Lie to Love Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Lie to Love Synopsis
A sudden change of fortune left Su Zhiyi’s family in ruins, but the originator pointed to her beloved lover, Li Zeliang. In order to investigate the truth of all the events, Su Xieyi wanders around her former lover, Li Zeliang, under the guise of amnesia.
In this romantic and dangerous game, Su Xueyi approach to accomplish step by step and eventually, brings Li Zeliang’s career to a low point. However, as the truth about the incident was uncovered little by little, Su Xueyi realized that she had been wrong about Li Zeliang.
She came to her senses and tried to salvage the relationship through her own way, while Li Zeliang responded with a seal inscribed with their names.
In order to guard and pass on this hard-earned love, they work together for public welfare, becoming each other’s reliance.
Lie to Love Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Li Zeliang, the heir to the Ocean Hotel Group, has adopted the facade of a listless and irresponsible young master, seemingly having lost all interest in the family business. In reality, he is secretly observing his uncle, Huo Jian, the current chairman. Huo Jian, skeptical of Li Zeliang's sudden decline, constantly tests him. He invites Li Zeliang for a game of badminton, where he plays aggressively, striking Li Zeliang with the shuttlecock.
Huo Jian admonishes him for his lack of vigor, telling him to stop acting like a "good-for-nothing" and to stay away from alcohol and games. Despite the pain and his assistant Ji Yingsong's pleas to stop, Li Zeliang insists on continuing the match. Seeing his nephew's persistence, Huo Jian reminds him of the legacy his father built, emphasizing that Ocean Hotel belongs to the Li family and that Li Zeliang must shoulder his responsibilities.
He then orders Li Zeliang to return to the company. Meanwhile, Su Xieyi, a young woman seeking revenge for a family tragedy she believes was orchestrated by Huo Jian, infiltrates the Ocean Hotel. She sneaks into the office of Lin Tai, Huo Jian's secretary, and secretly records a compromising conversation he has with an assistant about illicitly holding back rooms during peak season to make extra money.
When Lin Tai almost discovers her, she quickly pretends to be a job applicant looking for the interview room and makes a hasty exit. Suspicious, Lin Tai pursues her, but Su Xieyi cleverly evades him by changing her entire outfit inside the elevator. Lin Tai's pursuit is cut short by Huo Jian's return. Huo Jian dismisses Lin Tai's concerns about the hotel's malfunctioning booking system, instructing him instead to keep a close watch on Li Zeliang.
He explains that he brought Li Zeliang back to both placate the Li family loyalists on the board and keep his nephew under his thumb. Upon his return to the office, Li Zeliang questions Lin Tai about the frequent customer complaints and the booking system issues, but receives only vague and evasive answers, deepening his suspicion. Later, Ji Yingsong suggests getting rid of Lin Tai, but Li Zeliang decides to keep the secretary around for the time being.
At home, Su Xieyi reviews clues left by her father, determined to find a "poison contract" she believes was used to frame him and led to his downfall. She recalls seeing Huo Jian confidently taking over as the new chairman, vowing to lead the company to new heights. To get close to Li Zeliang, Su Xieyi orchestrates an encounter at a bar. She hires a woman and a man to pose as a couple.
The woman feigns drunkenness and approaches Li Zeliang, prompting the "husband" to appear and accuse him of harassment. As a fight is about to break out, Su Xieyi intervenes, incapacitates the man with pepper spray, and pulls Li Zeliang away. In his car, Li Zeliang notes her resemblance to a girl he met before and asks if they know each other. Feigning a poor memory, Su Xieyi denies it.
She then claims to have dissociative amnesia from a past trauma, finding comfort in forgetting unpleasant things. Upon learning Li Zeliang manages Ocean Hotel—her top career choice—she expresses excitement. In return for her help, Li Zeliang gives her his business card, promising to grant her a favor. This encounter triggers Li Zeliang's memory of their actual first meeting. Years ago, while rock climbing, he was nearly knocked off a cliff by Su Xieyi, who mistook him for a wild hog.
After getting to safety, they bickered playfully. When Li Zeliang got a stress-induced toothache, Su Xieyi offered him painkillers. They discovered a small hedgehog, and when Su Xieyi mentioned she was camping alone after returning from abroad, Li Zeliang offered to stay and protect her. They introduced themselves, with him giving his full name and her asking to be called "Yi." Su Xieyi's deception is revealed as she recalls the true events surrounding her father's death.
After receiving an urgent call, she rushed home only to witness her father falling from a tall building. On the rooftop, she saw the silhouette of Li Zeliang, leading her to believe he was the murderer. A medical voiceover explains a patient's diagnosis of dissociative amnesia, but Su Xieyi's own clear memories betray her act. Alone, she speaks to her pet hedgehog, the same one from the mountain, confirming she is indeed "Yi" and has not forgotten their past. Her feigned amnesia is merely a tool in her quest for the truth and revenge against the man she holds responsible for her family's ruin.
Episode 2 Recap
Lin Tai reported to Mr. Huo that Yunfeng Hotel had become one of the three candidates for Fujiade Auction's partner selection. Their meeting that day was to discuss the latest bidding tender, a crucial opportunity for Yunfeng Hotel's publicity. However, before the meeting could begin, Mr. Huo saw a video revealing that an entire floor of hotel rooms had been closed off to the public.
He was furious, questioning why rooms were being reserved during peak season when he had explicitly instructed they remain available. Lin Tai attempted to explain that he feared keeping an entire floor vacant would appear suspicious, but Mr. Huo cut him off, demanding he destroy all correspondence and relevant documents and then come to his office. Su Xieyi watched the exchange, while Li Zeliang remained silent, implying his involvement in the video's release.
Su Xieyi, a University of Hannover graduate in hotel management, attended her job interview for Ouman Hotel, her top choice. She performed exceptionally, even offering a unique perspective on hotels by stating that a hotel could not be a "second home" because "home is one and only, it is irreplaceable." Meanwhile, in his office, Mr. Huo raged about the incident, suspecting that Li Zeliang was behind the leak because it occurred right after he joined the company.
Mr. Huo ordered Uncle Bai to check the control room's surveillance footage for the past twelve hours. Later, a secretary brought Li Zeliang new resumes from the HR Department following Lin Tai's dismissal. She warned Li Zeliang that the candidates sent by HR were likely "moles" arranged by Mr. Huo, who was eager to plant a new one. She also pointed out that the incident occurring so soon after Li Zeliang's arrival would undoubtedly make Mr. Huo suspect him.
Li Zeliang silently looked through the resumes, recalling Su Xieyi's statement about Ouman Hotel being her primary career aspiration. The next day, Su Xieyi received a notification of her successful interview and reported to the General Manager's Office at Ouman Hotel. She greeted her new colleague, Gong Ming Yue, who immediately launched into office gossip.
Gong Ming Yue explained that Lin Tai and Chen Shan, the Housekeeping Department manager, were behind the private reservation of hotel rooms, and both had been fired. Gong Ming Yue openly admired the anonymous person who exposed them, wishing she could reward them. Su Xieyi was assigned as Li Zeliang's temporary assistant. In his office, Li Zeliang gave her an access card and then showed her surveillance footage of herself in the elevator.
He directly confronted her, asking if she was the one who exposed Lin Tai. Su Xieyi admitted it, explaining that as a newcomer witnessing such "filthy affairs" at Ouman Hotel, her sense of justice compelled her to act, especially since Ouman Hotel was her top priority. She then returned the access card, thanked him for hiring her, and declared that they were now "even." As soon as she left, Li Zeliang called Ying Song, instructing him to "look into someone."
Simultaneously, Mr. Huo's investigation of surveillance footage from the day before the incident found nothing unusual. However, he uncovered that Li Zeliang, despite his seemingly idle work ethic, had secretly been investigating Lin Tai. Concluding he "underestimated this nephew," Mr. Huo instructed Uncle Bai to copy the video for him. Observing Su Xieyi playfully toying with documents, Li Zeliang was reminded of a girl from his past.
He recalled a time they ate together and he taught her how to use Shaoxing wine to improve the flavor of crab roe, a memory that brought a subtle smile to his face. Later, Su Xieyi stealthily entered Li Zeliang's office to search for a contract but found nothing. As she reached the underground parking lot, Li Zeliang sent her a text message, inviting her to dinner and including the address, leaving her no opportunity to decline.
Li Zeliang took Su Xieyi to a noodle shop and ordered one bowl of crab roe noodles to share, a dish he had once shared with the girl from his past, intending to test Su Xieyi's memory. He discussed the proper way to cook crab roe, mentioning the use of Shaoxing wine or plum wine to eliminate any fishiness, a detail he had previously shared with the girl.
He then brought up an old custom: dropping chopsticks meant receiving three symbolic taps—the first for being foolish, the second a blessing, and the third to preempt a worse punishment. Su Xieyi recognized his tricks to probe her memory. Li Zeliang noted her easygoing personality and the familiar feeling she evoked, suggesting they might have met before and eaten from the same bowl.
Su Xieyi deflected, attributing it to "déjà vu" and a "mental projection," feigning no prior acquaintance but expressing pleasure at knowing him now. Li Zeliang then hinted at taking her to a place where they could see the sunrise, suggesting a deeper connection. Before he could press further, Su Xieyi received an urgent phone call, which she used as an excuse to depart quickly, declining Li Zeliang's offer to drive her.
Su Xieyi met with Ming Hao and Mr. Xie, who had just provided free legal aid to a family. Ming Hao expressed deep concern about Su Xieyi's decision to work at Ouman Hotel, warning her that her situation was dangerous and that the perpetrator could harm her if her true identity and motive were discovered. Su Xieyi, however, dismissed his concerns, believing no one would recognize her after living overseas for ten years.
She insisted on her need to infiltrate Ouman Hotel to find a specific "poison contract." She explained that the contract's penalty for breach had inexplicably increased more than tenfold between the draft and the final signing, a clear indication of foul play. Believing the contract was likely hidden at Li Zeliang's home, since he rarely frequented the office, Su Xieyi was resolute in her decision to "enter the tiger's lair to catch the tiger cub."
Unexpectedly, Mr. Huo visited Li Zeliang's messy home. He commented on Li Zeliang's disheveled appearance and perceived idleness, offering to have his assistant, Yi Fei, clean and bring plants. Li Zeliang feigned incompetence, telling his uncle he "can't even manage his subordinates," playing up a sloppy attitude to make Mr. Huo relax his guard. Mr. Huo then brought up the Lin Tai incident, subtly questioning if the culprit was an insider, since an outsider would have left traces.
Li Zeliang offered to help investigate, but Mr. Huo declined, advising him to focus on his work. Mr. Huo then informed Li Zeliang that he would personally arrange for a new assistant, revealing his continued distrust. During their conversation, Ying Song arrived with Li Zeliang's repaired climbing gear. This immediately piqued Mr. Huo's suspicion.
Li Zeliang quickly improvised, claiming he was getting his old, broken gear replaced to go to a climbing club soon, a cover for his ongoing rehabilitation training. Mr. Huo then noticed a painting in the room. A nervous Li Zeliang offered it as a gift, but Mr. Huo declined, stating a senior shouldn't take things from a junior. Satisfied that Li Zeliang appeared harmless, Mr. Huo left, but his lingering suspicion was evident as he turned back for one last look.
Episode 3 Recap
As Huo Jian prepared to leave Li Zeliang's residence late in the evening, the doorbell suddenly rang. He decided to stay, curious about the unexpected visitor. Ji Yingsong opened the door to find Su Xieyi, who explained she needed Li Zeliang to sign several documents. Li Zeliang suggested she return the next day, but Huo Jian, intrigued, insisted on seeing the files.
Upon reviewing them, he questioned how Su Xieyi, a new hire, already knew Li Zeliang's home address and had come so late. Su Xieyi clarified that her assistant duties required her to know her boss's itinerary, habits, and address, which she obtained from another staff member. Impressed, Huo Jian praised Li Zeliang's choice, stating that Su Xieyi was more exceptional than he had anticipated.
Li Zeliang downplayed her capabilities, claiming she was merely a random candidate from the General Manager's Office on a trial basis. After a warning from Huo Jian about being cautious with rock climbing, Huo Jian departed, escorted by Ji Yingsong. Once Huo Jian left, Li Zeliang asked Su Xieyi why she had come so abruptly when she had earlier refused his invitation.
Su Xieyi explained her work wasn't finished, as the documents needed immediate signing to be sent out the next day. As Li Zeliang signed the papers, Su Xieyi feigned a sudden stomachache to use his restroom. Her true intention was to find a contract her father had left behind, which she believed might be in Li Zeliang's study, and she needed an excuse to stay longer.
After using the restroom, Su Xieyi started to leave, but Li Zeliang, sensing she wanted to stay, offered her an opportunity. Citing his uncle's complaint about the mess, he suggested she help clean his house, doubting her ability to do so. Su Xieyi, however, enthusiastically declared herself a "gold-medal house manager" and began cleaning the kitchen.
Su Xieyi offered to clean the guest room and study next, but Li Zeliang deliberately directed her to the bedroom first, tasking her with changing the bedsheets, mopping the floor, and cleaning the windows. After she completed these chores, he sent her to clean the living room. While cleaning, she accidentally broke a decorative accessory and cut her hand on the shards. The moment reminded them both of a similar incident on the mountain where he had been more caring.
This time, Li Zeliang simply tossed her a bandage and told her to go home. Determined to get into the study, Su Xieyi insisted she was fine and would not leave until she had cleaned every room. Seeing her resolve, Li Zeliang finally allowed her to proceed to the study. In the study, as Su Xieyi tidied the bookshelves, she discovered a photo of herself and Li Zeliang from their time on the mountain.
Li Zeliang entered and confronted her, revealing that he knew she was faking amnesia. He pointed out that a truly amnesiac person would have questioned why their photo was there, not simply put it away. He accused her of orchestrating their encounter at the bar, the exposure of his former secretary, and getting hired as his assistant, all as part of an elaborate performance.
Pained, Su Xieyi challenged his right to doubt her, explaining that for years, people had falsely claimed to know her with malicious intent. She had learned to remain silent because, in others' eyes, an amnesiac is no different from a liar, and showing her vulnerability only invited mockery, not sympathy. She insisted that he, having never lost his memory, could not understand the torment of feeling like a lone ship abandoned by the world.
Apologizing for the disturbance, she declared that she would only treat him as her superior from then on. Feeling a pang of guilt, Li Zeliang remarked that her visit was reckless. Meanwhile, Huo Jian tasked his assistant with investigating Su Xieyi's background. He expressed his suspicion, noting that his nephew never allowed anyone into his home, yet Su Xieyi, a new hire, had gained access. He felt their relationship was unusual and wanted it thoroughly investigated.
His assistant assured him it would be done quickly. Huo Jian then mentioned his assistant's upcoming birthday, revealing he had prepared a surprise for her. Later, Li Zeliang was drinking alone when his friend, Hou Xiaodong, joined him. Li Zeliang recounted how the girl he met two years prior on a rock-climbing trip—the one he considered his soulmate—had reappeared as his assistant but claimed to have amnesia while actively trying to get close to him.
Hou Xiaodong analyzed their past encounters, confirming they had experienced love at first sight, a sense of having met too late, a meeting of minds, and even physical intimacy. He was astonished, having thought they had only met once. He then cautiously brought up Shi Chuchu's imminent return, but Li Zeliang dismissed any connection, stating Shi Chuchu had explicitly told him she didn't like him. Li Zeliang’s main concern remained whether Su Xieyi was truly amnesiac.
Hou Xiaodong theorized that she might still love him and was using amnesia as a unique strategy to recapture his attention. In a vivid flashback, Li Zeliang recalled his time with Su Xieyi on the mountain. She explained she was secretly taking photos of the sunrise as a birthday gift for her busy father. This made Li Zeliang recall with sadness that he had never prepared a special gift for his own father.
Su Xieyi comforted him, musing that life is short and that departed loved ones become stars to light our way. She suggested they write their names on a leaf and hide it in a tree hollow so the tree would remember them forever. After they did so, Li Zeliang took a photo of them together. Referencing her wish to make time stand still, he leaned in and kissed her.
Separately, Xie Minghao called Su Xieyi, noticing the weariness in her voice and urging her to prioritize her safety. Su Xieyi expressed concern that her sister, Xie Qing, would be a lifelong burden to him. Xie Minghao firmly stated that despite only being engaged, he had promised to never abandon Xie Qing. He offered to buy mung bean cakes for Xie Qing and invited Su Xieyi to join, but she declined, asking him to pass on her love.
Xie Minghao then visited Xie Qing at the psychiatric rehabilitation center, where nurses were struggling to calm her during an episode. He gently coaxed her into taking her medication by offering her the mung bean cakes. As she calmed down, he reminisced about their happy times together in Germany and reassured her he would protect Su Xieyi. Dr. Zhu praised his dedication, noting it surpassed that of many husbands, let alone a fiancé.
Xie Minghao humbly replied that it was his duty, as they were family. As he spoke, he looked at a group photo of the three of them, his gaze lingering on Su Xieyi.
Episode 4 Recap
Su Xieyi began her new job at Ocean Hotel, where her colleague Gong Ming Yue offered friendly advice on navigating workplace politics and explained the company’s archive system. Gong Ming Yue clarified that while all contracts have digital backups, the physical copies are retained for five years in the archives, a secure room requiring a special access badge, which she possessed. Shortly after, Li Zeliang summoned Su Xieyi to his office.
He attempted to assign her tasks outside her job description, such as cleaning and making coffee, under the pretext of requiring a pristine work environment. Su Xieyi politely but firmly refused, stating she would only perform duties within her official role. She then suggested that, due to her inexperience, she would be better suited to a position in the General Manager's Office to gain more experience, rather than continuing as his personal assistant.
In response, Li Zeliang immediately called Human Resources to have her removed from his service. Meanwhile, Shi Chuchu, the heiress of Hengye Bank, returned to the company and was warmly welcomed by Huo Jian and other staff. Huo Jian lauded her for successfully securing partnerships with eight five-star hotels, far exceeding their initial goal. He asked about Li Zeliang’s absence, and Shi Chuchu explained that he was waiting for her in his office.
Su Xieyi, delayed after sending a personal package, missed the welcome ceremony. Later, Huo Jian approached Su Xieyi, remarking on her working late at Li Zeliang's home and noting how unusual it was for his nephew to allow anyone into his private space.
Unbeknownst to them, Su Xieyi had secretly entered the company archives and discovered that the pivotal contract with Zhiwei Food and Beverage Ltd. Co. had been signed by a man named Chen Heng Sheng, not Li Zeliang, deepening her suspicions. Her actions were not entirely covert, as Ji Yingsong later reported to Li Zeliang that he had seen her access the archives. Later, Li Zeliang went to Su Xieyi's home to apologize.
He confessed that he had recognized her from their past encounter on the very first day they met again. Su Xieyi claimed to have amnesia and expressed no desire to dwell on the past. Li Zeliang proposed they start over as friends and offered to help her regain her memories, but she denied ever receiving the business card he had given her.
While there, Li Zeliang noticed a scrap of an old newspaper on her floor and, upon returning to his office, instructed Ji Yingsong to investigate the lawyer mentioned in it, Xie Minghao, concerned he could become an obstacle. Following this, Li Zeliang visited Uncle Bai, a trusted family friend, and gave him a watch that belonged to his late father, Li Kuo Hai. He asked if Uncle Bai knew of a "Su" family connected to the old Zhiwei company.
Uncle Bai confirmed that the late owner Shen Zhihong's wife was surnamed Su, and that they had a daughter, Su Xieyi, who had moved abroad years ago. This confirmed Li Zeliang's suspicion that Su Xieyi had joined Ocean Hotel to investigate her own father's death. Ji Yingsong soon reported that Xie Minghao had returned and opened a law firm. Li Zeliang met with him to ask about the day his father died.
Xie Minghao stated that he was at the hospital to discuss a partnership with Zhiwei but arrived after Li Kuo Hai was already deceased, recalling only the sight of doctors rushing about. Coincidentally, Su Xieyi had also been consulting with Xie Minghao. She had shared her discovery of Chen Heng Sheng's signature on the contract and, despite Xie Minghao's reservations, enlisted his help. She hid from Li Zeliang when he arrived, keeping her investigation secret.
Concerned by a report from Ji Yingsong that Su Xieyi had checked into a hotel room with numerous people coming and going, Li Zeliang rushed to the hotel. He was relieved to find her only managing a large volume of packages. After offering her a more luxurious room, he clarified that his relationship with Shi Chuchu was not what it seemed. Su Xieyi noticed an invitation to a high-end party in his pocket, an event she wanted to attend.
She tried to get him drunk to take the invitation, but he saw through her plan and drank her wine instead. He then offered her the invitation directly, but she feigned indifference and declined it. Later, at a company meeting, Shi Chuchu announced her decision to fire Su Xieyi with double compensation.
When Su Xieyi questioned if Li Zeliang was the reason, Huo Jian interjected, praising Su Xieyi's capabilities and offering her a position as a helper to his assistant, Yi Fei, thereby saving her job. Li Zeliang also privately persuaded Shi Chuchu to reverse her decision. Huo Jian and Yi Fei later speculated that Li Zeliang might be using Su Xieyi as a pawn against him, so Huo Jian resolved to keep her close to monitor the situation.
Su Xieyi and Xie Minghao met to strategize, agreeing to leverage Huo Jian’s interest in her to gather information. Su Xieyi planned to attend the Hengye Bank wine party to investigate Chen Heng Sheng, and Xie Minghao, though wary of her quest, reluctantly agreed to continue helping her.
Episode 5 Recap
Li Zeliang arrived at Su Xieyi's home, explaining his visit was primarily to apologize for doubting her. He revealed that he had recognized her from the very first day they met, but kept the truth from her due to her amnesia, fearing the revelation would be too sudden. Now, however, he was certain she was the same girl he had met before. Su Xieyi, having considered the matter, decided not to pursue the past, stating that life must move forward.
Given his initial resistance, she assumed any past connection must have been unpleasant and expressed her intention to let things go. Li Zeliang suggested that even if she didn't want to recall the past, they could have a fresh start as friends. When he sat closer, Su Xieyi playfully questioned his proximity. She then explained that her home and its furnishings were left by her father, and she cherished them too much to change anything.
