Got a Crush on You Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Got a Crush on You Synopsis
At the age of 30, Song Xingchen enters a rebellious phase and meets Su Qingchu, the leader of the Ji Ye Rescue Team, by chance on a blind date. Then they go on a "side-by-side" love journey in the warmth of each other's company.
Got a Crush on You Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Song Xingchen, a doctor known for her stunning appearance and unconventional daily attire, often became the subject of her female colleagues' gossip. They openly criticized her for dressing like a "female star" and for consistently ranking last in the hospital's performance metrics, implying her promotion to attending doctor was due to her looks rather than merit. During what was supposed to be a celebration of her promotion, Song Xingchen arrived late.
When a colleague suggested she have a special drink with Mr. Zhang, the director, to express gratitude, Song Xingchen instead toasted everyone present, thanking them and Mr. Zhang for their support. She then dropped a bombshell: the gathering was not a promotion banquet but a "farewell dinner," as she had resigned. She explained that she prioritized professionalism over performance before bidding everyone goodbye.
Reflecting on her life, Song Xingchen, now 29, recalled being the "sensible and excellent child" who followed her family's path, attending medical school, completing her residency, and securing a position at a private hospital. Her career seemed set, but she decided to take a different path. After her resignation, Song Xingchen met her friend Han Xiaoli. Han Xiaoli commended Song Xingchen's courage in making such a significant life change, acknowledging that it had been a long-contemplated decision.
Han Xiaoli expressed her relief, saying she couldn't stand seeing Song Xingchen's demanding doctor's life anymore, with its endless shifts, academic pressure, and frequent two-day-two-night work periods. Song Xingchen, however, maintained that being a doctor inherently involved such sacrifices and expressed her intention to pursue further training. Han Xiaoli then proposed a different path: instead of more studies, Song Xingchen should join her in starting a women's supply store. Song Xingchen enthusiastically agreed.
The next morning, a hungover Song Xingchen remembered her promise to help Han Xiaoli and immediately regretted it. However, Han Xiaoli soon faced a crisis: the bulk of her ordered inventory was about to expire within a month. The supplier confirmed they were old stock, which was why they were cheap, and disavowed any responsibility for sales. Upon Song Xingchen's arrival, a distressed Han Xiaoli tried to retract her business proposition, claiming she had been drunk.
But Song Xingchen, already aware of the situation, saw it as a "crisis that is an opportunity." She proposed a solution: she would invest 150,000, considering the store's valuation at 300,000, and offer her own efforts, suggesting they split profits equally. Despite Han Xiaoli's reluctance to involve her friend in such a "troublesome" situation, Song Xingchen reassured her, stating that even if it was "a big pit," they could "level it."
She reminded Han Xiaoli of her own resilience, proclaiming, "When things are tough, Song Xingchen will overcome all obstacles." They set an ambitious goal: to sell all the inventory within two months. Returning to the hospital to collect her belongings, Song Xingchen once again became the subject of her former colleagues' gossip. They criticized her for not wanting to work and for her perceived arrogance, noting her consistent last-place ranking in performance metrics.
On her way out, she encountered a distressed child pointing to a small dog precariously perched high on the third floor of a building. A security guard informed them that the residents were abroad and the door was locked, suggesting they call for professional rescue. However, a man swiftly and skillfully scaled the building. Song Xingchen, watching with a mix of fear and admiration, repeatedly cautioned him to "be careful" and remarked on how "impressive" his feat was.
The man successfully rescued the dog and handed it to her. As Song Xingchen examined the dog, noting its "front leg is twisted" and advising the child on its care, the man received a call reminding him it was his "duty day," and he had to leave immediately, impressed by Song Xingchen's caring nature. The man who rescued the dog, Su Qingche, rushed to his inauguration as the new captain of Polar Night Rescue.
During his introduction, his impressive background was highlighted: a graduate of the International Security Academy, a leading global counter-terrorism institution, with experience in international rescue missions and as an instructor at the Lorburg Counter-Terrorism School. Su Qingche addressed his new team, emphasizing that Polar Night Rescue, a purely voluntary and unpaid organization, served as a crucial government auxiliary rescue force, operating at the heart of disasters.
His goal was to expand and strengthen this grassroots force to help more people and elevate the team's brand. Meanwhile, Song Xingchen made a surprise return home for dinner. Her parents, unaware of her resignation, questioned her sudden free time. She fabricated a story about being on break due to accumulated overtime. Her father, keen on supporting her career, suggested arranging a dinner with Mr. Zhang, her former director.
Song Xingchen vehemently refused, telling her parents to stop meddling in her professional life. Her mother, however, persisted, presenting a profile for a blind date. Song Xingchen protested, asserting her preference for "handsome" men and emphasizing her desire for a "mutual and balanced love" rather than a forced arrangement. When her mother used the threat of inviting Mr. Zhang for dinner as leverage, Song Xingchen reluctantly chose to go on the blind date.
Su Qingche met his friend, Lu Qun, at a Taekwondo gym for a sparring session. Su Qingche, ever the safety-conscious professional, pointed out the insufficient firefighting equipment. Lu Qun, dismissing it as a financial issue for their charity organization, was met with Su Qingche's retort that it was a fundamental "safety awareness problem."
Changing the subject, Lu Qun urged Su Qingche to prepare for his blind date the next day, admitting that Old Mr. Su was deeply concerned about his only grandson's unmarried status. Lu Qun revealed that he was the one who had compiled and sent Su Qingche's resume—detailing his assets, best photos, and home address—to the matchmaker. That evening, Han Xiaoli called Song Xingchen, asking if she had revealed her resignation to her parents.
Song Xingchen admitted she had chosen to go on the blind date rather than confess. She reaffirmed her priorities were managing her store and her studies, expressing her belief that if a suitable partner existed, a blind date wouldn't be necessary, as she desired a "mutual and balanced love." Han Xiaoli mused that blind dates typically involve socially awkward individuals trying to charm equally challenging prospects.
Declaring her intention to "mess it up," Song Xingchen outlined her strategy: she would "deliberately be late," wear "revealing clothes," and "argue about everything," confident that "no man can endure this three-pronged attack." Following her plan, Song Xingchen arrived at the blind date 15 minutes late, deliberately dressed in revealing clothes. She immediately recognized the man as Su Qingche, who in turn realized she was the woman who had tended to the injured dog.
Both quickly established that they were there only due to "family requirements." The conversation quickly turned contentious. Song Xingchen, referring to his profile, questioned if he was a "counter-terrorism enthusiast" rather than a real instructor, while Su Qingche retorted that only "naive girls" would believe her "crafted image." Song Xingchen bluntly announced she was no longer a doctor but the "manager of a women's supply store." Desperate to end the encounter, Song Xingchen proposed they "get to the process."
Su Qingche began asking standard questions about her height and weight, which she deemed "impolite." She then turned the tables, demanding details about his "house, car, and exes," unwilling to trust his profile. She accused his profile of having a "big gap," questioning his photo and his claim of "no dating experience," sarcastically asking if he had been "single since childhood" and accusing him of "acting innocent." Both mentally dismissed each other, with each concluding the other was "unreliable."
Fed up, Song Xingchen abruptly ended the date, telling Su Qingche to "hurry to the next date," leaving him bewildered. Back at the store, Song Xingchen recounted her disastrous blind date to Han Xiaoli. Han Xiaoli then revealed a new crisis: a customer had left a bad review because their delivery was late and a promised free gift was missing. The customer insisted on receiving that specific gift, but their stock of it was depleted.
Song Xingchen immediately decided to resolve the issue herself by buying the required items and sending "triple the gifts as compensation," instructing Han Xiaoli to demand the bad review be canceled. While at the supermarket, she spotted Su Qingche picking up a packet of sanitary pads. This led Song Xingchen to conclude that Su Qingche must have a girlfriend, fueling her disdain for his hypocrisy. Old Mr. Su questioned his grandson about the blind date.
Upon hearing it was unsuccessful, he criticized Su Qingche's taciturn nature. Su Qingche explained that the woman was no longer a doctor but was "selling women's underwear." Old Mr. Su, initially shocked by this revelation, stating she could have chosen a more "decent" profession, quickly shifted his stance and supported Su Qingche's decision to end things. Later that evening, the matchmaker called Song Xingchen's mother, complaining about Song Xingchen's "conduct" and her "embarrassing" choice of business.
Overhearing the conversation, Song Xingchen took the phone and launched into a furious tirade against Su Qingche, calling him a "rascal" and "hypocritical" for blind dating while having a girlfriend, denouncing his professional discrimination, and retorting that he was a "rotten cabbage no one wants." This confrontation finally exposed Song Xingchen's secret to her parents. Her mother, piecing together the matchmaker's words and Song Xingchen's outburst, realized her daughter had resigned. Both parents were furious.
Her mother lambasted Song Xingchen for abandoning a "good job" for a "crooked job." Her father, however, suggested this was merely Song Xingchen's "rebellious phase" and that she needed to "experience failure" to understand. He offered gentle support, telling her to "come home often." Driven by a desire for retribution, Song Xingchen mailed Su Qingche a package containing women's products from her store. While Su Qingche was having dinner with his rescue team, including Lu Qun, the package arrived.
The delivery person announced it was from "Happy Kitten." Lu Qun snatched the package and opened it in front of everyone, revealing the contents and sparking widespread gossip within the team. Later, Su Qingche confronted Lu Qun, who gleefully informed him that his new team image was "the sexy prince who just returned to the country." Su Qingche accused Lu Qun of being a "dog-leg" for reporting to his grandfather, but Lu Qun tried to deflect by bringing up a "rescue exercise" he had arranged.
Episode 2 Recap
Song Xingchen successfully cleared her overstocked products with a "buy one, get three free" promotion and filed for arbitration against a customer who had left a malicious negative review. Her friend, Han Xiaoli, worried about retaliation, but Song Xingchen was resolute, stating that such people shouldn't be indulged. Observing this, Han Xiaoli remarked that her friend had developed a new "sense of justice."
Song Xingchen shared her "wishlist" of things to do before turning thirty, which included becoming a qualified medical volunteer. Surprised that Song Xingchen still had an interest in medicine after resigning, Han Xiaoli declined to join, citing her "small frame." Shortly after, Su Qingche appeared at Song Xingchen's store to return an item.
Han Xiaoli immediately confronted him, accusing him of spreading rumors that Song Xingchen was "expired goods" and questioning why he was on blind dates when he already had a girlfriend. Su Qingche denied the accusations, explaining he only came to apologize for snatching groceries from her at the supermarket. Unconvinced, Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli dismissed him. The next day at the Haicheng City Rescue Center, team member Qin suffered an asthma-like attack after a run.
Captain Su Qingche later explained at the hospital that it was overbreathing syndrome, a condition that could have been easily managed. The incident highlighted the team's lack of medical experience, prompting Su Qingche to arrange a cooperation with a medical school to incorporate mandatory first aid courses into their upcoming training camp.
Meanwhile, Song Xingchen visited her former mentor, Professor Li, who, aware of her dream to join a rescue team, presented her with a registration form for the Polar Night Rescue team. They were establishing a new first aid department and urgently needed instructors, an opportunity Song Xingchen eagerly accepted. Song Xingchen arrived at the training ground as a medical instructor, only to discover that Su Qingche was the captain.
Su Qingche addressed the new volunteers, emphasizing that rescue work was not a game and that rigorous training in physical fitness, rope skills, first aid, and radio communication was essential for their safety and the safety of those they rescue. During the warm-up, he reprimanded a volunteer named Xie Yuan for wearing a necklace, explaining the potential for injury during high-intensity activities, and announced a mandatory contraband check.
Later, medical student Liu Xinyu and flight attendant Zhou Yiran introduced themselves to Song Xingchen and offered her snacks. Before they could eat, Su Qingche arrived to collect prohibited items. He sarcastically asked Song Xingchen if her lingerie business was failing, forcing her to return to her "old profession." He confiscated everyone's contraband, including her snacks, leaving Song Xingchen convinced he was deliberately targeting her. The demanding training continued with log carrying, climbing, and other exercises.
Despite the volunteers' exhaustion, Su Qingche pushed them harder, adding more repetitions. In the dining hall, Su Qingche's subordinate, Lu Qun, noted his captain's unusual behavior toward Song Xingchen, as Su Qingche typically kept a significant distance from women. Su Qingche denied it, masking his negative impression of her as mere curiosity, believing her to be hypocritical and self-righteous.
That night, female team members gossiped about Su Qingche, speculating that he was not interested in women, with one admitting she had unsuccessfully tried knocking on his door late at night. During a surprise inspection, Su Qingche discovered Song Xingchen's face-slimming device. Mistaking it for a sex toy or merchandise she intended to sell, he publicly berated her for breaking the rules.
Frustrated by his refusal to listen to her explanation, Song Xingchen threw the device on the ground and stormed off. Later, while she was giving a lecture on CPR, the power went out. A nearby anatomical skull was accidentally knocked over and thrown in the dark, hitting Song Xingchen and causing her to stumble. Su Qingche swiftly caught her, and they were found in an embrace by their teammates when the lights turned back on.
That evening, Song Xingchen went to Su Qingche's room to treat a scratch she had accidentally given him during their earlier embrace. As she disinfected the wound on his bare back, Su Qingche became flustered. He apologized for the misunderstanding about the face-slimming device, admitting he had looked it up. However, he then suddenly clipped her long fingernails, which she had just gotten done, holding her from behind as she struggled. The scene was witnessed by Lu Qun.
Song Xingchen confronted Su Qingche, telling him that if he disliked women, he shouldn't be so physically forward. Later, after confirming with Lu Qun that beauty devices were common, Su Qingche realized his own ignorance. That night, both sleepless, they met at the archery range. He apologized for his behavior and for any negative rumors the matchmaker may have spread. He then corrected her archery posture, and watching him leave, Song Xingchen's opinion of him began to soften.
The next day, when the car transporting a dummy for CPR practice was delayed, Su Qingche and another instructor, Sun Yizhu, demonstrated the correct procedure. When it was time for the volunteers to practice, Song Xingchen offered to pair with Xie Yuan, but Su Qingche intervened, declaring it "inappropriate" and deciding to partner with Xie Yuan himself to correct his technique, chiding him that artificial respiration is "not a kiss."
Once the dummy arrived, Su Qingche sent Xie Yuan to practice on it. Later, during radio communication training, Su Qingche personally helped Song Xingchen tune her device, joking that she was trying to contact "aliens," and announced there would be a test the following day.
Episode 3 Recap
While struggling to program her walkie-talkie, Song Xingchen sought help from Xie Yuan and openly complained about Su Qingche's strict training methods, remarking on his poker face and lack of warmth. She mistakenly believed her comments were on a private channel, but as Liu Xinyu and others revealed, it was a public frequency, and everyone, including Captain Lu Qun, had overheard.
Lu Qun expressed sympathy for their complaints and joked that Su Qingche’s personality was why he couldn't find a girlfriend. Having heard everything, Su Qingche confronted Song Xingchen, inviting her to voice her criticisms directly. As punishment, he ordered her to clean and calibrate all the walkie-talkies the next morning. Their argument escalated, with Song Xingchen calling him a bad teacher and leaving for her CPR training.
Later, during a medical training session, Song Xingchen excused herself to rest due to her menstrual period. She awoke that night having missed the public shower's operating hours. Upon learning of her situation, Su Qingche brought medicine and hot water to her dorm, explaining that while he couldn't break the rules for the shower, he could make an exception for her well-being.
Touched by his unexpected kindness, Song Xingchen reluctantly thanked him, and he exempted her from the next morning's run. Despite the exemption, Song Xingchen was the first to arrive for the run, jogging slowly. As the rigorous 30km cross-country march began, Su Qingche showed subtle concern for her, offering warm water and taking her medical kit to lighten her load, explaining he was looking out for the team's medical instructor. The team faced a slippery slope where a rockslide occurred.
Su Qingche selflessly shielded Song Xingchen, injuring his leg in the process. As she bandaged his swollen leg, she chastised him for his recklessness, and he playfully wiped mud from her face, drawing chuckles from nearby teammates. He refused to return to camp for an X-ray, insisting on staying with his team. Later, Liu Xinyu fell behind. Song Xingchen went back to find her, and they subsequently got lost.
Their absence was reported to Lu Qun, who, furious they had left the group, organized a search party. Meanwhile, Su Qingche, whose X-ray at the camp's clinic confirmed no fracture, was informed of the missing cadets. Despite his injury, he insisted on joining the search, feeling responsible for his team members. Lost in the mountains, Song Xingchen left markers for rescuers but accidentally fell down a steep slope.
She instructed Liu Xinyu to head southwest to find the main group and report her location. Soon after, Su Qingche arrived, having tracked her down. He carefully made his way down to her, and they shared a moment of mutual concern. The main search party, with Liu Xinyu, found them at the top of the slope, and Su Qingche radioed Lu Qun to inform him they were safe and would find shelter.
As a thunderstorm broke, the pair took refuge in a dilapidated hut. Su Qingche found and grilled sweet potatoes, remarking on the importance of survival skills. Watching him, Song Xingchen felt a surge of reliability and safety, though she mentally dismissed her racing heart as a physiological response—dopamine and adrenaline—rather than romantic feelings. In a frank conversation, she revealed that her lingerie shop was a temporary venture and that he had been her unsuccessful blind date, which surprised him.
Just as their conversation deepened, the rescue team located them. To prolong her care, Su Qingche secretly asked Lu Qun to pretend his injury was worse than it was. Back at camp, Lu Qun teased Su Qingche about faking his injury to keep Song Xingchen's attention, which Su Qingche happily admitted. Lu Qun then advised him to use psychological theories like the suspension bridge effect and the two-factor theory of emotion to win her over.
Song Xingchen, who overheard, mulled over the concepts, attributing any feelings to their shared dangerous experience. When she brought him a medicinal soup, Su Qingche shamelessly asked for her WeChat contact. After a moment of hesitation, she added him. Meanwhile, celebrity Gao Qingyin called Su Qingche to check on him, informing him of her imminent return. Shortly after, Su Qingche received an urgent call from a foreign contact named Charlie about a devastating earthquake on an island.
He prepared to depart immediately. He tried to say goodbye to Song Xingchen, but they narrowly missed each other. Rushed by Lu Qun, his phone died at the airport before he could send a message, forcing him to ask Lu Qun to inform his grandfather and Song Xingchen. When Song Xingchen finished her training and found his phone was off, she mistakenly believed he was ignoring her. At the same time, Liu Xinyu, about to leave for international flights, exchanged contacts with Song Xingchen and apologized for getting them lost, an apology Song Xingchen graciously accepted.
