zhou Linlin.
Unfazed, Fang Yuke confidently told Mr. Xiao that he had waited for Zhou Linlin for many years, and such a minor setback was not even a test for him, as nothing could change his love for her. He then advised Mr. Xiao to cease his attempts at interference. Later, Zhou Linlin returned to the office after her conversation with Wen Tao and encountered Zhu Li.
Zhu Li, mistakenly believing Fang Yuke’s proposal at the aquarium had succeeded, inadvertently blurted out something about "the big day." Sensing something was amiss, Zhou Linlin pressed Zhu Li for the truth. Zhu Li then revealed that Fang Yuke was planning to propose and had already failed twice. She urged Zhou Linlin to pretend she knew nothing about the upcoming attempt.
Later, as Fang Yuke picked her up from work, Zhou Linlin, following Zhu Li’s earlier suggestions, subtly checked the trunk of his car but found only water, no flowers. They then went to a restaurant, where Zhou Linlin expected a reservation for a proposal. However, Fang Yuke had not made one, and they were informed there were seventy-eight tables ahead of them. Zhou Linlin, feeling confused, called Zhu Li to verify her "intelligence."
Zhu Li deduced that Fang Yuke must have chosen the "third option" – a romantic proposal at home. She then confirmed with their friends, Ding and Big Mouth, that the house was indeed decorated. Fang Yuke, visibly nervous, agreed to go home with Zhou Linlin, who feigned ignorance of his tension. Upon opening the door, they were met by their mothers, who had arrived earlier as a "surprise."
Unaware of the intricate proposal decorations, the mothers had diligently "cleaned up" all the scattered candies and other items, mistaking them for rubbish. Fang Yuke was crestfallen. While the mothers settled in to watch TV, Fang Yuke discreetly huddled with Ding and Big Mouth, arranging yet another surprise, still trying to keep it a secret from Zhou Linlin. Growing impatient for the proposal, Zhou Linlin cleverly tampered with the Wi-Fi, prompting the mothers to finally retire for the night.
Once the mothers were asleep, Zhou Linlin quietly slipped out of her room. She noticed a banner on a building across from their apartment, displaying instructions. Following the directions, she made her way to Fang Yuke, who had prepared a romantic rooftop setting. He expressed his feelings, acknowledging his earlier, failed attempts and that she knew about them.
He poured out his heart, explaining how her arrival had transformed him from a "silly boy" who struggled with expression and love into someone who truly understood. He passionately compared his life without her to a binary system missing the digit '1' or a computer code lacking its main function. He asked her to plan their future together and promised to stay by her side forever. Taking out a ring, he formally asked, "Zhou Linlin, will you marry me?" Overwhelmed and deeply moved, Zhou Linlin tearfully accepted his proposal and the ring.
Episode 22 Recap
Zhou Linlin attempted to return to her room, but Fang Yuke stopped her, concerned about their mothers being present. Fang Yuke insisted she wait until the mothers woke up the following morning before leaving, then pulled her onto the sofa and fell asleep with her. In the morning, both mothers prepared to leave and discovered them. Fang Yuke's mother almost woke them, but Linlin's mother quietly intervened, and they left. Shortly after, Fang Yuke and Linlin woke up.
Fang Yuke, addressing her as "Master Zhou," playfully asked if her deadline was over, noting that her design proposal had already been sent to the work group chat and teasingly inquired if he needed to tag her again. He then intimately embraced her, suggesting they "finish what they didn't finish last time." Just then, Fang Yuke's mother, Hong Xia, realized she had forgotten her ID card. Linlin's mother offered to retrieve it, commenting on Hong Xia's slow pace.
Fang Yuke, eager to continue their interrupted moment, had already removed his top when Linlin's mother suddenly re-entered the room. An awkward silence filled the air as Linlin's mother hurriedly searched for the ID card. After finding it, she told them to "continue" before rushing out. Linlin wanted to see them off, but her mother called to say they were already in a taxi.
Fang Yuke still hoped to resume their intimacy, but Linlin announced she had to go to work. At the office, Linlin excitedly told Zhu Li about Fang Yuke's proposal and showed her the diamond ring. Ye Ruting jokingly asked if she had "gotten on base," a baseball term Linlin didn't understand. Zhu Li complained about "dog food" during working hours and declared she needed to eat hotpot to "share the good luck."
