Broker Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Broker Synopsis

Qiu Jianing, a woman scientist, is a core researcher in the laboratory of the Source Project at a leading pharmaceutical group in China. She is determined to conquer her subject and prove her strength to the scientific community while establishing her country’s position in biosciences.

As the trial reaches the clinical stage, a new researcher, Zhou Xiaoshan, arrives in the lab. Zhou Xiaoshan’s wisdom attracts Qiu Jianing’s attention, while Qiu Jianing’s beauty and strength also stir up Zhou’s calm heart, but Zhou Xiaoshan’s real identity is a broker who comes to take away Qiu Jianing’s research results.

However, Qiu Jianing was inspired by the older generation of scientists to defend her scientific achievements. In the process, her dedication to the cause and her commitment to the country also infected Zhou Xiaoshan, and eventually, Jia Ning and Xiaoshan completed their research together, bringing honor to the country.

Broker Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

In a bustling American city, Zhou Xiaoshan and Mo Li, posing as siblings, executed a daring mission at a hotel, successfully acquiring a target USB drive. During their escape, Qiu Jianing was nearly struck by Zhou Xiaoshan. Zhou Xiaoshan later revealed to Mo Li that this mission was not assigned by Uncle Zha. He risked his life to expose an organization that was engaging in human trafficking under the guise of charity.

Meanwhile, Qiu Jianing confronted Professor Harry at his laboratory, demanding an explanation. Her research paper had been published in "Cure," an authoritative journal, but it was solely attributed to Professor Harry, despite being only a preliminary draft. She argued that publishing it prematurely would only make them a laughingstock. Professor Harry dismissed her concerns, stating that it was standard practice for the head of the laboratory to be credited, given his provision of equipment and funding.

He then provocatively claimed that without his patronage, a "black-haired, yellow-skinned, Chinese woman" like Qiu Jianing would never have her work published in such a prestigious journal. Infuriated by his racial discrimination and plagiarism, Qiu Jianing retorted that China's scientific research was growing stronger, unlike some "virtuous and prestigious" scientists who resorted to plagiarism to maintain their reputation. She demanded a sincere apology for his discriminatory remarks.

Unfazed, Professor Harry instead threatened her with her expiring visa, questioning her desire to remain in the country. Qiu Jianing, with conviction, declared she would no longer work with such a despicable man, warning him that his evil deeds would lead to his self-destruction. Back in China, at the Plan-O Laboratory, team leads Su Qian and Sun Lei were informed that two new researchers, recruited from overseas, would soon join the company. One of them was Qiu Jianing.

Upon her arrival at the airport, Zhu Zhu, an administrator for Plan-O Laboratory, greeted her. Zhu Zhu then escorted Qiu Jianing to the laboratory, where she was assigned to Su Qian's team. Qiu Jianing immediately expressed her eagerness to start working. Her seemingly mysterious and aloof demeanor sparked curiosity among her colleagues. Zhu Zhu privately informed Zheng Wei that Qiu Jianing's starting salary was higher than hers, advising Zheng Wei to be more proactive.

Su Qian then asked Zheng Wei to take Qiu Jianing to familiarize herself with the employee dormitories, a request Zheng Wei somewhat reluctantly accepted. Concurrently, Zhou Xiaoshan received a call from Zhu Zhu, confirming his recruitment to Plan-O, but he was still abroad. Zhu Zhu, smitten by his resume photo, was motivated by the arrival of such a handsome colleague. Zheng Wei led Qiu Jianing to the top-class employee dormitories provided for international staff.

Later, Su Qian revealed her intention to reassign some of Zheng Wei's ongoing experiments to Qiu Jianing, much to Zheng Wei's dismay, though Su Qian assured her that she had her own plans. Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshan, utilizing his exceptional photographic memory, thoroughly absorbed all available information about the Plan-O Laboratory.

Qiu Jianing, in a conversation, articulated her understanding that Plan-O aimed to elevate Chinese scientific research onto the world stage, emphasizing that Chinese experiments should primarily benefit the Chinese people first, to prevent future researchers from facing the same humiliation she did abroad. When Qiu Jianing attempted to ask Zheng Wei about some research materials, Zheng Wei was dismissive.

Later, in the tea room, Li Chunran kindly clarified Qiu Jianing's questions and explained that Zheng Wei, as Su Qian's confidant, likely felt threatened by Qiu Jianing's arrival. Qiu Jianing also realized the stark difference in convenience between domestic and international services, particularly regarding online shopping and delivery speeds, a "new four great inventions" in China. Her sister, Qiu Jiaxin, called from abroad, asking Qiu Jianing to translate a film school application for a friend.

Upon Zhou Xiaoshan's return to China, he found himself on the same public bus as Qiu Jianing. Noticing the "Cure" journal with Professor Harry's article in Zhou Xiaoshan's hands, Qiu Jianing recalled the professor's condescending words. Zhou Xiaoshan officially started at Plan-O and was assigned to Sun Lei's team, impressing everyone with his exceptional academic background from McKeeton University, including a Ph. D. in Molecular Biology. Sun Lei asked Zhou Xiaoshan for his thoughts on Professor Harry's recently published paper.

Before Zhou Xiaoshan could elaborate, Su Qian arrived with Qiu Jianing to greet Sun Lei. Qiu Jianing, sharing Zhou Xiaoshan's critical assessment, elaborated on the article's inaccuracies, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor. However, she was cut short by Su Qian and led away, leaving Zhou Xiaoshan notably impressed by her insights. Qiu Jianing expressed her belief that Zheng Wei harbored animosity towards her and reiterated that she was there to work, not engage in office politics.

Su Qian, however, advised her that adults must learn to navigate interpersonal relationships, especially in professional settings where speaking out of turn, as Qiu Jianing had done earlier, was inappropriate. Qiu Jianing's stubbornness left Su Qian momentarily speechless, surmising that Qiu Jianing's years abroad might have detached her from local customs. Su Qian then simply told her to "speak less and do more" before dismissing her.

Separately, Qiu Jiaxin faced a reprimand from her supervising doctor, Qin Bin, after a patient, Mr. Zhang, experienced a severe spike in blood sugar. Qin Bin, mistakenly believing Qiu Jiaxin had given Mr. Zhang milk tea, angrily scolded her, leading Qiu Jiaxin to feel so humiliated that she threatened to abandon her degree. Back at the laboratory, Zhou Xiaoshan helped Qiu Jianing pay for her meal, as she was still unfamiliar with China's digital payment methods.

Later, Qiu Jianing commented on Zhou Xiaoshan's quicker adaptation to life in China compared to her own. Discussing Professor Harry's paper from that morning, Zhou Xiaoshan revealed his most significant doubt: the paper was fundamentally invalid due to inadequate cancer sample size and a lack of functional experiments. Qiu Jianing was surprised to find that his critical assessment perfectly aligned with hers, leading them to formally introduce themselves. Zhou Xiaoshan shared he held a Ph. D.

from McKeeton University, while Qiu Jianing had a Ph. D. from Ledril University and had previously conducted research in Professor Harry's laboratory. Zhou Xiaoshan wondered why she returned to China given the excellent experimental conditions abroad, but Qiu Jianing did not answer. Both lamented that despite their advanced degrees, they were currently assigned rudimentary tasks in their respective teams.

Zheng Wei, observing Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan conversing and laughing, quickly reported their closeness to Su Qian, who decided she needed to "guide" Qiu Jianing further. Meanwhile, Mr. Zhang clarified to Qin Bin that Qiu Jiaxin had not given him milk tea, but rather an oatmeal drink when he craved milk tea due to his diabetes. Qin Bin realized he had unjustly accused Qiu Jiaxin.

Back at Plan-O, Su Qian advised Qiu Jianing to maintain a professional distance from Zhou Xiaoshan, emphasizing that they belonged to different teams. Qiu Jianing challenged this, stating Su Qian had no right to interfere with her personal life. Su Qian explained her concern stemmed from past negative experiences, clarifying that while she couldn't control Qiu Jianing's personal life, she felt obliged to offer her counsel.

Simultaneously, Zhou Xiaoshan discovered he couldn't access higher-level project data, a privilege reserved for team leaders. Li Chunran mentioned that Su Qian's access might soon be upgraded, as her team's progress report was more favorable than Sun Lei's, making their team more likely to lead the next phase of experiments.

Episode 2 Recap

Qin Bin realized he had wrongly accused Qiu Jiaxin and rushed to find her. He found her in the cafeteria, eating lunch. Approaching her with a plate of sweet and sour ribs and the last Yakult, he humbly apologized for his mistake. Qiu Jiaxin, however, responded sarcastically, stating that mentors are always right. Qin Bin insisted he was wrong and loudly declared his sincere apology, drawing the attention of everyone in the cafeteria.

Still not easily swayed, Qiu Jiaxin challenged him, saying that a Yakult and a few words wouldn't be enough for her to forgive him. She then presented her condition: she wanted to eat at a trendy restaurant. Qin Bin readily agreed to treat her, even offering to pay for anything, no matter the cost.

Qiu Jiaxin clarified that the food itself was only 100 Yuan, but the catch was that they couldn't reserve a table and would have to endure an average two-hour wait in line. Despite Qin Bin's initial suggestion to hire someone to wait for them, Qiu Jiaxin insisted that he do the waiting himself. He reluctantly agreed, telling her to call him when he reached the front of the line.

Zhou Xiaoshan, seeking a breakthrough, decided to approach Qiu Jianing, a new colleague. He found her struggling to move several packages and immediately offered his help. Qiu Jianing explained that she had purchased necessities during a Double 11 sale. To further his acquaintance, Zhou Xiaoshan suggested she treat him to a meal as thanks, and she agreed. At the restaurant, Qiu Jianing ordered "drunken shrimp."

Zhou Xiaoshan found the dish "tragic" but ultimately ate it, remarking that it was "quite good." Afterward, he brought up their work, noting that Su Qian was already preparing her report, while Professor Sun struggled to achieve ideal data, finding the disparity strange. Qiu Jianing mentioned that Su Qian had only shared basic project reports with her.

Zhou Xiaoshan then guessed that Su Qian wanted Qiu Jianing to be cautious around Professor Sun's team, to which Qiu Jianing simply stated that she doesn't tell lies, and Zhou Xiaoshan responded that he also dislikes lies. During their meal, Qiu Jianing received a phone call from her sister, Qiu Jiaxin, who announced her intention to study abroad at Qiu Jianing’s location.

Qiu Jianing realized her sister had lied to her previously about this and urged her to consider it carefully, asking if she had consulted their aunt and father. Qiu Jiaxin, however, declared she was responsible for her own youth and would run away if her parents didn’t agree. She then instructed Qiu Jianing to pick her up when she arrived.

Qiu Jianing awkwardly tried to explain she couldn’t pick her up, and, to avoid revealing she had returned to China, vaguely told her sister she was "abroad." Qiu Jiaxin didn't grasp the meaning or her sister's subtle lie and hung up, telling her to just be ready to pick her up later. After the call, Zhou Xiaoshan observed that Qiu Jianing was truly terrible at lying.

Later that evening, Zhou Xiaoshan messaged Qiu Jianing, saying he felt unwell, suspecting he ate something bad. Qiu Jianing, feeling fine herself, rushed to his dorm with medicine. Seeing how sick he was, she decided to stay and care for him. The following morning, Zhou Xiaoshan awoke to find Qiu Jianing asleep on the sofa.

He reflected on her phone conversation with Qiu Jiaxin, particularly her ambiguous remark about being "abroad," and wondered why Qiu Jianing was concealing her return to China from her own sister. He thanked Qiu Jianing for her help, and once she confirmed he was feeling better, she left. Su Qian inquired about the experimental results Weiwei was supposed to compile, but Weiwei looked troubled, admitting there had been no breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Qiu Jianing was using the copy machine when Li Chunran and others approached. Li Chunran expressed anticipation for Su Qian’s upcoming plan, which was quickly countered by Xiaoxiao, who voiced suspicion about how Su Qian achieved results so easily when Professor Sun had struggled for so long. Xiaoxiao also impatiently urged Qiu Jianing to finish with the copier. Li Chunran advised Qiu Jianing not to take Xiaoxiao’s comments personally, explaining she was merely worried about Professor Sun.

Li Chunran further elaborated on the complex dynamics between Su Qian and Professor Sun, noting that while Professor Sun wouldn't openly admit defeat by seeking help, he would eventually have to follow Su Qian's lead if her report were approved by headquarters. As Qiu Jianing reviewed the report, she discovered several inconsistencies.

She reported to Su Qian that the cell screening results on pages 8, 11, 15, and 17 showed inexplicable changes, with the last two applications of medicine yielding significant divergences compared to the first two, despite identical conditions. Weiwei quickly interjected, dismissing these as mere "errors in handling" and even blaming a colleague’s menstrual cramps for previous mistakes. Su Qian, angered by Weiwei's unprofessionalism, sent her out.

Qiu Jianing reiterated her concern about the sudden appearance of new results without any optimization of experimental conditions, emphasizing the report's lack of sufficient detail, especially given its imminent submission. Su Qian commended Qiu Jianing for her diligent work and scientific integrity, promising to figure out the next steps for verification. After Qiu Jianing left, Su Qian expressed her concern to Weiwei, stating that Weiwei’s outburst had nearly exposed their clandestine activities.

Realizing Qiu Jianing had already detected irregularities, Su Qian instructed Weiwei to be extra cautious and investigate Qiu Jianing’s background. Weiwei later reported that Qiu Jianing had studied abroad from a young age and worked as a researcher in an experimental lab, but Weiwei was unsure why she returned to China. Su Qian urged her to uncover that crucial detail. Later that evening, Zhou Xiaoshan found Qiu Jianing still at her desk, engrossed in documents.

He approached her, and Qiu Jianing confided that the experiment report was vaguely written, missing many critical details, and found Weiwei’s attitude strange. Zhou Xiaoshan agreed, highlighting the odd discrepancy between Professor Sun's lack of progress and Su Qian's quick results on similar projects, even though Professor Sun started earlier and their basic methods followed company procedures. He then offered to treat her to dinner, assuring her they wouldn't eat "anything that moves around" this time.

As they arrived at a restaurant, Qiu Jianing suddenly spotted Qiu Jiaxin and Qin Bin. She immediately grabbed Zhou Xiaoshan and quickly pulled him away to hide. Qiu Jiaxin caught a glimpse of her sister and tried to follow but couldn’t find them. Zhou Xiaoshan, puzzled, asked why Qiu Jianing was hiding from her family and hadn't told them she was back.

Qiu Jianing dismissively replied that she was simply "too lazy to say and explain anything" and refused to waste her time on such "non-important things." Back at their table, Qin Bin finally began to eat after Qiu Jiaxin had finished taking photos. He asked if she had an older sister, remarking that he suspected as much given her age.

Qiu Jiaxin clarified that they shared the same father but had different mothers; her father and her sister’s mother had parted ways, and years later, her father married her own mother. She then proudly and mysteriously declared her sister to be a "beauty, a scientist." Qin Bin scoffed, suggesting that the description should be "reduced by half," implying her sister was likely an ordinary lab worker, merely "washing experiment tubes."

Annoyed, Qiu Jiaxin vowed to bring her sister to meet him one day so he could see for himself. Meanwhile, Weiwei returned to Su Qian with information on Qiu Jianing's background. She revealed that Qiu Jianing had previously held a significant position in Professor Harry's esteemed laboratory. The reason for her departure, however, was that she had been fired for "academic misconduct."

Su Qian, aware of Professor Harry's prominence in European biology, surmised that Qiu Jianing must have committed a severe offense, likely falsification, and saw this as an opportunity for their own plans. Later, Weiwei approached Qiu Jianing, emphasizing the company's high stakes in the Plan-O project, which had over 200 million Yuan in pending funds. She explained that this funding depended on demonstrating "tangible data," making Su Qian’s report extremely critical.

Weiwei subtly suggested that any "disclosures" in the report could be addressed later, with the priority being the approval of funds. She also tried to flatter Qiu Jianing, implying her position in Su Qian's group would lead to shared success. After hearing Weiwei’s subtle pressure, Qiu Jianing decided to take direct action. She entered Professor Wang’s office, bypassing standard procedures, to voice her concerns about Su Qian’s experimental report.

She reiterated the inconsistencies on pages 8, 11, 15, and 17, specifically highlighting the conflicting cell screening results and emphasizing that the report lacked sufficient rigor and required thorough verification. Professor Wang listened to her but offered little reaction before dismissing her. Shortly after, Su Qian met with Professor Wang. She expressed surprise that Qiu Jianing had directly approached him, seemingly bypassing her.

Su Qian subtly pressed him to consider the "problems" Qiu Jianing had mentioned, while also discreetly bringing up Qiu Jianing's "resumé," hinting at her past. Professor Wang revealed he was already aware of Qiu Jianing's dismissal from Professor Harry's lab and stated he had his "own plans."

He explained that he had brought Su Qian into the company to introduce "fresh new people" and "expand the thinking around science," as Professor Sun's team, along with others, operated within his existing theoretical framework. He believed in the principle of "you can't build anything without breaking it." Professor Wang then firmly instructed Su Qian to keep Qiu Jianing's past academic issues confidential between them, stressing the paramount importance of a scientist’s career and reputation.

Surprised by Professor Wang’s unexpected defense of Qiu Jianing, Su Qian decided that she would find a way to make Qiu Jianing leave on her own terms. Qiu Jiaxin visited Qin Bin at the hospital, promising to avoid trouble during her internship in exchange for a recommendation letter for her overseas studies, which he agreed to write. Later, during lunchtime, Weiwei offered to treat the team to takeout.

Qiu Jianing placed an order for an Americano and a ham and cheese croissant, but when the food arrived, her order was conspicuously missing from the receipt. Weiwei offered weak excuses, suggesting the seller might have forgotten or that Qiu Jianing hadn’t added it to the cart, then dismissed calling the shop due to an upcoming meeting. Li Chunran kindly offered her muffin, but Qiu Jianing declined and went to the cafeteria to eat by herself.

Observing Qiu Jianing eating a salad alone, Zhou Xiaoshan realized that Weiwei’s actions were deliberate and that Qiu Jianing had likely offended Su Qian. However, Qiu Jianing remained unfazed, asserting that she was there for research, not to engage in social maneuvering or "split lunch bills." She scornfully remarked that "only weaklings will try and stay in the group to stay warm," and she didn't care about being isolated.

Meanwhile, Weiwei was gossiping with other colleagues, spreading the rumor that Qiu Jianing had been fired from Professor Harry's prestigious lab for "academic misconduct" and was only hired here because she was "pretty." Overhearing these hurtful comments, Qiu Jianing firmly declared that she would prove she was not a weak person. Later, as she waited for the bus with Zhou Xiaoshan, he told her he believed she was not weak and asked about the true reason for her dismissal.

Qiu Jianing, with a touch of pride, explained that Professor Harry had stolen the first draft of her thesis and published it without her permission. When she confronted him about it, she was subsequently fired. Zhou Xiaoshan recognized the article she was referring to as the one in Cure Magazine. Qiu Jianing stated that she saw no need to explain the situation to her colleagues, as she didn't require their understanding or trust. Zhou Xiaoshan then asked if his understanding and trust were also considered unnecessary.

Episode 3 Recap

Zhou Xiaoshan observed that Asians often face discrimination in research labs run by white people, who doubt their ability to contribute. He believed the correct response was to fight back, using their work to prove their worth. Qiu Jianing disagreed, stating it's best to ignore such discrimination because engaging with an "idiot" only lowers one's own intellect to their level, where they would then use their extensive experience to win.

Changing the subject, Zhou Xiaoshan mentioned he heard Professor Su Qian's report was delayed. Qiu Jianing admitted it was because of her. She explained that she found some data in the report to be insufficiently detailed, a flaw Su Qian had missed. Without consulting Su Qian, Qiu Jianing took the report directly to Professor Wang. Zhou Xiaoshan noted that bypassing a superior is a universal taboo, but Qiu Jianing retorted that "not distinguishing between right and wrong is taboo."

She emphasized that for her, right is right and wrong is wrong, and when she saw a problem, she had to speak out as a matter of principle, regardless of how others perceived her. If someone deliberately confused right and wrong or disrespected science, she would never tolerate it. Later that evening, Zhou Xiaoshan called Uncle Zha, telling him he needed more time to investigate.

He suspected Su Qian's report might be wishful thinking, and Qiu Jianing, who had already cast doubt on it, could be his breakthrough for the assignment. The next day, Qiu Jianing approached Zhu Zhu to inquire about the company's standard procedures for cell experiments and a list of commonly used reagents, but Zhu Zhu informed her that all those materials had been borrowed and were not in the file room.

Seeing Qiu Jianing's predicament, Zhou Xiaoshan later presented her with the documents. He playfully asked how she would thank him, and she jokingly agreed not to make him eat the food she ordered. In the elevator, Qiu Jianing encountered Zheng Wei, who noticed the cell experiment procedures and reagent list in her hand. Zheng Wei immediately went to inform Su Qian. Su Qian then called Qiu Jianing into her office, offering her coffee.

Qiu Jianing expressed her desire to participate in experiments as soon as possible. However, Su Qian explained that the current experiments were nearing completion, and it would be inefficient for Qiu Jianing to join at this late stage. Instead, Su Qian suggested Qiu Jianing focus on finding a clinical trial collaborator, directing her to search for qualified hospitals on her own without providing any specific contacts or resources.

When news of Qiu Jianing's new assignment circulated among colleagues, Zhou Xiaoshan questioned why a lab researcher would be tasked with such duties. Another colleague noted that it was unusual but understandable given Qiu Jianing had offended her boss. Li Chunran expressed surprise, wondering how Su Qian could allow someone accused of academic misconduct to join critical experiments. Zhou Xiaoshan, however, trusted his intuition and didn't believe Qiu Jianing was that kind of person.

Zheng Wei then openly suggested that if Qiu Jianing found the task too difficult, she could simply resign, leading another colleague to conclude that Su Qian was deliberately trying to force Qiu Jianing to quit. They noted Qiu Jianing had no connections in Jiangcheng, making the task particularly challenging. Qiu Jianing went to Aoyoung Hospital to seek a meeting with Vice President Wu but was told she needed an appointment. Unwilling to give up, she decided to wait.

While waiting, Qin Bin, a doctor, noticed her deeply engrossed in a crossword puzzle from "The Book and the Sword." He approached her, corrected one of her answers, and found himself instantly captivated by her. His phone then rang with an emergency, and he rushed off to save a patient. After a while, a nurse informed Qiu Jianing that Vice President Wu was attending an academic conference and would not be at the hospital.

Qiu Jianing left her company's information with the nurse for Vice President Wu. Qin Bin, having successfully saved his patient, found himself thinking about the woman he had just met, regretting not knowing her name or contact information, yet convinced that fate would bring them together again. He asked the nurse if the lady was a new hire and if she knew where she worked.

The nurse only remembered that she had come to discuss a collaboration with Vice President Wu. As Qiu Jianing was leaving the hospital, her sister, Qiu Jiaxin, spotted her from a window and called her. Qiu Jianing, who had been secretly back in the country, was startled to see Qiu Jiaxin standing directly in front of her after ending the call.

Qiu Jiaxin demanded an explanation for Qiu Jianing's sudden return, threatening to call their father if she didn't reveal everything. Qiu Jianing reluctantly recounted her story and made her sister promise to keep it a secret from their father. Qiu Jiaxin then insisted that Qiu Jianing join her for coffee at noon. Qiu Jianing initially resisted, citing work commitments, but conceded after Qiu Jiaxin again playfully threatened to call their father.

At the cafe, Qiu Jiaxin, wanting to cheer up her sister, encouraged her to indulge in sweets to boost her mood. She took photos of Qiu Jianing and even gave her posing tips. She then took Qiu Jianing's phone and posted one of the photos on social media with a caption about having a beautiful afternoon tea moment.

Her intention was to show those making Qiu Jianing's life difficult that they hadn't stressed her out, but rather given her more free time. Qiu Jianing was annoyed by her sister's antics. Back at the office, Li Chunran and Zheng Wei saw Qiu Jianing's social media post during work hours and criticized her, deeming it excessive. Zhou Xiaoshan quietly smiled at the sight.

Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin, returning to the hospital with coffee, was late and received a scolding from Qin Bin. She explained her tardiness was due to comforting her sister, the "pretty scientist," who was having trouble at her new company and being bullied by colleagues. Qin Bin remarked that "it takes two to make a quarrel" and expressed his strong dislike for office politics. Zheng Wei went to Su Qian to complain about Qiu Jianing's post, calling it mockery.

Su Qian, remaining calm, suggested Qiu Jianing was "too young and impatient" and the post might make her "feel better." However, she pondered what Professor Wang would think, hinting at its potential negative impact on Qiu Jianing's reputation. Qiu Jianing returned to the company late, just as others were leaving. Zhou Xiaoshan was the first to approach her, acknowledging her post was inappropriate for work hours but admitting it felt satisfying. Qiu Jianing clarified that she didn't post it.

Zhou Xiaoshan, deducing it was her sister, didn't press further when Qiu Jianing didn't deny it, only vaguely mentioning some "family issues." Rumors spread throughout the company, orchestrated by Zheng Wei, that Qiu Jianing was undermining the project, which could jeopardize everyone's year-end bonus. Zheng Wei then deliberately excluded Qiu Jianing from an emergency meeting called by Professor Wang. Fortunately, Zhou Xiaoshan noticed and discreetly informed Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing rushed to the meeting, arriving just as it concluded.

She started to explain her tardiness to Professor Wang but, recalling Su Qian's earlier admonition about acting like a child complaining to a teacher, she simply stated she had been delayed and would not be late again. After the meeting, she tried to get the meeting minutes from Zheng Wei, but Zheng Wei ignored her. Zhou Xiaoshan confronted Qiu Jianing, asking why she didn't tell Professor Wang the truth about what was happening.

Qiu Jianing calmly replied that there was no point, as her ability to stay depended on her own actions, not on Professor Wang. She was fully aware that Zheng Wei was turning colleagues against her to force her resignation, but she saw it as further proof of issues with Su Qian's report. She declared that she would only leave after uncovering the truth, even if it meant starting the experiment all over again.

Later, while Qiu Jianing was exiting a vehicle, a pickpocket attempted to steal her phone from her coat pocket. Zhou Xiaoshan quickly pulled her into his embrace, warning her not to store her phone in such an easily accessible spot again. Zheng Wei reported to Su Qian that everyone in the company wanted Qiu Jianing to leave, especially since their year-end bonuses were at risk. She noted Qiu Jianing's strange composure at the meeting, where she didn't explain her lateness.

Su Qian, however, recognized Qiu Jianing's intelligence. She reasoned that complaining about colleagues would only make Qiu Jianing seem like she was making excuses or had poor interpersonal skills, which is crucial for researchers. Su Qian believed Professor Wang would initially support Qiu Jianing due to her background, but it was up to Qiu Jianing to seize the opportunity. Su Qian warned Zheng Wei not to underestimate Qiu Jianing, acknowledging she wouldn't give up easily.

The following day, Qiu Jianing went to collect cell culture materials. The staff, secretly colluding with Zheng Wei, informed her that all the items she needed were out of stock. When Qiu Jianing asked for alternative sizes, those too were mysteriously unavailable. The staff then deliberately dropped and shattered the last remaining set of materials, blaming Qiu Jianing for being careless and refusing to pick them up.

Zhou Xiaoshan, witnessing the scene, stepped in to help Qiu Jianing collect the broken pieces. As they left, Qiu Jianing sternly told the staff that a material manager who knew about shortages but failed to restock was useless. The staff member, infuriated, later ranted to colleagues, calling Qiu Jianing "crazy" and a "ticking bomb" who lacked "interpersonal skills" and posed a threat to the project.

Zhou Xiaoshan found Qiu Jianing in a stairwell, deeply distressed and on the verge of tears. Despite her strong facade and assertions of not caring, the weight of past injustices she had suffered, both abroad and now in China, finally broke her composure. Zhou Xiaoshan offered her a tissue and urged her to consider giving up, reminding her that no matter how strong an individual is, they cannot survive alone without societal support.

Qiu Jianing, however, invoked the myth of Sisyphus, explaining that he was a happy person because he always had a goal and remained motivated, thus never truly losing. She expressed her aspiration to be like Sisyphus, fearless of any difficulties in pursuit of her ambitious goals.

Meanwhile, Zheng Wei assured Su Qian that all measures were in place to prevent Qiu Jianing from conducting any experiments without Su Qian's explicit approval, confident that Qiu Jianing would soon resign on her own. Su Qian, though, still cautioned Zheng Wei not to let her guard down. Late that night, Qiu Jianing called Qiu Jiaxin. She sarcastically thanked her sister for the social media post, which had made her the topic of conversation at work.

To "compensate" her, Qiu Jianing asked Qiu Jiaxin to find out the time and location of Vice President Wu's academic conference. Qiu Jiaxin initially expressed reservations, calling it "spying," but eventually agreed. The next day, Qiu Jiaxin quickly called back with the details: the conference was at 2:00 p. m. that day, in the ballroom of Jiangcheng Hotel. Qiu Jianing, eager to act, promptly hung up, unaware that Qiu Jiaxin had not yet mentioned a crucial detail: the conference required an invitation for entry.

Episode 4 Recap

Qiu Jianing arrived at the International Conference on Precision Medicine, hoping to meet Vice President Wu, but was turned away for not having an invitation. Undeterred, she waited by the restroom. Eventually, she encountered Vice President Wu, introducing herself as a researcher from Plan-O and requesting a brief five minutes to discuss potential collaborations between their company and his hospital. To her surprise, Professor Wang also appeared, asking why she was there.

Meanwhile, Zheng Wei informed Su Qian that Professor Wang had just returned from the conference and suggested they seize the opportunity to get him to sign the new cell research report quickly. Professor Wang later questioned Su Qian about Qiu Jianing's work performance. Su Qian, with feigned reluctance, mentioned that Qiu Jianing had posted about having afternoon tea during work hours.

Professor Wang then added that he had also seen Qiu Jianing at the conference, where she was attempting to meet Vice President Wu to discuss clinical experiments, not urgently seeking him out as he initially thought. Su Qian admitted she had casually mentioned the idea but hadn't expected Qiu Jianing to act on it so seriously.

Professor Wang chastised Su Qian, explaining that approaching a Vice President for collaboration should be handled by senior researchers like Su Qian, Professor Sun, or himself, not a new researcher. He then decided not to sign Su Qian's report immediately. Instead, he summoned everyone to the large laboratory within half an hour for an experiment demonstration by Su Qian and Zheng Wei, the results of which would be checked together in 36 hours.

Both Su Qian and Zheng Wei were visibly distraught after the announcement. Zheng Wei, in particular, was panicked, fearing that Professor Wang had discovered something amiss since they couldn't replicate the reported experimental results. Su Qian tried to calm her, urging her not to give up until the very last moment.

She offered possible excuses for a failed experiment, such as an ill researcher or unclean test tubes, and reassured Zheng Wei that as the experiment leader, she would take full responsibility for any issues, leaving Zheng Wei blameless. Qiu Jianing later recounted the day's events to Zhou Xiaoshan. He cautioned her that their suspicions about Su Qian were still just guesses, and asked what she would do if the results did, in fact, align with the report.

He warned that if Su Qian overcame this obstacle, she would retaliate, potentially ending Qiu Jianing's research career, especially after her previous dismissal from another lab. Qiu Jianing, however, remained resolute, stating that research was her career, and as long as she didn't give up, no one could stop her. As the 36-hour deadline passed, a nervous Su Qian entered the laboratory, joined by Professor Sun.

The experiment results showed that, with the exception of the control, all other cells had worsened, and the life curves remained consistent with previous trials by Su Qian’s team, failing to support the claims in the report. Su Qian suggested that subtle changes in experimental conditions might be the cause, requiring further study. Professor Wang insisted they uncover the problem, sternly warning that Plan-O would not tolerate any human error or falsification of data.

Before Su Qian could respond, Zheng Wei unexpectedly stepped forward and confessed that she had modified the data she provided to Su Qian, driven by an eagerness to successfully complete the experiment. Qiu Jianing questioned if Su Qian had asked Zheng Wei to redo the experiment alone when doubts were initially raised. Zheng Wei claimed she had deceived Su Qian with various excuses. Professor Wang asked if Zheng Wei had faced any hardships.

Zheng Wei scoffed, asking if "wanting fame and fortune" counted as hardship. She expressed her disdain for being an ordinary researcher, citing low pay and heavy, dull work, and her desire for the respect and promising future that came with being a senior researcher on a core project. Professor Wang, furious, reiterated that medical research was a matter of human lives and that any loopholes, modifications, or falsifications of original data would result in immediate dismissal and legal action.

Su Qian tried to plead for Zheng Wei, insisting she was usually not like this, but Professor Wang was unyielding. He asked Su Qian if she truly hadn't known or had simply chosen to ignore the situation. He refused to give Zheng Wei another chance, instructing her to write her own resignation letter as a final act of mercy.

Professor Wang then noted that if Qiu Jianing hadn't highlighted the issues, and the false report had led to a grant, the consequences would have been dire. He advised Su Qian to lean more on Qiu Jianing for future projects. As Zheng Wei left, she confronted Qiu Jianing, accusing her of delighting in her downfall and getting her fired.

Qiu Jianing dismissed the accusation, stating she had no reason to waste her time on Zheng Wei, and reiterated that in research, one must take responsibility for falsified data.

Zheng Wei then revealed her difficult past: born in a small mountain village, taking her first train ride at 18 (with a ticket paid for by Su Qian) to attend college, and later giving up her education to support her family, only for Su Qian to track her down and secure a tuition waiver for her. Qiu Jianing listened but maintained that personal hardships do not excuse unethical actions. Zheng Wei, frustrated, called Qiu Jianing a "saint."

Later, Zhou Xiaoshan advised Qiu Jianing against being so absolute in her views, suggesting that life often presents difficult dilemmas. He then posed a hypothetical question: would she still be so certain if a gun were pointed at her family's head, with their lives depending on her decision? Qiu Jianing visibly hesitated, avoiding a direct answer.

That night, Qiu Jianing, bringing takeout for Zhou Xiaoshan, confessed that she had thought deeply about his question and admitted she would find such a choice incredibly difficult. While she now understood Zheng Wei's motivations, she still believed her actions were wrong. Zhou Xiaoshan then pressed her, asking what she would do if "he" were the one threatening her family.

Qiu Jianing, trusting her intuition, declared that he wouldn't be "that bad guy," which seemed to stir a strong emotional reaction in Zhou Xiaoshan. The next morning, Qin Bin arrived at the hospital, immediately noticing the staff's amused glances at their phones. He discovered they were watching a funny video, which turned out to be of himself, posted by Qiu Jiaxin. Despite his initial annoyance, he couldn't help but smile.

In the lab, Su Qian reassigned Zheng Wei’s former duties to Qiu Jianing, instructing her to prepare a work plan for the following week. Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin was entertaining patients in her ward by bad-mouthing Qin Bin and showing them another humorous video of him. Qin Bin quietly approached her and confronted her about the video. Qiu Jiaxin playfully defended her actions, saying she filmed him because he was "adorable," and claimed it improved the patients' moods, aiding their recovery.

Qin Bin sarcastically listed her actual "outstanding medical skills," such as being late, sleeping in the office, and making medical record errors. Qiu Jiaxin tried to make a hasty exit, but Qin Bin insisted she delete the video. Su Qian then escorted Qiu Jianing to Professor Wang, stating she had an important announcement and that Qiu Jianing also had something to report. Professor Wang was surprised by this deviation from protocol.

Su Qian then revealed her resignation, informing him she had already emailed it to headquarters and was planning to join Professor Harry’s laboratory in City A. Qiu Jianing, perplexed, asked if Su Qian had truly been unaware of Zheng Wei’s actions. Su Qian confessed that she had not only known but had instructed Zheng Wei to falsify the data, as they were "just a tiny bit" away from securing headquarters' approval before Qiu Jianing's arrival.

Qiu Jianing argued that approval should be based on ideal data, but Su Qian countered that the lengthy approval process offered ample time to "optimize" experiment results. They fiercely debated scientific ethics: Qiu Jianing prioritizing patient safety and data integrity, while Su Qian argued that delays in drug development meant more deaths, citing her grandmother's passing from stomach cancer just months before a life-saving drug became available.

Su Qian bitterly blamed Qiu Jianing for halting the project, implying that Qiu Jianing's "saintly" ideals would lead to greater suffering. After Su Qian's departure, Qiu Jianing began to doubt her own actions, observing Zhou Xiaoshan's shift in attitude and realizing he understood her internal conflict. She reflected on Zheng Wei's loyalty to Su Qian and Su Qian's actions stemming from personal grief.

Zhou Xiaoshan then asked Qiu Jianing what she had truly done for the world, referencing the Greek myth of Sisyphus. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan called Uncle Zha, informing him that the falsified data in Su Qian's report had been exposed, and Plan-O was still in the cellular investigation phase. He anticipated Professor Wang would soon have Professor Sun submit a periodic report and confirmed he had sent a draft.

Zhou Xiaoshan also expressed his exhaustion and eagerness for their superiors to confirm the completion of their task. Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin watched Qin Bin's funny video with her mother, jokingly suggesting she wanted to quit being a doctor for a "cheerful job." Her mother scolded her, contrasting her privileged upbringing with Qiu Jianing, who studied abroad on scholarship without needing financial support from the family, urging Qiu Jiaxin to be more responsible.

Professor Sun reluctantly informed Professor Wang (on the phone) that the Plan-O project faced potential suspension, though he expressed hope for its continuation. Qiu Jianing then met with Professor Wang and questioned Professor Sun's current approach of preventing telomerase expression in cancer cells at the genetic level. She argued that the laboratory's previous method—using molecules to suppress telomerase activity—was more robust, had a more mature pharmaceutical setup, and carried fewer hidden dangers than gene therapy.

Professor Sun countered that they had spent a year proving that the old method didn't work. Despite Professor Sun's protests, Professor Wang instructed him not to submit the annual cell report to headquarters yet. He gave Qiu Jianing half a month to gather theoretical evidence and verify her claims, allowing her to experiment fully. Qiu Jianing requested a researcher to assist her, and Professor Sun suggested Zhou Xiaoshan, given his similar overseas experience. Professor Wang agreed to this arrangement.

Episode 5 Recap

Qiu Jianing decided to pursue a new research direction, hoping to return to the foundational work on small molecule inhibitors. She approached Zhou Xiaoshan, asking him to collaborate, stating he was the best choice in the lab. Zhou Xiaoshan initially expressed skepticism, believing the timeframe was too short to accomplish anything. Qiu Jianing reminded him of their previous conversation about Sisyphus and Thanatos, and her desire to make a difference.

She then asked if he would help, to which he eventually agreed. She outlined the plan to analyze telomerase's interaction with proteins using mass spectrometry to find new inspiration. The news of Qiu Jianing's approach quickly spread among the lab members. Colleagues gossiped about her decision to return to the research on small molecule inhibitors, which they had previously worked on for over a year without success, noting its serious side effects.

They found it "ridiculous" and questioned if she could succeed where many, including Professor Sun, had failed. When Sun Lei arrived, the conversation dissipated, and even Zhou Xiaoshan eventually left. One colleague, however, expressed concern that if Qiu Jianing succeeded, she would outshine Professor Sun, which he did not want. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan reported to Qiu Jianing that there had been no progress with the mass spectrometry.

Qiu Jianing, unperturbed, told him that it was fine to "waste time in life" and instructed him to also try cultivating crystals, emphasizing the need to explore all methods. Qin Bin, having just completed an all-night surgery, instructed Qiu Jiaxin to meticulously care for a patient in Bed 5, including two-hourly blood pressure checks.

He then tasked her with finding a bed for a new patient, despite Qiu Jiaxin's protests that their ward was already full and their previous agreement not to admit more. Qin Bin, undeterred, urged her to find a solution. Shortly after, an elderly woman was found crying in the hallway, having lost the surgery fees she had painstakingly collected for her son, who was in Bed 7 and about to undergo surgery.

Qin Bin immediately intervened, offering to lend her the money so the surgery could proceed. The woman, overwhelmed with gratitude, profusely thanked him, feeling her family had been saved. Later, Mo Li, disguised as a delivery person, brought takeout for Zhou Xiaoshan at the lab. Zhou Xiaoshan was clearly surprised to see her, while Qiu Jianing, who was present, merely asked if he had ordered more food because he hadn't had enough lunch, showing no suspicion.

She then advised him to get some fresh air. Soon after, Zhou Xiaoshan received a text message from Mo Li, revealing an apartment address: Ribeiting Apartments, Unit 01, Room 601. Qin Bin was then subjected to sarcastic remarks from Director Qian for his good deed. Qiu Jiaxin, noticing this, told Qin Bin that Director Qian was being sarcastic. She further chided him for being a "busybody," comparing him to her long-lived grandmother who avoided such behavior.

While acknowledging his "awesome" and "good heart," she urged him to save some living expenses each month. Qin Bin, however, simply relied on her to buy him breakfast. Later, while chatting with Sister Chen, Qiu Jiaxin was encouraged to persuade Qin Bin, who, despite being a young chief at their highly-ranked hospital, possessed even greater potential.

Sister Chen then revealed that Qin Bin hailed from a five-generation lineage of doctors, with his father being a renowned cardiologist in America who was already financially independent. Yet, Qin Bin chose to work on the "front line." Sister Chen also disclosed that at 18, Qin Bin had forgone university to embark on a world tour, supporting himself by busking after his family, angered, cut off his financial support. This revelation dramatically elevated Qin Bin's image in Qiu Jiaxin's eyes.

She immediately sought him out to verify the story, gushing about her envy for such an "unfettered life" and her willingness to make sacrifices for it. Qin Bin, however, cautioned her, stating that such a life "comes with a lot of sacrifices" and advised her to live a "down-to-earth life." Qiu Jiaxin rebutted, "I don't want a down-to-earth life. I just want an unfettered life. I am willing to make sacrifices for it."

To this, Qin Bin simply replied, "You won't." Meanwhile, Qin Bin continued to frequently visit the place where he last encountered Qiu Jianing, hoping to see her again, though his inquiries were always met with the same answer: she hadn't returned. During a meal, Qiu Jiaxin excitedly shared Qin Bin's story with Qiu Jianing, confessing her own desire for a "gap year."

However, Qiu Jianing cautioned her sister, explaining that such a life involved significant hardships like low-budget travel and financial distress, which she believed Qiu Jiaxin wouldn't be able to endure. Qiu Jiaxin playfully suggested their father could rescue her if things got tough, but Qiu Jianing dismissed this as undermining the true meaning of a gap year. After dinner, Qiu Jiaxin expressed an interest in visiting Qiu Jianing's dorm. As they arrived, they encountered Zhou Xiaoshan downstairs.

Qiu Jiaxin was visibly drawn to him, remarking that she felt they had met before, an idea Qiu Jianing quickly brushed aside. Inside, Qiu Jiaxin was thoroughly impressed by the spacious, two-story apartment, praising Qiu Jianing's company for its generosity compared to the hospital. She immediately declared her intention to move in, arguing it would save her an hour on her daily commute to her internship at Aoyoung Hospital.

When Qiu Jianing hesitated, Qiu Jiaxin grabbed her phone and threatened to inform their father about something. Left with no choice, Qiu Jianing reluctantly agreed, prompting Qiu Jiaxin to promise daily breakfast in return. Zhou Xiaoshan arrived at Mo Li's address, located in an apartment complex she had surveyed and deemed suitable as a hideout due to its high proportion of out-of-town tenants.

Mo Li confirmed that "Uncle Zha" had sent her to assist him on this crucial mission, stating she was fully briefed. Mo Li questioned the urgency of their task—to steal the experimental results of "Plan-O"—arguing that spying now, before significant progress, seemed like a "small gain, great loss."

Zhou Xiaoshan countered that continuous surveillance was necessary to track the project's development, especially given the "trillions" at stake if Plan-O succeeded, and the company's policy of withholding information until results were confirmed. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by loud noises from an upstairs apartment. Mo Li, with her short temper, immediately went to confront the noisy neighbors, but Zhou Xiaoshan swiftly intervened, pulling her back. He explained that a confrontation could lead to police involvement and expose their identities.

He then informed Mo Li that she could not stay there, asserting that her presence would "stir the pot." He explicitly instructed her not to appear in front of him unless he contacted her, to which she reluctantly agreed. Unknown to Zhou Xiaoshan, Mo Li had a secondary, covert mission from Uncle Zha: to monitor Zhou Xiaoshan and report any unusual behavior, a task Uncle Zha presented as an opportunity for her personal growth.

Qiu Jianing’s experiments were stalled, leaving her questioning if she was being too unrealistic. Observing that she hadn't eaten lunch by 2 PM, Professor Wang visited her, gently reminding her of their first encounter at a Princeton seminar years ago. He recalled how a spirited, young Qiu Jianing had engaged him in discussions about apoptosis and tissue regeneration for hours, oblivious to the passage of time and his assistant’s repeated calls for dinner.

Qiu Jianing apologized for her youthful "immature" behavior," but Professor Wang praised her dedication, explaining that this seriousness was why he had recruited her despite her past dismissal from Professor Harry’s lab. He confirmed he had read Harry's controversial article, recognizing it as Qiu Jianing's "bold and novel idea" from their Princeton talks. Qiu Jianing clarified that Harry had published her initial draft using "backhanded tricks" against her wishes, a move she felt would damage the journal's credibility.

Professor Wang condemned Harry's actions as "disgraceful" and reaffirmed his trust in Qiu Jianing, hoping she wouldn't disappoint him as Su Qian had. Qiu Jianing vowed she wouldn't let him down. Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshan was diligently, but unsuccessfully, cultivating crystals, lamenting his lack of artistic talent for what he called an "art." Qiu Jianing, finding herself stuck, shared a drawing of "Foolish Wolf," a cartoon character she’d learned to draw.

She explained that this "mysterious ritual" provided her with energy and relief during stressful research moments. As she observed Zhou Xiaoshan’s challenges with crystal growth—specifically, how rapidly forming small crystals hindered structural analysis—a sudden inspiration struck her. She realized that while the genes, transcripts, and translations of telomeres might be identical in different cells, the crucial difference likely lay in their "post-translational modification".

Excited, she thanked Zhou Xiaoshan, expressing confidence in his eventual success with tumor cell telomerase crystals, and dashed off to the lab, leaving him behind. While waiting for the train, Qiu Jianing remained visibly excited. Noticing Zhou Xiaoshan looked tired, he admitted to not sleeping well. Qiu Jianing kindly offered him a pair of earplugs, remarking that "being able to sleep till morning is life's true happiness."

Their wait was interrupted by a man claiming to be a tourist whose money had been stolen and asking for ¥50. Zhou Xiaoshan immediately dismissed him, stating they had no cash. Qiu Jianing, however, gave the man the money. When he asked for her contact information to repay her, she declined but directed him to the "Plan-O Laboratory" in the tall building, where she introduced herself as Qiu Jianing. Zhou Xiaoshan scoffed, calling it an obvious "swindler's trick."

