In Love With Your Dimples Recap, Plot, Synopsis
In Love With Your Dimples Synopsis
Tang Shuangli, a young girl who used to be a straight-A student, returns to her hometown to work as a receptionist after suffering from “out of work, out of love, and out of money”.
She wants to be nobody.
However, because of her talent, interesting soul, and frankness, she attracts the attention of the three handsome men, Lu Zhiyi, He Qiaosheng, and He Qizhan, who have very different personalities.
In Love With Your Dimples Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Hush Company software engineer Tang Shuangli returned to China after a series of personal setbacks in the US. During her journey, she encountered Lu Zhiyi, an entrepreneur who also used extreme sports to release pressure. The two immediately clashed, leading to a series of comical confrontations. Lu Zhiyi, who had become addicted to extreme sports six years prior after an attempt, found the thrill of high-altitude jumps exhilarating. He was admired by others for his daring feats.
Tang Shuangli, seeing him, decided to try bungee jumping herself. However, at the edge, she hesitated, paralyzed by fear. A bystander, Zhao Da, urged her to make up her mind or step aside. Tang Shuangli, trying to psych herself up, repeatedly said, "I can do it! I want to jump!" and asked for more time. Seeing her struggle, Lu Zhiyi stepped forward. He calmly told her to relax and follow his lead, then, despite her cries of "No! Help!"
, he gently pushed her off the platform. Tang Shuangli screamed, convinced she was being murdered, but soon found herself soaring. Later, back on solid ground, she remarked, "The feeling of the breeze on my face is so good!" That night, while Lu Zhiyi was stargazing, he spotted Tang Shuangli singing, unaware of a snake approaching her. He urgently warned her, "Don't move!"
Tang Shuangli, startled and unable to see him clearly, panicked and thought he was trying to rob her, exclaiming, "I don't have any money." Lu Zhiyi swiftly killed the snake. He then shined his flashlight on her face, and seeing the dead snake, Tang Shuangli was terrified. As they walked away, Tang Shuangli, still shaken and not paying attention, stumbled. When Lu Zhiyi helped her up, she discovered a leech on her chest and screamed, asking, "What is that?"
Seeing the blood, she asked whose it was, and Lu Zhiyi confirmed it was hers. He insisted they return to treat the wound, eventually carrying her back to his camp. Zhao Da, Lu Zhiyi's friend, brought the first aid kit. Lu Zhiyi explained to Zhao Da that the leech was poisonous and the blood needed to be sucked out.
Upon seeing Lu Zhiyi sucking the blood from Tang Shuangli's chest, Zhao Da comically misunderstood the situation, thinking their relationship was progressing rapidly. Lu Zhiyi then helped Tang Shuangli clean and bandage her wound. As he did so, he noticed the name "Tang Shuangli" on her ID tag. This instantly brought back a memory from middle school: the midterm math exam results showing "Tang Shuangli" as number one and "Lu Xiaoyi" (his childhood name) as number two.
He wondered if this was the same Tang Shuangli. Tang Shuangli, still shaken from the ordeal, reflected on a sign warning about "ticks, venomous snakes, and other wild animals in the mountains", feeling lucky to have survived. She checked her phone and realized it was late, quickly arranging a ride to leave the campsite. Meanwhile, He Qiaosheng and his younger brother He Qizhan were at a shooting range. Ye Lin, their colleague, commented that the two brothers were evenly matched.
He Qiaosheng then subtly corrected her, asserting his seniority. He Qizhan was annoyed that his brother had scored one point higher, despite He Qiaosheng's teasing remark about winning. Ye Lin also joked with He Qizhan about his recent move, asking where he moved, to which He Qizhan replied cryptically, implying he didn't want his brother to know his address.
Later, Tang Shuangli arrived at what she thought was her home, but instead of her grandmother, she found He Qizhan, wearing a bathrobe. He Qizhan, surprised, questioned her presence. Tang Shuangli explained that her grandmother, Li Huiyun, had sent her the keys from the US. He Qizhan then presented a tenancy agreement, stating he had legally rented the apartment and paid a full year's rent, insisting it was his home now.
Tang Shuangli argued that it was her childhood home, filled with memories, and he had no right to kick her out. Their argument escalated, with Tang Shuangli accusing him of having a "black heart" and He Qizhan accusing her of lacking dignity for staying in a strange man's house at night. Tang Shuangli, emotionally distraught, revealed she had just returned from abroad, had no relatives nearby, and nowhere to go, as her grandmother was now in a nursing home.
She offered to compensate him to leave, but he refused, highlighting his long-term rental and renovations. Eventually, she locked herself in her childhood bedroom. After securing her room, Tang Shuangli read the contract and learned He Qizhan's name. She realized the compensation for breaching the contract was double the rent, an amount she couldn't afford. She decided she couldn't leave and needed a plan to stay.
Unbeknownst to her, He Qizhan, despite their argument, later left a blanket outside her door, revealing a hidden softer side. The next morning, He Qizhan was frustrated to see signs of Tang Shuangli settling in throughout the house. He confronted her, demanding she leave, but Tang Shuangli was resolute, asserting her right to stay in her childhood room. She called her grandmother, Li Huiyun, complaining about the house being rented out and her homelessness.
Li Huiyun explained that Tang Shuangli's mother had supported the decision to rent the house for "old-age care" and hadn't mentioned Tang Shuangli's return. Tang Shuangli felt her mother was trying to cut off her options, forcing her back to the US, but she was determined not to give up. Seeing Tang Shuangli's distress, Li Huiyun offered her money, which Tang Shuangli refused, insisting she would earn her own living.
Li Huiyun then spoke to He Qizhan on the phone, convincing him to allow Tang Shuangli to stay, but He Qizhan set a condition: Tang Shuangli would pay the utility bills. Tang Shuangli readily agreed. Later, Tang Shuangli visited a nougat shop, delighted that it was still open after so many years and that the nougat tasted just as good as her childhood memories. The shop owner confirmed it was still their family's business.
Lu Zhiyi, walking his dog by the river, saw her leaving the shop. He then bought a nougat for himself, eating it as he reminisced about a childhood memory of sharing nougat with a young girl. At the Hash Group, Ye Lin informed He Qiaosheng that Albert, the Asian regional representative, had arrived and was in charge of the company's tender offer in China.
He Qiaosheng noted that Albert was his junior from the University of Georgia, which he believed would make the public relations easier. That evening, Albert video-called his girlfriend, who expressed how much she missed him and their baby, urging him to return soon. Albert promised to fly back as soon as he finished with the tenderers. Outside, Tang Shuangli stood under the night sky, loudly proclaiming, "I am back!"
Back at home, He Qizhan was furious when he found the shower water was cold. He accused Tang Shuangli of tampering with the electricity, but she pointed to a "water and electricity saving schedule" she had posted on the cabinet, insisting she was just being economical. Moments later, the power went out, ruining He Qizhan's all-night coding work. He exploded, demanding Tang Shuangli pack her things and disappear.
Tang Shuangli argued that since she was paying for utilities, they were effectively co-tenants, and he had no right to kick her out after promising her grandmother. The next day, Tang Shuangli dressed up meticulously, prompting He Qizhan to notice her unusual appearance with curiosity. At the Wanli Hotel, Tang Shuangli accidentally bumped into He Qiaosheng, who recognized her from their time at the University of Georgia, where she studied computer science and he studied finance.
He Qiaosheng, accompanied by Ye Lin, then went to meet Albert for a discussion about the Hash Group's bid. Watching Albert talk, Tang Shuangli remembered her college days when Albert was her boyfriend, before he married someone else without telling her. Albert briefly noticed Tang Shuangli but chose to continue his business discussion. As Tang Shuangli walked away, she then collided with Lu Zhiyi, but she didn't recognize him, though he clearly recognized her.
Later, Tang Shuangli and He Qizhan were at a seafood market. He Qizhan bought her a small turtle, pointing out its "double eyelids" and "small dimples when it smiles," jokingly saying it resembled her. Tang Shuangli, delighted, decided to name it "Dimples." After their shopping, Tang Shuangli invited He Qizhan to dinner.
She wanted to go to "The Shed," describing it as a place for beer, skewers, and seafood, but He Qizhan corrected her, saying it was called a "Dai pai dong." They ended up eating there, making a toast: "Let's cherish all the encounters and respect every loss." He Qizhan noted her philosophical words, suggesting she had a story to tell. He then took a phone call from his brother.
As Lu Zhiyi drove past the Dai pai dong, he saw Tang Shuangli sitting alone, drinking. A flashback showed Tang Shuangli having a phone conversation with someone, likely her mother, in the US. She expressed her desire to return to China, to her homeland and hometown, asking, "I want to go back to China, okay?"
The person on the other end questioned her decision, highlighting her lack of friends, career, or love life there, and reminding her of the comfortable "middle-class annual income" she had achieved. Tang Shuangli responded that she no longer wanted those things. She explained that her best friend had died, her trusted mentor was gone, and her boyfriend had married someone else without a word.
She longed to live an ordinary life, with friends and a loving boyfriend, instead of a life where she "didn't know who to call when I pick up my phone." Despite the resistance, Tang Shuangli was resolute in her decision to return to China, wanting to experience life on her own terms, "whether it's right or wrong." The person on the phone, seemingly resigned, told her to go back, but added, "You're not getting a penny from me."
Episode 2 Recap
Lu Zhiyi is informed by Zhao Da that Tang Shuangli, whom Zhao Da refers to as "Jinli" (Koi), is once again drinking heavily. Lu Zhiyi dismisses the observation, stating she has nothing to do with them, and instructs Zhao Da to drive off quickly. Meanwhile, He Qizhan takes the phone call and continues to chat with Tang Shuangli. He cautions her not to get too drunk, as he would be the one stuck carrying her home.
Tang Shuangli assures him she knows her limits. He Qizhan then suggests they attend a performing workshop the following evening, a "two-for-one" deal, hoping it will help him "set free" his true self and improve his expression. Tang Shuangli agrees, playfully remarking that He Qizhan possesses a "celebrity look" and would have been famous if he had pursued acting. Tang Shuangli then admits she has almost run out of money after buying dinner.
She asks He Qizhan to help her find a job that doesn't require a resume, something simple, easy, and flexible, providing just enough to live on. He Qizhan playfully calls her an "unambitious slacker" but mentions his company, Tianzhuo, is hiring a receptionist. He describes the role as undemanding, with no overtime, mainly involving package reception and photocopying. He Qizhan quickly secures an interview for her the next day. Tang Shuangli is overjoyed and thanks him repeatedly.
He Qizhan, however, jokes that his true motivation is for her to earn money and move out, to which Tang Shuangli humorously replies that she'll earn enough to make "him" move out. Separately, Lu Zhiyi looks at Tang Shuangli's childhood photos, comparing them to her present self, finding the transformation so great it's hard to believe they are the same person. The following day, Tang Shuangli has her interview at Tianzhuo.
Jessica, the interviewer, notes Tang Shuangli's complete lack of work or life experience, branding her a "newbie" with no clear ambitions. Just as Jessica seems poised to reject her, He Qizhan calls Jessica aside. He fabricates a story, claiming Tang Shuangli is a "mole" secretly placed by Lu Zhiyi to monitor the reception department. Fearing the chairman's wrath, Jessica immediately changes her tune and hires Tang Shuangli, praising her potential as a newcomer.
She then introduces Tang Shuangli to Zhao Mengdi, another receptionist. Zhao Mengdi, secretly unimpressed by Tang Shuangli's simple appearance, dismisses her as a "job snatcher" and anticipates dumping all the mundane tasks on her. Tang Shuangli tries to make conversation, even asking to sit in Zhao Mengdi's chair to "see the view," a request Zhao Mengdi sarcastically humors, thinking that all the mundane tasks will now fall on Tang Shuangli. Lu Zhiyi, fresh from a trip, enters the office.
Tang Shuangli passes him in the elevator. Employees respectfully greet him as "Mr. Lu." Lu Zhiyi reviews his schedule with Zhao Da, which includes a Hash bidding preparatory meeting and a trial for a business performing workshop related to their new role-play app. Lu Zhiyi also walks past Tang Shuangli at reception, fiddles with a potted plant on her desk without a word, and then leaves, making her angry.
He then meets with He Qizhan, teasing him about his leisure activities like paragliding and his own gaming, and using the nickname "Xiaoming," which He Qizhan dislikes. Lu Zhiyi reminds He Qizhan of his long-standing ambition to challenge his elder brother, He Qiaosheng, the CEO of Zhaoyue Group. He assigns He Qizhan to the critical Hash case, emphasizing its financial importance to Tianzhuo and demanding a victory.
He Qizhan, eager to prove himself, accepts the challenge, but this means he must work overtime that night, forcing him to cancel his plans with Tang Shuangli for the performing workshop. Meanwhile, He Qiaosheng receives a report from Ye Lin, revealing that Albert, the Chinese tender representative for Hash, is also the son-in-law of Hash's vice president, a piece of intelligence He Qiaosheng finds valuable. He later instructs Ye Lin to accompany him to Tianzhuo the next day.
At the performing workshop, Tang Shuangli is surprised to see Lu Zhiyi among the participants. She greets him, but he remains aloof. When she offers him a snack, he reminds her of the classroom rule against eating, making her sense he recognized her. During a partner exercise where students are instructed to look into each other's eyes, Tang Shuangli thinks Lu Zhiyi looks handsome.
Later, during a partner exercise where the teacher instructs students to hug each other, both Tang Shuangli and Lu Zhiyi hesitate. The teacher physically nudges Tang Shuangli into Lu Zhiyi's arms, urging them to "hold tight." Embarrassed by the close contact, Tang Shuangli quickly grabs her bag and leaves the classroom after the exercise, accidentally leaving her notebook behind. Lu Zhiyi is later seen drinking water.
Later that evening, as Tang Shuangli reflects on the workshop, He Qiaosheng unexpectedly arrives at her and He Qizhan's apartment, asking if it's He Qizhan's place. Tang Shuangli, infatuated with He Qiaosheng's charm, confirms it. He Qiaosheng asks if they've met before, and Tang Shuangli reminds him of their previous encounter at the Wanli Hotel. Mistaking her for He Qizhan's girlfriend, He Qiaosheng is corrected by Tang Shuangli, who clarifies they are "pure roommates."
He declines her invitation to wait inside and leaves, as He Qizhan is still working. He Qizhan encounters He Qiaosheng on his way home and is unhappy to see him. He Qiaosheng subtly criticizes He Qizhan's modest living situation but expresses admiration for the small courtyard. He then probes He Qizhan about his earnings at Tianzhuo, suggesting he might be struggling with his "996 life." He Qizhan retorts that he is "self-sufficient and happy" since escaping his brother's "model prison."
He Qiaosheng then offers He Qizhan a position as vice president or manager at Zhaoyue. He Qizhan firmly rejects the offer, asserting their "separate paths" – He Qiaosheng as the "domineering CEO" and himself as the "technician." He Qiaosheng hints at He Qizhan "hiding a beauty" upstairs, but He Qizhan quickly dismisses the idea, reminding his brother that his personal life is none of his concern. He Qiaosheng then calls Ye Lin, instructing her to accompany him to Tianzhuo tomorrow.
Separately, Lu Zhiyi smiles, recalling Tang Shuangli bungee jumping. At home, Tang Shuangli expresses gratitude to He Qizhan for helping her find a job, preparing a fruit platter and promising to cook. However, she comically struggles to kill a fish, asking if they have an "electrifying device" to stun it. He Qizhan takes over the cooking, sending her off to play games.
After enjoying He Qizhan's cooking, Tang Shuangli agrees to his request: to pretend they don't know each other at the office to avoid gossip, especially from Jessica, about their cohabitation. He Qizhan then reminds her that she left her notebook at the performing workshop. Meanwhile, Lu Zhiyi is seen examining Tang Shuangli's notebook, which contains various sketches and notes. While he dozes, his dog snatches the notebook and chews it up.
Lu Zhiyi awakens to discover the damage and comically scolds the dog for ruining it. Tang Shuangli returns to the classroom to look for her notebook, but cannot find it. On her first day at Tianzhuo, Tang Shuangli is inundated with tasks by Zhao Mengdi, including sorting invoices, delivering beauty products, photocopying documents, and watering plants. She spots Lu Zhiyi and confronts him, showing a photo of him holding her notebook as "evidence" and demanding its return.
Lu Zhiyi, remembering the ruined notebook, tries to evade her. Zhao Mengdi intervenes, identifying Lu Zhiyi as "Chairman, Mr. Lu" and urging Tang Shuangli to show respect. Lu Zhiyi uses the distraction to depart, leaving Tang Shuangli stunned by his true identity. Lu Zhiyi then asks Jessica for Tang Shuangli's profile. Jessica, remembering He Qizhan's warning, assures Lu Zhiyi that Tang Shuangli was hired through "standard procedures" without any "pulled strings" or "protective umbrella."
Lu Zhiyi later asks He Qizhan about Tang Shuangli, but He Qizhan pretends not to know her. Zhao Mengdi later gossips to Tang Shuangli about Lu Zhiyi's "unbearable temper" despite his handsome appearance, noting his "special favor" toward He Qizhan, which surprises Tang Shuangli. He Qiaosheng and Ye Lin arrive at Tianzhuo. Tang Shuangli greets them at the reception, recognizing He Qiaosheng and introducing herself as the new receptionist.
He Qiaosheng then meets with Lu Zhiyi and attempts to persuade him to withdraw from the Hash project, offering the operational rights to Zhaoyue's new "reality interactive game app," Qiyu Era, as a trade. Lu Zhiyi rejects the offer without hesitation. He Qiaosheng then subtly creates a problem by feigning a faulty Wi-Fi connection on his laptop, which is using Tianzhuo's network. He calls on He Qizhan to fix it.
He Qizhan struggles to resolve the issue, causing visible anxiety for Lu Zhiyi, while He Qiaosheng pointedly asks if the task is "that difficult." Zhao Mengdi, observing He Qiaosheng, gossips to Tang Shuangli that his elegant demeanor and "warm smile" are a "trap," a "rose with thorns." Jessica interrupts their chatter, instructing Tang Shuangli to prepare coffee for the guests. He Qizhan, having overheard his brother's attempt to poach him during the meeting, loudly declares that he will not leave Tianzhuo.
Episode 3 Recap
After successfully passing her interview at Tianzhuo with He Qizhan's help, Tang Shuangli brought coffee to Lu Zhiyi, He Qiaosheng, and Ye Lin. She noticed He Qizhan struggling with a complex program and, despite his initial protests, offered to assist. He Qiaosheng, observing her skillful approach, realized she was the same girl, Ella, who had once helped him with a computer problem in the university library.
Tang Shuangli quietly left the office after quickly resolving the issue with a simple command. Before departing Tianzhuo, He Qiaosheng made a point to ask for her name, which she gave as Tang Shuangli. Lu Zhiyi, noticing their cheerful interaction, grew displeased.
He suspected that the seemingly impossible bug was easily resolved by Tang Shuangli and wondered if she was connected to He Qiaosheng or if her presence at Tianzhuo and the "lost" notebook were part of a scheme to approach him. He even reviewed CCTV footage of himself picking up her notebook, pondering if it was a deliberate trap set to establish a connection. Later, He Qiaosheng waited for Tang Shuangli after work.
He greeted her as "junior schoolmate," a term that confirmed to Tang Shuangli he had recognized her. He Qiaosheng mentioned their prior encounters at the Wanli Hotel and He Qizhan's home, apologizing for not recognizing her sooner. When he playfully tested her memory of his name, she correctly identified him as "He Qiaosheng, Jason." He Qiaosheng happily acknowledged her as both Tang Shuangli and Ella.
Their conversation was cut short when Ye Lin reminded He Qiaosheng about an impending dinner appointment with He's Group. Before leaving, He Qiaosheng gave Tang Shuangli his business card and asked her to add him on WeChat. Driven by curiosity about Tang Shuangli's programming prowess, He Qizhan challenged her to crack two computer systems within twenty minutes, promising her the opportunity to play a newly installed game if she succeeded.
Tang Shuangli, feigning humility as merely a receptionist, accepted and effortlessly completed the task. He Qizhan was astonished, realizing he had stumbled upon a true talent, referring to her as a "treasure" who might be of great use to him. Meanwhile, Lu Zhiyi, acquiring a new cover for his cherished notebook, cautiously ushered his dog out of his bedroom to prevent any damage.
That evening, He Qizhan prepared a seafood dinner for Tang Shuangli, using the opportunity to pry into her background. He pressed her about her "master level" programming skills and what she did abroad. Tang Shuangli hesitated, but He Qizhan insisted that as friends living under the same roof, they should be open with each other. She then revealed that she studied Computer Network Technology in the United States and worked as a software engineer at Hash for two years.
He Qizhan was taken aback by her impressive credentials and questioned why she would return to be a receptionist. Tang Shuangli explained that some things were more important than a job and confessed that He Qizhan was her first friend in this city. When He Qizhan offered to help transfer her to the IT department, she declined, stating she no longer wished to pursue programming and asked him to keep her past a secret, which he agreed to do.
Tang Shuangli then inquired about Lu Zhiyi, and He Qizhan described him as an "A-plus workaholic" with a terrifying personality and an EQ like "burned snow," meaning it was completely nonexistent. Despite this, Tang Shuangli sensed an underlying "arrogant but warmhearted" nature. He Qizhan elaborated, explaining that Lu Zhiyi, though older and his senior in college, was "Tough-warm" – firm when necessary but kind beneath the surface – and could be persuaded rather than forced.
He Qizhan then showed Tang Shuangli his fencing equipment and invited her to try it the next day, which she eagerly accepted. The following morning, Albert, holding a bracelet, fondly recalled a moment with Tang Shuangli where he fastened it on her wrist, and she promised to wear it indefinitely. At work, Zhao Mengdi was impressed by Tang Shuangli's meticulous organization of daily tasks, from watering plants to managing parcel logs and document preparations.
Tang Shuangli even perfectly recited a company regulation from the Induction Guide, much to Zhao Mengdi's surprise. Later, He Qiaosheng invited Albert for a swim, where he praised Albert's athletic prowess. He Qiaosheng then extended an invitation to a weekend alumni reunion party. Albert, curious, asked if Tang Shuangli would be attending, mentioning her past programming contest award.
He Qiaosheng only vaguely remembered her and said he would inquire, then pressed Albert about his relationship with Tang Shuangli, to which Albert simply replied, "Just friends." Back at the office, Zhao Mengdi warned Tang Shuangli about Lu Zhiyi's harsh critiques and peculiar personality, even suggesting he might be bipolar. When He Qizhan walked by, Zhao Mengdi panicked, fearing he would report their conversation to Lu Zhiyi, but Tang Shuangli remained unconcerned.
Shortly after, Jessica asked either Zhao Mengdi or Tang Shuangli to take coffee to Lu Zhiyi. Zhao Mengdi, making an excuse, left Tang Shuangli to deliver the coffee. Meanwhile, He Qiaosheng reviewed Tang Shuangli's resume, noting her "not simple" relationship with Albert. He then instructed Ye Lin to investigate Albert's background, particularly his relationship status, and to keep a close eye on Tang Shuangli, believing she was "hiding something."
Tang Shuangli brought Lu Zhiyi his coffee, but he immediately spat it out after a sip, reminding her that he doesn't drink coffee with sugar or milk. Seizing the moment, Tang Shuangli closed the door and earnestly requested the return of her notebook, apologizing for her previous attitude and emphasizing its profound personal significance.
As Lu Zhiyi eventually agreed to return it the following day, He Qizhan, who had rushed over after realizing Zhao Mengdi forgot to warn Tang Shuangli about Lu Zhiyi's coffee preference, burst into the office. Lu Zhiyi reiterated his coffee preferences and pointed out that He Qizhan, in contrast, "did" enjoy sweet, milky coffee before dismissing He Qizhan.
Back at her desk, Tang Shuangli casually brushed off Zhao Mengdi's renewed warnings about Lu Zhiyi's coffee taste, leaving Zhao Mengdi to suspect Tang Shuangli had powerful connections. Lu Zhiyi later summoned He Qizhan, who initially feared Lu Zhiyi had discovered his relationship with Tang Shuangli. However, Lu Zhiyi simply instructed him to "test her for me on how much she knows about programming."
