Hello Mr. Gu Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Hello Mr. Gu Synopsis
After Gu Nanzhou and Zhou Jianqing entered into a contract marriage, they began to "play" the roles of husband and wife. To keep up appearances, they had to live together—sharing a home but not a bedroom.
Gu Nanzhou and Zhou Jianqing were polar opposites in personality—one cold, the other warm; one reserved, the other lively. They couldn’t stand each other, yet both had their own reasons to endure the arrangement.
As they spent day after day together, their relationship gradually shifted from bickering adversaries to mutual understanding, then to friendship, and finally to love. It wasn’t love at first sight, but love that grew over time. The longer they stayed together, the deeper their bond became. What started as tension and conflict turned into an undeniable chemistry, and the two who once clashed fiercely ended up falling for each other.
Hello Mr. Gu Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Gu Nanzhou, the powerful CEO of Gu Group and Xingyun Animation, successfully transformed Gu Group into a new media powerhouse in just four years and established the internationally recognized Xingyun Animation. He appeared on a program to discuss Xingyun's "Look at the World from Children's Eyes" project, a charity initiative where all of Xingyun's authors would create fairy tales for children.
Despite a scheduled meeting to discuss a contract renewal with Manxing, Gu Nanzhou abruptly canceled it, deciding instead to terminate their contract. He asserted that Manxing produced only "copycat" works that lacked true value and would turn Xingyun into "garbage" if they relied on such content. He insisted Xingyun must focus on producing the "finest work" to establish itself in the industry.
Meanwhile, Zhou Jianqing, a University of Nancheng student, juggled various odd jobs like delivery and errands to supplement her primary profession as a cartoonist. Mr. Liu of Manxing tasked her with drawing "365 Days of a Terminally Ill Girl," based on a new, dramatic draft that included a global billionaire male lead and an implausible love-at-first-sight scenario. Despite her reservations about the "brainless and illogical" plot, the high pay of 200 RMB per page convinced her to accept.
After Gu Nanzhou’s decision to terminate the contract, Mr. Liu attempted to plead with him, suggesting he consider Manxing's female-oriented works. Gu Nanzhou dismissed these, citing a barrage of negative online reviews about their imitative art style and nonsensical plots. Frustrated, Mr. Liu turned on Zhou Jianqing, accusing her of being too impatient and failing to meet requirements, deducting 20% from her pay. Zhou Jianqing protested, stating she had followed company instructions.
As Gu Nanzhou prepared to leave, he accidentally stepped on her manuscript. Incensed, Zhou Jianqing confronted him, demanding respect for her hard work. Gu Nanzhou scoffed, accusing her work, "Paradise Street 19," of being a blatant copy of Qin Wenjun's "Tiantang Street 3." Zhou Jianqing adamantly denied plagiarism, insisting she created her work through countless hours of overtime.
She demanded an apology and compensation for her ruined drafts, calculating 1,000 RMB for the damages plus mental anguish and interruption fees, threatening a lawsuit for property infringement. Annoyed but compliant, Gu Nanzhou scanned her payment code and left. Later, Zhou Jianqing vented her frustration to her friend Zhang Yin, describing Manxing as a "trap" and Gu Nanzhou as an arrogant, heartless man who deserved to be "strangled."
While in class, Zhou Jianqing was called upon to discuss the design points of high-rise buildings, referencing the Nanfeng Tower. Simultaneously, Gu Nanzhou's assistant informed him about his father's will, written five years prior. The will bequeathed Gu Nanzhou 10% of Gu Group's shares and a letter. The letter expressed his father's dying wish for Gu Nanzhou to take care of his old friend Zhou Mingyong's daughter, Zhou Jianqing.
Gu Nanzhou realized with surprise that this was the same woman he had just encountered. Zhou Jianqing's excellent answer in class earned her the position of class representative for the semester. Outside, she received a parcel from her brother, Zhou Zixuan, which, as usual, had been delivered to their friend Su Youxia's house. Su Youxia also gave Zhou Jianqing 5,000 RMB, claiming it was a grand prize from a supermarket lottery.
However, the truth was that Zhou Zixuan had asked her to pass the money to his sister, a fact their friend Zhang Yin quickly deduced, noting Su Youxia was a bad liar. At a Gu Group meeting, Gu Nanzhou's absence was notable, especially as Lu Ziming was aggressively acquiring company shares, threatening his control. Despite the urgency, Gu Nanzhou turned his attention to Zhou Jianqing’s information, realizing the deep connection between their families.
He learned that the Zhou family, particularly Zhou Mingyong, had significantly helped his father during difficult times, and that his father’s last wish was to see him and Zhou Jianqing together. Given the financial struggles of Zhou Jianqing and her brother, Gu Nanzhou felt compelled to act on his father’s will. With no time for traditional dating, Gu Nanzhou suggested proposing directly. His assistant, Jiang Xiaochuan, intervened, suggesting a classic "hero saves the damsel" scenario.
The plan unfolded on a rainy night, with Zhou Jianqing being harassed by "debt collectors" in a staged event. Gu Nanzhou appeared dramatically, dispatched the thugs, and took a shaken Zhou Jianqing to his car. Inside, Zhou Jianqing admitted her heart raced at his sudden appearance. Gu Nanzhou then directly proposed marriage, offering his protection and a solution to her brother's significant debts, which stemmed from a guaranty agreement their mother had signed.
When Gu Nanzhou attempted to offer her his coat, Zhou Jianqing misunderstood his intentions, reacting defensively and fleeing the scene. Zhou Jianqing later recounted her "heroic escape" to Su Youxia, admitting she slapped Gu Nanzhou before running away. She also expressed worry over her brother's unresponsiveness. Soon after, the dorm aunt complained about the numerous flower bouquets Gu Nanzhou sent to her.
Undeterred, Jiang Xiaochuan continued to advise Gu Nanzhou, suggesting an array of gestures, including luxurious seafood lunches and even a "dedicated umbrella holder." When these attempts failed, Jiang Xiaochuan proposed a "grand scene." Zhou Jianqing unknowingly accepted a freelance job to set up a marriage proposal, only to discover at the site that the elaborate setup was for her. Gu Nanzhou stoically presented a ring and asked her to marry him in front of a large, cheering crowd.
Zhou Jianqing immediately refused. Gu Nanzhou, insisting he was serious, gave her "five seconds to calm down," but she reiterated her refusal. As she left, she returned to demand her 2,000 RMB service fee for the setup. Stating he had already paid, Gu Nanzhou pulled her close, but she remained unyielding and stepped on his foot.
The next day, following Jiang Xiaochuan's advice—his "trump card" being that bags can "cure all ills"—numerous designer handbags were delivered to Zhou Jianqing as "apology gifts." Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaochuan chaired a meeting for the "Xingling Lake" project, with Gu Nanzhou remotely directing him through an earpiece. Determined to end the overtures, Zhou Jianqing stormed into Gu Group headquarters, bypassed the receptionist, and barged into Gu Nanzhou's office.
She demanded he take back all his gifts and stay out of her life. Gu Nanzhou calmly stated he would take back the gifts, but only if she promised to marry him. Zhou Jianqing challenged him, asking why he was so determined to marry her after only knowing her for a few days. Gu Nanzhou replied bluntly, "Because I am handsome, outstanding, and blind." As he stepped closer, Zhou Jianqing was startled, tripping backward and accidentally pulling Gu Nanzhou down onto the sofa with her, resulting in an unexpected kiss.
Episode 2 Recap
An accidental kiss between Gu Nanzhou and Zhou Jianqing, witnessed by company employees, caused Gu Nanzhou to faint due to a severe stress response. Jiang Xiaochuan, his assistant, rushed Gu Nanzhou to the hospital, explaining to Zhou Jianqing that Gu Nanzhou experienced a childhood accident that caused him to develop a stress response, often resulting in fainting under severe pressure. Gu Nanzhou had been trying to avoid such situations, even requiring Xiaochuan to speak for him in meetings.
Zhou Jianqing, feeling responsible for the incident, offered to take accountability, but Gu Nanzhou immediately proposed marriage, stating he only needed her to marry him. Gu Nanzhou's mother arrived at the hospital, startled to find Gu Nanzhou in the midst of proposing to Zhou Jianqing. Upon learning she was Gu Nanzhou's girlfriend, she was delighted, as Gu Nanzhou had never introduced a girlfriend before, causing her much worry over the years and often delaying her arranged blind dates.
Gu Nanzhou awkwardly tried to send his mother away, but she insisted on inviting Zhou Jianqing to dinner the following day, which Zhou Jianqing accepted. After Gu Nanzhou's mother left, Zhou Jianqing promptly brought up the topic of her "service fee" for the next day, indicating a transactional approach to their relationship. Zhou Jianqing directly questioned Gu Nanzhou, asking if his proposal meant their marriage would not involve love or romance.
Gu Nanzhou confirmed that he only needed her to marry him so he could take care of her and provide a safe and stable life. However, Zhou Jianqing, despite acknowledging his handsome appearance, stated that she wouldn't marry someone simply for convenience, especially a "sought-after bachelor" like him, and declared that a relationship between them was impossible based on his views on marriage.
The next day, Gu Nanzhou sent Zhou Jianqing back to her university, where her roommates excitedly questioned her about the handsome man who had proposed to her. Zhou Jianqing clarified that she was merely pretending to be his girlfriend because his family was pressuring him to marry, emphasizing that he had no actual interest in her and was merely using her as a facade. Meanwhile, Jiang Jingxuan was agitated upon hearing that Gu Nanzhou was determined to marry Zhou Jianqing.
Around this time, a doctor had warned Gu Nanzhou that his psychogenic condition couldn't be cured by medication alone and might lead to drug dependence, but Gu Nanzhou dismissed the advice, only asking for more prescriptions. His team was also working to delete a video of him, citing portrait rights infringement and potential negative impact on Gu Group and Xingyun. The following day, Gu Nanzhou, Zhou Jianqing, and Gu Nanzhou's mother met for dinner.
Gu Nanzhou's mother enthusiastically suggested Zhou Jianqing join Xingyun after graduation to assist Gu Nanzhou. Both Gu Nanzhou and Zhou Jianqing rejected the idea. Gu Nanzhou stated that her drawing style didn't align with Xingyun's. Zhou Jianqing, intent on giving Gu Nanzhou's mother a bad impression, claimed her work wasn't up to Gu Nanzhou's high artistic standards, despite Gu Nanzhou trying to stop her.
To further create a bad impression, Zhou Jianqing exaggeratedly described her romance comics as involving a "richest man in the world falling for a penniless university student," even causing a company to go bankrupt to help the girl. She then openly admitted that she was willing to do any job for money, including dog walking, food delivery, printing services, holding seats, or tutoring, because she was "in need of money," which saddened Gu Nanzhou's mother.
Gu Nanzhou's mother then offered homemade egg tarts, which Zhou Jianqing noted tasted exactly like her mother's, complete with pecans and roses. This prompted Gu Nanzhou's mother to realize that Zhou Jianqing was the daughter of their family's benefactor, Zhou Mingyong, and that Zhou Jianqing had visited their home as a child, learning the egg tart recipe from her, whom she had called "Aunt Egg Tart."
After dinner, Gu Nanzhou's mother insisted they immediately go to take wedding photos, much to Zhou Jianqing's discomfort at the rapid progression. Gu Nanzhou's mother dismissed her concerns, expressing her long-held wish to see her son's wedding photos. She eagerly oversaw their selection of the latest gowns and suits, exclaiming how perfectly matched they looked, like a match made in heaven.
When Gu Nanzhou tried to leave, citing other commitments, his mother feigned chest pain, compelling him to stay and complete the photoshoot. Afterward, Gu Nanzhou once again asked Zhou Jianqing if she would marry him. She refused, and in response, he made her walk home. Zhou Jianqing complained to her friend about Gu Nanzhou's bizarre behavior, labeling him a "freak" for his contradictory actions.
Later, Zhou Jianqing visited her friend Su Youxia and noticed some macarons with a familiar shrimp drawing. She immediately recognized them as from Zhou Zixuan, her brother, and realized he had returned from overseas, suspecting he was hiding something. Meanwhile, Xiaochuan grew increasingly concerned about Gu Nanzhou, who had consumed a month's worth of his medication, suggesting that marrying Zhou Jianqing might not alleviate his stress as he hoped, as work and marriage are entirely different matters.
Gu Nanzhou's mother called, asking Gu Nanzhou for Zhou Jianqing's contact information to discuss wedding photo arrangements in Paris. Gu Nanzhou refused, saying Zhou Jianqing was busy. His mother then called Xiaochuan, who reluctantly informed her that Gu Nanzhou's decision to marry Zhou Jianqing was primarily driven by his father's dying wish to care for the Zhou family, who had once saved him.
Gu Nanzhou's mother expressed her sadness, questioning how this arrangement could truly "make it up" to the Zhou family if Zhou Jianqing was unwilling. Zhou Jianqing soon found Zhou Zixuan being confronted by creditors demanding a two-million-yuan debt, which he had incurred by signing a guarantee agreement for their mother. Zhou Zixuan fiercely protected Zhou Jianqing, insisting the debt was his alone and pushing her away, claiming she couldn't handle it.
Zhou Jianqing, distressed, confronted him, asking why he had hidden his return and financial struggles, having believed he was doing well overseas. Zhou Zixuan dismissed her concerns, telling her to take care of herself and stay out of his affairs. Back home, Gu Nanzhou reflected on his mother's words, who encouraged him to follow his heart regarding marriage, not just his father's will, as it was time for him to live the life he desired.
Separately, Gu Nanzhou was informed that Lu Ziming intended to shut down Xingyun and was gathering shareholders for a vote, prompting Gu Nanzhou to instruct Xiaochuan to cash out his properties to prepare for a potential challenge. Desperate for money to help Zhou Zixuan, Zhou Jianqing called Gu Nanzhou, asking for a loan if she agreed to marry him. However, Gu Nanzhou informed her that he no longer needed a marriage.
Zhou Jianqing humbly pleaded, saying she had nowhere else to turn, and Gu Nanzhou relented, sending her his address. Upon her arrival, Gu Nanzhou internally decided to help her, considering it an act of fulfilling his father's last wish. Zhou Jianqing proposed a two-million-yuan loan in exchange for marriage. She explicitly stated she wouldn't fall for him, didn't need a real marriage, and would only appear when needed, without disturbing his life.
She promised to repay the loan with interest, highlighting her health, longevity, and intelligence as assets. She further suggested that their marriage could serve his needs, such as appeasing his mother's pressure to marry and allowing him to portray a "normal married man" to others, implying she wouldn't interfere with his private life. Gu Nanzhou, perplexed, asked what she meant by "normal," leading to Zhou Jianqing's awkward clarification that she wasn't judging his potential lack of interest in women.
Gu Nanzhou, clearly annoyed, asserted that he was healthy, fully functional, and exclusively interested in women, even challenging her to "try me." As the tension rose, Zhou Jianqing slipped, causing them to accidentally kiss for a second time. Jiang Xiaochuan, walking in with important documents, witnessed the scene and quickly apologized for the interruption.
Following this incident, Zhou Jianqing and Gu Nanzhou decided to proceed with the marriage, instructing Jiang Xiaochuan to draft a prenuptial agreement consisting of two hundred eighty-one clauses. Key terms included the independent separation of assets and debts, mutual non-interference in personal lives, respecting privacy, maintaining each other's image, and mutually respecting each other's boundaries.
It also stipulated that Zhou Jianqing, as fiancée, must be available when needed, though she added a condition of pre-booking and a hundred yuan hourly fee. A clause also prohibited physical contact, with a hundred yuan penalty for each violation. After reviewing and agreeing to all clauses, they signed the agreement, declaring, "May we have a pleasant cooperation."
Episode 3 Recap
Gu Nanzhou, who harbors a phobia of crowds, has breakfast prepared by Jiang Xiaochuan. Zhou Jianqing's messy eating habits, like not eating bread crust and making noise while drinking porridge, irritate Gu Nanzhou. She retorts by calling him chubby and criticizing his own habits, leading to a heated argument where Gu Nanzhou claims her eating disrupts his "eating pace and taste buds." Zhou Jianqing, declaring herself "full due to anger," leaves the table, and Gu Nanzhou also loses his appetite.
Later, missing her bus, Zhou Jianqing desperately pleads with Gu Nanzhou and Jiang Xiaochuan for a ride to Nancheng University, as she is late for her career guidance course. Gu Nanzhou initially refuses, citing Article 30 of their agreement which states Party B (Zhou Jianqing) should not cause trouble beyond the agreement. Zhou Jianqing counters that he was the reason she was kept up all night, preventing her from returning to school earlier.
After her persistent begging and promises not to bother him again, Gu Nanzhou reluctantly allows her into his car. At Nancheng University, Zhou Jianqing's roommates, eager for gossip, question her about her overnight absence. Just then, Gu Nanzhou arrives, stepping out of his car to hand Zhou Jianqing her forgotten bag.
To their surprise, he introduces himself to the roommates as Zhou Jianqing's fiancé, light-heartedly suggesting that she has a habit of telling "inappropriate jokes" to imply her past denials were just that. Zhou Jianqing tries to downplay the situation, but Gu Nanzhou takes her phone and changes his contact name to "Hubby." He then asserts that, according to their agreement, they are "engaged in front of others from now on," warning her not to "spout nonsense" to others again.
Zhou Jianqing, frustrated, reminds him that while she will "fulfill her duty" as his fiancée, she doesn't want him to act as her fiancé, fearing she'll lose her "chance of knowing other men." Gu Nanzhou simply tells her to "behave" as he is "short-tempered."
Su Youxia discreetly enters the classroom, immediately asking Zhou Jianqing if the news about her marrying Gu Nanzhou is true, mentioning that even students from other colleges know and their wedding photos are circulating on bridal shop advertisements. Zhou Jianqing quickly explains that it's a temporary arrangement because Gu Nanzhou helped her, clarifying that they are merely "acting like they're in a relationship" and are "unrelated in private."
She assures Su Youxia that they "don't like each other" and that a "spark of romance" is impossible, "even if it's the end of the world." Desperate, she then extracts a promise from Su Youxia not to tell her brother, Zhou Zixuan, about the fake engagement, fearing his severe reaction if he knew. Su Youxia reluctantly agrees. Later, Zhang Yin approaches them, visibly upset about Zhou Jianqing's impending marriage.
Su Youxia also remains unenthusiastic about the news, despite Zhou Jianqing's attempts to lighten the mood by joking about "marrying into a rich family" and promising "big red packets" at her wedding. Gu Nanzhou is conspicuously absent from a critical company meeting, sending Jiang Xiaochuan to represent him.
At the meeting, Lu Ziming, leading a faction including Mr. Li, Mr. Zhao, Mr. Zhuo, and Mr. Zheng, confidently states that their combined shares constitute 41% of Gu's Group, surpassing the 39% held by Gu Nanzhou and Mr. Wu, thereby supporting the shutdown of Xingyun. However, Jiang Xiaochuan interjects, reminding Lu Ziming about the small shareholders' votes.
He then presents an authorization letter from these small shareholders, granting Gu Nanzhou an additional 4% of shares, which swings the majority to 43% in favor of Xingyun. Following this development, Gu Nanzhou appears via video call and proposes that Xingyun will "be detached from the group in the future," operating "independently and bear its own profit and losses," and "no longer exist as a subsidiary of Gu's Group."
He assures the board that Xingyun will achieve its expected profit within a year to "repay the group for its investment," to which Lu Ziming eventually agrees. Zhou Jianqing, keen to capitalize on a business opportunity, encounters a bookstore selling books at a 90% discount due to an expiring lease. She suggests to the owner a plan: move the books to the west campus, which lacks bookstores, and sell them at a 50% discount.
In return for a 20% commission, she guarantees to sell them all. She quickly sets up a stall, only to be stopped by the City Management, who inform her that she is "not allowed to sell anything here." Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou and Jiang Jingxuan are meeting with a client, Mr. Luo, who makes lighthearted remarks about Gu Nanzhou having both a "young and cute" assistant and a "gentle and intellectual beauty" like Jiang Jingxuan by his side.
As Jiang Jingxuan presents a new proposal, Gu Nanzhou's phone, with Zhou Jianqing listed as "Wife," constantly rings. When Mr. Luo invites them to dinner, Gu Nanzhou excuses himself, explaining that his "fiancée has an emergency" he must attend to. Despite Jiang Jingxuan's offer to go in his stead, Gu Nanzhou insists on handling it himself. He arrives at the Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau, where Zhou Jianqing is being held for illegal street vending.
She explains that the authorities "insisted on seeing my kin," and she couldn't let her brother know. Gu Nanzhou, calling her a "disgrace," reminds her that she has already violated their agreement twice and warns her not to "tarnish Party A's image" or "create trouble for me," threatening her with "compensation for all losses." Zhou Jianqing, feeling that her situation is "difficult," promises to comply and pay any fines, though she admits she's currently broke.
