Resumen, trama, sinopsis de My Bargain Queen

Sinopsis de My Bargain Queen

Xia Qian befriended Sheng Zhening, the owner of Changsheng Hotel, at an engagement party. Because her fiance He Zhijun escaped from the wedding temporarily, Xia Qian, who was in a very bad mood, blamed Changsheng Hotel and Sheng Zhening for all the problems.

During the disagreement with Changsheng Hotel, Xia Qian found that superb insight and analytical ability can be of great help in bargaining. This opened a new path in life to her: bargaining on behalf of others as a business.

Xia Qian set up a bargaining company “Kan Kan Er Tan”. Her company and Sheng Zhening’s hotel had many business dealings. In the process, Sheng Zhening quite appreciated this rival, Xia Qian also changed her mind on Sheng Zhening gradually. The bargain company also gradually grew up.

At this time, Sheng Zhening fell into the trap of the shareholders and was expelled from the Changsheng Hotel. And He Zhijun also appeared in Xia Qian’s life again. The fiancee of He Zhijun turned out to be Sheng Zhening’s sister.

Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening understood each other and supported each other in their relationship and work. She eventually helped Sheng Zhening regain the hotel.

With the help of Sheng Zhening, Xia Qian finally forgave He Zhijun.

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A heavy rain led to an unexpected encounter at a bus stop between Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening, whose large advertisement graced the nearby Evergreen Hotel billboard. Xia Qian recognized him instantly, thinking to herself how many times she had imagined such a meeting with this seemingly out-of-reach person. Upon calling his name, Sheng Zhening, clearly not recognizing her, asked if they knew each other.

Xia Qian, surprised by his lack of recall and silently noting his arrogance, just said she was saying hello since everyone knew him. As Xia Qian tried to leave, deeming the encounter an unfortunate clash with an "enemy," Sheng Zhening abruptly pulled her back to shield her from a passing car's splash, an action that unexpectedly resulted in him losing his first kiss.

Xia Qian was indignant, accusing him of being crazy, while Sheng Zhening explained his intention was only to prevent her from getting wet. Later, Sheng Zhening’s assistant, An An, picked him up, having witnessed what appeared to be a "kiss" at the bus stop. He jokingly asked if it was Sheng Zhening's first kiss, a remark that cost An An his bonus for the month. Xia Qian confided in her assistant, Fu Shuangshuang, about running into Sheng Zhening.

Fu Shuangshuang, witnessing Xia Qian's visible distress, noticed Sheng Zhening seemed to have no recollection of her. Xia Qian, however, remembered him vividly and vehemently stated she wanted him to forget and wished to have no further dealings with Evergreen Hotel due to bitter past memories, particularly her first engagement there two years prior, where she was stood up, leaving a deep scar. Just then, another assistant, Mu Xiaoyan, announced a new, significant client, Ning Meng.

Ning Meng wanted to book a wedding banquet in May, but her only choice was Evergreen Hotel, and she prioritized securing a date over any discounts, even offering a substantial deposit of 50,000 yuan. This request triggered a painful flashback for Xia Qian: two years prior, at her own engagement ceremony at Evergreen, her fiancé, He Zhijun, abruptly left her, sending a message that he couldn't marry her.

Despite her pleas and warning that she would never take him back, he abandoned her, leaving a deep scar. Returning to the present, Xia Qian tried to dissuade Ning Meng, explaining that it was already mid-April and Evergreen's May schedule was likely fully booked, suggesting other venues. However, Ning Meng insisted Evergreen held special significance and was the only place she envisioned for her and her husband's happiness. Torn, Xia Qian asked for time to consider.

Later, with her landlord pressing for overdue rent, Xia Qian called Ning Meng back, agreeing to take the order on the condition that the deposit be paid that very night. She explained to her team that her personal history with Sheng Zhening shouldn't prevent their growing company from seizing opportunities, emphasizing that the banquet hall booking would primarily involve Evergreen's sales department, not Sheng Zhening himself.

Xia Qian arrived at Evergreen Hotel, hoping to secure the May 15th date for her client's wedding in Banquet Hall No. 8. She spoke with a sales manager, who informed her that the hall was undergoing renovations and the decision to postpone them rested solely with General Manager Sheng. Unaware of Sheng Zhening's whereabouts, Xia Qian then encountered him disguised as a gardener, watering plants.

Without recognizing him, she offered detailed advice on caring for the "blue daze" flowers, much to Sheng Zhening's surprise at her horticultural knowledge. Xia Qian then asked him if he knew where Mr. Sheng was, which only reinforced Sheng Zhening's mistaken belief that she was a fangirl searching for him. Back at her office, Xia Qian's assistant, Fu Shuangshuang, questioned her "man-marking" strategy of waiting in the lobby, but Xia Qian insisted on its effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Sheng Zhening, observing Xia Qian from surveillance cameras, ordered lobby security to monitor her. An An reported that the "fangirl" had been asking for him, believing she was obsessed since their bus stop encounter and of pestering the hotel for his whereabouts. Sheng Zhening, annoyed, decided to use the basement entrance from then on to avoid her.

Later that night, still seeing Xia Qian waiting in the lobby, Sheng Zhening called Manager Wang, instructing him to tell Xia Qian that he resided at the hotel and would not pass through the lobby, effectively sending her away without a meeting. Xia Qian, disheartened, left the hotel after Manager Wang delivered the message.

Upon Qin Hebo's return from a business trip, Sheng Zhening surprised him with a promotion to Deputy General Manager of Evergreen Hotel, a decision made by the board. Sheng Zhening expressed his hope that they would work together closely. Simultaneously, financial news reported that Lihe Capital, a powerful financial giant, was poised to enter the hotel industry and intended to acquire Evergreen, leading to an economic storm in Jinhai City.

During a subsequent board meeting convened by Sheng Zhening to discuss the potential acquisition, some shareholders suggested formally engaging with Lihe Capital to secure a favorable price if a merger was inevitable. However, others, citing Evergreen’s strong performance and ongoing listing preparations, disagreed, advocating for a long-term vision and warning against potential compromises to service quality and reputation. Sheng Zhening, reassuring the board of his commitment to improve Evergreen, adjourned the meeting, tabling the acquisition discussion for now.

After the meeting, Qin Hebo made a phone call to a shareholder, Mr. Lin, revealing that the day's board discussion about the acquisition was merely a "test" and that he had further plans. He assured Mr. Lin that his three percent shares would be held by a proxy until the right moment for transfer, at their pre-agreed price.

The following morning, Xia Qian returned to Evergreen Hotel, where a sales manager reiterated that Banquet Hall No. 8 was unavailable due to stalled multimedia hardware upgrades. In the lobby, Xia Qian encountered An An, who immediately confronted her, calling her a "fangirl" and accusing her of being obsessed with Sheng Zhening since their bus stop encounter and of pestering the hotel for his whereabouts. Xia Qian clarified that she was merely waiting for Sheng Zhening on business.

As security guards moved to escort her out on Sheng Zhening’s order, An An rushed to intervene, explaining the two-year-old misunderstanding. He reminded Sheng Zhening about the girl whose fiancé abandoned her at Evergreen and whom Sheng Zhening wrongly accused of triggering the hotel’s alarm due to a circuit problem. Realizing Xia Qian was that same woman, Sheng Zhening instructed An An to let her in.

An An then escorted a slightly injured Xia Qian upstairs to meet Sheng Zhening, apologizing for the misunderstanding. After settling in Sheng Zhening’s office, Xia Qian politely declined a drink and presented her business proposal. She explained that her client wished to hold a wedding at Evergreen in May and noted that Banquet Hall No. 8 was unexpectedly available on May 15th, despite being scheduled for renovation.

She recognized that the renovation delay was due to un-negotiated prices for hardware equipment. Xia Qian then offered free bargaining services to help Evergreen procure the necessary equipment quickly, enabling the renovation to be completed in time. She handed Sheng Zhening a detailed comparative pricing plan she had prepared, tailored to the hotel’s needs. Sheng Zhening accepted the plan, promising a reply within two days.

As Xia Qian left, he noticed her sprained foot and instructed An An to drive her home. Sheng Zhening shared Xia Qian’s comparative pricing plan with Qin Hebo, who found it impressive. Qin Hebo praised its clear structure, how it aligned hotel needs with product functions, and its effective elimination of overpriced, impractical items. He noted that Xia Qian’s problem-solving approach was more flexible than their own Procurement Department's and even suggested hiring her, acknowledging their need for such talent.

Sheng Zhening, however, pointed out that Xia Qian owned her own company. Qin Hebo then inquired if Sheng Zhening showed him the plan merely for comment. Sheng Zhening confirmed he intended to give Xia Qian a chance by entrusting her with the hardware equipment order for Banquet Hall No. 8, to see if her proposed solutions were practical or merely theoretical.

Xia Qian’s mother visited her at her Liping BBQ stall, giving her a bank card, knowing she was struggling financially. Xia Qian gently refused, secretly tucking the bank card back into her mother's meal box. Her mother expressed concern about Xia Qian's unconventional job as a bargainer, admitting she couldn't explain it to neighbors. Xia Qian playfully demonstrated her skills by "bargaining" for kabobs, explaining that a bargainer's job is to achieve the most with the least money.

She promised to take over the BBQ stall if her company failed, but her mother’s real concern was Xia Qian settling down and getting married. Xia Qian then proceeded to demonstrate her bargaining prowess for Evergreen. With Sheng Zhening and Qin Hebo observing, she expertly negotiated with Manager Ma from Xinyuan Technology for new media projection equipment. Manager Ma initially pushed back on price, citing the product's Bluetooth feature.

Xia Qian, however, revealed her thorough research, exposing the Bluetooth as unreliable, a common complaint from consumers. She also informed him of a new, superior product launching in three months at a similar price, implying that his current product would soon be devalued. When Manager Ma tried to appeal to Sheng Zhening’s wealth, Sheng Zhening sided with Xia Qian, stating that Evergreen, as a consumer, deserved fair pricing.

After Xia Qian suggested waiting for the newer model, Manager Ma reluctantly agreed to her lower price, asking her to keep it confidential. Qin Hebo was highly impressed, noting Xia Qian’s speed and effectiveness compared to their own Procurement Department. Xia Qian modestly attributed her success to understanding the opponent’s "ace" through psychological and information warfare.

Sheng Zhening confirmed that with the projection equipment and fresh air system orders secured at unexpectedly low prices, she only had one more contract to win to claim Banquet Hall No. 8. An An, observing Xia Qian eating simple meals to save time and money, reported this to Sheng Zhening, who then ordered an elaborate staff meal for her, asserting that she was effectively an Evergreen employee now.

Xia Qian, on a phone call, expressed satisfaction that Ning Meng's wedding schedule would be secured by her successful bargaining efforts, even though it meant undertaking extra free work for Evergreen. As Xia Qian continued her diligent work, securing the final contract for Evergreen, Sheng Zhening observed her tireless efforts and grew increasingly impressed, realizing he hadn't misjudged her capabilities. Xia Qian informed Ning Meng that she had successfully secured Banquet Hall No. 8 for her wedding.

Ning Meng expressed immense gratitude, thanking Xia Qian not just for her professional skills, but for her genuine desire to help her achieve an ideal wedding at Evergreen, especially since her own family disapproved of the marriage. Xia Qian confessed that Ning Meng's situation reminded her of her own past engagement, also held at Evergreen, which was ultimately called off when her fiancé, whom she called a "jerk," disappeared and was never heard from again.

Ning Meng sympathized, remarking that leaving Xia Qian was his biggest loss. Just then, Ning Meng received a call from her "husband," who had arrived and was waiting on the second floor. As Ning Meng excitedly went to greet him, Xia Qian watched in shock as her former fiancé, He Zhijun, walked in.

Xia Qian found herself in an unexpected and painful reunion when she encountered Ning Meng and He Zhijun. Ning Meng, oblivious to their shared past, enthusiastically introduced He Zhijun as her fiancé. The sight of her former beloved, now engaged to another, deeply affected Xia Qian, stirring memories of their broken engagement two years prior. At their own engagement, Xia Qian had desperately warned He Zhijun that she wouldn't take him back if he left. Yet, he still abandoned her.

Now, seeing his flustered reaction, Xia Qian quickly feigned an eye allergy and excused herself from the awkward encounter. Her best friend, Fu Shuangshuang, rushed to comfort a distraught Xia Qian, who was still trying to rationalize He Zhijun's actions, even fantasizing about a terminal illness or an unspoken difficulty as the reason for his departure. Xia Qian regretted not giving him time to explain two years ago and still believed he might return.

Fu Shuangshuang, however, firmly dismissed these notions, calling He Zhijun unworthy and urging Xia Qian to forget him. She even offered to pool her money with Xia Qian's to refund Ning Meng and cancel the wedding project. Xia Qian refused, explaining that He Zhijun's betrayal had fueled her determination to build her bargaining company, which was now a cherished dream for her and her team.

She insisted that completing the project was crucial to prove she had truly moved past him, as withdrawing would only signify lingering feelings. Meanwhile, Qin Hebo celebrated his promotion to Vice General Manager, a testament to his successful acquisition of three percent of Evergreen Hotel's shares for Lihe Capital, part of a larger strategy to take over Evergreen. Later, Ning Meng, without her brother Sheng Zhening's knowledge, visited Qin Hebo to enlist his help.

She revealed her secret wedding plans with He Zhijun at Evergreen, admitting Sheng Zhening disapproved but she had already hired a bargainer to secure the date. She asked Qin Hebo to intercede with her brother, presenting him with a handmade gift to celebrate his promotion before leaving to meet He Zhijun. Xia Qian returned to Evergreen Hotel, only to be confronted by He Zhijun.

He urged her to terminate the wedding project with Ning Meng, stating that Ning Meng was unaware of their history, a secret he wished to maintain. Xia Qian challenged him, asking if Ning Meng was the reason he abandoned their engagement. He Zhijun falsely claimed he simply fell out of love and couldn't force himself to stay.

He then offered her a bank card containing 100,000 yuan as "hush money" and "compensation" for past emotional damage, asking her to abandon her current work. Xia Qian vehemently rejected his offer and money, expressing her desire to erase any connection she ever had with him. As He Zhijun left, Xia Qian broke down in tears, unknowingly observed by Sheng Zhening, who was disguised as a gardener. Sheng Zhening, still in his gardener attire, offered Xia Qian a handkerchief.

Unaware of his true identity, Xia Qian tearfully confided in him, explaining her sorrow was not due to residual love but from finally understanding He Zhijun's true reason for leaving: he simply "didn't like me anymore." She expressed her past fantasies of a nobler reason, like a terminal illness, and insisted she was now over it. Before rushing off to a meeting, she promised to return the handkerchief after washing it.

That evening, Sheng Zhening hosted dinner, during which Ning Meng introduced He Zhijun. Sheng Zhening remained distant and cold, leading to an awkward atmosphere. After He Zhijun's departure, Sheng Zhening confronted Ning Meng, revealing his knowledge of her clandestine wedding plans and her hiring Xia Qian. He chastised her for being "carried away by love" and reiterated his strong disapproval of her hasty marriage, fearing He Zhijun, having abandoned a fiancée for love before, would do the same to her.

Assistant An suggested Sheng Zhening might be overreacting, but Sheng Zhening stood firm on his concerns about He Zhijun's lack of responsibility. Despite Assistant An reminding him of Xia Qian's successful work on the wedding project and the impending contract, Sheng Zhening decided to revoke the Hall 8 wedding slot, offering only monetary compensation. Xia Qian confronted him, refusing the money and demanding the promised wedding slot, accusing him of breaking his word. Sheng Zhening dismissed her.

Later, worried Xia Qian might suffer from heatstroke while waiting in the garden, Sheng Zhening quickly put on his gardener disguise, only to find she had already left, leaving the mended handkerchief and a note in a flowerpot. In the note, Xia Qian explained she had mended a small tear by embroidering a blue daze flower. After contemplating the handkerchief, Sheng Zhening instructed Assistant An to contact Xia Qian.

He offered her a large project involving the group buying of cars for Evergreen, conditional on her forfeiting the wedding slot. Initially, Xia Qian angrily rejected the "handout," insisting she would secure the wedding schedule herself as Sheng Zhening had promised it to her. She then developed a new plan: to obtain Evergreen's complete list of May wedding bookings and find clients willing to change their dates.

To execute this, Mu Xiaoyan and Fu Shuangshuang took on roles as service staff at Evergreen Hotel. Unexpectedly, Xia Qian herself signed the car group buying contract with Sheng Zhening, explaining to her team that it was a strategic move for profit and an opportunity to access information.

While Mu Xiaoyan found his undercover work in the kitchen grueling and fruitless, Fu Shuangshuang overheard from banquet hall colleagues that Sheng Zhening and Vice General Manager Qin Hebo were the key individuals overseeing the May wedding schedule. Xia Qian assigned herself to monitor Sheng Zhening and tasked Mu Xiaoyan and Fu Shuangshuang with gathering information on Qin Hebo.

Late that night, Sheng Zhening called Xia Qian for an urgent business trip to Evergreen's new business hotel for its trial operation and to finalize the car group buying deal. Sheng Zhening drove, leaving Assistant An to handle other matters. Xia Qian, exhausted, fell asleep in the passenger seat. Upon their arrival, Sheng Zhening instructed Assistant An to escort Xia Qian to her room. Before settling in, Xia Qian discretely inquired about Sheng Zhening's room number.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Xia Qian thanked An An for his help and inquired about Sheng Zhening's room number, explaining it would facilitate their work communication. An An informed her that Sheng Zhening was in room No. 09, down the end of the hallway, but also cautioned her that Mr. Sheng valued quiet and disliked disturbances, suggesting she notify him if anything was needed.

Xia Qian acknowledged this, and noticing An An was feeling unwell with a slight cold, she politely left. Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang called Mu Xiaoyan to inquire about Qin Hebo. Mu Xiaoyan could only provide basic details: "Qin Hebo, 41 years old, single. Word has it that he's a bossy, serious, and mysterious man." Frustrated by the lack of useful information, Mu Xiaoyan lamented having "two big plates of potatoes to wash" and ended the call.

Later, while on the roof, Fu Shuangshuang discovered a stray tabby cat. Soon, Qin Hebo appeared, confirming the cat was his and asking her to keep it a secret since hotel employees were not allowed pets. Fu Shuangshuang agreed on the condition that she could come to "pet it in the future" and promised to bring it can food. Qin Hebo consented, mentioning the cat had been seriously ill when he found it.

Fu Shuangshuang then commended Qin Hebo's kindness for rescuing the ill cat, to which he expressed surprise, stating it was the first time someone called him kind. Based on her "good instinct," Fu Shuangshuang guessed Qin Hebo's profession, noting his "suit and hair gel" and reasoning that a boss wouldn't secretly keep a stray cat on the rooftop. Qin Hebo confirmed her guess, admitting he was a driver.

After introducing herself, Fu Shuangshuang realized Qin Hebo shared a surname with the Vice General Manager, joking about the unfairness of one being driven and the other driving. She then rushed off for roll call. Xia Qian informed Fu Shuangshuang over the phone that Sheng Zhening was difficult to approach, relying solely on An An for work matters. Fu Shuangshuang advised her to be more proactive, suggesting she bring him food or ask about work to build rapport.

Though Xia Qian felt awkward about being "more active," she prepared a fruit plate for Sheng Zhening. An An intercepted her at Sheng Zhening's door, explaining Sheng Zhening was in a meeting and asking Xia Qian to leave the fruit with him.

Later, Sheng Zhening thanked Xia Qian for the fruit plate but redirected her focus to the car group buying project, subtly indicating his preference for professional boundaries by asking if An An had informed her about specific car performance requirements. Xia Qian confirmed An An hadn't spoken to her about that aspect. A significant turn of events occurred when Xia Qian found An An suffering from a high fever.

She immediately attended to him, opening the windows for ventilation and chastising him for drinking while ill. Later, An An called Sheng Zhening, explaining his "severe flu" would prevent him from assisting for a week and that he had arranged for the "meticulous" Xia Qian to fill in. Sheng Zhening expressed his dislike for "strangers" in his room, but An An insisted Xia Qian wasn't a stranger and feigned a headache to end the call.

Xia Qian then meticulously managed Sheng Zhening's daily routine, preparing his meals, occasionally checking on An An's health, and reporting her duties, such as ironing his shirts without a single wrinkle and disinfecting his desk. Sheng Zhening simply acknowledged her efforts. As Xia Qian continued her duties for Sheng Zhening, Fu Shuangshuang continued her strategy, frequently going to the rooftop to pet the cat and meeting Qin Hebo more and more often.

Qin Hebo found Fu Shuangshuang always asking about him and grew suspicious. Unexpectedly, Fu Shuangshuang fabricated a story, claiming Qin Hebo owed her a "debt of love" and that they had a one-night stand. Hearing this, Qin Hebo was speechless with amusement, but he did not expose Fu Shuangshuang on the spot. Instead, he decided to investigate, instructing his assistant to look into a cleaning lady named Fu Shuangshuang in the Housekeeping Department.

His assistant later reported that Fu Shuangshuang had worked at a bargaining company called "Kankan Ertan," which Xia Qian was the head of. Qin Hebo immediately understood their true intention: they were there for Ning Meng's wedding. Xia Qian called Fu Shuangshuang to discuss the encrypted computer, explaining she couldn't access the files. Fu Shuangshuang suggested using common passwords like birthdays or significant dates, and suggested getting Sheng Zhening drunk to extract the password.

Xia Qian, though finding it a plausible method to extract the password, admitted Sheng Zhening might be too busy to cooperate. Later, Sheng Zhening visited An An, who expressed his belief that Xia Qian liked Sheng Zhening, citing her "weird" questions and early inquiries about his room. An An even praised Xia Qian as "pretty, considerate, smart, capable, and professional," suitable to be a "girlfriend. . . I mean, assistant."

Sheng Zhening sternly told An An to focus on his job, then provocatively asked if An An would quit his job if Xia Qian was so competent. An An feigned a relapse of his fever to avoid further discussion. Sheng Zhening then discovered Xia Qian's notebook, which contained his personal information along with a red heart drawn next to his name, confirming An An's suspicion.

Sheng Zhening instructed An An to "gently" inform Xia Qian that he wasn't considering personal relationships and that she shouldn't "invest too many feelings in him." He then subtly told Xia Qian that the cleaning of his room should be handled by a cleaning lady, suggesting he didn't want to "cause too much trouble" for her and redirecting her attention to an upcoming meeting with a car agent. Xia Qian appeared confused by the change.

Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang, still in contact with Qin Hebo (whom she believed was a driver), boasted to him about avenging him, claiming she drove Qin Hebo (the Vice General Manager, unknowingly) "as fast as Schumacher" and "freaked him out," leaving him with "trembling legs." She then told him not to get involved anymore, worrying about him losing his job, but also reminded him they were friends and should help each other, especially since he kept her cat a secret. Feeling guilty about his loyalty, Fu Shuangshuang leaned in and whispered, "Actually. . . I'm a spy!"

Feeling uneasy, Fu Shuangshuang confessed her true identity and purpose to Qin Hebo, revealing she was a commercial spy sent to steal Evergreen Hotel's May wedding list. To her surprise, Qin Hebo seemed intrigued by her honesty and reciprocated with his own "secret": he claimed to be a spy as well, aiming to acquire the entire Evergreen Hotel. Fu Shuangshuang, however, dismissed his statement as a joke. Meanwhile, Sheng Zhening had contracted a high fever from An An.

Xia Qian stayed by his bedside, diligently caring for him throughout the night. She even prepared a sugar-free mung bean soup, insisting it was the best remedy for fever, and fed it to him when he was too weak to eat on his own. She also applied cooling patches and performed physical cooling to help bring down his 39-degree fever.

Sheng Zhening was somewhat resistant to her care at times, even remarking on her "dirty hands" after she had just washed them. It wasn't until the next morning that Xia Qian returned to her room to rest.

Upon recovering, Sheng Zhening learned from An An that he hadn't yet conveyed his intention to gracefully decline Xia Qian's offer to work for him, and he instructed An An to keep silent about it for now, suggesting they discuss it once they were back in the city to avoid awkwardness. Xia Qian had initially tried various methods to crack Sheng Zhening's computer password for Ning Meng's wedding list but failed.

She was on the verge of giving up the commission when Ning Meng called, begging her not to. Ning Meng then revealed she knew Sheng Zhening's computer password and suggested they meet. Face-to-face, Xia Qian was shocked to learn that Ning Meng and Sheng Zhening were siblings and accused them of playing a trick on her. Ning Meng explained that her brother vehemently opposed her marriage to He Zhijuan and wouldn't listen to her explanations.

Recalling her own past heartbreak, Xia Qian empathized with Ning Meng and agreed to help. Ning Meng then disclosed that the password was the capitalized initials of "blue daze" followed by "0821," which was their mother's favorite flower and birthday, a detail Sheng Zhening used to commemorate their mother by tending to blue daze flowers in the hotel garden. As Xia Qian accessed Sheng Zhening's computer and opened the wedding list file, she noticed her handkerchief on his bed.

It was the same one she had given to the "gardener" earlier, now bearing a blue daze flower. A sudden realization dawned on her: the kind gardener she had met was none other than Sheng Zhening himself. After much thought, Xia Qian decided to drop Ning Meng's case because her interactions with Sheng Zhening had led her to believe he was a person of integrity.

She called Ning Meng to explain her decision, promising to talk to Sheng Zhening about the wedding because she now saw him as a "sensible person." However, shortly after Xia Qian left, Sheng Zhening discovered his computer had been accessed. Checking the surveillance footage, he saw Xia Qian entering his room. An An confirmed his suspicion, remarking that the car group buying case was merely a front for Xia Qian to obtain his computer password for Ning Meng's wedding.

Sheng Zhening was furious, realizing his previous misjudgment. Later, while driving Xia Qian to the popular beach, he intentionally drove recklessly, causing Xia Qian to be terrified. She confronted him, asking if he was doing it on purpose, to which he admitted. He then threw her notebook at her, accusing her of going to great lengths for the wedding list and mocking her for enthusiastically planning her "ex-boyfriend's" wedding, suggesting she was psychologically twisted after being abandoned.

Unable to tolerate his taunts, Xia Qian stormed out of the car into the pouring rain. Unaware that Xia Qian had already returned to the hotel to pack her belongings, Sheng Zhening worried she might turn back. Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang successfully obtained Evergreen Hotel's May wedding list through Qin Hebo and immediately called Xia Qian. Despite the recent altercation with Sheng Zhening and fueled by defiance, Xia Qian reaffirmed her determination to complete Ning Meng's wedding, no matter the difficulty.

Fu Shuangshuang, grateful for Qin Hebo's assistance, playfully suspected he was interested in her, to which Qin Hebo responded with wry amusement to her comment about not being interested in "old drivers", saying he was afraid she would be disappointed. Having left the hotel, Xia Qian returned to the city. She informed Ning Meng of her renewed commitment to the wedding and later had dinner with friends. Mu Xiaoyan announced he had resigned from Evergreen.

Fu Shuangshuang, however, decided to remain at Evergreen a little longer, partly due to her connection with Qin Hebo, who had entrusted her with caring for his cat on the rooftop while he was away on a business trip. Despite securing the wedding list, Xia Qian remained unhappy, often glancing at the cooling patch in her bag, which brought memories of Sheng Zhening.

Over the next few days, both Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening independently analyzed the wedding list, meticulously dissecting client needs to identify the couples most likely to change their minds, preparing for a strategic battle for the wedding slots. Sheng Zhening, with a newfound respect for Xia Qian's talent and diligence, particularly noted her approach to couples needing to follow their hearts. This competitive spirit culminated in a tense encounter on the road, where Sheng Zhening accused Xia Qian of being "despicable," to which she retorted, "Same to you!"

Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian both had their sights set on Ms. Yan, having noticed her desire for a destination wedding on social media, which made her wedding banquet hall slot a highly coveted prize. After securing Ning Meng's consent, Xia Qian made a house call to Ms. Yan, only to find Sheng Zhening already there. The two rivals rushed in, each eager to present their case.

Xia Qian offered Ms. Yan a free Aegean luxury liner package in exchange for transferring her May 8th wedding slot. Sheng Zhening countered by proposing a 50% discount on all banquets if she kept her wedding at Evergreen Hotel. Ms. Yan, however, explained that her husband, Han Chao, was handling the wedding arrangements and was currently away inspecting his orchard, not returning until the following week.

She handed them Han Chao's business card, which included his address, suggesting they speak to him. Determined to reach Han Chao first, Xia Qian hailed a taxi, but it was rush hour. Sheng Zhening, driving his car, provocatively honked at her, only to get stuck in a traffic jam caused by an accident further down the road.

He argued with the other driver about who was at fault, blaming them for speeding on a turn, while the other driver accused him of not slowing down. Meanwhile, Xia Qian successfully navigated through traffic in her taxi, arriving at the remote orchard before Sheng Zhening. Since the location was quite secluded, both Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening had to proceed on foot.

They found an old farmhouse and asked the elderly owner for directions to Han Chao's fruit and vegetable stand. The old man informed them it was still a considerable distance away and, noticing the impending rain, suggested they stay the night. He mistook them for a couple, which both Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening quickly denied, with Xia Qian insisting she didn't know him.

They spent the night at the farmhouse, taking turns sleeping under a mosquito net while the other sat on a chair, combating mosquitoes. Sheng Zhening complained about Xia Qian's restless movements, and when he offered insect repellent, she politely declined, disliking the scent of floral water, prompting him to ask what scent she preferred.

Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang received a package of organic vegetables from her mother, which warmed her heart but also brought the familiar pressure to get married and move back home. Her mother suggested she could run a small business there and find a local, reliable boyfriend. Annoyed by the persistent topic, Fu Shuangshuang pretended her phone signal was bad and ended the call.

Later that night, feeling down, Fu Shuangshuang found herself on the rooftop, confiding in a cat when Qin Hebo appeared. He teased her about a possible breakup, but she playfully rebuffed him. He then wondered if she was lost or frustrated by career setbacks in the big city. Fu Shuangshuang asked if he had ever started a business.

Qin Hebo claimed he once had over 100 million in assets before going bankrupt, a boast Fu Shuangshuang didn't believe, calling it bragging. He simply smiled, saying it didn't matter as long as she was happy. He then led her to the Deputy General Manager's office. He unlocked it, explaining he'd memorized the password after seeing the Deputy General Manager enter it once. Fu Shuangshuang was astonished by his audacity.

Despite her concerns about being discovered, Qin Hebo reassured her, stating he knew the Deputy General Manager's schedule better than anyone and that the Deputy General Manager was on a business trip. They settled in and shared a bottle of red wine, with Fu Shuangshuang joking that his daring would cost him his job, to which he replied they should "drink back their money."

The next morning, Xia Qian tried to slip away while Sheng Zhening was still asleep, but she accidentally kicked over a bottle, waking him. They both hurried uphill, but in their haste and struggle, they tumbled down a slope and landed in a deep pit. Realizing they needed to work together to escape, Xia Qian proposed Sheng Zhening carry her up so she could then pull him out.

Sheng Zhening scoffed at the idea, suggesting they play rock-paper-scissors to decide who carried whom. Xia Qian won, and as Sheng Zhening hoisted her up, she accidentally pulled down his pants, leading to an extremely awkward moment. Xia Qian successfully climbed out of the pit, but the distance proved too great to pull Sheng Zhening out by hand. She promised to find help and urged him to wait.

She then rushed to Han Chao's fruit and vegetable stand and, without preamble, explained her purpose. She passionately urged him to honor his wife's dream of a destination wedding, highlighting the Aegean luxury liner package as a unique, time-sensitive opportunity. Han Chao, a man of business and social connections, expressed his dilemma, explaining that he had already informed family and friends about the Evergreen Hotel wedding and couldn't simply cancel.

He admitted he understood the sentiment but was hesitant to change plans. Just as he wavered, Sheng Zhening dramatically appeared. He introduced himself as the General Manager of Evergreen Hotel and offered to cover all of the wedding expenses if Han Chao continued with their venue. Han Chao, swayed by the offer, agreed, handing Sheng Zhening the victory. Later, Xia Qian confided in Ning Meng, disheartened that she had come "so close" but lost the deal.

Back at home, Han Chao observed Ms. Yan's continued longing for a destination wedding. Realizing how much his focus on work had caused him to neglect his fiancée, he had a change of heart. He called Xia Qian, asking if her wedding transfer agreement offer was still valid. Overjoyed, Xia Qian confirmed its validity and immediately rushed to his house to sign the agreement.

She then called Ning Meng with the exciting news and arranged to meet at Evergreen Hotel to finalize the transfer. However, Sheng Zhening called Xia Qian and informed her that Evergreen Hotel would be closed on May 8th, the very date of the wedding. Xia Qian, enraged, accused him of breach of contract and abandoning his principles.

Sheng Zhening defiantly stated that he would never allow Ning Meng to marry He Zhijuan, whom he called a "jerk," refusing to watch his sister "jump into a fire pit." During their heated exchange, Sheng Zhening received an urgent call from the hospital: Ning Meng had been in a car accident. He rushed to the hospital, asking about his sister.

The nurse reassured him that Ning Meng was merely frightened and resting, but He Zhijuan had sustained more serious abrasions on his arm, though his injuries were not life-threatening. Sheng Zhening then inquired about the driver who caused the accident, presumably seeking information. Xia Qian, still at the hospital, approached Sheng Zhening. She showed him dashcam footage from the accident, which clearly depicted He Zhijuan heroically pushing Ning Meng out of the path of the oncoming vehicle.

Xia Qian observed that despite He Zhijuan's questionable character, he undeniably loved Ning Meng. This revelation prompted Sheng Zhening into deep contemplation. Later, Sheng Zhening visited He Zhijuan in his hospital room. He Zhijuan, downplaying his injuries, claimed his arm would heal in a few days. To He Zhijuan's surprise, Sheng Zhening told him to proceed with the wedding preparations for the 8th.

Sheng Zhening confessed that he had initially opposed Ning Meng's early marriage, but after witnessing He Zhijuan's genuine love for her, he now offered his sincere blessings. He described Ning Meng as sometimes willful and difficult to appease when angry, but deeply serious and responsible in her affections.

Sheng Zhening then laid out two conditions for He Zhijuan: first, always to prioritize Ning Meng's emotional well-being and protect her from harm, given her condition; and second, to maintain a distance from Xia Qian to prevent Ning Meng from ever discovering their past relationship, for the sake of everyone involved. He Zhijuan readily agreed to both demands, thanking Sheng Zhening and promising to cherish Ning Meng.

Sheng Zhening then visited Ning Meng, who, upon hearing of He Zhijuan's well-being, was overjoyed that her brother had finally approved of her marriage. Sheng Zhening affectionately told her that as long as she had no regrets, his only wish was for her happiness, then advised her to rest. Sheng Zhening later called Qin Hebo, who noted Sheng Zhening's somber tone despite the wedding approval.

Qin Hebo invited him for a drink, and at their usual spot, Qin Hebo surmised that Sheng Zhening was feeling a complex mix of emotions, akin to giving away a daughter. He encouraged Sheng Zhening to trust Ning Meng, reminding him that she was a grown woman capable of making her own choices and taking responsibility.