Episode 4 Recap
After a week of intensive training, Song Xingchen’s life returned to its usual routine. She noticed Su Qingche had not replied to her messages and, assuming he was just a fleeting presence in her life, decided to hide her social media posts from him to focus on her career.
At her online store, Stardust Rouge, Han Xiaoli excitedly showed Song Xingchen new pajama styles from a manufacturer impressed with their sales, and the two immediately decided to launch the new products. At home, Song Xingchen's parents grew concerned seeing her eating ravenously, remarking that her new business seemed more demanding than her previous job as a doctor. While her mother voiced reservations, her father encouraged her entrepreneurial spirit, and they decided to visit her shop.
Upon arrival, they found Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli overwhelmed with work and began to help. In a playful moment, Song Xingchen's father suggested he and his wife get matching pink pajamas to "recapture their youth." Afterward, as she walked them out, her parents urged her to find a better work-life balance. Meanwhile, Su Qingche returned from an emergency rescue mission abroad, looking pale and worn out.
He confided in his colleague, Lu Qun, about the professional inadequacies he observed in their team and the need to improve. His first act upon returning was to check his phone, only to discover Song Xingchen had blocked his social media access. He confronted Lu Qun, who admitted he had forgotten to inform Song Xingchen about the urgent mission, despite being asked to notify both her and Su Qingche's grandfather.
Infuriated, Su Qingche left Lu Qun behind and sped towards Song Xingchen's shop, sending messages that went unanswered. Just as he arrived, he saw a heavy shelf falling towards Song Xingchen and instinctively lunged forward, shielding her and taking the impact himself. They went to the hospital, where Su Qingche was treated for his injuries.
In the emergency room, he earnestly explained his sudden absence, detailing the international mission, the lack of signal, and his dead phone battery, taking full responsibility for the miscommunication. He also offered to cover any costs related to the accident at her shop. Outside, Lu Qun and Han Xiaoli, drawn by the commotion, began to eavesdrop and introduced themselves. Song Xingchen, however, remained upset and told Su Qingche she had blocked him because she saw no future for them.
As she stood to leave, Su Qingche, trying to stop her, caused his IV line to backflow with blood. He then feigned that his wound was in severe pain, a tactic that successfully convinced a concerned Song Xingchen to stay. He wryly noted to himself that showing weakness can be an effective strategy. Later, Han Xiaoli’s impression of Su Qingche improved significantly upon learning his absence was due to a rescue mission.
Soon after, Song Xingchen’s nephew, Qian Cheng, called and rushed to the hospital upon hearing she was there. He mistook Lu Qun for Han Xiaoli's boyfriend and was disappointed to learn otherwise. He then stormed into the room to defend his aunt, and Su Qingche glared at him with clear hostility as Qian Cheng put his arm around Song Xingchen.
Su Qingche immediately demanded to know who Qian Cheng was, but the nephew retorted by questioning why Su Qingche was at Song Xingchen’s shop in the first place. Ignoring him, Su Qingche pressed Song Xingchen about their relationship. She defiantly linked arms with Qian Cheng, declaring their relationship was "exactly as it appears." Heartbroken, Su Qingche refused her offer to pay his medical bills and watched them leave.
Later, he complained to Lu Qun, baffled that Song Xingchen would be interested in "that type" of boy. On the way home, Qian Cheng playfully teased his aunt about Su Qingche, feigning surprise to learn they had been on a blind date. Song Xingchen, though annoyed, internally admitted she had already forgiven Su Qingche and was just using her nephew to vent her frustration.
Back at the shop, Han Xiaoli encouraged Song Xingchen, saying she saw potential between her and Su Qingche. Song Xingchen insisted that her priority was making money and continuing her studies, not romance, prompting Han Xiaoli to tease her about her lack of dating experience. Han Xiaoli then suggested asking Qian Cheng, a new media student, for marketing help with their upcoming product launch.
Meanwhile, Su Qingche convened a team meeting at Polar Night, proposing they create short promotional videos to raise public awareness, citing a popular video of a woman dancing as an example of effective, attention-grabbing content. Lu Qun humorously imitated the dance, leading the team to playfully suggest he, a handsome guy, should be the face of their campaign. Su Qingche agreed, tasking Lu Qun with creating a dance script.
Later, Lu Qun presented his findings on Qian Cheng to Su Qingche: a university student skilled in photography. Lu Qun then offered tactical advice on how to win Song Xingchen over, suggesting he become her "career fan," maintain a constant presence, and show her he is both reliable and endearing. Though Su Qingche feigned disinterest, he secretly began researching how to pursue women and later appeared at Stardust Rouge with a toolbox to fix her broken shelves.
That evening, after Qian Cheng referred her to a senior marketing professional, Song Xingchen got a ride from Su Qingche to a party at a nightclub. Su Qingche grew jealous seeing her dressed up and texting her nephew. He watched her enter the club alone but followed out of concern. On the dance floor, when another man got handsy with Song Xingchen, Su Qingche immediately intervened and pulled her away.
Inside a private room, she was challenged to drink three shots to join the marketing group, but Su Qingche stepped in and drank them all for her. Growing intoxicated and seeing her whispering with another man, he jealously pulled her into the hallway. There, he confessed he had been thinking of her and was worried about her. Seeing through his act, Song Xingchen called him out for "pretending to be a big bad wolf" and, realizing he was drunk, offered to take him home.
Episode 5 Recap
Su Qingche, intoxicated from drinking on Song Xingchen’s behalf, attempted to kiss her but vomited instead. The next morning, he woke up shirtless in her bed and cautiously asked if anything had transpired between them. He earnestly offered to take responsibility, even suggesting marriage, but was dismayed to learn that nothing had happened.
Song Xingchen explained that he had passed out on her bed and was impossible to wake, leaving her to sleep on the sofa, and reminded him she only had one bed. Su Qingche, now in Song Xingchen’s bathrobe, prepared breakfast, trying to recall fragmented memories from the night before to no avail. During breakfast, Su Qingche persistently inquired about the previous night.
Song Xingchen recounted how he had drunkenly pulled her from a private room into a hallway and pinned her against a wall, but she reiterated that nothing further occurred. Su Qingche apologized, offering the breakfast as compensation. However, Song Xingchen, noting she had to do his laundry at midnight, demanded he pay for the dry cleaning and his overnight stay by purchasing a gift package from her online shop, Stardust Rouge.
When Su Qingche argued he drank to protect her, she firmly stated she didn't need his protection and told him to leave. Later, Su Qingche told Lu Qun that despite staying at Song Xingchen’s, nothing had happened, and now she was ignoring his messages and calls. Lu Qun remarked that Su Qingche wasn't being proactive enough, suggesting he physically corner her to get her attention.
Lu Qun then advised him to become a "fan of her career" by supporting her business as a strategy to win her over. Following this advice, Su Qingche purchased ten of each item he saw in her online store, even joking to Lu Qun that they might as well buy the entire shop. Meanwhile, Song Xingchen was struggling with her livestream, discouraged by only having a few viewers and fearing her Women's Day sale would fail.
Han Xiaoli tried to comfort her, pointing out that at least one order had come through. Seeing her low viewership, Qian Cheng, who was losing his own followers and needed to complete a practical assignment for his New Media Economy class, proposed a collaboration. He offered to co-host a livestream and take high-quality product photos for free to boost her sales.
During their joint stream, Qian Cheng adopted an aggressive sales tactic, pushing for lower prices that concerned Song Xingchen about potential losses. Su Qingche, watching the stream, became visibly displeased, especially when Qian Cheng stood too close to Song Xingchen. After the stream, Qian Cheng critiqued the amateur look of her shop and stressed the need for professional photos. As they began a photoshoot with Song Xingchen modeling her sleepwear, her stiff poses frustrated Qian Cheng.
Su Qingche arrived and, seeing her in the revealing outfit, immediately draped his coat over her. When Qian Cheng suggested adding a male model for the men's pajamas to improve the shoot, Su Qingche immediately volunteered, declaring he was a more suitable partner for her than Qian Cheng and could do everything better.
While waiting for Su Qingche, Lu Qun spotted Han Xiaoli moving heavy boxes and offered to help, using the opportunity to ask about Qian Cheng and Song Xingchen’s relationship. Han Xiaoli saw through his intentions and refused to gossip. Later, Han Xiaoli told Qian Cheng that Su Qingche was responsible for the massive increase in sales, dismissing Qian Cheng's contribution. To express her gratitude, Song Xingchen gifted Su Qingche a set of the best-selling male pajamas.
Uninterested in the gift, Su Qingche was only concerned with whether he had helped her more than Qian Cheng. He then invited her to a play the following night, mentioning he had spent a week trying to get the highly sought-after tickets. Song Xingchen agreed to consider it. Later, Su Qingche led an underwater rescue training exercise for his team, noting their inexperience in this area.
The training turned into a real emergency when a distress signal came from two divers in trouble. Su Qingche immediately led the rescue. While Lu Qun brought one diver to safety, Su Qingche remained submerged, meticulously using a dagger to cut the second diver free from an entangled net. His oxygen supply ran out just as he surfaced with the injured diver, completing the dangerous rescue.
Back on land, after ensuring the diver was in the ambulance's care, Su Qingche realized he was late for the play. Lu Qun gave him his motorcycle to bypass traffic. Meanwhile, Song Xingchen, having canceled her work for the evening, got ready and arrived at the theater early, excited for the date. As Su Qingche rushed to meet her, he called to tell her not to worry about her outfit, as he had a plan.
Episode 6 Recap
Su Qingche rushes to the theater on his motorcycle, only to find Song Xingchen has already left. He quickly locates her nearby and apologizes for his delay, explaining he had an emergency rescuing someone. Understanding, Song Xingchen suggests they walk together instead. Su Qingche gives her a pretty stone he found during training, admitting that while he is usually focused during rescues, his mind was filled with thoughts of her this time.
Song Xingchen offers a philosophical take on dopamine, noting its temporary nature, but agrees that life's uncertainties make cherishing time with loved ones all the more important. As cherry blossoms drift down, Su Qingche remarks that falling petals are perfect for a declaration of love because their beauty makes it hard to refuse. He asks her not to reject him and then leans in for a kiss. That night, Su Qingche is agitated and restless after the kiss.
A baffled Lu Qun learns what happened and, after confirming it was consensual, advises Su Qingche to make a proper confession to solidify things. Meanwhile, Song Xingchen lies awake, wondering if the kiss means they are officially a couple. The next morning, a smiling Su Qingche is concerned when he sees Song Xingchen hasn't replied to his messages, leading him to search online for advice on their relationship status.
Song Xingchen confides in her friend Xiaoli, admitting she has started to develop feelings for Su Qingche. However, she feels uncertain because he kissed her without a formal confession. Xiaoli, acting as her protective best friend and business partner, insists that a proper confession is necessary and declares she will vet Su Qingche to make sure he isn't a player.
At the rescue center, Lu Qun returns files to a distracted Su Qingche, chiding him for submitting them without the required official stamps. Seeing his friend lovesick, Lu Qun suggests a plan: take Song Xingchen to a scary escape room. He explains that fear from the "suspension bridge effect" will make her seek comfort in Su Qingche's arms. Su Qingche hesitates, calling the tactic dishonorable.
Elsewhere, a teammate complains about their recent mundane tasks, like removing hornet's nests and chasing cats, wishing for more significant rescue operations. Another colleague wisely points out that such minor jobs are a good sign, as it means no major disasters are happening. Later, Song Xingchen messages Su Qingche, explaining she fell asleep early and missed his message.
Unsure how to reply, Su Qingche opts to send a voice message inviting her to the escape room, hoping to bring them closer. Qian Cheng finds his aunt, Song Xingchen, to complain that his economics course has a new, demanding Ivy League-educated professor, forcing him to redo his project. When he hears Su Qingche invited her to an escape room, he immediately guesses Su Qingche’s romantic intentions and insists on joining them to run interference.
Before the event, Lu Qun arranges with the escape room's owner to ensure the experience creates opportunities for "intimate contact" between Su Qingche and Song Xingchen. At the escape room, Su Qingche is annoyed to see Qian Cheng has tagged along. Once inside, the group is told they have time-traveled to the night before the college entrance exam and must find the test paper to escape.
As they explore, a sudden scary sound makes Qian Cheng scream and cling to Song Xingchen, shouting "Auntie!" This reveals their family relationship, and Su Qingche realizes his jealousy was completely unfounded. Suddenly, masked "security guards" appear to patrol the halls, and the group must evade them. Lu Qun uses the chaos as a chance to pull Xiaoli away, while Su Qingche leads Song Xingchen, advancing his plan.
In a separate room, Su Qingche and Song Xingchen solve a puzzle involving clues hidden in paintings. He then presses her about their relationship status, reminding her that she didn't push him away during their first kiss. After solving another puzzle that requires "tears" to be unlocked—a task Song Xingchen accomplishes with ease—they find the exam paper.
However, the final challenge requires the first male-female pair who found the paper to kiss for ten seconds on camera to open the exit. Song Xingchen objects to the absurd rule, and the staff member suggests they can fake it with a camera trick. Su Qingche attempts a brief kiss, but the staff member, seemingly in on Lu Qun's plan, claims the timer didn't start.
To end the ordeal, Song Xingchen takes charge and kisses Su Qingche properly to satisfy the requirement. Afterward, Su Qingche believes their relationship is finally official, but he is left confused when Song Xingchen leaves without saying much. Lu Qun explains that girls need a sense of ceremony and that Su Qingche still needs to formally confess his feelings. As Su Qingche ponders this, a smiling Song Xingchen drives away, clearly smitten.
Separately, Lu Qun asks for Xiaoli's WeChat, calling them "comrades in arms" from the escape room. She playfully dismisses him, joking that her store could use him as a "packer." Later, Lu Qun attends a friend's party, and by coincidence, Xiaoli is at a class reunion next door. She is pleased to receive a text from him, but her mood sours when she spots him with a woman named Nana. Hiding, Xiaoli overhears Nana teasing Lu Qun about having countless "female confidantes." Misunderstanding the context, Xiaoli mistakenly concludes that Lu Qun is a player.
Episode 7 Recap
Ms. Han voiced her concern to Han Xiaoli about Lu Qun's nightlife, suggesting that "birds of a feather flock together" and advising Han Xiaoli to carefully assess Su Qingche's character as well. Elsewhere, Su Qingche, agitated by Song Xingchen's delayed response to his messages, reached out to Lu Qun to check if his phone was broken. Lu Qun confirmed his phone was fine, implying Song Xingchen simply wasn't replying.
Frustrated, Su Qingche sought online advice, learning that a brief reply likely meant the person did not wish to converse further and that a simple "goodnight" would be the best response to avoid annoyance. The Polar Night Rescue team was tasked with educating elders in a nearby residential community about security and fire safety, as the old neighborhood frequently experienced thefts. The residents, wary that the team was there to force expensive security installations, initially resisted their efforts.
Lu Qun, the deputy leader, patiently demonstrated fire safety techniques, using gestures to bridge communication gaps caused by the elders' hearing difficulties. His patient approach, which included cleverly appointing two of the most vocal elders as honorary team members with official-looking certificates, won the community over. In return, the grateful residents invited the team members to their local matchmaking group.
Qiancheng, relieved at finally passing a difficult course, headed to a new elective taught by a professor from an Ivy League university. To his surprise, the new professor for New Media Economics was Tang Ruize, whom Qiancheng immediately recognized and addressed as "Uncle-in-law." Tang Ruize later learned from another staff member that Qiancheng had failed the course twice and risked losing his thesis defense eligibility if he failed again.
Concurrently, team member Lin Mu was heartbroken after Ding Weiling rejected his advances, calling him "too clingy." Lu Qun, observing this, offered Lin Mu—and an attentive Su Qingche—detailed relationship advice. He likened pursuing a woman to keeping a "fish in a pond," which should be "fed once every three days" to maintain interest. He stressed the importance of giving "freedom and space" and introduced the "push and pull" technique.
When Su Qingche asked how to handle a girlfriend meeting an ex-boyfriend, Lu Qun advised focusing on the "present" and maintaining a "broad perspective" like a "real man." Su Qingche then assigned Lu Qun to plan an upcoming Red Cross mission to transport chickenpox vaccines, highlighting the challenges of strict cold chain requirements and difficult mountain roads with no signal during the rainy season. Later, Su Qingche discovered from Song Xingchen's social media that she had injured her leg.
He rushed to her with various topical medicines, gently treated her leg, and took over all her work. When Song Xingchen mentioned her alma mater's upcoming anniversary celebration, Su Qingche tried to pick a conservative dress for her, but she playfully rejected his choice, likening it to a "nun's outfit." At the Haicheng University 20th Anniversary, Song Xingchen encountered her ex-boyfriend, Tang Ruize, who was volunteering at the registration desk.
Their former teacher, Ms. Bai, spotted them and mistakenly assumed they were married with children, praising Tang Ruize as the university's youngest professor. Song Xingchen had to clarify that they had broken up long ago. Later, the two reminisced. Tang Ruize recalled her old mango allergy, which Song Xingchen revealed she had since overcome.
She brought up a time he stood her up for a play, and a flashback revealed that he had been called away to receive a notice for an overseas study opportunity, which ultimately led to their breakup after graduation. After the event, Professor Li informed Song Xingchen that her PhD application had hit an obstacle: her chosen advisor could no longer accept students due to health issues.
Professor Li advised her to either change her research direction or wait, reassuring her that more preparation time could be beneficial. Appearing disheartened, Song Xingchen declined Tang Ruize's offer for a ride home. Later, Su Qingche called, inviting her to join the vaccine transport mission as a certified doctor, and she readily agreed. As preparations began, Gao Qingyin called Su Qingche, asking to be picked up from the airport in a few days.
Citing his busy schedule, Su Qingche delegated the task to a displeased Lu Qun. During the pre-departure briefing, Su Qingche reiterated the mission's challenges, tasking Song Xingchen with maintaining communication with local medical stations. He also quietly asked a teammate about Song Xingchen's mood, noting she had been unusually quiet since the anniversary. As the convoy departed, Tang Ruize texted Song Xingchen to hang out, but she replied that she was on a business trip.
In Song Xingchen's vehicle, teammates, prompted by gossip from Lu Qun, began asking her over the intercom if she was dating Su Qingche. Song Xingchen replied they were "just friends." In the other vehicle, Su Qingche heard this and was visibly disappointed. Lu Qun tried to console him, suggesting she was just being shy. As her teammates persisted, Song Xingchen realized the intercom was still open and that Su Qingche was listening. She abruptly went silent, leaving Su Qingche in suspense as Lu Qun urged him to remain composed.
