Encounter with You Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Encounter with You Synopsis
Young mother Wan Xinxin unexpectedly becomes pregnant and hastily marries Qin Gang, a wealthy heir. Just as she is about to settle into the comfortable life of a pampered young wife, the two impulsively divorce. While Qin Gang provides her with financial security as the foundation of love and marriage, he turns to his ex-girlfriend Liu Wei, who has just returned from studying abroad. This plunges Wan Xinxin into an emotional crisis, strained in-law relations, and the difficulties of raising a child. Unable to bear the pressure, she leaves home with her newborn baby.
On her journey away, Wan Xinxin encounters Hua Ming, a warm-hearted older man. As fate would have it, her sudden appearance completely upends his quiet life—his car gets wrecked, his house floods, his money disappears, and he’s left helping take care of her baby. Forced to spend time together, Hua Ming gradually sees past her mischievous and headstrong ways, and her honesty and sincerity rekindle his long-lost hope for love. From reluctant acceptance to tender affection, the reserved and steady Hua Ming provides Wan Xinxin with thoughtful care, bringing warmth into her once gloomy world.
Meanwhile, Qin Gang, pressured by his mother to reclaim Wan Xinxin and their child in order to secure his inheritance, sets off a rivalry between two vastly different men—the dashing wealthy heir and the down-to-earth “uncle” figure. Qin Gang’s mother intervenes for custody of her grandchild, while Liu Wei refuses to back down. At the same time, Hua Ming’s ex-wife Xia Qing returns with their teenage daughter, hoping to reunite their family, delivering another heavy blow to Wan Xinxin. As Hua Ming’s hidden past gradually comes to light, the fragile balance of this “double second-marriage” family is once again thrown into turmoil.
The increasingly tangled circumstances test Wan Xinxin’s growth and the difficult choices she must make.
Encounter with You Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Wan Xinxin, recently a new mother and feeling stifled at the postpartum care center, successfully orchestrated an escape with her baby. Her close male friend, Xu Ke, acted as her accomplice, using his car to facilitate their getaway. As they sped away, staff from the center gave chase, but Wan Xinxin, exhilarated by her newfound freedom, celebrated loudly, exclaiming that the expensive center felt worse than prison with its constant scrutiny.
Xu Ke, amused by her antics but also exasperated by her carefree attitude, reminded her that her husband's money was being "wasted" on her, before excusing himself, stating he had a client named "Miss Liu" to meet. Wan Xinxin, still on a high from her escape, decided to take her baby to her husband Qin Gang's office. Unbeknownst to her, a visitor was already there: Liu Wei, Qin Gang's ex-girlfriend, who had left him six years prior to marry abroad.
Liu Wei confessed she had realized she still loved him and had divorced to return to him, asserting her belief that he still loved her too. Qin Gang, visibly conflicted, revealed he had married and recently had a son because his ailing mother desperately wished for a grandchild and he needed to appease her. Despite this, Liu Wei confidently embraced and kissed him. After a brief hesitation, Qin Gang returned her embrace, his long-dormant feelings resurfacing.
At that very moment, Wan Xinxin burst through the office door, excited to surprise her husband. Her joy turned to horror as she saw Liu Wei in Qin Gang's arms. Her shriek startled the two, and Qin Gang frantically pushed Liu Wei away. Enraged, Wan Xinxin screamed "Beast!" at Qin Gang, slapped him twice across the face, and fled the office with her baby. Qin Gang immediately chased after her but found no trace of Wan Xinxin or their child.
Meanwhile, Wan Xinxin and her baby had stumbled into the back of a pet hospital van, driven by Dr. Hua Ming. He was initially startled and suspicious when he discovered them mid-journey, even accusing Wan Xinxin of child trafficking. However, seeing the baby cry from hunger, Hua Ming's demeanor softened. He allowed Wan Xinxin to use his van to breastfeed while he stepped away to give her privacy.
During this time, he discovered a small dog with an injured leg by the roadside and rescued it. When he returned to the van, Wan Xinxin and her baby were gone again. Later, as Hua Ming drove past Bihai Park, he spotted Wan Xinxin perched on a reef, drunkenly yelling obscenities at Qin Gang, her baby crying nearby.
He got out of his car to intervene, but a disoriented Wan Xinxin mistook him for Qin Gang, called him a "mermaid," and aggressively pulled his hair, still consumed by her anger. When Qin Gang's phone call came through, Hua Ming answered, explaining that his wife was drunk and asking him to pick them up from Bihai Park. Qin Gang and his sister soon arrived to find Wan Xinxin still in a drunken rage, clinging to Hua Ming's hair.
After helping them retrieve Wan Xinxin and the baby, Hua Ming left the scene as night fell. Back at the maternity center, Wan Xinxin regained consciousness. Soon after, Liu Wei and Qin Gang entered her room. Wan Xinxin glared at Liu Wei, who calmly explained that she was merely Qin Gang's client and that what Wan Xinxin witnessed in the office was a "misunderstanding."
Liu Wei claimed she had accidentally spilled coffee on Qin Gang, and Wan Xinxin had walked in while she was helping him clean his clothes. Qin Gang, standing by, offered a hesitant affirmation. Liu Wei presented Wan Xinxin with a gift and departed.
Later, Qin Gang's sister tried to reassure Wan Xinxin, arguing that a mistress wouldn't apologize to a wife, and that Qin Gang was too fond of their healthy baby boy to leave her, recounting how worried he had been during her absence. Wan Xinxin, however, remained unconvinced. Qin Gang, deeply frustrated by Wan Xinxin's erratic behavior, confided in his sister, expressing his growing desire for a divorce.
He reiterated that he had only married Wan Xinxin due to their mother's illness and her insistent demand for a grandchild, even threatening to leave her inheritance to the baby. His sister urged him to consider their son's future. Qin Gang also called his mother, fabricating a story about the baby being premature and unable to be photographed too soon, to avoid revealing Wan Xinxin's continued disappearances.
Not long after, Hua Ming visited Wan Xinxin at the maternity center, bringing fruit. Wan Xinxin, embarrassed by her drunken behavior at the beach, apologized profusely. Hua Ming brushed it off, instead asking for her help as a witness. He explained that the owner of the injured dog he rescued earlier had accused him of hitting it. Wan Xinxin, grateful and eager to make amends, readily agreed.
To leave the center, she needed a guarantor, so Hua Ming, in turn, vouched for her at the front desk. As Hua Ming drove Wan Xinxin and her baby from the maternity center, Wan Xinxin spotted Qin Gang's car outside a high-end apartment complex. She watched as Liu Wei exited the car, blowing a playful kiss to Qin Gang before he drove away. Filled with suspicion, Wan Xinxin quickly exited Hua Ming's car and followed Liu Wei into the building.
Inside Liu Wei's apartment, Liu Wei, who had seen Wan Xinxin approaching, calmly invited her in. Once inside, Wan Xinxin saw a photo wall filled with intimate pictures of Qin Gang and Liu Wei, confirming her worst fears. Liu Wei brazenly declared she was Qin Gang's ex-girlfriend, asserting that he loved her and that Wan Xinxin was merely a "substitute."
To twist the knife, Liu Wei played a recording of Qin Gang's voice, in which he confessed his undying love for Liu Wei and admitted that he only married Wan Xinxin because he wanted to find someone to replace her. Hearing this devastating truth, Wan Xinxin completely broke down. Inconsolable, Wan Xinxin sought refuge at Xu Ke's apartment, weeping as she poured out her heart. Xu Ke, while sympathetic, felt helpless.
With a lucrative business trip suddenly arising, he gave Wan Xinxin all the money he had and left her his apartment, remarking that she would now have to learn to manage household bills—a stark contrast to her accustomed life of luxury. Later, while Wan Xinxin was shopping at a mall, Qin Gang received a notification about her credit card use.
As he prepared to go find her, Liu Wei, who was with him, subtly suggested that he simply cancel her credit cards. She reasoned that without funds, Wan Xinxin would have no choice but to return home. Qin Gang, finding logic in her suggestion, agreed. Wan Xinxin left the mall, planning to treat herself to hot pot, but unexpectedly encountered Hua Ming at a restaurant.
Feeling a surge of guilt, knowing that Qin Gang had previously harassed Hua Ming about her whereabouts, Wan Xinxin attempted to discreetly leave. However, Hua Ming, remembering his promise to the maternity center to ensure her return, kept a watchful eye on her. Wan Xinxin, feigning an urgent need for the restroom, managed to slip away from him once more.
Episode 2 Recap
After escaping Hua Ming at the restaurant, Wan Xinxin returned to Xu Ke's apartment with her baby, only to find the gas supply had been cut off due to unpaid bills. She frantically called Xu Ke, who was annoyed by her persistent calls. Xu Ke, who Wan Xinxin teasingly called "Xu Huahua," told her he was busy and had reminded her to pay the gas bill before he left, a claim Wan Xinxin denied.
He then suggested she go across the street and borrow some hot water from their neighbor, an "uncle," to prepare milk for the baby. Wan Xinxin, frustrated, reluctantly hung up. Holding her baby, Wan Xinxin nervously knocked on the neighbor's door, asking to borrow hot water. To her dismay, the man who opened the door was Hua Ming. She immediately wanted to retreat, but realized Xu Ke's apartment door had closed behind her, and she didn't have her keys.
Hua Ming, observing her awkward and desperate situation, remarked on their "connection." Wan Xinxin, seeing no other option, had to reluctantly accept his offer to stay. Hua Ming was keen to take her back to the maternity center, stating that since he had brought her out, he was responsible for her safe return. Wan Xinxin protested, arguing he had no humanity for disturbing a helpless mother and child so late at night.
Hua Ming countered, reminding her he had rescued her and her child from the seashore rocks. Inside Hua Ming’s apartment, Wan Xinxin, concerned about the inappropriateness of a single man and woman cohabiting, suggested he find somewhere else to stay. Hua Ming scoffed at her concern, then agreed to let her stay, confirming she needed formula.
He promised to buy formula for 0-3 months before breakfast the next day, after which he still intended to take her back to the maternity center. Before leaving, Hua Ming sternly warned Wan Xinxin not to touch any of his belongings, especially his books. After he left, Wan Xinxin secured the door with a chair.
She then tried to make coffee, but her lack of domestic skills led to a chaotic mess: broken cups, coffee spilled on books, and water everywhere. She worried about Hua Ming's reaction, muttering, "He's not going to kill me, is he?" The next morning, Hua Ming returned to find his apartment in disarray. He cautiously entered after struggling with the chair blocking the door, then confronted Wan Xinxin, asking, "So you blew up my house, huh?"
She feigned a back injury, asking him to help her up, while assuring him the baby was fine. Hua Ming carefully helped her, then expressed his anger over the damaged items, particularly a coffee mug given to him by his medical school classmates, emphasizing its sentimental value. Wan Xinxin attempted to apologize and offer to replace the mug, even questioning his "generation's" supposed poverty.
He dismissed her apologies and offers, stressing his primary concern was her safety and his responsibility to return her to the maternity center, remarking that he couldn't "afford to compensate for her life" if something happened. He even confessed that he considered seeing her bad luck and preferred they not meet again. As they discussed her return, Wan Xinxin secretly called the Credit Card Center, discovering her primary card had been suspended.
Realizing her financial predicament, she argumentatively insisted he take her home instead, calling him "stubborn" and "cold-hearted" for his insistence on returning her to the maternity center. Hua Ming, tired of her protests, eventually agreed to take her home.
Upon arriving at her home, Wan Xinxin asked Hua Ming to wait in the car with the baby while she went inside to collect essential items, explaining her credit card had been canceled by "that Qin guy" and she couldn't afford new clothes. Hua Ming, suspicious, reluctantly agreed but handed her his car keys as a sign of trust, warning her not to try any tricks.
She retorted that she still had photos of him on her phone, then hurried inside. Finding the house empty, she quickly packed her designer clothes and bags into a suitcase, talking to them as her "darlings" she was rescuing. As she was about to leave, she heard the front door open. Wan Xinxin quickly hid as Qin Gang entered the house with Liu Wei. Liu Wei, admiring the spacious home, asked Qin Gang if he had bought it for her.
He confirmed he had bought it six years ago with her in mind, but she had left him. He then confessed that he only married Wan Xinxin because his mother was eager for a grandchild, implying he would not have married Wan Xinxin if Liu Wei had returned earlier. Wan Xinxin, heartbroken, overheard their entire conversation from her hiding spot.
Liu Wei then asked if they could "start over," and Wan Xinxin silently cursed them, throwing her high heels in frustration. Overwhelmed with pain, Wan Xinxin looked at her wedding photo with Qin Gang on the bedroom wall. Feeling it was a cruel mockery, she ripped it down and threw it out the window. She then quickly tied bedsheets together to form a makeshift rope, intending to escape from the window.
Hua Ming, still waiting in the car, heard the crash of the photo frame and looked up, utterly shocked to see Wan Xinxin climbing down from the window. Meanwhile, Qin Gang, hearing the commotion, began banging on the bedroom door, calling for Wan Xinxin and his son. Panicked, Wan Xinxin hurried her descent, losing her grip and falling the last few feet. Luckily, she was close to the ground and only sprained her ankle.
