I Cannot Hug You Season 2 Recap, Plot, Synopsis
I Cannot Hug You Season 2 Synopsis
When Jiang Zhihao received a mysterious text message, he learned that Li Shiya is a vampire. but because he believed in true love with Shiya, he did not choose to give up because of the race barrier.
But Shiya’s family appeared to stop them from falling in love. Shiya finally learned the reason after a few twists and turns that she is a high-level vampire who would cause harm to humans. The more she loves Jiang Zhihao, the more she will absorb Zhihao’s energy uncontrollably.
In order to protect Zhihao, Shiya refused his marriage proposal and they broke up.
Zhihao noticed that Shiya had something to hide and was determined to find out the truth about what happened.
Zhihao’s editor Cui Junhe encouraged him not to give up his determination to be with his lover no matter what difficulties he encountered. Jiang Zhihao decided that it was his turn to take the initiative to pursue happiness this time.
I Cannot Hug You Season 2 Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Jiang Zhihao, a thriller novel writer, had always lived a reclusive life due to his severe germaphobia, avoiding interaction with others and sealing himself off from the world. However, this changed when his mysterious neighbor, Li Shiya, moved in. She burst into his life, curing his germaphobia and introducing him to experiences he once loathed, like eating out, watching movies, and visiting the zoo.
He realized that it wasn't that he disliked such a life, but rather that he never dared to hope for it. Now, he desires to continue living this way with her. While Li Shiya slept, Jiang Zhihao reflected on her being a vampire. He felt no panic or fear, realizing he had accepted her unusual nature from the start. His main concern was whether he, a seemingly alone human, could truly merge into her world.
Despite his nervousness, he was hopeful and determined to be with Shiya. He quietly deleted the message confirming her vampiric nature from his phone, resolving to act normally so she wouldn't suspect anything. The next morning, Jiang Zhihao subtly picked up a newspaper at breakfast. He tried to hide it after reading a negative report about Li Shiya, detailing how NL Pharmaceuticals was under investigation and her popularity had plummeted, earning her the name "Poisonous Drug of the Ad World."
He casually asked Shiya about her work. Li Shiya initially said it was going well and that her agent, Qingran, had found her a TV series role where the crew treated her well. In reality, as revealed to the audience, she was working as a stand-in, acting as a corpse, which suggested her career was not as thriving as she made it seem.
Aware from the newspaper that her work was not going well, Jiang Zhihao told her that if she ever needed help or wanted to confide in someone, he hoped that person would be him. Shiya happily agreed. Later, Jiang Zhihao visited Li Shiya at her workplace, sending flowers. She thanked him warmly and hugged him, telling him his encouragement had made her day perfect. Meanwhile, after a concert, Xin Ba was approached by a female fan for an autograph.
He surprised her by offering a handshake instead. The fan, who had liked him for a long time, eagerly accepted. As he shook her hand, Xin Ba absorbed her energy, causing her to faint. Yoon Shihwan, witnessing the scene, was incredulous. He questioned Xin Ba, asking what had happened to him and stating that he wasn't like this before.
Xin Ba coldly replied that he was merely hunting, like other vampires, and that he hated humans because they constantly stole things from him. He even included Yoon Shihwan in his hatred, explaining that he just hadn't acted this way before, but it didn't mean he couldn't. Yoon Shihwan watched in dismay as Xin Ba walked away. Feeling low, Xin Ba went to a bar. He saw several male vampires harassing a female vampire.
Although usually one to avoid trouble, Xin Ba intervened, leading to a brawl outside the bar. He fought bravely, seemingly wanting to vent his frustrations, but was soon overwhelmed. Just then, Cui Junhe arrived and helped him fight off the attackers. Xin Ba thanked Cui Junhe, who simply smiled and said, "No extra trouble for me," before departing. Jiang Zhihao then drove Li Shiya to an elegant restaurant.
Li Shiya was initially apprehensive about his driving, recalling his past struggles with the car, confusing the accelerator and brake. She joked about leaving her life in his hands. He reassured her that he was more afraid of her being uncomfortable than the exhaust fumes.
At the restaurant, Jiang Zhihao tried multiple times to confess his feelings and his acceptance of her being a vampire, but he kept getting interrupted or losing his nerve, unsure how a human should confess to a vampire. After dinner, as they walked outside, Jiang Zhihao finally gathered his courage. He told Li Shiya that she wasn't his ideal type—she was too loud, sometimes quite insane, kept secrets (belonging to a world he didn't understand), and didn't clean her room.
Li Shiya's expression saddened as she heard this. However, Jiang Zhihao leaned in closer and softly confessed that despite all these things, he still liked her. Overjoyed and disbelieving, Li Shiya looked up at him. Jiang Zhihao then leaned down and kissed her. As Li Shiya savored the sweet kiss, Jiang Zhihao suddenly fainted. She struggled to carry him back to his apartment, having remembered his house password from an earlier conversation.
Early the next morning, Jiang Zhihao awoke and realized Li Shiya was not beside him. Disturbed, he tried to call her, but her phone was off. Meanwhile, Li Shiya had been taken home by her father. He sternly rebuked her for running away and interacting with humans, asking if she ever learned.
Li Shiya tried to justify her actions, saying she was just hunting normally, but her father reiterated that interaction with humans should be limited to hunting and that he couldn't let her continue unchecked. He confiscated her phone and grounded her. Later, at the family dinner, Li Shiya's father lectured his children, reminding them that humans were merely food and they must maintain distance, especially Li Shiya, who was young and lacked self-control.
He stressed the importance of adhering to the hunting rules he had established. Just then, Xin Ba arrived. Jiang Zhihao, still worried about Li Shiya, received a call from Cui Junhe. Cui Junhe wanted to discuss the progress of Jiang Zhihao's novel and invited him to a boxing gym.
At the gym, after a warm-up sparring session, Jiang Zhihao explained that his vampire love story was stuck because the female lead had returned to the vampire world, and he didn't know how to proceed with the relationship. Cui Junhe offered his perspective, stating that the darkness and strangeness of the vampire world were beyond human comprehension. He suggested that the female lead might have been accepted back into her world only to become a sacrifice for some evil scheme. Hearing this, Jiang Zhihao's concern for Li Shiya intensified.
Episode 2 Recap
After being unable to contact Li Shiya, Jiang Zhihao grew restless. That night, he quietly went to Li Shiya's apartment door, attempting to open her password lock to check on her, but was caught by a patrolling security guard. Jiang Zhihao was taken to the security office, where the guards mistakenly identified him as a thief. He insisted he was a tenant, explaining, "How many times have I told you that I'm a tenant here? !
Why won't you believe me? ! You are new here. I don't usually go out. Also, have you seen a thief wearing pajamas?" The guards remained suspicious. Meanwhile, Li Shiya was also anxious, unable to reach Jiang Zhihao. She tried repeatedly to retrieve her phone from her father, but he kept it securely. She knew her father's authoritarian nature; any defiance on her part would only lead to harsher restrictions.
Li Shiya eventually devised an excuse, claiming she needed to return to her apartment to collect clothes. Her father, however, saw through her thinly veiled attempt to leave alone, remarking, "Li Shiya, you think I'm stupid? You think I won't recognize you if you change your clothes?" He then insisted on accompanying her to her apartment, thwarting her plan. Jiang Zhihao, back at his apartment, agonized over Li Shiya's safety, imagining she might be in danger.
As Li Shiya and her father returned to her apartment building, Jiang Zhihao heard their approach and rushed out. He urgently questioned Li Shiya about her whereabouts, oblivious to her father's presence. Li Shiya desperately signaled and hinted at her father's presence. Jiang Zhihao quickly caught on, fabricating an excuse about waiting for a delivery of "shiyan" (salt), loudly complaining about slow delivery services.
Li Shiya quickly covered for him, explaining to her father that Jiang Zhihao was just "a bit loose in the brain" and "weird." Her father, though suspicious, didn't press further, believing her explanation about Jiang Zhihao mishearing her name. Jiang Zhihao, upon seeing Li Shiya leave with her father, hesitated, wondering if he should introduce himself to her father, but ultimately let them go.
As they were leaving, Li Shiya feigned forgetting her favorite doll in her apartment, and her father, after some hesitation, allowed her five minutes to retrieve it alone, while he waited downstairs. Li Shiya immediately seized the opportunity to knock on Jiang Zhihao's door. He had been contemplating whether to approach her father.
Li Shiya urgently informed him that her father had grounded her, confiscated her phone, and was monitoring her closely, warning him not to contact her to avoid further trouble. She also mentioned that they might not be able to see each other, but if he could endure it for two more days, they could meet again. Seeing her about to leave in a hurry, Jiang Zhihao, overwhelmed by emotion, pulled Li Shiya into a passionate kiss.
He sincerely confessed his feelings, reassuring her, "I like you. I can wait for you." They reluctantly said their goodbyes, Li Shiya rushing back to her father who questioned her red face, attributing it to the heat. He also noticed her phone blinking, suspecting it was receiving a signal. Later, Jiang Zhihao visited Li Lanxi. She congratulated him on his complete recovery from germophobia. Jiang Zhihao, however, was not overjoyed, directly stating his concern for Li Shiya's situation.
Li Lanxi confirmed that Li Shiya was safe at home, clarifying that she wasn't "grounded" but brought home out of family concern because she had originally left home. Jiang Zhihao asserted his ability to protect Li Shiya, but Li Lanxi bluntly told him, "Shiya dated you to hunt." She explained that Li Shiya, unfamiliar with dating, used it as a means for physical contact, and would discard him once satisfied.
Li Lanxi reminded him of Li Shiya's initial urgency to cure his germophobia, implying it was solely for physical contact. She advised Jiang Zhihao to break up with Li Shiya for their own good. Jiang Zhihao, however, firmly declared his belief in Li Shiya and their relationship, refusing to give up on her. Mustering his courage, Jiang Zhihao went to Li Shiya's house. As he lingered near the entrance, he unexpectedly encountered Li Shiya's younger brother, Li Xiangyang.
When Li Xiangyang touched him, Jiang Zhihao feigned unconsciousness. Fearing punishment from his father, Li Xiangyang nervously carried Jiang Zhihao into his room and hid him. After Li Xiangyang left, Jiang Zhihao secretly slipped out of the room to search for Li Shiya. He eventually spotted her talking to her mother.
Li Shiya, startled to see Jiang Zhihao peeking from behind a wall, quickly pretended to have something in her eye, using it as an excuse to usher him back to her room. Inside Li Shiya's room, they reconnected. Jiang Zhihao explained he had found her house by seeing a family portrait at Li Lanxi's, drawing it out on his phone, and searching every neighborhood.
Li Shiya playfully teased him about the security incident, asking if he was the popular novelist who tried to pick his neighbor's lock and got caught. Jiang Zhihao bashfully denied it at first, claiming he was just worried about her. But she pressed him, reminding him how he missed her so much he tried to open her door, much to his embarrassment.
Their playful banter was interrupted when Li Xiangyang knocked on the door, asking if Li Shiya had seen "something weird." Li Shiya quickly dismissed him. Soon after, Li Lanxi arrived. To keep Jiang Zhihao hidden, Li Shiya took Li Lanxi to the garden to talk. Before leaving, she kissed Jiang Zhihao and told him to wait for her. In the garden, Li Lanxi revealed that Jiang Zhihao had come to her asking why Li Shiya was grounded.
Li Shiya expressed her confusion about her father's strictness, especially regarding hunting and dating humans, noting he had always been stricter with her since childhood. Li Lanxi reiterated that both she and their father were united in their opposition to Li Shiya's relationship with Jiang Zhihao, fearing humans would harm her and that only people of their own kind could truly accept her.
She insisted that humans and vampires could never truly be together and urged Li Shiya to find a partner of her own kind, believing Li Shiya's judgment was clouded by love. Li Shiya, however, passionately defended Jiang Zhihao, asserting her faith in their love and refusing to believe he would hurt her. Li Lanxi accused her of being stubborn and indifferent to the feelings of others.
Meanwhile, Xin Ba was struggling with his emotions and work, deeply affected by his feelings for Li Shiya. During a singing practice, his poor state led to him being reprimanded by his instructor for inappropriate feelings and lack of imagination. He sat by a window, reminiscing about childhood memories with Li Shiya, silently wishing for her to wait for him.
Despite his inner turmoil, Xin Ba maintained a cheerful and optimistic public persona during a media interview, beaming as he spoke about bringing happiness to his fans and giving them energy. Cui Junhe, observing from a distance, scoffed at Xin Ba's facade. As soon as the interview concluded, Xin Ba's smile vanished, replaced by a somber expression. Cui Junhe approached him, mockingly asking if he ever grew tired of pretending to be happy.
He suggested that as a superior species, Xin Ba shouldn't stoop to pleasing humans, but instead pursue a freer, higher existence. Xin Ba angrily rebuked Cui Junhe, telling him to mind his own business and accusing him of ulterior motives, vowing not to be grateful for his help in getting him on shows. Cui Junhe calmly denied this, explaining he merely didn't want to see Xin Ba's potential wasted.
Later, Li Shiya brought some snacks for Jiang Zhihao in her room, urging him to eat as he must have not eaten all day. As he ate, Jiang Zhihao discussed his intention to speak with her father to understand why he was monitoring her and to change his perception of their relationship. Li Shiya quickly objected, emphasizing her father's traditional and unyielding nature, making it difficult to persuade him, and suggesting she needed more time to slowly influence him.