Gu Nanzhou then drives her back to Nancheng University, reiterating his warning not to "run a stall" or "tarnish my image." After Gu Nanzhou drops Zhou Jianqing off at Nancheng University, reiterating his warning about avoiding stalls and protecting his image, Jiang Jingxuan approaches Zhou Jianqing. She confirms Zhou Jianqing is Gu Nanzhou's fiancée and advises her to "be careful next time" to avoid causing Gu Nanzhou worry.
Learning that Zhou Jianqing wants to sell vintage clothing, Jiang Jingxuan even offers to connect her with friends in the City Management Bureau to find approved stalls. Zhou Jianqing eagerly accepts. Later, as Gu Nanzhou and Jiang Jingxuan drive, she asks him if "looking after a young girlfriend" who "never grows up" is "hectic." She offers him a bowl of porridge, but he declines, stating he dislikes eating in the car and is still "full due to anger."
Meanwhile, Zhou Jianqing faces a stern warning from her teacher for repeatedly violating school rules, including selling roses in the men's dormitory, selling succulent plants, and posting advertisements for April Fool's pranks. The teacher expresses extreme frustration over debt collectors, whom she refers to as "rogues," having entered the dormitory and damaged water pipes, risking Zhou Jianqing's graduation. Zhou Jianqing tearfully explains her family's burden of millions in debt and her desperate efforts with her brother to repay it.
Pleading not to be punished, as it would jeopardize her job prospects, the teacher advises her to apply to "leave school early" and prioritize her safety. Back in the dormitory, Zhou Jianqing's roommates complain loudly about their damaged belongings, including new shoes and limited-edition figurines, which were ruined by the "rogues" who tampered with the water pipes. They blame Zhou Jianqing for attracting the debt collectors and express fear that they might be targeted next.
Overhearing their grievances, Zhou Jianqing feels immense guilt. She apologizes, promises to compensate them for all damages, and declares she will "move out today" to ensure the "rogues won't come anymore." She quietly encourages herself, affirming her ability to endure, clear her debts, and resolve her troubles. Carrying her luggage alone, Zhou Jianqing calls Su Youxia, hoping to stay at her place, but learns that Su Youxia is away with her mother at Luhu Lake hot springs.
With her phone battery dying, Zhou Jianqing feels increasingly vulnerable and suspects she is being followed by debt collectors. Having no other option, she heads to Gu Nanzhou's apartment. To her alarm, a person follows her into the elevator. Since Gu Nanzhou doesn't answer his door, she enters using the password, only to discover that the person was merely a neighbor.
Inside, she finds the apartment empty, interacting with Gu Nanzhou's smart home system, which automatically welcomes her and attempts to activate lights, air conditioning, and music, all of which she declines. Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou is driving Jiang Jingxuan home. Jiang Jingxuan notices Zhou Jianqing's meal card in his car and, sensing a deeper connection, asks when they started dating. Gu Nanzhou's vague reply of "not long ago" leaves Jiang Jingxuan visibly disappointed.
Upon returning to his apartment, Gu Nanzhou hears a noise inside. Believing an intruder has entered, he quickly grabs a tool and prepares to call the police, only to discover that the unexpected guest is Zhou Jianqing.
Episode 4 Recap
Gu Nanzhou confronted Zhou Jianqing, demanding to know how she had entered his house. He reminded her that trespassing was illegal and could lead to jail. Zhou Jianqing pleaded with him, explaining she had been stalked and had nowhere else to go, having previously seen him enter his passcode. She highlighted the dangers a woman faces late at night.
When police, whom Gu Nanzhou had called, arrived, Zhou Jianqing quickly embraced him and declared herself his fiancée, claiming they had a fight and she had returned without telling him. Although the police expressed frustration about being called for a domestic dispute, they accepted Gu Nanzhou's explanation that it was a misunderstanding and left after a warning about the Public Security Administration Punishments Law. As a result, Zhou Jianqing ended up staying at his place.
That night, Gu Nanzhou was kept awake by Zhou Jianqing's activities, including drinking water, eating an apple, and doing yoga in her room. He confronted her, insisting that she adhere to his house rules and make no sound during his designated resting hours. Zhou Jianqing felt wronged, questioning if he was intentionally looking for trouble and accusing him of having ulterior motives for entering her room late at night.
The next morning, as Zhou Jianqing prepared to leave, apologizing for the disturbance, Gu Nanzhou stopped her. He pointed out numerous things she hadn't cleaned, from water stains on cups to mud on her luggage, a blanket that wasn't folded symmetrically, and an untidy bath towel. He questioned her basic life skills. Annoyed by his nitpicking, Zhou Jianqing declared that he could beg on his knees, and she would never return.
Zhou Jianqing went to Su Youxia's house, where Su Youxia immediately asked about her whereabouts, revealing that Zhou Jianqing's brother, Zhou Zixuan, had been frantically searching for her after learning she had moved out of her dormitory. Zhou Jianqing lied, claiming she had found a new job and needed to stay with a colleague, then declared she would stay with Su Youxia, assuring her brother not to worry. Su Youxia initially worried about Zhou Zixuan's potential visits to her home.
Zhou Jianqing assumed Su Youxia disliked her brother due to his annoying and "despicable" personality, but Su Youxia denied hating him and eventually agreed to let Zhou Jianqing stay. Zhou Zixuan learned that someone had mysteriously paid off his debt and received a business card for "Mantang Law Firm," whose lawyer, Mr. Zhuang, later confirmed to Gu Nanzhou that the debt had been settled by him. Meanwhile, Zhou Jianqing attended a job interview at an animation company.
The boss praised her work and ambition to become a top cartoonist, but then presented her with a script for a "brainless domineering character" story. Zhou Jianqing expressed her disappointment, finding the genre unoriginal. The boss insisted that the key was to make it special and moving, promising her creative freedom for future projects if she delivered on this one, but gave her a tight deadline of Sunday, only three days away. He suggested she find an assistant if needed.
Zhou Jianqing then sought out Zhang Yin, hoping he would assist her. Zhang Yin initially refused, citing upcoming exams and stating he wasn't interested in the meager pay from assisting her. Zhou Jianqing tried to convince him that the company was good and it was an opportunity to pursue their dreams. She reminded him of their shared ambition to "rule the cartoon industry" and become "great cartoonists" and "industry big shots."
Zhang Yin, though initially skeptical of her dream talk, eventually relented after she promised a guaranteed payment split upon money being banked in, conceding he knew she was his "most reliable buddy." Later, Zhang Yin directly asked Zhou Jianqing if she was genuinely marrying Gu Nanzhou. She confirmed it, citing his handsome appearance, good figure, and charisma, admitting she could overlook any "condition" he had because of his looks.
Soon after, Gu Nanzhou called Zhou Jianqing, informing her there was a banquet that night at 8 p. m. and instructing her to dress formally. Zhou Jianqing enthusiastically agreed. Zhou Jianqing arrived at the banquet dressed in her "job interview" formal attire, which Gu Nanzhou found unsuitably informal. Before they could address her outfit, the client, Mr. Luo, arrived.
Mr. Luo immediately began to tease Gu Nanzhou for dating someone so young, calling Zhou Jianqing his "tender grass" and toasting to his courage. Despite Jiang Xiaochuan's concern for Gu Nanzhou's low alcohol tolerance, Zhou Jianqing boldly stepped in, claiming she had "great alcohol tolerance" and proposing to drink on Gu Nanzhou's behalf for a negotiated price of 500 RMB per glass. Zhou Jianqing skillfully handled the toasts.
She started by explaining she was the youngest and should naturally drink to her senior, Mr. Luo. She then praised Mr. Luo's "respect for art" and his interest in developing an animation department, calling him a "sentimental person" unlike other investors who only cared about money. She articulated how good comics convey deeper concepts and thoughts, and that Mr. Luo's dedication proved his passion for the art form.
Impressed by her insights, Mr. Luo proposed a toast to "Mrs. Gu," which pleased Gu Nanzhou. As the evening progressed, Zhou Jianqing became increasingly inebriated, eventually calling Mr. Luo "brother," much to Gu Nanzhou's silent annoyance. On the way home, Zhou Jianqing was boisterous and demanding more alcohol, while Jiang Xiaochuan tentatively asked Gu Nanzhou if the 500 RMB per glass cost for her drinks could be reimbursed.
With Zhou Jianqing completely inebriated, Gu Nanzhou had no choice but to bring her back to his house. Once inside, she stood on the sofa and insisted on singing loudly. Growing impatient, Gu Nanzhou threatened to throw her out, which made her cry inconsolably. After much effort, Zhou Jianqing finally fell asleep. Gu Nanzhou then discovered her account book, which meticulously detailed her debts and expenses.
He was taken aback to see she budgeted only 20 RMB for daily meals and relied heavily on various coupons, realizing she lived a difficult life despite her cheerful demeanor. He recalled his father's concern about her. Suddenly, Zhou Jianqing awoke, demanding instant noodles and another beer because she hadn't eaten enough while drinking.
She then stumbled to the bathroom to vomit and subsequently turned on the shower, fully clothed, drenching both herself and Gu Nanzhou, who looked on with a mix of exasperation and resignation. Gu Nanzhou carried the soaking wet Zhou Jianqing to his bedroom. As he put her down, she clung to him, expressing her fear and pleading with him not to leave. Delirious, she called out for her mother, complaining of being cold and hungry, and again asking for noodles. Witnessing her vulnerability, Gu Nanzhou's resolve softened as he gently reassured her he was there and told her to sleep.
Episode 5 Recap
Early in the morning, Gu Nanzhou’s home was visited by Zhou Zixuan, who, finding the door unlocked, entered to discover Gu Nanzhou and Zhou Jianqing asleep together. Enraged, Zhou Zixuan grabbed Gu Nanzhou by his collar, ready to strike. Zhou Jianqing quickly intervened, revealing that she and Gu Nanzhou were engaged. She passionately declared their relationship to be true love, pure and devoid of any financial motives. Zhou Zixuan was unconvinced, demanding to know what they saw in each other.
Zhou Jianqing struggled to answer, attempting to cover for Gu Nanzhou by claiming he was a profound and insightful person who loved her "carefree soul," while she, being shallow, was drawn only to his appearance. She then sent Gu Nanzhou away, insisting on speaking to her brother alone. Zhou Zixuan, still skeptical, questioned Gu Nanzhou's sincerity, especially given their apparent lack of understanding about each other's basic information such as birth dates, university, and previous jobs.
Zhou Jianqing, however, fondly recalled Gu Nanzhou’s romantic proposal, claiming he had proposed among roses and that she felt "doomed" the moment she saw him. Zhou Zixuan dismissed it as an old-fashioned proposal, while Zhou Jianqing dreamt of an even grander one on a hot air balloon above rapeseed plants from 20,000 meters high.
Zhou Zixuan, suspecting she was with Gu Nanzhou to settle her two-million RMB debt, reminded her of their family rule to always repay what was owed, urging her to end the relationship if any problems arose during their "breaking-in period." Zhou Jianqing readily agreed to report any issues. He left, still harboring suspicions about Gu Nanzhou's true nature, warning her he would return the next day.
Fearing Zhou Zixuan’s suspicious nature, Zhou Jianqing pleaded with Gu Nanzhou to let her stay for a few more days, reminding him that their agreement stipulated she would not cause trouble, and he could request services from her in exchange. She offered to do anything within her means, even framing it as an act of charity for good karma.
Gu Nanzhou then outlined a strict list of rules: she was forbidden from making sounds over 30 decibels, must compensate for any damaged items at their original price, always uphold his image, never bring guests or pets into the house, and be solely responsible for all cleaning and waste sorting. Zhou Jianqing found these rules excessively harsh, but Gu Nanzhou, unfazed, added penalties for violations and expulsion after three offenses.
Her attempts to negotiate were met with his stern instruction to leave if she disagreed, making her exclaim that he was "too much." Later, Zhou Zixuan sought out Su Youxia, pressing her for details about Zhou Jianqing’s relationship with Gu Nanzhou. He was convinced Gu Nanzhou was hiding something, pointing out inconsistencies in his behavior and Zhou Jianqing's unusual secrecy, noting that Zhou Jianqing, normally so public, hadn't even posted about it.
Su Youxia, unable to provide answers, later warned Zhou Jianqing that her brother was highly suspicious and would undoubtedly investigate further. Zhou Jianqing, overwhelmed, lamented Gu Nanzhou's eccentricities to Su Youxia, describing him as a "psycho." She recounted his stringent rules, such as alphabetizing books, demanding the immediate disposal of half-finished drinks, forbidding her from flattening sofa pillows, and enforcing strict quiet hours after midnight.
She particularly resented his control over her diet, allowing only bananas while banning high-calorie items like strawberry mousse, cola, and grapes. Zhou Jianqing expressed her distress, feeling that Gu Nanzhou was constantly lecturing her. Su Youxia empathized, acknowledging her brother's persistence and the need for concrete proof to appease him.
Under pressure, Zhou Jianqing prepared chicken soup for Gu Nanzhou, arriving at his office where he was dealing with his team's inability to achieve the desired ethereal visual effects for the "Lake Xingling" project due to technological and budget constraints. Despite his stress and lack of appetite, she insisted he drink the soup she had cooked for two hours, saying it was a token of gratitude for his hospitality.
She then attempted to take a selfie with him, but he immediately forbade it. Zhou Jianqing pleaded with him, explaining she needed the photo to convince Zhou Zixuan, who would otherwise believe she was dating Gu Nanzhou solely for money and would harass him relentlessly. She further revealed that she had already told Gu Nanzhou’s mother about their engagement and needed the photos to reassure her, appealing to his filial piety.
Gu Nanzhou reluctantly agreed to a few photos, mentioning his limited availability during lunchtime. Following this, Zhou Jianqing took Gu Nanzhou to an arcade, encouraging him to try various games. Though initially resistant, he gradually loosened up, competing with her and meticulously attempting to win a plushie from the claw machine. Despite numerous failures, his persistence paid off, and he finally secured a toy, which Zhou Jianqing accepted as a "token of appreciation."
The next morning, Gu Nanzhou found breakfast left for him by Zhou Jianqing, an unexpected gesture that seemed to soften his disposition. However, Gu Nanzhou soon faced more problems at his company, Fengchi, with his financial team warning against increasing investment in "Lake Xingling" due to its high risk and potential lack of support from Mr. Jin. Just as he received a report on the proposed investment increase, Zhou Zixuan unexpectedly appeared again.
Zhou Jianqing, calling Gu Nanzhou "Dear" to maintain their facade, urgently whispered for his help. Zhou Zixuan, addressing Gu Nanzhou as "brother-in-law," immediately presented Gu Nanzhou with ten thousand RMB, outlining a meticulous plan to gradually repay the entire debt with interest, starting with 10,000 RMB per month for the first year and increasing by 50% annually, calculating interest at the bank loan rate, despite Gu Nanzhou repeatedly declining the money.
Zhou Zixuan insisted Gu Nanzhou take it, asserting that even close family should be clear about money. He then gave Gu Nanzhou a "Handbook on caring for Zhou Jianqing," detailing his years of looking after her since their parents passed, implying Gu Nanzhou was inadequate and had even caused her trouble, having "tricked" her away after Zhou Zixuan had raised her with great difficulty.
Later, Zhou Jianqing was informed by her boss that her comic had been incredibly successful, ranking among the top 15 most searched, and she was encouraged to publish another update that week. Annoyed by the additional workload, she then discussed with Zhang Yin how women should be independent and have their own careers, dismissing Zhang Yin's idea of a man providing for his girlfriend as outdated and vulgar.
Gu Nanzhou arrived to pick her up, and she quickly departed with him. Upon returning home, Zhou Jianqing ordered snail rice noodles for delivery, but Gu Nanzhou immediately confiscated the "junk food" and threw it away, citing the late hour and strong smell. Zhou Jianqing protested, arguing she was in her own room and needed to eat to continue rushing for publication.
Gu Nanzhou retorted that it was his house and reminded her that "even you are mine" according to their agreement. She accused him of being unreasonable and controlling, forcing everyone to conform to his lifestyle. He coldly told her she could leave if she was unwilling to comply. Zhou Jianqing, frustrated, revealed she had also had smelly tofu, which he had discarded too. Resigned, she tried to convince herself it was merely a skipped supper for dieting. Gu Nanzhou, after retreating to his room, pondered if he had been "too harsh." When he came out, he found Zhou Jianqing had fainted.
Episode 6 Recap
After fainting, Zhou Jianqing was rushed to the hospital, where the doctor informed Gu Nanzhou that she had an allergic reaction to benzodiazepines. The doctor noted that while her family had been careless, she was brought in just in time and would only require two days of observation.
Gu Nanzhou, feeling partly responsible as she must have accidentally taken his medication, reflected on her lack of awareness regarding her own allergies, musing that it made sense her brother had to write a manual on how to care for her. The next morning, Zhou Jianqing woke up disoriented. Upon realizing she was in the hospital, she panicked, insisting she had to leave to meet her deadline. Gu Nanzhou firmly restrained her, reminding her she was a patient.
Zhou Jianqing pleaded, explaining that this job was a rare opportunity she couldn't afford to lose. Relenting, Gu Nanzhou offered to have Jiang Xiaochuan retrieve her work supplies and personal items. Upon learning of Zhou Jianqing’s hospitalization, Jiang Jingxuan offered to go instead, claiming Gu Nanzhou was unfamiliar with women's belongings. Later, Jiang Jingxuan visited Zhou Jianqing, bringing expensive imported mangoes and mentioning that Gu Nanzhou was extremely particular, only eating fruit that she had cut to a consistent size.
When Gu Nanzhou announced he and Jiang Xiaochuan were going to the supermarket, Zhou Jianqing rattled off a list of snacks, hand cream, and a "Mori style" scrunchie. She then asked him to buy sanitary napkins, which he bluntly refused. During their visit, Jiang Jingxuan casually picked up and drank from Gu Nanzhou’s water bottle, calling it an old habit. At the supermarket, Gu Nanzhou meticulously researched sanitary napkins online before making a selection.
He refused to buy snacks for Jiang Xiaochuan, who then teased him about having developed feelings for Zhou Jianqing due to his attentiveness. Gu Nanzhou denied it, claiming he was only trying to instill good habits in her and admitting that her hospitalization was partly his fault. Perplexed by the "Mori style" scrunchie request, he ended up buying one of every kind. Back at the hospital, Gu Nanzhou reminded Zhou Jianqing of her mango allergy when she wanted a bite.
He then sent Jiang Jingxuan and Jiang Xiaochuan back to the office so Zhou Jianqing could rest. Jiang Jingxuan offered to stay, but Gu Nanzhou declined, explaining he was simply fulfilling his contractual obligations. After he left, Zhang Yin arrived, concerned to see her on a drip. He urged her to rest, but she insisted on finishing her draft, explaining the job's importance. Zhang Yin offered to help her finish the remaining work.
As they worked, Zhou Jianqing paused to take a picture to post on social media to impress her boss. Gu Nanzhou returned to find Zhou Jianqing’s IV drip finished and her busy taking photos. Furious, he scolded her for risking her health for a social media post and ordered Zhang Yin to leave. Zhang Yin confronted Gu Nanzhou, accusing him of abandoning Zhou Jianqing and not understanding her deep passion for comics.
Zhou Jianqing tearfully seconded Zhang Yin, pleading that the draft was crucial for her career. Witnessing their resolve, Gu Nanzhou relented, allowing them to finish quickly. Once the work was done, Gu Nanzhou immediately told Zhang Yin to leave and confiscated all the unhealthy snacks he had brought. When Zhou Jianqing called him unreasonable, he replied, "I'm your Party A. There's no need to reason with you."
Later, Zhou Jianqing received a call from her brother, Zhou Zixuan, who was outside Gu Nanzhou's apartment. She lied about working late, then panicked and called Su Youxia, begging her to lure Zhou Zixuan away. For the next few days, Su Youxia used various excuses to keep Zhou Zixuan occupied, including needing a photography model, a partner for a flower arrangement class, and a shopping companion.
Finally, she feigned a severe stomachache, and a concerned Zhou Zixuan insisted on taking her to the hospital. Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou was accompanying Zhou Jianqing on a walk when her doctor delivered the good news that she was cleared for discharge. Just as they celebrated, they spotted Zhou Zixuan entering the hospital with a seemingly ill Su Youxia. They tried to hide, but it was too late. After a quick check-up confirmed Su Youxia was fine, Zhou Zixuan spotted them.
To maintain the charade for her brother, Zhou Jianqing immediately began acting affectionately, calling Gu Nanzhou "darling" and demanding he fetch her juice as part of "husband training." Visibly uncomfortable, Gu Nanzhou complied, but excused himself as soon as he could. Zhou Jianqing then confronted her brother, urging him to stop acting like an "evil mother-in-law" and give their relationship space, warning that his interference would scare her new boyfriend away. Zhou Zixuan reluctantly promised to stop visiting.
