Let's Meet Now Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Let's Meet Now Synopsis
Ji Qiu, a young director, and Zhou Ziqian, a shooter who has just returned from abroad, met in a shooting gallery due to a misunderstanding.
At that time, Ji Qiu did not know that the tall boy in front of her was the same little one who hid behind her as a child, and only treated him as a strange little brother she had just met.
Zhou Ziqian participated in the national shooting final held in Jiangyi City, and during the crucial final shot, he caught a glimpse of the girl he knew so well in the front row of the audience again.
Later on, because of the recording of Ji Qiu's team's new show "Let's Meet Now", they have various coincidences and encounters in their work and life, and this love-hate couple gradually come into each other's inner world.
Let's Meet Now Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Ji Qiu was meticulously preparing for the recording of the "New Star Is Born" reality show, coordinating staff and arrangements. The Moment Group, a team of nervous contestants, approached her to ask if the judges had arrived, and Ji Qiu reassured them. A crew member then urgently informed Ji Qiu that contestant Ye Qiao was insisting on wearing a blue dress, despite all other guests being in red.
Xiao C had pleaded with Ye Qiao to change, but to no avail, and the crew member worried that other guests would be upset and refuse to film. Ji Qiu learned that a crew member had indeed been informed about the request for a different outfit previously but had forgotten amidst a flurry of messages. Approaching Ye Qiao, Ji Qiu was met with a dismissive "I just don't like it."
Ji Qiu calmly explained that the show's backdrop was blue, and if Ye Qiao wore a blue dress, she would "become part of the background." Though initially skeptical, Ye Qiao agreed to change after Ji Qiu assured her that another custom-made dress was available and future costumes would align with her preferences. Afterward, Xiao C expressed her frustration, calling Ye Qiao "mean" and predicting her temper would lead to her downfall, but Ji Qiu advised focusing only on work-related matters.
Later, another colleague sympathized with Ji Qiu about Ye Qiao's difficult personality, prompting Ji Qiu to express a fervent hope of never having to see Ye Qiao again after the show concluded. Seeking to unwind, Ji Qiu went to a shooting range. After her electronic target failed to register scores, she offered to investigate, but a friend insisted on checking it herself.
While shooting, Ji Qiu accidentally hit the target next to her, which belonged to a young man named Zhou Ziqian. Zhou Ziqian, initially surprised by a score of 8. 9, thought he had achieved it until he realized he hadn't even pulled the trigger. Ji Qiu apologized and, noticing it was his first day at the range without guidance, offered to teach him. Following her instructions on posture, Zhou Ziqian's first shot yielded an impressive 9.
5, astonishing Ji Qiu and making her realize she had a knack for teaching. Zhou Ziqian mentioned he had recently returned to Jiangyi and was looking for someone to practice with, then directly asked for her contact number to shoot together again. Ji Qiu suspected he was being deliberate but, charmed by his good looks, gave him her phone number, musing that hitting the wrong target had led to a pleasant encounter.
They introduced themselves as Ji Qiu and Zhou Ziqian. Suddenly, Ji Qiu's friend, Fu Qile, arrived. Learning that Ji Qiu was instructing Zhou Ziqian, who had achieved a 9. 5 on his first try, Fu Qile seemed annoyed. He challenged Zhou Ziqian to a shooting match. Despite Ji Qiu's protest that Zhou Ziqian was a novice, Fu Qile insisted he could "teach him by the way."
Zhou Ziqian accepted, but in a surprising turn, consistently hit the third ring for five consecutive shots, losing the match. Fu Qile, with a smug air, told Zhou Ziqian he lacked talent and was not suitable for his instruction. Zhou Ziqian humbly agreed but then asked Ji Qiu to continue teaching him. Fu Qile immediately interjected, asserting that he "can still teach him" himself.
Zhou Ziqian, however, quietly wondered if hitting the third ring five times in a row might actually be a more difficult feat. Moments later, the shooting range owner informed Zhou Ziqian that Coach Zhang was calling him. Taking the call, Zhou Ziqian was playfully scolded by Coach Zhang for returning from abroad a month ago yet neglecting to report back to the shooting team, instead choosing to spend time at the club.
Coach Zhang even joked that people might mistake the club owner for Zhou Ziqian's coach. Zhou Ziqian promised to report to the team after he finished his current task. After hanging up, Zhou Ziqian asked the owner if Ji Qiu frequented the range. He learned she visited about once a week on weekends, while Fu Qile was a regular but "a poor shot."
Ji Qiu then received an urgent phone call, learning that Ye Qiao's diva behavior had become a trending topic online. She hastily departed, accidentally leaving her bag behind. Zhou Ziqian, overhearing her ask for directions to Daxi Japanese Restaurant on Yulin Road, offered to deliver her forgotten bag.
Ji Qiu soon confronted Xiao C, who tearfully confessed to filming Ye Qiao's backstage incident and sending it to a friend to vent, unaware it would then be posted online and go viral. Ji Qiu sternly reprimanded Xiao C for violating Ye Qiao's privacy, emphasizing the serious consequences of malicious editing and public misinterpretation.
While acknowledging her own shared responsibility as Xiao C's supervisor, Ji Qiu instructed Xiao C to report the full situation to Zheng Hui at the company, while Ji Qiu herself went to speak with Ye Qiao. Ye Qiao's assistant, Yang, blocked Ji Qiu, stating Ye Qiao would not see her. Undeterred, Ji Qiu waited outside the door, bowing and apologizing, pleading for a chance to rectify the situation and promising to wait until Ye Qiao made a decision.
From a distance, Zhou Ziqian observed Ji Qiu repeatedly entering and exiting, seemingly rehearsing her approach to Ye Qiao, sometimes appearing to cry and other times laughing. After eight such attempts, Ji Qiu finally emerged, having successfully resolved the issue with Ye Qiao. She noticed Zhou Ziqian, thanked him for returning her bag, and offered to treat him to dinner the following day as a token of her gratitude.
As he drove her home, Zhou Ziqian mentioned he had been studying abroad, which impressed Ji Qiu. The next day, Zhou Ziqian playfully disguised himself as a delivery man, presenting a package to Coach Zhang that read: "Expedited delivery! This delivery has been stuck in France for 1 year and 2 months." Coach Zhang recognized Zhou Ziqian, playfully scolding him for the trick and for not reporting to the team sooner after his return.
Zhou Ziqian brought food for the team, and Coach Zhang formally introduced him, explaining that Zhou Ziqian had joined the team during training in France, rapidly becoming a "shooting star." He was now back to represent Jiangyi City alongside Gao Yuan in the upcoming five-province shooting league and would be training with the team for the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, at work, Xiao C expressed profound gratitude to Ji Qiu, as, thanks to Ji Qiu's negotiations, the company had issued a serious warning instead of terminating her. Ji Qiu reiterated the critical importance of confidentiality in a director's role. Later, Ji Qiu's colleague, Song Rongrong, offered front-row tickets to a weekend shooting competition, but Ji Qiu declined, stating she had an appointment.
That evening, Ji Qiu met Zhou Ziqian at a small, popular tavern he had never visited but found charming. Ji Qiu, teasingly asking if he was underage, learned he would be twenty-two in a few months. When she challenged him to guess her age, he correctly stated twenty-six. Dismissing it as a coincidence, she asked her most hated food, and he accurately replied "raw garlic," having noticed she avoided it.
Growing more suspicious, she then asked for her zodiac sign, and he correctly guessed Scorpio, explaining he deduced it from her name, "Qiu," meaning the ninth lunar month. Finding this explanation disappointingly simple, Ji Qiu then challenged him with her favorite band, which he also correctly identified as L. N Party, adding that he liked them too. This precision led Ji Qiu to jokingly accuse him of being a "private investigator."
During their dinner, Fu Qile texted Ji Qiu, asking if she was home and offering her a ride, noting her proximity. Ji Qiu, however, suggested they finish their drinks first. After more conversation, Zhou Ziqian insisted on driving her home. As Zhou Ziqian was dropping Ji Qiu off, he expressed a desire for her to teach him shooting, believing her methods were effective, and asked if she was free that weekend.
However, Fu Qile suddenly appeared and immediately interjected, declaring that Ji Qiu was not available as they already had plans to attend a shooting competition together that weekend. Zhou Ziqian acknowledged this, mentioning he had also purchased tickets for the same competition, though his seats were "a bit far from the front row."
Fu Qile, with a hint of pride, remarked that while seats weren't the most important thing, it was a pity they couldn't sit together, as he and Ji Qiu had front-row seats in Zone A. Zhou Ziqian simply replied, "There will be a chance." As Fu Qile saw Zhou Ziqian off, Ji Qiu tried to downplay Zhou Ziqian, calling him just a "younger brother" and asserting she wouldn't "lose anything" even if he deceived her.
Fu Qile, however, cautioned her about her trusting nature, stating that as a psychology lecturer, he had a "sixth sense." Ji Qiu jokingly challenged him to find her lost watch with his intuition, to which he replied that he lacked such a function. Later, Zhou Ziqian reached out to his brother, Zhou Yubei, asking if he would attend his upcoming competition, but Yubei declined, citing classes, leaving Zhou Ziqian disheartened by his brother's unyielding nature.
Meanwhile, at the school where Fu Qile taught, his colleagues were actively trying to set him up with a new teacher, Xiao Chen, praising his character and accomplishments. Xiao Chen, seizing an opportunity, tried to initiate a conversation with Fu Qile about relationships, even bringing up zodiac compatibility. Fu Qile, however, was direct, dismissing astrology as unscientific and stating that as a psychology lecturer, he "sees things more clearly than others."
When Xiao Chen persisted, Fu Qile pretended to receive an urgent call for a consultation at his private counseling office to hasten their errand. When Xiao Chen directly asked if he was intentionally avoiding her and if he understood her advances, Fu Qile admitted he did. He explained that emotional matters should unfold "naturally" and that they were not a suitable match.
He also stated that if he were to reciprocate her feelings, it would be irresponsible both to her and to his "future girlfriend," whose potential jealousy he feared. Xiao Chen understood she had been rejected and pondered what kind of woman Fu Qile would truly fall for. Ji Qiu received a message from Fu Qile stating he had an urgent matter and couldn't attend the shooting competition.
She then discussed with Song Rongrong her unsuccessful attempts to contact Zhou Ziqian, the young man from the shooting range, to offer him Fu Qile's extra front-row ticket, as he had mentioned having seats further back. On the way to the venue, their taxi driver enthusiastically spoke about a "hot contender" from Jiangyi participating in the match, though he couldn't recall the athlete's name.
Upon arrival, the announcer highlighted Zhou Ziqian, identifying him as a "dark horse" from France, making his debut competition since returning to China. Ji Qiu watched as one of the contestants, Gao Yuan, was eliminated after two poor shots. Gao Yuan expressed disappointment that "she" (implied to be Ji Qiu) had promised to come but hadn't shown up. Observing the competition, Song Rongrong nudged Ji Qiu, pointing to the shooter at target number one and asking if he looked familiar.
Ji Qiu's eyes widened in surprise as she realized that the "younger brother" she had offered a spare ticket to, Zhou Ziqian, was actually one of the main contestants in the five-province shooting league finals. Seeing her astonished face, Zhou Ziqian, from the shooting line, broke into a wide smile.
Episode 2 Recap
Fu Qile was busy with his shop and missed the shooting competition. At his place, his friend Song Rongrong and colleague He discussed his plans to set up a psychological sand box. Song Rongrong, highly impressed by a shooter she had seen, exclaimed, "He's just too good," contrasting him with Fu Qile. Fu Qile, who claimed to know how to shoot and would have watched the competition if not for work, inquired if she knew Zhou Ziqian.
The commentary announced that Zhou Ziqian, a rookie, had achieved an impressive second place in the men's 10-meter air pistol event, missing the championship by a mere 0. 1 rounds. After the competition, Song Rongrong was eager to get a photo with Zhou Ziqian, who she discovered was on her friend's team. Zhou Ziqian greeted Ji Qiu, complimenting her by saying, "Well done. You're pretty good."
Ji Qiu playfully teased him, recalling how he had appeared as a "shooting gallery novice" one moment and then was competing on the field the next. Zhou Ziqian explained that it was Ji Qiu who had initially mistaken him for a novice, and he hadn't had a chance to clarify. Ji Qiu congratulated him. Gao Yuan and Song Rongrong then arrived.
Gao Yuan expressed his annoyance to Song Rongrong for being late and missing his "good performance," though Song Rongrong was quick to point out he didn't even make it into the top five. Zhou Ziqian then extended an invitation to Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong to join his team's private victory celebration. Song Rongrong excitedly accepted, and Ji Qiu added that she wanted to celebrate Gao Yuan's fifth-place finish. At the celebration, Zhou Ziqian and Gao Yuan were congratulated.
Zhou Ziqian's teammates, curious about his relationship with Ji Qiu, asked them directly. Ji Qiu stated they were friends who had just met, adding playfully, "but it's better than you." Zhou Ziqian then elaborated, saying he "hit it off with Ji Qiu" and felt "very close," further revealing that Ji Qiu was not only interested in shooting but "exceptionally good at it," and had even "taught me," making her "kind of my teacher."
Impressed, his teammates toasted Ji Qiu, praising her beauty and skill. Ji Qiu, flattered, accepted the drinks, remarking, "Since you put it that way, I have to drink it." One teammate humorously noted that Ji Qiu seemed more like the host than the guests. After the banquet, Zhou Ziqian's teammates commented that Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong, despite liking to drink, "can't hold their liquor well." Zhou Ziqian offered to take them home.
In the taxi, a heavily intoxicated Ji Qiu, despite being asked, stubbornly refused to disclose her home address, declaring, "I'm not gonna tell you where I live." With no other option, Zhou Ziqian directed the driver to his own apartment. Upon arriving, Ji Qiu disorientedly wondered aloud, "Drinking really spoils things. Where am I?" The following morning, Ji Qiu woke up in an unfamiliar bed and immediately roused Song Rongrong, urging her, "Let's get out of here first.
Let's talk outside." As they tried to quietly exit, they were startled to find Zhou Ziqian and his roommates, including Gao Yuan, already awake in the living room. Zhou Ziqian, noticing Ji Qiu's extreme surprise, quickly explained that they had "drank too much last night," and since he didn't know their address, he "took you back to my home."
He then kindly offered them breakfast, which Ji Qiu politely declined, stating they had "other things to do" and needed to leave. As they exited, Song Rongrong complimented Zhou Ziqian's "pretty" house. Once outside, Song Rongrong realized she had left her bag at the barbecue restaurant. Gao Yuan expressed his embarrassment about sleeping so poorly, with snoring and teeth grinding, in front of the two girls. He even complained that he wasn't given a proper bedroom.
Another roommate added that Gao Yuan grinds his teeth and he's a light sleeper, so they couldn't be in the same room. Ji Qiu, noticing Gao Yuan's flustered state, advised him to "Clear your mind of all this clutter. It's not what you think." During a program planning meeting, the team discussed adding an athlete to their new variety show to appeal to a younger audience.
Ji Qiu proposed inviting popular new athletes such as Liang Chuan, the national men's 100-meter freestyle champion, or Zhang Xue, the skating champion, both of whom had large fan bases. However, Xiao C suggested Zhou Ziqian, describing him as having "the image and temperament [of a] male god" with almost a million followers. She noted, however, that Zhou Ziqian was generally reluctant to appear on shows and had previously rejected an invitation from a talk show.
Ji Qiu acknowledged she had "slightly heard of" Zhou Ziqian. The team leader ultimately agreed with Ji Qiu's initial suggestion to first approach Liang Chuan, entrusting the task to Ji Qiu. Ji Qiu unluckily lost the draw to be the one to contact him, jokingly remarking, "I might as well buy a lottery ticket." Ji Qiu arrived at the stadium, looking for the swimming area. There, she unexpectedly ran into Zhou Ziqian and his teammates.
His teammates speculated she was there to see Zhou Ziqian, but Ji Qiu clarified she was "here to work" and "find someone," specifically "Liang Chuan from the swimming team." Zhou Ziqian gave her precise directions to the swimming team's training area before excusing himself for his own practice. Ji Qiu found Liang Chuan and introduced herself as "Ji Qiu, the director of NT platform," explaining her purpose for a variety show.
Liang Chuan, however, was clearly more interested in Ji Qiu than the program, remarking, "Why are the directors so good-looking these days?" He made a suggestive comment about her reaction when he picked up a towel, asking if she preferred to talk to him like that.
Ji Qiu attempted to steer the conversation back to work, but Liang Chuan cut her off, suggesting they "talk more about it" over a private dinner that evening since he hadn't finished training and didn't like to keep girls waiting. Ji Qiu politely declined, saying, "No need for dinner. Mr. Liang, I'll talk to you some other time."
Meanwhile, Zhou Ziqian was warned by a teammate that Liang Chuan, despite being a famous swimmer, had a "very bad" character and advised him to "get away from him." Concerned, Zhou Ziqian rushed to the swimming pool and arrived just as Liang Chuan, claiming his "hands are wet," "accidentally" pushed Ji Qiu into the water. Zhou Ziqian immediately pulled Ji Qiu out, asking, "Are you okay?"
Liang Chuan then provocatively questioned Zhou Ziqian's relationship with Ji Qiu, and, after Zhou Ziqian’s terse reply, suggested they "both like the same kind of girl." Enraged by Liang Chuan's disrespectful comments, Zhou Ziqian kicked him into the pool, telling him to "swim another ten laps." Zhou Ziqian quickly retrieved some of his clothes for Ji Qiu, offering them with an apology that they "may not fit well," but assuring her they were "better than the wet clothes you're wearing."
He also gave her a box of cold medicine, reminding her to "take medicine when you catch a cold." Ji Qiu, changing into the dry clothes, joked that it was "my face that always gets me in trouble." Zhou Ziqian warned her that Liang Chuan was "not a good guy" and advised her not to "go to him alone again," adding that the shooting gallery was right next door and she could "call me anytime" if she needed help.