Just as she finished speaking, the room door burst open. Li Shiya's father, his face stern, stood in the doorway. He directly addressed Jiang Zhihao, stating that since he wanted to talk, they would have a proper conversation so he would give up early on. Jiang Zhihao was stunned.
Episode 3 Recap
Jiang Zhihao sat before Li Shiya's family in their living room, ready to face their scrutiny. He expressed his unwavering love for Li Shiya, acknowledging his lack of extensive relationship experience but emphasizing his sincerity. Li Shiya's father countered, questioning her seriousness by stating she had many previous boyfriends. Li Shiya quickly interjected, asserting that Jiang Zhihao was her first true love and she had never had boyfriends before.
Jiang Zhihao then presented his credentials, explaining he was a professional novelist with a stable job and no bad habits, assuring them he could be responsible for Li Shiya. When Li Shiya's father remained unconvinced, Jiang Zhihao stated that they should at least trust their daughter's judgment, but her father still refused to give his blessing. Jiang Zhihao then paused, asking if the family's opposition stemmed from him being human, shocking the family.
He revealed his deductions about Li Shiya's true nature, noting her ability to go days without food while maintaining her figure, her sneezes when exposed to sunlight, and her unique method of replenishing energy through touch. He concluded that vampires, like humans, have progressed, and their energy intake now relies on physical contact.
When Li Shiya's father questioned if Jiang Zhihao intended to threaten them with this secret, he firmly denied it, promising to protect Li Shiya and never reveal her secret to anyone. Li Shiya's father then asked if he was still willing to be with her, knowing she was a vampire and that humans were merely food sources to them.
Jiang Zhihao admitted his initial surprise and inability to accept the truth, but asserted that he had now come to terms with it and was certain he was a lover to Li Shiya, not just a food source. Her father dismissed his beliefs as immature, claiming vampires and humans were different species and could not be together. Jiang Zhihao agreed on the difference but not the impossibility, believing they could create a miracle.
He reiterated his sincere decision and determination, asking for time for them to consider, but affirming his feelings for Li Shiya would not change. With his piece said, he bid them farewell and left, feeling satisfied with his performance. Xin Ba, who had been eavesdropping at the door, was also shocked by Jiang Zhihao's words. After Jiang Zhihao's departure, Li Shiya declared to her father that she shared Jiang Zhihao's conviction and would not abandon him.
Li Shiya's mother then asked the children to leave the room so she could speak with her husband privately. As Li Shiya exited, she encountered Xin Ba, who informed her that Li Lanxi had asked him to return home, to which Li Shiya responded distractedly. Meanwhile, the Vampire Elder Council convened, attended by Cui Junhe and Li Lanxi, to elect a new High Security Officer.
The role's primary responsibility was to maintain peace between vampires and humans, protect vampire rights, and punish those who exploited their powers against humans. Following a fair selection process, Cui Junhe was announced as the new High Security Officer, a result that surprised Li Lanxi, who had also been a candidate. Later, Xin Ba found himself alone in the Li family's horse farm, speaking to a horse about his dissatisfaction with his unchanging daily life, envying the horse's simple existence.
He recalled a childhood conversation with Li Shiya where he playfully asked her to marry him. Li Shiya had envisioned marrying a handsome, dazzling prince. She then suggested Xin Ba become a singer, praising his looks and voice, believing he would be a cool idol. These memories stirred Xin Ba, making him wonder if he should go find Li Shiya. With her parents out, Li Shiya seized the opportunity to retrieve her phone. She then called Xu Qingran.
Xu Qingran expressed immense relief but also chided Li Shiya for her sudden disappearance, admitting she had been frantic with worry and nearly called the police again. Li Shiya apologized, explaining she had been grounded after her parents discovered her relationship with Jiang Zhihao. Xu Qingran asked about her parents' reaction, and Li Shiya revealed their uncompromising demand for a breakup, threatening to keep her confined until she was eighty if she refused.
Desperate, Li Shiya pleaded with Xu Qingran to come to her house, create a tearful scene, and help her escape, a plan Xu Qingran agreed to. Just then, Li Shiya spotted her younger brother, Li Xiangyang, embracing a human girl. Concerned, she abruptly ended her call with Xu Qingran and confronted Li Xiangyang. She questioned who the girl was and worried about their parents finding out. Li Xiangyang casually stated the girl was his girlfriend.
Li Shiya chastised him, reminding him of their father's strict rules against intimate relationships with specific humans, even for hunting purposes. Li Xiangyang then let slip that their father was already aware of his relationship. Li Shiya was stunned and felt deeply betrayed. She confronted her father, angrily demanding to know why she had been lied to.
She questioned why vampires could clearly date humans, yet she was forbidden from doing so, asking if she was merely seen as a troublemaker deserving of punishment. Heartbroken, Li Shiya ran off, leaving her mother to approach her father, stating she had wanted to discuss Li Shiya's situation with him for some time. Later, Li Shiya, unable to reach Jiang Zhihao by phone, turned on the television out of boredom.
She was surprised to see both Cui Junhe and Xin Ba serving as judges on an idol talent show. On screen, Xin Ba and Cui Junhe displayed a tense dynamic, with Xin Ba consistently opposing Cui Junhe's opinions. During the show, a contestant named Cheng Meiyou introduced herself, explaining she had a fever. Cui Junhe appeared shocked by her name.
Despite Cheng Meiyou's poor performance, Cui Junhe insisted she finish her song and then, against Xin Ba's clear disagreement and the show's perceived standards, declared that she would pass. Xin Ba openly expressed his surprise and questioned Cui Junhe's decision, reminding him of his earlier disfavor for contestants who made mistakes. Cui Junhe defended his choice, saying he valued seriousness and sincerity, and wished to see her perform again.
Later, Cheng Meiyou thanked Cui Junhe, who told her to thank her name instead, revealing that he knew someone with the same name, which had influenced his decision. Xin Ba, observing this interaction, sarcastically commented that he was disappointed in Cui Junhe's taste in women. Li Shiya sat alone by a lake, deep in thought. Xin Ba approached her, wanting to talk.
Li Shiya admitted that she didn't want to further complicate his feelings, stating she had her own principles and persistence to uphold. She assured him she didn't hate him and still wished to be friends, but felt it best not to disturb his heart anymore. Xin Ba understood her position. He then proposed that they continue to be friends.
He confessed his sorrow at the thought of life without her by his side, acknowledging that while they couldn't go back to how things were, their friendship of over ten years was too important to simply abandon. He expressed his regret for his past words and how difficult it had been for him to accept their new reality, hoping she would tell him "it's okay." Li Shiya, apologetic, finally uttered, "It's okay," bringing a relieved smile to Xin Ba's face.
Episode 4 Recap
Li Lanxi shared the good news that their father had agreed to let Li Shiya move back home. Overjoyed, Li Shiya immediately began packing her belongings. She attempted to call Jiang Zhihao, but his phone was on silent, leaving her feeling uneasy. Meanwhile, Cui Junhe visited Jiang Zhihao to discuss the progress of his novel, which the company was eager to release next summer, noting its suspense theme. Jiang Zhihao reassured him that he would finish the manuscript on time.
Cui Junhe noticed some private materials Jiang Zhihao was examining. Embarrassed, Jiang Zhihao explained he was trying to learn about romantic relationships as it was his first time. Cui Junhe dismissed the idea of learning from such videos and offered to provide practical guidance, noting that practical experience was key. Li Shiya then arrived, eagerly knocking on Jiang Zhihao's door, only to be surprised when Cui Junhe opened it.
Jiang Zhihao explained that Cui Junhe was there for work and had accidentally gotten coffee on his shirt, which he was about to take to the dry cleaner. Jiang Zhihao then quickly left with Cui Junhe's clothes. Once Jiang Zhihao was gone, Li Shiya angrily demanded to know Cui Junhe's true intentions. Cui Junhe dismissed her, initially implying vampires seek humans for food, but then clarified his presence was purely for work.
Li Shiya fiercely warned him to stay away from Jiang Zhihao, declaring herself his protector. Cui Junhe, however, stated that vampires are superior predators, comparing them to wolves and humans to sheep. Li Shiya then revealed that Jiang Zhihao already knew she was a vampire, having guessed her identity and learned about her family situation.
Cui Junhe was surprised but then firmly told her to stop interfering with his work, emphasizing that they would likely cross paths professionally given her modeling career. He also warned her that while Jiang Zhihao knowing her identity was her concern, revealing his own vampire identity to a human would incur severe punishment. Jiang Zhihao returned, prompting an immediate shift in demeanor from Li Shiya and Cui Junhe, who acted as if they were having a pleasant conversation.
Cui Junhe told Jiang Zhihao that Li Shiya encouraged him to write better work, then bid them farewell. Li Shiya later called Jiang Zhihao, happily informing him that her father had allowed her to move back, to which Jiang Zhihao responded warmly. She then noticed him secretly looking at her magazine photos, particularly one she considered "the most revealing." He admitted to buying many of her magazines.
When Li Shiya received a call from Qingran about an upcoming photoshoot called "One Day of Love," Jiang Zhihao became visibly jealous, suggesting she should be doing such a shoot with him. Despite his denials, he insisted on accompanying her, claiming it was for research for his magazine writing, an excuse Li Shiya saw through but accepted with a knowing smile. The next day, at the photoshoot, Jiang Zhihao interrupted, criticizing Li Shiya's "vulgar" pose and revealing outfit.
He proceeded to button up her shirt, which infuriated the photographer, who then threw Jiang Zhihao out. Qingran expressed concern about Jiang Zhihao's behavior, but Li Shiya defended him, attributing his occasional childishness to their recent separation. Afterward, Jiang Zhihao asked Li Shiya out on a date for the following day, and she agreed. Later, Jiang Zhihao expressed a desire to learn more about vampires.
Li Shiya, however, apologetically explained that her species had strict rules, preventing her from revealing too much. Jiang Zhihao accepted her explanation with understanding. Li Shiya and Jiang Zhihao embarked on a celebratory trip. At their hotel, they unexpectedly ran into Xin Ba and Shihuan, who were there for a relaxation trip. Xin Ba greeted Jiang Zhihao, making a pointed comment about his past germaphobia.
Xin Ba then insisted on helping them check in and slyly changed Jiang Zhihao's reservation from one big bed room to two separate rooms, much to Jiang Zhihao's annoyance. Li Shiya expressed mild disappointment over the reduced private time, but Jiang Zhihao reassured her, understanding Xin Ba's familial importance to her. While Li Shiya stepped away to apply sunblock, Xin Ba mischievously pushed Jiang Zhihao into the water, then blamed Shihuan.
Upon her return, Li Shiya scolded Shihuan for the prank, though Jiang Zhihao knew Xin Ba was behind it. The four then played beach volleyball, with Xin Ba proposing the losing team swim in the ocean as a playful form of revenge. Li Shiya enjoyed seeing Jiang Zhihao, once a germaphobe, engage in such playful activities. Back at the hotel, Xin Ba acted overly protective, preventing Jiang Zhihao from entering Li Shiya's room, even to retrieve his cleanser.
Xin Ba warned Jiang Zhihao he would absorb his energy until he fainted if he tried. Li Shiya ultimately told Jiang Zhihao to rest early, leaving him frustrated. Separately, Cui Junhe, feeling down after a call from the cemetery about an unmaintained tombstone, decided to walk home. He encountered Cheng Meiyou, the enthusiastic girl from the talent show he previously helped. Despite his cold demeanor and repeated attempts to dismiss her, Cheng Meiyou remained persistently cheerful and talkative.
She thanked him for letting her pass the audition, but Cui Junhe bluntly told her her performance was terrible, and he only helped her because her name was the same as a friend's. She continued to playfully flirt, even jokingly complaining about her melting popsicles being a sacrifice to talk to him. When she asked if the friend with her name also smiles a lot, Cui Junhe stated they were "totally different" and his friend was "more mature."
As Cui Junhe tried to leave, Cheng Meiyou boldly asked for his phone number, which he reluctantly provided on her hand after she insisted she had no self-respect. On their way home from the trip, Li Shiya apologized to Jiang Zhihao, feeling their trip wasn't as relaxing as planned due to Xin Ba's interference. Jiang Zhihao assured her it was fine, acknowledging Xin Ba's protective nature towards her.
Li Shiya then told him about an upcoming important photoshoot in Qingsong County, a small place renowned for its beautiful scenery. Jiang Zhihao immediately offered to drive her, but Li Shiya gently declined, explaining that she needed to go home to thoroughly research the area for the shoot. Back home, Li Shiya began researching Qingsong County. As she did, a yellowed old photograph of a young Cheng Meiyou fell from a book. Puzzled by its origin, she turned it over and read the inscription on the back: "Qingsong Elementary School."
Episode 5 Recap
Li Shiya excitedly showed Jiang Zhihao the files she found about Qingsong County and a childhood photograph of herself. She noted the picture was cute but she couldn't remember when it was taken, planning to ask her sister, Li Lanxi, about it later. Jiang Zhihao then hesitantly revealed that he had visited Li Lanxi when he couldn't reach Li Shiya.
He shared that Li Lanxi seemed against their relationship and had told him that Li Shiya was merely "hunting," implying he was just her prey. Stunned by this, Li Shiya declared she had to go confront her sister immediately. Li Shiya angrily confronted Li Lanxi, demanding an explanation for her words to Jiang Zhihao, especially after Li Lanxi had previously encouraged her to do as she pleased.