Qin Hebo then light-heartedly suggested Sheng Zhening consider his own marital status, to which Sheng Zhening playfully retorted that Qin Hebo was also single and they could be bachelors together, a prospect Qin Hebo quickly rejected. Following this conversation, Sheng Zhening met with Xia Qian and handed her the wedding transfer contract signed by Mr. and Mrs. Han, confirming the May 8th wedding slot was now officially hers.

As Xia Qian prepared to leave, Sheng Zhening asked if she would reconsider taking on the car group buying case. He claimed that Manager Sun had highly praised her business acumen and recommended her, as the procurement department had struggled to secure the desired pricing, and Xia Qian had already completed much of the preliminary work. He offered the original remuneration. Though surprised, Xia Qian accepted.

However, as she departed, she ran into Manager Sun and thanked her for the recommendation. Manager Sun, bewildered, denied having recommended Xia Qian. This exchange immediately made Xia Qian realize Sheng Zhening had fabricated the story. She pondered why he would insist on giving her the case and concluded that he might be feeling guilty for something he had done to her and was attempting to make amends.

Meanwhile, Ning Meng and He Zhijuan, with Ning Meng's arm in a sling, happily left for their wedding photoshoot, with Ning Meng expressing how fortunate she felt to have He Zhijuan and her brother, determined to have the most perfect wedding to declare her love to the world. He Zhijuan promised to make all her wishes come true.

Xia Qian was perplexed by Sheng Zhening's actions regarding the car group buying project. However, her friend Fu Shuangshuang immediately understood Sheng Zhening's true intention. He wanted to keep Xia Qian around but couldn't find a direct reason, hence his elaborate method. Fu Shuangshuang, on the other hand, had delayed her resignation from Evergreen, claiming she couldn't bear to leave a stray cat she'd found and was secretly feeding, though the full truth was known only to her.

He Zhijun, having been discharged from the hospital, quickly immersed himself in wedding preparations with Ning Meng. They had taken their wedding photos and were making desserts to share with friends and family. Qin Hebo presented Ning Meng with a personalized wedding gift.

Ning Meng had hoped that both Qin Hebo and Sheng Zhening could walk her down the aisle at the wedding, but Qin Hebo gently declined, explaining that it wouldn't be appropriate and that he would be happy to witness her happiness from the audience. The following day, Xia Qian, dressed formally to deliver the signed car group buying contract and express her gratitude to Sheng Zhening, arrived at the hotel.

She told her colleague that Evergreen was truly the best party A she had encountered, praising their efficiency and prompt payments. Since Sheng Zhening was not in his office, she entrusted the contract to An An. As she walked through the hotel garden, Xia Qian recognized Sheng Zhening, who was disguised as a gardener. Knowing he was pretending, she decided not to expose him immediately.

She approached him and, after some initial, perhaps sarcastic, praise calling Sheng Zhening "handsome" and "a nice guy," she candidly shared her own, more critical, assessment of Sheng Zhening with "the gardener," calling him "weird," having "OCD," being "troublesome," "narrow-minded," and "totally unreasonable," though she ultimately conceded he was "a good guy." She expressed regret that they might not meet again soon, as she had wanted to thank him for his unexpected help.

Sheng Zhening, still in his gardener persona, subtly hinted that he frequented the garden at that time every afternoon. He quickly changed into a suit and returned, feigning a coincidental meeting with Xia Qian. However, his act was unconvincing. Xia Qian confronted him about his gardener disguise, recalling a past instance where he, as the gardener, had warned her about poisonous flowers.

She revealed that she had discovered his identity after seeing the handkerchief he had left behind in her room during their business trip. Sheng Zhening thanked her, expressing his anticipation for their next encounter. Xia Qian reiterated her thanks for his comfort that day and told him that the rest of her thoughts had already been shared with the "gardener." Upon her return, Xia Qian reflected that Sheng Zhening was, in fact, "not that annoying" after all.

However, Mu Xiaoyan became very dissatisfied, seeing her frequent interactions with Sheng Zhening. Fu Shuangshuang noticed Mu Xiaoyan's somber mood. Mu Xiaoyan confided in her, admitting that he had harbored feelings for Xia Qian since college. He explained that he couldn't confess back then because Xia Qian was with He Zhijun. Now, just when an opportunity arose, Sheng Zhening had unexpectedly entered the picture.

Fu Shuangshuang expressed her support for Mu Xiaoyan's pursuit of Xia Qian and promised to keep his secret. Meanwhile, Qin Hebo, to thank Fu Shuangshuang for looking after his cat, invited her to a luxurious restaurant. Beforehand, he instructed the waiter to present the bill for his signature, ensuring Fu Shuangshuang believed he was treating her as a thank you.

Initially cautious about the expensive menu, Fu Shuangshuang, upon realizing the meal was on him, ordered a lavish spread of dishes, including Fried yam with fungus, Fried abalone with XO sauce, Crispy shrimp balls, Baked beef short rib with red wine, Ginger kale, Stewed Dalian mussels with black truffle, Iced Mochi, Egg tart, and watermelon juice, abandoning her diet for the night. She savored the meal, marveling at her "super strong fighting capacity."

Ning Meng was meticulous in her wedding preparations, desiring every detail to be perfect. During the wedding rehearsal, Chen Kang, the projectionist, pulled Fu Shuangshuang aside to assist with music playback. Feeling unwell, Fu Shuangshuang called Xia Qian to bring her some painkillers. Xia Qian arrived and took over the music duties. Chen Kang simply told her to play any romantic and lyrical song.

Unaware of the specific context, Xia Qian, after learning it was a wedding rehearsal, selected a romantic violin piece. The music triggered a severe emotional response in Ning Meng, causing her to relive the traumatic memories of her father's car accident, leading her to collapse. Sheng Zhening was furious, sternly reprimanding Xia Qian before personally attending to Ning Meng until she regained her composure.

Chen Kang blamed Fu Shuangshuang for the incident and immediately fired her, explaining that she had ruined Sheng Zhening's sister's wedding rehearsal. As Fu Shuangshuang argued vehemently against her unfair dismissal, Qin Hebo intervened. He not only saved Fu Shuangshuang's job but also compelled Chen Kang to apologize to her. This incident, however, revealed Qin Hebo's true identity to Fu Shuangshuang, leaving her stunned. She accused him of deceiving her for so long.

Qin Hebo playfully reminded her of her own confident assertion of being "very familiar" with him and that she herself had arranged for him to be a "driver." He also pointed out that a boss wouldn't keep a stray cat on the rooftop. Fu Shuangshuang attributed her insight to instinct. After teasing her, Qin Hebo offered dinner, but Fu Shuangshuang, still processing the revelation, declined, promising to continue feeding the cat if he was away on business.

Later that evening, following Ning Meng's persuasion, Sheng Zhening sought out Xia Qian to apologize and explain the full story behind the incident. He revealed that the song had been playing in his father's car during the fatal car accident. After the tragedy, Ning Meng developed a rare condition where that specific melody would trigger overwhelming traumatic memories. He expressed regret for his uncontrolled emotions earlier.

As a gesture of compensation, Sheng Zhening offered to treat her to dinner, allowing her to choose any restaurant, regardless of cost. Xia Qian readily accepted, playfully threatening to "rip him off." They ended up at a roadside stall, sharing crayfish. Sheng Zhening, initially hesitant about the street food, was encouraged by Xia Qian, who peeled a crayfish for him and offered water to mitigate the spice. He eventually gave in.

During their meal, Sheng Zhening asked why Xia Qian had chosen to become a bargainer, noting it was an unusual profession. Xia Qian explained that she was raised by her mother in financially difficult circumstances, leading her to learn to bargain from a young age to save money. She found a deep sense of accomplishment in it. As an adult, she realized many people needed help bargaining but were either too shy, not eloquent, or lacked product knowledge. This inspired her to dedicate her skills to helping consumers obtain desired items at the lowest possible prices, further deepening their connection.

Ning Meng and He Zhijun’s wedding day arrived, but the celebration was marred when a video unexpectedly played on the main screen. Instead of their planned VCR, guests watched intimate footage of Xia Qian and He Zhijun from two years prior, plunging the ceremony into chaos. The wedding host, visibly flustered, struggled to continue the proceedings. Ning Meng was deeply humiliated, tearfully asking why everyone was laughing at her and why such an event would unfold at her own wedding.

Despite the disruption, the rings were exchanged, and the couple was quickly pronounced husband and wife. Later, Ning Meng confronted He Zhijun, demanding to know why he had never disclosed his past relationship with Xia Qian. He explained they had broken up long ago and he had kept it secret to spare her worry, assuring her of his genuine intention to marry her. Sheng Zhening, witnessing Ning Meng's distress, arranged for her and He Zhijun to be driven home.

He pledged to uncover the truth behind the video, dismissing Ning Meng's suspicion of Xia Qian, whom he considered another victim. Concerned about the video's implications, Qin Hebo immediately contacted Mr. Xue by phone, questioning why he had not been pre-informed.

Mr. Xue responded that Qin Hebo, as a wedding guest, might have been too emotionally compromised to execute the plan, and that he had multiple contacts within Evergreen, negating the need for him to consult Qin Hebo on every detail. Meanwhile, the viral video sparked widespread online condemnation of Evergreen Hotel. Headlines attacked the company's management and criticized Sheng Zhening's leadership, suggesting a clear sign of Evergreen's decline.

Xia Qian's colleague, initially attempting to shield her from the news, failed as Xia Qian discovered the harsh comments, including her being labeled the "ex who ruined the wedding." Outraged, Xia Qian asserted her innocence, stating she had orchestrated the wedding and had no motive to sabotage it. She immediately left for Evergreen to investigate.

Sheng Zhening acknowledged that the incident was likely a deliberate attack targeting Evergreen, and Xia Qian insisted on joining the investigation to personally unmask the culprit. At the hotel's projection room, Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian examined the technical setup. They quickly determined that the staff responsible for playing the video was not involved, concluding that the intended VCR had been intentionally swapped. Xia Qian then shifted their focus to the origin of her old video with He Zhijun.

She confirmed she had deleted her copy years ago, and it was highly improbable He Zhijun would jeopardize his own wedding. They decided to consult the hotel archives for records of personnel who handled events in the banquet hall from that period. Earlier, Qin Hebo, seeking to alleviate Ning Meng's sadness, asked Fu Shuangshuang for advice on comforting a girl. Fu Shuangshuang explained that while men often prioritize problem-solving, women frequently seek emotional support and a listening ear.

She suggested he simply aim to make Ning Meng smile. Adopting this approach, Qin Hebo visited Ning Meng and performed a magic trick using a special book. After Ning Meng drew a rabbit, he dramatically made a live rabbit appear, bringing a genuine smile to her face. Ning Meng thanked him for cheering her up and expressed her resolve to let go of the past and cherish the present.

Xia Qian spent the night poring over old archives, nearly collapsing from low blood sugar. Sheng Zhening, realizing her condition, called An An to bring her some candy, but An An was occupied with other tasks. Sheng Zhening then approached a child who had lollipops, politely asking for one, which he swiftly delivered to Xia Qian. Playfully, Xia Qian accused him of "robbing a kid."

Her efforts finally paid off when she discovered a file listing "He Zhijun, Xia Qian" as clients and "Chen Kang" as the person in charge for an event. It was late, so Sheng Zhening decided An An would retrieve Chen Kang's full details, and he would contact Xia Qian the following morning. The next day, Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian visited Chen Kang’s listed residence, finding it empty.

A neighbor, mistaking them for debt collectors, divulged that Chen Kang was hiding from his creditors at his father-in-law's home at No. 208, Kangfu Road, Xiqing District, cautioning them not to reveal her as their source. Shortly after their departure, the neighbor called Chen Kang’s wife to inform her that Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian had been asking for Chen Kang and had received his current address, for which the wife promised a payment.

Upon arriving at the father-in-law's apartment, Chen Kang’s wife claimed he hadn't been home in a long time and she wished to sever ties with him. However, Xia Qian noticed a large wedding portrait and men's shoes near the entrance, deducing that Chen Kang was indeed present. Sheng Zhening, Xia Qian, and An An decided to stake out the apartment. While on surveillance, Sheng Zhening went to get some grilled noodles for Xia Qian.

She lightheartedly teased him for taking so long, questioning why he, who normally avoided street food, would buy it. Shortly after, Chen Kang appeared. Sheng Zhening warned Xia Qian to stay put, but she impulsively joined the chase. Chen Kang fled, and Xia Qian narrowly avoided a car collision before falling and injuring herself. Sheng Zhening, consumed by worry and anger, berated her for her recklessness and for hindering the pursuit.

Offended by his harsh tone, Xia Qian angrily walked away, declaring she wasn't his subordinate. Meanwhile, An An successfully apprehended Chen Kang, even amidst a complaint about his newly bought grilled noodles. Chen Kang adamantly denied being instigated or paid, claiming he acted solely out of spite for Evergreen after a missed promotion due to a minor tardiness, wanting to see them humiliated. Sheng Zhening, however, remained unconvinced, believing someone had orchestrated the event.

To avoid tipping off the true culprit, he decided to feign belief in Chen Kang's solo act and instructed An An to implement a robust cybersecurity management plan for the hotel. Meanwhile, Ning Meng, though having conditionally forgiven He Zhijun for his past deception, harbored a lingering suspicion. When paying for a meal at a restaurant, Ning Meng's phone had poor signal, and He Zhijun offered to connect to the restaurant's Wi-Fi to pay, which immediately raised Ning Meng's doubts.

To prove his innocence, He Zhijun promptly called his hospital director, who confirmed they had previously dined there together. Simultaneously, Qin Hebo spoke with Mr. Xue. He commended his assistant for ensuring Chen Kang did not implicate Lihe Capital. Qin Hebo then subtly asserted his superior understanding of Sheng Zhening's business strategies and Evergreen, prompting Mr. Xue to agree that Qin Hebo would henceforth manage all future acquisition matters involving the company.

Later, Sheng Zhening stood outside Xia Qian's apartment, reflecting on his previous night's outburst. He had sent her a message apologizing for losing his temper. Now, in person, he reiterated his apology and offered to drive her to work for a few days to compensate for her injury. Xia Qian accepted his apology, admitting her own impulsive actions, but firmly declined his offer for rides, stating it was time for them to maintain a professional distance.

Fu Shuangshuang, overhearing, expressed her disappointment, having hoped for a romantic development between them, viewing them as a perfect "CP" from an idol drama. Xia Qian dismissed the idea, emphasizing their fundamentally different worlds, personalities, careers, and perspectives, and declared that their lives were now returning to their separate, proper paths. Their conversation was interrupted by Fu Shuangshuang, who frantically showed Xia Qian a new video trending online.

Han Chao, a former client, accused Evergreen Hotel of unilaterally canceling his wedding booking for May 8th and reassigning the date to Sheng Zhening's sister. He demanded justice for this alleged breach of contract. Xia Qian and Fu Shuangshuang were bewildered, knowing Han Chao had previously agreed to the rescheduling. Sheng Zhening's assistant informed him that despite the PR department's efforts, the video was rapidly spreading, generating widespread negative publicity for Evergreen.

Sheng Zhening immediately ordered a search for Han Chao's signed rescheduling contract. However, his assistant later reported that the contract was missing. Qin Hebo, having ensured the contract's disappearance, was pleased. He instructed his assistant to maintain and amplify the negative public sentiment, believing that this would sway "fence-sitter" Mr. Yu to consider transferring his shares, and urged Mr. Xue to engage with Mr. Yu promptly.

Xia Qian's mother, deeply concerned about her daughter's single status, diligently presented a selection of eligible bachelors. However, Xia Qian found none to her liking, dismissing them with perfunctory responses, even calling one "too ugly." Undeterred, her mother enlisted Hu Lang to help with the matchmaking.

While reviewing photos, Xia Qian's mother criticized one candidate as "too ugly" and fretted about the potential impact on her future grandchildren's genes, cautioning Hu Lang to remember his place when he offered too much input. She then recalled her initial distrust of He Zhijuan, whose eventual actions proved her right. Xia Qian arrived home to find them discussing the candidates and commented that the pictures looked like a suspect lineup, urging Hu Lang to take them down.

Hu Lang tried to convince Xia Qian of her mother's good intentions in finding "young talents," but Xia Qian remained unimpressed, reiterating her lack of feeling for any of them. Her mother insisted that feelings could develop over time and even resorted to playing audio introductions of the men. Frustrated, Xia Qian expressed a desire for a peaceful meal at home. She then pointed out that modern dating used apps and platforms, not outdated methods like photos or audio.

When her mother asked to see her phone to find suitable apps, Xia Qian declared she was full and left abruptly, leaving her mother and Hu Lang bewildered. He Zhijuan's marriage to Ning Meng was not proving to be the life he envisioned, instead bringing him greater pressure. Ning Meng had grown suspicious, often rummaging through his old belongings. One evening, she discovered his original wedding vows, which had been prepared for Xia Qian.

Although He Zhijuan tried to dismiss them as "things from the past" and urged her not to overthink, Ning Meng felt deeply unsettled. He acknowledged her discomfort, understanding that learning about his past with Xia Qian at their own wedding made it hard for her to accept. He expressed regret for not telling her sooner, fearing she would overthink.

He insisted he no longer had any connection with Xia Qian, but Ning Meng remained fixated on their interrupted ceremony, lamenting that their vows were unfinished and their wedding felt "incomplete and imperfect." He Zhijuan tried to reassure her, emphasizing that their wedding, blessed by family and featuring the most beautiful bride, was indeed perfect, and reminded her of her promise to live a positive and happy life.

Xia Qian voiced her concerns about Evergreen Hotel's crisis to Sheng Zhening, suggesting they approach the aggrieved couple for a resolution. She felt their company bore some indirect responsibility for accepting the initial order. Sheng Zhening countered that the couple had specifically targeted Evergreen and him, and would have found another pretext regardless.

He questioned if Xia Qian truly wanted to involve herself in such a complicated affair, but she insisted it must be resolved for her own peace of mind. Later that night, Xia Qian dreamed of Evergreen going bankrupt and Sheng Zhening becoming her live-in husband. She woke feeling strangely bereft. Her mother, overhearing her sleep-talking, grew curious about the man she had mentioned.

Xia Qian's mother pressed her, revealing that Xia Qian had repeatedly called out "Sheng Zhening" in her sleep and declared, "I won't bear your children." She demanded to know who he was, even asking if Xia Qian was pregnant. Xia Qian quickly fabricated a story, claiming Sheng Zhening was the "very handsome" and "kind" protagonist of a novel she had read, and that she had merely dreamed of being with him.

Her mother scoffed at her "useless" dreams, asking if a fictional character could marry her or give her children, to which Xia Qian defensively replied that she was at least allowed to dream. The following morning, Sheng Zhening called Xia Qian. She used this as an excuse to tell her mother she was meeting a "female client" or "a new girlfriend," quickly leaving as her mother's questions became too intrusive. Sheng Zhening picked her up.

As they drove, Xia Qian’s mother called her on the phone, having seen them from the balcony. She accused Xia Qian of lying and having a boyfriend, demanding to know his identity and when she would bring him home. Her mother then brought up Xia Qian's dream again, reiterating her sleep-talking about "Sheng Zhening" and "not bearing his children," and even questioning if Xia Qian was pregnant. Sheng Zhening pretended to be calm, though secretly pleased.

Xia Qian, annoyed by her mother's persistent questions, faked a bad signal and abruptly hung up. The atmosphere in the car then became notably awkward, with both speaking little. When Sheng Zhening later asked if her mother was angry, Xia Qian dismissed it as her mother being "always suspicious" and then lied about her sleep, claiming she was a deep sleeper who never dreamed.

They arrived at a tea house, where Sheng Zhening noted Han Chao's car was present, indicating he was likely inside. Sheng Zhening explained that Han Chao, who had been avoiding them, had a special relationship with this tea house and often came "to have tea with his friends" there. Xia Qian remarked that Han Chao never brought his wife, prompting Sheng Zhening to playfully call her "clingy." Xia Qian countered that committed couples naturally spend most of their time together.

After Sheng Zhening requested a private room and the best tea, saying they would wait for Han Chao, Xia Qian was annoyed by how closely he held her. He told her to "cooperate" and "not mess it up." Inside their room, Sheng Zhening complimented her "cute side," suggesting she show it more often, which Xia Qian attributed to work, defensively stating she was always cute, and told him to forget it.

Xia Qian noticed the foreman's "weird attitude" and a woman in the adjacent room who was "surely not Mrs. Han." They then overheard intimate conversation from next door, realizing Han Chao was having an affair. Xia Qian was furious and immediately wanted to inform Yan Caiting, but Sheng Zhening refused, arguing that it was a private matter between the couple.

Sheng Zhening, finding the situation "interesting," they then made a planned interruption, surprising Han Chao and his mistress, who quickly departed. The tea house madam later learned from the foreman about the couple who had been asking for Mr. Han. Still incensed by Han Chao's betrayal, Xia Qian expressed to Sheng Zhening her desire to expose his affair to Yan Caiting. Sheng Zhening gently discouraged her, suggesting that it was a private family matter and not their place to interfere.

He also asked if Xia Qian, in her past, would have preferred to learn such a truth gently or directly. Xia Qian replied that she would have accepted either, as long as she wasn't blindsided. Concluding that "relationship is too complicated," Xia Qian let the matter rest for then. Later, Han Chao sought out Sheng Zhening at the hotel, aware that Sheng Zhening knew about his affair.

Han Chao proposed a deal: if Sheng Zhening kept his secret from his wife, Han Chao would immediately withdraw his lawsuit against Evergreen. Sheng Zhening refused, stating he would never use such a sordid matter as leverage and would deal with Han Chao's false accusations against Evergreen in a different, proper manner.

Han Chao argued that cheating was a common mistake for men and that he always returned home after "playing," but Sheng Zhening countered that not all men were like him. Some time after, Xia Qian encountered Yan Caiting at a beauty salon. Xia Qian subtly probed about Yan Caiting's married life, which made Yan Caiting uncomfortable. Realizing Sheng Zhening's earlier point about not meddling, Xia Qian stopped her inquiries.

However, Xia Qian's unusual questions had already raised Yan Caiting's suspicions, prompting Yan Caiting to hire a private detective to investigate Han Chao, eventually leading her to confront Han Chao's mistress and assert her marital rights. Later, Han Chao, furious, stormed into the hotel where Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian were present, accusing them of spreading rumors about his affair. Sheng Zhening promptly called security to "send him out," while Han Chao angrily threatened them with a "lawyer's letter."

Sheng Zhening expressed concern for Xia Qian's safety. Later, Yan Caiting met with Xia Qian and confided her heartbreak. She revealed that Han Chao had always claimed to be "busy" and unable to travel with her. It was only recently that she discovered he took his mistress to the Aegean Sea—a trip she had longed for "thousands of times"—while she was sick at home.

Feeling "like a joke," Yan Caiting recounted forgiving him "again and again," always hoping he would "settle down with me," but now she "finally sees through him." She offered to assist Xia Qian.

When Xia Qian expressed curiosity about who was truly orchestrating the downfall of Evergreen, Yan Caiting revealed that a woman representing Lihe Capital had approached her and Han Chao, offering a "substantial reward" if they agreed to "Xia Qian's request," which involved cooperating in the fabricated scandal against Evergreen. Yan Caiting disclosed that Han Chao had identified "Lihe Capital" as the instigator.

Sheng Zhening, who had joined the conversation, firmly told Yan Caiting, "I don't care why you and Mr. Han did it, or who asked you to do it, you can come at me. It has nothing to do with her." Xia Qian then clarified that Yan Caiting was there "to help us." Yan Caiting then pledged that if Han Chao chose to pursue a lawsuit against Evergreen, she would "definitely stand by Evergreen."

Xia Qian then asked Sheng Zhening if Evergreen had any previous conflicts with Lihe Capital. He responded that he had only heard rumors of "Lihe Capital wants to acquire Evergreen," and it now seemed "they have already taken actions." Sheng Zhening reassured Xia Qian not to worry, stating that such business tactics were "very common."

He added that Yan Caiting had "agreed to make a video statement for us," and the remaining public relations issues would be handled by Evergreen's PR Department. Xia Qian then remembered she needed to visit her mother, and Sheng Zhening offered to drive her. She playfully commented on him becoming her personal driver.

Upon arriving at her mother's house, Xia Qian thanked Sheng Zhening for the ride, to which he replied that he should be thanking her for the significant help she had provided to Evergreen. As she was about to leave, he stopped her, suggesting they get some kebabs since they were already out.

Sheng Zhening escorted Xia Qian home, where they encountered Xia Qian's mother. To deter her mother from arranging more blind dates, Xia Qian quickly invited Sheng Zhening inside and introduced him as her boyfriend, claiming he had been courting her.

She boasted about his impressive background, mentioning that his family owned Evergreen Hotel and that he had chartered a yacht to take her to Iceland to see the aurora, and even gave her an unlimited credit card, which she, adhering to her mother's teachings, never used. Xia Qian urged her mother not to worry about her love life anymore. Xia Qian's mother, still somewhat suspicious, questioned Sheng Zhening about his pursuit.

Sheng Zhening, playing his role, corrected Xia Qian's earlier statement, saying he had actually been courting her for almost a year, not two months. When asked what he liked about Xia Qian, Sheng Zhening initially described her "flaws"—a bad temper, a one-track mind, acting without considering consequences, being prone to outbursts, and occasionally using petty tricks.

Xia Qian interjected, telling him not to go too far, but Sheng Zhening quickly shifted to a romantic tone, explaining that love is often inexplicable, and that despite any shortcomings, no one else could replace her. Xia Qian's mother was thoroughly convinced. As Xia Qian saw Sheng Zhening off, she thanked him for his performance.

He asked if his acting wasn't convincing enough, to which she replied he was "too good," and now her mother would pressure her to accept him. Sheng Zhening then offered to continue playing her boyfriend if she needed it, saying it didn't matter to him. Xia Qian thanked him, promising to seek his help if necessary. Sheng Zhening reflected on their recent interactions, realizing he had developed genuine feelings and wished to continue their charade.

Later that night, Qin Hebo found the cat on the roof vomiting and immediately called Fu Shuangshuang. Following her urgent advice, he rushed the cat to the pet hospital. There, Fu Shuangshuang learned that the initial diagnosis was indigestion, which she suspected was due to Qin Hebo abruptly changing the cat's food instead of gradually introducing the new brand. She explained the proper way to transition cat food to avoid such issues.

She reassured him the cat would be fine, just needing a drip for a while, and promised to write him a detailed guide on cat care tips. Qin Hebo went to buy late-night snacks, leaving Fu Shuangshuang resting on the hospital sofa. Upon his return, he found her asleep and gently covered her with his jacket, choosing not to disturb her. The following morning, he received a call from Mr. Xue, which he declined to prevent waking Fu Shuangshuang.

Before leaving, he sent her a text message, informing her about a company matter, providing his home address and the door code, and asking her to bring the cat to his place after its discharge. Following the resolution of Evergreen Hotel's credibility crisis, Qin Hebo successfully leveraged his tactics to help Lihe Capital acquire 2% of Mr. Yu's shares, increasing Lihe Capital's total stake to 5%.

During a meeting, Mr. Xue, aware that Evergreen Building No. 2, an old structure with aging infrastructure, was due for re-evaluation, saw an opportunity to exploit the situation. He suggested that if Building No. 2 caused Evergreen to lose its five-star rating, shareholders might be swayed to vote for its sale.

He noted that while Sheng Zhening was sentimental about the building, many shareholders were tired of funding its maintenance, forcing Sheng Zhening to choose between selling the building or losing shareholder support. While Sheng Zhening remained confident in Building No. 2 and insisted on normal procedures for the upcoming star rating evaluation, An An secretly contacted Xia Qian, hiring her to find the hidden star rating evaluator in the hotel.

He called Xia Qian to Building No. 2 to discuss this job, and she agreed to come immediately. Before arriving, Xia Qian made a small request, likely related to her disguise. Disguised with long hair and sunglasses, Xia Qian coincidentally shared an elevator with Sheng Zhening, who, due to her effective disguise, did not recognize her. Fu Shuangshuang took the recovered cat to Qin Hebo's apartment, finding it surprisingly devoid of personal touches.

She spent a significant part of her day tidying and decorating the sparse space, transforming it into a cozy home. Upon Qin Hebo's return, he was astonished by the warm atmosphere, a stark contrast to his formerly cold apartment. He invited Fu Shuangshuang to dinner at a Japanese restaurant, where she was eagerly anticipating his treat. Afterward, they went to a jewelry store.

Qin Hebo sought her advice on a gift for Ning Meng, describing the recipient as lively, cheerful, and light-skinned, similar to Fu Shuangshuang. Later, as they arrived at Qin Hebo's building, he gave Fu Shuangshuang a surprise gift: a cat-themed necklace.

He also received the "Tips for raising cats" from her, a detailed guide that prompted a discussion about cat psychology and the importance of companionship, where Fu Shuangshuang shared her childhood experience of her cat being given away due to scratches. Qin Hebo emphasized that the cat now had "two owners" and should not feel abandoned. In the days that followed, Sheng Zhening found himself constantly thinking of Xia Qian.

He confessed to her mother that he was dreaming of Xia Qian and seeing her everywhere, leading Xia Qian's mother to playfully diagnose him with lovesickness. She informed him that Xia Qian was away on a business trip, then offered to "help him cheat" by sharing insights into her daughter's likes and dislikes, such as her love for cherries, matcha ice cream, and corn (but not corn candy), and her habit of cleaning when angry.

She also mentioned Xia Qian enjoyed horror movies but was afraid to sleep alone afterward. Xia Qian's mother showed him childhood photos, recounting stories, including one where a six-year-old Xia Qian cried while dancing in the Children's Palace because of stage fright but still fulfilled a promise to a friend. Sheng Zhening, finding the crying photo endearing, chose it as a keepsake, despite her mother's attempts to pick a more flattering one.

Qin Hebo presented Ning Meng with a gift to lift her spirits. Instead, Ning Meng asked him for a favor, expressing her desire for a supplementary wedding vow ceremony at the hotel with only her and Zhijun present. She felt their love was incomplete without it and refused to ask her brother, citing his numerous rules and nagging.

Qin Hebo, seeing she already had a detailed plan, reluctantly agreed and promised to have Emily and the staff arrange the time and location. He then reminded her that gifts could be given at any time, not just for weddings, as long as she was happy. During her search for the hotel reviewer, Xia Qian, employing her observational skills, noticed a guest meticulously inspecting the hotel's carpet and room service, leading her to suspect he was the reviewer.

She identified his room, which was conveniently across from hers. To confirm, she enlisted An An to pose as a room service attendant and deliver lunch to the suspect's room. To their surprise, the "reviewer" was none other than Sheng Zhening himself, who was staying at the hotel to personally evaluate its services in anticipation of the official star rating. Sheng Zhening, recognizing An An despite his disguise, played along, claiming he was just helping out with lunch delivery.

An An then reported back to Xia Qian, explaining Sheng Zhening's intentions. Still disguised, Xia Qian later encountered Sheng Zhening in the elevator. Though he hinted that he saw through her disguise, she feigned innocence, maintaining her cover. An An then suggested Xia Qian try her luck finding the actual reviewer at the restaurant, which had launched new dishes, implying the reviewer might dine there.

Xia Qian, still undercover and trying to locate the star reviewer, was at the hotel restaurant when she spotted Sheng Zhening entering. Panicked, she quickly turned to leave, almost losing her balance. Sheng Zhening, however, caught up to her, his expression indicating he had already seen through her disguise. Despite her continued pretense, Sheng Zhening followed her to her room, where he playfully pushed her onto the bed, a moment unexpectedly witnessed by An An.

An An later apologized to Sheng Zhening for his unauthorized attempt to approach the hotel reviewer. He also defended Xia Qian, suggesting that Sheng Zhening had been overly harsh with her and even questioned if Sheng Zhening had developed feelings for Xia Qian. Sheng Zhening simply asked if An An still wanted his year-end bonus, which immediately silenced him. That night, both Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian found themselves restless, with Sheng Zhening's image persistently occupying Xia Qian's thoughts.

Meanwhile, Qin Hebo's assistant confirmed the identity of the star reviewer through a photograph and informed Qin Hebo of his presence at the hotel, suggesting they exploit the situation. Concurrently, Ning Meng insisted on holding a supplementary wedding vow ceremony in Building No. 2. He Zhijuan, despite feeling the pressure, made heartfelt declarations of love to Ning Meng.

Ning Meng, however, demanded that he swear an oath: if he ever betrayed their love, he and anyone else he might be with would never find happiness. He Zhijuan momentarily hesitated but affirmed his vow at Ning Meng's insistence. As He Zhijuan was about to lift Ning Meng's veil for a kiss, a sudden power outage plunged the building into darkness.

At the same time, Sheng Zhening, Xia Qian, and the hotel reviewer were trapped in a malfunctioning elevator due to the power failure. The reviewer, suffering from claustrophobia, fainted. Xia Qian moved to perform artificial respiration, but Sheng Zhening stopped her, saying, "No. Just don't do that. Let me do this," and performed it himself. Shortly after, hotel staff and Ning Meng's party arrived, successfully prying open the elevator doors and extracting the revived reviewer.

Sheng Zhening prepared for Xia Qian to exit next, but the elevator unexpectedly plunged, trapping them both inside once more. Outside, Ning Meng observed He Zhijuan's look of distress and felt a pang of jealousy. Inside, to alleviate Xia Qian's anxiety, Sheng Zhening began to sing for her.

Xia Qian, despite not being truly afraid, confessed her regrets, including not having seen the aurora, wanting to take her mother to a Michelin restaurant, and never having a boy sing a love song to her. Sheng Zhening's song seemingly fulfilled that wish, and she thanked him, admitting her nervousness had subsided, though she teasingly called his song "out of fashion." Just as she was about to add, "Between us. . ."

the elevator was fixed, and they were safely freed. Qin Hebo’s assistant informed him that Ning Meng’s ceremony was strategically scheduled to deflect suspicion from Qin Hebo regarding the incident. Soon after the Building No. 2 incident, the reviewer visited Sheng Zhening at Evergreen. He expressed deep gratitude for being saved in the elevator and revealed his identity as the star reviewer for the hotel. While praising Evergreen's excellent service, he pointed out that the hardware facilities were subpar.

As a gesture of goodwill, the reviewer offered to defer his official rating report, suggesting that Sheng Zhening undertake a comprehensive renovation of Building No. 2. He promised to return for a re-evaluation once the improvements were completed. Acknowledging that the outdated facilities of Building No. 2 were a critical issue, Sheng Zhening convened a shareholders' meeting to propose its renovation.

The idea faced strong opposition, with many shareholders arguing for selling the building due to its poor performance and the need for immediate damage control. Sheng Zhening vehemently disagreed, asserting that Building No. 2 was their foundational "startup building" and a symbol of Evergreen. Selling it would signal the company's decline to the entire industry, an act he equated to "killing the goose that lays the golden eggs."