Qiu Jianing responded by emphasizing her choice of kindness: "What if it is real? Even if there is a 1 in a 1,000th chance, then I still could have helped a person in need. Even if he is a swindler like you said, he probably has his hardships. Otherwise, if he had money, why would he be out in the cold today? Kindness is a choice."

When the train arrived, Zhou Xiaoshan told Qiu Jianing to go ahead, claiming he had something to do. Instead of boarding, he discreetly followed the man, witnessing him repeatedly use the exact same story to deceive other unsuspecting individuals. Later that day, on his way home, Zhou Xiaoshan noticed a familiar figure in a delivery uniform heading towards Qiu Jianing's apartment. It was Mo Li, attempting to deliver takeout to Qiu Jianing, who had not ordered anything.

Qiu Jianing grew suspicious as Mo Li fumbled for answers, unable to name her delivery platform or adequately explain the unsolicited "green rice balls." Just as Qiu Jianing was about to press further, Zhou Xiaoshan arrived, quickly intervening by claiming he had ordered the green rice balls as a local specialty for Qiu Jianing, diffusing the situation.

Once alone, Zhou Xiaoshan was furious with Mo Li, chastising her for her amateur mistakes: her uniform lacked a staff number, she didn't know the delivery platform, and her responses to Qiu Jianing’s questions were inadequate, nearly exposing them. He firmly stated that she was "not suitable for this mission." Mo Li attempted to salvage her standing by mentioning an observation—Qiu Jianing had shoes of different sizes, suggesting another person in her dorm.

However, Zhou Xiaoshan quickly dismissed this, revealing it was merely Qiu Jianing's sister. Mo Li apologized for her failures. Late that night, Zhou Xiaoshan lay awake, unable to sleep. He found himself looking at the earplugs Qiu Jianing had given him, reflecting on her words about the happiness of a full night's sleep and her belief that "kindness is a choice," even for those who might be swindlers.

The following day, Zhou Xiaoshan brought Mo Li to a university cafeteria, filled with students her age. Mo Li dismissively described them as "dumb" and "ignorant to the world," noting their lack of experience with "difficulties or struggles," "life or death situations," or the world's "darkness, disorder, chaos." She questioned why these students could live such carefree lives while she could not. Zhou Xiaoshan then made a confession: Plan-O was to be his final mission.

He expressed profound weariness with his "inhumane lifestyle," characterized by constant missions, perpetual nervousness, and vigilance, stating he hadn't slept a full night in ten years. He believed he had repaid his debts to Uncle Zha, who had saved him from a terrible past and provided him with an education. However, he questioned whether happiness was impossible without Uncle Zha's influence.

He reminded Mo Li that he had saved her life and felt a responsibility for her, desiring for her to escape a life where she couldn't discern right from wrong. He wished for her to adopt a new way of living, "no more faking, being frank and open, walking under the sunlight." Mo Li, hesitant, asked if such a life was truly possible.

Zhou Xiaoshan asserted that if they could survive in their current world, they were strong enough to thrive anywhere. Qiu Jianing presented her new, "bold" research proposal to Professor Wang, who found it "quite interesting" and immediately summoned Sun Lei for a discussion. Qiu Jianing explained her idea to revisit the previous method of using small molecular inhibitors, but with a refined approach: instead of inhibiting all telomerase, she suggested targeting only the telomerase derived from tumor cells.

Sun Lei reacted with immediate disdain, calling the idea "unrealistic." He pointed out that the team had dedicated over a year to similar research without success and with significant side effects, dismissing Qiu Jianing’s confidence as overestimation. He declared that if this was the caliber of "talented overseas researchers," he could not accept it, and stormed out of the meeting. Professor Wang attempted to comfort Qiu Jianing, excusing Sun Lei's "bad temper."

Qiu Jianing, however, calmly stated her respect for scientists with principles and wouldn't trust Sun Lei if he had accepted her hypothesis immediately. She promised to deliver a detailed report summarizing her hypothesis soon. Professor Wang then instructed Sun Lei to hold off on submitting his report and granted Qiu Jianing half a month to verify her hypothesis, assigning Zhou Xiaoshan to assist her.

Meanwhile, Xiaoxiao, who initially thought Qiu Jianing was trying to make things difficult for Sun Lei, became even more enraged upon hearing that Qiu Jianing suggested returning to the "previous way of telomerase," questioning Qiu Jianing's sanity and her perceived arrogance in thinking she could solve a problem that had eluded them for over a year.

Episode 6 Recap

Xie Xiaoxiao adamantly argued that Professor Sun Lei should not give up his research direction so easily. She complained that Qiu Jianing, having just arrived, was already enjoying the same privileges as Professor Sun and trying to claim credit for their year-long work that was nearing patent application. Other colleagues shared her frustration, feeling that Qiu Jianing's assertion that she could solve the inhibitor problem dismissed their efforts.

Some speculated that Professor Wang was testing Qiu Jianing because, despite seemingly valuing her ideas, he had not granted her the highest level of access to the lab's data. Zhou Xiaoshan reported to Uncle Cha via phone about the project's progress, expressing his personal doubt about Qiu Jianing's idea. Uncle Cha confirmed Qiu Jianing was the researcher in question and instructed Zhou Xiaoshan to closely monitor her, stating that they only desired results.

Later, Qiu Jianing personally approached Zhou Xiaoshan to inquire about the telomerase crystals and requested his help with a mass spectrometer analysis of purified proteins, asking for the results by noon the next day, to which he agreed. Subsequently, Qiu Jianing attempted to access important backup data but was informed by a staff member that her position did not grant her access and that she needed a certificate from her department head.

Qiu Jianing then sought out Professor Sun Lei to request a certificate, explaining she needed to consult his team's previous research on telomerase inhibitors, including cell and animal data, and understand why they abandoned the project. Professor Sun Lei refused, citing the data as the core of their research and asserting it was inappropriate for him to grant access since Professor Wang had not. He suggested she wait three days for Professor Wang's return from a surgery meeting.

Qiu Jianing sensed a misunderstanding between them, but Professor Sun Lei maintained he was simply doing his job. Meanwhile, Zhu Zhu spoke with Zhou Xiaoshan, who admitted they couldn't access core data and that as basic researchers, they were limited to basic resources. Zhu Zhu explained that only team leads like Professor Sun, Su Qian, and Professor Wang could view core data, leaving Professor Wang as Qiu Jianing's only hope.

Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan reviewed the mass spectrometer results, which Zhou Xiaoshan described as "basically the same" with only "very slight differences" possibly due to system or machine error. Qiu Jianing insisted that even a minimal error needed to be confirmed and instructed him to repeat the experiment twice over the next two days to verify if the difference was indeed an error, which Zhou Xiaoshan reluctantly accepted.

When Zhou Xiaoshan asked about her report, Qiu Jianing revealed it was incomplete due to the missing core data from Professor Sun Lei. Zhou Xiaoshan suggested calling Professor Wang, believing he would grant access, but Qiu Jianing expressed that gaining access wasn't the main issue. She explained that she had learned from Li Chunran that previous overseas researchers had used the lab's data to publish papers before leaving, contributing to Professor Sun Lei's prejudice.

Qiu Jianing felt that without addressing this bias, her project would not progress, but she was determined to overcome it. Qiu Jianing then met with Professor Sun Lei again. She explained that without his team's prior data, her report would be based on pure hypothesis, which even she wouldn't trust. She clarified her research philosophy, stating she would never use projects as a "stepping stone for fame" and pledged to work hard to change his perception of her.

Professor Sun Lei was moved by her sincerity and agreed to issue the access certificate, but only if he accompanied her throughout the entire data review process. Qiu Jianing understood that his permission did not signify approval of her proposal, acknowledging that all hypotheses required experimental data for support. Soon after, Qiu Jianing submitted her report to both Professor Wang and Professor Sun Lei. Professor Sun Lei maintained his skepticism, calling her ideas ambitious and based on incomplete data.

Professor Wang urged him to be less rigid in his thinking. Qiu Jianing proposed initiating a preliminary cell experiment to validate her hypothesis, stating that if successful, they could then discuss the next steps. Professor Sun Lei agreed to this, stating they would let the facts speak for themselves.

Professor Wang then reminded Qiu Jianing that for her data to be convincing, she would need to repeat the experiment at least three times with different cell types, a process he estimated would take around half a year. He expressed his desire to support her but worried about the limited time.

Professor Sun Lei was furious with Xie Xiaoxiao after reviewing her latest sequencing results, which failed to replicate two haplotypes mentioned by "Harry," unlike an earlier experiment by Tong Mo. He questioned her competence, asking how he could trust her with important research if she couldn't even reproduce results, implying her technical mistakes could be masking actual findings.

A colleague tried to defend Xiaoxiao, pointing out the differences in Harry's methodology and their current cell system, but Professor Sun Lei remained angry, threatening to replace her. Though shaken, Xie Xiaoxiao vowed to get the results Professor Sun Lei wanted. Momo, however, suggested to Xiaoxiao that Qiu Jianing was the one brave enough to speak the truth, implying others were simply trying to save Professor Sun Lei's pride.

Zhou Xiaoshan congratulated Qiu Jianing on getting approval to start her experiment. However, Qiu Jianing was concerned that Professor Wang had only given her three months, a timeframe insufficient for the required three to four repetitions of the cell experiment. Zhou Xiaoshan proposed that three people, including himself and an additional person from Professor Wang, could work simultaneously to meet the deadline. He also suggested asking Professor Wang for the access code to Professor Sun Lei's data to save time.

Zhou Xiaoshan again reported his progress to Uncle Cha, who was pleased and confident that Zhou Xiaoshan would complete "Plan-O" successfully, driven by the promise of freedom upon its completion. Separately, Mo Li called to inform a male voice, likely Uncle Cha, that she had decided to attempt a normal life, but insisted on participating in this final mission. The male voice expressed initial concern for her safety but eventually agreed, promising that their freedom was close at hand.

Meanwhile, Mo Li began attempting to live a normal life, no longer constantly on the move for missions. She saw an advertisement for a gym seeking combat instructors and decided to apply. Despite her seemingly small stature, she easily defeated the gym's strongest male instructor in a sparring match. However, the boss refused to hire her, explaining that clients came to the gym to release stress, not to encounter genuine talent, and the goal was to keep customers happy.

Disappointed, Mo Li called Zhou Xiaoshan, expressing her confusion about the people there. Zhou Xiaoshan advised her that in the civilian world, "benefit" was key, suggesting she offer to work for free for three months, as few could resist the lure of "free." Professor Wang approved Qiu Jianing's plan for three people to conduct three experiments, but reiterated the strict three-month deadline and the lack of opportunity to restart.

He then summoned Professor Sun Lei and instructed him to cooperate with Qiu Jianing by assigning someone from his team to assist with the cell experiment and to share his team's data from the previous year. Professor Sun Lei was furious, accusing Qiu Jianing of being excessive. He argued that his team's data was the result of a year of hard work and could have been published in top journals, but their goal was not personal fame.

He then accused Qiu Jianing of needing articles to prove herself. Professor Wang tried to mediate, but Professor Sun Lei refused to believe Qiu Jianing's pledge not to publish during Plan-O. He declared it impossible to hand over a year's worth of his team's dedication to her and stormed out. Professor Wang, frustrated, told Qiu Jianing to proceed with her original plan and arranged for her to move into Su Qian's empty office for convenience.

Later, while Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan were discussing the experiment plan, with Zhou Xiaoshan pressing for Qiu Jianing to get the access code from Professor Wang, they were interrupted by a scream. Xie Xiaoxiao had accidentally knocked over xylene, causing a fire. Concerned about the toxic fumes, Qiu Jianing tried to pull Xie Xiaoxiao away, but Xiaoxiao revealed that valuable pathological samples were still inside. Without hesitation, Qiu Jianing rushed into the flames to retrieve the samples.

After safely bringing them out, she insisted on delivering them immediately, but Zhou Xiaoshan prevented her, urging her to rinse her eyes and inhale fresh air due to the xylene exposure. Zhou Xiaoshan then asked Qiu Jianing whether the pathological samples or her health was more important. Qiu Jianing acknowledged that, rationally, health was paramount, but she couldn't stand by and watch a year of Professor Sun Lei's team's hard work be destroyed.

Zhou Xiaoshan became emotional, arguing that no experiment, regardless of its value, was worth a human life, and stated that if she didn't understand this, she shouldn't be doing scientific research. Both then apologized for their heated words. However, their discussion soon returned to the access code, with Qiu Jianing sensing an unusual urgency in Zhou Xiaoshan to obtain it and push the project forward.

When she challenged him, he denied it, claiming his desire for progress was normal for a researcher, but Qiu Jianing pointed out his indifference to the burning samples. She decided to drop the matter, assuming she might have misunderstood. That evening, after picking up takeout, Qiu Jianing realized she had forgotten her keys. With Qiu Jiaxin also not home and the weather cold, she found herself locked out and shivering. She went to Zhou Xiaoshan's apartment, which was nearby.

He let her in, offered her a hot drink, and insisted she wear his coat to prevent illness and potential project delays. Zhou Xiaoshan then shared a personal anecdote, mentioning he had been cooking since he was young and enjoyed making noodles for his mother, offering to cook for Qiu Jianing sometime. At Aoyoung Hospital, a colleague informed Qin Bin that the emergency patient whose fees he had covered had repaid the hospital.

The colleague advised Qin Bin to be less impulsive in the future, but Qin Bin reiterated his belief that life was more important than money. He then proudly showed Qiu Jiaxin a picture, declaring the person in it would be her role model in the medical profession. He playfully teased Qiu Jiaxin, saying that as he was handsome, he had more responsibilities, while she, being foolish, could live an easier life.

Later, when Qiu Jiaxin received Qiu Jianing's physical check-up results from another colleague, Qin Bin saw the name. He teased Qiu Jiaxin about her sister being a "brilliant scientist" from abroad who came back to China for a physical, then insultingly speculated that Qiu Jianing must be "really ugly" as she hadn't found anyone special. Enraged, Qiu Jiaxin chased him, determined to make him regret his words.

Episode 7 Recap

Mo Li encountered a salesperson who offered her a free gift for following their new store online. Recalling Zhou Xiaoshan's advice that few people can resist the word "free," Mo Li returned to the gym where she planned to work and proposed to offer her services for three months without pay. Later, she showed Zhou Xiaoshan her employment agreement, celebrating her success.

Mo Li expressed confusion about her new life, remarking that in the past, she survived by hitting others, but now she survives by being hit. Zhou Xiaoshan explained that the external actions are superficial; what matters is internal happiness. He elaborated on the concept of "free," stating that while she offered free service, she also gained valuable experience and insight into business management, which are priceless. Mo Li, however, confessed she found his explanations increasingly difficult to understand.

Meanwhile, in the lab, colleagues comforted a distraught Xiaoxiao, who was facing dismissal after a recent incident. Qiu Jianing approached Professor Sun, acknowledging his gratitude for her actions during the previous night's fire. She used this opportunity to advocate for Xiaoxiao, asserting that the accident was not entirely Xiaoxiao's fault but possibly due to uncertain factors or loopholes in the protocol.

Qiu Jianing argued that Xiaoxiao's intense desire for Professor Sun's recognition had led her to work overtime and become stressed, resulting in the accidental reagent spill. Professor Sun, initially angered by the suggestion that he was responsible for the fire, was told by Qiu Jianing that her principle was to solve problems first, then assign blame. Although Professor Sun sarcastically questioned if Qiu Jianing was teaching him how to behave, he ultimately agreed not to dismiss Xiaoxiao.

Shortly after, Professor Sun called a general meeting concerning laboratory safety. While many expected a lecture on safety, Xiaoxiao was secretly relieved that her job was safe. However, to Xiaoxiao's dismay and confusion, Professor Sun announced that she would be assigned to assist Qiu Jianing due to a staff shortage. Zhou Xiaoshan, aware that Qiu Jianing had spoken out for Xiaoxiao, confronted her.

He questioned why she had intervened for Xiaoxiao but not for Zheng Wei when she made a mistake. Zhou Xiaoshan cautioned Qiu Jianing about letting Xiaoxiao join her critical experiments, emphasizing the need for researchers to be perfectly in sync and the severe consequences if anyone made a mistake, as Qiu Jianing wouldn't have a second chance. He further predicted that Xiaoxiao would not be grateful and would continue to oppose her, being "Professor Sun's person."

Qiu Jianing accused Zhou Xiaoshan of having a strong prejudice against people. He admitted to believing that people do not change their fundamental nature. Qiu Jianing then challenged him directly, asking if someone like her, who had been fired from Harry's lab, would ever gain his trust.

Later, over lunch, Zhou Xiaoshan reiterated the urgency of their project, reminding Qiu Jianing that without the access code (key) to previous experimental data, rapid progress would be extremely difficult, especially with only three months left. At the gym, Mo Li began her work as a combat coach, sparring with a client named Mr. Li. He used the session to vent his frustrations about a demanding client who had made him work tirelessly without payment.

Mo Li showed concern for his existing injuries, but he insisted she continue. After the session, Mr. Li thanked Mo Li, who noticed his injury hadn't healed. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan visited Mo Li, bringing ointment for her own forehead injury. Mo Li shared her observations about the gym, noting the "double-faced behaviors" of people who live oppressed lives, doing things they don't want to do, and wondering why they couldn't be more genuine.

Zhou Xiaoshan explained that while humans are born good, adulthood introduces selfishness and desire, making many afraid to live genuinely. He then mused that genuineness in the adult world is often perceived as stupidity, briefly recalling his earlier conversation with Qiu Jianing about trust before concluding that "there aren't people like that." Meanwhile, Professor Wang handed Qiu Jianing a card containing the username and password for the "Original Plan (Plan-O) Laboratory" advanced data, which was the key she needed.

Qiu Jianing expressed concern that this might displease Professor Sun and create a rift, but Professor Wang reassured her that Sun Lei would understand if she produced convincing experimental results. Suddenly, a fire alarm blared, sending everyone rushing to the lab. A batch of freshly micro-injected fertilized eggs, not yet transplanted into female mice, had been affected by the fire.

The lab urgently needed to inject a new batch, but fertilized eggs were limited, and the tech department's success rate was low. Professor Sun, renowned for his 95% micro-injection success rate, was their only hope. Professor Sun, eager to challenge Qiu Jianing, proposed a public competition: he and Qiu Jianing would perform the micro-injections together. He revealed his own 95% success rate and asked Qiu Jianing for hers, which she claimed was "about the same."

Professor Sun suggested they work side-by-side for speed and to serve as a learning opportunity. Despite Professor Wang's attempt to deter the challenge due to limited resources and Qiu Jianing's unfamiliarity with the equipment, Qiu Jianing accepted. She proposed that if she won, Professor Sun would share the Plan-O experimental results. Professor Sun agreed, adding that if he won, he would not share the access code.

As Qiu Jianing and Professor Sun prepared for the competition, Zhou Xiaoshan pulled Qiu Jianing aside, urging her not to be impulsive and suggesting there were other ways to obtain the access code. Qiu Jianing retorted that her precarious position already burdened Professor Wang, and she didn't want to cause him more trouble. When Zhou Xiaoshan asked what if she lost, Qiu Jianing suggested he was worried about how her loss would affect him as her assistant.

Just as they were about to begin, Zhou Xiaoshan stepped forward and declared that his best micro-injection success rate was 98%, surpassing both Professor Sun and Qiu Jianing's 95%. Given the limited supply of fertilized eggs, he argued he was the most suitable person to perform the task. He then directly challenged Professor Sun to a competition. Professor Sun demanded to know Zhou Xiaoshan's stakes, reminding him of Qiu Jianing's agreement to forfeit the access code if she lost.

Zhou Xiaoshan asked Professor Sun to name his condition, to which Professor Sun replied that if Zhou Xiaoshan lost, he would have to leave the lab. Despite Qiu Jianing's worried plea, Zhou Xiaoshan accepted. Both men then entered the operating rooms, while Qiu Jianing and the other lab members watched anxiously. After the injections were completed, both Professor Sun and Zhou Xiaoshan announced they were finished.

The results showed that both had successfully injected 99 out of 100 fertilized eggs, a tie. While some colleagues celebrated the high success rate, a junior researcher pointed out that Zhou Xiaoshan had finished a few seconds faster than Professor Sun. Xiaoxiao interjected, arguing that the competition wasn't over. She emphasized that the main goal was to nurture mice suitable for the experiment, and the final nurturing results, which would take twenty days, might differ significantly despite similar injection rates.

Qiu Jianing agreed to wait twenty days for the results. Later, Qiu Jianing confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, asking why he had intervened. He asked her to trust him, stating he was not who she thought he was. Qiu Jianing said she "did" trust him, which was why she had supported him, but if he truly trusted her, he wouldn't have challenged Professor Sun at the last moment, implying he doubted her ability to win. Zhou Xiaoshan denied this.

Qiu Jianing then noted his anxiety since she proposed her new experimental approach and expressed her concern that he might follow "Zheng Wei's path." She firmly stated that scientific research should be about improving human civilization, not serving as anyone's stepping stone. Zhou Xiaoshan, gritting his teeth, responded that "time will prove everything."

Qiu Jianing hoped so and assigned him the task of completing diffraction data analysis and summary three times within the next twenty days, with discussions every five days, to develop a comprehensive plan. Qiu Jianing planned to pick up her medical report, but her sister, Qiu Jiaxin, called to say she had already retrieved it and asked Qiu Jianing to collect it from her office.

Following Qiu Jiaxin's detailed directions, Qiu Jianing arrived at the office and found Qin Bin there. Qin Bin, upon seeing Qiu Jianing, excitedly tried to get her phone number. Qiu Jiaxin then entered, revealing to a mortified Qin Bin that Qiu Jianing was her sister—the "laboratory test tube washer" he had previously dismissed. After this awkward introduction, Qiu Jiaxin gave Qiu Jianing her medical report.

Although the report was largely normal, Qiu Jiaxin pointed out that Qiu Jianing's GPT level was "above normal," a warning sign. Qiu Jiaxin chastised her sister for constantly working through the night, emphasizing that health is the foundation of everything, using the analogy of "1" for health and "0s" for achievements. Qiu Jianing promised to prioritize sleep.

Meanwhile, in another part of the hospital, colleagues discussed Zhou Xiaoshan's unexpected skill in the micro-injection competition, noting his calmness and quick recovery from initial mistakes. They debated who would ultimately win and whether speed affected the cells, concluding that sometimes efficiency could be less harmful. The conversation devolved into a philosophical discussion about Schrödinger's cat, with one colleague summarizing that their worries wouldn't change the objective outcome.

Back in Qiu Jiaxin's office, Qin Bin, after subtly sending Zhao Yan away, began to flatter Qiu Jiaxin. He started inquiring about Qiu Jianing's relationship status, eventually learning she was neither married nor had a boyfriend. Qin Bin then proposed a deal, asking Qiu Jiaxin to help him pursue her sister, offering her boxes of popular juice tea as an incentive. Later that day, Zhou Xiaoshan, noticing Qiu Jianing's persistent cough, went to her apartment with cold medicine.

However, Qiu Jiaxin answered the door, informing him that Qiu Jianing had just left and she didn't know when she'd return. Qiu Jianing, meanwhile, had gone to a bar to meet her best friend, Xiao Ya. After a brief chat, Qiu Jianing decided to leave, promising to meet Xiao Ya again soon. As Qiu Jianing exited the bar, she was approached by a persistent rich young man, Fu Yuanbo, who offered to take her home.

Zhou Xiaoshan suddenly appeared, asking if Fu Yuanbo had consulted him first. Annoyed by the situation, Qiu Jianing took Fu Yuanbo to a training venue. There, she challenged him to a dangerous car stunt: driving towards a wall at 120 yards and braking at the last possible moment. If he won, she would go with him.

Zhou Xiaoshan watched with concern as Qiu Jianing executed the stunt with daring precision, pushing the limits even further on a second run with Fu Yuanbo in the car, forcing him to repeatedly apologize and admit defeat. After driving Fu Yuanbo away, Zhou Xiaoshan approached Qiu Jianing, asking, "Now, how can I take you away?" He then challenged her to another round of their dangerous game. Qiu Jianing simply replied "No" and walked away, leaving Zhou Xiaoshan to call after her, "Afraid to lose?"

Episode 8 Recap

Qiu Jianing expressed her disappointment with Zhou Xiaoshan, telling him that while he could hold his own views on life, he shouldn't impose them on others. Zhou Xiaoshan recounted seeing the same "poor guy" he had mentioned before, scamming another person with the exact same story. He challenged Qiu Jianing, asking if her belief system was still correct and if, after being deceived herself, she would stop believing there were genuinely needy people in the world.

He questioned if living in darkness meant one should stop seeking the light. Qiu Jianing firmly responded that believing is both a choice and an ability, and she was glad to still possess that ability. Her words left Zhou Xiaoshan sleepless. The day for the competition results had arrived, and everyone gathered nervously. Professor Sun Lei had successfully cultivated 65 experimental mice, achieving a 65% production rate, which was impressive.

Many felt it was impossible for Zhou Xiaoshan to surpass this number, and speculated he would have to leave if he lost. Before Zhou Xiaoshan's results were announced, Qiu Jianing stepped forward to speak. She praised Zhou Xiaoshan as an outstanding researcher who not only completed the protein interaction analysis she requested but also proactively performed crystal structure analysis, providing her with significant inspiration.

She declared that if Zhou Xiaoshan came in second, she, as his superior, would take full responsibility. To everyone's surprise, Zhou Xiaoshan’s microinjections resulted in 75 successfully cultivated mice, achieving a 75% production rate. Sun Lei admitted defeat. Zhou Xiaoshan thanked Qiu Jianing for speaking up for him, but she clarified that Professor Sun Lei was targeting her, and she merely sought fairness, as she had initiated the competition.

Zhou Xiaoshan then asked if she truly believed in fairness, to which she affirmed that fairness, justice, and truth all exist, and without belief in them, a researcher cannot continue. He expressed his admiration for her ideals but argued that not everyone has the right and ability to choose, likening it to the faceless fish that lives in darkness and whose eyes degenerate, implying some cannot pursue the light.

Qiu Jianing corrected him, stating that the faceless fish's eyes are merely beneath the surface, and though she didn't know his past, she believed he was different from others. Later, Qiu Jianing required data from Professor Sun's previous research. Zhou Xiaoshan, demonstrating his keen auditory skills, successfully deduced the password by listening to the distinct sounds of each key Qiu Jianing typed on the keyboard. He then managed to download the necessary data.

Mo Li, eager for results, asked Zhou Xiaoshan if their mission was complete. He explained that although they had the password, they still needed to wait because Plan-O's current results weren't final until a patent was applied for. While Mo Li expressed impatience, Zhou Xiaoshan urged her to be patient. Shortly after, Mr. Li visited Mo Li, delivering a face mask. Zhou Xiaoshan noticed a "Foolish Wolf" keychain on Mr. Li's bag and inquired about the character.

Mr. Li described the Foolish Wolf as initially unlucky but eventually becoming the most powerful wolf in the pack due to his persistence and hard work, emphasizing that "the harder you work, the luckier you'll be." He also characterized the wolf as "very cute" and "silly and cute" despite sometimes getting lost. Zhou Xiaoshan then discreetly remarked that, by that description, he found Qiu Jianing "quite cute."

Qin Bin brought afternoon tea to Qiu Jiaxin, asking her about Qiu Jianing's preferences in flowers, clearly planning a romantic gesture. Qiu Jiaxin cautioned him against conventional courtship methods, recalling an incident from high school where a boy gave Qiu Jianing roses. Qiu Jianing had meticulously corrected him, pointing out they were "Chinese roses" and not simply "roses," dismissing him for his lack of distinction.

Qiu Jiaxin warned Qin Bin that if he pursued her like other girls, Qiu Jianing would use her "high intelligence" to dissect "101 illogical things" in a movie, metaphorically crushing him. This challenge, however, only seemed to excite Qin Bin more. Separately, Zhou Xiaoshan, speaking on the phone, inquired about Qiu Jianing's "punishment" if his upcoming experiments failed.

She reassured him that she would help him, to which he playfully responded he was glad she wasn't going to stick a "Foolish Wolf" on his head. At home, Qiu Jiaxin probed Qiu Jianing about her dating history. Qiu Jianing confirmed she had never had a boyfriend, declaring love to be "worthless" as it doesn't withstand the test of time, citing that love hormones fade after about two years.

Qiu Jiaxin, intrigued, asked about Qiu Jianing's ideal type, and Qiu Jianing named "Leonard Andre Masson," an idol whom she found "charming" and "smart is the new sexy." Qiu Jiaxin, finding his appearance "hard to describe," later showed his picture to Qin Bin, who agreed with her assessment that Qiu Jianing might need an eye exam. Qiu Jiaxin then teased Qin Bin about his "low IQ" for always paying people's hospital bills, which he defended as "benevolence."

Inspired by the idea of "smart is the new sexy," Qin Bin unexpectedly started working on an old manuscript for a paper, much to his colleague Zhao Yan's surprise. Meanwhile, Xiaoxiao approached Sun Lei, expressing her desire to join his team rather than Qiu Jianing's. She confessed that she had initially believed Qiu Jianing wouldn't stay at the company and had come to Plan-O for him.

Sun Lei, however, firmly told her to address him as "Professor Sun" in the lab and reiterated that they were "not suitable." He reminded her that she would learn more by following Qiu Jianing and that, given her previous "big mistake," she should have been asked to resign, and only Qiu Jianing's intervention had saved her job. He gave her an ultimatum: follow Qiu Jianing or resign. Zhou Xiaoshan, having overheard the conversation, quickly guided Xiaoxiao to Qiu Jianing's office.

In the office, Qiu Jianing, with a strict demeanor, outlined laboratory rules, telling Xiaoxiao to tie up her hair, change out of her fashionable slippers (which Qiu Jianing warned could be dangerous if toxic chemicals spilled on them), and avoid perfume as it could cause an explosion. Xiaoxiao's defiant attitude led to a tense exchange, with Qiu Jianing challenging her to "try" not following the rules.

Zhou Xiaoshan observed that Qiu Jianing, who had advocated for Xiaoxiao's retention, was now creating a strained working relationship. Qiu Jianing clarified that her purpose was to work, not to foster friendships. In the lab, Qiu Jianing meticulously instructed Zhou Xiaoshan to button his coat and complimented Xiaoxiao's tied-up hair, saying she finally looked like a researcher. Xiaoxiao questioned the need to cultivate their own cells when a specialized department existed.

Qiu Jianing explained that for the experiment's precision, all materials, methods, and procedures must be identical across their three experiments, and healthy cell conditions were crucial for observing cellular responses. Zhou Xiaoshan later asked Xiaoxiao if she knew Sun Lei, and she confirmed he was her "senior brother" from the same university.

During lunch, one colleague, Zhu Zhu, speculated that Qiu Jianing was merely using their lab as a "stepping stone" to clear her reputation and eventually move to a better position abroad, not genuinely dedicating herself to research. Xiaoxiao declared that she didn't care about Qiu Jianing's motives, only that she didn't interfere with "Brother Stone" (Sun Lei). Later, Zhou Xiaoshan noted Xiaoxiao's uncooperative behavior to Qiu Jianing and revealed that Xiaoxiao had joined the lab specifically to pursue Sun Lei.

Qiu Jianing seemed unfazed and offered Zhou Xiaoshan a surprising combination of chili and coke. She explained that this was her unusual way of coping with anxiety, which she often experienced during her PhD studies. She admitted to feeling anxious about Professor Sun's bias, Xiaoxiao's non-cooperation, and Professor Wang's expectations. However, she found that indulging in anxiety only worsened the situation, and by focusing on what needed to be done, other problems ceased to be problems.

She advised Zhou Xiaoshan that as long as he focused on his tasks, nothing else would be an issue. After observing their work, Qiu Jianing praised the aesthetic quality of Xiaoxiao's plump and healthy cells but criticized Zhou Xiaoshan's "irregular" and "unhealthy" cells, suggesting he lacked a sense of aesthetics. Zhou Xiaoshan disagreed, trying to prove his aesthetic sense by complimenting her beauty, but Qiu Jianing insisted that "beauty is the most important issue in science."

Zhou Xiaoshan confessed that his basic experimental skills were weak because he had transitioned from physical chemistry to cellular biology only during his doctorate. Qiu Jianing assured him she would personally guide him step-by-step the next day. After work, Qiu Jianing suggested they go to a "Western restaurant" she used to frequent before studying abroad. Upon arrival, Zhou Xiaoshan realized it was actually a bar. Qiu Jianing nonchalantly stated that as long as there was food, it was fine.

While Qiu Jianing was in the restroom, her high school friend, Xu Qianya, approached Zhou Xiaoshan and asked for his WeChat contact, saying she'd contact him if she couldn't reach Qiu Jianing. Zhou Xiaoshan agreed, but specified it was only for contacting Qiu Jianing, not for "testing his loyalty" or "flirting." Xu Qianya, finding him as annoyingly intelligent as Qiu Jianing, introduced herself as Qiu Jianing's best friend.

When Qiu Jianing returned, the two friends immediately began playfully bickering, with Xu Qianya revealing Qiu Jianing's "poor sense of direction," recounting an instance where she got lost on campus during their first week of high school. Qiu Jianing retorted by mentioning Xu Qianya's struggles with math. Zhou Xiaoshan lightened the mood by remarking that it was "fine for girls to be bad with directions."

A waiter later expressed surprise that Xu Qianya, who admitted to being poor with numbers and Chinese characters, was friends with a "female scientist" like Qiu Jianing, whom Zhou Xiaoshan clarified as an "experienced scientific researcher." That evening, Qiu Jianing realized she had no clean clothes left. Qiu Jiaxin, after teasing her about the pile of dirty clothes and warning her about "germs," reluctantly lent her an outfit.

However, Qiu Jiaxin then insisted on taking Qiu Jianing shopping the following afternoon, threatening to inform their father that his "precious daughter" was reduced to borrowing clothes from her younger sister. Qiu Jianing reluctantly agreed, claiming she happened to have time. The next day, Qiu Jianing arrived at work wearing a stunning, previously uncharacteristic rose-red suit borrowed from her sister. Her colleagues were greatly surprised and showered her with compliments, noting how "pretty" she looked and that she seemed like "another person."

Episode 9 Recap

While Qiu Jianing guided Zhou Xiaoshan through an experiment in the lab, she reminded him to be careful of bubbles when using the pipette and to ensure the correct dilution. Zhou Xiaoshan, noticing her attire, complimented the color of her outfit, adding that it matched the color of the culture medium. Qiu Jianing, momentarily flustered, asked him to continue. Meanwhile, Qin Bin, who was not on duty, appeared at Aoyoung Hospital to see Qiu Jiaxin.

He awkwardly asked her for directions to Qiu Jianing's company. Qiu Jiaxin, busy with patient-related matters, pointed him toward the science park next door to the hospital. Observing Qin Bin's hasty departure, Qiu Jiaxin commented that he had been particularly strange lately, forgetting to eat or sleep due to a manuscript. She suspected he was using his paper on telomerase and cancer, which aligned with her sister's research, as an excuse to get closer to Qiu Jianing.

She mused that pursuing her extraordinary sister would be quite a challenge for him. Qin Bin quickly arrived at Qiu Jianing's lab. He explained that he was writing an article on telomerase and cancer and had heard from Qiu Jiaxin that Qiu Jianing was an authority in the field, so he sought her advice. Qiu Jianing offered to discuss any questions he had and asked him to leave his article for her to review.

Their interaction quickly sparked gossip among colleagues in the lab, who speculated that Qiu Jianing's attractive, limited-edition designer outfit meant she was meeting a boyfriend. The colleagues also gossiped about Qiu Jianing's assertive leadership style since her arrival, noting her unconventional approach, such as forcing Zheng Wei to resign, prompting Professor Su to move to another company, and boldly disputing with Professor Sun.

Zhou Xiaoshan, hearing the gossip, remained silent and eventually left, stating he was full, after another colleague, Zhu Zhu, suggested that Qiu Jianing was treating her current position as a stepping stone to marry into wealth. Zhu Zhu added that Qiu Jianing, who used to dress plainly, had started wearing expensive brands after getting to know the doctor. Qin Bin then invited Qiu Jianing to lunch.

They went to a small Hunan restaurant run by Old Wu, a longtime friend of Qin Bin. Old Wu enthusiastically praised Qin Bin, mistakenly believing Qiu Jianing was his girlfriend, which Qin Bin quickly clarified. When it came time to pay, they debated over who should treat. Qiu Jianing pulled out her phone to show a map, demonstrating that the restaurant was closer to her science park than to Qin Bin's hospital, therefore insisting it should be her treat.

Qin Bin conceded with a laugh. Qiu Jianing admitted that she found the food a bit salty and just "okay." Qin Bin then explained that Old Wu's cooking had improved significantly, sharing a story about Old Wu's mother, who was Qin Bin's patient. She had kidney failure at 70, and Old Wu sold everything to fund her treatment, even though she passed away a year later. Many people had called his efforts "a monkey fishing for the moon."

Understanding the deeper meaning, Qiu Jianing expressed that she would visit the restaurant often in the future. Later that afternoon, Qiu Jianing received a phone call from Qiu Jiaxin, who demanded they meet at a shopping center at 6 PM sharp, threatening to call their father if Qiu Jianing didn't comply. Although Qiu Jianing tried to reschedule, Qiu Jiaxin insisted, forcing Qiu Jianing to agree.

In the lab, Zhou Xiaoshan, concerned about the ongoing experiment, asked Qiu Jianing if she was leaving. Qiu Jianing told him she would be back in two hours. A colleague, Xiao Xiao, chided Zhou Xiaoshan for his lack of awareness, saying Qiu Jianing was clearly hurrying off for a date and was just using work as an excuse to dismiss him.

At the mall, Qiu Jiaxin made Qiu Jianing buy numerous clothes, teasing her for being tired after only a short shopping trip, despite being able to pull all-nighters for experiments. Qiu Jianing, laden with bags, eventually managed to leave. Unknown to them, Mo Li followed Qiu Jiaxin, tracking her to her family home where she joined her parents for dinner.

During the meal, Qiu's father offered to buy Qiu Jiaxin a car for commuting, but she politely refused, explaining that parking was difficult at the hospital and having a chauffeur would seem pretentious for an intern. The parents then inquired about Qiu Jianing, expressing their desire to fly out and visit her. Qiu Jiaxin quickly intervened, fabricating excuses about Qiu Jianing's busy research schedule. Struggling with her many shopping bags, Qiu Jianing soon realized she was lost.

She called Qiu Jiaxin for help, who pretended it was a call from a patient to maintain privacy from her parents. Qiu Jianing explained she couldn't get a taxi and was lost after taking the subway, admitting she didn't realize Line Two had been extended. Qiu Jiaxin, unable to pick her up, instructed her to use a taxi app, to which Qiu Jianing cluelessly asked what a "taxi app" was.

Back at the dinner table, Qiu Jiaxin continued to feign difficulty in booking flights for her parents, claiming all tickets were sold out, a lie her parents didn't suspect. Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshan called Qiu Jianing, asking when she would return, as she was well past her two-hour estimate. Qiu Jianing confessed she had gotten lost. Zhou Xiaoshan soon arrived to pick her up, happy to learn she had been with Qiu Jiaxin.

He playfully teased her about her poor sense of direction, noting that "God gave her talent in science but took away her living talent," and offered to accompany her whenever she needed to leave the science park in the future, even carrying her bags. Later, Qiu Jianing started coughing persistently, prompting a worried Zhou Xiaoshan to take her to the hospital.

The doctor ordered blood tests, but Qiu Jianing was visibly reluctant, trying to escape from the phlebotomy area after seeing other patients getting injections. Zhou Xiaoshan gently pulled her back, and she hesitantly extended her arm, turning her head away as the blood was drawn. Zhou Xiaoshan couldn't help but chuckle at her obvious fear of needles.

The doctor diagnosed her with pneumonia and prescribed an IV drip, which again made Qiu Jianing anxious, arguing that she could just take oral medication. Zhou Xiaoshan insisted, explaining that an IV was necessary to prevent further infections. As the nurse administered the IV, Qiu Jianing tensed up. Zhou Xiaoshan, finding her fear endearing, further teased her about being scared of needles, reassuring her that she was "the strongest and bravest person in the world."

The next morning, Qiu Jiaxin called Qiu Jianing, urging her to return home soon before their parents discovered her prolonged absence. Hearing that Qiu Jianing was in the hospital, Qiu Jiaxin immediately rushed to her ward. Qin Bin, also learning of Qiu Jianing's condition, hurried to the hospital to check on her, expressing concern about her pneumonia and having inhaled xylene previously.

Seeing Qin Bin with Qiu Jianing, Qiu Jiaxin shrewdly pulled Zhou Xiaoshan away, suggesting they go buy breakfast to give Qin Bin and Qiu Jianing some alone time. While getting breakfast, Qiu Jiaxin candidly described her sister as messy and lacking femininity, noting she even had to borrow Qiu Jiaxin's pink outfit because she forgot to wash her own.

She also revealed that Qiu Jianing, despite her intelligence and good looks, had never dated and considered love a "waste product" that couldn't withstand the test of time. Qiu Jiaxin then added Zhou Xiaoshan on WeChat, enlisting his help to "strike while the iron is hot" and promote Qin Bin's pursuit of Qiu Jianing, a request that left Zhou Xiaoshan speechless.

Concurrently, during one of Mo Li's fitness classes, a student, Mr. Li, attempted to leave early, explaining that his boss, President Wang, needed him to finish editing a proposal by tomorrow noon. Mo Li stopped him, presenting him with two choices: either refuse his boss or defeat her in a physical challenge. Mr. Li, realizing that rushing the proposal would lead to poor quality, decided to call President Wang.

He feigned illness, explaining he had a fever, and requested two more days to complete the proposal. To his surprise, President Wang agreed. Overjoyed and feeling empowered, Mr. Li decided to purchase an annual gym membership for ¥36,888 and specifically requested Mo Li to be his designated private trainer, stating that the arrangement would allow him to see her more often.

Episode 10 Recap

Mr. Li officially added Mo Li on WeChat, now that she was his personal trainer. Noticing Mo Li seemed preoccupied, Mr. Li asked what was on her mind. Mo Li questioned him hypothetically: if a boss protected an employee even at the cost of their own career, would he be touched?

Mr. Li initially dismissed it as unrealistic, then admitted he would be deeply moved, even to the point of wanting to marry such a boss if she were a woman. Mo Li was clearly troubled, wondering what kind of person Qiu Jianing was and why she was so kind to Zhou Xiaoshan. Mo Li then went to Qiu Jianing's family residence disguised as a delivery person, claiming a package for Qiu Jiaxin had an incomplete address.

After confirming the address, she delivered the package to Qiu Jiaxin's mother and offered to take out the trash on her way out. Qiu Jiaxin's mother, impressed by the service, allowed her to take a trash bag. Mo Li then left with the garbage. Qiu Jianing, having recovered, returned to the lab. Momo sought her help with some questions.

Qiu Jianing patiently explained the concepts of clones and false positives in PCR, emphasizing that seemingly simple operations have many crucial details that can impact the entire experiment. Momo was grateful, telling Qiu Jianing that she was much nicer than what others said about her. Qiu Jianing acknowledged the rumors that she was cunning and ambitious and had forced Zheng Wei and Professor Su out. She expressed regret, wishing she could have handled things better when she first arrived.

Momo reassured her, telling her not to worry about what others thought and that she would always support her. Zhou Xiaoshan expressed concern about Qiu Jianing returning to work so soon after her fever. Shortly after, Qiu Jianing received a phone call from Qin Bin, agreeing to discuss some materials he had sent her. Zhou Xiaoshan remarked on Qin Bin's attentiveness, noting his anxiety when she was ill, and commented on his good looks.

Qiu Jianing, however, dismissed it, stating that men's appearance held no importance for her compared to the critical appearance of cells in an experiment. Meanwhile, Zhu Zhu discreetly informed Xiaoxiao about a misdirected email she saw from HR. It revealed that Qiu Jianing, as a team leader, earned a higher salary than Professor Sun, leading Zhu Zhu to accuse Professor Wang of favoritism.

She also pointed out that Qiu Jianing, a local, was permitted to live in the dorms, an unusual exception. Zhu Zhu suggested that Qiu Jianing was cunning and urged Xiaoxiao to warn Sun Lei. Xiaoxiao, feeling indignant for Sun Lei, concurred with the sentiment of unfairness. Mo Li began to investigate Qiu Jianing's background. Simultaneously, Qiu father's secretary informed him that plane tickets were readily available, which raised Qiu father's suspicions.

Mo Li then presented her findings to Zhou Xiaoshan: Qiu Jianing was the eldest daughter of Qiu Yaoming, Chairman of the Qiu Group. She had also discovered that Qiu Jianing had not informed her family about her return to China. Mo Li theorized that Qiu Jianing had a strained relationship with her father, questioning why someone from such a wealthy background would choose to struggle in a small research lab.

Zhou Xiaoshan, however, urged Mo Li to stop her investigation, expressing his wish for her to have a clean start and make good choices, emphasizing that true happiness lies in still having a choice. Meanwhile, an anonymous source sent Qiu Jianing's dismissal notice to the company headquarters, jeopardizing her career. Zhu Zhu spread the news that President Huang, the executive president, would visit the lab that afternoon to investigate Qiu Jianing.

Professor Wang, having hired Qiu Jianing, reassured her that he would take responsibility for any issues. Later, Zhu Zhu confronted Xiaoxiao, implicitly accusing her of being the anonymous informant, while Xiaoxiao continued to express her bewilderment at Professor Wang's strong favoritism towards Qiu Jianing. Despite the imminent investigation by President Huang, Qiu Jianing remained unfazed, stating she only worried about work, not other matters.

Zhou Xiaoshan, however, still seemed concerned, teasing her about her poor sense of direction and fear of needles. The situation escalated when Qiu father arrived at the lab. Qiu Jianing, surprised, called out "Dad," revealing their relationship to the astonished staff. President Huang and Professor Wang quickly recognized Qiu father, Qiu Yaoming, Chairman of the Qiu Group, and exchanged pleasantries, acknowledging his status as a "star entrepreneur." Qiu father had come to discuss matters and see his daughter.

Among the stunned colleagues, Zhu Zhu disparaged Qiu father as a "parvenu," while Momo passionately defended Qiu Jianing, admiring her intelligence, beauty, and diligence, declaring herself Qiu Jianing's fan. During the discussion, President Huang confirmed the dismissal notice existed, but Professor Wang vouched for Qiu Jianing's innocence. Qiu father, visibly upset, wanted to defend his daughter against false accusations, but Qiu Jianing stopped him, taking responsibility for the situation.

President Huang explained that despite believing her, the anonymous email had reached the company's higher-ups, requiring him to address it. Qiu Jianing then proposed a solution: she would be given three months to demonstrate project progress, and if she failed, she would resign. President Huang accepted her offer, complimenting Qiu father on his remarkable daughter.