As he drove her home, Zhou Ziqian suddenly asked, "Ji Qiu, haven't we met somewhere before?" Ji Qiu, finding the question to be a "corny joke," dismissed it. Back home, Song Rongrong and Fu Qile were waiting for Ji Qiu. Song Rongrong told Ji Qiu that Fu Qile had been "grumpy for days" ever since he felt "played" by Zhou Ziqian during their shooting match.
Upon hearing about Liang Chuan's actions, Fu Qile was visibly worried and insisted on accompanying Ji Qiu next time. He also chided her for drinking cold drinks after falling into the water, and when Ji Qiu boasted about being able to handle herself, he playfully reminded her that she tended to be overly confident. Seeing Ji Qiu wearing Zhou Ziqian's clothes, Fu Qile grew jealous, saying, "I still think that guy is up to no good."
Song Rongrong, however, speculated, "I think he likes you." Ji Qiu immediately dismissed the idea, pointing out, "He's so much younger than me. How did you get us together?" Song Rongrong countered that age shouldn't be a factor and that she found Zhou Ziqian "reliable." Later that night, Ji Qiu found herself sleepless. The incident with Liang Chuan and Zhou Ziqian's actions kept replaying in her mind.
Recalling Zhou Ziqian's seemingly detailed knowledge of her hobbies and habits from their very first meeting, she began to seriously question if she truly knew him. She considered Song Rongrong's suggestion that Zhou Ziqian liked her, noting that their "first time we met, he was suspected of hitting on me on purpose." She felt it was "weird" how he knew so much about her despite having only known each other for a few days.
While she considered if his interest was just a "whim," the thought of a "brother and sister love" (referring to a relationship with a younger man) felt "so crazy," leaving her wondering, "How should I reject him?" At work, a colleague noticed Ji Qiu's reaction to a message and asked if it was her "boyfriend." Ji Qiu clarified, "Not yet." The colleague elaborated that at this stage, boys often "wish [they] could text you every day" and "ask you everything."
Ji Qiu then sought advice from a male colleague, framing it as a hypothetical situation for "a friend." She described a male friend who "always has a boy sending her messages" about "trivial matters" and asked, "From your points, does he have other intentions?" The male colleague unequivocally confirmed, stating, "It's obvious. This is ten to eight [out of ten] that the boy likes your friend."
After this conversation, Ji Qiu looked at a new message from Zhou Ziqian on her phone, which read: "How do you feel today? Do you feel uncomfortable? Take medicine when you catch a cold." Internally, Ji Qiu sighed, thinking, "I'm too charming. It's my fault. What should we do? You can't let him get any deeper into this." She was visibly uncertain how to respond, simply uttering "Oh."
Later, while discussing options for the variety show, a colleague once again brought up Zhou Ziqian as a potential guest, suggesting Ji Qiu "use your beauty to win him" if Liang Chuan was not suitable. Zhou Ziqian, meanwhile, was seen at an amusement park, reminiscing about visiting Jiang Yi for amusement parks when he was younger.
Episode 3 Recap
Ji Qiu was in a predicament, tasked with finding a charismatic athlete for her show, when a message from Zhou Ziqian popped up, inviting her to an amusement park. Her colleagues pressed her, arguing that finding a suitable candidate was difficult, and Zhou Ziqian, having just returned from overseas, perfectly fit the criteria. Despite his refusal of many invitations, they believed if their show succeeded, it would be even better, urging Ji Qiu to use her charm.
Although Ji Qiu initially resisted the idea, she couldn't shake the task. Meanwhile, Zhou Ziqian's friend Gao Yuan, on the phone, tried to convince him to join their usual weekend shooting practice, but Zhou Ziqian was clearly making excuses, leading Gao Yuan to suspect he was going on a date. Although Ji Qiu verbally disagreed with the idea of using her charm, she still prepared meticulously for her meeting with Zhou Ziqian.
He noticed her efforts, commenting that she looked different today, though Ji Qiu insisted she was always this way. Internally, Ji Qiu felt conflicted, chastising herself for exploiting Zhou Ziqian's obvious affection for her. Her guilt deepened when she entered Zhou Ziqian's car; he had thoughtfully prepared her favorite music and snacks. Overwhelmed by his consideration, Ji Qiu resolved to properly compensate him after they discussed work matters. At the amusement park, Ji Qiu spotted a couple taking pictures.
Seeing Zhou Ziqian’s interest, she offered to take a picture with him, but quickly clarified it would strictly be a photo between friends, with no matching accessories. When she turned to find him, he was gone, only to reappear with a freshly made cotton candy. The vendor, impressed by Zhou Ziqian's skill, praised him and remarked how lucky his "girlfriend" Ji Qiu must be.
Ji Qiu quickly interjected, explaining they were not a couple, though she secretly wondered if Zhou Ziqian had orchestrated the comment. Later, Ji Qiu found an opportunity to discuss the work matter, explaining that their crew was planning an indoor game show requiring an athlete guest. Since their previous candidate, Liang Chuan, was unsuitable, they hoped to invite Zhou Ziqian.
She assured him there was no rush to reply, offering to send him the show's materials to review at his leisure. When Zhou Ziqian suggested they go on a roller coaster or a pendulum ride, Ji Qiu indicated she preferred the carousel. He told her to pick whatever she wanted, emphasizing that her feelings were paramount that day.
Suddenly, Zhou Ziqian called her "Grape Ji," a familiar nickname from childhood, and revealed how he had been following her social media, discovering her Saturday shooting range routine, and had spent two weeks there before their "accidental" reunion. He listed her preferences—grapes, her aversion to raw garlic and coriander, her birthday, and her love for fluffy animals, especially cats. Ji Qiu was stunned, concluding he had harbored a long-standing crush on her.
Zhou Ziqian then urged her to look closely at him, asking, "Who am I, Grape Ji?" This jogged Ji Qiu's memory, and she realized he was Zhou Yue, the chubby, shortest boy who used to trail her, constantly calling "sister." She was astonished by how much he had changed and grown so tall. Zhou Ziqian expressed his sadness that she hadn't recognized him, playfully adding that he was in his twenties and expected to change.
Ji Qiu, still reeling, bombarded him with questions about his name change, his shooting career, his time abroad, and his parents, wanting to know everything about his life since they last met. Back home, Ji Qiu found a childhood photo of them and called her mother. She excitedly shared stories about Zhou Ziqian, marveling at how the little crybaby boy had transformed into a tall, handsome shooting athlete.
Her mother then recounted how he cried when his family moved and couldn't say goodbye to her. Her mother noted Ji Qiu's obvious happiness at having reconnected with him. The next morning, Fu Qile drove his sister, Tian Tian, to school and also gave Ji Qiu a ride to work, which Ji Qiu greatly appreciated as an alternative to the subway.
Tian Tian, however, playfully accused her brother of primarily wanting to give Ji Qiu a ride, while she was merely a convenient passenger. Fu Qile then confiscated a keychain featuring Zhou Ziqian from Tian Tian, teasing her about her idol. As they continued, Tian Tian spotted her classmate, Zhou Yubei, hurriedly getting out of a car. She chased after him, teasing him about his long legs and messy face.
In class, Tian Tian gushed about Zhou Ziqian, a 21-year-old genius shooting athlete who had just won second place in a regional league and was heading to the national championship. Unaware that Zhou Yubei was Zhou Ziqian's younger brother, Tian Tian wistfully wished Zhou Ziqian was "her" brother, implying that her actual brother was incompetent and dull.
Later, during his shooting practice, Zhou Ziqian recounted to Gao Yuan how Ji Qiu had taken so long to recognize him, admitting he deliberately kept his identity a secret to "tease" her, a payback for her bossy behavior when they were children. He then received a call from Ji Qiu, inviting him to dinner on her rooftop that evening and asking for his help with grocery shopping.
Gao Yuan, overhearing, advised Zhou Ziqian to dress formally, reminding him how elegantly Ji Qiu had dressed for their amusement park date. Taking Gao Yuan's advice to heart, Zhou Ziqian donned a formal suit, only to find Ji Qiu waiting for him at the supermarket in casual clothes. Feeling awkward and overdressed, Zhou Ziqian complimented her earlier dress and asked why she wasn't wearing it now.
Ji Qiu explained the difference in "treatment": she dressed up for "Zhou Ziqian the athlete," but for "Zhou Ziqian the younger brother," casual attire was perfectly acceptable. As they shopped, Ji Qiu found herself momentarily captivated by Zhou Ziqian's serious demeanor while choosing groceries, noting how handsome he looked and how different he seemed from his childhood self. Feeling underdressed, she quickly adjusted her hair and clothes.
Her fleeting impression of his maturity was soon shattered when Zhou Ziqian began playfully startling her and shaking the food items, confirming her suspicion that he was still as childish as ever, if not more so. That evening, Song Rongrong and Fu Qile joined Ji Qiu and Zhou Ziqian on Ji Qiu's rooftop for dinner. Ji Qiu officially announced that Zhou Ziqian was her long-lost younger brother.
Fu Qile was initially relieved to hear "brother," but his spirits fell when he realized they weren't biologically related. The group engaged in lively banter, with Song Rongrong observing how close Ji Qiu and Zhou Ziqian had become in such a short time. Fu Qile, still harboring jealousy, questioned why Zhou Ziqian hadn't revealed his identity at the shooting range. Zhou Ziqian playfully responded that if he had, Fu Qile wouldn't have challenged him to a shooting contest.
He then added that he wanted to wait for Ji Qiu to recognize him first. Ji Qiu, in turn, teased Zhou Ziqian, threatening to reveal his embarrassing childhood stories, including a time he cried after getting into a fight in sixth grade. As the evening concluded, Fu Qile offered to drive Zhou Ziqian home. Zhou Ziqian, however, insisted his house wasn't far and got out midway, leading Fu Qile to believe him and drive off.
Just as Zhou Ziqian found himself alone on the roadside, Ji Qiu appeared on an electric scooter, intending to drive him home herself. Her driving skills, however, were less than ideal, prompting Zhou Ziqian to take the handlebars, with Ji Qiu as his passenger. He humorously questioned her childish driving, to which she retorted it was an accident. Ji Qiu then offered to show him a special place.
Taking a turn as she instructed, they arrived at a secluded spot with a breathtaking view. Ji Qiu shared that this was her secret base, a place she rarely showed anyone, where one could gaze at the stars and overlook the entire city of Jiangyi. She recounted how she discovered the spot in her second year abroad and visited it whenever she felt happy or sad.
Zhou Ziqian inferred that her bringing him there meant she was happy about his return. Ji Qiu then asked about his life abroad, expressing concern about the challenges he must have faced, to which Zhou Ziqian modestly replied that initial language barriers and training differences were overcome after his coach joined him. Finally, Ji Qiu declared that this secret place was her long-overdue welcome gift to Zhou Ziqian, formally acknowledging his return after years of separation.
Episode 4 Recap
Rongrong receives a call asking her to pick up a person named Liang Chuan. The name immediately brings to mind "the scumbag who caused Qiu Qiu to fall into the water," making Rongrong hesitant. As she waits, she sees two girls at the entrance, one crying and both denouncing Liang Chuan as a scumbag. Rongrong’s reluctance intensifies. The real Liang Chuan, hidden nearby, attempts to find a way to avoid the girls but is unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Rongrong spots an athlete and mistakenly assumes he is Liang Chuan due to his uniform. She maliciously directs him to take the stairs, claiming the elevator is broken, allowing the actual Liang Chuan to slip upstairs unnoticed. Later, Rongrong gets a call confirming Liang Chuan has arrived and feels a sense of satisfaction, believing she successfully "avenged" Qiu Qiu.
Ji Qiu and her team receive grim news from their boss, Jiang: their current indoor quiz show, along with others, has been canceled due to low ratings and withdrawing investors. Jiang acknowledges his responsibility for not having backup plans and suggests they will be assigned one of the top-three shows later in the year, implying a mandatory "vacation" that the team recognizes as a suspension. Unwilling to accept this, Ji Qiu asks for an opportunity to fight back.
Jiang informs them that they have half a month to submit and get approval for a new project, but he is too busy to oversee it. Ji Qiu volunteers to lead the effort, and her team rallies behind her, pledging to produce two new draft proposals by the end of the week. That evening, as Rongrong walks home, her phone battery dies, leaving her vulnerable. Two drunk men approach and attempt to harass her.
Fortunately, the same athlete she misguided earlier, Zhou Yubei, appears. He pretends to be her boyfriend, scaring the men away. Zhou Yubei then offers her an ice cream, explaining he was waiting for her. Rongrong thanks him, and he returns the thanks for her earlier (mistaken) directions. He insists the ice cream is his treat and walks her to a nearby intersection, watching until she is safely on her way.
Still believing he is Liang Chuan, Rongrong feels a surprising pang of guilt, realizing he is not as terrible as she had initially thought. Tian Tian arrives at Jiangcheng University for a Chinese competition, where her brother Fu Qile works. She soon encounters Zhou Yubei, also attending the competition, and jokingly scolds him for not telling her he would be there, offering to lend him a pen if he forgot one.
To her embarrassment, she discovers she is the one who forgot her pen. Zhou Yubei, finding her combination of maturity and forgetfulness amusingly childish, lends her a pen. Tian Tian, in turn, gives him her eraser as a "token" to be exchanged for the pen after the exam. During the competition, Zhou Yubei looks at the eraser and his smile vanishes when he sees "Zhou Ziqian" written on it.
After the exam, Zhou Ziqian, Zhou Yubei's older brother, arrives, believing he needs to deliver Zhou Yubei's forgotten math competition pass. Zhou Yubei corrects him, explaining he just finished his Chinese exam and the pass is for a different competition. As Tian Tian notices Zhou Yubei speaking to someone familiar and begins to approach, Zhou Yubei quickly pulls her away, preventing her from seeing Zhou Ziqian.
Later, Zhou Ziqian comments on how "cute" Tian Tian is, but Zhou Yubei dismisses her as merely a classmate. Ji Qiu holds a meeting with her team to brainstorm new variety show concepts. They conclude that relationship-focused shows are saturated and suggest exploring friendship-based programs that highlight "tacit understanding" between people, prompting Ji Qiu to contemplate such dynamics in her own life.
Concurrently, Zhou Ziqian posts a photo of his ice cream on social media, mentioning his long wait at Jiangcheng University. Ji Qiu comments, jokingly suggesting he audit Fu Qile's class since he's already on campus. Zhou Ziqian initially dismisses the idea, finding classes uninteresting. Fu Qile, noticing their online exchange, quips that excessive sweets impair intellect.
Ignoring this, Zhou Ziqian insists he will eat all his ice cream, but fate, or rather "Morphy's law" as Fu Qile implies, intervenes, and it melts. Irritated, Zhou Ziqian calls Ji Qiu for Fu Qile’s classroom number and decides to audit the class after all. In class, Fu Qile begins a roll call. He quickly spots Zhou Ziqian, a conspicuous "new face" in a grey hoodie, and singles him out for an introduction.
Zhou Ziqian awkwardly explains he was recommended to audit the class due to its popularity, especially among female students. Fu Qile assures him equal treatment but justifies his questioning by pointing out Zhou Ziqian's disruption, forcing him to stand for most of the class. Afterward, Zhou Ziqian confronts Fu Qile, accusing him of deliberately targeting him. Fu Qile then dismisses the comment about his class's popularity with girls by stating that the psychology department naturally attracts many female students.
Fu Qile then attempts to leave, citing an appointment, but Zhou Ziqian follows him, claiming they are going the same way. When Fu Qile enters his office, Zhou Ziqian waits outside, where other university staff recognize the famous athlete. Reflecting on the contentious yet undeniably synchronized interactions between Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile, Ji Qiu perceives a unique "tacit understanding" that resonates with her evolving show concept.
However, she still struggles to pinpoint the ideal form for a truly "good" variety show. Later that evening, Zhou Ziqian follows Fu Qile to a social gathering hosted by Ji Qiu and Rongrong. Fu Qile expresses his annoyance at being trailed, but Zhou Ziqian casually asserts his right to attend their established bi-weekly friend gatherings. Ji Qiu observes their bickering and remarks on their "tacit understanding," which both men promptly deny.
Ji Qiu then shares her struggle to develop new show ideas, soliciting their input. Fu Qile proposes an intellectual discussion program covering psychology and economics, which Zhou Ziqian dismisses as "hypnosis." Zhou Ziqian counters with a "passionate" shooting competition featuring celebrities, which Fu Qile finds "boring," suggesting playing mahjong would be more entertaining. To break the deadlock and inspire creativity, Rongrong proposes a game: the winner's show idea will be adopted, and the loser must perform a dance.
Zhou Ziqian loses the game and performs a lively dance, which Fu Qile secretly records. Playfully, Zhou Ziqian pulls Fu Qile into the dance, and soon, Ji Qiu and Rongrong join in the revelry. In that moment of uninhibited joy and camaraderie, Ji Qiu suddenly realizes this is the exact "feeling" she wants for her show.
Later, as the group unwinds, Ji Qiu shares her vision with Zhou Ziqian: a show about "belonging," where diverse individuals from different backgrounds, with varied personalities, and across age groups, can drop their guard, express their true selves, and form a supportive community without fear of judgment or emotional manipulation. She likens them to individual stars, each shining independently, but whose collective light creates the brightest moment when they come together. Zhou Ziqian asks if she has a name for this show, and Ji Qiu confirms she does.
Episode 5 Recap
The company's new project, a variety show tentatively titled "Let's Meet Now," was presented by Ji Qiu. She described it as a blend of a reality show and a documentary, designed to uncover the unique charm of guests by combining their individual personalities. The goal was to open up the market for slow-paced variety shows in China.