Qin Hebo also expressed his reservations about immediate renovation, advocating for a more cautious, long-term approach, and warning Sheng Zhening that defying the shareholders would undermine his future management. However, Sheng Zhening insisted on protecting Building No. 2, explaining its immense importance to his late father. He declared that he would personally cover all renovation costs, convinced that the long-term benefits of rebuilding would far outweigh any immediate drawbacks for Evergreen. Qin Hebo ultimately conceded to Sheng Zhening's resolute decision.

Later, Sheng Zhening discreetly obtained the CCTV footage of himself and Xia Qian trapped in the elevator, saving it to a USB drive and his computer, then ensured it was deleted from the main system. To fund the renovation, Sheng Zhening instructed An An to sell off his personal assets, including his house and car. News of Sheng Zhening liquidating his possessions for the renovation quickly spread through the media, causing Xia Qian concern for his well-being.

She messaged him, and Sheng Zhening, playing the part of a down-and-out CEO, feigned destitution, claiming he would have to sleep on a park bench. Sympathizing, Xia Qian offered him a spare room at her place. Thrilled by his successful ploy, Sheng Zhening promptly moved into Xia Qian's home. Ning Meng continued to dwell on the elevator incident, demanding He Zhijuan swear he would never see Xia Qian again.

He Zhijuan tried to explain that it was natural to still have some feelings for an ex-partner, and asked what she would think if he had shown no reaction to Xia Qian being in danger. Despite his reasoning, Ning Meng’s strong feelings led her to reiterate her demand. He Zhijuan eventually complied, saying, "Yes, I will never see her again."

He then prepared to leave for work, gently refusing Ning Meng's request for him to stay home, stating he had already taken too much time off for their two weddings. Given that Xia Qian wanted to keep Sheng Zhening’s presence in her home a secret, they operated with extreme caution, moving in and out discreetly. One morning, Mu Xiaoyan arrived with breakfast for Xia Qian.

Sheng Zhening quickly hid, and Xia Qian urgently ushered him to leave before Mu Xiaoyan could discover him. Mu Xiaoyan noticed a broken faucet in the kitchen and offered to fix it, but Xia Qian quickly diverted him, suggesting they eat the buns downstairs to avoid him lingering inside the house. While driving Mu Xiaoyan away in his car, he casually mentioned seeing "Mr. Sheng of Evergreen" in the courtyard. Xia Qian quickly dismissed it as a mistaken sighting.

She then abruptly asked for his car keys, claiming an urgent errand for her mother, and drove off, leaving a bewildered Mu Xiaoyan. Later, after picking up Sheng Zhening, she sternly reminded him, while driving him home, to always notify her before returning from work, emphasizing the need for his complete cooperation to prevent Mu Xiaoyan or her mother from discovering his presence. Sheng Zhening agreed to her terms.

Ning Meng called Sheng Zhening to express her concern and offer assistance, but he declined. He was living at a friend's house and was about to go into a meeting. He Zhijuan, worried Ning Meng might overthink things, encouraged her to pursue her interests or find a job to keep her mind occupied. That evening, Sheng Zhening went to shower and, noticing the bathroom counter cluttered with Xia Qian's toiletries, tidied them up.

Later, before bed, he remembered Xia Qian's sleepwalking from the previous night and promptly locked the bedroom door. Xia Qian, Fu Shuangshuang, and Mu Xiaoyan discussed various discounts for construction materials. Fu Shuangshuang reported a two-yuan reduction on the floor price, and Mu Xiaoyan secured a fifty-cent discount on wood. Xia Qian instructed them to look into wall paint discounts. She expressed apprehension about handling the large-scale renovation of Building No. 2, admitting she had no experience with multi-million-yuan projects.

Sheng Zhening reassured her that the principles were the same as smaller cases, just on a larger scale, and that bigger volumes allowed for more bargaining power, making it "easier to operate." He commended her performance on the car group buying project. Encouraged by Fu Shuangshuang and Mu Xiaoyan, Xia Qian eventually took the project. She then announced that they would halt all other ongoing cases to focus entirely on the Changsheng Building No. 2 renovation.

Mu Xiaoyan joked about their close ties with Changsheng and expected Xia Qian to treat them to a meal. Meanwhile, Qin Hebo's assistant confirmed that Sheng Zhening had signed a cooperation agreement with Worth Or Not. The assistant suggested leveraging Fu Shuangshuang, who works at Worth Or Not. Qin Hebo, however, stated he had his own plans and actively replied to Fu Shuangshuang's message. Fu Shuangshuang, initially upset by his earlier "cold shoulder," falsely claimed she was resting.

Qin Hebo soon arrived at her door with snacks to apologize. He explained he had just returned from a business trip and that his cleaner had been careless with his cat, promising it wouldn't happen again. Fu Shuangshuang, her anger diffused, offered to care for his cat whenever he was busy. She then showed him a price list she compiled for the Building No. 2 renovation materials on her laptop, which he praised before heading home.

Later, Fu Shuangshuang invited Qin Hebo for dinner, during which she drank heavily. While she rested, Qin Hebo looked at her laptop, recalling the quote for Building No. 2 renovation materials and falling into deep thought. Qin Hebo later called her, thanking her for taking him home and making him breakfast, and invited her to a movie. Fu Shuangshuang accepted, choosing a horror film, which she used as an excuse to cling to his arm, pretending to be terrified.

After the movie, a server at the concession stand mistook them for a couple and offered a special deal. Qin Hebo immediately clarified that they were not a couple, stating that Fu Shuangshuang was his "younger sister." His assistant, who was observing them, felt a pang of jealousy. Sheng Zhening found Xia Qian working late into the night. Exercising his authority as her "employer," he ordered her to get some rest.

Xia Qian playfully retorted that as his "landlord," she had the power to evict him. He conceded, telling her to take a shower and get to bed. The next morning, Xia Qian's mother unexpectedly arrived. Xia Qian, with Sheng Zhening already hidden in the closet, took a long time to open the door. Her mother grew suspicious, asking if she harbored "unpresentable secrets." When Sheng Zhening was discovered, Xia Qian's mother was taken aback.

To address her mother's constant pressure about marriage, Xia Qian seized the opportunity and claimed that she and Sheng Zhening were living together, adding that Sheng Zhening’s "sincerity" had finally won her over. Sheng Zhening played along. Her mother was overjoyed by this development but reminded them to keep her informed of any future milestones like engagement or marriage.

As they prepared to leave for work, Xia Qian reminded Sheng Zhening to maintain his persona as a "lovesick boyfriend" but also declared that their arrangement would end once she found her true love. Sheng Zhening argued he could be the one to dump her, positioning himself as a "scum man." Downstairs, as they got into a car, Mu Xiaoyan spotted them and wondered if they were romantically involved, though Fu Shuangshuang dismissed it as a client relationship.

Mu Xiaoyan decided to keep a close eye on Xia Qian. Feeling bored at home, Ning Meng surprised He Zhijuan by renting a dessert shop directly across from his hospital. She excitedly told him that they could now commute together every day, which she considered very romantic. He Zhijuan, however, expressed reservations, questioning if she could truly commit to running a business, despite her passion for making desserts.

Xia Qian successfully negotiated with material suppliers for the Building No. 2 renovation. She cleverly offered them an exclusive advertising opportunity within the high-traffic areas of Changsheng Hotel, such as the toilets, elevators, and corridors, upon the building's completion. She presented this as a "win-win project," and the suppliers, recognizing the potential exposure, found her proposal "reasonable."

Tragedy struck when An An informed Sheng Zhening that a truck carrying wooden flooring and tiles for Building No. 2 had been destroyed in a mudslide caused by heavy rains in the south. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the material losses were significant, and insurance would only cover a minimal 10% after a lengthy legal battle. Sheng Zhening immediately instructed An An to reorder the materials to avoid construction delays.

Qin Hebo's assistant reported that Sheng Zhening had lost "four carts" of materials, noting that his budget was already stretched thin. Sheng Zhening began calling shareholders to secure additional funds. One shareholder, Mr. Song, declined Sheng Zhening's request for a three-million-yuan loan, acknowledging Sheng Zhening's current financial strain. Sheng Zhening, however, refused to compromise on material quality, stating he would find another way to cover the costs.

Later, Mr. Song approached Qin Hebo, conveying that several shareholders were dissatisfied with Sheng Zhening's handling of the renovation and wished to nominate Qin Hebo as the general manager. He urged Qin Hebo to consider the offer, suggesting it could be easily achieved by swaying Sheng Zhening's key supporters. Qin Hebo informed his assistant that while becoming general manager was appealing, the support of a few minor shareholders wouldn't be enough, emphasizing that Sheng Zhening's decision was the crucial factor.

Xia Qian accidentally discovered an unflattering photo of herself in Sheng Zhening's wallet. She asked for it back, but he refused, saying her mother had given it to him and that she would never find where he hid it. Xia Qian vowed to retrieve it.

She also advised him to act more "annoying" and maintain a distance from her mother, who was becoming too fond of him, to make it easier for her to "dump" him later without her mother's disapproval. Sheng Zhening insisted that his character was that of a "lovesick good man" and he couldn't just change that.

Mu Xiaoyan arrived at Xia Qian's apartment to deliver the monthly financial statement. Xia Qian, however, kept the door closed, claiming she was changing clothes, to prevent Mu Xiaoyan from seeing Sheng Zhening. As Mu Xiaoyan prepared to leave, Xia Qian's mother, Liping, unexpectedly appeared with homemade chicken soup. She was surprised to find Sheng Zhening living there and introduced him to Mu Xiaoyan as Xia Qian's boyfriend and the General Manager of Evergreen Hotel.

Mu Xiaoyan later confronted Xia Qian, questioning the living arrangement. Xia Qian confessed that she and Sheng Zhening were merely pretending to be a couple and urged him to keep their secret, clarifying they were only housemates, not cohabiting. Mu Xiaoyan expressed disbelief, but Xia Qian insisted on his silence, especially in front of her mother. Sheng Zhening, meanwhile, enjoyed the chicken soup, praising its sweetness and flavor to Xia Qian's mother, who then probed about their plans for children.

Earlier, Xia Qian had playfully praised Sheng Zhening, noting that he had changed her perception of presidents from being idle figures in novels to relatable individuals with worries, making him seem very "folksy." Sheng Zhening apologized for bursting her bubble. Meanwhile, a significant problem arose for Evergreen Hotel.

Sheng Zhening received an urgent call from An An, who reported that customs had discovered harmful organisms, including termites, buprestid beetles, and invasive plant seeds, in a recent batch of imported African logs. This problematic batch was purchased because Qin Hebo had revised Fu Shuangshuang's comparative budget. The customs authorities had decided to quarantine the wood, with problematic materials to be destroyed, which would cause substantial losses for Evergreen.

Sheng Zhening realized this would disrupt the construction schedule and that his existing funds were insufficient to purchase new wood, thus halting the renovation of Building No. 2. Fu Shuangshuang, who had prepared the comparison budget for the wood, expressed regret for not foreseeing the termite risk, although the batch was initially the most cost-effective option.

Despite this setback, Sheng Zhening later reassured Xia Qian that the renovation issue for Building No. 2 would be resolved, considering it a minor challenge he could overcome. To secure the future of Building No. 2, Sheng Zhening met with Qin Hebo, acknowledging Qin Hebo's ambition to become Evergreen's General Manager.

Sheng Zhening offered him the position, citing Qin Hebo's past heroic act of saving Ning Meng during a car accident (when Sheng's father was also involved) and his consistent support in Sheng Zhening's development as a hotel manager. Sheng Zhening emphasized that their personal relationship was more important than the title. He stated his decision was well-considered and that Qin Hebo was fully capable of the role.

Sheng Zhening then revealed the termite problem affecting the renovation wood for Building No. 2 and his own funding shortage. He requested that if Qin Hebo accepted the General Manager position, he must convince all shareholders to re-fund and proceed with the renovation of Building No. 2, highlighting its crucial importance. Qin Hebo agreed to this request, promising to do his best.

Following this agreement, Sheng Zhening publicly announced his resignation as Evergreen's General Manager at a shareholder meeting, naming Qin Hebo as his successor. Qin Hebo, in turn, pledged his full commitment to Evergreen and sought the shareholders' support, immediately launching discussions on the renovation plan for Building No. 2. Privately, Qin Hebo confessed that the General Manager position was far more exhausting than he had imagined, making him realize Sheng Zhening was much smarter than he had initially perceived.

Despite his assistant's questioning, Qin Hebo reaffirmed his promise to Sheng Zhening to ensure the smooth renovation of Building No. 2, while maintaining that the plan to lobby other shareholders to sell Evergreen shares was a separate, ongoing objective. Back at Xia Qian's apartment, Sheng Zhening had changed the curtains because Xia Qian had complained about poor light blocking.

He joked about potentially staying longer, predicting he would be invited back to Evergreen in three months, which Xia Qian found amusing. However, their domestic tranquility was shattered when Xia Qian's mother, Liping, arrived, having learned from Mu Xiaoyan that their relationship was fake. Enraged by the deception and Xia Qian's cohabitation with Sheng Zhening, she confronted her daughter.

In a moment of impulsiveness, Xia Qian kissed Sheng Zhening, tearfully admitting to her mother that she had initially lied but had since fallen in love with him, declaring him her boyfriend. Sheng Zhening was momentarily stunned into silence by the sudden confession and kiss. The next morning, Xia Qian regretted her rash actions, feeling awkward about facing Sheng Zhening. He, however, confronted her playfully about the kiss, demanding an explanation.

Xia Qian feigned being forced by her mother and jokingly asked what "compensation" he desired for her "frivolous and rude" behavior. He leaned in, making her nervous, but only picked a small piece of debris from her hair, then declared he wanted a good meal as compensation that night. Now unemployed from Evergreen Hotel, Sheng Zhening, unwilling to live with Xia Qian for free, offered to become her assistant, with his salary covering the rent.

Xia Qian was skeptical, believing a former General Manager might not adapt to assistant duties, seeing it as a vast difference in profession. She assigned him entry-level tasks: reviewing Huixin Technology's terms, familiarizing himself with Fu Shuangshuang's budget, and researching cost-effective office furniture to compile a detailed comparison report. She also stressed that reviewing the main proposal was her responsibility. The office was quiet, as other staff were working remotely after an all-night session.

Sheng Zhening quickly completed his tasks, even pointing out a potential issue with formaldehyde levels in a chosen carpet supplier, citing a recent lawsuit against them, and recommending its exclusion from the comparison report. He then proceeded to meticulously clean the office, including wiping glass, vacuuming carpets, watering plants, and tidying bookshelves, leaving Xia Qian amazed by his efficiency and diligence.

Sheng Zhening, worried that his exceptional performance as an assistant would make Xia Qian wary, discreetly sought advice from An An over the phone. An An, from his own experience, explained that a good subordinate needs to know how to "play dumb" to avoid threatening the boss's authority and to provide them with a sense of security and accomplishment. An An even admitted to employing this strategy with Sheng Zhening in the past.

Adopting this advice, Sheng Zhening intentionally submitted a report full of errors the next day. Xia Qian was initially furious and puzzled by his sudden decline in performance, but he claimed it was his first time making such a report and he was "rusty" and "in a hurry." Xia Qian then patiently sat him down and taught him how to prepare the report correctly, emphasizing quality over speed.

Observing this, Mu Xiaoyan suspected Sheng Zhening of having "ulterior motives," but Fu Shuangshuang defended him, saying Xia Qian was helping him in his time of need. Later, Sheng Zhening challenged Mu Xiaoyan to an arm-wrestling match, winning and ordering him to change the water cooler. During a snack break, Sheng Zhening initially declined a roasted sweet potato, citing it as "street food," but later changed his mind, only to have Mu Xiaoyan quickly snatch and eat the last piece.

Separately, Xia Qian's classmate, Xu Lu, introduced her to a potential client, Mr. Wang from Huixin Technology, a company needing new office supplies for their relocation. Xia Qian eagerly took on the project. However, Mr. Wang proved to be a difficult client, rejecting their quotation template and demanding more "tech-savvy" office supplies. Xia Qian explained that the "entry lux" items he preferred exceeded their budget, and she refused to use knockoffs due to quality and safety concerns.

Dissatisfied, Mr. Wang abruptly ended the meeting, demanding a revised comparison budget by the next day. Despite Sheng Zhening suggesting they drop the problematic client, Xia Qian insisted on continuing, explaining that such challenges were common in their business. Noticing Xia Qian's distress, Sheng Zhening secretly called An An, asking him to investigate Huixin Technology and any potential connections with Evergreen Hotel.

An An quickly reported back that while there was no direct business cooperation, Huixin Technology's boss, Chen Zixuan, was a college classmate of Sheng Zhening from Stanford Business School, indicating a personal acquaintance. That same night, Xia Qian was tirelessly revising the proposal when she experienced a bout of hypoglycemia. She decided to rest for half an hour and asked Sheng Zhening to wake her if she didn't rouse herself. Sheng Zhening gently covered her with a blanket and watched her sleep. After a moment of contemplation, he then left the office to seek out Chen Zixuan.

Manager Wang's attitude towards Xia Qian had dramatically shifted overnight. He was apologetic and smiling, stating that their original proposal was perfectly in line with the company's requirements and that they should proceed with it. Xia Qian found his abrupt change inexplicable. Unbeknownst to her, Chen Zixuan approached Sheng Zhening, reminding him of the help he'd received years ago, which was why Huixin Technology still held Sheng Zhening's original shares.

Sheng Zhening dismissed Chen Zixuan's assertion, claiming the one thousand dollars he had given Chen Zixuan was merely living expenses, not an investment. Chen Zixuan insisted the 10% shares were reserved for Sheng Zhening unless his company collapsed, then hinted Sheng Zhening's sudden interest was because of Xia Qian. Sheng Zhening sidestepped the comment, saying he had no time.

Later, when Xia Qian asked Sheng Zhening about Chen Zixuan, Sheng Zhening feigned ignorance, claiming not to know him, and then fabricated a story about Chen Zixuan complimenting his "assistant" skills. The denial of a romantic relationship by Qin Hebo continued to trouble Fu Shuangshuang. Realizing she had fallen in love with him, she sought advice from Mu Xiaoyan, framing the situation as a problem a "friend" was facing.

Mu Xiaoyan advised her not to rush, but to "find an opportunity" and show care when the man least expected it. Following this advice, Fu Shuangshuang began to discreetly express her affection, such as delivering heart-shaped fried eggs to Qin Hebo. Meanwhile, Building No. 2's renovation faced another setback due to a shortage of high-quality eco-friendly paint. The shareholders refused to pay for the expensive materials. Qin Hebo learned of this and decided to cover the costs himself.

His assistant expressed concern that his dedication to renovating Building No. 2 for Sheng Zhening might upset the other shareholders, but Qin Hebo remained focused on the shares. After completing her work for Huixin Technology through her friend Xu Lu, Xia Qian found Xu Lu eager to set her up on a blind date with her cousin, even arranging a meeting time.

Sheng Zhening, overhearing this, displayed an unusually cold attitude towards Xu Lu, refusing to offer her cream and sugar for her coffee and telling her to help herself. Xia Qian understood his jealousy but, out of politeness, did not decline the blind date, intending to clarify the situation with her prospective date. Later, Sheng Zhening interrogated Xia Qian about the date, expressing concern about her drinking at a bar, even though she explained the date was just a meeting.

His jealousy was palpable, though he struggled to openly express it. Ning Meng used her cake shop, located directly across from He Zhijuan's hospital, as a base to constantly interfere with his work. She would bring him meals and flowers daily, showering him with care under the guise of looking after her husband, but in reality, she was monitoring his every move. This created immense pressure for He Zhijuan, leaving him with no outlet to express his frustrations.

When Ning Meng brought a lavish spread of food to his office, his colleague quickly excused herself. He Zhijuan gently suggested Ning Meng didn't need to cook every day, as the hospital food was fine, which Ning Meng misinterpreted as a sign of his displeasure, causing him to quickly reassure her of his appreciation. The appointed blind date arrived, and Xia Qian went to Twilight Bar. Sheng Zhening, consumed by jealousy, followed her and hid nearby.

While at the bar, Xia Qian received a call from Xu Lu, who apologized profusely, explaining her cousin was out of town on a business trip and couldn't make it back that day. Xia Qian was secretly delighted. As she left the bar, a heavy rain began to fall.

Seeing her waiting for a taxi, Sheng Zhening, disguised in a bear costume, came to her rescue, holding an umbrella over her head and offering her candy when she experienced low blood sugar. Fu Shuangshuang, still unwilling to accept a mere brother-sister relationship with Qin Hebo, resumed her pursuit. Qin Hebo, torn by her persistence but determined to be firm, eventually proposed they officially become brother and sister, explicitly stating he would treat her like his younger sister Ning Meng.

This declaration left Fu Shuangshuang disheartened. However, Mu Xiaoyan, upon hearing her "friend's" dilemma, advised her not to be discouraged, suggesting that being a "sister" still offered an opportunity to get closer. That evening, over dinner, Sheng Zhening, unable to contain his curiosity, asked Xia Qian about her blind date. Xia Qian honestly informed him that the date had been postponed until the next day. The following morning, Xia Qian met the blind date, Mr. Lin, at the bar.

They quickly realized there was no romantic spark between them and agreed to be friends. Mr. Lin, who owned the bar, offered her a membership card. Meanwhile, Mu Xiaoyan, who was secretly observing them, misinterpreted their friendly exchange as mutual attraction. He snapped several photos and posted them to the company's employee chat group. Sheng Zhening's jealousy flared. He rushed to the bar, publicly declared Xia Qian his girlfriend, and dragged her away.

Outside, Xia Qian confronted him about his possessive behavior, questioning his right to interfere. Subsequently, Mu Xiaoyan, distraught over Xia Qian's perceived new relationship, got drunk and pulled Sheng Zhening into drinking with him. Both ended up consuming fake wine and required stomach pumping at the hospital. Upon their arrival at the hospital, Xia Qian and Fu Shuangshuang found both men recovering.

Fu Shuangshuang stayed to care for Mu Xiaoyan, while Xia Qian helped a severely inebriated Sheng Zhening walk home. On their way, Sheng Zhening, spotting a roasted yam stall, insisted on buying some. Xia Qian paid for the yams, then patiently peeled and fed them to him. Once home, Sheng Zhening, in a semi-conscious state, mumbled "I like you," leaving Xia Qian deeply unsettled.

The next morning, Sheng Zhening, feigning ignorance, attributed his words to alcohol and jokingly claimed he had said he liked roasted yams. Feeling confused, Xia Qian, again using the "friend" pretense, sought advice from Mu Xiaoyan. Mu Xiaoyan suggested proactive tests: sending a message to see if he'd "reply right away" and inviting him to an activity to gauge his enthusiasm.

An An, simultaneously, advised Sheng Zhening on a "play hard to get" strategy, encouraging him to "slow down" and "ignore her sometimes." Xia Qian's text message received a delayed response, and her invitation to buy roasted yams was politely declined by Sheng Zhening, who cited being "busy." Xia Qian concluded he was indifferent. For a "more direct" approach, she feigned dizziness to lean on him, but he remained stiff, following An An's "be cool" advice.

Next, she pretended to sprain her ankle and asked him to carry her, but he refused, offering only to help her walk, making light of her injury by blaming the bumpy road and her "getting old." Sheng Zhening’s calculated responses left Xia Qian feeling that his actions did not match her expectations.

Sheng Zhening helped Xia Qian, who had sprained her ankle, back to her room. They stumbled and fell onto the bed, their eyes meeting in a moment of undeniable attraction, but neither spoke. Flustered, Sheng Zhening quickly left to calm his racing heart. Xia Qian, feeling both annoyed and disappointed, misinterpreted his hasty departure as a sign that he had no feelings for her, wondering if his earlier confession of liking someone was meant for another girl.

Distraught, she sought advice from Mu Xiaoyan, who wisely told her it was more important if she liked Sheng Zhening, and if so, she should ask him quickly. Meanwhile, An An advised Sheng Zhening to play hard to get, warning him that all his efforts would be in vain otherwise. Around the same time, Qi Lin, who had been living abroad and rarely returned to China, arrived back in the country to assume a director position at Lihe Capital.

While dining in a restaurant, she witnessed a child accidentally spill ice cream on Xia Qian's clothes. Impressed by Xia Qian's composure, Qi Lin kindly offered her own jacket to cover the stain. Xia Qian, grateful for the gesture, promised to return the jacket after her work meeting. During their subsequent conversation when Xia Qian returned the jacket, Qi Lin learned that Xia Qian was a bargainer.

Intrigued, Qi Lin, who had recently returned and was looking to buy a house, asked if a bargainer could help with real estate negotiations. Xia Qian explained the complexities, and Qi Lin understood that not all items could be bargained down. Although initially wary upon seeing Lihe Capital on Qi Lin's business card, Xia Qian's impression of her improved during their pleasant chat. As they decided to work together, Sheng Zhening arrived to deliver clothes on behalf of Fu Shuangshuang.

Qi Lin, seemingly surprised and pleased to see him, greeted him warmly, an encounter that also took Sheng Zhening by surprise. He later called An An, explaining that his interaction with Qi Lin was purely for business and he wasn't being clingy, to which An An advised him not to be so overt. After Sheng Zhening finished with Qi Lin, Xia Qian couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy seeing them chatting animatedly.

She pressed Sheng Zhening about his relationship with Qi Lin, asking how well they knew each other and when they had met. Sheng Zhening, amused by her obvious interest, playfully noted her curiosity, even as Xia Qian tried to dismiss it, claiming she merely liked Qi Lin and wanted to know more. Shortly after, Qi Lin called Sheng Zhening, inviting him to their high school violin teacher Ms. Chen's 60th birthday, which was the day after tomorrow.

Sheng Zhening consulted An An, who strongly advised him to accept the invitation, suggesting that a short separation would create a sense of crisis for Xia Qian and make her realize her feelings. Following this advice, Sheng Zhening approached Xia Qian to request leave. When Xia Qian saw that he would be going with Qi Lin, she was visibly reluctant, initially citing busy work schedules.

However, she eventually signed the leave form, albeit with a warning for him to return as soon as possible. Around this time, Mu Xiaoyan confirmed to Xia Qian that her "friend" was indeed jealous and in love. Sheng Zhening and Qi Lin traveled to meet Ms. Chen. During their visit, Ms. Chen fondly recalled their time as violin students, noting Qi Lin's cleverness and Sheng Zhening's intense focus.

Qi Lin confessed to Sheng Zhening that she had only learned the violin because of him, and those years of practicing together were her happiest. She also remarked on how much Sheng Zhening had changed over the years, attributing it to "that girl, Xia Qian." Ms. Chen then clarified that her birthday was actually the day after tomorrow, not today, meaning Sheng Zhening and Qi Lin would have to extend their stay.

As he couldn't return immediately, Sheng Zhening, concerned about Xia Qian's reaction, called An An, asking him to check on her on his behalf. An An, though initially reluctant due to being at work, agreed after Sheng Zhening insisted. An An then deliberately fueled Xia Qian's anxieties, describing Sheng Zhening and Qi Lin as childhood sweethearts and speculating that their extended trip might lead to them falling in love.

That night, Xia Qian dreamt of Sheng Zhening and Qi Lin married with a child. Startled awake, she immediately booked a flight to join them. Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang invited Qin Hebo to see the wild swans again. Hearing her cough, he realized she had caught a cold because she had dressed too lightly for the outing. He rushed to her house to care for her, finding her with a fever of 38. 5 degrees Celsius and feeding her porridge.

Despite a work call requiring his attention, Qin Hebo chose to stay by her side, telling his assistant to leave the contract at his office. Overwhelmed by his care, Fu Shuangshuang impulsively kissed him, confessing that she didn't want to be his sister anymore, but rather his girlfriend, as she loved him. Qin Hebo, surprised, gently rejected her, stating that he was not suitable for a girlfriend and that they were not suitable for each other.

Xia Qian arrived at the Levend Hotel. Just as she stepped out of the taxi, her phone broke after a collision. Unable to contact Sheng Zhening, she tried to get his room number from the front desk, fabricating a story about being his assistant who needed a forgotten room card for work. The front desk, citing guest privacy, refused her request.

Determined to find him, Xia Qian booked a room for herself, unaware that she was staying right next door to Sheng Zhening. At the same time, Qi Lin, armed with a bottle of wine, visited Sheng Zhening's room. She recounted her life abroad, including her marriage to a local Chinese man for a green card, the birth of her daughter Rui, and her subsequent divorce after realizing it wasn't the life she wanted.

She then tearfully confessed her regret for not choosing him in the past and wondered if it was too late to rectify her mistake. Sheng Zhening, whose heart was solely for Xia Qian, politely but firmly declined her advances, suggesting they end the night. In her room, Xia Qian struggled with a faulty TV remote, causing the volume to blast.

Sheng Zhening, irritated by the noise from the adjacent room, knocked on the wall and called out for her to quiet down. Xia Qian, after unplugging the TV, stepped out to apologize, but Sheng Zhening had already returned to his room. After rejecting Qi Lin, Sheng Zhening frantically tried to call Xia Qian, but her phone was off.

Frustrated and worried about her safety and their growing misunderstanding, he called An An, berating him for the "bad idea" that led to this situation. He demanded An An book him an immediate return flight. An An tried to calm him, suggesting Xia Qian's phone might simply be dead and calling Sheng Zhening "hopeless" in love, but Sheng Zhening insisted on the booking, stating he wanted to speak to her in person.

Qi Lin, having accepted Sheng Zhening's rejection, found him packing to leave. She told him that she finally understood she had no chance with him, admitting that she had originally returned to win his heart, and wished him and Xia Qian well. Back at the front desk, Xia Qian, unable to contact Sheng Zhening or An An, refused to give up.

She persistently requested the front desk to broadcast her message over the public address system, even after they had already done it over twenty times. She negotiated for five more announcements. Finally, the hotel's broadcast echoed: "Mr. Sheng Zhening, your girlfriend is waiting for you at the front desk. Please come if you hear this." Hearing this announcement, Sheng Zhening, pulling his luggage, rushed to the lobby. He found Xia Qian there and asked, "You asked for me?

How come you are here?" Xia Qian, no longer willing to suppress her feelings, replied, "You heard it. The broadcast says it clearly: I like you. I want to be your girlfriend." Before she could finish her heartfelt confession, Sheng Zhening pulled her into a tight embrace, and they shared a passionate kiss, openly expressing their love for each other.

Having officially established their relationship and moved in together, Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian were enjoying the sweetness of new love. Xia Qian, immersed in their romance, even updated Sheng Zhening's contact note. Sheng Zhening then messaged her to discuss what to have for breakfast the next morning. One evening, as they arrived home, Sheng Zhening playfully suggested they decide who should go inside first by playing rock, paper, scissors. After Xia Qian won, he teased, "Or let's kiss again?"

to which she responded with a simple "No need. Good night." The next morning, Sheng Zhening surprised Xia Qian by offering to make breakfast. When she casually suggested a sandwich and not to go to too much trouble, he replied, "Got it. Never mind," and immediately called An An to arrange for new tableware and kitchenware to be delivered. Xia Qian was astonished when she saw the elaborate breakfast spread, commenting, "That's too much. Is this how you cook easily?"

Sheng Zhening admitted, "I cooked everything we have and accidentally overdid it. Let's eat before the dishes get cold." She soon noticed the new dishes, questioning why her old ones were replaced. Sheng Zhening revealed he had changed all the tableware and kitchenware, including plates, chopsticks, knives, and even replaced her disinfection cabinet with a dishwasher that had a sterilization function to inhibit bacteria.

Xia Qian playfully accused him of having a "professional disease" but firmly told him he couldn't change the table and chairs. Later, while doing dishes, Xia Qian accidentally broke a bowl. Sheng Zhening rushed over, scooped her up in a princess carry, and gently attended to her scratched hand, telling her, "It's okay. It's only a scratch. Be good. Just wait a minute."

Curious about the new items, Xia Qian later looked them up online and discovered their astonishing prices, carefully wrapping them up and placing them in a box. Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang had not contacted Qin Hebo since her failed confession, and he found himself equally preoccupied and unable to focus on work. While in his office, he received an accidental call from Fu Shuangshuang, hearing only the sound of a vacuum cleaner.

Realizing her phone was in her pocket, he put it on speaker and listened as she continued her chores, eventually muttering to herself, "If you don't like me, why are you being so good to me?" Suddenly, he heard her scream "Stay away! I'll hit you!" and, worried for her safety, he dropped everything and rushed to her aid. Arriving at her apartment, he found it was just a mouse.

Fu Shuangshuang explained the accidental call and declared she would delete his contact information. Qin Hebo deftly changed the subject, asking if she still wanted to see the cat. When she said it wasn't convenient, he suggested installing a surveillance camera at his home so she could watch the cat anytime without having to visit. Later, after the camera was installed, Fu Shuangshuang watched the feed, remarking, "I want to see the cat, not the person."

Sheng Zhening arranged a meeting with Qi Lin, directly asking her if she knew about Lihe Capital's plan to acquire Evergreen Hotel, given her position as a senior financial advisor. Qi Lin confirmed she had heard rumors about the acquisition but hadn't been involved as she had just returned from abroad.

She assured Sheng Zhening she would keep her distance from the project, stating, "I don't want us to be awkward, and I don't want to lose you as my friend." Ning Meng's frequent visits to the hospital had become a topic of gossip among the nurses, who speculated she was subtly monitoring her husband, He Zhijuan. Feeling uncomfortable about the rumors, He Zhijuan spoke to Ning Meng at home.

He expressed his wish for her to visit the hospital less often, explaining that it was his workplace, and he didn't want colleagues to perceive him as someone who blurred the lines between work and personal life. Ning Meng felt misunderstood, insisting she only wanted to care for him.

He Zhijuan clarified that her daily food deliveries and cake offerings to the nurses, along with the flowers she sent to his office, could affect professional relationships and even cause issues for patients with allergies. He suggested they could spend more time together outside of work, like going to dinner, cooking at home, seeing movies, or shopping. Ning Meng, however, grew insecure, asking if he no longer loved her or found her annoying, and accusing him of making excuses.

She even suggested he might be interested in a "beautiful nurse, Xiaotong," or other new nurses. He Zhijuan firmly told her not to be a baby and stop viewing others as imaginary enemies, assuring her that his relationships with colleagues were strictly professional. Ning Meng then revealed her deeper fear: she worried about losing him because the nurses spent more time with him than she did. He Zhijuan patiently reassured her, "I am not an object.

It's not like they can take me away from you as they want. I love you. I will always be by your side. No one can take me away from you." He then asked if she was behind Xiaotong's transfer, and Ning Meng admitted she had told the hospital president that she thought Xiaotong liked him but denied explicitly asking for her transfer.

He Zhijuan, while believing her, expressed concern about how it might look to hospital staff and suggested they go to the hospital together the next day to clear the air. Meanwhile, Mu Xiaoyan discovered Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening were dating, sending him into a drunken stupor. An An found him and brought him back to his own apartment.

The next morning, Mu Xiaoyan woke up confused about being in An An's home and demanded his clothes, which An An explained he had washed after Mu Xiaoyan threw up. At breakfast, An An noticed a mark on his neck, explaining that Mu Xiaoyan had been "grabbing my collar tightly, asking me to give back his girlfriend in tears." Mu Xiaoyan apologized for his drunken behavior.