Episode 8 Recap
During a stop at a gas station, the rescue team took a quick break before continuing their journey. As they neared the mountain, they navigated a path strewn with fallen rocks under increasingly gloomy skies. By nightfall, a heavy downpour began. Pressing on, their progress was halted by a major landslide that blocked the road. With their vehicles unable to pass and the debris too large to move, they decided to cover the remaining fifteen kilometers on foot.
Before setting off, Su Qingche checked Song Xingchen's gear to ensure her safety. He then briefed the team, stressing the need to be cautious and to move with greater speed than in training to get the vaccines to the village on time. As they jogged along the mountain path, they were met by welcoming villagers who had come to guide them. The vaccines were delivered successfully.
The next day, under a clear sky, the village chief brought them a local breakfast. He explained that some elderly residents lived in a remote village deeper in the mountains and rarely came down, asking if the team’s doctors could accompany the local clinic’s Dr. Chen to administer their vaccines. Su Qingche agreed. Meanwhile, when teammate Han Xiaoli unexpectedly got her period, Song Xingchen offered her a tampon, explaining its convenience and dispelling common myths.
Though initially hesitant about the unfamiliar product, Han Xiaoli decided to try it. Song Xingchen and Su Qingche, guided by Dr. Chen, ventured into the mountains to vaccinate the elderly. After Song Xingchen administered an injection, a child suffered a sudden allergic reaction, his pulse weakening rapidly. Song Xingchen calmly took charge, directing Dr. Chen and performing CPR and artificial respiration until the child was stabilized.
As they prepared to leave, they learned a landslide had collapsed the road back, forcing them to stay overnight at a villager's home. The kind grandmother hosting them mistook them for a married couple and prepared a single room for them. Later, while Song Xingchen was bathing in the hot water Su Qingche had prepared, she let out a startled cry. Su Qingche rushed in, creating an intensely awkward moment as he inadvertently saw her.
After they both changed into clothes borrowed from the villagers, Song Xingchen finally revealed the source of her recent melancholy. She confessed her disappointment after learning that the professor she hoped to study under for her Ph. D. was no longer accepting students due to health reasons.
She also explained that she had quit her previous job at a private hospital because its focus on quotas conflicted with her principles, and she had invested her savings to help Han Xiaoli's struggling business. Relieved her sadness wasn't about him, Su Qingche encouraged her. Song Xingchen admitted that the trip had rekindled her sense of purpose as a doctor, thanking him for helping her reaffirm her path. Later, the old house began to leak during the rain.
Once it stopped, Su Qingche went to repair the roof but accidentally injured his shoulder with a falling tile. Back in the city, Song Xingchen insisted on taking Su Qingche for a tetanus shot, quickly realizing he was afraid of needles. Citing her medical license, she offered to give him the injection herself. He refused until she declared she would do it in her capacity as his "family member," a status with only one vacancy.
At this, he relented and began taking off his shirt, just as Han Xiaoli and Lu Qun arrived to peek from the doorway. Misunderstanding where the shot would be administered, Su Qingche was teased by Song Xingchen, who noted it could be given in his arm. While they were distracted, Lu Qun and Han Xiaoli were pushed from behind and stumbled into the room, falling into an embrace.
To give the pair some privacy, Lu Qun quickly pulled Han Xiaoli away, offering to drive her home. During the drive, he further solidified her suspicion that he was a playboy by asking for "cute" lingerie recommendations for a "friend" and mentioning he had to pick up Gao Qingyin, a woman he and Su Qingche considered a sister. Later, after Song Xingchen fell asleep in the car, Su Qingche drove her home.
As he walked her to her building, she noticed he had a fever and insisted he come upstairs. At her apartment, he feigned sleep after she took his temperature, but she saw through his act. After he took medicine, Su Qingche tried to ask for advice for a "friend" trying to win over a girl. Understanding he was talking about them, Song Xingchen told him that a mature woman dislikes ambiguity and wants to be clearly claimed.
She then told him he could "possess" her now. However, when she turned back, she found he had genuinely fallen asleep, once again missing his chance. Sighing at his "wooden" cluelessness, she simply covered him with a blanket.
Episode 9 Recap
One day, Professor Tang Ruize received some old letters from the dormitory mailbox. A student noticed they were addressed to him and playfully asked if they were from his ex-girlfriend. Tang Ruize admitted they were a "beautiful memory from the past" but explained they broke up due to "reality" and an inability to "compromise."
Though the student suggested rekindling the romance, calling him a "high-quality man" who could win her back, Tang Ruize expressed doubt, believing she might no longer feel the same way about him. The next morning, Su Qingche awoke to find Song Xingchen busy in the kitchen, attempting to cook porridge. When she admitted it was "overcooked," he took over, assuring her his fever had subsided. He expertly prepared a delicious breakfast, prompting Song Xingchen to praise his cooking.
Su Qingche seized the opportunity, offering to cook for her every day, to which she playfully asked if he was "trying to move in." Despite his attempts to feign a lingering headache, Song Xingchen teasingly insisted he leave, telling him to find Lu Qun if he was truly unwell. Meanwhile, at a Haicheng Polar Night Rescue meeting, Captain Su Qingche highlighted the importance of using new media to build their reputation.
Just then, a staff member, Qin, announced a Miss Gao was waiting. Su Qingche immediately realized it was Gao Qingyin and, anxious, asked Qin to have her wait. Lu Qun, noticing Su Qingche's discomfort, playfully warned him that Gao Qingyin would "cause an explosion" if she found out about him and Song Xingchen. Gao Qingyin soon appeared, effusively hugging Su Qingche and expressing how much she missed him.
She presented him with a handmade figurine resembling herself and a tie with their initials. Lu Qun attempted to diffuse the tension by offering to show Gao Qingyin around, but her focus quickly shifted. She cornered Lu Qun to inquire about Song Xingchen, asking about her age and profession. Lu Qun, trying to appease her, downplayed Song Xingchen's significance, claiming she was an "older lady," "not pretty," and had only visited once or twice.
Later, Su Qingche discovered one of Song Xingchen's earrings in his pocket. Lu Qun immediately recognized it and suggested it was a prime opportunity, theorizing that Song Xingchen, a "master" at relationships, had intentionally left it to create a chance for Su Qingche to contact her. He reminded Su Qingche of Song Xingchen's earlier remark about wanting to be "unequivocally possessed."
Lu Qun then dictated a cheesy text message for Su Qingche to send: "What you lost isn't an earring, but my good grace of returning it. Seeing you again is no trouble." He then told him to invite her to dinner. Upon receiving the message, Song Xingchen mused, "When did he become so cheesy?" but replied that she would go if she had no plans that night.
Song Xingchen, analyzing her store's declining order rates with Han Xiaoli, decided to expand their product line to include a wider range of women's items. She noted market gaps observed during a recent vaccine delivery, where many girls didn't even know how to use tampons. Han Xiaoli warned Song Xingchen against reconnecting with Tang Ruize, stating that an ex she's truly over is "not even a man in my eyes." Undeterred, Song Xingchen attended Tang Ruize's e-commerce open class.
During the lecture, Tang Ruize used "Catherine's Secret" as an example of a brand that initially succeeded by catering to "sophisticated urban women" but eventually declined due to a "lack of inclusivity." Song Xingchen asked how to attract customers in a vast online market, to which Tang Ruize responded with concepts like "precise differentiated positioning" and "unique brand-added value." After class, Tang Ruize recognized her and offered to walk her home, discussing her business plans.
He gave her a stack of postcards from the "Time Post Office," revealing they were ones she had written to him ten years prior, sent annually by the shop's owner. Song Xingchen read a heartfelt note she had written: "Forever with Ze! - Chenchen." Tang Ruize apologized for choosing to go abroad back then, explaining they were young and pursuing their own dreams, but affirmed that they were "still friends."
Grateful, Song Xingchen offered to treat him to dinner that evening. Su Qingche, attempting to confirm his dinner with Song Xingchen via text, received a cancellation, as "something came up." Shortly after, he ran into Gao Qingyin, who feigned a scraped heel and sought his assistance. As he helped her, they unexpectedly encountered Song Xingchen and Tang Ruize. Su Qingche introduced Gao Qingyin as his "neighbor's kid," a description Gao Qingyin quickly amended to "childhood sweethearts."
Tang Ruize then introduced himself as Song Xingchen's "university classmate" and "ex-boyfriend." Su Qingche turned sarcastic, quipping that he thought "exes were supposed to avoid each other." Song Xingchen swiftly retorted by questioning the purity of "childhood sweethearts." They accused each other of quickly finding a new date after their respective plans fell through, before Gao Qingyin insisted they all share a meal together.
At the restaurant, when the waiter offered a "couple's special," Gao Qingyin eagerly accepted for two pairs. She deliberately ordered a non-spicy dish for Su Qingche while requesting an extra spicy one for herself and Tang Ruize. To assert his own claim, Su Qingche publicly returned Song Xingchen's earring, explaining he had it because he had "slept over at her place." When Gao Qingyin asked if the couch was comfortable, Su Qingche admitted it was "a bit short."
Throughout the meal, Gao Qingyin maintained a possessive air, asking Su Qingche to cut her steak and then feeding him broccoli. Later, in the restroom, Gao Qingyin mocked Song Xingchen's age and called her relationship with Su Qingche a "fling," contrasting it with her own lifelong connection. Song Xingchen retaliated by pointing out that Gao Qingyin was also an "ex-girlfriend."
Gao Qingyin declared she had fended off many admirers for Su Qingche and asserted his interest in Song Xingchen was just a momentary infatuation. Back at the table, when asked about their dating history, Gao Qingyin revealed she had also harbored a secret crush on Su Qingche for two and a half years. She then openly asked him, "How about we get back together?" Fed up, Song Xingchen announced she had someone she liked and promptly left with Tang Ruize.
After putting Gao Qingyin in a taxi, Su Qingche discovered Tang Ruize had already taken Song Xingchen home. Infuriated, Gao Qingyin called a friend, Mengnan, and learned that Song Xingchen and Su Qingche had met on a blind date arranged by Old Mr. Su himself. Enraged, she canceled her trip to Paris, vowing not to give up on Su Qingche. Rushing to Song Xingchen's shop, Su Qingche confronted her and earnestly explained his relationship with Gao Qingyin was purely platonic.
He admitted his jealousy of Tang Ruize, stating he would "absolutely not let them have any chance to rekindle old flames." Boldly, he confessed his feelings for her, saying, "Because you're mine," and asked if she would accept him. Song Xingchen, still bothered by the night's events, refused. "
There's no space for anyone else to meddle between us, be it a sister or a brother," she stated, adding that his "actions today" meant she had to "delay the time for you to become official." Su Qingche's spirits lifted, realizing this wasn't an outright rejection. He asked if this meant she intended to accept him eventually, and Song Xingchen, with a slight smile, replied, "It depends on your actions."
Episode 10 Recap
Qian Cheng approached his aunt, Song Xingchen, for help after his elective course project was rejected by Professor Tang for being "empty" and lacking "real-life case studies." Qian Cheng hoped to use Song Xingchen's online store as a case study for his paper, but she insisted that analyzing data was mere "paper-talk" and that true understanding comes from practical experience.
To provide him with this, she assigned him the task of inventorying and promoting product samples, demanding he complete the work by 9:00 a. m. the next morning. Qian Cheng jokingly called her a "heartless boss." A flashback, which angers Su Qingche, shows Song Xingchen with Tang Ruize, her university ex-boyfriend who is now a professor. The next day, a woman named Gao Qingyin arrived at Song Xingchen's store, criticizing them for being closed at 9:00 a. m.
Qian Cheng, mistaking her for a customer, explained they were restocking. Expressing disdainful surprise that this was Song Xingchen's business, Gao Qingyin introduced herself as Song Xingchen's admiring "junior." Qian Cheng boasted that no one knew Song Xingchen better than he did, prompting Gao Qingyin to propose a deal: she would buy one box of products for each question answered. She agreed to purchase all seven available boxes.
She first asked about Song Xingchen's relationship with Su Qingche, and Qian Cheng opined that Su Qingche would become her boyfriend, describing their current status as uncertain but having "potential." Gao Qingyin then inquired why Song Xingchen and Tang Ruize broke up, with Qian Cheng revealing it was because Tang went abroad to study.
When she pressed about their chances of reconciliation, Qian Cheng relayed Song Xingchen's sentiment that "the past is in the past," but added that with emotions, "no one can say for sure." For the seven boxes she purchased in exchange for the information, Qian Cheng charged her 6,550 yuan. Preoccupied, Professor Tang Ruize mistakenly signed a document in the wrong section before asking his assistant to compile detailed e-commerce marketing materials on store transformation and women's products.
Meanwhile, Song Xingchen returned to her store, stunned to find that Qian Cheng had sold all the newly arrived products, a feat she estimated would normally take half a month. Unaware of his unconventional methods, she marveled at his success, concluding that "everyone has their own way." Recognizing the store's limited customer reach, Song Xingchen decided to expand by securing an exclusive domestic agency for a reputable international brand, targeting the Japanese brand "LYS, Love Yourself."
Elsewhere, Su Qingche's colleague, Lu Qun, researched Tang Ruize, noting his status as a handsome, "thirty-year-old associate professor" and worried that he might try to reconcile with Song Xingchen, urging Su Qingche to act fast. Su Qingche stated the principle of maintaining distance from a girlfriend's best friend. In response, Lu Qun humorously offered to "sacrifice himself" to gather "intel" from Song Xingchen's best friend, Han Xiaoli.
Su Qingche sternly warned him not to use his name to pursue Han Xiaoli, but Lu Qun dismissed the idea, claiming she wasn't his type and was, "at most, a brother." Song Xingchen and Han Xiaoli struggled to translate Japanese product information using software. Noticing Han Xiaoli's exhaustion, Song Xingchen sent her home to rest. Han Xiaoli arrived to find a burst pipe had flooded her apartment and the unit below.
After she posted about it on social media, Lu Qun, who saw the post, appeared at her door to help. During their conversation, they realized they were the respective "love advisors" for Su Qingche and Song Xingchen, with Han Xiaoli playfully blaming Lu Qun for making Su Qingche "corny." Despite boasting of his skills as a rescue team's deputy captain, Lu Qun's attempt to fix the pipe failed, leaving them both drenched.
Apologizing, he offered to find a professional plumber and, learning of their translation difficulties, offered to introduce a translator. Seeing her developing a cold, he insisted on caring for her, preparing ginger-infused brown sugar water and salt water based on online tips. However, his remedies were comically too spicy or too salty, making her feel worse.
She finally sent him away, privately reflecting that while Su Qingche is a "cool and lovable Border Collie," Lu Qun is more like a "Husky"—a bit dumb, but endearing. The next day, a sick Han Xiaoli called Song Xingchen to take the day off, reassuring her that Lu Qun was helping as her "laborer." Later, Tang Ruize met Song Xingchen at a café, presenting her with research on brand transformation that perfectly suited her needs.
Song Xingchen shared her plan to secure the Japanese brand's agency, mentioning the need for a translator. Tang offered to help, but she said Han Xiaoli had already found someone: Su Qingche. When Su Qingche arrived at her home to translate, he read the product descriptions aloud before abruptly asking, "Didn't you say that a girl desires to be unequivocally possessed? Can I possess you?" As he leaned in to kiss her, a barking dog interrupted them.
Song Xingchen recognized it as the dog she had rescued and realized Su Qingche was the man who had helped her. She confessed that her cold demeanor on their blind date was a deliberate attempt to deter him. Su Qingche, finally understanding her dual personas, admitted he had liked her since their first meeting and was pleasantly surprised to see her again at the blind date.
He praised her for being both beautiful and hardworking, impressed that she would join the rescue team and get "in the mud" with them. Moved, Song Xingchen answered his earlier question, saying, "You can possess me now," and they shared a passionate kiss. After a mission, Lu Qun noticed Su Qingche's cheerful expression and correctly guessed he had made progress with Song Xingchen.
Su Qingche confirmed they were together, though unofficially, as they felt like a couple without having explicitly defined it. He then confronted Lu Qun about spending the night at Han Xiaoli's, to which Lu Qun shamelessly claimed he had "infiltrated the enemy's lair" to gather intelligence, thus earning "merit" in Su Qingche's romance. Su Qingche warned him not to "mess around," promising to acknowledge his legitimate help. Their conversation was cut short when a teammate reported an emergency: a child was trapped in a hot car.
Episode 11 Recap
During a scorching hot day, a young child was accidentally trapped inside a car. Fortunately, Su Qingche, a member of the Polar Night Rescue team, promptly intervened and successfully rescued him. The child's mother emerged from the supermarket, rushed to her son, and expressed profound gratitude to Su Qingche, acknowledging that his timely action averted a potential tragedy.
She attempted to offer a thank-you red packet, but Su Qingche, explaining that they are a public welfare organization, politely declined and directed her to their official public account for future assistance. The grateful child, Huahua, then asked to take a commemorative photo with his rescuer. Song Xingchen, having been away from home for an extended period, returned after her parents urged her. Upon her arrival, she discovered her ex-boyfriend, Tang Ruize, was also visiting.
Her father, deeply engrossed in his sculpture carving, did not immediately greet her, which sparked a hint of jealousy in Song Xingchen. In contrast, her mother displayed overwhelming enthusiasm for Tang Ruize, preparing a lavish meal and attempting to create opportunities for Song Xingchen and Tang Ruize to be alone. Behind the scenes, Song's mother confided in Song's father her strong desire for Tang Ruize to become their son-in-law, seizing this opportunity to play matchmaker.
She emphasized that Tang Ruize, her husband's former student, was a successful man with a house and a car, and their previous breakup was amicable, driven by career aspirations rather than personal conflict. She insisted her husband stand united with her in this endeavor. During dinner, Song's mother directly probed Tang Ruize about his relationship status, subtly pushing him and Song Xingchen together.
Sensing her mother's intentions, Song Xingchen made an excuse to leave the table, claiming she was on a diet. Tang Ruize followed her out, where Song Xingchen apologized for her mother's overzealous matchmaking, asking him not to take it to heart. Tang Ruize, for his part, expressed understanding for Song's mother's concern for her daughter. They subtly discussed their past relationship, with Tang Ruize implying that while their breakup seemed like the right choice at the time, perspectives can change.
Song Xingchen asserted that current decisions, made after careful consideration, are always the best. After Tang Ruize departed, Song's mother reiterated her satisfaction with him to her husband, reaffirming her determination to manage their daughter's love life and demanding his unwavering support. News of Su Qingche's heroic child rescue spread across the internet, solidifying the public's understanding of the rescue team's value. He later invited Song Xingchen to his grandfather's house for dinner, personally cooking for her.
