Fall in You Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Fall in You Synopsis
A car accident disguised as an accident took Qiao Yan’s parents away. To uncover the truth, she takes the risk of following her grandfather—whom she has never met—back to the Gu family, with only one goal: to get close to the person most likely behind the tragedy, her younger uncle by adoption, Gu Jingyuan, with whom she shares no blood ties.
From the moment Qiao Yan steps into the Gu household, the clash between the seemingly innocent yet cunning “little white flower” and the ruthless “lone wolf” begins. What Qiao Yan does not expect is that beneath Gu Jingyuan’s cold and formidable exterior lies a heart devoted to protecting the Gu family. As misunderstandings dissolve, the two open up to each other, choosing trust and unity as they face the storms threatening the family together.
Unknowingly, they fall in love, yet find themselves struggling in the midst of this forbidden romance. In the end, the truth behind Qiao Yan’s parents’ death is revealed, and the two embrace a new beginning—affirming each other as soulmates destined to walk through life side by side.
Fall in You Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Qiao Yan lived in Germany as a student at a Music Academy, dreaming of becoming a violinist. Unbeknownst to her, she was the daughter of the Gu family's eldest son, living a carefree life. As Qiao Yan prepared for an upcoming competition, her parents were involved in a car accident while on their way to pick her up.
She was on the phone with them, heard a disturbance, and rushed to the scene just in time to witness their car explode before her eyes, causing her to faint from shock. Later, Qiao Yan's grandfather, Chairman Gu, learned of the tragedy and traveled to Germany to find her. Having never lived with him, Qiao Yan did not recognize him. She received a house model, her father's only possession left to her, and was confused by its meaning.
On her way home, she sensed someone following her and was subsequently knocked unconscious. When she awoke, her friend Miao was by her side. Qiao Yan quickly checked her bag, finding her money and cards untouched, but the model was gone. She felt deep regret for failing to protect the last thing her father had left her.
During her meeting with Chairman Gu, Qiao Yan finally understood why her family had moved so frequently over the years: her father had insisted on marrying her mother, but Chairman Gu disapproved and nearly caused her mother to miscarry, leading her father to leave the Gu family in anger and never contact them again.
Chairman Gu wished for his son's only bloodline to return to the Gu family, but Qiao Yan refused, explaining that her father had chosen for her to use her mother's surname and never spoke of the Gu family, showing his desire for her to stay away. Reflecting on the recent events, Qiao Yan became convinced that her parents' car accident was no mere accident.
She confided in Miao, sharing that before she lost consciousness during the attack, she saw a scar on the right arm of the person who took the model. Miao told her about a letter she received, stating that Qiao Yan's father, Gu Hai's, death was not an accident and that the murderer was Gu Jingyuan. Together, they researched Gu Jingyuan, learning that Chairman Gu adopted him from a welfare home.
He was an exceptional student in college and rose from an entry-level position to Vice President of Gu's Group in just seven years. Miao also mentioned that he was rumored to be decisive, ruthless, and willing to do anything to achieve his goals. She added that if Chairman Gu hadn't suddenly found Qiao Yan, Gu Jingyuan would have already been the heir to Gu's Group.
Qiao Yan speculated that Gu Jingyuan might have been responsible for her parents' deaths, motivated by the inheritance. Despite Miao's warnings about the danger, Qiao Yan decided she had to return to Xijiang to investigate the truth and find the house model, believing it held the key. Qiao Yan made her way back to Xijiang and appeared at Gu's Group's annual Appreciation Ceremony.
Gu Jingyuan, having been asked by Chairman Gu to represent him at the ceremony, arrived to a warm reception. Chairman Gu had earlier questioned Gu Jingyuan about Gu Hai's death, which German police ruled an accident. Though Gu Jingyuan offered to investigate further, Chairman Gu dismissed his concern, praising his capabilities before requesting he attend the ceremony in his stead. Gu Jingyuan expressed loyalty, claiming all his actions were for Chairman Gu and the Gu family.
