If The Voice Has Memory Recap, Plot, Synopsis
If The Voice Has Memory Synopsis
The optimistic Genki girl Yu Luxi, with the ultimate dream of becoming a dubbing voice actor in life and keep working hard, accidentally discovered that her boss, Lin Nan, is her dubbing idol, whom she has admired for many years.
Yu Luxi takes Lin Nan as his teacher, and they travel together in the world of sound. In Yu Lu Xi’s continuous progress, but also gradually discovering Lin Nan’s unknown secrets, they open their hearts and gradually close to each other’s emotions.
When Yu Luxi is successful, having love and a career, Yu’s father’s Alzheimer’s disease hit her hard, and using her voice, she gains love and brings back the memory of her family.
If The Voice Has Memory Recap
Episode 1 Recap
The press conference for the animated film "Lu Yao" was underway, but director Lin Nan was still undecided about the voice casting. Mr. Zhang, the investor, confidently announced that Fengling's dubbing would offer the audience a completely new experience, featuring first-line dubbing actors, which would be showcased in the pilot film. However, Lin Nan, having listened to the client-approved voices multiple times, made a last-minute decision. He instructed the broadcast director to replace the planned trailer with a silent one.
The unexpected lack of sound in the preview caused a stir among reporters, who speculated if the renowned Mai Wutianxia, whose influence remained unparalleled, would be the voice for "Lu Yao." Addressing the reporters directly, Lin Nan firmly stated, "Absolutely impossible." Meanwhile, Yu Luxi, a spirited young woman, worked part-time at a second dimension coffee shop. She frequently impersonated anime characters for customers, performing unique voice-overs for services like the "Blue Fat Man Thick Milk Latte."
For an extra dollar, which she donated to the Happiness School for the Blind, customers could receive this special service. A delighted customer noticed Yu Luxi's Mai Da commemorative badge and eagerly shared that she was also a fan of Mai Wutianxia, expressing surprise that Yu Luxi could still be a fan given Mai Da had been in retirement for many years.
Following the press conference, Mr. Zhang was furious with Lin Nan for the impromptu change, arguing it undermined the project's buzz and the intellectual property's trustworthiness. He reminded Lin Nan that "Lu Yao" was already scheduled for a winter holiday release, and any delay would be costly, urging him to think about how to explain it to the platform.
Lin Nan retorted, defending his decision by stating that while popular voice actors could boost a project, using voices that didn't fit the characters would also be a detriment. He reassured Mr. Zhang he would take full responsibility for any missed release dates, adding dismissively, "That's really not something you need to trouble yourself with, Mr. Zhang." Mr. Zhang then suggested using Fei Da for the dubbing, asking Lin Nan to let him try it in a couple of days.
As an exasperated Mr. Zhang stormed off, Lin Nan calmly instructed his assistant, Zhou Na, that the voice acting class would begin enrollment that afternoon. Zhou Na questioned why he was starting a dubbing class. Yu Luxi, hearing about the Fengling voice acting class recruitment, hastily made her way to the company, marveling at its luxurious interior. While there, she received a phone call from Aunt Zhang, requesting help with recording an anti-fraud public service announcement.
Seeking a quiet place, Yu Luxi unknowingly entered Lin Nan's changing room. As Lin Nan was in the process of undressing, he heard Yu Luxi practicing lines from the anti-fraud announcement, which sounded like a "seeking a partner for a large sum of money" advertisement with a sweet and soft voice. Mistaking her for a "female scammer," Lin Nan immediately instructed Zhou Na to have security investigate, noting that while he hadn't seen her face, he remembered her voice.
At the audition, Yu Luxi prepared for her turn. She overheard a fellow male candidate, who had invited her to group with him for the audition, mention that no noisy accessories were allowed in the recording studio, as a previous candidate, Yun Ting, had been disqualified for his jewelry making noise. Yu Luxi quickly tore off all the rhinestones and metal embellishments from her sweater, leaving it tattered.
During her turn, Lin Nan, recognizing her voice, abruptly dismissed her, asking her to come out. Perplexed and eliminated before her audition was even finished, Yu Luxi waited outside the audition room for him. When he appeared, she demanded to know why she was eliminated. Lin Nan coldly replied that Fengling did not hire "female scammers." Realizing the cause of the misunderstanding, Yu Luxi rushed after Lin Nan as he drove away, desperate to explain.
His car door accidentally snagged her sweater, unraveling it as she fell to the ground. Lin Nan was forced to stop, noticing the long white thread. Yu Luxi, now wearing Lin Nan's jacket, seized the opportunity to play the full anti-fraud recording for him, finally clearing up the misunderstanding, stating, "Listen, I'm really not a liar. You misunderstood me. Love is beautiful, but into the pit needs to be cautious. If you get a call like this, don't believe it."
She pleaded for another chance, emphasizing how important this opportunity was to her. Although Lin Nan initially said the class was full, he was moved by her sincerity. He began to guide her on her voice acting technique, correcting her breath control, stressing key words, and improving her rhythm. When asked about her motivation, Yu Luxi expressed her desire to leave her best voice in Chinese animated productions, adding that she just liked it.
Lin Nan then offered to drive her home. Later, Lin Nan called Zhou Na, asking if there were any other available positions in the company, since the voice acting class was indeed full. That evening, Yu Luxi received an acceptance letter from Fengling. Ecstatic, she shared the news with her colleague, Yu Xiaotian, who jokingly asked if she was now a dedicated scammer.
Despite it being for a front desk position, she was thrilled to be at Fengling, feeling she was "half a foot already into the dubbing circle" and closer to her idol, Mai Wutianxia. She even asked her coffee shop boss, Zhong Jie, if she could continue her part-time work at the coffee shop, which Zhong Jie happily agreed to, attributing the shop's online popularity to Yu Luxi's creativity.
Yu Luxi expressed a strong intuition that Mai Da was already very close to her. The next morning, Yu Luxi arrived bright and early at Fengling for her first day, only to find the office deserted. Distracted by a cat, she remained unaware that Lin Nan was standing silently behind her.
Episode 2 Recap
Yu Luxi woke up in a jubilant mood, thrilled about her upcoming training at Fengling. She enthusiastically engaged in vocal exercises, practicing sound and rhyme, distinguishing the four tones, mastering various mouth shapes, and reciting tongue twisters. She spoke to herself, declaring her resolve to start from scratch at Fengling and align with Mai Da, proclaiming, "Yu Luxi, rise!" Arriving early at the Fengling company, Yu Luxi found the doors still closed.
She was captivated by the sight of several white cats inside, exclaiming "How cute!" Lin Nan then appeared, opening the door with his access card. Yu Luxi questioned why she needed to be there at 9 AM when other employees started at 10:30 AM. Lin Nan revealed her role was the company's front desk, with a crucial task: feeding the cats, specifically Feifei, Nuomi, and the mischievous Hanson, at 9 AM and 6 PM daily.
When she asked why he hired her, Lin Nan simply stated he didn't need a reason to hire a receptionist. Despite not being what she expected, Yu Luxi accepted her new responsibilities, determined to excel even as a front desk assistant. Throughout the day, Yu Luxi performed various administrative tasks, such as delivering express packages and ordering takeout for colleagues. She observed the other trainees eagerly discussing vocal techniques, feeling a deep longing to participate in dubbing herself.
Zhou Na, a colleague, introduced the company's departments, including the art group responsible for character design, site setup, general plans, and color designation, as well as the production team handling all Fengling projects. When Zhou Na led new employees on a tour of the rehearsal and recording studios, where popular anime like "Liu Yao" and "Recalling Chang'an" would be dubbed, Yu Luxi asked to join.
However, Zhou Na informed her that the front desk wasn't required in the studio and instructed her to return to her duties. Yu Luxi continued her work, envious of the trainees who praised instructors like Teacher Shan Xin and Teacher Huang, wondering when she would get her chance to dub.
Later in the day, Lin Nan requested Yu Luxi to order him takeout, specifically a "Double ice American without sugar" and a "French caramel crisp," and signed some documents she presented. As she looked at his signature, Yu Luxi felt a jolt of recognition and whispered "Mai Da" to herself. She quickly took photos of Lin Nan's signature and sent them to her tech-savvy younger brother, Xiaotian, asking him to compare it with Mai Da's signature.
Soon after, the renowned voice actor Fei Da arrived for a dubbing session. Remembering how difficult it once was to get his autograph, Yu Luxi couldn't resist sneaking to the recording studio door to listen in. Inside, Fei Da was visibly distracted, constantly checking his phone. The audio engineer, Vicki, tried to guide him on the character Yan Zhengming, a noble but complex figure.
Fei Da, however, seemed impatient and only repeated basic character traits, admitting he hadn't had time to study the role properly. Lin Nan intervened, stopping the session. He directly told Fei Da that Fengling would no longer collaborate with him, criticizing his lack of dedication and professionalism. Lin Nan explained the depth of the Yan Zhengming character, a leader who single-handedly upheld the Fuyao School's dignity.
Fei Da protested, claiming his busy schedule justified his behavior and that replying to WeChat was a "basic courtesy." Lin Nan retorted that while Fei Da was working for Fengling, he had to adhere to the company's standards, sternly asking him to leave if he couldn't. Fei Da, enraged, stormed out, threatening Lin Nan. Later, Zhou Na confronted Lin Nan, informing him that General Manager Zhang was furious over the incident with Fei Da.
She warned him that offending Fei Da was the same as offending General Manager Zhang, but Lin Nan stood his ground, stating he would take full responsibility. After everyone had left for the day, Lin Nan, looking contemplative, went into the recording studio alone. He retrieved a pair of headphones, which carried the weight of his past dreams, and began to practice lines.
Meanwhile, Yu Luxi received a message from Xiaotian, confirming a 90% similarity between Lin Nan's and Mai Da's signatures. This, combined with Lin Nan's shared preference for "Double ice American without sugar" and "French caramel crisp," solidified Yu Luxi's suspicion. Peering through the glass into the studio, she saw Lin Nan wearing the distinct "M" branded headphones—Mai Da's exclusive custom-made pair. Her excitement caused her to accidentally bump into the glass, revealing her presence.
Yu Luxi burst into the studio, excitedly calling out "Mai Da!" Lin Nan, startled, quickly removed his headphones and vehemently denied being Mai Da. Undeterred, Yu Luxi presented her evidence: the 90% signature similarity, the identical food preferences, and the unmistakable custom headphones. Lin Nan tried to deflect, asking if his current voice sounded like Mai Da's. Yu Luxi, realizing he was disguising his voice, praised his incredible skill, calling dubbing actors "monsters."
As Lin Nan tried to escape, Yu Luxi pursued him, repeatedly calling him Mai Da at the top of her voice, despite his pleas for her to keep quiet. Frustrated, Lin Nan threatened to fire her. Yu Luxi then blocked his car, declaring her love for the job and begging him not to fire her. She then demanded he add her on WeChat, promising not to harass him or expose his identity, or else she'd be "covered with acne."
Lin Nan, eager to leave, let her scan his QR code. However, Yu Luxi stopped him again, asking if his threat of firing her was a joke. Ultimately, she extracted a promise from him that she could still come to work tomorrow, before finally leaving, still calling him "Mai Da" before switching to "Mr. Lin." Back home, Yu Luxi saw her framed "ideal" — to become Mai Da's apprentice.
She contemplated messaging Lin Nan on WeChat but remembered her promise not to harass him, reluctantly deleting an unsent message that proposed her apprenticeship. That night, both Lin Nan and Yu Luxi had vivid dreams. In Lin Nan's dream, he relived a past conversation where he was told he lost many fans. He asserted that Mai Da was not a traffic star and his value lay in his works, not fan numbers.
The dream showed him winning the "Best Voice Actor" award at the Golden Olive Film Festival as Mai Wu Tian Xia but walking away without accepting it, marking Mai Da's disappearance. In Yu Luxi's dream, she imagined herself as a character challenging Yan Zhengming (Lin Nan's character) to take her as an apprentice, only to be told she wasn't qualified and needed to practice 3,000 sword swings. Both woke up startled by their dreams.
Yu Luxi was more determined than ever to make Lin Nan her master, while Lin Nan resolved to fire her. The next morning, Lin Nan was surprised to find Yu Luxi already at the office. As Yu Luxi strategized on how to convince Lin Nan to accept her as an apprentice, she sought advice from Xiaotian. He sent her a document titled "Advanced from the front desk to the proprietress."
Yu Luxi scoffed at the title, stating she only wanted a master, not to be a proprietress. While trying to delete the file, she accidentally pressed the print button while answering a call from Sister Mei about printing contracts. The document began printing just as Lin Nan walked towards the printer, leaving Yu Luxi stunned.
Episode 3 Recap
Yu Luxi, having accidentally printed a document titled "Path from Front Desk to Boss's Wife" sent by Xiaotian, panicked as Lin Nan approached the printer. She rushed towards him, losing her balance and clutching his leg while exclaiming, "Mr. Lin!" Surprising her colleagues with her frantic actions, she quickly recovered, kneeling and bowing to him. " Master, please accept my worship!" she declared. Lin Nan, annoyed by her stunt, threatened to call security if she continued.
Yu Luxi apologized, claiming her actions stemmed from excessive admiration. Enraged, Lin Nan called Zhou Na, instructing her to immediately fire Yu Luxi. Overhearing this, a mortified Yu Luxi quickly called Xiaotian, asking him to prepare some items for her as soon as possible, vowing not to let Lin Nan dismiss her. Meanwhile, Lin Nan called his friend Zhao Junran, demanding his immediate presence at the company.
Zhao Junran, riding his small electric scooter, was soon stopped by a luxury car. Inside were his father and younger brother. His father expressed disdain for Zhao Junran's current activities and urged him to return to the family business. Zhao Junran, however, defiantly told his father to leave if he was ashamed, proclaiming himself an "ordinary citizen" unfit for the family enterprise.
His younger brother tried to mediate, suggesting Zhao Junran come back to help with the busy family business, but Zhao Junran insisted they had already agreed his brother would inherit it, mockingly calling himself "rotten mud that can't be helped onto the wall." He even questioned if his brother would step down as general manager if he returned. His father, frustrated, wished Zhao Junran possessed even half of his brother's qualities.
Frustrated by the encounter, Zhao Junran angrily spit his chewing gum onto the ground. Just then, Zhou Na, looking cool in her motorcycle gear and helmet, rode up on a dazzling motorbike. She sternly told him, "You spat. Pick it up." Captivated by her, Zhao Junran obediently bent down to retrieve the gum. Zhou Na then put on her helmet and rode off, leaving Zhao Junran mesmerized. Zhao Junran arrived at Fengling.
Lin Nan introduced him to the dubbing class as his longtime friend and a dubbing master from Ningda University, known online as Langyin. Lin Nan announced that Zhao Junran would voice the character Yan Zhengming and, like all new members, would be required to spend time observing in the recording studio. Zhao Junran initially tried to object, believing himself "mature" enough, but Lin Nan firmly stated it was a non-negotiable requirement, prompting Zhao Junran to agree.
Soon after, Zhou Na entered and immediately recognized Zhao Junran as the gum-spitting motorcyclist. She commented on his "moral problems" and expressed skepticism about his ability to voice Yan Zhengming, dismissing him as "unreliable small traffic." She curtly told him to "figure out garbage classification" and which "type" he belonged to before speaking to her. Undeterred by her harshness, Zhao Junran, clearly smitten, expressed his eagerness to prove his skills.
Zhou Na informed Lin Nan she couldn't assist him with firing Yu Luxi and urged him to see for himself. Stepping outside, Lin Nan discovered the entire office adorned with fake wheat stalks. When he confronted Yu Luxi about distributing "wheat," she explained it was a "beautiful symbol" hoping their "Lu Yao" project would "sell well," cleverly using the homophone for "big sell" (大卖, dà mài). Despite his sarcastic thanks, Yu Luxi persisted.
She later brought him a cup of "barley tea" (大麦茶, dà mài chá) to "reduce internal heat," prompting Lin Nan to accuse her of threatening him. She then offered him a coffee she had personally prepared. He firmly requested she stop using the word "Mai" (麦), but Yu Luxi continued her subtle campaign, even offering him fast food that she pronounced in a way that alluded to "Mai," along with other food items.
She then offered to order "shaomai" or "Jinmailang" tea, again using words that contained "Mai." When Lin Nan reiterated his frustration about the word, Yu Luxi feigned innocence, claiming she hadn't said it, then directly stated her goal: to become his apprentice. Lin Nan flatly refused. Later, during a dubbing training session, Yu Luxi attended as an observer.
After the voice actors, portraying characters like a "Cell phone monster" and a "human child" in a restaurant scene, completed their performance, Lin Nan asked the students for their impressions. While most offered generic praise, Yu Luxi provided a surprisingly insightful analysis.
She highlighted how the voice actor for the elderly, hard-of-hearing restaurant owner subtly portrayed his initial slow speech and delayed reactions, which then dramatically shifted to a "severe" and "fast" tone, punctuated by "coughing with anger," upon realizing a dine-and-dash was occurring, making the character incredibly "authentic."
She also keenly observed the underlying "trust and joy" expressed through the playful insults between the "Cell phone monster" and the "human child," concluding that they were already friends, even if they didn't realize it. Lin Nan publicly commended her detailed observations, chastising the students that "a company's front desk is more serious and professional than you all." He warned them to value their "listening shed" opportunities or "leave early" and "not waste everyone's time."
He then sternly questioned Yu Luxi's presence, as it was not a place for the front desk, to which she responded she was there to get documents signed. He dismissed her. Soon, a video surfaced online appearing to show Lin Nan arguing with Fei Da, with a synthesized voice for Lin Nan saying, "I paid for your time. You are a tool man. Just dub whatever I tell you to. Believe it or not, I'll block you."
Zhou Na showed the video to Lin Nan, explaining that Fei Da was using it to maliciously "hack" him online, turning public opinion against him and making him "an enemy of the entire dubbing circle." Lin Nan remained unfazed, asserting the video was "obviously post-synthesized" and wondering if "the fake could also knock down the real one." He believed a few days of "cold treatment" would make the issue fade.
Later, he spoke with Mr. Zhang on the phone, who suggested a "cold treatment" for the "misunderstanding" and questioned Lin Nan's refusal to use Fei Da for Yan Zhengming's voice. Lin Nan, frustrated, demanded respect, pointing out Fei Da's unprofessional behavior of playing on his phone during recording sessions and threatening to release surveillance footage. He instructed his company to disregard the incident and continue "normal work."
Yu Luxi also saw the damaging video and immediately contacted Xiaotian for help, explaining Lin Nan was "framed" and she needed evidence. Xiaotian later reported his findings: Fei Da was "really powerful," not only dubbing but also simultaneously chatting with four different women during the recording session, despite publicly having a girlfriend. Yu Luxi joked about her "Path from Front Desk to Boss's Wife" guide, but then dismissed it.
As hordes of reporters gathered outside Fengling, keen to interview Lin Nan, Yu Luxi spotted him attempting to leave. Concerned for his safety amidst the commotion, she quickly pulled him away, helping him hide between cars while Xiaotian diverted the journalists. In a secluded spot, Lin Nan thanked her for her help.
Seizing the opportunity, Yu Luxi asked him directly if he was Mai Da and renewed her request to become his apprentice, threatening to expose his secret identity to the waiting reporters if he refused. Faced with this ultimatum, Lin Nan reluctantly agreed to take her on. Overjoyed, Yu Luxi immediately embraced him.
Fei Da, accompanied by a company executive, confronted Lin Nan, demanding an apology and insisting that he should still voice the male lead of "Lu Yao" if he valued "face over attitude." Lin Nan calmly presented the original video, exposing that his voice had been "synthesized" and accusing Fei Da of fabricating the incident.
Yu Luxi then stepped forward, revealing Xiaotian's evidence of Fei Da simultaneously chatting with four different women during his recording session, questioning his "time management" and his publicly known relationship. Faced with undeniable proof, Fei Da was humiliated. Lin Nan then laid out his terms: Fei Da must delete the malicious video, issue a public apology to him and Fengling, and withdraw from the "Lu Yao" project.
Fei Da agreed, asking for the secret recording on Yu Luxi's phone to be deleted. As Fei Da left, he attempted to grab Yu Luxi's phone. Lin Nan swiftly pulled Yu Luxi behind him and warned Fei Da not to "dare to touch her," asserting, "She is my Fengling person. If you dare to touch her, I will not spare you!" Fei Da backed down, and both sides deleted their respective recordings.
Yu Luxi thanked Lin Nan, commenting on his "powerful" defense and adding that she would have filmed Fei Da if Lin Nan hadn't intervened. Lin Nan then instructed Yu Luxi to attend the "listening shed" that afternoon. Thrilled, Yu Luxi thanked her new master.
Episode 4 Recap
Mr. Zhang and Feida harbored resentment towards Lin Nan after he undermined them. Feida believed Lin Nan's arrogance stemmed from the company's excessive favoritism towards him, making him uncooperative. To retaliate against Lin Nan, Feida suggested Mr. Zhang consider Liang Yichuan of Youlong company. Feida told Mr. Zhang he had been wronged and found Lin Nan "too much" for making decisions without authorization.
He added that Lin Nan was "too self-righteous," acting as if his was the only animation company in China. He then recommended Liang Yichuan as a good alternative to focus on. At Youlong Production, Liang Yichuan, a leading talent, was informed that Lin Nan had put Feida in a difficult position. Liang Yichuan's staff reported that Feida, a "top stream dubbing actor," had just left Lin Nan's company and was now with them, attracting many fans and delighting investors.
Liang Yichuan saw an opportunity to get back at Feida, whose work attitude had been unsatisfactory during previous dubbing sessions for Youlong. Upon entering the recording studio, Liang Yichuan noticed Feida playing on his phone. He deliberately scolded the sound engineer, Xiaopeng, asking, "Do you know that you can't play with mobile phones in the recording studio? Are the rules on the wall decorations?"
He questioned Xiaopeng's professionalism and self-respect, warning him not to become complacent after a few successful projects, as many more talented and hardworking individuals were waiting for their chance. He then pointed to Feida, ironically praising him as "the Old Artist of the Future" in the dubbing industry, and chastised Xiaopeng for playing on his phone during such a rare learning opportunity with Feida.
Feida, realizing Liang Yichuan's criticism was aimed at him, quickly apologized, stating it was his fault for bringing his phone into the studio and promising not to do so again. Liang Yichuan, feigning acceptance, said he would let it go "for the sake of Feida." Yu Luxi was ecstatic to finally enter the recording studio. She had made sandwiches as a token of gratitude for Lin Nan.
