Love At Night Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Love At Night

Love At Night Synopsis

Xu Qingyou, a white-collar worker, is always going home from work at nightfall.

She and Fan Yunxi have been in love for 10 years, but before preparing for their wedding, she accidentally found out that Fan Yunxi was cheating on her.

Fan Yunxi explained that it was an accident, but Xu Qingyou still proposed to break up. At this point, she met Mo Lingze.

The first encounter between them was in the dark of the night, and a misunderstanding was formed that night.

Xu Qingyou thought they would never meet again, but she never expected Mo Lingze to take over the business of the company where she works.

On the one hand, Mo Lingze’s strong but appropriate concern, and on the other hand, Fan Yunxi’s hard retrieve, Xu Qingyou woke up after being confused and decided to start a new life of her own.

At this time, Fan Yunxi’s mentality gradually imbalanced when facing the increasing distance between him and Xu Qingyou, secretly operating to make Mo Lingze into a career crisis.

Xu Qingyou firmly accompanied Mo Lingze, and they worked together to solve the crisis successfully.

Fan Yunxi regretted and took responsibility, and put aside his obsession to reconcile with Xu Qingyou.

They took the courage to leave their comfort zone in different life turns, overcame all the twists and turns and difficulties, and harvest a new self.

Love At Night Recap

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• 16
• 17
• 18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• 22
• 23
• 24
• 25
• 26
• 27
• 28
• 29
• 30

Episode 1 Recap

Xu Qingyou, the Director of the Operation Department I at Lemi E-commerce, is on the cusp of turning thirty. She believes a thirty-year-old woman should live on her own terms, a philosophy she embodies daily. The story opens with Xu Qingyou waking up in a luxurious hotel room, startled by a wake-up call from the front desk informing her that a Mr. Mo had booked the 8 AM service for her.

Observing the disarray of her clothes strewn across the floor, she grapples with the hazy memory of the night before. The narrative then flashes back to the previous day. Her boyfriend, Fan Yunxi, a lawyer, video calls her early in the morning. He urges her to quit her demanding job and become "Mrs. Fan," suggesting they move their wedding date forward. Fan Yunxi, believing women dream of "enjoying the fruits of others' labor," suggests her current work is too strenuous.

Xu Qingyou, however, firmly states that she prefers to be self-reliant and share his burden, dismissing his views as "erroneous assumptions." Meanwhile, Mo Lingze receives an urgent call from his secretary, Wang Ji, who reports that Zhao Lei of Golden Capital, Mo Lingze's former employer, has "robbed" their project and is now with Jia Weisi, a genius coder and the founder they are trying to secure.

Mo Lingze, unfazed, assures Wang Ji that the project is secure and instructs him to meet at a designated location. While searching for Jia Weisi on a street where he habitually has breakfast at 8:30 AM, Wang Ji reports that they still haven't found him. It is on this very street that Mo Lingze unexpectedly encounters Xu Qingyou.

As Jia Weisi attempts to escape, he shoves Xu Qingyou into Mo Lingze's arms, leaving a distinctive lipstick stain on Mo Lingze's pristine white shirt. Simultaneously, Director Zhai calls Xu Qingyou, questioning her department's temporary change to the advertising plan. Mo Lingze, misinterpreting Xu Qingyou as a rival sent by Zhao Lei to approach Jia Weisi, dismisses her actions as "drama queen" behavior and "too old-fashioned tactics," which she doesn't fully grasp.

Mo Lingze then proceeds to meet with Jia Weisi and Zhao Lei. Jia Weisi, keen on securing funds quickly in the "capital winter," asks which of them can deliver the investment first. Zhao Lei presents an agreement promising a quick process. Mo Lingze, however, critiques Zhao Lei's lack of due diligence, pointing out the homogeneity of their products and over-reliance on third-party channels, questioning his "awareness of risk diversification."

Mo Lingze presents a concise plan, asserting its sufficiency and the sincerity of Shangger Capital. Zhao Lei attempts to belittle Mo Lingze, implying his success is due to Mr. Lin's daughter's favor and that he's "overqualified" for his current role. Mo Lingze retorts that he isn't interested in being a "partner," which he considers a "retirement job," but rather in swiftly leading Shangger to surpass Golden Capital and become the premier investment company in the TMT track.

Jia Weisi is later presented with his favorite signed comic, further cementing his favor towards Mo Lingze. Back at Lemi E-commerce, Director Long Jin of Department II gloats about their projected performance surpassing Department I and makes disparaging remarks about Xu Qingyou's imminent departure to become a lawyer's wife. Xu Qingyou calmly refutes Long Jin's criticisms regarding advertising plans and reminds them about their scheduled use of the meeting room.

Soon after, news breaks on Weibo alleging Lemi E-commerce's cosmetics are fake, supported by dozens of inspection reports. Xu Qingyou immediately takes charge, instructing all staff not to respond until an official statement is released. Director Zhai, concerned about the approaching mid-year sale, suspects competitors are behind the rumors. Xu Qingyou volunteers to contact the whistleblower, as beauty makeup falls under her department, and acknowledges the new Shangger Vice President's imminent arrival.

Amidst this corporate crisis, Xu Qingyou receives photos from a friend, revealing Fan Yunxi embracing another woman, confirming his infidelity. Despite the emotional blow, she calmly accepts Fan Yunxi's subsequent dinner invitation to a couple's restaurant, betraying no emotion in her voice. She then methodically assigns tasks to her team: Dong Bao to contact the whistleblower, Xia Meng to verify purchase records, Yu Ming to prepare a lawyer's letter, and Xiaopang to prepare public relations.

Later that evening, Xu Qingyou meets Fan Yunxi at the restaurant. He attempts to explain his actions by claiming he was drunk and doesn't remember anything, but admits his mistake and promises her a "happy life." Incensed by his excuses, Xu Qingyou splashes a glass of red wine on his face, stating she cannot trust him after he cheated on her just three months before their wedding. Distraught, Xu Qingyou heads to a bar, drinking heavily.

In a game, she shatters the bar's highest record, previously held by Mo Lingze. The bar owner informs her of a rule: the record-breaker has the right to make a request to the previous record holder. Mo Lingze arrives at the bar and performs a song. Xu Qingyou, visibly intoxicated, waves light sticks, occasionally catching Mo Lingze's eye.

As the bar prepares to close, a staff member attempts to call her "honey" from her phone to pick her up, but Xu Qingyou snatches the phone and tosses it into an ice bucket. Mo Lingze intervenes, and Xu Qingyou confronts him, reminding him of the bar's rule: "bet is bet." She asserts her right to make a request and tells him, "Tonight, obey my order." Mo Lingze offers to take her home.

Xu Qingyou drunkenly confides that her "perfect boyfriend" of ten years cheated on her and she doesn't want to go home, believing people are not always "so lucky." Mo Lingze, expressing concern only for her "personal safety," suggests a coin toss: heads, he takes her home; tails, he hands her over to the police. Confused but unwilling to go home, she eventually collapses onto his shoulder. Mo Lingze, sensing her distress, takes her to a hotel.

The next morning, upon waking to a messy room and seeing her broken stockings, Xu Qingyou was convinced that she and Mo Lingze had done something "out of line" the previous night. Later that morning, Xu Qingyou's assistant, Meng Meng, confirms the whistleblower's purchase records are legitimate. Xu Qingyou arranges a meeting with the whistleblower, who insists on speaking directly with a leader.

Confronting him, Xu Qingyou reveals her discovery of his sixteen seemingly unrelated Weibo accounts, used since 2015 to extort nearly twenty companies by falsely accusing them of product issues. The blackmailer claims companies paid because they had a "guilty conscience." Xu Qingyou secretly records their conversation, asserts Lemi's "clear conscience," and warns him to delete the video and publicly apologize or face legal action, even sarcastically suggesting he follow the news from prison.

She confidently states Lemi is prepared for all investigations. Later, Mo Lingze, identified as the new Vice President of Shangger Capital, arrives at Lemi with his team to assess the crisis. He expresses concern that the negative news has "seriously affected Lemi's market valuation," suggesting its "investment value should be reevaluated." Director Zhai introduces Xu Qingyou as the person in charge of resolving the crisis. Xu Qingyou, despite her evident discomfort at seeing Mo Lingze, presents her findings.

She confirms the whistleblower's unboxing video was unedited and his purchase records were genuine, but the "only doubt" lay with the warehouse. Presenting surveillance footage, she reveals that the warehouse keeper, Wang Dachuan, was secretly changing products. Wang Dachuan, in an employment relationship with the whistleblower, resorted to this desperate measure to pay off "heavy debts" incurred from "poor consumption records."

Xu Qingyou explains she demanded a public apology from the whistleblower, who has since complied by posting a video on Weibo. Director Zhai commends Xu Qingyou for her excellent work. As Xu Qingyou escorts Mo Lingze out, he remarks that she looks familiar, though he can't place her. Xu Qingyou denies having seen him before. Just before leaving, Mo Lingze subtly reminds her, "Director Xu, you haven't paid me the fee for hotel accommodation yet."

Episode 2 Recap

Xu Qingyou is deeply embarrassed by Mo Lingze's reminder about the room fee from the previous night, eager to settle the matter quickly and put the past behind them. Unable to reach him directly, she visits the Sad Bar, where Mo Lingze's band plays, entrusting the room fee to Sa, the bar owner. Sa recognizes her as the "white-collar" who previously sought Mo.

At the bar, Lin Siyu, the daughter of the chairman of Golden Capital, also inquires about Mo Lingze, complaining that he ignores her calls and texts, implying he is a playboy. Sa confirms Mo's popularity, noting Xu Qingyou is the fourth person this month to seek him out, making a mental note to tell Mo. Meanwhile, Fan Yunxi awaits Xu Qingyou in their new house, which has been meticulously decorated to her preferences.

He attempts to reconcile, reminding her of their decade-long relationship and their shared dreams of marriage and cohabitation. He downplays his infidelity as a mere "incident" that will soon pass and begs for her forgiveness, emphasizing how he tailored the house to her tastes. However, Xu Qingyou firmly rejects his plea, shattering a framed photo of them.

She explains that accepting such "false beauty" would condemn her to live a life based on a fragile lie, asserting that not all betrayals can be overcome, even if he believes they can. Despite Fan Yunxi's desperate pleas for another chance and his vow never to break up, Xu Qingyou remains unwavering in her decision to end their relationship. She later confides in Fang Qi that Fan Yunxi's attempts at persuasion were futile.

At home, Xu Qingyou's younger brother, Xu Wei, unexpectedly returns a year early, having completed his four-year program in three years with top honors. He explains to Xu Qingyou that he rejected a master's in art to return home for inspiration and asks for her help finding work for "Brother-in-law" Fan Yunxi, at which point Xu Qingyou clarifies her breakup with Fan Yunxi.

At work, Xu Qingyou encounters Mo Lingze at the elevator and directly urges him to forget their past encounter, concerned it might complicate their professional interactions. Mo Lingze challenges her, asking what exactly she wants to erase. Despite Xu Qingyou's insistence that their liaison was just a casual fling, Mo Lingze observes her blushing ears, noting that her outward resolve belies her inner feelings, making him more interested in her.

Later, Xu Qingyou discovers the money she left for him at the bar has been returned to her desk, accompanied by a sarcastic note from Mo Lingze suggesting he found her attempt to pay him off insulting and her "experience" with him unsatisfactory. This fuels her anxiety that he might leverage their shared past against her.

Mo Lingze, conducting due diligence for his company, Shangger, on a company called Leader that features popular "situational games" (escape rooms), deliberately appears at one such venue. Xu Qingyou initially assumes his presence relates to their past encounter, but he clarifies his professional purpose, handing her a Shangger document. Despite her initial fluster, Mo Lingze then challenges her to a game duel within the escape room.

He proposes a deal: if she successfully completes the game, he will put their past behind them, confessing he finds her "interesting," a refreshing change. Xu Qingyou agrees to the terms, determined to erase their connection. Despite her efforts, she fails to complete the challenge. Mo Lingze points out her failure, noting her desire to "erase" their past is unfulfilled, as "it happened for sure" and remains unresolved.

Xu Qingyou accuses him of enjoying her predicament, but he dismisses it as her prejudice. Lin Siyu, intent on securing Mo Lingze's attention, calls Sa, the owner of the Sad Bar, to book the entire venue for a masked party. She specifically requests the Sad Band to perform, particularly the "good-looking guitarist" Mo Lingze, offering extra payment to ensure his attendance and secretly planning a couple's game involving him.

Although Mo Lingze initially declines due to other commitments, Sa insists he must be there. Later, Fang Qi arrives at Xu Qingyou's home to invite her to the masked party. Xu Wei, secretly harboring a crush on Fang Qi, becomes flustered upon seeing her through the peephole. He quickly retreats upstairs to meticulously fix his hair, change his clothes, and apply cologne before calmly answering the door. Fang Qi immediately teases him about the strong, cloying scent.

Inside, Fang Qi finds Xu Qingyou still asleep and later discovers an unfinished portrait of a woman in Xu Wei's room. He quickly snatches it away when she attempts to get a closer look. Fang Qi playfully suggests he has a crush, unaware that she is the subject of his art, as she still views him as merely a "kid brother." Fang Qi tries to rouse Xu Qingyou from bed, attributing her lethargy to her recent breakup.

Xu Qingyou, however, claims she's merely tired from work and wants to sleep, expressing her disinterest in attending another party where she usually ends up searching for Fang Qi as Fang Qi looks for attractive men. To persuade her, Fang Qi feigns vulnerability, emphasizing her delicate nature and asking who would escort her home if she got drunk. Xu Qingyou playfully dismisses Fang Qi's dramatics but eventually agrees to go.

Xu Wei then offers to join them as their "flower protector," ready to assist if they drink too much, but Fang Qi immediately rejects his offer, telling him he's too young to join and should "stay out of it." At the mask party, Fang Qi encourages Xu Qingyou to find a suitable partner among the "social elites, investment leaders, and financial celebrities" present, while Xu Qingyou remains skeptical, favoring a promotion or a raise instead.

Sa, the bar owner, introduces Lin Siyu as the daughter of the chairman of Golden Capital and the night's host. Lin Siyu announces a special lottery where two attendees will be chosen as the "special couple" for the night. Lin Siyu eagerly claims to be number 99 when it's called, expecting to be paired with Mo Lingze. However, Sa reveals a mix-up: Lin Siyu actually holds number 66, while the real number 99 is held by Xu Qingyou.

Without hesitation, Fang Qi pushes a protesting Xu Qingyou forward, granting her the opportunity. Simultaneously, Mo Lingze is identified as number 17, and despite his initial reluctance, he is compelled to join Xu Qingyou on stage. On stage, the crowd demands a performance from the newly formed "couple." Mo Lingze takes a guitar, and though Xu Qingyou admits she has no musical talent, he guides her hand, teaching her to strum along.

Their impromptu performance infuriates Lin Siyu, who had meticulously planned to be Mo Lingze's partner; she is so enraged that Mo Lingze's assistant, Wang Ji, has to physically escort her out. After their unexpected performance, Xu Qingyou confronts Mo Lingze, accusing him of deliberately orchestrating the situation to trick her. He counters by asking what she truly believes transpired between them that night, implying her "prejudice" is clouding her judgment.

Episode 3 Recap

Xu Qingyou misinterpreted Mo Lingze's current demeanor as provocative and mocking, which angered her further. She sternly warned him that regardless of what occurred that night, it would not happen again, and nothing would ever develop between them. Mo Lingze appeared somewhat hurt. He took a pair of scissors from the bar and cut the rope binding their wrists, allowing Xu Qingyou to leave. Outside the bar, Xu Wei, Xu Qingyou's brother, waited for Fang Qi, concerned about her.

When Fang Qi stumbled out drunkenly, he rushed to support her, pretending it was a chance encounter. Seeing that Fang Qi was being taken care of, Xu Qingyou felt relieved and turned back to confront Mo Lingze. She urged him to forget everything, promptly accepted the hotel fee she had transferred, and hoped to definitively resolve their issue. Mo Lingze realized Xu Qingyou deeply misunderstood him, perhaps seeing him as someone who took advantage of her vulnerability.

He truthfully recounted the events of that night. Seeing Xu Qingyou unwilling to go home and not knowing her address, he had taken her to a hotel. There, a drunken Xu Qingyou incessantly spoke about her ten-year relationship with her fiancé, Fan Yunxi, and his infidelity, crying and laughing intermittently. At times, she mistook Mo Lingze for Fan Yunxi, hitting and scolding him, and even spraying water all over herself with the faucet.

Mo Lingze was thoroughly put out by her antics. After getting his clothes wet and trying to dry them, she pulled him onto the bed, and he accidentally kissed her. Xu Qingyou finally fell asleep after half a night of commotion, and Mo Lingze left. In reality, nothing intimate had occurred between them. Learning the true circumstances, Xu Qingyou gradually felt more at ease.

The next day, in Mr. Zhai's office, Xu Qingyou unexpectedly met Mo Lingze again, who was an investor. Mr. Zhai expressed his hope that they would interact more and get to know each other, but Xu Qingyou showed clear disdain for Mo Lingze. Soon after, the promotional activities for Xu Qingyou's "Meeting Your Match" project commenced, exciting many within the team.

Fan Yunxi called Xu Qingyou again and even mailed her a pack of vitamins, expressing his concern and hoping she could forgive his mistake, promising not to repeat it. However, in Xu Qingyou and Fang Qi's view, such a mistake by a man is never just a one-time occurrence; once it happens, it will happen again. Therefore, Xu Qingyou firmly rejected his request for reconciliation, stating that life and relationships cannot afford any accidents, especially after a decade together.

She confessed that breaking up was too painful to bear. Xu Wei drove Fang Qi home. Watching Fang Qi passed out on the bed, he felt a pang of sadness. He clearly remembered Fang Qi after her breakup, continuously crying and eating, expressing her desire to find an even better man to spend her 30th birthday with. At that moment, he resolved to be the one to accompany Fang Qi on her 30th birthday.

During the promotional video shoot, the male lead unexpectedly canceled. With time running out, Xia Meng suggested inviting Mo Lingze for the shoot, noting his suitable demeanor for the role and his status as an investor, which might make him agreeable. Xu Qingyou initially protested, but then reluctantly called Mo Lingze, speaking softly and almost sheepishly, hoping he would agree to play the male lead.

Mo Lingze, seizing the opportunity, harshly teased Xu Qingyou about her earlier comment that he was "too high to meet" and initially refused, stating he was busy with a meeting and doubted if he was her "ideal match" given her lack of faith in him. As Xu Qingyou continued to screen other potential male leads, finding none suitable, Mo Lingze appeared as the sun began to set. To the relief of everyone on set, Mo Lingze readily agreed to shoot.

During a costume change, Xu Qingyou adjusted Mo Lingze's tie and quietly expressed her gratitude. Mo Lingze, however, stated that his time was calculated in money per second and he wouldn't contribute for free. This relieved Xu Qingyou, who preferred to deal with money rather than owe favors. After the shoot concluded, to express her thanks, Xu Qingyou suggested treating Mo Lingze to a meal. He readily accepted.

She took him to her "secret base," a humble street food stall, which she explained was where she and her brother ate as children when their parents were busy. She shared that she finds inspiration there, seeing others working late, which energizes her. During dinner, Mr. Zhai called, demanding that the proposal be finalized that very night.

Meanwhile, Mo Lingze unceremoniously took off his coat and placed it over Xu Qingyou's legs, a considerate gesture given her short skirt, shielding her from the air conditioning and preventing any accidental exposure. Xu Qingyou hung up the phone and looked meaningfully at Mo Lingze. She suddenly found him formidable, directly telling him that his mind was meticulous and impenetrable, and that they were simply not on the same level.

Episode 4 Recap

Xu Qingyou informs Mo Lingze that she finds him "dangerous" due to his keen mind and flawless plans, expressing her desire for no more "accidents" in her life. Mo Lingze challenges this sentiment, suggesting she is blaming him for being an "accident" and reminding her that life itself is composed of countless unforeseen events, a fact he believes she should understand better than him. Unbeknownst to them, Lin Siyu, observing them from outside the restaurant, takes a discreet photograph.

Lin Siyu, agitated that Mo Lingze was not at his office as expected, calls Wang Ji. Wang Ji, engrossed in a claw machine game, is reluctant to provide information. Lin Siyu takes over the game, effortlessly winning multiple dolls and playfully asserting that success, whether in catching dolls or buying a handbag, requires a "calm, insightful and decisive" mind, not merely money.

Impressed by her skill, Wang Ji then agrees to look at the photo and identify the woman in it. Xu Qingyou's parents unexpectedly arrive, causing her brother, Xu Wei, anxiety as he had not yet told them about his decision to pursue art school over graduate studies. However, their immediate focus shifts to Xu Qingyou's marriage prospects.

Her father, a professor, praises Fan Yunxi, highlighting his attentive nature and suitability, while her mother urges her to marry him, emphasizing their ten-year relationship. Xu Qingyou pushes back, asserting that "love" is paramount, but her father dismisses this as "childish" for someone in her thirties, arguing that "suitability" is far more important for a successful marriage.

He reveals that Fan Yunxi even sacrificed his dream of a PhD at Penn University to care for Xu Qingyou when she was seriously ill in college, urging her to seriously consider her future with him. Later, Fan Yunxi meets Xu Qingyou, giving her an "amnesty card" and a playful "contract" as a symbol of his sincerity, along with documents her father had requested.

He gently asks if she ever knew he gave up his postgraduate studies abroad because of her, clarifying that he chose not to tell her to avoid burdening her. He recalls a lighthearted "promise" they once wrote, vowing not to unilaterally end their relationship, now admitting it seems "childish." Confessing his past selfishness, Fan Yunxi reiterates his enduring love for her but states he can no longer pressure her, accepting their breakup.

He offers her osmanthus cake, her favorite, as a farewell gesture, assuring her he remembers every detail about her. Overwhelmed, Xu Qingyou retreats to the restroom, crying as she grapples with the complexity of their decade-long relationship and his persistent efforts to reconcile after a past betrayal. Meanwhile, Mo Lingze’s brother arrives at his apartment, reporting on the corporate structure of Shangger.

He explains that Mr. Luo is the major shareholder, while Mo Lingze and Mr. Han are co-chairmen, both reporting to Mr. Luo. He cautions Mo Lingze that Mr. Han views him as a rival, making Lemi’s acquisition a crucial first step for Mo Lingze to establish his position. He specifically mentions Xu Qingyou, Lemi’s operations director, as "not easy to deal with" given her effortless resolution of a recent counterfeit case, advising extreme caution.

Mo Lingze tersely tells him to be quiet while eating. Fang Qi confronts Xu Qingyou about her continued indecision regarding Fan Yunxi. Xu Qingyou clarifies that she is merely "trying again" with him, not fully reconciled. Fang Qi vehemently dismisses this, arguing that ten years of a relationship is not a reason to sacrifice her future happiness, and warns that Xu Qingyou's indecisive character will ultimately cause her harm.

Xu Qingyou, however, insists that a relationship that began so "solemnly" deserves a proper, unhurried conclusion, not a hasty one, for both her own sake and the history they share. Fang Qi maintains her pessimistic outlook, asserting that no good can come of such a situation. At Lemi, Mo Lingze discusses the company's future plans, emphasizing the need to optimize personnel structure due to overlapping departmental duties and low per capita productivity, despite the sentimental attachment of long-term employees.

Xu Qingyou then arrives with documents for him, and Mo Lingze playfully asks if she is reluctant to see him. Just then, Fan Yunxi arrives, bringing snacks as afternoon tea. He introduces himself to Mo Lingze as "Lawyer Fan" before pointedly introducing Xu Qingyou as his "fiancée." Mo Lingze calmly acknowledges the introduction. Fan Yunxi then excuses himself for another meeting, promising to pick Xu Qingyou up after work.

After Fan Yunxi departs, Mo Lingze sarcastically remarks that Xu Qingyou seems to have finally achieved the "accident-free life" she desired. Xu Qingyou subtly turns his own words back on him, asserting that life is indeed composed of countless accidents, and politely tells him not to concern himself with her affairs. Later, Lin Siyu barges into Xu Qingyou's workplace, loudly confronting her and demanding that she "quit" pursuing Mo Lingze, asserting that he only cares about her.

She accuses Xu Qingyou of being interested in Mo Lingze solely for his wealth and good looks. Xu Qingyou clarifies that their relationship is strictly professional and attempts to pull Lin Siyu aside to avoid a public scene. In the restroom, Xu Qingyou states her disinterest in Mo Lingze, describing him as "cool, silent, and inscrutable."

Lin Siyu immediately defends him, exclaiming that his "cold face" is indeed very handsome, and warns Xu Qingyou never to speak ill of him again. As she leaves, Lin Siyu declares that she will remember Xu Qingyou. Later, Xu Qingyou is seen limping while bringing a file to Mo Lingze. She briefly chats with her brother, Xu Wei, who is busy with an art project and humorously comments on his teacher's work.