During their fencing practice, He Qizhan was interrupted by the arrival of He Qiaosheng, who greeted Tang Shuangli as "Ella." He Qizhan, annoyed, didn't recognize the name until Tang Shuangli clarified that He Qiaosheng was her university senior alum. He Qiaosheng then revealed to Tang Shuangli that He Qizhan was his younger brother. The two brothers quickly fell into a heated argument and challenged each other to a fencing match.
He Qiaosheng won, much to He Qizhan's fury, who stormed off. Tang Shuangli attempted to follow, but He Qiaosheng stopped her, assuring her that his brother would be fine. Tang Shuangli then explained how He Qizhan was her first friend in the city and had helped her find the receptionist job. He Qiaosheng inquired about a speech contest trophy Tang Shuangli had won in college, which she said she left abroad.
He then tried to learn more about the strained relationship between the brothers, but He Qiaosheng insisted that He Qizhan should explain it himself. He Qiaosheng also questioned why such a "high flyer" from a top American university was working as a receptionist at Tianzhuo. Tang Shuangli responded that she was content with the "free and at ease" nature of the job and found life in China "wonderful" and "convenient," promising to share her full story someday.
He Qiaosheng expressed his eagerness for that day, before casually swatting a mosquito near her. Lu Zhiyi, still pondering Tang Shuangli, internally reflected on her strong computer skills and the mystery of her receptionist job, his frequent encounters with her, and whether she was the "Lucky Tang" he knew. He concluded that her notebook might not be a trap and resolved to "take good advantage of her." He Qiaosheng drove Tang Shuangli home.
She called him "senior," but he gently corrected her, asking her to call him "Qiaosheng" before unbuckling her seatbelt. Returning home, Tang Shuangli, now nursing a cold, faced an initially indifferent He Qizhan. However, seeing her sniffle, he softened and expressed concern. Tang Shuangli playfully chided him for abandoning her at the fencing club, citing her vulnerable position as a girl new to the country. He Qizhan apologized for his earlier behavior.
He then cautioned her to keep her advanced skills and her "senior alum" relationship with his brother a secret at Tianzhuo, to which Tang Shuangli jokingly asked if he was questioning her intelligence. He Qizhan met up with Yingying and, after some hesitant preamble, asked her if she would go on a date with him. She happily accepted, and He Qizhan, flustered, again blamed his awkwardness on "mosquitoes."
Tang Shuangli, alone, pondered her repeated encounters with Lu Zhiyi and his reluctance to return her notebook, wondering if he had read it, was trying to steal something, or, perhaps, had ulterior motives for her. She decided to wait, knowing she could always ask He Qizhan for help if needed.
Episode 4 Recap
Tang Shuangli, still attempting to retrieve her notebook, presented coffee to Lu Zhiyi. As she began to inquire about the item, Lu Zhiyi swiftly interrupted, citing his busy schedule and postponing their discussion until "tomorrow." The Chinese plot reveals that Lu Zhiyi had hidden her notebook because it was broken and he didn't want her to know. He then instructed Zhao Da to escort her out.
Tang Shuangli, feeling angry, pointedly reminded Zhao Da from outside his office that "tomorrow" had already arrived, referring to Lu Zhiyi's prior evasion. Zhao Da merely reiterated that Lu Zhiyi was occupied and dismissed her to the front desk. Once Tang Shuangli was gone, Lu Zhiyi also sent Zhao Da away. Later, Lu Zhiyi handed He Qizhan a set of test materials, insisting he test Tang Shuangli immediately.
He Qizhan expressed concern about the obviousness of the test and suggested waiting for a more suitable moment, but Lu Zhiyi was adamant that now was the time. When He Qizhan asked for a plausible reason for the test, Lu Zhiyi curtly told him it was his responsibility and threatened to withhold his bonus if he failed. Meanwhile, Ye Lin provided He Qiaosheng with a detailed report on Albert.
She revealed that Albert's wife is Selena, whose father holds a high-ranking position as Senior Vice President at Hash, and Albert's ascent to his current representative role was entirely due to his father-in-law's backing. Ye Lin also disclosed that Albert had a former girlfriend named Ella, who also worked at Hash but left after Albert cheated on her. He Qiaosheng was taken aback upon realizing that Ella was indeed Tang Shuangli.
He Qizhan then proceeded with the programming test for Tang Shuangli. Despite her knowing the answers, he instructed her to intentionally give mostly incorrect responses, allowing only two of the simplest questions to be answered correctly. Tang Shuangli found the act of feigning incompetence quite novel. After the test, Tang Shuangli joined He Qiaosheng for dinner at a Dai pai dong, a spot He Qizhan had introduced him to.
He Qiaosheng, noting He Qizhan's expertise in entertainment, then invited Tang Shuangli to an upcoming alumni reunion, suggesting it would be a good opportunity to make friends since her return to the country. Tang Shuangli initially felt hesitant but ultimately accepted after He Qiaosheng assured her of his presence. During their meal, Tang Shuangli mused about how lovely it would be to dine in a garden under a starry, moonlit sky.
He Qiaosheng offered her a pork trotter, emphasizing its beauty benefits. Later, at home, He Qiaosheng retrieved his speech contest trophy, recalling Tang Shuangli's past inquiry about it. Inside, he found a letter she had written to him. Concurrently, at her own home, Tang Shuangli, with He Qizhan, sorted through childhood mementos. She uncovered a drawing of a "Prince Charming" in a suit, which He Qizhan jokingly observed resembled a domineering CEO.
This image, coupled with Lu Zhiyi's continued possession of her notebook, reignited her frustration, leading her to describe such seemingly upright individuals as selfish and unreasonable "hedgehogs." At the office, Jessica, the supervisor for attendance, attempted to curry favor with Tang Shuangli. She lauded Tang Shuangli's impressive work on charts, her pleasant personality, and diligent approach, even offering to overlook minor lateness. Tang Shuangli politely declined, insisting she couldn't accept special treatment, which Jessica noted as passing a "temptation test."
Soon after, when Zhao Mengdi arrived late, Jessica angrily scolded her, contrasting her with Tang Shuangli's exemplary conduct and accusing Zhao Mengdi of slacking off, doing makeup, taking photos, and aspiring to be an online celebrity instead of focusing on work. Upon Lu Zhiyi's arrival, he immediately summoned Jessica to his office to inquire about Tang Shuangli's performance.
Jessica, seizing the opportunity, praised Tang Shuangli effusively, commending her hard work, diligent approach, and organizational skills, stating that Tang Shuangli's work was indeed meticulous and beyond reproach. She also presented the impressive charts Tang Shuangli had created. Lu Zhiyi listened, then, in an unexpected move, instructed Jessica to apply company rules to his own tardiness before dismissing her. He Qiaosheng called Albert to invite him to the alumni reunion.
Albert initially declined, but He Qiaosheng managed to convince him by mentioning that Tang Shuangli would also be attending. Hearing this, Albert promptly changed his mind, agreeing to come, stating he didn't want He Qiaosheng's efforts to be in vain. At the front desk, Zhao Mengdi offered Tang Shuangli a popular "Succulent Grape" drink, noting Tang Shuangli had never tried it before. Later, Zhao Mengdi was engrossed in a phone conversation, apparently with a "director."
Meanwhile, Tina, a supervisor, approached the front desk, asking for her hard drive. Tang Shuangli, without a second thought, handed her one. He Qizhan then presented Tang Shuangli's test results to Lu Zhiyi, confidently stating she lacked programming and PPT skills, referencing the "drawings" on her test. Lu Zhiyi, skeptical, then displayed Tang Shuangli's professionally crafted charts – a "Parcel Grouping Plan" and a "Plant Watering Timetable." He Qizhan initially praised them, unaware of their author.
However, upon realizing Tang Shuangli had created them, he swiftly downplayed their quality, dismissing them as basic statistical charts easily replicable by anyone. Back at her desk, Zhao Mengdi was deleting what she believed were unnecessary files. Tina then stormed over, angrily placing a hard drive on the desk. Zhao Mengdi recognized it as her own personal hard drive, which Tang Shuangli had mistakenly given to Tina earlier.
Tina demanded her company hard drive, and Zhao Mengdi was horrified to discover that the "unwanted" files she was deleting from the computer were, in fact, Tina's work proposals. Tina, witnessing the deletion on the screen, was speechless with fury. He Qiaosheng called Ye Lin to his office, informing her of his decision to transform the alumni reunion into an outdoor garden wine party, fulfilling Tang Shuangli's earlier expressed wish.
He instructed her to find a romantically atmospheric garden, preferably one with a starry view, and arrange for the same photographer who had previously worked with them to capture the event. The incident of Tina's deleted proposal soon reached Lu Zhiyi's attention. Jessica immediately took responsibility for her department's actions, promising to implement stricter management.
Tina, however, was unforgiving, accusing the front desk of unauthorized access to confidential company information and implying Zhao Mengdi was more focused on online celebrity aspirations, citing "unpleasant videos" on her hard drive. As the argument escalated, Lu Zhiyi, visibly exasperated, demanded to know who was responsible. Zhao Mengdi remained silent, but Tang Shuangli stepped forward, admitting she had accidentally swapped and formatted the hard drive, taking full blame.
She confidently offered to recover the data, asking if the matter would be resolved without further repercussions if she succeeded. Impressed by her confidence, Lu Zhiyi agreed, instructing her to perform the recovery outside his office. Tang Shuangli efficiently restored the formatted hard drive and retrieved Tina's proposal, a feat that genuinely surprised and impressed Lu Zhiyi. He then harshly critiqued Tina's recovered proposal, dismissing it as substandard and ordering her to redo it.
He also admonished Tina for her carelessness in leaving sensitive company information at the front desk. After Tina left, he turned to Zhao Mengdi, sternly warning her against professional distractions and prioritizing personal ambitions during work hours. With the issue addressed, he dismissed everyone from his office. As the others departed, Tang Shuangli remained, reminding Lu Zhiyi about her notebook. Lu Zhiyi, holding up the impressive charts she had made, casually asked if she was interested in becoming his assistant.
When she declined, he presented an ultimatum: serve as his assistant for half a month, and he would return her notebook. Otherwise, he threatened to tear it. Tang Shuangli, incensed by his manipulative tactics, expressed her disbelief but ultimately had no choice but to comply to save her notebook. He then playfully tore a piece of paper (not her notebook) and told her to leave, only to call her back to pick up the "shreds."
Back at her workstation, Zhao Mengdi sincerely thanked Tang Shuangli for taking the blame and skillfully recovering the proposal. Meanwhile, Lu Zhiyi, chewing on a nougat, found himself reminiscing about his childhood with Tang Shuangli. He recalled a conversation where a younger Tang Shuangli explained her mother's emphasis on prioritizing studies over making friends, and he had questioned if she felt lonely due to this.
Later, when Tang Shuangli returned home, He Qizhan confronted her, annoyed that she, as a receptionist, was creating complex charts like "Plant Watering Timetables" and "Parcel Grouping Plans." He argued that such displays of competence would only invite trouble. It was through He Qizhan's exasperated remarks that Tang Shuangli realized Lu Zhiyi had, in fact, blackmailed her into becoming his assistant because he was genuinely impressed by her abilities, though she still viewed his methods as childish.
On her first day as Lu Zhiyi's assistant, he assigned her no tasks, repeatedly telling her to simply sit. The plot indicates Zhao Da was hesitant to tell Tang Shuangli to move from Lu Zhiyi's chair, and Tang Shuangli quickly gave it up when Lu Zhiyi entered. Bored, Tang Shuangli made multiple offers to assist with coffee, copying, or invoices, but each was met with a refusal.
Frustrated by the inactivity, she requested to return to the front desk, stating it was a waste of life. Lu Zhiyi agreed, stipulating only that she return to his office an hour before the end of the workday. Delighted, Tang Shuangli rejoined Zhao Mengdi at the front desk, who enthusiastically welcomed her back with a Matcha with Azuki beans and cream mousse drink. Later, Ye Lin presented He Qiaosheng with potential venues for the alumni reunion.
He quickly selected one, giving her instructions to finalize the arrangements. She then updated him on Tang Shuangli, mentioning that the receptionist he'd been observing had been transferred to work directly for Lu Zhiyi as a "special assistant," a development He Qiaosheng found increasingly intriguing. As the workday drew to a close, Lu Zhiyi, watching the clock, waited for Tang Shuangli to return precisely an hour before quitting time.
He then handed her a large stack of materials, demanding she organize them into a comprehensive plan by the end of the day, leaving her with less than an hour. Realizing his deliberate obstruction, Tang Shuangli angrily declared she wouldn't comply. Lu Zhiyi then casually held up her cherished notebook, implicitly threatening its destruction and leaving her with no choice but to accept the task.
Tang Shuangli diligently worked on the demanding task while Lu Zhiyi reclined on the sofa, seemingly asleep. The moment she completed the complex plan right before closing, she defiantly slammed it onto his desk, startling him awake, and promptly announced she was leaving. Lu Zhiyi later reviewed her work and was thoroughly satisfied with the high-quality plan she had produced. That evening, Tang Shuangli attended the alumni reunion, entering the beautifully decorated garden venue.
He Qiaosheng introduced her to Albert, subtly engineering for them to sit together. Despite their shared past, both Tang Shuangli and Albert carefully maintained a public facade of being mere schoolmates who had once worked at the same company, with Tang Shuangli quickly clarifying their relationship when Albert's phrasing hinted at more. He Qiaosheng then intentionally left them alone to converse.
During their conversation, Albert took Tang Shuangli's hand without her consent, urging her to consider marriage and implying she shouldn't make "him" wait too long. Tang Shuangli responded that her career was her priority. Albert then advised her on the importance of making time for love, remarking that a computer, unlike a relationship, lacks genuine life.
Episode 5 Recap
He Qiaosheng, who had arranged for the alumni reunion, waited until Albert held Tang Shuangli's hand before intervening, helping Tang Shuangli out of an awkward situation where Albert was trying to get her food and juice. Tang Shuangli, also known as Ella by her peers, initially declined, claiming she was on a diet, but then accepted juice. He Qiaosheng instructed Ye Lin to assist with napkins and drinks.
After introducing Lucy to Albert and Tang Shuangli, He Qiaosheng deliberately bumped Tang Shuangli towards Albert, who steadied her before He Qiaosheng walked away. During a toast, Lucy thanked He Qiaosheng for the "absolutely romantic" stargazing dinner. He Qiaosheng, however, credited Tang Shuangli for the idea and Ye Lin for the venue. Tang Shuangli appeared surprised but He Qiaosheng reminded her of her old wish.
He then introduced Albert, the Chief Representative for Hash Asia, to Lucy, who was impressed by his success. Albert, in turn, highlighted Ella as the top student in their college. When Lucy proposed a toast to Ella, Tang Shuangli declined alcohol, citing an allergy, so He Qiaosheng suggested a soft drink instead. Lucy then inquired about Tang Shuangli's current profession, seemingly taken aback when Tang Shuangli revealed she was merely a receptionist at a software company.
Later, Lucy asked Albert if he was single, to which he replied that he was married. Despite this, He Qiaosheng again subtly tried to push Tang Shuangli towards Albert, causing Albert to steady her. He Qiaosheng then suggested they explore the beautiful environment. Suddenly, Selena, Albert's wife, appeared, surprising everyone. She hugged Albert and introduced herself, after which He Qiaosheng complimented her beauty. Selena immediately confronted Tang Shuangli, accusing her of deliberately "running into" Albert at the reunion.
Tang Shuangli tried to leave, but Selena blocked her, openly suggesting she was interrupting a reunion between Tang Shuangli and her husband. He Qiaosheng intervened, explaining it was a coincidence and both were his guests. Unfazed, Selena continued her tirade, bringing up a deceased man named Ethan from Hash who had promoted Tang Shuangli to a Senior Software Engineer.
She harshly claimed Tang Shuangli was a "loser" who had been fired by Hash, fled back to China, and was now shamelessly talking about decency. Tang Shuangli calmly corrected Selena, asking for respect for Ethan and stating that she had resigned from Hash of her own accord. Selena then insinuated that Tang Shuangli couldn't stand working at her father's company or cope with Albert having left her.
She even mocked Tang Shuangli for wearing a white dress to her wedding, asking if it was "to mourn the fact that it was not your wedding." Tang Shuangli, maintaining her composure, urged Selena not to speculate on others' lives and wished her eternal happiness if she truly trusted her husband. Selena, however, "kindly reminded" Tang Shuangli to avoid such "coincidences" if she had any self-respect. Unable to bear it any longer, Tang Shuangli, visibly shaken, left the reunion.
Lu Zhiyi went to the alumni reunion site, saw Tang Shuangli crying, and quickly followed her. Tang Shuangli asked for a tissue, and when he had none, he offered his shirt, which she used to wipe her tears. He asked if she was in trouble.
Tang Shuangli shared a childhood memory of her father telling her to look at the stars when unhappy, but how later she heard that a star dims every time a couple breaks up, making her afraid to look at them. Lu Zhiyi responded that happiness is like a star that darkness cannot hide, always trackable, and even when shattered, its radiance, like that of broken diamonds, remains beautiful.
Lu Zhiyi carried Tang Shuangli, who had twisted her ankle, and later drove her home. He suggested she pretend to be drunk to avoid embarrassment. At her doorstep, seeing her high heels, Lu Zhiyi offered his socks, which Tang Shuangli gratefully accepted. After Tang Shuangli went inside, Lu Zhiyi returned home and contemplated whether she was the "Lucky" from his childhood, reflecting on his transformation from "Chubby Lu" and how no one would recognize him now.
Meanwhile, He Qiaosheng, worried about Tang Shuangli's whereabouts after Ye Lin told him she left with a man, called He Qizhan to confirm if she was with him. He Qizhan, upon learning Tang Shuangli was not with him, angrily accused He Qiaosheng of harassing Tang Shuangli, warning him to "stay away from my friend," dismissing He Qiaosheng's claim of merely being an elder alum. He Qizhan suspected He Qiaosheng was trying to "put on a rom-com with a younger alum."
He Qiaosheng then searched for Tang Shuangli along the way. Back home, He Qizhan was frantic, telling Tang Shuangli he had been "looking for you like crazy." Noticing she had been crying, he asked what happened, suspecting He Qiaosheng and offering help with money or her job. Tang Shuangli simply said she was hungry. He Qizhan immediately prepared fried rice for her.
Tang Shuangli praised it as the "best fried rice I've ever had," even "better than Lisa's," referring to her deceased best friend. Soon after, He Qiaosheng called Tang Shuangli to check on her, mentioning that Ye Lin had seen her leave with a man and asking for his identity. Tang Shuangli, still tired, politely ended the call. That night, He Qiaosheng searched online for Albert and Selena's wedding photos. The next morning, Tang Shuangli gave herself a pep talk.
He Qizhan brought her breakfast: peanut soup and fried dough sticks. They went for a walk, during which He Qizhan took several candid photos of her. Elsewhere, Selena informed Albert that she had thrown away the bracelet Tang Shuangli had given him, which she found by the washbasin. Albert feigned indifference, claiming he had intended to throw it away himself as it "doesn't match you."
Selena, satisfied, asserted that "nothing in the world is a better match for me than you." While He Qizhan stepped away to buy juice, Tang Shuangli spotted Zhao Mengdi in a street-style photo shoot and greeted her. The photographer, however, was directing Zhao Mengdi into overly suggestive poses. Tang Shuangli intervened, accusing him of being "an asshole under the guise of art." The photographer quit, refusing to refund Zhao Mengdi's payment.
He Qizhan returned and, with a stern gaze, forced the photographer to pick up the money he had thrown on the ground and apologize to Zhao Mengdi. Despite getting her money back, Zhao Mengdi was still upset, explaining that she needed photos to register for an "internet celebrity competition," and it was the last day. He Qizhan confidently offered to take her photos. He captured several satisfactory shots, making Zhao Mengdi ecstatic. To celebrate, Zhao Mengdi treated them to hotpot.
During their meal, Zhao Mengdi ordered mild spice, while Tang Shuangli opted for super hot, and He Qizhan ordered peeled cucumbers for Tang Shuangli, noting it was refreshing when she expressed unfamiliarity. Zhao Mengdi observed their easy familiarity and connection.
She began to voice her suspicions, recalling how He Qizhan knew Tang Shuangli's food preferences, chose her (a newcomer) for motion capture from many female employees, reacted anxiously when Tang Shuangli made a mistake with Mr. Lu's coffee, behaved mysteriously on Tang Shuangli's first day, and even how they both sneezed simultaneously a few days prior. She concluded that "Something's going on between you two."
He Qizhan denied their closeness, but under Zhao Mengdi's persistent questioning, Tang Shuangli admitted they "live together," quickly clarifying they were "purely roommates," occupying separate rooms "cleanly and innocently." Zhao Mengdi was shocked but eventually gave up her interrogation, promising not to reveal their roommate status, especially "what happened last night," which caused both Tang Shuangli and He Qizhan to look uncomfortable. Zhao Mengdi then entertained them with a dance, asking He Qizhan to record it using a beauty filter.
She proudly showed them her large following online, whom she called "Little Curls." Tang Shuangli then announced her birthday was on June 1st, Children's Day, and invited both of them to celebrate, to which they enthusiastically agreed. Meanwhile, at his office, He Qiaosheng received ambiguous photos of Tang Shuangli and Albert from Ye Lin, which were part of a marketing proposal for the second quarter.
He Qiaosheng, who had previously considered exposing a scandal involving Albert and Tang Shuangli, now found himself unhappy despite having the photos he sought. He also discreetly asked Ye Lin for advice on birthday gifts for a girl, asking whether a handbag or jewelry was better, to which Ye Lin simply suggested "a bouquet, a card, and some loving words."
Episode 6 Recap
Li Huiyun, Tang Shuangli's grandmother, asks about her life in China and whether she has found a job. Tang Shuangli shares that she is happily settled, enjoying the convenience of life in China, and found a job with the help of He Qizhan, whom she praises for being kind, good at cooking, tasteful, and caring. Her grandmother then gives her a red string bracelet for her upcoming birthday, explaining that the other part is for her future beloved's left wrist.
Tang Shuangli playfully dismisses her grandmother's teasing about He Qizhan, insisting they are just friends. The conversation takes a somber turn as her grandmother mentions Tang Shuangli's mother's past struggles raising her alone, but Tang Shuangli quickly redirects to lighter topics like poetry. At work, Lu Zhiyi catches Tang Shuangli secretly eating nougat from his desk. When she tries to negotiate, offering to buy him a whole pack if he lets her have one, he refuses.
Instead, he hands her two mock exams for the National Math Olympiad for Middle School, demanding she complete them within 30 minutes as a punishment for her "childish candy-stealing behavior." After Tang Shuangli finishes, scoring 98 and 95, she challenges Lu Zhiyi, implying she knows he was always first in their middle school class until she arrived, stating she won't always be behind him. Lu Zhiyi recalls how she always outranked him after joining his class.
Reflecting on Lu Zhiyi's recent acts of kindness—carrying her home, and giving her socks—Tang Shuangli feels she owes him a significant favor. Remembering her grandmother's advice against owing favors, she resolves to repay him to retrieve her cherished notebook. She diligently washes, irons, and perfumes his socks.
The next day at the office, she sincerely thanks Lu Zhiyi for his help, but he dismisses it as mere "humanitarian aid" and "an executive's concern for an employee," adding that she still needs to return the notebook. Tang Shuangli hands him the neatly prepared socks. Lu Zhiyi, feigning indifference, tells her to leave them on his desk. As soon as she departs, he eagerly reaches for the box.
However, his attempts are thwarted first by Zhao Da, who enters his office without knocking. Lu Zhiyi, irritated, dismisses Zhao Da, taking back the proposal he brought. Next, Jessica arrives to inquire if Tang Shuangli will continue working in his office and if a new receptionist is needed. Lu Zhiyi sternly refuses and tells her to close the door on her way out. Unaware of these interruptions, Tang Shuangli returns with Lu Zhiyi's black coffee, placing it on his desk.
He Qiaosheng, impressed by Ye Lin's efficiency, asks her the date. Upon hearing it's May 22nd, he suggests she finish her tasks and take the afternoon off to go shopping with him, citing "work-life balance." He takes her to a jewelry store with the intention of selecting a gift for Tang Shuangli, using Ye Lin's taste as guidance. There, Ye Lin tries on an elegant 18K gold sapphire necklace, which He Qiaosheng then has wrapped for Tang Shuangli.
