Dine With Love Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Dine With Love Synopsis
In order to promote his company, Yu Hao, the owner of a fresh food platform, sponsored and participated in a food show.
But to save time, he asked a substitute on the show to make the dishes.
Yu Hao’s behavior angered the program, who designed to expose the fact, causing Yu Hao’s fresh food company to be attacked by public opinion.
At the critical moment, the director of the PR team left because of Yu Hao’s bad temper.
Su Kelan, who loves family and food, temporarily took over the mess of the public relations department, and cleverly eased the conflict between Yu Hao and the program, convincing Yu Hao to stop cheating the audience.
She became Yu Hao’s cooking teacher and gradually opened his heart.
She found out that the mean and indifferent Yu Hao is actually a gentle person at heart, but he is not good at getting along with people because of a family change in his childhood.
Su Kelan entered Yu Hao’s kitchen and brought the warmth of “fireworks” into his life, not only teaching him cooking skills but also letting him learn to communicate and get along with others through food.
In the end, Yu Hao reconciled with his family and fell in love with Su Kelan, who helped her along the way, and they got married finally.
Dine With Love Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Yu Hao makes a striking impression on the cooking reality show "Dine with Love," where he elegantly prepares stuffed bitter gourd. He uses the dish as a metaphor, suggesting that "to dislike is because one doesn’t understand," implying that even something bitter can be made delicious and reveal a lovely side.
Despite this on-screen persona, Yu Hao is actually the founder of a fresh produce platform driven by efficiency, who detests cooking and uses a body double for the show to promote his company, an act that deeply offends the program team. While outsiders perceive him as a perfect and warm individual, his employees, including Su Kelan, experience his true nature: cold, demanding, and ultimately, like the bitter gourd, nutritious in theory but too bitter to stomach.
When informed of the program team's dissatisfaction, Yu Hao delegates the matter to his PR department. He dismisses a recent press release as "nonsense" and fires Guo Yu, an employee he deems incompetent. Amidst the tension, Su Kelan of the PR department stands out. Known for making "overtime" meals with her health pot, she fosters a positive atmosphere despite the demanding work environment.
As the "Dine with Love" episode airs, public comments rapidly expose Yu Hao's use of a body double, igniting an online uproar and calls for a boycott, with accusations of fakery and rampant capitalism. The online outrage escalates into a full-blown crisis for Yu Hao's company. Jing Chen, the PR director, and other senior executives propose a solution: issuing a statement, controlling online comments, and persuading Yu Hao to learn to cook.
Yu Hao immediately suspects the program team orchestrated the crisis to force his hand, pointing out how the negative comments became a "hot search" in a mere eight minutes. He challenges Jing Chen, accusing his team of failing to manage the program team and instead setting up their boss. During the chaos, Su Kelan prepares a late-night hot pot meal for her overworked colleagues, explaining that while work ensures survival, life is truly about sharing meals with loved ones.
The escalating crisis culminates in Jing Chen's frustrated resignation, followed by two other senior executives. Yu Hao then gathers the remaining PR staff and, after she explains how her cooking enhances efficiency, abruptly promotes Su Kelan to Director of the PR department, offering her double the salary and bonus. Su Kelan's promotion brings immediate pressure. Yu Hao gives her until 9 p. m.
that night to handle the program team or face termination, stating that 24/7 availability is a basic requirement for her new salary. Jin Xuan, the program director, avoids Su Kelan's calls, confident he has leverage over Yu Hao and is already planning to switch sponsors. Su Kelan faces snide remarks from colleagues, but her friend Han Meng fiercely defends her. After an unhelpful call with her boyfriend, Li Xun, Su Kelan feels isolated.
Determined, she disguises herself as a delivery person to infiltrate Jin Xuan’s office. She brings crab roe buns and a forged apology letter from Yu Hao. Although initially resistant, Jin Xuan is swayed by her delicious "salted duck eggs with bitter gourd," which she uses to metaphorically describe Yu Hao's character: bitter but essential, comparing his "nutrients" to the company's payroll. While waiting for Su Kelan's report, Yu Hao inadvertently eats fish balls that she had prepared for stray cats.
He is also confronted in the basement by Guo Yu, the employee he fired. Having been doused in red paint in an act of retaliation, Yu Hao coldly dismisses Guo Yu’s desperate pleas for his job back, which he needs for his father's medical bills, insisting that private matters are irrelevant to the company. Impressed by Su Kelan's competence, Jin Xuan agrees to schedule the next program recording for Saturday, granting Yu Hao another chance.
Later, Yu Hao meets his uncle, Gong Wenxing, who is lamenting another breakup. Their conversation is interrupted when Yu Hao spots Li Xun on a blind date, lying about his job. He and his uncle overhear Li Xun’s mother detailing her plan to use Su Kelan for her mother's care while Li Xun finds a more advantageous partner. Disgusted, they decide to intervene.
As Su Kelan waits for a bus, having declined a ride, Yu Hao anonymously arranges a car service for her. She returns home to the comfort of her mother and a warm meal, a stark contrast to Yu Hao’s solitary existence. The next morning, Yu Hao’s insistent calls rouse Su Kelan, demanding she come to the office on a Saturday. Just as she is leaving, Li Xun calls, falsely claiming he is returning from Chengdu that afternoon.
Moments later, her friend Han Meng reveals she saw Li Xun at a local restaurant the previous night, confirming Su Kelan's suspicions. At work, Yu Hao metaphorically reprimands Su Kelan about lying while pretending to scold a cat, signaling he knows about Li Xun's deception. To foster cooperation, Su Kelan introduces three renowned chefs for Yu Hao to learn from, but he is resistant.
She presents another forged letter, this time from Jin Xuan, and argues that like his fitness routine, learning to cook is a long-term investment in his brand. He agrees only to observe the chefs but dismisses their elaborate dishes as "flashy and unrealistic." When he challenges her on what kind of food "does" fit his brand, Su Kelan shares a profound insight: "Maybe what matters is not what you are eating, but who you're eating with."
Intrigued, Yu Hao challenges her to cook something herself, framing it as an interview to become his private cooking instructor and highlighting the lucrative opportunity for someone in her financial situation.
Episode 2 Recap
Upon discovering Yu Hao's text message from Jin Xuan, Su Kelan serves him a seemingly simple fried rice dish. She explains that simple, readily available ingredients can create the easiest form of happiness, a taste one often misses most, calling it "the ordinary taste for the extraordinary." Yu Hao, however, is critical, believing that things easily obtained are just as easily forgotten and abandoned.
Realizing Su Kelan faked an apology message from him to the program team after seeing her interact harmoniously with them, Yu Hao confronts her. Su Kelan admits to it, explaining her intention was to resolve the grievances between him and the team. Enraged, Yu Hao demands she immediately call Jin Xuan and confess. Su Kelan pleads to go home first to cook for her mother, who is hosting her boyfriend, Li Xun, and his mother.
Dismissing her excuse, Yu Hao criticizes her as a "person full of lies" and tells her to order takeout. Su Kelan argues that it is her private time and she has already worked overtime. When Yu Hao threatens her job, stating that only the weak talk about emotions, a frustrated Su Kelan calls him a "working machine" and declares she will resign if it's the only way to care for her mother.
Meanwhile, at Su Kelan's home, her mother is playing mahjong with Han Meng's parents and Li Xun's mother. The latter complains of a stomachache, blaming free pig intestines from a restaurant, revealing she left a bad review. Han Meng exposes them for greedily taking the free food and then slandering the restaurant. She then confronts Li Xun about a blind date he had at that same restaurant while still with Su Kelan.
Li Xun denies it, but his mother escalates the conflict, insulting Su Kelan's mother for her chronic illnesses and claiming they were doing Su Kelan a favor by dating her, even demanding a "companionship fee." Enraged, Su Kelan's mother throws water at them. Su Kelan shields her mother and falls, leading Han Meng to physically attack Li Xun's mother as her parents try to break up the fight. The chaos is interrupted by Yu Hao's unexpected arrival.
Li Xun immediately tries to ingratiate himself, but Yu Hao grills him on basic marketing data for the Chengdu market, which he fails to answer. Yu Hao promptly fires him. As he leaves, he advises Su Kelan to "have better taste" when picking a man. When Su Kelan follows him out to object to his interference, Han Meng taunts Li Xun, claiming many men, including Yu Hao, are pursuing Su Kelan.
Li Xun's mother accuses Su Kelan of cheating and threatens to hang banners at the company, but Yu Hao calmly details the legal consequences for libel, causing the mother and son to beat a hasty retreat. Later, at the Chrysanthemum Restaurant, Su Kelan uses the excuse of a lost wallet to review surveillance footage. Yu Hao, who is also there with his uncle, Gong Wenxing, hides and observes her.
On the footage, Su Kelan sees Li Xun on his blind date and then spots Yu Hao in the background, realizing he knew about the deception all along. She leaves, understanding the truth. Su Kelan calls Jin Xuan to confess about the faked message, but he reveals he already knew, given Yu Hao's personality. That evening, Su Kelan texts Yu Hao, apologizing for her resignation threat and the faked message.
She also points out that his use of a body double is equally deceptive, urging him to be honest if he chooses to participate in the show. Reading her rational message, Yu Hao is surprised she isn't more emotional after a breakup. Realizing she accidentally took Yu Hao's car keys, Su Kelan goes to the office to return them. Yu Hao is inside, secretly eating the fried rice she made earlier.
He texts her to leave the keys in the pantry to avoid being seen. Su Kelan then initiates a text negotiation for cooking lessons. After some haggling, they agree on a price and schedule, and she agrees to draft a contract. Later that night, Yu Hao secretly watches as Su Kelan cries while disposing of Li Xun's belongings, and sees her accidentally burn her hand. He then uses his cat, Wan Shun, to deliver burn ointment to her doorstep.
The following weekend, Su Kelan arrives with a contract, establishing herself as "Party A" to emphasize respect for the teacher. The first dish is scrambled eggs with tomatoes, chosen for the "Taste of Separation" theme to evoke a sense of nostalgic longing. Though Yu Hao scoffs initially, he follows her guidance.
After he successfully cooks the dish, Su Kelan offers free additional hours, subtly revealing she knows he sent the burn ointment by mentioning the leftover fried rice in his office. The subsequent filming sessions go smoothly with Yu Hao's cooperation. However, Li Xun continues to message Su Kelan, hoping to use her connection with Yu Hao to get his job back, which infuriates Han Meng. The conversation is overheard by Jin Xuan.