Mo Lingze notices Xu Qingyou's limp and asks about her foot. She explains it's just a sprain she got in the restroom, but he insists on taking her to the hospital, claiming responsibility as it is a "work injury." On the way, Mo Lingze apologizes for Lin Siyu's earlier behavior, to which Xu Qingyou replies that she "fought back anyway."

At the hospital, Mo Lingze ensures she is seen by a doctor and thoughtfully provides her with a pair of flat shoes. While at the hospital, Fan Yunxi calls, offering to pick her up upon learning of her injury. Xu Qingyou then tells Mo Lingze that her "boyfriend" will pick her up, implying he can leave. Mo Lingze, sensing her defensiveness, provocatively asks if she feels "guilty" for repeatedly stressing boundaries between them.

Although he seems to accept her dismissal, he remains outside the hospital. Fan Yunxi calls again, informing Xu Qingyou that he is tied up with work and and will be delayed, asking her to wait. Seeing that Fan Yunxi is not coming, Mo Lingze returns, and despite Xu Qingyou's protests, he lifts her and carries her out, asserting that her "boyfriend" won't be coming.

Episode 5 Recap

Mo Lingze drove Xu Qingyou back to her company, where she intended to work overtime. He offered to accompany her upstairs, but she declined, coldly telling him they were quits and thanking him for the ride. She questioned if her thoughts mattered, suggesting he often made decisions for her. Watching her walk away, Mo Lingze was visibly pained and later went to a bar.

There, his friends noticed his preoccupation, teasing him about a "new girlfriend" named Xu Qingyou, calling him "fake" and saying he was "stuck on her." Mo reflected on how Xu Qingyou had repeatedly emphasized maintaining distance between them, wondering what she was worried about. He recalled shared moments, like playing guitar together, his emotions a complex mix as he eventually left the bar.

The next morning, Xu Qingyou learned of an impending company restructuring that would lead to three layoffs in her department. Concerned, she immediately sought out Mr. Zhai, protesting that it was unfair to dismiss any members given her department's strong performance, noting that 80% of their KPIs were met by her and Xia Meng alone. Xu Qingyou admitted responsibility for not fostering their growth faster and requested time to bring them up to speed.

Mr. Zhai informed her that Department One and Department Two would merge, and she was a strong candidate for General Manager. He advised her not to let loyalty hinder her career path. Even as Xu Qingyou considered sacrificing the General Manager position, Mo Lingze interjected, stating that the workplace had its own rules and was no place for emotional decisions.

He asserted that capital injection accelerated operations, making elimination a natural process, and questioned if Xu Qingyou intended to affect company efficiency with her compassion. Convinced that the optimization was Mo Lingze's doing, Xu Qingyou grew even angrier with him. Mr. Zhai then advised her to return to work and adjust her mindset.

Xu Qingyou then gathered her subordinates, including Dong Bao, reminding them of past struggles like handing out countless leaflets to attract customers and establishing chat groups, or working sleepless nights during the "advertorial incident" to fix the community and set up a robust background management mechanism for public praise. She urged them to reclaim their initial fighting spirit, which had helped them overcome previous hardships, and work diligently, promising that they would overcome this challenge too.

Her team responded with renewed resolve. Later, Fan Yunxi, learning of the potential layoffs, called Xu Qingyou. He suggested she seize the opportunity to resign, rest, and focus on their wedding preparations. However, Xu Qingyou firmly rejected the idea, asserting that she could not abandon her department when it was facing difficulties. After her refusal, Fan Yunxi contacted Fang Qi, instructing her to discreetly gather evidence regarding Lemi's potentially unfair layoffs.

He wanted to prepare a lawsuit against Lemi in Xu Qingyou's name but strictly forbade Fang Qi from informing Xu Qingyou, claiming she had enough to worry about already. Xu Qingyou, armed with comprehensive performance data, approached Mo Lingze, hoping to appeal to him. He initially dismissed her, claiming he had no time and wouldn't waste ten minutes of his life on her "favor." Xu Qingyou countered that it wasn't merely a favor but concerned the stability of her team.

She presented detailed profiles of her key staff, like Dapang, who was a careful observer with great market perception and had planned "Grandma's Dinner," and Dong Bao, who excelled at connecting with clients and had secured a notoriously difficult case. She highlighted their six years of dedication to Lemi, emphasizing their deep affection for the company. Mo Lingze, however, remained unmoved, stating that in his view, emotion was the biggest impediment to marketization.

He argued that restructuring led to greater efficiency and implied that if her team were truly excellent, she wouldn't need to stay up all night preparing a presentation to convince him to save them. As her allotted time ran out, he curtly declared she had failed to persuade him. Frustrated, Xu Qingyou directly asked if he was truly so callous and emotionless.

Mo Lingze responded by saying he had seen too many old entrepreneurs lose everything by indulging in favors, concluding that Xu Qingyou was too naive. Undeterred, Xu Qingyou sought out Mr. Zhai once more, finding him in the same location where he had interviewed her eight years prior. She proposed a bet, acknowledging that the personnel streamlining was Shangger's suggestion and ultimately for Lemi's benefit.

She candidly admitted that her department's individual operational capabilities were inferior to those of Department Two. However, she pledged that if given sufficient time, she would guarantee a 30% increase in performance from each of her employees. She sealed the deal by declaring that if she failed, she would resign. Mr. Zhai accepted her "pledge," granting her a three-month period to prove her department's capabilities. Xu Qingyou was satisfied, shaking his hand to confirm the agreement.

The next day, as Xu Qingyou arrived at work, her colleagues excitedly surrounded her, expressing their relief that their jobs were safe, crediting both her and Mo Lingze. They told her that Mo Lingze had also spoken to Mr. Zhai about the personnel restructuring, giving their department another chance to prove itself. They expressed surprise that despite his seemingly cold demeanor, Mo Lingze had shown humanity at such a crucial moment.

Feeling she had misjudged him and spoken too harshly, Xu Qingyou approached Mo Lingze. She attempted to thank him, but he brusquely told her, "You're welcome." She then offered to treat him to a thank you dinner. Mo Lingze initially declined, claiming he was a "callous workaholic" and saw no need for gratitude. Xu Qingyou sincerely apologized for her previous misunderstanding.

Mo Lingze retorted that she owed him a serious apology for judging him without knowing him, before finally agreeing to the dinner but insisting that he would choose the restaurant. Meanwhile, Xu Wei, teaching a painting class, found his male model uninspiring. To engage his students, he decided to pose as the model himself. Unexpectedly, Fang Qi, driving by, spotted him and decided to stop. She playfully walked into the classroom, greeting him as "Miss Goddess."

Xu Wei, startled and embarrassed, tried to shield himself with a drawing board, but Fang Qi laughed, unbothered by his shyness. She teasingly reminded him she had seen him in open-crotch pants as a child. Fang Qi revealed she was suddenly free and offered to pick him up, having driven by. As he changed, his students asked if Fang Qi was his girlfriend, which he dismissed.

Xu Wei later confided in a friend, who, despite being single, claimed extensive research in "young girls-oriented comic books." His friend advised Xu Wei that Fang Qi's actions – like cleaning his hands and asking him to order, signifying a lack of rejection of physical contact and a developing dependency – indicated she was interested in him, urging him to pursue her.

During their dinner, Mo Lingze questioned Xu Qingyou's sincerity, suggesting her gratitude wasn't genuine and that dining with him felt like a mere task. Xu Qingyou admitted she was carrying a mission, apologizing for her previous misunderstanding. Mo Lingze emphasized that true apologies required sincerity and advised her not to jump to conclusions, stating that things are often not as they appear. Xu Qingyou acknowledged that while he had initially humiliated her, he had then offered her help.

She inferred that his decision to give her department three months was a calculated move, allowing him to gain a firm foothold in Shangger if she succeeded, with no loss if she failed. Mo Lingze reminded her of her pledge, cautioning her not to become his biggest risk, to which she confidently agreed.

He then subtly probed why someone as smart as her would "buy in when facing losses" instead of cutting them, a question she dismissed as merely a personal choice unrelated to intelligence. During the meal, Mo Lingze also couldn't help but ask Xu Qingyou why she had suddenly reconciled with her boyfriend, to which she vaguely replied that she simply did as she pleased. Later, as Xu Qingyou drove Mo Lingze back, he feigned sleep in the passenger seat.

She found herself subconsciously gazing at him, lost in a flurry of memories from their past encounters. A blaring car horn jolted her back to reality. Without opening his eyes, Mo Lingze turned his head towards her, telling her to look closely. A deep blush spread across Xu Qingyou's face, and she quickly denied looking at him, claiming she was watching the cars behind them, even when he pointed out there were none.

The next day, a large delivery of hairy crabs arrived at Xu Qingyou’s company, sent by Fan Yunxi. He called her, explaining that hairy crabs were at their best and that she should share them with her colleagues to boost their spirits, especially during their busy work period. Later, a client, Mr. Han, praised Fan Yunxi for being such a thoughtful boyfriend despite his hectic schedule.

Fan Yunxi responded with chilling calculation, stating that maintaining a relationship was akin to managing a client, requiring specific methods. He conveyed absolute confidence in the ongoing acquisition of DDS, asserting that once he set his sights on something – be it a lawsuit or a person – he would never lose it. Later, Xu Qingyou, looking at the hairy crabs, thought of Mo Lingze.

Despite her initial hesitation to thank him too openly, she decided to bring some to him as a gesture of gratitude. However, Mo Lingze immediately refused to accept them, stating there was "no free lunch" and he "dared not accept her gift." This public rejection delighted Lin Siyu, who had just tried to lobby Mo Lingze for investment from Golden Capital and suggested they have French food together. She had even questioned if he was "afraid someone would be jealous."

After Mo Lingze rebuffed Lin Siyu's advances, stating he never mixed emotions with business and that her past employment with him made it against the rules, Lin Siyu turned to Xu Qingyou, mockingly asking if it was her "first time to be an apple-polisher." Xu Qingyou was left deeply embarrassed by the encounter. Later, discussing the DDS acquisition with Mr. Han, Fan Yunxi confirmed that Golden Capital had joined the acquisition.

They discussed the resulting 18% reduction in their shares but noted a corresponding decrease in risk, deeming it an optimal balance. Mr. Han then asked Fan Yunxi if he was familiar with Zhao Lei, identified as the deputy general manager of Investment Department in Golden Capital and a rival of Mo Lingze. Mr. Han hoped Fan Yunxi could bring Zhao Lei over to their side, hinting at greater power within the company.

Fan Yunxi suggested caution, asserting that those desperate to establish themselves inevitably reveal weaknesses, and advised observing whether Zhao Lei was a friend or foe first. As their business discussion concluded, Mr. Han offered early congratulations for Fan Yunxi’s upcoming marriage. Fan Yunxi stated they were still preparing. Mr. Han expressed a desire to meet the fiancée, remarking on Fan Yunxi’s decade-long relationship as a sign of persistence. Fan Yunxi, however, chillingly corrected him, calling "persistence" a childish notion.

He explained that after ten years, his fiancée had been "shaped" precisely to his desires, likening it to customizing a perfectly tailored garment. Mr. Han, intrigued, expressed anticipation to meet this "work." Later, Mo Lingze confronted Xu Qingyou about the hairy crabs. He asked if she was allergic or if she had been hurt by them, then directly accused her of having deliberately brought the crabs to him to embarrass him and show off her popularity.

Xu Qingyou denied it, stating he had misunderstood. She then asserted that regardless of any misunderstanding, her gratitude had already been expressed. Before she could walk away, Mo Lingze, unwilling to be left with the misunderstanding, pulled her into a nearby storage room.

Episode 6 Recap

The episode opens with Mo Lingze, still unwilling to be misunderstood, having pulled Xu Qingyou into a storage room to clarify a situation. During their interaction, Xu Qingyou struggled, and her bra strap unexpectedly came undone. Mo Lingze thoughtfully offered his suit jacket to cover her. Taking this opportunity, he explained that his mother's favorite dish was hairy crabs, a dish he hadn't eaten since her passing.

Xu Qingyou, realizing she had inadvertently touched upon a sensitive topic, apologized for her lack of awareness. Later, Lawyer Fan met with Shangger to discuss the acquisition of French DDS Media Company. He touted its vast portfolio of 124 top international sports event copyrights and a valuation of $1. 2 billion, noting that many large companies, including Jinyang Capital, would participate in the acquisition.

Mo Lingze, however, raised concerns about the valuation being too high, pointing out that European sports event copyrights are typically not permanent, often expiring every three to five years. He also highlighted DDS's extremely unstable financial history, having incurred losses for three consecutive years. Mo Lingze proposed a supplementary agreement where the investment would automatically convert to debt if DDS failed to meet performance standards by the agreement's end.

This suggestion initially faced resistance from Mr. Han, who viewed it as a sign of extreme distrust towards DDS. However, Mr. Luo ultimately supported Mo Lingze's proposal to try convertible bonds, instructing Xiaofang to proceed. After the meeting, Xu Qingyou approached Mo Lingze to return his suit jacket. As she did, Fan Yunxi arrived and observed their interaction. Fan Yunxi thanked Mo Lingze for assisting Xu Qingyou, to which Mo Lingze dismissively replied it was "just work."

Fan Yunxi quickly steered Xu Qingyou away, mentioning that his mother had prepared pig's trotters soup for her in his car. In a private moment, Fan Yunxi pressed Xu Qingyou to consider marrying him sooner, saying his mother would be happy to see her, but Xu Qingyou replied she needed more time. Shortly after Fan Yunxi departed, Mo Lingze approached Xu Qingyou directly, questioning her earlier demeanor and asking if she considered him "trouble."

Xu Qingyou responded that she simply wished to avoid any "unnecessary trouble" in her relationship with Fan Yunxi, whom she explicitly stated was her boyfriend. Mo Lingze, unfazed, declared that he was indeed "a big trouble" and cryptically wondered if he might bring her "even bigger trouble." Xu Qingyou was greatly upset to learn from Mr. Zhai that Fan Yunxi had initiated a lawsuit against Lemi, her company, in her name.

Fan Yunxi explained that his intention was merely to "put pressure" on the company regarding what he perceived as improper layoffs, not to genuinely pursue a lawsuit. He admitted he had intended to inform her but had forgotten amidst his busy schedule. Sensing a growing distance between them, Fan Yunxi urged Xu Qingyou to adjust her feelings quickly, expressing his desire for their relationship to move forward.

Xu Qingyou, however, subtly pulled her hand away from his and departed, citing a rush to work. Xu Qingyou's colleagues were captivated by the promotional photos for "Meeting Your Match," particularly praising Mo Lingze's striking appearance. As they admired his images, Xu Qingyou recalled Mo Lingze's earlier declaration that he would be "a big trouble"—a comment that had made her heart inexplicably skip a beat. To quell any burgeoning feelings, she quickly dismissed his handsomeness, stating she didn't see it.

Following the broadcast of the "Meeting Your Match" commercial, data analysis revealed that Mo Lingze's twelve-second appearance between the twenty-two and thirty-four second mark generated the highest audience engagement, making him the "netizens' favorite." Recognizing this, Xu Qingyou sought out Mo Lingze at a swimming pool to request his assistance. She explained the critical importance of the project's success to Lemi and her team, especially since she had made a "pledge" to Mr. Zhai.

Mo Lingze, in turn, pressed her, questioning how far she was willing to go to secure his help. Her startled retreat led her to fall into the pool, prompting Mo Lingze to immediately jump in and rescue her. Despite her earnest plea, Mo Lingze did not immediately agree to help. Fang Qi went on a series of blind dates, unsettling Xu Wei, who followed her with the intention of disrupting them.

Xu Wei first approached Fang Qi, presenting her with a meticulously crafted album of drawings he had created from her social media photos, clearly hinting at his affection. Fang Qi, however, dismissed his gesture, asserting that if she truly liked someone, she would "tell the world" rather than engaging in a "secret admirer" game, especially at her age. She was focused on preparing for an upcoming blind date, which Xu Wei tried to deter her from attending.

Fang Qi's subsequent blind dates proved to be a series of unfortunate encounters: one man was divorced with children and sought common ground based on their shared marital status; another bluntly stated he needed a woman capable of bearing "two children in three years," preferably boys, and offered a villa in return.

A third date, a seemingly normal man, was swiftly interrupted by Xu Wei, who sat down beside Fang Qi and claimed to be her brother, causing the suitor to retreat. Xu Wei then spotted another attractive candidate, a "Medical University Ph. D. student," for Fang Qi, and despite his attempts to keep her from leaving, she departed with the man.

This seemingly promising date quickly devolved when the man revealed himself to be a disingenuous individual who attempted to grope Fang Qi. Enraged, Xu Wei intervened, punching the man and sustaining a minor forehead injury during the scuffle. Xu Wei, concerned, questioned Fang Qi why someone as intelligent, beautiful, and successful as her, with a good job, high income, and her own home, would need to resort to blind dates.

Fang Qi confessed that while she didn't genuinely care about having a boyfriend, she had recently learned that her ex-husband, Qu Kai, was getting married. Feeling the need to present herself with a partner at his wedding, she resolved to find someone "more handsome, richer, and better" than him. Xu Qingyou went to a viewing platform, situated across from her company building, to check the advertisement displays, taking a colleague's advice that it offered a clearer view.

While there, the building experienced a sudden power outage, causing her to slip and sprain her ankle. Shortly after, Fan Yunxi called, but their conversation was abruptly cut short when Xu Qingyou's phone battery died. Meanwhile, Mo Lingze, upon seeing the sudden power outage in the building where Xu Qingyou was working, quickly made his way to the 20th-floor viewing platform, armed with a flashlight.

He found Xu Qingyou injured and, without hesitation, knelt down to carefully massage her sprained ankle, his focused demeanor moving her. Later, Fan Yunxi arrived, having rushed over after his call with Xu Qingyou was disconnected and he couldn't reach her. He expressed his concern for Xu Qingyou and questioned Mo Lingze's presence. Before parting ways, Mo Lingze proposed that he and Xu Qingyou meet the following day to discuss the live broadcast process.

Episode 7 Recap

Upon seeing Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou emerge together from a power outage, Fan Yunxi's face betrayed a mix of jealousy and suspicion. He quickly composed himself, subtly thanking Mo Lingze for accompanying Xu Qingyou, who is known to be afraid of the dark. Mo Lingze, aware of Fan Yunxi's underlying intention to assert his claim, simply dismissed the thanks. On the drive home, Fan Yunxi candidly expressed his discomfort to Xu Qingyou about her close proximity to Mo Lingze.

He acknowledged Mo Lingze's valuable assistance to Lemi as its new manager, but also pointed out that Xu Qingyou had become noticeably busier since his arrival. Xu Qingyou affirmed that she understood and knew how to handle the situation, which seemed to satisfy Fan Yunxi. He then suggested they should avoid bothering Mo Lingze too often in the future, a sentiment Xu Qingyou agreed to.

Later, Fan Yunxi orchestrated a dinner gathering under the guise of retrieving a "lost" urgent document from Xu Qingyou. The dinner, surprisingly, included Mr. Luo and Mo Lingze. During the meal, Fan Yunxi publicly introduced Xu Qingyou as his outstanding fiancée, showcasing his affection by serving her food. He even added mustard to her plate, seemingly unaware that Xu Qingyou disliked it, despite their decade-long relationship. Mo Lingze, however, keenly observed this detail and subtly noted Xu Qingyou's discomfort.

When Fan Yunxi probed Mo Lingze about his preferred type of girl, Mo Lingze pointedly replied, "One who doesn't like mustard." Hearing this, Xu Qingyou deliberately ate the mustard-laden food Fan Yunxi had given her, feigning enjoyment. Meanwhile, Wang Ji was secretly snapping photos, attempting to spy on Mo Lingze for Lin Siyu. When questioned by Fang Qi, he vaguely hinted at a "trade secret" and his involvement in helping Mo Lingze with his "happiness."

Fang Qi then confirmed to Wang Ji that Xu Qingyou was indeed Fan Yunxi's fiancée. Overjoyed by this revelation, Wang Ji excitedly relayed the "striking news" to Lin Siyu. Lin Siyu, brimming with confidence, declared that Mo Lingze was an introverted, "cold person" who needed a "warm little sun like me to melt him," envisioning a happy future together. Mo Lingze clearly perceived the dinner as Fan Yunxi's calculated attempt to declare his ownership.

He encountered Xu Qingyou in the washroom and directly confronted her, pointing out her palpable unhappiness and the forced nature of the gathering. He challenged her, asking if she truly believed a broken relationship could be mended. Xu Qingyou remained silent. As Fan Yunxi approached, calling out for Xu Qingyou, Mo Lingze impulsively pulled her into a private stall and closed the door, hiding them from Fan Yunxi.

This act further solidified Mo Lingze's suspicion that Fan Yunxi, despite his displays, did not fully trust Xu Qingyou. On the way back from the dinner, Xu Qingyou remained lost in thought, replaying Mo Lingze's words in her mind. Fan Yunxi, noticing her distracted state and her smudged lipstick, inquired if she had seen Mo Lingze in the washroom. Xu Qingyou denied it.

Fan Yunxi then proceeded to warn her about Mo Lingze, characterizing him as a man with "tricks" and an "unfathomable" personality, advising her to maintain a cautious distance. During a discussion about the DDS acquisition, Mo Lingze presented a meticulous analysis, challenging Fan Yunxi's perspective.

He revealed that the three founders of DDS, once celebrated as the "Three Musketeers of Media," were now embroiled in internal power struggles, with their CEO notably absent from public appearances and hinting at marginalization on Twitter. Mo Lingze further exposed the other two founders' frequent appearances in entertainment news, their lavish pool parties in Beverly Hills, and their involvement in gambling, fighting, and spreading extreme remarks, recommending a re-evaluation of the acquisition due to these concerns.

Fan Yunxi dismissed Mo Lingze's conclusions as unprofessional, arguing that founders' power struggles don't necessarily impact company valuation. Mo Lingze retorted, emphasizing that DDS's success stemmed from its founders' abilities, not their scandalous private lives, and ironically remarked on Fan Yunxi's apparent interest in his own "exciting private life." In a private moment, Fan Yunxi asserted his decade-long relationship with Xu Qingyou, implying its unshakeable nature.

Mo Lingze countered with the principle of "stopping losses in time" and "always looking ahead," subtly suggesting that holding onto the past could be detrimental. Fan Yunxi then warned Mo Lingze about the consequences of actions that lack "the right name," cautioning against damaging one's reputation. Mo Lingze, in turn, advised Fan Yunxi to "see your own position clearly" in the fluid landscape of investment, where positions can change rapidly.

Following this tense exchange, Fan Yunxi sent an array of coffee and cakes to Xu Qingyou's colleagues, publicly thanking them for "taking care of our Qingyou," an act Xu Qingyou recognized as his continued "oath of sovereignty." While enjoying desserts, Fang Qi and Xu Wei unexpectedly encountered Fang Qi's ex-husband, Qu Kai, and his fiancée, Yinyin. Yinyin provocatively introduced herself. Xu Wei, quick-witted and reassuring, immediately introduced himself as Fang Qi's fiancé.

He then graciously thanked Qu Kai for indirectly paving the way for his relationship with Fang Qi, before gently taking her hand and leading her away from the awkward situation. As preparations for the live webcast of Xu Qingyou's ideal project were underway, Mo Lingze agreed to participate, though he was particular about the schedule, insisting on controlling the exact duration of each segment. Xu Qingyou, while instructing her team, warned them that "Mr. Mo is hard to deal with."

Mo Lingze overheard her comment and wryly acknowledged it, prompting Xu Qingyou to quickly pivot and praise his dedication to work. The live broadcast proved to be a resounding success, with an outpouring of comments praising Mo Lingze for his professionalism and charm, some even calling him a "new ideal type" or "new husband." Xiaopang, Xu Qingyou's subordinate, became a fervent admirer.

Xu Qingyou, however, expressed a more nuanced view, acknowledging Mo Lingze's undeniable charisma but cautioning that he was "uncontrollable" and "only to be seen from a distance." Xiaopang misinterpreted this as a full admission of Mo Lingze's charm and excitedly relayed this "compliment" to Mo Lingze, who was genuinely pleased to hear Xu Qingyou's positive assessment.

Despite this, Xu Qingyou directly communicated her need to establish a clear boundary with Mo Lingze, stating that as long as he did not cross that line, they could remain friends and professional partners. Mo Lingze agreed to respect her boundary. Shortly after, Fan Yunxi called Xu Qingyou, having learned about her live broadcast with Mo Lingze.

He used the opportunity to disparage Mo Lingze, describing him as unscrupulous with a bad industry reputation, and advised Xu Qingyou to be wary and maintain her distance. Xu Qingyou, in turn, gently urged Fan Yunxi to communicate with her first before making public gestures at the company.