The proposed guest types included a sporty individual, a wise figure, a warm and popular female celebrity, a growth-oriented novice with limited life experience, and an artist with a significant personality contrast between their public and private personas. Cai Zong suggested inviting the swimmer Liang Chuan as the sporty guest, but Ji Qiu immediately dismissed the idea, citing recent online rumors about his controversial private life.
She then proposed inviting the shooting athlete Zhou Ziqian, mentioning his popularity and how he resembles a trendy drama lead. Cai Zong approved of Zhou Ziqian. Cai Zong then strongly recommended adding popular celebrity Ye Qiao to the lineup. Ji Qiu expressed hesitation, explaining that Ye Qiao wasn't among their initial target types, and adding another guest would complicate matters.
However, Cai Zong insisted, arguing that while Ye Qiao's reputation might be mixed, she guarantees "topics and exposure," making the show potentially popular even "before it broadcasts." He reminded Ji Qiu of her own philosophy about seeing both "side A and B" of artists, challenging her to find Ye Qiao's hidden depths. Ji Qiu acknowledged her limited perspective and agreed to reconsider.
Back with her team, Ji Qiu listed potential guests, including a singer, a boy group member, a PhD in Economics, Zhou Ziqian, and Ye Qiao. She assigned them to invite one guest each within a week, emphasizing that failure to secure guests meant losing their jobs. Her team members, eager to avoid the notoriously difficult Ye Qiao, quickly claimed the other easier-to-approach celebrities, leaving Ye Qiao for Ji Qiu. Ji Qiu reluctantly accepted the challenge.
She initially brainstormed an outdoor journey concept for Ye Qiao, suggesting beautiful locations like Shangri-La and the Qingdao coast. However, her team pointed out Ye Qiao's dislike of bugs, her preference for dresses, and her sensitivity about age, making the outdoor theme unsuitable. Ji Qiu considered pitching the idea of showing Ye Qiao's "true nature" to win public favor, but then worried it might backfire. Frustrated, she decided to prepare multiple plans and try them one by one.
Ji Qiu contacted Ye Qiao's assistant, Xiao Yang, multiple times, but Ye Qiao consistently avoided meeting her. Xiao Yang eventually explained that Miss Ye had "changed her schedule at the last minute" and was generally "not likely to participate in a reality show." Despite Ji Qiu's attempts to reschedule, Xiao Yang abruptly ended the call, leaving Ji Qiu disheartened that all her prepared plans were useless without a meeting.
Later, at home, a frustrated Ji Qiu received a phone call from Zhou Ziqian, who was calling to retrieve the wrister he had left at her apartment. Ji Qiu seized the opportunity, asking him to bring snacks and then venting her frustrations about Ye Qiao. She complained that Ye Qiao had agreed to a meeting but then unexpectedly canceled, describing such behavior as "complicated" (like a "woman's heart, a needle in the ocean").
Zhou Ziqian playfully countered that she also seemed "complicated." He advised her to focus on inviting other guests first, suggesting that if other guests were confirmed, Ye Qiao might be more inclined to join. This sparked an idea in Ji Qiu, and as she excitedly went to get drinks for them, she accidentally spilled cola all over Zhou Ziqian's shirt.
He headed to the bathroom to clean up, and Ji Qiu, remembering she still had his shirt from a previous occasion, went to retrieve it. However, the bathroom door's lock cylinder jammed, trapping Zhou Ziqian inside. Ji Qiu panicked and rushed out to find a locksmith in her community. While on her way, she received a call from Song Rongrong, to whom she again complained about Ye Qiao avoiding her.
Song Rongrong, however, had an update: Ye Qiao was actually busy shooting a magazine cover at their company and was expected to be there for about three hours. Excited by this news, Ji Qiu completely forgot about Zhou Ziqian trapped in her bathroom and immediately rushed to Song Rongrong's office building. Meanwhile, at the magazine shoot, Ye Qiao was working alongside Xia Yao, a junior celebrity who had debuted only a year ago.
Xia Yao, feigning innocence, suggested Ye Qiao's makeup artist touch up her makeup, claiming she had "saw the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes." Ji Qiu had managed to intercept Ye Qiao after the photoshoot, quickly pitching her reality show concept. She acknowledged Ye Qiao's past negative experiences with reality shows but promised their show would be different, focusing on a "slow variety" format of simple dining and chatting, and guaranteeing to protect her reputation.
However, Ye Qiao was unconvinced, questioning how a new show could guarantee ratings and word-of-mouth. She pointed out that accepting the show would mean turning down an IP drama and three brand endorsements, which would result in "a great loss" as she had already lowered her fees for a previous collaboration. Just as Ye Qiao was about to leave, seemingly rejecting the offer, she crossed paths with Xia Yao and her assistant.
Xia Yao's assistant provocatively mentioned Xia Yao's successful debut film, which received a high rating of 8 points, implicitly comparing it to Ye Qiao's highest score of 6. 5. The assistant then proudly announced Xia Yao's participation in an upcoming reality show, pointedly remarking that "no reality show crew would dare to invite someone with such a bad temper" as Ye Qiao, and offered to ask if they needed more people. This blatant taunt ignited a spark in Ye Qiao.
She immediately turned back to Ji Qiu, dismissing the budget concerns with a rhetorical, "Do I look like someone who is short of money?" , and instructed Ji Qiu to "send the plan and contract to my agent later." Overjoyed by this unexpected success, Ji Qiu made plans to celebrate with Song Rongrong over dinner. However, Song Rongrong's comment about Ji Qiu's poor memory triggered a sudden realization: she had left Zhou Ziqian locked in her bathroom!
Ji Qiu rushed back home and quickly called the locksmith. Upon being freed, Zhou Ziqian, still inside the bathroom, pretended to be disoriented and confused, asking if Ji Qiu had forgotten him and accusing her of taking an unusually long time to find a locksmith, even comparing the bath items in the bathroom to his friends to show his loneliness. Ji Qiu, feeling extremely guilty, profusely apologized and, when Zhou Ziqian exaggerated a shoulder pain, offered him a massage.
He continued to feign injury, but Ji Qiu eventually realized he was pretending. Just then, Zhou Ziqian received a phone call from his coach, Mr. Zhang, scolding him for missing practice. Zhou Ziqian apologized, attributing his absence to a "temporary accident" and promising to "make up training time" that evening. Feeling even more responsible, Ji Qiu insisted on driving him to his evening training.
It was Ji Qiu's first time at a shooting range, and Zhou Ziqian's first time training at night. While Zhou Ziqian practiced, he couldn't help but glance at Ji Qiu. She, in turn, worked on her computer, subtly taking photos of him for show material. When Ji Qiu dozed off, Zhou Ziqian secretly took pictures of her.
On their way back, Zhou Ziqian learned that, thanks to Ye Qiao's agreement, all the other invited guests had also confirmed their participation in the show. He was now the last one. Despite having previously agreed, he decided to playfully feign reconsideration, stating that he needed to "think about it" for a few days due to the "psychological damage" from being locked in the bathroom.
He hinted that his decision would depend on Ji Qiu's "sincerity," prompting her to earnestly flatter him, assuring him of her affection and asking if he could bear to see her disappointed.
Episode 6 Recap
Ji Qiu was frustrated because all the other guests had agreed to participate in the variety show, but Zhou Ziqian refused to answer her calls. Song Rongrong blamed Ji Qiu, stating that she was wrong to lock him in the bathroom for such a long time. Song Rongrong herself was eager to find a person she had misidentified, whom she believed was an athlete. Ji Qiu suggested that Zhou Ziqian, being part of the same sports team, could help her.
Ji Qiu then joined Song Rongrong, and Gao Yuan also tagged along with Zhou Ziqian, all proactively helping Song Rongrong in her search. Zhou Ziqian realized that Song Rongrong's call was orchestrated by Ji Qiu, who readily admitted it and continued to press him to join the show. He inquired if she was truly desperate to have him, to which Ji Qiu affirmed her sincerity.
She emphasized that the show was interesting, without rules or a script, and would be a good way to relax after his upcoming competition. Ji Qiu tried to appeal to his emotions, asking if he could bear to see her disappointed, and even professing her fondness for him. Zhou Ziqian, caught off guard, questioned her feelings. He didn't refuse outright but proposed three conditions, which he hadn't yet formulated.
He then highlighted the importance of protecting his hands before his competition, especially from tasks like peeling shrimp, which could injure his fingers. Ji Qiu quickly offered to peel the shrimp for him, carefully following his instructions to keep them whole. During the search, Gao Yuan, Xiao Wu, and Xiao Liu were looking at a vague hand-drawn portrait of the person Song Rongrong was looking for.
Gao Yuan expressed doubt that they could find anyone based on such an indistinct drawing. He then rallied the others, instructing them to keep an eye out in places like the canteen and the swimming pool, as his "happiness" depended on finding this person, though he clarified it was about not losing face after promising to help. Coach Zhang introduced a new teammate, Xu Wang, who had transferred from Suyang Province and would train with the first team.
He mentioned that Xu Wang might compete with Gao Yuan and Zhou Ziqian in future competitions. Xu Wang was assigned to Gao Yuan's dorm. Gao Yuan initially lamented losing his private room but then eagerly looked forward to having a roommate. At the cafeteria, Xu Wang was noticeably isolated by Yu Nan and other teammates. Gao Yuan, however, approached him warmly, offering him food and showing him the vague drawing. Xu Wang, however, didn't recognize anyone from the picture.
Gao Yuan expressed frustration at their lack of progress, but Ji Qiu reminded them that sometimes the most sought-after things appear when one stops looking. Later, Gao Yuan shared a soda with Xu Wang and complimented Xu Wang’s attentiveness. He asked Xu Wang why he left the Suyang Province team, where he was the top player. Xu Wang explained it was because their team was "better."
Gao Yuan agreed, attributing their strength to Zhou Ziqian, but also added that Xu Wang’s presence would make them even stronger. Xu Wang mentioned he had watched Zhou Ziqian's first national game and was impressed by his stability, to which Gao Yuan replied that Zhou Ziqian had also watched all of Xu Wang’s matches.
Gao Yuan also noted that Xu Wang was reading a book that his friend, Song Rongrong, also owned, and offered to introduce them, though he jokingly implied his friend might not be on the same intellectual level, as she was often preoccupied with eating or "strolling about." A flashback montage showed Song Rongrong and Xu Wang repeatedly missing each other in various locations.
During a practice session, Zhou Ziqian noticed Yu Nan and his group being overly aggressive in a team match. Gao Yuan explained that Yu Nan and others had been isolating Xu Wang due to his excellent performance and immediate placement in the first team. Zhou Ziqian intervened, criticizing Yu Nan’s group for isolating Xu Wang. He playfully suggested Xu Wang should team up with him and Gao Yuan, but Xu Wang pointed out that three-person teams were against the rules.
Zhou Ziqian joked that it would be "two and a half," implying Gao Yuan didn’t fully count. Xu Wang and Zhou Ziqian then exchanged compliments on each other’s past performances, leaving Yu Nan to complain about being isolated by the two of them. The team was scheduled for a psychological counseling session. Zhou Ziqian initially dismissed it as a "hypnotic class" led by an older, authoritative lecturer.
However, to his surprise, the new counselor was Fu Qile, who introduced himself as the replacement for the retired Mr. Li. Fu Qile sensed the athletes' tension and started with a trending online "mental age test" for fun. Gao Yuan scored 5 years old, while Xu Wang scored 40, leading to a general consensus among the athletes that the test might not be accurate.
Fu Qile used this to explain that the test was just for entertainment and that true psychological help required honest emotional expression. He then asked Zhou Ziqian to volunteer for a demonstration. Fu Qile pointed out Zhou Ziqian's hesitation and directness when answering questions about his nervousness, handsomeness, and confidence in winning. Zhou Ziqian tried to turn the tables by asking Fu Qile for advice on physical symptoms he suspected were psychological.
Fu Qile provided a detailed physiological explanation, but Zhou Ziqian countered that it was simply from sleeping on his arm. Fu Qile, unperturbed, suggested that if Zhou Ziqian knew the cause but continued the behavior, he might indeed have psychological issues and offered his full support. After the session, Zhou Ziqian sought out Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong, complaining that Fu Qile had focused on him for "an hour and three minutes" out of a two-hour session.
Ji Qiu agreed it was "a little weird." Seeking revenge, Zhou Ziqian asked Ji Qiu for Fu Qile's weaknesses, offering snacks as a bribe. Song Rongrong eagerly accepted the snacks and listed what she perceived as Fu Qile's flaws: his excessive handsomeness, his vast knowledge that made others feel unintelligent, and his quick reactions that led to her losing games. Zhou Ziqian, realizing these were hardly weaknesses, angrily stormed off.
Immediately after he left, Fu Qile arrived, also complaining to Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong about his "career hiccup" with Zhou Ziqian, confirming he had focused on Zhou Ziqian for "one hour and one minute tops." Later that night, Fu Qile’s sister, Fu Tiantian, questioned him about his single status, despite being surrounded by "so many amazing girls" like Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong.
She advised him to confess his feelings if he liked someone, warning that girls "won't like you if they wait too long." Fu Qile dismissed her advice as childish. Fu Tiantian then asked him to take her to the library the next day and, realizing he was going to the shooting team where Zhou Ziqian would be, asked him to get Zhou Ziqian's autograph. Fu Qile, who harbored a dislike for Zhou Ziqian, initially refused, stating it was for work.
Fu Tiantian, however, threatened to expose his crush on Ji Qiu, even quoting from his diary, which detailed his excitement for Ji Qiu's birthday in 2012. Startled, Fu Qile immediately agreed to get "one autograph." The next day, before the test, Fu Qile was seen practicing how to ask for an autograph, much to the amusement of his colleagues. During the psychological test, Fu Qile stood near Zhou Ziqian.
Zhou Ziqian feigned a sore hand from training, claiming he couldn't write and suggesting he skip the test because his mental state was so healthy. Fu Qile offered to perform "a little surgery" (a massage) on his hand, which promptly made Zhou Ziqian declare his hand was suddenly fine and tell Fu Qile to move away. After the class, Fu Qile asked Zhou Ziqian to stay behind. Gao Yuan, worried, told Zhou Ziqian to "stay safe." Once everyone else had left, Fu Qile silently presented Zhou Ziqian with the photo, subtly indicating he needed an autograph on the back.
Episode 7 Recap
Fu Qile reluctantly produced a photo for an autograph, claiming it was for one of his students. Zhou Ziqian, however, suspected Fu Qile wanted it for himself and signed a unique, limited-edition autograph. Later, Fu Tian proudly displayed the signed photo to her classmates at school. Many doubted its authenticity, suggesting the handwriting didn't look like a celebrity's and might have been forged by her brother, Fu Qile. Fu Tian, initially defensive, began to question it herself.
Just then, Zhou Yubei, looking over her shoulder, confirmed it was real. When asked how he knew, Zhou Yubei sarcastically remarked that only a "simple-minded man" like Zhou Ziqian would write like that. Fu Tian was furious and refused to talk to Zhou Yubei after school. Zhou Yubei, for his part, believed he was just being honest.
Fu Qile noticed Fu Tian's annoyance and asked why she wasn't talking to Zhou Yubei, to which Fu Tian simply stated she hated him. Ji Qiu called Zhou Ziqian to inform him that the program team would visit his home to film his daily life as part of a segment where they would guess guests based on objects found in their homes.
Though Zhou Ziqian's apartment was typically messy, the news of cameras made him self-conscious, so he meticulously cleaned the entire place, even stuffing his dirty clothes and smelly socks into his quilt to hide them. When Ji Qiu and her team arrived, Zhou Ziqian feigned surprise, claiming he hadn't prepared. Ji Qiu quietly reminded him that her colleagues had been present when she made the call, so his pretense was unnecessary, much to his embarrassment.
During the tour, Zhou Ziqian enthusiastically showed off a voice-activated key chain and a collection of cute refrigerator magnets, even giving one to each crew member. Ji Qiu suggested they split up to save time. She headed to the bedroom, while a cameraman followed Zhou Ziqian to his study. In the tidy study, the cameraman noticed books inscribed with "Zhou Yubei." Zhou Ziqian quickly claimed it was his nickname.
Suddenly remembering the contents of his bedroom, Zhou Ziqian rushed off, fearing Ji Qiu might discover the hidden mess. He burst into the bedroom just as Ji Qiu was about to lift the bulging quilt. In his haste to stop her, Zhou Ziqian lost his footing and accidentally pushed Ji Qiu onto the bed. Colleagues rushed in, surprised to see them in such a compromising position.
Ji Qiu, trying to downplay the incident, explained it was an accident and that Zhou Ziqian was like a brother, recalling how they used to play house as children. Her colleagues agreed not to dwell on it, assuming Zhou Ziqian would soon forget. That night, Zhou Ziqian lay awake, replaying the unexpected intimate moment with Ji Qiu, convinced she must be just as sleepless. However, Ji Qiu, oblivious to his turmoil, slept soundly.
The next day, Zhou Ziqian was visibly distracted, even mistaking the sound of someone saying "snacks" for Ji Qiu's name. During training, he hypothetically asked a friend, Gao Yuan, what someone should do after accidentally having intimate contact with a close friend. Gao Yuan unequivocally stated that the person should "take responsibility," a response that resonated deeply with Zhou Ziqian. Gao Yuan pressed for details, but Zhou Ziqian kept the identity of his "friend" vague.
Meanwhile, Fu Tian and her friend Jiang Jiang, whose phones had been confiscated, desperately wanted to watch Zhou Ziqian's shooting competition. They snuck into the computer lab by climbing through a window, only to find Zhou Yubei already there. After struggling with the computers, Zhou Yubei helped them find the live stream. Fu Tian jokingly accused Zhou Yubei of being a secret fan of Zhou Ziqian, citing his past sarcastic comments as a way to hide his true admiration.