Later, he attempted to return a stack of "love advice" books to An An, saying he no longer needed them. An An, undeterred, offered his help, boasting that he had read "at least 180 books" on the art of love while Sheng Zhening was pursuing Xia Qian, claiming his "dating skills are much better." Mu Xiaoyan retorted that An An was just "preparing at the last moment." Sheng Zhening visited Xia Qian's mother to deliver rheumatic patches.

While there, Xia Qian's Aunt arrived, bringing a wedding invitation for her daughter, Tingting. The Aunt proudly boasted about Tingting's fiancé, who was a company executive with a house and car in the city, implicitly disparaging Sheng Zhening as a mere assistant with no future. Although Xia Qian's mother prioritized her daughter's happiness over wealth, Sheng Zhening felt a prick of annoyance.

When Xia Qian's Aunt then invited herself and her family to dinner at their house that evening, Sheng Zhening, noticing Xia Qian's mother was unwell, instead offered to treat everyone to dinner at the Evergreen Hotel. At the hotel, the Aunt continued to compare, asking why Xia Qian's mother hadn't hosted Tingting's wedding there, noting how expensive and sought-after the venue was.

When the Aunt complained about the cost, Sheng Zhening subtly suggested Tingting's fiancé pay, to Xia Qian's mother's embarrassment. Later, a hotel manager, recognizing Sheng Zhening as "Mr. Sheng," sent complimentary drinks to their table, leaving the Aunt and her family astonished. The Aunt immediately changed her tune, flattering Sheng Zhening and trying to get a manager position for Tingting's fiancé at Evergreen.

However, Xia Qian's mother quickly interjected, informing her that Sheng Zhening had already resigned from Evergreen and was now Xia Qian's assistant. Deflated, the Aunt and her family quickly left, but were further surprised to see Sheng Zhening's luxurious car waiting outside, confirming his true status. After dropping Xia Qian's mother at home, Xia Qian expressed her worry to Sheng Zhening, questioning how he could afford such expensive gestures, including the new kitchenware, dinner at Evergreen, and the luxurious car.

She asked anxiously if he had borrowed money from loan sharks, warning him about the dangers. Sheng Zhening reassured her he hadn't. Xia Qian then urged him to be more frugal, reminding him they were now "poor" and should save money, aspiring to a better future through hard work. Sheng Zhening playfully tested her, asking, "What if I can't make any money again?" Xia Qian sweetly replied, "So what? I'll support you."

Sheng Zhening smiled, "Then you have to support me for the rest of my life." Suddenly, Xia Qian realized they were late to return his "rented" car and frantically urged him to drive faster, warning him they would be charged for an extra day. Instead of heading to the car rental, Sheng Zhening drove to an amusement park. Once there, Xia Qian demanded an explanation for why he brought her there instead of returning the car.

Sheng Zhening finally confessed, "Actually, I've been looking for a chance to tell you. I'm not bankrupt." He explained that while the renovation of Building No. 2 initially put him under pressure, the other shareholders later agreed to it, and he had just received his share from the previous quarter. Xia Qian, still focused on practicalities, chided him for booking the entire amusement park, insisting he should be a "rational consumer."

Sheng Zhening promised, "I won't do it next time," and then declared, "I'll give you my purse from now on." Xia Qian playfully rejected him, saying, "We are not married yet. Who wants your purse?" He then offered, "I'll report to you for every penny I spend. You are my personal bargainer." Xia Qian grinned, threatening, "I will charge you a high fee for my service." Sheng Zhening, without hesitation, agreed, "You can charge me as much as you want.

I will never bargain." With their finances sorted and their love affirmed, they embraced the romantic night, enjoying their first special date in the amusement park, which Sheng Zhening had indeed booked entirely for them.

Sheng Zhening booked an entire amusement park for Xia Qian, where they shared a romantic date and kissed in a hot air balloon. Xia Qian playfully asked for more annual or two-year cards since they had the place to themselves, to which Sheng Zhening agreed. Back at home, Xia Qian reminded Sheng Zhening that, considering Ning Meng, they should keep their relationship a secret for now, and he readily agreed.

The next morning, Ning Meng lovingly prepared breakfast for He Zhijuan, promising she would no longer visit him at the hospital with meals, choosing instead to make him breakfast every day. He Zhijuan expressed his gratitude, and Ning Meng, watching him eat, beamed with happiness. Meanwhile, Sheng Zhening instructed An An not to deliver the larger appliances he had ordered but instead to bring a dress for Xia Qian.

He specifically told An An to remove the original price tag, fearing Xia Qian would worry about his spending. When Xia Qian tried on the dress, she liked it but questioned the price and origin. Sheng Zhening claimed it was a cheap find from Taobao, bought with a coupon for only 320 yuan. At Evergreen Hotel, a board meeting was held to discuss the upcoming 30th-anniversary celebration.

Mr. Gao, a senior and influential shareholder, unexpectedly returned from abroad and stormed into the meeting, demanding to know why he hadn't been notified. Qin Hebo explained that Mr. Gao’s absence meant he was unaware of recent personnel changes, but this did not appease Mr. Gao. Mr. Gao then criticized the proposed guest list for omitting long-standing clients like Mingcheng Group, Yongli Group, and Kangming Travel, asserting they should be invited.

He declared that the celebration required Sheng Zhening's presence and threatened that the Housekeeping Department would refuse cooperation if Sheng Zhening did not return. Yielding to Mr. Gao's significant influence, Qin Hebo promised to personally invite Sheng Zhening to oversee the celebration. Sheng Zhening received a call from An An, who informed him about the board meeting and Mr. Gao’s insistence, as well as Qin Hebo’s agreement.

As Sheng Zhening was concluding his call with An An, Xia Qian called him to a meeting, playfully warning him about keeping their personal and professional lives separate and jokingly threatening to deduct his salary if he was late again. Sheng Zhening then asked An An to keep him updated on hotel matters. Later, Sheng Zhening met Qin Hebo at a bar.

Qin Hebo urged Sheng Zhening to return, emphasizing that Evergreen's long-term clients from Senior Sheng's era would be suspicious if he wasn't involved, and acknowledged Sheng Zhening’s extensive experience with previous anniversary events. Sheng Zhening agreed to return but asked not to be assigned any specific duties, preferring to assist Qin Hebo in an advisory role.

As Sheng Zhening left to go home for dinner with Xia Qian, Charlie, observing him, commented to Qin Hebo that Sheng Zhening was clearly in love, having seen him happily engrossed in his phone. Charlie then turned the conversation to Qin Hebo's own romantic situation. Upon returning home, Sheng Zhening told Xia Qian he was returning to work at Evergreen, which meant he could no longer accompany her to work.

Xia Qian, though initially surprised, masked her reluctance, quoting a poem about enduring love. Sheng Zhening, sensing her hidden feelings, asked if she wasn't a little sad, but Xia Qian maintained her cheerful demeanor. He Zhijuan's hospital director offered him a rare opportunity to study abroad at Philip Psychological Clinic, a top-tier institution with a medical approach perfectly aligned with his specialization.

He Zhijuan was thrilled, having followed the clinic for some time and knowing many of his seniors also aspired to go, acknowledging the fierce competition for the single spot. However, Ning Meng, later learning about this opportunity from the director at her cake shop, became visibly distressed. Fearing He Zhijuan's departure, she falsely informed the director that she and He Zhijuan were planning to have a baby this year, leading the director to reassign the study spot to another doctor.

That evening, He Zhijuan confronted Ning Meng, expressing his anger and frustration, highlighting the significance and rarity of the opportunity he had just lost. Ning Meng tried to apologize, offering to immediately inform the director of her lie, but He Zhijuan, overwhelmed by emotional distress, simply told her "No need" and clutched his stomach in pain. The next morning, Xia Qian helped Sheng Zhening with his tie before he left for Evergreen.

She affectionately told him she almost forgot he was a general manager, and he, in turn, reminded her to only remember him as her boyfriend. He informed her he wouldn't be home for dinner and would wash the dishes upon his return. At Evergreen, during a meeting, a proposal was made to feature Sheng Zhening in a promotional video to showcase the hotel's leadership and culture. Sheng Zhening rejected this, stating that Evergreen's success was a collective effort.

He proposed instead to create promotional videos highlighting outstanding employees and the heartfelt stories of long-term customers, emphasizing that "sincerity matters the most." Later that evening, Xia Qian messaged Sheng Zhening, asking about his dinner and when he would return, but received no reply.

Concerned about his exhausting daily commute of nearly two hours from her home to the hotel, Xia Qian, without consulting Sheng Zhening, instructed An An to move all his luggage back to the hotel, thus initiating their "long-distance relationship." Sheng Zhening was initially annoyed by her unilateral decision, but Xia Qian insisted and he conceded. He then had to awkwardly explain to An An that Xia Qian hadn't consulted him about moving the luggage.

Missing Sheng Zhening, Xia Qian sleepwalked that night and fell out of bed, injuring her forehead. Determined to see him, Xia Qian strategically rescheduled a client meeting for her company's collaboration with a live-streaming platform to take place at Evergreen Hotel. After successfully concluding the meeting, she called An An to ascertain Sheng Zhening's whereabouts and learned he was likely in the restaurant.

Xia Qian waited expectantly at the restaurant entrance, but when Sheng Zhening emerged, conversing with an employee about promoting Building No. 2, he walked past her, seemingly ignoring her. Disheartened, Xia Qian was about to leave when she received a message from Sheng Zhening, asking her to come to his room. She rushed to his room, where they shared a tender embrace.

Sheng Zhening noticed her injured forehead, learning it was from a sleepwalking incident, and expressed concern, even suggesting he should move back in. An An then interrupted, asking about a Marketing Department meeting. Sheng Zhening suggested canceling, but Xia Qian, asserting her newfound influence, declared he would attend immediately, leading An An to jokingly comment on who truly held power in their relationship. Sheng Zhening then left for the meeting, but not before Xia Qian asked for a ten-second hug.

Fu Shuangshuang, monitoring Qin Hebo's cat via surveillance, worried when she saw it seemed unwell. After failing to reach him by phone, she rushed to his home, only to find the cat was merely barking up hairballs, not truly sick. While she was there, Qin Hebo returned, and she quickly hid, overhearing his phone call with Mr. Xue.

Mr. Xue, surprised by Qin Hebo's seemingly passive decision to invite Sheng Zhening back, reminded him of his past decisive and cunning actions, including the power failure in Building No. 2, the elevator incident with a star reviewer, and manipulating the renovation budget to ensure Sheng Zhening purchased termite-infested African logs. This conversation shocked Fu Shuangshuang. She realized that Qin Hebo had been present when she prepared the comparison budget, confirming her suspicion that he was behind the tampered data.

Distraught, Fu Shuangshuang quietly left Qin Hebo's home, unknowingly leaving her bag behind. Later that evening, as she wandered the streets, grappling with the complex nature of the man she thought she knew, Qin Hebo called, having found her bag. Her cold and distant response during their brief phone call, where she asked him to send the bag via flash delivery the next day, alarmed him.

After pondering, Qin Hebo decided to text her, inviting her to dinner to return her bag, hoping to see her. Concerned about Xia Qian's sleepwalking and recent injury, Sheng Zhening gave her a new watch. He explained it had a GPS function so he could track her movements at night, easing his worries. He also highlighted its ability to make and receive calls, serving as a backup if her phone died, thus providing "double insurance."

Xia Qian, though finding the watch unattractive, accepted it, and Sheng Zhening tried to convince her it was cute and looked good on her. Later, Xia Qian introduced new partners, Lie'er and Ai, for their company's live-streaming project. Lie'er, a famous anchor, would serve as a guest in early live streams, and Ai was an excellent selection manager. Xia Qian encouraged her team to seek their advice.

During the introductions, a male colleague mentioned buying a contour stick from Lie'er's previous live stream, jokingly preparing for a future girlfriend. However, Xia Qian later excused herself from an evening welcome party, citing a headache and a cold due to lack of sleep, apologizing for her recent poor work performance. Her colleagues reassured her, emphasizing their team spirit.

Fu Shuangshuang met Qin Hebo as promised, but her demeanor was cold. She returned the necklace he had given her, stating that since they couldn't be together, keeping his gifts would be inappropriate. She then abruptly left, insisting she had other things to do, even as heavy rain began to fall. Qin Hebo, confused by her sudden change in attitude, chased after her.

He asked why she didn't have her umbrella, but she retorted that it was none of his business and told him to leave her alone. Fu Shuangshuang then confronted him, revealing she had overheard his phone call in the kitchen and knew he had been using her from the very beginning. She accused him of putting on a convincing act, knowing she was vulnerable to kindness, and insisted he leave her alone.

Qin Hebo confessed that he had used her and lied, but maintained that his feelings for her were genuine. Unconvinced, Fu Shuangshuang told him she no longer knew what was real or fake, declaring they were too different and she never wanted to see him again. Distraught, Fu Shuangshuang then sought out Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening, revealing Qin Hebo's true intentions.

She explained that his phone conversation implied he and a Mr. Xue were behind the recent troubles at Evergreen Hotel, and she suspected his goal was to help Lihe Capital's Mr. Xue acquire Evergreen. She also realized that Qin Hebo had likely tampered with her budget comparison sheet, making the termite-prone African log appear to be the best option.

Sheng Zhening assured her she was a victim and had nothing to feel guilty about, while Xia Qian offered her comfort and a place to rest. Meanwhile, Qin Hebo called Mr. Xue, informing him their relationship had been exposed. Mr. Xue, unfazed, reminded Qin Hebo that they had already achieved their objectives and Sheng Zhening lacked proof. He believed Sheng Zhening wouldn't risk Evergreen's reputation by causing trouble right before the 30th-anniversary celebration.

He stressed that their priority remained acquiring shares from other shareholders. Later, Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian discussed the revelation. Sheng Zhening expressed his disappointment but acknowledged that knowing Qin Hebo's true nature would allow them to be prepared. He decided against immediate action, prioritizing a successful anniversary celebration to avoid harming Evergreen's reputation. To this end, he instructed his assistant to adjust the seating chart, placing him at the shareholders' table instead of with Qin Hebo.

He also convened a meeting to delegate all anniversary-related tasks away from himself, and requested Qin Hebo's complete work records during his recent absence. Furthermore, he explicitly instructed his assistant to seat Xia Qian beside him at the celebration. Unbeknownst to Sheng Zhening, Xia Qian fell ill with acute gastroenteritis after drinking expired cold milk and was hospitalized.

To prevent him from worrying and being distracted from the upcoming anniversary, she intentionally lied during his phone call, claiming she was at the Live Stream Head Office with Mu Xiaoyan for a client meeting, even having Mu Xiaoyan loudly pretend to fix a projector. A nurse's voice in the background, however, made Sheng Zhening suspicious. Using the GPS on her watch, he tracked her to the hospital.

He was relieved to find her condition was not serious but reprimanded her for lying and making decisions without him. He instructed her to recover well and promised to visit after the celebration, as everyone was waiting for him. Outside Xia Qian's hospital room, Mu Xiaoyan confronted Sheng Zhening, initiating a "man-to-man conversation." Mu Xiaoyan bluntly admitted his long-standing affection for Xia Qian, listing her earnestness, hard work, thoughtfulness, and intelligence as reasons.

Sheng Zhening, unfazed, reciprocated by listing what he loved about her, including her fondness for street food, her sleepwalking, and her transparent lies. Mu Xiaoyan pressed on, questioning if Sheng Zhening felt no threat given his constant presence in Xia Qian's life, helping her work and caring for her. Sheng Zhening calmly replied that he saw it as a positive thing that someone else could look after her when he couldn't be there.

He thanked Mu Xiaoyan for his care, to which Mu Xiaoyan retorted that he wasn't doing it for Sheng Zhening. Before Sheng Zhening left for the anniversary, Mu Xiaoyan issued a warning: if Sheng Zhening ever mistreated Xia Qian, he would not be forgiven. The Evergreen Hotel's 30th-anniversary celebration was a resounding success, thanks to Sheng Zhening's leadership. Qin Hebo, claiming to be unwell, avoided attending. Meanwhile, He Zhijuan underwent a routine psychological check-up.

He confided in his supervisor about the immense pressure he was under, particularly how his personal and professional lives had become inextricably linked. He recalled Ning Meng renting a cake shop directly opposite his hospital, intending to accompany him to and from work daily, a gesture he found suffocating. He admitted to over-prioritizing her happiness, believing it would prevent conflicts, but recognized it as an unhealthy dynamic exacerbated since their wedding.

He also recalled Ning Meng's interference at his workplace, leading to a colleague's transfer. The supervisor noted that He Zhijuan's work performance was fine, and his stress primarily stemmed from his marriage, urging him to communicate openly with Ning Meng as his wife. Later, Ning Meng discovered He Zhijuan secretly taking stomach medication. Realizing the emotional toll her actions had taken on him, she sincerely apologized.

After several days of rest, Xia Qian recovered and returned to work, joining her team to discuss product selection and the live stream schedule. During the planning, Sheng Zhening asked An An to register an account for him to follow Xia Qian's live stream. An An chose the username "My Summer." When Xia Qian later found the name quite conspicuous, Sheng Zhening, aware of her observation, decided to keep it.

Lie'er advised the team on strategic product ordering, emphasizing beginning with big discount items and flash sales to attract viewers, and reserving the most impactful products for the peak viewing hours between 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM to maximize sales. Mu Xiaoyan was jokingly assigned to handle snack promotions, with Lie'er suggesting that being hungry would make him eat more enthusiastically. Despite her lack of experience, Xia Qian successfully hosted her first live stream with Lie'er's expert guidance.

They showcased products, including a special storytelling doll that could mimic parental voices, which deeply resonated with Xia Qian and became the best-selling item. The live stream garnered significant positive feedback and a surge in followers. Afterward, the team analyzed their backend data, noting a peak audience of nearly 49,000 viewers when Xia Qian introduced the doll, affirming their "caring card" strategy resonated with many mothers.

Lie'er encouraged Fu Shuangshuang, who was nervous about being on camera, to take her time. To celebrate the successful debut, Mu Xiaoyan offered to treat everyone to a barbecue. However, Fu Shuangshuang had to decline, as she had arranged for Property Management to fix her leaking bathroom pipe that evening. Later, Sheng Zhening reviewed Qin Hebo's work records from his absence.

While most tasks were routine, one detail stood out: Qin Hebo had personally paid for additional paint needed for the renovation of Building No. 2. Curiously, the paint itself was found to be untampered with. That same night, Sheng Zhening spoke to Xia Qian, acknowledging his previous attempts to boost her sales (such as using a festival to buy products through her stream) were ineffective. He proposed a more substantial solution: investing in her live streaming business as a shareholder.

He clarified that this decision was based purely on his confidence in the industry's prospects and her team's business capabilities, not their personal relationship. Xia Qian, surprised, questioned if he'd be satisfied with their work, but Sheng Zhening reassured her, emphasizing his consistent success in investments and his trust in her. Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang's bathroom leak worsened, prompting a furious neighbor to demand immediate action.

Caught between the urgent plumbing issue and her upcoming live stream, Fu Shuangshuang, desperate, offered her ID card as collateral to assure the neighbor she would return to resolve the problem. Qin Hebo, who had been observing discreetly, stepped in after Fu Shuangshuang left. He compensated the neighbor two thousand yuan to settle the matter and explicitly requested that they not mention his intervention to Fu Shuangshuang.

Qin Hebo covertly resolved the ongoing leakage issue with Fu Shuangshuang's downstairs neighbor. He visited the neighbor, assessed the damage to the wall and bath heater, and compensated him 2000 yuan. He also paid an additional 500 yuan as a "seal-off fee," explicitly instructing the neighbor not to disclose his involvement to Fu Shuangshuang.

After finishing her live stream, Fu Shuangshuang returned home to find her neighbor's attitude unexpectedly cooperative; he merely stated that Property Management would handle the issue, leaving Fu Shuangshuang bewildered. Sheng Zhening grew irritated when he noticed several fans in Xia Qian’s live stream adopting names like “My Summer No. 1,” a special name he had given her. He confronted Xia Qian, subtly suggesting she block these accounts, but she refused, playfully accusing him of jealousy, which he vehemently denied.

Despite his protestations, Xia Qian decided to publicly clarify her relationship status during her next live stream to ease his mind. She announced, "I already have a boyfriend. He's very excellent. I love him so much. He's the one in my life. The only one. So I am not single."

Although her fan count temporarily dipped by three followers, her team and audience members supported her honesty, emphasizing that integrity and trustworthiness in live streaming were more important than maintaining a false persona for increased viewership. Ning Meng’s persistent concerns about He Zhijuan’s well-being led to a strained exchange when she found him taking stomach medicine and insisted he see a doctor.

He Zhijuan, visibly agitated, told her he knew his own condition and that he was tired of their cycle of arguments and apologies. Reflecting on their relationship, Ning Meng visited Doctor Zhang at the psychological clinic, stirring memories of their early days. She later met He Zhijuan at a park they frequented. There, she sincerely apologized for her overbearing nature, promising never to interfere with his work, doubt him, or fear losing him.

She also recalled a soothing recording of natural sounds he had once given her during an illness, realizing he had personally recorded it, and reiterated how much she cherishes him. Moved, He Zhijuan reassured her of his unwavering affection and asked her not to worry about their future. To reconnect and find peace, they planned an overseas trip, fulfilling his earlier promise to take her traveling around the world.

During a shareholders' meeting, Mr. Gao and some other stakeholders proposed Sheng Zhening's reinstatement as Evergreen's general manager, praising his capabilities, especially after the successful 30th-anniversary celebration. Other shareholders, however, opposed this, fearing that frequent leadership changes would project an image of instability. Sheng Zhening then deferred to Qin Hebo for his opinion, who stated he had no objections and would abide by the board's decision. Sheng Zhening abruptly left the meeting, leaving other shareholders confused.

Qin Hebo’s assistant lamented that Sheng Zhening and his allies were "burning the bridge," attempting to remove Qin Hebo from his position after all his hard work. In a separate development, Qin Hebo had uncovered compromising video evidence of Mr. Gao’s affair, intending to use it to coerce Mr. Gao into selling his Evergreen shares, knowing his assets were mostly controlled by his wife.

Qin Hebo initially considered sharing this with Mr. Xue, but a discovery of a recording device in Mr. Xue’s car revealed Mr. Xue’s lack of trust. This prompted Qin Hebo to rethink his strategy and begin planning his own exit. His assistant, acting independently and believing Qin Hebo was hesitant due to his connection with Sheng Zhening, took the initiative to inform Mr. Xue, only to be angrily rebuked by Qin Hebo. Fu Shuangshuang’s apartment experienced a power outage.

While calling Property Management, she discovered that the previous leakage had been resolved by Qin Hebo, who had paid the compensation and instructed them to keep it a secret. This revelation clarified the downstairs neighbor’s earlier, uncharacteristic response. Fu Shuangshuang arranged to meet Qin Hebo, returning the 2000 yuan he had paid, stating she did not want to owe him anything.

Qin Hebo then pleaded for another chance, promising to reform, but Fu Shuangshuang, after a moment of reflection, simply stated, "I don't know," and walked away, leaving him unable to salvage their relationship. Due to a recent drop in fan engagement, the head office gave Xia Qian a challenging assignment: promoting Hanfu culture through live streaming. Despite feeling awkward in the traditional attire, she decided to wear the Hanfu herself to ensure better promotional results.

The evening before her live stream, Xia Qian called Sheng Zhening, playfully telling him not to watch or record it, feeling somewhat embarrassed. The next day, Sheng Zhening unexpectedly appeared at her apartment, claiming his promise not to watch the live stream didn’t preclude watching her work in person.

Before Xia Qian could begin her broadcast, Sheng Zhening received an urgent call from An An, informing him that Evergreen Hotel was facing a crisis: Mr. Gao had sold his shares to Lihe Capital, making them a significant new shareholder. An An also revealed that Lihe Capital, through Mr. Xue, had secretly acquired additional shares from other shareholders, including Mr. Lin and Mr. Yu, now possessing at least 10% of Evergreen.

Concerned, Xia Qian, still in her Hanfu, rushed to the hotel. She was relieved to find Sheng Zhening safe. At the hotel, Sheng Zhening immediately convened an emergency meeting, where he played a video statement from Mr. Gao, who clarified that his share sale was for personal reasons unrelated to Evergreen’s operations.

To further calm the uneasy shareholders, Xia Qian presented a dynamic chart she and An An had prepared, visually demonstrating Evergreen’s consistent growth over the years, effectively reassuring them. After the meeting, Sheng Zhening explained to Xia Qian the full extent of the crisis, including how Lihe Capital had blackmailed Mr. Gao with compromising videos from a hidden camera in his room.

Sheng Zhening suspected Qin Hebo was behind the camera installation, noting that Qin Hebo had previously replaced Evergreen's coded locks with a vendor connected to Lihe Capital, making the hotel vulnerable. He assured Xia Qian he would handle the matter. Later that evening, Mr. Xue of Lihe Capital extended an invitation to Sheng Zhening and other major shareholders for dinner at the hotel. Recognizing it as a "White Vengeance," Sheng Zhening decided to attend.

Xia Qian's Hanfu live stream was a resounding success, selling out all the dresses, cosmetics, and other traditional items she promoted, and gaining a thousand new fans. Recognizing the talent of her team member, Mu Xiaoyan, Xia Qian decided to step back from being the main anchor and promote Mu Xiaoyan to lead future live streams, acknowledging her greater suitability and infectious charisma.

At Mr. Xue’s dinner, he announced Lihe Capital’s new shareholder status and expressed a desire for collective effort, saying they would "be in the same boat and share weal or woe" for Evergreen's future. Meanwhile, Sheng Zhening instructed An An to prepare VIP customer information for the new housekeeping manager, ensuring a smooth transition. Later, Sheng Zhening encountered Qin Hebo and invited him to talk privately in his car about recent events.

Qin Hebo met with Mr. Xue, intending to withdraw from their partnership. He had successfully secured ten percent of Evergreen's shares as per their agreement and was now ready to quit. However, Mr. Xue, surprised, asked if he was truly quitting. Unbeknownst to Qin Hebo, the information he had obtained was part of a trap orchestrated by Sheng Zhening. Sheng Zhening had anticipated Mr. Xue's plan to use Qin Hebo to steal sensitive guest information to damage Evergreen's reputation.

Sheng Zhening resolved to handle the situation himself, with Xia Qian insisting on accompanying him. During their conversation, Fu Shuangshuang overheard the trap. Sheng Zhening expressed his reluctance to see Qin Hebo caught in such a compromising position, as it would shatter all his good impressions of Qin Hebo. Fu Shuangshuang, having overheard Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening’s conversation, sent a timely text message to Qin Hebo, warning him of the trap.

This action, meant to repay a past favor (a list of Evergreen's May wedding guests), saved Qin Hebo from being caught red-handed. Later that evening, on the hotel rooftop, Fu Shuangshuang confronted Qin Hebo. She expressed her deep disappointment, recalling her previous question about whether he could change. She desperately wanted to believe his sincerity but questioned if he could truly abandon his past and current possessions.

Qin Hebo pleaded for another chance, but Fu Shuangshuang firmly told him she could not give him one, stating that her affection for him had caused her to hurt her closest friend and become someone she hated. The cost of liking him was too great, and she could no longer continue the relationship. The next day, Fu Shuangshuang, consumed by guilt, confessed to Xia Qian that she was the one who warned Qin Hebo.

Xia Qian, trying to lighten the mood, playfully suggested they were both "spies," before becoming serious and reassuring Fu Shuangshuang that mistakes happen and it's important to be resilient and move forward. Fu Shuangshuang decided to take a break from Worth Or Not and return to her hometown to clear her head. Xia Qian, though understanding, reminded her that Worth Or Not needed her and that she would surely return after some time.

Meanwhile, a disheartened Qin Hebo submitted his resignation to the board of directors. He advised his assistant, Emily, to find another job as she could no longer stay at Evergreen after his departure, even offering to help her. Emily asked if she could continue working with him, but Qin Hebo explained he needed to rest and that he had nothing left to pack. Upon learning of Qin Hebo's resignation, Sheng Zhening confronted him, hoping for an explanation.

Sheng Zhening questioned his motives, stating he couldn't comprehend why Qin Hebo would betray him and Ning Meng, even sabotaging Ning Meng's wedding, for money or shares from Mr. Xue. Qin Hebo simply apologized for failing their trust, stating he had nothing to explain and didn't seek forgiveness. He then asked Sheng Zhening to say goodbye to Ning Meng for him. Sheng Zhening declared their relationship over, adding that he had protected Ning Meng from knowing Qin Hebo's true colors.

Subsequently, Mr. Xue, refusing to accept Qin Hebo's decision, met him again, expressing disappointment that Qin Hebo was giving up such a promising future. Qin Hebo clarified that his initial agreement to help acquire Evergreen was solely to repay a past kindness. He recounted how, years ago, after his startup failed, he repeatedly sought investment from Lihe Capital and was consistently rejected.

One day, after another failed meeting, Mr. Xue offered him a suit to wear and later, noticing his persistence, offered him a job at Lihe Capital. Qin Hebo expressed immense gratitude for that opportunity but explained that he now stood to lose far more than what he had gained from Mr. Xue, and thus, he was leaving.

After leaving Evergreen, Qin Hebo tried to find Fu Shuangshuang, only to learn from a neighbor that she had gone back to her hometown. He packed his belongings and set off to find her. Back at Evergreen, Sheng Zhening informed Xia Qian that Lihe Capital had already infiltrated the company and would soon appoint a shareholder representative, signaling the arrival of their next formidable opponent. Xia Qian playfully reminded him that they could handle anything together, as a united couple.

At Worth Or Not, the selection manager highlighted an interesting customer named "Lele's Dad," who bought a variety of products, including shampoo, masks, and baby toys, suggesting he was a devoted father and husband. This news made Xia Qian pensive. She later confided in Sheng Zhening about her estranged father, revealing that her nickname was Lele. She recounted how her father, a passionate but struggling band member, chose music over his family when forced to choose by her mother.

He left when she was young, and they hadn't communicated in twenty years. Xia Qian expressed a strong desire never to see him again, or if she did, to confront him angrily. The next day, Qi Lin arrived at Evergreen as the new shareholder representative for Lihe Capital, booking the presidential suite for an extended stay. Sheng Zhening, recognizing her as an old acquaintance and a highly capable individual, was dismayed to find her now an adversary.

He told her that while it was the last thing he wanted to see, their relationship would now be strictly business. He then instructed An An to closely monitor Qi Lin's every move and report back promptly. Despite Xia Qian's vow, fate had other plans. A woman from her father's band contacted her, revealing that her father had undergone a dangerous brain tumor removal surgery. Though the tumor was gone, he had completely lost his memory.

With no one else to care for him, Xia Qian reluctantly brought him home. She was shocked to discover that her father, unable to remember anything, was indeed the "Lele's Dad" who had been diligently buying all her recommended products online. During a shareholder meeting, Sheng Zhening proposed the grand reopening of Building No. 2, featuring an appearance by the internationally renowned pianist, Mr. Peter Bao, as an endorser.

This plan initially drew criticism from some shareholders due to the already significant renovation costs. However, Qi Lin unexpectedly supported Sheng Zhening’s proposal, convincing the other shareholders. This swift and surprising move by Qi Lin left Sheng Zhening feeling uneasy, prompting him to instruct An An to continue monitoring her, suspecting a deeper motive behind her seemingly supportive actions. Meanwhile, in her hometown, Fu Shuangshuang was helping her mother run their guesthouse.

Her mother, busy on the phone, asked her to pick up a guest from room 102. Driving to the meeting point, Fu Shuangshuang struggled with bad phone signal while trying to communicate with the guest. To her shock, the guest turned out to be Qin Hebo. He claimed he was merely a tourist, but Fu Shuangshuang, enraged, refused to believe him and angrily drove away, leaving him and his luggage behind.

Back home, Xia Qian found herself overwhelmed trying to care for her father, who was still pretending to have memory loss. She was constantly interrupted by work calls, struggling to feed him while juggling her responsibilities. Realizing she couldn't manage alone, she decided to hire a caretaker, Ms. Chen. Sheng Zhening, noticing her struggle, offered to arrange 24-hour care, but Xia Qian initially resisted, feeling her father didn't deserve such kindness and that her mother would never forgive him.

However, they decided against telling her mother about his condition. As Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening left the house, her father, who had been feigning memory loss, made a phone call to a friend, revealing his act was going smoothly and that it was a way to slowly reconcile with Xia Qian without being immediately rejected. He confirmed that everything was going according to plan. Simultaneously, Fu Shuangshuang returned to her mother's guesthouse, explaining that she couldn't pick up the guest because the phone number didn't connect, still concealing her encounter with Qin Hebo.

Fu Shuangshuang returns to the Holiday Garden Of Samueli in a furious mood, oblivious to the heavy rain outside. Her mother, who was on the phone trying to reach a guest whose number kept going unanswered, is surprised when Qin Hebo arrives, completely drenched and carrying his luggage. After confirming his identity, she calls for Fu Shuangshuang to show him to his room. Fu Shuangshuang complies but maintains a cold demeanor.

Qin Hebo attempts to explain that he has left Evergreen and asks her to listen, but Fu Shuangshuang remains unresponsive, stating that she is only tolerating his presence due to their past acquaintance and the pouring rain, but from tomorrow onward, they will be strangers. Meanwhile, Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening are having dinner.

Sheng Zhening updates her on the situation with Qi Lin and Building No. 2 at Evergreen, assuring her that Qi Lin likely cannot make significant moves before the opening, as it would be difficult to convince other shareholders to sell their shares at this time. Their conversation then turns to Xia Qian's father. Sheng Zhening suggests trying music therapy, citing an online case where a patient with similar symptoms recovered after listening to their favorite music daily.

Initially, Xia Qian dismisses the idea, claiming she doesn't care about her father, but eventually confesses her emotional conflict. She admits to hating him but finds herself unable to bear seeing him in his current state, acknowledging that "blood is thicker than water." She also mentions looking into other methods like acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine. Back home, Xia Qian tries to administer a bowl of traditional Chinese medicine to her father.

When she steps away to handle a work call regarding a contract, her father discreetly spits out the medicine and discards the rest. Xia Qian returns to find the medicine spilled and, despite her earlier frustration, expresses concern that he might have been burned, then decides to prepare another dose. Later, Sheng Zhening suggests Xia Qian play "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Variations" for her father, as it's a unique bond between them.

Her father, hearing the music, is visibly moved to tears, leading Xia Qian to believe he's improving and decide to take him to a concert next week to further awaken his memories. Qin Hebo's attempts to interact with Fu Shuangshuang are consistently met with rejection. He notices a "tour guide service" poster at the Holiday Garden Of Samueli and inquires about it with Fu Shuangshuang's mother.

She explains the service includes guiding guests around scenic spots, meals, and transportation for 500 per day. Having received payment, Fu Shuangshuang's mother then urges a reluctant Fu Shuangshuang to be Qin Hebo's guide, hinting at her own back pain if she had to go. Fu Shuangshuang agrees but is clearly unwilling.