To improve crew morale, Su Kelan arranges a team dinner at the Chrysanthemum Restaurant, which Yu Hao reluctantly agrees to sponsor. At the restaurant, they find a couple's duet competition in progress. On stage, Li Xun is falsely boasting about being a "Grand Champion" singer from his university. Determined to expose him, Han Meng pulls Su Kelan on stage, revealing that they were the duo who actually beat Li Xun in the past.
They perform a song and win the competition. As Li Xun's new date mocks Su Kelan, Jin Xuan is about to interject when Yu Hao calls Su Kelan away, leading the crew to their table for dinner.
Episode 3 Recap
At the restaurant's karaoke competition, Yu Hao ensures Su Kelan shines by providing her with an expensive dress and heels. They win with a duet, attracting envy from others. Afterwards, Yu Hao exposes Li Xun for lying about his position as a marketing director and warns him that he will be fired. Qianqian, Li Xun's date, is angered by his deceit and slaps him before ending their relationship. The group then moves to a private KTV room.
Su Kelan, uncomfortable in her heels, goes outside for fresh air and falls. Yu Hao helps her up, an interaction witnessed by Zhang Bi. After signing for their prize, Su Kelan invites Yu Hao to stay, but he leaves. In the KTV room, Jin Xuan is upset that Yu Hao was the hero of the evening, while Han Meng and Gong Wenxing connect and share a kiss. Su Kelan returns to the room feeling down despite her win.
Yu Hao also comes back, saddened by memories of his ex-girlfriend, Shen Zhilin. Zhang Bi seizes the opportunity to get Yu Hao drunk, a scheme Han Meng notices. Later, a very drunk Yu Hao is taken to a hotel room by Su Kelan. In the middle of the night, he wakes up wanting to cook for her.
He leads Su Kelan to the hotel kitchen, where they hide from staff and he finds an ostrich egg to make tomato and eggs. Su Kelan is touched by his gesture, as his words about the value of simple food echo her own philosophy. The intimate conversation leads to a kiss. The next morning, Yu Hao wakes up naked and is shocked to find Su Kelan fully dressed and ready to leave.
Downstairs, reporters are waiting, a setup by Zhang Bi. Yu Hao mistakenly suspects Su Kelan, but she angrily confronts him, making him realize his error. Zhang Bi's plan backfires when she accidentally enters Jin Xuan's room, leading reporters to photograph them together and cause a scandal. The next day, Han Meng and Gong Wenxing get married.
They share their story with Su Kelan and Yu Hao, revealing they knew each other as children when he nicknamed her "Dudu," the name he still calls out in his sleep. Inspired by their story, Su Kelan begins to develop feelings for Yu Hao. Meanwhile, Zhang Bi aligns with Jin Xuan, who also likes Su Kelan, to break up the new couple, just as Han Meng and Gong Wenxing conspire to bring them together.
Overwhelmed by the events, Yu Hao begins to avoid Su Kelan. Su Kelan finds a cat, Wanshun, stuck in a tree. Yu Hao's attempt to rescue it fails due to his fear of heights, and he needs rescuing himself. As Su Kelan helps him down the ladder, the cat darts away, causing Yu Hao to lose his balance and fall on top of her. The ladder then hits his back. He quickly dismisses her concern, which frustrates Su Kelan.
She tells him to stop being irrational and to face their relationship professionally, as they are just supervisor and subordinate. That evening, as Su Kelan helps her mother make noodles, Yu Hao reflects on her words. He starts to record an apology but deletes it, instead sending her a terse message about a work report. Later, Yu Hao slips in the bathroom and severely injures his already sore back.
Unable to reach him by phone, a worried Su Kelan rushes to his apartment and gets the password from Gong Wenxing. As she unlocks the door, Yu Hao yells for her not to come in because he is naked. Ignoring his protests, Su Kelan enters the bathroom to help him.
Episode 4 Recap
Following his fall in the bathroom, Yu Hao repeatedly warns Su Kelan not to enter, but she approaches out of concern. Startled by his shout to close her eyes, she complies. He then instructs her to find him a bath towel. As she navigates the room, she accidentally steps on his injured leg. Just as she hands him the towel, Gong Wenxing and Han Meng arrive, and Han Meng’s scream adds to the chaos.
Eventually, Gong Wenxing helps a mortified Yu Hao get dressed and assists him to the living room sofa. Gong Wenxing then mischievously shows Yu Hao a photo he took of the guest room bed, which has suspicious red stains. He playfully mentions "scrambled eggs with tomato on the bed," prompting Yu Hao to recall the previous night.
He and Su Kelan had shared a passionate kiss, which was cut short when they accidentally spilled a plate of scrambled eggs with tomato onto the bed, halting any further intimacy. Realizing Yu Hao's inexperience and deep embarrassment, Gong Wenxing and Han Meng make an excuse about work and quickly leave, giving the two some space. Su Kelan tries to convince Yu Hao to go to the hospital, but he stubbornly refuses, insisting he is fine and dislikes hospitals.
She offers to care for him, joking that she isn't interested in "innocent boys" and will charge him overtime if he feels awkward. Discovering his apartment lacks a kitchen due to his cost-benefit analysis, Su Kelan challenges his purely economical viewpoint, arguing that comfort cannot be measured in money. She then improvises a dish of "instant noodles with the fragrance of milk" by boiling noodles and adding a milk-water mixture to the seasoning.
Initially skeptical of this "evil food," Yu Hao is surprised by how delicious it is, prompting Su Kelan to note that a proper kitchen could offer even more culinary delights. That evening, Su Kelan shares the personal reason for her love of cooking: after her father's death, she found that takeout never matched the taste of his home-cooked meals. To recapture those cherished flavors, she taught herself to cook, recreating his dishes and finding comfort in the familiar tastes.
Later, she advises Yu Hao to sleep on the firmer floor to help his injured back and offers to stay in the living room in case he needs her. As she leaves the room, she hears him say her name in his sleep. Peeking in, she realizes he is dreaming about work, mumbling about budgets and contracts before unexpectedly thanking "Su Kelan."
The next morning, Su Kelan brings Yu Hao homemade "laozao poached eggs," claiming she bought them from a shop downstairs, though he notes its unusually early hours. She then shows him a video of his drunken antics at the KTV, using it as leverage to make him stay home and rest his back.
While canceling his ride to work, Su Kelan discovers Yu Hao had previously ordered a car for her, and he admits his "business trip" is a lie to avoid worrying his employees. Meanwhile, Han Meng is frustrated with Su Kelan for not seizing the romantic opportunity the night before, urging her to acknowledge her feelings and actively pursue Yu Hao, emphasizing her advantage of proximity.
That day, as Yu Hao’s cooking show is set to premiere, Han Meng assures Su Kelan she can relax, as public attention has shifted to a bigger scandal: the alleged secret relationship between director Jin Xuan and actress Zhang Bi. Zhang Bi’s on-screen denials only fuel the rumors, infuriating Jin Xuan. Despite his harsh words over the phone, Zhang Bi defiantly shows up at his studio, claiming she has a brilliant idea to fix the situation.
While working from home, Yu Hao receives a call from Gong Wenxing, who teases him about whether his Public Relations Director is taking care of him. Just then, Su Kelan arrives with groceries, intending to cook and help him practice for his show since his injury prevents him from going to his family home. Observing Su Kelan's presence through the window or at the door, Gong Wenxing and Han Meng, who had come to check on him, discreetly leave.
Su Kelan prepares a healthy dinner for Yu Hao and announces she is going home to eat with her mother. Yu Hao dismisses family meals as a "ritual" for those with "empty souls," but Su Kelan counters by comparing it to the meaningful NASDAQ bell-ringing ceremony. Later, Su Kelan’s mother astutely remarks that her daughter’s cooking has "tasted a little sweet lately," sensing a change in her heart.
In the following days, Su Kelan establishes a routine of preparing meals for Yu Hao. He grows accustomed to her care, feeling anxious if she's even a minute late, his anticipation revealing his growing reliance on the "rituals" that bring warmth to his life. Sensing his loneliness during his solitary meals, Su Kelan decides to join him. She cooks for her mother first, then brings a bag of ingredients to Yu Hao’s apartment to make hotpot.
As they are about to eat, their meal is interrupted by the arrival of Jin Xuan and his production crew for a "surprise shooting," a plan he and Zhang Bi concocted. Annoyed, Yu Hao tries to block their entry, but Jin Xuan reminds him of his drunken promise at the KTV. As the crew forces their way in, the momentary chaos allows Su Kelan to dash into the bedroom to hide, dropping her phone in her haste.
Yu Hao enters the bedroom under the guise of changing clothes, telling her to prepare a statement for the filming. When he realizes her phone is missing, Zhang Bi, hoping to expose her, urges Jin Xuan to call it. Fortunately, Su Kelan's phone is on silent. Hiding in the wardrobe, she is amused to see a "starry sky" of glowing stickers on the ceiling, along with two large tomato stickers, confirming Yu Hao's quirky fondness for them.
During the shoot, Yu Hao repeatedly returns to the bedroom, citing the need for "speaking notes." On one such trip, Su Kelan’s hair gets tangled in a button on his shirt. As he hastily tries to free it, the button rips off and falls into her hand. She clutches it with a small, happy smile.
After the crew leaves, Yu Hao gives her a spare phone and insists she take a taxi home, claiming it's not "cost-effective" for her to waste time on a bus, though his concern is clear. That night, Su Kelan replays the day's events, blushing as she holds the button. Elsewhere, Su Kelan's ex-boyfriend, Li Xun, starts a new job and is tasked with editing footage for "Dine with Love."
Seeing Su Kelan and Yu Hao together ignites a desire for revenge. Back at the office, Yao Qian and her colleagues spread malicious rumors about Su Kelan, claiming she dumped her ex to pursue Yu Hao and got him fired. Yu Hao overhears this and calls a sudden meeting. He publicly tasks both Yao Qian and Su Kelan with contacting clients. Yao Qian fumbles, unable to provide basic details. In contrast, Su Kelan efficiently handles her client's arrangements, starkly exposing the vast difference in their professional competence.
Episode 5 Recap
In the office, Han Meng messaged Gong Wenxing, relaying that Yu Hao had publicly returned Su Kelan’s phone, specifically mentioning he found it "under the couch" at his house. Han Meng speculated this was an official announcement of their relationship, while Gong Wenxing jokingly wondered if they had been intimate. As colleagues whispered, Yao Qian, a subordinate in Su Kelan’s department, grew anxious, fearing she would be fired for gossiping.