After her brother left, Zhou Jianqing informed Gu Nanzhou that he no longer needed to pretend and that she would move out the next day. She sincerely thanked him for his help and care, promising to leave no trace of her presence behind. Feeling a strange discomfort, Gu Nanzhou simply reiterated, "Clear all traces of yours." That night, a restless Gu Nanzhou took medication to sleep while Zhou Jianqing diligently cleaned the apartment.
The next morning, she left a note by his bed, thanking him and confirming she had cleaned everything. Just as Zhou Jianqing was about to leave, Gu Nanzhou's mother arrived unexpectedly. Spotting a photo of the couple, she immediately assumed they were dating and that Zhou Jianqing was moving out because they had fought. Zhou Jianqing decided to play along, confirming they were breaking up due to "contrasting personalities."
Gu Nanzhou's mother vehemently disagreed, insisting Zhou Jianqing's personality perfectly complemented her son's. She chastised Gu Nanzhou for being ungentlemanly, declaring that she "called the shots" and that Zhou Jianqing would stay, threatening to break her son's legs if he objected. Left with no choice, Zhou Jianqing could only acquiesce.
Episode 7 Recap
Gu Nanzhou appeared distracted during a meeting, texting Zhou Jianqing to ask if she had finished packing her belongings. His secretary then announced that Zhou Jianqing was at the front desk to see him. Gu Nanzhou quickly left the meeting, initially instructing his secretary to say he was unavailable, then immediately changing his mind.
Zhou Jianqing informed him that she might not be able to move out, explaining that Gu Nanzhou's mother had unexpectedly visited that morning while she was packing.
Zhou Jianqing then pleaded with him to let her stay for a while longer, offering to pay rent; when Gu Nanzhou declined, she then offered to provide any service he might need, free of charge, stating, "as long as you need my service, I'll surely go all out and do whatever I can free of charge."
Gu Nanzhou, initially hesitant, eventually relented after Zhou Jianqing dramatically suggested she might end up homeless, saying he would simply "dissociate myself from you" if that happened. Zhou Jianqing was overjoyed, calling him "a good person." Soon after, Gu Nanzhou received a call from his mother, who directly asked about his relationship with Zhou Jianqing.
When Gu Nanzhou stated he "genuinely want to be with her," his mother became delighted, expressing her strong affection for Zhou Jianqing, whom she described as "pretty, smart, quick-witted and innocent without any evil thought," someone who "works very hard and she can endure hardship." She then scolded Gu Nanzhou for their previous argument and insisted he apologize properly to Zhou Jianqing.
Zhou Jianqing suggested inviting Jiang Xiaochuan and Jiang Jingxuan for dinner, mentioning they had been very helpful when she was hospitalized. Jiang Xiaochuan readily agreed, though he noted that Jiang Jingxuan had other plans for the evening. He then mused that Zhou Jianqing might be feigning her inability to move out, suspecting she was interested in Gu Nanzhou.
Jiang Xiaochuan believed she wanted more opportunities to spend time with Gu Nanzhou, whom he described as "handsome and muscular," "young and capable," and having a "refined air." At dinner, Jiang Xiaochuan enthusiastically played matchmaker, even teasing them about being a married couple. When Gu Nanzhou declined crab, stating it was "troublesome" to eat, Zhou Jianqing promptly gave the entire plate to Jiang Xiaochuan, who happily accepted.
Gu Nanzhou observed that despite Zhou Jianqing's initial eccentricities, she seemed like a great person once he got to know her. Their cohabitation officially began. Zhou Jianqing, while tidying, noticed that Gu Nanzhou's personal stationery had the same unique paper as the letters from her mysterious sponsor. Puzzled, she directly asked Gu Nanzhou if he wrote letters. He denied it, his heart pounding, and when she pressed further, he playfully called her "lame."
The next day, Jiang Xiaochuan called Gu Nanzhou from the hospital, revealing he had food poisoning from the "dead crab" he ate at their house and would be hospitalized. Gu Nanzhou then instructed Zhou Jianqing to take over Jiang Xiaochuan's duties as his assistant, noting she needed an internship anyway.
Zhou Jianqing initially protested, stating she was already paying rent and shouldn't have to work for him, but eventually agreed to take on the responsibility, which included liaising with clients and contacting investors. The following morning, Gu Nanzhou requested to be woken up at 6:30 AM. However, Zhou Jianqing overslept and only woke him at 7:50 AM, rushing him to get ready. Gu Nanzhou, blaming her for his tardiness, complained about her lack of punctuality.
Zhou Jianqing quickly helped him get dressed and pulled him out the door. On the way, she insisted they stop for breakfast at a street stall, which Gu Nanzhou found unhygienic. Their car was then blocked, and with Gu Nanzhou risking being late for his 9 AM meeting, Zhou Jianqing hailed a rickshaw. Gu Nanzhou was reluctant to ride in it but relented due to the time crunch, and they finally arrived at Eastern Tower just in time.
At the company, the receptionist inquired about Jiang Xiaochuan's absence. Gu Nanzhou explained that Jiang Xiaochuan was ill and Zhou Jianqing was temporarily filling in as his assistant due to special circumstances. Jiang Jingxuan offered to help Zhou Jianqing, acknowledging the complexity of the assistant role for a first-timer, but Gu Nanzhou politely declined, stating Zhou Jianqing needed to handle her own responsibilities. During the meeting, Gu Nanzhou displayed intense dedication when discussing the animation "Lake Xingling."
Sophia suggested cutting a 10-minute special effects scene to reduce the budget, but Gu Nanzhou adamantly refused, emphasizing that the scene depicting stars falling on Lake Xingling was crucial to the narrative's climax and the overall "ethereal feeling" of the characters being on an isolated island. He stressed that compromising on this would render "Lake Xingling" a failure.
Zhou Jianqing was impressed by his unwavering commitment to his vision, recognizing him as someone who "persists in creating good work despite everyone's objection." Gu Nanzhou revealed that creating animation had been his dream since he was ten years old, inspired by foreign animations, and he wanted to make something truly unique. Zhou Jianqing admired his idealism and praised him for staying true to his passion.
Later, in her school, Zhou Jianqing's teacher praised her recent draft of "Paradise Street 19," noting its improved format and renewed passion. The teacher then encouraged her to enter "Paradise Street 19" into the Youxun Comic Competition, a prestigious event offering "a huge amount of cash prize, an opportunity of signing up with an agency and the possibility of having an independent volume," calling her one of his most gifted students.
Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou called, reminding her to bring him lunch. Zhou Jianqing rushed back to the company with his meal, which included braised eggplant, fish porridge, and prawns. Gu Nanzhou commented he didn't like prawns, even though Zhou Jianqing had already peeled them. She then proceeded to organize files and serve coffee, leading Gu Nanzhou to wonder if she harbored feelings for him, thinking, "Does she really like me that much? Am I seriously very handsome? I'm indeed very handsome."
That evening, Gu Nanzhou inadvertently saw Zhou Jianqing's comic "Paradise Street 19" and old photos on her computer. He immediately understood that her work was not plagiarism but depicted her actual old family house. He sincerely apologized for his earlier misjudgment, admitting his first impression of her was poor and he had mistakenly linked her work to the "copycat" nature of DiffuseStar.
Zhou Jianqing, being magnanimous, accepted his apology but also frankly admitted her initial impression of him was equally negative, describing him as an "arrogant and ignorant psycho." She recalled his dismissive comments about her own work and how he had praised "Vampire Warrior" while even stepping on her manuscript, to which he reminded her he had compensated her for the damage.
Despite their poor first impressions, Zhou Jianqing confessed that she now found him to be a "nice guy" and admired his dedication to his work. Gu Nanzhou, in turn, acknowledged his self-awareness of his positive qualities. As Zhou Jianqing gradually leaned closer to him, Gu Nanzhou grew tense, expecting a romantic confession.
To his surprise, Zhou Jianqing simply expressed a strong desire for a bowl of instant noodles, explaining she was starving from rushing comic deadlines, assisting him, and revising her graduation project. Zhou Jianqing quickly prepared the instant noodles and offered Gu Nanzhou a taste. He initially scoffed, claiming he didn't eat "junk food."
However, after Zhou Jianqing explained her meticulous approach to making the perfect bowl of noodles, likening it to his precise methods in animation production, he tried a bite and declared it "delicious." The two then playfully squabbled over the remaining noodles.
Episode 8 Recap
Beginning her job as Gu Nanzhou's temporary assistant, Zhou Jianqing’s performance was disastrous. Gu Nanzhou berated her for a series of mistakes, including making his coffee incorrectly, failing to follow formatting instructions, miscategorizing documents, and improperly buttoning his shirt and tying his tie. When preparing for a meeting with Mr. Wu from T2 Entertainment, Jiang Jingxuan stepped in, offering to attend herself due to her personal connection with Mr. Wu, which Gu Nanzhou accepted.
After the client left, Gu Nanzhou continued to criticize Zhou Jianqing for her other shortcomings, such as failing to wake him up, prepare breakfast, or depart early to avoid traffic, though she retorted that she had never made him late. During their argument, her brother Zhou Zixuan arrived with food, commenting on Gu Nanzhou's harsh treatment of his "girlfriend." Zhou Jianqing quickly pushed him out, explaining they were discussing work.
Annoyed, Gu Nanzhou warned Zhou Zixuan not to visit again, threatening to double the rent and leaving Zhou Jianqing distraught. Gu Nanzhou’s project, "Lake Xingling", faced investor skepticism. One investor expressed concerns about the high cost, comparing it to Tuxing's infamous failed animation project. Although Gu Nanzhou emphasized his focus on the script and design, the investor remained noncommittal. Later, Jiang Jingxuan brought Gu Nanzhou his favorite healthy foods, subtly contrasting them with the fast food Zhou Jianqing provided.
She then informed him that his animation "Ant Paradise" was nominated for an award at the Golden Apple Animation Festival and that he could have a female companion accept the award on his behalf. Gu Nanzhou assigned her to handle the arrangements. Shortly after, Gu Nanzhou was caught in a crowd of tourists, triggering a severe panic attack. He tried to call Zhou Jianqing for help, but she was in the library with a friend and missed his call.
Jiang Jingxuan brought a visibly unwell Gu Nanzhou home after his panic attack. She insisted on staying to care for him, taking his phone and forwarding his calls to her own. She then sent a text to Zhou Jianqing, telling her to return home early. Meanwhile, Zhou Jianqing was at the library with Zhang Yin, complaining that Gu Nanzhou’s demands left her no time to draw.
When she returned home late, Gu Nanzhou coldly expressed his displeasure, praising Jiang Jingxuan for her reliability and telling Zhou Jianqing to contact her for details about the award ceremony. While on the phone with Zhou Jianqing, Jiang Jingxuan, who was trying on a lavish gown, deceptively advised her to dress casually, suggesting a "One Piece" themed T-shirt would be appropriate. She also told Zhou Jianqing to come to the venue alone the next day.
At the Golden Apple Animation Festival, Zhou Jianqing arrived in a T-shirt as advised, only to find everyone in formal attire. Jiang Jingxuan, wearing an elegant gown, openly criticized Zhou Jianqing for being "too casual" and "plain." Humiliated and realizing she had been set up, Zhou Jianqing was about to be replaced on stage by Jiang Jingxuan at Gu Nanzhou's suggestion. She stormed off, finally understanding the extent of Jiang Jingxuan’s deception and her feelings for Gu Nanzhou.
When "Ant Paradise" won, the announcer called for "Mr. Gu Nanzhou's fiancée" to accept the award. Just as Jiang Jingxuan prepared to go on stage, Zhou Jianqing made a stunning return in a formal gown. She confidently delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech, starting with a joke about animators "going bald from staying up late" before passionately speaking on Gu Nanzhou's dedication to original works like "Lake Xingling".
Her words earned a standing ovation, leaving Jiang Jingxuan furious and Gu Nanzhou visibly impressed. After her speech, Zhou Jianqing fielded questions from reporters about "Lake Xingling" before escaping to the restroom. There, Jiang Jingxuan confronted her, feigning concern as she tore the price tag from Zhou Jianqing’s gown and accused her of planning to return it. After a tense exchange, Zhou Jianqing was left regretting her impulsiveness, as she could no longer return the expensive dress.
Later, Gu Nanzhou informed her that Mr. He, the president of Yingqi, was impressed by her speech and now interested in "Lake Xingling". Thrilled, Zhou Jianqing jokingly asked for a commission. Gu Nanzhou then praised her stage presence and casually asked about the dress tag, directly questioning if she had planned to return it. Though she denied it, he understood her dilemma and offered to have the company reimburse the cost as part of their "fiancée" agreement, to her delight.
Gu Nanzhou concluded a promising discussion with Mr. He, who expressed a strong interest in meeting to discuss "Lake Xingling". Afterwards, Gu Nanzhou noticed Zhou Jianqing had been absent all morning. An employee mentioned she seemed distracted and had been hiding in the restroom, leading Gu Nanzhou to narcissistically wonder if she was sad about her temporary job ending. Jiang Jingxuan then arrived and suggested that given her new-found capabilities, perhaps Zhou Jianqing should be offered a permanent position.
She then revealed she knew about their fake engagement and questioned why he chose Zhou Jianqing for the role. Gu Nanzhou curtly dismissed the topic as a private matter. At the same time, Zhou Jianqing was on a cheerful call with Jiang Xiaochuan, who was being discharged from the hospital in two days and would soon take over her duties.
Gu Nanzhou overheard her excitement about leaving and, after confirming the details, coldly instructed her to prepare a thorough handover, clearly upset by the news. Later, after her editor criticized her comic’s male lead for lacking distinct characteristics, Zhou Jianqing found her inspiration: she would base the character on Gu Nanzhou.
Episode 9 Recap
Following through on her idea to base her manga character on Gu Nanzhou, Zhou Jianqing provides detailed instructions to her colleagues on how to subtly annoy their boss, such as giving him iced water without a coaster or leaving a slight gap in the curtains. Amused, they decide to create a "Let's Mock the Boss" group chat. Soon after, Jiang Jingxuan finds Zhou Jianqing drawing a caricature named "Dugu Nanzhou," clearly modeled after Gu Nanzhou.
After a brief jest, Jiang Jingxuan advises Zhou Jianqing about a secluded spot on the third floor where she can draw undisturbed, leaving Zhou Jianqing to marvel at Jiang Jingxuan's unpredictable personality, which fluctuates between being a "hypocrite" and a "kind-hearted girl." Meanwhile, Su Youxia finds Zhou Zixuan working as a chef at a restaurant. He is dealing with a difficult customer aggressively complaining about the Japanese fried chicken and the thinly sliced Spanish ham.
Su Youxia intervenes, offering to pay for the meal, but Zhou Zixuan insists on handling it himself by remaking the dish. Later, he explains to Su Youxia that despite his UK hotel management degree, he enjoys cooking and it pays well. His true motivation is to quickly repay Gu Nanzhou to prevent Zhou Jianqing from being "forced to sell herself."
He dreams of saving enough to reopen his father's stores, ensuring he can provide strong family support for his sister so she won't have to suffer any grievances from Gu Nanzhou. With a 2:00 PM meeting with Yingqi looming and his car at the service center, Gu Nanzhou panics. Zhou Jianqing suggests the bus rapid transit, but Gu Nanzhou reveals his fear of crowded places. Unfazed, she buys him headphones and sunglasses and pulls him onto the bus.
On the crowded bus, passengers notice Gu Nanzhou's disorientation and express pity for the handsome but seemingly disabled man. Seizing the opportunity, Zhou Jianqing spins a tale of being a devoted sister working three jobs to support her mentally impaired brother, successfully eliciting sympathy and a seat from fellow passengers. While on the bus, she realizes in a panic that she has brought the wrong USB drive and desperately calls for help. They arrive just in time for the meeting.
As Gu Nanzhou begins his presentation on "Lake Xingling," he calls for the USB to show a teaser, only for his own caricature, "Dugu Nanzhou," to appear on screen. Thinking fast, Zhou Jianqing claims the drawing is a "negative example" to show their animators what to avoid, emphasizing their commitment to artistic integrity. The client, Mr. He, is impressed. Building on this, she fabricates an elaborate love story, claiming "Lake Xingling" is inspired by her and Gu Nanzhou's "real experience."
She describes them as childhood acquaintances who recently reconnected and had a "flash marriage," embellishing the tale with a romantic anecdote about watching fireworks, a moment she connects to the animation's core themes. The clients are deeply moved, and even Gu Nanzhou is almost convinced by her performance. After the meeting, Gu Nanzhou, pleased with securing the investment, tells Zhou Jianqing she has made a "great contribution" but denies her request for a bonus, listing her recent mistakes.
He speculates her erratic behavior is due to her impending departure. Just then, a fully recovered Jiang Xiaochuan returns. Gu Nanzhou pulls him aside, confiding that Zhou Jianqing seems to have "become deeply engrossed" in their fake relationship and developed feelings for him, cautioning Jiang Xiaochuan to be gentle during the work handover. Zhou Jianqing's colleagues bid her a fond farewell. Gu Nanzhou observes her lack of sadness and dismisses it as her "pretending to be happy."
Later, Zhou Jianqing's editor calls to praise the popularity of her "heartless boss" character. As she happily scrolls through positive comments, Gu Nanzhou sees one identifying him as the character's inspiration. He snatches her phone and joins the "Let's Mock the Boss" group chat. After a tense argument over their contract, he successfully enters the group, causing panic.
The colleagues' awkward attempts to placate him are interrupted when one, Yuanyuan, questions why the boss was with Zhou Jianqing at midnight to see her phone. To end the confusion, Gu Nanzhou posts a video from the awards ceremony in the chat, revealing to everyone that Zhou Jianqing is his fiancée. That night, Zhou Jianqing orders a large takeout meal to fuel her overtime work. The next morning, a haggard Zhang Yin arrives with proofread manuscripts and breakfast.
Suddenly, Zhou Jianqing realizes she accidentally threw Gu Nanzhou's Rubik's Cube in the trash, which has since been collected. Enraged that she touched his belongings against his explicit warnings, Gu Nanzhou grabs her arm and furiously demands she move out. Zhang Yin immediately steps in to intervene.
Episode 10 Recap
Gu Nanzhou was furious with Zhou Jianqing, who admitted she had accidentally thrown his Rubik's Cube into the trash. She apologized profusely and offered to compensate him, but he questioned if she could afford it, emphasizing how many times he had told her not to touch his belongings and threatening to make her move out. Zhang Yin quickly intervened, pulling Zhou Jianqing away and questioning Gu Nanzhou's harsh treatment of his fiancée.
Gu Nanzhou retorted that their relationship was none of Zhang Yin's business and ordered him to leave his house. As Zhang Yin tried to lead Zhou Jianqing away, she insisted it was a misunderstanding. Jiang Xiaochuan then arrived and, upon learning the cause of the argument, revealed the Rubik's Cube was an irreplaceable memento from Gu Nanzhou’s late brother, who passed away over a decade ago, making it deeply significant to him.
Zhang Yin, concerned, asked if Gu Nanzhou always treated her so harshly. Zhou Jianqing denied it, but Zhang Yin, unconvinced, stated he saw how scared she was and urged her to leave Gu Nanzhou. To free herself up to search for the lost cube, Zhou Jianqing then asked Zhang Yin to go to the office in her stead to convey their amendment plan to their boss, promising to treat him to a meal later.
Zhou Jianqing went to the community trash collection area to search for the Rubik's Cube. Later, she met Zhang Yin, who informed her that the boss was very pleased with her revised comic proposal and that she could proceed with her own creative amendments. Zhang Yin noticed her dirty shoes and realized she had been rummaging through the trash, expressing his disapproval of Gu Nanzhou for letting her go to such lengths.
Shortly after, their boss called, requesting another update for the comic that week to secure a recommendation slot. Despite their fatigue, Zhang Yin immediately offered to stay up with her to help finish the work. Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou successfully finalized a significant deal with Bule Ray, a landmark achievement for local animation. He then canceled his afternoon meetings to go home. He called property management, who informed him that a young woman had already found the Rubik's Cube that morning.
Upon returning home, Gu Nanzhou found the cube on his table, accompanied by a note from Zhou Jianqing apologizing for not realizing its profound importance to him. Later that evening, Zhou Jianqing and Zhang Yin were busy working on their drafts in the library. Gu Nanzhou, home alone, anxiously tried to reach Zhou Jianqing by phone, wondering if she was still upset with him.
Zhou Jianqing eventually dozed off at her desk, and Zhang Yin gently covered her with his jacket, silently wishing for her to leave Gu Nanzhou, convinced he could treat her better. The next morning, Jiang Xiaochuan excitedly asked Gu Nanzhou about a photo Zhou Jianqing had posted of them watching the sunrise together. Gu Nanzhou checked her social media and saw the man in the picture was Zhang Yin.
