Resumen, trama, sinopsis de Twenty Your Life On

Sinopsis de Twenty Your Life On

Jiang Xiaoguo, who has no power, looks, or money, is always envious of her three roommates.

Duan Jiabao, from a businessman's family, is wealthy but simple and carefree, only knowing how to chase stars and food.

Luo Yan hates her mother's arrangement, but at least she has someone to arrange for her work and has nothing to worry about.

Liang Shuang, a cold beauty, is pretty and good at business, and in her senior year, she is already well-settled in society.

However, she doesn't know that as graduation approaches, everyone has their own problems to solve.

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Jiang Xiaoguo, Luo Yan, and Duan Jiabao are three senior students sharing a dorm at South China University of Finance. They live harmoniously and dislike their fourth roommate, Liang Shuang, who has moved out. Luo Yan even changed the dorm's WiFi password to the initials of "I hope Liang Shuang won't come back," and they pile unused items on Liang Shuang's bed.

Jiang Xiaoguo, who struggles financially, one morning accidentally drops her old iPhone 5 into the toilet after getting breakfast for her roommates. Despite its age and condition, she refuses to discard it, jokingly noting that its outdated appearance deters thieves and ensures she doesn't have to pay for meals.

She borrows new clothes from a colleague to project a professional image for an important interview alongside her supervisor, Yi, with the boss of Yixian Company, hoping to secure a full-time position. After the interview, while changing her high heels for flats outside her company, Jiang Xiaoguo is unexpectedly confronted by her ex-boyfriend, Zhao Dachuan, who had previously cheated on her. He expresses remorse for his past actions.

Though she despises him, Jiang Xiaoguo maintains a facade of indifference, proudly stating she works at "Finance Now" in the prominent building. Zhao Dachuan, impressed by her position at a company he had unsuccessfully applied to multiple times, asks to reconnect on WeChat. Jiang Xiaoguo, momentarily forgetting her composure, pulls out her ancient iPhone 5. To save face, she quickly claims her new iPhone is charging upstairs. Zhao Dachuan then invites her to their class reunion.

Determined not to be outshone, Jiang Xiaoguo resolves to buy a new phone for the event. She ponders whether to impress him with her success or to demonstrate complete indifference, ultimately deciding to attend the reunion to show she is unaffected. Duan Jiabao, at Jiang Xiaoguo's suggestion, attends a film and television company recruitment fair, where she encounters Xiaobing, another fervent "Youlili" solo fan.

Delighted to find a kindred spirit, Duan Jiabao, who had purchased two sets of a limited-edition fan keychain, generously gives one to Xiaobing. They decide to have Japanese cuisine, and Xiaobing, claiming a stomachache, leaves Duan Jiabao to pay the bill of 566 Yuan from her sizable 7,623 Yuan membership card balance. Soon after, Xiaobing brazenly asks Duan Jiabao to buy tickets for Youlili's concert in Hong Kong.

Luo Yan expresses strong disapproval, accusing Xiaobing of extorting money from Duan Jiabao, contrasting Xiaobing's behavior with Jiang Xiaoguo's practice of saving money with coupons. Duan Jiabao, however, staunchly defends Xiaobing, dismissing Luo Yan's concerns. Jiang Xiaoguo's financial woes worsen when her old phone dies while she's on a call with her mother, who is struggling to withdraw money from WeChat. This reinforces Jiang Xiaoguo's determination to buy a new phone, but she finds herself 300 Yuan short.

Luo Yan suggests she collect an old 300 Yuan debt from Wang Wei, a classmate who just received a scholarship. Jiang Xiaoguo goes to Wang Wei, bringing her bananas, and reminds her about the loan, which Wang Wei "forgot." Wang Wei agrees to repay the 300 Yuan once her scholarship is disbursed, assuring Xiaoguo it would be before Saturday. However, Jiang Xiaoguo later spots Wang Wei buying new clothes for job interviews with the scholarship money.

When confronted, Wang Wei claims the new clothes and shoes are crucial for her future, a "steppingstone to success" in her interviews. Jiang Xiaoguo argues that Wang Wei should earn money through her own efforts, for example by passing professional exams like the CFA, instead of relying on others. Wang Wei dramatically breaks down in tears, making it appear that Jiang Xiaoguo is cruelly bullying her.

Onlookers glare at Jiang Xiaoguo, prompting an embarrassed Duan Jiabao and Luo Yan to quickly escort her away. Feeling wronged and hurt by her friends' lack of support, Jiang Xiaoguo is further frustrated when she finds 300 Yuan on her desk, including a Hong Kong dollar, suspecting it was from Duan Jiabao, who along with Luo Yan, urged her to "be generous" and "let it go" for dorm harmony, citing Wang Wei's old shoes.

Jiang Xiaoguo feels deeply misunderstood and betrayed, crying that she is seen as "vain, selfish, and money-loving," and lamenting that she wouldn't be so petty if her family were wealthy. A cold war ensues between Jiang Xiaoguo and her roommates. Meanwhile, Luo Yan accompanies Duan Jiabao to a KTV outing with Xiaobing, concerned that Xiaobing would continue to exploit her friend. As expected, Xiaobing orders lavishly, inviting numerous guests she claimed were Youlili fans.

Luo Yan soon discovers that Xiaobing herself is a "fence-sitter fan" (one who frequently changes idols) and is actually interested in a male star named Zilu, revealing Xiaobing's deception regarding her fandom. Realizing Xiaobing's true manipulative nature, Duan Jiabao, with Luo Yan's encouragement, quietly leaves the KTV after transferring only her and Luo Yan's share of the extravagant bill to Xiaobing, then immediately blocks her.

Duan Jiabao asserts she is rich but "not stupid," marking a significant change in her character. Jiang Xiaoguo, determined to retrieve her money, follows Wang Wei to a shoe store. As Wang Wei attempts to purchase new shoes, Jiang Xiaoguo confronts her, preventing the transaction. Wang Wei, once again, resorts to feigning distress, but this time, Duan Jiabao and Luo Yan arrive, firmly supporting Jiang Xiaoguo.

They challenge Wang Wei's "moral blackmail," asserting that while Jiang Xiaoguo has the means to help, she has "no obligation" and Wang Wei should earn money through work. With her friends' backing, Jiang Xiaoguo successfully reclaims her 300 Yuan. Duan Jiabao then recounts the KTV incident to Jiang Xiaoguo, explaining how Xiaobing's deception led her to stand up for herself. Jiang Xiaoguo is genuinely touched and relieved, acknowledging Duan Jiabao's positive transformation.

With her money recovered, Jiang Xiaoguo buys a new Huawei phone — the same model as her mother's — and patiently teaches her mother over the phone how to withdraw money from WeChat, choosing to skip the class reunion, believing "the best way to get back at your ex is to stand him up and make him disappointed." Later that evening, her own shoes, a pair of fake "Mike" brand, fall apart after dinner.

Upon returning to their dorm, the three friends are stunned to find Liang Shuang, who had moved out long ago, back in residence. Liang Shuang promptly removes all their belongings from her bed and demands they turn off the lights at 10:30 PM, as she wants to sleep. The next morning, Liang Shuang asks for the WiFi password. Duan Jiabao almost blurts out the old password, but Jiang Xiaoguo quickly distracts her and covertly signals Luo Yan to change it.

Luo Yan swiftly changes the password to the initials of "We won't have good days anymore," a remark that visibly causes Liang Shuang's expression to harden. Jiang Xiaoguo then goes to work. She discovers that her supervisor, Yi, who had intended to offer her a full-time position, has suddenly resigned. Later that evening, back in the dorm, Jiang Xiaoguo discusses her plan to secure her full-time position by writing a viral article about online dating sites with Luo Yan.

Liang Shuang emerges from the bathroom and, as on the previous night, declares it's 10:30 PM and demands they turn off the lights for her to sleep. Duan Jiabao and Luo Yan look to Jiang Xiaoguo in silent plea. Jiang Xiaoguo, gathering her courage, attempts to argue with Liang Shuang but is quickly outmatched and reluctantly complies, turning off the lights.

Jiang Xiaoguo spent a sleepless night trying to find interview subjects for her company's new proposal on trending online dating topics. Since people ignored her requests for interviews, she decided to pose as someone looking for a blind date. On the Weiai Web, she connected with a man whose username was "Peerless Warm Man", hoping to achieve both her interview and a potential date. She dressed up for the meeting.

However, when she arrived at the designated place, the man texted that he had a sudden engagement and asked her to meet at his company, then redirected her to a movie cafe. Sensing something was wrong with the room’s atmosphere, Jiang Xiaoguo quickly messaged Duan Jiabao, instructing her to call the police in ten minutes if she didn't hear back. Duan Jiabao was about to dial the police when Jiang Xiaoguo called.

It turned out the blind date was Director Guo, her new supervisor at work. Before he saw her face, Director Guo had acted inappropriately. Jiang Xiaoguo was terrified that this secret would jeopardize her chance to become a full-time employee. The next morning, she rehearsed how to express her loyalty to Director Guo, unaware he was standing nearby, having come to speak with her. Overhearing her, Director Guo promised her the full-time position if she kept silent.

He then offered her an opportunity to join him on an interview with the owner of Hongsheng. Excited by the opportunity, Jiang Xiaoguo returned to her dorm, looking for a suitable outfit. Duan Jiabao offered her a new white suit jacket. While Jiang Xiaoguo was trying it on, Liang Shuang walked in, wearing the exact same jacket. The situation was awkward, so Jiang Xiaoguo quipped that Liang Shuang's outfit must have been a gift from her boyfriend.

Duan Jiabao, claiming to understand rich second-generation men, suggested Liang Shuang’s boyfriend, Chen Zhuo, was just seeking novelty. Together, Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao role-played a conversation between Liang Shuang and Chen Zhuo, predicting his responses if Liang Shuang were to confront him about seeking novelty. Liang Shuang dismissed their act as fabrication. Later, Chen Zhuo called to cancel their date, claiming his father needed him for a business trip.

When they eventually met, Chen Zhuo brought her a new suitcase as an apology and promised to quit smoking. Liang Shuang then asked him the questions Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao had predicted, and his answers were precisely what they had said, leaving Liang Shuang feeling upset. During an afternoon meeting, a colleague brought up Jiang Xiaoguo's idea of writing an article about Weiai Web and opened the application, revealing a nearby account named "Peerless Warm Man".

Everyone speculated it might be Director Guo, who became visibly nervous. Jiang Xiaoguo quickly stepped in, claiming she had registered the male account (aged 35) for her research on dating websites. Everyone believed her, and Director Guo sighed in relief. Jiang Xiaoguo was confident that this act of assistance would guarantee her full-time conversion. As expected, Director Guo contacted her the next day to process her full-time paperwork.

That evening, Jiang Xiaoguo returned the white suit jacket to Duan Jiabao, only to realize she had accidentally worn Liang Shuang's and stained it with coffee. Liang Shuang, already frustrated with Chen Zhuo, argued with Jiang Xiaoguo about the jacket. During their argument, a diamond ring fell from the jacket pocket. Liang Shuang was both surprised and delighted, assuming Chen Zhuo intended to propose. The argument about the stained jacket was immediately forgotten.

The next morning, Jiang Xiaoguo went to the company but processed her resignation instead of the full-time paperwork. While helping Director Guo search for his phone, she had accidentally discovered that he was married and had a child. This revelation crossed her personal "bottom line," as she detested unfaithful men. Consequently, she informed Director Guo's wife about his secret. On her way home, Jiang Xiaoguo saw Chen Zhuo kissing another woman passionately on the street.

Mistaking the woman for Liang Shuang, Jiang Xiaoguo took a picture and shared it in their dorm group chat, intending to express mock envy. However, Duan Jiabao and Luo Yan quickly pointed out that Liang Shuang was in the dorm, and Chen Zhuo was supposedly on a business trip. Jiang Xiaoguo then realized Chen Zhuo was cheating. Jiang Xiaoguo spent the night wrestling with whether to tell Liang Shuang.

The next morning, after Liang Shuang had left, Jiang Xiaoguo discussed the matter with Luo Yan and Duan Jiabao, who were hesitant to get involved. Mid-conversation, Duan Jiabao suddenly remembered her brother, Duan Zhenyu, had a fencing match. Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan decided to join her. Duan Zhenyu was tall, handsome, and an excellent fencer, but he had a cold personality. He easily won his match and was successfully recruited into the school's vanguard team.

The team captain, Mojie, wanted to spar with him, but Duan Zhenyu, eager to have dinner with Duan Jiabao, offered a quick greeting and left. On their way to a hotpot restaurant, they encountered Liang Shuang. Knowing Liang Shuang was planning to meet Chen Zhuo, Jiang Xiaoguo insisted she join them for hotpot. While they were eating, two girls approached Duan Zhenyu, persistently asking for his WeChat.

Seeing him bothered, Liang Shuang playfully acted intimately with Duan Zhenyu to deter the girls. This action, however, startled Duan Jiabao, who feared Liang Shuang might be interested in her brother. Liang Shuang, dismissing Duan Jiabao's concern, raised her hand to show off her new ring, announcing that she was getting married.

Jiang Xiaoguo, Luo Yan, and Duan Jiabao discussed whether to tell Liang Shuang about Chen Zhuo's infidelity. Jiang Xiaoguo felt Liang Shuang, despite her flaws, didn't deserve to be cheated on, recalling her own past experiences with "scumbags." Luo Yan and Duan Jiabao were hesitant, fearing Liang Shuang's bad temper. Duan Jiabao then remembered her brother, Duan Zhenyu, had a fencing match that day and invited the others to come along.

They learned Duan Zhenyu was a finance freshman, with Jiang Xiaoguo noting his earning potential and Luo Yan curious about his looks. At the fencing match, Duan Zhenyu, a finance freshman, impressed everyone with his skill, decisively winning his match and being fast-tracked into the school's vanguard team due to his outstanding high school record. Team leader Mojie approached him for a spar, but Duan Zhenyu politely declined, saying he was in a hurry to have dinner with his sister.

Duan Jiabao was surprised by her brother's reserved and serious demeanor, noting how different he was from her, and musing about how handsome he had become. Later, on their way to have hot pot, they ran into Liang Shuang, who was on her way to meet Chen Zhuo. Knowing Chen Zhuo was cheating, Jiang Xiaoguo insisted Liang Shuang join them for dinner, framing it as a farewell meal since Liang Shuang was moving out.

During dinner, two girls approached Duan Zhenyu for his WeChat. Liang Shuang, seeing him bothered, stepped in and pretended to be close to him to shoo them away. Duan Zhenyu played along, calling Liang Shuang "sis." Duan Jiabao worried about Liang Shuang's intentions with her brother, but Liang Shuang dismissed her, flaunting an engagement ring and announcing she was getting married soon.

Jiang Xiaoguo and her roommates tried to subtly warn Liang Shuang about rushing into marriage, suggesting that Chen Zhuo might not be as faithful as she believed. Liang Shuang, however, thought they were jealous of her happiness and snapped back, reminding Jiang Xiaoguo of her own failed first love. Jiang Xiaoguo, angered, put a photo of Chen Zhuo kissing another woman in front of Liang Shuang. Liang Shuang, armed with the evidence, met Chen Zhuo.

She coldly presented the photo to him just as FRANCES Yang called Chen Zhuo, addressing him as "honey." Liang Shuang snatched his phone and answered, confirming his infidelity. Chen Zhuo tried to justify it as a family arrangement and pleaded for time, but Liang Shuang refused to listen. When he became condescending, telling her not to throw a tantrum and reminding her of how he had "made her life," Liang Shuang was enraged.

She took off her ring and used it to scratch Chen Zhuo's car before leaving. Jiang Xiaoguo received an invitation for an interview at Puling Capital, a renowned financial firm. Arriving at the building, she saw a woman, Wendy, drop her belongings. Simultaneously, Jiang Xiaoguo noticed a man in sunglasses crouching behind Wendy, seemingly taking pictures. Believing him to be a pervert, Jiang Xiaoguo intervened, took a photo of him, and warned him off before helping Wendy gather her things.

During her interview, Jiang Xiaoguo was shocked to discover the man was Zhou Xun, the CEO of Puling Capital and her interviewer. Zhou Xun, annoyed by their earlier encounter, summarily dismissed Jiang Xiaoguo without asking any questions. Feeling unfairly judged, Jiang Xiaoguo pressed him, and he challenged her with three complex financial and business questions, none of which she could answer. She left, dejected. Later, Jiang Xiaoguo learned that Wendy was hired.

Puzzled, as Wendy admitted she couldn't answer the complex questions either, Jiang Xiaoguo sought out Zhou Xun again. He explained that Wendy was hired for her beauty and clarified that he was not "snapping" Wendy earlier but photographing scratches on his car. Jiang Xiaoguo was left speechless, feeling that appearance was prioritized over ability. Meanwhile, Luo Yan's mother visited the school to discuss her daughter's future.

She pressed Luo Yan about her plans for senior year and whether she had attended job fairs. Luo Yan admitted to having no concrete plans beyond playing games and drawing comics and having found the job fair overwhelming. Her mother, disappointed, gave her an ultimatum: either go abroad (funding TOEFL only once) or pursue a master's degree, suggesting a former classmate who was a professor at Peking University's Guanghua School.

Luo Yan, though resistant to her mother's control, felt she had no other choice and decided to prepare for grad school. Jiang Xiaoguo, after being rejected by Puling Capital, called Youjia Finance, a company she had previously been in talks with, only to be told they had already hired someone. Back in her dorm, she complained about being jobless, only to see Liang Shuang return with a Youjia Finance bag.

Liang Shuang casually explained that she had been hired, claiming her beauty was her qualification, further disheartening Jiang Xiaoguo about a world that seemed to value looks above all else. Undeterred, Jiang Xiaoguo returned to Puling Capital the next morning. She saw Wendy working as a receptionist, confirming Zhou Xun's earlier statement about hiring for appearance. Spotting Zhou Xun entering an elevator, Jiang Xiaoguo followed, pressing multiple floor buttons to buy herself time.

She passionately answered the three questions he had posed earlier: she detailed her research on Puling's past investments, critiqued their focus on Southeast Asia as only an auxiliary market to the US and China, suggested investing in emerging industries like shared cars, and analyzed TikTok's content strategy as a cross-platform content and e-commerce model.

She then added a fourth point, revealing her investigation into Youjia Finance and reporting that its entire IT department had been poached, making it a high-risk investment for Puling. She then exited the elevator, leaving Zhou Xun to consider her insights. A few days later, Jiang Xiaoguo received a call from Puling Capital, offering her a position.

Zhou Xun later explained to his assistant that while Jiang Xiaoguo didn't excel in traditional qualifications like resources, education, connections, or even looks, her sheer persistence had deeply impressed him, making him willing to give her an opportunity. He reflected that while beauty might offer an easy entry into certain paths, true success comes from relentless effort, and that qualities easily gained could also be easily lost.

Liang Shuang, after her breakup with Chen Zhuo, was scrolling through his social media when she found an old post from FRANCES Yang. Following the link, she discovered a photo of FRANCES Yang wearing an engagement ring and a caption referring to her "fiancé." Liang Shuang then realized that FRANCES Yang was Chen Zhuo's original fiancée, making Liang Shuang the "mistress" in their relationship.

Devastated, Liang Shuang returned to the dorm, poured herself a drink, and cried until late into the night. Her roommates, returning later, found her drunk and tearfully confessing her heartbreak, realizing she had been the "other woman." The next morning, Jiang Xiaoguo brought Liang Shuang breakfast. While Liang Shuang remained cold and distant, Luo Yan jokingly "read" her fortune, predicting someone nearby would break a leg, which happened to Jiang Xiaoguo's glasses.

Luo Yan then predicted Jiang Xiaoguo would soon encounter something "tall." Separately, Duan Jiabao, who had applied for an agent position, received a rejection. When she called to inquire, she was told that her resume photo, which she had heavily edited to make herself look "too attractive," presented a risk of her "gossiping" with male artists. She was advised to gain more experience elsewhere.

Realizing her attempt to "package" herself had backfired, Duan Jiabao resolved to re-apply, vowing to present her true, "ugly" self this time, inspired by Luo Yan's earlier advice to strive for her goals. Luo Yan also confirmed her decision to pursue grad school.

After her breakup, Liang Shuang returned to the dorm one night and was found by her roommates, Jiang Xiaoguo, Duan Jiabao, and Luo Yan, drinking heavily. Her belongings were scattered on the floor as she cried heartbrokenly, admitting that Chen Zhuo had chosen someone else and that she had unknowingly been the "other woman." Her friends, though initially annoyed by her earlier dismissiveness, felt sympathetic and tried their best to comfort her.

The next morning, Jiang Xiaoguo thoughtfully brought Liang Shuang some porridge for her hangover, but Liang Shuang, still prickly, denied drinking and rejected the "high-carb" food. Later, in the dorm, Luo Yan continued her fortune-telling. She first analyzed Liang Shuang's mysterious "red and black intertwined" fate, predicting a sudden disaster that would lead to a fated encounter. Then, she foresaw that "Aquarius would break a leg," a prediction that amusingly came true when the leg of Jiang Xiaoguo's glasses snapped.

Jiang Xiaoguo, intrigued by Luo Yan's accuracy, asked for her own fortune, and Luo Yan predicted she would "bond with something tall" that day, which Jiang Xiaoguo optimistically linked to buying new high heels for her upcoming job. Finally, Luo Yan foresaw a "bad omen" for Duan Jiabao. Almost immediately, Duan Jiabao received a phone call from her brother, Duan Zhenyu, reminding her about a makeup course they were supposed to attend together.

Having completely forgotten, Duan Jiabao asked Duan Zhenyu to go ahead without her. Desperate, she used "sugar-coated bullets," as Jiang Xiaoguo observed, to convince Jiang Xiaoguo to sign in for her class, promising breakfast for a whole year. Jiang Xiaoguo, swayed by the offer, reluctantly agreed. At the makeup course, Jiang Xiaoguo encountered Duan Zhenyu, who, mistaking her for the actual student, mocked her for needing a makeup course despite her usually good grades.

During roll call, when Jiang Xiaoguo answered for "Duan Jiabao," Duan Zhenyu's teammates remarked that "Duan Jiabao" didn't seem as fat as described. The professor then sternly warned that any student caught skipping or having someone sign in for them would immediately lose their exam qualification. Duan Zhenyu, despite knowing the truth, kept quiet to protect his sister's eligibility.

After class, while Duan Zhenyu was in the restroom, his teammates approached Jiang Xiaoguo, sharing all the disparaging comments Duan Zhenyu had made about Duan Jiabao, calling her fat, lazy, a fan girl, and easily scammed. Feeling protective of her friend, Jiang Xiaoguo retaliated by recounting embarrassing childhood stories about Duan Zhenyu, including a time he claimed he could cry on command but only shed tears after she slapped him.

Duan Zhenyu returned, having overheard the conversation, and though clearly annoyed, he put on a smile and invited Jiang Xiaoguo and his teammates to lunch. At the restaurant, Duan Zhenyu tricked Jiang Xiaoguo into paying the bill by faking a phone call from his mother, pretending she would revoke his sister’s unlimited black card if Jiang Xiaoguo didn't cover the meal.

This act drained Jiang Xiaoguo's savings of several months, money she had planned to use for a nice pair of high heels for her new job. She angrily confronted Duan Zhenyu about the money, but he simply retorted that she deserved it for impersonating his sister and talking behind his back, then dismissively offered to take her to a street stall to buy cheap shoes.

Meanwhile, Liang Shuang received a call from the bridal shop, informing her that her custom-made wedding dress was ready. She tried it on, a melancholic expression on her face as she looked at her reflection. She then overheard Chen Zhuo and another woman, Miss Yang, joyfully discussing their future wedding plans. Chen Zhuo referred to Miss Yang as his "wife" and they planned for three children—a boy, a girl, and Miss Yang herself as part of their family for photos.

Chen Zhuo emphasized that he didn't want Miss Yang to wear a dress that "someone else" would wear, a statement that stung Liang Shuang. Heartbroken, Liang Shuang decided she no longer wanted the dress, but since it was tailored specifically for her, she had no choice but to pay the remaining balance. She instructed the staff to contact Chen Zhuo directly for his suit.

Later, she received a call from her worried grandmother, who had seen her mother’s anxious post about Liang Shuang's recent negative social media updates. Liang Shuang reassured her that she was fine and her posts were merely complaints. Meanwhile, Duan Jiabao, having skipped class for her long-awaited meal, arrived at the famous Dingdingxiang restaurant for its great lion's head meatballs, only to find it fully booked.

She spotted Xiong Zhi, a man from Tencent who helped out at the Old Place Tea Restaurant because of his passion for cooking, sitting alone at a two-person table. Without hesitation, she asked to share his table. To her dismay, the last order of lion's head meatballs had just been placed by Xiong Zhi. Duan Jiabao, desperate, explained her plight, including how she skipped her makeup course and might face severe academic consequences if caught, all for this dish.

Sympathizing, Xiong Zhi instructed the waitress to divide his order into two portions, one with ginger and one without, to share with Duan Jiabao. In her haste, Duan Jiabao mistakenly ate Xiong Zhi’s ginger-free portion, then, claiming it was less tasty, finished the other half as well, leaving Xiong Zhi with none. Since he couldn't taste the dish himself, Xiong Zhi, who had just received a new set of knives, invited Duan Jiabao to try his own cooking instead.

Duan Jiabao enthusiastically praised his food, declaring it even better than the restaurant's. Xiong Zhi was delighted by her sincere appreciation. They introduced themselves, finding a connection in their similar nicknames, "Xiong" and "Bao." At the same time, Luo Yan attended an online gaming group meetup and met a new friend named Lu Ran, known as "Tidao." They quickly realized they attended the same university, South China University of Finance, and were both seniors.

They bonded over their shared love for gaming and struggles with preparing for postgraduate entrance exams, both admitting a lack of self-discipline. They agreed to become study partners, hoping to supervise each other and make progress. Later, Duan Jiabao excitedly called Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan to the Old Place Tea Restaurant. There, she introduced them to Xiong Zhi and shared her good news: she had been hired by Meimei Entertainment and would start work on Monday.

Her friends congratulated her warmly. Jiang Xiaoguo playfully warned Duan Jiabao that she would "break up" with her if she dared invite Duan Zhenyu to celebrate. As the three roommates headed back to the dorm, Liang Shuang was at the express station, collecting several large boxes of her belongings that Chen Zhuo had sent back to the university, freight collect. While struggling with the heavy packages, one of the bags broke, spilling her possessions onto the ground.

A male student offered assistance, but Liang Shuang, feeling overwhelmed and embarrassed, declined. Spotting Jiang Xiaoguo, Duan Jiabao, and Luo Yan approaching, she quickly hid behind a wall, unwilling to be seen in such a vulnerable state. Reflecting on Liang Shuang's ordeal, Jiang Xiaoguo later mused on the unpredictable nature of life, pondering where "destined" events might lead them. The following day, Liang Shuang was reminded by Pangpang not to forget to submit her report.

On her first day of work, Duan Jiabao packed an excessive amount of items, including her cherished collection of celebrity autographs and a selfie stick, prompting Jiang Xiaoguo to jokingly ask if she planned to live at the company. Jiang Xiaoguo also advised her that bringing slippers on the first day was too soon, suggesting she should wait at least three months.

Meanwhile, Luo Yan and Lu Ran were in a study room, but spent their time playing games until other students complained about the noise. They then decided to finally focus on their graduate studies, realizing they had only three months to prepare for four subjects. They then went to purchase their study materials, discussing the high cost of the books.

At the Puling Capital intern orientation, Investment Director Yang Xiaorong introduced the company, its various departments, and the two founding and managing partners, President Su Hang and President Zhou Xun. During self-introductions, interns from prestigious universities like the University of Hong Kong, Peking University, Tsinghua University, UCLA, and the National University of Singapore, showcased their impressive credentials. Jiang Xiaoguo, however, introduced herself simply as being from the Northeast.

Yang Xiaorong then announced a project: interns would be divided into groups to create a business proposal for "Coral English," with the chance of being personally mentored by President Zhou Xun if they performed well. Jiang Xiaoguo initially drew Group B, but a male colleague, Li Tianyang from Peking University, requested to switch with her.

He confided that he felt inferior to the other two Peking University graduates in his Group C, claiming they would "look down on him" because he received his undergraduate degree from a less prestigious university. Jiang Xiaoguo agreed to swap, moving to Group C. Duan Jiabao's first day at Meimei Entertainment proved challenging.

When asked to update the media contact list, she addressed a colleague as "Sister Sally," only for Sally to reprimand her, asking if she looked that old and telling her not to use the term "sister." Later, when asking another colleague, Lisa, for a form, Duan Jiabao, remembering Sally's reaction, omitted the honorific. Lisa, who had been with the company for two years, then scolded her for being impolite, stating that not calling her "sister" was disrespectful.

Feeling caught between conflicting expectations, Duan Jiabao concluded that the workplace was incredibly difficult. Over dinner, Duan Jiabao recounted her office woes to Jiang Xiaoguo. Jiang Xiaoguo offered elaborate advice on when to call someone "sister" based on their lipstick color and application style: crimson or "auntie" shades meant "sister," while pink or bean paste shades did not; thick application meant "sister," thin did not; and no lipstick meant "brother."

Finding this too complicated, Duan Jiabao received simpler advice: win over the "big boss," and other colleagues would at least be civil. Jiang Xiaoguo also suggested using five specific Chinese suffixes—"Ah," "Ne," "Ha," "Sa," and "Yo"—at the end of sentences to sound more amiable and polite in the workplace. Duan Jiabao attempted to implement this advice, but it backfired when she accidentally sent a private complaint about her idol's notebook being stained by her boss to the company group chat.

To smooth things over, she ordered Starbucks for everyone. Her colleagues, initially delighted, assumed the drinks were from President Qian. However, when President Qian's own order of seven soy milk drinks for twenty people arrived, everyone abandoned Duan Jiabao's Starbucks for the soy milk, leaving her to drink three Frappuccinos herself. Meanwhile, Liang Shuang faced difficulties at her internship. Her supervisor, Zhang Pangpang, harshly criticized her report, implying Liang Shuang was uneducated or stupid.

A colleague suggested that Zhang Pangpang was targeting Liang Shuang because of her beauty, advising her to become a beauty blogger and mentioning a relevant competition. Liang Shuang was intrigued and decided to try. Her initial attempt at filming a "makeup that makes you look younger" video proved difficult, as she struggled to find a quiet place to record and her simple tutorial received many negative comments, landing her video on a "disliking list."

Determined to improve, she resolved to research how other beauty bloggers created their content. Later, Zhang Pangpang tried to stop Liang Shuang from leaving work at the official quitting time, stating that the director hadn't left yet and an intern shouldn't leave early. Liang Shuang argued that tasks completed during work hours shouldn't require overtime. Just then, the director emerged from a meeting with client Mr. Li and asked Liang Shuang to escort Mr. Li downstairs.

The director also subtly told Zhang Pangpang not to be too demanding of the new interns, implying that Liang Shuang’s good looks afforded her some leniency, much to Zhang Pangpang's annoyance. On the bus ride home, Luo Yan experienced an incident: an older man groped her. She pushed him away, but he denied it and yelled at her. Coincidentally, Liang Shuang, who was also on the bus filming a video for her vlogging research, captured the incident on camera.

Liang Shuang immediately intervened, showing the video as evidence and urging Luo Yan to call the police. Despite Luo Yan's embarrassment and reluctance, Liang Shuang insisted. The police quickly arrived and arrested the man, who was revealed to be a repeat offender who had only been released from a 24-hour detention a few days prior.

Luo Yan, grateful, later brought Liang Shuang to the "Same Place" restaurant to meet Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao, though she nervously lied about Liang Shuang simply lending her bus fare to avoid explaining the real reason for their newfound closeness. In the Group C project, Jiang Xiaoguo, Li Li, and Zhao Tingnan began working on the "Coral English" proposal.

Li Li and Zhao Tingnan, both from prestigious universities and claiming relevant experience, immediately clashed over who should lead the presentation. To gain control and resolve the stalemate, Jiang Xiaoguo fabricated a connection to President Zhou Xun, mentioning his preferred coffee (Americano) and cake (cheesecake) and claiming they had known each other before the interview, which helped her secure the internship. This bluff worked, impressing the two high-achievers, and Jiang Xiaoguo was elected group leader.