Su Kelan directly confronted Yu Hao about his public declaration, arguing it could mislead people. Yu Hao saw no issue, simply stating where he found the phone. Later, Su Kelan advised Yu Hao to fire Yao Qian, citing her gossiping and incompetence. When Yu Hao hesitated, Su Kelan realized he was concerned that firing Yao Qian would fuel more gossip about her. Su Kelan then took Yao Qian aside, urging her to apologize to herself, not to Su Kelan.
She explained that while gossiping offers a quick way to bond, it ultimately devalues a person and turns them into a topic of ridicule. After their talk, Su Kelan advocated for Yao Qian, telling Yu Hao that her observational skills, though leading to gossip, could be an asset in PR for gauging public sentiment. Yu Hao agreed to retain Yao Qian, warning her against further gossip.
As the workday ended, Han Meng tried to prod Su Kelan to clarify her relationship with Yu Hao, but Su Kelan was hesitant. When Yu Hao announced a sudden business trip to Shanghai, Su Kelan appeared relieved. Han Meng, undeterred, told Gong Wenxing that Yu Hao's trip might actually be beneficial for their relationship, believing that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Gong Wenxing agreed, suggesting that Yu Hao, despite being a workaholic, would eventually miss Su Kelan’s home cooking, as his stomach had grown accustomed to it. Indeed, during his trip, Yu Hao found himself dissatisfied with Shanghai's cuisine. He felt hungry even when full, realizing Su Kelan’s cooking had become an essential comfort. Han Meng advised Su Kelan to post photos of her dishes online to make Yu Hao miss her.
Meanwhile, the company administrator contacted Su Kelan, informing her that Yu Hao requested braised meat and pickled vegetables from the office. The administrator also amusingly mentioned that Yu Hao had been secretly eating fish balls Su Kelan made for Wan Shun the cat, not knowing they were cat food.
As Su Kelan was busy preparing pickled vegetables, she missed several calls from Yu Hao, who, left on his own, attempted to recreate a dish he’d seen her make: instant noodles with milk. When Su Kelan finally called him back, Yu Hao questioned why she hadn't kept her phone on 24/7. Su Kelan calmly countered that her time after work was personal and dedicated to her mother. She then suggested Yu Hao also avoid checking his phone during conversations.
Yu Hao reminded her that as a PR Director, she must be available for emergencies. In response, Su Kelan revealed the theme for their next program was "Making a meal for an old friend living away from home," a concept she felt resonated with his current situation. She explained how dishes made with pickled vegetables evoke the taste of home and lingering memories, suggesting that liking someone's homemade pickled vegetables could symbolize an acceptance of their family and shared history.
Yu Hao found her analogy far-fetched, stating he simply preferred the office's pickled vegetables because he was "used to them." Su Kelan challenged him, asking if he would easily adapt to a new brand if someone introduced it, implying his habits could be swayed. Yu Hao, flustered, abruptly ended the call. As Gong Wenxing’s birthday approached, Han Meng decided to bake him a cake, with Su Kelan joining her.
Han Meng shared her unexpected love story, revealing she decided to marry Gong Wenxing after he tearfully confessed his feelings for her. He admitted he still cherished his childhood "puppy love," Du Du (who turned out to be Han Meng herself), but emphasized his fear of losing Han Meng. His raw honesty deeply moved her. Han Meng advised Su Kelan that finding the right person often takes just "one moment."
Learning that Gong Wenxing and Yu Hao shared a birthday, Su Kelan was inspired to prepare a surprise for Yu Hao. On their birthday, Yu Hao was flying back, declining an invitation from an investor by citing an urgent private event. Meanwhile, Gong Wenxing returned home, disappointed after receiving a text from Han Meng claiming she was unwell. To his surprise, he entered to find his home decorated with balloons.
Han Meng emerged with a cake, having arranged 28 gifts for him, one for each year of his life, to make up for the birthdays he hadn't celebrated since his sister's death. Gong Wenxing was deeply touched. Unbeknownst to Yu Hao, Su Kelan had also prepared a surprise celebration at his old house. Upon entering and seeing the cake, Yu Hao froze, overwhelmed by traumatic memories of his mother's death on his birthday.
He erupted in anger, demanding to know who gave Su Kelan the right to celebrate his birthday and yelling at her to leave. When Su Kelan tried to reason with him, he shouted, “Who do you think you are? Why should I tell you?” Heartbroken and confused by his extreme reaction, Su Kelan left. Learning what happened, Gong Wenxing rushed to a bar to find Yu Hao, ignoring Han Meng’s calls.
At the bar, Gong Wenxing lamented how people celebrate birthdays, recounting that not celebrating his own led him to meet his wife, Han Meng. Yu Hao, in turn, urged his uncle to go home and not keep her waiting. Back home, Han Meng was furious. She accused Gong Wenxing of abandoning her, not answering his phone, and hiding things from her, arguing such secrecy undermined the trust in their marriage.
In a fit of rage, Han Meng smashed the cake she had painstakingly prepared. Later, Han Meng and Su Kelan met, drinking together and commiserating. Han Meng complained about Gong Wenxing’s insensitivity, while Su Kelan confessed her hurt over Yu Hao’s harsh words. Simultaneously, Gong Wenxing lamented to Yu Hao about Han Meng’s anger, saying she was now coldly ignoring him just like the smashed cake.
Feeling remorseful, Yu Hao texted Su Kelan, using the excuse of wanting to learn how to cook as a way to reconnect. The next day, Su Kelan took a day off to accompany her mother for a hospital check-up. While there, she helped an elderly woman avoid a scam and unexpectedly encountered Li Xun and his mother. Li Xun’s mother claimed they had come to see Su Kelan’s mother.
Su Kelan coldly rebuffed them, pointing out that Li Xun had only accompanied her mother for dialysis three times in five years. She told Li Xun they were broken up and advised him to be more sincere in his future relationships. While Su Kelan was distracted, Li Xun’s mother discreetly took her phone. Li Xun then used his knowledge of her old passcode to unlock it and discovered a video of Su Kelan and Yu Hao cooking together.
Episode 6 Recap
Picking up after Yu Hao returned her phone, clearing her name in the office, Su Kelan is with her mother at the hospital for her regular dialysis. While there, she runs into Director Jin Xuan, who is visiting the children from a program he previously filmed. To liven up a dumpling-making event for the kids, Su Kelan suggests making dough animals, which delights the children and impresses Jin Xuan.
Meanwhile, Han Meng and Gong Wenxing are in a cold war over the birthday incident. Gong Wenxing orchestrates a grand public apology, sending flowers and using a loudspeaker outside her office, which successfully placates her. During their reconciliation lunch, Han Meng confronts him about his lack of trust regarding Yu Hao. Their conversation is interrupted when they discover that a video of Su Kelan and Yu Hao cooking together has been posted on Su Kelan's WeChat Moments.
The video, showing Su Kelan's affectionate gazes and their intimate interactions, quickly spreads, causing a stir within the company and damaging her reputation. Unaware of the situation, Su Kelan is unreachable as her phone, which was secretly stolen by Li Xun's mother, has been turned off. While Yu Hao searches for her at home, Han Meng directs the PR department to contain the situation by issuing legal warnings against sharing the clip.
The news also reaches Director Jin's assistant, Zhang Bi, who is distraught that Jin Xuan may have lost his chance with Su Kelan. After returning home with her mother, Su Kelan discovers her phone is missing and sees numerous missed calls from Han Meng on her mother's phone. Upon calling back, she learns about the video. Yu Hao, who is with Han Meng, tells her not to come to the company and gives her an address to meet him privately.
At the restaurant, Su Kelan explains her phone was stolen and she didn't post the video. To manage the scandal, Yu Hao offers her twenty days of paid leave, explaining that without proof, a denial would only fuel more gossip. Misinterpreting his practical solution as a lack of trust, a hurt Su Kelan resigns on the spot.
She confesses that her feelings for him in the video were genuine and tells him that if he cannot face their relationship, he should accept her resignation. She then kisses him and leaves. Han Meng and Gong Wenxing, who were secretly watching nearby, are stunned. They see Yu Hao start to chase after Su Kelan, but he is interrupted by a call from Yang Zhen telling him to go to the airport.
Hesitating, Yu Hao looks at Su Kelan's hopeful face from across the street but ultimately sends a voice message approving her resignation. Gong Wenxing, seeing a message in a group chat, realizes Yu Hao is going to pick up his unforgettable first love, Shen Zhilin. Furious, Han Meng comforts a heartbroken Su Kelan. Gong Wenxing reluctantly explains that Yu Hao went to pick up his ex-girlfriend, Shen Zhilin, a Vice President at Goldman Sachs.
He recounts how she was a pivotal figure in Yu Hao's high school years, transforming him from an underachiever into a top student. Although they broke up five years ago, her return is professionally significant as Yu Hao is seeking investment for his company's IPO. Su Kelan connects the dots, recalling Yu Hao’s cabinet of star-themed items and asking if Shen Zhilin likes tomatoes. The confirmation leads her to believe she can never compete with his past.
At the airport, Yu Hao is reserved during his reunion with Shen Zhilin. Yang Zhen, also present, pressures Yu Hao to re-add her on WeChat for business reasons. Shen Zhilin's vacation is cut short by an urgent work issue in Beijing, forcing her to leave. She hesitates to confess her feelings to Yu Hao, sensing his distance. In the aftermath, a gloating Li Xun brags to friends about Su Kelan losing her job.
With Director Jin's help, Su Kelan joins his program team to investigate the leak. She confronts Li Xun at his company, and in front of his current girlfriend, uses a hidden timestamp on the video to prove he was the one editing and leaking it late at night as an act of revenge. Li Xun is exposed and admits his malicious actions. Su Kelan officially starts her new job, warmly welcomed by the program team.
During the next shoot, Yu Hao arrives as a guest. To his and Su Kelan's surprise, a handsomely made-over Director Jin appears with a bouquet of flowers and publicly confesses his feelings for Su Kelan, stating he has liked her since they first met.
Episode 7 Recap
The highly anticipated confession from Director Jin Xuan to Su Kelan turns into an amusing spectacle after Han Meng mocks the cheesy, scripted lines he prepared, deeming them disgusting. Ditching the script, Jin Xuan gathers his courage and tells Su Kelan directly that he has liked her since they first met.
However, Su Kelan skillfully redirects the grand gesture, reframing it as a "welcoming ceremony" and expressing her honor to join the team, effectively turning his confession into a public induction. Han Meng quickly plays along, warmly welcoming Su Kelan. Yu Hao, present for the entire scene, watches silently with complex emotions. He then proceeds to demonstrate a pickled cowpea recipe on camera, unknowingly echoing Su Kelan’s past words about the dish.