Wang Jie commented on her "greatly delayed marriage life." Linlin then invited everyone to a hotpot dinner at her home that evening, promising they would eat until they could barely walk. However, distracted by an upcoming pre-sale meeting, Zhu Li accidentally sent the hotpot invitation, which read "Invitation of Hotpot Engagement Party for Fang Yuke & Zhou Linlin," to the entire company's group chat instead of just their close friends.
Meanwhile, Fang Yuke joyfully informed his roommates about his successful proposal and rewarded them with a ten-day vacation. Zhu Li, realizing her mistake, rushed to apologize to Linlin for sending the engagement news to the company-wide chat. Linlin was furious. At that moment, Mr. Xiao called Linlin to his office, inquiring about her engagement. He advised her to "consider" potential implications, considering she had just graduated and was getting married so soon.
Linlin, however, affirmed her certainty in marrying Fang Yuke and boldly invited Mr. Xiao and Hanna to her "small hotpot party" that night. Mr. Xiao accepted. Wen Tao also learned about Linlin's engagement after receiving the invitation from his roommates. He tried to act nonchalant but was seen staring at the invitation for a long time.
Linlin called Fang Yuke, telling him they had "something big to do" that night and should go to the supermarket together to prepare "many things." Fang Yuke, misunderstanding her meaning, was delighted and said he would not work overtime and would wait for her to go shopping for "that special thing," confidently stating he could carry it with one hand. Linlin, exasperated, clarified that she meant a hotpot party with many guests.
Fang Yuke was disappointed, arguing that it was a special day for just the two of them and they should "stay alone." Before they could discuss it further, Hanna called Linlin away for work. Later that evening, guests began to arrive at Linlin and Fang Yuke's home. Fang Yuke proposed a toast to everyone, thanking them for witnessing his and Linlin's journey. Zhu Li presented Linlin with a cheap gift (29.
9 yuan), drawing a complaint from Fang Yuke about the tag still being on. Ye Ruting gave Linlin a shopping card, jokingly remarking that its ten-year expiry meant Zhu Li probably wouldn't get to use it for her own engagement. Wang Jie, on her way up, encountered Mr. Xiao and Hanna in the elevator. Recognizing Mr. Xiao, she recalled her previous angry comments about him, realizing she had cursed her boss.
Inside, Mr. Xiao presented Linlin with a special bracelet, inscribed with "No. 000001," explaining it was for her first design. Wang Jie's gift to Linlin was a meticulously detailed life plan, even predicting when Linlin and Fang Yuke would have children, much to their embarrassment.
Mr. Xiao was impressed by Wang Jie's planning expertise, noting that "detailed time planning can increase the unit value of time," and instructed Hanna to arrange for Wang Jie to conduct a training session on the subject for the company's senior management. As everyone enjoyed the hotpot, the doorbell rang again. To everyone's surprise, Wen Tao appeared, bringing a gift: Linlin's final assignment from a Master Class, personally signed by Starck.
Linlin was surprised to see her assignment, and Wen Tao explained a classmate asked him to bring it to her and he only had the opportunity today. As guests started to leave, Wen Tao, in an attempt to hug Linlin, instead hugged everyone else present, then just patted Linlin's shoulder, congratulating her. He turned to Fang Yuke, warning him to "cherish the present" he gave them, adding, "Otherwise, I would take it back at any time."
After all the guests had departed, Fang Yuke called Linlin "Mrs. Fang" and attempted to kiss her. Linlin, however, insisted he go shower first, as he smelled strongly of hotpot. Later that night, as Fang Yuke waited for Linlin, they heard loud, drunken singing coming from downstairs. Linlin recognized the voice as Wen Tao's.
They went downstairs and found a highly inebriated Wen Tao singing, and in his drunken state, he mistook Fang Yuke for Starck, repeatedly asking for his autograph. He also rambled past confessions of "I fell in love with you at second sight" and "I'm going to formally pursue you," and in one moment asked Linlin, "Is this your boyfriend?" , before denying it himself and collapsing onto Fang Yuke.
From Wen Tao's incoherent rambling and flashbacks, Linlin pieced together that he had waited for months to get Starck's signature on her assignment because it was important to her, which deeply moved her and made her feel immense guilt. They helped Wen Tao back upstairs and gave him water for his hangover. Linlin even suggested Fang Yuke share a bed with Wen Tao, but Fang Yuke opted to sleep in another room.