However, a colleague, Xiaojing, warned her not to upset Lin Nan, who was "furious" again. During a company meeting, Lin Nan harshly critiqued Brother Wang's artwork for the "spring smile" project, stating it lacked the essence of spring and demanded revisions. He criticized the use of "Mo Landi color," incorrect sword gestures, and the production department falling two months behind schedule in Mr. Zhou's absence.
Brother Wang retorted that spring was in the heart and his work was satisfactory, refusing to make changes. Lin Nan, growing angrier, threatened to fire him, declaring the meeting adjourned. Brother Wang stormed out, grumbling about Lin Nan's increasingly bad temper. Yu Luxi tried to offer Lin Nan a sandwich and chrysanthemum tea to "lower his fire," but he curtly dismissed her, asking if he needed it, and walked away.
Overhearing colleagues discussing Lin Nan's mood swings, Yu Luxi decided to help Brother Wang. She found him and, using her talent for voice impersonation, including a "gentle little maid Maria's voice," offered him a Demon Slayer Nezuko figurine if he finished the drawing in an hour. Brother Wang, inspired, agreed. Yu Luxi excitedly brought the revised drawing to Lin Nan, mentioning her contribution to the "inspiration." However, Lin Nan was still unimpressed.
This led to another heated argument between Lin Nan and Brother Wang, who complained about Lin Nan's unreasonable demands, like drawing eyes that "see the entire universe sky" or depicting a father's longing for his son, not his daughter. Lin Nan, challenging Yu Luxi to judge the reasonableness of his demands, again threatened Brother Wang, who dramatically threw down his badge and declared he was quitting.
Yu Luxi tried to mediate, but Lin Nan scolded her for "minding other people's business" and ordered her out. Distressed, Yu Luxi later went to Brother Wang's desk, finding his badge and numerous drafts. She intended to show Lin Nan how hard Brother Wang had worked, but found them in Lin Nan's office, laughing and playing games together. Lin Nan dismissed her, saying they had always been fine and she was "too idle."
Utterly confused, Yu Luxi confided in Xiaojing, who calmly explained that Lin Nan, nicknamed "Feng Ling's little drama queen," experiences monthly "low tide periods" where creative bottlenecks make him "anxious and irritable," leading to uncontrolled outbursts. Xiaojing added that after these episodes, Lin Nan often sends "red envelope comfort" as an apology, and long-time employees like Brother Wang could receive over a thousand yuan a month from these "mental damage compensation" payments. Yu Luxi was astonished by this peculiar system.
That evening, Liu Ziwei, a student, quietly entered the recording studio to practice. Yu Luxi caught him, reminding him that Lin Nan forbade unauthorized entry, emphasizing the need for reverence towards the studio. As Liu Ziwei put the microphone back, Lin Nan appeared. Lin Nan sternly reprimanded them, expressing concern that hand sweat could damage the microphone, potentially ruining it. Yu Luxi explained Liu Ziwei merely wanted to practice.
When Lin Nan asked why Liu Ziwei didn't just tell him, Yu Luxi whispered that "everyone is afraid of you." Lin Nan asked Liu Ziwei directly if he was afraid, to which Liu Ziwei hesitantly denied before making his exit. Lin Nan then pressed Yu Luxi about why the students feared him. Yu Luxi replied, "Because you don't know them."
Lin Nan, taking this to heart, immediately decided to organize a team-building event for the dubbing class the following day, instructing Yu Luxi to get it organized. Yu Luxi, excited by the idea, inwardly planned for the event to take place at her coffee shop. Later that night, Lin Nan received a phone call from Liang Yichuan, who accused him of deleting his number.
Liang Yichuan informed him that "Yiyi" would soon return from abroad and was unaware of their breakup, requesting Lin Nan to keep it a secret. Lin Nan hung up the call. He then recalled a difficult period in his early career when his dubbing post went viral, but it was filled with harsh criticism. A friend had tried to comfort him, suggesting the critics' aesthetics were outdated.
Lin Nan, though claiming not to be angry, envisioned a future with many excellent Chinese animated works, where he would create animation and his friend would do the dubbing. The next day, at the team-building event held at Yu Luxi's cafe, everyone initially remained reserved. Lin Nan encouraged them to speak freely and share their reasons for entering the dubbing industry, starting with the oldest.
A student joked that Lin Nan should go first, to which Lin Nan chuckled and complied. He shared how he discovered his passion for dubbing while playing games with friends, eventually falling in love with it, still vividly recalling iconic lines like "For the Tribe, Power and Glory." Other students shared their diverse backgrounds, from a broadcast station manager to someone who joined because "admiring little sisters" told him his voice could "make ears pregnant."
When it was Yu Luxi's turn, after a brief hesitation, she spoke about her two years since college graduation, dedicating herself to becoming a voice actor, foregoing traditional jobs, and supporting herself through various dubbing gigs. She also shared about her father, a tour guide who uses his voice for atmosphere, being incredibly supportive of her career choice.
She expressed her joy at joining Feng Ling and working with such talented voice actors, vowing to work hard despite currently being just a front desk receptionist. Her spirited sharing was met with applause, and everyone raised their coffee cups, cheering, "To Bole!" Lin Nan watched her, smiling with interest. After the team-building, Yu Luxi discovered Lin Nan had already paid the bill.
She approached him to reimburse him, but Lin Nan candidly told her that her current dubbing fees were insufficient for self-sufficiency. He explained that most "famous teacher" voice acting classes online were scams, and legitimate institutions, usually professional studios or academic programs, rarely accepted students. He asserted that if she had truly received professional training, she wouldn't still be unable to perform properly.
Yu Luxi, acknowledging his sharp observation, admitted that her path hadn't been smooth and she had given up much, but she insisted she wasn't playing the victim and believed that with an opportunity, she could succeed. Lin Nan concluded by saying, "Preparedness is more important than opportunity." That night, lying in bed, Yu Luxi pondered Lin Nan. She perceived him as outwardly cold but inwardly warm and lonely.
She reflected on his selfless acts, like paying for the team-building, yet his stern demeanor. She wondered why he had left the dubbing world, suspecting some untold hardship. Imagining his heart bleeding in solitude, she resolved that, as his apprentice, she would protect him from sadness and loneliness, vowing to prove herself worthy.
Episode 5 Recap
That evening, Lin Nan found himself preoccupied with the earlier conversation he had with Yu Luxi. She had confidently asserted that she was not inferior to other students and would seize any opportunity to prove herself. This resolve resonated with Lin Nan, reminding him of his own journey with Liang Yichuan, when he too had voiced similar determination. Having achieved success, he reflected that it was time to extend opportunities to aspiring new talent.
The next morning, Lin Nan, having considered Yu Luxi's unwavering spirit, called her on her phone, instructing her to pause her current work and head to the rehearsal room, telling her, "Here comes your chance." Yu Luxi was thrilled, believing her master was looking out for her. In the rehearsal room, a teacher named Vicky welcomed both the regular dubbing class students and other voice actors who had missed the initial auditions, emphasizing the value of opportunity.
She explained the new competition format: there were seven main roles, and candidates would compete in pairs, with the final decisions made by her and Lin Nan in three days. Vicky then used a scene depicting a son's poignant farewell to his mother as an example of sincere emotional portrayal. She asked Yu Luxi and Zhao Junran to perform it.
During their performance, Zhao Junran delivered his lines as the son, but Vicky stopped Yu Luxi, criticizing her for not being fully immersed in the role. Vicky advised Yu Luxi to deeply contemplate the feeling of "grief." Nearby, Zhao Junran's younger brother tried to convince him to return to their family business, dismissing the voice acting industry and domestic comics as having no future.
He also tried to persuade Zhao Junran to attend their father's upcoming birthday, hinting that their father was worried about his choice of career. Zhao Junran, frustrated, retorted that his father didn't understand his passion for dubbing. Zhou Na, who overheard their conversation, interrupted. Identifying herself as Zhao Junran's boss and a co-founder of Fengling Animation, she corrected the brother, stating that domestic animation was flourishing, citing last year's box office revenue exceeding five billion yuan.
She praised Zhao Junran as an excellent voice actor, emphasizing that any profession, pursued with hard work and skill, could provide a living. Zhao Junran was impressed by Zhou Na's spirited defense and followed her, thanking her and declaring her his "goddess." Zhou Na sharply warned him that such comments would lead to his dismissal. Yu Luxi, still struggling to grasp the intense emotion Vicky had requested, pondered how to find "true feelings" for her role.
She decided that starving herself might evoke the "grief" she needed. She began to fast, even rejecting a colleague's offer of her favorite curry pork chop rice, claiming it was for dieting. Later, at home, her brother Xiaotian prepared pan-fried ribs. Despite his teasing and offers to treat her with his scholarship money, Yu Luxi firmly refused to eat, stating she needed to starve herself to cultivate the feeling of grief. Xiaotian, however, caught her secretly eating a rib.
After she spat it out, she reaffirmed her determination not to eat. Later that night, still hungry, Yu Luxi messaged Lin Nan, asking if he had any tragic past experiences. Lin Nan pondered her question, but before he could reply, a disappointed Yu Luxi sent another message wishing him goodnight. The next day at the studio, Yu Luxi, having fasted for a whole day, was visibly hungry while observing her peers eating.
She tightened her stomach, resolved to maintain her focus. When Vicky called her and Zhao Junran's group to the studio, Yu Luxi mentally prepared for a stunning performance. However, as she stepped forward to begin dubbing, she suddenly fainted from low blood sugar. Lin Nan rushed to her side, and other students quickly deduced she hadn't eaten all day. Lin Nan tried to revive her, calling her name.
In her hunger-addled state, Yu Luxi mistook his hand for a delicious sausage her brother Xiaotian had cooked and bit down hard, causing Lin Nan considerable pain. After she had recovered and regained her composure, Yu Luxi apologized to Lin Nan for biting him. Lin Nan dismissed her apology, instead telling her she owed herself one. He explained that extreme methods like starving herself would not deepen her understanding of a role.
True connection came from empathy, from bringing her own life experiences to the character to create resonance with the audience. Yu Luxi admitted she felt lost, especially after hearing another student, "Xiaohei," perform so well. She humbly requested another opportunity, lamenting that she had never truly had a chance to perform in a professional recording studio, having been dismissed or fainted during previous attempts. Seeing her sincerity, Lin Nan granted her one final chance.
Yu Luxi, grateful, assured him that she would find the necessary emotion, remarking that everyone has a heartbreak in their life. In the recording studio, Yu Luxi delivered a deeply emotional performance. Lin Nan observed tears streaming down her face, knowing she had truly poured her heart into the role. Even after finishing her lines, she remained immersed in the character's sorrow.
Lin Nan approached her, offering tissues and acknowledging that she seemed to have drawn from her own family experiences. Yu Luxi confirmed it was her mother, who had passed away when she was very young. Lin Nan comforted her but also gently reminded her that an excellent voice actor must not only be able to enter a role quickly but also exit it just as swiftly.
Still emotional, Yu Luxi confided that while she had come to terms with her mother's death, what truly pained her was that she could only recall her mother's expression, not her words, from the afternoon before she passed. Lin Nan praised her profound grasp of genuine emotion in such a short time, expressing his pleasant surprise and pride, and reiterating that quick exits from roles were essential in both dubbing and life.
Lin Nan then reflected on his own painful past. He remembered being diagnosed with glottic secondary laryngeal carcinoma in its early stage. A doctor had explained that while surgery offered a high cure rate and he would be able to speak post-recovery, he would no longer be able to use his vocal cords for voicing and would need to learn new speaking techniques. The doctor had regretfully informed him that a career in dubbing would likely be impossible.
He had been forced to choose between his life and his voice, a profound despair that had taught him the importance of strength for anyone pursuing a dream. Later, Lin Nan and Vicky announced the final list of selected voice actors.
Zhao Junran was chosen for the role of "Chengqian," Liu Ziwei for "Yan Zhengming," Zhou Shuang for "Li Yun," Yang Lingling for "Younger Martial Sister," and another student, Xiaobai, for "Han Yuan," a role Lin Nan felt suited her despite her earlier performance. Finally, Lin Nan announced Yu Luxi as the voice for "Chengqian's Mother." Yu Luxi was overjoyed, knowing her persistence had finally been rewarded. Lin Nan encouraged the unselected students not to be disheartened, assuring them that it simply meant these roles weren't the right fit and urged them to continue working hard.
Episode 6 Recap
Yu Luxi was meticulously organizing the donation box at her store, contemplating what gifts to purchase for the children. She noticed the significant number of hundred-yuan bills from a handsome customer, whom she and her brother believed to be her kind boss, Lin Nan. Later, she sent Lin Nan a message, suggesting he join her to visit the children at the Happiness School for the Blind, especially since he had contributed so generously to the donation box.
A few days later, Lin Nan arrived at the Happiness School for the Blind. President Wang greeted him warmly, "Lin Nan, long time no see!" and updated him on the children's well-being, mentioning how much they missed him. She also informed him about a dedicated female volunteer, a fan of his, who frequently helped at the school, managed a donation box, provided daily necessities, and read fairy tales.
When Lin Nan inquired if the girl was Yu Luxi, President Wang confirmed it with delight and directed him to the radio room where Yu Luxi was, excusing herself for a meeting. Inside the radio room, Lin Nan found Yu Luxi engrossed in reading a passage from "The Little Prince" about the beauty of loving a distant star's flower. She noticed him and cheerfully said, "Master, there you are."
Yu Luxi explained she was recording stories for the children and mentioned their fondness for him, showing him some small gifts they had made. Lin Nan encouraged her to continue, and she resumed her reading, eloquently expressing profound happiness and the unique value of her personal "rose." On the drive back, Lin Nan asked Yu Luxi about her six years of consistent volunteering.
She revealed that she initially started going to the Happiness School because she heard he, as Mai Da, frequently visited to tell stories, hoping for a chance encounter. After three years, she grew deeply attached to the children and found immense joy in their company, forgetting her original motive. She felt her contributions were genuinely meaningful. Later, as they walked from his car, Yu Luxi pointed out various advertisements along the street, proudly declaring that she had voiced them all.
She played some examples, showcasing a range of vocal styles for a fried chicken ad, a meridian massage ad, and a tea ad. Lin Nan playfully remarked on the "shoddy" quality from a professional standpoint. Yu Luxi defended her work, explaining that she had imbued each voiceover with emotions inspired by the individual shop owners' life stories—the fried chicken owner was a single mother, the tea seller a former socialite, and the massage lady a passionate matchmaker.
Lin Nan suggested that if she applied such empathy to animation, she would truly excel, and she responded that she hadn't had such an opportunity until now. As Lin Nan helped her carry items to her apartment, he insisted on carrying them all the way to her door. As he prepared to leave, a neighbor aunt intervened, assuming Lin Nan was Yu Luxi's handsome new boyfriend.
Despite Yu Luxi's clarification that he was her boss, the aunt praised Lin Nan and urged him to treat Yu Luxi well, revealing that Yu Luxi had suffered a significant "love injury" in the past. Lin Nan, curious, asked for more details. The aunt explained that Yu Luxi had once cried uncontrollably after failing to gain admission to Ningda University, all because of a person named Mai Da, whom she had never even met.
Mortified, Yu Luxi quickly ushered the aunt away, denying any "love injury" and clarifying that her tears were simply from not getting into the dubbing program, not from anything related to Mai Da. After the neighbor left, Yu Luxi led Lin Nan to her bedroom, which was covered in Mai Da merchandise. She proudly presented his first-ever audio tape, explaining how it sparked her passion for dubbing and her admiration for him.
She also showed him her complete collection of "Lu Yao" audiobooks and other books about his work. Lin Nan picked up a fan badge, and Yu Luxi excitedly explained it was a limited-edition "true love badge" from his fan group, earned by logging in for 365 days when she couldn't afford the actual tape. Lin Nan, amused by her dedication, teasingly said he'd "temporarily believe" her proof was real.
Yu Luxi earnestly insisted she was his "professional fan," not a "brainless one." Lin Nan then tried to play one of her treasured tapes on an old recorder, but it quickly tangled. Yu Luxi explained that the old machine often did that, and together, their hands brushing, they carefully rewound the tape. Meanwhile, Zhao Junran attended his father's birthday dinner.
His father, expecting an expensive tea gift, proudly unveiled Zhao Junran's present in front of the guests, only to find a limited-edition "Master Roshi" anime figure. Zhao Junran attempted to explain the figure's symbolism of longevity, but his father was clearly embarrassed. His stepmother inquired about his current job, and Zhao Junran's vague mention of working at a small animation company further mortified his father.
In a separate event, Zhou Na was at a business dinner, delivering a passionate speech about the bright future of Chinese animation dubbing. She made a toast "For the future of Chinese animation dubbing" and willingly drank multiple rounds of alcohol to secure an additional project slot for her company, Fengling. Back at Yu Luxi's apartment, she proposed a formal apprenticeship ceremony, feeling their current master-disciple relationship was "in name only."
Lin Nan dismissed the idea as outdated, stating that elaborate rituals like "killing chickens and sheep" were unnecessary. Yu Luxi conceded, offering to at least make him a cup of tea. Just as she was preparing the tea, her brother, Yu Xiaotian, returned home. He immediately recognized Lin Nan as Mai Da and loudly remarked that Yu Luxi's "plan" from her book "Advancement from the Front Desk to the Proprietress" had succeeded.
Hearing this, Lin Nan, visibly annoyed, immediately stood up to leave. Mortified by her brother's outburst and worried the apprenticeship wasn't complete, Yu Luxi rushed after him, calling out that he hadn't had his tea. However, Lin Nan assured her that he acknowledged her as his apprentice, then walked to his car, telling her, "Go home, disciple." Yu Luxi was overjoyed by his affirmation. Later that night, Zhao Junran found a very drunk and unsteady Zhou Na outside a venue.
He expressed concern for her and offered to take her home. Zhou Na, disoriented, questioned if she could trust him with her address, but Zhao Junran assured her of his integrity. He helped her walk, carrying her bag. Upon arriving at her apartment, she vomited on him. With his clothes ruined and concerned for her well-being, Zhao Junran decided to stay and care for her.
The following morning, Zhou Na awoke to find Zhao Junran in her bed, wearing her pajamas. She screamed his name and demanded to know why he was there and where her clothes were. He explained that she had been continuously vomiting throughout the night, and he stayed out of concern, unable to leave with his vomit-covered clothes. When she pressed him about whether anything intimate had occurred, he claimed he had fallen asleep and knew nothing.
She sternly warned him not to breathe a word about the night's events and then angrily kicked him out of bed. Now locked out, Zhao Junran desperately pleaded with her to open the door, embarrassed to be seen outside in her ladies' pajamas.
Episode 7 Recap
After signing her contract to officially join the dubbing class, Yu Luxi enthusiastically called Lin Nan "Master" multiple times. Lin Nan immediately stopped her, instructing her not to use that title in the company, even when they were alone. Yu Luxi then tried to ask him a series of questions, but Lin Nan, limiting her to three per day, playfully covered her mouth to stop her, a gesture that left him momentarily flustered.
Thoughtfully choosing her last question, she asked if he remembered an online friend from ten years ago named "Lucy Fish," explaining that it was her and he had taught her online dubbing and offered valuable advice, for which she was deeply grateful. Lin Nan, however, claimed he didn't remember any of it, even teasing her about the name. When she pressed him, he simply stated that remembering wasn't important, as he was teaching her now, effectively ending the conversation.
Yu Luxi felt a pang of disappointment at his lack of recollection. Lin Nan then led the dubbing class through formal training, starting with a scene from 'Hantan'. He was strict, criticizing students for their lack of emotion and unclear articulation. Dissatisfied, he took them to the beach for breath training. He stood a distance away, instructing each student to shout clearly and loudly, ignoring any onlookers. Liu Ziwei struggled first, prompting Lin Nan to demand more volume.
When it was Yu Luxi's turn, she called out to Lin Nan, asking how he had been all these years. Lin Nan responded by extending their training by another half hour, emphasizing that failure to sustain their voices for a minute meant falling short of the standard. Suddenly, a luxury car arrived, and Liang Yiyi stepped out. Her powerful, penetrating voice instantly captivated the students. Liu Ziwei, impressed, attempted to flirt.
Liang Yiyi politely introduced herself as a voice actress who had studied in Japan. The students excitedly recognized her as "Yiyi Da," a renowned voice actress who had won a Best Newcomer Award in Japan. Liang Yiyi explained that seeing their intense practice reminded her of her own training days and apologized for interrupting. She encouraged them to continue their hard work, expressing a desire for future collaboration. Inspired, the students resumed their practice with renewed determination.
Liang Yiyi later visited her brother, Liang Yichuan, surprising him with her early return. She immediately inquired about Lin Nan, expressing frustration at Liang Yichuan's repeated lies about Lin Nan being on business trips, especially since Lin Nan wasn't present at the 'Lu Yao' press conference. Liang Yichuan finally admitted that Lin Nan had "abandoned" him due to a past conflict.
He recounted how he had pushed Lin Nan, known as Mai Da, to voice the lead in an animated project called "Sahuan'er," even signing a contract on his behalf. Lin Nan, whose vocal cords had been damaged by throat cancer, had refused, preferring to work behind the scenes. He felt his current voice was "noisy" and "lacked texture," and that he couldn't expect the audience to accept it if he himself wasn't satisfied.
Lin Nan also expressed that their professional philosophies had diverged significantly. Liang Yichuan defended his actions, viewing Mai Da as an intellectual property they had jointly built. Liang Yiyi was furious to learn about Lin Nan's past illness, accusing her brother of withholding crucial information and contributing to Lin Nan's current distant demeanor. Liang Yichuan countered that he had been trying to help Lin Nan confront his issues. Later at Fengling, Liang Yiyi saw Yu Luxi and Lin Nan together.
She swiftly approached Lin Nan, linking her arm through his to assert her closeness. When Lin Nan asked how she found him after so many years, she fabricated a story about her brother sending her to apologize and seek reconciliation. She then showered Lin Nan with praise, calling him gentle and understanding, contrasting him with her "secular" and "mercenary" brother, and declared her unwavering support for Lin Nan.
Lin Nan downplayed the conflict with Liang Yichuan, attributing it to differing philosophies. Liang Yiyi wistfully recalled how he used to be like a brother to her. Lin Nan agreed, but she subtly indicated she no longer saw him that way. He, however, maintained his stance, reiterating that she would always be his good sister.
Liang Yiyi then proposed joining the production of 'Lu Yao' to Lin Nan, stating her Japanese contract had ended and she planned to advance her career in China. She highlighted the commercial value and training benefits she could bring, offering to share Japanese training methods with the team. Lin Nan, impressed by her maturity and talent, welcomed her, and at her request, agreed to hold an audition to convince the rest of the team.