After filming, crew members taste the pickled cowpeas and note their striking resemblance to Su Kelan's. When a staff member asks if she gave the pickled vegetables to Yu Hao, an awkward silence falls. Jin Xuan quickly intervenes, announcing that Su Kelan brought homemade delicacies for everyone. Later, Yu Hao tries to speak with Su Kelan, but her attitude has shifted.
She pointedly remarks that she knows who she shares her food with, unlike someone who "even mixed up which person liked tomatoes." Her clear rejection leads Jin Xuan to infer that her relationship with Yu Hao is far from ordinary. Dejected over his failed confession, Jin Xuan confides in Zhang Bi.
She consoles him by recounting her own journey of losing weight from over 200 pounds to become a celebrity, emphasizing the power of perseverance and urging him not to give up. Meanwhile, Gong Wenxing and Han Meng, frustrated by Yu Hao's inaction, devise a new plan: inviting Gong Wenxing’s mother, who is also Yu Hao’s grandmother, for dinner. Han Meng then convinces Su Kelan to cook for them, claiming her picky mother-in-law adored Su Kelan's pickled vegetables.
Su Kelan reluctantly agrees and is surprised to find Yu Hao at their house. She tries to leave but is persuaded to stay by Han Meng faking a backache. Moments later, Gong Wenxing’s mother arrives and, to everyone's surprise, recognizes Su Kelan from a kind encounter they had at the hospital. Eager to help her grandson, she joins the scheme.
Han Meng subtly tells Su Kelan about Yu Hao’s past—losing his mother young and never celebrating his birthday—to evoke her sympathy. At the same time, Gong Wenxing's mother offers Yu Hao braised meat made by Su Kelan, encouraging him to be open about his feelings. Han Meng then rushes out of the kitchen, falsely announcing that Su Kelan has badly cut her hand. A concerned Yu Hao hurries in, only to find her unharmed.
As he realizes he's been tricked, Gong Wenxing feigns a broken lock, trapping them in the kitchen together. While the three conspirators eavesdrop, the atmosphere is shattered by a phone call Yu Hao receives. Su Kelan notices the tomato charm on his keychain and, distracted, accidentally pricks her hand on some seafood, an injury Yu Hao is too engrossed in his call to see.
Dinner is a tense affair, with only the assist team trying to liven the mood while Su Kelan and Yu Hao remain silent. Afterwards, Yu Hao offers her a ride home, but she firmly declines, telling him that he likes tomatoes and she has no desire to be a "replacement meal." Haunted by her words, Yu Hao musters his courage and drives back to her apartment, only to miss her as she boards a public bus.
That night, both Su Kelan and Yu Hao decide their connection is broken and begin discarding items that remind them of each other. Su Kelan throws out food and a script, while Yu Hao discards his tomato keychain, acknowledging that memories that only bring sadness are best left behind. Encouraged by Zhang Bi, Jin Xuan takes her to a hospital where he regularly volunteers with sick children.
Zhang Bi seizes the opportunity by discreetly calling a doctor to get Su Kelan’s mother’s dialysis schedule, discovering they are at the hospital that very day. Su Kelan soon joins the group. Her mother, observing Jin Xuan’s kindness and artistic talent with the children, forms a very favorable impression and invites him to their home. He readily accepts and drives them home.
Meanwhile, Han Meng's own plan to bring Su Kelan and Yu Hao together at her parents' house is foiled when her group, including Yu Hao, arrives to see Jin Xuan dropping Su Kelan and her mother off. While Yu Hao sits distracted, Gong Wenxing’s mother learns Jin Xuan is his rival.
Gong Wenxing dismisses him as a mere director, but his mother stuns them with the truth: Jin Xuan is the youngest son of the owner of Huajin Energy Group, an identical twin, and a gifted artist who graduated from the California Institute of the Arts, whose casual doodles have been deemed gallery-worthy.
Episode 8 Recap
Following Jin Xuan's unsuccessful confession, he stayed at Su Kelan's home and discovered that her mother was a blogger he had long admired, leading to an immediate bond between them. To help foster a connection between the two, Su Kelan's mother suggested Jin Xuan draw a portrait of her daughter. As he sketched, Jin Xuan became captivated by Su Kelan, but she remained politely distant.
Later, Jin Xuan recounted his lack of progress to Zhang Bi, who advised him to use his artistic talents to create more flattering portraits to win a girl's heart. As she modeled for him to demonstrate, Zhang Bi found herself unexpectedly developing feelings for him. Meanwhile, Han Meng, concerned about Su Kelan and Yu Hao, proposed involving them in her upcoming wedding photoshoot. Her fiancé, Gong Wenxing, gently reminded her that her focus on others' relationships was affecting their own.
He advised her to cherish the person in front of her, as the future of any relationship depends on fate. Han Meng apologized, and Gong Wenxing playfully carried her into their room as a "punishment." The next day, Jin Xuan arrived at Su Kelan's home to give her mother healthcare products. After an awkward delivery where he claimed a friend had given them to him, Su Kelan's mother, impressed by his consideration, warmly invited him to dinner.
Su Kelan politely declined, citing her prior commitment to Han Meng's photoshoot. When Jin Xuan offered a ride, Su Kelan preferred the bus, but her mother intervened, accepting on her behalf. For their photoshoot, Han Meng and Gong Wenxing wore school uniforms to revisit their youth, encouraging Yu Hao and Su Kelan to do the same.
At their old high school, Han Meng teased Gong Wenxing about his past while also having a heart-to-heart with Su Kelan, urging her to be bolder in love and not fear vulnerability. Meanwhile, Gong Wenxing spoke with Yu Hao about his lingering feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Shen Zhilin. Yu Hao admitted he hadn't fully moved on, which was why he had approved Su Kelan's resignation, but clarified he had no intention of reconciling with Shen Zhilin.
Gong Wenxing challenged his cautious approach, urging him to be more proactive in pursuing what he wants. Han Meng and Gong Wenxing's wedding ceremony proceeded joyfully. Later, at the reception, Su Kelan, despite her flat feet and high heels, surprisingly caught the bride's bouquet. Yu Hao approached her, ostensibly to discuss work, but quickly shifted to demanding she uphold their agreement to teach him cooking, threatening her with a breach-of-contract fee if she refused.
Jin Xuan intervened, accusing Yu Hao of harassment. He then unveiled a new plan for the show: a three-day, two-night outdoor shoot in the countryside. Yu Hao, as a primary sponsor, immediately objected, citing his right to approve. Jin Xuan countered that he had secured another, unconditional sponsor, negating the need for Yu Hao's approval. As Jin Xuan tried to leave with Su Kelan, Yu Hao vehemently opposed her participation, arguing her mother's poor health made it impossible.
However, Su Kelan’s mother called at that moment, revealing Jin Xuan had already made arrangements with her and she had given her permission. With his arguments dismantled, Yu Hao declared he would also participate in the filming. Upon arriving at the countryside location, Jin Xuan announced a major rule change: the show would be a cooking competition decided by local residents' votes. He then audaciously claimed Yu Hao had vowed to win or withdraw from the program permanently.
Enraged, Yu Hao confronted Jin Xuan, who remained unyielding. Jin Xuan further provoked him by assigning him a room with a snoring crew member and stating that constant camera surveillance would prevent any cheating, a veiled reference to Yu Hao's past use of a body double. Despite this, Yu Hao affirmed his commitment to the competition. Learning of the sudden changes, Zhang Bi confronted Jin Xuan, upset that he hadn't consulted her.
Concerned Yu Hao might leave, she devised a plan to either help him win or use the opportunity to win his affection. While on their honeymoon, Han Meng called Su Kelan and revealed that Yu Hao has a deep fear of bugs, stemming from a childhood prank. She insisted that his willingness to come to the bug-infested countryside, despite his phobia and Jin Xuan's provocations, was a clear sign of his feelings for Su Kelan.
Upon hearing this, Su Kelan immediately ended the call to find bug spray for him. Later that evening, after a startling encounter with a bug, Yu Hao used the camera-free temporary bathroom to call Su Kelan. He asked her to secretly teach him cooking, proposing they borrow a villager's kitchen and immediately transferring her a generous fee. Su Kelan led him to the home of a kind elderly woman she knew.
The woman warmly greeted them, mistaking Yu Hao for Su Kelan's boyfriend. When Su Kelan tried to gently correct her, the woman, delighted by their company, continued talking over her. Inside, the elderly woman shared her life story, revealing her husband had passed away and her children rarely visited, leading her to make her own funeral arrangements. Moved, Su Kelan then asked the woman to teach her how to start a fire in the traditional kitchen.
Episode 9 Recap
Unbeknownst to Yu Hao, Su Kelan had already arranged to borrow the kitchen from its owner, Auntie Zhao, before he even asked. When Yu Hao learned of this, he was delighted. Under Su Kelan's guidance, Yu Hao prepared a flavorful braised Dongpo pork knuckle. They then invited Auntie Zhao to taste it, and as they chatted late into the night, Su Kelan learned about her parents' early experiences through Auntie Zhao's stories.
Auntie Zhao recounted knowing Su Kelan's parents before she was even born. Su Kelan's mother had gotten lost while visiting relatives and met her father, a volunteer teacher. The two of them then got lost together due to her mother's poor sense of direction. After walking all day, they were found by a fishing boat that brought them to Auntie Zhao's home, where she fed them freshly baked fish and potatoes.
Embarrassed, Su Kelan's father returned the next day to cook braised Dongpo pork knuckle for them, a gesture that ultimately won her mother's heart. Auntie Zhao reminisced that Su Kelan's parents used to visit her every year, bringing Su Kelan along after she was born, but they had stopped coming seven years ago due to their busy work schedules.
Later, as Yu Hao and Su Kelan walked back, Yu Hao spotted bats and, despite his own fear of insects and bats, instinctively held Su Kelan to protect her. Su Kelan observed his conflicting nature, realizing he still held onto his past. She mused that treasuring old friendships and valuing new love are like two sides of a coin, making the choice difficult.
She expressed her willingness to wait for the coin to land, hoping that when the past is finally put to rest, only love will remain. Just as Su Kelan was about to confess her feelings to Yu Hao with a reference to Natsume Soseki, Jin Xuan appeared, interrupting them. He had secretly brought Su Kelan's mother to the location as a surprise for her birthday, a detail he knew from her Weibo posts.
With Zhang Bi's help, Jin Xuan had organized a surprise party. As the celebration unfolded, Yu Hao, feeling out of place, quietly left. After the party, Su Kelan's mother revealed the truth about Jin Xuan's plan. He had approached her, confessing his feelings for Su Kelan and admitting that his initial decision to film on location was an impulsive attempt to drive Yu Hao away. However, he later considered her mother's health and decided to cancel the trip.