Annoyed, he immediately instructed everyone at Xingyun not to mention Zhou Jianqing’s name anymore. His colleagues were surprised and noted that their relationship seemed unusually distant for an engaged couple. Having received her salary, Zhou Jianqing offered to treat Zhang Yin to a lavish breakfast. He declined, advising her to save the money to have a financial cushion should she decide to leave Gu Nanzhou. Later, Zhou Jianqing returned money to Gu Nanzhou, adding an extra 500 RMB.
He misinterpreted this as her being eager to repay her debt and leave, sarcastically calculating that it would still take her 75. 8 years to clear her debt. Separately, Su Youxia arrived at Zhou Zixuan’s workplace with food. When a stack of items nearly fell on her, Zhou Zixuan swiftly protected her, triggering a memory for Su Youxia of him protecting her from bullies in high school. Zhou Jianqing called Su Youxia, inviting her and Zhang Yin for dinner.
Su Youxia sounded disheartened, confessing she had fallen for a man but believed he did not reciprocate her feelings. Zhou Jianqing encouraged her to bravely pursue him. Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou sent messages to Zhou Jianqing, wondering why she hadn't returned home. He began to suspect she was avoiding him because she had developed feelings for him and contemplated canceling their agreement to try a real relationship. However, Zhou Jianqing suddenly appeared, having been home all along.
She hadn't seen his messages. Gu Nanzhou, trying to explain his earlier harshness, directly told her he knew she liked him. Zhou Jianqing was baffled, flatly denying it. She clarified that her "stolen glances" were to signal colleagues and peeling prawns was an old occupational habit. She stated that a relationship between them was impossible. Embarrassed, Gu Nanzhou rushed into his bedroom to delete the incriminating messages from his phone. Zhou Jianqing burst in, and they struggled over the phone.
During the tussle, Gu Nanzhou abruptly turned, bringing their faces incredibly close. Zhou Jianqing finally wrested the phone from him and confronted him about the deleted message. Gu Nanzhou vaguely claimed he had accidentally sent a "trade secret." Zhou Jianqing scoffed, pointing out that Xingyun's collaboration details were widely known. She then teased him, suggesting he had been watching "prohibited stuff" and accidentally sent it to her.
As Gu Nanzhou blushed and denied her accusations, Zhou Jianqing mocked his "collapsed" image but professionally assured him she would keep his "secret" for a price. Frustrated, Gu Nanzhou then attempted to restrain her by tying her up.
Episode 11 Recap
Preoccupied with thoughts of his kiss with Zhou Jianqing, Gu Nanzhou worried that she might retaliate by using his toothbrush to scrub the toilet, prompting him to hide it. The following morning, an awkward tension lingered between them. Zhou Jianqing excitedly announced that her submission to the Youxun comic competition had been nominated as an "Excellent Work" and would be published online, with a chance to enter the play-offs if her popularity ranked in the top 50.
When she grabbed his arm in excitement, Gu Nanzhou coldly pulled away, telling her to maintain social distance to avoid misunderstandings. Zhou Jianqing, infuriated by his hypocrisy, questioned if he liked her, given how often he touched her. Gu Nanzhou vehemently denied it and reiterated his demand for distance, leading her to call him crazy. Later, while Gu Nanzhou discussed working with an international special effects company, Bule Ray, Zhang Yin found Zhou Jianqing lamenting her financial situation.
Seeing her ledger, he expressed concern that she was paying off a massive debt on her own despite being married to Gu Nanzhou, questioning the point of their marriage if he couldn't support her. Zhou Jianqing defended her financial independence, claiming that love is sometimes illogical.
Shortly after, Gu Nanzhou found Zhou Jianqing eating snail rice noodles in her room and became infuriated, confiscating the food and scolding her for wearing short shorts, which he deemed improper and a detriment to the house's style. Unable to eat at home, Zhou Jianqing went to Su Youxia's apartment to enjoy her noodles and vent about Gu Nanzhou's controlling behavior.
Meanwhile, Su Youxia confided that her mother was pressuring her with blind dates, though she denied Zhou Jianqing's suggestion that she already had someone she liked. Unbeknownst to them, Gu Nanzhou was looking at Zhou Jianqing's social media, where he saw a list of her ideal traits in a man—"positive, humorous, straightforward, and warm"—and realized he possessed none of them.
His foul mood led him to snap at Jiang Xiaochuan, who had casually suggested a woman was interested in Gu Nanzhou. Another day, as Zhou Jianqing walked with Zhang Yin, Gu Nanzhou pulled up and ordered her into his car, claiming he needed someone to carry his bags at the supermarket. Zhang Yin objected, but Gu Nanzhou dismissed him, asserting that his relationship with Zhou Jianqing was none of Zhang Yin’s business.
In the car, Gu Nanzhou asked if Zhang Yin was interested in her. She clarified that Zhang Yin was her assistant and only glared at Gu Nanzhou because he mistakenly believed Gu Nanzhou was abusing her, adding that he currently resembled a "gentle-looking psycho." Throughout their shopping trip, Zhou Jianqing repeatedly referred to Gu Nanzhou as "Party A" (the client), explaining it was her professional mindset as a "Party B" (the service provider) to always treat the client well.
Her constant use of the term frustrated Gu Nanzhou. When he bought a large cart of snacks, she thanked "Daddy Party A" with exaggerated gratitude, which only irritated him further. That evening, Zhou Jianqing cooked dinner with the groceries. Touched by the warm atmosphere, Gu Nanzhou questioned whether her kindness was a professional act or something more. Zhou Jianqing firmly guaranteed she had no intentions beyond their "Party A/Party B" relationship.
Gu Nanzhou then cornered her, asking if she felt nothing for him, reminding her that they were a single man and woman living together. She staunchly rejected any romantic possibility. When she turned the question on him, he immediately denied having feelings for her and launched into a tirade about her flaws: she was not gentle or elegant, lacked taste, had bad habits, and there was a generation gap between them.
Infuriated, Zhou Jianqing told him not to eat the food she cooked, but he defiantly continued eating. Later, Gu Nanzhou's phone rang unanswered. Zhou Jianqing picked it up to find Jiang Xiaochuan on the line, who urgently asked her to check the blue pill box by Gu Nanzhou's bed. Finding it empty, Zhou Jianqing grew concerned. Jiang Xiaochuan revealed that Gu Nanzhou had previously overdosed on the medication and nearly died, requiring an emergency stomach pump.
Fearing the worst, Zhou Jianqing burst into the bathroom and found Gu Nanzhou bathing, holding his breath underwater. He chided her for barging in, but she explained her fear over the empty pill box. He dismissed her concerns and told her to leave. She called Jiang Xiaochuan back, explaining the situation and expressing doubt about Gu Nanzhou's mental stability.
Jiang Xiaochuan confessed that Gu Nanzhou was under immense stress, likely stemming from his brother's death, and had refused all attempts to see a psychologist. He pleaded with Zhou Jianqing to try, admitting he was at his wit's end. Afterward, Jiang Xiaochuan asked for and received a ride from Zhou Jianqing. The next day, Zhou Jianqing drove Gu Nanzhou to a psychology clinic, but he adamantly refused to get out of the car.
To force him, she staged a dramatic public scene, shouting false accusations that he had been hitting her since she was eighteen, had gotten her pregnant, and suffered from psychological issues, which quickly drew a crowd. The commotion caused Gu Nanzhou to have a panic attack, but Zhou Jianqing gently helped him regain focus before leading him inside.
The psychologist later told Gu Nanzhou that Zhou Jianqing had cried on the phone, expressing deep concern for him, and noted how lucky he was to have someone who cared so much. During a guided visualization session, Gu Nanzhou recalled a traumatic childhood memory involving his brother and a dropped Rubik's cube in a crowd. He became increasingly agitated, and sensing his distress from outside, Zhou Jianqing rushed in. In his disoriented state, Gu Nanzhou instinctively pulled her into a tight embrace, finding a moment of comfort as he held her close.
Episode 12 Recap
On their way home, Zhou Jianqing asked Gu Nanzhou why his attitude towards her had been so poor lately, listing several humorous possibilities, such as spilling water on his book, washing his pants with his bedsheets, or seeing him in the bathroom. Gu Nanzhou remained silent. Meanwhile, at Xingyun, Mr. He from Yingqi proposed product placement in the "Lake Xingling" animation.
Gu Nanzhou firmly rejected the idea for the main fantasy portion of the series, explaining that once the characters entered Lake Xingling, he wanted to minimize realism and prohibit any advertising. He would only allow limited placement in the real-life segments, which constituted just ten percent of the runtime.
Despite Mr. He warning that Yingqi could contractually withdraw their investment if Xingyun didn't cooperate, Gu Nanzhou stood firm, stating that "Lake Xingling" was a project he had envisioned for over a decade and its structure was unchangeable. Soon after, Yingqi officially pulled their funding, citing the investment as too risky. This created a significant cash flow problem for Xingyun, as they were due to make a payment to Bule Ray.
Jiang Jingxuan suspected Lu Ziming's involvement, noting his close friendship with Mr. He. She believed it was Lu Ziming's scheme to first have Xingyun sign with Bule Ray, then orchestrate Yingqi's withdrawal to financially cripple them. Jiang Jingxuan also commented that Zhou Jianqing's well-intentioned efforts to secure Yingqi's investment had inadvertently led Xingyun into serious trouble.
Gu Nanzhou immediately corrected her, stating that the decision to collaborate with Yingqi was entirely his own and had nothing to do with Zhou Jianqing. He then instructed Jiang Jingxuan to negotiate with Bule Ray, and she successfully delayed the initial payment for a week, but the company still faced a severe cash shortage. Gu Nanzhou assured her he would find a solution.
Su Youxia continued her search for an internship, feeling lost as her friends seemed to have clear career paths while she lacked direction. Her mother encouraged her to expand her social circle and consider working at their family business, which Su Youxia refused. Her mother then arranged for her to have lunch with the son of Antai's Uncle Liu. The meal was at the restaurant where Zhou Zixuan worked as a chef.
Feeling awkward, Su Youxia excused herself and privately explained to Zhou Zixuan that her parents had chosen the restaurant. Unfazed, Zhou Zixuan jokingly said he would be delighted if she visited more often, as it would boost the chefs' bonuses. Later, to cover for her, Zhou Zixuan told the others that Su Youxia was a VIP of the restaurant whom he regularly served.
Distracted throughout the meal, Su Youxia declined her date's invitation to a bar and returned to the restaurant to find Zhou Zixuan. Zhou Jianqing received an urgent call from her editor, Yan, with exciting news: a major company was interested in animating her comic, "Romantic Starry Sky". Overjoyed, she rushed to the meeting at Yingqi Investment. There, she overheard a conversation between Mr. He and Lu Ziming.
Mr. He criticized Gu Nanzhou as willful and arrogant, thanking Lu Ziming for the advice to withdraw Yingqi's investment and avoid a financial "trap." Lu Ziming agreed, calling Gu Nanzhou inexperienced for seeking top overseas special effects teams. They concluded that someone like Lu Ziming should lead the Gu Group, with Mr. He lamenting how Gu Nanzhou was handling the legacy he and a man named Licheng had built.
Zhou Jianqing interrupted them, bravely asserting that "Lake Xingling" was one of the best works in recent years and worth every penny Gu Nanzhou was investing. When Mr. He asked if she thought Yingqi's withdrawal was a "grave mistake," she affirmed it was. She argued that Gu Nanzhou understood the project's true value, while they only saw risks, mistaking dedication for recklessness. She declared that a profit-driven businessman could never be a true artist.
Lu Ziming dismissed her as naive and "brainwashed." Zhou Jianqing retorted that while she might not know Gu Nanzhou well, she knew "Lake Xingling" thoroughly, and if they were destroying his passion project over personal grudges, they were the foolish ones. Lu Ziming cruelly revealed that Gu Nanzhou's "obsession" was a lifetime of disregarding others, and urged her to ask Gu Nanzhou how his brother was "trampled to death" fifteen years ago.
Mr. He ended the discussion, telling Zhou Jianqing she did not meet their standards for collaboration. As Zhou Jianqing departed, she researched the incident and discovered that today was November 22nd, the anniversary of the Chunyu Square stampede and of Gu Nanzhou's brother's death. Returning home, Zhou Jianqing couldn't find Gu Nanzhou. Jiang Xiaochuan called, worried because Gu Nanzhou had missed a meeting, his pill box was empty, and he wasn't answering his phone.
Xiaochuan added that Lu Ziming had been spreading rumors about Xingyun's financial instability, sabotaging their efforts to find new investors. Worried, Zhou Jianqing eventually found Gu Nanzhou on the rooftop. To lift his spirits, she began eating crayfish and invited him to join. When Gu Nanzhou struggled to peel one, she patiently taught him. After successfully peeling a crayfish, he surprised Zhou Jianqing by feeding it to her.
When Zhou Jianqing tried to leave, she found the rooftop door locked, realizing she'd forgotten her key and her phone was dead. Gu Nanzhou feigned the same predicament. He then encouraged her to stargaze, sharing facts his intelligent older brother had taught him about the constellations. He mused that if his brother were still alive, his father wouldn't be so disappointed in him. Soon, Zhou Jianqing grew drowsy, and Gu Nanzhou offered her his jacket.
As she put it on, she discovered the large rooftop key in his pocket. Seeing through his lie, she unlocked the door and rushed back inside, leaving a flustered Gu Nanzhou on the roof. Later, Zhou Jianqing sent Gu Nanzhou lavender-scented flower tea to help him sleep, including a message apologizing for his anger and calling him a "great Party A." The next morning, Gu Nanzhou emerged from his room shirtless and called her to breakfast. As he approached, seemingly to tease her, Zhou Jianqing's breathing grew tense.
Episode 13 Recap
After finding herself increasingly flustered by her attraction to her handsome housemate Gu Nanzhou, Zhou Jianqing's resolve was tested when he cornered her in the kitchen one morning. Shirtless after a shower, he leaned past her just to get a glass of water, making her extremely nervous. She warned him to behave before telling him to get dressed for breakfast.
Later, Zhou Jianqing's boss confronted her, furious that she had argued with Mr. He from Yingqi, their most crucial partner, causing a nearly-completed project to fall through. Zhou Jianqing tried to explain that she was merely reasoning with Mr. He, but her boss cut her off, calling her brainless and firing her on the spot. He ordered her to hand over her work to Zhang Yin.
Incensed that her boss, who once praised her as a "talent," would now discard her, Zhou Jianqing quit. When Zhang Yin arrived, he firmly refused the boss's order to replace her, stating he only worked with Zhou Jianqing and retorting that the boss was the one with no brains for letting her go. As they left, Zhou Jianqing felt guilty that Zhang Yin had impulsively quit with her and lamented losing a job she liked.
Zhang Yin reassured her, saying he had his own reasons for leaving and encouraged her to focus on a platform competition with a prize of hundreds of thousands. Her spirits lifted, Zhou Jianqing asked Zhang Yin to continue as her assistant, offering to split the prize money equally. He jokingly agreed, and she declared that they had no turning back—they had to win. Jiang Xiaochuan later informed Gu Nanzhou that Zhou Jianqing had been fired after arguing with Mr. He.
She had overheard their business partner, Lu Ziming, advising Mr. He to withdraw investment from Gu Nanzhou's company, Xingyun. She vehemently confronted them, especially after Lu Ziming mentioned Gu Nanzhou's late brother. Feeling responsible for her job loss, Gu Nanzhou checked the competition's webpage and noticed unusual backend data for her main competitor, suspecting cheating. Meanwhile, Su Youxia found Zhou Zixuan at his restaurant, trying to tell him something important but unable to find the words.
She waited until late at night for him to finish work. When he did, she explained that she felt lost, as her mother constantly arranged social engagements for her. Zhou Zixuan coolly advised her to follow the path her parents set and not waste time on him before putting her in a taxi, leaving her deeply hurt. Zhou Jianqing saw her opponent's vote count skyrocketing suspiciously and felt helpless.
Gu Nanzhou had already contacted Mr. Han, the platform's organizer, to report the anomaly. He suggested an immediate switch to a real-name voting system and a vote recount to ensure fairness. The next day, the vote counts were adjusted. A former colleague called to tell Zhou Jianqing that Gu Nanzhou had intervened, that everyone knew he was "protecting her," and that the entire company was now voting for her. Zhou Jianqing found Gu Nanzhou exercising and sincerely thanked him.
He downplayed it, saying cheating was unfair and her win would be an honor for Xingyun. He then mentioned hearing she had lost her job defending him. She cheerfully dismissed it, claiming she had wanted to quit anyway and that being fired gave her time to perfect her entry. Gu Nanzhou praised her work as one of the best in the competition, saying it would be a pity for it to be affected by fraud.
Pleased by his praise, she called him a righteous and loyal friend, but his expression soured at the word "friend." She quickly backtracked, jokingly calling him "Party A" before insisting they remain friends. Zhou Zixuan was promoted to sous-chef. During work, he overheard a customer—Su Youxia's blind date—on the phone with his girlfriend, callously remarking that a girl like Su Youxia was only to be "played with." Enraged, Zhou Zixuan punched the man, calling him scum.
When his manager demanded he apologize, he refused and quit on the spot. He later messaged Su Youxia, warning her that the man her parents introduced was not a decent person. Gu Nanzhou's mother arrived at his house, questioning him about selling off his assets. He deflected and left for a meeting. His mother then learned from Jiang Jingxuan that Yingqi's unexpected withdrawal of investment had put Gu Nanzhou in a difficult financial situation.
Shortly after, she found Zhou Jianqing celebrating her entry into the competition's top 50. The mother brought her fruit and kindly told her to report it if the quiet, unsociable Gu Nanzhou ever upset her. When Gu Nanzhou returned, his mother teased him about his grim face and announced she was staying the night. She then insisted that he and Zhou Jianqing share a room, personally ensuring the door was locked behind them.
Knowing his mother was being deliberate, Gu Nanzhou resigned himself to the situation and offered the bed to a puzzled Zhou Jianqing. Unable to sleep on the floor, Gu Nanzhou was left speechless when Zhou Jianqing offered to trade places for 500 RMB.
When he asked if she was nervous sharing a room with a man, she casually said she was used to it from sharing rooms, and even beds, with Zhang Yin and other colleagues while rushing to meet deadlines. Annoyed, Gu Nanzhou watched her sleep, thinking she looked cute when quiet. He gently pulled the covers over her, but she instinctively kicked him hard in her sleep. Startled awake, Zhou Jianqing apologized profusely and tried to help him up, but in the process, they both tumbled onto the bed.
Episode 14 Recap
Following their tumble, Zhou Jianqing found herself awkwardly on top of Gu Nanzhou. After a tense, locked gaze, she quickly scrambled up, insisting he take the bed while she slept on the floor. Gu Nanzhou, however, calmly shifted to the far side of the bed, pointing out it was large enough to accommodate them both. Reluctantly, Zhou Jianqing lay down on the opposite edge.
The next morning, Gu Nanzhou's mother cheerfully woke them, having prepared a special "nutritious" egg-water drink for breakfast. Seeing their shared reluctance, Gu Nanzhou fabricated an early meeting with an investment company and made a swift escape, leaving Zhou Jianqing to face his mother alone. Convinced Zhou Jianqing was physically weak, Gu Mother added more supplements to the drink, including red dates, snow ginseng, and Gastrodia Rhizoma, much to Zhou Jianqing's silent dismay.
Later, as Zhou Jianqing rushed to meet a deadline, Gu Mother brought her fruit and sat beside her, making her uncomfortable. Zhou Jianqing finally relented and agreed to a shopping trip. During their outing, Gu Mother held her hand and spoke openly of her desire for a grandchild. Embarrassed, Zhou Jianqing quickly diverted them to a supermarket to buy dinner ingredients.
There, Gu Mother stressed the importance of seafood like sea cucumber and cuttlefish for women trying to conceive, citing their nutritional benefits. Zhou Jianqing tried to escape by pretending to look for laundry detergent. At the checkout, Gu Mother made an excuse to look at a cup she had seen earlier, leaving Zhou Jianqing with Gu Nanzhou's supplementary card and the PIN.
Flustered, Zhou Jianqing called Gu Nanzhou, urgently demanding the password and warning him that their fake marriage was about to be exposed. Gu Nanzhou texted her the PIN, playfully adding that an "extra service fee" would apply for the chore of shopping with his mother. Meanwhile, Zhou Zixuan drank alone, troubled by memories of Su Youxia. A flashback showed Zhou Jianqing introducing her new classmate, Su Youxia, to him.