During the subsequent audition, Lin Nan meticulously evaluated each voice actor's performance. He highly praised Liang Yiyi, citing her excellent character understanding. In contrast, he pointed out numerous flaws in the other students: Yu Luxi had unstable breath and a mistake, Zhao Junran made multiple errors and had a line out of sync, Liu Ziwei mumbled, Zhou Shuang's roar was unclear, and Yang Lingling lacked proper breath control. He concluded that none of them could match Liang Yiyi's skill.
Consequently, Liang Yiyi was officially cast as Younger Sister Hantan. This led to Yang Lingling's role being changed to Cheng Qian's mother, and Yu Luxi was left without a role, placed on standby. Feeling dejected, Yu Luxi approached Lin Nan in his office, using her daily question slot to ask about Liang Yiyi's exceptional talent. Lin Nan explained that the Japanese voice acting industry was tough, and Yiyi had dedicated six years to studying and practicing dubbing there.
He emphasized her innate talent, combined with systematic training, made her naturally superior to most students. When Yu Luxi then asked whether talent or hard work was more important, Lin Nan challenged her to consider the question herself before providing an answer. Lin Nan, driving that evening, recalled his past struggles as Mai Da. After his throat cancer diagnosis, his voice deteriorated, drawing criticism from fans who felt it had lost its quality.
This prompted him to shift to a directing role behind the scenes. He deeply empathized with Yu Luxi's current disappointment, having faced similar setbacks in his own career. Yu Luxi, disheartened, expressed to Lin Nan her thoughts of giving up, believing her passion was insufficient against raw talent. Lin Nan tried to reassure her. Later, Liang Yiyi arranged dinner for Lin Nan and Liang Yichuan, hoping to reconcile them. Liang Yichuan was annoyed, realizing Yiyi's plan, and attempted to leave.
Liang Yiyi insisted he stay, urging them to talk civilly. While Liang Yichuan reluctantly agreed not to scold Lin Nan, he adamantly refused to apologize, stating their issues were too complex for her to understand. Liang Yiyi continued to press him, hinting that their reconciliation was crucial for her own unspoken reasons. Liang Yichuan, recognizing her true motive, directly asked if she liked Lin Nan. Upon seeing her hesitation, he firmly declared that he would never allow Lin Nan to be her boyfriend.
Episode 8 Recap
Liang Yichuan told his sister, Liang Yiyi, that his history with Lin Nan was too complicated for reconciliation. Liang Yiyi, however, revealed she had already joined Lin Nan's "Lu Yao" dubbing project and planned to be an exchange student at Ningda, hoping to pursue Lin Nan if the brothers made up. This angered Liang Yichuan, who demanded she withdraw, insisting that Lin Nan could never be her boyfriend and that she should work for their own company.
Liang Yiyi countered that "Lu Yao" was genuinely superior to the productions at their company. Frustrated, Liang Yichuan declared he didn't want to discuss it further. Just then, Liang Yiyi received a text from Lin Nan, apologizing that he couldn't make it to their dinner due to an urgent matter. Liang Yichuan seized the opportunity to call Lin Nan unreliable, but Liang Yiyi defended him.
That night, Yu Luxi went to the harbor to clear her head and was surprised to find Lin Nan there. He wryly told her he was concerned she might jump, but Yu Luxi clarified she wasn't that vulnerable. Still, she expressed her frustration over losing her voice acting role, feeling that her efforts were useless. Lin Nan responded that if she didn't try, she would have even less.
When she questioned why he wasn't encouraging her, he retorted that his encouragement was meaningless if she didn't encourage herself. Despite his harsh words, he messaged her to report for training at Ningda on Monday morning at 8 AM. The following day, Lin Nan passed by the coffee shop where Yu Luxi worked. He overheard a customer complaining about Yu Luxi's gloomy demeanor, which prompted her colleague, Yu Xiaotian, to pressure her to perform her signature voice service.
Seeing Yu Luxi in low spirits, Lin Nan devised a plan. He began instructing several delivery riders to order a coffee, specifically ask Yu Luxi to perform her voice service, praise her voice, and then keep the coffee for themselves. As a result, the coffee shop became unusually busy with a stream of delivery riders, each praising Yu Luxi's voice. Her mood brightened considerably as she enthusiastically delivered various voice greetings.
Soon, Yu Luxi noticed Lin Nan outside and realized he was behind the uplifting event. She thanked him, and Lin Nan told her that while she could have more time, they needed to visit the Ningda track, the very place where her idol, Mai Da, had begun his journey. At the Ningda track, Lin Nan began to train Yu Luxi, having her repeatedly shout, "I like dubbing!"
He emphasized proper breathing techniques, just as his own teacher, his father, had strictly guided him in that very spot. Lin Nan confided that he, too, had once felt lost, but his teacher's encouragement at this location had helped him recover. He explained that while talent offers an advantage, it is fragile, whereas consistent effort builds lasting skills.
To further inspire her, Lin Nan gave Yu Luxi a vintage recorder containing his own early voice recordings, which they listened to together. The next morning, Lin Nan picked up a cheerful Yu Luxi to take her to a major anime industry forum. Upon arrival, Lin Nan told Yu Luxi that he had other arrangements with the organizing committee and instructed her to check in first, as Zhou Na had already handled everything.
Outside the forum, Zhou Na's ex-boyfriend, Mr. Guan, approached her. Zhou Na coldly dismissed him as a "greasy love rat." Just then, Zhao Junran intervened, putting his arm around Zhou Na and pretending to be her new boyfriend. Together, they sarcastically likened Mr. Guan to a "big oil field," driving him away. Afterward, Zhao Junran playfully questioned why Zhou Na hadn't objected to him being her boyfriend.
She curtly told him she never dates younger men but thanked him for his help. Unfazed, Zhao Junran vowed not to give up on pursuing her. Meanwhile, Liang Yiyi met with Lin Nan, hoping for his reconciliation with Liang Yichuan. Soon after, Liang Yichuan arrived, and the two men immediately resumed their contentious banter.
Liang Yiyi desperately tried to mediate, reminiscing about their childhood when they pooled their pocket money to buy recording equipment, and how the two boys once frantically searched for her after leaving her behind at the mall, eventually taking turns carrying the sleeping girl home. Lin Nan gently told her not to dwell on the past, explaining that his divergence from Liang Yichuan stemmed from fundamental differences in their ideas. He then excused himself to prepare for a speech.
Liang Yiyi pressed Liang Yichuan to apologize, but he stubbornly refused. Later, while waiting for coffee, Liang Yichuan noticed Yu Luxi and was instantly smitten. He struck up a conversation, introducing himself as Liang Yichuan from Youlong Animation. Upon learning she was Yu Luxi, a trainee from Fengling Dubbing Department, he had a flash of recognition. He recalled a letter she had written years ago to his online alias, "Mai Wu Tian Xia," seeking online tutelage for voice acting.
At the time, Lin Nan had dismissed the fan, but Liang Yichuan had secretly mentored her online until she suddenly disappeared. Stunned to realize the girl before him was his "lost" fan, he nervously asked her if she liked Mai Da.
Episode 9 Recap
Six years ago, at a fan meeting for the renowned dubbing artist Mai Da, Liang Yichuan found himself in a chaotic situation. Mai Da’s unexpected absence angered the fans, who then turned on Liang Yichuan, mistaking him for a staff member and beating him. Fortunately, Yu Luxi, a fellow Mai Da enthusiast, quickly intervened, shouting about the police and helping him escape.
As they ran, Liang Yichuan recognized her name, asking if she was the same Yu Luxi who had added him on QQ years prior to learn dubbing. Before she could answer, the angry fans caught up, forcing them to split up and run. Liang Yichuan called out her name, but she was lost in the crowd. Six years later, at a dubbing forum, Liang Yichuan encountered Yu Luxi again in a coffee shop.
He surprised her by knowing she admired Mai Da, a detail she hadn't shared. He felt she looked familiar and asked if they had met before, but Yu Luxi didn't recall. After a brief conversation where Liang Yichuan, the head of Dragon Animation, suggested they visit his company, Yu Luxi had to leave to check into her hotel. Watching her walk away, Liang Yichuan inwardly resolved not to lose her again.
Later that evening, Yu Luxi joined Lin Nan at his hotel room for some wontons. While they were eating, the unlocked door swung open and a visibly drunk Liang Yiyi entered. Fearing Yiyi might try to set up another dinner with him and Liang Yichuan, Lin Nan quickly pulled Yu Luxi behind a curtain, urging her to remain silent. Yu Luxi, seeing Yiyi stumbling, wanted to help, but Lin Nan firmly kept her hidden.
Liang Yiyi, seeing movement behind the curtain, staggered over and embraced the fabric. Lin Nan emerged to distract her. In her drunken state, Liang Yiyi clung to Lin Nan and asked him to carry her. Yu Luxi used this opportunity to slip out of the room. Liang Yiyi then confessed her deep feelings for Lin Nan and asked if he liked her back.
Lin Nan, with unwavering clarity, told her he had always viewed her as a younger sister and never held romantic feelings for her. However, Liang Yiyi had already passed out by the time he finished speaking. Outside the room, Yu Luxi became concerned. She thought about why Lin Nan had been so anxious about Liang Yiyi seeing them together, and her mind raced with worries about Liang Yiyi being alone with Lin Nan.
She nervously returned to his door to check on the situation. A moment later, Lin Nan stepped out, explaining that Yiyi had fallen asleep and he was going to contact her brother, Liang Yichuan, to pick her up. Seeing his responsible actions, Yu Luxi's admiration for her "master" grew. Back in the room, a palpable awkwardness lingered between them. Later, Yu Luxi sent Lin Nan a "Good night" message with an emoji, leaving him pondering its meaning.
The following morning, before heading to the office, Lin Nan made a stop at Ningda University to gather some information. Coincidentally, Yu Luxi was there practicing her voice. Meanwhile, Liang Yichuan, who was also at Ningda to bring stomach-settling porridge to his sister, spotted Yu Luxi. Recognizing her as an alumna and a classmate of Lin Nan's, he seized the chance to chat with her and secure her WeChat contact, mentioning he'd like her to visit Dragon Animation.
As they spoke, Lin Nan watched them from a distance. He initially hid, but then reasoned, "I'm aboveboard. What am I afraid of?" and emerged, though he ultimately walked away without engaging them. Later, as Liang Yiyi was preparing to leave campus, she was accosted by a man who made an inappropriate request for an autograph on his bare chest. She shouted "Jerk!" and fled, accidentally bumping into a male student on a bicycle.
She asked him for help, claiming a "jerk" was nearby, but when the student asked where, she vaguely said he was gone. After some confused back-and-forth, with the student insisting on going to security and Yiyi retracting her claim, she eventually dismissed him as "insane" and left. Back at the company, Lin Nan was anxiously awaiting Yu Luxi's return. Just as he was about to inquire about her, she walked in.
To avoid an awkward interaction, Lin Nan quickly pretended to answer a phone call and walked away. Zhao Junran then sought out Lin Nan, limping and complaining about Zhou Na. He recounted his failed attempts to ask her out and his foolish move of claiming to have embarrassing photos of her from a drunken night. This backfired spectacularly: Zhou Na, unfazed, took his phone and deleted all his cherished, secretly taken photos of her.
She then gave him a swift kick for his troubles, causing his limp. Zhao Junran, usually aloof, confessed that he was now constantly thinking about Zhou Na, wanting to bring her food, and feeling restless when she wasn't in sight—feelings that resonated with Lin Nan.
Zhao Junran pressed Lin Nan, asking if he was in love, noting that men in love are glued to their phones, picking them up and putting them down, joyful when messages arrive and anxious when they don't. Lin Nan subtly nodded in agreement. Zhao Junran then playfully asked who Lin Nan's crush was. Later, Lin Nan observed Yu Luxi in the pantry, smiling widely at her phone.
Curious, he approached, just as Yu Luxi, looking at an anime costume on her phone and getting into character, tried to measure his waist for the outfit. Lin Nan, flustered and blushing, pushed her hands away, reminding her that such intimate behavior was inappropriate at the workplace. As he left, he caught a glimpse of Yu Luxi’s phone screen and recognized Liang Yichuan's avatar in her chat, confirming his suspicions and filling him with a familiar pang of jealousy.
Episode 10 Recap
Early in the morning, Liang Yiyi arrived at the recording studio and apologized to Lin Nan for her drunken behavior the previous night. To ease the awkwardness, Lin Nan claimed he couldn't remember anything that happened. Liang Yiyi proceeded to try out several anime characters, believing she could convincingly play three different roles herself. While her performance was good, Lin Nan felt some characters lacked the excellence Yu Luxi brought.
He gently explained that the Fengling training class was established to offer opportunities to more newcomers. Liang Yiyi tried to press her case, but Lin Nan deftly sidestepped her request, promising to consider it. As she left, Liang Yiyi fantasized about becoming Lin Nan's partner in both business and love, confident in her future success. Returning home, Liang Yiyi found her brother Liang Yichuan enjoying a drink, his mood similarly upbeat.
He shared details of his recent romantic encounter, confessing he had finally reunited with his long-sought female fan. Liang Yiyi, who already knew the fan was Yu Luxi, teasingly wished him well, though she also implied he had been dishonest in the past. Liang Yichuan insisted it was all a misunderstanding. Later, Yu Luxi excitedly presented Lin Nan with a matching hoodie, their new "master and disciple" uniform.
She suggested a name for their "sect": the Pumpkin Sect, a playful nod to "Lin Nan" and the pumpkin design on the hoodie. Lin Nan found the name a bit silly and worried about their relationship being exposed at the company if they wore them. Yu Luxi, however, suggested they wear them in secret. Lin Nan then casually inquired about her frequent phone use, to which Yu Luxi explained she was coordinating with online customer service for their customized outfits.
Lin Nan secretly felt pleased, examining the hoodie after she left. Moments later, he overheard Yu Luxi on the phone, agreeing to meet Liang Yichuan. A wave of jealousy washed over him, and he impulsively grabbed his bicycle to follow her. Yu Luxi arrived at Youlong company, where Liang Yichuan greeted her warmly and offered a tour. However, Yu Luxi's primary interest was seeing Lin Nan's former office. Despite his slight annoyance, Liang Yichuan led her there.
Inside, Yu Luxi was captivated by "Animal Kingdom" manuscripts and various old tapes, clearly more interested in Lin Nan's past than Liang Yichuan's accompanying commentary. She mentioned that her childhood online mentor, Mai Da, was the closest she had ever gotten to professional voice acting before her QQ account was hacked, causing her to lose all her forum links and cry for days. Liang Yichuan seemed on the verge of a confession.
Lin Nan, who had been lingering outside, was spotted by Liang Yiyi as he hesitated about entering. Liang Yiyi, mistakenly believing he had come to see her, enthusiastically linked arms with him and pulled him into her brother's office. She presented him with a "couple's outfit" she had bought and insisted he try it on. Just as Lin Nan was trying to decline, Liang Yichuan and Yu Luxi walked in.
Liang Yiyi, seeing her brother's reaction, immediately identified Yu Luxi as the long-lost female fan Liang Yichuan had talked about. Confused, Yu Luxi maintained that Mai Da was her idol. It was then that Liang Yichuan confessed he was the "Mai Da" she had corresponded with online, explaining that Yu Luxi had mistakenly sent her fan letter to him years ago, and he, having no fans at the time, had pretended to be Mai Da out of vanity.
He added that he had tried to explain the truth later, but her account was stolen. Feeling tricked and upset, Yu Luxi stormed out. Liang Yichuan quickly followed, presenting old QQ screenshots as proof of his attempted explanations. Understanding the full story, Yu Luxi apologized for her initial anger. Liang Yichuan offered his continued support, telling her to reach out if she ever encountered difficulties. Yu Luxi then left Youlong.
Lin Nan, still wearing Liang Yiyi's "couple's outfit," confronted Liang Yichuan, asserting his position as Yu Luxi's "current" teacher, leading to a heated exchange where Lin Nan called him shameless. Liang Yiyi rejoined them, questioning Lin Nan's sudden departure, but he feigned a work call to avoid her. She then asked Liang Yichuan if Lin Nan might be romantically interested in Yu Luxi, and he conceded that it was a real possibility.
Back at the recording studio, the pre-dubbing results from the Fengling training class trainees were subpar. Zhou Na suggested outsourcing the project, but Lin Nan pleaded for more time for the students. He gathered the trainees, who were initially lighthearted, expecting praise or a meal. Lin Nan, however, bluntly stated that their pre-dubbing quality was "very poor" and "not on the same level" as Liang Yiyi's work.
The trainees became defensive, arguing that Liang Yiyi was an established professional and they had put in significant effort. One trainee, Liu Ziwei, challenged Lin Nan, suggesting he demonstrate proper technique if he was so critical, implying Lin Nan, with his animation background, wasn't a true voice acting professional. Angered by their attitude, Lin Nan threatened to replace all of them. The trainees stormed out.
Yu Luxi tried to intercede, but Lin Nan cut her off, stating that if she wanted to defend them, she could leave as well. Meanwhile, at Youlong, two delivery people arrived, each bringing strange takeout dishes for Liang Yichuan: "Beef with celery" and "Soft beancurd." Attached to the orders were cryptic messages: "Speaking frankly" and "Casting pearls before a swine." Liang Yichuan realized these were from an "old friend" – undoubtedly Lin Nan – sending coded messages.
Episode 11 Recap
The students gathered for a meal, and many of them vented their frustrations about Lin Nan, with Liu Ziwei declaring he was quitting. Even Yu Luxi admitted that Lin Nan's temper could be quite bad, though she also stated that despite his temper, he had genuinely helped each student with their voice training. She added that she had never considered leaving.
When some colleagues accused her of staying because she liked Lin Nan, Yu Luxi quickly denied it, mentioning that Liang Yiyi was the prospective boss's wife. She tried to calm everyone, reminding them that Lin Nan, as their boss and teacher, usually treated everyone well and had asked them to redub their parts. However, some students, including Liu Ziwei and Lingling, angrily left the gathering, with one student asking who would pay the bill before they departed.
Zhao Junran, however, firmly declared that he was staying for Zhou Na, stating he would go wherever she went. Zhou Na was on the phone, visibly stressed, as Mr. Zhang from the production team was pressuring her to speed up the process. She tried to appease him and push back the deadline. Zhao Junran approached her with stomach medicine, revealing he knew she suffered from stomach problems because he had taken her home when she was unwell before.
Zhou Na, surprised by his attentiveness, asked why he liked her. Zhao Junran explained that she reminded him of his strong mother, and he needed someone to "manage" him. He recounted their first meeting when she scolded him on her motorcycle for littering, and he instantly knew she was "the one," attributing it to his family's "love gene." He expressed his seriousness and asked for a chance to spoil her.
Zhou Na, however, was not convinced, jokingly telling him to take back the medicine. Zhou Na told Zhao Junran she had no time for romance, citing the demanding nature of Lin Nan, the dubbing team's imminent collapse, and Mr. Zhang's constant pressure. Zhao Junran assured her he could handle these issues, vaguely remarking that love could overcome "the little troublemaker," which left Zhou Na bewildered.
He then proposed that if he could successfully reunite the team, she should seriously consider a relationship with him. The next morning, Zhou Na called Yu Luxi and took her for a refreshing motorcycle ride by the river to clear their heads. Yu Luxi shared that among all the students who wanted to leave, only Zhao Junran remained steadfast because of his feelings for Zhou Na, highlighting his simple and straightforward nature, unlike Lin Nan.
Zhou Na then feigned taking a phone call, creating an opportunity for Lin Nan to meet Yu Luxi. Lin Nan, who had been informed by Zhao Junran, admitted that his words the previous day were harsh and that he never truly intended to drive anyone away, especially not Yu Luxi. Yu Luxi, however, believed Lin Nan didn't truly understand the students. Lin Nan countered that his tough words were a deliberate tactic to motivate them.
Yu Luxi retorted that, just as she wouldn't immediately show her true self, he too had a gentle and lovable side that he chose not to reveal. Later, Zhou Na met with Zhao Junran, complimenting his newfound talent for matchmaking. Zhao Junran revealed that in addition to staying for her, he also found himself increasingly drawn to dubbing during his time at Fengling.
He then reminded her of her supposed promise to consider a relationship with him if he successfully brought the team back. When Zhou Na denied making such a promise, Zhao Junran teasingly asked if she was still guarded because of a past heartbreak. Zhou Na admitted that her ex-boyfriend had repeatedly cheated on her during their four-year relationship, which began when she was starting her business, and she had always forgiven him.
Zhao Junran expressed his anger at her ex and promised he would never hurt her if they were together. He urged her to give him a chance, even jokingly offering a "return policy" if she wasn't satisfied. As they rode off on her motorcycle, Zhao Junran again confessed his feelings and asked her to be his girlfriend, to which she playfully declined.
To settle their debate on who understood the students better, Yu Luxi led Lin Nan on a discovery tour. First, they went to Liu Ziwei's humble apartment. Lin Nan, having previously assumed Liu Ziwei was a spoiled rich kid, was surprised by his simple living conditions. Yu Luxi explained that Liu Ziwei's family wealth came from his stepfather, and he chose to live frugally to build his own career without relying on his stepfather or burdening his mother.
Lin Nan conceded this round to Yu Luxi. Next, Lin Nan took Yu Luxi to observe Lingling, who was attending a Japanese language class after work. Lin Nan explained that Lingling dreamed of studying dubbing in Japan, a dream her parents initially opposed, and she was diligently studying Japanese to pursue more opportunities in the industry. He expressed his confidence in her potential to become an excellent voice actress.
Yu Luxi remarked that Lingling would be delighted to know his high opinion of her. Yu Luxi then announced they were tied and suggested a final round, taking Lin Nan to Zhou Shuang's family shop. They observed Zhou Shuang helping his deaf-mute parents. Yu Luxi explained that Zhou Shuang grew up in a world without sound, and the dubbing class was his precious connection to voices. Losing this opportunity would mean losing his last spiritual solace.
Lin Nan realized his deep lack of understanding about his students. Back at the office, Lin Nan thanked Yu Luxi for helping him see his students in a new light, acknowledging his previous lack of attention.
Yu Luxi, in turn, explained how her role as the company's front desk and various interactions allowed her to learn about their lives, such as Zhou Shuang teaching her sign language and Liu Ziwei's habit of bringing hard-to-find pan-fried buns, which suggested he lived nearby. Lin Nan admitted he still needed to pay more attention. He then asked Yu Luxi if she had observed him.