During the tour of local scenic spots like the Bliss Pavilion in Yangliuqing, Fu Shuangshuang gives a perfunctory introduction, brushing off Qin Hebo's attempts to elaborate on details she skipped. He buys two wishing cards, encouraging her to make a wish, but she refuses, wishing instead that he would "get out of her sight." For lunch, she offers him instant noodles and then dozes off nearby, prompting Qin Hebo to secretly take a photo of her with his phone.

Later, to avoid Qin Hebo, Fu Shuangshuang starts taking on guiding jobs for other guests, even developing blisters on her feet. Qin Hebo, concerned for her well-being, offers to pay her a week's guide fee to be his guide, but she coldly refuses, stating her preference to earn money from other clients and her right to choose. By chance, Sheng Zhening discovers that Xia Qian's father is faking his condition.

At her father's earnest plea, he promises to keep it a secret from Xia Qian. Later, while accompanying Xia Qian and her father to a park, Sheng Zhening speaks to her father while Xia Qian is away buying cotton candy. He tells him that he cannot pretend forever, and Xia Qian's father agrees that with her softening attitude, it's time to "wake up" and suggests the upcoming concert as an opportunity.

Sheng Zhening advises him to pretend his memories have returned at the end of the concert and to act naturally. Xia Qian's father practices various expressions, but Sheng Zhening finds his attempts "a little bit unnatural." On the way to the concert, Xia Qian leaves her father in his wheelchair to buy water. Her father suddenly sees a motorcycle heading towards Xia Qian.

Without a second thought, he stands up from his wheelchair and pushes her out of harm's way, inadvertently exposing his deception. Sheng Zhening, arriving at the scene, attempts to frame the act as "father's love." Xia Qian, however, notices the absence of a surgical wound on her father's head and realizes he was pretending. Deeply disappointed and hurt, she leaves him.

Sheng Zhening finds a distraught Xia Qian in the park, where she refuses to forgive her father, calling him a liar. Sheng Zhening then admits he knew about the pretense, explaining that her father had begged him to keep it a secret. He shows her a photo album meticulously compiled by her father, filled with pictures documenting her childhood and growth.

Sheng Zhening reveals that her father was never truly absent but had been silently watching over her from a distance, feeling ashamed to face her due to his stagnant music career. Moved by this, Xia Qian decides to forgive him. However, when she returns home, her father is gone.

Searching for him at the hotel where they first reunited, she uncovers the devastating truth: her father's brain tumor is real, and the surgery is highly risky, with a chance he might not wake up. A doctor had informed him that delaying the surgery further could be fatal. He had orchestrated the elaborate deception purely to spend more cherished time with her before facing the operation.

Xia Qian is informed that her father has fainted again and been rushed to the emergency room for urgent surgery. Sheng Zhening drives her to the hospital, but heavy traffic forces her to run the rest of the way. She arrives as the surgery concludes, relieved that it was successful and her father is slowly regaining consciousness. He gently reassures her, promising that he is "not leaving."

Xia Qian's father's surgery was successful. He woke up and apologized to Xia Qian, expressing his desire to make up for the lost time. Xia Qian's mother, Aunt Hu, found the hospital bill while cleaning and brought chicken soup to the hospital. She revealed to Xia Qian that her father had been secretly visiting her for years, explaining that she didn't want Xia Qian to be disappointed again.

Fu Shuangshuang was set up on a blind date by her mother with Xiao Lin, an organic vegetable farmer who supplies to Evergreen Hotel. Both of them were forced by their family, they decided to pretend to be dating to appease their parents. Fu Shuangshuang intentionally mentioned to Qin Hebo that Xiao Lin had invited her to a movie.

Qin Hebo, jealous of Fu Shuangshuang's date with Xiao Lin, interfered with Xiao Lin's business, causing Evergreen Hotel to cancel their contract. Fu Shuangshuang confronted Qin Hebo, demanding he reinstate Xiao Lin's company's contract. Qin Hebo agreed, but only if she would no longer see Xiao Lin and if she would go on a date with him.

Fu Shuangshuang reluctantly agreed to accompany Qin Hebo for Western food and a movie, discovering that he had booked the entire cinema the day before. At the end of the date, Qin Hebo demanded a kiss. Qin Hebo lost his temper, expressing that Fu Shuangshuang could torture him, but she could not be in love with someone else. He then forcibly kissed her. Fu Shuangshuang pushed him away.

She was delighted inside but acted wronged and rushed back to her room in embarrassment. Meanwhile, Xia Qian brought chicken soup to the hospital, only to find a note from her father. He had left to meet a music company in Shanghai that was interested in his band's demo tape, asking Xia Qian to handle his discharge.

Evergreen Hotel was preparing for the opening of Building No. 2, and Sheng Zhening invited Peter Bao, a popular pianist, to shoot promotional videos. Ai, a Worth Or Not employee and Peter Bao's fan, accompanied Xia Qian to Evergreen, eager to see him. Qi Lin, having bought photos from paparazzi, discovered Peter Bao's habit of sexually assaulting female fans under the guise of piano lessons.

She decided to hold back the photos, planning to release them at the Building No. 2 press conference, after Peter Bao was announced as Evergreen's spokesperson, to maximize the damage and expose Evergreen's hiring of a despicable artist. Sheng Zhening was worried about Qi Lin. Peter Bao invited Ai to his room to discuss music, plying her with drinks until she became disoriented.

Xia Qian and Ai agreed to meet at the coffee shop, but Xia Qian couldn't reach Ai and was worried. Peter Bao, taking advantage of Ai's intoxicated state, intended to assault her.

While Peter Bao was on the phone, angrily dismissing the caller for disturbing him, a groggy Ai managed to send a message to Xia Qian, indicating she was in "Room 2011." Xia Qian rushed to the room and intervened just as Peter Bao was making unwanted advances. He claimed Ai was merely drunk and that he had done nothing, but Xia Qian brushed him aside, helped Ai out, and told him to leave.

Later, in a safe place, Ai expressed her shock, saying she never expected Peter Bao to be such a person. Xia Qian agreed but insisted they should inform Sheng Zhening. Ai was reluctant, pointing out that Peter Bao was Evergreen Hotel's spokesperson and due to perform at the Building No. 2 opening ceremony the next day. A last-minute replacement would cause significant losses, and Ai blamed herself for being so naive.

Xia Qian comforted her, assuring her that she was safe now. Despite Ai's reservations, Xia Qian decided to tell Sheng Zhening, worried that Qi Lin might use Peter Bao to undermine Evergreen. Sheng Zhening, upon hearing the news, immediately dispatched An An to investigate Peter Bao's past. The investigation quickly revealed Peter Bao's scandalous private life, confirming Sheng Zhening's suspicion that Qi Lin planned to exploit this to attack Evergreen.

At the grand opening ceremony of Evergreen Hotel's Building No. 2, Qi Lin confidently awaited her moment to strike, only to be outmaneuvered by Sheng Zhening. Instead of Peter Bao, the renowned violinist Lu Ming was introduced as the new brand spokesperson. A news report then surfaced, exposing Peter Bao as being "suspected of sexual assault." A surprised Qi Lin confronted Sheng Zhening, asking when he uncovered her scheme.

Sheng Zhening explained that he had found her persistent promotion of his publicity plan suspicious from the start. He admitted Qi Lin's execution was flawless, but Peter Bao himself had exposed the truth. Xia Qian reiterated that if she hadn't arrived in time, Ai might have been assaulted.

Sheng Zhening acknowledged that while he averted a major scandal, the last-minute change of spokesperson had still cost Evergreen dearly in initial publicity and led to many of Peter Bao's fans canceling their reservations in Building No. 2, causing a significant dip in its occupancy rate. Qi Lin attempted to convince Sheng Zhening to collaborate with Lihe Capital, highlighting the substantial investment Lihe had made to acquire Evergreen and suggesting a peaceful acquisition.

However, Sheng Zhening firmly rejected the offer, stating that Lihe Capital's business philosophy was fundamentally different and would lead to Evergreen being "torn apart" and eventually resold. He refused to allow his father's legacy to be destroyed. Learning of Building No. 2's low occupancy, Xia Qian proposed selling rooms through her live streaming platform. Sheng Zhening agreed to a trial, and Xia Qian excitedly detailed her plan to showcase the rooms and services to attract new customers.

However, after three days, the live stream only generated fifty new reservations, leaving Xia Qian disheartened due to her small fan base. Sheng Zhening reassured her, reminding her that gaining followers takes time. He then revealed his own strategy: he had contacted friends in the film and television industry to use parts of Building No. 2 for filming, free of charge, on the condition that the entire crew stay at the hotel.

This would guarantee occupancy and provide valuable advertising for the building. Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang's mother faced a financial crisis after a P2P investment scam collapsed, causing her to lose all her money and risk losing her mortgaged house. Overwhelmed by the news, she collapsed. Qin Hebo, present at the scene, rushed her to the clinic. When Fu Shuangshuang arrived, she learned that Qin Hebo had paid off her mother's debt.

He initially downplayed the amount, but eventually admitted it was "half a million." Fu Shuangshuang, feeling burdened, insisted on repaying him with interest based on bank loans. Qin Hebo clarified his intentions, stating he just didn't want the person he cared about to be unhappy and asked her not to feel burdened. He jokingly added that if she continued to go on blind dates, he would "break you up" because he was "the bad guy anyway."

Fu Shuangshuang's mother, immensely grateful, showered Qin Hebo with attention, insisting that Fu Shuangshuang take over all household chores to allow Qin Hebo to rest, much to Fu Shuangshuang's chagrin. Fu Shuangshuang's job search was proving difficult, with repeated rejections. Xiao Lin offered her an accountant position at his company. However, considering Qin Hebo's prior actions, Fu Shuangshuang declined, muttering that she couldn't "trouble you anymore" and that if she accepted, he would "go bankrupt."

Shortly after, she received a call from Ivy Technology, informing her that she did not pass the secretarial interview but offering her a sales position, which she accepted. Inspired by comments in her live stream about Evergreen's delicious food, Xia Qian proposed a collaboration to develop and sell semi-finished food products. Sheng Zhening found the idea promising and informed her about an upcoming quality control meeting.

He advised her against staying up late to prepare, but Xia Qian, determined to impress, worked tirelessly through the night. The next morning, Sheng Zhening arrived to pick her up, having anticipated her all-nighter. Before the meeting, Xia Qian urged him to be "objective and fair," and not to show her any special favoritism. During the quality control meeting, Sheng Zhening questioned the target demographic, initial funding, and taste consistency of the semi-finished products.

Xia Qian admitted she couldn't guarantee the exact restaurant taste but promised to create samples for his personal approval. Recognizing Evergreen's weakness in e-commerce, Sheng Zhening decided to use this project to "test the water" and approved it. After the meeting, Xia Qian overheard hotel employees gossiping about her, suggesting she only passed the quality control meeting because she was Sheng Zhening's girlfriend, implying that the project was easy to pass for "Mr. Sheng's girlfriend."

Sheng Zhening was about to intervene, but Xia Qian stopped him. She candidly admitted that being his girlfriend had indeed given her an advantage, as it allowed her easy access to him and the opportunity to present her project. She resolved that the only way to silence the gossip was to make the project a resounding success, benefiting both Evergreen and her company, Worth Or Not.

Soon after, Xia Qian and Mu Xiaoyan launched a live stream featuring Evergreen's "luxury food gift box" semi-finished meal kits, selling "two thousand" units on the first day. Xia Qian excitedly shared the good news with Sheng Zhening, but he then received troubling news: Chef Fang had resigned. To protect Evergreen's culinary reputation, Sheng Zhening immediately halted the restaurant's operations and instructed An An to contact headhunters for a new chef.

Xia Qian suggested refunding customer deposits for the semi-finished meals, but Sheng Zhening advised waiting two more days to avoid damaging the live streaming studio's reputation. Xia Qian wondered why Chef Fang would suddenly resign after so many years. Sheng Zhening deduced that Qi Lin was behind it. Indeed, Qi Lin's assistant confirmed they had arranged for Chef Fang's son's overseas education and promised Chef Fang a green card.

The headhunter provided a contact for Chef Hu Zhen, a fellow apprentice of Chef Fang, making him an ideal candidate. Xia Qian cautioned Sheng Zhening that Chef Hu was notoriously difficult to hire, having rejected many high-end restaurants. Undeterred, Sheng Zhening decided to call him. To their astonishment, the phone number matched that of "Uncle Hu," who worked at Xia Qian's mother's restaurant.

Xia Qian was bewildered, questioning why a legendary chef was working in a small eatery and pretending to be incompetent in the kitchen. Despite his eccentric behavior, Uncle Hu, knowing Sheng Zhening was Xia Qian's boyfriend, agreed to help. In a separate development, Wu Zhiwen, Chairman of Langyue Hotel, offered Qin Hebo a general manager position, commending his management skills at Evergreen. Qin Hebo expressed hesitation, citing his lack of experience with hotel chains.

Later, he saw Fu Shuangshuang, heavily intoxicated, at a company dinner. He carried her home and, distressed by her condition, decided to resign from her job on her behalf. Qin Hebo then revealed his plan to start a live streaming company and offered Fu Shuangshuang a position as an anchor and bargainer, giving her a year to pay back the five hundred thousand he lent her mother, stating her current job was "too slow to make money."

Hu Zhen accepted Sheng Zhening's invitation to help Evergreen Hotel overcome its crisis, stating that he would do so because Sheng Zhening was Xia Qian's boyfriend. Xia Qian, intrigued by why such a skilled chef would work at her mother's small barbecue stall, asked him about it. Hu Zhen explained that he was there to "experience life" while researching for a book on catering, aiming to collect traditional snack and barbecue recipes.

Hu Zhen's culinary expertise significantly boosted the hotel restaurant's occupancy and garnered widespread praise. Despite this success, Sheng Zhening reminded An An that Hu Zhen was only assisting temporarily and they still needed to find a permanent head chef. Sheng Zhening then informed An An about the impending arrival of Mr. Smith, a critical economist and VIP guest, emphasizing his meticulous demands and severe nut allergy. He instructed An An to ensure extra caution with Mr. Smith's diet.

Unbeknownst to them, Qi Lin, under pressure from Mr. Xue, had already bribed a kitchen staff member to tamper with Mr. Smith's food. Qi Lin assured Mr. Xue she would personally oversee Mr. Smith's catering to ensure her plan went smoothly. However, just as Qi Lin's scheme was about to be executed, her own son, Rui Rui, who also suffered from a nut allergy, accidentally consumed a chocolate containing nuts and had a severe allergic reaction.

Rui Rui had previously expressed concerns about bothering his busy mother. Sheng Zhening quickly rushed Rui Rui to the hospital. Seeing her son safe, albeit after a scare, Qi Lin was overcome with guilt. She confessed her plot to Sheng Zhening and immediately called Sheng Zhening, instructing him to have An An replace Mr. Smith's soup. An An subtly had the waitress remove the tainted soup under the pretense of it being cold, thereby averting the crisis.

Afterwards, Qi Lin apologized to Sheng Zhening, who questioned her extreme methods. Qi Lin revealed that Mr. Xue had blackmailed her into orchestrating the acquisition of Evergreen by threatening to interfere with her custody battle for Rui Rui. She tearfully admitted to feeling like a failed mother despite her professional success and expressed her profound regret for harming Evergreen and their friendship. She ultimately decided to resign and go abroad to learn how to be a better mother.

Reflecting on Qi Lin's predicament, Xia Qian realized the importance of balancing her career and personal life. Sheng Zhening echoed her sentiments, sharing his detailed plans for their future: he envisioned proposing a romantic wedding, a honeymoon in Italy, raising pets, sharing household responsibilities, having children and watching them grow, and growing old together in a secluded cabin by a lake.

He even declared that he would quit his job to raise their children, allowing Xia Qian to focus on her career. Though Xia Qian initially found his plans somewhat premature, Sheng Zhening assured her they were all well within his vision, and she was content to simply hold him close. Simultaneously, Qin Hebo accepted Wu Zhiwen's offer to become the general manager of Langyue Hotel.

He promptly requested meetings with all department heads to familiarize himself with the team, a request Wu Zhiwen promised to facilitate at the next day's regular meeting. Wu Zhiwen also tasked Qin Hebo with improving Langyue Hotel's customer service, which had historically lagged behind Evergreen's, a challenge Qin Hebo readily accepted, pledging to develop a marketing strategy for it upon officially joining. Before leaving the country, Qi Lin provided Sheng Zhening with crucial intelligence: Lihe Capital was experiencing financial difficulties.

She advised him that as long as Evergreen maintained stable operations, Mr. Xue would struggle to acquire more shares from other stakeholders, giving the hotel some much-needed breathing room. Sheng Zhening thanked her and wished her a safe journey. Later, Sheng Zhening, informed by An An that Qin Hebo had taken on the role of General Manager at Langyue Hotel, calmly acknowledged that competition within the industry was inevitable.

Sheng Zhening then met with Xia Qian, who reported the successful launch of Evergreen's semi-finished food product project. Playfully, he complained about her being too busy to have dinner with him, to which Xia Qian offered to cook for him at her place that night. He also inquired about Hu Zhen's identity, learning that Hu Zhen had asked Xia Qian to keep his chef status a secret from her mother, Dou Liping.

Meanwhile, Dou Liping, concerned by Hu Zhen's prolonged absence from her barbecue stall, called him. Hu Zhen, trying to maintain his disguise, claimed he was hospitalized. Dou Liping, growing suspicious, personally visited the hospital only to be told no patient named "Hu Dayuan" was admitted. Believing he was secretly seeking other employment, Dou Liping decided to fire him. Xia Qian intervened, revealing that Hu Zhen was actually working at Evergreen.

This prompted Hu Zhen to finally confess his true identity and his feelings for Dou Liping. He admitted that while he had indeed mastered her recipes within a month, he had stayed at her stall to get to know her better, ultimately telling her, "I just want to be with you. I like you." Stunned, Dou Liping asked him to leave.

Later, Xia Qian encouraged her mother to be brave and pursue a new relationship, as it was evident she reciprocated Hu Zhen's affection. However, Dou Liping, still hesitant, declared she wouldn't consider any new relationship until Xia Qian married Sheng Zhening. Qin Hebo officially launched his live streaming company, "Money Box," complete with a specially designed studio for Fu Shuangshuang.

He presented her with a labor contract, detailing a fixed monthly salary plus sales commission, with the contract's term tied to the repayment of her debt. Fu Shuangshuang, feeling she had no other options, signed the contract without much negotiation. To help her save money, Qin Hebo suggested she live at his house, assuring her she could change the digital lock's code.

After some initial resistance, she reluctantly agreed when he mentioned his busy schedule and the need for someone to help clean and care for his cat. Fu Shuangshuang initially struggled with camera fear during live streaming rehearsals. Qin Hebo patiently advised her to imagine the camera as a familiar and trusted person and speak as if introducing products to him. With his consistent encouragement, she gradually regained confidence.

Meanwhile, Chen Manhui returned from overseas and had a chance encounter with Ning Meng at the airport. Ning Meng, who had just returned from a trip to Japan, showed Chen Manhui a lucky bag for love she had acquired for Sheng Zhening, hoping he would find a girlfriend soon. Chen Manhui, who had harbored a crush on Sheng Zhening since high school, was pleased to learn he was still single.

Xia Qian later watched Fu Shuangshuang's live stream and called her to meet. Xia Qian praised her performance and inquired about her new job. Fu Shuangshuang disclosed that she was working for Qin Hebo's live streaming company. When Xia Qian pressed her about their relationship, Fu Shuangshuang maintained they were "just colleagues," even when Xia Qian questioned how she overcame her camera fear so naturally, hinting that someone special must have guided her.

Xia Qian expressed her happiness at Fu Shuangshuang's return and proposed they collaborate on live streams. Later that evening, Ning Meng arranged to meet Sheng Zhening at Evergreen, unexpectedly bringing Chen Manhui along. Chen Manhui, despite Sheng Zhening not recalling her from their childhood, presented him with a necktie, believing it would suit him. Sheng Zhening politely declined, explaining that his girlfriend was responsible for selecting all his neckties.

Ning Meng was shocked to learn Sheng Zhening had a girlfriend and became even more dismayed when he revealed it was Xia Qian. Sheng Zhening explained that he had kept their relationship private, aware of her sensitivity regarding He Zhijun's past with Xia Qian.

He advised Ning Meng not to let suspicion undermine her marriage to He Zhijun and firmly stated that he would not abandon his feelings for Xia Qian, even if Ning Meng disapproved, suggesting they avoid awkward encounters in the future. Ning Meng, feeling overwhelmed, told him she needed time to think. Back home, Ning Meng deliberately informed He Zhijun about Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian to gauge his reaction.

He Zhijun admitted he would find the situation "a bit awkward" but emphasized that his primary concern was Ning Meng's feelings and worries. He reassured her that the past was over and urged her to focus on their present happiness, telling her he loved her and that she was the only person he cared about. This heartfelt conversation brought clarity to Ning Meng.

She called Sheng Zhening, admitting she had been "too sensitive" and invited him to bring Xia Qian over for dinner the following week. Sheng Zhening consulted with Xia Qian, who agreed, believing it was best to face Ning Meng directly and address any lingering awkwardness. Ning Meng began enthusiastically preparing for the dinner, even asking He Zhijun about Xia Qian's favorite dishes.

Ning Meng was carefully preparing dinner for Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian, trying to maintain a normal demeanor. She asked her husband, He Zhijuan, if he remembered Xia Qian’s favorite dishes, but he admitted he couldn’t recall. Deciding to just prepare more dishes, Ning Meng continued searching for her cookbook. As she looked through the books, she stumbled upon a collection of old, sweet photos of He Zhijuan and Xia Qian.

Enraged, she initially stormed off to confront him, but upon seeing him taking medication, she managed to suppress her anger. During dinner, Ning Meng's jealousy surfaced as she persistently questioned Xia Qian about He Zhijuan's high school days, asking if many girls liked him, which Xia Qian found hard to remember or didn't wish to comment on. He Zhijuan tried to ease the tension by going to the kitchen for juice.

However, when Ning Meng noticed he specifically prepared grape juice for Xia Qian, her suspicions were further aroused. On their way home, Xia Qian confided in Sheng Zhening, expressing a sense of unease. Her intuition proved correct as Ning Meng confronted He Zhijuan later that night. Brandishing the old photos, Ning Meng accused him of still being in love with Xia Qian and demanded to know why he married her if he couldn't forget his ex.

He Zhijuan, having reached his breaking point, reminded her of the true reason for their marriage: he had left Xia Qian at their engagement ceremony because Ning Meng threatened to take her own life. He Zhijuan also expressed his frustration, saying he was trying to be a good husband but wasn't a "loving machine" constantly revolving around her. He questioned who truly couldn't forget Xia Qian between them.

After this heated exchange, He Zhijuan informed Ning Meng that he had matters at the hospital and was leaving. Meanwhile, Chen Manhui met with Ning Meng, who was still fixated on Xia Qian being a "time bomb" for her brother, Sheng Zhening. Chen Manhui proposed a scheme: hire Song Yu, an expert in manipulating relationships, to approach Xia Qian and make her leave Sheng Zhening willingly.

Song Yu, posing as the general manager of Miaoyu Culture Technology, visited Worth Or Not to discuss a collaboration promoting his "high-tech children's toys." Ai was immediately smitten by Song Yu, impressed by his handsome looks, apparent wealth, and his claim of developing products for the love of children, particularly after mentioning his divorce and child. However, Xia Qian remained unconvinced, viewing him as just another client. The team decided to test his products before committing.

Song Yu left confident that he had made a lasting impression on Xia Qian. During a work break, Qin Hebo was observed watching Fu Shuangshuang’s live stream, pleased to see her overcome her camera shyness and confidently host on her own. He then called Fu Shuangshuang, feigning a busy schedule and asking her to bring two of his usual suits to the office. Fu Shuangshuang reluctantly agreed. Upon her arrival, she noticed a table laden with sweets and fruit drinks.

Qin Hebo invited her to stay and enjoy them, explaining his assistant had prepared them so she could relax from her recent hard work. Fu Shuangshuang mentioned that she had canceled her live stream to bring him the clothes. Later, Qin Hebo arrived home with groceries, stating that he would be responsible for cooking every night from now on.

Confused, Fu Shuangshuang re-read their labor contract, only to discover clauses that mandated her to unconditionally provide catering services when required and to eat with him if he requested it. Feeling completely outmaneuvered, she frantically searched for other potential hidden clauses, but Qin Hebo assured her those were the only special terms. Xia Qian tried to arrange dinner with Sheng Zhening, but he was preoccupied with a company crisis involving the loss of several VIP clients.

He instructed his team to investigate the reasons for the customer defection and compile a list of potential VIP clients for him to personally contact. Seizing the opportunity, Song Yu called Xia Qian, inviting her to discuss Evergreen membership, having already prepared a drugged fruit juice for her. Xia Qian accepted and arrived at the meeting.

After taking a sip of the drink, she received a call from Ai, who revealed that Song Yu was a notorious con artist; his toy company was a mere shell, and he had a history of seducing and deceiving numerous women. Ai advised Xia Qian to stall Song Yu at the hotel.

At the same time, Chen Manhui urged Ning Meng to be decisive if she wanted Xia Qian out of Sheng Zhening’s life, reassuring her that Song Yu was adept at handling such situations. Song Yu attempted to charm Xia Qian, hinting at the failure of his previous marriage due to "separated because we had little time together" and offering to discuss her emotional problems.

Xia Qian, however, firmly stated that her relationship with Sheng Zhening was strong and there was nothing to discuss. Suddenly, a group of women, rallied by Ai, appeared and confronted Song Yu, beating him up for his deceptive ways. Under duress, Song Yu confessed that Ning Meng was the instigator. Xia Qian later confronted Ning Meng, expressing her anger at such a despicable act.

Ning Meng, however, claimed she was only testing Xia Qian’s feelings for Sheng Zhening and insinuated Xia Qian was after their family's money. Xia Qian retorted that her relationship with Sheng Zhening didn't need such a "despicable means" of testing and, while she tolerated Ning Meng because of Sheng Zhening's love for his sister, she warned Ning Meng to stop her schemes. Sheng Zhening called Xia Qian, concerned about the incident at the restaurant.

Xia Qian, after a moment of hesitation, decided not to reveal Ning Meng’s involvement, not wanting to put Sheng Zhening in a difficult position. She simply assured him that the culprit had been caught and sent to the police station. Ai later questioned Xia Qian's decision not to tell Sheng Zhening the truth, but Xia Qian reiterated her desire to avoid making things difficult for him, given Ning Meng was his sister, and decided to let the matter drop.

On what was supposed to be his and Ning Meng's anniversary of their acquaintance, He Zhijuan returned home with a cake, only to overhear Ning Meng discussing with Chen Manhui her plan to find another person to approach Xia Qian and drive her away. Enraged and disappointed by Ning Meng’s escalating paranoia, He Zhijuan proposed a divorce.

He told her that their marriage might have been a mistake from the beginning and that he would stay at the hospital for a few days, giving her time to think. He then moved out of their home. Xia Qian discussed with her team how to enhance their live streaming efforts, scrutinizing coupon design and the quality of promotional gifts.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity, even if it meant personally purchasing and sending promised gifts to fans, believing it was crucial for playing a long game. Later, Sheng Zhening informed Xia Qian that he was no longer swamped with the VIP customer issue and asked her where she would like to travel. Xia Qian suggested a business trip to Shaxi for a public welfare program to help local farmers, and Sheng Zhening readily agreed to accompany her.

The couple excitedly anticipated their trip. Ai, hearing about their plans, playfully suggested Xia Qian buy them matching pajamas. As Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian discussed hotel options, Sheng Zhening found the Shaxi Boutique Hotel to be below the standards of his own Evergreen Hotel. His assistant reminded him that it was the best available in Shaxi.

The assistant then recommended booking a standard room instead of a double room, considering their current relationship status, advising a "It works in both ways" approach. Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a phone call from Ning Meng, who claimed that due to the peak tourist season, only a double room was available at the Shaxi Boutique Hotel, which she had already booked for them. Ning Meng then mentioned she had bought couple pajamas before asking Sheng Zhening to come over.

Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening were on a video call, discussing their upcoming trip to Shaxi. Xia Qian, who had already bought matching pajamas for them, told Sheng Zhening not to bring his own. However, Sheng Zhening suddenly received a call from Ning Meng, asking him to come over because something was happening. He quickly ended the video call with Xia Qian.

Shortly after, Sheng Zhening called Xia Qian back to explain that he couldn't accompany her to Shaxi because Ning Meng was suffering from a bipolar disorder episode and her emotions were unstable; he had to take her to see a psychologist. Although a colleague remarked that Ning Meng acted on purpose, Xia Qian, while slightly upset, expressed concern for Sheng Zhening's difficult position, emphasizing that health was paramount.

The following morning, Xia Qian opened the door, hoping to see Sheng Zhening, but it was An An, who informed her that Sheng Zhening had sent him to take her to the airport. An An also handed her bug repellant, a thoughtful gesture from Sheng Zhening who warned about insects on the mountain. Later, Sheng Zhening called Xia Qian, advising her to be careful in Shaxi, where it had been raining, and to take care of herself.

However, their conversation was cut short when Ning Meng called Sheng Zhening, complaining of discomfort and asking him to get her medicine. Sheng Zhening, hearing Ning Meng's request, reluctantly told Xia Qian he had to go and would get the medicine for Ning Meng, then ended their call. Fu Shuangshuang's live stream performance was exceptional, with high audience engagement and a dramatic increase in sales, making her suspect a computer error.

Qin Hebo then revealed that he had signed a swap deal with the platform, which placed her live stream on the homepage for increased exposure in exchange for meeting specific sales targets. Fu Shuangshuang worried about the high penalty if she failed, fearing she might cause Qin Hebo to go bankrupt, but he assured her he could afford it, emphasizing the high returns that come with high risks.

Jiayu, a colleague, suggested they celebrate the good sales data with a dinner. Qin Hebo, however, declined, offering a bonus instead, stating he needed to go home for dinner. Jiayu then offered to treat everyone. At the restaurant, Qin Hebo, visibly annoyed by Jiayu's presence as a "third wheel," remarked that the lights were too bright. Jiayu, distracted by a potential rain shower, momentarily left to check on her quilt, but quickly returned, unable to find a taxi.

Qin Hebo then arranged for his driver to take Jiayu home, ensuring he and Fu Shuangshuang could dine alone. Fu Shuangshuang, appreciating the quiet meal, commented that they could finally enjoy their dinner. Days later, news reported heavy rains and a landslide in Shaxi. Sheng Zhening, worried, called Xia Qian, who initially didn't answer. When she called back, she reassured him she was fine, staying indoors, and wasn't affected by the landslide, planning to return in two days.

She promised to inform him when she decided on her return date so he could pick her up. However, during subsequent video calls, Xia Qian repeatedly used a pillow to hide her face, claiming her face was swollen from an allergy due to the unfamiliar environment. Sheng Zhening, suspicious, called her hotel to check on her. During another video call, Xia Qian claimed someone was at her door and went to answer it, only to find Sheng Zhening himself.

Surprised, she confessed that her chin was injured. She explained that she was running during the landslide chaos when someone accidentally pushed her, causing her to hit her chin on a rock. Sheng Zhening gently touched her chin, and Xia Qian admitted that seeing him made the pain subside, though she couldn't smile fully because of the injury. Meanwhile, back home, Ning Meng, upset that Sheng Zhening had gone to Xia Qian, confided in Chen Manhui.

Chen Manhui suggested that Xia Qian was merely faking illness to win Sheng Zhening's sympathy, portraying her as manipulative. That night in Shaxi, Sheng Zhening changed into the couple's pajamas Xia Qian had brought, which included a Patrick Star design for him and SpongeBob for her. While he initially found them childish, he appreciated that Xia Qian had anticipated his visit and packed them. Later, as Xia Qian slept, her healing chin wound caused her to scratch it unconsciously.

Sheng Zhening stayed awake, gently holding her hand to prevent her from irritating the injury. Meanwhile, Qin Hebo and Fu Shuangshuang were seen walking home after grocery shopping, carrying many bags. Passersby mistook them for a couple, a misunderstanding Qin Hebo seemed to enjoy, much to Fu Shuangshuang's slight annoyance. After a live stream, Fu Shuangshuang accidentally left it running, and private moments between her and Qin Hebo were broadcast to their fans, leading to online speculation about their relationship.

Fu Shuangshuang was concerned and planned to clarify the misunderstanding in the next live stream. Qin Hebo offered to join her, stating he cared more about her feelings and didn't want her to be misunderstood, despite his enjoyment of the earlier mix-up. The following day, during a live stream, Qin Hebo addressed the rumors, clarifying that he and Fu Shuangshuang were indeed work partners, not a couple.

However, he then openly confessed that he was actively pursuing her and, although she hadn't agreed yet, he would continue to wait for her. Fu Shuangshuang immediately dismissed his confession as a cliché, saying it wouldn't work on her, and denied having any feelings for him. Later, experiencing persistent nausea and vomiting, Ning Meng went to the hospital for a check-up and was surprised to discover she was pregnant.

She excitedly shared the news with He Zhijuan, who, after her pleas not to leave her, decided to move back home that day to care for her. Ning Meng also proposed staying in a hotel for the initial period of her pregnancy so He Zhijuan could focus on his work, which Sheng Zhening agreed to. After returning from Shaxi, Xia Qian invited Sheng Zhening to a simple birthday celebration for Uncle Hu at her family's barbecue restaurant that evening.

Sheng Zhening readily agreed, promising to join her after work. However, while on his way, he received a call from Ning Meng and had to apologize to Xia Qian, explaining he couldn't make it because Ning Meng was in the hospital due to her pregnancy. Xia Qian's mother, knowing about Ning Meng's past bipolar disorder and her strong dependence on Sheng Zhening after their parents' tragedies, cautioned Xia Qian.

She worried that Ning Meng's evident dislike for Xia Qian and her temperament would lead to many troubles if Xia Qian were to marry into the Sheng family, urging her to be mentally prepared. Later that evening, Sheng Zhening arrived at Xia Qian's home after the celebration, bringing red wine for Uncle Hu.

He reassured Xia Qian that Ning Meng was fine and, seeing Xia Qian's concern for his exhaustion, he agreed to stay the night there rather than driving back to his hotel. Sheng Zhening offered to drive Xia Qian to the hospital the next day to remove her stitches, but Xia Qian insisted she would meet him at the hotel to spare him the extra travel.

However, later that day, just as they were about to have dinner, An An called Sheng Zhening, reporting that Ning Meng had not eaten all day and was nauseated by the hotel food, now demanding waxberries at night, which An An couldn't find. Realizing Ning Meng's deliberate attempts to call him away from Xia Qian, Sheng Zhening rushed to the hotel. He found Ning Meng happily eating waxberries, speculating that she was having a boy.

Sheng Zhening confronted her, accusing her of emotional blackmail and deliberate manipulation. He urged her to mature, reminding her that she was soon to be a mother and needed to understand responsibility, rather than acting like a spoiled child.

Later, at the hospital where Sheng Zhening had accompanied Xia Qian to remove her stitches, Ning Meng unexpectedly confronted Xia Qian, declaring her strong dislike and vowing to never let Xia Qian marry into their family, promising to relentlessly pursue Xia Qian as long as she remained with Sheng Zhening. Xia Qian called her "hopeless."