Still disoriented, Wen Tao clung to Fang Yuke, believing him to be Starck, refusing to let him go, and asking him to sign for Linlin and to "take good care of Linlin." After Wen Tao finally fell asleep, Linlin hung his heartfelt gift in their living room, truly appreciating his efforts. The next morning, Linlin went to Fang Yuke's company and brought him a gift: matching couple bracelets that she had personally carved.
Fang Yuke adored them and, referring to the company-wide knowledge of their engagement thanks to Zhu Li, suggested they leave work early to "finish their unfinished business." However, Linlin's plans were disrupted when Hanna informed her that due to the successful sales of the handband (for which Wen Tao's advertisement was praised), a live interview had been arranged in Xilin to promote it. Linlin had to immediately pack and head to the airport for an urgent business trip.
From the airport, Linlin called Fang Yuke to explain the situation, promising to return as soon as the event concluded. That night, after finishing her work in Xilin, Linlin tried to message Fang Yuke, but seeing how late it was, decided to communicate with him the next day. As she entered her hotel room, she found the decor unusually strange and wondered if she had entered the wrong room.
Suddenly, Fang Yuke emerged, surprising her by re-enacting his past confession: "Genius Fang has come. Since I was born, you've been the only exception in my life. I can make exceptions for you a hundred times. Because in my eyes, there's no one but you."
Episode 23 Recap
Fang Yuke surprised Linlin at a hotel where she had just arrived, finding the decor strangely elaborate with roses and balloons. Linlin, initially wondering if she was in the wrong room, called Fang Yuke, who then emerged from behind her. Linlin, stunned and speechless, asked him why he was there. Fang Yuke simply replied that he wanted to see her, then stepped forward and kissed her. The two then spent the night together in the hotel.
Later, Linlin, Zhu Li, Jie Jie, and Ruting gathered for a celebratory dinner. Zhu Li had ordered many dishes to celebrate Linlin's promotion but joked that Linlin would receive the bill, as it was her treat for getting promoted. Ruting mentioned that Xie Duanxi had been cooped up in the lab every day lately, returning home very late, and she had nothing else to do anyway.
Jie Jie revealed she had a date nearby later, which made the dinner convenient and efficient, but she kept the details of her date a secret. Zhu Li shared office gossip about a team leader and his secretary, but everyone, including Linlin, was unsurprised as the news had already spread throughout the company. Zhu Li then mused, "I mean, if one day Fang Yuke cheats on you. . ." Linlin immediately rebuked her, "There is no 'if.' Just eat."
After dinner, Linlin left for a meeting, Ruting left, and Jie Jie departed for her date, leaving Zhu Li alone. As Zhu Li ate a tart by the roadside, she spotted someone resembling Xie Duanxi. Just as she was about to approach, a car drove past, and when it cleared, Xie Duanxi had vanished. That night, Zhu Li was drinking and crying when Jie Jie found her.
Zhu Li insisted she had something extremely important to tell Jie Jie, but first, they needed to drink. Jie Jie initially declined, but upon hearing Zhu Li offer to pay, she promptly ordered a drink. Zhu Li then posed a hypothetical question: "If one day. . . you find your best friend's boyfriend cheats on her, are you going to tell her or not?" Jie Jie immediately reacted, asking if Xiao Yi had cheated.
Zhu Li realized that Jie Jie and Xiao Yi were together, but clarified that it was Xie Duanxi she was referring to. Jie Jie believed that some matters had to be disclosed, but Zhu Li worried about Ruting's temper, fearing she would "freak out." Jie Jie countered that Ruting only "looks scary," but "in fact, she is soft on the inside," citing her own Xiao Yi as an example. Zhu Li admitted she feared Ruting's sadness, not her anger.
Jie Jie advised her, "In spite of sadness, people have to look ahead." Fang Yuke and Linlin were relaxing on the sofa when he asked her when she would be free. Linlin, though recently very busy, agreed, acknowledging his sincerity. Fang Yuke explained he had a niece who loved Barbie dolls in wedding dresses, but as a man, he didn't know how to choose one. He asked Linlin to accompany him.
Linlin suggested buying online and having it shipped directly, but Fang Yuke said his niece disliked the ones he had already bought. He wanted Linlin to go to a physical store with him. Linlin checked her schedule and found she was only free on Thursday, but Fang Yuke had a client meeting that day. She then agreed to accompany him the following morning. The next morning, Linlin and Fang Yuke went to pick out the gift.