Instead, Su Kelan's mother had strongly encouraged Jin Xuan to bravely pursue her daughter. Su Kelan felt conflicted learning of her mother's approval, but her mother assured her that the final decision was hers alone and that her happiness was what mattered most. Meanwhile, downstairs, Zhang Bi and Jin Xuan celebrated what they believed was a successful step in their plan. When Zhang Bi noticed Yu Hao was not in his room, she went out to look for him.
Su Kelan, equally worried, also rushed out after settling her mother. Jin Xuan took the opportunity to confess to Su Kelan, but she gently interrupted him, explaining that she was worried about Yu Hao and didn't wish for their relationship to cross the line from friendship. As Jin Xuan watched her leave, he recalled Zhang Bi's encouragement and decided to follow her. With Yu Hao's phone dead, Su Kelan used a walkie-talkie to try and reach him.
She found it abandoned in a pavilion just as she saw Yu Hao pulling Auntie Zhao out of the river. Yu Hao's timely rescue saved Auntie Zhao's life, but she was emotionally distraught. He explained that she had tried to drown herself after learning her daughter, Jiabao, wasn't coming home again. As a lonely elderly woman in the village, she had fallen into a deep depression.
The situation reminded Yu Hao of his own painful past, recalling his regret over not realizing his own mother had depression until it was too late. His story made Su Kelan finally understand his aversion to birthdays. Just then, Jiabao called.
Despite Auntie Zhao's protests, Su Kelan took the phone and explained how much her mother was suffering, emphasizing that elders often hide their pain for their children's sake and warning that Jiabao would live with lifelong regret if the worst had happened. Moved, Auntie Zhao took the phone and tearfully expressed her longing for her daughter. Realizing her mistake, Jiabao promised to return the next day with her child.
In a separate search, Jin Xuan located a distressed Zhang Bi and carried her back. Meanwhile, on their way back, Yu Hao shared with Su Kelan his childhood affection for Doraemon and his wish for a closet he could sleep in. Su Kelan finally understood that the closet in his bedroom was not for a past girlfriend but a cherished, painful memory of his mother. Seeing his vulnerability, she instinctively embraced him.
As they parted, Yu Hao used the walkie-talkie to apologize for his past actions and sincerely asked her to be with him. Just as Su Kelan was about to respond, Jin Xuan emerged and made his own heartfelt confession, urging her to think carefully. Without giving her a chance to speak, Yu Hao pulled Su Kelan into a passionate kiss, which she returned, making her choice clear. Jin Xuan and Zhang Bi's plan had failed.
Afterward, Su Kelan and Yu Hao's relationship blossomed. When the program they filmed was released, some female colleagues gossiped that Su Kelan was manipulative. However, Yao Qian defended her, revealing that the damaging video clip had likely been leaked by Su Kelan's ex-boyfriend, who worked at the marketing company that edited the show. At that moment, Yu Hao brought Su Kelan back to the company and silenced the gossip by publicly announcing her appointment as Vice President.
Overwhelmed by the new responsibility, Su Kelan complained to Yu Hao that he had promised her the role of President's Secretary, not second-in-command of the entire company. Yu Hao explained his rationale: the President's Secretary needed to be "his person" with high emotional intelligence, and she was the most qualified person to oversee the business, public relations, and marketing departments as the company prepared to go public.
Sensing her lingering frustration, Yu Hao noticed her uncomfortable high heels, worn to maintain the company's image. He opened his office closet, revealing it was stocked with clothes and flat shoes he had prepared for her, insisting she shouldn't suffer for appearances. Though touched, Su Kelan reiterated that she couldn't handle the immense workload, stating that working on the listing as his secretary was her limit, as she needed time for her mother. Yu Hao then smiled, said he was just kidding about the pressure, and playfully asked her to stay a little longer, remarking on how little alone time they'd had recently.
Episode 10 Recap
Following the announcement of her promotion, Su Kelan is pulled into an office by Yu Hao, where they share a passionate kiss. Later, colleagues notice that both Su Kelan and Yu Hao have changed their clothes, exchanging knowing glances. While most colleagues are respectful of Su Kelan's new role, Director Wang is openly disdainful. He instructs a subordinate to exclude the PR Department from a new project, fearing Su Kelan will ruin it.
When Su Kelan, having not received a meeting notice, directly approaches Director Wang, he sarcastically reminds her of her VP status, implying she can call any meeting she wants. He then deflects by tasking her with resolving a contract dispute, specifically a problematic clause, before their next meeting. While driving Su Kelan home, Yu Hao asks why she hasn't embraced the VP role, arguing that it would be a great career move and allow them more time together.
Su Kelan expresses concern about who would care for her mother. Yu Hao clarifies that he supports her caring for her mother but feels her life has become too centered around it, preventing her from planning her own future. He urges her to prioritize herself, adding that her mother "can't stay by your side forever," which offends Su Kelan, causing her to abruptly leave the car. Unbeknownst to them, their argument is observed by Zhang Bi.
On the phone, Zhang Bi expresses delight that Yu Hao's company is seeking a new spokesperson, seeing it as a chance to "reignite the fire" between them. Convinced that Yu Hao and Su Kelan’s relationship is unstable, she pressures Jin Xuan to pursue Su Kelan, arguing they are a better match. At Zhang Bi's urging, Jin Xuan visits Su Kelan’s home with fish, a food her mother enjoys.
Su Kelan's mother warmly welcomes him, thanking him for his "help" with her daughter. As Jin Xuan is leaving, he conveniently "forgets" his phone, prompting Su Kelan to follow him downstairs to return it. Yu Hao, who had arrived nearby, witnesses their interaction. To explain Jin Xuan's presence, Su Kelan tells Yu Hao that her mother had forgotten her medicine and Jin Xuan had brought it over. A jealous Yu Hao then sarcastically thanks Jin Xuan for his help.
Defending his presence, Jin Xuan asserts that because "Auntie is the most important person to Kelan," it was natural for him to help, taking a jab at Yu Hao by calling him "self-centered." After Jin Xuan departs, Yu Hao joins Su Kelan and her mother for an awkward dinner. His stilted attempts at conversation, like merely observing that the food was "tofu," lead Su Kelan’s mother to playfully call him a "conversation killer."
Later, as Su Kelan walks Yu Hao out, he admits his jealousy. Su Kelan suggests that in their relationship, they both need to compromise to find their rhythm. She proposes a new rule: whoever gets upset in the future will be "punished" with a kiss from the other, before initiating a kiss herself. Their moment is interrupted when they receive calls from Han Meng and Gong Wenxing, respectively, learning the couple divorced immediately after their honeymoon.
The cause was Gong Wenxing trading their wedding ring for a handmade bracelet during the trip. Han Meng is heartbroken, viewing the ring as a sacred promise, while Gong Wenxing dismisses it as "just a ring" and feels her reaction is unreasonable. Both Su Kelan and Yu Hao believe their friends are acting impulsively and will soon reconcile.
After comforting Han Meng, Su Kelan goes to the office and finds Yu Hao searching online for "How does one get along with the mother-in-law?" , which amuses her. She learns his difficulty with small talk stems from a childhood trauma involving his grandmother separating him from his father after his mother's death. She then prepares sweet soft bean curd for him. Yu Hao, accustomed to savory food, finds the sweet version odd.
He then suggests they stay to work, having already locked the office door to ensure they won't be disturbed. The next morning, colleagues notice intern An Jie’s dark circles. He explains he was accidentally locked in the office overnight, implying he witnessed Yu Hao and Su Kelan's private time. Yu Hao is mortified by the ensuing gossip.
When questioned by a curious Han Meng, Su Kelan clarifies they simply worked all night due to a late call from Director Wang, much to Han Meng's disappointment. Han Meng remains adamant that her divorce is serious, reiterating the ring's symbolic importance. Meanwhile, Gong Wenxing jokes about the Murphy bed in Yu Hao's office, leading to another misunderstanding when An Jie walks in on them struggling over the remote.
Yu Hao urges Gong Wenxing to leave, but he defiantly states that he has already apologized for the ring and doesn't believe it's more important than him. Han Meng arrives with Su Kelan just in time to overhear his dismissive words. Enraged, she pulls the ring from her finger, flings it out the window, and declares their relationship over. Later, a regretful Han Meng searches for the ring in the grass below, but cannot find it.
Director Wang formally proposes that Zhang Bi and Yu Hao co-endorse "What to Eat Next." Su Kelan immediately opposes the idea, arguing that Zhang Bi's image is a poor fit for the program's target female audience and could negatively affect sales. Director Wang sarcastically suggests her judgment is clouded by her personal relationship with Yu Hao. To pressure her, he leaks the endorsement news to the media.
The story trends, but public reaction is overwhelmingly negative toward Zhang Bi, throwing the company into chaos. Su Kelan devises a damage control strategy: they will claim the endorsement news was a misunderstanding and that Zhang Bi is simply making a "friendship appearance" in a commercial. This would save face for both Zhang Bi and the company.
Su Kelan tasks Han Meng with coordinating the new plan and contacts Jin Xuan to ensure Zhang Bi's role in the commercial contains no romantic elements. When Han Meng asks if she's worried about Yu Hao working with Zhang Bi, Su Kelan confidently replies that if he were the type of man to make her worry, she would "rather dump him."
Episode 11 Recap
Zhang Bi found herself in tears, confiding in Jin Xuan about the public backlash she faced, with people accusing her of throwing herself at someone for a commercial deal. To cope, she made a grand gesture, booking an entire restaurant and personally barbecuing for the film crew. Jin Xuan, witnessing this uninhibited side of Zhang Bi, found himself captivated by her unexpected optimism. Jin Xuan later revealed that Su Kelan had asked him to come and comfort Zhang Bi.
Zhang Bi, initially annoyed by Su Kelan's "excessive kindness," eventually admitted that while everyone seemed to favor Su Kelan, she felt no one liked her. That evening, Su Kelan accompanied Han Meng back to Gong Wenxing's house to pack some clothes. Gong Wenxing's mother unexpectedly returned and, upon seeing Su Kelan, warmly invited her to stay for dinner, insisting that Yu Hao join them as well. With everyone seated, a palpable awkwardness filled the air, and conversation lagged.
Gong Wenxing's mother grew increasingly impatient, repeatedly texting her son, who remained unresponsive. Yu Hao, too, was preoccupied with his phone, reviewing an urgent contract, prompting Gong Wenxing's mother to playfully threaten to confiscate it. Finally, Gong Wenxing arrived, disheveled and covered in mud and bits of grass. His mother immediately launched into a tirade, criticizing his appearance and irresponsibility. Already on edge, Gong Wenxing snapped. He vehemently pushed back, expressing his long-held resentment.