Zhou Jianqing playfully warned Su Youxia to stay away from her "demon" brother, while Zhou Zixuan asserted his role and told Su Youxia to call him "Xuan Ge." Back in the present, Gu Nanzhou began cutting costs, instructing Jiang Xiaochuan to return a new designer suit and to find more cost-effective options in the future. Jiang Xiaochuan joked that Gu Nanzhou's taste was becoming more like Zhou Jianqing's, noting their increasing resemblance.
That evening, after dinner, Zhou Jianqing’s offer to help clean up was refused by Gu Mother, who instead ushered her to the sofa to watch TV with Gu Nanzhou. Zhou Jianqing used this to negotiate with Gu Nanzhou: if he kept his mother occupied so she could work, she would consider her "service fee" paid. She then retreated to her room. Worried, Gu Mother asked Gu Nanzhou if his company was in financial trouble.
When he denied it, she threatened to go chat with Zhou Jianqing instead, forcing him to agree to watch TV with her. Gu Mother deliberately tuned into a dating show, "Heart Signal," urging him to learn from the romantic confessions of the male guests. Returning to their room, Gu Nanzhou found Zhou Jianqing fast asleep over her laptop. She was sprawled across the bed, forcing him into a small corner.
Throughout the night, she unconsciously wrapped her arm and leg around him before finally kicking him completely out of the bed. The next morning, Zhou Jianqing woke to find Gu Nanzhou asleep on the floor and guiltily asked if her restless sleeping was to blame. He dryly replied, "I'm glad you know." Later, while Zhou Jianqing and Zhang Yin were working in a café, Zhou Jianqing discovered she had made it into the top ten of the Youxun Comic Competition.
Overjoyed, she celebrated with Zhang Yin. Gu Nanzhou called to congratulate her, but when he heard she was celebrating with a friend, she abruptly hung up, leaving him frustrated at being excluded despite his help. Soon after, she received a call from her senior, who had been cheated on again and needed her to pose as his girlfriend. In exchange for her help, he offered to tutor her for her graduation project, and she readily agreed.
Gu Nanzhou overheard and offered to accompany her, but she refused, not wanting to create a "soap-opera love triangle," and left him to eat alone. Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou wished Jiang Jingxuan a happy birthday, presenting her with a bracelet. Touched, she assumed he had chosen it after seeing her social media posts. Gu Nanzhou clarified that Jiang Xiaochuan had actually selected it but was glad she liked it.
Jiang Jingxuan then asked him to help her put on the bracelet and invited him to dinner to discuss investment opportunities, adding she had no one else to celebrate with. Gu Nanzhou agreed. That evening at the restaurant, Jiang Jingxuan chose the "couple's set meal" while Gu Nanzhou was distracted by his phone. She took a photo framing her new bracelet next to him.
When the waiter offered to remove the extra set of utensils, Gu Nanzhou stopped him, explaining that Jiang Xiaochuan was on his way with a birthday cake. At the same restaurant, Zhou Jianqing arrived with her senior. Upon spotting his ex-girlfriend, the senior suggested they leave, but Zhou Jianqing insisted on staying as part of her "plan." Seeing Zhou Jianqing and Gu Nanzhou at the next table, she quickly hid her face behind a menu.
Her senior began to act affectionately, provoking his ex-girlfriend into a confrontation. Across the room, Gu Nanzhou was also hiding his face with a menu after spotting Zhou Jianqing. Jiang Jingxuan, wanting to make a scene, told him to lower it so they could "show off their love." Just then, Jiang Xiaochuan arrived with the cake and froze, surprised to see the unfolding drama with Zhou Jianqing at its center.
Episode 15 Recap
While privately admiring Gu Nanzhou for his disciplined life, conscientious work, and handsome appearance, Zhou Jianqing is startled when he suddenly appears at the restaurant. Jiang Xiaochuan, who is delivering a cake, spots her and calls out in surprise. Gu Nanzhou strides over, shoves Zhou Jianqing's senior aside, and demands she explain their relationship. Zhou Jianqing hesitantly identifies the man first as her friend, then her landlord.
Annoyed, Gu Nanzhou declares that she is his fiancée and pulls her out of the restaurant, leaving the onlookers stunned. Outside, a heated argument erupts. Zhou Jianqing explains she was only pretending to be her senior's girlfriend to help him deal with his cheating ex-girlfriend and criticizes Gu Nanzhou for his public outburst. Gu Nanzhou counters that as his nominal fiancée, her actions reflect poorly on him.
Zhou Jianqing retorts, asking if he considered how it looked for her when he was seen with Jiang Jingxuan. The argument escalates, with Gu Nanzhou differentiating Jiang Jingxuan as a business partner from Zhou Jianqing, who was merely an "agreement fiancée" indebted to him for two million RMB. He tells her not to do such "classless" things again.
Heartbroken, Zhou Jianqing tearfully replies that unlike him, she doesn't have the luxury of choice; she has to earn a living and pay her debts. Admitting she feels "cheap," she runs off, leaving Gu Nanzhou stunned. Zhang Yin, passing by, happens to overhear the truth about their arrangement and Zhou Jianqing's debt. Seeing her distress, he offers to treat her to crayfish to cheer her up. Later, Gu Nanzhou drives Jiang Jingxuan home.
She apologizes for his ruined birthday and suggests that while Zhou Jianqing is young and playful, he should have chosen a more reliable person for a pretend fiancée, even offering her own help. Gu Nanzhou firmly rebuffs her, stating that she should only manage Xingyun's affairs and that he will handle his personal matters. Upon returning home, Gu Nanzhou is confronted by his mother, who is still awake.
She shows him photos and demands to know why Zhou Jianqing is working numerous part-time jobs—from a comic company and food delivery to dog-walking and tutoring—all to repay her debt to him. When his mother questions their "agreement engagement," Gu Nanzhou quickly insists it's not because of his father's will, but because he is genuinely in love with her.
Amused by this "lame trick" to win a girl over, his mother enthusiastically offers him dating advice, urging him to be more strategic and subtle. When Zhou Jianqing returns, Gu Nanzhou's mother is waiting up. Hearing about Zhou Jianqing's comic nomination, she suggests a celebration but senses the tension between the two. She correctly guesses they quarreled, though Zhou Jianqing denies it. When asked what she thinks of Gu Nanzhou, Zhou Jianqing simply says he is handsome and kind-hearted.
This prompts his mother to list his virtues: hardworking, smart, calm, decisive, and unwavering. She shares endearing childhood stories, like him making a card for her on his first day of kindergarten and shielding stray cats from the rain. Embarrassed, Gu Nanzhou eventually intervenes and sends his mother to bed. After saying goodnight, Zhou Jianqing returns to their room and pointedly turns her back on Gu Nanzhou, telling him to stop talking when he tries to explain.
Frustrated, Gu Nanzhou goes to the living room for a drink, where his mother finds him. She teases him about being "kicked out" and notes it's the first time she's ever seen him yield to someone. Encouraging him, she says he has changed for the better with Zhou Jianqing and advises him to express his feelings openly to "make her my daughter-in-law." Later, a restless Zhou Jianqing finds Gu Nanzhou sitting lost in thought.
She awkwardly tells him that if he apologizes properly, she will forgive him. Gu Nanzhou immediately stands, sincerely apologizes, and promises to buy her a month's worth of snacks as compensation. He asks her not to pretend to be someone else's girlfriend again, explaining he's not concerned about his reputation but her safety. Zhou Jianqing agrees. Meanwhile, Su Youxia is on a blind date with a man who praises her as sensible and ideal for marriage.
Their dinner is interrupted by Zhou Zixuan's arrival, which spooks the date. Zhou Zixuan confronts the man, calling him a "womanizer." The man retaliates by insulting Su Youxia, implying she isn't as innocent as she appears. As Zhou Zixuan is about to get violent, Su Youxia intervenes, only to slap the man herself when he derisively calls Zhou Zixuan a "phoenix man" (a man marrying into wealth).
Zhou Zixuan then threatens the man with a stack of incriminating photos before pulling Su Youxia away. Frustrated, Su Youxia laments that no one ever asks what she truly wants. To help her clear her head, Zhou Zixuan takes her out. As they spend time together, Su Youxia reminisces about the day eighteen-year-old Zhou Zixuan received his acceptance letter to study abroad.
She, Zhou Zixuan, and Zhou Jianqing had spent the afternoon playing together and took a group photo, the only picture of him she has secretly kept. She recalls wanting to confess her feelings that day but couldn't, crying all night after he left. Now, she hands Zhou Zixuan a diary containing all her unspoken feelings from over the years. As he reads the confessions, Su Youxia finally voices her long-held love for him.
However, haunted by the blind date's taunt that he is only after her family's money, Zhou Zixuan feels he has nothing to offer her. Despite admitting he loves her too but feels he shouldn't, he gently rejects her, returning the diary and telling her to keep it for someone who can truly make her happy. The next morning, Zhou Jianqing finds breakfast and a note from Gu Nanzhou's mother, who has already left.
The note encourages Zhou Jianqing to discover more of Gu Nanzhou's good qualities, confident she will fall deeper in love. Shortly after, a parcel arrives with a notification that her manga has been nominated for the finals. Overjoyed, she spontaneously throws her arms around Gu Nanzhou in a tight embrace.
Episode 16 Recap
Zhou Jianqing erupted with joy upon learning she had made it into the semi-finals, excitedly leaping into Gu Nanzhou's arms. Suppressing a smile, Gu Nanzhou watched as she quickly realized her spontaneous action and jumped down. She then eagerly invited him to attend her finalist speech on Friday, an invitation he readily accepted despite his busy schedule. Meanwhile, Jiang Jingxuan instructed an associate to investigate Zhou Jianqing and manipulate her standing in the comic competition.
Separately, Ms. Zhang, Zhou Jianqing's teacher, expressed concern about Zhang Yin, a talented oil painting student. She told Zhou Jianqing that Zhang Yin, whose skill was top-notch, was considering giving up a rare competition opportunity—one that could connect him with leading industry artists—for a part-time assistant job. Zhou Jianqing immediately sought out Zhang Yin, pressing him about his decision to withdraw from the oil painting competition, especially since his favorite artists, Mr. Li Ya and Raman Anderson, would be involved.
Zhang Yin confessed he was working as her assistant and had abandoned the competition because he believed they could win a prize of hundreds of thousands of RMB in her comic competition, which he expected to split with her. Exasperated but understanding, Zhou Jianqing "fired" him on the spot, reassuring him that he was still her closest junior. She encouraged him to enter his competition, defeat everyone, and bring glory to her.
Zhang Yin ultimately agreed, and Zhou Jianqing gave him an invitation, urging him to attend her event on Friday. On Friday, Zhang Yin found himself sitting uncomfortably between Su Youxia and Zhou Zixuan, whose tense silence created an awkward atmosphere. Feeling suffocated, Zhang Yin called Zhou Jianqing backstage. During the call, Zhou Jianqing suggested they all celebrate with hot pot afterward, and at Zhang Yin's request, she confirmed with Gu Nanzhou that he would join them.
As Zhou Jianqing was called to the stage, she appeared distracted, and Gu Nanzhou had to gently remind her it was her turn. Moments later, Jiang Xiaochuan called Gu Nanzhou, urging him to check the competition's official social media account. Gu Nanzhou discovered a barrage of comments accusing Zhou Jianqing of plagiarism, claiming the script provided to her was stolen.
Zhou Jianqing ascended the stage nervously, only to be met with a torrent of abuse and objects hurled from the audience. Gu Nanzhou swiftly rushed forward, shielded her, and led her off the stage. Disheveled and upset, Zhou Jianqing collapsed into Gu Nanzhou's arms, weeping. For the rest of the day, she remained hidden in her room. Su Youxia and Zhou Zixuan grew increasingly worried, with Zhou Zixuan nearly kicking the door in.
When Zhou Jianqing finally opened it, she insisted she was fine and busy with her comic, claiming she hadn't heard them knock because she was wearing headphones. Before leaving, Su Youxia and Zhou Zixuan implored Gu Nanzhou to look after her, suggesting he act as a "sandbag" for her to vent her frustration, to which he reluctantly agreed. As they departed, Su Youxia acknowledged that Zhou Jianqing, who tends to suppress her sadness, likely needed time alone.
Zhou Zixuan then asked Su Youxia about her recent absence, but she gave a vague excuse and quickly left. With the television volume turned up high to mask her sobs, Zhou Jianqing continued to cry in her room, while Gu Nanzhou paced anxiously outside. Elsewhere, Jiang Jingxuan observed the outcome of her machinations with satisfaction and growing jealousy. Later, Gu Nanzhou signed an investment agreement with Mr. Sun for the "Lake Xingling" project.
Jiang Jingxuan proposed a celebratory dinner, but Gu Nanzhou received a message from a worried Su Youxia saying Zhou Jianqing was unresponsive. Citing an urgent family matter, he immediately excused himself and rushed home. He later updated Su Youxia that Zhou Jianqing seemed fine, even taking photo retouching orders from the same netizens who had been mocking her online. However, Su Youxia explained that her friend often watches horror movies when sad, using them as a legitimate excuse to cry.
Back home, Gu Nanzhou sat beside Zhou Jianqing, offering to watch the horror movie with her, but he was easily startled by the scary scenes. Amused, Zhou Jianqing changed the channel to a romance film for his sake. Gu Nanzhou gently encouraged her to cry if she needed to. Asking him to cover his ears, Zhou Jianqing confessed her deep regret.
She admitted that when she first saw the script, she noticed the style was different and some parts felt strangely familiar, but she had ignored her instincts due to a tight deadline. She accepted the public outcry as punishment for her oversight, emphasizing that acknowledging mistakes is necessary to move forward. With renewed fire, she declared her determination to make a spectacular comeback, vowing that those who criticized her would one day become her most ardent fans.
Moved, Gu Nanzhou quietly admitted that she was braver than he was. Zhou Jianqing leaned her head on his shoulder, hugging his arm and allowing herself a moment of comfort, promising herself that from tomorrow, she would be a better tenant. The following morning, as Zhou Jianqing and Gu Nanzhou left home together, a person rushed out from a corner and knocked Zhou Jianqing to the ground. Gu Nanzhou immediately stepped in front of her protectively.
Episode 17 Recap
While Gu Nanzhou is recovering from the injuries he sustained protecting Zhou Jianqing, he surprises her by ordering her favorite food. Though he acts aloof and insists she drink milk with her spicy meal, Zhou Jianqing is touched by his hidden thoughtfulness, especially when she notices he added sugar to it.
A doctor confirms Gu Nanzhou has a mild concussion, a slightly dislocated arm, and other minor wounds, advising him to rest for half a month and stick to a plain diet. Despite Gu Nanzhou's assurances that he is fine, Zhou Jianqing remains deeply worried. After the doctor leaves, Zhou Jianqing learns that the assailant was Lady Black Cat's mother, who acted out of a tragic misconception.
The mother believed that online rumors of Zhou Jianqing plagiarizing her daughter's work had caused her daughter's emotional instability, worsening her condition and leading to her recent passing. Despite the danger she faced, Zhou Jianqing pleads with Gu Nanzhou to not press charges against the grieving mother. She acknowledges that Gu Nanzhou's injuries are her fault and promises to repay him for the medical fees, lost work time, and emotional distress.
Just then, Jiang Jingxuan arrives, expressing exaggerated concern for Gu Nanzhou. She takes on the role of hostess, attempting to cut fruit for him, but a territorial Zhou Jianqing insists on doing it herself, leading to a minor scuffle over the fruit knife. Exasperated, Gu Nanzhou declares he no longer wants any fruit. Zhou Jianqing retreats to her room but, realizing her status as his nominal fiancée, decides she shouldn't hide.
However, upon returning, she witnesses Jiang Jingxuan intimately feeding Gu Nanzhou a piece of apple, which fuels her frustration. Jiang Jingxuan then takes her leave, urging Gu Nanzhou to rest well. Later, a call from Zhang Yin reminds Zhou Jianqing of their drawing session, so she invites him over.
Shortly after Jiang Jingxuan departs, Jiang Xiaochuan arrives with crucial information: the scriptwriter for "365 Days of a Terminally Ill Girl" was unnamed, lacked an official contract with DiffuseStar, and was paid via a private account, making it difficult to prove plagiarism. Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou grows irritated by the noise from Zhou Jianqing and Zhang Yin's animated discussion.
He sharply tells them to be quiet, and when Zhou Jianqing suggests they move to the garden, he quickly forbids it, claiming he needs their assistance with water and medicine as an excuse to keep her close. While feigning sleep, Gu Nanzhou is informed by Jiang Xiaochuan that the scriptwriter is refusing to testify. Gu Nanzhou instructs Jiang Xiaochuan to arrange a meeting.
Claiming to be hungry, Gu Nanzhou sends Zhou Jianqing and Zhang Yin out to buy food, seizing the opportunity to meet the scriptwriter. He confronts her about plagiarizing "Go, Black Cat!" , and the distressed writer explains that DiffuseStar had exploited her, forcing her to plagiarize out of desperation to cover rent and medical bills. Gu Nanzhou expresses understanding but firmly states that personal hardships do not excuse harming others, urging her to take responsibility.
Back at the house, Zhou Jianqing and Zhang Yin return to find Gu Nanzhou gone. He calls soon after, promising good news. Zhang Yin then shares his own good news: his competition entry has been nominated. He tells Zhou Jianqing how important she is to him, and as he attempts to confess his feelings, Gu Nanzhou returns. Possessively, Gu Nanzhou warns Zhang Yin to keep his hands off "my fiancée."
Zhang Yin retorts that Gu Nanzhou doesn't understand Zhou Jianqing's needs, treating her as property rather than with care. Zhou Jianqing quickly intervenes, sending Zhang Yin away before apologizing to Gu Nanzhou and promising their secret is safe. Gu Nanzhou asks if she truly hates him, and she earnestly denies it, expressing immense gratitude for his help. Relieved, he adds a new clause to their agreement: she is forbidden from being alone with any man.
Zhou Jianqing protests the harsh rule, but he admits his sole intention is to keep her away from Zhang Yin, then feigns sleep. Later, Zhou Jianqing watches the scriptwriter's public apology, in which she credits "Little Water Celery's friend" for inspiring her to confess. Realizing Gu Nanzhou cleared her name, she brings him fruit and thanks him sincerely, telling him that meeting him was her greatest stroke of luck.
Gu Nanzhou playfully corners her, asking how she will repay him and if she was upset by Jiang Jingxuan's visit. She denies it, and as he leans in, she deftly slips away. The next morning, Gu Nanzhou continues to play up his injury, ordering Zhou Jianqing to massage him and fetch water. Her compliance is interrupted by a call from Zhang Yin to confirm their one o'clock meeting.
Gu Nanzhou's demeanor instantly changes, and he begins to feign severe discomfort, claiming dizziness, hand pain, and a stomach ache. Zhou Jianqing sees through his act and tells him to stop pretending. As Zhang Yin calls back, Zhou Jianqing tells him she might not be able to make it. To seal his performance, Gu Nanzhou dramatically tumbles from the sofa, eliciting a shocked cry from Zhou Jianqing, who rushes to his side.
Episode 18 Recap
Zhou Jianqing observed Gu Nanzhou as he slept, noting how cute he appeared, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor. When Gu Nanzhou stirred and woke up, Zhou Jianqing nervously claimed there was a mosquito on his face before quickly retreating to her room. Later, Zhou Jianqing called Su Youxia, pretending to seek advice for a friend. She described a scenario where a girl had a crush on a boy but couldn't pursue it due to professional ethics.
Su Youxia confided in turn about her own similar situation, having fallen for someone seemingly impossible. Both women soon realized they were discussing their own predicaments. Zhou Jianqing admitted to Su Youxia that she felt her heart race whenever she saw Gu Nanzhou. She then tried to guess who Su Youxia was interested in, listing off potential candidates.
Su Youxia finally revealed she had met the man in her photography class, describing him as a gentle, artistic man who unfortunately didn't reciprocate her feelings. Their conversation was interrupted by Zhou Zixuan's arrival at Su Youxia's door, delivering a basket of fruit at Zhou Jianqing's request to avoid having to cut and peel it for Gu Nanzhou. At the company, Gu Nanzhou was informed that a meeting had been rescheduled and his psychologist wanted to arrange the next session.
Meanwhile, Jiang Jingxuan was pursuing a new project, "Different Worlds," which was nearing the contract signing phase. Gu Nanzhou was hesitant, concerned it would divert resources and affect the progress of "Lake Xingling." Jiang Jingxuan, however, argued that "Different Worlds" was a rare, commercially viable opportunity that could secure more investment for Xingyun, suggesting they slow down "Lake Xingling" instead. When Zhou Jianqing stopped by, Gu Nanzhou asked her to choose between the two projects, ignoring external factors.