As Xia Qian was being attended to, An An called Sheng Zhening again, reporting that Ning Meng's bipolar disorder had truly flared up, causing her to cry uncontrollably. The doctor then explained to Sheng Zhening that pregnancy could cause hormonal imbalances, potentially leading to a recurrence of bipolar disorder, which would be complicated to treat during pregnancy.

Xia Qian, understanding the situation, urged Sheng Zhening to go back to Ning Meng, reassuring him that she could manage on her own, though Sheng Zhening insisted on picking her up after she finished.

After getting her stitches removed, Xia Qian urged Sheng Zhening to visit Ning Meng, acknowledging that he must be exhausted managing the hotel, caring for Ning Meng, and sparing her own feelings. On the way, Sheng Zhening nearly had a car accident. He clarified to a worried Xia Qian that it was due to an oncoming car driving on the wrong side, not fatigue. Xia Qian, however, remained shaken and pleaded with him to be more careful.

Through recent interactions, Qin Hebo had increasingly realized he and Fu Shuangshuang needed an external push to accelerate their relationship, especially after they were often mistaken for a couple by passersby while shopping. Later, while Qin Hebo was helping Fu Shuangshuang in the kitchen, she accidentally cut her hand.

As he bandaged her wound, he brought up how people often mistook them for a couple, introducing the concept of "a sense of coupling"—a unique aura between two people that feels like a chemical reaction, existing in small details like concerned looks or special nicknames. Fu Shuangshuang secretly delighted in this idea. Qin Hebo then suggested they eat out since she couldn't cook with her injured hand.

Xia Qian’s mother, Xia Mom, expressed her anxieties about Xia Qian’s future with Sheng Zhening, citing Ning Meng’s constant troubles. She feared even more complications if they were to marry. Hu Zhen speculated that Ning Meng’s perverse behavior might be attributed to her pregnancy and could improve after childbirth, a notion Xia Mom found hard to believe.

Reflecting on Ning Meng’s past declaration that she would never accept Xia Qian into their family and her relentless efforts to separate them, Xia Qian spent a sleepless night. The next morning, she went to the Evergreen Hotel to speak with Sheng Zhening privately, unaware that Ning Meng was eavesdropping. Xia Qian proposed that they "break up," explaining her desire for a simple relationship and her inability to navigate such a complex family dynamic.

Sheng Zhening, deeply disappointed, accused her of selfishness, a charge Xia Qian readily admitted, saying she had always been a selfish person in relationships. The conversation concluded with Xia Qian confirming her departure, fully aware of its implications. Upon hearing about Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian’s "breakup," Chen Manhui immediately asked Ning Meng to arrange opportunities for her to spend time with Sheng Zhening. Ning Meng initially hesitated, worrying that her brother might be unreceptive due to his current mood.

However, Chen Manhui convinced her, suggesting that Sheng Zhening needed companionship and that Xia Qian might be playing hard to get. Chen Manhui expressed her belief that if Xia Qian hadn’t been around, Sheng Zhening would have already noticed her. Elsewhere, He Zhijuan meticulously cared for a pregnant Ning Meng. When presented with a month-long overseas study opportunity, he declined, prioritizing Ning Meng's well-being.

However, Ning Meng, reflecting on past mistakes, insisted he accept it, reassuring him that her brother, Sheng Zhening, would be there to look after her. He Zhijuan was swayed by her persuasion. Unaware of the true situation, Xia Mom and Hu Zhen discussed Xia Qian’s recent "breakup" and decided to arrange blind dates for her, believing it was the best way to heal her emotional wounds. Xia Qian, however, casually dismissed their worries, assuring them she was fine.

In reality, her "breakup" with Sheng Zhening was a charade designed to stabilize Ning Meng's emotions during her pregnancy, as Xia Qian wished to spare Sheng Zhening from being torn between them. They agreed to maintain a "secret relationship." Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian continued their relationship discreetly through video calls.

During one call, Sheng Zhening informed Xia Qian that Ning Meng was already setting him up on blind dates, to which Xia Qian replied that her mother was doing the same for her. Sheng Zhening expressed his longing to see her in person. Xia Qian guided him through a relaxing visualization, imagining himself in a tranquil meadow until a girl, identified as her, embraced him from behind, their heartbeats synchronized.

The scene culminated with Chopin’s Nocturne, a detail that resonated with Sheng Zhening. He then instructed his assistant, An An, to find tickets for a Chopin-themed piano concert, intending to invite Xia Qian. An An, curious, questioned if their secret relationship was a quest for "new excitement." Sheng Zhening sent the concert tickets to Xia Qian, who received them at her workplace.

Meanwhile, Ning Meng somehow discovered Sheng Zhening had concert tickets and, with a plan in mind, bought two more for herself and Chen Manhui, intending to crash Sheng Zhening's date. At the hotel, Sheng Zhening tried to evade Ning Meng and Chen Manhui by citing urgent work, but Ning Meng insisted he escort them, emphasizing Chen Manhui's father's influential position. Sheng Zhening eventually tasked An An with showing them around while he ostensibly attended a meeting.

At her workplace, Mu Xiaoyan and a colleague noticed Xia Qian leaving early, presuming her lingering sadness over the "breakup." Xia Qian arrived at the music hall, only to find Sheng Zhening with Ning Meng and Chen Manhui. Sheng Zhening initially accompanied Ning Meng and Chen Manhui into the concert hall. Once inside, he subtly excused himself and rejoined Xia Qian backstage. They enjoyed the music from their secluded spot, prioritizing their privacy despite the less-than-ideal acoustics.

After the concert, Sheng Zhening drove Xia Qian home. From a distance, Xia Mom saw a man dropping Xia Qian off and mistakenly assumed it was a new boyfriend, prompting her to remark on Xia Qian's perceived heartlessness. Hu Zhen, though, suggested Xia Qian was merely trying to distract herself from the pain. Xia Qian, feigning hunger, deflected her mother’s intrusive questions. The Evergreen Hotel formally established its E-commerce Department.

During a board meeting, a shareholder commended Xia Qian's capabilities and her "internet mindset," proposing her for a project team leader role within the new department. Sheng Zhening supported the idea. Sheng Zhening later met Xia Qian at a cafe to offer her the position. Xia Qian questioned if his offer was driven by personal sentiment or professional judgment.

Sheng Zhening admitted it was a combination of both, a "playing along" with the shareholder's proposal, to which Xia Qian also admitted her personal reasons for accepting. Xia Qian then informed Mu Xiaoyan and her team about her new role, explaining that Evergreen was a shareholder and their live streaming operation would function as an extension of the new department while maintaining its independence.

Mu Xiaoyan speculated that Sheng Zhening was trying to rekindle their relationship by keeping Xia Qian close. On her first day, Xia Qian was welcomed as Project Team A leader in the E-commerce Department, her workstation adorned with plants and flowers. Observing the special welcome and Manager Wang's respectful demeanor, colleagues quickly started gossiping, with one clarifying that Xia Qian was Sheng Zhening's girlfriend. A colleague also inquired about a humidifier nearby, but another clarified that it had always been there, not a special perk for her.

Upon reporting for duty at Chang Sheng, Xia Qian was spotted by Ning Meng, who, due to the board of directors' decision, could not intervene. Meanwhile, Chen Manhui joined Chang Sheng, leveraging her family connections. Colleagues gossiped about Chen Manhui, revealing that her father was the vice general manager of Mingcheng Group, and she was also Sheng Zhening's sister's best friend.

To assert her dominance over Xia Qian, Chen Manhui deliberately courted other employees and spread the false news that Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian had broken up. Consequently, employees who had previously flattered Xia Qian out of deference to Sheng Zhening began to subtly undermine her, while showering favor on Chen Manhui. Xia Qian observed this with a sense of helplessness. When An An noticed Chen Manhui’s targeted actions against Xia Qian, he informed Sheng Zhening.

Shortly thereafter, Sheng Zhening summoned Xia Qian to his office under the pretense of criticizing her project proposal, accusing her of severe errors in her hotel app plan and threatening to dismiss her if it happened again. In reality, Sheng Zhening wanted her to eat properly and bought her a nutritious lunch. He told her, "I bought you something to eat. They're in the fridge in the break room. You go get them. I marked them.

You can find them right away." Xia Qian later called him, commenting on the quantity, "They are too many. Now the fridge is full." Sheng Zhening simply replied, "Then you can eat more. It doesn't matter if you can't finish them. Share with other colleagues." This elaborate charade led other employees to believe Sheng Zhening was retaliating against Xia Qian after their breakup.

Later, Sheng Zhening had a new double-door refrigerator installed in the business department, a request that had previously been denied multiple times. This further fueled office gossip about Chen Manhui and Sheng Zhening dating, with colleagues citing her frequent invitations to Sheng Zhening’s family gatherings and a recent piano recital they attended together. Chen Manhui, noticing these speculations and growing suspicious of Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian, met with Ning Meng.

Ning Meng encouraged Chen Manhui to be more proactive in pursuing Sheng Zhening and decided to create "coincidental" opportunities for them. Meanwhile, Qin Hebo attempted to cook for Fu Shuangshuang, but his lack of culinary skill resulted in a burnt meal and a smoky kitchen. Fu Shuangshuang, exasperated, declared that he was forbidden from cooking whenever she wasn't home. They ended up ordering takeout.

Later, Fu Shuangshuang became heavily intoxicated and, mistaking reality for a dream, tried to forcefully kiss Qin Hebo, leading to numerous embarrassing moments. The next morning, Qin Hebo offered her honey water, reminding her of her drunken antics, which she initially struggled to recall. When she realized it wasn't a dream and asked who changed her clothes, he mischievously implied he did, but later admitted a colleague, Jiayu, helped her.

He then revealed that he lied because he wanted to hear her admit her feelings for him. Although she confessed to liking him, she expressed a desire for those feelings to fade due to a lack of security. Qin Hebo, however, was determined not to let that happen. The board of directors decided to develop an e-commerce application, intending to compete with Chang Sheng.

Qin Hebo, while acknowledging Chang Sheng's inherent advantages with its own hotels, pastures, and factories, argued that their own product range was limited but suggested cooperating with other manufacturers. Given the board's firm decision to secure a presence in e-commerce, Qin Hebo quickly sought a designer. He then asked Fu Shuangshuang to pose as his girlfriend for an upcoming dinner meeting with a designer couple.

Fu Shuangshuang initially refused, stating it was outside her job scope and not in her contract. Qin Hebo explained the urgency, as the designer was working on another company's project, and he wanted them to prioritize the Langyue App project. He pleaded with her as a friend, even offering to waive a portion of her debt. Still, Fu Shuangshuang declined the "deal."

Qin Hebo then cunningly pretended to have a phone call, expressing his predicament about lacking a female companion and dramatically threatening to resign as general manager if he failed to secure the designer. Overhearing this, Fu Shuangshuang softened, agreed to help, and they sealed the deal with a high-five, with him agreeing to clear her entire 50,000 debt. He was secretly pleased his ploy had worked.

At dinner, Fu Shuangshuang established a good rapport with the designer's wife, discovering they shared the same university and major, and reminiscing about a strict professor and a popular duck leg rice from their college days.

When asked how they met, Qin Hebo said it was "on the roof," calling it romantic, and then admitted falling in love with Fu Shuangshuang before he even realized it, to which she playfully remarked she was "later to realize" and had forgotten the exact time. Mr. Wang, feigning illness at Ning Meng's behest, arranged for Chen Manhui to accompany Sheng Zhening on a business trip to the South Lake Scenic Area.

Chen Manhui eagerly accepted, seeing it as an opportunity to seduce Sheng Zhening. Upon arrival, she tried to get close to him, stating it was her first business trip with him and she wanted to learn. Sheng Zhening, however, maintained a strict professional boundary, insisting they address each other by their titles.

Colleagues back at the office speculated that Mr. Wang's illness was a pretense and that Sheng Zhening had deliberately chosen Chen Manhui for the trip, concluding that their relationship would become official upon their return, with Chen Manhui becoming "Mrs. Sheng." An An informed Chen Manhui of a meeting in Sheng Zhening's room an hour later, leading her to believe it would be a private encounter.

She called Ning Meng for advice on what to wear, hoping to appear attractive to Sheng Zhening. However, when she arrived dressed provocatively, she found other leaders present, making her attire highly inappropriate and causing her considerable embarrassment. She was also ill-prepared for the meeting, offering generic strategies for e-commerce in scenic hotel areas and admitting she hadn't thought of any specific innovations. During the unproductive meeting, Sheng Zhening video-called Xia Qian, sharing the situation.

Xia Qian immediately pointed out that strategies for resort areas and headquarters are entirely different due to varying positioning and target demographics. Sheng Zhening expressed regret that he hadn't brought her along, acknowledging how much more efficient the meeting would have been with her. He then asked Xia Qian if she minded him traveling with Chen Manhui. Xia Qian admitted, "It's impossible if I say no. But I believe you."

Sheng Zhening, revealing his possessive nature, noted that her admission confirmed her feelings for him, especially since he had been the one initiating contact and she had been distant, but today she initiated contact and spoke more openly. As a form of "compensation," he promised to buy her delicious local grapes, as recommended by An An.

The next morning, Chen Manhui discovered Sheng Zhening had already returned to headquarters at 7 AM, leaving An An to drive her back, and realized the grapes he bought were not for her. Following the trip, Chen Manhui's animosity towards Xia Qian intensified. She falsely informed Xia Qian that the interactive interface plan was due tomorrow, forcing Xia Qian to work overtime.

While Xia Qian was working late, Sheng Zhening arrived with a midnight snack and stayed to keep her company. Xia Qian suggested they change their phone contact names, as a call from him earlier that day had nearly exposed their secret. They jokingly considered "Cowherd and Weaver Girl" before settling on the numbers "89" and "10," symbolizing "inseparable," with Xia Qian taking "89" and Sheng Zhening "10." Just then, a colleague returned to retrieve forgotten keys, almost catching Sheng Zhening.

Xia Qian quickly covered for him, claiming he was a colleague from the Marketing Department discussing a project plan. The colleague left, unaware. The next morning, the Marketing Department buzzed with gossip about Xia Qian having a new boyfriend who stayed with her until midnight and brought her supper. Chen Manhui, overhearing this, began to devise new plans.

Ning Meng, acting on Chen Manhui’s suggestion, invited Sheng Zhening to dinner. During the meal, Ning Meng subtly probed Chen Manhui about recent interesting events in her department. Chen Manhui revealed that Xia Qian was rumored to be dating a male hotel employee, whom she had seen working overtime with Xia Qian until midnight and sharing midnight snacks. Sheng Zhening found this amusing, knowing he was the man in question.

Soon after, Xia Qian discovered that data from her computer had been stolen, causing her immense self-reproach for not encrypting the files. Sheng Zhening, however, reassured her, stating that a simple password wouldn’t deter those intent on theft. Xia Qian suspected an insider job, noting that few people knew the information was on her computer. Meanwhile, colleagues, fueled by Chen Manhui’s instigation, began to spread rumors, implying Xia Qian, driven by love-hate, was the "spy" who leaked the data.

Some speculated if the man seen with Xia Qian, whom she claimed was from the Marketing Department (a person who didn't exist), was her accomplice. Fu Shuangshuang, upon hearing about the Evergreen App data leak, directly questioned Qin Hebo about his possible involvement. Qin Hebo was visibly hurt by her lack of trust, feeling his "bad guy" image was deeply ingrained. He denied responsibility, highlighting his recent strenuous efforts to find a designer for their own application.

Fu Shuangshuang acknowledged his hard work but suggested it didn't preclude him from sabotaging others. Qin Hebo argued it was the nature of competition, but then confessed that he cared for her deeply and wanted to keep his promise to stop being a bad person. When the office bullying targeting Xia Qian came to Sheng Zhening’s attention, he refused to let her suffer.

He called a departmental meeting, ostensibly to discuss bullying, but used the opportunity to publicly clarify that he was the man who had worked overtime with Xia Qian. He openly declared that they were once a couple, and despite their breakup, he still loved her and was "pestering her." He asserted that if Xia Qian were a spy, he would be her accomplice.

After the meeting, Xia Qian confronted Sheng Zhening, questioning his "silly words" when their priority should be catching the real thief. Sheng Zhening explained that he had always opposed their "fake breakup" and couldn’t bear to see her wronged. Xia Qian then revealed she had a plan to catch the true culprit and requested his assistance.

The next day, Mr. Wang announced that the police had found the thief's fingerprints on Xia Qian's computer and would collect everyone's fingerprints for comparison. Panicked, Liu attempted to leave the office to warn his contact but was caught in the act. Liu confessed he had never met the individual, only communicated by phone, receiving payment for the stolen data before losing contact.

Xia Qian theorized that Lihe Capital was the most probable suspect, or perhaps Langyue in collaboration with Lihe Capital, as Langyue stood to benefit the most from the leak. Sheng Zhening concurred. During a meeting to address the data leak, Chen Manhui proposed scrapping the current App design and starting anew. Xia Qian vehemently disagreed, arguing that a complete redesign would incur significant costs and time, which they couldn't afford, especially with Langyue's impending App launch.

She suggested improving upon the existing design by incorporating real user feedback she had gathered, such as adding social functions. Mr. Wang, implicitly swayed by Sheng Zhening's public support for Xia Qian, decisively approved Xia Qian's plan, leaving Chen Manhui no room to argue. Meanwhile, He Zhijuan, concerned about Ning Meng, cut short his advanced studies and returned home early. He immediately took Ning Meng to a maternal and infant store to purchase baby essentials.

He Zhijuan was overly cautious, meticulously inspecting baby bibs for pure cotton and silicone spoons for non-toxic materials, worried about potential contamination during transportation. He confessed his nervousness as a first-time father, and Ning Meng affectionately called him "cute," sharing a dream she had about their future baby. Sheng Zhening continued to openly pursue Xia Qian, frequently bringing her midnight snacks during her overtime shifts.

He asserted that he no longer feared being seen, having already publicly declared his enduring affection for her. They discussed the products to be featured on the App, with Xia Qian emphasizing that she would personally test each item for quality assurance. During this discussion, Sheng Zhening playfully brought up a specific product, suggesting its online listing could reduce customer embarrassment.

He asked Xia Qian if she had experience with it, and upon her negative reply, suggested they "try it out" when they had time. Chen Manhui, consumed by jealousy, sneaked into the office at night to steal Xia Qian's product selection plan. She had earlier, during the day, deceived Xia Qian into giving her the App layout, claiming Mr. Wang needed it urgently. However, Chen Manhui's attempt to present the stolen product selection plan backfired spectacularly in a subsequent meeting.

She proposed a facial mask as a key product, extolling its ingredients, but Xia Qian swiftly exposed it, revealing the mask had recently been pulled from the market due to dangerously high levels of preservatives and fluorescers. A colleague even questioned if Chen Manhui was a shareholder or received kickbacks for pushing such a product, leaving Chen Manhui publicly humiliated.

Xia Qian later confronted Chen Manhui, accusing her of lacking professional ethics and resorting to underhanded tactics to climb the corporate ladder. Still troubled by Qin Hebo’s past actions, Fu Shuangshuang sought advice from Jiayu. Jiayu quickly saw through Fu Shuangshuang’s thinly veiled story, recognizing that she was talking about herself and Qin Hebo. She advised Fu Shuangshuang to trust her intuition, reminding her of her first impression of Qin Hebo's kindness when he rescued a sick tabby cat.

Jiayu urged her to decide if she "wanted" to believe him. Prompted by this, Fu Shuangshuang directly confronted Qin Hebo, asking why he stole Evergreen’s VIP client data despite his promise to change. Qin Hebo confessed that his words on the rooftop were sincere; he truly wanted to sever ties with Mr. Xue and shed his past identity. Mr. Xue had agreed to let him go, but only if he completed one final task: stealing Evergreen’s VIP customer data.

Qin Hebo accepted the deal to uphold his promise to Fu Shuangshuang, hoping it would allow him to be with her. He regretted that his actions had backfired, viewing it as a "punishment from God," and reflected on the absurdity of trying to become a good person by doing something bad. That evening, Fu Shuangshuang, now understanding Qin Hebo’s predicament, tried to confess her feelings to him.

However, Wu Zhiwen suddenly contacted Qin Hebo via phone, informing him that Evergreen’s App was launching the next morning and urging him to launch their App earlier to gain a competitive edge. Qin Hebo refused, stating that at this stage, a mere hour or two wouldn't change market dynamics; ultimately, consumers valued service and quality above all else. This phone conversation interrupted Fu Shuangshuang, preventing her from confessing at that moment.

Qin Hebo subsequently cut his business trip short, returning earlier than expected, telling Fu Shuangshuang over the phone he was worried about her eating alone. With the development complete, Evergreen Hotel’s App was quickly launched. Sheng Zhening, using work as an excuse, called Xia Qian to his office to show her the newly designed brand logo—a charming "little cow" with an ear stud featuring the numbers "8910," a "personal favor" implying their inseparable connection.

Xia Qian pointed out the impropriety of such a gesture during work hours. Later that day, Sheng Zhening made a grand public gesture, presenting Xia Qian with a bouquet of flowers in front of their colleagues, causing a stir of envy. He thanked her publicly for being the hardest worker and the one most deserving of appreciation. Witnessing this, Chen Manhui’s jealousy intensified. She complained to Ning Meng, who was engrossed in browsing baby clothes online.

Chen Manhui sharply reminded Ning Meng that her pregnancy was fake and her charade couldn't last much longer. She then wickedly suggested that Ning Meng frame Xia Qian for a "miscarriage." This elaborate scheme, Chen Manhui argued, would serve a dual purpose: it would provide a plausible explanation for Ning Meng's fake pregnancy ending and, more importantly, destroy Sheng Zhening’s relationship with Xia Qian.

Ning Meng initially hesitated, stating that He Zhijuan was already treating her well and she didn't want to make him feel guilty, only wishing for Xia Qian's departure. However, Chen Manhui persisted, emphasizing that Ning Meng and He Zhijuan were young and would eventually have real children, and that a mother's emotional state could affect the fetus. Eventually, Ning Meng reluctantly agreed to the plan.

Fu Shuangshuang was busy cleaning when she received an urgent phone call informing her that Qin Hebo had been injured and hospitalized. Rushing to the hospital, she found Qin Hebo seemingly suffering from amnesia due to a head injury. He claimed to not recognize her, asking, "Who are you?" Fu Shuangshuang, heartbroken and in tears, confessed her feelings to him. She told him, "You can't forget me. It is my fault. I shouldn't have hesitated all this time.

I actually didn't hate you long ago. I just want to tell you that I like you when you come back from the business trip. I've liked you for a long time. And I like you non-stop, uncontrollably. Don't forget me, okay?" Qin Hebo then dropped the act, admitting he had been faking his amnesia to prompt her confession. Ning Meng contacted Xia Qian, arranging a meeting for the following afternoon to discuss things openly.

When Xia Qian arrived, she found Chen Manhui present alongside Ning Meng. During their conversation, Ning Meng was dismissive, telling Xia Qian, "My brother now broke up with you. Please stop pestering him." Chen Manhui then joined in, criticizing Xia Qian and calling her "shameless." Feeling there was nothing more to discuss, Xia Qian attempted to leave, but Ning Meng blocked her path. Realizing Ning Meng's malicious intent, Xia Qian, exasperated, pushed her aside.

At that exact moment, Sheng Zhening and He Zhijun entered the room, witnessing several blood packs fall from Ning Meng. Xia Qian exposed Ning Meng's deception, revealing that Ning Meng had planned to fake a miscarriage and frame her. Xia Qian then directly informed them, "She isn't pregnant at all." Xia Qian then explained how she uncovered Ning Meng's deception. She recounted seeing Ning Meng eating crabs at a restaurant, which struck her as odd for a pregnant woman.

Later, she found Ning Meng's medical examination report and contacted the doctor, who confirmed that Ning Meng was not pregnant and the signature on the report was forged. He Zhijun, devastated, confronted Ning Meng, asking if she had been lying to him all along. Sheng Zhening, furious, admonished his sister for her manipulative actions, highlighting how much He Zhijun yearned for a child and how deeply Ning Meng's lie would hurt him. He urged her to reflect on her behavior.

Meanwhile, Chen Manhui attempted to distance herself, claiming ignorance of Ning Meng's fake pregnancy and her scheme against Xia Qian. However, Sheng Zhening saw through her pretense, bluntly dismissing her. He Zhijun, deeply disappointed, decided to leave despite Ning Meng's tearful pleas and apologies. With Chen Manhui's trial period nearing its end, Sheng Zhening instructed Mr. Wang to dismiss her in accordance with Evergreen's standard procedures, emphasizing that the company does not operate on nepotism.

As Chen Manhui left in disgrace, her colleagues began to gossip about her, revealing that her American degree was fraudulent, acquired through a large sponsorship fee from her father, and that she never actually graduated. Later, Sheng Zhening went to the Marketing Department to pick up Xia Qian, a clear sign of Xia Qian's triumph in the office power struggle. Witnessing this, the female colleagues quickly adapted, moving the air purifier back to Xia Qian’s desk.

Sheng Zhening apologized to Xia Qian for the trouble Ning Meng had caused, but Xia Qian urged him not to be too angry with Ning Meng, expressing concern that his sister might act impulsively again. Sheng Zhening reassured her that he would talk to Ning Meng. Soon, Qin Hebo was discharged from the hospital, and Fu Shuangshuang brought him home. Despite his minor injury, she insisted he not sleep on the sofa, leading to them eventually sharing a bed.

The next morning, Qin Hebo prepared breakfast, stating, "Boyfriends should get up to make breakfast." Over breakfast, they affectionately named their kitten "Pudding of Tiger," though they agreed to call it "Pudding" for short. When Fu Shuangshuang arrived at work, her colleague Jiayu noticed a red mark on her neck, teasing her about a hickey. Fu Shuangshuang tried to explain it was a mosquito bite, but Jiayu playfully retorted, "No need to explain. We are all adults. I got it.

To explain is to hide," before handing her a band-aid to cover it up, jokingly warning her about the adverse effect it might have during her live stream. After He Zhijun moved out, Ning Meng stopped eating properly for several days. Despite his anger, Sheng Zhening remained concerned for his sister and brought her some homemade food.

He urged her to change her ways, explaining that her continued willfulness would not only destroy her marriage with He Zhijun but also lead to disappointment from her family, including himself. Sheng Zhening acknowledged his initial prejudice against He Zhijun but admitted that after their marriage, he could see He Zhijun truly loved Ning Meng, tolerating her bad temper and wishing them a happy future. However, Ning Meng's actions were becoming increasingly excessive, and he could no longer indulge her.

Ning Meng begged her brother to intercede with He Zhijun, but Sheng Zhening advised her that now was not the time, as He Zhijun was still angry. He told her to let He Zhijun calm down, and then sincerely apologize to him. Ning Meng promised to do whatever it took to get him back. Xia Qian brought Sheng Zhening home to meet her mother, who was delighted to learn they were back together, having anticipated their reconciliation.

She insisted on cooking a special meal to celebrate. As it grew late, Xia Qian convinced Sheng Zhening to stay the night, suggesting they could go to work together in the morning. Later, in her room, Xia Qian hesitated to make the first move, worrying about appearing too eager, even as Sheng Zhening entered the room. Sheng Zhening then feigned an accident, claiming he spilled water on his bed, making it wet.

However, they discovered that Xia Qian's room was leaking, and her bed was also soaked. With both beds unusable, they decided to spend the night together on the living room sofa. A short while later, their quiet evening was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Mu Xiaoyan. He explained that his cousin's noisy child at his house had driven him out, and he hoped to stay with Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening for the night.

Sheng Zhening, displeased by the interruption to his time with Xia Qian, arranged for An An to host Mu Xiaoyan instead. Just as Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening began to get close again, Xia Qian's mother unexpectedly reappeared, disrupting their moment. Meanwhile, at An An's house, Mu Xiaoyan’s pet lizard gave An An a fright in the middle of the night, causing him to scream until Mu Xiaoyan caught it.

An An questioned Mu Xiaoyan, asking if he was going to stay there, to which Mu Xiaoyan replied, "Yes." An An refused, "No." Mu Xiaoyan then protested, asking where he should stay. An An assured him he would figure something out and later called Sheng Zhening, confirming, "I've already picked up Mu Xiaoyan. It's all set. Don't worry."

Mu Xiaoyan continued to grumble about sleeping on the sofa, but An An dismissed his complaints, saying, "It's not bad to have a place to sleep. If you don't like, find a place yourself." Mu Xiaoyan then reminded An An about the guest room at his place, but he just sighed and said he would sleep on the sofa, asking why An An was so mean.

Later that night, An An was startled by a lizard he found in his bed. Mu Xiaoyan explained it was his pet, calling it 'my son,' and apologized, saying he didn't expect it to roam around. An An, terrified and annoyed, demanded he take the lizard away, which Mu Xiaoyan eventually did. Meanwhile, a heavy rainstorm led Xia Qian's mother to visit Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening.

She mentioned having asked someone to fix the leaky roof recently and came to check if it was holding up. Discovering leaks in both the main room and the guest room, she was concerned about how Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian would sleep. She suggested Sheng Zhening take the sofa and tried to persuade Xia Qian to come home with her. Xia Qian refused, wishing Sheng Zhening a good rest.

As her mother left, she remarked on Xia Qian's unusual behavior. Sheng Zhening called Xia Qian from his business trip, telling her he would be back "the day after tomorrow." He assured her the roof would be fixed, as he had checked the weather forecast, predicting clear skies for the next week. An An, overhearing this, questioned Sheng Zhening, noting they were actually returning tomorrow.

Sheng Zhening hinted he wanted to give Xia Qian a surprise and instructed An An to prepare flowers and scented candles for their return. Fu Shuangshuang was preparing to live-stream a promotion for "The Little Prince" children's book. Qin Hebo returned home and asked about her work. She enthusiastically described how she wanted to make the stories come alive for children. Qin Hebo then asked if she liked children, and if she preferred boys or girls.

Fu Shuangshuang, beaming, expressed her desire to have "a son and a daughter," just like the meaning of her name. She envisioned telling them bedtime stories and playing with them, preparing herself to be a good mother. Qin Hebo smiled and said he would like her to tell him stories too. Their sweet conversation was interrupted by a phone call Qin Hebo received in the bedroom.

Fu Shuangshuang overheard him talking about "the child thing" and telling the person to stop calling him. Disturbed by what she heard, Fu Shuangshuang confided in Jiayu, speculating that Qin Hebo might have a child. Jiayu acknowledged that it was possible given Qin Hebo's age but advised Fu Shuangshuang to give him time to resolve the issue. Fu Shuangshuang worried about becoming a stepmother and wondered if she should pretend not to know.

Separately, Xia Qian approached Mr. Wang, asking for a day off tomorrow. Mr. Wang was hesitant due to multiple issues with the company's App. Xia Qian offered to work overtime that evening to complete her tasks ahead of schedule, emphasizing the importance of her plans for tomorrow. Mr. Wang reluctantly agreed, thanking her for her dedication. Later that evening, after her overtime work, Fu Shuangshuang saw a text message on Qin Hebo's phone demanding "500,000 yuan."

Feeling she could no longer ignore the situation, she confronted Qin Hebo, stating she overheard his call and knew about the child. She assured him she was not petty, loved children, and was willing to accept his child, even if it took time for the child to accept her. Qin Hebo, bewildered, clarified that the child was actually his cousin's. Fu Shuangshuang realized her misunderstanding. She asked why he was involved with his cousin's child.

Qin Hebo explained that his nephew, a poor student, wanted to study abroad, so his family asked for his help. He had already found a school and paid the tuition, but they were now demanding an additional 500,000 yuan for living expenses. Qin Hebo revealed that his parents died when he was young, and his uncle (his cousin's father) raised him, providing shelter and a home.

He cherished the hope of a warm family, but his relatives only saw him as a cash cow. Fu Shuangshuang embraced him, promising they would build a warm home together, marry, and have "a son and a daughter" who would be his family, including their pet, Pudding, which Qin Hebo misidentified as "Tiger."

Unaware of Xia Qian's overtime, Sheng Zhening, having returned from his business trip, had meticulously decorated his apartment with flowers and scented candles, eager for his surprise proposal. Xia Qian arrived home late that night, deeply moved by the romantic setting. She found Sheng Zhening asleep on the sofa and kissed him softly, accidentally waking him. Sheng Zhening admitted his surprise might have been ruined, but Xia Qian assured him his presence was her greatest surprise.

They held hands and went into the bedroom. The next morning, while Xia Qian was still "asleep," Sheng Zhening slipped the ring onto her finger. However, seeing the withered flowers and feeling the atmosphere wasn't ideal for a proposal, he decided to wait for a more romantic moment and carefully removed the ring. Unknown to him, Xia Qian had been awake and witnessed the entire event. She later recounted the incident to Mu Xiaoyan and Ai.

Ai surmised that Sheng Zhening was planning an even bigger surprise and advised Xia Qian to pretend she knew nothing and simply anticipate the upcoming proposal. An An, still assisting Sheng Zhening, proposed several elaborate ideas for the proposal: a grand public declaration in a bustling square, renting an island for a princess-themed entrance via a chartered plane to an ancient church adorned with fireworks, or a "hero saves the beauty" scenario in a haunted house.

Sheng Zhening rejected all of them as either cliché, extravagant, or inappropriate. An An then suggested a simpler approach: proposing at a place with special meaning to both of them. Sheng Zhening liked this idea and invited Xia Qian to the amusement park that afternoon. Xia Qian was thrilled, certain he would propose, and excitedly dressed up. At the amusement park, the day began joyfully with various activities, including An An's well-designed warm and charming elements.

However, during a balloon-popping game, Sheng Zhening accidentally lost the engagement ring. Despite a frantic search by An An and others, the ring could not be found, forcing Sheng Zhening to abandon his proposal plans for the day. Xia Qian, who had been eagerly anticipating the proposal, waited patiently for Sheng Zhening to make his move, but he remained silent.

Sheng Zhening was frustrated after the diamond ring, lost at the amusement park despite An An's previous extensive search, remained unfound. Realizing it was too late to retrieve it, he activated Plan B, instructing An An to immediately buy an identical diamond ring, as he couldn't propose without one. That evening, Sheng Zhening took Xia Qian to a restaurant. He began to speak, saying he had many things he wanted to tell her but hadn't had the chance.

Xia Qian, anticipating a proposal, was suddenly confused when Sheng Zhening excused himself to make a phone call, citing the restaurant’s unromantic lighting. During his call, he reprimanded An An for his failure to secure a more suitable venue. While he was away, a waiter presented Xia Qian with a new dessert, a cake. Still puzzled by the situation, Xia Qian photographed the cake and sent it to Ai.

Ai, having heard Sheng Zhening still hadn't proposed, guessed the ring was hidden inside and urged Xia Qian to eat the cake quickly to find it. Xia Qian ate the entire cake, only to find no ring, leaving her disappointed. When Sheng Zhening returned and saw the empty plate, he mistakenly thought Xia Qian loved the cake and offered to order another one to go, which she promptly declined, stating she was full. Seeing this, Sheng Zhening suggested they leave.