He recounted how he always felt secondary to his own sister and nephew, Yu Hao, and unappreciated by his mother, forced to constantly accommodate everyone else's preferences, even down to their food choices. He revealed he had fought with Han Meng earlier, which was why he forgot about dinner, but no one had cared about his feelings.
Overwhelmed, Gong Wenxing stormed out, but not before handing Han Meng a retrieved wedding ring, which he had clearly just dug out of a drain. Witnessing Gong Wenxing's outburst, Han Meng realized the extent of her own shortcomings. She admitted to Gong Wenxing's mother and Su Kelan that she had taken his unwavering indulgence for granted, becoming increasingly willful. Encouraged by Su Kelan, Han Meng found Gong Wenxing and expressed her sincere regret, promising never to leave him again.
Gong Wenxing acknowledged his own misstep in trivializing the ring earlier. The couple fully reconciled and headed home together. Meanwhile, Su Kelan and Yu Hao discussed work-life balance. Su Kelan urged Yu Hao to prioritize his personal life, sharing a poignant story about a family car accident that taught her time with loved ones is irreplaceable. She implored him to be more present with his family.
When the conversation turned to Zhang Bi's commercial deal, Su Kelan suggested finding a more suitable endorsement for her. To her surprise, Yu Hao presented her with his phone, revealing he had already secured a new endorsement contract for Zhang Bi. Later, Yu Hao accompanied Su Kelan to her home, where they cooked dinner together, their affectionate gestures warming Su Kelan's mother's heart.
Across town, Han Meng and Gong Wenxing enjoyed a peaceful dinner with Gong Wenxing's mother, their family ties mended. Director Wang later approached Su Kelan to thank her for securing Zhang Bi's new endorsement. However, Su Kelan clarified that her decision was purely a business one to protect the company's image, not out of personal sympathy for him. As Yu Hao prepared for a dinner party, Su Kelan picked out an understated gray suit for him.
When Yu Hao, without hesitation, began changing in front of her, it briefly flustered Su Kelan. Once dressed, Yu Hao paused by the office door and, noting they had half an hour to spare, closed it. He held Su Kelan close and kissed her forehead, explaining he merely wanted a quiet moment with her. Their privacy was interrupted by An Jie, who, upon opening the door and seeing them, quickly retreated.
Director Wang then called Yu Hao in a panic: Zhang Bi was being held up by her film crew, who refused to release her for the commercial shoot due to their tight schedule. En route to the film set, Su Kelan took charge. She spoke directly to Director Li, the film's producer, while simultaneously having Yao Qian pull up the film's location chart.
Discovering the crew needed a supermarket location, Su Kelan proposed a win-win solution: her company would provide their supermarket for the film's use for free. Director Li agreed, promising to release Zhang Bi. To ensure the agreement was honored, Su Kelan and An Jie went directly to the film set with a carload of fresh ingredients as a goodwill gesture. There, she secured Director Li's signature on the contract. The commercial shoot proceeded smoothly.
During a media interview, Yu Hao skillfully redirected questions about dating rumors, emphasizing the commercial's message. Witnessing Su Kelan's exceptional problem-solving skills, Director Wang was deeply impressed. Yu Hao later explained to Director Wang, a friend of ten years, that he had appointed Su Kelan as Vice President to give her the opportunity to prove herself, not due to any lack of trust in him. That evening, Han Meng skipped a dinner party to be with Gong Wenxing.
She arrived home to a surprise: Gong Wenxing had meticulously arranged a display of birthday gifts from every year of her life, culminating in the reappearance of the redeemed wedding ring. Han Meng was deeply moved. Meanwhile, Su Kelan accompanied Yu Hao to the dinner party, where Zhang Bi observed them, feeling a pang of inferiority. Soon after, another woman arrived whose presence rivaled Su Kelan's: Shen Zhilin, Yu Hao's ex-girlfriend and a Vice President at Goldman Sachs. Yu Hao publicly introduced Su Kelan as his girlfriend, causing Shen Zhilin’s smile to vanish as she greeted Su Kelan, introducing herself as Yu Hao's college classmate.
Episode 12 Recap
At a dinner party, Su Kelan professionally introduces herself as the one in charge of her company’s listing, extending a welcome to Shen Zhilin, the Vice President of Goldman Sachs and a college acquaintance of Yu Hao. Shen Zhilin arrives with a theatrical air, presenting expensive Beluga caviar to assert her status. She then deliberately picks up a mango-flavored cake, prompting Yu Hao to immediately remind her of her severe mango allergy.
While Yu Hao’s warning is a simple act of concern, it implies a past intimacy that leaves Su Kelan feeling uneasy. Meanwhile, Zhang Bi, finding the elite gathering stifling, struggles to maintain her composure, secretly disliking the caviar and the restrictive elegance of the event. After the party, Zhang Bi eagerly meets Jin Xuan for street food, relishing the freedom. As they eat, she recounts her frustrations, mispronouncing the Goldman Sachs "VP" as "God man sucks wei pae."
Jin Xuan clarifies she is referring to Shen Zhilin, expressing surprise that she returned after five years and attended the event uninvited. Meanwhile, after a heartfelt reconciliation, Han Meng and Gong Wenxing share an embrace. However, Gong Wenxing pulls away, stating his ethical stance against pre-marital relations and proposing they get a marriage license the next day.
While he showers, Han Meng sees a company group chat message revealing that Yu Hao's ex-girlfriend, the Goldman Sachs VP, was at the dinner. Furious, she confronts Gong Wenxing, who then remembers that the password to Yu Hao's apartment, which he set with Shen Zhilin, has never been changed. Before Han Meng can warn Su Kelan, Shen Zhilin has already used the old password—a combination of Yu Hao's and her birthdays—to enter his apartment.
Yu Hao emerges from the shower just as Su Kelan, in the bedroom, overhears Shen Zhilin’s voice and hesitates to come out. Yu Hao calmly confronts Shen Zhilin for trespassing. She claims she is there to discuss underwriting for the company's public listing, but Yu Hao's firm stance forces her to concede, and she agrees to wait for him in a coffee shop downstairs. Su Kelan receives Han Meng’s warning message, but it is too late.
She is unsettled by the unchanged password, wondering if Yu Hao still harbors feelings for his ex. When Yu Hao asks why she didn't come out, Su Kelan explains that Shen Zhilin’s late-night intrusion was a deliberate provocation. She reasons that showing anger or feigning composure would both play into Shen Zhilin's hands. Understanding her dilemma, Yu Hao proposes they go downstairs together. Su Kelan agrees but, still upset, insists she will return to her own home afterward.
Shen Zhilin's hopes are shattered when Yu Hao arrives at the coffee shop holding Su Kelan’s hand. He unequivocally states that their home is a private space, not for business. He declares that since their breakup, he wants no contact with her, professionally or personally, and makes it clear Goldman Sachs will not be considered for the partnership. He explains he wants to avoid giving her false hope or making Su Kelan feel insecure.
As Han Meng and Gong Wenxing watch from nearby, they applaud Yu Hao's decisive handling of the situation. Mollified, Su Kelan returns home with Yu Hao, who reveals he has changed the password to a combination of two of their relationship anniversaries and has a gift waiting for her. The next morning, he presents her with a pair of matching accessories, symbolizing his commitment. Later, Shen Zhilin visits Yu Hao’s company to meet Su Kelan privately.
After exchanging contact information under the guise of work, Shen Zhilin sends Su Kelan numerous photos from her past relationship with Yu Hao. She recounts that she broke up with him in a fit of anger after he decided to start a business in China without her, subtly implying Yu Hao chose Su Kelan for being an "obedient" replacement.
Su Kelan retorts that Yu Hao values her not for obedience but for her ability to make him more collaborative, and she asks Shen Zhilin to stick to business in the future. Just then, Su Kelan encounters Yu Hao and an investor, Yang Zhen, who pointedly ignores her. Yang Zhen criticizes Yu Hao for promoting his girlfriend to VP, accusing him of mixing business with pleasure.
He reveals he knows about a "flirtatious video" Su Kelan previously posted, implying she is manipulative. Despite Yu Hao’s defense of her capabilities, Yang Zhen is unconvinced. He informs Yu Hao that Shen Zhilin had arranged an introduction to Frank from Yun Teng for a strategic investment, an opportunity he has now missed. Yang Zhen delivers an ultimatum: if Yu Hao fails to secure a new strategic investment soon, he will withdraw his funds at the latest valuation.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Su Kelan commits to working alongside Yu Hao, and they endure many late nights at the office. Yu Hao decides to approach Chairman Shi of Chuangying for investment, despite having publicly called him an "idiot" years ago after being rejected. Su Kelan repeatedly visits Chairman Shi’s company, facing constant rejections, but her persistence, combined with a sincere apology email from Yu Hao, finally secures a meeting.
To help her cope, Yu Hao surprises Su Kelan with a tour of a luxurious apartment he is preparing. He reveals his plan to have her and her mother move in with him, along with Gong Wenxing and Han Meng’s parents, so her mother won't be lonely. He shows her a newly redecorated kitchen, perfectly designed to fit the utensils they won together, touching her deeply.
Meanwhile, Shen Zhilin receives a call from Chairman Wu, an old acquaintance, who asks for her opinion on Yu Hao's reliability now that Chairman Shi is considering investing. As Yu Hao prepares for a business trip to Shanghai, he pulls out a shirt missing its second button and playfully asks Su Kelan to sew it on, which she lovingly does. During this stressful time, Su Kelan’s mother secretly battles worsening thrombotic heart failure, confiding only in Jin Xuan.
Unaware of the severity, Su Kelan diligently checks on her mother, ordering her healthy takeout and reminding her to take her medication. Though her mother is reluctant to move, fearing loneliness in the new house, Su Kelan coaxes her with promises of a future photoshoot, demonstrating her unwavering care amidst the professional crisis.
Episode 13 Recap
Su Kelan’s mother went to the hospital with Jin Xuan for a check-up, where she confided in him about feeling dizzy and having intermittent pain. Jin Xuan urged her to tell Su Kelan, but her mother dismissed the idea, saying it was useless for her daughter to worry. MRI results confirmed she had thrombotic heart failure. The doctor advised conservative thrombolysis, which was less harmful but might not fully cure the disease and carried a risk of thrombus detachment.