Li Lanxi calmly admitted that if it meant breaking them up, she was willing to be unscrupulous. She explained that she initially thought Li Shiya was simply "hunting" by pretending to be in love with Jiang Zhihao, which she could understand. However, she noticed a change in Li Shiya's tone, gaze, and actions towards Jiang Zhihao, realizing their connection was deeper than mere hunting.
Because Jiang Zhihao is human and they are vampires who absorb human energy to survive, Li Lanxi believed such a relationship could not last. She feared Li Shiya was mistaking a temporary blissful feeling for genuine emotion and urged her to return to her old ways. Li Shiya vehemently denied this, asserting her feelings for Jiang Zhihao were real and that she could not treat him as food.
Li Lanxi pleaded with her to stop, emphasizing that human relationships were forbidden and that continuing would lead to danger, just like in the past. When Li Shiya pressed for details about this past danger, Li Lanxi quickly changed the subject, telling her to stop having foolish ideas and to trust her, while holding her close. This made Li Shiya suspicious. Meanwhile, Xin Ba called Xu Qingran, inquiring about Li Shiya's recent activities.
Xu Qingran informed him that she and Li Shiya were in Qingsong County for a filming project. Upon hearing this, Xin Ba was shocked and rushed towards Qingsong County in his car, silently praying that Li Shiya would not encounter any harm. In Qingsong County, Li Shiya found herself looking at Qingsong Elementary School, feeling a strange sense of familiarity but unable to recall ever being there. Her distracted state affected the filming, leading the director to pause.
Xu Qingran suggested they take a walk to clear her head. During their stroll, Li Shiya asked Xu Qingran if it was possible for someone to completely forget their childhood. Xu Qingran mused that while some memories fade, a complete blank might suggest an accident occurred. As Li Shiya pondered this, an object suddenly fell from a passing truck.
Xu Qingran quickly pushed Li Shiya out of the way, but she was hit herself, sustaining a head injury and falling unconscious. The sight of Xu Qingran injured triggered a fragmented memory for Li Shiya: she recalled being by a river with another girl, holding her hand, and the girl collapsing. Li Shiya was greatly alarmed, not knowing what exactly had happened in her childhood. Xin Ba arrived on the scene shortly after.
At the hospital, as Xu Qingran received treatment, Li Shiya experienced another sudden memory flash: she saw herself as a child, lying in a hospital room with her father beside her. This deepened her confusion about her past. Xu Qingran then mentioned to Li Shiya that Xin Ba had seemed very anxious and rushed when he learned they were filming in Qingsong County.
Li Shiya grew suspicious, feeling that Xin Ba might know something about her past and deciding to investigate. Meanwhile, as Xin Ba was returning to Xu Qingran's hospital room with fruits, he noticed he was being followed. He chased after the masked man, who fled. After a struggle, the man escaped, leaving behind a badge that Xin Ba picked up, looking puzzled. Elsewhere, Jiang Zhihao was having a conversation with Cui Junhe.
Jiang Zhihao shared how Li Shiya had transformed his life, enabling him to interact and live like a normal person, a change he attributed entirely to her. Later, Li Shiya called Jiang Zhihao, sounding troubled and apologetic about a "situation." When he pressed for details, she demurred, vaguely asking what he would do if she were different from his imagination.
Jiang Zhihao reassured her that he would wait for her to understand things, whether on her own or with his help. Driven by her family's secrecy and her fragmented memories, Li Shiya decided she needed to uncover the truth. She visited the Qingsong Elementary School archives and found her own transfer record from when she was in second grade. She was surprised that she had no memory of such a significant change.
She also noticed another transfer record for a girl named Qi Tongtong, who had left the school at the same time as her. The name Qi Tongtong sparked more vivid, disjointed memories: playing by the river with Qi Tongtong, Qi Tongtong suddenly collapsing, and Li Shiya carrying her on her back all the way home to seek help.
At the Li family home, Li Shiya's father noticed the old Qingsong Elementary photo was missing, realizing Li Shiya had likely taken it to investigate her past. Li Shiya's mother expressed concern, suggesting it was time to tell Li Shiya the truth. Her father, referred to as Li Shanghao by his wife, believed that since Li Shiya's memories had been erased due to trauma (a form of evasive amnesia), she wouldn't remember unless severely stimulated.
Li Xiangyang, having overheard their hushed conversation, emerged and questioned what they were hiding from Li Shiya. Li Shiya's father then painfully recounted the incident from Li Shiya's childhood. He explained that when Li Shiya carried Qi Tongtong home after her fall, Li Shiya, being a pure-blooded vampire with a limitless ability to absorb human energy, had unknowingly drained Qi Tongtong's life force, almost killing her.
He clarified that unlike common vampires who only absorb a small, harmless amount of energy, Li Shiya's ancient, stronger nature meant her absorption was continuous and dangerous. Li Xiangyang then asked if his father also possessed such an ability to absorb and transfer energy. Li Shiya's father explained that only those of a special rank had this ability, and giving out energy could be fatal.
He revealed that he had nearly died saving Qi Tongtong, losing his special abilities and being bedridden for two years afterward. He concluded that he couldn't tell Li Shiya such a dangerous truth, believing it was for her own good. Later, Li Lanxi found Li Shiya sitting distraught on the floor of her room.
Li Shiya tearfully asked if she was the one who had killed the little girl by the stream, and why everyone had hidden the fact that she could harm humans. Li Lanxi, heartbroken by Li Shiya's anguish, embraced her.
Episode 6 Recap
Li Shiya tearfully confronted Li Lanxi, expressing her hurt and confusion about why her sister and father had been so strict with her, now realizing they had always known she was different. She questioned why they kept the truth from her for over ten years, demanding to know if she had killed the little girl in the past.
Li Lanxi explained that she and their father wanted to protect Li Shiya, fearing that remembering the accident would cause her to repeat the mistake. She reiterated that developing feelings for humans would make Li Shiya unable to control her unique vampiric nature, which could endanger the human's life due to her heart's strong absorption of life energy. Li Lanxi clarified that the child had not died, as their father saved her.
However, Li Shiya’s special condition meant that the more she cared for a human, the more life energy she would absorb, putting that person in mortal danger. Li Shiya then inquired about her memory loss. Li Lanxi revealed that after the incident, Li Shiya became severely depressed and refused to absorb life energy, believing herself to be a monster who would harm people. This refusal endangered Li Shiya's own life, making her weaker day by day.
Li Lanxi confessed her helplessness, wishing she were human so she could give Li Shiya life energy. Miraculously, Li Shiya later woke up, having forgotten the events of that day and the child involved. Li Lanxi explained that she chose to become a psychologist and kept the past hidden to prevent Li Shiya from remembering and giving up on herself again, emphasizing that to their family, Li Shiya was priceless.
Li Shiya, heartbroken, pleaded that she could control herself and merely wanted to stay by Jiang Zhihao's side. But Li Lanxi gravely warned her that if she truly wanted to protect Jiang Zhihao, she could not love him, as her sincere love could eventually lead to his death from even a fingertip's touch. Later that evening, a weary Li Shiya returned home to find Jiang Zhihao waiting by her door.
He greeted her warmly, noticing her red eyes, but she quickly retreated, feigning exhaustion and claiming her eyes were red from the sun and sneezing during a three-day photoshoot. Inside her room, Li Shiya was tormented by her love for Jiang Zhihao, knowing their relationship could endanger his life. She agonized over the realization that she had fallen deeply in love with him and could not pretend otherwise, yet feared that one day she would accidentally hurt him.
The next day, Jiang Zhihao appeared on a television show called "Zero Distance." He explained that he used to be a germaphobe and was unwilling to interact with people. He credited meeting someone special for helping him overcome his condition, live like a normal person, and inspiring his writing. As he spoke, Li Shiya watched at home, wondering how she could ever face him now that everything had changed.
Jiang Zhihao then waited for Li Shiya outside her residence and took her to the restaurant where they had their first date. He reminisced about that day and expressed how fortunate he felt to have met her, trying to encourage her to share her burdens. Li Shiya, overwhelmed, excused herself to the washroom. While she was away, Jiang Zhihao secretly prepared an engagement ring, vowing to express his true feelings.
In the washroom, Li Shiya was distraught, realizing she could not pretend to be unaffected by their situation. Despite Jiang Zhihao's care, she was terrified of hurting him. Upon her return, Li Shiya claimed to be unwell and tried to leave, but Jiang Zhihao insisted on taking her to another place. He led her to an ocean park, which Li Shiya found breathtaking.
Sitting together, Jiang Zhihao shared childhood memories of the park and emotionally confessed that Li Shiya had brought these precious memories back to life. He told her how much he missed her, how she had become an indispensable habit in his life, and finally, he declared his love for her, thanking her for appearing in his life. He formally presented the engagement ring, having previously messed up an attempt due to an awkward atmosphere.
As he reached to place the ring on her finger, Li Shiya's inner struggle intensified. Visions of Li Lanxi's warnings flashed through her mind, reminding her of the danger she posed to him. She pulled her hand away, causing the ring to fall to the ground, and fled, crying out "Sorry." Jiang Zhihao was left stunned, then quickly pursued her, desperately asking what he had done wrong or if he had pressured her.
Li Shiya, trying to push him away, hardened her heart and declared that they could not be together, asking to break up. When he questioned her, she cruelly claimed she had never liked him, was bored, and had only been playing with him from the beginning. Jiang Zhihao refused to believe her, looking into her eyes and stating that he knew her concern.
He revealed that he knew she was a vampire and that whatever problems they faced, they could overcome them together. Despite his unwavering commitment, Li Shiya, with a sorrowful "Sorry," insisted on breaking up and ran away, begging him not to follow her. Internally, she wept, acknowledging that she had hurt him but believing that she could not stay by his side because he was too precious, and she would eventually endanger him.
Back in her room, Li Shiya broke down, crying inconsolably while Jiang Zhihao pounded on her door, pleading for her to talk. Li Lanxi found her sister in distress and comforted her, holding her tightly. Li Shiya confessed that she had broken up with Jiang Zhihao and told him she would never see him again, sharing his proposal and her internal conflict.
Li Lanxi, also heartbroken, expressed her regret for not telling Li Shiya the truth sooner, assuring her that the breakup was for the best, despite the pain. She urged Li Shiya to try and move on, as if it were just a dream, but Li Shiya yearned to return to how things were before. The next morning, Jiang Zhihao rushed to Li Shiya's apartment, but found Li Lanxi at the door.
Li Lanxi calmly informed him that she was there to help Li Shiya move her belongings and that Li Shiya would not be returning. Jiang Zhihao was incredulous, demanding to know the reason and insisting on seeing Li Shiya to clarify things. Li Lanxi urged him to give up, stating that a breakup was common and he should move on, meet someone new, and start over.
Jiang Zhihao firmly refused, emphasizing how important Li Shiya was to him and attempting to go inside to find her. Li Lanxi stopped him, telling him that Li Shiya was also sad, but to her, Jiang Zhihao had become a significant burden. Jiang Zhihao fiercely rejected this reality, declaring he would never accept it.
Episode 7 Recap
Jiang Zhihao was determined to find Li Shiya. Li Lanxi tried to persuade him to move on, suggesting that their romantic relationship was a common experience and that he would eventually accept it and meet someone new. She warned him not to cling to the past, emphasizing that Li Shiya was also in pain and that he was currently a "big burden" to her.
Jiang Zhihao firmly refused to accept this reality, stating to Li Lanxi that he would never give up. Jiang Zhihao first went to Li Shiya's house and called out her name, but no one answered. He then proceeded to her modeling agency, where he encountered the company's president, who recognized him from a previous photoshoot. Jiang Zhihao explained that he was Li Shiya's boyfriend and desperately needed to speak with her face-to-face, but couldn't reach her.
The president informed him that they, too, were unable to contact Li Shiya, but that she had given them permission to contact her family if needed. Jiang Zhihao requested to be notified if they heard from her and was given an initial sample copy of the latest fashion magazine featuring Li Shiya on the cover. He thanked them and left, feeling despondent. As Jiang Zhihao was leaving the agency, he coincidentally met Cui Junhe by the elevator.
Cui Junhe noticed Jiang Zhihao seemed troubled and asked if he had encountered any problems. Jiang Zhihao confessed that he couldn't find Li Shiya, explaining that her phone was off and even her agency couldn't reach her. Cui Junhe asked what had transpired between them, and Jiang Zhihao revealed that they had broken up.
He recounted how he had proposed to her, only for her to reject him, saying she didn't want to see him again, and expressed regret for his haste in expressing his feelings. Jiang Zhihao then abruptly asked Cui Junhe if he believed in vampires. Cui Junhe was surprised but acknowledged the possibility of other intelligent beings existing among humans and falling in love with them, including vampires.
Jiang Zhihao, without noticing Cui Junhe's reaction, shared his belief, recalling Li Shiya's words that love can overcome differences as long as two people truly love each other. He then declared his resolve to find her. Cui Junhe wished him good luck and promised to notify him if he found any news of Li Shiya, before departing. Having exhausted other options, Jiang Zhihao arranged to meet Xin Ba under the false pretense of an interview for a fashion magazine.
Xin Ba, who had already learned from Li Lanxi about Li Shiya's distress after discovering her true nature, was internally pained by her suffering and vowed to continue protecting her as he always had. Upon meeting Jiang Zhihao, Xin Ba reacted with open disdain, annoyed that a mere novelist was using such an excuse.
Xin Ba declared he had nothing to say to Jiang Zhihao and began to leave, but Jiang Zhihao stopped him, explaining he had sought him out because he was Li Shiya's best friend. Xin Ba retorted that Jiang Zhihao couldn't possibly understand Li Shiya's significance to him and that he held no positive feelings towards Jiang Zhihao, so he would never divulge any information, even if he possessed it.