Unbeknownst to them, Amanda from Group B overheard their conversation. During the project presentation, C group discovered that the first three points of their plan were identical to Group B's. With only seven minutes left until their presentation, Jiang Xiaoguo quickly revised their proposal, deleting the common points and highlighting their unique final point: focusing on specific emerging user groups, particularly those born in the 1990s, and proposing an offline meeting model for language learning.

After the presentations, Amanda approached President Zhou, informing him of Jiang Xiaoguo's claims of a personal relationship, which she used to become group leader. President Zhou denied any such relationship, stating that "ability, not relationship," was valued in the company. When C group was announced as the winner, Amanda confronted President Zhou again, questioning the fairness given Jiang Xiaoguo's fabricated connection.

President Zhou explained that he chose C group because their proposal "hit the pain point" by suggesting an offline meeting model and focusing on specific demographics, aligning perfectly with current market trends. He emphasized that punishing Jiang Xiaoguo with a low score solely for fabricating a connection would be truly unfair. Later that evening, back at the dorm, Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao learned from their neighbors that Liang Shuang had posted the bus incident video online.

Luo Yan, while not ashamed of what happened, was upset about becoming "internet gossip" and asked Liang Shuang to delete the video, but Liang Shuang refused. Meanwhile, while playing games, President Su Hang and President Zhou Xun discussed the interns. Both were impressed with Jiang Xiaoguo, and Su Hang suggested placing her in Zhou Xun's investment team. However, Zhou Xun disliked Jiang Xiaoguo's "smart aleck" tendencies, believing she would only cause trouble for his team.

The next day, Jiang Xiaoguo was assigned to Yang Xiaorong’s group. A colleague informed her that Yang Xiaorong was considered the least capable in the department and hadn't led any significant projects in years. Jiang Xiaoguo's primary task was to sift through countless business proposals, akin to finding a "needle in a haystack," to identify potential investment projects, while other interns were actively pursuing and securing projects. Simultaneously, Duan Jiabao was assigned to a business trip to Kunming to assist an artist.

At the dorm, Duan Jiabao complained to Jiang Xiaoguo about her exhausting new job, feeling she was either going to be fired or stuck with undesirable tasks, and expressed envy for Jiang Xiaoguo's smoother start. Jiang Xiaoguo reminded her of their dorm motto, "Eat well and sleep well; that’s how you keep going faced with failures," and shared her cereal.

Meanwhile, Luo Yan, who was meant to study with a friend, learned her friend also hadn't woken up, so they rescheduled their study session. At work, Jiang Xiaoguo's colleagues discussed her new placement in Yang Xiaorong's project group. One colleague praised Yang Xiaorong as kind, patient, and a founding employee, suggesting Jiang Xiaoguo had a bright future. However, Wendy revealed that Yang Xiaorong had been sidelined due to pregnancy and her generally average work ability, rarely leading significant projects.

Wendy suggested Yang Xiaorong might rely more heavily on her immediate team, advising Jiang Xiaoguo to work hard, stating, "It's better to be the best in a bad group than to be the worst in a good group." Yang Xiaorong then met with Jiang Xiaoguo, acknowledging her outstanding performance in tests and expressing high expectations.

Instead of assigning a specific project, Yang Xiaorong tasked Jiang Xiaoguo with finding good business proposals by sifting through a massive volume of emails, summarizing each company’s highlights, core team, and financial growth—a daunting task that Jiang Xiaoguo later felt was like "digging up gold out of garbage." Later, Judy, another colleague in Jiang Xiaoguo's group, returned from a successful business trip, having secured a major project.

Wendy informed Jiang Xiaoguo that Judy had gained company recognition after Yang Xiaorong's pregnancy and might soon be promoted to vice president, making Jiang Xiaoguo envious and inspiring her. After work, Judy invited Jiang Xiaoguo to dinner, which Jiang Xiaoguo readily accepted after seeing Yang Xiaorong leave. As they left, Su Hang and Zhou Xun observed them.

Su Hang remarked on Jiang Xiaoguo's social skills, but Zhou Xun critically countered that networking was useless without excelling at one's primary job, which Su Hang found too harsh. Duan Jiabao called Jiang Xiaoguo, lamenting her own work situation where she had to "work with the artist’s dog" and "pick up its poop." She then received a call from Manager Qian, expecting to be scolded.

Earlier, Manager Qian had told another employee that he expected Duan Jiabao to "be back crying" from her business trip with the notoriously difficult artist Ouyang Yushuang, believing that those who couldn't handle such challenges weren't fit for the company. Duan Jiabao recounted to Jiang Xiaoguo (on the phone) that she was indeed assigned to a business trip to Kunming to manage an artist, anticipating it would be the "most troubling artist" because Manager Qian disliked her.

She later complained to her brother over the phone that it was her "first time carrying others’ stuff since I was born." However, upon her return, Manager Qian was shocked to see Ouyang Yushuang praising Duan Jiabao as "so sensible/thoughtful" and declaring that Duan Jiabao would be her permanent assistant, refusing to work with anyone else. Duan Jiabao then casually retrieved Ouyang Yushuang’s forgotten phone, showing their unexpectedly good rapport. Liang Shuang found video editing tutorials "so hard."

Despite a colleague pointing out her "procrastinating" before a meeting, Liang Shuang declared, "Work as you want, I'm just going to sit and look good." A male colleague, who was interested in her, offered her bakery coupons, knowing she didn't like sweets. She gave the coupons to another person.

She asked someone to help her edit videos, presumably the interested male colleague, who later sent her a professionally edited video, trimmed from thirty minutes to eight, with added lighting, captions, and music. He then invited her to a romance movie, but Liang Shuang declined, citing her busy schedule. During a company meeting, while presenting a joint promotion, Liang Shuang, a new intern, struggled to answer a question.

However, Manager Fang recognized her from the viral bus video, praising her bravery and righteousness, and suggested her company should "put more effort on people like her." Liang Shuang's director also acknowledged her video's viral success and trending status, and proposed changing her personal Weibo account to a company-certified profile for promotional purposes, making Liang Shuang realize the unexpected value of her online presence.

Later, Liang Shuang received numerous calls and messages from various companies, including Taobao A-list and Weixi Skincare, offering brand ambassador and advertising collaboration opportunities. Yu, the marketing director of Weixi Skincare, directly reached out, saying Liang Shuang's "vibe" matched their brand, and Liang Shuang eagerly agreed to discuss a partnership. Meanwhile, at the dorm, Duan Jiabao told Jiang Xiaoguo that Luo Yan had been quiet and isolated since returning.

Jiang Xiaoguo, feeling deeply apologetic, confessed her guilt for encouraging Liang Shuang to post the video and for tagging influencers, explaining she only wanted to "punish that pervert" and never intended for things to escalate. She urged Luo Yan to express her feelings, offering to be scolded.

Luo Yan, however, remained calm, stating she was "fine," "mentally ready to take it," and dismissed the online haters as merely "venting about shitty things in their lives," quoting "Ajin manga": "I'm not the problem. The world is." Both Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao were surprised by her composure, though later that night, Luo Yan secretly checked the news about herself online. The next morning, the online situation worsened. Jiang Xiaoguo noticed an increase in hate comments targeting Luo Yan.

A trending news report characterized the bus incident as a "Farmer and the Viper" story, praising Liang Shuang but "blaming the ungrateful student" (Luo Yan) for her reaction. A viral meme explicitly labeled Luo Yan as a "student of South China University of Finance" who "stands with the pervert and beats up the ones trying to help her." Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao were horrified, realizing they had tagged the influencer responsible for this meme.

Liang Shuang, hearing their distressed conversation, criticized them for being loud and "overreacting" while the "victim is still sleeping here." Despite Luo Yan appearing to sleep calmly, Jiang Xiaoguo insisted they "need to think of a way to help her." Luo Yan's mother, Wei, a lawyer, saw the video and sent her secretary, Wang, to pick up Luo Yan from school. On the way, Luo Yan asked Wang if her mother knew about the video, hoping for comfort.

However, in her mother's office, Luo Yan discovered her mother had bought conservative clothes for her, realizing that her mother expected her to change rather than offering emotional support. Feeling misunderstood, Luo Yan quietly wished her late father were there. At the fencing team practice, the coach announced that Mojie, the team captain, would represent them in the national college fencing tournament. Duan Zhenyu protested, arguing that he had won the tryout.

The coach explained that Mojie, though missing the tryout due to exams, was an "experienced player." Unwilling to accept, Duan Zhenyu challenged Mojie to a match, with the loser either quitting the tournament or the team. Duan Zhenyu won the match, but the coach still refused to give him the spot, stating it was a "team decision."

Later, Mojie found Duan Zhenyu, telling him he had talked to the coach and would give his tournament spot to Duan Zhenyu, acknowledging Duan Zhenyu's superior skill and better chance of winning. However, Mojie relayed the coach’s message: "Your problem is not your skills, but your attitude. You're arrogant and underestimate your opponents. That's the biggest taboo in a match. Do you understand?" Duan Zhenyu, however, was only happy to receive the qualification for the competition.

At Puling Capital, Jiang Xiaoguo learned about Judy, a 27-year-old project manager born in '92, who was poised for a Vice President promotion. Her abilities had impressed the boss since Ms. Rong's pregnancy. Judy was observed generously giving gifts to colleagues, including maternal and infant supplies for Ms. Rong, and a gift for Jiang Xiaoguo upon their first meeting.

When Jiang Xiaoguo agreed to have lunch with Judy, their interaction was noticed by Su Hang, who called Jiang Xiaoguo a "social butterfly." Judy then offered to guide Jiang Xiaoguo through projects. However, Zhou Xun dismissed Su Hang's comment, remarking that social skills were meaningless if one couldn't handle their core responsibilities. Meanwhile, Duan Jiabao was struggling to promote her artist, Ouyang Yushuang, as her posts were ignored.

A colleague suggested she send red envelopes in the company chat to encourage mutual promotion among artists. Duan Jiabao followed this advice, but was promptly reprimanded by Manager Qian. Manager Qian emphasized the dangers of artists engaging in online controversies and ordered Duan Jiabao to withdraw the posts immediately. Later, Duan Jiabao arranged an elaborate "one-stop service" of entertainment for Ouyang Yushuang, hoping she would help promote the online poll for Luo Yan.

Duan Jiabao later met Xiong Zhi at his restaurant, feeling too anxious about Luo Yan to eat. Xiong Zhi suggested creating a neutral online poll about Luo Yan's incident to attract influencers and make it a trending topic. He explained that a neutral stance was necessary for broader support, acknowledging that while he believed Luo Yan, netizens would only trust what they saw without concrete evidence.

Zhou Xun summoned Jiang Xiaoguo to his office, questioning her decision to discard a company called Rong Jing from her email review. Jiang Xiaoguo explained that despite their technical innovations, Rong Jing's lack of user experience made them an unsuitable investment. Zhou Xun confirmed her judgment, revealing the company had, in fact, gone bankrupt two years prior.

He then sharply criticized Jiang Xiaoguo's overall work ethic, pointing out that her second submitted file was incomplete, contained inaccurate company details, and accused her of deliberately deleting 273 emails to reduce her workload. He ordered her to diligently review all unread business proposals, forbidding her from leaving until the task was complete. Jiang Xiaoguo protested, feeling it was unfair as other interns were gaining field experience while she was stuck with "stupid emails."

Zhou Xun sternly told her that if she despised the work, she should leave. He stressed that even seemingly rough or unconventional projects might contain a valuable "pearl," and she risked missing a great opportunity by relying on her limited experience.

He concluded by giving her three pieces of advice: first, to reflect on her own shortcomings like education when comparing her work to others; second, to respect her work to perform well; and third, to focus on her immediate tasks rather than seeking validation from "useless people." He demanded the complete, sorted files by tomorrow morning if she wished to continue at Puling Capital. Luo Yan visited her mother, Attorney Wei, but found her busy with meetings.

When they finally met, Attorney Wei offered Luo Yan new, conservative clothes, which she had purchased online. Luo Yan realized her mother had seen the viral video. Attorney Wei, instead of offering comfort, advised Luo Yan to dress more conservatively in public to avoid becoming an "excuse for crime" in the eyes of "people with incomplete personalities," stressing the importance of "self-esteem, self-respect, and self-protection."

Luo Yan argued that her modest dress was not the issue, and her choice of clothing was her freedom, not an invitation for crime. She firmly stated that the "freaks" were in the wrong. While her mother agreed, she prioritized protecting Luo Yan by "buying her pants," claiming she "couldn't afford" the alternative of her daughter being a sacrifice.

Attorney Wei told Luo Yan that emotional venting was pointless and urged her to ignore online comments, assuring her that the controversy would soon fade. Feeling blamed and misunderstood, Luo Yan left, deeply hurt. Later, Attorney Wei called Luo Yan, reiterating that the video was off the trending list and people would forget. Luo Yan, however, felt that if her incident was forgotten, it would be "game over" for her, solidifying her shame for life.

Liang Shuang, during an advertisement shoot, was praised by the advertiser for her natural modeling talent, who offered a lucrative long-term contract at ten times the current price if the ad was successful. However, when the advertiser began speaking ill of Luo Yan, calling her "disgracing women" and stating she "deserved" the public backlash for ungratefully blaming Liang Shuang, Liang Shuang became furious.

She immediately terminated the shoot, declaring she would pay the 10,000 yuan breach of contract fee and would never collaborate with such "evil advertisers" again. Later, confiding in her grandmother over the phone, Liang Shuang admitted her mistake regarding Luo Yan but found it difficult to apologize directly. Her grandmother advised her to either apologize openly or, if she couldn't, to "stealthily do something good" to make amends. Luo Yan, feeling overwhelmed, dyed her hair an exaggerated pink.

Back in the dormitory, she confronted Liang Shuang, demanding an explanation for why Liang Shuang hadn't clarified the truth online. Liang Shuang retorted, asking why Luo Yan herself hadn't explained, to which Luo Yan argued that given the misleading video, no one would believe her. Liang Shuang admitted she hadn't intended for the video to go viral. Upset, Luo Yan went to bed early, leaving Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao concerned by her unusual behavior and new hair color.

The next morning, Luo Yan's distinctive hair attracted attention in the study room, and someone covertly took her photo and posted it online. Lu Ran, noticing this, confronted the photographer, took his phone, recorded his number, and threatened him with harassment if he didn't delete the post. When other students intervened, defending the photographer and accusing Luo Yan and Lu Ran of being noisy, Lu Ran pulled Luo Yan away.

Later, Lu Ran gave Luo Yan a bundle of handwritten notes, which she later discovered contained uplifting messages, significantly boosting her morale. She and Lu Ran both deleted their game accounts, deciding to focus on studying at the library. In a show of support, Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao bought matching pink wigs. When Liang Shuang returned, Luo Yan pulled her aside for a private conversation, pressing her to reveal the full truth of the incident.

However, Liang Shuang, still resistant, walked away without a word. The following morning, Jiang Xiaoguo returned with breakfast to find Luo Yan missing. Her backpack was still in the room, and her phone went unanswered. Duan Jiabao, fearing the worst after Luo Yan's quarrel with Liang Shuang, worried she might have done something drastic. The three roommates frantically searched the entire campus—the library, the canteen, the playground—to no avail.

Their panic subsided only when Luo Yan called, revealing she was simply out watching a fencing match with Lu Ran. Later, while checking online comments, Duan Jiabao noticed a user named "Miss Chanel" actively defending Luo Yan amidst the torrent of insults, making them wonder about the person's identity.

Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao pressed Luo Yan for not clarifying the truth about the bus incident, especially since she had fought back against the pervert. Luo Yan explained that she withheld the information because she believed it would only make her friends more upset with Liang Shuang. She argued that people were only interested in protecting "warriors," not merely victims, and felt that once a video was out, no one would listen to her side.

They were also upset with Liang Shuang for not speaking up, despite knowing the truth. Determined to clear Luo Yan's name, Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao visited the transportation company to retrieve the bus surveillance footage. The staff informed them they lacked the authority to provide the video without police presence. Noticing a repair order for a broken toilet on a desk, Duan Jiabao, whose family owned a toilet manufacturing business, offered to send two new toilets to the company.

However, the staff still refused their request, reiterating the need for police involvement. The two then sought police assistance, which allowed them to finally obtain the full surveillance video. After watching the complete video, they discovered that Luo Yan had pushed Liang Shuang away to protect her, and then kicked the pervert. They recorded the full truth video on their phones and uploaded it online, but it received minimal attention.

Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao felt disheartened, expecting the video to instantly turn public opinion, but they found that no one seemed interested in the actual truth. Jiang Xiaoguo suggested that Liang Shuang, who was quite popular on social media with daily lipstick swatching posts, might help by sharing the video.

Duan Jiabao speculated that Liang Shuang's current popularity and apparent wealth, evidenced by her frequent and expensive lipstick posts, were likely due to gaining advertising deals after the bus incident went viral. As they discussed their dilemma, Luo Yan, who had been listening from behind, was moved by their dedication to her. She embraced them, and Jiang Xiaoguo, refusing to give up, vowed to fight for the truth until the very end.

That night, for Jiang Xiaoguo's birthday, the three friends (Luo Yan, Duan Jiabao, and Jiang Xiaoguo herself) playfully woke Liang Shuang in the middle of the night to sing "Happy Birthday" to Jiang Xiaoguo, primarily as a prank on Liang Shuang. The next morning, before heading to work, Jiang Xiaoguo bought breakfast at a bakery that offered a small complimentary cake to birthday members. Upon arriving at the office, she placed her cake in the pantry refrigerator.

As she approached her desk, her colleagues surprised her with a cake and a birthday song. Jiang Xiaoguo was initially delighted, thinking it was for her, only to realize that the celebration was for Yang Xiaorong, who shared the same birthday. Meanwhile, Duan Jiabao faced issues at work concerning Ouyang Yushuang, an artist she managed who had limited fame and status. Company policy typically dictated economy class travel and standard hotel accommodations for such artists.

However, to curry favor with Ouyang Yushuang, Duan Jiabao personally paid to upgrade her flight to first class and housed her in a five-star hotel. This caused discontent among other artists, particularly Fei, managed by Sally, who expressed her anger to President Qian. President Qian, after reassuring Fei, called Duan Jiabao to apologize. After Fei and Sally left, President Qian questioned Duan Jiabao about the extravagant arrangements.

Duan Jiabao confessed that she paid for everything herself, explaining that she was uncomfortable leaving Ouyang Yushuang in economy class alone during a three-hour flight and enjoyed the luxuries of a five-star hotel. President Qian, although surprised by Duan Jiabao's wealth, warned her that her actions had violated company rules and created an unfair precedent.

He handed her a gift box and instructed her to deliver it to Fei, along with booking the largest VIP spa room at a friend's establishment as an apology. Liang Shuang, who had genuinely rejected the cosmetic advertisement over derogatory remarks about Luo Yan, had consequently not earned any money. To maintain her daily lipstick swatching posts, she had been visiting stores, trying on lipsticks, and only taking photos without making purchases.

After several such instances, a store assistant became visibly annoyed. Duan Jiabao spotted Liang Shuang testing lipsticks and immediately recorded a video on her phone, sending it to Jiang Xiaoguo. Jiang Xiaoguo asked for the address and decided to meet Liang Shuang at the mall. Before leaving the office, Jiang Xiaoguo went to the pantry to retrieve her birthday cake, only to find that Zhou Xun was eating it, mistaking it for Yang Xiaorong's.

The situation became awkward when Jiang Xiaoguo pulled out her birthday card from the cake box. Zhou Xun, realizing his mistake, stiffly wished her a happy birthday and quickly departed after a brief, forced conversation. Jiang Xiaoguo then rushed to the mall, found Liang Shuang, and to her surprise, Liang Shuang readily agreed to forward the truth video. Back at the office, Yang Xiaorong discovered Jiang Xiaoguo’s birthday card in the pantry.

She called Jiang Xiaoguo over, gave her a new lipstick as a gift, and shared a cake with her. Jiang Xiaoguo was touched by her kindness. As they chatted, Yang Xiaorong confided in Jiang Xiaoguo about feeling stuck in her career at her age, caught between older and younger generations. She also offered Jiang Xiaoguo some valuable advice, urging her to avoid being overly ambitious and to conserve her energy in the early stages of her career.

Yang Xiaorong later presented Jiang Xiaoguo's project proposal to Zhou Xun, who expressed interest. Judy attempted to seize the project, but Yang Xiaorong firmly insisted on collaborating with Jiang Xiaoguo to complete it. After some consideration, Zhou Xun assigned Yang Xiaorong to lead the project. Upon Luo Yan's return to the dorm, Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao joyfully informed her that Liang Shuang had forwarded the truth video.

Although it hadn't gone viral, the tide of public opinion was beginning to turn. Luo Yan, pleased with the news, suggested they celebrate at "Same Place." While the three friends enjoyed their meal, Liang Shuang was alone in the dormitory, deep in thought. She had paid a 10,000 yuan breach of contract fee to the advertiser she refused, leaving her financially strained.

The "Miss Chanel" Weibo account that had initially defended Luo Yan in the comments was, in fact, Liang Shuang's anonymous secondary account. Despite her outwardly tough demeanor, Liang Shuang harbored a kind and gentle heart, remembering her grandmother’s advice to secretly do good deeds, and continued her efforts to help Luo Yan. Later, the three friends playfully named themselves "TYTO" (Too Young Too Old), a name they felt perfectly captured their current transitional phase between student life and adulthood.

The following day marked the final match of Duan Zhenyu’s fencing competition. Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan joined Duan Jiabao to cheer him on. Duan Zhenyu's opponent, Liu Ziqi, was a formidable competitor, and the scores remained close throughout the match. However, during the intense competition, Duan Zhenyu's old injury flared up. In his eagerness to attack, he left himself vulnerable, allowing his opponent to find an opening. Tragically, he lost the match by a single point.

Afterward, a doctor diagnosed Duan Zhenyu with a tennis elbow fracture, assuring them it was not severe and would heal in about four weeks with proper care. Duan Jiabao, in her concern, angrily told her brother to stop fencing, but he defiantly insisted on continuing his athletic career. Despite her outward frustration, Duan Jiabao immediately ordered a month's supply of bone soup from Xiong to aid her brother's recovery.

As she was making arrangements for Duan Zhenyu, Jiang Xiaoguo mentioned that she, too, would "have someone to serve on." Jiang Xiaoguo then went to Shenzhen Pingshan High-speed Railway Station, where her mother arrived, bringing a "good thing" to show off to Aunt Zhao.

Duan Zhenyu was rushed to the hospital after his fencing match, where he lost by a single point due to an old injury flaring up. The doctor diagnosed him with tennis elbow, which was a chronic inflammation, advising hospitalization for observation, despite Duan Zhenyu's reluctance. Duan Jiabao, worried, immediately ordered a month's supply of bone soup from Xiong Zhi to help her brother recover.

Jiang Xiaoguo's mother arrived in Shenzhen for a colleague's wedding and surprised her daughter with a brand new Gucci bag, explaining she felt her "outstanding daughter" deserved a luxury item after seeing another acquaintance flaunt one. Jiang Xiaoguo was thrilled, especially when Duan Jiabao revealed she had bought the exact same model from a classmate's Daigou service. They joyfully planned to be "Gucci Sisters." However, Liang Shuang, upon seeing their bags, dismissively called them "tacky" and "basic."

Meanwhile, Luo Yan received her own "gift" from her mother – a massive "post-graduate entrance examination gift pack" consisting of a stack of books, leading Jiang Xiaoguo to jokingly lament the "same dorm, different maternal love." At work, Duan Jiabao faced sarcastic remarks from colleagues envious of her new bag. Feeling uncomfortable, she quickly hid it away.

Jiang Xiaoguo, equally eager to show off her new acquisition, found that her colleagues mostly ignored it until Yang Xiaorong, noticing the bag, congratulated her. Yang Xiaorong then delivered exciting news: Jiang Xiaoguo was the first intern to have her proposal approved, and Zhou Xun had assigned her to work with Yang Xiaorong on Project Mosaic. Their first meeting with President Lei was scheduled for Friday at 4 PM.

Yang Xiaorong stressed the project's high profile and the need for thorough due diligence. Overjoyed and a little surprised, Jiang Xiaoguo promised to dedicate herself fully to the task, also inquiring about potential bonuses for interns, to which Yang Xiaorong affirmed that hard work would be rewarded. On Friday, Jiang Xiaoguo waited at the meeting place for Yang Xiaorong, who was late due to a prenatal check-up she had forgotten about.

Over the phone, Yang Xiaorong first instructed Jiang Xiaoguo to tell President Lei that she was stuck in traffic and would arrive in at least half an hour. Then, seeing no other option, she decided to have Jiang Xiaoguo impersonate her, guiding her through a Bluetooth headset. Jiang Xiaoguo, introducing herself as Yang Xiaorong, the Investment Director of Puling, faced an impatient President Lei, who quickly demanded to know Puling's investment offer.

Following Yang Xiaorong's instruction, Jiang Xiaoguo quoted "eighty million." President Lei immediately found the offer unsatisfactory compared to others and prepared to leave. Sensing the deal was slipping away, Jiang Xiaoguo discreetly removed her headset. Drawing on her prior research, she addressed President Lei directly, speaking passionately about his initial vision for Project Mosaic: protecting online personal privacy and creating a better online community.

She recounted the distressing experience of a socially anxious friend whose identity was exposed after being molested on a bus, leading to constant public scrutiny. Jiang Xiaoguo highlighted how a product like Mosaic could prevent such harm, advocating for everyone's right to privacy and decency online. Her sincere words resonated deeply with President Lei, who acknowledged that this was "indeed" his original motivation. He then agreed to reconsider and schedule another meeting to discuss the investment terms and details further.

A relieved Jiang Xiaoguo thanked him. Afterward, Yang Xiaorong, overjoyed by the unexpected success, expressed her immense gratitude, calling Jiang Xiaoguo her "lucky charm" and acknowledging how her pregnancy limited her. Jiang Xiaoguo felt equally grateful for the opportunity to prove herself, and they agreed to continue working hard and succeeding together. At work, Duan Jiabao's colleagues, noticing her luxury bag, made passive-aggressive remarks about her wealth.

To diffuse the tension and appear more relatable, Duan Jiabao confessed that her bag was "quite cheap" and a "knock-off," adding that her family wasn't "that loaded." This immediately altered her colleagues' perception, who then praised the "flawless craftsmanship" of the "fake" bag and asked for the purchase link. They invited her to walk home with them.

When they decided to ride shared bikes, Duan Jiabao, who had never ridden one, feigned preferring a different color, then claimed her phone had "just died" to avoid scanning a bike. However, a colleague named Lisa offered to scan one for her with another app. Unable to decline further, a reluctant Duan Jiabao had to push the shared bike alongside her colleagues.

That evening, while Luo Yan and Jiang Xiaoguo prepared snail noodles in their dorm, Jiang Xiaoguo was distraught when a tiny drop of chili oil stained her new bag, exclaiming it was "priceless." She immediately imposed a ban on "smelly, liquidy, or greasy food" in the dorm. Just then, Duan Jiabao returned with stinky tofu, prompting Jiang Xiaoguo to banish her and Luo Yan to the hallway to eat.

Outside, Duan Jiabao excitedly recounted how she gained her colleagues' favor by claiming her Gucci bag was fake. Jiang Xiaoguo commended her "humble act" and advised her to further immerse herself in the "ordinary people's lives" across "food, clothing, housing, and transportation."

She elaborated: for clothing, adopt a more professional office style; for food, actively participate in group orders and share discounts; for housing, complain about high rents, making sure to never mention her family's four apartments in Shenzhen; and for transportation, ride shared bikes, though Duan Jiabao expressed strong aversion to this.

Jiang Xiaoguo humorously summarized her advice as "Snatch, add, share, and loan," further explaining that "loan" referred to borrowing money via "WeChat loan," which surprised Duan Jiabao so much she offered to lend money herself. Jiang Xiaoguo concluded with a lighthearted warning to "buy more self-defense devices" for speaking so out of touch. Jiang Xiaoguo accompanied her mother to a wedding, where her mother insisted on wearing a fur coat despite the hot weather.

Her mom explained it was a matter of pride, especially against her old rival, Auntie Sun Lifen, a former "workplace belle." Upon meeting Auntie Sun, the two women engaged in a subtle battle of boasts. Auntie Sun flaunted her new 200-square-meter apartment in Shenzhen, while Jiang Xiaoguo's mother countered by claiming she considered moving to Hong Kong, but found travel too convenient.

She then proudly declared her fur coat was "environmentally friendly faux fur," "more expensive than real fur," with Jiang Xiaoguo confirming it wasn't real fur. She further bragged about Jiang Xiaoguo, who had just joined a VC firm, earning "five figures a month," and buying a "newest model Gucci bag" with her first salary.

Later that evening, back in the dorm, Jiang Xiaoguo compared her bag with Duan Jiabao's and noticed a subtle difference: one had "black edges" while hers had "white." She then realized her bag was fake, recalling there were no Gucci stores in her hometown. Upset, she lamented to Luo Yan about her mother buying "faux fur and a fake bag" without informing her, causing her to unknowingly "show off" and "embarrass" herself.

Luo Yan playfully suggested using "correction tape" to fix the edge. Shortly after, Duan Jiabao called, asking Jiang Xiaoguo to deliver soup to Duan Zhenyu at the hospital, as she had an "urgent task." Despite Luo Yan's attempt to cover for Jiang Xiaoguo's distress over the fake bag, Jiang Xiaoguo insisted she was "fine" and agreed to go. At the hospital, Jiang Xiaoguo witnessed Duan Zhenyu angrily lashing out at his doctor.

She learned that his arm injury, although a "mild case of tennis elbow," was a "chronic inflammation" requiring surgery. The devastating news was that after the operation, "resuming fencing" would be "almost impossible." Jiang Xiaoguo attempted to comfort him, suggesting he could still fence with his left arm and with more effort. However, Duan Zhenyu bitterly retorted, questioning if "hard work really pay[s] off."

He explained that an athlete's career ends due to "lack of talent," not age or injury, dismissing Jiang Xiaoguo's optimistic view as a "wishful thinking you ordinary people hold onto." Overwhelmed with despair, he told her to leave him "alone." As Jiang Xiaoguo departed, he stopped her, pleading with her not to tell Duan Jiabao about his grim prognosis.

Back at the company, Judy informed Jiang Xiaoguo that President Lei had discovered her impersonation of Yang Xiaorong and, as a result, Mosaic Corporation had "officially turned down" Puling Capital's investment offer, causing a significant problem for the company. Judy warned Jiang Xiaoguo that Zhou Xun was currently apologizing to President Lei and she needed a good explanation. Yang Xiaorong later pressed Jiang Xiaoguo for details about the meeting.

Jiang Xiaoguo speculated that President Lei might have realized her bag was a "knock-off" when he "handed me my bag" as she was leaving, and Yang Xiaorong agreed that an "Investment Director wouldn't carry a knock-off bag." Jiang Xiaoguo apologized profusely, but Yang Xiaorong assured her not to "beat herself up" and promised to "figure something out."

The next day, as Jiang Xiaoguo's mother prepared to return home, Jiang Xiaoguo confronted her about the fake bag, asking why she had bought it and lied about it. Her mother vehemently insisted that she had purchased it "from the official licensed store" and it was "authentic." However, a disbelieving Jiang Xiaoguo told her mother, "You may fool others, but you can't fool me," and refused to accept her explanations.

Luo Yan, overwhelmed by the "post-graduate entrance examination gift pack" her mother had sent her – a daunting stack of books – shared them with Lu Ran for studying. Lu Ran was initially puzzled to find handwritten notes in the books, assuming they were secondhand, until Luo Yan revealed they were her mother's personal study notes. This gesture deeply touched Luo Yan, who then decided to go home to surprise her mother.

However, as she neared her apartment building, she was shocked to see her mother "holding hands" with an unknown man. Unable to process the sight, Luo Yan, whose father had passed away long ago, quietly turned and left without going home. Zhou Xun summoned both Yang Xiaorong and Jiang Xiaoguo to his office, demanding an explanation for the botched Project Mosaic deal.