Ye Lin, who is already wearing a necklace, later recalls seeing another gift He Qiaosheng had prepared for Tang Shuangli in his office, leaving her unhappy. He Qiaosheng later realizes it's Ye Lin's birthday. He finds her drinking alone by the sea and presents her with flowers, a cake, and candles, wishing her to "always be a little girl."
Ye Lin makes a wish, which He Qiaosheng playfully guesses is for the success of Zhaoyue, before promising her a lavish meal. Meanwhile, Zhao Mengdi excitedly informs He Qizhan that she passed the audition for an influencer competition, crediting his photography skills. She rewards him with coffee and snacks. Noticing He Qizhan playing games during work, she asks him to teach her.
Despite initial concerns about the unattended reception, He Qizhan reassures her and guides her through the controls with a headset. Lu Zhiyi walks in, catching them gaming, and makes sarcastic remarks about He Qizhan's "hidden talents" and poor secrecy, as well as the snacks he doesn't have. Zhao Mengdi, startled, rushes to Tang Shuangli, worried if Lu Zhiyi would be harsh on He Qizhan. Tang Shuangli assures her that Lu Zhiyi wouldn't, as they are good friends.
He Qizhan attempts to explain to Lu Zhiyi that Zhao Mengdi was merely providing feedback on a new company application. Unconvinced, Lu Zhiyi asks He Qizhan for advice on a birthday gift for a "female friend." He Qizhan suggests a Gundam figure, a large plush toy, or the latest game console.
When Lu Zhiyi questions if he gave "that girl" (Zhao Mengdi) a console, He Qizhan, exasperated, tells Lu Zhiyi to leave, reminding him he's now accumulated two gaming violations this month, and smugly points out he has snacks while Lu Zhiyi does not. As closing time approaches, Tang Shuangli informs Lu Zhiyi she's leaving for the day. He tells her to "eat well" and "eat more," a gesture of concern that slightly overwhelms her before she departs.
Immediately, Lu Zhiyi eagerly opens the box to examine the socks she returned. Later that night, Tang Shuangli visits her childhood treehouse. In a flashback, her father tells her she can confide her secrets and wishes there. Now, she talks to the treehouse, reflecting on a past life that felt like a dream where she lost everything and felt trapped in darkness.
She shares how happy she's been since returning to China, enjoying simple pleasures like childhood snacks and games, realizing she lives to please herself, not others. She expresses missing both her mother and father. She then recounts recent events: meeting an alumnus with dimples like her father, with whom she went to the seaside and enjoyed snacks, admiring his charming smile, and making new, interesting friends.
She also describes an "impolite hedgehog" (Lu Zhiyi) who stole her notebook and followed her, making her question his true intentions. Yet, she admits he was kind when she was sad, counting stars with her, sending her home, carrying her, and giving her socks. She tentatively labels him a friend, though she playfully warns she'd "pull all his quills" if he turns out to be an enemy.
Lu Zhiyi, who was sitting nearby, overhears her monologue and decides not to disturb her. After a playful game challenge with He Qizhan involving cake, Tang Shuangli receives a message and, using a "walk" as an excuse, leaves him with the cake. Suspecting her motives, He Qizhan follows her and sees her meeting He Qiaosheng. He Qiaosheng apologizes to Tang Shuangli for a past incident involving Albert and expresses his worry for her.
He then deliberately asks for her help optimizing Zhaoyue's inefficient backend system, handing her a hard drive containing the data. Tang Shuangli, embarrassed to refuse, reluctantly agrees to "try to look at it." Witnessing this, He Qizhan later confronts Tang Shuangli, accusing her of being followed and warning her against He Qiaosheng, whom he describes as an irresponsible "hooligan rabbit" who treats women poorly, comparing him to gambling in the stock market.
He Qizhan insists she is "doomed" if she falls for his "harmless appearance." Lu Zhiyi, contemplating his next move, consults his dog, Meatball, on whether to "tell her" or "quibble" regarding his past identity as Chubby Lu from No.2 Middle School. He believes revealing this and returning her notebook will make her his friend and clarify why she became a receptionist. He initially questions if their encounters are fate or coincidence but then rejects the idea.
The next morning at the office, Zhao Da attempts to relay company gossip about internal romances, but Lu Zhiyi, amidst a flurry of activity, cuts him off and assigns him a substantial list of tasks, indicating he's too busy for such rumors. Meanwhile, Zhao Mengdi excitedly shows Tang Shuangli a video of her nail art from the salon, proclaiming her hands "The Hand of Venus" in the industry, with the video garnering over 200,000 likes.
Despite this viral success, Tang Shuangli reveals she no longer wants to do nail art due to its inconvenience. Disappointed, Zhao Mengdi is cheered up when Tang Shuangli offers to accompany her to salons in the future, allowing her hands to be photographed to help Zhao Mengdi get free services.
On the rooftop, Lu Zhiyi practices asking Tang Shuangli out for dinner, trying various approaches, from polite inquiries about her food preferences to a more assertive invitation: "Go with me after work. You can't say no!"
Episode 7 Recap
Ye Lin informed He Qiaosheng that Hash had released the first-round tender results, with both Zhaoyue Corp. and Tianzhuo passing the pre-selection. He Qiaosheng had anticipated this, stating that if Tianzhuo hadn't passed, Lu Zhiyi wouldn't be qualified to be its CEO. He Qiaosheng then expressed his intention to poach Tang Shuangli from Tianzhuo to become Zhaoyue Corp.'s CTO. Ye Lin initially doubted Tang Shuangli's capabilities, seeing her only as a receptionist.
He Qiaosheng presented Tang Shuangli's real resume, explaining that her receptionist role was just a disguise and highlighting her past experience as a software engineer at Hash. Despite Ye Lin's suggestion to consider an internship period first, He Qiaosheng insisted that Tang Shuangli was a talent and would be directly appointed as CTO, leaving Ye Lin somewhat disappointed.
At Tianzhuo, Lu Zhiyi was writing a list of ingredients, including black peppers, mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms, when He Qizhan and Zhao Mengdi arrived. He then moved to make room for them. Zhao Da was struggling to compile 700 questionnaires as instructed by Lu Zhiyi, so Tang Shuangli, finding his methods inefficient, stepped in to help him complete the task.
Zhao Da observed that Lu Zhiyi treated Tang Shuangli differently from others, noting her unusual promotion from receptionist to assistant without many specific work tasks, and suggested that their relationship was out of the ordinary, though Tang Shuangli dismissed it. She confirmed she only agreed to be his assistant for two weeks and planned to return to the reception desk.
Meanwhile, Lu Zhiyi went to the rooftop to retrieve a pen and unexpectedly saw He Qizhan and Zhao Mengdi talking intimately. Zhao Mengdi asked He Qizhan to take photos for her upcoming audition, which he readily agreed to do without charging her. Zhao Mengdi later messaged Tang Shuangli, inviting her to join the photoshoot, but Tang Shuangli declined. He Qiaosheng messaged Tang Shuangli, inviting her to dinner that evening.
Just as Tang Shuangli accepted, Lu Zhiyi appeared, also inviting her to dinner for the same night. Tang Shuangli explained she already had plans, but Lu Zhiyi insisted, saying he had asked first and wouldn't take no for an answer. He then used her notebooks as leverage, leaving Tang Shuangli with no choice but to postpone her dinner with He Qiaosheng until the next day, which He Qiaosheng accepted.
Feeling frustrated, Tang Shuangli went to the rooftop and vented her anger at Lu Zhiyi, calling him an "annoying hedgehog." Zhao Mengdi, also on the rooftop, heard Tang Shuangli's complaints about a "hedgehog" but couldn't understand what she meant. Later, as Tang Shuangli was leaving work, Jessica saw her depart in Lu Zhiyi’s car and questioned Zhao Da about their relationship, but Zhao Da had no insights.
He Qiaosheng also witnessed Tang Shuangli leaving with Lu Zhiyi and promptly drove to follow them. In the car, Tang Shuangli felt uneasy, fearing it was a "feast at Hong Gate." He Qizhan was taking photos of Zhao Mengdi, who initially found them lacking but eventually liked a candid shot. She encouraged him to continue shooting as she walked naturally.
Later, while Zhao Mengdi was waiting for He Qizhan, her ex-boyfriend approached her, criticizing her attire and her dream of becoming a star. He tried to reclaim a bag and bracelet he had given her, but He Qizhan intervened, pretending to be her current boyfriend and asserting that her ex had no right to interfere. He Qizhan then produced a matching bracelet, stating that they were meant to "bind them together like handcuffs."
After her ex-boyfriend left, Zhao Mengdi realized she was developing stronger feelings for He Qizhan. He Qizhan returned her bracelet and, after a short chat, suggested taking more photos by the beach, which Zhao Mengdi happily agreed to. Lu Zhiyi took Tang Shuangli to his home for dinner, serving her a homemade meal. Tang Shuangli was surprised by his cooking skills and admitted the food tasted good.
He Qiaosheng followed Lu Zhiyi’s car to his apartment complex but did not proceed further. Upon entering Lu Zhiyi's apartment, Tang Shuangli was startled by his large dog, Meatball. Lu Zhiyi leashed the dog and instructed Tang Shuangli to take it for a walk. She complied nervously. He Qiaosheng saw Tang Shuangli walking Meatball in the neighborhood, noting her smile. After dinner, Lu Zhiyi prepared to show Tang Shuangli Meatball's "trick."
He used a notebook with a bone drawn on it and demonstrated how Meatball would bite the bone off. He then revealed that Meatball had done the same to Tang Shuangli's notebooks because they also had bones drawn on them. Tang Shuangli was furious.
Lu Zhiyi calmly presented her with two options: either she take a shirt (worth a month of her salary) and a tiger toy that she had accidentally damaged, in which case he would not hold her responsible for them or the notebooks; or she could "settle the score" with Meatball herself. Tang Shuangli, seething, chose the first option but demanded her notebooks back that night.
Lu Zhiyi stated that he had already sent them for repair, so she couldn't have them until later. Later, He Qiaosheng, standing on a bridge, called He Qizhan, who was still taking photos of Zhao Mengdi, asking what he was doing and if he smelled anything salty in the air. He Qizhan found his brother’s questions strange. He Qiaosheng then walked up to them and asked He Qizhan to introduce Zhao Mengdi.
He Qizhan remained silent, so Zhao Mengdi introduced herself and confirmed she was just friends with He Qizhan. He Qiaosheng then revealed he was He Qizhan's elder brother, much to Zhao Mengdi's surprise and He Qizhan's annoyance, who quickly led Zhao Mengdi away. He Qiaosheng remarked that they looked well-matched. Back at Lu Zhiyi's place, he played a music box, and Tang Shuangli recognized the melody as "Encounter," a song she had rehearsed with classmates in junior high.
Lu Zhiyi asked if she liked the dandelion music box he intended to give to a friend. Tang Shuangli suggested a children's amusement park called Kids' Land for her upcoming birthday celebration, noting it required six people to form a team. She wondered where to find enough people and suggested they could pair up with others there.
Later, as He Qizhan drove Zhao Mengdi home, she admitted she envied him for having an elder brother, recalling her own younger brother who had passed away. She reflected on how she used to resent him for taking her parents' attention but realized after his death that "conflicts are just nothing; you'd miss him if he wasn't there." He Qizhan consoled her, and they bid each other goodnight.
Lu Zhiyi also dropped Tang Shuangli home, and as she exited the car, she told him that he looked much better when he smiled than when he had a grumpy face. Lu Zhiyi, initially surprised, later wondered to himself if he indeed had a grumpy face. He Qizhan arrived home and noticed Tang Shuangli working on his brother's computer with a hard drive.
Zhao Mengdi looked at the photos He Qizhan took, recalling how he had helped her with her ex-boyfriend, and thought He Qizhan was quite cute. The next morning, He Qizhan admired Lu Zhiyi's backpack and asked for it, but Lu Zhiyi refused. Recalling Tang Shuangli’s comment, Lu Zhiyi tried to smile at He Qizhan, which looked eerie.
As Lu Zhiyi entered the office, he greeted Zhao Mengdi and Jessica with a smile, shocking them, as they were discussing how Tang Shuangli had left with Lu Zhiyi the previous evening. Tang Shuangli also noticed Lu Zhiyi’s unusual constant smiling and suspected it was related to her comment. She delivered his coffee, observing his "evil smile," and advised him to "be normal" and stop smiling, as it made him look like Voldemort.
Meanwhile, at Zhaoyue Corp., He Qiaosheng was informed that Albert had arrived for an unscheduled visit. He Qiaosheng quickly instructed his assistant to invite Albert to the meeting room and recognized this as a "spot-check" of companies that passed the tender pre-selection. He immediately ordered Director Zhou to prepare to release their new proposal, feeling that the timing was opportune.
Episode 8 Recap
Lu Zhiyi confronted Zhan, asking if his smile was truly ugly. Zhan, after some hesitation, compared Lu Zhiyi's smile to Voldemort's, suggesting it looked "more horrible than when you cry." Enraged, Lu Zhiyi retaliated by assigning Zhan weekend overtime, which Zhan immediately called "revenge." Meanwhile, Mengdi showed Lucky photos from her audition, which Lucky admired. Mengdi then questioned Lucky about her sudden transfer from the reception desk to the CEO's office.
When Lucky was reluctant to explain, Mengdi suspected she was secretly dating Mr. Lu. Under further probing, Lucky admitted she had been to Mr. Lu's house the previous night, where he cooked for her, but insisted there was no romantic involvement. Mengdi, unconvinced, playfully teased Lucky about the intensity of their relationship and congratulated her, leaving Lucky frustrated and unable to explain. Before Albert left Zhaoyue, Qiaosheng learned he was scheduled to visit Tianzhuo that afternoon.
Qiaosheng subtly informed Albert that Lucky also worked at Tianzhuo. After Albert departed, Qiaosheng instructed Ye Lin to deploy a "prank mini-program" he had developed, eager to witness its impact. Mr. Lu called an urgent meeting, revealing that Zhaoyue had just released a new marketing scheme, alarmingly 80% similar to Tianzhuo's. Reno immediately pointed to a mole within the company, accusing the marketing department, which Tina vehemently denied, leading to a heated argument with Jessica.
The meeting was abruptly interrupted by an announcement that the company's server had been attacked, rendering the entire network paralyzed. Mr. Lu ordered Zhan to investigate, Tina to prepare a contingency plan, and Jessica to notify all employees to work overtime. Lucky followed Zhan to troubleshoot the server issue. Zhan noticed a Zhaoyue hard drive on her desk and pressed her to reveal its contents. Lucky refused, citing privacy.
Zhan, identifying himself as Mr. Lu's brother, became angry and implied her involvement in the attack or that Qiaosheng was behind it. Lucky, asserting her innocence, stated the hard drive was unrelated to the current crisis and reassured Zhan of her friendship. Later, Mr. Lu spotted the Zhaoyue hard drive on Lucky's desk. Mengdi informed him that Albert wished to meet.
Mr. Lu directed Albert to the common room and then urgently called Zhan, demanding the server be fixed within 20 minutes to prevent Albert from discovering the company’s network collapse. From Zhaoyue, Ye Lin reported to Qiaosheng that Tianzhuo's situation was "handled," and Qiaosheng, checking his watch, surmised Albert had already arrived at Tianzhuo. Lucky successfully restored the server, earning admiration from both Zhan and Mengdi. Mr. Lu then met with Albert, showcasing Tianzhuo's independently developed social interaction software.
While they were discussing work, Mengdi approached Lucky, excited about taking her to Kids' Land for her birthday, mentioning they needed six people. Zhan also expressed his willingness to go, prompting Lucky to say she needed time to think. Albert, finishing his discussion with Mr. Lu, asked to meet Lucky. Lucky, however, was hiding and didn't want to see him. Mengdi quickly covered for her, claiming Lucky was unwell and had gone home.
Curious, Mr. Lu inquired about Albert's relationship with Lucky. Albert revealed they were college classmates at Georgia Institute of Technology, where Qiaosheng was also a senior alum. He further disclosed that he and Lucky had worked together for two years at Hash, where she served as a senior software engineer, and suggested Mr. Lu consider promoting her given her capabilities. After seeing Albert off, Mr. Lu questioned Zhan about the server's collapse.
Zhan confirmed it was caused by an intranet virus attack, noting the hacker had cleverly destroyed all records. Mr. Lu suspected either an external intruder or an internal mole and instructed Zhan to keep the investigation discreet. Seizing the opportunity, Zhan requested that Mr. Lu celebrate Children's Day with him as a reward for his efforts, a request Mr. Lu reluctantly granted. Returning to his office, Mr. Lu confronted Lucky.
She tried to deflect his questions by feigning a stomach ache. He pressed her on why she had concealed her educational background from Georgia Institute of Technology and her work experience at Hash, questioning her true motives for being a receptionist at Tianzhuo. He accused her of being the hacker or colluding with Qiaosheng, pointing to previous instances where she had quickly resolved technical issues.
Lucky vehemently denied the accusations, stating she no longer wished to be a programmer and her help to Qiaosheng was purely out of friendship and performed outside of work hours. She offered her laptop for inspection and reminded Mr. Lu that he had already approved her leave, then angrily stormed out. Soon after, Ye Lin called Qiaosheng, reporting that the virus implanted in Tianzhuo's server had not caused any significant disruption to their meeting, which had proceeded smoothly.
Qiaosheng correctly deduced that Lucky had intervened to help Tianzhuo. Mr. Lu then tried to give Lucky a dandelion music box as a "reward" for her help with the server, emphasizing his policy of rewarding contributions. Lucky, rushing to meet Qiaosheng for dinner, tried to decline the gift, instead requesting to leave work early. Angered by her impending dinner plans, Mr. Lu's suspicions about her involvement in the server attack surfaced, leading to a heated argument.
They parted ways in frustration, with Lucky submitting a leave request and heading downstairs to meet Qiaosheng. Mr. Lu watched them leave the company together, visibly furious, and discarded the music box. During dinner, Lucky was anxious, frequently checking her watch, concerned about returning to work. Back at his office, Mr. Lu worked with a visible air of anger, imagining Lucky and Qiaosheng on a romantic date.
Qiaosheng then offered Lucky the position of CTO at Zhaoyue, praising her competence and suggesting she could bypass the usual "working your way up" process, implying Mr. Lu would never offer her such an opportunity. Lucky expressed her lack of interest in the title but agreed to consider the offer, stating she was content with her current situation. Qiaosheng then admitted his "selfish" desire to see her every day.
Lucky directly asked Qiaosheng if he was responsible for Tianzhuo's server attack. He admitted to it, explaining it was a "prank mini-program" designed to test competitors, a common practice in their business. Lucky returned a hard drive to Qiaosheng, who then presented her with a bracelet as a token of gratitude for optimizing the backend system, revealing it was also an early birthday gift.
Lucky initially hesitated but accepted it, mentioning her birthday was on October 25th and inviting him to Kids' Land with Zhan. Qiaosheng agreed, and they departed. Upon returning to the office, Lucky found a cleaning lady about to throw away the music box. Realizing Mr. Lu, in his anger, had discarded it, she asked for permission to take it. Mengdi informed Lucky that Mr. Lu was still upset.
Lucky then went to find Mr. Lu, who, upon seeing the bracelet on her wrist, gave her a cold reception. Mr. Lu proceeded to the rooftop, with Lucky following him. On the rooftop, Mr. Lu told Lucky that she could return to her receptionist role the next day and that he would return her notebook. Lucky clarified her relationship with Qiaosheng, stating he was simply a senior alum and she had only helped him out of friendship.
She then angrily walked away. As Mr. Lu and Lucky descended in an elevator, it unexpectedly stopped, plunging them into darkness. Lucky panicked, feeling her hands go numb. Meanwhile, Mengdi called for elevator repair. To calm her, Mr. Lu removed her shoes and then kissed her. Just as their lips met, the elevator doors opened, revealing a crowd of employees, many of whom started filming the scene. Embarrassed, Lucky fled.
Mr. Lu picked up her shoes and handed them to her, and she quickly left the company. Confused by the commotion, Zhan was informed by Mengdi that Mr. Lu had kissed Lucky in the elevator.
Episode 9 Recap
He Qizhan was astonished to hear that Lu Zhiyi had kissed Tang Shuangli in the elevator. Rumors spread quickly, with one colleague even speculating about Lu Zhiyi having a "weird fetish" after hearing he'd taken off Tang Shuangli's shoes. He Qizhan immediately confronted Lu Zhiyi, accusing him of being a jerk. Lu Zhiyi initially claimed Tang Shuangli was having difficulty breathing, likening his actions to aiding someone in cardiac arrest or severe suffocation.
He Qizhan scoffed at this, and Lu Zhiyi eventually admitted he "just wanted to kiss her," noting that Tang Shuangli hadn't resisted. He Qizhan was appalled by Lu Zhiyi's audacity and disregard for her consent, but Lu Zhiyi dismissed his concerns, advising him to mind his own business. Meanwhile, in her room, Tang Shuangli was in disbelief, replaying the kiss in her mind and questioning why she hadn't pushed Lu Zhiyi away.
She pondered her true feelings and why Lu Zhiyi seemed determined to provoke her. He Qizhan called her out to the balcony, expressing his outrage on her behalf and threatening to end his friendship with Lu Zhiyi if he had forced her. Tang Shuangli, however, confessed her claustrophobia, explaining that when the elevator malfunctioned and the lights went out, Lu Zhiyi's kiss had been a form of help.
Despite this explanation, He Qizhan remained suspicious, feeling there was "something going on" between them. Tang Shuangli then revealed that she had known Lu Zhiyi before, which made He Qizhan understand why Lu Zhiyi had transferred her from reception to his office. Tang Shuangli asked He Qizhan to clarify to Lu Zhiyi that her relationship with He Qiaosheng was strictly that of college friends and that she was not a "spy" for him.
However, He Qizhan refused, citing his close relationship with his brother, He Qiaosheng, and the awkwardness of living with Tang Shuangli. The next morning, He Qiaosheng set his own plans in motion. He called Ye Lin, requesting that she find someone skilled in Photoshop from the IT department to meet him immediately. He then contacted Andy and Alice separately, asking them to send him old photos of Tang Shuangli (whom he referred to as Ella) from their college days.
Back at the office, He Qizhan, feigning a headache, sought attention from Zhao Mengdi. Upon learning his discomfort was linked to Tang Shuangli, Zhao Mengdi grew visibly jealous. Despite her pique, she prepared coffee for him, commenting that he and Tang Shuangli shared similar tastes. Tang Shuangli observed Zhao Mengdi's coldness towards her but was unsure what she had done to upset her.
Entering Lu Zhiyi's office, Tang Shuangli tried to clear the air, reiterating that He Qiaosheng was merely a college friend and that she was not a company spy. She offered to resign if he still didn't trust her. When Lu Zhiyi remained silent, she began packing her belongings to return to reception. However, Lu Zhiyi changed his mind, telling her to stay.
He argued that after the previous day's elevator incident, her immediate departure would only fuel further rumors and make them appear guilty. Reluctantly, Tang Shuangli agreed to stay but wondered if Lu Zhiyi genuinely trusted her or merely wished to keep her under surveillance. He then strictly forbade her from using her programming talents to assist Zhaoyue, emphasizing the competitive relationship between Tianzhuo and Zhaoyue.
Later, Zhao Mengdi returned to He Qizhan's office to apologize for her earlier rude behavior, much to his relief. She insisted he finish his coffee and then, in a suggestive move, wiped his mouth. Tang Shuangli arrived and witnessed the intimate moment, noticing lipstick on He Qizhan's face, leading her to suspect a romantic relationship between them. Tang Shuangli then thanked Zhao Mengdi for discreetly shielding her from photographers during the elevator incident.
Zhao Mengdi seized the opportunity to question Tang Shuangli about her relationship with Lu Zhiyi, advising her to commit to him if she truly liked him and not to string along other potential suitors. Tang Shuangli quickly deduced that Zhao Mengdi herself had feelings for He Qizhan, which Zhao Mengdi shyly confirmed, asking Tang Shuangli to keep it quiet. Lu Zhiyi, seeing the lipstick on He Qizhan's face, chuckled but said nothing directly.
Instead, he discussed their plan to find the mole by creating a "vulnerability" in the server and monitoring it. He Qizhan was puzzled by Lu Zhiyi's amusement until Lu Zhiyi told him to look in a mirror. Using his phone camera, He Qizhan discovered the lipstick on his face, realizing Lu Zhiyi's subtle jab and his own unwitting blunder.