After playfully pretending not to, she described him as handsome, talented, and professionally capable, but also very proud and stubborn, unwilling to admit mistakes and generally "stiff." She advised him to be more flexible and open. Lin Nan, reflecting on her words, decided to take a public bus home instead of a taxi to "observe life," paying the driver later as he had no change. Later, a scene revealed Lin Nan's true intentions for his earlier outburst.
He confided that he had been struggling to visualize a scene of separation between senior and junior disciples for his animated series, "Lu Yao." He deliberately provoked the students to generate genuine emotional reactions, which he then used as inspiration for his artwork. He admitted he hadn't fully anticipated them actually considering leaving, but assured that everything was "under control." The next day, Yu Luxi and Zhao Junran gathered the students at a cafe, and Lin Nan soon joined them.
Liu Ziwei attempted to leave but was stopped by Yu Luxi, who indicated Lin Nan wished to speak. Lin Nan began by admitting his emotions had been "out of control." Yu Luxi prompted him for a more sincere apology, which he then delivered wholeheartedly. He apologized for not considering their feelings, acknowledging his responsibility and expressing renewed trust in them.
He explained that his strictness stemmed from his desire for their rapid improvement, hoping they would contribute to the increasingly respected Mandarin dubbing industry and achieve their personal goals. He sincerely invited them back to the Fengling dubbing class. One student noted it was the first time he had ever seen Lin Nan apologize. Yu Luxi pushed him further, asking him to praise the students.
Lin Nan, having gained a deeper understanding of each, commended Liu Ziwei's serious training, Yang Lingling's bravery in taking on diverse roles, Xiaobai's excellent and dynamic vocal timbre, and Zhou Shuang's admirable balance of family and career. He reiterated that the company, the "Lu Yao" project, the entire dubbing class, and he himself needed them, urging them to return. The students, recognizing his sincerity and care, readily agreed to rejoin. Lin Nan concluded by announcing that he had reevaluated and reassigned their roles based on his improved understanding of each of their unique qualities.
Episode 12 Recap
Lin Nan addressed the Fengling team, acknowledging their past impulsiveness and his own responsibility. He explained that he had re-evaluated each member's unique characteristics and reassigned roles accordingly. He listed the new assignments, emphasizing that even though female roles in "Lu Yao" were few, they were crucial. The team expressed their enthusiasm, ready to embrace their new challenges. After the team departed, Lin Nan asked Zhou Shuang to stay behind.
He offered Zhou Shuang a small audiobook job, noting that reliable people were often too busy, but he was the most suitable for this opportunity. Lin Nan explained that while the pay wasn't much, it would provide valuable practice. Zhou Shuang, deeply touched, thanked him for the opportunity. Yu Luxi then asked Lin Nan if he had forgotten to praise her. Lin Nan acknowledged her vital role, stating that without her and Zhou Na, the team would not have returned.
He thanked her for her contributions and offered to treat her to dinner that evening, which delighted Yu Luxi. Meanwhile, Liang Yichuan oversaw the final preparations for Liang Yiyi's fan meeting at Youlong. He reminded her in the dressing room to promote Youlong's new project. Liang Yiyi, however, asserted that she had never agreed to voice Youlong’s new animation, as the character was too similar to her previous roles.
She insisted on promoting Fengling's upcoming animated dubbing for "Lu Yao", playfully telling her brother to repeat "company new project" three times before asking him to leave so she could change. At the fan meeting, Liang Yiyi thanked her fans and her brother for organizing the event. When asked about her future plans, she announced that her first post-return project would be playing the Younger in Fengling’s "Lu Yao", along with two other roles, and asked for everyone's support.
She reiterated that her primary focus was on the Younger role. Upon hearing this, Liang Yichuan, visibly upset, immediately stormed off. Backstage, Liang Yichuan furiously confronted Liang Yiyi, chastising her for promoting another company’s work at an event sponsored by Youlong, calling it a huge embarrassment. Liang Yiyi retorted that he had used her fan meeting purely for Youlong’s promotion, with their animation logos displayed everywhere.
She explained her return from Japan was to challenge herself and that Lin Nan had promised her three roles in "Lu Yao". Liang Yichuan expressed skepticism about Lin Nan’s promise and grew exasperated with her repeated mentions of "Brother Lin Nan." Suddenly, he received a message from Yu Luxi. His demeanor shifted instantly, and he abruptly encouraged Liang Yiyi to go to Fengling and "try it."
After she left, Liang Yichuan called for a makeup artist, requesting a natural look that appeared untouched, yet still enhanced his appearance. Back at Fengling, the team successfully completed their recording. Lin Nan gave a thumbs-up, signaling his approval. Yu Luxi expressed her happiness that everyone had returned and that the project was progressing well. Afterwards, Lin Nan confided that he needed Yu Luxi's help to understand a "most important person" whom he didn't truly know, despite their long acquaintance.
Yu Luxi, believing he meant Liang Yiyi, agreed to help. Later, Yu Luxi met with Liang Yichuan, who enthusiastically greeted her at a luxurious restaurant. Misinterpreting her intentions, Liang Yichuan launched into a detailed self-introduction, revealing his age, astrological sign, and his wealthy parents’ international real estate business.
Yu Luxi gently interrupted him, clarifying that she was there on behalf of Lin Nan to learn about his sister, Liang Yiyi, especially what she had been doing since her return from Japan. Still insistent on talking about himself, Liang Yichuan eventually praised Yiyi's excellence, claiming it was a result of his own good example.
Yu Luxi patiently reiterated that Lin Nan wished to understand Yiyi, especially as she had joined "Lu Yao", believing a deeper understanding would aid the dubbing process. Recognizing that relaying messages back and forth was inefficient, Liang Yichuan suggested Lin Nan and Yiyi meet directly, offering to arrange Yiyi's attendance if Yu Luxi arranged Lin Nan's. Yu Luxi agreed to the plan. Meanwhile, Lin Nan discussed Liang Yiyi's casting with Zhou Na.
Zhou Na agreed that it was most appropriate for Liang Yiyi to voice only the Younger role to allow new talent more opportunities, urging Lin Nan to communicate this clearly to Yiyi. Lin Nan agreed to speak with her in person.
The next day, he met Liang Yiyi for coffee, where he explained that while her performance as the Younger was excellent, assigning one person three roles contradicted his goal of injecting "fresh blood" into "Lu Yao" and fostering new talent in the broader Mandarin dubbing industry. He stressed the shared responsibility they all had for the industry's growth, reminding her of their past efforts with the dubbing forum. Liang Yiyi understood his reasoning.
Following this, Liang Yiyi confessed her feelings to Lin Nan, asking if they could be together. Lin Nan gently replied that he had always seen her as a younger sister. Disheartened, Liang Yiyi silently accepted his words and left for her dance class. Before she could fully exit, she turned back to ask if his rejection was because of Yu Luxi. Lin Nan's silence confirmed her suspicion. Outside Fengling, Liang Yichuan waited with a large bouquet of roses.
Yu Luxi, encountering him, initially thought the flowers were for her and tried to decline, expressing that he had misunderstood. Liang Yichuan quickly clarified that he was just teasing her, and the flowers were for Liang Yiyi to give to Lin Nan as part of her confession. Yu Luxi's heart sank with disappointment. Just then, Lin Nan arrived. Liang Yichuan, in his confusion, questioned why Lin Nan was giving Yu Luxi flowers.
Lin Nan clarified the misunderstanding, stating that he had already met with Liang Yiyi, rejected her request to play three roles, and also declined her declaration of love. Hearing this, Liang Yichuan became enraged, accusing Lin Nan of being inhumane for hurting his sister. Lin Nan tried to explain that Yiyi was like a sister to him and he couldn't lie.
Yu Luxi tried to calm both men, but Liang Yichuan, in a fit of anger, hurled the bouquet of roses to the ground. Later, Liang Yiyi sent Lin Nan a voice message, stating, "Brother Lin Nan, I'm telling you now, no matter what role you give me, I don't want to participate in the dubbing of "Lu Yao" anymore. It's like if I'm not the most important role in your life, then I'd rather choose to quit."
Yu Luxi questioned Lin Nan, asking why he would reject such an excellent, hardworking, and charming girl like Liang Yiyi, especially since he knew her so well. Lin Nan explained that being "cute and excellent" wasn't a reason he "had to like her," and reiterated that he only regarded Yiyi as his sister. He then advised Yu Luxi to keep her distance from Liang Yichuan, calling him a source of "bad ideas."
Yu Luxi defended Liang Yichuan, noting he was "quite nice" and admitting her earlier confusion was her own mistake. Lin Nan, however, insisted she should "interact as little as possible" with him. Yu Luxi playfully teased him, asking, "Master, are you jealous?"
Episode 13 Recap
Lin Nan and Yu Luxi walked together, and Lin Nan told her to keep her distance from Liang Yichuan, asserting that Liang Yichuan often came up with troublesome ideas. Yu Luxi thought he was jealous and promised him, "You will be the only master in the future." As they continued walking, Yu Luxi suggested they talk, and Lin Nan instructed her to practice a tongue twister, which she recited.
When she challenged him to do one, he declined and instead offered to perform a magic trick. He then made a flower reappear that had been discarded earlier. Yu Luxi dismissed it as merely picking up a discarded flower, to which Lin Nan replied, "Protect the environment." The two walked on, with Yu Luxi asking to practice more tongue twisters. Liang Yiyi had twisted her ankle while dancing.
Her brother, Liang Yichuan, was by her side, carefully applying ice to her injury. He expressed concern that she hadn't told him about it. When Liang Yiyi asked what he was talking about, he told her that Lin Nan had informed him about her sadness. Liang Yiyi denied feeling upset, but Liang Yichuan, convinced she was suffering, declared he would make Lin Nan beg her to voice the role.
Liang Yiyi immediately corrected him, stating that she was the one who rejected Lin Nan. Liang Yichuan humored her. Liang Yiyi said she was tired and wanted to rest. Later, in the recording studio, Zhou Na praised the adjusted dubbing, especially Liang Yiyi's performance as the Younger Sister. Lin Nan, however, revealed that Liang Yiyi would no longer be voicing the Younger Sister. A surprised Zhou Na accused him of constantly stirring up trouble.
Lin Nan explained that after careful consideration, he found a more suitable candidate for the role. Zhou Na immediately guessed Yu Luxi, to Lin Nan's surprise. Yu Luxi was in the studio, practicing a monologue for a character who had been in an egg for over a hundred years. After her take, she asked Lin Nan how she did.
Lin Nan reminded her that she had once said she needed a chance, and now he was giving her one: the role of Younger Sister. Yu Luxi questioned if she could truly handle it. Lin Nan assured her that he had spent a long time on "Lu Yao" and understood each character, and seeing her recent growth, he believed in her. He asked if she was willing to try, and Yu Luxi eagerly accepted.
Lin Nan congratulated her as "Younger Sister," and she thanked him. Lin Nan then told Yu Luxi that she now carried the important responsibility of the Younger Sister role and must work even harder. Yu Luxi confidently told him not to worry, as his apprentice wouldn't disappoint. Lin Nan expressed his surprise, admitting that he usually saw her as "bouncy and noisy," but she had unexpectedly "truly captured Younger Sister's inner heart."
Yu Luxi countered that he clearly didn't know her well, explaining that Younger Sister's lack of security and complex personality were challenging to portray, yet she grasped it. Lin Nan realized he needed to understand her better, and Yu Luxi agreed that they, as master and apprentice, needed to get to know each other more. Lin Nan then gently removed something from her hat, thanking her. He reiterated, "You will be Younger from now on."
Yu Luxi excitedly used her phone to call her father to share the good news about landing the role. Separately, as Liang Yiyi hobbled down the school stairs due to her twisted ankle, Xiaotian, passing by, noticed her and offered to help. He commented on her severe ankle injury. Liang Yiyi responded that she was independent. She then blamed "that Yu girl" for her injury. Xiaotian, whose last name was also Yu, asked what was wrong with the Yu family.
Liang Yiyi clarified she meant Yu Luxi. Xiaotian was surprised to learn she was talking about Yu Luxi of Fengling Animation, then revealed, "She's my sister." Liang Yiyi complained about "Yus" constantly appearing around her. Xiaotian, clearly annoyed, handed her a crutch and told her he would help her into a car, but she'd have to crutch herself home. He then walked away.
Later, Liang Yiyi was practicing her voice by the sea, and a stalker secretly took pictures of her. Liang Yiyi noticed and tried to escape, but the stalker continued to take pictures. Fortunately, Xiaotian happened to pass by and stopped the stalker with a basketball, allowing Liang Yiyi to escape. Liang Yiyi was very grateful, but Xiaotian suggested she call the police. However, Liang Yiyi didn't want to cause trouble due to her public image.
Xiaotian thought he could help her find the stalker, but Liang Yiyi didn't believe him. A couple of days later, in the library, a classmate showed Liang Yiyi a photo, asking if it was the man who had been stalking her. Liang Yiyi confirmed it was. The classmate revealed that the man was a pervert from their school who had registered a private online account filled with stolen photos of girls.
Fortunately, a "great God" cracked his account, and he was reported to the police and arrested. When Liang Yiyi asked for the "great God's" name, her classmate didn't know but mentioned he was a "genius from Ningda University's computer science department." Liang Yiyi's thoughts immediately went to Xiaotian, recalling his earlier boast about being "Yu Xiaotian, a genius academic from Ningda University's computer science department, a teaching assistant appointed by the dean."
Her assistant then called her, reminding her it was time for recording, pulling her away from her thoughts. Yu Luxi and Xiaotian rode their bikes home, with Yu Luxi practicing tongue twisters, much to Xiaotian's annoyance. They were surprised to find Yu Luxi's father at home. He had returned to celebrate his daughter getting a female lead role, despite Yu Luxi's attempts to keep it low-key. He was convinced she would succeed, even shutting down Xiaotian's doubts.
Yu Luxi's father then excitedly posted the news in his online group and proudly informed neighbors that his daughter had landed the lead role in a "big production." Xiaotian confirmed that other relatives had already reposted the news. When Xiaotian asked for food, Yu Luxi's father insisted Yu Luxi save her voice and keep away from the kitchen's fumes, while he assigned dishwashing duties to Xiaotian after cooking.
Xiaotian jokingly questioned if it was because he wasn't "his own," to which Yu Luxi's father retorted that Xiaotian freeloaded enough and could use the dishwasher. Xiaotian relented, and Yu Luxi and her father went for a walk. As they strolled, Yu Luxi's father insisted she wear a scarf. He then loudly announced her achievement to neighbors, who showered Yu Luxi with praise, much to her embarrassment.
Yu Luxi tried to pull him away, urging him to be more discreet, but he claimed her talent didn't allow for modesty. Yu Luxi then asked about his previous blind date. He dismissed the woman, citing her love for dancing and his frequent absences as reasons she might "dance away" with someone else. He preferred someone "virtuous and reliable," stating he would only consider his own marriage after his daughter married.
Yu Luxi immediately declared she would never marry and would "depend on my dad" forever. That night, Yu Luxi lay awake, thinking about the official dubbing session scheduled for the next day. Despite feeling the pressure, she reassured herself that with her master's guidance, she would perform well, and that getting proper rest was most important.
The following morning, as Yu Luxi arrived at the company, her colleague Lingling called her, informing her that Mr. Zhang, the investor, was already waiting for her in the recording studio. Yu Luxi was surprised by his early arrival.
Episode 14 Recap
Mr. Zhang arrived at the recording studio early the next day. He was upset to learn that Lin Nan had decisively replaced popular voice actress Liang Yiyi with Yu Luxi. Mr. Zhang immediately demanded that Yu Luxi perform a scene in front of everyone, not in the confines of the recording studio. As Yu Luxi began to speak, she faltered and started to stutter. Mr. Zhang angrily declared her unsuitable, saying, "What's the situation?
This is your Mr. Lin's excellent talent, selected from thousands." Lin Nan tried to interject, explaining that Yu Luxi was a newcomer and "a little nervous," suggesting they listen to her previous work, but Mr. Zhang insisted on a live performance. Lin Nan defended Yu Luxi, requesting she be given a moment to prepare and then record properly in the studio. Mr. Zhang reluctantly agreed. However, once in the studio, Yu Luxi's nervousness intensified, and she stuttered even more severely.
An enraged Mr. Zhang stormed out, proclaiming, "Excellent talent, can't even say a few lines. Mr. Lin, it seems we shouldn't call her 'Junior Sister' anymore. Let's call her 'Little Stutterer'!" As Lin Nan and Zhou Na rushed after him, Mr. Zhang demanded, "Why do you have to use this little stutterer? Do you have to replace Liang Yiyi?"
Lin Nan explained his decision was based on comprehensive considerations, stating that Liang Yiyi's voice wasn't what he wanted and there were personal misunderstandings that made her return impossible. He then outlined his plan to promote the "Lu Yao" project through the upcoming Echo List to showcase the team's strength. Mr. Zhang conceded but gave Lin Nan a final warning about not missing the production deadline and a final chance: "Lin Nan, your breach of contract isn't a one-time thing.
If something like this happens again, you and your team can get lost together." After Mr. Zhang left, Yu Luxi sat alone, heartbroken, feeling she had let everyone down. A colleague tried to comfort her, but Yu Luxi requested to be left alone. When Lin Nan found her, she stood up, bowed deeply, and apologized, saying, "Master, I'm sorry."
She confided in him about her childhood fantasy of appearing like the Great Sage Equaling Heaven on a seven-colored cloud, admired by all. She lamented that Lin Nan had given her that cloud, but she "wasn't good enough and failed to seize it." She repeated, "I let everyone down, I let you down." Lin Nan tried to reassure her it wasn't her fault, but she insisted on taking the blame.
Meanwhile, Yu Luxi's father and her younger brother Xiaotian had prepared a feast at home to celebrate her success, unaware of her struggles. Xiaotian told his father that Yu Luxi's company was busy, so she would be home late. Her father called her, expressing his excitement about the food and his upcoming business trip. Yu Luxi, sitting hidden downstairs, fabricated an excuse, claiming she was busy with work and couldn't hold the team back.
Later, as her father was about to leave for his trip, he realized he'd forgotten his phone and returned briefly. This led to an encounter with Yu Luxi, who was still trying to maintain a cheerful facade. Her father asked if her dubbing had gone well, and she lied, "It was quite good, it went smoothly," to which he encouragingly responded, "It will get smoother and smoother." Back at Fengling Company, Lin Nan was deep in thought.
He asked Zhou Na if he had pushed Yu Luxi too hard by casting her as the lead. Zhou Na questioned his motives, asking if he chose Yu Luxi for her professional skill or because of personal feelings. Lin Nan affirmed his admiration for her talent but confessed his frustration for not having prepared her better for such a crucial moment.
Zhou Na suggested that perhaps Lin Nan didn't truly understand Yu Luxi, reminding him how quickly he had helped other newcomers but seemed to be missing something with her. Lin Nan reflected on Yu Luxi's past statements about him not knowing her well. After calling her numerous times without an answer, he went to her home, where he found only Xiaotian. Xiaotian revealed Yu Luxi's childhood trauma: her mother had passed away when she was very young.
When a school assignment asked her to write about her mother, Yu Luxi wrote about her imaginary mother, and her heartfelt essay was chosen by the teacher to be read aloud. However, her classmates, knowing her mother had died, mocked her as a "liar." This public humiliation caused her to start stuttering whenever she was nervous or under pressure.
Xiaotian explained that Yu Luxi had struggled with stuttering for years until she became a fan of a radio host named "Mr. Mai," who she would listen to and practice speaking along with. This helped her overcome her stutter, and Xiaotian then revealed that Lin Nan was indeed "Mr. Mai." He implored Lin Nan to help his sister, saying, "You are the only one who can help my sister now. I hope you keep your word."
Hearing this, Lin Nan, who had given up voice acting after a throat cancer diagnosis, recognized his own struggle to face fear in Yu Luxi. Inspired, he walked into the recording studio, put on his headphones, and picked up the microphone for the first time in years. Later, as Yu Luxi returned home, she found a note from Xiaotian saying he had gone back to school and reminding her to eat.
Soon after, her father returned, feigning illness and claiming his current tour group was small and uninteresting. He stated he wanted to rest for a few days and spend more time with her. Her father then cooked her a bowl of beef tongue noodles, a dish he used to make for her when she would stutter in school, which always seemed to help.
As they ate, her father subtly revealed he knew she was upset, recalling how she would nervously pick at her hands whenever something was wrong. Yu Luxi then confessed, tears welling up, that her dubbing performance was "a complete disaster." Her father comforted her, encouraging her to eat the noodles and assuring her that "It was useful to eat this noodle before, it must be useful now."
Seeing her spirits lift, he suggested they take a "boutique tour group" trip together, fulfilling their long-held dream. Feeling a surge of renewed strength from her father's love and the familiar comfort of his noodles, Yu Luxi eagerly asked for more beef tongue.
Episode 15 Recap
After a night of deep thought, Yu Luxi went to Fengling class early the next morning to ask her master, Lin Nan, for leave. She confessed that she didn't think she was cut out for voice acting and wanted a few days off to readjust herself. Although she said she was taking a vacation, it was implicitly her way of withdrawing from Fengling class.
Understanding Yu Luxi's confusion, Lin Nan did not refuse her request but asked her to go somewhere with him before she left. Lin Nan took Yu Luxi to meet a master in the voice acting world, Dr. Ouyang, who was formerly known as Thousand Birds Moon, a legendary voice actress. Yu Luxi had known of Thousand Birds Moon for a long time but had never met her, and there had been no news of her for years.
Yu Luxi had expected Dr. Ouyang to live in a grand villa, but Lin Nan brought her to a secondary hospital. Dr. Ouyang was now a chief physician there, leading Yu Luxi to wonder why she had abandoned her voice acting career. Dr. Ouyang explained that in her era, voice acting couldn't support a family, and with limited opportunities, her father and boyfriend didn't support her, leading her to quit.
She encouraged Yu Luxi to persevere with her dreams, emphasizing that the 21st century offered many opportunities, and with a good master like Lin Nan, Yu Luxi had a great starting point and would succeed if she didn't let reality defeat her. Dr. Ouyang’s words made Yu Luxi re-evaluate her dream. Meanwhile, at Fengling, the other students struggled with their practice for the upcoming Echo List competition.
With Yu Luxi absent, they felt disorganized and uninspired, acknowledging that she was the reason they had all come together in the first place. One student commented, "We were able to gather again because of Yu Luxi, but now she's not here." Another added that he finally got to voice the "younger sister" character, but couldn't find joy in it.