Zhou Yubei tried to close the stream, but Fu Tian insisted he keep it open. At home, Song Rongrong, Ji Qiu, and Fu Qile were also watching the live broadcast of Zhou Ziqian's competition. Song Rongrong commented on Zhou Ziqian's handsome appearance during the match, a sentiment Ji Qiu agreed with, though Fu Qile expressed disdain. Zhou Ziqian ultimately won the competition. The first thing he did was call Ji Qiu. She congratulated him, having just finished watching the match.
He then tried to bring up their recent close encounter, but Ji Qiu seemed to have completely forgotten, dismissing it as merely discussing items for the variety show. Zhou Ziqian was deeply frustrated and hung up. Unaware of the emotional weight of the incident for Zhou Ziqian, Ji Qiu wondered why he was so agitated. At the training facility, Zhou Ziqian expressed his dismay to himself, lamenting that Ji Qiu had forgotten something that had tormented him for days.
Reporters later approached him for an interview, asking if the phone call he made right after his victory was to family, to which he vaguely replied, "Sort of." Back at school, the security guard discovered Zhou Yubei, Fu Tian, and Jiang Jiang in the computer lab. They were taken to their teacher, who initially reprimanded Fu Tian and Jiang Jiang for skipping class to watch a game, assuming Zhou Yubei, a good student, had a legitimate reason to be there.
However, Zhou Yubei honestly admitted he was also watching the competition. The embarrassed teacher then ordered all three to run ten laps on the playground as punishment. As they ran, Fu Tian questioned why Zhou Yubei had been so honest with the teacher, suggesting he could have easily made an excuse. Later that day, Zhou Ziqian called Ji Qiu again, inviting her to a celebration dinner for his championship win. Ji Qiu happily accepted.
However, her colleagues insisted she join them for a team dinner to celebrate the successful guest finalization for the show, tempting her with a new "buyers' shop" that sold vintage bags she desired. Torn, Ji Qiu called Zhou Ziqian, falsely claiming she had to work overtime. Zhou Ziqian, detecting her disinterest and eager to save face, pretended he also had training that night.
Later, Ji Qiu arrived at the restaurant with her colleagues, only to find Zhou Ziqian and Gao Yuan already there. They quickly realized each other's excuses, prompting Gao Yuan to tease Zhou Ziqian about having secretly made plans with Ji Qiu. To alleviate the awkwardness, Gao Yuan suggested they all share a table, which everyone agreed to. During dinner, the colleagues speculated about Zhou Ziqian's phone call after his match, assuming he had called his girlfriend.
Ji Qiu quickly clarified that the call was to her, regarding discussions for the variety show. A colleague then mentioned Ji Qiu's past relationship with a "scumbag," which had made her cautious about love. Zhou Ziqian, curious, tried to learn more, but Ji Qiu merely advised him not to ask too many questions.
Episode 8 Recap
At dinner, everyone wondered who Zhou Ziqian called after his competition, speculating he was dating and had called his girlfriend. Ji Qiu quickly clarified that the call was to her, and they were only discussing the variety show. During the meal, a colleague casually brought up Ji Qiu's past relationship, mentioning she once dated a terrible scumbag, which led her to become cautious about love.
Zhou Ziqian pressed for details about what happened, but Ji Qiu advised him not to ask too many questions, jokingly adding that her ex had been beaten "because he asked too many questions." After dinner, Zhou Ziqian tried to convince Ji Qiu to hang out with him the next day, but she had to work. He then reminded her she promised to treat him to dinner and suggested tomorrow night.
Ji Qiu responded vaguely and again told him he asked too many questions. The variety show was nearing its start date when the team discovered a problem with a guest. Dr. Yang had decided to withdraw, accepting a permanent guest position on another talk show that was even willing to pay his breach of contract fees. Ji Qiu attempted to call Dr. Yang to discuss the issue, but he was unresponsive and curt, having already informed her of his withdrawal.
Realizing there was little hope of retaining Dr. Yang, Ji Qiu gathered her team, encouraging them to work overtime to find a replacement within a week to avoid delaying the show. Everyone quickly suggested Fu Qile, citing his good looks, psychology professor status, and potential unique appeal as a "psychological mentor" on a show, especially since they were in a critical situation. Ji Qiu called Fu Qile, who agreed to meet that evening.
Later, while rehearsing how to approach him with the request, Fu Qile appeared, having observed her. He surprised Ji Qiu by immediately agreeing to "anything" she asked, even before she fully explained. Ji Qiu, thrilled and relieved, hugged him. He explained his willingness stemmed from seeing many people with undiagnosed mental health issues, and he believed the show could be a valuable platform to educate the public and reduce misunderstandings. Ji Qiu, grateful, offered to treat him to dinner.
Meanwhile, Zhou Ziqian lingered outside Ji Qiu's apartment, trying to conjure a reason to ask her out for dinner, feeling nervous. Ji Qiu spotted him as she arrived home, and he quickly made up an excuse about visiting a friend nearby. Ji Qiu, remembering some variety show materials, invited him up to get them.
Inside, Zhou Ziqian was visibly ill at ease, blushing intensely and flinching like an electric shock when Ji Qiu sat beside him to show him show clips. Ji Qiu, misinterpreting his red face, thought he might have a fever or be too warm. Zhou Ziqian then carefully brought up "the last accident," but Ji Qiu genuinely couldn't recall what he meant.
When he awkwardly reminded her about their accidental kiss, Ji Qiu dismissed it as a "trivial matter," an unintentional "accident" that she was "careless" about. She compared it to insignificant events like "eating less," "losing a shoe," or "breaking a glass," stating it was "not a big deal" and he shouldn't dwell on it. Feeling deeply offended that she found the incident so unimportant, Zhou Ziqian abruptly left her apartment, leaving Ji Qiu bewildered by his reaction.
Back at his own home, Zhou Ziqian repeatedly muttered his confusion over why Ji Qiu considered the incident a "trivial matter." Zhou Yubei, annoyed by his brother's complaints, sarcastically advised Zhou Ziqian to speak less on his upcoming reality show to prevent the audience from discovering his lack of common sense, adding that it wouldn't affect him since no one knew they were brothers.
Zhou Ziqian retorted that Zhou Yubei's harshness probably meant no girls at school liked him and challenged him to show a more "brotherly reaction" like excitement or screaming, to which Zhou Yubei simply said "normal people wouldn't do that." At school, Fu Tian was ecstatic about her brother, Fu Qile, joining the reality show alongside Zhou Ziqian.
She excitedly shared her logic with her friend, explaining that if they were "colleagues," they'd become "friends," and then "brothers," making Zhou Ziqian her brother too. Her friend agreed that if Fu Qile became a famous psychologist, Fu Tian would surely be envied. Later, Fu Tian was disappointed with her math test score, having scored ten points lower than her deskmate, Jiangjiang, even after copying Jiangjiang's answers.
Their classmates teased them, joking that they were "one dare to give, one dare to copy," but Fu Tian proudly dismissed their comments, which made Zhou Yubei, who was also at the school, briefly smile. During the team assessment, the scores showed Zhou Ziqian and Gao Yuan in the top two, with Yu Nan in third.
Yu Nan was concerned about Xu Wang from the fifth team, especially since only the top three would qualify for the provincial competition this time. Yu Nan's teammate revealed that Xu Wang's father, Xu Ming, a national shooting champion, and his mother had died in a car accident while en route to one of Xu Wang's games years ago, causing Xu Wang to lose his motivation and consistently underperform since.
Armed with this information, Yu Nan deliberately provoked Xu Wang during his turn, bringing up his family tragedy and implying his hands would tremble. Xu Wang was deeply affected, scoring only seven points. Yu Nan continued his taunts, suggesting Xu Wang couldn't compete and was why he couldn't stay in his old team. When Xu Wang tried to confront him, attempting to hit him, Coach Zhang intervened, scolding Xu Wang for fighting during an internal assessment.
Zhou Ziqian pulled Xu Wang away, offering comfort and a drink. Zhou Ziqian told Xu Wang that there was someone better at dealing with people like Yu Nan: Gao Yuan. True to form, Gao Yuan then openly mocked Yu Nan's poor shooting skills, saying Yu Nan was "good at talking" but his "shooting skills were naturally left behind."
Yu Nan angrily asserted his third-place ranking and Xu Wang's exclusion from the top three, but Gao Yuan dismissed his satisfaction, implying it was easily achieved. Later, Song Rongrong called Ji Qiu, inviting her for dinner and explaining she was cooking to cheer Ji Qiu up, after a friend shared how cooking for her boyfriend boosts his mood. Ji Qiu teased her about cooking for a future boyfriend, but Song Rongrong playfully insisted she was cooking for Ji Qiu.
Ji Qiu then warned Rongrong not to tell guests it was her first time cooking. Zhou Ziqian called Ji Qiu and was invited to join, asking if he could bring a teammate. Ji Qiu agreed, and he brought Gao Yuan and Xu Wang. At Ji Qiu's apartment, Song Rongrong's attempts at cooking had resulted in a smoky mess resembling "charcoal."
She was overjoyed to recognize Xu Wang, the person she had been looking for, and immediately apologized for lying to him about a broken elevator during a previous encounter. Xu Wang, being an athlete, brushed it off as mere exercise, assuring her it was no big deal. Ultimately, Ji Qiu ended up cooking dinner. As Ji Qiu relaxed, looking forward to her two days off, Zhou Ziqian mentioned her weekend vacation.
He suggested they visit Qiuye Town, where they had grown up. Ji Qiu initially refused, wanting to relax during her hard-earned time off. However, Zhou Ziqian reminded her of the three promises she had made to him when she convinced him to join the show, implying he would use one "precious request" to compel her to visit Qiuye Town, and Ji Qiu, having no other choice, eventually agreed.
Later, while having a drink, Xu Wang expressed his growing fondness for Jiangyi (the city/team). Zhou Ziqian reflected on what it means to like something or someone, noting that while children might openly stare at things they like, adults find it harder to discover such things. He pondered if, once found, "is it enough to just take one more look?" He then asked Xu Wang if he wanted to take another look at something.
Episode 9 Recap
The group gathered for dinner, where Zhou Ziqian proudly presented his fried eggs with tomatoes, which someone noted resembled burnt eggplants. Ji Qiu gently advised Xu Wang not to eat the overcooked portions, but Xu Wang, having not had it in a long time, found it quite good. Song Rongrong, intrigued by Xu Wang, remarked that he had not experienced many local delights since arriving in Jiangyi and probed his hobbies.
Upon learning that Xu Wang enjoyed shooting and football, the group, sharing a similar interest, agreed to play soccer that evening. At the football field, Fu Qile, who was brought along by Gao Yuan and mistaken by Zhou Ziqian for a female friend, quickly joined the game. Ji Qiu, Zhou Ziqian, and Fu Qile were on one team.
However, Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile’s competitive antics led them to hinder each other more than the opposing team, allowing Ji Qiu to score multiple goals. Frustrated, Ji Qiu, who was assigned number "40" in a mock psychological test, berated them for their childish behavior and ordered them off the field. While sitting out, Zhou Ziqian acknowledged Ji Qiu’s strong competitive spirit, to which Fu Qile added that she had always been that way since childhood.
Zhou Ziqian countered, asserting himself as Ji Qiu’s oldest playmate, but Fu Qile reminded him of the decade he was absent from her life, from age 13 to 23. Later, when the topic of forming teams for a future game arose, Gao Yuan jokingly suggested pairing with Ji Qiu, only to be met with glares from both Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile. To please Ji Qiu, Zhou Ziqian then intentionally emphasized his own competitive spirit.
Xu Wang, however, expressed his growing fondness for Jiangyi and its "cute" people. Separately, Song Rongrong met Xu Wang at a bookstore where he occasionally helped. Recalling his previous explanation that simple interests like picture books, walking, drawing, and organizing books were surprisingly stress-relieving, she observed him organizing books. Xu Wang mentioned he only came to the bookstore when his training schedule allowed, making his visits unpredictable.
Back home, Zhou Ziqian prepared to travel to Qiuye Town, his childhood home, and asked his younger brother, Zhou Yubei, to take care of himself. Zhou Yubei, however, handed him a phone charger, subtly reminding Zhou Ziqian of his forgetfulness and implying that it was usually Zhou Yubei who looked after him. When Zhou Yubei requested to borrow Zhou Ziqian’s camera for his new imaging club, Zhou Ziqian teasingly asked if it was for a girl he liked.
Zhou Yubei turned the tables, asking if Zhou Ziqian was still pursuing Ji Qiu, a claim Zhou Ziqian vehemently denied, even challenging him to a bet, though he quickly backed down. At the imaging club's first class in Teaching Building 3, Fu Tian was surprised to see Zhou Yubei present. She later realized he might be Zhou Ziqian's brother, a suspicion echoed by other students.
The club president, Meng Qing, explained the differences between film and digital photography, noting that a roll of film only allowed for 12 shots, emphasizing the lack of room for regret with each click. When Meng Qing asked for a model, Fu Tian eagerly volunteered. Zhou Yubei was then selected as the photographer, and while initially hesitant, he couldn't help but smile when Fu Tian genuinely brightened for the camera.
Students later inquired about Meng Qing participating in a variety show and requested autographs from celebrities like Xiao Chen and Zhou Ziqian, for whom Meng Qing jokingly demanded a perfect score on an exam. On their drive to Qiuye Town, Zhou Ziqian and Ji Qiu stopped by the sea. Ji Qiu was captivated by the boundless horizon, finding it more beautiful than Jiangyi’s coast, even though she had lived in Jiangyi for many years but rarely visited its beaches.
Zhou Ziqian reflected on how adults struggle to find things they truly love, and when they do, a mere glimpse is insufficient, hence his desire to capture the moment with photos. Ji Qiu later sent some photos to Fu Qile, including one with Zhou Ziqian in the corner, which immediately put Fu Qile on alert.
The mention of Fu Qile also joining the same variety show as Zhou Ziqian visibly deflated Zhou Ziqian, despite Ji Qiu’s attempts to frame it as a pleasant surprise. As Ji Qiu went to retrieve a jacket, Fu Qile called her phone. Zhou Ziqian answered, only to find Fu Tian on the other end.
Fu Tian, mistakenly believing she was speaking to Fu Qile and that a male voice answering Ji Qiu's phone meant someone was trying to steal her future "sister-in-law" (Ji Qiu), launched into a furious tirade, calling Zhou Ziqian a pervert and threatening him. Ji Qiu quickly took the phone, discovering that Fu Tian was merely calling to borrow Ji Qiu’s camera and had unknowingly insulted her own idol, Zhou Ziqian.
Zhou Ziqian, still reeling, remarked that the name "Tiantian" (sweet) did not suit her at all, suggesting "Lala" (spicy) would be more appropriate. Ji Qiu, however, defended Fu Tian, attributing her outburst to a misunderstanding and her protective nature. Their journey was interrupted when their car broke down. After Zhou Ziqian’s attempts to fix it proved futile, Ji Qiu confidently prepared to hitchhike. Zhou Ziqian, worried for her safety, took over the task, but to no avail.
Just as they were about to give up, a car stopped, driven by an old childhood friend named Hu Yang. Hu Yang recognized Zhou Ziqian from a scar on his face, calling him "Zhou Yue," and enthusiastically recounted how Ji Qiu had accidentally scratched Zhou Ziqian during a scuffle while bravely defending him against five bullies.
As he spoke, he made several unflattering comments about Ji Qiu’s childhood temperament, oblivious to her presence in the back seat until she quietly introduced herself, leading to an awkward silence. Hu Yang, insistent on their hospitality, invited them to stay at his place.
Despite the cramped living room, which he optimistically described as spacious and had to be divided by a curtain for their sleeping arrangements, he warmly welcomed them, making it difficult for Zhou Ziqian and Ji Qiu to refuse. Ji Qiu tried to ease the tension by suggesting they chat. She explained her passion for becoming a variety show director, stemming from a childhood where television’s lively programs provided comfort, teaching her that emotions are contagious and happiness can be spread.
Zhou Ziqian admitted that her joy had indeed infected him. He observed how much Ji Qiu had changed from her quieter childhood self, prompting her to recall how he would always call for "Sister Ji Qiu" when he was bullied. She also playfully questioned the scar on his face, feigning forgetfulness.
Zhou Ziqian, with a mischievous grin, opened the curtain, allowing her a closer look, then teased her about defacing his handsome face, proposing that she let him leave a mark on her "pretty face" in return. At her playful counter, Zhou Ziqian couldn't help but laugh.
As the night wore on, Zhou Ziqian, still awake, pondered unspoken questions: why he remembered their childhood so vividly, why he sought her out immediately upon returning home, why he couldn’t sleep while watching her, and why he constantly provoked her. Yet, across the curtain, Ji Qiu had already drifted off to sleep.
Episode 10 Recap
Song Rongrong, while on the phone with Ji Qiu, mentioned her neighborhood had experienced a blackout and she was scared to be alone. She decided to go to a nearby bookstore, hoping to find Xu Wang, who she had recently discovered worked there. Upon finding him, Xu Wang offered to accompany her back home after his shift to check her power.
At her apartment, Xu Wang confirmed that her home's circuit was fine; the issue was with the collective lines, and they'd have to wait for it to be resolved. Knowing Song Rongrong was afraid of the dark, he offered to stay with her. Song Rongrong then led him to the balcony, where they marveled at the city's unexpected beauty without lights.
She praised Xu Wang for his knowledge, including circuit repair, and confided in him about being "half a beat slower" her entire life, even being born half a month past her due date. Xu Wang comforted her by explaining that in a parallel world, children are born "fast half" and "slow half," and she was a lucky one who didn't need to conform to everyone else's rhythm. Just then, the power returned, and Xu Wang said his goodbyes and left.
