Love At Night Episode 17 Recap
> Love At Night 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.