In her office, Qiu Jianing explained to her father that she hadn't informed him of her return to China because she knew he would react rashly and interfere, and she wanted to prove Harry, who had accused her, wrong. Qiu father offered to invest in her project to give her more time and control, but Qiu Jianing firmly declined, asserting that she could, like him, build her career from scratch and resolve issues without relying on money.

She humorously pointed out the immense cost of pharmaceutical research, revealing that the first experimental pill alone cost two billion US dollars, a sum far beyond his initial estimation. Later, Qiu father arranged a dinner for Qiu Jianing and her colleagues, stressing the importance of networking to avoid being "stabbed in the back."

During the dinner, he publicly vouched for Qiu Jianing, describing her as innocent and kind, lacking social experience from her time abroad, and asked her colleagues, particularly Professor Wang, to treat her kindly. He also recounted how he tried to get her into Princeton, but she chose a different path, much to his chagrin.

After the meal, Momo's admiration for Qiu Jianing grew, while the source of the anonymous email remained an unspoken mystery, prompting a subtle sense of guilt from Xiaoxiao. Qiu Jianing confirmed to Zhou Xiaoshan that she knew Xie Xiaoxiao was the one who reported her to the company. Zhou Xiaoshan was surprised by her continued kindness towards Xiaoxiao, but Qiu Jianing reasoned that Xiaoxiao had only reported the truth, not slandered her.

When Zhou Xiaoshan commented that her father was different from what he imagined and that it seemed good to have such a father, Qiu Jianing disagreed. She explained that in her father's world, money solved every problem, including his affection for his children, a philosophy she disliked. Zhou Xiaoshan countered that having financial resources allowed her to concentrate fully on her work without hesitation, making her luckier than many. Qiu Jianing retorted that she had once contemplated death.

She then confided in him, revealing that her parents divorced when she was very young, and she hadn't seen her mother since. Later, upon learning her mother was in City A, she abandoned her plans for Princeton and enrolled in a local university, hoping for a joyful reunion. However, her mother had changed completely, showing not only a lack of affection but also profound hatred, which plunged Qiu Jianing into despair and suicidal thoughts.

It was then that she met someone who told her, "If you're not even scared of dying, then you shouldn't be afraid to live." Zhou Xiaoshan's expression changed, prompted by a vivid flashback: years ago, while evading pursuers, he had taken a young Qiu Jianing hostage.

She, distraught, had declared she had no reason to live, and it was then that he had uttered the very words she just quoted: "If you're not even scared of dying, then you shouldn't be afraid to live." Snapped back to the present, Zhou Xiaoshan, feeling hungry, suggested they eat. Qiu Jianing took him to Old Wu's restaurant, which she mentioned was Qin Bin's friend's establishment.

Old Wu, mistaking Zhou Xiaoshan for a new suitor, light-heartedly suggested Qin Bin had lost his chance with Qiu Jianing, to which Qiu Jianing clarified her platonic friendship with Qin Bin. As Zhou Xiaoshan meticulously cleaned their utensils, Qiu Jianing playfully remarked that he was like a girl, which he playfully countered by cleaning her utensils as well, reminding her to prioritize hygiene after her recent illness. Suddenly, Qiu Jianing asked if he had a girlfriend.

Zhou Xiaoshan, sensing her indirectness, replied, "If you're asking, then I don't have one." She laughed, claiming she was asking on behalf of her sister, Qiu Jiaxin, who was "chatty like him." Zhou Xiaoshan countered that couples should have different personalities.

Realizing he was implicitly critiquing the restaurant's food again (as Qiu Jianing had done on her previous visit), Qiu Jianing quickly revealed the backstory of Old Wu's restaurant: Qin Bin had helped Old Wu open it after Old Wu spent all his savings treating his mother, who was Qin Bin's cancer patient. Zhou Xiaoshan was surprised by Qin Bin's compassion.

As they left Old Wu's restaurant, it began to rain, and Old Wu could only find one umbrella, which Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan shared, with Zhou Xiaoshan chivalrously ensuring she stayed dry. Meanwhile, Qin Bin contacted Qiu Jiaxin, ostensibly to treat her to dinner, but his real intention was to arrange a date with Qiu Jianing.

Qiu Jiaxin, seeing through his ploy, agreed to facilitate the meeting but informed him she would make an excuse to leave once her sister arrived. Qiu Jiaxin then called Qiu Jianing, inviting her to dinner and picking her up from the lab. At the entrance, she encountered Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jiaxin subtly asked Zhou Xiaoshan to help ensure her sister remained at the dinner date, knowing Qiu Jianing's tendency to prioritize experiments.

Disapproving of Qiu Jianing's casual attire for the date, Qiu Jiaxin whisked her away to change. After changing, they arrived at a hotpot restaurant where Qin Bin was already waiting. Qiu Jiaxin, feigning a hospital emergency, quickly excused herself, leaving Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin alone. Back at the lab, Momo inquired why Qiu Jianing had left work so early. Zhou Xiaoshan gave a vague response, but others immediately speculated she was on a date.

Colleagues continued to gossip about a potential romantic relationship between Professor Qiu and Dr. Qin. Meanwhile, during their hotpot dinner, Qin Bin asked Qiu Jianing about her reasons for choosing to study in City A instead of the US, recalling his own experience there and her liking for sweet food, specifically donuts.

Episode 11 Recap

Mr. Lee arrived at the gym looking for Mo Li but was informed she was unavailable, having been reserved by someone else even earlier. Annoyed, he stormed off to complain to the boss, alleging Mo Li had attacked him during training and demanding she either become his personal trainer or apologize. Mo Li, however, remained defiant, refusing to apologize and stating she was at the gym to relieve stress, not to be lectured. She even struck Mr. Lee again.

When Zhou Xiaoshan was called to the MMA school to mediate, he tried to persuade Mo Li to apologize, but her apology was sarcastic. To resolve the escalating conflict, Zhou Xiaoshan pushed Mo Li in front of Mr. Lee, offering him the chance to retaliate without consequence. Mr. Lee hesitated, claiming he didn't hit women. Zhou Xiaoshan then offered himself to be hit on Mo Li's behalf, but Mr. Lee again demurred.

Ultimately, Mr. Lee relented, agreeing to drop the matter, and the boss intervened to finalize the resolution. Afterward, Zhou Xiaoshan tended to Mo Li's hand and explained that Mr. Lee, whose full name was Li Ruiming, hadn't genuinely wanted to cause a scene but rather to attract attention. Zhou Xiaoshan advised Mo Li to use her brain instead of her fists in future conflicts.

Mo Li recalled their first encounter years ago, when she was fourteen and had to defend herself against an assailant. She remembered feeling a sense of satisfaction after teaching the person a lesson, rather than sadness. She expressed her disdain for Li Ruiming, stating she was disgusted to be bullied by such a weak and cowardly man who dared not voice his grievances, preferring to keep his resentment internalized.

Zhou Xiaoshan cautioned her not to underestimate adversaries, reminding her that dangerous things often appear alluring and should not be mistaken for something harmless. Qiu Jianing messaged Zhou Xiaoshan after noticing the lights were off at his house. Upon her return home, Qiu Jiaxin immediately questioned her about her dinner with Qin Bin, causing Qiu Jianing some embarrassment. Qiu Jianing mentioned Qin Bin's surprising fondness for sweets, which Qiu Jiaxin interpreted as a romantic overture.

However, Qiu Jianing, ever the scientist, logically concluded that Qin Bin was simply seeking further guidance for his article. Later, Qiu Jiaxin spoke to Qin Bin by phone, confirming Qiu Jianing's logical, if romantically oblivious, interpretation. Qiu Jiaxin advised Qin Bin to be more direct with her "dumb scientist sister," who values facts over subtle hints.

Qin Bin recounted an earlier incident where Qiu Jianing used her phone to calculate the distance to a restaurant to determine who should pay, further illustrating her literal nature. Despite Qiu Jiaxin’s playful jabs at her sister's emotional intelligence, Qin Bin defended Qiu Jianing, describing her as beautiful but unaware of it. Qin Bin, fearing a direct rejection, decided against an immediate confession. Instead, he opted to slowly build a connection, hoping to gradually "invade her heart without her knowing."

Qiu Jiaxin sarcastically wished him luck, cautioning him against being driven crazy by her sister's pragmatic nature. At the lab, colleagues wondered why Qiu Jianing always ate alone, attributing it to arrogance. Zhou Xiaoshan defended her, explaining that such solitary meals, like eating salad in the garden, were a common and accepted practice among academics overseas, even recalling a Nobel physicist doing the same.

However, when a colleague mentioned seeing Qiu Jianing get into Qin Bin’s car and speculated about their intimacy, Zhou Xiaoshan’s expression dropped, and he abruptly urged everyone to continue eating. Qin Bin thanked Qiu Jianing for her assistance with his article and offered to treat her to a nice meal, which she initially declined due to her afternoon schedule. He then confided that he felt a sense of loss after completing his article.

Qiu Jianing agreed that she often experienced a similar feeling after finishing a demanding report, likening it to a close friend departing, though she then stated that she found enjoyment in her busy life. Before Qin Bin could elaborate on his own feelings of loss, his car suffered a flat tire.

He offered to call the insurance company, but Qiu Jianing quickly opened the trunk, proposing they change the tire themselves in a mere five minutes, saving them a potentially hour-long wait. Qin Bin insisted on handling the task, but Qiu Jianing had to guide him, pointing out the correct pivot point and reminding him to loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car.

When Qin Bin struggled to loosen a stubborn lug nut, Qiu Jianing, to his astonishment, took over and efficiently changed the tire. Qin Bin expressed his surprise that a female scientist like her could be so practical and "do things only men can do." Qiu Jianing challenged his gender stereotypes, prompting him to admit he had subtly stereotyped her.

Qiu Jiaxin later playfully mocked Qin Bin for his inability to change a tire, highlighting his "weakness" in front of her sister. Qin Bin, however, expressed his admiration for Qiu Jianing, stating that he saw her through "a filter." He then enlisted Qiu Jiaxin's help to persuade Qiu Jianing to attend his department's team-building event at Thousand-Island Lake during the upcoming long weekend. Qiu Jiaxin was skeptical, knowing her sister's workaholic tendencies.

Despite her initial reluctance, Qiu Jiaxin agreed to ask. She approached Qiu Jianing at work with coffee and muffins, then raised the idea of the trip. Qiu Jianing claimed she had to work overtime. Disbelieving her, Qiu Jiaxin secretly messaged Zhou Xiaoshan, who confirmed that only he would be working in the lab during the holiday.

Armed with this information, and threatening to inform their father about Qiu Jianing's workaholic habits, Qiu Jiaxin successfully coerced her sister into agreeing to attend the team-building event. Qiu Jiaxin later offered Qiu Jianing a facial mask, emphasizing the importance of self-care. After two months, Qiu Jianing reported significant progress in her experiments: cancer cell growth was suppressed, stem cells were unaffected, and telomerase activity had dramatically decreased, almost to zero. Her results were consistent with Xiaoxiao’s.

However, Zhou Xiaoshan’s results were delayed due to earlier setbacks and were not expected until the long weekend. Professor Wang then informed Qiu Jianing that President Huang of the company demanded the final cell experiment report immediately after the holiday, giving her only three to four days to finalize everything, despite their initial agreement for three months. After Qiu Jianing departed, Professor Wang summoned Sun Lei.

He acknowledged Sun Lei’s probable unhappiness about Qiu Jianing’s rapid progress, which threatened to overshadow his own long-standing work, but stressed the harsh realities of scientific competition and the importance of teamwork. He then instructed Sun Lei to halt all his ongoing experiments and fully cooperate with Qiu Jianing’s team. Xiaoxiao and other colleagues discussed the situation, noting Sun Lei's low spirits.

Xiaoxiao expressed her anger at Sun Lei, who had dedicated eight years to Professor Wang's project, now being relegated to an assistant role for Qiu Jianing, who had been there less than three months. She confronted Sun Lei, questioning his willingness to yield to Qiu Jianing and accusing Professor Wang of unfairness. Sun Lei, while outwardly calm, offered a philosophical perspective on the nature of scientific research, implying that failures and superseded work were part of the process.

When Xiaoxiao urged him to be more selfish, reminding him of his parents' sacrifices, Sun Lei became angry and ordered her to leave. Despite his composed exterior, Sun Lei was inwardly resentful, later reviewing his own experimental data and noting discrepancies between his control group's growth and Qiu Jianing's, pondering the reason for the difference given identical procedures and materials. The lab team was discussing their plans for the upcoming long weekend.

Li Chunran shared that her mother had arranged her 99th blind date with a research assistant who had an impressive publication record. Zhang Yu playfully teased Li Chunran about her single status, which led to a chase around the lab. Mo Mo observed that Zhang Yu's teasing was a clear sign of affection, a notion that surprised Qiu Jianing, prompting Mo Mo to jokingly remark on her low emotional intelligence.

Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshan reported to Qiu Jianing in her office that his experiment results were one step away from completion and were expected the following day. Qiu Jianing showed him her and Xiaoxiao's consistent value-added graphs. Zhou Xiaoshan reassured her that his trends aligned with theirs, and the final results were imminent.

As they prepared to leave, Qiu Jianing stressed the importance of meticulous experimental procedures, such as shaking serum and precise measurements, reiterating the urgency given President Huang's demand for the report immediately after the holiday. Zhou Xiaoshan then made an excuse to return to the lab, claiming he had forgotten a document, and told Qiu Jianing to go home first.

Back in the lab, he carefully examined his own value-added graph and discovered a significant discrepancy: his control group cells were not growing as well as Qiu Jianing's, despite having followed identical protocols. This inconsistency, coupled with his earlier comparison, made him suspicious, and he subsequently discovered that his culture dishes had been tampered with. The following morning, Qin Bin picked up Qiu Jianing and Qiu Jiaxin for their trip.

While Zhou Xiaoshan was working overtime in the lab, the front desk called to inform him by phone that someone was there to see Qiu Jianing. Zhou Xiaoshan went to meet the visitor and recognized him as the young man who had borrowed 50 yuan from Qiu Jianing previously. The young man, who introduced himself as Jiang Xiaoye, an LPL professional e-sports player, had come to return the money.

He explained that his earlier request for money was part of a "truth or dare" game with friends, where he was challenged to borrow 50 yuan from five different people to total 250 yuan, assuring Zhou Xiaoshan he wasn't a professional beggar. He apologized for the delay in repayment, explaining he had been away at a team training camp.

Although Zhou Xiaoshan suggested Qiu Jianing had likely forgotten about the small sum, Jiang Xiaoye insisted on fulfilling his promise, stating that returning the money would ensure Qiu Jianing continued to help genuinely needy people in the future. His words resonated deeply with Zhou Xiaoshan, reminding him of Qiu Jianing's philosophy about the importance of choosing kindness and belief despite potential deception. Zhou Xiaoshan thanked Jiang Xiaoye for the valuable lesson.

Episode 12 Recap

Qiu Jianing received an urgent call, prompting her to ask Qin Bin to pull over as something had come up at the lab. Both Qin Bin and Qiu Jiaxin expressed their disappointment. Qiu Jianing quickly returned to the lab, where Zhou Xiaoshan informed her of an unexpected issue with their cell proliferation experiment.

He revealed that cells had stopped growing two days prior, and he had deliberately kept it from her to avoid worrying her, but had since discovered that someone had tampered with the culture dishes. Zhou Xiaoshan had made marks on the mediums, which were later gone, indicating interference. They decided to catch the culprit that night. Late in the evening, as the person entered the lab to sabotage the experiment, Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing appeared, catching Xie Xiaoxiao red-handed.

Xie Xiaoxiao had used Dimethyl Sulfide, a colorless, odorless substance that doesn't kill cells but prevents their normal growth, making the cause difficult to detect. Qiu Jianing was furious, warning Xie Xiaoxiao that this discovery could ruin her future. Xie Xiaoxiao defiantly retorted that the board would give her father face, at most forcing her to resign, but Qiu Jianing wouldn't be able to stay in the company. Zhou Xiaoshan dismissed her casual attitude and called Sun Lei.

Xie Xiaoxiao, while confessing her affection for Sun Lei, insisted he had no involvement in her actions. Upon Sun Lei's arrival, Zhou Xiaoshan discreetly led Xie Xiaoxiao out of the room. Qiu Jianing then confronted Sun Lei, stating that Xie Xiaoxiao's actions were undoubtedly for him, and a man should take responsibility rather than let the woman who loves him bear everything. Sun Lei admitted he had indeed considered such actions due to feelings of unfairness.

He explained that many "talent imports" like Qiu Jianing had used the lab as a stepping stone, but Qiu Jianing was different, producing real results that negated years of his own hard work. He confessed to initially thinking of sabotaging Zhou Xiaoshan's experiment to ensure Qiu Jianing's dismissal, thereby securing his position as lead researcher. However, he ultimately gave up on the plan, stating he wanted to maintain his dignity and self-respect.

Qiu Jianing believed him, but insisted that Xie Xiaoxiao's misconduct could not be easily overlooked. She asked for his opinion on how to handle Xie Xiaoxiao. Sun Lei pleaded with Qiu Jianing to give Xie Xiaoxiao a second chance, to which Qiu Jianing agreed, but with a condition of her own. Xie Xiaoxiao apologized to Sun Lei but remained insolent towards Qiu Jianing until Sun Lei sharply rebuked her.

It was decided that Xie Xiaoxiao would apply to transfer to the administration department, ceasing all involvement in lab work. Zhou Xiaoshan expressed surprise at Qiu Jianing's leniency, reminding her of her past strictness. Qiu Jianing reflected that perhaps she had been too rational in the past, causing people like Su Xiewei to leave, and she now wanted to give those who made mistakes another chance.

When Zhou Xiaoshan jokingly asked if she would give him a second chance if he erred, she nodded. Qiu Jianing revealed that her condition for Sun Lei was to ask Professor Wang and the company for more time for her research. Zhou Xiaoshan, noting that Sun Lei had protected Xie Xiaoxiao and Qiu Jianing had gained time, playfully demanded a favor from Qiu Jianing for helping catch the culprit, preferring she "owe him one" to make things more interesting.

Later, Li Chunran recounted a disastrous blind date experience, jokingly adding that she had wasted shampoo and body wash cleaning herself thoroughly for the date. Zhu Zhu gossiped that Xie Xiaoxiao was transferring to administration, suggesting Qiu Jianing was behind it. Xie Xiaoxiao simply packed her belongings and left without explanation. Meanwhile, the three experiment results were finally consistent, delighting Professor Wang, who announced he would report to the head office.

He tasked Qiu Jianing with leading the mouse experiments, focusing on medical effects, pharmacology, toxicity, and metabolism. Sun Lei was assigned to manage the primate experiments, emphasizing drug safety and regulatory compliance for large mammalian animal experiments. Both acknowledged the challenging road ahead. Qiu Jianing thanked Sun Lei for his contributions to the experiment. Sun Lei, however, maintained that her experimental plan still had flaws. Qiu Jianing responded with a smile, stating that great achievements often stem from great skeptics.

Zhu Zhu continued to frequently visit Zhou Xiaoshan, who largely ignored her. Noticing this, Qiu Jianing playfully congratulated Zhou Xiaoshan, assuming he and Zhu Zhu were secretly dating. Zhou Xiaoshan vehemently denied any romantic interest in Zhu Zhu, causing Qiu Jianing to ask who he "did" like. He almost confessed but stopped himself. Qiu Jianing then began to speculate about other female colleagues in the lab, eventually concluding he must like Li Chunran, much to Zhou Xiaoshan's frustration.

Qin Bin, regretting not having confessed his feelings to Qiu Jianing earlier, resolved to do so that very night. Qiu Jiaxin informed him that it would be difficult as Qiu Jianing's lab was having a team-building party. Undeterred, Qin Bin went to the lab and was invited by the team to join their gathering. As everyone boarded the elevator, it became overloaded.

To prevent Qin Bin and Qiu Jianing from spending time alone, Zhou Xiaoshan stepped out, claiming he needed some exercise. Downstairs, Zhou Xiaoshan suggested he and Qiu Jianing ride with Zhang Yu. Qin Bin interjected, insisting he had work-related questions to discuss with Qiu Jianing, to which Zhou Xiaoshan quickly added that he also had questions for her. He then insisted on sitting in the front, claiming he got carsick in the back.

Consequently, the three were arranged to ride together. In the car, when Qiu Jianing asked about their supposed questions, neither Qin Bin nor Zhou Xiaoshan elaborated, with Qin Bin claiming it wasn't convenient to talk while driving and Zhou Xiaoshan simply saying he was sleepy. Upon arriving at the party venue, Zhu Zhu pulled Zhou Xiaoshan away to get snacks.

Qin Bin, observing this, asked Qiu Jianing if they were a couple, to which she sighed and replied, "It's a bit complicated." Later, as Qin Bin engaged in conversation with Qiu Jianing and Professor Wang, Zhou Xiaoshan sat by himself, drinking. Zhu Zhu then approached Zhou Xiaoshan, clinging to his arm and asking him to shield her from drinks.

Qiu Jianing, seeing their intimacy, pulled Zhou Xiaoshan aside and questioned why he was being so close with Zhu Zhu if he didn't like her. Before Zhou Xiaoshan could answer, Qin Bin approached, creating an awkward tension among the three. Back inside the private room, Qiu Jianing was encouraged to play dice. She lost and was pressured to drink.

Zhou Xiaoshan offered to drink on her behalf if she begged him, but Qin Bin immediately stepped in, stating Qiu Jianing was recovering from an illness, and drank for her without hesitation. Qin Bin then found another excuse to pull Qiu Jianing aside. Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshan asked Zhu Zhu to pick a song and began to sing. As the party wound down, Zhou Xiaoshan and Qin Bin began to dispute who would take Qiu Jianing home.

Qiu Jianing quickly opted to ride with Professor Wang. In the car, Professor Wang subtly noted Qin Bin's interest in Qiu Jianing and gently suggested she was at an age where she should consider dating. Later, Qin Bin directly questioned Zhou Xiaoshan about his conversation with Qiu Jianing in the corridor. Zhou Xiaoshan evasively replied it was "work-related."

Qin Bin then revealed that Qiu Jianing had mentioned Zhou Xiaoshan liked a female colleague in the lab, but he believed she had guessed incorrectly, implying he knew the true object of Zhou Xiaoshan's affection.

He hinted that he would advise Zhou Xiaoshan to give up if he liked the "wrong person," to which Zhou Xiaoshan confidently asserted his calm demeanor and reminded Qin Bin of Qiu Jianing's responsiveness to him, adding that he had called her to the lab that day because he knew she would listen to him.

Back at the dorm, Zhou Xiaoshan asked Qiu Jianing if she still hadn't figured out who he liked, urging her to use a process of elimination given the small number of people in the lab. Qiu Jianing sat on the sofa, pondering his words and recalling their previous interactions. The realization slowly dawned on her that Zhou Xiaoshan's affection was directed at her. She instinctively tried to dismiss the thought.

Qiu Jiaxin, noticing her sister's preoccupied state, pressed her for details. The following day, Qiu Jianing purposefully avoided Zhou Xiaoshan, asking Tong Mo to deliver documents to him. Unfazed, Zhou Xiaoshan immediately appeared in her office with questions, moving uncomfortably close to her. Qiu Jianing tried to maintain a professional distance. Zhou Xiaoshan then picked up her cup and took a sip of water.

Qiu Jianing clarified, "This is my cup," implying he had just drunk from it, to which Zhou Xiaoshan calmly replied, "I don't mind it." Recognizing the need for a frank discussion, Qiu Jianing decided to talk. She told Zhou Xiaoshan that his feelings were starting to trouble her because she didn't know how to respond.

She believed they were incompatible due to fundamentally different worldviews, citing his past belief in "survival of the fittest" versus her belief in "love and peace." Zhou Xiaoshan countered that he had changed, now believing in "love and peace" as well.

He explained that in the past, he thought her views on "love and peace" were "very stupid," but her persistence, passion for work, efforts to change Sun Lei, and unwavering belief in him when everyone else doubted, had slowly, bit by bit, transformed his perspectives. Qiu Jianing tried to dismiss his claim, saying she would have done the same for anyone else. Zhou Xiaoshan emphasized that her actions were the first time a woman had ever done something like that for him.

Episode 13 Recap

Zhou Xiaoshan confessed to Qiu Jianing that he had been struggling with his feelings for her because she seemed to come from a different world than him. He admitted to feeling lost and insecure, scared of making a mistake. However, he recalled how Qiu Jianing had made him believe in kindness when a person they had lent money to on the street returned it. This experience gave him the courage to be brave and declare, "Qiu Jianing, I like you."

Qiu Jianing responded that she was not a good partner, explaining that her life was almost entirely focused on work, with little else filling it. She questioned if his feelings for her were merely an illusion. Zhou Xiaoshan countered, asserting that he was very clear about what it felt like to be in love and certain that what he felt for her was love.

Despite his heartfelt declaration, Qiu Jianing firmly rejected him, stating she did not like him and had no plans to start a relationship. She emphasized that she did not want their personal matters to affect their work. Meanwhile, Qin Bin informed Qiu Jiaxin that Zhou Xiaoshan was also pursuing her sister. Qiu Jiaxin initially dismissed the idea, but then recalled Qiu Jianing’s unusual behavior the previous night, which made her realize that Qin Bin might be right.

Later, Mo Li's neighbor approached Zhou Xiaoshan, desperately asking him to intervene with Mo Li, who had installed a "floor vibrator" that was driving him crazy. Zhou Xiaoshan confronted Mo Li, telling her to take it down and urging her to be understanding since everyone was just trying to make a living. Mo Li observed that he had changed, noting that he used to never be soft-hearted.

Zhou Xiaoshan explained that she wasn't afraid of death because she hadn't found someone she truly loved, but if that person appeared, she would be willing to endure any suffering for them. Mo Li realized that such a person might have already entered Zhou Xiaoshan's life. As Qiu Jianing was working on a report in her dorm, Qin Bin arrived unexpectedly with a car full of flowers.

He confessed his feelings, admitting that writing an article had only been an excuse to get closer to her, and expressed his desire to be her boyfriend. Qiu Jianing, however, checked her pulse, noting that her heartbeat was a normal 64 beats per minute. She explained that this meant she didn't feel that way about him, emphasizing that hormones, adrenaline, and telomeres determine the biological aspects of love.

She also expressed her displeasure that he had used academics as a tool for personal goals. Qin Bin, despite the rejection, declared that he liked her even more and would not give up, suggesting that perhaps a higher "dosage" was needed, akin to drug tolerance. Zhou Xiaoshan witnessed Qin Bin's confession and later sought help from Xu Qianya.

Despite the rejection, Qin Bin declared that he liked Qiu Jianing even more and asked Qiu Jiaxin to find out the exact nature of the relationship between Zhou Xiaoshan and her sister. Back at home, Qiu Jianing warned Qiu Jiaxin to stop acting as Qin Bin's "helper." Qiu Jiaxin then pressed her sister about her feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan, to which Qiu Jianing cryptically replied, "Phenethylamine."

While Qiu Jianing was showering, Mo Li, calling as a representative from an MMA school, offered a 50% discount on classes, claiming Qiu Jianing had won a draw. Qiu Jiaxin, believing her sister lacked coordination, enthusiastically signed herself up instead. The next morning, Qiu Jiaxin confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, accusing him of secretly sabotaging Qin Bin’s efforts. She mentioned Qiu Jianing's "phen-something-ine" feeling towards him, which she assumed was negative. Zhou Xiaoshan, recognizing the term, smiled.

On the way to work, Zhou Xiaoshan leaned in and whispered "phenethylamine" to Qiu Jianing, elaborating on its effects as a stimulant that causes breathlessness, excitement, and dilated pupils when one falls in love. He noted a "weird" feeling in himself, making her call him inexplicable.

Meanwhile, Qin Bin continued diligently working on his academic paper, admitting to Qiu Jiaxin that while he initially started it to get closer to Qiu Jianing, their discussions had helped him resolve many perplexing questions, making the article a valuable keepsake. Later, Professor Wang discussed the "Plan-O" project, emphasizing that its success could lead to a billion-dollar market.

He advised moving to double-blind animal experiments to prevent core secrets from leaking to competitors, explaining that they would apply for a patent once the direction of the animal testing was clear, rather than too early. During a rare group lunch, which Zhou Xiaoshan also joined, sitting beside Qiu Jianing, he posed a question about the nature of love.

A lively discussion ensued, with Qiu Jianing expressing a cynical view, agreeing that love is merely the secretion of dopamine and therefore temporary. She called it a non-essential "waste" of life that brought more worries than happiness, advising Zhou Xiaoshan to eat chocolate instead for dopamine. Zhou Xiaoshan countered that the fleeting nature of love made it valuable, and the happiness it brought, however brief, should be appreciated.

After the lunch, Zhou Xiaoshan wanted to go home with Qiu Jianing, but she declined, citing personal matters. Afterward, Qiu Jiaxin started her MMA class with Coach Mo Li, finding her to be unexpectedly cool and inspiring. Back at work, Zhou Xiaoshan asked Professor Wang if he could help translate a French document, but claiming the deadline was too tight, he subtly suggested that Qiu Jianing, whose French was excellent, should help.

That evening, Zhou Xiaoshan arrived at Qiu Jianing's home with the translation documents. He observed her biting her pen, calling it a bad habit. When he mentioned being hungry, Qiu Jianing simply gestured towards the kitchen, indicating he was on his own. As Zhou Xiaoshan went to cook, Qiu Jianing suddenly rushed to the kitchen to hide the chili peppers. He teasingly asked why she seemed anxious, given that work was going smoothly.

She then recounted her parents' marriage: her father, a self-made businessman, and her mother, a renowned dancer. Despite being seen as an "ideal couple," their marriage failed because their values and worldviews were fundamentally different, causing them much suffering. Zhou Xiaoshan interpreted this story as a sign that Qiu Jianing was unconsciously thinking about their future, concluding that all the signs pointed to her being in love with him but struggling to admit it.

He then kissed her, and she tightly clenched her fist. At that moment, Qiu Jiaxin unexpectedly walked in, witnessing the scene. Qiu Jianing, flustered, quickly offered to see Zhou Xiaoshan out. As he left, Zhou Xiaoshan told her that he could give her time, but warned that her time was running out. Later, Xu Qianya, having learned about the kiss, advised Qiu Jianing to stop resisting her feelings.

She argued that falling in love was natural and that love, like scientific experiments, required trial and error. She urged Qiu Jianing to accept her feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan, asserting that fighting against her genes would be futile. As Qiu Jianing dozed off in Xu Qianya's car, Xu Qianya subtly took her phone and sent a text message to Zhou Xiaoshan, inviting him to meet at the vacant lot near Melis Live Music Bar.

Episode 14 Recap

Xu Qianya, finding Qiu Jianing asleep in the car, contacted Zhou Xiaoshan from Qiu Jianing's phone to arrange a meeting. When Zhou Xiaoshan arrived, Xu Qianya quickly exited the vehicle, declaring that their relationship problems should be left to a higher power. She presented a coin, stating that if it landed on heads, it meant even God approved of them.

Qiu Jianing questioned what tails would signify, to which Xu Qianya replied that the true answer lies within one's heart before the coin even falls, a wisdom she claimed to have gleaned from romance novels. Zhou Xiaoshan, finding the idea intriguing, proceeded to flip the coin. He then acknowledged Qiu Jianing's inherent adventurous spirit, asserting that she didn't believe in such trivial methods and that she truly desired a love that was a contest between equals.

Zhou Xiaoshan offered to prove that their connection was a match of masters, reminding her of a past bet. Though Qiu Jianing doubted his ability to win, he insisted on trying. He then borrowed Xu Qianya's car and, with a heavy foot on the accelerator, embarked on a thrilling high-speed drive through an open field, leaving both Qiu Jianing and Xu Qianya stunned. Xu Qianya remarked that Zhou Xiaoshan seemed even more reckless than Qiu Jianing.

Amidst Qiu Jianing's hesitation, Xu Qianya gave her a decisive push into Zhou Xiaoshan’s arms, leading to a continuation of their unexpected kiss. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing walked hand-in-hand back to her dormitory, sharing a lingering embrace before parting ways. Meanwhile, at the gym, Qiu Jiaxin found herself increasingly impressed by Mo Li's fighting skills, jokingly calling her a "female martial arts master." However, Mo Li appeared increasingly troubled.

Later, Mo Li was confronted by a persistent Mr. Li, who begged for her forgiveness. Qiu Jiaxin intervened, helping Mo Li to escape the situation. Qiu Jiaxin, curious, asked Mo Li why she was so against Mr. Li, especially since he seemed to genuinely like her. Mo Li, disgusted, explained that he was petty and had betrayed her despite her past kindness.

That evening, Qiu Jiaxin treated Mo Li to a meal and, during their conversation, Mo Li inquired about Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jiaxin revealed she was currently assisting her master, Qin Bin, in pursuing Qiu Jianing, only for a "Cheng Yaojin," a "crafty nobody" who was Qiu Jianing’s subordinate, to appear and complicate matters. Mo Li was visibly unsettled by this information.

She also subtly inquired about Qiu Jianing's living arrangements, surprising Qiu Jiaxin by knowing her sister lived in a dorm. Qiu Jiaxin described her sister as a dedicated "female scientist" focused solely on "research, research, and more research," appearing unapproachable but being quite muddle-headed. Qiu Jiaxin later stumbled upon Qiu Jianing's phone and noticed she was exchanging messages with Zhou Xiaoshan in Klingon.

Puzzled, she questioned the obscure language, to which Qiu Jianing explained her interest in rare knowledge, distinguishing between "useful" material-level knowledge and "useless" spiritual-level knowledge. Qiu Jiaxin, suspicious, asked if they were hiding something, but Qiu Jianing brushed it off as mere practice. Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing, while in the car, acknowledged the near-discovery of their relationship by Qiu Jiaxin, which Qiu Jianing feared would lead to her father finding out, a situation she wished to avoid.

Zhou Xiaoshan agreed that it was best to keep their relationship discreet for now, both from family and colleagues, so as not to distract her. Despite this agreement, he affectionately tightened his grip on her hand, a gesture he openly admitted to being "willing" to make.

In the lab, Zhou Xiaoshan observed the staff conducting a double-blind experiment, where even the researchers were unaware of the specific drugs or conditions of the test subjects, a measure taken to protect the formula. Qin Bin then arrived at the lab to celebrate his recently published article with Qiu Jianing, inviting her to dinner. Qiu Jianing accepted.

Zhou Xiaoshan, visibly annoyed, sarcastically told Qiu Jianing there was no rush and it was fine if she didn’t return, prompting a colleague to comment on his "lovey-dovey" behavior. Lab gossip soon spread about Qin Bin and Qiu Jianing, with many remarking on their perceived suitability given Qin Bin's distinguished medical family background.

At the restaurant, the owner mistook Qiu Jianing for Qin Bin's girlfriend, but Qin Bin clarified that he was actively pursuing her, though she had yet to accept. Qiu Jianing reiterated her earlier stance, stating that they could only be good friends. Qin Bin, however, expressed his admiration, acknowledging that while initial attraction was superficial, her past criticism had spurred him to seriously engage in academic writing, transforming his clinical experience into research.

He declared that a truly good relationship makes both individuals better versions of themselves and that he respected her deeply. He vowed to continue improving himself. With a sigh, Qiu Jianing finally revealed that she already had a boyfriend. After dropping Qiu Jianing back at the lab, a disheartened Qin Bin rushed to Qiu Jiaxin, asking if she knew about Qiu Jianing’s new boyfriend.

Initially disbelieving that it could be Zhou Xiaoshan, Qiu Jiaxin suddenly recalled Qiu Jianing describing her feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan as "phenylethylamine." Qin Bin, hearing this, realized that Qiu Jianing had already developed deep feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan some time ago. Meanwhile, Xu Qianya was exasperated to discover Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan's secret workplace romance, warning her of potential gossip and her father's disapproval.

She also pointed out Qiu Jianing's mistake in not informing Zhou Xiaoshan about her lunch with Qin Bin, confidently stating that Zhou Xiaoshan must be "mad jealous" by now. Qiu Jianing, seemingly oblivious, later arrived at Zhou Xiaoshan’s apartment, whose lights were still on. She brought soda water and crackers, explaining their mild basic properties were meant to "dilute the sourness in his stomach," referencing his jealousy. Zhou Xiaoshan smiled, acknowledging that she finally understood.

Qiu Jianing then admitted she was hungry, playfully stating it was his "honor" to feed her. While Zhou Xiaoshan was in the kitchen preparing food, Mo Li called him, sounding distressed. He quickly hung up, barely hearing her words, as he was busy cooking with Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing tried to help, but proved to be clumsy, struggling even to slice beef properly, leading Zhou Xiaoshan to jest about her being adept at experiments but not cooking.

He eventually served her a bowl of noodles. Qiu Jianing then clarified the situation with Qin Bin, explaining that despite his continued pursuit, she had already explicitly rejected him and believed he would eventually understand. They flirted over the meal, and as she was leaving, Zhou Xiaoshan gave her his door lock password, inviting her to visit anytime. After Qiu Jianing departed, Zhou Xiaoshan returned Mo Li's call.

Mo Li, with a tearful voice, asked if she could visit him tomorrow, but he declined, stating he was unavailable and would find her when he was free, sensing her homesickness and longing for his cooking. The following morning, Qiu Jiaxin caught Qiu Jianing returning late, still in her pajamas, accusing her of having a secret relationship with Zhou Xiaoshan at his place.

When Qiu Jianing confirmed it, Qiu Jiaxin passionately expressed her disbelief, questioning why Qiu Jianing would choose Zhou Xiaoshan over her "master" Qin Bin and criticizing her taste in men. Qiu Jianing explained that love isn't about one person being "better" than another, reaffirming her rejection of Qin Bin while believing he would eventually understand. Qin Bin, meanwhile, was diligently working at the hospital, constantly assisting patients and even giving out his WeChat for easier communication, neglecting his own lunch.

Qiu Jiaxin, bringing him food, scolded him for his self-neglect, but he refused to eat, prioritizing his patients. Back in the office, a frustrated Qiu Jiaxin confided in Zhao Yan about Qin Bin's relentless work ethic. Zhao Yan revealed that Qin Bin's intense dedication stemmed from a past heartbreak years ago when his photographer girlfriend left him, complaining he was too busy.

At that time, Qin Bin also threw himself into work to numb his pain, becoming the top performer in surgeries and patient consultations. Qiu Jiaxin felt immense pity for Qin Bin, lamenting Qiu Jianing's "dumb" decision to date someone else despite his qualities. Zhao Yan, however, advised her not to feel sorry, remarking that men grow stronger from such experiences. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing were on a date, and he stole a kiss from her on the street.

Qiu Jianing, embarrassed by the public display, questioned his actions. Zhou Xiaoshan, noticing other couples, playfully challenged her to be more daring, teasing her about having the desire but lacking the courage. Qiu Jianing urged him to be serious, to which he affirmed his sincerity.

Episode 15 Recap

Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing were on a date when Qiu Jianing's feet began to hurt from her high heels. She playfully suggested that, like in TV dramas, he should get her a band-aid. Instead, Zhou Xiaoshan offered to carry her, and though she jokingly warned him she was heavy, he later remarked that she was "quite light" while carrying her. Mo Li secretly watched this tender moment from a distance, finding Zhou Xiaoshan's smile particularly jarring.

While waiting for their ride, the rain started. Qiu Jianing asked Zhou Xiaoshan what he would want to be if there was an afterlife, noting she felt sentimental. He responded that he would want to be the sun. Seeing she was getting cold, he draped his jacket over her, despite her initial protests, and they then made their way home through the rain. Mo Li secretly followed Zhou Xiaoshan home.

Upon entering his apartment, he saw her and sternly instructed her to go into the bathroom and remain hidden. Shortly after, Qiu Jianing, who had the door password, arrived, concerned that he might catch a cold from the rain, and brought him some medicine. Qiu Jianing entered, finding Zhou Xiaoshan with his chest partially exposed, revealing a prominent scar. When she inquired about it, he vaguely attributed it to being "naughty."

He then provocatively asked if she had "other thoughts" for visiting and suggested she stay, even offering to sleep on the sofa if he developed a fever. He further teased her about her blushing, which caused her to become flustered and quickly depart. Once Qiu Jianing left, Mo Li emerged from the bathroom, distraught. She confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, accusing him of lying and questioning if he had fallen in love with Qiu Jianing, forgetting their mission.

Zhou Xiaoshan coldly responded that if she believed his affections for Qiu Jianing were genuine, then Qiu Jianing would too, as they are both women. He clarified that this entire display was a calculated "trap" designed to completely gain Qiu Jianing's trust and manipulate her through emotional means, all for the mission.

He further explained that the lab was conducting a double-blind experiment where the true formula was hidden within random astronomical numbers, accessible only to those in the most senior positions. Zhou Xiaoshan revealed that he was aware Mo Li had been sent by Uncle Zha to monitor him, but he expressed understanding for her difficult position, acknowledging she had "no choice." He declared this to be his final mission, emphasizing his determination not to fail.

He then instructed Mo Li to leave and not return without his direct orders, stating that fewer people knowing about his relationship with Qiu Jianing would make it easier for him to "get out of it" in the future. As Mo Li departed, privately hoping for the mission's swift completion so she and Zhou Xiaoshan could begin a new life together, Zhou Xiaoshan inwardly swore that he would not allow anyone to harm Qiu Jianing.

Qiu Jiaxin took Qin Bin to a bar owned by Xu Qianya, determined to help him process his heartbreak over Qiu Jianing. She ordered drinks and urged him to "vent it out," but Qin Bin refused, explaining he had important consultations the next day and needed to "stay sharp."

Annoyed, he called her "crazy" and attempted to leave, assuring her he was "really fine" and not so "devastated" by the rejection that his life was over; he still had his work, patients, and family. Qiu Jiaxin noted that he and her sister were "the same type of people," and Qin Bin admitted he currently couldn't even hear Qiu Jianing's name. Despite this, he insisted he wasn't "fragile" and appreciated Qiu Jiaxin's concern.

A young patient named Xiao Yue, suffering from a serious illness, expressed his fear of dying before experiencing an amusement park. Qin Bin and Qiu Jiaxin tried to reassure him about future opportunities, but Xiao Yue accused them of lying, revealing he knew his condition was serious and he didn't have much time left. Moved by his plea, Qin Bin promised to take him to "the world's most fun and safest amusement park."

They brought Xiao Yue to a VR experience center. Although Xiao Yue was initially skeptical, Qiu Jiaxin's playful assurances convinced him, and he soon delighted in the virtual merry-go-round. Xiao Yue then insisted on riding a roller coaster. Concerned about its intensity for his health, Qin Bin, despite his own fear of heights (which Qiu Jiaxin observed with amusement), volunteered to ride the VR roller coaster first to demonstrate. During the simulation, Qin Bin screamed and begged to get off.

When he finally removed the headset, he was visibly shaken and pale, with weak legs. However, this display successfully deterred Xiao Yue from wanting to ride it himself, at least for now. Back at the hospital, Qiu Jiaxin brought Qin Bin some porridge for his stomach after his traumatic VR experience. Qin Bin reflected that witnessing Xiao Yue's suffering at such a young age made his own heartbreak seem trivial.

He assured Qiu Jiaxin that his world wouldn't collapse just because her sister didn't love him. The lab received notification that they would be attending a high-level biotechnology and medical innovation conference in City A the following year, a decision from headquarters that allowed no discussion, despite concerns about the tight timeline for achieving significant animal experiment results. After the general meeting, Wang Lao consulted Sun Lei and Qiu Jianing, who both advocated for multitasking.

Their strategy included recruiting patients, planning clinical trials, optimizing protocols, and constructing a pre-production plant alongside the animal experiments. Consequently, Wang Lao assigned Sun Lei to oversee primate experiments and visit partners in Guangzhou, while Qiu Jianing was tasked with continuing the mice experiments at the lab and finalizing her slow-release factor formula report. Zhu Zhu invited Zhou Xiaoshan to see a movie on Saturday.

While they were talking, Zhou Xiaoshan overheard a colleague discussing Professor Sun Lei's business trip to Guangzhou for primate experiments the next day, and that Qiu Jianing would remain at the lab for mice experiments. At the fighting gym, a persistent Mr. Li was causing a disturbance, demanding a class with Mo Li and threatening to spread rumors if denied. Qiu Jiaxin intervened, pulling Mr. Li aside.

She advised him to adopt a more patient approach when pursuing a woman, revealing that she had booked all of Mo Li's upcoming classes to prevent other men from bothering her. Qiu Jiaxin urged him to leave quietly and return when Mo Li's schedule became available, which he eventually did. Qiu Jiaxin and Mo Li shared a meal, where Qiu Jiaxin enthusiastically ordered from the restaurant's "hidden menu," explaining its origins to Mo Li.

When Qiu Jiaxin learned Mo Li was twenty-four, she jokingly called it "such an awkward age" for thinking about marriage. She then pressed Mo Li about any romantic interests. Mo Li, after some hesitation, confessed to liking someone Qiu Jiaxin wouldn't know. She described him as "cute" and caring, a man who "even saved my life."

Qiu Jiaxin urged her to confess her feelings, but Mo Li demurred, explaining that he was occupied with something extremely important, and she couldn't "distract him," hoping they could begin their life together once his mission was complete. Qiu Jiaxin then vented her frustration about Qiu Jianing, whom she called "heartless." She recounted how she had tried to set her sister up with her mentor, Qin Bin, only for Qiu Jianing to secretly begin dating her colleague, Zhou Xiaoshan.

Qiu Jiaxin expressed suspicion, detailing how she had seen Zhou Xiaoshan at Qiu Jianing's dorm late one night, and observed her sister's blushing and evasive behavior, leading her to believe "They must have done something secretly." Mo Li listened, a hint of bitterness in her expression, but she reminded herself of Zhou Xiaoshan's earlier explanation: that her believing the charade would ensure Qiu Jianing believed it too, and that it was all for the mission.

Zhou Xiaoshan's culinary skills continued to impress Qiu Jianing, who playfully remarked that her face was getting "chubbier" from his cooking, calling it a "blessing." Zhou Xiaoshan teased her for her lack of concern for appearances, to which Qiu Jianing responded by voicing her suspicions. She recounted how Qianya had told her that a man desiring a secret relationship often indicated he was "a two-timer."

Qiu Jianing expressed concern that she knew nothing about Zhou Xiaoshan beyond his official resume, worrying that if he turned out to be "one of those bastards who manipulate women," she would have no way to find him if he disappeared. Zhou Xiaoshan brushed off her anxieties, suggesting her clinginess stemmed from her deep love for him. While Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan were having dinner, Mo Li called him, but he chose not to answer.

Qiu Jianing noticed the caller ID displayed a "City A" area code, prompting Zhou Xiaoshan to quickly dismiss it as a "scam call" using a simulator. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan received an urgent phone call from Uncle Zha, who pressed him to acquire the formula without delay. Uncle Zha mentioned that the reagents for the double-blind experiment had been narrowed down to two colors, blue and yellow, with one likely being the correct prototype.