Li Zeliang offered to help her recover her memories through medical friends, but she reiterated that it was an accident she preferred not to remember. He also asked if she recalled him giving her a business card with his contact information two years ago, which she denied. After he confronted her for lying, she offered him coffee.
While there, Li Zeliang noticed a scrap of an old newspaper on the floor with a headline about "Chairman Shen Zhi Hong committing suicide due to corporate fraud." After finishing his coffee, he remarked on the clarity it brought and reminded her to take good care of the limited-edition coat he had given her, suggesting she wear it the next day.
Once he left, a wary Su Xieyi suspected he had ulterior motives, even wondering if he had bugged her house. Later, based on the newspaper clipping, Li Zeliang instructed Ji Yingsong to investigate Xie Minghao, discovering he was Zhiwei's former commercial lawyer. He expressed concern that Xie Minghao's connection with Su Xieyi might interfere with their plans. Li Zeliang visited Uncle Bai, presenting him with a watch that belonged to his late father.
He asked Uncle Bai if he had arranged the business dealings between his father and the Zhiwei Group years ago and inquired if he recalled anyone named Su connected to the company. Uncle Bai eventually remembered that Shen Zhi Hong's late wife's surname was Su. He shared that she had passed away from an illness over a decade ago, leaving behind a daughter who was taken abroad at a young age.
When Li Zeliang asked if the daughter's name was Su Xieyi, Uncle Bai confirmed it. At that moment, Li Zeliang realized Su Xieyi's true purpose for joining Ocean Group was to investigate her father's death. The next morning at Ocean, a colleague teased Su Xieyi about her new coat, guessing it was a gift from Li Zeliang's driver, Ji Yingsong. Their chat was interrupted by Shi Chuchu, who called a meeting.
During the meeting, Shi Chuchu criticized the bidding plan for the Fujiade Auction for failing to highlight the advantages of Yunfeng Hotel, Ocean's new signature property, and ordered a complete redo within one day. She also questioned the declining minibar sales. Su Xieyi explained that while sales volume was stable, the low value of individual purchases was the issue.
Shi Chuchu instructed the team to push expensive champagne and red wine and assigned Su Xieyi to conduct market research on salty snacks to encourage alcohol sales. Later, during lunch with her colleague Gong Mingyue, Su Xieyi learned that Chen Hengsheng, the General Manager of Yunfeng Hotel, was a "legend" who rose from being Li Zeliang's assistant.
Upon hearing Chen Hengsheng was also invited to Hengye Bank's upcoming cocktail party, Su Xieyi quickly excused herself, claiming she had an urgent email to send. Ji Yingsong reported to Li Zeliang that Su Xieyi had booked a double room at the hotel and that multiple men had been seen entering and leaving. Rushing to her room, Li Zeliang found her surrounded by numerous deliveries.
He questioned her decision to stay at the hotel instead of going home, reminding her of the need to maintain a professional image. Su Xieyi clarified the "men" were delivery personnel for her market research and asked how he knew her location, suspecting he was investigating her again. Understanding her tragic past as an orphan, a softened Li Zeliang offered to get her a better room.
Noticing she was only eating snacks for her assignment, he offered to order a proper meal. Su Xieyi then subtly mentioned his close relationship with Shi Chuchu, noting that everyone saw them as a "match made in heaven." Li Zeliang immediately clarified that there was nothing serious between them. During their conversation, Su Xieyi spotted an invitation to the Hengye Bank cocktail party in Li Zeliang's pocket. Intending to steal it, she suggested they drink together to relieve work stress.
However, Li Zeliang, seeing through her plan, drank her portion of alcohol himself. He then directly asked if she had any wishes he could fulfill and offered her the invitation. Feigning disinterest, Su Xieyi declined. Before leaving, Li Zeliang told her she could charge any future drinks to his room account and that he would keep the hotel room available for her whenever she worked overtime, leaving her unsettled by his unexpected kindness.
At a subsequent meeting, Shi Chuchu commended Su Xieyi for her thorough snack research report but then abruptly fired her, offering double compensation and a recommendation letter. When Su Xieyi asked if Li Zeliang was the reason, Huo Jian entered and interrupted. Expressing admiration for Su Xieyi's skills, Huo Jian overruled the dismissal and transferred her to his department as an assistant for Yi Fei. Shi Chuchu reluctantly agreed.
Huo Jian then mentioned he had received his invitation to the Hengye Bank party and thanked Shi Chuchu's father. Later, Shi Chuchu informed someone that her attempt to fire Su Xieyi had failed due to Huo Jian's intervention.
In a separate meeting, Li Zeliang met with Shi Chuchu and, as a "first and last" personal request, asked her to fire Su Xieyi, stating he did not want her at Ocean Group and threatening to stop coming to the office if she stayed. Meanwhile, Yi Fei discussed the confusing situation with Huo Jian. She theorized that Li Zeliang had initially placed Su Xieyi to use her and the Zhiwei Group against him.
Huo Jian, recalling how Su Xieyi had secretly entered the archives, agreed something was amiss and decided to keep her close to observe her and uncover Li Zeliang's true strategy. Su Xieyi met with Xie Minghao, explaining that Huo Jian had saved her job. She saw this as an opportunity to gain his trust and further her investigation. She then asked Xie Minghao to help her get into the Hengye Bank cocktail party, as his law firm was a partner.
Her goal was to find Chen Hengsheng, who, as the former Food and Beverage manager, had signed a key contract two years ago and might hold vital information about her father's death. Though Xie Minghao urged her to let go of her quest for revenge, Su Xieyi insisted, promising to stop her investigation after confronting Chen Hengsheng. He agreed to help, making her promise not to act impulsively.
Meanwhile, Ji Yingsong suggested to Li Zeliang that he should tell Su Xieyi the truth now that her identity was confirmed. Li Zeliang refused, fearing she would confront Huo Jian directly, endangering herself and alerting their adversary. He recounted the suspicious details of his father's death: the hospital's surveillance was broken, and a verbal agreement of a one-percent share for Huo Jian had mysteriously become ten percent in the final contract.
Lacking concrete evidence, Li Zeliang explained he couldn't risk provoking Huo Jian. He believed Huo Jian was keeping Su Xieyi close to investigate her connection to him, but concluded that Su Xieyi was still dangerously unaware of the formidable enemy she was truly facing.
Episode 6 Recap
Huo Jian dreamt of a past event, where he stood in a hospital room holding a share transfer agreement. He taunted the unconscious company patriarch, Old Li, with the signature on the document, a feat he credited to his loyal secretary, Yi Fei. In the dream, Huo Jian then removed Old Li's oxygen tube, causing him to pass away.
Waking from the nightmare, Huo Jian immediately instructed Lin Tai to investigate Chen Heng Sheng, emphasizing the need to eliminate any threats. Su Xieyi arrived at the Hengye Bank party with Xie Minghao, where they encountered Li Zeliang. Su Xieyi and Li Zeliang discreetly exchanged messages, with him questioning her uninvited presence and her retorting that her attendance was perfectly legal. Meanwhile, Huo Jian met with Chen Heng Sheng, discussing Yunfeng's profitability and recently acquired "odd lots" of shares.
Chen Heng Sheng confirmed he had a meeting with Mr. Qin from Pinxuan Art Gallery to discuss using art as another lucrative venture. Su Xieyi, who had been secretly listening, realized they were planning illicit schemes. Her cover was almost blown when her phone rang with a call from Xie Minghao. As she fled, she lost a high heel. Chen Heng Sheng gave chase, but Su Xieyi slipped into an elevator just in time.
Upon exiting the building, she was met by Li Zeliang, who presented her with her lost shoe. Li Zeliang then pulled Su Xieyi behind a large veil on the main stage, warning her to cooperate for her safety. The veil was part of a surprise for Shi Chuchu's birthday, arranged by her father. When her father unveiled the "gift," the crowd was stunned to find Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi in a passionate kiss.
Shi Chuchu and Xie Minghao watched in shock and disappointment. Seizing the moment, Li Zeliang held Su Xieyi’s hand and publicly announced she was his girlfriend. Later, in private, Li Zeliang admonished Su Xieyi for her reckless behavior, warning her of the danger from Chen Heng Sheng. He revealed that he knew her true identity and that her amnesia was fake, having been informed by a former employee of his father who knew her family.
With her cover blown, Su Xieyi admitted she was investigating him, believing he was responsible for her father's death. She demanded to know why he was on the rooftop that day. Li Zeliang explained that he had rushed to the scene but arrived just as her father, Shen Zhi Hong, was on the edge. He tried to save him but failed, a moment that has been his own recurring nightmare for two years.
Su Xieyi then questioned him about a contract with tenfold liquidated damages, which she considered a trap. Li Zeliang claimed he wasn't present at the signing and was also investigating it. Su Xieyi acknowledged that the contract in the archives wasn't signed by him, and the date coincided with their time on the mountain. She stated that while everyone at Ouman Hotel remained a suspect, she was now more willing to trust him.
She explained she had targeted Chen Heng Sheng to learn about the contract and had overheard their scheme involving wine and art. After they shared drinks, an emotional Su Xieyi confessed that faking amnesia was a painful burden and that finding the truth for her father was her sole reason for living. She eventually fell asleep, and Li Zeliang gently covered her with a blanket.
Elsewhere, Huo Jian furiously reprimanded Lin Tai for failing to monitor Su Xieyi and allowing her to attend the party. Lin Tai apologized, explaining he was at the hospital due to his father's sudden illness. With a sarcastic remark about his filial piety, Huo Jian accepted Lin Tai's promise to watch her closely, confident that any flaw in her story would eventually be exposed.
The next morning, Li Zeliang made breakfast for Su Xieyi, reminding her they had to maintain their public facade as a couple. At the office, news of their relationship earned Su Xieyi newfound respect and curiosity from her colleagues, with Yi Fei pressing for details. Li Zeliang went to Huo Jian and requested Su Xieyi's transfer back to his department, fabricating a story that they had dated two years ago and recently reconciled.
He also revealed that Su Xieyi was behind the video leak that exposed Lin Tai, explaining she had discovered his misconduct and acted out of loyalty to Li Zeliang. Huo Jian feigned approval, agreeing that such "parasites" should be removed. Meanwhile, Su Xieyi regaled her colleagues with a romanticized story of meeting Li Zeliang while hiking, complete with photos of them under the stars.
Later, Huo Jian and Yi Fei noted the consistency between their stories but Huo Jian remained suspicious, finding it all "too logical" and vowing to continue his surveillance. Li Zeliang apologized to Shi Chuchu for the scene at her birthday party. Though hurt that he hadn't confided in his best friends, her and Oscar, she accepted his apology and offered her blessing. She questioned his earlier request to fire Su Xieyi, which he explained away as avoiding an "office romance."
During their talk, Su Xieyi messaged Li Zeliang to meet for lunch. He quickly excused himself and met her at the hotel's Japanese restaurant, where they purposefully ran into Huo Jian. To maintain their act, they ostentatiously fed each other foie gras, which both secretly disliked. Su Xieyi then retaliated by giving Li Zeliang a piece of sushi loaded with wasabi. He played along, shedding dramatic tears from the spiciness. Shi Chuchu watched their entire performance from afar. Afterwards, as Su Xieyi was in the restroom complaining to herself about the wasabi, Shi Chuchu confronted her.
Episode 7 Recap
Following their public declaration as a couple, Shi Chuchu approached Su Xieyi, questioning her understanding of Li Zeliang and the sincerity of her intentions. She noted that Su Xieyi's pursuit of Li Zeliang seemed overly purposeful and urged her, as a fellow woman, to love all of him and avoid causing him further pain. Meanwhile, Chen Hengsheng met with Mr. Qin, the owner of the Pinxuan Art Gallery, to finalize a deal.
Mr. Qin agreed to the terms—transferring 80% of the sale price to Chen's account—but voiced concern over the artworks' inflated prices. Chen Hengsheng claimed he was only following orders. Suspicious about their financial stability, Mr. Qin insisted on meeting Chen Hengsheng's boss in person before proceeding, a request Chen Hengsheng agreed to relay. Shortly after Chen Hengsheng left, Su Xieyi arrived at the gallery, tailed by Huo Jian's subordinate, Lin Tai.
When told that Mr. Qin only met with "Gold Members" who made a single purchase of one million yuan, Su Xieyi selected several paintings totaling over ten million yuan and stated that Li Zeliang of Ocean Hotel would pay. Overhearing this, Mr. Qin appeared and personally invited her to his office. Lin Tai immediately reported this to Huo Jian, who, believing it was no coincidence, decided to go to the gallery himself.
In Mr. Qin's office, Su Xieyi initially let him believe she was Chen Hengsheng's boss. She then clarified she was Li Zeliang's fiancée, asserting her financial backing. Just as Mr. Qin was about to discuss the deal's terms, he received a call from Chen Hengsheng announcing the "big boss" was on his way. Realizing Su Xieyi was not the one in charge, Mr. Qin politely ended their meeting, promising to keep her visit confidential.
As Su Xieyi was leaving, she ran into Huo Jian, who questioned her private meeting with Mr. Qin at the members-only gallery. Li Zeliang arrived at that moment, smoothly explaining they were there to buy a painting Su Xieyi had seen online. Skeptical, Huo Jian challenged Li Zeliang to guess which of the seven paintings she wanted, offering it as a gift if he was correct.
Put on the spot, Li Zeliang relied on his knowledge of her preferences and correctly chose the fifth painting, a landscape with a tree. A disappointed Huo Jian had to honor his word. Outside, Su Xieyi lamented that she had been close to getting information from Mr. Qin. Li Zeliang reprimanded her for acting alone, explaining Huo Jian's appearance was a test to see if she was the one who had eavesdropped on their conversation.
He hoped their performance had temporarily thrown him off. Huo Jian then pressed Mr. Qin about Su Xieyi's visit, but Mr. Qin stuck to the story that she was simply a customer. After Huo Jian left in frustration, Mr. Qin called Li Zeliang. They discussed their six-month-long operation to expose Huo Jian's scheme of embezzling company funds through inflated art purchases.
Li Zeliang noted that while risky, Su Xieyi's involvement might ultimately help their plan, as a cornered Huo Jian would be forced to contact Mr. Qin again. Overhearing their call, Su Xieyi finally understood Li Zeliang's true plan to gather evidence against Huo Jian. Later, Yi Fei informed Huo Jian that she had seen a recording pen in Su Xieyi's bag and suspected she was the eavesdropper at the cocktail party.
Huo Jian ordered her to find and destroy any recordings. That night, after Li Zeliang dropped Su Xieyi off, Lin Tai, who had broken into her apartment, was searching her laptop for audio files. Sensing an intruder, Su Xieyi tried to flee but was confronted by Lin Tai. She fought back, hitting him with a flowerpot and calling Li Zeliang for help. Lin Tai began choking her just as Li Zeliang burst in, subduing him.
Lin Tai retaliated with a stick, severely injuring Li Zeliang before being overpowered and forced to flee. Li Zeliang took Su Xieyi to the hospital before checking into an adjacent room for his own serious injuries. Upon waking, Su Xieyi learned how badly he was hurt and insisted on staying to care for him. Li Zeliang downplayed his actions, saying he would have helped anyone, especially his nominal girlfriend.
Meanwhile, a desperate Lin Tai met with Huo Jian for his payment, explaining his father needed money for medical treatment. Huo Jian mocked him, making him play a game of darts for a percentage of the pay. When Lin Tai failed to score, he received nothing. Enraged, Lin Tai threatened to expose everything: the art-reselling scheme with Chen Hengsheng and that Yi Fei’s search for someone named "Spider" might be connected to the death of Li Zeliang’s father.
Episode 8 Recap
Following his confrontation with Su Xieyi, Lin Tai is interrogated by Li Zeliang, who had Ji Yingsong follow and apprehend him. Lin Tai confesses that Huo Jian ordered him to investigate Su Xieyi. Understanding that Lin Tai was coerced due to his father's medical expenses, Li Zeliang provides him with a card containing enough funds to cover the costs. In return, Li Zeliang questions him about Huo Jian's secrets, specifically about someone named "Spider."
Lin Tai reveals he overheard Huo Jian telling Yi Fei to find a "Spider," who was the window cleaner at the hospital where Li Zeliang's father passed away. Ji Yingsong hypothesizes that since internal investigations yielded no clues, the "Spider" might have witnessed something related to Huo Jian from outside. Recognizing the importance of this lead, Li Zeliang immediately dispatches Ji Yingsong to investigate.
Meanwhile, Lin Tai confronts Huo Jian, voicing his suspicion that the search for "Spider" is connected to Mr. Li Senior's death. He then retracts, promising to remain loyal as long as Huo Jian fulfills his promise of payment. Huo Jian agrees, assuring Lin Tai the money will be in his account by the next day.
Shortly after Lin Tai leaves, Huo Jian receives a video showing him removing someone's oxygen mask, accompanied by a chilling message warning him that his secrets will be exposed. Later, Lin Tai is involved in a car accident, with his vehicle plunging into a river. News reports indicate the car was recovered, but the driver was missing. Watching the news, Huo Jian and Yi Fei conclude that someone must have rescued Lin Tai.
It is revealed that Li Zeliang had Ji Yingsong rescue Lin Tai from the crash. After tasking Ji Yingsong with finding the "Spider," Li Zeliang instructs him to take Lin Tai to safety through a back exit. Elsewhere, Oscar tries to console Shi Chuchu, who is upset by Li Zeliang's public announcement of his relationship with Su Xieyi at her family's party. Oscar suggests Li Zeliang must have a reason for his actions and speculates the relationship might be short-lived.
Knowing Su Xieyi is Li Zeliang's weakness, Huo Jian seeks him out at a hotel bar. Huo Jian reveals Su Xieyi's bracelet, which he claims Yi Fei found, and cryptically assures Li Zeliang that "she is perfectly safe right now," subtly threatening her safety to ensure Li Zeliang's cooperation. Concurrently, Su Xieyi awakens in a villa, realizing she is being held captive by Yi Fei, who falsely claims Li Zeliang arranged for her to stay there.
Her phone and bracelet are missing, and Yi Fei refuses to let her contact anyone. Seeking an opportunity to escape, Su Xieyi fakes an escape by opening an upstairs window. When Yi Fei sees the open window and rushes out to search, Su Xieyi, who had been hiding behind a curtain, seizes the moment to call Li Zeliang for help. While this is happening, Huo Jian, suspecting Lin Tai is at the hotel, begins searching the private rooms.
He barges in on Oscar and his girlfriend, but Oscar manages to convince him they are just a couple having a private moment. Just as Huo Jian leaves, Li Zeliang receives Su Xieyi's distress call. He tells a confused Huo Jian that he hasn't found what Huo Jian was looking for, but he has found what "he" was looking for, before abruptly leaving.
Moments later, Huo Jian receives a call from Yi Fei, who profusely apologizes for Su Xieyi's escape, enraging him. Li Zeliang meets Su Xieyi, who recounts her ordeal. He expresses deep remorse for failing to protect her. After she eats, he playfully points out she lost a slipper while escaping. Later, Yi Fei reports to Huo Jian that surveillance footage shows Ji Yingsong with Lin Tai, confirming Li Zeliang orchestrated his rescue.
Huo Jian sees this as a positive development, as it exposes Li Zeliang's true intentions. Li Zeliang brings Su Xieyi to a safer location. Su Xieyi deduces that Huo Jian is the true mastermind behind her kidnapping and the troubles at her family's company, Zhiwei. Li Zeliang confirms her suspicions, explaining he kept it from her to protect her from Huo Jian's ruthlessness.
He reveals his own motive for opposing his uncle: Huo Jian has been secretly using Yunfeng Hotel to embezzle funds and acquire Ocean Group shares, betraying his father's legacy. He then leads Su Xieyi to a hidden passage in his home, which serves as his secret base of operations. He reveals that his apparent physical weakness and disinterest were a facade to lull Huo Jian into a false sense of security.
He returns her bracelet, and they share a tender moment, acknowledging their shared loss of a parent and agreeing to support each other. As they lean in for a kiss, they are interrupted by Ji Yingsong's arrival. Ji Yingsong reports that Lin Tai has been safely relocated. He has also identified the "Spider" as Liu Awei, who disappeared with his family two years ago after working at the hospital.
With Huo Jian also desperately searching for him, his importance is confirmed. Li Zeliang instructs Ji Yingsong to spare no expense in finding him. Acknowledging that the conflict with Huo Jian is now out in the open, Li Zeliang declares that it is time to counterattack, even if it is sooner than planned.
Episode 9 Recap
The Ouman Hotel board meeting began with Huo Jian expressing impatience over Li Zeliang's tardiness. Li Zeliang arrived shortly after, apologizing for the delay. Yi Fei, a key executive, reported that the prestigious Fujiade Auction was seeking a five-star hotel in Shanghai for an upcoming event. Although Ouman's Yunfeng Hotel had made it into the top three, Mr. Roman of Fujiade had decided to partner with their long-standing rival, Zhengde Hotel. This news caused a stir among the board members.
Huo Jian, visibly frustrated, announced penalties for those involved in the failed bidding. Li Zeliang interjected, suggesting that since Mr. Roman had not yet formally signed with Zhengde, there was still a chance. He proposed a bold wager: if he succeeded in winning the partnership, he would gain full management control over Yunfeng Hotel; if he failed, he would resign from all his positions at Ouman. When Huo Jian asked who would assist Li Zeliang, only Shi Chuchu volunteered.
Su Xieyi, having recovered from an injury, returned to work at Ouman Hotel. She was introduced to Xie Minghao, a lawyer from Hengye Bank brought in by Shi Chuchu. Pretending it was their first meeting, Su Xieyi took him to a cafe to talk. Xie Minghao expressed his and her sister's worry over her unresponsiveness after a recent incident and urged her to be more transparent.
He then asked if Li Zeliang's previous claim about their relationship was true, and Su Xieyi confirmed it was a ruse to help her. Just then, Li Zeliang approached, and Su Xieyi introduced Xie Minghao as her sister's fiancé, making him her brother-in-law. After Xie Minghao departed, Su Xieyi told Li Zeliang that Xie Minghao already knew their relationship was a pretense. In the office, Su Xieyi had a brief, tense encounter with Yi Fei.