Liang Yiyi informed her brother, Liang Yichuan, that she had been invited to be a judge for the Echo List competition. She expressed a desire to prove herself, especially since Yu Luxi had taken over her role in "Lu Yao," and she wanted to see Yu Luxi's true capabilities. Liang Yichuan hesitated, subtly reminding his sister that as a senior in the voice acting field, she should embody both virtue and art, and avoid letting personal grudges affect her judgment.
He also learned from Yiyi that Yu Luxi had begun stuttering, making him concerned. Yu Luxi resumed her quiet life, working part-time at a coffee shop and showcasing her two-dimensional art. She often reminisced about her time in the Fengling training class. One day, Liang Yichuan came to the coffee shop. Learning that Yu Luxi was on vacation, he cordially invited her to consider joining Youlong studio. Yu Luxi politely declined, stating she wanted to take time to adjust herself.
Later, Yu Luxi's younger brother, Yu Xiaotian, revealed that Lin Nan had visited their home the day Yu Luxi had the incident where she stuttered, confirming Lin Nan was aware of her condition and worried about her. The night before the Echo List competition, Lin Nan messaged Yu Luxi asking if she would still participate, but she confirmed she was going on a trip with her father.
The next day, while on the tour bus, she received a crucial voice message from Lin Nan. He confessed why he had been unwilling to reveal his identity as Mai Da for so long. He explained that his illness had affected his voice, and the voice of the original Mai Da was gone, making him fear disappointing his fans. He said he hadn't dared to face it until he met Yu Luxi, who helped him understand the meaning of perseverance.
He declared that he would now pick up the microphone again and strive to reclaim his former self, embracing his current voice, even if it wasn't perfect. Lin Nan's words deeply moved Yu Luxi. Overwhelmed with emotion, she listened to his message in tears, realizing the depth of his sacrifice and inspiration.
Determined not to let her master down again, she immediately asked the driver to stop the tour bus and rushed off, resolute in her decision to participate in the competition. Her father got out of the bus, cheering her on, "Daughter, keep going! You are the best!" Upon Yu Luxi's arrival at the competition venue, the Fengling team members were overjoyed and rallied around her. They unanimously suggested that Yu Luxi should resume her role as "younger sister" and compete.
Zhou Na voiced concerns, arguing that it was too risky for Yu Luxi to take on such a big role in her first major competition, especially given her recent struggles with stuttering. She warned Lin Nan that emotional decisions could lead to failure and public humiliation for Yu Luxi. However, Lin Nan, full of confidence in his apprentice, decided to trust her and agreed to let her perform the "younger sister" role. The competition then officially began, introducing the participating teams, including Youlong and Fengling, and welcoming Liang Yiyi as a judge, who then performed a classic dubbing segment.
Episode 16 Recap
As the Echo list competition was about to begin, Liang Yiyi, serving as a judge, delivered an emotionally captivating voice performance. She lent her voice to a cat demon character, who, after three months, found her beloved Zongzi still hadn't confessed. Despite Zongzi's fears that his short life would bring her sorrow, the cat demon assured him of her heartless nature and poor memory, promising to forget him and find another cat demon husband if he died.
She then implored Zongzi to marry her, knowing he never wished her sadness and that his hesitation was for her sake, as she, for the first time, wanted to make him happy. Her professional delivery earned widespread acclaim. The competition then officially started with each team taking the stage. When it was the Fengling team's turn, Yu Luxi grew anxious, wondering if Lin Nan had left because he feared seeing her make mistakes.
Just as she prepared to go on stage, Lin Nan appeared with Xiaotian, wearing a Pumpkin Pie battle uniform. He brought Yu Luxi a matching uniform—a hoodie she had given him—and encouraged her, telling her that simply speaking on stage would be a victory. Donning the "master-apprentice" uniform, Yu Luxi's confidence soared, and she vowed to perform well. The Fengling team's performance showcased their best.
Yu Luxi expertly voiced her "younger sister" character, portraying a complex narrative involving an elder martial brother, lost siblings, and the weight of a head seal and a puppet symbol. Her performance was flawless, without a stutter. Zhao Junran, initially nervous, almost forgot his lines while portraying a character who vowed to defy heaven and exact vengeance, but Yu Luxi's quick thinking saved the day, preventing anyone from noticing the near mishap. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause.
During the judging, Liang Yiyi praised the Fengling team's youthful energy and excellent performance, noting how they used their voices to skillfully interpret love and hate, drawing everyone into their characters. She awarded them an impressive ninety-five points. With other judges also giving high scores, the Fengling team achieved a final score of eighty-seven points, two points higher than the rival Youlong team, securing their spot in the finals.
As Lin Nan rushed to the stage and embraced Yu Luxi in celebration, an audience member recognized him as the renowned "Mai Da." Later, at the Fengling team's celebration party, Lin Nan gave a brief speech, commending everyone's excellent performance and encouraging them to enjoy themselves. During the festivities, his teammates noticed the matching Pumpkin Pie uniforms and the "master" inscription on Lin Nan's outfit, revealing that he had officially taken Yu Luxi as his apprentice.
Everyone teased the pair, making them drink toasts. As Yu Luxi became increasingly drunk, insisting she could still drink and even jump down flights of stairs, Lin Nan intervened. He carried her out of the venue, explaining that the steps were too dangerous for her to navigate alone. Outside, under the glowing city lights, Yu Luxi, still a bit tipsy, thanked Lin Nan for believing in her, to which he replied that she had overcome her own challenges.
She then asked him why his voice had changed and why he had stopped his voice acting career. Lin Nan revealed that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent surgery, which damaged his vocal cords. The doctors told him he could no longer work in voice acting, a devastating blow that meant "Mai Da" would cease to exist.
Deeply moved, Yu Luxi asked if he was in pain and offered to "cure" him as her father used to do when she was a child by blowing on her injuries. Leaning close to his chest, she gently blew on his Adam's apple, asking if he felt better. Overwhelmed by her closeness, Lin Nan leaned in and kissed her. Meanwhile, Liang Yichuan was driving Liang Yiyi home.
Liang Yiyi caught sight of Lin Nan and Yu Luxi's intimate moment, witnessing their kiss, which filled her with a pang of sorrow. Liang Yichuan, however, had only noticed Lin Nan and Yu Luxi's earlier celebratory hug at the venue and remained unaware of the kiss. Liang Yiyi, reflecting on her own unrequited feelings, asked her brother why he liked Yu Luxi but never actively pursued her.
Liang Yichuan, still unaware of the depth of Lin Nan and Yu Luxi's moment, vowed that he could no longer let Lin Nan embrace Yu Luxi. Back at the party, Zhao Junran took the microphone to express his gratitude. He confessed that he initially joined Fengling just for the thrill of voice acting, but the team's quick save during his performance, especially Yu Luxi's help, made him feel a true sense of family.
Zhou Na, after interrupting Zhao Junran, also gave an impassioned speech, thanking everyone for rekindling her hope in running the dubbing class, a venture she was initially skeptical about. She promised to support everyone in the class moving forward. Zhao Junran then highlighted Zhou Na's own sacrifices, including drinking with clients for the team, which had severely affected her stomach and required medication for sleep.
The other team members immediately began teasing them about their closeness, suggesting they might be dating. Zhao Junran, seizing the moment, playfully suggested they "get things done" and amidst cheers, he and Zhou Na shared an embrace, confirming their blossoming relationship. As the night ended, Lin Nan called Xiaotian to meet them downstairs, as Yu Luxi was completely passed out. Xiaotian, upon seeing Lin Nan carrying his unconscious sister on his back, playfully chided him for getting her drunk again.
He fussed over how Lin Nan was holding Yu Luxi, worried about neighbors seeing and spreading gossip, which might harm his sister's reputation. Lin Nan, undeterred, simply told Xiaotian to guide them and assured him that it didn't matter if Yu Luxi "fell into his hands."
Episode 17 Recap
Yu Luxi, completely intoxicated, collapsed onto the sofa. Her brother, Yu Xiaotian, had an exam the next day and initially suggested Lin Nan leave his sister to care for herself. However, concerned about leaving Yu Luxi on the sofa all night, Lin Nan and Yu Xiaotian struggled to carry her into her bedroom. There, she abruptly kicked off the blanket, exclaiming she was hot, and started to undress.
Yu Xiaotian immediately used his clothes to shield Lin Nan's eyes, while Lin Nan insisted Yu Xiaotian also cover his own eyes. Yu Xiaotian protested, claiming his right as her brother to see, but Yu Luxi was already fast asleep. The following morning, Yu Luxi woke up with a hangover, discovering clothes scattered on the floor. She screamed in alarm, demanding to know what happened.
Yu Xiaotian quickly explained that she had insisted on taking off her clothes herself, and both he and Lin Nan couldn't stop her. Mortified, Yu Luxi confronted her brother, asking why he hadn't prevented it. Yu Xiaotian reiterated that she was too fast for him to stop, then made his escape to school. Later at the office, Yu Luxi, still reeling from the events of the previous night, hesitantly asked Lin Nan if "anything happened." Lin Nan quickly denied it.
Just then, a cartoonist entered, asking Lin Nan for advice on depicting a first kiss, as Lin Nan had commented that the current drawing "didn't feel right." Yu Luxi, overhearing Lin Nan's denial but his presumed knowledge of a first kiss, grew suspicious. Lin Nan, blushing, hurried out. Yu Luxi then had a revelation regarding the first kiss scene, realizing it needed to be a "princess hug" for proper romantic flair.
Lin Nan, who was nearby, overheard her musings, making her flustered. Meanwhile, Liang Yichuan showed his sister, Liang Yiyi, various animation projects from Youlong, assuring her that she had many great characters to choose from if she joined his company. However, Liang Yiyi declined, explaining that she had been focusing solely on dubbing for the past two years without making significant breakthroughs. She decided to broaden her horizons by taking comprehensive courses at Ningda University.
Her newfound resolve was immediately challenged by a text message announcing a mandatory computer ability test the following Monday. Panicked, she knew she needed help. Zhao Junran approached Lin Nan, seeking advice on how to win over Zhou Na. Lin Nan noted that Zhao Junran's approach felt "greasy" and "frivolous," emphasizing that Zhou Na needed a sense of security after her past experiences. He advised Zhao Junran to be quietly and steadfastly present for her.
Grateful for the advice, Zhao Junran then playfully turned the tables, asking Lin Nan if he liked Yu Luxi. Despite Lin Nan's denial, Zhao Junran urged him to be bold and express his feelings, or he would regret it. Lin Nan pondered whether his feelings for Yu Luxi were truly that obvious. Inspired by Zhao Junran's words, Lin Nan resolved to confess his feelings to Yu Luxi.
When he saw her approaching his office, he nervously straightened up, ready to speak. Yu Luxi also had something she wanted to say, so Lin Nan let her go first, but then he began to articulate his heartfelt thoughts about their journey together. Yu Luxi excitedly interrupted, asking if he was "willing." Misinterpreting her question as a romantic overture, Lin Nan eagerly agreed.
Yu Luxi, ecstatic, expressed her relief about the Echo List finals and revealed her plan to create a "mixed cut works" video using Mr. Mai's animated pieces. She thanked him profusely for allowing her to use his cherished work and hurried off to inform her team, leaving a dejected Lin Nan behind with his unspoken confession, silently lamenting her cleverness. Later, Liang Yiyi sought out Yu Xiaotian at the coffee shop where he worked.
She tried to butter him up, feigning gratitude for his past help in dealing with a "smelly rascal" at school. Yu Xiaotian brushed off her compliments, stating he helped for the general good. Liang Yiyi then revealed her true intentions: asking him to be her computer tutor, offering any price. As a "computer god" and teaching assistant, he would know the exam content well.
Yu Xiaotian immediately saw through her ploy, accusing her of wanting to take a "shortcut" and having "crooked ways in her mind." He flatly refused, telling her to study hard herself. That evening, Lin Nan's father called, urging him to come home for his retirement dinner. Liang Yichuan and Zhao Junran were already present. Lin Nan's mother tried to persuade Lin Nan and Liang Yichuan to reconsider working together, believing their combined strengths would make a formidable company.
Lin Nan, however, maintained that they were better off working separately due to differing philosophies. During dinner, Lin Nan's father observed his son's somber mood and asked what was bothering him. Zhao Junran mischievously spilled the beans, hinting that Lin Nan was suffering from lovesickness over "Yu Moumou." Lin Nan's mother was overjoyed to hear her son was finally thinking about marriage and eagerly asked about the girl.
Liang Yichuan, visibly uncomfortable, tried to divert the conversation to his sister, Liang Yiyi. To his dismay, Lin Nan's mother expressed her dislike for Liang Yiyi, finding her too delicate and stating that there could only be one "princess" in their family—herself. Despite Liang Yichuan's attempts to defend his sister, she reiterated her belief that overly pampered children were not ideal.
She then admonished both Lin Nan and Liang Yichuan to be more proactive in love, lest their future wives be taken by someone else, while Zhao Junran struggled to suppress his amusement.
Episode 18 Recap
After the Wind Ling team's recent success in a competition, the popularity of each voice actor on social media soared. Liu Ziwei excitedly shared that his fan count had jumped by 5,000, and someone even recognized him at a wonton shop. The team members then began to playfully brainstorm names for their future fan groups, such as "Liu Ziwei vitamins" and "talcum powder," before Yu Luxi reminded them to maintain a low profile.
Zhao Junran, arriving late, even handed out masks, joking that they were all "big stars" now. After dinner at Lin Nan's home, his parents prepared to leave. Liang Yichuan offered to do the dishes, but Lin Nan's father insisted that Lin Nan stay and help, as it was improper for a guest to do all the work alone. The two men, who had been childhood friends but now harbored feelings for the same girl, begrudgingly started washing dishes.
Lin Nan asked about Liang Yiyi, and Liang Yichuan, though angry about Lin Nan's rejection of his sister, admitted that Lin Nan had been right to be honest. Liang Yichuan then pressed Lin Nan, asking if he had someone he liked, suggesting it was the only reason he would reject Liang Yiyi. Liang Yichuan confessed that he did have someone he liked, and that Lin Nan knew her.
He declared his intention to comprehensively "cultivate" this person in both her career and personal life. Lin Nan wasn't surprised, but Liang Yichuan soon clarified that the person he liked was Yu Luxi. He asserted that he had known her longer, claiming "first come, first served," and told Lin Nan to stop pursuing her. Lin Nan retorted that Yu Luxi had originally sought him as a master, and Liang Yichuan had merely impersonated him, creating a misunderstanding.
Unwilling to back down, they exchanged challenges, agreeing that whoever won Yu Luxi's heart, the other would not hold a grudge. As Liang Yichuan abruptly left the kitchen, Lin Nan was left to reflect on their past. Lin Nan recalled his middle school days with Liang Yichuan, when their friendship was strong, and they often discussed their future careers on the playground.
Their shared passion for voice acting led them to register "Mai Da" as a brand, dreaming of making a big impact. Lin Nan remembered Liang Yichuan proudly declaring that he had even come up with Lin Nan's moniker, "Mai Wu Tian Xia," and had it trademarked to prevent future brand squatting, confident in their eventual success. Despite their current rivalry, Lin Nan acknowledged that they still cared for each other, even if they pretended otherwise.
Later, Lin Nan and Zhao Junran were out drinking. Lin Nan, under the guise of discussing a new comic project, described a love triangle: one boy was rich but not handsome, the other was handsome but lacked courage. He asked Zhao Junran who would win the girl. Zhao Junran quickly declared that the rich but not handsome boy would win, because the "handsome but not brave" one would never confess, thus never even getting a chance.
Zhao Junran quickly realized Lin Nan was talking about himself and Liang Yichuan. He bluntly told Lin Nan that he needed to be more proactive in pursuing women. Inspired, Lin Nan abruptly left, intending to confess his feelings to Yu Luxi. Meanwhile, Liang Yichuan met Yu Luxi. He suggested that their repeated reunions were fate, though Yu Luxi attributed it to Mai Da.
Liang Yichuan claimed half the credit for Mai Da's success, mentioning his role in securing projects like "I am Jiang Xiaohei." He then presented Yu Luxi with a detailed career plan, including fan meetings, radio promotions, and exclusive interviews, all contingent on her joining Youlong studio. Yu Luxi, however, declined the offer, expressing her loyalty and attachment to Wind Ling, stating she was developing well where she was. Liang Yichuan, sensing her true feelings, asked if she liked Lin Nan.
Yu Luxi, blushing, admitted that she did. Liang Yichuan then tried to dissuade her, questioning if she truly liked Lin Nan or merely the idol "Mai Da." He warned her about the negative societal perception of idol-fan relationships, suggesting that people might view Lin Nan as exploiting a fan. He cited his sister, Liang Yiyi, as an example of how a popular figure's fan base could hinder their personal relationships.
Despite his warnings, Liang Yichuan then confessed that his earlier declaration of liking her was not a joke, and he was willing to wait for her decision. Yu Luxi returned home, disturbed by Liang Yichuan's words. She searched online for news about idols dating fans, finding many negative stories and instances of female fans being harmed or turning hostile when their idols entered relationships.
She even imagined a scenario where she and Lin Nan were attacked by angry fans in a movie theater. The thought of becoming a public target made her abandon the idea of getting closer to Lin Nan. Elsewhere, Liang Yiyi was struggling with her computer course. A classmate suggested she needed a tutor. With the computer exam approaching, she reluctantly sought out Xiao Tian, known for his computer skills.
Adopting a tearful, pitiable approach, she expressed her sincerity in wanting to learn and begged him to be her teacher. Although initially hesitant, Xiao Tian eventually agreed to tutor her, but on his own terms: he would decide the schedule, offering only two hours of lessons. Liang Yiyi gratefully accepted.
At Wind Ling, Zhao Junran was boasting to Liu Ziwei and other colleagues about his relationship with Zhou Na, claiming she was a "stubborn duck with a hard mouth" who secretly harbored feelings for him. Unbeknownst to him, Zhou Na had walked in and overheard everything. As the other colleagues discreetly excused themselves, a mortified Zhao Junran immediately knelt before Zhou Na, profusely apologizing and expressing his deep care for her. Zhou Na, seeing his sincerity, chose not to dwell on his embarrassing remarks.
Episode 19 Recap
Yu Xiaotian was tutoring Liang Yiyi in computer science, but she quickly dozed off. He roused her, urging her to pay attention, and then showed her a "teaching plan" he had painstakingly written for two hours. Knowing her talent for memorizing lines, he had ingeniously converted complex computer formulas into script-like stories, complete with dramatic scenarios about ancient functions or imperial selections.
Despite her initial confusion, Liang Yiyi was charmed by his serious and creative approach, promising to memorize the entire textbook if he continued writing in this style. Yu Xiaotian agreed to continue for her. At Fengling studio, Lin Nan was attempting to gather the courage to confess his feelings to Yu Luxi. He took deep breaths and encouraged himself, but by the time he was ready, Yu Luxi had already left the office.
Meanwhile, Zhou Na had found Yu Luxi printing scripts alone in the office on Valentine's Day. Since both were without plans, Zhou Na invited Yu Luxi out to an arcade, asserting that they could celebrate the holiday together. At the arcade, Yu Luxi was surprised and delighted to see Zhou Na enjoy herself so much, noting her "cute" and "different" side.
Yu Luxi confided in Zhou Na about a dilemma: if she liked someone, but a relationship would draw negative public opinion and cause complications, what should she do? Zhou Na dismissed the concern, emphasizing that a relationship's worth is solely determined by the feelings of the two individuals involved, not by outside judgment. Convinced by Zhou Na's perspective, they continued playing, winning a large shark prize and taking a celebratory photo. Later, Liang Yichuan was drinking alone at home.
He saw Yu Luxi's social media post with Zhou Na at the arcade and felt disappointed. His mood momentarily lifted when a delivery person arrived with a bouquet of flowers for "Mr. Liang" from someone named "Xixi." Liang Yichuan, overjoyed, mistakenly believed they were from Yu Luxi, interpreting it as a sign that she had chosen him over Lin Nan. He excitedly began crafting a romantic reply.
However, his brief happiness evaporated when the delivery person returned, explaining that the flowers were a mistake and intended for a different "Mr. Liang" in the adjacent building. After their tutoring session, Liang Yiyi and Yu Xiaotian walked home. Liang Yiyi, observing the couples around them, linked her arm through Yu Xiaotian's. She mentioned forgetting about Valentine's Day due to busyness and playfully suggested he must be single because he was "difficult."
She then feigned a foot injury from studying and insisted he help her walk, even threatening to make a scene, calling it her "profession." Yu Xiaotian reluctantly complied. Liang Yiyi, then claiming hunger, asked him to take her to dinner. Aware that most restaurants would be crowded on Valentine's Day, Yu Xiaotian took her to a quieter barbecue spot. Liang Yiyi initially refused the "junk food," citing her idol status and concerns about weight gain or hygiene.
Yu Xiaotian countered her arguments, and after some playful back and forth, and seeing him enjoy his meal, she finally gave in, selecting the "best looking" skewers. Despite initially feigning disinterest in the taste, she quickly asked for more. Yu Xiaotian paid the bill. When he started to leave, Liang Yiyi called him a "log" for not offering to walk her all the way home, as their routes diverged.
Zhou Na, after receiving a message from Zhao Junran, told Yu Luxi she was going to "fall in love" and left the arcade, leaving Yu Luxi feeling a bit lonely. Zhao Junran was waiting outside Zhou Na's house with a bouquet of roses. When she arrived, she playfully acted cold, but he declared his serious intentions, which impressed her. She then initiated an intense kiss, leaving Zhao Junran momentarily dazed.
After their reconciliation, Zhou Na explained that she agreed to be with him because she had observed his dedication to dubbing and his team improve after the echo list competition. She set conditions for their relationship, including that he must report everything to her and follow her lead, to which Zhao Junran readily agreed.
Later, when Zhao Junran was about to post on social media, Zhou Na reminded him of her condition that he must report to her first, a rule he promised to follow. Back at the arcade, Yu Luxi was still playing alone when Lin Nan suddenly appeared, calling her "Master" and saying he had seen her social media post. He informed her he had something very important to tell her.
However, their conversation was cut short by a girl named Lily, who recognized Lin Nan as "Mai Da." Lin Nan initially pretended not to know her, but Lily reminded him of a specific car accident on July 14, 2014. Lin Nan then remembered her and agreed to speak with her alone. Yu Luxi watched from a distance, curious about their relationship, especially when Lily showed Lin Nan a scar on her leg.