He warned that if Wang Qitian successfully patented the formula before they obtained it, all their efforts would be for nothing, emphasizing that Zhou Xiaoshan "must do it," not merely "try his best." Qiu Jianing and Xu Qianya went for massages. During their session, Xu Qianya expressed her strong suspicions about Zhou Xiaoshan, pointing out his unknown background and the clandestine nature of his relationship with Qiu Jianing.

She was "almost certain that this man definitely is onto you for something." Mo Li asked Zhou Xiaoshan if he had acquired the formula, but he clarified that he had only managed to obtain a reagent for analysis, uncertain if it was a sufficient sample.

He explained that he took only one to avoid arousing suspicion, rationalizing that the loss of a single sample could be dismissed as lab contamination or human error, and kept this from Qiu Jianing to avoid tipping her off. Later, Qiu Jiaxin saw Zhou Xiaoshan and Mo Li in close conversation, appearing to whisper intimately. She quickly took a photograph and sent it to Qiu Jianing, exclaiming that Zhou Xiaoshan was "indeed a two-timer."

Upon receiving the photo, Xu Qianya immediately requested their location and, accompanied by Qiu Jianing, rushed to confront them. Upon their arrival, they witnessed Mo Li holding Zhou Xiaoshan's arm as they departed. A furious Qiu Jiaxin immediately confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, accusing him of being a "two-timer," and then turned her anger toward Mo Li, claiming she had deceptively offered a fake discount for the MMA school to get close to Qiu Jianing.

Zhou Xiaoshan quickly stepped in to explain that Mo Li was his "younger sister," a revelation that utterly bewildered Qiu Jiaxin. He claimed he had always intended to introduce them but had been too busy with work. Throughout the confrontation, Qiu Jianing remained remarkably calm, simply asking Xu Qianya to take her home. As they drove away, Qiu Jianing reflected on Mo Li's face, finding it "so familiar" and wondering if their paths had crossed before.

Episode 16 Recap

Zhou Xiaoshan confronted Mo Li about why she had approached Qiu Jianing behind his back, warning her that if she messed things up, his plan would be compromised. Mo Li claimed she only wanted to confirm if he had truly fallen for Qiu Jianing. She pointed out that when he spoke about Qiu Jianing, his tone and expression betrayed his hidden affections, even in front of her.

Mo Li questioned if his feelings had become real, reminding him of his panic when Qiu Jianing misunderstood him. Zhou Xiaoshan dismissed her words as nonsense, accusing her and Uncle Zha of not trusting him. Mo Li insisted she was on his side and hadn't told Uncle Zha about them. For the last time, Zhou Xiaoshan emphasized that his actions were solely for the mission and that Mo Li would be responsible if her recklessness led to its failure.

Qiu Jianing was saddened by Zhou Xiaoshan's apparent betrayal. Her sister, Qiu Jiaxin, checked on her and then revealed that Mo Li was Zhou Xiaoshan's sister, a fact Qiu Jianing was unaware of. Qiu Jiaxin found it strange that Zhou Xiaoshan had never mentioned his sister despite their closeness.

Qiu Jiaxin then recounted how she met Mo Li: she picked up a sales call for an MMA academy, which was originally intended for Qiu Jianing, and Mo Li was the caller. Qiu Jianing, however, changed the subject, asking if one could determine the cause of an injury from a scar. Qiu Jiaxin explained that blunt force wounds are larger but shallower, while sharp objects leave smaller but deeper wounds.

Qiu Jianing then described a long chest scar and asked if it could be from a knife, to which Qiu Jiaxin confirmed it was very likely. When asked why she was asking, Qiu Jianing feigned interest in a detective novel. Later, Qiu Jianing messaged her friend Bass, asking for a favor. Qiu Jianing ignored a call from Zhou Xiaoshan, needing time to calm down.

Meanwhile, Qin Bin tried to get Qiu Jiaxin to join him for patient rounds, but she refused, saying she had work to finish and he could go alone. Later, Mo Li approached Qiu Jiaxin, wanting to explain things. Qiu Jiaxin, however, expressed her disappointment, feeling that Mo Li and Zhou Xiaoshan had been secretive and untrustworthy.

She questioned the coincidence of Mo Li being Zhou Xiaoshan's sister and having contacted Qiu Jianing, and accused Mo Li of treating her and her sister as "others." Mo Li quickly clarified that she and Zhou Xiaoshan were indeed siblings, though not by blood, and that he had saved her life as a child. She offered to share her past if Qiu Jiaxin still suspected her.

Separately, Zhou Xiaoshan attempted to speak with Qiu Jianing, but she deferred the conversation until after work. Overwhelmed by Mo Li's revelation, Qiu Jiaxin needed a moment to process the information. While reviewing reports, Qiu Jianing noticed abnormal data in one group of mice and immediately went to the lab. There, she learned that Zhou Xiaoshan frequently visited to record data.

Back in her office, Qiu Jianing received an investigation report from her friend Bass, which stated that there was no clear reason for Zhou Xiaoshan's departure from Merck Group, suggesting he might be seeking something specific at Original Life. Recalling Mo Li's previous visit disguised as a delivery person, Qiu Jianing grew more convinced that the situation was complex. She confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, accusing him of hiding too much.

She pressed him about Mo Li, questioning why he never mentioned his sister, why Mo Li had hugged him intimately, and why Mo Li had posed as a delivery worker to spy on her. Qiu Jianing specifically recalled not ordering the green dumplings Mo Li delivered and Mo Li's sales call from the MMA academy, noting that Mo Li's activities consistently involved her. Zhou Xiaoshan claimed Mo Li's story was complicated but that he could explain.

Qiu Jianing then shifted to a different concern: the abnormal data in one of Yang Haiquan's mouse groups. She noted that Yang Haiquan consistently met Zhou Xiaoshan, who was recording data, every day at 1 PM during injections. Despite Zhou Xiaoshan's argument that he was merely following her instructions to document data and prevent risks, Qiu Jianing found it too coincidental that he was present every single time the technician administered injections.

Zhou Xiaoshan handed her a data report, explaining that his frequent presence was due to the large variance in Section 5's data, which he suspected was caused by Yang Haiquan's inexperience. He claimed he gave Yang Haiquan corrective instructions, leading to the decreased variance the following week. Qiu Jianing then directly asked why he left the prestigious Merck Group with its excellent conditions to join Plan-O. Zhou Xiaoshan, annoyed by her investigation, revealed he faced discrimination at Merck.

He recounted being isolated, transferred, and assigned difficult tasks because his hard work made others look bad. He eventually realized that, in their eyes, an unknown Asian was not qualified to work in scientific research with them. He challenged her to believe that discrimination was his reason for leaving.

Qiu Jianing, however, was not fully convinced, pointing to his "mysterious" sister and the scar on his chest as evidence that he was not an ordinary researcher and demanded the full truth. Zhou Xiaoshan stated that he couldn't explain it all directly but offered to take her to a place where he could provide answers to all her questions, though he warned that this truth would mean losing her.

Zhou Xiaoshan took Qiu Jianing to a prison museum, promising answers even if it meant losing her. Once there, he revealed that the scar on his chest was sustained in prison. He explained that as a child, he made a mistake, was jailed, and severely tortured, nearly dying until Uncle Zha rescued him. From then on, Uncle Zha treated him like his own son, providing for his education and well-being.

Zhou Xiaoshan further explained that Mo Li was also adopted by Uncle Zha and shared a similar background, causing her to be very dependent on him. Her erratic behavior around Qiu Jianing stemmed from her fear of losing Zhou Xiaoshan, as she had so few family members. He stated that Qiu Jianing, being from a different world, could not fathom the darkness he had experienced.

Qiu Jianing was not disgusted by his past; instead, she questioned why he had hidden it, asking if he feared her looking down on him. She affirmed that no one chooses their birth and admired his courage in overcoming such circumstances, declaring she only hated evil people, not fighters.

Despite her understanding, Zhou Xiaoshan insisted they part ways, stating they were from two different worlds, like the sun and the moon, day and night, making it impossible for them to be together, even if he loved her. Qiu Jianing watched him leave, tears streaming down her face. Zhou Xiaoshan received a call from Uncle Zha, who asked if Qiu Jianing believed his explanations and what his next steps were.

Zhou Xiaoshan later confided in Mo Li that while Qiu Jianing was convinced about Mo Li's relationship with him, her suspicion regarding his work had not been entirely eliminated. He decided they would have to continue lying. He then manipulated laboratory surveillance footage. Mo Li observed that suspicion, once planted, was difficult to remove, and that one lie often necessitated many more. The next day, Qiu Jianing requested surveillance footage from the lab and the entire building.

Initially, the footage seemed normal, but upon closer inspection and requesting more specific recordings, she confirmed the data was problematic, and her suspicion grew when she recalled a casual joke Zhou Xiaoshan made about "Rat Flowers" needing mouse droppings as fertilizer, realizing this was a lie, as the flowers are resilient and don't require such a specific type of fertilizer.

When Zhou Xiaoshan appeared, Qiu Jianing confronted him, confirming that the lab data was indeed problematic and accusing him of ulterior motives. He maintained his stance, claiming he only took her joke seriously. Qiu Jianing apologized for misunderstanding him. Zhou Xiaoshan insisted she didn't need to apologize, reiterating that they were from different worlds and he was unworthy of her.

He spoke of his humble birth and complicated past contrasting with her wealthy family and simple, clean background, stating he must face reality. Qiu Jianing argued that no one chooses their birth and that he shouldn't isolate himself, emphasizing that she didn't despise him. However, Zhou Xiaoshan cut her off, refusing to listen to further explanations. Later, Qiu Jianing sent Zhou Xiaoshan an apology message.

She then overheard Qiu Jiaxin advising a friend on how to reconcile after a breakup, suggesting persistence in explaining things to show love, which made Qiu Jianing thoughtful. Meanwhile, Mo Li urged Zhou Xiaoshan to break up with Qiu Jianing and resign, believing he had obtained the formula. Zhou Xiaoshan corrected her, explaining that while one reagent was a placebo, he couldn't determine the formula for the other due to a small sample size.

He stressed the importance of Qiu Jianing's trust for his continued undercover mission. Qiu Jianing then arranged to meet Zhou Xiaoshan under the guise of work-related matters, hoping he would forgive her. She apologized again, explaining her suspicions weren't due to their differences. He claimed he wasn't angry but rather disappointed in himself, reiterating his unworthiness and her right to suspect him.

When she tried to explain further, he stood up to leave, asking if she had anything else to say before departing. As he walked away, he smirked, seemingly pleased by her distress. Hearing about their argument, Qiu Jiaxin confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, playfully threatening to tell Qin Bin about their falling out and calling his "cool mode" an act only Qiu Jianing would fall for.

She gave him an address: "8:30, meet me at 780 Shengyuan Rd," warning him that if he didn't go, she would send Qin Bin there. Zhou Xiaoshan agreed to go. Qiu Jiaxin later informed Qiu Jianing that she had convinced Zhou Xiaoshan to talk, despite his earlier refusal to listen to Qiu Jianing. She confidently stated the "universe had turned in her favor" and gave Qiu Jianing the same address, claiming it was a place where no couple failed to reconcile.

Episode 17 Recap

Qiu Jiaxin arranged a meeting for Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing at a theme hotel. Upon their awkward arrival, Qiu Jianing reflected on her sister's unconventional idea, feeling worried about Zhou Xiaoshan's perception. She composed herself, reminding herself that she was there to apologize and had done nothing wrong. Inside, she told Zhou Xiaoshan that she didn't know what Qiu Jiaxin had told him, but she wanted to apologize. She slowly emerged from the bathroom to find Zhou Xiaoshan asleep.

The next morning, Qiu Jianing awoke with relief, noting she was still fully dressed, only to be startled by Zhou Xiaoshan's presence. Zhou Xiaoshan revealed that he wasn't truly angry but wanted her to experience the feeling of being misunderstood, just as he was when she suspected him of being a corporate spy. Qiu Jianing playfully hit him, expressing her distress.

After they settled, she asked if they were okay, to which Zhou Xiaoshan dramatically replied that he would forgive her as an "act of kindness," claiming no one else would want her if he didn't. Later, at home, Zhou Xiaoshan suggested playing a new game, and they agreed that the loser would have their face painted. Qiu Jianing won, despite Zhou Xiaoshan's claims of a faulty controller and that he had gone easy on her to make her happy.

She playfully chased him, determined to draw a Crayon Shin-Chan on his face. The following morning, on her way to work, Qiu Jianing encountered Li Chunran, who gossiped about hearing a woman's "sexy and charming" laughter coming from Zhou Xiaoshan's apartment the previous night. Qiu Jianing's face reddened, prompting her to claim she was hot. Li Chunran speculated that Zhou Xiaoshan, who appeared cold on the outside but was warm-hearted, probably liked "curvy women."

When Zhou Xiaoshan arrived, he jokingly asked Qiu Jianing for her opinion on his ideal girlfriend, causing her to repeat Li Chunran's "curvy woman" theory, which he found amusing. Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin met with Mo Li, having processed their previous difficult conversation. Qiu Jiaxin apologized for her earlier suspicions, acknowledging that one cannot choose their birth and that Mo Li had always been kind to her. She expressed her desire to maintain their friendship.

Mo Li affirmed that their friendship was intact. Qiu Jiaxin then reassured Mo Li not to worry about Qiu Jianing taking Zhou Xiaoshan away, explaining that her sister wasn't "the petty type." She suggested that Mo Li would gain "one more sister and a good friend," referring to herself as a supportive friend who could listen to Mo Li's problems, even about Qiu Jianing.

As they left, a heavy rain began, and Qiu Jiaxin noticed Mo Li was afraid of thunder. Despite Mo Li's denial, Qiu Jiaxin pointed out her fear, and then put earphones on Mo Li, sharing that listening to music helped her overcome her own childhood fear of thunder. She encouraged Mo Li to imagine pleasant scenes. Mo Li seemed momentarily reflective.

Later, back home, Mo Li asked Qiu Jiaxin for the name of the song, "Moonlight," and listened to it for a long time. Overwhelmed by her conflicting emotions and remembering her mission, Mo Li struggled and ultimately threw away her phone. At the lab, Professor Wang Qitian informed Qiu Jianing that the slow-release factor formula had proven effective on all cancer mice and urged her to apply for a patent.

Qiu Jianing, however, expressed concern about an "unusual fluctuation" in some previous cancer mice data, suggesting it could be "experiment contamination," and proposed changing the project's password for security. Wang Qitian agreed. Later, Li Chunran intended to go on a blind date, but Zhang Yu adamantly tried to stop her, even threatening to delete their team's report if she left, stating his dislike for "some people trying to get married so quickly."

Qiu Jianing pulled Li Chunran aside, subtly suggesting she consider people closer to her, like Zhang Yu. Li Chunran rejected the idea, believing Zhang Yu looked down on her because she was from a small town, approaching thirty, and not particularly attractive. She declared that they "hate each other to the bone." Convinced there was a spark between them, Qiu Jianing decided to play matchmaker with Zhou Xiaoshan.

Li Chunran then left for her date, optimistically proclaiming, "Good looks are everything. I'll definitely get you this time." Qiu Jianing informed the rest of the lab that Li Chunran would be livestreaming her blind date via a video call, which prompted Zhang Yu to stay, feigning a need to research materials. The livestream revealed that Li Chunran's date, Mr. He Wenxian, was not at all like his "Daniel Wu" profile picture.

He was bald, wore glasses, and immediately launched into a critique of her, boasting about his apartment, car, and permanent residency. He then told her that after marriage, she would have to quit her job and "prepare for pregnancy" at home to have a son, citing concerns about "radioactive stuff" in her lab. Disgusted, Li Chunran told him they were incompatible. When he proudly reiterated his assets, she retorted, "It's me who doesn't like you. I don't like you!"

and splashed a glass of water on him. After the disastrous date, Li Chunran's mother called, expressing satisfaction with Mr. He and her hopes that he could help their family settle in Jiangcheng, especially given Li Chunran's father's poor health. Li Chunran remained silent, not contradicting her mother's hopes. Back at the lab, Zhang Yu continued to tease her, implying that "no one will marry you."

Li Chunran, at her breaking point, angrily lashed out, explaining that being thirty and unmarried in her hometown was worse than being divorced, and demanding to know why, among "so many girls in the lab," he always targeted her. Qiu Jianing intervened, sending Li Chunran home. Zhou Xiaoshan then confronted Zhang Yu, advising him to be more direct if he liked someone and to "seize the day."

Zhang Yu, however, adamantly denied any feelings for Li Chunran, insisting he just enjoyed fighting with her. Separately, Qin Bin advocated for Aoyoung Hospital to collaborate with Plan-O for clinical trials, calling it a "good project" that was "worth to collaborate." Director Chen, however, favored Norton, citing their proven success and a research fund three times larger than Plan-O's.

Qin Bin argued that while Norton offered an alternative, Plan-O, despite its experimental nature, represented an "epic innovation" by targeting cancer cells at their source, and showed promising results in animal trials. He further emphasized that Norton's drugs were prohibitively expensive for most Chinese families, costing over 2,000,000 CNY per patient, whereas Plan-O aimed to be an affordable, "commonly used anticancer drug" that would "save lives regardless of their wealth."

Director Chen expressed personal agreement but voiced concerns about the department's acceptance due to the financial disparity. Qin Bin offered to convince his colleagues and prepare a new report. Later, Zhao Yan told Qiu Jiaxin that Qin Bin's decision was a "crazy" move that had infuriated the department and jeopardized his chances of becoming vice president, a position that would soon be vacant. Qiu Jiaxin immediately went to talk to Qin Bin.

She assumed his decision was motivated by his lingering feelings for her sister. Qin Bin admitted, "Yes, I admit it. I still like your sister," but firmly stated he wouldn't compromise his work for personal relationships. He then explained that, as a fourth-generation doctor, he had recently realized that his purpose wasn't about money or reputation, but to bring "hope to my patients" and contribute "to the improvement of mankind" by pursuing innovative solutions like Plan-O.

Qiu Jiaxin, initially moved, jokingly called him "quite shameless" for making his "selfish purpose sound so selfless." Later, Mo Li confessed to Zhou Xiaoshan that she felt she was "treating Qiu Jiaxin as a real friend." Zhou Xiaoshan responded that "the moment you decided to step forward and approach her, this ending was meant to be."

When Mo Li expressed her confusion, he advised her that she didn't need to understand, but simply to "relish the outcome," and "relish the feeling of being a regular person, and to have regular emotions."

Episode 18 Recap

Qin Bin diligently promoted the Plan-O project to the hospital's department chiefs, successfully securing signatures from most, thus nearing completion of the clinical trial collaboration. However, the parents of a young patient named Xiao Yu'er remained hesitant, concerned about the potential risks. Qin Bin visited Xiao Yu'er in his hospital room. The child revealed he had never met his father and that his mother, a busy company boss, rarely visited.

Qin Bin could only discuss the matter with the nanny, Auntie Cheng, who informed him that Xiao Yu'er's mother believed the clinical trial's risks were too high and questioned guarantees against side effects. Qin Bin insisted on a direct conversation, assuring Auntie Cheng that he would also bring the project supervisor to address any concerns in person. Qin Bin eventually met Xiao Yu'er’s mother, Xu Qianya, who expressed deep concern over the high risk for her five-year-old son.

Qin Bin empathetically explained that the experimental treatment aimed for a complete cure, unlike standard treatments, and recounted Xiao Yu'er's resilience during his painful daily treatments, emphasizing the child's need for hope. He then offered to introduce her to the project leader, to whom she could directly ask questions. Xu Qianya agreed to reconsider. When Qin Bin arrived at the Plan-O laboratory as the hospital's liaison for the clinical trials, Qiu Jianing was surprised to see him.

Professor Wang assigned both Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin to oversee the upcoming clinical trials. In Qiu Jianing’s office, Qin Bin directly asked why her relationship with Zhou Xiaoshan was not public. Qiu Jianing explained that they had mutually decided to keep it private, stating there was no need for a public announcement. Qin Bin playfully remarked that if she were his girlfriend, he would announce it to the world.

Qin Bin invited Qiu Jianing to lunch, which prompted Li Chunran to gossip with Zhou Xiaoshan about Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin, wondering if they were rekindling their relationship. Zhou Xiaoshan gave evasive answers. Later, when Qin Bin offered to treat everyone to coffee, a visibly annoyed Zhou Xiaoshan tried to pull Qiu Jianing away to review a report.

Qin Bin, however, countered that he was openly pursuing Qiu Jianing, contrasting it with Zhou Xiaoshan's "underground relationship," and Qiu Jianing left with Qin Bin. During their meal, Qin Bin shared Xiao Yu'er's case with Qiu Jianing, and although he sought a guarantee for the child’s recovery, Qiu Jianing, respecting her role as a doctor, could only promise her utmost effort, not a 100% cure. After their meal, Qin Bin took Qiu Jianing to meet Xiao Yu'er's mother.

To Qiu Jianing's astonishment, it was Xu Qianya. Qiu Jianing handed Xu Qianya the project documents, urging her to review them. She assured Xu Qianya that their friendship would remain unaffected regardless of her decision and, respecting her privacy, refrained from asking about Xiao Yu'er's personal situation, though she offered help if needed. Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin found Qin Bin's modesty foolish, as he didn't take credit for facilitating the Plan-O collaboration.

She also wasn't surprised that Qiu Jianing's colleagues were unaware of her relationship with Zhou Xiaoshan, explaining that her sister's nature was to keep personal struggles to herself to avoid bothering others or eliciting pity. Qin Bin, however, found Zhou Xiaoshan's silence strange, especially when he himself was openly pursuing Qiu Jianing, deeming it a matter of "man's dignity" that Zhou Xiaoshan should have asserted his claim. Mo Li met with Qiu Jiaxin, who inquired about Zhou Xiaoshan's past girlfriends.

Mo Li quickly assured her it was "something from a long time ago" and that Zhou Xiaoshan was serious about Qiu Jianing, becoming visibly anxious. Qiu Jiaxin, noticing Mo Li's punk style, playfully tried to transform her look with feminine clothes, much to Mo Li's discomfort, and she refused to buy anything. Qiu Jiaxin, however, splurged on several outfits. Her mother called shortly after, chiding her for her spending habits before ultimately giving in.

Later, Mo Li stared wistfully at a pink cat doll in a shop window, denying her fondness for it despite her clear fascination. She expressed envy for Qiu Jiaxin's protected upbringing, saying she hadn't experienced "bad things." Mo Li later informed Zhou Xiaoshan via phone that Qiu Jiaxin had indeed questioned her, but hadn't suspected anything related to their "mission," merely worried about Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing visited Zhou Xiaoshan at his home.

After she entered, he hugged her playfully, complaining about a sore waist. Qiu Jianing then asked if he had been in a specific place in City A six years prior, explaining that a sudden moment with him had evoked a familiar feeling from when she was once contemplating taking her own life and a man had told her, "If you're not even scared of death, then you shouldn't be afraid of living."

Zhou Xiaoshan admitted he was that man but then burst out laughing, revealing he had been teasing her, which annoyed Qiu Jianing. Shortly after, Xu Qianya called, informing Qiu Jianing that she had decided to let Xiao Yu'er participate in the experiment. Qiu Jianing then explained to Zhou Xiaoshan about her outing with Qin Bin to find the sixth patient, revealing it was Xu Qianya’s son.

Zhou Xiaoshan was surprised that Xu Qianya had a child, as Qiu Jianing had never mentioned it. Qiu Jianing implied her stance on not prying into friends' private lives, and Zhou Xiaoshan, confident in her, expressed no concerns about her frequent interactions with Qin Bin on the project. After Qiu Jianing returned home, Qiu Jiaxin confronted her, accusing Zhou Xiaoshan of hypocrisy, comparing his past public relationship to his current secret one with Qiu Jianing.

Qiu Jianing, however, dismissed these concerns, stating she preferred a private relationship and that mutual respect and trust were paramount. She then informed Qiu Jiaxin about Xu Qianya having a son, emphasizing that in a mature relationship, one doesn't need to know every detail about the other. Later, Qin Bin asked Qiu Jiaxin if she knew anything else about Zhou Xiaoshan. After a pause, Qiu Jiaxin vaguely stated that his past was "really complicated."

Qin Bin immediately went to the laboratory to confront Zhou Xiaoshan, warning him not to hurt Qiu Jianing, questioning his "disgraceful" past, and criticizing his reluctance to publicly acknowledge their relationship. Meanwhile, Li Chunran's difficult blind date, Mr. He, reappeared and caused a scene at the lab, demanding Li Chunran pay him back for the water she had splashed on him and intending to return the favor publicly.

When he tried to splash her, Qiu Jianing quickly intervened, splashing him first. Qin Bin and Zhou Xiaoshan rushed to protect Qiu Jianing, and the embarrassed Mr. He left. Li Chunran received a distraught phone call from her mother, who demanded she apologize to Mr. He and, together with her father, insisted she resign and return home, leaving Li Chunran deeply upset. Zhang Yu tried to comfort Li Chunran, assuring her he didn't look down on her.

Zhou Xiaoshan later asked Qiu Jianing if she felt wronged by Qin Bin's visit, implying that many people might not support their relationship. Qiu Jianing asserted her independence and choices, stating she didn't care about others' opinions and preferred their relationship to remain private. In the car ride home, Li Chunran cried, feeling like she had nothing at thirty years old. Back at the lab, Zhou Xiaoshan discovered that the system's password had been changed.

He called Uncle Zha, informing him about the new obstacle and the failed formula analysis. Uncle Zha, however, reiterated his urgent demand: Zhou Xiaoshan must obtain the formula before the patent application proceeds.

Episode 19 Recap

Zhou Xiaoshan covertly listened as his colleagues enthusiastically discussed a list of ten essential things couples should do together. He diligently noted them down, then sent an email containing the full list to Qiu Jianing, who couldn't help but laugh upon reading it. Zhou Xiaoshan playfully scolded her for laughing, reminding her of her promise. He confessed to her, admitting he didn't know what counted as romantic in dating but was willing to learn for her.

Qiu Jianing, in turn, told him that true love doesn't come from learning; being himself was enough. Meanwhile, Professor Wang informed Qiu Jianing that Li Chunran had submitted her resignation. Concerned, he asked Qiu Jianing to speak with her and try to persuade her to stay, as her departure would significantly impact their critical project. Qiu Jianing found Li Chunran, who explained she was tired and had decided to return to her hometown.

She felt the high price female researchers paid in the industry for uncertain success was too much, especially when her parents couldn't understand the value of Plan-O. Her parents only cared about their thirty-year-old daughter being alone in an unfamiliar city. Li Chunran also cited a humiliating blind date experience that made her question the meaning of her perseverance.

Qiu Jianing urged her to reconsider, but Li Chunran was resolute, stating her family had forced the decision, and if she couldn't excel in research, she would simply be a "well-behaved girl" back home. Colleagues were disheartened by Li Chunran's decision, pleading with her to stay at least until after the year-end bonus, or until Qiu Jianing returned from a meeting. Li Chunran maintained that her family needed her, as her father was unwell and her mother was aging.

Zhang Yu, observing her situation, remained outwardly distant, though Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan believed he still hadn't truly confessed his feelings. Later that night, Zhang Yu sat in his car, watching the lights in Li Chunran's dorm. He eventually gathered the courage to call her. After a long silence, Li Chunran asked if he had dialed the wrong number.

He struggled to find words, only managing to ask if she was truly leaving, and eventually wished her a safe journey before hanging up in frustration, hitting his steering wheel, while Li Chunran watched his car drive away from her window. The next day, Qiu Jianing overheard colleagues discussing that Li Chunran was leaving that very afternoon and might be marrying the "jerk" from her previous disastrous blind date.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yu rushed out and blocked Li Chunran's taxi. He pulled her out, frantically declaring his feelings by writing a chemical formula, "Mg + ZnSO4 = Zn + MgSO4," which humorously translates to "Your beauty steals my heart." Li Chunran initially dismissed it as another prank, but Zhang Yu adamantly insisted he was serious, urging her to marry him. He humorously questioned her past 101 unsuccessful blind dates, stating he was the only one left.

He accepted her self-deprecating remarks about her weight, appetite, and temper, countering them with affirmations of her inner beauty and his own good temper. The irate taxi driver demanded they decide whether they were leaving. Li Chunran, touched by Zhang Yu's sincerity, declared she was no longer leaving, much to the quiet satisfaction of Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing who observed the scene. That evening, everyone celebrated Li Chunran and Zhang Yu's unexpected coupling.

Qiu Jianing's sister, Qiu Jiaxin, called to say she had forgotten her keys and intended to join the team dinner, bringing Mo Li along. At the dinner, during a game of truth or dare, the bottle landed on Zhou Xiaoshan. Li Chunran asked him if a female voice she heard in his dorm was his girlfriend, and if she worked at the lab. Zhou Xiaoshan confirmed both, sparking intense curiosity among their colleagues.

When the bottle landed on him again, he defiantly chose "truth" once more, then walked to Qiu Jianing, publicly announcing, "Qiu Jianing is my girlfriend." The room erupted in surprise and congratulations. Qiu Jianing, though initially flustered, felt a mix of awkwardness and sweetness, while Qiu Jiaxin was delighted. Mo Li, however, looked visibly upset.

Later, Zhou Xiaoshan confided in Qiu Jianing, expressing envy for Qin Bin, who could openly declare his affection for her due to his family background and career. Qiu Jianing reassured him that her liking him was his greatest advantage, making all those other factors irrelevant. Mo Li later confronted Zhou Xiaoshan in his dorm, demanding to know why he had publicly announced his relationship with Qiu Jianing, given his previous insistence on keeping it a secret to avoid suspicion.

Zhou Xiaoshan angrily silenced her, blaming her for drawing Qiu Jiaxin into their affairs and revealing her identity, which he believed led Qiu Jianing to suspect him. He revealed that the lab had changed the password for the highest authority, implying Qiu Jianing was already suspicious, and that the "failed formula analysis and the expired password" meant Qiu Jianing was now his only remaining option to achieve his mission. He stressed that any further complications between them would jeopardize everything.

Back at the office, colleagues gossiped about Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing's relationship, noting how Zhou Xiaoshan had subtly tried to gain Qiu Jianing's attention in the lab. Zhou Xiaoshan, embracing the new public status, shared a link about office romance in their chat group, declaring there would be "a lot of PDAs." Professor Wang summoned Qiu Jianing, who expected a reprimand for their office romance.

To her surprise, Professor Wang expressed his full support, stating that love and marriage for scientists were often challenging, and finding a partner within the same field was a positive development. He was genuinely happy for her and for Li Chunran and Zhang Yu, believing that good relationships, managed well, could facilitate rather than hinder work. Zhu Zhu, however, was clearly unhappy about the news, demonstrating a marked shift in her attitude towards Zhou Xiaoshan.

When a colleague questioned her, she dismissed Qiu Jianing as "annoying." Undeterred, Zhou Xiaoshan called Qiu Jianing, happily confirming Professor Wang's approval. He asked her to keep her schedule free for a Saturday date, planning to watch a horror movie, one of the ten couple activities. He jokingly warned her against discussing work during their date, promising a "punishment" if she did.

Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing continued to check off items from their couple's list, including walking hand-in-hand with eyes closed. During a movie outing, Qiu Jianing got lost after using the restroom. Zhou Xiaoshan, finding her, playfully teased her for her poor sense of direction.

He then earnestly instructed her that if they ever got separated in an unfamiliar place, she should always walk south, and he would come to find her, teaching her how to identify south using the sun or the growth patterns of trees.

Qiu Jianing shared that her favorite item on Zhou Xiaoshan's list was "watching fireworks," reminiscing about a cherished childhood memory of her parents setting off fireworks for her birthday, a memory that stood out despite her foggy recollections of other childhood events. Later, Qiu Jiaxin visited Qiu Jianing and was astonished to find her sister arranging flowers, a decidedly un-scientist-like activity. Qiu Jianing, with a shy smile, admitted Zhou Xiaoshan had inspired her.

She showed Qiu Jiaxin the list of ten couple activities, making Qiu Jiaxin realize that Zhou Xiaoshan was indeed her sister's "vanquisher." Qiu Jiaxin later shared details of Zhou Xiaoshan's romantic gestures and the list with Mo Li. Mo Li expressed her surprise at Qiu Jianing choosing Zhou Xiaoshan over Qin Bin, despite acknowledging Zhou Xiaoshan's considerate nature. Upon hearing about the list, Mo Li fell into a pensive silence and abruptly left, citing a class she had to attend.

Subsequently, Mo Li called Zhou Xiaoshan, informing him she had received a bonus and wanted to treat him to a meal. Zhou Xiaoshan agreed but suggested he bring Qiu Jianing along for a formal introduction. At the restaurant, Mo Li's expression visibly darkened upon seeing Qiu Jianing. After dinner, as they left, Mo Li naturally took Zhou Xiaoshan's hand, while Qiu Jianing, observing them, simply stated she had work at the lab and left.

Episode 20 Recap

Zhou Xiaoshan saw Mo Li's unconcealed hostility towards Qiu Jianing, warning that it would make Qiu Jianing suspicious. Mo Li retorted, asking if he was afraid of her suspicion or of harming their relationship. Mo Li then observed that when Zhou Xiaoshan spoke to Qiu Jianing, his voice and expression were not those of someone pretending.

Zhou Xiaoshan explained that even if he were in love, it would be impossible because his mother was still held by Uncle Zha, and she would die if he didn't comply. Mo Li confessed that she hadn't told Uncle Zha about Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing because she was afraid of losing him, the only person she could rely on and trust since childhood. She feared he would abandon her after the tasks were done.

Zhou Xiaoshan reassured her, saying, "Silly girl, you are my sister and you always will be." Later, Li Ruiming asked Mo Li to practice fighting, wanting to face her fairly so she could see his abilities. He announced proudly that he lasted twelve seconds, considering it a tie because he didn't want the girl he liked to look down on him. Mo Li told Li Ruiming that she didn't deserve his affection and he didn't know her.

Li Ruiming countered that she didn't know herself, insisting she looked mean but was very kind. He explained that she was the first person to call him kind and had taught him what self-esteem was when his boss bullied and oppressed him. Mo Li then suggested that Li Ruiming should see her as his sister. Li Ruiming remarked that asking someone to become family was the best way to reject them.

This comment made Mo Li recall Zhou Xiaoshan’s words and realize that Zhou Xiaoshan did not love her. She then asked Li Ruiming how a man loves a woman, and he described thinking about her constantly, wanting to see her smile, train with her, and always wanting to be with her, questioning if he hadn't made his feelings obvious. This made Mo Li realize she had been deceived by Zhou Xiaoshan regarding his feelings for her.

Distressed, she abruptly left, telling Li Ruiming not to follow her. Meanwhile, Qiu Jianing was preparing for a patent application. Qiu Jiaxin asked her why she was spacing out. Qiu Jianing then asked Qiu Jiaxin about her relationship with Mo Li, Zhou Xiaoshan's sister. Qiu Jiaxin confirmed they were besties now, and Mo Li confided everything to her, including her recent move to China for more opportunities and her new boyfriend.

The next day, Mo Li visited Qiu Jiaxin at the hospital, pretending to be concerned that Zhou Xiaoshan was too busy to talk to her and might be hiding things. Qiu Jiaxin inadvertently revealed that Qiu Jianing's lab was applying for a patent and that the applications were due next Monday. As they spoke, Qin Bin entered the restaurant with a nurse.

Qiu Jiaxin became visibly angry, calling him a playboy and commenting on how quickly men change, acting as if he had wronged her, detailing how he pursued her sister then moved on quickly. Mo Li pointed out that Qiu Jiaxin was unusually upset, but Qiu Jiaxin denied any interest in Qin Bin, saying he was too old.

Separately, Professor Wang informed Qiu Jianing that he and Sun Lei needed to travel to Guangzhou and that she would be responsible for submitting the patent materials next Monday. Upon learning about the patent application, Zhou Xiaoshan appeared tense. He asked Qiu Jianing if there were any issues with the experiment, but she clarified that they were discussing the patent application for the now-completed Plan-O formula, which had shown success on cancerous mice after debugging.

Qiu Jianing found it odd that she, a participant in every step of the research, didn't know the full formula. She then posed a sensitive question to Zhou Xiaoshan, asking if he would sell the Plan-O formula for a very high price if he knew it. She recounted how Professor Wang had previously refused a very generous offer from an international pharmaceutical company to participate in the research, despite Original Life lacking the resources of global firms.

Qiu Jianing explained that Professor Wang believed while "science doesn't have borders, scientists have home countries." He stressed that when their country offers better platforms, scientists would return to contribute, rather than being second-class citizens abroad. Therefore, Plan-O must be made in China so its people benefit first, allowing Chinese scientists to stand proud globally. Qiu Jianing, sharing this perspective, stated that a scientist focused only on personal ability would mean others would suffer the same challenges.

Zhou Xiaoshan assured her that he would protect Plan-O with her. Zhou Xiaoshan then called Uncle Zha and falsely reported that Plan-O had no immediate plans for a patent application. However, Mo Li had already informed Uncle Zha of the upcoming application. Uncle Zha, realizing Zhou Xiaoshan's deception, hung up and immediately ordered Mo Li to take action next Monday.

Mo Li, heartbroken by Zhou Xiaoshan's rejection and the realization that their relationship was impossible, lamented that if Qiu Jianing didn't exist, things wouldn't be this way. On the day Qiu Jianing was to apply for the patent, Mo Li burst into Zhou Xiaoshan's home. Despite his attempts to stop her, she called Qiu Jianing, frantically claiming Zhou Xiaoshan was very sick and couldn't be woken up, urging her to come over immediately.

Zhou Xiaoshan demanded to know what Mo Li was doing. She explained that Qiu Jianing was on her way with the formula, and since Uncle Zha no longer trusted him, they needed to work together to complete the mission and earn his forgiveness. Mo Li then presented Zhou Xiaoshan with a liquid, instructing him to give it to Qiu Jianing to make her pass out so they could take the formula and leave.

Zhou Xiaoshan called her crazy and prevented her from using it. When Qiu Jianing arrived, Mo Li eagerly tried to make her drink water, but Zhou Xiaoshan quickly intervened, claiming he had just been in a deep sleep and Mo Li had worried needlessly. After Qiu Jianing left, Mo Li furiously confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, asking if he was in love with Qiu Jianing. He admitted, "Yes! I am in love with her.

I didn't want to but I couldn't help it!" Mo Li became hysterical, accusing him of changing and failing because of Qiu Jianing, and declaring that she would not allow him to love anyone else. Zhou Xiaoshan asserted that he was human, not a machine, and couldn't control his emotions. He acknowledged Mo Li's feelings, but firmly reiterated, "we are impossible, you are my sister."

Mo Li cried out that she didn't want to be his sister and questioned why he chose Qiu Jianing. Zhou Xiaoshan insisted that there was no order to love and that he could not force himself to love Mo Li, just as he couldn't stop loving Qiu Jianing. He affirmed his determination to be with Qiu Jianing, telling Mo Li he would always be her brother.

Mo Li called him crazy, but Zhou Xiaoshan calmly stated he was very clear-headed, revealing that Uncle Zha had promised him freedom from working for him once this mission was complete, and he believed his mother would be safe until then. Mo Li left Zhou Xiaoshan's home in tears, later found crying alone on a sofa. Li Ruiming was concerned when he learned she hadn't been to work for three days and her phone was off.

He found her and she claimed she was sick. He offered to take her for a checkup and insisted on caring for her as a friend. At dinner, Mo Li questioned why Li Ruiming was so kind to her despite her harshness, while Zhou Xiaoshan, whom she cared for deeply, loved Qiu Jianing. She received a call from her boss, President Wang, and, in a fit of frustration, yelled at him to fire her if he wanted.

Li Ruiming then admitted he had skipped work that day to look for her. Mo Li insisted again that she was a bad person and didn't deserve his kindness, but Li Ruiming argued that she was honest and good, unlike the hypocrites at his office. When he instinctively reached for her hand, she flinched to pull away.

He immediately apologized, explaining he lost control, and promised not to touch her again before they were together, begging her to stay and eat. Mo Li reflected on his words, resolving to get back at whoever had let her down. Qiu Jiaxin's colleague asked her if Qin Bin was pursuing Weiwei. Qiu Jiaxin dismissed it, claiming it had nothing to do with her, but her colleague noticed she seemed upset.

Qiu Jiaxin denied any interest in Qin Bin, saying she was too young to love a much older man like him. Later, after Qiu Jiaxin got into his car, Qin Bin noticed her face was flushed and asked if she had a fever. She resisted his attempt to touch her, reminding him that men and women should keep their distance. Qin Bin playfully teased her about not looking like a woman. At work, Qiu Jianing overheard Zhu Zhu gossiping.

She soon learned that Xiaoxiao's father, a pharmaceutical company president, had been arrested the previous night for business bribery. Xiaoxiao tried to appear unfazed but reacted angrily to a message from Zhu Zhu criticizing her father. Sun Lei expressed his concern to Xiaoxiao, but she remained defiant before later hiding to cry alone. Qiu Jianing found Xiaoxiao crying and offered her a tissue. Xiaoxiao recalled that when Qiu Jianing first arrived, she too was gossiped about by others.

Xiaoxiao thanked Qiu Jianing and asked to rejoin her team, hoping for another chance. Qiu Jianing told her that no one could help her now, and she must rely on herself to recover. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan commented that Qiu Jianing was too kind and would surely take Xiaoxiao back. Qiu Jianing defended Xiaoxiao, saying she wasn't a bad person and everyone needed some hope to carry on.

Sun Lei approached Qiu Jianing, expressing his hope that Xiaoxiao could return to the research team. He revealed that he initially disliked Xiaoxiao's spoiled nature but later found himself attracted to her. He explained that as an introverted and somewhat depressed person due to his background, Xiaoxiao, despite her outwardly happy demeanor, was like a "light" that made his life colorful. Their campus romance had been immature but beautiful.

However, Xiaoxiao's mother found him and made it clear that his background and age made him unsuitable for her daughter. Qiu Jianing asked if he had given up on his love due to self-pity. Sun Lei admitted she was right, recognizing that he had been avoiding things and it was his fault for not being a responsible man.

Qiu Jianing, happy for Xiaoxiao that Sun Lei had come to this realization, agreed to let Xiaoxiao return, but with the condition that she join Sun Lei's team, giving him an opportunity to redeem himself.

Episode 21 Recap

Qiu Jiaxin found Mo Li in a downcast mood, needing to vent her frustrations. Both young women, heartbroken by love, discussed its bitter taste. Qiu Jiaxin expressed that while love in movies seemed sweet, her own experience was painful, especially when the person she cared for hurt her by trying to help others, making her feel her love was worthless. Mo Li agreed with this sentiment.

To cheer them up, Qiu Jiaxin suggested they go out for the best food in the world, which she revealed was her mother's cooking at her own home. Qiu's mother, who often felt bored alone, was delighted to see Qiu Jiaxin bring a friend home. During dinner, Qiu's mother doted on Mo Li, serving her food and encouraging her to eat.

Qiu Jiaxin and her mother engaged in their usual playful banter, much to Mo Li's amusement, who found herself smiling. Qiu's mother extended an open invitation for Mo Li to join them for meals anytime. Later, in Qiu Jiaxin's room, her mother brought them some fruit. Qiu Jiaxin complained about her mother's constant nagging, listing examples of her mother's worries about her sleep, eating habits, clothing, and spending.

Mo Li, however, confessed that she envied Qiu Jiaxin for having a mother, recalling that she lost her own parents at a young age and felt it would be the happiest thing to have them around. Qiu Jiaxin lovingly explained that she brought Mo Li home precisely to share her happiness. While Mo Li was in the bathroom, she received a phone call from Uncle Zha, who cryptically instructed her to follow his orders without question.

Meanwhile, Qiu's mother questioned Qiu Jiaxin about Mo Li's background, noting her young age for a coach and implying she might not be well-educated. Qiu's mother expressed concern that Mo Li might befriend Qiu Jiaxin to take advantage of her, given that Qiu Jiaxin was a doctor and from a wealthy family. These words, overheard by Mo Li, deeply affected her.

As she left, Mo Li reflected on Qiu's mother's words, realizing they were right about her hidden agenda, but she wasn't after money; she wanted Qiu Jianing's life. All her friendly feelings, she concluded, were fake. Feeling scorned, Mo Li vowed to become ruthless and trust only herself from that moment on. At a Research and Development Department meeting, Sun Lei announced that Xie Xiaoxiao would be transferred back from Administration to help with clinical trials.

Xiaoxiao, interpreting this as an act of pity, angrily confronted Sun Lei. She told him not to care for her anymore, as his concern only highlighted their incompatibility. Xiaoxiao questioned why he left her if she truly had so many strengths. She acknowledged her need for the job and her commitment to working hard, but made it clear she sought nothing more from him.

Sun Lei, hoping for a fresh start, pleaded with her to give them another chance, offering to take care of her. Xiaoxiao, however, recounted his past promises of eternal love and how she had believed him, only to be abandoned. She declared she had nothing left to lose and would not harbor any hopes. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan asked Qiu Jianing what kind of mistake she could never forgive, to which she replied she would need time to consider her answer.

Soon after, Qiu Jianing received an anonymous text message inviting her to meet if she wanted to know Zhou Xiaoshan's secret. Following the address to a dilapidated factory, she was confronted by Mo Li, who, without warning, knocked her unconscious. Zhou Xiaoshan then received an urgent phone call from Uncle Zha. He tried to brush off the call, but Uncle Zha, aware of his hesitation to break up with Qiu Jianing, questioned if Zhou Xiaoshan was afraid of alarming her.

Zhou Xiaoshan frantically asked what Uncle Zha was planning for Qiu Jianing before the call was cut off. Qiu Jianing awoke to find herself bound, with Mo Li holding a knife, threatening to end her life. Unfazed, Qiu Jianing pointed out that even if she were gone, Zhou Xiaoshan would never love Mo Li. She recognized Mo Li’s deep love for Zhou Xiaoshan but warned that such an act would only earn his everlasting hatred.

As Zhou Xiaoshan arrived, he furiously confronted Mo Li, who tried to prevent him from entering. He grabbed her by the neck, demanding to know if she had informed Uncle Zha about his relationship with Qiu Jianing. He expressed his disgust, telling her he never wanted to see such a "nasty side" of her again, reiterating that even without Qiu Jianing, they would never be together.

Uncle Zha called Zhou Xiaoshan again, asserting that the current situation provided a perfect excuse for him to break up with Qiu Jianing without raising suspicion. He accused Zhou Xiaoshan of falling in love with Qiu Jianing and reminded him of Xiang Lan, Uncle Zha's daughter, and the great sacrifice she made to save his life. Uncle Zha sternly warned Zhou Xiaoshan about the consequences of straying from the path and declared that Qiu Jianing's life was in his hands.