Meanwhile, attendees at the ceremony whispered about Chairman Gu's biological granddaughter and the potential conflict with Gu Jingyuan. The atmosphere shifted when Chairman Gu arrived with Qiao Yan, formally introducing her as his long-lost biological granddaughter and the future heir of Gu's Group, asking everyone to support and look after her. Qiao Yan greeted Gu Jingyuan, calling him "Uncle," and subtly questioned if they had met before, hinting at her suspicions.
Gu Jingyuan acknowledged his regret for not bringing Qiao Yan and her parents back sooner. Later, he told Qiao Yan that Xijiang nights were cold and windy, suggesting she would need to adapt if she planned to stay. Qiao Yan confidently replied that it was her home and she would certainly settle in well.
Upon arriving at the Gu family home, Uncle Xu showed Qiao Yan to her room, pointed out Gu Jingyuan's room, and advised her that he preferred not to be disturbed. Chairman Gu then summoned Gu Jingyuan to his study. Chairman Gu told Gu Jingyuan that Qiao Yan was his biological granddaughter and his only remaining blood relative, stating that he owed her a great deal and intended to compensate her.
Gu Jingyuan, feeling slighted, asked what he was to Chairman Gu. Chairman Gu clarified that Gu Jingyuan was his adopted son who had been by his side for many years. He then instructed Gu Jingyuan to treat Qiao Yan well and, after his passing, to protect her and the Gu family's assets, emphasizing it was his duty as his closest adopted son. Gu Jingyuan acknowledged his instructions and left.
Later, Qiao Yan entered Gu Jingyuan's room, hoping to find evidence while he was away. She didn't find the model but discovered a small safe. She managed to take two quick photos just as she heard Gu Jingyuan's footsteps. In a panic, she hid in the wardrobe. Gu Jingyuan, visibly upset from his conversation with Chairman Gu, slammed his fist into the mirror, startling Qiao Yan and leading to her discovery.
She feigned innocence, claiming she got lost in the large house and hid out of fear when he returned. Gu Jingyuan, unconvinced by her flimsy excuse, demanded to know her true intentions for returning to the Gu family.
Episode 2 Recap
Qiao Yan, discovered hiding in Gu Jingyuan's room, was confronted by him about her intentions for returning to the Gu family. She explained she was simply there to visit her family, as her parents were gone, leaving her alone. She told him that her grandfather had found her and invited her back to the house in Xijiang.
Noticing a bleeding wound on Gu Jingyuan's hand, Qiao Yan offered to bandage it, hoping to confirm if he was the person who stole her father's model. Despite his initial refusal and demand for her to leave, Qiao Yan insisted, threatening to inform her grandfather if he didn't comply. After she finished bandaging his hand, she advised him to be less impulsive.
She reiterated her disinterest in inheriting Gu's Group, asserting she was not competing with him for anything, but had to follow her grandfather's wishes for now. She expressed her intent to clarify her position to her grandfather at an opportune time. Gu Jingyuan questioned why she wouldn't want to inherit Gu's vast assets.
Qiao Yan poignantly replied that no amount of assets could bring back her parents or her home, emphasizing that he and her grandfather were her only remaining family. She urged him to lower his guard and accept her. As she left his room, she glimpsed a scar on his wrist, confirming her suspicion that he was indeed the person who had taken her father's model.
Meanwhile, at Gu's Group, Gu Jingyuan presided over a meeting where an executive, Wang He, presented a poor report on overseas resort projects, which Gu Jingyuan accused of being falsified. Gu Jingyuan sharply warned Wang He about the consequences. Uncle Chen intervened, defending Wang He as a long-time employee and implying Gu Jingyuan’s previous dismissal of Director Zhou was based on flimsy evidence.
Uncle Chen cautioned Gu Jingyuan against alienating veteran employees, suggesting that if he continued, Qiao Yan would have no one to rely on when she took over the company. Gu Jingyuan sarcastically agreed with Uncle Chen's sentimentality, then demoted Wang He to a cashier position before abruptly ending the meeting. Later, Qiao Yan, still suspicious of Gu Jingyuan's motives, asked Miao to create a mini-game.