Lily explained that she was a long-time fan and wanted him to attend her birthday party the next day as a cherished wish. Lin Nan declined her request for a hug, stating he would "reconsider" her wish, and Lily departed. Yu Luxi immediately questioned Lin Nan about Lily. He explained that Lily was a former fan who had been severely injured in a car accident while trying to attend his awards ceremony years ago.
He apologized for the incident, but Lily had clarified she only wished he had visited her in the hospital at the time, but he had been in retirement and hadn't seen her messages. Now, she wanted him to attend her birthday party. Lin Nan felt he "really couldn't refuse" because she was injured due to his event.
Yu Luxi, however, strongly opposed the idea, arguing that Lily was a stranger and could pose a danger, accusing Lin Nan of "thinking too little." Lin Nan dismissed her concerns, leading to an uncomfortable disagreement. Upset, Yu Luxi walked home alone, reflecting on how the unexpected encounter with an unknown girl had disrupted what could have been a romantic Valentine's evening.
Episode 20 Recap
The morning after successfully getting together with Zhou Na, Zhao Junran excitedly reported the news to his colleagues at Fengling Studio, playfully suggesting they all start calling him "Brother-in-law." Meanwhile, Yu Luxi was visibly distracted, frequently checking her watch and gazing out the window, anxious for Lin Nan's arrival. When Lin Nan finally appeared, Yu Luxi, still conflicted from their conversation the previous night, asked if he had gone to meet the female fan.
Lin Nan revealed he hadn't, explaining his delay was merely due to traffic. Yu Luxi felt a surge of secret relief, despite previously telling him she would support him if he decided to go. When Lin Nan suggested he contact the fan to meet her now, Yu Luxi, despite her earlier words, quickly made an excuse that she, as the original voice match, should stay to supervise the editing of Mai Da's montage.
Their conversation was cut short by a frantic colleague who rushed in with his phone, announcing that Fengling Studio was in trouble. The internet was abuzz with a fan claiming to be connected to Mai Da, accusing Lin Nan (Mai Da) of having retired to evade responsibility after she was injured in an accident. The accuser further revealed that Mai Da was indeed Lin Nan from Fengling Studio.
This explosive revelation caused a stir, with links related to Mai Da instantly garnering over a million clicks. The news shocked Liang Yichuan, who knew Lin Nan's integrity and recognized the accusations as a clear smear campaign. His subordinate, Guan Cheng, however, gloated over the situation, suggesting Fengling Studio was doomed. He revealed his minimal involvement in slightly amplifying the fan's old post from six years ago. Liang Yichuan was furious, emphasizing that his company, Youlong, always conducted business honorably.
Guan Cheng retorted that in business, there are only enemies, and Liang Yichuan was too soft-hearted. The scandal's immediate impact was severe. Zhou Na informed Lin Nan that the organizing committee had revoked Fengling Studio's qualification for the competition, citing the sensitive nature of Mai Da's black material and Lin Nan's controversial identity. The platform they worked with was also pressuring them, with their manager making numerous angry calls.
Lin Nan attempted to contact Lily, the accuser, but her phone was off, cutting off their only direct lead. With public opinion turning hostile, some colleagues witnessed hateful comments and calls for boycotts online. Separately, Liang Yiyi went to the library for her computer lessons with Xiao Tian. Discovering him tutoring another female student, Liang Yiyi's jealousy flared. She boldly positioned herself between Xiao Tian and the student, demanding that he tutor only her from now on.
Xiao Tian, unable to argue, reluctantly agreed. Shortly after, Liang Yiyi received a call informing her of Mai Da's troubles and immediately left. Zhou Na later updated Lin Nan, noting a positive shift as many online influencers were now posting clarifications in his defense. However, the situation quickly worsened when new rumors implicated Yu Luxi, alleging an improper relationship between her and Lin Nan. Initially composed, Lin Nan became enraged when Yu Luxi was targeted.
He immediately declared his intention to hold a press conference the following day to clarify everything himself. Zhou Na tried to dissuade him, urging him to remain calm, but Lin Nan was resolute, determined to protect Yu Luxi at all costs. After Lin Nan left, Zhou Na quickly called Yu Luxi, explaining the dire situation and Lin Nan's decision to shoulder all the blame himself.
Meanwhile, Liang Yiyi approached her brother, Liang Yichuan, with a proposition: he should once again pretend to be Mai Da to clear Lin Nan's name, which would also make him a hero in Yu Luxi's eyes. Liang Yichuan dismissed the idea, stating he had considered it before, but such a deception would only exacerbate the problem if exposed, further harming Lin Nan's reputation. Yu Luxi, having learned of Lin Nan's plan, went to persuade him against holding the press conference.
Lin Nan, however, maintained his resolve, admitting the entire ordeal stemmed from his past inability to confront the situation and his desire to shield Yu Luxi from harm. He took her to his late grandfather's house, a place filled with cherished black vinyl records. He showed her his Golden Olive Award, explaining that six years ago, he was honored with a special award for voice actors, an unprecedented event.
He recounted how he had longed to accept it in front of his fans but a cruel twist of fate prevented him, leading him to believe it was better for them to never have seen him than to be disappointed. Yu Luxi understood his actions were born from his care for his fans. Lin Nan then showed her a collection of gifts and letters from fans.
Looking through them, Yu Luxi had an epiphany: they could find Lily by searching through these old letters. The entire Fengling team sprang into action, sifting through hundreds of fan letters. They knew the accuser's name contained the character "Li," that she lived in the city, and was likely a high school student six years ago. Believing this was enough to narrow down the search, they categorized dozens of potential letters by address and fanned out across the city.
Late into the night, after several attempts, Yu Luxi finally located Lily. Initially resistant, Lily confessed her regret, describing how the incident had spiraled out of control and subjected her to intense cyberbullying, confining her to her home for three days. Yu Luxi reassured Lily that she understood her frustrations and believed her. She encouraged Lily to step forward, explaining that by remaining silent, both she and Lin Nan would continue to suffer.
Yu Luxi revealed that Lin Nan was already preparing to speak at a press conference to protect her. To further demonstrate Lin Nan's sincerity and give Lily courage, Yu Luxi presented her with Lin Nan's cherished Golden Olive Award. Deeply moved, Lily agreed to stand with Lin Nan at the press conference the next day to reveal the truth. Meanwhile, Lin Nan visited the empty press conference hall.
Guan Cheng appeared, taunting him that the stage he had prepared would become an "execution ground" and questioning if Lin Nan had truly thought through his decision. Lin Nan calmly affirmed that he had.
Episode 21 Recap
At the press conference, all of Fengling's staff accompanied Lin Nan as he faced the reporters. Lin Nan introduced himself as both Lin Nan and Mai Wutian Xia, hoping to address various questions. However, the journalists' relentless and often accusatory questions, including allegations of "leaving fans to die," "defiling fans," "hyping for 'Liu Yao'," and "disrespecting the dubbing industry," overwhelmed him, leaving him speechless as flashbulbs incessantly fired.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control, causing Zhou Na to worry for him. Just as the crisis intensified, Yu Luxi arrived with Xu Lili, the female fan who had initially made the accusations online. Xu Lili took the stage, identifying herself as the person who first spoke out on Weibo. She confessed that she had misunderstood Mr. Mai.
Six years prior, she had become his fan, admiring his voice, but their interactions were solely online; they had never met in person. After an accident, she had hoped Mr. Mai would visit, but she later learned he hadn't received her messages due to personal reasons. More recently, she had met him by chance and invited him to her birthday, but he didn't come.
She admitted to posting some complaining remarks online, which were then distorted and maliciously spread by others, severely damaging Mr. Mai's reputation. Xu Lili publicly apologized to Mr. Mai for causing so much trouble and affirmed him as her "most quality idol," stating she was proud to have loved him. Despite her heartfelt clarification, many reporters remained skeptical, murmuring that it was merely a public relations stunt or that she had been paid off.
Lin Nan then stepped forward, asking for silence and thanking Xu Lili for her bravery in speaking out. He appealed to the journalists to believe their sincerity. He revealed that six years ago, he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, necessitating surgery. The operation severely damaged his vocal cords, making it impossible for him to continue in the dubbing industry with Mai's distinctive voice, which led to his retirement.
He explained that the recent public focus on his personal scandals and false reports had negatively impacted their "Liu Yao" project and the entire team. As one of the first practitioners of Chinese animation dubbing, he understood the industry's difficulties and fragility, urging the media to report accurately and protect the national animation dubbing industry, rather than fostering public misunderstanding. His emotional address finally resonated with the reporters, and the room erupted in applause.
The press conference was a success, with all news reports proving positive, some even quite touching. After the conference, Xu Lili approached Lin Nan, thanking him and asking for a hug, which he gave. Yu Luxi, observing this, felt a flicker of jealousy, though she tried to deny it when Lin Nan asked if she was unhappy. She then clarified that Xu Lili's hug was merely a polite gesture, "far from theirs."
Lin Nan then embraced Yu Luxi warmly, thanking her for her pivotal role in resolving the situation. She leaned into him, burying her head in his chest. Yu Luxi worried that Lin Nan might be upset she gave his Golden Olive Award trophy to Xu Lili. However, Lin Nan assured her it was fine, revealing that he had something "even more precious" waiting for her at his place.
Meanwhile, Zhao Junran took Zhou Na to an ice skating rink for a date. He had specifically chosen skating because she admitted she couldn't do it, and he had secretly practiced for a long time, wanting to be her protector. He knelt to help her tie her skates, showcasing his "boyfriend power." Zhou Na found his romantic gestures a bit cheesy but accepted his help, leaning on him as they prepared to enter the rink.
Suddenly, Chen Xiong, Zhao Junran's junior high friend who had just returned from abroad, approached them. Zhao Junran introduced Zhou Na as his girlfriend. However, Chen Xiong mistakenly addressed Zhou Na as the "pretty aunt" Zhao Junran used to mention, expressing surprise that Zhao Junran, who used to prefer "Lolis," was now in an "older woman-younger man" relationship.
Offended by being called an "aunt," Zhou Na angrily declared she had an urgent company matter to attend to, removed her skates, and walked away abruptly, despite Zhao Junran's pleas. Back home, Zhou Na looked into the mirror, frustrated about Chen Xiong's remarks. She confidently asserted that she was "well-maintained" and "not old at all," then anxiously checked her face for any new eye wrinkles.
Zhao Junran, after failing to catch up to Zhou Na, was left distraught, feeling his perfectly planned date had been utterly ruined. Lin Nan brought Yu Luxi to his home and showed her a video projected from an old CD – a "more precious thing." Yu Luxi recognized it as a CD she had sent to Mai Da years ago, containing a heartfelt confession.
She was embarrassed to see her younger self, but also deeply moved, reflecting on how Mai Da's voice had once given her strength, and now she realized Lin Nan had given her "infinite strength." She mused that if he had seen the video earlier, she might have remained just a fan. She declared she could now "officially bid farewell to Mr. Mai."
The video showed a high school-aged Yu Luxi introducing herself as a loyal fan, working at her school's radio station, and volunteering at a blind school in hopes of finding Mai Da. She expressed her belief that he had reasons for his mysterious retirement and her determination to pursue a voice acting career despite her grades, wishing him happiness, health, and freedom. Lin Nan then told her, "Now is the time to truly realize your wish."
He briefly left the room and reappeared in an elegant suit, explaining that this was the suit he had prepared for Mai Da's highest moment, an award ceremony, but had never worn, and no one in the world had seen it until now. He was giving "Mai Da's only moment" to her, and she now saw "only a dazzling Lin Nan." The next morning, Lin Nan confirmed they were officially "together" as a couple.
Yu Luxi playfully claimed all his features as hers, and he agreed, before stating that she, in turn, was his. She teased him for being "born to be single" yet so romantic, to which he charmingly replied he was "self-taught for her." Their morning intimacy was interrupted by a knock at the door. Yu Luxi had just been searching his bathroom for signs of other girls and accidentally got toothpaste on her clothes.
Lin Nan quickly told her to put on his shirt. To their surprise, it was Lin Nan's parents. Seeing Yu Luxi in their son's oversized shirt, Lin Nan's mother immediately assumed they were living together, forming a poor first impression. Yu Luxi tried to clarify, explaining she had only "accidentally slept here" on the sofa, not cohabiting. Lin Nan intervened, explaining the shirt was his and she just hadn't had time to change.
His mother, seeming to accept this explanation, then began to probe, asking Yu Luxi's age (twenty-five), if she was an only child, and about her family background. Knowing his mother's scrutinizing nature, Lin Nan quickly pulled Yu Luxi away, using the excuse that they were late for work. Outside, Yu Luxi was mortified, convinced that Lin Nan's mother thought she was a "bad girl" or not good enough because she hadn't answered all the questions.
Lin Nan reassured her, stating that his parents would respect his choice as long as he loved her. Later, as they drove to work, Yu Luxi asked Lin Nan to drop her off some distance from the company. She insisted on keeping their relationship a secret at the office, believing that "love and career cannot be confused." Lin Nan questioned why Zhao Junran and Zhou Na could be open about their relationship, but they couldn't.
Yu Luxi argued that as the boss, he needed to "lead by example" in avoiding suspicion. Lin Nan initially resisted, but Yu Luxi's playful demand for "kisses" eventually won him over, though he called her "childish."
Episode 22 Recap
On their way to the company, Yu Luxi suggested to Lin Nan that they keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues for the time being. She felt it was better for a boss and a subordinate to be discreet about dating to avoid setting a bad precedent. When they arrived, Yu Luxi went in first, awkwardly wishing Lin Nan a good morning once inside the office.
Lin Nan then addressed his colleagues, sincerely apologizing for how his personal issues had affected their participation in the Echo List finals and for concealing his identity as Mai Da. However, the trainees were not upset; some even expressed increased family support after their parents learned they were training under Mai Da. Yu Luxi quickly echoed their sentiments, referring to Lin Nan as "Mr. Lin." A colleague found it odd, noting that Yu Luxi usually called him "Master."
Despite trying to appear relaxed, Yu Luxi became increasingly tense, and Lin Nan subtly tugged at her clothes. Some observant colleagues noticed their ambiguous behavior and even recognized that Yu Luxi was wearing Lin Nan's shirt, leading to whispers and speculation that made Yu Luxi incredibly uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Liang Yichuan was exercising with his sister, Liang Yiyi, in the morning.
Seeing her improved spirits, he cautiously asked if she still harbored feelings for Lin Nan, advising her not to dwell on a past love. Liang Yiyi retorted, telling him to move on and not always favor Yu Luxi. She assured him she had long since let go of Lin Nan, retorting that if he didn't want her, she didn't want him either.
Feeling happy and free, Liang Yiyi went inside to change into a beautiful outfit, declaring it "balancing academics and love" as she headed out. She explained that she was very happy every day and had no time to think about Lin Nan. Having spent more time studying with Yu Xiaotian, Liang Yiyi found his temperament and qualities increasingly precious.
That evening, she openly confessed her feelings to Yu Xiaotian, telling him, "I like you, let's be together, let's fall in love." She enthusiastically listed the benefits of dating her, such as her cuteness making him happy, her good looks causing others to envy him on dates, and her aesthetic sense transforming him from a "nerd" into a "handsome nerd." Yu Xiaotian, overwhelmed by the angelic, famous voice actor's confession, became flustered and stammered before quickly leaving.
Liang Yiyi, understanding his shyness, believed he was simply embarrassed. Later, Mr. Zhang met with Lin Nan, claiming to be a fan and cordially inviting him to make a comeback. Lin Nan acknowledged his long absence from the voice acting industry. Mr. Zhang then revealed his true intention, stating that he needed the "Mai Da" name, not just Lin Nan's voice, to guarantee the success of their animated work.
Lin Nan reiterated his refusal to use the "Mai Da" alias but offered to voice characters under his real name. Mr. Zhang, displeased, threatened to disband the entire Fengling training class if Lin Nan didn't use the Mai Da identity, but Lin Nan firmly stated he would not compromise. After the tense encounter, Yu Luxi found Lin Nan after he finished work.
She admitted she heard him arguing with Mr. Zhang and wanted to keep him company because she was worried he was in a bad mood. Lin Nan took her to a figure store, a place he often visited when feeling down. He mentioned that with her presence, he was in a good mood. They admired a limited-edition "Robin" figure, praising its beauty.
When Lin Nan commented on Robin's good physique, Yu Luxi felt a pang of jealousy, which Lin Nan noticed. He then told the owner that he no longer wanted the figure. To cheer him up, Yu Luxi stepped in and bought the limited-edition Robin figure for him. She told him she respected his tastes and, more importantly, wished for his happiness.
She added that she would support him no matter what decisions he made in the future, promising to stay by his side through thick and thin. Lin Nan then embraced her. Yu Luxi also asked him to promise not to keep things bottled up in the future. During lunch, Liu Ziwei spotted Yu Luxi with two lunchboxes. Feigning that his own lunch wasn't enough, he jokingly snatched one of her heart-shaped, colorful bento boxes.
As colleagues exclaimed at the luxurious meal and questioned Yu Luxi about her secret romance, she blushed, her face burning with embarrassment. Just then, Lin Nan walked in, feigning surprise that someone had taken his lunch. He then boldly announced their relationship to everyone, holding Yu Luxi's hand, and encouraging other single colleagues to find partners within the company. He then intimately pulled her hand and led her away, leaving the stunned colleagues behind.
That evening, Lin Nan and Yu Luxi went on a date. Yu Luxi happily presented Lin Nan with a large candied haw, reminding him that they should always get along peacefully and never argue. When she asked if he would apologize first if they ever fought, Lin Nan promptly replied, "Won't."
Episode 23 Recap
Yu Luxi playfully questioned Lin Nan about their future arguments, asking if he would apologize first or offer her a chance to back down if she were in the wrong. Lin Nan confidently replied that they would never quarrel because Yu Luxi would always be right, a response that surprised her. Yu Luxi suspected he had been reading "boyfriend's desire for survival" posts online, but Lin Nan insisted his words came from the heart.
To ensure their future peace, Lin Nan proposed a pact: if they ever found themselves in a heated argument with neither willing to back down, they would return to their current spot, and upon seeing each other, they would reconcile. Meanwhile, Mr. Zhang was furious after learning that the pilot film for "Youyao" had been released without his authorization.
He chastised Lin Nan for consistently acting on his own, reminding him that as an investor and the Party A, he expected a basic level of respect. Mr. Zhang had insisted on using well-known voice actors for the project, but Lin Nan, wanting to give an opportunity to emerging talent, had chosen to release the pilot film to the platform preemptively, hoping positive audience feedback would solidify the new voice acting team.
Zhou Na quickly intervened, presenting data that showed the pilot film had already achieved the highest daily viewership on the platform and garnered widespread praise for the new voice actors, whose voices perfectly matched the original characters. Appearing to relent, Mr. Zhang agreed to drop the issue of the unauthorized release and allow the voice acting team to stay. However, he laid down his final condition: the project's credits must include the name Mai Da.
Lin Nan firmly refused, stating that his contract did not include any clauses related to Mai Da, and therefore, he was not obligated to fulfill Mr. Zhang's demand. Incensed by Lin Nan's defiance, Mr. Zhang immediately terminated his employment, ordering Lin Nan to leave but allowing the rest of the voice acting team to remain. Shortly after, Guan Cheng, the vice president of Youlong Animation, overheard the commotion and seized the opportunity.
He called Mr. Zhang, flattering him and expressing his disdain for Lin Nan, whom he called "ungrateful." Guan Cheng then revealed his own grudge against Lin Nan and Liang Yichuan. Following the "black powder incident," Liang Yichuan had sided with Lin Nan, sidelining Guan Cheng and diluting his shares in the company, leaving his position at Youlong in jeopardy. Guan Cheng proposed a partnership with Mr. Zhang, suggesting they eliminate those who "sing contrary" and "do big things together."
He advised Mr. Zhang to pursue legal action against Lin Nan for breach of contract, asserting that such a lawsuit could cost Lin Nan all his assets. The very next day, Lin Nan received a letter of termination along with a lawyer's letter from Mr. Zhang, accusing him of multiple contract breaches and demanding substantial compensation.
Lin Nan confided in Zhou Na that he felt Mr. Zhang was determined to ruin him, especially since legal counsel confirmed Mr. Zhang had a strong case. Lin Nan realized his only recourse was to leave Fengling. Later, Lin Nan visited the Fengling studio one last time. He gently caressed his cat, Nuomi, bidding it a poignant farewell. As he surveyed the empty office, memories of the Fengling team's motto, "Fengling will win," echoed in his mind.
While driving, Lin Nan reflected on a past argument with Liang Yichuan that eerily mirrored his current conflict with Mr. Zhang. Liang Yichuan had once vehemently urged him to reveal his identity as Mai Da, believing it would give their burgeoning company a crucial advantage and accelerate the completion of "Youyao."
Lin Nan, however, steadfastly refused, explaining that his voice was damaged, he had retired from the industry, and it was best for Mai Da to "naturally disappear" rather than be exploited. Liang Yichuan argued that utilizing Mai Da's established intellectual property could help them gain professional recognition and ensure the team's livelihood, urging Lin Nan to think like a strategic decision-maker.
Despite Liang Yichuan's earnest pleas, Lin Nan remained unyielding, ultimately leading Liang Yichuan to suggest they dissolve their partnership if their creative philosophies were so divergent. Lin Nan called Liang Yichuan, and they agreed to meet at Ningda University. Liang Yichuan greeted him with a lighthearted remark, teasing if Lin Nan missed him. Lin Nan then revealed his decision to leave Fengling.
Liang Yichuan, with a hint of sarcasm, congratulated him for "finally giving up," but Lin Nan clarified that he was leaving precisely because he refused to admit defeat. Liang Yichuan questioned Lin Nan's stubbornness regarding the Mai Da name, especially given Mr. Zhang's "old scoundrel" tactics. Lin Nan accused Liang Yichuan of being no different from Mr. Zhang, both driven by self-interest.
Liang Yichuan then explained his past motivations: his desire to leverage Mai Da's fame was to bring greater visibility to their work and the animation industry, thereby creating opportunities for everyone in their team. Lin Nan fell silent, realizing he had indeed "wronged" Liang Yichuan in the past. After a moment, Lin Nan requested Liang Yichuan to take over Fengling and the "Youyao" project. Liang Yichuan jokingly accepted this as Lin Nan's apology.
Lin Nan explained that upon his departure, Mr. Zhang would undoubtedly find someone to manage "Youyao," and Liang Yichuan, as a co-creator, was the most capable person to safeguard the project. Liang Yichuan assured him that he would protect both "Youyao" and Fengling. Lin Nan then shared his intention to move to Beijing, anticipating that Mr. Zhang would attempt to ban him from working in Ningcheng.