Zhao Mengdi later pressed Tang Shuangli again about her relationship with He Qizhan, to which Tang Shuangli reassured her that they were strictly roommates and friends, with no romantic ties. Zhao Mengdi, still unsure of He Qizhan's feelings for her, asked Tang Shuangli for help, which Tang Shuangli readily agreed to provide. They light-heartedly discussed He Qizhan's cluelessness when it came to romance.
Tang Shuangli playfully suggested that since there was an implied kiss (referring to the lipstick incident), He Qizhan "has to take responsibility." Zhao Mengdi retorted by playfully reminding Tang Shuangli about her own elevator kiss. That evening, He Qiaosheng presented Tang Shuangli with an album of her photos before they headed to a Japanese restaurant. He noticed Tang Shuangli wasn't wearing the bracelet he had given her, and she explained she had simply forgotten it.
Throughout dinner, He Qiaosheng began to feign intoxication, lamenting the immense pressures of running a company, the constant financial worries, and the "humiliation" he endured to secure projects. Tang Shuangli tried to comfort him and urged him to stop drinking. As he became seemingly more inebriated, he intentionally revealed his bank card PIN (616161) and his apartment address and password (Henghe Garden Stage 3, Room 2699, also 616161).
Meanwhile, Lu Zhiyi's ex-girlfriend, Gu Ling, arrived back in the city after a long flight. Her first priority was not rest, but to have her friend drive her directly to Lu Zhiyi's company, where she held an investment. She was delighted to spot Lu Zhiyi walking his dog late that night. Despite her friend's reminder that "wise people don't dwell on their exes," Gu Ling declared her determination to win Lu Zhiyi back "within three days."
A flashback revealed her youthful confidence in getting Lu Zhiyi's phone number years ago. As the night progressed, He Qizhan grew increasingly worried about Tang Shuangli. He couldn't reach her or He Qiaosheng by phone. Suspecting Tang Shuangli might be with Lu Zhiyi, he called him, but Lu Zhiyi hung up without confirming anything, reinforcing He Qizhan's belief that Tang Shuangli was indeed with him.
Tang Shuangli eventually called He Qizhan to assure him she was safe after taking He Qiaosheng home, but mentioned He Qiaosheng was "as heavy as the Hulk when he's drunk." Still concerned, He Qizhan tried calling his brother again, only to find his phone turned off. Fearing "nothing good can happen" if Tang Shuangli was alone with He Qiaosheng, he called Ye Lin.
Ye Lin falsely claimed she was with He Qiaosheng, stating they had met a client and he was drunk. He Qizhan believed her, temporarily relieved that Tang Shuangli wasn't with his brother. Back at He Qiaosheng's apartment, Tang Shuangli struggled to care for the seemingly unconscious He Qiaosheng. While she went to find a trash can, He Qiaosheng stealthily removed his shirt. Tang Shuangli returned, averted her eyes from his bare chest, and helped him put a shirt back on. When she attempted to leave, she found the door locked, realizing she was trapped inside. Separately, Gu Ling, taking advantage of Lu Zhiyi being out, had sneaked into his house.
Episode 10 Recap
Gu Ling entered Lu Zhiyi's home and discovered Tang Shuangli's notebook, which contained photos. Unsure of the woman's identity, she discreetly took pictures of the notebook with her phone. Tang Shuangli awoke at He Qiaosheng's apartment, calling out to him because the door wouldn't open. He remained silent. She then noticed a photo album on the table and opened it to find it filled with her own pictures.
Realizing He Qiaosheng's intentions, she opted to sleep on the living room sofa, much to He Qiaosheng's delight as his plan had succeeded. Throughout the night, her thoughts drifted to Lu Zhiyi. As she slept, He Qiaosheng quietly covered her with a blanket and observed her. Meanwhile, Lu Zhiyi arrived at He Qiaosheng's house and was met by Ye Lin.
He explained he was looking for He Qiaosheng and asked if anyone else was inside, to which Ye Lin confirmed there was. She then suggested they go for a drink instead, implying that He Qiaosheng was likely with Tang Shuangli and that directly confronting them would create an awkward situation for everyone.
She noted Lu Zhiyi's past attempts to explain his hug with Tang Shuangli at the Star Garden seemed suspicious and questioned his unusually strong reaction, hinting at his feelings for Tang Shuangli. Ye Lin warned Lu Zhiyi against hesitating in matters of the heart, suggesting that stalling could erode even the strongest feelings. She also mentioned He Qiaosheng's desire to recruit Tang Shuangli to work at Zhaoyue, but Lu Zhiyi confidently stated Tang Shuangli wouldn't go anywhere.
Back at her hotel, Gu Ling looked at a photo of Lu Zhiyi and remembered their past romance, recalling how she had playfully declared her love for him and claimed him as hers, asking him to call her every day. The next morning, Tang Shuangli awoke to find He Qiaosheng had prepared breakfast. She apologized for accidentally breaking a small bear figurine of his. He dismissed it, telling her not to worry.
She asked him about the photo album and if he had covered her with a blanket, which he confirmed. Thanking him for his hospitality, she accepted his offer to drive her to work. Tang Shuangli arrived at work late, much to the amusement of Zhao Mengdi, who often faced the same predicament. Zhao Mengdi pressed Tang Shuangli for an update on He Qizhan.
To conceal her night away from home, Tang Shuangli lied, claiming He Qizhan wanted to invite Zhao Mengdi for a private dinner. Zhao Mengdi was ecstatic. Tang Shuangli then approached Lu Zhiyi, bringing him coffee, but he gave her the cold shoulder, despite her attempts at friendly conversation. Next, Tang Shuangli sought out He Qizhan, who was annoyed that she had been out all night without contact.
He angrily demanded to know who she was with, suspecting either He Qiaosheng or Lu Zhiyi. When she admitted it was He Qiaosheng, He Qizhan was shocked and closed his office door for a private discussion. Tang Shuangli explained that He Qiaosheng had gotten drunk on sake, and she had taken him home, but his door had inexplicably locked, preventing her from leaving.
He Qizhan, finding this plausible, joked that it was typical of He Qiaosheng's antics but then worried about what might have happened between them. Tang Shuangli quickly dismissed his "nasty thoughts." Separately, Zhao Da, having overheard Tang Shuangli and He Qizhan's conversation, promptly reported to Lu Zhiyi that Tang Shuangli was "living together" with He Qizhan and that He Qiaosheng had dropped her off at work that morning.
He advised Lu Zhiyi to distance himself from her, but Lu Zhiyi furiously ordered him to leave. Back in He Qizhan's office, Tang Shuangli asked if she could invite an additional person to her birthday celebration. He Qizhan readily agreed, only to realize too late that she intended to invite He Qiaosheng. Despite his immediate protest, Tang Shuangli reminded him that he had already agreed.
She insisted on maintaining a "clear line" with He Qiaosheng at the party, declaring that if he played the "hawk," she would be the "chicken," and so on. He Qizhan agreed. Tang Shuangli then shifted the conversation, pressing He Qizhan about his relationship with Zhao Mengdi. He insisted they were "just ordinary friends."
Tang Shuangli countered, reminding him of his actions—taking photos of Zhao Mengdi, defending her to her ex-boyfriend, and even kissing her—calling him Zhao Mengdi's "superman" and urging him to actively pursue her. He Qizhan tried to deflect by mentioning Tang Shuangli and Lu Zhiyi's past embrace and kiss, asking if they should be a couple. Tang Shuangli refused to engage.
As she prepared to leave, Tang Shuangli questioned why Lu Zhiyi was so angry today, and He Qizhan speculated it might be due to her phone call to him the previous night. Later, Ye Lin spoke to He Qiaosheng in a serious tone, informing him that He Qizhan had called her the previous night, asking if He Qiaosheng was with another woman.
She admitted to lying and saying no, to which He Qiaosheng confessed he indeed had been with another woman. Ye Lin advised him to keep his phone on at all times in case of company emergencies. Shortly after, Gu Ling called He Qiaosheng, and then He Qizhan called Ye Lin to invite her and He Qiaosheng to Kids' Land for Children's Day, abruptly hanging up before she could accept or decline.
Tang Shuangli again tried to speak cordially with Lu Zhiyi about a restaurant and inviting him to Kids' Land, but he remained cold and unresponsive. Frustrated, she angrily slammed the door and demanded he speak directly. He confronted her about her relationship with He Qizhan, mentioning "living together." Tang Shuangli clarified they were "roommates living in separate rooms," but Lu Zhiyi seemed unconvinced.
He returned her notebook, telling her that the decision to stay in the CEO's office or return to the front desk was hers. Tang Shuangli accused him of treating her like a toy and reminded him of their past intimacy in the elevator. Lu Zhiyi dismissed it as a mere attempt to calm her down, further provoking her.
He then asserted, as He Qizhan's friend, that she should show "decency" and not get involved with He Qiaosheng if she was with He Qizhan. Tang Shuangli retorted, questioning his authority to dictate her actions. Their heated argument became public knowledge, spreading throughout the company. He Qizhan stormed into Lu Zhiyi's office, fiercely defending Tang Shuangli and accusing Lu Zhiyi of acting irrationally.
Lu Zhiyi questioned if he was there to defend his "girlfriend," but He Qizhan denied it, clarifying that he and Tang Shuangli were "clean and honest roommates living in separate rooms," a common arrangement, and that Lu Zhiyi was overreacting.
He Qizhan then turned the tables, accusing Lu Zhiyi of being jealous and highlighting all the evidence: moving Tang Shuangli to his office, his past embrace and kiss with her in the elevator, and his fury over her cohabiting with He Qizhan. He Qizhan urged Lu Zhiyi to stop denying his feelings for Tang Shuangli and be honest with himself. Lu Zhiyi simply told him to leave.
Outside, Zhao Mengdi saw He Qizhan emerge from Lu Zhiyi's office and worried they had physically fought. He reassured her and invited her to lunch. As they left, employees gossiped about Tang Shuangli and Zhao Mengdi's flirtatious abilities. Over lunch, Zhao Mengdi pressed He Qizhan for details about his "debate" with Lu Zhiyi, particularly the "topic" of Lu Zhiyi's jealousy.
He Qizhan claimed victory, asserting that while Lu Zhiyi hadn't explicitly admitted his feelings for Tang Shuangli, the evidence was undeniable. Zhao Mengdi speculated that Tang Shuangli also held feelings for Lu Zhiyi, a sentiment He Qizhan shared, acknowledging that both had feelings but lacked the courage and opportunity to act on them. Later, Gu Ling met He Qiaosheng at a café, ostensibly to catch up.
She quickly steered the conversation to Tang Shuangli, showing He Qiaosheng a photo of her notebook. He Qiaosheng confirmed it was Tang Shuangli, who worked as a receptionist at Tianzhuo. Gu Ling expressed surprise at Tang Shuangli's seemingly low-level position. He Qiaosheng then exaggerated Tang Shuangli's past, claiming she was a senior software engineer at Hash Group in Silicon Valley, implying that her current role at Tianzhuo must be due to "hormones at work" related to Lu Zhiyi.
He encouraged Gu Ling to act swiftly if she still had feelings for Lu Zhiyi. Upset, Gu Ling abruptly left, stating she wasn't in the mood to eat. As she walked away, she accidentally bumped into Tang Shuangli, spilling coffee on herself. Tang Shuangli, seeing her own notebook nearby, asked for a tissue.
Gu Ling, recognizing the notebook from Lu Zhiyi's home and realizing the woman before her was Tang Shuangli, refused to offer any tissues despite having them, muttering to herself that she wouldn't let Tang Shuangli have Lu Zhiyi. He Qiaosheng then spotted Tang Shuangli and insisted on taking her to a nearby restaurant, even though she had no appetite. She confessed she was "full of anger" from Lu Zhiyi.
He Qiaosheng playfully suggested she imagine the food was Lu Zhiyi and "tear it apart for revenge," which Tang Shuangli found surprisingly cathartic. After their meal, He Qiaosheng presented Tang Shuangli with a gift. Tang Shuangli expressed her delight and mentioned she also had a gift for him. He Qiaosheng responded, "Why did you. . . That's why we are brothers," perhaps to set a platonic boundary or deflect her gesture.
Episode 11 Recap
Feeling upset after her argument with Lu Zhiyi, Tang Shuangli had lunch with He Qiaosheng, who encouraged her to eat her ribeye steak as if tearing apart Lu Zhiyi for revenge. He then asked to see her notebook, which she confirmed had been chewed by "Meatball," Lu Zhiyi's dog. Tang Shuangli explained that the girl drawn on the left side of the notebook was Lisa, her best friend, who had given her the book.
It contained many dreams they planned to achieve together, but now Tang Shuangli had to fulfill them alone. The serious, mustached man on the right was Ethan, her mentor at Hash, who inspired her to develop an app called "Shi Qu." This service app aimed to provide adults with low-age recreation options, inspired by Tang Shuangli's own experience of losing her childhood to a busy life and feeling unhappy, which prompted her return from America.
She was developing the app in memory of Lisa and to help others like herself, but Ethan's sudden passing had halted its development. Noticing the wear and tear on the notebook, He Qiaosheng offered to take Tang Shuangli to the place pictured in the book, prioritizing her happiness over his afternoon work. At the aquarium, He Qiaosheng and Tang Shuangli enjoyed watching the marine life, with Tang Shuangli delighting in a large fish that seemed to smile at her.
Meanwhile, Ye Lin, having finished her meeting, tracked He Qiaosheng's location and arrived at the aquarium. After hesitating, she entered and saw He Qiaosheng and Tang Shuangli laughing and chatting in the mermaid show audience. Heartbroken, she watched for a few moments before leaving. Later, He Qizhan brought soup to Lu Zhiyi, who was in a foul mood. Lu Zhiyi asked He Qizhan to sit and drink soup with him, then pressed him again about his relationship with Tang Shuangli.
He Qizhan firmly reiterated that he and Tang Shuangli were merely roommates, and that her connection to He Qiaosheng was simply that of college alumni. He Qizhan reassured Lu Zhiyi that he would know if anything was happening and would inform him. Lu Zhiyi then inquired if Tang Shuangli had returned home the previous night, and He Qizhan lied, confirming she had.
Realizing he had been overly emotional that morning, Lu Zhiyi asked He Qizhan to apologize to Tang Shuangli on his behalf, though he quickly denied it was due to any romantic feelings, insisting he was a celibate. He Qizhan scoffed at this, prompting Lu Zhiyi to dismiss him. Before leaving, Lu Zhiyi commented that someone was likely waiting for He Qizhan outside. True to Lu Zhiyi's hint, He Qizhan met Zhao Mengdi, offering her a ride home.
To Zhao Mengdi's surprise, his "car" was a bicycle. Initially shy, she eventually held onto his waist, leaning on his back and enjoying their impromptu date. He Qiaosheng drove Tang Shuangli home, presenting her with a dolphin pendant, which she adored. He reiterated his appreciation for her and reminded her that the doors of Zhaoyue were always open if she was unhappy at Tianzhuo. He also reminded her to wear the bracelet he had given her.
Gu Ling, planning her return to Tianzhuo, met with Jessica, who gratefully acknowledged that her promotion was thanks to Gu Ling. Gu Ling discussed the tension in her relationship with Lu Zhiyi and her need for "work-related groundwork" to ease it. Jessica pledged her full support. Gu Ling then inquired about Tang Shuangli. Jessica informed her that Tang Shuangli was technically a receptionist but had been transferred to Lu Zhiyi's office.
Jessica then dramatically showed Gu Ling a video of Lu Zhiyi kissing Tang Shuangli in the elevator. Jessica further exaggerated, claiming Tang Shuangli also lived with He Qizhan and was admired by He Qiaosheng from Zhaoyue. She added that Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli had a massive fight, with Lu Zhiyi scolding Tang Shuangli away.
She also mentioned that He Qizhan had tried to reason with Lu Zhiyi, but was also given a cold reception, leading Jessica to believe Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli's relationship was "finished." Jessica, while complimenting Gu Ling's elegance and charm, dismissed Tang Shuangli as a "naive girl" by comparison. Gu Ling instructed Jessica to monitor Tang Shuangli closely. Back at home, Tang Shuangli was playing a game when He Qizhan checked on her.
He told her that Lu Zhiyi's anger stemmed from his feelings for her, explaining that Lu Zhiyi often pretended not to care about things he liked, citing the elevator kiss as clear evidence. Tang Shuangli, though outwardly annoyed, secretly began to soften. Looking through He Qizhan's photo album, Tang Shuangli spotted a chubby boy. He Qizhan identified him as "Lu," who used to be called Lu Xiaoyi, emphasizing that he was chubby as a child.
He also explained that Lu Zhiyi had changed schools after repeating a grade, and they had become friends in a "programming course" where they mostly played games. He Qizhan added that "every chubby boy is a diamond in the rough." Tang Shuangli then showed him a photo from the 8th National Olympiad Math Competition, where He Qizhan recognized Lu Zhiyi and, after a closer look, realized Tang Shuangli was also in the picture.
He Qizhan wondered if Lu Zhiyi had recognized Tang Shuangli long ago due to her unique name. Tang Shuangli suspected the same but decided that if Lu Zhiyi chose not to reveal it, neither would she. Still feeling a mix of amusement and annoyance, Tang Shuangli drew a caricature of Lu Zhiyi, calling him a "hedgehog" who used to be a "meatball." She then threw darts at the drawing, saying things like "Prick me, hedgehog!"
and asked He Qizhan to record and send the video to Lu Zhiyi. Receiving the video downstairs at Tang Shuangli's building, Lu Zhiyi responded by throwing paper airplanes containing apologies up to her window. Tang Shuangli, hidden from view, watched him with a smile. The next morning, Tang Shuangli arrived at work carrying a cactus. She tried to subtly prod Lu Zhiyi for information by mentioning nougat and her past math Olympiad achievements, including winning first place.
However, Lu Zhiyi remained evasive and denied any childhood encounter with her. Tang Shuangli chose not to challenge his pretense. Gu Ling made a dramatic entrance at Tianzhuo. Zhao Mengdi, unfamiliar with her, attempted to block her path, but Jessica quickly intervened, greeting Gu Ling as "Ms. Gu," much to Zhao Mengdi's surprise. Gu Ling proceeded directly into Lu Zhiyi's office, where she received a cold reception.
Noticing an empty desk, which she knew was Tang Shuangli's, she pointedly asked Lu Zhiyi who sat there, but he ignored her. Gu Ling's gaze then fell upon the withered cactus she had given him long ago, neglected on the floor, and she expressed her sadness.
As Tang Shuangli entered the office with her own cactus, Gu Ling asserted her position, telling Tang Shuangli to take her cactus and leave, insisting that her own old, damaged cactus would remain as it was still alive. She declared she would repot it herself. Tang Shuangli, holding her cactus, left the office. At the front desk, Zhao Mengdi informed Tang Shuangli that Gu Ling was Lu Zhiyi's ex-girlfriend.
Zhao Mengdi, having just learned Gu Ling's identity from Jessica, expressed fear of retaliation. Jessica had advised Zhao Mengdi to align with Gu Ling, emphasizing that Gu Ling had returned to win Lu Zhiyi back, and instructed her to report Tang Shuangli's activities. Alone with Lu Zhiyi, Gu Ling tearfully confessed her regret for leaving him and going to America, asking for his forgiveness and a fresh start.
Lu Zhiyi, however, remained firm, stating that her decision to leave was her own and its consequences were hers to bear. He declared that their breakup was "a blessing in disguise" for him. Gu Ling then asked why he couldn't stand up for her as he used to. Lu Zhiyi reiterated that their past was over. Gu Ling once more expressed her desire to reconcile, but Lu Zhiyi unequivocally refused. Gu Ling then left the office.
Episode 12 Recap
Lu Zhiyi firmly rejected Gu Ling’s attempt to reconcile, telling her it was impossible and questioning if she thought he was like People’s Square, where she could come and go as she pleased. Gu Ling admitted she had wronged him in the past and didn't expect immediate forgiveness, but she announced her return, stating, "I, Gu Ling, am back. I will start pursuing you again."
She declared her intention to make him fall in love with her again and warned him he couldn't escape her. When Lu Zhiyi told her to leave, Gu Ling hinted that if he didn't see her out, she might encounter Tang Shuangli. Later, Gu Ling confronted Tang Shuangli at the front desk, introducing herself as Lu Zhiyi's girlfriend who had just returned from abroad.
She declared that despite their two-year separation, she believed Lu Zhiyi still loved her, just as she loved him. She advised Tang Shuangli to leave Tianzhuo gracefully to avoid humiliation, warning that her own unpredictable temper might lead to unforeseen consequences. Tang Shuangli defiantly stated that her choices were her own and none of Gu Ling's business, then subtly insulted Gu Ling's shoes, remarking that their thick heels made her calves look like corn cobs.
Enraged, Gu Ling smashed Tang Shuangli's cactus on the floor. Lu Zhiyi arrived and quickly pulled Gu Ling away, while Zhao Mengdi was instructed to call the janitor. Outside the office, Lu Zhiyi urged Gu Ling not to be so aggressive. Gu Ling questioned if he was upset for Tang Shuangli and if he thought she would resort to violence. She offered to be compliant and understanding if he would just reconcile, but Lu Zhiyi dismissed the idea.
Gu Ling then asserted her intention to frequently visit him and even return to work at Tianzhuo, reminding him she held company shares and he couldn't stop her. Before leaving, Gu Ling kissed Lu Zhiyi's cheek. As Lu Zhiyi returned to the office, he was unaware of the lipstick mark on his face. Colleagues noticed it but dared not inform him. He called Tang Shuangli to his office to apologize for the incident with Gu Ling.
Tang Shuangli, however, seeing the lipstick mark, told him he had nothing to apologize for, as he hadn't defended her. She sarcastically noted that he, like others, simply didn't step forward for her, emphasizing that their relationship was merely a typical boss-employee dynamic. Lu Zhiyi tried to claim they were friends, but Tang Shuangli accused him of being indecisive, prone to blame her without knowing the full truth, and giving her the cold shoulder.
She declared that the front desk was a more suitable place for her and, before leaving, advised him, as the boss, to have some self-respect and remove the lipstick mark from his face. Zhao Mengdi later discussed Gu Ling with He Qizhan, who described Gu Ling as a former "sore point" for Lu Zhiyi, and a rich second-generation heir.
He recalled how they were deeply in love, but the reasons for their breakup and Gu Ling's subsequent move to America remained unclear. He Qizhan expressed his strong dislike for Gu Ling, believing her departure had deeply hurt Lu Zhiyi and was the reason he hadn't had any other female friends for two years. Zhao Mengdi worried about Tang Shuangli's situation.
Lu Zhiyi, after wiping off the lipstick, decided to distribute nougat to the employees through Zhao Da, hoping to alleviate his own sorrow and perhaps calm Tang Shuangli's anger without appearing vulnerable. However, Tang Shuangli refused the nougat, leading Lu Zhiyi to tell Zhao Da to eat the extra pieces himself. Tang Shuangli retreated to the treehouse, reflecting on past interactions with Lu Zhiyi. She recalled Gu Ling's earlier warnings.
She also remembered a conversation where she asked Lu Zhiyi to promise not to use his programming skills to help Zhaoyue, Tianzhuo’s competitor. Lu Zhiyi questioned her authority, stating he could do what he wanted in his free time. Tang Shuangli insisted, citing his role as her boss and the competitive relationship between Tianzhuo and Zhaoyue, then told him "just don't." He then offered her nougat.
She vividly recalled a time when he was upset about a burned photo of his late grandfather, his closest relative, and how she had offered to repair it for him, reassuring him. She successfully restored the photo and returned it to him, asking him to keep it safe. Later, Tang Shuangli went to Lu Zhiyi's apartment. As Lu Zhiyi opened the door, she witnessed Gu Ling embracing him, making a show of affection.
Gu Ling had entered Lu Zhiyi’s home by using a code related to "Meatball's birthday," claiming she missed his cooking and had brought ingredients for tea-infused popcorn chicken and shrimp curry, along with wine. Before Tang Shuangli arrived, Lu Zhiyi had repeatedly tried to get Gu Ling to leave, insisting there was no chance of reconciliation and calling her impossible.
Gu Ling had insisted they should try, arguing that love involves two people, and he couldn't move on until she let go. Lu Zhiyi countered by asking if she had asked him when she started a new life two years prior. When he tried to leave, Gu Ling threatened to stay at his place. Distraught by the sight, Tang Shuangli angrily turned and left without saying a word.