Under immense pressure and fearing for Qiu Jianing’s safety, Zhou Xiaoshan reluctantly promised Uncle Zha that he would break up with her. Mo Li then congratulated Zhou Xiaoshan on completing his mission and told him to report back to Uncle Zha. Zhou Xiaoshan brought the unconscious Qiu Jianing back to his home. Upon waking, Qiu Jianing, having overheard Mo Li's phone call with Uncle Zha, immediately wanted to call the police.

She believed Mo Li's actions were orchestrated by Uncle Zha, not just fueled by jealousy. Zhou Xiaoshan tried to dissuade her, but seeing her resolve, he ultimately decided to reveal the full truth. He took her to a prison museum, explaining that his previous confession had only been half the story. He revealed that Xiang Lan was Uncle Zha's daughter, a vibrant and beautiful young woman.

Initially, Uncle Zha disapproved of their relationship due to Zhou Xiaoshan's background but eventually relented because Xiang Lan threatened him with death. Their happiness was cut short when a classmate, obsessed with Xiang Lan, attempted to force himself upon her. In a fit of rage, Zhou Xiaoshan shot the assailant, nearly killing him. The classmate's powerful family sought retribution, and Zhou Xiaoshan faced certain death.

To save him, Xiang Lan selflessly offered to marry her assailant, on the sole condition that Zhou Xiaoshan would be spared. However, she could not endure such a life and ultimately took her own life. Qiu Jianing found the story tragic and absurd but acknowledged the world's darker facets. She then understood that Mo Li's deep hatred stemmed not only from jealousy but also from a profound sense of injustice towards Uncle Zha for losing his daughter.

Qiu Jianing told Zhou Xiaoshan that he should have shared this painful past with her earlier, assuring him she would have faced it with him. She expressed her belief that all pain could be healed and that Xiang Lan would have wanted them to live well, asserting that love itself was never wrong. Zhou Xiaoshan, however, turned away and broke up with her again.

He confessed that he had initially been drawn to her because she resembled Xiang Lan, but Mo Li's constant reminders had made him realize they were fundamentally different individuals. He tragically declared that he, Zhou Xiaoshan, would only ever love one person in his life: Xiang Lan. Heartbroken, Qiu Jianing, after thanking him for his honesty, turned and left.

Back home, a heartbroken Qiu Jianing was found crying on the sofa by Qiu Jiaxin, who was puzzled until she learned the reason. Enraged, Qiu Jiaxin immediately wanted to confront Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jianing, however, stopped her, explaining that she could not control Zhou Xiaoshan's feelings, especially since he did not love her.

Qiu Jiaxin tried repeatedly to call Mo Li, but she didn't answer, so Qiu Jiaxin sent a message saying she would come to see her the next day. Mo Li, meanwhile, went to Zhou Xiaoshan's dormitory, unsure how to face Qiu Jiaxin. Zhou Xiaoshan coldly told her that Qiu Jiaxin's sincerity and kindness only made Mo Li appear more "evil" for betraying her trust.

He challenged Mo Li to choose between being a human with feelings or a robot, a choice Mo Li argued she had already made through her actions, which diminished any lingering affection Zhou Xiaoshan had for her. The following day, Qiu Jianing found Mo Li at the gym. Mo Li, still hostile, asked if Qiu Jianing was afraid of her or of reporting her to the police. Qiu Jianing calmly stated that prosecuting Mo Li was not the best punishment.

She acknowledged Mo Li's love for Zhou Xiaoshan, a love unrequited for many years, and how her own appearance complicated Mo Li’s situation. Mo Li retorted that Qiu Jianing was also a loser now that she had broken up with Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jianing calmly disagreed, asserting that there were no winners or losers in love.

She urged Mo Li to stop her irrational behavior, offering to overlook past transgressions but firmly declaring that she would not tolerate any harm to Qiu Jiaxin. Mo Li admitted her internal struggle, having genuinely considered Qiu Jiaxin a friend, but still feeling hurt by Qiu's mother's disparaging remarks. Qiu Jianing directly asked if Mo Li's initial approach to Jiaxin wasn't motivated by a hidden agenda.

While Qiu Jianing promised not to reveal Mo Li's actions to Jiaxin, she sternly warned Mo Li not to let herself become completely worthless. Later, Qiu Jiaxin was annoyed to see Qin Bin pursuing another woman, leading her to criticize all men. She then revealed to him that Zhou Xiaoshan had dumped Qiu Jianing. Incensed, Qin Bin immediately rushed to Project Source to confront Zhou Xiaoshan.

Qiu Jiaxin quickly called Qiu Jianing to alert her that Qin Bin was heading to her office to seek revenge on Zhou Xiaoshan. When Qin Bin arrived at Project Source, he confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, demanding to know what had happened between him and Qiu Jianing, and accusing Zhou Xiaoshan of guilt.

Episode 22 Recap

Qin Bin confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, grabbing him and demanding an apology to Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing immediately intervened, telling Qin Bin to let go of Zhou Xiaoshan and urging Zhou Xiaoshan to leave. Qin Bin then pressed Zhou Xiaoshan, asking if he was serious about breaking up with Qiu Jianing. Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Qin Bin took Qiu Jianing's hand, while Zhou Xiaoshan responded dismissively, telling Qin Bin he could do whatever he wanted.

Afterwards, Qiu Jianing apologized to Zhou Xiaoshan, admitting that Qiu Jiaxin must have informed Qin Bin about their breakup and that the entire situation had arisen because of her. Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin tried to find Mo Li at the boxing gym. She called ahead and was told Mo Li was there, but upon arrival, staff informed her Mo Li had just left. Frustrated that Mo Li wasn't answering her phone, Qiu Jiaxin realized Mo Li was deliberately avoiding her.

As Qiu Jianing was leaving work, Qin Bin appeared and insisted on taking her somewhere, to the visible surprise of Li Chunran. At a bar, Qin Bin offered alcohol as his "medicine" for her unhappiness and pressed her to explain what happened with Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jianing initially resisted, but Qin Bin insisted. She then agreed to tell him, but only if he promised not to confront Zhou Xiaoshan. After some hesitation, Qin Bin gave his word.

Meanwhile, a distraught Mo Li sought out Zhou Xiaoshan. Though initially annoyed with her, he became concerned when he noticed she had a fever and let her inside. Mo Li confessed that she knew she had made a mistake, having unexpectedly grown close to Qiu Jiaxin, and now felt terrible, unsure how to face her. Zhou Xiaoshan reminded her that she should have anticipated this outcome since her first lie.

He advised her to tell Qiu Jiaxin everything, explaining that the emotional turmoil she was experiencing was a normal human emotion and, in a way, a form of happiness because it meant she was finally becoming a normal person. He stated that those who do wrong must accept punishment, reflecting that they had committed too many misdeeds to easily deserve happiness.

Zhou Xiaoshan then expressed a longing for a simpler life, wishing he could have remained in the tea garden with his mother forever, free from the pain of his current reality. After hearing Qiu Jianing's story, Qin Bin concluded that Zhou Xiaoshan was an "international phoenix male," having pursued her only because she reminded him of an ex-girlfriend. Qiu Jianing, visibly heartbroken, accepted this harsh assessment.

Qin Bin, teasingly suggesting he could help her get over the breakup, offered her more alcohol to numb the pain, explaining that by reaching total despair, her heart would eventually begin to heal. Suddenly, Qin Bin received an urgent call from the hospital about a patient needing surgery and had to leave. He asked a bar staff member, Xiao Feng, to look after Qiu Jianing and ensure she didn't drink excessively.

Later, the bar staff called Zhou Xiaoshan, informing him that Qiu Jianing was very drunk and asking him to pick her up. Zhou Xiaoshan immediately agreed to go. Mo Li confronted Zhou Xiaoshan about picking up Qiu Jianing, reminding him of their breakup. Zhou Xiaoshan responded cryptically, "The breakup is between two people, not the relationship."

At the bar, a very drunk Qiu Jianing recognized Zhou Xiaoshan and, despite his apologies, declared she had grown up and wouldn't be dramatic like before. Yet, she tearfully questioned if he truly never loved her, asking why he was with her if he felt nothing. Zhou Xiaoshan then took Qiu Jianing home. In his thoughts, he admitted that Qiu Jianing was nothing like Xiang Lan and that he had only ever loved Qiu Jianing.

At her dorm, Qiu Jiaxin helped her sister inside and then confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, asking if he was truly breaking up with Qiu Jianing and if he had ever loved her. Zhou Xiaoshan avoided directly answering but instructed Qiu Jiaxin to prepare honey water for Qiu Jianing in the morning for her hangover.

The next morning, Qiu Jiaxin told a groggy Qiu Jianing about the honey water from Zhou Xiaoshan and pressed her sister about still loving him, noting Zhou Xiaoshan's concerned demeanor the previous night. Qiu Jiaxin believed they still had feelings for each other and that breaking up was a waste. Qiu Jianing replied that their relationship was more complicated than simple love or lack thereof.

During a company distribution of welfare items, colleagues playfully suggested Zhou Xiaoshan should collect Qiu Jianing's portion. However, both of them conspicuously ignored the suggestion and each other. When Xiaoxiao asked if they had fought, Qiu Jianing calmly stated that they had broken up. Later, at lunch, the topic of their breakup became office gossip. Zhu Zhu expressed her dislike for both Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing, suggesting Qiu Jianing was manipulative and Zhou Xiaoshan's actions were calculated.

Her opinion was strongly rebutted by Xiaoxiao and Momo. Observing the situation, Li Chunran urged Zhang Yu to talk to Zhou Xiaoshan and try to understand the reasons behind the breakup, emphasizing that Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing's past help was crucial to their own relationship. Qin Bin discussed the breakup with Qiu Jiaxin, revealing that Zhou Xiaoshan had been adamant about his lack of feelings for Qiu Jianing, despite Qiu Jiaxin's observation of his concern.

Qin Bin felt there was a deeper, complicated issue with Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jiaxin added that Mo Li had been avoiding her since the breakup, which she also found suspicious. To meet Mo Li, Qiu Jiaxin deceptively told gym staff that Mo Li's brother was looking for her. When they finally met awkwardly in a convenience store, Mo Li initially denied avoiding her but then confessed that the person she liked was Zhou Xiaoshan.

Qiu Jiaxin realized with anger that Mo Li's initial calls to Qiu Jianing and their subsequent friendship were merely a pretense to monitor Zhou Xiaoshan's relationship. Overwhelmed by betrayal, Qiu Jiaxin angrily told Mo Li she was sinister and broke off their friendship. Qiu Jiaxin returned home, furious, and informed Qiu Jianing about Mo Li's deception and her feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan. To Qiu Jiaxin's surprise, Qiu Jianing reacted with calm understanding.

Qiu Jiaxin, still feeling the sting of betrayal, questioned Qiu Jianing's serene response, asking if she didn't hate Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jianing, however, counseled her sister to forgive herself rather than seek revenge, viewing the experience as a life lesson. She emphasized that when one loves someone, they must respect their decisions and simply wish them well. Qiu Jianing stated that her relationship with Zhou Xiaoshan was in the past and whether she loved him or not no longer mattered.

She then asked Qiu Jiaxin to prescribe some sleeping pills, admitting she hadn't been sleeping well and wanted to prevent further deterioration, inquiring if there were any without side effects. Qiu Jiaxin explained that most effective sleeping pills have side effects, and only placebos don't. That night, Qiu Jiaxin tossed and turned, unable to sleep due to her anger and confusion. Meanwhile, Qiu Jianing quietly watched the lights on in Zhou Xiaoshan's apartment across the way.

Uncle Zha pressured Zhou Xiaoshan to advance their plan, reminding him that there wasn't much time left as the patent was already uploaded to the server, and hacking was the simplest method. Zhou Xiaoshan expressed reservations, fearing that acting immediately after his breakup with Qiu Jianing could expose him and Mo Li, making their retreat difficult. He also admitted to lacking full confidence in decoding the password, fearing forceful hacking would lead to easy exposure.

Uncle Zha dismissed his concerns, reassuring him of his trust and past successes, and urging him to proceed. Taking advantage of visitors from company headquarters, Zhou Xiaoshan managed to infiltrate the server. However, the system detected the foreign IP address and shut down, alerting Professor Wang and Qiu Jianing, who quickly rushed to investigate.

Professor Wang addressed the staff, confirming a foreign IP attempted to hack their server to steal the formula, leading to a three-day suspension of internet service in the labs for upgrades and increased security measures, including keeping the WiFi password secret from external visitors. Meanwhile, Zhao Yan encouraged Qin Bin to seize this moment of Qiu Jianing's vulnerability to pursue her.

Although Qin Bin initially claimed he wouldn't be so shameless, he later eagerly went to find Qiu Jianing after work, driving her somewhere, following a call from Zhao Yan hinting at a significant matter.

Episode 23 Recap

After a period of de-stressing, Qin Bin took Qiu Jianing for a drive, where the gentle jolting of the car helped her relax and fall asleep for three hours. Upon waking, Qiu Jianing realized Qin Bin was treating her like a child, although she felt she was no longer one.

As Qin Bin drove her home, Qiu Jianing admitted her recent low spirits, thanked him for his company, but confessed she had no intention of starting a new relationship at the moment. Qin Bin insisted he wasn't trying to take advantage, sharing that he had recently almost succeeded in pursuing a new nurse from their hospital, a woman as beautiful as Qiu Jianing.

However, he felt using a new relationship to forget a past one wasn't a reliable path for either of them. He then expressed hope that she wouldn't keep him as a "backup" simply because Zhou Xiaoshan had left her. Seeing Qiu Jianing laugh, Qin Bin revealed his true intention was to make her smile.

He then affirmed that while he would be willing if she considered him, he would genuinely wait until she had completely forgotten Zhou Xiaoshan before pursuing her again. Meanwhile, news of Qiu Jianing attending meetings with Qin Bin spread among her colleagues. Zhu Zhu, critical of Qiu Jianing, accused her of "leading on" both Qin Bin and Zhou Xiaoshan. Xiaoxiao quickly retorted, suggesting Zhu Zhu's remarks stemmed from jealousy.

Later, Zhou Xiaoshan confronted Zhu Zhu, stating that his breakup with Qiu Jianing was a private decision between the two of them and had nothing to do with anyone else. He demanded she stop spreading rumors, declaring his disdain for people who create chaos out of nothing. Zhu Zhu, however, mocked Zhou Xiaoshan, claiming he had used Qiu Jianing to swiftly advance his career, pointing out his rapid promotion compared to other long-serving senior researchers.

She then hinted at an upcoming project transfer to City A after the Chinese New Year and implied she had the power to influence his selection. Unfazed, Zhou Xiaoshan dismissed her threats and warned her that if she continued to spread gossip, he would expose her "shady deals." After their meeting, Qin Bin and Qiu Jianing had dinner.

Qiu Jiaxin, observing Qin Bin's attentive care towards her sister, felt a pang of unease, slowly realizing she might have developed feelings for Qin Bin. She later confided in Zhao Yan, asking what it felt like to like someone, a question Zhao Yan comically misinterpreted as her liking him.

This new self-awareness made Qiu Jiaxin awkward and defensive around Qin Bin, leading her to react strongly when he tried to check on her, leaving him utterly confused by her unusual behavior. Elsewhere, Zhou Xiaoshan's resentment towards Mo Li persisted.

Mo Li, in an attempt to manipulate him, showed him photos of Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin together, asserting that Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin belonged to the same world, and that Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing could never have a future. Zhou Xiaoshan, visibly agitated, told her to stop, but Mo Li insisted, claiming Qiu Jianing never truly liked him and urging him to "wake up."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhou Xiaoshan stormed off, later deliberately causing trouble upstairs, which led to his arrest. Qiu Jianing received a phone call from the police, identifying herself as Zhou Xiaoshan's supervisor, and rushed to the station. Qin Bin, learning of the situation, followed her. At the police station, Qin Bin asked to speak with Zhou Xiaoshan alone.

He noted Zhou Xiaoshan's emotional outburst over a minor issue, contrasting it with his earlier composure, and deduced that Zhou Xiaoshan still cared for Qiu Jianing. Qin Bin speculated that the breakup was due to Zhou Xiaoshan's past, and tried to reassure him that Qiu Jianing was stronger than he imagined and capable of facing any challenges with him. Zhou Xiaoshan, however, curtly replied that Qin Bin "didn't know anything."

As Zhou Xiaoshan was about to leave with Mo Li, Qiu Jianing urged him to consider the consequences of his actions in the future, reminding him of his significant responsibilities and how his impulsiveness could jeopardize the entire project. He promised it wouldn't happen again. The following day, Qiu Jianing suffered from a persistent cough. Xiaoxiao, noticing her fever, attempted to find someone to take her to the hospital as Xiaoxiao had to attend to factory duties.

Li Chunran and other colleagues, feigning busyness, strategically compelled Zhou Xiaoshan to accompany Qiu Jianing. Despite his initial reluctance, Zhou Xiaoshan agreed after seeing her weak state. He drove her to the hospital but left soon after, asking Qin Bin to check on her. Shortly after, Qiu Jianing received an urgent call from the lab; the "Plan-O" patent application had been rejected due to duplication.

Upset, she immediately pulled out her IV drip and rushed back to the lab, foregoing medication. Concerned about Qiu Jianing's health, Qin Bin found Qiu Jiaxin and asked her to deliver the medicine to her sister. He also noticed Qiu Jiaxin's absentmindedness and playfully teased her about her earlier dramatic reaction, jokingly suggesting she might have heart problems, which she denied.

He then stated that in matters of the heart, one must follow fate, as some things simply cannot be forced. Back at the lab, it was revealed that the duplicate patent belonged to Harry, who had registered all the experimental results from their previous collaboration after Qiu Jianing's resignation, essentially targeting her. Qiu Jianing, blaming herself for the setback, resolved to develop a new synthesis process in the shortest possible time.

She plunged herself into work, becoming so engrossed that she forgot to take her medicine. Zhou Xiaoshan, noticing this, brought her water, but before he could offer it, she had already dry-swallowed the pills. He scolded her for her lack of common sense regarding medication. Despite his worries about her health, Qiu Jianing, after an afternoon of reviewing documents, found herself unexpectedly excited.

She explained to Zhou Xiaoshan that Harry's obstructive actions, paradoxically, had opened up an entirely new avenue of thought, leading her to discover many new possibilities. She emphasized that she pursued scientific research for the sheer enjoyment of it, not for external validation or revenge, and that difficulties only served as her motivation. Meanwhile, at the lab, Xiaoxiao, having forgotten her hair tie, used a pen to secure her hair before rushing into the lab.

That afternoon, she dramatically cut her long hair short to better comply with lab safety regulations. However, her male colleague Sun Lei, with a lack of tact, commented that her short hair was not as attractive as her long hair, much to the exasperation of Mo Mo and other female colleagues. Via a phone call, Qiu's mother began to fuss over Qiu Jiaxin's marital status, suggesting she meet Auntie Chen's son, an e-sports professional.

Qiu Jiaxin, however, tried to brush off the idea. Separately, Zhou Xiaoshan, inspired by the patent rejection, conveyed his renewed determination to Uncle Zha, promising not to make the same mistake again. The team planned a birthday dinner for Qiu Jianing for the next day, but she politely declined, citing their busy schedule with the new research and promising a grand celebration later. Qin Bin, visiting Professor Wang, serendipitously learned about Qiu Jianing's birthday from the front desk staff.

That evening, Qiu Jiaxin sat waiting for her blind date, plucking flower petals and repeatedly asking herself if she truly loved Qin Bin. Just as she was in a swirl of confusion, her blind date, Jiang Xiaoye, arrived. He observed her actions and sagely advised her that if she didn't pursue what she desired, she would live with regret, never knowing what opportunities she might have missed. Jiang Xiaoye's words struck a chord with Qiu Jiaxin, clearing her mental fog. Without another thought, she grabbed her bag and dashed out, leaving Jiang Xiaoye mid-introduction and neglecting to acknowledge him further.

Episode 24 Recap

After a moment of self-realization, Qiu Jiaxin, through an internal monologue, affirmed her feelings for Qin Bin, noting his cynical yet passionate nature, his dedication to love, and his stoicism in heartbreak. She felt compelled to confess her feelings to him that day. She then called Qin Bin from a café, telling him she had something important to say and to wait for her. Qin Bin, confused, agreed.

Rushing back to the hospital, breathless, she tried to speak, but before she could, a delivery person arrived with a birthday cake and candles for Qin Bin. Qin Bin explained he had arranged them for Qiu Jianing's birthday. Jiaxin's heart sank as she realized Qin Bin had traded shifts to celebrate her sister's birthday, and he confirmed he was still pursuing Qiu Jianing. Bitterly, Jiaxin declined his invitation to join, claiming she had other plans.

When Qin Bin pressed her about what she wanted to say earlier, she stumbled, then tearfully claimed she had forgotten, abruptly yelling at him when he called her stupid. With a heavy heart, she left for home. As the workday ended, Qin Bin arrived at the lab with a cake and flowers for Qiu Jianing's birthday. Her colleagues were delighted, making chemistry-themed toasts and wishes, including Qin Bin, who compared knowing Jianing to various explosive chemical reactions.

After blowing out her candles, everyone was suddenly drawn to spectacular fireworks exploding outside the window. As her colleagues exclaimed at the beauty, Qiu Jianing recognized the significance of the fireworks, recalling a conversation with Zhou Xiaoshan where she told him watching fireworks was her favorite item on their list of "ten things for lovers," and how her parents had shot fireworks for her birthday when she was little. Understanding, she quickly made her way outside.

Zhou Xiaoshan had left work early, having set off the fireworks himself. When Qiu Jianing arrived at the spot, she found an hourglass and briefly caught sight of Zhou Xiaoshan's shadow before he hid. Speaking aloud, she told him she had changed her mind about wanting to be the sun in a next life; instead, she wished to be a fish with a seven-second memory.

In vivid detail, she described how she would use those seven seconds to erase all their shared memories: from their first meeting on the bus, his comforting embrace during a shot, his heroic act of saving her from a fire, the noodles he cooked, his confession of love, and ultimately, his very existence from her world. Despite this, she declared, "I don't regret loving you. Thank you for the fireworks. Let's draw a period for our love."

Just as Zhou Xiaoshan was about to emerge, Qin Bin arrived, asking what she was doing. Qiu Jianing replied that she was "just spending some time alone," and Qin Bin led her away. As Mo Li was leaving after practice, Qiu Jiaxin approached her, asking her to stay and help her "release some tension" because she was in a bad mood. Meanwhile, Qin Bin and Qiu Jianing discussed the fireworks.

Qin Bin, relying on intuition he compared to a man's sixth sense regarding a love rival, was certain Zhou Xiaoshan had set them off, given it wasn't a holiday. Qiu Jianing confirmed that it was the last item on a list of "ten things for lovers to do" that she and Zhou Xiaoshan had promised to complete when they were together, a list he had initiated.

Qin Bin found the breakup suspicious, questioning why Zhou Xiaoshan would return for fireworks if he didn't love her. He drew an analogy to the difficulty of clipping the toes of mice one had raised, arguing that long-term interaction, even with animals, develops feelings. Qiu Jianing countered that any lingering good feelings from Zhou Xiaoshan were not love, but a "short and cheap" bond that developed over time and should be severed cleanly.

Qin Bin thought she was being cruel to herself, but Qiu Jianing remained firm, stating she had never given him hope and wouldn't give herself false hope either. Concurrently, Mo Li encouraged Qiu Jiaxin to vent her anger by imagining the sandbag as her enemy. Qiu Jiaxin furiously punched the bag, verbalizing her deep resentment towards Qin Bin for not recognizing her feelings, making her work for him, acting as his wingman, and constantly bullying her.

After their venting session, Qiu Jiaxin and Mo Li went for drinks. Jiaxin confessed that she now understood Mo Li's feelings, acknowledging that love is inherently involuntary. She began to drink heavily, declaring she was celebrating a love that "never started and is already over." Jiaxin revealed it was the one-year anniversary of her meeting Qin Bin. She initially found him irritating, believing he flirted indiscriminately.

However, one day, Qin Bin taught her about the importance of kindness in medicine, explaining that giving hope to dying patients outweighs concerns for his own reputation. This lesson revealed his truly kind, warm-hearted, and passionate nature, and she unknowingly fell for him. Mo Li was surprised to learn Jiaxin liked Qin Bin, especially since he was her master and almost ten years older. Jiaxin admitted she hadn't realized her feelings then.

She only understood when she saw her sister secretly struggling after her breakup, which made her own heart "go crazy." She wanted to confess but lost her resolve when Qin Bin rushed to celebrate Qiu Jianing's birthday. Although her heart ached, Jiaxin laughed, recalling Qin Bin's advice about calmly accepting defeat in love. She felt content, having done everything willingly, and viewed the journey of liking him as a beautiful process.

She then made a toast, stating she had gained two experiences – falling in love and falling out of love – and hoped to start anew after finishing her drink. Mo Li brought a heavily intoxicated Qiu Jiaxin home. Qiu Jianing, seeing her sister in that state, was initially accusatory towards Mo Li, who retorted that Jianing should reflect on her own actions. Crying, Jiaxin expressed her inadequacy, wishing she could be as composed and strong as Jianing.

Jianing comforted her, assuring her that with family support, she didn't need to be so strong, and that "kids who are loved have the right to be unreasonable sometimes." Jiaxin's crying escalated, and she angrily called Qin Bin a "pig," though she couldn't articulate why, only that she didn't want to be bullied anymore. The next morning, colleagues discussed the fireworks, concluding Zhou Xiaoshan was the orchestrator.

They found his breakup with Qiu Jianing puzzling, speculating he might have felt unworthy of her, contrasting her successful background with his. Qiu Jiaxin slept for an entire day and night. When Jianing finally questioned her, Jiaxin made various excuses, blaming work stress, her mother's persistent blind date arrangements, and monthly hormonal fluctuations. She then demanded Jianing cook for her.

Jianing, finding the fridge empty, was reminded of Zhou Xiaoshan, who, in a separate scene, was seen waking on a sofa looking bitter. Jianing prepared some simple food, and Jiaxin asked how one could share an office with an ex without it being awkward. Jianing advised taking things naturally, suggesting exes could still be friends, a notion Jiaxin found easy to say but hard to do, losing her appetite.

Later, Qin Bin messaged Qiu Jiaxin, asking her to buy him breakfast, and then called her to rush her. Annoyed, Jiaxin muttered that he only dared to order her around because she liked him, and she wouldn't let him be so arrogant. The following morning, Qin Bin arrived at work to curious stares from colleagues. He immediately went to Jiaxin, asking if he looked strange.

Still groggy, Jiaxin poked fun at his appearance, remarking on new wrinkles and white hairs, claiming he was "fast-forwarding to the mid-age male league." Zhao Yan then revealed the reason for the stares: someone had posted an "auction" for Qin Bin online, listing him as a "highly educated, highly paid, high IQ, high-quality, pureblood stud for sale" for ¥438, attracting many mocking comments. Qiu Jiaxin silently smirked.

Qin Bin confronted her, suspecting she was the culprit, but she denied it, refusing to let him see her phone as Zhao Yan also pressured her. In the lab, colleagues discussed relationships, with one remarking that if two people have no "chemical reaction," they are "inert matter" and nothing will happen between them, citing Qin Bin and Qiu Jianing as an example. Meanwhile, Xiaoxiao revealed a plan.

She asked Li Chunran, who was getting her marriage certificate with Zhang Yu in a few days and planned to treat everyone to dinner, to use the opportunity to "get uncooked rice and immediately cook it" for Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan. A few days later, Li Chunran and Zhang Yu returned with their marriage certificate to jubilant colleagues who immediately demanded a celebratory dinner. Zhou Xiaoshan initially tried to excuse himself, claiming he had "personal things on."

However, Li Chunran became upset, interpreting his absence as disrespect on her important day, and playfully threatened to tear up their new marriage certificate. After much pleading from his colleagues, Zhou Xiaoshan reluctantly agreed to attend. At the celebratory dinner, Li Chunran and Zhang Yu were showered with blessings and toasts, with colleagues wishing them a lifetime of happiness and many children.

As they were continually plied with drinks, a tipsy Zhang Yu, hoping to "make some action tonight," pleaded with Zhou Xiaoshan for help. Zhou Xiaoshan, ever obliging, agreed to drink on behalf of Zhang Yu, even accepting the demand to drink double portions.

Episode 25 Recap

The group enthusiastically encouraged Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan to drink together. While Qiu Jianing initially tried to avoid it, she eventually stood up and took a drink, only for Zhou Xiaoshan to drink an even larger amount. Under the planned instigation of their colleagues, Zhou Xiaoshan became heavily intoxicated. Li Chunran then announced that a room had been booked for him upstairs and asked Qiu Jianing and another colleague to escort him to it.

After Qiu Jianing and her colleague brought Zhou Xiaoshan to his room, her colleague left to get some sobering medicine from the front desk. As Qiu Jianing tended to the intoxicated Zhou Xiaoshan, he suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace. In his drunken state, Zhou Xiaoshan believed he was dreaming, confessing that he couldn't forget Qiu Jianing, truly couldn't forget her.

He spoke of how, in his youth, he could easily suppress and forget anything difficult, but this time, he had failed; he couldn't forget her. He wished the dream would last longer and that he wouldn't wake up. His heartfelt confessions broke through Qiu Jianing's emotional defenses once more. She stopped resisting, instead embracing Zhou Xiaoshan through her tears.

Qiu Jianing fell asleep in his arms, and when Zhou Xiaoshan briefly stirred, he gently stroked her head before falling back to sleep, maintaining their embrace. The following morning, Qiu Jianing awoke and stared at the sleeping Zhou Xiaoshan for a moment before taking her bag and leaving. Unknown to her, Zhou Xiaoshan had already woken up.

Later at work, their colleagues, including Xiaoxiao and Li Chunran, assumed that Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan had finally reconciled, expecting them to be shy. However, both Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan returned to the office looking rather grim. Qiu Jianing then received a phone call from Mrs. Wang, informing her that Professor Wang had suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Qiu Jianing immediately left for the hospital.

There, she learned Professor Wang had been saved but remained in a groggy and confused state due to a hemorrhagic cerebral stroke. Mrs. Wang tearfully recounted that Professor Wang had collapsed shortly after standing up, having pushed himself too hard despite her pleas to rest.

Qin Bin explained to Qiu Jianing that while Professor Wang had been saved, such a stroke carried a high risk of death, and survivors often suffered lasting side effects like immobility, speech impairment, or difficulty swallowing. Qiu Jianing instructed Sun Lei to return to the lab to inform their colleagues and to take Mrs. Wang home to rest, which Mrs. Wang reluctantly agreed to after much persuasion.

Qin Bin assured Qiu Jianing that the hospital would do its best for Professor Wang. Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin insisted that Mo Li join her for dinner at her home. Mo Li was hesitant, still uncomfortable about her past actions and a previous encounter with Qiu Jiaxin's mother. Qiu Jiaxin, however, had come to understand Mo Li better, realizing that Mo Li's pursuit of Zhou Xiaoshan must have been very difficult.

She forgave Mo Li's initial ulterior motives, adding that with Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing having broken up, their friendship was now much simpler. Back at the lab, the team faced mounting challenges. Colleagues discussed that one of their usual synthesis techniques, involving an in-process product called Compound No.7, had been patented by someone else, making their work much harder. They also realized this patent was owned by Qiu Jianing's former employer, Harry, suggesting it might be targeting Jianing.

President Huang then arrived, specifically asking to see Qiu Jianing and Sun Lei, concerned about Professor Wang's coma and the patent application being rejected. Qiu Jianing explained that one of their established technological processes, Compound No.7, had already been patented by someone else, but she assured President Huang that they were already developing a new synthesis technique and would have it ready before the Scientific Conference in City A.

President Huang expressed relief and pledged the company's full support for the project's speedy advancement. At home, Qiu Jiaxin’s mother asked about her recent meeting with a man named Xiaoye. When Qiu Jiaxin replied it went "okay," her mother immediately began discussing booking a hotel for their wedding, leaving Qiu Jiaxin speechless, as she couldn't even recall what Xiaoye looked like.

Mo Li suggested Qiu Jiaxin should fight for her own love, but Qiu Jiaxin, reflecting on her unrequited feelings for her mentor, decided it was time to move on. She shared a blurry picture of her favorite e-sports idol with Mo Li, unaware that this "cold-faced killer of the canyon" was, in fact, Jiang Xiaoye. Jiang Xiaoye, it turned out, intentionally kept his online photos blurry to avoid being recognized in public.

Shortly after, Qiu Jiaxin’s mother sent her out to buy rock sugar, stating she wanted to make a dessert for Mo Li. After sending Qiu Jiaxin out, her mother had a pointed conversation with Mo Li. She probed Mo Li about her education and family background, discovering Mo Li had not attended university and her parents had passed away young.

Qiu Jiaxin’s mother then subtly hinted at the differences in their family backgrounds, expressing concern that her kind-hearted daughter might be easily deceived. She even opened Qiu Jiaxin’s wardrobe, offering Mo Li clothes and bags, which Mo Li politely refused. The conversation culminated with Qiu Jiaxin’s mother suggesting that Mo Li and Qiu Jiaxin should keep their distance, implying their friendship wouldn't last if they were always together and explicitly asking Mo Li not to disturb them in the future.

Mo Li, understanding the implication, agreed. However, just as Qiu Jiaxin's mother stood up, she suddenly fainted. Mo Li quickly called an ambulance (120) and, going to her room, discovered blood pressure medication in her bedside cabinet. At the hospital, a worried Qiu Jiaxin thanked Mo Li profusely, realizing the severity of the situation if Mo Li hadn't been there. Qiu Jiaxin's mother then said she would repay Mo Li, but Mo Li declined and left quickly.

Sun Lei expressed his concern to Qiu Jianing, believing she had been too impulsive with President Huang. He explained that the team was pessimistic about developing a new synthesis technique quickly and that they were physically and mentally exhausted. He also worried that Qiu Jianing was putting too much stress on herself and might be using work to numb her personal pain.

Qiu Jianing dismissed his concerns, affirming she was fine and not avoiding her emotional struggles but facing them head-on, aiming to become a "new Qiu Jianing" in twenty-eight days. She then decided to visit Professor Wang, and Zhou Xiaoshan joined her. At the hospital, Mrs. Wang confided in Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan that Professor Wang should have retired twenty years ago, but his dedication to Plan-O, which began as a mere hypothesis, kept him working.

She explained that for Professor Wang, Plan-O was not just a project but a deep personal mission, driven by his belief that Chinese scientific research was not inferior to the West and that it was China’s time to show its results. With him now incapacitated, she tearfully entrusted the project to Qiu Jianing as Professor Wang's lifelong wish. Zhou Xiaoshan then questioned if such intense dedication to a project was truly worth it.

Qiu Jianing responded that their efforts could change the fate of individuals and humanity, and she would give her all to ensure the project's success. When Zhou Xiaoshan pressed, asking what if something went wrong, Qiu Jianing firmly declared there would be no accidents; she would protect Plan-O with her life.

She stated that Plan-O was her everything, her faith, helping her overcome her life's rock bottom, and representing national pride and mission for Chinese scientists, making personal gains and losses insignificant. After this conversation, Zhou Xiaoshan called Uncle Zha and informed him of his decision to withdraw from the mission. Uncle Zha was furious and immediately instructed his colleague to contact Mo Li, asking her to use all means necessary to stop Zhou Xiaoshan.

Later, Qiu Jianing called Zhou Xiaoshan to meet her, confronting him about a resignation letter he had sent to her inbox. He confirmed it was his, stating that their working relationship was no longer suitable. He explained that her "nobility" and high-minded commitment to Plan-O made him feel narrow-minded and that he could not work under such "moral coercion." He declared he had simply had enough.

Qiu Jianing, in disbelief, pleaded with him not to leave, highlighting Professor Wang's unconscious state and the lab's urgent need for personnel. However, Zhou Xiaoshan reiterated that he couldn't be like her, willing to sacrifice everything for work, and firmly refused her plea.

Episode 26 Recap

Mo Li received a phone call from Uncle Zha, who was questioning Zhou Xiaoshan’s decision to abandon his mission. Uncle Zha implied that Zhou Xiaoshan was giving up because of Qiu Jianing, despite being so close to living the life he wanted. Mo Li confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, reminding him this was his last mission, and Uncle Zha had promised him freedom. However, Zhou Xiaoshan asserted that a life without Qiu Jianing was not a life he desired.

Mo Li pressed, asking if he had forgotten about his mother, but Zhou Xiaoshan replied that he had already informed Uncle Zha he would do anything to stop the mission involving Qiu Jianing, even if it meant remaining under Uncle Zha's control. He explained that Qiu Jianing considered the project her life, and destroying it would be akin to destroying her. He simply could not bring himself to do it.

While asking Mo Li to slice some fruit, Zhou Xiaoshan discreetly opened his laptop and deleted all project-related data. Mo Li discovered his actions too late and was overcome with despair. Zhou Xiaoshan tried to console her, noting that she was luckier than him and had a chance to start fresh, warning her that if she continued down this path, his present would become her future.

Mo Li tearfully insisted that she started a new life because of him and wanted to follow him wherever he went. Zhou Xiaoshan, however, urged her to learn independence, stating that he would no longer be a part of her future.

When Mo Li questioned why he had saved her if he had no intention of taking responsibility for her, Zhou Xiaoshan confessed his regret, wishing he had never met her if saving her meant bringing her into their dark world. He mused that their lives might be less dignified than lab mice, whose short existence at least serves a purpose, while their own only brought chaos and evil to society.

Mo Li still had a photo of Qiu Jiaxin on her phone and offered to delete it if it meant they could leave together. Zhou Xiaoshan pointed out that she couldn't erase her friendship with Qiu Jiaxin, and Mo Li admitted that with their "dirty" past, she doubted they could truly become part of ordinary people's lives.

Meanwhile, Qiu Jianing’s mother spoke to her husband about Mo Li, finding her manipulative and expressing concern that she now owed Mo Li a significant favor. She implied that Mo Li's background made her unsuitable for their family. Mo Li, who overheard these remarks, left angrily, abandoning the fruit basket she had brought to visit Qiu Jianing's mother.

At the MMA gym, Mo Li, still reeling from Qiu Jianing’s mother’s comments, became enraged by some inappropriate remarks from male customers, which echoed the mother's disdain for people's "birth determined fate," and violently attacked one of them. Back at the company, Zhou Xiaoshan completed his resignation procedures and work handover. His colleagues were saddened by his departure, especially with Professor Wang hospitalized and the project at a critical juncture.

Mo Li was subsequently fired from the gym, and her boss initially refused to pay her, citing her prior agreement to work for free. Mo Li forcefully threatened him, prompting him to agree to transfer her salary the following day. Zhou Xiaoshan packed his belongings and left the company, with Qiu Jianing making no attempt to stop him, while his colleagues could only sigh.

Sun Lei expressed his concern to Qiu Jianing about Zhou Xiaoshan’s resignation, especially given President Huang’s existing skepticism towards their department. He suggested withholding the news from headquarters for now and affirmed his respect for Qiu Jianing, believing she could overcome any challenge. Mo Li visited Qiu Jiaxin to bid her farewell, explaining that Zhou Xiaoshan had resigned and they were returning to City A.

Qiu Jiaxin was reluctant to see her go and promised to visit her during her vacation. She expressed confusion about Zhou Xiaoshan's resignation, feeling that he was acting more heartbroken than Qiu Jianing, who had been dumped. Mo Li confessed to Qiu Jiaxin that she considered herself a bad person, but since meeting Qiu Jiaxin, she had been torn between being a villain and a hero.

She thanked Qiu Jiaxin for allowing her to experience a world she had never known. Their emotional farewell left Qiu Jiaxin feeling sentimental. Uncle Zha met with his son-in-law, Wenzhao, asking him to "teach Zhou Xiaoshan a lesson" for being disobedient. He also suggested Wenzhao should move on since his wife, Xiang Lan, had passed away years ago. Wenzhao refused, stating that Xiang Lan had not "returned" yet, and therefore he would not act against Zhou Xiaoshan.

Qin Bin, while preparing for a conference in City A, learned from Qiu Jiaxin (via phone call) about Zhou Xiaoshan's resignation and return to City A, which he found puzzling. Qin Bin then called Zhou Xiaoshan, demanding to meet at a bar and threatening to cause a scene at his office if he didn't show up. At the bar, Qin Bin confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, accusing him of sabotaging the project by resigning at a crucial time.

Qin Bin doubted Zhou Xiaoshan's claims of no longer having feelings for Qiu Jianing, stating he could feel Zhou Xiaoshan's love for her despite his words. Zhou Xiaoshan, with a heavy heart, told Qin Bin that if he and Qiu Jianing were ever to marry, he should remember to inform him. He explained that he left because he feared his presence would cause Qiu Jianing pain.

Later that evening, Qin Bin's daughter, Xiao Yu'er, expressed her wish to find her father during a meteor shower. She criticized adults for being overly pessimistic, always fearing negative consequences and thus never daring to act, suggesting that courage was necessary for hope and success. Qiu Jiaxin asked Qiu Jianing if she planned to see Zhou Xiaoshan and Mo Li off the next day, but Qiu Jianing declined, citing work commitments.

That night, Qiu Jianing stood gazing at Zhou Xiaoshan’s house, silently wishing him a safe journey. At the airport, Zhou Xiaoshan was surprised to see Mo Li, as he hadn't intended for her to accompany him. Mo Li explained that she could not live a normal life despite her best efforts. She recalled how she initially approached Qiu Jiaxin with ulterior motives but later developed a genuine friendship.

She also found value in her work, but ultimately realized her past was indelible, and people like Qiu Jianing’s mother would never truly accept her. She affirmed her decision to stay with him, even if it meant going to "hell," as he was her only reliable anchor. Zhou Xiaoshan expressed hope that she would not regret her choice. Qiu Jiaxin arrived to say a tearful goodbye to Mo Li, promising to visit.

Upon arriving at work, Qiu Jianing was informed that President Huang had arrived early and was waiting. President Huang questioned Zhou Xiaoshan’s resignation, implying it was due to his personal relationship with Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing admitted she hadn't handled her personal life perfectly but emphasized the team's professional dedication. President Huang also brought up Qiu Jianing's role in encouraging other workplace relationships.

Li Chunran and her partner Zhang Yu, along with other colleagues, stepped forward to assert that their relationships did not interfere with their work. Sun Lei also supported Qiu Jianing, highlighting the positive change in the lab's atmosphere since her arrival and publicly standing by her. President Huang acknowledged Qiu Jianing’s professionalism but advised her to reflect on the issues and, as a consequence, instructed her to halt preparations for the upcoming A City seminar.

Episode 27 Recap

General Manager Huang decided to replace Qiu Jianing with Professor Sun to attend the conference in A City, stating that the achievements of Plan-O belong to everyone and that it was not appropriate for Qiu Jianing to go. He also expressed hope that the lab would try to convince Zhou Xiaoshan to reconsider his resignation, as the company values excellent researchers. Upon hearing the news, Xiaoxiao grew upset, feeling it was unfair to Qiu Jianing, who was the project leader.

Xiaoxiao then confronted Zhu Zhu, accusing her of reporting Zhou Xiaoshan’s resignation request, which was initially being suppressed, to headquarters out of a grudge because Zhu Zhu liked Zhou Xiaoshan and was upset when he was with Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing quickly intervened, pulling Xiaoxiao away and advising her that not everyone was qualified to be her enemy and that arguing was pointless.

She reminded Xiaoxiao of her past advice to focus on her work when at a low point, like when something happened to her dad. Qiu Jianing acknowledged Xiaoxiao’s concern for her but reassured her that she was fine, having gained trust and support from colleagues like Professor Sun since her return to China, a far better position than when she first arrived with a reputation for academic misconduct.

Meanwhile, in A City, Zhou Xiaoshan, accompanied by Mo Li, drowned his sorrows in a bar, repeatedly calling out Qiu Jianing's name before being thrown out. Mo Li was distraught to see him gambling and drinking daily for half a month, sensing he was losing his will to live. She went to Uncle Zha, begging him to release Zhou Xiaoshan, arguing that he was no different from a dead man.

Uncle Zha refused, noting that Zhou Xiaoshan was the one holding himself back and hinting at Mo Li’s feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan, challenging her that if Zhou Xiaoshan was free, there would be no chance for them to be together. He then pressed her about the significant investment he had made in training Zhou Xiaoshan. Mo Li pledged to repay Zhou Xiaoshan's debt herself, offering to work for Uncle Zha for a lifetime.

Back at the lab, an administrative assistant delivered a Russian literature book found in Zhou Xiaoshan’s dorm to Qiu Jianing. As she flipped through it, Qiu Jianing discovered a familiar "Hanan Long" drawing. Later, as the team prepared to check the synthesis results from the experiment, Qiu Jianing playfully placed the "Hanan Long" drawing on the computer screen, calling it her lucky charm. The experiment was successful, prompting jubilant cheers from the entire lab.

Qiu Jianing credited the team’s collective effort. Later, Xiaoxiao asked Professor Sun if he was disappointed about not attending the conference. She even suggested she had a way for Qiu Jianing to go, which would mean Professor Sun couldn’t. Professor Sun admitted his dream was to attend but felt the opportunity rightfully belonged to Qiu Jianing, recognizing her invaluable contributions to reviving the project numerous times.

Qiu Jianing, observing Professor Sun, remarked that while he was arrogant, he was also upright and open-hearted. Professor Sun then confided that Qiu Jianing had changed his prejudiced views about overseas researchers, proving through her actions that a person’s deeds, not their background, determine their true height. Professor Sun also told Xiaoxiao that she had grown significantly and, when asked if he preferred her past or present self, declared that he liked all versions of her.

Zhou Xiaoshan, upon receiving news of the experiment's success, was happy, affirming his belief in Qiu Jianing's capabilities. However, Qiu Jianing felt a pang of sadness at home, wondering why Zhou Xiaoshan wasn't by her side when she needed him most. Meanwhile, Professor Sun informed General Manager Huang and Qiu Jianing that he had to go on a long business trip to Guangdong, as their primate experiment had been outsourced there.

This trip would coincide with the science conference, making him unable to attend. He recommended Qiu Jianing attend instead, citing her earlier inclusion on the list before Professor Wang’s illness and her familiarity with the location. General Manager Huang respected his decision. Qiu Jianing recognized Professor Sun's gesture, knowing he was more qualified to present Plan-O to the world given his long-standing involvement in the project, second only to Professor Wang. She thanked Professor Sun for his generosity.

Qiu Jianing then visited the still unconscious Professor Wang in the hospital, promising not to let him down at the conference. As she left, Qin Bin informed her that their department had officially granted her the conference spot, expressing excitement to "fight side by side again." Before their departure, Qiu Jiaxin gave Qin Bin a small package, asking him to deliver it to Mo Li as a "secret between girls."

The next day, Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin landed in A City and were greeted by Jiang Jibo, the pickup person for the conference. After checking into their hotel, Qin Bin suggested they grab a meal and visit city hall. At city hall, Qiu Jianing unexpectedly encountered Professor Harry, her former mentor.