During the meal, Su Qingche hesitantly asked Song Xingchen about the status of their relationship, specifically if he was now her boyfriend. Song Xingchen playfully deflected, telling him to "consider" it. Just as Song Xingchen went to the restroom, Gao Qingyin, visibly intoxicated, unexpectedly arrived at Su Qingche's home. She confronted him, disparaging Song Xingchen's profession and claiming she was younger and prettier.
Gao Qingyin then recounted a series of twisted childhood memories—claiming he held her hand at seven, carried her to school at ten (because her leg was broken), and fought bullies for her at fifteen (who she later admitted she had hired). Su Qingche tried to refute her recollections, but Gao Qingyin clung to him, refusing to leave. Upset by the intrusion, Song Xingchen abruptly left, and Su Qingche was unable to follow and explain as Gao Qingyin held him back.
The following day, Song Xingchen attended an important bidding meeting for her company, Hongchen Gungun. To her surprise, a competitor named Wanru, whose company was well-known and experienced, was also present. Despite this, Song Xingchen remained undeterred and confidently presented her company's proposal, emphasizing women's empowerment and the evolving market needs for intimate care products. Later, Su Qingche arrived at the venue to apologize for the previous night.
Tang Ruize was also there, having been invited by the LYS executive, his university roommate, to help analyze the proposals. Song Xingchen, still upset, confronted Su Qingche, clarifying that she wasn't angry about the childhood stories but about the fact that Gao Qingyin knew his house password and had unrestricted access to his home late at night. Su Qingche explained he had given Gao Qingyin the password out of concern for his elderly grandfather.
To resolve the issue, Su Qingche immediately changed the password and gave the new one to Song Xingchen, telling her he would feel more at ease if his grandfather could ask her for it. Song Xingchen accepted his gesture of a small, folded paper heart but told him their relationship status would depend on his future "performance" before leaving with her partner, Han Xiaoli. Song Xingchen's company, Hongchen Gungun, successfully won the LYS company's bid for the China brand agency.
Overjoyed, she immediately shared the good news with Han Xiaoli. Meanwhile, the LYS executive revealed the reason for their success to Tang Ruize: the competitor, Wanru, had attempted to discreetly discuss commissions, an action he strongly disapproved of. In contrast, Song Xingchen had never privately contacted him after their initial meeting. Instead, she had professionally requested a detailed product report from his team, thoroughly understood their needs, and ultimately won the bid with her outstanding proposal and professional conduct.
For the LYS product photoshoot, Song Xingchen sought a model who was not only beautiful but also possessed a natural, sweet, and girlish charm. Han Xiaoli, recalling a university junior who worked as a model agent, offered to help. Meanwhile, Gao Qingyin, overhearing that Song Xingchen's company was seeking a model, instructed her agent, Mengnan, to secure the job, motivated by a desire to confront her rival.
Unaware of the new model's identity, Song Xingchen's team booked Gao Qingyin, who then deliberately arrived late to the studio to frustrate them. During the shoot, Gao Qingyin caused further delays, complained about the outfits, and intentionally stalled, all while fabricating a fever in a call to Su Qingche and asking him to pick her up. Realizing Gao Qingyin's obstructive tactics, Han Xiaoli took charge.
To achieve the "natural" and "dynamic" look for the shoot, she instructed the crew to use fans and misters, creating a "wind and gentle rain" effect. Gao Qingyin, shivering and complaining, demanded a break, but Han Xiaoli firmly stood her ground, referencing the contract's explicit requirements for the working conditions and offering to find a replacement. Unwilling to concede defeat in front of Song Xingchen, Gao Qingyin reluctantly continued.
After the shoot, Gao Qingyin confronted Song Xingchen, loudly declaring that Su Qingche "belonged" to her, claiming they had an arranged marriage and accusing Song Xingchen of two-timing with her ex-boyfriend. Song Xingchen calmly dismissed her as a "little sister," stating that the adult world was more complex and that Su Qingche's choices were his own. Just then, Su Qingche arrived as planned. He checked Gao Qingyin's forehead, confirming she had no fever, a gesture Song Xingchen observed.
Her patience worn thin, Song Xingchen told Su Qingche he didn't need to explain himself and left. Su Qingche attempted to follow, but Gao Qingyin clung to him, escalating the misunderstanding. Frustrated, Su Qingche firmly told Gao Qingyin that she was only a sister to him and that she must stop causing such situations.
Episode 12 Recap
Su Qingche vehemently tried to clarify his relationship with Gao Qingyin to Song Xingchen, swearing he had no engagement with her and that she must have lied. Unconvinced, Song Xingchen told him that if he truly wanted to be with her, he needed to resolve the issues with Gao Qingyin first. At that moment, Tang Ruize arrived, sent by Song Xingchen's mother to pick her up from work.
Tang Ruize drove her home for her father's birthday, revealing he had already bought a cake and flowers in her name to cover for her having forgotten. At dinner, Song Xingchen's mother openly showed her approval of Tang Ruize, preparing his favorite shrimp and reminiscing about his student days.
During a birthday speech, Professor Song expressed concern for his daughter's future loneliness but respected her choice not to marry, while her mother directly urged her to find a boyfriend who met Tang Ruize's high standards. Tang Ruize diplomatically defended Song Xingchen, stating he trusted her judgment completely. Su Qingche, having come to apologize, found her apartment empty. On the drive back, Tang Ruize confessed to Song Xingchen that he had not dated anyone since their breakup.
Understanding his implication, she gently but firmly told him they could only ever be friends. She also shared her long-term plan to stabilize her business before pursuing a doctorate to work in a public hospital. As they arrived at her building, Tang Ruize held her hand, a moment witnessed by a heartbroken Su Qingche, who had been waiting downstairs.
Su Qingche left, later channeling his anger and sorrow into an intense workout, the image of Tang Ruize holding Song Xingchen's hand replaying in his mind. Meanwhile, Qian Cheng visited Tang Ruize, his professor, to get his thesis approved. He declared his allegiance to Tang Ruize, promising to help him win Song Xingchen back from Su Qingche. Tang Ruize, though cautioning him not to interfere, reluctantly gave his thesis a passing grade.
At Song Xingchen's shop, she and Han Xiaoli decided to renovate to match their new brand partner, LYS. Lu Qun immediately volunteered his and his friends' services for free. Suspicious of his motives towards Han Xiaoli, Song Xingchen was wary, but Han Xiaoli accepted. Lu Qun then persuaded a reluctant Su Qingche to join the work crew, tempting him with the opportunity to see Song Xingchen.
Su Qingche and his Polar Night team arrived and began working, and the tension between him and Song Xingchen eased slightly after she offered them water. During a break, Su Qingche playfully drank from Song Xingchen's personal water bottle. Later, feigning dirty hands, he coaxed her into wiping the sweat from his face, a moment they shared with a knowing smile. He then sincerely apologized for the incident with Gao Qingyin, explaining she had lied about being sick.
Seeing his effort, Song Xingchen forgave him and clarified that her dinner with Tang Ruize was only for her father's birthday, firmly stating she "never eats leftover grass," an idiom for not rekindling old flames. Elsewhere, Qian Cheng took on a photography assignment for a reality show and was shocked to be partnered with Gao Qingyin. She declared him an "enemy" for his association with Song Xingchen, whom she accused of stealing Su Qingche.
During the shoot, she deliberately struck difficult poses to sabotage him, but he simply took a few photos and left. To their mutual surprise, his shots won the highest score for capturing a "first love vibe." At the rescue center, a female team member recounted being harassed at the beach, prompting the idea for a public self-defense class. Su Qingche announced the team would host an official event for the Women's Federation.
Song Xingchen, who had come to visit, eagerly volunteered to participate in the demonstration, and Su Qingche offered to be her personal instructor. Their conversation was interrupted by a woman named Ms. Chen, who publicly accused Lu Qun of calling her "babe" and demanding he take responsibility. Panicked, Lu Qun secretly begged Han Xiaoli for help. Han Xiaoli stepped in, stunning everyone by declaring she was Lu Qun's wife from a "flash marriage."
An enraged Ms. Chen slapped Lu Qun before storming off. Afterwards, Han Xiaoli demanded 5,000 yuan from Lu Qun as payment for her "performance," which he reluctantly paid. The self-defense class began with Qian Cheng as the official photographer. After a demonstration of an over-the-shoulder throw, Song Xingchen volunteered to try it, and Su Qingche quickly offered to be her "assailant." The team members teased them about the romantic-comedy atmosphere.
Su Qingche playfully dodged all of Song Xingchen's attempts, clearly letting her win. Frustrated but determined, she resorted to her "killer move"—stepping hard on his foot—to finally take him down, a moment Qian Cheng happily captured on camera.
Episode 13 Recap
During a training session, Song Xingchen and Su Qingche were practicing a takedown, ending up in a close embrace. Gao Qingyin, having brought coffee and snacks for the rescue team to get closer to Su Qingche, arrived at the training room to find the two together. Seeking to assert her dominance, Gao Qingyin challenged Song Xingchen to a spar, claiming Su Qingche had taught her Taekwondo and she wanted to test her skills.
Despite her confidence, Song Xingchen quickly defeated her with an over-the-shoulder throw. Gao Qingyin feigned a serious leg injury, and Su Qingche carried her on his back to the infirmary. In the infirmary, Gao Qingyin confronted Su Qingche, who firmly clarified that Song Xingchen was his girlfriend, whom he had pursued, and that he had only ever seen Gao Qingyin as a younger sister.
He asked her to stop mentioning their supposed arranged marriage and to try to get along with Song Xingchen. Qiancheng, who was outside the room, overheard this conversation and immediately relayed the details to Song Xingchen, clearing up her misunderstandings about Su Qingche's relationship with Gao Qingyin. Later, when Qiancheng checked on Gao Qingyin, he found her injury was just a minor scratch. Unwilling to accept defeat, Gao Qingyin vowed to find other ways to deal with Song Xingchen.
To make up for the trouble, Song Xingchen asked Su Qingche to help boost sales for her newly launched LYS products. Su Qingche later paid his first formal visit to Song Xingchen's home, bringing flowers and vegetables. Eager to impress him, she cooked a meal, but the rice was watery and the other dishes were burnt. Su Qingche ate everything enthusiastically, insisting it was delicious simply because she had made it.
That night, when Song Xingchen craved duck neck and beer, Su Qingche went out to buy them for her. While she was singing off-key in the shower, he returned and secretly recorded her, chuckling to himself. After they ate, they played a virtual reality game together. The next morning, Su Qingche massaged Song Xingchen's stiff neck and then, during breakfast, playfully embarrassed her by playing the recording of her singing.
Meanwhile, Gao Qingyin visited Old Mr. Su, faking a limp and slandering Song Xingchen. She falsely claimed that Song Xingchen was entangled with her ex-boyfriend while simultaneously pursuing Su Qingche. When Su Qingche arrived, he saw through her act and privately warned her to stay away from the rescue base to avoid further misunderstandings, explaining he was telling her in private to protect her dignity.
When Old Mr. Su tried to matchmake them, Su Qingche firmly stated he was in a relationship and asked his grandfather to stop arranging dates. He passionately defended Song Xingchen's character against his grandfather's skepticism about her profession as an online store owner. After Su Qingche went to his room, Old Mr. Su advised a dejected Gao Qingyin that a forced relationship can't be happy.
A video of Su Qingche and Song Xingchen training together went viral, creating a "couple" buzz that drove significant traffic and sales to her LYS store. At the store, Song Xingchen invited Su Qingche to accompany her on a training trip to Suzhou. Su Qingche then playfully tested her self-defense skills, but she easily countered all his moves. Later, a package addressed to Su Qingche was delivered to Old Mr. Su's house. The sender was listed as "Happy Kitten."
Curious, Old Mr. Su opened it and was shocked to find women's personal care products. He summoned Su Qingche home and reprimanded him for his supposedly indecent lifestyle. Su Qingche explained that he had purchased the products from Song Xingchen's store to support her business. This explanation only deepened his grandfather's prejudice against her profession. However, Old Mr. Su was also privately surprised and impressed that his stoic grandson knew how to make such a romantic gesture.
He told Su Qingche to get the "eyesore" products out of his sight, and after Su Qingche took them to his room, Old Mr. Su pondered the sender's name, "Happy Kitten," sparking a new idea.
Episode 14 Recap
Old Mr. Su firmly informed his grandson, Su Qingche, that due to his parents' early passing, he insisted on overseeing Su Qingche's marriage and reviewing any potential partner. Su Qingche promised to arrange a meeting when the time was right, though Old Mr. Su humorously questioned if that meant waiting until a child was born. Old Mr. Su then mentioned his plans to visit his old house in Sucheng soon.
Later, Old Mr. Su, having obtained a business card for "Stardust Rogue," texted a message. He questioned the legitimacy of her products and was particularly confused and annoyed by her use of modern terms like "Dear," calling her life tips "twisted arguments." At the Haicheng City Rescue Center, Han Xiaoli was captivated by the shirtless male rescuers, including Lin Mu, during their training, and she eagerly recorded them.
Lu Qun then made a grand entrance, wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses, which he called "a man's armor." He declared he would showcase the "Polar Night Team's combat pinnacle." During his demonstration of combat skills with a team member, his opponent, realizing Lu Qun was trying to show off for Han Xiaoli, deliberately allowed himself to be thrown, much to her amusement.
After the demonstration, Lu Qun assigned tasks for the next day's public welfare event: Qin would handle reception, Qian Cheng would manage filming and publicity, and Ding Weiling was assigned to assist him in demonstrating women's self-defense techniques. As he dismissed the team, Lu Qun almost slipped, leading to an awkward close moment with Han Xiaoli. Han Xiaoli later discovered a collection of trophies that, to her surprise, belonged to Lu Qun.
He proudly boasted about his diving achievements, claiming to have dived to 40 meters and bled from his nose. His phone repeatedly rang with calls from "Nana," but he dismissed her as a persistent "real estate agent." Moments later, a colleague received a video call from Nana and her friends, who excitedly called for "Brother Lu Qun," asking him to join them. This revelation clearly refreshed Han Xiaoli's perception of him.
Su Qingche and Song Xingchen arrived at the Sucheng Training Base to conduct a training session, where Su Qingche introduced Song Xingchen to Captain Wu. During this time, Old Mr. Su called Su Qingche, having learned from Lu Qun that his grandson was in Sucheng. Old Mr. Su demanded that Su Qingche return home that very night and bring Song Xingchen with him. Despite Su Qingche's attempts to make excuses, his grandfather firmly insisted.
Meanwhile, at the rescue team, Han Xiaoli and Qian Cheng prepared for filming. Lu Qun learned that Ding Weiling, who was supposed to be his partner for the demonstration, had encountered an emergency: a car accident rescue on Yufeng Road. Realizing he had no backup, Lu Qun expressed his regret for not having kept a few members in reserve, a foresight Su Qingche would have had.
Seeing his predicament, Han Xiaoli volunteered to step in, mentioning her high school gymnastics background and that she had secretly practiced self-defense moves after their last drill. Though hesitant, Lu Qun accepted her offer, acknowledging he had no other choice. On their way to Old Mr. Su's home, Su Qingche explained to Song Xingchen that his grandfather, despite a stern first impression, had a kind heart.
He also revealed that Lu Qun was formerly Old Mr. Su's orderly, who joined the rescue team after the old man retired from the military. While in the car, Lu Qun called Su Qingche, bragging that an "angel" had saved his event, and then made a suggestive remark about having "close combat" with Song Xingchen's best friend.
Overhearing this, Song Xingchen angrily warned Su Qingche that if his friend dared to mess with her bestie, he would be in big trouble, and she would hold him accountable. Su Qingche quickly promised to keep a close eye on Lu Qun.
Back at the rescue team, during the women's self-defense demonstration, Lu Qun instructed the attendees while Han Xiaoli repeatedly and realistically threw him to the ground, despite his claims that she was merely supposed to act out the moves. Upon their arrival at Old Mr. Su's residence, Song Xingchen's high heel got stuck between the stone steps. Su Qingche attempted to free it without success, ultimately carrying her into the house.
Old Mr. Su, who had been secretly observing them, amended his initial impression of Song Xingchen—formed from Gao Qingyin's description of her as a "disloyal woman" and his own label of "wild kitty"—to a "little flower cat." Song Xingchen felt awkward about the entrance, but Su Qingche reassured her to simply be herself, explaining that his grandfather enjoyed gardening and keeping fish, each of which had a name.
Overhearing this, Old Mr. Su humorously accused Su Qingche of "badmouthing" him and instructed him to prepare a room for Song Xingchen to stay the night. During dinner, Old Mr. Su questioned Song Xingchen's age, remarking that twenty-nine was "almost thirty." He proudly recounted his military background and his family's scholarly tradition, boasting about Su Qingche's academic excellence and financial independence. Song Xingchen politely praised them and introduced herself as a medical student from a family of educators.
She explained she was currently running a business selling women's supplies, like lingerie and sleepwear, to fund her continued studies. Old Mr. Su commented that her attire didn't reflect her background, to which Song Xingchen gracefully replied that young people favored "dressing freely" and that she believed he, having seen much of the world, would not "judge people by their appearance." Later, Lu Qun was secretly tending to his bruises when Han Xiaoli approached him with medicated oil.
When he asked her to apply it, she used a "secret acupressure technique" taught by Song Xingchen, causing Lu Qun to scream so loudly that the entire rescue team could hear him. Lu Qun complained about his injuries, while Han Xiaoli playfully accused him of trying to play the victim for compensation, labeling him a "playboy" and a "rogue." Subsequently, while walking in the garden, Lu Qun confessed his vulnerability.
He admitted that while he had established the rescue team, he soon realized he couldn't lead it independently, which is why he had brought Su Qingche in. He expressed how challenging the day's event had been without Su Qingche and admitted that if not for Han Xiaoli's help, it would have been a mess and Polar Night's reputation would have been damaged, leaving his own confidence shaken. Han Xiaoli comforted him, advising him not to compare himself to Su Qingche.
She then playfully accused him of being the one who "spilled their itinerary" to Old Mr. Su, which he sheepishly admitted to having "briefly mentioned." Shortly after, Gao Qingyin arrived, presenting Lu Qun with a gift and inquiring about Su Qingche. Lu Qun confirmed that Su Qingche was at the old house with Song Xingchen. Gao Qingyin, with a hint of satisfaction, remarked, "Perfect. Let's see if you can pass Grandpa's test."