Later, her colleague Ming Yue informed her of Li Zeliang's high-stakes gamble with his career. Concerned, Su Xieyi immediately went to a restaurant to leverage her connections and met a woman named Nina. Nina was explaining how to mix the perfect Mojito, and Su Xieyi, intrigued, ordered the same. The two bonded over their shared interest in badminton, particularly the Thomas Cup, and it was revealed that Nina was Mr. Roman's wife.
Meanwhile, Li Zeliang and Shi Chuchu met with Mr. Roman. Roman stated he was meeting them out of courtesy, as he had already made a verbal commitment to Zhengde Hotel. Shi Chuchu pressed on, revealing that her father is the president of Hengye Bank and proposed a powerful alliance between Ouman and the bank, offering a specialized loan service to boost auction clients' purchasing power. Though Roman admitted he was tempted, he was reluctant to go back on his word.
At that moment, Nina arrived with Su Xieyi, introducing her as Li Zeliang's girlfriend and suggesting a friendly badminton match. Li Zeliang accepted, partnering with Su Xieyi for a doubles game against Roman and Nina. Shi Chuchu, aware of Li Zeliang’s physical limitations, tried to stop the match, but Su Xieyi insisted, believing he was stronger than he appeared. Huo Jian then arrived to watch.
During the game, Roman was impressed by Li Zeliang's persistence and determination despite his physical challenges. Declaring him a "true strong one," Roman granted him an "overtime opportunity"—a second chance to win the partnership. Overjoyed, Su Xieyi embraced Li Zeliang as a disappointed Huo Jian looked on. Later, Li Zeliang confided in his assistant, Ying Song, that Su Xieyi was special because she was the only one who treated him as a normal, healthy person.
That evening, Shi Chuchu called Li Zeliang to discuss the new proposal, also expressing concern for his leg. Li Zeliang, however, was brief with her, ended the call, and immediately sent an encouraging message to Su Xieyi, leaving Shi Chuchu disheartened. The next day, Li Zeliang presented his revised proposal to Mr. Roman.
The plan, featuring a combination of online and offline bidding and an internationally renowned security team, deeply impressed Roman, who declared him the "strongest" and confirmed Ouman as his partner. Roman explained his decision was also influenced by an unpleasant incident he witnessed at Zhengde Hotel, where their irresponsible handling of a guest's lost item raised serious security concerns. Huo Jian offered to personally oversee the auction's security, but Li Zeliang asserted his right to manage his own project.
Backed by Shi Chuchu and Mr. Roman, Li Zeliang won the argument, leaving Huo Jian resentful. Back at Ouman, Yi Fei warned Huo Jian that Li Zeliang was making a move for the chairmanship, which was up for re-election. Huo Jian, however, saw it as an opportunity, believing that if Li Zeliang's high-profile project failed, he would be finished. He remained confident, knowing that Chen Heng Sheng, the general manager of Yunfeng Hotel, was his loyal subordinate.
Li Zeliang gave Su Xieyi the auction details for her business trip to Yunfeng Hotel. Su Xieyi requested a leave of absence to visit her sick sister, Xie Qing, at a rehabilitation center. Li Zeliang agreed and secretly instructed Ying Song to ensure her safety. At the center, Su Xieyi brought her sister mung bean cakes and told her about the trip to Yunfeng Hotel, the former Zhiwei Building headquarters.
Xie Qing warned her about Yunfeng's cunning manager, Chen Heng Sheng. Su Xieyi revealed that Chen was merely a pawn for the true mastermind, Huo Jian. Despite knowing she was outmatched, Su Xieyi expressed her determination to confront him and promised her sister she would bring the man who ruined their family to justice.
Episode 10 Recap
Following his previous victory in securing the Fujiade Auction for Ouman, Li Zeliang continues to prepare for the event while navigating Huo Jian's schemes. He dispatches Ji Yingsong to ensure Su Xieyi's safety, and Ji Yingsong soon reports that Su Xieyi has left with Xie Minghao. Li Zeliang instructs him to maintain surveillance while he also follows them. Xie Minghao, concerned that a hotel is not a long-term solution, offers to find a new apartment for Su Xieyi.
She declines, explaining that Li Zeliang insists she return before dark for her safety and acknowledging his help during the incident with Mr. Lin. Upon her return, Li Zeliang confronts Xie Minghao, thanking him for escorting his girlfriend home but stating that such assistance is unnecessary in the future. Xie Minghao retorts that they both know the relationship is merely nominal. Li Zeliang counters that a nominal girlfriend is still a girlfriend, just as Xie Minghao is nominally her brother-in-law.
Unfazed, Xie Minghao warns Li Zeliang to prevent any further incidents at Yunfeng, vowing to intervene if Su Xieyi is harmed. Li Zeliang assures him he will protect her, as she is both his special assistant and girlfriend. Meanwhile, Huo Jian's subordinate, Yi Fei, presents him with photos of Xie Minghao with a woman she identifies as Shen Xieqing. Huo Jian immediately recognizes her as Shen Zhihong's other daughter and recalls her previous engagement to Xie Minghao.
Yi Fei reports that Shen Xieqing was hospitalized for a mental disorder following Zhiwei’s bankruptcy two years ago and was recently visited by Su Xieyi. Intrigued, Huo Jian orders Yi Fei to continue investigating. At the same time, Ji Yingsong reports a breakthrough in the search for Liu Awei. A former co-worker revealed that Liu Awei took on dangerous jobs to pay for his daughter’s costly cochlear implant surgery.
Realizing that Huo Jian's direct search has failed, Li Zeliang devises a new strategy. He speculates that Liu Awei’s disappearance might be explained if he had received a large sum of money for the surgery, possibly in exchange for witnessing something crucial.
Li Zeliang instructs Ji Yingsong to anonymously donate a substantial sum to the hospital to establish a special fund for children from low-income families needing cochlear implants, a charitable act intended to discreetly uncover information about Liu Awei and his daughter. Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi arrive at the Yunfeng Hotel, the renovated site of the former Zhiwei building. As they tour the grounds, Su Xieyi fondly recalls how her father personally designed the original landscape.
They are greeted by the general manager, Chen Hengsheng, who expresses mock regret for not preparing a welcome ceremony. When Su Xieyi selects a bottle of wine, Chen Hengsheng dissuades her, claiming it is a bad vintage. Li Zeliang agrees and, instead of drinking, requests an immediate staff meeting. He addresses the staff, stressing the critical importance of the Fujiade Auction to Ouman’s reputation and asserting his absolute authority, warning that he cannot protect anyone if mistakes are made.
After the meeting, Chen Hengsheng pointedly assigns them a honeymoon suite, a clear attempt to test the authenticity of their relationship. Anticipating this, Su Xieyi has packed matching pajamas. To decide who gets the bed, they play a blindfolded game of finding it first after spinning in place. Li Zeliang deliberately loses, allowing her to take the bed while he sleeps on the couch.
Later, Chen Hengsheng calls Huo Jian, frustrated that their sudden arrival prevented him from swapping out certain wines. Huo Jian advises him not to panic, as Li Zeliang is focused on the auction, but warns him to be wary of the "cunning" Su Xieyi and to await further instructions.
One evening, Su Xieyi asks Li Zeliang to handwrite a romantic phrase on an invitation: "I want to live with you in a small town, sharing endless sunsets and hearing countless chimes." She then asks if he remembers their first encounter two years ago. He feigns forgetfulness before admitting his heart raced, though he jokes it was from hanging on a cliff. Su Xieyi confesses it was love at first sight for her.
Li Zeliang then reveals he has replayed that night in his mind ever since, remembering the sunset, the stars, and her smile, believing that one moment can illuminate a lifetime. As they lean in to kiss, Su Xieyi abruptly pulls back, faking a toothache and mentally scolding herself for being distracted from her real mission: investigating Chen Hengsheng.
The next day, Su Xieyi notices that Riesling, the hotel's best-selling wine, is listed as out of stock, though she saw it the day before. Suspicious, she investigates the wine cellar and discovers Chen Hengsheng instructing staff to dispose of a final box of wine through a freight passage. She confronts him, but he claims the Riesling is unavailable. When she points to the box in his hand, he tries to stop her from taking a bottle.
Li Zeliang arrives at the tense moment and "accidentally" drops the bottle she is holding, shattering it. Chen Hengsheng quickly explains the batch had temperature control issues. Back in their suite, Su Xieyi accuses Li Zeliang of dropping the bottle on purpose. She explains it was her father’s favorite brand and she is certain Chen's stock is counterfeit.
Li Zeliang confirms Chen is selling fake wine but reveals the police have been secretly investigating him for a year with his cooperation. He explains that the auction is the perfect opportunity to catch Chen red-handed and asks her to trust him and wait. Yi Fei reports Su Xieyi's full identity to Huo Jian: she is Shen Zhihong's youngest daughter, who took her mother's surname and lived abroad, explaining why she wasn't recognized.
Huo Jian deduces her goal is to investigate Zhiwei's collapse and sees her as the perfect pawn to use against Li Zeliang. As preparations for the auction reception conclude, Su Xieyi efficiently directs the staff. Li Zeliang praises her work, and as he leaves, Su Xieyi reminds him not to forget the evidence he promised to give her after the event. She then asks about the secret rock singer hired for the reception, but Li Zeliang remains coy, telling her she will find out when he arrives.
Episode 11 Recap
Oscar, Shi Chuchu, and Ji Yingsong were on their way to an event at the hotel. Shi Chuchu expressed her annoyance at Oscar's presence, questioning why the rock singer was in her private car. Oscar playfully explained he was saving the company money, but Shi Chuchu, complaining about the car's small size, retorted that her company was not short on funds.
Oscar boasted about his musical versatility, calling himself a "walking jukebox" who could perform any song Roman and his wife liked. Shi Chuchu, however, stated she preferred crosstalk and threatened to kick him out of the car. Meanwhile, Ji Yingsong complimented Li Zeliang's excellent preparation work for the upcoming auction, noting the high scores from the Fujiade team, though Li Zeliang stated he valued the shareholders' opinions more. Later, at a pre-auction reception, Oscar performed.
Although Shi Chuchu considered him a "second-rate guest," Li Zeliang defended Oscar's talent. Su Xieyi was the only person who clapped after his first song, prompting Oscar to dedicate his next one to her, his "only fan." He mentioned it was a "cheesy" song that Su Xieyi's boyfriend particularly loved, which Ji Yingsong explained was inspired by Oscar's "Muse." Su Xieyi was pleasantly surprised by Oscar's performance, confirming Li Zeliang's good judgment.
Feeling a toothache flare up, Su Xieyi excused herself to rest. Coincidentally, Xie Minghao had also arrived at the hotel. He met Su Xieyi and they went out to eat. He presented her with special German toothache medicine he had a friend bring from abroad, expressing concern over her investigating Chen Hengsheng alone. Unbeknownst to them, Li Zeliang also went to a pharmacy and purchased the same type of medicine for Su Xieyi.
Meanwhile, Oscar's loud guitar playing on his balcony disturbed Shi Chuchu. She angrily confronted him, but Oscar, unfazed, showed her a "fate-matching" app that could supposedly calculate compatibility. Shi Chuchu, initially skeptical, became excited when the app showed a high score for her and Li Zeliang. In their struggle over the phone, it accidentally fell onto the balcony of the room below, which they realized was Li Zeliang's.
Li Zeliang unexpectedly joined Su Xieyi and Xie Minghao, publicly demonstrating affection for Su Xieyi by insisting they share a meal. Noticing the medicine from Xie Minghao, Li Zeliang discreetly hid his own purchase. He then sent Su Xieyi back to her room, stating he had private matters to discuss with Xie Minghao. Once alone, Li Zeliang warned Xie Minghao not to be overly concerned with Su Xieyi.
Xie Minghao countered that they were like family and that he understood Su Xieyi best, having been by her side for the past two years. Li Zeliang sternly warned him not to interfere with Su Xieyi's work. Later that evening, Li Zeliang confronted Su Xieyi in their room about her public interaction with Xie Minghao. He criticized her for casually dining with another man, given her public role as his girlfriend.
Su Xieyi defended her actions as reasonable and her need for personal space. Angered, Li Zeliang questioned if she wanted the whole world to know their relationship was just an act. At that moment, the curtains opened to reveal Oscar and Shi Chuchu, who had entered from the balcony to retrieve the fallen phone. They had overheard the argument and now knew the couple was faking their relationship.
After they left, Su Xieyi lamented that with Oscar knowing their secret, it wouldn't be long before everyone else did too. The next morning, Su Xieyi prepared breakfast, but Li Zeliang was still upset. He coldly insisted she call him "Mr. Li" when no one else was around and suggested they work separately for better efficiency. Shortly after, Roman and Nina arrived at the hotel and were personally greeted by Li Zeliang and Huo Jian.
Elsewhere, Chen Hengsheng expressed his worries about Li Zeliang to Huo Jian, who revealed he had a new pawn: Su Xieyi, who he had discovered was Shen Zhihong's daughter. Huo Jian proposed a plan to ruin Li Zeliang: if Nina, who admired Su Xieyi's cocktails, were to be poisoned by a drink Su Xieyi prepared, it would create a massive scandal.
The blame would fall on Su Xieyi due to her family history with Ouman Group, derailing the auction and securing Chen Hengsheng's position. Huo Jian specified the poison would be in green limes, a key ingredient in Nina's favorite cocktails, and instructed Chen Hengsheng to personally and discreetly handle the preparations. At the auction reception, Li Zeliang reinforced their facade by introducing Su Xieyi as his girlfriend to guests.
He casually remarked on the effectiveness of a toothache medicine he found in their living room, but Su Xieyi feigned ignorance about who bought it. As part of their deception, Chen Hengsheng instructed hotel staff that a specific batch of green limes had "taste issues" and were only for display. While Su Xieyi was preparing a cocktail for Nina, a mix-up occurred when Roman impulsively took a sip of the drink meant for his wife.
At the same time, Oscar approached the bar, took one of the green limes to clean his guitar pick, and left with it. Su Xieyi then prepared a fresh drink for Nina, this time using a yellow lemon at Nina's request for a milder taste. Shortly after, Oscar began his rock performance on stage. However, mid-song, he collapsed with severe abdominal pain, and an ambulance was immediately called. Rumors quickly spread that Oscar's drink might have been poisoned.
Su Xieyi was distraught, realizing the poison was likely intended for Nina. Li Zeliang reassured her that the police had been called and would investigate. He immediately concluded it was a deliberate act designed to target both of them, realizing that if Nina had been the victim, the entire auction would have devolved into a scandal. While Li Zeliang went to appease a furious Roman, he urged Su Xieyi to calmly recall any overlooked details, pledging his unwavering support.
Episode 12 Recap
Roman angrily confronted Li Zeliang, demanding an explanation within one day for the auction's failure, which Li Zeliang had guaranteed would be flawless. Roman warned that if a satisfactory answer was not provided and Fujiade's reputation was damaged, he would immediately withdraw from the exhibition, holding Li Zeliang responsible for all losses. He was particularly alarmed that the poisoned wine consumed by the singer Oscar was originally intended for his wife, underscoring the urgency of the investigation.
Li Zeliang apologized and assured Roman he would uncover the truth. Meanwhile, as Oscar underwent medical checks, Su Xieyi recalled the details of the incident and deduced that the lemons were the source of the poison. At the same time, Huo Jian instructed Chen Hengsheng to eliminate all related evidence. Su Xieyi rushed to a warehouse and saw Chen Hengsheng disposing of a box of lemons.
Realizing this was the evidence, she took Li Zeliang's car keys from Ji Yingsong and pursued Chen Hengsheng, telling Ji Yingsong to inform Li Zeliang she was on the case. Li Zeliang, already searching for her, called frantically. Upon learning she was tailing Chen Hengsheng, he ordered her to send her location and avoid any reckless actions.
Su Xieyi explained her theory that Chen Hengsheng had poisoned the lemons to target Mrs. Roman, who exclusively drank the gin and tonics she prepared. Chen Hengsheng fled with the lemons to an abandoned chemical plant, and Su Xieyi followed him inside, discreetly recording with her phone. She noted the lack of a phone signal, realizing the facility must have a signal jammer to prevent chemical ignition. As she searched, Chen Hengsheng ambushed her from behind, knocking her unconscious.
Panicked, he called Huo Jian, confessing what he had done and expressing his desire to surrender. However, Huo Jian dismissed his fear, calling it a great opportunity. He manipulated Chen Hengsheng, reminding him of their goal and threatening his son's safety if he went to the police. Huo Jian stressed that if Su Xieyi and Li Zeliang missed the next day's press conference, Roman would officially withdraw from the exhibition, leaving them powerless.
Li Zeliang arrived at the factory and found Su Xieyi's phone on the ground. Hearing her faint voice, he rushed to her aid. Just as he reached her, Chen Hengsheng locked them inside the warehouse from the outside. Claiming he was forced into this and meant them no harm, he promised to return to free them later before fleeing.
Elsewhere, Yi Fei expressed her concern for Chen Hengsheng, but Huo Jian was confident, asserting that men entangled in emotional relationships cannot achieve great things, before overpowering her with a kiss. Inside the warehouse, Su Xieyi felt dizzy from chemical fumes. She and Li Zeliang reminisced, with Su Xieyi wishing she could return to the day they first met, which she saw as the beginning of her happiness.
Li Zeliang reassured her that his feelings for her had never changed, confessing that he had never forgotten her and had always hoped for her return. As the toxic fumes intensified, Li Zeliang spotted a pipe leading to a transom window overhead, identifying it as their only escape. He planned to use his rock-climbing skills to ascend the pipe, break the window, and pull Su Xieyi up.
Li Zeliang climbed the pipe and managed to break the transom, but glass shards cut his leg. Despite the painful injury and bleeding hands, he shattered the remaining glass to create a safe passage for Su Xieyi. Once he pulled her to safety, she saw his bleeding leg and insisted on taking him to a hospital, though he tried to downplay the injury. Concurrently, Shi Chuchu learned Oscar's lab report confirmed poisoning by bongkrekic acid.
She immediately arranged a press conference and hired food safety experts to inspect all hotel ingredients, opening the kitchen to guests to restore public confidence. At the hospital, Su Xieyi waited anxiously outside the emergency room, tearfully recalling Li Zeliang's selflessness. The doctor informed her his condition was not critical but revealed a severe, inflamed abrasion on his amputated leg.
The doctor found it strange, noting the injury was inconsistent with a fall, which contradicted what Su Xieyi had been told about the cause of his amputation. In his own room, Oscar feigned severe illness, but Shi Chuchu saw through his act. She confirmed the poison was in his wine, likely from a tainted lemon, and asked him to cooperate with a public clarification. She then asked for the compatibility test results from his phone.
Oscar showed her a 98% match between "Li Zeliang & Shi Chuchu," delighting her, but then admitted he had mistakenly used his own birth details, not Li Zeliang's. Infuriated, Shi Chuchu stormed out. Su Xieyi devotedly cared for Li Zeliang, feeding him milk and oatmeal. He noticed her bracelet was missing, and she explained she had pawned the treasured gift from her father at the hospital's convenience store to buy food, insisting his well-being was more important.
She also brought up the doctor's perplexing comment about his leg injury. Li Zeliang dismissed her concerns, stating he knew his own body and would handle it before playfully telling her to focus on feeding him.
Episode 13 Recap
Su Xieyi tended to Li Zeliang in the hospital, and despite his protests, insisted on washing his face to reciprocate him drying her hair earlier. While she cared for him, Xie Minghao arrived, having been called by Su Xieyi to bring clothes as she had lost her phone. The nurse noted how well Li Zeliang was recovering, adding that Su Xieyi had been exceptionally devoted, waiting outside the operating room all night and refusing treatment for her own wounds.
As Su Xieyi left to meet Xie Minghao, the nurse teased Li Zeliang for already missing her. Outside, Xie Minghao confirmed that Chen Hengsheng was behind the recent incident and that Su Xieyi had narrowly escaped thanks to Li Zeliang. Expressing concern for her hand injury, he urged her to communicate with him before taking risks, reminding her to consider those who cared for her. He then reiterated his commitment to protect her and to help investigate Chen Hengsheng.
Meanwhile, Roman confronted Huo Jian at Yunfeng Hotel, furious that his wife, Nina, could have been poisoned if Oscar had not drunk the gin and tonic first. He demanded a thorough explanation. Huo Jian offered apologies, promising a full investigation and vowing to punish anyone responsible. He attempted to frame the incident as a misunderstanding, but Roman gave him an ultimatum: provide a satisfactory explanation by 2:00 PM that day, or he would terminate their cooperation.
After Roman departed, Shi Chuchu criticized Huo Jian for giving the impression the poisoning was deliberate before the investigation was complete. Huo Jian retorted that he was merely appeasing Roman and blamed Li Zeliang, the project's person in charge, for disappearing. Shi Chuchu immediately called Ji Yingsong, who was searching for Li Zeliang in the suburbs, and emphasized the critical deadline. Shortly after, Li Zeliang called Ji Yingsong, who informed him of Roman’s ultimatum and the imminent shareholders' meeting.
Understanding the urgency, Li Zeliang decided to return immediately to prevent Huo Jian from distorting the truth. Xie Minghao went to the abandoned factory where Su Xieyi had been held. He was there when Chen Hengsheng arrived, terrified after receiving a call from Li Zeliang, who he believed was still trapped. Xie Minghao confronted him, likening his return to a murderer revisiting a crime scene. Chen Hengsheng claimed he was simply looking for the missing Li Zeliang.
Xie Minghao then revealed his investigation into "Chen Weiran," Chen Hengsheng's son. He presented a graduation photo from a prestigious music academy, noting Chen Weiran's absence and implying his academic and career history were fabricated. He threatened to expose the truth, which would ruin Chen Weiran’s future. Desperate, Chen Hengsheng pleaded with Xie Minghao to spare his son, offering to do anything.
Xie Minghao sternly warned that while he didn't care who else Chen Hengsheng targeted, harming Su Xieyi was unacceptable. He demanded Chen Hengsheng take full responsibility for his actions. Back at the hotel, Huo Jian instructed a subordinate to be ready to reveal Su Xieyi’s supposed true identity at the shareholders' meeting. In the meeting, the board criticized Li Zeliang, and Yi Fei presented a report concluding the poisoning was intentional.