Enduring sharp pain, she frantically urged Hua Ming to grab her luggage and help her escape. Hua Ming, without hesitation, quickly helped her and the baby flee. Hua Ming took Wan Xinxin to his pet hospital to treat her injured ankle. As he attended to her, Wan Xinxin wept inconsolably over Qin Gang's betrayal.
Hua Ming gently encouraged her, telling her it was okay to cry, but reminded her that if she truly felt hurt and resentful, she should focus on living well to show Qin Gang that his choice was a mistake. His words resonated with her, and she stopped crying. She then asked him not to take her back to the maternity center. Hua Ming agreed, on the condition that he could always find her.
Not knowing where else to go, Hua Ming offered her and the baby refuge at the pet hospital, suggesting she could help him care for his dogs if she needed to vent her frustrations. He noticed her demeanor softened when she was around animals and the baby, remarking that she transformed from "neurotic to goddess." He assured her that his door would always be open for her and the baby.
Meanwhile, Wan Xinxin's sister, Xu Chunli, distraught over her sister's disappearance, called her husband, Jiang Kaiyang, to discuss how to find her. Jiang Kaiyang advised her to contact Wan Xinxin's old boyfriends, as she was a "campus beauty" and would likely turn to someone she knew, especially without an ID card for hotels.
Later, just as Qin Gang was once again regretting having let Wan Xinxin slip away, Xu Chunli suddenly called him, informing him that she had found out Wan Xinxin's whereabouts. Qin Gang was overjoyed by the news.
Episode 3 Recap
Following a tip from Xu Chunli, Qin Gang quickly drove to Xu Ke's apartment. Wan Xinxin opened the door and was furious to see Qin Gang, turning to leave, but he grabbed her arm. Seeing Qin Gang confront Wan Xinxin, Xu Ke came out to help her, and the two men immediately started fighting. Wan Xinxin, holding her baby, cheered on Xu Ke, shouting, "Xu Ke, go for it! Bite him! Come on!"
Hua Ming, hearing the commotion, emerged from his apartment and quickly intervened, restraining both Xu Ke and Qin Gang who were struggling. Hua Ming, strong and unyielding, held them firmly. Qin Gang demanded that Wan Xinxin return the baby to him. To provoke Qin Gang, Wan Xinxin falsely claimed that the baby was hers and Xu Ke's, stating that Qin Gang had been raising someone else's child.
Wan Xinxin further taunted Qin Gang, implying the baby couldn't be his because it was born too soon after their marriage and she married him only for his money. Xu Ke then joked about Qin Gang getting a "free cuckold's hat." Qin Gang called Wan Xinxin a "scheming woman" and she retorted, "What? Can't accept it? If you can't accept it, let's divorce." Qin Gang agreed, saying, "See you at the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow."
Wan Xinxin and Xu Ke then thanked Hua Ming, promising a family dinner. The next day, Wan Xinxin and Qin Gang went to the Civil Affairs Bureau and smoothly divorced, as Wan Xinxin chose to leave with nothing. Xu Ke, still playing his part, congratulated Wan Xinxin, calling her "Your Majesty," and encouraged her to look happy. As they exited, they noticed Qin Gang's car had a flat tire.
Wan Xinxin sarcastically thanked Qin Gang for "raising my son all this time" and said, "It wasn't easy. You've worked hard." Xu Ke suggested they "have a meal together." Liu Wei then arrived and told Xu Ke and Wan Xinxin that Qin Gang was too upset to eat and their behavior was "inappropriate." Xu Ke retorted that such behavior was appropriate for "beasts like Qin Gang."
Liu Wei and Qin Gang then left together after Xu Ke presented Qin Gang with a breakup gift, implied to be a large "green hat." As they drove off, Qin Gang received a call from Xu Chunli but rejected it, telling her, "Don't call me anymore." After the divorce, Wan Xinxin faced the immediate problem of livelihood. She told Xu Ke that she was "broke" and needed to return to work.
Xu Chunli visited Wan Xinxin at Xu Ke's place and was shocked to learn about the divorce and that Wan Xinxin left with nothing. Xu Chunli angrily scolded Wan Xinxin, calling her "insane" and questioning how she and the baby would survive. Wan Xinxin defiantly stated, "If I could give birth to him, I can raise him," and insisted that Qin Gang had nothing to do with the child.
Xu Chunli, watching the baby, noted that while some features resembled Wan Xinxin and Qin Gang, the baby "doesn't look like that brat [Xu Ke] at all." She then realized Qin Gang had "demanded a paternity test" and "shot himself in the foot." Xu Chunli, determined to get child support, later confronted Qin Gang at his company's parking lot. Holding the baby, she threatened to jump from the building if his staff touched her.
She furiously demanded child support and compensation for emotional damages. Qin Gang refused, declaring, "That child isn't mine. Wan Xinxin admitted it herself. The child is hers with that bastard Xu Ke." Xu Chunli, enraged, then quickly pulled a few strands of hair from Qin Gang, who yelped in pain. She left, saying, "I have evidence now. I'll prove this child is yours."
Wan Xinxin returned to work at Lady Company, greeted by her colleagues who jokingly asked why she, the "boss's wife," was back. She pretended to have been bored at home and missed them. The company's boss, Shi Lu, had been trying to collaborate with "Frontier Magazine" but faced repeated rejections. To Wan Xinxin's surprise, Shi Lu called her into the office, informing her that Frontier had specifically requested Wan Xinxin for negotiations, impressed by her previous proposals.
Confident in her "quick wit, graceful demeanor, and silver tongue," Wan Xinxin happily accepted the task. Wan Xinxin went to meet "Manager Liu" from Frontier Magazine. As she approached the meeting place, Manager Liu called, instructing her to first go buy a specific "musk coffee" from a shop two blocks away, dismissing the downstairs cafe's offerings as "poor taste." Liu Wei, watching Wan Xinxin from the rooftop, smiled as Wan Xinxin, in high heels, set off.
After Wan Xinxin returned with the coffee, Liu Wei called again, telling her to search for a lost necklace in a flowerbed downstairs. As Wan Xinxin diligently searched, a sprinkler truck passed by, drenching her. When Wan Xinxin, wet and disheveled with spilled coffee, finally arrived at the meeting, she was met by a triumphant Liu Wei. Wan Xinxin realized Liu Wei was "Manager Liu" and that Qin Gang had told her everything about Wan Xinxin.
Liu Wei then revealed the real purpose of their meeting was not business, but personal. She then presented Wan Xinxin with a paternity test, confessing that her earlier visit to the hospital was not to explain things, but to obtain a sample for the test.
Liu Wei, expressing disbelief that Wan Xinxin would have a child for a man she had known for only a few months, offered Wan Xinxin a long-term contract if she promised not to tell Qin Gang the child was his. She further offered an additional one million dollars if Wan Xinxin took the child and left the city. Wan Xinxin scornfully rejected the offer, calling Liu Wei "pathetic" and saying she had no interest in participating in her "melodramatic schemes."
She wished Liu Wei would "sink deeper and deeper in your soap opera drama" and stormed out. Distraught, Wan Xinxin called Shi Lu to resign, apologizing for "messing up." She then went to Hua Ming's pet hospital. Hua Ming, however, was strangely cold towards her, telling her he was "in the middle of surgery" and asking her to leave. An old man was there, holding his beloved dog, Banban, who was very ill.
Hua Ming explained that Banban had a massive, widespread tumor and surgery offered little hope, might even be fatal. The old man, reluctant to put Banban through more suffering, decided against the surgery, saying he didn't want his dog to "go through another surgery and suffer again." Wan Xinxin, seeing the old man's sadness, approached him and the dog.
She then told the old man that she could understand Banban's barks, explaining that her father was a biology professor and that "every animal has its own language." She translated Banban's barks, telling the old man that Banban was "just tired and wants to sleep for a while." She relayed Banban's gratitude for being part of his family and the happy memories they shared.
She also conveyed Banban's message that it might not be able to stay with him anymore, urging him to take care of himself and call his children when he felt lonely. Finally, she shared Banban's favorite memory: the old man smiling and calling its name when he returned home. The old man's sadness turned to a serene understanding, and he thanked Wan Xinxin. Hua Ming watched, visibly shocked by Wan Xinxin's unique ability.
Episode 4 Recap
At the pet hospital, the old man, comforted by Wan Xinxin's translations of his dog's barks, expressed his gratitude to her, even after his beloved dog passed away. Hua Ming, still surprised by Wan Xinxin's apparent ability to understand animals, asked her about it. Wan Xinxin revealed that the idea came from her father.
She shared a poignant story: her mother died when she was born, and her father raised her alone, creating a fairy tale world where her mother was an angel in heaven. Later, when her father became ill and eventually died in an accident before her wedding day, she realized he was the "real liar" for constructing such a beautiful, yet ultimately fleeting, world. However, she affirmed that she still believes in fairy tales.
Hua Ming, admitting he had been in a terrible mood, felt better after hearing her story and apologized for his earlier rudeness at the hospital. Seeing Wan Xinxin's honesty, Hua Ming, still under the impression that the baby was Xu Ke's, felt compelled to share some "honest thoughts." He gently told her that he believed she had gone too far in her actions against Qin Gang.
Hua Ming explained his view with an analogy: while Qin Gang might have "painted a little green" on her (implying infidelity), she had "dumped an entire bucket of green paint over his head" by having another man's child, questioning how any man could react mildly to such a revelation. He suggested she apologize to Qin Gang. Wan Xinxin was deeply hurt and angered by Hua Ming's judgment, feeling profoundly misunderstood.
She declared that she would no longer trouble his life and stormed away, despite his attempts to stop her. Meanwhile, Xu Chunli, having obtained paternity test results, quickly sent a picture of them to Qin Gang, who immediately called her back. On the phone, Xu Chunli demanded 100,000 yuan from him, stating it was for child support, emotional damages, and "compensation for Xinxin's lost youth."
She instructed him to bring the money to the children's park, threatening that he would "never see the child again" if he failed to comply. Qin Gang, desperate, agreed to her demands. At the park, Xu Chunli, hidden, guided Qin Gang by phone as he anxiously searched for her with the money. She made him confirm the money was real.
She then directed him to a trash can near a statue of a kneeling woman and told him to place the money inside. As Qin Gang complied, Xu Chunli emerged, pushed him into the lake, and then quickly grabbed the money, exclaiming triumphantly to the baby in the stroller, "Bao, we won!" before hurrying away. Xu Chunli excitedly showed the 100,000 yuan to Wan Xinxin, recounting how she had "stood up for her" by pushing Qin Gang into the lake.
She proudly presented the money as support for Wan Xinxin and her son. However, Wan Xinxin was furious, calling Xu Chunli "mad" and adamantly demanding she return the money to Qin Gang immediately. Wan Xinxin even threatened to burn the money if Xu Chunli refused. Despite Xu Chunli arguing that burning money was illegal, Wan Xinxin retorted that Xu Chunli's actions constituted fraud. Xu Chunli, calling Wan Xinxin stubborn, reluctantly agreed to return the money.
Later, Xu Chunli discussed the situation with her husband, Jiang Kaiyang. She showed him the 100,000 yuan and expressed her frustration with Wan Xinxin's refusal to keep it. Jiang Kaiyang advised her against returning the money, explaining that Wan Xinxin, being somewhat irresponsible and currently jobless with a child, would undoubtedly need it for future emergencies.
He suggested Xu Chunli discreetly hold onto the money "for Qin Gang for now," to be returned when Wan Xinxin eventually found a stable job. Xu Chunli, deeming his suggestion "smart," agreed to keep the money. The next day, when Xu Chunli returned home, she found a woman named Miss Shen waiting outside her door. Miss Shen stated she was there for "Director Jiang" (Jiang Kaiyang) regarding a promise, making Xu Chunli immediately suspicious.
When Jiang Kaiyang came home late, claiming overtime, Xu Chunli confronted him, accusing Miss Shen of being his "mistress" and questioning if he was involved in "trading favors." Jiang Kaiyang dismissed her concerns as "watching too many TV dramas," explaining that Miss Shen required "document approval" for issues that necessitated private discussion outside the office. He scolded Xu Chunli for not understanding the complexities of his job. Despite his explanations, Xu Chunli remained unconvinced.
Later that day, while out with the baby, Xu Chunli again saw Jiang Kaiyang with Miss Shen. She observed Miss Shen giving him money and suggesting they collaborate on larger deals, after which they left together, further deepening Xu Chunli's suspicions. Unable to follow her husband and Miss Shen while pushing the stroller, Xu Chunli spotted Hua Ming in the park. Recognizing him, she quickly entrusted him with the baby, asking him to watch "little Bao" for a moment.
As she hurried away to follow Jiang Kaiyang, she muttered to the baby that its "whole family is unreliable." Meanwhile, Qin Gang received a call from his mother, who was abroad and recovering from illness. His mother expressed her desire to return soon and see her grandson. Distraught, as he had recently shared with Liu Wei his fear of his mother discovering his divorce and lack of child custody, Qin Gang called Wan Xinxin.
At the same time, Wan Xinxin had just left a job interview, frustrated after being rejected due to being a single mother. Qin Gang angrily demanded to see their son, claiming his right as the father. Wan Xinxin defiantly asserted the child was hers alone, reminding him of his past actions, and hung up on him.
She then called Xu Chunli, who informed her that she had left the baby with their neighbor, Hua Ming, to attend to an urgent matter. Wan Xinxin then went to the park to meet Qin Gang. At the park, Qin Gang found Hua Ming with the baby. Qin Gang was confused why Hua Ming had the child, and Hua Ming mistakenly stated the child belonged to Wan Xinxin and Xu Ke.