It required players to input six random digits to open a cute blind box, hoping to uncover a numerical pattern Gu Jingyuan might use as a safe password. She presented the game to her grandfather and Gu Jingyuan, who was reluctant to play. Gu Jingyuan finally participated and, much to Qiao Yan and her grandfather's amusement, received a "bomb" in the game. Qiao Yan then subtly brought up her father's house model to her grandfather and Gu Jingyuan.
Her grandfather recalled the model, believing Qiao Yan had brought it back, only to learn she had lost it. He revealed that Qiao Yan's grandmother, Meifeng, had left a will stating that if Qiao Yan's father returned to the Gu family with the model after her will took effect, he would inherit ten percent of her shares. Qiao Yan realized Gu Jingyuan's actions regarding the model were likely to prevent her from inheriting those shares.
That evening, Qiao Yan celebrated Gu Jingyuan's "birthday," choosing the day he joined the Gu family since he didn't know his actual birth date. She served him red wine, hoping to drug him. However, Gu Jingyuan, having suspected her intentions since her return, feigned intoxication and secretly spilled the wine. Once he appeared to be asleep, Qiao Yan attempted to open his safe.
She tried various combinations before finally guessing the password: the date Gu Jingyuan came to the Gu family. The safe, however, required a fingerprint for final access. As Qiao Yan reached for Gu Jingyuan's hand, he suddenly grabbed her arm, revealing his deception. He admitted he had been aware of her suspicions since her return and was curious to see her capabilities.
Qiao Yan accused him of killing her parents for the inheritance, calling him a villain, but Gu Jingyuan provocatively offered to show her what was in his strongbox. He opened it, revealing a house model engraved with his name, explaining that every Gu child received such a model. Overwhelmed, Qiao Yan left his room. Back in her own room, Qiao Yan felt lost, questioning whether Gu Jingyuan was truly innocent.
She called Miao, who urged her to return, deeming her situation too dangerous. Qiao Yan insisted on staying to uncover the truth, believing that if Gu Jingyuan truly intended her harm, he would reveal a weakness. The next morning, at breakfast, Qiao Yan deliberately sat in Gu Jingyuan's usual seat, engaging him in conversation about her "birthday wishes" for him and their family's unity.
As Gu Jingyuan prepared to leave for work, Qiao Yan requested a ride, using the opportunity to discreetly place a tracking device from Miao in his car. In the car, she challenged him about his apparent guilt. When she suggested he take her to the company, Gu Jingyuan refused, warning her to stay away from company affairs. Qiao Yan theatrically expressed fear of him and exited the car, her goal of placing the tracker achieved.
Following the tracking device's data, Qiao Yan discovered Gu Jingyuan frequently visited Haohua Club. Believing this location held secrets, she strategized that to challenge Gu Jingyuan, who now controlled half of Gu's Group, she needed concrete evidence of his clandestine activities. At the club, she bribed a waiter to stall Gu Jingyuan for five minutes. She then entered Gu Jingyuan's private room, Room 206, and installed a hidden camera.
As she exited the room, she bumped into Gu Jingyuan in the hallway. Thinking quickly, she removed her jacket, let down her hair, and embraced a passing man, Qin Ziyu, whispering for his help, which he provided by playing along. The hidden camera recorded a conversation between Gu Jingyuan and Director Lu Wanqing. They discussed how several shareholders were interested in Gu Jingyuan's proposal, which would weaken her grandfather's influence and that of Uncle Chen, benefiting only themselves.
Lu Wanqing mentioned convincing these shareholders that Gu Jingyuan was determined to take control of Gu's Group and break ties with her grandfather, painting him as unjust. Gu Jingyuan stated, "The bait has been released. Let's just wait for the fish to take the bait."