Lu Zhiyi immediately pushed Gu Ling away and ran after Tang Shuangli, calling her name and trying to explain that it wasn't what she thought. Tang Shuangli got into a taxi, and despite Lu Zhiyi driving after her and calling her repeatedly, she didn't answer. He Qiaosheng also tried to call her after finding an item she left in his car, leading Tang Shuangli to angrily switch off her phone.
Tang Shuangli returned home, ignoring He Qizhan and locking herself in her bedroom. He Qizhan let Lu Zhiyi into the house. Lu Zhiyi went to her bedroom door, pleading to talk, asserting it wasn't what she thought. Tang Shuangli responded that she felt "disgusted" and "nauseous," refusing to talk, and accused him of forcing her. He Qizhan, seeing her distress, told Lu Zhiyi to leave, promising to handle the situation.
As Lu Zhiyi was leaving the residential area, he encountered He Qiaosheng, who had come to return an item Tang Shuangli had left in his car, since her phone was off. Lu Zhiyi was surprised to learn from He Qiaosheng that "Ella" was Tang Shuangli's English name. He Qizhan then arrived, questioning Lu Zhiyi's presence and also trying to deter He Qiaosheng from entering or calling Tang Shuangli, clearly unaware that "Ella" was Tang Shuangli.
Despite this, He Qiaosheng called Tang Shuangli out to return her item. Tang Shuangli appeared upset and declined He Qiaosheng’s offer to have dinner. He Qiaosheng left and found Lu Zhiyi still waiting outside. He invited Lu Zhiyi to his home for a drink, which Lu Zhiyi accepted. At He Qiaosheng’s apartment, Lu Zhiyi ignored a call from Gu Ling. He Qiaosheng poured drinks, and Lu Zhiyi noticed a photo album on the table filled with pictures of Tang Shuangli.
He Qiaosheng spoke about business being a battlefield where some play fair and others do things under the table, and he plays to win. Noticing Lu Zhiyi's pensive mood, He Qiaosheng correctly guessed it was about Tang Shuangli. Lu Zhiyi asked about their relationship.
He Qiaosheng described it as a senior-junior alum relationship, but a "special" one for Tang Shuangli, claiming she had been paying attention to him since college, saving him seats in the library, cheering him at basketball games, and even writing him a letter expressing her admiration. When Lu Zhiyi asked about their contact since her return, He Qiaosheng mentioned going for walks on the beach and seeing a Mermaid Show at the aquarium.
He then provocatively implied Tang Shuangli had helped him when he was drunk and offered to take him home, refusing to give details about whether she stayed at his place, stating that some things are more fun left unsaid. Lu Zhiyi felt a pang of jealousy, realizing Tang Shuangli had shared such intimate moments with He Qiaosheng, feeling he had lost his unique connection with her.
Meanwhile, Gu Ling was also drinking alone, sadly recalling her passionate past with Lu Zhiyi. While Lu Zhiyi was drinking with He Qiaosheng, Gu Ling called him, but He Qiaosheng answered. Gu Ling asked why they were together and told He Qiaosheng to wake Lu Zhiyi up and tell him to come home, assuring them she had left. Lu Zhiyi, now drunk, fell asleep on He Qiaosheng’s sofa.
He Qiaosheng woke him, urging him to go home, but Lu Zhiyi didn't want to face Gu Ling. He Qiaosheng reassured him that Gu Ling had already gone. Meanwhile, Tang Shuangli admonished herself to abandon all "hopeless emotions and expectations." Seeing a music box, she recalled Lu Zhiyi, and an earlier intimate moment with him where she played piano and sang, contemplating if her feelings for him—a mix of impulse, curiosity, and good feelings—amounted to love.
He Qizhan observed her unhappiness, concluding that Lu Zhiyi had upset her. He Qiaosheng later met with Gu Ling and informed her that Lu Zhiyi had gotten drunk and stayed out all night just to avoid her. Gu Ling was annoyed by Lu Zhiyi's persistence in avoiding her, feeling that he was "full of Tang Shuangli" and couldn't see her.
He Qiaosheng advised her not to give up, using the proverb that "it's a mountain away to pursue a woman, while only thin silk in between the other way around," suggesting she should "tear the silk into pieces and burn it," or "poke through the silk." He also acknowledged that her earlier actions had at least sown a seed of doubt between Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli.
Tang Shuangli then submitted her resignation to Lu Zhiyi, telling him that while she believed his explanations, they no longer mattered. She preferred the certainty of loneliness over his inconsistent behavior. She noted that her notebook, which had been a link between them, was now returned to her, leaving no further reason for them to meet, and wished him well. Lu Zhiyi could not persuade her to stay.
Tang Shuangli informed Zhao Mengdi and He Qizhan at the front desk of her resignation. He Qizhan was surprised and rushed to Lu Zhiyi to understand what had transpired. He Qizhan vehemently told Lu Zhiyi that Tang Shuangli clearly didn't want to leave because she liked him, accusing Lu Zhiyi of being blind to her feelings. He urged Lu Zhiyi to stop hiding his emotions, warning that he would lose his last chance with her. Feeling distraught, Tang Shuangli went out and ordered four different kinds of rice wine.
Episode 13 Recap
He Qizhan confronted Lu Zhiyi about his past relationship with Gu Ling, warning him against any thoughts of reconciliation, stating their fundamental incompatibility. Lu Zhiyi reassured him that he had no intention of revisiting that past. Lu Zhiyi then pressed He Qizhan for details about Tang Shuangli's whereabouts the night He Qiaosheng had gotten drunk. He Qizhan, to alleviate Lu Zhiyi's worries, claimed Tang Shuangli had returned home that night, albeit late, after seeing He Qiaosheng home.
Observing Lu Zhiyi's persistent inquiries, He Qizhan deduced Lu Zhiyi's growing affection for Tang Shuangli. He encouraged Lu Zhiyi to confess his feelings and take initiative, emphasizing that love requires action, not passive waiting, and even cited He Qiaosheng as an example. Lu Zhiyi, seeking guidance, agreed to treat He Qizhan to dinner. Meanwhile, Tang Shuangli sought a distraction at an influencer trampoline park.
Yoon Joon-ho, the park's owner and a friend of He Qiaosheng, sent a picture of Tang Shuangli using He Qiaosheng's card to He Qiaosheng. Despite being in a meeting, He Qiaosheng immediately left, entrusting Ye Lin with the remainder of the discussion, and rushed to the park. Tang Shuangli, still feeling a bit down, invited him to join her in playing. Later, she expressed her gratitude to He Qiaosheng for his friendship, a sentiment he warmly returned.
Yoon Joon-ho's playful teasing about He Qiaosheng ditching work for Tang Shuangli made her blush and retreat to continue jumping. He Qiaosheng then offered to show Tang Shuangli around Zhaoyue Corp, an invitation she accepted. Upon their arrival, he asked Ye Lin to give Tang Shuangli a tour, but Tang Shuangli, sensing Ye Lin's busy schedule and reluctance, gracefully declined the offer and decided to explore on her own.
He Qiaosheng later probed her about her interest in joining Zhaoyue as a program development director, and she admitted her consideration was at 80%. Elsewhere, Zhao Mengdi excitedly called He Qizhan with news that she had advanced to the second round of a competition, crediting his photos for her success. He Qizhan invited her to dinner at his home that evening, which delighted her.
He then called Tang Shuangli, extending the same invitation and mentioning Zhao Mengdi would be there, leading Tang Shuangli to playfully suspect a romantic announcement. Later, He Qizhan and Zhao Mengdi went grocery shopping by bicycle. When asked why he didn't drive, He Qizhan humorously confessed to having failed his driving test three times, after initially citing environmental and health benefits. Back at Zhaoyue, He Qiaosheng was annoyed to find Tang Shuangli was no longer in the building.
He criticized Ye Lin for not having accompanied Tang Shuangli, causing the usually obedient Ye Lin sadness. Tang Shuangli soon reappeared, stating she had simply taken a walk downstairs. He Qiaosheng insisted on driving her home, an offer she eventually accepted despite initially suggesting he seemed busy. Observing their departure, Ye Lin showed subtle signs of jealousy. At He Qizhan's home, Zhao Mengdi, admiring the decor, offered to help cook.
He Qizhan provided her with a loose-fitting T-shirt for comfort, which she found sweetly scented. He, in turn, thought she looked endearing in his shirt. During meal preparation, Zhao Mengdi accidentally cut her finger. He Qizhan, reacting swiftly, instinctively sucked on it to stop the bleeding, just as Tang Shuangli walked in.
Tang Shuangli's amused reaction prompted He Qizhan to quickly explain it as mere first aid, while Zhao Mengdi playfully exaggerated her lightheadedness and claimed to be anemic, implying a need for further attention. Lu Zhiyi arrived shortly after with a box of popular chubby cream puffs. Tang Shuangli, still holding onto her anger, questioned his presence, and he explained He Qizhan had invited him to assist with cooking.
He Qizhan then tried to persuade Tang Shuangli to offer her slippers to Lu Zhiyi, but Tang Shuangli, unyielding, instructed Lu Zhiyi to wear the small "lady's slippers" available, adding that she herself had endured recent discomfort. To avoid further confrontation, Lu Zhiyi awkwardly put on the ill-fitting slippers. Zhao Mengdi attempted to lighten the atmosphere by highlighting the delicious cream puffs Lu Zhiyi had brought, suggesting Tang Shuangli try one, indicating they were meant for her.
Tang Shuangli, however, refused, citing a diet. Seizing another opportunity, Zhao Mengdi feigned increased pain in her finger, requesting He Qizhan's renewed attention. This strategy successfully maneuvered Tang Shuangli into the kitchen to help Lu Zhiyi, especially after Zhao Mengdi reminded her of her promise to support her and He Qizhan's relationship by giving them alone time.
In the kitchen, He Qizhan advised Lu Zhiyi to keep the door closed to prevent cooking smells from spreading and to be mindful of Tang Shuangli's fingers. He then led Zhao Mengdi to his bedroom to discreetly watch the kitchen through a hidden camera, much to Zhao Mengdi's surprise and amusement, calling him a "pervert." Inside the kitchen, Lu Zhiyi tried to converse with a silent Tang Shuangli, remarking that her anger indicated her strong feelings for him.
He then clarified the incident at his home, explaining it was a deliberate trap set by Gu Ling, into which Tang Shuangli had innocently stumbled. Watching this, Zhao Mengdi commented on Lu Zhiyi's "Kabedon" move, playfully expressing envy. He Qizhan responded by demonstrating that such romantic gestures could happen anywhere, playfully performing one on her. Tang Shuangli's mood gradually softened.
She offered to help with simple tasks like chopping tomatoes and peeling aromatics, and, to Lu Zhiyi's surprise, humorously mentioned her unique "fish-slamming" technique, a skill taught by He Qizhan. Lu Zhiyi allowed her to help. Noticing her hair getting in the way, Lu Zhiyi searched for a hair clip. Finding none from He Qizhan or Zhao Mengdi, he located one himself and gently clipped it into Tang Shuangli's hair.
Witnessing this subtle gesture, Zhao Mengdi remarked on Lu Zhiyi's discreet but effective approach, prompting He Qizhan to mimic the hair-stroking gesture with Zhao Mengdi. Later, as a clear sign of their renewed understanding and reconciliation, Tang Shuangli exchanged her small, uncomfortable slippers for Lu Zhiyi's, resolving their earlier tension. Meanwhile, Ye Lin continued to pacify the waiting clients, including Jimmy, at a business dinner, explaining He Qiaosheng's traffic delay in a phone call. Jimmy lightheartedly teased He Qiaosheng for being such a devoted romantic. He Qiaosheng eventually arrived, offered his apologies, and joined the toast.
Episode 14 Recap
Lu Zhiyi finally admitted his special feelings for Tang Shuangli. He Qizhan orchestrated a dinner gathering to create an opportunity for them to reconcile. During the cooking, Zhao Mengdi accidentally cut her hand, and He Qizhan bandaged it, which Tang Shuangli witnessed. Lu Zhiyi then arrived, and a still-annoyed Tang Shuangli made him wear women's slippers. Zhao Mengdi, seeking alone time with He Qizhan, strategically paired Tang Shuangli with Lu Zhiyi in the kitchen.
There, Tang Shuangli’s surprising "fish-flinging" cooking technique shocked Lu Zhiyi. As the two affectionately bickered, Lu Zhiyi seized the chance to express his goodwill and clarify misunderstandings, leading to their reconciliation. The group continued their dinner, sharing candid remarks over drinks. Zhao Mengdi complimented Lu Zhiyi’s shrimp, prompting Tang Shuangli to admit she found peeling them cumbersome. Lu Zhiyi promptly peeled one for her. Zhao Mengdi further praised Lu Zhiyi’s culinary skills, especially his tomato scrambled eggs.
Tang Shuangli chimed in, taking credit for chopping the tomatoes. He Qizhan then playfully asserted that he taught Lu Zhiyi how to cook, specifically the tomato scrambled eggs back when Lu Zhiyi was in the eighth grade. Tang Shuangli seized the opportunity to comment on Lu Zhiyi's early "manual dexterity," recalling how someone once forced her to complete math Olympiad problems, including complex egg permutation questions.
She found it amusing and peculiar that "someone" always included such bonus questions, which she consistently solved correctly. She also remarked that while some people performed well, they often stumbled on bonus questions, affecting their overall ranking. Lu Zhiyi remained quiet, eating his rice, while He Qizhan realized Tang Shuangli was playfully hinting at Lu Zhiyi. Seeing his alcohol tolerance was low, Lu Zhiyi decided to leave the dinner early.
Meanwhile, Gu Ling visited Lu Zhiyi’s home, but finding the door code changed, she left angrily. Jessica called Gu Ling, informing her that Tang Shuangli had resigned that day and was rumored to have an unusual connection with He Qiaosheng. Later, He Qizhan suggested a game of Truth or Dare. Since Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli were unfamiliar with it, Zhao Mengdi explained the rules: answer a question truthfully, perform a dare, or drink if unwilling.
He Qizhan lost the first round. When Zhao Mengdi asked about his last kiss, he refused to answer. She then changed her question to how long it had been since his last breakup, and he opted to drink. Lu Zhiyi then revealed that He Qizhan’s previous relationship lasted less than five days, ruined by He Qiaosheng. In the second round, Lu Zhiyi lost. Tang Shuangli asked him which cactus looked better, the new one she bought or the previous one.
Lu Zhiyi chose the new one, much to Tang Shuangli’s satisfaction, and everyone drank. Tang Shuangli lost the third round. He Qizhan asked her who was a better cook between him and Lu Zhiyi. Tang Shuangli avoided the question and drank, with Lu Zhiyi chivalrously drinking on her behalf. As the dinner concluded and intoxication set in, Jimmy, slightly drunk, informed He Qiaosheng that Albert seemed to favor Tianzhuo's bid for the Hash project, which displeased He Qiaosheng.
Jimmy then attempted to flirt with Ye Lin, but He Qiaosheng subtly intervened, sending Jimmy away and instructing Ye Lin to wash her hands, which she appreciated. He Qiaosheng then tasked Ye Lin with contacting their insider at Tianzhuo to obtain a copy of Tianzhuo’s second-round proposal for the Hash project as quickly as possible. He also reiterated his intention to appoint Tang Shuangli as Zhaoyue's Chief Technology Officer, a suggestion Ye Lin vehemently opposed.
She argued that Tang Shuangli, being a newcomer, lacked the qualifications, ability, and experience for such a high-ranking position, and that her past relationship with Albert wouldn't influence the bid due to his wife and father-in-law. Ye Lin also expressed concerns about company unity and the respect of long-serving employees. He Qiaosheng, asserting his authority as Zhaoyue's legal representative and holder of 51% of the shares, declared his decision final, causing Ye Lin to storm off angrily.
Amidst the general drunken revelry, Lu Zhiyi called Zhao Da for a ride. Tang Shuangli, fueled by alcohol, confronted Lu Zhiyi about his past identity as "Chubby Lu" from Class 5, Grade 7, and playfully accused him of various past grievances, including stealing her notebook, bossing her around, an incident in the elevator, and causing the loss of her cactus. Lu Zhiyi, also inebriated, denied being chubby and tried to defend himself.
Inspired by Zhao Mengdi's attempt to walk in a straight line, Tang Shuangli, Lu Zhiyi, and He Qizhan all comically tried to do the same. Eventually, He Qizhan carried a very drunk Zhao Mengdi to his bedroom, then returned to sleep on the living room sofa. Zhao Da picked up Lu Zhiyi, while Tang Shuangli retired to her own bedroom.
Before passing out, Lu Zhiyi recorded a video of himself with his cactus and sent it to Tang Shuangli, who was already asleep and didn't hear the notification. He Qizhan, still groggy, eventually left the sofa for his own bed. The next morning, Lu Zhiyi awoke, saw his cactus, remembered the video he sent, and quickly checked his phone.
Tang Shuangli was woken by a call from Mrs. Tang, who wished her a happy birthday and reminded her to call her mother. Tang Shuangli then checked her phone, finding numerous birthday messages and Lu Zhiyi’s video, which reminded her of her drunken antics and calling him "Chubby Lu." She then entered the living room, noticing the remnants of the previous night's party and recalling the moment she almost kissed Lu Zhiyi.
Simultaneously, He Qizhan and Zhao Mengdi woke up in an awkward position in his bed. Zhao Mengdi let out a scream, drawing Tang Shuangli's attention. He Qizhan quickly tried to explain that nothing had happened between them and even offered to take responsibility if it had, which only made Zhao Mengdi more uncertain. Elsewhere, Gu Ling met with He Qiaosheng.
Gu Ling challenged He Qiaosheng about Tang Shuangli's role at Zhaoyue and hinted at her own intent to pursue Lu Zhiyi, warning He Qiaosheng not to interfere. He Qiaosheng countered by suggesting Gu Ling manage Tang Shuangli's influence, to which Gu Ling retorted that He Qiaosheng should focus on keeping Lu Zhiyi in line. They concluded with a tense agreement to "cooperate." Meanwhile, Ye Lin made arrangements to meet their contact at Tianzhuo to obtain the second-round proposal.
At breakfast, He Qizhan prepared fried rice noodles, and Zhao Mengdi tasted them, remarking that his cooking was on par with Lu Zhiyi's. The group decided to go to Kids' Land for Tang Shuangli's birthday celebration. As Zhao Mengdi couldn't ride a bicycle, He Qizhan offered her a ride, while Tang Shuangli rode her own bike. Privately, He Qizhan messaged Lu Zhiyi about their plans, prompting Lu Zhiyi to drive over.
Upon arriving at Kids' Land, He Qiaosheng was displeased to find Ye Lin there, having been invited by He Qizhan. Spotting Lu Zhiyi, He Qizhan quickly called him over. Tang Shuangli initially seemed unwelcoming towards Lu Zhiyi, but He Qizhan smoothly explained that Lu Zhiyi was there for market research for a company project, so Tang Shuangli invited him to join.
He Qiaosheng, surprised by He Qizhan's cleverness in inviting both Lu Zhiyi and Ye Lin, took Lu Zhiyi aside, subtly raising the topic of Gu Ling, suggesting she still cared for him and that Lu Zhiyi shouldn't hurt her. He then mentioned Tang Shuangli's imminent move to Zhaoyue. Lu Zhiyi, however, clarified that his relationship with Gu Ling was over and that Tang Shuangli would exclusively remain in his office.
Later, He Qiaosheng bought cotton candy for the ladies, offering one to Tang Shuangli. This overt gesture visibly annoyed both Ye Lin and Lu Zhiyi. Tang Shuangli and He Qiaosheng chatted warmly, discussing childhood memories of egg dumplings, with He Qiaosheng offering to treat her to some. Tang Shuangli playfully teased Lu Zhiyi by pretending to offer him a bite of her cotton candy before pulling it away.
He Qiaosheng then suggested taking a photo with Tang Shuangli, further highlighting their close bond. He Qizhan attempted to get Lu Zhiyi to take a photo with Tang Shuangli, but Lu Zhiyi refused, claiming he didn’t like sweets. The visible closeness between Tang Shuangli and He Qiaosheng clearly unsettled Lu Zhiyi. During a jump rope activity, Lu Zhiyi and He Qiaosheng engaged in an intense, competitive showdown.
He Qizhan eventually halted their impromptu "competing for a girl" contest, joking that they could jump until tomorrow otherwise. When He Qiaosheng started to sweat, Tang Shuangli offered him a tissue, but Lu Zhiyi swiftly took one for himself. Unfazed, Tang Shuangli simply pulled out another tissue and gently wiped the sweat from He Qiaosheng’s forehead.
Episode 15 Recap
Tang Shuangli and her friends continued their birthday celebration at the children's park. During a ring toss game, He Qizhan and Lu Zhiyi showed impressive skill, winning many toys. However, He Qiaosheng struggled to win a gift for Tang Shuangli, much to the amusement of Lu Zhiyi and the quiet satisfaction of Ye Lin. Next, the group played a game of Eagle and Chickens. Zhao Mengdi eagerly volunteered to be the hen.
He Qiaosheng and Lu Zhiyi immediately began arguing over who would stand directly behind Tang Shuangli to protect her. He Qizhan intervened, assigning roles: Zhao Mengdi as the "hen head," Tang Shuangli as the "chicken breast," and the others taking on various chicken parts. Their game was interrupted by a group of youths, led by Xu Dingding, who demanded they vacate the area. He Qizhan refused, leading Tang Shuangli to accept a challenge.
She declared her group "Team Black Hawk" and their opponents "Team Green Feathers." The rule was that the losing team would have to loudly declare "I'm a dumbass." Team Green Feathers lost first and had to make the declaration. Later, Team Black Hawk also suffered a loss, and they too had to shout "I'm a dumbass." Xu Dingding's group then suggested a game of hide-and-seek in the maze, and Tang Shuangli's team readily agreed.
Inside the maze, He Qizhan ran with Zhao Mengdi, while He Qiaosheng and Lu Zhiyi stayed with Tang Shuangli. Xu Dingding, seeing Ye Lin leisurely walking and not running, decided it was "no fun" to catch her and moved on to other targets. When He Qiaosheng, Tang Shuangli, and Lu Zhiyi were cornered, He Qiaosheng sacrificed himself to distract Team Green Feathers, urging Lu Zhiyi to take Tang Shuangli and escape.
He Qiaosheng was caught, and Xu Dingding made him climb a high structure to shout "I'm a dumbass." Meanwhile, Ye Lin noticed He Qiaosheng holding a large bouquet, seemingly intended for Tang Shuangli, and appeared unhappy. Just then, Lu Zhiyi received a call from Gu Ling and had to leave abruptly. He called He Qizhan to explain he had "something came up" and left.
Gu Ling, who was shopping alone, confronted Lu Zhiyi, demanding he have dinner with her at the Dream Restaurant. She was upset that he had changed his home password and allowed Tang Shuangli to touch Meatball, their dog. Lu Zhiyi reiterated that they had broken up, but Gu Ling refused to accept it. Frustrated, Lu Zhiyi locked Gu Ling in his car and called Zhao Da to take her home with a spare key.
After Lu Zhiyi's departure, Tang Shuangli changed into a "princess costume." He Qiaosheng presented her with a large bouquet and wished her a happy birthday. Tang Shuangli accepted the flowers. However, when it was time to light the candles, Tang Shuangli couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at Lu Zhiyi's absence.
After making her wish, she confessed to her friends that despite achieving her dream of a successful career and a prestigious education abroad, it wasn't the life she truly desired. She shared that her previous birthdays were always celebrated with just her mother and Lisa, and with Lisa now gone, she was immensely grateful to have all her friends with her this year. Zhao Mengdi, touched by Tang Shuangli's words, promised to celebrate every future birthday with her.
As the party ended, He Qizhan, wanting to prevent his brother from interacting with Tang Shuangli, made an excuse to take He Qiaosheng with him, leaving Ye Lin to drive Tang Shuangli and Zhao Mengdi home. In the car, Tang Shuangli and Zhao Mengdi complained about their aching bodies from the day's games, prompting Ye Lin to suggest they all go for a spa. They enthusiastically agreed. Back at his house, He Qizhan and He Qiaosheng rode bikes home.