Qin Gang then showed Hua Ming the paternity test results, proving he was the child's biological father. Hua Ming was surprised and realized his previous misunderstanding and accusation against Wan Xinxin were wrong. Qin Gang explained his mother's precarious health and her desire to see her grandson, leading him to fear revealing the divorce and his lack of custody.
Hua Ming, understanding Qin Gang's predicament, agreed to let him take a photo with the baby to send to his mother, but refused to hand over the child directly, as he had promised he would only return the baby to its mother's caretaker. Hua Ming helped Qin Gang take several photos with the baby.
Grateful, Qin Gang gave Hua Ming a large sum of cash, asking him to use it for the baby's needs, not for Wan Xinxin or Hua Ming himself. Hua Ming accepted, intending to count the money and ensure Wan Xinxin repaid it to Qin Gang when she was able. Just then, Wan Xinxin arrived and saw Hua Ming counting the money while Qin Gang stood by the stroller.
She immediately misinterpreted the situation, believing Qin Gang was bribing Hua Ming to take her son. Enraged, she confronted Qin Gang, calling him a "beast" and questioning his paternal claims given his past actions. She grabbed the stroller and fiercely declared she would fight anyone who tried to separate her from her baby, then stormed off. Hua Ming, flustered, tried to explain the "misunderstanding" and quickly returned the money to a bewildered Qin Gang.
Wan Xinxin then took her son to Xu Ke's workplace. Xu Ke, who had previously confided in Wan Xinxin that only a woman named Shilu could "save him," had recently spotted Shilu entering an apartment building during a photoshoot. He had been diligently trying to find her ever since, even moving out of his home, believing his sincerity would eventually bring them together again.
Wan Xinxin, having accepted money from Xu Ke earlier (from selling her bags and his own contribution for her living expenses), recounted the chaotic scene at the park, accusing Hua Ming of almost "selling" their godson. Xu Ke reacted with surprise.
Episode 5 Recap
Wan Xinxin sought out Xu Ke, venting her frustrations. She complained about her lack of a job and the inability to return home, fearing someone might take her son. Xu Ke attempted to reassure her, suggesting she might be overly sensitive due to her worries about the child.
He noted that Hua Ming, despite his often expressionless demeanor, seemed like a good person, especially since it was Xu Chunli who had handed the baby to him, not a planned abduction as Wan Xinxin feared. Wan Xinxin, however, was unwilling to concede her error and insisted that no one should interfere with her son.
She then expressed her profound distress over her and her son's future livelihood, feeling like her luck had been terrible since her entanglement with Qin Gang and Liu Wei. Xu Ke, seeing her predicament, proposed a solution. He suggested she secure a new business deal, which would allow her to return to Laidi Company with her head held high.
Wan Xinxin was initially skeptical, doubting her ability to find clients, but Xu Ke assured her he had a reputable company in mind, one that was expanding and for whom he had previously worked. He advised her to go home, rest, and prepare for a fresh start. Wan Xinxin, though uncertain, agreed, hoping for a positive outcome.
Meanwhile, Jiang Kaiyang returned home to find Xu Chunli waiting for him in the living room, a feather duster in hand, her face stern. She immediately began questioning his whereabouts, accusing him of seeing another woman. Jiang Kaiyang tried to explain that the woman, a Miss Shen, was a financial advisor helping him make money for their family.
Xu Chunli did not believe him until she discovered several stacks of cash in his briefcase, which made her reconsider her accusations, though still with lingering doubt. The next day, Xu Ke called Wan Xinxin early in the morning, informing her he had arranged a client meeting for her at 10 AM. Wan Xinxin, still asleep, quickly became excited and began to prepare, but then realized she had no one to watch her baby. She called Xu Chunli for help.
However, Xu Chunli, having just overheard Jiang Kaiyang arranging another meeting, was planning to track him and could not babysit. Disappointed, Wan Xinxin had no choice but to bring her baby to the client meeting. Xu Ke was astonished to see her arrive with the child. Xu Chunli followed Jiang Kaiyang and Miss Shen to a lakeside café. She observed Jiang Kaiyang handing over money to Miss Shen, who seemed unimpressed, stating it was not enough for her to manage.
Jiang Kaiyang, trying to appease her, promised to quickly raise more funds, aiming for 500,000 yuan. As they spoke, Xu Chunli suddenly burst forth, publicly accusing Miss Shen of being a "homewrecker" and a "vixen," drawing the attention of passersby. Jiang Kaiyang, furious and embarrassed, tried to get Xu Chunli to leave. When she loudly demanded that Miss Shen be taken to the police, Jiang Kaiyang, desperate, denied knowing Xu Chunli.
After the spectacle, Jiang Kaiyang quickly apologized to Miss Shen, reaffirming his commitment to the investment and promising to secure the 500,000 yuan that day. Back at home, Jiang Kaiyang angrily chastised Xu Chunli for ruining his opportunity, explaining that Miss Shen was a financial advisor with a large investment project that could earn them millions, a chance he had secured through previous favors.
He revealed his plans to use the money for a trip abroad and to transfer their daughter to a better school, all of which Xu Chunli had jeopardized. Xu Chunli, realizing her grave misunderstanding, was filled with remorse and suggested he call Miss Shen again. Meanwhile, at the client meeting, Wan Xinxin, introduced by Xu Ke, presented her son to the client, Mr. Li. Mr. Li expressed surprise at her bringing a child to a business meeting.
Wan Xinxin cleverly explained that because his company specialized in children's products, she thought her son's presence as a user would be more valuable than her own experience. Mr. Li seemed to appreciate her approach, and they had a productive discussion. He agreed to sign a contract if Wan Xinxin could deliver a satisfactory proposal promptly. Wan Xinxin was overjoyed by the successful meeting.
Despite Wan Xinxin's enthusiasm, Xu Ke harbored concerns about the demanding conditions and tight deadline of the proposed project. He questioned her for blindly agreeing to such terms, fearing she might not be able to fulfill them. Wan Xinxin, however, was confident, asserting that she would never shy away from a challenge. As Wan Xinxin tried to persuade Xu Ke to accompany her to see Shi Lu, Shi Lu herself called.
It turned out that Qin Gang, concerned about Wan Xinxin's ability to support their son, had offered to collaborate with Shi Lu's company on a project, on the condition that Shi Lu reinstate Wan Xinxin and assign her to manage the new venture. This unexpected intervention prompted Shi Lu to call Wan Xinxin back to work. Wan Xinxin was puzzled by Shi Lu's change of heart and, with trepidation, brought her baby to the company.
To her surprise, Shi Lu did not reprimand her for bringing the child, instead providing her with extensive materials and instructing her to focus on developing the proposal for the new project. Wan Xinxin diligently worked on the proposal, with her baby asleep in a chair beside her in the office. After a long day, Wan Xinxin arranged to meet several nannies at her home.
However, her offered salary of 2,500 yuan per month for live-in care with a three-month probation period was deemed too low. The ensuing noise attracted Hua Ming from across the hall. He was dismayed to learn Wan Xinxin had found the nannies online and, deeming them unreliable due to their lack of professional qualifications, promptly sent them away. In a panic, Wan Xinxin increased the salary by 1,000 yuan.
Finally, a middle-aged woman named Xiaomei, who had two children of her own, agreed to stay. Wan Xinxin, despite Hua Ming's disapproval, decided to keep Xiaomei. The next morning, as Hua Ming was leaving, he noticed Wan Xinxin's front door ajar. Upon entering, he found Xiaomei bathing the baby. Concerned by the open windows and draft, he checked the water temperature and the baby's forehead, discovering the child had a fever.
Enraged, Hua Ming accused Xiaomei of negligence and, without hesitation, scooped up the baby and rushed him to the hospital. Wan Xinxin received a frantic call from Xiaomei, reporting that Hua Ming had "taken" the baby. Worried, Wan Xinxin called Hua Ming, who informed her he had taken the baby to Changhai Hospital. She immediately sped to the hospital. The doctor diagnosed the baby with a common cold.
Hua Ming, however, suspected meningitis due to the baby's drowsiness and unfocused eyes, demanding a cerebrospinal fluid test. The doctor was reluctant, and Wan Xinxin, having just arrived, dismissed Hua Ming's medical opinion as he was merely a vet, insisting on following the doctor's diagnosis. Seeing that he couldn't convince Wan Xinxin, Hua Ming cleverly sent her to fetch medicine, then took the opportunity to rush the baby to another Children's Hospital.
When Wan Xinxin returned with the medication to find them gone, she was furious. She tracked them down to the Children's Hospital and angrily confronted Hua Ming, ordering him to leave. The doctor then informed her that the child indeed had viral encephalitis and that Hua Ming's timely intervention had been critical, as the situation could have been very dangerous otherwise. Wan Xinxin was left stunned by the revelation.
Episode 6 Recap
Feeling remorseful about her recent behavior towards Hua Ming, Wan Xinxin quietly slipped a note under his door, apologizing and thanking him. Hua Ming found the note and inwardly smirked. The next morning, Wan Xinxin overslept. In a rush, she scrambled to get ready and hailed a taxi to work. However, en route, she realized she had left important documents at home, forcing her to return.
Opening her front door, she was stunned to find Xiaomei, the nanny she had recently hired, neglecting her crying baby on the sofa. Xiaomei was casually wearing Wan Xinxin's limited edition clothes and a face mask. When caught, Xiaomei appeared startled but quickly became defiant. She openly neglected the baby, stating, "His diaper is wet. Go get a new one," expecting Wan Xinxin to take care of it. Wan Xinxin was furious, exclaiming, "I feel like I'm the nanny now.
And you're acting like the employer. I'm paying you to work here. Are we playing role reversal?" Xiaomei retorted that even nannies have dignity and demanded Wan Xinxin be more polite. She then brazenly demanded her overdue wages and an apology, stating she wanted the job but only after being paid and receiving an apology. Wan Xinxin, bewildered, refused to apologize. Xiaomei then declared she was quitting, confident that with the current nanny shortage, finding another job would be easy.
She even claimed she was laid off and demanded double wages according to labor law, threatening to expose Wan Xinxin on social media for withholding wages. Before leaving, Xiaomei grabbed two of Wan Xinxin's limited edition clothing items, claiming they would cover her wages. Desperate, Wan Xinxin begged Xiaomei to stay, offering to give her the limited edition clothes and pay her, lamenting that having no one to care for the child was "absolutely impossible!"
Just then, Hua Ming emerged from his room, having heard the commotion. Wan Xinxin asked why he wasn't at work, and he explained that his pet hospital was closed for reorganization, giving him a few days off. Wan Xinxin, remembering her previous harshness, sincerely apologized to him, admitting she had been wrong and too sensitive as a mother.
Hua Ming, understanding her predicament, offered to watch the baby for a day, teasingly asking if she was afraid he would sell the child to her ex-husband. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Wan Xinxin called him her hero and offered to pay him. Hua Ming, in turn, pointed out she was already late for work. She quickly gave him her house keys and the baby's essentials, rushing off to work.
Hua Ming assured the baby he would take better care of him than his mother. Meanwhile, at the company meeting, Wan Xinxin's colleagues were discussing the challenges of the upcoming toy brand promotion, especially the tight timeframe. Her boss, Shi Lu, encouraged them, stating, "The greater the challenge, the better we can showcase our capabilities." Concerns were raised about Wan Xinxin's reliability and ability to lead the project.
Wan Xinxin eventually arrived, offering a long, convoluted excuse for her lateness involving her child, a "unreliable babysitter," traffic, and a multiple-car accident, portraying herself as a kind samaritan. Shi Lu, seemingly humoring her, simply told her to take a seat. Back home, Hua Ming was helping Wan Xinxin refine her proposal while looking after the baby. Frustrated and with a headache, Wan Xinxin complained about the baby and Hua Ming's singing.
Hua Ming commented that it was "just a stupid toy fair," prompting Wan Xinxin to passionately explain the importance of targeting "women and children" as the easiest money to earn. Hua Ming, holding the baby, then offered insightful advice: "When you sell toys, you can't just consider the children's feelings. You need to consider their parents' feelings too. You should make toys into a bridge, a bridge between babies and parents, for emotional connection."
Wan Xinxin, impressed, admitted she was getting inspiration, but quickly cut off Hua Ming when he tried to extend his advice to her relationship with Qin Gang, dismissing it as "useless motivational nonsense." The next morning, Hua Ming arrived early with breakfast. When Wan Xinxin asked why he hadn't used his key, he playfully said he feared seeing her without makeup. He handed her the refined proposal and a cup of warm milk, knowing she hadn't had breakfast.
Wan Xinxin praised him as a "thoughtful and incredibly good man," to which Hua Ming sarcastically replied, "I'm mainly afraid that if you starve to death, no one will pay my salary." Later, Qin Gang was video calling his mother, who was delighted to see her grandson and urged Qin Gang to treat Wan Xinxin well for her efforts in childbirth and raising the child. Unexpectedly, Wan Xinxin did not interrupt the call.
After Qin Gang ended the call, she pushed the stroller away. Qin Gang thanked her, admitting she wasn't as unreasonable as he thought. Wan Xinxin sarcastically complimented his "brilliant performance" but stated that while his mother was welcome to visit the child anytime, he was not. After Qin Gang left, Hua Ming commented on Wan Xinxin's maturity in showing respect for elders, but also noted she still had room to grow in understanding others.