Qiao Yan showed this video to her grandfather, who then revealed that Gu Jingyuan and Lu Wanqing had grown up together in the same welfare home, and that Gu Jingyuan had later helped Lu Wanqing with her education and career at Gu's Group. Grandpa questioned how Qiao Yan obtained the video. Qiao Yan emphasized that the most important thing was his plan, given Gu Jingyuan's explicit plotting against him and the company.
She told him that everything might change now that she was back, and she expressed her desire to join the company to investigate Gu Jingyuan further. Later that night, Gu Jingyuan visited Qiao Yan's room, returning a hair clip she had lost at the club. He placed it in her hair, warning her not to let him "find out" about her "tricks" again. After he left, Qiao Yan reaffirmed her resolve to expose him.
Episode 3 Recap
Gu Changye took Qiao Yan to the company, where they met Mr. Chen, a founding member of the company who had been with Gu Changye for over 30 years. Gu Changye introduced Qiao Yan, explaining that she was there to learn how to handle company matters. Mr. Chen subtly expressed his thoughts on Gu Jingyuan, noting that while Gu Changye was old and couldn't run the company anymore, Gu Jingyuan was energetic.
Sensing Mr. Chen’s underlying dissatisfaction with Gu Jingyuan, Qiao Yan feigned naivety to probe his opinions. Mr. Chen then took her aside and asked if she was prepared to lead the company, especially concerning her "uncle who is not related by blood," Gu Jingyuan, fearing he wouldn't willingly hand over control. Qiao Yan asserted that Gu's Group belonged to her grandfather and she feared nothing as long as he was there. Mr. Chen promised his full support.
Later, Mr. Chen took Qiao Yan to a routine meeting to introduce her to the directors. Gu Jingyuan was surprised to see her. Qiao Yan clarified that she was there for work, not leisure, intending to join the group and become a qualified heir. Lu Wanqing, a director, immediately challenged her, asking about her overseas major and suggesting she start from a sales position, pointing out that Gu Jingyuan had worked his way up from the bottom.
Qiao Yan admitted her inexperience but confidently stated her intention to learn and become a competent successor to Gu's Group. Just then, Gu Changye entered the room. He explained that he had heard the discussion and proposed a vote by show of hands for Qiao Yan to join the company as an Executive President. With over half of the votes in favor, the proposal passed, making Qiao Yan and Gu Jingyuan colleagues.
Gu Jingyuan offered her congratulations, which Qiao Yan acknowledged. Qiao Yan quickly found the work challenging, struggling to understand the financial reports. Director Wang brought three years of reports to her desk, encouraging her to be patient and to ask him questions whenever she needed help. He emphasized that as a Gu's Group employee, he was happy to assist. That evening, Gu Jingyuan waited for Qiao Yan on the stairs.
She expressed her fear of the hidden ugliness within the grand house, and that kindness and love might not overcome wicked hearts. Gu Jingyuan then warned her that Gu's Group was far more complex than she imagined and that it was not too late to leave. Qiao Yan, however, was resolute, stating she would not stop and was ready to pay any price.
Director Wang secretly provided Qiao Yan with Gu Jingyuan's account information and transfer records, suggesting that Gu Jingyuan was secretly transferring company assets overseas. Although the amounts seemed small, Director Wang claimed it was just the tip of the iceberg. Qiao Yan questioned his motives, asking if he wanted her help against Gu Jingyuan or if he was being manipulated.
Director Wang stated that his purpose was irrelevant, as their goal was the same: to expose Gu Jingyuan's true nature and prevent him from harming Gu's Group further. He also hinted that Gu Jingyuan might be involved in her parents' death. Director Wang then informed her that Gu Jingyuan had a safe in his office containing the evidence they needed. He reminded her that the shareholders' meeting to elect the new president was approaching.
During the shareholders' meeting, Gu Jingyuan told his father that Qiao Yan had an urgent matter to attend to. As the voting for the new president commenced, Qiao Yan used her Executive President badge to gain access to Gu Jingyuan's office, hoping to find the safe. She quickly found the safe and was relieved to discover it had the same password as her own. Meanwhile, in the meeting, votes were tied between Mr. Chen and Gu Jingyuan.