She claimed surveillance showed only Su Xieyi touching the drink, making her the prime suspect with Mrs. Roman as the target. Shi Chuchu countered, questioning how they could convict Su Xieyi in her absence and arguing that, as Li Zeliang’s girlfriend, she had no motive. As Huo Jian prepared to reveal Su Xieyi's "other identity," Li Zeliang arrived, announcing Su Xieyi would clarify everything herself.
Su Xieyi explained that the lemon she used had been poisoned by Chen Hengsheng before she mixed the drink. She presented Oscar’s guitar pick, which had turned black after he used the poisoned lemon to clean it. She recounted how she and Li Zeliang followed Chen Hengsheng when he tried to dispose of the evidence, only to be trapped by him in a warehouse. Li Zeliang added they had narrowly escaped.
When some board members remained skeptical, Xie Minghao entered with Chen Hengsheng, who immediately confessed to poisoning the drink. He stated his target was Mrs. Roman, and his goal was to sabotage the auction and frame Li Zeliang. When Shi Chuchu pressed him to name his backer, Chen Hengsheng, under a threatening glare from Huo Jian, insisted he acted alone, claiming his position at the hotel was threatened by Li Zeliang's return.
He admitted to trapping them but denied intending to harm them. Li Zeliang denounced his actions and instructed Huo Jian to hand him over to the police, vowing to see the auction through. After the meeting, as Roman prepared to file a lawsuit, Li Zeliang explained that Oscar’s collapse was due to food poisoning from expired food, not a deliberate attack. Roman, whose main goal was for the auction to proceed, accepted this explanation and agreed to continue the cooperation.
Later, Shi Chuchu confronted Li Zeliang, certain Huo Jian was the true mastermind. She asked about the "other identity" of Su Xieyi that Huo Jian had mentioned. Li Zeliang dismissed it as an attempt to undermine him. Shi Chuchu warned him that continuing his "act" with Su Xieyi was dangerous and suggested that separating from her would be the best choice.
Li Zeliang thanked her for her concern, assuring her they would make mature decisions, and asked for her help in issuing a final statement after Chen Hengsheng's conviction. Separately, Su Xieyi asked Ji Yingsong for the contact information of Li Zeliang's doctor. She explained that his leg was inflamed and, feeling guilty because he was injured while protecting her, she wanted to learn how to care for him better. Meanwhile, Li Zeliang revealed his master plan to a subordinate.
He confirmed that Chen Hengsheng taking the fall was too easy for Huo Jian. He then revealed that the "artworks" Huo Jian had acquired for the hotel years ago were actually fakes. Huo Jian had convinced Li Zeliang's father to purchase them, pocketing the funds himself. Li Zeliang's aggressive pursuit of the auction was a strategic move to exhibit these fakes, knowing the art experts present would expose Huo Jian's fraud and ruin his reputation. He instructed his subordinate to ensure the counterfeits arrived at the venue the next day.
Episode 14 Recap
Li Zeliang went to a pawnshop to redeem a bracelet belonging to Su Xieyi, only to find Xie Minghao already there. A bidding war erupted between the two men over the bracelet, with the price escalating from a few hundred yuan to an astonishing 40,000 yuan. Su Xieyi arrived and stopped their "auction," insisting she would redeem her own property.
She reminded the owner of her story about her boyfriend being in the emergency room and teased him, suggesting the two men's bidding war had been a ploy that left him flustered. She then calmly offered the promised 200 yuan extra, which the owner, realizing he had been played, quickly accepted. Afterwards, Su Xieyi chastised both Li Zeliang and Xie Minghao for their absurd behavior. Xie Minghao asked to speak with Li Zeliang privately.
He warned that a mastermind was manipulating events behind Chen Heng Sheng, and their true target was Li Zeliang. He expressed deep concern for Su Xieyi's safety, noting she had been lucky to escape harm twice. Admitting he felt responsible for her being in danger since he agreed to her return to China, Xie Minghao revealed his plan to take her away from the city.
Li Zeliang, acknowledging the danger, agreed that leaving was the best option for her safety, but vowed to personally bring her back once everything was resolved. Later, Su Xieyi learned from Dr. Zhu that her sister, Xie Qing, was ready to be discharged. Xie Minghao arrived and explained that Xie Qing's condition had improved significantly. He proposed taking her to Germany for recuperation and asked Su Xieyi to accompany them.
Su Xieyi hesitated, wanting to stay and help Li Zeliang now that they knew Huo Jian was behind her family company's bankruptcy. In response, Xie Minghao revealed that Huo Jian had already discovered her true identity as the daughter of Zhiwei's former owner. He played a recording of a conversation with Chen Heng Sheng, who confessed that framing Su Xieyi was intended to sabotage the auction and weaken Li Zeliang.
Chen also revealed that Su Xieyi's identity made her a "thorn Huo Jian must get rid of." Xie Minghao argued that her presence put Li Zeliang in greater danger, as she could be used as leverage against him. Reluctantly, Su Xieyi agreed to leave, but insisted on one more meeting first. She met with Shi Chuchu to ask about Li Zeliang's leg injury.
Shi Chuchu claimed not to know the details, only that Li Zeliang said it was a rock-climbing accident, though doctors found the injury inconsistent with a fall. Shi Chuchu then advised Su Xieyi to leave Ocean and, more importantly, Li Zeliang, for his own well-being. Highlighting her and her father's bank's critical importance to Ocean's finances, she argued that true love meant letting go and urged Su Xieyi to make the sensible choice.
Upon returning to the apartment, Su Xieyi found Li Zeliang had prepared crab roe noodles. He also urged her to leave with Xie Minghao the next day, explaining that Huo Jian would be too focused on him and the auction to pursue her. Li Zeliang reminisced about first meeting her on a mountain two years ago and expressed his regret for not finding her sooner.
He promised that this time, he would not let her go and would find her once the danger passed. They spent the evening watching a romantic movie, with an emotional Su Xieyi staying up late. The next morning, she packed her bags and left while Li Zeliang was in another room. From the window, he silently watched her car drive away.
Meanwhile, Huo Jian instructed Yi Fei to ensure that if Li Zeliang moved any of the hotel's artworks, he would be held fully responsible for any issues, confident their trap was set. On the way to the airport, Xie Minghao spoke with Dr. Zhu and was happy to hear of Xie Qing's good recovery, sharing his hope that the three of them could live abroad together. He briefly stepped out to buy Su Xieyi a drink.
In his absence, Su Xieyi received a call from Dr. Wu, Li Zeliang's doctor. The doctor revealed the true cause of Li Zeliang's injury: two years ago, he had saved someone from a suicide attempt, and his leg was severely cut. Due to heavy rain and massive blood loss, the wound became infected, necessitating an amputation. Tragically, the person he saved still died, rendering his sacrifice seemingly pointless.
Stunned by this revelation, Su Xieyi immediately abandoned the car and ran back. When Xie Minghao returned, he found her gone and realized with a heavy heart that she had returned to Li Zeliang and that he had lost her. At the auction, Huo Jian smugly told Li Zeliang he had anticipated his every move, but Li Zeliang replied that the feeling was mutual. Li Zeliang led Huo Jian to a private room filled with artworks.
He revealed that the delivery Huo Jian had been tracking was a decoy. The real art, including pieces Huo Jian had corruptly purchased, was here. The warehouse Huo Jian had arranged to be burned contained only junk. Li Zeliang then confronted his uncle, detailing how his father had entrusted him with acquiring art, but Huo Jian had pocketed most of the multi-million-yuan budget. He finished by suggesting that his father's death might have occurred because he had discovered Huo Jian's treachery.
Episode 15 Recap
Li Zeliang confronted Huo Jian, asserting that his father's death was likely a consequence of discovering Huo Jian's true nature. He revealed his knowledge of the fraudulent artworks Huo Jian had acquired with company funds, threatening to expose them to the experts at the event and shatter Huo Jian's carefully cultivated image. When Huo Jian demanded to know his terms, Li Zeliang presented a declaration.
Contrasting his directness with Huo Jian's past deceit in acquiring his father's shares, he gave Huo Jian a choice: face public humiliation or sign the declaration, which stipulated Huo Jian's voluntary resignation as chairman of Ocean Group and his recommendation of Li Zeliang as his successor. As the successful auction concluded, Su Xieyi unexpectedly returned, having rushed back after a revealing phone call from Dr. Wu.
She had learned that Li Zeliang's leg injury was from two years prior, sustained while saving someone on a rainy day. Realizing it was the day her father died, she confronted Li Zeliang about saving her father, Uncle Shen. Li Zeliang's memory flashed back to finding a distraught Uncle Shen on a rooftop, suicidal over a ruinous contract with Huo Jian and its insurmountable penalty fees. Despite Li Zeliang's desperate attempt to save him, Uncle Shen leaped to his death.
Now understanding that rain and rust had infected Li Zeliang's wound that day, causing permanent damage, Su Xieyi was overwhelmed with guilt and profusely apologized for having wrongly blamed and mistreated him. Li Zeliang gently told her not to blame herself but advised her to leave for her safety, explaining that Huo Jian was far more dangerous than she imagined and was likely involved in his father's suspicious death.
He recounted a final phone call from his father warning him about Huo Jian, followed by his father's sudden death and the suspicious transfer of 10% of the company's shares to Huo Jian. Li Zeliang revealed he was searching for a missing "spider" cleaner named Liu Ah Wei, who was working on the building the day his father died and may have been a witness. Since Huo Jian was also looking for him, the search was perilous.
Resolved, Su Xieyi refused to leave, vowing to become Li Zeliang's armor and face their common enemy together. Later, Oscar reminisced with Shi Chuchu about their music club's graduation performance. He recalled that she was an excellent drummer who, as she admitted, had only joined because of Li Zeliang and quit after he left. Oscar encouraged her to be brave and explore, embodying the "spirit of rock and roll."
Inspired by Su Xieyi's courage, Shi Chuchu, reflecting on her own fear of failure, resolved to be braver in pursuing what she wanted. Su Xieyi called Xie Minghao to apologize for her abrupt departure, explaining that she had returned to Li Zeliang after learning his leg was injured while saving her father. Feigning concern, Xie Minghao expressed his relief that she was safe.
He then recalled the first time he met Su Xieyi, when he brought her sister Su Xieqing to Uncle Shen's house. At an arcade, after seeing Su Xieyi fail to win a doll, he won one for her, but Su Xieqing assumed it was for her and happily took it, leaving him in an awkward position. Ying Song reported a lead on Liu Ah Wei to Li Zeliang.
Hospital records showed a patient named Liu Xiao Xiao, whose family signature was Liu Ah Wei's. The surgery occurred a month after he vanished. While the patient's phone number was disconnected, their address was listed as the small town of Yun'an. Deducing the family had relocated there, Li Zeliang instructed Ying Song to investigate the town with extreme caution, warning him that Huo Jian, resentful after being forced to resign, would be on high alert.
At a company meeting, Huo Jian shocked everyone by announcing his immediate resignation as chairman and withdrawal from the upcoming re-election, recommending Li Zeliang as his successor. He claimed it was time for a break now that Li Zeliang was ready. Meanwhile, Shi Chuchu summoned Su Xieyi to her office and formally declared her intention to compete for Li Zeliang.
An employee delivering documents overheard their conversation and spread the gossip, with colleagues generally agreeing that Shi Chuchu was a better match for Li Zeliang. Over a meal, Su Xieyi questioned Huo Jian's easy surrender. Li Zeliang explained he had blackmailed him with the art fraud evidence but assured her that the real goal was to prove Huo Jian's guilt in his father's murder, noting that Ying Song was close to finding Liu Ah Wei.
When Shi Chuchu messaged Li Zeliang to arrange a dinner with her father, Su Xieyi showed a flicker of jealousy. Li Zeliang playfully reassured her, dismissing his "childhood sweetheart" connection with Shi Chuchu and declaring that no matter how outstanding she was, Su Xieyi was the only one he loved. Content, she declined his offer to join the dinner. Separately, Yi Fei questioned Huo Jian's willingness to give up the chairman position.
He revealed his true ambition was to become Ocean Group's largest shareholder, not hold a title. Yi Fei, knowing Oscar was helping Li Zeliang find Liu Ah Wei, proposed a plan: feed Li Zeliang false information to lure him into a trap. She ominously suggested that if his leg were re-injured, he could be incapacitated for a long time, making it impossible for him to take the chairman's seat. Reminding Huo Jian it was his birthday and he had promised her a surprise, she urged him to take charge of the plan.
Episode 16 Recap
Office staff engage in lively discussions, speculating about Li Zeliang's potential partners. They overwhelmingly believe Shi Chuchu is the better match, considering her family background, appearance, and past successes in projects. Many cast their votes for her, and a colleague informs Shi Chuchu of the popular sentiment. Though she feigns indifference, she is clearly pleased, then calls a hotel to arrange for their finest red wine to be decanted for table 28 that evening.
Meanwhile, Su Xieyi visits Xie Minghao at his law firm to apologize for a previous abrupt departure. She then seeks his legal advice on the definition of murder, revealing that Li Zeliang, whom she refers to as "A Yan," suspects foul play in his father's death, with Huo Jian being the prime suspect. Xie Minghao explains the need for clear intent and critical evidence.
He offers his assistance and proposes a dinner gathering at Su Xieyi's home the following day, as her sister Su Xieqing is recovering well. Su Xieyi agrees, touched by his and her sister's constant companionship, which makes her feel that her family remains intact. Xie Minghao reciprocates, stating that their presence brings him happiness. Later that evening, Shi Chuchu meets Li Zeliang at the hotel, which she had initially booked under her father's name.
When Li Zeliang inquires about her father, she reveals he won't be joining, admitting that she wanted to create an opportunity for herself. She confesses her long-held feelings for him, explaining how she meticulously prepares for everything and never fights a losing battle, yet confessing to him is the one exception.
She describes her deep admiration, recalling how she transferred to his high school, studied hotel management, and joined the music club all for him, only for him to unexpectedly join the mountaineering club. She admits she believed her silent presence would eventually convey her feelings, but Su Xieyi's arrival made her realize she might be wrong. Despite this, she declares her love for him, needing to give closure to her years of affection.
Back at home, Su Xieyi reflects on Li Zeliang and Shi Chuchu, wondering when Li Zeliang will return. At that moment, Ji Yingsong arrives at Li Zeliang's door, but finding him absent, he leaves quickly, leaving Su Xieyi puzzled by his strange behavior. Li Zeliang gently rejects Shi Chuchu, explaining that he never believed in love at first sight until he met Su Xieyi while climbing a mountain.
He realized then that such seemingly abstract notions of love held true meaning. He acknowledges Shi Chuchu's strong will, suggesting her singular focus might have caused her to miss other "sceneries" and her own destined "mountain top" where her true match awaits. Shi Chuchu understands this as a clear refusal but remains resolute, declaring she will not retract her confession and will continue to like him, asserting that no one can predict the final outcome.
They agree to remain friends and colleagues. Oscar secretly meets with Li Zeliang, revealing he has located "Spider," also known as Liu Ah Wei, who is hiding in the city from creditors. Oscar confirms Liu Ah Wei's identity and provides his contact number. Li Zeliang calls Liu Ah Wei, who demands 50,000 in cash, handed over in person, and insists Li Zeliang come alone within an hour to a specific location, threatening to cut contact if he plays any tricks.
Li Zeliang agrees and sets off alone, despite Oscar's apprehension. At a desolate parking lot, Oscar, concerned for his safety, follows him. He witnesses men, led by a man named "Chai Huo," ambushing Li Zeliang. Oscar shouts a warning, but Li Zeliang is struck by an iron rod.
Shortly after, Yi Fei contacts Huo Jian, confirming their plan was successful and Li Zeliang's leg is now severely injured, expecting him to be bedridden for at least a year and a half. Huo Jian then confirms with Chai Huo, who assures him the task is complete before going into hiding in his hometown. Su Xieyi and Shi Chuchu both receive calls informing them that Li Zeliang is recuperating at home from his injuries.
Yi Fei also relays this news to Huo Jian. Everyone rushes to Li Zeliang's residence. Huo Jian arrives, feigning deep concern and questioning why Li Zeliang was not taken to a hospital. Ji Yingsong explains that Li Zeliang suffered a targeted attack, and since the assailant has not been caught and there are no surveillance cameras, it was safer to have a trusted private doctor, Dr. Wu, treat him at home.
Dr. Wu briefly updates them on Li Zeliang's condition, stating his injuries are under control but he remains in a coma. Still suspicious, Huo Jian, under the guise of concern for Li Zeliang’s appearance, briefly lifts the bandages from his face to confirm the injury. Upon seeing a genuine wound, he leaves for company matters. Shi Chuchu chases after Huo Jian, directly accusing him of involvement, noting his sudden resignation announcement followed by Li Zeliang's injury.
Huo Jian denies any connection, suggesting the attack might be related to the auction where Li Zeliang made enemies. He promises to exact revenge on whoever is responsible. Separately, Yi Fei confirms to an associate that Li Zeliang appears genuinely injured and advises continued monitoring. After Huo Jian departs, Su Xieyi expresses her deep worry for Li Zeliang, reminding his unconscious form of their shared plan to confront Huo Jian.
Ji Yingsong enters, confirming Huo Jian's departure but noting Yi Fei remains outside. Li Zeliang then abruptly sits up and unwraps his bandages, revealing he is completely unharmed, shocking both Su Xieyi and Shi Chuchu. He explains he knew the "Liu Ah Wei" who contacted him was an imposter because Ji Yingsong had previously informed him that the real Liu Ah Wei was in poor health and did not have a son—a fact the imposter failed to recognize.
Li Zeliang used this knowledge to play along with the trap, turning it into a counter-plan against Huo Jian with the help of Dr. Wu. He tasks Oscar with remaining bandaged to impersonate the injured Li Zeliang and deceive Huo Jian, buying time to find the real Liu Ah Wei. Su Xieyi insists on accompanying him, reminding him of their promise to face everything together.
Li Zeliang agrees, and they devise a plan: Li Zeliang will disguise himself as Oscar, and Su Xieyi will pretend to be Shi Chuchu, allowing them to openly leave past Yi Fei's watchful eye. Su Xieyi calls Xie Minghao to cancel their dinner plans, explaining that she and Li Zeliang have an urgent business trip to gather crucial evidence against Huo Jian.
Xie Minghao expresses anger, especially after just bringing Su Xieqing home from the hospital, and warns Su Xieyi of the danger. He demands to speak to Li Zeliang and tells him not to involve Su Xieyi further, claiming she is only participating out of guilt for her father, since Li Zeliang's leg was injured saving him. He questions whether her actions are truly for Li Zeliang.
Li Zeliang defends Su Xieyi’s free will but promises Xie Minghao that he will bring her back safely. As they depart, Li Zeliang checks a map, noting the real Liu Ah Wei's location is about 400 kilometers away. Su Xieyi appears troubled but denies it when asked. Li Zeliang observes her quietly, reflecting while talking to a small doll that while its spirit might want to "fly away," he will ensure she remains by his side.
Episode 17 Recap
Su Xieqing sat in a room, tenderly adjusting a doll and whispering for it to be well-behaved. Xie Minghao approached, remarking with a hidden meaning that the doll was not well-behaved and wanted to fly away, but he would ensure Su Xieyi remained by their side forever. He then offered Xie Qing a bowl of lotus seed and pig heart soup, explaining that the doctor said it would help her mind.
He spoke to her about her recovery, expressing his hope that she would one day call his name and share her secrets as she used to. Despite his efforts, Xie Qing clutched her doll, showing no signs of recognition. Meanwhile, Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi, continuing their search for Liu Ah Wei from the previous night, arrived in Nanfeng Village based on a tip from a store owner who said Ah Wei had been unwell and absent for two months.
Upon arriving, they saw a man passionately live-streaming about his homemade honey, humorously referring to himself as a "transporter of wild bees." As they watched, a young girl, Liu Xiao Xiao, nearly got hit by an electric tricycle. Su Xieyi swiftly pulled her to safety and warned her to be careful. The honey seller, witnessing the rescue, praised Su Xieyi’s kindness and tried to sell them honey.
After some playful negotiation, Li Zeliang purchased some and asked the seller for directions to Liu Ah Wei's house. Following the directions, they arrived at Liu Ah Wei's home, only to discover a memorial tablet, indicating his recent death. His wife, Li Xia, confirmed that Ah Wei had died two months prior from alcohol poisoning. Mistaking them for creditors, she declared that any debts died with him. However, Xiao Xiao then appeared, recognizing Su Xieyi as her rescuer.
Li Xia's demeanor immediately softened, and she expressed deep gratitude, inviting them inside. She explained that Xiao Xiao's cochlear implant had broken once before, making her reluctant to wear it for fear of damaging it again, which led to the near-accident. Inside, Su Xieyi discovered Xiao Xiao was secretly listening to music. When asked, Xiao Xiao revealed her father had bought the expensive implant two years ago and that her mother mentioned he moved them suddenly after seeing something terrifying.
Overhearing this, Li Xia abruptly ended the conversation, accusing them of tricking her daughter and insisting they leave. As they left, Su Xieyi speculated that Liu Ah Wei must have witnessed something related to Huo Jian, which frightened him into moving and that he might have been a witness to her father's death. She believed Li Xia was hiding something and suggested they find another opportunity to get closer to Xiao Xiao.
Meanwhile, Huo Jian infiltrated Li Zeliang's home and found Oscar impersonating him in bed. Huo Jian then discovered a hidden room filled with rock climbing equipment and strategic plans, revealing Li Zeliang's deception. Shortly after, Huo Jian received a message from Xie Minghao, informing him that Li Zeliang had found the "Spider's" whereabouts in Nanfeng Village and advising him to stop them to save himself.
Li Zeliang received a call from Ji Yingsong, who apologized for Huo Jian discovering the secret room. Unconcerned, Li Zeliang noted that Huo Jian only knew he wasn't injured, not his location, making Huo Jian the one who should be panicking. Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi checked into a hotel. Su Xieyi initially wanted a second-floor room, but after Li Zeliang expressed his willingness to take the stairs for her, she changed her mind, choosing a cozier first-floor room instead.