Wan Xinxin, playfully indignant, accused him of acting like a parent. Qin Gang later discussed the situation with his current partner, Weiwei. He told her Wan Xinxin was not as unreasonable as he previously believed, noting his mother's affection for Wan Xinxin. He also shared advice he received from a friend (Hua Ming) about former couples not needing to become enemies and resolving issues with open-mindedness.
He mentioned Wan Xinxin's successful "YouBei toy brand" promotion, which included plans to invite Tong Tong and Ma Youyou. Weiwei, however, grew insecure, feeling neglected as Qin Gang spent more time with his son and expressing fear of being "played for a fool" like Wan Xinxin. At the company meeting, Wan Xinxin presented her fairy tale themed proposal with renewed confidence.
She explained her product concept was to "bring adults back to a fairy tale world," turning the product into "a bridge for communication between adults and children." She proposed an amusement park as the venue, citing its high family traffic, and suggested inviting popular film star Tong Tong and musician Ma Youyou. A colleague, Beibei, estimated the event's cost at 2 to 3 million, deeming it extravagant. However, Wan Xinxin defended her plan, emphasizing results and client approval.
Shi Lu observed Wan Xinxin's newfound maturity and ability to consider others' perspectives. When asked if she created the proposal alone, Wan Xinxin admitted to getting help from a "strange uncle" housekeeper who was very attentive to children. Despite the high cost, Shi Lu was impressed by Wan Xinxin's passion for creating a childhood fairy tale world and approved the proposal, instructing all departments to provide full support. The next day, Hua Ming accompanied Wan Xinxin to the amusement park.
Wan Xinxin was dismayed to find the park manager was German, and she struggled to communicate, despite her basic English. She expressed her frustration to Hua Ming, who then calmly approached the manager himself. To Wan Xinxin's utter surprise, Hua Ming fluently conversed with the manager in German and successfully negotiated the terms.
The manager, mistakenly thinking Wan Xinxin was Hua Ming's wife, complimented their "happy family of three," which Hua Ming corrected by saying Wan Xinxin was his employer and he had no wife. Wan Xinxin, deeply impressed by Hua Ming's hidden talent, hailed him as a great help, playfully offered him a 200 yuan raise, and even suggested they enjoy the amusement park with the baby. Hua Ming, ever practical, reminded her that they still needed to finalize contract details with a translator.
Episode 7 Recap
After learning from Qin Gang about Wan Xinxin's busy event plan, Liu Wei obtained the complete proposal by bribing Shi Lei's assistant at Lady Company. Using her position as editor-in-chief of Frontier Magazine, Liu Wei forcefully contacted the agents of celebrities Tong Tong and Ma Youyou, demanding they clear their schedules for exclusive interviews and photoshoots the following day.
The next day at the amusement park, Wan Xinxin had everything prepared: the stage, sound systems, and many excited parents and children were all present. However, Tong Tong and Ma Youyou failed to appear, leaving everyone waiting impatiently. Xu Ke, acting as Wan Xinxin's assistant, tried to boost morale with an inspiring speech about overcoming challenges, but an exasperated staff member urged him to "speak like a normal person."
Xu Ke then threatened to report slackers to get them back to work. Just as the audience grew restless, a sudden thunderstorm erupted. Parents and children scattered in a panic, desperately seeking shelter. Wan Xinxin watched her meticulously planned event descend into chaos, feeling utterly defeated as her efforts seemingly crumbled. In her moment of despair, Hua Ming unexpectedly walked onto the stage and began to play the piano. His beautiful melody captivated the remaining audience.
Soon, a singer joined him, performing a heartfelt song. Xu Ke quickly instructed Wan Xinxin to change into her Snow White costume, reminding her that the show could still be saved. Wan Xinxin took the stage, and her performance helped revitalize the chaotic scene, turning the event into a resounding success. Back home, Wan Xinxin and Xu Ke celebrated the unexpected success, feeling curious about Hua Ming's hidden talents.
They were amazed by his piano skills, the singer's revelation that Hua Ming had once saved his life, and his surprising ability to speak German during the amusement park negotiations. Hua Ming, however, remained elusive, downplaying his abilities and deflecting their questions by humorously claiming to be an "old firework about to burn out" or from a "monkey babysitter academy."
He shared that his piano skills came from practicing with his daughter and that he was moved by the singer's story. Despite their persistent probing, Hua Ming simply said he was tired and retreated, leaving them speculating whether he was an "international spy" or an "alien." Later, in a private moment, Hua Ming reflected on his own painful past, including a medical accident that forced him from his beloved profession, his wife's sudden departure, and his daughter's misunderstanding.
Meanwhile, Shi Lei called Wan Xinxin, delivering shocking news: YouBei, the company they promoted, was suing Lady Company. Shi Lei explained that according to their contract, they were in breach because the celebrities did not appear, and YouBei was demanding substantial compensation that could jeopardize their cash flow. Wan Xinxin protested, arguing that the promotion had achieved its purpose, with YouBei's online sales already tripling.
She clarified that she had not broken any rules or had conflicts of interest with YouBei. Shi Lei, though, emphasized the contractual failure and tasked Wan Xinxin with directly contacting YouBei's CEO Li to understand the true issue. Unbeknownst to Wan Xinxin, Liu Wei had already orchestrated YouBei's lawsuit. After Wan Xinxin's event surprisingly succeeded, a furious Liu Wei used her authority as editor-in-chief of Frontier Magazine to approach CEO Li of YouBei.
She offered Frontier Magazine's extensive promotional support for YouBei's brand, especially for an upcoming international expo, securing full authority over YouBei's promotional rights. Although CEO Li initially expressed satisfaction with Lady Company's event and was hesitant to sue, Liu Wei insisted that "business is business" and even "bad news can increase brand awareness," assuring him she would handle the "minor legal matters." CEO Li, now at ease, departed on his flight, leaving Liu Wei in charge.
Liu Wei then instructed someone to tell Wan Xinxin to meet her at a specific coffee shop. At the coffee shop, Liu Wei bluntly informed Wan Xinxin that she was personally responsible for YouBei's lawsuit against Lady Company. She demanded that Wan Xinxin and her child leave the city, threatening to ruin any company Wan Xinxin might join if she refused. Wan Xinxin accused Liu Wei of being despicable and vindictive, reiterating that she had no interest in Qin Gang.
Liu Wei countered, accusing Wan Xinxin of being shameless, clinging to Qin Gang through her child, and secretly asking him for money. It was then that Wan Xinxin learned her sister, Xu Chunli, had not actually returned the one hundred thousand yuan to Qin Gang. Wan Xinxin left, determined to confront her sister. At Xu Chunli's home, her husband Jiang Kaiyang learned that his entire investment, including the one hundred thousand yuan from Qin Gang, was lost.
As a devastated Xu Chunli blamed him, Jiang Kaiyang was urgently summoned by his director, Director Zheng, over a problem with the investment company, leaving his wife to fear he was in legal trouble. Meanwhile, at the house, Xu Ke argued with Xu Chunli over letting Qin Gang visit the baby, insisting that Wan Xinxin had already agreed.
Wan Xinxin, who had taken a call from Qin Gang about the visit while on her way, arrived to find her sister in a state of despair. Witnessing Xu Chunli's emotional breakdown, Wan Xinxin comforted her and promised to repay the money to Qin Gang herself.
Episode 8 Recap
Wan Xinxin was at Xu Chunli's home, offering comfort as Xu Chunli worried about her husband, Jiang Kaiyang. Xu Chunli expressed that if anything happened to her husband, it would be devastating for her and their child, Xiaoxiao. Wan Xinxin reassured her that she would always have her support. Just then, Jiang Kaiyang returned, visibly distraught. Noticing his unusual demeanor, Wan Xinxin decided to leave. Once she was gone, Xu Chunli pressed Jiang Kaiyang to reveal what had happened.
He disclosed that Miss Shen's so-called financial company was actually a loan shark operation, and their invested money was completely lost. More gravely, he had processed official documents for her, which put his political career in jeopardy. Jiang Kaiyang announced that his career was over. He clarified that while he hadn't embezzled or taken bribes, his involvement in processing documents was a serious rule violation.
He mentioned an investigation was unavoidable, and he faced disciplinary action, but it wasn't as severe as Xu Chunli feared, so he wouldn't be going to prison. Xu Chunli suggested writing a self-criticism, but Jiang Kaiyang adamantly refused, citing his dignity as a deputy division-level government official. He couldn't bear the thought of making a public self-criticism in front of his colleagues, which he believed would stain his record and end any hope of promotion.
He then revealed that he had already submitted his resignation. Xu Chunli was shocked, worrying about their family's financial future, especially their two million yuan mortgage. Jiang Kaiyang confidently dismissed her concerns, proclaiming that his years in government had equipped him with invaluable experience and political acumen, making him a highly sought-after talent in the business world. He declared himself "free" from the constraints of his former position and ready to achieve great things.
Meanwhile, Liu Wei learned that Qin Gang was visiting their son, Little Bao, again. Annoyed by his constant visits, she called her company's legal department, instructing them to immediately gather breach of contract materials from Laidi Company and draft a legal notice. She demanded that if Laidi Company didn't respond within 24 hours, they should initiate legal action without negotiation. At Laidi Company, an assistant informed Director Shi Lu that YouBei Company had sent a legal notice.
Director Shi Lu immediately called Wan Xinxin, who was still attempting to negotiate. Director Shi Lu expressed anger, demanding to know what had truly happened. Wan Xinxin asked for more time to resolve the issue, but Director Shi Lu insisted she return to discuss the impending lawsuit, fearing it could bankrupt the company. Feeling responsible, Wan Xinxin came up with a plan. She rushed to Xu Ke, asking him to "role-play" as Manager Li from YouBei Company.
She instructed him to meet with Director Shi Lu and claim that YouBei was withdrawing the lawsuit, begging her not to pursue legal action. Xu Ke, after much persuasion, reluctantly agreed. When Wan Xinxin introduced Xu Ke as Manager Li to Director Shi Lu, Xu Ke was overwhelmed. He found himself unable to meet Director Shi Lu's gaze, but as he declared YouBei's intention to withdraw the lawsuit, he looked at her closely and was stunned.
He realized Director Shi Lu was the true love he had been searching for. Their deception quickly unraveled when Director Shi Lu produced a photo of the real Manager Li, exposing their charade. Wan Xinxin and Xu Ke stood there, embarrassed. Director Shi Lu expressed deep disappointment in Wan Xinxin, criticizing her for resorting to deceit instead of bravely facing the problem head-on.
She lamented that Wan Xinxin consistently made grand promises but never followed through, always employing underhanded tactics that forced others to clean up her messes. Xu Ke tried to defend Wan Xinxin, but Director Shi Lu sharply dismissed him. Wan Xinxin apologized, reiterating her commitment to resolve the issue and provide an explanation to Director Shi Lu and the company. Later, a disheartened Wan Xinxin called Liu Wei, admitting defeat.
She promised to leave with her son and never see Qin Gang again, begging Liu Wei to drop the lawsuit against Laidi Company. Liu Wei agreed to withdraw the lawsuit, warning Wan Xinxin not to play any more tricks. Back in her neighborhood, Wan Xinxin saw Qin Gang and Hua Ming playing happily with Little Bao. Qin Gang, trying to appease her, proudly displayed the expensive baby formula, trendy clothes, and intelligence-developing toys he had bought for their son.
Wan Xinxin, however, was disgusted. She told him to take everything away and declared that from then on, they would go their separate ways, never to see each other again. Qin Gang was enraged by her sudden change of heart, reminding her of their previous agreement. Wan Xinxin defiantly stated that she had changed her mind, even offering to return the 100,000 yuan to sever all ties.
Qin Gang, asserting his rights as the child's father and his mother's right as the grandmother, threatened legal action for custody. Wan Xinxin, distraught, told him to lock her up so she would never have to see him again. Qin Gang returned home furious, complaining to Liu Wei about Wan Xinxin's refusal to let him see their son or accept his support. Liu Wei was secretly pleased that Wan Xinxin had seemingly kept her word.
However, Qin Gang then declared his firm decision to sue Wan Xinxin for custody. Liu Wei was surprised by this decision, reminding him that custody usually goes to the mother during the nursing period, but Qin Gang was adamant about fighting "till the end." Despite her anger, Director Shi Lu wanted to understand the full truth behind the YouBei incident.
She decided against immediately sending a legal notice to the entertainment company and instead arranged to meet with YouBei's Assistant Wang, as Manager Li was out of the country. Meanwhile, Xu Ke, still determined to help Director Shi Lu, tracked down Assistant Wang and called him, subtly threatening to expose "private photos" if they didn't meet. Assistant Wang reluctantly agreed to the meeting. At a hotel, Director Shi Lu and Assistant Wang were drinking.
Assistant Wang, flattered by Director Shi Lu's compliments and generosity with expensive wine, hinted that resolving the issue depended on her sincerity. As they prepared for a "cross-cup toast," Xu Ke burst into the room. He snatched Director Shi Lu's glass, declared her his girlfriend, and told Assistant Wang that he would handle any discussions. Director Shi Lu vehemently denied knowing Xu Ke, but Assistant Wang was annoyed.