Gu Jingyuan announced that Mr. De, a long-time shareholder who had been recuperating abroad, was interested in the election and had authorized him to cast his vote. Gu Jingyuan then cast Mr. De's vote for himself, securing his position as the new president. Enraged by his loss, Mr. Chen publicly accused Gu Jingyuan of secretly acquiring Gu's shares and contacting Mr. De to seize the presidency.
Gu Jingyuan admitted to buying shares but countered that Mr. Chen had been secretly shorting the company's stock while Qiao Yan was back, causing the company's stock price to fluctuate. He stated that his purchases were to mitigate the damage Mr. Chen caused. Several other shareholders then confessed that they had been misled by Mr. Chen, and their shares were now under Gu Jingyuan's control. Gu Changye angrily silenced Mr. Chen, stating the company needed a change.
Just then, Qiao Yan entered the meeting room, carrying the evidence she found in Gu Jingyuan’s safe. Mr. Chen, smugly, pointed out that Qiao Yan had the evidence against Gu Jingyuan. However, when Qiao Yan presented the documents, revealing them to be proof of company assets being illegally transferred overseas, Mr. Chen was shocked to find they implicated him, not Gu Jingyuan.
Qiao Yan, realizing the setup, looked at Gu Jingyuan and calmly stated that he had deliberately orchestrated for her to find this evidence. Gu Jingyuan confirmed her suspicion, admitting that he had planned it since she first joined the company, spurred by her relentless pursuit of the truth. Qiao Yan then confronted Mr. Chen, accusing him of having planned everything to lure her back to help him deal with Gu Jingyuan.
As Mr. Chen was asked for evidence against Gu Jingyuan regarding her father's death, he could only claim that everyone believed it. Mr. Chen then lashed out at Gu Jingyuan, calling him "a dog raised by the Gu family" who had no right to Gu's assets. Enraged, Gu Changye ordered the police to be called. In a desperate attempt to escape, Mr. Chen begged, offering to leave Gu's Group.
Gu Jingyuan declared that Mr. Chen's deception regarding his brother's death was unacceptable. Panicked, Mr. Chen screamed that Director Wang was responsible for everything. Suddenly, Director Wang grabbed Qiao Yan, taking her hostage and demanding 50 million. Director Wang dragged Qiao Yan to the underground parking lot, demanding Gu Jingyuan's car. Qiao Yan, remembering the tracker she had placed in Gu Jingyuan's car, subtly signaled him to comply.
Gu Jingyuan understood her meaning and instructed Lin Ze to hand over his car. As Director Wang drove away with Qiao Yan, she cleverly dropped her phone, which was still on a call with Miao, out the window. Miao, quick-witted, immediately informed Gu Jingyuan that Qiao Yan had placed a tracking device in his car and provided the phone's unlock password. Although furious, Gu Jingyuan prioritized Qiao Yan's safety.
He quickly accessed the tracker on his car's system and set off in pursuit, while instructing Lin Ze to call the police and follow him. Director Wang frantically demanded the 50 million transfer within 15 minutes. Qiao Yan attempted to reason with him, urging him to surrender and promising to plead for leniency.
Director Wang, fearing imprisonment, refused and threatened to kill Qiao Yan, ranting about how the rich never treated him as human and how he ended up in such a predicament. He vowed to make Qiao Yan, as Gu Changye's granddaughter, pay the ultimate price. As Director Wang lunged at Qiao Yan, Gu Jingyuan crashed into his car, rescuing her. Both Gu Jingyuan and Qiao Yan sustained injuries. Qiao Yan awoke in the hospital, disoriented and hallucinating about her parents.
Gu Jingyuan, by her side, comforted her. Qiao Yan, still confused, questioned why he saved her, suggesting that her death would have made his inheritance of Gu's Group legitimate. Gu Jingyuan then fully confessed. He revealed that he never harmed her parents. Half a year before her grandfather found them, her father had contacted him because Qiao Yan's mother was ill and needed medical funds.