That evening, Old Mr. Su was setting up a game of Go. Song Xingchen immediately recognized the rare Torreya wood chessboard, impressing him. Acknowledging her expertise, Old Mr. Su invited her to play. Meanwhile, Lu Qun brought snacks for Han Xiaoli as a gesture of gratitude for her help. Lu Qun then received a photo from Su Qingche, asking if Song Xingchen played Go.
Han Xiaoli proudly declared that Song Xingchen was a National Go Second-Level Athlete who was specially admitted to high school for her talent, adding that when Song Xingchen plays, she is so focused she "disowns all her relatives." During the game, as Old Mr. Su saw himself nearing defeat, he attempted to retract a move, claiming his eyes were blurry. Song Xingchen politely reminded him, "A move made is without regrets. You're a veteran revolutionary."
She also noticed that he had secretly taken a few of her pieces. At that moment, Song Xingchen received a message from Lu Qun, advising her to go easy on the old man if she wanted to win his favor. Despite her strong position, Song Xingchen decided to concede, praising Old Mr. Su's strategic vision. She then subtly hinted at his earlier cheating by asking him to "go easy on her with a few extra pieces" next time. Old Mr. Su proudly boasted about his consistent skill, while Lu Qun remarked to Su Qingche how much she had let the old man win.
Episode 15 Recap
While Song Xingchen knew Old Mr. Su had cheated to win their game of Go, she tactfully pretended not to notice. She prepared dandelion tea for him, explaining it was good for clearing heat, as she had heard him coughing. Old Mr. Su appreciated her thoughtfulness and inquired about her online store.
Song Xingchen explained that she and a partner run the small business, acting as an agent for a brand and aiming to guide young people toward a healthy lifestyle. Feigning disinterest, Old Mr. Su offered "friendly advice" on using precise language for online marketing, revealing his subtle attention to her work. When he asked why she quit her stable hospital job, she clarified it wasn't out of whimsy.
Her former department head had been pushing for excessive medical treatments to meet performance quotas, a practice she found unethical. She asserted that a doctor's purpose is not just to earn money but to save patients and ensure safe childbirths, an achievement she truly values. Old Mr. Su agreed, noting her principles were similar to Su Qingche's.
Song Xingchen confirmed her plan to continue the store to fund her further studies and lightheartedly added that if she made enough money, she could support Su Qingche, whose rescue team salary was low. Reminding the old man that she too was a rescue team member, she earned his clear approval. Later, Song Xingchen called Han Xiaoli, recounting her intense Go and mahjong games with Old Mr. Su and admitting she nearly unleashed her true skills.
She asked Han Xiaoli to investigate an online account named "A red heart toward the sun," which Han Xiaoli confirmed had purchased a "beauty eraser" from her store and shipped it to the Su family's old house. Song Xingchen realized Old Mr. Su had been discreetly conducting a background check on her.
Unbeknownst to her, Old Mr. Su was already praising her to a friend, describing her as kind, sensible, and a perfect match for Su Qingche in values and appearance, urging his grandson not to miss this opportunity. Meanwhile, Su Qingche showed Song Xingchen to her room, which was next to his, and told her to call if she needed anything, advising her not to take his grandfather's old-fashioned remarks to heart. That night, Song Xingchen's air conditioner broke.
After her text to Su Qingche went unanswered, she heard a phone ringing from another room and entered, only to find herself in the bathroom where Su Qingche was. He quickly told her to hide in the bathtub just as Old Mr. Su knocked, wanting to check the bathwater. Su Qingche deflected him by saying a grown man needed privacy, and his grandfather left.
After the close call, Song Xingchen explained her air conditioner was broken, and Su Qingche offered her his room for the night. She took the opportunity to explore his childhood room, filled with toy cars and academic awards. She found a trophy, which he clarified was for a math competition, not driving. While looking through his photo albums, she playfully pointed to a chubby child, assuming it was him, but he corrected her, revealing it was his cousin.
She also noted he rarely smiled in his photos, and he explained he used to think it was cool. The next morning, Old Mr. Su watched his fish and remarked that his "fat pig had finally learned to root for cabbage," a clear metaphor for Su Qingche finding a girlfriend. At breakfast, he reminded Su Qingche of his parents' upcoming death anniversary and asked him to buy flowers and fruit.
When Song Xingchen offered to go along, Old Mr. Su insisted Su Qingche go alone, claiming he wanted to play chess with her. After he left, Old Mr. Su confided in Song Xingchen that Su Qingche’s parents had died in a car accident while driving to visit him when Su Qingche was a small child. He miraculously survived, saved by the rescue team that he would later join. The tragedy made him quiet and withdrawn.
Old Mr. Su noted that Song Xingchen was the first girl Su Qingche had ever brought home and expressed his sincere hope that they would settle down soon, which would bring peace to his parents' spirits. He assured her that if Su Qingche ever mistreated her, he would personally "sort him out," but Song Xingchen reassured him that Su Qingche was very good to her. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Gao Qingyin, whose presence immediately created tension.
At the dining table, her pointed questions to Song Xingchen about her past relationship and future domestic duties led to a tense exchange, forcing Old Mr. Su to command silence for the rest of the meal. Meanwhile, Lu Qun brought breakfast to Han Xiaoli but accidentally stepped on and broke her glasses. He took her to buy a new pair, convincing her to try contact lenses.
He then insisted on taking her to a cosmetics store, where he directed a sales assistant to give her a full makeover with a specific foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick. After she tried on new clothes, Lu Qun was stunned by her transformation, remarking how much more "feminine" she looked. Han Xiaoli was unamused, stating her appearance was her own business.
Lu Qun then invited her to a hot pot dinner at the base for Wei Ling's first anniversary with the team, prompting Han Xiaoli to rush off to buy a gift. After breakfast, Su Qingche returned to find Gao Qingyin still there. Song Xingchen quickly pulled him away for a walk. Left behind, Gao Qingyin was called over by Old Mr. Su to look at his calligraphy pieces, "Let Go" and "Give Up."
She argued that "Pursuit" and "Perseverance" were better values, but he explained that in a life full of striving, the ability to let go is what is precious. He gently told her that he had seen her feelings for Su Qingche but also observed how his grandson had changed since meeting Song Xingchen, becoming more talkative and confident.
He stated firmly that Song Xingchen was Su Qingche's true love and that he was telling her this out of care, hoping to prevent her from getting hurt. Meanwhile, Song Xingchen and Su Qingche stopped at a small shop for tofu pudding. Su Qingche showed her his special way of preparing it with soy sauce and chili, a method his father had also come to love. The memory brought a wave of sadness over him.
Song Xingchen comforted him by taking his hand, reminding him that he still had his grandfather, his friends, and now, her. Touched, Su Qingche kissed her hand and urged her to eat. Afterwards, they bought two fresh fish to take home for his grandfather. As they left, Gao Qingyin, having pretended to go home, secretly followed them.
Episode 16 Recap
At a party celebrating Weiling's one-year anniversary with the Polar Night Rescue team, Han Xiaoli arrived with a gift to kick off the festivities. Inside, Xie Yuan encouraged a nervous Lin Mu to confess his feelings to Weiling with roses he had bought, teasingly wondering if the attempt would be a successful "Normandy landing" or a tragic "Waterloo."
During the gathering, Lu Qun apologized for a recent incident where an emergency involving Weiling nearly became a major mistake due to his failure to create a backup plan, and he specifically thanked Han Xiaoli for her critical help. He then officially toasted Weiling, the team's first member after himself, for her hard work over the past year. Weiling expressed her gratitude, stating that every mission with her colleagues felt meaningful.
Han Xiaoli shared this sentiment, happy to be part of the team. When it was his turn, Lin Mu, too flustered to confess, awkwardly said Polar Night had helped him get in good shape before downing his drink. The team's tech specialist, Zhou Yao, also shared that the team gave him a sense of purpose and friendship beyond his life behind a computer. Later, Lu Qun playfully asked Weiling about her ideal boyfriend.
She described him as physically strong, well-read, competent in both manual and mental tasks, detail-oriented, and someone who wouldn't give cliché gifts like roses. Hearing this, Lin Mu, who was hiding a bouquet of roses, choked on his drink and tried to conceal them. After the party, Weiling found Lin Mu and the flowers.
She accepted them but warned him against such "nonsense," challenging him to defeat her in a fight if he seriously wanted to date her—a proposition Lin Mu found lose-lose. Meanwhile, Song Xingchen eagerly prepared for her first paragliding flight with Su Qingche, completely trusting him to be by her side. Nearby, Qian Cheng was filming promotional material for Polar Night when he ran into Gao Qingyin.
She claimed that Su Qingche brought her to the base for her birthday every year and had promised to personally fly with her once he got his license, implying Song Xingchen was an afterthought. However, a coach approached and informed Gao Qingyin that Su Qingche had his license for years and was currently in the air with his girlfriend, Xingchen. Hearing this, Qian Cheng remarked that Su Qingche’s promise was likely just an excuse to keep his distance.
Watching the happy couple in the sky, a heartbroken Gao Qingyin finally understood the truth. Later, Song Xingchen, Han Xiaoli, and Lu Qun met for dinner. Lu Qun, after noting Han Xiaoli was wearing lipstick he'd given her, pressured Song Xingchen to publicly announce her relationship with Su Qingche. He argued it would deter rivals like Gao Qingyin. As Xingchen showed photos from her trip to Han Xiaoli, Xiaoli became distracted by a handsome man at another table.
Just as she was about to approach him using Xingchen's tips, Lu Qun stopped her, reminding her of their "mission." Xingchen agreed to post a photo, provided Su Qingche wanted it too, and then shared a sweet picture of them online. Han Xiaoli then realized Lu Qun had manipulated her into being his "wingman." Seeing the announcement, Tang Ruize was heartbroken.
A flashback revealed their breakup was caused by his decision to secretly accept a scholarship to study abroad, which made Song Xingchen feel betrayed. Later, after a friend encouraged him to be honest about his feelings, Tang Ruize confronted Song Xingchen. He apologized, admitting he regretted his choice and had tried to contact her through emails she never opened. Song Xingchen stated that his emails were unnecessary as she had moved on.
She told him that everyone must take responsibility for their choices and that she was now officially with Su Qingche, urging him to find his own happiness. Though he pretended to accept this, Tang Ruize was devastated. Back home, Song Xingchen permanently deleted all of his old emails. The Polar Night team's PR efforts were a huge success, with their videos gaining millions of views.
Lu Qun discussed this with Su Qingche and also mentioned Gao Qingyin's surprising silence since the announcement, guessing Su Qingche's grandfather had successfully talked sense into her. He also defensively asked Su Qingche if the man Han Xiaoli had noticed at dinner was truly better-looking than him. Elsewhere, Qian Cheng was filming with a visibly dejected Gao Qingyin. Noticing her distress, he cut the shoot short, infuriating the program director who accused her of unprofessionalism.
Qian Cheng fiercely defended her, stating that if she were removed from the project, he would quit too. Concerned, Qian Cheng called Gao Qingyin's manager, Mengnan, who confirmed her depression since returning from Sucheng. After seeing Gao Qingyin's cryptic social media post about entering a "new world," Qian Cheng feared she might harm herself and rushed to the beach. He found her there, trying and failing to cry for a "sunset heartbreak photo."
She confessed her pain came from seeing a genuine happiness in Su Qingche with Xingchen that he never showed her. Qian Cheng explained her feelings weren't love but an obsession born from confusing sisterly affection with romantic love. Realizing he echoed Mengnan's words, Gao Qingyin understood that the difference was a romantic spark. Finally letting go, she repeatedly shouted that she no longer liked Su Qingche.
Qian Cheng admitted he was helping her partly out of a sense of duty and partly to atone for accidentally injuring her foot earlier. To cheer her up, he brought out sparklers, believing they could help mend a broken heart.
Episode 17 Recap
Song Xingchen arrived at the coffee shop to meet Su Qingche. Just as he entered, a woman recognized him from a Polar Night Rescue team video and approached, asking to add him on WeChat. Seeing this, Song Xingchen intervened, introduced herself as Su Qingche's girlfriend, and had the woman scan her own QR code instead. The embarrassed woman quickly apologized and left.
Su Qingche playfully asked Song Xingchen if she was jealous, but she confidently retorted that she knew she was the best. Later, when Su Qingche mentioned the woman had sent a friend request, Song Xingchen initially acted nonchalantly, but then playfully took his phone and deleted the request herself, much to his approval. At home, Song Xingchen and Su Qingche were visited by Gao Qingyin, who immediately sent Su Qingche away for a private chat.
She presented Song Xingchen with a stack of love letters written to Su Qingche during his school days, revealing she had intercepted them all because she couldn't stand other girls getting close to the boy she liked. She declared that while Su Qingche now belonged to Song Xingchen, she was "giving up," not admitting she had "lost."
The two women bonded, complaining about Su Qingche's clueless moments, laughing about an instance when he mistook an eyelash curler for a potato peeler. Meanwhile, after seeing their relationship announcement online, Qian Cheng confronted Su Qingche, warning him not to hurt Song Xingchen, whom he views as an older sister. Over beers, Qian Cheng shared childhood stories, describing Song Xingchen as a "tyrant" and showing Su Qingche an old photo of her pulling his ear.
That night, Song Xingchen read through the old love letters, playfully asking a nervous Su Qingche if he felt a sense of accomplishment. He denied it, but she declared the letters were his "trophies" and she would keep them safe. Needing to escape a mandatory dinner with an investor, Gao Qingyin faked a stomachache and slipped away from her manager. Qian Cheng found her and took her to a KTV, claiming it had the best beef noodles in the city.
There, they unexpectedly ran into the investor, Mr. Yuan, who insisted they join his private room. Inside, Qian Cheng drank on Gao Qingyin's behalf to shield her from the heavy drinking culture. When asked to sing, Gao Qingyin and Qian Cheng deliberately performed an off-key duet, successfully annoying the investors until they left. Once they were alone, Qian Cheng sang a heartfelt solo for Gao Qingyin.
Later that night, she lay awake, replaying his performance in her head, thinking he was handsome but struggling with the idea of dating the nephew of her former rival's boyfriend, which would place her in a junior position to Song Xingchen. At the rescue team headquarters, Han Xiaoli brought snacks. Lu Qun invited her to a movie, but she declined, saying she needed to catch up on her TV dramas.
When his teammate Zhou Yao teased him about being rejected, Lu Qun tried to save face by claiming he was only getting close to Han Xiaoli to "infiltrate the enemy's ranks" and help Su Qingche with Song Xingchen. Unfortunately, Han Xiaoli overheard his excuse and walked away in anger. Lu Qun, realizing his mistake, chased after her to apologize, admitting his words were just a foolish attempt to protect his ego, but she refused to listen.
Later, while drinking with his teammates at a KTV, they pointed out that Lu Qun had clearly developed feelings for Han Xiaoli, noting how he remembered her name and acted differently around her. Spurred on by his friends, Lu Qun went to Han Xiaoli's home to apologize again. She ignored him and went for a run, with Lu Qun trailing behind.
They ended up in a public square where she challenged him to dance with a group of square-dancing older women as a condition for her forgiveness. Lu Qun bravely joined in. Afterwards, the women complimented him and, upon recognizing him from Polar Night Rescue, he seized the opportunity to promote the team's free public safety services. A month later, their cosmetics shop was thriving. At a celebration banquet, a key business partner, Mr. Liang, gifted them a year-long agency contract.
Tang Ruize then arrived with white tulips for Song Xingchen. Su Qingche immediately walked over, put his arm around Song Xingchen to assert his claim, and began a rivalry with Tang Ruize. The two men competed to drink on Song Xingchen's behalf. Lu Qun suggested a drinking game, which only fueled their conflict. They traded barbs and eventually stumbled into the restroom, still arguing loudly, with Tang Ruize reminding Su Qingche that Song Xingchen’s parents considered him her future partner.
Song Xingchen eventually found them in the corridor and ordered them to stop, forcing them into a reluctant truce. As the party ended, Lin Mu and Zhou Yao were tasked with handling the heavily intoxicated Su Qingche and Tang Ruize. Lu Qun offered to take Han Xiaoli home, as they lived nearby. After he dropped her off, she gave him an intense, lingering look, leaving him flustered. Meanwhile, Su Qingche and Tang Ruize, refusing to admit defeat, left together to continue their drinking contest elsewhere.
Episode 18 Recap
The morning after a celebratory dinner, Han Xiaoli wakes up confused in Lu Qun's bed, both surprised to find themselves naked. Despite Lu Qun's attempts to leave, a drunken Han Xiaoli had adamantly pulled him back the night before, declaring he wouldn't escape her grasp. Their morning confusion and bickering echo in another room, where Tang Ruize wakes to find a naked Su Qingche beside him. They too question each other's presence, leading to a loud argument.
Their teammates, drawn by the commotion, intervene and play a video revealing their drunken antics from the previous night. The video shows Su Qingche and Tang Ruize embracing and affectionately calling each other "buddies for life," with Tang Ruize even playfully threatening Su Qingche if he dared to bully Song Xingchen. Mortified, both men demand the video be deleted, but a teammate admits he has already shared it with Song Xingchen. Song Xingchen sees the video.
Meanwhile, Han Xiaoli and Lu Qun sit awkwardly in the living room. Han Xiaoli proposes a "three-point agreement" to completely forget the incident, insisting they remain "just buddies" as the previous night was a pure accident. Lu Qun questions why he shouldn't take responsibility, but Han Xiaoli firmly states they "don't click" and warns that any further mention of the incident would jeopardize their friendship. Lu Qun, though disappointed, reluctantly agrees.
Later at the shop, Han Xiaoli's unusual behavior prompts Song Xingchen to confront her. Han Xiaoli reluctantly admits she slept with Lu Qun and that she initiated it. She expresses her dilemma, calling Lu Qun a "playboy" and admitting she's unsure how to face him. Meanwhile, Lu Qun confides in Su Qingche, puzzled why Han Xiaoli, who he sees as a good girl, refuses to let him take responsibility.
He reveals he has deleted all his other female contacts, signaling his desire to pursue Han Xiaoli seriously. Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by an urgent alarm: an earthquake has struck Hezhou. Song Xingchen immediately makes a large donation to Hezhou, explaining that while she cannot physically assist due to her shop's ongoing transformation, she wishes to contribute in another way. Han Xiaoli expresses disappointment that Lu Qun left for disaster relief without informing her.
Elsewhere, Tang Ruize discovers a book Song Xingchen had given him for his birthday, stirring old feelings for her. The next day, Song Xingchen's shop faces a barrage of complaints from customers who developed allergies from their postpartum massagers. Their investigation reveals the raw materials are faulty and adulterated with fakes supplied by Yide Trading, who refuse to cooperate. They decide to recall all problematic products and offer compensation.