Yang Xiaorong, immediately deflecting blame, acknowledged her initial responsibility but quickly fabricated a story: she claimed she had asked Jiang Xiaoguo to reschedule the meeting due to her own poor health, but Jiang Xiaoguo had "taken it upon herself" to impersonate her, albeit with good intentions out of eagerness "to be seen." Zhou Xun, enraged, lectured them on the paramount importance of "credibility" in the investment world.

He condemned their "disrespectful business act," stating that if they "want to try any tricks," they should "do it wisely," but being "exposed" made "Puling look bad." He expressed his disdain for "smart alecks," deeming them worse than "idiots," before dismissing them both. Outside the office, a heartbroken Jiang Xiaoguo confronted Yang Xiaorong, asking why she had lied.

Yang Xiaorong, justifying her actions, explained she "can't afford to lose this job," reiterating her earlier sentiment that "a mother would do anything for her child." A voice-over reflected on the damaging nature of such "mother's love." Despite Yang Xiaorong's attempt to salvage the deal with Zhou Xun at Project Mosaic, President Lei had already begun negotiations with a competitor, Lanhe.

Upon returning to the dorm, Duan Jiabao informed Jiang Xiaoguo that her own Gucci bag was actually fake, as her Daigou classmate had been selling knock-offs and was now under police investigation. Duan Jiabao clarified that the authentic Gucci model had "black edges" on its handles, meaning Jiang Xiaoguo's bag, with its white edges, was indeed the real one she had doubted. This revelation prompted Jiang Xiaoguo to immediately call her mother.

With newfound understanding and tears, she urged her mom not to "splurge" on her anymore, instead asking her to save money. Jiang Xiaoguo declared her new goal: to "buy an apartment in Shenzhen" and "ask you to move in with me." Her mother then revealed that beyond her regular salary, she was "also moonlighting" to earn extra money, explaining it was "for you" and even served to "lose weight" – "killing two birds with one stone."

A reflective voice-over underscored the stark contrast between Yang Xiaorong's "selfishness and ugliness" hidden beneath the guise of maternal love and Jiang Xiaoguo's mother's "gentle and selfless" true devotion. Jiang Xiaoguo was aware that Duan Zhenyu had been discharged from the hospital, but she wrestled with the difficult decision of whether to disclose the severity of his condition to Duan Jiabao, as he had specifically asked her to keep it a secret.

Jiang Xiaoguo, after hesitating to tell Duan Jiabao about Duan Zhenyu’s injury, returned to Puling Capital. Judy, suspecting that Yang Xiaorong was behind Jiang Xiaoguo’s impersonation of the CIO, advised Jiang Xiaoguo to speak with President Lei since President Zhou Xun wouldn't listen to her. Jiang Xiaoguo immediately went to find President Lei, but he refused to hear her out, stating there was no point in discussing what had already happened, and drove away.

Undeterred, Jiang Xiaoguo decided to borrow Duan Zhenyu's car to follow him. She found Duan Zhenyu throwing away his fencing equipment, consumed by despair over his arm injury. When Jiang Xiaoguo asked for his car, explaining she needed to fix a "screwed-up project" and couldn't afford a rental, Duan Zhenyu mocked her, saying an intern like her couldn't possibly "save the critical situation" with just "tiny effort."

Jiang Xiaoguo, however, defiantly declared that "hard-working is another name for miracle" and that he wouldn't understand the value of hardworking people. She then challenged Duan Zhenyu: if she succeeded, he would resume his fencing practice. Duan Zhenyu, agreeing to the bet, allowed her to use his car but insisted on accompanying her to witness her inevitable failure, a prospect Jiang Xiaoguo found frustrating. Back home, Luo Yan's mother suggested she move back to be supervised for her postgraduate exam.

Luo Yan declined, saying she had found a study partner, Lu Ran, and they could supervise each other. Her mother insisted on getting Lu Ran's contact information, threatening to call Luo Yan daily if she refused. As Luo Yan was about to comply, her mother received a call from Zhao Changming, whom she asked to pick her up, and then promptly left. Luo Yan suspected her mother was dating Zhao Changming.

Confiding in her deceased father, Luo Yan admitted she couldn't remain indifferent to her mother moving on, despite initially thinking she wouldn't. The next morning, Luo Yan’s mother scolded her for staying up late and threatened to cut her pocket money if she continued to disregard her studies. Luo Yan later discovered her old, broken game console, a cherished item from her childhood with her father, was missing.

Her maid mentioned throwing away "useless things," leading Luo Yan to believe it was gone. However, her mother later surprised her by presenting the repaired console, explaining she had gone to great lengths to find parts for it. Luo Yan's mother reminisced about her and Luo Yan's father playing together, making Luo Yan realize that her mother hadn't forgotten him.

Her mother then challenged Luo Yan to a game, betting that if she won, Luo Yan would have to adopt an earlier sleep schedule and study diligently, a challenge Luo Yan accepted. On the set, Duan Jiabao and Ouyang Yushuang were working. After waiting for over three hours, Ouyang Yushuang hadn't been called for her shot. Duan Jiabao investigated, discovering that the leading artist, Mei, was having a temper tantrum because her shoes were too tight.

Resourceful, Duan Jiabao offered her own spare shoes, explaining that her actress's feet tend to swell, so she always carries extras. The director, grateful for her quick thinking, rewarded Ouyang Yushuang with an additional close-up shot. While resolving the shoe issue, the specific "lion's head" dish Ouyang Yushuang wanted from "Qiantangchao restaurant" sold out.

Duan Jiabao quickly called Xiong Zhi, asking him to prepare the dish and deliver it within an hour, also offering to supply the soy sauce when he mentioned running out. Xiong Zhi also made an extra portion for Duan Jiabao. When Xiong Zhi delivered the homemade lion's head, Ouyang Yushuang was initially surprised it wasn't from her preferred restaurant but accepted it.

While they ate, Xiong Zhi confessed his dislike for his programming job, admitting he found true satisfaction only in cooking and experimenting with new recipes. He worried Duan Jiabao might view him as unambitious, but she praised him, saying that knowing what one truly desires is "great," especially when many people are still searching for their passion. Duan Jiabao also joked that she would buy all the soy sauce if he just kept cooking for them.

Undaunted by President Lei’s initial refusal, Jiang Xiaoguo decided to follow him. She trailed his car throughout the day. That evening, he went to a high-end bar with a minimum charge of 3,888 yuan for a business dinner. Jiang Xiaoguo bravely entered, ordering tea and sunflower seeds, and watched as President Lei was relentlessly pressured to drink by his business partners.

Stepping in, she introduced herself as his secretary (later clarifying she was his driver when questioned by others) and took on the task of blocking drinks for him, consuming several glasses herself. Despite her attempts to plead with the other businessmen to reconsider their existing contracts, they dismissed her as drunk. After President Lei finished his engagement, Jiang Xiaoguo was so intoxicated she could barely speak. Duan Zhenyu had to slap her awake to clear her head.

Still groggy, Jiang Xiaoguo clung to President Lei, passionately pleading for him to give Puling Capital another chance. She explained that the entire company was working tirelessly to rectify her mistake, with the marketing department devising new plans and the investment department seeking better platforms, all driven by a genuine admiration for Mosaic’s product design. Moved by her unwavering sincerity and Puling's commitment, President Lei agreed to reconsider their proposal. The following day, President Lei visited Puling Capital.

Jiang Xiaoguo promptly sent a photo to Duan Zhenyu, triumphantly declaring that her hard work had paid off. Acknowledging his loss in their bet, Duan Zhenyu decided to resume his fencing training and even had a new foil customized with the inscription "Hard-working is another name for miracle." Later, Jiang Xiaoguo, still feeling a sore cheek, asked Duan Zhenyu what happened when she was drunk.

He jokingly brushed it off, claiming she had thrown up in his car and offered to treat him to dinner as an apology, which Jiang Xiaoguo readily accepted. Puling Capital eventually secured the contract with President Lei. Jiang Xiaoguo initially believed her persistence was the sole reason, but Wendy revealed that President Zhou Xun had actually leveraged his connections to help President Lei's son secure a school placement, which was a significant factor.

After the contract was signed, Zhou Xun called in Yang Xiaorong, telling her to take an early maternity leave, effectively suspending her. He explained that although Jiang Xiaoguo made a mistake, Yang Xiaorong hadn't actively tried to resolve the problem herself, criticizing her for being insecure about ambitious subordinates while she herself had become stagnant. He stressed that Puling, as a startup, required everyone to constantly fight and move forward.

When questioned by Su Hang, Zhou Xun admitted he decided to "play the emotional card" because Jiang Xiaoguo's earlier passionate appeal had revealed President Lei to be a man of "affection and faith." This made him believe an emotional approach would be effective. Believing the matter was resolved, Su Hang was surprised when Zhou Xun stated there was still an issue.

Zhou Xun then confronted Judy, accusing her of sending an anonymous email to President Lei, revealing Jiang Xiaoguo’s true identity as an intern. He deduced that only an internal employee would know this detail, and Judy, in fierce competition with Yang Xiaorong, stood to benefit most from the project's collapse.

Despite acknowledging Judy's competence and a previous promise of promotion to director, Zhou Xun asserted that her "smartness" ultimately harmed the entire company, and Puling had no place for employees who created internal strife or blocked progress. Judy was subsequently dismissed. After dealing with these matters, Zhou Xun called Jiang Xiaoguo into his office. Jiang Xiaoguo, fearing she was about to be fired, asked when he had managed to secure the deal with President Lei.

Zhou Xun curtly replied it was "before you being stupid and drinking with them," clarifying that drinking alone wouldn't win back a business deal. He explained that President Lei chose Puling not just for personal favors but also because Puling respected Mosaic's "original intention and strategy" and was willing to "grow with them," in contrast to Lanhe’s more stringent VAM terms and demands.

He then informed Jiang Xiaoguo that her efforts, though not solely responsible for securing the Mosaic project, were "not completely wasted," as they had earned her a temporary position within the company. He then told her to go home and sober up before returning to work, as he didn't want a "hangover person" wandering around the office. Jiang Xiaoguo, realizing she wasn't fired, vowed to keep fighting.

During the previous ad shoot, the lion's head dish that Xiong Zhi prepared for Ouyang Yushuang, at Duan Jiabao's request, contained seafood soy sauce. Unbeknownst to Duan Jiabao, Ouyang Yushuang was severely allergic to seafood, resulting in rashes, hospitalization, and three weeks of missed work. President Qian, after a discussion, informed a shocked Duan Jiabao that she was officially dismissed for her oversight.

He pointed out that while she aimed to help Ouyang get an extra shot, she had failed to read the "Artist Handbook" carefully regarding the artist's allergies. Later, Jiang Xiaoguo had dinner with Duan Zhenyu. She confessed that securing President Lei's deal was not her doing but Zhou Xun's, admitting her failure in their bet. Duan Zhenyu, however, told her that her "effort that day was much better than you just saying it" and confirmed he would resume fencing.

He then asked what the other "matter" was that she had mentioned earlier. Jiang Xiaoguo admitted she had told Duan Jiabao about his arm injury. Just as Duan Zhenyu predicted, Duan Jiabao burst in, embracing him and crying dramatically, asking why he hadn't told her and if she was still his sister. She even offered to give him all her inheritance, saying he could be a "handsome boss" instead of a fencer.

After her initial emotional outburst, Duan Jiabao, upon hearing Duan Zhenyu’s determination to continue fencing, decided to support his ambition to become a top fencer, actively researching the qualifications needed to join the National Youth Team and the necessary competition schedules. Meanwhile, with Yang Xiaorong suspended, Jiang Xiaoguo found herself without a direct supervisor. She approached President Zhou Xun to inquire about her next tasks.

As Zhou Xun was scheduled for a business trip to negotiate with Qi Miao Shang Pu, his colleague suggested Jiang Xiaoguo accompany him. Separately, Liang Shuang, who had been actively promoting herself on Weibo, connected with another popular beauty blogger named Lilia. Lilia, having noticed Liang Shuang's content, later met her at a party and helped her secure a lucrative lipstick advertising deal, requesting two distinct proposals from Liang Shuang. Luo Yan, inspired by her mother's perseverance, joined Duan Jiabao in entering a raffle for Lilia concert tickets by buying Rio cocktails; to their surprise, they won first prize.

Jiang Xiaoguo's team was disbanded, leading General Manager Chen to assign her to accompany Zhou Xun on a business trip to Shenzhen to negotiate with Qimiao Shangpu. Xiaoguo eagerly volunteered, highlighting her industriousness. Before her departure, Jiang Xiaoguo invited Duan Jiabao and Luo Yan to celebrate, fantasizing about business class travel and staying in a five-star hotel with Zhou Xun.

During this time, Duan Zhenyu, who had recently switched hands in fencing and was struggling at the bottom of his team, visited them to ask Xiaoguo how to adapt to being a failure. Xiaoguo's expression changed, and Duan Jiabao quickly admonished her brother. Jiabao also cautioned Xiaoguo to be wary of Zhou Xun during the trip and not to let him take advantage.

Despite her high hopes, Jiang Xiaoguo was assigned to a regular hotel room next to Zhou Xun's, not the five-star accommodation she envisioned. Zhou Xun instructed her to book a private restaurant for a business meeting the following day with Qimiao Shangpu's CEO. However, Jiang Xiaoguo booked a distinctive restaurant, which turned out to be a boat, based on her own consumer habits and preference for cost-effectiveness.

This greatly displeased Zhou Xun, who was seeking a private space for serious discussions and felt she was there for pleasure rather than business. Unfazed, Xiaoguo presented her prepared research on the CEO, Wei Li, also known as Dali, whom the brief described as a mature and wise businesswoman. Unexpectedly, a young woman who was Wei Li herself appeared, showing a fashionable and avant-garde demeanor.

She openly commented on the handsome men in the restaurant and praised the venue for its food and attractive sights. Wei Li revealed she chose to cooperate with Puling Capital primarily because Zhou Xun was the best-looking investor, though she rated him only 5. 9 points. As Wei Li showed no interest in discussing business, Jiang Xiaoguo quickly shifted the conversation to celebrities, mentioning Duan Zhenyu's account on Qimiao Shangpu.

Wei Li, who enjoyed handsome men like Duan Zhenyu, became lively and chatted happily with Xiaoguo, leaving Zhou Xun unable to interject. Seizing the opportunity, Zhou Xun tasked Xiaoguo with continuing the negotiation and obtaining crucial data such as Qimiao Shangpu's daily active users. Xiaoguo then spent the evening accompanying Wei Li, engaging in games like truth or dare at a KTV session, where she successfully extracted the information Zhou Xun needed but also became heavily inebriated and incoherent.

Zhou Xun had to bring her back to his room before securing another room for himself. The next day, Zhou Xun warned Xiaoguo that her behavior the previous night was grounds for dismissal and then took her to Qimiao Shangpu for an on-site investigation. On the way, Zhou Xun inquired if she had obtained the requested information, but Xiaoguo could not answer.

At Qimiao Shangpu, they observed few employees and a general lax attitude among the staff, which Wei Li explained as "humanized management." After leaving, Zhou Xun assigned Xiaoguo to stake out a coffee shop outside Qimiao Shangpu to count the number and tonnage of trucks entering and exiting the park daily. Meanwhile, back at their dormitory, Duan Jiabao was struggling to choose an outfit for an upcoming concert.

Liang Shuang, who was developing a lipstick promotion plan, found inspiration in Jiabao's dilemma and tested lipstick choices on her. The positive results led Liang Shuang to finalize her proposal.

She planned to send it to Lilia for review, but Jiabao, having recently been fired by Mr. Qian after Ouyang Yushuang had an allergic reaction to seafood soy sauce used in the lion's head she prepared, which kept Ouyang Yushuang from working for three weeks, warned Liang Shuang not to trust the wrong person and suggested adding a watermark to her proposal. Liang Shuang, considering Lilia a friend, dismissed the advice.

Liang Shuang presented two advertising schemes to Lilia, but Lilia dismissed the "identity-switching" concept as having too narrow an audience, pushing for a more conventional "smudge-proof challenge." However, this common challenge had already been adopted by other beauty bloggers. When Liang Shuang attempted to pitch her alternative scheme to the brand, she discovered they had already selected another collaborator: Lilia. Disheartened to find Lilia using her stolen idea on Weibo, Liang Shuang realized the validity of Jiabao's earlier warning.

She confronted Lilia, who reacted with arrogance. Lilia's agent, Xiao Li, acknowledged Liang Shuang's creativity and offered her a 20% copywriting fee along with a concert ticket, proposing a long-term partnership where Liang Shuang would act as Lilia's "shadow" by providing creative ideas. Liang Shuang, recognizing her ability to create for major brands, refused to be Lilia's shadow but took the concert ticket, not wanting to give her work away for free.

She reflected on her own arrogance in failing to discern good from evil and genuine intentions. Upon returning to the dorm, Liang Shuang learned that Jiabao's own concert ticket had been destroyed in a express warehouse fire. Knowing this, Liang Shuang offered Jiabao the ticket in exchange for becoming her agent and securing an advertisement deal. Separately, Luo Yan discovered online that her mother's boyfriend was university professor Zhao Changming.

Seeing that Zhao Changming was giving a lecture, Luo Yan decided to attend to probe his character and test the waters, wary of potentially "acknowledging a thief as her father." Although Lu Ran had invited her boating, Luo Yan, committed to preparing for her postgraduate exams after receiving a "postgraduate exam gift package" from her mother, arranged to attend the lecture instead. She had initially hoped Jiabao would accompany her, but Jiabao went to watch Duan Zhenyu's fencing practice instead.

Alone at the lecture, during the Q&A session, Luo Yan stood up to let someone pass and was mistakenly assumed to have a question. Seizing the opportunity, she asked Zhao Changming how he would handle a partner who was controlling and bad-tempered.

Zhao Changming replied that if it were his partner, he would choose to see the virtues hidden beneath their flaws, acknowledging that if one chooses to be with a partner, one should accept both their good and bad sides. Luo Yan was touched and satisfied by his response, and her impression of him improved.

Duan Jiabao, saddened by missing a star's meet-and-greet, is approached by Liang Shuang, who shares her own experiences and offers the coveted tickets, proposing that Duan Jiabao become her agent and demonstrating her sincerity. Duan Jiabao accepts the tickets and begins secretly searching for advertisers for Liang Shuang. She soon secures an advertisement for the popular online product, Shelly cream (also referred to as a mask in one summary).

Liang Shuang expresses initial concern about the product's quality due to the advertiser's urgency and the cream's fast-acting nature, asking Duan Jiabao to investigate its reviews. Duan Jiabao, finding numerous positive online reviews, assumes there is no issue. While Luo Yan is in the bathroom, Duan Jiabao quickly gets Liang Shuang to sign the advertising contract.

To maintain secrecy about their collaboration, Duan Jiabao then takes the concert tickets and departs after Luo Yan leaves to buy skincare products for her mother, asking Liang Shuang not to inform Luo Yan and Jiang Xiaoguo and to return to the dorm at a later time. Meanwhile, Liang Shuang goes to a mall to purchase mascara and perfume for the shoot.

Although she had saved enough money, a mall discount promotion had ended, leaving her a few hundred yuan short. With the desired items also temporarily out of stock, Liang Shuang attempts to leave, citing a long waiting time. At the store entrance, she encounters her former colleague, Zhang Pangpang, who makes mocking remarks.

Liang Shuang claims she couldn't buy anything due to lack of stock, but then a sales assistant appears, confirming the items are now available and asking if she still wants them. Unwilling to lose face publicly, Liang Shuang reluctantly buys them. Liang Shuang later buys a set of Shelly cream for the shoot.

On her way to the concert, Duan Jiabao discovers online posts claiming Shelly cream caused skin damage and immediately calls Liang Shuang, suggesting they cancel the ad since the contract hadn't yet been mailed. Annoyed by her recent purchases, Liang Shuang tells Duan Jiabao to proceed to the concert, assuring her that she will handle the aftermath. Upon returning from the concert, Duan Jiabao sees Liang Shuang's ad posted on Weibo and is surprised she went ahead.

Liang Shuang explains that she conducted her own investigation and concluded the cream was fine, asserting that any allergic reaction experienced by a user was due to the misuse of skincare products, not the Shelly cream itself. To further reassure Duan Jiabao, Liang Shuang calls Ms. Qiao, the person in charge, who confirms the girl had already apologized and clarified the incident. Relieved, Duan Jiabao acknowledges Liang Shuang's serious and persistent approach.

Ms. Qiao then requests an invoice for the final payment. As Liang Shuang does not have a company, Duan Jiabao takes the phone and resolves the invoice issue for her. In another thread, Zhou Xun takes Jiang Xiaoguo to a restaurant, where she orders many dishes. He assigns her the task of staking out the warehouse of "Qimiao Shop," a company, to count incoming and outgoing vehicles and their tonnage. Jiang Xiaoguo reports her findings to Zhou Xun.

She then receives a call from Dali, who confirms her decision to cooperate with Puling Capital. The next day, as Zhou Xun prepares to sign the investment intention letter with Dali's Qimiao Shop, Jiang Xiaoguo receives an urgent call from company risk control.

Risk control informs her that Dali's family is involved in real estate, her company's market data is inflated with family money, and the company is actually a front for her to engage in a "sugar mommy" arrangement, with related news already exposed online. Jiang Xiaoguo immediately relays this information to Zhou Xun and asks if he wants to reconsider. However, Zhou Xun, expressing his confidence in Dali, proceeds to sign the contract with Qimiao Shop.

Jiang Xiaoguo is anxious, and Dali herself is surprised, having already guessed that Jiang Xiaoguo had informed Zhou Xun about the online news. Zhou Xun explains that while Dali might be a playful "young lady," he believes she is an excellent entrepreneur.

He clarifies that the vehicle counts confirmed Qimiao Shop's legitimate turnover, and his field research and conversations with Dali's employees, combined with her self-discipline (evidenced by her punctuality despite a hangover), prove she is diligent, capable of effective hiring, and a qualified entrepreneur, leading him to confidently choose to cooperate with her. Luo Yan, wanting to help her mother, first asks Duan Jiabao for skincare product recommendations, suggesting her mom take good care of her skin.

Duan Jiabao mistakenly believes Luo Yan is in love, but Luo Yan clarifies that her mom is in love and she wants to buy products for her mother's skincare and maintenance, also suggesting her mom buy new clothes to replace her professional attire. Luo Yan then makes an effort to actively seek out her mother, who is surprised and assumes Luo Yan has something to ask or is in a relationship.

Luo Yan quickly denies being in a relationship, pointing out her mother isn't even in one. She then subtly tries to encourage her mother to seize the opportunity with Zhao Changming and dress herself up, but her mother doesn't understand her hints, telling her to focus on her studies and even mistaking Luo Yan's suggestions for her trying to push clothes for a part-time job.

After their initial project, Duan Jiabao realizes Liang Shuang is a very serious and responsible person. While celebrating their first profitable collaboration over a meal, Liang Shuang asks Duan Jiabao if she wants to continue their partnership, expressing her desire to stop collaborating secretly and suggesting Duan Jiabao openly inform Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan. As Duan Jiabao hesitates, Xiong Zhi unexpectedly brings them crayfish.

Duan Jiabao is surprised to discover that Xiong Zhi, inspired by her, quit his programmer job and is now working as a chef's assistant at Same Place. Moved by Xiong Zhi's courage to pursue his passion and break prejudices, Duan Jiabao decides to drop her own preconceptions and agree to continue working with Liang Shuang.

On the way back to the dorm, Duan Jiabao still suggests they return separately to avoid suspicion, but Liang Shuang confidently walks in, refusing to follow her arrangement. After officially forming their partnership, Duan Jiabao diligently begins to find advertisements for Liang Shuang and even asks Jiang Xiaoguo for advice on how to acquire clients.

When Jiang Xiaoguo expresses surprise, Liang Shuang quickly clarifies that Duan Jiabao is asking on behalf of Xiong Zhi, which Jiang Xiaoguo accepts without suspicion, sharing her insights and experiences on client acquisition. In the fencing team, Duan Zhenyu, observing his teammates training diligently to improve, recognizes his past arrogance and apologizes to them. To show his sincerity, he invites them all to sing karaoke at KTV, even providing VIP cards.

He then leaves them to sing, returning to school to practice fencing alone. Through his arduous training, Duan Zhenyu finally adapts to fencing with his left hand. He invites Jiang Xiaoguo to watch his match against Mojie, but she arrives late. Upon entering, she hears others cheering for Duan Zhenyu. Despite losing the match, Duan Zhenyu proudly tells Jiang Xiaoguo he managed to score a point with his left hand.

Concerned that Mojie might be upset, Jiang Xiaoguo offers him a few words of comfort. Mojie finds Jiang Xiaoguo somewhat cute and develops feelings for her. He then offers to help train Duan Zhenyu, but only in exchange for Jiang Xiaoguo's WeChat contact information, which Duan Zhenyu agrees to trade.

Zhou Xun initiates a public recruitment for an assistant position, a role Jiang Xiaoguo eagerly pursues, hoping for a promising career. Upon arriving at the company, Jiang Xiaoguo discovers that Wendy is absent on sick leave and is asked by HR to temporarily cover the front desk for two days. Although initially reluctant, Jiang Xiaoguo agrees. She proactively reviews and organizes applicants' resumes for Zhou Xun, who, despite calling her meddlesome, ultimately utilizes her efforts during the interviews.

When it's Jiang Xiaoguo's turn to interview, she is the last applicant but is directly rejected by Zhou Xun. Later, Zhou Xun instructs Jiang Xiaoguo to direct an interviewee from Lanhe to his office at 3 PM. However, Mr. Su Sr. , Su Hang's father, arrives instead. Jiang Xiaoguo mistakes him for the applicant, informs him that it's not yet time, and makes him wait in the reception area.

While Jiang Xiaoguo is downstairs running an errand for Zhou Xun (picking up a cake/takeout), Director Chen recognizes Mr. Su Sr. and escorts him to Su Hang's office. Mr. Su Sr. has come to Plunge to discuss investment strategy, advocating for a balanced portfolio that includes traditional industries, arguing that focusing solely on high-risk, high-return emerging industries is too risky. Zhou Xun vehemently disagrees, dismissing traditional investments as merely "picking up others' leftovers."

Su Hang attempts to mediate as tensions rise, but Mr. Su Sr. , angered by Zhou Xun's stance, temporarily leaves the office to cool off. Upon his return, he is again stopped by Jiang Xiaoguo, who, still unaware of his identity, prevents him from re-entering his son's office (either to vent or retrieve his bag). Zhou Xun, witnessing the confrontation from inside, finds it amusing. Su Hang quickly intervenes to pull his father away.

Realizing her significant mistake, Jiang Xiaoguo nervously explains to Zhou Xun, who unexpectedly offers her a chance: if she can find a new investment project, she might still become his assistant. Meanwhile, Luo Yan and Lu Ran visit an art exhibition where they spot Zhao Changming with another woman entering a special exhibition area.

Luo Yan immediately suspects Zhao Changming of infidelity, a distressing discovery as her mother, who had been single since her father's death, had recently found what Luo Yan believed to be true love with Zhao Changming. This revelation leaves Luo Yan unable to concentrate on her studies. She considers writing a note to warn her mother but ultimately decides against it, either due to hesitation or a desire to investigate further.

Following Zhao Changming to a cake shop, Luo Yan discovers he picks up a wedding anniversary cake ordered by her mother. Researching him online, she finds that Zhao Changming is already married to a woman named Qu Wan, leading Luo Yan to conclude that her mother is unknowingly involved as the "other woman."

In other events, Jiang Xiaoguo comments on Liang Shuang's recent surge in social media video views and fast-growing followers, expressing envy at how easily Liang Shuang earns money. Duan Jiabao instinctively defends Liang Shuang, causing Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan to sense something unusual, prompting Duan Jiabao to quickly change the subject. Rhythm in Heart, a client, requests more commute photos from Liang Shuang.

After shooting at school, Duan Jiabao and Liang Shuang send the photos, but Cindy, the representative, is dissatisfied and requests a reshoot with new outfits. Liang Shuang is annoyed and suggests Duan Jiabao be more assertive, but Duan Jiabao, though embarrassed, agrees to reshoot, promising to be tougher next time. Following the reshoot, Duan Jiabao goes to buy iced coffee and returns to find Liang Shuang exhausted, asleep leaning on luggage/to the side, with her feet blistered by high heels.

The client is very pleased with the reshot photos. When Liang Shuang messages Cindy about payment, she is told the collaboration was a free service. Liang Shuang realizes Duan Jiabao has deceived her and, ignoring Duan Jiabao's attempts to explain, angrily confronts Cindy at Rhythm in Heart. There, Liang Shuang learns she had previously misspelled the client's brand name, causing Cindy to be furious with Duan Jiabao.

To avoid upsetting Liang Shuang, Duan Jiabao had secretly offered a free set of photos as compensation and planned to personally cover the advertising fee, tricking Liang Shuang into reshooting. Feeling immense guilt after discovering Duan Jiabao's sacrifices and cover-ups, Liang Shuang decides to study for and take the English CET-6 exam. She also secretly deletes information about photo agents she had posted on a job search website.

A misunderstanding arises when Jiang Xiaoguo observes Liang Shuang placing her cosmetics on Duan Jiabao's desk and speaking rudely to her, even complaining that the cosmetics picked up the smell of Duan Jiabao's snacks. Jiang Xiaoguo mistakenly believes Liang Shuang is bullying Duan Jiabao. Duan Jiabao tries to explain the true nature of their relationship but is interrupted by Jiang Xiaoguo and unable to clarify. Meanwhile, Su Hang seeks funds from his father, Mr. Su Sr.

, to expand the company's business. Mr. Su Sr. agrees to provide the money but imposes a condition: a new executive director must be appointed to limit Zhou Xun's power. Su Hang, needing the funds, reluctantly agrees. He wishes to find a suitable candidate himself, but Mr. Su Sr. reveals he has already selected someone for the position. In a separate event, Duan Zhenyu's relationship with his team captain improves. He makes a deal with the captain, trading Jiang Xiaoguo's WeChat contact for three months of fencing sparring.

Duan Jiabao secured a Caslan event for Liang Shuang and created a detailed personal promotional slideshow for her. Liang Shuang was delighted and wanted to share it with her grandmother and friends. The next day, when Duan Jiabao contacted the Caslan event organizer to confirm details, she learned that the event had been canceled because another luxury beauty brand had reserved the Yingfu Center venue, forcing Caslan to postpone.

Duan Jiabao found the name "Yingfu Center" familiar, so she researched it online and discovered its owner was her acquaintance, Uncle Wang. She contacted him directly and successfully resolved the venue issue for the Caslan event. Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaoguo was tirelessly searching for investment projects but had yet to find a suitable one. Fearing dismissal, she complained to Wendy. Coincidentally, someone arrived at the company to pitch a project to Su Hang.

As Su Hang was unavailable, Jiang Xiaoguo spoke with the person. The software, called Hongcha, could identify differences between two images, but Jiang Xiaoguo only gathered this basic information. Zhou Xun, after hearing her report, instructed her to investigate further; otherwise, the project would be rejected. Feeling somewhat helpless, Jiang Xiaoguo visited Hongcha Studio the following day, intending to inform Director Ding in person that Puling Capital would not invest.

However, Director Ding misunderstood, believing Jiang Xiaoguo was there for an on-site inspection. Jiang Xiaoguo felt awkward, seeing the collective hope of Director Ding and his employees riding on this potential investment, and couldn't bring herself to deliver the rejection. Zhou Xun had previously criticized Jiang Xiaoguo’s attitude and ability when she initially presented the project. Duan Jiabao met Xiong Zhi at "Same Place."

Xiong Zhi had yet to tell his father that he quit his job at Tencent to become a chef, and Duan Jiabao was still hiding her role as Liang Shuang's agent from her roommates. Both sighed deeply, burdened by their secrets. Duan Jiabao was particularly troubled by keeping the secret about Liang Shuang.