Fang Yuke told her to simply "pick whichever you like." Linlin looked at the wedding dress Barbies and wondered aloud which niece he was referring to, as she had met most of his relatives. Fang Yuke confirmed she had met her, describing her as smart and full of "wonderful ideas in her head." Linlin found the description "pretty cute," and Fang Yuke responded, "She is just like you." Linlin then chose a simple yet beautiful design.
Fang Yuke was pleased, believing "she's gonna love it." While at the store, Linlin received a phone call from Ruting and stepped away to answer it. Ruting, suspicious of Xie Duanxi's recent behavior, asked Linlin about Fang Yuke's whereabouts last Friday. Linlin confirmed he was working and came home around 11:00 PM.
Ruting, realizing Xie Duanxi had lied to her about being with Fang Yuke that day, then asked about Saturday before abruptly saying she didn't know what had happened and would only return to Linlin once she "figured it out." This left Linlin feeling suspicious. After returning home, Linlin discreetly questioned Fang Yuke about his work, then later, after he fell asleep, she examined his clothes and checked his phone, finding taxi receipts and searching for his client's company name.
The next morning, Linlin informed Fang Yuke that her meeting was canceled and she would wait for him at home. Fang Yuke suggested she go to bed early since he would be back late, but Linlin insisted on waiting. After Fang Yuke left, Linlin retrieved a strand of hair she had found on his clothes earlier, scrutinized it, and then discarded it in the trash. Soon after, Ruting arrived, visibly upset, and immediately declared, "Xie Duanxi cheated on me."
She presented Linlin with a collection of evidence, including Xie Duanxi's lab clock-in records and taxi records, showing his increasing frequency of overtime and visits to a particular location after work. She also cited takeout orders indicating he wasn't alone. Ruting highlighted Xie Duanxi's lie about being with Fang Yuke last Friday, contrasting it with Linlin's confirmation that Fang Yuke had been at work.
Linlin, however, found the evidence circumstantial, arguing it didn't directly prove infidelity and that Xie Duanxi wasn't "that kind of person." Ruting, determined to eliminate her doubts, pulled Linlin along to the hotel Xie Duanxi frequently visited. At the hotel, Ruting pointed out "the woman" she suspected Xie Duanxi was meeting. She secretly texted Xie Duanxi, who replied that he was doing experiments in the lab.
Moments later, Xie Duanxi appeared and embraced the woman, confirming Ruting's fears and leaving her heartbroken. As Xie Duanxi and the woman sat down to talk, he soon left. Ruting, initially wanting to confront the woman, decided to fix her makeup first, prioritizing her appearance even in distress. As she did so, Fang Yuke unexpectedly arrived, carrying a box, and greeted the same woman with similar intimacy.
The woman remarked that Fang Yuke's "girlfriend" must like "this kind of wedding dress," and that she would alter his suit to match the dress. Linlin, witnessing Fang Yuke's arrival and recalling the perfume she smelled on him and the long hair she found, concluded that Fang Yuke was also having an affair. She angrily blamed both Fang Yuke and Xie Duanxi for cheating together.
Misinterpreting Fang Yuke's discussion with the woman about altering a wedding dress (which was for Linlin's Barbie choice), Linlin and Ruting believed their boyfriends were having an affair and quickly hailed a taxi to follow Fang Yuke. During the chase, the taxi driver, realizing they were on a "catch-the-cheater" mission, made insensitive comments about young people and infidelity, even suggesting he would cheat if he were in the boyfriends' position.
Linlin and Ruting, enraged, yelled at the driver to stop the car, and a physical altercation ensued, leading them both to the police station. Fang Yuke and Xie Duanxi arrived to bail them out. Linlin and Ruting downplayed the incident, claiming they fought with the driver over an attempted detour and refusing to elaborate further, telling their boyfriends not to ask about it.
Upon leaving the police station, Linlin and Ruting agreed to continue their "shopping" (their code for investigating the woman) the next day. Meanwhile, Zhu Li, having finally relayed her sighting of Xie Duanxi with the "purple hair woman" to Jie Jie, was surprised to learn from Ruting that she and Linlin had already been investigating and that Fang Yuke was also involved with the same woman.
Zhu Li, incensed, declared her intent to make the woman "apologize" and called both Fang Yuke and Xie Duanxi "scums." She and Jie Jie decided to join Linlin and Ruting that night, using "shopping" as their WeChat code. Zhu Li enthusiastically prepared "professional outfits," including a hairnet and a jacket, for all of them, expecting a fight. However, traffic delayed their arrival.