A major crisis unfolded when Mr. Zhai, having secured all public bus advertisement slots for Mo Lingze's new project, learned that the printing plants were shut down due to a circuit accident and safety inspections. This meant they could not produce the massive volume of materials needed for the planned 360-degree campaign. Xu Qingyou frantically searched for alternative printers, but most qualified facilities were closed, and smaller ones couldn't handle the urgent demand or provide all the necessary colors.

In desperation, Xu Qingyou called Xu Wei, who provided a lead on a suitable factory. Rushing to retrieve the details, Xu Qingyou collided with Mo Lingze, dropping her files. He silently picked them up from the floor before walking away.

Episode 8 Recap

Xu Qingyou, Director of Operations Department I at Lemi, rushed to a printing factory to print posters. Upon reviewing the USB drive, she discovered it contained only text files, not images. Realizing she must have mistakenly swapped USBs with Mo Lingze during an earlier encounter, she was about to call him when he appeared, stating he was there to retrieve his own items.

He handed her the correct USB, but informed her that due to the large printing volume, it would take until 8 AM the next day. Despite her insistence on waiting at the factory, Mo Lingze offered to drive her home, an offer she politely declined. Mo Lingze then departed. Meanwhile, Fang Qi reflected on her recent divorce from Qu Kai. Although they had separated amicably, she secretly harbored resentment.

Learning that Qu Kai had quickly found a new partner, Fang Qi felt a surge of competitive spirit. She promptly contacted various men who had previously expressed interest in her, only to discover they were either already married or in relationships. Later, Mo Lingze, unable to leave Xu Qingyou alone at the rural factory, turned his car around. Upon his return, he offered her his jacket, which she initially refused, claiming she wasn't cold.

Mo Lingze, however, insisted, jokingly saying he was hot and had nowhere to put it. He reassured her that he would respect her boundaries. As they waited, they looked up at the stars, a rare sight for both. Xu Qingyou reminisced about her childhood, watching stars with her mother in the countryside.

Mo Lingze shared a story about falling into a river while catching fireflies as a mischievous child, leading Xu Qingyou to observe that he seemed different from his usual self. The next morning, as they drove back, Mo Lingze appeared drowsy, having spent the night watching stars instead of sleeping. Xu Qingyou offered him a candy to help him wake up, and a subtle smile appeared on both their faces, sensing an unfamiliar connection between them.

Elsewhere, Lin Siyu confided in Wang Ji about her struggles to win Mo Lingze's affection. Wang Ji admitted that Mo Lingze was indeed difficult to influence with either persuasion or money, noting that Lin Siyu's approach was flawed. He advised her that winning a man required strategy, not just throwing money at the problem.

Wang Ji suggested that Lin Siyu leverage her empathy as a woman and humble herself to seek help from Sa, the owner of a local bar, who had been a close friend of Mo Lingze for many years. Lin Siyu found this advice insightful and decided to pursue this new direction. Xu Qingyou's "Meeting Your Match" advertising campaign proved to be a resounding success.

The team celebrated their achievements, including a 23% rise in Lemi's Baidu Index, three appearances in Weibo's top 10 hot searches, over 100 million topic discussions, a WeChat Index exceeding 200,000, and a 50% year-on-year sales growth. Xu Qingyou happily announced that they could now report to Mr. Zhai for their reward. As she left the office building, she was met by Fan Yunxi and his mother.

Fan's mother expressed her delight in Xu Qingyou, whom she considered her future daughter-in-law, and presented her with homemade fish noodles, encouraging her to avoid unhealthy takeaways. Noticing Xu Qingyou wasn't wearing an engagement ring, Fan's mother chided Fan Yunxi for his oversight, prompting him to promise he would promptly purchase one. She also observed that Xu Qingyou seemed somewhat withdrawn and different from her usual self. Fan Yunxi dismissed this, attributing it to Xu Qingyou being busy and tired.

Fan's mother then reminded him to prioritize the wedding preparations, to which Fan Yunxi confidently stated that the wedding was part of his plan for the year and would proceed as scheduled, asserting that controlling his wedding was akin to controlling his life. Later, while Mo Lingze was at a business meeting, Fan Yunxi approached him, showing off a wedding ring he had chosen for Xu Qingyou.

He informed Mo Lingze that he and Xu Qingyou had set their wedding date and extended an invitation to the ceremony. Mo Lingze inquired why Xu Qingyou hadn't accompanied him to choose such an important item. Fan Yunxi explained she was busy and he knew her preferences, to which Mo Lingze subtly replied that what one "thinks" they know isn't always the truth. The ring was later given to Xu Qingyou, who did not display overwhelming joy.

The following morning, Fan Yunxi drove Xu Qingyou to work, though she remarked that taking the subway during peak hours would be more efficient. He presented her with her "favorite" cappuccino and croissant, but Xu Qingyou revealed she hadn't consumed cappuccino in a long time, further highlighting their disconnect. Fan Yunxi then outlined their Saturday plans, which included attending a partner's wedding, visiting his mother, and shopping.

Xu Qingyou expressed her need for rest, being busy with anchor contract negotiations, and hinted at postponing less important activities. Fan Yunxi, pushing for marriage, even suggested she resign and become "Mrs. Fan." Xu Qingyou reminded him that they had agreed not to rush their wedding, but he insisted they would marry eventually. As Xu Qingyou entered the office building, colleagues commented on Fan Yunxi's thoughtfulness in driving her.

Mo Lingze, observing from his office window, intentionally approached the elevator as Xu Qingyou arrived. He congratulated her, to which she replied with a polite but indifferent "Thank you." After Mo Lingze entered his elevator, Xu Qingyou visibly exhaled, as if releasing a long-held tension. That evening, Xu Qingyou proposed a serious discussion with Fan Yunxi at a restaurant. However, he called to say he had an urgent, impromptu client meeting and couldn't make it.

Xu Qingyou, angered, called him, accusing him of lying. She pointed out that he meticulously planned his life and never made temporary client appointments, concluding that he was avoiding a difficult conversation. She felt their marriage was merely a pre-planned event in his life, something he would execute regardless of her feelings, and that he refused to deviate from his schedule.

Fan Yunxi, having worked hard to regain Xu Qingyou's trust after a past infidelity, tried to express his love and desire for her to become his wife sooner. However, Xu Qingyou countered that if his love was genuine, he would respect her feelings. Unable to resolve the conflict, Fan Yunxi again cited his "business" and suggested they talk another day. Heartbroken, Xu Qingyou left the restaurant.

Mo Lingze, too, spent the night consumed by sadness, troubled by the news of the ring and Xu Qingyou's impending marriage, a prospect he found unbearable. He inwardly questioned why she was forcing herself into a situation that wouldn't end well, likening it to a "death penalty becoming a reprieve."

The next day, as Mo Lingze conducted an inspection at a cultural park, he saw Xu Qingyou in the rain, struggling with boxes that spilled onto the ground when she tried to answer a phone call. Without hesitation, Mo Lingze took an umbrella from Wang Ji and rushed to her side, helping her gather the scattered items.

As they walked together, sharing the umbrella, Mo Lingze, who was at the park for an inspection while Xu Qingyou was there for contract negotiations with streamer Luluo, unexpectedly confessed to Xu Qingyou that he regretted a past decision.

Episode 9 Recap

Mo Lingze expressed regret for a previous decision, clarifying that his respect for boundaries was not meant to make Xu Qingyou unhappy. Xu Qingyou politely thanked him for his concern, assuring him she was not unhappy. Xu Wei confided in Dayan that Fang Qi had been acting strangely since encountering her ex-husband, Qu Kai, during a recent shopping trip. He believed Fang Qi was bravely enduring her suffering alone.

Dayan suggested that if Xu Wei showed her some warmth, she would see him as her savior and give him all her love, but Xu Wei was hesitant to take advantage. Later, Fang Qi sought Xu Wei's help, stating she was "experimenting with a three-step plan to charm a man" and wanted to refine it for upcoming blind dates.

Xu Wei vehemently objected, reminding her that blind dates were not suitable for her and questioning if her motivation was to compete with or was influenced by Qu Kai. Fang Qi, admitting she felt psychologically unbalanced, asserted her right to seek a new marriage and happiness, challenging Xu Wei's view that she should end up alone. Xu Wei countered that marrying out of anger would not lead to happiness, prompting Fang Qi to angrily dismiss him and attempt to leave.

She sprained her ankle in her haste, but still insisted on taking a taxi. Xu Wei swiftly scooped her up and carried her to the taxi, instructing the driver to take her to Peace Gardens and asking her to text him upon arrival. As she left, Xu Wei pondered if Fang Qi only saw him as a "little brother."

Later, Xu Wei expressed his frustration to Dayan, revealing that Fang Qi had not spoken to him for three days since he advised her against rushing into marriage out of spite for her ex-husband, emphasizing that marriage is a lifelong commitment. Dayan confirmed that Xu Wei had "rubbed salt on her wound," calling it an unforgivable mistake. Desperate, Xu Wei sought Fang Qi, reiterating his apology, but she retorted that not all mistakes can be resolved with an apology.

He questioned if their years of friendship meant less than Qu Kai, but Fang Qi chose to leave, telling him to eat. Lin Siyu, determined to pursue Mo Lingze, sought out Sa and pleaded to work at her bar, offering to invest or work for free, just to be close to him.

Sa initially refused, stating she would not open more branches for money and did not want all of Lingze's admirers working there, but eventually allowed Lin Siyu to cover a shift. While selling beer, Lin Siyu was harassed by a customer who grabbed her arm, enraging her. Wang Ji, who was also at the bar, intervened, conciliating the customer by paying for his drinks and explaining that Lin Siyu was new and didn't understand.

The customer then warned Wang Ji to keep his "sister" (Lin Siyu) in check. Wang Ji later admonished Lin Siyu, reminding her to humble herself and remember her purpose for being there: Mo Lingze. He explained that Mo Lingze disliked "tough women" and pointed out her aggressive behavior, such as buying drinks for the whole bar and getting into fights, was counterproductive, suggesting she risked only becoming Mo Lingze's "best buddy."

Lin Siyu vehemently declared she did not want to be his buddy; she wanted to be his girlfriend. Xu Qingyou was in her office, receiving positive feedback from Mr. Zhai regarding the "Meeting Your Match" activity's increased search volume, when news broke about a severe car accident involving Mr. Mo and Mr. Luo from Shangger. Alarmed, she immediately requested leave from Mr. Zhai. News reports detailed a massive pileup on Binshen Highway caused by a fatigued driver.

Rushing to the accident scene, Xu Qingyou tried to gain access, stating her relative was inside. She desperately called Mo Lingze, who eventually answered, confirming their car was totaled and Mr. Luo was injured and taken to the ambulance. Xu Qingyou, upon hearing he was safe, falsely claimed she was on her way home and tried to end the call quickly. However, Mo Lingze overheard the ambulance sirens, and seeing Xu Qingyou in the rain, rushed to her.

He embraced her tightly, urging her to stop running away. Although she hesitated to push him away, she eventually pulled away and began to leave. Mo Lingze then gave her an umbrella. Drenched from the rain, Xu Qingyou sought solace at Fang Qi's home. Fang Qi, noticing her soaked appearance, urged her to change and inquired why she was still working so late.

Xu Qingyou revealed her distress stemmed from Fan Yunxi's incessant calls and messages whenever he could not find her, a behavior she had tolerated for years but now found unbearable. Fang Qi, observing Xu Qingyou's emotional turmoil, likened her situation to a frog in lukewarm water, unaware of its peril until it is too late. Xu Qingyou admitted she had just been with Mo Lingze.

Fang Qi congratulated her on facing her feelings, but Xu Qingyou stated she was impulsive and Mo Lingze, being unpredictable, was not her choice. Fang Qi then prompted her to reconsider Fan Yunxi, given their decade-long relationship. Xu Qingyou expressed a desire to talk to him again. Fang Qi pointed out that Fan Yunxi's infidelity was merely a symptom of a pre-existing rift, asserting that both of them had been feigning harmony while their hearts had already drifted apart.

Fan Yunxi arrived at Fang Qi's home, where Xu Qingyou was staying, and took her hand, scolding her for not informing him of her whereabouts and causing him worry. He insisted she should not lose contact for more than two hours. Xu Qingyou countered that he would know her location regardless and then firmly stated her desire for a serious conversation about their relationship, which Fan Yunxi reluctantly agreed to, suggesting dinner.

At the restaurant, Fan Yunxi ordered truffle steak for Xu Qingyou, despite her repeated mentions that she disliked its taste, highlighting his continued lack of attention to her preferences. He dismissed her concerns as work stress or residual issues from the wedding preparations, which he blamed on his mother, asserting that "running away won't solve anything." Xu Qingyou pressed him, accusing him of feigning ignorance.

She revealed she had tried to forgive and accept his past infidelity, hoping they could reconcile, but now faced a "bigger problem"—his belief that everything was fine and that her feelings did not matter. Fan Yunxi argued that their ten years together meant they knew each other well, and his arrangements were always in her best interest.

Xu Qingyou, however, countered that after a decade, she realized she did not know him at all and had been holding back her true feelings for a long time. Fan Yunxi then brought up her overnight stay with Mo Lingze at the printing plant, implying something had happened and calmly stating that he would "tolerate" it, proposing they were "even" because he too had made mistakes.

He suggested they forgive each other, let go of their past issues, marry, and start a new life. Disgusted, Xu Qingyou questioned if marriage was his only concern, if he genuinely did not care about her infidelity just as she should not care about his. She vehemently rejected his notion of being "partners in marriage," stating she had chosen to reconcile out of loyalty to their ten-year relationship, only to discover it held no importance to him.

She declared there was no love left between them and questioned why they should continue wasting each other's time. Fan Yunxi, dismissively calling her "childish," asserted that at thirty years old and with their decade-long history, she would not find a better option. Xu Qingyou concluded that after ten years, their relationship had devolved into merely "marrying for the sake of marrying," and there was no longer any need to continue. She then decisively left the restaurant, leaving Fan Yunxi with a complicated expression.

Episode 10 Recap

Xu Qingyou revisited the amusement park, a place that held memories of a shared past. A flashback revealed a happier time when she and Fan Yunxi were there together, making a keychain. Fan Yunxi had playfully suggested it would keep her company during his business trips, but Xu Qingyou had insisted she wanted to be by his side always.

Now, years later, she placed the cherished keychain back on the vendor's stall, a silent farewell to a relationship that had once meant everything. This act followed her decision in the previous episode to end her relationship with Fan Yunxi due to his indifference and accusations. Upon returning home, Xu Qingyou was met by her parents, who were excitedly trying on clothes for her upcoming wedding. Her mother proudly asked how her dress looked.

Xu Qingyou then dropped the bombshell: she had broken up with Fan Yunxi, stating there would be no wedding. Her father, furious, declared that marriage was no joke and that he had long considered Fan Yunxi his son-in-law. He demanded to know why she wouldn't marry him, accusing her of not thinking it through. Her mother tried to calm him, urging Xu Qingyou to explain.

Just then, a drunk Xu Wei stumbled out, proclaiming his full support for Xu Qingyou, saying that one must follow their heart in matters of love and should only marry someone they truly love. Her father, undeterred, threatened Xu Qingyou, telling her to talk things over with Fan Yunxi the next day or never return home. Exasperated, Xu Qingyou stormed out.

Xu Wei, despite his drunken state, chased after Xu Qingyou, reiterating his unwavering support and declaring his life's mission was to love, protect, and support his sister. Noticing his unusual state, Xu Qingyou pressed him about what was bothering him. Xu Wei confessed he had upset Fang Qi, and she was now ignoring him. He revealed he had promised himself to make Fang Qi happy before her thirtieth birthday and not cause her any trouble.

Xu Qingyou realized the significance of Fang Qi's thirtieth birthday to Xu Wei. When Xu Wei offered to take her home, Xu Qingyou refused, telling him she had her own place to go and instructed him to go back and handle their parents, promising she'd be fine. Later, Fang Qi, having learned about Xu Qingyou's breakup from her mother, arrived to comfort her.

Xu Qingyou shared Xu Wei's unusual concern for Fang Qi's thirtieth birthday, even suspecting he had rushed back from his art master's program abroad specifically for it. Fang Qi, surprised, recalled a past conversation after her own divorce, where she had told Xu Wei she didn't want to spend her thirtieth birthday alone. Slightly embarrassed, she quickly changed the subject, advising Xu Qingyou to take time to adjust, acknowledging that ending a ten-year relationship was incredibly painful.

Fang Qi stated that women shouldn't base everything on men and that she would find someone even better than her ex-husband to celebrate her birthday with next year. She mentioned that her boss, Mr. Mo, had given her time off, which allowed her to be there.

Xu Wei soon called Xu Qingyou in a panic, begging her to come home because their parents had discovered he had given up his Master of Fine Arts degree and he was about to "be beaten to death." Fang Qi, overhearing, immediately went to his rescue.

She found Xu Wei's father furiously chasing him, scolding him for abandoning such a "great school" and "great grades" just to teach children how to draw bunnies, questioning if he was worthy of their investment in his education. Fang Qi intervened, calming the father down and helping Xu Wei escape. Outside, Fang Qi reprimanded Xu Wei for throwing away such a valuable opportunity, especially for what she called a "joke about a thirtieth birthday."

She called him a "little brat" for acting childishly after graduating from university. Fang Qi then laid down a condition: she would consider reconciling with him only if he properly apologized to his parents. Xu Wei agreed, asking if they could go back to hanging out every day. Fang Qi sternly reminded him to focus on his career.

Meanwhile, Luluo, a Lemi streamer, was engulfed in a plagiarism scandal, accused of copying Yifu's song, which quickly became a trending topic online. Xu Qingyou attempted to reach out to Luluo, but Luluo refused to open her door, claiming she had not plagiarized and did not want to explain herself. Undeterred, Xu Qingyou sought advice from a music expert.

The expert confirmed that technically, the song was not plagiarism, as pop music often shares commonalities, leading to similarities that could easily be misunderstood by the public. However, the expert warned that online public opinion was irrational and could quickly spiral out of control. The plagiarism accusation had severe repercussions for Lemi. Investors, particularly Mr. Luo, grew concerned and considered re-evaluating their investment.

During a crucial meeting, Mo Lingze, as Shangge's investment vice president, unequivocally expressed his belief in Lemi and pledged his support, even staking his own position to guarantee that the situation would not affect Lemi's market value. Despite his strong stance, the crisis escalated. Various partners began cutting ties, halting pre-sales, and threatening to sever supply lines. Overwhelmed and suffering from stomach pain, Xu Qingyou collapsed by the roadside.

Mo Lingze found her there, helped her into his car, and gently admonished her for neglecting herself. He advised her to prioritize her well-being, suggesting they deal with the problems the next day, and drove her home to rest. Back home, Xu Wei tried again to talk to his father, who remained furious about him giving up his MFA. His father insisted that abandoning the program was like cutting off a shortcut to success and demanded he reapply.

Xu Wei argued that a diploma wasn't the only path to knowledge and skill, and he had his own plans for creative work, insisting he wasn't acting impulsively. Their argument ended with Xu Wei leaving home again. He found Fang Qi and surprisingly asked her to teach him how to box.

Fang Qi quickly realized he already possessed considerable skill, and he admitted he had learned it after she had gone on a blind date, adding that he learned it to "stand in front of you, to protect you from everything." Impressed by his newfound dedication, Fang Qi playfully taught him a crucial move: "run" when facing a truly formidable opponent. Xu Wei jokingly retorted that he would drag her along if he had to run.

The negative comments against Luluo continued to intensify online. At a meeting, Mr. Zhai suggested that the best solution was for Luluo to issue an apology. Xu Qingyou strongly opposed this, explaining that experts confirmed it wasn't plagiarism, and an apology would imply guilt. She took full responsibility for handling the crisis and adamantly declared that she would not apologize.

Luluo, present at the meeting, angrily asserted that she was the victim and intended to sue the "Keyboard Man" for defamation. Xu Qingyou publicly affirmed her trust in Luluo, prompting Luluo to present her original handwritten musical draft, proving it predated Yifu's song release. Later, Xu Qingyou appeared calm and relaxed, enjoying coffee on a rooftop. Mo Lingze joined her, expressing his relief at her composed state, confident that she had devised a solution.

Xu Qingyou confirmed significant progress, emphasizing that Luluo's original draft, created before Yifu's song was released, was "very beneficial" to their case. Mo Lingze acknowledged it was good news but warned that convincing the public would still be challenging. He offered his help, playfully hinting that it would mean Xu Qingyou would owe him even more favors.

Xu Qingyou reminded him that the crisis was a shared one for both Lemi and Shangge, teasing him for being secretive about his plan. Mo Lingze simply smiled, implying she would soon find out.

Episode 11 Recap

Luluo begins her live broadcast, greeting her audience, only to be met with immediate accusations of plagiarism and demands for an apology. Luluo firmly states she is not there to apologize, but to clarify that she did not plagiarize, warning she will not be polite if the insults continue. Viewers escalate their attacks, and Luluo retorts to them directly. Behind the scenes, Xu Qingyou learns that Yifu, who was scheduled to join Luluo, has been unreachable for hours.

Xu Qingyou reassures her team that Yifu wouldn't miss this opportunity. As the live stream continues to be hostile, Mo Lingze sends a direct message to Yifu, threatening to withdraw all previously agreed terms if he doesn't appear immediately. Yifu, having just finished a temporary meeting, quickly goes online and joins the broadcast. Yifu thanks the audience for their support but clarifies he is there to clear Luluo’s name, despite not knowing her.

Luluo then challenges Yifu to an impromptu songwriting competition, which he accepts, and Luluo proposes "the sky" as their theme. The live stream's popularity instantly surges. Afterward, Xu Qingyou approaches Mo Lingze to express her gratitude for his intervention. Mo Lingze dismisses her thanks, stating that a "simple thank you" is too low a return on his investment. Meanwhile, Xu Wei is seen looking unwell, lying amidst clutter in his studio.

He asks a friend for cold medicine, mentioning he has classes. His friend, concerned, suggests calling Xu Qingyou to pick him up, but Xu Wei refuses to trouble his sister. His friend then playfully claims there's no medicine, hinting Xu Wei could "trouble" Fang Qi instead. Xu Wei adamantly refuses, not wanting Fang Qi to see him in such a state.

His friend, acting as a "relationship expert," takes a photo of Xu Wei and later shows him Fang Qi's brief reply: "Take medicine when you are sick." Xu Wei is visibly disappointed. Xu Qingyou arrives at a building with a gift bag. Fan Yunxi spots her and approaches, asking why she hasn't replied to his messages and apologizing for their past. He suggests they calmly resolve their issues.

Xu Qingyou, however, firmly states their relationship is over and they cannot go back, as both have changed. As Fan Yunxi holds her hand, pleading for reconciliation, Mo Lingze and Wang Ji walk past. Mo Lingze observes the scene and mistakenly assumes the gift bag Xu Qingyou is holding is from Fan Yunxi. His expression darkens, and he quickly enters the elevator. Xu Qingyou follows, intending to give him the gift. Inside, Mo Lingze pointedly asks if she's re-gifting something.

When Xu Qingyou tries to hand him the bag, he refuses it, reiterating that the "return is too low." Annoyed, Xu Qingyou turns and gives the gift to Wang Ji, telling him to enjoy the "delicious food." Mo Lingze, seemingly irritated by Wang Ji accepting the gift, immediately assigns him the task of sorting out all materials. Later, Mo Lingze discusses the acquisition of Yixin Ecology with its founder, Mr. Jia.

Mo Lingze proposes a structural adjustment, retaining only the core technology department, which implies dismissing existing managers. Mr. Jia, deeply attached to the company he views as his child, staunchly refuses to let go. Mo Lingze points out Yixin's five consecutive years of negative equity, suggesting that "sometimes giving up is not necessarily a bad choice" for the company's future.

Mr. Jia accuses capitalists like Mo Lingze of lacking humanism and only caring about profit, vowing not to surrender the company. Mo Lingze counters that clinging to sentiment without adapting will lead to total loss, asserting his victory. Mr. Jia, an old friend of Mo Lingze’s father, expresses disappointment, stating Mo Lingze's father, who valued human connection, would be heartbroken to see him so cold.

Mo Lingze responds that he acts this way precisely to avoid repeating his father's mistakes, assuring Mr. Jia that Yixin will flourish under Shangge's management. On his way back, Mo Lingze repeatedly reflects on Mr. Jia's words, recalling the circumstances under which his father was taken away. Xu Wei continues teaching despite his illness, with his friend discreetly taking photos, hoping to sway Fang Qi.