Later, concerned about Li Zeliang’s leg, Su Xieyi called Ji Yingsong to learn how to give him a hot compress and massage. During the call, she stated that she felt a duty to care for him since his injury was because of her father, but added that she also truly loved him and wanted him by her side forever.
Li Zeliang, overhearing only the first part of her statement, misunderstood her intentions, believing she was only with him out of a sense of obligation. Returning to the room, a troubled Li Zeliang coldly told Su Xieyi to move to the second floor, claiming he didn't need her pity or for her to repay any debt. When she returned with a basin to soak his feet, his mood worsened, and he insisted she leave.
Realizing his misunderstanding, Su Xieyi defiantly refused to go, lying on the bed. Frustrated, Li Zeliang decided to leave himself but kept returning, having forgotten his toiletries and then his game console. Su Xieyi playfully asked what else he forgot, to which a softened Li Zeliang admitted, "I forgot you." Su Xieyi then confessed that while she felt guilty about his leg, her feelings were not just an obligation.
She explained that his injured leg reminded her of the man she loved who had desperately tried to save her father. She expressed her deep love for him, recalling their shared memories like the "starry night kiss" photo and the paper-cut sky he made, and declared she wanted to be with him always. Deeply moved, Li Zeliang embraced her, apologized for his misunderstanding, and promised never to leave her again.
Later, Huo Jian arrived in the village and paid the honey seller for information on Li Zeliang's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi revisited Liu Ah Wei's house. Li Zeliang confronted Li Xia with the fact that Liu Ah Wei, who had only been a high-rise window cleaner for less than a year, couldn't have legitimately earned the nearly half a million yuan needed for their house and Xiao Xiao's expensive cochlear implant.
Agitated, Li Xia insisted the money was legitimate but admitted that Ah Wei would get angry whenever she asked about it, so she stopped. Pleading with them to leave her family in peace, she maintained her ignorance. Afterward, they encountered the honey seller again, who revealed that Xiao Xiao's hearing loss was due to a high fever, not congenital, and that she loves to sing but is reluctant to do so. Just then, Xiao Xiao appeared.
Su Xieyi comforted her about her off-key singing, which she was ridiculed for, explaining that her mother forbade it to protect her from being hurt. Su Xieyi then invited Xiao Xiao to be their tour guide, and the three spent a happy afternoon together, with Xiao Xiao amused by their playful romantic banter.
Episode 18 Recap
While buying drinks, Xiao Xiao politely greets Huo Jian. Afterwards, she joins Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi. Seeing his prosthetic limb, Li Zeliang explains to Xiao Xiao that he lost his leg two years prior due to a severe clostridial myonecrosis infection from a rusty pipe. He had been in deep despair, believing he could never rock climb again, a passion that was an inseparable part of his life and even led to him meeting Su Xieyi.
He recounts how watching a sunrise alone after his injury reminded him of his promise to watch one with Su Xieyi, which fueled his resolve to recover. When Xiao Xiao asks if he minds others' opinions, Li Zeliang states that only his loved one's view matters; if she sees him as normal, then he is. Xiao Xiao wishes her own mother was as understanding.
Su Xieyi reassures her that her mother's concern stems from love but encourages Xiao Xiao to be strong, as she must learn to protect herself. Li Zeliang then encourages her to pursue singing, promising they will support her. Meanwhile, one of Huo Jian's henchmen searches the area for Liu Ah Wei's house but finds no information. In the city, Oscar complains about Shi Chuchu's lateness.
When she appears, he reprimands her for her lack of professionalism in their ruse to deceive Huo Jian, warning that her showing up empty-handed would arouse suspicion. He demands she bring soup and grapes the next day. Later, Shi Chuchu confronts Oscar, revealing that Ji Yingsong told her Huo Jian was already aware of Li Zeliang's feigned injury.
Oscar admits the ruse is exposed but claims he genuinely twisted his ankle while trying to stop Huo Jian from discovering Li Zeliang's secret room. He also informs her that Huo Jian is now in Yun'an, causing her to worry about Li Zeliang, but Oscar reassures her that Ji Yingsong is also there. Xiao Xiao leaves a note for her mother, stating her decision to sing by the riverside where her father often took her.
With encouragement from Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi, she performs using a microphone rented from a honey vendor, who promises to gift it to her if she does well. As she sings, she draws a crowd, and her mother arrives, deeply touched. Her mother tearfully apologizes for discouraging her passion and promises her full support.
Grateful to Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi, she reveals that Liu Ah Wei left behind a USB drive before his death, promising to give it to them in the morning. Unbeknownst to them, Huo Jian’s henchman observes this and reports back to Huo Jian, who orders his men to tail them. That evening, Su Xieyi and Li Zeliang discuss the USB drive, believing it contains crucial evidence.
They share a tender moment, reflecting on how their initial plan to get information evolved into a genuine desire to help Xiao Xiao. Li Zeliang recalls a night under a similar starry sky two years ago, when he listened to music on a mountaintop with "a girl," teasingly confessing to Su Xieyi that he has spent his life waiting for her. Unseen by them, Xie Minghao watches from a distance, pained by their closeness.
Elsewhere, Huo Jian's henchman confirms Liu Ah Wei's death, which Huo Jian considers good news, deciding to wait before acting. Later, Li Zeliang spots Huo Jian at a hotel and rushes back to warn Su Xieyi. Deducing that Huo Jian has just arrived, he concludes they are safe for the night but must retrieve the USB drive early the next morning.
The next morning, Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi arrive at Xiao Xiao's house, surprised to find Xie Minghao already there, posing as Li Zeliang's concerned uncle. As Madam Xia serves them breakfast, Huo Jian enters, having been tipped off by Xie Minghao. As Madam Xia goes to retrieve the USB drive, Su Xieyi whispers to Xiao Xiao, who then fruitlessly tries to convince her mother not to hand it over.
When questioned by Huo Jian, Su Xieyi cryptically tells the story of Little Red Riding Hood, implying he is the wolf. As Madam Xia brings out the USB drive, one of Huo Jian’s men snatches it and throws it into a fire. Li Zeliang calmly states that the culprit won't escape, having anticipated this and stationed Ji Yingsong outside. Moments later, both Li Zeliang and Huo Jian receive calls confirming the evidence has been destroyed.
Huo Jian smugly declares victory, but Li Zeliang retorts that their story is far from over. After Huo Jian leaves, Ji Yingsong helps an injured Xie Minghao back. Madam Xia explains that Xie Minghao sprained his elbow while trying to protect Xiao Xiao during the scuffle and offers to make him soup. Later, Li Zeliang privately questions Ji Yingsong, who denies having informed Xie Minghao of their location, deepening Li Zeliang’s suspicions.
Su Xieyi brings the soup to Xie Minghao, comforting him over the lost USB drive, and they confirm that Liu Ah Wei left no other clues. Li Zeliang then requests a private conversation with Xie Minghao. Meanwhile, Yi Fei presses Huo Jian about their marriage, believing that with the evidence destroyed, he is secure enough to fulfill his promise. Huo Jian dismisses her, stating that weaknesses, like Su Xieyi is to Li Zeliang, lead to ruin.
He accuses her of being greedy, but she reminds him of the promise he made when she aborted their child, clarifying she only wants a legitimate title. Huo Jian insists the time is not yet right and he will marry her only when he is truly free of all risks.
Episode 19 Recap
After sending Su Xieyi away, Li Zeliang questioned Xie Minghao about his sudden appearance in the remote town. Xie Minghao explained that he had seen an online video of Su Xieyi rescuing Xiao Xiao and used the honey seller's address to find them. He claimed he arrived just as Xiao Xiao was being attacked, which is how he got injured.
Although his story was plausible, Li Zeliang remained suspicious, admitting that his uncle Huo Jian's betrayal had made him wary of everyone. Alone, Xie Minghao recalled a past encounter at the hospital. A doctor had advised him that Li Kuo Hai was in a fragile mental state and should not be disturbed. Shortly after, he ran into Liu Ah Wei, a window cleaner to whom he had previously provided legal aid for his daughter Xiao Xiao’s hearing issues.
A distraught Liu Ah Wei showed Xie Minghao a video he had accidentally recorded while working, which captured a powerful figure, Huo Jian, removing Li Kuo Hai's oxygen mask. Warning Liu Ah Wei of the danger of reporting such a man, Xie Minghao preyed on his desperation for money for Xiao Xiao's cochlear implant. He offered to handle the video as a lawyer and advance the reward money.
Liu Ah Wei handed over the USB drive, insisting he had no backups, and agreed to leave the city immediately for his family's safety. However, Xie Minghao harbored a ruthless private thought, vowing to eliminate Liu Ah Wei if he had lied about not having a copy. While recovering at Liu Ah Wei's home, Xie Minghao questioned Liu's wife, Madam Xia, about the USB drive.
Grateful for his help with Xiao Xiao, she confessed she knew nothing of its contents, as her husband had forbidden her from looking and she was not tech-savvy. She confirmed it was the only USB drive he owned and that he had no close friends. She only remembered him once drunkenly mentioning he had witnessed something terrifying, which prompted their abrupt move to the secluded town.
As Li Zeliang was reassuring Su Xieyi that they would find another clue, Xiao Xiao appeared and presented them with the very USB drive they were searching for. Madam Xia tried to send them away, but Xiao Xiao bravely explained that she had swapped the real USB drive with a fake one when her mother initially refused to hand it over.
Therefore, the drive her mother later gave them, which was snatched and destroyed by Huo Jian's men, was the fake. Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi praised Xiao Xiao's cleverness, and Su Xieyi remarked that miracles happen to those who don't give up. The next morning, Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi rushed back to the city. During breakfast, Ji Yingsong's assistant accidentally revealed to Xie Minghao that they had found new evidence, leaving Xie Minghao visibly stunned.
Li Zeliang immediately called Shi Chuchu, telling her he had definitive proof of Huo Jian's crimes and to meet him with her laptop. Huo Jian was complacently playing badminton with Ocean Hotel shareholders when Li Zeliang arrived to confront him. Declaring Huo Jian the "biggest termite" in the company, Li Zeliang systematically exposed his years of embezzlement.
He detailed how Huo Jian had enabled real estate speculation, ordered the sale of fake liquor, and used the group's name to acquire fraudulent art, pocketing eighty percent of the millions spent. When Huo Jian tried to deny it, Li Zeliang revealed the profits were funneled to a company named Kaixing, whose legal representative was the brother of his secretary, Yi Fei. Stunned, Yi Fei admitted the connection but feigned ignorance.
Su Xieyi warned her that Huo Jian only saw her as a disposable pawn. As Huo Jian threatened them, Li Zeliang presented the ultimate proof: the video of Huo Jian murdering his father, Li Kuo Hai, to fraudulently obtain his shares. As the police arrived, Huo Jian begged Yi Fei to stay silent, promising to protect her brother. However, Shi Chuchu urged Yi Fei to cooperate. Yi Fei tearfully asked Huo Jian if he had ever truly loved her.
After a manipulative assurance of love, he shamelessly begged her to take the fall for everything, including forcing him to commit murder. Realizing the depth of his betrayal, Yi Fei slapped him. As the police led him away, Huo Jian shouted to Su Xieyi that the true mastermind who forced him to target Zhiwei was someone called "K of Spades." Feeling the turn of events was surreal, Su Xieyi became fixated on the "K of Spades" comment.
Li Zeliang initially dismissed it as a final, desperate lie. However, he later discussed it with Ji Yingsong, conceding that Huo Jian's motive for attacking Zhiwei had always seemed weak. They agreed to investigate "K of Spades," fearing Su Xieyi could be in danger if such a person existed. Meanwhile, Xie Minghao called Su Xieyi to arrange a meeting after seeing the news. Li Zeliang accompanied her and, upon arrival, sent her to buy fruit.
Alone with Xie Minghao, he directly questioned whether his devotion to her sister was from love or a sense of responsibility. Xie Minghao recounted how a young Su Xieqing had bravely defended him from bullies, cementing his vow to protect her. When Li Zeliang probed for information on old enemies of Zhiwei Group, Xie Minghao invoked his professional ethics as a lawyer and refused to discuss client affairs.
Later, Li Zeliang asked Su Xieyi to move in with him for her safety. She hesitated, explaining that while they were a couple, it felt like a "missing piece" was needed before they could take that step. Determined to provide that missing piece, Li Zeliang enlisted Oscar to help plan a romantic proposal.
Oscar, an expert in romance, explained that a grand confession was like a straw for bubble tea, needed to draw out the love hidden at the bottom of her heart. He promised to create the perfect setting at his venue, telling Li Zeliang to bring Su Xieyi the next evening at 7 PM.
Episode 20 Recap
Uncertain about how to confess his feelings, Li Zeliang sought advice from Ji Yingsong, who admitted he had no experience in dating. Ji Yingsong then brought Li Zeliang to meet Lin Xing Ran, a colleague. Li Zeliang, wanting a quick solution, pressed her for immediate advice. Lin Xing Ran suggested he skip the usual stages of getting to know someone and jump straight to "episode eight" of an idol drama, where grand confessions typically occur.
Li Zeliang seemed to understand, thanked her by paying for her order, and quickly left to put his plan into action. Meanwhile, Oscar was busy setting up his bar for a grand love confession, complete with music, lights, and balloons. He revealed to his staff that the event was for Su Xieyi, marking 752 days since he first met her beneath a tree. His plan was for the staff to initiate the display when he smashed a glass.
While practicing the gesture, Shi Chuchu unexpectedly arrived. Oscar quickly feigned a leg injury, hoping to deter her. Shi Chuchu, believing his leg was still injured, offered to make him bone soup and questioned the elaborate decorations in his bar. At this critical moment, Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi arrived. Oscar accidentally knocked over a vase, which the staff mistook for his signal.
Immediately, music swelled, lights flashed, and balloons dropped, transforming the scene into a public declaration of love from Oscar to Shi Chuchu. Caught off guard, Su Xieyi realized Li Zeliang had brought her there to witness what seemed to be Oscar's confession. Li Zeliang, embarrassed by the misunderstanding, quickly led Su Xieyi away. Oscar, in turn, tried to explain to Shi Chuchu.
However, Shi Chuchu cut him off, revealing she already knew his leg had healed and had sensed his feelings for her. She told him directly that she was not ready to consider a new relationship. Panicked by her directness, Oscar denied that he was confessing to her. He claimed the entire setup was actually for Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi, expressing regret for having ruined his friend's big moment. His denial left Shi Chuchu feeling foolish, and she ran off.
Later, Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi went to dinner. Li Zeliang subtly tried to look up confession tips on his phone, but Su Xieyi saw it and took his phone. She revealed that she had already guessed his intentions at Oscar’s bar, having noticed the number "752" displayed there, which was the exact number of days since they had met on the hill. Li Zeliang apologized for the botched confession, but Su Xieyi assured him she wasn't upset.
She told him that his true confessions had already occurred many times over, citing instances like him carrying her to the hospital after she was injured, embracing her at the noodle shop, allowing her to call him "A Yan"—a name reserved for those closest to him—and bravely clearing broken glass to pull her from a dangerous basement. Overwhelmed by his continuous acts of love, Su Xieyi declared that she wanted to be the one to formally confess.
She then asked Li Zeliang if he would be her boyfriend, promising to protect him for the rest of her life. Moved, Li Zeliang readily accepted, and they shared a tender embrace and kiss. Feeling responsible for Shi Chuchu's sadness, Oscar tracked her down and found her drinking alone. He took her to a smash room, a place where they could vent their frustrations by breaking objects.
After a session of therapeutic destruction, Oscar offered her milk tea and advised her that while effort in studies or work usually guarantees results, love is different, but a heartfelt attempt always creates a good memory. Shi Chuchu admitted that this form of release was far more effective than drinking, and she felt much better. Oscar then asked her to be a drummer for his upcoming performance for a music producer, to which she agreed.
He playfully pondered whether offering her an annual membership to the smash room might awaken a violent side in her. Back at Li Zeliang's home, Su Xieyi helped tidy up. They shared a sweet moment, reflecting on raising Chestnut, a hedgehog that had accompanied Li Zeliang through difficult times, comparing its softening spines to his own change when he met her. Su Xieyi then discovered a box containing carving tools.
Li Zeliang explained that his father had taught him seal carving as a child to instill patience, a hobby he abandoned after his father's death. Su Xieyi asked him to teach her and to carve their names together into a seal, calling it "Liang Yan Xie Yi," symbolizing that "both Ze Liang and Yan belong to Su Xie Yi." She then expressed her desire to use the seal at all the places they had visited together.
Li Zeliang, taking her hand, playfully stated that as his "lady boss," she should start doing "lady boss" things, and then carried her into the bedroom. Another day, Su Xieyi and Li Zeliang were engrossed in online shopping for singing equipment for Xiao Xiao, right in his office. Su Xieyi sat on his lap as they debated microphone choices. Li Zeliang, suggesting they buy two—one for Xiao Xiao and one for Su Xieyi—even sang a sweet tune to her.
Their affectionate behavior made them oblivious to their surroundings, even when a staff member arrived with documents for Li Zeliang, who put them aside, completely absorbed in Su Xieyi. Later, Li Zeliang made Su Xieyi a lavish breakfast, including her favorite waffles. Su Xieyi's wisdom tooth was bothering her, and while Li Zeliang suggested extraction, she was fearful and preferred medication.
He then tried to distract her by suggesting a trip to Movie World, but Su Xieyi gently reminded him that Ji Yingsong had told her it was his leg check-up day, and she needed to ensure he attended. They headed to Dr. Wu’s office, where the doctor humorously noted Li Zeliang's newfound punctuality, attributing it to Su Xieyi, whom he affectionately referred to as Li Zeliang's "wife."
Dr. Wu also recalled Su Xieyi's earlier panic when Li Zeliang had faked his leg injury. After Li Zeliang went for an X-ray, Su Xieyi took the opportunity to ask Dr. Wu privately why Li Zeliang continued to experience pain in his leg, even two years after his amputation.
Episode 21 Recap
After Li Zeliang left, Su Xieyi spoke with Dr. Wu about Li Zeliang's leg pain. She learned that although it had been two years since his amputation, he still suffered frequent pain. Dr. Wu explained that there were two main reasons: phantom limb pain, a psychologically induced condition difficult to cure, and swelling. The swelling was caused by the rapid atrophy of limb muscles after amputation, which affected blood and lymph circulation.
The stump had to bear body weight and was also squeezed by the prosthetic, making it harder for blood to return to the heart. Dr. Wu cautioned that if the condition worsened, Li Zeliang might need another amputation, advising him to reduce prosthetic use and rely more on a wheelchair. However, he noted that Li Zeliang was strong-willed and resisted using a wheelchair.
Later, while in the car, Ji Yingsong called Li Zeliang with an investigation update, and Li Zeliang decided to meet him immediately. Ji Yingsong revealed that Liu Ah Wei had once sought free legal aid for his daughter, and the lawyer who represented him was Xie Minghao. Li Zeliang connected the dots: Xie Minghao's appearance at the hospital two years ago, his presence in Yun'an, and now his past contact with Liu Ah Wei were all suspicious.
He theorized that if K of Spades possessed the video filmed by Liu Ah Wei, it would explain Huo Jian's leverage against Zhiwei. He noted that Shen Xieqing was Zhiwei's finance director, and Xie Minghao was both her fiancé and Zhiwei's corporate lawyer. Li Zeliang instructed Ji Yingsong to re-examine all of Zhiwei's old files for new leads and decided to confront Xie Minghao himself.
Li Zeliang visited Xie Minghao at his law firm, pretending that Su Xieyi was worried about his recovery and wanted to lessen his workload, using it as an excuse to deliver some of Huo Jian's old contracts. Li Zeliang subtly inquired if Xie Minghao knew Liu Ah Wei, mentioning his daughter and the legal aid. Xie Minghao claimed his memory was hazy but admitted Liu Ah Wei's photo looked familiar.
Li Zeliang then used Su Xieyi's toothache as a metaphor, suggesting that temporary fixes don't solve root problems. After Li Zeliang departed, Xie Minghao realized he was a suspect and resolved to fight back. Xie Minghao met Shi Chuchu at her office late at night to deliver contracts, using the opportunity to manipulate her. He suggested that with Ocean Hotel weakened by Huo Jian's arrest, Li Zeliang desperately needed a major success to prove himself.
He presented two strategic options: expanding overseas, which might require her to relocate, or developing a local project like the Lantian Bay Resort. He highlighted the Lantian Bay project's profitability, suggesting it would be a perfect way for her to prove her value to Li Zeliang and that Hengye Bank would surely support the funding. Shi Chuchu, initially dismissive, was swayed by his argument. During a rainy night, Li Zeliang suffered from severe leg pain.
Su Xieyi offered to call Dr. Wu, but Li Zeliang refused, insisting it was too late and the pain would pass. While massaging his leg to ease his discomfort, Su Xieyi proposed a deal: if she overcame her fear and had her wisdom tooth removed, he must agree to try using a wheelchair at home. After some hesitation, Li Zeliang agreed. The next day, Shi Chuchu visited Li Zeliang, finding him already studying the Lantian Bay Resort project.
She encouraged him to pursue it, highlighting its potential to restore market confidence in Ocean Hotel and assuring him that Hengye Bank would fully support the funding. Xie Minghao later invited Su Xieyi for a coffee, using the pretense of delivering contracts to question her about Li Zeliang's inquiries. Su Xieyi revealed Li Zeliang had asked about his relationship with her father.
When he offered her toothache medicine, Su Xieyi explained she had agreed to the extraction, acknowledging that medication was only a temporary solution. She then casually mentioned she had moved in with Li Zeliang. Xie Minghao was visibly distraught, asking what he was supposed to do after waiting for her for so long. Confused by his outburst, Su Xieyi advised him to focus on Shen Xieqing and left. Xie Minghao's attempt to retract his words was futile.
On the way to the dentist, Su Xieyi was preoccupied by her encounter with Xie Minghao. Li Zeliang, unaware of the real reason for her mood, tried to reassure her about the procedure. At the clinic, he attempted to stay by her side but was asked by the staff to wait outside. After her procedure, Su Xieyi emerged to find Li Zeliang waiting for her in a wheelchair, fulfilling his part of their agreement.