The money he had been transferring overseas, which Mr. Chen used as evidence, was actually for her mother's treatment. Gu Jingyuan explained that he was in Germany when her parents' accident occurred. He had gone there early because their grandfather was about to find them. During a flashback, Qiao Yan's father told Gu Jingyuan he would take his wife, Yuling, and Qiao Yan away, not wanting them to return to the "cage" of the Gu family.
He thanked Gu Jingyuan for taking care of their grandfather and fulfilling his filial duty, stating that the family would depend on Gu Jingyuan from then on. Gu Jingyuan also recalled telling his brother that he noticed someone watching them. Gu Jingyuan revealed he was at the scene of the car explosion and was the one who took the unconscious Qiao Yan to the hospital and rescued her when she was attacked and her model stolen.
He admitted he was protecting her in secret but was still a step too slow. Gu Jingyuan explained that when their father fell ill and the company descended into chaos, he had to return to resolve everything. He had planned to go back to Germany to bring her home after sorting out the company's affairs, unaware that it would lead to such a misunderstanding.
When Qiao Yan asked why he didn't explain sooner, Gu Jingyuan admitted her initial strong defenses and his fear that she wouldn't believe him. More importantly, he was afraid that she would be targeted by the real culprit, so he wanted to uncover the full truth first. He also confessed that his position in Gu's Group was awkward, and many people wanted to profit from her return.
He didn't care what happened to him, but he couldn't allow ill-intentioned individuals to remain close to her and their father. He added that he allowed her to investigate and adapt to the business world, and she had done well. Qiao Yan then asked if he resented her for taking away everything he had worked so hard for.
Gu Jingyuan stated that everything he had done was to be a son his father could be proud of and a qualified heir to Gu's Group. He concluded by saying that if she needed him, he would always be by her side, even if everyone called him "the Gu family's dog." Hearing his sincere confession, Qiao Yan's misunderstandings of him began to fade away.
Episode 4 Recap
Qiao Yan went to the Lotus Cemetery to visit her parents. She confessed her deep regret, admitting she had been wrong to believe Gu Jingyuan was their killer. She felt useless for constantly opposing him despite his secret protection, and now struggled with how to express her gratitude. She questioned what purpose her life held if she couldn't avenge them and find the truth, especially since all leads had gone cold.
Meanwhile, Gu Jingyuan and Gu Changye, his father, couldn't find Qiao Yan at the hospital, and her phone was off, causing them great worry. After checking at home and seeing her family photo on the table, Gu Jingyuan deduced she must have gone to the cemetery. Upon finding her there, he gently draped his coat over her shoulders. He told her she must miss her parents greatly after everything that had happened.
Qiao Yan apologized for having wronged him, to which Gu Jingyuan replied he never took it to heart. He urged her to stop crying, reminding her that life was not solely about hatred, and that even the hardest days would eventually pass. He encouraged her to give herself time to heal and move forward, advising her not to let the car crash define her future.
As it was getting dark, Gu Jingyuan suggested they head home, reminding her that Grandpa was waiting. When Qiao Yan's legs became numb, he carried her to the car. She asked if his arm still hurt, but he dismissed it as a minor scratch. Qiao Yan apologized again, concerned she must have caused his wound to reopen when he carried her.
Gu Jingyuan confessed that he had initially been angry and purposely allowed her to misunderstand, which led to her nearly getting into trouble. Qiao Yan quickly said it was okay, considering they were now even because he had saved her. Gu Jingyuan then shared details of his difficult childhood: being abandoned by his parents, abused by his first foster father, and bullied in the welfare house until the Gu family adopted him.
He revealed that he used to envy her happy family, but then realized that the sudden loss of loved ones was more painful than never having had them at all. Back at the Gu residence, Qiao Yan apologized to Gu Changye for leaving without a word and causing worry. Gu Jingyuan intervened, asking his father not to be angry. Gu Changye assured them he could never be angry with his granddaughter and urged Qiao Yan to rest.