A young student approaches Xu Wei with medicine and hot water, which his friend secretly encourages for Fang Qi to witness. Fang Qi eventually arrives, initially commenting that Xu Wei seems well-cared for. Upon learning Xu Wei has fallen out with his family and is living in his studio, Fang Qi takes him home. She presents him with a formal agreement outlining his stay: he will pay rent through daily chores, including sweeping and mopping, due to his "poverty."

Xu Wei eagerly offers to cook and wash her clothes daily, surprising Fang Qi, who initially jokes about his eagerness before he signs the agreement, stating he just wants a place to stay. That night, Xu Wei's sister, Xu Qingyou, unexpectedly visits Fang Qi’s apartment. Fang Qi proudly introduces Xu Qingyou as a "super VIP guest," playfully dismissing Xu Wei as merely "a new, unimportant tenant."

She then cites a clause in their agreement, stating that if Party A has guests, Party B must leave. Xu Wei protests the unfairness, but Xu Qingyou, amused, encourages him to comply, thanking Fang Qi for her hospitality towards her brother. Mo Lingze observes Xu Qingyou happily dancing after a project success, a faint smile briefly appearing before vanishing. Feeling unwell, he approaches Xu Qingyou, asking her to accompany him.

Xu Qingyou, noting his sudden request and attitude, suggests he leave since he's disturbing her. Mo Lingze insists he is in a bad mood and needs her company. Xu Qingyou then takes him to a roller coaster. Mo Lingze comments on her supposed fearlessness, while Xu Qingyou regrets her decision as the ride begins.

Mo Lingze watches as Xu Qingyou hides her face in discomfort and fear, a slight smile playing on his lips, admitting he finds it "stress-relieving" to see her scream. Afterward, Xu Qingyou candidly tells Mo Lingze that while he can be "really annoying" when ruthless, she later understood his actions were for the greater good, advising him not to criticize himself emotionally if his decisions are rationally sound. Mo Lingze then asks her to accompany him on another "exciting" activity.

Instead, Xu Qingyou takes him to buy two large buckets of ice cream, then to a merry-go-round. She explains that quiet activities also relieve stress and, as "older" individuals, they should avoid excessive thrills for their hearts. Mo Lingze watches Xu Qingyou, wearing a cartoon headband, joyfully riding the carousel like a child, and finds himself smiling and enjoying the moment.

Xu Qingyou later confides in Fang Qi about Mo Lingze, describing a "pitiful" side she observed, and how he seemed "a little friendly" for the first time while discussing rationality and sensibility. Fang Qi is shocked to hear Mo Lingze has a "human side," deeming it "abnormal," and wonders if it's connected to Mr. Jia. She suspects Mo Lingze is feigning weakness to gain Xu Qingyou's sympathy and warns her of potential emotional manipulation, which Xu Qingyou dismisses as impossible.

Meanwhile, Mo Lingze, despite his tough exterior, instructs Wang Ji to prepare an excellent offer for Mr. Jia, acknowledging their families' long-standing relationship. He sternly reminds Wang Ji about a missing report, confiscating his bonus. As Mo Lingze continues working, he is suddenly annoyed by loud music from a party next door.

Episode 12 Recap

Xu Qingyou's new home was lively as Fang Qi and Xu Wei sang and danced, celebrating her move. No sooner had they left than the property manager arrived, delivering a stern message from Mo Lingze. He complained that Xu Qingyou's actions had caused health damage to others, citing noise control regulations which state that loud noises are prohibited from 10 PM to 6 AM.

He warned that if communication was ineffective, Xu Qingyou would face legal prosecution and be liable for the victim's examination and treatment costs. The manager then relayed another complaint: Xu Qingyou's express packages were piled in the public walkway, violating regulations. He threatened a lawsuit if they weren't cleared within a day. Bewildered by such a demanding neighbor, Xu Qingyou was surprised to learn it was Mo Lingze.

Upon realizing his neighbor was Xu Qingyou, Mo Lingze withdrew his complaints, remarking that she always appeared in such a unique way. Xu Qingyou, in turn, expressed her misfortune at having him as a neighbor, feeling he was inescapable. The next day, Xu Qingyou and Fang Qi went swimming. Fang Qi assured Xu Qingyou that Mo Lingze wouldn't be there, having checked his schedule.

However, a handsome swimmer they admired, upon removing his goggles, was indeed Mo Lingze, much to their embarrassment. Mo Lingze then approached Xu Qingyou, who was sitting by the pool, and observed a man striking up a conversation with her. He swiftly pulled her aside, almost commanding her, and wrapped a large bath towel around her, scolding her for coming to swim when she didn't know how.

He then immediately began questioning her about Lemi's daily and monthly active user data, demanding a report on the spot despite it being after work hours, much to Xu Qingyou's frustration. Meanwhile, Fang Qi returned home and noticed new slippers and cups. Xu Wei revealed he had bought pink slippers for her, which she found too feminine, so she playfully took his blue ones instead, insisting on the "couple style" with him.

Later, Fan Yunxi arrived with a car, intending to gift it to Xu Qingyou. He tried to force the keys into her hand, calling the car model "FX0725," an abbreviation of their surnames and their anniversary. Xu Qingyou firmly refused, stating their decade-long relationship was over due to differing values, and it was better to break up now than divorce later. Just then, Mo Lingze appeared, sarcastically asking why Fan Yunxi was forcing someone.

He reminded Fan Yunxi, as Shangger's legal counsel, to mind his conduct to avoid affecting the company's reputation. Fan Yunxi, angered, drove off, vowing to make Xu Qingyou understand that they were the most suitable couple. Xu Qingyou thanked Mo Lingze for intervening, but reiterated that she would handle her own affairs, to which Mo Lingze curtly replied, "That's your way?"

Xu Wei, back home, had drawn a portrait of Fang Qi and prepared fish soup for her, imagining them as a happy couple in matching outfits. Fang Qi discovered the painting upon her return and, without a word, left the house. Lin Siyu, frustrated by Mo Lingze's coldness, met with Wang Ji to vent. She worried Mo Lingze might prefer men, but Wang Ji, who spent 24 hours a day with him, assured her that wasn't the case.

Lin Siyu then asked about Mo Lingze's relationship with Xu Qingyou. Wang Ji described their interactions as "tit for tat," "smiling but with a knife hidden," and "concealing malicious intent," concluding they "mutually hate each other." Lin Siyu then proposed a joint live broadcast featuring Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou, citing the previous success of a similar event, as a way to test their dynamic. The next day, Xu Qingyou received a bouquet of flowers, purportedly from Mo Lingze.

Feeling uneasy and suspicious of his intentions, she promptly threw them into a trash can. Shortly after, Wang Ji placed a similar bouquet in Mo Lingze's office, claiming it was sent by someone from Lemi, implicitly referencing Xu Qingyou as the "Barbecue girl." However, Mo Lingze remained unperturbed, giving Wang Ji no reaction. Later, Xu Qingyou's father arranged a meeting with Xu Qingyou and Fan Yunxi, hoping to reconcile them.

He admonished Xu Qingyou for her "ungrateful" attitude towards a good man like Fan Yunxi. Xu Qingyou explained that she and Fan Yunxi had clearly broken up, stating it was better than getting married only to divorce. This angered her father, who criticized her for not listening to him about her college major or job, deeming her "worthless" for working at a small company.

He constantly compared her to Li Yun, a professor at Qing University with a three-year-old child, implying Xu Qingyou was inferior. Xu Qingyou, infuriated, confronted him, accusing him of never considering her happiness and only caring about his own "face." She believed his insistence on her marrying Fan Yunxi was merely an attempt to "win back a round" through her husband, as he felt she was always inferior to Li Yun.

Episode 13 Recap

Fan Yunxi desperately tried to mediate an intense argument between Xu Qingyou and her father. Xu Qingyou revealed her long-held belief that her father's arrangements for her and her sibling, Xu Wei, throughout their lives stemmed from his vanity and desire for prestige. She firmly declared that she would not marry Fan Yunxi, apologizing for disappointing her father in this matter before leaving. Although visibly upset, Xu Qingyou's father remained silent, confirming her accusations.

He then turned to Fan Yunxi, apologizing that his attempt to bring the two together had ended so poorly. Fan Yunxi, however, reassured him that he would always consider him his mentor, regardless of whether he became his son-in-law, promising not to disappoint him concerning Xu Qingyou. Meanwhile, Lin Siyu and Wang Ji, hoping to gauge the true nature of Xu Qingyou's and Mo Lingze's relationship, set up a Star Tent, adorned with colorful lights, to create a romantic ambiance.

After some humorous struggles with the tent's "no entry" rules, they realized neither Xu Qingyou nor Mo Lingze had arrived. As heavy rain began to fall, they sought shelter inside the tent. Wang Ji, recalling a childhood memory of a sudden downpour and how he comforted his sister, gave Lin Siyu his jacket.

Lin Siyu, in turn, tried to find romance in the rain, playfully pointing out how raindrops could be imagined as stars, like the Big Dipper or rhinestones shimmering under the streetlights, and a unique feeling began to develop between them. Amidst the downpour, a distraught Xu Qingyou walked aimlessly, overwhelmed by her emotions. Mo Lingze appeared with an umbrella, urging her not to suppress her feelings or try to be strong.

He led her to a public phone booth, revealing it was his childhood secret base where he would confide his worries. Xu Qingyou, finding solace in the idea, stepped inside and called her eighteen-year-old self. She poured out her heart, speaking of how everyone had praised her for being well-behaved and obedient, yet those were the adjectives she despised most.

She confessed her desire to make her own choices in college, work, and marriage, lamenting that being herself seemed to be a privilege reserved only for children, as growing up meant losing that right. She questioned if living by others' expectations truly counted as her own life, admitting that she had little happy news to share with her past self. As she emerged, Mo Lingze gently pulled her into a comforting embrace, his eyes filled with concern.

Elsewhere, a dejected Fan Yunxi sought refuge at a bar, drinking heavily. The bar owner, Xiaowei, instead of discouraging him, offered him more whiskey, advising him to let go after this night. Fan Yunxi, however, remained resolute, stating that he always got what he wanted and this time would be no exception, refusing to give up. Xiaowei simply reiterated his advice to let it go.

Later, Xu Qingyou confessed to Mo Lingze her deepest fears: fear of cold, darkness, danger, and the unexpected twists life often presented. Mo Lingze acknowledged her fears, recalling how she had once called him dangerous and wished he would stay away from her life, yet she had also mentioned that life was composed of accidents. He then declared that he had been patiently waiting for her decision but would wait no longer.

He invited her to a performance at his bar at nine o'clock the following night, leaving the choice entirely up to her: if she had found her answer, she should come, otherwise, she need not. He told her he was having a special necklace, his one-of-a-kind "Kepler's Supernova," prepared for her. Xu Qingyou, using Mo Lingze's suggested method of flipping a coin to make a decision, eventually resolved to go to the bar.

That evening, Mo Lingze performed on stage, playing the guitar and singing, his gaze constantly fixed on the VIP reserved seat and the entrance, eagerly awaiting her arrival. He had reserved a special seat for her and was looking forward to seeing his "Kepler's Supernova." However, despite his confident anticipation, Xu Qingyou never appeared, leaving him deeply disappointed. Unbeknownst to him, Xu Qingyou had indeed arrived early, but the band was still rehearsing.

There, she encountered Lin Siyu, who, in a confident display, displayed "Lingze's Peach Blossom Treasure," a book containing names of women Mo Lingze had dated. Lin Siyu boldly asserted her unique and special place in Mo Lingze's life, claiming that regardless of how many women came and went in his life, his heart would always remain hers. This encounter ultimately deterred Xu Qingyou from staying.

The next day, Mo Lingze, still perplexed by Xu Qingyou's absence, messaged her, asking why she hadn't come and noting her "prudery female white-collar" traits like avoiding challenges and escaping. Receiving no reply, he confronted her at work. Xu Qingyou, appearing tired with dark circles under her eyes, maintained her distance.

She expressed gratitude for his past help in professional matters but insisted on maintaining a strictly professional relationship outside of work, stating that a boundary had always existed between them. Distracted by colleagues needing help with various work tasks, such as a leave request for Yu Ming, a live broadcast script, and checking a broadcast list, Xu Qingyou remained evasive. Later that day, feeling heartbroken, Xu Qingyou went drinking with Fang Qi and quickly became inebriated.

While they discussed her brother's request regarding Fang Qi's hobbies, their conversation quickly turned to Mo Lingze. Fang Qi complained about Mo Lingze's personality, referring to him as "Poker Face" and mentioning a "roster full of girls' names" he allegedly kept. Xu Qingyou, distraught, recalled Mo Lingze's "labels" for her, such as being a "prudery female white-collar" who avoids challenges.

Fang Qi echoed her sentiments, mocking Mo Lingze's arrogance, suggesting he believed his good looks entitled him to choose any woman. Xu Qingyou lamented her romantic misfortune, likening it to a scratch-off ticket that still said "thank you" despite her initial hopes for a prize. Fang Qi, exasperated, advised her to forget Mo Lingze, asserting he was not suitable for her and that she shouldn't suffer any more "silent losses" because of him.

Despite her heavy intoxication, Xu Qingyou insisted on sending Fang Qi home, refusing Fang Qi's offer to accompany her instead. In the taxi, a giggling Xu Qingyou asked the driver if he understood love, only to be met with warnings about vomiting in the car. Meanwhile, Mo Lingze was at home, releasing his emotions by playing a mobile game, seemingly discussing Xu Qingyou's behavior in the context of the game.

His phone kept ringing, and the bar owner, Bobo, eventually brought it to him, having noticed it ringing constantly. Fang Qi, having called Mo Lingze about Xu Qingyou's state, urged him to come. Mo Lingze then rushed out to find her. Xu Qingyou, having caused a disturbance for the taxi driver, next ended up at an amusement park, causing further commotion. The exasperated security guard, seeing Mo Lingze approach, saw him as a savior.

Knowing Xu Qingyou's chaotic drunken nature, Mo Lingze initially feigned ignorance, claiming not to know her and attempting to leave. However, the security guard held him firm, imploring him to handle the situation before opportunistically slipping away. The security guard lectured Mo Lingze, saying that while quarrels between young people were understandable, it was irresponsible to let a girl drink alone, and advised him that a man needed more than just good looks to keep a woman's heart. He then urged Mo Lingze to take Xu Qingyou home quickly.

Episode 14 Recap

Xu Wei had prepared a romantic display of lights in his home, but Fang Qi, feeling unwell after having too much to drink, walked right past them. As she reached for a cold beverage from the refrigerator, Xu Wei quickly intervened, taking it from her. He began to warm her a drink while lecturing her about taking better care of herself, especially after drinking, and expressed disappointment that she hadn't noticed the changes he made to the room.

However, when he turned around, he found she had already retreated to her room. Meanwhile, Mo Lingze had taken a drunken Xu Qingyou back to his own apartment. Gently, he wiped her face and hands with a warm towel. In her dazed state, Xu Qingyou believed she was dreaming, softly caressing Mo Lingze's face and complimenting his handsome appearance.

However, she declared that he was only for distant admiration, not for a serious relationship, emphatically stating she would never be with a man like him. Mo Lingze appeared somewhat disheartened as Xu Qingyou soon drifted off to sleep. The next morning, Fang Qi woke up feeling much better. Xu Wei had prepared ginger tea for her hangover and continued to nag her about her health, reminding her to avoid excessive drinking in the future.

Fang Qi nodded in agreement, though she didn't seem to take his warnings to heart. Later, she finally noticed the lights Xu Wei had set up, leading to a playful exchange where he threatened to take them down after her lukewarm reaction, much to her annoyance. Xu Qingyou awoke to find herself in Mo Lingze's apartment, which was disheveled with clothes strewn across the sofa. Despite the mess, a beautifully prepared breakfast sat on the table.

She recalled the events of the previous night, feeling a wave of embarrassment that Mo Lingze had witnessed her drunken state. At work, Xu Qingyou encountered Yifu's music producer. Now that Yifu was signed with Shangger Capital, there would be increased collaboration with Xu Qingyou's live streaming platform. The producer, expressing gratitude for her company's support, invited Xu Qingyou to dinner that evening. Xu Qingyou readily accepted and offered to treat, unaware that Mo Lingze had overheard their conversation.

As Xu Qingyou prepared to leave for dinner with the producer, Mo Lingze intercepted them. He fabricated an urgent work-related issue, claiming that as a high-pressure investor working on a major merger, he required a clean and orderly environment. He insisted it was Xu Qingyou's duty to immediately return to his apartment and clean up the mess she had made. Feeling pressured, the producer reluctantly canceled their dinner plans.

Upon returning to Mo Lingze’s apartment, Xu Qingyou discovered he had already hired a cleaner, Aunt Li, who had tidied most of the place. Mo Lingze dismissed the cleaner, insisting that since Xu Qingyou had made the mess, it was her responsibility to clean it, especially given the presence of his "trade secrets." His true intention, however, was to force a private conversation.

He pressed her about her true feelings, asking why she had said she would never be serious with someone like him. Xu Qingyou reiterated her decision not to pursue a relationship, stating that since it had never truly begun, it should end now. She explained her desire for "safety," perceiving him as a "trap." She described him as a dangerous individual whose advances stemmed from a "desire to win" and "possessiveness."

Concluding that she couldn't afford to be involved with him, she stated her intention to maintain a safe distance. After receiving a call, she quickly left, promising to transfer him the cleaning fee. Back home, Xu Wei prepared hotpot for himself and Fang Qi. He learned that she was upset because her ex-boyfriend, Qu Kai, was flaunting his new relationship on social media, something he never did when they were together.

Xu Wei urged her to forget Qu Kai, emphasizing that holding onto the past would prevent her from moving on. Fang Qi grew angry, accusing Xu Wei of meddling, though his words clearly struck a nerve. Accidentally splashing hotpot chili into her eye, she rushed to clean it. Xu Wei instinctively helped by pulling back her hair, and Fang Qi glanced at him in silence. Learning that Fan Yunxi’s mother had been hospitalized, Xu Qingyou went to visit.

Fan Yunxi’s mother was visibly happy to see her and finally agreed to eat. Fan Yunxi explained that his mother's health was fragile and asked Xu Qingyou to keep their breakup a secret, fearing the news would hinder her recovery and upcoming surgery. Feeling compassionate, Xu Qingyou agreed and even offered to stay overnight at the hospital to provide reassurance. Elsewhere, a glamorously dressed Lin Siyu approached Mo Lingze.

He ignored her, so she feigned a fall, claiming to have hurt her leg. Just then, Mo Lingze received an urgent call from his superior to pick someone up at the hospital for a due diligence matter. Compelled to go, he ended up taking Lin Siyu with him. At the hospital, they coincidentally encountered Xu Qingyou and Fan Yunxi. Lin Siyu clung possessively to Mo Lingze's arm, loudly claiming her injury occurred during a date with him.

Seeing Xu Qingyou with Fan Yunxi, she made suggestive comments about their long-standing relationship and impending "good news," implying they were there for a pre-marital check-up. Annoyed by her theatrics, Mo Lingze abruptly walked away, with Lin Siyu rushing to follow. Frustrated by Mo Lingze's elusiveness, Lin Siyu sought advice from Wang Ji. Drawing on his understanding of male psychology, Wang Ji suggested she adopt a "suppress first, then raise" strategy.

He advised her to act more dignified and less attainable, explaining this would pique Mo Lingze's "desire to win" and prompt him to actively pursue her. Later, Xu Wei observed a student sketching nostalgic items like old cassette tapes and a walkman. The student explained that these objects were a record of his youth, representing time and effort invested in past infatuations—things that belong to memory, not the present. This made Xu Wei reflect on Fang Qi's struggle.

He realized she couldn't let go of her past not just because it was part of her, but because, as she had admitted, she couldn't stand seeing someone she disliked doing better than her. That evening, Xu Qingyou found herself replaying the hospital scene with Mo Lingze and Lin Siyu. Annoyed, she stepped out of her apartment, reminding herself to stay out of their complicated dynamic. As she opened her door, she ran into Mo Lingze returning home.

When he asked where she was going, Xu Qingyou blurted out that she was taking out the trash, despite her empty hands. When he pointed out the missing trash, she retorted that it had "flown away" and was none of his concern before retreating inside.

Episode 15 Recap

When Fang Qi arrived home, she found Xu Wei asleep on the sofa, with a prepared meal and numerous sticky notes scattered around. She picked one up and read how Xu Wei perceived her, like a cactus with thorns, and his wish to help remove them without causing further pain. He likened himself to a soft tumbleweed, wanting to gently envelop her and protect her.

Seeing Xu Wei sleeping, Fang Qi felt a flicker of emotion, but as soon as he stirred, she quickly retreated to her room, leaving the meal untouched, her mind restless. Meanwhile, Xu Qingyou found herself on a rooftop, discovering a cat perched precariously high. She climbed up to rescue it, but found getting down difficult. Just then, Mo Lingze appeared and helped her safely bring the kitten down.

Before Mo Lingze could speak further, he received a call from Fan Yunxi. Fan Yunxi explained that his mother wished to take a family photo before her upcoming surgery, expressing fears she might not recover. To ease his mother's mind, Xu Qingyou agreed. When she looked up again, Mo Lingze had already departed. The following day, after concluding a business meeting, Mo Lingze looked up and spotted Xu Qingyou at a wedding photo studio, dressed and ready for a photoshoot.

Xu Qingyou also saw him. Mo Lingze seemed visibly affected and left without a word. Fang Qi, despite having a fever, insisted on going to work. Xu Wei discovered her condition and firmly took her to the hospital. Upon their return, Xu Wei began preparing porridge for her, urging her to rest. However, Fang Qi immediately opened her laptop to work. Xu Wei, returning with the porridge, swiftly took her computer away.

Angered, Fang Qi scolded him, but Xu Wei was delighted, taking her outburst as a sign of her recovery. Xu Qingyou's recent live stream was incredibly successful, surpassing the sales target of thirty million yuan and completing her "military order" for Mr. Zhai ahead of schedule. Mr. Zhai was thrilled and announced a two-day team-building trip to Man'an Hills for all employees as a celebration, instructing Xu Qingyou to invite Mo Lingze as a gesture of thanks for his support.

Xu Qingyou approached Mo Lingze to express gratitude and extended Mr. Zhai's invitation for the team-building trip. Mo Lingze coolly replied that he was busy and uninterested, asserting that Lemi's success was part of his own performance. Frustrated, Xu Qingyou called Fang Qi to vent, sarcastically labeling Mo Lingze as a "Poker Face" and a "hard, sharp steel ball." Unexpectedly, she rounded a corner and ran directly into Mo Lingze, who had clearly overheard her remarks.

They engaged in a sharp exchange about her earlier derogatory remarks. Xu Wei, still unable to truly win Fang Qi’s heart, sought advice from a friend. He asked about the "tumbleweed" story he had previously shared with her. His friend advised him that men are most attractive when they are serious about their work, and that he shouldn't constantly hover around Fang Qi like a "warm man," which would only lead to being friend-zoned.

He also cautioned Xu Wei that women often say the opposite of what they mean, so "no" might actually mean "yes." He encouraged Xu Wei to impress her with unconventional views. Taking this advice, Xu Wei deliberately focused on his painting, successfully capturing Fang Qi's attention, who genuinely found his serious demeanor appealing. Fang Qi received an invitation for a class reunion where her ex-boyfriend Qu Kai and his fiancée would be present.

Despite her initial reluctance, she resolved to face the past bravely and decided to bring Xu Wei. She bought him an expensive suit and tie, totaling ten thousand yuan. Xu Wei initially declined, insisting on repaying her to avoid being seen as "supported by a woman," but then playfully suggested it should be considered "our joint property."

Fang Qi quickly retorted that "joint property" was a term for married couples, to which Xu Wei cheekily replied, "Who knows what the future holds?" At the team-building location, Xu Qingyou brought a beautiful, sexy dress, a "battle dress" intended to make her stand out. However, she felt too timid to wear it publicly, opting instead to admire herself on the balcony and take private photos. As she did, her hair tie accidentally fell.

While reaching for it, she encountered Mo Lingze. He claimed to be there to "examine business," but Xu Qingyou, knowing Man'an Group didn't accept outside investments, scoffed at his lie, mocking him for following her despite his earlier disinterest. Their conversation quickly escalated into another heated argument, with Mo Lingze questioning her motives, implying she was "casting a wide net" by seemingly attracting other men after her recent photoshoot with her ex-fiancé. Xu Qingyou retorted by criticizing his "roster" of women, calling herself an insignificant white-collar worker in his "flower book." Suddenly, Lin Siyu's scream for help pierced the air.

Episode 16 Recap

Lin Siyu arrived, feigning a serious injury to her leg and calling out for Mo Lingze’s help. Mo Lingze immediately deduced that Wang Ji had revealed his location. Wang Ji soon appeared, chastising Lin Siyu for insisting on following them despite her previous injury, and tried to take her away. As Mo Lingze handed his coat to a thinly dressed Xu Qingyou, Lin Siyu continued to call out to him, expressing her pain.