As they headed home, with Li Zeliang in his wheelchair and Su Xieyi walking beside him, she playfully mentioned an old belief about throwing a removed tooth into a river to make a wish. She then sheepishly remembered that the tradition was for baby teeth to ensure they grew back, which didn't apply to wisdom teeth. Li Zeliang reassured her it wouldn't grow back anyway, but she smilingly refused to tell him her wish.
Back at his home, an enraged Xie Minghao recalled two painful memories. First, trying to kiss a sleeping Su Xieyi, only to be caught by Shen Zhi Hong, who harshly reprimanded him and forbade any romantic notions, stating he would send Su Xieyi back to Germany to separate them. Second, he remembered witnessing Shen Zhi Hong kneeling and begging an unyielding Huo Jian to waive contract penalties.
After witnessing Shen Zhi Hong's despair, Xie Minghao recalled the subsequent tragedy: Shen Zhi Hong walking to the rooftop and jumping to his death, an event Li Zeliang arrived just in time to witness. During an Ocean Hotel meeting, Shi Chuchu reported on successful system upgrades to prevent fraud. Li Zeliang then announced his plan to develop the Lantian Bay Resort, cautioning the team to proceed with care and integrity, citing Huo Jian's fate as a warning.
Shi Chuchu pointed out that Huo Jian's original proposal contained fraudulent cost-cutting measures, like using artificial hot water instead of natural hot springs. Li Zeliang announced he would draft an entirely new plan. He later assured Shi Chuchu he would keep the old, fraudulent plan at home for reference but would destroy it as soon as the new one was ready. After the meeting, Shi Chuchu thanked Xie Minghao for his advice on the Lantian Bay project.
She offered to buy him lunch, but he declined, stating he had to visit Shen Xieqing since Su Xieyi couldn't go after her dental surgery. This was the moment Shi Chuchu learned that Shen Xieqing was Su Xieyi's older sister and that Su Xieyi was Shen Zhi Hong's biological daughter.
Episode 22 Recap
Following up on his plan to sow discord, Xie Minghao revealed to Shi Chuchu that Su Xieyi is Shen Zhihong’s biological daughter, while Su Xieqing was adopted by the family. He explained that Su Xieyi had gone abroad with her mother when she was young, so few people knew her true parentage. Shen Zhihong and his wife had agreed that if they had two children, one would take his surname and the other his wife's.
After Xieqing was adopted, Su Xieyi took her mother's surname. This revelation led Shi Chuchu to suspect Su Xieyi’s motives for joining Ocean Hotel. Shi Chuchu immediately confronted Li Zeliang, questioning if the real reason he wanted to fire Su Xieyi was her investigation into Ocean Hotel.
Shi Chuchu recounted how Zhiwei Corporation, where Shen Zhihong was involved, went bankrupt and Shen Zhihong committed suicide due to commercial fraud allegations during a collaboration with Ocean Hotel—a project Li Zeliang had overseen. Li Zeliang admitted that Su Xieyi had indeed joined Ocean Hotel to investigate the truth, which included him.
He insisted, however, that his relationship with her was genuine, as it began before the Zhiwei case, and that he had tried to send her away to protect her. Unconvinced, Shi Chuchu warned him not to let love blind him, stressing that his interests were intertwined with those of Ocean Hotel and all its employees. She found it difficult to fully trust Su Xieyi, despite Li Zeliang's reassurances that Huo Jian was the true culprit.
Meanwhile, Xie Minghao continued his schemes by meeting with Dai Zi Ang, the General Manager of the rival Zhengde Group. Xie Minghao highlighted that with Ocean Hotel's chairman Huo Jian recently arrested, market confidence was low, exposing the company's internal issues and poor cash flow. He urged Dai Zi Ang to seize this opportunity to crush Ocean Hotel.
As bait, Xie Minghao offered the project plan for Li Zeliang’s new Lantian Bay project, revealing it contained cost-cutting measures that could be exposed. He explained that Li Zeliang would stake all of Ocean Hotel's assets on Lantian Bay to boost morale, making its failure a fatal blow. Dai Zi Ang was intrigued by the "lure" but balked at Xie Minghao’s demand for a fee far higher than standard legal rates, postponing any agreement until the plan showed results.
Upon returning home, Li Zeliang found Su Xieyi installing handrails along the corridors. She explained that with the new handles, he could move around safely without his prosthetic leg, even entering and exiting the kitchen freely. Li Zeliang was deeply moved, tearfully apologizing for the two years they had lost and expressing how much he cherished her. Su Xieyi, in turn, expressed her happiness in being able to do things for him.
He playfully refrained from kissing her, citing her recent tooth extraction. Later, while discussing the Lantian Bay project, Li Zeliang suggested to Su Xieyi that they equip all units with smart home technology, despite the higher costs, seeing it as the future. Su Xieyi, who was in the bathroom, playfully pretended she couldn't hear him, repeatedly asking him to come closer. When he finally leaned in, she pulled him into the bathroom, declaring that business could wait.
A few days later, while Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi were dining out, Dai Zi Ang approached their table. He sarcastically called Su Xieyi "Sister-in-law" and warned her that Li Zeliang had a habit of stealing other people's things—first his business, then Huo Jian’s career, and implied Su Xieyi might have been "stolen" as well. Li Zeliang retorted, advising Dai Zi Ang to focus on his own company.
Unfazed, Dai Zi Ang warned that with Huo Jian gone, Ocean Hotel would face difficult times. The encounter made Su Xieyi realize the new challenges Li Zeliang faced as chairman, and she offered to return to work at Ocean Hotel to help with the crucial Lantian Bay project. Li Zeliang readily accepted. Dai Zi Ang later summoned Xie Minghao, questioning his motives for helping him, knowing he was Su Xieyi’s brother-in-law.
Cornered, Xie Minghao confessed his hatred for Li Zeliang, admitting, "He stole my woman." He revealed that he was in love with Su Xieyi and had only cared for her sister to stay close to her. To prove his value, Xie Minghao claimed to have two trump cards besides the Lantian Bay project: Su Xieyi and Shi Chuchu. He reasoned they could exploit Shi Chuchu's unrequited love for Li Zeliang to manipulate her.
Xie Minghao visited Su Xieyi, who had just recovered from her tooth extraction, bringing supplements. Feigning illness, Su Xieyi retired to her room, leaving Xie Minghao with Li Zeliang. Xie Minghao then feigned sincerity, explaining that after Shen Zhihong's death and Xieqing's breakdown, he became the family's sole guardian and developed a dependence on Su Xieyi for comfort. He clarified, however, that he only truly needed Xieqing to recover.
Li Zeliang identified this as a "transference effect" and warned him to treat Su Xieyi well, unaware that Su Xieyi was listening from her room. Ji Yingsong reported a strange finding to Li Zeliang: five years ago, Zhiwei Corporation's performance declined after switching to a supplier named Yunxiao Fishery. He discovered that for three years, Zhiwei had transferred payments to Yunxiao, but the payments did not correspond to any goods received. Yunxiao Fishery had since gone bankrupt.
Li Zeliang instructed Ji Yingsong to find Yunxiao's owner, noting that as Zhiwei's former financial officer, Su Xieqing should have known about the missing goods. The next day, Li Zeliang accompanied Su Xieyi to visit Xieqing. They found her drawing a wedding gown, which Su Xieyi explained was a custom order she never got to wear, representing her biggest regret.
Su Xieyi left to pay the hospital fees, and in her absence, Li Zeliang gave his business card to Xieqing, urging her to call if she remembered anything. Su Xieyi ran into Xie Minghao, who had also come to pay the fees, and they returned to the room together. They found Xieqing highly agitated, triggered by Li Zeliang's mention of "Zhiwei." She frantically repeated, "It wasn't me," and screamed about a "secret" and the "K of Spades."
After they left, Xie Minghao resolved to move Xieqing to a safer location to protect their secret. Later, Su Xieyi shared a childhood memory with Li Zeliang, recalling how she once protected a young Xie Minghao from bullies by taking a thrown rock to her head, an injury that required stitches. This prompted Li Zeliang to recall a nearly identical story Xie Minghao had told him, but in his version, it was Xieqing who had protected him. This stark contradiction made Li Zeliang finally realize that Xie Minghao’s obsessive feelings had always been for Su Xieyi, not her sister.
Episode 23 Recap
Xie Minghao, concerned that Li Zeliang might uncover information from Xie Qing, swiftly removed her from the hospital and concealed her in another location. Xie Qing was visibly distressed and frightened, longing for her own home, but Xie Minghao assured her that she would only be safe by his side at this new residence. He then pressed her about a bank account, which she denied knowing anything about.
He gently coaxed her to take her medicine with the promise of mung bean cakes and sternly warned her to tell him immediately if she remembered anything important. Later, Xie Minghao informed Su Xieyi that Xie Qing’s emotional state was unstable and required quiet rest, forbidding any visits to prevent further shock, thus preventing Su Xieyi from seeing her sister. Meanwhile, Su Xieyi returned to Ocean Hotel, intending to contribute to the Lantian Bay project.
Li Zeliang playfully offered her his chairman's office and the role of his executive secretary, but Su Xieyi preferred her original desk to remain close to him. Their affectionate moment was interrupted by the arrival of Shi Chuchu. Su Xieyi, sensing they had important business, excused herself. Shi Chuchu presented Li Zeliang with a proposal for the Lantian Bay project, specifically concerning the urgent procurement of construction materials. Expressing full trust, Li Zeliang instructed Shi Chuchu to manage it directly.
However, regarding the commercial dispute cases left by Huo Jian, Li Zeliang decided to personally oversee them due to their critical nature, opting not to involve corporate lawyer Xie Minghao. Li Zeliang then asked Shi Chuchu to mentor Su Xieyi on the project, and Shi Chuchu agreed, though she jokingly warned she might be very strict. Afterward, Su Xieyi approached Shi Chuchu, eager to contribute.
Shi Chuchu assigned her the task of selecting gifts for partners, suggesting it was a fitting role for Li Zeliang’s girlfriend. Feeling the task was not central to the project, Su Xieyi confronted Shi Chuchu, stating her admiration but also sensing a grudge. Shi Chuchu bluntly asked if Su Xieyi was Shen Zhihong’s daughter and had infiltrated Ocean Hotel for revenge.
Su Xieyi admitted her initial intentions but asserted that the past was over and her current motivation was her passion for the industry and her desire to help Li Zeliang, confirming he was aware of everything. Shi Chuchu conceded that she had spoken to Li Zeliang but cautioned that love often blinds people. She issued a stern warning: if Su Xieyi dared to harm Li Zeliang or Ocean Hotel, she would face severe consequences.
Su Xieyi acknowledged Shi Chuchu's advantages but emphasized that her and Li Zeliang’s shared life experiences were the foundation of their deep love. Dismissing this, Shi Chuchu advised Su Xieyi to perform well at work, secretly resolving to expose what she believed were Su Xieyi's true intentions. Later, while Su Xieyi had lunch with colleagues who were complaining about the demanding Lantian Bay project, a customer, He Jianghua, began taking photos in the dining area.
After a staff member courteously reminded him of the no-photography policy, He Jianghua disputed it and demanded a manager. Su Xieyi intervened, explaining the rule was recently implemented to protect guests' dining experience from being disrupted by influencers. He Jianghua accepted her explanation, and Su Xieyi then offered to take photos for him. During their interaction, he mentioned he had rhinitis. Meanwhile, Ji Yingsong reported to Li Zeliang that the owner of Yunxiao Fishery, Tang Zheng, was difficult to locate.
However, he had found a lead on a former employee named Qin, who was close to Tang Zheng. Li Zeliang instructed Ji Yingsong to prioritize locating Qin. Concurrently, Dai Ziang introduced He Jianghua, the chief editor of "Hotel World" and his "secret trump card," to Xie Minghao. Dai Ziang commended He Jianghua for successfully photographing Su Xieyi as planned, and they toasted to the "exciting show" to come.
Later that evening, Shi Chuchu met Xie Minghao to inquire if Su Xieyi had ulterior motives. After some hesitation, Xie Minghao revealed that Su Xieyi was behind the "Lin Tai" incident, confirming Shi Chuchu’s suspicions that Su Xieyi was formidable and posed a threat. He Jianghua then "coincidentally" encountered Su Xieyi at a bookstore.
Learning she was buying cookbooks to make soup for her boyfriend, he enthusiastically shared his knowledge of "old fire soup" as a metaphor for nurturing a relationship through patient effort. Impressed, Su Xieyi exchanged contact information with him, unaware their interaction was being secretly filmed. That night, Su Xieyi meticulously prepared the soup for Li Zeliang, who was deeply touched by her gesture. They engaged in playful banter, with Su Xieyi teasingly questioning Li Zeliang's honesty.
When she asked if he preferred sons or daughters, he admitted to wanting enough children for a "football team," starting with a "goalkeeper." The next morning, an anonymous article was published online, detailing Huo Jian’s past scams involving fake liquor and artwork. More critically, the article exposed the Lantian Bay project’s cost estimation list, alleging that Ocean Hotel planned to use artificial hot water instead of natural hot spring water to deceive consumers.
This caused significant turmoil and a drop in the company’s stock price. Li Zeliang, Shi Chuchu, and Su Xieyi convened to address the crisis. Li Zeliang insisted on full transparency, believing honesty was the only way to restore trust. He tasked Shi Chuchu with arranging a press conference to clarify the situation. Shi Chuchu noted the leak likely came from an internal "spy" who fed the information to He Jianghua and vowed to investigate.
Noticing Shi Chuchu's nasal discomfort, Li Zeliang offered to have an air purifier sent to her. Shi Chuchu then questioned Su Xieyi about her encounter with He Jianghua at the restaurant. Su Xieyi admitted meeting him but was unaware of his identity. Li Zeliang defended her, but privately, Su Xieyi grew concerned and tried to contact He Jianghua, who was unreachable.
Later, Shi Chuchu found an online forum post containing clear photos of Su Xieyi with He Jianghua, solidifying her belief that Su Xieyi was the leak. She confronted Su Xieyi, who maintained her innocence, explaining the bookstore encounter was a coincidence focused on soup-making. Finding the repeated coincidences too suspicious, Shi Chuchu demanded Su Xieyi call He Jianghua to prove it, but he still didn't answer.
Shi Chuchu presented her case: the anonymous tip to He Jianghua, the photos, and the fact that only Su Xieyi had access to the Lantian Bay proposal at Li Zeliang’s home. Li Zeliang firmly defended Su Xieyi, confirming she had been learning to make soup and explicitly stated that she had not seen the proposal. Shi Chuchu accused Li Zeliang of being emotional.
He retorted that she was the emotional one, arguing that the multiple "coincidences" and conveniently timed photos strongly suggested a deliberate frame-up. Dismissing his reasoning, Shi Chuchu announced she was taking a long break to investigate further and find definitive evidence. After she left, Su Xieyi privately asked Li Zeliang why he lied about her seeing the proposal when she had.
Li Zeliang explained that he denied it because he trusted her completely and refused to let her be slandered, affirming that unwavering trust was the only way they could build a life together.
Episode 24 Recap
Li Zeliang reassured Su Xieyi that their relationship hinges on trust, stating that if they cannot trust each other, they cannot spend their lives together. He stressed that the entire situation was highly suspicious, noting that the PR department could not reach He Jiang Hua, who was supposedly on vacation, suggesting he was deliberately avoiding them. Although Su Xieyi worried about the rumors and offered to stop working, Li Zeliang refused, explaining that it would only make people more suspicious.
He urged her to prove her worth through her work and deliver results. Meanwhile, Shi Chuchu confronted Xie Minghao, convinced that Su Xieyi was responsible for the recent issues. She reminded him of his drunken confession at the bar, believing it revealed Su Xieyi's true intention to bring down Ocean Hotel.
Shi Chuchu pointed out that only Su Xieyi had access to the Lantian Bay project files in Li Zeliang's home and that her secret contact with He Jiang Hua was undeniable proof. Xie Minghao apologized on Su Xieyi's behalf, explaining her immense pain after her father's death, Zhiwei's bankruptcy, and her sister's mental breakdown. He emphasized that Su Xieyi blamed Ocean Hotel and sought its downfall as revenge.
Concluding that Su Xieyi was merely exploiting Li Zeliang's feelings, Shi Chuchu was urged by Xie Minghao to cooperate. He cautioned against confronting Li Zeliang without concrete evidence, as Li Zeliang's deep love for Su Xieyi would only lead to further misunderstanding. He suggested they discreetly look for flaws in Su Xieyi's plan, asserting that Li Zeliang would make the right decision if he saw proof of her deception.
Xie Minghao also revealed his intention to take Su Xieyi and her sister back to Germany for a new life, promising they would never return. Shi Chuchu agreed to cooperate, provided Su Xieyi would not be severely harmed. Later, Li Zeliang found Su Xieyi still checking insulation material files late at night.
He commented that Shi Chuchu, who had never taken a leave from Ocean Hotel, must be very upset, but believed she was a smart person who would eventually realize something was amiss. He then entrusted Su Xieyi with the procurement of wall insulation materials for the Lantian Bay project. He explained that since Shi Chuchu hadn't finalized the deal before her vacation, it was now Su Xieyi's chance to prove herself to everyone at Ocean Hotel.
Assuring her he would always be there to support her, he encouraged her to take on the responsibility. Su Xieyi promised to do her best. The next day, Su Xieyi was meeting with a supplier whose production lead time was too long. Xie Minghao arrived, expressing concern for her after the recent headlines.
Su Xieyi explained her need for a reliable supplier for the Lantian Bay project's insulation materials, wary of the previous supplier chosen by Huo Jian due to potential illicit transactions and fire safety concerns. Xie Minghao offered to connect her with a reputable construction material supplier he had previously represented. They immediately went to the supplier's workshop, where the representative, Mr. Fang, assured them of their quality products and ample supply.
Impressed, Su Xieyi negotiated a ten percent discount on their large order. They exchanged contact information for a corporate gift exchange, solidifying their new partnership. Su Xieyi expressed gratitude to Xie Minghao, but he advised against telling Li Zeliang about his assistance, citing a conflict of interest as Ocean Hotel's legal consultant. Su Xieyi then asked about her sister, and Xie Minghao confirmed Shen Xieqing had been transferred to a new facility and needed time to acclimate.
While Xie Minghao and Dai Zi Ang celebrated their initial success, an enraged He Jiang Hua stormed in, accusing them of tricking him with outdated information about the Lantian Bay project, which Li Zeliang had already revitalized. Dai Zi Ang threatened him with evidence of him accepting bribes to slander Ocean Hotel. Xie Minghao intervened, placating He Jiang Hua and promising a new plan that would enhance his reputation.
Back at home, Su Xieyi proudly showed Li Zeliang the insulation boards she had procured, impressing him with her efficiency. Li Zeliang then revealed he had bought art supplies for Shen Xieqing, feeling guilty for having startled her during their last visit. Su Xieyi shared that Xie Minghao had transferred her sister to a different sanatorium due to her unstable mental state and advised they visit another time. Li Zeliang grew suspicious.
The next day, he visited Xie Minghao, offering to introduce a visiting psychiatric specialist. Xie Minghao refused, claiming Shen Xieqing was doing much better and only needed his companionship, not more doctors. When Li Zeliang pressed for the sanatorium's location, Xie Minghao vaguely stated he would inform Su Xieyi when the time was right. After he left, Ji Yingsong called Li Zeliang, reporting that Shen Xieqing was not in any sanatorium in the city.
Suspecting a lie, Li Zeliang instructed Ji Yingsong to discreetly follow Xie Minghao. Shi Chuchu wrestled with her emotions, recalling Xie Minghao's assurances that she was the right person for Li Zeliang. After receiving a call from Oscar about their band practice, she was immediately called by Xie Minghao for a meeting. He urged her to act, revealing that Su Xieyi had secured an insulation material supplier he had introduced.
He alleged that Su Xieyi had discussed an underhanded deal with the supplier, implying the materials might be faulty. Shi Chuchu wanted to immediately inform Li Zeliang, but Xie Minghao stopped her, explaining that since the procurement wasn't complete, they needed to wait to catch Su Xieyi red-handed. Surprised by his apparent rationality, Shi Chuchu questioned his motives as Su Xieyi's brother-in-law, to which Xie Minghao ambiguously stated he was protecting his family.
Meanwhile, Oscar waited alone for her at the bar until it closed. Ji Yingsong tracked Xie Minghao to Shen Xieqing’s residence. Shen Xieqing woke up and, unable to find Xie Minghao, went to his study. She discovered a cabinet filled with dolls and went to open it. Xie Minghao entered, angrily yelling at her to stop and pushing her aside. He bitterly blamed her for pestering him, claiming it ruined his chance with Su Xieyi.
A scared Shen Xieqing clutched a doll, calling it hers, but Xie Minghao snatched it away, forcefully stating it was not hers, but a gift for Su Xieyi. Shen Xieqing cried out that he had stolen the doll, just as he had stolen her entire life. The confrontation triggered a flashback for Shen Xieqing to a happier time with dolls. The next morning, Xie Minghao found a calmer Shen Xieqing and began to manipulate her.
He dismissed his previous outburst, then asked if she remembered any account numbers or passwords. He reminded her that he had protected her secrets after her "grave mistake" two years ago, warning her not to speak out, as no one would believe a "mad" person except him. He cruelly suggested that her father died protecting her, implying that Su Xieyi would never forgive her if she knew the truth.
He then declared that while he once loved Su Xieyi, he now realized Shen Xieqing was the one he loved most, cementing their codependent bond as orphans who only had each other and asking her to protect him as he protected her.
Episode 25 Recap
Sensing Shen Xieqing’s recovery, Xie Minghao confessed that while he once liked Su Xieyi, he now realized Shen Xieqing was the one he loved most. He declared she was the only person who would sacrifice everything for him and asked for her protection in return for his. Meanwhile, Ji Yingsong informed Li Zeliang that he had located Xie Minghao’s new apartment and suspected Shen Xieqing was being hidden there.