Unable to wait any longer, Linlin and Ruting decided to enter the location by themselves, as they couldn't reach Zhu Li or Jie Jie due to dead phone batteries. To their surprise, they discovered it was not a clandestine meeting place, but a wedding dress shop. Meanwhile, Fang Yuke made a phone call to Xie Duanxi, stating that Ruting and Linlin had "found out about us."
He noted that Ruting and Linlin were "not such impulsive people," implying their current behavior was unusual. He concluded, "In this case, we have to do it in a different way." Xie Duanxi agreed, confirming, "There's no need to keep it from them now." They agreed to meet "tomorrow at the same place."
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Zhou Linlin and Ruting were taken to an unfamiliar place, surprised by the elegant decor. Suddenly, Fang Yuke and Xie Ruixi appeared, Fang Yuke dressed in a black suit and Xie Ruixi in a white suit. Fang Yuke explained that he had thought it over and decided that Linlin should choose her own wedding dress. Ruting smiled, and Linlin, remembering her plans with her roommates, quickly took out her phone to cancel their "shopping" trip and inform them.
Xie Ruixi then told Ruting that he was not good at surprising her, but Ruting admitted that while his surprises might be a little old-fashioned, his ability to salvage a situation was commendable. She then walked off with him. Fang Yuke approached Linlin, who awkwardly asked if it was too late to say their meeting was a coincidence. He asked if she had fun "shopping," to which Linlin retorted that he was too suspicious and she was a bit clever.
Their wedding planner, Chen Fei, then arrived, reminding them that she charged by the hour and urging Linlin to try on dresses immediately to avoid further expenses. Fang Yuke confidently told Linlin to try on the dresses, which were new designs from Paris Haute Couture Week, meticulously handpicked by him, having traveled over 5053 kilometers. He believed she would truly love them. As Linlin and Ruting tried on dresses, Fang Yuke and Xie Ruixi waited outside.
When Ruting emerged, Xie Ruixi was completely captivated, recalling their first meeting where she stood out in the crowd, shining like a star, her brilliance undimmed by anyone. Ruting declared she had made her choice, taking that particular dress. When Xie Ruixi asked if she wouldn't try on others, Ruting playfully announced that he, however, would have to try on all the suits as a "punishment," ordering him not to come out until he was done.
Xie Ruixi agreed, calling her "my dear wife." When Linlin appeared in her wedding gown, Fang Yuke was equally stunned, telling her she looked gorgeous and that his "memory wasn't enough," to which Linlin teased that his "host needed to cool down." Fang Yuke explained that he and Xie Ruixi had planned this surprise because he saw her working so hard lately, often falling asleep from exhaustion.
He admitted that her jealous and angry reactions to his secrecy had been endearing, which was why he waited until today to reveal everything, finally apologizing for keeping it a secret for so long. Linlin remarked that an apology now might spoil the mood and then initiated a kiss. Fang Yuke warned her that her actions would make him want to "make a mistake" before lifting her veil and kissing her passionately.
Meanwhile, Ruting laid down her conditions for Xie Ruixi: he belonged to her forever, he mustn't get close to any other girl without her permission, and only she could see his collarbone, meaning he had to be bundled up even in summer so that other girls wouldn't be attracted. Lastly, she told him not to try and surprise her anymore, as his very existence was the most romantic surprise of her life.
The romantic moment was abruptly interrupted when Zhu Li and Wang Jie arrived, immediately confronting and fighting Chen Fei, mistaking her for someone else. Linlin and Ruting were bewildered, calling out for them to stop. Linlin asked if they hadn't canceled their "shopping" trip. Zhu Li explained her phone was dead. Chen Fei complained that it was her first time being beaten while wedding planning.
Zhu Li then asked who the "beautiful fairy" was, and Linlin introduced Chen Fei as their wedding planner, explaining it was all a misunderstanding. Zhu Li and Wang Jie profusely apologized, even complimenting Chen Fei's stunning appearance. Later, at his company meeting, Fang Yuke was impatient about the progress of their new software, constantly repeating "too slow" and showing Da Zui the wedding photos, confessing, "I just can't wait." Back home, he and Linlin discussed wedding venues.
Linlin suggested they hold the wedding in their hometown, to which Fang Yuke readily agreed. He then proposed moving the wedding date up to just ten days away, surprising Linlin with the speed. Fang Yuke explained that he had been waiting many years for this day. Upon arriving at Linlin's family home, Fang Yuke greeted her parents by calling them "Mom" and "Dad."