Xu Ke then threatened Assistant Wang, stating he would expose his "nightclub photos" to his wife if he didn't leave immediately. Assistant Wang, furious and embarrassed, quickly departed. Director Shi Lu was enraged at Xu Ke for ruining her meeting, but Xu Ke, with a smug smile, promised he would resolve the issue if she finished all the remaining drinks with him. At home, Wan Xinxin comforted her child, promising not to let Qin Gang take him away. She then received a call from Liu Wei and confirmed that she had acted according to her promise to leave.
Episode 9 Recap
Wan Xinxin received a phone call from Liu Wei, who demanded that she immediately leave the city with her son, threatening to send a legal notice to Shi Lu if she delayed. Wan Xinxin pleaded for time to get settled, but Liu Wei was unyielding, warning of consequences if Qin Gang were to pursue custody. Wan Xinxin reluctantly agreed to Liu Wei's terms. Soon after, Hua Ming returned home with groceries.
He noticed Wan Xinxin's somber mood, and despite her insistence that she didn't want to eat, he began preparing dinner. He also suggested that she should allow Qin Gang's mother to see her grandson, explaining that he had accepted some items from Qin Gang on her behalf and that they could be donated. Wan Xinxin, however, refused to elaborate on her decision and seemed distressed.
Hua Ming, finding her unreasonable, criticized her for quitting her job without a plan, reminding her that she was now a mother and couldn't rely solely on friends like Xu Ke. Wan Xinxin retorted that she had always been unreliable and that it was her decision to depend on Xu Ke. Angered, she fired Hua Ming, telling him to leave and stop interfering in her life.
Before he left, Hua Ming, still caring, gave her detailed instructions for feeding the baby. Meanwhile, stumbling out of a restaurant drunk, Xu Ke confronted Shi Lu, telling her he disliked seeing her grovel to clients and questioning her self-respect. Shi Lu retorted, asking if she needed his approval or if he had the right to control her.
She explained that she endures humiliation to save her company and its employees, as preventing a decade of hard work from being destroyed by a 2 million deficit and a potential lawsuit was more important than her dignity. Xu Ke declared his affection for her, insisting she was precious to him, and promised to solve her problem by selling his house to provide the money.
Shi Lu remained skeptical, calling his promise a typical male ploy and doubting that his "dignity" could solve her financial woes. Xu Ke reaffirmed his commitment, telling her his house key was hidden under the doormat at his front door and urging her to believe in his ability to help. The next day, Hua Ming encountered Xu Ke at their building. Xu Ke was there to retrieve his property deed.
Hua Ming briefly mentioned that Wan Xinxin had been hacked, suggesting Qin Gang's involvement. Xu Ke entered Wan Xinxin's apartment, intending to see her and convey his reassurance that he could resolve her issues. Later, Hua Ming found a note from Wan Xinxin on the table. In it, she expressed regret for possibly breaking her promises and stated her intention to leave for a while with her son, vowing to stay strong.
Shocked by her sudden departure, Hua Ming immediately drove off to find her. At the same time, Shi Lu was struggling with the legal battles facing her company, which lacked the funds even for a lawyer's deposit. She then received a call from Assistant Wang of UBay Group, who informed her that UBay had received the compensation and withdrawn their lawsuit. Shi Lu was astonished, and Wang clarified that her "boyfriend" had personally delivered the payment that morning.
Shortly after, Shi Lu's own assistant confirmed the withdrawal of the lawsuit and a 1. 5 million yuan transfer to the company account from Xu Ke's private account, leaving Shi Lu stunned by Xu Ke's unexpected commitment. Hua Ming eventually located Wan Xinxin and reprimanded her for attempting to run away, arguing that her actions were self-deceptive and would lead to her son being deprived of knowing his father.
He urged her to stay and face her challenges with her friends. While they were talking, Wan Xinxin received a call from Xu Ke. He apologized for selling his house without consulting her and explained that she and her son could stay in his small rented apartment after two days, as he was about to leave for a business trip.
Distressed that she had indirectly caused Xu Ke's sacrifice, Wan Xinxin then received another call, this time from Shi Lu, who urgently needed to find Xu Ke. Wan Xinxin directed Shi Lu to Xu Ke's newly rented apartment, which was conveniently located directly across from Shi Lu's place. Shi Lu rushed to the apartment across the street but found no one there. Remembering Xu Ke's casual remark about his key being under the doormat, she found it and entered.
Inside, she was astonished to discover the apartment entirely filled with various photographs of herself. After Hua Ming convinced her to return, Wan Xinxin confronted Xu Ke, questioning his decision to sell his house. Xu Ke explained that he felt responsible because he had recommended her job to her. He asserted that as her friend, Shi Lu's potential future lover, and the baby's godfather, he was compelled both emotionally and rationally to take responsibility.
He shared his plan to go on a business trip to earn money so they could eventually rent a larger home, asking Hua Ming to manage the moving logistics. As Xu Ke prepared to leave, Wan Xinxin tried to persuade him not to meet Shi Lu, but Shi Lu arrived nonetheless. Shi Lu accused Xu Ke of trying to prove something to her, reiterating that she didn't need his help and would never reciprocate his feelings.
Xu Ke confessed his love for her, stating it was a personal matter that required no return. Shi Lu, firm in her resolve, offered to repay him with interest. Xu Ke, rejecting a simple repayment, proposed becoming a shareholder in her company, framing it as "bottom fishing" during its difficult time to prosper with its future growth. Shi Lu reluctantly agreed to grant him a proportional share.
Xu Ke playfully declared himself a new shareholder, jokingly calling them all his employees and entrusting them with his "little investment." Wan Xinxin and Hua Ming then bid Xu Ke farewell as he departed for his trip. To help Wan Xinxin build confidence and temper her will, Hua Ming took her on an outdoor survival training trip, leaving the baby in Xu Chunli's temporary care.
At home, Xu Chunli expressed concern for Jiang Kaiyang's unemployment and suggested various job opportunities, which he dismissed. He then inquired about the relationship between Wan Xinxin and Qin Gang. Xu Chunli reported that Qin Gang was constantly requesting to see his son, but she refused to allow it, believing he didn't deserve it. Jiang Kaiyang countered that, despite the divorce, Qin Gang was still the father, and denying him access was unreasonable.
He suggested that Xu Chunli, as Wan Xinxin's sister, should help ease her burden, perhaps by caring for the child. He also argued for the importance of the child having the Qin family's acknowledgment for his future. He proposed a strategy of allowing Qin Gang to see the child to "invest his emotions" but not to yield custody, ensuring the child could benefit from the Qin family's resources.
Later that evening, Jiang Kaiyang called Qin Gang to his house to discuss the child. When Qin Gang arrived, he voiced his frustration that Wan Xinxin was preventing his mother from seeing the child and making him look bad. Jiang Kaiyang gently reminded Qin Gang of his past actions but then shifted the focus to the child's well-being, proposing that Qin Gang or his mother could see the child by giving advance notice, allowing for appropriate arrangements to be made.
Episode 10 Recap
Jiang Kaiyang invited Qin Gang to his home and falsely claimed that Xu Chunli would take care of Qin Gang's child from then on, allowing Qin Gang and his mother to visit anytime. Qin Gang was delighted by this news. Jiang Kaiyang then subtly brought up his desire to work at Qin Gang's company, explaining that he had voluntarily stepped down from his previous role due to restructuring and was not accustomed to idleness.
He expressed his interest in the automotive industry and his wish to learn and contribute his experience. Qin Gang readily agreed to consider his request. The next day, Qin Gang arranged for Jiang Kaiyang to become the Deputy Manager of the Sales Department at his company, offering him compensation equivalent to that of a General Manager. Jiang Kaiyang was pleasantly surprised by the offer, though Qin Gang explained the title was a starting point to familiarize him with the business.
Qin Gang then expressed his concern about explaining his divorce to his mother, fearing she would blame him. Jiang Kaiyang quickly reassured Qin Gang, stating that the divorce was entirely Wan Xinxin's fault due to her "terrible temperament," and he would ensure Qin Gang's mother believed this narrative. He promised to handle the situation, which greatly relieved Qin Gang. Meanwhile, Hua Ming accompanied Wan Xinxin on a wilderness survival training exercise.
As they struggled through the challenging terrain, Hua Ming encouraged her, reminding her of her strong willpower and how she had overcome various fears. He urged her to reflect on her journey, asserting that enduring these difficulties proved her resilience and that moving forward could lead to a beautiful future. Wan Xinxin, initially afraid, gradually found hope and resolved to stay in the city to bravely face her future.
She worried about losing her child, but Hua Ming reassured her that if she held her loved one gently in her heart, no one could take them away. He also showed her a local wishing tree, symbolizing new beginnings. Back in the city, Xu Chunli confronted Jiang Kaiyang, questioning his motivations for working for Qin Gang, which she saw as hypocritical. Jiang Kaiyang dismissed her concerns, claiming he was protecting his nephew's inheritance.
Later, as Xu Ke had sold his house, Hua Ming prepared to move out of his apartment so Wan Xinxin and her child could live there. Wan Xinxin expressed her gratitude and some awkwardness about the living arrangements, but Hua Ming explained he would be staying at Xu Ke's rented place. He set some ground rules for Wan Xinxin regarding his belongings before leaving. As Hua Ming was leaving his apartment, he encountered Jiang Kaiyang and Xu Chunli.
They questioned him about Wan Xinxin living in his apartment and him caring for the child, deeming the situation inappropriate. Jiang Kaiyang stated that he and Xu Chunli, as Wan Xinxin's family, would take over the child's care, implying that Hua Ming's close presence with a newly divorced Wan Xinxin could hinder her future prospects. Hua Ming, understanding the implication, assured them he knew his boundaries and was only helping with the child.
Jiang Kaiyang and Xu Chunli then headed upstairs, leaving Hua Ming looking dejected. Qin Gang, having learned from the hospital that his mother had been discharged earlier than expected, called Liu Wei in a flustered state. He instructed her to quickly remove her belongings from his house before his mother arrived, to avoid her discovering the truth about his divorce. Liu Wei, though displeased, complied with his request.
Upon her return, Qin Gang's mother anxiously searched for Wan Xinxin and her grandson. Qin Gang reluctantly confessed that he and Wan Xinxin had divorced, and he falsely claimed that Wan Xinxin had cheated on him. Unconvinced, Qin Gang's mother went to Lady Company, where Wan Xinxin worked, to confront her. After receiving a call from Shi Lei, the company head, Wan Xinxin rushed back to the office, only to be shocked by the presence of Qin Gang's mother.
Qin Gang's mother directly accused Wan Xinxin of infidelity. Seeing Qin Gang's betrayal, Wan Xinxin refused to defend herself, stating that further explanations were pointless now that they were divorced. Qin Gang's mother, believing her son's account and witnessing Wan Xinxin's difficult circumstances, declared that Wan Xinxin was unfit to raise her grandson and demanded to take the child. Wan Xinxin vehemently refused to give up her child but agreed to let Qin Gang's mother see him.
Wan Xinxin then took Qin Gang's mother to Hua Ming's apartment. To her surprise, Hua Ming was there instead of Xu Chunli, who had an emergency. Qin Gang's mother immediately surmised the situation, and Wan Xinxin was at a loss for words. Hua Ming attempted to defuse the tension with humor, but Qin Gang's mother dismissed his efforts. Upon seeing her grandson, she was overcome with emotion but immediately expressed her dissatisfaction with Wan Xinxin's living conditions.
She bluntly told Wan Xinxin that the environment was inadequate for her grandson and reiterated her demand to take the child, stating that if Wan Xinxin truly loved him, she would give him everything, which Qin Gang's mother could provide. Wan Xinxin firmly restated that her child needed his mother, not just material comforts.
Episode 11 Recap
Qin Mother pridefully presented Wan Xinxin with a bank card containing eight to nine hundred thousand yuan, stating it was compensation for her, and demanded that Wan Xinxin hand over the child so he could have a better living environment. Wan Xinxin firmly refused, declaring she wouldn't sell her son. Qin Mother grew angry and scolded Wan Xinxin, accusing her of having an affair with Hua Ming and lacking the qualification to raise the child.
Wan Xinxin was unable to defend herself. Qin Mother then threatened that if she couldn't take the child today, she would return tomorrow and every day after, promising to make Wan Xinxin's life miserable if she didn't get her grandson. Hua Ming, who was present, clarified he was only the landlord and a friend, telling Qin Mother to keep her voice down as the baby was sleeping.
After Hua Ming escorted a fuming Qin Mother out, Wan Xinxin felt wronged and cried, stating that Qin Gang had cheated, but his mother still blamed her. Hua Ming, after comforting her, decided to fully move back into his house to help Wan Xinxin deal with Qin Mother. The following day, Qin Mother, along with a group of housekeepers, arrogantly stormed into Hua Ming's home. She commanded the housekeepers to perform a thorough cleaning, causing chaos in the house.
Hua Ming, watching this, subtly sprayed the housekeepers and Qin Mother with a pet disinfectant solution. He then dramatically announced that everyone had been exposed to a highly contagious "sebaceous cyst fungal infection," a skin disease transmitted from animals to humans, capable of causing eczema and rashes, especially dangerous for children. He, as a professional veterinarian and former physician, urged them to get immediate disinfection at a hospital to avoid infecting their families.