Ji Yingsong believed Xie Minghao’s secrecy proved his guilt in past events and worried he might harm Shen Xieqing. Li Zeliang, however, cautioned against acting rashly, preferring to devise a plan first. At Ocean Group, Shi Chuchu returned from her break, stating she couldn't rest with important work pending. Li Zeliang informed her that Su Xieyi had selected the supplier for the Lantian Bay project's external wall insulation.
He also expressed his hope for no more misunderstandings between her and Su Xieyi. Shi Chuchu agreed, admitting she was wrong to have impulsively questioned Su Xieyi about He Jianghua and should have trusted Li Zeliang's judgment. Before she left, Li Zeliang asked her to summon Xie Minghao for an urgent contract discussion. When Shi Chuchu called, Xie Minghao agreed to come to the company.
After he left, having locked the door to prevent her from leaving, Shen Xieqing deliberately triggered the apartment's smoke alarm. When property management arrived to investigate the alarm and opened the door, she seized the opportunity to escape. The building staff reported the incident to Xie Minghao, who claimed the woman was his mentally unstable sister and that he would find her. Shortly after, Shen Xieqing contacted Li Zeliang.
Now lucid, she confessed she couldn't face Su Xieyi because she, Shen Xieqing, was the "K of Spades." Driven by lifelong feelings of inferiority as an adopted daughter and jealousy that Zhiwei would belong to Su Xieyi, she had conspired with Huo Jian to embezzle from the company. She tearfully recounted that their father, upon discovering her actions, committed suicide to protect her, making her realize he had always loved her as his own.
Li Zeliang challenged her story, pointing out that Xie Minghao’s and Huo Jian’s timely appearances during the search for Liu Ahwei were too coincidental for her to have orchestrated alone, and that Xie Minghao never truly loved her. Shen Xieqing, however, insisted Su Xieyi couldn't handle this truth, citing her past amnesia, and begged Li Zeliang for time before she would take responsibility. During their conversation, Su Xieyi called Li Zeliang, who lied about being with a male client.
Shen Xieqing then denied the existence of a secret bank account Li Zeliang asked about, claiming the money was gone and that Xie Minghao's fate was in his own hands. Later, at Ocean Group, Shi Chuchu, trusting Xie Minghao who had drafted the procurement contract, signed it without a final review. Su Xieyi also signed. Unbeknownst to them, the supplier had swapped the contract with a fraudulent one. Immediately after, Xie Minghao called Su Xieyi to report Shen Xieqing missing.
They rushed to the river, where they found Shen Xieqing's doll and a suicide note, leading a distraught Su Xieyi to believe her sister had drowned. Li Zeliang comforted the devastated Su Xieyi, who blamed herself for neglecting her sister. Bound by his promise, Li Zeliang couldn't reveal his meeting with Shen Xieqing but was troubled by the suspicious circumstances of her disappearance, particularly the doll which she didn't have when he saw her.
Unbeknownst to them, Xie Minghao was watching security footage of Li Zeliang and Shen Xieqing's meeting, remarking that she had given him "another useful card" to play. While Li Zeliang was out buying crabs to cook for Su Xieyi, Xie Minghao called her, pretending to be drunk and heartbroken over Shen Xieqing. Worried, Su Xieyi rushed to his apartment, where he hugged her and begged her not to leave him.
He then revealed that Shen Xieqing had met with Li Zeliang right before she disappeared, showing Su Xieyi a video of their meeting as proof. Su Xieyi was in disbelief, stating that Li Zeliang had told her he was with a client that day.
Episode 26 Recap
Following his reunion with Shen Xieqing, Xie Minghao suspects Li Zeliang's involvement in her subsequent disappearance. Li Zeliang, meanwhile, arrives home to an empty apartment. Su Xieyi returns shortly after and confronts him with a video of his meeting with her sister, demanding to know why he lied about meeting a male client. Li Zeliang admits to the meeting, explaining that a recovered Shen Xieqing had primarily inquired about Su Xieyi's well-being and wished for her happiness.
He withholds the details of Shen Xieqing’s role in Zhiwei's downfall, honoring his promise to her to protect Su Xieyi from more pain. He also urgently warns Su Xieyi not to trust Xie Minghao, insisting he is not who he appears to be. Feeling betrayed and unable to trust him, Su Xieyi demands the full story, threatening she will never forgive him otherwise.
She then packs her bags and leaves, devastated that Li Zeliang’s lie cost her a final chance to see her sister. Saddened, Li Zeliang lets her go, believing she needs space to cool down, and resolves to prevent her from further sorrow, even if it means being misunderstood. Oscar visits Li Zeliang and learns that Su Xieyi has left in anger.
After Li Zeliang explains Shen Xieqing's connection to Zhiwei's bankruptcy, Oscar empathizes with his difficult decision to withhold the truth to protect Su Xieyi, given her past trauma. Oscar expresses confidence in Li Zeliang's resilience, comparing him to a "tenacious roach" who always recovers, and encourages him to rest and regain his strength.
Meanwhile, Su Xieyi receives a call from Officer Wang, who informs her that while they have found no trace of Shen Xieqing, the search and rescue efforts are being expanded, offering a sliver of hope. It is revealed that Xie Minghao is holding Shen Xieqing captive. After her meeting with Li Zeliang, she had intended to turn herself in to the police but was intercepted by Xie Minghao.
When she awakens in a secret room, she drops her pretense of disorientation and admits she was going to confess her crimes for her own peace of mind, promising not to implicate him. Xie Minghao, disbelieving, coldly informs her that he has already given Su Xieyi the suicide note Shen Xieqing wrote two years ago, making the world believe she is dead. A flashback reveals that two years prior, Shen Xieqing discovered Xie Minghao had orchestrated Zhiwei's ruin.
He confessed, stating he did it because her father, Shen Zhihong, opposed his love for Su Xieyi, for whom the childhood doll was always intended. The revelation that her father died because of her actions drove Shen Xieqing to a suicide attempt, after which she became mentally unstable. In the present, Xie Minghao demands she provide the login details for a private account, threatening to make Su Xieyi's life a living hell if she refuses or tries to escape.
The next morning, Li Zeliang is about to call in sick for Su Xieyi when she arrives at the office to deliver a revised project draft. Their colleague, Shi Chuchu, senses the tension between them. Su Xieyi reiterates to Li Zeliang that she will not forgive him until he tells her everything. Elsewhere, Xie Minghao coerces a reluctant He Jiahua, who now has a criminal record, to continue his scheme to slander Li Zeliang's company.
Anticipating Xie Minghao's next move, Li Zeliang waits outside Su Xieyi’s new apartment. Xie Minghao arrives to pick her up, attempting to sow further discord by suggesting Li Zeliang is hiding a sinister secret about the meeting. Su Xieyi defends Li Zeliang, stating she doesn't believe he has ill intentions and that his secrecy likely stems from his own concerns. She clarifies her anger is because his lie cost her a final chance to see her sister.
Xie Minghao feigns grief and pleads with Su Xieyi to move in with him so he can care for her, but she politely declines. Later, Li Zeliang confronts Xie Minghao in the parking garage, warning him to stay away from Su Xieyi. Unfazed, Xie Minghao taunts Li Zeliang, revealing he knows Li Zeliang's true feelings are for Su Xieyi and accusing him of hiding the truth for fear of causing her to relapse.
Li Zeliang retorts by accusing Xie Minghao of being K of Spades, vowing that the police will soon expose him. Xie Minghao mockingly reveals that he also lives in the same building, right under Li Zeliang's nose. Following Xie Minghao's instructions, He Jiahua disguises himself as a worker and uses a copied key to enter a warehouse storing insulation materials for Ocean's Lantian Bay project.
He replaces the ventilation fan's connection wire with a counterfeit one designed to overload, which will eventually spark an electrical fire and ignite the flammable insulation boards. Later, Su Xieyi tells Xie Minghao she has agreed to Li Zeliang's advice to have her wisdom tooth extracted. She then casually mentions she has moved in with Li Zeliang. Furious, Xie Minghao silently vows that after the next day, he will make Su Xieyi leave Li Zeliang and return to his side for good.
Episode 27 Recap
Xie Minghao brought food to Su Xieqing, including her favorite mung bean cake. However, Su Xieqing was despondent and urged him to kill her, vowing to reveal nothing. To control her, Xie Minghao threatened to bring her sister, Su Xieyi, to join her in captivity. Fearing for her sister's safety, Su Xieqing reluctantly complied. Later, Shi Chuchu learned of a fire at Warehouse No. 6 at the Lantian Bay construction site.
She rushed to Xie Minghao, distressed that the incident had ruined their plan to expose the faulty insulation materials during an upcoming shareholder inspection. Xie Minghao framed the fire as a timely opportunity, suggesting it was "God's will" helping her win back Li Zeliang. He advised her to accelerate their plan and pin the blame on Su Xieyi, who was responsible for procuring the materials, arguing that Li Zeliang was too blinded by his feelings to see the truth.
Shi Chuchu agreed. Meanwhile, Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi arrived at the fire scene. The preliminary assessment suggested that an overloaded ventilator caused a circuit fire, which then ignited the insulation materials. Li Zeliang found this suspicious, questioning why a small electrical fire would burn the entire warehouse's stock unless the materials themselves were flawed. Back at the company, Shi Chuchu confronted Su Xieyi with an investigation report.
It stated that the materials were Class B extruded board, not the company's required Class A standard, despite Su Xieyi having personally signed off on them. Shi Chuchu accused Su Xieyi of sabotaging the project as revenge for her father, Shen Zhihong, whose company, Zhiwei, she believed Ocean had a hand in ruining. Li Zeliang intervened, asking who had introduced the supplier.
When Su Xieyi revealed it was Xie Minghao, Li Zeliang urged calm, stating he saw many irregularities and suspected someone was using Su Xieyi's name to attack Ocean. He announced a press conference for the next day to address the matter. Whispers about Su Xieyi being Shen Zhihong's daughter and seeking revenge spread among Ocean's employees. While some gossiped maliciously, Ming Yue fiercely defended Su Xieyi's character.
Su Xieyi overheard the remarks and was deeply hurt, but she found comfort in Li Zeliang's swift intervention. He threatened to dismiss anyone spreading rumors and reaffirmed his complete trust in her, promising to uncover the truth himself. Later, Su Xieyi went to see Xie Minghao to discuss the material issues. Li Zeliang tasked Ji Yingsong with investigating a rhinitis inhaler found at the warehouse, which no one on the construction site used, pointing to an outsider's involvement.
Ji Yingsong also noted that He Jiahua's media account released a video of the fire almost immediately after it started. Further linking him to the scene, Ji Yingsong mentioned that Su Xieyi had previously told him He Jiahua used the exact same type of inhaler. Seeing a pattern, Li Zeliang instructed Ji Yingsong to lure He Jiahua into a meeting by offering "inside information" on the Lantian Bay project.
Ji Yingsong successfully arranged the meeting, which Li Zeliang planned to use to expose He Jiahua as the arsonist at the press conference. After pressing an evasive Xie Minghao to help find the now-unreachable supplier, Su Xieyi noticed his lunch consisted of snacks her sister loved. He claimed he ate them to ease the pain of missing her, which deeply moved Su Xieyi and reinforced her belief that he still cared for her sister.
As Su Xieyi left, Xie Minghao received a call from He Jiahua. Ji Yingsong informed Li Zeliang that He Jiahua had agreed to meet at a hotel, insisting Ji Yingsong come alone. Li Zeliang told Ji Yingsong to wait downstairs and went to confront He Jiahua himself. As he expected, Li Zeliang found Xie Minghao in the private room instead. Both men acknowledged they had anticipated the other's moves.
Li Zeliang laid out his deductions: Xie Minghao had exploited Su Xieyi's trust, recommended a supplier whom he instructed to swap the materials, and directed He Jiahua to orchestrate the "exposés." Xie Minghao freely admitted to everything. Li Zeliang demanded he attend the press conference to clear Su Xieyi's name.
Xie Minghao agreed but presented damning, fabricated evidence against Su Xieyi: a bank statement showing a three-million-yuan transfer from the supplier to her, a forged dual contract with her signature authorizing the use of cheaper materials, and an audio recording of her seemingly negotiating the rebate. He warned Li Zeliang that with this evidence and a clear motive for revenge, Su Xieyi faced at least ten years in prison.
He then gave Li Zeliang an ultimatum: either save Su Xieyi by taking the fall, which would ruin Ocean, or expose her and send her to jail. At the press conference, Li Zeliang shocked everyone by taking full responsibility, announcing it was his decision to use the Class B insulation boards and that Su Xieyi was innocent. Shi Chuchu and Su Xieyi were stunned.
Shi Chuchu furiously berated Li Zeliang for sacrificing the company for a woman she saw as manipulative. Su Xieyi also confronted him, accusing him of betraying his father's legacy and destroying Ocean's future. Bound by his choice, Li Zeliang simply asserted his authority as chairman to make decisions for the company. Later, Ji Yingsong found Su Xieyi and explained Li Zeliang's sudden change of heart was a result of his meeting with Xie Minghao.
He recounted how the meeting was supposed to be with He Jiahua, leading him to theorize that Xie Minghao was the mastermind controlling both the supplier and He Jiahua. As Su Xieyi reflected on everything, she found a letter from her sister hidden inside a doll Xie Minghao had given her. In it, Su Xieqing confessed that Xie Minghao had never loved her and had only used her as a tool for his revenge.
His true obsession had always been Su Xieyi, and he would destroy anyone who got in his way. She also confessed her own role in Zhiwei's bankruptcy, vowing to pay for her mistakes. The letter warned Su Xieyi to stay away from Xie Minghao and protect herself. The episode ended with Su Xieqing still captive, as Xie Minghao manipulated her with false promises of a reunion with her sister.
Episode 28 Recap
Su Xieyi confronted Xie Minghao upon his return to the room, correctly guessing he had been out to meet Li Zeliang. Xie Minghao feigned innocence, claiming he had only gone to discard trash. Su Xieyi, however, saw through his lies and pressed him, asking if he was the mastermind behind the incidents at Lantian Bay, including the materials supplier and the arsonist, He Jiang Hua.
She declared that she no longer believed in his facade of a perfect and affectionate fiancé, revealing that her sister, Xie Qing, had felt controlled by a "dangerous lunatic" rather than loved. Xie Minghao admitted his actions were driven by a twisted belief that Xie Qing was the only bond keeping Su Xieyi close to him. Su Xieyi then asked if he was responsible for her sister's disappearance and the bankruptcy of Zhiwei two years prior.
When Su Xieyi threatened to go to the police, Xie Minghao countered with a chilling threat: if she involved the police, she would never see Xie Qing again, as he would let her starve to death. He stated that Xie Qing was the bond between them, and he would never let her die, but her fate depended on Su Xieyi's cooperation.
He offered a condition for seeing her sister: she must break up with Li Zeliang, promise never to see him again, and stay by Xie Minghao's side forever. Su Xieyi demanded concrete proof that Xie Qing was still alive before agreeing, pointing out that no body had ever been recovered. In his attempt to prove he was in contact with Xie Qing, Xie Minghao mentioned the mung bean cakes he had prepared for her.
He agreed to show Su Xieyi proof, but said it would depend on her "performance," giving her time to consider his terms. Meanwhile, Ji Yingsong discussed with Li Zeliang their confusion as to why He Jiang Hua, a well-known blogger, would help Xie Minghao with arson, given their lack of an apparent connection. Li Zeliang agreed that He Jiang Hua was the key to uncovering the truth.
Ji Yingsong then confessed he had informed Su Xieyi about Li Zeliang's encounter with Xie Minghao. Li Zeliang was furious, explaining his public apology was a strategic move to protect Su Xieyi. Xie Minghao possessed a recording and a dual contract that could frame Su Xieyi for bribery, and Li Zeliang feared that exposing this evidence would make her a public target.
He worried that if Su Xieyi knew he was being threatened, her personality would compel her to fight back, rendering his efforts to protect her useless. Ji Yingsong apologized, but also relayed that Su Xieyi seemed touched and still believed in Li Zeliang. Elsewhere, Xie Minghao gave a gift to the building security guard, thanking him for his help regarding his "mentally unstable" sister.
He then showed the guard a photo of Li Zeliang and Ji Yingsong, claiming they were creditors harassing his sister, and requested the guard to notify him immediately if they came looking for her. Later, Ji Yingsong received a call from Dr. Wu, who was concerned about Li Zeliang's leg and insisted he get an immediate check-up. Li Zeliang refused, determined to resolve Su Xieyi's situation first.
Subsequently, Dr. Wu informed Ji Yingsong that Li Zeliang was suffering from severe osteomyelitis, which could become cancerous if left untreated, and that Li Zeliang had explicitly requested this information be kept from Su Xieyi. At Ocean, Shi Chuchu confronted Su Xieyi, sarcastically blaming her for the Lantian Bay fire and the damage to Ocean's reputation from Li Zeliang's public apology. Su Xieyi stated that she had come to tender her resignation.
Softening slightly, Shi Chuchu advised Su Xieyi not to live with hatred, revealing that Xie Minghao had told her the fire was an accident and he was merely trying to stop Su Xieyi from seeking revenge. Su Xieyi refuted this, exposing Xie Minghao's true nature by revealing he was the one who recommended the materials supplier and also knew the arsonist, He Jiang Hua. She urged Shi Chuchu to ensure Ocean keeps its distance from Xie Minghao.
Dai Zi Ang met with Xie Minghao, presenting him with a newly registered company and a 10% share. Dai Zi Ang revealed he had been secretly acquiring Ocean's shares and had pledged all of Zhengde's stock to Aihong Fund to raise capital for a hostile takeover. He declared their singular objective was to crush Li Zeliang and take control of Ocean. Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi went on a date, which she knew would be their last.
Despite his leg pain, Li Zeliang hid his discomfort. They reminisced about watching "Roman Holiday," and Su Xieyi pointedly recited lines from the film about leaving someone: "I have to leave you. . . now," and "Just drive away. Don't mind me. Just leave me as I leave you." After the date, Su Xieyi returned to Xie Minghao, presenting her resignation from Ocean as a "small gesture of goodwill" and demanding to see her sister.
Xie Minghao showed her a photo of Xie Qing holding that day's newspaper as proof she was alive, then reiterated his demand that she break up with Li Zeliang immediately, threatening to let Xie Qing starve if she delayed. Su Xieyi then met Li Zeliang and told him they had to break up. Heartbroken, Li Zeliang asked if it was because of Xie Qing.
He tried to explain the past, but Su Xieyi cut him off, emotionally declaring that seeing him was a painful reminder of her family's deaths. As she walked away, Li Zeliang desperately revealed that Xie Minghao was the "K of Spades" who had orchestrated Zhiwei's downfall. Su Xieyi replied that she was aware of Xie Minghao's true nature but insisted there was no future for them. Confused by the sudden breakup, Ji Yingsong questioned the reason Su Xieyi had given.
Li Zeliang suspected that Xie Minghao was coercing her with the same evidence he had been threatened with and vowed to uncover the truth. Su Xieyi went back to Xie Minghao and demanded he fulfill his promise, but he told her it was "not yet time." He led her to a room filled with dolls, declaring it her new room where she would stay with him.
He warned her that she "must love him," even if she had to act, or there would be dire consequences for both Xie Qing and Li Zeliang. Su Xieyi agreed on the condition that she receive a new photo of her sister daily as proof of life. Xie Minghao accepted but forbade her from ever contacting Li Zeliang again. Later, believing Su Xieyi to be asleep, Xie Minghao attempted to sneak out. However, Su Xieyi followed him and was caught.
He angrily claimed he had been on his way to feed Xie Qing but that her actions had ruined his plan, forcing her sister to starve for another day. A terrified Su Xieyi apologized and promised never to follow him again, begging him to take food to her sister. Scoffing, Xie Minghao stated that as punishment for her mistrust, she would have to go on a date with him. Realizing she was completely trapped, Su Xieyi resolved to play along while secretly waiting for an opportunity to find her sister.
Episode 29 Recap
Li Zeliang gazed at Chestnut, the small hedgehog he and Su Xieyi had raised together. He expressed his sadness and confusion over Su Xieyi's decision to end their relationship, believing she had hidden reasons for saying they should never see or contact each other again. Elsewhere, Su Xieqing suffered from a severe headache.
Xie Minghao forced her to take a potent fever reducer, despite her reluctance and nausea, asserting that her life and mind were his until she divulged certain account details and passwords. He then cruelly informed her that Su Xieyi had broken up with Li Zeliang and returned to his side, claiming that he didn't care if Su Xieyi's love was feigned, as long as she pretended to love him.
Su Xieqing, horrified, accused him of being shameless for using her to threaten Su Xieyi. Xie Minghao then questioned how Su Xieyi knew about his involvement in the Zhiwei incident and his control over her. Su Xieqing retorted that Xie Minghao himself had given Su Xieyi the doll containing the revealing message she had left. Enraged, Xie Minghao blamed Su Xieqing for revealing his secrets, but still gloated that Su Xieyi was now with him.
He then gave Su Xieqing a temporary reprieve from revealing the account information, expecting her to recall it by the next day, and forced her to eat. Xie Minghao took Su Xieyi shopping, buying clothes that he felt suited her, even though she showed little interest. He then led her to a claw machine, insisting she used to like dolls, and retrieved one for her.
He reminisced about how a similar doll, originally intended for her, was taken by Su Xieqing, and now no one would compete with her for it. He expressed his joy at doing things he had always wanted to do with her. While waiting, Su Xieyi noticed Li Zeliang observing them from a distance. She quickly dispatched Xie Minghao to buy her a dessert, creating an opportunity to speak with Li Zeliang privately.
Li Zeliang immediately questioned if Xie Minghao was blackmailing her regarding the Lantian Bay fire. Su Xieyi claimed responsibility for the fire herself, urging him to stop investigating, but Li Zeliang insisted she was afraid and that Xie Minghao was a dangerous individual connected to her father and sister.
He pleaded with her to tell him the truth, promising to face any difficulties with her, and held her, noting her rapid heartbeat as proof of her enduring love for him, referencing a past polygraph game they played. As Su Xieyi began to speak about her sister, Xie Minghao returned, aggressively pushing Li Zeliang away and accusing him of harassment.