Ji Qiu arrived home, relieved to see the power restored. Song Rongrong was already at Ji Qiu's apartment and had just finished a phone call; she excitedly recounted her evening with Xu Wang. Ji Qiu also shared her positive experiences with Zhou Ziqian, praising him for his reliability in navigating difficult paths and his "incredibly physically fit" nature, as he carried much of the luggage when she couldn't walk.
Song Rongrong, in turn, gushed about Xu Wang's intelligence, his fearlessness in the dark, and how he had helped her see her "slow half" nature as a stroke of luck. Ji Qiu was pleased to see Song Rongrong so happy and enthusiastically praising a boy. Song Rongrong added that she had already given Xu Wang a gift to thank him.
At the shooting team meeting, Coach Zhang announced that Zhou Ziqian would not be participating in the upcoming fall league due to his commitment to a variety show, which he would also use to promote the sport of shooting. The team decided to fill Zhou Ziqian's spot by extending the selection to the fourth-place finisher in their last team test, adding Gao Yuan, Yu Nan, and Xu Wang to the roster.
Yu Nan, however, made a disparaging remark to Xu Wang, suggesting he was only on the team because "someone made a place" for him. Zhou Ziqian then reassured Xu Wang, clarifying that his absence was because he "just happened to not be able to play," and told Xu Wang not to "mind what other people say." The three then discussed their upcoming competition.
Xu Wang mentioned that his gun's counterweight was "a little too heavy," and Gao Yuan offered him one of his spares. Later, Zhou Ziqian called Zhou Yubei, asking him where he put his gun's counterweight. Zhou Yubei precisely told him the location in the cupboard. Zhou Yubei also inquired about their dinner plans, prompting Zhou Ziqian to tell him to heat up the prepared food in the fridge, indicating a reversal of roles in caretaking.
Meanwhile, Zhou Ziqian, who had not received a reply from Ji Qiu, looked at her picture. He lamented that Ji Qiu posted about her milk tea but not about their trip together, implying that their time wasn't as important to her. Later, while eating noodles, he asked Zhou Yubei to add "just a little" soy sauce, but to his dismay, Zhou Yubei poured in "half a bottle." Zhou Ziqian angrily demanded a new bowl, but Zhou Yubei simply refused.
At Ji Qiu's workplace, a colleague named Hui complained about having to work with Ye Qiao for an upcoming program, saying he was even called "Xiao Huihui" by their team. He suggested being paired with Zhou Ziqian, Fu Qile, or Xiao Chen instead. Another colleague proposed working with Lin Xiao. Ji Qiu, however, dismissed their suggestions, urging them to focus on their work and prepare the necessary documents for the next day.
In class, the teacher announced two outstanding compositions on the theme of "family members." One was by Fu Tian, who depicted her brother's "meticulous care" in a "very touching" and "relatable" way. The other was by Zhou Yubei, whose essay strikingly began with "My brother is good for nothing," using his brother's "decadent life" to "motivate himself to be positive." The teacher, while acknowledging Zhou Yubei's creativity, expressed a wish for his brother to "cheer up and set an example."
A classmate then excitedly reported that Zhou Yubei's brother was in the hallway, asking for him and his classroom. Fu Tian, who had been indignant about Zhou Yubei's seemingly "good-for-nothing brother," stormed out, eager to see "what this unreliable brother looks like." To her astonishment, she found her idol, Zhou Ziqian, in the hallway. Star-struck, she immediately started following him.
She then grabbed Zhou Yubei and, addressing Zhou Ziqian, jokingly asked if his "good-for-nothing brother" "needs a sister," offering a "buy one, get one free" deal, leaving Zhou Yubei speechless. Zhou Ziqian, observing the excited students, suggested Zhou Yubei buy them some snacks, hinting at their "low blood sugar," but Zhou Yubei countered that they likely had "high blood pressure" and hurried him away.
Fu Tian enthusiastically returned home and told Fu Qile about seeing Zhou Ziqian, revealing her shock and excitement that he was Zhou Yubei's brother. Fu Qile was visibly displeased, worried that if Zhou Ziqian knew Fu Tian was his fan, he would mock Fu Qile. He felt some relief when Fu Tian confirmed she hadn't mentioned their sibling relationship.
Fu Qile then reminded her that she had previously called Zhou Ziqian a "big pervert" during a phone call with Ji Qiu. Fu Tian was horrified, regretting that she had cursed her idol. After a moment of panic, she reassured herself that Zhou Ziqian was a "perfect man" who "must be generous" and wouldn't "pick on me for such a trifle."
Later, at the shooting team training facility, the team welcomed their new life assistant, Cheng Jia, who would be responsible for recording scores, assessing performance fluctuations, and managing their diets. Coach Zhang introduced Cheng Jia to Zhou Ziqian, informing him that she would accompany him to the variety show for a few days to manage his diet and film promotional videos for the team.
Cheng Jia expressed her enthusiasm, telling Zhou Ziqian she had seen many of his games and found him "special and amazing." Zhou Ziqian was hesitant, suggesting her presence wasn't necessary for the short filming period. However, Coach Zhang insisted "for the sake of the team" and to "rest easy with her" there. Cheng Jia further reassured them, mentioning her experience in a university wilderness survival club and her comfort with outdoor camping and night recording.
Zhou Ziqian, despite his discomfort with having an assistant, had to agree. Cheng Jia then said she would go print score sheets. After a short while, Cheng Jia approached Zhou Ziqian and Ji Qiu, inquiring about their relationship, noting she heard they knew each other. Zhou Ziqian dismissed it as "average" or "not precisely, don't know."
Cheng Jia then enthusiastically suggested to Ji Qiu, "Ji Qiu, the weather is so good today, why don't you come with me to see the stars and bask in the moon?"
Episode 11 Recap
Zhou Ziqian, concerned about appearing overly fastidious, discreetly approached Cheng Jia to dissuade her from joining him on the show as his assistant. However, Cheng Jia revealed that she had eagerly volunteered for the role, expressing her admiration for him and her desire to get to know him better, having watched many of his games. Feeling awkward, Zhou Ziqian excused himself, claiming the coach was calling him.
Meanwhile, at her office, Song Rongrong frequently mentioned Xu Wang, prompting her colleague Ding Ding to invite her to a "fun place." This turned out to be a blind date. To Song Rongrong's dismay, Xu Wang unexpectedly appeared at the same restaurant. Embarrassed, she tried to leave, but Ding Ding insisted she stay and drink. The lively conversation at their table eventually drew Xu Wang's attention.
Later, in the men's restroom, several male attendees from the blind date were overheard discussing the women. They disparagingly referred to Song Rongrong as "not smart" and "easy to fool," plotting to ply her with more alcohol. Xu Wang, who had overheard their conversation, intervened. He firmly escorted Song Rongrong out, publicly exposing the men's unsavory remarks. Though the men threatened to escalate the situation, Xu Wang's intimidating presence deterred them from any further action.
Outside, Xu Wang advised Song Rongrong against drinking with strangers. Song Rongrong admitted that she regretted coming to the event, but conceded that without his intervention, she might have simply endured the discomfort. Xu Wang emphasized that while some situations might require patience, there are certain things that should never be tolerated. As he drove her home, Song Rongrong clarified that she wasn't on a blind date and wasn't looking for a boyfriend.
After Song Rongrong returned home, Ding Ding called, urging her to pursue Xu Wang. Ding Ding highlighted how Song Rongrong's eyes sparkled whenever she looked at him, suggesting a clear affection. Despite Song Rongrong's initial denials, after the call, she reflected on her feelings and realized that she had indeed fallen in love with Xu Wang.
Back at the production office, Ji Qiu and her team conducted a rehearsal for the show's opening, anticipating lively and harmonious interactions among the diverse cast members. They imagined professional athletes and psychologists would be articulate and engaging. However, the actual opening proved to be a stark contrast: the atmosphere was quiet and awkward. Under pressure from the director, Ji Qiu discreetly approached Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile while delivering water, urging them to liven things up.
Their attempt to break the ice with a simple question, "Did you all have breakfast?" , quickly fizzled out. For the first activity, Xiao Chen was chosen to act alone, while the remaining four guests were to pair up and travel connected by an elastic rope. Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile found themselves reluctantly paired. Their initial resistance led to them pulling against each other like disobedient dogs, creating an awkward scene. They eventually conceded to cooperate for the journey.
Later, Cheng Jia arrived at the filming location, searching for Zhou Ziqian. Ji Qiu, surprised by her presence, allowed Cheng Jia to accompany them to the next venue, silently wondering why Zhou Ziqian had not mentioned having an assistant. During their journey, Zhou Ziqian proposed a game of rock-paper-scissors with Fu Qile, with the loser carrying a piece of the other's luggage. Zhou Ziqian repeatedly lost, eventually accumulating the burden of carrying all of Fu Qile's luggage for eight hours.
Meanwhile, Ye Qiao and Lin Xiao, also paired, navigated their route. Ye Qiao displayed a strong fear of ladybugs, prompting Lin Xiao to kindly catch them for her. Lin Xiao shared memories of her childhood in the countryside, where insects served as her only playmates, and promised to continue helping Ye Qiao with any bugs along their path.
This gentle interaction visibly softened Ye Qiao, and Ji Qiu, observing from a distance, was amazed to see Ye Qiao smile—a rare sight. That evening, as Ji Qiu was preparing to get food for Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile, who had missed dinner, Cheng Jia arrived with a variety of food for Zhou Ziqian. Noticing Ji Qiu and Fu Qile sharing food, Zhou Ziqian became visibly jealous.
He approached Ji Qiu, feigning extreme exhaustion from carrying luggage, claiming his hands were too shaky to hold chopsticks and that he hadn't eaten. Ji Qiu, however, saw through his transparent act. She playfully demonstrated exaggerated hand tremors and then effortlessly picked up a piece of food, telling him, "Learn from me. This is acting." She then walked away, leaving a red-faced Zhou Ziqian. Later, the guests gathered for a game of "I've Never."
Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile engaged in playful banter, often making subtle jabs at each other's experiences. When it was Ye Qiao's turn, she declared, "I've never fallen in love with anyone." She then posed a question to Zhou Ziqian: what would be the very first thing he would say if he could call the person he loved during a shooting competition? Without hesitation, Zhou Ziqian replied, "Are you watching my game?"
Ji Qiu found the phrase remarkably familiar but couldn't recall where she had heard it, while the other guests dismissed it as a joke. In reality, Zhou Ziqian had once said those exact words to Ji Qiu after a competition. Unable to sleep that night, Zhou Ziqian wandered outside and found Ji Qiu also awake. They decided to stargaze together.
Zhou Ziqian confessed his struggles with the show's mini-games, prompting Ji Qiu to patiently teach him the tricks, guiding his fingers with her own. This close contact made Zhou Ziqian blush. Ji Qiu then asked why he hadn't informed her about his assistant. Zhou Ziqian admitted he feared being perceived as "finicky." Their lighthearted conversation and laughter were observed by Fu Qile from a distance. A moment later, Fu Qile approached Ji Qiu and asked her a serious question: from a woman's perspective, who was better, him or Zhou Ziqian.
Episode 12 Recap
At her workplace, Song Rongrong’s colleagues noticed her absentmindedness, jokingly attributing it to being in love. Later, passing a bookstore, Rongrong went inside hoping to see Xu Wang. A store employee informed her that many girls visited the store specifically for Xu Wang, who had become quite popular. However, Xu Wang was currently training for an upcoming competition and hadn't been around.
Hearing of Xu Wang’s popularity made Rongrong feel a pang of unhappiness, wondering why she felt so despite his excellence. She thought about calling him but decided against it, not wanting to disturb his training. Meanwhile, Zhou Ziqian and his team had finished their shoot and were on the bus back. Cheng Jia attempted to sit next to Zhou Ziqian, but he reserved the spot, saying someone was coming.
When Ji Qiu boarded, she chose the seat next to Zhou Ziqian, much to Fu Qile’s dismay, who had also offered her a seat. Zhou Ziqian immediately teased Ji Qiu about her small eyes, leading to a playful argument and a prolonged stare between them. Observing this, Fu Qile felt a sting of jealousy. Back home, he asked his sister, Fu Tian, for a girl’s perspective on who was better between him and Zhou Ziqian.
Fu Tian praised her brother as accomplished and reliable but ultimately chose Zhou Ziqian, explaining that he had a special way of making people happy and forget their worries, especially when he was on the shooting range. Song Rongrong found herself excited by Xu Wang's messages but suffered from insomnia when awaiting his replies, making her feel anxious. Ji Qiu noticed Rongrong’s unusual behavior and, knowing she was concerned about an athlete, asked who it was.
Rongrong, feeling shy, falsely claimed she was worried about Gao Yuan, describing him as "the most unstable" and "too worrying." Later, Rongrong had Ji Qiu send Xu Wang a message wishing him good luck for the competition. Xu Wang responded to Ji Qiu, wondering why Rongrong didn't tell him herself and jokingly asking why she wasn't worried about disturbing him by sending a message through someone else. On the day of the competition, Song Rongrong and Ji Qiu arrived together.
Rongrong was a mix of nervous and excited as Xu Wang appeared. Coach Zhang expressed confidence in Xu Wang's current good form, believing he could win. Rongrong felt happy for Xu Wang, while Ji Qiu recorded the match for Fu Qile, who was unable to attend. The announcer confirmed Xu Wang was in the lead. However, during the critical final shot for the championship, Xu Wang scored a low 6. 4 points, resulting in him taking second place.
Fu Qile’s colleague, who had previously offered psychological counseling, noted that Xu Wang had repeatedly fallen short of victory in the final shot, suggesting a persistent psychological factor since an earlier error two years prior. Both Zhou Ziqian and Ji Qiu were keen to comfort Xu Wang but discovered Song Rongrong had wandered off. Zhou Ziqian mentioned Xu Wang was in a "bad mood" and might need solitude, but Ji Qiu believed Rongrong's presence could be healing.
She described Rongrong as having a unique quality that prevented people from feeling too depressed in her company, despite her seemingly slow reactions. Song Rongrong eventually found Xu Wang sitting alone. She joined him and gave him a book she enjoyed, "Boy, Mole, Fox and Horse." She shared a passage about living in the present and playfully mentioned her own focus would be on crispy egg tarts.
When Xu Wang hesitated to take the used book because Rongrong had written in it, Rongrong insisted, assuring him that winning and losing were part of sports, and his talent meant he would "stay on the court for a long time." She also lavished him with compliments, praising his good looks, personality, and skills in both shooting and soccer.
Xu Wang appreciated her kindness, admitting the book's premise that one doesn't need friends when unhappy was a lie, a subtle acknowledgment of his emotional state. Ji Qiu called Fu Qile for advice on comforting Xu Wang. Fu Qile suggested that "friends matter more than psychologists" in such moments and advised treating him normally without excessive attention. Soon after, Ji Qiu, Zhou Ziqian, and Gao Yuan joined Xu Wang and Song Rongrong.
Gao Yuan presented Xu Wang with a bouquet, which Zhou Ziqian jokingly remarked looked like it was "picked on the street." Zhou Ziqian handed out lollipops, telling Xu Wang that participants, regardless of outcome, deserved a treat. Instead of direct consolation, they cheerfully invited Xu Wang to dinner to celebrate his second place, teasing him about using his prize money. Xu Wang, feeling much better, agreed and even proposed a group outing to the skating rink the next day.
Later, Ji Qiu's team was in the final stages of editing their show. Her colleagues were impressed, remarking on Lin Xiao’s unexpected boldness despite her small size and Ye Qiao’s surprising sense of humor despite her usual cold demeanor. They also commented on how well Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile looked together.
With the project nearing completion, the team discussed a celebratory dinner, but Ji Qiu declined, mentioning other plans for the next day, leading her colleagues to suspect she had a date. The following day, at the skating rink, Gao Yuan enthusiastically gathered Xu Wang and Zhou Ziqian, declaring the rink a "sacred place for dating couples" conducive to "physical contact" and "gentle and patient guidance."
He began to instruct a group of girls, leaving Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong to their own devices. Zhou Ziqian tried to signal Ji Qiu, but she misinterpreted his gestures as him showing off the girls he was attracting, which annoyed her. Suddenly, a team of handsome male skaters from Jiangyi University arrived, drawing everyone’s attention. Zhou Ziqian, visibly jealous of Ji Qiu’s interest in the newcomers, tried to get her attention by playfully pretending Xu Wang was upset.
This prompted Rongrong to ask Xu Wang if he wanted to play with her, which he agreed to. Rongrong and Xu Wang skated away, with Rongrong secretly taking pictures of Xu Wang. Left alone with Ji Qiu, Zhou Ziqian began teaching her how to skate, holding her hand. As Ji Qiu gained confidence and declared she could manage, Zhou Ziqian let go. Momentarily unsupported, Ji Qiu lost her balance and tumbled.
Zhou Ziqian swiftly moved to catch her, his body pressing against hers as he protected her head. In that intimate moment, Zhou Ziqian playfully accused her of stepping on his shadow and then, referring to an earlier conversation, admitted he could be jealous. He then added, "You're the first friend I met in Jiangyi. It's very nice meeting you."
Ji Qiu, perhaps surprised by his sincerity or the intimate situation, questioned his use of the word "friend" and then challenged him, asking, "Do you like Xu Wang?" Zhou Ziqian responded with a simple "Yes." With a smile, he then told her, "Okay, let's go. Just imagine that I kidnapped you," solidifying the personal connection between them.
Episode 13 Recap
Ji Qiu, her face flushed, gently pushed Zhou Ziqian away. As she tentatively walked forward, Zhou Ziqian followed with a smile. During their rest, Zhou Ziqian continuously watched Ji Qiu, who, feeling a little overwhelmed, tried to avoid his gaze. This only made Zhou Ziqian smile triumphantly. Later, during a lecture, Fu Qile was asked why he chose psychology. He recalled a difficult period in his freshman year of high school when family issues caused him immense psychological stress.