Panicked and fearing for the baby's health, Qin Mother and the housekeepers quickly left. Later, Qin Mother had her family doctor examine her, only to discover she was perfectly healthy and had been tricked by Hua Ming. The doctor identified the strange odor as creolin, a "stink medicine" used for disinfecting pet tools, confirming Hua Ming had deliberately splashed it on them. Enraged, Qin Mother vowed revenge on Hua Ming.
The next day, Qin Mother returned, this time bringing a large array of new baby supplies and instructing her helpers to discard everything she deemed unsuitable in the house, particularly any pink-colored items as the baby was a boy. Wan Xinxin became furious and tried to reason with her, but Qin Mother was unyielding, bringing up Wan Xinxin's alleged infidelity and lack of gratitude towards Qin Gang.
Seeing the escalating argument, Hua Ming intervened and pulled Qin Mother outside to talk privately, despite her protests. Outside, Hua Ming patiently explained to Qin Mother that her son Qin Gang and Wan Xinxin’s divorce might have an untold story. He pointed out that Wan Xinxin never demanded property during their marriage and was now living with him in a modest setting.
Hua Ming argued that he was older than Qin Gang, not as wealthy, and divorced with a daughter, making it illogical for Wan Xinxin to choose him over Qin Gang for any superficial reasons. He suggested that Wan Xinxin, who lost both parents and was raising her child alone, deserved a peaceful environment. This explanation caused Qin Mother to fall into deep thought. Meanwhile, at an auction organized by Shi Lu's company, she encountered her former boss, Mr. Chen.
He made condescending remarks about her single status and subtly implied she could still call him if she needed anything. Shi Lu, unfazed, countered that she also had his wife's number, which hadn't changed, and had called her recently. Mr. Chen's wife, witnessing their interaction, abruptly approached Shi Lu, accusing her of seducing her husband and raising her hand to strike.
Xu Ke, who was present taking photographs, quickly intervened, grabbing the wife's arm and declaring that Shi Lu was his girlfriend. Shi Lu, however, seemed displeased by his actions and left without a word. During the auction of a South African sapphire necklace, Mr. Chen, trying to impress his wife, bid 300,000 yuan, proudly announcing it was for her.
To prevent Shi Lu from losing face, Xu Ke impulsively raised the bid to 400,000 yuan, stating it was for his girlfriend. The crowd was astonished, but Shi Lu, once again, left the venue, seemingly upset. Separately, Qin Mother secretly hired someone to investigate Liu Wei and discovered that she was not in the US as Qin Gang had claimed. Qin Mother then covertly followed Qin Gang and witnessed him picking up Liu Wei from work.
Upon Qin Gang's return home, Qin Mother directly confronted him, revealing she knew about his relationship with Liu Wei and that his infidelity was the true reason for his divorce from Wan Xinxin. She announced that she had revised her will, adding two conditions: Qin Gang must reconcile with Wan Xinxin and bring their grandson home, and he must never see Liu Wei again. If he failed to meet these conditions, he would be disinherited from the Qin family fortune.
Qin Gang was stunned by his mother's revelation. He admitted that Liu Wei's reappearance had left him "completely confused" and confessed to having a six-to-seven-year relationship with her in the past.
Episode 12 Recap
Panicked after learning his mother had revised her will, Qin Gang earnestly promised to break up with Liu Wei and win back Wan Xinxin. He told his mother that he had been confused when Liu Wei appeared and that her health was paramount. He vowed to fulfill her wishes, win Wan Xinxin back, and provide her with many grandchildren. His mother, though pleased, reiterated that he must meet the two conditions she had changed in the will.
Qin Gang agreed, promising to clarify things with Liu Wei that very night. Under Qin Mother’s watchful eye, Qin Gang called her to ensure she was listening, then knocked on Liu Wei’s door. Seeing Qin Gang, Liu Wei was about to speak, but he subtly gestured that he was on the phone with his mother.
Understanding the charade, Liu Wei listened as Qin Gang dramatically announced their breakup, claiming he couldn't live without Wan Xinxin, realized his mistake, and intended to win her back. He instructed Liu Wei not to call or look for him, saying their continued relationship would hurt Wan Xinxin. As soon as his mother ended the call, Qin Gang dropped the act. Liu Wei confronted him, acknowledging his "good show."
Qin Gang then embraced her, revealing his true plan: he would swiftly gain custody of his child and control of the family business, then give Wan Xinxin some money to make her leave. He reassured Liu Wei that she was the most important person to him and that he would marry her once his mother was appeased. Liu Wei confessed that leaving him for America was her biggest mistake, realizing then she couldn't live without him.
Qin Gang hurried away to avoid his mother's suspicion, promising Liu Wei that their wait would soon be over. The next day, Wan Xinxin arrived at work to find a bouquet of yellow roses, a symbol of apology, on her desk. A colleague pointed out the meaning of the roses, and upon finding a card, Wan Xinxin learned they were from Qin Gang. She promptly tossed the flowers into the trash.
Soon after, Shi Lu called Wan Xinxin into her office. Shi Lu expressed her frustration with Wan Xinxin’s incomplete proposal, refusing to accept any excuses about family issues, being a single mother, or Qin Gang's mother bothering her. Despite Wan Xinxin's plea for another chance for Xu Ke's sake, Shi Lu swiftly assigned her a new project: a promotional campaign for a car brand, instructing her to meet the CEO immediately.
Shi Lu warned her that this was her "last chance" and if there were any further problems, no one could help her. Wan Xinxin promised to go immediately. Wan Xinxin arrived at the designated meeting place, a restaurant. As she walked in, she recognized the familiar setting and a song playing, realizing it was the same place and music from her first date with Qin Gang. Her suspicions grew when she saw Qin Gang holding a bouquet of yellow roses.
Qin Gang reminded her of their first date there, the rain, and how he had arranged for their "relationship-sealing song" to be played. Wan Xinxin, realizing Shi Lu had set her up, refused to engage in personal matters and insisted on discussing the project. Qin Gang attempted to apologize and promise to make amends for their past, but Wan Xinxin angrily rebuffed him. She accused him of being shameless and attempting to sweep his infidelity under the rug.
She reminded him that he had been comforting Liu Wei while their newborn son was still in the maternity center. Qin Gang tried to explain that nothing had happened with Liu Wei and he was merely comforting her after her divorce, admitting his immaturity and thoughtlessness, and claiming he realized how much he loved Wan Xinxin after their divorce.
Wan Xinxin retorted that he likely only realized he loved Liu Wei after marrying her, firmly stating she was "not second-choice grass," and left in a huff. Later that evening, Wan Xinxin returned home, still upset, to find Hua Ming preparing dinner. Just then, Qin Mother unexpectedly arrived, carrying gifts for Wan Xinxin and the baby. She explained that she had been too hasty and wronged Wan Xinxin, now understanding the truth.
She urged Wan Xinxin to give Qin Gang another chance, claiming he regretted his actions and would love her even more. Wan Xinxin tried to politely decline, stating she had already spoken with Qin Gang. Qin Mother persisted, emphasizing the years of their relationship and the difficulty a single mother faces in finding a new partner, suggesting Wan Xinxin might remain single. To put an end to the conversation, Wan Xinxin quickly pulled Hua Ming close, declaring him her boyfriend.
Although initially startled, Hua Ming quickly grasped the situation and played along, apologizing for not being open sooner, confessing his love for Wan Xinxin, and vowing to take good care of her and her brother. Qin Mother, expressing disappointment but claiming she had anticipated this outcome, urged Wan Xinxin to reconsider before leaving. After her departure, Wan Xinxin and Hua Ming discussed their act.
Hua Ming complained about the charade, but Wan Xinxin insisted he would have to keep playing her boyfriend for as long as Qin Mother continued to meddle. The next day, Wan Xinxin again found roses on her desk and later received a special "nutritious lunch" delivery, confirming Qin Gang's ongoing ploys. She gave the lunch to her colleagues. Shi Lu then summoned Wan Xinxin, demanding an update on the auto show project.
Wan Xinxin openly criticized Shi Lu for making her negotiate with Qin Gang, given their complicated personal history, metaphorically explaining that their vastly different approaches meant they couldn't possibly be on the same page. Shi Lu retorted that she only cared about results and insisted Wan Xinxin close the deal. As Wan Xinxin prepared to leave, Shi Lu stopped her, candidly revealing the company's precarious financial situation and stressing the vital importance of every project.
After a moment of hesitation, Wan Xinxin reluctantly agreed to lead the negotiations with Qin Gang’s company, but only on the condition that someone else would handle the project's subsequent stages, stating that if Qin Gang didn't agree, she could do no more. Wan Xinxin, accompanied by Hua Ming, went to Qin Gang's company, only to find he was intentionally avoiding them.
Meanwhile, Qin Gang called Shi Lu, making it clear that if Wan Xinxin was there to reject him, their cooperation would end. Shi Lu confirmed Wan Xinxin’s reluctance and request for a different project lead. Qin Gang, however, stood firm, stating that he would pay any promotional fee but Wan Xinxin "must" be the one to handle the case. He suggested Shi Lu enlist Wan Xinxin's relatives and friends to persuade her.
Afterwards, Qin Gang called Liu Wei, complaining about Wan Xinxin "playing hard to get." He confessed that Wan Xinxin held no significance to him beyond his mother's desire for grandchildren. He reiterated his plan to keep his mother happy until he gained control of the family business, then remove Wan Xinxin with a financial settlement, ensuring an undisturbed life with Liu Wei. At the same time, Xu Ke was facing a dire situation.
Debt collectors had arrived at his home, demanding repayment for the 400,000 he had borrowed to buy a sapphire necklace. Shi Lu attempted to call Xu Ke, but one of the collectors snatched his phone and hung up. Xu Ke desperately pleaded for more time, but the collector threatened to take two of his fingers. Seeing no other option, a terrified Xu Ke managed to call Wan Xinxin for help, explaining he had been beaten.
Wan Xinxin quickly alerted Hua Ming, and they rushed to Xu Ke’s aid. Upon their arrival, Hua Ming immediately confronted the debt collectors. Xu Ke confirmed his 400,000 debt for a necklace, which he bought to impress a girl, though it ultimately failed. Wan Xinxin, hearing this, called him an "idiot" for such a reckless expense. Hua Ming told Wan Xinxin and Xu Ke to go inside, promising to handle the situation.
He reasoned with the collectors, agreeing to repay the debt the following day, but warned against their aggressive tactics. When a collector brandished a knife, Hua Ming, feigning extensive medical knowledge, calmly and graphically described how and where to inflict a fatal wound, terrifying the collector. Conceding to Hua Ming’s unconventional intimidation, the collector agreed to leave with the promise of payment by the next day.
Hua Ming then gave Xu Ke his own bank card, instructing him to sell the necklace and use the money to pay off his debt. Xu Ke was deeply moved and speechless with gratitude. Wan Xinxin also urged Xu Ke to quickly settle his debt. As they left Xu Ke's place, Wan Xinxin expressed profound admiration for Hua Ming's impressive skills, asking if he'd had special training. Hua Ming playfully attributed his strength to the stamina required as a doctor.
While they were talking, Qin Mother spotted them. She had already suspected their true relationship but chose to feign ignorance. She approached them, carrying homemade black chicken soup and a durian cake, claiming these were Wan Xinxin's favorite foods, as Qin Gang had told her. Wan Xinxin, however, truthfully stated she disliked both, but pretended to make Hua Ming eat them instead. Hua Ming, who also genuinely detested durian and black chicken soup, was forced to consume them, much to his private agony, to maintain the façade for Qin Mother.
Episode 13 Recap
After Qin mother left, she invited Wan Xinxin to go shopping the next day. Wan Xinxin, hoping to avoid her, claimed she had plans with Hua Ming to take the child to the amusement park. She expected Qin mother, due to her age, wouldn't want to join, but Qin mother insisted, saying she wanted to experience the rides like roller coasters and pirate ships that weren't around when she was young.
Wan Xinxin returned home and explained the situation to Hua Ming, who was still recovering from having to eat durian cake, a food he detested, to maintain their charade for Qin mother. Hua Ming was reluctant, citing his fear of heights, but Wan Xinxin reminded him of their agreement to act as a couple and how long it had been since she had gone out for fun, eventually convincing him.
He agreed to go, provided she threw away the leftover durian cake. Meanwhile, Qin mother confided in Qin Gang, expressing her frustration with his marital problems. She didn't believe in Wan Xinxin and Hua Ming's relationship, thinking it was an act to fool her, and was determined to see how long they could keep it up.
Qin Gang suggested simply letting Wan Xinxin keep the child, but Qin mother sternly rejected the idea, recalling his father's abandonment and not wanting her grandchild to feel the same resentment. The next day, at the amusement park, Wan Xinxin and Hua Ming tried to get Qin mother to ride the pirate ship. Qin mother, however, feigned being scared due to her age, suggesting they go on the ride while she waited.
Hua Ming offered to stay with her, but Wan Xinxin pulled him along, insisting he ride with her. During the ride, Hua Ming was clearly terrified, sweating profusely, which Wan Xinxin playfully pointed out, teasing him about claiming not to be afraid of heights. After they returned, Qin mother, noticing Hua Ming’s disheveled state, made a lighthearted comment about his "temporary high blood pressure."