That evening, Tang Ruize arrives at Song Xingchen's shop with dinner and offers his help. He works all night, diligently sorting through the inventory and confirming that at least one-third of the products are fake. He then uses his connections to investigate the company. To expose Yide Trading, Song Xingchen devises a daring plan: a live blind box sale, selling products purchased from Yide Trading at cost price.
She announces that only genuine products are in the blind boxes for redemption at her shop, but if customers discover a fake, Yide Trading is responsible for ten times the compensation, and their contact information is provided for complaints. This strategy leverages public opinion to force Yide Trading's hand. Shortly after, Tang Ruize receives crucial information from a friend and immediately reports Yide Trading to the Market Supervision Bureau.
Meanwhile, Su Qingche's rescue team concludes their mission and begins disinfection efforts. Lin Mu, noticing Ding Weiling's tired, red eyes, offers her eye drops. He accidentally bumps her glasses, apologizing profusely before carefully applying the drops for her. A teammate playfully teases Lin Mu, urging him to ask Ding Weiling out for Qixi Festival. Elsewhere, Song Xingchen receives an apology letter from Yide Trading, noting its clever wording that shifts blame.
Moments later, Yide Trading's boss confronts Song Xingchen, mistakenly believing she reported him. He brazenly admits to selling fakes and attempts to bribe her into silence. When she refuses, he orders his men to smash her shop. Tang Ruize arrives just in time, revealing that "he" was the one who reported the company. He warns the boss that LYS, his company's partner, would be very pleased with their decision to choose Song Xingchen's shop after witnessing his fraudulent actions.
Defeated, the Yide Trading boss leaves. To express her gratitude, Song Xingchen treats Tang Ruize to hot pot. During their meal, Tang Ruize offers strategic business advice. As Qixi Festival, Chinese Valentine's Day, approaches, Song Xingchen confides that she simply wishes for Su Qingche's safe return. Su Qingche texts her, confirming his team's mission is nearing completion and he expects to be back in two days for their date at a rooftop restaurant.
Despite receiving a new directive for his team to relocate, Su Qingche is determined to see her and instructs Lu Qun to drive as fast as possible. After a final debrief, Lin Mu attempts to invite Ding Weiling to her favorite restaurant for Qixi Festival. She declines, claiming she needs to care for her "brother" at home. She later reveals her brother is a dog she adopted during the rescue mission, jokingly suggesting she name him Lin Mu.
Just as Su Qingche is about to leave to meet Song Xingchen, an urgent report comes in about a missing child, forcing him to lead a new rescue mission. Song Xingchen waits alone at the restaurant she booked. Liang Bin, a customer, notices her solitary wait and calls Tang Ruize, who rushes to the restaurant. Upon his arrival, the staff, mistaking him for Song Xingchen's date, initiates a romantic celebration with music and flowers.
Realizing the misunderstanding, Tang Ruize takes the bouquet and presents it to Song Xingchen, explaining he is "borrowing the gesture" and that it signifies his unwavering support. Just as she accepts the flowers, Su Qingche arrives, witnessing the scene and misunderstanding the situation.
Episode 19 Recap
Su Qingche arrived to find Tang Ruize with Song Xingchen, and was visibly displeased. After Tang Ruize left, Song Xingchen explained that his presence had saved her from the awkwardness of waiting alone for Su Qingche, who had not arrived on time. She also reminded Su Qingche that Tang Ruize had previously helped with her shop's issues while he was away. Feeling that Tang Ruize could too easily fill any void he left, Su Qingche expressed his discomfort.
To avoid an argument, Song Xingchen told him to go home and rest. Later that evening, Su Qingche sent Song Xingchen a "Happy Valentine's Day" text, but she did not reply. Meanwhile, Lu Qun appeared at Han Xiaoli's door with flowers, declaring his feelings. Dismissing his efforts as "flower butterfly tricks," Han Xiaoli firmly rejected him, stating she wasn't his prey and he wasn't her type.
Elsewhere, Tang Ruize received an email containing a recommendation letter, bringing a satisfied smile to his face. Su Qingche confided in Lu Qun about his ruined Valentine's Day, describing how Tang Ruize had been there with flowers, making it seem like a date. Su Qingche admitted his fault in being late, and Lu Qun empathized, sharing the feeling of being constantly at risk of being replaced.
Tang Ruize presented Song Xingchen with the recommendation letter, which would allow her to apply for a Ph. D. program in medical school a year early. Surprised he had her information, Song Xingchen thanked him but declined the offer, explaining that the school's research direction within her specialty wasn't what she sought and she did not want to incur such a significant favor.
After Song Xingchen confided in Han Xiaoli, Han Xiaoli suspected the real reason was concern for Su Qingche’s feelings, which Song Xingchen partially admitted. Tang Ruize then confronted Su Qingche about his absence, emphasizing that Song Xingchen had dressed up and prepared a special dinner just for him. He revealed his belief that Song Xingchen had refused the recommendation letter because she feared Su Qingche would mind, leading her to distance herself from Tang Ruize.
He urged Su Qingche to convince her to seize the academic opportunity. Afterward, Su Qingche went to Song Xingchen, stating he did not want her to abandon her dreams because of him. Mistakenly believing he was only there to discuss the offer, she angrily retorted that she didn't want to be a burden and told him to leave. Later, she drafted an apology text explaining her harsh words, but ultimately deleted it.
Song Xingchen’s mood was worsened by a new upstairs neighbor who began tap dancing loudly every night after 11 PM. When she confronted him, the neighbor was belligerent and dismissed her complaints. Unable to sleep, Song Xingchen resorted to staying at her shop. When Han Xiaoli visited, she listened to Song Xingchen's complaints about the neighbor and the ongoing tension with Su Qingche.
Han Xiaoli offered her perspective, suggesting that Su Qingche, being a proud man, reacted strongly because he couldn't bear the thought of being a burden on her dreams, which hurt his pride. At the rescue center, a popular video featuring Lin Mu led the team to implement weekly video updates, with Ding Weiling assigned to film a segment on women's self-defense. Lin Mu eagerly volunteered to be her partner, even though it meant getting "beaten up."
During the shoot, he convincingly portrayed a "creepy" assailant, prompting Ding Weiling to deliver convincingly real blows. Afterward, she noticed his leg was bleeding from a scrape sustained during a previous rescue. She insisted on cleaning and bandaging his wound herself, scolding him for being reckless. Touched by her care, Lin Mu blurted out his home address when she offered to take him home. Qian Cheng reluctantly agreed to a photo shoot only after learning Gao Qingyin would be there.
At the pool, Gao Qingyin insisted on proceeding despite the cold water, stating she wasn't fragile. During the shoot, she suffered a leg cramp. Seeing her distress, Qian Cheng, despite his aquaphobia and inability to swim, jumped in to save her. After they were both pulled from the water, her agent, Mengnan, angrily accused Qian Cheng of causing the incident on purpose, citing his friendship with Song Xingchen. Gao Qingyin defended him.
Later, Qian Cheng apologized to Gao Qingyin and noted her changed, more professional demeanor. She explained she had matured and clarified her past antagonism was because she used to dislike Song Xingchen. That evening, Lu Qun messaged Han Xiaoli, coercing her into attending a KTV gathering by implying her absence would mean she consented to him pursuing her. At the party, Han Xiaoli told Lu Qun about Song Xingchen's noisy neighbor, and he promised to handle it.
Lu Qun became jealous when he saw a classmate get Han Xiaoli's WeChat contact, promptly interrupting them to challenge her to a drinking game. Meanwhile, a shy acquaintance, Zhou Yao, was approached by a woman named Xia Wan, who later exchanged WeChat contacts with Han Xiaoli. Back home, Han Xiaoli was added to a WeChat group titled "Go to Hell, Playboy." Xia Wan, already a member, introduced Han Xiaoli as "Seven" and shared the group's chat history.
Han Xiaoli was horrified to find screenshots of Lu Qun's identical romantic messages to multiple women. Xia Wan revealed that Han Xiaoli was the seventh woman Lu Qun had deceived. Enraged, Han Xiaoli declared that "a leopard can't change its spots" and proposed they lure Lu Qun out to demand an apology, vowing to beat him up if he refused.
Episode 20 Recap
Su Qingche sat alone, drinking at the rescue team headquarters, when Lu Qun returned from a gathering. Lu Qun expressed concern about Su Qingche's drinking, then relayed news from Han Xiaoli: Song Xingchen’s new upstairs neighbor started dancing loudly every night at 11 PM, shaking the ceiling and keeping Song Xingchen from sleeping. Su Qingche immediately wanted to confront the neighbor, but Lu Qun restrained him, noting he had been drinking.
Lu Qun advised Su Qingche to be more assertive with Song Xingchen, suggesting he shouldn't surrender so easily just because she offered a small kindness, emphasizing the importance of "push and pull" in relationships, a tactic Su Qingche was tired of hearing about. Lu Qun then mentioned Han Xiaoli was inviting him out the next day and left, urging Su Qingche to drink less and reflect on his words.
Elsewhere, Han Xiaoli watched a video where Qiancheng demonstrated how to take a perfect half-body photo, dismissing him as "truly an eyesore." Her agent, noticing Han Xiaoli's unusual focus on Qiancheng, teased her about developing feelings for him after giving up on Qingche. Han Xiaoli quickly denied it, claiming she had merely stumbled upon his video. Later, Han Xiaoli inquired about swimming lessons that would enable her to rescue someone in the water, opting for the most expensive private class.
Lu Qun arrived at a KTV to find Han Xiaoli waiting with several women: Lelezi, Yuan Duoduo, Xia Qi, Agile Cat, and Xia Wan (also known as Nini). Lu Qun, unfamiliar with them, initially suggested calling Zhou Yao and other male friends to make it livelier, but Han Xiaoli clarified the gathering was specifically for him. She then introduced the women, noting their WeChat names.
They decided to play a game where the person with the lower dice roll would answer a truth question. Lu Qun admitted to being part of "seven or eight" goddess groups, but claimed they were solely for organizing events, and he merely viewed and liked posts from others’ Moments. He denied privately adding any of the girls present, sending them photos of himself training at the rescue team, cooking heart-shaped eggs at home, or feigning a stomachache to gain sympathy.
Han Xiaoli, however, exposed his deception, revealing that he had added all the women present through goddess groups, chatting with each for at least a month and even confessing feelings to all of them. The women had only discovered his deception after realizing they had all been targeted by the same person. Lu Qun vehemently denied the accusations, showing his WeChat to prove he didn't have their contacts. However, the women accused him of using an alt account.
When he continued to deny it, they physically assaulted him, pulling his hair. After the chaotic scene, Lu Qun tried to explain to Han Xiaoli that he was not the person they met, but she refused to believe him, dismissing the incident as her own bad luck. Lu Qun insisted he merely sought lively gatherings and never flirted with anyone, offering to let her confirm with Zhou Yao or anyone else.
Han Xiaoli, however, declared she would never trust him again, accusing him of pursuing her while simultaneously flirting with numerous other women. She broke off their relationship, stating she regretted meeting him and viewed this as an act of justice. Han Xiaoli then confided in Song Xingchen about Lu Qun's deceptive behavior. Meanwhile, the noisy upstairs neighbor began dancing again. Han Xiaoli and Song Xingchen went upstairs to confront him, but he showed no remorse.
Song Xingchen posted about her noisy neighbor on social media, prompting Tang Ruize to head to her building to help. However, he arrived just as Su Qingche angrily stomped upstairs. Song Xingchen, who had just returned home, quickly grabbed a self-defense device and followed Su Qingche upstairs. Su Qingche’s intimidating presence alone terrified the neighbor, who immediately promised to stop dancing. Song Xingchen felt a surge of secret joy at Su Qingche's intervention.
It was late, so Song Xingchen suggested Su Qingche stay on her couch for the night to make it easier for him to go to work the next day. Su Qingche, lying on the sofa, couldn't sleep. After getting a glass of water, he ultimately did not open Song Xingchen's bedroom door. The next morning, Song Xingchen woke up to find breakfast already prepared.
Lu Qun later explained to Su Qingche that someone was impersonating him on WeChat, deceiving girls and damaging his reputation, leading to Han Xiaoli breaking up with him. He desperately asked for Su Qingche's help, but Su Qingche was unsympathetic, calling it karma for Lu Qun's past behavior and advising him to deal with it himself. Lu Qun, mustering his courage, confronted Han Xiaoli again, offering his phone as proof.
Song Xingchen speculated the impersonator must be someone who knew Lu Qun and had access to his social media feeds. Han Xiaoli maintained that until the real culprit was caught, Lu Qun would remain a suspect. Song Xingchen devised a plan: Han Xiaoli would register an alt account, adopting the persona of a "cold and elegant ice queen," to bait the fake Lu Qun. The impostor soon responded with overly eager flirtation and voice messages.
Song Xingchen, impersonating Han Xiaoli, engaged him in conversation, noting his voice sounded familiar. When she suggested a video call, the impostor, claiming to be busy on a business trip, quickly refused and hung up. Su Qingche informed Lu Qun about the impersonator's refusal to video call. Lu Qun decided to take matters into his own hands, creating a female alt account.
Understanding the impostor's psychology, he pretended to be drunk, claiming to have fought with his parents and being unable to go home, subtly hinting at wanting to stay at the impostor's place. The impostor took the bait. Following the plan, Han Xiaoli waited in a public square, dressed in a black cap and denim dress. Su Qingche and Lu Qun were stationed nearby, keeping watch. Suddenly, a thief snatched Han Xiaoli’s phone.
Su Qingche and Lu Qun immediately gave chase, and the thief was fortunately stopped by Zhou Yao. Upon recovering the phone, Han Xiaoli recognized the impostor's profile picture and realized the person impersonating Lu Qun was none other than Zhou Yao, a fellow member of their rescue team. Su Qingche struggled to comprehend Zhou Yao's actions.
Zhou Yao tearfully explained his deep shyness and difficulty interacting with girls, especially due to his background as a computer science major who had no social life outside of his computer. He shared his admiration for the Polar Night Rescue team, explaining how Lu Qun, despite his own social awkwardness, had always been kind to him, often inviting him to social gatherings.
Zhou Yao admitted that attending his first party with Lu Qun made him realize life could be lived differently. He confessed to impersonating Lu Qun to chat with girls, hoping to emulate him and gain female affection. Hearing his heartfelt confession, Lu Qun forgave Zhou Yao.
Episode 21 Recap
Zhou Yao recounted to Lu Qun how his life changed after Lu Qun first took him to a drinking session, realizing that life could be lived differently. He admitted that Lu Qun often told him he was too timid and introverted, always unsure how to approach strangers, especially girls, and that he should learn from Lu Qun.
Zhou Yao confessed that he had joined a "goddess group" through Lu Qun, added a girl, and then copied Lu Qun's way of speaking to her. Once the girl seemed to accept him, he started taking photos from Lu Qun's social media. He admitted this not only damaged Lu Qun's reputation but also made him feel like "a mouse in the shadows," always hiding.
Knowing that his deceit would eventually be exposed, he offered to apologize to all the girls he had chatted with. Lu Qun told Zhou Yao they wouldn't punish him but urged him to reflect on his actions and promise there would be no repeat, assuring him they would keep the matter private. Zhou Yao, however, felt too ashamed to face Lu Qun and their colleagues, believing he no longer deserved to remain in Polar Night, the rescue team.
As Zhou Yao prepared to leave, Lu Qun approached him, apologizing for his own oversight. Lu Qun explained that he had always seen Zhou Yao as a younger brother and never imagined his actions would cause Zhou Yao such pain, wishing he had understood him sooner. Zhou Yao, in turn, apologized for embarrassing Lu Qun, reiterating that he had always considered Lu Qun his best brother before bidding him farewell.
Later, Han Xiaoli informed Lu Qun that Zhou Yao had sincerely apologized to all the girls in the group, and fortunately, no real harm had been done. She asserted that Lu Qun bore responsibility for the incident, accusing him of constantly treating Zhou Yao as a subordinate and "instilling unhealthy ideas," calling him the "original instigator." Lu Qun attempted to shed his "playboy" image, but Han Xiaoli retorted that his reputation for flirting was precisely why everyone initially suspected him.
When Lu Qun questioned why she helped him if she didn't trust him, Han Xiaoli explained that she considered him a friend and didn't want him misunderstood, especially since her group of friends awaited the truth. She added that her help in clarifying the situation made them "even" after she had previously accused him, though Lu Qun disagreed.
Han Xiaoli then firmly stated she preferred not to start a romantic relationship to avoid being hurt, wanting to maintain their friendship instead. Meanwhile, Qian Cheng reached out to Gao Qingyin, asking her to be a model for his graduation piece, "Half Life," despite the low pay. Gao Qingyin readily agreed, stating the compensation didn't matter and she was willing to sacrifice her rest time.
To conceal her true feelings for Qian Cheng, she told her agent that she was merely helping him because she didn't want to owe him a favor, considering it a way to return a past favor. Her agent cautioned her, suggesting that after giving up her previous crush, she might be feeling an "empty period" and should be careful not to fill it with just anyone. The agent disparagingly described Qian Cheng as "unreliable," "not manly," and "Song Xingchen's nephew."
Separately, Song Xingchen, busy at her computer, explained to Han Xiaoli that she was researching stretch mark essence due to numerous private messages from clients. Han Xiaoli later encountered Gao Qingyin and asked if she was in a bad mood, wondering if she had finally given up "hounding her brother Su." Han Xiaoli clarified that her current feelings weren't about her brother Su.
She admitted that she used to think she only liked her brother Su, but now realized it wasn't the case, confessing that ever since meeting "that guy," she couldn't stop thinking about him and wished time would stop when she did. Han Xiaoli denied having a crush but conceded she was unsure of her feelings because she suspected he didn't like her back, especially since he knew she had liked her brother Su.
Gao Qingyin advised her to tell "him" it was a "different kind of liking," but Han Xiaoli worried about losing their friendship. Gao Qingyin then advised her to observe his feelings and confirm her own preferences, recounting a past crush on a "scumbag" senior in college. Later, Madam Hu called Tang Ruize, inviting him to Song Xingchen's place for lunch, explaining that she and her husband wanted to cook for Song Xingchen, who had been very busy.
Tang initially demurred but accepted. Unbeknownst to Song Xingchen, her parents arrived unannounced at her apartment. Song mother, expecting a messy apartment, was surprised by the cleanliness. They encountered Su Qingche inside, who initially tried to imply they had the wrong apartment before confirming he was "the cleaner Ms. Song hired." Song mother, observing his good looks, commented on how handsome cleaners were these days and found him vaguely familiar.