Surgery for angioneurosis was another option, but her current health condition made it too risky due to potential complications. Back home, Su Kelan called her mother before leaving for a business trip, suggesting she hire movers for an upcoming move. Her mother assured her she would manage. Later, while looking at newly printed photos, Su Kelan’s mother suddenly felt her vision blur and collapsed.
Meanwhile, Jin Xuan's mood at work was foul, as he had been furious since Su Kelan’s absence from the set. His crew whispered that Yu Hao’s reduced presence on their program might be an attempt to ensure Su Kelan stayed in contact with Jin Xuan. Jin Xuan was seen throwing darts with intense focus, as if picturing Yu Hao as the target.
His temper flared further when Zhang Bi called, but her frantic claims of a life-or-death emergency made him rush to meet her. Upon arrival, he found Zhang Bi had simply booked a restaurant for a "celebration." Zhang Bi excitedly announced that Yu Hao had bought a villa in her neighborhood, just a five-minute walk from her home. She saw it as a sign of destiny and toasted to it.
Jin Xuan immediately poured cold water on her enthusiasm, stating Yu Hao bought it for Su Kelan and her mother. He bluntly told Zhang Bi to "wake up," accusing her of being delusional, self-indulgent, and disgraceful. Hurt and angry, Zhang Bi retorted that she had only been trying to help him, especially since he was too much of a coward to confess his feelings to Su Kelan. She then stormed out, leaving her phone behind.
Jin Xuan picked it up and saw messages from crew members asking if he was in a better mood, realizing Zhang Bi had genuinely been trying to cheer him up. He chased after her, profusely apologizing and admitting he was the foolish one who had taken his frustrations out on her. Zhang Bi, still tearful, confessed she knew Yu Hao would never like her but lied to herself to find some happiness each day.
Jin Xuan comforted her, calling her the most sincere and hardworking person he knew. He then presented her with a portrait he had drawn of her, and later, the two prepared a meal for their crew. Concerned about Su Kelan's mother, Jin Xuan decided to visit her house with Zhang Bi. They found the door unlocked and Su Kelan’s mother unconscious. Jin Xuan immediately called for an ambulance, instructing Zhang Bi not to move her.
Su Kelan, having just landed for her business trip, saw numerous missed calls and a message from Jin Xuan informing her of her mother’s critical condition. Panicked, she frantically tried to change her flight home to Chongqing. Concurrently, Yao Qian, unable to reach Su Kelan, had to proceed with preparing for an investor meeting with Zhao Zhao from the Shanghai office. Su Kelan finally arrived at the hospital in Chongqing, where her mother was still in surgery.
Jin Xuan and Zhang Bi were waiting anxiously. When the doctor emerged, he explained that Su Kelan’s mother had taken an extra injection of insulin, leading to severe hypoglycemia and shock. He credited Jin Xuan with bringing her to the hospital in time, which saved her life. Su Kelan asked about "thrombotic heart failure," and the doctor confirmed it had been diagnosed during a previous dialysis session that Jin Xuan had accompanied her to.
He urged Su Kelan to spend more time with her mother. Overwhelmed, Su Kelan tearfully blamed Jin Xuan for not telling her about the diagnosis earlier. Zhang Bi interjected, defending Jin Xuan and arguing that Su Kelan, as the daughter, was the one who had not been concerned enough about her own mother. Realizing her outburst was misdirected, Su Kelan repeatedly apologized to Jin Xuan.
Meanwhile, Yu Hao, unable to reach Su Kelan, flew to Shanghai for the investor meeting with President Yang and President Shi. President Yang criticized Su Kelan’s absence, but Yu Hao defended her, explaining she had an unforeseen emergency. He chastised the investors for judging her based on gossip, comparing them to internet trolls. President Shi, however, expressed concern about Yu Hao’s judgment since Su Kelan joined the company.
Yu Hao reiterated that Su Kelan’s mother was critically ill and later learned from Su Kelan that she was out of danger. Back at the hospital, Su Kelan felt immense guilt. She confided in Han Meng that she believed her preoccupation with Yu Hao had led to her neglecting her mother. Su Kelan reasoned that Yu Hao was primarily attracted to her professional competence and clear logic.
Now that her mother's illness prevented her from being that efficient, work-focused partner, she felt she was no longer the person he wanted and concluded she had to break up with him for her mother's well-being. Su Kelan went to the company, where she saw Yu Hao and Shen Zhilin working closely on a project. Shortly after, President Shi called Su Kelan, expressing sympathy but firmly stating that he only cooperated with "emotionally stable partners," effectively cutting ties.
He also informed her that Yu Hao, with Shen Zhilin's help, had already connected with another firm, Yun Teng, to discuss a deal in Beijing. Deeply saddened, Su Kelan left. When Yu Hao later approached her at the hospital, she initiated their breakup. She explained that she didn't want their love to cause her to neglect her mother again, nor did she want her personal life to distract him from his career.
She told him their fundamental natures were different: her mother was paramount to her, while his career was paramount to him. Yu Hao tried to reason with her, but Su Kelan maintained her decision, asserting that she was not the person he thought she was. After the breakup, Yu Hao became withdrawn and isolated himself. At work, Gong Wenxing and Han Meng argued over who was at fault.
Han Meng believed Yu Hao's career-first mentality meant he couldn't support Su Kelan when her priority had to be her mother. Gong Wenxing countered that it wasn't Yu Hao's fault her mother got sick. Unable to reach Yu Hao, Shen Zhilin went to his apartment and found Gong Wenxing there. A video of Su Kelan discussing the "taste of parting" was playing on a tablet. Shen Zhilin then discovered Yu Hao curled up on the sofa, unconscious, having consumed a large amount of food. She immediately told Gong Wenxing to call for an ambulance.
Episode 14 Recap
Following the previous incident where he fainted from overeating, Yu Hao was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with acute gastric perforation and septic shock. Although he was out of danger, he had to remain hospitalized, unable to eat for three days before transitioning to a bland diet. This health scare was a serious recurrence of a past issue, as he had previously suffered a gastric ulcer after another breakup.
At the hospital, Gong Wenxing confronted Su Kelan, accusing her of being selfish for dragging Yu Hao into a relationship only to discard him when she grew tired. He argued that Yu Hao would have supported her desire to care for her mother, questioning if her actions stemmed from a lack of love.
Han Meng intervened, defending Su Kelan, but was silenced when Gong Wenxing revealed the cause of Yu Hao’s condition: he had eaten all the dishes he had cooked for Su Kelan in the house he bought for her, including fried rice, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, instant noodles, and pork knuckle. The news devastated Su Kelan.
Later, Han Meng explained to Gong Wenxing the depth of Su Kelan’s trauma, recounting how her father's death and her mother's subsequent illnesses had forced Su Kelan to abandon her dream of attending a top university and pursuing a high-powered legal career. When Su Kelan's mother awoke, she noticed the missing bracelet on Su Kelan's wrist and realized something was wrong.
Overcome with guilt, she lamented how her health had repeatedly hindered her daughter's happiness and urged Su Kelan to live her own life freely. After comforting her mother, Su Kelan went to Yu Hao's door but couldn't bring herself to enter, breaking down in a stairwell instead. Meanwhile, Zhang Bi learned of the breakup and Yu Hao's hospitalization from a colleague, feeling surprisingly neutral about the news.
Her indifference was clarified when she saw Jin Xuan approaching and found herself smiling instinctively, realizing her feelings had shifted to him. Shen Zhilin found Su Kelan and had a calm conversation with her. She explained her own breakup with Yu Hao five years prior was due to her fierce career ambition and a fear of repeating her parents' divorce, which was caused by their professional disparity.
She recognized that her career was her priority, just as Su Kelan's family was hers. Love, she concluded, is a luxury that requires full preparation. Shen Zhilin also shared the story of "Tomato," a stray cat Yu Hao cared for, which she had hoped to adopt as a symbol of her readiness for a relationship, but the cat disappeared before she could, prompting her return to China.
Shen Zhilin then had An Jie deliver congee to Yu Hao before entering his room herself. She declared she had returned to China for him and was not going back, having waited five years. However, Yu Hao confronted her about her past manipulative actions, revealing he knew she had contacted Chairman Wu to sabotage their investment deal. Elsewhere, after Jin Xuan visited Su Kelan's mother, Zhang Bi arrived, nervously practicing her lines outside.
Su Kelan encouraged her to go in, and Zhang Bi later confessed her feelings for Jin Xuan, asking Su Kelan for cooking lessons to win him over. Su Kelan agreed, and they began cooking together, creating a lively atmosphere in her mother’s room. Su Kelan also made sure a portion was sent to Yu Hao, whose room remained somber. Soon, both Su Kelan's mother and Yu Hao were discharged. Yu Hao saw Su Kelan but pointedly ignored her.
Later, while having dinner, Han Meng revealed to Su Kelan that she was pregnant. Meanwhile, Yu Hao had all his belongings from the villa packed and discarded, a painful process that brought back a flood of memories and made him reflect on his own irresponsibility, seeing parallels to his father's actions that led to his mother's suicide. That night, Zhang Bi and Han Meng brought a heavily intoxicated Su Kelan to Yu Hao's villa, hoping to reconcile them.
Though drunk, Su Kelan was lucid enough to recall the painful experience. Inside, she tearfully confessed to Yu Hao that while she missed him terribly, seeing him now was an unbearable reminder of her mother's critical illness notice, and she didn't know how to cope with the association. Understanding her pain, Yu Hao drove her home. Su Kelan officially resigned from the company to care for her mother, who was facing surgery for congestive heart failure and renal failure.
Yu Hao approved her resignation. He later adopted a stray cat at the office and invited Shen Zhilin to visit Diaoyu Fortress. There, Yu Hao apologized for his past anger after their breakup, admitting he now understood her need for time and space. He explained that his newfound understanding came from Su Kelan, and he didn't want to repeat the mistake of not knowing how to wait for someone he loves.
With this closure, Shen Zhilin revealed that "Tomato" the cat had died in the snow long ago, symbolizing the true end of their relationship. She removed her tomato-shaped pendant, finally letting go. In the end, Gong Wenxing joyfully prepared for fatherhood. Su Kelan’s mother’s surgery was a success, and Su Kelan focused on her recovery. Yu Hao, while busy with work, continued to quietly keep up with news about Su Kelan.
Episode 15 Recap
Han Meng and Zhang Bi, now allies, schemed to get Yu Hao and Su Kelan back together. Zhang Bi urged Gong Wenxing, Yu Hao's uncle, to message his nephew about Su Kelan's upcoming birthday, hoping he would seize the opportunity. Gong Wenxing hesitated, reminding them that Yu Hao stopped celebrating birthdays after the trauma of his mother's death.