She then offered to take a photo of the couple, encouraging them to get closer for a more intimate shot, making them pose awkwardly while she filmed and commented on their lack of natural affection. Later, at Wan Xinxin's home for dinner, Qin mother brought pre-ordered black chicken soup, which Qin Gang had wrongly told her was Wan Xinxin's favorite.
Hua Ming immediately interjected, declaring that he would personally cook all of Wan Xinxin's soups from now on, emphasizing his cooking skills and his caring nature. Qin mother complimented Hua Ming's cooking and his attentiveness to Wan Xinxin. When Hua Ming suggested she treat Wan Xinxin as her own daughter, Qin mother brushed it off as "too confusing." As Qin mother prepared to leave after eating little, she pulled Wan Xinxin aside.
While acknowledging Hua Ming's thoughtfulness and how relieved she felt seeing him care for Wan Xinxin and the baby, she reiterated that his financial situation was not stable enough for marriage. She again suggested Wan Xinxin consider returning to Qin Gang, assuring her that her door was always open. After returning home from dinner, Qin mother spoke with Qin Gang again.
She acknowledged Hua Ming's attentiveness and care for Wan Xinxin, which she had witnessed, but maintained that his financial situation made him unsuitable for marriage. She reiterated that Qin Gang needed to put in more effort to win Wan Xinxin back, specifically advising him to be more attentive and caring than Hua Ming, and questioned why he had chosen Liu Wei over Wan Xinxin in the first place.
Separately, Xu Chunli discovered Jiang Kaiyang was on a lengthy phone call past 3 AM. She confronted him the next morning, but he dodged her questions, claiming it was a business associate named CEO Qian. When Xu Chunli tested him by pretending she made up the name, he quickly confirmed the CEO's surname was indeed Qian. When she attempted to call the number, Jiang Kaiyang stopped her, threatening that such an action could ruin a business deal.
He then defensively warned her not to touch his phone without permission again, and stated if she couldn't trust him, he no longer cared if their marriage continued. Still suspicious, Xu Chunli secretly followed Jiang Kaiyang later that day and found him at a clothing store. When confronted, he again accused her of lacking trust and reiterated his willingness to divorce. Xu Chunli was left frustrated, feeling powerless.
Meanwhile, Qin Gang called Shi Lu, giving her a one-week ultimatum to arrange a meeting with Wan Xinxin, threatening to cancel their business deal otherwise. He made it clear his priority was seeing Wan Xinxin, not the car show itself. Shi Lu, understanding Wan Xinxin's stubborn nature, agreed to try to arrange it, but warned Qin Gang she was only responsible for setting up the meeting, not the outcome.
Back at work, Wan Xinxin, confronted by Shi Lu about the car show project, promptly announced her resignation. She declared she wouldn't compromise her dignity for a project and would find a way to repay her debt to the company. Shi Lu, visibly upset, lamented losing Wan Xinxin and joked about missing the yellow roses she used to receive.
Just then, Qin Gang arrived at Wan Xinxin's company, once again with a bouquet of yellow roses and the keys to a brand new car, which he offered to her. He apologized for past mistakes, hoping for a chance to make amends. Wan Xinxin, however, was furious. She rejected his gifts, telling him she had quit her job and found his presence suffocating.
She threw the car keys back at him, stating that his current actions were too little, too late, and that he remained a "jerk" in her eyes, before angrily leaving. Later, Shi Lu met with Hua Ming, seeking his help to persuade Wan Xinxin to take on the car show project with Qin Gang. She explained the company's urgent need for the project and believed it would also benefit Wan Xinxin's career.
Hua Ming politely declined, stating that Wan Xinxin was doing well and didn't need to prove anything, and that it would be inappropriate for either of them to meddle in her personal decision concerning her ex-husband. Hua Ming then shifted the conversation to Xu Ke, revealing that Xu Ke had borrowed heavily to buy Shi Lu a necklace and was now in a desperate situation.
He urged Shi Lu to give Xu Ke a clear answer about her feelings to prevent him from ruining himself. Shi Lu reacted angrily, demanding to know who had told him about her personal affairs, and seemed very upset about it, much to Hua Ming's surprise. Soon after, Xu Ke put the sapphire necklace back up for auction. To his astonishment, a stranger bid 400,000 for it.
After the auction, Xu Ke observed the man reporting to Shi Lu, realizing she was the one who bought the necklace. He misinterpreted this as a sign of her love for him. However, Shi Lu confronted him, angrily accusing him of bragging about their relationship to others. She called him foolish and naive for pursuing her by mortgaging his company, stating she hated people spectating her life and that she could owe anyone else but not him.
Xu Ke, deeply hurt and confused, asked if Hua Ming or Wan Xinxin had told her. Shi Lu then stormed off. That night, a heavily intoxicated Xu Ke pounded on Hua Ming's door. He loudly accused Hua Ming of being a liar and of deliberately sabotaging his relationship with Shi Lu, claiming that Shi Lu broke up with him after Hua Ming's intervention.
Hua Ming tried to calm him down, explaining that Shi Lu had contacted him, and he had simply advised her that pursuing love by selling one's house and borrowing money was not genuine. He apologized for interfering. Wan Xinxin, having come out to see what the commotion was, also tried to reason with Xu Ke, pointing out his irrational behavior. Enraged, Xu Ke accused Wan Xinxin of siding with Hua Ming and betraying their long-standing friendship for him.
He declared their friendship over and stormed out. Hua Ming immediately followed him to ensure his safety. Still reeling from the argument with Xu Ke and her job loss, Wan Xinxin was approached by Xu Chunli. Xu Chunli implored Wan Xinxin to convince Hua Ming to work for Jiang Kaiyang, covertly monitoring him for signs of an affair, as she lacked concrete evidence.
Wan Xinxin found the request outrageous and refused, saying she couldn't ask Hua Ming to do such a thing. Xu Chunli, growing frustrated, threatened to stop helping Wan Xinxin with her child if she wouldn't cooperate. As Xu Chunli angrily exited, threatening to cease childcare altogether, she encountered Hua Ming and Qin mother entering the building. Qin mother, overhearing a hint of distress from Wan Xinxin about a "broken pot," proposed they all go out for dinner, including the child.
At the restaurant, Qin mother noticed Wan Xinxin's somber mood and offered a sympathetic ear, assuring her she could confide in her about any personal or work issues and even offered to intervene if Hua Ming was bothering her. Hua Ming quickly interjected, and Wan Xinxin confirmed he would not dare to bully her.
Episode 14 Recap
Qin Mother invited Hua Ming and Wan Xinxin to dinner at a restaurant, where she persistently urged Wan Xinxin to reconcile with Qin Gang. She told Wan Xinxin she could confide in her about any troubles, even if Hua Ming was mistreating her. Hua Ming quickly denied he would ever do so. Qin Mother then suggested Qin Gang regretted their past, had broken up with Liu Wei, and wished to reconcile.
However, Wan Xinxin firmly stated that she and Qin Gang were divorced and should live separate lives to avoid further entanglement. Qin Mother retorted that Wan Xinxin and Hua Ming were not a real couple, a claim Hua Ming disputed. Wan Xinxin insisted they were together and that Hua Ming had promised to care for her and her son, which Hua Ming confirmed.
Qin Mother challenged Hua Ming, questioning if he had made any real promises, and if so, why they weren't married. Hua Ming dismissed marriage as a mere formality, but Qin Mother emphasized its responsibility, daring him to declare his commitment, promising she would then back off. When Qin Mother implied Hua Ming might not remain in the city, Wan Xinxin asserted her independence. Feeling uneasy, Hua Ming excused himself to the restroom, asking Wan Xinxin to hold the child.
Inside the restroom, Hua Ming observed a man nervously pacing. The man, a stranger, told Hua Ming that the restaurant was a popular spot for proposals, boasting a high success rate. He confessed his own anxiety, explaining that he had already arranged a band, dancers, and flowers, but his girlfriend was delayed at work until 8 PM, making him increasingly nervous. Hua Ming, listening to this, got an idea.
While Wan Xinxin was still politely deflecting Qin Mother’s persistent suggestions, a band suddenly started playing and approached their table, followed by dancers, leaving both women bewildered. Then, Hua Ming, dressed in a suit, emerged with a bouquet of roses. He told Wan Xinxin he wanted to see her smile and make her happy.
He sang a heartfelt song about finding love unexpectedly and then, kneeling, declared his love for her and her son, promising to spend his life protecting and caring for them. The surrounding crowd chanted for Wan Xinxin to marry him. Qin Mother, clearly disturbed, muttered that things were going too far. Wan Xinxin, swept up in the romantic display, accepted the proposal, and Hua Ming placed a ring on her finger.
Hua Ming then turned to Qin Mother, thanking her for her blessing and claiming it was "heaven's arrangement" that she had invited them to this restaurant, which, he explained, was famous for proposals. He stated he had originally planned a surprise proposal there but improvised when she had invited them. He reiterated his promise to care for Wan Xinxin and her son. Visibly upset, Qin Mother made an excuse about feeling unwell and quickly left.
Still basking in the glow of the "proposal," Wan Xinxin asked Hua Ming if they were moving too quickly. Hua Ming then shed his suit and tie, and to Wan Xinxin's astonishment, seriously told her to remove the ring, admitting it was borrowed. He apologized and forcefully took it off, causing Wan Xinxin a moment of pain.
He then began directing the band and dancers, instructing the nervous man from the restroom to follow his lead but omit any mention of being forty years old in his speech. He also rallied the crowd to passionately chant "Marry him!" Wan Xinxin realized it had all been a performance, a rehearsal for the nervous man. Hua Ming explained he was merely helping the anxious man practice. Wan Xinxin, feeling a sudden sense of disappointment, chastised herself for being foolish.
Meanwhile, Qin Mother informed Qin Gang about the proposal, accusing him of not trying hard enough. Qin Gang, frustrated, complained to Liu Wei that he couldn't get his child back and Wan Xinxin wouldn't remarry him. He also doubted his mother would truly donate her entire inheritance. Liu Wei, however, gravely informed him that, knowing his mother, she very well might donate most of her fortune, leaving him with nothing.
Qin Gang lamented that he couldn't think of a solution, and that merely thinking about Wan Xinxin irritated him. Liu Wei, drawing on her experience, urged him not to give up, stressing that miracles often happen when all seems lost, and he must pursue Wan Xinxin to show his sincerity. When Qin Gang wondered where to find her, Liu Wei suggested that a woman who loves to show off like Wan Xinxin would surely leave clues about her whereabouts.
Later, Qin Gang, seeing Wan Xinxin's social media post about going to Antarctica, was infuriated, questioning how he could chase her there. Liu Wei dismissed the Antarctica post as a joke, telling him to check Wan Xinxin's home for real clues. Qin Gang agreed and promptly left. After the fake proposal, Hua Ming and Wan Xinxin found themselves in an awkward silence when they were alone.
Wan Xinxin teased Hua Ming about his formal attire, calling it hilarious, to which he responded that he used to dress that way before meeting her. She admitted that his declaration of taking care of her and her son had genuinely touched her. Hua Ming, in turn, confessed to being 40, divorced, and having a daughter, stating that grand romantic gestures were behind him and he was tired.
To further solidify their charade, Wan Xinxin then proposed they go on a "honeymoon." Hua Ming was astonished and vehemently refused, arguing they couldn't honeymoon without being married. Wan Xinxin, however, revealed she had already posted the news on Weibo, leaving him no choice as many, including Qin Gang, would see it. Hua Ming complained that her antics would only make Qin Gang more persistent, but Wan Xinxin was determined to make Qin Gang realize she was fine without him.
Later, Hua Ming called his daughter, Ruirui, to explain his upcoming week-long absence, claiming he was visiting an old friend and that signal might be poor. Ruirui grew suspicious when she saw Wan Xinxin packing and correctly deduced that Hua Ming was taking her along, accusing him of lying before hanging up the phone. Hua Ming then met with Qin Gang, informing him about the "honeymoon" and their planned 15-day absence, intentionally provoking him.
Wan Xinxin and Hua Ming did not actually go to Antarctica. Instead, they drove to a familiar spot in the suburbs, a place Hua Ming had previously taken her, to relax in nature. They set up tents for camping. As they worked, Wan Xinxin had to playfully coerce Hua Ming into helping with the heavy luggage, threatening to make him sleep on the floor.
When he agreed, she further teased that she would join him on the floor and he would have to hold her, prompting him to swiftly comply. That evening, as they relaxed, Hua Ming lightheartedly teased Wan Xinxin about being a "bride" working on their "fake honeymoon." Their banter continued with Hua Ming making a joke about her having a "gutter mind" when she misunderstood his comment about checking the tent.
Later that night, Wan Xinxin, feeling cold, suggested they share a tent. Hua Ming protested, arguing it was inappropriate and there was a clear difference between separate tents and sharing a room. He playfully referred to himself as "Neighbor Old Man Hua," offering assistance from next door. However, Wan Xinxin quietly approached his tent and opened it, prompting Hua Ming to ask if she was cold, implying she joined him inside.
The next morning, while Wan Xinxin was singing and fishing, she asked Hua Ming for help with a fish she had hooked. He refused, playfully telling her to be independent and joking that if she fell in, he would use the fishing rod to pull her out.