Zhou Jianqing advised him to choose the project he truly loved. This prompted Gu Nanzhou to recall a childhood memory of his brother promising to turn the "Lake Xingling" story into an animation. To help Gu Nanzhou make a decision, Zhou Jianqing proposed a "first reaction" game. When asked if he preferred her or Jiang Jingxuan, Gu Nanzhou reflexively blurted out that he preferred Zhou Jianqing.
The moment was awkward, and Gu Nanzhou quickly dismissed his answer as a slip of the tongue, then went on to list her supposed flaws, calling her noisy, clumsy, money-minded, and chubby. Zhou Jianqing was deeply offended. Elsewhere, Zhou Zixuan was worried about finding a job. He received a call from Uncle Li, who informed him that a friend, Mr. Peng, had opened a new restaurant and was looking for a manager.
Uncle Li recommended Zhou Zixuan, citing his experience in hotel management. Zhou Zixuan met with Mr. Peng, presenting a detailed management plan that incorporated current popular trends, which impressed Mr. Peng. Back at Xingyun, Gu Nanzhou announced his decision to proceed with "Lake Xingling" and postpone "Different Worlds." Jiang Jingxuan expressed concern, calling "Lake Xingling" a niche project that could risk Xingyun's stability if it failed. Gu Nanzhou then asked the team to vote, ignoring cost, profit, or risk.
The majority voted for "Lake Xingling," reinforcing Gu Nanzhou's commitment to the project. He stressed that while preference doesn't guarantee success, a team's passion for a story is crucial to creating a good work. After visiting six investment companies, Xingyun finally secured a new round of investment from two large companies for "Lake Xingling."
To celebrate, Gu Nanzhou arranged a company gathering and specifically invited Zhou Jianqing, calling her an "interim assistant" and "mascot," not an outsider, and suggesting the meal was compensation for her help. At the gathering, the team greeted Zhou Jianqing as "lady boss," much to Jiang Jingxuan's annoyance. A subtle rivalry played out as Jiang Jingxuan offered Gu Nanzhou fish. Not to be outdone, Zhou Jianqing offered him chili and ginger.
Jiang Xiaochuan tried to diffuse the tension, but Zhou Jianqing insisted on feeding Gu Nanzhou a piece of ginger, which he reluctantly ate. Jiang Jingxuan then suggested Zhou Jianqing take photos for the Xingyun team, but Gu Nanzhou interjected, stating Zhou Jianqing was part of Xingyun and should be in the photo with them. After dinner, Jiang Jingxuan excused herself, claiming to be tired.
Zhou Jianqing suggested they all go see a free fountain projection performance at a nearby square, boasting that she saved Gu Nanzhou money. He jokingly called her Xingyun's "housekeeper." Amidst the noise of the crowd, Gu Nanzhou gathered his courage and attempted to confess his feelings to Zhou Jianqing, repeatedly saying "I like you," but she couldn't hear him over the commotion.
Frustrated, Gu Nanzhou grabbed her hand and urgently arranged to meet her at the same square at 7 PM the next day, stating he had something very important to tell her. Zhou Jianqing, still confused, agreed. The next day, Zhou Jianqing arrived at the square at 7 PM. Gu Nanzhou, hiding nearby, called her and instructed her to keep walking forward.
Episode 19 Recap
Following his previous failed attempt, Gu Nanzhou meticulously prepared a new confession, inspired by TV dramas, by setting up a path of lights for Zhou Jianqing. When she arrived, he tried to activate the lights but accidentally triggered a fountain instead, drenching her. Furious and believing it was a deliberate prank, she refused his jacket and ran home, leaving Gu Nanzhou full of regret.
Later, at her home, Gu Nanzhou attempted to apologize and explain, but he struggled to find the words and accidentally spilled water on her again. When he reached out with a tissue, Zhou Jianqing angrily accused him of being a pervert and splashed water in his face. The next morning, Zhang Yin excitedly visited Zhou Jianqing to announce he had won the gold medal in an oil painting competition and suggested they use his prize money for a celebratory trip.
He also shared that a contest judge had offered him a job drawing comics for advertisements, inviting Zhou Jianqing to meet the company boss with him, which she readily accepted. Meanwhile, at Gu Nanzhou's office, his jealousy manifested as professional aggression, creating a tense work environment. Jiang Xiaochuan noted that Gu Nanzhou's "frustration in love" was fueling his demanding behavior.
Jiang Jingxuan approached Gu Nanzhou, expressing concern about his excessive workload and relaying gossip from new interns—Zhou Jianqing's schoolmates—who said she was growing "quite close to a junior lately" and might "be about to go steady." Gu Nanzhou dismissed her concerns, telling her to focus on her own work and to put in extra hours. Zhang Yin finalized plans with Zhou Jianqing for a camping trip to Mount Lumen.
Upon learning this, Gu Nanzhou promptly declared a mandatory company team-building exercise at the same location and on the same dates, ostensibly for employee relaxation. At the campsite, the palpable tension between Gu Nanzhou and Zhang Yin made Gu Nanzhou's true intentions clear to his employees, who humorously remarked that the team building was a pretense for him to "monitor his wife." During dinner, a bizarre competition ensued between Gu Nanzhou and Zhang Yin over feeding Zhou Jianqing.
Jiang Xiaochuan warned Zhou Jianqing against eating the seafood Gu Nanzhou offered, as it could worsen her cold. Zhang Yin then offered his homemade pork knuckles in fermented black beans, but Gu Nanzhou intercepted, arguing it was too spicy for someone sick. The two men continued to block each other's offerings, claiming the food was unhealthy, which resulted in Zhou Jianqing getting nothing to eat. Left with an empty stomach, she departed the chaotic scene in exasperation.
That evening, everyone gathered to play a drinking game. Gu Nanzhou, highly competitive, repeatedly lost and was forced to drink heavily. After the others retired for the night, he and Zhang Yin continued their drinking contest, much to the exasperation of Zhou Jianqing and Jiang Xiaochuan. Eventually, Zhou Jianqing helped a heavily intoxicated Gu Nanzhou back to his tent. Inside, he suddenly sat up and clearly confessed, "I love you," before collapsing again.
She tried to convince herself his words were meaningless drunken rambling, but he stirred once more, adamantly declaring, "I'm not drunk. I said I love you. I love you," before kissing her. He then fell into a deep, unrousable sleep, leaving Zhou Jianqing bewildered and distressed. The following morning, Zhou Jianqing, having not slept, prepared for an early departure while Zhang Yin showed her caring concern. When Gu Nanzhou approached to speak with her, she remained distant.
He tried to persuade her to ride in his car, but she firmly insisted on taking the school bus to spend more time with her classmates, clearly avoiding him over the previous night's events, which Gu Nanzhou claimed to have no recollection of. On the journey back, Jiang Xiaochuan noticed Gu Nanzhou's tired appearance and asked what had happened, mentioning he saw Zhou Jianqing run out of Gu Nanzhou's tent looking flushed.
This prompted Gu Nanzhou to vividly recall his drunken confession and kiss. He then hypothetically asked Jiang Xiaochuan for advice for a "friend" who had kissed a girl without consent. Jiang Xiaochuan stated that being drunk is no excuse and the act could be considered sexual harassment, advising the "friend" to clarify it was an accident. He urged him to display gentlemanly conduct to repair his image and, if all else failed, to "bear responsibility for it," implying marriage.
Episode 20 Recap
Following the drunken kiss he doesn't seem to remember, Zhou Jianqing confides in Su Youxia, unsure how to determine Gu Nanzhou's true feelings. After initially thinking Gu Nanzhou was a scoundrel, Su Youxia speculates he was simply intoxicated and might have mistaken Zhou Jianqing for someone else. Seeking answers, they watch a TV show where a love expert, "Ms. Pan," explains that men show clear, proactive signs of interest.
The show then advertises Ms. Pan's online love course, which both girls dismiss as a scam. Simultaneously, Gu Nanzhou visits a jewelry store, looking for a ring that would give a girl the "impulse to marry" him. Describing his girlfriend as strong, a lover of stinky food and horror movies, and a "special girl," he rejects a limited edition ring as too ordinary and chooses a unique diamond ring, the "one and only in the city."
Meanwhile, despite her skepticism, Zhou Jianqing buys Ms. Pan's online love course. Inspired by the first lesson's advice to highlight one's physical advantages, she meticulously applies makeup and prepares a lavish dinner. When Gu Nanzhou returns home, he acts strangely, trying to hide the ring he bought. Zhou Jianqing anxiously tries to get his attention, but her efforts backfire spectacularly. Gu Nanzhou comments that her "heavy makeup" looks like a "Halloween" costume.
When she poses by tilting her head, he asks if she has a stiff neck and offers ointment. Her attempt to pour him wine is rebuffed when he insists on doing it himself, recalling advice to be a gentleman. Finally, when she runs a hand through her hair, he approaches only to pull off her double eyelid tape. Frustrated, Zhou Jianqing retreats to her room and unlocks the next lesson, which suggests creating a "power outage" to foster intimacy.
Following the course's advice, Zhou Jianqing orchestrates a power outage. She finds Gu Nanzhou in his room, where he had been practicing a marriage proposal with the ring hidden inside a cake. When questioned about her whereabouts, she guiltily lies. Zhou Jianqing then discovers Gu Nanzhou eating her "exclusive strawberry mousse." He dismissively offers to pay her back but then suddenly feels sick from the cake.
Enraged and misinterpreting his physical reaction, Zhou Jianqing confronts him, demanding to know why he had kissed her during their camping trip. Seeing him looking ill, she angrily asks if kissing her was "so disgusting." After securing a new job as a department manager, Zhou Zixuan returns home and overhears Zhou Jianqing telling Su Youxia she will cut ties with Gu Nanzhou once her debt is paid. He furiously confronts his sister for "selling herself" to pay his debt.
During their heated argument, Su Youxia intervenes, revealing that Zhou Zixuan had secretly arranged all of Zhou Jianqing's "lucky draw" winnings over the years, wanting to support her without making her feel burdened. She explains he is saving money to rebuild their family's hotel. Surprised, Zhou Jianqing playfully asks Su Youxia if she has a crush on her brother, which Su Youxia awkwardly denies.
Zhou Zixuan confronts Gu Nanzhou and demands he terminate the agreement, declaring he will take over the debt. Gu Nanzhou refuses, confessing he has fallen in love with Zhou Jianqing. As proof, he shows Zhou Zixuan the ring he bought. Realizing Gu Nanzhou is serious, Zhou Zixuan, despite calling him "stupid" for planning a proposal before a confession, agrees to help him confess his feelings in exchange for Gu Nanzhou's promise to take good care of Zhou Jianqing.
Zhou Jianqing and Zhou Zixuan quickly reconcile and apologize to each other. When Zhou Zixuan remarks on how close his sister has become with Su Youxia, Zhou Jianqing again playfully asks if he has a crush on her. After he denies it, she sternly warns him not to "harm" her best friend. To celebrate winning a scholarship, Zhou Jianqing arranges for Zhou Zixuan to pick up Su Youxia for a steak dinner.
However, Zhou Zixuan deliberately drives Su Youxia to the riverside, explaining that leaving the other two alone is "the best present." Before she can react, he kisses her. A shocked Su Youxia reveals it was her first kiss. Zhou Zixuan then confesses that he has loved her for a long time, even before she liked him, and had resorted to bullying her just to get her attention.
Back home, Zhou Jianqing grows anxious when she can't reach her brother or Su Youxia. Gu Nanzhou calmly informs her that Zhou Zixuan had called to say they wouldn't be coming, revealing the two men had conspired to give them an evening alone. He serves her steak he specially ordered "medium-rare." Later, he awkwardly brings up the night he kissed her, stammering that he "would be responsible" for his actions.
Episode 21 Recap
Determined to confess his feelings, Gu Nanzhou prepared a special dinner for Zhou Jianqing. The atmosphere was awkward until Gu Nanzhou brought up their camping trip, nervously stating he would be responsible for what happened. He downed a glass of wine but couldn't elaborate. Zhou Jianqing refilled his glass, and they drank until the bottle was empty, yet Gu Nanzhou still struggled for words. He then placed a diamond ring on the table but remained silent.
Taking matters into her own hands, Zhou Jianqing pushed him into his chair, confessed, "Gu Nanzhou, I love you," and kissed him. Though speechless, Gu Nanzhou's actions clearly reciprocated her feelings. The next morning, Zhou Jianqing awoke in Gu Nanzhou's bed and, remembering the previous night, tried to flee. Gu Nanzhou blocked her path, playfully offering to re-enact the events to jog her memory. When she insisted she remembered, he reminded her of her own words about taking responsibility.
Zhou Jianqing asked what he expected, and Gu Nanzhou declared that she must take full responsibility, announcing they were now in an official relationship. He defined his new role as her fiancé and boyfriend, insisting she publicize their status and fulfill all girlfriend duties, starting with a daily morning kiss, to which she happily agreed. Later, Zhou Jianqing sorted through her lipsticks, discarding shades like "Sunset Boulevard" and "The Last Kiss" in favor of one named "Everlasting Love."
In the kitchen, Gu Nanzhou's attempt to make breakfast went awry. Following instructions from his smart assistant on how to create "dark cuisine," he nearly set the kitchen on fire with a smoking pan. Zhou Jianqing rushed in to take over. Seeing her new lipstick, Gu Nanzhou teased her about being poisoned. Zhou Jianqing retorted that it hurt, playfully blaming him for being too rough the previous night.
Before he left for work, she helped him with his coat, and they shared a series of sweet farewell kisses, with Zhou Jianqing reminding him to miss her. Zhou Jianqing met with Su Youxia, eagerly sharing that she and Gu Nanzhou were together. To save face, she claimed Gu Nanzhou had confessed first because he couldn't hold back, and then demanded she "be responsible," leaving Su Youxia utterly confused.
Su Youxia then awkwardly revealed that she had also started a relationship, promising to introduce her new partner later. At lunchtime, Zhou Jianqing went to buy Gu Nanzhou's favorite fish congee, only to run into Jiang Jingxuan buying the same thing. Suspecting it was also for Gu Nanzhou, Zhou Jianqing rushed to the office to get there first. However, Jiang Jingxuan had already arrived and presented Gu Nanzhou with fish congee and rice noodle rolls.
Faced with two meals, Gu Nanzhou awkwardly suggested giving one to Jiang Xiaochuan. Annoyed, Jiang Jingxuan silently took her congee and left. Zhou Jianqing then playfully asserted her new authority, making Gu Nanzhou promise that from now on, he would only eat her "girlfriend special" lunch. He laughingly agreed, calling her his "fierce girlfriend." Later, Zhou Jianqing offered to find a match for Zhang Yin, asking about his ideal type.
A shy Zhang Yin deflected before asking if she was free the next night for a personal matter, wanting to take her to a quiet, atmospheric place. Just then, Gu Nanzhou arrived to pick her up. Zhou Jianqing immediately introduced him as her "real boyfriend." Sensing the situation, Gu Nanzhou quickly announced that they had a gathering the next evening, effectively blocking Zhang Yin's invitation. A dejected Zhang Yin made a hasty exit.
Zhou Jianqing, pleased, told Gu Nanzhou she couldn't wait to announce their relationship to the world. Their new relationship quickly blossomed, with Gu Nanzhou exhibiting a jealous streak that Zhou Jianqing found endearing. They began setting rules for their partnership. When Gu Nanzhou saw her on a late-night work call with Zhang Yin, he established a rule: she was not allowed to answer calls from other men after 10 p. m.
, especially not from Zhang Yin, whom he believed had ulterior motives. He also forbade her from spending time alone with him. Finding his jealousy cute, Zhou Jianqing agreed but set her own conditions for Gu Nanzhou: he could not go out with Jiang Jingxuan alone, smile at her, accept her fish congee, or let her sit in his passenger seat. Gu Nanzhou readily agreed to all her terms.
They added that they must always answer each other's calls and not be out past 10 p. m. , with exceptions for work if they notified each other. They concluded by happily planning a date for the next day. However, their first official date was a disappointment for Zhou Jianqing, as Gu Nanzhou spent the day on his phone handling work issues related to "Xingyun" and instructing Jiang Jingxuan and Jiang Xiaochuan to take charge.
That evening, feeling neglected and unwell from the day's cold wind, she went to bed angry. After finishing his calls, Gu Nanzhou came to comfort her. He brought a basin of hot water for her cold feet and gently dried her damp hair, reminding her to take better care of herself. He apologized sincerely, promising to finish all his work before their future dates. His attentiveness melted her anger, and she quickly forgave him. He held her close as she pretended to fall asleep, feeling comforted and warm.
Episode 22 Recap
Zhou Jianqing was feeling dispirited about the difficulty of finding a job when her friend Zhang Yin called, mentioning a promising work opportunity. It involved creating commercial illustrations for Ceyue Cartoon, and excitingly, the project would feature characters drawn by Miyamoto, giving Zhou Jianqing a chance to meet her idol in person. Zhou Jianqing was ecstatic and immediately rushed to the meeting.
At Ceyue Cartoon, both Zhou Jianqing and Zhang Yin were deemed highly capable, and the project was confidently entrusted to them, marking a very smooth start to their collaboration. As Zhou Jianqing was still at Ceyue Cartoon, Gu Nanzhou called, offering to pick her up. However, with Zhang Yin present, Zhou Jianqing felt awkward and vaguely told Gu Nanzhou to wait for her in the parking lot before quickly hanging up.
Zhang Yin, having overheard, questioned her reluctance and bluntly remarked that Gu Nanzhou seemed like a control freak. Unable to fully explain, Zhou Jianqing quickly excused herself and ran to the parking lot. She arrived breathless, having run all the way, to which Gu Nanzhou made a playful comment about her needing oxygen.
In the car, Zhou Jianqing cautiously informed him about accepting the Ceyue Cartoon job with Zhang Yin, and her immense excitement about potentially meeting Miyamoto, an idol she had admired since junior high. Seeing her genuine enthusiasm, Gu Nanzhou did not object, simply telling her to do the job well. That evening, Zhou Jianqing was engrossed in her work, even brushing aside Gu Nanzhou’s offer to get her supper.
Feeling troubled, Gu Nanzhou discreetly sought relationship advice from Jiang Xiaochuan, framing his predicament as a "friend's" problem. He explained that his "friend's" new girlfriend had a persistent male admirer who kept appearing, and despite the "friend" wanting to give her space, he couldn't help but worry, especially since they had to interact for work, shared similar interests, and she was known to be attracted to his type.
Jiang Xiaochuan advised Gu Nanzhou not to overcomplicate things and to take initiative. Meanwhile, Zhou Jianqing and Zhang Yin finally met Miyamoto. Zhou Jianqing was so star-struck that she stammered, but Miyamoto kindly invited them both to dinner. Gu Nanzhou, who had prepared a lavish dinner for her at home, was visibly disappointed when she messaged to say she would be back late.
At the end of the dinner, Miyamoto presented Zhou Jianqing with a small portrait and asked Zhang Yin to ensure she got home safely. Zhou Jianqing was overjoyed, feeling like the entire night was a dream. Later that night, Gu Nanzhou observed from his apartment as Zhang Yin walked Zhou Jianqing home. He watched intently as Zhang Yin gently touched her hair to remove something, growing increasingly agitated.
Once Zhou Jianqing entered the apartment, she excitedly showed Gu Nanzhou Miyamoto's autograph and portrait. Gu Nanzhou, however, was preoccupied with her returning home with Zhang Yin. Zhou Jianqing explained they were just good friends, or "buddies," but Gu Nanzhou retorted that only she saw him that way. She defended their long-standing friendship, but Gu Nanzhou brought up Zhang Yin touching her hair. Losing his patience, he declared he would forbid her from seeing Zhang Yin.
Enraged, Zhou Jianqing accused him of being unreasonable, revealing she had been so cautious that Zhang Yin himself called him a "control freak." This angered Gu Nanzhou, who lamented preparing dinner for her, only for her to eat with another man. He reminded her she had a boyfriend, and she retorted that she was his girlfriend, not his personal property. During the heated argument, Gu Nanzhou accidentally spilled red wine on her portrait.
Zhou Jianqing was devastated, stating that both the portrait and Zhang Yin were important to her and she wouldn't abandon her friends for a relationship. Overwhelmed, Zhou Jianqing declared she was leaving. Gu Nanzhou tried to stop her by dismissively calling it a "small matter," but this only confirmed for Zhou Jianqing that he didn't consider her feelings, and she walked out.
She ended up at Su Youxia’s apartment, interrupting a cozy moment between Su Youxia and Zhou Zixuan, who was making tiramisu. Su Youxia quickly persuaded Zhou Zixuan to hide. Once inside, Zhou Jianqing began speculating about Su Youxia’s hidden boyfriend, advising her to find someone the "exact opposite of my brother," leaving the hidden Zhou Zixuan speechless. Zhou Jianqing then launched into a tirade about Gu Nanzhou, calling him "petty."