Jiang Zhihao then revealed that he knew both Xin Ba and Li Shiya were vampires. Xin Ba then firmly stated that Jiang Zhihao and Li Shiya could "never go back," likening their situation to "water and oil" that "can never mix," and concluded that there are "some boundaries that love also can't surpass," adding that they couldn't reunite "unless you can resurrect from the dead." Despite her decision to leave, Li Shiya couldn't let go of Jiang Zhihao.
She sat dejectedly, reflecting on her breakup and how the world seemed unchanged while she was heartbroken. She felt such profound sadness that she couldn't even shed tears and hoped Jiang Zhihao would find someone better and live happily. She then called Xu Qingran, asking her to book a trip to Italy as soon as possible, confirming her decision to leave. Later, Xin Ba found her and asked if she was alright.
Li Shiya tearfully confessed that she was not, describing the breakup as incredibly upsetting and every moment of her current life as a torment, feeling helpless and hopeless because she missed Jiang Zhihao so intensely. Xin Ba, deeply pained by her suffering, consoled her. He revealed that he, too, had once felt such despair because of her.
He confessed his enduring love for her and admitted that he had helped her conceal her "absurd decision" to be with a human, even though he knew it was impossible. He had secretly harbored hopes that if they broke up, he might have a chance. However, seeing her in such profound pain, he declared that he would rather she continue her "absurd things" with Jiang Zhihao, as long as she was happy, promising to protect her from any ridicule.
He encouraged her not to be upset and to cry. At the company, Xu Qingran informed Li Shiya that her Italy itinerary had been moved forward by a week, requiring her to depart the following Friday and remain in Italy after the event, with all arrangements handled. Li Shiya agreed, though her somber demeanor prompted Xu Qingran to question her lack of enthusiasm.
As Li Shiya was leaving the company, Cui Junhe called out to her and invited her for coffee before her departure, which she accepted. During their conversation, Cui Junhe mentioned he had learned about her breakup with Jiang Zhihao from Jiang Zhihao himself and expressed his belief in an eternal love between a human and a vampire.
Li Shiya offered a bitter smile and mused about the complex nature of love: how it brings people together, but also causes sorrow, fear of hurting the other, and ultimately drives them apart due to perceived incompatibilities. She confessed that she might have realized too late that perhaps there was indeed a reason for people to say they shouldn't be together.
Cui Junhe wished her to forget her unhappiness and embark on a new life in Italy, and she confirmed her departure for the following Friday. After Cui Junhe left the coffee shop, he received a text message from Jiang Zhihao inquiring about Li Shiya's whereabouts. Cui Junhe replied, untruthfully, that he had no news of her. Despite her decision to leave, Li Shiya couldn't let go of Jiang Zhihao.
She quietly walked to his apartment door, reminiscing about their time together and feeling his absence. She leaned against the door, softly speaking to herself, "I'm back," before whispering a tearful goodbye. Inside, Jiang Zhihao sat on the floor, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and gazing at a photo of them. Suddenly, the small star on his phone case began to flash, a clear signal that Li Shiya was nearby.
Overjoyed and desperate, Jiang Zhihao sprang to his feet and rushed out into the pouring rain. He cried out for Li Shiya, declaring that he didn't care if she was human or a vampire. He desperately needed her, shouting that he was "not afraid of death" and would be "fine with it" as long as it was her. Hidden in a corner, Li Shiya covered her mouth, weeping silently, overwhelmed by his desperate pleas. She uttered a soft goodbye.
Episode 8 Recap
Li Shiya's manager, Qingran, called, reminding her about an early shoot the next morning. Li Shiya confirmed, but Qingran sensed her low spirits and asked if she was unwell, offering to delay work if needed. Li Shiya dismissed her concerns, promising to be on time. Meanwhile, Cui Junhe's assistant informed him that Li Shiya was having a photoshoot downstairs and asked if he wished to see her.
Before Cui Junhe could respond, Cheng Meiyou excitedly approached him, announcing herself as the magazine's new intern. She claimed her job was to assist with photoshoots, but Cui Junhe tried to dismiss her, already annoyed by her presence. Cheng Meiyou boldly confessed her feelings, explaining she interned there just to be near him. Cui Junhe, attempting to shake her off, sarcastically called her an "immature tomboy."
Unfazed, Cheng Meiyou retorted that her new hairstyle was even inspired by his magazine and insisted she had matured, despite her current dress. Cui Junhe, frustrated, tried to get his assistant to remove her, complaining that she gave him a headache. His assistant, however, couldn't help but quietly chuckle at the situation. Cui Junhe later visited Li Shiya at her photoshoot, with Cheng Meiyou following closely behind.
Cheng Meiyou observed Li Shiya's voluptuous figure, contrasting it with her own slender physique with a hint of shame. During a break, Li Shiya chatted with Cui Junhe, who noticed her low mood and asked if anything had happened. Li Shiya then warned him to stay away from Jiang Zhihao. As Li Shiya finished her shoot and prepared to leave, Cui Junhe spotted a light stand toppling towards her.
He instinctively rushed forward, shielding her from the falling equipment, which struck his forehead. Li Shiya also twisted her ankle as she stumbled. Despite his injury, Cui Junhe remained outwardly stoic, moving away as if nothing had happened. Cheng Meiyou, witnessing the incident, hurried over with a first-aid kit, offering to bandage him. Cui Junhe tried to wave her off and leave, but Cheng Meiyou firmly grabbed his hand.
He felt a surge of energy from her touch, momentarily losing his resolve to pull away. She then proceeded to clean his wound and place a bandage on his forehead, drawing a cartoon smiley face on it. Cui Junhe surprisingly gave up resisting, allowing her to finish. During this, Cheng Meiyou asked Cui Junhe if she was truly "under-developed" and even asked if he could inquire about Li Shiya's diet to be "fully developed" and "like a fairy."
Cui Junhe simply told her to shut up. As Li Shiya hobbled away, Cui Junhe insisted on driving her home. She initially refused, but he persisted, prompting her to get into his car. During the drive, they heard a news report about a riot in Italy. Soon after, Qingran called Li Shiya to inform her that her planned trip to Italy was temporarily canceled.
Upon arriving at Li Shiya’s building, Cui Junhe, seeing her injured foot, scooped her up into his arms and carried her to her doorstep. Just as they reached the door, Jiang Zhihao, who was about to leave his own apartment, stared blankly at the sight of Cui Junhe carrying Li Shiya. Cui Junhe quickly put Li Shiya down and departed. Jiang Zhihao, agitated, knocked on Li Shiya's door and then forcibly pushed it open.
He angrily grabbed her, insisting on applying medicine to her sprained foot despite her protests. Li Shiya avoided his gaze and reminded him that they had broken up. Jiang Zhihao refused to believe her, asserting that her inability to look him in the eye was proof she still loved him. He declared that he would no longer be passive and would take proactive steps to win her back.
He spoke of his struggle to forget her, how he constantly thought of her well-being, and how he was happy just seeing her. He admitted he couldn't turn back or simply be her friend, insisting he knew she still liked him. Li Shiya, however, maintained, "I don't like you." Jiang Zhihao responded that he would never change his decision until she truly stopped liking him, and reminded her that he lived next door if she needed anything for her foot.
Remembering Li Shiya's mention of a younger brother named Xiangyang, Jiang Zhihao sought out Li Xiangyang. He approached Li Xiangyang, who, despite initially being wary and reminding Jiang Zhihao of vampire rules and his sister's dislike of human relationships, was easily tempted by the valuable gifts Jiang Zhihao offered, including coveted toys. Jiang Zhihao promised Li Xiangyang anything he desired in exchange for information on Li Shiya's whereabouts and activities.
Li Xiangyang, swayed by the offer, eventually agreed and gave Jiang Zhihao his phone number. Meanwhile, Li Shiya contacted Qingran to inform her about her injury. Qingran, who was on a business trip, couldn't visit and instead called Xin Ba, asking him to look after Li Shiya, especially given her recent emotional state. Xin Ba immediately prepared to go, but Shihuan stopped him, expressing his frustration.
Shihuan reminded Xin Ba of his past sacrifices for Li Shiya, including leaving their concert, and urged Xin Ba to consider their group and his feelings for once. Xin Ba apologized for his thoughtlessness. After reflecting on Shihuan's words, Xin Ba decided they would perform their scheduled show first, then visit Li Shiya together, emphasizing that their bond as a group was also important. Later, Xin Ba and Shihuan arrived at Li Shiya's apartment.
Li Shiya complained about being bored after being stuck at home for days. To lift her spirits, Xin Ba suggested they go watch Li Xiangyang play basketball. Li Shiya agreed, wanting to get some fresh air. Soon after, Jiang Zhihao received a call from Li Xiangyang, who informed him that Li Shiya was heading to the basketball court. Jiang Zhihao quickly arrived at the court, also carrying a basketball. Li Shiya, seeing him, initially wondered if she was hallucinating.
Jiang Zhihao pretended to be nonchalant and joined Xin Ba and Shihuan in a game. During play, Jiang Zhihao deliberately took a hit from the ball and dramatically collapsed, feigning unconsciousness. Xin Ba and Shihuan were surprised by his apparent weakness, but Li Shiya, overcome with worry, immediately pulled out her phone to call for emergency services. Jiang Zhihao then stood up, perfectly fine, and admitted it was a ruse to test her feelings.
Li Shiya was furious, chastising him for his childish actions and telling him to stop such meaningless ploys. As Li Shiya angrily turned to leave with Xin Ba, Jiang Zhihao called out to her, his voice filled with emotion. He reminded her that she had been the one to pursue him and encourage him to change in the past.
He confessed that he didn't understand why she was leaving him now, but implored her to let him be the one to slowly approach her, understand her, and change for her, step by step. Li Shiya paused, listening to his heartfelt plea.
Episode 9 Recap
After Li Shiya paused momentarily, she hardened her resolve and continued to walk away. Jiang Zhihao watched her retreating back, his eyes filled with disappointment, but he resolved not to give up. Later, Xin Ba urged Jiang Zhihao not to take Li Shiya's actions to heart, explaining that she truly worries something bad will happen to him.
Meanwhile, as Cui Junhe was leaving the magazine office and about to get into his car, Cheng Meiyou appeared, greeting him brazenly despite his attempts to ignore her. She insisted she was just "playing hard-to-get" and that idol drama tactics were useless in real life. Ignoring his protests, she uninvitedly got into his car, declaring that she wanted to spend more time with him and would head wherever he was going.
Cui Junhe, frustrated, tried to make her leave, asserting that his family did not lack money. Cheng Meiyou countered that she liked him not for his wealth, but because he was handsome, educated, and had a cool demeanor, like "the whole world owes him." Cui Junhe, exasperated, told her to get out, but eventually allowed her to stay. During the ride, Cheng Meiyou asked him if he had no pride, and then insisted on stopping to buy ice cream.
While she was inside, Cui Junhe urged his driver to leave immediately. Cheng Meiyou emerged to find the car gone, her face falling in disappointment. However, Cui Junhe’s car soon returned; he hadn't been able to leave her behind. Her face lit up, and she happily offered him some ice cream, complaining that it tasted like artificial cream. Cui Junhe agreed, and Cheng Meiyou promised to buy him better ones when she made money.
He playfully called her a bragger, to which she insisted she had other skills besides annoying people. She then asked if he knew many attractive women, like Li Shiya. Cui Junhe stated that Li Shiya had no personal relationship with him and was merely "a person of use." Cheng Meiyou, though admitting some jealousy, said she would accept it if Li Shiya was his type, but she would never change herself for him.
Cui Junhe clarified he did not like Li Shiya. When asked if he had someone he liked, he admitted there was someone from his past. He explained they hadn't spoken in a long time, and he couldn't distinguish if his feelings were love or guilt. Cheng Meiyou then asked if it was the person with the same name as her, which he confirmed.
He described her as "very pretty," even "way prettier" than Cheng Meiyou, prompting her to playfully declare herself upset and leave, trying a "hard-to-get" tactic of her own. Later, Cui Junhe visited a large room where a young woman named Youyou lay in a coffin. Sitting beside her, he apologized for not visiting sooner and reflected on how much time had passed and how places they once visited no longer existed.
He remembered a scarf she had knitted for him, admitting he couldn't bear to wear it for fear of losing her scent. He confessed that since she left, the world had lost its meaning for him, and he felt only sadness and guilt. What he feared most was forgetting the happiness they once shared.
He regretted not telling her he was a vampire sooner or leaving her earlier, believing that if things had been different, she might be living a carefree life like the young girl he recently met who shared her name, Cheng Meiyou. He admitted he had used Cheng Meiyou as an outlet for his guilt. Cui Junhe solemnly promised Youyou that he would find a way to revive her, just as others had been resurrected before.
But he added that once she was revived, she should stay far away from him, forget him, and live a better life. At a fashion show, Li Shiya was preparing for her catwalk. A mysterious man swapped her shoes with another pair. He then called his employer, confirming he had completed the task.
He explained that a high-level vampire in an extreme emotional state might emit energy capable of harming humans, and this setup would test if Li Shiya was indeed such a vampire, with them now awaiting the results. Meanwhile, Jiang Zhihao met with Li Xiangyang. After initially refusing to reveal his sister's whereabouts, Li Xiangyang's resolve broke when Jiang Zhihao presented him with a coveted limited-edition item he had longed for, boasting about his connections as a successful author.