Separately, Luo Yan was distracted by her mother's issues, causing her to fall behind in her studies and argue with Lu Ran when he pressed her about it. Duan Zhenyu was asked by his captain to find out what Jiang Xiaoguo liked, but during their conversation about dreams and aspirations, they ended up comforting each other, and Duan Zhenyu forgot to ask his original question when Jiang Xiaoguo left.

Duan Jiabao accompanied Liang Shuang to the Caslan event, where they encountered Ouyang Yushuang. Ouyang Yushuang harbored resentment toward Duan Jiabao because Duan Jiabao had previously caused her an allergic reaction. Liang Shuang stepped in to defend Duan Jiabao. Unable to out-argue Liang Shuang, Ouyang Yushuang turned and left. As Duan Jiabao and Liang Shuang prepared for the event, Jiang Xiaoguo called. Duan Jiabao suddenly remembered her dinner plans with Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan at the Yingfu Center.

Fearing that her relationship with Liang Shuang would be exposed, Duan Jiabao quickly settled Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan in a restaurant. The Caslan event was about to begin, and Liang Shuang was waiting for Duan Jiabao to help her change. Duan Jiabao faked a stomach ache in front of Jiang Xiaoguo to rush back to assist Liang Shuang. After Liang Shuang took the stage, Duan Jiabao hurried back to the restaurant.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Yushuang believed Liang Shuang had used "backdoor connections" due to her relationship with the mall owner and began to subtly mock her. Indignant, Liang Shuang intentionally undermined Ouyang Yushuang during the event. After leaving the stage, Ouyang Yushuang confronted Liang Shuang, leading to an argument. Duan Jiabao received a call from staff and immediately rushed back to the event. She found Ouyang Yushuang pushing Liang Shuang.

Duan Jiabao intervened to protect Liang Shuang, and seeing her friend being bullied, Liang Shuang also joined the altercation. Several people began fighting, while onlookers surrounded them, filming and taking photos. Realizing the situation was escalating, Duan Jiabao and Liang Shuang quickly slipped away. Emerging disheveled, they looked at each other and laughed, fixing each other's hair.

Liang Shuang, deeply touched by Duan Jiabao's help in the fight, found her quite beautiful and realized their relationship had grown, now considering Duan Jiabao a true friend. She affectionately told Duan Jiabao she would supervise her to eat less meat in the future. Liang Shuang suggested they return to the dorm together, but Duan Jiabao was anxious to rejoin Jiang Xiaoguo. Duan Jiabao found Jiang Xiaoguo (and Luo Yan) at the bus stop.

Jiang Xiaoguo questioned Duan Jiabao about her recent activities with Liang Shuang, having heard Liang Shuang's voice on the phone. To avoid suspicion and conceal her secret, Duan Jiabao deliberately spoke ill of Liang Shuang, claiming no relationship with her and even expressing anger about "Luo Yan's matter" (or "the matter regarding Luo Yan"). Unbeknownst to Duan Jiabao, Liang Shuang was standing behind the bus stop sign and overheard the entire conversation.

Feeling betrayed by her friend, Liang Shuang stepped out and confronted Duan Jiabao, accusing her of being a hypocrite. Duan Jiabao was speechless. Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan learned the truth and were very angry with Duan Jiabao. What started as a temporary lie to evade an unspoken truth quickly escalated into a significant conflict. Duan Jiabao felt incredibly wronged, having offended both sides.

She later had a dream where Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan refused to forgive her, and she woke up startled. Luo Yan also received a call from Uncle Wei on her phone at the bus stop, which she deliberately ignored, and she offered no explanation when Jiang Xiaoguo asked. Jiang Xiaoguo found both Duan Jiabao and Luo Yan's behavior strange that day.

Duan Jiabao wakes from a nightmare, hoping Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan have forgiven her, but they ignore her. Liang Shuang also refuses to listen to Duan Jiabao's explanations, despite understanding her; Liang Shuang feels conflicted, thinking she might forgive Duan Jiabao if she apologized more. Duan Jiabao misinterprets Liang Shuang's silence as a definitive end to their friendship.

Liang Shuang tells Duan Jiabao to compile all old client contacts and send them, stating she won't need her services anymore, and deliberately goes out for an interview without her. In the midst of this, Liang Shuang receives a box of apples from her Grandma Liang, half of which are rotten; to avoid upsetting her grandmother, Liang Shuang photographs only the good ones.

Meanwhile, Luo Yan is pre-occupied and unhappy due to her mother's situation, ignoring both Jiang Xiaoguo and Lu Ran. Xiong Zhi informs Duan Jiabao about the news of Ouyang Yushuang and Liang Shuang's fight. Duan Jiabao confides that Liang Shuang fired her and that Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan are angry, advising Xiong Zhi to tell his father about quitting his job to avoid a similar situation.

Duan Jiabao had hoped to reconcile with her friends through the Knowledge Contest, believing their "TYTO" group wouldn't easily disband. However, Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan find Bing from a neighboring dorm to team up with for the contest and go out to eat with him. Duan Jiabao, hiding in the bathroom, sadly overhears their conversation.

At the hotpot meal, Bing proves to be stingy, rude to the waiter, and even attempts to evade payment by feigning a dead phone, only to be thwarted by Jiang Xiaoguo's power bank, making Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan realize how much they miss Duan Jiabao. Despite missing her, Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan maintain their pride, insisting Duan Jiabao must apologize first.

In other news, Mojie plans to ask Jiang Xiaoguo out for New Year's and seeks fashion advice from Duan Zhenyu. Duan Zhenyu, influenced by his parents' overly intimate and meticulously celebrated relationship, finds dating troublesome and doesn't understand Mojie's interest in Jiang Xiaoguo. Mojie finds his views amusing. Duan Zhenyu later meets with his sister, Duan Jiabao, who unburdens her recent troubles. Duan Zhenyu comforts her, suggesting Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan just need time to forgive her.

Back in the dorm, Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan return to find Duan Jiabao discussing work with Liang Shuang. Angered, they deliberately praise Bing in front of her. The next morning, Luo Yan ignores Duan Jiabao's attempts to talk, and Liang Shuang puts on headphones to avoid conversation. Xiong Zhi then calls Duan Jiabao, asking her to help him at the "Same Place." At Puling Capital, Mr. Su Sr. appoints Wang Zhongye as the new executive director.

Wang Zhongye has a prior feud with Zhou Xun; he was once Zhou Xun's assistant. Zhou Xun, intending to start his own venture, had given Wang Zhongye the challenging Laos project, which also presented significant development opportunities. However, outsiders perceived this as Zhou Xun sidelining Wang Zhongye, leading to animosity. Mr. Su Sr. specifically chose Wang Zhongye because of this existing conflict with Zhou Xun. Meanwhile, Director Ding of Hongcha visits Puling to inquire about project progress with Jiang Xiaoguo.

Jiang Xiaoguo attempts to persuade Zhou Xun to consider Hongcha's proposal, but he refuses. Jiang Xiaoguo then visits Hongcha to deliver the bad news. After hearing the small company's heartfelt story and original intention behind their project, Jiang Xiaoguo feels deeply ashamed of her inability to help them. Xiong Zhi finally decides to reveal his resignation to his father, a chef himself.

He cooks a meal and enlists Duan Jiabao to serve it, who praises Xiong Zhi's culinary skills to his father. Xiong Zhi's father acknowledges the meal's quality but becomes enraged when Xiong Zhi announces he quit to become a chef. As Xiong Zhi chases his father, trying to explain, Duan Jiabao follows anxiously and accidentally falls, spraining her ankle. The argument halts, and Xiong Zhi and his father rush Duan Jiabao to the hospital.

Xiong Zhi calls Luo Yan to inform her and Jiang Xiaoguo. Both friends quickly arrive at the hospital. Seeing Duan Jiabao's foot bandaged and that she is fine, Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan initially maintain their stern expressions and attempt to leave. Duan Jiabao quickly stops them, apologizing for her mistakes and hoping for their reconciliation.

Duan Jiabao, having reflected on her actions, apologized to Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan for her initial intentions to subtly mediate their relationship with Liang Shuang, explaining that she was discovered before she even began. Jiang Xiaoguo reassured her that their friendship was built on openness, recalling how they had shared personal secrets during their first meeting while drunk, suggesting that if they could share hidden truths, there was no need to conceal anything else.

Duan Jiabao promised to never lie to them again, and Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan, after some playful banter including a suggestion for red packet penalties for future lies, forgave her, leading to their reconciliation. Meanwhile, Xiong Zhi, after taking his father to the train station, where his father approved of his choices and encouraged him to pursue Duan Jiabao, returned to find Duan Jiabao upset.

Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan had previously noted Xiong Zhi's unusual kindness toward Duan Jiabao, even joking about their relationship when he brought Duan Jiabao a wheelchair. Soon after their reconciliation, Luo Yan discovered news that Liang Shuang was in trouble. Ouyang Yushuang had maliciously posted photos on Weibo showing an injured leg, falsely accusing Liang Shuang of assault. At the time, Liang Shuang was attending an event, where reporters were already gathering for a live interview.

Duan Jiabao, deeply worried, immediately wanted to go to the scene to help Liang Shuang. Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan supported her, and they rushed to the event in a taxi. Jiang Xiaoguo questioned Duan Jiabao's certainty that Ouyang Yushuang's photos were fake; Duan Jiabao, having previously been Ouyang Yushuang's agent, explained that the knee in the photo did not match Ouyang Yushuang's.

Concerned that visual identification alone wouldn't be convincing, Jiang Xiaoguo remembered Director Ding's software, Hongcha, and quickly contacted him. Upon arrival, Duan Jiabao used Hongcha to compare the photos, revealing to reporters that the injured leg actually belonged to a friend of Ouyang Yushuang. As reporters questioned the authenticity of this new evidence, Jiang Xiaoguo arrived with Director Ding, who stepped forward to explain the Hongcha app and its verification process.

While Director Ding captivated the reporters, effectively turning the scene into a press conference for Hongcha, Jiang Xiaoguo and the others discreetly escorted Liang Shuang away from the commotion. Hongcha's app became an overnight sensation due to this incident, with many people using it to verify information. Following this successful intervention, Liang Shuang's attitude towards Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan improved significantly. She thanked them with gifts and invited them to dinner.

Duan Jiabao joined them, suggesting they wear their "team uniforms" to celebrate their dorm's newfound harmony. However, Liang Shuang remained cold towards Duan Jiabao, not only refusing her apology but also announcing her decision to sign with a different MCN. During her escape from the event, Liang Shuang had met an agent interested in her and had taken his business card.

She later went to an MCN, where Mr. Wu readily agreed to her conditions, which included not having a "fat agent." She officially signed with the MCN, and her new agent, Zhong Le, planned her first project: live streaming to sell ham. With Hongcha's app booming, Jiang Xiaoguo approached Zhou Xun at Puling Capital, confident she had met his requirement to join his team.

Zhou Xun, however, was dismissive, pointing out that despite numerous investment institutions contacting Hongcha, Puling Capital still lacked a signed letter of intent, implying the task was not complete. Jiang Xiaoguo confidently declared that Director Ding would sign with Puling, and to Zhou Xun's surprise, she produced a signed investment intent letter, informing him that Director Ding was already at reception, ready for negotiations. Zhou Xun was left speechless.

After meeting with Director Ding, Zhou Xun urged Jiang Xiaoguo to closely monitor the Hongcha project to finalize the contract swiftly. Meanwhile, at Puling Capital, Wang Zhongye had earlier expressed his support for Zhou Xun in a company meeting, clarifying that he was not there to oppose him but had his own pursuits, leading Zhou Xun to agree to sincere cooperation. As New Year approached, Puling and Hongcha successfully signed the contract, making Jiang Xiaoguo's internship with Zhou Xun imminent.

Separately, in the cafeteria, Jiang Xiaoguo overheard a group of girls complaining about Duan Zhenyu, who had coldly refused a gift from one of them. Jiang Xiaoguo intervened, defending Duan Zhenyu and claiming to be his sister. Upon hearing this, the girls offered Jiang Xiaoguo money to deliver their gifts, which she accepted. Jiang Xiaoguo then quickly gave the pile of gifts to Duan Zhenyu and hurried away.

Duan Zhenyu was pleasantly surprised and overjoyed, mistakenly believing Jiang Xiaoguo had prepared the gifts for him. Having developed a secret affection for Jiang Xiaoguo, he happily concluded that she liked him too, proudly taking the gifts back to the training gym and covering them. Luo Yan also began preparing for her postgraduate exams, receiving detailed advice from Lu Ran along the way, prompting Duan Jiabao to tease them, sensing a connection between the two.

Liang Shuang finds herself trapped by her agency, facing a 300,000 yuan breach penalty if she terminates her contract. Despite her aspirations to be a beauty blogger, she is forced to livestream selling ham on the Baleflatform. She initially performs reluctantly, reading scripts emotionlessly and even advising viewers against buying the high-salt product, resulting in sales seven times lower than other streamers.

Her boss, Mr. Wu, acknowledges her dream but challenges her to first prove her capabilities by successfully selling ham, demonstrating her dedication. Recalling Duan Jiabao's earlier advice against signing contracts easily, Liang Shuang, motivated by not wanting to be looked down upon, dedicates herself to the livestreaming. Her sales soar, reaching the company's number one spot, and she decides to replace her current agent with Duan Jiabao. Her agent, however, had privately posted a ham livestream ad on her Weibo.

Meanwhile, Puling experiences internal disagreements regarding its investment in Hongcha. Zhou Xun argues strongly for the deal and eventually entrusts the contract to Jiang Xiaoguo to secure Director Ding's signature. Director Ding, however, is attending a team-building event and promises to sign the next morning. Jiang Xiaoguo, agreeing to the delay, instead joins Luo Yan and Duan Jiabao at a hotel party, where she texts Duan Zhenyu about her gift.

The following morning, Jiang Xiaoguo discovers Director Ding has signed with Puling's competitor, Gaoding. Rushing to Hongcha, she learns that Gaoding offered 10 million yuan more than Puling and their representatives had followed Director Ding to his team-building event, waiting until 2 AM to secure the deal, while Jiang Xiaoguo was at the hotel. This incident makes her realize the time-sensitive nature of venture capital.

Feeling responsible for the failed project, Jiang Xiaoguo goes to apologize to Zhou Xun but is quickly dismissed, heavily worried about being fired. Unbeknownst to her, Puling executive Mark, furious about the Hongcha failure, wants to dismiss her. However, Zhou Xun intervenes, believing Jiang Xiaoguo is competent and shouldn't be the target of Mark's anger, and recommends her to Director Chen's team. Su Hang is surprised by Zhou Xun's rare praise.

After completing her postgraduate exam, Luo Yan is met by Duan Jiabao, who takes her to a luxurious sea-view hotel suite. Excited, Luo Yan records a video for Jiang Xiaoguo, urging her to join them. At the hotel, she suggests inviting Lu Ran to KTV the next day, and later, during a conversation, accidentally reveals her feelings for him, amusing Jiang Xiaoguo.

The next morning, as Luo Yan and Duan Jiabao are about to leave for the exam site, they spot Luo Yan's mother and Zhao Changming having coffee together in the hotel. When Zhao Changming's wife, Qu Wan, approaches, Luo Yan quickly intercepts her, posing as a reporter from Jiang Xiaoguo's former internship to conduct an interview, hoping to prevent her mother from being discovered. Despite finishing her exams, Luo Yan remains preoccupied.

Duan Jiabao, who had previously helped Liang Shuang despite an injured leg and warned her about signing contracts, organizes a party to celebrate Luo Yan's exam completion, which also coincides with Duan Zhenyu's birthday. She admits to Luo Yan that she overheard Xiong Zhi's confession of feelings but pretended not to hear to avoid awkwardness. She has since been avoiding Xiong Zhi and is uncertain about her own feelings for him.

At the party, Duan Jiabao appears hesitant to approach Liang Shuang. Duan Zhenyu, excitedly opening multiple packages, finds all the cards signed "Xinxin." Annoyed that the gifts are not from Jiang Xiaoguo, he throws them all out. Later, after receiving Jiang Xiaoguo's text asking about her gift, he realizes her present was among the discarded items. He rushes out, even in a bathrobe, to retrieve her simple back scratcher from the trash, which, despite its plainness, fills him with joy.

Duan Zhenyu attends the party organized by Duan Jiabao. Before he leaves, Mojie asks about Jiang Xiaoguo's whereabouts, but Duan Zhenyu informs him she already has a boyfriend and he should give up. At the KTV segment of the party, Duan Zhenyu orders a song hoping to sing with Jiang Xiaoguo, but she remains gloomy due to her professional setbacks. After singing briefly with Duan Jiabao, he approaches Jiang Xiaoguo to talk.

Unable to comfort her effectively regarding the Hongcha incident and her worries about being fired, he is suddenly embraced by an excited Jiang Xiaoguo upon her receiving news of a favorable personnel transfer to Director Chen's team. Having seen her post on WeChat Moments about her broken canvas bag, he buys her a new one. Later, Liang Shuang, Jiang Xiaoguo, Luo Yan, and Duan Jiabao all attend a KTV party, each with their own thoughts and concerns. Jiang Xiaoguo, upon receiving news of her transfer, joyfully hugs Duan Zhenyu, feeling a huge weight lifted from her shoulders.

Xiong Zhi made quicksand buns for Duan Jiabao after seeing her social media post about her quicksand bun falling on the ground at Michelin. He delivered them, understanding that Duan Jiabao had heard his earlier confession and was avoiding him. Not wanting to make her uncomfortable, he started to leave.

However, Duan Jiabao, feeling guilty and unsure what to do, called him back, gathered her courage, and accepted his confession, agreeing to try a relationship with him, much to Xiong Zhi's joy. Liang Shuang had been a sales champion for a week, with her followers increasing from thousands to over 300,000.

She repeatedly expressed interest in becoming a beauty blogger to Mr. He, but he vaguely stated her fan base was insufficient and urged her to continue live streaming and work harder. When asked about her criteria for a new agent, Liang Shuang, whose request for a change had been delayed, unintentionally described Duan Jiabao's characteristics. Duan Jiabao, wanting to encourage Liang Shuang, hired people to pose as loyal fans.

Influenced by her current situation and this "fan" support, Liang Shuang decided to terminate her contract with Mr. He. The termination fee of 300,000 was a major obstacle. Liang Shuang, unwilling to borrow money from Duan Jiabao due to their ongoing disagreement, sold her luxury bags, but the proceeds were still insufficient. Duan Jiabao attempted to negotiate with Mr. He but found him unyielding.

She then asked Luo Yan to introduce them to her mother, hoping she could review Liang Shuang's contract. Luo Yan was in a bad mood after KTV, refusing to share details with Lu Ran. She and Lu Ran began raising a stray dog at school, which Luo Yan named Dingchun. Lu Ran tried to ask her out for the weekend, but she declined, stating she was busy.

Feeling disappointed, Lu Ran declared he would go on a blind date if she wouldn't come out, prompting an angry response from Luo Yan, telling him to do as he pleased. Luo Yan's mother had indeed urged Lu Ran to go on a blind date, which he mentioned to Luo Yan. On her exam day, Luo Yan witnessed her mother and Zhao Changming laughing and having coffee in a hotel lobby.

When Zhao Changming's wife approached, Luo Yan intercepted Qu Wan for an interview, creating a diversion to cover for her mother and Zhao Changming, thereby missing her exam. Luo Yan reluctantly brought Duan Jiabao and Liang Shuang to her mother's office for contract advice. Her mother reviewed Liang Shuang's contract, advising them to seek a private settlement rather than going to court and sharing negotiation strategies, for which Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao were very grateful.

Afterwards, Luo Yan's mother questioned her about the exam, and Luo Yan admitted she hadn't taken it. Her mother became furious, but Luo Yan, unable to hold back, confessed the reason. Her mother was momentarily speechless but then retorted that Luo Yan was the least qualified to blame her. In response, Luo Yan threw her wallet on the table, stating she would no longer accept money from her mother and wished for her mother to stop controlling her.

Later, back at school, Luo Yan discovered Dingchun was missing from its kennel and called Lu Ran. Still upset about the supposed blind date, Lu Ran, noticing her jealousy and feeling happy, confessed that the blind date was a fabricated excuse and that he had been feeding Dingchun. This revelation mollified Luo Yan, who returned to her dorm happy and shy. At Puling Capital, Zhou Xun proposed a new business plan for "the battle" game, seeking additional investment.

However, "the battle" suffered from numerous system glitches, stagnant revenue, and no growth in player count, making Zhou Xun the only one within Puling who supported further investment. Other shareholders, including Mark and Su Hang, expressed strong reservations. Su Hang warned Zhou Xun that if this investment failed, employee bonuses would be at risk, observing Zhou Xun's increasingly reckless investment decisions. Mark and Su Hang preferred to invest in the popular "King's Landing Record."

Zhou Xun countered that "the battle" possessed unique gameplay and, with system optimization, could turn the tide, even offering to personally bear the responsibility for any failure. At the Investment Committee meeting, Su Hang surprisingly proposed an additional 50 million investment for "the battle," while Mark vehemently opposed it. Wang Zhongye suggested launching "the battle" in Southeast Asia first to capture that market before entering the domestic one.

Zhou Xun initially deemed the costs for localization and extensive marketing too high, but Wang Zhongye persuaded him that this strategy would provide more time to understand "the battle"'s future trajectory. Zhou Xun reluctantly agreed to try Wang Zhongye's idea. However, "King's Landing Record" preemptively launched in Singapore, swiftly claiming the top spot in Southeast Asia and seizing the first-mover advantage, much to Zhou Xun's anxiety, especially with year-end financial planning for many companies. Upon learning this, Mr. Su Sr.

arrived at Puling and, supported by Wang Zhongye's pre-drafted co-investment contract for "King's Landing Record," unilaterally decided that Puling would co-invest in "King's Landing Record." After the meeting, Wang Zhongye revealed to Zhou Xun that this strategic misstep regarding "the battle" was entirely his doing. He harbored resentment towards Zhou Xun for having sent him to Laos years ago and had returned to Puling seeking revenge.

He confirmed that Han Jingtian, the founder of "King's Landing Record," was the benefactor he had met during his time in Laos. Following Luo Yan's mother's advice, Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao returned to the agency for another negotiation with Mr. He. This time, Liang Shuang adopted a sincere attitude, expressing her gratitude and apologies for the company's contributions and promising to repay all her debts.

She proposed terminating her existing contract and signing a new one, where she would work for the company selling ham on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until her debt was settled, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, she would dedicate her time to her preferred activities.

Separately, the fencing team captain was scratching his back with a back scratcher when Zhenyu held a sword to his neck to question him, only to discover it wasn't the one Xiao Guo had given him, but rather one bought as part of a team bulk purchase.

Liang Shuang went to her company boss, Mr. Wu, who initially wanted her to stay. Despite his admiration, Liang Shuang insisted on pursuing her own path. Mr. Wu agreed to lower her contract termination fee to 100,000 yuan, ensuring the company's doors would always be open if she ever decided to return, a gesture that deeply touched Liang Shuang. She then shared the news with Duan Jiabao, who had been waiting for her.

Liang Shuang refused Duan Jiabao's offer to continue as her agent, instead proposing that Duan Jiabao become her partner. Duan Jiabao excitedly accepted, embracing Liang Shuang. Liang Shuang secured the 100,000 yuan by borrowing it from her grandmother, prompting a later call from her mother inquiring about the loan, which Liang Shuang quickly dismissed without explanation. Meanwhile, at Puling Capital, Zhou Xun was pushed out of the company after offending Mr. Su Sr. and the failure of a particular case.

The investment team was subsequently taken over and managed by Wang Zhongye, who attempted to foster a relaxed atmosphere by offering sugary water and chatting with colleagues. Jiang Xiaoguo, however, did not join them. She intercepted Zhou Xun as he was leaving, questioning his insistence on investing in "the battle." Zhou Xun explained that the game "Junlin Zhanji" didn't rely on skill but purely on financial investment.

He emphasized the necessity of finding a balance between paying players and regular players, a balance he admitted he hadn't yet found for "the battle." Jiang Xiaoguo comforted him, expressing her trust in his vision and confidence in his abilities. Before his departure, Zhou Xun mentioned to Jiang Xiaoguo the possibility of a "team battle" with her in the future.

Later, Director Chen, to whose team Zhou Xun had strongly advocated for Jiang Xiaoguo's transfer, informed her of Zhou Xun's support, which deeply moved her. Wang Zhongye also observed Jiang Xiaoguo's conversation with Zhou Xun. The following morning, Jiang Xiaoguo arrived at work to find herself ostracized by her colleagues. Wendy pulled her aside to explain that Wang Zhongye was systematically removing Zhou Xun's associates after taking over the company leadership.

Director Chen, having been mentored by Zhou Xun, was among those put on leave or who had left, much to Jiang Xiaoguo's surprise. Wendy also voiced concerns that Jiang Xiaoguo might be next, noting that some gossipy women in the company were calling Jiang Xiaoguo a "jinx," claiming any team she joined would face misfortune. To secure her position and avoid being fired, Jiang Xiaoguo decided to flatter Wang Zhongye, expressing her unwavering loyalty.

Pleased, Wang Zhongye agreed to let her follow him and transferred her to his team. Jiang Xiaoguo, however, secretly planned to use her supposed "bad luck" to undermine Wang Zhongye from within, while performing various odd jobs and covertly reporting her progress to Zhou Xun. While tidying Wang Zhongye's office, as requested by Amanda, Jiang Xiaoguo discovered recruitment plan documents on his desk, which she promptly photographed and sent to Zhou Xun.

Wang Zhongye then instructed Jiang Xiaoguo to prepare for an upcoming due diligence, making Jiang Xiaoguo happy as she believed she had successfully infiltrated the enemy's ranks. Meanwhile, Luo Yan, having severed ties with her mother, faced severe financial hardship, struggling even to afford meals. She kept her dire situation from Lu Ran, who had invited her out to eat.

Later, while Luo Yan was bargaining with a sweet potato vendor, Jiang Xiaoguo arrived and successfully helped her negotiate a better price. Back in their dorm, as they ate the sweet potatoes, Jiang Xiaoguo likened her own predicament to the humble sweet potato, capable of surviving harsh conditions, and vowed to protect Zhou Xun's territory. Back to Liang Shuang, she was distressed about not having enough matching bags for her outfits, prompting Duan Jiabao to offer her own.

Liang Shuang expressed her determination to work hard and earn money for bags, but Duan Jiabao delivered the grim news that due to a lack of beauty video updates and a significant drop in user and fan engagement, they were struggling to secure any collaborations or work. Duan Jiabao, having thoroughly analyzed Liang Shuang's online presence, concluded that her biggest issue was a lack of distinctiveness.

She stressed the importance of establishing a clear brand image by identifying and maximizing one of Liang Shuang's unique traits. When Duan Jiabao asked Xiong Zhi, who was feeding her, about Liang Shuang's most prominent trait, he couldn't provide an answer, so Duan Jiabao decided to consult Jiang Xiaoguo and the others. In the dorm, Liang Shuang was also upset about her weight gain, reaching 48 kilograms, which momentarily dulled the appetite of the others eating sweet potatoes.

When asked by Duan Jiabao, Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan initially hesitated but, at Liang Shuang's insistence for honesty, both candidly stated that Liang Shuang's most prominent characteristic was her hot temper. Though initially annoyed, Liang Shuang listened as Duan Jiabao suggested that sometimes flaws could be transformed into endearing "moe points" online. Duan Jiabao proposed that Liang Shuang fully embrace this trait and establish herself as the "No. 1 hot-tempered beauty blogger" on the internet.

Despite her initial irritation, Liang Shuang agreed to try the concept. The next morning, she and Duan Jiabao began filming videos, committed to fully embodying the hot-tempered image. After Jiang Xiaoguo reported her progress to Zhou Xun, Duan Zhenyu called her out for a meeting, treating her to popular stinky tofu. He confided in her about his weariness and confusion, revealing that despite months of progress in practicing left-handed fencing, he feared he might never return to the competitive arena. Jiang Xiaoguo comforted him, assuring him that spring would eventually arrive no matter how harsh winter was, and that everything would ultimately improve with patience.

Liang Shuang's video, featuring her "irritable image" as a beauty blogger, was plagiarized by another beauty blogger, Huang Xiaosan. The advertiser, Online, decided to switch their promotional work to Huang Xiaosan, greatly angering Liang Shuang. She decided to tackle the problem with Duan Jiabao, with each going their separate ways: Duan Jiabao went to investigate Huang Xiaosan, while Liang Shuang, wearing Online's sample clothes, went directly to their manager, Mr. He, to reclaim the job based on her own merits.

Duan Jiabao confronted Huang Xiaosan at the gym. Huang Xiaosan initially denied the plagiarism, but after revealing a flaw in her denial, she became defiant, shamelessly admitting to copying and challenging Duan Jiabao to sue her. Duan Jiabao then revealed she had recorded the entire confession. Huang Xiaosan panicked, snatched Duan Jiabao's phone, and threw it to the ground, but Duan Jiabao stated she had already sent the recording.

Meanwhile, Liang Shuang went to Online and met Mr. He, playing the recording Duan Jiabao had sent her. However, Mr. He dismissed the evidence, stating that Online cared more about a blogger's follower count; Huang Xiaosan had a million followers, while Liang Shuang only had 150,000. He also questioned the recording's authenticity and claimed he couldn't determine if Huang Xiaosan had truly plagiarized.

Angered by Mr. He's stance, Liang Shuang declared she would no longer collaborate with a company that did not value its reputation and couldn't produce quality clothes. Mr. He retaliated by deliberately making things difficult for her, demanding she remove the sample clothes she was wearing before leaving, or buy them. Liang Shuang initially considered borrowing money from Duan Jiabao, but her phone had been broken and she hadn't seen Liang Shuang's message.

With no other option, Liang Shuang removed the clothes, leaving in her slip dress. This humiliating scene was witnessed by Chen Zhuo, who was at Online to discuss business. He chased after Liang Shuang, finding her shivering on the roadside, and draped his coat over her. Chen Zhuo then took Liang Shuang to a mall, buying her new clothes, shoes, and a bag. Moved by his gesture, Liang Shuang suggested they have coffee.

During their conversation, Chen Zhuo confessed he still deeply missed Liang Shuang. He explained that he had partnered with friends to open an MCN company for two reasons: to pursue his own ventures, free from his father's constraints, and to create an opportunity to reunite with Liang Shuang, knowing she was in the same industry.

As Chen Zhuo drove Liang Shuang back to her dorm, he proposed that she return to him, promising to use all company resources to promote her, secure advertisements and endorsements, and allow her to take breaks as she wished—everything would be according to her desires. He dropped her off at the dorm, inviting her to his company's press conference the following day, where he would formally introduce her to the national media.

He urged her to consider his offer and promised to pick her up. Duan Jiabao, whose phone had been broken by Huang Xiaosan, returned to her dorm and, after replacing it, finally saw Liang Shuang's message asking for help, and that Liang Shuang was waiting for her at Online. As Duan Jiabao headed out, she saw Liang Shuang and Chen Zhuo together at the dorm entrance. Liang Shuang recounted Chen Zhuo's offer, stating she had "seen the cruel reality."

Duan Jiabao, despite understanding Liang Shuang's difficult situation, tried to dissuade her, warning her not to trust Chen Zhuo and expressing her strong disapproval of Liang Shuang becoming "the other woman." Liang Shuang, however, claimed Chen Zhuo was not married and was willing to break up with his current partner for her, but Duan Jiabao did not believe him, convinced he was lying. Liang Shuang pondered the offer throughout the night.

The next morning, as Liang Shuang prepared to leave, Duan Jiabao, who had been observing her, tried to block her, asking if she would ever return. Liang Shuang pulled away from Duan Jiabao and left without answering. Duan Jiabao followed her to the elevator.

Liang Shuang proceeded to Chen Zhuo's company press conference, where Chen Zhuo had arranged for the art director, Ada, to guide her through the proceedings, mentioning he had added a special segment overnight to grandly introduce Liang Shuang to the national media. However, at the event, Liang Shuang observed her surroundings and her "unfamiliar self" in the mirror, then made a decision. She rushed to the restroom, took off the clothes Chen Zhuo had bought for her, and returned them.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhongye, Amanda, and Jiang Xiaoguo went to a fresh food company for an investigation. Remembering Zhou Xun's method for counting vehicles during a previous inspection, Jiang Xiaoguo suggested personally tallying the cold storage inventory. Wang Zhongye immediately recognized this method as something Jiang Xiaoguo learned from Zhou Xun. He approved her idea and assigned her the task. Wang Zhongye and Amanda proceeded to discuss cooperation with the company's senior management.