He decided to seek help from the school’s psychology teacher, but the teacher suggested he talk to friends. Upon learning he had no friends, the teacher sarcastically told him he should reflect on himself. What was worse, the confidential thoughts he shared were later publicly revealed by the teacher, causing him deep humiliation. He remembered a specific interaction where his teacher said he was just talking about a small matter and asked why he had no friends.
The teacher further questioned if he shouldn't reflect on himself. Fu Qile then recalled when all his secrets shared with the teacher were made public, leading to all his classmates looking at him differently, and he gradually stopped communicating with anyone. He found solace when Ji Qiu appeared, becoming a beacon of light in his life. Inspired, he aspired to become a psychologist, someone others could confide in, a light in their darkest times.
After the lecture, a student approached Fu Qile, suggesting that the "friend" he spoke of must be someone he secretly admired. She urged him to be bold and pursue the girl he liked, emphasizing the need to be proactive, even "shameless." She insisted that girls like men who take the initiative, and he should show his good qualities and exude his charm.
On their way back from the ice rink, Ji Qiu's mind wandered, replaying the events of their skating session. Earlier, Xu Wang had returned Song Rongrong's book. Gao Yuan tried to borrow it, but Song Rongrong refused. While Ji Qiu and Zhou Ziqian walked, Zhou Ziqian playfully stepped on Ji Qiu’s shadow, claiming that doing so connected people emotionally. Ji Qiu, knowing Zhou Ziqian was behind the saying, teased him in return.
Zhou Ziqian then asked what Ji Qiu was thinking, correctly guessing she found him childish. Zhou Ziqian suddenly asked what kind of boyfriend she envisioned. Ji Qiu admitted she hadn't deeply considered it, but emphasized that he must be loyal and not fickle, unlike her previous boyfriend. Zhou Ziqian immediately offered to protect her and pressed her to reveal who that person was, but Ji Qiu remained silent.
Fu Qile also bought some food and went to Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong's apartment, repeatedly steeling himself to be brave and proactive. However, he was too nervous to say anything. Seeing the messy room, he offered to help clean up. After tidying everything, he still couldn't muster the courage to express his feelings. Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong were surprised by his eagerness to clean, jokingly wondering if he was researching whether cleaning relieved stress.
Fu Qile insisted he wasn't tired, but Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong playfully insisted his neck was cramping from the effort and offered him a massage. He then tried to shift the conversation to the next episode’s recording. As Ji Qiu walked Fu Qile home, she remarked on his unusual behavior.
She recalled how, since their school days, he had always unconditionally supported her and Song Rongrong, even hiding his own homework to cover for them when they forgot theirs, which led their homeroom teacher, who favored him, to be lenient with their punishments. He would travel long distances for their monthly college gatherings and immediately agreed to participate in her variety show despite his busy schedule.
Fu Qile explained that he didn't want her to constantly compromise for them, desiring her to prioritize herself. He then expressed his "friend jealousy," questioning why she treated him differently from Zhou Ziqian. He noted her assertiveness in negotiating with Zhou Ziqian for the show, and her willingness to squeeze next to Zhou Ziqian on the bus for his comfort, while with him, she carefully considered her words. He stated that he would be jealous as a friend.
Ji Qiu was surprised by his lengthy explanation. To avoid making her uncomfortable, Fu Qile quickly clarified that his jealousy was purely platonic, stemming from her differential treatment of him and Zhou Ziqian. Ji Qiu, amused, dismissed Zhou Ziqian as just a "little brother." After Fu Qile left, Ji Qiu reflected on his words, concluding that Zhou Ziqian's annoying personality made it impossible to be overly polite with him, which made her chuckle.
Meanwhile, Song Rongrong received a note from Xu Wang, thanking her for a book and calling her his first friend. This made Song Rongrong very happy, and she excitedly shared the news with Ji Qiu. She admitted to liking Xu Wang, praising his gentleness, patience, sincerity, and seriousness in shooting, concluding he was perfect. She noted that her frequent silly smiles were a sign of her feelings. Similarly, Zhou Ziqian was also smiling foolishly.
He told Gao Yuan and his friends that he had someone he liked but refused to reveal her identity, leading to widespread speculation. He declined the offer of female goldfish, explaining that he had someone he liked and needed to be mindful of that relationship. During lunch in the cafeteria, Cheng Jia approached Zhou Ziqian, asking if they could record the next program together. Zhou Ziqian, engrossed in texting Ji Qiu, smiled often, which Gao Yuan and the others noticed.
They mistakenly concluded that Cheng Jia was the person Zhou Ziqian liked. Gao Yuan later cornered Zhou Ziqian in the locker room, claiming to know the identity of his crush. Zhou Ziqian, nervous and feeling guilty, asked Gao Yuan to keep it a secret. Gao Yuan seized the opportunity to blackmail him, demanding cakes and then his shoes. Zhou Ziqian reluctantly agreed.
However, when Gao Yuan demanded a hoodie Ji Qiu had given Zhou Ziqian, he firmly refused, causing Gao Yuan to threaten to reveal his supposed feelings for Cheng Jia. At the mention of Cheng Jia, Zhou Ziqian became fearless, demanding all his items back from Gao Yuan. Gao Yuan was bewildered, remarking on Zhou Ziqian’s quick change of heart. Later, Ji Qiu, Fu Qile, Song Rongrong, and Zhou Ziqian discussed the edited show.
Ji Qiu noted improvements could be made, while Fu Qile liked it and suggested more games like rock-paper-scissors. Song Rongrong wanted to know the broadcast date of the next episode. Ji Qiu revealed that the second episode would air next weekend, and the remaining ones would be recorded later. Zhou Ziqian pressed Ji Qiu for details about the next recording, but Ji Qiu cited her professional ethics, stating she couldn't reveal anything before broadcast.
Song Rongrong then asked Ji Qiu for Xiao Chen's autograph for a colleague. Ji Qiu, having already requested two, proudly offered one. This prompted a touch of jealousy from Zhou Ziqian, who jokingly asked why Ji Qiu didn't ask him for an autograph. Ji Qiu gave him a skeptical look, unable to find a reason why anyone would want his autograph as a bookmark. Zhou Ziqian asked what type of men girls generally liked, listing various traits.
Song Rongrong admitted her type was the person she liked, not just Xiao Chen. Fu Qile and Zhou Ziqian then debated whether good-looking people were trustworthy, both comically excluding themselves from the "unreliable" category. Suddenly, Fu Qile received an urgent call from his consultation room and had to leave immediately. Zhou Ziqian then persuaded Ji Qiu to go buy popsicles, specifically the kind they used to eat as children.
He then “kidnapped” her to an amusement park, insisting they should relive their childhood memories. Despite Ji Qiu’s concerns about her casual attire, Zhou Ziqian pulled her along, leaving her with no choice but to follow. He told her to think of it as him kidnapping her. On their way, he expressed his desire to grow up with her and wished her sweet dreams.
He also mentioned that he used to think results were more important, but later realized the process was equally important. He planned to make up for their previous missed fun at the amusement park.
Episode 14 Recap
Ji Qiu found herself unexpectedly pulled to an amusement park by Zhou Ziqian on her way to buy ice cream. Feeling casually dressed, she initially expressed that others weren't "just pulled in," but decided to enjoy herself since they were there, hoping to "make up for the regrets of the last time." Their first stop was bumper cars.
They gleefully crashed into other vehicles, and when a particularly hard bump almost led to another close encounter between them, Ji Qiu pointed out the culprit, the "red one," and commanded Zhou Ziqian to ram them back. Amidst the excitement, Zhou Ziqian asked why she was so happy, to which Ji Qiu responded that this time was different due to "Time, place, and the people I hang out with." After the bumper cars, they enjoyed other rides, including a carousel.
While Ji Qiu was buying keychains, the salesperson mistakenly thought Zhou Ziqian was her boyfriend and suggested she pick out a matching initial for him. Ji Qiu quickly clarified, "He is my brother," then bought a keychain with a 'Q' on it for him. After she left, Zhou Ziqian secretly bought another one with a 'J' on it, exactly like the one Ji Qiu bought.
Later, he asked Ji Qiu if she had ever given someone a keychain with their initials, hinting at the gift, but she just said she gave it to him because his old key chain was ugly. Back at work, Ji Qiu's colleagues were despondent over the low ratings of their variety show, "Let's Meet Now," and worried about being scolded.
Ji Qiu tried to reassure them, explaining that "it's normal for a new show to fail in the ratings on its first day" and that positive comments from viewers and the popularity of stars like Fu Qile and Zhou Ziqian gave them a "pretty good chance to make a comeback the next day." Despite her outward calm, Ji Qiu secretly felt the pressure. The next day, ratings remained low, increasing everyone's anxiety.
Zhou Ziqian messaged Ji Qiu, but she was too preoccupied with the show's ratings to respond. Meanwhile, Gao Yuan, still under the impression that Zhou Ziqian liked Cheng Jia, discovered a keychain with the letters "JQ" on Zhou Ziqian's backpack. He immediately misinterpreted it as "Jia Qian," a combination of Cheng Jia and Zhou Ziqian's names, solidifying his belief that Zhou Ziqian was secretly in love with Cheng Jia.
Earlier, when Gao Yuan had tried to get Zhou Ziqian to admit his affections for Cheng Jia by guessing other female friends, including Song Rongrong and "Mei," the canteen lady's niece, Zhou Ziqian had emphatically stated, "I really don't like Cheng Jia," and dismissed the other suggestions. Noticing Ji Qiu's post on her moments about craving osmanthus cakes from her high school days, Fu Qile immediately went to buy them.
He waited for Ji Qiu to return home, pretending he was "in the area for an event" and just "bought some" by chance, which Ji Qiu believed. He comforted her about the show's disappointing ratings, and when Ji Qiu asked whether the process or the result was more important, he shared that while he used to value results, he now believes "the process was more important" because results are unpredictable.
Ji Qiu downplayed her sadness, claiming she was "just a little disappointed," but in reality, she spent a sleepless night, questioning what the right path was. Over the next few days, the show's ratings continued to drop. Ji Qiu felt uneasy seeing their team leader, Jiang, being reprimanded by Director Wang. Jiang, however, calmly brushed it off as "a piece of cake." Ji Qiu stayed late to work on a second-round plan.
She overheard colleagues discussing how Jiang had been "scolded by Director Wang" over the show's ratings, with some even saying the "first version was better." They also mentioned that their team almost got into a fight with an interview team because one of their guests had been poached. They concluded that while Ji Qiu appeared fine, she was just "holding on." Disheartened, Ji Qiu left the office, only to find Zhou Ziqian waiting for her.
Seeing him, she couldn't hold back her tears any longer. He rushed to her side, thinking someone had bullied her, offering to "get even with him." Ji Qiu cried even harder, explaining that she hadn't wanted to cry but couldn't help it once she saw him. Zhou Ziqian then produced a tiger puppet and used it to distract and cheer her up, eventually bringing a smile to her face.
Ji Qiu warned him not to mention "tonight's incident" to anyone, adding that she usually "hardly ever cries." Zhou Ziqian, through the puppet, reassured her that it was "normal to cry" when sad, angry, or stressed, and promised to keep her secret, noting that she still looked beautiful even when crying as her "nose didn't even run." He gave her his tiger puppet, saying it would accompany her, and promised, "I will accompany you to grow up."
Ji Qiu reflected that "there's nothing wrong with crying once in a while." The next morning, Ji Qiu received a message from Ye Qiao about the show. Contrary to Ji Qiu's expectations of a scolding, Ye Qiao wrote, "Not bad. It wasn't what I expected, but at least we had fun. . . . I'll give you a passing grade. I look forward to the next episode," and humorously asked who stole her prop.
Upon arriving at the office, Ji Qiu was greeted with exciting news: a vlogger with millions of followers had shared their show, generating over 100,000 likes overnight and thousands of positive new comments. Colleagues excitedly read out comments praising the show for being "completely unscripted" and calling it "like a normal friend traveling variety show," particularly highlighting Ye Qiao's cuteness and applauding the lack of "malicious editing."
They also mentioned a formal introduction of "my new idol, my dream, Fu Qile" and a cheeky comment for Zhou Ziqian. Ji Qiu's team felt invigorated, echoing Zhou Ziqian's earlier sentiment that "it's not over until the last second." They also announced that Ye Qiao and other guests had posted promotional tweets. Meanwhile, in a psychology interview for a mental health show, Fu Qile specially requested that the host ask him about his experience on "Let's Meet Now."
He praised the show for being "a very different variety show" that thrives on its unscripted nature, which allows for freedom and creates "the most comfortable state" for participants, fostering respect, understanding, and tolerance. He stated that he believes "everyone who participates in it will enjoy it." When asked about his reason for joining, he credited Ji Qiu, the show's director, describing her as "serious and responsible" and "a person who does not give up easily."
He recalled how she "turned a one percent chance into a ninety-nine percent chance" and persisted in inviting him even after "I turned her down so many times." He expressed gratitude for her persistence in getting him to join "such a good show." Watching this interview from the office, Ji Qiu smiled.
Episode 15 Recap
At the volleyball court, Fu Tian and Jiang Jiang are watching Zhou Yubei play. Jiang Jiang suggests that befriending Zhou Yubei would create an opportunity to meet his brother, Zhou Ziqian. Fu Tian, embracing the idea, cheers loudly for Zhou Yubei. When it's time to form teams, she boldly asks Zhou Yubei to be her partner, ignoring another classmate's protests about her poor playing skills. Zhou Yubei agrees and even promises to protect her. During practice, Fu Tian dramatically falls.
When the teacher announces an upcoming exam, she uses her fall as an excuse, quickly feigning a severe internal leg injury, claiming she can't even walk. Concerned, Zhou Yubei carries her to the infirmary on his back. As they go, Fu Tian chatters excitedly, comparing his carrying skills favorably to her brother's and bombarding him with questions about Zhou Ziqian's childhood, whether he likes looking after kids, and when he started shooting. Meanwhile, Ji Qiu and Song Rongrong are shopping.
Zhou Ziqian deliberately appears, attempting a disguise, but Ji Qiu immediately recognizes him and questions his "coincidental" presence. Song Rongrong explains she invited him to help pick out clothes for an upcoming magazine interview with Xu Wang. While shopping, Ji Qiu tries on outfits, and Zhou Ziqian gives unenthusiastic feedback on her clothes without even looking, which Ji Qiu points out.
Suddenly, Zhou Ziqian receives a phone call from Zhou Yubei's school, informing him that Zhou Yubei accidentally hit a classmate named Fu Tian. He realizes Fu Tian is Fu Qile's younger sister. Ji Qiu calls Fu Tian, who confirms she faked the injury to avoid an exam.
Despite this, Zhou Ziqian insists on visiting her with gifts, taking the opportunity to subtly inquire about Fu Qile's family and home life, asking if his house is "pink" because he has a sister and whether Fu Qile "meditates." Ji Qiu notes his unusual curiosity. At home, Fu Tian is casually lounging in her pajamas, eating ice cream. Fu Qile receives a call from her teacher about her "injury."
She casually admits to him that she faked it to skip an exam and that Zhou Yubei's collision was an accident while blocking a ball for her. When Zhou Ziqian and Zhou Yubei arrive, Fu Qile tries to get Fu Tian to tidy herself up, asking if she can wipe off ice cream, change out of her pajamas, and wash her fringe, but she's initially indifferent.
Fu Qile then opens the door with a smug expression, embarrassedly introducing his "shy" sister, only for Fu Tian to re-emerge moments later, looking completely presentable after seeing Zhou Ziqian. She readily forgives Zhou Yubei and tries to engage Zhou Ziqian, asking if he remembers her. Zhou Ziqian replies that he remembers her as the classmate close to Yubei, to which Fu Tian responds that she's usually ignored at school.
When Zhou Ziqian goes to wash his hands, he discovers Fu Tian's room is completely covered in his posters. He returns to the living room, gleefully declaring, "Your sister is my fan!" multiple times, much to Fu Qile's profound embarrassment. Fu Qile vehemently states that from a biological standpoint, they are "independent individuals" and her actions should not reflect on him. When Zhou Ziqian counters that "geographically" they still live together, Fu Tian playfully praises his knowledge.
Fu Tian then praises Zhou Ziqian's talents and wishes he were her brother. In a playful turn, Zhou Ziqian suggests increasing Fu Qile's exercise regimen, and Fu Qile counters by recommending more homework for Fu Tian, a suggestion Zhou Ziqian enthusiastically endorses. On the way home, Zhou Ziqian tells Zhou Yubei that Fu Tian is "quite cute" and not noisy, despite Zhou Yubei's insistence otherwise (describing her as talkative and sleeping in class).
Zhou Ziqian then suggests that when he's away for an upcoming recording, Zhou Yubei should invite classmates, particularly Fu Tian, over to their house, as she seems good at enlivening the atmosphere. Zhou Yubei questions why Zhou Ziqian never invites Ji Qiu, who is also good at livening up a room. Zhou Ziqian replies that Zhou Yubei was not present when Ji Qiu came for work-related visits.
As preparations for the show's second season begin, Xiao C informs Ji Qiu that only Fu Qile and Zhou Ziqian will be traveling with the crew, while other guests will make their own arrangements. Xiao C expresses her strong admiration for Zhou Ziqian, calling him "so handsome" when watching him shoot, and suggests adding more shooting segments to the show.
When Ji Qiu reminds Xiao C of her former idol, Xiao Chen, Xiao C declares that she now finds "men who focus on their career are the most handsome." Later, Ji Qiu and Xiao C discuss the show's growing popularity, noting its success in promoting shooting and inspiring colleges to consider offering related classes. Ji Qiu urges Xiao C to secure Zhou Ziqian for a second season quickly before his fees increase.