Li Xiangyang then disclosed Li Shiya’s location, asking Jiang Zhihao not to mention his name. Jiang Zhihao arrived at the fashion show venue, where he was surprised to encounter Xin Ba. Their interaction was tense, with Xin Ba questioning Jiang Zhihao's presence. When reporters approached Xin Ba, he publicly declared that he and Li Shiya were "the best of friends."
Spotting Jiang Zhihao, the reporters also began to question him, and Xin Ba quickly introduced Jiang Zhihao as "also my good friend" to diffuse the situation. Privately, Xin Ba warned Jiang Zhihao to give up any intentions he had toward Li Shiya, threatening to carry him out if he didn't leave. Jiang Zhihao refused, insisting he wouldn't go back. Xin Ba confronted him again, asking why he was disrupting Li Shiya's life after their breakup.
Jiang Zhihao maintained that their feelings hadn't changed and he would always find a way to win Li Shiya back, asserting that Xin Ba had no right to interfere. Xin Ba, frustrated, told Jiang Zhihao not to force someone who didn't love him or bother someone living well.
Jiang Zhihao then acknowledged Xin Ba's point but retorted that he understood his own advantages compared to Xin Ba, stating that Xin Ba was "only food" and that if Li Shiya were to fall in love with her own species, he, as a mere human or "food," wouldn't stand a chance at all. Their argument was cut short as the fashion show began. Li Shiya, who had seen Xin Ba and Jiang Zhihao earlier, walked the runway professionally.
Xin Ba and Jiang Zhihao watched intently as she moved elegantly. Suddenly, the heel of Li Shiya's shoe snapped, causing her to fall awkwardly. A man from the audience rushed forward, flashing his phone's bright light in her face, taking photos of her distressed state. Blinded and distressed, Li Shiya pleaded with him to stop. Jiang Zhihao swiftly rushed onto the stage, took off his jacket to cover her, and gently carried her away.
Xin Ba quickly intervened, apologizing to the reporters for the "small situation" and asking for their understanding. Xin Ba then tracked down the reporter who had photographed Li Shiya. He demanded the camera card containing the exclusive photos. The reporter defiantly refused, asserting that the material was his life. Xin Ba, threatening to get angry, grabbed the reporter by the neck, clearly using his vampire abilities as the reporter's body went limp.
Xin Ba took the camera card and forced the reporter to delete all photos from his phone, noting that they would have been in "big trouble" otherwise. As Xin Ba left the room, he passed another man in the corridor, feeling a sense of familiarity about him. Meanwhile, Jiang Zhihao took Li Shiya to the emergency room, watching as a doctor treated her minor scratches and inquired about the broken high heels.
After the doctor left, Jiang Zhihao approached Li Shiya, asking her what had truly happened and assuring her they could face any problem together. Li Shiya, in tears, hardened her heart and told him to leave, begging him not to appear before her again and not to make her waver. Jiang Zhihao refused to accept their breakup, insisting she had a hidden reason because he could see from her eyes that she still loved him.
He told her she didn't know how to deceive or lie. Li Shiya then asked if he knew how dangerous it was to be with her and what would happen. Jiang Zhihao pressed her to tell him, asserting that despite being human, he was more determined and capable of bearing more than she thought, and that they could solve it together. Li Shiya started to confess, "Actually, I. . ." but Xin Ba arrived just then, interrupting her.
He assured them that he had retrieved the pictures and handled the reporters, stating the situation was under control. Li Shiya thanked him, and Xin Ba urged her to "be firm about your own stand" before carrying her out. Jiang Zhihao protested that he hadn't finished talking to her, but Xin Ba simply stated, "There's nothing for you two to be talking about."
Episode 10 Recap
Junxiu reported to Cui Junhe about the incident at the fashion show, detailing his initial plan to provoke Li Shiya and observe the energy she emitted during extreme situations. He wanted to determine if she was a high-level vampire and if she possessed any other special abilities. However, when Li Shiya grabbed the person they had sent to agitate her, the light from her hand was so intense that it almost blinded him.
He concluded that Li Shiya was far more dangerous than they had anticipated. Cui Junhe was taken aback by this unexpected result. He asked Junxiu if he considered their methods cruel, but Junxiu responded with unwavering loyalty, assuring Cui Junhe that whatever he wished was, in his eyes, always correct.
Cui Junhe then decided to use Jiang Zhihao to test Li Shiya again and announced his plan to host a dinner party for this purpose, instructing Junxiu to carry out the test that very night. As Cui Junhe was about to leave, he encountered Li Lanxi in the corridor. Li Lanxi proactively expressed her interest in attending the dinner party, mentioning that she happened to be free that day.
Cui Junhe agreed and instructed Junxiu to send her an invitation, adding that Junxiu should keep a close watch on her. After Li Lanxi departed, Junxiu voiced his concern that she might have deduced something about the insignia he lost in Qingsong County. He recalled that, in his rush back, she had noticed he wasn't wearing it, despite his efforts to conceal the fact.
He also speculated that Simba might have the lost item but hadn't yet given it to Li Lanxi. Cui Junhe, uncertain about the extent of Li Lanxi's knowledge, instructed Junxiu to use the dinner party as an opportunity to find Simba and ascertain what he knew about the insignia, stressing the need for careful and discreet actions. He also asked Junxiu to prepare another invitation for Jiang Zhihao.
Cui Junhe personally delivered the invitations to Jiang Zhihao, one for himself and one for Li Shiya. Jiang Zhihao, typically disinclined towards public events and socializing, accepted. Cui Junhe explained that delivering the invitation to Li Shiya would be more meaningful than simply bringing her medicine, as she lived next door.
He also clarified that his previous act of bringing Li Shiya home was purely because she had injured her foot and couldn't walk, reassuring Jiang Zhihao he had no other intentions. Jiang Zhihao understood but expressed his sadness, admitting that he and Li Shiya had broken up and he felt he had no right to thank Cui Junhe.
Cui Junhe offered words of comfort, recalling Jiang Zhihao's happiness when he used to talk about Li Shiya, and encouraged him to remain steadfast in his heart, suggesting new possibilities might still arise. Taking the invitations, Jiang Zhihao went to Li Shiya’s apartment. Simba opened the door, took the invitation for Li Shiya, and firmly prevented Jiang Zhihao from entering, advising him to give up now so their good memories wouldn't be ruined. A disheartened Jiang Zhihao left.
On what was Youyou's birthday, Cui Junhe visited her, finding her in a coffin in a large room. He sat dejectedly beside her, placing flowers, noting the rain that always accompanied her birthday and recalling how she never blamed him. Junxiu, having just taken the living Cheng Meiyou home, joined him. Cui Junhe confided that his sole purpose in life was to resurrect Youyou, believing that only through her revival could the guilt tormenting him dissipate.
He confessed that he could never start a new life and that seeing the living Cheng Meiyou, who shared Youyou's name, only deepened his remorse, making him wonder about the life Youyou would have had if she were still alive. Junxiu tried to console him, explaining that it wasn't his fault; high-level vampires cannot control their actions before awakening, only losing control when they meet their true love. He urged Cui Junhe to let go and begin a new life.
However, Cui Junhe remained resolute, declaring he would never regret his decision and would not stop until Youyou was brought back to life. As the dinner party was set to begin, Simba and Li Shiya got ready. Simba, keen to make a good impression, asked Li Shiya if he looked less childish. He took pictures with her, complimenting her beauty and affirming that she would never be someone he felt he had to avoid, despite recent negative publicity.
Li Shiya, still recovering from her injuries, remarked that if she kept getting hurt, Simba might need to protect her around the clock, to which he replied that her actions were correct. Junxiu then informed Cui Junhe that Li Shiya and Jiang Zhihao had arrived. Suddenly, the living Cheng Meiyou burst in, greeting Cui Junhe. Junxiu discreetly excused himself.
Cheng Meiyou proudly stated she came on her own merit, as her invited father couldn't make it, and she knew she'd find Cui Junhe there. She boldly asked if he found her more attractive. Annoyed, Cui Junhe attempted to dismiss her, questioning his security's effectiveness and asserting that they belonged to different worlds, urging her to abandon her pursuit. Unfazed, Cheng Meiyou described herself as a "beautiful person," even more so without makeup, and even criticized his choice of attire.
Cui Junhe, in an attempt to get rid of her, led her to the main hall to "show her something more beautiful," pointing out another person (implied to be Li Shiya) as being more refreshing and unconventional. Cheng Meiyou persisted, emphasizing the cost of her makeup as a sign of true love. To gain some distance, Cui Junhe asked her to fetch him a glass of champagne, playfully remarking on their record-length conversation.
She eagerly agreed and left to get the drink. Li Lanxi, rushing into the ball, accidentally brushed past Junxiu and noticed his insignia was fake. She immediately found Simba and, having not yet fully investigated the matter he had previously reported, informed him that she now knew who was behind it, confirming her suspicion about the fake insignia. Cui Junhe approached, interrupting their conversation.
Simba quickly diverted the topic by asking Cui Junhe about a recent celebrity rumor, which Cui Junhe dismissed as typical showbiz gossip, stating that temporary fame never truly lasts. Li Lanxi subtly confirmed the diversion. Simba then spotted Jiang Zhihao entering the ballroom. Under the guise of needing fresh air, he led Li Shiya out to the veranda.
Inside, a CEO from He Ze Realty, an avid reader and a fan of Jiang Zhihao, approached him, insisting he drink a glass of wine. Jiang Zhihao politely declined, stating he couldn't drink. Cui Junhe intervened, offering to drink on Jiang Zhihao's behalf, which the CEO gladly accepted, expressing his admiration for Cui Junhe and his hopes for future collaborations. On the veranda, Simba noticed the cold.
He reminisced about their childhood and Li Shiya's love for autumn, recalling the day she extended her hand to him as the most wonderful day of his life, a feeling he now wished to seize. Simba confessed his love, expressing a desire to be "despicable" just this once, even if it meant taking advantage of her vulnerable state or using their shared species to persuade her, and even if she might scorn him.
He regretted not confessing his feelings sooner, believing it would have spared him his current anguish. Li Shiya, distraught, pleaded with him to stop, saying that if they were to continue seeing each other, he must stop uttering such "muddled words." Simba pressed her, asking why he couldn't be the one she loved, highlighting his unwavering efforts to be optimistic and appear on stage for her, yet feeling utterly empty despite his widespread popularity.
He blamed himself for not transforming into the person she desired. Li Shiya apologized, stating that "love is not like this." She confessed that she couldn't let go of Jiang Zhihao and that her unilateral decision to break up with him had been selfish, as he was a truly important person to her. Simba retorted that she was equally important to him.
He desperately implored her not to return to Jiang Zhihao's side, even if she found love with someone else or continued her hunting. He sensed her hesitation, suspecting she might be considering telling Jiang Zhihao the truth, but he declared he could not endure another day without him. He vowed to resort to despicable means, even invoking their shared clan, to make her stay, so he wouldn't "lose so terribly." Li Shiya, her resolve unshaken, apologized once more and turned to leave. A heartbroken Simba sat on a bench, declaring in despair, "I will become bad."
Episode 11 Recap
Shihuan found Xin Ba, who was distraught and in tears, and offered him some wine. Shihuan suggested that if reporters were to photograph Xin Ba with swollen eyes, he could simply claim to have had too much to drink. Xin Ba took the glass and drank it down, lamenting that what he once thought was noble—loving someone without expecting anything in return—was actually just a pretense because he was unable to get any reciprocation.
He reflected on his feelings, likening himself to a naive high school student for persistently pursuing something that clearly wasn't his. Xin Ba argued that anyone who claims not to expect anything in return for their love is a liar, as they only pretend to be magnanimous because they receive nothing. He longed for the simple words, "I like you, too," not just "sorry" or "next time."
Shihuan acknowledged that some people hope for a return when they like someone, while others are like raindrops falling into the ocean, knowing from the start that their love will never be returned. Xin Ba, still hurting, requested another drink. Inside the hall, a middle-aged man, claiming to be a devoted reader, pestered Jiang Zhihao for an autograph. Jiang Zhihao, his thoughts consumed by Li Shiya, distractedly agreed.
As the man made an excuse to look for his books, the hall lights suddenly plunged into darkness. An announcement over the loudspeaker assured everyone not to panic, stating that candles would be lit soon. Jiang Zhihao's immediate concern was for Li Shiya's safety, and he called out her name, trying to find her. However, the fan, who had claimed night blindness, suddenly grabbed Jiang Zhihao's neck.
He furiously demanded that Jiang Zhihao rewrite his novel to bring the gentle and beautiful female protagonist, Chen Qi, back to life. Jiang Zhihao tried to explain it was only a novel, but the fan, calling him a killer for ending the character's life, became increasingly frenzied and threatened Jiang Zhihao's life if he refused. Sensing Jiang Zhihao's peril, Li Shiya bravely rushed forward to save him.
After the ordeal, she asked if he was alright, and he reassured her he was fine before she led him away. Shortly after, the lights were restored, and the announcer apologized for the disruption, hoping the banquet would continue with a romantic ambiance. Junxiu later reported to Cui Junhe about his findings regarding Li Shiya. He revealed that Li Shiya had previously been kidnapped by a Professor Chen, a mad scientist who experimented on vampires.
By bribing prison staff, Junxiu had learned from Professor Chen that Li Shiya's blood was distinctly different from that of other high-level vampires; her energy was even more potent than Cui Junhe's. Furthermore, she possessed a unique gene that allowed a high-level vampire to transfer powers to others. Cui Junhe, deep in thought, instructed Junxiu to find a way to get Professor Chen out of prison, arranging for a meeting.