However, Linlin's mother swiftly informed him that according to tradition, the bride and groom could not see each other on the eve of the wedding, sending him away to meet at the ceremony despite his protests about his long drive. She later explained to Linlin that meeting before the wedding would cause a "clash of happiness," and "good luck to be gone." During dinner, Linlin’s father, Zhou Daming, became emotional, tearfully telling her to take good care of herself.
Linlin reassured him, promising that she would be happy and he shouldn't worry. Meanwhile, at Fang Yuke’s home, his mother shared that his nephew, originally scheduled to perform the "bed-pressing ritual," was in the hospital with diarrhea. She explained the tradition: the matrimonial bed must not be slept in alone or left empty, or the couple would not achieve a long and happy marriage.
She specified that they needed a single, unmarried male, born in the year of the Dragon or Rabbit, with no prior dating experience, and ideally, "a more handsome guy." Just then, Wen Tao arrived with a wedding gift. Fang Yuke’s mother, finding him suitable, asked him to perform the "bed-pressing ritual." Wen Tao also jokingly warned Fang Yuke that if he couldn't make Linlin happy, he would be ready to take his place.
At the same time, Zhu Li, Wang Jie, and Ruting gathered at Linlin's house for her last night as a single woman, with Wang Jie proudly displaying her diamond ring. The bridesmaids promised each other they would not steal Linlin's thunder at the wedding. The wedding day arrived, with Fang Yuke eagerly awaiting the ceremony. In the dressing room, Zhu Li was indulging in cake, refusing to let Linlin have any, fearing she would become bloated.
She even offered Linlin a forehead balm for dizziness. Soon, Zhu Li and Wang Jie began squabbling; Zhu Li accused Wang Jie of attempting to steal Linlin's thunder with her dazzling diamond ring and bag. Wang Jie retorted that her dress, which she "modified a little bit," merely showed off her "sexy body" that was too constrained in the original design. Ruting tried to mediate the escalating argument. Linlin eventually had to send them away to the ceremony.
Just as Linlin was about to sneak a piece of cake, she was called to the stage. On stage, Fang Yuke declared his eternal love for Zhou Linlin, promising to cherish her and always share her deepest secrets and whimsical ideas until his last breath. Linlin, in turn, confessed that she had secretly loved him for years without realizing it, pledging to be by his side for the rest of her life. During the ring exchange, Linlin's parents grew emotional.
The bouquet toss quickly descended into chaos as Zhu Li and Wang Jie fiercely fought over it. Zhu Li argued she deserved it more as she didn't have a boyfriend, while Wang Jie, already in a relationship with Xiao Yi, thought she should have it. Witnessing the spectacle, Ruting told Xie Ruixi that she no longer wanted to get married, finding the whole process exhausting with so many rules and the risk of her friends stealing her thunder.
Xie Ruixi, however, only cared that she would be his bride, suggesting a private wedding just for the two of them, which he framed as an "order." Amidst the commotion, Da Zui surprised Zhu Li by professing his love and proposing with a diamond ring, leading to a passionate kiss between them. As Linlin and Fang Yuke began toasting their guests, the spotlight inadvertently highlighted Zhu Li and Da Zui, much to their embarrassment.
Ruting and Wang Jie quickly stepped in to cover for them, diverting guests' attention to the dessert table. Backstage, Linlin, looking ghastly pale, revealed she was not angry but "starving," realizing how difficult the wedding process was. Zhu Li and Wang Jie immediately stopped arguing, concerned for Linlin’s well-being. Linlin reassured them that she didn't mind the chaos or if her thunder was stolen; all that mattered was having them by her side.
Realizing that the ongoing toasting meant no opportunity for Linlin to eat, Fang Yuke decided to take her out for a proper meal. With the help of their friends, who intentionally "stole the thunder" on stage to create a diversion, Linlin and Fang Yuke successfully slipped away from the wedding.
They ended up at a hot pot restaurant, which Fang Yuke had specially opened for them by telling the owner that the girl who used to order two bags of instant noodles every time was now married. There, they shared a sweet, intimate post-wedding feast. Linlin lovingly reflected on Fang Yuke's changes over the years, and he asked her if she would watch him change every day and grow old with him. She agreed, and he affectionately asked her to call him "Honey."