When Liang Yichuan inquired about Yu Luxi, Lin Nan stated she could not accompany him, emphasizing that the "Youyao" project was a pivotal moment in her voice acting career, and he would not let her sacrifice it for him. He admitted he hadn't yet figured out how to break the news to her.
Liang Yichuan admitted he had given up on his feelings for Yu Luxi, acknowledging their relationship, and reassured Lin Nan that he would look after her at Fengling. Later, Yu Luxi found Lin Nan, playfully expressing her affection and offering him a cup of hot water, concerned that he hadn't eaten.
Lin Nan gently embraced her and, after ensuring she wouldn't be angry, carefully told her that he was leaving Fengling, noting that the official announcement would be made the next day, but he wanted her to know first. Yu Luxi was visibly shocked by the news.
Episode 24 Recap
Lin Nan told Yu Luxi that he was leaving Fengling, asking her not to be angry. He explained that the decision would be officially announced the following day, but he felt she should know first. Yu Luxi was shocked, questioning how he could abandon "Liu Yao" at its most critical juncture. Lin Nan lied, claiming he had a promising opportunity in Beijing and planned to move there for six months.
Yu Luxi, feeling that he hadn't consulted her but merely informed her, asked if the opportunities here were insufficient and what would become of "Liu Yao" and her. Lin Nan reassured her about her strong fan base, but Yu Luxi felt he was trying to shield her from his life rather than include her. She declared that if she didn't want him to leave, she would tell him, but before he could respond, she angrily told him to go.
The next day, Lin Nan packed his belongings at Fengling. Employees, having heard the news, gathered outside his office, proposing a collective strike as a protest to Mr. Zhang. Lin Nan dissuaded them, emphasizing the importance of "Liu Yao" and their integral roles in the project. He stressed that their departure or replacement would render all his hard work meaningless.
He urged them to act rationally and not impulsively, expressing his hope to see "Liu Yao" completed even in his absence, repeatedly admonishing them not to be lazy before leaving the company. Later, Lin Nan found Yu Luxi at the seaside. He apologized for not discussing his departure with her, calling it a grave error. Yu Luxi, however, was still upset, believing he was only apologizing without truly understanding her feelings.
Lin Nan revealed he had persuaded Zhao Junran and other team members to stay with "Liu Yao" and hoped she would do the same. Yu Luxi refused, revealing she now knew the truth about Mr. Zhang's actions and insisted on going to Beijing with Lin Nan. Lin Nan firmly rejected the idea, stating he was informing her, not discussing.
He explained that due to previous negative publicity and Mr. Zhang's efforts to isolate him professionally, he wouldn't be able to offer her a platform like "Liu Yao" in Beijing. Yu Luxi declared she didn't need such platforms and was willing to start a business with him from scratch.
Lin Nan questioned her professional judgment as a voice actor, reminding her that if she truly was his girlfriend, she should stay in Fengling for "Liu Yao" as it was the best decision for her career. Yu Luxi countered that he always made decisions for her, never allowing her to share his burdens, and questioned if he truly considered her his girlfriend. Disappointed, she walked away.
Meanwhile, Zhou Na was on the phone, trying to convince Mr. Zhang to reconsider Lin Nan's situation, highlighting the successful pilot and the need to push the "Liu Yao" project. Mr. Zhang remained unyielding, stating the project would not fail without Lin Nan. Zhao Junran arrived with his luggage, assuming Zhou Na would leave Fengling with him out of loyalty to Lin Nan.
Zhou Na, however, rebuked him for acting recklessly and irresponsibly, stating not everyone had the luxury to abandon the project they had worked so long on. Zhao Junran, taken aback, suggested they both calm down. At a café, Zhao Junran spotted Guan Cheng with a new woman.
When Guan Cheng went to the restroom, Zhao Junran approached the woman, showed her a video he had taken of Guan Cheng with another woman just last week, and advised her against showing mercy to "scumbags." Upon Guan Cheng's return, the woman splashed a drink in his face, calling him a "love rat." Zhao Junran covertly filmed the incident and sent it to Zhou Na, who, despite calling him childish, was visibly amused by the video.
That evening, Yu Luxi visited the amusement park, recalling a past agreement with Lin Nan: if they ever fought and both met under the Ferris wheel, all their anger would dissipate. Unbeknownst to her, Lin Nan was watching her from a distance.
Yu Luxi posted a picture from the amusement park on social media, hoping he would show up, but Lin Nan remained hidden, silently vowing to protect her from his struggles, knowing his future in Beijing would be difficult and he didn't want to drag her down. He fought the urge to embrace her, understanding that his departure was meant to secure a better future for her. The next day, Mr. Zhang formally introduced Liang Yichuan to the Fengling team.
He announced that Liang Yichuan, CEO of Youlong, would take over Lin Nan's work as the acting CEO of Fengling and be responsible for all future aspects of "Liu Yao," praising the success of the pilot film. Liang Yichuan introduced himself, expressing his commitment to achieving new heights for Guoman with the team. Mr. Zhang instructed Zhou Na to assist Liang Yichuan and urged everyone to quickly adapt to ensure project progress, particularly for the upcoming "Liu Yao" press conference.
Yu Luxi later confronted Liang Yichuan in Lin Nan's former office, questioning his motives for taking over Fengling. Liang Yichuan revealed that Lin Nan had personally asked him to step in. He argued that if he hadn't, "Liu Yao," Fengling, and the entire team would have faced a far worse fate. He pointed out that he hadn't changed any of the office's furnishings, signifying his temporary role and intention to return the position to Lin Nan.
Liang Yichuan urged Yu Luxi, as a vital part of "Liu Yao" and the most important person to Lin Nan, to understand Lin Nan's difficult decision and to approach his involvement with professionalism. Yu Luxi asked him to first reassure the rest of the team, which Liang Yichuan promised to do, ensuring no issues would arise.
Guan Cheng, having been promoted, swaggered into Zhou Na's office, boasting about Lin Nan's downfall and informing her that she would now report to him. He implied he would treat her well as her superior. Zhao Junran then appeared, challenging Guan Cheng's authority and asserting that Zhou Na remained at Fengling because of his presence. Guan Cheng, putting on a professional front, stated his desire for harmonious and cooperative working relationships.
Later, Zhao Junran admitted to Zhou Na that he had been childish and lacked perspective, expressing his regret and asking for her forgiveness, even offering to let her hit him. When she remained silent, he took it as consent for him to visit her house that night. Finally, at the "Liu Yao" press conference, Mr. Zhang Yousheng, the General Director, addressed industry professionals and media.
He spoke passionately about his artistic dream of creating "Liu Yao," recounting the sleepless nights and countless revisions, taking full credit for his team's success in fulfilling his personal vision. The audience offered polite applause.
Episode 25 Recap
The animated series "Lu Yao" was finally completed and launched as scheduled. At the press conference, Mr. Zhang excitedly announced the successful production, despite the challenges, giving credit to the entire cast and crew. However, Lin Nan’s name was notably absent from the production credits, which the voice acting team felt was a grave injustice to him. Lin Nan, listening to the live broadcast of the press conference in a taxi, heard Yu Luxi take the stage.
She first revealed Lin Nan as the true general director of "Lu Yao," then boldly announced her resignation from Fengling and withdrawal from the series in front of numerous reporters. Lin Nan was distraught, knowing that such a public declaration, especially after her recent progress in the voice acting industry, could severely impact her career. He immediately returned to Fengling, hoping to persuade Yu Luxi to reconsider.
He assured her that Zhou Na had already prepared a public relations strategy to frame her announcement as a publicity stunt if she chose to stay. However, Yu Luxi’s mind was made up. She questioned Lin Nan’s role in advising her, asking if he was her boss, her master, or her boyfriend. Their relationship remained tense, causing Lin Nan great distress. He sought out Zhao Junran, known for his insights into romantic relationships.
Zhao Junran, understanding Lin Nan's predicament, handed him a business card for a "Sound Healing" service. He secretly arranged for Yu Luxi to work as a part-time host on a voice app that evening, allowing Lin Nan to call in and convey his thoughts to her anonymously. That evening, Yu Luxi answered a call on the app. Adjusting her voice, she assumed the caller didn't know her identity and began to point out issues in the caller's hypothetical relationship.
She emphasized that the man in question didn’t consider his girlfriend’s feelings and must apologize sincerely when he was wrong. Lin Nan was secretly delighted, realizing their issues might not be as deep as he feared, and that a genuine apology could resolve them. Meanwhile, Zhou Na was overwhelmed with company matters. Zhao Junran, wanting to help her relax, surprised her with two school uniforms. He suggested they put them on and go out to clear her mind.
Though initially hesitant, Zhou Na embraced the nostalgic feeling of returning to her high school days, walking freely and lightheartedly with Zhao Junran through the streets. Later, Lin Nan went to Yu Luxi's home. He apologized, admitting his stubbornness and lack of respect for her opinions, repeating the criticisms Yu Luxi had given him during the anonymous call. Yu Luxi, however, found his apology insincere and, still feeling unacknowledged, angrily pushed him out the door.
Separately, Liang Yiyi visited Yu Xiaotian at the library. She cheerfully informed him that she had been rejected from a job interview. Yu Xiaotian found her joy strange, noting he had never seen anyone so happy about being rejected. Liang Yiyi provocatively countered that she simply enjoys being rejected, even claiming that when he had rejected her in the past, it made her feel especially good.
Her words left Yu Xiaotian speechless; he wondered if she didn't truly like him but merely enjoyed the thrill of rejection. Seeing her playful demeanor, his face flushed with embarrassment as she continued to tease him. Back home, Lin Nan pondered Yu Luxi’s words and realized that her anger wasn't about his minor flaws, but about feeling overlooked. She needed to see her importance in his heart.
Driven by this realization, Lin Nan meticulously arranged a romantic setting and invited Yu Luxi to meet him on the lawn downstairs. He blindfolded her and guided her to the spot, ready for a heartfelt gesture.
Episode 26 Recap
Lin Nan led Yu Luxi, whose eyes were covered, step by step across the lawn. When she opened her eyes, she was deeply touched by the scene he had meticulously prepared. Red candles glowed, small star lights twinkled, and the air was filled with the fragrance of numerous flowers and gifts. Lin Nan had created an animated short film recounting their journey from their first encounter to their current understanding, complete with his own voice-over.
In the animation, Lin Nan narrated the story of a girl named Luxi, who loved dubbing and persevered despite many failures. One day, she met her idol, Mai Da, and expressed her unwavering belief in him despite rumors, then asked to be his apprentice. Though Mai Da initially refused, Luxi’s persistence, declaring she would bother him daily, eventually led him to accept her as his first apprentice.
Yu Luxi playfully interrupted the narration, protesting that she was not an annoyance, to which Lin Nan amended it to “clingy.” Lin Nan continued, describing how under Mai Da’s guidance, Luxi transformed into the renowned "Teacher Luxi." He recounted how she always supported and comforted Mai Da through hardships, telling him, "You accompany me with happiness, I also share the pain with you."
He emphasized that Yu Luxi was like a "little sun" in Mai Da's life, inspiring him to become his best self. The animation then revealed Mai Da’s true identity: Lin Nan. Lin Nan then presented Yu Luxi with a voiceprint ring, explaining that it contained all his unspoken words and would be a beautiful memory of their future if voices held memories. When Yu Luxi asked what he wanted to say, Lin Nan confessed, "I like you.
No matter what happens in the future, I'll be there for you." Yu Luxi responded in kind, "Me too," and they shared a tender kiss in the candlelight. That night, Lin Nan called Yu Luxi through a voice app, seeking comfort. He confided that he had given up his career and was starting over, feeling confused and uncertain about his decision.
Yu Luxi, unaware it was Lin Nan, listened intently and encouraged him, "I hope you can be brave to pursue what you love. Because I believe you, you will get everything you want." She urged him to "remember to be brave" and assured him, "I will always support you." Lin Nan expressed his gratitude, stating he now knew what to do.
Later, Lin Nan, having sold his house to fund his new venture, was informed by his realtor that no suitable rental properties had been found. He then arrived at Zhao Junran's house with his luggage, interrupting Zhao Junran’s playful attempt to teach Zhou Na how to mop the floor. Zhou Na, dressed in a cute apron and gloves, expressed her annoyance at Zhao Junran’s meticulous instructions. Zhao Junran, seeing Lin Nan, jokingly asked if Yu Luxi had dumped him.
Lin Nan explained he had sold his house to start a new business and intended to move in with Zhao Junran. Zhao Junran subtly tried to deter him, citing a lack of privacy due to Zhou Na and the house’s poor sound insulation, even offering earplugs. He then suggested Lin Nan stay with their parents, but Lin Nan refused, not wanting them to worry about him selling his house.
Zhao Junran, running out of excuses, advised Lin Nan to stay with Yu Luxi, but Lin Nan sheepishly said he was too embarrassed since they had just reconciled. He then put on the earplugs, pretending not to hear Zhao Junran’s further hints. Meanwhile, a video of Yu Luxi's past part-time dubbing work at a coffee shop, posted online by Liang Yichuan, made her an overnight sensation.
The coffee shop was soon swarmed with fans, some looking for Yu Luxi, others for Lin Nan, knowing he worked there. Xiaotian, a colleague, chastised Yu Luxi for appearing at the cafe, urging her to maintain a professional distance now that she was an online celebrity. Yu Luxi then called Lin Nan, frantically telling him not to come to the cafe and to "get rid of" himself (referring to the chaotic situation due to fans).
That evening, Zhao Junran successfully evicted Lin Nan, having packed his belongings and literally closed the door on him. With nowhere else to go, Lin Nan brought his luggage to Yu Luxi's house. Yu Luxi, whose father was frequently away leading tour groups, welcomed him. She was surprised that Lin Nan had sold his house without telling her and proceeded to lay down "three rules."
Yu Luxi declared that their positions had shifted: she was now the "Teacher Luxi" in the industry, while he was "nothing" with his new company yet to be established. Lin Nan tried to interject, mentioning his upcoming project, "Recalling Chang'an," but Yu Luxi cut him off, stating that he would be her "little assistant" for all future business engagements. Lin Nan reluctantly agreed, calling her "Teacher Luxi" obediently.
Yu Luxi then surprised him by inviting him to be a partner in his new company. Lin Nan was momentarily taken aback, recalling her previous reluctance, but Yu Luxi, now a "Teacher Luxi," accepted his serious offer. They sealed the deal. Yu Luxi reiterated their new dynamic, with her as the partner and him as "Assistant Lin."
Lin Nan jokingly lamented feeling like a "master and apprentice become master and servant," to which Yu Luxi retorted that he was, in fact, living under her roof. She then informed him of an important activity the next day, which he, as her assistant, would attend. Yu Luxi presented Lin Nan with a "couple suit" – a set of black pajamas – declaring it their new "passionately fiery" theme.
After they changed, Yu Luxi expressed her excitement about their "master and apprentice suit" upgrading to "couple suit" pajamas. She then suggested they do something meaningful and pulled out a Polaroid camera, announcing their plan to take a photo together every day, aspiring to fill their photo wall with their pictures. She explained that she had given away her entire collection of Mai Da merchandise to female fans, and now wanted photos with Lin Nan to fill the space.
They took several comical photos, posing awkwardly and giggling. Later, as Yu Luxi complained about the cold water after her shower (Lin Nan having used up the hot water), Lin Nan offered to warm her bed. Yu Luxi seemed to expect him to physically warm the bed, but Lin Nan instead produced a hot water bottle, teasing her for her blush. He told her not to stay up too late, as they would be decorating the studio the next day.
The following day, Lin Nan showed Yu Luxi the renderings for his new animated series, "Recalling Chang'an." Yu Luxi found them "just so-so," disagreeing with Lin Nan’s artistic choices for a sad scene. She felt the bright setting didn't match the characters' emotions, even when Lin Nan tried to argue it provided contrast. Yu Luxi demonstrated a sad line, saying, "Having married into this place, I am already an outsider.
To have come this far, all my sacrifices were for the greater good. If even you, my husband, do not care for me, what am I to do in the future?" Lin Nan tried to respond in character, promising to be good to her, but Yu Luxi criticized his hand gestures and exaggerated acting.
Yu Luxi then suggested they role-play, with her as the princess and him as the king, where he would embrace her as she gazed into the distance. As they leaned in for what seemed to be a kiss, Yu Luxi's father unexpectedly walked through the door, startling both of them. Yu Luxi immediately straightened up, calling out "Dad!" as her hair clip fell off in her panic.
Episode 27 Recap
Yu Luxi's father returned home to find Lin Nan and Yu Luxi in an intimate embrace. He sternly questioned their relationship. Lin Nan explained they were formerly mentor and apprentice, then a couple, and now are just in a normal relationship. Yu Luxi quickly affirmed they were together, but her father chastised her for speaking.
Yu Luxi then explained they were merely "rehearsing" for a new job, with Lin Nan confirming this, claiming he was just staying for two days on the sofa and planned to leave after the rehearsal. The father, however, remained skeptical, questioning if their "rehearsal" would extend through the night or even to the next day.
After understanding that the two might truly be in a proper relationship, Yu Luxi's father casually invited Lin Nan to stay longer, which Lin Nan unhesitatingly accepted, much to Yu Luxi's confusion about his intentions. The father then, staring intently, revealed his culinary specialty was "Stewed Lin Nan." He insisted Lin Nan sleep in his bedroom, stating it was to get to know him better.
Yu Luxi protested her father's actions, but he claimed it was for her own good, questioning how well she truly knew Lin Nan's past, particularly details like his kindergarten deskmate or junior high teacher. That night, Yu Luxi's father engaged Lin Nan in a lengthy conversation, interrogating him about his romantic history from kindergarten through college, brushing off Yu Luxi's attempts to get them to sleep.
The next morning, Yu Luxi prepared a lavish breakfast for them, a first in over twenty years, deeply moving her father. He then deliberately asked Lin Nan why he hadn't made breakfast, to which Lin Nan reminded him of their late-night chat. Yu Luxi defended Lin Nan, stating he usually took care of breakfast, and this was her first time.
Lin Nan also detailed his cooking skills, mentioning toast, eggs, salad, ham, milk, and also hot soy milk, fried dough sticks, and crepes. Later, Lin Nan presented Yu Luxi with a new studio, explaining he had rented it for them to start their new venture, and called it a gift.
Yu Luxi was thrilled, but when Lin Nan said he would "cover her," she playfully declared herself an independent woman who wanted to "manage him" as an equal partner in their new venture, ordering him around like a boss. Later that day, Yu Luxi's father called Yu Xiaotian on the phone, instructing him to take Yu Luxi out that evening so he could conduct a private "test" on Lin Nan.
During dinner, the three men sat together, and the father proposed a toast. Lin Nan initially suggested waiting for Yu Luxi, but Yu Xiaotian revealed he had intentionally kept his sister away and that she didn't drink, encouraging them to proceed. A drinking contest ensued. Yu Xiaotian, understanding his uncle's intentions, tried to help Lin Nan by taking drinks for him and attempting to get the father to drink more.
However, despite the father repeatedly kicking him under the table to make him drink, Yu Xiaotian's efforts ultimately angered the father. Feeling he had "screwed up" and dejected, Yu Xiaotian left for school, hoping coffee would sober him up. At the cafe, Yu Xiaotian ran into Liang Yiyi, who was upset he had missed their study session. Yu Xiaotian, tipsy and dejected, confessed he'd forgotten and felt useless.
Liang Yiyi eagerly offered to make him coffee, despite his skepticism about her abilities. She clumsily attempted to grind beans and brew coffee, with Yu Xiaotian's guidance. As they leaned in to smell the coffee, they were in close proximity, causing Liang Yiyi's heart to pound. Before departing, she told Yu Xiaotian she thought he was "particularly useful" and "the best." Yu Xiaotian later reflected on Liang Yiyi's words, realizing his strong feelings for her.
When Yu Luxi returned home, she found both Lin Nan and her father passed out drunk. She roused her father, who, barely coherent, called Yu Xiaotian a "traitor" for his poor performance in the drinking test. Yu Luxi asserted her trust in her own judgment of Lin Nan and told her father not to interfere anymore. Her father conceded, telling her to take care of Lin Nan and went to bed.
The next morning, Lin Nan woke up in Yu Luxi's room, panicking about her father's reaction. Yu Luxi calmed him, revealing that her father had tacitly approved their relationship and would no longer meddle. Overjoyed, Lin Nan jokingly declared his official "move-in" and playfully chased Yu Luxi for a "contract stamp," implying a kiss. Later, at the library, Liang Yiyi and Yu Xiaotian unexpectedly met while choosing textbooks.
Yu Xiaotian surprised Liang Yiyi by playing a recording of her own voice. He explained it was for his graduate project, an Artificial Intelligence Sound System, and declared his intention to record all her voice-overs and let the world hear them. Liang Yiyi, who could tell Xiaotian still cared about her, was touched by his gesture and asked if he was confessing his feelings to her.
Episode 28 Recap
Liang Yiyi confronted Yu Xiaotian about his feelings, asking if his graduation project, which recorded her voice, was a confession. Yu Xiaotian initially denied it, explaining his goal was to create an AI driven by voice recognition. Liang Yiyi pressed him to confess, and after he finally said, "I like you," she initiated a kiss. Emboldened by her actions, which included several kisses, Yu Xiaotian finally mustered his courage and reciprocated passionately, and they officially began dating.
The next morning, Yu Luxi's father, Mr. Yu, left to buy groceries but became disoriented, forgetting his way back to their residential complex. When Lin Nan and Yu Luxi returned home, they found Mr. Yu missing and couldn't reach him on his phone, sparking deep concern. They frantically searched the house and the neighborhood for him.
As they searched, Lin Nan discovered a dismissal letter among Mr. Yu's belongings, indicating he had been fired for repeatedly making errors in his work, such as mistaking routes and tourist numbers, leading to multiple complaints. Shortly after, Lin Nan found medical records confirming Mr. Yu suffered from intermittent amnesia. Before Yu Luxi could fully process this shocking news, they received a call from the community police station informing them that Mr. Yu was with them.
Lin Nan and Yu Luxi immediately rushed to the station to pick him up. Mr. Yu returned home, subdued and silent. Yu Luxi noticed he was holding a bag of "strange beans," her favorite childhood snack, realizing he had gotten lost trying to buy them for her. Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears while eating the snack.
She gently explained to her father that from now on, she would give him a small card with her phone number and their home address, so he could always find help if his phone died. As she spoke, her emotions intensified. Lin Nan, seeing her distress, gently led Mr. Yu to his room to rest. Mr. Yu, looking distressed, promised not to go out alone again, to which Yu Luxi responded that she and Lin Nan would always accompany him.