Later that night, as their discussions concluded, Amanda wanted to leave with Jiang Xiaoguo, but Wang Zhongye told her not to rush Jiang Xiaoguo, leaving her to finish alone. After finally completing the inventory, Jiang Xiaoguo realized she had left her phone in the cold storage. When she went back inside to retrieve it, staff members, assuming she had already left, closed the cold storage door.

Trapped inside the minus ten-degree Celsius cold storage, Jiang Xiaoguo tried to call for help, but her phone froze and shut down. During team training, Duan Zhenyu learned from his coach that he would be replacing someone, finally securing a spot in a team competition. Thrilled to return to the field, he immediately called Jiang Xiaoguo to share the good news. Coincidentally, Jiang Xiaoguo's phone powered back on and she answered.

Upon learning that Jiang Xiaoguo was trapped in the cold storage, Duan Zhenyu rushed to rescue her. In the car, Duan Zhenyu voluntarily covered Jiang Xiaoguo's hands to warm them, though she awkwardly withdrew her hand. Jiang Xiaoguo told Duan Zhenyu that his "spring would definitely come" now that he could return to the field, and he replied that her "spring would also come." Luo Yan ignored a phone call from her mother.

Later, while Luo Yan was talking to Lu Ran on the phone in the dorm, Duan Jiabao returned, prompting Luo Yan to quickly hang up. Luo Yan subsequently received a call from Zhao Changming, who invited her out to talk. Luo Yan met with him and asked how he and her mother had met and how long they had been together.

Zhao Changming explained that he and Luo Yan's mother had known each other for many years, and she had helped him and his company overcome numerous difficulties, always supporting him during his struggles.

Luo Yan met Zhao Changming to inquire about his relationship with her mother, Luo Mama (also referred to as Wei Yunjie). Zhao Changming explained that he and Luo Mama were "life-and-death companions" who got together in Luo Yan's second year of boarding school and helped him through many difficult times. Luo Yan interrupted him, asking why he didn't divorce Qu Wan. Zhao Changming stammered, stating that the situation was complicated.

Angered, Luo Yan deleted Luo Mama's WeChat in front of Zhao Changming and instructed him to inform her mother that she was officially breaking ties with her. At Chen Zhuo's company press conference, Liang Shuang left before it began, returning the clothes, shoes, and bag Chen Zhuo had bought for her. Chen Zhuo angrily smashed things in response. Back at the dorm, an anxious Duan Jiabao, relieved to see Liang Shuang, tearfully embraced her.

Liang Shuang comforted Duan Jiabao, explaining that while she had gone to the event, she didn't know how to introduce herself and thus decided to leave. Liang Shuang's mood improved after this realization, and she decided she couldn't continue as a fashion blogger, thinking she should find a regular job like Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan.

She then organized a celebratory hotpot party in the dorm for herself, Duan Jiabao, Luo Yan, and Jiang Xiaoguo, where they happily chatted and indulged. During their chat, Luo Yan, intent on self-reliance, requested a resume template from Jiang Xiaoguo. Jiang Xiaoguo, puzzled by an unanswered message she sent to Zhou Xun, asked what might cause such silence, to which Liang Shuang jokingly suggested "insufficient balance" and playfully teased Jiang Xiaoguo about being in love.

That night, Jiang Xiaoguo secretly topped up Zhou Xun's phone with twenty yuan, informing him of this, which touched him, though he only advised her to work hard. Duan Jiabao also added Liang Shuang to their "Red Chamber Three Sons" group and sent them red packets. Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaoguo learned from her colleagues that the project "the battle" (Wang Zhizhan) had been upgraded, its data far surpassed "Junlin Zhanji," and it was renamed "King's World" (Wang Tianxia).

Initially happy, thinking this meant Zhou Xun could return to the company, she was disheartened when Wendy informed her that Wang Zhongye had already established connections with "King's World" and could continue investing even if "Junlin Zhanji" failed. Soon after, Wang Zhongye announced to Amanda that "King's World" representatives had arrived and asked her to greet them with him. Jiang Xiaoguo was extremely sad, believing Zhou Xun would definitely not return, and even drafted a resignation letter.

However, to her shock and excitement, the person "King's World" sent to connect with Puling Capital was Zhou Xun himself. It turned out Zhou Xun had not been on a true vacation but had secretly been working to upgrade "the battle," successfully returning to his position within a month.

Upon Zhou Xun's return, Wang Zhongye departed from Puling, and Jiang Xiaoguo realized that all employees who had previously left the company had followed Zhou Xun to work on "the battle" project, with Director Chen and others also returning with him. Jiang Xiaoguo felt disappointed to realize Zhou Xun had secretly paved his own way before leaving the company, yet hadn't shared these developments with her.

Feeling discouraged after not receiving any advertisements, Liang Shuang decided to quit her career as a beauty blogger. She went to a coffee shop to livestream her decision to her fans. During the broadcast, a cute child appeared, asking for food and offering to perform.

Liang Shuang, finding him adorable, gave him food, and though the child's parent soon took him away, his accidental appearance in the livestream caused it to go viral, leading to Liang Shuang and the child (whom many mistook for her younger brother) trending on hot search. Duan Jiabao, upon discovering this, happily informed Liang Shuang and Jiang Xiaoguo. Liang Shuang's follower count subsequently increased by two million within two days.

However, she was then accused of fabricating follower data, resulting in her account being blocked. Despite initially stating that she was no longer a beauty blogger and didn't need to respond to such accusations, Liang Shuang received a call from European Children's Wear (or a children's wear company), which, after seeing her video, expressed interest in her and the little boy for an advertisement.

While still wanting to pursue a fashion blogger career, Liang Shuang hesitated but decided to pivot and become a "family fashion blogger." Duan Jiabao was skeptical, pointing out that Liang Shuang didn't have a brother, but Liang Shuang clarified it was merely an "image" (renshen). Duan Jiabao still found it risky but agreed not to rush the transformation, instead suggesting they first contact old clients for beauty category advertisements.

Duan Jiabao reached out to old client Cindy, gifting her many presents, and Cindy, understanding the hint, offered to introduce a promotion opportunity to Liang Shuang. Duan Jiabao also prepared Liang Shuang's "retirement statement" but Liang Shuang stopped her, revealing her desire to become a family blogger. Jiang Xiaoguo submitted an investment project to Zhou Xun for an app called "Sporter" (Jianke), designed specifically for athletes.

Zhou Xun dismissed her initial presentation as "daydreaming" and instructed her to conduct interviews with real athletes. Jiang Xiaoguo thought of Duan Zhenyu, who had a team competition the next day, and planned to ask him for help in finding athletes to fill out her survey questionnaires. Noticing Duan Zhenyu sneezing, Jiang Xiaoguo worried he might catch a cold and jeopardize his competition. She gently touched his face and forehead, which made him blush.

Learning he hadn't taken any medicine, she secretly added cold medicine to his porridge and gave it to him to drink. Due to printing the questionnaires, Jiang Xiaoguo missed Duan Zhenyu's competition. Luo Yan informed her that Duan Zhenyu had lost three consecutive matches and was in poor spirits, making Jiang Xiaoguo anxious. She rushed to find him to offer comfort.

Duan Zhenyu, however, explained that despite his individual losses (by nine points), his team had still won a gold medal in the group event. Jiang Xiaoguo, taking credit, proudly declared that he wouldn't have been able to compete if she hadn't secretly given him the cold medicine. Hearing this, Duan Zhenyu's expression changed, as he mistakenly feared he had taken performance-enhancing substances.

He told Jiang Xiaoguo to find athletes for her survey herself and rushed to the lounge to find Mojie, worried about a drug test. Just then, his coach arrived, confirming that their team's drug tests had come back clean. Confused, Duan Zhenyu asked Jiang Xiaoguo what medicine she had actually given him. Jiang Xiaoguo explained that she had anticipated the issue and specifically bought medicine that did not contain stimulants or sedatives, which deeply touched Duan Zhenyu.

He was also very happy to see the questionnaire Jiang Xiaoguo had filled out for him. Luo Yan, busy with her job search, was initially cold towards Lu Ran, hanging up on him when he called to ask about a drama she liked, unaware that he had confessed his feelings to her through bullet comments in that show.

Concerned, Lu Ran brought snacks and fruit for Luo Yan and her roommates, entrusting Duan Jiabao to deliver them and inquire about Luo Yan's job prospects, which he suspected weren't going well. Duan Jiabao, aware of Lu Ran's feelings, conveyed Luo Yan's situation to him and promised to put in a good word. Later, Duan Jiabao encouraged Luo Yan to pay more attention to Lu Ran, leading Luo Yan to ask him out for a meal.

During their dinner, Lu Ran provided Luo Yan with numerous job application materials he had prepared, deeply touching her. After a failed interview, Luo Yan felt frustrated and asked her roommates for job recommendations. Duan Jiabao suggested a company called Joy Team Building, whose requirements seemed a perfect fit for Luo Yan. Lu Ran continued to support her by preparing many additional materials for her Joy Team Building interview.

After several days, Luo Yan finally received a call, learning she had passed the interview, which made her extremely happy. Remembering Lu Ran's earlier mention of the anime/drama, she opened her computer, found his bullet comment confession, and felt shy yet delighted. When Lu Ran messaged her asking about her interview results, Luo Yan promptly asked him out on a date, agreeing to see a movie.

Jiang Xiaoguo successfully completed and analyzed her questionnaire, which garnered widespread praise. Although Zhou Xun was initially dissatisfied with her project report, he and Su Hang decided to promote Jiang Xiaoguo to be Zhou Xun's assistant, a long-standing goal she was happy to achieve, despite still being an intern. Zhou Xun thanked her, acknowledging her messages, but immediately warned her that he would hold her to higher standards, which Jiang Xiaoguo promised to meet.

Later, when Zhou Xun praised her, she requested a reward, and he gifted her his pen. During lunch, Wendy confided in Jiang Xiaoguo about her feelings for Mr. Su and inquired if Jiang Xiaoguo harbored any feelings for Zhou Xun, to which Jiang Xiaoguo responded that she only cared about her salary. Jiang Xiaoguo attended a fencing team celebration with Duan Zhenyu.

She discovered that Duan Zhenyu, to secure help for her questionnaire, had bribed his teammates with "King's World" game skins, a gesture that deeply touched her. Jokingly, she asked him if he liked her, and he responded, first playfully then seriously, that he indeed did. Surprised and nervous, Jiang Xiaoguo directly rejected him, stating that she did not like him. After this confession, Jiang Xiaoguo intentionally avoided Duan Zhenyu.

When Luo Yan shared news of her own relationship, Duan Jiabao suggested inviting Duan Zhenyu to a celebratory dinner, but Jiang Xiaoguo quickly refused. She then reluctantly revealed Duan Zhenyu's confession and her rejection, explaining that she believed the significant wealth gap between them meant they had no future. Duan Zhenyu later tried to approach Jiang Xiaoguo at her dormitory, claiming he needed to borrow a thesis.

His teammates questioned him about the failure of his confession, and he admitted it was an impulse. At Puling Capital, Zhou Xun had garnered zero votes for the company's "male god" for three consecutive years, leading Mr. Su to playfully mock him about his impending third consecutive championship. Despite Zhou Xun's outward indifference, Mr. Su's taunts prompted him to subtly, then overtly, seek Jiang Xiaoguo's help.

He first hinted that she should vote for him, but Jiang Xiaoguo did not understand the implication. Later that night, still with no votes, Zhou Xun called Jiang Xiaoguo back to the company, questioned her absence of a vote, and compelled her to cast her vote for him. Beyond that, he tasked her with campaigning for more votes, promising to impart a small investment "suggestion" for each vote she secured, a proposition that greatly motivated her.

Cindy arranged a meeting for Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao with Mr. Jin regarding a promotion deal. Mr. Jin informed them that the promotion had already been assigned to Huang Xiaosan, an artist represented by Excellence Agency. Moments later, Chen Zhuo, the owner of Excellence Agency, arrived with Huang Xiaosan.

Seeing Liang Shuang, Chen Zhuo, still holding a grudge over Liang Shuang having previously left one of his events, intentionally badmouthed her to Mr. Jin, claiming her fan data was fabricated. Liang Shuang angrily confronted Chen Zhuo, who then openly vowed to snatch every advertisement Liang Shuang pursued.

Duan Jiabao, witnessing Liang Shuang being bullied and moved by her efforts (having also personally paid out of her own pocket to secure resources for Liang Shuang), stepped in to retort Chen Zhuo. She informed him that she had already finalized a contract with Oushang Children's Wear, highlighting that Chen Zhuo's agency lacked artists suitable for the family fashion blogger niche that Liang Shuang occupied.

Duan Jiabao then presented Liang Shuang with the Oushang Children's Wear contract, which stipulated that both Liang Shuang and a young boy must star in the advertisement together as a "sibling CP." Initially, they were at a loss on how to find the specific child required. However, while shopping, they coincidentally spotted the boy, Xiaojuan, with his brother, Zhao Youxiu. They quickly approached them and invited them to dinner.

Zhao Youxiu, who identified as a humanist photographer but was in reality an ordinary photographer, initially misunderstood Liang Shuang's intentions. Liang Shuang clarified that she wished for Xiaojuan to collaborate with her. Zhao Youxiu, however, refused the collaboration and, during dinner, exploited the situation by packing up a substantial amount of meat to take home. Finding Zhao Youxiu deceptive, Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao decided to follow him. Their surveillance revealed that Zhao Youxiu was indeed just an ordinary photographer.

They also learned that Zhao Youxiu and Xiaojuan were half-brothers. Despite Zhao Youxiu being in financial hardship, he maintained an illusion of prosperity to his parents, and his father, unsuspicious, allowed him to continue caring for Xiaojuan. Duan Jiabao managed to obtain Zhao Youxiu's contact information from Xiaojuan while Zhao Youxiu was working, and she subsequently called him to arrange a meeting.

Duan Jiabao and Liang Shuang later met with Zhao Youxiu and offered him a monthly salary of 18,000 RMB to work as their photographer. Zhao Youxiu's demeanor immediately changed, and he was eager to sign the contract. However, Duan Jiabao inadvertently disclosed that they would incur liquidated damages if they failed to submit the sample photos promptly. Seizing this leverage, Zhao Youxiu opportunistically demanded a monthly salary of 50,000 RMB.

Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao did not accept his new terms. Later, while waiting for Jiang Xiaoguo and the others at "Same Place," they observed Zhao Youxiu delivering takeout. In their dormitory, Liang Shuang distributed lipsticks to her roommates, specifically giving Luo Yan a "Zhan Nan Se" shade and remarking that since Luo Yan was now in a relationship, she should no longer wear bright red lipstick. Luo Yan and Lu Ran went to the movies.

Lu Ran attempted to hold her hand, but Luo Yan initially withdrew and expressed her belief that all love stories inevitably end in tragedy. However, when Lu Ran showed disappointment, Luo Yan then took his hand and confessed her feelings, asking if he was willing to be her boyfriend. Lu Ran joyfully accepted. The following day, Luo Yan, dressed in beautiful clothes, headed to work.

On the bus, she encountered Lu Ran, who had deliberately made the effort to accompany her to work, a gesture that deeply moved her. On her first day in her new job, Luo Yan's boss expressed considerable dissatisfaction with her proposal. Feeling disheartened, Luo Yan found renewed determination by recalling Lu Ran's encouragement and, channeling her competitive "gaming spirit," successfully persuaded her boss.

Just as her workday concluded, her supervisor unexpectedly called her in for urgent overtime, leaving her feeling utterly miserable. Later, she happily shared the news of her relationship with Lu Ran with her roommates and extended an invitation for them to have dinner together.

Liang Shuang learned about Zhao Youxiu's financial struggles from Xiong Zhi, realizing he would only buy one dish with five portions of rice at the restaurant. Suspecting his financial difficulties, Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao rushed to find him near Xiong Zhi's restaurant. There, Liang Shuang saw an overdue electricity bill on his door, confirming her suspicions and sparking an idea. She took the bill to the property management to cut off his power, leaving Zhao Youxiu feeling low.

Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao then returned to Same Place to meet Jiang Xiaoguo. Shortly after, Lu Ran and Luo Yan arrived, with Lu Ran appearing confused. Xiong Zhi prepared the food and joined them for dinner. During dinner, Jiang Xiaoguo couldn't help but ask Lu Ran why he liked Luo Yan. Lu Ran, shy and without hesitation, replied simply that it was because Luo Yan was pretty.

Liang Shuang asked again, and Lu Ran gave the same answer, surprising Liang Shuang and the others. Lu Ran and Luo Yan were openly affectionate, feeding each other, while Xiong Zhi and Duan Jiabao also displayed their affection, making Jiang Xiaoguo and Liang Shuang feel awkward. At this time, Duan Zhenyu arrived to borrow a paper from Jiang Xiaoguo.

Duan Jiabao was curious about their relationship, but Jiang Xiaoguo simply stated that she and Duan Zhenyu were "back to square one." After dinner, Xiong Zhi and Lu Ran stayed in the restaurant to pack food. Outside, the girls chatted, with Liang Shuang and others criticizing Lu Ran's "routine" answer from dinner. Luo Yan, however, quickly defended him, saying that even if Lu Ran had some flaws, she had fallen for him, which made the others feel a bit cloyed.

Meanwhile, inside the restaurant, Lu Ran was boasting to Xiong Zhi and Duan Zhenyu about his "boyfriend survival guide." Soon, Lu Ran emerged, and Luo Yan took his hand, walking off with him. Watching Luo Yan's happy expression, the others felt a sense of longing. At Puling Capital, Jiang Xiaoguo successfully secured five votes for Zhou Xun, who, in turn, fulfilled his promise by giving her five investment suggestions. A new executive director, Director Ding Mengzhou, joined Puling Capital.

Su Hang introduced Director Ding to the company, and Zhou Xun's expression changed noticeably. Mr. Su also brought Rebecca, Zhou Xun's junior from school, into the company, which greatly surprised Zhou Xun. During a company meeting, Su Hang transferred the Weishi smart home brand project, previously handled by Zhou Xun, to Director Ding. Mr. Su also assigned Zhou Xun's other cases to Rebecca.

Jiang Xiaoguo empathized with Zhou Xun and encouraged him to find a new path, presenting him with her project plan for a new concept hotel. Zhou Xun found Jiang Xiaoguo's report interesting and decided to take her to inspect the hotel. Meanwhile, Zhao Youxiu returned to his rental house with his brother, Xiaojuan, only to find all his luggage thrown outside, as his landlord had evicted him for unpaid rent and rented the room to someone else.

He reluctantly called Liang Shuang, agreeing to an 18,000 yuan salary. However, Liang Shuang, already aware of his financial state, immediately bargained the price down to 8,000 yuan. When Zhao Youxiu attempted to haggle further, Liang Shuang decisively hung up. For the sake of the money, Zhao Youxiu had no choice but to call back and agree. Liang Shuang then revealed that she had rented his room, meaning she was now not only his boss but also his landlord.

She warned him that if he didn't cooperate, she would immediately take back the house. Zhao Youxiu reluctantly signed the contract. After handling Zhao Youxiu, Liang Shuang obtained Xiaojuan's personal information and called Duan Jiabao, asking her to memorize it. Liang Shuang was embarrassed about pretending Xiaojuan was her brother and didn't want to tell Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan, fearing they wouldn't understand. However, Duan Jiabao insisted on telling them, believing they would be understanding.

As Duan Jiabao predicted, Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan had no objections to Xiaojuan being a "rented" brother, but they were concerned about how netizens might react. Having experienced online bullying before, they were unsure if the public would overreact if the truth were known. Duan Jiabao, gritting her teeth, declared that they would bear any consequences. As winter break arrived, Jiang Xiaoguo and her dorm mates had planned to visit Happy Valley and watch fireworks.

However, Lu Ran wanted a private date with Luo Yan and was discussing plans with her when Wei Yunjie, Luo Yan's mother, suddenly appeared. Upon seeing her mother, Luo Yan immediately turned and left. Unable to catch her, Wei Yunjie asked Lu Ran to help arrange a meeting with Luo Yan, and Lu Ran agreed.

Luo Yan returned to the dorm to find Jiang Xiaoguo and Duan Jiabao both stating they had to work overtime the next day and couldn't go to Happy Valley. Luo Yan was disappointed but understood they couldn't miss work. The next day, Jiang Xiaoguo and Liang Shuang each started their respective tasks. Zhou Xun took Jiang Xiaoguo to survey the new concept hotel.

Realizing that neither of them fit the target demographic of young people aged 20-29 with spending power, they couldn't offer objective evaluations. Jiang Xiaoguo remembered that Duan Zhenyu perfectly fit the target customer profile and called him to help. Duan Zhenyu toured the rooms and provided many valuable insights, earning the hotel manager's praise, who even mistakenly thought he was Jiang Xiaoguo's boyfriend. Jiang Xiaoguo quickly denied it.

Duan Zhenyu didn't hide anything, stating that he had confessed his feelings to Jiang Xiaoguo two days prior but was rejected, and they were now good friends. Hearing this, Zhou Xun became subtly attentive to Duan Zhenyu.

Zhou Xun and the others then visited the hotel's gym, where Duan Zhenyu seized the opportunity to belittle Zhou Xun, calling him an "uncle" and a "middle-aged man," and jokingly asking if he had participated in organization-arranged blind dates, claiming it was like something out of a TV drama. Zhou Xun became very angry, and also felt a sense of disappointment watching Duan Zhenyu and Jiang Xiaoguo's close interactions.

Elsewhere, Lu Ran took Luo Yan to the Institute of Human Endeavors. Meanwhile, Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao went to the beach to shoot photos for a parent-child watch. Xiong Zhi came to visit, bringing food. Xiaojuan was mischievous and uncooperative during the shoot, so Zhao Youxiu used watermelon candy to coax him. After reviewing Zhao Youxiu's sample photos, Liang Shuang was furious.

She discovered that Zhao Youxiu had only focused on his own composition, failing to highlight the product they were supposed to be shooting. In her frustration, Liang Shuang blurted out that Zhao Youxiu's work was not even as good as Duan Jiabao's. Feeling insulted, Zhao Youxiu lost his temper in response.

Zhao Youxiu becomes angry, stating his refusal to continue the photoshoot and demanding that Xiaojuan return home with him. However, Xiaojuan, enticed by candy from Duan Jiabao, declines to leave, prompting Zhao Youxiu to depart in a huff. Liang Shuang, Duan Jiabao, and Xiaojuan proceed with the photoshoot. During a break, they realize Xiaojuan has gone missing. Zhao Youxiu, who had returned with water, learns of Xiaojuan's disappearance and, filled with anger and anxiety, joins the search.

Liang Shuang eventually locates Xiaojuan in an arcade (also referred to as "Children's Paradise"), where he had wet his pants out of fear. Uncomfortable and unwilling to walk, Xiaojuan is carried by Liang Shuang, who also buys him new pants. Zhao Youxiu attempts to scold Xiaojuan for running off, but Liang Shuang intervenes. After Xiaojuan is found, everyone is relieved.

However, the camera containing the day's photos is discovered to be lost, having been misplaced during the frantic search for Xiaojuan. Duan Jiabao then recalls being too anxious during the search and not knowing where she lost the camera, while Daxiong also feels very down about the loss. Duan Jiabao is touched when she learns Daxiong made soup for her. Daxiong, expressing his desire to satisfy Duan Jiabao, vows to "practice more" in the future.

That evening, with the camera still missing, Liang Shuang feels dejected. Zhao Youxiu reassures her, suggesting they use a phone for photos. He takes several pictures of Liang Shuang, and also of her holding a sleeping Xiaojuan, with his own phone. Liang Shuang is pleased with the results, believing her good looks make her photogenic, a sentiment Zhao Youxiu agrees with as they share a meaningful gaze.

Though Zhao Youxiu initially considers waking Xiaojuan for more photos, Liang Shuang tells him to let Xiaojuan continue sleeping. Later, against a backdrop of beautiful fireworks, Daxiong kisses Duan Jiabao, leading to a shy but happy embrace and kiss between them. Meanwhile, Luo Yan is with Lu Ran when her mother, Wei Yunjie (Luo Mama), unexpectedly arrives. Wei Yunjie apologizes to Luo Yan and informs her of an upcoming business trip, promising to return for Chinese New Year.

Luo Yan, however, refuses her mother's apology and states she does not wish to spend the New Year with her. Wei Yunjie questions Lu Ran about his future plans with Luo Yan, and upon learning they will attend universities in different cities, she expresses concern about the difficulties of long-distance relationships.

Annoyed, Luo Yan sends Lu Ran away, then confronts her mother, warning Wei Yunjie not to use her manipulative tactics on Lu Ran, and declares that any life problems are preferable to being her daughter. Wei Yunjie is deeply hurt by these words. A call from her secretary, Xiao Wang, requires Wei Yunjie to attend to work matters, which Luo Yan uses as an opportunity to pull Lu Ran away.

Later, Luo Yan realizes Lu Ran had conspired with her mother to arrange the meeting, making her furious and causing her to ignore his attempts at explanation. This leads to an unhappy argument, and Luo Yan leaves him. That night, Luo Yan calms down and contemplates messaging Lu Ran to apologize. However, Lu Ran finds her first, apologizes for his actions, and promises to always listen to her. They reconcile, happily watching fireworks together.

Luo Yan later recounts to Jiang Xiaoguo and others that she and Lu Ran shared a kiss that lasted for 40 minutes, feeling like it was just a brief moment. In contrast, Wei Yunjie is seen alone at home, eating and later entering Luo Yan's empty room, where she reflects on the past and cries sadly, feeling lonely. Concurrently, Jiang Xiaoguo and Zhou Xun, along with others, arrive at a high-end hotel restaurant.

Jiang Xiaoguo is excited by the upscale dishes and eagerly takes photos. During the meal, Jiang Xiaoguo discreetly realizes she has started her period and stained her pants, feeling embarrassed. Zhou Xun, noticing her predicament, thoughtfully drapes his jacket over her to conceal it. Jiang Xiaoguo is surprised and deeply moved by his unexpected gentleness and consideration, feeling a romantic stir at that moment.

When she goes to the restroom, Zhou Xun messages her, informing her that he has arranged for Rebecca to bring her new pants. Jiang Xiaoguo is profoundly touched by his thoughtfulness. After changing into the new pants, she feels very moved, highlighting Zhou Xun's attentiveness. However, she later feels a bit isolated as Zhou Xun, Manager Su, and Rebecca reminisce about their university life. Duan Zhenyu offers her a drink and thoughtfully drapes his jacket over her.

On the way back, Duan Zhenyu is seen looking at secretly taken photos of Jiang Xiaoguo, who remains feeling low due to Zhou Xun. As the New Year and winter break approach, the dorm mates share a meal before returning to their respective hometowns. Liang Shuang prepares gifts for Zhao Youxiu's parents, hoping these will convince them that he is doing well and allow him to bring Xiaojuan back to Shenzhen for continued collaboration after the holidays.

She reminds Zhao Youxiu of this before leaving. Liang Shuang arrives home to be welcomed by her grandmother (Liang Nai Nai) waiting at the door. Her mother (Liang Mama) advises her father (Liang Baba) not to drink to avoid an argument with Liang Shuang. However, during dinner, Liang Baba criticizes Liang Shuang's clothing and work, and also lectures her, which Liang Shuang unhappily retorts to. At home, Liang Shuang faces a table laden with meat dishes, feeling unappetized.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaoguo, now in her hometown in Northeast China, receives a call from Zhou Xun, who reveals he is in her hometown area for business. He asks her to work overtime to meet a Russian client, offering triple pay. Despite her initial verbal willingness but actual reluctance for overtime, Jiang Xiaoguo agrees due to the high pay. They work until night, successfully signing an investment intent letter with the client. Zhou Xun insists on driving Jiang Xiaoguo home, though his initial flight plans were canceled due to heavy snow.

Jiang Xiaoguo, after some hesitation and learning Zhou Xun's flight was canceled, invited him to her home for dinner. Zhou Xun initially declined but was tempted by the various delicious dishes Xiaoguo listed and accompanied her home. Jiang Mama was exceptionally enthusiastic and welcoming, preparing many delicious dishes. During dinner, Jiang Mama drank with Zhou Xun, pouring him three glasses of baijiu, which caused him to become completely drunk and pass out.

Jiang Xiaoguo and her mother then helped Zhou Xun to her bedroom, where Xiaoguo worried about his potential embarrassment the next morning. The next morning, Zhou Xun woke up holding a doll Xiaoguo had given him and noticed the many award certificates adorning her room walls. He inquired about flights back to his city, specifically mentioning an evening flight back to Shenzhen. Jiang Xiaoguo checked, finding the earliest flight wouldn't depart until 9:30 AM.

Although Xiaoguo considered inviting him to stay for New Year's, Zhou Xun insisted on changing his flight. Jiang Mama came out to greet Zhou Xun and asked Xiaoguo to buy a live fish to prepare a Northeastern-style live fish hotpot for lunch. Hearing this, Zhou Xun felt a bit nauseous, but feeling awkward staying alone, he suggested accompanying Xiaoguo to the supermarket.

At the supermarket, Zhou Xun bought gifts and snacks, also purchasing a small toy for Xiaoguo, claiming it was a complimentary gift. On their way back in the car, Xiaoguo and Zhou Xun playfully fought with the toy, and Zhou Xun accidentally hit Xiaoguo's wisdom tooth, which he then learned was troubling her. During lunch, Xiaoguo suffered from a toothache that made it difficult for her to eat. Zhou Xun urged her to see a dentist, but she adamantly refused.

As Xiaoguo took a group video call from her dorm mates, Jiang Mama privately informed Zhou Xun that Xiaoguo had a mental block about visiting a dentist since her parents' early divorce, as her father was a dental surgeon. Xiaoguo had not been to a dentist since. Later, Zhou Xun took Xiaoguo to a dentist, successfully getting her wisdom tooth extracted. Feeling somewhat gloomy afterward, Xiaoguo led Zhou Xun to her father's clinic.

She recounted that as a child, after her father pulled a tooth, he would take her to the clinic's entrance to throw the tooth onto the rooftop. Zhou Xun then actively helped Xiaoguo throw her recently extracted tooth.

Xiaoguo confided in Zhou Xun about her parents' divorce, revealing it was due to her father's affair, and expressed her confusion and lingering questions about why things turned out that way, as well as her reluctance to enter the clinic to see her father. As they were about to leave, a soccer ball rolled to Xiaoguo's feet. She picked it up and returned it to a small, well-behaved boy, who thanked her.

Xiaoguo asked for his name and age, learning he was named Jiang Xiaoshu. Xiaoguo was deeply moved, remembering how she and her father had discussed naming a future younger brother "Jiang Xiaoshu." Realizing he was her half-brother, she gave him the candy Zhou Xun had given her and asked him to tell her father that she was doing well and hoped her father was too. As Jiang Papa emerged from the clinic, he looked surprised to see Xiaoguo.

From a distance, Xiaoguo smiled, waved, and greeted him before leaving without further conversation. Zhou Xun walked with Xiaoguo for a while, then, noting the time, bid her farewell and headed to the airport for his flight. Meanwhile, Liang Shuang, after finishing dinner, chatted with Liang Granny.

Granny, who had always accompanied Liang Shuang as she grew up due to her parents being busy earning money, advised her not only to buy gifts for herself but also for her parents, assuring her that her parents cared for her and suggesting she show them more filial piety. Liang Shuang, however, expressed her dislike for them, stating she felt no closeness.

She then received news of a class reunion from an old classmate, Xiaosa, a female student with whom she had always been at odds. Liang Shuang resolved to dress impressively to outshine everyone. She made a group video call to Duan Jiabao and Zhao Youxi to get their opinions on her outfit; Duan Jiabao frequently praised it, while Zhao Youxi repeatedly criticized her fashion sense.