Seated on a garden bench, Li Shiya finally stopped concealing her true feelings. She told Jiang Zhihao that she understood his pain because she also felt it, and she decided to tell him the reason for leaving him. Jiang Zhihao then expressed his understanding of her torment during their separation, acknowledging that she was experiencing similar pain.
He confessed his dislike for the hypocritical social gatherings but explained his persistence in attending, driven by the belief that she still loved him. He offered to wait as long as it took for her to reveal her reasons, even proposing daily meetings at midnight, the time when Cinderella left her prince. Li Shiya, acknowledging his romantic but slightly drunken analogy, finally decided to tell him the truth.
Using the Cinderella metaphor, she confessed that the person he knew was not her complete self. She explained that she was not a normal vampire, a fact she had only recently discovered, and unlike other vampires, she couldn't risk a romantic relationship with a human. If she lost control of her emotions, she could accidentally kill the person she loved.
Jiang Zhihao immediately understood, realizing that her previous attempts to push him away and claim she didn't love him were out of fear of harming him. When he directly asked if she liked him, Li Shiya, with deep sincerity, confessed that she liked him very much. Relief washed over Jiang Zhihao, and he kissed her passionately. Li Shiya quickly pushed him away and slapped him, urging him to be rational and reminding him of the danger.
Jiang Zhihao, however, remained resolute, proclaiming his willingness to face death if it meant being with her, as his daily life without her felt no different from death. Li Shiya, still worried for his safety, pleaded with him to consider finding a normal human girl who wouldn't bring him danger. But Jiang Zhihao refused, confident that knowing her true feelings and his own heart would enable him to manage the risks.
He then pulled out a pair of gloves, suggesting that if a layer of fabric separated them, she wouldn't be able to absorb his energy. He asked if they could hold hands this way, proposing to slowly test the limits to find a safe "critical point" for their physical interactions. With tearful declarations, they both expressed how much they missed each other, reaffirming their commitment to overcoming these challenges together.
As Xin Ba helped a heavily intoxicated Shihuan leave the banquet, he saw Jiang Zhihao and Li Shiya engaged in an intimate embrace. His heart twisted with pain. Cui Junhe quietly approached Xin Ba, observing his sadness and pointedly asking about his feelings on seeing Li Shiya kiss a human. Xin Ba, angered by Cui Junhe's mocking tone, retorted fiercely, threatening physical harm if Cui Junhe continued to provoke him.
Cui Junhe, unfazed, calmly offered advice, brushing off Xin Ba's sarcasm about his "mystifying" activities. He assured Xin Ba that his suggestion would be beneficial and that he believed Xin Ba would eventually seek him out, expressing his patience. Later, Xin Ba was consumed by an inner monologue, reflecting on the crushing loss of his first love and the hope she represented.
He realized that the hope might have been non-existent all along, leaving him with a mix of anger, discontent, and profound sadness. He felt he had lost Li Shiya forever and, with her, the imagined future they could have shared, returning him to the feeling of abandonment he experienced as an orphan. Junxiu approached Jiang Zhihao and Li Shiya, offering to drive them home since they had both consumed some wine.
On the drive, Li Shiya earnestly asked Jiang Zhihao to reconsider his decision, emphasizing the immense difficulty of being with someone you love yet constantly restraining physical contact. Jiang Zhihao remained steadfast, asserting that while it would be challenging to assimilate into her world and face the inherent dangers, the pain of losing her was far greater.
Li Shiya, though still hesitant, was moved by his unwavering resolve and stopped him from touching her to avoid any risks before they fully understood them. After dropping them off, Junxiu reported back to Cui Junhe, noting the strong bond between Li Shiya and Jiang Zhihao. Cui Junhe, however, expressed his uncertainties: he questioned the truth of the legend itself, Li Shiya's willingness to willingly give her power, and the ultimate success rate of using that energy to revive Youyou.
He admitted the risk was high, but stressed that if they succeeded in harnessing Li Shiya's power to resurrect Youyou, it would mean everything to him, even if his own world became irrelevant thereafter. Junxiu then tried to mention Cheng Meiyou, subtly suggesting that Cui Junhe seemed to smile more since her appearance and that he should consider moving past his previous loss with her.
Cui Junhe quickly cut him off, denying any affection for Cheng Meiyou and claiming she gave him headaches, preferring not to see her. He dismissed the earlier encounter during the blackout as a simple accident due to her night blindness, implying she merely grabbed him when she couldn't see. At Jiang Zhihao's home, he asked Li Shiya if she had noticed any strange occurrences recently.
She replied that while there was nothing strange, she felt unlucky and remained concerned about his safety after her recent kidnapping. Li Shiya warned Jiang Zhihao against impulsiveness when he instinctively tried to get close without wearing gloves, reminding him of the dangers and their agreement to test things slowly. Jiang Zhihao argued that previous embraces and kisses had only resulted in him fainting, but Li Shiya firmly stated that "before was before" and now they must establish clear boundaries.
She laid out strict rules: he must maintain a one-meter distance, bring a blanket to movies, wear gloves while eating, cover all skin except his eyes, including a year-round scarf, face mask, and hat. When Jiang Zhihao tried to suggest that holding hands might be safe and he wanted to gradually test the limits, Li Shiya put a stop to it, saying they would discuss it another time.
Yet, the anguish of being so close but unable to touch was too much for Jiang Zhihao, and he pulled her into a tight embrace, pleading for just one minute to see if anything would happen.
Episode 12 Recap
Jiang Zhihao held Li Shiya tightly, and after her initial logical resistance, she couldn't help but yield to the moment of tenderness, returning his embrace just as tightly. However, her rationality soon returned, and Li Shiya pulled away from Jiang Zhihao and went home. They bid each other goodnight. Jiang Zhihao had asked for just one minute, wanting to test if anything would happen, but Li Shiya stopped him after that minute, stating she was going home.
Later that night, a sudden knock on Cui Junhe’s door startled him. He cautiously approached, pistol in hand, asking repeatedly who was there. Upon seeing Cheng Meiyou's cheerful face, he quickly shut the door, hid the gun in the shoe cabinet by the entrance, and then reopened it. Cheng Meiyou cheerfully greeted him as "Uncle," asking if her sudden appearance had frightened him.
Cui Junhe, annoyed, questioned her presence and how she knew where he lived, reminding her she had gone home. Cheng Meiyou explained that she had gone home to change, then bought supper and followed his car, complaining about the strict security and the tiring act of stalking him. Cui Junhe angrily ordered her to leave, but Cheng Meiyou, persistent, insisted on staying for ten minutes, having brought supper and claiming she did all this for him.
As she made herself at home, attempting to change into slippers, she opened the shoe cabinet and briefly glimpsed the gun. Closing the cabinet, Cheng Meiyou walked into the living room, her playful demeanor gone. Cui Junhe retrieved the gun, placing it before her. He grimly told her that it was a real gun and that he was very dangerous, with many secrets.
He warned her that the adult world contained unimaginable things, and that she should not be so naive, exposing herself to danger by letting her guard down around anyone. Cheng Meiyou responded that she was an adult now. Cui Junhe continued, cautioning her against thinking the world was perfect and not to mess with people she shouldn’t, especially not knocking on a person's door in the middle of the night if she didn't know them well.
Cheng Meiyou asked for a chance to understand him. Cui Junhe sternly replied that he had already told her he was dangerous and that he would never like a girl like her. Acknowledging his warning about his dangerous nature, Cheng Meiyou then left. Shi Huan had spent the night on the bridge with Xin Ba, who was sitting alone in his car. Shi Huan noted that Xin Ba had been there the whole night.
Shi Huan remembered a previous summer when they had stayed at the same dock, worried about Li Shiya. Xin Ba mused that if he had been "a bit earlier" during various past events—catching the last boat to the island, finding Li Shiya first when she was kidnapped, defending her first at the fashion show—the outcome might have been different. He felt he had made a mistake by being late.
Shi Huan assured him it wasn't his fault and he shouldn’t blame himself. Xin Ba struggled to understand why Li Shiya would like a human after he had been by her side for more than ten years, knowing her better than anyone. Shi Huan calmly explained that liking someone doesn't need to be understood, just as no one could fully understand Xin Ba’s own feelings. Xin Ba then decided they should return for concert practice, much to Shi Huan's surprise.
Shi Huan remarked on his changed attitude, noting that Xin Ba usually ignored work schedules and listened to no one's advice. Xin Ba replied that some people have the right to be willful, and some don’t. He concluded that he didn't have the right to be willful, fearing he would be abandoned if he was. Jiang Zhihao, posing as a delivery person, arrived at Li Shiya's apartment.
He claimed to have picked up her package when he went downstairs for his own, but Li Shiya saw through his excuse, knowing he was there just to touch her hand. Jiang Zhihao admitted she had found him out. Li Shiya reminded him of the danger. Jiang Zhihao recounted their previous tests: holding her hand for ten seconds, her face for half a minute, and her forehead for forty minutes, all of which were safe.
He confessed he didn't know when contact would become most dangerous, potentially leading to her death. He proposed they slowly test the limits, suggesting one and a half minutes for their next contact. Li Shiya felt a bit dizzy after their embrace, so they stopped. As they walked home, Jiang Zhihao noticed Li Shiya was still wearing high heels. He offered to carry her, assuring her that clothes between them would prevent energy absorption.
Li Shiya expressed that she no longer wanted to worry or be afraid, feeling that their current situation was so perfect she was willing to give up and accept everything. Jiang Zhihao encouraged her to stop thinking. Upon arriving at Li Shiya’s home, they found Xin Ba waiting outside. Xin Ba coolly stated he had come to get some things.
Li Shiya tried to explain what had happened between her and Jiang Zhihao that day, but Xin Ba simply told her it was fine. He then entered her room, retrieved his large framed photograph, saying he thought it was better to take it away. Li Shiya looked at his actions, bewildered. He told Li Shiya she had nothing to apologize to him for. Later, Shi Huan saw Xin Ba heading out again, despite the concert practice.
Xin Ba then went to see Cui Junhe. Cui Junhe, expecting him, remarked that he knew Li Shiya was important to Xin Ba and could imagine his pain. Cui Junhe mentioned that Xin Ba had fame and wealth, but the person he desired had been "taken away by food," implying Jiang Zhihao. Xin Ba then presented an insignia that had been dropped by Cui Junhe's subordinate, suggesting Cui Junhe had been monitoring them since Qingsong County.
Xin Ba questioned Cui Junhe's deliberate scheming, suspecting his motives were not as simple as for the good of the vampire species. Cui Junhe replied that his true motives were irrelevant, and Xin Ba only needed to know that their shared goal was to make Jiang Zhihao disappear. Xin Ba scoffed, claiming he could eliminate Jiang Zhihao himself.
Cui Junhe countered that everyone around Xin Ba knew of his secret crush on Li Shiya, making him the prime suspect if Jiang Zhihao were to die. He argued that if Xin Ba killed Jiang Zhihao, he would be plagued by guilt whenever he saw Li Shiya, knowing his hands were "drenched with the blood of her past lover," and would eventually lose the courage to touch her.
Cui Junhe presented himself as an alternative, stating his goal was purely Jiang Zhihao's removal, thus allowing Xin Ba to fulfill his dream without guilt or suspicion. Convinced, Xin Ba asked Cui Junhe his real motive. Cui Junhe revealed his desire to regain eternal life, a power ancient vampires once possessed. He explained that Li Shiya's father, Li Shanghao, owned a special ring that could help him achieve this.
Knowing Xin Ba had free access to the Li household, Cui Junhe asked for his help in acquiring the ring. Xin Ba found Cui Junhe's motive rather mundane but reasonable, and blinded by his love for Li Shiya, he readily agreed to the partnership. Jiang Zhihao later brought Li Shiya flowers, explaining he simply wanted to give her all the beautiful things he saw. He then leaned in for a kiss, suggesting it as a return gift.
Li Shiya, flustered, pushed him away, warning him against risking his life. Jiang Zhihao insisted that his recent exercise made him stronger, allowing them to test how long they could maintain contact, suggesting they only stop when he felt dizzy. Li Shiya worried about a sudden, irreversible consequence. Jiang Zhihao reiterated his focus on finding a way to be closer to her and assured her he could "grasp this limit well."
Li Shiya, in her thoughts, admitted to firmly believing him, even understanding the feeling of "playing with fire." They shared a deep kiss, but were interrupted by a phone call for Jiang Zhihao, a telemarketer offering "Wanli long term loans." After Jiang Zhihao hung up, a salesperson for sofa cleanser rang the doorbell, interrupting them again. Jiang Zhihao politely declined her offer. As they tried to resume their moment, the doorbell rang once more.
Episode 13 Recap
Li Shiya opened the door to find Qingran standing outside. Qingran explained that Simba's group was having a concert and she had specifically come to deliver Li Shiya a ticket for it. Li Shiya quickly took the ticket and urged Qingran to leave. Qingran, however, noticed Li Shiya's flushed face and unusual behavior, immediately understanding the situation.
With a mischievous smile, Qingran departed, saying she wouldn't disturb them anymore and reminded Li Shiya to attend the launch of the new album. Inside her room, Li Shiya shared her feelings with Jiang Zhihao, expressing sadness that her relationship with Simba could no longer return to its former state. She felt she had lost her most precious friend in this life. Jiang Zhihao, feeling a sense of guilt, comforted her.