She surprisingly confessed that "she" was the one who had initiated their relationship to save face. This revelation caused Zhou Zixuan to accidentally kick a table from his hiding spot, startling everyone. Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou was home alone, worriedly typing and deleting messages to Zhou Jianqing. The next day, Jiang Xiaochuan approached a distressed Gu Nanzhou. Realizing what had happened, Jiang Xiaochuan pointed out the severity of Gu Nanzhou's actions—suspecting her without evidence and ruining her idol's autograph—deeming it "intolerable."
Gu Nanzhou, still dismissive, said he could just get her another one. Jiang Xiaochuan warned that she might not come back if he just waited for her to calm down, and advised him to show sincerity with a proper apology, suggesting chocolate as a romantic gift. Gu Nanzhou considered the advice but worried about choosing a flavor she might not like or appearing overbearing. He decided to let her choose herself and sent her a voucher for chocolate.
Zhou Jianqing, still working with Zhang Yin, received the voucher. Far from being pleased, she felt insulted. She remarked that he didn't even apologize, just sent a voucher, questioning if she was "not even worth his effort of choosing a chocolate" for her.
Episode 23 Recap
Following their argument, Zhou Jianqing is further frustrated when Gu Nanzhou's apology comes in the form of a generic chocolate voucher, feeling it lacks any personal thought. Anxious about her reaction, Gu Nanzhou is at a loss. Soon after, Jiang Jingxuan arrives with fish congee and salad for him. Remembering Zhou Jianqing's new rule, he firmly declines the congee, stating that he will now only consume congee "prepared by his girlfriend."
Taking the opportunity, Jiang Jingxuan subtly tries to undermine Zhou Jianqing by recounting a story about her niece, who imposes strict rules on her boyfriend while acting freely with other men. Despite her attempts to sow discord, Gu Nanzhou also refuses the salad. Meanwhile, Zhou Zixuan plans a "classic movie marathon" with Su Youxia, complete with fried chicken and beer.
Complaining of back pain from sleeping on a bench all night to avoid being discovered, he asks her for a massage. As the moment becomes intimate and they lean in for a kiss, they are interrupted by Zhou Jianqing's arrival, forcing Zhou Zixuan to hide once again. Zhou Jianqing enters and immediately complains to Su Youxia about Gu Nanzhou’s insincere apology, showing the chocolate voucher as proof and vowing not to return home until he apologizes properly.
From his hiding spot, Zhou Zixuan desperately signals for Su Youxia to get rid of her. Su Youxia defends Gu Nanzhou, suggesting the voucher gives Zhou Jianqing the freedom to choose what she likes. Changing the subject, Zhou Jianqing casually mentions that Zhou Zixuan is dating a "super gorgeous" and "proactive" woman with a "wild personality," implying he prefers that type over "good girls" like Su Youxia.
Su Youxia is visibly taken aback, as Zhou Zixuan had never mentioned this, while he listens in distress from his hiding place. Later, recalling the many coupons in Zhou Jianqing's notebook, Gu Nanzhou sends her a collection of promotional vouchers. The next morning, a furious Zhou Jianqing calls him an "idiot." Having endured a night of his sister's presence, Zhou Zixuan texts Gu Nanzhou, urging him to retrieve her.
He advises him to stop sending vouchers, apologize sincerely, and then "pin her to the wall" to win her over. Encouraged, Gu Nanzhou postpones a meeting and, with Jiang Jingxuan's help, finds Miyamoto at his hotel. Using gestures due to his limited Japanese, Gu Nanzhou earnestly asks the artist to redraw the damaged painting. Miyamoto seems to understand, asking if he loves her. In response, Gu Nanzhou simply bows and expresses his profuse gratitude.
Witnessing this, Jiang Jingxuan realizes Gu Nanzhou postponed an important meeting for Zhou Jianqing and expresses deep envy for her luck in love. Unaware of her feelings, Gu Nanzhou suggests Jiang Xiaochuan can help her find a boyfriend. Zhang Yin arranges to meet Zhou Jianqing at a Western restaurant to discuss an "urgent matter." Gu Nanzhou spots them and discreetly takes a table nearby.
While Zhang Yin steps away to the restroom to practice a love confession with a rose in hand, Gu Nanzhou texts Zhou Jianqing, asking where she is. She curtly replies, "It's none of your business." When Zhang Yin returns, before he can confess, Zhou Jianqing launches into a tirade about Gu Nanzhou being a "control freak" who is suspicious of her professional relationship with Zhang Yin.
Overhearing everything from behind his menu, Gu Nanzhou reveals himself, stating he is there to apologize. Gu Nanzhou pulls Zhou Jianqing from the restaurant, leaving a dejected Zhang Yin holding the rose. He sincerely apologizes for doubting her and for ruining the drawing. He then presents his gift: the new painting, personally redrawn by Miyamoto. Overjoyed and touched, Zhou Jianqing forgives him.
Later, Gu Nanzhou serves her crayfish, proudly claiming to have cooked it himself and reciting the recipe from memory as proof. However, Zhou Jianqing sees through his lie and playfully gets him to admit he ordered takeout. He confesses he did it to learn the recipe, promising to cook it for her himself one day. Amused by his elaborate effort, she reaffirms her forgiveness.
While Zhou Jianqing and Gu Nanzhou reconcile, Zhou Zixuan tries to placate a jealous Su Youxia, clarifying that his relationship with his "proactive" client is strictly professional. To prove his sincerity, he awkwardly holds a rose in his mouth, explaining his clumsiness is proof of his genuine feelings for her. After he promises he only loves her, Su Youxia forgives him.
Their moment is interrupted by a call from Zhou Jianqing, who gushes about Gu Nanzhou's "adorable" apology, detailing the redrawn painting and the crayfish incident. Exasperated by her rambling, Zhou Zixuan snatches the phone and yells, "Stop pestering my Su Youxia! We're on a date!" After hanging up, he kisses a surprised Su Youxia.
Stunned by the news, Zhou Jianqing declares she must go to Su Youxia's house to save her from the "big devil," but Gu Nanzhou stops her, advising that outsiders shouldn't meddle in relationships.
Episode 24 Recap
Following the revelation of Zhou Zixuan and Su Youxia's relationship, a furious Zhou Jianqing was determined to confront Zhou Zixuan, convinced he was a "rascal" who was manipulating her best friend. Gu Nanzhou desperately tried to stop her, insisting their relationship was stable and that they had been together for a long time, a fact he claimed to have heard from her brother. Unconvinced, Zhou Jianqing prepared to leave, declaring she couldn't let her best friend walk into a trap.
Panicked, Gu Nanzhou received a text from Zhou Zixuan, who urged him to detain his sister, threatening that if Zhou Jianqing interfered, he would ensure Gu Nanzhou could never be with her. Feeling trapped, Gu Nanzhou feigned a sudden relapse, complaining of immense pressure from Lu Ziming, who was allegedly forcing him to attend a board meeting and threatening to withdraw investment from "Lake Xingling".
Alarmed by his condition, Zhou Jianqing canceled her plans and insisted on accompanying him to psychotherapy the next day, forbidding him from refusing. The following day, Zhou Jianqing maneuvered a reluctant Gu Nanzhou into the car for his therapy appointment. He tried to get out of it by claiming he had work, but she revealed she had already confirmed his free schedule with Jiang Xiaochuan.
A quick text for help to Zhou Zixuan went unanswered, and when Gu Nanzhou tried to use a phone call to his "brother-in-law" as an excuse, Zhou Jianqing called Zhou Zixuan herself, who promptly hung up. As Gu Nanzhou attempted to flee, Zhou Jianqing launched into a dramatic, tearful performance about the "child she lost," which successfully shamed him into complying. At the clinic, the psychologist noted Gu Nanzhou's significant improvement.
The doctor suggested Morita therapy, which encourages patients to accept their current situation and emotions. He explained that Gu Nanzhou's anxiety was psychological and that confronting his deepest fears could lead to a cure, adding that his trust in Zhou Jianqing was crucial, as she could provide comfort and reassurance during this difficult process. Back home, Zhou Jianqing gently encouraged Gu Nanzhou to speak about the past. He painfully recounted the night he and his brother went to see fireworks.
He admitted to wandering off to pick up a Rubik's Cube against his brother's warning, which led to his brother being fatally injured in the ensuing stampede while trying to save him. Gu Nanzhou expressed profound guilt, believing he was responsible for his brother's death. Zhou Jianqing tried to convince him to discard the Rubik's Cube, arguing it was a constant, painful reminder. She emphasized that his family, and his brother, would want him to live happily.
As she argued, she accidentally dropped and broke the cube, revealing her own childhood signature inside. She recalled giving it to him as a child after his brother mentioned it made Gu Nanzhou more confident. Overwhelmed, Zhou Jianqing apologized for the burden the cube had caused. In response, Gu Nanzhou declared that since she was the cause of his condition, she must "take responsibility" by staying by his side, pampering, and loving him exclusively.
Zhou Jianqing playfully agreed, claiming him as "hers exclusively." Later, Zhou Jianqing initiated Morita therapy by taking a fearful Gu Nanzhou to a crowded playground, suggesting they start by interacting with children to ease his anxiety. After equipping him with children's sunglasses and rabbit ear hair clips, they entered the play area, where Gu Nanzhou was playfully challenged by the kids.
Meanwhile, Lu Ziming, viewing "Lake Xingling" as a poor investment, instructed his assistant to encourage other investors to withdraw their funds. Subsequently, Dongcheng, Hanyu, and Lantian Investment, along with the Gu Group, all pulled their funding. Learning that Lu Ziming was actively orchestrating the withdrawals and had called a shareholder meeting, Gu Nanzhou went to confront him.
Lu Ziming challenged Gu Nanzhou to present his case for "Lake Xingling" directly to all shareholders at the upcoming meeting, with their support dependent on his performance. Gu Nanzhou confidently accepted. The night before the meeting, Gu Nanzhou looked at a photo of his late brother, vowing to live a happier life for both of them.
He then sought comfort from Zhou Jianqing, claiming he was too used to sleeping with her to be alone and felt anxious about the meeting. The next morning at the Gu Group, Jiang Jingxuan expressed her concern over the high-stakes presentation, but Gu Nanzhou calmly insisted on handling it himself. Before he entered, Zhou Jianqing gave him a pair of sunglasses, calling them a "secret weapon" to help him "defeat them all."
Inside, Gu Nanzhou presented "Lake Xingling" with renewed confidence, detailing its professional development and high ratings, guaranteeing its quality. His presentation was a success, securing the Gu Group's investment. Afterward, Lu Ziming met with Jiang Jingxuan, acknowledging Gu Nanzhou's strong performance. He explained his opposition wasn't personal but stemmed from caution; having watched Gu Nanzhou grow up, he recognized his intelligence but also his stubbornness, fearing his nephew might overlook risks that could harm both Xingyun and the Gu Group.
Jiang Jingxuan reassured him of Xingyun's internal risk assessment systems. Lu Ziming then abruptly changed the subject, asking why Gu Nanzhou had married Zhou Jianqing. When Jiang Jingxuan dismissed it as a private matter, Lu Ziming countered ominously, "This is not a private matter."
Episode 25 Recap
Lu Ziming met with Jiang Jingxuan, continuing their conversation by explaining that Gu Nanzhou's impending marriage to Zhou Jianqing was far from a private matter. He presented a document to Jiang Jingxuan, revealing he had been secretly acquiring shares of the Gu Group to challenge Gu Nanzhou. His investigation uncovered that Gu's father, Gu Licheng, had gifted five percent of the company's shares to a friend years ago.
If Gu Nanzhou were to marry that friend's heiress, Zhou Jianqing, their combined shares would exceed fifty-one percent, effectively removing Lu Ziming's influence. Lu Ziming stated he wanted to prevent their union, at least until the Gu Group's reorganization, and Jiang Jingxuan acknowledged that their goals were aligned. Later, Zhou Jianqing arrived at Xingyun Animation to see Gu Nanzhou, but he was in a meeting.
Jiang Jingxuan also appeared with a packed lunch for him, subtly implying that Zhou Jianqing was a distraction during a critical time. Zhou Jianqing confidently asserted that their relationship would not be swayed by an outsider's words. Despite her conviction, Zhou Jianqing faced repeated rejections in her job search, leaving her disheartened. Meanwhile, Jiang Jingxuan proposed introducing new projects to boost Xingyun's revenue.
Gu Nanzhou entrusted her with the responsibility but stressed the need for thorough information verification to avoid any mistakes. Gu Nanzhou then visited Zhang Yin at his school, offering him a position as an assistant in background design for "Lake Xingling" and praising his talent. Zhang Yin reacted with anger, accusing Gu Nanzhou of stealing the person he loved and now trying to hire him as an employee.
Gu Nanzhou urged him to consider the offer rationally, emphasizing that personal feelings should not be mixed with work. He offered a salary thirty percent above market price and a share of the profits as a main creator, giving Zhang Yin time to consider. On Valentine's Day, Zhou Jianqing messaged Gu Nanzhou, asking him to celebrate with her. As Gu Nanzhou was about to leave, Jiang Xiaochuan brought in urgent documents, and he stayed to review them.
Zhou Jianqing waited at home late into the night, but Gu Nanzhou was held up at the company. Jiang Jingxuan intercepted a call from Zhou Jianqing on his phone, claiming he was in a meeting with the entire company. She even turned on a faucet during the call to create a suspicious sound of running water, leaving Zhou Jianqing anxious.
Shortly after, Gu Nanzhou discovered that a newly acquired animation, "The Legend of the Little Pig," was a blatant plagiarism of Lejiabao's 1962 work, "Forest Music." He immediately ordered Jiang Jingxuan to terminate the contract, despite the high penalty fees Xingyun would incur. The next morning, Gu Nanzhou messaged Zhou Jianqing to apologize for the work emergency. Still upset by Jiang Jingxuan's deceptive call, Zhou Jianqing stubbornly refused to reply.
Gu Nanzhou's lawyer informed him that the plagiarism lawsuit was dire, with potential compensation costs exceeding tens of millions of RMB. Later, Zhou Jianqing attended a job interview where the boss led her into an empty office and attempted to harass her. Frightened, she fought him off and fled. She immediately called Gu Nanzhou for help, but he was in a crucial meeting and, preoccupied, cut her off before she could explain. When he called back, her phone was off.
At the same time, Jiang Jingxuan feigned dizziness, and Gu Nanzhou felt obligated to drive her to the hospital, allowing her to sit in the passenger seat. On his way home, Gu Nanzhou found Zhou Jianqing walking and urged her into the car, expressing his own exhaustion. Zhou Jianqing was about to comply when she spotted Jiang Jingxuan's scarf in the passenger seat. Infuriated, she remembered telling Gu Nanzhou not to let Jiang Jingxuan sit there.
All her frustration erupted as she accused him of being absent when she needed him most. Unaware of her traumatic day, Gu Nanzhou perceived her as being unreasonable, and Zhou Jianqing walked away in tears.
Zhou Jianqing went to Su Youxia's house and broke down, recounting how she had nearly been assaulted, how Gu Nanzhou had dismissed her call, and how seeing the scarf in his car confirmed her suspicions that Jiang Jingxuan had lied about their whereabouts on Valentine's Day. Su Youxia comforted her friend, agreeing that Gu Nanzhou's actions were unacceptable.
Episode 26 Recap
Gu Nanzhou, feeling down, messaged Zhou Jianqing, apologizing for the previous day's incident and promising not to let anyone sit in his passenger seat again. Unimpressed by the brief apology, Zhou Jianqing complained to Su Youxia that Gu Nanzhou never truly took the initiative to make amends. Su Youxia offered to help her break up with him, but Zhou Jianqing admitted she still couldn't let him go.
She voiced her insecurities, wondering if he didn't care for her because she had pursued him, or because he had once told her she wasn't his type, as he preferred "intellectual, independent, and elegant women" like Jiang Jingxuan.
Su Youxia reassured her, arguing that Gu Nanzhou wouldn't be with her if he didn't have feelings for her, and advised Zhou Jianqing to confront him directly about the suspicious "shower and ribbon" incident from Valentine's Day to avoid a breakup based on a misunderstanding. Meanwhile, Jiang Jingxuan nervously shredded some documents. The next day, Zhou Jianqing went to Gu Nanzhou's company.
When Jiang Jingxuan informed her that Gu Nanzhou was napping after a meeting, Zhou Jianqing, annoyed by Jiang Jingxuan's proprietary tone, went to his office. She found Gu Nanzhou asleep on the sofa, looking exhausted, and her anger softened as she gently covered him with a blanket. Soon after, Zhou Jianqing received an exciting call from an editor at Senka Press, expressing great interest in her comic, "Paradise Street 19," and inviting her to collaborate.
Overjoyed, she readily agreed to meet. Later, Jiang Jingxuan entered the office and, seeing Gu Nanzhou waking up, pretended she was the one who had covered him, reminding him to take care of his health. At that moment, an employee rushed in with a legal letter from Lejiabao. They had substantial evidence of plagiarism for an animation Xingyun had imported and were demanding an exorbitant amount in compensation.
Gu Nanzhou learned from his attorney, Ms. Zhuang, that Xingyun had little chance of winning the case and that their best option was to negotiate for a lower settlement. That evening, Zhou Jianqing called Gu Nanzhou, excitedly sharing the news about her comic and her desire to celebrate. Preoccupied with the lawsuit, Gu Nanzhou told her he would be home late. Despite his busy schedule, he insisted on returning home that night.
He arrived to find Zhou Jianqing asleep on the sofa, waiting for him with untouched food on the table. He gently touched her head, congratulating her on her dream coming true. The following morning, Zhou Jianqing woke up to find Gu Nanzhou already gone, but a carefully prepared breakfast waiting for her, leaving her with mixed feelings of disappointment and warmth.
Facing immense pressure, Gu Nanzhou decided to sell his personal properties, including his house, to raise capital and keep his projects afloat, especially "Lake Xingling." Jiang Xiaochuan warned him that even selling the house wouldn't cover all the debts, but Gu Nanzhou remained resolute. Later, while they were out, Zhou Jianqing told Gu Nanzhou she forgave him, acknowledging his hard work. Gu Nanzhou then brought up selling their house and asked her to temporarily stay with Su Youxia.
Sensing his stress, Zhou Jianqing offered to share his burdens, which he gratefully accepted. Shortly after, Jiang Jingxuan called Gu Nanzhou, offering a vacant apartment she owned near the company for him to use, and he accepted, lacking the time to find a place himself.
When Zhou Jianqing went to help Gu Nanzhou move, she was shocked to find Jiang Jingxuan there, who revealed that Gu Nanzhou was moving into her apartment and implied he had kept it from Zhou Jianqing. Zhou Jianqing confronted Jiang Jingxuan, demanding to know why she heard a shower running during their supposed meeting on Valentine's Day.
Jiang Jingxuan brazenly declared her feelings for Gu Nanzhou, asserting that he needed her, someone who could help him, not a "child" who only caused trouble. Enraged, Zhou Jianqing pushed Jiang Jingxuan just as Gu Nanzhou arrived. He immediately scolded Zhou Jianqing for her actions. Zhou Jianqing tearfully questioned why he had told Jiang Jingxuan about the move but not her, listing his recent actions she found unacceptable. Frustrated, Gu Nanzhou called her "unreasonable."
Heartbroken, Zhou Jianqing retorted that he must see Jiang Jingxuan as "better"—gentle, considerate, and helpful—while she was "just a little girl" to amuse him when he was bored, and told him to go live with Jiang Jingxuan. Later, a tearful Zhou Jianqing confided in Su Youxia, feeling her relationship was over and that Gu Nanzhou's admirable qualities made her feel increasingly inadequate.
Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou faced another crisis as multiple investors, having learned of the plagiarism lawsuit, announced their intent to withdraw their investments. He stressed the importance of continuing "Lake Xingling" and vowed to secure the necessary funds. After leaving Senka Press, Zhou Jianqing was approached by Lu Ziming from Gu Group. He presented her with an "Equity Transfer Agreement," offering to buy her shares at a fair market price.
He then alleged that Gu Nanzhou's marriage proposal was a "conspiracy," claiming Gu Nanzhou intended to use her brother's two-million-yuan debt to acquire her 5% of Gu Group's shares for a fraction of their worth. Disturbed, Zhou Jianqing called Gu Nanzhou, but he, in a crucial meeting, dismissed her. She then texted him, stating she knew what he had been hiding and that they "must talk today," but he once again replied that he was busy.
Episode 27 Recap
Reeling from Lu Ziming's revelation that her marriage was a scheme, Zhou Jianqing felt a profound sense of loss, questioning if her relationship with Gu Nanzhou had been a deception all along. At that moment, as Gu Nanzhou was about to head home to see her, Jiang Jingxuan intercepted him, insisting that Lingyun, the most promising remaining investor for their "Lake Xingling" project, urgently wanted a meeting.