Harry introduced Qiu Jianing to his colleagues as his "excellent former employee" who "betrayed" him by joining Professor Wang’s lab, highlighting that Plan-O’s research direction was similar to his own and had made an immediate breakthrough after her arrival. Qiu Jianing calmly acknowledged Harry’s acknowledgment and, while praising him for teaching her valuable life lessons, announced that Plan-O’s global launch would be held at the same venue in three days, inviting Professor Harry to witness the significant moment.

Later, as Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin dined, Zhou Xiaoshan was seen nearby. On the street, a familiar John Lennon song, "Mother," reminded Qiu Jianing of the feeling of being abandoned. Qin Bin explained the song's background, further deepening her emotional response. Hesitating to confront her past, Qiu Jianing stood outside a hotel. Suddenly, Zhou Xiaoshan appeared, questioning why she was afraid to go inside and how long she would continue to avoid facing her mother.

He urged her not to let past trauma affect her life, stressing that some missed opportunities with people are irreversible. He then led her inside to find her mother, Lily, who worked there as a cleaner. Qiu Jianing called her "Mom," reminding Lily of her 22nd birthday six years prior when Lily had refused to acknowledge her, causing Qiu Jianing profound pain and hatred.

However, Qiu Jianing explained that after experiencing her own "baffling" relationship with a man burdened by a complicated background who had even claimed not to love her, she now understood her mother. She declared that despite everything, she would still choose to love Zhou Xiaoshan, as he had shown her the beauty of love, and she had no regrets. Lily then asked if Zhou Xiaoshan was "that rascal behind you."

Qiu Jianing held her mother's hand, explaining that there are many forms of motherly love, and Lily's was the most courageous. She thanked Lily for passing on that courage and for bringing her into a world where she learned to love. Qiu Jianing promised to live well and encouraged her mother to be brave and pursue the life she desired, reassuring her that she would always be her daughter.

Tears streaming down her face, Qiu Jianing left, with Zhou Xiaoshan silently accompanying her. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan confronted Qiu Jianing, telling her that for the month he had been back, he dreamt of her every day and missed her deeply. Qiu Jianing, however, was bewildered by his inconsistency, pointing out that he was the one who wanted to be together, then to break up, then to resign, and now he was back again.

Zhou Xiaoshan confessed that he had finally realized his love for her, that it was Qiu Jianing he had loved from the very beginning. Qiu Jianing, however, remained emotionally unmoved, stating that while she would have been happy to hear it earlier, after having cried and hated, she now felt it was better to keep that relationship in her heart, as love proved to be more challenging than any experiment.

Zhou Xiaoshan pleaded to continue their relationship, apologizing for his mistakes and asking for another chance. Qiu Jianing rejected his plea, stating that some things, once missed, are very difficult to retrieve.

Episode 28 Recap

Qiu Jianing found herself unexpectedly taken away by a car. She was brought to meet Mike Gail, the head of TKS Group's biomedical research division, known as the world's largest biopharmaceutical research company. Gail offered her a check for five hundred thousand dollars as an advance, with a total of five million dollars promised for the formulas and experimental data of Project-O.

He also knew about her past conflict with Harry and suggested that if she cooperated, he could ensure Harry would never show his face in the scientific community again. Qiu Jianing, however, was not swayed by the money or the offer to deal with Harry. She felt Gail lacked sincerity.

She articulated her concern that if she were to sell Project-O for her own benefit, Chinese researchers in this field would be sidelined internationally, and future Chinese scientists would face skepticism and contempt. She affirmed that her team would work to make the world acknowledge the achievements of Chinese scientists. When Gail challenged her motives, asking what she truly wanted, Qiu Jianing stated her sole condition: "Project-O will be marked with Chinese R&D."

When Gail could not agree, she left, inviting him to witness the power of Chinese scientists at the upcoming launch. After she departed, Gail instructed someone to "have a little chat" with "our old friend." Meanwhile, Wenzhao visited Zha, noting the meticulously maintained surroundings that looked exactly as they did before Xiang Lan's disappearance. Today marked Xiang Lan’s birthday.

Wenzhao addressed Zha as "Father-in-Law" and reminisced about meeting Xiang Lan when they were children, back when Wenzhao's father was Zha's subordinate. He recalled an incident where his father was hit by Zha for a mistake, and a young Xiang Lan, whom he described as an angel, bravely intervened, stating, "It's wrong to hit people" and "Who hits people is a bad person." He revealed that he was responsible for Zha's forced relocation to City A, not his father.

Wenzhao still adamantly believed Xiang Lan was alive, despite Zha's assertion that she was dead. He recounted the search for her, where only her scarf was found, and refused to accept the rescue team's conclusion that she hadn't survived. Wenzhao declared that as long as he didn't see her body, she was still alive. Later, Zhou Xiaoshan arrived to see Zha.

Zha had arranged a phone call for him, explaining that his mother had texted him the previous night, desperately wanting to hear Zhou Xiaoshan's voice. A'Si then handed Zhou Xiaoshan the phone. Zhou Xiaoshan spoke to his mother, asking about her whereabouts and why she was calling, but she only expressed how much she missed him before quickly hanging up.

Zha then explained that he had prevented Zhou Xiaoshan from contacting his mother for years to keep her safe from their activities. He revealed that his mother recently had a benign tumor in her stomach and that he had arranged surgery. Zha, appealing to Zhou Xiaoshan's filial piety, warned him that as her only son, he wouldn't be there for her if she got sick again.

He then pressured Zhou Xiaoshan to resume his mission, giving him until tomorrow to choose between being a filial son and a faithful lover. As Zhou Xiaoshan left, Wenzhao confronted him, observing that he had aged significantly. Wenzhao bitterly stated that Zhou Xiaoshan could never repay what he owed Xiang Lan, accusing him of causing her disappearance and death. Zhou Xiaoshan calmly asserted that he had sacrificed his entire life and couldn't live in the sunlight.

He confessed that his only remaining wish was for Zha to release him so he could spend his mother's final days with her. Wenzhao erupted in mocking laughter, then delivered a devastating blow: Zhou Xiaoshan's mother had passed away long ago, even before Xiang Lan. Zhou Xiaoshan was shattered, refusing to believe the news. Wenzhao continued to mock him, stating that it was "fair" given Zhou Xiaoshan had caused Xiang Lan's death.

Overwhelmed and numbed by the revelation, Zhou Xiaoshan eventually informed Zha that he would continue the mission. The Project-O global launch commenced, with Qiu Jianing taking the stage. She gave a detailed presentation on the project, explaining how Project-O, led by Wang Qitian, had made a revolutionary breakthrough in cancer cell telomerase research, now undergoing Phase II clinical trials, promising a cure for cancer. Her presentation was met with enthusiastic applause.

Zhou Xiaoshan was present at the event, an unexpected sight. After the presentation, he tried to speak with Qiu Jianing, but she refused to engage, signaling her desire to have no further dealings with him. Meanwhile, Qiu Jianing's lab colleagues celebrated the news, with Xiaoxiao quickly creating a new group chat to exclude Zhou Xiaoshan, emphasizing the need for confidentiality for their top-notch international project. Zhou Xiaoshan pursued Qiu Jianing to her hotel room.

She ordered him to leave, reminding him that they had broken up and threatening to call for assistance. He persisted, stating that Zha wished to meet her. Reluctantly, Qiu Jianing conceded to grant two hours of her time the following afternoon. The next day, Zhou Xiaoshan took her to Zha, who greeted her warmly and asked her to call him "Uncle Zha." Over coffee, Qiu Jianing found the drink bitter, commenting that "many things are like your coffee.

Even if you add sugar, nothing will change." Zha apologized on Zhou Xiaoshan's behalf for their breakup, explaining that after losing Xiang Lan, he had asked Zhou Xiaoshan for "extreme favors," which Zhou Xiaoshan took too seriously. Zha pleaded with Qiu Jianing to give Zhou Xiaoshan another chance, claiming Zhou Xiaoshan was deeply affected by their breakup and felt immense guilt, suffering greatly and drowning himself in casinos.

He then revealed the true story of Xiang Lan's death: she shot a classmate who attempted to rape her, and Zhou Xiaoshan took the blame. To protect Zhou Xiaoshan from a powerful family, Xiang Lan was forced to marry her attacker, which led to her severe depression and ultimately, her suicide by jumping off a cliff, as she could not bear to be with anyone but Zhou Xiaoshan.

Zha claimed Zhou Xiaoshan had broken up with Qiu Jianing out of fear that a similar tragedy might befall her. Qiu Jianing angrily refuted Zhou Xiaoshan's self-serving narrative regarding his breakup with her, asserting, "You don't know a thing about me," and promptly left. Later, Qin Bin delivered a pink cat plushie to Mo Li, a gift from Qiu Jiaxin, which Mo Li had once admired while shopping.

Mo Li pressed Qin Bin about his feelings for Qiu Jiaxin, asking who she was to him "deep down." Qin Bin listed her as his junior, student, and little sister, also revealing he once hoped to marry Qiu Jianing, but Zhou Xiaoshan ruined his chances. Mo Li then asked if he was still in love with Qiu Jianing, to which Qin Bin, exasperated, muttered, "Such a fool." Subsequently, Qiu Jiaxin called Qin Bin while playing a game.

Qin Bin complained about Mo Li's rudeness and how she questioned his feelings for Qiu Jianing, even claiming she had called him a "fool." He then told Qiu Jiaxin that her sister was currently with Zhou Xiaoshan, which upset Qiu Jiaxin. Zha, meanwhile, instructed Mo Li to continue cooperating with Zhou Xiaoshan on the Project-O mission.

He noted that Qiu Jianing was a strong woman, and it would not be easy for Zhou Xiaoshan to win her back, advising Mo Li that "words spoken by bystanders could be more touching" to subtly influence Qiu Jianing. Zhou Xiaoshan invited Qiu Jianing to dinner. He expressed his desire to return to the lab, stating that only through work did he feel worthy.

He mentioned that Zhu Zhu told him his resignation had not been approved and that President Huang wanted her to convince him to stay. After dinner, Zhou Xiaoshan walked Qiu Jianing back to her hotel room, clearly reluctant to leave. He brought up the night he got drunk and they spent together, acknowledging that he had called out another person's name then.

He confessed that he had done it on purpose, and assured her that "I've loved you from the beginning to all the way in the end. Only you." Qiu Jianing struggled out of his embrace, reminding him firmly, "We've broken up already."

Episode 29 Recap

Colleagues speculate about Zhou Xiaoshan's possible return after Zhu Zhu reveals he texted her, asking if his resignation had been approved. The news surprises them, especially as Zhou Xiaoshan had expressed a desire to stop running from problems and start a fresh life, working with them again. Qiu Jianing, still disturbed by Zhou Xiaoshan's recent attempts at reconciliation, receives a call from the front desk. She learns that Mo Li is waiting for her at the downstairs café.

Mo Li meets Qiu Jianing to discuss Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jianing, asserting her wish for no personal or work-related involvement with him, tries to dismiss Mo Li. However, Mo Li persists, describing Zhou Xiaoshan's suffering since his return, including gambling. She insists that Zhou Xiaoshan loves Qiu Jianing deeply, more profoundly than she realizes, and that he was never as devastated, even when Xiang Lan left him. Qiu Jianing questions Mo Li's motives, given her past interest in Zhou Xiaoshan.

Mo Li explains that while she once believed love conquered all, Zhou Xiaoshan's actions revealed the difficulty of moving on from the past. Qiu Jianing counters, suggesting he lacked a true chance and that love alone cannot solve everything. Mo Li then confesses her own reason for returning: Qiu Jianing's stepmother implied Mo Li was unfit to be friends with Qiu Jiaxin due to her lack of education and parents, suspecting her of chasing the family's wealth.

Mo Li describes how those disadvantaged often face rejection, leading to fear and withdrawal even from genuine help. She then implores Qiu Jianing to offer her brother a helping hand once more, hoping for a different outcome this time. Zhou Xiaoshan informs Uncle Zha over the phone that he has booked a flight to return with Qiu Jianing. Before leaving, he requests to call his mother again, and Uncle Zha agrees to arrange it.

During the call, Zhou Xiaoshan's mother repeats the same phrases she had used previously, which deepens his unease. The following day at the airport, Qin Bin is surprised to see Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jiaxin, also present, wonders if Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan have reconciled, but Qiu Jianing denies it, explaining Zhou Xiaoshan is only returning for work. Qin Bin notes Qiu Jianing's recent strange behavior, attributing it to Zhou Xiaoshan.

Meanwhile, Mo Li approaches Qin Bin, insisting on a private conversation. In their discussion, Mo Li directly asks Qin Bin about his feelings for Qiu Jiaxin. Qin Bin dismisses the idea that Qiu Jiaxin likes him, seeing her only as a student or sister. Mo Li reveals Qiu Jiaxin's feelings for him, reminding him of a past incident during Qiu Jianing's birthday when his preoccupation caused him to ignore Qiu Jiaxin.

Qin Bin recalls Qiu Jiaxin's uncharacteristic, agitated behavior during that time. Mo Li urges Qin Bin to treat Qiu Jiaxin well and cherish her. Separately, Zhou Xiaoshan tells Mo Li that he doesn't know when he will return this time and warns her not to act impulsively while he's gone. She questions if he's hiding something, but he denies it. Later, Qiu Jiaxin is surprised to see Zhou Xiaoshan, Qin Bin, and Qiu Jianing arriving together.

She immediately questions Qiu Jianing about Zhou Xiaoshan's presence. Qin Bin, now aware of Qiu Jiaxin's feelings, reacts awkwardly and pulls away when she touches him, confusing her. He hastily departs, citing hospital duties. Qiu Jiaxin expresses her bewilderment to Qiu Jianing about Qin Bin's sudden shift in attitude. Qiu Jianing dismisses it, reiterating that Zhou Xiaoshan is only back for work and telling Qiu Jiaxin not to overthink.

Qiu Jiaxin, after hearing about Zhou Xiaoshan's situation, expressed her confusion to Qiu Jianing, wondering why they couldn't be together if they still had feelings for each other. Qiu Jianing explained that she didn't want their relationship to interfere with her work, especially during this period when she needed to focus. On their way to the company, Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing maintain a noticeable distance from each other, a stark contrast to their previous closeness.

Uncle Zha calls Zhou Xiaoshan, pressuring him to quickly steal the formula. Zhou Xiaoshan, however, declares that there will be no formula and he is quitting. When Uncle Zha tries to threaten him using his mother's well-being, Zhou Xiaoshan reveals that he knows his mother died long ago, even before Xiang Lan.

He had pieced this together after the previous, suspicious phone calls where his 'mother' repeated the same words and didn't dispute his mention of her smoking, a habit she had long given up. Uncle Zha denies this, attempting to deflect blame onto Ruan Wenzhao and insisting that everything he did was for Zhou Xiaoshan's own good. Zhou Xiaoshan, emotional and resolute, states that he has fully repaid his debts to Uncle Zha.

He asserts his desire to live an honest life in the open, become an upright man, and build a family, severing all ties with Uncle Zha from that moment forward. News of Zhou Xiaoshan's return quickly spreads among the colleagues, sparking much gossip. Xiaoxiao and Li Chunran speculate whether his return signifies regret over his breakup with Qiu Jianing, while others express skepticism about a reunion, emphasizing Qiu Jianing's self-respect. Zhou Xiaoshan officially returns, greeted by his colleagues.

Shortly after, Qiu Jianing also arrives back, bringing souvenirs from her trip for the team. She then announces a research team meeting for the afternoon. Upon his return, Qin Bin is unusually subdued. Zhao Yan observes this, initially joking about his lack of success with Qiu Jianing. Qin Bin then confides that Mo Li revealed Qiu Jiaxin has feelings for him. Zhao Yan finds this hilarious and surprising, admitting he never noticed it himself.

Zhao Yan then shares more news that further troubles Qin Bin: Qiu Jiaxin has chosen to pursue her residency under Deputy Chief Qian instead of Qin Bin, her own mentor. Qin Bin is dismayed, expressing concern about Qiu Jiaxin's personality clashing with Deputy Chief Qian's difficult character. During a team meeting, Qiu Jianing formally announces Zhou Xiaoshan's return to the team, expressing hope that past events won't hinder their teamwork.

Later, Zhang Yu confronts Zhou Xiaoshan, asking if his return is due to missing Qiu Jianing. Zhou Xiaoshan openly admits it, stating that after some recent realizations, he no longer wants to run from his problems and believes life is too short to delay. Zhang Yu playfully warns him that Qiu Jianing is not an easy person to win over, offering help if needed, but Zhou Xiaoshan insists on handling his own "debt."

Zhou Xiaoshan asks Qiu Jianing to accompany him to visit Professor Wang. She agrees. At Professor Wang's home, Mrs. Wang is delighted to see them arrive together. She perceptively tells Qiu Jianing that she can sense lingering feelings between them, and with wisdom born of age, advises them to embrace their emotions and avoid future regrets, given the brevity of life. Qin Bin invites Qiu Jiaxin to dinner, maintaining a serious demeanor.

He directly asks her why she chose Deputy Chief Qian for her residency instead of him, her original mentor. Qiu Jiaxin explains she simply desired a change of environment. Qin Bin then awkwardly admits that Mo Li had informed him about Qiu Jiaxin's past feelings for him.

A brief moment of sadness passes over Qiu Jiaxin, after which she states that she no longer likes him and, given his new awareness, it would be even more awkward to work under him. Qin Bin, growing increasingly agitated, vehemently insists that Deputy Chief Qian is problematic and that Qiu Jiaxin would face difficulties under his guidance.

Qiu Jiaxin, however, firmly declares that she has moved on and simply wishes to make her own decision for once, regardless of his concerns, assuring him she will never disgrace his mentorship. As Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan are leaving the hospital, they encounter Qin Bin, who insists on speaking with Qiu Jianing, despite her protests about the late hour. Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin proceed to his office.

Qin Bin recounts his conversation with Mo Li, revealing Qiu Jiaxin's past feelings for him. He acknowledges that Qiu Jiaxin claims to have moved on but expresses deep concern about her choice of Deputy Chief Qian for her residency, fearing her personality will lead to difficulties under him. He asks Qiu Jianing to persuade Qiu Jiaxin to work under him instead.

Qiu Jianing, however, smiles and suggests that Qin Bin and Qiu Jiaxin are actually quite suitable for each other, though she agrees to talk to her sister. Zhou Xiaoshan patiently waits outside the office for Qiu Jianing. As she emerges, he stops her and earnestly declares his unwavering commitment, stating he is willing to wait for her, whether it be for a month, a year, or even a lifetime.

Meanwhile, Wenzhao visits Uncle Zha and is visibly saddened when he sees a photograph of Xiang Lan, noting how she rarely smiled that genuinely except with Zhou Xiaoshan. He confronts Uncle Zha, accusing him of hiding Xiang Lan. Wenzhao offers to 'teach Zhou Xiaoshan a lesson' if Uncle Zha reveals Xiang Lan's whereabouts. During their heated exchange, Wenzhao bitterly points out that Uncle Zha has never treated him as a son-in-law, only viewing Zhou Xiaoshan as a loyal dog.

Wenzhao warns Uncle Zha that his control over Xiang Lan is dwindling and once she is found, Uncle Zha will lose all leverage. Uncle Zha then makes a counter-offer: if Wenzhao can bring Zhou Xiaoshan back to him, he will, in turn, bring Xiang Lan to Wenzhao. Wenzhao agrees to the deal.

The next morning, Qiu Jianing prepares breakfast for Qiu Jiaxin and gently confronts her about her residency choice, asking why she isn't choosing Qin Bin, especially since she once liked him and even helped him pursue Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jiaxin, annoyed that Qin Bin has revealed her past feelings, admits that she initially admired him as a mentor, then found him mature and charming after his breakup with Qiu Jianing, realizing she might like him.

However, she asserts that she has now let go of those feelings, finding no reason to pursue someone who doesn't reciprocate. Qiu Jianing, observing her sister, believes her and urges her to seriously reconsider her residency, emphasizing Qin Bin's capabilities as a doctor. During a family dinner, Qiu Jiaxin's mother inquires about her official employment and expresses her intention to invite Qin Bin for dinner, praising his abilities and suggesting Qiu Jiaxin work under him.

Qiu Jiaxin informs her mother that she has decided to pursue her residency under Deputy Chief Qian instead, explaining she wants to learn from another mentor. Her father supports her decision to choose, noting that Deputy Chief Qian will soon be promoted to Chief. Later, her mother attempts to set up Qiu Jiaxin with Jiang Xiaoye, who has moved to a new club in Jiangcheng.

To deflect attention, Qiu Jiaxin playfully pulls Qiu Jianing into the conversation, highlighting her older sister's single status as she approaches thirty. The sisters then engage in lighthearted banter and teasing about their respective love lives.

Episode 30 Recap

Qiu Jianing's mother asked her to accompany Qiu Jiaxin on a blind date, a conversation Zhou Xiaoshan overheard, leading him to mistakenly believe Qiu Jianing was going on a blind date herself, which caused him significant worry. Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin prepared to leave Qin Bin's office. Qin Bin, upset, expressed that he felt inadequate as a master if she was leaving after only a year.

He tried to convince her to stay, reminding her of his strictness and the times he made her buy breakfast, but emphasized that he always wanted the best for her. As his first student, he envisioned her becoming a greater doctor than him and truly wished she would remain his apprentice. Qiu Jiaxin, in tears, thanked him for all she had learned over the past year but remained firm in her decision to leave.

Qin Bin, resigned, helped her pack her belongings and moved them to the office across the hall, declaring that from today, they were no longer master and apprentice, but colleagues. Upon arriving at her new office, Qiu Jiaxin was greeted by Director Qian, who immediately hinted that he was thirsty. Director Qian explicitly informed her about his esophagitis and his constant need for water, instructing her to refill his cup as soon as it was empty.

Qiu Jiaxin initially didn't react, then weakly questioned if her entire day would be spent watching his cup, but ultimately complied with his demanding instructions. After a day of being tormented by Director Qian, Qiu Jiaxin returned home exhausted. She complained to Qiu Jianing about Director Qian's annoying behavior, contrasting it with Qin Bin's more relaxed demeanor. She then pleaded with Qiu Jianing to help her scare away her upcoming blind date, to which Qiu Jianing agreed.

The next day, Qiu Jiaxin put on heavy, exaggerated makeup, stating her intention to fully display her "lowbrow interests." As she went to emphasize her makeup, Jiang Xiaoye arrived. Qiu Jianing was surprised to realize he was Qiu Jiaxin's blind date. Jiang Xiaoye, recognizing Qiu Jianing from a previous encounter, commented that Qiu Jiaxin had looked quite pretty without makeup. Qiu Jiaxin, in an over-the-top manner, claimed she was never normal and had a "sick aesthetic."

Jiang Xiaoye then introduced himself as a professional LPL gamer. Qiu Jiaxin, thrilled, asked if he knew the famous gamer "A'Ye." Jiang Xiaoye responded with a smile that A'Ye was sitting right in front of her, confirming he was indeed the celebrated gamer. Overjoyed and in disbelief, Qiu Jiaxin asked her sister to pinch her to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Noticing their excitement, Qiu Jianing tactfully excused herself and left the two to chat.

Overwhelmed, Qiu Jiaxin rushed to the restroom to remove her striking makeup, asking Jiang Xiaoye to "erase that memory." She reappeared barefaced and then formally introduced herself. Jiang Xiaoye, admitting he was "not used to" her sudden change, encouraged her to be herself, which helped Qiu Jiaxin relax. They continued talking, and Jiang Xiaoye agreed to teach her how to play games, even joking about his high hourly rate as a trainer before promising to carry her in the game.

They happily exchanged WeChat IDs. Later, on a rooftop, Zhou Xiaoshan approached Qiu Jianing, asking about her "blind date" and expressing his concern that she might be living a life she didn't want because of him. Qiu Jianing clarified that she had only accompanied Qiu Jiaxin. She then firmly told him that their relationship was impossible.

She recalled a time in her life when she was at her lowest, burdened by Professor Wang's illness and a denied application, and Zhou Xiaoshan had pushed her down even further. She asserted that he wasn't by her side during her darkest moments, and now, she no longer needed him. She acknowledged that there was no right or wrong in relationships, but since they had missed their chance, there was no turning back.

Qiu Jianing then turned and walked away, leaving Zhou Xiaoshan in evident pain. Zhou Xiaoshan later sought out Xu Qianya, explaining that he needed her help for Qiu Jianing's happiness. Xu Qianya, after some initial hesitation, admitted she didn't know how to help. She explained that Qiu Jianing was a very stubborn girl who had once met someone incredibly special in her youth, someone so "iridescent" that all others paled in comparison.

Xu Qianya recounted how years ago, when Qiu Jianing was searching for her missing mother and contemplating suicide, she met a stranger who told her, "If you're not even afraid of death, then you shouldn't be afraid of living." Xu Qianya stressed that this man held a special place in Qiu Jianing's heart, preventing her from developing feelings for anyone else, including Qin Bin.

She concluded that while Qiu Jianing's feelings for Zhou Xiaoshan were once sincere, he had failed to cherish them. At this, Zhou Xiaoshan, smiling, finished the stranger's quote, revealing that he was that man. He added that he had left something with Qiu Jianing that day, a detail that further surprised Xu Qianya.

Meanwhile, an investigation led by Yuan Wenzhao revealed that Su Qian, a former core researcher at Original Plan, was forced out by Qiu Jianing during an internal conflict, almost destroying Su Qian's reputation. It was also noted that Zhou Xiaoshan had betrayed Zha Zhicai for Qiu Jianing. Yuan Wenzhao subsequently met with Su Qian, introducing himself as being from Tiancheng Foundation.

He offered to invest in Original Plan and help Su Qian return to her former position, reclaiming everything she had lost, which Su Qian ultimately accepted. Back at the hospital, while Qiu Jiaxin was on rounds with Director Qian, Jiang Xiaoye arrived to visit his ailing grandmother, who was a patient of Director Qian's team. When Jiang Xiaoye saw Qiu Jiaxin, he pulled her away, suggesting they go for lunch as he hadn't eaten.

Qin Bin, witnessing this, angrily intervened, questioning Jiang Xiaoye's actions. Jiang Xiaoye boldly declared Qiu Jiaxin was his girlfriend. Qiu Jiaxin quickly clarified to Qin Bin that Jiang Xiaoye was her blind date partner. Before Qin Bin could react further, a colleague called him away to an urgent meeting. Separately, Qiu Jianing received a call informing her that Xu Qianya was waiting in the lobby with something extremely important to tell her.

Director Qian, having noticed Qiu Jiaxin's interaction with Jiang Xiaoye, later advised her to be careful about maintaining professional boundaries with patients' families. When Qiu Jianing met Xu Qianya, Xu Qianya immediately brought up the man Qiu Jianing had met years ago. She revealed that the man was Zhou Xiaoshan, insisting Zhou Xiaoshan himself had told her this and that he had left something with Qiu Jianing when they parted ways.

Qiu Jianing initially dismissed it, thinking Xu Qianya was trying to force her and Zhou Xiaoshan back together. However, when Xu Qianya pressed her about the item Zhou Xiaoshan left, Qiu Jianing confirmed it, making Xu Qianya realize Zhou Xiaoshan wasn't lying. Qiu Jianing, overwhelmed, asked to be left alone as she grappled with the revelation, recalling Zhou Xiaoshan's words that had once given her strength.

Later, while having lunch with Jiang Xiaoye, Qiu Jiaxin made an effort to appear demure, claiming she usually didn't eat much despite being hungry. Jiang Xiaoye, however, encouraged her to eat more, commenting on her being too skinny. After their meal, they went to an internet café and played games all day, with Jiang Xiaoye "carrying" her to victories. As they were about to part ways, Jiang Xiaoye stopped Qiu Jiaxin, telling her she had food stuck in her teeth.

When she turned to check, he produced a pudding he had packed from the restaurant, saying he noticed she wanted it earlier but didn't eat it because she claimed to be full. Qiu Jiaxin was deeply touched by his thoughtfulness. Returning home, Qiu Jiaxin gushed to Qiu Jianing about her newfound "sweet" romance, excitedly recounting her idol's considerate gestures. However, Qiu Jianing remained lost in thought and rather dejected.

Concerned by her sister's mood, Qiu Jiaxin wondered how to help Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan reconcile. Jiang Xiaoye, overhearing, offered his assistance. Meanwhile, Qin Bin confronted Qiu Jiaxin about her relationship with Jiang Xiaoye, whose grandmother was Director Qian's patient. He angrily warned her about maintaining appropriate boundaries with patients' families, suggesting their public outings could be misinterpreted as her trying to "cotton up" to a wealthy family.

Qiu Jiaxin defiantly declared that she was openly in a relationship with Jiang Xiaoye and was not afraid of gossip. She retorted that it was a mere coincidence that their families had crossed paths, and the hospital did not prohibit doctors from dating patients' relatives. She even threw his own flirty tendencies back at him. Growing increasingly frustrated, Qin Bin stormed off. Zhao Yan, witnessing Qin Bin's outburst, teased him, remarking that he looked exactly like an angry father who had just discovered his daughter was dating someone.

Episode 31 Recap

Qiu Jiaxin shrieked with excitement, exclaiming that Jiang Xiaoye had shared her Weibo post, causing her to gain thousands of followers. Qiu Jianing found her sister's reaction an overreaction, but Qiu Jiaxin, thrilled that a "game guru" was paying attention to a "nobody," wanted the whole world to know. Qiu Jianing then mused if Qiu Jiaxin's feelings for Jiang Xiaoye were more akin to a fan's idolization than a genuine romantic interest.

Qiu Jiaxin, however, enthusiastically stated that having an idol as a boyfriend was a dream come true for many girls, making her blush just thinking about it. Qiu Jianing then probed about Qiu Jiaxin's past feelings for Qin Bin. Qiu Jiaxin asserted that it was impossible with Qin Bin, she had no more feelings for him, and joked she would "whip him to get even."

Qiu Jianing commented on her sister's "type of love," but Qiu Jiaxin clarified she was just imagining and not referring to a specific type. Qiu Jianing, holding the bracelet she had found, eventually made her way to Zhou Xiaoshan's home. After knocking with no response, she entered using the door code.

She found Zhou Xiaoshan asleep on the sofa and, concerned he might be unwell, asked why he was sleeping there and if he was sick, offering to take him to the hospital. Startled awake, Zhou Xiaoshan pulled her into a hug, confessing that he could only hold her like that in his dreams. Pushing him gently away, Qiu Jianing then asked him if he was the person she encountered at a casino in City A six years prior.

She emphasized the profound impact his seemingly unintentional words had on her during her lowest point, giving her the courage to live. She had been searching for him all these years to thank him, and now, having found him, she expressed her gratitude. Zhou Xiaoshan then revealed he was indeed there, not by choice, but escaping.

When Qiu Jianing asked if it was because he shot someone, he clarified that Xiang Lan was the one who fired the shot, and he took the blame for her. They had attempted to escape but were overwhelmed. He confessed his exhaustion from years of struggling to change his fate, burdened by Xiang Lan's love and Uncle Zha's kindness, which he could not simply forget. Qiu Jianing reassured him, promising to face all future challenges with him.

She reflected on a past conversation with Qianya, realizing she had resented him for his absence during her difficult times but wasn't there for him during his. She vowed that it wouldn't be like that anymore, promising to stay by his side always. With their combined courage, she believed they could overcome anything, to which Zhou Xiaoshan gratefully responded.

At a family dinner, Qiu's Mother asked Qiu Jiaxin about her recent meeting with Jiang Xiaoye, to which Qiu Jiaxin shyly responded, "It was okay." Relieved, Qiu's Mother expressed her hope that the two would end up together. Following a subtle cue from Qiu's Father, Qiu's Mother then suggested that Qiu Jianing also consider a potential match, mentioning a new project director at Qiu's Father's company who, like Qiu Jianing, had studied abroad at MIT.

Qiu Jiaxin jokingly called this "instant retribution" for her sister. Qiu Jianing immediately refused, stating she already had someone she liked. Qiu Jiaxin, surprised, questioned if her sister hadn't broken up with that person. Later, Qiu's Mother privately questioned Qiu Jiaxin about Qiu Jianing's boyfriend, Zhou Xiaoshan. Qiu Jiaxin explained he was Qiu Jianing's colleague, also an overseas student whose tuition was sponsored after his parents passed away.

Alarmed, Qiu's Mother declared that this was "not good" and that the two "cannot be together," fearing that a man with "evil intentions" could jeopardize their family's assets. Qiu Jiaxin retorted that her mother was acting as if they had a kingdom to pass down, but her mother insisted that parents needed to oversee their children's marriages. On their way home, Qiu Jiaxin pressed Qiu Jianing for details about her conversation with their father in his study.

Qiu Jianing explained that their father was neither for nor against her relationship with Zhou Xiaoshan, but Qiu Jianing had made it clear that Zhou Xiaoshan was "the one" for her and that her decision wouldn't change. Qiu Jiaxin, noticing the change in her sister's stance, playfully accused Qiu Jianing of "a slap in the face" after their previous breakup and demanded to know what Zhou Xiaoshan did to win her back. Qiu Jianing, however, playfully dodged her sister's questions.

Qiu's Mother remained wary of Zhou Xiaoshan, deeming his background too complicated and him potentially unreliable, but Qiu's Father assured her he had a plan. He had Zhou Xiaoshan investigated, confirming his impressive resume but also revealing a very complicated past. An investigator informed Qiu's Father that Zhou Xiaoshan had previously broken up with Qiu Jianing and returned to City A, but the reason was too personal to uncover.

Qiu's Father acknowledged Zhou Xiaoshan's accomplishments but expressed concern that his complex life might imply hidden motives for dating Qiu Jianing. Later, while Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan were grocery shopping, Zhou Xiaoshan received a phone call. He quickly dismissed it as a marketing call to Qiu Jianing. In reality, it was Qiu's Father requesting a meeting.

Zhou Xiaoshan went to Qiu's Father's office, where he politely greeted him as "Uncle" before being corrected by a receptionist to address him as "Chairman Qiu." Qiu's Father directly asked Zhou Xiaoshan if he liked Qiu Jianing, to which Zhou Xiaoshan firmly responded, "I love her." Appreciating his honesty, Qiu's Father nonetheless declared Zhou Xiaoshan "not good enough" for his daughter.

He cited Zhou Xiaoshan's complicated background, the unknown details of his life before Europe, the mysterious sponsor who funded his studies, and his recent abrupt breakup and reconciliation with Qiu Jianing as reasons for his deep concern. Zhou Xiaoshan stated that his past was his privacy, and Qiu Jianing already knew the answers to all those questions. He affirmed that he had no ulterior motives in dating Qiu Jianing and that "time can prove everything."

Unmoved, Qiu's Father maintained his resolute opposition to their relationship. Zhou Xiaoshan retorted that Qiu Jianing, as an adult, had the freedom to choose her partner without anyone's permission, then bid Chairman Qiu goodbye. As Zhou Xiaoshan left the office, he encountered Qiu Jianing, who knew he had been there. She explained she intended to clarify things with her father.

Qiu Jianing entered her father's office and firmly stated that regardless of his stance or what he said to Zhou Xiaoshan, he was the one for her, and she wouldn't change her mind. Qiu's Father, questioning how well she truly knew Zhou Xiaoshan, expressed his deep concern. He explained that his company, Qiu Group, was his life's work, and any man marrying her or Qiu Jiaxin could bypass twenty years of hard work.

He worried about the allure of fame and fortune to men. Qiu Jianing countered that money was not an issue in their industry; a global group had offered her $5 million for her project, and researchers, if they set aside their conscience, could easily earn wealth. Therefore, it was impossible that Zhou Xiaoshan was with her for money. Qiu's Father dismissed her perspective, then brought up Qiu's Mother's past relationship.

He revealed that the man Qiu's Mother had run away with once offered to leave her for one hundred thousand RMB, an offer he now regretted not taking, fearing it might have saved Qiu's Mother from later loneliness and poverty. He saw a parallel between Qiu Jianing's current romance and her mother's past love, fearing she would make the same mistakes. Qiu Jianing argued that her mother had told her she had no regrets.

She then insightfully accused her father of projecting his own past romantic failures onto Zhou Xiaoshan, seeing him as another "poor artist" like the one her mother chose over him, leading to his strong opposition. Agitated, Qiu's Father refused to discuss it further and angrily ordered both of them to leave. Outside, Qiu Jianing expressed her frustration with her "stubborn" and "old-fashioned" father.

Zhou Xiaoshan gently reminded her that her father's anger stemmed from care and that hurting her family over him went against her initial intentions of seeking his blessing. He advised her to give her father some time, believing he would eventually understand. When Qiu Jianing wondered what they would do if he didn't, Zhou Xiaoshan playfully suggested they would "date forever." As they cycled together, Qiu Jianing, gaining confidence, accidentally collided with a passerby.

Zhou Xiaoshan quickly apologized and offered contact information for any potential injuries. As the man, identified as Wen Zhao, walked away, Zhou Xiaoshan's expression noticeably changed, though he brushed it off when Qiu Jianing asked if he was upset. Wen Zhao, representing Tiancheng Fund, met with Su Qian to discuss an investment report on Plan-O.

Su Qian presented her analysis, concluding that despite global doubts about China's research capabilities, Plan-O was a worthwhile investment for Tiancheng Fund, especially as medicine research entered clinical trials. However, she expressed skepticism about Wen Zhao's true motives, questioning why he sought her expertise from Harry's lab, given their shared research area and her past grievances with Plan-O.

Wen Zhao reassured her that he wasn't trying to ruin Plan-O, especially since its tight cash flow meant it might not survive without investment. He asserted that an investment worth billions was primarily about investing in people, and no one understood Plan-O better than she did. Su Qian remained cautiously hopeful.

Meanwhile, Su Qian reunited with Vivi, who had chosen to become a teacher at a private school instead of joining the company Su Qian had recommended, citing a lack of talent and future prospects there. Vivi eagerly asked why Su Qian had returned, and Su Qian revealed her purpose: Plan-O. Vivi expressed confusion about Tiancheng Fund consulting Su Qian despite her past issues with the company, echoing Su Qian's own suspicions about the fund's ulterior motives.

Su Qian then disclosed the real reason for her return: Harry's lab was in crisis. Professor Harry was manipulating research data and covering up project failures to protect his reputation and status, with fearful researchers complying. Unwilling to waste her life in a dishonest environment, Su Qian had returned and enlisted Vivi to gather information.

Vivi later met with Zhu Zhu, where they discussed Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan's relationship, noting Zhou Xiaoshan's previous breakup and subsequent reconciliation with Qiu Jianing. Vivi also pointed out that both Zhou Xiaoshan and Wen Zhao were from City A, sparking Su Qian's curiosity about a potential connection. In a subsequent meeting, Wen Zhao was candid with Su Qian, stating his intention to invest in Plan-O but desiring the process not to go smoothly.

He proposed to remove Qiu Jianing, allowing Su Qian to return to the lab under Tiancheng Fund's banner. In return, he asked Su Qian to strategically advise him on the optimal timing for his investment to secure maximum control over the project. Su Qian agreed to revise her report accordingly. Wen Zhao and Su Qian met with President Huang regarding Tiancheng Fund's investment in Plan-O.

Su Qian introduced herself as Tiancheng Fund's expert consultant, affirming her commitment to an honest assessment of the company's flaws for her report. Wen Zhao then laid out his conditions, insisting that Tiancheng Fund, investing billions, had a right to manage the core researchers. President Huang expressed hesitation, finding these conditions too demanding. Wen Zhao gave him one week to consider the offer, stating that if he didn't agree, Tiancheng Fund would withdraw its investment consideration entirely.

Shortly after, Qiu Jianing visited President Huang to inquire about unapproved procurement requests. The finance manager had already expressed concern to President Huang about the company's tight cash flow, fearing they would run out of funds if Plan-O's requests were granted. President Huang instructed the manager to expedite receivables and then grant the requests. Meeting with Qiu Jianing, President Huang attempted to downplay any financial issues, assuring her to focus on her research while he handled the rest.

Later, Su Qian, confident that President Huang would eventually accept their offer due to Plan-O's severe financial strains and increased costs for clinical trials, discussed strategy with Wen Zhao. She elaborated on how she had leveraged her connections to inflate patient recruitment costs for the upcoming Phase II clinical trial, ensuring President Huang would be pressured to compromise.

However, Su Qian questioned Wen Zhao's plan to replace Qiu Jianing, who was currently the project's core researcher, remarking that she couldn't be removed without good reason. Wen Zhao simply reiterated that she should focus on her tasks, and he would uphold his end of their agreement. Back at Plan-O, Qiu Jianing excitedly announced to her team that headquarters had approved their Phase I clinical trial report, giving them the green light to proceed with Phase II.

The team celebrated this milestone, and Qiu Jianing encouraged everyone to continue their diligent work towards their shared dream and goal, emphasizing the increased challenges, expectations, and scrutiny they would face in the next phase with more cases and volunteers.

Episode 32 Recap

As Qiu Jianing was still working, Zhou Xiaoshan reminded her that it was time to get off, and she realized she had lost track of time. As they left, Zhou Xiaoshan remarked on how quickly time had passed, noting that a year had already gone by since they first met. He reminisced about their initial encounter, recalling Qiu Jianing holding a magazine called "Cure" while he sat in his seat.

He playfully suggested he wondered if she had fallen for him then, but she retorted that she was only looking at the magazine. Qiu Jianing noticed Zhou Xiaoshan's sudden change in mood and asked what was wrong. He dismissed it, claiming he was just tired. After Zhou Xiaoshan walked Qiu Jianing to her door, he was met by Wenzhao.

Wenzhao questioned how it felt to wait for judgment, comparing it to how Xiang Lan once waited all night for Zhou Xiaoshan to appear, only for him to never come. Zhou Xiaoshan explained he couldn't come and reminded Wenzhao that their interference was at Uncle Zha's order. Wenzhao admitted he had always known Xiang Lan was with him to make Zhou Xiaoshan jealous but insisted he didn't care because she was Xiang Lan, and he had patience.

Zhou Xiaoshan then accused Wenzhao of forcing him into a situation where he had to shoot him. Wenzhao asked if Zhou Xiaoshan would remain indifferent if Qiu Jianing loved someone else while with him. Zhou Xiaoshan sternly warned Wenzhao that the issues between them had nothing to do with Qiu Jianing. Wenzhao laughed, calling it unfair that Zhou Xiaoshan was the only one to emerge unscathed from their three-person story.

Zhou Xiaoshan countered that he lived like a dead person, unlike Wenzhao, who was living well and had started a new life, suggesting he deserved to be tortured daily. Unfazed, Zhou Xiaoshan stated that he had faced similar threats many times, with God always on his side, and dared Wenzhao to gamble again to see whose side God would favor this time. Wenzhao concluded that the game had just begun and the most interesting part was yet to come.

Qiu father received an anonymous email and asked his secretary to open it, who hesitated due to its sensitive nature. Soon after, Qiu father's secretary called Zhou Xiaoshan, asking him to meet with Chairman Qiu. When they met, Qiu father directly questioned Zhou Xiaoshan about Xiang Lan, who Zhou Xiaoshan confirmed was his ex-girlfriend and his foster father's daughter.

Qiu father presented his interpretation of events, accusing Zhou Xiaoshan of using Xiang Lan's feelings to secure sponsorship for his studies in Europe, then abandoning his foster father after her death—a betrayal of trust. Zhou Xiaoshan clarified that Qiu Jianing knew about his relationship with Xiang Lan and that the situation was not as Qiu father perceived. He expressed curiosity about who had fed Qiu father this version of the story.

Zhou Xiaoshan acknowledged Qiu father’s suspicion that he had ulterior motives regarding Qiu Jianing and the Qiu family holdings. He offered to prove his disinterest in the family estate, explaining that with Jianing as a researcher and Jiaxin as a doctor, an expert manager would likely run the company, and Qiu father could establish a trust fund for his daughters' personal inheritance.

He pointed out that Qiu father’s method of finding a suitable partner for Jianing, based solely on financial disinterest, overlooked Jianing's own feelings. Zhou Xiaoshan agreed that someone was manipulating Qiu father from behind the scenes, seeking to benefit if he and Jianing broke up, particularly by becoming Qiu father's son-in-law. Zhou Xiaoshan reiterated that he liked Qiu Jianing as a person, and the Qiu family’s wealth had nothing to do with him, welcoming any further tests of his character.

Qiu father’s secretary later observed that Zhou Xiaoshan was "quite a character," noting his powerful aura and unwavering gaze, which suggested he was not plotting anything. Qiu father then instructed his network management department to trace the anonymous email’s IP address. Zhou Xiaoshan confronted Wenzhao, asking if he was the one who sent the email to Qiu Yaoming.

Wenzhao initially denied it but later admitted he wanted Zhou Xiaoshan to be unhappy, adding that he never expected Qiu Jianing to be Qiu Yaoming’s daughter and questioning Zhou Xiaoshan’s worthiness of her. He provocatively asked how Qiu father would react if he knew Zhou Xiaoshan was "just a gray mouse living in the sewer." Zhou Xiaoshan calmly demanded proof, to which Wenzhao replied that panic could be more powerful than evidence.

Wenzhao's subordinate then reported that Qiu Yaoming's network department was tracing the email's IP address. Zhou Xiaoshan calmly told Wenzhao that he had considered all possible outcomes before returning and was confident that Qiu Jianing would stand by him. Wenzhao then explained to his subordinate that directly exposing Zhou Xiaoshan was not easy, as he had been very secretive, and any attempt would involve too many people, causing more harm to themselves than to him.

Later, Zhou Xiaoshan confessed to Qiu Jianing that her father had called him, but assured her he could handle his prejudice and asked her not to fight with her father over him. At a hospital meeting, Qin Bin and the director explained that recruiting enough patients for Phase 2 clinical trials was difficult and would require additional funds or cause delays.

Back at the company, a colleague informed Qiu Jianing that the headquarters had yet to disburse funds for new machinery purchased half a year ago, and prices would increase significantly next month if the order wasn't confirmed. Qiu Jianing urgently met with President Huang, pressing him to approve the purchase funds by the end of the week. She also proposed increasing the budget for Phase 2 experimental subjects by 50% to expedite recruitment, estimating it would cost an additional ¥2.

5 million for 500 subjects. President Huang expressed concern about the long-term costs, especially for Phase 3, which involved 3,000 subjects. Qiu Jianing suggested that if money couldn’t save time, time would have to dilute the cost, implying an extension of the development cycle. President Huang flatly refused, stating that the company had invested heavily in Plan-O, and with recent weak sales, they relied on its successful public listing to recover losses; any delay would be disastrous.

He promised to personally handle the funding issue and asked Qiu Jianing to focus on her research. Soon after, Wenzhao received a call from President Huang. Wenzhao's assistant noted that Original Life was finally worried, with weak financial reports and Plan-O entering a critical, capital-intensive phase. Wenzhao was pleased, remarking that he had been worried Zhou Xiaoshan wasn't anxious enough.

Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan visited the hospitalized Professor Wang, informing him that Phase 1 of the clinical trials was completed ahead of schedule and they were now recruiting for Phase 2. Zhou Xiaoshan informed Qiu Jianing that President Huang planned to raise funds, having heard that a Hong Kong venture capital firm was interested in the project. He asked her not to share this information with Sun Lei and others to prevent distraction.

Wenzhao and Su Qian later met with President Huang for the due diligence process. Wenzhao requested one-on-one interviews with the core researchers. President Huang introduced the three core researchers: Sun Lei, a close student of Professor Wang and the longest-serving member of the project; Qiu Jianing, a female scientist invited from abroad by Professor Wang; and Zhou Xiaoshan, who was in charge of experiments.

The office buzzed with gossip about Su Qian's return as a senior consultant for Tiancheng Funds, and the general feeling that the situation was more complex than it seemed. Researchers also noted Wenzhao's presence, finding him handsome and guessing he was a leader. Li Chunran was called in for the first interview with Su Qian, who, on behalf of Tiancheng Funds, asked questions and encouraged her not to be nervous. Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaoye and his friends were celebrating.

Qiu Jiaxin joined them and was immediately teased by Jiang Xiaoye's friends about their relationship. Jiang Xiaoye also introduced Qiu Jiaxin as his girlfriend. Elsewhere, Qin Bin was intently scrolling through Qiu Jiaxin’s social media, staring at a photo of her and Jiang Xiaoye. Zhao Yan noticed, teasing him about being jealous and asking who was more handsome.

Qin Bin mused on the complexity of feelings, admitting he had always thought of Jiaxin as a younger sister but now found himself questioning it. Zhao Yan, having noticed their chemistry long ago, urged him to pursue her, stating he would regret it if he kept stalling.

Qin Bin confessed he thought he liked Qiu Jianing, but Zhao Yan countered that his previous attraction to Jianing was likely to her "external glory," not true love, and warned him he would lose Jiaxin if he didn't act. Later, as the group decided to move to another venue, Qiu Jiaxin expressed concern about Jiang Xiaoye riding his motorcycle after drinking and suggested taking a taxi.

Jiang Xiaoye, however, confidently stated that he treated alcohol like water and could handle it. Later that night, Qin Bin received an urgent call from Qiu Jiaxin. He rushed to the police station to find Jiang Xiaoye and the group had been caught for drunk driving, resulting in hefty fines and suspended licenses. Qin Bin was furious to see Qiu Jiaxin with an injured face, which she claimed was from a fall.

He tried to take her home, but Jiang Xiaoye intervened, claiming Qiu Jiaxin was his girlfriend and didn't need Qin Bin to escort her. Qin Bin protectively pulled Qiu Jiaxin behind him, but Jiang Xiaoye was forced to leave when his coach called, urging him to return. On the drive home, Qin Bin expressed deep disappointment in Qiu Jiaxin, criticizing her for her recent behavior—drinking, staying out late, skipping work, and associating with Jiang Xiaoye.

Qiu Jiaxin, feeling wronged, demanded he stop the car and ran off. Qin Bin chased after her as she cried, explaining that she had called him out of fear after her sister didn't answer, expecting comfort for her injury, but he only scolded her. She tearfully accused him of only caring about her because of Qiu Jianing. Qin Bin embraced her, placing his jacket around her and telling her not to cry.

He passionately confessed that it was because he liked her that he couldn’t help but care for and watch over her. He admitted he had once believed he liked Qiu Jianing, but he eventually realized that the person he truly loved was Qiu Jiaxin. Back home, Qiu Jiaxin, still in disbelief, woke up Qiu Jianing, declaring that Qin Bin had confessed his feelings for her.

Qiu Jianing told her that it was good news and advised her to seriously consider who she truly liked and make a decision quickly, as prolonging it would only hurt more people.

Episode 33 Recap

After Li Chunran's interview, Qiu Jianing expressed surprise that Su Qian was part of the due diligence team, wondering if Su Qian had returned with a specific agenda. Li Chunran also shared concerns that Su Qian seemed to purposely disassociate herself. Zhou Xiaoshan tried to reassure them, suggesting it might just be a coincidence and that as an investor, Su Qian's actions would be different now. Subsequently, Zhou Xiaoshan was called for his interview.

In his interview, Ruan Wenzhao questioned Zhou Xiaoshan extensively about his work at Plan-O, his previous position at Merck Pharmacy, and his reasons for leaving a higher-paying and more advanced laboratory. Zhou Xiaoshan explained that he wanted to escape being a "second-class citizen" and desired a different life, stating he was currently very happy.

Wenzhao then subtly probed, mentioning they both attended McKeeton University and asking if Zhou Xiaoshan remembered any past encounters, hinting that any deception could impact the due diligence results. Zhou Xiaoshan claimed not to remember well, citing the large size of the university and the passage of time. Next, Qiu Jianing was called in. Zhou Xiaoshan appeared to want to speak to her before she entered but ultimately remained silent.

Inside, Ruan Wenzhao directly asked Qiu Jianing if they had met before. She recognized him as the person she had accidentally bumped into with her bicycle, apologizing again for the incident. Su Qian then took over, asking her a series of professional questions. Zhou Xiaoshan waited anxiously downstairs for almost half an hour until Qiu Jianing finally emerged, downplaying the interview as a routine project report.

As Zhou Xiaoshan left, Ruan Wenzhao stopped him, again mentioning their shared university and subtly probing about a hobby Zhou Xiaoshan enjoyed. Later, Ruan Wenzhao confided in an unseen person that Zhou Xiaoshan seemed scared. Later, Ruan Wenzhao confided in an unseen person about his plans to slowly torture Zhou Xiaoshan, preventing him from building a new life. Su Qian then approached Wenzhao, asking if he and Zhou Xiaoshan were old acquaintances.

Wenzhao frankly admitted that Zhou Xiaoshan was his enemy, explaining that Zhou Xiaoshan had "stolen his wife," which led to her depression and suicide, and that he sought revenge. Su Qian connected this to her own issues with Qiu Jianing and the company's investment in Plan-O, seeing an opportunity for mutual benefit. Qiu Jianing confronted Su Qian about the deliberate problems created in patient recruitment.

Su Qian justified her actions, stating they were necessary to gain leverage in negotiations for Plan-O's management rights, which Wenzhao desired. Qiu Jianing urged Su Qian, for the sake of their past connection to Plan-O, not to harm the project. Su Qian retorted that Plan-O's current success was built on everyone's efforts, including her own, and that she was entitled to a share of the impending success.

Qiu Jianing affirmed that while Su Qian was welcome to her share, it must be acquired through legitimate means. She denied driving Su Qian out of the lab, reminding her that she fabricated experimental data. Su Qian then asserted her power as Tiancheng Fund's project consultant, threatening to withhold investment and financially cripple the company. Qiu Jianing, however, remained resolute, stating she understood the underlying machinations but refused to compromise her principles, vowing to protect Plan-O at all costs.

Su Qian then left Qiu Jianing with a question: had she considered why Ruan Wenzhao was so insistent on Tiancheng Fund gaining management control over Plan-O and placing his own people within the project, despite the profit remaining the same? This question left Qiu Jianing in deep thought. At dinner with Zhou Xiaoshan, Qiu Jianing brought up Wenzhao, mentioning their shared university and his questions during the interview.

Zhou Xiaoshan maintained he didn't know Wenzhao well, claiming he was not a very social person during his university days. Qiu Jianing, however, still found the coincidences, including her bicycle accident with Wenzhao, to be very strange. Ruan Wenzhao met with President Huang, expressing concerns about the stability of the Plan-O team.

He stated that their investment was primarily in the core technical team and, therefore, demanded that every core researcher sign a supplementary labor contract for more than five years, emphasizing strict non-competition clauses. President Huang attempted to reassure Wenzhao about the team's loyalty, but Wenzhao revealed that Zhou Xiaoshan had submitted a resignation a few months prior and had returned to City A for unspecified reasons.

Although Wenzhao stated he wouldn't dwell on past events, he insisted on ensuring no core team member would leave in the future. The team was then informed of the new supplementary agreements. President Huang promised increased benefits and pay upon securing the investment. Zhou Xiaoshan was specifically required to resubmit updated materials, including a criminal record, within two weeks. Zhou Xiaoshan soon received a phone call from Mr. Mao, a lawyer from Futong Law Firm.

Mr. Mao informed Zhou Xiaoshan that Ruan Wenzhao had entrusted him to initiate a lawsuit regarding a personal injury incident from years ago. He played an old video where Zhou Xiaoshan admitted to shooting Ruan Wenzhao because Wenzhao was fighting him over Xiang Lan. Zhou Xiaoshan confirmed it was him in the video.

Mr. Mao explained that this criminal case was still within the prosecution period, and a lawsuit would prevent Zhou Xiaoshan from obtaining the necessary police clearance for his contract renewal, effectively stalling it. He advised Zhou Xiaoshan to seek an out-of-court settlement with Ruan Wenzhao. Zhou Xiaoshan then met with Ruan Wenzhao, who demanded that Zhou Xiaoshan return to City A with him.

Wenzhao confessed he sought revenge, wanting Zhou Xiaoshan to suffer a "living hell" just as he had, producing daily medication he claimed to take because of Zhou Xiaoshan. Zhou Xiaoshan blamed Wenzhao for his own misfortunes, but Wenzhao accused him of ruining his life with Xiang Lan and not deserving happiness with another woman. Zhou Xiaoshan reminded Wenzhao that he took the blame for Xiang Lan in the shooting, but Wenzhao dismissed it, claiming he had a witness and evidence.

Zhou Xiaoshan realized that Zha Zhicai was behind Wenzhao's actions. Wenzhao gave Zhou Xiaoshan one week to comply, threatening to file a lawsuit with the police if he refused, ensuring his departure from the company would be "ugly." Zhou Xiaoshan defiantly declared he would not concede. Meanwhile, Qin Bin, on his day off, visited the hospital office. Zhao Yan quickly deduced that Qin Bin's recent confession of feelings to Qiu Jiaxin had been unsuccessful.

Zhao Yan then showed Qin Bin a social media post of Qiu Jiaxin and Jiang Xiaoye enjoying themselves, leading Qin Bin to discover that Qiu Jiaxin had blocked him. At a rock-climbing gym, Jiang Xiaoye was instructing Qiu Jiaxin when Qin Bin arrived. Jiang Xiaoye challenged Qin Bin to a competition. Qiu Jiaxin, visibly concerned, cheered for Qin Bin, startling him and causing him to fall. Jiang Xiaoye seemed to have won, and also seemed not to have won.

Qin Bin returned to the hospital with a waist injury, but refused to explain to Zhao Yan how he got hurt, only admitting he competed with the "little brat." Later, Qiu Jiaxin messaged Zhao Yan, asking if Qin Bin had returned to the hospital.

Zhao Yan tried to elicit a visit from her by exaggerating Qin Bin's injury, but Qiu Jiaxin calmly responded that she would check on him when she returned to work on Monday, leaving Zhao Yan to conclude that Qin Bin was "screwed." Qin Bin, however, remained determined. Zhu Zhu pressed Zhou Xiaoshan again to complete his paperwork for the investors. Zhou Xiaoshan assured her it was almost done and would be submitted in two days.

At the hospital, Qiu Jianing saw Qin Bin holding his back in pain. Zhao Yan explained that Qin Bin had injured his waist rock-climbing with Jiang Xiaoye. Qiu Jianing chuckled at Qin Bin's competitive spirit but then advised him to speak positively about the company during an upcoming meeting with Ruan Wenzhao, who would be observing their daily work. During the meeting, Qiu Jianing introduced Qin Bin to Ruan Wenzhao. She then proceeded to present the symptoms of trial patients.

After the meeting, Ruan Wenzhao invited Qiu Jianing to dinner, but she politely declined, citing his weak condition. He pressed the invitation, asking if she cared for him, to which she replied that as Plan-O's most important partner, she certainly did. He repeated his invitation for dinner. At the same time, Qiu Jiaxin, rushing to meet Jiang Xiaoye, encountered an injured Qin Bin in the elevator.

She applied a patch to his back and, in the process, accidentally stumbled into his arms. Just then, Jiang Xiaoye called, and Qiu Jiaxin, flustered, told him she had an emergency at the hospital and would meet him later. Qin Bin held her arm, stopping her from leaving and asking if her previous declaration of liking him still stood. A call for Dr. Qin interrupted their moment, and Qiu Jiaxin, after a moment of hesitation, left.

Episode 34 Recap

Qiu Jianing and Wenzhao had dinner together, during which Wenzhao asked if she was afraid of being alone with him. Qiu Jianing enjoyed her food and told Wenzhao to stop drinking so much. Wenzhao confided in her, revealing his wife had died by suicide because she didn't love him but someone else.

He recounted their history, meeting at four, falling in love at eighteen, marrying at twenty, and her sudden departure at twenty-two, a loss he found difficult to accept, feeling like a knife was constantly stabbing his heart. Qiu Jianing suggested he let go, but Wenzhao couldn't, believing he loved her most and wanted to prove it. Qiu Jianing called him a good man.

Wenzhao then confessed Qiu Jianing reminded him of his late wife, asking if she would be upset by the comparison. Qiu Jianing firmly denied any resemblance, stating she would never commit suicide for love and that Wenzhao didn't love her. Wenzhao admitted his attraction and asked her to consider him, believing he was more outstanding than her boyfriend. Qiu Jianing found his words misleading, and Wenzhao explained his desire to love a new woman to forget his past.

Qiu Jianing told him this would be unfair to everyone involved and urged him not to do anything foolish. Qiu Jiaxin arrived late for her dinner with Jiang Xiaoye, apologizing for being delayed by a patient. Jiang Xiaoye, having already ordered, complained about his coach, with whom he had argued, causing him to skip training.

He felt the coach disliked him, recounting how he was scolded for being only half an hour late and then for every small mistake during training, despite being sought after by major clubs. Qiu Jiaxin tried to reassure him that the coach's actions were for his own good, aimed at maintaining team discipline, but Jiang Xiaoye accused her of taking sides. They decided to drop the topic and eat. After dinner, Jiang Xiaoye drove Qiu Jiaxin home.

She encouraged him to return to the club and reconcile with his coach, but he remained reluctant, saying he would consider it, implying the club would suffer without him. Jiang Xiaoye assured her he could handle the situation. As Qiu Jiaxin got out of the car, she found herself worrying about Qin Bin. Qiu Jianing later recalled a past conversation with Uncle Zha about the circumstances surrounding Xiang Lan's death.

Uncle Zha had revealed that Xiang Lan shot and injured a male classmate who was attempting to assault her. Zhou Xiaoshan took the blame for her, but the powerful opposing side threatened him with life imprisonment. To save Zhou Xiaoshan, Xiang Lan agreed to marry "him," presumably Wenzhao, but soon after, she fell into depression and committed suicide by jumping off a cliff. This account matched Wenzhao's recent confession about his wife's suicide due to loving someone else.

Qiu Jiaxin returned to the hospital and found Qin Bin still working on patient medical files, even though he was not scheduled to work overtime. He explained a complex patient case required his attention. Qiu Jiaxin asked if his waist still hurt, and he confirmed it was much better, a testament to her medicinal patch. She then questioned why he had gone to the rock-climbing gym, knowing he didn't enjoy the sport.

Qin Bin insisted he did like it, claiming Zhao Yan had told him it helped train both body and spirit, and that his presence there was merely accidental. Qin Bin then tested Qiu Jiaxin on a case, noting her progress, which he attributed to his strict teaching. He instructed her to bring him a rolled pancake with five eggs for breakfast the next morning, a request she unhappily agreed to, expressing her frustration after leaving his office.

Qin Bin, however, began to feel annoyed again. Meanwhile, Wenzhao's lawyer contacted Zhou Xiaoshan, reminding him that tomorrow was the deadline for Wenzhao to receive a satisfactory answer, otherwise legal action would be pursued. Filled with doubts, Qiu Jianing confronted Zhou Xiaoshan late that night. She directly asked if he and Ruan Wenzhao were old acquaintances and if Wenzhao's deceased wife was indeed Xiang Lan. Zhou Xiaoshan confirmed this, admitting Wenzhao harbored ill intentions.

He explained that Wenzhao's company required all researchers to sign a supplementary agreement and provide a certificate of no criminal record. Wenzhao's lawyer had informed him of an impending criminal lawsuit related to the shooting incident years ago, which would prevent him from obtaining the certificate and staying in China. Qiu Jianing reminded him that he had taken the blame for Xiang Lan, but Zhou Xiaoshan pointed out that words were not proof, and the law required evidence.

She asked about his plan, noting that tomorrow was both Wenzhao's deadline and the investors' deadline. Qiu Jianing urged him not to confess to something he didn't do, emphasizing that reputation mattered more than a job, and suggested they hire a lawyer if necessary, confident that the truth could not be distorted. Zhou Xiaoshan reassured her he was fine. The only outstanding document was Zhou Xiaoshan's supplementary agreement.

Qiu Jianing attempted to speak with Wenzhao privately about Zhou Xiaoshan's situation, but Wenzhao rebuffed her, questioning whether she was approaching him as Zhou Xiaoshan's boss or girlfriend. Wenzhao then pressed President Huang on Zhou Xiaoshan's refusal to sign, implying the employee might have issues. Zhou Xiaoshan intervened, requesting a private discussion with Wenzhao. Wenzhao granted him half an hour, a deadline his lawyer had already reiterated to Zhou Xiaoshan.

Zhou Xiaoshan used this time to present Wenzhao with incriminating information. He revealed that Wenzhao's father had initially worked for Uncle Zha and was aware of his illicit activities during the Ruan family's early rise to wealth. Despite the family's extensive efforts to sanitize their image, Zhou Xiaoshan had unearthed evidence of their past "blackmail." He threatened to expose this information, gambling that Wenzhao was not so consumed by revenge that he would sacrifice his entire family's reputation.

Wenzhao, realizing the severity of the threat, conceded. He instructed President Huang to prepare the contract, agreeing to use Zhou Xiaoshan's previously submitted materials for the supplementary agreement. Qiu Jianing later questioned Zhou Xiaoshan about their conversation, and he explained Wenzhao's hatred stemmed from his love for Xiang Lan, leaving Qiu Jianing puzzled by Wenzhao's complex character. Concurrently, Su Qian, during a lab discussion where she emphasized excluding "redundant" negative data from reports, contacted Professor Harry.

Harry expressed surprise, and Su Qian revealed she needed his help because they shared a common enemy: Qiu Jianing. Meanwhile, Qin Bin purchased all of Qiu Jiaxin's favorite sweet and sour spare ribs and brought them to her at the hospital. He playfully insisted on wiping her mouth, but their intimate moment was interrupted by Zhao Yan. Qiu Jiaxin quickly excused herself and left.

Qin Bin then vehemently defended his actions to Zhao Yan, claiming he and Qiu Jiaxin were "in love" and dismissing Jiang Xiaoye as competition. He confidently asserted Qiu Jiaxin liked him, seeing it in her eyes. Zhao Yan, however, warned him that he was essentially "poaching" and should be more careful, reminding him that Jiang Xiaoye was her official boyfriend.

Qin Bin scoffed at this, calling Zhao Yan's views outdated and his pursuit "true love," before playfully suggesting Zhao Yan find a girlfriend himself. Later, Qiu Jiaxin confided in Qiu Jianing, expressing guilt about her continued attraction to Qin Bin while dating Jiang Xiaoye. She described her heart beating quickly when Qin Bin brought her ribs and tried to wipe her mouth.

Qiu Jianing clarified that Qiu Jiaxin felt guilty because she was dating Jiang Xiaoye but also had feelings for Qin Bin. Qiu Jiaxin admitted her heart also beat quickly for Jiang Xiaoye. Qiu Jianing explained that an accelerated heartbeat could signify various emotions—love, idolization, or even nervousness—and advised her sister to discern the true nature of her feelings for each man.

Qiu Jiaxin then suggested that Qiu Jianing use their father's upcoming 60th birthday next month as an opportunity to reconcile with him after their estrangement over Zhou Xiaoshan. The next day, Professor Harry appeared in a televised interview, publicly accusing Qiu Jianing of plagiarizing his laboratory's research results a year prior. He claimed a Chinese company, Plan-O Laboratories (owned by Original Life), had hired her immediately after the alleged plagiarism.

News of this spread rapidly through the lab, with colleagues expressing shock and concern, learning Qiu Jianing was at a signing ceremony. At the ceremony, Wenzhao, acknowledging the scandal, stated that while he personally believed in Qiu Jianing, he could not sign the contract until the situation was resolved. Qiu Jianing tried to explain to President Huang that she had written the article Harry published and had left his lab because he plagiarized her work.

She pointed out that Plan-O's advanced progress (Phase 2) compared to Harry's lab (stuck in animal experiments) disproved his claims. President Huang remained unconvinced, but Wenzhao publicly declared his belief in Professor Qiu, stressing that the immediate challenge was to convince the public. He agreed with Qiu Jianing's logical argument about the contrasting lab progress and suggested a press conference with a statement. Qiu Jianing readily agreed, and President Huang promised the public relations department's full cooperation.

Zhou Xiaoshan, however, found the timing of Harry's interview "too much of a coincidence," suspecting Wenzhao. Qiu Jianing disagreed, noting Wenzhao had just defended her, and urged Zhou Xiaoshan not to act on impulse. Back at the lab, the staff expressed their unwavering belief in "Sister Jianing," for which she thanked them. Qiu Jiaxin, overhearing colleagues discussing a female researcher named Qiu accused of plagiarism, checked trending topics online and saw the accusations against her sister.

Qin Bin, upon hearing Qiu Jiaxin's outrage, remained calm. He rationalized that Harry's accusations were baseless, given Plan-O's superior progress. He advised Qiu Jiaxin to remain calm and not act impulsively, suggesting Harry had likely prepared thoroughly and that a hasty retort would only alert their enemy. Qiu Jianing completed her statement and decided to hold a press conference the following day. Wenzhao and Su Qian received the draft statement.

Su Qian called it a "war declaration" that would cause public uproar, but Wenzhao, with a confident smile, assured her that Qiu Jianing's every move was still under his control and she wouldn't recover so quickly. The next morning, Qiu Jiaxin woke Qiu Jianing, showing her a newly exposed, edited video.

The video depicted a conversation where TKS discussed Plan-O's value at five million dollars and offered Qiu Jianing a transfer agreement to work for them, promising to ruin Harry's career. The edited video made it appear as if Qiu Jianing was negotiating terms, ending with her stating, "I can appreciate the sincerity from TKS," followed by "So, do we have an agreement?" Qiu Jianing angrily declared it was edited and that she had refused TKS's attempt to buy her off.

She intended to immediately expose the truth, but Zhou Xiaoshan intervened, calling it a trap set by Harry and Gale, warning her that acting impulsively would only play into their hands. Qiu Jianing received a call from President Huang and, accompanied by Zhou Xiaoshan, went to meet him and Wenzhao. President Huang expressed disbelief at the new video. Qiu Jianing insisted it was edited, a claim Zhou Xiaoshan supported, arguing that the need for editing proved her innocence.

President Huang worried about their dilemma: the earlier announcement could clear her of plagiarism but wouldn't address the bribery accusation, potentially even validating the new video. Wenzhao offered his analysis: Harry's initial video might have been a strategic move against the project, but the new video clearly targeted Qiu Jianing herself. He noted how the incident had been inflamed to the point where Qiu Jianing was being called a "national traitor," clearly an attempt to ruin her reputation.

Wenzhao and President Huang asked if she had offended anyone. Qiu Jianing replied she had offended too many people to recall but was not afraid. Zhou Xiaoshan became more convinced that Wenzhao was behind the attacks, to which Qiu Jianing wondered why Harry and Gale would cooperate with him. Zhou Xiaoshan suggested, "the enemy's enemy is one's friend." Wenzhao then advised President Huang to modify the announcement.

He recommended emphasizing Professor Wang Jitian as Plan-O's leader and explicitly removing any mention of Qiu Jianing. President Huang worried this would hurt Qiu Jianing and undermine confidence in the project by removing its leader. Wenzhao dismissed his concerns, implying his Tiancheng Fund was willing to sign if President Huang was decisive, but would withdraw if he continued to protect Qiu Jianing's feelings, leaving President Huang unable to answer to other investors.

Wenzhao further suggested Su Qian, a core researcher who had returned from an overseas lab with fame, could replace Qiu Jianing, which he believed would instill more confidence. He urged President Huang not to "lose big over trivial matters" and to be decisive. President Huang requested time to consider, but Wenzhao pressed him to decide "as soon as possible," warning that the incident could quickly become uncontrollable.

Episode 35 Recap

President Huang called Qiu Jianing for a private meeting and demanded her resignation. She reluctantly agreed, explaining later to Zhou Xiaoshan that she had no other choice; otherwise, Plan-O would be shelved, and President Huang would face immense pressure from the board. Zhou Xiaoshan argued that resigning would confirm all the online rumors against her, but Qiu Jianing insisted that protecting Plan-O was her priority.

She also implored Zhou Xiaoshan not to confront Ruan Wenzhao, believing that doing so would play right into his hands, and that they would find a solution eventually. Weiwei was shocked by an online video that depicted Qiu Jianing in a negative light, exclaiming, "I can't believe Qiu Jianing is like that!" Su Qian, observing this, commented on the unpredictability of people.

She then asked Weiwei to return and assist her, revealing her intention to join Plan-O on behalf of Tiancheng once Qiu Jianing departed. Weiwei asked if Qiu Jianing was truly leaving. Qiu Jiaxin grew increasingly enraged by the online comments regarding her sister. After seeing a news report on Qiu Jianing's alleged betrayal, she directly confronted the trolls online, asserting her sister's innocence.

Jiang Xiaoye, witnessing her frustration, published a Weibo post in Qiu Jianing's defense, which Qiu Jiaxin genuinely appreciated. However, upon returning to the hospital, Qin Bin angrily confronted her, dragging her aside and demanding she ask Jiang Xiaoye to delete the post. He showed her the new wave of negative comments, explaining that Jiang Xiaoye's intervention had reignited the "Qiu Jianing betrayal" story across the gaming community, making it seem as if no one believed in her innocence.

Qiu Jiaxin argued that Jiang Xiaoye had good intentions, but Qin Bin dismissed it as stupidity, revealing how the controversy was now causing patients to doubt the experiment and want to quit. Their argument escalated, with Qiu Jiaxin feeling deeply hurt and misunderstood, believing Qin Bin viewed her as nothing more than a childish troublemaker. She asserted her humanity, stating she couldn't be as calm as a machine and was glad to still feel anger and sadness.

As Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan arrived downstairs, they were immediately mobbed by reporters. Zhou Xiaoshan quickly whisked her away. Qiu Jianing, distraught, remarked on her unexpected "celebrity" status, noting that due to Qiu Jiaxin's and Jiang Xiaoye's posts, the controversy had now spread beyond their scientific community. She expressed her inability to tolerate the online accusations of betraying her country and seducing Harry, questioning what she had done wrong to deserve such widespread scorn.

Zhou Xiaoshan comforted her, asserting her innocence and firmly stating that he would not allow her to resign. He emphasized that he cared more about her well-being than Plan-O and did not want her to suffer further injustice. Later, Li Chunran called Qiu Jianing, warning her not to return to her dormitory as numerous people were waiting to confront her downstairs.

Feeling increasingly helpless and having nowhere to go, Qiu Jianing broke down in tears in Zhou Xiaoshan's arms, lamenting that she couldn't even return to her own home. Zhou Xiaoshan reassured her, promising that wherever he was, she would have a home. Unable to control his anger, Zhou Xiaoshan went to confront Ruan Wenzhao, demanding to know what it would take for him to leave Qiu Jianing alone.

Ruan Wenzhao, claiming to be a victim as an investor, maintained that if Qiu Jianing resigned, it would confirm the accusations against her. He then reiterated his condition for releasing Qiu Jianing from her suffering: Zhou Xiaoshan must return to him, otherwise, he would have to watch her endure more pain, just as Ruan Wenzhao had watched Xiang Lan suffer. He even ominously declared that this was "just the beginning."

Enraged and with no outlet for his fury, Zhou Xiaoshan called Ruan Wenzhao crazy before storming off. After watching the incriminating video, Qiu's father immediately wanted to hire a lawyer to seek justice for Qiu Jianing. His secretary, however, urged caution, explaining that the matter extended beyond Qiu Jianing's reputation, affecting the standing of Chinese scientists globally, especially given the rapid growth of China's scientific development. Calming down, Qiu's father decided to speak with Qiu Jianing first.

When Qiu Jianing returned home, her father expressed his unwavering belief in her innocence and his determination to clear her name through legal action. He also disagreed with her resignation, suggesting she hold a press conference to explain her side. Qiu Jianing, however, remained resolute in prioritizing Plan-O, stating that as long as the project was safe, she didn't care what happened to her.

She believed a press conference wouldn't change public opinion and didn't want the years-long effort of her team to fail because of her. Zhou Xiaoshan waited outside the house throughout their conversation. As Qiu's father saw Qiu Jianing off, he said nothing to Zhou Xiaoshan directly but asked him to guarantee her safety, which Zhou Xiaoshan readily promised. President Huang pressed Qiu Jianing again, explaining the immense pressure from the board and investors.

He believed in her innocence but stressed that public opinion was against them, and the negative press was already causing experiment subjects to withdraw. He explained that as a company representative, his priority was the company's interest, and if she stayed, Plan-O would likely fail. He presented her with an ultimatum: if she didn't submit her resignation letter by the next day, the company would issue a dismissal announcement.

Upon hearing this, Li Chunran and Xiaoxiao were outraged, arguing that the company should acknowledge Qiu Jianing's contributions and threatening to quit if she was dismissed. Qiu Jianing spent a long time in quiet contemplation at Professor Wang's bedside, listening to his wife speak about his lifelong dedication to Plan-O and his dream of China's scientific achievements. It was clear Qiu Jianing felt the immense weight of this legacy.

As she left, she encountered Su Qian, who was also visiting Professor Wang. Su Qian sarcastically congratulated Qiu Jianing, implying her current predicament was her own fault. Qiu Jianing, after a moment of reflection, entrusted Plan-O to Su Qian. Later, she confided in Zhou Xiaoshan that she had made her decision: she would resign, admitting defeat this time. Qiu Jianing handed over her projects to Sun Lei, providing detailed charts and progress notes.

Sun Lei refused to accept her resignation, urging her to stay, but Qiu Jianing, with a smile, expressed gratitude for his trust, explaining that her presence would only harm the project. As she left, she wished to meet again. Meanwhile, Su Qian was also at Professor Wang's bedside. Professor An (Wang's wife) confronted Su Qian, suspecting her return and targeting of Qiu Jianing stemmed from lingering resentment towards Professor Wang for helping Qiu Jianing previously.

Professor An clarified that Professor Wang had known long ago that Qiu Jianing was wrongly accused by Harry, recalling a discussion between Jianing and Professor Wang about Harry's paper during Jianing's undergraduate years. When Su Qian questioned Gale's video, Professor An asked if Su Qian would sell her years of effort for money, to which Su Qian admitted she wouldn't, implicitly affirming Qiu Jianing's innocence regarding the video.

Back at the lab, Sun Lei, Xiaoxiao, Li Chunran, and others collectively threatened to resign if Qiu Jianing left, wanting to fight for justice. Qiu Jianing, however, implored them to stay, reminding them of their personal sacrifices for Plan-O and emphasizing that the project's success would bring immense national honor, far outweighing any individual interests. She entrusted Plan-O to them, urging them to continue their work, and then departed the laboratory.

Later, Zhu Zhu called Qiu Jianing, rudely inquiring about her departure timeline and revealing that Sun Lei's paper, which had passed three reviews, was unexpectedly rejected due to the negative repercussions of Qiu Jianing's scandal. Zhu Zhu blamed Qiu Jianing, calling her a "black sheep." Qiu Jianing was deeply remorseful upon hearing this, feeling helpless and unable to do anything. Zhou Xiaoshan tried to comfort her, reminding her that she had done all she could.

Qiu Jiaxin was livid over the online comments accusing Qiu Jianing of plagiarism and treason. When Qiu Jianing returned home and saw the posts, she expressed dismay, having believed her resignation would end the ordeal.

Meanwhile, Sun Lei met with Su Qian, who claimed she couldn't help Qiu Jianing, though she wistfully recounted how she had missed an opportunity to attend a conference where Plan-O might have been sold for a high price, expressing regret over not having capitalized on the project's potential earlier. Sun Lei tried to persuade her, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust during such critical times and affirming Qiu Jianing's innocence.

Separately, Zhou Xiaoshan urgently approached Qiu's father, stating he needed the company's network department to retrieve the original, unedited video of Qiu Jianing with Gale, which was still on the hotel's server. He explained that this required significant computational effort and staff support. Qiu's father, expressing deep guilt for having neglected Qiu Jianing throughout her childhood after his divorce and subsequent remarriage, was determined to make amends and protect her from any further harm.

Zhou Xiaoshan reassured him of Qiu Jianing's love and her inherent goodness, advocating that they should protect her positive energy and kindness towards the world, rather than hinder it. Moved by Zhou Xiaoshan's words, Qiu's father finally understood why his daughter cared for him and agreed to deploy his company's network department to assist.

Episode 36 Recap

Qiu's father ultimately agreed to help Zhou Xiaoshan, while Qiu Jianing found herself in a vortex of emotion, grappling internally. After watching a flag-raising ceremony with Zhou Xiaoshan, she told him she had thought everything through and refused to admit defeat. She expressed a profound hope that in the future, all achievements made by Chinese people, regardless of the field, would be met with praise rather than doubt, emphasizing that this required the collective effort of many.

She declared her intention to retaliate. Zhou Xiaoshan then made a phone call to Qiu's father, informing him that Qiu Jianing had made up her mind and there was no longer a need to pressure her into attending the press conference. Qiu Jianing, slightly exasperated, then called her father herself, saying she needed his help with something. Qiu Jianing, Zhou Xiaoshan, and others, along with Qiu's father, worked tirelessly through the night preparing for the next day's press conference.

Just after midnight, Qiu's secretary reminded him it was his birthday. Qiu's father downplayed it, but the secretary mentioned that Qiu Jianing had helped him choose a gift. Zhou Xiaoshan presented a photoshopped picture of Qiu Jianing and her father. He explained that since they hadn't had time to take a proper photo together, he had created this one in Qiu Jianing's name as a birthday gift, noting that Qiu Jianing knew her father loved photography.

Qiu's father was deeply touched by the gesture, and his previously reserved attitude towards Zhou Xiaoshan visibly softened. Qiu Jianing was in good spirits, but before the press conference, she still had one person she needed to see. Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan went to meet Wen Zhao. Qiu Jianing asked him to attend the upcoming press conference, acknowledging that she knew he had orchestrated the current situation.

She accused him of collaborating with TKS to spread false rumors about her, aiming to make Zhou Xiaoshan experience the same suffering Wen Zhao endured. However, she firmly stated that she was not Xiang Lan and would not compromise her principles. Wen Zhao retorted that no one could love Xiang Lan more than he did, recounting his painful experience of watching her wither and die day by day, all because of Zhou Xiaoshan.

Qiu Jianing urged Wen Zhao to look forward, but he angrily questioned Zhou Xiaoshan's worthiness. Qiu Jianing responded that she would not shy away from her problems or blame Zhou Xiaoshan, assuring him that the truth would be revealed the next day. Wen Zhao scoffed, asking Zhou Xiaoshan if "the truth" didn't sound sarcastic to him. Wen Zhao then requested to speak with Zhou Xiaoshan privately.

He revealed that he hadn't yet exposed Zhou Xiaoshan's true identity to Qiu Jianing, calling it Zhou Xiaoshan's biggest weakness. Wen Zhao demanded that Zhou Xiaoshan return with him, or he would tell Qiu Jianing everything, which would implicate her as an accomplice in stealing the formula. He threatened to destroy either Zhou Xiaoshan or both of them, giving Zhou Xiaoshan one night to make his choice. Wen Zhao then wished Qiu Jianing a successful press conference before departing.

The next day, at the press conference, Qiu Jianing, as the project leader for Original Life Plan-O Laboratories, began by addressing the rumors circulating about her. She started to clarify that her departure from Professor Harry's laboratory was due to his plagiarism of her article on telomerase a year prior, a fact immediately corroborated by an unexpected appearance from Su Qian.

Su Qian, a former researcher at Plan-O and Professor Harry's laboratory, and currently a project consultant at Tiancheng Fund, pointed out that Professor Harry's clinical trial applications had been rejected three times by the FDA, while Plan-O was successfully carrying out its second phase, questioning how Qiu Jianing's departure could have caused such damage if she had stolen secrets. Professor Harry, watching the broadcast, was enraged.

Qiu Jianing thanked Su Qian, then explained that the modified version of her original article was already posted on her personal Weibo and official WeChat account for professionals to compare. Addressing the video that purportedly showed her betraying the laboratory, she announced that someone else would explain. Qiu's father, Qiu Yaoming, Chairman of Qiu Group, then took the stage.

He proudly introduced himself and declared Qiu Jianing his daughter, stating that her commitment to scientific research was unwavering and pure, and that money or fame would never shake her beliefs. Regarding the controversial video, he explained that his company had used specialized technology to retrieve the original footage, which revealed it had been edited.

He then played the unedited video, showing Qiu Jianing rejecting a substantial offer from TKS—$5 million and access to a world-class research facility—to join them and ensure Professor Harry's downfall. In the video, Qiu Jianing emphatically stated that she would not allow the scientific field to remain an empty space for the Chinese, where researchers face doubt and contempt.

She expressed her determination that she and her team would strive to demonstrate Chinese success in this field, creating invaluable assets for their country and the world, and that her only condition was for "Plan-O to have 'researched and developed in China' stamped on it." Following the video, Qiu Yaoming announced his intention to initiate legal proceedings against those who had defamed his daughter. Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin watched the live broadcast, exhilarated, commenting on how handsome her father looked.

Qin Bin, arriving with a cake, tried to cheer her up, asking her to forgive him. As the press conference continued, Qiu Jianing delivered a powerful speech, explaining that while she initially endured unfair treatment, she decided to stand up when public opinion began to question the entire Chinese scientific community and the nation itself.

She emphasized that her stand was not just for herself, but for the honor of Chinese scientists and the growing strength of China in various fields. Qin Bin playfully teased Qiu Jiaxin about her intelligence compared to her father and sister. As they interacted closely, Jiang Xiaoye walked in and witnessed their affectionate behavior. Jiang Xiaoye and Qin Bin immediately clashed, with Jiang Xiaoye calling Qin Bin an "uncle" and criticizing his inappropriateness.

Jiang Xiaoye tried to pull Qiu Jiaxin away, but Qin Bin held onto her arm, claiming he needed to discuss work with her. The argument escalated, nearly turning into a physical altercation. Frustrated, Qiu Jiaxin grabbed her bag and left abruptly. Jiang Xiaoye rushed after her, trying to apologize for his jealousy and explaining his actions. However, Qiu Jiaxin suggested they "cool down," confessing that she might not like him as much as she thought.

She felt their relationship started too impulsively, drawn by his idol image, and that they were not a good fit. She formally broke up with Jiang Xiaoye, leaving him to watch her walk away. After the successful press conference, Qiu Jianing thanked Su Qian, who, now calling herself "Sister Qian," offered encouragement. Wen Zhao then approached Zhou Xiaoshan again, questioning if they truly hadn't met in college. Zhou Xiaoshan hesitated before admitting they might have.

Wen Zhao continued, hinting that Zhou Xiaoshan's past was "spectacular" and largely unknown. With a stiff expression, Zhou Xiaoshan admitted he had deceived everyone. Wen Zhao then revealed that they had been best friends in college, and that Zhou Xiaoshan had even injured him once. This revelation caused Qiu Jianing to look at Zhou Xiaoshan with a strange expression. Later, Qiu Jiaxin went to find Qin Bin but was stopped at the door by Zhao Yan.

She overheard Qin Bin talking to a woman inside. Zhao Yan hesitantly explained that the woman was Qin Bin's ex-girlfriend, Jiang Ruoxi, adding that they weren't together anymore and she was only there because she was unwell and had no one else to turn to in the country, having just returned from France. Feeling disheartened, Qiu Jiaxin turned and left.

After seeing his ex-girlfriend, Jiang Ruoxi, out, Qin Bin was pressed by Zhao Yan, who questioned if he had truly moved on. Qin Bin insisted it was purely a professional, friendly relationship. Zhao Yan then awkwardly informed him that Qiu Jiaxin had stopped by with coffee and he had mistakenly told her about Ruoxi. Qin Bin immediately rushed to find Qiu Jiaxin. He found her sitting despondently in a cafe. Qin Bin asked if she had something to tell him.

Qiu Jiaxin revealed she had broken up with Jiang Xiaoye, saying they weren't suitable. Qin Bin, trying to gauge her true feelings, deliberately acted nonchalant and pretended to return to work, further exasperating Qiu Jiaxin. He then took her hand, expressing how happy he was that she chose to tell him. Qiu Jiaxin, still sulking, then told him not to treat his ex-girlfriend. Qin Bin patiently explained that Ruoxi had been living abroad and, having just moved back, didn't know anyone else in the country to seek medical help from.

Episode 37 Recap

Qiu Jiaxin stormed off after a heated argument with Qin Bin, who had been treating his ex-girlfriend, Ruoxi, as a patient. Qin Bin tried to explain that it was a past relationship from their student days and that as doctors, they couldn't choose their patients and had a professional obligation to help anyone who needed them, even an enemy. He emphasized that nothing was going on between them now.

However, Qiu Jiaxin remained angry, accusing him of always going against her. She bitterly told him that it was her mistake, that they were merely colleagues, and that her hopes for something more were simply wishful thinking. As she left, she told Qin Bin to go talk to his Ruoxi. Later that evening, a dejected Qiu Jiaxin returned home and confided in her sister, Qiu Jianing, that her heart had been broken twice that night.

She revealed she had broken up with Jiang Xiaoye because she realized she wasn't truly in love with him, but was merely attracted to his celebrity status. She then explained her frustration with Qin Bin treating his ex-girlfriend. Qiu Jianing tried to reassure her that it was normal for someone to seek treatment from a doctor they knew, especially when ill.

Qiu Jiaxin clarified that she wasn't trying to stop him from treating patients, but rather wanted him to make a promise to her, believing it would show he cared. Qiu Jianing perceived Qiu Jiaxin's insecurity and lack of confidence around Qin Bin, a stark contrast to her relationship with Jiang Xiaoye. Qiu Jianing explained that Qiu Jiaxin's request was unreasonable, and if Qin Bin agreed, he wouldn't be the mature and reliable man she admired.

She bluntly told her sister that she was being jealous and immature, and that maturity would come with experience and growth. Later, Qiu Jianing brought Zhou Xiaoshan to her parents' home for dinner. Qiu Father immediately asked if they had any marriage plans, which made the couple noticeably awkward.

Qiu Mother eagerly added that good hotels in China needed to be booked a year in advance and offered to arrange everything, including an auspicious date and renovating an apartment for them. Qiu Jianing clarified that there was a misunderstanding and even if they married, their wedding would be different from her parents' expectations. Qiu Jiaxin chimed in, jokingly calling her sister a "philosophical materialist" who wouldn't be interested in "feudal customs."

Qiu Father, however, insisted on a traditional wedding ceremony. Zhou Xiaoshan stepped in, explaining that he and Qiu Jianing planned to get their marriage certificate first and then gradually handle the ceremony and other details. Her parents found this reasonable but urged them not to delay too long. Qiu Jianing then skillfully redirected the conversation to Qiu Jiaxin. Her mother, unaware of the earlier breakup, asked why Jiang Xiaoye wasn't present.

Qiu Jiaxin then announced that she and Jiang Xiaoye had broken up, leaving her mother in disbelief, as she had considered Jiang Xiaoye a "100-point boyfriend." After dinner, Qiu Father invited Zhou Xiaoshan to his study. He expressed concern for the couple, noting their intense focus on work. He revealed that he had reserved an apartment for each of his daughters in a new community project his company was developing, emphasizing that they couldn't continue living in dorms after marriage.

Zhou Xiaoshan respectfully declined the offer, stating he couldn't accept it. He expressed deep gratitude for meeting Qiu Jianing, sharing that she had shown him new possibilities in life when he felt lost and confused. He promised that given time, he would personally build a future for Qiu Jianing. He urged Qiu Father to trust his daughter's judgment in choosing him. Qiu Father, impressed by Zhou Xiaoshan's conviction, chuckled and remarked on his audacity before accepting his promise.

On their way home, Qiu Jianing playfully questioned Zhou Xiaoshan about his conversation with her father. He teased her, claiming her father had said she had a bad temper and asked him to be tolerant. Qiu Jianing, knowing he was joking, told him not to assume everything was smooth sailing just because her father had accepted him. She declared she would test him further.

She took him to an arcade and pointed to a microwave, challenging him to win it with only one hundred tokens. Zhou Xiaoshan, understanding the game's probability, easily won the prize. Qiu Jianing, though impressed, declared this was only the first test, and many more would follow. Zhou Xiaoshan, looking forward to their future together, eagerly accepted the challenge, saying he anticipated her tests for his entire life.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, discussions revolved around the annual rural medical support quota. Qiu Jiaxin overheard colleagues complaining about the harsh conditions, including poor facilities, bad weather, and even the risk of landslides. Despite these concerns, Qiu Jiaxin, recalling her sister's words about maturity, decided she would volunteer for the program. Later, Qiu Jianing again pressed Zhou Xiaoshan about what her father had discussed. He finally revealed that her father had spoken about her dowry and an apartment.

He then showed her a collection of her childhood photos, teasing her by calling them her "dark past" and joking about her appearance, comparing her to a "Calabash Kid." They shared a lighthearted moment reminiscing. As they looked at the pictures, Zhou Xiaoshan grew serious and held her hand. He shared a belief his mother once told him, that deceased loved ones become stars, blessing and protecting those they care for.

He deeply felt that meeting Qiu Jianing was a blessing from his parents in Heaven. Qiu Jianing, moved, promised to continue loving him for his parents. The tranquil moment was soon interrupted. Qiu Jianing received a call from Ruan Wenzhao, inviting her to dinner that evening, stating he had finished his inspection and would sign the investment contract tomorrow. Zhou Xiaoshan grew tense and insisted on accompanying her, even if he remained out of sight.

From the rooftop, Zhou Xiaoshan called Ruan Wenzhao, who taunted him, threatening to expose his true identity, hinting at past involvement with TKS that could also implicate Ruan Wenzhao's company. Ruan Wenzhao promised Zhou Xiaoshan a "good show" that night. As they drove to the restaurant, Zhou Xiaoshan's nervousness was palpable. Qiu Jianing tried to reassure him that Wenzhao would be gone after the contract was signed.