Later, at a barbecue gathering, Xu Qingyou accidentally burned her hand. Mo Lingze approached, seemingly concerned, but their exchange was brief and somewhat challenging. Lin Siyu also came over, expressing sympathy for Xu Qingyou's hand, and then sought advice on how to win Mo Lingze's heart. Xu Qingyou warned her to be careful, implying that some people, despite their gentle appearance, might toy with emotions. She specifically mentioned Mo Lingze's alleged "roster of girlfriends."

Lin Siyu quickly dismissed this, claiming the roster was just a joke concocted by Mo Lingze’s band, and she had even added to it herself. Meanwhile, Xu Wei accompanied Fang Qi to her class reunion. Fang Qi’s former classmate, Liang Yinyin, Qu Kai’s fiancée, attempted to provoke Fang Qi. She boasted about her engagement ring from Qu Kai and insinuated that Fang Qi had relationship issues, suggesting she change her temper to keep a man.

Xu Wei intervened, holding Fang Qi’s hand and introducing himself as her boyfriend. He declared that he was Fang Qi’s current and future husband, and would always cherish her. During a party game, Liang Yinyin tried to embarrass Fang Qi by asking about her past boyfriends and how many times she had visited an amusement park after her divorce.

Xu Wei confidently answered that Fang Qi had visited the amusement park eight times, always going to the haunted house when she was sad, and that he knew this even when he was abroad. He also publicly thanked Qu Kai for remembering Fang Qi’s favorite food, shrimp, which he now regularly cooks for her. This display of affection and loyalty from Xu Wei earned Fang Qi considerable respect from the other attendees.

Later, Fang Qi confessed to Xu Wei that she used to idolize Qu Kai, but now that she had grown, he no longer held any special allure for her. That night, after sharing drinks, Xu Wei confessed his feelings to Fang Qi, telling her he liked her. Fang Qi, seemingly tipsy, then playfully pounced to kiss him, complaining that he was 'too verbose' before falling asleep, leaving Xu Wei no time to react.

Later that evening, during a live-action role-playing game called "Peach Blossom Banquet," the script called for a long kiss, which made Xu Qingyou visibly uncomfortable. She excused herself, claiming to have emails to deal with. Mo Lingze followed her. He confronted her about her sudden nervousness, pointing out that she seemed to be reacting to the game's premise.

Mo Lingze clarified that there was no "roster of girlfriends" and that he certainly wouldn't engage in a game-like kiss with just anyone. He then confessed that he liked one person, someone who knew his feelings and clearly cared for him, getting sad, angry, jealous, and worried. He questioned what else could be considered love if not these feelings. Deeply moved, Xu Qingyou responded with a passionate kiss.

Later, as Xu Qingyou stood by the pool, Mo Lingze draped his jacket over her shoulders. He teased her about her earlier "jealous look," which she denied. He then clarified that he just wanted to set the record straight about the "roster" to avoid further unflattering nicknames. As they looked at the beautiful night sky, Mo Lingze offered her a special star, suggesting it wasn't a gesture meant for a teenage girl.

Xu Qingyou, realizing she could no longer deny her feelings, admitted she couldn’t hide from him, acknowledging the impulse that had taken over her. Meanwhile, Lin Siyu, using crutches, was seen frantically searching the hotel for Mo Lingze, wondering why no one was around. The next morning, Xu Qingyou woke up alone in the room, realizing she was naked. As she prepared to get up, Mo Lingze emerged from the bathroom.

He attempted to kiss her, but Xu Qingyou playfully stopped him. He then playfully accused her of trying to "renege on the debt," but Xu Qingyou insisted she would take responsibility. Their playful banter was interrupted by Lin Siyu pounding urgently on the door, even trying to get hotel staff to open it, fearing something had happened to Xu Qingyou.

Mo Lingze wanted to open the door and make their relationship public, but Xu Qingyou, flustered, resisted, explaining she didn't know how to explain their situation to Lin Siyu. Desperate, Xu Qingyou pulled Mo Lingze into a kiss, using it to push him into the wardrobe, to which he reluctantly agreed, warning her not to do it again. Once Lin Siyu entered, she searched the room, suspicious of Mo Lingze’s absence.

She interrogated Xu Qingyou about Mo Lingze’s whereabouts, expressing concern that he hadn’t returned all night and might have been seduced by a "siren." When Lin Siyu tried to call Mo Lingze, he hung up, further fueling her suspicions. It was only when Wang Ji called Lin Siyu to inform her that he had found Mo Lingze that she finally left. Mo Lingze emerged from the wardrobe and embraced Xu Qingyou, again suggesting they go public with their relationship.

Xu Qingyou, however, felt it was inappropriate, given Mo Lingze’s status as a prominent investor for Shangger and her role as a director at the same company. She argued that their public relationship would appear strange, and asked to keep it quiet for now. Mo Lingze acknowledged her concerns, asking her to think carefully about her decision. Separately, Xu Wei had prepared breakfast for Fang Qi, who woke up feeling hazy.

He explained that he wanted their "first day" together to be special, to create lasting memories, and promised to surprise her every year on that day and be good to her every day. Fang Qi, however, was confused, questioning what "first day" he was referring to, as she didn’t recall agreeing to be with him. Xu Wei reminded her of their conversation from the previous night. Fang Qi, recalling her inebriated state, dismissed her actions from the night before, stating it was merely a "loss of virtue after drinking."

Episode 17 Recap

During a team-building event, Lin Siyu asked Mo Lingze about an upcoming investor's reception, excitedly mentioning she had a new couture dress she hoped to wear. Mo Lingze informed her he already had a female companion, crushing her hopes, and she left quickly. Xu Qingyou, who was also present, seemed visibly uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Fang Qi was at home, working, and instructed someone to find her a one-bedroom apartment with fine decoration that allowed immediate move-in, emphasizing that money was not an issue. She stressed the urgency of having Xu Wei move out, fearing what she might do if he stayed.

Around the same time, Xu Wei texted Fang Qi from the supermarket, offering her choice of grilled lamb chops or braised beef brisket in red wine, or both, as he was already on his way home with all three. Panicked by his imminent arrival and gestures, Fang Qi quickly left her home to avoid him. Later, Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou offered to send Lin Siyu back, whose leg was still recovering.

Lin Siyu hinted to Mo Lingze that her schedule was open if he changed his mind about the reception. As Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou were left alone, Xu Qingyou attempted to avoid him, claiming urgent company matters, like weekly reports, despite it being the weekend. She admitted to him that she was feeling timid and wanted to back off. Mo Lingze asked if being with him was stressful for her.

Just then, Fang Qi called Xu Qingyou, using their urgent code "Kill you three thousand," which Xu Qingyou mentioned was usually reserved for serious situations like a divorce. Seizing the opportunity, Xu Qingyou quickly left to go to Fang Qi. Xu Qingyou found a distressed Fang Qi, who was exhausted from running. Fang Qi was reluctant to talk about her problem, refusing to drink, fearing that "drinking leads to mistakes and regrets easily."

Xu Qingyou suggested they "turn grief into appetite" with some cold noodles, but Fang Qi worried cold food might hurt her stomach. As they played cards, both received messages: Xu Wei texted Fang Qi that he had made soup and was waiting for her, while Mo Lingze texted Xu Qingyou asking her to sleep over. Neither dared to go home, deciding instead to stay overnight at a hotel. While playing cards, they discussed the "terrifying" and "tricky" problems they faced.

Fang Qi asked Xu Qingyou if she would still accept her if she did something unacceptable. Xu Qingyou humorously wondered if Fang Qi was trying to steal her job or a man. Xu Qingyou then asked if Fang Qi would mock her if she did something that went against her own principles. Fang Qi quickly asked if she was making progress with Mo Lingze, which Xu Qingyou denied.

They concluded that adult relationships should be cautious, for self-preservation, and agreed that keeping things low-key was customary. They decided that love was about mutual understanding and tolerance. Despite their attempts at distraction, the card game did little to quell their inner anxieties. The next morning, after returning home, Xu Qingyou tried to discreetly slip back into her room but was intercepted by Mo Lingze, who had been waiting.

She explained that she wasn't regretting their relationship or unwilling to make it public, but she wanted to protect it carefully due to their sensitive work relationship, fearing that once it was exposed, it might end. She admitted her lack of confidence stemmed from past relationship struggles, seeing her relationship with him as a "difficult mode." Mo Lingze reassured her that he wouldn't be like her past experiences and urged her not to punish herself for others' mistakes.

He asked for a deadline for her to adapt to their relationship, and she promised to try her best within three months. Mo Lingze agreed, then asked how she would "compensate" him for his patience. He then presented her with a dress. After she put it on and provocatively asked if she looked good, he teasingly replied "just so so." She feigned anger, and he confirmed he had already sent her the reception details, assuming her attendance.

Xu Qingyou pretended she hadn't agreed and "regretted" her earlier promise, but he wouldn't let her back out. He then led her off for a meal. Meanwhile, Fang Qi insisted that Xu Wei move out of her home, stating it was inconvenient for them to live together as adults.

Xu Wei tried to delay, citing undelivered packages and the high rent of the apartment Fang Qi had found for him, claiming he couldn't afford it as he had just started working. Fang Qi offered to cover the rent, assuring him he could pay her back anytime. Still reluctant to leave, Xu Wei asked for one last meal from her, like a "last meal" for a prisoner. Fang Qi agreed.

During the meal, Xu Wei confessed his long-standing feelings for her, saying he had liked her since he first saw her running in a white dress in a sunflower field. He described her wedding day as his darkest and her divorce day as his saddest, misinterpreting her tears (which Fang Qi later clarified were from too much mustard on sushi, not sadness).

He reiterated that his feelings were serious, that the kiss was not a joke, and that he wanted to protect her for life. Fang Qi interrupted him, correcting his misconceptions about her crying and her pollen allergy which made her only trip to a sunflower field a prank.

She told him she was a proud, self-respecting woman who would end a relationship if she sensed any dislike, concluding that he likely liked an "imagined Fang Qi" rather than her true self. She advised him to remain a "younger brother" to ensure their relationship lasted. When Xu Wei asked if she had never liked him, Fang Qi responded that it was meaningless to discuss it now.

She reiterated that the apartment she found for him was in the city center near his studio, and she would handle the rent. Xu Wei refused to take it, insisting he would find his own place, then asked if she cared about him, but Fang Qi feigned indifference to avoid further entanglement.

After he finally left, Xu Wei called Fang Qi to remind her about the meals he had prepared for her, which he had divided into three lunch boxes with sticky notes and placed in her refrigerator. Fang Qi saw them and was touched. At the office, colleagues were abuzz about Mo Lingze's visit, speculating he was there to see Mr. Zhai.

They admired him for securing the investment for the "Taikang Biological Project," an impressive feat given the competition from many established companies. They debated whether his ideal partner would be a "princess of Golden Capital" type or a strong, independent woman like Xu Qingyou. Meanwhile, a colleague showed Xu Qingyou a notice for a job competition open to employees with over five years of experience. Xu Qingyou appeared interested but uncertain.

Her colleagues felt they had little chance against an "elite" like her, preferring to be "salted fish." Later, over dinner, Xu Qingyou discussed her dilemma about the competition with Mo Lingze. She explained her deep connection to Lemi, having been there since graduation, and her desire to do more for the company and prove herself trustworthy. Mo Lingze encouraged her to be responsible for her decisions.

Feeling confident, Xu Qingyou thanked him and offered to pay for their meal, also asking him to show her other styles of dresses later. She then kissed him on the cheek. This intimate moment was witnessed by Lin Siyu.

Episode 18 Recap

Following the events of the previous evening, Lin Siyu was enraged after witnessing Xu Qingyou wipe off Mo Lingze's lipstick mark. Distraught, she accidentally fell, a sound overheard by Wang Ji who was on the phone with her. Wang Ji immediately rushed to find her. Meanwhile, Mo Lingze urgently departed due to company matters, leaving Xu Qingyou alone at the restaurant. Lin Siyu then stormed in to confront Xu Qingyou, accusing her directly.

Xu Qingyou openly admitted that Mo Lingze had been in her room that day and confirmed they were in a relationship. Lin Siyu angrily accused Xu Qingyou of betrayal, claiming Xu Qingyou had promised to help her keep an eye on Mo Lingze but instead pursued him herself. Xu Qingyou, however, maintained she had never made such a promise. Xu Qingyou then asked Lin Siyu why she believed Mo Lingze liked her.

Lin Siyu argued that Mo Lingze had always treated her well, taking her under his wing at Golden Capital and helping her fix her mistakes, which she believed was a sign of his affection. Xu Qingyou calmly explained that Mo Lingze's tolerance wasn't exclusive to Lin Siyu; he was equally accommodating to Wang Ji, despite his inexperience, and to Fang Qi, who would have been dismissed from Shangger Capital due to work errors if not for Mo Lingze's support.

Xu Qingyou concluded that this behavior was simply part of Mo Lingze's character, not a special affection. Her words, though disheartening, seemed to make Lin Siyu realize the truth. Wang Ji, who had just arrived, comforted the heartbroken Lin Siyu. Later, Wang Ji's anger over Mo Lingze's treatment of Lin Siyu affected his work performance. Noticing his unusual mood, Mo Lingze initiated a conversation.

Wang Ji directly criticized Mo Lingze for his callousness towards Lin Siyu, stating he wouldn't have followed him if he had known Mo Lingze was so heartless. Mo Lingze, without looking up, simply advised Wang Ji that if he liked Lin Siyu, he should pursue her. This unexpected remark left Wang Ji momentarily stunned as he silently left the room. That evening, Xu Qingyou prepared to attend a reception, dressed in an outfit Mo Lingze had chosen for her.

However, a call from Fan Yunxi changed her plans; his mother had suffered a sudden dizzy spell and required emergency surgery, so he asked Xu Qingyou to come to the hospital. At the reception, Mo Lingze waited for a long time before calling Xu Qingyou to inquire about her absence. Xu Qingyou truthfully explained her situation, and Mo Lingze expressed his understanding.

Shortly after, Lin Siyu, dressed in an elaborate custom-made gown, approached Mo Lingze and offered to be his date for the event, suggesting she could help him with business networking. Mo Lingze declined, prompting Lin Siyu to warn him that pursuing Xu Qingyou would lead to ruin, as Xu Qingyou was just an ordinary white-collar worker and could offer him no professional assistance.

Mo Lingze, however, firmly stated that he appreciated Xu Qingyou for who she was, asserting that his affection for her was reason enough. Concerned that Lin Siyu might drink too much due to her low spirits, Mo Lingze called Wang Ji and asked him to pick her up from the reception. At the hospital, Fan Yunxi watched anxiously as his mother underwent surgery.

He confessed to Xu Qingyou his fear of losing the two most important women in his life, particularly as his mother was now sixty years old. In an emotional moment, he took Xu Qingyou's hand and poured out his feelings, hoping to rekindle their relationship. Just then, Mo Lingze arrived, witnessed the scene, and quietly left, entrusting a nurse with food he had brought for Xu Qingyou.

Upon learning of Mo Lingze's visit, Xu Qingyou called him, hoping he wasn't angry. Mo Lingze magnanimously declared his understanding but jokingly demanded a "sound compensation plan" for her absence. Fan Yunxi, seeing the food Mo Lingze had sent, was secretly annoyed, realizing his earlier attempt to create a rift between Xu Qingyou and Mo Lingze by holding her hand had failed. Later, Wang Ji met with Lin Siyu, who was still bewildered by Mo Lingze's rejection.

She argued that she could easily help him secure major projects, yet he seemed uninterested, preferring Xu Qingyou, whom she considered "useless." Wang Ji explained that for people in their line of work, who constantly engage in calculations and weigh gains and losses, finding someone they truly love is a rare and precious thing.

They are willing to set aside all calculations and simply want to be with the person they cherish, regardless of whether that person can offer professional assistance. Lin Siyu then asked Wang Ji if he felt the same way, but he remained silent, suggesting his own unspoken feelings. Meanwhile, Fang Qi returned to her apartment, noticing the blue slippers Xu Wei had bought and a sticky note he had left on a cup.

She also observed the withered flowers he had purchased, suddenly realizing how much she missed him and how strange it felt to live alone without his presence. Xu Wei was also visibly distraught over Fang Qi's absence. He fretted about Fang Qi's meals, recalling how he used to cook her supper every night. A friend attempted to cheer him up with hotpot, but the meal only made Xu Wei break down in tears, reminding him of Fang Qi.

Fan Yunxi's mother's surgery was successful, though she remained in the intensive care unit for observation. Fan Yunxi expressed profound gratitude to Xu Qingyou for her support. Xu Qingyou reiterated that while their romantic relationship had ended, she would still be there for him to help care for his mother. Fan Yunxi desperately hoped their love could be revived, but Xu Qingyou firmly rejected the idea, insisting they had moved on.

Undeterred, Fan Yunxi secretly vowed not to let her leave. To compensate for missing the reception, Xu Qingyou met Mo Lingze and led him to a secluded spot for a passionate kiss. Mo Lingze, completely satisfied, readily forgave her. Unable to resist, Fang Qi went to Xu Wei's gallery, initially telling herself she only wanted to confirm he was alive before leaving.

However, upon hearing Fang Qi's voice, Xu Wei excitedly stood up, accidentally kicking over a canvas which then dragged down a lit candle, setting his current painting ablaze. Xu Wei frantically tried to save the burning canvas. Fang Qi quickly intervened, extinguishing the fire and scolding him for risking his life for a painting. Upon inspecting the half-burnt canvas, Fang Qi realized it was a portrait of herself.

Xu Wei then pleaded for a reconciliation, but Fang Qi again rejected him, citing their eight-year age difference as an insurmountable obstacle and insisting they could only be like siblings. Xu Wei, having anticipated her concerns, presented her with a prepared "solution" to the age gap, citing historical examples of successful older-woman-younger-man relationships and outlining his plans to mature. Fang Qi, however, dismissed his efforts, stating she was too busy with work and didn't want to waste any more time.

Xu Wei reiterated that he was prepared for a hundred rejections and was only afraid of her ignoring him. During a lunch break, Mo Lingze inquired about Xu Qingyou's compensation plan. They agreed to meet, with Mo Lingze choosing the location. He led Xu Qingyou to a hotel. Sensing his intentions, Xu Qingyou tried to excuse herself, claiming exhaustion, but Mo Lingze scooped her up in his arms, ignoring her protests.

Episode 19 Recap

Mo Lingze placed Xu Qingyou gently on the bed, intending for her to use the sixty-five minutes to rest, knowing how exhausted she was. Xu Qingyou, lying on the bed, watched him and worried, wondering how she would manage if she fell uncontrollably in love with him. Mo Lingze, however, urged her not to try to control it and to let things continue as they were, reassuring her that he would never let her get hurt.

She thanked him for setting up such a grand scheme just so she could catch up on sleep. She also probed if any women had tried to claim him at a previous wine party, specifically asking about Lin Siyu, but Mo Lingze simply stated Wang Ji had picked Lin Siyu up. He then firmly told Xu Qingyou to close her eyes and sleep. Back at Shangger, Mo Lingze’s team had successfully secured a 37% share in Taikang.

However, Mo Lingze, driven by an intuition, suspected that Taikang Bio had issues, even though their previous checks showed the data as perfect. He immediately instructed Wang Ji to intercept the investment agreement from the legal department. Unbeknownst to them, this was a setup by Fan Yunxi. Taikang's perfectly presented data was a deliberate trap designed to ruin Mo Lingze's standing in the investment world.

Fan Yunxi, aided by someone within Mo Lingze's circle, was determined to ensure Mo Lingze had no foothold in the industry, fueled by his hatred for Mo Lingze, whom he believed had taken Xu Qingyou from him. While his accomplice only wanted Mo Lingze out of Shangger, Fan Yunxi sought to completely destroy his career. Meanwhile, Xu Wei took Fang Qi to an amusement park to help her relax.

Before leaving, he made a heartfelt confession, telling her that if she ever decided she wanted to be with him, she could call him and he would return. However, if she did not, he would disappear from her life forever. Fang Qi watched him leave, deeply moved by his words. Xu Qingyou, attempting to cook a proper meal for Mo Lingze, ended up making a mess, even spilling shrimp onto the counter.

Defeated, she ordered a large amount of takeout and meticulously arranged it on plates, hoping to pass it off as homemade. Mo Lingze, however, instantly recognized it as takeout. Xu Qingyou tried to apologize with a kiss, but Mo Lingze, far from accepting a simple kiss, embraced her for a prolonged one until Xu Wei unexpectedly arrived, interrupting their intimate moment.

During dinner with Mo Lingze, Xu Qingyou, and Xu Wei, Xu Wei lightheartedly commented on their secretive behavior, suggesting it seemed like a "secret relationship," a remark that hit too close to home for a visibly uncomfortable Xu Qingyou. Xu Wei then directly asked Mo Lingze if he had a girlfriend.

Mo Lingze candidly replied that he did, but she was "difficult" and "had many ideas," which prompted a playful kick from Xu Qingyou under the table, though Mo Lingze swiftly caught her leg. Later, while Xu Wei was in the restroom, Xu Qingyou apologized to Mo Lingze for not being able to complete her promised "make-up plan."

Mo Lingze responded by kissing her, and she promised to arrange a proper date for them the following day after work, a proposal Mo Lingze happily accepted. Xu Qingyou met Fang Qi for coffee. Fang Qi complained bitterly about Mo Lingze, calling him a "fire pit" and a "perverted abuser" who forced her and Wang Ji to work endless overtime, causing her stress. As Fang Qi vented, she noticed Xu Qingyou smiling and texting, so she snatched her phone.

Upon seeing the messages, Fang Qi's expression turned serious, demanding Xu Qingyou confess. Xu Qingyou admitted that she had already "jumped into that fire pit." Fang Qi, shocked, spat out her coffee. She pressed Xu Qingyou for details, asking how far their relationship had progressed, and Xu Qingyou, using a suggestive hand gesture, made her meaning clear. Mo Lingze brought his suspicions about Taikang's falsified data to Mr. Luo.

Mr. Luo recommended he seek help from Miss Tang, offering to yield 5% of the Taikang shares as an incentive, a portion of Shangger's 37% holding. However, Miss Tang's sole condition for cooperation was Mo Lingze himself. Mo Lingze immediately rose and left, stating he could not meet her terms and was willing to abandon the evidence of Taikang's fraudulent data. Miss Tang reminded him that she would always support him. Xu Qingyou developed a cold.

Mo Lingze rushed back to care for her, scolding her for neglecting her health due to work and warning her of "family law" if she didn't take better care of herself. He gently took her used tissue to dispose of it, making Xu Qingyou feel cherished and happy. Mo Lingze brewed a bitter herbal medicine for Xu Qingyou.

She initially resisted drinking it, but when he told her it took him half an hour to prepare, she drank it all in one gulp. Mo Lingze had sugar ready to ease the bitterness. Xu Qingyou praised his caring nature and playfully asked if he had cared for many people before, to which he humorously replied that he had. Their moment was interrupted by a call from Wang Ji, who reported that Lin Siyu was missing and unreachable.

Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou immediately rushed to meet Wang Ji, then went to Lin Siyu's home, but she wasn't there. Mo Lingze then realized it was the 21st, remembering Lin Siyu had once expressed a desire to attend a "Pineapple Party" with him on the 21st, specifically suggesting they go to King's Island for Pineapple Steak.

Lin Siyu was found at a beach on King's Island, trying to bury herself in the sand and hide from everyone, hoping children would help. The children, however, told her she was too big to hide, making her realize she was no longer a child. A flashback revealed her first encounter with Mo Lingze at the same beach three years prior, on October 21st. He had ordered the last Pineapple Steak.

She tried to persuade him to give it to her, but he initially refused. Despite his coldness, he eventually sent the steak to her, and it was from that moment that her affection for him began. Mo Lingze, accompanied by Wang Ji and Xu Qingyou, found Lin Siyu on the beach. Lin Siyu angrily confronted Mo Lingze, expressing her frustration with his coldness, especially his refusal to even have a meal with her.

Xu Qingyou gently urged Mo Lingze to share a meal with Lin Siyu, and he reluctantly agreed. Lin Siyu then declared that while she had once liked him, she now saw him as "sharp, difficult, cold-blooded, arrogant, and particularly uncaring." She asserted that she was letting go of her obsession and would seek a new target after that day. Relieved, Mo Lingze raised a toast, wishing her happiness.

Episode 20 Recap

Following Lin Siyu and Wang Ji's departure from the beach, Xu Qingyou expressed her unwavering confidence in Mo Lingze's affection for her to Wang Ji, who seemed to be lamenting his own unrequited feelings. Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou then enjoyed themselves by the sea, treating it as an early, spontaneous date. Xu Qingyou, finding the scenery beautiful, suggested they could complete their "unfinished date" there.