After attending the reunion, Liang Shuang found that Xiaosa had completely transformed, and she no longer had anything in common with her classmates. Returning home, she shared her feelings with Granny, who told her that happiness isn't about comparison, but about personal contentment. Later, in her room, Liang Shuang discovered a red envelope from her parents, which she supplemented with some of her own money before preparing to give it back to them.

Separately, Luo Yan, after an argument with Luo Mama, decided not to go home for the New Year. Instead, she visited her father's grave, where she recounted her recent experiences. She planned to spend the New Year alone in the dorm, but Lu Ran's mother, having learned of her situation, had Lu Ran invite Luo Yan to their home. Lu Ran video called Luo Yan, telling her his mother wanted her to celebrate the New Year with them.

Luo Yan initially refused but eventually agreed. She carefully prepared herself before going to Lu Ran's house. Although initially a bit reserved, she was met with a very warm welcome from Lu Ran's parents. When Lu Ran's mother mentioned making dumplings, Luo Yan actively volunteered to help. As Lu Ran was about to join them, he received a New Year's call from his tutoring student, Zhao Cheng, who was the son of Zhao Changming and Qu Wan.

Lu Ran quickly ended the call. Meanwhile, Zhao Cheng's father, Zhao Changming, asked him to write a horizontal couplet for the Spring Festival, and Zhao Cheng wrote "Harmonious Family." Finally, Duan Jiabao, who had started a business with Liang Shuang and earned some money, saved it to present to her parents as a New Year's gift. Her parents doted on her but showed some neglect towards Duan Zhenyu, causing him to feel jealous and lost due to their differential treatment. Noticing his low spirits, Duan Jiabao went to his room to comfort him.

During the holiday period, Duan Zhenyu initially felt unloved by his parents. However, he later discovered his mother's profound care when he learned she had specially cooked braised chicken feet (and pig trotters) for him after he was injured, which finally brought him relief and resolved his internal imbalance. He also received crab meat from his sister, Duan Jiabao.

When their parents gave Duan Jiabao a black card, she offered it to Duan Zhenyu, but their father stated he had other arrangements for his son. Duan Jiabao accepted the card but later secretly gave it to Duan Zhenyu, making him very happy. Luo Yan spent time with Lu Ran's family, where Lu Ran's parents expressed great fondness for her, praising her dumpling-making skills and suggesting a joint family meal with Luo Yan's mother, Wei Yunjie.

They also presented Luo Yan with a red packet during dinner. While Luo Yan was enjoying New Year's Eve dinner at Lu Ran's, Wei Yunjie was rushing home on the highway. Wei Yunjie tried to call Luo Yan, who did not answer, and subsequently panicked while driving, resulting in a car accident. Luo Yan remained unaware of her mother's accident.

Later, Zhao Changming repeatedly tried to call Luo Yan, urging her to visit the hospital, but she either did not answer or hung up his calls. Fearing Luo Yan would never forgive her, Wei Yunjie proposed breaking up with Zhao Changming, stating that Luo Yan would not acknowledge her if they remained together. Zhao Changming, thinking she was overthinking the situation, did not agree and even fled the hospital in a panic.

Back home, he instructed the housekeeper to prepare bird's nest stew daily. His son, Zhao Cheng, grew suspicious and tried to investigate by testing Zhao Changming and asking his driver and Zhao Changming's doctor for information, but found nothing useful. Liang Shuang offered red packets to her parents, which her mother initially declined, wanting Liang Shuang to save the money. However, Liang Grandma insisted they accept it as a gesture of filial piety.

During a family meal, Liang Shuang's father again expressed his desire for her to find a stable job in her hometown. Liang Shuang firmly rejected this, stating her current life was good and she disliked such a lifestyle. Both Liang Grandma and Liang Mama supported Liang Shuang's choice, leading her father to reluctantly agree, only cautioning her against illegal activities.

The family then happily finished their meal, after which Liang Shuang applied face masks for her grandmother and mother, with her father taking photos. Before leaving for school, Liang Shuang urged her parents to take good care of both themselves and her grandmother. Jiang Xiaoguo was watching the Spring Festival Gala with her mother. Reflecting on seeing her father and younger brother earlier that day, she looked at her mother with pity and encouraged her to find a new companion.

During this time, Zhou Xun called her downstairs. Instead of going to the airport, he had returned to her building specifically to buy her plum-flavored ice cream. This gesture deeply moved Jiang Xiaoguo, making her realize her sweet-and-sour secret feelings for him. She felt she had finally let go of her obsession with her father and could focus on being with her mother. After the holiday, everyone returned to school.

Jiang Xiaoguo's mother brought her a stack of food, among which were the plum-flavored candies Zhou Xun had bought. In the dorm, roommates happily chatted and asked Luo Yan about her experience meeting Lu Ran's parents.

Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao went to find Zhao Youxiu to discuss work, but after persistent knocking, Zhao Youxiu eventually emerged, explaining he was bathing his son, Zhao Xiaojuan, and would soon be putting him to sleep, so Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao had to leave. At Prudence Capital, Jiang Xiaoguo continued to harbor feelings for Zhou Xun, secretly observing his actions.

She placed a plum-flavored candy on his cake; seeing him smile happily and eat it, and later finding the wrapper in his trash, made her very happy. On her way back to the dorm, recalling their interactions, she felt her heart race, eagerly listening to Leon Lai's "My Heart Is Beating" and other love songs from Zhou Xun's playlist, filled with joy.

Liang Shuang, observing Jiang Xiaoguo's unusual behavior—singing love songs and applying lipstick late at night—perceptively deduced she had a crush. When pressed, Jiang Xiaoguo confessed her secret feelings for Zhou Xun. Her roommates were excited to learn Zhou Xun had spent New Year's Eve at her place and eagerly inquired about their progress.

The next day, while having lunch with Wendy and discussing horoscope predictions of a career boom but bad luck in love, Zhou Xun called Jiang Xiaoguo to his office and reassigned her to Director Ding's (or Rebecca's) project team due to staffing needs, which she accepted despite some reluctance. Later, Luo Yan and Lu Ran planned a hot spring trip, with Lu Ran booking a king-sized bed. While Xiong Zhi felt their relationship was progressing too quickly, Liang Shuang and the others thought it was too slow and advised Luo Yan to be prepared.

Before Luo Yan and Lu Ran's hot spring trip, Liang Shuang helped Luo Yan prepare by waxing her legs, Jiang Xiaoguo gave her condoms, and Duan Jiabao provided her "man-slayer" shampoo, as the four girls chatted happily. Xiong Zhi had previously suggested Lu Ran book a twin room for his hot spring trip, advising that two beds in one room would be both intimate and polite. Meanwhile, Xiong Zhi went on a date with Duan Jiabao.

However, Duan Jiabao continuously discussed work, which made Xiong Zhi feel neglected. Although Duan Jiabao quickly stopped talking about work when she noticed his mood, Xiong Zhi had lost interest in the date, and Duan Jiabao didn't know how to appease him. Separately, Zhao Youxiu ate at Xiong Zhi's restaurant, where Xiong Zhi learned that Duan Jiabao had gone to see Zhao Youxiu after returning to school, rather than contacting him, which made Xiong Zhi feel wronged.

When Xiong Zhi later delivered soup to Duan Jiabao, he complained that she only thought about work and not about him, and he left despite her attempts to stop him. The next day, Luo Yan took a suitcase for her hot spring trip with Lu Ran. Upon their arrival at the hotel, they found that their pre-booked twin room had been upgraded to a king-size room, adorned with flower petals, causing initial awkwardness for both of them.

An embarrassed Lu Ran called the front desk, only to learn that no twin rooms were available, so they had to accept the upgrade. After their hot spring bath, the initial awkwardness between them lessened. Lu Ran actively helped Luo Yan blow-dry her hair, and Luo Yan expressed her gratitude to him, leading to a deep embrace.

Later, while Luo Yan was preparing in the room as Lu Ran stepped out to get fruit, she received a text message from Zhao Changming informing her that her mother, Wei Yunjie, had been in a car accident. Luo Yan immediately rushed to the hospital, disregarding her previous quarrel with her mother. She didn't have time to explain to Lu Ran, who had returned and assumed he had upset her, and she told him not to follow her.

Despite Lu Ran making several phone calls to Luo Yan, she eventually answered but refused to tell him the real reason for her departure, using "overtime" as an excuse to avoid meeting him. Concurrently, Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao went to Zhao Youxiu's house to try clothes on Xiaojuan. Zhao Youxiu claimed Xiaojuan was at drawing class, sending them away. However, Liang Shuang grew suspicious and checked Xiaojuan's flight number, discovering that Xiaojuan had not returned to Shenzhen.

Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao angrily returned to confront Zhao Youxiu. Seeing he could no longer hide the truth, Zhao Youxiu admitted that Xiaojuan's stepmother (or mother, as per plot 2) would not allow Xiaojuan to return with him and planned to take Xiaojuan on a trip. Zhao Youxiu then called the stepmother/mother in front of them, confirming that despite his pleas, she refused to let Xiaojuan go to Shenzhen.

Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao tried many other methods to convince Zhao Youxiu to bring Xiaojuan to Shenzhen, but Xiaojuan's mother remained firm in her refusal, causing Liang Shuang to develop acne from frustration. At Puling Capital, Director Ding successfully secured a Silicon Valley chip technology license for Weishi, leading to a partnership between Puling Capital and Weishi.

Weishi's Mr. Zhao, identified as Zhao Changming, came to Puling Capital to meet with Director Ding and discuss specific project details, with Jiang Xiaoguo also attending the meeting. Jiang Xiaoguo was surprised to discover that Zhao Changming was Weishi's boss but did not outwardly show her astonishment. After the meeting, Jiang Xiaoguo asked Director Ding how he managed to secure the authorization for the chip technology without being in the US.

Director Ding briefly explained that he had previous dealings with the inventor and then asked Jiang Xiaoguo to run an errand for him: to retrieve a painting from a gallery and have it sent to Zhao Changming's wife. Jiang Xiaoguo initially thought Zhao Changming's wife referred to Luo Yan's mother, but she then learned that Zhao Changming had been married for over a decade. This revelation left her surprised and unsure how to handle her relationship with Luo Yan.

Luo Yan rushed to the hospital, where she immediately encountered Zhao Changming. She quickly asked him about her mother, Wei Yunjie. Zhao Changming briefly explained the situation, and offered flowers and bird's nest soup for Wei Yunjie, which Luo Yan angrily refused to accept. During their conversation, Zhao Cheng, who had been tracking Zhao Changming, secretly filmed their interaction from a corner.

Luo Yan then went into the ward and was heartbroken to see her mother lying on the bed, covered in injuries. Overcome with emotion, Luo Yan put aside their previous quarrel and sincerely apologized to her mother. Her mother was overjoyed to see Luo Yan and could not fault her; she also revealed that she and Zhao Changming had separated and would only have work-related contact in the future.

Luo Yan was deeply moved and embraced her mother, feeling much better after their reconciliation. Meanwhile, Zhao Cheng returned home and tried unsuccessfully to stop his mother from boiling bird's nest soup, and he chose not to disclose his father's affair to her. Back at the dorm, Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao gossiped. Luo Yan, somewhat distracted, overheard them discussing Jiang Xiaoguo's busy involvement with the Weishi project.

She was shocked, realizing that Zhao Changming was Weishi's boss, and worried if Jiang Xiaoguo had already discovered the truth about his affair. The following morning, Jiang Xiaoguo conspicuously avoided Luo Yan and was visibly distracted at work, concerned that Zhao Changming's infidelity could negatively impact Puling Capital's investment. After some hesitation, Jiang Xiaoguo informed Zhou Xun and the other team members about Zhao Changming's affair. Director Ding had initially proposed an additional investment in Weishi.

After Mr. He investigated and confirmed Zhao Changming's infidelity, Zhou Xun and the team discussed solutions and ultimately decided to abandon the investment in Weishi, opting instead to invest in its competitor, Xiangke. Puling Capital gave Jiang Xiaoguo two movie tickets. She didn't want to go alone and initially considered giving them to Duan Jiabao, but Duan Jiabao was busy trying to appease Xiong Zhi and had no time.

Mojie and his teammate happened to pass by, so Jiang Xiaoguo gave the tickets to them. Upon learning that Jiang Xiaoguo had given the movie tickets to Mojie, Duan Zhenyu, who had planned to practice sword fighting with Mojie, felt a pang of jealousy and assumed Jiang Xiaoguo had feelings for Mojie. Disappointed and feeling somewhat indignant, he went to "Same Place" to confide in his sister, Duan Jiabao, surprising her by revealing that he still liked Jiang Xiaoguo.

Duan Zhenyu informs Duan Jiabao that he intends to pursue Jiang Xiaoguo again. Duan Jiabao, in turn, reveals that Jiang Xiaoguo's affections lie with Zhou Xun, not Mojie, which surprises Duan Zhenyu, who disapproves of Jiang Xiaoguo's taste. Later, while Duan Jiabao is having a meal with Xiong Zhi, Liang Shuang calls her to share a new shooting idea, making Duan Jiabao happy.

Upon hearing this, Xiong Zhi, who had hoped to invite Duan Jiabao out and had already purchased tickets, retracts his invitation in disappointment. The following day, Liang Shuang, Duan Jiabao, and Zhao Youxiu proceed to Happy Valley for an advertisement photoshoot. After completing her part, Liang Shuang tells Zhao Youxiu her plan: she has purchased tickets for Zhao Xiaojuan and his mother and hired a separate photographer in Beijing to take similar photos of Xiaojuan, based on Liang Shuang's composition.

Zhao Youxiu would then composite the two sets of photos together. Zhao Youxiu is enraged, refusing the task and explicitly stating that he does not do photo editing. Liang Shuang is unaware of this, as Duan Jiabao had been secretly handling all the editing work, only allowing Zhao Youxiu to do the shooting. An argument ensues, with Zhao Youxiu accusing Liang Shuang of lacking artistic understanding and respect, while Liang Shuang blames him for not bringing Zhao Xiaojuan back.

Angrily, Zhao Youxiu gathers his belongings and departs. He feels deeply wronged, recalling that a week prior, he had won an award for his photography and had sacrificed attending the Guangzhou award ceremony at Liang Shuang's request to rush back to Shenzhen for work, only to be treated in such a manner. He subsequently ignores Liang Shuang's phone calls.

Meanwhile, Duan Zhenyu picks up Jiang Xiaoguo from work, offering to take her to eat and then to her dorm, but she declines. He then drives her to a basketball court, where they encounter Zhou Xun and Su Hang. Duan Zhenyu, showing hostility, challenges Zhou Xun to a one-on-one game. They are evenly matched, with Duan Zhenyu ultimately winning 11-9. Despite Duan Zhenyu's victory, Jiang Xiaoguo's focus remains entirely on Zhou Xun.

After the game, Zhou Xun informs Jiang Xiaoguo that the Director Ding project is nearly complete and invites her to return to his team, which makes Jiang Xiaoguo extremely happy. Seeing her joyful reaction, Duan Zhenyu feels profound sadness and defeat, realizing he has lost, as Jiang Xiaoguo's attention is solely on Zhou Xun.

Earlier, Su Hang had praised Jiang Xiaoguo for resembling her mentor Zhou Xun, though Zhou Xun denied she was his apprentice, prompting Rebecca to suggest taking Jiang Xiaoguo on as her own apprentice. Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao are unable to contact Zhao Youxiu. Duan Jiabao calls Mr. He, the client, to apologize for the delay in delivering the film.

Mr. He, though annoyed, proposes a solution: if Liang Shuang and Zhao Xiaojuan participate for free in a parent-child blogger event the following week, he will waive any contractual penalties; otherwise, Liang Shuang would be liable for compensation and an apology. Liang Shuang reluctantly agrees. Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao decide to confront Zhao Youxiu at his home to persuade him to bring Zhao Xiaojuan back to Shenzhen.

They arrive at his house, only to find he is away, having gone to Guangzhou for an event. Liang Shuang manages to open the door, and they enter, admiring the humanitarian and landscape photography displayed on his walls. While impressed, Liang Shuang remarks that there is a significant distinction between humanitarian photography and commercial shoots, and that one must adhere to the rules of commercial photography when undertaking such work.

Zhao Youxiu's award-winning photography, featuring Liang Shuang and Zhao Xiaojuan, is later exhibited, and he returns to Beijing on the final day of the exhibition, overjoyed by the recognition, and too excited to answer Duan Jiabao's calls. Lu Ran visits an animal shelter, hoping to meet Luo Yan, and finds her there feeding Dingchun. Luo Yan, feeling guilty, embraces him, and Lu Ran does not press her for details. They then plan to go see a movie.

While Lu Ran is returning home, Zhao Cheng confronts Luo Yan on the street, asking if she knows Zhao Changming. Luo Yan denies it. Zhao Cheng, having seen Luo Yan receive flowers from Zhao Changming at the hospital, mistakenly believed she was a mistress. Infuriated by her denial, he shoves her, causing her to hit a wall and injure her head. Lu Ran arrives just then, protecting Luo Yan.

Zhao Cheng is surprised to learn that Lu Ran is Luo Yan's boyfriend and further accuses Luo Yan of receiving flowers and bird's nest from his father and being involved with Zhao Changming. Luo Yan struggles to explain, but Jiang Xiaoguo appears and intervenes, clarifying that the flowers and bird's nest were for her, and Zhao Changming visited her in the hospital because she was sick, due to a collaboration between their companies.

Though Zhao Cheng remains somewhat skeptical, Jiang Xiaoguo's rebuttal compels him to apologize to Luo Yan. After Lu Ran leaves, Luo Yan apologizes to Jiang Xiaoguo, feeling both grateful and guilty, and Jiang Xiaoguo reassures her. Later, Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao return to the dorm to find Jiang Xiaoguo treating Luo Yan's head wound, which Jiang Xiaoguo simply explains was an accidental bump.

Jiang Xiaoguo then distracts them by sharing the news of her transfer back to Zhou Xun's team, though Liang Shuang expresses doubt that Zhou Xun is truly interested in Jiang Xiaoguo. News then breaks that Zhao Changming's affair has been exposed, causing a surge in valuation for Weishi's competitor, Xiangke, into which Puling Capital had successfully invested. Jiang Xiaoguo is shocked and worried about Luo Yan.

Back in the dorm, Jiang Xiaoguo sees Luo Yan has also learned the news and is comforting her when Lu Ran calls. He informs Luo Yan that he passed his written exam and wants to celebrate. Luo Yan is about to agree, but Jiang Xiaoguo, pretending to be Luo Yan's colleague, interjects, stating Luo Yan needs to stay and work overtime.

Zhao Changming's wife, aware of the affair, attempts to manage their son Zhao Cheng's emotions by urging him to trust his father. Zhao Changming himself lies to his family, claiming the exposure is a frame-up by jealous rivals envious of Weishi's potential IPO. Zhao Cheng believes him and happily goes to study. Once Zhao Cheng leaves, his mother's demeanor changes; she becomes cold towards Zhao Changming and warns him not to let his outside affairs disturb their family. Luo Yan, upon learning of Zhao Changming's exposed affair, becomes flustered, particularly when Lu Ran calls her at that moment, and hastily prepares to find her mother.

Jiang Xiaoguo was surprised and regretted telling others about Zhao Changming's affair after learning that Luo Yan's mother, Wei Yunjie, had already broken up with Zhao Changming. Wei Yunjie, discharged from the hospital, hurried to Zhao Changming's company to help him with business problems. A frustrated Zhao Changming questioned if she had reconciled with Luo Yan and held her hand to comfort her.

Luo Yan arrived at the company, intending to comfort her mother, but was furious to see Zhao Changming holding her mother's hand, believing her mother had deceived her about their breakup. Wei Yunjie explained that she was merely handling business and had indeed broken up with Zhao Changming, but ending a decade-long professional partnership abruptly would cause significant company losses.

Enraged, Luo Yan refused to listen, showed her mother the injury on her head, blaming Zhao Cheng for it, and left. Back in the dorm, Luo Yan cried, hugging Jiang Xiaoguo, convinced her mother had never broken up with Zhao Changming and valued him more than her. Later, while on a bus home, Wendy secretly informed Jiang Xiaoguo that Xiangkai's valuation had soared because Zhou Xun had exposed Zhao Changming's affair to the media.

Jiang Xiaoguo was initially skeptical, but Wendy confirmed she personally delivered the evidence to Finance Now as instructed by Zhou Xun. Deeply disappointed with Zhou Xun, Jiang Xiaoguo applied to transfer to Director Ding's team (also referred to as Rebecca's team). Rebecca later presented Jiang Xiaoguo with a computer, expressing gratitude, and when asked why he didn't give it himself, Zhou Xun replied he feared she would become arrogant.

Luo Yan went on a date with Lu Ran, who mentioned Zhao Cheng. Luo Yan impulsively confessed to Lu Ran that her mother was Zhao Changming's mistress, leaving him to decide their relationship. She felt disappointed to learn the movie tickets were bought by Zhao Cheng. Subsequently, Luo Yan told Jiang Xiaoguo about her confession to Lu Ran.

Overwhelmed with guilt, Jiang Xiaoguo admitted to Luo Yan that she was the one who had informed her company, Pruling Capital, about Zhao Changming's affair, which then reached Zhou Xun. Luo Yan was furious, accusing Jiang Xiaoguo of prioritizing Zhou Xun's interests over her mother's reputation. Jiang Xiaoguo confronted Zhou Xun, submitting her transfer application and questioning why he had implicated her friends.

Zhou Xun showed no apology, asserting that Jiang Xiaoguo's confession to her friend was merely to alleviate her guilt, and advised her not to place too much importance on university friendships, as people typically go their separate ways after graduation. Jiang Xiaoguo left heartbroken. Meanwhile, for an event involving Liang Shuang, Duan Jiabao hired a child star to substitute for Xiaojuan.

At the event, Duan Jiabao informed the person in charge that Xiaojuan had a fever and Liang Shuang's cousin would step in. She also specifically mentioned Liang Shuang's face had an allergic reaction with many pimples, which the person in charge acknowledged, promising the photographer would professionally retouch Liang Shuang's photos before release. During a break, Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao saw Huang Xiaosan also participating and worried she might cause trouble.

Zhao Youxiu returned to Shenzhen after attending an event. Xiong Zhi informed him that Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao had been looking for him because his contract breach required Liang Shuang to participate in a free parent-child activity. Feeling guilty, Zhao Youxiu asked Xiong Zhi to apologize on his behalf, but Xiong Zhi insisted he do it himself.

Zhao Youxiu claimed he was going to Yangmei Valley to photograph a meteor shower and would apologize upon his return, asking Xiong Zhi to keep his destination a secret. Xiong Zhi, planning to take Duan Jiabao out after her busy period, asked Zhao Youxiu where he was going to shoot. Liang Shuang, wary of Huang Xiaosan, completed the event without incident.

While having dinner with Duan Jiabao, Duan Jiabao informed her that the brand was interested in arranging a magazine shoot with Liang Shuang and Xiaojuan once Xiaojuan returned, adding that many beautiful event photos had been taken and would be released after retouching. Liang Shuang suddenly felt guilty, remembering her previous temper outburst at Duan Jiabao over a minor issue, and apologized. Duan Jiabao also reflected on her professional shortcomings.

During a date with Xiong Zhi, he suggested taking Duan Jiabao to see a meteor shower. Excited, Duan Jiabao checked Weibo for information, only to discover a photo intentionally slandering Liang Shuang posted by Huang Xiaosan, which Chen Zhuo's artists had also reposted. Duan Jiabao rushed back to the dorm to inform Liang Shuang. They decided to ask the brand to issue a clarifying Weibo post.

However, the brand reneged, refusing to post a clarification and ceasing further cooperation with Liang Shuang. Liang Shuang then proposed using videos Duan Jiabao had taken to post their own clarification on Weibo. Duan Jiabao panicked, admitting she had been busy with the brand and forgot to record videos of Liang Shuang. Liang Shuang angrily criticized Duan Jiabao.

In the dorm, after Luo Yan and Jiang Xiaoguo returned, Liang Shuang began arguing with Duan Jiabao, creating a tense and depressing atmosphere. Luo Yan angrily stopped them. The next day, despite being angry with Liang Shuang, Duan Jiabao continued to liaise with the brand on her behalf. A clinic specializing in acne treatment contacted Duan Jiabao, seeking Liang Shuang as an anti-acne spokesperson. Duan Jiabao sent Liang Shuang's information to them, stating she would discuss it with Liang Shuang.

Following an argument between Jiang Xiaoguo and Zhou Xun, Jiang Xiaoguo felt a sense of misunderstanding, while Zhou Xun was visibly distressed. Director Ding approached Jiang Xiaoguo at her workstation, offering comfort and explaining that a new company's listing inevitably faces turmoil, especially since Zhao Changming was at fault, and the truth would emerge regardless. He advised her to go home early, have a drink with a friend, and hoped to see her usual self the next day.

Separately, Rebecca also comforted a downcast Jiang Xiaoguo, suggesting she temper her expectations for her superior. It was revealed that the idea to expose the news to the media originally came from Su Hang, but Zhou Xun proactively took the blame. Rebecca questioned Zhou Xun about why he took responsibility if he knew Jiang Xiaoguo was emotional; Zhou Xun stubbornly replied that Jiang Xiaoguo was not that important to him.

However, both Director Ding and Rebecca noticed the pen Zhou Xun had given Jiang Xiaoguo, a significant item he purchased after securing his very first project. Zhou Xun offered no further explanation for giving it away. Later, while Zhou Xun was eating alone and received a work call, he instinctively reached for his pen, only to realize he had given it to Jiang Xiaoguo, leading to a feeling of loss.

Meanwhile, Lu Ran's mother, having learned about Zhao Changming's illicit relationship with Luo Yan's mother, adamantly instructed Lu Ran to break up with Luo Yan immediately. Lu Ran's mother stated that she didn't care about Luo Yan's academic or career status, but she refused to become in-laws with the "other woman." This demand greatly annoyed and troubled Lu Ran.

Jiang Xiaoguo intentionally created an opportunity for Lu Ran and Luo Yan to meet, but after only a few words, Lu Ran was either called away by his mother or had to leave for a celebration banquet. After Lu Ran departed, Jiang Xiaoguo spoke with Luo Yan, who, realizing her mother's actions were at fault, forgave Jiang Xiaoguo for any past issues and the two friends reconciled.

Later, Lu Ran, while attending his celebration banquet, received a notification that a stage play, which he had planned to see with Luo Yan, was about to begin. Defying his mother's opposition, he abruptly left the dinner and rushed to the theater to find Luo Yan. Despite Luo Yan feeling nervous, Lu Ran had made the decision to continue their relationship, and they reconciled.

The reconciled couple later visited Big Bear's shop for dinner, where they overheard Big Bear mentioning taking Duan Jiabao to see a meteor shower. Lu Ran then suggested he take Luo Yan to see it instead, which delighted her. During this time, Luo Yan's mother messaged Lu Ran inquiring about Luo Yan's current situation, but Lu Ran chose not to inform Luo Yan about this message. Duan Jiabao returned to the dorm, feeling dejected, and confided in Jiang Xiaoguo.

She then informed Liang Shuang about Doctor He's offer for her to be an acne advertisement or "acne-fighting spokesperson." Liang Shuang reacted with fury, believing that such an endorsement would publicly confirm she had "bad skin" and was a "catfish" (a person whose online appearance significantly differs from reality). Duan Jiabao patiently explained that she had Liang Shuang's best interests at heart, but Liang Shuang was unappreciative, responding with harsh and critical words that made Duan Jiabao feel useless.

Feeling both angry and wronged, Duan Jiabao yelled back, escalating their argument. Jiang Xiaoguo attempted to mediate, urging them to resolve their work disputes without damaging their friendship, but Duan Jiabao refused, accusing Jiang Xiaoguo of also changing teams due to her own argument with Zhou Xun. Duan Jiabao then angrily proposed they "break up" their partnership and ran out. Luo Yan, concerned, rushed to comfort her, but Duan Jiabao stated she wanted to be alone.

Luo Yan remained with her, silently offering comfort. After they left, Jiang Xiaoguo advised Liang Shuang to be more understanding of Duan Jiabao. The next morning, Liang Shuang went alone to a clinic (referred to as Doctor He's or simply "the clinic") for acne treatment. She initially planned to record the process with her phone, but the doctor offered to provide a high-definition video from the clinic's cameras, so she recorded the entire process.

When Jiang Xiaoguo returned to the dorm, Liang Shuang also returned after her treatment, feeling dizzy, nauseous, and a bit hypoglycemic. Jiang Xiaoguo offered her some grapefruit tea or a sweet drink; Liang Shuang, who hadn't consumed sweets in a long time, unknowingly drank it all. Following this, Liang Shuang suddenly began to binge eat, surprising and scaring Jiang Xiaoguo.

Jiang Xiaoguo immediately called Duan Zhenyu to ask if Duan Jiabao was with him and to tell her to return, but Duan Jiabao, still angry, replied that she was no longer Liang Shuang's agent and hung up the phone. Later, Duan Jiabao returned to the dorm to discover that Liang Shuang had packed her bags and left. Duan Jiabao cried sadly, realizing how much she cared about Liang Shuang and regretting their argument.

Liang Shuang had traveled to a scenic mountain area and checked into a B&B. She sent messages to both Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan to report her safety, specifically asking them not to inform Duan Jiabao of her whereabouts. By coincidence, Liang Shuang found herself staying in the same B&B as Zhao Youxiu; upon meeting, they immediately disliked each other, both unwilling to admit knowing the other, with Liang Shuang angrily demanding to change rooms.

Meanwhile, while waiting for a bus for his training camp with his sister Duan Jiabao, Duan Zhenyu complained about Jiang Xiaoguo's lack of care for him and their relationship. Duan Jiabao comforted him and advised him to give up on Jiang Xiaoguo, suggesting that Jiang Xiaoguo did not favor younger men. Despite this, Duan Zhenyu resolved to tell Jiang Xiaoguo that although he was biologically younger, he was psychologically mature.

However, just as he was feeling determined, his teammates pulled him onto the arriving training camp bus, preventing him from finding Jiang Xiaoguo. At Puling Capital, Zhou Xun and Su Hang were engaged in a heated debate regarding an investment in an unmanned supermarket; Zhou Xun advocated for it, while Su Hang disagreed, suggesting they wait until the company had surplus funds. Director Ding then proposed fundraising to proceed.

After the meeting, Director Ding informed his team that he would be taking them to a Financial Peak Forum, also referred to as the Financial Innovation and Technology Development Summit Forum. He specifically designated Jiang Xiaoguo as his assistant for this event, instructing her to research the attendees and the preferences of important boss Ma Dongsheng. Rebecca also stated her intention to have Jiang Xiaoguo as her assistant for the same forum, which greatly excited Jiang Xiaoguo. Rebecca later brought Jiang Xiaoguo and others to the forum, introducing them to many influential figures, an experience Jiang Xiaoguo greatly admired.

At a peak forum, Director Ding (Rebecca) approached Ma Dongsheng and added him on WeChat. Jiang Xiaoguo and her colleagues observed their pleasant conversation, which Director Ding later revealed was not about fundraising. Knowing Ma Dongsheng's passion for racing, Director Ding discussed their shared favorite racer, Raikkonen, who was visiting China, and gave Ma Dongsheng an indoor ticket to his event.

Director Ding clarified that the goal was not the content of the conversation but to create an impression of familiarity between Pruling and Ma Dongsheng among other investors. When other investors, curious about their happy chat, inquired, Director Ding falsely stated they discussed Pruling's upcoming investment projects, successfully piquing their interest. Jiang Xiaoguo and her colleagues were both surprised and impressed by Director Ding's fundraising strategy.

Director Ding then tasked Jiang Xiaoguo and two colleagues to contact the forum's investors, inviting them to Pruling's fundraising roadshow in hopes of securing funds. Jiang Xiaoguo worked late into the night, organizing investor background information. After sending it to Director Ding, she discovered the elevator was broken (or the building experienced a power outage) and started walking down the stairs. Zhou Xun, concerned about her descending in the dark, appeared and pretended to also be leaving, joining her.