Later, Yu Luxi found documents related to nursing homes among her father's belongings, revealing he had been secretly researching them. She confronted him emotionally, saddened that he was trying to distance himself. Lin Nan, having consulted Dr. Ouyang, explained that Mr. Yu had indeed been diagnosed with intermittent amnesia and had likely contacted the nursing home to avoid burdening Yu Luxi. He reassured Yu Luxi, promising to support her through the long treatment process and care for Mr. Yu together.
That night, Yu Luxi secretly researched Mr. Yu's condition. The next morning, Yu Luxi shared her resolve with Lin Nan: she intended to work hard and earn enough money to care for her father before his memory of her faded. While Lin Nan suggested she focus on caring for Mr. Yu at home, assuring her he would provide for them, Yu Luxi insisted on working with him.
She understood that her father had secretly sought out a nursing home because he feared becoming a burden on her career. To prevent him from feeling any guilt, she felt it was even more important for them to start their business together. Lin Nan recognized her newfound maturity. The following day, they began renovating their studio, with Yu Xiaotian covering for Lin Nan for two days.
Yu Luxi, now more confident and steady, excelled in the recording booth, completing many takes in one go. After the studio was renovated, they turned their attention to naming their company. Lin Nan suggested names like "Black and White Match" and "United City," but Yu Luxi dismissed them as too old-fashioned and not fitting a modern style.
Lin Nan then proposed "Nan Xi," combining their names, but Yu Luxi found it sounded too much like a girl's name and playfully suggested "Yu Lin" (fish scales), which Lin Nan found unappealing. Finally, while resting, Yu Luxi came up with "Light Chaser," explaining that it represented them as people pursuing light, filled with hope despite an unknown destination. Lin Nan agreed, finding the name meaningful and far better than his previous ideas.
They sealed the decision, embracing the name "Light Chaser." Gazing at their newly renovated studio, they shared a moment, reflecting on their entrepreneurial journey ahead and seeing a future full of hope through the bright windows. Soon, the two embarked on their partnership. For their first investment meeting with Mr. Li, Yu Luxi acted as Lin Nan's assistant. However, their collaboration was initially awkward, as Yu Luxi struggled to find the necessary investment documents in her briefcase.
Mr. Li, recognizing Lin Nan as a prominent figure, was intrigued by his assistant. Realizing this dynamic could work to their advantage, Yu Luxi proposed they switch roles for future meetings. For their next meeting at Beidou Penguin Dubbing Studio, where Yu Luxi was the "Ms. Yu" of Light Chaser, Lin Nan played the role of her assistant. He initially tried to remain inconspicuous to avoid being recognized, but his past reputation was too well-known.
The clients, impressed by Ms. Yu's dubbing performance, soon noticed that the renowned Mr. Lin was willingly serving as her assistant. Yu Luxi playfully remarked on Lin Nan's fame, to which he affirmed he was willingly her assistant. This unexpected sight immediately piqued their interest in the "Light Chaser" studio, suggesting a strong background for the business. Separately, Yu Xiaotian received an unexpected call from Guan Gong Future Technology.
They had seen his graduation project online and expressed strong interest in its commercialization, offering him an opportunity to take a technological stake and participate in the entire development and application process. Yu Xiaotian was surprised by this unforeseen opportunity.
Episode 29 Recap
Zhao Junran received an urgent phone call from Lin Nan, who was eager to secure new clients. Lin Nan admitted he had never handled sales before and needed to gain experience, lamenting that he often felt like Yu Luxi's assistant. Later, Zhao Junran called Zhou Na, expressing his desire to introduce her to his family.
Before Zhou Na could fully react, Zhao Junran made a video call to his father, declaring his intention to marry Zhou Na and adding her to the family chat group, much to Zhou Na's surprise and mild frustration. Lin Nan presented his detailed production plan for "Recalling Chang'an" to Producer Li, outlining the comprehensive development from script to post-production.
However, Producer Li was unimpressed, finding the project lacked a unique selling point and dismissing Lin Nan's ambitious plans as "empty checks" unsuitable for an A-level rating. As Producer Li prepared to leave, Yu Luxi intervened, removing her mask and revealing herself as Lin Nan's partner. She explained that she enjoys role-playing and would personally voice all of their projects.
Recognizing Yu Luxi, a renowned voice actor who brought her own fan base, Producer Li immediately agreed to an A-level rating for "Recalling Chang'an" and offered her additional projects for collaboration. Zhao Junran and Zhou Na later met with Zhao Junran's younger brother, Zhao Junhao, at a familiar location. Zhao Junhao formally apologized for his previous disrespectful behavior towards Zhou Na's profession, acknowledging that he had come to appreciate the industry after seeing how passionately Zhao Junran pursued dubbing.
He then revealed his "important task": to represent their family and "settle" Zhou Na, as Zhao Junran had been too cautious to take her to meet their parents directly. After some playful banter between Zhao Junran and Zhou Na, Zhao Junhao steered the conversation to motorcycles, expressing his interest in Zhou Na's vintage streetcar. She offered to teach him to ride, an offer he enthusiastically considered despite Zhao Junran's reservations.
Meanwhile, Yu Luxi encountered Liang Yichuan at Producer Li's office, where Liang Yichuan was discussing the development of "Lu Yao Season 2." Yu Luxi complimented Liang Yichuan's continued success and convinced him to join her and Lin Nan, noting their growing distance since he took over Fengling. Downstairs, Lin Nan was waiting when Liang Yiyi approached him. She congratulated him and Yu Luxi on their joint venture and relationship, affirming she had moved past her feelings for him.
When Yu Luxi and Liang Yichuan joined them, Liang Yiyi remarked on the rare gathering and spoke of Liang Yichuan's hard work at Fengling. The conversation was tinged with awkwardness, prompting Yu Luxi to suggest a drink with Liang Yiyi, while Lin Nan excused himself and Yu Luxi due to work. They departed hand-in-hand, their affectionate display catching Liang Yichuan's eye.
He commented on their sweet romance, only for Liang Yiyi to reveal she also had a boyfriend, leaving him as the sole single person. Liang Yichuan then bombarded her with questions about her new partner. Lin Nan visited Yu Luxi's father, whose memory continued to decline, sometimes failing to recognize him. Lin Nan gently reminded him of their relationship.
Yu Luxi's father then eagerly brought Lin Nan to the kitchen, determined to teach him his special beef tongue noodle recipe—Yu Luxi's favorite comfort food. He passionately described the ingredients and method, insisting Lin Nan remember it by heart as it was a "secret recipe" meant to cheer up Yu Luxi. Lin Nan promised to master the dish and always keep Yu Luxi happy.
Yu Luxi's father also expressed his deep longing to travel with his daughter, a wish Lin Nan vowed to fulfill. Lin Nan began organizing a surprise trip for Yu Luxi's father with friends from the dubbing class. During their planning meeting, Zhao Junran received a distressing call: his younger brother, Zhao Junhao, had been in a motorcycle accident and was hospitalized. Zhao Junran and Zhou Na immediately rushed to the hospital. At the hospital, Zhao Junhao's foot was injured.
Their father angrily scolded Zhao Junhao for riding a motorcycle despite having family cars and drivers. Zhou Na attempted to take responsibility for teaching him, but Zhao Junran quickly intervened, falsely claiming he had lent Zhao Junhao his friend's motorcycle. Zhao Junhao, however, firmly stated he chose to ride it and accepted full responsibility. He then asked for privacy with Zhao Junran and Zhou Na.
Alone, Zhao Junhao emotionally confessed his resentment, revealing he secretly envied Zhao Junran's freedom and rebellious spirit. He explained that his own studious and mature demeanor, always conforming to their parents' expectations, was taken for granted, whereas Zhao Junran's independence garnered attention. Zhao Junhao shared his lifelong dream of becoming a professional racing driver, not a corporate executive bogged down by financial reports. He praised Zhao Junran for pursuing his passion for dubbing despite parental disapproval, finding happiness and love.
Zhao Junran was deeply regretful, realizing his brother had been suppressing these feelings for years, and that he himself, through his own choices, had inadvertently contributed to that suppression. Zhou Na comforted Zhao Junran, assuring him it was not too late to mend their relationship. Despite the disruption, Lin Nan's planned trip for Yu Luxi's father went ahead.
Yu Luxi's father, holding a small red flag, proudly led their "boutique group" as their personal tour guide, emphasizing safety and reminding everyone, especially the youngest, Xiaotian, to stay close. He happily remarked to Yu Luxi that it had been many years since they had traveled together.
Episode 30 Recap
Zhou Na submitted her resignation at the company, expressing her intention to help Zhao Junran manage his family business, which he was returning to inherit. Liang Yichuan, who had worked with Zhou Na for many years and understood her personality, advised her to consider herself for once, noting that she often prioritized others. This remark resonated deeply with Zhou Na, revealing the sensitive and selfless nature beneath her strong exterior.
Meanwhile, Yu Luxi's father, a tour guide, entertained his group by playing recordings of his daughter's voice-overs, even asking tourists to imitate her. Every topic he brought up invariably circled back to his daughter, reflecting his immense pride in her. Yu Luxi realized the recordings were two years old, understanding that her father had carried her voice-over work with him on every tour, making her emotional and tear up as she remembered their moments together.
At the end of the one-day tour, Yu Luxi felt a pang of sadness, fearing her father might have forgotten her name, but he called out to her as she was about to leave. Overwhelmed with relief and emotion, she embraced him, crying. Back at the studio, news broke that AI technology was poised to replace the dubbing industry.
Lin Nan received a call from Producer Li, who informed him that their contract for the pilot episode was canceled, as they planned to use AI dubbing due to its lower cost and reusability. Lin Nan explained to Yu Luxi and their colleagues that AI was faster and could even create "AI idols" unaffected by human emotions.
Yu Luxi angrily pointed out a news article featuring Yu Xiaotian, who casually admitted he had invented the AI system and sold its patent, sparking her fury. Simultaneously, Youlong's business was also severely impacted. Mr. Zhang notified Liang Yichuan that their contract was terminated, as they intended to use AI for the second season's protagonist, a decision supported by Guan Cheng, who was present.
Guan Cheng, now operating his own company after leaving Youlong, even invited Zhou Na to join him, but she dismissed him as a "scum." Liang Yichuan suspected Guan Cheng was behind Lin Nan's contract cancellation and asked Zhou Na to reconsider her resignation, emphasizing the company's need for her. Yu Luxi and Lin Nan confronted Yu Xiaotian, but he remained silent, waiting for his "reinforcements," who turned out to be Liang Yiyi.
Liang Yiyi defended Yu Xiaotian, admitting she also authorized her voice for the system. Later, while walking, Liang Yiyi pressed Yu Xiaotian, pointing out the severe consequences of his actions: Lin Nan and Yu Luxi's newly established company was on the verge of bankruptcy, Youlong's operations were severely affected, and many voice acting friends were losing their jobs. However, Yu Xiaotian insisted he had done nothing wrong, viewing AI as technological progress that would also create new opportunities.
Liang Yiyi's words, however, began to have an effect, and after she left, he started to deeply reflect on his actions. That evening, Lin Nan tried to calm a still-furious Yu Luxi. He acknowledged Yu Xiaotian's points, suggesting that AI might have its place and could eventually replace traditional dubbing, but also bring new opportunities. Yu Luxi accused him of supporting Yu Xiaotian and opposing her.
Lin Nan tried to explain that technology had always driven the industry's growth, citing examples like the shift from tape recording to digital editing, and argued that they could not stop scientific progress. Yu Luxi questioned the fairness of AI replacing human voice actors like Liang Yiyi, especially since AI was cheaper. Lin Nan responded that her perspective was overly emotional and one-sided, stressing the importance of allowing different viewpoints.
Yu Luxi angrily demanded why he was "standing on the opposite side" as his girlfriend. Lin Nan insisted they were discussing industry issues, not personal feelings. Feeling unheard, Yu Luxi declared she didn't want to talk to him or see him, and Lin Nan, frustrated, stormed out.
Episode 31 Recap
Under the night sky, Zhao Junran, Lin Nan, and Xiaotian were dejectedly drinking together. Zhao Junran, who had been kicked out of his home by Zhou Na after she confiscated all his money, learned that Lin Nan had also been sent away by Yu Luxi, and Xiaotian had his game accounts seized and his laptop nearly destroyed.
The three men lamented their misfortune, finding common ground in their grievances about their girlfriends' refusal to accept artificial intelligence as a superior alternative to traditional voice acting. Though Zhao Junran initially wavered, contemplating apologizing, Lin Nan and Xiaotian urged him to remain resolute, convinced that the women would eventually understand their perspective. Meanwhile, Yu Luxi, Zhou Na, and Liang Yiyi gathered for their own drinks. Zhou Na expressed frustration that their boyfriends supported AI dubbing, calling them unreliable.
Liang Yichuan, present with the women, declared his allegiance to their cause, emphasizing his reliability. Zhou Na then suggested they take a celebratory photo to "piss off" the men, and Liang Yichuan eagerly joined in. Upon seeing the photo on social media, Zhao Junran was alarmed to find Liang Yichuan proudly posing next to Zhou Na, a situation he deemed unacceptable given Liang Yichuan's opportunistic nature.
Worried about Liang Yichuan gaining an advantage, Zhao Junran abandoned his earlier resolve and declared he was going home to make amends. Lin Nan, also spurred by the photo, decided to leave as well. Zhao Junran tried to convince Xiaotian to apologize with them, but Xiaotian stubbornly refused, leaving him behind. Lin Nan arrived home to find Yu Luxi. She noted his drinking, and he hers, asserting that his was with "brothers" while hers was with "sisters," which she confirmed.
Lin Nan then apologized. Yu Luxi, still playfully annoyed by his earlier stance on AI, presented him with two options for her forgiveness, both identical in wording but one attributed to an AI version of herself and the other to her genuine self. Lin Nan quickly chose the genuine Yu Luxi. As they leaned in to kiss, Yu Luxi's father, who suffers from dementia, unexpectedly opened the door, having heard what he believed was his daughter's voice.
The intimate moment was interrupted, and he soon left, seeking his daughter. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Nan called Xiaotian, telling him he had a chance to redeem himself, and then excused himself from Yu Luxi. The next day, Yu Luxi's father was playing chess with neighbors when Xiaotian arrived. Xiaotian showed him a new device resembling a phone, claiming it would allow him to speak with Yu Luxi every day.
The device, mimicking Yu Luxi's voice, answered her father's questions about her meal and even played a short voice clip. Believing he was truly speaking to his daughter, Yu Luxi's father was overjoyed and agreed to keep the device a secret. Yu Luxi, who had been watching from the side with Lin Nan, was stunned.
Lin Nan comforted her, explaining that while they couldn't stop technological progress, which undeniably improved lives, he would ensure AI was used for public welfare, not for dubbing. Yu Luxi agreed with his perspective and informed Lin Nan that she had already contacted Liang Yichuan to help convince the platform to grant them a fair competition.
Concurrently, a producer, Li, met with Guan Cheng, founder of Guan Gong Future Technology, who pressed for his AI team to be exclusively assigned to the project "Recalling Chang'an." Producer Li, however, clarified that while there was an "intention to cooperate," a final decision had not been made, implying Guan Cheng still needed to demonstrate his strength. Lin Nan, Yu Luxi, and Liang Yichuan then gathered to choose a scene for their dubbing practice.
After some debate, they agreed on the "Leaving the White Horse" scene. Liang Yichuan suggested he voice King Zi and Lin Nan voice Princess Xiyue, leading to a humorous argument as Lin Nan refused to voice the female role. Ultimately, Yu Luxi stepped in to voice King Zi, while Lin Nan voiced Princess Xiyue. Liang Yichuan, observing their affectionate interaction during practice, found it excessively sweet.
Backstage at the competition, Xiaotian attempted to reconcile with Liang Yiyi, who chastised him as a "traitor." Xiaotian, defending the innocence of technology, claimed to be Lin Nan's "secret weapon" and promised Lin Nan would win. Liang Yiyi agreed to forgive him if Lin Nan secured the victory, and Xiaotian showed her a glimpse of his "secret weapon."
Meanwhile, Yu Luxi helped Lin Nan put on a suit he had prepared six years ago for an awards ceremony, calling it his "armor" and assuring him of their success. The online competition commenced, pitting Guan Cheng's AI against Lin Nan's human voice acting. Guan Cheng demonstrated his AI, "Xiaopei," which flawlessly delivered a script in a sweet female voice. He touted its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ability to generate unique voice lines, urging the audience to vote for AI.
The initial results were overwhelmingly in favor of AI, showing 95% of the votes. Seeing this, Lin Nan decided with Yu Luxi to shift their strategy from a technical display to an emotional appeal. Lin Nan took the stage, presenting himself as an animation director and former voice actor. He then showed an animated short tracing the challenging history of Chinese dubbing, emphasizing its growth and the passion of its practitioners.
He posed the question of whether technology could truly replace human voice acting. As his "secret weapon," he then played a video for the audience. In the video, Xiaotian presented the AI device to Yu Luxi's father. Despite his dementia, Yu Luxi's father immediately recognized that it was not his daughter's voice, asserting that his daughter's voice possessed a warmth and emotion that the machine lacked.
Watching the video from backstage, Yu Luxi was deeply moved, tears streaming down her face, touched that her father, who often forgot her face, still recognized the essence of her voice. Backstage, Xiaotian confirmed to Liang Yiyi that this video was indeed their "secret weapon." In a post-credits scene, two older gentlemen discussed artificial intelligence over tea. One of them opined that while AI undoubtedly drives societal progress, voice acting transcends merely conveying information; its true value lies in the emotions it transmits.
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
On stage, Lin Nan reveals that the man shown on screen is Yu Luxi’s father, who suffers from intermittent amnesia, often forgetting his daughter’s face but always recognizing her voice. Lin Nan emphasizes that sound holds unique memories, citing examples of Yu Luxi's father recalling her voice clamoring for specific foods and praising his cooking. He asserts that these personal experiences and emotions are unique and cannot be replicated by data algorithms.
Lin Nan then discloses his true identity as the former voice actor Mai Da. He recounts how throat cancer years ago drastically altered his voice, leading him to abandon the dubbing industry. However, meeting Yu Luxi and being inspired by her brought him back to the microphone.
He explains that while he lost his old Mai Da voice, he embraced his authentic voice as Lin Nan, a change that reflects his courage to face setbacks and his growth through life's challenges—qualities, he states, that artificial intelligence lacks. He concludes by affirming that emotion is the most wonderful part of sound.
The host announces the final results of the AI versus traditional dubbing competition: Future Technology received 28% of the votes, while Light Chaser Studio triumphed with 72%, securing 5. 76 million votes. The audience celebrates Light Chaser's victory. Backstage, Liang Yiyi tells Yu Xiaotian that emotion is more important than his technology, and Yu Xiaotian, seeming to agree, asks if she has forgiven him.
A producer approaches Lin Nan, praising his speech and announcing that Light Chaser will be responsible for dubbing "Recalling Chang'an." A desperate Guan Cheng attempts to plead with the producer to reconsider, but his efforts are in vain. Lin Nan offers to treat everyone to an expensive celebratory dinner. During the celebration, Zhao Junran gathers his friends to announce his decision to leave the dubbing industry.
He initially jokes about inheriting his family’s wealth, but Zhou Na presses him for the real reason. He then admits that with his father seriously ill, he must return home to take over the family business, shoulder his responsibilities, and make amends to his younger brother, though he believes it's not a "cool" reason. Zhou Na assures him it makes him look very handsome.
Fighting back tears, Zhao Junran shares heartfelt goodbyes, shaking hands and hugging his friends before leaving, with Zhou Na quickly following him. Lin Nan remarks that Zhao Junran has finally grown up. Some time later, Lin Nan, Yu Luxi, and her father are fishing. Lin Nan subtly asks Yu Luxi’s father for his impression, to which her father praises his character, noting his clear eyebrows and kind demeanor, even playfully suggesting he’d be afraid of his wife after marriage.
Lin Nan then explicitly asks for permission to marry Yu Luxi. Her father initially hesitates, citing her youth, but Yu Luxi, at twenty-five, quickly clarifies. Her father then gives his blessing. Lin Nan promptly produces a diamond ring, surprising Yu Luxi’s father. Yu Luxi happily accepts, extending her finger for Lin Nan to place the ring. Lin Nan promises her father he will take good care of her, and her father heartily agrees. A year passes.
Lin Nan, now actively working under his real name, is in a recording studio, meticulously practicing his lines while a director gives him strict instructions. Yu Luxi visits him, teasing him about whether he regrets not using his Mai Da identity, but Lin Nan is content with his current persona. She mentions the upcoming Echo List award ceremony, and he assures her he isn't nervous with her by his side.
Meanwhile, Zhou Na and Zhao Junran navigate their busy schedules, meeting for a rushed working lunch, reminiscing about quick school-day rendezvous. Elsewhere, Yu Xiaotian tutors a sleepy Liang Yiyi, who explains her exhaustion from demanding work. Yu Xiaotian, doting on her, suggests she doesn't need to work so hard, revealing that his AI system has won an award and will soon bring in prize money. Later, Yu Luxi is announced as the final winner of the Echo List.
On stage, she expresses gratitude and reflects on her journey, acknowledging past criticisms but highlighting the immense joy she found in dubbing. She encourages fellow enthusiasts of Chinese animation dubbing not to fear a lack of opportunities, emphasizing that persistence leads to success. She declares that this award is not an endpoint but a new beginning, vowing to remain true to her passion for dubbing and to cherish every moment at the microphone.
To her surprise, Lin Nan is introduced as the mysterious guest to present the award. He congratulates her and hands her the trophy.
In a subsequent montage, the characters reveal their continued paths: Lin Nan, though no longer a competitive performer, dedicates himself to training aspiring voice artists; Liang Yiyi, while still loving voice acting, finds her calling in teaching children about the emotional power of voice; Zhao Junran, having left the stage, keeps dubbing as an integral part of his life; and Liang Yichuan, though not a voice actor, remains deeply devoted to the art form, never forgetting his youthful dream.
In a post-credit scene, Yu Luxi and Lin Nan are with Yu Luxi's father, who is again disoriented. Yu Luxi plays a recording of herself, but her father insists it's not his daughter's voice. Lin Nan and Yu Luxi try to convince him, but he maintains that he cannot recognize his daughter's voice in the recording, even if it sounds similar. Yu Luxi playfully asks if someone imitated her voice.