Xia Qian was left bewildered and deflated, wondering if the proposal was off yet again. Later that night, alone at home, she pondered whether he would ever ask for her hand in marriage. The following day, Sheng Zhening called Xia Qian, not with another proposal attempt, but to inform her he was going on a business trip and wouldn't be able to have dinner with her as he needed to prepare materials.

Feeling repeatedly let down, Xia Qian met Ai and Mu Xiaoyan for a barbecue, pouring out her heart about the emotional rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Mu Xiaoyan suggested that if Sheng Zhening wouldn't propose, Xia Qian should take the initiative. Inspired, Xia Qian called Sheng Zhening, urgently summoning him to her mom's BBQ restaurant before hanging up. Worried, Sheng Zhening rushed over. A tipsy Xia Qian confronted him directly, demanding to know if he was going to marry her.

She challenged him about removing a ring he’d previously placed on her finger and his failed proposal attempts at the amusement park and restaurant. She even confessed she'd only eaten the unappetizing cake because she believed the ring was hidden inside. Sheng Zhening, embarrassed, explained his desire for a grand and romantic proposal, which had been repeatedly disrupted by unexpected accidents.

Xia Qian, however, declared that she didn't need elaborate romance; Sheng Zhening himself was her romance and the most special. With her heartfelt words, Sheng Zhening realized it was the moment, despite having no ring. Encouraged by Ai, Mu Xiaoyan, and the cheers of the other diners, he knelt on one knee and, using a squid ring from the barbecue as a makeshift engagement ring, asked Xia Qian to marry him.

He spoke of his love being proven by actions rather than words, and asked her to witness that truth with him. Deeply moved, Xia Qian tearfully accepted. The next morning, Xia Qian awoke to find a sparkling diamond ring on her finger, replacing the squid ring. Sheng Zhening, who had canceled his business trip, was busy making breakfast.

He told Xia Qian he had more important things to do that day and planned to take her to her mom's BBQ restaurant after breakfast to share their joyous news. He then suggested they return to the hotel so he could change into a more formal outfit for the visit, but Xia Qian assured him her mom loved him regardless of his attire, advising him not to be nervous.

At the BBQ restaurant, Sheng Zhening proudly announced their engagement to Xia Qian's mom. She was overjoyed, immediately giving her blessing and praising Sheng Zhening as an exceptional son-in-law. Sheng Zhening reaffirmed his vow to love, respect, and cherish Xia Qian, further delighting her mother. Xia Qian’s mom then shared some wisdom about marriage, stressing that it requires active management, tolerance, understanding, empathy, and mutual trust to thrive, not just romance.

Following her advice, she quickly turned to the topic of having children, urging them to start a family soon. She spontaneously decided to go buy a chicken and prepare nourishing soup for Xia Qian, insisting she would drink it daily in preparation for pregnancy. Meanwhile, Mu Xiaoyan and An An coincidentally met at a baby store, both planning to buy infant clothing as an engagement gift.

They playfully argued over who conceived the idea first and the potential gender of the baby, with An An suggesting Sheng Zhening preferred girls and Mu Xiaoyan countering that it could be a boy. They both ended up purchasing baby clothes. Xia Qian met with Fu Shuangshuang to share the happy news of Sheng Zhening’s proposal. Fu Shuangshuang was thrilled for her.

When Xia Qian inquired about Fu Shuangshuang's romantic life, Fu Shuangshuang hesitated, concerned about Xia Qian’s reaction to Qin Hebo. She then revealed that she and Qin Hebo were now together. Xia Qian, who had already suspected their relationship given their constant closeness and Fu Shuangshuang's feelings, offered her sincere blessings, emphasizing that love is a deeply personal matter. Separately, Sheng Zhening visited Ning Meng at her cake shop to invite her to his and Xia Qian's engagement banquet.

Ning Meng apologized for her past behavior but politely declined, saying her presence would create an awkward situation for everyone. Fu Shuangshuang also expressed her apologies to Xia Qian via message, explaining that she couldn't attend the engagement banquet. The underlying reason for her absence was due to Qin Hebo's unresolved issues with Sheng Zhening, a fact Qin Hebo later acknowledged to her.

He apologized for putting her in a tough spot and promised to resolve his problems with Sheng Zhening if she gave him more time. Fu Shuangshuang reassured him of her unwavering support. Xia Qian's mother then presented her daughter and future son-in-law with an engagement gift: a pair of jade dragon and phoenix pendants. She explained she had bought them with all her life savings and even borrowed money from Uncle Hu, proudly stating they cost 200,000 yuan.

Xia Qian was distressed, fearing her mother had been overcharged and insisting such an expensive gift was unnecessary. She also noted that the traditional pendants, which had a somewhat 'nouveau riche' feel, wouldn't match their engagement attire. Her mother, however, explained that she wanted to give a fitting gift to Sheng Zhening, who had been so kind to Xia Qian. She also became emotional, confessing her bittersweet feelings about Xia Qian getting married after years of wishing for it.

Sheng Zhening, appreciating the heartfelt gesture, reassured her that the sentiment behind the gift was what truly mattered, and insisted they wear them, even if hidden beneath their clothes, to honor her mother's deep affection. Soon after, Sheng Zhening took Xia Qian to visit his parents’ graves, Sheng Shaoxuan and Ning Shuying, to share the news of their engagement. Xia Qian respectfully greeted her future in-laws, promising to care for Sheng Zhening.

Sheng Zhening then revealed a long-held secret: before joining Evergreen, he dreamed of becoming a violinist. His father, Sheng Shaoxuan, however, strongly opposed his artistic aspirations, wanting him to take over the family business. He recounted the day his father died in a car accident. He had planned to surprise his father with a violin performance, but the music only enraged Sheng Shaoxuan, who shattered the violin. On the drive home, his father tragically passed away.

Sheng Zhening expressed profound regret over their final argument, wishing he had chosen to talk calmly instead. He confessed that only after taking over Evergreen and having to project confidence despite his inner turmoil, did he truly understand his father's profound intentions and that his father’s desire for him to lead the company was a deep form of recognition. He lamented that this understanding came too late for his father to hear.

Xia Qian comforted him, assuring him that his father would surely understand and would not want him to remain sad. At that moment, Qin Hebo arrived with a bouquet of sunflowers. He mentioned that he used to place sunflowers in Sheng Shaoxuan's room as his assistant, as Sheng Shaoxuan believed they were a reminder to find happiness amidst life's challenges. Qin Hebo then offered his congratulations to Sheng Zhening on his engagement. Sensing the need for the two brothers to speak privately, Xia Qian discreetly excused herself to wait outside.

On the eve of his engagement, Sheng Zhening received a gift from Qin Hebo. The accompanying card read, "Zhening, Happy engagement. Hebo," which made Sheng Zhening thoughtful. The next day, Sheng Zhening presented several meticulously prepared wedding plans to Xia Qian, explaining that he had everything ready and she only needed to voice her preferences. He showed her various themes like forest, fairy tale, and retro.

Xia Qian was overwhelmed by the numerous drafts, remarking there were too many choices, even more extensive than his usual work reports. Sheng Zhening assured her that she was his "Party A" for this project, and he would do his best to accommodate her requests, prompting her to think about her preferences. Later that afternoon, Sheng Zhening took Xia Qian to try on wedding dresses. Thoughtfully, he brought a camera, explaining that many brides struggle with choosing a dress.

He planned to photograph her in each one and provide objective scores for reference. As Xia Qian tried on various dresses, Sheng Zhening admired her, saying that every dress looked impeccable on her, and he "can't stop looking at you." He also tried on a suit, which Xia Qian helped him adjust. To give Sheng Zhening a surprise, Xia Qian personally drew the cover for their wedding invitation, depicting them both.

Sheng Zhening noticed she wasn't wearing her diamond ring; she explained she had taken it off while working but quickly put it back on. He emphasized that as his fiancée, she shouldn't take it off once it's on. Sheng Zhening also revealed that while preparing wedding candies, he bought a small box for her to carry on her bag, filled with sweets, to manage her frequent low blood sugar.

Xia Qian expressed her overwhelming happiness but also a sense of insecurity, fearing she might lose him, to which Sheng Zhening promised she never would. Ning Meng retrieved her repaired computer. While checking the files, she stumbled upon a folder labeled "He Zhijun's records in therapy."

Curiosity piqued, she listened to a recording in which He Zhijun confessed to a long-held secret: after their college entrance exams, he and Xia Qian released a Kongming Lantern that caught fire, indirectly causing the car accident involving Ning Meng and her father. He had kept this secret from everyone, including Xia Qian, describing it as a "sharp blade hanging on my head."

Shocked and enraged by the revelation, Ning Meng immediately called He Zhijun, arranging to meet him at Evergreen Hotel's Room 502 at 6 PM that evening to retrieve his computer. The engagement banquet for Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian was in full swing at Evergreen Hotel, attended by close friends and family, including Mu Xiaoyan, An An, Xia Qian's mother, and Hu Zhen.

Guests exchanged gifts and well wishes; Mu Xiaoyan gave a special gift, wishing them to "have a child soon and a long, loving marriage," while An An presented matching jade pendants for a boy and a girl. Hu Zhen jokingly suggested they would be perfect for fraternal twins. Suddenly, Ning Meng appeared, her expression grave, carrying what she called a "gift."

She then pulled out her phone and publicly played He Zhijun's therapeutic recording, accusing him and Xia Qian of causing her father's death. She confronted He Zhijun, asking if their marriage was merely an attempt to "make up for me." Sheng Zhening tried to calm Ning Meng, urging her not to jump to conclusions based on "just one side" of the story and promising to uncover the truth.

He then instructed An An to retrieve all available information regarding his father's accident. The documents brought by An An included photos of the car wreckage, among which was a burned Kongming Lantern bearing Xia Qian's name. Faced with this evidence, and recalling the event herself, Xia Qian tearfully admitted, "I did fly the Kongming Lantern." Her mother corroborated, recalling Xia Qian mentioning flying a Kongming Lantern with He Zhijun after her college entrance exam.

Ning Meng furiously accused them of years of deception and acting, questioning if they had any conscience. Overwhelmed with guilt, Xia Qian left the engagement banquet. Sheng Zhening followed her and tried to comfort her, but Xia Qian confessed she couldn't pretend nothing happened or accept his kindness, feeling immense guilt for the harm caused to him and Ning Meng. She asked for time and space, suggesting they not see each other for a while so she could process everything.

Sheng Zhening, understanding her distress, agreed. Meanwhile, He Zhijun tried to apologize to Ning Meng, but she lashed out, saying "Sorry. Will it help? Can my dad come back if you say sorry?" She refused to believe anything he said, accusing him and Xia Qian of being ruthless murderers and deceivers.

He Zhijun tried to suggest they talk when she was calmer, but Ning Meng vehemently stated she would never forgive them and would not divorce him, vowing to "suffer together," ensuring neither of them could escape the torment. The events forced Xia Qian to reflect on He Zhijun's previous decision to abandon their wedding. She contacted him, asking when he first realized their Kongming Lantern was connected to the car accident.

He Zhijun recounted that after they released the lantern and parted ways, he was walking home when he witnessed the car crash, seeing Ning Meng and Sheng Zhening's father in the main and passenger seats. He recalled that he had barely managed to rescue Ning Meng from the car before it burst into flames, leaving Sheng Zhening's father to perish. He later discovered that the girl he saved was Ning Meng, who subsequently developed post-traumatic stress disorder from the accident.

She became a patient at his clinic, where his mentor was her attending physician. Through their frequent contact during her treatment, Ning Meng grew increasingly dependent on him.

He Zhijun admitted that his overwhelming guilt and anxiety from the accident, which he felt had irrevocably changed his life, his way of thinking, and Ning Meng's destiny, caused him to choose to abandon their engagement, believing that by bearing the secret alone, he could protect Xia Qian and others from further pain. He thought he could "keep this secret forever."

Xia Qian confronted He Zhijun about his decision to bear the secret alone, pointing out how it ultimately hurt everyone involved, including himself, her, Ning Meng, and Sheng Zhening. He Zhijun acknowledged his error, admitting, "I originally thought that bearing all of this myself was the best choice. But it brought harm to everyone in the end."

With the engagement called off, Xia Qian immersed herself in work at the E-commerce Department, attempting to numb the pain of her second failed engagement. However, when her wedding dress arrived, memories of Sheng Zhening's sweet compliments during their dress fitting flooded back, recalling how he told her "every wedding dress looks impeccable on you." Overwhelmed, she broke down in tears. Meanwhile, Sheng Zhening also appeared distracted at work, postponing meetings.

Sheng Zhening was facing professional difficulties; a significant order from Jianong Group, a key client, was unexpectedly secured by Langyue Hotel at an inflated price, leaving him in a state of exhaustion that eventually caused him to fall ill with a fever. Meanwhile, Xia Qian was deeply absorbed in addressing feedback issues for her application software. Her colleagues noted her intense work ethic, mentioning she had been working "overtime these days" due to "much feedback on the App."

Some speculated she was awaiting Sheng Zhening, who had previously picked her up from work on several occasions. She received an urgent phone call from An An, requesting her presence at Sheng Zhening’s room. Rushing there, Xia Qian nearly fainted from a sudden drop in blood sugar, but fortunately, she had the candy Sheng Zhening had once prepared for her, which proved to be a lifesaver.

Upon her arrival, An An informed Xia Qian about Sheng Zhening's condition, explaining that he had fallen ill from overwork. An An detailed how Sheng Zhening had been "busy every day" without rest after "Langyue took away the order" from Jianong Group, a pivotal client, which had ultimately led to his fever. Seeing Sheng Zhening lying pale in bed, Xia Qian was filled with concern. She stayed by his side, tending to him carefully throughout the night.

During his feverish state, Sheng Zhening spoke in his sleep, murmuring, "Why is it you?" These words deeply distressed Xia Qian, as they underscored the profound impact the past incident still had on him. As his fever receded, Xia Qian discreetly instructed An An, "Don't tell him that I came to see him today," reasoning that while they would "get back together," "not now." Unaware, she left her candy box on the sofa in his room.

Shortly after Xia Qian departed, Sheng Zhening awoke. He instructed An An to arrange a 9:30 meeting for the Marketing Dept. , dismissing An An's suggestion that he rest for a few days, saying his "fever is gone" and he was "fine." He then asked An An if Xia Qian had visited him the previous night.

Following Xia Qian's request, An An denied her presence, attributing Sheng Zhening's faint memory to a dream and mentioning that he had called Miss Xia's name in his sleep. Concurrently, Mu Xiaoyan, observing Xia Qian's relentless work schedule and concerned for her health, decided to seek Fu Shuangshuang's help.

He called Fu Shuangshuang, explaining that Xia Qian was "working like crazy" on a "new remedial group order plan" for Changsheng and needed assistance with "data modeling," which he and Ai were unfamiliar with. Upon learning of her best friend's predicament, Fu Shuangshuang requested a few days off from Qin Hebo.

She confidently asserted her belief that Qin Hebo was not involved in Langyue's acquisition of the Jianong Group order, adding that she trusted his intention to reconcile with Sheng Zhening. Qin Hebo confirmed that Langyue's securing the Jianong Group order was "basically a loss" for their company, which he also found "strange." He informed her he was "looking into it" and would "let you know if I have any news."

Fu Shuangshuang's arrival brought a renewed energy to Xia Qian's studio, "Worth Or Not." With her assistance, Xia Qian was able to complete her tasks swiftly, feeling a measure of calm return to her. Mr. Wang commended Xia Qian's meticulously crafted group order plan, remarking on its potential to "make a big difference in our performance" if launched before the holidays. Xia Qian then asked him to deliver the plan to Sheng Zhening, insisting on adhering to company procedures.

On her way home, Xia Qian suffered another low blood sugar episode. Reaching for her candy, she realized her candy box was missing, and she subsequently collapsed in the street. Meanwhile, after receiving the group order plan from Mr. Wang, Sheng Zhening was asked about an "engagement gift" Mr. Wang had given him and Xia Qian. Sheng Zhening appeared perplexed, prompting An An to quickly remind him of another meeting to avoid an awkward conversation.

Fortunately, Xia Qian's mother, who was on her way to bring chicken soup, discovered her daughter collapsed and rushed her to the hospital. Xia Qian's mother expressed deep worry, asking, "You don't sleep and you don't eat. Where else will you end up in but the hospital? Don't you know you have low blood sugar?" While recovering in the hospital, Xia Qian declined her mother's suggestion to contact Sheng Zhening, citing his busy schedule.

Back in his room, Sheng Zhening found the candy box on his sofa, confirming Xia Qian's visit. He confronted An An, who then confessed that Xia Qian had indeed cared for him throughout the night when he had a fever, only leaving after he was better, and had specifically asked her to keep it a secret.

An An also relayed news from Mu Xiaoyan that Xia Qian had "passed out in front of Worth Or Not" while working on her plan but was now home and recovering. Concerned, Sheng Zhening immediately drove to Xia Qian's home, but her mother intercepted him, requesting a private conversation without Xia Qian's knowledge. She initiated the discussion by apologizing for "your father's car accident," then directly asked Sheng Zhening, "Can you really let it go?"

Xia Qian's mother further elaborated on her concerns, expressing doubt that even if Sheng Zhening believed he could move past the car accident, Xia Qian, her daughter, with her "one-track mind," "may not be able to let it go." She questioned whether such a situation would be beneficial for their relationship. She acknowledged their challenging journey, remarking, "You are a good boy.

I do like you," and admitted that had the incident not occurred, she would have seen him as an ideal son-in-law. However, she confessed that "I don't have the confidence to support you two to be together" now. She distinguished marriage from passionate love, warning that in a marriage, inevitable conflicts would arise.

She worried that Xia Qian, driven by guilt, "won't argue with you" but would instead "hide all her true feelings," silently enduring to "maintain your marriage," which she believed would preclude true happiness. As a "selfish" mother, she stated she did not want her daughter "to live in remorse and guilt." She concluded by asking Sheng Zhening to "break up with Xia Qian" and "bring it up first," suggesting it would be "better to end it sooner than later."

After considerable contemplation, Sheng Zhening reached a decision. He called Xia Qian, who was sitting outside enjoying the fresh air, to ask if she was available the following day, stating he had "something to tell you." Xia Qian agreed. The next day, hopeful for reconciliation, Xia Qian canceled a client meeting with Mr. Hu from Meiyang Cosmetics, who was due to fly to Japan, and even took the time to meticulously dress up for her meeting with Sheng Zhening.

Mu Xiaoyan, hearing about the meeting, inquired with An An about Sheng Zhening's intentions. An An, observing Sheng Zhening's worried reaction to Xia Qian's recent illness, confidently predicted they would "get back together." Mu Xiaoyan expressed relief, having been "worried that something bad would happen." However, when they met, Sheng Zhening delivered a preemptive blow, saying, "Xia Qian, let's break up."

He explained that his father's car accident remained "deeply rooted in my heart" and was "an obstacle that neither of us can move on from." He concluded that "it's better to end it sooner" than to prolong a relationship burdened by an "unsolved problem." Xia Qian, initially stunned, quickly composed herself. She thanked Sheng Zhening for his kindness, stating, "I've been having a great time being with you. I'm happy. I will cherish it."

She then removed her engagement ring and returned it to him. Sheng Zhening took the ring and departed, appearing emotionless, yet his heart was as pained as Xia Qian's. An An, noticing his distraught demeanor, drove him silently back to Changsheng. Xia Qian remained in the restaurant, heartbroken. Later, back at the studio, Mu Xiaoyan confronted An An, "Didn't you say that Mr. Sheng wants to make up with Qian? How did they break up?"

An An, equally perplexed, replied, "How would I know? By reason, they should get back together." Mu Xiaoyan expressed regret, saying, "I shouldn't have listened to you. When Qian left, I even asked her to dress up. Who knows Sheng Zhening would do such a thing?" An An also noted that Sheng Zhening was not faring well either, having locked himself in his office after returning.

The emotional turmoil of the breakup was further intensified for Xia Qian when she received a phone call from the wedding dress company. They informed her they had "forgot to deliver the veil of your wedding dress to you" and asked if they should mail it to her previous address. After a long pause, Xia Qian quietly replied, "You don't need to send it."

An An informed Sheng Zhening that Xia Qian had returned the watch and wedding dress, to which Sheng Zhening simply replied, "Got it." An An also presented Sheng Zhening with his recent itinerary, asking if it was too packed, but Sheng Zhening seemed intent on burying himself in work.

Mu Xiaoyan called Fu Shuangshuang to inform her of the breakup between Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening, expressing that he and Ai didn't know how to comfort Xia Qian and thus had to call her. Fu Shuangshuang was greatly concerned, stating that Xia Qian must be devastated and immediately decided to go to her, with Mu Xiaoyan offering to drive her.

Upon arriving at Xia Qian's home, Fu Shuangshuang had to call out to her multiple times before Xia Qian opened the door. Xia Qian downplayed her feelings, claiming she was fine and that breaking up was not a big deal. She refused to eat the food Fu Shuangshuang brought, but eventually, overwhelmed with emotion, admitted her profound sadness.

Xia Qian confessed that she couldn't forget Sheng Zhening, as his presence lingered in every corner of her home and at Evergreen Hotel, and that perhaps she herself was unwilling to let go. She lamented that the car accident was an unchangeable fate, rendering her speechless when Sheng Zhening broke up with her, with no words to express her desire to stay with him.

She wished the whole situation was just a dream and that they were still together, but acknowledged it was real and she felt helpless. Fu Shuangshuang encouraged her to eat and rest, hoping things would improve. Meanwhile, colleagues in the E-commerce Department noticed that Sheng Zhening had stopped picking up Xia Qian from work, speculating that both were simply too busy.

Mr. Wang overheard this and, hoping to bring them back together, approached Xia Qian with a feigned migraine, asking her to attend a departmental meeting on his behalf to discuss her group purchase proposal. Xia Qian agreed and went to the designated meeting room. Sheng Zhening, seeing Xia Qian, immediately exited the meeting. He then called An An, instructing him to summon Mr. Wang to his office.

An An rebuked Mr. Wang, revealing that Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian had broken up and warned him not to stir up trouble. Mr. Wang was shocked to learn about the breakup, realizing his well-intentioned plan had backfired, and admitted his headache was now genuinely painful. In the meeting room, Mr. Chen arrived, announcing he was filling in for Sheng Zhening, confirming Xia Qian's suspicion that Sheng Zhening was deliberately avoiding her.

Heartbroken, Xia Qian submitted her resignation application to Mr. Wang. She explained that her primary task of launching the App at Evergreen was complete, so her work there was finished. Mr. Wang tried to persuade her to stay, acknowledging her as one of his most outstanding employees and praising her contributions to the App's successful launch. Despite his efforts, Xia Qian's resolve was firm, so Mr. Wang agreed to process her resignation through the Personnel Department.

An An informed Sheng Zhening about Xia Qian's resignation, asking if he had any instructions, but Sheng Zhening remained outwardly composed, simply inquiring about his next meeting. When An An pressed him, asking if he cared about Xia Qian's resignation, Sheng Zhening curtly told him to leave. As Xia Qian gathered her belongings, her colleagues expressed their sadness at her departure, commending her as a capable and fair leader who never made her subordinates take the blame.

They also questioned Sheng Zhening's actions. Before leaving the Marketing Department, Xia Qian distributed organized materials on product selection for the App to her colleagues. She politely declined their offer to walk her out. Later, in the lobby, Xia Qian passed Sheng Zhening, who feigned indifference until she had walked away, then turned to watch her leave.

Concurrently, Director Lu approached He Zhijuan, remarking on his recent stay in the staff dormitory and assuming he had a quarrel with Ning Meng. Director Lu provided He Zhijuan with customized Japan travel vouchers arranged by his wife, praising He Zhijuan's romantic travel plan. He advised He Zhijuan that couples should not let grievances linger and emphasized the importance of balancing work with personal life and cherishing romantic relationships.

He Zhijuan denied any quarrel, saying he was busy, but accepted the advice. He later ordered a cake from Ning Meng's shop for self-pickup, leaving a message that the cake was delicious and thanking her. Ning Meng responded, thanking him for his support. Back at Worth Or Not, Xia Qian brought milk tea for Ai and Mu Xiaoyan. Ai observed that Xia Qian seemed to have recovered well, actively working and appearing to have moved past her breakup.

Curious about Sheng Zhening, Ai urged Mu Xiaoyan to ask An An, threatening to expose Mu Xiaoyan's in-office gaming if he refused. Mu Xiaoyan reluctantly contacted An An, who complained that Sheng Zhening was working relentlessly, "twenty-five hours a day," to numb himself, dragging An An down with him. An An noted it was the first time he had seen Sheng Zhening so devoted to a woman.

Mu Xiaoyan shared that Xia Qian was doing the same, admitting that while Xia Qian seemed fine, something about her still felt off. Driven by a desire to help Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian reconcile, Mu Xiaoyan proposed sharing An An's apartment, pointing out its proximity to their company. An An vehemently refused. Mu Xiaoyan sweetened the offer, first proposing to pay 60% of utility bills, then 70%, but An An remained steadfast.

Finally, Mu Xiaoyan appealed to An An's desire for the couple to get back together, arguing that cohabiting would allow them to "exchange information at any time and offer advice" for the reunion, preventing them from missing crucial opportunities. This idea seemed to sway An An. Soon after, a representative from Happy World Amusement Park visited Worth Or Not to request online live streaming promotion.

Ai and Mu Xiaoyan immediately recognized it as the location where Sheng Zhening had proposed to Xia Qian. Fearing it would upset Xia Qian, they tried to politely decline the offer, citing a lack of experience in that specific type of business. The representative, however, insisted it was simple, offered to provide the copywriting, and promised annual passes as an incentive. Xia Qian then walked in during the conversation.

Despite a momentary pause at the sight of the park photos, she quickly composed herself and accepted the order. She explained that she didn't want the company to lose business because of her and reassured Mu Xiaoyan and Ai that she was fine and no longer sad about the past. Ai commented to Mu Xiaoyan that Xia Qian seemed to have "moved on completely," reasoning that anyone else would burst into tears seeing such a meaningful place.

Later, while tidying her home, Xia Qian discovered a hidden childhood photo of herself that Sheng Zhening had placed on a high shelf. A flashback showed Sheng Zhening placing it there, saying she would miss him when she couldn't reach it. Another flashback recalled her asking him for a photo from his wallet, which he teasingly claimed she would never find. In the present, she found the photo. It had "My Summer" written on it.

This discovery shattered her composed facade, and she broke down in tears, lamenting, "You wrote 'my summer' at that time. What's the point of finding it now? Why let me find it?" revealing her deep, unhealed pain.

Xia Qian discovered old photos of Sheng Zhening hidden in her home, which brought forth a rush of emotions, leading her to break down in tears. That same evening, heavily under the influence of alcohol, she went to Changsheng Hotel and knocked on Sheng Zhening’s door. Confronting him, she presented the photos and confessed that she had been constantly thinking about their past, despite her efforts to forget.

She admitted she was not doing well at all, explaining that she kept her days packed with work to avoid thinking of him, but she couldn't help but miss him. She asked Sheng Zhening if he felt the same and if he still held her in his heart, to which he quietly replied, "Yes." Overwhelmed, Xia Qian insisted he was lying, believing he still cared for her. Sheng Zhening, seeing Xia Qian in such a state, took her home.

He reassured Xia Qian's mother that he would keep his promise and handle things properly, planning to speak clearly with Xia Qian the next day. Before leaving, he placed the photos on the living room coffee table. The next morning, Xia Qian woke up with a vague memory of the previous night.

Her mother falsely claimed that Xia Qian had fallen asleep in Changsheng's garden, had not seen Sheng Zhening, and that Sheng Zhening's assistant had called her to pick Xia Qian up and take her home. Xia Qian's mother then advised her to let go, suggesting that clinging on would only trouble Sheng Zhening. She also promised Xia Qian that she would no longer interfere in her romantic life, only wishing for her happiness.

Separately, Xia Qian’s mother called Sheng Zhening to confirm that Xia Qian remembered nothing of their encounter and asked him not to reveal what had truly transpired. Sheng Zhening agreed. Observing no signs of reconciliation between Xia Qian and Sheng Zhening, Fu Shuangshuang decided to take Xia Qian back to her hometown to cheer her up. Qin Hebo gently reminded Fu Shuangshuang to consult Xia Qian first, in case she had other plans.

Fu Shuangshuang realized Qin Hebo was simply reluctant to see her leave, a fact he playfully denied. An An and Mu Xiaoyan formalized their co-habitation arrangements by signing a detailed agreement. An An explained the strict rules for their shared living space, including rent division, no guests, and noise limits of 40 decibels during rest hours, as well as cleaning schedules and refrigerator shelf assignments.

Mu Xiaoyan initially found the rules excessive but eventually signed when An An offered him the option to move out. While unpacking, they discussed Xia Qian's visit to Sheng Zhening. An An expressed his sorrow at seeing Xia Qian so heartbroken and believed both still loved each other, only lacking an opportunity to reunite. He felt that some intervention was needed to bring them back together.

Meanwhile, He Zhijuan continued to secretly order cakes from Ning Meng’s shop under the pseudonym "Little Mousse." He was saddened to see a "for transfer" sign outside her bakery. Ning Meng shared with Sheng Zhening her plans to go abroad for a while. When Sheng Zhening inquired about her relationship with He Zhijuan, Ning Meng turned the question back to him and Xia Qian.

Sheng Zhening confirmed their breakup and assured Ning Meng that it had nothing to do with her revealing the secret, urging her not to overthink it. He suggested that traveling abroad would be good for her to relax and offered to help with arrangements and even accompany her if his schedule permitted. He also advised her not to rush into resolving her relationship with He Zhijuan, but to take time to reflect and avoid mutual torment.

Later, Ruifeng Technology contacted Worth Or Not for a partnership to promote new game features through livestreaming. Xia Qian was surprised to learn that Ruifeng Technology's CEO, Hao Siyuan, was her childhood neighbor. They immediately reconnected, reminiscing about their shared past, including playing "The Legend of Sword and Fairy" and being chased home by parents.

Hao Siyuan revealed that he had specifically come to see her after recognizing her name on a promotion plan, noting how the "little Xia Qian" he knew was now a company head. He also mentioned he was still single. Ai, observing their cheerful conversation, playfully speculated about a potential new romance between Xia Qian and Hao Siyuan, envying Xia Qian for having such a charming childhood sweetheart. Mu Xiaoyan, overhearing the developing dynamic, worried for Sheng Zhening.

He confided in An An, expressing concern that a successful and handsome childhood friend like Hao Siyuan could easily win Xia Qian over. He even added Hao Siyuan on WeChat and found that he was indeed single. An An realized Hao Siyuan was a serious potential rival for Sheng Zhening.

Mu Xiaoyan also noted that Hao Siyuan began frequenting Worth Or Not to follow up on the promotional plans and often found excuses to spend time with Xia Qian, even joining her on offline surveys. An An speculated that Hao Siyuan was deliberately creating opportunities for one-on-one time with Xia Qian.

However, he concluded that a strong rival might not be a bad thing, as it could ignite Sheng Zhening's sense of crisis and make him re-evaluate his feelings for Xia Qian. An An planned to relay this news to Sheng Zhening to gauge his reaction. As Ning Meng prepared for her trip abroad, she offered complimentary cakes to her regular customers, including her frequent customer "Little Mousse."

She remained unaware of "Little Mousse's" true identity until she found a card He Zhijuan had once written, which instantly made her realize that "Little Mousse" was, in fact, He Zhijuan. Before the cake shop officially closed, He Zhijuan ordered a final cake and included a farewell card, expressing his gratitude and wishing Ning Meng happiness. Unbeknownst to him, Ning Meng watched him from a distance.

Despite her plans, Ning Meng received an urgent phone call on the verge of boarding her flight, informing her that He Zhijuan had been injured while controlling a patient with mania, who had kidnapped a nurse. Without hesitation, she abandoned her luggage and rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, a doctor explained that He Zhijuan had fallen down the stairs, sustaining multiple abrasions and a severe foot injury, but he had successfully saved the nurse.

Ning Meng went to the hospital to see He Zhijuan, who was surprised by her presence. He Zhijuan told her he was fine and that she could go back, as he would explain the situation to Director Lu and wouldn't trouble her anymore. Ning Meng asked when he would be discharged, and he replied in three or four days. She offered to go home to get him clean clothes and daily necessities, to which he thanked her.

Ning Meng reminded him that they were still lawfully married and he could call her anytime if he needed anything before she left. As she walked out, she saw a nurse delivering a patient meal and was dismayed by its lack of nutrition. She informed the nurse that she would personally bring He Zhijuan meals every day, so no further hospital meals were needed for his room.

Sheng Zhening was engrossed in work, so An An deliberately brought up Xia Qian, mentioning how hot it was and expressing concern about her getting heatstroke during an offline survey that afternoon. He added that Hao Siyuan, the CEO of Ruifeng Technology and Xia Qian's childhood neighbor and friend, would also be attending the survey and seemed to be interested in her. An An even exaggerated the details.

Sheng Zhening dismissed An An's comments as meddling and ordered him to leave, but secretly, he was disturbed. He then discreetly followed Xia Qian to the amusement park for the survey. There, he watched Xia Qian happily taking photos of children and interacting with Hao Siyuan. When a fan recognized Hao Siyuan and asked for a picture, Xia Qian took the photo for them.

Hao Siyuan completed the survey, and Xia Qian brought him and his team mung bean soup, reminding them to stay hydrated and avoid heatstroke. Sheng Zhening, feeling uneasy watching their cheerful interaction, put on a large bear mascot costume and openly stood opposite them. Xia Qian noticed the bear staring intently at her and Hao Siyuan, finding it peculiar. She thought he might be thirsty from the heat in the heavy costume and offered him a bottle of water.

She then tried to remove the mascot's head to help him drink, but the bear quickly pulled away, dropping the head and revealing a stranger's face as Sheng Zhening had already slipped away. Hao Siyuan then offered Xia Qian a ride home, and they left together. After being dropped off by Hao Siyuan, Xia Qian was met by An An, who expressed concern that Sheng Zhening had heatstroke and was unwell, isolating himself in his room and refusing to eat.

An An also emphasized how terrible Sheng Zhening felt. Xia Qian, feeling for Sheng Zhening, agreed to An An's suggestion to make some mung bean soup. When An An protested he didn't know how, Xia Qian decided to make it herself. She cooked the soup diligently, even getting lily bulbs and lotus seeds from her mother to add, explaining that she wanted to make this specific batch herself.

Later, Xia Qian called An An, asking him to pick up the soup from the second-floor hallway of Changsheng. She asked about Sheng Zhening's condition, and An An reported that he was still sick but forcing himself to work. An An then intentionally arranged for Xia Qian to encounter Sheng Zhening. When Sheng Zhening emerged from his office, Xia Qian handed him the mung bean soup, urging him to take care of his health, before quickly departing.

Sheng Zhening then confronted An An, asking if he was the one who informed Xia Qian. An An claimed it was an accidental slip of the tongue, emphasizing how worried Xia Qian was and how she insisted on making the soup herself. Sheng Zhening called him a "busybody" and told him to leave. An An tried to get out of household chores by exaggerating a sprained ankle, claiming it worsened from his efforts to reconcile Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian.