Han Meng countered that it was time for Yu Hao to be brave and overcome his past, pointing out that Kelan had quietly supported him through his pain, and now he should do the same for her. On her birthday, Su Kelan accompanied her mother to the hospital, where they learned her recovery was progressing well, making her ready for surgery once a donor kidney became available.
Dr. Wang then asked Su Kelan to retrieve a package for him from the garden. The package was a ruse; instead, she was greeted by a group of children and Jin Xuan, who had orchestrated a surprise birthday celebration. Su Kelan’s mother, also present, noted Jin Xuan’s kind gesture, acknowledging his genuine care. Later, Jin Xuan attempted to confess his feelings, admitting he had wanted to for a long time but feared hurting her.
Su Kelan gently rejected him, using an analogy about her sweet tooth: though she knows sugar is bad for her, she still craves it, implying her lingering feelings for Yu Hao. She explained that she couldn't face Yu Hao because it reminded her of neglecting her mother, but she also couldn't face Jin Xuan, as he was a constant reminder of Yu Hao. Understanding her rejection, Jin Xuan left.
Shortly after, Zhang Bi arrived and confessed her own fear of telling Jin Xuan her feelings, worried it would ruin their friendship. Su Kelan encouraged her to be her authentic self, suggesting he might like her more for it. Jin Xuan later confided in Su Kelan's mother, wondering if things would have been different if he had been braver.
He felt that if he had been by Kelan's side, she wouldn't have been so overwhelmed, and perhaps her mother's accident could have been avoided. Su Kelan’s mother shared her own past: Dr. Wang had also loved her, but she chose Kelan's father. Dr. Wang was heartbroken but eventually found his own happiness. She advised Jin Xuan that missing out on someone doesn't mean they disappear from one's life, and that all experiences prepare you for the right person.
Her words brightened his spirits. In the following days, Su Kelan received a joyful call from her mother: a kidney had been found, and she could have the surgery immediately. Overcome with emotion, they celebrated the news. Months later, Yu Hao's cooking show, "Dine with Love," was a huge success, and at 29, he led "What To Eat Next?" to a successful NASDAQ listing, with its value soaring to $12 billion.
During an interview, he remarked that his cooking skills were improving. A junior employee from the PR department suggested using a double for his cooking segments to save time, but Yu Hao firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing that creating a false image would damage the brand. He asserted his goal was to convey a genuine understanding of food to attract like-minded people.
Afterwards, Han Meng and Yao Qian discussed Yu Hao's transformation, noting his newfound interest in cooking and even allowing cats in the office. Han Meng believed Yu Hao was using these changes as a shield for his cowardice in winning Su Kelan back, while Gong Wenxing argued that since Kelan initiated the breakup, she should be the one to reconcile. Su Kelan's mother, now fully recovered, started a popular cooking live stream.
One day, Li Xun, from a rival company, appeared at their door, professing his undying love for Su Kelan. She saw through his insincerity and dismissed him. He was actually there to pitch his company's products, hoping to secure her mother for an endorsement. Meanwhile, Su Kelan struggled to find a new job, as companies were hesitant to hire her after learning of her past "family emergency."
Realizing her own over-dependence had burdened her daughter, Su Kelan's mother urged her to pursue her own happiness. She revealed that a major supporter of her live stream, a fan named "Sunflower Seed," was actually Yu Hao's assistant, An Jie. Having already spoken to Yu Hao and confirmed he still wanted to be with Kelan, she encouraged her daughter to stop letting the past hold her back.
Zhang Bi took her plan to win over Jin Xuan to the next level. At a party, she got him completely drunk. The next morning, he awoke in a panic to find her in his bed. She claimed he had drunkenly dragged her there and insinuated it wasn't the first time, offering to "take responsibility." As a terrified Jin Xuan fled the room, they were ambushed by a swarm of reporters, confirming he had been set up.
Su Kelan visited Han Meng for her daughter's first birthday, where she heard more about Yu Hao's changes, including his new office cat policy. Their conversation was interrupted by Li Xun, who again pushed his products. Yu Hao arrived unexpectedly and intervened, threatening Li Xun with legal action for harassment and invasion of privacy, causing him to flee. Han Meng then made an excuse to leave the two alone.
Aware of Su Kelan's job search, Yu Hao presented her with their old teaching contract, explaining that with the second season of his show, she still owed him cooking classes. She accepted, and they arranged a lesson for that Saturday. Su Kelan arrived at his office to find he wanted to learn "Chinese cabbage in supreme broth," a national banquet dish that, despite its simple appearance, is incredibly time-consuming. Yu Hao remarked that "good things are worth the wait."
As she taught him, he invited her to stay for dinner. She initially hesitated, but Yu Hao informed her that her mother was busy co-hosting a live stream with Han Meng's mother. During dinner, Yu Hao’s cat, Xiao Hei, went into labor. Yu Hao briefly left Su Kelan to watch over the new mother and kittens.
Upon his return, he explained that he had always loved cats but hesitated to get one due to the responsibility, so he had kept them at the office. Su Kelan suggested neutering his male cat, Wanshun, but Yu Hao refused, vowing to keep all the kittens and playfully adding, "They are also your cats."
At that moment, Su Kelan connected the dots: the sunflower Xin Xin gave her was from Yu Hao, planted on her birthday, and the "Sunflower Seed" on her mother's live stream was him. Yu Hao admitted he did it all because he wanted both her and her mother to be happy. As he offered to drive her home, she teased him for trying to send her away now that she finally wanted to stay.
Episode 16 (Ending) Recap
Following the previous episode's events where Yu Hao agreed to let Su Kelan teach him how to cook again, their relationship remains uncertain. Han Meng and Zhang Bi meet Su Kelan for dinner, chattering about men playing "cat and mouse." Su Kelan confides that their relationship is unlikely to mend because she caused him significant pain. After dinner, the trio spots Yu Hao's car.
Though Han Meng and Zhang Bi suggest he might be meeting a female client, Su Kelan knows he never schedules client meetings past ten at night, and her hopes fall. Later, a concerned Han Meng calls Su Kelan, who feels she has no right to ask for anything more from Yu Hao. After the call, she notices the cat food in her bag, remembering Yu Hao's instruction to take care of his cats, Hei and Wanshun.
Realizing the office is empty, Su Kelan goes to drop off the cat food. Just as she is about to leave, she hears Yu Hao approaching. Yu Hao enters the office while on a call, initially unaware of Su Kelan's presence until he spots her backpack on his chair. Su Kelan, having hidden in the wardrobe, waits for him to leave. However, Yu Hao, aware she is there, mischievously texts her, asking why she hasn't brought the cat food.
Su Kelan replies, claiming she forgot. He then calls her, and she quickly hangs up, fabricating a story about watching a movie with her mother. Yu Hao insists she deliver the cat food, leaving Su Kelan anxiously trapped in the wardrobe as he remains in his office. He then sends a voice message, inviting her to an "extra class" for cooking, stating it would be based on affection, not a contract.
He reveals that his birthday is next week and he wants to learn to cook a meal for his grandmother and his father, whom he hasn't seen in a long time. He explains that for years, he and his grandmother blamed his father for his mother's death, but he now understands his father's relentless work was an attempt to provide a better life, not a lack of love.
He expresses his desire to reconnect with his father and truly move past his own trauma, asking for Su Kelan's help. Su Kelan agrees, and they schedule to meet at his house the next day, with Yu Hao telling her to bring the cat food then. After he leaves, Su Kelan sees her backpack and realizes he knew she was hiding all along, leaving her restless and unable to decipher his intentions.
The next day, Su Kelan arrives at Yu Hao's house and learns he wants to recreate his mother's signature dish, braised eggplant, a food he hated as a child. Having forgotten the recipe, Yu Hao can only describe it as "sticky, blackish, and oily stuff." Su Kelan attempts various methods—braising in soy sauce, oil, and dressings—but none perfectly match his memory, though some come close. As Yu Hao's birthday approaches, he and Su Kelan go to his childhood home.
His grandmother arrives, expressing her joy that he is finally facing his past. The doorbell rings, and Yu Hao's father arrives unexpectedly. His grandmother, overwhelmed with anger, confronts him and throws away the bag of snacks he brought. As Yu Hao calms his grandmother, he looks at the discarded snacks and has an epiphany, remembering a crucial missing ingredient. With the addition of the crushed snack, the braised eggplant perfectly replicates his mother's flavor.
The taste moves his grandmother and father to tears. At the dinner table, his grandmother recounts her daughter's unhappy marriage, and Yu Hao's father expresses his deep remorse, explaining his focus on work was to provide for his family. He offers a heartfelt apology, and his grandmother, acknowledging he is her daughter's beloved and Yu Hao's father, finally forgives him. They agree that Yu Hao and his father will visit his mother's grave together.
Afterwards, Yu Hao sincerely thanks Su Kelan, crediting her for helping him start a new chapter. On the day of the show's recording, Shen Zhilin visits with Ming Zhe, genuinely wishing Su Kelan well and stating she has moved on to focus on her career. Meanwhile, Zhang Bi and Jin Xuan's relationship remains undefined. Su Kelan encourages Zhang Bi to confess, suspecting Jin Xuan already likes her.
Emboldened, Zhang Bi confronts Jin Xuan, declares her feelings, and kisses him, drawing cheers from the crew. Later, Su Kelan approaches the flustered Jin Xuan and points out the difference between the first "average" portrait he painted of Zhang Bi and a second, more beautiful one he drew from memory. She explains that the second portrait reveals how he truly sees her, proving he likes her without realizing it.
Her words resonate with Jin Xuan, who smiles, tacitly acknowledging his feelings. Yu Hao brings Su Kelan on set as his helper to cook Yuxiang Shredded Pork. Although the dish earns praise, Yu Hao stuns the audience by confessing he used a body double for his past cooking shows. He explains his journey, expressing immense gratitude for Su Kelan's support, which he says profoundly changed him.
He clarifies that the "female client" he was seen with was a hotel chef he hired to help recreate the eggplant dish, and that his uncle, Gong Wenxing, advised him to be honest with Su Kelan about his struggles. Yu Hao reflects on his past ignorance in relationships, admitting he learned from her to face his vulnerabilities, to wait, and to not fear caring for someone. He then projects a video montage of their time together, publicly confessing his feelings.
He promises to harmonize his life with hers, to be her pillar of support and her family, someone with whom she can freely cry or laugh without pretending to be strong. As the video ends, Yu Hao kneels and proposes. Amidst cheers from the crowd and with her mother watching proudly, Su Kelan accepts. They seal their commitment with a kiss, ready to start their future together.