He acknowledged that his presence might be difficult for Simba, but he sincerely hoped Simba could still remain Li Shiya's friend. Li Shiya suggested they wait and see how things unfolded, also considering if she had work on the concert day. Simba went to the Li family study alone, searching the bookshelves for Li Shanghao's special ring.
He recalled a childhood memory of Li Shanghao hiding the ring in a specific book, a moment when he and a young girl had discussed if the ring made her look like a bride, and remembered an adult's stern voice telling them to get out. Simba quickly located the book he remembered and, just as he suspected, found the ring hidden within its hollowed-out pages. As he was about to leave, Li Shanghao and his wife returned.
Simba, startled, greeted them, claiming he had been there for a while to visit. He quickly made an excuse about an afternoon recording and hurried off, leaving the couple unsuspecting. Later, Cheng Meiyou invited Cui Junhe to watch a movie, even offering to treat him with her internship salary. Cui Junhe, however, scoffed at the idea of watching a movie, claiming he wasn't idle, to which Cheng Meiyou playfully responded, "Yes."
During the film, Cheng Meiyou cried profusely, finding the story moving. Cui Junhe was annoyed, pointing out she had wiped her tears and nasal discharge on his expensive clothes. Cheng Meiyou then remarked on how much she resembled the female lead, a perception Cui Junhe sarcastically dismissed by offering to buy her house more mirrors. She lamented how pitiful the male lead, Leon, was, dying for a little girl, and how much suffering there was in life.
Cui Junhe coldly countered that only those who haven't experienced real suffering would say that. Cheng Meiyou acknowledged her smooth life until she met him, considering him a "huge obstacle." She likened him to Sisyphus's rock, which she resolved to chip away at daily, instead of going around him because she didn't want to be without him. She then seriously asked Cui Junhe if he had a "rock in his heart."
Though he didn't answer directly, Cheng Meiyou pressed on, revealing she knew about an old news story, now erased, concerning a car accident he was involved in where a girl died. She deduced that he was the one who suppressed the information and that this girl was the "rock in his heart." Cui Junhe responded curtly, telling her it was none of her business, clearly displeased by her insight into his vulnerability.
At the dance studio, Shihuan watched Simba train relentlessly. Concerned, he stopped him, reminding Simba that his manager had already said he had practiced enough and warned him of potential injury if he continued. Simba responded dejectedly, explaining he had no choice but to push himself, fearing that if he stopped, no one would like him anymore.
He expressed worries that fans, who liked the "bright and amicable" image his company created, would abandon him if they discovered his true identity as a non-human, or if he aged or gained weight. He felt that the "real him" would never be liked. Shihuan passionately disagreed, telling Simba he was underestimating human emotion.
He insisted that while few, there were people who would genuinely like the real Simba, the person off-stage, and who would remember his efforts and stand by him no matter if he became fat or old. Simba listened, paused, and then left without a word. Later, Jiang Zhihao unexpectedly encountered Simba, who was wearing sunglasses, in a bookstore. Simba was holding one of Jiang Zhihao's best-selling novels. Simba initially feigned disinterest, claiming he was just browsing.
However, he soon admitted to having read the book, not out of enjoyment for novels, but to understand what made humans so appealing and why he might have lost Li Shiya to Jiang Zhihao. He conceded that Jiang Zhihao possessed literary talent but felt it was "not enough for Shiya to fall in love with a writer like you."
Jiang Zhihao then revealed that Li Shiya had never read his books, neither before nor after they began their relationship, implying she might not even enjoy reading. Simba was surprised, yet still expressed frustration, asking if Li Shiya's affection for Jiang Zhihao had nothing to do with his literary achievements, suggesting he lost to Jiang Zhihao in other, unseen aspects.
Jiang Zhihao responded that every person has unique shining qualities, and that there are countless, often inexplicable, reasons why people fall in love, and those in love rarely question why. Simba then met with Cui Junhe, presenting him with the ring. Cui Junhe's eyes lit up at the sight of it. Simba stated his condition: he would only hand over the ring if Cui Junhe eliminated Jiang Zhihao, reiterating that Cui Junhe must not harm Li Shiya.
Cui Junhe, unfazed, challenged Simba to give him the ring immediately if he truly trusted him. After a moment of hesitation, Simba handed over the ring. Cui Junhe, now holding the coveted item, displayed a satisfied smile. Jiang Zhihao had ordered numerous female items online as a birthday gift for Li Shiya, but she was unavailable for her birthday due to work.
He called her, only to learn from her manager that she was on a photoshoot and had another advertising shoot the next day. Jiang Zhihao got the address and waited until late that night for her to finish work. Li Shiya expressed her exhaustion from continuous shoots and her longing for her bed.
Jiang Zhihao reminded her it was her birthday, which she had almost forgotten, mentioning her vampire custom of rarely celebrating birthdays as blowing candles was believed to shorten their lifespan. He revealed he had prepared a gift, hoping to always be by her side for future birthdays. Although her birthday was almost over, Li Shiya decided she wanted to celebrate. She asked Jiang Zhihao for a match, which he had on hand.
She lit the match, made a wish, and blew it out. Then, she spontaneously took Jiang Zhihao's hand, surprising him. She explained her birthday wish was to hold hands with the person she loved for the duration of a traffic light. Jiang Zhihao, deeply moved, wished her a happy birthday, and Li Shiya replied that she was very happy.
As they walked, Jiang Zhihao suddenly grew suspicious, noticing a mysterious car that seemed to be following them, having taken the same route. He voiced his concern to Li Shiya, wondering if it was a stalker. Li Shiya became nervous. Jiang Zhihao asked about any special vampire abilities or legends.
Li Shiya recalled ancient magical legends among her clan, such as resurrection, energy transfer, and eternal youth, which were told as bedtime stories to vampire children, but she admitted her father had never spoken of them. She reassured Jiang Zhihao that she wasn't afraid as long as he protected her. Jiang Zhihao, in turn, expressed his fear as a human that he might not always be able to protect her adequately, wishing he could be stronger.
Li Shiya called him the best boyfriend in the world, and they decided to head home together. Later, Cui Junhe called Simba to inform him about a prestigious opportunity: the magazine's 20th-anniversary event had hired an excellent photographer for a week-long shoot in France. Cui Junhe explained he had replaced the original person due to dissatisfaction and was offering this significant chance for fame to Simba. Simba, however, was not interested.
He coldly pointed out that Cui Junhe typically sought revenge when offended and expected favors in return. He refused the offer, stating his sole desire was for Cui Junhe to eliminate Jiang Zhihao, wanting no further entanglements. Simba reminded Cui Junhe that they were merely using each other, not trusted friends. Cui Junhe chuckled, calling himself "too assuming." After hanging up, Simba was lost in thought. He then heard a movement behind him. Turning around, he saw Shihuan sitting up on the sofa, looking at him with a complex expression. A surprised Simba asked, "Why are you here?"
Episode 14 Recap
Xin Ba was startled to see Shi Huan sitting up from the sofa. He nervously inquired when Shi Huan had woken up and what he might have heard. Shi Huan calmly replied that he hadn't heard anything, though Xin Ba remained suspicious. In truth, Shi Huan had overheard everything Xin Ba had said on the phone, including his agreement to exchange a ring for Jiang Zhihao's elimination.
Later, Xin Ba became curious about Cui Junhe's repeated visits to a private club. After a guard informed him that only the owner could enter without permission, Xin Ba cleverly distracted the guard and slipped inside. The club's interior was unsettlingly solemn, like a chapel. Xin Ba discovered a hidden mechanism in a flower column, which opened a secret door.
Inside, he found Cheng Meiyou lying in a chamber, recognizing her from a photo he had seen in Cui Junhe's office. He quickly hid when he heard footsteps. Cui Junhe entered, speaking softly to Cheng Meiyou, telling her this might be his last visit and hoping she would have a wonderful life upon waking, but without him in it, so he could find absolution. He then placed a ring on her hand before departing.
Xin Ba emerged from his hiding spot, observing the ring on Cheng Meiyou's finger. Li Lanxi visited Jiang Zhihao, still deeply concerned about Professor Chen Minke. She acknowledged her family's acceptance of his relationship with Li Shiya but advised him to set clear boundaries. Her main worry, however, was Professor Chen Minke's recent release from prison, especially since he had previously targeted only Li Shiya during the NL Cosmetics experiments. She suspected this was linked to Li Shiya's recent troubles.
As she was occupied with a dissertation conference, Li Lanxi asked Jiang Zhihao to personally investigate Professor Chen Minke. Jiang Zhihao agreed to visit him when he found time. Meanwhile, Cui Junhe was at Professor Chen Minke's home, where the professor expressed profound gratitude for Cui Junhe securing his release. Cui Junhe clarified that he helped because Professor Chen still held value to him. He then questioned Professor Chen Minke about the vampire research study he had led.
After Cui Junhe revealed he was a vampire, Professor Chen Minke recounted that the study was initiated ten years prior by NL's President, Yu Ze, a human-vampire hybrid seeking a cure for his short lifespan. The project stalled until they discovered a list of advanced vampires, particularly a family with exceptionally powerful genes capable of curing diseases and even reviving the dead.
Cui Junhe then directly confirmed that Li Shiya was this individual, possessing unique high-ranked vampire genes and inherited healing abilities found in no other normal vampire. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Professor Chen Minke nervously checked the monitor and saw Jiang Zhihao outside. When no one answered, Jiang Zhihao called Professor Chen Minke's phone, leaving a voicemail stating he had something important to discuss. Hearing Jiang Zhihao's message, Cui Junhe's expression hardened.
Professor Chen Minke, visibly distraught, tried to stab Cui Junhe with a pen. Cui Junhe swiftly grabbed Professor Chen Minke by the throat, draining his energy. He mockingly declared himself the high-ranked vampire Professor Chen Minke had researched, asserting that such wicked individuals deserved to die by a vampire's hand, and that a high-ranking vampire's kill would leave no trace. Professor Chen Minke collapsed, wide-eyed in terror, while Cui Junhe instructed Junxiu to clean up the scene.
Around this time, Li Shiya and Jiang Zhihao discussed the goldfish incident. Li Shiya gently brought up his sadness when the goldfish she gave him died, as it was his first time caring for a living creature. Jiang Zhihao admitted that his inexperience and germaphobia at the time prevented him from knowing how to care for it, and the sudden loss had deeply affected him. He vowed never to experience such a loss again.
Li Shiya comforted him and even half-heartedly suggested getting another goldfish, but quickly realized it would be too painful. Jiang Zhihao then asked Li Shiya to temporarily move back in with her parents. When she questioned if this was due to his emotional state, he clarified that he had a crucial investigation to undertake and prioritized her safety, promising she could return once he resolved the issue. He then offered to take her home.
Professor Chen Minke's body was discovered, prompting speculation among bystanders. When Jiang Zhihao arrived at the scene, police informed him Professor Chen Minke was the victim, and he was subsequently taken in for questioning. Meanwhile, Li Shiya, unable to reach Jiang Zhihao, left him a playful yet frustrated voicemail and was later contacted by the police. The autopsy report concluded Professor Chen Minke died of natural causes, showing no signs of acute illness or abnormalities in his organs.
Jiang Zhihao was cleared and released, after which he called Li Shiya, reassuring her and suggesting they talk more once they were both home and rested. During a rehearsal, Xin Ba grew irritated by Shi Huan's constant distraction. He confronted Shi Huan backstage, demanding to know what was wrong and threatening to quit if he couldn't take their upcoming concert seriously. Shi Huan, exasperated, declared he would quit.
Xin Ba questioned Shi Huan's sudden emotional distance, pointing out his unresponsiveness and refusal to share a car. Shi Huan then directly challenged Xin Ba, revealing he had overheard Xin Ba's phone call about trying to kill Jiang Zhihao. He expressed profound disappointment, having always believed Xin Ba, despite his flaws, was a good person and a friend. Xin Ba, unrepentant, declared that he would always get what he wanted.
Shi Huan warned him that such actions would ruin his future, even if he avoided legal punishment. Xin Ba coldly told Shi Huan not to meddle in his affairs. Realizing the full extent of Xin Ba's intentions, Shi Huan declared he had been deceived, then angrily punched Xin Ba and stormed off. Xin Ba complained about his idol face being hit. As Xin Ba left backstage, he found Jiang Zhihao waiting.
Jiang Zhihao informed him about Professor Chen Minke's death, expressing suspicion that it was not natural despite the official report. He then questioned Xin Ba about why Professor Chen Minke had specifically targeted Li Shiya, asking if she possessed any unique traits compared to other high-ranked vampires. Jiang Zhihao admitted he had many questions and needed Xin Ba's cooperation.
However, Xin Ba, revealing his deep-seated resentment, sharply refused, stating he had no interest in standing on the same side as Jiang Zhihao, whom he saw as the always-victorious hero, while he himself was relegated to a mere extra. Still plagued by doubts about Professor Chen Minke's supposed natural death, Jiang Zhihao decided to investigate on his own. He reviewed security footage and found several suspicious license plates in the underground parking garage.
After contacting a car owner, he accessed surveillance footage that showed Junxiu. Recalling Li Shiya's earlier mention of Junxiu being a vampire, Jiang Zhihao's suspicions deepened, leading him to question Cui Junhe's true identity. As he contemplated these disturbing revelations at home, reflecting on how easily one could be deceived by the hidden darkness of another's world, Cui Junhe unexpectedly arrived at his door, claiming he was just passing by and wanted to visit.