Mo Lingze initially feigned reluctance to continue their date on the island, playfully claiming fatigue after having just dined with someone. Xu Qingyou playfully chided him, assuring him of her complete trust despite having asked him to dine with Lin Siyu as a "stalling tactic." Mo Lingze teased her about her possessiveness, to which she confidently responded, viewing his feelings as "within her grasp."

They shared a passionate kiss by the sea, and Mo Lingze embraced Xu Qingyou, hoping that from then on, she would only have him. They then planned to watch the sunrise, a desire Xu Qingyou had for a long time, as it was famously beautiful there. The next morning, Mo Lingze gently woke a sleepy Xu Qingyou, and they rushed to catch the sunrise.

Xu Qingyou shared that it was her first time seeing a sunrise, and it fulfilled a long-cherished wish to witness it with the "most important person," playfully revealing that person used to be Fang Qi. Mo Lingze lovingly declared that from now on, that person could only be him. Back at the office, Mo Lingze discussed a surprising turn of events with Yunhai Tech, who suddenly became cooperative after previously causing deliberate delays.

He instructed his subordinate to renegotiate prices to understand their true intentions. The more pressing issue, however, remained Taikang Biology. Recognizing that relying on Fengtang Capital was no longer an option, Mo Lingze rejected any propositions from Tang Xi, insisting they must gather evidence themselves. While a direct, store-by-store data verification seemed impossible within the tight timeframe, Mo Lingze's true strategy was to deliberately leak information about their suspicion of Taikang's data forgery.

He believed this would cause the perpetrators to panic and expose themselves, also revealing the hidden party who set them up, as he realized, "They are coming for me." Meanwhile, two shadowy figures, one of them Lawyer Fan, discussed Mo Lingze's failure to secure aid from Fengtang Capital, which they believed would steer clear of Taikang's "hot potato" status due to the high risks involved.

They asserted their intent to make Mo Lingze understand not to interfere with what didn't belong to him. Xu Wei, an alumnus of the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, found himself in a heated argument with two other painters over the precise color needed for a mural, insisting on "scarlet" for the painting's bright aesthetic, which the others dismissed as overly fastidious for a copied mural.

Fang Qi arrived, having learned that Xu Wei intervened to secure a project for her from Mr. Wang by offering his services for free. She confronted Xu Wei, furious that he meddled in her business and seemingly sacrificed his dignity for her sake. Xu Wei tried to explain he saw it as a "best of both worlds" opportunity and a chance to practice, without feeling wronged.

Unmollified, Fang Qi marched straight to Mr. Wang, threw down Xu Wei's paintbrush, and demanded payment for Xu Wei's work, threatening to tear down the entire wall if he didn't comply. Seeing that no contract was signed for the "free" work, Mr. Wang reluctantly agreed. Still fuming, Fang Qi drove away, leaving Xu Wei to frantically chase after her on his bicycle. As he struggled to catch up, he called out apologies, explaining his actions were solely to help her.

He confessed his long-standing love for her and his desire to protect her, asserting that "true love is fulfillment, not possession," and he was willing to "step back" for her well-being. Despite Xu Wei's desperate pleas and fall from his bike, Fang Qi returned only to chastise him for his foolish pursuit.

Xu Wei, still on the ground, confessed that he knew she didn't like his "type"—someone without money or maturity—and that he only wanted to make her life easier, urging her to pursue her dream of holding an art exhibition at Pompidou rather than doing "thankless tasks." He revealed his deepest dream was for her to live a better life "because" of him.

Fang Qi, seemingly softened by his heartfelt confession, leaned down and pulled him by his collar for a swift kiss, leaving him momentarily stunned. As she turned to walk away, she remarked, "What? You don't like it? Fine, then." Xu Wei, jolted to action, rushed after her, pulled her back, and passionately kissed her. Wang Ji informed Mo Lingze that a woman had entered his office seeking to talk business.

It was Tang Xi, who explained her visit was due to Mo Lingze's unresponsiveness to her messages. She attempted to rekindle their past, hinting that he'd finally "figured things out." Mo Lingze, however, maintained a professional distance, stating he only cared about the "present and future" and refused to dwell on old times. Tang Xi tried to engage him by recalling his past preferences, like Geisha coffee and wine for sleepless nights, which Mo Lingze pointedly corrected or dismissed.

She subtly suggested that his current intense investigation into Taikang's data, which she implied was impossible, might lead to him exposing his weaknesses, much like Taikang's Mr. Wu. As Tang Xi attempted to give Mo Lingze a tie she brought as a gift, Fang Qi abruptly entered, declaring that "Shangger Capital doesn't welcome idlers." Tang Xi, unfazed, challenged Fang Qi and demanded Mo Lingze discipline his employee. Mo Lingze simply told Tang Xi to leave.

She departed, asserting that her gift had been delivered and that he would soon invite her back. Fang Qi then apologized for the interruption, and Mo Lingze brushed it off, suggesting she get a new folder. After work, Fang Qi approached Mo Lingze, insisting on speaking to him not as his employee but as Xu Qingyou's best friend. Despite his initial reluctance, she declared she "can't stand it anymore" and revealed she had investigated Tang Xi.

Fang Qi detailed Tang Xi's cunning and ruthless nature, explaining how she quickly "hooked up the financial baron Feng Fei," married him, and saw her career soar. She elaborated that Feng Fei established Fengtang Capital for Tang Xi, only for Tang Xi to divorce him within three years and take control of the entire company.

Acknowledging that Tang Xi was Mo Lingze's ex-girlfriend, Fang Qi bluntly warned him that Xu Qingyou, being "innocent and straightforward" and "tender-hearted," was no match for Tang Xi. She fiercely vowed that if Mo Lingze ever did anything to hurt Xu Qingyou, she would "never let him run away," regardless of his position as her boss. Mo Lingze assured her with conviction that he "won't give her the chance." At a bar, Mo Lingze prepared for a performance.

The bar owner's wife welcomed Xu Qingyou, explaining that Mo Lingze arranged her VIP seat in exchange for "dozens of free shows." Xu Qingyou attempted to solve a Rubik's Cube, and Tang Xi, who had also arrived, walked over and offered to teach her the technique. Mo Lingze then introduced Xu Qingyou to the band as "a family member," and formally introduced her to Tang Xi.

Both women exchanged polite, yet subtly charged, pleasantries: Tang Xi thanked Xu Qingyou for "taking care of him in my absence," to which Xu Qingyou graciously countered that she should thank Tang Xi for "protecting him so well" before her arrival. Mo Lingze then took the stage, dedicating his first song to his girlfriend, describing her as "cute but also easy for her to be jealous," making Xu Qingyou smile.

After his performance, audience members recognized Tang Xi as the band's former lead singer and enthusiastically demanded a reunion performance. The bar owner's wife, seeing the crowd's excitement, agreed, citing a past show the band "owed." Tang Xi, accepting the request, dedicated her song to "a very significant person in my life who wrote it for me," revealing she hadn't dared to sing it for ten years due to the flood of memories it invoked.

As Tang Xi performed with the band, captivating the audience, Xu Qingyou's expression darkened with jealousy. Unnoticed by Mo Lingze, who was immersed in his guitar, Xu Qingyou quietly left the bar. She paused by a band poster outside, recalling the first time she saw him perform that same song, and then walked away without looking back.

Episode 21 Recap

Upon returning home, Xu Qingyou grappled with deep anxiety, researching ways to cope with past relationships and trying to convince herself that a particular song meant nothing. Meanwhile, Mo Lingze concluded his performance and departed swiftly, disregarding Tang Xi. Tang Xi, seeking a drink from the bar's Boss, was turned down. The Boss recalled how Mo Lingze had frantically searched for Tang Xi after her abrupt departure years ago, enduring immense suffering before finally moving on.

The Boss conveyed that some things, once broken, cannot be fully restored. Tang Xi, however, insisted she was back to win him over, claiming she could give him everything he wanted, both then and now. Later, Mo Lingze stood outside Xu Qingyou's door, listening intently. Xu Qingyou, peering through the peephole, initially refused to open, only relenting when Mo Lingze claimed to have brought her favorite food.

As she opened the door, Mo Lingze playfully asked if she was jealous before lifting her into the room. Xu Qingyou playfully accused him of trespassing, but Mo Lingze reminded her that she had let him in. He then declared his "family's privilege" to be her "mind trash can," prompting Xu Qingyou to confess her insecurity, admitting that she felt she didn't truly know him, especially his past.

Mo Lingze reassured her that his past was over and she was his present. He then playfully "punished" her for her jealousy by asking her to attend the band's upcoming anniversary celebration as his family member. Though she feigned hesitation, her attitude softened, and she eventually agreed, amused by his clinging demeanor. Concurrently, Fang Qi and Xu Wei struggled with how to reveal their relationship to Xu Qingyou.

Xu Wei confidently believed Xu Qingyou would be happy, being her beloved brother and Fang Qi her best friend, and pledged to take all the blame. The next morning, Xu Wei brought Fang Qi a homemade "love breakfast," teasing her about her usual habit of skipping it. He inquired if she had figured out how to tell Xu Qingyou, and though she hadn't, he didn't press her. They shared a tender moment before heading off to work.

Later, Tang Xi sought out Xu Qingyou, presenting her with old college photos of Mo Lingze. She asserted that Xu Qingyou only knew the current Mo Lingze, the shrewd businessman, while she had known the true, affectionate man. Tang Xi implied that Mo Lingze only began to change and become successful after being with her, suggesting Xu Qingyou knew nothing of his past.

Xu Qingyou, however, remained unfazed, declaring her lack of curiosity about Mo Lingze's past and warning Tang Xi not to dwell on memories that were merely "past." The secret of Fang Qi and Xu Wei's relationship was dramatically revealed when Xu Qingyou unexpectedly returned home to find them sharing a passionate kiss on the sofa. Shocked, Xu Qingyou covered her eyes, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Fang Qi stammered for an explanation, but Xu Wei boldly stepped forward, confirming their serious relationship. Xu Qingyou, stunned, exclaimed that the Xu family was "over." She then turned and stormed out, warning them both not to follow, or she would cut them off. Distraught, Xu Qingyou sought solace with Mo Lingze, venting her inability to accept Fang Qi and Xu Wei's relationship.

She detailed how Xu Wei, as a child, used to follow her and Fang Qi around while wearing open-crotch pants and how Fang Qi would often hit him. Now, she lamented, they were kissing, and worst of all, they had hidden their relationship from her. Mo Lingze offered to assign Fang Qi extra work to vent Xu Qingyou's anger, but Xu Qingyou fiercely warned him against bullying Fang Qi, stating that only she had the right to do so.

Mo Lingze responded with amusement. Later, Fang Qi attempted to apologize to Xu Qingyou, bringing her favorite fried chicken and sauces. She admitted that she was indeed "robbing the cradle" but insisted their feelings were genuine and they had intended to tell her, but Xu Qingyou discovered them first. Xu Qingyou, however, was most upset by Fang Qi's prolonged deception.

Fang Qi countered by listing instances where Xu Qingyou had also kept secrets, such as a high school crush with the monitor of class two, dating Feng Yu, and forgetting Fang Qi's birthday in college. After a heated exchange, Fang Qi, having lost the argument, was told to leave by Xu Qingyou. Meanwhile, Tang Xi visited Mo Lingze, bringing a small dog she had acquired, suggesting they raise it together, subtly implying she could visit often to see him.

Mo Lingze cynically noted her talent for "pulling strings" and questioned if her asthma was cured, to which she admitted it wasn't fully but he could mostly care for the dog. Tang Xi reminded him of their past shared dream of raising a dog, watering flowers, and writing songs together.

Mo Lingze firmly stated his aversion to dwelling on the past, focusing instead on new returns, especially in business, and explicitly stated his dislike for small dogs, ending the conversation by dismissing her attempts at rekindling their past. Tang Xi then warned him that the Taikang project was in jeopardy and he needed to meet her at Shangger in 30 minutes, or the deal would fall through.

Still dejected, Fang Qi later received a visit from Xu Wei, who reassured her that Xu Qingyou would eventually come around. Simultaneously, Xu Qingyou and Fang Qi met at a restaurant, where they continued their passive-aggressive squabble by deliberately ordering dishes they knew the other disliked, such as fried bamboo worms, fried intestines, and stir-fried silkworm chrysalis. Their meal was interrupted when Wei Yong's wife arrived, having tracked her husband's car.

Accusing Fang Qi of being a "Coquette" and hiding her husband, she threw water on Fang Qi and attempted to physically assault her. Despite not being a fighter, Xu Qingyou bravely stepped in to defend Fang Qi. Wei Yong soon emerged from a private room and intervened, apologizing profusely to Fang Qi while escorting his agitated wife away. After the altercation, Xu Qingyou tended to Fang Qi's injured wrist, gently applying ice and a medicated spray she had ordered.

Xu Qingyou playfully chided Fang Qi for her inability to fight, reminding her of all the times she had defended her in childhood. Fang Qi seized the moment to sincerely apologize for hiding her relationship. Xu Qingyou admitted she wasn't truly angry, but rather had difficulty accepting the secrecy. Their reconciliation was complete when Xu Wei and Mo Lingze arrived, mistakenly assuming the two friends had fought each other upon smelling the medicine.

Realizing they had teamed up against an outsider, Xu Wei expressed relief that Xu Qingyou had finally accepted his relationship with Fang Qi, vowing to protect Fang Qi in the future. Xu Wei then made plans with Fang Qi to watch a movie together the following day. Mo Lingze then sternly reprimanded Xu Qingyou for getting involved in the fight, expressing his concern for her safety, though his anger quickly dissipated.

Xu Qingyou, in turn, playfully apologized, promising to call the police and retreat in such situations in the future. Mo Lingze then reminded her of the band's upcoming hot pot dinner, which she readily agreed to attend. At the dinner, Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou openly displayed their affection, holding hands as band members warmly welcomed Xu Qingyou, affectionately referring to her as "sister-in-law."

They reminisced about Xu Qingyou breaking Momo's game record previously and shared that Lao Luo, the restaurant owner, had initially opened the hot pot spot as a canteen for the band, only for it to grow into a successful business. Mid-dinner, Mo Lingze received an urgent call from Tang Xi, who informed him that there had been a change regarding the Taikang project and that he needed to be at Shangger within thirty minutes, or the project would fall through.

Episode 22 Recap

Mo Lingze received an urgent call from Tang Xi, who informed him that the situation with Taikang had changed and demanded his presence at Shangger within thirty minutes, threatening to halt the project otherwise. Apologizing for the sudden departure, Mo Lingze left Xu Qingyou in the care of their friends, promising to pick her up later. At Shangger, Tang Xi revealed that Taikang had deliberately leaked news to manipulate public opinion, attempting to force Mo Lingze into signing a contract.

She pointed out that Taikang had insiders within Shangger and questioned his psychological tactics. Tang Xi then offered to cooperate with him, asserting that he needed her more than she needed him, given that Ruiying Technology, an affiliate of Taikang, was her largest investment. She warned that if Taikang fell, she would face bankruptcy, while he would merely resign.

Mo Lingze, however, chose a different path, explaining that Taikang's sales data showed suspicious discrepancies, with receipt serial numbers skipping, indicating inflated sales figures. He suggested that such fraud would require the cooperation of third-party stakeholders, like the Auditing Department. He explained that this was why he was confident that the audit department would expose themselves when they tried to cover it up.

Mo Lingze declared they had enough evidence to suspend Shangger's investment in Taikang and planned to involve a third party to investigate the audit issues legally. Tang Xi, impressed, agreed to help, offering to notify the third party herself. Later, as Sa walked Xu Qingyou home, she shared that she had never seen Mo Lingze so serious about any woman before Xu Qingyou, encouraging her to have faith in him. Xu Qingyou acknowledged her words.

After finishing his work, Mo Lingze was about to leave when Tang Xi suddenly clutched her chest, feigning an asthma attack. She claimed she didn't have her medicine, and Mo Lingze frantically searched for it. As Mo Lingze tried to help her by unbuttoning her collar, Xu Qingyou arrived. Without hesitation, Xu Qingyou directly ripped Tang Xi's shirt, causing Tang Xi to gasp in surprise and recover.

Xu Qingyou then sarcastically congratulated Tang Xi on succeeding in making her angry, but dismissed her "showing weakness" tactics as insufficient to win Mo Lingze back. Mo Lingze chuckled nearby, and Xu Qingyou, grabbing his tie, pulled him away, leaving a fuming Tang Xi behind. Outside, Xu Qingyou, displaying a feisty side Mo Lingze hadn't expected, began to interrogate him about his relationship with Tang Xi.

Mo Lingze admitted they had dated for eight years, but she had left without a word, never formally breaking up. He confessed to experiencing a brief emotional "fluctuation" when she reappeared, but asserted that his current appreciation for her was purely professional. Xu Qingyou, in turn, promised Mo Lingze that she would never leave him without saying goodbye, regardless of their future. She also jokingly assured him she wouldn't have an affair.

Meanwhile, Fang Qi and Xu Wei went on their first official date. Fang Qi noticed Xu Wei's timidity, pointing out that while others might be "intermittently crazy," he was "intermittently timid." To his delight, she boldly pulled his hand to her shoulder and asked if he was happy.

During a horror movie, Xu Wei clung to Fang Qi out of fear, prompting Fang Qi to lament that she and Xu Qingyou were "poor sisters" in love—one dating a timid fool, the other a "Poker Face." Xu Wei, startled by Fang Qi's mention of Xu Qingyou dating, accidentally let slip that his sister was in a relationship. Fang Qi quickly shoved popcorn into his mouth to prevent him from revealing more.

At a bar, Tang Xi confided in Sa about the earlier incident, confidently stating that Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou were fundamentally different and would inevitably fall apart on their own. Sa advised Tang Xi to give up, reminding her that even if they did break up, Mo Lingze would still be someone who had deeply loved another woman.

Tang Xi, however, claimed indifference, admitting she had also betrayed feelings in the past and viewed Mo Lingze's current rejection as a fair retribution. Later, Tang Xi sought out Mo Lingze again, attempting to re-establish their connection. However, Mo Lingze firmly told her that their past was irreversible and warned her that if she continued to overstep boundaries, their professional cooperation would cease.

Tang Xi then agreed to hand over the confidential Taikang data, explaining that she would only do so for Mo Lingze, but not for a stranger. Fang Qi accompanied Xu Qingyou on a shopping trip, having heard about Tang Xi's visit to Shangger. Fang Qi subtly suggested green clothes for Xu Qingyou, urging her to be more "attentive" to the situation.

Xu Qingyou casually mentioned she was already aware of Tang Xi's presence and was unconcerned, even admitting she had torn Tang Xi's shirt. Fang Qi was shocked by Xu Qingyou's assertive behavior, wondering if she had learned it from Mo Lingze. She stressed that a "first crush" could make men nostalgic and advised Xu Qingyou to be vigilant.

Xu Qingyou dismissed her concerns as typical romance novel tropes, expressing her trust in Mo Lingze, asserting she wouldn't doubt someone she loved. Fang Qi then commented that Xu Qingyou's words were identical to Xu Wei's, humorously noting the sibling resemblance in their love philosophies. Tang Xi later invited Xu Qingyou to an archery range for a conversation.

Tang Xi asserted that she had "created" Mo Lingze, claiming she picked his signature black suits and molded him into the man he was. Xu Qingyou countered that with her, Mo Lingze would be free to be his true self, as he didn't need to be "created." Xu Qingyou then pointed out that Tang Xi's confrontation indicated she knew she couldn't win Mo Lingze back, leaving Tang Xi visibly embarrassed.

Meanwhile, Lin Siyu met with Wang Ji to announce the end of her "love-chasing alliance" with Shangger and her decision to give up on Mo Lingze. She then led a hesitant and acrophobic Wang Ji onto a glass skywalk. When Wang Ji froze in fear, Lin Siyu feigned an appendix attack, causing him to rush to her side.

They stumbled, and Lin Siyu fell on top of Wang Ji, leading to an awkward moment of shared gaze before she quickly stood up and left. Finally, Xu Wei, looking serious, approached Mo Lingze on a skateboard, demanding to have a talk with him.

Episode 23 Recap

Colleagues at Lemi Company buzz with excitement and envy as Mo Lingze's name appears on the judge list for the upcoming competition, believing Xu Qingyou's long-awaited promotion is imminent due to Mo Lingze's clear favoritism. However, some murmur that her potential success is not through merit but personal connections.

Xu Qingyou, unfazed, retorts to Director Long that even leveraging connections is a form of ability, advising him to pursue his own network, reminding him that "When eight immortals crossed the sea, each showed their own magic." Later, Xu Wei confronts Mo Lingze, challenging him to a video game battle, aiming to gain leverage to protect his sister, Xu Qingyou, after hearing from Fang Qi about troubles caused by Mo Lingze's ex. Mo Lingze effortlessly defeats him.

Xu Wei, claiming it was merely a warm-up, then challenges him to a boxing match. When he still loses, Xu Wei resorts to physically wrestling Mo Lingze to the ground, holding him there until Mo Lingze concedes. Only then does Xu Wei reveal his true motive: to safeguard Xu Qingyou, who, despite her tough exterior, suffers in silence. He warns Mo Lingze that if his ex continues to cause trouble, he and Fang Qi will "mixed doubles" Mo Lingze.

Mo Lingze assures him such intervention won't be necessary, expressing admiration for Xu Qingyou having both a devoted "best friend" and a protective "best brother." To gain an edge in gaming, Xu Wei begrudgingly calls Mo Lingze "brother-in-law" for tips. Upon returning home, Xu Wei excitedly boasts to Fang Qi that Mo Lingze's "secret trick" proved effective as he handily defeats her in a game, validating his new familial title.

Learning that Mo Lingze was injured by Xu Wei, Xu Qingyou reluctantly goes to care for him, preparing a meal at his apartment. She humorously tells Mo Lingze that Xu Wei's allowance is revoked for the next two months. As they are together, Xu Qingyou's mother suddenly video calls, immediately noticing Xu Qingyou's flushed face and the unfamiliar room decor.

Xu Qingyou hastily fabricates an excuse about rearranging her room and needing to prepare for a meeting, quickly ending the call. She scolds Mo Lingze for distracting her during the call, but he playfully regrets not greeting her mother, hoping for another chance soon. Mo Lingze pulls her closer, expressing his desire to publicly acknowledge their relationship, but Xu Qingyou resists.

She explains that revealing their relationship now, with Mo Lingze as an external judge for her upcoming competition, would invite gossip and undermine her efforts to win the position on her own merit. Mo Lingze playfully feigns dejection, asserting that he's less important than the competition, but Xu Qingyou silences his complaints with a kiss, dispelling his grievances.

Xu Wei eagerly asks Fang Qi to join his camping trip with classmates, promising her Mo Lingze's gaming "trick" in exchange for her presence, as he'd boasted about having a girlfriend this year. Fang Qi initially declines due to urgent work but agrees to attend. At the campsite, Xu Wei's female classmates flirt with him, implying his absent girlfriend is not a good match.

Just then, Fang Qi arrives dramatically on her motorcycle, introducing herself as Xu Wei's girlfriend and admitting she had a "full face makeover" for the occasion to avoid embarrassing him. The classmates, noting their age difference, question their common interests. Fang Qi, trying to fit in, awkwardly tries to participate in a football discussion by secretly looking up information online. Xu Wei pulls her aside, expressing his discomfort with her pretense.

He tells her he prefers her authentic self, even her more assertive and authentic side, as that is when her eyes "have light." He doesn't want her to change her appearance, do housework she dislikes, or force herself to fit in with others' interests for his sake. Fang Qi is deeply moved by his words, and they share a tender moment, holding hands and kissing.

During the competition, Mo Lingze extensively challenges Xu Qingyou, particularly about a past project where she used amateur models. This project, despite its noble concept of "accepting the imperfect self," ended in controversy when one model's private life was exposed, causing company losses. Mo Lingze questions her suitability as an employee if her values come at the expense of company profits.

Xu Qingyou defends her decision, reaffirming her belief in the project's concept and acknowledging her failings in protecting both the amateur and the company. She asserts that if given another chance, she would still pursue the idea but with better safeguards. Despite her impassioned defense, she is not selected for the position. Afterward, Xu Qingyou is furious and ignores Mo Lingze's calls.

She asks Fang Qi to treat her to dinner, and Fang Qi tries to comfort her, describing Mo Lingze as a "hard rock" not worth getting upset over. As she speaks, Mo Lingze appears behind Xu Qingyou, having been informed by Fang Qi. Xu Qingyou, realizing Fang Qi's "betrayal," pointedly ignores him.

Mo Lingze explains that her failure to be selected wasn't due to a lack of ability but rather a matter of "position," much like combining the right ingredients for maximum flavor. He warns her that her stubbornness might make it difficult to apologize later. Xu Qingyou, still indignant, insists she will never apologize to him.