Xiao C then asks if there are any other attractive members in the shooting team besides Zhou Ziqian. Gao Yuan, convinced that Zhou Ziqian harbors feelings for Cheng Jia but is too shy to express them, encourages Zhou Ziqian to seize any opportunities during the upcoming program recording, noting Zhou Ziqian's occasional silly smiles and constant phone-checking.
He then approaches Ji Qiu, explaining his belief in Zhou Ziqian's affection for Cheng Jia and requesting her help in creating "private space" for them. Ji Qiu, though visibly uncomfortable, agrees to help. As they board the car for the recording location, Ji Qiu strategically sits next to Fu Qile, leaving the seat beside Zhou Ziqian open for Cheng Jia.
From outside, Gao Yuan mistakenly informs Zhou Ziqian that he told Ji Qiu about Zhou Ziqian's feelings for Cheng Jia, urging him to "seize the chance." Zhou Ziqian, realizing the misunderstanding, becomes trapped as Cheng Jia settles into the seat beside him. In the car, Fu Qile tries to cheer Zhou Ziqian up by giving him a toy he "casually took from Tiantian." Cheng Jia joins their conversation, asking Zhou Ziqian about his ideal type.
Zhou Ziqian intentionally speaks loudly, listing traits like "long hair" and "tall" — characteristics matching Ji Qiu. However, he also adds that he prefers someone "older" than him. Cheng Jia, delighted, actively states she is one year older and asks if she is tall enough, clearly interpreting these comments as being directed at her. Observing the scene from afar, Gao Yuan marvels at Zhou Ziqian's "showing off."
Overwhelmed by the escalating miscommunication, Zhou Ziqian confides in Fu Qile that he feels "tired in his heart." Upon arriving at the recording destination, Zhou Ziqian tries to assist Ji Qiu with her belongings, but she declines, citing his recent game loss and punishment, leading him to feel unhappy and withdrawn for the rest of the day. Later that evening, Ji Qiu gives Zhou Ziqian a DV camera, instructing him to film anything beautiful during recording breaks.
He immediately turns the camera to record her. As Ji Qiu leaves to distribute other cameras, Cheng Jia arrives at Zhou Ziqian's room to discuss his training schedule. Zhou Ziqian, mindful of appearances and trying to avoid further misunderstanding, insists they discuss work in the meeting room, especially after Ji Qiu passes by and observes them.
In the meeting room, Zhou Ziqian maintains a noticeable distance from Cheng Jia, expressing his frustration that she came to him instead of staying at the gym. Cheng Jia boldly confesses, "Because I like you." Zhou Ziqian candidly replies that he does not reciprocate her feelings and admits to liking someone else. Cheng Jia quickly deduces that he likes Ji Qiu, acknowledging it's "so obvious!" but then adds, "I guessed it."
Undeterred, she asks if she can still invite him out when they return to Jiangyi next week, stating that his feelings for Ji Qiu "have nothing to do with how I feel about you," and since they are "not a couple," their individual affections don't conflict. She then directly asks if Ji Qiu likes him in return. Back in her room, Ji Qiu paces back and forth, visibly agitated and unable to focus on work.
She mutters about Zhou Ziqian and Cheng Jia "pulling each other" in front of his room so late, worrying about potential scandals if they were caught on camera. Unaware that her irritation stems from jealousy, she attempts to distract herself with work but finds she cannot write. Meanwhile, Gao Yuan and his teammates are playing poker.
Gao Yuan, still believing Zhou Ziqian likes Cheng Jia, recounts how he tried to facilitate their relationship by talking to Ji Qiu, convinced Zhou Ziqian is too shy to confess. He also explains the signs of jealousy to his teammates, describing it as "irritation" and an attempt to "distract themselves with something else," inadvertently describing Ji Qiu's current behavior.
When Gao Yuan loses the poker game and must send a message to a random contact, his teammates suggest messaging Ji Qiu to inquire if Zhou Ziqian has confessed to Cheng Jia. During this time, Coach Zhang announces that the National Shooting Championships are scheduled for November 22nd, and instructs Zhou Ziqian to prepare after his show recording.
Yu Nan, upon hearing the date, reminds a teammate that November 22nd is the anniversary of Xu Wang's parents' death, and speculates if Xu Wang's performance will be affected. Zhou Ziqian, overhearing this with Gao Yuan, warns Yu Nan to stop discussing others' parents and to "behave yourselves," threatening to report them and cause their suspension from competition if they cause trouble.
Later, Yu Nan confronts Xu Wang, taunting him about his recent poor performance and suggesting he has no hope for the upcoming championships, stating he would be too ashamed to remain if he doesn't place.
Episode 16 Recap
Gao Yuan sent a message to Ji Qiu, asking about Zhou Ziqian's confession. Ji Qiu, already frustrated, had no idea if he had, but then learned that Zhou Ziqian was in a meeting with Cheng Jia. Her colleagues' comments that the two must be alone and something was surely happening between them fueled her frustration. She questioned why they were still together and why they needed so long.
Feeling inexplicably restless, Ji Qiu decided to go for a run, convinced her agitation stemmed from a lack of exercise. She meticulously picked outfits, eventually choosing a pretty dress and sunglasses, making it evident to Xiao C and others that she was dressed for a date, not a workout. When Zhou Ziqian emerged shortly after, he overheard his colleagues speculating that Ji Qiu was dressed up for a date.
Alarmed, he rushed out to find her, discovering her doing some casual stretches. Zhou Ziqian offered to exercise with Ji Qiu, subtly inquiring if Gao Yuan had said anything to her. Ji Qiu pretended not to have heard him clearly, prompting Zhou Ziqian to state more firmly that he did not like Cheng Jia and that Ji Qiu should not believe Gao Yuan's misleading comments. He recounted how Gao Yuan's tall tales once earned their coach a two-hour penalty.
Ji Qiu's mood visibly improved, and she abandoned her exercise plans, deciding to get some food instead. Zhou Ziqian, also hungry, insisted on joining her and treating her to a meal. Meanwhile, Song Rongrong was preparing a report on Xu Wang. Her team members discovered a tragic detail: Xu Wang's parents had died in a car accident while on their way to watch one of his competitions. Since then, he hadn't won another championship.
The team saw this as a potential "juicy story" for their report, but Song Rongrong strongly opposed it, believing it would be too painful for Xu Wang. She urged her team to find a more appropriate approach. During a shooting competition, Yu Nan's gun suddenly malfunctioned. He requested to check the gun storage surveillance footage, implying that Xu Wang, who had trained late the previous night, might have tampered with it.
Gao Yuan immediately jumped to Xu Wang's defense, arguing vehemently with Yu Nan, leading to a reprimand from the coach. The coach reminded them of the strict security in the gun storage and dismissed the accusation. Later, in the locker room, Yu Nan relentlessly taunted Xu Wang, accusing him of using dirty tricks to win and being a "jinx" whose parents died because of him. Enraged, Xu Wang retaliated by hitting Yu Nan.
Gao Yuan and other teammates rushed in to break up the fight, urging Xu Wang not to jeopardize his competition eligibility over such provocations, and later agreed to keep the incident secret from their coach. Song Rongrong found Xu Wang, noticing his injury. She carefully bandaged his hand while telling him how much she admired him and how happy she was to have him as a friend. She urged him to protect his hands so he could continue competing.
Xu Wang, still agitated, asked if she truly knew him and claimed he didn't like her, nor was he worth her affection, asking her to stop liking him. Song Rongrong, undeterred, confessed her feelings directly, asserting that he was indeed worthy of love and that the decision of "whether it's necessary" was hers to make.
She left him with a freshly baked chestnut cake and a note inside, encouraging him to live a happy life and to be good to himself, knowing his training was hard. Xu Wang, however, remained troubled and offered no response. Later, a disheartened Song Rongrong called Fu Qile, confiding that she had been rejected by Xu Wang. More than the rejection, she expressed deep sorrow over learning about Xu Wang's past, wishing she had met him sooner to support him.
She yearned to help him overcome his struggles but felt powerless. Fu Qile advised her to give Xu Wang time, trusting that he was not a fragile person and would eventually find his way. He encouraged her to continue doing what she felt was right. After the call, Song Rongrong was seen searching for distant routes on her phone, seemingly trying to find something related to Xu Wang's well-being.
The second season of "Let's Meet Now" was now recording its final episode. Ye Qiao led a game to identify an undercover player, who could only tell lies, while others spoke the truth. During the game, Ye Qiao asked Fu Qile if he had someone he liked. Fu Qile glanced at Ji Qiu before denying it. Ye Qiao immediately declared him the undercover, explaining it was a woman's intuition.
Everyone realized Fu Qile indeed harbored feelings for someone, though he chose not to admit it. Later, in a mix-up, Fu Qile and Zhou Ziqian accidentally exchanged their personal DVs. To their surprise, both DVs contained numerous recordings of Ji Qiu, revealing their shared affection for her. As the recording of the show concluded, cast and crew reflected on their journey. Ji Qiu commented that "Let's Meet Now" originated during a time when her team faced disbandment.
She felt an instant connection to the name and was determined to make the show, which brought them all together. She noted the transformation from awkwardness and unfamiliarity in the first episode to trust and closeness in the last, believing this was the show's true meaning: meeting new friends and trying new experiences. She hoped their bonds would continue, regardless of a second season.
After filming, both Fu Qile and Zhou Ziqian insisted on carrying Ji Qiu's luggage to her room. Inside, Zhou Ziqian struggled to find anything, while Fu Qile navigated the space with familiarity, finding items Zhou Ziqian needed. The two men then subtly competed for Ji Qiu's attention, each urging the other to leave and declaring their unwillingness to give up. They settled in to wait for Song Rongrong, who was late.
Ji Qiu grew concerned when her calls to Song Rongrong went unanswered. Fu Qile then revealed his earlier conversation with Song Rongrong. Worry mounting, Ji Qiu called Xu Wang, who immediately set out to search for Song Rongrong upon hearing she was missing. Xu Wang remembered Song Rongrong asking him what he liked to eat during an interview; he'd mentioned the roasted sweet potatoes near the train station.
He hurried there, where he found Song Rongrong buying roasted sweet potatoes for her friends. Ji Qiu, Zhou Ziqian, and Fu Qile soon arrived. The group sat together, enjoying the sweet potatoes. Zhou Ziqian noticed his sweet potato had a different color; Ji Qiu inspected it and realized it was uncooked. Zhou Ziqian, in jest, began trying to snatch bites of Ji Qiu's perfectly cooked sweet potato, filling the air with their laughter.
During their shared snack, one friend mused about the dilemma of confessing feelings to a best friend, noting the increased risk of losing the friendship the longer one waits to confess.
Episode 17 Recap
Today was Song Rongrong's interview with Xu Wang. She was visibly nervous, her smile a little stiff, and her eyes unfocused. Xu Wang brought up her going alone to buy sweet potatoes that night. Song Rongrong quickly explained that she went because she was craving them, and brought some back for them as an afterthought. Xu Wang then urged her not to go out alone so late in the future.
Xu Wang then apologized to her, admitting his bad state at the training gallery caused him to speak subconsciously, and reassured her that she was a good person, hoping she wouldn't doubt herself because of his words. Song Rongrong replied that it was okay, and she was actually glad he could briefly vent his emotions in front of her. The interview began with Song Rongrong's colleagues joining in.
They immediately steered towards sensitive and taboo topics, asking about his adaptation to the new team, his continued contact with friends from his previous team (specifically mentioning Su Yang), and if an upcoming competition's date, which coincided with a "special day," would affect him. They probed further, directly asking if his two-year championship drought was due to his parents' accident. Overwhelmed by the intrusive questions, Song Rongrong abruptly ended the interview, pulling Xu Wang away.
Her colleagues chastised her, warning her of the severe consequences of taking the guest away, but Song Rongrong remained unfazed, not caring at all. Outside, Song Rongrong felt guilty for not being "cooler" and more assertive, apologizing to Xu Wang. He thanked her for her intervention. She urged him to ignore the questions, but Xu Wang confessed that many people had asked him similar things, confronting him with cameras and microphones.
He revealed that he started learning shooting at eleven and, despite his parents never demanding high achievements, he achieved outstanding results. However, since his parents' death, he hadn't won any gold medals, leading everyone to assume their absence was his psychological barrier. He knew this wasn't true but had no way to prove it except through winning. He emphasized that his parents should not be labeled as his "psychological barrier" but rather his motivation.
Song Rongrong then shared a story about her own college high jump competition, where she was afraid to jump until her teacher reminded her that losing wouldn't be catastrophic. She advised Xu Wang not to put so much pressure on himself, stating that winning was good, but losing wasn't the end of the world. She believed his parents would want him to enjoy the process of the competition.
Xu Wang smiled, acknowledging her words made sense, and remarked on her unexpected fierceness, comparing her to a rabbit that bites, then playfully saying he wanted to give her a carrot. Later, Song Rongrong recounted the interview to Ji Qiu, who supported her actions. Song Rongrong was relieved their director hadn't blamed her. She asserted that even if she lost her job, she would make the same choice again, standing firm on what was right.
Xu Wang, having seemingly found some peace, texted Song Rongrong, saying the interview issue was resolved and he shouldn't worry about impacting her work. He later reflected that his parents would be proud of him even if he didn't win first place. The next day, Xu Wang's training performance significantly improved, surprising even Gao Yuan. That evening, Song Rongrong, Ji Qiu, Fu Qile, and Zhou Ziqian went to see a horror movie.
Fu Qile tried to switch seats with Zhou Ziqian after a game of rock-paper-scissors to sit next to Ji Qiu, but Zhou Ziqian refused. Before the movie started, Zhou Ziqian playfully pretended to be scared and asked Ji Qiu to protect him, despite privately thinking horror movies were like kindergarten shows. During the movie, Fu Qile was genuinely terrified, gripping Zhou Ziqian's clothes. Zhou Ziqian, fearing his act wasn't convincing, joined in the screams.
Ji Qiu offered him her arm to hold, which he slyly accepted. After the movie, as they left, Zhou Ziqian gave Ji Qiu a room-temperature drink, playfully scolding her for being too meddlesome. They then encountered Jiang Yu, Ji Qiu's senior from university. Song Rongrong excitedly mentioned that Ji Qiu was single and praised Jiang Yu as the handsome face of their university debate team, hoping Ji Qiu could develop a relationship with him.
Prompted by Song Rongrong, Jiang Yu asked for Ji Qiu's contact information. Fu Qile and Zhou Ziqian were clearly displeased, subtly criticizing Jiang Yu's appearance. Ji Qiu initially dismissed the exchange as polite, believing Jiang Yu wouldn't actually contact her, but to her surprise, Jiang Yu immediately messaged her, inviting her to watch a movie that weekend. Meanwhile, Xu Wang asked Song Rongrong to model for promotional photos for his bookstore.
Song Rongrong gladly accepted but was initially tense during the shoot. Xu Wang's encouragement helped her relax, and they captured some good shots. The photographer took a candid photo of them talking, noting how much they looked like a couple and suggested using it for the brochure. Song Rongrong felt it was inappropriate, and Xu Wang respected her opinion. Song Rongrong later discussed her feelings with a colleague, explaining her decision to temporarily distance herself from Xu Wang.
She worried her presence, especially after his previous rejection of her confession and with other girls often coming to stare at him, was putting pressure on him and distracting him before his upcoming competition. She felt she was being "perceptive." Zhou Ziqian, unable to sleep, was irritated by the thought of Ji Qiu going on a sweet date with Jiang Yu.
He and Fu Qile, unbeknownst to each other, both decided to go to the same movie theater to disrupt the date. At the ticket counter, they were shocked to learn that Jiang Yu and Ji Qiu had bought "couple tickets," which fueled their anger. During the movie, Jiang Yu and Ji Qiu chatted about their university days.
Jiang Yu mentioned he thought Ji Qiu disliked him, but she clarified it was "awe" and that she now found him approachable and good as a friend. Fu Qile and Zhou Ziqian, sitting behind them, strained their necks, wishing they could separate the two. As the movie ended, fans recognized Zhou Ziqian and asked for a photo. Ji Qiu noticed them, and Zhou Ziqian, trying to cover their presence, claimed Fu Qile had insisted on treating him to the movie.
Jiang Yu then asked Ji Qiu to dinner the following weekend. Fu Qile and Zhou Ziqian watched their conversation with a sense of loss. After Jiang Yu left, Ji Qiu chose to join Fu Qile and Zhou Ziqian for Oden. That night, Zhou Ziqian sought advice from Gao Yuan and Xu Wang on whether a boy should confess to a girl he likes.
Gao Yuan advised caution, sharing a story of a friend who lost a friendship after confessing to a long-time female friend because the girl didn't reciprocate, highlighting that the longer the friendship, the higher the risk. He concluded that "childhood sweethearts often lose to newcomers." This left Zhou Ziqian troubled. Ji Qiu was also grappling with whether to invite Zhou Ziqian to dinner. She accidentally sent him a message asking if he was free.
Before she could recall it, he replied that he was available and would come to find her. Meanwhile, Fu Qile, watching a video of Ji Qiu, felt a pang of unease. When Zhou Ziqian arrived, Ji Qiu pretended she wanted his advice on movies for a date with Jiang Yu. She also gave him a wristband, thanking him for his help in a previous variety show, and playfully referred to him as her "little brother."
Zhou Ziqian, feeling awkward, directly asked if she only saw him as a younger brother, then quickly covered it up as a joke. Ji Qiu continued to test his reaction, asking if he thought she should go on her weekend date with Jiang Yu and if he knew any fun places.
Despite his internal reluctance, Zhou Ziqian, remembering Gao Yuan's advice about the risks of confession in long-standing friendships, feigned support, telling her to enjoy herself and offering to ask Gao Yuan for recommendations. Ji Qiu left, visibly disappointed, as Zhou Ziqian wished her a smooth date. The next morning, Xu Wang observed Zhou Ziqian's strange behavior, remarking that he seemed to have fallen for someone. Zhou Ziqian then revealed that he had dreamed of Ji Qiu, and upon waking, felt an intense desire to see her.