However, Sheng Zhening quickly exposed his lie and, as punishment, assigned him all the monthly chores, including cleaning the house and windows, and washing dishes. Despite his earlier pretense of indifference, Sheng Zhening later tasted the mung bean soup alone, finding it sweet and clearly enjoying it. Qin Hebo dropped Fu Shuangshuang off at work after she affectionately kissed him goodbye. Qin Hebo was initially undecided about how to proceed with Langyue's aggressive strategy against Changsheng.

He sought out Fu Shuangshuang for advice, and upon understanding her principle of prioritizing peace of mind over purely commercial gains, he found clarity for his decision. He then went to meet Mr. Xue, directly confronting him about using Langyue to target Changsheng.

Mr. Xue, along with Mr. Wu, confirmed that Lihe Capital had orchestrated Langyue's low bid for a previous project and was now driving Langyue to drastically cut hotel rates to wage a price war against Changsheng during the peak tourist season. Qin Hebo argued he could achieve Langyue's success against Changsheng within two years through less aggressive, more sustainable methods.

However, Mr. Xue found his timeline too slow and declared the price war unavoidable, stating that Langyue's prices were already adjusted across all platforms, officially beginning the conflict. Internally, Changsheng's team reported significant customer losses to Langyue, necessitating immediate action. Sheng Zhening assured them he would revise strategies, confident in Changsheng's ability to compete. Mr. Xue tried to entice Qin Hebo to stay by offering him 5% of Langyue's shares if they surpassed Changsheng.

Despite the lucrative offer, Qin Hebo firmly stated his decision: he would resign if they insisted on partnering with Lihe Capital. Mr. Wu attempted to dissuade him, highlighting his promising career, and questioned if his past with Changsheng was more important than the lucrative shares Langyue was offering.

Qin Hebo explained that while his initial motives for joining Changsheng weren't pure, he had grown to care for Sheng Zhening and Ning Meng, and most importantly, he didn't want to put Fu Shuangshuang in a difficult position. He reiterated that for him, feeling safe and at peace was paramount, a sentiment he'd embraced from Fu Shuangshuang's advice.

Mr. Xue warned him about his limited tolerance, to which Qin Hebo coolly responded that they were no longer partners, so his tolerance was irrelevant. Upon returning home early, Qin Hebo informed Fu Shuangshuang about his resignation. She was deeply moved by his sacrifice and how he prioritized their relationship, fulfilling his promise from Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian's engagement banquet to handle his ties with Sheng Zhening.

Xia Qian, having seen news about the price war between Changsheng and Langyue online, contacted An An to arrange a meeting with Sheng Zhening. Sheng Zhening, before a meeting, instructed An An to have Xia Qian come to his office. When they met, Xia Qian expressed her concern about Changsheng and offered to withdraw the principal and dividends from the money Sheng Zhening had invested in Worth or Not to help the company.

However, Sheng Zhening coldly rejected the dividends, asking only for the principal back, explicitly stating that this act would signify a "clean break" between them. Heartbroken by his words, Xia Qian left his office. Later that evening, a heavy rain began to fall. Xia Qian found herself stranded at a bus stop, unable to hail a taxi. Sheng Zhening drove past her, but a moment later, conflicted, he turned his car around, intending to offer her a ride.

To his dismay, he watched as Hao Siyuan pulled up and gave Xia Qian a ride home. Sheng Zhening internally imagined a heartfelt conversation where he would offer her a ride, but she would reject him, reminding him they had broken up and she was trying to forget him.

He internally confessed that he had lied about wanting a clean break, and that he missed her terribly, deeply pained by the sight of her offering mung bean soup to others earlier. Despite these profound emotions and his love for her, he suppressed the urge to intervene and watched Hao Siyuan's car drive away before driving off himself. Separately, He Zhijuan’s mother visited him, bringing him ginger cola, a drink he cherished since childhood. He confirmed it still tasted the same, though he had to wait for it to cool down, and his mother reminded him to rest well and stay warm.

After finishing a work discussion, Xia Qian and Hao Siyuan reminisced about their childhood, expressing a shared fondness for those simpler times. Hao Siyuan recalled a memory of Xia Qian, at eight years old, winning a tree-climbing contest against several boys but then being too afraid to come down. Xia Qian confirmed the story, remembering that she eventually claimed she was waiting to watch the sunset, and it was Hao Siyuan who found a ladder to help her down.

He told her that he missed her more than just the past. Hao Siyuan suggested they have dinner together that night, offering to book a restaurant, but Xia Qian invited him to her house instead, promising to cook anything he desired.

Meanwhile, Mu Xiaoyan called An An, relaying the news that Xia Qian had invited Hao Siyuan to her home for dinner and speculated that Hao Siyuan was planning to confess his feelings, even incorporating Xia Qian as the hero's "childhood sweetheart, the most beautiful woman in the jianghu" into his game. As An An spoke loudly on the phone, Sheng Zhening emerged from his office, overhearing the conversation.

An An, despite expressing helplessness to Mu Xiaoyan, deliberately raised his voice, recounting the details of Hao Siyuan's impending confession to Xia Qian, ensuring Sheng Zhening would hear. Sheng Zhening, already agitated from the previous night's sight of Hao Siyuan driving Xia Qian home in the rain, grew more restless and found it impossible to concentrate on work. Later that evening, as they shared a meal, Hao Siyuan presented Xia Qian with a music box.

He explained it played a melody she had played for his eleventh birthday, which he had secretly recorded. He confessed his feelings, asking her to be his girlfriend. Xia Qian, however, gently declined, stating that her heart already belonged to someone else. Although disappointed, Hao Siyuan respected her decision, assuring her that their professional partnership would remain unaffected and wishing her happiness.

That same night, Sheng Zhening, consumed by worry, rushed to Xia Qian’s building, only to witness her and Hao Siyuan hugging goodbye. Misinterpreting their embrace as an acceptance of Hao Siyuan's proposal, Sheng Zhening fell into despair and drowned his sorrows in alcohol. He then instructed An An to book him a flight to Yungang for the following day, citing a business trip to transfer a vegetable base to secure funds for Changsheng amidst an intense price war with Langyue.

An An discussed the situation with Mu Xiaoyan, lamenting that Sheng Zhening was effectively running away, making their efforts to unite him and Xia Qian even more challenging, and suggesting that fate was working against them. Before leaving the country for Norway on a new project, where he planned to stay for two years, Hao Siyuan sought out Xia Qian. He candidly asked her if Sheng Zhening was the person in her heart, which she confirmed.

Hao Siyuan explained he had investigated out of curiosity about who he had lost to. He then revealed that the doll at the amusement park during their recent offline research was, in fact, Sheng Zhening in disguise. He admitted he initially hadn't intended to tell her but realized it was important for her to know that Sheng Zhening also cared for her. Hao Siyuan's revelation stunned Xia Qian.

She rushed home and overheard her mother telling Ai about the night Xia Qian was drunk, mentioning that Sheng Zhening had brought her home. Xia Qian immediately contacted An An, asking for surveillance footage from outside Sheng Zhening's room on that night. After watching the video, which confirmed Sheng Zhening's actions, Xia Qian was convinced of his feelings for her.

She headed to Changsheng to find him but was informed by An An via phone that Sheng Zhening had already left for Yungang. Determined, Xia Qian called her friend Fu Shuangshuang, whose mother ran an inn in Yungang, and made arrangements to go there immediately, vowing not to return until she found Sheng Zhening.

Upon learning that Xia Qian was en route to Yungang, Sheng Zhening, agitated by An An's defiance in revealing his location, promptly checked out of his hotel to avoid her. While walking, he was enthusiastically recruited by Fu Shuangshuang's mother, who was soliciting guests for her inn. Unable to refuse her warmth, Sheng Zhening agreed to stay in Room 104, unaware that it was adjacent to Xia Qian’s room.

An An, meanwhile, worried about his job but remained hopeful for Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian’s reconciliation. During her stay at the inn, Xia Qian was well looked after by Fu Shuangshuang's mother. Noting Xia Qian's evident sadness, Fu Shuangshuang's mother tried to set her up with the guest in Room 104, whom she also believed was nursing a broken heart. Xia Qian politely declined.

When Fu Shuangshuang's mother left to attend her sister's birthday party, she entrusted Xia Qian with looking after the inn and delivering lunch to the guest in Room 104. Xia Qian delivered the meal, knocking on the door but leaving the tray on the table outside when no one answered, inadvertently missing another opportunity to meet Sheng Zhening, who opened his door only after she had left.

Days passed, and Xia Qian grew increasingly frustrated, unable to find Sheng Zhening and realizing he was intentionally avoiding her. After sending a message to An An for an update, she suddenly saw Sheng Zhening's retreating figure. She rushed out to find him, but he was gone. Fu Shuangshuang's mother came over, finding Xia Qian unable to suppress her emotions.

Xia Qian tearfully confessed her deep longing for Sheng Zhening and her heartbreak over his avoidance, explaining she just wanted to clear things up. Unknown to Xia Qian, Sheng Zhening, who had returned from purchasing ingredients for dinner, overheard her entire emotional outpouring from a secluded corner. Meanwhile, Ning Meng visited He Zhijuan in the hospital.

Noting his improved health, she began to discuss the cakes he had ordered under the name "Little Mousse," revealing she had deduced his identity from his notebook, where he had written about naming their future child "Little Mousse." She confessed that she had deliberately sent the last few messages, including the one ending their communication.

Ning Meng then proposed a divorce, stating she had thought things through and believed it was better to set each other free from their painful entanglement. He Zhijuan signed the divorce agreement, and Ning Meng reflected on their journey from a passionate beginning to a calm separation. He Zhijuan explained he chose the name "Little Mousse" because he remembered her fondness for mousse cake. Ning Meng struggled to maintain her composure, finally breaking down in tears after leaving his room.

While Mu Xiaoyan and An An were discussing their next steps, An An mentioned that Sheng Zhening was hard to reach and his whereabouts were unknown, though the ""sales department"" would provide an update on his meeting schedule the following day. Just then, Hao Siyuan arrived, bringing a signed contract. Mu Xiaoyan, feeling awkward, falsely claimed Xia Qian was on a business trip. An An, however, blurted out that Xia Qian had gone to see Sheng Zhening.

Mu Xiaoyan then awkwardly apologized to Hao Siyuan, explaining that romantic feelings couldn't be forced and praising him as an excellent person who would surely find someone better than Xia Qian. Hao Siyuan clarified that he had indeed confessed his feelings to Xia Qian, but she had rejected him, leaving him with no further intentions. This revelation surprised both Mu Xiaoyan and An An.

Meanwhile, Sheng Zhening had specially bought shrimp and razor clams for Fu Shuangshuang’s mother to prepare for dinner. At supper, Fu Shuangshuang’s mother mentioned that the guest in Room 104 had ordered these dishes but hadn't come to eat. Xia Qian, remembering her own previous desire for these exact foods and Sheng Zhening's similar preference, grew suspicious that the guest might be him.

She requested the guest registration information from Fu Shuangshuang’s mother, who was initially hesitant but eventually showed her. Seeing "Sheng Zhening" listed for Room 104, Xia Qian immediately rushed to the room, only to be told that he had just left. Determined, Xia Qian ran after him and finally found Sheng Zhening at the Wishing Pavilion. Overwhelmed with emotion, Xia Qian confronted Sheng Zhening, accusing him of deliberately avoiding her despite his true feelings.

She recounted how she had gone to the coffee shop with her ring, hoping for reconciliation, only for him to break up with her. She reminded him of finding him at Evergreen Hotel when she was drunk, and how he had been the character in the amusement park costume. She expressed her deep hurt and confusion over his coldness, knowing he cared for her.

Sheng Zhening admitted his actions were hypocritical and that mere apologies couldn't fix everything, but confessed his profound love for her. He promised to never cause her pain again, asking for a chance to face their problems together. They embraced, sealing their reconciliation. Sheng Zhening, still a little jealous, asked if she had accepted Hao Siyuan as her boyfriend, recalling seeing them hug goodbye outside her home.

Xia Qian clarified it was merely a friendly embrace and chided him for his lack of trust. They then wrote their wishes on a paper, keeping them secret, and hung them at the pavilion. On her way home, Ning Meng’s car hit an obstacle, prompting her to slam on the brakes. This incident triggered a memory of her father's car accident, where he also braked but the car didn't slow down.

She realized the accident might have been due to brake failure, not the Kongming Lantern. She immediately called Sheng Zhening to share her discovery. Hearing this, Sheng Zhening was shocked. He shared this information with Xia Qian, and they both reflected on the past, realizing the car accident might not have been caused by the Kongming Lantern after all. They decided to return and investigate the matter further.

Upon their return, Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian visited Xia Qian’s mother to explain their reunion. Sheng Zhening assured her that he would cherish Xia Qian and that her previous worries, stemming from the car accident, would not materialize. Xia Qian further explained Ning Meng's discovery about the brake failure, emphasizing that the Kongming Lantern was not the cause, and asked her mother to trust their love.

Xia Qian's mother, relieved and seeing their genuine affection, apologized to Sheng Zhening for her harsh words, thanking him for understanding her as a mother. Xia Qian asserted her right to make her own life choices, and her mother, witnessing her daughter's happiness, promised not to interfere with her romantic life in the future. Sheng Zhening then put the ring back on Xia Qian's finger and returned her candy box.

Playfully, he then demanded his own childhood photos as his "compensation," teasing her that he had hidden them in the house for her to find. Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang’s mother, delighted by Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian's reunion, attributed it to the Wishing Pavilion's magic and decided to visit Fu Shuangshuang to pray for a suitable partner for her. When she arrived, she found Qin Hebo at Fu Shuangshuang's apartment.

To conceal their relationship, Fu Shuangshuang quickly introduced Qin Hebo as her boss, claiming he was there for work discussions. Qin Hebo initially went along with the charade. Later, Fu Shuangshuang expressed her understanding that he preferred to keep their relationship private for now. However, Qin Hebo clarified that his hesitation was due to his current unemployment; he wanted to secure a stable job before introducing himself to her mother, fearing that a lack of employment might lead to disapproval.

Relieved, Fu Shuangshuang realized their misunderstanding. During dinner, Fu Shuangshuang’s mother pressed Qin Hebo to set up her daughter with single men from his company. She even mentioned a "Mr. Lin" who was interested in Fu Shuangshuang and was in town for a conference, suggesting they meet. Fu Shuangshuang immediately declined, then confessed her feelings for Qin Hebo, stating he was the person she liked.

Fu Shuangshuang’s mother was astonished; though she greatly admired Qin Hebo, she had never imagined him as a potential son-in-law due to his exceptional qualities. Qin Hebo promptly confirmed his sincere love for Fu Shuangshuang, explaining he had been pursuing her for a long time until she finally accepted him. Seeing their genuine affection, Fu Shuangshuang’s mother was overjoyed and relieved. She decided to leave the next day to allow them their privacy.

Later, Qin Hebo shared with Fu Shuangshuang that he was close to securing a position as Vice General Manager at Nors Hotel, which was conveniently located near her workplace, meaning they could commute and even have lunch together. Moments later, he received a call from Nors Hotel's HR, informing him that the position had already been filled, leaving him stunned and confused as negotiations had been progressing smoothly until then. Sheng Zhening continued to investigate his father's car accident.

He met with Ning Meng at their old family home, where she recalled her father planting a tree when she was five years old. He urged Ning Meng to remember more details from the day of the accident. She reaffirmed her memory of her father pressing the brakes without effect, causing him to swerve into a concrete column, confirming that brake failure, not the Kongming Lantern, was the cause.

Sheng Zhening remembered his father routinely serviced his car at a local 4S shop and tasked An An with locating the mechanic who performed the maintenance, hoping for more information. Ning Meng stated she would delay her plans to go abroad until the truth of their father’s accident was fully uncovered. She also confided in Sheng Zhening that she had divorced He Zhijuan, believing it was the best path forward for both of them.

An An later reported that he had found the former 4S shop mechanic, who confirmed that Sheng Zhening’s father’s car had been thoroughly inspected and found to be in normal condition before the accident, suggesting that the brake failure was likely a deliberate act. Sheng Zhening then prompted Ning Meng to recall if anything unusual happened before the accident.

She remembered their father taking a phone call and then arguing with someone in the parking lot, overhearing fragments like "college buddy" and "good friends," but she couldn't clearly recall the person's appearance due to the distance and the passage of time. Ning Meng suggested they search their old house for more clues.

An An reported to Sheng Zhening that Evergreen Hotel was facing a severe cash flow crisis, with insufficient funds to maintain operations, and other investment firms were hesitant to help, swayed by Mr. Xue's influence, with the market generally favoring Langyue. To address this, Sheng Zhening successfully negotiated a strategic partnership with Mr. Wilson from Belgium.

This agreement would bring a steady influx of high-end European tour groups to Evergreen, ensuring a high occupancy rate and improving the hotel's financial stability, even with reduced room rates. Sheng Zhening emphasized that despite the financial challenges, service quality must be maintained and staff should not become complacent.

Subsequently, An An reported that Chairman Ni of the Greenland Foundation, a close friend of Sheng Zhening’s father, offered a loan with a remarkably low interest rate, expressing his desire to help Evergreen. Sheng Zhening instructed An An to arrange a meeting with Chairman Ni.

Struggling to remember the details of her father's car accident, Ning Meng suggests she and Sheng Zhening visit their old family home for clues. While sifting through old items, Sheng Zhening finds their father's university graduation album. Leafing through it, he spots a photo of Chairman Ni alongside Qin Hebo, which sparks a realization.

Ning Meng attempts to identify the person her father argued with from the album, but the memories are too distant and faded for her to recognize anyone clearly. She decides to take the alumni book home for a more thorough examination. Around the same time, an online article is published, exposing Qin Hebo's questionable past actions at Evergreen Hotel, including disrupting Ning Meng's wedding and trapping a hotel reviewer, implying his willingness to do anything for money.

An An mentions that Qin Hebo resigned from Langyue during its price war with Evergreen, but the reasons were unclear. Suspecting Mr. Xue's involvement, Qin Hebo confronts him. Mr. Xue confirms he orchestrated the leak, expressing his displeasure at Qin Hebo for helping Evergreen through the Greenland Foundation. He warns Qin Hebo against opposing him. Qin Hebo retorts, reminding Mr. Xue that Lihe Capital's funds are not abundant and questioning the stability of his support within the company.

Emily, Qin Hebo's former assistant, is worried about him. Qin Hebo later confides in Fu Shuangshuang that he feels a sense of relief now that his past misdeeds are public, as he no longer has to live in fear. He acknowledges his mistakes and is ready to accept any punishment, though he anticipates difficulty finding a new job in his preferred field of hotel management, as his actions have led to him being blacklisted by the entire hotel industry.

Fu Shuangshuang, knowing his passion for the industry, playfully suggests he could manage her guesthouse or, if necessary, she could support him, calling him her "wisest investment." Sheng Zhening suspects Qin Hebo's secret aid to Evergreen. To verify his hunch, he visits Chairman Ni of the Greenland Foundation. He thanks Chairman Ni for the foundation's help, noting the long-standing friendship between Chairman Ni and his late father. Sheng Zhening then casually asks if Chairman Ni knows Qin Hebo.

Chairman Ni feigns a vague recollection but claims not to know Qin Hebo well. Later, An An confirms Chairman Ni's deception, reminding Sheng Zhening that Qin Hebo was the primary contact person for a six-month collaborative project between the Greenland Foundation and Evergreen two years prior. That evening, Sheng Zhening arranges to meet Qin Hebo at a bar. He expresses gratitude for the financial assistance, revealing he knows the money from the Greenland Foundation actually belongs to Qin Hebo's savings.

Since Evergreen cannot repay the loan immediately, Sheng Zhening offers to convert the debt into Evergreen shares. He also speculates that Lihe Capital might be behind the recent online news targeting Qin Hebo due to his support for Evergreen. Qin Hebo dismisses Sheng Zhening's concerns, telling him not to overthink it, and then abruptly departs. Sheng Zhening's relentless work on Evergreen's behalf begins to affect his health. Xia Qian, bringing him ginseng chicken soup from her mother, notices his exhaustion.

While he is in a meeting, she tidies his desk and discovers an old photo of Sheng Zhening, Ning Meng, and Qin Hebo. Later, she asks An An if Sheng Zhening has been keeping tabs on Qin Hebo. An An confirms that the funds lent by the Greenland Foundation were indeed Qin Hebo's, and Sheng Zhening's emotions were noticeably affected when he learned this, adding that Qin Hebo remains unpredictable.

Xia Qian discusses this with Fu Shuangshuang, who confirms Qin Hebo's desire to atone for past wrongs by helping Evergreen discreetly. Fu Shuangshuang also senses the enduring connection between Sheng Zhening and Qin Hebo. Recognizing their reluctance to reconcile independently, Xia Qian and Fu Shuangshuang decide to orchestrate a chance meeting for them. Ning Meng asks He Zhijuan to hypnotize her to recall details of the car accident.

He Zhijuan is reluctant, warning that it might intensify her pain, but he agrees to provide support. During the hypnosis, Ning Meng is guided back to 2014 and eventually identifies the person who argued with her father. She later confirms that the individual is Xue Qingyun, CEO of Lihe Capital. Ning Meng shares this with Sheng Zhening, explaining that her father's university classmate and former business partner, Xue Qingyun, had a heated argument with him shortly before the accident.

Given Lihe Capital's consistent targeting of Evergreen, she suspects these events are connected. Sheng Zhening cautions that this is still a theory and advises Ning Meng and He Zhijuan to rest while he continues his investigation. Xia Qian and Fu Shuangshuang arrange a dinner, bringing their respective boyfriends, Sheng Zhening and Qin Hebo. The atmosphere is tense, but Sheng Zhening subtly shows his lingering care by remembering Qin Hebo's mango allergy when a dish containing mango is served.

Seizing the moment, Xia Qian excuses herself to the restroom, asking Fu Shuangshuang to join her, leaving the two men alone. In the restroom, they discuss Sheng Zhening's reaction, confirming his continued concern for Qin Hebo and deciding to prolong their absence to allow the men more time together. Left alone, Sheng Zhening takes the opportunity to inquire about Lihe Capital.

Qin Hebo confirms his own suspicions about the company's recent actions and reveals he has already begun collecting information, promising to update Sheng Zhening with any findings. Later, Qin Hebo's former assistant, Emily, offers to help him with the extensive research on Lihe Capital, but he declines, citing the danger involved. Emily also questions why he hasn't clarified that Mr. Xue was responsible for sabotaging Ning Meng's wedding, but Qin Hebo dismisses it as unimportant.

The increasing pressure from Evergreen's shareholders forces Sheng Zhening to seek emergency financing. During a critical board meeting, shareholders push for a merger with Lihe Capital, highlighting Evergreen's financial instability and the favorable acquisition offer. They warn that further delay will devalue their shares. Sheng Zhening argues that such a sale would make Lihe Capital the primary shareholder, effectively marginalizing him. He requests two days to secure an alternative solution.

Under pressure from a Lihe Capital representative, the shareholders grant him only one more day, scheduling a new meeting for the following morning. Sheng Zhening announces his intention to travel to Jiangcheng to secure financing from Huayu Capital, asserting this would free Evergreen from Lihe Capital's influence, as Huayu would merely participate in profit-sharing without management interference. Unbeknownst to him, Mr. Xue has already ensured that Mr. Yuan of Huayu Capital will not provide the funding.

In Jiangcheng, Mr. Yuan avoids directly investing in Evergreen's hotel business, offering various pretexts and steering the conversation towards internet ventures, knowing Evergreen's urgent need for capital. He then intentionally gets Sheng Zhening drunk to prevent him from attending the crucial shareholder meeting the next morning. The following day, as the meeting is about to begin, An An is unable to contact Sheng Zhening. Fearing he will be deemed to have automatically forfeited, Xia Qian realizes something is amiss.

She instructs Ning Meng, who holds 5% of Evergreen's shares, to attend the meeting and stall for time. Via an earpiece, Xia Qian coaches Ning Meng on how to address the seasoned shareholders. Ning Meng appeals to their loyalty and past connections with her father, reminding them of his generosity. A Lihe Capital shareholder swiftly counters, highlighting the risk of stock depreciation with further delays.

Just as the merger agreement is about to be signed, Sheng Zhening arrives, looking disheveled but determined. Mr. Xue, confident in his scheme, taunts Sheng Zhening about his failed financing attempt. Sheng Zhening admits he couldn't secure the funding but then dramatically asks the shareholders if they are willing to hand Evergreen over to a murderer. When Mr. Xue dismisses this as slander, Sheng Zhening reveals that his father's car accident was orchestrated by Mr. Xue.

He exposes how his father discovered Mr. Xue's illegal fundraising and advised him to surrender, only for Mr. Xue to have his driver tamper with his father's car, leading to the fatal crash. At that moment, Qin Hebo enters the room, accompanied by Mr. Xue's former driver, Yang Da. Sheng Zhening introduces Yang Da, asserting that he knows exactly what Mr. Xue did. Despite Mr. Xue's attempts to object, Sheng Zhening directs Yang Da to speak.

Yang Da recounts a flashback: the senior Mr. Sheng had obtained evidence of Xue Qingyun's illegal fundraising. When confronted, Xue Qingyun pleaded for mercy, citing their long friendship and shared business venture. However, the senior Mr. Sheng urged Xue Qingyun to confess, offering him a chance to turn himself in for leniency and warning that otherwise, the evidence would be handed over to the police.

Xue Qingyun, feeling betrayed, accused his friend of not giving him another opportunity, to which the senior Mr. Sheng responded by urging him to reconsider his actions and not make further mistakes.

Sheng Zhening arrived just in time to accuse Xue Qingshan of murder, presenting Xue Qingshan's former driver, Yang Da, as a key witness. Yang Da recounted that Senior Sheng had uncovered evidence of Xue Qingshan's illegal fund-raising and urged him to confess. Instead, Xue Qingshan harbored resentment. Yang Da, eager to save his daughter who desperately needed money for surgery, succumbed to Xue Qingshan's demands.

Before a scheduled meeting between Xue Qingshan and Senior Sheng, Yang Da tampered with the brake system of Senior Sheng's car, leading to the fatal car accident. Yang Da confessed that although Xue Qingshan provided him with shares in Lihe Capital after the incident, his daughter ultimately didn't survive, which he regarded as karma. To atone for his sins, he donated all his money, yet he continued to suffer daily from overwhelming guilt and self-blame.

Xue Qingshan vehemently denied the accusations, claiming it was slander orchestrated by Sheng Zhening and Yang Da, and threatened legal action. Sheng Zhening asserted that the truth would be revealed at the Public Security Bureau, dismissing Xue Qingshan's claims. When Xue Qingshan refused to comply, Qin Hebo announced that the police were already waiting outside, causing Xue Qingshan to collapse as he finally faced justice. Yang Da, as an accomplice, also surrendered and received legal sanctions.

Following the dramatic events, Sheng Zhening and Qin Hebo put their past animosity aside and reconciled. Xia Qian was surprised by their sudden rapprochement, later learning that Qin Hebo's former assistant, Emily, had sought out Sheng Zhening. Emily clarified that Qin Hebo was innocent of sabotaging Ning Meng's wedding; it was all Xue Qingshan's doing. Emily also revealed that despite his outward demeanor, Qin Hebo deeply cared for Sheng Zhening and Ning Meng's relationship.

Influenced by Emily's words, Sheng Zhening approached Qin Hebo, gradually letting go of his resentment. Qin Hebo then shared critical information he had gathered with Sheng Zhening. He told Sheng Zhening that Emily had informed him about Yang Da, Xue Qingshan's long-time driver, who mysteriously resigned shortly after Senior Sheng's accident and was subsequently given a significant share of Lihe Capital, a fact Qin Hebo found highly suspicious.

Sheng Zhening added that Ning Meng recalled her father arguing with Xue Qingshan on the day of the car accident, further strengthening his suspicions. They concluded that Yang Da was the key to unlocking the mystery. Aware that Evergreen was in a financial crisis and major investors were unwilling to help, Sheng Zhening noted that Huayu Capital had surprisingly offered a favorable financing deal.

He revealed that An An had discovered Huayu's CEO had past dealings with Xue Qingshan, suggesting it was a trap. Believing that Xue Qingshan was under immense pressure from the costs of suppressing Evergreen and might resort to extreme measures, Sheng Zhening and Qin Hebo devised a plan: Sheng Zhening would proceed with negotiations for financing with Huayu, while Qin Hebo would secretly investigate Yang Da. Qin Hebo assured Sheng Zhening of his discretion.

Later, during a celebratory gathering, Qin Hebo announced his marriage. Xia Qian jokingly admonished Sheng Zhening for keeping their reconciliation a secret, prompting Qin Hebo to explain it was a calculated move for security, as he had instructed Sheng Zhening not to disclose it, just as he hadn't told Fu Shuangshuang. He then promised Xia Qian he would never lie to her again.

Sheng Zhening, Xia Qian, and Ning Meng visited their parents' graves, where Sheng Zhening informed his deceased parents that Xue Qingshan had been brought to justice and that Evergreen had overcome its challenges. Ning Meng added that she and her brother were doing well. On their way back, while Sheng Zhening briefly left to buy water, Ning Meng apologized to Xia Qian for her past behavior.

She admitted that, putting aside prejudices, she saw Xia Qian as a beautiful, kind, thoughtful, and sensible woman, unlike herself, who constantly felt insecure. When Xia Qian inquired about Ning Meng and He Zhijuan, Ning Meng revealed they had divorced. Xia Qian shared that she had recently met He Zhijuan, who spoke only of Ning Meng, and encouraged Ning Meng not to give up on their relationship, suggesting they could remarry and reconnect.

Inspired, Ning Meng went to He Zhijuan's hospital but found his office empty. Director Lu informed her that He Zhijuan had volunteered for a psychological counseling project for earthquake-affected children in another city and had left a week prior. Director Lu handed Ning Meng a letter He Zhijuan had left for her. In the letter, He Zhijuan apologized for leaving abruptly and recalled Ning Meng's past desire to forget him. He expressed sadness at this, not wanting to be forgotten.

He wrote that he hoped to improve himself through his work and suggested that if they were to meet again in two years, she might give him a chance to get to know him anew. After reading the letter, Ning Meng called Mr. Hu, informing him of her decision to continue running her cake shop, which was conveniently located across from He Zhijuan's hospital.

Sheng Zhening rejoined Xia Qian and Ning Meng, who kept their private conversation secret from him, though Sheng Zhening playfully addressed Xia Qian as "sister-in-law." Sheng Zhening presented Xia Qian with various wedding plans and a tiara, all previously discussed. However, Xia Qian, recognizing that Evergreen was still recovering, proposed a simpler wedding.

She reminded Sheng Zhening of his past promise that she would be his personal bargainer, and she aimed to organize the most heartwarming and romantic wedding at the lowest possible cost. Demonstrating her negotiation skills, Xia Qian secured bridesmaid dresses at a surprisingly low price, explaining the "sunk cost" principle to the astonished wedding planner.

She also suggested using more affordable Texas bluebells and artificial flowers for less visible areas, asserting that Evergreen's funds were hard-earned and that as a consumer, they had the right to fair prices. The wedding planner eventually agreed to her terms. Sheng Zhening praised her skills, remarking that he had always wanted her to work for Evergreen.

Xia Qian arranged for Evergreen to handle the food and drinks, and Ning Meng to bake the wedding cake, to which Sheng Zhening readily agreed. Xia Qian felt their wedding was happening too quickly, but Sheng Zhening countered that for him, time was moving too slowly. Sheng Zhening asked An An to be his best man, giving him a pay raise and a custom-made suit, much to An An's delight.

Meanwhile, Qin Hebo asked Fu Shuangshuang about her ideal wedding, and she proposed a destination wedding, a suggestion that perfectly aligned with his own desire to travel with her, offering to take her anywhere she wished, including Yunnan. On the eve of the wedding, Xia Qian's mother, fussing over every detail, repeatedly reminded her daughter about the wedding dress delivery, the makeup artist's arrival, and Uncle Hu picking her up, advising her not to drink water to avoid swelling.

Despite Xia Qian's good-natured complaints, her mother insisted it was her last time nagging before the big day. Xia Qian also playfully asked her mother to stay the night. On the wedding day, An An emerged in his best man suit, only to find Mu Xiaoyan wearing an identical one. They immediately began bickering over who was the rightful best man, with An An arguing that Mu Xiaoyan belonged on Xia Qian's side and should therefore be a bridesmaid.

They exchanged playful insults about their looks, and An An insisted there could only be one best man, telling Mu Xiaoyan to take off the suit. Qin Hebo arrived at the wedding and congratulated Sheng Zhening. Sheng Zhening extended an offer to Qin Hebo to manage a new bar he planned to open in the east of the city, which Qin Hebo happily accepted. Xia Qian's father walked her down the aisle, emotionally entrusting her to Sheng Zhening.

The couple exchanged heartfelt vows, with both Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian declaring, "I do," before exchanging rings in front of their gathered family and friends. During a reception speech, Xia Qian reiterated their decision for a simple wedding, thanking their family, including her parents, for being there. She spoke of her journey as a bargainer, having once believed everything had a price, but now realized that their love was truly priceless.

Two years later, Sheng Zhening discussed the acquisition of Langyue, with the contract signing scheduled for the following Monday. He postponed an evening meeting to celebrate his and Xia Qian's daughter's 100-day birthday. Mu Xiaoyan was preparing for a joint live stream, expressing nerves. Xia Qian received a handmade ukulele from her father, a gift for their granddaughter, wishing her happiness. Xia Qian’s mother called from France, apologizing for missing the celebration due to Uncle Hu miscalculating the dates.

She sent her love and wished the baby good health and growth. Ning Meng, whose cake shop was now located across from He Zhijuan’s hospital, had finished the baby’s cake. She received an online order from an account named “Little Mousse” for pickup. To her surprise, He Zhijuan walked into her shop. Ning Meng, realizing it was him, excitedly invited him to the baby's 100-day celebration, which he accepted.

Meanwhile, Fu Shuangshuang and Qin Hebo were seen picking out baby clothes. Qin Hebo had bought many pink outfits, expressing a father's instinct that they would have a daughter. When Fu Shuangshuang asked what if it was a boy, he jokingly suggested they'd swap with Sheng Zhening's daughter, then playfully teased Fu Shuangshuang about having more children until they had a girl, even triplets. Qin Hebo also confirmed he would not be returning to his old life.

Everyone gathered at Evergreen Hotel for the celebration, toasting the baby's health and happiness. During the cake-cutting, Sheng Zhening affectionately called Xia Qian "baby," much to her embarrassment, especially when Mu Xiaoyan pointed out the confusion. Sheng Zhening dismissed it, saying it "escaped his lips" and he saw nothing wrong with it. As the celebration concluded, a sudden rain shower forced Sheng Zhening and Xia Qian to take shelter at a nearby bus stop.

They both recognized the spot as where they first met. Xia Qian reminded Sheng Zhening that it was where he had kissed her, to which he playfully retorted that it was she who had kissed him first. Xia Qian admitted she did it on purpose, and Sheng Zhening, claiming he would "get his revenge," pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss as the rain continued to fall.