Episode 15 Recap
While camping, Wan Xinxin spotted Hua Ming relaxing and reading under a tree. Feeling playful, she deliberately tossed her jacket into a nearby pond, then threw a large rock, following it with a startled scream. Hearing the commotion and seeing the splashing water and floating jacket, Hua Ming immediately jumped into the pond. After a moment of frantic searching, he realized he had been tricked.
Wan Xinxin, delighted by her prank, burst into laughter but was then unexpectedly pulled into the water by Hua Ming. After their playful splashing, the two emerged from the water. Wan Xinxin soon felt the chill and developed a fever. Seeing Hua Ming's tender and caring demeanor, Wan Xinxin impulsively kissed him. In that instant, memories of their time together flooded Hua Ming's mind, and he was overcome with emotion, pulling Wan Xinxin into a tight embrace.
As the evening progressed, Hua Ming repeatedly checked if Wan Xinxin was getting cold, insisting she wear a jacket. Wan Xinxin initially denied having a cold, humorously remarking that one sneeze meant someone was thinking of her and two meant someone was cursing her. Hua Ming noted she felt warm, but Wan Xinxin joked that using his hand wasn't accurate and suggested a thermometer, which she hadn't brought.
Eventually, she challenged him to check "professionally" with his lips, claiming children used to do it that way. Hua Ming, playing along, acted as Baymax, a cute inflatable robot who cares for people. He playfully scanned her, declared she had a fever and needed rest, and suggested they go home. Wan Xinxin, however, insisted on staying to make a wish for her little brother to grow up quickly, become a real man, and protect her.
Hua Ming teased her, asking why she needed protection with her fighting skills, but she emphasized that girls naturally want to be protected. She urged Hua Ming to make a wish too. He jokingly wished for her to disappear immediately, then carried her on his back as they headed back. The next morning, Wan Xinxin, still feeling the effects of her fever but full of excitement, sang about marrying Hua Ming and becoming his bride.
Hua Ming, concerned, reminded her of her fever and that she might end up on an IV if she didn't take care of herself. Wan Xinxin, however, expressed that even if this honeymoon was "fake," it was her first and potentially her last, and she wanted him to help her capture the memories. As Hua Ming took photos, Qin Gang suddenly appeared.
Qin Gang pleaded with Wan Xinxin, asking her not to marry Hua Ming and to give him another chance. He knelt, presenting a ring, and proposed to her, reminding her of their child and promising to rebuild their family. Wan Xinxin found him unreasonable and insisted it was too late, attempting to leave with Hua Ming. Hua Ming intervened, stating Wan Xinxin had a fever and needed to leave, also asserting that she was his wife.
Undeterred, Qin Gang declared that if Wan Xinxin did not accept his proposal, he would jump off a stone bridge. Wan Xinxin dismissed his threat as childish and dared him to jump, ready to leave. To their shock, Qin Gang suddenly leaped into the water. Hua Ming and Wan Xinxin immediately rushed him to the hospital.
The doctor informed them that Qin Gang had sustained a mild concussion and would need to remain under observation for a few days, but was otherwise fine. Wan Xinxin, still worried, chastised Qin Gang for his foolish and dangerous act. Qin Gang, lying in the hospital bed, admitted his past immaturity and declared that Wan Xinxin and their child were the most important people in his life.
After Wan Xinxin left, Qin Gang made a phone call to Shi Lu, instructing her to inform Wan Xinxin that he agreed to her terms: he would not deal with her directly, but he wanted her company to handle the car show project's design and promotion, and he would accept any of her conditions. Later, Liu Wei visited Qin Gang, criticizing his reckless behavior.
Qin Gang admitted he hadn't intended to jump but merely slipped, adding that the incident had noticeably softened Wan Xinxin's attitude toward him. Despite this, he confided in Liu Wei that he planned to use the auto show to utterly crush Wan Xinxin's spirit and ensure she could never recover professionally. Following Shi Lu's persistent requests, Wan Xinxin ultimately agreed to take on Qin Gang's car show project.
She clarified that her decision was for Shi Lu and the company's benefit, not for Qin Gang, whose trust she considered to be at zero. Shi Lu, in turn, reassured Wan Xinxin that Qin Gang genuinely valued her professional abilities and expertise in the 4S dealership, and he had promised not to approach her directly during the project.
As Wan Xinxin began working diligently on the car show, discussing design elements like wanting darker red stripes for elegance, Liu Wei secretly met with Ledi's assistant, Lu Beibei. Liu Wei presented Lu Beibei with a designer bag and 300,000 yuan, promising another 300,000 upon completion. She instructed Lu Beibei to sabotage Wan Xinxin's car show, ensure its failure, cause Wan Xinxin to mess things up, and ultimately make Qin Gang hate her.
Despite initial reluctance and concerns about karma, Lu Beibei, swayed by the substantial offer, reluctantly agreed to Liu Wei's unethical demands. Meanwhile, Hua Ming approached Qin Gang with a business proposal: he offered to provide nutritious, low-cost boxed meals for the employees of Qin Gang's 4S dealership. Qin Gang quickly saw through Hua Ming's intentions, realizing he primarily wanted to cook for Wan Xinxin.
Hua Ming readily admitted this, explaining that he aimed for Wan Xinxin to eat well and take a break with everyone. Amused by Hua Ming's dedication, Qin Gang teased him about "going after his leftovers" but ultimately agreed to the arrangement. Hua Ming also advised Qin Gang that classical music might make him anxious. The next day, Hua Ming arrived at the dealership with lunch.
He saw Qin Gang calling Wan Xinxin into his office, seemingly to discuss the car show plans over a meal. Hua Ming felt a pang of discomfort seeing them together. Later, Wan Xinxin returned from Qin Gang's office, frustrated and refusing to eat. She vented her anger, initially blaming a designer for not understanding her vision for the 4S dealership project.
Hua Ming suggested Qin Gang might have ulterior motives, but Wan Xinxin dismissed it, instead jokingly expressing annoyance with her "brother-in-law" (Hua Ming), implying he didn't understand her ideas, while Qin Gang reportedly did. Hua Ming, observing that Wan Xinxin and Qin Gang had been chatting happily with the blinds closed, humorously accused her of making him jealous.
Just as Hua Ming was about to tell Wan Xinxin something important about their camping trip, he was interrupted by a phone call regarding unfinished car show posters, indicating that the sabotage might already be underway. The following day, Wan Xinxin was in Qin Gang's office, presenting her ideas for the car show colors.
She suggested lighter, sporty colors for a summer auto show, but Qin Gang simply agreed with whatever she said, making it clear he wasn't genuinely engaging with the details. At that moment, Liu Wei burst into the office, initiating a loud, staged argument with Qin Gang designed to manipulate Wan Xinxin. Liu Wei angrily confronted Qin Gang for not answering her calls and accused him of being busy with Wan Xinxin.
She questioned Qin Gang's cruelty, reminding him she had returned to restart their relationship. Qin Gang, playing his part, acted as if he deeply regretted his divorce. He coldly asserted that they had broken up long ago and Liu Wei should not have returned. He stated that his divorce from Wan Xinxin was a mistake, and that he and Wan Xinxin had a child, a fact that couldn't be changed.
He declared he would do whatever it took to rebuild his family with Wan Xinxin, making it clear that no one could tear them apart. Qin Gang then accused Liu Wei of setting a trap to get him to leave Wan Xinxin in the first place. As Liu Wei stormed out in feigned anger, a visibly uncomfortable Wan Xinxin attempted to discreetly leave. However, Qin Gang grabbed her, attempting to embrace her. Wan Xinxin quickly pushed him away, reminding him that they were divorced and she was not his plaything to be discarded and then reclaimed at will.
Episode 16 Recap
Wan Xinxin meticulously prepared for the car show, instructing a colleague to print promotional materials using a USB drive. The colleague handed the USB drive to Lu Beibei, who immediately took it to a secluded corner to call Liu Wei. Lu Beibei reported to Liu Wei that she had the USB drive and discussed how to modify the content, expressing concern that it might implicate Qin Gang.
Shi Lu overheard parts of their conversation as she passed by, leading Lu Beibei to realize her actions were discovered. Shi Lu later arranged a meeting with Liu Wei, confronting her about the scheme, clearly indicating she was aware of Liu Wei's manipulation involving Lu Beibei. Liu Wei, unfazed, dismissed Lu Beibei as useless and then offered Shi Lu a tempting deal.
If Shi Lu assisted in the planned sabotage, Liu Wei promised that Shi Lu's company would handle all global promotion for her magazine, 'Frontier Magazine,' which would instantly elevate Shi Lu's company to a top-tier industry position. Shi Lu, after a moment of consideration, accepted the offer but firmly stated that she would not fire Wan Xinxin over the incident, to which Liu Wei agreed. On the day of the car show, Wan Xinxin believed everything was perfectly organized.
However, a large crowd of people began clamoring, holding up flyers and demanding laptops, claiming the promotional material promised a free laptop for attending the show. Wan Xinxin was shocked, as her original plan was to offer free bottled water, not computers. She tried to explain the discrepancy, stating that the laptop offer was only for customers who purchased a car, but the agitated crowd insisted on the promise written on their flyers.
Qin Gang intervened, announcing to the public that he would honor the flyers' promise, taking responsibility for the error and stating that Wan Xinxin's mistake was his own. Despite Wan Xinxin's attempts to stop him, Qin Gang ordered the distribution of computers to everyone present. Afterward, Wan Xinxin was distraught, blaming herself for the significant losses. Qin Gang tried to comfort her, but she insisted on compensating him.
Feeling immense guilt, Wan Xinxin returned to the office to pack her belongings and resign. Shi Lu tried to stop her, explaining that Lu Beibei was responsible for mixing up the files and had already been fired, so Wan Xinxin was not to blame and did not need to leave. However, Wan Xinxin felt an undeniable responsibility for the outcome.
She apologized to her colleagues for the trouble and her short temper, expressing a desire to work with them again in the future, then resolutely left the company. Upon learning of Wan Xinxin's resignation and the car show fiasco, Hua Ming discretely found Lu Beibei. He introduced himself as Wan Xinxin's friend and appealed to Lu Beibei's conscience, revealing that Wan Xinxin was suffering and had resigned.
Overcome with guilt, Lu Beibei confessed that Liu Wei had paid her to switch the USB drive, although she later returned the money. Lu Beibei also revealed that Shi Lu was aware of the plot. Hua Ming then shared this information with Xu Ke, concluding that Shi Lu and Liu Wei must have colluded, and Liu Wei must have offered Shi Lu a significant benefit to secure her silence. Xu Ke, disturbed by the news, confronted Shi Lu.
He accused her of hating Wan Xinxin and destroying her, especially after Wan Xinxin had taken the car show project to repay a favor to Shi Lu. Shi Lu denied personal animosity, stating her actions were solely for the company's growth and better opportunities, asserting that she prioritized her career above all else. She defended her decision not to fire Wan Xinxin, noting that Wan Xinxin resigned voluntarily.
Xu Ke warned her against collaborating with Liu Wei, calling Liu Wei dangerous, and criticized Shi Lu for her lack of "humanity." Shi Lu angrily dismissed his concerns, declaring she did not need anyone's approval and only believed in herself and her career. Xu Ke, exasperated, told her to live alone with her career and her selfishness, then stormed out. Later, Xu Ke relayed the full story to Wan Xinxin and apologized on Shi Lu's behalf.
To his surprise, Wan Xinxin held no grudge against Shi Lu, rationalizing that adults prioritize "pros and cons." She explained that she understood Shi Lu's position and, now knowing Liu Wei was the true instigator, felt no anger towards Shi Lu. Instead, Wan Xinxin expressed immense guilt over the substantial financial losses Qin Gang incurred and felt compelled to apologize to him, separating their personal history from professional ethics.
Xu Ke was shocked by her forgiving attitude and tried to dissuade her, even revealing he had broken up with Shi Lu because of the situation, but Wan Xinxin insisted he should reconcile with Shi Lu and that her apology to Qin Gang was necessary. Wan Xinxin went to Qin Gang's 4S dealership to apologize. Qin Gang appeared nonchalant about the losses, reiterating that he was willing to pay any price to make her happy.
He even declared that if the dealership caused her unhappiness, he would simply shut it down. Wan Xinxin was stunned and urged him not to act impulsively. However, Qin Gang, ignoring her pleas, gathered all his employees and publicly announced the immediate closure of the dealership, effective the following day. He instructed his staff to handle all personnel and financial matters, including compensations and distribution of remaining funds.
Wan Xinxin was left speechless and confused by his drastic decision, as were the employees, who wondered how a seemingly fine business could suddenly close. Behind the scenes, Qin Gang had orchestrated a plan. He sent Jiang Kaiyang to talk to Hua Ming and Xu Chunli to persuade Wan Xinxin. Jiang Kaiyang met with Hua Ming and showed him the dealership's account books, revealing that the business had actually been operating at a significant loss for some time.
Jiang Kaiyang explained that Qin Gang was not closing the store because of Wan Xinxin, but rather using the car show incident as a face-saving excuse to shut down a failing enterprise. Hua Ming was taken aback by this revelation, as the company had always appeared profitable with salaries paid on time. Meanwhile, Xu Chunli tried to convince Wan Xinxin to talk to Qin Gang, praising him and reiterating that he cared deeply about her feelings. Wan Xinxin, however, still struggled with the idea of being responsible for Qin Gang's decision, despite Hua Ming’s efforts to explain the dealership's true financial state.