Episode 18 Recap
Ji Qiu returned home in low spirits after her date with Jiang Yu. Song Rongrong told her that she had almost run into Xu Wang at the bookstore earlier, but thankfully managed to avoid him by running away quickly, because she didn't want to put pressure on him.
Noticing Ji Qiu's downcast mood and remembering Zhou Ziqian's words, Ji Qiu began to wonder if she had fallen for him, but immediately dismissed the thought, finding it impossible and calling it nonsense. In class, Fu Qile encouraged his students to openly express their thoughts. Inspired by a female student who bravely confessed her feelings to a male classmate, Fu Qile also felt a renewed determination to confess to Ji Qiu.
Later, he saw Zhou Ziqian waiting outside Ji Qiu's workplace. Zhou Ziqian, looking preoccupied, asked Fu Qile when he had first met Ji Qiu and about Jiang Yu. They then compared who had known Ji Qiu longer, with Zhou Ziqian claiming primary school and Fu Qile saying high school. Zhou Ziqian asked about Ji Qiu's high school days, curious about her personality.
Fu Qile described Ji Qiu as a bright student who often bent the rules, beloved by teachers despite her rebellious streak, even once leading half the class to skip an event. Fu Qile shared that before Ji Qiu, he was an "extra" in his class, always alone without a deskmate. Ji Qiu's arrival, along with Rongrong's later, filled that void, making him feel lucky.
The two rivals conceded that if the other were to give up pursuing Ji Qiu, they might actually be friends. Fu Qile then observed that confessing required immense courage, which silenced Zhou Ziqian. Later that evening, Fu Qile, still grappling with his own feelings for Ji Qiu, sought advice from his sister, Fu Tian.
Fu Tian couldn't predict Ji Qiu's reaction, but encouraged him to follow his heart and confess if he truly loved her, advising him not to live with regrets. Ji Qiu went on a date with Jiang Yu. They reminisced about their college days, where Ji Qiu admitted her debate speeches were often spontaneous. Jiang Yu took her to the restaurant where their club had its first gathering, a place Ji Qiu barely remembered.
He recounted how, on that memorable night, a junior had mistakenly drunk fruit wine as juice and gotten drunk, a story Ji Qiu soon realized was about her. Despite the pleasant conversation, Ji Qiu found herself repeatedly bringing up Zhou Ziqian, even remarking on his inconsiderate habit of having her peel shrimp for him. Jiang Yu noticed her distraction and concluded that she had feelings for someone else.
He then informed her that he wouldn't be staying in Jiangyi for long due to work commitments and might not return for a considerable time. Ji Qiu offered to treat him to dinner if he ever returned, and he agreed before leaving. Reflecting on Jiang Yu's observation, Ji Qiu wondered if she truly did like someone, a thought she struggled to accept. Back at work, Ji Qiu learned from her colleagues about Zhou Ziqian's actions during a recent program.
They explained that Zhou Ziqian, upon hearing that the losing guest's director would be punished, had suddenly found the strength to perform over 30 push-ups in 30 seconds, securing a win and sparing Ji Qiu from a penalty. Ji Qiu recalled Zhou Ziqian complaining of arm pain after the incident, realizing it wasn't an act.
She chastised her colleagues for overworking a shooting athlete, but they assured her it was a normal amount of exercise for him, teasing her for her sudden concern. Her colleagues then handed her gifts for Zhou Ziqian and Fu Qile, asking her to deliver them. That evening, Ji Qiu called Zhou Ziqian, ostensibly to arrange a time for him to pick up his gift and to talk.
Zhou Ziqian, however, was more interested in how her date with Jiang Yu had gone. Ji Qiu, trying to mask her true feelings, lied and said it went well, which only made Zhou Ziqian more despondent. Meanwhile, Fu Qile went to a flower shop to buy tulips, Ji Qiu's favorite, intending to confess his love. The florist suggested roses, but Fu Qile insisted on tulips, stating that Ji Qiu's preference was paramount.
He revealed they had known each other for almost ten years, since high school. At the same time, Zhou Ziqian was at the shooting range, unable to focus on his training, his mind consumed by thoughts of Ji Qiu. His dejection was noticed by Cheng Jia. Cheng Jia approached Zhou Ziqian, jokingly asking if he had been rejected. Upon learning he hadn't even confessed, she expressed disappointment, scoffing that he was less courageous than a girl.
Zhou Ziqian admitted he had been contemplating whether he could bear to see Ji Qiu with someone else, holding hands and sharing life's adventures. Cheng Jia, admiring his competitive spirit on the field, urged him to channel that same determination into his confession. She warned him not to be outmaneuvered, adding mischievously that if he succeeded, he shouldn't tell her, but if he failed, she'd be happy to hear about it.
Unaware of Ji Qiu's growing feelings, Fu Qile stood outside her workplace, rehearsing his heartfelt confession with a bouquet of tulips hidden behind his back. He recalled Ji Qiu's wisdom from their school days and her unique ability to stand out, which had drawn his eyes to her among countless others. Just as he was about to articulate his love, Ji Qiu appeared.
Fu Qile quickly hid the flowers as Ji Qiu, visibly distressed, confessed to him that she believed she had fallen in love with Zhou Ziqian. She described how his every expression lingered in her mind, how she longed to talk to him, joke with him, and stargaze together. She admitted her inexperience with confessions and her fear that Zhou Ziqian might not reciprocate her feelings, seeking Fu Qile's advice.
Fu Qile, masking his heartbreak, encouraged her to follow her heart, reminding her of her unwavering confidence and the importance of acting on one's feelings. He then made an excuse that the tulips were for someone else. Ji Qiu gave him the program gift for him, and as she hurried off to meet Zhou Ziqian, Fu Qile, with a heavy heart, wished her happiness and all the best.
Before their agreed meeting time, Zhou Ziqian frantically called Ji Qiu, who was still at the TV tower, declaring he was downstairs and desperately needed to see her. When Ji Qiu found him, he hugged her tightly, breathless and exhausted. He explained that he had dreamt of her and woke up with an overwhelming desire to see her.
He recounted their shared history: the childhood sorrow of separation at age eleven, his fervent wish to see her upon returning to the country, their "accidental" reunion at the shooting range where he found her endearing, and his subsequent desire to tease her. He reminisced about the moment at the amusement park when she finally recognized his name, the joy he felt when she invited him to the variety show, and his racing heart during a moment of accidental intimacy.
He spoke of sleepless nights near her in Qiuye Town, how his world began to revolve around her, how his attention was solely on her even in crowded places like the skating rink, and how every star, every streetlamp, reminded him of her. He confessed that when darkness fell and he closed his eyes, all he saw was her.
He admitted that when she asked him if she should go on a date with Jiang Yu, he internally screamed "no," but his lips uttered a false "good luck." He spoke of how people often say the opposite of what they mean, how "good" becomes "fine," how well-organized thoughts are preceded by a casual "by the way," and how "missing someone" turns into "wanting to meet."
He then turned the question to Ji Qiu, asking what "dreaming of you" meant to her, implying his true feelings. He recalled a childhood confession at six years old to a neighbor's sister, which led to years of teasing. Now, he wanted to ask again, counting to three for her answer. Before he could finish counting, Ji Qiu leaned in and kissed him. Zhou Ziqian, stunned, claimed she didn't mean it, to which Ji Qiu playfully corrected him, "I did it on purpose."
Episode 19 Recap
After Fu Qile departed, he placed the tulips he had prepared for Ji Qiu on a chair by the river, a symbolic farewell to his unrequited love. Meanwhile, Ji Qiu and Zhou Ziqian shared a reluctant goodbye. On the way home, Zhou Ziqian repeatedly declared that Ji Qiu had finally agreed to be his girlfriend, even lowering his voice at one point to avoid disturbing neighbors.
Upon arriving home, he eagerly shared the good news with his younger brother, Zhou Yubei, who had already deduced the situation, congratulating him. Back home, Ji Qiu, equally ecstatic, examined her reflection in the mirror, noticing her eyeliner was smudged and fretting over her lipstick color, wondering if Zhou Ziqian had seen her imperfections during their close moments. Despite her minor worries, the memory of their kiss brought a sweet smile to her face.
Song Rongrong, observing Ji Qiu’s unusual behavior and flushed cheeks, asked if she was unwell, but Ji Qiu dismissed her concerns. Later, when she saw a message from Zhou Ziqian, her smile widened. Unable to fully believe their new relationship was real, Zhou Ziqian called her, seeking confirmation. When Ji Qiu sweetly called him "boyfriend," he was so thrilled he tumbled off his bed.
The following day, at training, Zhou Ziqian moved with a noticeable spring in his step, mimicking dance moves. His teammates, sensing his elevated mood, pressed him for details. Gao Yuan, suspecting he was in love, teased him about making up with "Miss Cheng." Zhou Ziqian then proudly announced that he and Ji Qiu were together, but no one believed him. Gao Yuan even called Ji Qiu directly on the phone for verification.
Despite Ji Qiu’s confirmation, Gao Yuan remained unconvinced, assuming she was merely playing along with Zhou Ziqian’s prank. That evening, Zhou Ziqian and Ji Qiu met. As he walked her home, he complained about her not telling him earlier about her upcoming one-day business trip. Ji Qiu gently kissed his cheek and watched him leave. Just five minutes later, Zhou Ziqian turned his car around, called Ji Qiu on the phone, and asked her to come back downstairs.
He reasoned that a five-minute separation counted as "next time," and he wanted to see her immediately. He proposed they go to a small park nearby, but Ji Qiu, knowing what he implied by suggesting a secluded spot at night, playfully dodged his questions about "that kind of people," eventually letting him know she was embarrassed.
During their intimate moments, Zhou Ziqian took pictures of Ji Qiu, promising to compile a "Ji Qiu's Quotes" notebook, to which she humorously vowed to destroy. Ji Qiu mentioned her flight was early and she would go with Zheng Hui. Zhou Ziqian then suggested they travel after his competition, recounting his past solo trips abroad and wishing she had been there to share the experiences and sights.
Ji Qiu found the idea appealing and said she would consider it, leading to another tender kiss. Meanwhile, Song Rongrong was at the supermarket when she spotted Xu Wang. Startled, she quickly crouched down to hide, hoping to slip away unnoticed, but Xu Wang saw her and approached. He asked if she was intentionally avoiding him, which she denied, claiming not to have seen him.
Xu Wang offered her the printed photo of them from the bookstore, but Song Rongrong declined, concerned it might lead to misunderstandings. She then quickly left. Later, while helping at the bookstore, Xu Wang saw Song Rongrong with a man, who was her brother delivering food, and mistakenly assumed he was her boyfriend. This sight visibly upset Xu Wang, causing him to misplace books. His colleague noticed his change in mood and asked if he was feeling down.
Observing Song Rongrong's brother being affectionate with another woman at the bookstore, Xu Wang concluded that Song Rongrong’s "boyfriend" was unfaithful. He secretly took photos of them with his phone. Soon after, Song Rongrong received a call from her brother, urging her to come meet his future sister-in-law, who was nearby. Song Rongrong checked with her brother if Xu Wang was present at the store, and only agreed to come when he confirmed he wasn't.
However, as soon as she entered the bookstore, Xu Wang pulled her aside and confronted her brother, nearly twisting his fingers. Her brother, believing Xu Wang was Song Rongrong’s boyfriend, was surprised by his aggressive protection. Song Rongrong quickly clarified that the man was her brother, much to Xu Wang's embarrassment. Despite the clarification, her brother, observing the intensity in Xu Wang’s eyes, deduced that Xu Wang harbored feelings for Song Rongrong.
He then jokingly suggested setting Song Rongrong up with one of his classmates for a blind date, but Song Rongrong quickly refused. Later, Song Rongrong and Xu Wang went out for hot and sour rice noodles and beer. Xu Wang, curious, asked why Song Rongrong liked him, given their limited time together. Song Rongrong joked that her dream boyfriend looked exactly like him, and his smile made the resemblance even stronger.
She elaborated, explaining that feelings aren't like math formulas; there's no single answer. She found herself drawn to his interests, frequenting places he visited, and wanting to try foods he enjoyed. More importantly, he consistently appeared when she needed help, making her feel safe and comforted, even in the dark. Xu Wang then apologized for his past harsh words at the training field, admitting he felt unworthy of her affection, which was why he had deliberately pushed her away.
Song Rongrong reassured him that she hadn't taken his words to heart and encouraged him to forget the past unpleasantries. As they continued to drink, Song Rongrong became noticeably tipsy. She warned Xu Wang that when drunk, her "courage" became boundless. Soon, she began to mistake a tree for an adversary, attempting to charge at it. Xu Wang quickly stepped in front of her, shielding her to prevent injury.
She found his face amusing and then unexpectedly collapsed into his arms. With no other option, Xu Wang gently carried the inebriated Song Rongrong on his back and walked her home. Upon landing from her business trip, Ji Qiu called Zhou Ziqian on the phone, expecting him to be too tired from training to pick her up. She was surprised and delighted to look up and see him standing before her with open arms. Ji Qiu rushed into his embrace, leaping into his arms.
Episode 20 (Ending) Recap
Ji Qiu was pleasantly surprised to find Zhou Ziqian waiting for her at the airport upon her arrival. He greeted her with, "I finally found a girlfriend. What if I lost you? The thought of that made me use the Dimension Door to come see you." Noticing her untied shoelace, he knelt down to tie it, then held her hand as they walked home, noting she looked thinner. Back at his place, Zhou Ziqian immediately began missing Ji Qiu.
Feeling it was too soon for "good night" after only an hour together, and facing a long separation, he felt compelled to see her again. He tried various methods to justify visiting her, such as flipping a coin, waiting for a call, or rolling dice, disregarding the fact that it was late and Song Rongrong was at her place. After all his attempts failed, he declared it was "fate" and called Ji Qiu, asking her to open the door.
She was surprised but happy to see him. At Ji Qiu's apartment, Zhou Ziqian spotted a photo of himself by her bedside and jokingly asked if she had harbored a crush on him for a long time. Ji Qiu explained it was a guest selection photo for a variety show. He then discovered a love letter in her notebook addressed to "CXH," who was Chen Xinhong, her favorite high school idol. Reading the letter, Zhou Ziqian became jealous.
Ji Qiu quickly reassured him that Chen Xinhong was her past love, while Zhou Ziqian was her current favorite. To show her affection, she kissed him on the cheek, but Zhou Ziqian playfully turned his head, kissing her lips instead. Their moment was interrupted by Song Rongrong's unexpected arrival. Ji Qiu and Zhou Ziqian quickly pretended to be rehearsing lines, claiming they didn't want to disturb Song Rongrong in the living room, but Song Rongrong was skeptical.
Zhou Ziqian casually inquired about Ji Qiu's past admiration for Chen Xinhong. Song Rongrong recounted how Ji Qiu used to buy his posters and albums and even attended his concert with a male classmate named Li Yan, who had a crush on Ji Qiu in high school. This fueled Zhou Ziqian's jealousy further. Back home, Zhou Ziqian was still upset about Ji Qiu's past adoration for Chen Xinhong.
Ji Qiu then called him via video, suggesting they officially announce their relationship. Zhou Ziqian's anger instantly disappeared, replaced by excitement, especially when she called him her handsome boyfriend. Zhou Ziqian later met with Fu Qile, who admitted that he already suspected Zhou Ziqian and Ji Qiu's relationship. Fu Qile requested that Zhou Ziqian keep his own hidden feelings for Ji Qiu a secret. He shared that he first met Ji Qiu in the summer of 2012.
He recalled being bullied by classmates, and Ji Qiu defended him, which made him notice her. She became his deskmate, while Song Rongrong sat in front of them. They noticed Fu Qile's alienation from others and took care of him, becoming close friends. Fu Qile considered Ji Qiu someone who illuminated his path but acknowledged that they were only friends. He warned Zhou Ziqian to treat her well.
That evening, several friends gathered at Ji Qiu's apartment, where Zhou Ziqian and Ji Qiu announced their relationship while holding hands. Song Rongrong was surprised, while Xu Wang and Fu Qile had already suspected it. Zhou Ziqian declared he would protect Ji Qiu. Song Rongrong jokingly tried to negotiate a schedule to share Ji Qiu, but Zhou Ziqian refused, leading to a playful chase. Fu Qile watched with mixed emotions.
Zhou Ziqian pretended to be drunk to avoid leaving Ji Qiu's place. When Ji Qiu offered her bed, he guided her hand to his face, saying it was "hot," implying he was unwell. Realizing he was feigning symptoms of affection, she allowed him to stay. Zhou Yubei participated in a photography club outing and requested to be paired with Fu Tian because Fu Tian brought him joy.
While Fu Tian took pictures, Zhou Yubei stared at her, forgetting to look through the camera. At the shooting competition, Ji Qiu, Song Rongrong, Zhou Yubei, and Fu Tian were present. Many of Zhou Ziqian's teammates greeted Ji Qiu as "sister-in-law," explaining that his coach believed her presence improved his performance. Xu Wang confided in Gao Yuan that he liked Song Rongrong and planned to confess after the competition.
In the final round of the Men's 10-meter Air Pistol, Zhou Ziqian, ranked first in the preliminaries, and Gao Yuan took fifth place. Zhou Ziqian scored 10. 8 points, winning the championship with a total of 245. 2 points, while Xu Wang won second place, trailing by 0. 2 points. Ji Qiu realized that meeting someone meant understanding their heart without words, with love hidden in their smiles. She felt the happiest thing was seeing her loved one often. Xu Wang seemed well-matched with Song Rongrong, and Zhou Yubei and Fu Tian's bond grew stronger. Ji Qiu thought that loving someone meant wanting to meet them right now.
