Hidden Love Episode 6 Recap
> Hidden Love Recap
The tutoring session begins with Sang Zhi defensively claiming she cannot resist temptation, stating that if someone close to her is dating, she too would want to be in a relationship. Duan Jiaxu playfully teases her, asking if she is referring to him and accusing her of being petty for not wanting others to date. Sang Zhi quickly concedes, but then Duan Jiaxu turns serious, directly addressing her fabricated "ex-boyfriend" who supposedly asked her to visit him in Yihe.
He reveals that he himself is from Yihe and sternly warns her that if she attempts to find this "ex-boyfriend" before she is an adult, she will not "see what she looks like after adulthood," effectively squashing any idea of her pursuing the made-up person. Sang Zhi, relieved her lie was not fully exposed, breathes a sigh of relief. Duan Jiaxu praises Sang Zhi for her significant improvement, noting her physics score of 97 points.
He informs her that his tutoring sessions will conclude, as she no longer needs intensive help. Sang Zhi visibly deflates, but Duan Jiaxu reassures her, offering to answer any future questions via text message. To further motivate her, he promises to send her a gift for every future exam she shows improvement in, which lifts Sang Zhi's spirits considerably. After the tutoring session, Sang Zhi's parents invite Duan Jiaxu to celebrate Chinese New Year's Eve dinner with their family.
Duan Jiaxu politely declines, explaining that his university is providing a special New Year's Eve meal and red envelopes for students who remain on campus. Sang Zhi is visibly disappointed. Concerned he might not accept a direct gift, she quickly goes upstairs to retrieve a prepared red envelope. Inside, she writes a small note wishing him "Happy Chinese New Year" and carefully folds it into a star.
Later, amidst the family's preparations for the holiday, Sang Zhi discreetly slips the red envelope into Duan Jiaxu's jacket pocket. On Chinese New Year's Eve, the Sang family gathers for dinner. Sang Zhi and Sang Yan offer New Year's greetings to their parents and receive their red envelopes. Sang Zhi is delighted to receive a new phone, while Sang Yan complains about his meager red envelope, which Sang Zhi playfully snatches.
Sang Zhi's father humorously warns her to delete games and her "online dating prospect" from her new phone, which Sang Zhi vehemently denies having. Later, Sang Zhi returns Sang Yan's red envelope, teasing him about its small amount. Her mood brightens considerably when she receives a "Happy Spring Festival" message from Duan Jiaxu, wishing her happiness and the realization of her dreams. She quickly sends a reply.
While Duan Jiaxu spends Chinese New Year's Eve alone in his university dormitory, he receives an urgent call from a nursing home in Yihe. He is informed that his father has developed severe pulmonary edema due to a lung infection and requires immediate transfer for drainage surgery. Duan Jiaxu is asked to rush to the hospital to sign the consent form, leading him to return to Yihe immediately on New Year's Eve.
After the Spring Festival break, Sang Zhi receives a package from Duan Jiaxu. Inside, she finds a black dog plushie named "Winner," along with a note congratulating her on her impressive mock exam results: 20th overall and 95 in physics. Sang Zhi is surprised he did not deliver it in person and asks Sang Yan about his whereabouts.
Sang Yan reveals that Duan Jiaxu returned to his hometown of Yihe due to a family matter, information he had not shared with Sang Zhi directly. Sang Zhi expresses disappointment that Duan Jiaxu left without telling her but is somewhat reassured when Sang Yan confirms he will return for his graduation ceremony. Since first meeting Duan Jiaxu, Sang Zhi has held a quiet hope that Sang Yan would bring him home when he visited.
However, her hopes are often dashed when Sang Yan returns alone. On one such occasion, Sang Yan explains that Duan Jiaxu is preoccupied with work and that making money is all he can think about. Curious about university life, Sang Zhi asks Sang Yan about dating among students. Sang Yan, boasting about his own popularity, then reveals that all his roommates, including Duan Jiaxu, are single, to Sang Zhi's quiet relief.
Later, Duan Jiaxu calls Sang Zhi, acknowledging the black dog plushie he sent, which he reveals was inspired by a drawing she made in an essay. Sang Zhi offers to send him a gift in return, but Duan Jiaxu gently declines, insisting she save her pocket money. However, they make plans to meet at his and Sang Yan's upcoming graduation ceremony, giving Sang Zhi a renewed sense of anticipation for her own gift.
Shortly after his call with Sang Zhi, a young woman approaches Duan Jiaxu. She offers him money, expressing concern for his well-being and acknowledging his father's difficult situation, telling him not to worry about repaying her this month. Duan Jiaxu, however, politely but firmly declines her help, stating he can manage on his own.
She also asks if she can attend his graduation ceremony, but he suggests it is not necessary, implying they can meet again when he returns to Yihe. The young woman then wishes him an early happy graduation and promises to keep in touch. On the day of the graduation ceremony, Sang Zhi arrives with her father, looking forward to seeing Duan Jiaxu. Upon spotting him in his graduation gown, her eyes light up.
She immediately approaches him to present a bouquet of flowers, dedicating them to her physics tutor and wishing him a happy graduation and daily happiness. Duan Jiaxu genuinely thanks her, expressing his fondness for the gift, and reciprocates with well wishes for her bright future and academic success. As the graduation ceremony is about to begin, Duan Jiaxu, despite Sang Zhi's offer to find Sang Yan herself, insists on accompanying her to the auditorium.
During the ceremony, Duan Jiaxu takes a photo with Sang Zhi, introducing her as his sister to a classmate. He exchanges heartfelt goodbyes with Professor Zhang, promising to excel in the gaming industry, and shares a poignant moment with his university friends. They reminisce about their challenging yet fulfilling four years, acknowledging the likelihood of rarely seeing each other again as they return to their respective hometowns. Duan Jiaxu confirms his departure for Yihe the following day.
Sang Zhi, overhearing their conversations, asks Duan Jiaxu if this separation means they will not meet again either. He reassures her that she is different from his classmates, citing her thoughtful gestures like the red envelope and flowers. He promises to return to Nanwu and visit her whenever he has free time, vowing to inform her in advance.
Later, at the graduation celebration, while others joke and drink, a visibly melancholic Duan Jiaxu is singled out by his friend Qian Fei for not having a girlfriend, implying his close bond with Sang Yan. As the night progresses, a drunken Qian Fei tearfully laments Duan Jiaxu and Chen Junwen's return to their hometowns, expressing his sorrow that only he and Sang Yan will remain in Nanwu and questioning the appeal of Yihe.
Duan Jiaxu appears deeply affected by the goodbyes and the weight of his departure. After the party, Duan Jiaxu escorts a heavily inebriated Sang Yan back to his family home. Upon arrival, Sang Zhi's parents greet them, expressing concern over Sang Yan's excessive drinking. Duan Jiaxu politely states his intention to check into a nearby hotel, but Sang Zhi's mother warmly intervenes, insisting he save his money and stay the night in Sang Yan's room.
Despite Duan Jiaxu's initial reluctance, Sang Zhi quickly ushers him upstairs. Sang Zhi's mother then instructs Sang Zhi to prepare fresh toiletries for him. Although Duan Jiaxu tries to decline, both Sang Zhi and her mother assure him it is no trouble. Sang Zhi takes him to Sang Yan's room, where he clarifies that he does not drink alcohol and thus does not need hangover soup. She then proceeds to gather a clean towel and other necessary items for him.