He Qizhan then kept He Qiaosheng outside with him, letting them both endure mosquito bites. He Qiaosheng asked why Ye Lin had been invited along. He Qizhan explained it was so Ye Lin could witness He Qiaosheng's true character. He then directly accused He Qiaosheng of pursuing Tang Shuangli, which He Qiaosheng openly admitted. He Qizhan strongly opposed the idea, calling his brother a "playboy" and Tang Shuangli a "Cinderella," and arguing their incompatibility.
He Qiaosheng insisted he was genuinely in love with Tang Shuangli and had changed his ways for her, even declaring he was willing to "burn bridges" for her. He Qizhan then brought up He Qiaosheng's ambiguous relationship with Ye Lin, accusing him of "using" her. He Qiaosheng maintained they were just friends.
In response, He Qiaosheng turned the tables, questioning He Qizhan's own relationship with Zhao Mengdi, suggesting her feelings were obvious and asking if He Qizhan felt pity or love for her. He Qizhan adamantly denied it was anything more than friendship. Despite He Qizhan's strong objections, He Qiaosheng declared his unwavering commitment to Tang Shuangli. At the spa, while selecting treatments using Ye Lin's card, Tang Shuangli received a call from Lu Zhiyi.
Following Zhao Mengdi's advice to "freeze him out" for abandoning her birthday, Tang Shuangli deliberately ignored the call. She also mentioned her resignation from Tianzhuo. A spa attendant informed them that Ye Lin's card had over 6,000 RMB but would expire in three days. Tang Shuangli called Ye Lin, who, after hearing about the balance, insisted they spend it all as a birthday gift for Tang Shuangli.
Ye Lin also advised Tang Shuangli to reconsider her resignation from Tianzhuo, noting that Lu Zhiyi treated her differently from others. Back home, He Qizhan found an old shirt of Zhao Mengdi and pondered He Qiaosheng's earlier sharp question about when he himself started to like her. While enjoying their massages, Tang Shuangli complained about Lu Zhiyi, likening him to a "hedgehog" who was cold and prickly.
Zhao Mengdi, however, defended Lu Zhiyi, stating he treated Tang Shuangli well and that she was the only one who dared to call him by such a nickname. Lu Zhiyi called He Qizhan, saying he was on his way back. He Qizhan informed him the party was over and Tang Shuangli was at the spa with Zhao Mengdi. When Lu Zhiyi arrived, He Qizhan recounted how He Qiaosheng had attempted to take Tang Shuangli home, but he had intervened.
Lu Zhiyi then confessed he had left the party to "deal with Gu Ling." He Qizhan suspected He Qiaosheng had tipped off Gu Ling about the party, a suspicion Lu Zhiyi agreed with, recalling He Qiaosheng's suggestion that Lu Zhiyi reconcile with Gu Ling so he could pursue Tang Shuangli. Later, in a luxurious milk and flower bath, Tang Shuangli and Zhao Mengdi shared their thoughts on love.
Zhao Mengdi asked Tang Shuangli whom she would choose if both He Qiaosheng and Lu Zhiyi liked her. Tang Shuangli quickly dismissed He Qiaosheng as merely a schoolmate, and her subsequent silence was taken by Zhao Mengdi as a tacit choice for Lu Zhiyi. Tang Shuangli then asked for evidence of Lu Zhiyi's feelings. Zhao Mengdi responded that "liking someone isn't that complicated, a crush happens in an instant." They delved into their own feelings and understanding of love.
Tang Shuangli also mentioned her plan to move out from He Qizhan's place, as living with a boy was inconvenient. Zhao Mengdi immediately invited Tang Shuangli to live with her, an offer Tang Shuangli happily accepted. He Qizhan then returned to the topic of Lu Zhiyi's hesitation, emphasizing He Qiaosheng's aggressive pursuit of Tang Shuangli and urging Lu Zhiyi to "take the initiative" and confess his feelings to win her over. Lu Zhiyi, however, still felt the timing wasn't right.
He Qizhan pressed him further, insisting he at least prevent Tang Shuangli from leaving Tianzhuo. He advised Lu Zhiyi to "pester relentlessly" and even lie about his absence, suggesting he claim a work or family emergency, or even that he got lost, rather than revealing his encounter with Gu Ling. Lu Zhiyi, convinced by He Qizhan's "cunning" advice, decided to go downstairs and wait for Tang Shuangli.
Episode 16 Recap
Lu Zhiyi waited for Tang Shuangli to return home and tried to explain his absence from her birthday, but she wasn't receptive. He then pressed her about the night He Qiaosheng was drunk, questioning if she had gone home. Tang Shuangli confirmed she hadn't, explaining that He Qiaosheng's door was locked from the inside and he was too inebriated to wake, leaving her to sleep on his living room couch.
She indignantly denied anything romantic had occurred, growing offended by Lu Zhiyi's distrust. Their discussion then turned to her professional future, as Lu Zhiyi revealed He Qiaosheng had mentioned her considering a position at Zhaoyue. Lu Zhiyi forbade her from leaving Tianzhuo or joining Zhaoyue, citing a non-compete clause in her employment contract.
Tang Shuangli countered that the clause only restricted her from holding the "same type of position" and argued that her short tenure at Tianzhuo meant she wasn't a formal employee. She assured him she would uphold her principles and not take a similar role at Zhaoyue.
However, Lu Zhiyi insisted that even as a receptionist, she functioned as his assistant and had access to sensitive company secrets, implying that her move to Zhaoyue would be akin to providing He Qiaosheng with a strategic advantage. Recognizing his underlying suspicion, Tang Shuangli grew frustrated. Lu Zhiyi then shifted tactics, praising her strong work abilities and suitability as his assistant, subtly hinting at deeper feelings by asking if she truly understood his intentions.
Tang Shuangli, however, remained poker-faced, either genuinely perplexed or choosing to feign ignorance. Following this intense exchange, Tang Shuangli returned to her bedroom and discarded the paper airplane Lu Zhiyi had made. The unresolved tension and the recent kiss left both of them restless through the night.
The next day, Tang Shuangli visited Zhao Mengdi's apartment and was captivated by its luxurious feel, central location, expansive views, dual-level layout, two garden terraces, and a bathtub offering stunning sunset and stargazing experiences. Zhao Mengdi playfully remarked that Tang Shuangli's vivid description made her (Zhao Mengdi's) place sound even more valuable. Tang Shuangli expressed her desire to move in, to which Zhao Mengdi enthusiastically agreed.
They then deliberated on how to inform He Qizhan about Tang Shuangli's relocation, as Zhao Mengdi worried he might misinterpret her motives, believing she was jealous and had influenced Tang Shuangli to move. They decided to postpone the discussion. Tang Shuangli went to a nougat shop and met Lu Zhiyi by chance. She playfully accused him of knowing her identity as Lucky all along, chiding him for not revealing himself earlier.
Lu Zhiyi countered that he had given her subtle hints and was hesitant to directly reveal their past connection to avoid others suspecting he had ulterior motives. Tang Shuangli playfully questioned whether he truly lacked such intentions. As they talked, Lu Zhiyi took a piece of her nougat, reminding her of an unfulfilled promise to share sweets during a spring school trip. Tang Shuangli recalled her painful memory of that very trip, which was also her birthday.
Instead of joining her classmates, her mother forced her into a math tutoring session, leaving young Tang Shuangli to lament her lost childhood and deep-seated resentment towards exams and awards. Back in the present, Lu Zhiyi explained that he began suspecting her identity during a camping trip after seeing her unique name. His suspicions were confirmed when he later saw her at the old nougat shop, gave her a math test, and reviewed her childhood photo.
He confessed that once he confirmed her identity, her place in his heart became irreplaceable, and their reunion felt like a gift from fate. Tang Shuangli then shared that she recognized him from a little fishtail drawing in his notebook, a drawing she had made herself. She critiqued his copy as "not that good," prompting him to offer to teach her to draw, and they shared a moment drawing together.
Their tender moment was interrupted by the arrival of He Qizhan and Zhao Mengdi. The four then engaged in flying kites. Lu Zhiyi's kite repeatedly tumbled from the sky, leading Tang Shuangli to jokingly compare it to his consistently failing paper planes. Their kite eventually broke free and landed in a large locust tree, a tree of special significance from their childhood. Tang Shuangli, deciding she was done with kite flying, suggested taking Lu Zhiyi to a special place.
He then led her there, to his "house of emotions," a secluded treehouse where he would go to release his feelings. Inside, he playfully complained about "a fish" (referring to Lucky) who had stolen his candy and called him a "dumbass." Tang Shuangli, amused, called him "Chubby Lu." He Qizhan and Zhao Mengdi soon discovered them. Observing their interaction, He Qizhan remarked on Lu Zhiyi's knack for finding a secluded spot for their private meeting.
Lu Zhiyi, turning to Tang Shuangli, recounted a series of past incidents between them, declaring each an "offense" for which she owed him "revenge." These included him pushing her during bungee jumping, her hitting him due to a leech (and the leech sucking his blood), him hugging and then pushing her away in an acting class, Meatball chewing her notebook, him kissing her in the elevator, and her cactus being broken because of him.
He dramatically demanded that she "take revenge" for each one, ensuring she wouldn't "leave his sight" until every score was settled. Tang Shuangli agreed to the "revenge." Lu Zhiyi then suggested she start by reciprocating the kiss from "that night". After a moment of hesitation, Tang Shuangli kissed him. Lu Zhiyi declared, "That's some real revenge," and asked for a hug. He Qizhan and Zhao Mengdi discreetly left, joking about not wanting such intense "revenge" themselves.
Following this, the four decided to try an escape room. However, shortly after the game began, Tang Shuangli suffered a claustrophobic attack. Lu Zhiyi quickly came to her aid, and with his emergency rescue, she gradually regained consciousness. Meanwhile, Gu Ling, feeling deeply hurt by Lu Zhiyi's cold demeanor, sought solace in alcohol with He Qiaosheng. She poured out her heart, lamenting her failure to win back Lu Zhiyi and expressing a desire to give up, labeling herself a failure.
He Qiaosheng, driven by his own agenda to pursue Tang Shuangli and undermine Tianzhuo, urged Gu Ling not to abandon her efforts at this crucial juncture. He proposed a cunning strategy: if Tang Shuangli joined Zhaoyue, Lu Zhiyi would be isolated, potentially opening a window for Gu Ling to reconcile with him. Alternatively, Gu Ling, as a Tianzhuo shareholder, could threaten to withdraw her investment if Lu Zhiyi refused to fire Tang Shuangli.
This move, He Qiaosheng explained, would either alienate Tang Shuangli from Lu Zhiyi due to her pride or inflict significant damage on Tianzhuo, benefiting his own company in the fierce competition for the Hush case. Gu Ling, recognizing the double benefit for He Qiaosheng, acknowledged the scheme. Later, at a hotpot dinner joined by He Qizhan, Zhao Mengdi, and Lu Zhiyi, Tang Shuangli tried to announce her impending move.
However, Zhao Mengdi subtly kicked her under the table, signaling her to remain silent. Despite the interruption, Lu Zhiyi sensed an unspoken secret between the two women and, after dinner, pulled Tang Shuangli aside to press her for answers. Lu Zhiyi cornered Tang Shuangli, demanding she confess her "conspiracy" with Zhao Mengdi, even threatening to call Zhao Mengdi, who was with He Qizhan at the time. Tang Shuangli relented, finally revealing her plans to move out.
Simultaneously, Zhao Mengdi, discussing Tang Shuangli's secret meeting with He Qizhan, speculated that Lu Zhiyi was probing about the move, while He Qizhan, ever romantic, was convinced Lu Zhiyi was confessing his love. Back with Tang Shuangli, Lu Zhiyi inquired where she intended to move. She confirmed her plan to stay with Zhao Mengdi for the time being.
Lu Zhiyi then offered his own place, which Tang Shuangli quickly declined, jokingly stating she didn't want to be forced to move again if she encountered "another woman" there. She provocatively questioned if all his admirers were "humans," directly alluding to Gu Ling, leaving Lu Zhiyi momentarily speechless. Later, He Qiaosheng called Ye Lin to his aid. She arrived to find both him and Gu Ling heavily intoxicated. Grumbling, Ye Lin helped him escort Gu Ling home.
Subsequently, while Ye Lin prepared noodles for him, He Qiaosheng attempted to clarify the situation. He explained that Gu Ling was Lu Zhiyi's ex-girlfriend and a Tianzhuo shareholder, and that he had been following Ye Lin's previous advice to persuade Gu Ling to divest her shares, aiming to weaken Tianzhuo. He emphasized his actions were strategic, not romantic, and Ye Lin, though initially displeased, seemed to accept his reasoning.
At another moment, Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli were seen playfully blowing bubbles. Tang Shuangli shared her deep appreciation for childhood memories, describing them as "lost beauty" for her generation, often stifled by endless tutoring and academic pressures. She expressed her longing for the genuine happiness of childhood, free from adult complexities and machinations, finding true joy in such simple, authentic moments. Lu Zhiyi, too, admitted to finding happiness in their current, carefree interaction.
Later that evening, He Qizhan visited Zhao Mengdi's apartment to fix her bedside lamp. Noticing she streamed from her bedroom, he cautiously advised her against letting male fans see such a private space, distinguishing himself by claiming he was "not the same." As rain approached, Zhao Mengdi offered He Qizhan an umbrella, secretly hoping he would use it as an excuse to pick her up for work the next day.
The following morning, He Qizhan arrived to return a bicycle and was surprised to find Lu Zhiyi helping Tang Shuangli pack her belongings. He confronted Tang Shuangli, upset that she was moving out without informing him, questioning if she was unhappy living there.
Tang Shuangli explained her desire for a "change of environment" and her reluctance to continue being a "freeloader" at his place, dismissing his suggestion that her mother was forcing her back to the US or that she was moving in with Lu Zhiyi or He Qiaosheng. She firmly stated her determination to move to Zhao Mengdi's. He Qizhan, astonished, argued that Zhao Mengdi would surely have told him.
Tang Shuangli sheepishly admitted she had tried to tell him during their hotpot dinner, but he was too absorbed in eating. Feeling betrayed and angry, He Qizhan sarcastically agreed to store some of her excess luggage, reminding her that "the property title is in Tang's name," before storming off. The next day, Zhao Mengdi received a ride to work from an Uber driver, arranged by "Mr. He."
At the office, she attempted to greet He Qizhan, but he pointedly ignored her, walking past as if she were invisible. Upset, Zhao Mengdi confided in Tang Shuangli, who admitted He Qizhan now knew about the move. Zhao Mengdi panicked, accusing Tang Shuangli of putting her in a terrible position, fearing He Qizhan would mistakenly believe she was jealous and had orchestrated Tang Shuangli's departure, thereby ruining any chance of a relationship with him.
Tang Shuangli tried to reassure her, asserting that He Qizhan wasn't petty. Just then, Lu Zhiyi appeared, inquiring if Tang Shuangli still had any belongings left from her "found another job" phase. Tang Shuangli decisively stated that she had changed her mind and would remain working at Tianzhuo. Lu Zhiyi observed her with a knowing look, commenting that she had truly managed to "turn the situation around."
Episode 17 Recap
Tang Shuangli spent the entire night helping Zhao Mengdi practice riding her bicycle. Meanwhile, back home, He Qizhan was frustrated by Tang Shuangli's late return. He vented his annoyance by deliberately bothering his brother, He Qiaosheng, who found the situation somewhat amusing and helpless. The next morning, determined to win He Qizhan over, Zhao Mengdi bravely attempted to cycle to work with him despite her inexperience. Unfortunately, she was hit by a reckless driver and fell.
Seeing her injured, He Qizhan’s anger immediately vanished. He rushed to her side, gently picked her up in a princess carry, and took her away, much to the surprise of onlookers who filmed the moment. Back at the office, Ye Lin presented He Qiaosheng with Tianzhuo's second-round bidding plan for the Hush Leisure Voyage. She noted that Tianzhuo’s proposal was very forward-looking, centered on an exquisite lifestyle for future elites.
He Qiaosheng conceded that Zhaoyue Corp.'s own plan seemed a bit simple in comparison, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, wondering if Lu Zhiyi, a man known for his shrewdness, would truly make the same mistake twice. In Lu Zhiyi's office, Tang Shuangli struggled to use tongs to get sugar cubes. Lu Zhiyi assisted her, surprising Tang Shuangli when he politely thanked her.
Jessica, observing Lu Zhiyi prepare two cups of coffee, assumed one was for He Qizhan. However, Lu Zhiyi gave a pink coffee to Tang Shuangli, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Later, Tang Shuangli noticed Lu Zhiyi staring at her while she worked and playfully questioned him, to which he retorted about her looking at him first.
Tang Shuangli informed Lu Zhiyi that He Qizhan now knew about her moving out and asked if Lu Zhiyi could persuade He Qizhan on Zhao Mengdi's behalf, admitting that her own standing with He Qizhan was currently ruined. Lu Zhiyi agreed. Meanwhile, Zhao Mengdi brought coffee to He Qizhan, hoping to apologize. She offered to persuade Tang Shuangli to stay.
He Qizhan clarified that while Tang Shuangli's departure did bother him, his primary anger was directed at Zhao Mengdi for keeping the secret from him, especially after he had begun to envision a future together. He expressed a deep sense of mistrust before dismissing her. Later, He Qizhan told Lu Zhiyi that their "fish" had taken the bait, and they went to investigate.
They discovered the identity of a spy, and Lu Zhiyi revealed that the proposal the spy had copied was an old one he had already discarded. He Qizhan, impressed, likened Lu Zhiyi's cunning to a "House of Cards" character. Remembering Tang Shuangli's request for help with He Qizhan, Lu Zhiyi invited him for a swim that evening, downplaying it as simply wanting to catch up. He Qizhan, after a playful jab about Lu Zhiyi’s wrinkles, accepted.
Lu Zhiyi then returned to his office and asked Tang Shuangli to inform Zhao Mengdi about the swimming plans. That evening, at the pool, He Qizhan expected Lu Zhiyi to join him, but Lu Zhiyi revealed his true intention: he had brought Zhao Mengdi instead. Zhao Mengdi, wearing a new swimsuit she'd bought with half her salary, asked He Qizhan to teach her. He Qizhan ignored her until another man offered to teach her.
Driven by jealousy, He Qizhan challenged the man to a race, leaving a disheartened Zhao Mengdi alone. Afterward, Lu Zhiyi took Tang Shuangli to an arcade, where he won two hedgehog plushies for her. Tang Shuangli remarked on his transformation from "Chubby Lu" and his current hedgehog-like appearance, prompting Lu Zhiyi to invite her to a private restaurant to show her how he "turned the corner."
Later, at his home, Tang Shuangli discovered an old high school photo of herself that Lu Zhiyi had kept. As he set up his astronomical telescope, he explained that happiness, like stars, is always visible despite darkness, and he wanted her to see it clearly. Tang Shuangli, moved by his gestures, wondered what she could do in return. The next day, in Lu Zhiyi's office, Tang Shuangli shared her "childhood project" proposal.
Lu Zhiyi then revealed his own "Childhood Memory" project, attributing his interest to her influence. To embody the theme, she offered him a choice between a "diamond sweet" and "bubble gum." Despite his initial reluctance to eat sweet things, she playfully insisted he must "practice what he preaches" for a good project. He chose the diamond sweet. Their lighthearted moment was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Gu Ling, who sarcastically called the office a "kindergarten."
Gu Ling demanded Tang Shuangli leave, but Lu Zhiyi insisted Tang Shuangli stay as his assistant to take meeting minutes. Gu Ling then formally announced her return to Tianzhuo as the Vice President, asserting her rights as the second-largest shareholder. She then demanded Tang Shuangli's desk, refusing an executive office. Lu Zhiyi firmly declined, offering her other offices or even his own, but Gu Ling threatened to withdraw her shares.
To prevent harm to Tianzhuo, Tang Shuangli voluntarily agreed to move, carrying her belongings to the reception desk. Gu Ling, watching Tang Shuangli leave, taunted Lu Zhiyi, calling his defense of Tang Shuangli ridiculous. Lu Zhiyi countered that Gu Ling was pathetic. Outside, Zhao Mengdi and He Qizhan, seeing Tang Shuangli with her box, mistakenly thought she had been "driven out" again and was resigning.
He Qizhan, putting aside his previous grievances, immediately offered to fight for her, proclaiming their "trio" was united against the "invader" Gu Ling. Tang Shuangli clarified that she had "voluntarily offered to leave" to prevent Gu Ling from withdrawing shares during the critical Hush bidding. He Qizhan later spoke to Lu Zhiyi, questioning his decision to let Gu Ling stay and Tang Shuangli leave, viewing Gu Ling as a "bomb" within the company.
Lu Zhiyi explained the strategic necessity given the ongoing Hush bid. He resolved to handle Gu Ling professionally at work and ignore her otherwise. Meanwhile, Ye Lin informed He Qiaosheng that both Zhaoyue Corp. and Tianzhuo were shortlisted for the Hush Leisure Voyage, a competitive parity he found customary. He Qiaosheng, looking unwell, received cough drops and promised congee from Ye Lin. He also received an invitation to a new software launch requiring a female companion.
Separately, Gu Ling, speaking with Jessica, asked her to arrange a meeting with Zhao Mengdi. Gu Ling believed Zhao Mengdi, who sought attention by associating with influential people and maintained ambiguous relationships, would be easily swayed. She saw these relationships as "betrayal chips," confident that by offering Zhao Mengdi "more," she could easily win her over as an ally. Jessica praised Gu Ling's perceptive strategy. He Qiaosheng chatted with Tang Shuangli as she packed.
Tang Shuangli packed her special notebook and secured her ID documents. He Qiaosheng asked if she was taking her pet turtle, "Dimples," cautioning her about unfamiliar terrain. He also gifted her a red bear plushie she had always wanted. Tang Shuangli then recalled accidentally breaking a similar bear at his house previously, and realized that He Qiaosheng deeply cherished this type of bear, making his gift particularly meaningful. Later, Lu Zhiyi arrived to pick up Tang Shuangli.
He Qiaosheng told Tang Shuangli that he would move once his lease expired so she could return. He Qizhan also assured her she could move back anytime if living with Zhao Mengdi proved difficult. Tang Shuangli thanked He Qizhan for his unexpected kindness. At Zhao Mengdi's apartment, which was now their new home, Tang Shuangli brought Dimples, and Zhao Mengdi had already prepared her bed.
Just as they were about to eat instant noodles, Lu Zhiyi and He Qizhan arrived with hotpot for a housewarming celebration. During dinner, Zhao Mengdi noticed a video of her and He Qizhan on the bicycle had gone viral online. She excitedly showed it to them, thrilled, and called Tang Shuangli her "lucky charm." He Qizhan, watching Zhao Mengdi excitedly prepare for a live stream, remarked on her newfound uninhibitedness.
Later that night, He Qiaosheng convinced Ye Lin to have dinner with him after work. Meanwhile, He Qizhan, feeling lonely and unaccustomed without Tang Shuangli, sought refuge at Lu Zhiyi’s house, with his permission. Over late-night noodles, He Qizhan asked Lu Zhiyi about pure friendships between men and women, pondering if they always turned into something more. Lu Zhiyi himself admitted to feeling unaccustomed to Tang Shuangli moving out.
He Qizhan cited his brother He Qiaosheng and Ye Lin as an example, suggesting Ye Lin harbored deeper feelings. He then pressed Lu Zhiyi, asking if he had ever felt anything beyond friendship for Tang Shuangli while they lived together. Lu Zhiyi firmly denied it, describing their connection as kindred spirits brought together by fate, without the mutual dependence of a couple. He Qizhan challenged this, pointing out Lu Zhiyi's earlier admission of discomfort.
Lu Zhiyi dismissed it as baseless jealousy, claiming he would miss He Qizhan just as much if he moved out. He then reminded He Qizhan that he knew who Lu Zhiyi truly liked. He Qizhan then lamented that he and Lu Zhiyi were now "equally miserable" since Tang Shuangli was living with Zhao Mengdi, to which Lu Zhiyi reminded him he still had "Meatball" (his cat). Exhausted, He Qizhan declared he was going to sleep in Lu Zhiyi's bed, but Lu Zhiyi directed him to one of the two sofas instead.