As they chatted, Jiang Xiaoguo accidentally missed a step, and Zhou Xun quickly caught or embraced her. He escorted her downstairs. Zhou Xun then offered to call a taxi for her back to school, but Jiang Xiaoguo preferred to walk, hoping to see meteors, the romance of which Zhou Xun did not understand.

After saying goodbye, Jiang Xiaoguo saw Zhou Xun return to the office building to continue working overtime, realizing he had specifically walked her down out of concern, which touched her. While camping at Yangmei Valley, Lu Ran, who had been distracted all day, proposed to Luo Yan that they move to Beijing together and rent an apartment to live their simple life as a couple. Lu Ran nervously awaited her reply, but Luo Yan happily agreed without hesitation.

While strolling by the sea (or at a star-gazing base), Liang Shuang encountered Zhao Youxiu, who was preparing to photograph meteors (or just photographing meteors). They immediately began arguing. Zhao Youxiu suggested they watch the meteors first before discussing their previous issues, but Liang Shuang stated she was not there for the meteors. Puzzled, Zhao Youxiu asked her purpose.

Liang Shuang removed her mask, revealing her face covered in acne, which she attributed to anxiety over Xiaojuan's situation, causing Zhao Youxiu to feel guilty. Liang Shuang confessed her insomnia due to fear of her parent-child bloggers image collapsing and being blacklisted by clients. She acknowledged her bad temper and cynical nature, but also blamed Zhao Youxiu for disappearing.

Zhao Youxiu, taken aback by her apology, advised her not to be angry with Duan Jiabao, even if she was angry with him. He read aloud WeChat messages Duan Jiabao sent him, reinforcing Liang Shuang's regret. Liang Shuang admitted her deep regret over arguing with Duan Jiabao, who had always handled things and apologized to clients on her behalf. As they talked, a meteor shower began (or meteors fell).

Liang Shuang immediately stopped talking (or closed her eyes) and bowed her head to make a wish. Zhao Youxiu regretted not having taken any photos (or was moved by her seriousness). He draped his jacket over her and quickly pulled out his phone to photograph her devoutly wishing. The next morning, Zhao Youxiu brought breakfast to Liang Shuang, but she had already checked out and returned to school (or the dorm).

Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan informed Liang Shuang that Duan Jiabao had been on the verge of breakdown for days. In front of Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan, Liang Shuang solemnly apologized to Duan Jiabao. Duan Jiabao, initially sulking, soon embraced Liang Shuang and cried, and they reconciled.

Liang Shuang accepted an advertisement for Doctor He, and they were scheduled to start work the next day but needed a photographer, unsure if Zhao Youxiu would still be willing to work with them. Pruling's fundraising meeting proved successful, securing many leads (or funds).

At Pruling Capital's partner annual meeting (or after the successful event), Director Ding (Rebecca) informed Jiang Xiaoguo that Zhou Xun had asked her to deliver a computer and had helped conceal details about Luo Yan's family's privacy (or that Luo Yan's mother was a mistress), which surprised and left Jiang Xiaoguo with mixed feelings. To celebrate the fundraising success, Zhou Xun, Su Hang, Director Ding (Rebecca), and Jiang Xiaoguo went to KTV.

Jiang Xiaoguo played Zhou Xun's favorite old song, "My Heart Is Pounding." Su Hang mistakenly (or directly) revealed it to be Director Ding (Rebecca) and Zhou Xun's "love song," indicating they were once a couple. Jiang Xiaoguo felt lost and saddened. Su Hang handed the microphone to Jiang Xiaoguo, who awkwardly sang a few lines. Zhou Xun, sensing the extreme awkwardness or seeing Jiang Xiaoguo's dejection, immediately cut the song.

Jiang Xiaoguo, feeling complex emotions, excused herself to the restroom and anxiously left the KTV early. After leaving the KTV, Jiang Xiaoguo rejected Zhou Xun's call and soon encountered Duan Zhenyu, who had returned from training. He specifically sought out Jiang Xiaoguo, bringing her favorite crayfish. Looking at her earnestly, Duan Zhenyu expressed his desire to pursue her again, offering to change himself to be the way Jiang Xiaoguo liked.

Jiang Xiaoguo was surprised by his offer but told him not to change, explaining the gap between them was too significant. Duan Zhenyu found this unfair, arguing that the gap between Jiang Xiaoguo and Zhou Xun was also significant, yet Jiang Xiaoguo was only willing to work hard to bridge the gap with Zhou Xun. The next day, Jiang Xiaoguo felt flustered recalling the scene of rejecting Duan Zhenyu.

At lunch, Zhou Xun told Jiang Xiaoguo that Director Ding (Rebecca) did not eat eggplant, and Jiang Xiaoguo left feeling dejected. Later that day (or the next day at work), Director Ding noticed Jiang Xiaoguo's low spirits and, during a break, offered to let her ask three questions.

Director Ding, who is also identified as Rebecca in one summary, comforted a distressed Jiang Xiaoguo, offering to answer three questions. Jiang Xiaoguo asked him how he and Zhou Xun got together, how they ended their relationship, and if he had joined Puling because of Zhou Xun. Director Ding revealed that he and Zhou Xun had started their relationship in college, but it was ultimately defeated by reality (or due to long-distance after graduation), leading to a peaceful breakup.

He denied that Zhou Xun was the reason he came to Puling. Jiang Xiaoguo felt somewhat better after these answers, expressing envy for Director Ding. Director Ding, in turn, stated that he envied Jiang Xiaoguo, though he did not elaborate on why. Later, Director Ding invited Jiang Xiaoguo to attend a private party with him the following day.

An important Puling client, Mr. Li (also identified as Li Weiran from Dingsheng), was expected to be there, and Director Ding hoped to secure a partnership. Jiang Xiaoguo, wanting Zhou Xun to notice her and even "outshine" his ex, spent five or six hours meticulously preparing for the event, including a full-body spa and selecting her attire with help from Liang Shuang and Luo Yan.

At the party, Zhou Xun appeared displeased with Jiang Xiaoguo's high-profile attire and questioned her knowledge of business reception dress codes. He was busy discussing how to receive Mr. Li with Su Hang. Jiang Xiaoguo attempted to assist by calling Mr. Li over, but Mr. Li soon departed, looking displeased, and warned that young people, while understandable in their desire to show off, should remain low-key.

Zhou Xun angrily pulled Jiang Xiaoguo aside, scolding her for her flashy dress, which he believed embarrassed Puling during a critical period, emphasizing that employees should focus on work rather than "strange things." Jiang Xiaoguo, feeling wronged, asked Zhou Xun if she was merely a subordinate to him. Zhou Xun unequivocally shattered her illusions, telling her to either change into appropriate attire or leave the party. Jiang Xiaoguo sadly left, crying as she walked.

Director Ding confronted Zhou Xun, questioning his harshness and revealing Jiang Xiaoguo's feelings for him, asking about Zhou Xun's own sentiments. Zhou Xun stated he did not want Jiang Xiaoguo to repeat such basic mistakes. Later, Zhou Xun chased after Jiang Xiaoguo, pulled her into his car, and asked how she intended to get home, also offering to adjust the air conditioning.

Jiang Xiaoguo, still angry and hurt, retorted that leaders did not need to concern themselves with how subordinates returned home. Meanwhile, Liang Shuang went to Zhao Youxiu’s home to help him clean and tidy up. After finishing, she was so exhausted that she fell asleep on the sofa. Zhao Youxiu returned home, saw her, and was deeply moved, taking a few photos of her before gently covering her with his clothes.

Upon waking and seeing Zhao Youxiu, Liang Shuang offered to treat him to dinner as an apology. At dinner, she shared her ideas, and Zhao Youxiu agreed to continue their collaboration, provided they establish "three chapters of law" (rules for cooperation). He was also touched that Liang Shuang had bought him an automatic feeder. Zhao Youxiu then gave Liang Shuang the photos he had taken of her, including one where she was making a wish.

The following day, Duan Jiabao, Liang Shuang, and Zhao Youxiu met to discuss their future partnership and successfully agreed upon their "three chapters of law." Liang Shuang was particularly delighted when Zhao Youxiu revealed he had spoken with his stepmother and convinced her to allow Zhao Xiaojuan to return to Shenzhen for photo shoots on weekends, accommodating his tutoring schedule. As they left the meeting, Duan Jiabao received a call from Duan Zhenyu and departed early.

Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu continued to chat, and he informed her about winning an award, offering to take her to an auction to see his work. Separately, Luo Yan's company secured a significant project, and her supervisor, recognizing her capabilities, assigned her to work on the "Weishi" project alongside Ms. Chen. Luo Yan felt complex and disheartened upon reviewing the "Weishi" documents.

Her mother, Wei Yunjie (also referred to as Luo mother), had formally broken up with Zhao Changming, giving him important Weishi documents and stating that she would no longer be involved with Weishi projects. Luo Yan confided in Jiang Xiaoguo about her hesitation regarding the project, given her plans to move to Beijing with Lu Ran after graduation.

Jiang Xiaoguo advised her to accept the job, seeing it as both a valuable addition to her resume and a means to alleviate financial pressure during this transitional period. Later, while furniture shopping with Lu Ran, Luo Yan observed Qu Wan and Zhao Cheng arriving. Lu Ran found an excuse to momentarily leave Luo Yan and went to greet Qu Wan and Zhao Cheng. Luo Yan watched them chatting, feeling upset and angry.

On their way back, she confronted Lu Ran, asking if he was embarrassed to be seen with her, but he dismissed her feelings as oversensitivity, leading to an unhappy parting. In the dormitory, Duan Jiabao inquired if Luo Yan loved Lu Ran, and Luo Yan's response prompted Duan Jiabao into deep reflection. Meanwhile, Da Xiong advised Duan Jiabao to seek other employment rather than partnering with Zhao Youxiu and Liang Shuang, but Duan Jiabao reiterated her happiness in their collaboration.

After receiving a call from him, Duan Jiabao's brother, Duan Zhenyu, revealed he still wished to pursue Jiang Xiaoguo. When Duan Jiabao questioned the depth of his feelings, he explained that he could talk about anything with Jiang Xiaoguo, never felt bored even in silence, and found himself wanting to imitate her actions and words. Duan Jiabao then pondered if this accurately described the feeling of loving someone.

Jiang Xiaoguo returned to the dorm crying, heartbroken and blaming Zhou Xun for rejecting her. She declared to her concerned roommates that she would give up on Zhou Xun and try to avoid him outside of work. However, Liang Shuang expressed doubt that Jiang Xiaoguo could truly forget him. Jiang Xiaoguo later shielded Zhou Xun from her social media and maintained a cold demeanor at work, even having a colleague, Tianyang, deliver documents to him.

Zhou Xun, feeling complex emotions and distracted by Jiang Xiaoguo, ended up missing an important meeting with investor Ma Dongsheng by taking a wrong turn. While comforting Jiang Xiaoguo, Luo Yan received an apology message from Road Ran, which she ignored. Road Ran, irritated by his mother's attempts to set him up with other girls, quickly switched his phone screen to a game when she entered.

During a date with Luo Yan, Road Ran became upset after seeing "Weishi" project plans in her bag, realizing she was connecting with the company. Later, Luo Yan saw Road Ran talking with another girl, Xiaomi, after work or at school. Xiaomi, who also had a boyfriend and was only on the blind date due to family disapproval, bonded with Road Ran over their similar situations.

Road Ran confided that his family issues had created a rift with his girlfriend, and Xiaomi advised him to explain things clearly if they were committed to each other. Luo Yan, angry at seeing them converse, ignored Road Ran. Jiang Xiaoguo tried to comfort Luo Yan, urging her to communicate with Road Ran. Zhao Youxiu took Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao to a painting exhibition and auction, where his works proved popular.

He received an invitation from Geography China Magazine, hoping to sign him. Liang Shuang felt a pang of disappointment, worrying that the studio they planned might not open and that Zhao Youxiu would no longer collaborate with them. Duan Jiabao, however, bought a photograph Zhao Youxiu had taken of Liang Shuang and Xiaojuan, intending to hang it in their future studio.

Later, Liang Shuang bravely told Zhao Youxiu that while she wanted him to stay, she didn't want him to abandon his dream. Zhao Youxiu then revealed he had rejected the magazine's offer, choosing to stay with Liang Shuang's team, which deeply moved her. Liang Shuang found herself thinking about Zhao Youxiu that night. Duan Jiabao and Liang Shuang discussed plans for their studio. Jiang Xiaoguo remarked that Duan Jiabao now seemed more dedicated to work than to idol-chasing.

Duan Jiabao herself felt confused about her feelings for Xiong Zhi, recalling that Xiong Zhi had also suggested she preferred work over him. She described their relationship as feeling like "stagnant water" or having "no feeling," admitting she didn't miss him when they were apart.

After asking Duan Jiabao a series of questions about her relationship, Liang Shuang concluded that Duan Jiabao didn't truly like Xiong Zhi and advised her to break up with him, while Jiang Xiaoguo suggested Duan Jiabao might not have realized her feelings yet and should reflect further. Duan Jiabao spent the night pondering her relationship with Xiong Zhi. The next morning, Duan Jiabao went to "Same Place" to find Xiong Zhi, only to discover it was being sold.

She was saddened by the news, as the restaurant held four years of university memories for them. After much hesitation, she decided to break up with Xiong Zhi via WeChat, feeling their relationship lacked passion. Unbeknownst to her, Xiong Zhi had reinstalled his phone system and did not see the message. That evening, he continued his routine of delivering soup to her and invited her and her roommates to "Same Place" for dinner the next day, promising good news.

Duan Jiabao felt extremely awkward. Before Jiang Xiaoguo left work, Zhou Xun, intending to meet Ma Dongsheng for investment, wanted to retrieve some documents from her. Jiang Xiaoguo, maintaining her cold distance, instructed her colleague Tianyang to pass them on. Feeling complex emotions, Zhou Xun drove to meet Ma Dongsheng, but his distraction over Jiang Xiaoguo caused him to miss a turn, preventing him from meeting the client as scheduled.

That night, Xiong Zhi gathered everyone at "Same Place" and excitedly announced he had bought the restaurant. Everyone was delighted and teased Duan Jiabao about becoming the "boss's wife." Duan Jiabao was surprised and filled with guilt. Liang Shuang, sensing her distress, gently squeezed her hand in comfort. As dinner concluded, Zhao Youxiu proposed a game of truth or dare. The bottle first landed on Road Ran, who chose "dare."

Jiang Xiaoguo and the others urged him to kiss Luo Yan, but Luo Yan recoiled. Recognizing the tension between them, the friends tried to change the subject, but Luo Yan pulled Road Ran aside. She angrily confronted him, accusing him of dating or having an arranged marriage with Xiaomi. Their suppressed emotions erupted into a heated argument, and Luo Yan stormed off. Zhao Youxiu later admitted he had someone he liked.

When the bottle eventually pointed to Duan Jiabao, Zhao Youxiu asked if she would marry Xiong Zhi after graduation. Gathering her courage, Duan Jiabao broke up with Xiong Zhi, stating clearly that there was no feeling between them. Xiong Zhi, bewildered, left "Same Place." Duan Jiabao, worried, chased after him, explaining that they were like two drops of water, without any connection or feeling when together.

Xiong Zhi was deeply hurt and angrily questioned Duan Jiabao about why she wanted to break up. Duan Jiabao explained that romance should be like two drops of oil, not two drops of water. Xiong Zhi refused Duan Jiabao's request to remain friends and left, leaving Duan Jiabao with complex emotions. Meanwhile, Zhou Xun missed an important client, Ma Dongsheng, due to taking a wrong turn, leaving him remorseful.

He drank alone in his office, unresponsive to comfort from Su Hang. At the same time, a drunken Jiang Xiaoguo repeatedly called Zhou Xun, crying and wanting to ask why he didn't like her. However, Zhou Xun, also intoxicated, was asleep and didn't answer any calls, leaving Duan Zhenyu, who was helping her back to school, feeling a pang of sadness seeing her singular focus on Zhou Xun. The next morning, Liang Shuang woke up a hungover Jiang Xiaoguo.

Jiang Xiaoguo was surprised to learn of Duan Jiabao and Xiong Zhi's breakup, feeling it was a pity. Duan Jiabao, however, drew a parallel by mentioning Duan Zhenyu's kindness towards Jiang Xiaoguo, noting that Jiang Xiaoguo didn't like him either. This left Jiang Xiaoguo speechless and feeling guilty towards Duan Zhenyu. Later, Wendy informed Jiang Xiaoguo that Zhou Xun had already taken an early flight to Beijing to intercept Ma Dongsheng.

In her professional life, Luo Yan, working with Ms. Chen's project team, discussed planning the Weishi annual meeting. Luo Yan proposed using cartoon logos, suggesting they would enliven the atmosphere without stealing the spotlight. Ms. Chen approved and tasked Luo Yan with implementing the idea. Liang Shuang, Duan Jiabao, and Zhao Youxiu went to view a new studio for rent.

While Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao were very satisfied with the new place, Zhao Youxiu was concerned that the rent would deplete their earnings. He urged them not to be impulsive, but they were unwilling to compromise, so he eventually conceded. Zhao Youxiu, feeling empathy for Xiong Zhi, couldn't help but criticize Duan Jiabao for appearing happy after the breakup, calling her "fake" and pointing out that Xiong Zhi had even bought out his shop for her.

Duan Jiabao responded that she simply didn't have feelings for Xiong Zhi and felt upset by Zhao Youxiu's words until Liang Shuang intervened. After leaving the viewing, Duan Jiabao asked Liang Shuang if she had made a mistake in breaking up. Liang Shuang comforted her, saying she wasn't wrong, comparing it to a beautiful outfit that doesn't fit.

Liang Shuang also asked if Duan Jiabao liked someone else, to which Duan Jiabao hesitated, saying she wasn't sure yet but would tell Liang Shuang when she was. Liang Shuang was surprised but didn't press, only suggesting Duan Jiabao apologize to Xiong Zhi. Later, Zhao Youxiu, Lu Ran, and Xiong Zhi met for dinner at a high-end restaurant arranged by Duan Zhenyu.

Lu Ran asked Xiong Zhi about his strong feelings for Duan Jiabao, and Xiong Zhi reminisced fondly about her qualities. Xiong Zhi revealed that he had received Duan Jiabao's breakup text before the previous night's dinner but had deliberately pretended not to see it, continuing to send her meals and hoping to use Same Place to win her back, but she still explicitly broke up with him.

He ultimately failed, deciding to return to his hometown for work as Same Place was not bought out. The conversation shifted to other relationships; Lu Ran, feeling down, mentioned that he and Luo Yan argued almost daily. Xiong Zhi, ironically, envied this, seeing arguments as a sign of continued care.

Lu Ran then asked Zhao Youxiu if he had any romantic troubles, and Zhao Youxiu admitted he had feelings for someone but believed the person didn't reciprocate, fearing that a confession would destroy their friendship. Zhou Xun relentlessly pursued Ma Dongsheng in Beijing for an entire week. Ma Dongsheng, impressed by Zhou Xun's persistence and sincerity, finally granted him a ten-minute meeting. Zhou Xun used this opportunity to present his analysis of BuyBox versus Yixian.

Despite acknowledging BuyBox's more mature technology, Ma Dongsheng ultimately rejected Zhou Xun's proposal, explaining he preferred to invest in Yixian due to its more formidable backer, Xunda, which promised a stronger strategic partnership. Zhou Xun was utterly dejected by this failure and took annual leave to return to his hometown. News of Zhou Xun's failure with Ma Dongsheng caused panic at Pruling Capital.

Jiang Xiaoguo, hearing that Zhou Xun had taken annual leave and returned to his hometown, became very worried. She requested a day off from Director Ding to go and find him. Upon returning to her dorm, Duan Jiabao received a lunchbox of lion's head meatballs from a classmate, delivered by a male downstairs. Duan Jiabao correctly guessed it was from Xiong Zhi. The classmate mentioned Xiong Zhi had left with a suitcase immediately after delivery.

Realizing Xiong Zhi was leaving, Duan Jiabao rushed to the train station. Xiong Zhi, seeing her there, told her not to apologize further and encouraged her to bravely pursue her true feelings if she had found someone she liked. Duan Jiabao felt a pang of guilt seeing his sadness. Duan Zhenyu was offered a coveted spot for a year-long training camp in Germany.

While his coach asked for his decision, Duan Zhenyu remained hesitant, primarily because he was reluctant to leave Jiang Xiaoguo and feared that a year's absence could change many things upon his return. He requested more time to consider the offer. Zhao Youxiu received an urgent call from his stepmother, who informed him that she and his father would be arriving in Shenzhen with Xiaojuan and expected him to bring his girlfriend to dinner.

Zhao Youxiu was thrown into a panic because he had previously lied, telling his stepmother that Liang Shuang was his girlfriend to secure her agreement for Xiaojuan's collaboration with Liang Shuang. He agreed to bring his "girlfriend" for dinner the following evening. Later, he confessed the situation to Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao, desperately asking Liang Shuang to pretend to be his girlfriend. Liang Shuang, however, flatly refused.

Zhao Youxiu then suggested that if Liang Shuang wouldn't, Duan Jiabao could step in. Duan Jiabao, who secretly harbored feelings for Zhao Youxiu, felt a spark of happiness at the suggestion but ultimately refused. Jiang Xiaoguo eventually found Zhou Xun at his family's guesthouse, where she claimed to be a tourist. Zhou Xun initially tried to turn her away, stating the guesthouse was fully booked.

However, his father intervened, insisting that Zhou Xun share his own room so Jiang Xiaoguo could stay in Zhou Xun's room. Jiang Xiaoguo found everything in Zhou Xun's room novel and exciting, and happily danced.

While video chatting with her roommates, Jiang Xiaoguo reveals she is staying in Zhou Xun's room, though he is in his father's room. Her roommates tease her, and Jiang Xiaoguo hints at more arduous tasks awaiting her. Zhou Xun's father teases his son about giving up his room, but Zhou Xun retorts that Jiang Xiaoguo is not just anyone, but his subordinate. The next morning, Zhou Xun prepares breakfast for Jiang Xiaoguo.

During the meal, Zhou Xun's father asks Jiang Xiaoguo if the company is facing troubles and shares embarrassing stories from Zhou Xun's childhood. He also explains that Zhou Xun's stern demeanor developed after his mother's death, and his love for sweets also stems from her. Jiang Xiaoguo then takes Zhou Xun's forgotten phone to him on the rooftop, where she helps him hang up sheets.

She asks if he has truly given up on BuyBox, expressing both disappointment, as the whole company is working towards his dream, and admiration for his achievements, from being a top student to establishing a career in Shenzhen. She encourages him not to give up. Later, Jiang Xiaoguo learns that rival company Yixian's business is booming, while BuyBox is struggling with a significantly lower market share.

Distraught, she rushes to Zhou Xun, finds him standing in the sea, and fearing he might jump, pulls him back. She suggests selling BuyBox. Zhou Xun calmly explains that price wars are never sustainable, and only technological progress drives societal advancement. He reveals that Yixian's price war aims to defeat BuyBox, but if BuyBox can survive this period, it will emerge victorious.

He returned to his hometown precisely to await BuyBox's technological upgrade, emphasizing that Puling holds his and Su Hang's complete dedication and he would never betray it. Jiang Xiaoguo gains a new understanding of Zhou Xun, realizing that despite his calm exterior, he has meticulously planned everything. She applies to return to Zhou Xun's project team, determined to contribute regardless of the project's success or failure, stating she would have no regrets.

Duan Zhenyu informs his sister, Duan Jiabao, about his upcoming training in Germany, expressing his worry for Jiang Xiaoguo. Duan Jiabao, surprised he's still concerned about Xiaoguo, tells him to give up, adding that even if Xiaoguo didn't like Zhou Xun, she wouldn't like him either. She further reveals that Xiaoguo has already met Zhou Xun's father and gone to see Zhou Xun. Duan Zhenyu later travels to Zhou Xun's hometown, finding his homestay.

As he approaches the entrance, he sees Zhou Xun calling Jiang Xiaoguo out for a walk. He hides until they leave, then enters the homestay. Zhou Xun's father informs him there are no available rooms, as his son's colleague (Jiang Xiaoguo) is occupying his son's room, causing Duan Zhenyu to leave in a daze, feeling lost and disappointed.

Meanwhile, Lu Ran messages Luo Yan, claiming he has come clean to his parents about their relationship and needs some time, but he is determined to be with her. Luo Yan is touched by his declaration and feels a sense of sweetness. During a subsequent date, Lu Ran reassures Luo Yan that his parents are no longer pressuring him, and they reconcile, sharing a kiss. They visit the beach to throw a message-in-a-bottle into the sea.

Luo Yan asks Lu Ran to accompany her to visit her father (or sweep graves), and he agrees, comforting her when she expresses not remembering her father's mannerisms. On their way back to school, they unexpectedly encounter Lu Ran's mother. She becomes upset upon seeing them holding hands and questions Lu Ran about moving back into the dorm without telling her. Lu Ran ignores his mother's questions, pulling Luo Yan away.

Luo Yan later confronts him, realizing he had lied about telling his parents, to which Lu Ran responds that he "had no choice." Unable to endure a relationship built on deceit, a heartbroken Luo Yan breaks up with him, and both recall their sweet past memories with sorrow. Separately, Zhao Youxiu arranges a photoshoot with Zhao Xiaojuan, Liang Shuang, and Duan Jiabao.

Afterward, Zhao Youxiu asks Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao if either would pretend to be his girlfriend for dinner that night, explaining it is important for his future work. Both initially decline, citing other commitments. That evening, at dinner with his parents, neither Liang Shuang nor Duan Jiabao has arrived, so Zhao Youxiu lies to his father, claiming his girlfriend has temporary work or is with a client.

To his surprise, Duan Jiabao suddenly arrives with a gift, and Zhao Youxiu, playing along, quickly introduces her to his family as his girlfriend. Just as Duan Jiabao sits down, Liang Shuang also arrives with a similar gift.

Realizing that Duan Jiabao is already posing as Zhao Youxiu's girlfriend, Liang Shuang feels a moment of disappointment but quickly composes herself, states she is merely a friend there to greet Zhao Youxiu's parents, leaves her gift, and makes an excuse to depart. Zhao Youxiu is touched by her understanding and later expresses his gratitude to Liang Shuang.

Upon returning to their dorm, Duan Jiabao apologizes to Liang Shuang and confesses that she has fallen for Zhao Youxiu, but feels she might not be good enough for him. Liang Shuang is surprised but promises to help her pursue him. Duan Jiabao then shares this secret with Jiang Xiaoguo over the phone. Both Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan are surprised and confused by Duan Jiabao's newfound feelings for Zhao Youxiu.

Luo Yan returns to the dorm in the rain and develops a fever. Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao care for her, touched by their concern, while speculating about her relationship with Lu Ran. Lu Ran, also saddened by their breakup, cries in the rain reminiscing. Luo Yan tells Liang Shuang about the breakup, and Liang Shuang offers comfort. Later, while Luo Yan is working late, Lu Ran calls her, but she rejects the call.

He then gives Jiang Xiaoguo cold medicine and a game CD to pass to Luo Yan. Jiang Xiaoguo realizes something is wrong between them and learns they have broken up. When the roommates ask for the reason, Luo Yan cites personality incompatibility and doesn't reveal details about her mother's situation. Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao, unaware of the full truth, try to persuade her to reconcile, but Jiang Xiaoguo, who knows more, supports her decision.

Despite her sadness, Luo Yan resolves to turn her grief into motivation, work hard, and strive to become like Jiang Xiaoguo. At Joy Team Building, Luo Yan is busy preparing for the Weishi annual meeting. Ms. Chen provides her with an attendee list. Luo Yan discovers that Zhao Changming plans to attend with a family member and that her mother, Wei Yunjie (referred to as Luo Mama in summary 1), will also be there.

Concerned, Luo Yan rushes home to tell Wei Yunjie not to attend, claiming she fears Wei Yunjie might jeopardize her first time organizing such an event. Unbeknownst to Luo Yan, Wei Yunjie is already planning to completely distance herself from Zhao Changming. Luo Yan's supervisor later praises her and intends to give her responsibility for the Weishi and Junhao projects after she becomes a full-time employee.

Luo Yan then learns that Wei Yunjie is her supervisor's esteemed teacher and had arranged for Luo Yan's placement at Joy Team Building. Feeling betrayed and angry, Luo Yan confronts Duan Jiabao in the dorm, asking if Wei Yunjie told her to inform Luo Yan about the job. Duan Jiabao doesn't deny it, stating that Wei Yunjie meant well.

Luo Yan angrily expresses her strained relationship with her mother and her desire not to rely on her, leaving Duan Jiabao confused. As the two are about to argue, Jiang Xiaoguo intervenes, taking Luo Yan away and scolding her for losing her temper with Duan Jiabao. Luo Yan expresses feelings of weakness and asks Jiang Xiaoguo if she looks down on her for needing her mother's help to secure employment.

Zhao Youxiu's stepmother invites Duan Jiabao shopping, reminding her to take good care of Xiaojuan. Meanwhile, Zhao Youxiu eats with his father. His father, having discerned that Duan Jiabao and Zhao Youxiu's relationship is a pretense, and that Zhao Youxiu actually likes Liang Shuang, encourages Zhao Youxiu to pursue her directly, despite Zhao Youxiu's desire to establish a career first. Zhao Youxiu admits his feelings for Liang Shuang to his father.

As Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao see Zhao Youxiu's parents off, Zhao Father asks Liang Shuang to be more tolerant of Zhao Youxiu, which deeply touches her. Before leaving Shenzhen, Zhao Father also invites Liang Shuang to visit their home. Liang Shuang's studio is officially established, and the trio celebrates. Duan Jiabao gives Zhao Youxiu a roll of film and suggests they go photography the next day.

Liang Shuang attempts to create an opportunity for Duan Jiabao and Zhao Youxiu to spend time alone by claiming she has other commitments. However, Zhao Youxiu rejects this by suggesting they wait for Zhao Xiaojuan so all four can go, leading Duan Jiabao to give up her initial plan. Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao secure an online and offline cooperation deal with a client for the Fairy Home project and also obtain a carnival opportunity.

Duan Jiabao is surprised by Liang Shuang's sincere consideration for Zhao Xiaojuan, as Liang Shuang makes specific requests to the client to ensure Zhao Xiaojuan isn't overworked during filming. Later, while Liang Shuang is on a video call with Zhao Xiaojuan, Zhao Youxiu thoughtfully pours water for Liang Shuang, which makes Duan Jiabao jealous. Jiang Xiaoguo informs Zhou Xun she is returning to work and bids him farewell.

Zhou Xun reveals that BoxBoxBuy's new Halo technology has successfully overcome its most difficult challenge and, pending successful market testing, is considered a success. Zhou Xun plans to return to the company with Jiang Xiaoguo. As they prepare to leave the guesthouse, Jiang Xiaoguo spots Duan Zhenyu's car outside; he had slept there all night, having driven all the way to pursue her. Although touched by his gesture, Jiang Xiaoguo ultimately returns to Shenzhen with Zhou Xun.

At Puling Capital, Rebecca expresses admiration for Jiang Xiaoguo's ability to persuade Zhou Xun to return. During a company meeting, a colleague questions Jiang Xiaoguo about her leave, but she merely exchanges a knowing smile with Zhou Xun without revealing details. Zhou Xun then receives distressing news: a competitor, Yixian, has preemptively released its Halo technology, causing BoxBoxBuy's market share to plummet to ten percent.

Both Su Hang and Rebecca urge Zhou Xun to release their Halo technology immediately to salvage market share. However, Zhou Xun adamantly refuses, asserting that their Halo technology is not yet perfect and must be fully refined before release. Su Hang angrily leaves the meeting. With Puling Capital's funds only sufficient for ten days, Zhou Xun makes a desperate gamble, pledging all his personal assets.

Later that evening, Jiang Xiaoguo brings Zhou Xun to a basketball court, where he is touched to find Rebecca and Su Hang waiting for him. While they play, Rebecca recounts to Jiang Xiaoguo how Zhou Xun once bravely fought to defend Su Hang, using two tennis rackets, though both ended up getting beaten, which greatly surprises Jiang Xiaoguo. Su Hang then informs a deeply moved Zhou Xun that he has agreed to go home and ask his father, Mr. Su Sr. , for investment.