He then called Gu Jingyuan to his study for a private conversation. Before going, Gu Jingyuan instructed Yue, a staff member, to take Qiao Yan upstairs and prepare some ginger soup for her. In the study, Gu Changye expressed frustration that Gu Jingyuan hadn't informed him earlier about the ongoing investigation, fearing for Qiao Yan's safety. Gu Jingyuan apologized and confirmed that both he and Qiao Yan suspected her parents' deaths were not accidental.
He explained that the person who stole the model was likely the mastermind. He clarified that Chen Shi had been cleared by the police and only intended to use Qiao Yan against him, while Wang He was merely seeking money. Gu Jingyuan hypothesized that the true culprit aimed to prevent Qiao Yan from inheriting Gu's Group or sought to maintain the company's existing equity structure and management.
He concluded that the most probable mastermind would be someone wary of Qiao Yan and her father, Hai, inheriting the company. When Gu Changye asked who he thought it was, Gu Jingyuan stated he himself was the most likely suspect. Gu Changye then directly asked Gu Jingyuan if he was the culprit. Gu Jingyuan firmly denied it, and Gu Changye, trusting him, urged him to continue the investigation and report any new leads.
He strictly forbade Qiao Yan from interfering due to the danger involved. Gu Jingyuan reassured his father, explaining his recent actions. He revealed he had already bought back shares from disloyal shareholders who became restless after he pretended to be at odds with Gu Changye over Qiao Yan. With Chen Shi's downfall and the imminent handling of his associates, the company would remain stable, making it a suitable time for Qiao Yan to assume a role.
Gu Changye asked if he was truly willing to hand the company over to Qiao Yan, and Gu Jingyuan replied that it was Gu Changye's company to bestow as he wished. Pleased with his response, Gu Changye acknowledged Gu Jingyuan's hard work and told him to rest. Later, Qiao Yan appeared at Gu Jingyuan's room with a medicine box, intending to change his dressing. She expressed relief that he had explained everything to Gu Changye.
As she tended to his wound, she worried aloud that she had caused his injury to reopen when he carried her earlier, but Gu Jingyuan insisted it didn't hurt. She then asked if Gu Changye had any suspects in mind for her parents' deaths and what his next steps were. Gu Jingyuan promised that they would ensure her parents' deaths would not go unpunished.
However, he made her promise to remain in Xijiang and avoid further involvement until the true murderer was found, urging her to trust him with the investigation. Sometime later, Qiao Yan spoke to Lu Wanqing over the phone, expressing her desire to return to Germany to finish her studies and secretly continue investigating her parents' deaths.
She explained that with Gu Jingyuan cleared of suspicion and her own lack of interest in inheriting Gu's Group, she felt it was the right time to go back. She mentioned the Gu family's concern for her safety, which limited her ability to pursue leads in Xijiang, suggesting that being in Germany would allow her more freedom to find clues. Lu Wanqing questioned if Gu Changye would easily permit her departure.
Qiao Yan admitted her concern, wondering how to convince him. Later, Qiao Yan was seen watering plants, distracted. Gu Jingyuan noticed and asked what was on her mind. Qiao Yan quietly confessed her wish to return to Germany, urging him to keep their conversation discreet from Gu Changye. Gu Jingyuan initially stated his father wouldn't agree and even suggested she should stay.
Qiao Yan asked if he had ever had a dream, and when he confirmed he had but wouldn't share, she called him a "cheapskate." She then revealed her dream of becoming a violinist, emphasizing her reluctance to abandon her studies. She reminded him that it was his encouragement to live on that inspired her to resume her academic pursuits, and that she believed he understood her best in the family.
Gu Jingyuan proposed alternatives, such as transferring to a local music program or even bringing her German professor to Xijiang, highlighting Gu's Group's resources. Qiao Yan dismissed these as unnecessary, reiterating her desire for a simple, ordinary life. Despite the comforts of the Gu household and the affection from Gu Changye and Gu Jingyuan, she felt the place didn't truly belong to her. Seeing her resolve, Gu Jingyuan agreed to try and persuade Gu Changye on her behalf.