As Song mother began to praise his cleaning and reached for some clothes on the sofa, Su Qingche quickly intervened, revealing they were his personal items and swiftly moving them. Song mother then tried to use the bathroom, but Su Qingche hastily claimed it had "problems" and needed more cleaning, redirecting them to wash their hands elsewhere while quickly hiding his toiletries.
Receiving frantic texts from both her mother and Su Qingche, Song Xingchen realized her parents were at her home and rushed back, telling Han Xiaoli her home was "going to be in chaos." Soon after, Tang Ruize arrived with gifts, warmly welcomed by Song mother. She introduced Su Qingche as Xingchen's "new cleaner," noting he was "diligent." Tang Ruize, deliberately feigning ignorance, commented that Su Qingche didn't look like a cleaner, his words subtly barbed with sarcasm.
Song mother, making general comments about young people being flighty and "petty," was met by Su Qingche's pointed remark about people needing "boundaries." She then proceeded to praise Tang favorably, contrasting him with Song Xingchen's previous blind date, whom she disparagingly described as "unreliable" and "rude" and revealed also had the surname Su. Su Qingche, hearing this, intentionally put salt in the tea he was preparing.
Before serving it, he pointedly asked Song mother what animal liked setting boundaries, then answered, "Dogs." Tang Ruize, upon tasting the salty tea, discreetly feigned scalding himself. He then, under the guise of tidiness and Xingchen's dust allergy, instructed Su Qingche to put away a vinyl player and wipe down a dusty bookshelf, keeping him busy.
While cleaning, Song mother discovered an expensive watch on the sofa, questioning how Su Qingche, as a "part-time student," could afford such a valuable item. Su Qingche hastily claimed it was a "fake," worth "a bicycle at most," despite Song mother's insistence it looked genuine and was worth "a car." Song mother then admonished him against vanity and wearing fake items, again praising Tang Ruize's virtues.
Song Xingchen then arrived, vouching for Su Qingche as a "good friend's recommendation" and praising his diligent work, but Song mother persisted in scrutinizing the watch's "fake" status, pointing out an incorrect logo and misspelling. Overhearing Song mother's persistent praise for Tang and encouragement for him to visit Song Xingchen more often, a visibly agitated Su Qingche, due to jealousy, accidentally broke a flower.
Song Xingchen then pulled Tang Ruize aside into the bathroom, explaining her parents' unexpected visit had caught her off guard. She desperately asked him to keep her relationship with Su Qingche a secret, fearing the repercussions, and Tang agreed not to reveal it to her parents. Back in the living room, a restless Su Qingche continued to clean as Song mother openly suggested that Song Xingchen and Tang Ruize should "just get together."
In response, Su Qingche deliberately retrieved a book titled "Truth" and carried it conspicuously. As the group discussed whether to cook at home or eat out, with Song mother initially insisting on cooking Tang's favorites and Xingchen and Tang advocating for a restaurant, a delivery person arrived. He asked for "Mr. Su's delivery" and, recognizing Su Qingche who had been trying to hide, assumed Song Xingchen's parents were his "in-laws," even asking if they were on a blind date.
This immediate exposure infuriated Song mother, who demanded to know why Song Xingchen hadn't told her and accused Tang Ruize of having known all along. Overwhelmed, Song mother, with Song father, abruptly left. Tang Ruize immediately pursued Madam Hu, attempting to calm her down. He tried to convince her that Su Qingche was "a decent man" and encouraged her to observe him, assuring her she would see his good character eventually.
Madam Hu, however, accused Tang of taking Su Qingche's side and questioned if he still liked Song Xingchen. Tang affirmed his feelings for Song Xingchen but asserted his belief in her judgment. Madam Hu expressed disappointment over the chaotic turn of events, stating she had merely wanted to treat Tang to lunch. She then mused that Song Xingchen likely didn't hide her relationship on purpose but hadn't found the right moment to explain.
Tang agreed to speak with Song Xingchen about it. Song mother, still fuming, continued to lament the situation, praising Tang while dismissing any mention of her daughter from Song father. Later, Song Xingchen apologized to Su Qingche, acknowledging her mother's bluntness but emphasizing she meant no harm. She regretted not informing her parents about their relationship sooner, which led to the awkwardness, and admitted she hadn't anticipated Tang's presence.
She assured Su Qingche she would return home that night to explain everything, confident her mother would eventually come to like him. Su Qingche expressed understanding, acknowledging that in her parents' eyes, he might not be the ideal partner, but he still desired their approval, believing they just needed to know him better.
Episode 22 Recap
Song Xingchen's mother expresses deep anger and frustration over her daughter's hidden relationship with Su Qingche. She is particularly upset that the couple conspired to keep it a secret, with Su Qingche even posing as a cleaner. She doubts his ability to care for Song Xingchen, vowing to confront him. Song Jianguo attempts to mediate, advising his wife to get to know Su Qingche before judging.
Song Xingchen returns home, explaining she missed them and intends to stay until her mother's anger subsides. Later, in her childhood bedroom, which is still adorned with dolls and pink decor, Su Qingche video calls her. He playfully teases her about the room's childish appearance, prompting Song Xingchen to reflect on her past. She admits she hasn't spent much time at home and has made major life decisions, including her relationship with him, without consulting her mother.
She realizes her mother's resentment might stem from her own lack of communication, not just Su Qingche. Song Xingchen resolves to show her mother that she is no longer a "little princess" and can make her own choices, a decision Su Qingche fully supports. The next day, Lu Qun, under the alias "Stumbling Deer," contacts Han Xiaoli's shop seeking gift recommendations for a girl he fancies.
Han Xiaoli suggests various items, all of which Lu Qun promptly purchases for delivery to an address near Polar Night. He further inquires about food recommendations, leading Han Xiaoli to mention a popular cream puff shop. Meanwhile, Lu Qun seeks advice from Su Qingche about meeting Han Xiaoli's parents. Su Qingche, a confident expert on the subject, shares his key principles for meeting parents: "image, strength, and attitude."
He elaborates that one must appear handsome and secure, financially stable enough to provide for their daughter, and, most importantly, demonstrate respect and care for the parents and their daughter. The following morning, Song Xingchen informs her parents that she is expecting a guest. Su Qingche arrives, presenting Song Jianguo with his favorite liquor and handicrafts, and Song Xingchen's mother with a gift.
Song Xingchen's mother expresses her displeasure at the lack of prior notice, but Song Jianguo warmly welcomes Su Qingche and offers to prepare additional dishes. Su Qingche volunteers to help Song Jianguo in the kitchen, revealing that he learned to cook at a young age after his parents passed away, citing his grandfather's wisdom that "poor kids mature early," which impresses Song Jianguo.
Later, Song Xingchen confronts her mother, expressing her frustration about feeling misunderstood and controlled, pointing out that her room still looks like a "princess room." She emphasizes that her career choices and relationship with Su Qingche are her own, urging her mother to give Su Qingche a fair chance to get to know him. Her mother acknowledges that she always respected Song Xingchen's choices but feels her daughter has stopped confiding in her.
She hints that the dinner is an opportunity to assess Su Qingche's suitability. Song Jianguo offers Su Qingche a bowl of tonic soup, which Song Xingchen's mother serves and explains is meant to replenish energy for someone with high physical demands. Despite Song Xingchen's discomfort, Su Qingche drinks it.
Song Xingchen's mother continues to press him, subtly making remarks about his hidden relationship, his past as a 'cleaner,' and his rejection of blind dates, implying he's lived an exhausting life and needs the tonic. Song Jianguo then brings out his homemade medicated liquor. Su Qingche proposes a "first-meet drink," challenging Song Jianguo to drink at his own pace while Su Qingche downs his glass, impressing Song Jianguo.
Song Xingchen tries to persuade her mother to ease up, but her mother insists that "character is revealed through drinking" and that Su Qingche must demonstrate his affection for Song Xingchen, bringing up past grievances like the failed blind date and the 'cleaner' disguise. As a further test, Song Xingchen's mother sends Song Xingchen out to buy hangover medicine, questioning her confidence in Su Qingche.
Left alone, Su Qingche suggests a drinking game, playing rock-paper-scissors with Song Jianguo, who loses multiple rounds. Su Qingche explains that while he doesn't drink often, his tolerance improved from protecting Song Xingchen and that his strategy involves observing his opponent and applying psychological tactics.
Song Xingchen's mother then conducts a thorough "interview," inquiring about his age (28), family (simple, harmonious), hometown (Sucheng) and property (Haicheng), and what he likes about Song Xingchen (everything, she's flawless, though Song Xingchen's mother calls him a "sweet talker"). He claims Song Xingchen is his first girlfriend (which Song Xingchen's mother dismisses as a lie), and lists his hobbies as fitness, cleaning, and cooking (which Song Xingchen's mother deems "unambitious").
He then reveals his graduation from the United International Security Academy with a major in counter-terrorism. To demonstrate his preparedness, Su Qingche presents his various certificates, including his graduation certificate and an award for Outstanding Contribution, along with his personal resume, and even offers his savings card, assuring them he can provide Song Xingchen with a stable and fulfilling life. Song Jianguo attempts to intervene, suggesting they keep the resume but return the money, stating they are not in need.
Song Xingchen's mother, however, grows increasingly intrigued, questioning him about his rescue team, which he describes as a non-profit, humanitarian organization that goes "wherever needed." She presses him on whether such a job is unstable or dangerous. Song Xingchen returns with the hangover medicine and, pretending Su Qingche has urgent work, escorts him out of the house. Su Qingche humorously remarks that he wouldn't have dared to come to their "scary home" unprepared.
As they leave, he feels a surprising heat from the tonic soup. After their departure, Song Xingchen's parents discuss Su Qingche. Song Jianguo praises him as handsome, eloquent, and polite. Song Xingchen's mother, surprisingly, admits her approval, explaining her earlier harshness was merely a "show of it" to establish boundaries, ensuring Su Qingche understood that Song Xingchen wouldn't be an easy target if he ever mistreated her.
She reveals her true intention was to assess the stability and danger of his rescue team job. Satisfied with her findings, she expresses eagerness for their marriage and future children, already having names in mind. Song Jianguo reminds her that the decision ultimately rests with Song Xingchen, and they agree to continue observing Su Qingche. Meanwhile, Lu Qun attempts to buy the last cream puff at a popular shop, offering five times its price. Han Xiaoli unexpectedly arrives.
Lu Qun then announces "Lu Delivery Service, we always deliver," and presents her with her favorite milk tea and ice cream, explaining he noticed she'd lost weight from overworking. He then proudly attempts to give her the cream puffs, mentioning he "battled many men" and paid a premium for them. However, the box is empty, the cream puffs having fallen out.
Han Xiaoli, believing he's being "slick" and playing games, forcibly pushes him out despite his protests and attempts to show her the receipt. Separately, Qian Cheng, desiring to be Gao Qingyin's photography partner, slyly messages his senior to call in sick for a scheduled shoot. Qian Cheng then confidently offers his services to Gao Qingyin, complimenting her beauty, and successfully becomes her temporary partner.
Qian Cheng and Gao Qingyin embark on a photoshoot themed "Half Life," depicting a couple's journey from their school days through career and family life, eventually returning to school. Their performance perfectly captures the "youthful and romantic" essence required, earning them compliments from the crew for their undeniable "couple vibe." After the successful shoot, Gao Qingyin's high heel breaks. Qian Cheng, ever the gentleman, offers to carry her home on his back.
As she rests on him, Gao Qingyin finds herself recalling her childhood, experiencing a comforting sense of security similar to when her brother used to carry her. Qian Cheng then asks her about her experience, to which she replies it felt "like a dream." He boasts about his professionalism, then tentatively asks if she had imagined him as "her man." Gao Qingyin vehemently denies this, calling him "crazy" and criticizing his lack of masculinity.
She states she merely didn't want to owe him anything. Qian Cheng clarifies if she had imagined him as Su Qingche, to which she scoffs, emphasizing Su Qingche's capability as a rescue team captain who can "do anything," in stark contrast to Qian Cheng. The annual Summer Water Training Program is announced to the rescue team.
Su Qingche encourages Song Xingchen to sign up as a volunteer, assuring her she can simply observe the training and enjoy the camping and entertainment activities, noting the proximity of the training site to a Seaside Resort. Su Qingche, upon reviewing the itinerary, hints at having "another idea," prompting Song Xingchen to ask for details. Meanwhile, Han Xiaoli discovers a receipt for cream puffs in the empty box, finally realizing that Lu Qun had genuinely purchased them.
She heads to Polar Night to find him, and upon seeing his open computer, confirms that the "Stumbling Deer" account belongs to Lu Qun. Moments later, Lu Qun emerges from the shower, shirtless, causing Han Xiaoli to become visibly flustered. Lu Qun questions her presence, and despite his attempts to make her speak, she bites his arm and flees. Later, Han Xiaoli calls Song Xingchen, asking if Lu Qun's actions are merely a "tactic."
Song Xingchen advises her to continue observing him and suggests joining the summer volunteer camp as a good opportunity to spend more time together. Concurrently, Lu Qun calls Su Qingche, perplexed by Han Xiaoli's sudden visit and subsequent unusual departure, asking for guidance. Su Qingche playfully tells him he deserves it, suggesting he needs to be more serious.
Episode 23 Recap
Gao Qingyin finished her photoshoot, and her assistant, Mengnan, brought her water, a low-sugar cake, and even eye massagers and a fascia gun, along with a cloak. Qingyin was impressed by Mengnan's thoughtfulness and offered her a raise. Unbeknownst to Qingyin, these items were all prepared by Qiancheng, who had specifically asked Mengnan to keep his involvement a secret, promising to continue preparing such provisions for future shoots.
Meanwhile, Song Xingchen arrived at a beautiful beach with her parents and Han Xiaoli. Han Xiaoli decided to go for a swim at a nearby viral pool. Coincidentally, Su Qingche and his rescue team were conducting water training exercises on a nearby beach. Song Xingchen's mother noticed Su Qingche and his team, realizing this was Song Xingchen's deliberate plan to bring them there.
Su Qingche approached to greet Song Xingchen's mother, who was impressed by their work as a voluntary charity organization, praising their dedication despite not receiving any pay. Lu Qun, Su Qingche's teammate, jokingly suggested that Su Qingche was trying to impress his mother-in-law. Learning from Su Qingche that Han Xiaoli was also present, Lu Qun went to find her at the pool.
Han Xiaoli tried to avoid him, but Lu Qun insisted she couldn't escape him and admitted his genuine feelings for her, causing her to call him "pushy." That evening, everyone camped out and had a BBQ. Su Qingche subtly tried to gauge Song Xingchen's parents' opinion of him.
He actively grilled food for Song Xingchen, which made her mother feel a pang of jealousy, remarking how her daughter, whom she had raised for so long, was now so focused on Su Qingche. When Su Qingche accidentally burned his hand, Song Xingchen quickly insisted on treating it with salve in the tent, much to her father's visible annoyance and jealousy.
Song Xingchen's mother, however, tried to reassure her husband, advising him to be open-minded as their daughter would eventually marry. During the games, Lu Qun continued to lose repeatedly. Lin Mu approached Ding Weiling, once again asking her to see a play, mentioning how Su Qingche and Song Xingchen started dating after watching a play. Ding Weiling agreed, and Lin Mu, overly excited, confessed he had already bought the tickets. Ding Weiling playfully pinched his cheek.
Later, Lu Qun found Han Xiaoli and sincerely apologized for his "rash" behavior at the pool earlier. He admitted his past approach to winning her over was wrong and vowed to be genuine, discarding all "pickup lines and flirting stuff." He confessed his desire to be with her forever. Moved by his words, Han Xiaoli agreed to give him and herself another chance.
The next morning, Su Qingche woke early to prepare breakfast for Song Xingchen's family, hoping to earn their approval. While Song Xingchen's father initially preferred his wife's cooking, Song Xingchen's mother openly praised Su Qingche's breakfast. After the meal, Su Qingche joined Song Xingchen's father for a fishing trip. Meanwhile, the female team members challenged Lu Qun to a volleyball match, with Lin Mu as the referee. Despite Lu Qun playing alone against four women, he was easily defeated.
During the game, Han Xiaoli scraped her leg, and Lu Qun immediately rushed to her side, tenderly applying medicine, drawing amused glances from his teammates. Su Qingche, on the other hand, patiently taught Song Xingchen how to fish, their affectionate interactions once again making Song Xingchen's mother slightly jealous. Suddenly, Song Xingchen's father hooked a large fish. In his struggle to reel it in, he accidentally fell into the sea. Su Qingche quickly dove in and pulled him to safety.
Both Song Xingchen and Su Qingche immediately performed CPR, successfully reviving him. Song Xingchen's father was then taken to the hospital. After this harrowing experience, Song Xingchen's mother, deeply grateful, confidently entrusted Song Xingchen to Su Qingche's care. Later, Qiancheng approached Su Qingche, expressing his desire to join the rescue team.
Su Qingche, however, rejected him, stating that the rescue team was a charity organization and not a place for those merely seeking "cool" experiences or to "play around," as training involved significant resources. Qiancheng, upset, went to Song Xingchen (his aunt) to complain. Song Xingchen listened but surprisingly agreed with Su Qingche's decision, saying she wouldn't have accepted him either if his only reason was that it was "cool."
Under her persistent questioning, Qiancheng admitted his true motivation: he wanted to impress a girl and felt inadequate compared to the capable rescue team members. He desired to be a useful contributor to society, just like Song Xingchen. Song Xingchen then offered him advice on how to convince Su Qingche. Armed with a "Letter of Promise," Qiancheng returned to Su Qingche, vowing to complete all training with full effort and never give up.
Su Qingche, still skeptical, told him he needed to pass a trial: running five kilometers. Qiancheng readily agreed, determined to prove himself. Su Qingche clarified that he wasn't trying to make things hard but simply wanted to see Qiancheng's resolve.
After completing the run, though his performance was noted to be on par with the "ladies' golden years group," Qiancheng insisted he could train harder and reiterated his commitment to charity work and becoming a useful member of society, apologizing for his previous attitude. Convinced by his determination, Su Qingche agreed to add him to the training list, warning him that the training would be rigorous and he would show no mercy. Qiancheng accepted the challenge.
Meanwhile, Gao Qingyin asked her assistant for more snacks, only to find nothing prepared. Mengnan, realizing she had been caught, confessed that Qiancheng had been secretly preparing all of Qingyin's on-set necessities and had sworn her to secrecy.