Su Xieyi, fearing for Li Zeliang's safety, reiterated their breakup and warned him to never seek her out again, declaring them strangers. Upon returning home, Su Xieyi pressed Xie Minghao to let her see her sister. Xie Minghao, however, tightly held her, implying her desire for Li Zeliang's embrace. He then revealed his awareness of her attempts to locate Su Xieqing through analyzing photos, admitting he had tampered with all images to prevent her from gaining any information.
He menacingly threatened to intensify his efforts to undermine Ocean Hotel if she continued to harbor feelings for Li Zeliang, hinting at a major event planned for the following day. Li Zeliang participated in a charity event for hearing-impaired children, speaking publicly on behalf of Ocean Hotel. He acknowledged some recent setbacks but emphasized Ocean's strong performance and the confidence shown by Zhengde and Diying Media's recent stake acquisition.
Unexpectedly, Dai Zi Ang arrived, announcing his presence as a new part of the Ocean family and attempting a seemingly friendly embrace that Li Zeliang deftly avoided. As Li Zeliang prepared to make a donation on stage, Dai Zi Ang deliberately tripped him, causing him to stumble. Reporters immediately captured the moment. Dai Zi Ang then publicly alluded to Li Zeliang's old left leg injury and recent fatigue, suggesting his health was a concern.
Li Zeliang, regaining his composure, calmly confirmed his past injury but assured the press that it was professionally treated and would not hinder Ocean's future development. He pointedly thanked Dai Zi Ang for his "concern" and expressed hope that Dai Zi Ang's involvement would help Ocean reach new heights. Later, Li Zeliang discussed Su Xieyi's abrupt resignation with Shi Chuchu, finding it odd.
Shi Chuchu, however, believed Su Xieyi deserved it, reiterating her conviction that Su Xieyi sought revenge for the Shen family and questioning Li Zeliang's continued concern for her. She also accused him of having ulterior motives regarding the Lantian Bay project, implying he knew of Su Xieyi's plans to tamper with procurement. Li Zeliang admitted he knew but had intended to catch her in the act, not for the situation to escalate.
He then strongly advised Shi Chuchu to distance herself from Xie Minghao, revealing that Xie Minghao was now closely allied with Dai Zi Ang and had deceived both Su Xieyi and Shi Chuchu herself. Shi Chuchu, hurt, expressed her dismay, reminding Li Zeliang of her unwavering loyalty and how she had even sought her father's help for him. She insisted all her actions were for his good, apologizing if her methods were misguided.
Li Zeliang, however, firmly stated she was simply wrong and that he didn't require her sympathy or apology. Devastated, Shi Chuchu declared she would never come begging him again. Shortly after, Xie Minghao found a despondent Shi Chuchu. He fanned the flames of her anger towards Li Zeliang and manipulated her by explaining Dai Zi Ang's long-standing grudge against him and the plan to impeach him at the upcoming shareholders' meeting.
Xie Minghao then shrewdly suggested that the meeting presented Shi Chuchu with a critical opportunity to test Li Zeliang: if he still refused her assistance, she should consider cutting her losses in both love and career, implying they were similar souls in need of salvation. Su Xieyi continued her desperate search for any sign of her sister, feeling increasingly frustrated by the lack of clues.
She then received an urgent call from Dr. Wu, who expressed concern about Li Zeliang's postponed follow-up appointment. Dr. Wu revealed that Li Zeliang was suffering from severe osteomyelitis, warning that it could become cancerous if not treated promptly, and stressed the importance of his immediate return for a check-up. Shocked and alarmed by this news, Su Xieyi immediately called Ming Yue to inquire about Li Zeliang's whereabouts.
Ming Yue informed her of Ocean Hotel's plummeting stock price due to Zhengde and Diying's stake acquisition, and that Li Zeliang was unreachable and not at the company. Su Xieyi's worry for Li Zeliang intensified, but her thoughts of finding him were cut short by a call from Xie Minghao. He reiterated his strict prohibition against her contacting Li Zeliang through any means, threatening harm to both Su Xieqing and Li Zeliang if she disobeyed.
He then demanded she accompany him to a party, refusing to disclose who else would be present. Oscar found Shi Chuchu drinking alone and tried to comfort her after her argument with Li Zeliang. Shi Chuchu refused his help, complaining that Li Zeliang was unprofessional and blaming Su Xieyi for the Lantian Bay fire, believing Su Xieyi had deliberately bought low-quality insulation to exact revenge for the Shen family, and that Li Zeliang had covered for her.
Oscar expressed doubt about Su Xieyi's revenge motive, believing her feelings for Li Zeliang were genuine. Shi Chuchu, feeling unheard, began to leave, but Oscar stopped her and disclosed that after Li Zeliang's argument with Su Xieyi, he had confided in Oscar, revealing that the Zhiwei bankruptcy had been the doing of Su Xieqing and Xie Minghao, not Li Zeliang.
Just then, Li Zeliang arrived and apologized to Shi Chuchu, admitting his harsh words earlier were a deliberate act for Dai Zi Ang's benefit. He then revealed that Dai Zi Ang and Xie Minghao were closely allied, serving as the hidden shareholders behind Zhengde and Diying Media, with the ultimate goal of acquiring Ocean Hotel. Li Zeliang further explained that before Su Xieqing vanished, she had confessed to him her involvement in Zhiwei's financial irregularities.
Given Xie Minghao’s role as her fiancé and his required involvement in such contracts, Li Zeliang suspected Xie Minghao’s culpability and confirmed he had reported everything to the police. He also posited that the project proposal leak occurred even before the project restart, with Xie Minghao being the only one with access at that time.
Li Zeliang then outlined how the incidents, from He Jianghua's leaks to the Lantian Bay fire, were all orchestrated by Xie Minghao and Dai Zi Ang to suppress Ocean's stock price and seize its shares. Shi Chuchu, finally understanding, expressed her regret for being deceived. Li Zeliang reassured her it wasn't her fault, as Xie Minghao was highly cunning, and apologized for his own insensitivity. Oscar then urged them to unite.
Li Zeliang unveiled his plan: Dai Zi Ang would undoubtedly try to force his resignation. He explained that on the nine-director board, Dai Zi Ang had been courting several members, making Shi Chuchu's vote crucial. Li Zeliang predicted Xie Minghao would try to win her over. Despite Shi Chuchu’s initial assertion that she would not side with them, Li Zeliang instructed her to "support" Xie Minghao's efforts.
He explained that by stepping aside, he would allow Dai Zi Ang to become overconfident and reveal his vulnerabilities. Li Zeliang suspected Dai Zi Ang had pledged his equity in Zhengde to finance the Ocean acquisition. He reasoned that if they could find evidence of Dai Zi Ang's manipulation in the Lantian Bay incident, Zhengde's stock would plummet, forcing Dai Zi Ang to sell his newly acquired Ocean shares to save Zhengde, potentially leaving him empty-handed.
Oscar, excited by the prospect of such a "business war," offered his assistance, and Li Zeliang tasked him with verifying the Zhengde equity pledge, leveraging Oscar's father's influential position in the fund industry. Dai Zi Ang conducted a discreet transaction with He Jianghua, providing him with money. He Jianghua initially hesitated to accept, stating he shouldn't take money that wasn't rightfully his, but ultimately relented after Dai Zi Ang's insistence, warning him that it could not happen again.
Later, Ji Yingsong observed Xie Minghao and Su Xieyi entering a venue and reported it to Li Zeliang. He then spotted He Jianghua entering a gym and immediately alerted Li Zeliang, who instructed him to follow and provide the location so he could join them. Inside the gym, which served as a party venue, Dai Zi Ang greeted Xie Minghao and Su Xieyi, expressing delight that Xie Minghao had finally brought his "girlfriend" out.
Dai Zi Ang recalled their previous encounter at a crab roe noodles restaurant and complimented Su Xieyi's beauty. Xie Minghao reminded Dai Zi Ang about the following day's significant share acquisition. Dai Zi Ang enthusiastically agreed to celebrate, crediting Su Xieyi for facilitating their easy entry as Ocean Hotel shareholders, and they all raised a toast. Su Xieyi remarked that it was Ocean's honor to have an accomplished individual like Dai Zi Ang as a shareholder.
Dai Zi Ang, however, revealed his ambition extended beyond mere shareholding, stating that after the next day's board meeting, Li Zeliang would lose his position. They toasted once more. Li Zeliang arrived shortly after, surprising Su Xieyi. He explained his presence by stating he wished to discuss the Lantian Bay incident with He Jianghua, who had previously stood him up. He Jianghua retorted that they had nothing to discuss.
Meanwhile, Dai Zi Ang and Xie Minghao continued their discussion, with Dai Zi Ang confidently stating he had secured three directorial votes, bringing their total to four. Xie Minghao expressed certainty that Shi Chuchu's crucial vote was secured due to her recent fallout with Li Zeliang and their previous manipulative conversations. Dai Zi Ang relished the thought of Li Zeliang's predicament the next day.
Observing Li Zeliang's proximity to them, Su Xieyi quickly suggested a dance to Xie Minghao, which he agreed to. As they began to dance, Li Zeliang approached He Jianghua and presented him with an object he claimed to have found at the Lantian Bay construction site.
Episode 30 Recap
Li Zeliang confronted He Jianghua, revealing he had found an inhaler at the Lantian Bay construction site that he believed belonged to He Jianghua and bore his fingerprints. Li Zeliang urged him to confess, warning that he would hand the evidence over to the police. He Jianghua attempted to deflect, claiming that many people use such inhalers. Meanwhile, Su Xieyi attended a gathering with Xie Minghao and Dai Zi Ang.
During their conversation, Xie Minghao boasted about having incriminating evidence against He Jianghua, whom he intended to manipulate into causing trouble for Ocean. He revealed his ultimate plan was to frame He Jianghua and send him to prison once he was no longer useful. While pretending to take a selfie to allay suspicion after Xie Minghao checked her phone, Su Xieyi secretly recorded their entire conversation.
As Dai Zi Ang noticed her suspicious activity and alerted Xie Minghao, Su Xieyi had already sent the incriminating recording to Li Zeliang and deleted the file from her phone. Elsewhere, Shi Chuchu reflected on past events, finally realizing that Zhiwei’s bankruptcy had been orchestrated by Shen Xieqing and Xie Minghao, not Li Zeliang. Acknowledging her judgment had been clouded by emotion, she decided it was time to let go of her past feelings and help Li Zeliang.
She informed him that Dai Zi Ang had called for a stockholders' meeting specifically to target him. Despite knowing Dai Zi Ang had secured several votes, Li Zeliang declined Shi Chuchu’s offer of help, wanting to handle the matter himself. At the stockholders' meeting, Dai Zi Ang made a dramatic entrance and introduced Su Xieyi as his temporary special assistant.
Su Xieyi then proposed that Li Zeliang be removed from his post as chairman due to his flawed leadership in the Lantian Bay project. To everyone's shock, Shi Chuchu seconded the motion, which passed with more than half of the votes. Afterward, Dai Zi Ang openly mocked Li Zeliang’s misfortune, gloating that he had lost both his position and his girlfriend.
In front of everyone, Su Xieyi confirmed that she and Li Zeliang had broken up a long time ago and were no longer involved. Furious at what she perceived as Su Xieyi's betrayal, Ming Yue confronted her, saying she felt foolish for having defended her. Su Xieyi simply apologized without further explanation. Meanwhile, Li Zeliang and Shi Chuchu discussed their plan.
They knew Dai Zi Ang was in a desperate financial situation, having pledged twenty percent of Zhengde's shares to a fund, risking forced liquidation if the stock price dropped significantly. Li Zeliang then revealed that he believed Su Xieyi was secretly helping him, as he had received the incriminating recording from Xie Minghao’s phone, sent by her. They concluded that He Jianghua was now the deciding factor.
Li Zeliang confronted He Jianghua again, this time playing the recording of Xie Minghao’s plan. Realizing he was being set up to be a scapegoat, He Jianghua was presented with a choice: continue down a dark path or cooperate. Li Zeliang offered Ocean's full support, promising to drop the damage claim and provide the best lawyer if he testified against Xie Minghao and Dai Zi Ang. Convinced, He Jianghua agreed to cooperate and expose their crimes.
With He Jianghua’s cooperation secured, Li Zeliang and his team focused on finding Shen Xieqing, whom they suspected was being held captive by Xie Minghao. While Ji Yingsong's surveillance yielded no leads, Su Xieyi discovered a crucial clue when her bathroom leaked into the unit below. The downstairs neighbor confronted Xie Minghao, remarking on him having "two units" and "two wives," leading Su Xieyi to suspect her sister was being held in another apartment in the same building.
At a dinner with Dai Zi Ang and Xie Minghao, Shi Chuchu played her part, convincing them she intended to sell all her Ocean shares. Later, she and Su Xieyi excused themselves to the washroom. Shi Chuchu confirmed that their actions were part of a larger plan and that Li Zeliang had received the recording. Su Xieyi then shared her suspicion that her sister was being held in a nearby unit in Xie Minghao's building.
They devised a plan: Su Xieyi would arrange a dinner with Xie Minghao the following evening to distract him, allowing Li Zeliang to rescue Shen Xieqing. Later that night, Li Zeliang called Su Xieyi, telling her he now understood everything. He confessed that his greatest regret was failing to save her father years ago and vowed he would not fail to rescue her sister. He emotionally told her, "To the world, you may be one person.
But to me, you mean the world. Xieyi. Come back." The next evening, while Su Xieyi was at dinner with Xie Minghao, the rescue plan was set in motion. Xie Minghao received a call from his building’s security, who had been tricked into reporting that suspicious "creditors" were looking at apartments. Alarmed, Xie Minghao abruptly left the restaurant. Li Zeliang and Ji Yingsong entered the apartment building and located Shen Xieqing, who was weak and feverish.
Li Zeliang carried her out to safety. When Xie Minghao rushed back to the building, he saw Su Xieyi leaving. After a frantic and fruitless search for Shen Xieqing, he returned to his apartment, only to find Su Xieyi gone as well. As he stood there in defeat, Li Zeliang's promise echoed, followed by Su Xieyi's voice, "Yan. I'm back."
Episode 31 Recap
Having found Su Xieyi, Li Zeliang rushed to embrace her, holding her close under the moonlight and promising to take her home. Tears filled their eyes as they gazed at each other, sharing a deep kiss in the rain. Upon their return to Li Zeliang's home, they found Shen Xieqing in bed with a fever. Li Zeliang explained that for her safety, he had temporarily settled her there, reassuring Su Xieyi that she would recover after some rest.
Su Xieyi apologized to Li Zeliang for the suffering he endured, but he confessed he had always suspected she had hidden reasons for her actions. Knowing they were fighting for the same goal gave him courage. Su Xieyi then revealed her struggle: Xie Minghao had imprisoned her sister and used her as leverage, clarifying she never intended to harm Li Zeliang.
He acknowledged that Xie Minghao had tried to use an edited recording of her to threaten him, but he never fell for the manipulation and always believed in her. He vowed that now that they were reunited, they would never be separated again. The next morning, a lucid Shen Xieqing woke up and tearfully confessed everything to Su Xieyi. Under Xie Minghao's manipulation, she had emptied their company Zhiwei's assets by faking procurements, leaving no inventory in the warehouse.
This directly caused their father's inability to deliver goods to Ocean Hotel or pay liquidated damages, ultimately driving him to take his own life to protect her. Shen Xieqing then exposed Xie Minghao as the true "K of Spades," revealing he had orchestrated the downfall of Zhiwei through Huo Jian and had trapped her in his schemes, even using a fake pregnancy report to control her. Overcome with guilt, Shen Xieqing was ready to turn herself in.
Su Xieyi, devastated, lamented that her father, her home, and the sister she once knew were all gone. Just then, Xie Minghao arrived, pounding on the door. Li Zeliang had Su Xieyi hide with Shen Xieqing in the secret room before opening it. Xie Minghao demanded Li Zeliang hand over both sisters and tried to threaten him with the recording again. Li Zeliang coolly dismissed it as an edited fake.
When Xie Minghao tried to pin all the blame for Zhiwei's downfall on Shen Xieqing, Su Xieyi could no longer contain her anger. She emerged and fiercely accused Xie Minghao of destroying her family and driving her sister to madness. Enraged by her words, Xie Minghao swore he would ruin Ocean Hotel and crush Li Zeliang until she begged to return to him. Later, Li Zeliang took Su Xieyi to a bar to meet his friends, Oscar and Shi Chuchu.
There, it was revealed that Oscar was the newly appointed Vice President of Zhengda Fund. Li Zeliang then began to explain the elaborate counter-plan he had meticulously set in motion. Following Li Zeliang’s encouragement to forgive her sister, Su Xieyi brought pastries to Shen Xieqing. This gesture deepened Shen Xieqing’s guilt, but Su Xieyi gently assured her that she held no hatred, stating that Shen Xieqing was her only family left. The two sisters shared a heartfelt reconciliation.
The next day at Ocean Hotel, Dai Ziang attempted to coerce the board of directors into renaming the company to "Zhengcai." As he pressed them to sign the resolution, Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi arrived. Li Zeliang declared that Xie Minghao’s threats were void and presented a video of journalist He Jianghua’s public confession. In the video, He Jianghua admitted to being instigated by Dai Ziang to discredit Ocean Hotel and cause the Lantian Bay fire.
Panicked, Dai Ziang fled back to his own company, Zhengde Group. As Dai Ziang began desperately selling his Ocean Hotel shares to save his own collapsing company, Li Zeliang instructed Oscar to have Zhengda Fund acquire all of them, thereby stabilizing Ocean Hotel's position and turning the tables on their adversaries.
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
As anticipated by Li Zeliang, Dai Ziang's desperation led him to call a staff meeting to stabilize the company, setting the stage for Li Zeliang's final strike. During the meeting, Xie Minghao addressed the employees, urging unity and vowing to sue those spreading rumors. Suddenly, Li Zeliang appeared, surprising Xie Minghao, who quickly tried to end the meeting. Li Zeliang stopped him, and Shen Xieqing emerged to confront Xie Minghao publicly.
Feigning surprise, Xie Minghao claimed he had been searching for her. However, Shen Xieqing exposed his deceptions: he had tricked her into transferring Zhiwei's assets and made her believe she was pregnant, which drove her father to take the blame and commit suicide. She also revealed that after she regained consciousness, he had held her captive and faked her suicide attempt.
She disclosed that ever since discovering he was the "K of Spades" two years prior, she had been secretly gathering evidence. As a lawyer, he knew the gravity of his crimes, and she announced she had already alerted the police. When Xie Minghao tried to discredit her as a mental patient, she produced a medical certificate proving her sanity.
She then presented damning evidence: bank records showing money flowing into his account and a card in her name, recordings of him instigating the embezzlement, and screenshots of messages he, as the "K of Spades," sent to Huo Jian to coerce him. When questioned about his lack of remorse, Xie Minghao blamed her for all his misfortunes, particularly for Shen Zhihong's disapproval of his pursuit of Su Xieyi. Li Zeliang intervened, advising Xie Minghao to surrender.
Cornered, Xie Minghao grabbed Su Xieyi, holding a pen to her neck as a hostage and warning everyone to stay back. He dragged her to the rooftop, with Li Zeliang in close pursuit. On the roof, a manic Xie Minghao confronted Li Zeliang, demanding to know why he was never truly seen or valued despite his lifelong struggle for recognition.
Li Zeliang expressed sympathy for his past but pointed out that his desire for Su Xieyi was not love, but another attempt to validate his success. In a final, twisted act, Xie Minghao demanded Li Zeliang jump from the building in a "life for a life" exchange for Su Xieyi. Without hesitation, Li Zeliang agreed. Seeing his intent, Su Xieyi bit Xie Minghao's hand, breaking free and rushing to shield Li Zeliang.
Defeated, Xie Minghao declared he had lost and that this was the "best ending" before leaping from the building. However, police had already positioned an air cushion below, and he was apprehended. Meanwhile, Dai Ziang was also arrested on suspicion of inciting arson and illegal competition. A month later, with the Lantian Bay project succeeding, Li Zeliang was lauded by shareholders. He thanked Ms. Shi, who credited Su Xieyi for Ocean's recovery, noting their deep love.
Ms. Shi admitted her past misconceptions about Su Xieyi and acknowledged she was perfect for him. Su Xieyi then arrived to take Li Zeliang, who was recovering from surgery, to a follow-up appointment. Later, as she pushed him in a wheelchair, he voiced his fears about being a burden due to his leg's uncertain recovery.
Su Xieyi reassured him, stating that what mattered was not what they did, but that they were now an "us," suggesting alternative activities for every limitation. Touched, Li Zeliang shared that Xie Minghao had been sentenced to over ten years for his multiple crimes. He also gave her the good news that her application to visit Shen Xieqing had been approved. The next day, Su Xieyi visited Shen Xieqing at a detention center.
Shen Xieqing felt a profound sense of ease and expressed her gratitude for her sister. She admitted her guilt towards Su Xieyi and their father was what finally brought her to her senses. Su Xieyi reassured her that their father would understand her courage in facing her mistakes and that a warm family reunion awaited her return. Shen Xieqing wished Su Xieyi happiness and confirmed her relationship with Xie Minghao was in the past.
Before leaving, she eagerly asked about their wedding, requesting many photos since she couldn't attend. Li Zeliang then surprised Su Xieyi with a meticulously planned proposal. A treasure hunt with clues based on their shared memories—"Encounter beneath the stars," "Reunion after breaking up," and the "hospital embrace"—led her to a plaza. As she arrived, the area lit up, and Li Zeliang appeared. He knelt and delivered a heartfelt proposal, asking her to marry him.
Surrounded by cheering friends, a tearful Su Xieyi joyfully accepted. The next morning, they watched the sunrise. Li Zeliang presented her with a custom seal engraved "Liang Yan, Xie Yi," declaring that from now on, he was hers forever. As Su Xieyi marveled that the world seemed to be theirs, Li Zeliang corrected her, saying he already possessed the world because she was his entire world. Later, they arrived at the Marriage Registry.
After some playful banter about a forgotten qipao and a mix-up with the counters, they happily received their marriage certificate. Su Xieyi then jokingly complained that her photo was unflattering and insisted they immediately go to a bridal store to take new ones where she could be in charge of the styling.