Episode 18 Recap
Zhao Mengdi woke Tang Shuangli, noting they were running late for work. Although Zhao Mengdi initially planned for them to take the bus, Lu Zhiyi and He Qizhan arrived on bicycles to pick them up. As they headed to work, Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli openly showed affection, which visibly annoyed Gu Ling. Later, at the office, Gu Ling tried to provoke a reaction by subtly implying Tang Shuangli had prepared coffee for Lu Zhiyi.
However, Tang Shuangli, possibly anticipating Gu Ling's move, had Zhao Mengdi deliver it instead. Gu Ling then taunted Lu Zhiyi, pointing out that Tang Shuangli hadn't even made the coffee herself. Meanwhile, He Qiaosheng saw a video circulating on an employee's phone, showing his brother He Qizhan publicly carrying Zhao Mengdi in a "princess carry" on the street.
He Qiaosheng questioned the employee about the video, expressing his concern to Ye Lin that Zhao Mengdi might have ulterior motives for his brother, especially since she also worked as a part-time streamer and used the video to hype her live streams. Ye Lin, however, cautioned He Qiaosheng not to "forget the pain after the wound has healed," suggesting he shouldn't meddle. He Qiaosheng admitted his fear that his naive brother would be exploited, reaffirming his protective stance.
Moved, Ye Lin offered to investigate Zhao Mengdi's background. Despite the corporate drama, Tang Shuangli continued to develop the Relive Childhood app. She explained the concept of a "Wish List" feature, allowing users to digitally record and revisit childhood memories, and also proposed creating offline, childhood-themed events to reconnect old friends. Lu Zhiyi found her ideas compelling and resolved to help her achieve her dream.
Later, during a discussion, Tang Shuangli subtly prodded Lu Zhiyi to express his feelings more openly, asking why the app was named "Relive Childhood," hinting that he should be more "sensible" in their relationship. Lu Zhiyi found expressing his emotions challenging. His friend He Qizhan, who had just confessed his love to Zhao Mengdi in a public restaurant with an adrenaline rush, advised Lu Zhiyi to be bolder.
He suggested that Lu Zhiyi use the upcoming company-funded "Leisure Voyage" trip to Lijiang as an opportunity to spend quality time with Tang Shuangli and openly express his feelings. Tang Shuangli was given the travel forms for the Lijiang trip, confirming it would be just her and Lu Zhiyi, much to Zhao Da's chagrin, who used to travel with Lu Zhiyi. At the company, Gu Ling tried to bribe Zhao Mengdi into spying on Tang Shuangli.
Zhao Mengdi firmly refused, asserting that her friendship and love were not for sale, regardless of the money offered. Gu Ling then taunted Zhao Mengdi about He Qizhan not having confessed his love, implying it was unrequited. Overhearing this, He Qizhan dramatically entered the room, interrupting the conversation. He declared his love for Zhao Mengdi publicly, telling her that if anyone ever asked if he loved her, she should "unhesitatingly say, 'Of course he does.'
" This left Zhao Mengdi overjoyed. Later, He Qizhan and Zhao Mengdi were out for a street-style photoshoot when they spotted Tang Shuangli and He Qiaosheng at a dai pai dong. He Qizhan immediately alerted Lu Zhiyi by sending photos. He Qiaosheng, believing Tang Shuangli liked him after she gifted him a small red bear (which was originally He Qizhan's housewarming gift to Tang Shuangli), was about to confess his feelings to her.
However, before he could, a furious Lu Zhiyi rushed over and pulled Tang Shuangli away from the scene. Outside, Lu Zhiyi confronted Tang Shuangli, accusing her of being "unreasonable" for meeting He Qiaosheng alone and questioning his intentions. Tang Shuangli, frustrated by Lu Zhiyi's possessiveness without a clear declaration of their relationship, demanded to know what she was to him. She criticized his "hot and cold" behavior and felt his actions were not enough to make her feel secure.
Lu Zhiyi recounted all the efforts he had made for her, from defending her, throwing paper airplanes at her door, changing her work location, fighting Gu Ling, celebrating her birthday, driving her to work, preventing her resignation, and getting jealous. He argued that he wouldn't do so for someone he only wanted an ambiguous relationship with. When Tang Shuangli still responded with "not enough," she kissed him, explaining it was "her answer."
Lu Zhiyi then passionately kissed her back and explicitly confessed his love, solidifying their relationship. Tang Shuangli was very happy. Later that evening, both Ye Lin and Gu Ling got drunk at a bar. A slurring Ye Lin called He Qiaosheng, and Gu Ling called Lu Zhiyi, who answered on speakerphone to avoid misunderstanding with Tang Shuangli. The bartender explained that Gu Ling had deleted all her contacts except Lu Zhiyi’s.
Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli, along with He Qiaosheng, rushed to the bar. He Qiaosheng tried to sober up Ye Lin, who was acting childishly, but she spat out the water he offered. Gu Ling, meanwhile, began a drunken rant against Tang Shuangli, accusing her of stealing Lu Zhiyi and questioning why Lu Zhiyi was attracted to "people close to He Qiaosheng" – specifically mentioning He Qiaosheng as Lu Zhiyi's strongest rival and his best friend's brother.
To prevent further escalation, Lu Zhiyi asked Tang Shuangli to leave, then carried a belligerent Gu Ling out of the bar. Tang Shuangli left feeling dejected. He Qiaosheng helped a dazed Ye Lin leave shortly after. In a flashback, Lu Zhiyi, He Qiaosheng, and another friend named Daming surprised He Qizhan for his 18th birthday at an internet cafe. They sang "Happy Birthday," bringing a cake and candles. Lu Zhiyi explained that he knew He Qizhan would go to an internet cafe first after becoming an adult.
Episode 19 Recap
He Qiaosheng gently put a seemingly drunk Ye Lin to bed, who kept murmuring his name and calling him a "big scoundrel." He then took care of her clothes, washing and ironing them. Meanwhile, Zhao Mengdi returned home to find Tang Shuangli in a low mood and suspected she had argued with Lu Zhiyi again. Tang Shuangli just told her not to mention him. Lu Zhiyi soon arrived to apologize to Tang Shuangli.
He expressed regret for not anticipating Gu Ling's drunken antics and for not taking Tang Shuangli away sooner. Tang Shuangli questioned why he left her and pointed out how well he knew Gu Ling. Lu Zhiyi clarified that he left to prevent Gu Ling from causing further embarrassment, and he only went to the bar with her initially because Tang Shuangli was there, wanting to demonstrate his sincerity and transparency regarding his past.
He acknowledged his past but emphasized his determination to hold onto his current love. While Tang Shuangli appreciated his words, she made it clear that while she wouldn't abandon him, that didn't equate to forgiveness. Lu Zhiyi accepted this, offering to stay by her side silently until she felt better.
Tang Shuangli teased him about his sudden change from his usual cold demeanor to a clingy one, and he responded that she was the reason for his transformation, revealing his true self only to her. He eventually urged her to get some rest, leading both of them to reflect on the long and restless night. That night, as He Qiaosheng cared for Ye Lin, he reflected on her earlier comments about liking someone "cold, eccentric, and harsh."
He used her fingerprint to unlock her phone and found a photo of them together, finally understanding her unspoken feelings for him. The next morning, Ye Lin woke up, embarrassed about her behavior, and found a photo album of Tang Shuangli compiled by He Qiaosheng. This made her realize the depth of his feelings for Tang Shuangli. Over breakfast that He Qiaosheng prepared, Ye Lin candidly asked him about his true feelings for Tang Shuangli.
He admitted he was unsure, questioning if he was merely competing with Lu Zhiyi or if he was simply looking for a change from his usual preferences. Ye Lin expressed her frustration, lamenting that she felt like she was becoming a "whiny old woman" waiting for the right person. He Qiaosheng suggested she take annual leave, but Ye Lin decided to postpone it until after the upcoming Hush bidding.
At the office, Gu Ling approached Lu Zhiyi, trying to secure her position as his date for the upcoming Hush press conference. She feigned memory loss from the previous night but implied he wouldn't blame her. Lu Zhiyi, however, firmly stated he already had a date, confirming it was Tang Shuangli when Gu Ling pressed him. Gu Ling then openly questioned Tang Shuangli's qualifications to represent the company, asserting that only she was suitable.
Later, Gu Ling confronted Tang Shuangli at the front desk, verbally attacking her appearance and demeanor, disparagingly calling her "poor, pathetic, and rustic" and a "village girl." Tang Shuangli, however, ignored Gu Ling's words. To counter Gu Ling's negativity, Zhao Mengdi took Tang Shuangli shopping for new clothes. Simultaneously, He Qiaosheng approached Ye Lin and invited her to the Hush press conference.
Ye Lin accepted, making a subtle remark about not having "red roses nor lotuses," referencing He Qiaosheng's earlier contemplation of his feelings for Tang Shuangli. He Qiaosheng was pleased by her acceptance. Tang Shuangli arrived at work the next day looking stylish and received compliments from her colleagues. However, she was summoned to a meeting by Gu Ling, who, despite Zhao Mengdi's warnings of a trap, had to attend due to Gu Ling's vice president status.
In the meeting, Gu Ling boldly introduced herself as the second largest shareholder (besides President Lu) and Lu Zhiyi's fiancée, then announced her direct involvement in company management. She singled out Tang Shuangli, accusing her of being a spy who repeatedly leaked company secrets to Zhaoyue Group, citing her impressive academic background from Georgia Tech and her past role as a senior software engineer at Hush.
Gu Ling then presented a video of Tang Shuangli embracing He Qiaosheng, Zhaoyue's CEO and also a Georgia Tech alum and Tang Shuangli's senior, as "evidence" of their secret meeting. While other colleagues tried to defend Tang Shuangli, a worried Zhao Mengdi, fearing Tang Shuangli was walking into a trap, quickly called He Qizhan for help.
Just as Gu Ling was about to dismiss Tang Shuangli, Lu Zhiyi, who was in another meeting and had intervened remotely via video with Zhao Mengdi's help, burst into the meeting in person, forcefully stopping her. He declared himself the company owner and stated he would not tolerate false accusations against his employees.
He then made two major announcements: first, the company would develop a new app named Shi Qu, with Tang Shuangli leading its development; and second, Tang Shuangli was not only his assistant but also his girlfriend. Gu Ling was left stunned and furious. Lu Zhiyi then told his assistant to log a leave of absence for him and Tang Shuangli.
After the dramatic meeting, Lu Zhiyi asked Tang Shuangli about his performance, explaining that his public declaration was to silence company gossip. Tang Shuangli, still overwhelmed, agreed to his suggestion to go to the beach to watch the sunset instead of getting drinks. At the beach, Tang Shuangli expressed her desire for simple, carefree days.
Lu Zhiyi promised they could return often and then confessed the moment he was first drawn to her: seeing her earlier that day wishing for happiness, and how his spontaneous actions for her that day seemed to be a sign of their connection. He shared that every "revenge" she sought against him only made his heart flutter more. Tang Shuangli reciprocated, describing her first prolonged eye contact with him as a "burning sensation."
Lu Zhiyi expressed his wish for their current moment to last forever, promising to be her "alarm clock" for every sunrise, sunset, and starry night. Tang Shuangli affectionately thanked her "Chubby Lu." Meanwhile, He Qiaosheng was browsing social media, where he saw Zhao Mengdi live-streaming with He Qizhan as a guest. Viewers were complimenting He Qizhan's looks, which made Zhao Mengdi intensely jealous.
She demanded he cover his face for future streams, but He Qizhan refused, asserting he was her boyfriend, not a toy. He threatened to leave, but Zhao Mengdi pretended to injure herself, prompting He Qizhan to apologize. She then convinced him to accompany her to the Hush event. Later, Lu Zhiyi once again invited Tang Shuangli to be his date for the Hush event, which she happily accepted.
While shopping for formal wear, they unexpectedly encountered Ye Lin, who was also looking for an outfit for the same event, accompanied by He Qiaosheng. During their chat, Tang Shuangli mentioned an upcoming business trip to Lijiang, sparking Ye Lin's interest in joining her. As Lu Zhiyi walked Tang Shuangli home, they shared a tender farewell kiss at her doorstep. Back at home, Zhao Mengdi and He Qizhan continued their playful antics, squabbling over a torn piece of clothing, seemingly enjoying their lighthearted argument.
Episode 20 Recap
He Qizhan, Zhao Mengdi, Lu Zhiyi, Tang Shuangli, He Qiaosheng, and Ye Lin arrived at the Love Story event, greeted by Xu Dingding. Xu Dingding revealed that he planned the event as a collaboration between his company and Hush, and that he was from Xu's Group, where his father was the president. After introductions, Xu Dingding led them to check in. While Tang Shuangli was playing the guzheng, Albert approached her and apologized for his wife's behavior.
Tang Shuangli said it was in the past and acknowledged his birthday message, but admitted she didn't know how to reply. Albert expressed his desire for an honest conversation since returning to China, and Tang Shuangli admitted to avoiding him, stating she had moved on. Albert asked for forgiveness, and Tang Shuangli clarified that there was nothing to forgive, acknowledging both their shortcomings in the relationship.
They agreed to accept their individual growth and the unhappy ending, sharing a friendly hug. Tang Shuangli playfully reminded Albert to mind his decorum as a Hush executive. Xu Dingding then escorted Gu Ling into the event, where she revealed to him that Lu Zhiyi was her ex-boyfriend. Gu Ling provoked Tang Shuangli by reciting Lu Zhiyi's favorite things, asking if she knew them. Tang Shuangli calmly responded that she could learn them anytime.
Gu Ling then asked Xu Dingding to check the compatibility score between herself (No. 6) and Tang Shuangli (No. 26). Xu Dingding complied. Meanwhile, after Zhao Mengdi and He Qizhan separated, He Qiaosheng asked Zhao Mengdi to persuade He Qizhan to attend a blind date their family had arranged. Separately, Ye Lin also urged He Qizhan to settle down.
Albert presented the Love Story app to Lu Zhiyi and He Qiaosheng, describing it as a therapeutic dating application co-developed by Hush and a Chinese company. He expressed interest in a continued partnership with Tianzhuo. Gu Ling returned with the compatibility scores, revealing that Tang Shuangli (No. 26) had a 65% match, while she (No. 6) had a 90% match. Gu Ling flaunted this to Tang Shuangli, asserting that she couldn't disrupt her bond with Lu Zhiyi.
Tang Shuangli retorted by calling Gu Ling pathetic for clinging to something already lost. Gu Ling threatened to withdraw her shares from Tianzhuo. Tang Shuangli stated that was her right. Lu Zhiyi stepped in, dismissing the validity of compatibility scores and declaring his intolerance for threats. He told Tang Shuangli to stay by his side, making his loyalty clear. Feeling downhearted, Zhao Mengdi asked He Qizhan to introduce her to his family.
He Qizhan argued it was unnecessary, as his family didn't even know about her. Upset, Zhao Mengdi revealed that He Qiaosheng had asked her to convince He Qizhan to go on a blind date. He Qizhan admitted that his family had arranged a blind date but said he never considered it seriously. He reassured her that other women were "invisible" to him. He then promised to arrange a meeting with his parents.
Later, Lu Zhiyi noticed Tang Shuangli's sadness and asked if Gu Ling had upset her. Tang Shuangli admitted her frustration that Gu Ling knew so much about his preferences. Lu Zhiyi reassured her, explaining that Gu Ling's knowledge came from three years together. He promised that if Tang Shuangli gave him time, she would know him even better. He emphasized that love wasn't measured by duration but by who resided in his heart – her.
Tang Shuangli then brought up Albert. Lu Zhiyi confirmed he knew Albert was married and humorously stated he had no reason to be jealous, offering to make her his "signature egg-fried rice" since he knew it was her favorite, revealing he had read her personal notebook. Tang Shuangli inquired if she could visit his "secret garden," to which he replied that she would have to "work hard for it."
He Qiaosheng, gazing at a small red bear, was reminded of a past incident involving He Qizhan and a woman named Yingying. He recalled how he had initially encouraged He Qizhan's relationship with Yingying, but later discovered her manipulative nature and tried to warn He Qizhan. To expose her, He Qiaosheng openly flirted with Yingying, who reciprocated and dumped He Qizhan on the spot, causing a rift between the brothers.
In the present, He Qizhan arrived at He Qiaosheng's home and stated the bear was for Tang Shuangli, not him. He Qizhan formally announced his relationship with Zhao Mengdi and told He Qiaosheng to stop meddling, criticizing He Qiaosheng's own frequent change of partners. Later, Zhao Mengdi found Tang Shuangli engrossed in a book titled "Lovebirds' 36 Questions." Zhao Mengdi teased her before leaving.
That evening, as Tang Shuangli and Lu Zhiyi ate dinner, Lu Zhiyi asked if his "signature egg-fried rice" was better than He Qiaosheng's cooking. Seeing his jealousy, Tang Shuangli presented him with a "Lovebirds' Questionnaire" to complete, promising she would no longer make him jealous. While Lu Zhiyi completed the questionnaire, Tang Shuangli took Meatball for a walk. She went inside briefly to get milk for Meatball, but when she returned, Meatball was gone.
Meanwhile, Leon, the organizer of the Influencers' Show, contacted Zhao Mengdi on He Qiaosheng's instructions. He offered her a contract with a guarantee of a top-three spot if she signed. The contract stipulated that she must remain single throughout its duration, leaving her conflicted. Back at Lu Zhiyi's place, he received a message from Gu Ling, informing him that she had taken Meatball. Lu Zhiyi told Tang Shuangli to stop searching and called Gu Ling, demanding Meatball's return.
Gu Ling refused, demanding that Tang Shuangli leave him. Enraged, Lu Zhiyi told her to keep Meatball, declaring he no longer wanted him. Despite his angry words, Lu Zhiyi was saddened, lamenting that Meatball was truly Gu Ling's dog and that this was likely their last connection. Tang Shuangli apologized. Later, Ye Lin called Tang Shuangli and invited her to dinner.
During their meal, Ye Lin confessed that her initial interactions with Tang Shuangli, along with He Qiaosheng's, had been driven by business interests. At first, it was because Tang Shuangli was Albert's ex, and later, because He Qiaosheng recognized her talent in programming. Ye Lin then revealed her unrequited love for He Qiaosheng.
Overcome by jealousy and uncertainty about Tang Shuangli's feelings for him, Ye Lin admitted she had resorted to underhanded tactics to undermine Tang Shuangli's impression of He Qiaosheng. Tang Shuangli advised Ye Lin to bravely confess her feelings. Ye Lin then inquired about a letter Tang Shuangli had written to He Qiaosheng in the past.
Tang Shuangli admitted to a brief "heartbeat" for He Qiaosheng during college because he resembled her deceased father, but clarified that nothing developed between them and that He Qiaosheng was now merely a warm senior alum. Tang Shuangli further affirmed that she now had someone she loved who loved her back. She reassured Ye Lin that despite their candid conversation, they were still friends.
Episode 21 Recap
He Qiaosheng was preparing for a business trip to Lijiang, Yunnan. Ye Lin tried to persuade him not to go, stating that Tang Shuangli was also heading there, but He Qiaosheng insisted on keeping his arrangements. Ye Lin then suggested he withdraw from competing for the Hush case for her, asking him to be irrational for her just this once. He Qiaosheng accused her of being drunk, but Ye Lin revealed she had already spoken with Tang Shuangli.
She told Tang Shuangli that He Qiaosheng had approached her with ulterior motives, and Tang Shuangli responded that she only considered him a senior alum, nothing more. Ye Lin again implored him to stay. Enraged, He Qiaosheng criticized her for trying to manipulate him, declaring that he wouldn't be controlled by anyone.
Ye Lin, admitting she was crazy, expressed her deep emotional pain, explaining that her feelings couldn't be easily turned off and on like a tap, and that while she could mask her pain, it remained in her heart. He Qiaosheng left, telling her to take care of herself. Meanwhile, Tang Shuangli was also packing for her business trip to Yunnan. Zhao Mengdi arrived, bringing a "mystery gift box" containing a sexy nightgown.
Tang Shuangli was surprised, pointing out it was a business trip, not a honeymoon, and found the nightgown too revealing. Zhao Mengdi playfully insisted it was for "work and personal life," encouraging her to use it if an opportunity arose and teasing her about being reserved. At the same time, Lu Zhiyi left two bags at Gu Ling's door.
He meticulously instructed her on caring for Meatball, detailing which bag contained Meatball's favorite snacks and dog food, and that the other held its bed. He reminded her about a yellow chicken toy and a tennis ball for weekend play, and to take Meatball for a walk around 6 p. m. daily. He emphasized that since she chose to take Meatball, she needed to be a responsible owner and treat him well.
After leaving Gu Ling’s place, Lu Zhiyi received a call from Tang Shuangli, who was concerned and suggested someone else go on the business trip. Lu Zhiyi reassured her that work shouldn't be affected by personal matters and that the trip might do them good. When Tang Shuangli asked if he was worried about Meatball, he replied that he should trust Gu Ling to take good care of him, then told Tang Shuangli to rest.
The next day, Lu Zhiyi, Tang Shuangli, and He Qiaosheng arrived in Lijiang from Xiamen. On their first evening, Tang Shuangli and Lu Zhiyi released river lanterns together, while He Qiaosheng did so alone. The following day, Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli explored Lijiang as a couple, taking selfies and enjoying the sights. He Qiaosheng often found himself alone, frequently encountering the affectionate pair.
He Qiaosheng took photos of the scenery and later sent them to Ye Lin, though she did not look at them. He Qizhan called He Qiaosheng, interrupting his brother's current activities, to announce his intention to formally introduce Zhao Mengdi to him soon. He insisted on getting an answer immediately, so He Qiaosheng agreed to meet upon his return. Later, Zhao Mengdi video-called Tang Shuangli, showing her the barbecue skewers she was eating.
She eagerly asked Tang Shuangli about her Lijiang trip, specifically if she had used the nightgown. Tang Shuangli's hesitation was enough for Zhao Mengdi to conclude she hadn't, and she playfully teased her about the "lonely night" with Lu Zhiyi. As they talked, Lu Zhiyi knocked on Tang Shuangli's door. Zhao Mengdi excitedly told Tang Shuangli to let him in but then advised her to make him wait five minutes and put on the lingerie. Tang Shuangli agreed.
He Qiaosheng, who had been on his way to see Tang Shuangli, saw Lu Zhiyi at her door and decided not to intrude. Tang Shuangli, finding the nightgown too revealing, wore a long shirt over it, applied light makeup, and sprayed some perfume before opening the door. Lu Zhiyi entered and offered to massage Tang Shuangli's tired feet, gently insisting despite her initial refusal. He then tenderly told her to close her eyes, leading to an intimate night.
Back in Xiamen, Ye Lin and He Qiaosheng, both nursing their emotional wounds, spent a restless night. Elsewhere, Zhao Mengdi asked He Qizhan for his opinion on celebrities keeping their relationships secret. He Qizhan strongly condemned such behavior, calling it "lying and self-deception" and stating there was nothing to hide.
When Zhao Mengdi mentioned potential fan backlash, He Qizhan dismissed it as an insufficient excuse for dishonesty, arguing that if a partner couldn't even be acknowledged, being with them was a waste of time. Meanwhile, Gu Ling, overwhelmed after just one day with Meatball, grew frustrated when the dog made a mess and refused to eat what she offered. She angrily threatened to throw him out and told him to go find Lu Zhiyi in Lijiang.
Later, Meatball ran away from Gu Ling's home. When Gu Ling realized Meatball was gone, she frantically called Lu Zhiyi for help. The following day, He Qiaosheng continued to observe Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli, seeing their evident affection. He felt he couldn't intrude and sent a message to Ye Lin, which she didn't read. While Lu Zhiyi stepped away to take a company call, He Qiaosheng took the opportunity to speak with Tang Shuangli.
He expressed that building trust was difficult, and a single lie could break it. He confessed that if Ye Lin hadn't told her, he would never have revealed his initial "ulterior motive" in approaching her, especially after learning about her relationship with Albert, due to his lack of courage. However, he admitted that over time, she became special to him, preventing him from using purely competitive business tactics.
He wondered if this feeling stemmed from admiration for her talent, an instinct to compete with Lu Zhiyi, or a desire to rekindle a past connection, acknowledging that he sometimes didn't understand his own feelings. Tang Shuangli reassured him, saying he didn't need to dwell on the past.
She said she could discern his true intentions and remembered all the kind things he had done for her—buying her a birthday gift, taking her to the Mermaid Show, trampolining with her, and buying her egg dumplings. She affirmed that he remained her "senior alum with a heartwarming smile" and a "cherished friend," and she wasn't angry. She told him that his genuine care outweighed any brief ulterior motives he might have had.