Meanwhile, a headhunter informs Xu Qingyou that despite not getting the top position, the judging panel highly praised her work with live streamers Luluo and A Qiao. The company has now established a new business development department, which Mo Lingze suggested would be a perfect fit for her. Separately, Mr. Luo meets with Mo Lingze, commending his prudence in avoiding the Taikang fraud case, which saved Shangger from losses.

Mr. Luo then explains his true purpose: they've found a breakthrough in the Hua Group merger case. The key is to persuade Mrs. Hua's son, Chen Ziming, founder of Bell maternal and child supplies Co. Ltd., given the strained relationship between Mrs. Hua, a major shareholder, and her son.

This crucial intelligence was provided by Tang Xi, who then calls to confirm she wants Mo Lingze to join her in negotiating with Bell maternal and child supplies Co. Ltd. Xu Wei excitedly asks Fang Qi to spend more time with him, but she has a client meeting. Fang Qi proudly introduces Xu Wei as her boyfriend to a curious acquaintance.

Later, Xu Wei expresses frustration that Fang Qi's work seems to consume all her time, suggesting she find a less demanding job. Fang Qi defends her dedication, explaining that in their competitive industry, work provides the essential "confidence" she needs for life, akin to being a "warrior in an office building."

She reassures Xu Wei that he is very important to her and proposes a compromise: he can join her at her studio, and she will squeeze in time for dinner together. Xu Wei happily agrees. Having cooled down, Xu Qingyou rethinks her reaction and decides to apologize to Mo Lingze. She prepares a casual meal from supermarket-bought items.

When Mo Lingze arrives, she puts on a slightly haughty demeanor but then firmly tells him she is apologizing and he must accept it. Mo Lingze, initially teasing her about her "cooking" and "acting skills," quickly accepts her apology. Xu Qingyou explains that her anger wasn't at him, but rather at the embarrassment of failing in front of him. She promises to communicate openly and avoid sulking in the future. Mo Lingze agrees, complimenting her seriousness. They share a toast.

Just as they finish their meal, Tang Xi calls Mo Lingze. He initially hesitates to answer, jokingly suggesting that if the call brought bad news, Xu Qingyou would have to comfort him. But then, he challenges Xu Qingyou, reminding her of her promise to communicate openly, and bravely tells her to answer on speakerphone, stating he has nothing to hide. Xu Qingyou takes the call and puts it on speaker. Tang Xi's voice announces that his business trip will be overnight and reminds him to bring a change of clothes.

Episode 24 Recap

During a phone call, Tang Xi reminds Mo Lingze to pack specific items for their upcoming overnight business trip, including his favorite coffee beans, noting that she knows his preference. Xu Qingyou immediately responds that she will prepare everything for Mo Lingze, a reply that subtly displeases Tang Xi. Tang Xi then informs Xu Qingyou that the trip has been moved forward to the weekend.

Xu Qingyou later playfully confronts Mo Lingze about his business trip with Tang Xi, expressing her surprise at not being informed. Mo Lingze assures her it's purely a business trip and offers to cancel if she minds, explaining he had intended to inform her that evening. However, Xu Qingyou insists he go, not wanting to appear unreasonable, and playfully toasts him for "keeping his nose clean."

Xu Wei, observing Fang Qi diligently working late into the night, reflects on his own perceived lack of achievement compared to her perseverance, feeling he isn't "good enough" for her. He decides he needs to make a name for himself and resolves to participate in the prestigious Pompidou Youth Art Exhibition. He seeks out the renowned curator, Mr. Huang.

Despite Mr. Huang's initial dismissiveness and critique of a painting in his office, Xu Wei introduces himself, detailing his top honors and multiple gold prizes from the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts. He appeals to Mr. Huang's stated dedication to finding young artists, even offering to redo the painting Mr. Huang disliked. Impressed by Xu Wei's determination and perceptiveness, Mr. Huang agrees to recommend him for the exhibition if he can deliver on his promise.

Later, Fang Qi angrily confronts Xu Wei, who has disappeared for two days, accusing him of playing a disappearing game and even punching him. Xu Wei, enduring her playful hits, explains he had "special things to do" that he can't reveal yet, but promises a full explanation and a surprise in two days. He adds that he wants to become "a better man" because he is getting to know her better, and even leaves food in the fridge for her.

Frustrated, Fang Qi then seeks out Xu Qingyou, demanding an explanation for Xu Wei's behavior and asking her to discipline her brother. Xu Qingyou, busy planning a secret birthday surprise for Mo Lingze, downplays her efforts, though she admits her plans are now complicated by Mo Lingze's business trip with Tang Xi.

Fang Qi, having heard about the trip, questions Xu Qingyou's nonchalance, prompting Xu Qingyou to list strict rules she's set for Mo Lingze regarding his interactions with Tang Xi: no physical contact, no being alone, and no reminiscing about the past. Fang Qi teasingly suggests Xu Qingyou be Mo Lingze's "gift" by showing up herself, a notion Xu Qingyou dismisses, maintaining that a birthday isn't that important and she has no interest in such melodrama.

Meanwhile, Lin Siyu arrives in Wang Ji's rural hometown of Yuanji, having driven for hours and emptying her fuel tank. When a phone call comes in, she pretends to be in the Maldives on a yacht, about to go diving. Wang Ji, upon seeing her, immediately tries to walk away. Lin Siyu, however, wearing high heels on the unpaved path, sprains her ankle, forcing Wang Ji to reluctantly assist her. Both recall their accidental kiss on the glass skywalk.

She reveals her true intention: to invite him to start a new business venture with her, emphasizing her extensive journey to find him. Wang Ji declines, stating he is content with his current work at Shangger and firmly asserting that they "live in different worlds," before leaving Lin Siyu alone and bewildered. Mo Lingze and Tang Xi prepare to meet Mr. Chen to secure his help in a merger involving Bell Company and Hua Group.

Tang Xi provides context, explaining that persuading Mr. Chen is difficult due to his sensitive relationship with his mother regarding the Hua company. Mo Lingze receives a call from Xu Qingyou, and their sweet exchange reveals his eagerness to finish work and return to her. Tang Xi, witnessing his affectionate call, subtly remarks on Mo Lingze's unusual display of personal affairs during work hours.

As Mr. Chen arrives and they are about to enter the meeting room, Mo Lingze's professional facade is broken when Xu Qingyou unexpectedly walks into the building. Mo Lingze openly introduces Xu Qingyou as his girlfriend, much to Tang Xi's thinly veiled annoyance. Tang Xi reminds Mo Lingze of Mr. Chen's valuable time, urging him to prioritize their business discussion. Before Mo Lingze departs with Mr. Chen, he promises Xu Qingyou he will return soon.

Tang Xi then approaches Xu Qingyou, giving her a pointed warning that "surprises can easily turn into scares." During their meeting, Mo Lingze and Tang Xi explain the intricate parent-subsidiary relationship between Bell Company and Hua Group to Mr. Chen, detailing how Bell Company annually transfers twenty percent of its profits to Hua Group, confirming they are essentially mother and son companies. They argue that Shangger's intervention can save both companies from bankruptcy if Ms. Hua agrees to the merger.

When Mr. Chen feels he's been "set up," Mo Lingze offers to fence him as a gesture of apology. However, Tang Xi, eager to prove herself and collaborate, steps forward to spar with Mr. Chen instead. During their fencing match, Tang Xi suffers a sudden asthma attack. Mo Lingze rushes to her side and arranges for her immediate transport to the hospital.

Later, at the hospital, Mo Lingze thanks Tang Xi for her efforts for Shangger, but Tang Xi reveals her actions were solely for him, Mo Lingze himself. She then recalls a past incident from her first year in the industry where Mo Lingze also helped her during an asthma attack. He advises her to always carry her medication, to which Tang Xi responds by asking him to stay with her for the night.

Meanwhile, Xu Qingyou spends hours at a hotel, meticulously preparing a birthday surprise for Mo Lingze with a band, patiently waiting for him and agreeing to pay additional hourly fees. Mo Lingze eventually arrives, profusely apologizing for his lateness, explaining that Tang Xi's asthma attack required his urgent attention. He reassures Xu Qingyou that she is his priority.

Xu Qingyou then presents him with a gift, and with hotel staff bringing a birthday cake, she performs a song for him, wishing him a happy birthday and kissing him on the cheek. However, Mo Lingze's demeanor abruptly shifts. He appears deeply distressed, stating he is tired and needs to be alone. He quickly exits the room, accidentally knocking over and breaking Xu Qingyou's gift. Alone, Xu Qingyou's mind replays Tang Xi's earlier warning: "surprises can easily turn into scares."

Mo Lingze retreats to the bathroom, visibly distraught, to calm himself. A flashback reveals a poignant childhood memory: on the eve of his birthday, a young Mo Lingze expresses his heartfelt wish for his parents to attend his piano competition. However, on the day of the performance, his father was arrested, and his mother committed suicide, leading Mo Lingze to stop celebrating his birthday from that traumatic day forward.

This memory clearly connects his birthday to a painful past experience, echoing "surprises can easily turn into scares." When Mo Lingze returns to the suite, he finds Xu Qingyou gone, leaving behind the shattered gift. He immediately calls her, but she informs him that she received a call from Mr. Zhai about an urgent meeting and is already in a taxi on her way back, declining his offer to take her home. Mo Lingze promises to give her an explanation upon his return tomorrow.

Episode 25 Recap

Lin Siyu arrived at a bar, feeling upset after being rejected by Wang Ji. She encountered Xu Qingyou, who was also feeling down. Noticing Xu Qingyou's apparent distress, Lin Siyu, thinking it was due to a fight with Mo Lingze, jokingly remarked that it was finally her turn to witness Xu Qingyou's troubles. Xu Qingyou, however, declared that men were unworthy of such sadness, rising to place a hand on Lin Siyu's shoulder and telling her to let it go.

As Xu Qingyou left, Lin Siyu lamented that she wasn't a man. Soon after, Wang Ji appeared at the bar, expressing concern for Lin Siyu, who had been there for two days talking about him. Lin Siyu initially reacted defensively, questioning why he would show up now after pushing her away previously. Wang Ji explained his worry that her sweet and innocent nature might lead to trouble if she got too drunk.

He clarified that his earlier refusal was because he needed time to think things over. He then offered to help her if she was serious about starting a business. Lin Siyu, overjoyed, playfully interrogated him about his sudden change of heart, asking if he had developed feelings for her, or if Mo Lingze had fired him, leading him to seek shelter with her.

Wang Ji, exasperated by her barrage of questions, could only sigh, but Lin Siyu continued to tease him, speculating about his intentions. Xu Qingyou confided in Sa Jie, who observed Xu Qingyou's intense frustration while playing a game, noting that she seemed to be channeling all her anger into it. Xu Qingyou explained her upset over Mo Lingze's reaction to her birthday present.

Sa Jie revealed that Mo Lingze never celebrated his birthday; specifically, he hadn't done so since he was eighteen. She recounted how Mo Lingze, during a drunken conversation, had vaguely mentioned that on his eighteenth birthday, his father was taken away by the police, and his mother subsequently suffered from depression and later committed suicide.

Sa Jie encouraged Xu Qingyou, reminding her that she was the only one who had ever beaten Mo Lingze's record in the game, urging her to have confidence. After Sa Jie's explanation, Xu Qingyou's anger subsided. Mo Lingze messaged her, requesting to meet, and Xu Qingyou agreed to give him a chance to explain the following day. That evening, Xu Qingyou attempted to cook for Mo Lingze, but her efforts quickly devolved into a comedic struggle with kitchenware.

Mo Lingze, arriving to find her in a culinary mess, took over, skillfully preparing a meal. He assured her that in the future, she could simply tell him what she wanted to eat, and he would cook for her, gently taking over the knife to prevent her from injuring herself. Meanwhile, Fang Qi, unable to reach Xu Wei, worriedly ventured to his art studio in the rain. Xu Wei lovingly dried Fang Qi's hair.

Deeply engrossed in his painting, Xu Wei had forgotten the time. He apologized profusely to Fang Qi, explaining his immersion. Xu Wei expressed his hope that Peter Huang, a renowned curator, would be impressed by his painting, thereby granting him an opportunity to exhibit at the Pompidou Youth Art Exhibition. Fang Qi, however, was highly skeptical, labeling Peter Huang as a cunning individual who sought personal gain.

Drawing on her experience in the investment industry, she warned Xu Wei that Peter Huang's tactics were akin to "getting something from nothing" and questioned whose opinion truly mattered in the art world. Despite Fang Qi's warnings and suggestions to pursue other avenues, Xu Wei insisted on finishing his painting, not for Peter Huang, but for the integrity of his own work.

He even offered to let her punch him to vent her anger, and Fang Qi, resigned but supportive, promised to accompany him in his "foolish" decision. Later, Peter Huang critiqued Xu Wei's finished painting, deeming its colors dark and meaning unclear, failing to meet his standards. When Xu Wei challenged him on the criteria, Peter Huang arrogantly declared that while there might be no single standard in art, he was the only standard there.

During dinner, Mo Lingze finally opened up to Xu Qingyou about his past. He recounted the traumatic events of his eighteenth birthday, when his father was arrested and his mother subsequently suffered from depression and committed suicide. He apologized for his past behavior, admitting that birthdays had become a painful reminder of these events, losing all meaning of happiness for him. Xu Qingyou gently held his hand, assuring him that happiness didn't need to be confined to a single day.

She gave him a lit candle, hoping it would illuminate his past and dispel the darkness of his eighteenth year. Mo Lingze, deeply moved, held her hand, confessing that she had become his light. Later, Xu Wei returned home, appearing dejected. Fang Qi, assuming his meeting with Peter Huang had failed, began to comfort him and offer alternative connections.

Xu Wei, however, excitedly interrupted her, revealing that just as he was leaving, he encountered Mr. Pierre, the curator of the Pompidou Youth Art Exhibition. Mr. Pierre was captivated by Xu Wei's painting, sensing "a smell of love" in it, and formally invited him to participate in the exhibition. He further informed Xu Wei that his painting would first be previewed domestically before going abroad.

Fang Qi initially suspected Xu Wei was fabricating the story to comfort her, but he passionately insisted it was true, urging her to witness this historic moment with him. Xu Wei surprised Fang Qi by bringing her a dress, explaining that the art exhibition had a dress code requiring ladies to wear skirts, a French custom.

Fang Qi expressed doubts about the outdated style of the dress, but Xu Wei playfully insisted she try it on, likening fashion to a cycle. He then meticulously applied lipstick for her, completing her look. They later arrived at the exhibition, which they discovered was held at their shared alma mater. The centerpiece of Xu Wei's exhibition was a painting depicting his first memory of Fang Qi during their university days, standing in the rain with an umbrella.

Xu Wei recounted how that image, of Fang Qi emerging from the rain and fog in that very dress, had transcended all other beautiful sights he had witnessed since. Fang Qi was deeply touched by this artistic expression of his love, playfully teasing him about her depiction before embracing him with joy. Separately, Tang Xi contacted Mo Lingze, informing him of important off-field information regarding the Huayu case and asking him to meet her.

Mo Lingze hesitated, then sought permission from Xu Qingyou, who playfully granted it, telling him to call her "Your Royal Highness." Upon meeting Tang Xi, Mo Lingze discovered she had rented and meticulously redecorated their old apartment, attempting to recreate its original appearance to evoke their shared past. Tang Xi explicitly stated her desire to rekindle their relationship, bringing him beef gruel as a nostalgic gesture.

Mo Lingze, however, firmly rejected her advances, accusing her of wanting to pretend their past issues never happened so they could reconcile. Tang Xi argued that his actions, such as coming to her aid in business and responding to her call, contradicted his words of rejection. She then revealed that the Huayu case information was merely a pretext to get him to meet her.

Mo Lingze urged her to let go of the past, but Tang Xi challenged him, asking if he could truthfully say he had forgotten all about her, leaving him with a complex silence.

Episode 26 Recap

Mo Lingze confronted Tang Xi, revealing he knew her pretense about Hua Yu's information was merely a ruse to lure him. He came to tell her to cease her attempts, to stop fantasizing, and that he and Xu Qingyou would not be torn apart by such tactics, as he deeply believed in Xu Qingyou. Tang Xi challenged him, questioning why she should give up and if he had truly forgotten their past.

Mo Lingze admitted he hadn't, acknowledging that everything in their past was real and forgetting would be self-deception. He explained that the true significance of their past relationship was learning to cherish his present partner, Xu Qingyou. When Tang Xi pressed him on his certainty about Xu Qingyou being "the one," Mo Lingze clarified it wasn't confidence, but a deep belief in her.

Mo Lingze then firmly told Tang Xi to leave, and an angry Tang Xi subsequently drove him away. Later, Tang Xi met Li Sa for a drink, expressing her decision to stop pursuing Mo Lingze, stating it would make her appear broad-minded. Li Sa, discerning Tang Xi's underlying pain despite her composed demeanor, noted that Tang Xi's apparent change of heart was more about acknowledging defeat than truly letting go.

Tang Xi conceded that continuing would be a waste of her time and appear narrow-minded, leading Li Sa to toast to Tang Xi's "new liberality." Meanwhile, Mo Lingze went to Xu Qingyou. Xu Qingyou playfully suggested he had been venting his anger at a game arcade, to which Mo Lingze maintained his calm composure. Mo Lingze then playfully asked Xu Qingyou if she felt his status in her heart had immediately improved.

Mo Lingze affectionately addressed Xu Qingyou, whom he called "Mr. Xu," asserting that while he wasn't part of her past memories, their future memories together would be vibrant, continuous, and encompass everything from life to having children. Xu Qingyou playfully accused him of taking advantage. Mo Lingze then presented her with a set of newly crafted cups, explaining he made them to mend a metaphorical "crack" in her heart.

Xu Qingyou playfully criticized his "cursory" craftsmanship, comparing it to her own "shoehorn" style, which she claimed was perfect. Mo Lingze feigned annoyance, suggesting he throw them away, but Xu Qingyou swiftly prevented him from discarding the cups, declaring them vital "evidence" of his affection should they ever quarrel. Mo Lingze then questioned if she was trying to build trust or simply showing off, to which she coyly replied it depended on whether she would give him the chance.

Tang Xi organized a farewell gathering for her former bandmates and Mo Lingze. Mo Lingze first discussed wine options with a shop assistant, rejecting a bottle named "Attendre" (waiting) as unsuitable for a party, and instead chose a 1982 Sauvignon Gris. Before leaving for the party, Xu Qingyou generously sent Mo Lingze off, bringing a gift along for the reunion.

Xu Qingyou, sensitive to the emotions of farewells, expressed her discomfort with goodbyes but encouraged Mo Lingze to attend, reminding him it was a shared memory he should properly conclude. She affirmed her role as his present and future, promising to wait nearby. At the reunion, as they ate, the band members confronted Tang Xi, accusing her of being vain and abandoning them without a word.

They lamented the band's dissolution, the canceled tour, their accumulated debts, and the loss of their "home." Bobo directly asked if she had regarded them as mere "tools." Tang Xi emotionally declared them her "only friends in the world," but her friends pressed for a logical explanation. Tang Xi countered by pointing out their current successes—Bobo as a university professor, Luo as a hotpot restaurant owner, and Mo Lingze as a respected figure in his industry.

She argued that had she not seized a valuable opportunity and remained with the band, they would likely still be struggling to pay rent. She admitted to being vain but asserted her achievements were self-made, recalling her solitary struggles abroad, and stated she had no regrets, suggesting they simply cherish their past memories.

A flashback then illustrated Tang Xi's initial efforts to form the band: she convinced Li Sa to host their performances, then sought out Mo Lingze, introducing herself as his future lead singer. Despite his initial disinterest, Tang Xi insisted he join, sensing a unique warmth in his music. The flashback culminated with the formation of the "Sand Band" and their successful performances, with the band members toasting to their music, youth, and enduring friendship.

As the gathering concluded, the bandmates acknowledged Tang Xi's nature of never staying for one scene, and Mo Lingze thanked her for helping him during his darker days, vowing he would always remember it. The group jokingly emphasized Mo Lingze's central role in their team, even having him hail taxis for them as a symbol of his core position. Finally, Mo Lingze departed, eager to reunite with Xu Qingyou.

Upon finding her, Xu Qingyou noticed his radiant appearance and playfully suggested he must have enjoyed the wine, though she then subtly hinted he had also met Tang Xi. Mo Lingze, acknowledging her perceptiveness, teasingly urged her to "make a choice" between him and Tang Xi. He then embraced her tightly, revealing he hadn't drunk because he knew she was waiting for him.

Xu Qingyou, finally understanding an earlier comment from Bobo about "the kitten going home," suggested they go home too, reinforcing their deep connection. Meanwhile, Lin Siyu grew increasingly anxious about Wang Ji's delayed resignation. She persistently urged him, even threatening to "twist his head off" if he hesitated.

Wang Ji, trying to manage the situation strategically, attempted to present his resignation letter to Mo Lingze but repeatedly faltered, either finding excuses or being interrupted by Mo Lingze's discussions about ongoing work projects. Elsewhere, Xu Wei received an astonishing phone call with an offer to buy one of his paintings for 100,000 yuan. Initially dismissing it as a scam, he cautiously provided his agent's email. To his immense surprise, a contract arrived almost immediately, confirming a 10,000 yuan deposit.

Overjoyed, Xu Wei, now considering himself "Artist Xu" and the leading talent at Yes Art, instantly planned to buy 3,300 yuan worth of gifts for Fang Qi, his parents, and Xu Qingyou, leaving a mere 100 yuan for his friend Gu Dayan, who humorously complained about the meager amount.

Xu Wei then orchestrated a romantic surprise for Fang Qi, adorning his studio with her portraits and presenting her with a gift, explaining he had used his credit card to instantly access the deposit and buy her something. He confidently declared this act solidified his position at the top of his family's hierarchy. Fang Qi, though teasing him about his romantic efforts, expressed her happiness for his success.

Fan Yunxi, having investigated Mo Lingze's past, sent the damning information to Xu Qingyou's father. Upon reading the report, Xu Qingyou's father was horrified to learn that Mo Lingze was a troubled teenager whose father had been imprisoned and mother had committed suicide when he was eighteen. He vehemently declared Mo Lingze unsuitable for Xu Qingyou, dismissing Xu Wei's attempts to lighten the mood.

Xu Qingyou's mother, however, found Mo Lingze's "rich experience" and handsome appearance appealing, even jokingly reminding her husband of his own less-than-perfect past. Despite her mother's support, Xu Qingyou's father adamantly forbade the relationship, causing an upset Xu Qingyou to defiantly leave the house. Her mother then warned her husband of the consequences if Xu Qingyou refused to return. Later, Xu Qingyou's father called Xu Wei, questioning his sister's relationship with Mo Lingze.

Xu Wei revealed that Xu Qingyou's previous breakup with Fan Yunxi was due to Fan Yunxi's infidelity. Enraged by this revelation, Xu Qingyou's father immediately confronted Fan Yunxi. He returned a steel pen that Fan Yunxi had gifted him with his first salary, symbolizing the definitive end of their master-student relationship. Xu Qingyou's father sternly informed Fan Yunxi that while society might forgive a lawyer who cheats, he, as Xu Qingyou's father, never would. Fan Yunxi apologized profusely, pleading for a second chance with Xu Qingyou, but Xu Qingyou's father simply stated, "You made your bed. Now lie in it."

Episode 27 Recap

Frustrated by her father’s disapproval of Mo Lingze, Xu Qingyou vented her emotions by throwing darts at her friend Sa's place. Sa advised her, using an analogy of introducing a new cat to an old one. Sa explained that just as two cats should be kept separate initially to gradually get used to each other's scent and temper, Xu Qingyou's father, the "Old cat Xu," and Mo Lingze, the "new cat" with a grumpy disposition, needed a similar approach.

Xu Qingyou resolved to ensure they would eventually get along, aiming to prove Mo Lingze's worth to her father. To convince her father of Mo Lingze’s devotion, Xu Qingyou secretly installed a camera at home and feigned illness, complaining of a stomachache and fever. Mo Lingze rushed over, revealing he lived just next door, much to Xu Qingyou's surprise.

He was concerned by her 39°C fever and insisted on taking her to the hospital, but she refused, claiming it was her usual gastritis and that she would recover with his care and rest in the well-ventilated living room. Mo Lingze then dutifully attended to her, helping her with medicine and a quilt. Later, Xu Qingyou claimed her fever had broken and expressed hunger, specifically requesting roast beef. Mo Lingze agreed to cook.

While he was in the kitchen, Xu Qingyou discreetly adjusted the camera, then cleverly repositioned Mo Lingze by complaining about the bright light. However, Mo Lingze discovered the camera, mockingly questioning her exaggerated illness. When confronted, Xu Qingyou admitted she recorded him to show her father how caring he was, hoping to prevent any misunderstandings about him. Mo Lingze realized she had already spoken to her father about him, surmising the conversation hadn't gone well.