Jiang Jingxuan stressed that if he didn't go, the project would be halted, forcing Gu Nanzhou to stand Zhou Jianqing up once again. Left waiting, Zhou Jianqing eventually received a message from Gu Nanzhou explaining he had an urgent matter and couldn't make it. Heartbroken, she drafted and sent him a termination agreement for their relationship. Upon seeing the agreement, Jiang Jingxuan concealed her delight and feigned comfort for a distraught Gu Nanzhou.
She suggested that Zhou Jianqing, being young, likely desired constant companionship, which Gu Nanzhou, with his hands full, couldn't provide. She advised him not to be sad, implying their pursuits were too different for them to be a suitable match. Gu Nanzhou immediately called Zhou Jianqing, asking for her whereabouts. She told him she was at a square near Xingyun and had already made up her mind.
Gu Nanzhou rushed there but was unable to push through the surging crowd to reach her on an upper level. On the phone, Zhou Jianqing firmly stated her decision to break up, expressing that she no longer wished to be upset by him or to put him in a difficult position. Gu Nanzhou pleaded that he wanted to be with her and needed her deeply.
Misinterpreting his words as a transactional need related to his business troubles, she coldly reiterated her decision. Unwilling to give up, Gu Nanzhou attempted to force his way through the crowd, but the overwhelming congestion triggered a physical attack. Seeing his distress from above, Zhou Jianqing looked away in disappointment and left. Zhou Jianqing found a new place to live, and her brother Zhou Zixuan and friend Su Youxia helped her move in. Afterwards, the three shared a hotpot meal.
Zhou Jianqing was clearly distracted, prompting Zhou Zixuan to advise her against rekindling her relationship with Gu Nanzhou, using the idiom, "a good horse doesn't turn back for old grass." Zhou Jianqing assured them she wouldn't go back.
Later that night, while watching a horror film, Zhou Jianqing was haunted by memories of her time with Gu Nanzhou: their playful bickering over the remote, his demonstration of the perfect way to eat noodles, his lectures about her unhealthy eating habits, and his humorous attempt to trade 500 yuan for the bed. Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou, alone and preparing noodles, also reminisced about her. Both were consumed by a deep sadness and longing for each other, unable to sleep.
The copyright lawsuit between Xingyun and Lejiabao led many investors, including Mr. Fang from Lingyun, to withdraw their funding, viewing the project's risk as too high. Despite Gu Nanzhou's desperate plea for one more month to rectify the situation, his efforts were in vain. Gu Nanzhou subsequently announced the indefinite suspension of the "Lake Xingling" project to his team.
That evening, he met Jiang Jingxuan for dinner, where she again "comforted" him, claiming Zhou Jianqing's inability to endure hardship proved she wasn't the right person for him. Gu Nanzhou then abruptly questioned Jiang Jingxuan, asking how a long-term employee like her could make such an elementary mistake. He revealed he knew she was the one responsible for verifying the animation documents.
He had discovered that she had replaced the files verified by a former employee, Liu Jun, but had missed one copy Liu Jun provided before her resignation. After contacting Liu Jun and confirming the facts, Gu Nanzhou directly asked for her motive. Jiang Jingxuan confessed her actions were "all because of Zhou Jianqing." She explained her belief that Gu Nanzhou would grow more dependent on her and distance himself from Zhou Jianqing if he was entangled in troubles.
She lamented that the situation had escalated to the indefinite suspension of "Lake Xingling," a project she claimed was the culmination of years of her own hard work. Pouring out her feelings, she expressed her deep love for him, highlighting her humble background and her belief that she had to fight for what she wanted. Gu Nanzhou firmly countered that love and work are different, rendering her efforts meaningless.
Jiang Jingxuan listed instances of his support, convinced he treated her differently until Zhou Jianqing's sudden appearance. She tearfully asked why she wasn't good enough and if there was no possibility for them now that Zhou Jianqing was gone. Gu Nanzhou unequivocally stated that his love for Zhou Jianqing was unrelated to any of these circumstances and that his feelings for her had always been purely professional.
He held her fully responsible for the substantial losses incurred by Xingyun but, acknowledging her past contributions, said he needed time to consider the consequences. Jiang Jingxuan pleaded for a chance to atone for her mistakes. Later, still missing each other, Zhou Jianqing gathered her courage and called Gu Nanzhou. She informed him that she had found a new place and asked him to send the termination agreement to her new address. Before Gu Nanzhou could say more than a single word, she hung up.
Episode 28 Recap
Following their painful breakup, Zhou Jianqing attempts to focus on her work. Her latest comic, "Paradise Street 19," is soon to be published, and her brother Zhou Zixuan, along with his girlfriend Su Youxia, insists on taking her out to celebrate. Though Zhou Jianqing is hesitant, citing a tight deadline, Zhou Zixuan arranges for a friend to pick her up. Gu Nanzhou, who arrives intending to see her, witnesses the arrangement and discreetly follows them to a coffee shop.
At the shop, the friend, Guan Yue, expresses his long-standing admiration for Zhou Jianqing, revealing he has liked her since high school and has heard much about her from her brother. Feeling awkward, Zhou Jianqing calls Zhou Zixuan, who claims he and Su Youxia are busy with shop renovations and cannot make it. He then heavily praises Guan Yue—his buddy of over a decade—as a wealthy, hardworking, and well-educated catch, urging Zhou Jianqing to "seize the opportunity."
She then realizes she has been set up on a blind date. Embarrassed, Zhou Jianqing returns to the table. When Guan Yue steps away to the washroom, Gu Nanzhou follows him. Reminding Guan Yue that they've met before, Gu Nanzhou learns of his serious intentions to pursue Zhou Jianqing, a desire he's held for nearly ten years, complete with detailed plans for their future together. Gu Nanzhou simply advises him to "treat her well."
Upon returning, Guan Yue mentions a "strange man" in the washroom who asked about her and told him to take good care of her. Zhou Jianqing immediately realizes who it might be and rushes out, but Gu Nanzhou is already gone, leaving her disheartened. Soon after, Zhou Jianqing receives a parcel from Gu Nanzhou containing the physical copy of the termination agreement.
She then calls a lawyer, Ms. Chen, to confirm the validity of the 5% company shares that Gu Nanzhou's late father, Gu Licheng, had transferred to her own late father. Ms. Chen confirms the shares are valid and that Zhou Jianqing has the right to dispose of her portion as she wishes. Believing Gu Nanzhou needs them, Zhou Jianqing decides to transfer her shares to him.
Later, Gu Nanzhou receives a parcel from her but sets it aside without opening it. Zhou Jianqing is thrilled to learn that her comic, "Paradise Street 19," has been selected for an animation adaptation by Future Animation. Her joy is interrupted by a visit from Zhou Zixuan, who scolds her for disappearing on her date and leaving Guan Yue waiting. He insists she apologize by treating Guan Yue to dinner.
When she refuses, Zhou Zixuan threatens to throw out a box of Gu Nanzhou's belongings she has kept, forcing her to agree. While at Future Animation to discuss the adaptation, Zhou Jianqing overhears that Xingyun Animation is in dire straits after a lawsuit, with their boss having sold his own property to pay compensation, causing many investors to withdraw their funds. Overwhelmed with remorse for leaving Gu Nanzhou during his most difficult time, she feels a new resolve.
In the meeting, she recommends Xingyun as the production partner, citing her trust in its boss's "perseverance in original works," not their past success or current struggles. The Future Animation team agrees to contact them. Meanwhile, a new background design assistant, Zhang Yin, joins Xingyun. Jiang Xiaochuan suggests inviting Zhou Jianqing to join the production team as the original author to improve efficiency.
Though Gu Nanzhou feigns indifference, he secretly hopes this will give him a chance to see her again. Soon after, Zhou Jianqing officially joins the project as both the original author and a consultant, to Gu Nanzhou's visible delight. Struggling with how to win her back, Gu Nanzhou secretly searches online for "how to get back together with your ex" and seeks advice from Jiang Xiaochuan.
Jiang Xiaochuan suggests creating opportunities to talk to her, warning that she and her "junior," Zhang Yin, are becoming quite close. Gu Nanzhou then observes Zhou Jianqing and Zhang Yin happily sharing snacks and planning to attend an anime convention, which prompts him to abruptly call an emergency meeting. Afterward, Jiang Xiaochuan advises him to reflect on why they broke up and, most importantly, show Zhou Jianqing he has changed and can offer her a sense of security.
The tension is palpable in their next meeting. Gu Nanzhou prepares coffee for Zhou Jianqing, but Zhang Yin swiftly replaces it with red date tea, stating it's better for her health. The meeting then erupts into a professional dispute when Gu Nanzhou proposes cutting a significant supporting character's scenes to improve the main storyline's pacing.
Zhou Jianqing vehemently objects, arguing the character is the "catalyst for the entire incident" and a "soul of the story besides the protagonist," whose scenes are essential for buildup. She passionately asserts that as the author, she knows every line and action has a purpose. Concerned about the friction, Gu Nanzhou's mother calls Jiang Xiaochuan and, learning their relationship is "not so good," decides to intervene personally. Later, Zhang Yin asks Gu Nanzhou for permission to pursue Zhou Jianqing.
Gu Nanzhou coolly replies that he doesn't interfere in his employees' personal lives and has no say over Zhou Jianqing's. Delighted, Zhang Yin's plans are immediately thwarted when Jiang Xiaochuan presents him with new company regulations, which strictly prohibit all forms of office relationships, including those with work partners, a rule Zhang Yin finds "too harsh."
Episode 29 Recap
Following his reunion with Zhou Jianqing, Gu Nanzhou takes her to dinner, ordering all of her favorite dishes. Zhou Jianqing clarifies that she was unaware of Xingyun's troubles when they broke up and didn't intend to leave him during a difficult time. She asks if he received her letter offering to help, admitting his lack of reply made her assume he had rejected her assistance. Gu Nanzhou assures her she is welcome anytime.
Grateful for his past support regardless of his initial motives, she offers to transfer all her Gu Group shares to him to help him secure decision-making power. Gu Nanzhou is stunned, realizing she must have misunderstood something crucial about the shares. Their dinner is interrupted by a panicked call from Zhou Jianqing. Gu Nanzhou's mother has shown up at their old apartment, only to be told by new tenants that they no longer live there.
Zhou Jianqing, who feigned a bad signal to end the call, questions why he never told his mother about their breakup. Gu Nanzhou pleads with her to help him one more time. She reluctantly agrees, on the condition that it is the absolute last time. Zhou Jianqing arrives at Gu Nanzhou’s current, smaller apartment with her luggage, and they quickly stage the scene to look as if they live together. When Gu Mother arrives, she questions why they moved.
Zhou Jianqing explains the new place is closer to her office, and Gu Nanzhou adds that they enjoy the nearby malls for dates. Gu Mother briefly mistakes the apartment as belonging to a "Ms. Jiang," but Gu Nanzhou clarifies it's a rental. After dinner, Gu Mother announces she is tired and decides to stay the night. Trapped, Gu Nanzhou begs Zhou Jianqing to share a room to maintain the facade, but she flatly refuses.
As they argue, Gu Mother interrupts, and Gu Nanzhou quickly pretends Zhou Jianqing was fixing his tie. Once she is out of earshot, he reveals he only just opened her letter and asks if she truly believes he was only with her for the shares. She quietly affirms, "Yes." Seizing the moment, Gu Mother insists Gu Nanzhou accompany her to the supermarket for some forgotten necessities.
Once away from Zhou Jianqing, she drops the pretense, revealing she knew they had broken up. Gu Nanzhou explains that his intense focus on Xingyun caused him to neglect Zhou Jianqing and that she misunderstood his relationship with Jiang Jingxuan. He also admits she likely thought he married her for her shares. When he hesitates to admit he still has feelings for her, his mother confidently declares she will help him win her back.
The next morning, Gu Mother has Gu Nanzhou prepare breakfast to show his caring side. He serves everyone, remembering Zhou Jianqing’s preference for charred eggs and strawberry jam and his mother's for ketchup. When Gu Mother mentions having backaches, Gu Nanzhou offers her a massage, which she declines. Instead, she proposes a trip to the hot spring villa at Mount Qilin, a place their family used to visit.
She explains that it’s been difficult to go alone since the passing of his father, Licheng, and brother, Nanxing. Though hesitant, Zhou Jianqing agrees to go. At the villa, Gu Nanzhou and Zhou Jianqing discover their room has been decorated with roses. He apologizes for having been too preoccupied with work to create such romantic surprises during their relationship, promising to make it up to her if given a chance. Zhou Jianqing simply replies that it's too late.
Later, while soaking in the hot spring, Gu Mother confesses to Zhou Jianqing that she knows everything, including their contract marriage. She clarifies that Gu Nanzhou's initial proposal was not about the shares but stemmed from his father's dying wish. More importantly, she stresses that he later genuinely fell in love with her. She explains that after his brother's death, Gu Nanzhou felt immense guilt and abandoned his passion for animation to live up to his father's expectations.
His mother insists he wants to be with Zhou Jianqing now because she helps him break free from that burden. In the middle of the conversation, Zhou Jianqing suddenly faints. Gu Nanzhou rushes in, carries her to their room, and cares for her. When Zhou Jianqing regains consciousness, Gu Nanzhou offers her warm water. Feeling awkward, she tells him he doesn't have to be so attentive as his mother isn't there, but he insists on staying by her side.
Later, Gu Mother shows Gu Nanzhou an old family photograph at the hotel, reminiscing about their happy times there with his brother, Nanxing. She advises him to stop living for his late father's approval and to focus on his own desires. Taking this to heart, Gu Nanzhou explains to Zhou Jianqing that while his father’s wish brought them together, his feelings for her are real and independent of any obligation.
He tells her he is grateful for that wish because it led him to her. Zhou Jianqing listens silently, then says it is late and she should go home. He offers to drive her, but she declines. Later, Gu Nanzhou finds Zhou Jianqing asleep at her company. He gently drapes his coat over her and kisses her forehead. When she wakes up, he insists on driving her home.
During the ride, he confesses he never wanted to break up but was overwhelmed by Xingyun's financial crisis and his own feelings of failure and self-doubt. He admits his pride and selfishness kept him from letting her see him in such a vulnerable state. Now, he wants her to know the truth and asks for a second chance. Zhou Jianqing gently withdraws her hand, explaining she needs time to think. Unbeknownst to them, her brother Zhou Zixuan witnesses the exchange.
Seeing Gu Nanzhou’s sincerity, he tells him he now trusts him with his sister's happiness. At Xingyun, Zhang Yin is surprised to learn Gu Nanzhou has assigned him to an animation summit in Jiangcheng. Meanwhile, Gu Nanzhou learns in a meeting that Zhou Jianqing's boss has unexpectedly sent her to the very same summit. Annoyed by this unexpected turn, Gu Nanzhou inquires about the summit's schedule and discovers there will be a fireworks show.
He immediately instructs his assistant, Jiang Xiaochuan, to book him the earliest possible flight and a hotel in Jiangcheng. In Jiangcheng, Zhou Jianqing coincidentally runs into Zhang Yin, and they happily take a group photo to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, at the airport, Gu Nanzhou sees their photo online, which fuels his anxiety.
He presses his assistant to find an earlier flight, and upon learning one is available but only in economy class, he books it without a second thought, determined to reach her as soon as possible.
Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
Following his rushed flight, Gu Nanzhou found himself on a crowded plane, wearing sunglasses and looking uncomfortable. The incessant noise from the children around him gave him a headache, and he tried to contain his frustration, reminding himself that they were just children and he was a loving adult. One child even innocently asked if he was blind because of his sunglasses. Meanwhile, Zhang Yin, dressed formally, met with Zhou Jianqing for what he claimed was not a plot discussion.
He reminisced about their first encounter when she had abruptly asked him to be her assistant. He admitted that despite the grueling deadlines, he felt happy just being by her side, moved by her dedication. He then confessed his love to her. Zhou Jianqing, however, initially believed his confession was a joke.
Later, as they watched fireworks together, Zhou Jianqing recalled that the last time she attended such an event was with Gu Nanzhou, and that day had also been too noisy for her to hear clearly. She wondered if he had been trying to confess his feelings to her then, though she also considered he might have just been asking her to lower her voice. Sensing her thoughts, Zhang Yin asked if she still couldn't move on from Gu Nanzhou.
Just then, Gu Nanzhou walked through the crowd towards them. Zhang Yin quickly pulled Zhou Jianqing into a hug, telling her to stay still as Gu Nanzhou froze for a moment. Zhang Yin then took her hand, claiming they were off to watch a movie. Zhou Jianqing eventually broke free from his grasp and searched frantically for Gu Nanzhou, who had seemingly disappeared into the crowd. Suddenly, Gu Nanzhou reappeared, holding balloons.
He declared that though the moment was rushed, his confession had to be grand. He acknowledged his difficult nature but stated that meeting her had changed him profoundly, making once-dreaded crowded places and hospitals less daunting. He, who never wished to lose to anyone, was willing to lose to her. He confessed his deep love for Zhou Jianqing, unable to imagine a life without her, and pleaded for a chance to become a better person for her.
Moved, Zhou Jianqing readily accepted, saying, "I promise you." Playfully, she then used the public address system to announce that "Gu Nanzhou, your guardian Zhou Jianqing is looking for you," explaining that it was to prevent him from straying too far. Gu Nanzhou then amusingly told her to always hold her "child's" hand tightly. Watching them embrace, Zhang Yin left with a sense of relief. Gu Nanzhou later confronted Zhang Yin, revealing he knew about the plan to provoke him.
Zhang Yin admitted his affection for Zhou Jianqing was sincere, but his main objective was to help her get back together with Gu Nanzhou. Before leaving, Zhang Yin made Gu Nanzhou promise never to hurt Zhou Jianqing, emphasizing that she was the girl he liked the most and he was now entrusting her to him. Later, Zhou Jianqing brought a revised plan to Gu Nanzhou’s office.
He took the opportunity to embrace her, lamenting that their relationship felt like a covert operation due to company rules. She suggested he lift the restrictive rule, which he initially resisted, calling it a "slap in the face" to cancel his own regulation. However, when Zhou Jianqing accidentally opened the office curtains, exposing their intimate moment to curious onlookers, Gu Nanzhou formally announced the immediate removal of the sixth rule of Xingyun, which prohibited romantic relationships among employees and partners.
The employees erupted in cheers, celebrating their newfound freedom to date. Six months passed. At the "Lake Xingling" press conference, Gu Nanzhou was preparing backstage when he accidentally activated his microphone. His meticulously prepared marriage proposal, intended for a private moment with Zhou Jianqing, was broadcast live to the entire venue. Zhou Jianqing rushed in to switch off the microphone, chiding him for proposing in such a public setting and declaring she wouldn't say yes.
Later, Gu Nanzhou took the stage to acknowledge the success of "Paradise Street 19" and "Lake Xingling". He expressed gratitude to his team and especially to Zhou Jianqing, describing her as his "sun" whose influence had enabled him to complete "Lake Xingling". He publicly thanked her for bringing sunshine into his life. Zhou Jianqing, observing him, reflected that while he often called her his sun, he didn't realize that the light she saw in him made him her sun instead.
For his real proposal, Gu Nanzhou meticulously prepared a breathtaking lavender field. Dressed in a suit, he walked towards Zhou Jianqing, knelt on one knee, and presented a ring. He thanked her for changing his life, for making him fall in love, and for giving him the courage to face his deepest fears, vowing never to let her go again. Touched, Zhou Jianqing playfully asked him to repeat the proposal several times before finally proclaiming "I do!"
She felt as though she had used up all her life's luck to meet him and wished for their happiness to last forever. Soon after, Gu Nanzhou surprised Zhou Jianqing by taking her to her childhood home on Paradise Street 19. He revealed that he had gone to great lengths to convince the owner to sell him the property.
Walking into the familiar house, Zhou Jianqing was deeply moved, tearfully acknowledging that buying back the house had always been a shared dream between her and her brother, Zhou Zixuan, a dream Gu Nanzhou had just made a reality. When she wondered how she could repay him, he gently told her that her happiness was all the repayment he needed. Unexpectedly, Gu Nanzhou’s mother arrived with Xingyun employees and wedding planners. Zhou Zixuan and Su Youxia also joined them.
Gu Nanzhou’s mother cheekily suggested they get married on the spot. After Gu Nanzhou's protest, she clarified that the wedding planners were simply there to begin preparations. Zhou Zixuan thanked Gu Nanzhou for buying back the old house, welcomed him into the family, and wished them happiness. Together, everyone gathered inside to discuss the wedding plans. From that day forward, Gu Nanzhou and Zhou Jianqing lived a life filled with happiness and affection.
One weekend morning, Gu Nanzhou found Zhou Jianqing collecting a food delivery in her pajamas with her buttons askew. He playfully urged her to go back to sleep, but she retorted that he was the one who woke her. She then embraced him, expressing her gratitude and joy at having met him.