However, Zhou Xiaoshan, still anxious, implored her to remember, no matter what Wenzhao said, that he loved her. At the hotel restaurant, Ruan Wenzhao wasted no time in questioning Qiu Jianing about Zhou Xiaoshan. He asked if he was her boyfriend, if she loved him, and if she truly "knew" him, particularly his past. Qiu Jianing asserted that the past was irrelevant, only the present mattered.

Ruan Wenzhao then brought up their shared university days and their mutual affection for Xiang Lan, asking why Zhou Xiaoshan had concealed this from Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing countered, asking if Ruan Wenzhao's investment in Plan-O was driven by personal motives. He admitted that it was, and that he had specifically targeted Zhou Xiaoshan. He then claimed to know an even bigger secret about Zhou Xiaoshan and suggested they move to a more private location to discuss it further.

Against her better judgment, Qiu Jianing followed Ruan Wenzhao to his hotel room. Once inside, he took off his jacket and began making advances, remarking that she shouldn't have entered a room with a male stranger. Just as he became aggressive, Zhou Xiaoshan burst in, grabbing a knife to protect Qiu Jianing. Ruan Wenzhao, acting wildly, dared Zhou Xiaoshan to kill him, but Qiu Jianing restrained Zhou Xiaoshan.

Ruan Wenzhao, still intent on revealing Zhou Xiaoshan's secret, continued to taunt him. Overwhelmed, Zhou Xiaoshan begged him not to tell Qiu Jianing, even offering his own life as repayment for Xiang Lan's supposed death. Qiu Jianing again pulled him back from the brink. Ruan Wenzhao then asked Qiu Jianing to leave so he could speak with Zhou Xiaoshan alone. Zhou Xiaoshan, despite her unease, also urged her to go.

Once they were alone, Ruan Wenzhao revealed the shocking truth: Xiang Lan was still alive. Zhou Xiaoshan was aghast, unable to believe it, as he had long believed her dead. Ruan Wenzhao showed him records from a sanatorium, explaining that Xiang Lan was being held there and that Zha Zhicai regularly visited her under the guise of medical check-ups.

Ruan Wenzhao expressed his confusion as to why Zha Zhicai had initially arranged his marriage to Xiang Lan, only to later fake her death and hide her away after they had settled into their peaceful life. Zhou Xiaoshan, equally stunned, recalled that Zha Zhicai had told him the Ruan family forced the marriage.

The pieces clicked into place, and they realized that Zha Zhicai had ruthlessly manipulated both of them, using Xiang Lan as a pawn to make Zhou Xiaoshan feel perpetual guilt for her "sacrifice." Ruan Wenzhao urged Zhou Xiaoshan to return with him to find Xiang Lan. Zhou Xiaoshan struggled with the decision, torn between his past and his new life with Qiu Jianing.

He declared that he had long ago decided to cut ties with the past, explaining that his mother had been his only reason for living, and after her death, only Qiu Jianing kept him alive. He warned Ruan Wenzhao that if pushed further, the knife he'd just seen would be his only answer. Ruan Wenzhao then knelt, desperately begging Zhou Xiaoshan to return for Xiang Lan, but after a moment of silence, Zhou Xiaoshan left the room.

Outside, Qiu Jianing waited, consumed by worry and a profound sense of what else Zhou Xiaoshan might be hiding. Zhou Xiaoshan then explained everything about Xiang Lan's true fate to her. He expressed his desire to go back but felt he couldn't, burdened by the implications for their relationship. Qiu Jianing, however, gently told him that his past was an intrinsic part of who he was, and denying it would be denying her love for him.

She acknowledged that Xiang Lan had always been an unresolved obstacle in his heart. With unwavering support, Qiu Jianing told him he had to go back, but also assured him he must return. She promised to wait for him, no matter what transpired. Moved by her unwavering love and understanding, Zhou Xiaoshan eventually relented and agreed to return with Ruan Wenzhao.

Meanwhile, Qiu Jiaxin actively pursued her decision to participate in the rural medical support program, specifically to the Dabie Mountains. She confessed to Qiu Jianing that she felt overwhelmed by recent events and sought a new environment to process her thoughts and grow. She expressed a desire to experience hardship and contribute to society, feeling ashamed of never having done something like this before.

Qiu Jianing supported her sister's intentions but urged her to reconsider carefully and not to back out if she found it too challenging. Qiu Jiaxin insisted she had already made up her mind and didn't want to give herself a chance to change it, immediately sending her application via email. Qin Bin soon learned of Qiu Jiaxin's decision and confronted her, expressing deep concern.

He warned her that the rural support program was not as simple as she imagined and that she wouldn't be able to endure the year-long commitment, suggesting that returning midway would reflect poorly on her. Qiu Jiaxin, feeling he viewed her as childish and spoiled, countered that she was tired of being seen as someone who could only enjoy good times but couldn't face hardships. She reiterated her resolve to live a different life, mature, and grow, acknowledging the unknown challenges but asserting that she wouldn't truly know if she could succeed unless she tried.

Episode 38 Recap

Qiu Jiaxin decided to take a year to support the countryside, needing time to calm down and contemplate after realizing her immaturity during a previous argument with Qin Bin. She apologized for her impulsive and unreasonable request, acknowledging she had forgotten her medical oath. Qin Bin, understanding her need, respected her choice. Qiu Jiaxin later met Xiaoye to bid him farewell, explaining she was leaving for a while.

She expressed deep regret for how abruptly she ended their relationship, admitting she felt her life was a mess and she couldn't even discern her own feelings. Xiaoye suggested they play one last game at the internet café where their relationship began, after which they would go their separate ways. Qiu Jiaxin agreed. As Qiu Jiaxin packed her belongings, Qiu Jianing reminded her to bring essential medicines, a suggestion Qiu Jiaxin, a health professional, playfully dismissed.

Zhou Xiaoshan and Qin Bin arrived. Qin Bin scrutinizing Qiu Jiaxin's packing, questioning her choice of high heels, two boxes of Proya facial masks, and ripped jeans for a mountain environment. He warned her of arthritis from the cold. Qiu Jiaxin retorted that he was an "old man" who didn't understand fashion. Qiu Jianing suggested Qin Bin look for clothes upstairs, which led him to Qiu Jiaxin's room.

After some playful banter where Qin Bin flirted, Qiu Jiaxin pushed him out, threatening to expose his inappropriate behavior to Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan. Qin Bin then became serious, urging her to take care of herself and promise to contact him daily, which she reluctantly did. Zhou Xiaoshan told Qiu Jianing he had booked his plane ticket and would leave next week.

He asked if she was afraid he wouldn't return, to which Qiu Jianing replied that if she loved him, she should let him go, and he would truly belong to her upon his return. Zhou Xiaoshan apologized, admitting he couldn't guarantee a return date this time, but Qiu Jianing assured him of her trust.

Qiu Jiaxin then bid farewell to her sister and parents, with Qin Bin continuing to urge her not to go, then promising to visit and bring her tasty treats. Qiu Jiaxin confessed she was afraid if he visited, she would be unable to continue her work and would simply return with him. As she boarded the bus, Qin Bin reiterated his instructions for her to take care and call him upon arrival.

Soon after, Qin Bin received a phone call from Zhou Xiaoshan, who had something very important to share but explicitly asked him not to tell Qiu Jianing. They met, and Zhou Xiaoshan informed Qin Bin he was going back to Europe to deal with a matter. He asked Qin Bin to look after Qiu Jianing if he was unable to return, leaving Qin Bin confused.

Zhou Xiaoshan expressed hope that if he was forgiven, he would not disappoint Qiu Jianing, but Qin Bin did not press for more details. At the airport, Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin saw Zhou Xiaoshan off. He embraced Qiu Jianing tightly and whispered "I love you" before departing. With both Qiu Jiaxin and Zhou Xiaoshan gone, Qiu Jianing admitted feeling a sense of loss.

Qin Bin lightheartedly commented on her emotional farewell with Zhou Xiaoshan, then asked about Qiu Jiaxin, confessing he missed her "very much," despite teasing that he wouldn't spoil her by saying so. Meanwhile, on the plane, Wenzhao asked Zhou Xiaoshan about his plan. Zhou Xiaoshan stated he would confront Uncle Zha directly, confident because he possessed something Uncle Zha desired.

Zhou Xiaoshan recounted his story with Qiu Jianing, explaining that "Original Plan" was meant to be his final mission as a corporate spy, after which Uncle Zha promised his freedom. However, Qiu Jianing became an unexpected "accident" in his life. Initially viewing her as a naive tool, he ultimately realized his desire for a new life was to live openly and honestly, like her.

Wenzhao, however, dismissed this as childish, citing the suffering of Xiang Lan, whom he considered the most innocent among them. Zhou Xiaoshan acknowledged his break with Uncle Zha, understanding the danger of returning but revealing that Qiu Jianing inspired him to go back and end everything himself. Unbeknownst to them, Uncle Zha was already aware of their return and was preparing for their arrival. Upon their arrival, Wenzhao immediately demanded to see Xiang Lan.

Uncle Zha offered to grant this on a condition, but Zhou Xiaoshan quickly countered, stating he would not reveal any information until he saw Xiang Lan. Uncle Zha led them to the sanatorium where Xiang Lan was. Wenzhao became visibly emotional upon seeing Xiang Lan alone in the room, while Zhou Xiaoshan also struggled with complex emotions. Tragically, Xiang Lan mistook Zhou Xiaoshan for Wenzhao, causing both men confusion.

Her emotional state quickly deteriorated, and she suffered a severe breakdown, screaming about her pain and desire to die to forget "Brother Xiaoshan." Doctors and nurses had to restrain her and administer a sedative. Zhou Xiaoshan then demanded to know why Xiang Lan had become this way. Uncle Zha explained that Xiang Lan's health and mental state had worsened two years after her marriage to Ruan Wenzhao.

He had wanted to keep her by his side, but Wenzhao refused, delaying her necessary care. By the time the Ruan family allowed her to return, her periods of lucidity were far outnumbered by her episodes of illness. Witnessing Xiang Lan's mental state nearing collapse and fearing she would commit suicide, Uncle Zha revealed he orchestrated a fake suicide to rescue her from the Ruan family, who would never have let her go.

He also confessed that Xiang Lan herself requested that Zhou Xiaoshan not be told, wishing to remain beautiful and happy in his memory. Uncle Zha then pleaded with Zhou Xiaoshan to stay with Xiang Lan forever. Zhou Xiaoshan, however, saw through this, directly accusing Uncle Zha of truly wanting the Original Plan.

Uncle Zha, admitting this, offered Zhou Xiaoshan and Qiu Jianing a life free of worries if he surrendered the Plan, even threatening to expose Zhou Xiaoshan's true identity to Qiu Jianing if he refused. Zhou Xiaoshan challenged him to destroy him, knowing that Uncle Zha would then lose the formula. Uncle Zha quickly backtracked, claiming he merely wanted everyone to achieve their desires.

Via a video call, Qiu Jiaxin told Qin Bin she was thriving as a highly skilled doctor in the countryside, working from dawn to dusk and enjoying a healthy lifestyle with mountain spring water and free-range chickens. She playfully teased him about not wanting to return, even joking about marrying there, which made Qin Bin upset. Qin Bin, now noticeably lovesick, confessed to a colleague, Zhao Yan, how much he missed Qiu Jiaxin and worried about her constantly.

Zhao Yan, calling him a "naggy mom," commented on Qin Bin's distracted state. Unable to bear it any longer, Qin Bin decided to take a week off next week to visit Qiu Jiaxin. Meanwhile, Zhu Zhu reported to Qiu Jianing that the air conditioner in Zhou Xiaoshan's dorm had been deliberately damaged. Zhu Zhu implied that Zhou Xiaoshan intentionally vandalized it to justify a room change, likely to move closer to Qiu Jianing.

Qiu Jianing dismissed the accusation, instructing Zhu Zhu to verify the facts before taking action, then sternly reminded her to expedite Zhou Xiaoshan's leave request. Qiu Jianing tried calling Zhou Xiaoshan, but Mo Li snatched his phone, preventing him from answering. Zhou Xiaoshan struggled to retrieve it, desperate to let Qiu Jianing know he was safe. Mo Li questioned whether he feared Qiu Jianing's worry or her discovering his true identity.

She then demanded he hand over the Original Plan, lamenting that his departure for China had made her realize she was insignificant and that struggling only brought pain, a fate she believed also awaited him. Zhou Xiaoshan refuted this, asserting his good heart despite past mistakes. Mo Li retorted that his "kindhearted" nature had him trapped "like a prisoner." She then brandished a gun, threatening to shoot if he attempted to leave.

Zhou Xiaoshan, undeterred, challenged her to shoot, declaring that neither she nor Uncle Zha could threaten him, as he had returned prepared to die. Qiu Jianing repeatedly attempted to call Zhou Xiaoshan, but his phone remained busy. Uncle Zha, aware of the situation, acknowledged that Zhou Xiaoshan should reassure Qiu Jianing, as publicizing the situation would be detrimental. He sent a message from Zhou Xiaoshan's phone to Qiu Jianing that simply read: "Busy, don't worry about me." Elsewhere, Qiu Jiaxin, feeling tired and hungry, began preparing instant noodles when she suddenly encountered an unforeseen incident, being abruptly pulled away from her door.

Episode 39 Recap

Qin Bin initiated a video call with Qiu Jiaxin, who was in a dimly lit room due to a power outage. He noticed she was eating dry instant noodles and had missed both breakfast and lunch, expressing concern for her well-being. Qiu Jiaxin casually mentioned that student parents had brought her candles.

Taking the opportunity, Qin Bin asked her to marry him when she returned, but her phone's battery died at that precise moment, and she did not hear his proposal. Qin Bin was left wondering if she had heard him at all. Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshan, determined to get answers, insisted on seeing Xiang Lan alone, promising Uncle Zha his desired response afterward. Uncle Zha agreed.

Alone with Zhou Xiaoshan, Xiang Lan mistook him for Wenzhao, crying about her inability to forget "Brother Xiaoshan" and pleading for help. Zhou Xiaoshan embraced her, gently clarifying that he was indeed Zhou Xiaoshan, her "Brother Xiaoshan." Xiang Lan then urgently warned him to leave, claiming "they" would kill him, and terrifyingly revealed that "they" had killed his mother.

This shocking revelation left Zhou Xiaoshan stunned, but Xiang Lan quickly fell into another mental episode, preventing him from extracting any more details. Uncle Zha then led a distraught Zhou Xiaoshan away. Zhou Xiaoshan confronted Uncle Zha, accusing him of his mother's murder based on Xiang Lan's words. Uncle Zha initially dismissed Xiang Lan as a madwoman and tried to deflect the blame, suggesting Zhou Xiaoshan was responsible for her mental state.

Enraged, Zhou Xiaoshan held a dagger to Uncle Zha's throat, demanding the truth, even as a gun was aimed at his own head. Cornered, Uncle Zha confessed: Zhou Xiaoshan's mother had pleaded for her son to live a normal life, but Uncle Zha, fearing betrayal and determined to keep Zhou Xiaoshan for his plans, killed her. Xiang Lan had witnessed the murder and, in her distress, threatened to expose him.

To silence her, Uncle Zha fabricated her insanity and had her committed to a mental institution. Overwhelmed by this horrifying confession, Zhou Xiaoshan wept, proclaiming his mother's innocence and vowing revenge. However, Uncle Zha cruelly used Qiu Jianing as leverage, calling Zhou Xiaoshan's love for her his "weakness" and threatening her life. This forced Zhou Xiaoshan to drop the dagger and beg Uncle Zha not to harm Qiu Jianing. Uncle Zha then taunted Zhou Xiaoshan for his perceived weakness.

Qin Bin received another video call from Qiu Jiaxin, but this time her face was not visible. Her voice was weak as she confessed, "Is it true that I've never told you in your face that I liked you?" Qin Bin initially dismissed it as a sudden confession, but Qiu Jiaxin, in a fragile tone, spoke of having a long life to figure out her feelings.

As Qin Bin pressed to see her, he noticed her face was covered in blood. Qiu Jiaxin then admitted, "Master, I may. . . I may not be able to see you again!" before tearfully declaring her love for him, regretting her past hesitation. " As I am reaching the end of life," she said, "I finally realized. I do love you. I won't be able to buy you breakfast from now on." The call abruptly ended.

Zhao Yan then delivered devastating news to a panicked Qin Bin: a massive landslide had buried Qiu Jiaxin's volunteer village, engulfing many farmhouses and leaving six people missing, including Qiu Jiaxin. Qin Bin immediately wanted to go search for her, but Zhao Yan restrained him, explaining that the area was chaotic with ongoing military rescue operations and that Qin Bin would only hinder efforts. At the hospital, Qiu Jiaxin's parents and Qiu Jianing waited anxiously.

Her father recalled how he had tried to dissuade Qiu Jiaxin from volunteering in such a difficult place, but she had insisted. They soon received news that Qiu Jiaxin had been found but was in critical condition, having sustained severe injuries while protecting a patient. Qiu Jiaxin's mother, distraught, angrily confronted Qin Bin, blaming him for her daughter's broken engagement and subsequent decision to volunteer. Qiu Father arranged for Qiu Jiaxin to be transferred for the best possible treatment.

Qin Bin was consumed by guilt, and Qiu Jianing blamed herself for being a poor sister, having spent years abroad and often scolding Qiu Jiaxin instead of spending quality time with her. Overcome with emotion, Qin Bin excused himself to buy food, then broke down crying in private. Qiu Jianing also shed tears, silently praying for Qiu Jiaxin's survival, and sent a concerned message to Zhou Xiaoshan's phone. Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshan, still a captive, refused to eat.

Mo Li tried to persuade him, asking if Qiu Jianing was worth such sacrifice and reminding him that revealing the Plan-O formula to Uncle Zha would grant him freedom as promised. Zhou Xiaoshan countered, asserting that Uncle Zha never intended to free him, citing his mother's murder and Xiang Lan's insanity as evidence of Uncle Zha's cruelty.

He challenged Mo Li to fight for her own desired outcome, asking if she wouldn't prefer a normal, happy life like Qiu Jiaxin's instead of their current one. Mo Li admitted to envying Qiu Jiaxin but felt trapped without choices. Zhou Xiaoshan insisted that one could always choose to fight for a different life, and for him, that meant refusing to commit further evil.

He attributed this newfound resolve to Qiu Jianing, who taught him that kindness exists in the world alongside evil. Mo Li, frustrated, declared him "doomed." Qiu Jiaxin was rushed back to the hospital, critically injured with multiple traumas, including head, neck, and chest injuries, all sustained while trying to protect a patient. Her father considered transferring her, fearing for her life, but the doctors assured him she was receiving the best care there. Moments later, Qiu Jiaxin awoke.

Her family rushed to her side, and her mother, who had finally spoken to Qiu Jiaxin, fainted. Qin Bin took her hand, pleading with her to be brave and fight, emphasizing the importance of her willpower. However, Qiu Jiaxin, in immense pain, confessed she couldn't hold on. Doctors were called back as she struggled again.

The medical team explained that they had done everything possible and her survival now rested on her own will to live, advising the family to say their goodbyes. Qiu Jianing rushed in, reassuring her sister that her pain meant she was still reacting to the world. She lauded Qiu Jiaxin for her bravery in protecting a patient and urged her to fight for her recovery, reminding her not to waste her efforts to become a better person.

Qin Bin joined in, encouraging her to yell at him if the pain became unbearable. Both Qiu Jianing and Qin Bin stayed by her side through the night, continuously offering comfort and encouragement until Qiu Jiaxin pulled through. With Qiu Jiaxin finally out of immediate danger, Qin Bin expressed his gratitude to Qiu Jianing for helping her sister find the will to survive. Qin Bin then inquired about Zhou Xiaoshan, prompting Qiu Jianing to share her growing unease.

She found his recent text messages unusually cold and distant, suspecting Uncle Zha's involvement. Qiu Jianing also revealed that the air conditioner in Zhou Xiaoshan's former dormitory had been deliberately damaged, leading the dorm administrator to believe he intentionally broke it to get closer to her. Qin Bin then confided in Qiu Jianing, sharing Zhou Xiaoshan's unsettling words from before he left: "Take good care of Jianing. . . Just in case I can't come back."

This confirmed Zhou Xiaoshan had anticipated danger, though the nature of it remained a mystery. Concerned, Qiu Jianing called Wenzhao, hoping for answers. Wenzhao, weak and in a hospital bed, was evasive about Zhou Xiaoshan's secrets, though he did assure her that Zhou Xiaoshan was alive. Despite her persistent questioning about Zhou Xiaoshan's activities with Uncle Zha and Xiang Lan, Wenzhao refused to elaborate, stating it was "their own business."

Qin Bin tried to calm Qiu Jianing, urging her to trust Zhou Xiaoshan and not to conjure up worst-case scenarios, believing he would contact her soon. Back in her dorm room, Qiu Jianing received a call from Zhou Xiaoshan's phone, but it was Uncle Zha on the other end. He chillingly informed her that Zhou Xiaoshan no longer loved her and that the man she thought she knew was merely an illusion, a lie.

Challenging her to uncover Zhou Xiaoshan's true identity and his reasons for approaching her, Uncle Zha invited her to come find the answers herself, confidently stating he knew she was brave enough to do so. Hearing this, Zhou Xiaoshan became visibly distressed, pleading with Uncle Zha to leave Qiu Jianing out of their conflict. However, Uncle Zha remained unperturbed, simply telling a frantic Zhou Xiaoshan to calm down and prepare an explanation for Qiu Jianing, whose flight was landing in an hour.

Episode 40 Recap

On his way to the airport, Zhou Xiaoshan spoke to Mo Li, stating that no one could escape the final judgment. After Qiu Jianing landed, Zhou Xiaoshan met her, pulling her into an embrace and telling her she shouldn't have come. Qiu Jianing, however, was consumed by a single question: who exactly was he, and had he truly approached her with an ulterior motive?

Zhou Xiaoshan promised to give her a full answer to her questions and urged her to get into the car. Inside the car, Qiu Jianing pressed Zhou Xiaoshan for the truth, directly asking if his approach was because of Plan-O. He admitted it was and confirmed that his 'Brother' had instructed him, an organization Qiu Jianing identified as TKS.

When she questioned if their relationship was also part of his mission, Zhou Xiaoshan confessed it was initially, but before he could elaborate further, Qiu Jianing declared she didn't need to hear any more. She pulled out a knife and held it to his throat. Mo Li, in the back seat, immediately drew her gun and yelled for Qiu Jianing to release him.

Zhou Xiaoshan calmly stated that cutting an artery would kill him instantly and that she could make her move whenever she decided. Overwhelmed by emotion, believing him to be a liar, Qiu Jianing cried out "Liar!" She then violently grabbed the steering wheel, screaming for him to stop the car, causing the vehicle to plummet over a cliff despite desperate pleas from both Zhou Xiaoshan and Mo Li. After the horrific crash, Qiu Jianing was injured.

Zhou Xiaoshan quickly helped her out of the wreckage and urgently ordered Mo Li to call an ambulance, emphasizing that if anything happened to Qiu Jianing, Zha Zhicai would never acquire the formula. Despite her pain, Qiu Jianing weakly warned Zhou Xiaoshan that if he handed over the formula, she would haunt him as a ghost, explaining that it was Professor Wang's life's work and the hope of everyone in the lab.

Zhou Xiaoshan countered that she needed to survive to exact revenge and threatened to immediately hand over the formula if she died. Qiu Jianing confessed her hatred for him, but Zhou Xiaoshan declared his profound love for her, assuring her he had never lied about that. He continued to beg her to hold on and stay alive. Later, as Qiu Jianing lay pale in her hospital bed, Zha Zhicai arrived.

He questioned Mo Li about the car accident, suggesting Zhou Xiaoshan had accidentally hurt Qiu Jianing after she discovered his true identity. Zhou Xiaoshan pleaded with Zha Zhicai to leave Qiu Jianing alone, but Zha Zhicai asserted that her fate rested on Zhou Xiaoshan's actions. Zha Zhicai then proposed a negotiation, but Zhou Xiaoshan reiterated his refusal to hand over the formula.

Zha Zhicai threatened to kill Qiu Jianing, but Zhou Xiaoshan confidently stated that he wouldn't dare, explaining that as a Chinese scientist, her death would cause an international incident, inevitably exposing TKS's illicit activities. Zhou Xiaoshan offered to return to Zha Zhicai's service if Qiu Jianing was released once she recovered. Zha Zhicai, still intent on obtaining the formula, tried to sway Zhou Xiaoshan by promising them a carefree life together, free from interference.

Zhou Xiaoshan rejected the offer, stating that for Qiu Jianing, Plan-O was more important than her own life, and to hand over the formula would be to personally end her. Zha Zhicai ominously warned that Professor Qiu would not be leaving Europe if Zhou Xiaoshan remained uncooperative. Qiu Jianing was discharged from the hospital, her condition stable.

Zhou Xiaoshan returned the knife she had used to her, remarking that, by the rules of the jungle, her own knife should be sharpened with her own blood. Qiu Jianing acknowledged her house arrest, deeming it unlawful. Under Zha Zhicai's confinement, Zhou Xiaoshan instructed Qiu Jianing to obey him and not act rashly, as she had no other choice.

Despite her lack of trust, he assured her he would never betray Plan-O and would do everything in his power to ensure her safe return to China. Zhou Xiaoshan cooked a meal and asked Qiu Jianing to help slice the beef. Enduring the pain of her wound, she precisely sliced the meat, a departure from her previous tendency to cut it into cubes, a change noted by a composed Mo Li.

Qiu Jianing quickly finished eating, her aloofness unsettling Zhou Xiaoshan. Later, when he tried to change her wound dressing, a struggle ensued, and he accidentally aggravated her injury, causing it to bleed again. Zhou Xiaoshan apologized, applying a special ointment to prevent scarring. Qiu Jianing then stoically told him to convey to Zha Zhicai that she possessed nothing but her life, and he could take it if he wished.

Late that night, Zhou Xiaoshan stood outside Qiu Jianing's door, offering to tell her a story, which she initially dismissed. He began narrating the tale of a boy from a tea-growing village whose father died when he was six. The boy and his mother faced constant bullying, and in his desperation to protect her, he learned to fight and use a gun at a young age, though his strength was insufficient.

His fate changed when he saved an influential figure who became his adoptive father. This man recognized the boy's talent and took him to Europe, providing him with the best education. The boy's mother was initially grateful, but eventually realized her son was being used for illicit missions. She pleaded with the adoptive father to stop, but he cruelly murdered her, a truth hidden from the boy.

Unaware, the boy continued to complete illegal missions, wishing only to repay his adoptive father and return to his mother for a peaceful life. Zhou Xiaoshan concluded that the boy was wrong from the beginning, realizing that once one steps into darkness, the only true path is to find a way out.

He then addressed Qiu Jianing, reflecting that he once believed not everyone had a choice, but now understood that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, could choose good and light. He vowed never to allow his beloved woman to be swallowed by darkness again, echoing her earlier sentiment of not repeating past mistakes. Upon waking, Qiu Jianing found Mo Li angrily tearing up her magazine in the living room.

Qiu Jianing mocked Mo Li's inability to conceal her emotions, questioning her suitability for their profession. Mo Li retorted with a threat, then attempted to prove her love for Zhou Xiaoshan was superior, claiming she would sacrifice her life for him, unlike Qiu Jianing, who wouldn't even sell the project (Plan-O) for him. Qiu Jianing countered that Zhou Xiaoshan loved her, not Mo Li, revealing he had saved her life.

Qiu Jianing then further provoked Mo Li by stating that if she compromised Plan-O, Zha Zhicai would release her and Zhou Xiaoshan to live anonymously. Mo Li refused to fall into the trap. Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshan met with Zha Zhicai, offering Plan-O's formula in exchange for Qiu Jianing's freedom. He explained that a relationship between them was impossible now, and her feelings on the matter were irrelevant.

Zha Zhicai questioned if he truly wasn't afraid of Qiu Jianing's hatred, to which Zhou Xiaoshan replied it no longer mattered; he only wished for her to survive. Later, as Qiu Jianing prepared to shower, Mo Li insisted on supervising. Qiu Jianing again provoked Mo Li, describing a future where she and Zhou Xiaoshan would disappear, living a life Mo Li could never have. Enraged, Mo Li finally snapped and forcibly held Qiu Jianing's head underwater.

Qiu Jianing, however, remained defiant, asserting that Mo Li wouldn't dare kill her, as Zhou Xiaoshan would surely avenge her, and a relationship between Mo Li and Zhou Xiaoshan was impossible regardless of Qiu Jianing's fate. Mo Li abruptly grabbed Qiu Jianing's arm, stating she would offer her a way out and revealing that her belongings were already packed, indicating her prior preparations.

When Qiu Jianing asked why she was being released, Mo Li clarified it wasn't out of kindness, but because she believed Zhou Xiaoshan would be less burdened without Qiu Jianing. She warned Qiu Jianing never to return. Mo Li then led Qiu Jianing down a small path, claiming it led to the highway where she could easily find a ride to the airport.

In reality, the path was a minefield, a labyrinth of traps laid by Zhou Xiaoshan, and Qiu Jianing's survival was left entirely to chance. When Zhou Xiaoshan returned, he found Mo Li feigning unconsciousness. He saw through her deception, knowing Qiu Jianing, lacking training, couldn't have knocked her out. He furiously confronted Mo Li, choking her and demanding to know Qiu Jianing's whereabouts.

Mo Li defiantly claimed she had killed Qiu Jianing and hidden her body, daring him to kill her in turn. She accused him of lying to himself and doing the wrong thing by refusing to disclose the formula without Qiu Jianing's consent, which she claimed forced her to act. As Zhou Xiaoshan grew more agitated, Mo Li finally revealed that Qiu Jianing was in the forest behind the house, which was a minefield, implying she was already dead and dismembered.

Ignoring Mo Li's attempts to obstruct him and her taunts about his inability to shoot her, Zhou Xiaoshan frantically rushed into the forest to search for Qiu Jianing. Qiu Jianing discovered a warning sign marking a minefield and stood paralyzed with fear when Zhou Xiaoshan appeared. She declared she wasn't afraid of dying, but Zhou Xiaoshan confessed he was terrified of her dying.

Qiu Jianing then confronted him, asking if he had made a deal with Zha Zhicai, emphasizing that her life was more important than Plan-O. Zhou Xiaoshan tried to lead her to safety, but Qiu Jianing adamantly refused, declaring she couldn't betray herself or her country. She questioned if she would still be the woman he loved if she selfishly chose to live by betraying Plan-O.

Episode 41 Recap

As Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan argued near the minefield, they inadvertently triggered an explosion. Zhou Xiaoshan instinctively embraced Qiu Jianing tightly, shielding her, and they narrowly escaped harm. He had previously confessed that he didn't care about anything else, only that she live, even if she didn't love him. He couldn't just stand by and watch her die. Qiu Jianing, however, had insisted that if he truly didn't want her to die, he had to protect Plan-O.

Ultimately, Zhou Xiaoshan agreed to protect Plan-O. As he carried Qiu Jianing on his back, she wished they could continue walking like that forever. Upon their return to the villa, Mo Li confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, lamenting how he had changed and that he would never have scolded or hit her before. She accused him of changing because of Qiu Jianing.

When Zhou Xiaoshan declared that anyone wanting to harm Qiu Jianing would have to kill him first, Mo Li, enraged, held a knife to her own throat, proclaiming she no longer wanted to be his sister. Zhou Xiaoshan disarmed her, telling her that while dying is easy, living on is difficult. He reminded her of his first lesson: never give up the will to survive and always have the courage to live.

He then told Mo Li that they could no longer face each other and she should leave. Zhou Xiaoshan confided in Qiu Jianing that he had never intended to hand over the formula. He had even asked Zha Zhicai to let her go. Qiu Jianing understood that she was the only one who could hold Zhou Xiaoshan in place, knowing that Zha Zhicai, who wouldn't even release his own daughter, would never let her go until he saw the formula.

She admitted to being afraid but was ready, believing that justice might arrive late but would never be absent. Zhou Xiaoshan reassured her, promising to always be there for her. Later, as Zhou Xiaoshan dried Qiu Jianing's hair, he asked about her favorite and most hated things. She listed several, including the fruit wine from Southern California, the sizzling sound of metal in strong acid solution, the noodles he made, and playfully said she hated him.

When she asked him in return, he responded, "You," before admitting he loved good weather and lying in his mother's arms while she cleaned his ears. He revealed that he had always wanted to grow up quickly to fight the bad guys who bullied his mother, never expecting to become a bad guy himself. Zha Zhicai summoned them.

On their way, Qiu Jianing grasped Zhou Xiaoshan's hand, stating she hadn't expected to return alive when she first arrived and had no regrets, having had everything she deserved in life. During the meeting, Zha Zhicai tried to persuade Qiu Jianing to hand over the formula, promising a dream life of wealth and freedom for her and Zhou Xiaoshan.

Qiu Jianing firmly refused, declaring she would never give him the formula, and revealed that she had, in fact, persuaded Zhou Xiaoshan to her side. Zha Zhicai then shared a story about the post-WWII division of German scientific assets, emphasizing that talent is more valuable than drawings or technology, and expressed his admiration for her and Zhou Xiaoshan as rare talents.

Qiu Jianing countered, criticizing his "love for talents" given his actions and stating that true talent has the right to choose its master. She reiterated that neither she nor Zhou Xiaoshan would ever give him the formula. Zhou Xiaoshan then pleaded with Zha Zhicai to release them. Zha Zhicai agreed to let them go, but only after Zhou Xiaoshan completed one last task, implying he needed to be left with "something."

Zhou Xiaoshan told Qiu Jianing he had to leave for a while to complete this final mission and pay off his last debt to Zha Zhicai, after which they would be free. Qiu Jianing desperately urged him not to believe Zha Zhicai, but Zhou Xiaoshan left, and she was once again confined to the villa.

Meanwhile, Wenzhao visited Xiang Lan, who seemed to recognize him but then tearfully mistook him for Zhou Xiaoshan, asking why he took so long to visit. Wenzhao tried to correct her, identifying himself as her husband, but she rejected him and became agitated, falling into another episode of distress and screaming that she would kill him. Zha Zhicai's task for Zhou Xiaoshan was to bring back Xiaohui, Xiang Lan's daughter.

It was Xiaohui's birthday, and a party was underway, but she was hiding in her room, waiting for her mother. Zhou Xiaoshan entered her room wearing a mask, introducing himself as "Black Shadow" from a comic book. Xiaohui expressed a desire to be a witch, and Zhou Xiaoshan suggested they attend the party together to await her mother, hinting at a magician who could help her become a witch. Xiaohui agreed to join him.

As Zhou Xiaoshan led Xiaohui into the party, Wenzhao spotted them and, appearing tense, called Xiaohui to his side. Just as Wenzhao was about to remove Zhou Xiaoshan's mask, the lights suddenly went out. In the ensuing chaos, Zhou Xiaoshan swiftly took Xiaohui and left. In the car, Xiaohui seemed unfazed, believing Zhou Xiaoshan was taking her on a trip.

She innocently wondered if her mother was also on a long trip, which was why she hadn't returned in five years, since Xiaohui was two. Zhou Xiaoshan affirmed that her mother must have planned a very long trip. Qiu Jianing awoke the next morning with no news of Zhou Xiaoshan. A subordinate of Zha Zhicai told her that no news was the best news. At Aoyoung Hospital, Qiu Jiaxin, tired of resting, went to Qin Bin's office.

She found him with Jiang Ruoxi and teasingly asked if they would marry, while Qin Bin tried to get her to return to her room. Just then, Qin Bin received a timed email from Qiu Jianing. In the email, written on a flight to City A, Qiu Jianing expressed her suspicion that Zhou Xiaoshan was a corporate spy intending to steal the Plan-O formula, believing everything might be a trap.

She stated she was going to investigate thoroughly to ensure Plan-O wasn't stolen. She instructed Qin Bin that if she didn't return within ten days, it would mean her conjectures were correct, and he should release the email to the public to expose the wrongdoers and ensure they received their deserved punishment. After gently coaxing Qiu Jiaxin back to rest, Qin Bin immediately went to Professor Sun Lei.

Sun Lei was alarmed by the email, confirming that only he and Qiu Jianing knew the exact formula, but Zhou Xiaoshan, having worked on core experiments, could easily deduce it. Qin Bin, however, expressed his trust in both Qiu Jianing and Zhou Xiaoshan, believing Zhou Xiaoshan's feelings for Qiu Jianing were genuine. He recalled Zhou Xiaoshan making special arrangements to see him alone before leaving, asking him to take good care of Qiu Jianing.

They decided to report the situation to the police. Three days later, still worried about Zhou Xiaoshan, Qiu Jianing went to see Zha Zhicai. She questioned his motives, reminding him that humans are not weapons and have feelings, and that Zhou Xiaoshan had awakened and would not follow his old ways.

Zha Zhicai conceded he had made a mistake by restraining Zhou Xiaoshan's nature, but wondered if by accommodating it, Zhou Xiaoshan would return to his control, especially if there was still someone in the world he cared about. At that moment, Zhou Xiaoshan returned with Xiaohui. Zha Zhicai then revealed to Zhou Xiaoshan that he was Xiaohui's father, pointing out their strikingly similar eyes.

Zhou Xiaoshan struggled to believe it, but Zha Zhicai confirmed that Xiaohui was the daughter of Zhou Xiaoshan and Xiang Lan. Xiaohui, curious, looked at the room behind Qiu Jianing, which was Xiang Lan's room. She mentioned that she didn't look like her mother, but others said she looked like her father. Zhou Xiaoshan suddenly burst into the room and pulled Qiu Jianing out, frightening Xiaohui who began to cry.

Zhou Xiaoshan refused to accept that Xiaohui was his child, repeatedly telling himself it had nothing to do with him. However, Qiu Jianing could clearly see the strong resemblance between them. Overwhelmed by the truth, Zhou Xiaoshan questioned what he should do, distraught that for five years he had been unaware of having a daughter with Xiang Lan. He seemed to become numb, recalling the night with Xiang Lan in the bathroom before her marriage to Wenzhao. Qiu Jianing was startled to find Zhou Xiaoshan showering fully clothed in the bathroom and gently helped him back to his room.

Episode 42 (Ending) Recap

Picking up from his emotional breakdown, Zhou Xiaoshan pleaded with Qiu Jianing not to leave him, not to abandon him as others had. Qiu Jianing, deeply empathetic, assured him she would stay by his side, comforting him even as he admitted to feeling a lump in his throat and needing to cry. They remained awake through the night.

As morning dawned, Zhou Xiaoshan confirmed his realization that Xiao Hui was his daughter and expressed his conviction that he could not treat her badly. He appeared to be contemplating handing over the formula, which Qiu Jianing immediately tried to prevent, telling him he couldn't do that, even as he apologized. Soon after, Wen Zhao sent for Zhou Xiaoshan, insisting he had a very important matter to discuss despite Zhou Xiaoshan's reluctance.

Wen Zhao confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, revealing he had always known that Xiao Hui was Zhou Xiaoshan's daughter, ever since Xiang Lan became pregnant shortly after their marriage. Wen Zhao recounted how he had still loved Xiao Hui as his own, deeply in love with Xiang Lan despite her carrying another man's child and Xiao Hui calling him "father." Zhou Xiaoshan then declared that Zha Zhicai was responsible for their collective tragedy.

Wen Zhao urged Zhou Xiaoshan to accept their fate, arguing they couldn't defeat Zha Zhicai because they both had weaknesses, unlike the devilish Zha Zhicai. He then pointed to his own deteriorating health, fearing he might soon "fall asleep and never wake up again." He pleaded with Zhou Xiaoshan, asking what would become of Xiao Hui if she were to fall into Zha Zhicai's hands and suffer the same fate as Xiang Lan.

Confronted with this, Zhou Xiaoshan reluctantly compromised, agreeing to accept his destiny and hand over the "Plan-O" formula, making a "deal with the devil" for his daughter's sake. Wen Zhao confessed to being a complete loser in this struggle, but Zhou Xiaoshan corrected him, stating that neither of them were winners and that the war was not yet over. He implored Wen Zhao to survive for Xiang Lan.

Zhou Xiaoshan went to see Xiao Hui, who was sitting with her doll. She offered him her doll, saying it would heal him, and noticed he seemed sick. Zhou Xiaoshan admitted to having a fever, and Xiao Hui gently pressed her head against his, explaining that's what adults did for her when she was sick as a child. He then confessed he was "still suffering" inside.

Xiao Hui asked what was wrong and pointed to his chest, offering to "warm it up for him." Her innocent gestures immediately brought comfort to Zhou Xiaoshan, who told her she had healed him and that it no longer hurt. Mo Li, tasked by Zha Zhicai to retrieve a valuable ruby bracelet, sustained severe injuries during the mission. Zhou Xiaoshan received a frantic phone call from her and found her barely conscious, driving with blood loss.

He tried desperately to get her to a hospital, but with her last breath, Mo Li handed him the bloody gem, affirming, "I did it," before dying in his arms. Zhou Xiaoshan was consumed by grief. Zha Zhicai then feigned sadness over Mo Li's death, commenting on the potential for more casualties.

A heartbroken Zhou Xiaoshan asked when he needed to hand over "Plan-O," and upon being assured of Qiu Jianing's safety, he agreed to prepare a list of raw materials for TKS and instructed Zha Zhicai to set up a laboratory. Later, Xiao Hui confronted Zhou Xiaoshan, asking if he was truly her father and if he would leave her like her mother did.

He hugged her, affirming he was her dad, and then requested Zha Zhicai's permission to take Xiao Hui home with him, which Zha Zhicai readily granted, promising they would be reunited once Plan-O was settled. Zha Zhicai then tried to reinforce his influence by telling Zhou Xiaoshan that the world was a jungle and he needed to be its king to survive. Zhou Xiaoshan returned to the villa hand-in-hand with Xiao Hui, asking her to go to her room first.

He then broke the news to a silent Qiu Jianing that Mo Li was dead. He blamed himself, explaining that he had hit her, which angered her enough to volunteer for Zha Zhicai's mission, ultimately costing Mo Li her life. Zhou Xiaoshan pondered if he had been wrong from the beginning, questioning if things would have turned out differently had they never met. He then instructed Qiu Jianing to leave the following day. Qiu Jianing remained silent.

The next morning, as Zhou Xiaoshan prepared to go and hand over the "Plan-O" formula, he entrusted Xiao Hui to Qiu Jianing's care. Despite Qiu Jianing calling his name repeatedly, he left without looking back. At the TKS laboratory, where all the requested reagents were prepared, Zhou Xiaoshan confronted Zha Zhicai and his team.

He noted the presence of highly explosive and inflammable materials, such as metal magnesium, calcium carbide, ammonium chlorate, ammonium perchlorate, and nitrocellulose, questioning their use in research. He then sarcastically praised the lab's advanced equipment but taunted them for still being unable to produce the formula without him, asserting his professional ability. Holding a bottle of ammonium chlorate, Zhou Xiaoshan threatened to drop it, declaring that no one would leave the lab alive.

Anticipating this, Zha Zhicai revealed his contingency plan: Qiu Jianing was brought in, held at gunpoint. Zha Zhicai used her as leverage, stating that Zhou Xiaoshan's choice would determine everything. Qiu Jianing, brave but fearful, declared she was not afraid to die but was terrified Zhou Xiaoshan might make the wrong choice, which would destroy their love. Zhou Xiaoshan, in turn, told Zha Zhicai that he too feared making the wrong choice, but this time he would not.

He expressed regret that he couldn't keep his promise to guard Qiu Jianing for life and dared Zha Zhicai to kill him. As Zha Zhicai's gun was trained on Qiu Jianing, Qin Bin and the police burst in. Qin Bin quickly pulled Qiu Jianing to safety, but Zhou Xiaoshan seized the opportunity, grabbing Zha Zhicai and holding him at gunpoint, ordering everyone to retreat or he would kill Zha Zhicai.

A terrified Zha Zhicai begged Zhou Xiaoshan to release him, offering to settle all their past grievances. Unmoved, Zhou Xiaoshan confessed to the police that Zha Zhicai had sent him a year ago to Original Life as a spy for the "Plan-O" formula. He explained that he had fallen in love with Qiu Jianing and desired a normal life, but Zha Zhicai had relentlessly tortured him to force him to steal the formula.

After immense struggle, he decided to abandon his mission. Despite Qiu Jianing's desperate pleas for him to put down the gun, Zhou Xiaoshan shared a final look with her, then dragged Zha Zhicai deeper into the lab, pointed his gun at the volatile chemicals, and fired. The lab erupted in a massive explosion, instantly consuming both men in flames. Qiu Jianing witnessed the catastrophic explosion. Later, Qin Bin conveyed the police's preliminary findings: all suspects in the lab perished.

Qiu Jianing, highly emotional, vehemently protested that Zhou Xiaoshan was not a suspect. However, the police had classified the incident as an international commercial crime, with all evidence pointing to Zhou Xiaoshan's involvement. Determined to clear his name, Qiu Jianing resolved to initiate a transnational lawsuit against the TKS conglomerate for illicit trade secret violations and to prove that Zhou Xiaoshan was a good person, not a criminal.

Back at the villa, Qiu Jianing asked Qin Bin for some time alone, and he respectfully waited outside. She then discovered a letter Zhou Xiaoshan had written late the previous night. In the letter, Zhou Xiaoshan expressed that he was not afraid of death but feared that his beloved would not understand the reason for his sacrifice.

He recalled Qiu Jianing's words about protecting one's country and credited her with igniting his desire for light after he had been living in darkness. He revealed that he had emailed her all the evidence of the dealings between TKS and Zha Zhicai, considering it his final contribution to her, to Plan-O, and to the country.

He asked for her forgiveness for not being able to stay by her side and urged her not to cry, seeing this act as his salvation and perhaps his best ending, having come with nothing and leaving with their love. He concluded by praying to encounter her again in a next life where he could live honestly, freely, and in light. Reading his words, Qiu Jianing was overcome with grief, collapsing in tears and repeatedly calling Zhou Xiaoshan's name.

Three months later, news reports confirmed that TKS had issued a statement attributing the theft of "Plan-O" to the private actions of their employee, Gale, who had resigned. Nevertheless, Original Life's lawsuit against TKS for illicit trade secret violations had been filed in City A and was moving forward, despite TKS's significant reputation and stock market losses.

At the launch ceremony for the Phase III clinical trials of "Plan-O," Qiu Jianing, as the project's representative, announced that the project, led by Wang Qitian, had secured a patent and was officially entering its third phase, showcasing their leading position in research. Addressing the ongoing lawsuit with TKS, she stated her belief that the truth would ultimately emerge and justice would prevail.

She then introduced the "heroes" behind the "Plan-O" project, presenting slides featuring key team members: Wang Qitian, Sun Lei, herself, Su Qian, Li Chunran, Zhang Yu, Xie Xiaoxiao, and Tong Mo. The final slide displayed a framed picture of Zhou Xiaoshan, his warm smile gracing the screen. As applause filled the room, Qiu Jianing paused, then smiled genuinely.