Episode 24 Recap
Qian Cheng, accustomed to a pampered life, experienced hardship for the first time after joining the rescue team. He willingly endured these challenges, driven by his desire to become capable enough to help Gao Qingyin, acknowledging that Su Qingche’s versatility was a quality he admired and aimed to surpass. Meanwhile, Song Xingchen’s store faced significant issues as raw material problems prevented timely shipments.
Professor Li summoned Song Xingchen to the university, delivering exciting news: she had been admitted to Priestley University’s world-class obstetrics Ph. D. program, starting this very year instead of waiting until next. The professor also provided her with course materials and notes, confident that Song Xingchen, always at the top of her class, would excel. Song Xingchen expressed profound gratitude, vowing not to let him down, and promised to handle the sudden three-year commitment effectively.
Later, Song Xingchen unexpectedly encountered Tang Ruize at the university. She thanked him for his intervention with her mother, which had stopped the meddling in her matchmaking. Tang Ruize revealed he had come to terms with things, stating that as long as she was happy, he was content.
He emphasized their continued friendship and acknowledged her past help with his career, advising her to look forward and be cautious in her choices, drawing a parallel to how his past decision to study abroad had led to their separation. Gao Qingyin, after shooting from morning till night, developed a cold. Her manager, Mengnan, complained about Gao Qingyin’s inability to decline demanding jobs, especially after enduring heavy rain one day and scorching sun the next.
Despite feeling unwell and overheating, Gao Qingyin insisted on finishing the shoot due to her dedication. However, she eventually succumbed to heatstroke and collapsed. Soon after, Qian Cheng discovered Gao Qingyin was running a fever through her social media. Worried, he rushed to her home, incessantly calling and knocking to no avail. Fearing the worst, he began to forcefully hit the door, injuring his arm in the process, only for Gao Qingyin to open it, perfectly fine, having taken medicine.
Gao Qingyin then treated Qian Cheng’s bruised arm. He explained his recent month-long training at Polar Night had made him neglect her. He then pressed her on why she had been avoiding him, not answering calls or messages. Gao Qingyin confessed her fear, admitting that ever since he saved her that night, her feelings towards him had changed, with his singing constantly replaying in her mind.
She worried it was merely a "backup effect" because she had decided to give up on her “brother” (Su Qingche), and she believed such a relationship would end tragically, and she wasn't worth his effort. Qian Cheng passionately refuted her fears, asserting that he had been sure of his feelings for her since their "Half Life" photoshoot at school. He revealed he had spoken to Mengnan privately to ensure all her photoshoot needs were met because he worried about her.
He declared he wasn't a replacement for anyone, and didn't care about their suitability, her past preferences, or her future relationships with Song Xingchen or Su Qingche. He simply wanted to express his true feelings: he liked her and wanted to be with her. Gao Qingyin, deeply moved, embraced him. Back at the Stardust store, Yang, the factory manager, informed Han Xiaoli that multiple factories were refusing to ship orders, citing raw material issues.
It became clear that Wanru was deliberately obstructing their supply chain. Han Xiaoli expressed her frustration to Song Xingchen, explaining that despite having paid for the products, they couldn’t receive them, jeopardizing their cash flow. Song Xingchen advised a phased approach: ship available products, explain the situation to customers, offer refunds with store coupons, or exchange for other brands.
Song Xingchen emphasized that Han Xiaoli needed to learn to handle problems independently, especially since Song Xingchen’s acceptance letter had arrived, and she would be starting her Ph. D. in September. Shortly after, Wanru initiated a direct meeting with Han Xiaoli. She smugly inquired if Han Xiaoli had found a solution to their supply issues, confirming her own involvement in sabotaging their shipments. Wanru then brazenly demanded LYS distribution rights and equity in Stardust.
Han Xiaoli vehemently refused, accusing Wanru of insidious tactics and declaring she would never betray Song Xingchen or relinquish their hard-earned store. Wanru remained unyielding, threatening dire consequences, including financial ruin, if Han Xiaoli didn't comply by the next morning. The following day, Wanru appeared at the store, attempting to take possession, but Han Xiaoli firmly reiterated her refusal to transfer the store, particularly to her. That evening, Lu Qun waited for Han Xiaoli after work, noticing her distress.
He took her to a restaurant where he prepared her a special stir-fried rice. Han Xiaoli confided that Wanru was behind their supply problems and expressed her fear and insecurity about managing the store alone once Song Xingchen left for her studies abroad. Lu Qun related his own past struggles with managing Polar Night, recalling how Qingche’s timely assistance saved it, and how he learned that mastering anything takes time.
He reassured her, promising to support her even after Song Xingchen left. Before her departure, Song Xingchen prepared a grand meal for Su Qingche, seeking to express her sincerity and perhaps appease him. Upon hearing about her acceptance to Priestley University, Su Qingche, though saddened by the impending separation, expressed his happiness for her, recognizing it as her long-held dream to become a great doctor.
Song Xingchen felt guilty, comparing her decision to Tang Ruize's past choice to study abroad, understanding the emotional burden on the person left behind. Su Qingche comforted her, dismissing the notion that distance or time could break them apart. He assured her they would video chat daily, and she would always sense his affection and support. He affectionately embraced her, expressing his reluctance to see her go.
Undaunted by Wanru’s threats, Han Xiaoli, after discussing with Song Xingchen, developed a bold new strategy: to expand their business by designing and launching their own brand of products in collaboration with their manufacturers, moving beyond being just a retail platform. Her initial focus was on creating ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing postpartum belly wraps for new mothers, recognizing a need for comfortable and beautiful options for women after childbirth.
Later, while tidying Han Xiaoli’s apartment, Lu Qun discovered an old love letter. He began reading it, but quickly stuffed it into his pocket when Han Xiaoli unexpectedly returned. Subsequently, Lu Qun used the letter's details to plan a surprise outing, taking Han Xiaoli to places mentioned in her letter, like a chicken cutlet stall, a takoyaki stand, and a boba shop from her school days.
Later, at a spicy crayfish restaurant, Lu Qun revealed he had found her letter and used it to plan their day. Han Xiaoli wasn’t upset, explaining she had written it years ago as a fleeting crush on their "campus heartthrob," who was now married with children. Lu Qun affectionately assured her he had all the patience in the world for her stories.
Episode 25 Recap
Song Xingchen was unexpectedly called home by her mother, who had discovered her daughter's acceptance letter for overseas studies. Her mother expressed her desire for Song Xingchen to prioritize marriage, insisting that she must get married before going abroad. The following day, Song Xingchen's mother visited Polar Night Rescue. The front desk staff quickly announced the arrival of "Captain Su's mother-in-law" in the team chat, leading to an enthusiastic welcome.
Su Qingche took her to his office and offered her fruit and water. Song Xingchen's mother directly questioned his intentions, stating that men should be responsible and asking about his plans for Song Xingchen, as she disapproved of her going abroad.
Su Qingche reassured her that he would be responsible for Song Xingchen for his whole life, then revealed a ring he had prepared, explaining that he had planned to propose to her that very night she told him about her studies. He expressed his deep love for her, promising to protect and care for her, and stating that time and distance were not issues as he would wait for her return.
Song Xingchen's mother was deeply moved and gave her full support, remarking that her daughter had chosen the right person. Soon after, Song Xingchen learned about Qian Cheng and Gao Qingyin's relationship and went to the rescue team to discuss it with them. Su Qingche was surprised by the news. Qian Cheng explained that he grew up in a matriarchal family where his mother, great-aunts, and even Song Xingchen were strong and assertive.
It was only when he met Gao Qingyin that he first felt truly needed by a girl, finding joy in her happiness. He passionately defended his feelings, asserting that love needs no reason and should be expressed directly. Song Xingchen, though initially surprised, urged him to treat her sister, Gao Qingyin, well. Meanwhile, Su Qingche's grandfather also arrived, having heard about Song Xingchen's plans to study abroad. He pressed Su Qingche about their relationship.
Su Qingche reassured him about his proposal plan, which delighted his grandfather, who urged him to settle the matter before Song Xingchen left. In other news, Han Xiaoli informed Song Xingchen that Wanru's online shops were all gone. Insider information revealed that R&N was under audit again for selling fake products and faced permanent closure. While acknowledging the end of Wanru's years of hard work, they agreed that it was a necessary lesson for her.
Han Xiaoli then invited Song Xingchen to the team formation's anniversary celebration the next day, insisting she dress up as the captain's girlfriend. Song Xingchen arrived at the rescue team headquarters, only to find it empty. A drone appeared, displaying a route map that led her to a stage on a lawn. Su Qingche then appeared, revealing that it wasn't the team's anniversary, but a special day just for them.
He acknowledged her past pain of abandonment and reassured her that neither time nor distance could separate them, promising to bridge the time difference and always be there for her. He presented her with a watch, explaining it would help them feel each other's heartbeat, and a necklace, a promise that he, Su Qingche, would always love her, and that one day, when she was ready, the necklace would become a ring on her finger.
He then helped her put it on, and they shared a tender moment. A year later, Song Xingchen was studying and interning at a busy hospital abroad, often working long hours and finishing surgeries, while Su Qingche continued his work with the Polar Night Rescue team. Despite the distance, they maintained daily video calls, sharing their lives and supporting each other, demonstrating that ideals and love could coexist.
The Polar Night Rescue team had expanded significantly, establishing branches in Haicheng and Sucheng, and had become more professional, capable of citywide, water, and rescue training operations. They had conducted numerous trainings and rescues over the year. As the rainy season commenced, the team received a critical mission: to enter a heavily impacted mountainous area where three tourists were missing, and to rescue flood victims.
Song Xingchen's planned return to China was delayed by two days due to an urgent surgery for a critical patient. Simultaneously, Su Qingche was preparing to lead his team on the urgent rescue mission. Meanwhile, Su Qingche questioned Lu Qun about his tendency to lie to Han Xiaoli about his dangerous missions.
When Han Xiaoli visited him at the rescue team headquarters, she discovered his old phone with an alt account linked to a "goddess group" chat, which he had been hiding in the office instead of taking home. Han Xiaoli became upset, interpreting his hidden old phone with a 'goddess group' chat as a sign of deception, and declared "Let's break up," leaving despite his desperate attempts to explain that he kept a separate phone for out-of-town missions.
Later, Su Qingche advised Lu Qun to be sincere in his explanation to Han Xiaoli after the mission. Song Xingchen, still abroad, grew increasingly worried when Su Qingche did not call or text her for an entire day. That evening, her necklace unexpectedly fell, unsettling her.
The next day, still unable to reach Su Qingche, she received a call from Han Xiaoli, who was also unable to reach Lu Qun, leading them both to suspect that Su Qingche and Lu Qun might be in trouble. Song Xingchen immediately decided to return to China, joining Haicheng University's emergency medical team to be closer to him, while Han Xiaoli remained supportive from afar. On the mountain, Su Qingche, Lu Qun, and the three stranded tourists were trapped.
Heavy rains had blocked their paths, communications were cut off, and they were running out of water. Lu Qun had sustained a leg injury, which Su Qingche bandaged. Su Qingche studied a map, hoping to find a shortcut down the mountain, and instructed his team to discard non-essential items to travel light. At the base of the mountain, Song Xingchen, now with the medical team, was informed that search efforts were intensified despite communication difficulties.
She helped treat injured villagers, including a child with a fractured leg, whom she accompanied to the county hospital in an ambulance. En route, the child suffered a severe pollen allergy, leading to breathing difficulties from a bloated throat. With no tracheal intubation kit available, Song Xingchen resourcefully used scissors, alcohol, anesthesia, and a scalpel to perform an emergency procedure, successfully saving the child's life.
Meanwhile, high up on the mountain, as Su Qingche's group began their descent, one of the tourists slipped. Su Qingche quickly grabbed him and threw him a rescue rope, but in the process, he himself lost his footing and fell, hitting his head. He briefly regained consciousness, touching the ring in his pocket, which was his sole reason to persevere, before he passed out.
Episode 26 (Ending) Recap
While attending to a nine-year-old boy suffering from acute laryngeal edema, Song Xingchen received a frantic call from Han Xiaoli, who was worried about Su Qingche and Lu Qun, who were on a mission in the mountains. Song Xingchen could only tell her that they had not been found yet, and with a storm approaching that night, their situation was critical.
Though Song Xingchen assured Han Xiaoli that Lu Qun and his team were experienced, Han Xiaoli was still overwhelmed with fear that they might not return safely. Moments later, an emergency vehicle arrived at the hospital, bringing an unconscious Su Qingche. He had fallen in the mountains and sustained a head injury. Since their hospital lacked the facilities to treat such a severe condition, Su Qingche had to be urgently transferred to the city hospital.
Song Xingchen insisted on accompanying him in the ambulance. As Su Qingche was rushed into the emergency room, Song Xingchen was told to wait outside. A nurse later emerged, handing Song Xingchen a ring and necklace that Su Qingche had clutched tightly in his hand, indicating its importance to him. Doctors informed Song Xingchen that Su Qingche was diagnosed with an acute epidural hematoma and required immediate surgery.
As his fiancée, Song Xingchen offered to sign the consent forms, but the doctors insisted on getting the signature of his direct next of kin due to the high risks involved. Soon after, Su Qingche's grandfather arrived and, after being briefed on his grandson's critical condition, signed the necessary papers. The surgery was performed successfully throughout the night, but Su Qingche remained unconscious and was transferred to the ICU for 24-hour monitoring.
Song Xingchen stayed by his side, watching over him. Meanwhile, Lu Qun video-called Han Xiaoli from the hospital, reassuring her that he was alright despite a mountain accident. He also mentioned Su Qingche's injury and Song Xingchen's constant presence at his bedside. Han Xiaoli confessed that she was no longer angry about their past disagreements; instead, she was terribly worried about him, fearing he might lose a limb or never return.
Lu Qun jokingly offered to fly back immediately, but Han Xiaoli sternly told him to stay put and prioritize his recovery, though she reminded him to explain a "thing with the phone" upon his return. Two days later, Su Qingche had still not regained consciousness, despite his vital signs returning to normal. The doctor informed Song Xingchen that it was unlikely to be diffuse axonal injury but advised her to stay and talk to him, as it might help.
Song Xingchen sat by his bedside, holding his hand, tears streaming down her face. She poured out her heart, expressing regret over their missed opportunities and wondering if he was deliberately staying unconscious to make her realize her mistake in prioritizing her studies abroad. She desperately begged him to wake up and give her a chance to make amends. As she pleaded, Su Qingche's hand gently squeezed hers, and he slowly opened his eyes.
His first words were an apology for worrying her, telling her he thought he might never see her again. He asked about the necklace he had given her, which she confirmed she was wearing. Song Xingchen then tried to put his ring on his finger, but he took it from her, saying he wanted to do it himself, and placed it on her finger instead. They both promised never to be separated again.
After being moved to a regular ward, Su Qingche began his recovery, with Song Xingchen constantly fussing over him and insisting he eat to regain his strength. Despite his protests, she playfully forced him to finish his food, telling him that she was worried sick about him.
Su Qingche apologized again for worrying her and, realizing the gravity of his accident, declared that their path together was long, and they should get married once he was discharged and they returned to Haicheng. Just as they shared an intimate moment, Lu Qun burst in, jokingly asking if Su Qingche was still alive, interrupting their embrace. Two years flew by. Song Xingchen successfully completed her studies abroad and returned to China.
As she rode in a taxi, admiring the familiar sights, Han Xiaoli, now heavily pregnant, called her, chiding her for not announcing her return. Song Xingchen urged her to be careful in her condition. Han Xiaoli then updated her on Stardust Rouge, which had not only recouped its initial investment but also made significant profits, now preparing for its three-year anniversary.
Song Xingchen mentioned she would be reporting to the City People's Hospital, a place that held significant meaning for her. Upon arriving home, Song Xingchen found her apartment impeccably clean. She looked around, surprised, until she saw a corner of her bedroom wall adorned with countless photos.
Su Qingche appeared behind her, explaining that he had meticulously saved every social media post and secretly screenshotted video calls over the past two years, ensuring they didn't miss any moment of each other's lives, even while apart.
He pointed out specific memories: her first surgery overseas where the mask lines were still visible after ten hours, a time she sent him a variety of stomach medications during a mission, and a starry night where he wondered if she was looking at the same sky. He emphasized that no matter where they were, they would always share the same sky, the same stars. Song Xingchen stared at him, marveling at seeing him in person after so long.
He playfully suggested he might have a few more gray hairs or that his cooking had suffered without her, but insisted that his feelings for her remained unchanged. She affirmed their commitment, saying she never wanted to be separated from him again, and he welcomed her home. Song Xingchen's career flourished, and she achieved her dream of becoming the director of Obstetrics at the City People's Hospital.
The Stardust Rouge brand celebrated its three-year anniversary, with Gao Qingyin confidently hosting the event. Han Xiaoli, feeling nervous, prepared to give her speech. She and Song Xingchen stepped onto the stage together. Han Xiaoli spoke from the heart, recalling the arduous beginnings of Stardust Rouge and expressing her gratitude to Song Xingchen, who had courageously stood by her side during the brand's most challenging times, saving it from collapse and guiding its successful transformation.
She admitted that without Song Xingchen, she might still be a timid person, unable to face life's difficulties, and hoped to become Song Xingchen's steadfast support in return. Song Xingchen, in turn, thanked Han Xiaoli for her unwavering support through all her life choices, from career changes to pursuing love. During the celebration, Tang Ruize approached Su Qingche, and the two friends exchanged playful banter, with Su Qingche teasing Tang Ruize about his single status.
Song Xingchen reflected on her journey, realizing that true happiness wasn't about completing a rigid life plan, but about meeting the right people along the way. She wished everyone could find such genuine friendship and perfect love. As the event concluded, Su Qingche proudly stated that he wanted to tell the whole world that Song Xingchen was his girlfriend and that she had made the right choice in him.
Tang Ruize wished them lifelong happiness, and Su Qingche promised not to let them down. Later, Su Qingche led Song Xingchen away from the bustling party to a quiet, illuminated water street, the very spot where they had shared their first kiss and where she had once waited for him. Su Qingche confessed that Song Xingchen had always been his pride, embodying confidence, decisiveness, kindness, and bravery.
He recalled his terror when he fell in the mountains, fearing he would lose the chance to protect her forever. He then knelt, holding out a ring, and proposed, asking if he could be the one to guard her until the end. Song Xingchen, overwhelmed with emotion, tearfully accepted his proposal, realizing that with Su Qingche, she had found her home, a life filled with simple joys and no more solitary take-out meals.
Later, while discussing travel plans, their playful bickering escalated, startling their baby who began to cry. Immediately, they stopped their argument and lovingly comforted their child, reassuring the baby that Mommy and Daddy were only chatting and that they would go wherever Mommy wanted.