At dinner, Qiao Yan subtly brought up Germany by praising Yue for her bread soup and sausages, noting they tasted exactly like those in Germany and remarking that she had already been back from Germany for a month. Gu Changye acknowledged her comment. Qiao Yan then told Gu Changye she had something to tell him, only for him to say he had something to tell her as well.
Gu Changye went first, announcing his invitation to the principal of Xijiang Business University to discuss Qiao Yan's transfer. He insisted she needed to study business to take over Gu's, as playing the violin wouldn't suffice. Qiao Yan immediately objected, asserting she had never intended to inherit Gu's, as her dream was to be a violinist.
She explained that her previous agreement to join the company was based on a misunderstanding of Gu Jingyuan, which had now been resolved, so she should return to Germany. She argued that Gu Changye and Gu Jingyuan were enough for the company, and her lack of business acumen would lead to its downfall. Gu Changye grew angry, declaring he would agree to anything but this. Gu Jingyuan quickly intervened, urging Gu Changye to calm down and respect Qiao Yan's choice.
He assured his father that he had made arrangements in Germany to ensure Qiao Yan would be well cared for. Gu Changye retorted that Gu Jingyuan was sending Qiao Yan away, despite her being safest by his side, and worried they might never see her again. Qiao Yan defended Gu Jingyuan, taking responsibility for asking him to intercede, and accused Gu Changye of driving her father away in a similar manner. Gu Jingyuan again tried to calm his father.
He then appealed to Gu Changye, suggesting that if Qiao Yan's father were alive, he would surely want his daughter to pursue her own passions and live the life she desired, urging Gu Changye to agree for her father's sake. Gu Changye, seemingly swayed, conceded but then shifted his focus back to Gu Jingyuan, stating that if he truly cared about her and her father, he should abandon the company and devote himself to Qiao Yan's care.
Later, Gu Changye had a private conversation with Qiao Yan, warning her to be wary of Gu Jingyuan taking over Gu's Group. He called her naive for not understanding this sooner. He explained that if Gu Jingyuan had no ulterior motives, he would readily relinquish the company and accompany her to Germany. His hesitation, Gu Changye argued, revealed his true ambition.
Qiao Yan attempted to defend Gu Jingyuan, emphasizing that he was family, but Gu Changye reminded her that Gu Jingyuan was only an adopted son, without Gu family blood. He brought up her past suspicion that Gu Jingyuan might have harmed her father for the company, implying that his ambitions could not be trusted. Concurrently, Gu Jingyuan discussed his plans with Lu Wanqing over the phone.
Lu Wanqing was surprised and concerned to learn of his decision to accompany Qiao Yan to Germany, questioning if it was necessary to go to such lengths just to alleviate Gu Changye's concerns. She warned him that once power was relinquished, it was difficult to regain.
Gu Jingyuan calmly explained that being the president of Gu's Group was no longer important to him, and as someone who understood him best, Lu Wanqing should know that his identity remained unchanged regardless of his title. He reminded her that he had fulfilled his promise to take her out of the welfare house, and reiterated that he was not an ambitious person.
Lu Wanqing expressed her concern that he might be wronged, but Gu Jingyuan insisted he was not and that his decision was final, concluding the conversation. Later that night, Qiao Yan found Gu Jingyuan, who seemed to be intoxicated. She questioned his late return and the amount he had drunk, teasing him about his "happiness" leading to such consumption. Gu Jingyuan denied being in a bad mood, insisting he was happy.
Just then, Gu Changye's voice was heard, indicating he had been woken by the noise. Qiao Yan quickly shushed Gu Jingyuan as Gu Changye approached, wondering if he had heard something. He eventually dismissed it as a dream and returned to bed, allowing Qiao Yan and Gu Jingyuan to avoid discovery.