He reassured her, stating he understood her father's concerns and would handle the situation himself. Meanwhile, Lin Siyu and Wang Ji were at a group meeting where they watched a horror film, supposedly to train courage for business. Lin Siyu expressed fear, doubting her ability to start a business if it required such bravery. Wang Ji encouraged her, implying that retreating showed poor attitude, but then offered to take his time discovering her other strengths.

During the movie, Lin Siyu faked a nosebleed using ketchup and leaned on Wang Ji. He initially tried to help her before realizing the ruse. Later, Mo Lingze met Xu Qingyou's father. Xu Qingyou’s mother, who had initially suggested inviting Mo Lingze for soup, warned Xu Qingyou about her husband’s tendency to lecture young people and his stubborn nature.

Despite her father’s initial strictness, including demanding to know Mo Lingze’s age, job, and family background, Mo Lingze confidently declared his responsibility for his actions and defended Xu Qingyou’s independent judgment. Xu Qingyou’s mother believed her husband was a "paper dragon" who would soften after a few drinks, noting that "wine tests a man." Xu Qingyou’s father challenged Mo Lingze to a drinking game.

Despite Xu Qingyou’s mother’s frantic warnings against letting her husband drink with Mo Lingze, fearing he would lose control and embarrass them by calling Mo Lingze his "younger brother," the two men proceeded to drink. As they became heavily intoxicated, Xu Qingyou’s father drunkenly pressed Mo Lingze about his love for Xu Qingyou. Mo Lingze declared he loved "all of her." The father then slurred emotional demands for Mo Lingze to love and protect Xu Qingyou forever, ensuring her safety.

Shortly after, Xu Qingyou found a very drunk Mo Lingze clinging to a telephone pole. She chided him, especially after she had just praised him to her mother. A disoriented Mo Lingze playfully demanded she show him a "super cute" gesture she had never done for him. As she tried to lead him home, he stumbled. When a bus approached, threatening to splash water on Xu Qingyou, Mo Lingze instinctively shielded her with his body, sobering slightly to protect her.

Xu Qingyou then guided him to a spot and made him promise obedience, recording him as he declared, "I, Mo Lingze, hereby make the declaration. . . I will listen to Xu Qingyou from now on. I will obey her absolutely." She even made him repeat a similar phrase for himself before accusing him of faking his drunkenness. Mo Lingze, still somewhat out of it, added that if he broke the "contract," he would take on all housework.

Xu Qingyou, amused, noted she could always edit the video. At 3 AM, a still-intoxicated Mo Lingze was awake, playing with building blocks and claiming Xu Qingyou was "blocking the galaxy." Xu Qingyou patiently humored him, giving him the blocks and agreeing that the "fox and the little prince" would be together forever, like them. She urged him to listen to "the fox" (her) and go to sleep, playfully warning that the fox would "bite" if angered.

As he drifted to sleep, Mo Lingze, in a dazed state, asked if she, like everyone else, would bully him. Xu Qingyou reassured him, promising to "always protect" her "little prince without armor," and then quietly finished the puzzle he had started. The next morning, Mo Lingze woke with a headache, disoriented. Xu Qingyou playfully teased him about his drunken antics from the night before, including almost fighting with a stool leg and "watching the galaxy."

She then showed him the video she recorded of him declaring his absolute obedience. Xu Qingyou used this as leverage, stating her sole demand was to arrange the New Year's Eve celebration. Mo Lingze dismissed the video, arguing that agreements made while drunk had no legal effect. Xu Qingyou countered that she had edited and subtitled it to preserve his "perfect image," as he had burped and slurred his words when drunk.

When Mo Lingze demanded the original video, she revealed she had deleted it, finding it too embarrassing. He then insisted on arranging New Year's Eve, implying her efforts to manipulate him were fruitless. Later, Xu Qingyou’s father visited her office, leaving food on her desk while she was in a meeting. Xu Qingyou called her mother, mistakenly thinking she brought the meal. Her mother revealed it was her father, who seemed pleased after seeing her workplace.

Her mother then instructed Xu Qingyou to bring Mo Lingze home for Winter Solstice. Xu Qingyou questioned if her father intended to "break us up," to which her mother replied it depended on whether the "young lovers are tough enough." Xu Qingyou cautiously approached Mo Lingze, offering him a bowl of "Xu family Secret Soup," her mother's special recipe, stewed for three hours to build up his health.

Mo Lingze jokingly asked if this was her tactic to regain control of New Year's Eve, but Xu Qingyou assured him it was purely for his well-being. Getting straight to the point, Mo Lingze asked her what she wanted. Xu Qingyou explained her father's invitation for Winter Solstice, adding that he didn't have to go if he felt pressured and reminding him that her father, a lifelong professor, tends to lecture.

Mo Lingze readily agreed to go, but requested Xu Qingyou's protection while on "her home turf." Xu Qingyou playfully warned that she might run if things got tough and he should just follow. Xu Qingyou then called Fang Qi, inviting her home for Winter Solstice to enjoy her mother’s meat dumplings. Fang Qi was hesitant, worried their own relationship might be discovered by her family.

Xu Qingyou clarified that she wasn’t asking Fang Qi to meet her family, but rather to witness a "good show": Xu Qingyou was bringing Mo Lingze home, and her parents were "ready to give a good test to their future son-in-law," a prospect Fang Qi found "worth the risk." Fang Qi promised to behave herself in front of Xu Qingyou's parents. As Winter Solstice arrived, Mo Lingze sat somewhat nervously in Xu Qingyou's home, under the unwavering gaze of her father.

Episode 28 Recap

During a family dinner at the Xu home, Xu Qingyou's father intently observed Mo Lingze, demanding to know his intentions, wedding plans, and family aspirations. Her mother intervened, stating that her father had actually invited Mo Lingze and held him in high regard, urging her husband to stop feigning sternness. She then kindly offered Mo Lingze some tea. As Mo Lingze politely prepared to leave, Xu Qingyou's father proudly asked his wife if his intimidating demeanor had been convincing.

Later, Xu Wei arrived home for dinner with Fang Qi. Xu Qingyou's mother welcomed Mo Lingze, encouraging him to visit often, and then mentioned that Fang Qi was his colleague. Fang Qi corrected her, stating that Mo Lingze was actually her leader. She described him as a professional but sometimes unapproachable boss, yet praised his integrity and willingness to help during critical moments.

Xu Qingyou's mother asked Mo Lingze to look out for Fang Qi at work, explaining that Fang Qi had grown up in their home and was like a daughter to them. Xu Wei interjected, pointing out that Fang Qi's surname wasn't Xu, prompting his mother to scold him. His father then expressed his wish for Xu Wei to find a suitable partner, remarking that he didn't know when his son would find a girlfriend.

Xu Wei claimed he already had one, which led his father to joke that only a "blind girl" would fall for him. Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou burst into laughter, while Fang Qi nearly choked on her drink. In Xu Qingyou's room, Mo Lingze discovered an old photo and playfully asked about the "pure friendships" she maintained, showing clear signs of jealousy. Xu Qingyou then teased him by showing a video of him drunk, which she had secretly recorded.

As he tried to snatch her phone, she stumbled backward onto the bed, and Mo Lingze leaned in to kiss her. Just then, Xu Wei barged in without knocking. Startled, Xu Qingyou chastised him, while Xu Wei, covering his eyes, tried to retreat, claiming he saw nothing. However, Fang Qi pushed Xu Wei back into the room and scolded Xu Qingyou, accusing her of bullying Xu Wei.

Xu Wei, emboldened, declared their relationship was serious and kissed Fang Qi, stating that he too had someone. After the interruption, Xu Qingyou buried her head in Mo Lingze's arms, feeling embarrassed. Mo Lingze then reminded Xu Wei, who had stepped out with Fang Qi, to be careful as they were at home and their parents might see them.

However, Xu Wei couldn't resist attempting to kiss Fang Qi again outside the room, and this time, Xu Qingyou's father witnessed it from the doorway. His angry voice boomed as he stormed in, brandishing a feather duster, and began scolding Xu Wei for kissing his "sister." Xu Qingyou's mother quickly intervened, urging her husband not to hit Xu Wei too hard and to avoid hurting Mo Lingze.

She then ushered Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou out of the room, suggesting they leave. Outside, Xu Qingyou commented on her father's harshness, while Mo Lingze, still somewhat stunned, remarked on the "power of the feather duster" on his first visit to the Xu household. Xu Qingyou playfully warned him to be good, or she'd get a feather duster for him. With Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou having departed, the parents commenced their interrogation of Xu Wei and Fang Qi.

Fang Qi initially tried to dismiss their actions as a joke, but Xu Wei firmly declared that he and Fang Qi were indeed in love. When his father objected, arguing that Fang Qi was like his sister, Xu Wei countered by citing legal protections for relationships without blood ties and urged his father to respect his choices. Xu Qingyou's mother tried to mediate, asking for time for the family to process the news.

Feeling overwhelmed and responsible, Fang Qi apologized for their impulsiveness and decided to leave, despite Xu Wei's pleas for her to stay and his offer of a jacket. As she walked away, Xu Wei called her childish for giving up, but Fang Qi explained her concern. She revealed that she was an orphan, raised by the Xu family, and as a divorced woman eight years older than Xu Wei, she feared his parents would never accept her.

Xu Wei passionately declared his love and desire for a future with her, willing to fight the world for her, but Fang Qi, still hesitant, replied that she was not willing to face such scrutiny. Days later, Xu Wei was despondent, unable to paint or eat, as Fang Qi had not responded to his messages. In his art studio, his colleague, Dayan, brought him porridge, urging him to eat for his health.

Just as Dayan was trying to feed him, another young girl from the studio arrived, claiming she had bought the porridge and insisting on feeding Xu Wei herself. At that moment, Fang Qi walked in, witnessed the scene, and stormed out, leaving Xu Wei still distressed. On New Year's Eve, Fang Qi, anxious for a response from Xu Wei, posted on social media but received none. She eventually decided to go find him.

At the studio, Dayan was watching a horror movie in the dark when the sound of high heels startled him into a scream. Recognizing Fang Qi, Dayan expressed confusion, as he thought Xu Wei had taken his finished paintings to spend New Year's Eve with her. Unbeknownst to Fang Qi, Xu Wei was already at her doorstep.

Holding a sketchbook, he desperately pleaded for her to open the door, promising to explain everything to his parents and ensure they accepted their relationship, so she wouldn't have to face any difficulties. Meanwhile, Mr. Zhai had invited Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou to the company's New Year's Eve party, tasking Xu Qingyou with the public relations duty to make Lemi E-commerce the focus of the night.

At the party, Xu Qingyou was lauded for her beauty, with some even mistaking her for an actress. Colleagues observed Mo Lingze's lingering gaze, commenting that his eyes, usually cold, held a hint of affection. As midnight approached and the countdown began, Xu Qingyou received a message from Mo Lingze, inviting her to meet him on the rooftop. On the rooftop, Mo Lingze extended his hand, inviting Xu Qingyou, whom he called a "fairy," to look at the stars.

Xu Qingyou, in turn, presented him with a "love handbook," a gift she said could "keep time" and was worthy of his invitation. Mo Lingze opened it, a happy smile spreading across his face as he saw the compilation of their sweet memories. As the countdown reached zero and fireworks erupted, Mo Lingze gave Xu Qingyou a beautiful bracelet, explaining it was the only thing his mother had left him and his most cherished possession.

He asked if she would accept it, and Xu Qingyou, touched, happily agreed. As they embraced and kissed amidst the dazzling fireworks, someone secretly took photos of them. Meanwhile, in the bustling crowd below, Xu Wei and Fang Qi were also present, watching the fireworks, unaware of each other's proximity. A mysterious message was sent online, stating, "Don't worry. It has been arranged online. Mo Lingze, I'll see what you can do this time," hinting at an unseen plot against him.

Episode 29 Recap

Mo Lingze woke Xu Qingyou with a cheerful message to come down for breakfast. As they shared the meal, Xu Qingyou playfully teased him about using a heart-shaped mold for his cooking, prompting Mo Lingze to feign embarrassment. Xu Qingyou countered that love itself makes people naive, encouraging him to embrace his cuteness. Their tender moment was abruptly interrupted when Mo Lingze received news about a scandalous media frenzy.

News outlets were plastered with headlines accusing Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou of a "power and sex transaction," painting their relationship as a corrupt exchange where an investor hooked up with a female executive. The company's phones rang incessantly, leading to an urgent executive meeting at Shangger Capital. The severity of the situation became clear as limited partners questioned Shangger's reputation and professionalism. Some executives suggested suspending Xu Qingyou, claiming Mo Lingze had committed a serious professional taboo.

Mo Lingze, however, declared that their relationship was genuine and denied any improper dealings, asserting his private life was separate from work. He promised to independently bear all losses to the company, but firmly requested that his department's employees not be implicated. Meanwhile, Xu Qingyou faced her own challenges.

Director Long, with thinly veiled sarcasm, remarked on Xu Qingyou's supposed difficulty in "serving" a demanding figure like Mo Lingze, to which Xu Qingyou sharply retorted, reminding Director Long to focus on her own abilities rather than spreading hearsay. Later, Mr. Zhai called Xu Qingyou to his office. He calmly informed her that Sanhao Beauty had put their collaboration with Lvluo's live broadcast, a deal nearing signing, on hold.

Mr. Zhai suggested Xu Qingyou temporarily step away from the project and coordinate other tasks within the company, not as a suspension, but as a strategic retreat to avoid further public scrutiny. He emphasized his trust in both her and Mo Lingze, offering to personally officiate their wedding once the controversy subsided. At Xu Qingyou's home, Fang Qi and Xu Wei were preparing dinner, each insisting on cooking independently.

Fang Qi received a call from Wang Ji, who was looking for project information. Fang Qi deliberately addressed him as "Mr. Wang" and exaggerated her excitement about their New Year's Eve, implying a romantic encounter, before abruptly ending the call. Overhearing, Xu Wei retaliated by loudly boasting about his own "extremely happy" New Year's Eve with someone else. Both, clearly annoyed, furiously chopped ingredients on their respective cutting boards.

Lin Siyu met with Wang Ji, expressing her concern for Mo Lingze, who was constantly meeting with limited partners. She suggested Mo Lingze seek help from her father, the boss of Golden Capital, known for his persuasive skills. Lin Siyu clarified that her feelings for Mo Lingze had evolved; she now saw him as a "brother" and wanted to help him out of empathy and to repay a favor for Xu Qingyou.

She even proposed manipulating public opinion to clear Mo Lingze's name, but Wang Ji advised against it, emphasizing that such tactics would make them no better than the very people slandering Mo Lingze. He reassured her that Mo Lingze was actively working on a solution. Xu Qingyou returned home to a meal lovingly prepared by Fang Qi and Xu Wei.

While grateful for their thoughtfulness, she couldn't help but notice the unspoken "fire" of their rivalry, evident in their otherwise synchronized efforts. Later, Fan Yunxi met with Mo Lingze, smugly implying he was behind the widespread media scandal and that the "corner digger" would pay a price.

Mo Lingze’s eyes turned cold as he grabbed Fan Yunxi’s collar, warning him that while he could tolerate personal attacks, any harm to those close to him, especially Xu Qingyou, would not be forgiven. Fan Yunxi retorted that if not for Mo Lingze, his relationship with Xu Qingyou would not have ended. Mo Lingze realized then that Fan Yunxi’s fundamental misunderstanding of Xu Qingyou was the true cause of their separation.

After leaving Xu Qingyou’s place, Xu Wei embraced Fang Qi, admitting his impulsiveness in revealing their relationship to his parents without discussing it with her. He also apologized for any misunderstandings caused by the "female student" incident, pleading with her not to block him, as he couldn’t bear the silence.

Fang Qi, however, was unyielding, reminding him of his absence on New Year's Eve and demanding he find a way to make up for the missed moment, suggesting he either "turn back time" or find a significant way to compensate her. The next day, Xu Qingyou met Fang Qi, expressing her unwavering determination to face the current crisis alongside Mo Lingze, unwilling to let him bear the burden alone.

Fang Qi encouraged her to trust Mo Lingze’s capabilities, but Xu Qingyou felt a strong need to contribute. Later, Xu Qingyou’s father visited Mo Lingze, bringing ginseng chicken soup from her mother. He reassured Mo Lingze that any difficulties were surmountable, emphasizing that the family would always be there for him. He also urged Mo Lingze to be attentive to Xu Qingyou, given her sensitive nature, to which Mo Lingze promised to care for her diligently.

Xu Qingyou showed Mo Lingze her entire savings and offered to sell her designer bags, playfully quoting, "out with the old, in with the new," subtly hinting that she knew he needed funds. Mo Lingze praised her resourcefulness, and as he brought out the chicken soup her father had delivered, Xu Qingyou savored its familiar "taste of family," calling it incomparable to any restaurant.

Mo Lingze then lightheartedly told her she could no longer "bully" him, as he now had family backing, and Xu Qingyou smiled, holding his hand, offering him both familial and loving support. After a period of relentless work, Mo Lingze finally took a break and visited Sa Jie’s bar. He found Xu Qingyou confidently playing the guitar and singing, a vast improvement from her previous attempts, much to his delight. After her performance, Xu Qingyou approached him.

She revealed her financial independence, stating she had a job and savings, ensuring their future stability. She acknowledged not being there for his past hardships but expressed her profound desire to be with him as his "family" for the rest of her life. She solemnly asked, "Do you want to be the person with me for the rest of my life?" Mo Lingze, after a brief pause, responded with a heartbreaking, "I'm sorry. I can't."

Episode 30 (Ending) Recap

Mo Lingze told Xu Qingyou he could not agree to her proposal, stating it was not the right time. Xu Qingyou, however, simply smiled, revealing to her friends that she had won a bet; she had known Mo Lingze, whom she called "Poker Face," would not agree to such a proposal. Her friends, having lost the wager, quickly transferred money to her. Suddenly, Mo Lingze received an urgent message from Wang Ji and had to leave.

Although Xu Qingyou’s proposal was merely a test, his abrupt departure left her feeling disheartened. After he left, she quietly excused herself. Upon returning home, she found a package from her mother containing chicken soup, specifically for Mo Lingze. This made Xu Qingyou feel a pang of jealousy, realizing her family seemed to care more about him than her.

Meanwhile, Wang Ji, believing Mo Lingze was in dire financial straits, offered to contribute a large portion of his life savings to help him overcome his difficulties, though Mo Lingze assured him it wasn't necessary yet. Elsewhere, Xu Wei sought out Fang Qi, hoping to make up for their missed New Year's Eve celebration. He playfully suggested they go back to the "last ten minutes of December 31."

They bought matching antler headbands and set off fireworks, with Xu Wei proudly introducing Fang Qi as his girlfriend. They shared a memorable night, successfully making up for their past regret. Later, Mo Lingze returned to apologize to Xu Qingyou for his earlier refusal. He explained that accepting her proposal hastily during such a challenging period would be irresponsible toward their future. Xu Qingyou handed him the chicken soup, wishing him goodnight before leaving.

Despite his explanation, she still felt a sense of sadness, wishing she could face their shared difficulties with him, whether as his girlfriend or fiancée, rather than him tackling everything alone. Mo Lingze met with Mr. Zhang, presenting a detailed analysis of his investment decisions for Lemi and Sansheng, asserting that his actions were always for Shangger's benefit and dismissing any claims of impropriety.

He then offered to help Mr. Zhang invest in the booming Tianmeng Game, despite their usual aversion to outside investment, by providing a crucial network linkage. Mr. Zhang agreed to continue investing in Shangger, but his true condition was not the investment scheme; he wanted Mo Lingze himself to join his company. News of Mo Lingze being "poached" by Mr. Zhang quickly reached Fan Yunxi and his partners.

Fan Yunxi felt humiliated, believing Mo Lingze had merely climbed the social ladder. Luo, their partner, had discovered Fan Yunxi's use of contractual loopholes to undermine Shangger and was dissolving their partnership, leaving Fan Yunxi feeling solely blamed for their collective failure. Lin Siyu then confronted Xu Qingyou, demanding to know where Mo Lingze was because she wanted to stop him from taking Wang Ji overseas.

It was only then that Xu Qingyou learned the solution Mo Lingze had found to save Shangger involved him working overseas for three years. This news deeply upset Xu Qingyou. She was distraught that everyone else seemed to know about Mo Lingze's impending departure, yet she, his girlfriend, was the last to be informed. She felt she had no right to be part of the decision-making process, as Mo Lingze had made such a monumental choice on his own.

Feeling a strong need to cool down, she suggested they both take some time to calm their emotions before leaving his room. Seeking comfort, Xu Qingyou called Fang Qi for a late-night massage session. She vented her frustrations about Mo Lingze's decision, asserting that as adults, they should be able to thrive regardless of who leaves their life. Fang Qi tried to reassure her, suggesting they go for a drink after their massage.

However, before they could, Xu Qingyou received an urgent call from Mr. Zhai, instructing her to fly to Haicheng immediately. As Xu Qingyou left, Mo Lingze, unable to reach her, called Fang Qi to inquire about her whereabouts. He even offered Fang Qi a promotion if she cooperated.

Fang Qi, seizing the opportunity, dramatically informed him that Xu Qingyou was heartbroken over his overseas assignment and had accepted an external assignment with Lemi to go to Haicheng, implying she might not return. Without waiting for her to finish, Mo Lingze immediately set off for Haicheng. Mo Lingze found Xu Qingyou on a beach in Haicheng, practicing darts. A handsome man approached, attempting to flirt with her.

Xu Qingyou, noticing Mo Lingze's arrival, deliberately engaged in conversation with the man, trying to provoke Mo Lingze. Incensed, Mo Lingze swiftly approached them, embracing Xu Qingyou to declare his claim, which prompted the other man to politely retreat. Mo Lingze explained that he hadn't told her about the overseas work because the details of the agreement, which involved an LP’s condition for his help, were still being finalized and he was trying to find an alternative solution.

Xu Qingyou clarified that she was in Haicheng to review a suspended project for Mr. Zhai, not for an external assignment as Fang Qi had suggested. She expressed her profound discomfort at always hearing important news about their lives from others. Mo Lingze apologized for keeping her in the dark and promised to never be apart from her again. Reconciled, they embraced and shared a passionate kiss by the ocean.

Later, Fan Yunxi was seen drinking at Sa Jie’s bar, lamenting that his attempts to regain what he felt was rightfully his had only led to more losses. Sa Jie sagely suggested that perhaps what he considered his might no longer be so, comparing his situation to gambling where obsession leads to ruin. She offered him a new type of wine, encouraging him to try new things as a fresh start. Afterward, Fan Yunxi encountered Xu Qingyou.

He admitted to using contractual loopholes to harm Shangger and acknowledged that Mo Lingze had actually interceded on his behalf, preventing Shangger from suing him. He sincerely apologized to Xu Qingyou, feeling that he had always owed her one, and observed that she had moved far beyond their past, while he remained stuck. Xu Qingyou gently encouraged him to look forward, assuring him that letting go of his past obsessions would lead to new forms of happiness.

Meanwhile, Xu Wei’s parents finally accepted Fang Qi, inviting them home for dinner. Xu Wei was also thrilled to receive an invitation to exhibit his artwork at the prestigious Pompidou Jeune Art exhibition in Paris. Xu Qingyou remarked how much Xu Wei had matured overnight since falling in love. Despite their reconciliation, Xu Qingyou harbored a secret fear of Mo Lingze’s impending departure.

She heard he had already booked his flight overseas, yet she couldn't bring herself to ask him about it directly. Instead, she stubbornly told Fang Qi that she preferred a "Platonic long-distance relationship" and firmly believed that geographical distance would not diminish their love. One evening, Mo Lingze surprised everyone by gathering them at Sa Jie’s bar, initially teasing Xu Qingyou about a "farewell party" that quickly turned into a "farewell to singleness" celebration.

There, in a romantic gesture, Mo Lingze knelt, presenting a ring to Xu Qingyou. He confessed that for many years he had searched for his ideal partner, but no one had ever touched him as deeply as she had from their very first meeting. He declared that with her, his future self would never get lost again, then sincerely asked, "Xu Qingyou, will you marry me?"

Xu Qingyou, her eyes sparkling with happy tears and a radiant smile on her face, immediately responded, "Of course." Mo Lingze then clarified that while his overseas assignment might last for three years, there was also a possibility he could return in as little as a month. They embraced tightly, while Xu Wei and Fang Qi, along with Wang Ji and Lin Siyu, stood hand-in-hand, happily watching the two lovers. Mo Lingze and Xu Qingyou shared a loving kiss, their minds filled with cherished memories of their journey from acquaintance to profound love.