Tang Shuangli then revealed that she had once confessed to Tiffany that she used to have a slight crush on him, but their "heartbeats were not on the same timeline." She concluded by stating she had found the "love of her life" in Lu Zhiyi and felt truly blessed. He Qiaosheng accepted this, saying he had observed her happiness with Lu Zhiyi. He wished them well, stating that "it's better to give up rationally than hold on blindly."
Tang Shuangli encouraged him to find his own happiness and not let the person who cared for him pass him by. He Qiaosheng sadly wondered if that person had already left, but Tang Shuangli urged him to "give it a shot." When Lu Zhiyi returned, Tang Shuangli asked He Qiaosheng to take a photo of her and Lu Zhiyi to send to He Qizhan, noting his brother's deep care for him.
He Qiaosheng replied that he cared for his brother even more, then took the picture. Later, Ye Lin finished her work and left her resignation letter on He Qiaosheng’s desk. Back in Xiamen, Zhao Mengdi was reprimanded for chatting on the phone during work hours. She then received a call from Leo, who inquired about the contract signing and reminded her that the finals were approaching. Zhao Mengdi promised to give him a reply soon.
Lu Zhiyi dropped Tang Shuangli at her home. His assistant then informed him in person that during their trip, Meatball had gone missing from Gu Ling’s place, and Gu Ling was hit by a car while searching for him, now in a coma at the hospital. Tang Shuangli offered to accompany Lu Zhiyi, but he gently declined, telling her to rest, teasingly suggesting she might be wary of him going alone with Gu Ling.
Tang Shuangli clarified that wasn't the case, and Lu Zhiyi told her to text him once he arrived at the hospital. Meanwhile, He Qiaosheng returned to his office to find Ye Lin's resignation letter on his desk. Lu Zhiyi then took Tang Shuangli to the beach, explaining that for entrepreneurs like them, work was usually their valentine, but today, he just wanted to walk with her by the sea.
Episode 22 Recap
He Qiaosheng, having finally realized Ye Lin was his true love, wrote a heartfelt letter to her. In the letter, he expressed his decision to leave, explaining that while he once thought it would be painful, he now felt relieved. He confessed his deep and long-standing love for her, acknowledging that she was aware of his feelings but chose not to reject him directly to protect their friendship.
He Qiaosheng admitted that seeing the person he loved devote themselves wholeheartedly to someone else daily was too much for him. He reflected on past self-deceptions, realizing that he was not as special to her as he once believed, and felt a pang of jealousy that the other person had effortlessly gained what he had sought for years. He took responsibility for his unrequited love, wishing he had curbed his desires earlier to avoid prolonged heartache.
Now, he was ready to find peace by leaving and no longer intruding on her life. As a final gesture, he left her favorite brand of coffee beans on her desk. After writing the letter, He Qiaosheng drove to Ye Lin's house, carrying a gift, a necklace. He stood at her door, but couldn't bring himself to ring the bell and left. Inside, Ye Lin, visibly distressed and drinking to drown her sorrows, put the necklace He Qiaosheng sent away.
Later, when she pulled open the window, she saw him sitting in his car downstairs, but by the time she decided to act, he had already driven away. Later, He Qiaosheng was seen at home, drinking to drown his sorrows, seeing a pair of earrings and opening Ye Lin's WeChat avatar, lost in thought, reflecting on their past. Meanwhile, Zhao Mengdi noticed Tang Shuangli's somber mood.
Tang Shuangli confided that Gu Ling had been in a car accident and Meatball was missing, prompting Lu Zhiyi to rush to the hospital to be with Gu Ling. Zhao Mengdi expressed frustration, calling Tang Shuangli "weak" for not asserting herself and allowing her boyfriend to be with a rival.
Tang Shuangli, however, felt it would be inappropriate to prevent Lu Zhiyi from visiting Gu Ling, who was in a coma, especially since he hadn't told her about the accident in Yunnan. Lu Zhiyi was at the hospital, where the doctor informed him that Gu Ling had suffered a head injury and soft tissue contusions, but fortunately, no internal organ damage. Gu Ling later woke up and her first concern was Meatball.
Lu Zhiyi reassured her that Meatball was safe at his place. Gu Ling then asked Lu Zhiyi if he still loved her. Lu Zhiyi admitted that he once loved her deeply and had even envisioned marrying and growing old with her. However, he explained that all those cherished memories had vanished when she left two years prior. He described trying to numb himself through incessant work and extreme sports to avoid thinking about her.
While he acknowledged keeping the cactus she gave him and using Meatball's birthday as his home password, he clarified that these were merely habits. He realized he truly loved Tang Shuangli after she came into his life. Gu Ling pressed if he could truly forget their two years of wonderful memories. Lu Zhiyi, with a heavy heart, urged her to let go, stating that time had eroded whatever beautiful love they once shared.
Gu Ling tearfully confessed that she couldn't let him go. Back in her apartment, Tang Shuangli also expressed concern about Meatball. Lu Zhiyi, with the help of an employee, reviewed surveillance footage that showed a "sporty guy" stealing Meatball, but his face was too blurry to identify. An online tip led them to "Little Bell," who turned out to be Xu Dingding. Xu Dingding initially played coy, asking Lu Zhiyi to play a game before revealing Meatball's whereabouts.
While Lu Zhiyi was with Xu Dingding, Tang Shuangli independently located Meatball after seeing a video of him online. She confronted the man who had the dog, who claimed it was his "Broad Bean" and denied knowing Tang Shuangli. Tang Shuangli tried to prove Meatball recognized her, offering money for the dog's return, but the man refused. A struggle ensued for Meatball's leash.
Lu Zhiyi arrived, showing the man a photo of himself with Meatball and the dog's license, confirming his ownership. The man relented. Lu Zhiyi gently chided Tang Shuangli for going alone. Tang Shuangli explained it was her responsibility as Meatball's guardian to find him. As they walked Meatball home, Tang Shuangli playfully called Lu Zhiyi "Chubby Lu." She then gave him a small gift, telling him to open it after she left.
Alone, Tang Shuangli wondered why she hadn't told Lu Zhiyi about her mother's arrival, concluding she didn't want to burden him further given Gu Ling's accident. The next day, Tang Shuangli's mother arrived unannounced, which surprised Tang Shuangli. Her mother explained her return was to see Tang Shuangli's new life and shared two pieces of good news. First, she had reflected on her past strictness and now understood Tang Shuangli's desire to "relive her childhood," offering to accompany her.
Second, she had used headhunters to secure Tang Shuangli a senior software engineer position at ST Group with an annual salary of 200,000 USD. Tang Shuangli, however, stated her happiness in China with friends, a job, and someone she liked, and expressed no immediate plans to return. Her mother countered, emphasizing career achievements over personal relationships, to which Tang Shuangli disagreed, asking if her mother had no friends.
Unable to sway her daughter, Tang Shuangli's mother demanded to meet all her friends and the person she liked the next day. The next day, Tang Shuangli brought Zhao Mengdi and He Qizhan to meet her mother at the house. Tang Shuangli’s mother expressed admiration for the house’s stylish changes and complimented He Qizhan's cooking skills, saying it was rare to find a young man who could cook so well.
As they were about to eat, He Qiaosheng arrived with a gift for his brother. Tang Shuangli's mother initially mistook He Qiaosheng for Tang Shuangli's boyfriend due to his charming demeanor and shared American background. Tang Shuangli quickly clarified that He Qiaosheng was He Qizhan's older brother. Despite He Qizhan's visible displeasure, Tang Shuangli invited He Qiaosheng to stay for dinner, which he gladly accepted.
During dinner, Tang Shuangli's mother probed He Qiaosheng about his connection to Tang Shuangli, learning he was her senior from their time studying in America. She then inquired about his work in China, discovering he owned a software development company and now focused on management. Impressed, Tang Shuangli's mother explicitly stated that He Qiaosheng would be very suitable to be Tang Shuangli's boyfriend.
Sensing the deepening misunderstanding, He Qiaosheng excused himself to call Lu Zhiyi, informing him that "Ella's mother is here." Simultaneously, He Qizhan also called Lu Zhiyi.
He Qiaosheng returned to the table, and Tang Shuangli's mother continued to press him about his company's potential collaborations with "Hash Group" (Tang Shuangli's former employer in the US) and the possibility of him returning to America or opening a branch there, further implying his suitability as Tang Shuangli's partner and asking if he had been looking after her. Lu Zhiyi confirmed he knew about her mother and was on his way. Outside, while driving and moving a box, Lu Zhiyi nearly hit a pedestrian but managed to avoid it, receiving a rude comment in return.
Episode 23 Recap
Lu Zhiyi arrived at Tang Shuangli's house, where Tang Shuangli's mother was mistakenly chatting with He Qiaosheng, believing him to be Tang Shuangli's boyfriend. Tang Shuangli quickly clarified the misunderstanding, stating she was not in a relationship with "the senior." Lu Zhiyi then introduced himself to Tang Shuangli's mother as her boyfriend. Her mother inquired about how they met, to which Lu Zhiyi replied they had attended No.2 Middle School together.
She then asked about Tang Shuangli's role at his company, and he explained she was initially a receptionist and is now his assistant. Tang Shuangli's mother was visibly upset, deeming the assistant role a waste of Tang Shuangli's talent as a senior software engineer. She announced that ST Group in Silicon Valley had offered Tang Shuangli a high-paying senior software engineer position and that she intended to take Tang Shuangli back to America soon.
Tang Shuangli argued vehemently, refusing to return and asserting her desire to live a happier life in China with people who bring her joy. Her mother intensified the pressure by revealing she had booked a medical examination that required a family member to accompany her. Overwhelmed and frustrated, Tang Shuangli ran out of the house. Lu Zhiyi followed Tang Shuangli, who expressed her exasperation at her mother's constant manipulation of her life choices.
She also voiced her jealousy and displeasure over Lu Zhiyi spending time with Gu Ling, admitting she lacked the generosity to accept such a situation and simply wanted him by her side. Lu Zhiyi comforted her, promising he would not let her leave for America and encouraging her to express her true feelings without fear of being perceived as selfish. He affirmed his love for her authentic self, including her "sensitive" and "unreasonable" sides.
To lift her spirits, he took her to watch the stars. Meanwhile, He Qiaosheng and He Qizhan discussed Tang Shuangli and Lu Zhiyi's relationship. He Qiaosheng, having made peace with Lu Zhiyi as a competitor, stated he wanted to avoid creating tension that would affect his brother and Tang Shuangli at their company. He then asked He Qizhan about his feelings for Zhao Mengdi.
He Qizhan confirmed his affection, explaining that he felt comfortable and needed around her, valued her beauty and charm, and was willing to make sacrifices for her, despite her lack of background or exceptional abilities. He Qiaosheng then revealed that Zhao Mengdi was participating in an influencer contest and had a chance to be among the top three.
The organizers were pressuring her to sign a contract, but she was hesitant because it included a "stay-single clause" requiring artists to hide their relationships. He Qizhan was surprised to learn this. He Qiaosheng advised his brother to support Zhao Mengdi in signing the contract if he truly loved her. Leon, the contest organizer, called Zhao Mengdi, pressuring her to sign the contract within two days, or he would move on to other candidates.
Around the same time, He Qizhan, feeling troubled, met Lu Zhiyi for hotpot, appearing distressed. Separately, Tang Shuangli spent time with a despondent Zhao Mengdi, who tearfully confided about the influencer contract, the stay-single clause, and how this was her closest opportunity to realize her dreams. Simultaneously, He Qizhan informed Lu Zhiyi about Zhao Mengdi's secret. Upon learning of the couple's predicament, Lu Zhiyi called Tang Shuangli.
Tang Shuangli asked him to devise a plan to help Zhao Mengdi and He Qizhan, and Lu Zhiyi agreed. The next day, following Lu Zhiyi's instructions, Tang Shuangli took Zhao Mengdi to a go-kart track, where Lu Zhiyi and He Qizhan were already waiting. Lu Zhiyi helped Tang Shuangli with her helmet. Zhao Mengdi struggled with hers and asked He Qizhan for help.
He initially ignored her, but at Lu Zhiyi's insistence and out of concern for her safety on the track, he reluctantly helped her. As He Qizhan and Lu Zhiyi competed in a race, Zhao Mengdi was involved in a collision. He Qizhan immediately stopped his kart and rushed to her side. Seeing the couple together, Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli left, giving them space to reconcile.
Zhao Mengdi apologized to He Qizhan for concealing the contract, explaining her fear of his reaction. She confessed that she had fallen for him the first time he held her, despite feeling she was imperfect compared to him, and that she wanted to dedicate all the good things in the world to him. Despite his earlier anger, He Qizhan's resolve softened at her heartfelt confession.
He reassured her that he would not prevent her from pursuing her dreams, even if it meant dealing with the stay-single clause. They embraced and reconciled, then enjoyed a ride on a two-seater go-kart, as did Lu Zhiyi and Tang Shuangli. Later that evening, Lu Zhiyi took Tang Shuangli to a treehouse for a private chat before carrying her back.
Zhao Mengdi went to Leon and courageously declared that she had a boyfriend, the "street prince" who had been photographed with her. She refused to sign the contract, stating that if she ever debuted, she wanted the whole world to know about her boyfriend. Leon promptly called He Qiaosheng, informing him that Zhao Mengdi had sacrificed the contract for her love.
Zhao Mengdi then sought out He Qizhan, telling him she hadn't signed the contract because she didn't want him to make compromises in their relationship, emphasizing their bond of mutual admiration, reliance, and trust. Moved by Zhao Mengdi's unwavering commitment and love for his brother, He Qiaosheng instructed Leon to remove the stay-single clause from the contract. Leon called Zhao Mengdi, inviting her to sign the revised agreement.
Overjoyed, Zhao Mengdi and He Qizhan celebrated her success, realizing she had achieved both her dream and her love. Lu Zhiyi met with Tang Shuangli's mother again to discuss Tang Shuangli's future. He affirmed his commitment to respecting Tang Shuangli's choices, whether she continued as his assistant, returned to software engineering, or took a break from work. He also assured her that his savings were sufficient to support Tang Shuangli in pursuing her interests.
While appreciating his words, Tang Shuangli's mother maintained that an individual's greatest security comes from herself, and she viewed the ST Group offer as Tang Shuangli's most significant guarantee for a promising future, expressing her reluctance to take a risk with Lu Zhiyi. Lu Zhiyi then proposed a challenge: he would prove within one month that Tang Shuangli could have a promising future in China with him, and if he succeeded, her mother would agree to let Tang Shuangli stay.
After some hesitation, Tang's mother accepted the one-month deadline. Back home, He Qizhan decided to move into He Qiaosheng's house. He Qiaosheng showed him around, and they shared a meal. He Qiaosheng apologized for his past overbearing behavior, explaining that his strictness stemmed from his care for his younger brother. He Qizhan playfully teased him about getting married and having children, which smoothed over their previous disagreements, restoring their brotherly camaraderie.
Meanwhile, Gu Ling visited Lu Zhiyi, using Meatball as an excuse, and asked for another chance. Lu Zhiyi gently but firmly rejected her, explaining that she was only driven by possessiveness and an inability to accept that he had moved on, not true love. He stated that his heart was now entirely filled by Tang Shuangli, whose charm was solely for him.
He urged Gu Ling to accept that their past was over and to cherish any remaining good memories, rather than trying to rekindle something that no longer existed. Shortly after, Zhao Da informed Lu Zhiyi about Gu Ling's shareholder withdrawal notice. Lu Zhiyi instructed Zhao Da to process the withdrawal swiftly and discreetly, ensuring Tang Shuangli remained unaware of the situation. Finally, Tang Shuangli's mother prepared to leave China.
Tang Shuangli asked her if she would miss her, feel lonely, or be sad. Her mother, in a lighthearted manner, denied it, playfully suggesting that Tang Shuangli had Lu Zhiyi and that everything in the house would be hers alone. She asked Tang Shuangli not to see her off at the distant airport. Tang Shuangli bid her mother farewell, telling her to take good care of herself.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Lucky confronted Jessica, accusing her of selling out the company. Jessica initially denied it, stating that Lucky couldn't just blame a senior employee without proof. Lucky countered that she had checked all mid-level managers' computers and found Jessica's records matched the times of data breaches. She further revealed that a backup system had been added to the company firewall after the last leak, clearly recording everything Jessica had sent out.
When asked why she did it, Jessica confessed that she had a gambler father with endless debts, and felt forced into it. Lucky simply told her to deal with it herself. Meanwhile, He Qiaosheng was in Ye Lin's office, leading an employee named Zhou to mistakenly believe Ye Lin was back. He Qiaosheng asked Zhou if the "Women Utopia" proposal had been submitted to Hush, and Zhou confirmed it had, as Ye Lin had instructed before leaving.
Later, Zhao Da informed Lu Zhiyi that Gu Ling's share withdrawal from Tianzhuo was complete and the money had been transferred. Lu Zhiyi then instructed Zhao Da to notify Hush that Tianzhuo was withdrawing from the bidding for their project due to changes in the company's equity structure. He stressed that this information, along with the company's dire financial situation, must be kept secret from other employees, including Lucky and He Qizhan.
Despite a staff member advising him to halt the new Relive Childhood project due to almost no working capital, Lu Zhiyi firmly refused, stating he would find a way to secure funds. Gu Ling met with Ye Lin and revealed she had withdrawn her shares from Tianzhuo, accepting that some things wouldn't change as she wished. She planned to return to America the following week.
Ye Lin shared that she had also quit her job, pretending to be carefree and enjoying her new life of fitness, swimming, and cooking. Gu Ling, however, saw through her pretense and then mentioned that He Qiaosheng was coming. Unwilling to see him, Ye Lin quickly left, but not before telling Gu Ling that He Qiaosheng preferred caramel macchiatos.
When He Qiaosheng arrived, Gu Ling teased him about gaining weight before seriously informing him that she had completely broken off with Lu Zhiyi, withdrawn her shares, and was moving back to America. He Qiaosheng didn't try to dissuade her, and Gu Ling reiterated her "all or nothing" approach to relationships.
She hinted that Ye Lin had just left, and while He Qiaosheng feigned indifference, Gu Ling urged him to seize his chance with Ye Lin before it was too late. Jessica submitted her resignation letter to Lu Zhiyi, who accepted it coldly. When she expressed concern about being sued, Lu Zhiyi curtly told her that the company's attorney would contact her, ordering her to leave. Jessica, before departing, stated she would take full responsibility for her actions.
Lucky was having dinner with her mother, frequently checking her watch. Her mother commented on how assertive Lucky had become. Lucky explained she was now working on a project she loved with someone she liked, which made the overtime different from her old 9-9-6 schedule. Her mother then expressed how much Lucky had changed since she was last suppressed by her. Suddenly, Lucky received a call from He Qizhan, who informed her that Lu Zhiyi had fainted and been hospitalized.
Lucky rushed to the hospital. At the hospital, Lucky found Lu Zhiyi unconscious. He Qizhan suspected overwork, but Zhao Da revealed that Lu Zhiyi had been overwhelmed by stress after Gu Ling withdrew her shares from Tianzhuo and signed the transfer agreement. Lucky sat by Lu Zhiyi's bedside, speaking to him as he lay unresponsive, questioning why he hadn't told her about Gu Ling and if he considered her his girlfriend.
She vowed to stay by his side and urged him not to sleep for too long. After two days, Zhao Mengdi and He Qizhan came to persuade Lucky to rest, but she refused, distraught that Lu Zhiyi wouldn't wake up. Lucky's grandmother and mother discussed Lucky's future. Her mother wanted Lucky to return to America, where she had found her a new job.
However, the grandmother revealed that Lucky intended to stay in China, having made many friends and even found a boyfriend. She advocated for Lucky to choose her own path, reminding her daughter-in-law of the sacrifices she made raising Lucky and fulfilling her promise to Lucky's father. The grandmother believed Lucky's father would have wanted her to live a happy life, not just focus on making money.
Lucky's mother, though initially resistant, eventually agreed, planning to tell Lucky of her decision only after she was on the plane, to avoid an emotional farewell. Later, Lu Zhiyi finally woke up, startling Lucky who was asleep by his side. He gently stroked her hair, and she was overjoyed to see him conscious. He promised to fulfill his previous vows, including going on canyon swings with her.
He Qizhan was captivated by Zhao Mengdi as she drew a heart with fireworks. Zhao Mengdi playfully told him that her feigned resistance was just a way to get him to sweet-talk her and hold her tighter. He Qizhan responded by kissing her, demonstrating his affection. After Lu Zhiyi recovered, Lucky's mother visited him, asking about the Hush project. Lu Zhiyi admitted Tianzhuo had to withdraw due to company issues.
Lucky's mother, having reflected, told him it was fine and that she would now support Lucky's decision to stay in China, wanting her daughter to live a happy life. She asked Lu Zhiyi to take good care of Lucky for her, to which he promised he would. Lucky, overhearing this conversation, was deeply moved by her mother's change of heart. Albert, representing Hush, signed the "Women Utopia" contract with He Qiaosheng.
He Qiaosheng asked Albert if Hush would have chosen Tianzhuo if they hadn't withdrawn. Albert explained that while Tianzhuo's Relive Childhood project was innovative, it was also risky. Zhaoyue Corp.'s "Women Utopia," on the other hand, perfectly aligned with Hush's goal of targeting the female market. During a televised interview about Zhaoyue Corp.'s successful bid, He Qiaosheng dismissed rumors that he orchestrated Tianzhuo's withdrawal, claiming he and Lu Zhiyi were friends and that their companies would continue to collaborate.
Watching this with Lucky, Lu Zhiyi was furious, scoffing at He Qiaosheng's claims of friendship. When the reporter asked who He Qiaosheng wanted to share his joy with, he paused, clearly thinking of Ye Lin, and then excused himself. Later, Lu Zhiyi consoled Lucky, telling her that in his heart, she had won and that she was the most trustworthy person to him. He then shared a kiss with Lucky in front of Meatball.
He Qiaosheng went to Ye Lin's apartment, easily guessing her birthday as the door code. He showed her photos from his trip to Lijiang and excitedly announced that they had secured the Hush project, inviting her to celebrate. Ye Lin, still unemployed, declined, feeling weary of pursuing someone who didn't fully reciprocate her feelings. She expressed her longing for a complete, committed relationship and accused He Qiaosheng of using other women to highlight her loneliness.
She confessed her love for him but stated she would let go if he could only offer friendship or an ambiguous relationship. He Qiaosheng, in tears, admitted he loved her too, but had been afraid to risk their friendship by pursuing romance, as he viewed romantic relationships as inherently unstable. Ye Lin declared she no longer desired just friendship and wanted to break those boundaries. Despite his hesitation, He Qiaosheng then forcefully kissed her.
Meanwhile, as Lucky and Lu Zhiyi discussed work, Xu Dingding unexpectedly arrived. He revealed that He Qizhan had told him about Tianzhuo's Relive Childhood app lacking funds. Expressing great interest in childhood-themed applications and their market potential, Xu Dingding offered to invest in the project. Lucky and Lu Zhiyi were delighted, welcoming his timely assistance.
In America, Gu Ling video chatted with Ye Lin, proudly introducing her new foreign boyfriend and inviting Ye Lin to visit Los Angeles, to which Ye Lin agreed. Back in China, He Qiaosheng lovingly prepared noodles for Ye Lin and peeled shrimp for her. Ye Lin took his phone and, with his reluctant agreement, deleted unnecessary female contacts like Lily, a past event planner. She approved of him following up with Elva from Galaxy Inc., a potential business client.
However, upon seeing "Emma" in his contacts, and with He Qiaosheng's confusion about her identity, Ye Lin swiftly decided to delete her contact, claiming she had no purpose. He Qiaosheng jokingly suggested adding vinegar to her noodles, playing along with her possessiveness. Later, Ye Lin and He Qiaosheng went on a romantic date by the sea. That evening, Lu Zhiyi presented Lucky with a new Relive Childhood notebook.
He thanked her for softening his heart, for awakening his emotions, and for giving him the courage to love again. He expressed gratitude for her reappearance in his life, allowing them to meet, embrace, and fall in love. Lucky, in turn, thanked him for empowering her to pursue her dreams and embrace freedom. She pledged to use the new notebook to document their shared new life together, and they began playing a song, symbolizing the start of their journey.