Jiang Zhihao, though wary, invited him in. Inside, after exchanging pleasantries, Jiang Zhihao initiated a conversation about a story he was writing, seeking inspiration. He recounted a tale about a group of pirates who, tired of their sea travels, discovered a prosperous, well-guarded land. A young, skilled pirate among them coveted a valuable pearl held by a married couple.
He befriended them, but one night, when he tried to take the pearl, he was discovered by the wife's younger sister, whom he then killed and buried. Later, while the wife was away, her husband found the corpse in the garden, comprehending the grim truth just as the pirate appeared behind him. Jiang Zhihao paused, asking Cui Junhe how he thought the story should logically end.
Cui Junhe chillingly suggested that the pirate would either threaten the husband, take the pearl, and then kill him, or the husband would feign ignorance, hand over the pearl, and save his own life. He posited that this reflected the world's natural order, where the weak are prey to the strong, and there is no absolute justice.
Jiang Zhihao acknowledged his point but stated it wasn't the ending he desired, to which Cui Junhe replied that life and stories were different. As Cui Junhe rose to leave, he reiterated his invitation for Jiang Zhihao to dine at his house. After Cui Junhe departed, Jiang Zhihao felt as though he had just seen off the greatest danger in his life. He realized this threat was likely directed not at him, but at Li Shiya, and pondered how he could possibly contend with such a formidable opponent.
Episode 15 Recap
Jiang Zhihao unexpectedly initiated a date with Li Shiya, who was overjoyed. She expressed her surprise, noting he usually told her he was busy, but he explained he missed her every day and wanted to give her a happy day. Li Shiya joyfully declared her love for amusement parks, and Jiang Zhihao promised to make up for their last visit when his germaphobia prevented them from fully enjoying it together.
He assured her he was no longer afraid and would play with her. Later, Li Shiya shared a secret, saying she was happy even when he didn't play anything during their previous amusement park visit. They then visited an ocean park, which Li Shiya initially found a sad memory, but Jiang Zhihao clarified he wanted to revisit it to transform it into a positive memory, as he now knew her sincerity.
He declined Li Shiya's playful suggestion of a marriage proposal, stating he wouldn't be so rash again. He simply wanted to look around so that in the future, it wouldn't be a sad memory. He urged her to focus on the present, promising it would be an unforgettable date. After leaving the ocean park, they went to an aquarium where Li Shiya delightedly chose a goldfish and jokingly named it "Jiang Zhihao."
Jiang Zhihao then gave her a serious look, stating he lacked confidence in the future and asking her to use his apartment passkey to care for the goldfish if he couldn't. Li Shiya found his words unsettling, feeling as though he was saying goodbye, though she tried to dismiss it as her imagination due to having missed him. As he dropped her off at her parents' home, Li Shiya thanked him for the thoughtful and happy date.
Jiang Zhihao then told her he had important matters for the next two days and made her promise to stay home and rest, emphasizing he would worry if she went out casually. When Li Shiya again commented on his strange behavior, he reassured her that everything would be fine soon. He then pulled her in for a kiss, declaring his love for her before finally departing. Jiang Zhihao arrived at Cui Junhe's home for dinner, as they had previously arranged.
Cui Junhe offered him a fine bottle of red wine, which Jiang Zhihao accepted, unaware that Cui Junhe secretly added a few drops of blood to his glass. After a few sips, Jiang Zhihao became dizzy and stared in disbelief at Cui Junhe. Cui Junhe calmly told him not to be afraid, as he wouldn't kill him immediately.
He then recounted his own story, explaining how he once had a lover, Cheng Meiyou, who died because of him in an accident when he unknowingly absorbed all her energy. At that time, he was unaware of his identity as a high-level vampire. As he prepared to bury her, he heard a legend about a type of vampire with the power to revive people, and he revealed that Li Shiya is that vampire.
Jiang Zhihao protested that he and Li Shiya had done nothing wrong, but Cui Junhe simply attributed it to fate, concluding that while Jiang Zhihao and Li Shiya had good memories, their story would end that day. Simba arrived, mocking Cui Junhe for needing elaborate methods to deal with a human. Cui Junhe then casually pulled out a recording pen hidden in Jiang Zhihao's pocket, telling Jiang Zhihao to stop struggling and implying Simba was now on his side.
Jiang Zhihao, still coherent, questioned Simba's presence, citing their prior agreement. Simba, with a mocking look, reiterated to Jiang Zhihao that he had always said they could never be allies. He then explained to Cui Junhe that he was concerned Cui Junhe wouldn't follow through with killing Jiang Zhihao, which was their original arrangement. Cui Junhe, however, stated he couldn't kill Jiang Zhihao at that moment and told Simba to trust his methods.
Simba then left, telling Cui Junhe he would await his "good news." As Li Shiya finished her work, she noticed many missed calls. Junsu appeared, claiming he was there to escort her to Jiang Zhihao, who was with Editor Cui. Li Shiya, feeling something was amiss since Jiang Zhihao hadn't mentioned it, was initially skeptical. However, Junsu then showed her a photo of an unconscious Jiang Zhihao. With this undeniable evidence, Li Shiya rushed with Junsu to Cui Junhe's residence.
Upon arrival, she frantically searched for Jiang Zhihao, discovering him bound and lying in the trunk of Cui Junhe's car. Junsu apologized for bringing her there, stating that only she could help. As Li Shiya desperately demanded to know what had happened to Jiang Zhihao and what was wrong with the other woman she saw, Cui Junhe emerged and incapacitated her.
Li Shiya regained consciousness to find herself bound by a river, with a coffin nearby holding Cheng Meiyou, Cui Junhe’s deceased lover. Cui Junhe launched into his tragic love story, explaining that Cheng Meiyou, like Jiang Zhihao, had unconditionally accepted him as a vampire. He then urgently declared his intention to revive Cheng Meiyou, just as Li Shanghao had revived Tongtong, who Li Shiya had accidentally harmed/killed.
Li Shiya vehemently argued that her father could save Tongtong only because she was near death, not truly dead, emphasizing that vampires cannot revive the deceased. Cui Junhe, however, dismissed her arguments, citing a legend that vampires, especially those with the unique powers of Li Shiya's family, could bring back the dead. He insisted that with Li Shiya's high-ranked vampire energy, Cheng Meiyou could be revived if Li Shiya was willing to give her life.
When Li Shiya refused, pointing out that Cui Junhe, who caused Cheng Meiyou's death, should be the one to save her, he confessed his inability to do so, lacking her family's healing powers. He then threatened Li Shiya if she wouldn't comply willingly. At that moment, Junsu pushed a weak Jiang Zhihao towards them.
Li Shiya, breaking free from her restraints, rushed to Jiang Zhihao, desperately apologizing for involving him and pleading with Cui Junhe to release him so they could negotiate. Simba then appeared, coldly accusing Cui Junhe of deceptively using Jiang Zhihao to get to Li Shiya. Simba, seeing Cui Junhe's methods, stated he was there to witness if Li Shiya would truly sacrifice herself for Jiang Zhihao.
Cui Junhe pressed Jiang Zhihao to beg Li Shiya to save him, but Jiang Zhihao lovingly declared he would never let her sacrifice herself for him and would rather die. A resolute expression appeared on Li Shiya's face. Cui Junhe repeated his demand for Li Shiya to transfer her energy to Cheng Meiyou, threatening Jiang Zhihao's life if she refused. Despite Jiang Zhihao’s desperate cries for her not to comply, Li Shiya walked determinedly to Cheng Meiyou and clasped her hand.
Episode 16 (Ending) Recap
Li Shiya began to transfer her energy to Cheng Meiyou, as Cui Junhe watched intently. Suddenly, Simba snatched a sword from Junxiu's hand and plunged it into Cui Junhe's back. Cui Junhe stared in disbelief at the blade piercing through him. An enraged Junxiu chased after Simba. Meanwhile, Jiang Zhihao rushed to pull Li Shiya away, and she collapsed weakly into his arms.
Cui Junhe, despairing, fell to his knees before Cheng Meiyou's coffin, realizing his plan had failed and she could not be revived. Blood stained his clothes as he slumped to the ground. Junxiu quickly returned after subduing Simba, heartbroken to see Cui Junhe's state. In a fit of anger and desperation, Junxiu grabbed the handgun Cui Junhe had used earlier to threaten Jiang Zhihao and fired at Li Shiya, who was preparing to leave.
Jiang Zhihao, noticing the danger, instinctively embraced Li Shiya, taking the bullet for her. The gunshot echoed as Jiang Zhihao fell limply to the ground, leaving Li Shiya distraught and crying out his name. Just then, Li Lanxi and others arrived, with Li Lanxi urging Li Shiya not to move. As Jiang Zhihao lay dying, he uttered a final goodbye to Shiya. Jiang Zhihao was rushed to the hospital.
Li Shiya waited outside the operating room, sobbing uncontrollably and blaming herself. Simba tried to comfort her, telling her it wasn't her fault for being special. Li Shiya, however, insisted she was to blame, believing Jiang Zhihao wouldn't have faced such dangers if she were a normal person or if they had never gotten back together. Simba then revealed that Jiang Zhihao had chosen this path.
He explained that Jiang Zhihao had repeatedly sought to collaborate with him, and despite Simba's initial dislike, he eventually agreed to work with him after suspecting Cui Junhe's intentions. Simba recounted a past conversation where Jiang Zhihao expressed his unwavering desire to understand Li Shiya, despite Simba's warnings to stay away. Simba admitted that Jiang Zhihao, a brilliant detective fiction writer, had accurately deduced Cui Junhe's plans.
Jiang Zhihao had even set up a fake abduction to lure Cui Junhe, and Simba had located the abandoned tarmac where they were, informing Li Lanxi. However, Junxiu found Li Shiya first, disrupting their precise plan. Hearing how much Jiang Zhihao had sacrificed for her, Li Shiya's grief momentarily turned to awe.
Simba conceded that he had underestimated Jiang Zhihao, acknowledging that he had lost convincingly to someone willing to give up his life for Li Shiya, and that Jiang Zhihao could make her truly happy. A doctor then emerged from the operating room, regretfully informing Li Shiya that Jiang Zhihao's injuries were too severe; he might not survive the week, and his family should prepare for the worst.
For three days, Li Shiya stayed by Jiang Zhihao's bedside, pleading with his unconscious form to wake up. Realizing she couldn't just watch him die, Li Shiya rushed out of the hospital room, now understanding Cui Junhe's desperation to revive Cheng Meiyou. In the corridor, she found her father and Simba. Li Shiya tearfully begged her father to save Jiang Zhihao, just as he had saved Tong Tong.
Simba explained that her father had nearly exhausted his own life force to save Tong Tong and no longer possessed the power to save Jiang Zhihao. Li Shiya insisted on saving him herself, recalling Cui Junhe's claims about their family's unique, eternal life gene and strong healing abilities. Her father, however, vehemently refused, explaining that such a method would put her into a deep, indefinite coma, and he couldn't bear to risk losing his daughter.
Simba then stepped in, telling Li Shiya's father that if she allowed Jiang Zhihao to die, she would live with a lifetime of regret. He urged her to go forward, saying there might still be hope, for she was Li Shiya. Overcome by love and a desire to give rather than just receive, Li Shiya, in front of her parents and Simba, cut her hand and used her blood to heal Jiang Zhihao.
Her parents watched heartbroken as she made this selfless sacrifice, expressing her enduring love for him, even if it meant a long separation. She held his hand, knowing this touch was for salvation, not survival, and hoped he would treasure their memories. Li Shiya fell into a deep, prolonged sleep. Simba later sought out Cui Junhe, who was now imprisoned but facing a lenient sentence due to his standing in human society.
Cui Junhe greeted Simba with a cynical remark, asking if he had come to mock him. Simba clarified that he was there to encourage Cui Junhe to let go of his past. He told Cui Junhe that his torment was not over Cheng Meiyou herself, but his own guilt, and urged him to channel that guilt into a different path, perhaps compensating Li Shiya.
Simba advised Cui Junhe to seek treatment from Li Lanxi when he was released, explaining that Li Lanxi could help him forget Cheng Meiyou, just as she had helped Li Shiya move past the pain of Tong Tong's incident. Simba, having walked a similar difficult path, urged Cui Junhe not to waste his own life. Many days passed.
Jiang Zhihao published a highly successful new book titled "Untouchable," which recounted a poignant love story with a special girl, inspired by a touch. In an interview, Jiang Zhihao explained that the book's inspiration came from the woman who had transformed him from a germaphobe into the person he was today. Though his book brought success, it did not diminish his yearning for Li Shiya, who remained in a coma.
Around the same time, Cheng Meiyou, seemingly unaware of her past, encountered Cui Junhe in a magazine office elevator. She offered him an ice cream, as she used to. Cui Junhe didn't recognize her and politely declined, yet he felt an inexplicable flutter in his heart. One day, as Jiang Zhihao stood in a bookstore, admiring his new book, a familiar, angelic voice called his name from behind. He turned to see Li Shiya, alive and well, standing before him.
She asked if he had written the book for her because he missed her so much. Jiang Zhihao, overjoyed, embraced her tightly, silently vowing never to let go again. Li Shiya, having missed him deeply, wondered about his "first time holding hands with a girl." Jiang Zhihao then revealed that when he was a small boy visiting his father in the hospital, he had seen a little girl lying in a room.
Despite his severe germaphobia at the time, he inexplicably walked over, gently held her hand, and prayed for her recovery. It was his first touch with a stranger, unknowingly connecting their destinies.