Luo Yan and Jiang Xiaoguo confide in each other, discussing what it means to grow up. Luo Yan calms down, stating that the first step to maturity is apologizing to Duan Jiabao, which makes Jiang Xiaoguo happy. Luo Yan asks Jiang Xiaoguo about her relationship with Zhou Xun. Jiang Xiaoguo admits she doesn't understand Zhou Xun's feelings for her, but with Puling Capital facing a critical situation, she can only address it later.

Jiang Xiaoguo also mentions Duan Zhenyu's visit, prompting Luo Yan to ask if she has any feelings for him. Jiang Xiaoguo is unsure but knows she would deeply regret giving up on Zhou Xun. At Puling Capital, Director Ding and Zhou Xun discuss the possibility that an insider at BuyBox is responsible for the tech leak at Halo. Director Ding decides to have Matt from BuyBox investigate the company internally.

Su Hang arrives, looking dejected, and informs them that his negotiations with Mr. Su Sr. failed. Zhou Xun shares his progress, mentioning he is in discussions with Wanyou, the largest food group in the country; securing a contract with them would significantly reduce BuyBox's market costs for food. Zhou Xun then instructs Jiang Xiaoguo to leak information about Yixian's technical vulnerabilities to Finance Now.

Later, Jiang Xiaoguo is frustrated to learn that an investment secured by Su Hang and Rebecca was intercepted. She proceeds to contact a former colleague at Finance Now, as tasked by Zhou Xun, to report Yixian's technical vulnerabilities. Liang Shuang and Xiaojuan successfully complete a photoshoot, with the client expressing great satisfaction and interest in a long-term partnership.

Zhao Youxiu mentions he has a fir tree charity event to photograph that afternoon and asks Liang Shuang to take Xiaojuan to his piano class. Liang Shuang agrees. Using the excuse of developing potential clients, Liang Shuang arranges for Duan Jiabao to accompany Zhao Youxiu to the event, which Duan Jiabao happily accepts, though Liang Shuang feels a sense of loss. Xiaojuan, however, tries to charm Liang Shuang into letting him play instead of going to piano class.

Liang Shuang takes him to class anyway, but Xiaojuan fakes a stomach ache (to eat fried chicken, as revealed later) causing the teacher to call Liang Shuang. Liang Shuang, realizing Xiaojuan is pretending, advises him against lying in the future, and he promises not to. Back at the studio, Duan Jiabao hesitates before asking Liang Shuang if she likes Zhao Youxiu.

Liang Shuang is initially startled but directly denies it, explaining she avoids Zhao Youxiu to create opportunities for him and Duan Jiabao. Duan Jiabao then asks why Liang Shuang is so concerned about Xiaojuan, and Liang Shuang reiterates it's for work, which reassures Duan Jiabao. Liang Shuang's career continues to flourish; she has become one of the top ten parent-child bloggers and can now choose her own clients.

Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao identify a desirable client who wants to interview Liang Shuang and Xiaojuan about their "sister and brother" story from childhood. Liang Shuang expresses concern about the lie growing larger, but Duan Jiabao reminds her that their studio was built on such a premise. Liang Shuang agrees, and they approach Zhao Youxiu to help them invent the story. Zhao Changming attends the Weishi annual meeting with his wife, Qu Wan, and son, Zhao Cheng.

Wei Yunjie (Luo Mama) is also present, and Luo Yan, who is preparing for the event, encounters her. Wei Yunjie states she is there to facilitate a handover for a colleague and Weishi, and that after the meeting, her relationship with Zhao Changming will be completely over. She is touched by Luo Yan's busyness, realizing her daughter has grown up, though Luo Yan remains cold towards her.

During the meeting, company executives jest about Zhao Changming and Qu Wan's affectionate relationship, and Qu Wan makes veiled remarks towards Wei Yunjie, which makes Luo Yan uncomfortable. Zhao Cheng attempts to talk to Luo Yan, but she dismisses him, stating she is working. After the meeting concludes, Zhao Changming and Qu Wan are about to leave when media outlets swarm Zhao Changming, questioning him about marital discord. Zhao Changming is furious.

Wei Yunjie attempts to shield him, but reporters then produce an intimate photograph of Zhao Changming and Wei Yunjie, demanding an explanation from Wei Yunjie. As Wei Yunjie struggles to respond, Luo Yan rushes forward, shields her mother, and escorts her away, instructing Secretary Wang to take Wei Yunjie home. Watching her mother leave, Luo Yan feels sadness. News breaks about Weishi Technology's Zhao Changming having an affair with Wei Yunjie, becoming a topic of discussion among Luo Yan's colleagues.

Zhao Cheng confronts Luo Yan, who simply states Wei Yunjie is her mother. Wei Yunjie, facing questions from her law firm's partners, reveals she has been with Zhao Changming for three years. To protect the firm's image and mitigate losses, she proactively offers her resignation, suggesting the firm announce her termination. After leaving the firm, Wei Yunjie drinks alone at home.

A concerned Luo Yan returns home and asks her mother why she allowed the situation to escalate when she could have resolved it. Meanwhile, Qu Wan angrily confronts Zhao Changming at home, questioning why he invited Wei Yunjie to the annual meeting knowing the media was watching them. Qu Wan reveals she has known about Zhao Changming's affair for three years, having suppressed her emotions until this moment, and now vents her frustration.

Zhao Changming, realizing this, frantically apologizes and claims he has separated from Wei Yunjie. Their argument is overheard by Zhao Cheng, who becomes distraught and runs away crying, refusing his mother's apology. Zhao Cheng is surprised to learn from Lu Ran that Lu Ran had known about his parents' relationship all along. Because of this, Lu Ran reveals that he and Luo Yan have broken up.

Luo Yan’s friends, Jiang Xiaoguo, Liang Shuang, and Duan Jiabao, rally around her with comfort and concern after learning about her mother's scandal as Zhao Changming's mistress. Luo Yan is deeply moved by their support and realizes that, as a daughter, she cannot completely abandon her mother. At her company, Luo Yan apologizes to her supervisor.

Despite her mother’s situation, the supervisor is not overly critical, acknowledging Luo Yan's outstanding ability to stabilize the situation and asking her to prepare for her full-time employee defense, though she temporarily stops handling Junhao’s work. Later, Zhao Cheng approaches Luo Yan, revealing his intention to apply for a scholarship to study abroad after college entrance exams, aiming to cut ties with his family and distance himself from his hypocritical father and a mother who ignored her husband's infidelity.

Luo Yan, who once harbored similar "childish" thoughts, advises him against making "futile struggles," but he is unconvinced. Luo Yan's full-time employee defense proceeds smoothly, and her supervisor, appreciating her capability, agrees to her full employment. However, her boss was initially reluctant to retain her due to her mother's scandal.

When Luo Yan asks her supervisor if her retention is due to her mother's connections or her own ability, and is told it's both, she decides she doesn't want to stay under such circumstances and tenders her resignation. Feeling relieved after resigning, Luo Yan goes to feed stray dogs. She then encounters Zhao Cheng, who is surprised by her decision.

Luo Yan tells him that while escaping parental influence is challenging, it is possible when the time is right, which Zhao Cheng finds reasonable. They exchange WeChat contact information before he leaves. Later, Luo Yan and Lu Ran say goodbye over the phone. Meanwhile, Ma Dongsheng, having observed negative news about "A Fresh," suggests that BuyBox's subsequent release of Halo technology might allow them to catch up.

However, he expresses concern about a mole within either BuyBox or Puling, demanding that Zhou Xun identify the mole before any cooperation discussions can proceed. Zhou Xun, Director Ding, and Su Hang hold a meeting to address this. Zhou Xun's investigation indicates that BuyBox's technical security measures are very strict, leading him to suspect the mole might be within Puling, possibly connected to the data Jiang Xiaoguo had previously provided to her Financial Live colleagues.

Following this, company personnel, including Amanda, begin to suspect Jiang Xiaoguo. Facing their suspicions and Zhou Xun's teasing, Jiang Xiaoguo asserts her clear conscience, stating that she only needs Zhou Xun's belief and that they are "comrades-in-arms," deeply moving Zhou Xun. Puling Capital's situation rapidly deteriorates, with a growing number of employees resigning. Jiang Xiaoguo expresses her concern for Zhou Xun as Puling struggles, including a price war.

Amanda, having secured a new job, packs her belongings and mocks Jiang Xiaoguo before her departure, prompting an angry retort from Jiang Xiaoguo. Afterward, Wendy comforts Jiang Xiaoguo with milk tea and reveals she has a boyfriend. Su Hang's father collapses from stress due to the company's difficulties, for which Zhou Xun feels immense guilt.

With BuyBox's funds running low and the company shrinking, Zhou Xun makes a desperate move: he mortgages his personal property and shares, securing 50 million yuan, which he then reinvests into Halo. This "crazy" act deeply alarms Director Ding and an angered Su Hang, who fears Zhou Xun will lose everything and insists on finding the mole first to prevent his financial ruin. Zhou Xun, working late into the night, discovers Jiang Xiaoguo still diligently occupied with company matters.

Moved by a cake she had prepared for him, he offers to drive her back to school when she finishes, making her very happy. Director Ding also takes Jiang Xiaoguo to BuyBox to handle further business. In another storyline, Duan Jiabao's romantic pursuit of Zhao Youxiu is challenging, as he is notably cold towards her whenever Liang Shuang is not present. She feels disheartened when Zhao Youxiu messages Liang Shuang about work-related matters.

After much deliberation, Duan Jiabao decides to confess her feelings to Zhao Youxiu, even fantasizing about the moment. She confides this plan to Liang Shuang, who feels a pang of sadness upon hearing it. During an interview with Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao, Liang Shuang patiently answers reporter questions, expressing her affection for "Xiaojuan." Zhao Youxiu, observing this, is visibly moved. However, after the photoshoot, Liang Shuang deliberately distances herself from Zhao Youxiu when he expresses concern.

Separately, Duan Zhenyu calls Duan Jiabao, inviting her to his exhibition match, but she declines due to her schedule. He then asks her to invite Jiang Xiaoguo, explaining that although he has given up pursuing her, he still wishes for her to witness his achievements.

Su Hang called Jiang Xiaoguo to his office, presenting her with an employee resignation agreement. Jiang Xiaoguo was confused, but Su Hang explained that Puliny Capital urgently needed a "mole" and wanted her to fake her resignation to secure an investment from Ma Dongsheng. Director Ding strongly opposed this plan, but Zhou Xun agreed with Su Hang's idea. Jiang Xiaoguo felt deeply hurt, believing Zhou Xun was exploiting her genuine feelings.

Even if Zhou Xun didn't love her, she didn't want her sincerity to be trampled upon. Zhou Xun then confessed his love for Jiang Xiaoguo but clarified that work and Puliny Capital were more important to him; love, at most, only accounted for ten percent. He had more important matters to attend to. Jiang Xiaoguo, unwilling to hear more, signed the resignation agreement and left in tears.

Zhou Xun felt very upset watching her depart, and later that night, on his way home, he was troubled by thoughts of their interactions. Meanwhile, Duan Jiabao was about to confess her feelings to Zhao Youxiu when Duan Zhenyu called her, asking for help to arrange for Jiang Xiaoguo to watch his match, which Duan Jiabao directly refused. Zhao Youxiu then told Duan Jiabao that he liked Liang Shuang and asked for advice on how to pursue her.

Duan Jiabao was momentarily speechless, having been planning her own confession. To her further embarrassment, the eternal flowers she had prepared for Zhao Youxiu were delivered by staff members. Duan Jiabao quickly made an excuse about needing to see Duan Zhenyu's competition and fled. Zhao Youxiu was surprised by the flowers. Later, Duan Jiabao did not inform Liang Shuang about Zhao Youxiu's feelings, leading Liang Shuang to mistakenly believe that Zhao Youxiu had accepted Duan Jiabao's confession.

Both Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao were left contemplating their private thoughts under the same roof. Later, Jiang Xiaoguo was seen walking sadly with a box. Duan Zhenyu spotted her from his team bus on the way to a competition and quickly got off to comfort her. Jiang Xiaoguo initially tried to put on a brave front but knew she couldn't hide it from Duan Zhenyu, admitting that she "lost."

Duan Zhenyu silently reboarded the bus, but just as Jiang Xiaoguo thought he was leaving, he returned with a bag. He stayed with the heartbroken Jiang Xiaoguo, even placing his fencing mask on her head. Jiang Xiaoguo finally broke down, crying out that what felt like a "heaven-sized" problem to her was, in Zhou Xun's eyes, less important than the company and work.

The next morning, around ten o'clock, Jiang Xiaoguo's roommates (Liang Shuang, Duan Jiabao, and Luo Yan) found her still in bed, worried as she had never slept so late since freshman year. Jiang Xiaoguo then revealed that she had resigned from Puliny Capital. Her roommates, understanding the situation, were surprised, indignant, and offered comfort. Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao then departed for a parent-child activity.

At the activity, Duan Jiabao felt a sense of loss seeing Zhao Youxiu and Liang Shuang interacting happily. Before the activity began, Zhao Xiaojuan threw a tantrum, declaring he didn't want to participate or be photographed. While Zhao Youxiu was coaxing Zhao Xiaojuan, Chen Zhuo overheard their conversation and seized the opportunity to elicit information from Zhao Xiaojuan.

Liang Shuang, seeing Chen Zhuo engaging Zhao Xiaojuan, quickly told Zhao Youxiu to take Zhao Xiaojuan away, indicating she didn't want to continue talking with Chen Zhuo. Chen Zhuo, having learned that Zhao Xiaojuan was born in Beijing, deliberately questioned Liang Shuang why she was from Weihai but her "brother" was from Beijing. Liang Shuang retorted that Chen Zhuo had hired "Huang Xiaosan" to slander her, making them even.

Just as the activity was about to start, Zhao Xiaojuan suddenly clutched his stomach and collapsed. Liang Shuang, frantic, abandoned the activity and rushed him to the hospital. Zhao Youxiu also arrived at the hospital. After an examination, the doctor found nothing wrong with Zhao Xiaojuan. Realizing Zhao Xiaojuan was faking it because he didn't want to be photographed, Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu felt ashamed. Zhao Youxiu scolded Zhao Xiaojuan, telling him not to lie again.

Zhao Xiaojuan countered that he wasn't Liang Shuang's real brother and that Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu had also lied to others, leaving them speechless. Back at the studio, after Zhao Xiaojuan fell asleep, the three discussed their next steps. Liang Shuang decided that they would fly to Beijing to visit Zhao Xiaojuan, allowing him to spend more time with his parents.

Shortly after making this decision, Chen Zhuo sent Liang Shuang a text message, threatening to expose Zhao Xiaojuan if she didn't meet him to discuss their "unfinished business." Liang Shuang hesitated. The next day, Zhao Youxiu took Zhao Xiaojuan to the airport. Before he left, Zhao Youxiu again urged Zhao Xiaojuan to study hard and not lie. Zhao Xiaojuan again questioned why he wasn't allowed to lie when Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu themselves had.

Separately, Luo Yan received a phone call from Secretary Wang, informing her that her mother, Wei Yunjie, was ill. Luo Yan quickly rushed home to care for her. Wei Yunjie was comforted by her daughter's diligent care. That evening, Wei Yunjie came to Luo Yan's room with a pillow, suggesting they sleep together.

As they chatted in bed, Wei Yunjie shared many heartfelt thoughts, apologizing for her past actions that led to Luo Yan's breakup with Lu Ran, and discussed her relationship with Zhao Changming. Luo Yan listened quietly, suddenly feeling empathy for her mother's hard work over the years, and their past grievances were resolved.

After dropping off Xiaojuan, Zhao Youxiu met Sun Laoshi in Shenzhen. Sun Laoshi, whom Zhao Youxiu had met at an art exhibition, offered him a very good job opportunity as a recommendation to the organizer of the Silk Road event hosted by the National Photography Association. Zhao Youxiu was very interested but decided to discuss it with his partner. At the same restaurant, Liang Shuang met Chen Zhuo. Liang Shuang questioned why Chen Zhuo was always antagonistic towards her.

Chen Zhuo angrily revealed that when they broke up, Liang Shuang had privately gone to see his fiancée, causing a huge argument between his family and his fiancée’s family, and resulting in him being scolded by his father. Liang Shuang, angry, interrupted him and asked what he really wanted. Chen Zhuo only wanted Liang Shuang to return to him, threatening her with cyberbullying and exposing her and Xiaojuan's true relationship.

He gave Liang Shuang a room card, telling her to find him if she thought it over. Zhao Youxiu, leaving after his talk with Sun Laoshi, saw Liang Shuang being bullied and stepped in to protect her, driving Chen Zhuo away. Chen Zhuo, however, mocked Liang Shuang's poor taste. Director Ding and Rebecca both met with Jiang Xiaoguo. Separately, they revealed that Wendy was the real insider traitor/spy, a fact Jiang Xiaoguo found hard to believe.

They both suggested Jiang Xiaoguo return to Puling Capital and sought her forgiveness for Zhou Xun. Jiang Xiaoguo, having already submitted her resume to Lanhe and through Lanhe’s senior sister, refused, but still felt some concern for Puling Capital. Director Ding and Rebecca then informed Zhou Xun that Jiang Xiaoguo had not forgiven him. Director Ding advised Zhou Xun to apologize to Jiang Xiaoguo himself and not wait until everything was over, as it would be too late.

Zhou Xun, despite Rebecca’s advice, initially felt it was not the optimal time to approach Jiang Xiaoguo. With the deadline for German training applications approaching the next morning, Duan Zhenyu decided to spend one more night considering it. He decorated the rooftop, intending to confess his feelings to Jiang Xiaoguo again. However, before going upstairs, Jiang Xiaoguo called her colleague Tianyang and learned that Ma Dongsheng had not yet injected capital into Puling, signifying the company's imminent collapse.

Distraught, Jiang Xiaoguo rushed downstairs, missing her appointment with Duan Zhenyu, to find Zhou Xun. Stood up, Duan Zhenyu, alone on the rooftop, spoke his heartfelt confession aloud, realizing that no matter how hard he tried, he wouldn't get a response from Jiang Xiaoguo. He wiped away his tears and made the firm decision to go to Germany for training, informing his coach of his acceptance.

Jiang Xiaoguo arrived at Puling Capital, where Rebecca and Su Hang had been comforting a "failed" Zhou Xun. Zhou Xun was touched by Jiang Xiaoguo's hurried arrival. They walked by the sea and talked. Zhou Xun asked why she had come to him, and Jiang Xiaoguo asked what he had meant when he previously said he liked her, to which Zhou Xun could not provide a clear answer. Zhou Xun then asked why Jiang Xiaoguo liked him.

She explained it wasn't for his professional skills, but for him as a complete person, embracing his strengths and weaknesses. She also comforted him, saying he was always his parents' pride, regardless of success or failure. Zhou Xun's mood improved with Jiang Xiaoguo's comfort. He confessed his admiration for her sincerity, fearlessness, passion, and vitality, and asked if she would still be with him now that he was "nothing" and had lost everything.

Jiang Xiaoguo refused him, stating her decision to let go after he had previously said love only accounted for ten percent of his life. That evening, Zhao Youxiu confronted Chen Zhuo (using Chen Zhuo's room card), warning him to stop bothering Liang Shuang and claiming to be her boyfriend. He also threw a photo of Chen Zhuo on the table as a warning, which led to a fight. Zhao Youxiu returned to the studio with facial injuries.

Duan Jiabao, seeing his injuries, quickly went out to buy medicine. After Duan Jiabao left, Liang Shuang, touched by Zhao Youxiu's actions, looked at his injuries with concern. Zhao Youxiu smugly declared the matter settled. Liang Shuang told him not to do stupid things again, but Zhao Youxiu pulled her to him and confessed his feelings.

He also confronted her about deliberately distancing herself from him because Duan Jiabao liked him, stating it was unfair to him and not good for Duan Jiabao. Duan Jiabao, returning with medicine, overheard their conversation, hung the medicine on the doorknob, and left for school, deeply hurt. Duan Jiabao, heartbroken, returned to school and called Duan Zhenyu. He comforted her and told her about his decision to go to Germany for training, which surprised her.

That night, Liang Shuang returned to the dorm and tried to talk to Duan Jiabao, but Duan Jiabao pretended to be asleep. The next morning, Jiang Xiaoguo drove the sleeping Zhou Xun back to the company. Su Hang called Zhou Xun to inform him that Ma Dongsheng's money had arrived, saving Puling Capital. Both were happy. Jiang Xiaoguo dropped Zhou Xun at the company, expressing her thanks, and left freely.

She then brought breakfast back to the dorm for Liang Shuang and Luo Yan, who were surprised by her sudden generosity. While Liang Shuang went to the toilet, she told Duan Jiabao that Zhao Youxiu had helped settle things with Chen Zhuo, implying they were now all good friends. Duan Jiabao was surprised, having initially thought Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu were together.

Before she could ask further, Luo Yan returned to the dorm to get something, and Jiang Xiaoguo emerged to tell them all that she had rejected Zhou Xun, much to everyone's surprise.

Liang Shuang invites her roommates, Jiang Xiaoguo, Luo Yan, and Duan Jiabao, to her studio for hotpot, where she plans to make an important announcement. Jiang Xiaoguo and Luo Yan see Liang Shuang and Xiaojuan featured on a magazine cover and are happy for her. Liang Shuang's grandmother also sees the magazine, calls Liang Shuang excitedly, and, after learning the truth about Xiaojuan, encourages her to pursue her aspirations but to carefully weigh the pros and cons.

At the hotpot dinner, Liang Shuang announces her decision to publicly disclose her true relationship with Xiaojuan. She explains that while faking a sibling relationship with Xiaojuan benefited her career, she feels the need to rectify the error and set an example for Xiaojuan, especially as Xiaojuan's lies have become increasingly skillful. Zhao Youxiu is deeply moved by her decision. Disclosing the truth means Liang Shuang's studio will disband.

Liang Shuang asks Zhao Youxiu about his future plans, and he mentions participating in the Silk Road Photography Competition, an opportunity introduced by Mr. Sun. After Zhao Youxiu leaves, Duan Jiabao asks Liang Shuang if the studio's disbandment is also due to their incompatibility as colleagues. Liang Shuang remains silent, but Duan Jiabao expresses understanding, stating she would have made the same choice to support Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu. Duan Jiabao and Liang Shuang reconcile.

Following Liang Shuang's self-disclosure, previous advertisers terminate their contracts, resulting in substantial penalty fees. Liang Shuang considers abandoning her influencer career but resolves to persist in correcting her mistake. She applies to an MCN, planning to restart, and assures her worried roommates that she has adjusted her mindset. She contacts Zhong Le, a former agent from Mr. Wu's company, who has since joined a friend's MCN and offers to introduce her.

Liang Shuang eventually secures a job designing clothes at a company recommended by her former agent. Meanwhile, Zhao Changming's affair devastates Zhao Cheng, who runs away from home. Qu Wan fears contacting Zhao Cheng, concerned about further upsetting him. Qu Wan decides to divorce Zhao Changming, enlists a lawyer to draft the divorce agreement, and presents it to him.

Zhao Changming attempts reconciliation, but Qu Wan is firm in her decision, especially as Zhao Cheng also wants his parents to divorce. Zhao Changming is surprised to learn of Zhao Cheng's consent. Duan Zhenyu is leaving for Germany for training. Duan Jiabao escorts him to the airport, where they find Jiang Xiaoguo, who has just finished an interview and rushed there. Jiang Xiaoguo, feeling guilty about their previous abrupt parting, wants to bid Duan Zhenyu a proper farewell.

Duan Zhenyu reassures her not to feel guilty, stating that while he doesn't blame her, he needs some time to recover. They share a hug and formally say goodbye. Jiang Xiaoguo asks Duan Jiabao about her future plans, including whether she will continue working as a manager. Duan Jiabao admits she hasn't thought it through but has enrolled in a public welfare organization's volunteer program, intending to use the experience to reflect on her life.

Her roommates are surprised by this news. Duan Zhenyu later asks Duan Jiabao if her decision to volunteer is due to a breakup, but she ends the call without answering. Luo Yan's job search is successful, with several companies interested in hiring her. She chooses to work at an amusement park. After a day of touring with the director, she returns home to eat with her mother, enjoying the meal.

She sees children playing in bee raincoats at the amusement park, which brings Lu Ran to mind. After completing her orientation training, Luo Yan has a month of rest and suggests to her mother that they travel abroad together. Jiang Xiaoguo expresses her preference for wholehearted relationships and, consequently, rejects Zhou Xun due to his work-centric focus. She then excitedly attends her interview at Lanhe and successfully secures a position there, embarking on a new life.

One day after work, Director Ding stops Jiang Xiaoguo downstairs and, during dinner, informs her that BuyBox is establishing its headquarters in Shanghai as it grows, and Zhou Xun will be leaving Puling to become CEO there. Director Ding tells Jiang Xiaoguo that Zhou Xun's flight is at 4 PM, subtly hinting she should see him off. While having dinner with Rebecca, Jiang Xiaoguo also learns that Zhou Xun is leaving Shenzhen for Shanghai.

She considers seeing him off but ultimately decides not to go, instead sending him a farewell text message. At the airport, Su Hang bids farewell to Zhou Xun and, noticing Zhou Xun's hopeful expression, advises him to pursue Jiang Xiaoguo again. Zhou Xun states he will do so once he has settled in. One night, the four roommates of dorm 419 are sleepless and begin chatting.

Jiang Xiaoguo reflects on how much everyone has changed over their four years of college, having shared many experiences, and expresses a sense of melancholy as graduation is imminent. During the preliminary defense notification meeting for graduation theses, the students of 419 eagerly discuss their post-graduation plans. Gu Jia, Zhong Xiaoqin, and Wang Manni, who had discreetly entered the classroom, smile at their complaints. The graduation thesis defense is successfully completed, bringing joy to the students of 419.

Later, the four friends gather for dinner at Same Place. After Xiong Zhi departs, Duan Jiabao notes that the food isn't as good as before. They reminisce about their college days, recalling various past events, including how Liang Shuang once used a secondary account to help Luo Yan counter online harassment. Liang Shuang sincerely apologizes to Luo Yan, who, along with the others, is deeply moved. As they continue chatting, their happiness grows, and they drink increasingly more. Eventually, the four friends, thoroughly drunk, emerge from Same Place, supporting each other as they make their way back to the dorm.

On the day of their graduation photos, Zhao Youxiu arrived at the school, having been called by Duan Jiabao ostensibly to take pictures, but actually to create an opportunity for Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu. Zhao Youxiu searched for a while before finding Liang Shuang, Duan Jiabao, Luo Yan, and Jiang Xiaoguo taking selfies in a corner of the campus.

After he took several pictures of them, Duan Jiabao took Luo Yan and Jiang Xiaoguo away, leaving Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu alone. Zhao Youxiu felt a sense of melancholy, noting that although it was Liang Shuang and Duan Jiabao's graduation, their studio had disbanded, and he and Liang Shuang were also facing separation. He expressed his long-held desire to genuinely learn and exchange ideas with experienced professionals in humanities photography.

He also conveyed that if Liang Shuang asked him to stay or if she needed him, he would be willing to decline the Silk Road photography activity. Seeing Liang Shuang remain silent, Zhao Youxiu initially believed she was refusing him. However, Liang Shuang then stated that even if he left, he would need to continue paying rent monthly until the end of the year, ensuring they would maintain contact.

Zhao Youxiu was initially confused by the sudden mention of rent but then realized Liang Shuang was giving him an opportunity to stay in her life, and he was overjoyed. It was understood that Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu had gotten together, and she believed that as long as two people truly liked each other, distance would not be an issue, allowing Zhao Youxiu to still pursue his Silk Road photography.

Later, Liang Shuang and Jiang Xiaoguo finished packing their luggage in the dorm. The four friends looked at their now empty room, feeling a deep sense of reluctance to part ways. Despite their unwillingness, they knew they had to separate. Luo Yan's mother arrived to pick her up, and the other three were genuinely happy to see the mother and daughter reconcile. Before Liang Shuang left, Duan Jiabao specifically told her to foster a good relationship with Zhao Youxiu.

After Liang Shuang departed, Jiang Xiaoguo sensed something unusual in Duan Jiabao's words, prompting Duan Jiabao to reveal that Zhao Youxiu was in love with Liang Shuang, and she believed Liang Shuang should also be in love with him. Jiang Xiaoguo then asked Duan Jiabao about her plans after completing her volunteer work, to which Duan Jiabao replied that she hadn't decided yet and would figure it out later.

After their conversation, Duan Jiabao said goodbye to Jiang Xiaoguo and headed to the volunteer assembly point. All four friends went downstairs, but only Jiang Xiaoguo returned to the empty dorm room 419.

She felt a profound sadness as she looked around, reflecting on the many events of their senior year and other memories from their four years in college—including Liang Shuang moving back into the dorm, Luo Yan encountering a pervert on the bus, Duan Jiabao becoming Liang Shuang's agent, Duan Jiabao being ostracized, Luo Yan learning her mother was a mistress, Duan Jiabao and Liang Shuang arguing, Luo Yan's breakup, Liang Shuang getting drunk, Jiang Xiaoguo being scolded by Mr. Zhou Xun, Duan Jiabao's breakup, and the "Red Chamber Four" reconciling.

She realized that they had all come to understand each other more, experiencing conflicts, arguments, joys, and happiness, and had supported each other through their final year of university. That evening, Jiang Xiaoguo and her mother went to look at a rented apartment. While they were walking, Duan Zhenyu made a video call to Jiang Xiaoguo, wishing her a happy graduation. Jiang's mother, nearby, watched Duan Zhenyu with curiosity and gossiped, asking Jiang Xiaoguo if she wasn't with Mr. Zhou.

Jiang Xiaoguo, feeling shy, quickly denied it. Meanwhile, Luo Yan and her mother traveled abroad. Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu went to see Duan Jiabao off as she departed for her volunteer activity. Before Duan Jiabao boarded her transportation, Zhao Youxiu gave her a box, instructing her to open it once she was inside.

In return, Duan Jiabao took a paper bag from her own purse and handed it to Liang Shuang, expressing her hope to hear good news about Liang Shuang and Zhao Youxiu upon her return. After getting on board, Duan Jiabao opened the box to find a group photo of the three of them, which brought tears to her eyes. Liang Shuang opened the paper bag from Duan Jiabao and found the studio's sign.

On the back of the sign, Duan Jiabao had written "will always be there," which deeply touched and saddened Liang Shuang. Zhao Youxiu quickly comforted Liang Shuang, then told her he would be leaving the next day and asked if she would see him off. Liang Shuang playfully responded that she didn't want to see off a friend and then have to see off her boyfriend, explicitly confirming their romantic relationship to Zhao Youxiu's delight.

A little over a month later, Jiang Xiaoguo had successfully adapted to her new company in Shenzhen and joined a new team with more challenges and future prospects. Liang Shuang's dedicated efforts at her new company had paid off; she was promoted from a fashion assistant to a stylist, moving her closer to her goal of re-entering the fashion blogger circle. She received a package containing photos from Zhao Youxiu and a postcard from Duan Jiabao.

Zhao Youxiu had captured many outstanding works during his Silk Road photography activity. Duan Jiabao's public welfare volunteer activities were also proceeding very smoothly and were nearing completion. After finishing her volunteer work, she traveled to Beijing, where she met her idol, interviewed for an agent position, and successfully became her idol's colleague. Luo Yan had officially started a new job, and her relationship with her mother had grown increasingly close, enhanced by their trip abroad.

The happy roommates shared their good news in their group chat. Jiang Xiaoguo suggested that the four of them get together on the weekend. They all readily agreed, making a firm appointment to meet at the Same Place, ensuring no one would miss out. By this time, Jiang Xiaoguo had successfully settled into her work in Shenzhen, Liang Shuang was significantly closer to achieving her personal goals, and Duan Jiabao had found a clear direction in her life.

Luo Yan's relationship with her mother was thriving. Over the past year, all four had undergone significant transformations, each finding answers to their life's questions. While they anticipated new challenges in the future, they were confident that with each other's companionship and support, they could overcome any difficulties. The drama thus concluded with everyone steadily progressing.